Some of my fondest childhood memories are of times I went to the farmers' market with my family, when they let me bring home a bouquet of sunflowers. I've continued this tradition into adulthood by keeping fresh-cut flowers around my home -- sometimes sunflowers, but oftentimes whatever beautiful bundles the local farmers' market down the street happens to be selling.But even after years of buying flowers weekly, I still get sad when the petals start to wither and brown and drop. Whether you bought flowers for yourself at the local supermarket, or you received a special bouquet in honor of a celebration or milestone, you'll want to extend the life of those flowers for as long as possible. This story is part of Try This, CNET's collection of simple tips to improve your life, fast. I talked with two floral experts to round up tips for buying the freshest flowers and how to keep those blooms lasting longer. I'll also share common myths that horticulturists say don't work. (For more tips, here's the best location for your plants, and here's the best indoor plants for low light and clean air.) What to look for in cut flowers Upgrade your inbox Get cnet insider From talking fridges to iPhones, our experts are here to help make the world a little less complicated. You're in the store, ready to purchase flowers for yourself or a special someone, but which bouquet should you pick from the dozens on the stand? Believe it or not, this decision can impact the longevity of the flowers you buy.Joe Guggia, owner of JP Designs Floral based in Santa Maria, California, has worked for over 45 years in the floral industry. He told me many floral bunches are shipped from Ecuador or California, so it's important to closely examine each stem and leaf to make sure you're not buying flowers that are older or were damaged during shipping. @cnetdotcom Do these 3 things to make your #flowers last longer. #trythis #lifehack #motherday #flowertok #flowerhacks #tipsandtricks original sound - madonna Next, once you pull the bushel from the display, check to make sure the water is clean and the leaves aren't yellow, spotted or drooping. You'll also want to be sure the stems aren't slimy or broken. Lucy Bradley, a consumer and community horticulture professor at North Carolina State University, told me you need to check for fuzzy gray mold and drooping, damaged petals."Extend the vase life by selecting flowers that are just beginning to open," Bradley said. "For roses and other single flowers, select blooms that have only one petal unfurled. For gladiolus and other spike flowers, choose stems with only the first two or three flowers open. For daisy-type flowers, like sunflowers, select flowers with centers that are still greenish." Your in-store buying decisions can impact the longevity of your bouquet. Tom Werner/Getty ImagesCut-flower tips that will actually workWhile there's a slew of myths surrounding flower care, Guggia and Bradley broke down some tricks that are guaranteed to work.Change the water -- and do it oftenAdding fresh, lukewarm water to a clean vase is a sure-fire way of keeping flowers healthy longer."That's the key for people who get vase arrangements, is to replace the water as frequently as they can," Guggia said. "If they just hold the whole bunch out, pour the water out and put fresh water in, and put the arrangement back in that'll keep them days and days and days."Why? Bradley explained that simply dumping out water will get rid of any bacteria growing in the vase water, which may clog the flower stem, preventing water uptake.Trim the endsGuggia and Bradley both agreed that recutting the stems of the bunches as soon as you bring them home is key for longevity. But don't even think about reaching for those blunt kitchen scissors!Bradley said the best practice is to grab a sharp knife or shears for trimming flowers to prevent damaging the stem and reducing its ability to take up water. Wipe the tool off with alcohol first and then carefully make fresh cuts on all stems at a 45-degree angle at least half an inch from the end of the stem.Cutting at an angle results in most of the base of the stem being off the bottom of the vase. It removes clogged tissue that no longer transports water to the flower, Bradley said. Be sure to trim the ends of the stems before putting flowers into a vase. Photo and Co/Getty ImagesAdd pennies, but take note of its ageYou've probably heard of the penny method or maybe you've already tried tossing a penny into your vase with the water and flowers. But before you go digging around in the bottom of your purse or jean pocket, you need to know that only pennies minted before 1982 will work. Those are the ones with the natural antimicrobial properties, which come from the copper."Originally pennies contained copper, which is a fungicide that prevents disease," Bradley said. "However, pennies are now made of mostly zinc, so are no longer effective."Some cut-flower tips don't really workWhen it comes to flower care, there will also be debate over which methods do and don't work. Maybe you've tried some in the past -- no judgment here! That said, the experts I spoke with broke down some of the biggest myths when it comes to keeping cut flowers fresher longer.Add sugar to the flower vase?If you paid attention through a high school science class, then you may remember flowers benefit from the sugars produced through photosynthesis. But this mostly applies when the flower or leaves are still attached to the plant, so think twice before dumping an entire Sprite into your vase water. While sugar can work to extend the life of cut flowers, those little packets of floral preservatives work much better. BloomsyBoxBradley explained that sometimes adding a teaspoon and a half of sugar per quart of water or using half water and half carbonated lemon-lime drink in the vase water can act as plant food to extend the bloom, but none are as effective as a commercial floral preservative.Floral preservatives are those little packets that often come with your floral arrangement. They often contain sucrose and a biocide -- an antibacterial agent -- that gives the flower energy, helps the stems absorb more water and prevents bacteria from growing.Does bleach help flowers stay fresher?As the saying goes, a little goes a long way when it comes to bleach. Bradley explained that a few drops of bleach (1 teaspoon per gallon of water) can help kill bacteria and fungi, but adding too much -- which is all too easy -- will also serve to kill plant cells.Can vodka, vinegar or aspirin extend the life of your blooms?There are many, many tricks on the internet about how to keep cut flowers longer involving vinegar, aspirin, vodka -- you name it. And while these methods may work on a case-by-case basis, our experts don't recommend these tricks since they're based on anecdotal evidence rather than backed by science. Clean water is key to prolonging to life of your floral arrangement. David Watsky/CNET"Truthfully, I wouldn't do any of those things because in most cases the arrangement is going to be a mixture of types of flowers, which may be susceptible to not accepting whatever that item is that you're putting in the water," Guggia said. "Keeping the water clean is the best thing."More tips for you:FAQs Why shouldn't I put vodka, aspirin, vinegar or other substances in the mixture I give to my flowers? While vodka, aspirin and vinegar might help prevent certain flowers from wilting away, many bouquets are composed of several different types of flowers. What works to keep one type of flower alive could harm or kill other flowers, so you'll either need to research the mixture's effect on each flower or keep it out of the bouquet. Should I put sugar into the vase with my fresh-cut flowers? While adding some sugar to the water you use for your plants can help promote their health and keep them alive, it doesn't do much for plants cut from the stem. You could try adding sugar to supplement the other tips -- but don't expect it to do very much for the bouquet.

November 11, 20243 min readWorker Protections for Extreme Heat in Peril after Trumps ElectionA Biden administration proposal that would require employers toprovide cooling measures under extreme heat conditions may be scuttled by the incoming Trump administrationBy Ariel Wittenberg & E&E NewsA worker adjusts his helmet on a construction site in Los Angeles during a heatwave in July 2024. Etienne Laurent/AFP via Getty ImagesCLIMATEWIRE | The return of former President Donald Trump to the White House puts at risk new heat protections for workers that were proposed over the summer by the Biden administration, say workplace advocates.Trump on the campaign trail never directly addressed the proposal from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, which would force employers to provide their workers with water and cool places to rest when temperatures are high.But many of Trumps Republican allies in Congress panned the idea when it was announced, including House Natural Resources Chair Bruce Westerman (R-Ark.). Westerman called it one of the most idiotic things theyve ever done and said the heat protection rules ignored the realities of outdoor work.On supporting science journalismIf you're enjoying this article, consider supporting our award-winning journalism by subscribing. By purchasing a subscription you are helping to ensure the future of impactful stories about the discoveries and ideas shaping our world today.During Trumps first term, OSHA stopped work on many health regulations, including one slated to be proposed in October 2017 that would have forced the healthcare industry to prepare for an airborne pandemic such as COVID-19.Outright killing the heat protection proposal, however, would be difficult for the incoming Trump administration because of the laws governing the way OSHA issues public health standards, said Jordan Barab, who was OSHAs deputy assistant secretary of Labor for occupational safety and health during the Obama administration.But Barab said theres nothing that requires the next administration to finalize the rule which could put peoples lives in danger.If the Trump administration does not move forward, people will die, Barab said. I dont think theres any doubt about that.Heat killed at least 815 workers between 1992 and 2017 and seriously injured some 70,000 more, according to federal data. And health advocates say the toll is likely to increase as temperatures rise with global warming.OSHA has been under pressure to protect workers from heat for decades, starting with a 1986 report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommending heat standards.More recently, congressional Democrats put pressure on the agency at the end of the Trump administration with a bill co-sponsored by now-Vice President Kamala Harris that would have required the agency to issue a rule.But it was only this past summer that OSHA finally proposed the regulation which, if finalized, could protect some 35 million workers from extreme heat.Groups representing some of those workers now fear it wont be enacted.President Trump would have to actively work to undo that progress intentionally putting workers including many who no doubt voted for him in harms way, said Antonio De Loera-Brust, a spokesperson for the United Farm Workers. Whether these workers are killed by extreme heat on the job should not be a partisan issue.In the absence of federal action, workers and their advocates would have to lobby the 29 states that enforce worker safety rules to enact their own heat protections, Barab said.He added that state action could create a situation similar to the history of the right to know rule, which requires employers to inform workers about the hazardous properties of the chemicals they work with. In 1981, the Reagan administration froze work on such regulations that began under President Jimmy Carter.After labor advocates successfully convinced some 15 states to adopt their own rules over two years, OSHA was forced to publish its own right to know rule to standardize requirements across jurisdictions in 1983.Six states currently have heat protections for workers, but others are resistant to the idea. Texas and Florida recently passed laws blocking municipalities from requiring water and rest breaks for workers.One state that has moved forward with greater protections is Maryland, which enacted its heat standards in September spurred in part by the heat stroke death of a Baltimore sanitation worker.If theres any silver lining, its that there is no doubt that climate change is a problem, and that it is likely to be a record hot spring and summer again. These rising temperatures are not easy to hide, nor are the inevitable workplace deaths, Barab said. So its possible there will be some pressure to do something at the state and federal level.Reprinted from E&E News with permission from POLITICO, LLC. Copyright 2024. E&E News provides essential news for energy and environment professionals.

Watch Miyamoto take a tour of Super Nintendo World's new Donkey Kong Country theme park expansionFinally opening in December.Image credit: Nintendo News by Matt Wales News Reporter Published on Nov. 11, 2024 After a six month delay, Universal Studios Japan's Donkey Kong Country themed Super Nintendo World expansion finally has an opening date. It'll be barrel-blasting open its doors from 11th December, and if you're curious to see what's in store, you can now watch Nintendo's Shigeru Miyamoto take a tour of the area, with a brief pause to bonk on some bongo drums.A Donkey Kong themed expansion to Universal's Super Nintendo World theme park area was officially announced in September 2021, just months after the opening of its main Mushroom Kingdom-themed area (although it had been spotted on mock-ups long before). At the time, Universal teased it would feature "interactive experiences and themed merchandise and food", alongside a new coaster - and we've now had our best look yet at the finished thing.Miyamoto toured the Donkey Kong Country expansion in special ten-minute-long Nintendo Direct, beginning by whisking players through the now unsealed warp pipe toward the rear of the Mushroom Kingdom. As park visitors navigate its length, its red brick walls transition to rocks before the pipe opens out into a jungle-themed expanse of swaying palms, faux wooden walkways, and even Donkey Kong's iconic treehouse. And looming over the whole area is its imposing centrepiece, the Golden Temple, housing a new coaster ride.Miyamoto takes of tour of Universal's new Donkey Kong Country land.Watch on YouTubeBefore getting to that, though, Miyamoto spent some time showing off the area's (admittedly not especially enthralling) other features, including the Jungle Beat Shakes shop where visitors can buy hotdogs and other assorted food; Funky's Flay 'n' Buy, where a range of Donkey Kong themed merchandise can be perused and purchased, plus Donkey Kong's Treehouse, where patrons can grab their Donkey Kong photos ops.Additionally, there's a three-player bongo-themed rhythm game where players must follow along to blinking lights in order to rouse Rambi the rhinoceros from his slumber inside a crate. "If there isn't a place to play bongo drums," Eurogamer's Tom Phillips wrote back in 2021, "I'll be disappointed." Tom's bongo-based dreams have finally come true.Elsewhere, Universal's Donkey Kong Country area utilises the same Power Band system seen in the Mushroom Kingdom part of the park, and band wearers can explore their surroundings in search of Donkey Kong's familiar orange letter blocks, collecting them all in the Universal app. All of which finally took Miyamoto to the sprawling Golden Temple, where - as detailed by a couple of Cranky Kong and Sqawks animatronics - visitors can ride its Mine Cart Madness coaster in a bid to help protect the Golden Banana from Tiki Kong.Unfortunately, today's Nintendo Direct didn't show much of the coaster at all, beyond brief peek at its barrel-themed lift hill, but we do know - thanks to various theme park fan sites over the years - it features a unique ride system designed to give riders the illusion their carts are leaping over sections of broken track, while the real track is concealed below.You can take a virtual tour of Universal Studios Japan's new Donkey Kong Country expansion in video above, and those able to attend in person can do so from 11th December this year. Alternatively, the area will be included as part of Universal's new Epic Universe theme park in Florida, which opens on 22nd May 2025.

Valve announces limited edition white Steam Deck OLEDBlanc cheque.Image credit: Valve News by Victoria Kennedy News Reporter Published on Nov. 11, 2024 Valve has announced the Steam Deck OLED: White Edition.This new version of the handheld PC launches on 18th November, but if you want one, be warned: only a limited number will be available ("Once we're out, we're out," Valve says)."Last year, we released a smoky translucent limited edition Steam Deck OLED as an experiment to find out if there was interest in alternative colourways (there was!). This is our second experiment along those lines," Valve explained, sharing a look at the upcoming Steam Deck.To see this content please enable targeting cookies. Nintendo has new hardware, but it's not Switch 2 - so what's the point of Alarmo?Watch on YouTube"The difference this time (aside from the colour!) is that we're able to ship the Limited Edition White to all regions where Steam Deck already ships," the company continued. "We're curious to see what the response is, and will use what we learn to inform future decisions about any potential new colour variants down the line."Valve said it has been "super happy with the reception of Steam Deck" since the team first launched the LCD version back in 2022. "We've always said our intent is to continually work on improving Steam Deck, and that's true from both a software perspective (continuing to ship improvements) and a hardware one (Steam Deck OLED, as well as ongoing work toward the future of Steam Deck and other hardware plans)." Image credit: ValveThe Steam Deck: White OLED features all the same specs as Valve's Steam Deck OLED 1TB model. Keeping with the white theme, it will arrive with a white carrying case and white microfiber cleaning cloth. It costs 599/$679, and those interested will be limited to one unit per account. "These accounts must have made a Steam purchase before November 2024 and be in good standing to be eligible," Valve said. Image credit: ValveElsewhere in the news, Valve recently added a game recording functionality to Steam, which also works on Steam Deck.

You can trust VideoGamer. Our team of gaming experts spend hours testing and reviewing the latest games, to ensure you're reading the most comprehensive guide possible. Rest assured, all imagery and advice is unique and original. Check out how we test and review games hereDead By Daylight is set to receive one more licensed killer before the end of Year 9 and the switch to Year 10. According to the Year 9 roadmap, this rogue will be part of a paragraph meaning they will come on their own similar to Alan Wake and Tomb Raider. While nothing is confirmed and wont be for awhile, leaks suggest the DBD killer for March is from a Japanese IP, but is not Kayako from The Grudge. Before the next licensed rogue arrives, Dead By Daylight fans have a lot to enjoy during March. The release date and start time for 2v8 mode 2.0 is imminent, and BeHaviour has revealed the full November 2024 roadmap. In addition, the launch of Chapter 34 has been brought forward slightly from December, and the PTB has revealed perks for The Houndmaster as well as Taurie Cain. While there is a slew of content to appreciate this month, many DBD fans cannot help but speculate over the final Year 9 licensed killer set to arrive in March. So far the biggest belief has been Kayako from The Grudge, but now theres another contender from a Japanese IP. Dead By Daylight leak points to another Japanese killer for March Dead By Daylight is set to receive its final Year 9 licensed killer in March. This is according to the Year 9 roadmap which reveals it is also a paragraph as the killer wont be accompanied by a survivor or map. So far the majority of the community has believed the killer is Kayako from The Grudge. Kayako has never been explicitly stated by leakers, but the belief stemmed from RuthlessLeaks claiming the killer is more popular in the East and was part of a movie that came out after the year 2000. In addition, the Ju-On series is celebrating its 25th anniversary next year, so the possibility of Kayako seemed to lineup. Image credit: RuthlessLeaksImage credit: RuthlessLeaksHowever, rather than Kayako from The Grudge, it seems the licensed killer for March could be from the Japanese manga and anime, Tokyo Ghoul. Via the LeaksDBD subreddit, a message on the DBDLeaks Discord was posted before the channel was affected by hackers. The post on the DBDLeaks Discord said I want to let everyone know that I am not trolling when it comes to the March leak and that Chapter being Tokyo Ghoul. Image credit: DBDLeaks Discord via LeaksDBD subredditAs for what lends this leak some possible credibility, the message was posted before the reveal of Chapter 34, and it accurately revealed that The Chapter 34 killer is named The Houndmaster rather than The Hellion, as previously shared online. In addition to suggesting Tokyo Ghoul is the license for March, the message said The Grudge being March and Perfect Blue being the anime collab is fake. While a collaboration with Perfect Blue is seemingly not happening despite suggestions from Ruthless, the message said I do not know the anime collab so it appears one is still happening. This is all speculation rather than anything official so the killer could be from neither The Grudge or Tokyo Ghoul. However, if it is Tokyo Ghoul, it will be interesting to see who is selected as the rogue. Per comments on Reddit, the most likely candidate is Kaneki. BeHaviour has teased the next licensed killer is out of the box and a choice that will possibly be considered controversial amongst DBD players. In addition, while celebrating DBD Day, BeHaviour Interactive promised more Japanese IPs are coming to Dead By Daylight. For more Dead By Daylight content, check out ourranking of the top 10 DLC expansions to buyalong with a ranking of thebest killer perksandbest survivor perks.Dead by DaylightPlatform(s):Google Stadia, Nintendo Switch, PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series XGenre(s):Action, Survival Horror7VideoGamerSubscribe to our newsletters!By subscribing, you agree to our Privacy Policy and may receive occasional deal communications; you can unsubscribe anytime.Share

You can trust VideoGamer. Our team of gaming experts spend hours testing and reviewing the latest games, to ensure you're reading the most comprehensive guide possible. Rest assured, all imagery and advice is unique and original. Check out how we test and review games here Contents hide The PlayStation Plus November Essential games are now available to claim, and the offerings are decent with Ghostwire Tokyo arguably the highlight. While you can grab and play the Essential selection this very second, the reveal date for the PS Plus November 2024 Extra and Premium games is only a couple of days away. An exciting leak for a PS1 classic has emerged online, meanwhile, there are some massive titles set to leave, including one of the greatest video games of all time. Its been a good month so far for PlayStation gamers. Just recently Stardew Valley 1.6 landed on console, and Sony also recently released the PS5 Pro. There is a huge selection of enhanced games for the PS5 Pro including Helldivers 2 and Black Ops 6. While Sony told fans to temper expectations, analysts have reported that the PS5 Pro has failed to fix a fundamental flaw with Sonys tech. Whether you forked up the cash for a PS5 Pro or not, there is still a lot for PlayStation loyalists to anticipate from Sony. The PS Plus November 2024 Extra and Premium games are set to be revealed soon, and we could be getting a horror classic if leaks are accurate. PS Plus Extra and Premium November 2024 games reveal dateThereveal date for the PS Plus Extra and Premium November 2024 games is November 13th . Sony always reveals the Extra and Premium games on a Wednesday one week after the release of the Essentials. The November 2024 Essentials were given away on November 5th, hence the impending announcement in just a couple of days. After the curtain has been pulled aside, the games should come out to play on November 19th. In regard to the December 2024 Essentials, they are expected to be identified on November 27th with an official launch confirmed for December 3rd. To avoid missing out, make sure to claim thecurrentmonthly gamesbefore they expire. Ghostwire Tokyo is arguably the best game included from the folks previously responsible for Hi-Fi Rush and The Evil Within, Tango Gameworks. However, theres also the excellent Hotwheels Unleashed 2 as well as the day one release of Death Note Killer Within. Games leaving PS Plus Extra and Premium November 2024 Below are all of the games leaving PS Plus Essential, Extra and Premium in November 2024: WWE 2K24 Nov 4thDoki Doki Literature Club Nov 4thDead Space remake Nov 4thGTA San Andreas Def Edition Nov 19thRed Dead Redemption 2 Nov 19thThe Sims 4 Nov 19thDragons Dogma Dark Arisen Nov 19thMobile Suit Gundam Extreme vs. Maxi Boost ON Nov 19thSuperliminal Nov 19thEiyuden Chronicle Rising Nov 19thKlonoa Phantasy Reverie Series Nov 19thTeardown Nov 19thKingdom Hearts HD 1.5 + 2.5 ReMix Nov 19thKingdom Hearts HD 2.8 Final Chapter Prologue Nov 19thKingdom Hearts 3 Nov 19thKingdom Hearts Memory of Melody Nov 19thChorus Nov 19thWhat Remains of Edith Finch Nov 19thOvercooked 2 Nov 19thBlasphemous Nov 19thMoving Out Nov 19thAll of the above come courtesy oftruetrophies. These are from an EU PSN account so there may be some discrepancies.Unfortunately, its a torrid month for departures as there are so many excellent games listed above. Red Dead Redemption 2 is one of the greatest video games of all time, meanwhile, the exodus of the Kingdom Hearts series is very unfortunate as they are brilliant experiences. If you have never played Red Dead Redemption 2 or the Kingdom Hearts franchise, you should definitely make sure to experience them before they leave on November 19th. Exciting Premium leak Sony has not revealed any of the PS Plus Extra or Premium games for November 2024, but a leak has possibly spoiled the incoming arrival of Alone in the Dark 2. Alone in the Dark 2 is listed on PS Deals, and it has a release date of November 7th. This obviously hasnt come to fruition, but its likely the release date is wrong and it will instead join the PSN store and PS Plus Premium catalogue on November 19th. This is what happened with Star Wars The Clone Wars as it was leaked on PS Deals with a release date that did not match the day it joined Sonys subscription library in June. Of course, this is just a leak rather than anything guaranteed. It seems likely as Alone in the Dark is already part of PS Plus, and it would be a great addition as the Alone in the Dark PS1 games are some of the greatest survival horror experiences on par with the classic Resident Evils and Silent Hill. In other PlayStation news, Sony has said the PS5 Pro is not aiming for everyone.Subscribe to our newsletters!By subscribing, you agree to our Privacy Policy and may receive occasional deal communications; you can unsubscribe anytime.Share

The rule of thumb is to pick a blanket around 10% of your body weight. Therefore, a 120-pound person should look for a 12-pound blanket, a 150-pound person a 15-pound blanket, and so on. (If your weight falls in between blanket sizes, go with the lighter one). Its all a matter of personal preference, of course, but this formula should give you a blanket that feels just right. (With children, however, take this rule literally. If the blanket is too heavy for them, they could struggle to get out from under it, as can pets.)MaterialsWeighted blanket cover materials range from classic cotton and cooling bamboo to luxurious velvet and warming fleece, and a number of blankets feature a dual-sided design to make use of two fabrics. Similar to how you shop for bed sheets, consider how these different materials can support your personal preferences and overall comfort.Another material to consider is the fill of the weighted blanket. Some feature glass or plastic beads, often within a quilted design, that distribute the weight of the blanket fairly evenly but can also make a bit of noise as you move around. Others are filled with fabrics and other fibers for a quieter experience. Meanwhile, knit-exclusive designs that resemble a cozy sweater are woven with heavier fabrics to achieve an even weight distribution.SizeWeighted blanket sizes range dramatically and tend to lack the standardization we've come to know and appreciate when shopping for mattresses and other bedding. Be sure to review the dimensions of a weighted blanket before purchasing so you have a clear understanding of how it will lay across your bed or sofa.Care InstructionsSome weighted blankets feature machine-washable removable covers that make a weekly refresh a breeze while others list dry cleaning as the preferred care method. Consider what level of maintenance works for your lifestyle when looking for the best weighted blanket for your home.Trial Periods and WarrantiesSimilar to your bed frame and mattress, quality bedding and sleep accessories are investments, and we like to help you make smart ones. Pay close attention to trial period lengths with weighted blankets, as some brands let you try them out for 100 nights risk free. Similarly, some weighted blankets can come with warranties of up to five years and protect against product defects.FAQsWhat is the best kind of weighted blanket?Based on our research, testing and reviews, we recommend the seven weighted blankets in our list based on a wide range of user preferences. For someone who enjoys the look and feel of a cable knit sweater, an option like Brooklyn Bedding's Chunky Knit Weighted Blanket is likely the best kind of weighted blanket. Meanwhile, someone who prefers a luxe, quilted vibe should consider a style like Saatva's Velvet Weighted Blanket.Is it bad if your weighted blanket is too heavy?There's a reason experts use the aforementioned 10% rule when it comes to weighted blankets. Using a weighted blanket that's too heavy can be problematic in a few ways, leading to overheating, joint and muscle pain, and general discomfort that disrupts rest rather than promoting it.Is it okay to sleep with a weighted blanket every night?Generally, weighted blankets are considered safe for nightly snoozing so long as they're sized appropriately for your body weight and don't seem to lead to any discomfort. But when in doubt, it never hurts to check in with your health care provider.

Mariah Carey may want to hold onto her Queen of Christmas crown a little tighter. On a recent episode of The Kelly Clarkson Show, the Since U Been Gone singer revealed that she has an entire Christmas room in her New York City home that stays decorated year-round.Clarkson, who took her talk show with her when she moved from Los Angeles to Manhattan in 2023, explained during a recent interview with Here actor Robin Wright that her new pad near Central Park has more space than she knows what to do with. One room in particular had the mom of two stumped.I decorated it the first year for Christmas. And then I was like, That was a lot of work. Well just shut the doors until [next] Christmas, Clarkson told Wright with a laugh. The Grammy winner doesnt let all that holiday cheer go to waste, though: We literally will go in there and dance throughout the year and just put Christmas songs on, she said, referencing impromptu holiday jam sessions with her eight- and 10-year-old kids.Outside of her dedicated room, it seems the Underneath the Tree singer is already in the full Christmas swing for this year. For me, November first is the marker, she reasoned with the Forrest Gump star, Because you spend so much time decorating. That sentiment is shared by Carey, who for the past five years has released increasingly elaborate videos on November first to ring in the yuletide season, announcing that its tiiiiiiiiime. Of course, Clarkson gives credit where credit is due: When Mariah came out with her first Christmas record, she changed the game for all of us, Clarkson said in a recent statement to the New York Times.The American Idol winner, who recently dropped a deluxe version of one of her two Christmas albums, plus a new remix feature on Chers DJ Play a Christmas Song, will return for the second year in a row to host NBCs Rockefeller Center tree-lighting ceremony on December 4.Register TodayAD PRO's 2025 Interior Design Forecast is almost hereArrowAs for Carey, she recently embarked on her Christmas Time tour, which will conclude in New York on December 17. Shes also celebrating the 30th anniversary of Merry Christmas, the album that established her as the Queen of Christmas in the first place. Its something that I look forward to all year, Carey told NYT of her feelings around the holiday. Maybe people think its something that I put on, but its really my favorite time of year.

Behind the Scenes: Cathedral at the end of day By Alina Khan on November 11, 2024 Behind the Scenes Dive deep into the passionate mind of Stan, a Belarusian 3D artist, exploring the intricacies of this architectural masterpiece. INTRODUCTIONHi, Im Stan (Stanislaw) Kazimiraw, a freelance 3D-artist originating from Zhodino, Belarus, and specializing in CAD and SubDiv modeling.I started my journey in 3D many years ago when XSI|Softimage and AutoCAD were in their prime, driven by a passion for creating architectural buildings and a fascination with bringing concepts to life.From a young age, I was captivated by the interplay of light and space in paintings and structures, which inspired me to dive deep into the world of 3D modeling and visualization.Initially, I began exploring basic modeling techniques and gradually progressed to more complex projects, learning various software tools (ZBrush, Substance Designer, Substance Painter) along the way.I primarily use Blender and Maya for my projects, ensuring high quality and efficient results.INSPIRATIONWhen I was a child, I could spend hours observing and researching paintings of the Old Masters in order to understand how they play with shapes, light, and colors. Thanks to my mother who was a designer and had a lot of books about design, architecture, anatomy, and art at all. It was a period of time when you could get information only from TV, VHS, or books (dark old days with no Internet).I was especially interested in the paintings of old Dutch and German architecture. Such artists as Salomon Rombouts, Barend and Willem Koekkoek, Andreas Schelfhout, Charles Leickert, Adrianus Eversen, Frederik Roosdorp, and of course, "the Great" Cornelis Springer inspire me the most. Among the books, I want to highlight "The Pillars of the Earth" by Ken Follett. I read it many years ago, and it left a lasting impression on me. And, of course, I have seen many TV shows and anime set in the medieval era.So, after Blender 2.93 was released and introduced so many new features and improvements, I finally decided to learn it. In addition, the clients I was working with wanted to integrate Blender into their pipeline.The only thing I did in Blender before was convert (for modding) a 3D character from the "Dynasty Warriors 9" game into "fbx" format for rigging and animation in Maya and Unreal Engine 4.The best way to learn new 3D software for me is to create a couple of scenes from scratch using only this software. As a big fan of Gothic medieval architecture, I decided to create a medieval scene with a huge cathedral as the main hero prop.PROCESSSoftware: Blender with no add-ons (modeling, texturing, rendering, compositing) Substance Designer (Bitmap2MaterialLight node for converting textures into material; creating masks, dirt, soil, etc.) Substance Painter (mixing and recreating some materials from textures) Photoshop (masks, diffuse texture creation, tiling) Pipeline: Traditional or Standard (diffuse, normal, specular maps) Textures: 256, 512, 1024 px ReferencesWhen the idea was fully formed in my mind, I began searching for references.The Grote of Sint-Laurenskerk (St. Lawrence Church) in Rotterdam served as the basis for my design, using its original plans and structural elements for guidancewidth, length, and height. I made some adjustments to the aisles to simplify them in this version.For the medieval houses, I drew inspiration from photographs taken by my mother during her visit to the Netherlands and Internet photos of the Archeon Museum Park, where some of the best-preserved medieval houses can be found.Scene Disassembly OverviewThe scene consist of the next elements: skydome (sphere 6 km in diameter) ground (simple plane, 3 km x 2 km) sun (position on the eye on January 15, 1480 year, 16:00 in Rotterdam, with azimuth ~232.5 deg and elevation ~9 deg) global atmosphere (simple emission shader) smoke and fog (created in Blender physics and rendered into textures) medieval houses (kitbash that was created in Blender) medieval cathedral (modeled and textured in Blender) scaffolds and wooden beams (modeled in Blender, part of the "medieval houses" kitbash) trees (modeled and textured in Blender, then rendered into texture) birds (simple textures with bump maps) Modeling StageAll assets were modeled from scratch in Blender according to real-world scales. Firstly, I modeled a small kitbash of medieval houses and then a medieval cathedral. Trees were modeled using Skin Modifier and baked into transparent textures.I prefer to keep the number of polygons as small as possible to ensure better performance and faster rendering times. To achieve this, I like to create base meshes with minimal detail and rely on texture maps to add depth and detail. This allows the models to be lightweight while still appearing visually rich.Also, I like to design "modular assets" that can be reused in different contexts (facades, walls, roofs, doors), which reduces the need to create multiple unique models for similar objects. This also streamlines my workflow.By focusing on these strategies, I can strike a balance between aesthetics and performance, making my projects more suitable for a range of situations.Texturing and Shading StageAt that moment, the Shader Editor was the most interesting and intriguing part of Blender for me. Having previously worked with the Octane node editor in Cinema 4D, I was pleasantly surprised to find that they were quite similar, which made it easy for me to adapt to the Shader Editor.Substance Designer (Bitmap2MaterialLight node) was utilized to convert some of the textures into standard pipeline maps (Diffuse, Normal, Specular).Most of the textures I mixed in Substance Painter or Photoshop and then converted simple colored textures into specific textures via Substance Designer.To simulate standard pipeline behavior, I combined the diffuse BSDF and glossy BSDF shaders, using the specular map as a mask.I created most of the materials in the shader editor, by blending procedural textures (Musgrave, Noise, etc.) with diffuse or specular maps. For example, the Cathedral Tower features a total of 10 distinct materials.To reduce repetition in texturing, I blended the Musgrave texture with the diffuse and specular maps, which introduced organic variation and depth to the materials.Fog from chimneys, ground mist, and haze were initially generated using Blenders fluid physics (fluid -> domain -> gas). However, I wasn't satisfied with the results in terms of performance and shape, so I decided to bake the effects into black-and-white textures, which I then modified and combined using RGB channels.Lighting and Atmosphere StageFor lighting, I decided to use HDRI in combination with the position of the sun on January 15, 1480, at 16:00 in Rotterdam. Unfortunately, Blender does not support direct input of azimuth and elevation for the sun. I used a solar position calculator to determine the azimuth and elevation, and then I positioned (approximately on the eye) the light source into the angular diameter of the sun according to formulas.The atmosphere was created using an emission shader instead of principled volume. This approach produces excellent results with minimal noise and improved performance.I like to use skydomes in my projects because they effectively create immersive environments with a realistic sky and atmosphere. Additionally, skydomes provide flexibility in design, making it easy to simulate different times of day and weather conditions. This not only improves the visual appeal but also helps to set the mood for the scene.Rendering and Compositing StageTo render the image, I used Cycles with approximately 650 samples without denoising. Both denoisers, NLM and OptiX, produced washed-out results, so I opted not to use them. As a result, I increased the number of samples to 650 to achieve a cleaner image.For post-processing, I utilized the Blender Compositor. This "powerful" (ha-ha!) tool allowed me to enhance the final image by adjusting colors, adding effects, and refining details seamlessly within the same software environment.The words from the FutureThis was my very first project in Blender, and at the time, I was unsure whether it was a good idea to learn the software. I found the compositor lacking for post-processing, which left me feeling frustrated. Additionally, I had numerous questions about the performance in large scenes, and render engines...However, only in a month, when I was working on my third project in Blender, I realized the software had everything I needed. This revelation made Blender my primary tool for 3D work.RENDER: Cathedral at the end of day Thank you for reading! I hope this article helps you gain new and valuable insights. If you have any questions or feedback, feel free to share your thoughts. I'm looking forward to hearing from you!About the Artist Stan (Stanislaw) Kazimiraw is a freelance 3D artist, specializing in the creation of realistic and detailed models. He is currently working as a hard surface and environment 3D modeler for various clients from China and Japan.Links

Here's an overview of the most recent Blender jobs on Blender Artists, ArtStation and 3djobs.xyz: 3d animation for a logo Environment Artist at Section 9 Interactive 3D Artist at HYPE XR - Hyper Realistic Digital Twins For more jobs, look here.Source