When voters in Maine head to the polls in November, theyll have an important choice to make: whether they should change the design of the state flag.The proposed redesign by Adam Lemire, a resident of Gardiner, Maine, shows the states official tree, the eastern white pine, in the center on a buff field with a navy star in the upper-left corner. Its his take on a popular state flag design used from 1901 to 1909. Lemire gave the tree 16 branches to represent the states 16 counties.The design was one of 400 submissions Maines secretary of state, Shenna Bellows, received. She said in a statement that Lemires submission stood out as a beautiful, faithful representation of an eastern white pine tree proper. A bipartisan advisory panel selected 10 finalists, and Lemires winning design will now head to a yes-or-no vote. If voters approve it, Maine will have a new flag that Bellows says honors our past and our future.But Lemire also didnt have much room for creative interpretation. Legislation to redesign the flag was strict about what it could look like. The design brief dictated the flags background had to be buff, a pine tree had to be in the center, and a five-pointed star had to be in the upper corner. [Images: Maine.gov]In 1909 Maine adopted its current flag depicting the states coat of arms on a blue field, which is what vexillologists refer to as a seal on a bedsheet, to replace its previous pine tree flag. Overly detailed, seal-on-a-bedsheet flags are now falling out of fashion. Today, states are going for designs that are more likely to be used as symbols of popular expression and identity, as with the distinctive flags of states like Arizona and Texas.Several states have adopted new flags over the past few years. Mississippi introduced a new flag design in 2020, and more recently Minnesota and Utah ditched their old flags for simpler designs. Simple flags better adhere to the best practices from the North American Vexillological Association, though redesigning them isnt without controversy. Inevitably, efforts to redesign state flags encounter resistance from opponents, including those who view some changes, like the removal of Confederate emblems, as erasing history. A design issue can then become a political oneand thus a symbol meant to unify becomes divisive.For symbols like our state flag to have meaning, they must bring people togetherthey must unite us, Republican Rick Bennett, a Maine state senator who helped select the winning design, said in a statement.In Maine, whats old could soon be new again. By reviving a historic popular symbol thats better suited for flag design trends today, Maine is sidestepping the potential for any political land mines.

A London house extension designed by Office S&M features a ceramic facade with the same pink glaze used for Tube station tiles on the Hammersmith and City Line.Office S&M designed Beacon House, a single-storey rear extension, for a Victorian terraced house in Tottenham, north London.Pink "pillow-shaped" tiles clad the extensionIt creates a larger kitchen and dining space for a couple and their two young children.The architects chose "pillow-shaped" tiles for the extension's facade, giving the structure a puffy aesthetic.The pink glaze is the same used for tiles on Hammersmith and City Line stationsThe bubblegum pink glaze is specifically used on Hammersmith and City Line station tiles, to match the colour that indicates the line on the London Underground map.Here, it was selected to complement the original brickwork and reflect the clients' love of municipal architecture.Pale green window frames contrast the pink"Alex and Ella showed us examples of public buildings they grew up with and ones they visited on their travels, which included sun-bleached climbing frames, tiled swimming pools, leisure centres and stations," said Catrina Stewart, co-founder of Office S&M along with Hugh McEwen."Just like with these buildings, they wanted their home to be both robust and joyful," Stewart told Dezeen.The extension creates a generous kitchen and dining areaThe extruded clay tiles, handcrafted by manufacturers Materials Assemble and Teamwork Italy, contrast with the pale green colour of the window frames and downpipe."Ella grew up in west London and her dad used to take the Hammersmith and City line every day; the pink tiles reminded her of home," added Stewart.Curved details include a kitchen island and the wall wrapping a downstairs WCThe renovation also involved improving the building's performance, making it better insulated and ventilated, and bringing a contemporary feel to the interiors throughout.The design features the bold colours and graphic style that have become Office S&M's calling card, as previously seen in projects like Mo-tel House and Graphic House.As with Graphic House, the interior features several bespoke elements that inject a sense of the owners' personality. Stewart points to the kitchen island as an example.Bold colours feature throughout the houseThe central focus of the extension, it features a resin and timber worktop made by surface design studio Mirrl, using a technique inspired by Japanese lacquer craft Tsugaru Nuri."A bespoke pattern was created, referencing the clients memories of pastel hues and fading colours found along the British seaside," Stewart said.The hallway includes monochrome tiles and a round yellow mirrorTiled surfaces and curved details feature all over, continuing the aesthetic of the building's exterior.Examples of tiles include a yellow-grouted kitchen splashback, the monochrome flooring in the entrance hallway, and the soft yellow and pink surfaces in the first-floor bathroom.Pale pink and yellow tiles were installed in the first-floor bathroomProminent curves include the kitchen island, as well as a rounded wall framing the downstairs toilet and a yellow-framed hallway mirror."Many of the municipal buildings that they showed us were associated with a story or a memory," said Stewart."The subtle references in their home serve as a reminder of these stories and experiences."The three-bedroom property is home to a couple with two childrenThe colour scheme naturally progresses through the building, with richer tones at the front of the house and lighter tones as you move through to the top-lit extension.Local craft makers were involved in many of the smaller details, from the baby blue banquette upholstery in the kitchen, to the hand-painted gold number fixed to the front door.The photography is by French + Tye.Project creditsArchitect: Office S&MStructural engineer: Foster StructuresContractor: YG BuildersFurniture build: YG BuildersKitchen surfaces: MirrlGlazed pink external tiles: Materials Assemble, Teamwork ItalyGlobal paints: YesColoursUpholstery: Studio SwadeGold number sign: Mark ErringtonThe post Beacon House extension by Office S&M features bubblegum pink tiles appeared first on Dezeen.

Sleep is essential for a healthy, productive life, and the Brain Sleep Pillow is designed to give you the best sleep possible. This innovative pillow uses advanced technologies and high-quality materials to ensure comfort, support, and hygiene. Lets dive into what makes it the last pillow youll buy for your nightly rest.Designer: Brain Sleep Co., Ltd.Click Here to Buy Now: $144 $240 (40% off). Hurry, only 5 left! Raised over $114,000.Focusing on the first 90 minutes of sleep, known as the Golden 90 Minutes, this pillow optimizes sleep quality. This period is crucial because it includes the deepest phase of sleep, significantly influencing the overall quality of your rest. Your sleep consists of REM (rapid eye movement) and non-REM (NREM) sleep cycles. Each cycle lasts about 90 minutes; the first cycle typically contains the deepest sleep. The more deep sleep you get during this period, the better the overall quality of your sleep. Body temperature is one of the key factors for achieving quality sleep during the Golden 90 Minutes. Higher body temperatures during sleep are associated with reduced deep sleep. This pillow addresses this by having over 90% of its structure made up of air space. This design prevents heat and moisture from getting trapped in the pillow, helping to keep your brain cool and promoting high-quality sleep. Data confirms that the Brain Sleep Pillow, compared to typical polyurethane pillows, leads to a higher percentage of deep sleep in the first cycle. This is backed by sleep surveys showing that users of this pillow experience more deep sleep during the Golden 90 Minutes, which is crucial for overall sleep quality.One key aspect is its ability to keep you cool throughout the night. Traditional pillows, like those made from feathers or urethane, often trap heat, making your head feel warm and uncomfortable. However, the Brain Sleep Pillow stays much cooler, promoting better sleep. This pillow is made of a unique material that allows heat to escape quickly, so it doesnt get trapped inside. Scientific tests show it maintains a cooler head surface temperature than other pillows. This cooling effect helps you fall asleep faster and stay in a deeper sleep longer. Imagine resting your head on a pillow that always feels cool and refreshing, even on hot nights.Another incredible feature is its personalized fit technology. This pillow is designed with a three-layer structure that perfectly balances comfort and support. The top layer, known as the adjustment layer, is soft and fluffy. This layer molds to the shape of your head, providing immediate comfort. Beneath this is the firmer support layer, which offers solid support for your head and neck. This helps keep your spine aligned properly, reducing any strain or discomfort. The bottom layer called the base layer, is harder and allows air to flow through the pillow, keeping it cool and increasing its durability. The pillow also features a unique nine-gradation system. This means the pillow has varying firmness levels across its width, ranging from hard to soft and back to hard. This design supports your head and neck whether you sleep on your side, back, or stomach. It also makes it easier to turn over without losing support, which helps reduce strain on your head and neck.Keeping your pillow clean and fresh is crucial for a good nights sleep, and this pillow makes it easy with its Super Clean technology. Humans typically sweat around 200ml while sleeping, but the pillows excellent breathability prevents moisture build-up, promoting a hygienic sleeping environment. Made in Japan, it undergoes meticulous quality checks. Skilled technicians and craftsmen carefully inspect each pillow to meet stringent quality standards. Once the pillow passes these rigorous inspections, it is carefully packed and delivered to customers, ensuring it arrives perfectly.This pillow is made from 100% recyclable and sustainable polyethylene, reflecting a commitment to environmental responsibility. In addition to the high-quality pillow itself, you can choose from different covers to suit your preferences. The Active Air cover is made from breathable mesh material with water-absorbent, quick-drying, antibacterial, and anti-odor properties. It ensures a comfortable, non-sticky feel and dries quickly even after washing, making it ideal for rainy days. This cover is made of 100% polyester. The Organic Cotton cover is made from 100% organic cotton, grown without pesticides or chemical fertilizers for over three years. It offers natural antibacterial, deodorizing, absorbent, and quick-drying properties, ensuring a clean and comfortable sleep environment. The use of organic cotton reflects the companys commitment to environmentally friendly materials.Another significant benefit of this pillow is its ease of maintenance. The water-washable pillow dries quickly, so you can keep it clean with minimal effort. This makes it ideal for those with allergies, such as house dust, and families with small children. The pillows design also minimizes mold growth, adding to its hygienic benefits. For maintenance, if your pillow loses its plumpness, you can restore it by fluffing it with a 45-50-degree shower. This simple care routine keeps the pillow in optimal shape, providing consistent comfort. Just be sure to avoid using water hotter than 50C (122F) to prevent any damage to the material.Integrating multiple advanced technologies, this pillow provides a superior sleeping experience. From cooling and personalized fit to hygiene and sustainability, the pillow addresses various aspects of sleep quality. Its innovative design, combined with high-quality materials and thoughtful features, ensures that users can enjoy a comfortable, restful, and clean sleep environment every night. Whether youre looking for a cooler pillow that fits perfectly to your head and neck or stays clean and fresh with ease, the Brain Sleep Pillow has it all. By focusing on the crucial first 90 minutes of sleep and ensuring that the pillow remains hygienic and comfortable, this pillow helps you achieve the deep, restful sleep you need to wake up refreshed and ready for the day. So, the Brain Sleep Pillow is worth considering if you want to improve your sleep quality.Click Here to Buy Now: $144 $240 (40% off). Hurry, only 5 left! Raised over $114,000.The post Stop Counting Sheep: Let the Brain Sleep Pillow Give You the Best Nights Rest Ever first appeared on Yanko Design.

Having a healthy mistrust of your motherboard's settings is one way to fend off the Intel chip problem.The risk of failure is still there, however, until Intel releases a microcode fix.

Its a symbol of authority in a climate of uncertainty.

If you're in the market for new board games, Humble has you covered with its latest bundle. The Board Game Night With Dire Wolf & Friends bundle offers as many as nine digital board games and two add-ons for $18. Among the games on offer are Dune: Imperium, Wingspan, Terraforming Mars, and Scythe, all of which are playable on Steam. See at Humble Humble Bundle: Board Game Night With Dire Wolf & FriendsDune: ImperiumScythe: Digital EditionWingspanQuilts and Cats of CalicoTerraforming MarsTerraforming Mars: Prelude DLCTerraforming Mars: Hellas and Elysium DLCEverdellMunchkin DigitalRootSagrada50% off coupon for Root: The Riverfolk expansion50% off coupon for Munchkin Digital: The Unnatural Axe expansionLike other Humble Bundles, the Board Game Night bundle comes with multiple tiers, so you can still get some great games even if you don't want to pay the full price. At the lowest tier, you'll pay $7 for Sagrada, Scythe: Digital Edition, and Root, along with a coupon to nab Root's Riverfolk expansion. Paying $10 adds Wingspan and Munchkin to the deal, as well as a coupon for Munchkin's The Unnatural Axe expansion. For $15, the bundle adds Terraforming Mars and its DLC, as well as Everdell. Finally, the $18 tier tosses in Quilts and Cats of Calico and Dune: Imperium.Continue Reading at GameSpot

The Animal Crossing franchise has quickly staked its claim as one of Nintendo's most successful series. Many have been drawn to the adorable cozy life sim over the years, and 2020's Animal Crossing: New Horizons saw a huge surge in the Nintendo-exclusive franchise's popularity. Four years later, there is a lot of speculation surrounding the next Animal Crossing and when it will be announced.

Im watching brackeys and learning how to code for my big project. Is there anything else i should use to learn?

No matter how committed you are to decluttering, when you're trying to reduce the amount of stuff in your home, you'll inevitably hit a few snags. Here's where different decluttering philosophies can come in handy. If you're combing through your sentimental items, for example, you have to go slow but be pragmatic; while if you're just worried you might need something in the future, there are a few mental exercises that can help ease your anxiety about getting rid of them. If you find you're still having trouble deciding which items are truly worth keeping, the 10/10 theory can be helpful. It's a way of reframing how you think of your stuff, and ascribing it a "value." Once you know its worth, the theory goes, you'll have an easier time deciding whether you need to keep it around.How the 10/10 theory worksThis method comes via the Minimalists, decluttering specialists with a Netflix series and bestselling books to their name. They recommend rethinking the way you assign value to your possessions, and dividing them into two categories: Expensive items, and things that bring you joy. The monetary value aspect is an obvious consideration: If you can extract value from something you aren't using much, it's a lot easier to entertain getting rid of it. And thinking specifically of joy when you're cleaning and decluttering is familiar component of other decluttering techniques, including KonMari, and it makes sense: Your space is supposed to make you feel happy, safe, and fulfilled, and an abundance of clutter won't help you there. How to use the 10/10 theory to get rid of your stuffTo get started changing your mindset about the things you own, the Minimalists recommend making two lists. The first is a list of your 10 most expensive possessionsthings like your car, your house, your antiques, your electronics, and anything else with a big price tag. Next, make a list of the 10 things in your life that bring you the most joy. These needn't (and probably shouldn't) be tangible items. They suggest experiences like watching a sunset or hanging out with your kid, since those will demonstrate a real contrast when you compare them to your list of valuable, tangible items. The goal of this exercise is to give you a chance to reflect on the difference between what seems important, and what is truly important to youthen get more comfortable with getting rid of the things that dont truly matter.It might seem like to great a leap to translate this mindset shift to decluttering, but hear me out: Instead of making just these two lists, make a bunch of lists: your most expensive itemsthe physical possessions that do bring you joythe things you use the mostthe things you use the leastthe things you got a great deal on the things you could easily replacethe things you can never replaceCompare each of these listswith particular focus on the list of things that truly bring you joyto develop your own hierarchy of what really matters to you. Spending a little time assessing the value of thingswhile using different measurements of what value even iscan reveal patterns in the way you think about your stuff, and will help you to change your mindset about what really matters in your life. Simply put, you'll realize that you really can let some things go. It takes some time to make the lists, but it prepares you to critically assess your belongings when you start the physical decluttering process. No, you probably can't do away with your house or your car, but you can get rid of the things that have no meaning, bring you no joy, or can be easily replaced. When it comes time to actually start the decluttering process, start by dividing the items in front of you into four categories: Keep, toss, donate, and sell. If you get hung up on whether something should stay or go, consider where you would put itor where you did put iton your various lists. Does the item have monetary value but no emotional value? It could be sold. Do you use it frequently, but its inexpensive? Probably hold onto it. Do you rarely use it, but really love it? It can stay as long as its truly meaningful. The more you train yourself think of the values your item hold or represent, the easier it will be to figure out which ones can stay in your lifeand which ones need to go.

Fortnite is reversing a long-held policy for its Battle Passes. Previously, developer Epic Games had treated Battle Pass items as limited-time rewards that would never show up in the in-game shop. Going forward, Epic Games may make Battle Pass rewards available in the shop, but not until at least 18 months after the pass expires. The company said that the updated policy will not have any impact on battle pass pricing."This change lets us continue investing in new and exciting Battle Pass rewards while enabling players down the road to also enjoy the content, including Outfits based on popular licensed characters," Epic Games said in a blog post published on Wednesday.This policy covers every item type that might show up in a Fortnite Battle Pass. The shop may offer alt styles of a Battle Pass reward as well as the original. The 18-month wait time will also apply to any items from the game's Bonus Reward and Quest Reward tabs.The chance to buy a cosmetic later on takes some of the exclusivity pressure off each season for players. Epic said there was no guarantee that a Battle Pass cosmetic would become available in the shop at a later date, so playing enough to obtain unlocks is still the most reliable way to get an item you really want. However, the studio said it would notify players if an item would be exclusively available via Battle Pass.Battle passes are a common way for game developers to maintain revenue for games-as-a-service. The latest one for Fortnite has a post-apocalyptic theme, with tie-ins to the Mad Max and Fallout franchises. Or if cute and colorful is more your jam, check out the limited time integration with Fall Guys.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/fortnite-battle-pass-rewards-may-appear-in-the-shop-under-new-epic-games-policy-220355795.html?src=rss