Maintaining a comprehensive library of high-quality stock footage is essential for professional VFX artists and studios. This Black Friday, FX Elements is offering its most substantial discounts ever, with savings of up to 70% across its entire catalog of professional VFX assets.With categories of effects ranging from explosions to bullet hits and blood effects, to atmospheric smoke and fog and everything in between, FX Elements delivers a comprehensive library of effects to choose from. Lets take a look at the offer and why this is the VFX sale you dont want to miss!Whats on Sale?FX Elements is slashing prices across its entire catalog, making it easier than ever to build your VFX assets library: 70% OFF Individual FX Clips: Choose the exact effects you need with prices starting at less than $3. 40% OFF FX Subscriptions: Lock in lifetime savings and get full access to all FX Elements library of assets. 30% OFF All FX Packs: Bundled effects for all your creative needs at a fraction of the cost.These discounts cover every license type and file type, so you can create worry-free, whether youre producing for a big screen or social media.Browse FX Elements LibraryWhat Sets FX Elements Apart?FX Elements has earned a reputation for providing VFX artists with high-quality, flexible, and easy-to-use VFX assets for over 10 years. Heres what you can expect:No Subscription Required: While our FX Subscription remains the best value available anywhere, we will never force our customers to subscribe or use a credit-based system.4K8K Resolution Footage: Enjoy the clarity and flexibility needed for professional projects, no matter how large the screen.Broad Compatibility: All effects come in multiple file formats, making them easy to integrate with virtually any workflow.Immediate Downloads: Start using your purchased assets within minutesno waiting around.Versatility for All Projects: From film production to YouTube content, FX Elements library has something for every artist and creator.Dont Miss out!This Black Friday sale is a rare opportunity to access professional-grade assets at a fraction of the cost. With discounts applied automatically at checkout, theres no hasslejust big savings.But dont wait! These deals are only available until December 2nd, 2024.Get started with FX Elements today!Brought to you by FX Elements:This article is part of the befores & afters VFX Insight series. If youd like to promote your VFX/animation/CG tech or service, you can find out more about the VFX Insight series here.The post Black Friday Deal: Up to 70% OFF Premium VFX Assets at FX Elements! appeared first on befores & afters.

Microsoft will not release Windows 11 24H2 update for PCs with Assassin's Creed, Star Wars Outlaws, and Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora.Players have been reporting issues with loading and running some of the Ubisoft games after installing the update: https://80.lv/articles/microsoft-will-not-release-updates-for-windows-11-24h2-with-ubisoft-games/

Ex-Blizzard president says Sony's purchase of FromSoftwares owner would be a top 2 acquisition in the industry if it were to be made. The top one, in his eyes, is not Microsofts purchase of Blizzard: https://80.lv/articles/ex-blizzard-boss-says-sony-s-purchase-of-fromsoftware-owner-would-be-top-2-acquisition-in-the-industry/

Have you ever had your patience sorely tested by an overly inquisitive child?You know the type:No matter what you say to them, they always respond with the same question: Why?Is it simply the repetition we find so annoying, or is it something more than that? Maybe its our own insecurity over not having adequate answers to their questions. Or perhaps were disappointed with ourselves because, somewhere along the way, weve lost our own sense of curiosity and wonder?To be more generous, that annoyance might actually be a sign of our own maturity. At some point in our intellectual development, we realize we cant know everything.Once that happens, we subconsciously shift our focus to prioritize which information we deem important enough to acquire and process.In contrast, children are like sponges, absorbing everything. They flourish under the guidance of responsible teachers well trained in the established principles of pedagogy. But eventually, we outgrow the pedagogical methods that foster cognitive growth in young people.Our success in the next stage of development depends on this weeks addition to the Ethical Lexicon:Andragogy (andragogy/ an-druh-goh-jee) nounThe method, technique, and practice of teaching adult learners; adult educationIt was education visionary Malcolm Knowles who adopted and developed the principles of andragogy over half a century ago. Expounding on the self-motivation essential for adult learning, Knowles said:This fact makes the task of every leader of adult groups real, specific, and clear: Every adult group, of whatever nature, must become a laboratory of democracy, a place where people may have the experience of learning to live cooperatively. Attitudes and opinions are formed primarily in the study groups, work groups, and playgroups with which adults affiliate voluntarily.Its more than a clich that the answer is almost always in the room. By engaging people with diverse viewpoints in pursuit of knowledge and wisdom, in purposeful enterprise, or even recreationally, we expand our experience while gaining new insights about others and about ourselves. Implicit in Bob Dylans observation that he who is not busy being born is busy dying is the awareness that learning is part of living.Steve Graham, president of Valiant Coaching & Talent Development, lays out the key pillars of andragogy, which include:A maturing self-concept: In which individuals take the initiative, with or without the help of others, in diagnosing their learning needs, formulating learning goals, identifying human and material resources for learning, choosing and implementing appropriate learning strategies, and evaluating learning outcomes.Increasing experience: Provides a wider and deeper reservoir of reference points for more reliable intuitive understanding and decision-making.An increasing readiness to learn: Empowers us to step into new roles by recognizing what information we lack and seeking out the knowledge we need to handle unfamiliar situations and responsibilities.A shifting application and orientation: We work out how to solve problems as we encounter them and immediately apply acquired knowledge to next-level challenges.An internal motivation to learn: This has popularly become known as a growth mindset. Instead of being compelled to learn, adults cultivate the desire to know more about the world and to understand more deeply while developing new skills and talents.A solid application of andragogical principles produces a more mature understanding of self, greater empathy and respect toward others, a more dynamic attitude toward life in general, a more responsive and less reactive approach to challenge and conflict, and the confidence and competence to affect positive cultural and societal change.Leadership and education are not synonymous. Yet leaders teach by example, whether they choose to or not. Creating a culture built on the values of inquiry, self-improvement, and personal growth will naturally encourage your people to pursue the greater knowledge and deeper wisdom that promotes self-mastery. Providing them with the tools and resources to turn the desire to learn into action will earn you loyal, motivated, and highly competent followers.To assess whether youre sending the right message to your people, ask yourself the following questions:Do my people feel comfortable voicing concerns and asking for clarification?Do they try to solve their own problems or wait for someone senior to tell them what to do?Do I praise and reward initiative and innovation as much as meticulous adherence to protocol?Have I provided engaging opportunities for learning and development within the structure of work time?Does my work community project a sense of enthusiasm or drudgery?An andragogical culture is alive and vibrant, buzzing with the same positive energy that emanates from every healthy, living thing. If you feel the electricity of continuous growth, thats a good sign that youve fostered a work environment driven by excitement and purpose. But if that feeling is lacking, it may be time to ask questions and find new ways to motivate your people to challenge the status quo by expanding their horizons. In all likelihood, they will rise to the occasion, and the benefits will become obvious almost overnight.

A stark reality check looms for Americas 33 million small businesses: While campaign promises suggest dramatic economic shifts, market indicators tell a different story. This disconnectbetween political rhetoric and market expectationscreates both uncertainty and opportunity for SMBs, which represent 43.5% of U.S. GDP and employ nearly half of private-sector workers.While Trump touts lower interest rates, aggressive tariffs, and mass deportations, the reality may look different. Markets are anticipating more restrained changes. It is this gapbetween ambitious promises and realistic expectationsthat will most affect small businesses. So, what does this mean for American small businesses caught in the middle?Interest rates: The Feds independence vs. political promisesDespite presidents historically having limited influence over the Federal Reserve, Trump has repeatedly promised lower interest rates if he returns to power. He also claims that U.S. energy independenceachieved primarily by drilling domesticallywill curb inflation.The reality is that the Federal Reserve acts independently of political pressures and is not beholden to any presidency. The recent quarter-point rate drop in November was an exception rather than a trend. With inflationary pressures still looming, the Fed is unlikely to lower rates as quickly as Trump hopes. Furthermore, achieving true energy independence is not only improbable but also disruptive to global markets.For small businesses, borrowing costs remain highcurrently around 6.5%, compared to under 3% in November 2021. A Trump presidency is unlikely to reverse these market trends. Inflation continues to limit consumer spending power, and mortgage rates already increased following the election.With tightened consumer spending and limited presidential influence over the Fed (as Chair Powell remains steadfast), interest rates are only going to dip if inflation metrics change dramatically from here. Elevated borrowing costs will continue to hinder SMBs ability to secure affordable loans and grow. Coupled with persistent inflation pressures, this points to a stingy winter season ahead.Tariffs: A hidden tax on small business growthAnother Trump 2.0 promise is a massive increase in tariffs10% to 20% on all imports, with even higher rates for China. The assumption is that discouraging imports will drive domestic production. However, history suggests the opposite.Even a more modest 10% increase in tariffs could raise inflation by 0.8%, disrupt supply chains, and elevate costs for U.S. manufacturers and consumers alike. Higher labor costs will amplify these challenges, impacting everyone from everyday consumers to corporations.Markets are preparing for the worst but expecting more modest tariffs, especially in key industries. During Trumps first term, tariffs on thousands of products led to $80 billion in new taxes, creating significant burdens for businesses and consumers. The cumulative impact amounted to $380 billion in 2018 and 2019, marking one of the largest tax increases in recent years.If history repeats itself, small businesses, especially the 75% of which depend on imports, will face rising operational costs, supply chain challenges, and reduced profit margins. Even a modest tariff increase could squeeze SMBs, forcing many to pass higher costs onto consumers or absorb the losses themselves.The worst-case scenario for small businesses is clearly Trumps tariff tantrum, but even modest tariffs could strain profit margins.Immigration policy: The true cost of labor-market disruptionPerhaps the most extreme promise in Trumps second term is the largest deportation campaign in U.S. history. Vice President-elect JD Vance has stated that more than 11 million undocumented immigrants will be deported within six monthsa logistical and economic nightmare that could deeply impact industries reliant on immigrant labor.The American Immigration Council estimates that it would cost $315 billion to arrest, detain, and deport all individuals living undocumented or under a revocable temporary status. Not to mention, the disruption to labor markets would be enormous.If Trump accomplishes even half of this campaign, the employment market will feel the strain. Many industriesincluding hospitality, agriculture, and constructiondepend on immigrant labor. During the height of the pandemic, immigrant workers helped fill critical labor shortages, prompting job growth and curbing inflation. Removing this essential workforce could lead to severe labor shortages, hindering profitability and growth potential for SMBs across key sectors.Trumps extreme policies could mean a challenging environment for small businesseshigher costs, labor shortages, and strained profit margins. Historically, small businesses have shown resilience, yet adapting to higher tariffs, elevated interest rates, and reduced immigrant labor will require rapid adjustment.Given the unprecedented nature of these promises, the outcomes remain uncertain. Borrowing costs, consumer spending, and labor availability will be pivotal. Trump often says one thing and does another, leaving some hope that the actual policies will be less extreme. However, SMBs should prepare for potential challenges by diversifying revenue streams, optimizing operations, and maintaining liquidity to weather the potential storm.

US company The Pelvic People has designed Kiwi, a multipurpose vibrator for people who experience pain during sex, which is shortlisted in the product design (health and wellbeing) category of the Dezeen Awards 2024.Kiwi, which can be used as both a vibrator and massage tool, was designed to eliminate entry pain and help people enjoy sex. The product has a non-phallic, curved shape with a subtly waved surface to accommodate anatomical variety, and was designed to invite shallow penetration.Its ergonomic form facilitates different massage methods, with two vibration motors to allow for both blood flow and stimulation.Kiwi is a multipurpose vibrator designed to eliminate pain during sexPrompted by research and observation into women's experiences with painful sex, Kiwi was developed alongside more than 90 pelvic specialists."We were confronted with the reality that we needed to take a bio-psycho-social approach to solve a systemic problem a human problem without obvious answers," The Pelvic People CEO Emily Sauer told Dezeen."Seventy-five per cent of women will have painful sex during their lifetime, a challenge often ignored and with limited, antiquated at-home treatment options. Kiwi was designed to bridge the uncharted gap between 'sex toy' and 'medical device'."It also doubles as a massager to alleviate pelvic painBeyond the intention to promote pleasure during sex, Kiwi also hopes to contribute to healing and recovery from negative sexual experiences."Kiwi breaks the fear-induced pain cycle bringing control and enjoyment into the healing process," said Sauer. "It is the missing piece in a clinical toolkit that can often feel like punishment; Kiwi makes progress feel good."The design was designed for shallow entryThe company also hopes the vibrator will help create positive sexual experiences."It takes bravery for people to make a first step toward their pelvic health," Sauer said."When tools orient around one purpose often penetration and our body doesn't meet the demands imposed by that device, we're often left deeply disappointed in ourselves not the device."Read: Coby Huang's sex education toys are designed to explore what brings us pleasureThe Pelvic People also hopes to highlight the lack of services for pelvic health in the US."It's is a missing piece of the systemic puzzle. In the US, for every 4,000 people who need help there is only one pelvic physical therapist available," said Sauer."For folks who can't get to a pelvic specialist for geographic or financial reasons, Kiwi is an accessible and trustworthy place to start."Kiwi aims to break taboos around seeking help for pelvic health and negative sexual experiencesThe tool comes with educational content, including guided videos, to promote conversation and knowledge about health and sex."It would be irresponsible for us to hand someone a user manual solely with directions on how to turn a product on and off," said Sauer."The lack of education around pelvic health has already stripped an entire population of our ability to make empowered decisions about our health. Knowledge is power."Kiwi is shortlisted in the product design (health and wellbeing) category of the Dezeen Awards 2024The Pelvic People is working to continue to produce products that can aid vulnerabilities surrounding sex."While we do have future products in the pipeline, we're also dedicated to contributing to the scientific community with validated research," Sauer said.Other sex-positive products that have been featured on Dezeen include a vibrator that doubles as an artificial insemination device and a massager for women going through menopause.The post Kiwi intends to "bridge the gap between sex toy and medical device" appeared first on Dezeen.

Our latest lookbook collects opulent kitchens that incorporate pops of shiny, reflective gold on worktops, cabinet doors, splashbacks and decor.The kitchens featured in this roundup go beyond using gold for just hardware and taps, and instead make bold statements by applying warm metallic accents in unexpected ways.The golden tones add a regal touch to the interiors and create visually interesting material palettes when combined with textural wooden surfaces and veiny marble.This is the latest in our lookbooks series, which provides visual inspiration from Dezeen's archive. For more inspiration, see previous lookbooks featuring homes with plywood panelling, minimalist concrete bedrooms and light-filled cottage interiors.Photo by Alice MesguichCollectors Home, the Netherlands, by DAB StudioSleek, golden worktops and splashbacks add a sense of opulence to the kitchen at Collectors Home, a 1920s Dutch house that was renovated by local interiors firmDAB Studio.The warm-toned metallic surfaces were complimented with red-stained timber kitchen units, deep red ceramics and a red copper table lamp with a shaggy, gold-hued fringe.Find out more about Collectors Home Stine Goya's office, Denmark, by ReformDanish brandReform created a gold kitchen for the headquarters of Copenhagen-based fashion designer Stine Goya by updating standard IKEA cabinetry with brass doors.The shiny cabinet doors reflect light around the kitchen, which has warm timber flooring and walls painted in a buttery yellow colour to amplify the golden tones.Find out more about Stone Goya's office Photo by James RetiefMaryland House, UK, by Remi Connolly-TaylorFor herownhome and studio in London, designer Remi Connolly-Taylor inserted a statement red staircase leading to a golden kitchen in the basement.The home was largely designed to have a calm and paired-back appearance, punctuated with moments of grandeur like the metallic kitchen units.Find out more about Maryland House Photo by Scott NorsworthyPortal House, Canada, by SvimaAsymmetric portals lined with brass puncture the walls of this home in Toronto, which was renovated by local architecture studio Svima.The curved openings add ribbons of gold to the kitchen and adjacent dining room, which were decorated with dark oak cabinets and porcelain wall tiles.Find out more about Portal House Photo by Yannis DrakoulidisTrikoupi Apartment, Greece, by Point Supreme ArchitectsLocal studio Point Supreme Architects altered the floor plan of this apartment inAthens to create a light-filled open-plan kitchen, living and dining room with a storage wall made from stained green plywood.A bespoke wooden dining table with a red Corian hob area doubles as a kitchen island, and a shiny gold curtain closes off an adjacent study.Find out more about Trikoupi Apartment Photo by Megan TaylorOvercast House, UK, Office S&MArchitecture studioOffice S&M expanded this Victorian home in London by adding a ground-floor kitchen extension with a saw-tooth roof, designed for entertaining guests and to double as an artist's studio.The interior was finished in various colourful surfaces, including gold-leaf tiles on the splashback and structural beams painted a minty green.Find out more about Overcast House Barcelona apartment, Spain, by Ral SnchezA gold-leaf wall divides the communal spaces of this renovated apartment in Barcelona, designed by architectRal Snchez.A room with a decorative mosaic floor features a lounge area and a kitchen with a pink marble splashback along one wall. On the other side of the golden partition is a dining room that overlooks a courtyard.Find out more about the Barcelona apartment Photo by Jacob MilliganJewellery Box, UK, by Michael Collins ArchitectsJewellery Box is a two-storey home extension and renovation in London, created by Hertfordshire studio Michael Collins Architects to have a subdued exterior and bright interior.In the kitchen, Inchyra Blue cabinets and surfaces were contrasted with gold backsplashes and door handles.Find out more about Jewellery Box This is the latest in our lookbooks series, which provides visual inspiration from Dezeen's archive. For more inspiration, see previous lookbooks featuring homes with plywood panelling, minimalist concrete bedrooms and light-filled cottage interiors.The post Eight stylish kitchens with metallic gold surfaces in unexpected places appeared first on Dezeen.

Watchmaker Audemars Piguet tends to blend contemporary pop culture facets into the Royal Oak design philosophy. Its latest creation the Royal Oak Concept Tourbillon Companion is a true embodiment of this. In creating this watch that intends to explore new boundaries of art and haute horology AP is joined by KAWS, a Brooklyn-based front-running artist in the contemporary pop art scene.The resulting KAWS x Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Concept Tourbillon Companion is no short of charisma, even considering the fact that it is only limited to 250 examples. Making it incredibly elite and enticing in the same breath is the iconic KAWS Companion character a grayscale cartoon mouse with a skull and crossbones for its head and eyes made from crosses, trapped inside the face of the watch with its palms pressing against the sapphire crystal.Designer: Audemars Piguet xx KAWSThe watchs spectacular dial with the Companion at the center grows interesting with the surrounding hour and minute hands, featuring luminescent coating, that move in the periphery of the movement. Audemars Piguet calls it the peripheral time display that might create many aesthetic possibilities especially in such watches when a statement figure or identity at the heart of the dial does not anymore block the time-telling hands.The Companion, revealing the tourbillon cage on its chest, sits on top of the Royal Oaks sunburst-brushed titanium dial plate with its X-shaped eyes glowing in the dark with grey lacquer. The KAWS x Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Concept Tourbillon Companion features a 43mm sandblasted titanium case and black ceramic crown, and measures only 17.4mm thick. Even with the visually dominant character inside, made from brushed and sandblasted titanium, the AP Royal Oak does not tip the scale too much, the titanium watch is surprisingly lightweight for everyday use.In the past 50-plus years, Audemars Piguet Royal Oak has been through numerous iterations. Still, its design aesthetics including the tonneau-shaped case and the apparent eight hexagonal screws on the bezel have remained unchanged. Its true with the Companion edition as well, which sees hexagonal screws earmarked in KAWS X motif. The watch itself is powered by hand-wound 2979 movement that beats at 3Hz and offers 72 hours of power reserve. The caseback carries the KAWS branding, Audemars Piguet logo, and the words Limited Edition of 250 pieces, engraved on it. Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Concept Tourbillon Companion comes with a dark grey calfskin leather strap or choice of and a slate grey calfskin strap and is priced at 200,000 CHF (approx. $220,000) through Audemars Piguet boutiques.The post KAWS x Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Concept Tourbillon Companion explores new territories of art & watchmaking first appeared on Yanko Design.

Winters are setting in and its time to snuggle up in puffer jackets to shield your body from losing heat to the frigid conditions outside. This time of the year can be quite dull as one prefers being in the cocoon and not indulging in much fun in daily life.The MERTRA Heat Reactive Jacket is here to break the monotony with its unique features thatll have you up and dancing. The Australian brand is slowly gaining popularity, especially in the UK given the cold year-round weather. Their latest creation, the Heat Reactive Puffer Jacket is more than just a cozy winter wear, and itll further increase their brand awareness worldwide.Designer: MERTRANormally a stylish jacket you can sport every day on the commute, the piece of clothing has some wizardry hidden in its design. Only when it is exposed to the elements like heat or water, does the stylish wear turn into a canvas of color and play. Yes, the puffer jacket instantly shifts colors for a visually striking experience for the onlookers. If someone slaps their hand on the jacket itll create a hand pattern since the body has a heat signature. Yes, this jacket is very sensitive to any heat or water exposure, so youll have limitless options to create a unique canvas. Now, thats going to lift the spirits and get everyone in the mood for some fun.The apparel will launch on 29 November via the official website and more details are expected to come in about this fashion wear. There is no word on the pricing of the Heated Puffer Jacket yet but we expect it to be more than their normal range of products.The post This puffer jacket color shifts when exposed to heat or water first appeared on Yanko Design.

"Everybody brings their own special personal connection to the game. So we were ready for everything."They didn't stop to think if they should.