• Roof Hacks: A Leafblower vs. Sheets of Ice
    www.core77.com
    Tasked with having to clear ice off of a rubber roof, Redditor amish_novelty reached for a leafblower:Reddit being Reddit, one of the commenters channeled his inner Christopher Nolan and ran the video backwards:We think amish_novelty needs to join forces with the last Redditor we saw hacking a leafblower.
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  • Top 5 A.I. Features Every 3D Rendering Software Needs ASAP
    www.yankodesign.com
    No, we dont need Text To 3D yet but there definitely are AI features that could upgrade your 3D modeling and rendering workflow.I hate to phrase it this way, but it does seem like AI has somewhat upended photography. If you remember, last years Sony World Photography Award witnessed a unique scandal the winning image was generated using AI. While that event shook the photography world to the core, everyone and their grandfather knew the 3D industry was the next to face an AI wave. GenAI tools have been very good at disrupting the 2D image world the internet is overwhelmingly 2D, and is filled with hundreds of trillions of images that serve as a nifty database for these AI tools for 3D, not so much. Sure, companies are working on developing 3D-specific AI tools, but weve got years before an AI tool can accurately create stunning 3D models from scratch.However, fearing the potential of AI disruption in the future unfairly undercuts its usefulness in the present. For 3D modelers and renderers, AI holds a LOT of potential in upgrading your workflow. The only problem not a single major rendering software has embraced any AI feature yet (barring just a tiny handful). However, here are a handful of powerful AI features that rendering software like Blender, Octane, V-ray, SketchUp, and KeyShot should absolutely add to their arsenal. Until then, Ive also made the liberty of providing alternatives.AI Environment Generation (Alternative SkyBox.ai)What most first-time designers dont realize with product rendering, is that the product itself is just a small part of the picture. You still need to design or compose a background or scenario in which to place your product. A car needs a nice empty road or lighting studio, a vase needs a mantelpiece, a chair needs a living room, etc. You could spend hours and quite a bit of money finding 3D assets for your scene but what if you could just ask AI to create a nice HDRI environment for you instead? Need an empty studio, ask the AI. What about a cyberpunk neighborhood? Simply ask the AI! GenAI could make rapid environment generation incredibly easy, allowing you to compose and render in minutes instead of hours or days. Although rendering software havent implemented such an idea, a website called SkyBox by Blockade Labs lets you create and even edit 360 environments using AI, and then download and apply them in your rendering scene.AI Background/Backplate Generation (Alternative Midjourney)A 360 environment is one thing what if you need something less complicated? Like a nice gradient for your products background, or some wacky splashes of water to make your rendering of a juice box look fresh, or perhaps just a nice model hand that you can then edit to make it look like its holding the product. This is perhaps the easiest application of GenAI in 3D product visualization. I find myself gravitating to Midjourney for its sheer realism, but there are a WHOLE bunch of free alternatives like Stable Diffusion, Leonardo.ai, even DALL-E inside Microsoft Bing. If youve got some money to spare, Midjourney is a good option, but Canvas AI tools are pretty neat too.AI Render Upscaler (Alternative Magnific.ai)This one is an absolute no-brainer. Imagine this youve got just half an hour before a meeting or pitch, and the clients asked for a new round of renders. Each render at maximum resolution takes a good 5-10 minutes, leaving you with hardly any time on hand. What if there was a way to just quickly upscale low-res renders? AI could absolutely help, and could do a phenomenal job too. Take your low-res 800px-wide render and feed it into an AI upscaler; just one minute later, youre presented with a render thats 2400px wide, enough to present to a client on a large screen, or even have printed! There are a few upscalers out there Topaz Gigapixel (for Windows and Mac) and Pixelmator (for Mac) come to mind, although if you have some extra cash to spare, Magnific.ai is the gold standard. Not only does it upscale your images, it lets you upscale them with text commands. You can turn a blurry render into a steampunk image, a realistic visualization, or even a watercolor painting. Pretty cool, eh?AI Material Generation (Alternative WithPoly)Most rendering software come with a preset material bank and most designers make the mistake of only working within the parameters of those presets. To truly unlock great rendering and visualization, you HAVE to step out of your comfort zone and build your own materials from scratch. Whether its making realistic wood-grain, fabric, or even woven carbon fiber never use the default materials that come free with your rendering software. You could go to websites that offer material assets (PolyHaven and Quixel Megascans are great for free stuff), but youll end up stuck if you cant find the exact material you need. So, what if AI could make materials FOR you? Imagine asking the AI to make pink carbon fiber, or glowing hot metal, and having all the image and texture assets ready for you. Sure, it would be nice to have rendering software with this built-in feature but until then, WithPoly is a great alternative. With a freemium tier, you should be able to generate pretty decent 2K-quality textures and materials simply through text. The AI creates diffuse, bump, displacement, specular, AO, and a host of other perfectly matching and seamless texture files, all for free. If you want to upscale your textures or download them in different formats, youll have to buy credits, but for beginners, the free version is more than capable.AI Render Style-Matching (Alternative PhotoShop AI Suite)Picture this youre scrolling through Behance or Pinterest (or even Instagram) and you see a wonderful product photo or render. The lighting is perfect, the background seamless, and you love the composition. You wish you could create such an image too, but it isnt so easy. What if you could render a basic image and have the AI match it to the photo you liked? Well, such a tool doesnt exist yet, butPhotoshops AI features allow you to achieve similar results. The softwares new AI tools include a generative fill feature, which lets you fill in selections with AI-generated objects. You could load a photo of a face, select your eyes, and have the AI generate sunglasses. Or change your clothes to a tuxedo but more importantly, you can now even add reference images to tell the AI what to generate, or use Photoshops newly introduced Neural Filters to directly perform style-transfers. Imagine seeing a gorgeous photo of a perfume bottle and wanting to recreate the scene with your own 3D model all you do is render your 3D model with flashy lighting, and add the background to your image using the reference feature. Its a lot like using Midjourney to generate backplates, but what Photoshop does so well is integrate subject and background seamlessly. Photoshop will match your products shadows on the floor, create the right glare or caustics, and make a fairly believable-looking render in probably a minute or two!The post Top 5 A.I. Features Every 3D Rendering Software Needs ASAP first appeared on Yanko Design.
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  • Compact & Economical Micro-Home Is Designed To Address The Lack of Low-Cost Housing In India
    www.yankodesign.com
    Coined the Tiny Home, this micro-home prototype was designed by Indian architects Harshit Singh Kothari and Tanvi Jain. The home is located on the outskirts of Indore, and it was designed as a solution to tackle Indias problem of affordable housing. Affordable housing solutions are lacking in India, and this little home in Madhya Pradesh showcases how the aspirational image of an Indian house can be conceived within a budget of 4,55,000 rupees. The home occupies a compact footprint of 19.5 square meters.Designer: Harshit Singh Kothari and Tanvi JainThe house design was based on a year-long research that included interactions with the target group living in houses of similar sizes whether they are rented houses, social housing, or self-builds, said Kothari and Jain. We realized that there was scope to experiment with and showcase that an aspirational house with aesthetic appeal could be built using standard methods of construction, at an affordable budget and quickly.The house is organized as a single cozy and flexible living space amped with high ceilings. It can be reconfigured for living, sleeping, and dining. A daybed has been placed near the homes entrance, which can be converted into a double bed. This is segregated from the kitchen using a foldable dining table near some shelving space.Inspired by tiny houses and conceptually reconfigured to respond to the Indian climate, the house is organized around a single, multifunctional volume that can transform throughout the day, said the architects. Furthermore, strategically placed windows allow for ample light and quick ventilation of the spaces.The rear section of the home accommodates a toilet and some storage cupboards which have been placed underneath a mezzanine floor. This mezzanine section includes an additional sleeping area that can be entered using a small ladder.A compact raised veranda has been placed in front of the house. This veranda is protected by a corrugated canopy, and it functions as an external seating area near the entrance. The veranda also protects the eastern side of the home from the heat of the late morning sun. Although the home is quite compact and economical, it was designed to be an aspirational Indian home. Materials like marble flooring, granite worktops, and teak window frames were utilized to achieve this effect. The brick walls showcase an earth-colored plaster.Material choices were dictated by the aspirational image of an Indian house and we wanted to showcase that through considerate design and optimized construction, these were achievable at an affordable price point, said Kothari and Jain.The post Compact & Economical Micro-Home Is Designed To Address The Lack of Low-Cost Housing In India first appeared on Yanko Design.
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  • Holiday Home Guide: Must-Have Items for Party Hosting
    www.home-designing.com
    The holidays are the perfect time to gather with loved ones, share laughter, and create lasting memories. But hosting a holiday party? Thats an art that requires a bit of planning, a sprinkle of creativity, and, of course, the right tools to set the stage. Whether youre throwing a cozy dinner party, a festive cocktail soiree, or a cheerful family gathering, having the right items can make all the difference. To help you deck the halls and dazzle your guests, weve rounded up the ultimate holiday home deals guide to ensure youre fully equipped for the season.1. Festive Tableware to Wow Your GuestsSource: Home With HollyYour dining table sets the tone for the entire event, so investing in festive tableware is a no-brainer. Look for pieces that reflect the season, such as plates with subtle snowflake patterns or gold-rimmed glasses for a touch of elegance.If youre hosting a Thanksgiving dinner, you might choose traditional porcelain plates with autumnal colors, while for Christmas, you might opt for plates with red, green, and gold designs.Ceramic plates with hand-painted details or fine china add a festive feel, while modern glassware can match any occasion. Opt for durable pieces that can withstand the excitement of a lively party but still look sophisticated for formal dinners.To give your table a little extra flair, consider using special serving dishes, such as gravy boats, salad bowls, and tiered cake stands, which allow you to display food attractively.2. Ambient Lighting for a Cozy AtmosphereSource: PinterestLighting is one of the most effective ways to set the mood for your holiday party. Soft, twinkling lights can create a cozy, intimate atmosphere, while bolder lighting adds excitement to the night. Whether youre decorating your dining room or outdoor patio, lighting has the power to change the entire feel of the event.String lights are a holiday classic and can be used in countless waysdrape them over your mantel, hang them across your dining table, or wrap them around your outdoor space for a magical look.Candles are another great optionthey add warmth and a soft glow to any room. If you want something that feels a little more special, try out chandeliers or pendant lights with seasonal motifs to give your gathering an extra touch of glam.3. Cozy Throw Blankets For ComfortSource: PinterestWhen hosting a holiday party, comfort is key, and theres nothing better than creating a warm, inviting atmosphere with soft throw blankets. Perfect for draping over couches, armchairs, or even providing a cozy corner for guests to retreat to, throw blankets bring an extra layer of warmth to your spaceboth physically and visually.Choose seasonal colors like deep reds, forest greens, or classic plaid patterns to complement your holiday theme. A plush, faux fur throw also adds a touch of luxury that makes your guests feel pampered. Theyre especially nice for outdoor gatherings when the evening air starts to get chilly.4. Chafing Dishes and Food WarmersSource: WayfairFor larger parties, a buffet-style setup is often the best way to go, and having the right tools to keep your food warm is key. Chafing dishes and food warmers are your best friends in these situations. They keep everything at the perfect temperature, so you dont have to worry about your food getting cold while youre busy entertaining. Plus, they give your setup a more professional, organized feel.The beauty of chafing dishes is that they come in all shapes and sizeswhether you need a few small dishes for appetizers or large trays for the main course, theres something for every need. And, if youre looking for something that adds a bit more flair, go for food warmers with sleek, modern designs or metallic finishes.6. Cocktail Shaker Set: Shake Things Up in StyleSource: WayfairA good cocktail shaker set is like a secret weapon for any holiday party. Whether youre serving up martinis, festive punches, or something a little more adventurous, a sleek shaker set adds both function and flair to your bar area. You dont have to be a professional bartender to impress your guests; a quality set is all you need to stir up some holiday magic.Look for a set that includes a shaker, strainer, jigger, and stirring spoonall the essentials to craft your signature cocktails. If youre feeling extra festive, go for a set with a polished finish or some fun holiday motifs, like reindeer or snowflakes. Its the kind of item thats both practical and a statement piece.Plus, it gives you a chance to get creative with your drinks and wow your guests with something special, whether its a spicy holiday margarita or a cozy spiked hot chocolate.7.Board Games: Bring Laughter and ConnectionTheres something timeless about pulling out a board game at a holiday party. Its a simple way to bring people together, spark laughter, and keep the good vibes rolling throughout the night. If youre hosting a family-friendly crowd, classics like Pictionary or Charades are a no-brainer. Theyre easy to play, require little setup, and always manage to get everyone laughing. For a group that loves strategy, something like Catan or Ticket to Ride can draw people in for a competitive and engaging round. And for adults who enjoy a more playful edge, games like Cards Against Humanity or What Do You Meme? can add some cheeky humor to the night.What makes board games special is how they naturally bring people closer. Theres no pressure to be seriousjust grab a seat, roll the dice, or draw a card, and the fun unfolds.8. Holiday-Themed Napkins and Place SettingsSource: PinterestEven something as simple as napkins can add a delightful touch to your holiday dcor, setting the tone for your party from the very first glance. During the holiday season, opt for festive, themed napkins that blend seamlessly with your dcor.Whether they feature classic holiday patterns like snowflakes, holly, or plaid, or showcase custom designs with fun holiday messages or your partys theme, they instantly add a special flair to the table.Place settings are another area where you can elevate the ambiance. Matching chargers, placemats, and napkin rings help bring cohesion to the table, making it feel well thought-out and sophisticated.9. Scented Candles To Set The MoodSource: WayfairThe power of scent to set the mood is undeniable, and scented candles are a simple yet effective way to elevate your holiday gathering. The right fragrance can evoke feelings of nostalgia, relaxation, and joy.During the holiday season, scents like cinnamon, pine, gingerbread, and vanilla can bring that cozy, festive feel to your home. Place a few strategically around your spaceon the coffee table, dining area, or bathroomand let the scent subtly add to the overall atmosphere. Candles also provide that warm, flickering light that adds a calm, intimate vibe to any room.10. Cocktail GlasswareSource: PinterestA holiday party wouldnt be complete without a well-stocked bar. Having the right cocktail glassware is essential for serving drinks and adding an element of class to your party. Depending on your drink menu, you may need martini glasses, wine glasses, champagne flutes, and whiskey tumblers.Consider investing in a set of versatile glassware that can be used for various cocktails, from classic martinis to seasonal mulled wine. Opt for glassware with elegant designs, such as etched patterns or gold-rimmed edges, to make your drinks stand out. For a more modern or playful touch, consider colored glassware that complements your holiday dcor.11. Wreaths and Garlands: Natures Touch to DcorSource: PinterestTheres something magical about wreaths and garlands that can instantly make any space feel like the holidays. The best part? Wreaths and garlands are simple but impactful, giving your home that holiday hug feeling without overcomplicating things.You can choose from fresh greenery, which fills the air with a natural pine scent, or opt for artificial versions that still look beautiful but last season after season.A wreath on your front door not only sets the stage for whats inside, but it also tells your guests that youre ready to celebrate. Garlands are just as versatile: loop them around doorways, along your table centerpiece, or drape them across your dining room table for a stunning, festive effect.12. Holiday Photo Booth: Make the Moments UnforgettableSource: Blog StudioA holiday photo booth is one of those ideas that seems simple, but it adds so much fun to the party. Guests love an excuse to pose for silly pictures, and its the perfect way to capture those genuine, joyful moments. You dont need to go overboard to pull this offa blank wall with some fairy lights or a festive backdrop works wonders.Grab a few props like Santa hats, reindeer antlers, and maybe even a Naughty or Nice sign. Watching your friends and family laugh while they strike ridiculous poses is half the entertainment. Plus, those photos? Theyll be cherished memories, not just for you but for everyone who came.13. Holiday Crackers: A Pop of Fun and TraditionSource: PinterestHoliday crackers are the ultimate icebreaker for any festive gathering. These colorful, festive novelties arent just for kidsthey bring a sense of whimsy and tradition that guests of all ages will enjoy. When the moment comes to pull the crackers, the fun begins. Theres that satisfying snap, followed by laughter as everyone unveils the surprises inside. Whether its a small trinket, a paper crown, or a silly joke, holiday crackers spark conversation and a festive spirit. Those bright, shiny paper crowns? They look charmingly ridiculous on everyone, and thats the pointembracing the joy and silliness of the season together.You can find ready-made crackers in all kinds of themes, from classic red and gold to modern and chic designs, or even make your own to match your partys vibe. Fill them with items that suit your guests, whether its chocolates, mini gadgets, or personalized notes.14. Holiday Themed Table RunnerSource: PinterestA holiday-themed table runner is one of those little details that can really tie your whole table setup together. Its such a simple addition, but it has a big impact. Imagine your dining table dressed in a runner with rich reds, deep greens, or shimmering gold accentsit instantly says, holiday season is here!Whats great about a table runner is its versatility. You can go classic with one that has embroidered holly or poinsettias, or maybe choose something modern like a plaid design or one with metallic threads that catch the light.The runner isnt just decorativeit also creates a base for the rest of your table setup. Place candles, centerpieces, or even a few ornaments along its length, and suddenly your dining area feels so much more intentional and festive.15. Serving Trays and Drink DispensersSource: WayfairWhen hosting a large party, youll want to make sure youre serving your drinks in style, and nothing does that quite like a good serving tray or drink dispenser. Large beverage dispensers are perfect for punch, lemonade, or mulled cider, allowing guests to serve themselves while keeping the line moving.Serving trays are equally important for bringing out appetizers, snacks, and finger foods in a way thats easy to carry around and looks great. Whether youre serving drinks, food, or both, these items make hosting easier and more elegant, ensuring your guests never have to wait for a refill.Finishing NotesHosting a holiday party is all about combining functionality with festive charm, and these 20 must-have items are the perfect way to achieve that balance. At Home Designing, were passionate about helping you create spaces that inspire and elevate every occasion. Whether youre looking for expert tips or creative ideas to transform your home for the holidays, our website is your go-to resource for turning your vision into reality. Lets make your holiday celebrations truly unforgettable. Happy holidays!
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  • Looking for stocking fillers? These Nintendo Switch games are under $25
    www.creativebloq.com
    Just in time for Christmas, bag these deals on popular Nintendo Switch games for the ultimate stocking filler.
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  • The Billion-Dollar Adult Streaming Industry Is Fueled by Horrific Labor Abuses
    www.wired.com
    Bedbugs and cockroaches. Filthy shared equipment. Constant surveillance, and zero control over their accounts. These are just some of the deplorable conditions adult cammers say they face on the job.
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  • OnlyFans Models Are Using AI Impersonators to Keep Up With Their DMs
    www.wired.com
    AI is replacing the humans who pretend to be OnlyFans stars in online amorous messages.
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  • Why Luigi Mangiones Reddit and Instagram Were Taken Down, but Not His Goodreads?
    www.nytimes.com
    Luigi Mangiones social media accounts attracted swift attention after he was arrested in the killing of UnitedHealthcares chief executive. When do companies scrub a digital trail?
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  • Exxon Plans to Sell Electricity to Data Centers
    www.nytimes.com
    The countrys largest oil company is designing a natural gas power plant outfitted with carbon capture technology to meet the voracious power demand of technology companies.
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