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I dislike leaving the house with wet, drippy hair, especially in winter because I catch a cold as easily as a toddler. Hair dryers are a great invention to prevent such things but with time being the most valuable resource today, do I really want to spend 10-20 minutes drying my thick mane? I think not. Most men and women would agree with me but what else can you do? Fortunately, a visionary thought of modern hair dryers being inefficient in the same manner and designed a concept for a hands-free model that doubles as a lamp too.Korean industrial designer ByeongKyu Park has conceptualized Pillar hands-free hair dryer that lets the user make most of the precious time. Now this is an invention I could get behind. Pillar not only saves you time but space as well, which is a luxury in modern households. The column-like design keeps your precious drawer and vanity space clutter-free to place other essentials. It sits in a corner of the room until the need arises or can be used as a floor lamp.Designer: ByeongKyu ParkYou get a laid-back start to your day with this hair dryer that frees up your hands to do a handful of morning chores. It comes with a steel frame where you can magnetically attach the appliance at a desired angle to better facilitate multitasking or leisure. There are two cuboid contraptions: One is the hair dryer and the other is a lamp.Pillar hair dryer has an adjustable knob to regulate the airflow direction to carry out the same functionality as manual hair drying. You can also choose between three airflow settings: strong wind, light warm wind and strong warm wind. Simply plug in the device and go about your tasks whether reading a book or in my case, enjoying my favorite game. Fifa, anyone?Dont think me lethargic for vouching such a device. Pillar will save me time and let me work on other things, especially in the morning. But it will also help the elderly or people with limited mobility or disabilities who cannot manually dry their hair with a traditional hair dryer.The appliance can be adjusted to align with the body shape of the column-like frame after use for sleeker appurtenance. When not in use, you can turn on the lamp and illuminate the space in style.The post Floor-Standing Hairdryer Gives You Hands-Free Usage While Doubling As A Floor Lamp first appeared on Yanko Design.

Amphipoea oculea, the ear moth, is a moth in the family Noctuidae, with a wingspan of 29 to 34 millimetres (1.1 to 1.3 inches). Its range includes southern England, where it is widespread and common, as well as Ireland and continental Europe, with the exception of Albania, Greece and Turkey. Adults are found from June to September depending on the location, with one generation occurring per year. At night the moths come to light and flowers, seeking honeydew and sugar. During the day they feed at the flowers of thistles and ragwort. This female A.oculea moth was photographed feeding on field scabious in Keila, Estonia. The photograph was focus-stacked from 22 separate images.Photograph credit: Ivar LeidusRecently featured: Kefermarkt altarpiece20,000 Leagues Under the SeaGeorge N. BarnardArchiveMore featured pictures

December 26: Saint Stephen's Day (Western Christianity); Boxing Day in the Commonwealth; Wren Day in Ireland and the Isle of Man; Kwanzaa begins (African diaspora in the Americas)Flannan Isles Lighthouse1862 American Civil War: The Battle of Chickasaw Bayou began with Confederate defenders engaging Union forces who were attempting to capture the city of Vicksburg, Mississippi.1871 Thespis, the first comic opera by Gilbert and Sullivan, premiered at the Gaiety Theatre in London.1900 A relief crew arrived at the Flannan Isles Lighthouse (pictured) in Scotland and discovered that the previous crew had disappeared.1943 Second World War: The German battleship Scharnhorst was sunk at the Battle of the North Cape during an attempt to attack Arctic convoys.2004 A major earthquake and tsunami devastated communities around the Indian Ocean, killing an estimated 227,898 people in 14 countries.Willy Corsari (b.1897)Elizabeth David (b.1913)Milagros Benet de Mewton (d.1948)Stanisaw Kot (d.1975)More anniversaries: December 25December 26December 27ArchiveBy emailList of days of the yearAbout

LatestMachine LearningQVQ-72B: The Ultimate Visual Reasoning AI You Can Run Locally 0 like December 25, 2024Share this postLast Updated on December 25, 2024 by Editorial TeamAuthor(s): Hasitha Pathum Originally published on Towards AI. This member-only story is on us. Upgrade to access all of Medium.Imagine having the power of a cutting-edge visual reasoning large language model (LLM) installed locally on your own machine. Its no longer just a dream the QVQ-72B, released under the permissive Apache 2.0 license, is here to make it a reality! Developed by the brilliant Qwen team at Alibaba, QVQ-72B is not just another AI model; its a game-changer for anyone seeking high-performance multimodal reasoning without relying on cloud services.This article dives deep into what makes QVQ-72B unique, why its revolutionary, and how to set it up locally. Whether youre an AI enthusiast, a developer looking for advanced capabilities, or an organization prioritizing data privacy, this guide will equip you with everything you need to know about QVQ-72B.QVQ-72B is a state-of-the-art visual reasoning LLM with 72 billion parameters, specifically designed for tasks that require understanding and reasoning across both text and images. Unlike traditional language models, QVQ-72B integrates advanced visual processing capabilities, enabling it to interpret images, generate contextually relevant text, and solve complex multimodal problems.Key Features:Multimodal Mastery: Combines visual and textual reasoning seamlessly.Scalable Deployment: Fully operable on local hardware setups.Open Source: Released under Apache 2.0, ensuring flexibility Read the full blog for free on Medium.Join thousands of data leaders on the AI newsletter. Join over 80,000 subscribers and keep up to date with the latest developments in AI. From research to projects and ideas. If you are building an AI startup, an AI-related product, or a service, we invite you to consider becoming asponsor. Published via Towards AITowards AI - Medium Share this post

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AI slop has consumed Facebook, is running Wikipedia editors ragged, is rapidly destroying Google search, probably put an extra finger on the scales of election influence, is confusing and annoying crafters, steals endlessly from authors, is on its way to demolish YouTube comment sections, and will probably end up in a movie theater near you sooner than you think. But if youre streaming Christmas music today, did something seem a little off to you? If so, theres a very good chance youve been listening to AI-generated carol-slop.As spotted by video game developer Karbonic, YouTube compilation videos are sneaking AI generated songs into their mixes.The example they posted, Best of 1950s to 1970s Christmas Carols ~ vintage christmas songs that will melt your heart , has more than five million views and more than 2,000 comments. A ton of the comments appear to be engagement-farming bots, saying things like I'm looking forward to Christmas 2024, is anyone else like me? but many seem human. It takes me back to my childhood and I realize how wonderful life was before worries about money and so many futile things that dont matter, one person wrote. Another commented, Missing memories of my youth. But, grateful for the blessings in my life. Merry Christmas and God bless you.If I put this on in the background while doing something else, I might not think anything of it. But there are points in the one hour 18 minute video that give it away as AI: O Little Town of Bethlehem, around the 36:55 mark, is the lyrics of that song but the melody of Silent Night. If you compare it to an actual recording of Nat King Cole singing O Little Town, the difference is even more obvious. Once you start noticing the warped tunes, theyre hard to un-hear. Oh Holy Night is listed in the video as being by Nei Diamond, who as far as I can tell doesnt exist, or is a typo of Neil Diamond, who is definitely not the singer in the song on this compilation. The First Noel, attributed here to Nat King Cole, is either an undiscovered recording where Nat and the choir run some really wild riffs, or is AI.I wont list every tell in this video, but there are many and they give me the heebie jeebies. Other videos in this channel, Holiday Serenade Library, seem to be pulling the same grift, sometimes with AI-generated video of people blurring around outdoor markets, Santa with a burning sleigh and reindeer on fire, or children with weird mustaches skipping through the snow.A quick search around the internet to see if anyone else has encountered other holiday-flavored AI slop turned up a recent Reddit thread where people were complaining about seemingly fabricated Spotify artists haunting retail workers during an already agonizing season. They list Dean Snowfield, North Star Notesmiths, Sleighbelle, Frosty Nights, The Humbugs, Snowdrift Sleighs, and Daniel & The Holly Jollies as artists on Spotify that have snuck into Christmas playlists but have little to no trace of a career outside of the streaming platform. Some of them, like several of Dean Snowfields songs, sound like midi mixes with a stilted voice singing the lyrics. These artists make it onto huge, popular playlists like Old Christmas Music alongside real songs. Its honestly hard to tell whether these artists are AI-generated or just mass produced. But their Spotify artist bios often have the same exact text, or follow this pattern:Dean Snowfield are songwriters, artists, and musicians who have combined forces to release holiday themed cover songs on their independent record label, distributed by Warner Music's ADA. In November and December, their A Nostalgic Noel sampler managed to generate over 8,000,000 streams across Spotify and Apple Music. As a collective of artists, Sleighbelle have a great deal of respect for the original songwriters and producers who created these beloved holiday classics, and ask that you support them by streaming their original versions. Without songwriters like Edward Polo, George Wyle, Huge Martin, and Ralph Blane, we wouldn't have this music to interpret and cover. Thanks for listening to our labor of love, and make sure to follow us on our socials. - Dean SnowfieldThey didnt just appear this year: Third Bridge Creative, a music creative agency, noticed these artists dwelling in the uncanny valley last Christmas, too. Is it a coincidence that each of their top songs match up with the respective iconic Christmas hits? Why would I immerse [my]self in the enchanting world of Christmas music with Dean Snowfields low-key creepy Nostalgic Noel when I can put on The Dean Martin Christmas Album instead?, they wrote.These artists are still massively popular on Spotify, with hundreds of thousands of listeners each. The North Star Notesmiths and Dean Snowfield have a very similar male singers voice on several songs. Frosty Nights and Daniel & The Holly Jollies also sound awfully alike. Theyre all signed by Warner Musics ADA label, according to their Spotify biosthe label services arm of Warner Music Group, breaking brand new artists and supporting industry legends, according to the labels siteso Ive reached out to Warner Music to ask what is going on here and will update if I hear back. Spotify also did not respond to a request for comment.Again, its still not clear whether these artists are AI-generated or human, but a lot of people seem to think theres something amiss. To make it all a little weirder, after I emailed ADA for comment, Dean Snowfield commented on one of my Instagram posts and said Congrats on the book release! I hadnt interacted with, or found a way to reach out to, Snowfield at all prior to his comment. Snowfields Instagram account is private, and he keeps rejecting my requests to follow it. He has 36 followers and 3 posts.In the meantime, stay vigilant out there and Merry Christmas from a real human.Sam Cole is writing from the far reaches of the internet, about sexuality, the adult industry, online culture, and AI. She's the author of How Sex Changed the Internet and the Internet Changed Sex.More from Samantha Cole

With red brick and slate siding and all the finest trimmings, this house looks like a present wrapped under the Christmas tree! The Joseph Fletcher House is located at 19 Stimson Avenue in Providence, Rhode Island, and is an excellent example of a Queen Anne residence with the innovative use of siding types often found in the style. The residence was built in 1889 for textile manufacturer, Joseph Edward Fletcher (1866-1924), the son of wealthy, English-born manufacturer, Charles Fletcher. The Fletcher house and adjacent stable were designed by Stone, Carpenter & Willson, one of the most prestigious architectural firms in New England at this period. It is believed that the site was developed by Charles Fletcher, as a wedding gift to his 23-year-old son and daughter-in-law following their marriage. The home was recently sold, and the interiors are as stunning as the exterior!

Heres your roadmap for navigating the emotional, practical and logistical bumps of a divorce in the ... [+] new year.gettyDivorce in January, often referred to as divorce month in legal circles, can feel like the worst possible timing. The start of a new year is typically linked to new beginnings, but for many, it can signal the end of a marriage. If youre facing this challenge, know that youre not alone.January sees an increase in divorce filings as people tend to reflect on the past year and decide its time to move on from a relationship that no longer serves them. While it may seem overwhelming, there are steps you can take to make the process more manageableemotionally, practically and legally.Heres a step-by-step guide to help you navigate the complexities of a January divorce.1. Allow Yourself To Feel Your EmotionsDivorce is a significant life change, and its perfectly normal to feel a complex mix of emotionsgrief, anger, relief, guilt or even confusion. These emotions can feel overwhelming, especially in January, when others around you may express joy, motivation and excitement about the new year.Rather than pressuring yourself to feel optimistic or move on right away, its important to give yourself the time and space to fully process your emotions.A 2022 study published in the Journal of Happiness Studies shows that mixed emotions can be psychologically taxing, as they often create inner conflict. If left unaddressed, they may affect your mental health and overall well-being.MORE FOR YOUHeres how to navigate this emotional terrain:Acknowledge and validate your feelings. Avoid suppressing your emotions, as it may bring temporary relief, but causes long-term stress. Embrace uncomfortable emotions without judgment. Its normal to grieve the end of a relationship while also feeling relief and hope for the future. Use affirmations like, Its okay to feel this way. My feelings are valid, and Im taking steps to heal,Journal to process your emotions. Journaling is a powerful tool for processing emotions. Writing down thoughts and feelings can help gain clarity and identify any unhelpful patterns. Try a letter-writing exercise to express your emotions. You dont need to share itthis is about releasing pent-up feelings and gaining perspective. Use guiding prompts like,Reframe your perspective. Cognitive reappraisal is an effective strategy to regulate emotions by shifting your perspective to reduce emotional impact. For example, instead of thinking, I failed at my marriage, reframe it as, This marriage taught me lessons I can carry forward. If youre focused on loss, shift your mindset to gratitude by identifying the positive aspects of your life that remain intact. This isnt about suppressing emotions, but rather processing them while consciously choosing how to respond.2. Prioritize Your Childrens Well-BeingIf you have children, their well-being is likely one of your top concerns during a divorce. The transition can be especially difficult if it coincides with the start of a new year, when they may be adjusting to school and new routines.A 2015 study published in American Sociological Review shows that changes in family structure can significantly impact childrens development, with the shift from a two-parent household often leading to negative outcomes.However, with the right approach, you can help your children navigate this transition more smoothly. Here are some ways to support your children during this challenging time:Be honest, but gentle. Transparency is important when talking to your children about the divorce, but how you communicate should depend on their age and maturity level. Keep the conversation age-appropriate and reassure them that both parents will continue to love and support them. Avoid placing blame or speaking negatively about the other parent, as this can lead to confusion and emotional distress. The goal is to create a safe space where your children feel comfortable expressing their emotions and asking questions.Create consistent routines. Stability is key to helping your children feel secure. Try to maintain consistency in their day-to-day life, such as sticking to school schedules, extracurricular activities and family mealtimes. Consistent routines provide your children with a sense of normalcy and predictability, offering comfort during uncertain times.Establish a co-parenting strategy. Effective co-parenting is essential for minimizing disruption in your childrens lives. Open and respectful communication with your ex-spouse will help keep logistical matterssuch as pick-up/drop-off schedules, vacations and special eventsrunning smoothly. Discuss how youll approach parenting responsibilities and try to maintain a unified front when it comes to discipline, rules and boundaries. This will help your children adjust to the changes in family dynamics and feel more secure in their relationships with both parents.3. Avoid Making Drastic Life Changes During Your DivorceDivorce is an emotionally charged experience that can leave you feeling like youre at a crossroads, eager to make major decisions in an attempt to regain control and feel empowered in the midst of a significant loss. However, its important to pause and consider whether making drastic life changes during this time is the best choice.A 2023 study published in Clinical Psychology Review shows that when emotions run high, individuals tend to make impulsive decisions without fully assessing the consequences, which can lead to regret or additional stress.Heres why its wise to hold off on major life changes during your divorce:Emotional overload. Divorce can cloud your judgment. When youre emotionally overwhelmed, you may not be in the best frame of mind to make significant, life-altering decisions. Moving or changing careers, for example, can increase feelings of uncertainty or loss.Stability is key. Maintaining as much stability as possible is crucial. Drastic changes in your environment, like a move, can add to the emotional strain and disrupt any sense of normalcy, which can be essential for healing.Time for reflection. Its important to give yourself time to process your emotions, rebuild your self-esteem and make thoughtful decisions. Rushing into major life changes can delay this important process of self-reflection for healing and moving on.Financial and logistical stress. Divorce brings its own financial and logistical challenges. Adding another layer of stresslike selling a home or changing jobscan complicate an already difficult situation.If you feel a strong urge to make a big change, take a step back. Give yourself time to adjust emotionally and consult with a therapist or trusted support network before making any hasty decisions. Its likely your future self will thank you for it in the long run.Dividing up your life, both emotionally and practically, is no small feat. By breaking the process into manageable steps, you can reduce some of the stress and uncertainty and allow January to become a time of healing and self-compassion, despite the upheaval youre facing.Feeling like January might signal troubling tides for your relationship? Take the Marital Satisfaction Scale to gain a clearer perspective.

Something to look forward to: A true stereo experience is all about separating the speakers. The farther apart the left and right channels, the wider the soundstage. This has always posed a challenge for portable speakers, as cramming multiple drivers into a compact enclosure leaves little room for proper spacing. However, Japanese audio company Cear believes it has cracked the code with its innovative Pav wireless speaker. The Pav was launched earlier this year following a successful crowdfunding campaign on Green Funding. At first glance, it resembles other premium wireless speakers, featuring a compact cube shape measuring just over 3.5 inches on each side. However, what sets the Pav apart lies within. Using unique audio technology, it virtually recreates the experience of a larger 2.1-channel stereo setup even though it only houses a pair of 15W drivers.The secret lies in a built-in gyroscope that tracks the speaker's orientation. This sensor data is fed into a Qualcomm S5 Gen 2 chip, which applies digital sound processing. Essentially, the chip calculates how a stereo recording would sound if it were being played from a much larger speaker setup. It then reconstructs that "virtual" wide soundstage through the Pav's dual 15W drivers.According to the company's patent filings, the "sound processing device includes an equalizer that tunes the frequency characteristic so that a frequency characteristic of the sound wave listened in a second environment replicates the frequency characteristic of a sound wave listened in a first environment."But that's not all the Pav has plenty of other fancy tech baked in, too. It's one of the first portable speakers rocking Bluetooth 5.4 with Qualcomm's low-latency Snapdragon Sound certification. You'll get a stutter-free wireless stream with less than a 50ms delay. The audio codec support is also robust, covering SBC, AAC, aptX, and 24-bit/96kHz aptX Adaptive.Additionally, the speaker supports Bluetooth LE for Auracast audio sharing and the higher-quality LC3 codec.If you prefer a hardwired connection, USB-C and aux inputs have you covered. The 8.5-hour battery life and IPX7 waterproof rating make it outdoor-ready, too. Setting it up should be a piece of cake as well since the speaker can be connected via both the app and the unit.If you're interested in purchasing this little powerhouse, you might need to wait in line. The Pav has proven to be a hot commodity, requiring registration on a waiting list. Units are priced at 39,800 yen (or around $250) and are available in black or white. // Related Stories