The Echo Show 8 has always been Amazons sweet spot in their smart display lineup not too big, not too small, just right for most spaces. But this latest generation is more than just another screen with Alexa inside. Its a convenient little hub that finally delivers on the promise of making your smart home actually feel smart. And it can do a ton of other things, too.Heres where it gets interesting: Amazon has slashed the price from $150 to $85 a substantial 43% discount that saves you $65. At this price point, it transforms from a nice to have into a compelling smart home upgrade.See at AmazonYour personal smart home conciergeThis is the newest version of the Echo Show 8, so it has plenty of upgrades. The 8-inch HD display now pairs with spatial audio for a surprisingly immersive entertainment experience. The 13MP camera makes video calls look crisp and professional, while smart features like auto-framing keep you centered even when youre moving around your kitchen making dinner.What sets this generation apart is its built-in smart home hub, supporting Zigbee, Matter, and Thread devices without requiring additional hardware. This means your smart lights, cameras, and other devices can connect directly to the Show 8, simplifying your smart home setup and reducing clutter. Whats more, you can connect multiple devices to each other in different rooms. That means you can have something of an intercom system, use them for voice or video calls, or have better sound by way of multiple speakers.The adaptive content feature is particularly clever it shows you different information based on how far you are from the device. Glance at your calendar from across the room, or get detailed info when youre up close. Combined with the new Top Connections widget, it makes everyday tasks like video calling as simple as a single tap.For those concerned about privacy, Amazon has built in multiple layers of control, including physical mic muting and clear indicators when features are active. You wont have to worry about any potential eavesdroppers, so if thats a concern, you can kill it immediately.What you will want to concern yourself with is how affordable this deal is. Its going to be one of the last offers of the season, so if youre interested in trying one out, be sure you grab yours ASAP. It wont be around for very long, so go into the new year with some great savings.See at Amazon

There are worse ways to celebrate the new year than treating yourself to one of Apples state-of-the-art M3 laptops, especially when one of them has just taken an unexpected $200 price drop. Thats exactly whats just happened at Amazon, where the 13-inch 2024 MacBook Air is now on sale for $899, an 18% markdown that takes this powerhouse laptop nearly back to its Black Friday sale price.See at AmazonWeve become so used to seeing deals on refurbished MacBooks that we had to read this one twice, but its for real this is the newest, fastest version of the MacBook Air, powered by the revolutionary M3 chip and built for Apple Intelligence for unprecedented AI power and privacy protection.Work and Play All DayEven with the brand-new M3 chip driving the 2024 MacBook Air to its fastest performance ever up to 1.6 times faster than the MacBook Airs M1 model this version delivers up to an incredible 18 hours of life on a single battery charge, and can support up to 2 external displays when its lid is closed. The speed isnt just limited to the M3 processor, either the MacBook Air supports Wi-Fi 6E, which is up to 2x faster than Wi-Fi 6.The connections for the M3 MacBook Air are the simplest yet for a Apple laptop. Its powered by a newly redesigned MagSafe charging port, and the two Thunderbolt ports make for fast, stable, and reliable connections for displays, data transfer to portable hard drives, or any other parallel accessory you want to attach.The 2024 M3 MacBook Airs FaceTime HD camera has twice the resolution of the M1 MacBook Air, and with a brighter version of Apples Liquid Retina display and an improved 4-speaker sound system with Spatial Audio, videoconferencing and calls will come through more clearly than ever before.Your iPhones New BestieThe M3 MacBook Air has more interactivity with the iPhone than ever before. The new iPhone Mirroring features let you answer calls and texts with your laptop far easier than previous iterations of the MacBook or the iPhone, and now you can scan documents and also copy and paste text across devices for the first time.The 2024 M3 MacBook Air lives up to its name by being incredibly portable its less than a half-inch thick with the lid closed, and weighs barely over 2.5 pounds. Its the ultimate combination of power, speed, and efficiency, and this unannounced Amazon sale dropping it back under $900 is just another reason to make the upgrade.See at Amazon

Theres something undeniably indulgent about wrapping yourself in a warm towel after a shower. Its the kind of small pleasure that turns an ordinary bathroom into a spa-like experience. The Sameat Heated Towel Warmer brings that luxury home, transforming your daily routine into something you actually look forward to.See at AmazonRight now, this little slice of luxury is even more attainable. Amazon has slashed the price from $100 to $80, offering a $20 savings on your personal comfort upgrade. At 20% off, its an affordable way to add a touch of luxury to your daily routine. And if youve never had a warm towel after a shower, its something youre going to want to experience yesterday. Trust us on this.Cozy comfort after a hot shower for lessThis towel warmer can can accommodate two oversized bath towels, robes, blankets, or even your favorite PJs. With its generous capacity, you could warm up tomorrows outfit while youre getting ready for bed, or keep your robe toasty while youre in the shower.Its smart, thermos-bucket design gets rid of cold spots, ensuring your towels are heated evenly throughout. The intuitive timer system offers flexibility with 30-minute, 1-hour, 2-hour, and 4-hour settings, all with automatic shutoff for peace of mind. And it heats up quickly, so theres no waiting around shivering for your towel to warm.Think of it as your personal comfort concierge. Step out of the shower into a warm embrace, start your day with toasty PJs, or wrap yourself in a heated blanket for movie night. Just remember to stick to cotton materials because this warmer isnt meant for synthetic fabrics or wet items. As long as you stick to the rules, youll be able to use this towel warmer for quite a long time to come. And you might even want to take it with you on vacation so you dont have to miss out on what it can do for you while you travel.For less than the cost of a couple of spa visits, you can bring that pampered feeling home permanently. At $80, its an affordable way to upgrade your daily routine from ordinary to extraordinary. Because sometimes, the smallest luxuries make the biggest difference in how we experience every day. And if youre needing that extra push to go out and get things done this winter since its such a cold one out there most days, youll love knowing you can look forward to a warm towel each day.See at Amazon

MJK Kindergarten / HIBINOSEKKEI + Youji no Shiro + Kids Design LaboSave this picture!Courtesy of KIDS DESIGN LABOKindergartenKitakyushu, JapanArchitects: AreaArea of this architecture projectArea:921 mYearCompletion year of this architecture project Year: 2023 ManufacturersBrands with products used in this architecture project Manufacturers: Bozo, GANTAN BEAUTY INDUSTRY, Runon Lead Architects: HIBINOSEKKEI More SpecsLess SpecsSave this picture!Text description provided by the architects. This is a renovation project for an aging kindergarten with a capacity of 240 children located in Moji, Kitakyushu City. The site is situated in a residential area surrounded by the vast sea to the north and magnificent mountains to the south, it is blessed with nature. Particularly, influenced by the nearby "Midori Valley," the kindergarten's playground features a more than 3-meter difference in elevation. The existing site has been cherished by children as an attractive play area with natural playground equipment and abundant trees, serving as a space for symbiosis and learning. While carefully respecting this environment, the design blurs the boundaries between the inside and outside by bringing the external nature into the interior.Save this picture!Save this picture!Save this picture!All the classrooms are arranged on the ground floor, facing the playground in an L-shaped configuration, allowing children to spend their time while cherishing interaction with nature. The external corridor that connects the playground and classrooms resembles the veranda of a Japanese house, bringing the daily flow of movement semi-outdoors, enabling the children to constantly experience the changes in nature and weather. They can feel the rain falling from the roof and perceive the seasonal transitions brought by the wind. Through such daily experiences, children's sensibilities are refined, and they develop the ability to think and act on their own.Save this picture!Save this picture!Save this picture!A courtyard is provided in the building, aiming to protect the existing trees that have been watching over the kindergarten since its establishment. Next to the courtyard, a dining area is located, featuring fully openable windows that allow children to enjoy meals while sensing the seasons and the changes in existing trees. By valuing the preservation of the existing trees, children cultivate an understanding of and respect for the environment, fostering an awareness of cherishing nature for a sustainable future.Save this picture!Save this picture!Save this picture!In recent years, there has been a tendency in early childhood facilities to prioritize excessive safety and comfort. However, this kindergarten emphasizes children's autonomy and provides an environment that allows for free movement, always fostering a connection with nature. Through this approach, this building plays a role in nurturing children's sensibilities and promoting self-directed early childhood education.Save this picture!Project gallerySee allShow lessProject locationAddress:Kitakyushu, JapanLocation to be used only as a reference. It could indicate city/country but not exact address.About this officeHIBINOSEKKEIOfficeYouji no ShiroOfficeKids Design LaboOfficePublished on December 31, 2024Cite: "MJK Kindergarten / HIBINOSEKKEI + Youji no Shiro + Kids Design Labo" 31 Dec 2024. ArchDaily. Accessed . <https://www.archdaily.com/1025107/mjk-kindergarten-hibinosekkei-plus-youji-no-shiro-plus-kids-design-labo&gt ISSN 0719-8884Save!ArchDaily?You've started following your first account!Did you know?You'll now receive updates based on what you follow! Personalize your stream and start following your favorite authors, offices and users.Go to my stream

When designing spaces with reduced dimensions, adopting an efficient configuration and distribution is crucial for the user experience and the smooth development of activities and tasks to be carried out. In the case of bars and restaurants, numerous architecture and interior design professionals strive daily to meet the needs of clients, employees, and employers, considering everything from necessary installations and technologies to services, atmospheres, and furniture suitable for the type of gastronomy to be consumed.

Download - https://shorturl.at/YnRkN FAB - https://www.fab.com/sellers/CGHOW Whatsapp - https://bit.ly/3LYvxjK Patreon- https://www.patreon.com/Ashif NFT - https://opensea.io/CGHOW Twitter - https://twitter.com/cghow_ If you Liked it - http://bit.ly/2UZmiZ4 Channel Ashif - http://bit.ly/3aYaniw Support me on - paypal.me/9953280644Shield in Unreal Engine 5.5 Niagara Trailer #cghow #UE5 #UE4Niagara #gamefx #ue5niagara #ue4vfx #niagara #unrealengineniagara #realtimevfxVisit - https://cghow.com/ Unreal Engine Marketplace - https://bit.ly/3aojvAa Artstation Store - https://www.artstation.com/ashif/store Gumroad - https://cghow.gumroad.com/

In 2024, space exploration dazzled the world.NASAs Europa Clipper began its journey to study Jupiters moon Europa. SpaceXs Starship achieved its first successful landing, which is a critical milestone for future deep space missions. China made headlines with the Change 6 mission, which successfully returned samples from the far side of the Moon. Meanwhile, the International Space Station continued to host international crews, including private missions like Axiom Mission 3.As an aerospace engineer, Im excited for 2025, when space agencies worldwide are gearing up for even more ambitious goals. Heres a look at the most exciting missions planned for the coming year, which will expand humanitys horizons even further, from the Moon and Mars to asteroids and beyond:Scouting the Lunar Surface With CLPSNASAs Commercial Lunar Payload Services, or CLPS, initiative aims to deliver science and technology payloads to the Moon using commercial landers. CLPS is what brought Intuitive Machines Odysseus lander to the Moon in February 2024, marking the first U.S. Moon landing since Apollo.In 2025, NASA has several CLPS missions planned, including deliveries by companies Astrobotic, Intuitive Machines, and Firefly Aerospace.These missions will carry a variety of scientific instruments and technology demonstrations to different lunar locations. The payloads will include experiments to study lunar geology, test new technologies for future human missions, and gather data on the Moons environment.(Credit: NASA/Firefly Aerospace)An illustration of Fireflys Blue Ghost Lander, which will bring scientific instruments to the lunar surface. Surveying the sky with SPHERExIn February 2025, NASA plans to launch the Spectro-Photometer for the History of the Universe, Epoch of Reionization, and Ices Explorer, or SPHEREx, observatory. This mission will survey the sky in near-infrared light, which is a type of light that is invisible to the naked eye but that special instruments can detect. Near-infrared light is useful for observing objects that are too cool or too distant to be seen in visible light.SPHEREx will create a comprehensive map of the universe by surveying and collecting data on more than 450 million galaxies along with over 100 million stars in the Milky Way. Astronomers will use this data to answer big questions about the origins of galaxies and the distribution of water and organic molecules in stellar nurseries where stars are born from gas and dust.(Credit: NASA/BAE Systems)NASAs SPHEREx observatory will make the most colorful cosmic map. Studying Low Earth Orbit With Space RiderThe European Space Agency, or ESA, plans to conduct an orbital test flight of its Space Rideruncrewed spaceplane in the third quarter of 2025. Space Rider is a reusable spacecraft designed to carry out various scientific experiments in low Earth orbit.These scientific experiments will include research in microgravity, which is the near-weightless environment of space. Scientists will study how plants grow, how materials behave, and how biological processes occur without the influence of gravity.Space Rider will also demonstrate new technologies for future missions. For example, it will test advanced telecommunication systems, which are crucial for maintaining communication with spacecraft over long distances. It will also test new robotic exploration tools for use on future missions to the Moon or Mars.(Credit: ESA)Space Rider, shown in this illustration, will provide a reusable space transportation system for routine access to and from low Earth orbit. Exploring the Moon with M2/ResilienceJapans M2/Resilience mission, scheduled for January 2025, will launch a lander and micro-rover to the lunar surface.This mission will study the lunar soil to understand its composition and properties. Researchers will also conduct a water-splitting test to produce oxygen and hydrogen by extracting water from the lunar surface, heating the water and splitting the captured steam. The generated water, oxygen and hydrogen can be used for enabling long-term lunar exploration.This mission will also demonstrate new technologies, such as advanced navigation systems for precise landings and systems to operate the rover autonomously. These technologies are essential for future lunar exploration and could be used in missions to Mars and beyond.The M2/Resilience mission is part of Japans broader efforts to contribute to international lunar exploration. It builds on the success of Japans Smart Lander for Investigating Moon, or SLIM, mission, which landed on the Moon using a precise landing technique in March 2024.(Credit: ispace) An illustration of the Resilience lander and rover on the lunar surface. Investigating an Asteroid with Tianwen-2Chinas Tianwen-2mission is an ambitious asteroid sample return and comet probe mission. Scheduled for launch in May 2025, Tianwen-2 aims to collect samples from a near-Earth asteroid and study a comet. This mission will advance scientists understanding of the solar systems formation and evolution, building on the success of Chinas previous lunar and Mars missions.The missions first target is the near-Earth asteroid 469219 Kamooalewa. This asteroid is a quasi-satellite of Earth, meaning it orbits the Sun but stays close to Earth. Kamooalewa is roughly 131-328 feet (40-100 meters) in diameter and may be a fragment of the Moon, ejected into space by a past impact event.By studying this asteroid, scientists hope to learn about the early solar system and the processes that shaped it. The spacecraft will use both touch-and-go and anchor-and-attach techniques to collect samples from the asteroids surface.After collecting samples from Kamooalewa, Tianwen-2 will return them to Earth and then set course for its second target, the main-belt comet 311P/PANSTARRS. This comet is located in the asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter.By analyzing the comets materials, researchers hope to learn more about the conditions that existed in the early solar system and possibly the origins of water and organic molecules on Earth.Solar System FlybysBesides the above-planned launch missions, several space agencies plan to perform exciting deep-space flyby missions in 2025.A flyby, or gravity assist, is when a spacecraft passes close enough to a planet or moon to use its gravity for a speed boost. As the spacecraft approaches, it gets pulled in by the planets gravity, which helps it accelerate.After swinging around the planet, the spacecraft is flung back out into space, allowing it to change direction and continue on its intended path using less fuel.Spacecraft can fly by a planet to get a boost using gravity.BepiColombo, a joint mission by ESA and the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency, JAXA, will make its sixth flyby of Mercury in January 2025. This maneuver will help the spacecraft enter orbit around Mercury by November 2026. BepiColombo aims to study Mercurys composition, atmosphere, and surface geology.NASAs Europa Clipper mission, which launched in October 2024, will make significant progress on its journey to Jupiters moon Europa. In March 2025, the spacecraft will perform a flyby maneuver at Mars.This maneuver will help the spacecraft gain the necessary speed and trajectory for its long voyage. Later in December 2026, Europa Clipper will perform a flyby of Earth, using Earths gravity to further increase its momentum so it can arrive at Europa in April 2030.The ESAs Hera mission will also perform a flyby of Mars in March 2025. Here is part of the Asteroid Impact and Deflection Assessment mission, which plans to study the Didymos binary asteroid system. The mission will provide valuable data on asteroid deflection techniques and contribute to planetary defense strategies.NASAs Lucy mission will continue its journey to explore the Jupiter Trojan asteroids, which share Jupiters orbit around the Sun, in 2025. One key event for Lucy is its flyby of the inner main-belt asteroid 52246 Donaldjohanson, scheduled for April 20, 2025.This flyby will provide valuable data on this ancient asteroids composition and surface features, which can help researchers gain insights into the early solar system. The asteroid is named after the paleoanthropologist who discovered the famous Lucy fossil.ESAs Jupiter Icy Moons Explorer, or JUICE, mission will perform a Venus flyby in August 2025. This maneuver will help JUICE gain the necessary speed and trajectory for its journey to Jupiter. Once it arrives, JUICE will study Jupiters icy moons to understand its potential for harboring life.2025 promises to be a groundbreaking year for space exploration. With NASAs ambitious missions and significant contributions from other countries, we are set to make remarkable strides in humanitys understanding of the universe. These missions will not only advance scientific knowledge but also inspire future generations to look to the stars.Zhenbo Wang is an Associate Professor of Mechanical, Aerospace, and Biomedical Engineering, University of Tennessee. This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.

The current eruption at Klauea in Hawai'i that started just before Christmas is still rolling along. The activity from the major vents on the edge of the Halema'uma'u crater has waxed and waned some, but lava fountains reaching tens of meters (hundreds of feet) have been common for the past week. The USGS Hawaii Volcano Observatory reports that lava from this eruption has covered two-thirds of the caldera floor. An overflight of the volcano on December 27 showed the extent of the new, dark, black lava flows from the eruption. A small cone has built up on the edge of the caldera where the vents have been most active. The most recent reports (December 30) from the HVO say that the summit area is slowly deflating but sulfur dioxide emissions are still high, which makes sense considering that the eruption is ongoing.Webcam image of lava flows across the Halema'uma'u Crater at Klauea from the December 2024 eruption. Credit: USGS/HVO.Shield volcanoes like Klauea see these cycles of eruption and collapse commonly. This is the sixth eruption that the summit caldera of Klauea has experienced in since 2000, with some events filling in the caldera while others help deepen it through more collapse. The most recent collapse event happened during the 2018 eruption, when the eruption on the East Rift Zone led to a collapse that doubled the width and deepened Halema'uma'u from 85 meters (280 feet) to 488 meters (1,600 feet) deep! Thing is, Halema'uma'u isn't a caldera, but rather a pit crater formed initially in the last few hundred years.Klauea's CalderaThe summit caldera of Klauea in Hawai'i seen by ESA's Sentinel-2 on December 25, 2024. Credit: ESA, annotated by Erik Klemetti.If you check a recent Sentinel-2 image of the summit of Klauea, you can see the generations of different collapses in the multiple calderas. I've numbered some different calderas or collapse craters at the summit, including the larger Kaluapele Caldera that formed in the late 1400s and early 1500s as well as Halema'uma'u Crater including the deeper down-dropped block from 2018. There are also smaller features (pit craters) like 1959's Klauea Iki.The full Kaluapele Caldera is a robust 4 kilometers (~2.7 miles across). It formed through gradual collapse unlike some other terrestrial calderas like Yellowstone or Crater Lake that formed thanks to very large explosive eruptions. Imagine the Kaluapele eruption forming as the magma that was holding the land up erupted as lava flows across Klauea over the course of months to years.The Largest CalderaThe summit calderas of Olympus Mons on Mars seen by ESA's Mars Express on January 21, 2004. Credit: ESA, processed by Andrea Luck/Flickr, annotated by Erik Klemetti.As big as Klauea's caldera seems, it is nothing compared to the multiple calderas found on top of the solar system's largest volcano, Olympus Mons on Mars. However, they do share a lot of similarities. Most likely, the many calderas on Olympus Mons formed thanks to copious lava flows draining the magma body inside the volcano rather than massive explosive eruptions. There is a sequence of calderas (and collapses) as well on Olympus Mons. I've numbered the sequence of caldera formation on ESA's Mars Express image taken on January 21, 2004. All of these calderas have names like Athena Patera, Hera Patera and Apollo Patera -- patera being the word we use for calderas on other planets or moons.However, they are big. The largest -- Zeus Patera (1 on my image) -- is at least 60 kilometers (37 miles) across and might be as large as 72 kilometers (45 miles) at its widest. Even a smaller one like Athena Patera (4 on my image) is 20 kilometers (12 miles) across, dwarfing Kaluapele Caldera on Klauea. Yet, all of these are the same volcanic feature formed by eruption and collapse. You could even imagine eruptions like we see on Klauea today happening many millions of years ago at Olympus Mons on Mars.Webcam capture showing the vents for the December 2024 eruption at Klauea in Hawai'i. Credit: USGS/HVO.You can still watch the current eruption at Klauea on the USGS-HVO summit webcam. As mentioned by HVO, these eruptions could be over in days ... or over a year. The fountaining going on right now suggests that the supply of magma to the summit is robust, so the lava will continue to pave the floor of Haluma'uma'u. It might be a lot smaller than its cousins on Mars, but we learn about distant volcanoes on other planets by watching eruptions like this on Earth.

This junkyard Lamborghini Miura sold for $1.3 million.Credit: Sothebys / Popular Science ShareSome of 2024s most interesting science, technology, and history stories could be found in international auctions. Regardless of their final winning bids, each of the following items and artifacts are impressive in their own right. From AI-painted artwork to hunks of coal, these auction items highlight the wide range of not just artifacts from the past, but future-forward items, as well.Stegosaurus Apex sold for $45 millionApex is reportedly the finest and most complete stegosaurus skeleton to ever come to market. Credit: Alexi Rosenfeld / Getty ImagesIf nearly $45 million sounds like a lot for a dinosaur skeleton to you, you arent alone. Although billed as one of the finest known examples, a stegosaurus named Apex almost immediately drew controversy over the summer for a final bid that came in at over 10 times Sothebys initial estimation. Billionaire Ken Griffith said he purchased Apex to ensure the dinosaur remained in America, but critics argue such prices can inflate the market and deprive educational institutions of valuable additions. Meanwhile, at least one paleontologist claimed that many in their field were laughing at the exorbitant price paid for such a relatively common dinosaur.Titanic from the coal auctioned for over double its estimateThe auctioned coal was originally intended for the Titanics boilers. Credit: Lays AuctioneersWhile the Titanic itself is slowly succumbing to the harsh conditions at the North Atlantics ocean floor, artifacts recovered during and after the historic tragedy went up for auction in October. Some of those items included chunks of coal originally intended as fuel for the luxury liners boilers. The coal sold for $1,896, well over its $780 estimate. The same auction included a number of other historical shipwreck relics, including rope from one of King Henry VIIIs vessels and a WWII-era pistol from the SS Ostend.AI God made history as the first auction of a machine-made paintingFive portraits painted by Ai-Da were displayed at the United Nations in May, including AI God on the right. Credit: Courtesy of Aiden MellerAi-Da is an ongoing, experimental project centered on an artificial intelligence-guided robot of the same name tasked with creating its own works of art. One of those, a portrait of Alan Turing called AI God, made history in November as the first-ever auctioned painting made by a machine. An accompanying statement issued by Ai-Das generative language model cited a famous transhumanist feminist manifesto as its partial inspiration while aiming to honor Turings legacy.Extremely rare dime sold for $506,250This rare dime is missing the S that indicates it was struck at the San Francisco mint. GreatCollections/Ian Russell Dimes arent always worth ten centssometimes, theyre worth half a million dollars to the right buyer. What makes such a diminutive coin from 1975 sell for five million times its original value? A subtle error shared by only one other dime known in existence. US coin designs always include one of four letters indicating where it was mintedD for Denver, W for West Point, P for Philadelphia, and S for San Francisco. But when, for example, an uncirculated San Francisco proof dime is accidentally created without the S and then remains in a bank vault for 40 years, its worth apparently appreciates considerably.Steve Jobs own Apple I desktop auctioned for nearly $1 millionOnly an estimated 200 Apple-1 computers were ever made, including this one owned by Steve Jobs. Credit: ChristiesA standard, base model iMac currently retails for $1,299, but in September, one of the very first Apple desktop computers sold for $945,000. Apart from its historical significance, this particular Apple I belonged to company co-founder Steve Jobs. And if that wasnt enough, existing Apple Is are hard to find, since they essentially ended up being a limited-run prototype. Jobs and collaborator Steve Wozniak only manufactured 200 of them before moving on to develop the groundbreaking Apple II.Colonial threepence coin receives $2.5 million winning bidThe Massachusetts silver threepence is about the size of a nickel. The NE denotes that it was made in New England and the III represents its value of threepence. Stacks Bowers GalleriesOne of the most lucrative US coin auctions this year centered on currency that predates the American Revolution by over a century. Minted in 1652, the Massachusetts threepence is a nickel-sized coin weighing just 1.1 grams and contains just $1.03 worth of silver in todays market. The historical currency was struck just weeks before the British colonies first mint officially opened in Boston, and is the only known example found outside a museum.Three battered Lamborghini Miuras discovered in a junkyard sold for millionsThree Miuras went up for auction. Image: Patrick Ernzen, courtesy of RM SothebysSometimes vintage cars dont need to be in pristine condition to fetch a fortune. In some cases, they can look like they just came straight from a junkyard. This was the case for three extremely rare, beaten-up Lamborghini Miuras long only rumored to exist in collector circles. The Miura was the first supercar developed by Lamborghini, and featured a 350-hp 4.0-liter V12 engine. The 1967, 1968, and 1969 models sold by Sothebys earlier this year auctioned for a collective $2.9 million, and are expected to be restored to their former glory.Government supercomputer bought for $480,085Cheyenne is located at the NCARs Supercomputing Center in Cheyenne, Wyoming. Youll have to pick it up. GSA AuctionsIts unclear who exactly would be in the market for a 26,000 lbs supercomputer formerly owned by the US government, but someone was willing to pony up $480,085 for one earlier this year. Previously utilized by the National Center for Atmospheric Research and named after the capital in which it was located, Cheyenne is nearly a decade old, but remained in operation a full two years longer than anticipated. As such, whoever bought it will need to contend with a water cooling system leak after a professional moving company relocates it to its new home.Double eagle California Gold Rush coin nabbed $1.44 million at auctionThis $20 gold coin last sold in 1986 for over $23,000. Stacks Bowers GalleriesOnly between 35 and 65 of the historic 1870-Carson City (CC) double eagle $20 gold coins still exist. The one auctioned for $1.44 million isnt in perfect mint condition, but its likely the best currently known. A $20 coin was originally never planned for mint, but the CC double eagles were authorized by Congress following the California Gold Rushs influx of precious metal.Albert Einsteins love letters to first wife sell for over $555,000Einstein was married to his first wife, Mileva Mari, from 1903-1919. Credit: Public DomainThe 43 handwritten letters to Mileva MariEinsteins first wife and potential physics collaboratoractually undersold the auctions initial $876,000 minimum estimate by over $300,000. But that doesnt make them any less historically significant, or emotionally poignant. While historians and physicists understandably focus mostly on Einsteins revolutionary ideas, artifacts such as these personal messages are a vital look into one the modern worlds most brilliant minds.

Stack CommerceShareWe may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs. Learn more 2025 is the year to rethink your subscriptions. Yeah, including Netflix and Amazon Prime. But well start with one thats a lot easier to leave: Microsoft 365. Youre paying $70 every year just to get Office apps, even though theres a cheaper way.Its called a Microsoft Office lifetime license. Youll pay once, download the suite to your Windows PC, and use the apps as long as your computer lasts. During our New Years sale, this license is only $60 instead of $220! But dont waitthis price drop wont be around long.The cheapest way to own your favorite appsIf youre used to Microsoft 365, youre in for a real treat. So many users complain about recent shutdowns locking them out of their work, constant app updates making them re-learn tools like Outlook, and having to be online to work. This Office permanent license takes away all that stress.The apps are never affected by servers, never change in appearance, and you can use them offline. And the coolest part? Youre never asked to pay recurring fees.Heres how to get them set up on your PC:Buy the Microsoft Office lifetime download here.Youll get a download link via email.Enter your unique software license key.Install the apps and use them freely.Download Microsoft Office for Windows while its on sale for $60 (reg. $220) during our New Years sale. No coupon is needed to get this price.StackSocial prices subject to change.Microsoft Office Professional 2021 for Windows: Lifetime License $60See Deal