We all know that setting self-improvement goals in January is arbitrary. Nothing magical happens when the calendar flips to a new year. And yet, the idea that you can change habits or improve your circumstances is alluring. Which is why around 40% of people still set resolutions in January, even though only about 9% end up making the change they promised. If youre like me and like to use the new year as a time to think of ways to improve your life both inside and outside of work, here are eight ways to do it:Improve your attention spanTheres just so much standing in our way of getting things done. If you feel your attention span has shrunk over the past few years, it probably has.According to researchers, in 2003, our attention spans were generally around 2.5 minutes, which might sound like an eternity to you because between 2016 and 2019, it dropped to around 47 seconds.Try this method to improve your attention span at work: Set a timer for 20 minutes, turn off all notifications, and listen to classical music. The timer will keep you from toggling over to other things. Music is a proven benefit to focus for many people, not only to drown out background sounds, but also to cover the silence that can make your mind more prone to wander.Why classical music? Music with lyrics is more likely to distract you and have you singing along. A study conducted at Stanford University School of Medicine found that listening to classical music engages the areas of the brain involved with paying attention, making predictions, and making memories.Get over imposter syndromeImposter syndrome, the feeling that youre a fraud and secretly arent qualified for your position, is so common that some experts estimate around 80% of people experience imposter syndrome at some point in their lives. So, basically everyone.If you feel like you arent good enough, its useful the have the written proof of all the times people have told you that you are. Keeping a praise file is tried-and-true career advice that is helpful in a variety of situations, but comes in especially handy in overcoming imposter syndrome. Create a document on your computer desktop titled Praise,and collect the nice thingscolleagues, managers, and clients have said about you and your work. Then if youre having a bad day or doubting yourself, open it up and remind yourself how great you are.Become less negativeThe human brain is hardwired to prioritize negative experiences as a matter of survival. This explains why we often remember and think more about insults rather than remembering compliments, or dwell on unpleasant or traumatic events more than pleasant ones. In fact, our brains negativity bias is so strong that even if a bunch of good things happen in a day, your brain will focus on the one bad thing.If youre looking to focus on the negative a bit less, heres what worked for contributor Shawn Casemore when he changed his mindset from pessimism to optimism:Flip concerns about risks to a positive question. Whats the worst that can happen? becomes, What are the best possible outcomes?Share your optimistic view with others. When we repeat things out loud, we override the little green negative person who is on our shoulder whispering pessimistic views in our ear, he says.Surround yourself with optimistic people and news. He also suggests challenging negative comments and viewpoints when you encounter them.Get paid moreYou have the most leverage to ask for more money when youre starting a new job since if they are offering you the role, you know they want you. But if youve done excellent work, you have leverage, too, because even in a tight economy, the cost of replacing a good employee is more than the cost of giving someone a raise. So know that you are likely coming from a place of strength.The next step is to approach the conversation as a collaboration instead of a power struggle. Try statements like I would love to understand what the opportunity is to get closer to this salary, or What is the flexibility in your salary range for this role?Those statements open up the conversation, rather than shutting it down with a simple yes or no.And if you do get a no, try setting expectations on a time frame to get to a yes by agreeing on benchmarks that you can reach and check back on in three to six months.Be happierThis is the biggest resolution, because if youre happy, the rest is just gravy. But its also the most nebulous. Theres no magic answer to finding happiness, but one way to start to be happier is to address regret and be more compassionate with yourself.Ruminating about a mistake or a wrong choice is a surefire way to nurture unhappiness. Regret can become a habit, says Dinorah Nieves, author of Love You: 12 Ways to Be Who You Love & Love Who You Are. But you can dilute feelings of regret, she says, if you can instead reframe the decisions you madelooking at why you made them and learning from themand treat yourself with compassion.You can also reframe things by treating yourself like you would treat a friend or colleague who came to you with a problem. We often speak to ourselves in a much harsher and more judgmental way than we speak to others.Get a promotion There are a lot of variables, like timing and budget, that go into getting a promotion. So make sure you are starting the conversation at the right time. Once you think its the best time to ask, here are a couple things to consider:Make a clear and compelling case. Yes, you want a promotion because you want more money and a better title and its good for your careerthose reasons are implied. Dont say them. Instead frame it as how the title change already reflects the work you are doing. That means that youre working above your job description. You dont get a promotion for being good at your current job, you get a promotion for exceeding expectations. After you remind your boss what you are already doing, you next need to explain how you will further help the company in a new role. Frame it as a win-win for everyone.But whatever you do, dont use it as a bargaining chip; if you say youll leave if you dont get a promotion, at best it will sour your relationship with your manager, and at worst they will call your bluff.Get more sleep Hustle culture may have glorified running on a few hours of sleep, but if youre feeling tired all the time or have trouble falling asleep, you know that skimping on sleep makes everything worse. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has linked sleep deprivation to health issues like heart disease, obesity, and depression.If you have trouble getting to sleep at a decent hour, sleep specialist Michael Breus recommends a staged process to help you fall asleep at the same time every night. The 20-minute stages help you wind you down, rather than expecting your body to go from on to off instantly. He advises spending 20 minutes wrapping up last-minute tasks for the next day (packing lunches, making your schedule, laying out your clothes), 20 minutes for your nightly hygiene routine, and then 20 minutes doing a relaxing, mindful activity like meditation or reading.Improve your memoryIf you want to remember the important stuff that happens this year, the simplest way is to write it down, preferably by hand. Several scientific studies have found that taking notes on a laptop isnt as effective for retaining the information as writing notes by hand. Part of the reason is that you have to slow down to focus when writing by hand, but there are two other ways writing things down will help your memory.At work: If you take notes by hand in a meeting, youll likely listen more closely to whats being said. Because you cant write as fast as you type, youll be forced to use some form of shorthand, which means when you read your notes later, you will have clues to remember the conversation and fill in the blanks.Outside of work: As part of your end-of-day wind down, try the One Line A Day journal method. The idea is similar; you arent writing a whole page or even a whole paragraphjust one to two sentences about what happened that day. When you distill your day down like this, those little daily details can be enough to jog your memory of days that would otherwise be forgotten.

In the ever-evolving and fascinating world of pop culture, design plays an important role in bridging the gap between nostalgia and innovation. From beloved childhood icons to automotive legends and superhero lore, designers are finding new ways to bring these themes to life in unique and exciting products.We have curated a collection of the top 5 pop culture products we think you need. These products showcase the power of creativity and craftsmanship in celebrating the icons we hold dear. These top 5 pop culture designs are making waves with their distinctive charm and undeniable appeal. Dive in!1. LEGO Power Rangers MegazordSay hello to the LEGO Power Rangers Megazord this masterpiece allows fans to relive the magic and wonder of Saturday morning cartoons with a new and interactive twist. This set isnt simply a static model, but an interesting and dynamic build that brings the Megazord to life.The set disassembles into the five legendary Dinozords: Mastodon, Pterodactyl, Triceratops, Sabertooth Tiger, and Tyrannosaurus. Each Dinozord features posable limbs for creative play. When combined, they form the mighty Dino Megazord, capturing every detail from the TV show.Why is it noteworthy?This LEGO set can transform and engage. It offers fans a hands-on experience, allowing them to recreate classic scenes or invent new adventures. The attention to detail in capturing the Megazords likeness is impressive, appealing to both longtime fans and new enthusiasts. Its versatility and interactivity make it a must-have for collectors and LEGO builders alike.What we likeOffers a dynamic building experience with transformable Zords.High attention to detail, staying true to the original design.What we dislikeMay require patience and skill to assemble.Price could be a barrier for casual fans.2. Batmobile CrocsThe Crocs Batman Batmobile Classic Clogs are a playful blend of footwear and fandom, celebrating the 45th anniversary of the Batman movie. These clogs capture the essence of the 1989 Batmobile, utilizing the clogs naturally curvy shape to mimic the iconic vehicle.The front features turbine intake details, while the heel straps are molded with the Batmobiles classic wings. Side carvings resemble the vehicles rear wheels and air intakes, showcasing the design teams dedication to authenticity. These clogs are a fun, wearable tribute to one of the most iconic vehicles in comic book history.Why is it noteworthy?The Crocs offer Batman fans a unique way to express their fandom in a casual setting. The attention to detail, from mechanical lines to tiny signal lights, showcases a commitment to authenticity that fans will appreciate. These clogs are a bold statement piece for those who embrace their inner superhero.What we likeUnique design that captures the essence of the 1989 Batmobile.Comfortable and easy to wear, with a playful flair.What we dislikePolarizing design that may not appeal to everyone.Limited to casual wear, not suitable for all occasions.3. Porsche 911 BackpackThe Porsche 911 Backpack is a bold fusion of automotive design and fashion, inspired by AI-generated images that were brought to life. This unique backpack features a vacuum-molded hard outer shell that mimics the iconic curves of the Porsche 911. It is a bit impractical, but it is eye-catching.It represents a blend of form and function, although with a more emphasis on form. While it may not accommodate tech gadgets like laptops, it could hold essentials like books, a lunchbox, or clothing. Its visual appeal and the spoiler detail make it an impressive fashion accessory.Why is it noteworthy?It challenges traditional notions of functionality in fashion, focusing instead on aesthetic appeal. Its unique shape and automotive inspiration make it a conversation starter, appealing to car enthusiasts and fashion-forward individuals alike. Despite its practical limitations, the Porsche 911 Backpack is a bold statement piece.What we likeA striking design that captures the iconic Porsche 911 aesthetic.Features a durable hard shell construction.What we dislikeLimited practicality for carrying tech items.Uncertain storage capacity due to unconventional shape.4. SmartAir Minion RoutersLast year at CES 2024, these adorable SmartAir Minion Routers completely captured our attention with their unique design. At first glance, these devices appear to be charming plush toys, complete with the lovable features of Minions. However, upon closer inspection, it becomes clear that these adorable figures are fully functional WiFi routers.The adorable devices are cleverly disguised to add a touch of whimsy to your home network setup. Adding them to your living space will add a dose of cuteness and amusement, giving you a break from the typical tedious tech gadgets that do the job but arent very visually pleasing.Why is it noteworthy?The SmartAir Minions Routers come in two distinct models, each modeled after beloved Minion characters. The first is Bob, the short and endearing Minion, who offers dual-band WiFi connectivity for reliable internet access. The second model is Kevin, the taller and more playful Minion, which provides triple-band internet capabilities, supporting 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and 6 GHz bands. This variety allows users to choose the router that best suits their connectivity needs.What we likeThe routers deliver wide coverage and high speeds.They eliminate dead zones, providing WiFi connectivity to every corner of your home.What we dislikeKids may think they are toys and play with them, so they must be positioned carefully.5. Squid Game Security CameraInspired by the intense and suspenseful South Korean series Squid Game, this security camera is a must-have for pop culture enthusiasts who want to add a touch of cinematic flair to their home security system. The cameras design is reminiscent of the enigmatic workers from the series who diligently monitor the players through CCTV.These intriguing figures can be a part of your home, offering both a unique aesthetic and the reassurance of safety and security. The design will make a wonderful addition to your home since Squid Games 2 just released! It features a cleverly integrated rotating lens positioned where the eye would be, providing a wide 180-degree view of its surroundings.Why is it noteworthy?The rotating lens offers comprehensive surveillance coverage, leaving no blind spots. Additionally, the camera boasts a distinctive security feature: a privacy mask that physically covers the field of view when the camera is not in use. This innovative design prevents unauthorized access and potential hacking attempts, offering peace of mind to users concerned about digital security.What we likeThe camera features built-in illumination that users can customize to their preferred brightness levels.What we dislikeBeing a conceptual design, there is uncertainty about how effectively it could be developed into a physical product.The post Top 5 Pop Culture Designs To Bring Some Contemporary Coolness Into Your Home & Life first appeared on Yanko Design.

Lighting makes or breaks a space. And when its something as versatile as the DORESshop LED night light, youre only making an incredibly intimate ambiance! Whether you need gentle illumination for the night or a soft glow to create a cozy atmosphere, this dimmable night light is just the right pick.Equipped with a dusk-to-dawn sensor, this night light automatically turns on as the sun sets and switches off when daylight returns. No more fumbling for switches or worrying about unnecessary power usageits smart, efficient, and hassle-free.With its dimmable brightness ranging from 0lm to 60lm, you can customize the glow to suit your needs. Choose a subtle light for a nursery or kids room. Or increase the brightness for hallways and stairways to guide your way at night.This eco-friendly night light consumes just 1W of power. So, its kind to both the environment and your electricity bill. Its energy efficiency makes it an ideal choice for long-term use in spaces like bathrooms, bedrooms, kitchens, and more.Last but not the leastthe minimalist cube-like design in soft white adds a touch of understated sophistication to your home decor. And its compact design can fit neatly into outlets without obstructing the second socket.Find it now on Amazon.

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Looking for a unique Midwestern getaway this new year? Well, you're in luck:Frank Lloyd Wrights one-bedroom Seth Peterson Cottage (his smallest executed design) is now available for short-term rentals in Wisconsin. More details can be found on the rental company's listing page, which indicates up to four people can stay in the space with prices beginning at $325 a night.The Frank Lloyd Wright Foundationsays it "boil[s] down Wrights design philosophy to its essence" while possessing a "monumentality" that belies its small (880-square-foot) size.Interested in a more permanent experience? You can also build your own version of the cottage using plans from the Seattle-based home construction company Lindal Cedar Homes. (h/t Travel + Leisurefor the rental tip)

The few who played Ice-Pick Lodges underrated Pathologic 2 will doubtless be excited for the sequel launching later this year. However, a prelude, Pathologic 3: Quarantine, is in the works, which should provide a chance to sample the gameplay for free. It also sees players venturing to the Capital for the first time in the series.Though standalone like The Marble Nest for Pathologic 2, it provides fragments of the core gameplay for Pathologic 3. Furthermore, its meant to showcase the world and set the stage for the story, somewhat overlapping with the games intro. Pathologic 3: Quarantine will arrive sometime this year, with more details coming later.As for the game, it stars Daniil Dankovsky, who visits a remote plague-ridden town like the previous game. He has 12 days to save it, but events can play out according to the players desires. Depending on your choices, peoples behavior will change unexpectedly.While you can go back in time to change certain outcomes, its also possible to see how badly things turn out in the future. Pathologic 3 launches this year for PC, Xbox Series X/S, and PS5. Stay tuned for more updates in the meantime.

Sunday, January 5th, 2025Posted by Jim ThackerPhotoshop render compositing add-on Post Manager is now freehtml PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD HTML 4.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/REC-html40/loose.dtd"The launch trailer for Post Manager, Pulzes Photoshop add-on to streamline the process of compositing render elements generated in V-Ray or Corona. The software is now free.Pulze has made Post Manager, its layer- and mask-management add-on for Photoshop, available for free.The software automates the process of building and maintaining complex Photoshop files based on render elements generated in Corona, FStormRender or V-Ray.Automatically build and update Photoshop composites based on 3D render elementsPost Manager builds Photoshop files for composite images from sets of raw render elements, based on templates specifying layer group structure, blending modes and opacity.Users can then update all of the layers in the document at once when they generate new renders, with Post Manager automatically matching the render elements by name.The add-on can also merge region renders into the Photoshop composite, and upscale the document from test renders to final output resolution, automatically regenerating layer masks.Although it is tailored to architectural visualization work Pulze itself is a spin-off of visualization firm Brick Visual it could be used for more general post-production work.Part of a range of workflow tools for architectural visualisationOn its release in 2019, Post Manager was rental-only, with full subscriptions costing $7/month.Pulze says that it is making the software free in order to focus on our core products, which include 3ds Max add-ons Scene Manager and Render Manager.System requirementsPost Manager 1.3 is compatible with Photoshop CC 2018+ running on Windows only, and render elements generated in V-Ray, Corona and FStormRender. Its a free download.Download free Photoshop render-compositing add-on Post Manager(Requires registering for a free account on Pulzes website)Find detailed information about Post Manager in the online documentationHave your say on this story by following CG Channel on Facebook, Instagram and X (formerly Twitter). As well as being able to comment on stories, followers of our social media accounts can see videos we dont post on the site itself, including making-ofs for the latest VFX movies, animations, games cinematics and motion graphics projects.Latest NewsPhotoshop render compositing add-on Post Manager is now freePulze's handy add-on streamlines the process of building and updating complex Photoshop files from V-Ray or Corona renders.Sunday, January 5th, 2025Tutorial: Creating a Swamp & Mud Monster in HoudiniCreate a creature, environment and FX simulation entirely in Houdini with The Gnomon Workshop's beginner-friendly new tutorial.Saturday, January 4th, 2025Celsys unveils Clip Studio Paint 4Check out the new features in the digital painting software for comics, illustrations and concept art, including updates to the 3D toolset.Friday, January 3rd, 2025Get 95 free modular village assets for Unreal EngineGet Scale XYZ's Pirate Stilt Village Island Modular Pack of 3D buildings, props and trees for free for two weeks on the Fab marketplace.Thursday, January 2nd, 2025The Pixel Farm releases PFTrack 24.12.19Update to the match-moving software 'completely overhauls' the scene-reconstruction toolset. Check out its new AI-powered features.Monday, December 30th, 2024Get unusual iOS digital painting app Flame Painter for freeFull version of Escape Motions' iPad and iPhone app for painting images using particle brushes is now free, as is mandala-creation app Inspirit.Saturday, December 28th, 2024More NewsFaceform releases Wrap 2024.11 and Wrap4D 2024.11DreamWorks Animation releases MoonRay 1.7Sparseal releases Uniform 1.3Happy holidays to all CG Channel readers!Tutorial: Introduction to Marvelous DesignerBlack Friday, Cyber Monday and Holiday 2024 deals for CG artistsRandomControl releases Maverick Indie and Maverick Studio 2024Pilgway releases 3DCoat 2024.30Terragen Sky now lets you paint clouds into the sky directlyPlanetside Software releases Terragen 4.8Photoshop users can now create filters in Substance 3D DesignerPixar releases RenderMan 26.3Older Posts

A new year means a new Awesome Games Done Quick (AGDQ) speedrunning marathon for charity, and this years event is just about to kick off. AGDQ starts today, January 5th, at 12PM ET, and is scheduled to end very early in the morning on January 12th. You can watch the event live on Games Done Quicks Twitch channel, and runs are typically uploaded to Games Done Quicks YouTube channel soon after they air.Ive been perusing the schedule, and heres a few runs that Im excited about:Astro Bot, because Astro Bot rulesA Metroid Prime race (perfect to get in the mood for Metroid Prime 4: Beyond)The very bad Superman 64A six-hour and fifteen-minute run of Final Fantasy VII Rebirth when I beat it last year, the game took me about ten times that long to finishCrazy Taxi with a live band, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeahAnd that only scratches the surface! This years AGDQ seems like itll be another great event, and I cant wait to tune in.This years event is raising money to benefit thePrevent Cancer Foundation. Last year, AGDQ raised more than $2.5 million for the organization.

United Airlines now says first flights with Starlink Wi-Fi will take off spring 2025United Airlines now says first flights with Starlink Wi-Fi will take off spring 2025 / The airline is moving faster to equip its planes with SpaceXs satellite internet technology. By Andrew J. Hawkins, transportation editor with 10+ years of experience who covers EVs, public transportation, and aviation. His work has appeared in The New York Daily News and City & State. Jan 5, 2025, 1:00 PM UTCShare this story The VergeUnited Airlines is accelerating its plan to add Starlink-enabled Wi-Fi to its planes, with the first commercial flights now expected to arrive this spring.Last year, United announced its intention to upgrade its in-flight Wi-Fi using SpaceXs Starlink satellites, with testing expected to start in the spring and the first equipped flights coming later in the year. Now the airline says it will start testing next month, followed by the first commercial flight on an Embraer E-175 aircraft a narrow-body aircraft for regional flights that can fit up to 88 passengers in the spring.On top of that, United now plans to outfit its entire two-cabin regional fleet by the end of 2025 and have its first mainline Starlink-enabled plane in the air before the end of this year. Ultimately, the airline expects to have its entire fleet of nearly 1,000 planes outfitted with Starlink Wi-Fi. Image: United AirlinesUnited currently has four different Wi-Fi providers, according to travel site One Mile At A Time, with regional jets utilizing Intelsat (formerly Gogo) and most wide-body jets using Panasonic Wi-Fi. United also uses Viasat Wi-Fi on most of its 737 Max aircraft, some A319s, and A321neos. Viasat is the best of the bunch in terms of speeds and is commonly found on American and Delta flights.But while a number of international carriers have announced similar plans to add Starlink to their fleets, United is still alone among the major domestic carriers to adopt the SpaceX-owned technology. (JSX and Hawaiian have both said they plan on adding Starlink to their airplanes.)United now plans to outfit its entire two-cabin regional fleet by the end of 2025And while in-flight Wi-Fi remains slow and unreliable for most air travelers, we seem to quickly be approaching a tipping point on expectations for fast, free connectivity. Mobile device owners are growing accustomed to uninterrupted video streaming and other conveniences wherever they are even while thousands of feet in the air.Starlink boasts download speeds of 40220Mbps and upload speeds of 825Mbps per terminal, which United says can support streaming, gaming, and even videoconferencing. United says its Starlink-enabled Wi-Fi will be free to its MileagePlus loyalty customers (for which signups are also free).We have a lot planned for our MileagePlus members this year and adding Starlink to as many planes as we can as quickly as we can is at the center of it all, said Richard Nunn, CEO of United MileagePlus, in a statement. Its not only going to revolutionize the experience of flying United, but its also going to unlock tons of new partnerships and benefits for our members that otherwise wouldnt be possible.Most PopularMost Popular