On the day you moved into your home, you may have wondered how you'd ever fill all that space. Flash forward a few years and suddenly you're wracking your brain trying to carve out an extra storage area, or contemplating a major remodel to add more square footage.If this sounds like you and youre all out of ideas, theres a hidden resource lurking in your house: the hallways. Depending on how wide yours are (the minimum width, according to the International Residential Code, is 36 inches, but most residential hallways are 42-48 inches wide, and some homes even have 60- or 72-inch hallways!), you could be putting them to better use than as a mere conduit from one room to another.If your hallways are a cramped three feet wide, it will be difficult to make them pull double duty. But if your hallways are at least four feet wide, you have options to turn them into surprisingly useful rooms.Use a hallways as a dining roomIf you have a relatively wide hallway off the kitchen and you need a place to eat that isnt standing over the sink or balancing plates on your knees, you can turn that space into a quasi-dining room with a little creativity. With four feet of space to work with, a narrow dining table like this one, pushed up against one wall, can workat just under 16 inches wide, it leaves plenty of space for people to sit, and the chairs slide underneath when not in use. Hang some lighting over the table and install some shelving for storage and youve got yourself a small but usable dining room. If you're tighter on space, you could even consider a drop-leaf table that would fold flat against the wall when not in use.Set up a hallway libraryOne of the easiest ways to make a hallway function as a room is to turn it into a library or other shelf-focused storage area. Shallow bookcases like these (less than 10 inches deep) can make even a three foot hallway a viable library option. Adding narrow seating (like this entryway bench) against the wall between two of the bookcases, plus some wall-mounted lighting, can make that hallway feel like a cozy reading spot.Use a hallway as a conversation areaHallways are usually hurried through, but if you lack a space in your house to sit with a friend and chat, your hallway might offer an opportunity. If your hallway is at least four feet wide, a shallow bench with a back along with a narrow side table carves a spot to sit with a cup of tea and chat with a neighbor, or to hang out and think without the distraction of a TV mounted directly in front of you.A hallways can even be a "bedroom"No, your hallway will never be a real bedroom, even if its a ludicrous six feet wide. But if its at least four feet wide, it can be a place where surprise and overflow guests can sleep when needed. One or two narrow twin bed frames or daybeds can turn a wide hallway into a sleepover spot, and the daybed option doubles as seating for a conversation area or reading nook when not otherwise in use.

Greta Gerwig's follow-up to Barbie, an adaptation of one of C.S Lewis' Chronicles of Narnia books, will be exclusively viewable in theaters for four weeks before it hits Netflix on Christmas, according to a new report from Puck. Netflix is historically anti-theater, but it seems like it can set that aside for the right filmmaker.Theaters will have a four-week exclusive window on the film globally longer than the week Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery got but it will only be available to watch on IMAX screens to start. IMAX is guaranteeing the film will be shown in the format for two weeks, according to Puck, and is willing to add another week if there's demand. After that, the film could come to non-IMAX theaters, too.Netflix, while owning a few theaters itself, is philosophically-opposed to theatrical exclusivity. It'll put Netflix movies in theaters for the amount of time required to qualify for awards season, but otherwise avoids them like the plague. That might be nice for subscribers who've become accustomed to watching everything at home, but most filmmakers want their films to be seen on the big screen. For example, Netflix reportedly lost the chance to distribute Saltburn director Emerald Fennel's next film, an adaptation of Wuthering Heights, because it refused to give the film time in theaters, according to The New York Times.Rumors circulated that IMAX, Gerwig, and Netflix were discussing a deal in October 2024, and it seems the director got her way. It's strange to have to fight tooth and nail for what could be a blockbuster movie to be seen by a paying audience. There's plenty of evidence that putting films in theaters makes money, but it's a lesson that even company's like Disney have had to relearn after the streaming boom. Moana 2 started as a Disney+ filler before it was tweaked and turned into a theatrical release that made over $200 million in December 2024.It's impossible to say if this decision signals a longterm change at Netflix, but future filmmakers working with the company now have interesting precedent to point to for their own theatrical deals.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/entertainment/tv-movies/greta-gerwigs-narnia-movie-will-get-up-to-four-weeks-in-theaters-203920581.html?src=rss

Everything we know about the AMD Radeon RX 9070 XT in one place.

On his X account, Sam Altman posted a letter signed by Democratic senators concerned about the ways tech companies appear to be bending to Trump's wishes.

A further deep dive celebrating the achievements in Episode I.In this episode of VFX Notes, Ian and Hugo continue to dive into Star Wars: The Phantom Menace, celebrating its 25th anniversary. This is part two of our discussion on the film. In the first episode, we reviewed the film and discussed the fan reaction to Jar Jar Binks, the digital revolution, and many other groundbreaking innovations. In part two, we go deep into individual sequences from the film, including the pod race, the CGI characters, the miniatures, and much more.The post Part two of the VFX Notes breakdown of The Phantom Menace is now here appeared first on befores & afters.

When Meta broke the news of layoffs to employees this weekon the heels of major changes to its content moderation and DEI policiesthe tech giant used the term non-regrettable attrition to describe its approach, putting a fresh spin on layoff euphemisms. In an internal memo, Meta disclosed that the widespread job cuts would impact 5% of Metas workforce, or about 3,600 workers, and would be conducted on the basis of performance reviews.Ive decided to raise the bar on performance management and move out low-performers faster, Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg said in the memo, per a Bloomberg report. We typically manage out people who arent meeting expectations over the course of a year, but now were going to do more extensive performance-based cuts during this cycle. Zuckerberg also added that Meta would be making new hires this year to replace people who were laid off. In a separate memo addressed to managers, an HR executive said the cuts would ensure Meta had the strongest talent. (In response to a request for comment, Meta confirmed the impending layoffs and noted that the roles would be backfilled.)Unlike previous rounds of layoffs, which were largely positioned as cost-cutting measures, Meta has made clear that these are performance-based changessomething companies are often hesitant to say publicly. Meta isnt the only tech company that seems to be using performance reviews to dictate layoffs: Business Insider recently reported that Microsoft was planning job cuts by looking at underperforming employees, and last year, there were reports that Amazon had placed more employees on performance improvement plans before a round of major layoffs.Its true that performance can play a role in layoffseven when companies dont want to admit itand surveys show that managers do use layoffs as an excuse to fire employees that they want to let go. (A famous tactic employed by Jack Welch, the celebrated former CEO of General Electric, was to rank all employees and fire the bottom 10% of performers.) But performance reviews are flawed and susceptible to bias, which can put certain employees at a disadvantage. The review process may also vary across different managers and departments. Relying so heavily on performance metrics to conduct layoffs can lead companies to dismiss employees who may actually be strong performers or havent been performance managed adequately, say experts.It needs to be done properly and in conjunction with other metrics, says Mollie Mueller, the founder and CEO of career development platform Crew. [Performance reviews] can have a lot of bias in them. They are circumstantial. It could be that something happened in that persons life or work environment or team that is outside of their control. It could be that they didnt get enough support from the company or their manager or their colleagues to be able to thrive. As Zuckerbergs memo indicates, this new approach is also quite a departure from how Meta has managed performance to date. Business Insider reported that the company has asked managers to group employees based on their performance over the last year, noting that anyone who received certain ratingsincluding met some expectationswould automatically be added to the layoff list. But Meta has said even those who met most expectations could be considered for termination, in order to meet the 5% threshold that the company has set for this round of layoffs. In other words, employees who may have been on leave for part of the year or have only received one review to date could be on the chopping block, depending on their performance rating. Historically, companies have also been careful about tying layoffs to reviews, likely due to legal risk and the optics of characterizing laid off workers as low performers. It can also exacerbate low morale and increase anxiety over performance reviews for the employees who survive layoffs and stay at the company. But that may be changing amid a difficult job market. Its still early, but Im really curious to see if this is going to become a much bigger thing in 2025, Mueller says. A year or two ago, the reasons for layoffs were really pegged to the economy and COVID and changes in company strategy. I dont know if its that companies have run out of those reasons and have to get more honestor if the environment has changed, and its just more okay to say that.As so many companies have gone through multiple rounds of sweeping layoffs, the shock has also worn off. Over the last few years, layoffs have become so much more normalized, Mueller adds. The stigma around them has gone way down just because of the volume that weve seen, and Ive noticed this in speaking to leaders and employees themselves. Its no longer bad to say I was laid off.

Dezeen Showroom:designer Tim Rundle has expanded on his Rakino chair for Morgan, adding a pedestal dining table and timber-back dining chair to the collection.Both of the new additions build on the language of the original Rakino chair, distinguishable for the way it marries an angular frame with soft and flowing joints.The new additions continue the design language of the original Rakino chairsThe dining table has a single or twin pedestal base made from solid timber that introduces a sculptural presence into the collection. The single pedestal version is available with timber, marble or terrazzo tops, and the double in timber only.The timber-backed dining chair reduces the full-height backrest to a lighter band at the top of the armrests, with a tapered profile that complements the chair's subtle curves.The timber-back dining chair has a lighter frame"Morgan's manufacturing processes and techniques were the starting point for me," said Rundle. "Their skill and knowledge in timber frame construction presented an opportunity to push things creatively.""The timber back model felt like a natural evolution of Rakinos design language and frame in a way it is the purest version in the collection."Product details:Product: RakinoDesigner: Tim RundleBrand: MorganContact: marketing@morganfurniture.co.ukMaterial: wood, optional marble or terrazzoColours/finishes: beech, oak, ash or walnut woodDezeen ShowroomDezeen Showroom offers an affordable space for brands to launch new products and showcase their designers and projects to Dezeen's huge global audience. For more details email showroom@dezeen.com.Dezeen Showroom is an example of partnership content on Dezeen. Find out more about partnership content here.The post Rakino dining furniture by Tim Rundle for Morgan appeared first on Dezeen.

Just in case you were living under a rock, Nintendo dropped the big news yesterday: the Switch 2 is officially on its way (yes we got Switch 2 before we got GTA 6). While the console itself is grabbing headlines for its revamped design and rumored features, the real buzz in some corners is all about a foldable steering wheel. Yes, you read that righta foldable steering wheel from accessory maker Nacon. And its aimed squarely at Mario Kart fans who want to take their races beyond thumbstick twiddling.The wheel itself is a clever piece of kit. Its small enough to sit on a desk, thanks to suction cups that hold it in place during the most intense karting battles. Pop in the Switch 2s Joy-Cons, and youve got yourself a racing setup that looks like a miniature version of the high-end wheels PC gamers use for their intricate simulator rigs. It doesnt come with fancy extras like force feedback (what do you expect for thirty bucks?), but the design makes it feel a lot less like a toy and more like a playful nod to serious hardware. Oh, and it folds up neatly, so no worries about it hogging your workspace.Designer: NaconMario Kart is clearly the muse for this little gadget, and it makes sense. The next chapter in the franchise was teased during the Switch 2 announcement, although Nintendo kept the details frustratingly vague. But if youve spent countless hours lobbing green shells at your friends in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, this steering wheel is practically calling your name. Its not trying to reinvent the racing wheel; its more about making the experience of drifting around corners feel a bit more naturaland fun.Of course, Nacon hasnt stopped at the wheel. The companys been readying an entire suite of accessories for the Switch 2, from the usual suspects like cases and chargers to smaller steering wheels designed to slip over individual Joy-Cons. But this foldable wheel has clearly stolen the spotlight. At $30, it feels like the kind of peripheral you dont need but definitely want, especially if youre planning to sink hours into Mario Karts famously chaotic multiplayer.The timing of Nacons announcement is also worth noting. The Switch 2 accessories scene has been heating up for months, even before Nintendo officially unveiled the console. Companies like Dbrand and Genki have been rolling out screen protectors, silicone wraps, and other essentials for a while now, and smaller accessory makers have jumped in, too. But Nacons gear stands out because it feels more intentional. This isnt just about slapping the Switch 2 logo on existing products; its about leaning into what makes the consoleand its gamesspecial.Theres still no word on when the steering wheel or any of Nacons other accessories will actually ship. Preorders havent gone live, and Nintendo hasnt locked down a specific release date for the Switch 2 itself. But with the hype building, its safe to say the wait wont be too long. Whether this wheel ends up as a staple for Mario Kart fans or just a quirky addition to the Switch 2 ecosystem, its the kind of product that gets people talkingand maybe a little nostalgic for the days of clunky plastic peripherals that made gaming just a bit more physical.If nothing else, this steering wheel gives you a reason to rethink your desk setup. A compact, foldable, Mario Kart-ready wheel isnt the most essential thing to own, but it might be the most fun youll have with thirty dollars. And hey, at least it folds up when youre done throwing bananas at your rivals. Who needs force feedback when youve got a blue shell in your corner?The post Is This $30 Foldable Racing Wheel the Best Way to Play Mario Kart on Switch 2? first appeared on Yanko Design.

Save big on Anycubic's Kobra range as well as its Photon Mono resin printers.

Waymo confirms to WIRED that its planned partnership with Chinese-owned automaker Zeekr remains on track.