• Score this 65-inch Walmart house brand TV for under $300
    www.digitaltrends.com
    TVs have come a long way in the last several years, especially when it comes to pricing. Buying a flatscreen used to be a $3,000+ investment, at the bare minimum. Nowadays, you can get a 65-inch TV for just a few hundred bucks, and thats before any sales or promos! Actually, we came across a terrific offer on a big 4K TV earlier today:For a limited time, when you purchase the Onn 65-inch 4K LED Roku Smart TV at Walmart, youll only pay $298. The full MSRP on this set is $348.4K UHD has become the pixelated norm for most LEDs, QLEDs, and OLEDs, and this Onn 65-inch delivers big on the resolution. Thanks to strong LED backlighting, this Onn set gets plenty bright, supports a wide color gamut, and delivers decent contrast levels, too. The TV also supports Dolby Atmos which bodes well for those of us who plan on hooking up a soundbar or surround sound to our new TV!RelatedOnn partnered with Roku for all things smart TV, which means youll be using Roku TV OS to access apps like Netflix, Hulu, and Paramount+. Youll even be able to use the microphone built into the TV remote to search for movies, open and close apps, and perform other commands. And as far as connections go, the Onn 65-inch has three HDMI ports, one composite input, one USB, plus a digital optical, 3.5mm aux, and an Ethernet port.Were not sure how long this sale is going to stick around, but if youve been waiting to get a 65-inch 4K TV for as little as possible, this is one of the best markdowns youre ever going to see. Take $50 off the Onn 65-inch 4K LED Roku Smart TV when you purchase at Walmart. We also recommend taking a look at our roundups of the best Walmart deals, best TV deals, and best 65-inch TV deals.Editors Recommendations
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  • iBUYPOWER RTX PCs: What Does It Mean and How Can You Best Use It?
    www.digitaltrends.com
    Table of ContentsTable of ContentsiBUYPOWER RDY Y60 005 $1,999 $2,299 13% offMore iBUYPOWER gaming PC dealsWere living in the dawn of AI. Every day a new company starts advertising that its now using AI in its software, whether its in TVs, phones, or powerful laptops and desktop computers. What does the dawn of AI actually mean for consumers?In the case of premium computing, NVIDIAs RTX tools with AI unlock a host of features in its video cards, such as enhanced video editing and streaming, best-in-class STEM app support for coursework, on-device AI, and, of course, proprietary AI tools like NVIDIA Broadcast and NVIDIA ChatRTX.iBUYPOWER, a leading custom and prebuilt gaming PC company, is taking advantage of NVIDIAs RTX for AI technology with curated components that will fully harness the GPUs capabilities and improve the overall user experience. Investing in an iBUYPOWER PC with NVIDIAs GeForce RTX 40 Series GPU, which is specifically designed for AI-enabled PCs, promises quality components from well-known brands and allows you to work and play with incredible performance. They also come with an all-in-one warranty and reliable customer service support all at competitive prices. Above all else, an iBUYPOWER PC equipped with a GeForce RTX 40 Series GPU is built to last, giving you a longstanding experience and reliability in the crowded high-performance PC market.If all of this sounds exciting, keep reading to see how you can get your hands on an iBUYPOWER PC with an GeForce RTX GPU for gaming, streaming, coursework, or whatever you need.Shop Now$2,299 13% offiBUYPOWERThis super cool pre-built PC is excellent for gaming, first and foremost, but its also a great option for working with AI applications. RTX AI PCs focus on several aspects of PC usage, including gaming, entertainment, live streaming, and productivity. Plus, users can unlock exclusive AI tools like NVIDIA ChatRTX, a localized chatbot, and NVIDIA RTX video, with AI Super Resolution and HDR for up to 4K HDR video playback in compatible browsers and apps. But the power behind the gaming and AI support is the real allure for power users.This particular machine is rocking an Intel Core i9, 32GB of DDR5 RAM, a GeForce RTX 4070 Super with 12GB of VRAM and a 2TB NVMe solid-state drive. You also get an ASUS Z790 gaming WiFi 7 motherboard to tie it all together. The tasteful RGB spread throughout the case, the clear side panels and the sleek appearance add to the mystique. In the end, though, theres really no arguing with that awesome price and discount.Shop NowOf course, iBUYPOWER has a variety of gaming PC and pre-built PC deals active all year round, including options for first-time gaming PC owners and premium builds for the PC connoisseurs. If youre in the market for a new PC, whether AI-ready or not, you dont want to miss these deals. Some examples include RDY PCs, like the RDY SLATE VALORANT, RDY Scale, RDY Slate, and much more.Like the one featured, theyre mostly rocking GeForce RTX 40 Series GPUs and ready for use with AI applications, among other activities. Gaming is also a huge focus, too. Go check out the sale before it ends!Shop Now
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  • Canada to Review Amazon Contracts After Quebec Layoffs
    www.wsj.com
    Canada has warned Amazon.com that it is reviewing business ties with the companys cloud-computing unit following Amazons decision to shut down its warehouses in Quebec, leading to the layoff of 1,700 workers.
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  • The Art Market Had a Rough Year. Heres How It Plans to Turn Things Around.
    www.wsj.com
    Falling sales have cast a shadow over Sothebys and Christies, but the houses are betting big on younger collectors and luxury goods in 2025.
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  • White House says mostly empty D.C. offices are a 'national embarrassment' in memo about federal RTO mandate
    www.businessinsider.com
    The Office of Personnel Management said mostly empty federal offices are "a national embarrassment."Its acting director said in a memo that unrestricted telework led to "poorer government services" and hurt the D.C. economy.The memo said agencies must complete three tasks by 5 p.m. on Friday in line with Trump's return-to-office order.The White House's US Office of Personnel Management did not mince words when addressing agency heads in a memo outlining the next steps for federal workers' return to office."Federal office buildings sit mostly empty, particularly Washington, D.C.-area agency headquarters offices, devastating the local economy and serving as a national embarrassment," Charles Ezell, the acting director of the OPM, said in the Wednesday memo.Ezell added that "virtually unrestricted telework" has led to "poorer government services" and also impacted the ability to train and supervise workers.The OPM defines telework as an arrangement in which employees are expected to report to an agency office on a regular basis for each pay period, in addition to working from an alternative location, like their home. Remote workers, according to the OPM, are those who have not been previously required to report to an agency office.The memo comes in the wake of Trump's executive order mandating the return of in-person office work for executive branch employees.Ezell said that the pandemic has been over for years and "the vast majority" of federal workers did not return to the office.In addition to criticizing remote work, Ezell detailed three tasks that federal agencies must complete by Friday at 5 p.m.The first requires each agency head to revise its telework policy to state that eligible employees must work full time at their designated site unless granted an exemption due to a disability, medical condition, or otherwise approved reason "certified by the agency head and the employee's supervisor."The second task requires that the agency head send an email notification to all employees about Trump's in-person work mandate and their intent to comply with it. The email should also include a copy of the mandate, the memo said.The third directive calls for agencies to let OPM know who is the agency's telework managing officer, and to give the officer the responsibility of complying with the new guidelines.The memo states that agencies are required to tell OPM when they plan to fully implement the new policy, with the suggestion of reaching "full compliance" within 30 days "subject to any exclusions granted by the agency and any collective bargaining obligations.""If an employee's official duty station is more than 50 miles from any existing agency office, the agency should take steps to move the employee's duty station to the most appropriate agency office based on the employee's duties and job function," the memo said.In an effort to streamline the federal workforce, the Trump administration has also moved to revoke federal job offers that were accepted before January 20 with an undefined start date or one that comes after February 8. President Trump has also taken steps to end federal DEI programs.Are you a federal employee impacted by the changes? Reach out to the reporter from a non-work email and device at aaltchek@businessinsider.com
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  • Bank of America responds publicly to Trump's Davos speech: 'We welcome conservatives'
    www.businessinsider.com
    President Donald Trump spoke virtually at the World Economic Forum on Thursday.During his speech, he accused banks like Bank of America of discriminating against conservatives.Bank of America responded, saying it has no "political litmus test." JPMorgan Chase said it "would never close an account for political reasons."Bank of America and JPMorgan Chase denied President Donald Trump's claim that the bank discriminated against conservatives.In a virtual appearance Thursday at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, Trump called out Bank of America and other banks, including JPMorgan Chase, for refusing to serve conservatives."Many conservatives complain that the banks are not allowing them to do business within the bank, and that included a place called Bank of America," Trump said without including any specific instances of discrimination. "You, Jamie, and everybody, I hope you're going to open your banks to conservatives because what you're doing is wrong," he said, referring to JPMorgan Chase CEO Jamie Dimon.In a statement, Bank of America said it welcomes conservatives among its 70 million clients."We would never close accounts for political reasons and don't have a political litmus test," Bank of America wrote.A JPMorgan spokesperson wrote in an email to Business Insider, "We have never and would never close an account for political reasons, full stop. We follow the law and guidance from our regulators and have long said there are problems with the current framework Washington must address."Trump's comment came after Brian Moynihan, Bank of America's CEO, asked how the Trump administration would prioritize GDP growth and reducing inflation amid his dozens of executive orders.Trump responded that his executive orders would do just that while encouraging companies to move in. He said he would work to bring the corporate tax rate down to 15% from 21%, provided companies manufacture their products in the US.Trump's pushback comes after debates have accelerated surrounding debanking, or closing the accounts of people who are thought to pose a risk to the bank, such as money laundering or corruption. Senate Banking Chair Tim Scott is leading organization efforts on an upcoming debanking hearing.The debanking debate goes back to the Obama administration, during which the so-called "Operation Choke Point" discouraged banks from engaging with payday lenders and gun sellers. In 2022, a banking regulator asked banks to pause "crypto asset-related activity."State attorneys general in 2024 alleged major banks canceled accounts of people with conservative views. Last April, Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach accused Bank of America of canceling accounts of gun manufacturers, Immigration and Customs Enforcement contractors, and Christian ministry groups."Bank of America's practice of cancelling the bank accounts of conservatives and even turning over information about customer's purchases to federal law enforcement undermines free speech, religious freedom and the right to privacy," Kobach said in the letter. "It's discriminatory and likely illegal. As state attorneys general, we will vigorously defend the constitutional rights of all Americans when they are threatened by big business."Bank of America responded at the time that de-banking accounts sometimes happens when they fail to verify some documents or change an account's stated purpose."We would like to provide clarity around a very straightforward matter: Religious beliefs or political view-based beliefs are never a factor in any decisions related to our client's accounts," the bank wrote at the time.Venture capitalist Marc Andreessen also said on Joe Rogan's podcast that 30 tech and crypto founders have said their companies were cut off by banking regulators during the Biden administration.On JPMorgan Chase's "The Unshakeables" podcast released on January 21, chair and CEO Jamie Dimon said of debanking, "There should be far cleaner lines about what we have to do, and we don't have to do." He added, "We need to fix it."
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  • Games Inbox: What was the best game in the Xbox Developer Direct?
    metro.co.uk
    Doom: The Dark Ages- now with added story (Bethesda)The Friday letters page is surprised and worried that EA has had two sales disappointments, as one reader is glad Ninja Gaiden is making a comeback.To join in with the discussions yourself email gamecentral@metro.co.ukNot only on XboxVery interesting Developer Direct for Xbox. Lots of great games that had nothing to do with Activision Blizzard and yet theyve got more games coming out in the first four months of this year than Sony has had in over two years. Its crazy that thats true and Im not even exaggerating.If Microsoft can keep this up, then I will be very impressed but why couldnt they have done this years ago? Ive got a PlayStation 5 and none of this gives me any urge to buy an Xbox console or Game Pass. Why would I? Ill just buy the games I want on the console Ive got, probably some of them after theyve been discounted.Xbox is just another publisher now, like EA or Ubisoft. In terms of how I connect with their games theres no difference. Was 25 years of Xbox gaming really leading up to this? If it makes money for them, it makes money, but it means they now have very little influence on the future of gaming.Without Xbox we wouldnt have got online gaming until years later, if it was just left to Sony. And in general its good to have a competitor for PlayStation, since Nintendo play by their own rules. Its a strange way to end the Xbox dream: successful but not in any of things they originally set out to do.TacleSight and soundIm in two minds over the Doom: The Dark Ages reveal. On the one hand I like what I see but a lot of what the devs were saying was really worrying. They obviously know everyones going to call it dumbed down, whether it is or not, and the stuff about the story is just what? What does Doom need a story for? Especially cut scenes that are going to be keeping you from the action.To me, it sounds like someone high up at Bethesda wasnt happy with the sales of the last couple and said they had to make it more accessible to casual gamers. But, as usual when a publisher says that, its not going to make a blind bit of difference and likely only put off the fans they already had by changing things.Hopefully its not that bad, because I really like the idea of the chain shield, but just totally unnecessary changes that are a huge red flag. Id love to know whose idea they were, so I can call them an idiot.JonesyObscure ClaireI knew the secret game at the Developer Direct would be Ninja Gaiden 4. It was so obvious as soon as the possibility arose, because Microsoft loves to obsess over old Xbox games and you can tell they think this is one of theirs. I bet they publish the next Dead Or Alive too, if and when that happens.But like you said, if Microsoft is, for whatever reason, funding non-blockbuster game then dont knock it, its good for everyone. This one not only helps PlatinumGames out but it brings back a franchise that probably wouldve been dead without them. Im all for it and I hope it turns out well, even if the graphics look kind of bad.I like the look of that French role-playing game too. For me this solidifies that Japanese role-playing games are absolutely a genre and not just where theyre made. It even has a terrible name that nobody will remember or be able to spell so authentic!FocusEmail your comments to: gamecentral@metro.co.ukThe doubleVery interesting to see EA suffering two flops (or at least disappointments) in a row, I cant remember that ever happening before. Im not surprised at Dragon Age: The Veilguard, as the marketing for that was very bad. Id bet that a lot of the damage was done with that terrible reveal trailer, which made it seem like some sort of bad comedy game for kids.I have no idea what they were thinking with that, but it should mean the game goes cheap sooner than it wouldve been and I can pick it up then.The one that does surprise me though is EA Sports FC 25. If the problem is bugs that would explain it but even so, I thought FIFA fans basically put up with anything. Its tempting to say that the answer is always make good games but its also do good marketing, ideally with someone that has an understanding of the game and its audience.Whatever you think of them, we dont need EA doing a Ubisoft. Especially as theyll just end up cheap enough for some other company to buy up and absorb.ZeissThe obvious choicesI feel like a 3D Mario and a Zelda remaster are so easy to guess for the Nintendo Switch 2 launch that you cant rely on any leak that mentions them, but I still hope its true. The original Switch had such an amazing first year and so far everything suggest Nintendo is going to try and repeat that success in as many specific ways as possible.That means Mario Kart probably coming out in the autumn, which Im fine with as I agree its not the sort of thing that seems right for a launch game. Personally, I hope the Zelda remaster is actually another remake of one of the 2D Zelda games. A Link To The Past or the Capcom games would be perfect, if you ask me, but I dont know how likely that is.CalbrenGrab bagI cant say that I was all that impressed by the Switch 2 reveal. Maybe the leaks sort of took the wind out of its sails. Its an interesting strategy for a company such as Nintendo to double down on proven success (Wii U was their lesson to not) when they are proven and successful risk takers in an increasingly volatile and risk averse market but Im positive that they now have a winning formula going forwards.Maybe, some might say sadly, theyve steered into the incremental zone. Its the games though and if the new hardware means thats positive progress then count me in (my inner cynicism tells me to wait for the inevitable OLED model).With that statement, Im going to try to invoke some Inbox magic as of now, in no particular order: Metroid Prime: 2 & 3 remasters for Switch 1/2 crossover, Shenmue remasters ( la PlayStation 4 standard), new Nintendogs, any Chibi-Robo!, Tenchu: Stealth Assassins, Dino Crisis, Hotel Dusk new episode, new F-Zero iteration, Super Mario Land 2 remake (along with original/reworked soundtrack options).Thats the spaghetti thrown to the wall. I could go on, but I think the cauldron is steaming dry already. Ill grab my coatD DubyaGC: That is a very random selection of games, but we wish you luck.Breeding disappointmentIm actually okay with Team17 changing their name because there is nothing about them now that has any similarity to what they used to be. Saying that, I still wish theyd make a new Alien Breed game, werent they going to at one point? Im sure I remember them announcing one.Considering theyve already given up on Worms though Im not surprised. Im not even going to bother mentioning SuperfrogBowieGC: There was a reboot trilogy of episodic games in the Xbox 360 era, but we dont recall them mentioning it again since. You might be thinking of indie game Xenosis: Alien Infection, which we saw in a preview but was never released.Tough luckOne aspect of the Switch 2 that doesnt seem to be getting a lot of attention is its backwards compatibility. I was wondering what people are hoping for from this? Im not expecting huge gains on old software and dont expect old third party titles to be patched for the new machine beyond a few classics, but stabilising existing titles to their target settings just via the extra grunt would be very welcome.Some of Nintendos own titles would obviously benefit from a native glow up too, Zelda: Tears Of The Kingdom does drop from its 30fps cap into the mid-to-low 20s quite often (clearing out monster camps with the squad is a nightmare). However, I dont expect any free lunches from Nintendo, tough love is their policy when it comes to fans.Sony has been (unfairly in my opinion) criticised for putting out PlayStation 4 remasters but paying some kind of fee for upgrades seems fair, remastering does require resources. Also, Nintendo has a history of maximising income from its back catalogue and their fans have proven to be happy to fork out again for games way they arent on other machines.I definitely expect full price Switch 2 versions of the two Switch main Zelda titles, Super Mario Odessey, some Pokmon, and select others at upscaled 4K with other technical improvements. I just hope that Nintendo put out modestly priced upgrade patches for existing owners, I would pay a tenner (Sony style) to take my copy of Zelda: Breath Of The Wild to 4K60fps.However, I wouldnt be surprised if they expect us to fork out full price again for the new versions and existing owners are stuck at 720p/30fps on their new consoles. How would you review that? Its still a 10/10 game but such an obvious fleecing of fans would leave such a bad taste I think itd be worth a points docking.MarcGC: But thats irrelevant to anyone that hasnt played/bought it before. Wed probably take the same approach we did with Super Mario 3D All-Stars, where we scored it highly but made it clear we considered the whole thing a cynical cash grab.Inbox also-ransHeres my GTA 6 trailer theory: there isnt going to be one until after the summer because its been delayed to next year. Prove me wrong!BobWas Dark Souls ever in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate? I swear there was a sticker or something, but I cant see it in anything Ive unlocked.RatonGC: No. You may be thinking of the Solaire of Astora amiibo (which, ironically, is not compatible with Super Smash Bros. Ultimate).More TrendingEmail your comments to: gamecentral@metro.co.ukThe small printNew Inbox updates appear every weekday morning, with special Hot Topic Inboxes at the weekend. Readers letters are used on merit and may be edited for length and content.You can also submit your own 500 to 600-word Readers Feature at any time via email or our Submit Stuff page, which if used will be shown in the next available weekend slot.You can also leave your comments below and dont forget to follow us on Twitter.GameCentralSign up for exclusive analysis, latest releases, and bonus community content.This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. Your information will be used in line with our Privacy Policy
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  • How to watch Djokovic vs Zverev live stream on a free TV channel
    gizmodo.com
    After a spectacular win the other day, Djokovic continues his Australian Open domination as he faces Zverev. If you want to follow the semi-final, you might be wondering how to watch Djokovic vs Zverev online for free.Today, well discuss a way to watch the Djokovic vs Zverev live stream on a free channel without spending a dollar. Were talking about a legal HD stream with English commentary. Read on for more information.US: ESPN+UK: EurosportFree Channel: 9now / Channel 9 (Australia)Watch any live stream from anywhere with NordVPNHow to Watch Djokovic vs Zverev Live Stream for Free OnlineIn a recent article, we explained how to access the Australian Open live stream on a free channel. The free channel we mentioned is 9Now.9Now is an Australia-based Video-on-Demand service and simultaneously a popular channel, also known as Channel 9.This is the official broadcaster of the Australian Open, which also streams Djokovic vs Zverev live for free. Since 9Now is free, you only need an account but the problem is that it works only in Australia. Luckily, people online have found a solution.They reported that using a VPN, such as NordVPN, made 9Now available.Those abroad mentioned that connecting to the Australian server assigned them an IP address from this country. So, even if they were in the UK, Canada, or Europe, they could still access the channel. Now, NordVPN isnt free.Change your IP address with NordVPNHowever, these people reported using its 30-day refund policy.Essentially, all these years, theyve been streaming AO on 9Now for 3 or so weeks and obtaining a refund just after the tournament ended. With no money lost in the end, its clear how this solution can help you watch Djokovic vs Zverev live on a free channel.Djokovic vs Zverev RivalryWatching this Djokovic vs Zverev live stream for free is exciting for many.The two tennis giants have met 12 times so far and Djokovic took the upper hand 8 times. However, Zverev is only 27 and is higher on the ATP list than Djokovic.Their 13th duel will be played in the Australian Open semi-finals, where well see who will make it to the finals and potentially hold the trophy of the years first Grand Slam. atptour.comNow that you know how to access the Zverev vs Djokovic live stream on a free channel, it should be easy to get right into it. An HD stream of the duel awaits you on 9Now.If you apply the fix tennis fans worldwide have used, you can enjoy it as well. By the way, feel free to keep the VPN for a few more days so you can also enjoy the Australian Open final.If needed, you can have a look at how to unblock other Australian TV channels abroad in a dedicated guide on our website. Itll help you access other sports events for free.Try NordVPN risk-free for 30 days
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  • Museum of Meenakari Heritage & Flagship Store / Studio Lotus
    www.archdaily.com
    Museum of Meenakari Heritage & Flagship Store / Studio LotusSave this picture! The Fishy ProjectGallery, Retail, ShowroomJaipur, IndiaArchitects: Studio LotusAreaArea of this architecture projectArea:20360 ftYearCompletion year of this architecture project Year: 2024 PhotographsPhotographs:The Fishy Project More SpecsLess SpecsSave this picture!Studio Lotus proposes a unique archetype for retail design with the new brand experience center for luxury jewelry label Sunita Shekhawat. The art of Meenakari or enamel work is an age-old technique renowned for its vibrant and intricate designs on metal surfaces. While enamel work originated in Persia, it has flourished in India, particularly in Rajasthan where it is passed down through the generations and deeply embedded in the region's artistic legacy. This 16th-century art serves as the foundation for the work of well-known Indian jewelry designer, Sunita Shekhawat. Her eponymous brand lends a fresh spin to the age-old tradition with timeless yet contemporary jewelry. Studio Lotus' design for the brand's flagship store and Museum of Meenakari in Jaipur pays homage to this approach; a nod to the region's vibrant cultural heritage amidst a fast-evolving cosmopolitan landscape.Save this picture!Save this picture!An existing concrete shell had already been erected on site when Studio Lotus was brought on board. The studio was given carte blanche to pull the structure down and treat the site as a blank canvas. Since it had only recently been cast in concrete, the architects decided to work with the existing shell, in line with their design philosophy of minimizing the embodied carbon footprint.Programmatically, the ground floor houses a museum gallery, with the store located one floor below and the offices a floor above. The second floor is intended for bringing in like-minded luxury brands, and the top floor, with its panoramic views of the nearby Rajmahal Palace, is designed for use as a restaurant.Save this picture!Save this picture!The identity of the building is shaped by multiple historical influences of the regionRajputana, Mughal, and Art Decoto create a unique composite distinct from any particular style. This new vocabulary mirrors Sunita Shekhawat's own design approach to her jewelry, which, while rooted in tradition, crosses over seamlessly into European and other contemporary iterations.Save this picture!The oddly shaped footprint was externally articulated by bevelling the balconies and subsequently devising a form that intricately layers patterns and details that draw from different periods, woven together into one cohesive image. Externally, the ground and first floors are articulated to read as one through a double-height entrance arch in elevation. Clad in hand-carved Jodhpur red sandstone, the facade harks to Sunita' Shekhawat's roots in Jodhpur. While quite distinct in expression, it fits seamlessly into the pink palette synonymous with Jaipur's urban fabric.Save this picture!Save this picture!On the inside, the client's three floors are unified through a striking sculptural staircase that winds through the center of the space. The original brief outlined the retail space occupying the ground floor, the basement to house offices and karigars' workshops, and the remaining floors to be let out. The studio suggested to the client, the idea of using the ground level as an opportunity for the Sunita Shekhawat brand to own a storytelling space on the art of enamelinga fitting way of giving back to the arts and cultural heritage of the citythrough the introduction of a museum-gallery that traces the provenance and history of Meenakari craftsmanship. This distinct addition not only serves as the fulcrum of the experience but also elevates the brand from a jewelry label to a custodian of the craft. The museum experience has been designed by Sidhartha Das, with the content curated by Usha Balakrishnana foremost expert on Indian jewelry traditions.Save this picture!The first floora bright, daylit space crafted out of lime plaster, stone, and terrazzohouses the client'soffice and design studio.With its wide floorplate and tall ceilings, the lower ground floor lends itself well to the exclusive, by-appointment-only, bespoke nature of the business, and of the product toothe lack of natural light being conducive to the controlled lighting necessary for jewelry display. The first experience is that of a library- cum-lounge space that further leads guests into one of four private pods, designed for one-on-one client interactions. The floor further accommodates a jewelry finishing unit, strongrooms, workshops for karigars, and ancillary spaces for accounts and sales. The planning of the retail space circulation allows for discreet, private servicing of all these pods through a service corridor that wraps itself around their external periphery, ensuring that guests have a highly personalized experience, with a sense of mystery to it.Save this picture!Save this picture!The pods are clad in an off-white 'araish' lime stucco, their semi-vaulted ceilings embellished with frescoes by artists specializing in miniature painting. Developed over several months in situ by 12 artisans, the frescoes depict vignettes of the region's architecture and flora and fauna. The outcomea jewel-like expression of hand-crafted luxury that celebrates the brand's ethosis a testament to the skills of the artisans, who've interpreted them on an unfamiliar scale and medium; a synergistic collaboration between the architects, the client, and Nisha Vikram of CraftCanvas. The remaining surfaces are monochromatic, so as to have no distractions at eye level from the intricately-crafted jewelry on display.Save this picture!The Sunita Shekhawat Flagship Store is designed to foster an environment where the act of purchasing jewelry is not the primary goal; instead, it becomes the natural conclusion of a transformative experience. The underlying emotion behind the Meenakari museumthe first of its kindbecomes the client's way of paying homage to the city that has given her so much, while also establishing a novel paradigm in luxury retail design.Save this picture!Project gallerySee allShow lessProject locationAddress:Jaipur, IndiaLocation to be used only as a reference. It could indicate city/country but not exact address.About this officeStudio LotusOfficePublished on January 24, 2025Cite: "Museum of Meenakari Heritage & Flagship Store / Studio Lotus" 23 Jan 2025. ArchDaily. Accessed . <https://www.archdaily.com/1025982/museum-of-meenakari-heritage-and-flagship-store-studio-lotus&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
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  • Romanian Animal Fossils Reveal Hominin Spread Into Europe 2 Million Years Ago
    www.discovermagazine.com
    In the relentless search to know how the ancestors of humans spread across the world, the latest evidence has revealed that hominins were in Europe at least 1.95 million years ago. Clues on their presence were recently found by researchers at an archaeological site in Romania that could now help explain hominins early dispersal out of Africa.A study published in Nature Communications details the prominent find, which predatesevidence of hominins previously found at other sites across Europe. Researchers involved with the study uncovered new answers at Grunceanu, a site that lies south of the Carpathian Mountains in a river valley that is rich in fossils.Looking for Hominin EvidenceResearchers didn't identify hominin remains at Grunceanu, but instead found animal bones with cuts that revealed a hominin presence. The site was once teeming with extinct fauna, including several carnivores, equine species, rhinocerotoids, and rodents.Additionally, the presence of certain warm-adapted (or less cold-tolerant) species like ostriches, pangolins, and Paradolichopithecus (an ancient monkey) indicates that the river valley region had mild winters. Analyzing isotopes in the fossilized upper jaw of a horse specimen also allowed the researchers to conclude that the region was temperate and had seasonal variability.These conditions would have made Grunceanu and the surrounding region a fitting home for hominins to occupy. The researchers proved this by examining 4,524 fauna specimens for signs of surface modifications on bones dated to around 1.95 million years ago. They detected probable cut marks in 20 of the specimens, eight of which were classified as high-confidence marks. These high-confidence marks were located on four tibiae, one mandible, one humerus, and two long bone fragments. Based on the anatomical location, these marks appeared to reflect defleshing done by hominins.Who Were the Grunceanu Hominins?The bone surface modifications show that hominins had likely come to Grunceanu around 2 million years ago, making it the earliest European hominin site known so far. The researchers, however, cannot say for sure what species the hominins were.Hominin fossils in Europe are regularly identified as Homo sapiens, with some others identified as the older Homo erectus. Due to the fact that the earliest H. erectus sensu lato (referring to African and West Eurasian populations of H. erectus and potentially related subspecies) appeared in South Africa and Ethiopia around 2 million years ago, it is possible that this was not the hominin species at Grunceanu, or that H. erectus is actually older than current data suggests.Hominin Journeys Across EurasiaEvidence of hominin dispersal has been unearthed at several sites across the Middle East, Russia, and China, dating between 2 million years to 1.5 million years ago. But before the find at Grunceanu, the oldest known hominin site in Europe was at Dmanisi, a town in the nation of Georgia. This site, containing hominin remains and butchery marks on animal remains, is dated to around 1.85 million years ago. The identity of the Dmanisi hominins specifically, their relation to H. erectus and H. habilis is also a disputed topic, with the population sometimes referred to as Homo georgicus. With hominin evidence at Grunceanu, the date for archaic humans' trek into Europe can be pushed back. The study signifies that our ancestors may have been spreading to unexplored areas in Eurasia earlier than we thought, taking advantage of mild climates in temperate environments. Article SourcesOur writers at Discovermagazine.com use peer-reviewed studies and high-quality sources for our articles, and our editors review for scientific accuracy and editorial standards. Review the sources used below for this article:Nature Communications. Hominin presence in Eurasia by at least 1.95 million years ago UNESCO World Heritage Convention. Dmanisi Hominid Archaeological SiteJack Knudson is an assistant editor at Discover with a strong interest in environmental science and history. Before joining Discover in 2023, he studied journalism at the Scripps College of Communication at Ohio University and previously interned at Recycling Today magazine.
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