Starbucks CEO Brian Niccol can't get enough of the chain's ceramic mugs for in-store customers.He mentioned them thrice in a Tuesday earnings call, during which the chain reported a 4% sales dip.The reintroduced mugs are part of Niccol's efforts to make Starbucks a more inviting place.Brian Niccol can't get enough of Starbucks' ceramic mugs.Since the CEO moved from Chipotle for the top job in September, he's focused on making Starbucks more inviting for customers to hang out.Niccol introduced several changes, including having more comfortable chairs in the cafs and serving customers their coffee in ceramic mugs again.On the company's Tuesday earnings call, he brought up the mugs three times."We reintroduced ceramic mugs and handwritten notes on cups to better connect with customers and elevate the caf experience for those who choose to stay and work," he said in his opening statements.He then coined the term "mug hug," referring to customers enjoying their coffee in the cafs."They're holding on to that ceramic mug and they're enjoying their moment in the caf, and there's not all this congestion surrounding the counter. So, it's just a much more pleasant, peaceful coffee experience," Niccol said.He said that the chain has been working to clear counter space from a deluge of mobile orders. Toward the end of the call, he said the ceramic mugs and other "for-here" tableware make the customer feel like Starbucks is a spot where they can "slow down," connect with others or take time for themselves.It's unclear when Starbucks stopped serving in-store coffee in mugs. The company has continued to use them in some stores, including internationally. The company's annual reports last featured photos of the ceramic mugs in 2006, after which they displayed disposable cups and to-go bags.The company did not respond to BI's request for comment.Starbucks' cups have been a large part of its brand identity. It coined November 17 its "Red Cup Day," when customers can get reusable 16-ounce red cups with the purchase of a holiday drink.Starbucks is working on a slew of changesIn an internal memo obtained by BI on Tuesday, the chain directed staff to start writing messages to customers on single-use coffee cups."Handwritten notes on our cups have proven to be a simple, yet meaningful action that fosters moments of connection with our customers," the memo read. "To build on that, we are updating our expectation for writing on cups. Starting 2/24, the expectation will shift to include a personalized note on all cups."The company suggested employees write a simple affirmation, such as "You're amazing," or "Hello again" for regulars.The coffee chain, which has been struggling with sliding sales in recent quarters, seems to be turning around. Comparable sales fell 4% for the quarter ended December 29, the company said on Tuesday, a smaller decline than predicted by analysts.On the earnings call, Niccol and Starbucks' finance chief said other changes slated for this year include reducing the number of items on the menu, introducing a new algorithm for mobile orders, and adding digital menu boards.The company's stock was flat after hours. It's up 6.7% in the last year.

CATL Zero-Carbon Teahouse Xiadang / HATCH ArchitectsSave this picture! Fangfang TianArchitects: HATCH ArchitectsAreaArea of this architecture projectArea:467 mYearCompletion year of this architecture project Year: 2024 PhotographsPhotographs:Fangfang TianManufacturersBrands with products used in this architecture project Manufacturers: Amazing Energy Technology (Hangzhou) Co., Wuhu Dingfu Landscape Material Co., Ltd. Lead Architects: David Wei More SpecsLess SpecsSave this picture!Text description provided by the architects. To tackle the global climate crisis and achieve China's "dual-carbon" goals, CATL has shifted its focus from the remarkable achievements in the field of new energy batteries to creating green, intelligent, and livable urban environments. The Mbius strip, a symbol of perpetual cycles, inspired the teahouse's design. Unlike passive energy-saving techniques, this project actively empowers the building with advanced new energy and intelligent interconnectivity technologies.Save this picture!Save this picture!The entire structure utilizes BIPV (Building Integrated Photovoltaics), enabling full-cycle green power supply within limited space. The precision of photovoltaic panel alignment with the roof's curves ensures visual harmony. With materials like ultra-clear glass and UHPC (Ultra-High-Performance Concrete), the design achieves transparency and energy efficiency.Save this picture!Save this picture!Meanwhile, the intelligent charging station at the foot of the mountain provides bi-directional car-to-grid functionality, enabling vehicles to discharge power back to the teahouse. This maximizes energy use efficiency. With an annual power output of approximately 55,000 kWh, the teahouse reduces CO emissions by about 54.8 tons, equivalent to planting 3,000 trees every year.Save this picture!Save this picture!The zero-carbon teahouse stands out against the surrounding rural architecture, creating sharp contrasts in materials, colors, and textures. However, as visitors ascend the spiraling pathway to the rooftop, they are greeted by an unparalleled sense of harmony.Save this picture!Save this picture!The two-story structure comprises a tea bar, tea culture exchange area, and a scenic leisure space, each offering spectacular views. The elegant curves run through the entire space, seamlessly integrating the architecture with the interior design and ensuring the unity of the overall concept. The panoramic glass walls allow villagers and visitors to view each other, forming a mutual appreciation.Save this picture!Save this picture!Save this picture!HATCH co-founder David Wei remarked, "The zero-carbon teahouse is not just a trendy building; it serves as a connector that tightly links the surrounding villages, distant mountains, renewable energy, tourist experiences, and local lifestyles into a cohesive narrative of sustainable mountain living."Save this picture!Project gallerySee allShow lessProject locationAddress:NingdeFujian ChinaLocation to be used only as a reference. It could indicate city/country but not exact address.About this officeHATCH ArchitectsOfficeMaterialsGlassConcreteMaterials and TagsPublished on January 29, 2025Cite: "CATL Zero-Carbon Teahouse Xiadang / HATCH Architects" 29 Jan 2025. ArchDaily. Accessed . <https://www.archdaily.com/1026069/catl-zero-carbon-teahouse-xiadang-hatch-architects&gt ISSN 0719-8884Save? / HATCH Architects 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

The Bayeux Tapestry showing King Harold riding to Bosham, where he attends church and feasts in a hall, before departing for France. (Credit: The Society of Antiquaries of London)NewsletterSign up for our email newsletter for the latest science newsResearchers in the U.K. have announced the discovery of a lost residential site belonging to Harold, the last Anglo-Saxon King of England. This site can be seen on the famous Bayeux Tapestry and has avoided researchers for years. However, a the team believes theyve identified the building, which may be thanks to a toilet.Their findings are published in The Antiquaries Journal.King Harold Sails for FranceHoly Trinity Church, Bosham, looking east. (Credit: Newcastle University)Harold Goodwinson was the last Anglo-Saxon English king who famously died at the Battle of Hastings in 1066. His death resulted in William the Conquer ascending the throne, bringing England under Norman rule. The events leading up to Harolds death are documented on the Bayeux Tapestry.On the tapestry, Harold is shown visiting the town of Bosham, in West Sussex, twice. In Bosham, Harold is depicted visiting a church and then going to a lavish hall to enjoy an extravagant meal before sailing off to France. The same is shown as Harold returns from France.Researchers have never been able to locate this building depicted on the tapestry, though they were able to locate the church, which still stands today. Many believe that a private residence has been built on the site. However, after an archaeology team from Newcastle University and the University of Exeter reexamined evidence from a 2006 excavation, they believe the residence has been located. An Extravagant HallPart of the garden ruin at Bosham was confirmed as a medieval building by recent research. (Credit: Newcastle University)Using a variety of methods, including geophysical surveys, review of records and maps, and overall, looking back at evidence from a West Sussex Archaeology excavation in 2006, the research team could pinpoint two previously unidentified buildings from that time. One of them was built into the current private residence that sits atop it, while the other was in the garden.Researchers noted that the 2006 excavation identified a timber structure with a latrine inside. Within the past decade, researchers have noticed that in wealthy 10th-century English houses, the owners added toilets. The uncovered latrine indicated to the research team that this building was originally owned by someone wealthy, and therefore, it was likely King Harolds hall.The hall was part of a larger complex, according to the study, and likely contained the nearby church.The realization that the 2006 excavations had found, in effect, an Anglo-Saxon en-suite confirmed to us that this house sits on the site of an elite residence pre-dating the Norman Conquest, said Duncan Wright, senior lecturer in Medieval Archaeology at Newcastle University and lead author of the study in a press release.Looking at this vital clue, alongside all our other evidence, it is beyond all reasonable doubt that we have here the location of Harold Godwinsons private power center, the one famously depicted on the Bayeux Tapestry, he concluded in a press release.Importance of This FindThe Bayeux Tapestry is over 200 feet long and depicts the events leading to the Norman Conquest of England. With wool and linen, a turbulent part of English and French history has been preserved. Unfortunately, that cant be said for many historic dwellings.After William the Conquerors victory at the Battle of Hastings, there were major shifts across the English aristocracy. A finding like this helps researchers gain a better understanding of what life was like pre-Norman invasion.The Norman Conquest saw a new ruling class supplant an English aristocracy that has left little in the way of physical remains, which makes the discovery at Bosham hugely significant we have found an Anglo-Saxon show-home, said Oliver Creighton of the University of Exeter, and co-author of the study in a press release.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:The Antiquaries Journal. Where Power Lies: Lordly Power Centres in the English Landscape c. 8001200Bayeux Museum. What is the Bayeux Tapestry about?A graduate of UW-Whitewater, Monica Cull wrote for several organizations, including one that focused on bees and the natural world, before coming to Discover Magazine. Her current work also appears on her travel blog and Common State Magazine. Her love of science came from watching PBS shows as a kid with her mom and spending too much time binging Doctor Who.1 free article leftWant More? Get unlimited access for as low as $1.99/monthSubscribeAlready a subscriber?Register or Log In1 free articleSubscribeWant more?Keep reading for as low as $1.99!SubscribeAlready a subscriber?Register or Log In

Nature, Published online: 28 January 2025; doi:10.1038/d41586-025-00222-zHow a Swiss lawsuit is recasting agricultures role in climate policy.

Nature, Published online: 27 January 2025; doi:10.1038/d41586-025-00261-6Discover how to craft the perfect cold e-mail job application. Plus, the swashbuckling memoir of physicist Steven Weinberg.

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Concept Artist and Art Director at Lucasfilm Jama Jurabaev showcased a set of digital clay sculpts made using 3DCoat.The artwork features amazing graphic fidelity and resembles real-life clay, with highly realistic modeling and textures. The collection includes 3D models of humans and imaginary creatures, and the artist demonstrates a high level of expertise, accurately depicting various outfits and materials,3DCoat, which was utilized in the project, is a sculpting, retopology, and 3D painting software. Recently, it received an update the addition of photogrammetry support through the integration with Epic Games RealityCapture, as well as other smaller updates, including support for PBR texture information when importing or exporting raw voxel data from 3DCoat.If you want to learn more about 3DCoat, check out our recent interview with Environment Artist Alex Creamer about the Handpainted 3D Cottage project and visualizing hand-painted textures:Before, Jama Jurabaev also showcased a collection of different clay-like 3D sculpts made with the same software:Visit the creators ArtStation page anddont forget to join our 80 Level Talent platform and our new Discord server, follow us on Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn, Telegram, TikTok, and Threads, where we share breakdowns, the latest news, awesome artworks, and more.Source link The post Check Out This Collection of Digital Clay-Like Sculpts Made with 3DCoat appeared first on CG SHARES.

Tanguy Talbert is trying to create something really amazing an entirely procedural environment that has no manual placement, just pure procedural magic. The project is being set up in Unreal Engine 5.5 using its Procedural Content Generation (PCG).While Talbert thinks its UX could be more intuitive in some areas, he praises Unreals PCG loop feature, calling it a game-changer.In the video above, you can see one of the tools in the pipeline, which places bridges covered by vegetation, reminding me of Pavel Olivas green fences, also made with PCG.Talberts tool is driven entirely by PCG, with the planks procedurally generated in Houdini and plants taken from Megascans. Talbert used a spline for planks and added collisions to spawn the foliage. He also utilized custom Blueprints nodes with some loops to process the spline and generate the hanging rope details.If you want to try this at home, youre in luck: Talbert promised to post a breakdown of the tool soon, so follow him on LinkedIn and check out his other works on ArtStation.Also, join our80 Level Talent platformand ournew Discord server, follow us onInstagram,Twitter,LinkedIn,Telegram,TikTok, andThreads,where we share breakdowns, the latest news, awesome artworks, and more.Source link The post Artist Making Fully Procedural Environment with Unreal Engines PCG appeared first on CG SHARES.