Hello,as the title says, I'm looking for a quest/lore writer. Essentially looking for someone to come up with descriptions of villages, towns, characters in them, and the quests they would give the player.The game is already complete (you can check it on realmsofdrakonia.com). The quest system is complete too, and thus all the possibilities and limitations are already defined, but I don't have any writing experience or quests. The game lore should be heavily inspired by other ti

To commemorate the day celebrating the worlds favorite red plumber (March 10), Lego has just unveiled its largest Mario Kart set ever. This new set isnt due to cross the finish line until May 15, but Lego Insiders can already pre-order the $169.99 set from Lego.com. Non-members will be able to reserve the set starting on April 15, but its worth noting that joining the Lego Insiders program is totally free. Lego Insiders not only get priority access to new sets but are also entitled to exclusive promotions and can accumulate rewards points that can be redeemed for discounts on future purchases.While this isnt the first Lego set inspired by Mario Kart, its by far the largest. With a total of 1,972 pieces, the new Standard Kart set is more than four times larger than Bowsers Muscle Car. Roughly 12.5 inches long and 8.6 inches tall when not on the included stand, Mario is fully poseable and can be displayed independently of his kart. The set doesnt include any Blue Shells or Banana Peels, but is otherwise a stunning recreation of the Italian plumbers ride as it appears in Mario Kart 8.

JBL just announced a pair of portable speakers that take advantage of the companys AI Sound Boost technology. This software analyzes the signal and maxes out the driver while minimizing distortion. The company says this creates a boost in sound quality.The Flip 7 features an interchangeable strap and carabiner and an updated control placement when compared to the previous generation. The Flip 6 easily made our list of the best portable Bluetooth speakers, so any improvement is just icing on the cake. It also includes an upgraded woofer with more output power, which should further improve the sound.The battery life is solid, at 14 hours of use per charge. Theres a Playtime Boost feature that dials back the bass to add another two hours of use. The Flip 7 offers the ability for multi-speaker output thats powered by Auracast and it can play lossless audio over USB-C, just like the Beats Pill. Preorders are open right now, with shipments going out on April 6. This speaker costs $150.JBLThe Charge 6 also includes a new design with an updated button layout and a detachable and reconfigurable strap. Just like the Flip 7, it includes a redesigned woofer for an audio upgrade. The battery life here is astounding, at 24 hours of use per charge. This is several hours more than the Charge 5. It also includes Playtime Boost, for even more juice, and a quick-charge feature.This speaker can be used as part of a larger system via Auracast. Preorders are available right now and shipments go out on April 6. That extra battery life does tick the price up a bit, as the Charge 6 costs $200.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/audio/speakers/jbl-just-announced-two-new-portable-speakers-that-support-ai-sound-boost-technology-120052295.html?src=rss

The US DOJ has slackened AI and Android complaints, but still asserts Google should consider selling off its Chrome browser.

Q Acoustics is putting more sub into The Substance with its trio of new home cinema subwoofers.

Before leaving office, former President Joe Biden declared the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA) the law of the land.The 28th Amendment, which declares that Equality of rights under the law shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State on account of sex, is operative, according to ERA advocates.Now that Biden acknowledged the ERA, the next steps are celebration and implementation, says Kati Hornung, cofounder and executive director of VoteEquality!, a nonpartisan group promoting equal rights for all.The American Bar Association passed a resolution in October 2024 affirming the 28th Amendment achieved every requirement for ratification under Article V of the Constitution. ABAs resolution urges federal, state, local, territorial, and tribal governments to support implementation of the Equal Rights Amendment and urges all bar associations and the legal community as a whole to support implementation of the ERA.However, there are skeptics. When Congress proposed the ERA in 1972, they made it a conditional proposal to add language to the Constitution, if and only if, it was ratified within seven years, says Stephen E. Sachs, the Antonin Scalia Professor of Law at Harvard Law School. The original deadline for ratification was 1979 but Congress voted to extend that to 1982. Virginia became the 38th state to ratify the ERA in January 2020.If people are supportive of it, they need to go back to the beginning, they should propose it again and well see if the country wants to ratify it, Sachs says.Despite skepticism by opponents, ERA advocates say they are moving forward with implementation. Federal, state, and local jurisdictions should begin reviewing their laws for sexism and sexist language because any statute contrary to the ERA would be unconstitutional. Meanwhile, plaintiffs can cite the 28th Amendment in discrimination cases.Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), an outspoken advocate for the ERA, is working on a bill that would require a review of federal laws to eliminate any sexism or sexist language. If this administration wants to go after womens rights, well see you in court, says Sen. Gillibrand.State ERAs could provide more protectionYet, for there to be broad-based acceptance of the ERA, advocates will need politicians and judges to endorse this idea, says Ting Ting Cheng, director of the ERA project at Columbia Law School Center for Gender and Sexuality Law. Given all the upheaval happening in Washington, D.C., Cheng admits the ERA might not gain any additional political champions at the moment.But, Cheng says, that doesnt mean the ERA isnt the 28th Amendment. No executive order will undo the ratification of 38 states, she says. Executive orders cannot override the United States Constitution, federal statutes, or established legal precedent.Instead, Cheng believes there may be more opportunity for success in the current political climate at the state level because 28 states have their own ERAs with language that is more inclusive and expansive than the language in the 28th Amendment. Most state ERAs include a broader definition of sex to include sexual orientation, gender identity, or expression, she says. For instance, New York State recently passed an ERA that states, No person shall, because of race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, disability, creed [or], religion, or sex, including sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, pregnancy outcomes, and reproductive healthcare and autonomy, be subjected to any discrimination in [his or her] their civil rights by any other person or by any firm, corporation, or institution, or by the state or any agency or subdivision of the state, pursuant to law.State ERAs have been used to challenge and overturn abortion restrictions. In Connecticut, Pennsylvania, and New Mexico, state ERAs were used to protect public funding for abortion. In addition to protecting women, state ERAs can be used to push against federal policies targeting trans youth healthcare and immigration, Cheng says.People are not thinking creatively about state ERAs, Cheng says. The passage of these state ERAs are not under dispute and, in many cases, they can provide more protections than the federal ERA, she says. States could become gender justice laboratories, she adds.States are finding their statues are biased against womenSeveral states without ERAs, including Arizona and North Carolina, have completed reviews of their state statutes to find potentially outdated or discriminatory language in anticipation of the 28th Amendments enactment. ERA Task Force AZ issued a 652-page report Equality for All that proposes changes to state statutes to comply with the federal ERA. Many suggested changes include adopting neutral terms such as person instead of masculine terms such as men or chairman, says Dianne Post, cochair of ERA Task Force AZ. The most serious problems we found were in criminal law, in healthcare related to abortion, and family law, she says. A copy of the report was sent to every state legislator but, so far, none of the proposed changes have been made, Post says. She anticipates several bills will be introduced this legislative session.Meanwhile in North Carolina, the ERA-NC Alliance conducted a review of its state statutes and found more than 21,000 gender specific terms that needed further review, according to Audrey Muck, the alliances copresident. One of the most concerning is the term femme coverture, which means a married woman has no independent legal rights and cannot enter contracts or own property without her husbands permission, and is still in the states code of law. The Alliance brought that issue to the North Carolina General Statutes Commission and the Commission is seeking a technical correction.With or without the ERA, any state would want to make sure their statutes apply equally to men and women, says Greg McConnell, chief pro bono officer at Winston & Strawn LLP, the law firm that helped the ERA-NC Alliance review its state statutes.

This story was originally published by ProPublica.The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development is considering taking a first step to using cryptocurrency, according to a meeting recording and other materials reviewed by ProPublica and three officials familiar with the matter. Two officials told ProPublica they believe the initiative may be a trial run for the use of crypto across the federal government.The discussions have sparked concern among some at the department, especially about the prospect of paying recipients of major federal grants in cryptocurrency, an uninsured digital asset associated with financial speculation, dramatic swings in value and transnational crime.The focus of the discussions so far has been experimenting with using the underlying technology that makes crypto possible the blockchain to monitor HUD grants. Blockchain advocates argue that the technology is valuable on its own for such purposes. But the primary use of blockchain, according to experts, is for crypto transactions.Its just introducing another unregulated security into the housing market as though 2008, 2009 didnt happen, one HUD staffer said, referring to the subprime mortgage crisis. I dont see any way this will help anything. I see a lot of ways this could hurt, said the official, who, like others in this article, spoke on the condition of anonymity for fear of retribution. The HUD discussions have covered the potential use of a stablecoin, a form of crypto that is pegged to another asset to avoid wild swings in value, although such swings have happened in the past.The blockchain idea is being pushed, a HUD official told colleagues, by Irving Dennis. Dennis, the agencys new principal deputy chief financial officer, is a former partner at the global consulting giant EY, also commonly known by its original name, Ernst & Young. EY itself is involved in the proposal as well: An executive of the firm discussed the idea with HUD officials last month.The crypto industry has found an ally in President Donald Trump, whose administration has tapped industryboosters to lead federal agencies, backed off investigations into crypto firms and created a strategic Bitcoin reserve. (Bitcoin plunged $5,000 within an hour of the news of the reserves opening on Thursday.) Trump himself has significant financial interests in crypto. On Friday, the White House is scheduled to host a crypto summit with leading figures from the industry.The proposal at HUD indicates a new way that the administration may seek to bolster the industry: by incorporating blockchain and possibly cryptocurrency into the routine spending and accounting practices of federal agencies. Its a move that would align with the apparent desire of Trump adviser Elon Musk to use the blockchain to monitor federal spending.Dennis and HUD spokesperson Kasey Lovett both denied the accounts of their colleagues. The department has no plans for blockchain or stablecoin, Lovett said. Education is not implementation.Robert Judson, the EY executive involved in the conversations, confirmed that they took place. We as a firm were having discussions with select individuals at that agency, he said when reached by phone. Judson told ProPublica he would seek EYs approval for a full interview, then didnt call back.The White House, EY and Musk did not respond to requests for comment.HUD officials held at least two meetings about the blockchain proposal last month. A list of attendees to the first meeting included staffers from the offices of the CFO and Community Planning and Development. CPD administers billions of dollars in grants that support low- and moderate-income people, including funding to develop affordable housing, run homeless shelters, support disaster recovery, relocate domestic violence survivors and build parks, sewers and community centers. It was the CFOs office that called for the meeting, one person told ProPublica.Also listed as a meeting attendee was Judson from EY. For years Judson has advocated for the blockchain, a digital ledger of sorts that creates an immutable record of transactions saved across multiple computers. Boosters of the technology cast it as a way to cut middlemen such as banks and credit card companies out of financial transactions and make those transactions more transparent and secure. Judson has written that the blockchain can help organizations prevent money from being siphoned off for unintended purposes. As digital assets such as stable coins or digital currencies take hold, more powerful applications will emerge for integrated value exchange, he wrote. Dennis, who served as HUD CFO in the first Trump administration, also wrote, in a 2021 book, that the agency should use technology such as blockchain, robotics, and next-generation financial management systems.Stablecoins are backed by reserves including traditional currency, commodities and Treasury securities. That is supposed to ensure that their value unlike that of, say, Bitcoin doesnt fluctuate. However, on several high-profile occasions, the value of stablecoins has done just that.At the HUD meeting, attendees discussed a proof of concept project in which CPD would begin to track the funding going to a single CPD grant recipient and possibly subrecipients on the blockchain. The need for the project was not well articulated, one attendee later wrote in meeting notes.Following the meeting, a HUD official wrote and circulated a memo within the agency panning the idea. Without exaggeration, every imaginable implementation of this at HUD appears dangerous and inefficient, the memo reads.HUD has no difficulty tracking grant spending, the memo contended, making the new technology unnecessary. Incorporating it would be time-consuming, complicated and require extensive training. And, if the project involved paying grantees in cryptocurrency instead of dollars, it would inject volatility and unpredictability into the funding stream, even if the currency was a stablecoin.In subsequent discussions with HUD staffers, the memos author described the proposal as a beachhead at HUD for the introduction of cryptocurrency, which the author compared to monopoly money.CPD officials continued to raise concerns in a follow-up meeting, a recording of which was reviewed by ProPublica. (Judson did not attend this one.) Some attendees saw merit in the blockchain idea, suggesting it could reduce inaccurate data from grant recipients and enable real-time reporting and monitoring of their spending.Maybe there is something that we could learn from it, one said, especially if we feel like the broader federal government is moving towards some sort of stablecoin option in the future.One official asked why the agency was considering the project. Because its sexy, someone replied. Another said, Irv has asked us to pursue blockchain, so thats why we are looking at it, referring to Dennis.Many details were left unexplained at the meeting, including, crucially, whether the proposal would involve paying grantees in cryptocurrency. But some signaled that it would.You can do it with what would be attached to a stable currency. That would be up to Treasury, and I think theyre already going that way, for what its worth, one official said. It would simulate the dollar.Another added, It would basically be a cryptocurrency that is linked to the U.S. dollar on a one-for-one basis.A finance official suggested the idea could be applied more broadly across HUD. We are looking at this for the entire enterprise. We just wanted to start in CPD, he said. The agency is also considering the idea for the Office of Public and Indian Housing, he said, for tenant eligibility and stuff like that. That office serves the millions of people who live in public and federally subsidized housing.This is not the first time that federal officials have considered incorporating the blockchain into the work of the government. Agencies including the Treasury Department, the Department of Commerce and even HUD have been involved in a study, a prototype and a working group in recent years. But those who monitor the crypto industry were not aware of as broad an application of the technology in the federal government as what HUD officials have recently discussed.Some crypto experts were dubious. Its a terrible idea, said Corey Frayer, a former official at the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, where he focused on the crypto markets and financial stability. It is absolutely wild that anyone with any sense would consider this.Frayer, now at the Consumer Federation of America, warned that HUD grants paid in stablecoin could fall in value. He expressed greatest concern about the notion that the proposal could expand to other parts of the agency. If that included, for example, introducing stablecoin into the $1.3 trillion in mortgage insurance provided by the Federal Housing Administration, a fluctuation in the value of the stablecoin could have a major economic impact, he said.Imagine a world in which all of the government involvement in the housing industry, all of the funds circulating in that environment, dropped in value by 13%, he said, citing a 2023 episode in which a stablecoin briefly fell 13 cents below the dollar. Its hard to imagine that wouldnt be catastrophic.Hilary Allen, a law professor at American University who researches financial regulation and technology, noted that some high-profile attempts to use the blockchain for purposes unrelated to cryptocurrency have failed. She expressed skepticism that the technology would fare better in the context of government grants, where bad outcomes could harm those who depend on HUD funding to survive.Blockchain technology has been around for 15 years. No one wants to use it. And so now we have an attempt to force the government to use it, she said, with the most vulnerable people serving as guinea pigs.Mollie Simon contributed research.

February 2025 has been an exhilarating month for automotive enthusiasts, with a slew of innovative designs that push the boundaries of creativity and technology. As the automotive industry continues to evolve at a rapid pace, designers and engineers are increasingly embracing novel concepts that blend aesthetics with functionality. These designs reflect the latest technological advancements and also cater to diverse consumer preferences, ranging from eco-friendly solutions to futuristic aesthetics and enhanced safety features.This month, weve witnessed a remarkable array of automotive concepts that stand out for their unique approaches and groundbreaking features. From cars that redefine traditional aesthetics to bikes that merge fantasy with reality, these designs showcase the industrys dedication to innovation and its ability to anticipate and adapt to the needs of modern users. These vehicles represent the forefront of automotive design have a look!1. Huawei Maextro S800The Huawei Maextro S800 is making waves with its blend of futuristic design and advanced technology. The S800 showcases a restrained yet striking exterior that redefines the traditional car aesthetic. Its front fascia departs from the conventional grille, opting for a smooth, sealed surface that enhances aerodynamic efficiency. This surface also features an interactive light signature that activates as you approach, offering a personalized welcome experience.With dimensions of 215.75 inches in length and 78.74 inches in width, and a wheelbase of 132.68 inches, the S800 commands attention while maintaining a sleek aerodynamic profile with a drag coefficient of 0.22. The design, described as neo-classical futurism, balances heritage with innovation, rejecting minimalist EV trends. The vehicles headlights, equipped with dual LED light bars and 1,296 micro-LEDs, create a dynamic starburst effect that adjusts based on speed and environment.2. Honda KoraidonHondas latest concept bike, the Koraidon, merges the worlds of automotive innovation and Pokmon fandom. Debuting just in time for Pokmon Day, this dragon-themed bike captivated audiences at the Honda Welcome Plaza Aoyama in Tokyo. Inspired by the Pokmon Scarlet game, the Koraidon bike stands out with its unique design and advanced technology.The bike employs Hondas Riding Assist technology, allowing it to balance independently, even if the rider takes their hands off the handlebars. Its design features animated elements such as hands, feet, neck, eyes, and eyelids that move with the bikes speed, enhancing its lifelike appearance. The Koraidon can also transform, standing on two wheels in Sprinting Build mode or walking on four legs, showcasing its versatility.3. Jus E-bikeThis electric bike concept takes safety and utility to new heights with its dual-purpose headlight. The bikes headlight illuminates the road but also detaches to become an emergency flashlight. This feature arose from the designers personal experience of witnessing a delivery drivers accident on a dark, rainy night, highlighting the need for a reliable light source in emergencies.The detachable headlight addresses a significant gap in safety features for urban riders, especially those navigating poorly lit streets. Offering an easily accessible portable light source, it ensures users are prepared for emergencies, whether signaling for help or assessing a situation. This innovative approach to safety makes the dual-purpose electric bike an excellent design this February.4. Audi QuantaThe Audi Quanta, designed by Mario Vilar, imagines a future where the beloved Audi TT evolves into a two-door crossover coupe. The Quanta stands out by embracing a design that blends the TTs iconic elements with futuristic cues from the RSQ concept car. The Quanta features Audis signature single-frame grille, reinterpreted with sharper angles and an aggressive stance.Slim headlights echo the precision of concept cars, while the sculpted hood and flared wheel arches give it an athletic look. This design, which honors the TTs legacy while adapting to modern automotive trends, makes the Audi Quanta a notable design of February 2025. It is designed to be a true two-door coupe, amped with a long, sweeping roofline that tapers into an integrated rear spoiler.5. INMOTION V9The InMotion V9 Electric Unicycle marks a significant advancement in personal urban transportation. Combining sleek design with cutting-edge technology, the V9 offers a compact, eco-friendly commuting option. It features a powerful 1000W motor, peaking at 2000W for 90 Nm of torque, allowing a top speed of 28 mph.With a 750Wh battery, the V9 covers up to 37 miles on a single charge, ideal for long commutes or weekend adventures. Its 16A fast-charging system minimizes downtime, while 20W reverse charging keeps gadgets charged. The V9s blend of performance and design makes it stand out in Februarys automotive landscape.6. TWS SupercatThe TWR Supercat is a visually striking and dynamic reinterpretation of the classic XJS, crafted by Tom Walkinshaw Racing. Launched to align with Jaguars strategic move toward an all-electric future, this model marks a significant milestone in the brands evolution. Drawing inspiration from iconic racing models like the XJR-15 and the XJ220, the TWR Supercat embodies a fusion of heritage and innovation.Its sleek carbon fiber bodywork houses a formidable supercharged 5.6L V12 engine, expertly tuned by TWRs engineering team. Delivering an impressive 660 horsepower and 730 Nm of torque, the Supercat channels power to the rear wheels through a six-speed manual gearbox, showcasing its prowess as a true powerhouse.7. BMW Motorrad E-Scooter ConceptBMW Motorrads e-scooter concept expertly balances sharp geometry with a muscular presence. Inspired by the BMW Motorrad Concept Link, the e-scooter features a sculpted body combining urban commuter functionality with a futuristic touring machine aesthetic. The color scheme, with matte gray, carbon fiber black, and bright orange accents, enhances the e-scooters contours.Design elements like a tinted windscreen and orange highlights on the rims and footrests add a sporty touch. This fusion of minimalism and maximalism makes the BMW Motorrad e-scooter an impressive design for February 2025. It looks like a mix of an urban commuter and a futuristic touring machine!8. TRONTENDO E-bikeThe TRONTENDO e-bike, a collaboration between mobilitylabs.ai and designer Evgeniy, transforms commuting into a gamified experience. This impressive e-bike incorporates interactive elements like gamified riding mechanics and charge level indicators inspired by Nintendo games. The e-bikes retro-futuristic design bridges past, present, and future, reflecting a commitment to minimalism, functionality, and emotional engagement.By merging digital aesthetics with playful innovation, the TRONTENDO e-bike offers a unique riding experience, making it one of Februarys most notable automotive designs. The bikes design reflects a commitment to emotional engagement, ensuring that each ride is not only about getting from point A to B but also about enjoying the journey itself.9. Bugatti AvallonThe Bugatti Avallon concept masterfully refines and enhances the elements that define the brands legacy. It embraces Bugattis iconic split-body design, highlighting a kinetic centerpiece reminiscent of a mechanical heart. Aerodynamics are seamlessly integrated into the vehicles design, appearing as natural extensions rather than mere add-ons.Every vent, crease, and intake is purposefully crafted, contributing to a visual language that marries tradition with futuristic elements. The Avallon features Bugattis signature horseshoe grille, reimagined with a sharper, more modern aesthetic. This is complemented by large, angular air intakes that efficiently channel airflow around the nose, enhancing the cars aerodynamic performance.10. Ducati OdiosoRevival Cycles has crafted the Ducati Odioso, a sidecar cross bike with eye-catching and distinctive aesthetics designed to impress. This unique creation is based on the Ducati ST4, a sports touring bike powered by a 916cc desmodromic engine produced between 1999 and 2005. The motorcycle features a trellis frame and an exterior decked out in vibrant hues of green, pink, and blue.By transforming the ST4 into a sidecar cross bike, the builders have given it a new identity. The name Odioso, meaning obnoxious in Italian, is fitting for this bold design. While the sidecar-cross-inspired look significantly diverges from the original Ducati ST4, it remains impressively striking. The bike is powered by a 996cc L-Twin four-stroke engine, delivering 120 horsepower, making it as powerful as it is visually compelling.The post 10 Best Automotive Designs Of February 2025 first appeared on Yanko Design.

Trade-ins and upfront discounts will save big today but hurry!

Nintendo is pulling all the stops out with discounts on Mario including Switch games, bundles and a prize trip to Florida!