• Sabrina Carpenter’s new album art is here, and apparently, it’s “approved by God.” But let’s be real: even divine endorsement can’t save her from the doghouse. Critics are having a field day, questioning whether this “alternative” is truly a stroke of genius or just a last-ditch effort to keep up appearances. It’s like putting a fresh coat of paint on a sinking ship—nice try, but those leaks are still there. Maybe next time, a little less divine intervention and a bit more listening to fans would do the trick?

    #SabrinaCarpenter #AlbumArt #MusicCritique #AlternativeMusic #DoghouseDrama
    Sabrina Carpenter’s new album art is here, and apparently, it’s “approved by God.” But let’s be real: even divine endorsement can’t save her from the doghouse. Critics are having a field day, questioning whether this “alternative” is truly a stroke of genius or just a last-ditch effort to keep up appearances. It’s like putting a fresh coat of paint on a sinking ship—nice try, but those leaks are still there. Maybe next time, a little less divine intervention and a bit more listening to fans would do the trick? #SabrinaCarpenter #AlbumArt #MusicCritique #AlternativeMusic #DoghouseDrama
    1 Комментарии 0 Поделились
  • Step Inside the Vault: The ‘Borderland’ Series Arrives on GeForce NOW

    GeForce NOW is throwing open the vault doors to welcome the legendary Borderland series to the cloud.
    Whether a seasoned Vault Hunter or new to the mayhem of Pandora, prepare to experience the high-octane action and humor that define the series that includes Borderlands Game of the Year Enhanced, Borderlands 2, Borderlands 3 and Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel.
    Members can explore it all before the highly anticipated Borderlands 4 arrives in the cloud at launch.
    In addition, leap into the flames and save the day in the pulse-pounding FBC: Firebreak from Remedy Entertainment on GeForce NOW.
    It’s all part of the 13 new games in the cloud this week, including the latest Genshin Impact update and advanced access for REMATCH.
    Plus, GeForce NOW’s Summer Sale is still in full swing. For a limited time, get 40% off a six-month GeForce NOW Performance membership — perfect for diving into role-playing game favorites like the Borderlands series or any of the 2,200 titles in the platform’s cloud gaming library.
    Vault Hunters Assemble
    Gear up for a world where loot is king and chaos is always just a trigger pull away. The Borderlands series is known for its wild humor, outrageous characters and nonstop action — and now, its chaotic adventures can be streamed on GeForce NOW.
    Welcome to Pandora.
    Members revisiting the classics or jumping in for the first time can start with Borderlands Game of the Year Enhanced, the original mayhem-fueled classic now polished and packed with downloadable content. The title brings Pandora to life with a fresh coat of paint, crazy loot and the same iconic humor that started it all.
    New worlds, same chaos.
    In Borderlands 2, Handsome Jack steals the show with his mix of charm and villainy. This sequel cranks up the fun and insanity with unforgettable characters and a zany storyline. For more laughs and even wilder chaos, Borderlands 3 delivers the biggest loot explosion yet, with new worlds to explore. Face off against the Calypso twins and enjoy nonstop action.
    The rise of Handsome Jack.
    The adventure blasts off with Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel, revealing how Handsome Jack became so handsome. The game throws in zero gravity, moon boots and enough sarcasm to fuel a spaceship.
    Jump in with GeForce NOW and get ready to laugh, loot and blast through Pandora, all from the cloud. With instant access and seamless streaming at up to 4K resolution with an Ultimate membership, enter the chaos of Borderlands anytime, anywhere. No downloads, no waiting.
    Suit Up, Clean Up
    The Oldest House needs you.
    Step into the shoes of the Federal Bureau of Control’s elite first responders in the highly anticipated three-player co-op first-person shooter FBC: Firebreak. Taking place six years after Control, the game is set in the Oldest House — under siege by reality-warping threats. It’s up to players to restore order before chaos wins.
    Equip unique Crisis Kits packed with weapons, specialized tools and paranatural augments, like a garden gnome that summons a thunderstorm or a piggy bank that spews coins. As each mission, or “Job,” drops players into unpredictable environments with shifting objectives, bizarre crises and wacky enemies, teamwork and quick thinking are key.
    Jump into the fray with friends and stream it on GeForce NOW instantly across devices. Experience the mind-bending action and stunning visuals powered by cloud streaming. Contain the chaos, save the Oldest House and enjoy a new kind of co-op adventure, all from the cloud.
    No Rules Included
    Score big laughs in the cloud.
    REMATCH gives soccer a bold twist, transforming the classic sport into a fast-paced, third-person action experience where every player controls a single athlete on the field.
    With no fouls, offsides or breaks, matches are nonstop and skills-based, demanding quick reflexes and seamless teamwork. Dynamic role-switching lets players jump between attack, defense and goalkeeping, while seasonal updates and various multiplayer modes keep the competition fresh and the action intense.
    Where arcade flair meets tactical depth, REMATCH is football, unleashed. Get instant access to the soccer pitch by streaming the title on GeForce NOW and jump into the action wherever the match calls.
    Time To Game
    Skirk has arrived.
    Genshin Impact’s next major update launches this week, and members can stream the latest adventures from Teyvat at GeForce quality on any device. Version 5.7 includes the new playable characters Skirk and Dahlia — as well as fresh story quests and the launch of a Stygian Onslaught combat mode.
    Look for the following games available to stream in the cloud this week:

    REMATCHBroken ArrowCrime SimulatorDate Everything!FBC: FirebreakLost in Random: The Eternal DieArchitect Life: A House Design SimulatorBorderlands Game of the Year EnhancedBorderlands 2Borderlands 3Borderlands: The Pre-SequelMETAL EDEN DemoTorque Drift 2What are you planning to play this weekend? Let us know on X or in the comments below.

    What's a gaming achievement you'll never forget?
    — NVIDIA GeForce NOWJune 18, 2025
    #step #inside #vault #borderland #series
    Step Inside the Vault: The ‘Borderland’ Series Arrives on GeForce NOW
    GeForce NOW is throwing open the vault doors to welcome the legendary Borderland series to the cloud. Whether a seasoned Vault Hunter or new to the mayhem of Pandora, prepare to experience the high-octane action and humor that define the series that includes Borderlands Game of the Year Enhanced, Borderlands 2, Borderlands 3 and Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel. Members can explore it all before the highly anticipated Borderlands 4 arrives in the cloud at launch. In addition, leap into the flames and save the day in the pulse-pounding FBC: Firebreak from Remedy Entertainment on GeForce NOW. It’s all part of the 13 new games in the cloud this week, including the latest Genshin Impact update and advanced access for REMATCH. Plus, GeForce NOW’s Summer Sale is still in full swing. For a limited time, get 40% off a six-month GeForce NOW Performance membership — perfect for diving into role-playing game favorites like the Borderlands series or any of the 2,200 titles in the platform’s cloud gaming library. Vault Hunters Assemble Gear up for a world where loot is king and chaos is always just a trigger pull away. The Borderlands series is known for its wild humor, outrageous characters and nonstop action — and now, its chaotic adventures can be streamed on GeForce NOW. Welcome to Pandora. Members revisiting the classics or jumping in for the first time can start with Borderlands Game of the Year Enhanced, the original mayhem-fueled classic now polished and packed with downloadable content. The title brings Pandora to life with a fresh coat of paint, crazy loot and the same iconic humor that started it all. New worlds, same chaos. In Borderlands 2, Handsome Jack steals the show with his mix of charm and villainy. This sequel cranks up the fun and insanity with unforgettable characters and a zany storyline. For more laughs and even wilder chaos, Borderlands 3 delivers the biggest loot explosion yet, with new worlds to explore. Face off against the Calypso twins and enjoy nonstop action. The rise of Handsome Jack. The adventure blasts off with Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel, revealing how Handsome Jack became so handsome. The game throws in zero gravity, moon boots and enough sarcasm to fuel a spaceship. Jump in with GeForce NOW and get ready to laugh, loot and blast through Pandora, all from the cloud. With instant access and seamless streaming at up to 4K resolution with an Ultimate membership, enter the chaos of Borderlands anytime, anywhere. No downloads, no waiting. Suit Up, Clean Up The Oldest House needs you. Step into the shoes of the Federal Bureau of Control’s elite first responders in the highly anticipated three-player co-op first-person shooter FBC: Firebreak. Taking place six years after Control, the game is set in the Oldest House — under siege by reality-warping threats. It’s up to players to restore order before chaos wins. Equip unique Crisis Kits packed with weapons, specialized tools and paranatural augments, like a garden gnome that summons a thunderstorm or a piggy bank that spews coins. As each mission, or “Job,” drops players into unpredictable environments with shifting objectives, bizarre crises and wacky enemies, teamwork and quick thinking are key. Jump into the fray with friends and stream it on GeForce NOW instantly across devices. Experience the mind-bending action and stunning visuals powered by cloud streaming. Contain the chaos, save the Oldest House and enjoy a new kind of co-op adventure, all from the cloud. No Rules Included Score big laughs in the cloud. REMATCH gives soccer a bold twist, transforming the classic sport into a fast-paced, third-person action experience where every player controls a single athlete on the field. With no fouls, offsides or breaks, matches are nonstop and skills-based, demanding quick reflexes and seamless teamwork. Dynamic role-switching lets players jump between attack, defense and goalkeeping, while seasonal updates and various multiplayer modes keep the competition fresh and the action intense. Where arcade flair meets tactical depth, REMATCH is football, unleashed. Get instant access to the soccer pitch by streaming the title on GeForce NOW and jump into the action wherever the match calls. Time To Game Skirk has arrived. Genshin Impact’s next major update launches this week, and members can stream the latest adventures from Teyvat at GeForce quality on any device. Version 5.7 includes the new playable characters Skirk and Dahlia — as well as fresh story quests and the launch of a Stygian Onslaught combat mode. Look for the following games available to stream in the cloud this week: REMATCHBroken ArrowCrime SimulatorDate Everything!FBC: FirebreakLost in Random: The Eternal DieArchitect Life: A House Design SimulatorBorderlands Game of the Year EnhancedBorderlands 2Borderlands 3Borderlands: The Pre-SequelMETAL EDEN DemoTorque Drift 2What are you planning to play this weekend? Let us know on X or in the comments below. What's a gaming achievement you'll never forget? — NVIDIA GeForce NOWJune 18, 2025 #step #inside #vault #borderland #series
    BLOGS.NVIDIA.COM
    Step Inside the Vault: The ‘Borderland’ Series Arrives on GeForce NOW
    GeForce NOW is throwing open the vault doors to welcome the legendary Borderland series to the cloud. Whether a seasoned Vault Hunter or new to the mayhem of Pandora, prepare to experience the high-octane action and humor that define the series that includes Borderlands Game of the Year Enhanced, Borderlands 2, Borderlands 3 and Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel. Members can explore it all before the highly anticipated Borderlands 4 arrives in the cloud at launch. In addition, leap into the flames and save the day in the pulse-pounding FBC: Firebreak from Remedy Entertainment on GeForce NOW. It’s all part of the 13 new games in the cloud this week, including the latest Genshin Impact update and advanced access for REMATCH. Plus, GeForce NOW’s Summer Sale is still in full swing. For a limited time, get 40% off a six-month GeForce NOW Performance membership — perfect for diving into role-playing game favorites like the Borderlands series or any of the 2,200 titles in the platform’s cloud gaming library. Vault Hunters Assemble Gear up for a world where loot is king and chaos is always just a trigger pull away. The Borderlands series is known for its wild humor, outrageous characters and nonstop action — and now, its chaotic adventures can be streamed on GeForce NOW. Welcome to Pandora. Members revisiting the classics or jumping in for the first time can start with Borderlands Game of the Year Enhanced, the original mayhem-fueled classic now polished and packed with downloadable content. The title brings Pandora to life with a fresh coat of paint, crazy loot and the same iconic humor that started it all. New worlds, same chaos. In Borderlands 2, Handsome Jack steals the show with his mix of charm and villainy. This sequel cranks up the fun and insanity with unforgettable characters and a zany storyline. For more laughs and even wilder chaos, Borderlands 3 delivers the biggest loot explosion yet, with new worlds to explore. Face off against the Calypso twins and enjoy nonstop action. The rise of Handsome Jack. The adventure blasts off with Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel, revealing how Handsome Jack became so handsome. The game throws in zero gravity, moon boots and enough sarcasm to fuel a spaceship. Jump in with GeForce NOW and get ready to laugh, loot and blast through Pandora, all from the cloud. With instant access and seamless streaming at up to 4K resolution with an Ultimate membership, enter the chaos of Borderlands anytime, anywhere. No downloads, no waiting. Suit Up, Clean Up The Oldest House needs you. Step into the shoes of the Federal Bureau of Control’s elite first responders in the highly anticipated three-player co-op first-person shooter FBC: Firebreak. Taking place six years after Control, the game is set in the Oldest House — under siege by reality-warping threats. It’s up to players to restore order before chaos wins. Equip unique Crisis Kits packed with weapons, specialized tools and paranatural augments, like a garden gnome that summons a thunderstorm or a piggy bank that spews coins. As each mission, or “Job,” drops players into unpredictable environments with shifting objectives, bizarre crises and wacky enemies, teamwork and quick thinking are key. Jump into the fray with friends and stream it on GeForce NOW instantly across devices. Experience the mind-bending action and stunning visuals powered by cloud streaming. Contain the chaos, save the Oldest House and enjoy a new kind of co-op adventure, all from the cloud. No Rules Included Score big laughs in the cloud. REMATCH gives soccer a bold twist, transforming the classic sport into a fast-paced, third-person action experience where every player controls a single athlete on the field. With no fouls, offsides or breaks, matches are nonstop and skills-based, demanding quick reflexes and seamless teamwork. Dynamic role-switching lets players jump between attack, defense and goalkeeping, while seasonal updates and various multiplayer modes keep the competition fresh and the action intense. Where arcade flair meets tactical depth, REMATCH is football, unleashed. Get instant access to the soccer pitch by streaming the title on GeForce NOW and jump into the action wherever the match calls. Time To Game Skirk has arrived. Genshin Impact’s next major update launches this week, and members can stream the latest adventures from Teyvat at GeForce quality on any device. Version 5.7 includes the new playable characters Skirk and Dahlia — as well as fresh story quests and the launch of a Stygian Onslaught combat mode. Look for the following games available to stream in the cloud this week: REMATCH (New release on Steam, Xbox, available on PC Game Pass, June 16) Broken Arrow (New release on Steam, June 19) Crime Simulator (New release on Steam, June 17) Date Everything! (New release on Steam, June 17) FBC: Firebreak (New release on Steam, Xbox, available on PC Game Pass, June 17) Lost in Random: The Eternal Die (New release on Steam, Xbox, available on PC Game Pass, June 17) Architect Life: A House Design Simulator (New release on Steam, June 19) Borderlands Game of the Year Enhanced (Steam) Borderlands 2 (Steam, Epic Games Store) Borderlands 3 (Steam, Epic Games Store) Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel (Steam, Epic Games Store) METAL EDEN Demo (Steam) Torque Drift 2 (Epic Games Store) What are you planning to play this weekend? Let us know on X or in the comments below. What's a gaming achievement you'll never forget? — NVIDIA GeForce NOW (@NVIDIAGFN) June 18, 2025
    Like
    Love
    Wow
    Sad
    Angry
    32
    0 Комментарии 0 Поделились
  • Enough with the endless updates and empty promises! Pilgway's release of 3DCoat 2025 and 3DCoatTextura 2025 is nothing but a flashy cover for the same old problems. Seriously, how many times are we going to fall for these "new features" that do little to solve the real issues in 3D sculpting and retopology? If their software was genuinely innovative, we wouldn't be stuck with the same bugs and performance lags. Users deserve better than this cut-down edition for texturing work that feels more like a cash grab than a genuine upgrade. It's time to hold companies accountable for their lack of real progress and stop settling for mediocrity in the tech we rely on
    Enough with the endless updates and empty promises! Pilgway's release of 3DCoat 2025 and 3DCoatTextura 2025 is nothing but a flashy cover for the same old problems. Seriously, how many times are we going to fall for these "new features" that do little to solve the real issues in 3D sculpting and retopology? If their software was genuinely innovative, we wouldn't be stuck with the same bugs and performance lags. Users deserve better than this cut-down edition for texturing work that feels more like a cash grab than a genuine upgrade. It's time to hold companies accountable for their lack of real progress and stop settling for mediocrity in the tech we rely on
    Pilgway releases 3DCoat 2025 and 3DCoatTextura 2025
    Check out the new features in the 3D sculpting and retopology software, and its cut-down edition for texturing work.
    Like
    Love
    Wow
    Sad
    31
    1 Комментарии 0 Поделились
  • Maxon has released Redshift 2025.5, and honestly, it's about time! But let's not sugarcoat it; the hype around new features like USDZ file rendering and point cloud support in Blender feels like a desperate attempt to keep up with competitors. Why does every release come with the same old promises? Users are tired of half-baked updates that don't address the real issues plaguing GPU rendering. Instead of flashy features, how about focusing on stability and performance? It’s infuriating to see companies chase trends while neglecting the core functionalities that truly matter. Enough with the marketing gimmicks—deliver real improvements or don’t bother at all!

    #Maxon #Redshift2025 #GPURendering #Blender #Tech
    Maxon has released Redshift 2025.5, and honestly, it's about time! But let's not sugarcoat it; the hype around new features like USDZ file rendering and point cloud support in Blender feels like a desperate attempt to keep up with competitors. Why does every release come with the same old promises? Users are tired of half-baked updates that don't address the real issues plaguing GPU rendering. Instead of flashy features, how about focusing on stability and performance? It’s infuriating to see companies chase trends while neglecting the core functionalities that truly matter. Enough with the marketing gimmicks—deliver real improvements or don’t bother at all! #Maxon #Redshift2025 #GPURendering #Blender #Tech
    Maxon releases Redshift 2025.5
    Check out the new features in the GPU renderer, including support for rendering USDZ files, and support for point clouds in Blender.
    1 Комментарии 0 Поделились
  • Ah, the enchanting world of "Beautiful Accessibility"—where design meets a sweet sprinkle of dignity and a dollop of empathy. Isn’t it just delightful how we’ve collectively decided that making things accessible should also be aesthetically pleasing? Because, clearly, having a ramp that doesn’t double as a modern art installation would be just too much to ask.

    Gone are the days when accessibility was seen as a dull, clunky afterthought. Now, we’re on a quest to make sure that every wheelchair ramp looks like it was sculpted by Michelangelo himself. Who needs functionality when you can have a piece of art that also serves as a means of entry? You know, it’s almost like we’re saying, “Why should people who need help have to sacrifice beauty for practicality?”

    Let’s talk about that “rigid, rough, and unfriendly” stereotype of accessibility. Sure, it’s easy to dismiss these concerns. Just slap a coat of trendy paint on a handrail and voilà! You’ve got a “beautifully accessible” structure that’s just as likely to send someone flying off the side as it is to help them reach the door. But hey, at least it’s pretty to look at as they tumble—right?

    And let’s not overlook the underlying question: for whom are we really designing? Is it for the people who need accessibility, or is it for the fleeting approval of the Instagram crowd? If it’s the latter, then congratulations! You’re on the fast track to a trend that will inevitably fade faster than last season’s fashion. Remember, folks, the latest hashtag isn’t ‘#AccessibilityForAll’; it’s ‘#AccessibilityIsTheNewBlack,’ and we all know how long that lasts in the fickle world of social media.

    Now, let’s sprinkle in some empathy, shall we? Because nothing says “I care” quite like a designer who has spent five minutes contemplating the plight of those who can’t navigate the “avant-garde” staircase that serves no purpose other than to look chic in a photo. Empathy is key, but please, let’s not take it too far. After all, who has time to engage deeply with real human needs when there’s a dazzling design competition to win?

    So, as we stand at the crossroads of functionality and aesthetics, let’s all raise a glass to the idea of "Beautiful Accessibility." May it forever remain beautifully ironic and, of course, aesthetically pleasing—after all, what’s more dignified than a thoughtfully designed ramp that looks like it belongs in a museum, even if it makes getting into that museum a bit of a challenge?

    #BeautifulAccessibility #DesignWithEmpathy #AccessibilityMatters #DignityInDesign #IronyInAccessibility
    Ah, the enchanting world of "Beautiful Accessibility"—where design meets a sweet sprinkle of dignity and a dollop of empathy. Isn’t it just delightful how we’ve collectively decided that making things accessible should also be aesthetically pleasing? Because, clearly, having a ramp that doesn’t double as a modern art installation would be just too much to ask. Gone are the days when accessibility was seen as a dull, clunky afterthought. Now, we’re on a quest to make sure that every wheelchair ramp looks like it was sculpted by Michelangelo himself. Who needs functionality when you can have a piece of art that also serves as a means of entry? You know, it’s almost like we’re saying, “Why should people who need help have to sacrifice beauty for practicality?” Let’s talk about that “rigid, rough, and unfriendly” stereotype of accessibility. Sure, it’s easy to dismiss these concerns. Just slap a coat of trendy paint on a handrail and voilà! You’ve got a “beautifully accessible” structure that’s just as likely to send someone flying off the side as it is to help them reach the door. But hey, at least it’s pretty to look at as they tumble—right? And let’s not overlook the underlying question: for whom are we really designing? Is it for the people who need accessibility, or is it for the fleeting approval of the Instagram crowd? If it’s the latter, then congratulations! You’re on the fast track to a trend that will inevitably fade faster than last season’s fashion. Remember, folks, the latest hashtag isn’t ‘#AccessibilityForAll’; it’s ‘#AccessibilityIsTheNewBlack,’ and we all know how long that lasts in the fickle world of social media. Now, let’s sprinkle in some empathy, shall we? Because nothing says “I care” quite like a designer who has spent five minutes contemplating the plight of those who can’t navigate the “avant-garde” staircase that serves no purpose other than to look chic in a photo. Empathy is key, but please, let’s not take it too far. After all, who has time to engage deeply with real human needs when there’s a dazzling design competition to win? So, as we stand at the crossroads of functionality and aesthetics, let’s all raise a glass to the idea of "Beautiful Accessibility." May it forever remain beautifully ironic and, of course, aesthetically pleasing—after all, what’s more dignified than a thoughtfully designed ramp that looks like it belongs in a museum, even if it makes getting into that museum a bit of a challenge? #BeautifulAccessibility #DesignWithEmpathy #AccessibilityMatters #DignityInDesign #IronyInAccessibility
    Accesibilidad bella: diseñar para la dignidad y construir con empatía
    Más que una técnica o una guía de buenas prácticas, la accesibilidad bella es una actitud. Es reflexionar y cuestionar el porqué, el cómo y para quién diseñamos. A menudo se percibe la accesibilidad como algo rígido, rudo y poco amigable, estéticamen
    Like
    Love
    Wow
    Sad
    Angry
    325
    1 Комментарии 0 Поделились
  • Anni Albers, Bauhaus, modernity, weaving, textile art, feminism, design history, art criticism, creative pioneers

    ## Introduction

    Anni Albers is often celebrated as one of the rare women from the Bauhaus movement who managed to attain a level of recognition during her lifetime. But let's not sugarcoat this: her success is a glaring reminder of how women's contributions have historically been overlooked in the art world. Albers didn’t just weave; she tore apart the outdated notions surrounding ...
    Anni Albers, Bauhaus, modernity, weaving, textile art, feminism, design history, art criticism, creative pioneers ## Introduction Anni Albers is often celebrated as one of the rare women from the Bauhaus movement who managed to attain a level of recognition during her lifetime. But let's not sugarcoat this: her success is a glaring reminder of how women's contributions have historically been overlooked in the art world. Albers didn’t just weave; she tore apart the outdated notions surrounding ...
    Anni Albers: The Bauhaus Weaver Who Shattered Norms
    Anni Albers, Bauhaus, modernity, weaving, textile art, feminism, design history, art criticism, creative pioneers ## Introduction Anni Albers is often celebrated as one of the rare women from the Bauhaus movement who managed to attain a level of recognition during her lifetime. But let's not sugarcoat this: her success is a glaring reminder of how women's contributions have historically been...
    Like
    Love
    Wow
    Sad
    Angry
    603
    1 Комментарии 0 Поделились
  • Borderlands 4, 2K Games, gaming industry, DLCs, video game pricing, game editions, Borderlands series, consumer rights

    ## Introduction

    Let’s not sugarcoat it: the gaming industry is a minefield of exploitative tactics, and 2K Games has just thrown another grenade into the mix with its pricing strategies for Borderlands 4. If you thought they were done with their money-grabbing antics, think again! As if the gaming community needed another reason to be furious, the latest revelations about the ...
    Borderlands 4, 2K Games, gaming industry, DLCs, video game pricing, game editions, Borderlands series, consumer rights ## Introduction Let’s not sugarcoat it: the gaming industry is a minefield of exploitative tactics, and 2K Games has just thrown another grenade into the mix with its pricing strategies for Borderlands 4. If you thought they were done with their money-grabbing antics, think again! As if the gaming community needed another reason to be furious, the latest revelations about the ...
    Borderlands 4: A Deep Dive into the Game Editions and Future DLCs
    Borderlands 4, 2K Games, gaming industry, DLCs, video game pricing, game editions, Borderlands series, consumer rights ## Introduction Let’s not sugarcoat it: the gaming industry is a minefield of exploitative tactics, and 2K Games has just thrown another grenade into the mix with its pricing strategies for Borderlands 4. If you thought they were done with their money-grabbing antics, think...
    Like
    Love
    Wow
    Sad
    Angry
    635
    1 Комментарии 0 Поделились
  • Is it just me, or does the phrase "Quick Tip: A Better Wet Shader" sound like the latest buzz from a trendy café, where the barista is more interested in his art than the coffee? I mean, who would have thought that the secret to stunning visuals in Blender would come down to a clearcoat? It’s almost as if John Mervin, that brave pioneer of pixelated perfection, stumbled upon the holy grail of rendering while driving—because, you know, multitasking is all the rage these days!

    Let's take a moment to appreciate the genius of recording tutorials while navigating rush hour traffic. Who needs a calm, focused environment when you could be dodging potholes and merging lanes? I can just picture it: "Okay, folks, today we're going to add a clearcoat to our wet shader... but first, let’s avoid this pedestrian!" Truly inspiring.

    But back to the world of wet shaders. Apparently, the key to mastering the art of sheen is just slapping on a clearcoat and calling it a day. Why bother with the complexities of light diffusion, texture mapping, or even the nuances of realism when you can just... coat it? It's like serving a gourmet meal and then drowning it in ketchup—truly a culinary masterpiece!

    And let’s not forget the vast potential here. If adding a clearcoat is revolutionary, imagine the untapped possibilities! Why not just throw in a sprinkle of fairy dust and call it a magical shader? Or better yet, how about a “drive-by” tutorial series that teaches us how to animate while on a rollercoaster? The future of Blender tutorials is bright—especially if you’re driving towards it at 80 mph!

    After all, who needs to focus on the intricacies of shader creation when we can all just slap on a clearcoat and hope for the best? The art of 3D rendering has clearly reached a new zenith. So, to all the aspiring Blender wizards out there, remember: clearcoat is your best friend, and traffic lights are merely suggestions.

    In conclusion, if you ever find yourself needing a quick fix in Blender, just remember—there’s nothing a good clearcoat can’t solve. Just don’t forget to keep your eyes on the road; after all, we wouldn’t want you to miss a tutorial while mastering the art of shaders on the go!

    #WetShader #BlenderTutorial #Clearcoat #3DRendering #DigitalArt
    Is it just me, or does the phrase "Quick Tip: A Better Wet Shader" sound like the latest buzz from a trendy café, where the barista is more interested in his art than the coffee? I mean, who would have thought that the secret to stunning visuals in Blender would come down to a clearcoat? It’s almost as if John Mervin, that brave pioneer of pixelated perfection, stumbled upon the holy grail of rendering while driving—because, you know, multitasking is all the rage these days! Let's take a moment to appreciate the genius of recording tutorials while navigating rush hour traffic. Who needs a calm, focused environment when you could be dodging potholes and merging lanes? I can just picture it: "Okay, folks, today we're going to add a clearcoat to our wet shader... but first, let’s avoid this pedestrian!" Truly inspiring. But back to the world of wet shaders. Apparently, the key to mastering the art of sheen is just slapping on a clearcoat and calling it a day. Why bother with the complexities of light diffusion, texture mapping, or even the nuances of realism when you can just... coat it? It's like serving a gourmet meal and then drowning it in ketchup—truly a culinary masterpiece! And let’s not forget the vast potential here. If adding a clearcoat is revolutionary, imagine the untapped possibilities! Why not just throw in a sprinkle of fairy dust and call it a magical shader? Or better yet, how about a “drive-by” tutorial series that teaches us how to animate while on a rollercoaster? The future of Blender tutorials is bright—especially if you’re driving towards it at 80 mph! After all, who needs to focus on the intricacies of shader creation when we can all just slap on a clearcoat and hope for the best? The art of 3D rendering has clearly reached a new zenith. So, to all the aspiring Blender wizards out there, remember: clearcoat is your best friend, and traffic lights are merely suggestions. In conclusion, if you ever find yourself needing a quick fix in Blender, just remember—there’s nothing a good clearcoat can’t solve. Just don’t forget to keep your eyes on the road; after all, we wouldn’t want you to miss a tutorial while mastering the art of shaders on the go! #WetShader #BlenderTutorial #Clearcoat #3DRendering #DigitalArt
    Quick Tip: A Better Wet Shader
    John Mervin probably made the shortest Blender tutorial ever ;-) You could just add a clearcoat...But why stop there? P.S. Please do not record tutorials while driving. Source
    Like
    Love
    Wow
    Sad
    Angry
    565
    1 Комментарии 0 Поделились
  • Delightfully irreverent Underdogs isn’t your parents’ nature docuseries

    show some love for the losers

    Delightfully irreverent Underdogs isn’t your parents’ nature docuseries

    Ryan Reynolds narrates NatGeo's new series highlighting nature's much less cool and majestic creatures

    Jennifer Ouellette



    Jun 15, 2025 3:11 pm

    |

    5

    The indestructible honey badger is just one of nature's "benchwarmers" featured in Underdogs

    Credit:

    National Geographic/Doug Parker

    The indestructible honey badger is just one of nature's "benchwarmers" featured in Underdogs

    Credit:

    National Geographic/Doug Parker

    Story text

    Size

    Small
    Standard
    Large

    Width
    *

    Standard
    Wide

    Links

    Standard
    Orange

    * Subscribers only
      Learn more

    Narrator Ryan Reynolds celebrates nature's outcasts in the new NatGeo docuseries Underdogs.

    Most of us have seen a nature documentary or twoat some point in our lives, so it's a familiar format: sweeping majestic footage of impressively regal animals accompanied by reverently high-toned narration. Underdogs, a new docuseries from National Geographic, takes a decidedly different and unconventional approach. Narrated by with hilarious irreverence by Ryan Reynolds, the five-part series highlights nature's less cool and majestic creatures: the outcasts and benchwarmers, more noteworthy for their "unconventional hygiene choices" and "unsavory courtship rituals." It's like The Suicide Squad or Thunderbolts*, except these creatures actually exist.
    Per the official premise, "Underdogs features a range of never-before-filmed scenes, including the first time a film crew has ever entered a special cave in New Zealand—a huge cavern that glows brighter than a bachelor pad under a black light thanks to the glowing butts of millions of mucus-coated grubs. All over the world, overlooked superstars like this are out there 24/7, giving it maximum effort and keeping the natural world in working order for all those showboating polar bears, sharks and gorillas." It's rated PG-13 thanks to the odd bit of scatalogical humor and shots of Nature Sexy Time
    Each of the five episodes is built around a specific genre. "Superheroes" highlights the surprising superpowers of the honey badger, pistol shrimp, and the invisible glass frog, among others, augmented with comic book graphics; "Sexy Beasts" focuses on bizarre mating habits and follows the format of a romantic advice column; "Terrible Parents" highlights nature's worst practices, following the outline of a parenting guide; "Total Grossout" is exactly what it sounds like; and "The Unusual Suspects" is a heist tale, documenting the supposed efforts of a macaque to put together the ultimate team of masters of deception and disguise.  Green Day even wrote and recorded a special theme song for the opening credits.
    Co-creators Mark Linfield and Vanessa Berlowitz of Wildstar Films are longtime producers of award-winning wildlife films, most notably Frozen Planet, Planet Earth and David Attenborough's Life of Mammals—you know, the kind of prestige nature documentaries that have become a mainstay for National Geographic and the BBC, among others. They're justly proud of that work, but this time around the duo wanted to try something different.

    Madagascar's aye-aye: "as if fear and panic had a baby and rolled it in dog hair"

    National Geographic/Eleanor Paish

    Madagascar's aye-aye: "as if fear and panic had a baby and rolled it in dog hair"

    National Geographic/Eleanor Paish

    An emerald jewel wasp emerges from a cockroach.

    National Geographic/Simon De Glanville

    An emerald jewel wasp emerges from a cockroach.

    National Geographic/Simon De Glanville

    A pack of African hunting dogs is no match for the honey badger's thick hide.

    National Geographic/Tom Walker

    A pack of African hunting dogs is no match for the honey badger's thick hide.

    National Geographic/Tom Walker

    An emerald jewel wasp emerges from a cockroach.

    National Geographic/Simon De Glanville

    A pack of African hunting dogs is no match for the honey badger's thick hide.

    National Geographic/Tom Walker

    A fireworm is hit by a cavitation bubble shot from the claw of a pistol shrimp defending its home.

    National Geographic/Hugh Miller

    As it grows and molts, the mad hatterpillar stacks old head casings on top of its head. Scientists think it is used as a decoy against would-be predators and parasites, and when needed, it can also be used as a weapon.

    National Geographic/Katherine Hannaford

    Worst parents ever? A young barnacle goose chick prepares t make the 800-foot jump from its nest to the ground.

    National Geographic

    An adult pearlfish reverses into a sea cucumber's butt to hide.

    National Geographic

    A vulture sticks its head inside an elephant carcass to eat.

    National Geographic

    A manatee releases flatulence while swimming to lose the buoyancy build up of gas inside its stomach, and descend down the water column.

    National Geographic/Karl Davies

    "There is a sense after awhile that you're playing the same animals to the same people, and the shows are starting to look the same and so is your audience," Linfield told Ars. "We thought, okay, how can we do something absolutely the opposite? We've gone through our careers collecting stories of these weird and crazy creatures that don't end up in the script because they're not big or sexy and they live under a rock. But they often have the best life histories and the craziest superpowers."
    Case in point: the velvet worm featured in the "Superheroes" episode, which creeps up on unsuspecting prey before squirting disgusting slime all over their food.Once Linfield and Berlowitz decided to focus on nature's underdogs and to take a more humorous approach, Ryan Reynolds became their top choice for a narrator—the anti-Richard Attenborough. As luck would have it, the pair shared an agent with the mega-star. So even though they thought there was no way Reynolds would agree to the project, they put together a sizzle reel, complete with a "fake Canadian Ryan Reynolds sound-alike" doing the narration. Reynolds was on set when he received the reel, and loved it so much he recoded his own narration for the footage and sent it back.
    "From that moment he was in," said Linfield, and Wildstar Films worked closely with Reynolds and his company to develop the final series. "We've never worked that way on a series before, a joint collaboration from day one," Berlowitz admitted. But it worked: the end result strikes the perfect balance between scientific revelation and accurate natural history, and an edgy comic tone.
    That tone is quintessential Reynolds, and while he did mostly follow the script, Linfield and Berlowitz admit there was also a fair amount of improvisation—not all of it PG-13.  "What we hadn't appreciated is that he's an incredible improv performer," said Berlowitz. "He can't help himself. He gets into character and starts riffing off. There are some takes that we definitely couldn't use, that potentially would fit a slightly more Hulu audience."  Some of the ad-libs made it into the final episodes, however—like Reynolds describing an Aye-Aye as "if fear and panic had a baby and rolled it in dog hair"—even though it meant going back and doing a bit of recutting to get the new lines to fit.

    Cinematographer Tom Beldam films a long-tailed macaque who stole his smart phone minutes later.

    National Geographic/Laura Pennafort

    Cinematographer Tom Beldam films a long-tailed macaque who stole his smart phone minutes later.

    National Geographic/Laura Pennafort

    The macaque agrees to trade ithe stolen phone for a piece of food.

    National Geographic

    The macaque agrees to trade ithe stolen phone for a piece of food.

    National Geographic

    A family of tortoise beetles defend themselves from a carnivorous ant by wafting baby poop in its direction.

    National Geographic

    A family of tortoise beetles defend themselves from a carnivorous ant by wafting baby poop in its direction.

    National Geographic

    The macaque agrees to trade ithe stolen phone for a piece of food.

    National Geographic

    A family of tortoise beetles defend themselves from a carnivorous ant by wafting baby poop in its direction.

    National Geographic

    A male hippo sprays his feces at another male who is threatening to take over his patch.

    National Geographic

    A male proboscis monkey flaunts his large nose. The noses of these males are used to amplify their calls in the vast forest.

    National Geographic

    Dream girl: A blood-soaked female hyena looks across the African savanna.

    National Geographic

    A male bowerbird presents one of the finest items in his collection to a female in his bower.

    National Geographic

    The male nursery web spider presents his nuptial gift to the female.

    National Geographic

    Cue the Barry White mood music: Two leopard slugs suspend themselves on a rope of mucus as they entwine their bodies to mate with one another.

    National Geographic

    Despite their years of collective experience, Linfield and Berlowitz were initially skeptical when the crew told them about the pearl fish, which hides from predators in a sea cucumber's butt. "It had never been filmed so we said, 'You're going to have to prove it to us,'" said Berlowitz. "They came back with this fantastic, hilarious sequence of a pearl fish reverse parking [in a sea cucumber's anus)."
    The film crew experienced a few heart-pounding moments, most notably while filming the cliffside nests of barnacle geese for the "Terrible Parents" episode. A melting glacier caused a watery avalanche while the crew was filming the geese, and they had to quickly grab a few shots and run to safety. Less dramatic: cinematographer Tom Beldam had his smartphone stolen by a long-tailed macaque mere minutes after he finished capturing the animal on film.
    If all goes well and Underdogs finds its target audience, we may even get a follow-up. "We are slightly plowing new territory but the science is as true as it's ever been and the stories are good. That aspect of the natural history is still there," said Linfield. "I think what we really hope for is that people who don't normally watch natural history will watch it. If people have as much fun watching it as we had making it, then the metrics should be good enough for another season."
    Verdict: Underdogs is positively addictive; I binged all five episodes in a single day.Underdogs premieres June 15, 2025, at 9 PM/8 PM Central on National Geographicand will be available for streaming on Disney+ and Hulu the following day.  You should watch it, if only to get that second season.

    Jennifer Ouellette
    Senior Writer

    Jennifer Ouellette
    Senior Writer

    Jennifer is a senior writer at Ars Technica with a particular focus on where science meets culture, covering everything from physics and related interdisciplinary topics to her favorite films and TV series. Jennifer lives in Baltimore with her spouse, physicist Sean M. Carroll, and their two cats, Ariel and Caliban.

    5 Comments
    #delightfully #irreverent #underdogs #isnt #your
    Delightfully irreverent Underdogs isn’t your parents’ nature docuseries
    show some love for the losers Delightfully irreverent Underdogs isn’t your parents’ nature docuseries Ryan Reynolds narrates NatGeo's new series highlighting nature's much less cool and majestic creatures Jennifer Ouellette – Jun 15, 2025 3:11 pm | 5 The indestructible honey badger is just one of nature's "benchwarmers" featured in Underdogs Credit: National Geographic/Doug Parker The indestructible honey badger is just one of nature's "benchwarmers" featured in Underdogs Credit: National Geographic/Doug Parker Story text Size Small Standard Large Width * Standard Wide Links Standard Orange * Subscribers only   Learn more Narrator Ryan Reynolds celebrates nature's outcasts in the new NatGeo docuseries Underdogs. Most of us have seen a nature documentary or twoat some point in our lives, so it's a familiar format: sweeping majestic footage of impressively regal animals accompanied by reverently high-toned narration. Underdogs, a new docuseries from National Geographic, takes a decidedly different and unconventional approach. Narrated by with hilarious irreverence by Ryan Reynolds, the five-part series highlights nature's less cool and majestic creatures: the outcasts and benchwarmers, more noteworthy for their "unconventional hygiene choices" and "unsavory courtship rituals." It's like The Suicide Squad or Thunderbolts*, except these creatures actually exist. Per the official premise, "Underdogs features a range of never-before-filmed scenes, including the first time a film crew has ever entered a special cave in New Zealand—a huge cavern that glows brighter than a bachelor pad under a black light thanks to the glowing butts of millions of mucus-coated grubs. All over the world, overlooked superstars like this are out there 24/7, giving it maximum effort and keeping the natural world in working order for all those showboating polar bears, sharks and gorillas." It's rated PG-13 thanks to the odd bit of scatalogical humor and shots of Nature Sexy Time Each of the five episodes is built around a specific genre. "Superheroes" highlights the surprising superpowers of the honey badger, pistol shrimp, and the invisible glass frog, among others, augmented with comic book graphics; "Sexy Beasts" focuses on bizarre mating habits and follows the format of a romantic advice column; "Terrible Parents" highlights nature's worst practices, following the outline of a parenting guide; "Total Grossout" is exactly what it sounds like; and "The Unusual Suspects" is a heist tale, documenting the supposed efforts of a macaque to put together the ultimate team of masters of deception and disguise.  Green Day even wrote and recorded a special theme song for the opening credits. Co-creators Mark Linfield and Vanessa Berlowitz of Wildstar Films are longtime producers of award-winning wildlife films, most notably Frozen Planet, Planet Earth and David Attenborough's Life of Mammals—you know, the kind of prestige nature documentaries that have become a mainstay for National Geographic and the BBC, among others. They're justly proud of that work, but this time around the duo wanted to try something different. Madagascar's aye-aye: "as if fear and panic had a baby and rolled it in dog hair" National Geographic/Eleanor Paish Madagascar's aye-aye: "as if fear and panic had a baby and rolled it in dog hair" National Geographic/Eleanor Paish An emerald jewel wasp emerges from a cockroach. National Geographic/Simon De Glanville An emerald jewel wasp emerges from a cockroach. National Geographic/Simon De Glanville A pack of African hunting dogs is no match for the honey badger's thick hide. National Geographic/Tom Walker A pack of African hunting dogs is no match for the honey badger's thick hide. National Geographic/Tom Walker An emerald jewel wasp emerges from a cockroach. National Geographic/Simon De Glanville A pack of African hunting dogs is no match for the honey badger's thick hide. National Geographic/Tom Walker A fireworm is hit by a cavitation bubble shot from the claw of a pistol shrimp defending its home. National Geographic/Hugh Miller As it grows and molts, the mad hatterpillar stacks old head casings on top of its head. Scientists think it is used as a decoy against would-be predators and parasites, and when needed, it can also be used as a weapon. National Geographic/Katherine Hannaford Worst parents ever? A young barnacle goose chick prepares t make the 800-foot jump from its nest to the ground. National Geographic An adult pearlfish reverses into a sea cucumber's butt to hide. National Geographic A vulture sticks its head inside an elephant carcass to eat. National Geographic A manatee releases flatulence while swimming to lose the buoyancy build up of gas inside its stomach, and descend down the water column. National Geographic/Karl Davies "There is a sense after awhile that you're playing the same animals to the same people, and the shows are starting to look the same and so is your audience," Linfield told Ars. "We thought, okay, how can we do something absolutely the opposite? We've gone through our careers collecting stories of these weird and crazy creatures that don't end up in the script because they're not big or sexy and they live under a rock. But they often have the best life histories and the craziest superpowers." Case in point: the velvet worm featured in the "Superheroes" episode, which creeps up on unsuspecting prey before squirting disgusting slime all over their food.Once Linfield and Berlowitz decided to focus on nature's underdogs and to take a more humorous approach, Ryan Reynolds became their top choice for a narrator—the anti-Richard Attenborough. As luck would have it, the pair shared an agent with the mega-star. So even though they thought there was no way Reynolds would agree to the project, they put together a sizzle reel, complete with a "fake Canadian Ryan Reynolds sound-alike" doing the narration. Reynolds was on set when he received the reel, and loved it so much he recoded his own narration for the footage and sent it back. "From that moment he was in," said Linfield, and Wildstar Films worked closely with Reynolds and his company to develop the final series. "We've never worked that way on a series before, a joint collaboration from day one," Berlowitz admitted. But it worked: the end result strikes the perfect balance between scientific revelation and accurate natural history, and an edgy comic tone. That tone is quintessential Reynolds, and while he did mostly follow the script, Linfield and Berlowitz admit there was also a fair amount of improvisation—not all of it PG-13.  "What we hadn't appreciated is that he's an incredible improv performer," said Berlowitz. "He can't help himself. He gets into character and starts riffing off. There are some takes that we definitely couldn't use, that potentially would fit a slightly more Hulu audience."  Some of the ad-libs made it into the final episodes, however—like Reynolds describing an Aye-Aye as "if fear and panic had a baby and rolled it in dog hair"—even though it meant going back and doing a bit of recutting to get the new lines to fit. Cinematographer Tom Beldam films a long-tailed macaque who stole his smart phone minutes later. National Geographic/Laura Pennafort Cinematographer Tom Beldam films a long-tailed macaque who stole his smart phone minutes later. National Geographic/Laura Pennafort The macaque agrees to trade ithe stolen phone for a piece of food. National Geographic The macaque agrees to trade ithe stolen phone for a piece of food. National Geographic A family of tortoise beetles defend themselves from a carnivorous ant by wafting baby poop in its direction. National Geographic A family of tortoise beetles defend themselves from a carnivorous ant by wafting baby poop in its direction. National Geographic The macaque agrees to trade ithe stolen phone for a piece of food. National Geographic A family of tortoise beetles defend themselves from a carnivorous ant by wafting baby poop in its direction. National Geographic A male hippo sprays his feces at another male who is threatening to take over his patch. National Geographic A male proboscis monkey flaunts his large nose. The noses of these males are used to amplify their calls in the vast forest. National Geographic Dream girl: A blood-soaked female hyena looks across the African savanna. National Geographic A male bowerbird presents one of the finest items in his collection to a female in his bower. National Geographic The male nursery web spider presents his nuptial gift to the female. National Geographic Cue the Barry White mood music: Two leopard slugs suspend themselves on a rope of mucus as they entwine their bodies to mate with one another. National Geographic Despite their years of collective experience, Linfield and Berlowitz were initially skeptical when the crew told them about the pearl fish, which hides from predators in a sea cucumber's butt. "It had never been filmed so we said, 'You're going to have to prove it to us,'" said Berlowitz. "They came back with this fantastic, hilarious sequence of a pearl fish reverse parking [in a sea cucumber's anus)." The film crew experienced a few heart-pounding moments, most notably while filming the cliffside nests of barnacle geese for the "Terrible Parents" episode. A melting glacier caused a watery avalanche while the crew was filming the geese, and they had to quickly grab a few shots and run to safety. Less dramatic: cinematographer Tom Beldam had his smartphone stolen by a long-tailed macaque mere minutes after he finished capturing the animal on film. If all goes well and Underdogs finds its target audience, we may even get a follow-up. "We are slightly plowing new territory but the science is as true as it's ever been and the stories are good. That aspect of the natural history is still there," said Linfield. "I think what we really hope for is that people who don't normally watch natural history will watch it. If people have as much fun watching it as we had making it, then the metrics should be good enough for another season." Verdict: Underdogs is positively addictive; I binged all five episodes in a single day.Underdogs premieres June 15, 2025, at 9 PM/8 PM Central on National Geographicand will be available for streaming on Disney+ and Hulu the following day.  You should watch it, if only to get that second season. Jennifer Ouellette Senior Writer Jennifer Ouellette Senior Writer Jennifer is a senior writer at Ars Technica with a particular focus on where science meets culture, covering everything from physics and related interdisciplinary topics to her favorite films and TV series. Jennifer lives in Baltimore with her spouse, physicist Sean M. Carroll, and their two cats, Ariel and Caliban. 5 Comments #delightfully #irreverent #underdogs #isnt #your
    ARSTECHNICA.COM
    Delightfully irreverent Underdogs isn’t your parents’ nature docuseries
    show some love for the losers Delightfully irreverent Underdogs isn’t your parents’ nature docuseries Ryan Reynolds narrates NatGeo's new series highlighting nature's much less cool and majestic creatures Jennifer Ouellette – Jun 15, 2025 3:11 pm | 5 The indestructible honey badger is just one of nature's "benchwarmers" featured in Underdogs Credit: National Geographic/Doug Parker The indestructible honey badger is just one of nature's "benchwarmers" featured in Underdogs Credit: National Geographic/Doug Parker Story text Size Small Standard Large Width * Standard Wide Links Standard Orange * Subscribers only   Learn more Narrator Ryan Reynolds celebrates nature's outcasts in the new NatGeo docuseries Underdogs. Most of us have seen a nature documentary or two (or three) at some point in our lives, so it's a familiar format: sweeping majestic footage of impressively regal animals accompanied by reverently high-toned narration (preferably with a tony British accent). Underdogs, a new docuseries from National Geographic, takes a decidedly different and unconventional approach. Narrated by with hilarious irreverence by Ryan Reynolds, the five-part series highlights nature's less cool and majestic creatures: the outcasts and benchwarmers, more noteworthy for their "unconventional hygiene choices" and "unsavory courtship rituals." It's like The Suicide Squad or Thunderbolts*, except these creatures actually exist. Per the official premise, "Underdogs features a range of never-before-filmed scenes, including the first time a film crew has ever entered a special cave in New Zealand—a huge cavern that glows brighter than a bachelor pad under a black light thanks to the glowing butts of millions of mucus-coated grubs. All over the world, overlooked superstars like this are out there 24/7, giving it maximum effort and keeping the natural world in working order for all those showboating polar bears, sharks and gorillas." It's rated PG-13 thanks to the odd bit of scatalogical humor and shots of Nature Sexy Time Each of the five episodes is built around a specific genre. "Superheroes" highlights the surprising superpowers of the honey badger, pistol shrimp, and the invisible glass frog, among others, augmented with comic book graphics; "Sexy Beasts" focuses on bizarre mating habits and follows the format of a romantic advice column; "Terrible Parents" highlights nature's worst practices, following the outline of a parenting guide; "Total Grossout" is exactly what it sounds like; and "The Unusual Suspects" is a heist tale, documenting the supposed efforts of a macaque to put together the ultimate team of masters of deception and disguise (an inside man, a decoy, a fall guy, etc.).  Green Day even wrote and recorded a special theme song for the opening credits. Co-creators Mark Linfield and Vanessa Berlowitz of Wildstar Films are longtime producers of award-winning wildlife films, most notably Frozen Planet, Planet Earth and David Attenborough's Life of Mammals—you know, the kind of prestige nature documentaries that have become a mainstay for National Geographic and the BBC, among others. They're justly proud of that work, but this time around the duo wanted to try something different. Madagascar's aye-aye: "as if fear and panic had a baby and rolled it in dog hair" National Geographic/Eleanor Paish Madagascar's aye-aye: "as if fear and panic had a baby and rolled it in dog hair" National Geographic/Eleanor Paish An emerald jewel wasp emerges from a cockroach. National Geographic/Simon De Glanville An emerald jewel wasp emerges from a cockroach. National Geographic/Simon De Glanville A pack of African hunting dogs is no match for the honey badger's thick hide. National Geographic/Tom Walker A pack of African hunting dogs is no match for the honey badger's thick hide. National Geographic/Tom Walker An emerald jewel wasp emerges from a cockroach. National Geographic/Simon De Glanville A pack of African hunting dogs is no match for the honey badger's thick hide. National Geographic/Tom Walker A fireworm is hit by a cavitation bubble shot from the claw of a pistol shrimp defending its home. National Geographic/Hugh Miller As it grows and molts, the mad hatterpillar stacks old head casings on top of its head. Scientists think it is used as a decoy against would-be predators and parasites, and when needed, it can also be used as a weapon. National Geographic/Katherine Hannaford Worst parents ever? A young barnacle goose chick prepares t make the 800-foot jump from its nest to the ground. National Geographic An adult pearlfish reverses into a sea cucumber's butt to hide. National Geographic A vulture sticks its head inside an elephant carcass to eat. National Geographic A manatee releases flatulence while swimming to lose the buoyancy build up of gas inside its stomach, and descend down the water column. National Geographic/Karl Davies "There is a sense after awhile that you're playing the same animals to the same people, and the shows are starting to look the same and so is your audience," Linfield told Ars. "We thought, okay, how can we do something absolutely the opposite? We've gone through our careers collecting stories of these weird and crazy creatures that don't end up in the script because they're not big or sexy and they live under a rock. But they often have the best life histories and the craziest superpowers." Case in point: the velvet worm featured in the "Superheroes" episode, which creeps up on unsuspecting prey before squirting disgusting slime all over their food. (It's a handy defense mechanism, too, against predators like the wolf spider.) Once Linfield and Berlowitz decided to focus on nature's underdogs and to take a more humorous approach, Ryan Reynolds became their top choice for a narrator—the anti-Richard Attenborough. As luck would have it, the pair shared an agent with the mega-star. So even though they thought there was no way Reynolds would agree to the project, they put together a sizzle reel, complete with a "fake Canadian Ryan Reynolds sound-alike" doing the narration. Reynolds was on set when he received the reel, and loved it so much he recoded his own narration for the footage and sent it back. "From that moment he was in," said Linfield, and Wildstar Films worked closely with Reynolds and his company to develop the final series. "We've never worked that way on a series before, a joint collaboration from day one," Berlowitz admitted. But it worked: the end result strikes the perfect balance between scientific revelation and accurate natural history, and an edgy comic tone. That tone is quintessential Reynolds, and while he did mostly follow the script (which his team helped write), Linfield and Berlowitz admit there was also a fair amount of improvisation—not all of it PG-13.  "What we hadn't appreciated is that he's an incredible improv performer," said Berlowitz. "He can't help himself. He gets into character and starts riffing off [the footage]. There are some takes that we definitely couldn't use, that potentially would fit a slightly more Hulu audience."  Some of the ad-libs made it into the final episodes, however—like Reynolds describing an Aye-Aye as "if fear and panic had a baby and rolled it in dog hair"—even though it meant going back and doing a bit of recutting to get the new lines to fit. Cinematographer Tom Beldam films a long-tailed macaque who stole his smart phone minutes later. National Geographic/Laura Pennafort Cinematographer Tom Beldam films a long-tailed macaque who stole his smart phone minutes later. National Geographic/Laura Pennafort The macaque agrees to trade ithe stolen phone for a piece of food. National Geographic The macaque agrees to trade ithe stolen phone for a piece of food. National Geographic A family of tortoise beetles defend themselves from a carnivorous ant by wafting baby poop in its direction. National Geographic A family of tortoise beetles defend themselves from a carnivorous ant by wafting baby poop in its direction. National Geographic The macaque agrees to trade ithe stolen phone for a piece of food. National Geographic A family of tortoise beetles defend themselves from a carnivorous ant by wafting baby poop in its direction. National Geographic A male hippo sprays his feces at another male who is threatening to take over his patch. National Geographic A male proboscis monkey flaunts his large nose. The noses of these males are used to amplify their calls in the vast forest. National Geographic Dream girl: A blood-soaked female hyena looks across the African savanna. National Geographic A male bowerbird presents one of the finest items in his collection to a female in his bower. National Geographic The male nursery web spider presents his nuptial gift to the female. National Geographic Cue the Barry White mood music: Two leopard slugs suspend themselves on a rope of mucus as they entwine their bodies to mate with one another. National Geographic Despite their years of collective experience, Linfield and Berlowitz were initially skeptical when the crew told them about the pearl fish, which hides from predators in a sea cucumber's butt (along with many other species). "It had never been filmed so we said, 'You're going to have to prove it to us,'" said Berlowitz. "They came back with this fantastic, hilarious sequence of a pearl fish reverse parking [in a sea cucumber's anus)." The film crew experienced a few heart-pounding moments, most notably while filming the cliffside nests of barnacle geese for the "Terrible Parents" episode. A melting glacier caused a watery avalanche while the crew was filming the geese, and they had to quickly grab a few shots and run to safety. Less dramatic: cinematographer Tom Beldam had his smartphone stolen by a long-tailed macaque mere minutes after he finished capturing the animal on film. If all goes well and Underdogs finds its target audience, we may even get a follow-up. "We are slightly plowing new territory but the science is as true as it's ever been and the stories are good. That aspect of the natural history is still there," said Linfield. "I think what we really hope for is that people who don't normally watch natural history will watch it. If people have as much fun watching it as we had making it, then the metrics should be good enough for another season." Verdict: Underdogs is positively addictive; I binged all five episodes in a single day. (For his part, Reynolds said in a statement that he was thrilled to "finally watch a project of ours with my children. Technically they saw Deadpool and Wolverine but I don't think they absorbed much while covering their eyes and ears and screaming for two hours.") Underdogs premieres June 15, 2025, at 9 PM/8 PM Central on National Geographic (simulcast on ABC) and will be available for streaming on Disney+ and Hulu the following day.  You should watch it, if only to get that second season. Jennifer Ouellette Senior Writer Jennifer Ouellette Senior Writer Jennifer is a senior writer at Ars Technica with a particular focus on where science meets culture, covering everything from physics and related interdisciplinary topics to her favorite films and TV series. Jennifer lives in Baltimore with her spouse, physicist Sean M. Carroll, and their two cats, Ariel and Caliban. 5 Comments
    Like
    Love
    Wow
    Angry
    Sad
    487
    2 Комментарии 0 Поделились
  • iPad Air vs reMarkable Paper Pro: Which tablet is best for note taking? [Updated]

    Over the past few months, I’ve had the pleasure of testing out the reMarkable Paper Pro. You can read my full review here, but in short, it gets everything right about the note taking experience.
    Despite being an e-ink tablet, it does get quite pricey. However, there are certainly some fantastic parts of the experience that make it worth comparing to an iPad Air, depending on what you’re looking for in a note taking device for school, work, or whatever else.

    Updated June 15th to reflect reMarkable’s new post-tariff pricing.
    Overview
    Since the reMarkable Paper Pro comes in at with the reMarkable Marker Plus included, it likely makes most sense to compare this against Apple’s iPad Air 11-inch. That comes in at without an Apple Pencil, and adding in the Apple Pencil Pro will run you an additional The equivalent iPad setup will run you more than the reMarkable Paper Pro.
    Given the fact that iPad Air‘s regularly go on sale, it’d be fair to say they’re roughly on the same playing field. So, for a reMarkable Paper Pro setup, versus for a comparable iPad Air setup. Which is better for you?
    Obviously, the iPad Air has one key advantage: It runs iOS, has millions of apps available, can browse the web, play games, stream TV shows/movies, and much more. To some, that might end the comparison and make the iPad a clear winner, but I disagree.
    Yes, if you want your tablet to do all of those things for you, the iPad Air is a no brainer. At the end of the day, the iPad Air is a general purpose tablet that’ll do a lot more for you.
    However, if you also have a laptop to accompany your tablet, I’d argue that the iPad Air may fall into a category of slight redundance. Most things you’d want to do on the iPad can be done on a laptop, excluding any sort of touchscreen/stylus reliant features.
    iPads are great, and if you want that – you should pick that. However, I have an alternative argument to offer…
    The reMarkable Paper Pro does one thing really well: note taking. At first thought, you might think: why would I pay so much for a device that only does one thing?
    Well, that’s because it does that one thing really well. There’s also a second side to this argument: focus.
    It’s much easier to focus on what you’re doing when the device isn’t capable of anything else. If you’re taking notes while studying, you could easily see a notification or have the temptation to check notification center. Or, if you’re reading an e-book, you could easily choose to swipe up and get into another app.
    The best thing about the reMarkable Paper Pro is that you can’t easily get lost in the world of modern technology, while still having important technological features like cloud backup of your notes. Plus, you don’t have to worry about carrying around physical paper.
    One last thing – the reMarkable Paper Pro also has rubber feet on the back, so if you place it down flat on a table caseless, you don’t have to worry about scratching it up.
    Spec comparison
    Here’s a quick rundown of all of the key specs between the two devices. reMarkable Paper Pro‘s strengths definitely lie in battery, form factor, and stylus. iPad has some rather neat features with the Apple Pencil Pro, and also clears in the display category. Both devices also offer keyboards for typed notes, though only the iPad offers a trackpad.
    Display– 10.9-inch LCD display– Glossy glass– 2360 × 1640 at 264 ppi– 11.8-inch Color e-ink display– Paper-feeling textured glass– 2160 × 1620 at 229 ppiHardware– 6.1mm thin– Anodized aluminum coating– Weighs 461g w/o Pencil Pro– 5.1mm thin– Textured aluminum edges– Weighs 360g w/ Marker attachedStylus– Magnetically charges from device– Supports tilt/pressure sensitivity– Low latency– Matte plastic build– Squeeze features, double tap gestures– Magnetically charges from device– Supports tilt/pressure sensitivity– Ultra-low latency– Premium textured aluminum build– Built in eraser on the bottomBattery life– Up to 10 hours of web browsing– Recharges to 100% in 2-3 hrs– Up to 14 days of typical usage– Fast charges to 90% in 90 minsPrice–for iPad Air–for Pencil Pro– bundled with Marker Plus
    Wrap up
    All in all, I’m not going to try to convince anyone that wanted to buy an iPad that they should buy a reMarkable Paper Pro. You can’t beat the fact that the iPad Air will do a lot more, for roughly the same cost.
    But, if you’re not buying this to be a primary computing device, I’d argue that the reMarkable Paper Pro is a worthy alternative, especially if you really just want something you can zone in on. The reMarkable Paper Pro feels a lot nicer to write on, has substantially longer battery life, and really masters a minimalist form of digital note taking.
    Buy M3 iPad Air on Amazon:
    Buy reMarkable Paper Pro on Amazon:
    What do you think of these two tablets? Let us know in the comments.

    My favorite Apple accessory recommendations:
    Follow Michael: X/Twitter, Bluesky, Instagram

    Add 9to5Mac to your Google News feed. 

    FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.You’re reading 9to5Mac — experts who break news about Apple and its surrounding ecosystem, day after day. Be sure to check out our homepage for all the latest news, and follow 9to5Mac on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn to stay in the loop. Don’t know where to start? Check out our exclusive stories, reviews, how-tos, and subscribe to our YouTube channel
    #ipad #air #remarkable #paper #pro
    iPad Air vs reMarkable Paper Pro: Which tablet is best for note taking? [Updated]
    Over the past few months, I’ve had the pleasure of testing out the reMarkable Paper Pro. You can read my full review here, but in short, it gets everything right about the note taking experience. Despite being an e-ink tablet, it does get quite pricey. However, there are certainly some fantastic parts of the experience that make it worth comparing to an iPad Air, depending on what you’re looking for in a note taking device for school, work, or whatever else. Updated June 15th to reflect reMarkable’s new post-tariff pricing. Overview Since the reMarkable Paper Pro comes in at with the reMarkable Marker Plus included, it likely makes most sense to compare this against Apple’s iPad Air 11-inch. That comes in at without an Apple Pencil, and adding in the Apple Pencil Pro will run you an additional The equivalent iPad setup will run you more than the reMarkable Paper Pro. Given the fact that iPad Air‘s regularly go on sale, it’d be fair to say they’re roughly on the same playing field. So, for a reMarkable Paper Pro setup, versus for a comparable iPad Air setup. Which is better for you? Obviously, the iPad Air has one key advantage: It runs iOS, has millions of apps available, can browse the web, play games, stream TV shows/movies, and much more. To some, that might end the comparison and make the iPad a clear winner, but I disagree. Yes, if you want your tablet to do all of those things for you, the iPad Air is a no brainer. At the end of the day, the iPad Air is a general purpose tablet that’ll do a lot more for you. However, if you also have a laptop to accompany your tablet, I’d argue that the iPad Air may fall into a category of slight redundance. Most things you’d want to do on the iPad can be done on a laptop, excluding any sort of touchscreen/stylus reliant features. iPads are great, and if you want that – you should pick that. However, I have an alternative argument to offer… The reMarkable Paper Pro does one thing really well: note taking. At first thought, you might think: why would I pay so much for a device that only does one thing? Well, that’s because it does that one thing really well. There’s also a second side to this argument: focus. It’s much easier to focus on what you’re doing when the device isn’t capable of anything else. If you’re taking notes while studying, you could easily see a notification or have the temptation to check notification center. Or, if you’re reading an e-book, you could easily choose to swipe up and get into another app. The best thing about the reMarkable Paper Pro is that you can’t easily get lost in the world of modern technology, while still having important technological features like cloud backup of your notes. Plus, you don’t have to worry about carrying around physical paper. One last thing – the reMarkable Paper Pro also has rubber feet on the back, so if you place it down flat on a table caseless, you don’t have to worry about scratching it up. Spec comparison Here’s a quick rundown of all of the key specs between the two devices. reMarkable Paper Pro‘s strengths definitely lie in battery, form factor, and stylus. iPad has some rather neat features with the Apple Pencil Pro, and also clears in the display category. Both devices also offer keyboards for typed notes, though only the iPad offers a trackpad. Display– 10.9-inch LCD display– Glossy glass– 2360 × 1640 at 264 ppi– 11.8-inch Color e-ink display– Paper-feeling textured glass– 2160 × 1620 at 229 ppiHardware– 6.1mm thin– Anodized aluminum coating– Weighs 461g w/o Pencil Pro– 5.1mm thin– Textured aluminum edges– Weighs 360g w/ Marker attachedStylus– Magnetically charges from device– Supports tilt/pressure sensitivity– Low latency– Matte plastic build– Squeeze features, double tap gestures– Magnetically charges from device– Supports tilt/pressure sensitivity– Ultra-low latency– Premium textured aluminum build– Built in eraser on the bottomBattery life– Up to 10 hours of web browsing– Recharges to 100% in 2-3 hrs– Up to 14 days of typical usage– Fast charges to 90% in 90 minsPrice–for iPad Air–for Pencil Pro– bundled with Marker Plus Wrap up All in all, I’m not going to try to convince anyone that wanted to buy an iPad that they should buy a reMarkable Paper Pro. You can’t beat the fact that the iPad Air will do a lot more, for roughly the same cost. But, if you’re not buying this to be a primary computing device, I’d argue that the reMarkable Paper Pro is a worthy alternative, especially if you really just want something you can zone in on. The reMarkable Paper Pro feels a lot nicer to write on, has substantially longer battery life, and really masters a minimalist form of digital note taking. Buy M3 iPad Air on Amazon: Buy reMarkable Paper Pro on Amazon: What do you think of these two tablets? Let us know in the comments. My favorite Apple accessory recommendations: Follow Michael: X/Twitter, Bluesky, Instagram Add 9to5Mac to your Google News feed.  FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.You’re reading 9to5Mac — experts who break news about Apple and its surrounding ecosystem, day after day. Be sure to check out our homepage for all the latest news, and follow 9to5Mac on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn to stay in the loop. Don’t know where to start? Check out our exclusive stories, reviews, how-tos, and subscribe to our YouTube channel #ipad #air #remarkable #paper #pro
    9TO5MAC.COM
    iPad Air vs reMarkable Paper Pro: Which tablet is best for note taking? [Updated]
    Over the past few months, I’ve had the pleasure of testing out the reMarkable Paper Pro. You can read my full review here, but in short, it gets everything right about the note taking experience. Despite being an e-ink tablet, it does get quite pricey. However, there are certainly some fantastic parts of the experience that make it worth comparing to an iPad Air, depending on what you’re looking for in a note taking device for school, work, or whatever else. Updated June 15th to reflect reMarkable’s new post-tariff pricing. Overview Since the reMarkable Paper Pro comes in at $679 with the reMarkable Marker Plus included, it likely makes most sense to compare this against Apple’s iPad Air 11-inch. That comes in at $599 without an Apple Pencil, and adding in the Apple Pencil Pro will run you an additional $129. The equivalent iPad setup will run you $50 more than the reMarkable Paper Pro. Given the fact that iPad Air‘s regularly go on sale, it’d be fair to say they’re roughly on the same playing field. So, $679 for a reMarkable Paper Pro setup, versus $728 for a comparable iPad Air setup. Which is better for you? Obviously, the iPad Air has one key advantage: It runs iOS, has millions of apps available, can browse the web, play games, stream TV shows/movies, and much more. To some, that might end the comparison and make the iPad a clear winner, but I disagree. Yes, if you want your tablet to do all of those things for you, the iPad Air is a no brainer. At the end of the day, the iPad Air is a general purpose tablet that’ll do a lot more for you. However, if you also have a laptop to accompany your tablet, I’d argue that the iPad Air may fall into a category of slight redundance. Most things you’d want to do on the iPad can be done on a laptop, excluding any sort of touchscreen/stylus reliant features. iPads are great, and if you want that – you should pick that. However, I have an alternative argument to offer… The reMarkable Paper Pro does one thing really well: note taking. At first thought, you might think: why would I pay so much for a device that only does one thing? Well, that’s because it does that one thing really well. There’s also a second side to this argument: focus. It’s much easier to focus on what you’re doing when the device isn’t capable of anything else. If you’re taking notes while studying, you could easily see a notification or have the temptation to check notification center. Or, if you’re reading an e-book, you could easily choose to swipe up and get into another app. The best thing about the reMarkable Paper Pro is that you can’t easily get lost in the world of modern technology, while still having important technological features like cloud backup of your notes. Plus, you don’t have to worry about carrying around physical paper. One last thing – the reMarkable Paper Pro also has rubber feet on the back, so if you place it down flat on a table caseless, you don’t have to worry about scratching it up. Spec comparison Here’s a quick rundown of all of the key specs between the two devices. reMarkable Paper Pro‘s strengths definitely lie in battery, form factor, and stylus. iPad has some rather neat features with the Apple Pencil Pro, and also clears in the display category. Both devices also offer keyboards for typed notes, though only the iPad offers a trackpad. Display– 10.9-inch LCD display– Glossy glass– 2360 × 1640 at 264 ppi– 11.8-inch Color e-ink display– Paper-feeling textured glass– 2160 × 1620 at 229 ppiHardware– 6.1mm thin– Anodized aluminum coating– Weighs 461g w/o Pencil Pro– 5.1mm thin– Textured aluminum edges– Weighs 360g w/ Marker attachedStylus– Magnetically charges from device– Supports tilt/pressure sensitivity– Low latency (number unspecified)– Matte plastic build– Squeeze features, double tap gestures– Magnetically charges from device– Supports tilt/pressure sensitivity– Ultra-low latency (12ms)– Premium textured aluminum build– Built in eraser on the bottomBattery life– Up to 10 hours of web browsing– Recharges to 100% in 2-3 hrs– Up to 14 days of typical usage– Fast charges to 90% in 90 minsPrice– $599 ($529 on sale) for iPad Air– $129 ($99 on sale) for Pencil Pro– $679 bundled with Marker Plus Wrap up All in all, I’m not going to try to convince anyone that wanted to buy an iPad that they should buy a reMarkable Paper Pro. You can’t beat the fact that the iPad Air will do a lot more, for roughly the same cost. But, if you’re not buying this to be a primary computing device, I’d argue that the reMarkable Paper Pro is a worthy alternative, especially if you really just want something you can zone in on. The reMarkable Paper Pro feels a lot nicer to write on, has substantially longer battery life, and really masters a minimalist form of digital note taking. Buy M3 iPad Air on Amazon: Buy reMarkable Paper Pro on Amazon: What do you think of these two tablets? Let us know in the comments. My favorite Apple accessory recommendations: Follow Michael: X/Twitter, Bluesky, Instagram Add 9to5Mac to your Google News feed.  FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.You’re reading 9to5Mac — experts who break news about Apple and its surrounding ecosystem, day after day. Be sure to check out our homepage for all the latest news, and follow 9to5Mac on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn to stay in the loop. Don’t know where to start? Check out our exclusive stories, reviews, how-tos, and subscribe to our YouTube channel
    Like
    Love
    Wow
    Sad
    Angry
    407
    2 Комментарии 0 Поделились
Расширенные страницы