Still tending to your island in Animal Crossing: New Horizons? Then it might be worth picking up the Animal Crossing: New Horizons Official Complete Guide. The hardcover guide is still available --and it’s even seeing a slight discount right now. Best of all, this is the updated version published in 2023, meaning it includes details for all the major updates and the Happy Home Paradise expansion. Animal Crossing: New Horizons Official Complete GuidePublished by Future Press, this comprehensive 668-page guide covers everything you need to know about the game, including information on all the islanders, all the craftable items, and every collectible from seasonal events, updates, and DLC. There’s also a section covering unique island designs--so if you need inspiration for your next big project, you’ll find plenty of examples in this official guidebook.The original version of this guide was published in 2020. While the 2020 edition is still available, we recommend the updated 2023 edition, as it includes information on all the additional content released between 2020 and 2023--such as Happy Home Paradise--and is a much better fit for anyone playing New Horizons in 2025. See Future Press is also responsible for the new Metaphor: ReFantazio strategy guide and the popular Elden Ring strategy guides, along with dozens of other titles. If you’re interested in rounding out your bookcase with premium video game books, be sure to check out the full collection.Folks who haven’t yet purchased Animal Crossing: New Horizons will find it on sale for justat Woot--an Amazon company. If that deal sells out, it’s also discounted to .Continue Reading at GameSpot #animal #crossing #complete #strategy #guide

The Stan Lee Story| Releases July 1 Preorder It's not unfair to say that the late Stan Lee was not only one of Marvel Comics' most important creators, but also one of the most recognizable ambassadors for the entire comic book industry. If you're interested in his life story, then you'll want to check out the upcoming book, The Stan Lee Story. The chronicles his work, starting from his early days in 1940 at Timely Comics, his work in Hollywood, and his impact on other comic creators. The Stan Lee Story launches soon on July 1 for but if you act fast, you can grab is at a discount for just . The Stan Lee Story| Releases July 1 Published by Taschen and overseen by legendary comics writer Roy Thomas, this 576-page deluxe book features a foreword written by Lee. It includes never-before-seen art and photographs sourced straight from Lee's family archives, a novel-length essay, an epilogue by Thomas, and an appendix covering all of the comics Lee worked on across multiple decades. Preorder While this deal on The Stan Lee Story is a great opportunity to learn more about one of the medium's legendary figures, there are plenty of other books available that explore Marvel's history. One notable release is the Origins of Marvel Comics, which was first published in 1974 and was reissued in a deluxe edition last year. Written by Lee, Origins of Marvel Comics highlights the comic book characters that helped turn Marvel into a dominant force, as well as the talented creators who brought them to life. There's also Marvel Comics: The Untold Story, which chronicles the publishing company's early years through the accounts of the people who worked there.Another great pick is Jack Kirby: The Epic Life of the King of Comics, which recounts Kirby's life and prolific career as one of Marvel's most recognizable illustrators. Unlike the prose books we've mentioned, this is a graphic novel written by Eisner Award-winning author Tom Scioli.Continue Reading at GameSpot #new #book #life #stan #lee

Mark Theriault founded the startup FITY envisioning a line of clever cooling products: cold drink holders that come with freezable pucks to keep beverages cold for longer without the mess of ice. The entrepreneur started with 3D prints of products in his basement, building one unit at a time, before eventually scaling to mass production. Founding a consumer product company from scratch was a tall order for a single person. Going from preliminary sketches to production-ready designs was a major challenge. To bring his creative vision to life, Theriault relied on AI and his NVIDIA GeForce RTX-equipped system. For him, AI isn’t just a tool — it’s an entire pipeline to help him accomplish his goals. about his workflow below. Plus, GeForce RTX 5050 laptops start arriving today at retailers worldwide, from GeForce RTX 5050 Laptop GPUs feature 2,560 NVIDIA Blackwell CUDA cores, fifth-generation AI Tensor Cores, fourth-generation RT Cores, a ninth-generation NVENC encoder and a sixth-generation NVDEC decoder. In addition, NVIDIA’s Plug and Play: Project G-Assist Plug-In Hackathon — running virtually through Wednesday, July 16 — invites developers to explore AI and build custom G-Assist plug-ins for a chance to win prizes. the date for the G-Assist Plug-In webinar on Wednesday, July 9, from 10-11 a.m. PT, to learn more about Project G-Assist capabilities and fundamentals, and to participate in a live Q&A session. From Concept to Completion To create his standout products, Theriault tinkers with potential FITY Flex cooler designs with traditional methods, from sketch to computer-aided design to rapid prototyping, until he finds the right vision. A unique aspect of the FITY Flex design is that it can be customized with fun, popular shoe charms. For packaging design inspiration, Theriault uses his preferred text-to-image generative AI model for prototyping, Stable Diffusion XL — which runs 60% faster with the NVIDIA TensorRT software development kit — using the modular, node-based interface ComfyUI. ComfyUI gives users granular control over every step of the generation process — prompting, sampling, model loading, image conditioning and post-processing. It’s ideal for advanced users like Theriault who want to customize how images are generated. Theriault’s uses of AI result in a complete computer graphics-based ad campaign. Image courtesy of FITY. NVIDIA and GeForce RTX GPUs based on the NVIDIA Blackwell architecture include fifth-generation Tensor Cores designed to accelerate AI and deep learning workloads. These GPUs work with CUDA optimizations in PyTorch to seamlessly accelerate ComfyUI, reducing generation time on FLUX.1-dev, an image generation model from Black Forest Labs, from two minutes per image on the Mac M3 Ultra to about four seconds on the GeForce RTX 5090 desktop GPU. ComfyUI can also add ControlNets — AI models that help control image generation — that Theriault uses for tasks like guiding human poses, setting compositions via depth mapping and converting scribbles to images. Theriault even creates his own fine-tuned models to keep his style consistent. He used low-rank adaptationmodels — small, efficient adapters into specific layers of the network — enabling hyper-customized generation with minimal compute cost. LoRA models allow Theriault to ideate on visuals quickly. Image courtesy of FITY. “Over the last few months, I’ve been shifting from AI-assisted computer graphics renders to fully AI-generated product imagery using a custom Flux LoRA I trained in house. My RTX 4080 SUPER GPU has been essential for getting the performance I need to train and iterate quickly.” – Mark Theriault, founder of FITY  Theriault also taps into generative AI to create marketing assets like FITY Flex product packaging. He uses FLUX.1, which excels at generating legible text within images, addressing a common challenge in text-to-image models. Though FLUX.1 models can typically consume over 23GB of VRAM, NVIDIA has collaborated with Black Forest Labs to help reduce the size of these models using quantization — a technique that reduces model size while maintaining quality. The models were then accelerated with TensorRT, which provides an up to 2x speedup over PyTorch. To simplify using these models in ComfyUI, NVIDIA created the FLUX.1 NIM microservice, a containerized version of FLUX.1 that can be loaded in ComfyUI and enables FP4 quantization and TensorRT support. Combined, the models come down to just over 11GB of VRAM, and performance improves by 2.5x. Theriault uses the Blender Cycles app to render out final files. For 3D workflows, NVIDIA offers the AI Blueprint for 3D-guided generative AI to ease the positioning and composition of 3D images, so anyone interested in this method can quickly get started. Photorealistic renders. Image courtesy of FITY. Finally, Theriault uses large language models to generate marketing copy — tailored for search engine optimization, tone and storytelling — as well as to complete his patent and provisional applications, work that usually costs thousands of dollars in legal fees and considerable time. Generative AI helps Theriault create promotional materials like the above. Image courtesy of FITY. “As a one-man band with a ton of content to generate, having on-the-fly generation capabilities for my product designs really helps speed things up.” – Mark Theriault, founder of FITY Every texture, every word, every photo, every accessory was a micro-decision, Theriault said. AI helped him survive the “death by a thousand cuts” that can stall solo startup founders, he added. Each week, the RTX AI Garage blog series features community-driven AI innovations and content for those looking to learn more about NVIDIA NIM microservices and AI Blueprints, as well as building AI agents, creative workflows, digital humans, productivity apps and more on AI PCs and workstations.  Plug in to NVIDIA AI PC on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and X — and stay informed by subscribing to the RTX AI PC newsletter. Follow NVIDIA Workstation on LinkedIn and X.  See notice regarding software product information. #startup #uses #nvidia #rtxpowered #generative

Epic Games has announced LEGO Fortnite Expeditions. Apparently, it's a new PvE experience that's already available. So, if you're into that kind of thing, you might want to check it out. Honestly, it feels like Fortnite just keeps getting bigger and bigger. Like, there's no stopping it. LEGO and Fortnite combining? Sure, why not. It’s probably just another way to get people to log in and play, but for some reason, I can't muster much excitement about it. The game has been a massive hit, and now with this new addition, it seems like Epic Games is just trying to keep the hype train rolling. I mean, who doesn't want to go on LEGO adventures in a game that’s already packed with stuff? But I guess it’s just another layer on an already layered cake. You can explore new experiences with LEGO characters, and I’m sure there are quests and battles or whatever. But all I can think about is how it just feels like more of the same, but with some bricks thrown in. It's fun, I guess. Maybe. If you're really into it. I don’t know. Maybe I just need a break from all this. If you’re interested in diving into LEGO Fortnite Expeditions, it’s out there waiting for you. Just don't expect me to be on the edge of my seat about it. In summary, it's a thing that exists now. If you're into Fortnite, you’ll probably check it out. If not, well, there are a million other things to do. So, yeah, that’s about it. #Fortnite #LEGO #GamingNews #EpicGames #PvE

Ah, DreamWorks! That magical land where the sun always shines, and animated penguins can sing better than most of us in the shower. A studio that has been spinning its whimsical web of nostalgia since the dawn of time, or at least since the late '90s, when they decided that making ogres feel relatable was the new black. So, what's this I hear? A documentary detailing the illustrious history of DreamWorks? Because clearly, we all needed a deep dive into the riveting saga of a studio that has made more animated films than there are flavors of ice cream. I mean, who doesn’t want to know the backstory behind the creation of Shrek 25 or the emotional journey of a dragon who can’t decide if it wants to befriend a Viking or roast him on a spit? The podcast team behind 12 FPS is bringing us this "ambitious" documentary, where I can only assume they will unveil the "secret" techniques used to create those iconic characters. Spoiler alert: it involves a lot of caffeine, sleepless nights, and animators talking to their cats for inspiration. Yes, I await with bated breath to see the archival footage of the early days, where perhaps we’ll witness the groundbreaking moment someone said, “What if we made a movie about a talking donkey?” Truly, groundbreaking stuff. And let's not overlook the "success" part of their journey. Did we really need a documentary to explain that? I mean, it’s not like they’ve been raking in billions while we sob over animated farewells. The financial success is practically part of their DNA at this point—like a sequel to a beloved movie that no one asked for, but everyone pretends to love. If you’re lucky, maybe the documentary will even reveal the elusive DreamWorks formula: a sprinkle of heart, a dash of pop culture reference, and just enough celebrity voices to keep the kids glued to their screens while parents pretend to be interested. Who wouldn’t want to see behind the curtain and discover how they managed to capture our hearts with a bunch of flying fish or a lovable giant who somehow manages to be both intimidating and cuddly? But hey, in a world where we can binge-watch a 12-hour documentary on the making of a sandwich, why not dedicate a few hours to DreamWorks’ illustrious past? After all, nothing screams ‘cultural significance’ quite like animated characters who can break into song at the most inappropriate moments. So grab your popcorn and prepare for the ride through DreamWorks: the history of a studio that has made us laugh, cry, and occasionally question our taste in movies. #DreamWorks #AnimationHistory #12FPS #Documentary #ShrekForever

🚀✨ Are you ready to embark on an exciting journey into the world of freelance 3D artistry? 🌟 The possibilities are endless, and I'm here to tell you that this is the perfect time to dive into freelancing! Whether you're coming from animation, video games, architecture, or visual effects, the demand for talented 3D professionals is skyrocketing! 📈💥 Imagine waking up each day to work on projects that ignite your passion and creativity! 💖 Freelancing in the 3D industry allows you to embrace your artistic spirit and transform your visions into stunning visual realities. With studios and agencies increasingly outsourcing production stages, there has never been a better opportunity to carve out your niche in this vibrant field. 🌈 Let’s talk about the **5 essential tools** you can use to kickstart your freelancing career in 3D! 🛠️✨ 1. **Blender**: This powerful and free software is a game-changer! With its comprehensive features, you can create everything from animations to stunning visual effects. 🌌 2. **Autodesk Maya**: Elevate your skills with this industry-standard tool! Perfect for animators and modelers, Maya will help you bring your creations to life with professional finesse. 🎬 3. **Substance Painter**: Don’t underestimate the power of textures! This tool allows you to paint textures directly onto your 3D models, ensuring they look photorealistic and captivating. 🖌️ 4. **Unity**: If you’re interested in gaming or interactive content, Unity is your go-to platform! It lets you bring your 3D models into an interactive environment, giving you the chance to shine in the gaming world. 🎮 5. **Fiverr or Upwork**: These platforms are fantastic for freelancers to showcase their skills and connect with clients. Start building your portfolio and watch your network grow! 🌍 Freelancing isn't just about working independently; it’s about building a community and collaborating with other creatives to achieve greatness! 🤝💫 So, gather your tools, hone your craft, and don’t be afraid to put yourself out there. Every project is an opportunity to learn and grow! 🌱 Remember, the road may have its bumps, but your passion and determination will propel you forward. Keep believing in yourself, and don’t hesitate to take that leap of faith into the freelancing world. Your dream career is within reach! 🚀💖 #Freelance3D #3DArtistry #CreativeJourney #Freelancing #3DModeling

So, I guess if you’re wandering around Arrakis in Dune Awakening, you might be wondering where to find aluminum. Yeah, that’s a thing. It’s not like there’s much else to do on this barren planet, right? You log in, look around, and think, “Great, now I need to hunt for aluminum.” It’s one of those resources that everyone talks about, but honestly, it feels like a hassle just to gather it. You’ll probably want to check out some of the caves or maybe dig around in the sandy dunes. Apparently, there are a few spots that are known for having aluminum deposits. But, like, do you really want to spend your time doing that? I mean, it could be fun for a minute, but it’s mostly just running around in the sun, trying not to get eaten by giant sandworms or whatever. Also, it’s not like there are guides everywhere, so you’ll have to rely on word of mouth or whatever you can find on the internet. But who has the energy for that? You can end up wandering aimlessly, and let’s be real, that’s not the most exciting way to spend your game time. You might hear some players say they found aluminum near the Spice fields, but how reliable is that information? It’s like a game of telephone. One person sees something shiny, tells everyone, and then it turns out to be a rock or something. Classic. And when you finally do find aluminum, what’s next? You just sit there wondering what to do with it. Maybe you can craft some gear or trade it, but honestly, by that time, you’re probably just ready to log off and take a nap. I mean, who needs the stress of resource gathering on a planet like Arrakis? So, if you’re still interested in hunting for aluminum on Arrakis, good luck, I guess. Just don’t expect it to be the highlight of your gaming experience. More like a chore you’re obligated to do, rather than something that’ll get your adrenaline pumping. #DuneAwakening #Arrakis #AluminumHunt #GamingLife #MMORPG

GOG is talking about game preservation again. Apparently, they think it’s a big deal. They’ve got this whole GOG Preservation Program now. Seems like they really want to keep old games alive or something. Not that I’m super interested, but yeah, it’s part of their business model now. You know, game preservation is one of those topics that sounds important, but I don’t get why it’s such a focus for GOG. I mean, we have so many games already. Do we really need to save every single one? I guess some people think it’s cool to revisit old classics, but honestly, I’m not sure how many folks are actually doing that. The whole idea of preserving games seems a bit… I don’t know, unnecessary? I can’t shake the feeling that it’s just a way for GOG to make more money. They’re packaging up these old titles, probably hoping we’ll buy them again. It’s like, “Look, it’s a classic!” But, is it really that exciting? I can see why they’d want to make it part of their business strategy. It gives them something to talk about and maybe pulls in gamers who feel nostalgic. But for me, it’s a bit of a snooze-fest. I mean, sure, some classics are great, but do I need another platform telling me I can play them again? So, yeah, GOG is laying out their case for why game preservation matters. They think it’s central to their business model. I guess if you’re into that kind of thing, it could be interesting. But, overall, it feels kinda slow and boring to me. Just another day in the world of gaming, I suppose. #GamePreservation #GOG #GamingNews #OldGames #Nostalgia

So, there’s this thing called the Franck-Hertz experiment. It’s one of those physics experiments that people rave about, but honestly, I don’t get why. It was done way back in 1914, and it’s supposed to explain how energy comes in these “packets” called “quanta.” Sounds fancy, but like, does it really change anything? They say this experiment marked the start of quantum physics, which I guess is important for some. It’s all about those little particles and how they behave. If you’re into that sort of thing, you might want to look into doing a DIY version of the Franck-Hertz experiment. Apparently, it’s not too hard and you can even do it at home. But let’s be real, who has the energy for that? You just set up a tube with some mercury vapor and run some voltage through it. Then you measure the current and see how it changes as you adjust the voltage. It’s all about those energy levels and how electrons bounce around. But, like, I don’t know how many people are actually excited to do this. Maybe if you’re a physics enthusiast, it’ll be fun for you. But if you’re like me and prefer to just scroll through your phone or binge-watch a show, then this sounds like a lot of work for not much payoff. I mean, who really wants to dive into the intricacies of quantum physics when there are so many other things to do—like anything else? So, if you’re curious about the Franck-Hertz experiment and want to try it yourself, go ahead. Just know that you might end up feeling a bit underwhelmed. Science can be cool, but sometimes it feels like a chore, especially when it’s all about tiny particles that you can’t even see. Anyway, that’s my take on it. If you’re still interested in quantum physics after this, good for you. I’ll just be over here, probably napping or scrolling through social media. #FranckHertz #QuantumPhysics #DIYScience #PhysicsExperiment #Boredom

Acronis has appointed a new Country Manager for Iberia, Eduardo García Sancho, to oversee operations in the region. The plan is to grow the business, strengthen relationships with partners and clients, and enhance the company's presence in the area. Sounds like a typical corporate move, right? Not much excitement here. It's just another day in the world of cybersecurity. Eduardo will lead the team, but honestly, these changes rarely shake things up in a way that’s noticeable. Companies keep trying to expand and improve their market standing, which seems to be the standard practice these days. One more manager in the mix, same old story. While growth and relationships are important, it feels like we’ve heard this script before. You bring in someone new, they talk about plans and visions, and then... well, we wait to see if anything actually changes. It’s a bit like watching paint dry, really. So, Acronis now has Eduardo at the helm for Iberia. Let's see how that goes. If you're interested in cybersecurity or just happen to be following corporate management moves, this might be mildly worth noting. But, if you're like me, it probably won't spark much enthusiasm. Just another appointment in the long line of appointments. #Acronis #CountryManager #Iberia #Cybersecurity #CorporateMoves