Festivals
IIKEA Festival: from Dreaming to DoingKEA Festival: from Dreaming to Doing
Nine days, Nine cities, Ten topics to inspire you
CONSHOHOCKEN, Pa. /PRNewswire/ — From 26 August until 10 September IKEA Festival will take place in IKEA stores and online across the world. Hosted by nine cities, on nine days, focusing on ten topics, IKEA Festival celebrates people’s real creativity and inventiveness at home.
In the latest Life at Home report from IKEA, 26% of people globally said that doing hobbies or personal projects is important for helping them maintain a sense of mental wellbeing at home, and 32% of people said that they want to spend more time with their passions. Over the two weeks of IKEA Festival people will be inspired by creators and innovators to take that proactive step from dreaming to doing.
Nine iconic IKEA stores will each host a day packed with creativity and inspiration around ten different topics; food, sports, gaming, music and dance, nature, fashion and beauty, collecting, arts and crafts, focus and wellness, and pets. These topics will come to life through in-store events, live shopping, inspirational content creators from around the globe on social media, and on an exciting new web platform where you can watch the festival as it happens live from anywhere in the world.
Marcus Engman, Chief Creative Officer at Ingka Group (IKEA Retail) says, “It has been a joy to see IKEA Festival grow over the past few years. This time, we are focusing on people who want to spend more time doing their hobbies and passions. We want to show how a little creativity when making your space your own can have a huge impact. A BILLY bookcase is a BILLY bookcase in every IKEA store in the world. It’s when you take it home that it transforms. That intersection is what we want to explore and celebrate during IKEA Festival.”
Ines Silva, Life at Home Leader at IKEA said, “We have partnered with creators and innovators to provide opportunities and space for people to come and turn their thoughts into actions. It’s a festival of firsts for IKEA, with Live Shopping sessions happening in our markets across the two weeks, and our first global TikTok campaign. We have partnered with up-and-coming content creators from the nine host countries who will turn inspiration from the festival into reality, showing the scale of diversity in our products, and how you can try out these simple, affordable solutions in your own home. Join the fun and follow #IKEAFestival.
As well as the nine host cities, IKEA Festival will be taking place in many other IKEA stores globally. With activities like speed dating with home furnishing specialists, food trucks serving up the latest IKEA food offering, events in store, and special offers for IKEA Family members, be sure to check your local IKEA website to see what they have lined up.
Highlights from IKEA Festival
On 26 August, IKEA Round Rock in Austin Texas will be kicking off IKEA Festival with inspiration on how to transform your living area to co-create music, how to celebrate and make room for your instruments and music memorabilia both large and small, and an open floor disco showing how you can flex your living space into a dance floor for neighbours and friends. It’s over to IKEA Wien Westbahnhof in Vienna on 27 August where the iconic store is celebrating one year since its opening, and forty-five years of IKEA in Austria. Learn how to make famous Viennese biscuits – vegan style, join an upcycling workshop, and see the live opening of a new curated shop within one of the store’s famous cubes.
IKEA Xuhui, Shanghai takes the lead on 28 August where they are gearing up for twenty-five years of IKEA in China in 2023. Viewers will be treated to a visit to the homes of two home furnishing co-workers with a passion for handicraft and homemade food. They will show how to organise tools and materials for crafting, as well as how to make wall decorations from zero and finally how to make plum wine. It’s back to the US on 2 September and this time IKEA Brooklyn, New York where highlights include a fashion show in Köket showcasing the best of Brooklyn design, and advice around workspace and storage solutions for all things fashion and beauty. From altering garments to how to achieve the best lighting for recording content runway-style, and how to easily transition the workspace for editing and posting.
On 3 September, IKEA Tempe, Sydney will take over with a day full of inspiration. With tips from an avid traveller on small space van living, fresh ideas from a vegan foodie on sustainable plant-based eating, and a live music set played on the stunning Sydney Harbor to round off the day. Stockholm takes the reins on 4 September in the newly opened IKEA City in Gallerian where they invite you to a day of gaming both online and in the store. Highlights include live interviews with gamers from the Swedish Gaming National team who will compete in gaming from the IKEA City store, and also a visit to the home of a celebrity chef who writes cookbooks from her home, using her own kitchen, as well as a visit to the home a former athlete who’s going to show off his hobby room and sneaker collection.
On 8 September you are invited to one of the hotspots of street fashion and lifestyle. IKEA City in Harajuku, Tokyo is located in a neighborhood famous for street-style, anime, teen-pop culture and ´Kawaii´ (the culture of cuteness). Join in during three live steam sessions to explore fashion tips from an upcoming fashion icon, share your passion for collecting and be inspired by delicious but simple recipes. Gaming will be the focus of the day in IKEA San Sebastian de los Reyes, Madrid on 9 September when they host. Highlights include a room makeover for a young gamer who wants to transform her bedroom into a gaming sanctuary, and a roundtable talk with a psychologist and Gen Z influencers about topics that are important to them regarding mental health and connected to Gaming, Sports and Music.
Rounding out the festival on 10 September is IKEA Décoration, Paris Rivoli. In Paris viewers will meet an array of creative and inspiring people. A tufting expert who shares how her living space inspires her every day to make her most beautiful creations. A florist in Paris with an ambitious project of building a Tiny House in the Vosges. And Milo, a cat like no other, shares his morning routine with his human.
Read more on www.IKEA.com/festival.
Read more about the Life at Home Report 2021.
About Ingka Group
Driven by the IKEA vision to create a better everyday life for the many people, Ingka Group brings the IKEA brand to millions of homes. Since being founded by Ingvar Kamprad, we’ve been united by our culture, values and entrepreneurial spirit. And as we grow, we make it easier than ever before for the many people to afford a better life at home.
SOURCE IKEA
Entertainment
Tencent Games Unleashes Future Insights and Technologies at GDC 2024
“Tencent Games wowed at GDC 2024 with AI innovations, cutting-edge game development solutions, and a commitment to security and quality assurance.”
Tencent Games, the renowned game development, publishing, and operation platform, recently made waves at the Game Developers Conference (GDC) 2024 in San Francisco. Showcasing cutting-edge technologies, services, and solutions, Tencent Games left an indelible mark on the gaming industry. In this blog post, we will explore the highlights from the event, delving into AI and machine learning advancements, innovative game development solutions, and the company’s commitment to security and quality assurance. Let’s dive in!
- AI and Machine Learning Revolution:
Tencent Games emphasized the importance of harnessing the power of AI and machine learning for immersive gaming experiences. Elvis Liu, AI Team Lead at MoreFun Studios, shared insights into their adoption of large-scale reinforcement learning in fighting games. The application of this technology in Naruto Mobile, the first fighting game leveraging reinforcement learning, demonstrated substantial time and resource savings in the training process. The future of machine learning in gaming was also discussed by industry experts in an engaging panel discussion. - MotorNerve: Defining Character Animation:
Experts from TiMi Studio Group introduced MotorNerve, a self-developed character animation system. This technology revolutionizes locomotion control and transition animation generation by combining Motion Matching, Learned Motion Matching, and Motion In Betweening. The result is high-quality, low-consumption animation that enhances the gaming experience. - GiiNEX Game AI Engine:
Tencent AI Lab unveiled its self-developed GiiNEX Game AI Engine, offering developers cutting-edge AI tools. By incorporating generative AI technology, this engine empowers developers to create realistic and diverse 3D city scenes. Furthermore, GiiNEX supports various game elements like 2D images, animations, narratives, and dialogue generation. Decision-making AI is also integrated, expediting game innovations and testing. - Advanced Solutions for Game Development:
The Delta Force: Hawk Ops development team shared their solutions for cross-platform development, including streamlined art pipelines and tools for high-precision graphics while ensuring optimal mobile performance. They also highlighted the implementation of a unified production pipeline and cross-platform runtime support to enhance scalability and production efficiency. - Mobile Innovations: Ray Tracing and Real-time Rendering:
MoreFun Studios unveiled the successful integration of ray tracing technology in their mobile game, Arena Breakout. By addressing the challenge between graphic quality and frame rate, their self-developed frame-prediction technology boosts the frame rate and reduces battery consumption without compromising visual fidelity. Additionally, the R&D Efficiency and Capability engine team showcased advancements in real-time rendering, including SmartGI for global illumination and NanoMesh for adaptive and seamless LOD technology. - Game Security and Quality Assurance:
Tencent Games exhibited their commitment to game security, quality assurance, and studio efficiency. The Anti-Cheat Expert (ACE) suite provides comprehensive security solutions, while WeTest Global guarantees the highest quality standards through diverse QA solutions. Cloud-Enabled Studio solutions were also showcased, enabling seamless work and ensuring asset security. - Engaging with the Community and Talent:
Tencent Games actively engaged with the gaming community at GDC, featuring a dedicated “Career Space” to connect with potential candidates for various roles. The company’s focus on listening, testing content, and tailoring experiences to local communities was emphasized. Additionally, the announcement of the GWB Game Awards 2024 added excitement, with opportunities for developers to showcase their talents and compete for prize pools.
Tencent Games’ presence and contributions at GDC 2024 showcased their commitment to pushing the boundaries of gaming through innovative technologies, solutions, and engagement with the gaming community. By embracing AI and machine learning, introducing advanced game development solutions, and prioritizing security and quality assurance, Tencent Games continues to shape the future of the gaming industry. For those who missed this remarkable event, stay updated through Tencent’s social media accounts and the GDC Vault for more exciting insights.
About Tencent Games
Tencent Games, established in 2003, has evolved into the foremost worldwide hub for game development, publishing, and operation, in addition to being the largest online game community operator in China. Its primary focus is to provide captivating and top-notch interactive entertainment for players of all kinds.
Tencent Games currently has a collection of over 140 games that they have developed themselves or acquired the rights to. These games are available in more than 200 countries and regions, offering interactive entertainment to millions of users on various platforms. Some of the globally renowned titles include Honour of Kings, PUBG MOBILE, and League of Legends.
https://gameinstitute.tencent.com/awards2024
SOURCE Tencent Games
https://stmdailynews.com/category/entertainment/
actors & performers
Reflecting on the 2024 Oscars: A Night of Wins, Laughter, and Fashion Statements
The 2024 Oscars: A night of wins, laughter, and elegant fashion. No mentions of past controversies, just a focus on cinematic excellence.
The 2024 Oscars night was a whirlwind of excitement, surprises, and elegance as the film industry’s finest gathered to celebrate cinematic achievements. Among the standout moments was the triumph of “Oppenheimer,” a biopic that not only captivated audiences but also dominated the awards, clinching seven accolades, including Best Picture. Christopher Nolan’s directorial prowess shone through as he claimed the Best Director title, while Cillian Murphy and Robert Downey Jr. were honored for their outstanding performances as Best Actor and Best Supporting Actor, respectively.
While “Oppenheimer” led the pack, “Poor Things” also made a mark with four wins, with Emma Stone’s portrayal earning her the coveted Best Actress award. The night was further enriched by captivating performances, including Ryan Gosling’s comedic surprises during his rendition of “I’m Just Ken” and the mesmerizing display of a dozen drummers in the performance of “Wahzhazhe.” The ceremony also featured memorable presenter antics, such as John Cena’s daring walk across the stage clad in nothing but an envelope.
The red carpet was ablaze with a stunning array of black, red, and metallic ensembles, showcasing the stars’ fashion prowess as they graced Hollywood’s grand event. Despite a few mishaps, like Emma Stone’s dress incident and Al Pacino’s potential oversight, the glamour and allure of the evening remained undiminished.
What truly stood out about this year’s Oscars was the absence of any reference to past controversies, notably the infamous Will Smith and Chris Rock incident from two years prior. Unlike previous telecasts, where the incident was repeatedly revisited, this year’s ceremony seemed to signal a collective move towards letting bygones be bygones. Host Jimmy Kimmel’s subtle nod to a bygone era of Oscars antics hinted at a shift in focus from past controversies to celebrating the artistry and talent that define the film industry.
As the curtain fell on the 2024 Oscars, it was evident that the night was not just about accolades and glamour but also about embracing new beginnings and a renewed focus on the magic of storytelling that unites us all. The 2024 Oscars will be remembered as a night of triumphs, laughter, and a subtle nod to moving forward—a celebration of cinema at its finest.
Source: AP
https://apnews.com/live/2024-Oscars-updates-winners
KUNMING, China /PRNewswire/ — Yunnan Innyo Co., Ltd., in collaboration with @visityunnan, invites you on a captivating exploration journey with Andre Du. Throughout the Chinese New Year of 2024, Andre Du will travel over 3,500 kilometers across various locations in Yunnan, experiencing the Chinese New Year customs of seven different ethnicities. His journey will be meticulously documented, and a series of short videos titled “Chinese New Year, Yunnan Flavor” will be shared on the official TikTok and Facebook accounts of the Yunnan Provincial Department of Culture and Tourism.
Hailing from South Africa, Andre Du is an internationally certified accountant who had previously served as the Chief Financial Officer of the African financial group First Rand Group. He relocated to China for work in 2016 and selected Yunnan as his place of residence. In 2022, Mr. Du officially embarked on his journey as a content creator. Through the creation of short videos capturing his travels, he endeavors to share the picturesque landscapes, delightful discoveries, and rich ethnic cultures of Yunnan with a wider audience.
During the Chinese New Year of 2024, Andre Du will embark on a journey starting from Kunming, traveling westward, and visiting locations like Chuxiong, Dali, Lijiang, and Deqin. He will visit seven ethnic groups, including the Yi, Bai, Zang, Naxi, Lisu, Pumi, and Mosuo, capturing himself in their unique Chinese New Year cultural customs. These experiences will encapsulate a Chinese New Year infused with Yunnan’s unique flavor and diverse ethnic traditions.
The immersive exposure to the homes of various ethnic groups will provide Mr. Du with a nuanced understanding of the Chinese New Year, emphasizing its significance as a universal moment of reunion. Irrespective of geographical challenges, the shared commitment to returning home for a familial reunion will underscore the profound respect each family will accord to this grand festival in the future.
Embark on an enchanting journey through Yunnan with Andre Du’s captivating video series, “Chinese New Year, Yunnan Flavor.” Follow us on the official TikTok @visityunnan and Facebook @GoYunnan.Official accounts of the Yunnan Provincial Department of Culture and Tourism. May this immersive experience of Yunnan’s cultural richness and natural wonders inspire your travel plans. Seize the opportunity to explore this distinctive destination.
SOURCE Yunnan Innyo Co., Ltd.
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