The Real Threat To the Labubu Economy
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Gizmodo
a minute ago
- Gizmodo
Feast Your Eyes on the Lavish Backdrops of ‘Ne Zha 2'
Ne Zha 2 has already carved out its place in animation history—this year alone, it shattered records to become the highest-grossing animated film as well as the eighth-highest-grossing film, full stop, of all time. Its reputation now precedes it as a global phenomenon, and with that momentum, A24 is set to debut the film's English-language release—featuring Academy Award winner Michelle Yeoh and anime favorite Aleks Le—in theaters and IMAX on August 22. But before the premiere, we're unveiling exclusive background art that offers a glimpse into the film's mythic, meticulously crafted world. The first Ne Zha film, released in 2020, is a story that blends elements of Chinese mythology with Buddhist, Confucian, and Daoist influences. It follows Ne Zha (voiced by Crystal Lee), who is the reincarnation of an evil demon orb born to two human parents, Lady Yin (played by Michelle Yeoh) and Li Jing (portrayed by Vincent Rodriguez III). In the first film, available to watch on Peacock, Ne Zha manages to overcome a prophecy that foretold his destruction of the world. His journey is aided by his nurturing parents, spiritual guidance from Master Taiyi (Rick Zieff), and his growing friendship with Ao Bing (voiced by Le), another child of prophecy tied to his own, who shares a dragon heritage that was once fated to be the cause of eternal enmity. Ne Zha 2 sees the boys contend with the wrath of Ao Bing's dragon father, Ao Guang (Christopher Swindle), his aunts and uncles, and his former teacher Shen Gongbao (Daniel Riordan). Meanwhile, Ne Zha is tasked with defending his hometown, Chentang Pass, while facing a series of heavenly trials full of mystical kung fu action and dazzling animation. Keep an eye out for io9's forthcoming review of the film. In the meantime, sit back, relax, and have a gander at some of the background art for Ne Zha 2. And before you ask, this isn't concept art; these are screenshots from the film. For those who want to enter the movie without spoilers, you may want to bookmark this page for later. Otherwise, check out how Beijing Enlight Media took to heart the concept of 'every frame a painting' with a preview of some of the film's lavish backdrops. Main Hall of Yu Xu Palace © A24/Beijing Enlight Media Void Rift Encircling Chentang Pass. © A24/Beijing Enlight Media Star-Gazing Platform © A24/Beijing Enlight Media Chaotic Battle at the Flying Heaven Waterfall © A24/Beijing Enlight Media Furious Assault on Skull Mountain © A24/Beijing Enlight Media Void Rift Encircling Chentang Pass © A24/Beijing Enlight Media Farewell at the Chentang Pass Pier © A24/Beijing Enlight Media Daoist Temples Along the Mid-Slopes of Kunlun Mountain © A24/Beijing Enlight Media Tianyuan Cauldron Divides the Sea © A24/Beijing Enlight Media Ne Zha 2 is set to release nationwide on August 22. Want more io9 news? Check out when to expect the latest Marvel, Star Wars, and Star Trek releases, what's next for the DC Universe on film and TV, and everything you need to know about the future of Doctor Who.
Forbes
2 minutes ago
- Forbes
Why Empathy Is The Operating System For Change
Work is changing—fast. AI is rewriting task loads. Org charts are flattening and reforming. Markets are in constant flux on any given day. And humans are feeling it. These humans are working in your organization and are responsible for ensuring your success. Gallup's latest global snapshot shows 'only 21% of employees were engaged in 2024, manager engagement fell to 27%, and just 33% of employees say they're 'thriving' in life overall' — and disengagement alone 'cost the world economy an estimated $438 billion' last year. That's not a soft-skills problem; that's an ROI and productivity problem. Meanwhile, headlines boast a 'back to toughness' posture among organizational leaders—mandates, cuts, and less patience for 'feelings.' As Business Insider reports, some leaders are rolling back pandemic-era empathy practices, pushing return-to-office and cost controls despite evidence that productivity gains are coming 'in part from AI efficiencies.' Employees will remember how they're treated at this moment. And when employees are not seen, heard, and valued, engagement, innovation, and productivity suffer.. Here's the hard truth: All of this transformation is about classic change management. And change management is human management. When bringing people along on any change, this requires getting back to human essentials: listening, collaboration, and empathy. Empathy isn't coddling; it's a strategic tool that keeps people whole, focused, and performance-focused while you rewire the plane mid-flight. And no, organizations cannot outsource that human capital work to AI. Consider two more realities: What Empathy Looks Like in Practice (and Why It Works) 3 Moves Leaders Can Make This Quarter 1. Implement Empathy Practices That Scale Start every change sprint with a 'context + care' brief: what's changing, why it matters to customers, what it means for jobs, and where people can get help. Make manager 1:1s non-negotiable (15 minutes, weekly) with two prompts: 'What's blocking you?' and 'What's one change I can make to help this week?' Track participation and themes; publish quick wins. These rituals boost perceived care and reduce friction in adoption. When empathy is modeled, acknowledged, and rewarded, it sets the tone for everyone that this is how success happens here. 2. Invest in Training for 'EPOCH' Skills—Especially for Managers Run micro-labs on empathy interviewing, decision transparency, ethical judgment with AI, and constructive dissent or feedback. Tie completion to manager goals; assess via behavior checklists (e.g., 'names the tradeoff,' 'offers rationale,' 'invites counter-evidence,' "solicits other viewpoints'). Assess if engagement and well-being are on the rise in teams led by trained managers, who have previously shown the sharpest declines. Then you know that the training is working. 3. Measure What Matters: Engagement + Wellbeing in the Same Dashboard Pair your engagement pulse with wellbeing indicators ('thriving,' 'struggling,' 'suffering,' burnout risk, perceived organizational care). Segment by role and change exposure; intervene fast where thriving is low and change is high. Treat spikes in 'struggling' as an early-warning signal for missed deadlines, high turnover, and declining quality. Bottom line: AI, shifting generations, competitive pressures, and volatile markets aren't going away. Your sustainable advantage is a culture where people - especially your managers - feel respected, informed, and equipped to adapt. That's not 'being nice.' That's how to fortify your team to win.
Wall Street Journal
2 minutes ago
- Wall Street Journal
Fast-Casual Chains Struggle as Diners Ditch Pricey Bowls for Cheaper Eats
Fast-casual restaurants have been taking a hit as consumers no longer want to pay for that pricey lunch bowl. Three chains that are big into selling bowls—Cava Group CAVA 0.15%increase; green up pointing triangle, Chipotle Mexican Grill CMG 1.59%increase; green up pointing triangle and Sweetgreen SG 0.55%increase; green up pointing triangle—all recently posted worsening sales trends in their latest quarters, with top-line results missing expectations.
