• Tesla has flirted with disaster before. This time feels different.
    www.businessinsider.com
    Earlier this month, standing on the White House driveway, President Donald Trump hawked a fleet of gleaming Teslas with the kind of gusto normally reserved for his campaign rallies. Clutching handwritten notes about prices and models, he said, "I'm going to buy one because it's a great product, as good as it gets." Elon Musk, Tesla's CEO and a key figure in the administration, stood nearby.Many assumed Musk's proximity to Trump would be a net positive. But his involvement with the Department of Government Efficiency and its efforts to shrink the federal government have triggered an identity crisis within Tesla. Musk has been quietly shifting rightward for years. Public sentiment, analysts, and owners didn't turn until it became clear that DOGE was more than just a passing fancy one with the power to impact millions of Americans.To understand how Musk's foray into the federal government has threatened to upend Tesla's position as the world's most valuable automaker, Business Insider spoke with more than two dozen employees, investors, analysts, and customers.As one former Tesla sales manager put it, "it feels like he's supporting someone that goes against Tesla's original mission."Musk appears to have recognized the stakes. On Thursday, Tesla held a surprise after-hours all-hands that was live-streamed to the public from its Texas Gigafactory. It caught employees and investors off guard, and it appeared to be an attempt at damage control. Musk implored employees not to sell their stock and admitted that he had been "stretched pretty thin."Tesla and Musk are used to dire predictions. Musk has said the company nearly collapsed during Model 3 "production hell," and critics have repeatedly declared the electric-car maker doomed over the past decade. Each time, Tesla has defied expectations and emerged stronger.For some employees, analysts, and investors, Musk's political entanglements now represent an entirely different challenge as the company's increasingly unpopular CEO becomes the face of government downsizing.Tesla is at a tipping point.Tesla's stock falls off a cliffFor the better part of a decade, Tesla has been a Wall Street phenomenon. Its stock has surged over 1,000% in a five-year period as employees, investors, and customers remained loyal to one of the few successful green car companies. They were willing to overlook provocative tweets and missed deadlines in exchange for explosive growth.Then came February.What began as a gentle slide became a stock slump that JP Morgan analysts called the worst they had seen in the history of the auto industry. Its stock is down 31% year-to-date, despite a recent rebound following Musk's all-hands meeting. Howard Lutnick, Trump's commerce secretary, tried to stanch the bleeding, imploring Americans to invest in the company because "it'll never be this cheap again." Musk's net worth has also fallen by $129 billion since Trump's inauguration, according to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index.Tesla and Musk did not respond to requests for comment.Musk has previously spoken out against the protests at Tesla facilities, and told employees during the all-hands that investors need to think long-term when it comes to investing in Tesla. He touted the carmarker's future in robotics and self-driving technology and predicted that "Tesla will probably be the most valuable company in the world."Last month, Tesla investor Ross Gerber told BI that Tesla stock could fall as much as 50% in 2025, in part because it was unlikely to reach its own goal of launching a robotaxi service in Austin by June. Since then, the stock has fallen as much as 28%.Even longtime Tesla bull Dan Ives had a moment of concern. Musk "needs to take a step back, balance, and become CEO of Tesla again," the Wall Street analyst said. "Leaders need to lead." (Ives later described Musk's surprise town hall as a "big step forward" in a note to investors.)Musk's commitment to DOGE his private jets have landed near Tesla locations a handful of times since January 20, according to the plane-tracking site JeySpy, and he hasn't sent one of his signature companywide emails since June of last year has been a particular source of angst for investors.Several of the carmaker's key projects including the robotaxi, its Optimus robot, and a $25,000 new car are also major question marks.Meanwhile, Tesla is facing more competition than ever before. Chinese manufacturers like BYD are undercutting Tesla on price while outpacing them in innovation. BYD said Monday its sales topped $100 billion last year, outpacing Tesla. Last week it unveiled a charging station that it says is faster than Tesla's.'People are on edge'While Wall Street may be in a twist, many Tesla employees aren't quite as worried at least when it comes to the stock price. Others expressed concerns about Musk's involvement in politics and its impact on Tesla."For anyone who's worked at Tesla this isn't anything new," one longtime Tesla employee said. "There's been so many ups and downs at Tesla, you get desensitized at a certain point." (Like several other people who spoke to BI for this story, the employee asked to remain anonymous.)Elsewhere, cracks have started to appear.In February, The New York Times reported that a Tesla manager, Jared Ottmann, was terminated after he criticized a social media post from Musk that referenced Nazi Germany. (In a statement, Ottmann directed BI to his attorney Jana Moser. Moser did not respond to a request for comment.)BI spoke with two Tesla workers who left the company in recent weeks, and five other employees said they were looking for opportunities elsewhere. They all pointed to Musk's role in politics and what they felt was a move away from Tesla's original mission of building sustainable transportation."Morally, I'm not sure how much longer I can work for somebody like that," one engineer said.Thomas Temme, a Tesla software engineer based in Germany, told BI he and other German workers have talked among themselves about Musk's new political focus, both in the US and in his promotion of the AfD, a German right-wing political party.In Europe, where workers have more protections than in the US, employees are still concerned they could face repercussions for speaking up to management against Musk."They don't speak up because they fear if they speak up Elon might fire them or get rid of our whole department," Temme said.One California-based worker described the internal corporate environment as "unsettling." More than a dozen"I think people are on edge and aren't quite sure who they can trust," one worker said. "We have a high prevalence of people on visas, and I think people are generally anxious about retribution."Molotov cocktails and gunshotsTesla salespeople and owners, it seems, are bearing the brunt of the public anger.The carmaker reported several incidents of vandalism at its sales and service centers, including gunshots that blew out store windows, superchargers that were set alight, and Molotov cocktails thrown at vehicles.Three sales workers told BI they've dealt with disgruntled customers and prank callers in recent weeks. They said they'd been encouraged by local management to avoid engaging with the protesters, but they haven't received companywide communication about the protests."They're exercising their right to peaceful protest," one salesperson said. "As long as it doesn't cross into anything more we'll let them be."Multiple Cybertruck owners also said they'd face growing hostility and harassment, from their cars getting hit by paintball guns and tagged with crude graffiti to being yelled at by other drivers. Recently, a webpage doxxed Tesla owners and said it would only remove their personal information if they agreed to sell their vehicles.For those who want to sell, there's also bad news. Resale values for Teslas have fallen and are about $10,000 less than their non-Tesla EV counterparts, according to data from CarGurus. Kevin Roberts, the firm's director of economic and market intelligence, said there's also pressure on used Tesla prices because the market has been flooded with used electric cars after rental companies like Hertz have moved away from EVs.New car sales aren't a bright spot, either. Key indicators show sales are slumping in multiple markets, including the US, where new Tesla registrations fell by 11% in January, based on data from S&P Global Mobility. In Europe, registrations fell across 25 European markets by an average of 44% in February, according to JATO Dynamics data.Some Tesla owners told BI the protests have strengthened their support for Musk one analyst suggested recently that red states could help salvage the company's sales. Many others are choosing to add anti-Elon stickers to their vehicles or ditch them entirely.Scott Oran, a real estate developer from the Boston area, said he sold his Tesla in February "as a protest" against Elon Musk and his work at DOGE. Another Tesla Model 3 owner, who asked to remain anonymous, said they decided to sell for fear that Musk's political activities could cause Tesla's plummeting resale values to drop even further.Daniel Cavanaugh, an EV owner in Los Angeles, told BI he paid $4,000 in March to end the lease of his Model 3 five months early after becoming concerned about Musk's behavior and the possible end of EV subsidies under the Trump administration."I was actually considering getting another Tesla before the subsidies ended. But Elon's behavior was so vile I decided to shop around," Cavanaugh said. "Tesla's sales slump isn't temporary. Elon is driving away customers like me and driving us to discover his competitors and we are not coming back."'Underestimate him at your peril'Since its founding, Tesla has teetered on the brink of extinction more than once."Musk has this sort of innate, though sometimes tardy, ability to course correct," Nancy Tengler, a Tesla shareholder, told Business Insider. After selling off her shares following Musk's pot-smoking appearance on Joe Rogan's podcast, Tengler said she learned her lesson when the stock surged in 2022."You underestimate him at your peril," she said.The company's recent market performance hasn't scared everyone off. Ives is still bullish on the stock, as is shareholder Fabian Varcianna, who still believes that Tesla's technology is revolutionary. He said he invested more during the March sell-off and plans to purchase an Optimus bot. Retail traders have been gobbling the stock up as it craters.Alexandra Merz, a Tesla investor and influencer more commonly known by her X handle @TeslaBoomerMama, told BI she thinks the stock might have hit its low point last week but could dip further. She sees it as an excellent buying opportunity because of Tesla's "milestones in the next five years."Merz said she advises potential investors to look beyond short-term volatility. "For Tesla, in particular, you really need a horizon," she said.Even with the recent crash, Tesla stock is up 63% compared to this time last year. It's still the most valuable automotive company in the world. Musk's status as "first buddy" could still pay off. Lutnick and Trump's sales pitches and the surprise Austin all-hands seemed to calm the waters.The moment, though, is perilous. Musk's popularity has fallen in tandem with his status as a target for public vitriol toward the administration."It's never been a political symbol, and that's what Teslas have become," Ives said. "It's become a brand crisis."Even Musk seems surprised."Listen, I understand if you don't want to buy our product, but you don't have to burn it down. That's a bit unreasonable," Musk said during the all-hands."If you read the news, it feels like Armageddon. I can't walk past the TV without seeing a Tesla on fire," he said. "What's going on?"Do you work for Tesla or have a tip? Reach out to Grace Kay at gkay@businessinsider.com or via the encrypted messaging platform Signal at 248-894-6012. Use a personal email address and a nonwork device; .
    0 Comments ·0 Shares ·28 Views
  • GTA 6 Trailer 2 could drop today as 'moment of truth' edges nearer for fans
    www.dailystar.co.uk
    Forget a GTA 6 release date, we're still waiting for the game's Trailer 2 but it could drop today as one account has doubled down on what seemed a wild prediction a few months agoTech08:00, 25 Mar 2025Could we get GTA 6 news today?Grand Theft Auto 6 is still tipped to launch this calendar year, and but Rockstar's silence isn't giving us a lot of confidence that a delay isn't on the way.That could be about to change, however. While GTA 6's Trailer 1 launched in December 2023, we've had nothing since but Trailer 2 could be dropping as soon as today.Article continues belowWhile other fans think we'll hear more on April 1 (what a gas that would be), one account has been steadfast in its commitment to March 25 as the date the next trailer will arrive. Here's all we know so far.Content cannot be displayed without consentGTA 6 Countdown rounded up the anonymous posts in the post on X (formerly Twitter) above."The 2nd trailer will drop 25 03 25" the initial post says, while another says "Wait till next year. I can't wait to see this go mental, and you all spend weeks trying to figure out who I am & how I have been RIGHT this entire time".We admit, an anonymous account pointing to a single date is hardly a reason to get too excited, but it's interesting to see just how much stock this individual is placing on this date, posting most recently with just the date.Here's hoping we get a new trailer soon(Image: Rockstar)Today's date is also significant for being marked as the return of Game Informer. The long-running gaming news outlet was shut down, but the official account has been teasing a return of some description for March 25.What's important here is that Game Informer was the first outlet to preview GTA 5 before that game launched, which has some fans expecting at least a screenshot or two potentially leading to that full reveal on April 1 which so many fans are hanging their hats on.If nothing else, a new trailer should give the fans more secrets to find(Image: Rockstar Games)We only have a few hours to wait to find out, in any case, but you can rest assured we'll be across any GTA 6 updates that happen, if and when they do.For more on GTA 6, check out why the Xbox may get a big boost from its launch, as well as everything we know about the game so far.Article continues belowFor the latest breaking news and stories from across the globe from the Daily Star, sign up for our newsletters.
    0 Comments ·0 Shares ·28 Views
  • Beyond Transforming Structures: Creating New Atmospheres in Preexisting Architecture
    www.archdaily.com
    Beyond Transforming Structures: Creating New Atmospheres in Preexisting ArchitecturePresented by:Save this picture!Impluvium / Choza. Espacio de Arquitectura. Image Juan Cruz ParedesHow can architecture professionals transform the atmosphere of a structure? What kinds of interventions can go beyond adaptive reuse to modify spatial perception? As architectural structures are repurposed over time, new uses and needs emerge between spaces and their users. While the structures of old buildings keep the memory of communities alive, the introduction of new life through greenhouses, housing, commerce, offices, or cultural centers brings about new atmospheres where light, ventilation, the integration of nature, and other elements reshape interior experiences.As Peter Zumthor states in his book Atmospheres, "The atmosphere speaks to an emotional sensitivity, a perception that operates at an incredible speed and that humans possess for survival." From Choza. Espacio de Arquitectura, an architecture practice based in Argentina, believes that atmosphere is shaped by the space that gives architecture meaning and significance, as well as the emotions it evokes through its formal, material, lighting, acoustic, and climatic qualities. The reuse of infrastructure across diverse environments and scales can reflect the challenges of contemporary life, where awareness of climate change, the emergence of new technologies, and the optimization of construction techniques and materials should contribute to building a more sustainable habitat.Save this picture!Located in the Calamuchita Valley in Crdoba Province, Argentina, the Impluvium project by Choza. Espacio de Arquitectura repurposes the structure of an old 16-meter-diameter, 1.5-meter-high water tank built in the 1930s. Originally constructed on a rocky massif to supply irrigation systems for local agricultural production, this infrastructure has been transformed nearly 80 years later into a space once again linked to the (re)production of vegetables on a domestic scale, promoting a more sustainable way of living. Designed for off-season vegetable cultivation and plant propagation under controlled temperatures, allowing them to adapt to the local climate once introduced into the surrounding environment, the space also serves as a place for leisure, enjoyment, and contemplation. This inverted circular tent, made of a metal structure and translucent polycarbonate enclosures, is open at the center to collect rainwater in a natural basin, referencing the impluvium of Roman houses. In this way, the project's atmosphere is shaped by three core intentions: (re)produce, experiment, and contemplate. Related Article Designing for Plants: The Architecture of Greenhouses and Their Relationship with the Environment Save this picture!Another case that also combines an industrial typology with domestic life is El Tanque Leisure Area by Urdiales Estudio de Arquitectura in Ecuador. The project involves the reuse of a former water reservoir tank that once supplied water for livestock and irrigation but became obsolete with the introduction of potable water. The structure was transformed into a leisure space for informal use, mantaining a direct relationship with the natural surroundings. The bar area was placed inside the tank, which was adapted to be habitable, while the seating area features a sunken lounge designed for relaxation and connection with nature. The reuse of this infrastructure and its subsequent adaptation to a new function have created outdoor experiences that were likely unimaginable before.Amid the various advantages and disadvantages to consider, it is proven that the reuse of structures and recycling of materials can reduce the impact of construction, an industry that continues to generate increasing amounts of waste. Thinking from the inside out and understanding the needs of future inhabitants of the spaces, the architecture of Lacaton & Vassal emphasizes the idea of minimizing destruction and maximizing utility. As they highlight, if greenhouses are so good for plants, they can also be good for us. Given that greenhouses allow for passive climate regulation, especially in extremely cold climates, Choza. Espacio de Arquitectura acknowledges the challenges these typologies face in warmer regions, where passive systems require rethinking infrastructure to achieve energy efficiency. In fact, their Impluvium project had to respond to significant seasonal temperature variations, ensuring maximum solar radiation capture in winter to store heat for as long as possible. Additionally, it required solar radiation control in summer, balancing natural light for plant photosynthesis while ensuring proper ventilation to prevent extreme indoor temperatures.Save this picture!Now, what role do plants play in shaping human perception of space, and how do they interact with the reuse of obsolete or abandoned infrastructures over time? Dabang Caf by one-aftr in South Korea demonstrates how wild plants gradually replaced human occupation, transforming what was once a ruined building into an indoor garden, or more accurately, a sanctuary for plants. By integrating vegetation, human presence, and the built environment, the deterioration and subsequent renewal of this structure provided a new spatial perception, characterized by improved air circulation, increased sunlight penetration, enhanced opportunities for plant growth, and accessible circulation areas for people.Save this picture!On multiple occasions, nature begins to reclaim spaces, integrating architecture with its natural surroundings and revealing the passage of time. In their efforts to meet users' needs and consider the climatic conditions of each environment, many architects strive to shape different interior atmospheres based on the structures they intervene in, the geographic locations where they are situated, the desires of their clients, or the environmental impact they seek to leave, among other factors. Located in Brandenburg, near Berlin, the Gutshof Gldenhof Center for Art and Sustainable Living by Heim Balp Architekten aimed to transform an abandoned agricultural complex into a thriving and active center for art, sustainable living, and social interaction. As a former livestock farm with stone barns and stables that had remained untouched since the 18th century, the architects implemented various architectural interventions in the existing buildings, creating both indoor and outdoor spaces for multiple uses. Combining residential, cultural, and work-related facilities, the interior design was curated with numerous objects, plants, and rugs as a conscious way of storytelling. To highlight the new interventions, the faade was repainted black, creating a contrast with the existing aesthetic rather than concealing it.Save this picture!The selection of materials, colors, textures, and patterns in infrastructure projects often conveys specific messages or aesthetics aligned with various schools of thought, personal choices of architects and clients, or economic, construction, and technological constraints. These aspects are often unknown to the public and are interconnected with cultural, social, and site-specific factors, as well as programmatic requirements that shape the construction process. For instance, the Impluvium project in Crdoba features a double envelope with an outer polycarbonate membrane that enhances sunlight capture and interior ventilation. Given the importance of regulating solar incidence and preventing heat loss during winter, an inner membrane made of micro-perforated white fabric is used to complete the double envelope. This horizontally suspended membrane beneath the sloped roof also creates a buffer space where high temperatures accumulate in the summer and are expelled through upper openings in the envelope.Save this picture!From identifying a structure for reuse to defining the materials to be employed, numerous decisions, opinions, and intermediate positions will ultimately shape the direction of architectural interventions. This raises questions about the lifespan of preexisting architectures: What is the future of industrial infrastructures that, over time, no longer align with contemporary needs due to structural, construction, or spatial reasons? What tools should be explored to determine the necessary interventions to transform the atmosphere of a space from one specific character to another, either opposite or complementary?Save this picture!This article is part of the ArchDaily Topics: Atmosphere in Architecture and Perception of Space, proudly presented by Vitrocsa, the original minimalist windows since 1992. Vitrocsa created the original minimalist window systems, offering frameless solutions with the narrowest sightline barriers in the world. For over 30 years, we have pursued innovation and Swiss-made excellence to transform ambitious architectural visions into reality, enhancing atmospheres through light, transparency, and design Every month we explore a topic in-depth through articles, interviews, news, and architecture projects. We invite you to learn more about our ArchDaily Topics. And, as always, at ArchDaily we welcome the contributions of our readers; if you want to submit an article or project, contact us.Image gallerySee allShow lessAbout this authorAgustina IiguezAuthorCite: Iiguez, Agustina. "Beyond Transforming Structures: Creating New Atmospheres in Preexisting Architecture" [Ms all de transformar infraestructuras: la concepcin de nuevas atmsferas en arquitecturas preexistentes] 25 Mar 2025. ArchDaily. (Trans. Pieiro, Antonia ) Accessed . <https://www.archdaily.com/1028186/beyond-transforming-structures-creating-new-atmospheres-in-preexisting-architecture&gt ISSN 0719-8884Save!ArchDaily?You've started following your first account!Did you know?You'll now receive updates based on what you follow! Personalize your stream and start following your favorite authors, offices and users.Go to my stream
    0 Comments ·0 Shares ·32 Views
  • MIRAFLOR / Camilo Rebelo
    www.archdaily.com
    MIRAFLOR / Camilo RebeloSave this picture! Nuno PintoArchitects: Camilo RebeloAreaArea of this architecture projectArea:260 mYearCompletion year of this architecture project Year: 2019 PhotographsPhotographs:Nuno PintoMore SpecsLess SpecsSave this picture!Text description provided by the architects. 1. A warehouse was rehabilitated, exterior and interior facades and roof. 2. We conceived a traditional space, within a warehouse, without touching the exterior facades, freeing the new volume inside from the pre-existing space, generating two distinct transition sectors in between old and new.Save this picture!Save this picture!Save this picture!3. The interior faade of the new volume is, from the street side, a figurative composition, built in concrete with a traditional central door. 4. The inside construction is in natural concrete, with a slight contrast from the old granite stone wall, emphasizing, in this way, the different epochs of the two constructions. The complementary works are built in walls stucco and MDF painted panels.Save this picture!Save this picture!5. The in between levels its done with a spiral iron stair painted in black. 6. The dominant light is zenithally and point out different moments of the inner spaces. 7. In the back of the house, in the inside, there is a winter garden, and in the exterior a small garden.Save this picture!Project gallerySee allShow lessAbout this officeCamilo RebeloOfficePublished on March 25, 2025Cite: "MIRAFLOR / Camilo Rebelo" [Casa Miraflor / Camilo Rebelo] 25 Mar 2025. ArchDaily. Accessed . <https://www.archdaily.com/1028290/miraflor-camilo-rebelo&gt ISSN 0719-8884Save!ArchDaily?You've started following your first account!Did you know?You'll now receive updates based on what you follow! Personalize your stream and start following your favorite authors, offices and users.Go to my stream
    0 Comments ·0 Shares ·30 Views
  • Unreal Engine 5 Real Time Strategy Game with C++ - Part 19 - Faction Interface
    www.youtube.com
    Project Files: https://www.patreon.com/posts/12496746 .This is the 19th part of the tutorial series, where we are going to implement a Real Time Strategy game using Unreal Engine and C++. Today we are going to work on a C++ interface for faction interface and a data table that contains data related to factions. Faction interface will be used to check the faction the characters or buildings belongs to and later on that will be used to determine the actions we can perform based on their faction. For example, player would be able to control/ give commands to characters who belongs to player's faction. Also the data table will contain things like faction name, color etc. Full C++ RTS Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLNTm9yU0zou5_PYxEdjNbAgbVRn-daOga .Unreal Strategy game with Blueprints series: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLNTm9yU0zou4Eulmi8YIfzHiNZEzfbSMk // ! https://www.patreon.com/codelikeme Patrons will have access to project files of all the stuff I do in the channel and other extra benefitsJoin this channel to get access to perks:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClb6Jh9EBV7a_Nm52Ipll_Q/join Like my facebook page for more content : https://www.facebook.com/gamedevelopersclub/ Follow me on twitter : https://twitter.com/CodeLikeMe2 Follow me on reddit : https://www.reddit.com/user/codelikeme #CodeLikeMe #unrealengine #ue5 #ue4 #indiegamedev
    0 Comments ·0 Shares ·36 Views
  • 'Shining anus' volcano in Tonga coughs up cloud of smoke during recent eruption Earth from space
    www.livescience.com
    A 2022 satellite photo shows smoke rising from a caldera on Tofua, highlighting the "looming threat" of the volcanic island.
    0 Comments ·0 Shares ·30 Views
  • 0 Comments ·0 Shares ·29 Views
  • v.redd.it
    submitted by /u/Creative_Royal_3686 [link] [comments]
    0 Comments ·0 Shares ·28 Views
  • Tong Liu created a gorgeous cinematic 3D portrait of a beautiful woman using Unreal Engine 5 and Maya. See more: https://80.lv/articles/stunning-reali...
    x.com
    Tong Liu created a gorgeous cinematic 3D portrait of a beautiful woman using Unreal Engine 5 and Maya.See more: https://80.lv/articles/stunning-realistic-3d-portrait-of-mysterious-woman/
    0 Comments ·0 Shares ·32 Views
  • Andrei Zelenco released a free four-part tutorial series on the FX-Map node in Substance 3D Designer, covering everything from the basics to advanced ...
    x.com
    Andrei Zelenco released a free four-part tutorial series on the FX-Map node in Substance 3D Designer, covering everything from the basics to advanced techniques.Watch here: https://80.lv/articles/free-comprehensive-guide-to-mastering-substance-3d-designer-s-fx-map/
    0 Comments ·0 Shares ·33 Views