Vice President JD Vance has become President Donald Trump's top surrogate in the US effort to annex Greenland. JIM WATSON/POOL/AFP via Getty Images 2025-03-30T22:35:28Z SaveSaved Read in app This story is available exclusively to Business Insider subscribers. Become an Insider and start reading now.Have an account? Donald Trump says he wants to annex Greenland.JD Vance last week visited a US-controlled base in Greenland, where he chided Denmark.Vast, untapped natural resources in Greenland are at stake.Danish officialshave repeatedly told President Donald Trump that Greenland is "not for sale."Trump doesn't seem to care.The president continues to promote his vision for taking over Greenland, a semiautonomous territory of Denmark, arguing the island is needed to bolster US security and its stocks of strategic resources.During his joint address to Congress earlier this month, the president said the United States would take control of Greenland "one way or the other." And recently, Trump declined to rule out military force.Vice President JD Vance and his wife, Usha, arrived in Greenland on Friday, embarking on a scaled-back trip that included a stop at the US-operated Pituffik Space Base on the island's northwest coast. But even before the US delegation arrived, they were met with broad opposition to Trump's annexation plans.Here's why the United States has shown so much interest in Greenland amid the territory's own push for independence. Greenland is overwhelmingly opposed to becoming part of the United States. CHRISTIAN KLINDT SOELBECK/Ritzau Scanpix/AFP via Getty Images 'We have to have it'Before Vance's trip to Greenland, Trump said the island was needed for "international safety and security.""We need it. We have to have it," he told podcaster Vince Coglianese during a recent interview. "I hate to put it that way, but we're going to have to have it."The feeling isn't mutual.A recent survey by the pollster Verian, commissioned by the Danish newspaper Berlingske and the Greenlandic daily Sermitsiaq, found that 85% of Greenlanders do not want to be a part of the United States.Only 6% of respondents said they wanted to join the United States, and 9% of respondents said they were undecided.Denmark gave Greenland and its population of about 57,000 people broad self-governing autonomy in 2009, which included the right to declare its independence from Denmark through a referendum.Before Vance's arrival, Greenland Prime Minister Mute Egede told Sermitsiaq that the visit was "very aggressive," especially with the presence of national security advisor Michael Waltz."What is the national security advisor doing in Greenland? The only purpose is to demonstrate power over us," Egede, who has boosted a push for Greenland's independence, told the newspaper. "His mere presence in Greenland will no doubt fuel American belief in Trump's mission and the pressure will increase." Vance criticized Denmark during his visit to Greenland. Jim Watson - Pool/Getty Images A race for untapped mineral resourcesAfter arriving in Greenland, Vance criticized Denmark, accusing it of leaving the island vulnerable to China and Russia.Vance argued that Greenland would benefit from being under the "security umbrella" of the United States as opposed to Denmark."Our message to Denmark is very simple you have not done a good job by the people of Greenland," he said. "You have under-invested in the people of Greenland, and you have under-invested in the security architecture of this incredible, beautiful land mass."In recent weeks, protesters have assembled in Nuuk, Greenland's capital and most populous city, to rail against Trump's rhetoric.With independence potentially within sight, many of its citizens are apprehensive about Trump's efforts to annex the island.But Trump sees an opportunity and isn't letting go.The United States sees a future where global powers jockey for Greenland's untapped mineral resources particularly oil and gas given that much of the island is within the Arctic Circle. And with melting ice transforming parts of the island, strategic shipping channels could open up.That makes Greenland a major target for Trump's America-first agenda.Recommended video

Oztile Showroom / Atelier MODSSave this picture! MinGu KangShowroomSongjeong, Busan, South KoreaArchitects: Atelier MODSAreaArea of this architecture projectArea:593 mYearCompletion year of this architecture project Year: 2024 PhotographsPhotographs:MinGu Kang Lead Architects: Namgyu Shin, Seongwoo Cho More SpecsLess SpecsSave this picture!Text description provided by the architects. Site Characteristics and Design Concept A train station runs along a main street on the west side of the site, which is located on a reclaimed landfill in Songjeong. Additionally, to the east, there is a trail created by reclaiming an existing stream. Within this context, the architecture harmonizes with its surroundings while balancing the urban and natural environments. To address height restrictions and the dense residential setting, the lower floor incorporates a fence to block views, while the upper floor is designed with interior windows to establish a gentle boundary with the downtown area. The design prioritizes privacy for the surrounding residential environment while maintaining a connection to the cityscape.Save this picture!The Spatial Experience Shaped by the Entryway and the Wall - The building consists of a lobby and office space on the first floor and sales and exhibition areas on the second floor. It is designed so that users naturally transition into the interior, first grasping the overall form of the building as they proceed along the elongated entry path beside the wall. This gradual approach allows them to experience the architecture in stages, both physically and beyond its physical boundaries.Save this picture!Save this picture!Save this picture!Save this picture!The eaves and tall walls between the architecture and the entry path act as a psychological buffer, softening the transition from the external environment to the intimate interior space. The wall is finished with broken stone chips, contrasting with the well-organized exterior of the building while adding a rough texture that highlights traces of time and integrates harmoniously with the surroundings. As users walk along the wall, they encounter varied spatial layers shaped by shifting light and shadow as well as the overlapping external spaces. This dynamic spatial composition enhances the sensory experience of the architecture, transforming a simple pathway into an immersive encounter.Save this picture!The Role and Function of the Void Space The building features two vertical voids and one horizontal void, which penetrate the structure to introduce three-dimensional depth to the floor plan. These voids function as intangible connectors between floors, allowing for a free flow of sight, light, and air, beyond mere zoning elements. At the entry corner, a vertical void extends into the interior, incorporating plants and a two-story-tall birch tree as a visual link between indoors and outdoors. Rather than serving solely as a structure, the architecture blends into its environment, enriched with natural elements.Save this picture!Meanwhile, the horizontal void in the wall and the vertical void at the center physically separate the floors and spaces while simultaneously creating connections, encouraging interactions among users. The openness of these voids softens spatial boundaries, allowing users to experience the space in a more fluid and diverse manner.Save this picture!Variations Created by Changes in Light and Space The light reflecting on the exterior walls shifts throughout the day, generating ever-changing spatial expressions and offering users a fresh experience at every moment. These light variations, influenced by time and seasonal changes, emphasize that the architecture is not a static object but a structure that breathes and evolves with time. This space is experienced beyond its functional elements, engaging the senses while capturing the passage of time and the rhythm of nature.Save this picture!Project gallerySee allShow lessProject locationAddress:Songjeong, Busan, South KoreaLocation to be used only as a reference. It could indicate city/country but not exact address.About this officeAtelier MODSOfficePublished on March 30, 2025Cite: "Oztile Showroom / Atelier MODS" 30 Mar 2025. ArchDaily. Accessed . <https://www.archdaily.com/1028146/oztile-showroom-atelier-mods&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

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Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba has amassed a loyal fan following with its captivating storytelling, quirky characters, and brilliantly animated episodes that leave a lasting impression. Each arc in the series follows Tanjiro and his friends as they embark on adventures driven by their shared desire to fight demons and make the world a better place.

Solo Leveling's success can be attributed to many factors, but perhaps what often gets little to no credit is its unique cast of characters. This perhaps can be attributed to the protagonist's overwhelming presence, which often overshadows other characters' powers and struggles.

Switzerland has long been synonymous with precision, innovation, and timeless elegance in design. From watches to architecture the Swiss approach combines form and function in ways that continue to influence global design standards. We have curated a collection of five exceptional designs that showcase the scope and ingenuity of Swiss design, demonstrating why Switzerland remains at the forefront of the design world.These five impressive designs beautifully showcase the breadth and depth of Swiss design excellence. They also feature a distinctly Swiss approach to design meticulous attention to detail, respect for materials, prioritization of user needs, and a perfect balance between innovation and tradition. In a world of disposable products and flimsy trends, Swiss design continues to produce objects and products of lasting value and significance.1. Switzerlands PassportSwitzerlands new passport, designed by Geneva-based studio RETINAA perfectly fuses artistic expression and functional security. The passports design brilliantly captures Switzerlands geographical character through 3D-modeled reliefs that guide the viewer on an imaginary journey from Alpine peaks to valleys. RETINAAs approach showcases the Swiss genius for transforming necessary security features into elements of beauty by integrating intaglio printing, micro text, and UV-reactive inks that reveal hidden contour lines and architectural landmarks when exposed to ultraviolet light.The design is blessed with restrained elegance, which makes it quite distinctly Swiss. It doesnt adopt flashy holograms or excessively nationalistic visuals, instead, it embraces arefined approach centered around water as a recurring motif, acknowledging Switzerlands role as Europes water tower while maintaining perfect security and functionality.What we likeSeamlessly integrates cutting-edge security features with artistic expression.Creates multiple layers of visual interest through UV-reactive elements and 3D modeling.What we dislikeThe sophisticated printing techniques make production more resource-intensive.The subtlety of some design elements might go unnoticed by casual observers.2. Montoir Dive WatchThe Montoir Dive Watch challenges the notion that Swiss craftsmanship must remain exclusive to the wealthy, bringing the precision and elegance of Swiss watchmaking to a broader audience while maintaining exceptional standards. It features Sellita SW200-1 Automatic Movement a Swiss-made mechanical marvel that delivers reliability, accuracy, and smooth operation typically found in watches costing much more. The 316Lmm brushed stainless steel case and top hat double dome sapphire crystal demonstrate the Swiss principle of form follows function with a clean, minimalist aesthetic.What also makes this watch unique is its versatility. Unlike many Swiss luxury timepieces designed primarily as status symbols, the Montoir is engineered to be a genuine companion for daily life with 20ATM water resistance of up to 200 metersand practical functionality that transitions seamlessly from boardroom to underwater exploration.What we likeMakes authentic Swiss mechanical watchmaking accessible at a more approachable price point.Versatile design transitions seamlessly between formal and adventure settings.What we dislikeAt 11.5mm thick, it may be bulkier than some dress watches.38-hour power reserve falls short of some higher-end Swiss movements.3. Off-White c/o Victorinox Limited Edition Swiss Army KnifeThe Off-White c/o Victorinox Limited Edition Swiss Army Knife represents a brilliant collaboration between Switzerlands traditional craftsmanship and contemporary design. This collaboration reimagines one of Switzerlands most iconic products through a fresh, conceptual lens while maintaining its excellent functionality.The knifes most impressive element is the white Corian material used to build it, a refreshing change from its traditional red casing. The graphic elements tell a story of human tool evolution, from primitive stones to refined metal implements, creating a philosophical dimension that is rarely seen in everyday objects. The knife is limited to just 3,000 sequentially numbered pieces worldwide, and each knife contains 11 different tools within its sleek body, maintaining the Swiss commitment to multifunctionality and precision engineering.What we likeSuccessfully merges traditional Swiss craftsmanship with contemporary design language.The white Corian material provides a distinctive aesthetic while maintaining durability.What we dislikeLimited availability (3,000 pieces) makes it inaccessible to many design enthusiasts.The high price point ($500) positions it more as a collectors item than an everyday tool.4. Lotte ChairThe Lotte Chair by Sarah Hossli represents the quintessence of Swiss designs human-centered approach, where form and function unite to address a genuine societal need with elegance. Created in collaboration with the Neubad multigenerational house in Basel and Swiss furniture manufacturer Girsberger, this chair proves how Swiss design can improve quality of life through thoughtful innovation.The chairs ingenious solution features extended armrests that wrap completely around the chair, creating an intuitive handrail system that enables elderly users to rise with minimal resistance. This design is backed by rigorous research in care homes, prototype testing with actual residents, and consultations with medical expertsa methodical, evidence-based approach that is typical of Swiss design thinking.What we likeSolves a genuine problem for elderly users while maintaining aesthetic dignity.Designed with circular economy principles for easy maintenance and sustainability.What we dislikeSpecialized design may limit its appeal to broader market segments.Production complexity may result in higher manufacturing costs.5. Retired Swiss Fire Engine Transformed Into A Mobile HomeThis transformed Swiss fire engine perfectly adopts the Swiss philosophy of repurposing and sustainability. This innovative mobile home conversion demonstrates the Swiss principle that objects should evolve and adapt rather than be discarded, encouraging sustainable living. The transformation maintains the sturdy engineering integrity of the original Mercedes Vario 44 chassis while completely reimagining its purpose.The interior captures the Swiss mastery of maximizing small spaces, using natural materials like birch plywood and ash wood to create a warm environment that accommodates a family of five despite compact dimensions. Although the creator of the home is not Swiss, the base body is a retired Swiss fire engine, showcasing how Swiss-made objects maintain a long lifecycle even after their main purpose has expired, and they can be evolved and manipulated to form new creations with renewed functionality and utility.What we likeExemplifies sustainable design through creative repurposing of an existing vehicle.Achieves remarkable spatial efficiency without sacrificing comfort or aesthetics.What we dislikeThis maybe difficult to replicate for the average person.The vehicles original design constraints may limit some modern amenities.The post From Passports To Furniture: How Swiss Design Continues to Shape Our World first appeared on Yanko Design.

Florian Busch Architects (FBA) have shattered conventional notions of home design with House W, a groundbreaking architectural statement nestled in Nakafurano, Hokkaido. It is a residence, but also a self-sustaining powerhouse, producing nearly twice the energy it consumes an extraordinary achievement in a region infamous for its unforgiving winters. But the real secret to this energy-positive home isnt just cutting-edge technology; its a radical reimagining of what a house should be.For nearly a century, architecture has followed Le Corbusiers vision of a house as a machine for living in, a philosophy rooted in efficiency and control. Florian Busch, however, sees a home differently. He believes that a house is a plant for living with. Like a plant, House W doesnt merely exist in its environment, it thrives in it. It absorbs sunlight, harnesses water, and adapts to seasonal changes, forming a sustainable, self-sufficient ecosystem for the family that inhabits it.Designer:Florian Busch ArchitectsDefying the still-prevalent trend of urban migration, the clients, a young Tokyo family, approached FBA to design their dream home on the western edge of the Furano Plateau. This 25-km-long and 5-km-wide strip in the heart of Hokkaido is famed for its deep powder-snow winters and stunning summer landscapes. Their vision was bold: a home completely independent from the local power grid, capable of generating at least as much energy as it consumes net zero.The finished result goes even further! Over a year, House W produces almost twice the energy it consumes, making it FBAs first building to achieve such a feat. Counterintuitively, the solution does not rely on compactness but on breaking the structure apart.The site, once occupied by a farmers barn, sits amidst active farmland, surrounded by rice paddies, asparagus fields, and irrigation channels. Rather than impose itself on the landscape, House W integrates seamlessly with it.Instead of a singular solid structure, the house is split into two rotated volumes, framing breathtaking views of the Tokachi mountain range, rolling hills, and Furanos ski slopes. This fragmented design creates an interstitial spacea natural buffer that regulates temperature and airflow. In summer, adjustable louvers cast cooling shadows; in winter, they welcome the suns warmth.Most energy-efficient homes treat solar panels as an afterthoughtan accessory added to the roof in the final stages of design. House W, however, weaves solar performance into its very essence. Its solar skin, a sleek black exterior, is more than just a striking visual choice. Beneath the surface, seamlessly embedded photovoltaic panels transform the entire house into an energy-generating system. The result? A home that not only sustains itself but also contributes energy back to the grid.Energy efficiency at House W extends beyond solar panels. The home taps into an underground water source, using a heat pump system to generate underfloor heating and hot water. In a region where winters can be unforgiving, this natural, year-round thermal stability is transformative.House W wasnt built overnight. Designed in phases to accommodate market fluctuations, its modular structure allows for future expansion without disturbing the existing framework. Even before the main house was completed, the family added a shed and a workshop, early additions that paved the way for potential future expansions. This flexibility is more than just practical; it embodies a deeper philosophy. A home, like a plant, should have the ability to grow.As climate concerns drive architecture toward greater sustainability, House W emerges as a prototype for the future. Rather than resisting nature, it collaborates with itabsorbing sunlight, harnessing water, and evolving with the seasons.The post This Split-Form Home in Hokkaido Produces Twice the Energy It Consumes first appeared on Yanko Design.

BeforeAssassins Creed Shadowslaunched, we talked at length in a feature about the lessons it could take about what to do and what not to do fromGhost of TsushimaandRise of the Ronin. Now, in the aftermath of the action RPGs release, were here to pit the three games against each other again, this time under a more analytical lens. As open world action-adventure games with period Japanese settings and a core gameplay loop focused on combat, stealth, and traversal, the three games obviously have a lot in common, and here, were going to talk about how the three fare against each other across multiple categories.WORLD DESIGNAs open world games, world design is a crucial element in all three of the games were discussing here, but theyre not all equally good in the department.Rise of the Roninsopen world is fairly by-the-numbers and often feels static, which means exploration never elevates itself to the heights that youd want. On the other hand, betweenAssassins Creed ShadowsandGhost of Tsushima,the competition is a little bit more- well, competitive.If we had to pick a winner, however which is the whole point of this exercise wed probably have to go with Ghost of Tsushima.Yes,Shadowsmap is beautiful and a constant joy to explore, and unlikeRise of the Ronin, its world feels wonderfully alive and dynamic (thanks partly to a system of regularly shifting seasons).Ghost of Tsushima,however, feels like its on a different level, whether thats because of its incredibly strong sense of place, how effective the world is at distracting players with its bevy of optional content, or any number of other factors.VISUAL DESIGNOnce again, we can comfortably sayRise of the Roninis the first to be eliminated in this category. Team Ninjas open world game does have its share of striking sceneries to show off from time to time, but from a technical perspective, its quite rough around the edges.Ghost of TsushimaandAssassins Creed Shadows,on the other hand, back up their gorgeous art and visual design with strong tech driving the ending under the hood- and once again, well probably have to pickGhost of Tsushima.Liberal use of bright, bold colours and stunning vistas of natural beauty combine to create what has to be one of the most memorable and distinct open world settings in recent memory.Shadowshas of course taken cues fromGhostsvisual design in how it depicts its feudal Japanese setting, but in our eyes, Sucker Punchs 2020 samurai epic has yet to be dethroned in this category.TRAVERSALUnlike the two categories weve been through so far, were going to have to placeGhost of Tsushimadead last here. Dont get me wrong, making your way around its map is fun enough, but gameplay options on that front are fairly limited. Compare that, for instance, withRise of the Ronin, which at least begins making up for its otherwise underwhelming world design by making sure that navigating that world is a lot of fun. Equipped with a horse, a gliding contraption, and a grappling hook,Rise of the Roninmakes traversal a ton of fun.We are, however, going to have to give this one toAssassins Creed Shadows.This is a franchise that has always prided itself on its traversal gameplay, andShadowsis probably the best it has been in this area for a long time. Theres multiple factors contributing to that- Naoe is perhaps the most nimble and best-movingAssassins Creedprotagonist to date; her grappling hook is a ton of fun to use; parkour feels much more precise than it has in any previousAssassins Creedaction RPG. Without a doubt, traversal is one of Shadowsbiggest strengths.COMBATWe have our first category where all three games have plenty to be proud of.Ghost of Tsushima, Assassins Creed Shadows,andRise of the Roninall tout great combat, each going for a different style- but which one comes out on top? For our money,Rise of the Roninis the winner here.Ghost of Tsushimasparry-based and stance-based combat deserves a ton of plaudits, as doesAssassins Creed Shadowsslick evolution of theOrigins-Odyssey-Valhallastyle. Combat, however, is the one thing that Team Ninja has always had unimpeachable expertise in, and for all of its faults (of which it has many),Rise of the Ronindoesnt buck that trend. Its mechanically tight and satisfying, and also manages to be much more approachable than past Team Ninja titles without sacrificing any of its depth. This is the one area whereRonindeserves unreserved praise.STEALTHStealth is part of the core loop on all three games were looking at here, but they each place different emphasis on it.Rise of the Roninis a combat-focused game first and foremost, which means stealth often ends up taking a backseat- which means this is another category whereGhost of TsushimaandAssassins Creed Shadowsare duking it out against each other. And as close as the competition is here, Shadowsultimately nabs it.For the first time in years, anAssassins Creed title feels like a stealth game above all else, delivering a much tighter and more enjoyable stealth experience thanOrigins, Odyssey,orValhalladid. Like with traversal, stealth, too, is driven by Naoe first and foremost, whose impressive toolset combines with an expanded base moveset, significantly improved stealth mechanics, and an excellent new dynamic light and shadow system that sprinkles a dash ofSplinter Cellinto proceedings.STORYTELLINGThis one is really one-sided, which is a shame, given how important this category is.Rise of the Roninsstorytelling chops are nothing to write home about (which is putting it mildly), whileAssassins Creed Shadowsalso disappoints in this area, even if it does have two excellent protagonists and the odd moment of strong storytelling in its main story here and there.Ghost of Tsushima,on the other hand, feels like it is firing on all cylinders with its main story from beginning to end. Full of memorable moments, epic set pieces, actual stakes, and strongly written conflicts, themes, and characters, Sucker Punchs open world title tells a gripping tale, and tells it really, really well.OVERALLIf youre looking for a great open world action-adventure game set in a historical Japanese setting, then you have some good options here, and, depending on what you want, you will find at least two of these games to be the best in class. Rise of the Ronin is the obvious weak link here- while it wins with combat and performs reasonably well in the traversal category, it comes in dead last everywhere else.The other two games are a lot more closely matched- people who favour traversal or stealth will get the most out of Assassins Creed, and if you want an amazing, gorgeous world with great storytelling, Ghost of Tsushima is probably the game for you. Honestly, both of these games are worth playing, but if we absolutely had to pick just the one, it would be Ghost of Tsushima. In addition to winning the most categories in this comparison outright, it also comes in in second place in most categories that it doesnt win. So sure, if you are in the market for just the one Japanese flavoured action-adventure game? Go with Ghost of Tsushima. But we really cant stress this enough, when you have the time, definitely at least take a look at Assassins Creed Shadows too.

Assassins Creed Shadowsboasts many strengths, and high on that list is how crammed full of details it is, and how effectively those details help bring its world to life. A heightened sense of immersion is whatAssassins Creedgames tend to go for with their open world settings more often than now, andShadowsachieves that with an almost obsessive level of attention to detail. Here, were going to shine the spotlight on a few that have stood out to us. Tiny details that many may never notice (or, if they do, give too much thought to) are often the ones that many players end up obsessing over the most, and we have plenty of those to talk about here.CUTTING BAMBOOPretty early on inAssassins Creed Shadows,the game tells you you can slice through bamboo, and from that point forward, its difficult to stop yourself from slicing all the bamboo you can lay your eyes on. Whether youre running through thickets in a forest or tearing through thin walls in an enemy encampment, it never stops being unreasonably fun to slash through bamboo and watch it dynamically react to your hits and fall apart in the most satisfying fashion.(LIMITED) ENVIRONMENTAL DESTRUCTIONIts not just bamboo that you can destroy inShadowsworld. The game features limited environmental destruction-verylimited, actually, but effective nonetheless. Crates, barrels, some trees and fences, boxes and what have you can be destroyed in a variety of ways, and watching the bits and pieces fly around never loses its charm.DESTRUCTIBLE BOATSAssassins Creedhas often made naval gameplay its centerpiece, but inShadows,its a tertiary element at best. Case in point: pilot a boat through water at max speed for too long without a break, and eventually, the boat will simply crumble under the pressure and shatter, requiring you to abandon ship and swim your way to shore (or, you know, another boat).CHANGING SEASONSChanging seasons are one ofShadowsheadlining gameplay features, and watching the tiny little details in how the world changes each time remains a highlight of the experience from start to finish. The brilliantly vibrant fields of flowers when its spring, the breathtaking blankets of snow that cover the entire landscape in the middle of winter, how gorgeous a waterfall in the middle of a forest looks in summertime as it catches the sunlight-Shadowsknows how to convincingly sell its seasons mechanic, especially because it also affects gameplay in everything from stealth and exploration to even moment-to-moment movement. Try moving through a thick field of snow, and youll instantly feel the difference.SNOW DEFORMATIONSpeaking of moving through snow,Shadowssnow deformation also stands out. This is, of course, one of the weirdly satisfying details that gaming audiences have been collectively obsessing over for as long as anyone can remember, andAssassins Creedhas been flexing its snow deformation muscles going as far back asAssassins Creed 3.Shadowsdoes the same, to the extent that simply walking around in a fresh and untouched field of snow to draw patterns may very well end up taking an inordinate amount of your time.SLIDING ON ICEHeres another example of how winter environments will impact gameplay in small but noticeable ways. For starters, lakes or ponds that youd be swimming through at other times become frozen over, allowing you to walk over them. If you try tosprintwhile youre on the ice, however, youll find yourself slipping and trying to regain your balance every now and then.MELTING SNOWIf you have the patience to stand around in one single spot and keep watching it while doing absolutely nothing else, youll notice that the snow around you is melting in real time. Youll watch the world around you dynamically accumulating snow, and then losing it all bit by bit as it melts and seeps into the ground.ICICLESIn another example of changing seasons impactingShadowsworld in both visual and gameplay ways, winter will also bring with it icicles of varying shapes and sizes hanging off of roofs pretty much everywhere you look. And theyre not just there as set dressing- you can also break them off, and the ice that shatters can serve as a way to distract enemies during stealth.THE DANGERS OF ICICLESAs you may have put together, icicles arent just good as distractions- they can also damage enemies. You can, for instance, make sure that youre breaking off an icicle at the exact moment that a guard passes beneath it. Its yet another way the game lets you use your surroundings to your advantage in stealth.FLAMES IN THE WINDMoving on from winter, lets jump from cold to hot. Playing around with flames and watching them interact with the environment has been a thing inAssassins Creedfor several years now, but Shadowsvirtual arson has some additional flair to it.Shadowsfeudal Japan is particularly windy, and watching flames dance in and react to the wind is oddly captivating.NPCs DAILY CHORESNPCs are often spotted doing a variety of day to day chores inShadowsvast world, especially in towns and villages, but whats particularly impressive is watching the tiny details tied to those actions- like an NPC at a well filling up buckets of water.NPCs FOOTWEARSomething else of note that you can catch withAssassins Creed ShadowsNPCs is their footwear- specifically, when they wear it and when they dont. In a nutshell, anytime they are indoors, youll see that they are moving around without any footwear, in keeping with the etiquette of the time.FEARFUL ENEMIESYasuke, as a renowned and formidable samurai, has a reputation that clearly precedes him in the world ofAssassins Creed Shadows.NPCs will often bow to him as he passes them by, for instance, while some enemies will also be blatantly fearful of him in specific circumstances. For example, if a guard catches you standing near a dead body and you confess to having killed them, the guard will fearfully back away and leave. If you are playing as Naoe, however, in that same scenario, guards will be much more willing to attack you- though of course, Naoe has plenty of tricks up her sleeve to brutally dispatch her enemies as well.ANIMALS EYESAssassins Creed Shadowsopen world is full of an impressive amount (and variety) of wildlife, which contributes significantly to the open worlds immersion. Even the simple act of watching different animals in the wild has an undeniable appeal to it- which, of course, means youll notice some interesting details as well. When its dark out, for instance, youll notice animals eyes glowing, just as they would in real life.CAMPFIRESYoull come across a number of campfires as you make your way throughAssassins Creed Shadowsvast and gorgeous open world, and chances are, youll often find yourself stopping at them for once reason or another, from conversing with NPCs to simply looking around to take in the view. While youre doing so, if you pay attention, you will also notice that when Naoe or Yasuke are standing next to a campfire, every now and then, they will bring their hands up to warm them against the flames.

The ArtScience Museum is a building within the integrated resort of Marina Bay Sands in the Downtown Core of Singapore. Opened in 2011, it features exhibitions in art, science, culture and technology. The museum was designed by Moshe Safdie and features an exterior made of fibre-reinforced plastic supported internally by a steel lattice. It is anchored by a round base in the middle, with ten extensions referred to as "fingers" in the shape of a flower. This photograph shows the ArtScience Museum with other buildings of Singapore's Central Business District in the background.Photograph credit: Basile MorinRecently featured: Chestnut-naped antpittaSilene flos-cuculiJoseph BazalgetteArchiveMore featured pictures