While fantasizing about a trip to the South of France, I realized it would be more fun with friends.I dropped my dream itinerary in a group chat with three friends I'd known for just a few months.To my surprise, they all wanted to go, and we had the trip of a lifetime.I found myself crafting the perfect itinerary to the South of France, envisioning pristine beaches and dazzling scenery from Provence to the glamorous St. Tropez and Monaco, The dilemma? Though I was planning a solo trip, I realized it was actually the perfect destination for a glitzy girls' trip. The kind you make memories you'll still laugh about years down the line. Yet, as I'm nearing 40, the number of friends I have who can take time to travel as their lives move in the direction of marriage and growing families is dwindling.So, I took the plunge and tossed my itinerary in a group chat a friend created after we all had a blast together at my birthday brunch, where they initially all met. I was nervous about the possible chorus of, "Love this but can't maybe next year?" replies. But seconds later, responses like "I'm down!" and "I'd be interested" came rolling in.Following the enthusiastic replies, we started seriously planning our trip to the French Riviera in another dedicated group chat. They rented a convertible to get around while on their trip. Courtesy of Brittany Vickers Planning a trip with women I didn't know well had some challengesThat's when the frustrations kicked off. We were four women with vastly different vacation styles who were now planning a seven-day trip to the Cte d'Azur.The first issue was the budget. The pings from the group chat were never-ending as we attempted to merge various travel practices and budgets to fit the group.Initially, it was suggested to fly into a cheaper city and completely rearrange the original itinerary. It became overwhelming, and to avoid headaches before takeoff, we ultimately settled to move forward with what I initially proposed to the group. Once we all agreed on expectations, the next step was to finalize bookings. The author and her friends had a great time on their trip. Courtesy of Brittany Vickers From there, we leaned into each other's strengths to round out the finishing touches of the planning. I assumed the heavy lifting in finding the perfect places to stay. Because we didn't know each other well, we all agreed to look for accommodations that would allow everyone to have their own room and if that didn't work, at least their own bed. We were excited to go on the trip, but also wanted to give each other space to unwind and recharge.My method was simple: I looked around for spaces that fit the bill, selected my two favorite, and created a poll in the group chat for everyone to vote. It eliminated unnecessary back-and-forth and decision fatigue.Chelsea, whom I had met in a group for girls who love fine dining, was the group's resident foodie. In a location as splashy as the South of France, it's easy to get lost in the ritzy beach clubs and restaurants and rack up unnecessarily expensive tabs for every meal. To help us avoid this, she did some digging on both the hot spots and local affordable gems. We didn't go a day wondering, "Where should we eat?" They enjoyed wine and food at plenty of local hot spots. Courtesy of Brittany Vickers Then, Jen and Michaela who I had met individually, at a late-night museum event and art gallery, respectively took on the responsibility of organizing travel during the trip, which included renting a fabulous convertible, perfect for navigating the beautiful coasts and charming towns. We wanted the freedom that comes with renting a car but also needed someone who could maneuver the endless winding roads, which Jen agreed to tackle for the entire trip. And with Michaela coordinating plans for flights, trains and yachts when needed, the group trip made it out of the chat in less than a month.We all pitched in and planned an amazing tripEveryone pitched in, which ensured no one was burdened by an unfair amount of responsibility. I occasionally chimed in with restaurant suggestions, and we designated a second captain to assist Jen while navigating unfamiliar roads.Additionally, we all gave each other freedom to explore while still relishing each other's company, whether it was sharing a bottle of wine with the freshest fish as the sea stretched ahead, partying at a beach club, or having a siesta on our sun-drenched balcony before a night out. The author and her friend took a helicopter ride while on their vacation. Courtesy of Brittany Vickers A key to a successful group trip is also accepting everyone does not have to be attached at the hip. While in Monaco, two of us spontaneously decided to splurge on a helicopter tour while the other two settled into a fabulous lunch with glasses of ros. That kind of flexibility ensured everyone walked away satisfied at the end of the trip.You often hear the true test of friendship is if you can travel together. For us, our stay in the South of France was just the beginning of our friendship. We all took pieces of each other home. Thanks to Chelsea, I'll always remember to look for hidden gems away from tourist traps, and I've expanded my wine lists thanks to Jen, who often said, "Why not just order a bottle?" I also came home with an appreciation for jumping off yachts with Michaela. While still laughing from memories we just made, we departed already throwing out potential ideas for our next getaway.

Elon Musk is the founder-CEO of rocket company SpaceX.But Musk isn't privy to all of SpaceX's classified work with the US government, per the WSJ.Musk obtained top-secret clearance in 2022.SpaceX CEO Elon Musk's security clearance doesn't grant him complete access to the company's classified work with the US government.Musk isn't allowed to enter SpaceX facilities where classified information is being deliberated upon, The Wall Street Journal reported on Sunday, citing people familiar with the matter.The billionaire also isn't privy to the classified cargo SpaceX launches into space as part of the company's contracts with US national security agencies, per the outlet.In October, Musk said at a Trump campaign event in Pennsylvania that he has "top-secret clearance" for his work at SpaceX.Musk obtained his top-secret clearance in 2022, following a review process that took years, the Journal reported. SpaceX's lawyers had advised the company not to seek a higher security clearance for Musk because he would have to disclose details about his drug use and interactions with foreign nationals.In 2018, Musk appeared to smoke a joint during an interview with Joe Rogan. Musk later said in an interview with "60 Minutes" that he had "no idea how to smoke pot."When the Journal reported about Musk's drug use in January, he said that "not even trace quantities were found of any drugs or alcohol" in his system when NASA requested that he undergo three years of random drug testing.As for interactions with foreign nationals, Musk's business dealings have seen him meet with various foreign leaders over the years.In April, Musk visited China, where he met with Premier Li Qiang, the country's second-highest-ranking politician. The two discussed the roll-out of Tesla's self-driving technology in China.In October, the Journal reported that Musk has been in regular contact with Russian President Vladimir Putin since late 2022. In a statement, SpaceX said the Journal's story was "incredibly misleading" and based on "completely unsubstantiated claims."Musk and Trump's relationship grows closerMusk's clearance status might no longer be a problem for him, given his close relationship with President-elect Donald Trump.Musk endorsed Trump and spent at least $119 billion on his campaign. In the past weeks, he has reportedlyjoined Trump on calls with world leaders,including Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.In November, Trump announced Musk as the co-lead of the Department of Government Efficiency, or DOGE. The SpaceX and Tesla CEO will lead the commission alongside Vivek Ramaswamy.Musk and Ramaswamy have talked about significantly reducing the size of the federal workforce and shutting down entire government agencies like the Department of Education and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.Musk founded SpaceX in 2002. It was valued at about $350 billion during the latest round of staff share purchases. Musk is currently worth an estimated $455 billion, per the Bloomberg Billionaires Index, making him the richest person in the world by a roughly $200 billion margin.Representatives for Musk at SpaceX and the Defense Department did not respond to requests for comment from Business Insider.

Youve seen the Game awards nominations. Youve seen the Bafta longlist. Our own Guardian games of the year list is still a wee while away, but while youre waiting with bated breath, Im sure heres an appetiser: Pushing Buttons alternative awards. Without further ado Best use of beds as a gameplay deviceNeed to recover your hearts while adventuring through a bunch of eerie rifts that are tearing Hyrule apart? Simply conjure a bed out of thin air, make sure youre out of enemy reach and have a wee nap. Need to make your way across a bridgeable gap? This time, conjure several beds. Need a staircase? A barricade? Something decorative? Bed, bed, bed. In The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom, the bed is the true hero.Best game to get you through a long-haul flightHours and hours of fun Balatro. Photograph: LocalThunk/PlaystackOn my way to Summer Game Fest in LA this year, I boarded the plane with a Steam Deck and Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree pre-downloaded, ready for the first uninterrupted 10-hour gaming session of my 30s. But when I loaded it up, it wanted to authenticate my purchase. And the wifi on the plane wasnt working. So after having a massive sulk, I turned to Balatro (pictured above), and five hours of my flight disappeared in what felt like an instant. Thank you, Balatro, for not only stealing most of my free time in February, but getting me through that horrible flight.Sheer brazenness awardIt has invited a whole raft of plagiarism accusations and, eventually, a lawsuit from Nintendo, but nonetheless, you have to hand it to the developers of Palworld (pictured top) for being bare-faced enough to simply imitate Pokmon and give them guns. (Palworlds lead developer insists the game doesnt infringe copyright.)Problematic fave awardThe glorification of the military in first-person shooter games has made me feel queasy for many years, since they got more realistic looking. The connections between these games and real-world arms manufacturers are also icky. They are frequently used as military recruitment tools. And simultaneously, Call of Duty: Black Ops 6s single-player campaign is the most over-the-top, explosive and entertaining its been in years, a 90s special-ops thriller up there with the most testosterone-soaked action movies of that decade.Best first date awardPerfect date Life is Strange: Double Exposure. Photograph: Square EnixOne of the very first scenes in Life is Strange: Double Exposure (above) sees a twentysomething Max Caulfield in a student dive, attempting to flirt with the cute girl behind the bar. A few hours later, still in the same bar, they go on their first date, to an imaginary gig. Max and Amanda riff on each other, creating the most funny and adorable first date experience. I have rarely been on dates that went this well in real life, let alone in a video game. A moment of heartwarming brilliance in an otherwise inconsistent game.Most seen on TikTok awardI have never played Content Warning, but I feel as if I have, because Ive seen about 5,000 videos of it on various social media platforms this year. A comedy-horror satire of influencer culture (ironically), it has teams of four descending to the depths of the Earth to film the scary things they find there, run away, and upload the results for posterity (and likes and money). I have seen people huffing with desperate laughter after being chased by multi-armed skeletons, unexpectedly hoisted by ropes, and accidentally killed with ladders. Cannily given away for free during April, it has been a breakout hit with streamers.Best Scottish accents awardSick to boakin of canteen food Still Wakes the Deep. Photograph: Secret ModeIn the dark days before the turn of the millennium, I sat transfixed before my gigantic CRT computer monitor, appalled by the Scottish narration of Age of Empires IIs William Wallace campaign. In 2024, I played through the entirety of Still Wakes the Deep a cosmic horror game set on an oil rig in the North Sea without finding a single thing to complain about from its Scottish cast. I hugely enjoyed this game for plenty of reasons, particularly the way that the social-realist depiction of the rig and its workers collided with the incomprehensible horrors that infected them. But primarily, I enjoyed protagonist Caz McLearys realistically constant Glaswegian swearing, and his spectacularly dreadful boss ranting that he was sick to boakin of wee gobshites like him. Truly the representation I have been searching for.Best games released too late for everyones listsIt is an unwritten rule of the video games industry that nothing good comes out in December, because it screws up everyones game of the year lists (and several different awards shortlists). So shout-out to Bethesda for releasing Indiana Jones and the Great Circle on 9 December, Grinding Gear Games for releasing Diablo-like Path of Exile on 6 December, and Freehold Games for finally releasing Caves of Qud on 5 December after 15 years of development. My friends and colleagues are raving about all of them. Id tell you which is best, but I havent played them all yet, because it is December.skip past newsletter promotionSign up to Pushing ButtonsFree weekly newsletterKeza MacDonald's weekly look at the world of gamingPrivacy Notice: Newsletters may contain info about charities, online ads, and content funded by outside parties. For more information see our Privacy Policy. We use Google reCaptcha to protect our website and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.after newsletter promotionWhat to playThis protagonist kills fascists Indiana Jones and the Great Circle. Photograph: Games PressIve just played the opening hours of the aforementioned Indiana Jones and the Great Circle and, wow. Its great. Its got much less punching and much more sneaking, thinking and observing than I dared to dream it would have. Its more like Dishonoured than Tomb Raider or Uncharted, and instead of shooting at fascists I was clobbering them over the head with a guitar I found in a guardhouse, which Im sure we can all agree is drastically more entertaining. My only criticism so far is that it is still a very unrealistic depiction of the archaeology profession.Available on: Xbox, PC Estimated playtime: What to readMarking three decades an original PlayStation, from 1994. Photograph: Lou Benoist/AFP/Getty ImagesEurogamer has marked the PlayStations 30th anniversary with a huge interview with former Sony executive Shawn Layden, who tells some great stories about the consoles history.Palestinian game developer Rasheed Abueideh could not find funding through conventional routes for his game Dreams on a Pillow, about the 1948 Nakba. So he turned to crowdfunding. You can read more about the game, and the story behind it, on its funding page.Indie game shop itch.io was briefly taken down on Monday due to whatfounder Leaf Corcoran called some trash AI-powered brand protection software used by Funko Pop. Funko denies responsibility, claiming it only filed a takedown notice for one page on the site.What to clickQuestion BlockBedding in as a favourite The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom. Photograph: NintendoSo many of you have emailed in already, but we are still looking for more of your favourite games of 2024, which will feature in the final newsletter of the year. They do not have to prominently feature multipurpose beds.Send yours in, by replying to this email or emailing me at pushingbuttons@theguardian.com.

Rockstar Games' parent company, Take Two, has finally given an update on GTA 6 after its Game Awards no-show and reports the game could shift from its 2025 release windowTech09:41, 16 Dec 2024Updated 10:17, 16 Dec 2024Will GTA 6 make 2025 after all?The Game Awards was stacked with reveals, from The Witcher 4, to Elden Ring Nightreign and Steel Hunters, but despite winning the 'most-anticipated' award, Grand Theft Auto 6 wasn't there.With Rockstar's game first shown off in a trailer more than a year ago, fans are getting antsy waiting for new information, but the developer's parent company has been fanning the flames in a conversation with YouTuber Conner Mather.Take-Two's CEO, Strauss Zelnick has been heaping high praise indeed on Rockstar's next title, which is sure to keep the fervent fanbase excited even with a lack of news, dubbing the game "extraordinary" and "worth waiting for".Speaking in the video above, Zelnick says the next installment in Rockstar's crime epic will be "extraordinary", saying the game will be "worth waiting for" but stopped short of saying how long players will be waiting.Instead, he said: "You thought you were anticipating this thing but this is way bigger and way better and more exciting and more beautiful than you could have possibly thought of".Still, over on Reddit, fans are a mixture of disappointment that Zelnick may have played an early build before they have, or moaning about the interview you can't please everyone it seems.Article continues belowMaybe they're a little salty. After all, we've heard reports the game could be pushed to 2026, while many theorised GTA 6 would appear at a Sony event that never took place.For the latest breaking news and stories from across the globe from the Daily Star, sign up for our newsletters.RECOMMENDED

Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet were you impressed? (Sony Interactive Entertainment)The Monday letters page thinks Elden Ring: Nightreign is just repurposed DLC, as a reader worries about the release date for The Witcher 4.To join in with the discussions yourself email gamecentral@metro.co.ukPLEASE NOTE: We are currently preparing our content for over the Christmas period and will need a number of Readers Features, so if youve been meaning to write one but never quite got round to it we could do with as many as possible before Monday, December 23.First impressionsAm I the only one that wasnt that impressed by Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet? And Im not just talking about that cringey subtitle. It looked fine, the graphics are good, obviously, but it has an overwhelming air of smugness to it that I can well imagine comes as standard for Naughty Dog developers but Im not sure is warranted here.The main character didnt do or say anything to make me like her and despite the trailer being quite long I didnt really get a feel for what the story was or what the gameplay is going to be. I guess a third person fighter? But considering how simplistic the combat is in other Naughty Dog games Im not sure I have much faith in them taking on Devil May Cry or whatever.I didnt really like the design of the protagonist, the robot you saw for a minute, or the buster sword she seems to be using. It all felt like one of those games that are patched together with ideas from other peoples titles and I expected more from Naughty Dog. Im not writing it off but Im not super excited either. I hope its a good game, but I wouldnt bet on it at this point.FocusMain eventVery excited to hear about more Elden Ring, although I get the feeling that Nightreign was probably originally DLC and they decided to expand it. FromSoftware often add in new multiplayer options after launch and turning your game into a roguelike has been very common with other developers lately, when it comes to making DLC.Thats not a criticism but I think its pretty obvious this is a side project and not their main game at the moment. Id bet good money Hidetaka Miyazaki is not the director too.Finding out what he is working on next will be the most important information for me in the coming year and Im not sure if the possible Sony buyout of Froms parent company makes that more or less likely. Heres hoping the beans get spilled soon.GrackleQuick jobCrazy to think that The Witcher 4 is going to be out 2028 at the earliest and quite possibly two or more years later than that. Its getting to the point where its going to become common for developers to not stay on a game for the whole of its development. Five years is longer than Ive stayed at any one job, and I wouldnt say thats particularly unusual. In fact, Id say six or seven is relatively unusual.The job layoffs all around probably make people more keen than usual not to move away, and stick at a studio, but the whole thing seems so difficult to organise. Whats the longest it ever takes to make a movie? Three years, maybe? And the average has got to be a year or less.Never mind people leaving, people are going to die of old age waiting to finish a game soon. Well, I hope it works out anyway, as I am fine with Ciri being the main character and double fine with the idea of more Witcher of any kind.PinkyEmail your comments to: gamecentral@metro.co.ukWish grantedFirstly, merry Christmas GC and Happy New Year, keep up the good work.Writing in for a small bit of Inbox magic this Christmas.While everyone has been heaping praise on the new Call Of Duty and Indiana Jones games, as a Switch only owner I have been playing Yakuza on the Switch, which quietly dropped onto the Switch for the sensible sum of 18, for those that dont know.This was my first Yakuza game (exciting) and I really enjoyed it, but with a fight on almost every street it left me yarning to play the slower-paced Shenmue series, so how about a small Xmas Inbox miracle and a Shenmue collection on Switch please guys?ChrisGC: Since the publishing rights now belong to ININ, who were behind the recent Taito Milestones 3, thats probably quite likely.No more MonopolyIve been going back through the Dark Souls games, and Im currently being destroyed in the Pained World of Ariandel by some creatures that look like the baddie in Through The Dragons Eye (Im old) in Dark Souls 3.You get someone in to occasionally review and recommend board games. Im wondering if the Dark Souls board game is any good? Ive got a nice bit of time off over Christmas this year so Im thinking of trying to get into something a bit different but not sure if its any goodAny help would be appreciated.SimonGC: Its rather old now, compared to other video game board game adaptions, but the consensus seems to be that its pretty good. Heres Lucy Orrs rundown of the best new tabletop games for Christmas, which includes Mass Effect and Halo.Rainbow Islands: The MovieFor any Amiga Fans out there, there is a Blu-ray documentary available to pre-order, with videos on the making of games such as Frontier, Kick Off, Sensible World Of Soccer, RoboCop 3, and Rainbow Islands, as well as other Amiga games. Its made by the people who made the From Bedrooms to Billions documentaries that have covered various home computers and consoles, including PlayStation, Spectrum, and Amiga 500.The Blu-ray is region free, signed and numbered for 35 plus postage. It is a lot of money but it is a niche product and needs to be that cost to happen. Its available for pre-order until Thursday, 19th December 2024 with delivery estimated at February 2025.Also this week, the ZX Spectrum The Rubber Keyed-Wonder documentary Blu-ray is finished as well and is being posted out to backers (like me) of the Kickstarter campaign too, as that is finally finished after three years. it is also available to buy on digital format from here if you missed the campaign.Andrew J.Currently trying to platinum Astro Bot (PS5) before the new year!Welcome backGreat news about the return of Fumito Ueda. Ill be honest and say Id completely forgotten about his games over the last decade or so, but the trailer of the new one brings it all back. Sony were silly to let him slip out of their fingers, but then their handling of all their Japanese teams seems poor, going back since before The Last Guardian I guess considering when he left.Overall, a really good The Game Awards, Id say. I didnt stay up for it but reading about everything in the morning it was clearly a good one and theres at least four or five games Im definitely interested in without even knowing more. The trailers seemed longer and better too, before they were basically just a logo and nothing else.CranstonThe wrong side of bedSo I already know therell be a few letters dedicated to the thoughts over Friday nights Game Awards and Id like to take this time to share mine. Im vehemently regretful of spending my time wallowing in the disappointment and underwhelming events of the show. So, Ill say that the announcements, for a start, werent as groundbreaking as Id hoped. Kudos for beginning with the announcement of The Witcher 4. Im stoked for the title, but we all know its precisely three to four years away. Lets not kid ourselves. This will release the exact same time frame as the PlayStation 6 and I quite frankly can say it was too early to announce this.Why showcase a trailer, thats four years away? It was a fantastic opener, but its head-scratching for lack of a better word. Im excited to see Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth and The Last Of Us Part 2, release on PC. Those were two great surprises. But Ill resort back to being sceptical, by saying that Im kind of puzzled over Laura Baileys new project. I dont see the need for something that seems so forgettable, to include a voice actress of her calibre. Is anyone remotely even interested in this? Why is Aaron Paul working on this, when he truthfully hasnt made anything close to the calibre of Breaking Bad, since it ended?I see this flopping hard and being forgotten, in less than a week. Im puzzled to see Black Myth: Wukong win Best Action Game. Its essentially another Souls clone and, if Im being honest, I would have liked to see Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 win instead. Congratulations to Metaphor: ReFantazio on the multiple awards, very well deserved. Im still kind of astounded to see Silent Hill 2 remake completely snubbed. Luke Roberts was absolutely robbed of Best Performance and Silent Hill 2 was robbed of Best Audio Design. It deserved that accolade at the very least.I dont see the yearning for a mobile game set in Westeros and the world of Game Of Thrones. Its of course another cash grab and my expectations are zero. I was, however, disappointed with the so-called massive announcement rumours. kami 2 was announced and we also saw the first glimpse of what Naughty Dog have been working on. A space odyssey named Intergalactic. Am I the only one who actually expected more? Im not stating this will be a dreadful experience, but after onslaught of anime titles and Fortnite advertisements that I couldnt care less.Finally, Id like to conclude this on a note of surprise and confusion. Astro Bot won the Game Of The Year prize. Astro essentially swept the show and if Im being fruitfully honest, I expected Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth to win. I hoped for it to win. But a platformer with quaint level design and enjoyable gameplay granted, but minimal story, wins over Metaphor and Rebirth. Im kind of upset over that. But it is what it is.Elden Ring is also back, with a co-op title, and Id like to hope this can be single-player unlike It Takes Two, but Ill cross my fingers. Overall, I found the show was less than what people hoped for. Considering I stayed up for the entire duration, until 4am it felt as if it was ultimately time wasted. I could have read about it all the next morning. You get what you pay for.Shahzaib SadiqInbox also-ransVampire Survivors on the Switch. Looks rubbish but if ever there was ever a case of dont judge a book by its cover in games and its only four quid.Chevy MalibuGC: We agree entirely, the disconnect between how it looks, and even how it plays at first, and the actual level of enjoyment it offers is vast.I just thought that GCs offices must be called GCHQ. Thats it. Thats the email.Ali KMore TrendingEmail your comments to: gamecentral@metro.co.ukThe small printNew Inbox updates appear every weekday morning, with special Hot Topic Inboxes at the weekend. Readers letters are used on merit and may be edited for length and content.You can also submit your own 500 to 600-word Readers Feature at any time via email or our Submit Stuff page, which if used will be shown in the next available weekend slot.You can also leave your comments below and dont forget to follow us on Twitter.ArrowMORE: Games Inbox: How much will the PlayStation 6 be?GameCentralExclusive analysis, latest releases, and bonus community content.This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. Your information will be used in line with our Privacy Policy

After a quiet start last week, Decembers big movies kicked off this weekend with SonysKraven the Hunterand WBs anime film Lord of the Rings: War of the Rohirrim. Despite being fresh new features, neither movie were able to stand against the might of Disney and the Wizard of Oz. Per the Hollywood Reporter,Kravencame in third behind both Moana 2andWicked: Part One,which have been out since late November. At time of writing, the R-rated antihero flick has made $26 million globally, $11 million of which came from domestic audiences. Sonys gamble of making movies about Spider-Man baddies without the webhead himself has had diminishing returns this year, and not even Aaron Taylor-Johnson brutally killing people could change that, it seems. Reviews have been mainly negative, so Sonys probably going to be more selective about who gets a movie going forward, assuming Sonys Spider-Man Universe still has a future. Meanwhile,Rohirrimmade $5 million domestic, and $10.3 million globally. Set about 200 years before the Peter Jackson movies, it boasts some creative talent from those earlier filmsnamely co-writer Philippa Boyens, and Jackson and Fran Walsh as EPsand garnered a mixed reception thus far. Its a weird time forLord of the Ringsright now: along with the ongoing Prime Video show, WBs trying to kick off at least one new movie centered on Gollum, who also headlined last years pretty disastrous video game. Add on the Jackson films getting re-released into theaters over the summer, and people may have been Ringsdout, assuming they had any interest or knew ofRohirrimin the first place.As forMoanaandWicked? They kept on making money; the former swam to $717 million globally and maintained a first-place lead at $26.6 million domestic as it heads for $1 billion.Wickedsnow made $500 million, but its got an ace up its sleeve with the sing-along version hitting theaters on Christmas Day. Speaking of, next week sees the release ofSonic 3andMufasa on December 20, thenNosferatuon Christmas Daymeaning KravenandRohirrim may end up get pushed out of theaters soon. If you saw either of this weekends new movies, let us know what you thought about them in the comments below. Want more io9 news? Check out when to expect the latest Marvel, Star Wars, and Star Trek releases, whats next for the DC Universe on film and TV, and everything you need to know about the future of Doctor Who.

Weve had quite a few zombie franchises in the last decade, but one that hasnt been seen in a while is the Return of the Living Deadfilms. The last movie dropped all the way back in 2005, but it seemed things were set to change when a new movie was announced in 2023. Fortunately for fans, the series is officlally returning next year, just in time for the first films 40th anniversary. After a handful of teaser images on Friday, the studio released a teaser for the next film, also titledReturn of the LivingDead. Instead of being a reboot as initially believed, its actually a continuation of the original movie: set almost two years later in winter 1985, the Tarman zombies back in action and looking to make some chaos in an unnamed Pennsylvania town where the new films set. Living Dead said not to expect any returning character from the first movie, given their terrible fates, but teased audiences will be welcomed back into the dark humored, sexy, edgy, Trioxin fueled world horror fans first encountered. The firstReturn of the Living Deadfocused on a town infected by zombies that suddenly rose up after a toxic gas accidentally reanimated all of its corpses. In a press release, director/writer Steve Wolsh built up the teaser by revealing it was made entirely with practifcal effects and on-location, and the cemetery Tarman walks through was built to replicate the first films Resurrection Cemetery. Utilizing our widescreen anamorphic lenses, we captured the practical snow effects swirling against the night sky that gives it an amazing look and texture, he said. Its going to blow people away seeing an entire film made like this. Return of the Living Deadshambles to theaters in Christmas 2025.[via BloodyDisgusting] Want more io9 news? Check out when to expect the latest Marvel, Star Wars, and Star Trek releases, whats next for the DC Universe on film and TV, and everything you need to know about the future of Doctor Who.

Save this picture! arch-existThroughout the year, ArchDaily's team of curators works on expanding and populating our project library. Located all around the world, each curator carefully considers the best works emanating from their respective regions in an effort to have a diverse representation of the most inspiring and innovative built works. The team looks to new rising practices, new technologies, and the vernacular revival of traditional construction techniques. Seeking socially driven initiatives, as well as major works by renowned architects, the overall offers a holistic view of the built world today and is relayed through the yearly project review.While there's still much ground to cover and many projects to bring to light, this year's collection of works was quite diverse, particularly in their materiality, with each region focusing on local sourcing of building materials. Additionally, unique programmatic proposals and typologies were interesting to note as they offered a lot of mixed-use and experimental layouts, promising some new ways of living and different positions towards private/public spaces. Finally, many previously anticipated works came to fruition, offering monumental cultural and public spaces for all.The above can be delved into and seen in this year's top 100 projects selection, where the most sought-after built project references are laid out based on their relevance and circulation.Zaishui Art Museum / junya ishigami + associatesSave this picture!Expo Cultural Park Greenhouse Garden / Delugan Meissl Associated ArchitectsSave this picture!1736 House / HARQUITECTESSave this picture!House in the Trees / Ayako ArquiteturaSave this picture!House of Bluff / ChaofficeSave this picture!Vaazh House / Vy architecture studioSave this picture!University Children's Hospital Zurich / Herzog & de MeuronSave this picture!In Between Gardens Residence / A ThresholdSave this picture!Beijing Sub-Center Library / SnhettaSave this picture!Immersive Resilience Garden / Changyeob Lee + Studio ReBuildSave this picture!Renovation of the Zebro Viewpoint / lvaro Siza VieiraSave this picture!Zebun Nessa Mosque / Studio MorphogenesisSave this picture!Kempegowda International Airport Bengaluru / Skidmore, Owings & MerrillSave this picture!Twisted Brick Shell Concept Library / HCCH StudioSave this picture!ParkLife Apartment Building / Austin Maynard ArchitectsSave this picture!Terra Cotta Workshop / Tropical SpaceSave this picture!Sun Tower / OPEN ArchitectureSave this picture!Our Lady of Sorrows Chapel / RCNKSKSave this picture!Cabbage Tree House / Peter Stutchbury ArchitectureSave this picture!Babassu Harvesters Reference Center / Estudio FlumeSave this picture!AEAJ Green Terrace / Kengo Kuma & AssociatesSave this picture!Prepared Rehmannia Root Crafts Exhibition Hall / LUO studioSave this picture!Nandi House / Fino Lozano + Moro Taller de ArquitecturaSave this picture!Toy Storey Residence / WallmakersSave this picture!Flag House / studio mk27Save this picture!Farmworker's House / NidusSave this picture!Hampi Art Labs / Sameep Padora and AssociatesSave this picture!Realengo Park Susana Naspolini / Ecomimesis Solues EcolgicasSave this picture!Billy O'Tea House / STO.M.PSave this picture!House 28.0855 / VAN VAN AtelierSave this picture!Six Columns House / 31/44 ArchitectsSave this picture!Beijing Performing Arts Centre / Schmidt Hammer Lassen + Perkins&WillSave this picture!Iron Wood House / Earth Lines ArchitectsSave this picture!One River North / MAD ArchitectsSave this picture!Piranesian HQ and Park / BIGSave this picture!Nujiang Grand Canyon Bookstore of Librairie Avant-Garde / Tao (Trace Architecture Office)Save this picture!More House / Spacefiction StudioSave this picture!New Taipei City Art Museum / KRIS YAO | ARTECHSave this picture!Renovation of East Nanjing Road Sub-district Community Comprehensive Life Service Center / TJAD Original Design StudioSave this picture!The Mix Restaurant / The BloomSave this picture!A Home Around The Forest / YSLA ArchitectsSave this picture!House on Lake Como / J. Mayer H. ArchitectsSave this picture!Sabino 10 House / EditorialSave this picture!Restaurant Iris / NORM Architects + Kvorning DesignSave this picture!Copas House / PPAASave this picture!Sydney Central Station Renovation / Woods BagotSave this picture!UZV House / OAD - Open Architecture DesignSave this picture!The "Old" Chaple / O-office ArchitectsSave this picture!Moongate ADU / Cover ArchitectureSave this picture!Aru House / Curious PracticeSave this picture!House in Shunde / Multi-ArchitectureSave this picture!Diriyah Art Futures Contemporary Art Hub / Schiattarella AssociatiSave this picture!Bandhan Residential School of Business / Abin Design StudioSave this picture!Suna House / YDR estudioSave this picture!Longbranch Residence / mwworksSave this picture!Big Fish House / Martin Gomez ArquitectosSave this picture!Manac House / VAGASave this picture!Horizon House / Taylor KnightsSave this picture!The Landing House / Industry of All NationsSave this picture!Centro de Arte Moderna Gulbenkian / Kengo Kuma & Associates + OODA + VDLASave this picture!Cabin in the Woods / K+S ArchitectsSave this picture!WELL House / memo architectuurSave this picture!Pereiro Do Cha House / Valerio OlgiatiSave this picture!Mercure Bukhara Old Town Hotel / ARC ArchitectsSave this picture!Toro House / Estudio CarrollSave this picture!The Stoic Wall Residence / LIJO RENY architectsSave this picture!Hangzhou Xiaohe Park / Kengo Kuma & AssociatesSave this picture!Housing Complex in Leiria / Bureau des MsarchitecturesSave this picture!The Pavilion House / Malan Vorster Architecture Interior DesignSave this picture!AYURU the Forest Temple / Atelier Marko BrajovicSave this picture!The House of Courtyards / Studio VDGASave this picture!Roam Ranch House / Baldridge Architects

Reflecting on Architectural Details and Construction Systems in 2024Presented by:Save this picture!Detail of the Bauhaus art school building designed by architect Walter Gropius in 1925. Image Claudio Divizia via ShutterstockIn 2024, a diverse range of topics have been comprehensively explored, some focusing specifically on architectural details and construction systems. These articles provide valuable insights into architecture's often-overlooked technical and functional aspects. By shifting attention away from aesthetics, materials, and spatial massing, they reveal the importance of intricate details and the construction systems underpinning contemporary projects' larger architectural vision.Executing these seemingly small elements is crucial in shaping how architecture is perceived and experienced. Specifying and drawing a thoughtfully designed detail is not dissimilar to determining the correct screw in building a carits thread count, material, and lengthcan dramatically influence not only the success of an architectural design but also the quality of the human experience it fosters. Such details, while often dismissed as mundane and may not be the most recognizable features of stellar projects, profoundly impact the cohesiveness and functionality of architectural projects.Below are articles published in 2024 that examine topics such as Bauhaus-inspired detailing, bamboo construction techniques, advancements in hempcrete construction, and more. These explorations may raise awareness and dialogue about the critical role of architectural details and construction systems in shaping the built environment. Related Article Notre Dame Rebuilt: A Journey of Restoration for France's Iconic Cathedral Architectural Details of the Bauhaus Movement: Revisiting the Glass Corners and Tubular Steel ConstructionSave this picture!Though relatively short-lived, the Bauhaus movement remains one of modern history's most complete, comprehensive, and didactic design movements. Its influence extended beyond aesthetics, establishing a renowned design school that operated across three campuses and creating its typeface to unify design, communication, and function. These achievements underscore the importance of highlighting Bauhaus craftsmanship and its meticulous approach to detailing. Key architectural innovations included glass corners that "freed the corner" from traditional masonry constraints, advancements in glass mullions and panel divisions, pioneering tubular steel construction, and the systematic use of unified window operations. These details were more than functional solutions; they embodied the Bauhaus vision of harmonizing utility, simplicity, and modernity. Contemporary reinterpretations of these principles have recently addressed rising challenges, such as the need for improved thermal performance in faade systems. The Neue Nationalgalerie, for instance, reimagines and reintroduces the iconic Bauhaus glass corner, showcasing how this movement's legacy continues to inspire modern architectural practice while adapting to contemporary demands.Exploring the Structural Details of a Bamboo DomeSave this picture!Innovative bamboo structures have become a fascinating intersection of contemporary structural techniques and traditional materials, reimagining how these elements can blend to create stronger, alternative construction systems. A pioneering project by Kristof Crolla and Garvin Goepel from the University of Hong Kong's Faculty of Architecture exemplifies this innovation, utilizing augmented reality to prototype a modern interpretation of a bamboo grid shell. Illustrated in detail by Luis Echeverria, the project reinterprets bamboo as a hybrid construction material, showcasing intricate details such as the foundation sections, bamboo bundles secured with band clamps, square lashing techniques, and various connection joints. The construction process often integrated contemporary hybrid methods, including mixing mortar and rebar with bamboo to enhance structural performance. A significant innovation was using HoloLens technology to precisely place the pre-assembled grid shell crane-lifted into its final position with exceptional accuracy. This approach highlights bamboo's versatility and illustrates its potential as a sustainable and adaptable material in contemporary architecture. Heritage in Mud, Stone, and Reeds: Rediscovering Ancestral Construction TechniquesSave this picture!Reflecting on traditional construction techniques such as Sukhala, Ruca Araucana, Mudhif, Dorze Huts, Ger, Tolek, Xa'anil Naj, and Harran's Beehive Homes reveals a diverse range of ancestral construction technologies that often incorporate materials like earth, wood, straw, cow dung, and bamboo weaving. These ancestral methods are ingenious responses to specific environmental challenges and exemplify remarkable adaptability. Crafted chiefly by hand, they allow for continuous evolution through adaptation, repair, and improvement. Unlike contemporary approaches that may prioritize precision, accuracy, and flaw-proof designs, these techniques embrace a more flexible and iterative process, reflecting a deep symbiosis between craftsmanship, material availability, and the natural environment. Their ability to remain functional and responsive to changing needs underscores the enduring value of these traditional practices in architectural discourse.The Past, Present, and Future of Hemp in ConstructionSave this picture!Hemp, a plant from the cannabis family, is being rediscovered as a sustainable and versatile material with a rich history of industrial applications, particularly for its fibers. Recent innovations like hempcrete and fiber panels pave the way for greener construction practices. Hempcrete offers superior insulation properties, a low environmental impact, carbon sequestration capabilities, and effective humidity regulation, among other advantages. As a bio-sourced material, it is significantly more sustainable than traditional concrete. Discussions around its future development include applications in hemp blocks, 3D-printed structures, and modular homes, demonstrating its potential to revolutionize construction methodologies. Despite its benefits, hemp-based materials remain costlier than conventional alternatives. On the other hand, some claim they can reduce construction schedules by up to 2030%, offering a compelling argument for further adoption and innovation.Building Methods in Focus: The Solid vs Hollow Partitioning DebateSave this picture!Regional and cultural preferences in architectural practice are deeply influenced by local construction workers' knowledge, standard practices, and the availability of materials. These factors shape the design process and construction methods, such as the distinction between solid and hollow wall systems. This topic invites a discussion about how each methodology can serve specific purposes, emphasizing factors like usability, construction flexibility, material sustainability, ease of building processes, cultural beliefs, and material properties, particularly sound isolation. It highlights the importance of rethinking wall systems to suit each project's unique requirements rather than being solely guided by local traditions. By making reflective and informed design decisions, architects can tailor their approachsolid or hollow wall systemsto align with each project's specific functional and contextual needs.Exterior Insulation and Finishing Systems (EIFS): An Essential Solution for Sustainable ConstructionSave this picture!Facade systems, particularly Exterior Insulation and Finishing Systems (EIFS), have gained significant attention due to the increasingly stringent requirements for thermally insulated facade designs across various localities. These systems are beneficial in maintaining steady indoor temperatures with minimal energy use, thanks to the well-designed insulated building wrappers they provide. EIFS is also noted for its superior weather resistance and impact durability, which enhances the longevity of buildings. In addition, these systems can be customized to incorporate fire-resistant or fire-retardant materials, offering further safety advantages. They are highly effective in revitalizing aging structures, providing a valuable opportunity for adaptive reuse projects. Certified EIFS systems undergo rigorous tests to ensure quality, covering everything from component quality control and cohesive installation to thermal performance and fire safety standards.This article is part of the ArchDaily Topics: Year in Review, presented by Gira.Minimalism with character and clear shapes reduced to the essentials. The Gira design lines are suitable for a variety of furnishing styles, in different colours and materials. With the introduction of the Gira E2 light grey recycled material, Gira is setting a strong example for sustainability and innovation in switch 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 authorJonathan YeungAuthorCite: Jonathan Yeung. "Reflecting on Architectural Details and Construction Systems in 2024" 16 Dec 2024. ArchDaily. Accessed . <https://www.archdaily.com/1024779/reflecting-on-architectural-details-and-construction-systems-in-2024&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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