According to a shocking new book, Spotify has been promoting so-called "ghost artists" so it can avoid paying its piddling royalties to real artists.In an excerpt from "Mood Machine: The Rise of Spotify and the Costs of the Perfect Playlist" published inHarper's, author Liz Pelly reveals that the streaming platform has a secretive internal program that prioritizes cheap and generic music.Dubbed "Perfect Fit Content" or PFC for short, this program not only involved a network of affiliated production firms creating tons of "low-budget stock muzak" for the platform, but also a team of employees who surreptitiously placed tracks from those firms on Spotify's curated playlists."In doing so," Pelly wrote, "they are effectively working to grow the percentage of total streams of music that is cheaper for the platform."Piloted in the mid-2010s, PFC reportedly became one of Spotify's biggest profitability schemes by 2017.As one former employee told the author, playlist editors at the streaming service began to see a new column on their dashboards soon after the program officially launched that, along with stats like plays, likes, and skip rates, would show how well each playlist they made worked with "music commissioned to fit a certain playlist/mood with improved margins."Not long after that new column appeared on employee dashboards, managers began pushing their underlings to add PFC songs to the playlists they were crafting for the platform."Initially, they would give us links to stuff, like, 'Oh, its no pressure for you to add it, but if you can, that would be great,'" the ex-Spotify employee told Pelly. "Then it became more aggressive, like, 'Oh, this is the style of music in your playlist, if you try it and it works, then why not?'"Other former employees told the author that they wished they'd pushed back more against that pressure from higher-ups because, as one put it, "some of us really didnt feel good about what was happening.""We didnt like that it was these two guys that normally write pop songs replacing swaths of artists across the board," the former Spotify-er said. "Its just not fair. But it was like trying to stop a train that was already leaving."As it became clearer and clearer that many of the company's then-current editors were skeptical of the program, Spotify began bringing in new blood that didn't care about the ethics of it. By 2023, when Pelly was writing her book, the team overseeing the PFC model was responsible for "several hundred" playlists. Of those, more than 150 playlists bearing titles like "Deep Focus," "Cocktail Jazz," and "Morning Stretch" were populated almost entirely by PFC content.To make matters worse, a jazz musician Pelly spoke to who moonlighted as an ambient trackmaker for one of Spotify's PFC partners told her that he was offered an upfront fee of a few hundred dollars and told he would not own the master rights to the track.Because it was an easy gig, the musician composed a few tracks for the firm that were released under aliases on Spotify. After a few of the tracks began getting millions of streams, however, he realized that he may have been ripped off."Im selling my intellectual property for essentially peanuts," the musician told the writer.Perhaps most offensive about this entire alleged scheme, which Spotify seems not to have commented on in the excerpt published byHarper's, is that the company is doing so to avoid paying infinitesimally small royalties to real artists that generally only make a fraction of a cent per stream.Though Spotify has repeatedly denied that it creates music in-house and said in 2017 that such claims were "categorically untrue, full stop," CEO Daniel Ek tweeted earlier this year that "the cost of creating content" is now "close to zero" a bizarre statement to make for someone whose company claims to not be in the business of ghost artistry.Share This Article

If youre home for the holidays or simply on a much-needed vacation youre likely looking for a movie or two or ten to stream between family meals or hangouts with friends, and this year Netflix proved it was the place to go for a little bit of everything. Not all of its featured offerings are worth watching haters can find our list of the Worst Netflix Movies of 2024 right here but a lot of them are, and weve chosen a select few you wont want to miss.Netflixs movies are traditionally a mixed bag, as the streaming service, even in its more mature years, is still operating on the same throwing spaghetti at the wall ethos as it did when it first started making its own content. No matter what genre or sub-genre or niche aesthetic youre looking for, Netflix will have something in its labyrinth of overly specific categories. Were here to tell you which of them are worth checking out.This years offerings really ran the gamut, from animated childrens adventures about what happens after the sun goes down, to taut crime thrillers about wide-reaching conspiracy plots, tearjerkers about families coming together under difficult circumstances, documentaries made to look like video games, and one holiday rom-com about a sexy snowman who comes to life, these are the Netflix originals worth adding to your end-of-the-year catch-up list. And, yes, were serious about the snowman one. Its good.The Best Netflix Movies of 2024These are the Netflix movies worth putting on your end-of-the-year watchlist.Gallery Credit: Emma StefanskyREAD MORE: 10 Flops That Became Huge Hits on NetflixGet our free mobile appThe Worst Netflix Movies of 2024Netflix released a lot of movies this year. Some were great! These were not. Gallery Credit: Emma Stefansky

Look! Up in the sky! Its not a bird, or a plane, or James GunnsSuperman.Its our video breakdown of the trailer for GunnsSuperman and boy, do we have a lot to say about this movie.Its our first film in the new DC movie universe, but it also has a lot of references to the history of DC and Superman comics and earlier movies. In this video, well discuss dozens of Easter eggs, hidden DC references, and little details you might have missed in theSupermantrailer. Well talk about the new Superman costume, the new Superman actor, the the stuff that Gunn has taken from earlier movies and shows, the meaning of the new Superman logo on his chest, and the symbolism of beginning this trailer with the new Man of Steel crashing to Earth, broken and bleeding, but ready to get up and fight some more.Watch our full video on theSuperman trailer below:If you liked that video about all of the Easter eggs in the new trailer for James Gunns Superman, check out more of our videos below, including our wholesome (real tears!) reaction to Gunns Superman trailer, our deep dive into all the Easter eggs in Zack Snyders Justice League, and our look at the reboot of the DC Universe and what it means for the future of DC. Plus, theres tons more over atScreenCrushs YouTube channel. Be sure to subscribe to catch all our future episodes.James Gunns Superman is scheduled to open in theaters on July 11, 2025.The 10 Most Ridiculous Tropes In Action MoviesGood luck finding an action movie that doesn't have at least a few of these stereotypes.Get our free mobile app80s Foods We Wish They Still MadeIf you grew up in the 1980s, you surely have fond memories of these popular (now discontinued) snacks.Filed Under: DC Comics, James Gunn, SupermanCategories: Movie News, Videos

Time zones: GMT (UTC +0), CET (UTC +1), EET (UTC +2)My client is seeking a motivated and experienced HR Projects Specialist for 6 months, to help drive the successful implementation of various (small) People projects within their organisation.Do you have a strong understanding of the people/HR space and the ability to help design, build and implement HR practices? If so, then this is an exciting opportunity for you!Your expertise in people and organisational dynamics will be critical in helping to create impactful programs (such as a Job Level roll-out, Workforce Planning Roll out, Recruitment Automation) and other initiatives.You will have the opportunity to work with a fun remote team, whilst working through (complex) challenges and drive transformational growth.The role:Manage People project change initiatives within the company, ensuring that changes are executed smoothly and efficientlyDesign and facilitate workshops and training sessions to promote project rollout and usage of new initiatives (communication plans, training documentation)Monitor project progress and identify and resolve any issues or roadblocks that may ariseProvide guidance and support to managers and team members during times of change, ensuring all stakeholders are informed and alignedPartner with team members to ensure that changes are effectively communicated and supported throughout the organisationWhat it takes:Bachelor's or Master's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration or a related fieldMinimum of 6-8 years working in a People/HR role, with people transformation, change management or organisational development experienceStrong understanding of human behaviour, organisational dynamics, and change management principlesStrong organisational and project management skills with the ability to handle multiple tasks and priorities effectivelyProven track record of implementing successful (small) transformation initiativesExcellent problem-solving, interpersonal skills and critical thinking abilitiesAbility to maintain strict confidentiality and handle sensitive information with discretionHigh level of attention to detail and ability to analyse data and metricsProficient in HR and other software systems (automation)With our client undergoing a period of change, this role requires someone who rolls-up their sleeves and takes accountability for driving some of the work.Must have excellent communication, project management, and HR problem-solving skills, as well as a deep understanding of how to build people practices.This is an independent contractor/B2B contract position for approximately 6 months, located in the European timezone.

Ready for a fresh set of puzzles? Click here for the January/February Puzzle Corner, brought to you with a special Mystery Hunt twist by guest editor Dan Katz 03.This column includes solutions to three September/October 24 problems. Find solutions to the other three problems here.

David Dewan came up with this solution (which Richard Lipesalso found on Wikipedia): Let N be any integer not divisible by 2 or 5. Consider repunits R1 = 1, R2 = 11, R3 = 111, , RN+1 and their residues modulo N. There are at most N different residues, so the set of N+1 residues modulo N must contain at least one repeat. Assume RA mod N and RB mod N with B>A are the same. Then (RB RA) mod N = (RB-A10A) mod N = 0. Since N and 10 are relatively prime, N divides RB-A. S/O4. Frank offers this sudoku problem: Many readers tackled it successfully. For anyone who got stuck, heres the answer key: Ten years ago I was doing what is now called AI, Richard Marks 58 writes. He noted that trying all possible iterations of a sudoku problem will tie up your Cray for a week. So I personally wrote the rules and coded this little AI program that solves any sudoko by the time you have released the Solve It button. Since I wrote the program from scratch, I guess you can say I solved S/O4. S/O6. On behalf of the MIT Chess Club, Justin Zhou 25 asked how White can play and mate in two (see below). Frank Model 63 says there are two cases to consider: when Black can castle, and when Black cannot. If Black can castle, then Blacks last move had to be Pc7-c5. In this case White can take en passant, Pb5-c6. If Black castles, then White plays Pb7#. If Black can castle, but makes some other move, then White plays Rf8#. If Black cannot castle, then White plays Ke6. Black cannot escape mate on the next move when White plays Rf8#. Steve Gordon noted that this problem illustrates the three special chess moves. The following was adapted from his analysis with his algebraic chess notation. Black last moved either a king, rook, or c5. If c5, then 1. bxc6 (en passant a.k.a e. p.). If Black can still castle queenside (1. Kc8 & Rd8, a.k.a O-O-O), then 2. b7#. If Black cannot, its king is still trapped on rank 8, so after any black move, 2. Rf8#. If Black last moved a king or rook, en passant is not possible for White, but Black cant castle either, so 1. Ke6 also traps the black king on rank 8, and after any Black move, 2. Rf8#. Note: To create this puzzle, the white bishop on g7 resulted from an underpromotion on h8.

html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD HTML 4.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/REC-html40/loose.dtd"Zaha Hadid Architects has revealed a construction update for its Shenzhen Institute of Financial Technology in Shenzhen, China. The installation of the sculptural faade at the Shenzhen Institute of Financial Technology has begun on site.The 199-metre tower's composition is defined by its surrounding urban environment, and it is situated on a small site.In order to maximize the quantity of direct sunlight that reaches the district's streets and public plazas, set-backs have been incorporated into the tower's volume and the annual routes of the sun's rays across the site have been recorded and modelled.Image Xue LiangThe People's Bank of China's digital and international payment networks rely heavily on the Shenzhen Institute of Financial Technology.As an incubator and assessment center for financial technologies, the institute is a vital component of Shenzhen, the city at the vanguard of China's technology innovation, and it guarantees Shenzhen's continuous success in creating new digital innovations that propel the world economy.Image AtchainThe Shenzhen Institute of Financial Technology Tower, created by Zaha Hadid Architects, will house the institute's continued growth to support China's fintech sector, which is expected to expand at a rate of over 20 per cent annually over the next ten years.The institute's training campus, technology exchange, research and development labs, data centers, and management, support, and administrative departments will all be housed in the new 46-story tower in the center of China's tech sector, which is accessible from nearby metro stations.Image Xue LiangThe composition of the 76,000 square meter tower is determined by the surrounding urban environment. It is situated on a tight site in the center of Shenzhen's Futian district, which is home to many of China's most inventive technological enterprises.To maximize the quantity of direct sunlight that reaches the district's streets, public plazas, and existing neighboring buildings, set-backs have been incorporated into the tower's volume and the annual routes of the sun's rays across the site have been studied and modelled.Image Xue LiangThese distortions within the building's volume inform the tower's faades' varied levels of transparency and color. The faades, which are made up of angled and vertical glazing mullions in black and bronze, highlight the distinctive geometries created by the formal features of the design.Image Xue LiangTo encourage interaction and collaboration, a number of internal atria connect floors. These linked atria's foliage filters air pollutants, and the rooftop garden offers a range of covered areas for gatherings, events, exhibitions, and leisure.High-performance thermal insulation and self-shading exterior fins are integrated into the tower's shell. Each faade's distinct composition to reduce solar heat gain has been guided by an extensive analysis of exposure to direct sunlight.Image Xue LiangOver the course of the day, a smart building system will be able to predict the tower's occupancy levels and user habits. This AI-powered technology integrates hybrid natural ventilation and continuously modifies the tower's services to maximize energy efficiency and occupant comfort.Recycled steel and aggregates from nearby suppliers help to lower the tower's structure's embodied carbon.Image Xue LiangImage Xue LiangImage Xue LiangImage Xue LiangImage AtchainImage AtchainImage AtchainImage AtchainImage AtchainZaha Hadid Architects revealed design for its first project in Malaysia, the plans are developed in collaboration with JLand Group Sdn Bhd (JLG). In addition, the firm began construction on the lemiste Passenger Terminal in Tallinn, Estonia. Moreover, the firm released an update about the construction of West Kowloon Terminus development in Hong Kong.Project factsProject name: Shenzhen Institute of Financial TechnologyArchitect:Zaha Hadid ArchitectsDesign:Patrik SchumacherZHA Project Director: Joris PauwelsZHA Project Associate: Yitzhak SamounZHA Project Leads: Ping-Hsiang Chen, Alejandro Garcia GadeaZHA Site Team:Simon Yu, Jinqi Huang, Yushan ChenZHA Project Team: Iraklis Kourounis, Biagio Amodio, Maria Vergopoulou, Sharan Sundar, Beatrice Cordella, Nessma Al Ghoussein, Cristina Barrios Cabrera, Samantha PavicZHA Competition Project Director: Joris PauwelsZHA Competition Associate:Yitzhak SamounZHA Competition Project Architect:Yazhu LiangZHA Competition Project Leads:Alejandro Garcia Gadea, Haohao ChenZHA Competition Team: Iraklis Kourounis, Maria Vergopoulou, Sharan Sundar, Saman Dadgostar, Lorena Espaillat Bencosme, Uli BlumConsultantsLocal Architect:CSWADI (SD PD Stage) / CABR (CD Stage)Structural Engineers:CSWADI (SD PD Stage) / CABR (CD Stage)Quantity Surveyor:Hua Lun Cheng Construction ConsultancyGeneral Contractor: China Construction Second Engineering BureauFaade Engineering:SPESM&E Engineering: CSWADI (SD PD Stage) / CABR (CD Stage)MEP:CSWADI (SD PD Stage) / CABR (CD Stage)Fire Engineer:Shenzhen Electronics Institute Design Consulting Co., LtdLandscape Consultant:CSWADISite Supervision: CSCCProject Management:CSCCTop image in the article Xue Liang.> via ZHA

Submitted by WA ContentsQuinzhee Architecture imagines a rustic retreat like a climbing block in Canada Canada Architecture News - Dec 20, 2024 - 14:33 html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD HTML 4.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/REC-html40/loose.dtd"Canadian architecture practice Quinzhee Architecture has imagined a rustic retreat like a climbing block at the top of a natural climbing wall in the heart of Mount Le Maelstrom in Lac-Beauport, Canada.Named Blok, the 59-square-metre building was designed for climbers to provide an ultimate haven. This monolithic object with angular edges resembles a climbing block due to its asymmetrical shape and grey stucco materiality.The irregularly placed apertures mimic climbing grips, forming a faade that directs the sight and the ascent similarly to a climbing path.The living areas' surface area is increased by the coexistence of heated spaces and covered outdoor areas within this square layout, which also offers a natural setting.The outdoor areas, shielded from the weather and prying eyes, are initially discovered when entering through the volume's truncated corner.Climbers can practice their sport on the ground floor's walls, and a spa welcomes rest in between workouts. The terrace upstairs offers a social area for preparing and enjoying meals while taking in the scenery.There are several levels to the heated areas as well. The guestrooms on the ground level take advantage of the seclusion and closeness of the nearby woodland. The living areas upstairs enjoy natural light and unhindered views of the surroundings.Bedroom 1A big mezzanine that is situated over the kitchen may hold more visitors. Every room is covered in wood, which contrasts with the building's envelope's raw, mineral quality while establishing a pleasing visual continuity between the interior and outdoor living areas.Bedroom 2Bedroom 2Living roomKitchen and dining roomMezzanineMezzanineGround floor planMezzanine floor planSecond floor planRoof floor planThe Quinzhee company, which was established in 2013, embodies this ideal home: it is Nordic, whimsical, and environmentally conscious.By including its clients in the design process of their projects, the firm hopes to increase their understanding of architecture and the environment.Project factsProject name:BlokArchitects:Quinzhee ArchitectureArea:635pica. (59 mc.)Team project: Guillaume Fafard et Gabriel LemelinContractor:Nomad ConstructionEngineer: MA-TH Solutions dingnierieProject completion date:2024All images Adrien Williams.All drawings Quinzhee Architecture.> via Quinzhee Architecture

Source: Studio WeaveInitial concept design, the pavilion resets the visitors relationship with the forecourt and landscapeThe British Museum has announced that Studio Weave, leading a multidisciplinary team including Wright & Wright Architects, Webb Yates Engineers, Tom Massey Studio, and Daisy Froud, has been selected to design new visitor welcome pavilions as part of its wider masterplan.The visitor welcome pavilions are intended to improve the experience of visitors arriving via the museums forecourt on Great Russell Street and from Montague Place. The pavilions, which will incorporate soft landscaping, are expected to be complete by spring 2026, subject to planning approvals.Nicholas Cullinan, Director of the British Museum, commented: As the most visited building in the UK, and one of the top three most visited museums in the world, first impressions count. With the visitor welcome pavilions were striving to create the most inspiring greeting possible for the 6.2 million people (and counting) from across the nation and around the world who come through our doors each year whether its their first visit or fifteenth, aged 5 or 95.Je Ahn, Founding Director of Studio Weave, stated: Our proposal aims to resolve complex issues on the site. The project will preserve the appearance of the historic Grade I listed buildings, address the changing climate, and look forward to the future of the institution. It will also introduce new soft landscaping and plants, dotted with engaging installations encouraging curiosity and becoming a memorable highlight of every visit.> Also read:British Museum names finalists in competition to create new entrance experiencesThe visitor welcome pavilions form part of the British Museums broader masterplan, a long-term programme intended to address the museums infrastructure and visitor experience challenges while modernising its facilities. This includes a major overhaul of the Western Range, which holds one-third of the Museums gallery space, along with significant back-of-house areas. The complex, comprising buildings from the 1850s alongside later additions, requires upgrades to meet modern performance standards, with consideration for its significant heritage fabric.The competition to select the lead architect for the Western Range project is ongoing, with submissions from five shortlisted teams 6a architects, David Chipperfield Architects, Eric Parry Architects and Jamie Fobert Architects, Lina Ghotmeh Architecture, and OMA currently on public display in the museums reading room.6a architectsSource: 6a architectsSource: 6a architects1/3show captionDavid Chipperfield ArchitectsSource: David Chipperfield ArchitectsSource: David Chipperfield ArchitectsSource: David Chipperfield Architects1/3show captionEric Parry Architects and Jamie Fobert ArchitectsSource: Eric Parry Architects and Jamie Fobert ArchitectsSource: Eric Parry Architects and Jamie Fobert ArchitectsSource: Eric Parry Architects and Jamie Fobert Architects1/3show captionLina Ghotmeh ArchitectureSource: Lina Ghotmeh ArchitectureSource: Lina Ghotmeh ArchitectureSource: Lina Ghotmeh Architecture1/3show captionOMASource: OMASource: OMASource: OMA1/3show captionAlex Surguladze, head of design management at the British Museum, explained: The British Museum has embarked upon the largest redevelopment in its near 300-year history, and the success of such an ambitious project is dependent upon the support of our neighbours and the wider public.As part of its masterplan, the museum is also progressing other key projects, including the recently completed British Museum Archaeological Research Collection facility in Reading and the construction of a new Energy Centre at its Camden site. The Energy Centre is intended to phase out fossil fuel use and align with the museums decarbonisation targets.

Handing down a long-awaited decision this morning, High Court justice Timothy Mould upheld the decision by former communities secretary Michael Gove to allow the 25-storey development on the Thames.Mould said Gove, in making his much-delayed decision to approve the scheme in February, could rule in favour of the development despite taking the view that it would not deliver an attractive development of the very prominent and sensitive site.Gove said in his decision that, although he had reservations about the scale and massing of the north building, he agreed with the planning inspectors conclusion that it was an appropriate response to the site, following the planning inquiry held in late 2023.AdvertisementThe former secretary of state also acknowledged concerns about the developments impact on designated heritage assets, including Denys Lasduns Grade II*-listed National Theatre and Grade II-listed IBM Building, and questioned whether the Make scheme would provide a positive contribution to the townscape of the South Bank.But he concluded that the public benefits, such as employment opportunities, improved public realm and the creation of affordable creative workspace, outweighed the harm to the surroundings.However, the Save Our South Bank Action Group (SOS), a coalition of local opponents of the 72 Upper Ground project for Mitsubishi Estate, had argued that former communities secretary was wrong to approve the 25-storey scheme.Michael Ball from Save Our South Bank told the AJ that campaigners were now considering their options following the ruling against them, adding: This judgement is a huge disappointment for anyone who loves the river and South Bank.It supports Michael Goves wayward approval of a building about which he had great misgivings and acknowledged would harm a string of buildings of national prominence. The decision reveals planning protections are flawed and have failed.AdvertisementCampaigners had earlier argued that Goves decision was legally flawed and contradicted his recent announcements regarding housing priorities and reducing carbon, given the demolition associated with the Make scheme and the Local Plans emphasis on housing and mixed-use development at the former ITV Studios, instead of the proposed office-led development.High Court justice Beverly Lang, in granting the judicial review in May, said SOSB had raised arguable grounds that warranted 'consideration at a full hearing. A final decision had been expected in November ahead of todays decision.The High Court ruling comes after Gove set up the possible call-in in April 2022, during his first stint as head of the Department for Levelling Up, Housing & Communities. Greg Clark, who served in the post between July and September 2022, officially called in the scheme over heritage concerns before Goves return to the department.Lambeth Council approved the scheme in March 2022, despite receiving more than 260 objections and opposition from figures including Kate Hoey, the former MP for Vauxhall, and the areas current MP, Florence Eshalomi. Source:Cityscape Digital View along Queen's Walk at National TheatreGroups such as The Twentieth Century Society and statutory consultee Historic England had concluded that the project would harm nearby listed buildings while dominating the riverfront.London mayor Sadiq Khan declined to intervene in the project, delegating the planning decision to deputy mayor Jules Pipe. Greater London Authority officers had praised the design quality of the Make scheme and said it had been designed to be sympathetic to its historic neighbours.The inquiry was held between 6 December 2022 and 25 January 2023, with Goves decision originally due in August 2023 but repeatedly delayed, eventually until February this year.Make previously told the AJ that its transformational plans for 72 Upper Ground would be a fantastic addition to the character of the South Bank' which was sensitive to the surrounding Modernist architecture.The practice has not yet commented on the High Court decision.Shinichi Kagitomi, chief executive of project backer Mitsubishi Estate London and Stephen Black, director at CORE, said in a joint statement: We welcome Justice Moulds judgement. At every stage of the planning process, our transformational plans for 72 Upper Ground have had the backing of senior politicians and independent experts including Lambeth Council and its planning officers, the GLA, DLUHC and the planning inspector.They added: We are looking forward to delivering an outstanding building that makes a significant positive contribution to the South Bank.The Department for Housing, Communities and Local Government said: We acknowledge the judgment and the planning permission for this application has been upheld. It would be inappropriate to comment further at this stage.