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Starfield was originally planned to have a gore and dismemberment system like Fallout, with players being able to more gruesomely kill foes. However, these features were ultimately left out of Starfield.In an interview with Kiwi Talkz, former senior character artist Dennis Mejillones said that there were technical considerations when it came to the space suits. "There's a lot that has to go with it. You have to cut the helmet in a certain way, and it's got to come off; you have meat caps to the bottom where the flesh is," he explained. "We had systems for all of that, and it turned into a big rat's nest of all these things you have to count for."With the feature of being able to customize body size in the character creator, that added more complications. Mejillones also said that gore and dismemberment didn't fit with Starfield's themes as opposed to Fallout's over-the-top presentation.Continue Reading at GameSpot

Solo Leveling stands out as a captivating anime not just for its high-stakes battles and stunning visuals, but also for its emotional storytelling. The series weaves a compelling story that balances the protagonist Jinwoo Sung's struggles with his rise to power.

If your takeaway from Robert Eggers Nosferatu was Damn Ellen is lowkey a freak , I need you to know that Ellen (Lily-Rose Depp) is far from the freakiest character in a Dracula adaptation.[Ed. note: Spoilers for Nosferatu (2024), Bram Stokers Dracula (1992), and Dracula in general.]Ive seen split reactions to Ellens desire to get down with vampiric Count Orlok. Some people think Nosferatu was just the right amount of horny. Others think it was too horny. And some, like myself, think it couldve been hornier!Maybe thats just because the entire time I was thinking about Bram Stokers Dracula (1992) in all its horny, campy glory.Starring Keanu Reeves in what is widely regarded as one of his worst roles (along with Winona Ryder and Gary Oldman), Bram Stokers Dracula is unabashedly campy and over the top something I personally believe all Dracula adaptations ought to strive for. Director Francis Ford Coppola played up the decadence and hedonism in the film, with gorgeous set design, lush costumes, and a lot of characters getting their freak on.Unlike in Eggers Nosferatu, almost every character in Dracula (1992) is horny. Theres Miss Lucy Westenra and her three prospective suitors that she cannot possibly choose between (one of them is a cowboy; not that its important for the horniness meter, but I just need to emphasize that there is a cowboy in Dracula). She and Mina also have a deep, intimate, homoerotic friendship. Jonathan Harker (Keanu Reeves) has a strange ghost orgy with Draculas monstrous brides.But the scene that I think best represents the difference between Nosferatu (2024)s horniness and Bram Stokers Dracula is the one where Dracula (Oldman) visits Mina Harker (Ryder).In this version of Dracula, the Count believes Mina is the reincarnation of his beloved bride Elisabeta. His fixation on her isnt just because he hungers for her blood, but because he wants to turn her into his immortal lover. Its a bit like Orlok and Ellens psychic connection in Eggers version, but what makes it even juicier is that Mina doesnt have any link to Dracula. He just swooped in all suave, charismatic, and European to woo her, and even though Mina loves Jonathan, shes entranced by this mysterious stranger and falls under his spell.So when he comes to her room late at night to feast on her blood and change her into a vampire, its intense and tortured and just delicious and they never even actually have sex. But they writhe in bed as Mina moans in his arms. Dracula has second thoughts, not wanting to damn the woman he loves to this unlife. But she begs him to make her his and then looks him right in the eye as she lowers her head and licks blood out of an open wound in his chest!MAN!Compared to Mina and Dracula, Orlok and Ellens scene in Eggers Nosferatu is almost tame. Which is wild, because Mina and Dracula dont even actually bang. But theres more mutual obsession, more heightened fervor, more focus on both of the characters internal struggles. This isnt a sacrifice Mina makes to save the world; its a selfish decision that could possibly spell doom, but one shes making because she wants it so damn bad.Eggers Nosferatu is more in line with F.W. Murnaus original 1922 silent film (itself a loose-ish adaptation of Dracula), where the ending is more elegiac and sad. In this case, the scene with Orlok isnt supposed to be a culmination of her desires. Making it super horny would undermine the poignance.However, Coppolas Dracula really leans into the horniness all around. So it makes sense that the night Mina and Dracula share is built on reciprocated infatuation and desire, even in the face of certain doom. Thats what makes it so intriguing!And Im saying this as someone who normally dislikes modern adaptations that lean into the Dracula x Mina of it all (justice for Jonathan Harker, wife guy). The 1992 Dracula scene was just so erotic that it completely sold me.The horniness in Dracula isnt a modern perversion. Its actually the right way to adapt the source material. Vampires have historically represented the taboo, especially when it comes to sexuality, and Stokers original Dracula was no exception. Different filmmakers will play up different aspects of the themes in the story. But Coppola nailed that specific vibe of mutually destructive horniness that caters oh so specifically to me and to anyone else who may have wanted the Eggers version to more openly embrace the indulgent sexuality threaded through the source material.Bram Stokers Dracula is available to rent on Amazon Video and YouTube.Nosferatu is now in theaters.

Nestled amid the serene woodlands of Lake Arrowhead, California, the Arrowhead Double A-Frame House also known as Bern Double-A is an artful transformation of a 1970s cabin. Designed by Dan Brunn Architecture (DBA), this structure elegantly melds the nostalgia of vintage architecture with modern aesthetics, offering a unique retreat that balances luxury with eco-consciousness.The renovation re-envisions the original A-frame as a double A-frame, a novel approach that combines the firms distinctive minimalist aesthetic with warm, inviting elements. The cabins original T-shaped footprint proved ideal for expanding the A-frame structure in two perpendicular directions, creating a dynamic geometry that feels both familiar and bold. Central to this renovation is the addition of a glass wall on the short axis of the structure, a feature that allows ample light into the lofted areas and visually connects the indoors to the forested landscape beyond.Inside, DBAs characteristic restraint in material selection is clear, ensuring an effortlessly timeless feel. Existing woodwork, including the cabins original beams and ceilings, was meticulously restored through a unique sandblasting process with walnut shells, preserving the woods natural texture while harmonizing with new floors. This thoughtful treatment emphasizes the continuity between the cabins past and its revitalized design.The living room serves as the focal point of the home, where a tall, glass-framed A-frame ceiling contrasts with a rustic fireplace clad in tumbled stone. Designed for relaxation and connection, this space offers sweeping forest views and a cozy semicircular sofa centered around the hearth. Hidden cove lighting enhances the ambiance by casting a warm, inviting glow across the vaulted ceilings, further enhancing the cabins connection to nature.The design unfolds across three levels, each carefully orchestrated to suit distinct functions. The ground floor provides a tranquil zone for bedrooms and utilities, while the second floor brings a social, open layout that includes a guest suite, living and dining spaces, and a kitchen that flows seamlessly into the surrounding scenery. The third floor, an airy loft, features high ceilings, cozy carpeted floors, and mid-century-inspired furniture, adding an element of playful sophistication. Floor-to-ceiling windows strategically placed throughout amplify views of the surrounding woods, inviting nature to become an integral part of the interior experience.A soft, dark navy hue featured prominently in the cabins core elements, cabinetry, and select exterior areas creates contrast against the lighter woods of the bedrooms and living spaces. This choice imbues the cabin with a grounded elegance, echoed by navy exterior siding and decks. The kitchen thoughtfully reflects 1970s design inspiration with dual-toned cabinetry and intricate details, including slim, dark-framed edges and custom wooden pulls. White, soft-touch Fenix laminate blends with dark blue-gray finishes, achieving a modern yet period-authentic feel.Up in the loft, oversized windows provide unobstructed views of the treetops, reinforcing the cabins integration with the landscape. Here, bespoke built-in cabinetry displays vintage records and a turntable, celebrating the cabins mid-century charm. Adding a touch of whimsy, a Noguchi Akari lantern placed in the corner, illuminates the space in soft light.The sleeping areas are designed as intimate retreats, each outfitted with Scandinavian-inspired decor, plush rugs, and soft fabrics. The main bedroom is particularly striking with its vintage-inspired reading nook accented in Irish Green, matched with a plush velvet sofa, creating an inviting spot to unwind. Thoughtful lighting fixtures, including wall sconces and floor lamps, add a gentle, ambient glow that enhances the overall sense of calm.Sustainability is at the heart of DBAs approach. The renovation focused on minimizing waste, retaining as much of the existing structure as possible, and reducing the need for new materials. Upgraded insulation, energy-efficient windows, a high-performance heat pump, and LED lighting all contribute to the homes energy-conscious design. By preserving the existing exterior and implementing sustainable upgrades, the Arrowhead Double A-Frame achieves a balance between environmental responsibility and luxurious comfort.For more information on Dan Brunn Architecture, visit danbrunn.com.Photography by Brandon Shigeta.

This past weeks cold and windy weather inspired me to stay inside. A lot. I think I left my home one time and I hated it so much. By the end of the week, I didnt have many ingredients left to make any particular dish. I peered around my kitchen and rummaged through my fridge to find five forgotten baby potatoes, two chicken sausages, and a single zucchini. Split between two people, this alone is not a meal to get excited aboutbut as giambotta, it could be a winter meal to look forward to.Giambotta is also spelled ciambotta (and if youre in my partners family then you pronounce it something like jom-both), and it hails from Southern Italy. This hearty vegetable stew is one of those gorgeously flexible dishes that can be modified depending on what you have on hand, and how your family prefers to eat it. Although I only started eating it when my partner started making it for me, I already know how I prefer it. Personally, there needs to be zucchini involved and I like the veggies chunky. He likes a less watery broth, but I dont mind it. Credit: Allie Chanthorn Reinmann All that to say, you can modify this soup a bit to your liking. Your giambotta might have a barely tomato-tinged broth that looks more yellow; your neighbor might prefer a thicker, bright, tomato-forward sauce. The consistent ingredients I always see are potatoes, onion, some sort of tomato addition, and zucchini.Beyond that, you can add sliced chicken, sausage, a can of chickpeas, wilted greens, or chopped carrots. Basically, whatever you have on hand. I love this soup for a Thursday or Friday night when Im using up the bits and bobs that never made it into something earlier that weekthe small zucchini, the five baby potatoes, the frozen tomato sauce that lives in my freezer. Its the best soup to make when you need to buy time between grocery store runs. I didn't have fresh tomatoes for the sauce, so I broke off clumps of the frozen sauce I often keep in the fridge. Credit: Allie Chanthorn Reinmann This soup is absolutely delicious served as-is, over a scoop of rice, or with the addition of short, wiggly pasta shapes. The zucchini has a tendency to over-soften when reheat the next day, so I prefer to finish the entire batch without leaving any leftovers.Giambotta Recipe Ingredients:1 tablespoon olive oil small onion, minced1 clove garlic, peeled and crushed4-6 baby potatoes, halved4 button mushrooms, chopped2 chicken sausages, halved lengthwise and sliced1 zucchini, halved lengthwise and sliced teaspoon salt cup seasoned tomato sauce2 cups chicken, beef, or veggie broth1. In a medium pot, heat the olive oil and add the onion, potatoes, and garlic. Cook over medium low heat until the onions begin to sweat, the potatoes are coated in oil and its fragrant. This should take about three minutes.2. Add the mushrooms, chicken sausage pieces, and zucchini. Stir occasionally for another three minutes to start cooking them and gain some color.3. Add the salt, tomato sauce, and broth. Stir and then cover the pot with a lid. Let the soup simmer until the potatoes are cooked tender. This should take about five minutes, depending on the size of the pieces.Note that I dont have additional dry seasonings in this recipethats because my tomato sauce was homemade. I suggest using a pre-seasoned sauce, or add some dry seasonings (like garlic powder, onion powder, or dry chili flakes) to suit your taste.

I think its safe to say that most humans on this planet are growing, how can I put this lightly, weary of the current billionaire stewards of our social media ecosystem. X is a hateful mess. Meta is trying to become a hateful mess. TikTok is likely on its way out. Social media is just not that fun or useful anymore.However, a cadre of celebrities and notable ex-Twitter users are trying to save social media from billionaire capture by creating something called FreeOurFeeds. These folks want to build a new social media ecosystem, one that is focused on the public good instead of profit-driven incentives, as reported by User Mag.So thrilled to be working with folks like @audreyt, @doctorow, @shoshanazuboff, @Moonalice and @jimmy_wales on #FreeOurFeeds.Weve got a chance here: Blueskys open protocol is an incredible opportunity to reimagine social media and take it back from fickle billionaires. https://t.co/QSjbg6MAIV Eli Pariser | @elipariser@mastodon.social (@elipariser) January 13, 2025 Some of the big names behind this project include actor Mark Ruffalo, actor/director Alex Winter and sci-fi writer/journalist Cory Doctorow. Brian Eno is involved, as is Jimmy Wales (the founder of Wikipedia.) The plan involves building new social media apps on top of the pre-existing AT Protocol, which is a decentralized framework that Bluesky runs on. This would ostensibly give users significant control over their data, algorithms and the entire online experience.The last two decades have seen the world sleepwalk into a situation where a handful of companies dictate our entire social media experience. Now, for the first time we have an opportunity to rewrite the rules. Blueskys underlying technology, the AT protocol, could offer a new pathway for the social web. said Sherif Elsayed-Ali, Executive Director of the Future of Technology Institute.There are a couple of major hurdles here. Bluesky is still backed by venture capital, so the team has to raise money to ensure the underlying technology is put on an independent pathway, so that the future of social media can be freed from the whims of any one company or group of billionaires.The foundation also requires money to start building critical infrastructure. All told, the organization hopes to raise $30 million over the next three years. Theres a GoFundMe right now, with the intent to raise an initial $4 million. Initial funds will be spent to launch a public interest foundation that will attempt to make Blueskys underlying tech fully resistant to billionaire capture.Before you dismiss this notion as a bunch of rich celebrities holding out a donation can, lets remember that even the wealthiest celebrity doesnt hold a handle to the billionaires that control the levers of power. Mark Ruffalo, likely the most notable member of the group, is worth around $30 million and Alex Winter is worth $4 million.Elon Musk is worth $416 billion and Mark Zuckerbergs worth is creeping up on $220 billion. Musk is worth, wait for it, around 14,000 times more than Ruffalo. The difference between million and billion is pretty serious.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/social-media/celebs-and-tech-luminaries-including-mark-ruffalo-want-to-create-a-fully-open-social-media-ecosystem-174641161.html?src=rss

AGI is now on track to arrive in 2025.

General Catalyst's portfolio companies, starting with Aidoc and Commure, will use AWS' services to build new artificial intelligence solutions.

Goodbye Kansas breaks down their Secret Level episode called The Company We Keep.The post Behind the scenes of The Company We Keep appeared first on befores & afters.