January 15, 20253 min readBiden Opens Publicly Owned Land to Data Centers Run on Clean EnergyPresident Biden issued an executive order to permit data centers on federal lands in a move aimed at bolstering clean energy and protecting national security during a boom in artificial intelligenceBy Christa Marshall & E&E News The IAD71 Amazon Web Services data center in Ashburn, Virginia, US, on Wednesday, March 27, 2024. Nathan Howard/Bloomberg via Getty ImagesCLIMATEWIRE | President Joe Biden issued an executive order Tuesday that directs the departments of Energy and Defense to lease sites to the private sector for a build-out of "gigawatt-scale" data centers.The move is intended to bolster clean energy and protect national security during a boom in artificial intelligence. Data centers built on federal sites would be required to bring clean energy online to match the facility's electricity needs, according to the White House.The Biden administration did not fully define clean energy in its announcement. But it called for DOE and DOD to select sites that have access to transmission and do not negatively affect communities. The executive order also directs the Interior Department to identify land that could support the data centers and enhance permitting for geothermal power.On supporting science journalismIf you're enjoying this article, consider supporting our award-winning journalism by subscribing. By purchasing a subscription you are helping to ensure the future of impactful stories about the discoveries and ideas shaping our world today.The order requests that federal agencies speed up permitting at selected sites, including through categorical exclusions under the National Environmental Policy Act. DOE would be required to work with utilities to connect AI infrastructure to the grid, as well as promote the deployment of renewable and nuclear energy.DOE will take appropriate steps to coordinate with developers in constructing, financing, facilitating, and planning the upgrade and development of transmission lines around those sites. To facilitate this work, DOE will also collect information to improve transmission planning in these regions, such as utility data on transmission congestion, the order states.With President-elect Donald Trumps inauguration occurring next week, its unclear how much influence the order will have. Trump has chastised Bidens push for clean energy but has called for more drilling to boost energy supplies to get ahead of China on AI. He also has pushed for a data center build-out of his own.At a press conference last week, Trump said Hussain Sajwani, a real estate developer in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, would invest $20 billion to build data centers in eight states.Bidens order has been expected for weeks. POLITICO previously reported that the president pushed for it partly because technology companies are eyeing subsidies in the Middle East to build data centers. In November, Google inked a deal to develop an artificial intelligence hub in Saudi Arabia.Tuesday's order states that the new plan would prevent adversaries from accessing powerful computer systems to the detriment of our military. AI is too important to be offshored, the order states.A DOE report last month found that data centers could triple their energy use and account for 12 percent of the countrys electricity by 2028. States and utilities have been grappling with how to plan for the surge in electricity demand. In Virginia, one of the worlds largest AI clusters, officials have warned that growth in data centers may challenge the grid without much faster construction of gas, renewables and transmission.Prior to the orders release, environmental groups warned the administration not to release a plan that would loosen environmental restrictions and increase the potential for more pollution. The order states that expedited permitting should occur for infrastructure that does not significantly affect the environment.It further directs agencies to complete a study on data centers' effects on electricity prices.According to the White House, developers would have to pay the full cost of building, operating and maintaining data centers on federal land so they don't raise costs for consumers. The order also directs DOE and DOD to require companies to assess national security risks of projects and ensure that workers are paid prevailing wages."Reporter Robin Bravender contributed.This story also appears in Energywire.Reprinted from E&E News with permission from POLITICO, LLC. Copyright 2025. E&E News provides essential news for energy and environment professionals.

Call of Duty: Black Ops 6's next Zombies map is called The Tomb and plunges players into ancient catacombsArriving with Season 2.Image credit: Activision News by Matt Wales News Reporter Published on Jan. 15, 2025 As Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 readies for the release of Season 2 on 28th January, developer Treyarch has shared initial details of Zombies mode's next map, The Tomb - which plunges players deep beneath the earth, down into ancient catacombs."As the rumours have it," Treyarch explains in a post on the Call of Duty website, "a British archeologist by the name of Sir Archibald Fotherington-Smythe conducted an excavation at the site back in 1908 with grand expectations. Although no one can say for sure what became of him, a handful of photographs from his doomed expedition have recently surfaced..."Following the events at Citadelle des Morts - Zombies mode's third Black Ops 6 maps, introduced during Season 1 - The Tombs sees Weaver, Grey, Carver, and Maya following Gabriel Krafft's final words to a nearby excavation site as they continue the search for the Sentinel Artifact. From there, it's down into the catacombs, said to be built on an ancient burial ground, and perhaps even deeper still. A glimpse of Zombies mode's new The Tomb map. | Image credit: ActivisionTreyarch says The Tombs has been designed to offer a similar experience to Zombies mode's Liberty Falls map, offering tighter play spaces with a focus on replayability. It's also promising "plenty" of Easter Eggs, as well as a reimagined Wonder Weapon inspired by its past. The studio plans to reveal more on The Tomb's gameplay features closer to The Tomb's release - but in the meantime, it's revealed a number of improvements coming to Zombies mode in Season 2.These include a much-requested co-op pause feature which, as its name suggests, enables a party leader to pause the game, provided all participants are in the same party. That's on top of loadout recovery for players who rejoin a season after being kicked while ARK, Challenge Tracker and Near Completion improvements, plus the ability to set up separate HUD presets for Zombies and multiplayer modes.According to Treyarch, Black Ops 6 players have now amassed 480m hours in Zombies since its launch last October, with Directed Mode - introduced a month later - having helped raise the average Main Quest completion rate from 3.38 percent to 8.23 percent. "This still means over 90% of people whove played Zombies haven't completed a Main Quest yet, so our mission continues," it notes, "but we're proud of these initial results, and excited to welcome so many new players into the fold with this new feature. Onward and upward!"

You can trust VideoGamer. Our team of gaming experts spend hours testing and reviewing the latest games, to ensure you're reading the most comprehensive guide possible. Rest assured, all imagery and advice is unique and original. Check out how we test and review games hereNEXONs looter shooter The First Descendant is attempting to claw back players with the introduction of jiggle physics and a wealth of new content. Unfortunately, it seems the studios attempts to entice gamers isnt working as the game continues to drain player counts with every passing day.The First Descendant player count dropsWith Season 3 promising brand-new characters and massive improvements, there was hope that The First Descendant could be the next Destiny. As it turns out, the game is quickly becoming modern Destiny as players leave the game en-masse.Via journalist Paul Tassi, who also covers other live-service loot-based games, NEXONs live-service game has lost 95.5% of Steam players in just six months. While the game launched to massive player counts, hitting an all-time peak of 264,860 concurrents on Steam alone, the game now sees a daily peak of just 12,366.The First Descendant is far from the only live-service video game suffering from dwindling player counts. After all, the aforementioned Destiny 2 has seen a massive departure of players since the release of The Final Shape, and new arcs are only seeing further declines.While NEXONs game has a strong 2025 roadmap of new characters, skins, weapons and gameplay mechanics, updates are failing to catch hold of existing players, let alone new ones. Without any growrth, despite TikTok adverts and other marketing schemes, TFD may not last as long as its core fanbase will want. At least its outlasting Concord.For more live-service game coverage, read about the highly successful Helldivers 2, and the one restriction that will be given to future crossover events. You can also read about the latest update for Diablo 4 which brings a whole host of Witch Doctor abilities to the game, but not the actual class theyre based on.The First DescendantPlatform(s):PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series S, Xbox Series XGenre(s):Action, Adventure, RPG5VideoGamerSubscribe to our newsletters!By subscribing, you agree to our Privacy Policy and may receive occasional deal communications; you can unsubscribe anytime.Share

The results interrogate pearl-clutching assumptions of private and public realms, embracing voyeurism and exhibitionism as underlying tensions. Imagine an apartment where your clothes fall off the moment you walk in, says Jett, who divided the floor plan into what he calls the shell and the core. The dining and living areas open onto the sleeping space in one fluid sweep, with sliding glass partitions as barriers. A carpeted plinth forms not only the base of sectional seating but also the single step up and down into the bedroom, where that same low pile extends wall-to-wall and up the bespoke bed and integrated side tables. Central to the whole scheme is the open-concept closet and bathroom, with a circular shower of glass bricks. Youre putting on a show, Jett jokes of the transparent but ultimately modesty-preserving blocks. You should be able to tell if a person is thereor two people.The bathroom vanity is crafted from the same marble used in the kitchen.The materials palette blends industrial hallmarks with soign interventions reminiscent of a bygone SoHo scene. Walls of exposed brick and pressed-tin ceilings set the stage for maple millwork, Nero Marquina marble surfaces, and stainless-steel cabinetry. Rounded forms, meanwhile, offer their own languagefrom arched doors that riff on warehouse precedents to the folds of curtains that wrap the bedroom to the wavy motif on the custom coverlet, Jetts homage to kimono fabrics. Lighting too forms a kind of architectural language, with track fixtures, uplights, and Ingo Maurer icons casting a calm collective glow.True to Jett and Chious shared sybaritic ambitions, the home comes alive in the nighttime. Its dark in a way that speaks to me, Chiou notes. The sun goes down and light comes through the windows, creating distinct shadows. Friends pop by for cocktails, fanning out on the built-in sectional, scattering across the carpeted floor, or lounging atop the bed. A projector can transform the whole space into a theater. Being home is such a joy, he adds. It feels quintessentially New York. Come bedtimecurtains drawn, door closedhe retreats to the sheets, cocooned in the carefully calibrated vibe. Turns out his comfort zone is broader than he thought. I work in finance; part of my job is to be conservative, Chiou jokes. This experience pushed me to embrace risk.This Soho loft designed by Darren Jett is featured in ADs February issue. Never miss a story when you subscribe to AD.

Replit has had a turbulent year, but CEO Amjad Masads sonorous voice was almost zen-like as he spoke to me on Monday in an airy conference room, sipping coconut water with a view of the sun setting over Foster City, California.The AI coding company had moved its headquarters out of San Francisco in April, went through layoffs in May, and has seen its headcount cut in half, to about 65 people.Yet it has grown its revenue five-fold over the past six months, Masad said, thanks to a breakthrough in artificial-intelligence capabilities that enabled a new product called Agent, a tool that can write a working software application with nothing but a natural language prompt.ADIt was a huge hit, Masad said. We launched it in September, and its basically the first at-scale working software agent you can try in the world today. And its the only one, I would say.Replit, which Masad co-founded in 2016, has embraced AI since the beginning, and in recent years it has launched products that automate various aspects of the coding process.But if you had listened to Masad in recent years, Agent shouldnt be possible yet. He said at one point it might not be possible this decade. Even as he set up an agent task force to develop the product last year, he wasnt sure if it would work. What changed was a new model from Anthropic, Claude 3.5 Sonnet, which achieved a record score on a coding evaluation called SWE-bench in October.ADReplit had been building its own models and had been hoping that its proprietary data which includes every aspect of the coding process, from conception to deployment might give it an advantage. Suddenly, that was no longer the case.I knew all this stuff was coming. I just didnt think it was going to come this fast, he said.That acceleration has implications not just for Replit, but for every industry. Writing code was the first thing that so-called generative AI models like OpenAIs GPT could do well, and they offer a glimpse into what other sectors of the economy will look like as AI capabilities increase.And the massive improvement is a double-edged sword for Replit. Agent is a runaway success. At the same time, Replit has dropped the idea of developing a proprietary model and the Anthropic one that made it possible is available to competing startups, of which there are a growing number.ADJust the fact that were able to get here without using our data poses a lot of questions for the industry, Masad said. As long as we keep the rate of innovation and the rate of progress, and we keep deepening that, I think we can continue to be ahead. But the business question is, what is the durable moat?

Image: UbisoftA new report from Bloomberg reveals that the Guillemot family and Tencent may currently be in talks to move select Ubisoft assets over to a brand-new venture (thanks, VGC).Following a lengthy period in which Ubisoft has struggled in the midst of a rapidly declining share price, the move is supposedly said to serve two purposes: to boost the company's value and to provide Tencent with more control over Ubisoft's IP, thus increasing its gaming presence outside of China.Deliberations are said to be ongoing with no final decision made at the time of writing, though Ubisoft's share price has seen a minor bump of around 4.3% following the publication of Bloomberg's article. It's also not known what might happen to the IP that Ubisoft decides not to migrate over.Subscribe to Nintendo Life on YouTube792kWatch on YouTube Ubisoft recently announced a second delay for its next major entry in the Assassin's Creed franchise: Assassin's Creed Shadows, now scheduled for 20th March 2025. Given Ubisoft's apparent desire to hold the game back until it's in tip-top shape, many are citing the title as a "make or break" moment for the company.One of Ubisoft's best games in recent years, Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown, sadly did not reach sales expectations when it launched in January 2024. This led to the development team being disbanded, with most staff members moved to other projects within the company.Just recently, the US Department of Defense officially added Tencent to the federal register of companies deemed to have links to the Chinese military. Tencent responded to the move and stated that it was a "misunderstanding". An Assassin's Creed "port" could lead the chargeFollowing yet another wave of staff layoffsWhat do you make of this latest development regarding Ubisoft? Could it be the right move? Let us know your thoughts with a comment down below.[source bloomberg.com, via videogameschronicle.com]Related GamesSee AlsoShare:00 Nintendo Lifes resident horror fanatic, when hes not knee-deep in Resident Evil and Silent Hill lore, Ollie likes to dive into a good horror book while nursing a lovely cup of tea. He also enjoys long walks and listens to everything from TOOL to Chuck Berry. Hold on there, you need to login to post a comment...Related ArticlesRumour: Ubisoft Has "More Than Half A Dozen Games" Planned For Switch 2An Assassin's Creed "port" could lead the chargeTencent Labelled A "Chinese Military Company" By US GovernmentTencent claims there's been a "misunderstanding"Ex-Annapurna Interactive Staff Reportedly Pick Up Private Division Portfolio Under New StudioFollowing last year's walk-out

TikTok has warned of a looming shutdown in just six days, as the Supreme Court is currently weighing the law that would ban the app. So we thought its time to take a look at other platforms that may be able to fill the TikTok-shaped hole in our lives.The law gives TikTok parent company ByteDance until January 19 to divest its U.S. operations or face a ban in the country. TikTok is hoping for a pause to the law, but If that doesnt happen, the app will effectively be banned in the country.Theres no 1:1 TikTok replacement, but there are some viable options to consider that offer a similar experience. Many companies have spent the last few years building out TikTok clones within their own products, and several newer companies have looked to challenge the apps dominance.Heres a look at the different apps that are worth checking out:Instagram ReelsImage Credits: MetaImage Credits:MetaInstagrams Reels product is arguably the most popular TikTok clone, and for good reason. Many of the videos are the same, as creators often share the same content that they post on TikTok to Instagram Reels. Plus, a lot of the trending sounds and topics on TikTok eventually make their way over to Instagram Reels. Because a lot of the content is the same, Instagram Reels might be the best option for a TikTok alternative.However, given that TikToks algorithm is largely unmatched, Instagram Reels might not be able to surface videos youre interested in on the same level that TikTok can. But, Instagram has spent the past few years enhancing the Reels recommendation algorithm, so we can probably expect it to get even better over time.If a TikTok ban becomes a reality, Instagram Reels might become the most popular home for short-form video content because it already largely dominates the social media landscape and has most of the same people and types of content as TikTok.YouTube ShortsImage Credits: YouTubeImage Credits:YouTubeYouTube is another platform that has been building out and prioritizing its TikTok-like product. YouTube Shorts might be the best TikTok alternative for you if youre someone who already spends a lot of time on YouTube, or likes to find new music on TikTok, given that YouTube Shorts has access to YouTubes vast library of songs and music videos.YouTube Shorts has an advantage that other services on this list dont, which is an integration with a popular long-form video content platform. Millions of people around the world already go to YouTube every day to watch content, so if TikTok were to get banned, YouTube has the potential to become the go-to place for short-form content as well, especially if popular TikTok creators choose it as the new home of their content.Unfortunately, the content on YouTube Shorts often isnt as engaging as it can be on platforms like TikTok or Instagram Reels, as it sometimes features content that has been reposted from longer YouTube videos. Still, you could search for content that you want to see and find videos based on hashtags or keywords.Snapchat SpotlightImage Credits: SnapchatImage Credits:SnapchatSnapchats Spotlight feed is another viable TikTok alternative if youre looking for short and entertaining content. Unlike TikTok and Instagram Reels, Spotlight generally only surfaces funny and lighthearted videos. You likely wont find political or news content on the feed, which could be a selling point for some users.Spotlight features a trending section where you can watch popular videos based on different topics and songs that are having a moment. Similar to TikTok and Instagram Reels, you can search for content based on keywords and hashtags.However, one of the biggest cons when it comes to Snapchat Spotlight is that it has struggled to go beyond its younger users. Given that adults are more likely to use a platform like TikTok or Instagram Reels, you might not find the content on Spotlight as engaging because it mostly caters to younger audiences.Triller Image Credits:TrillerTriller, which started off as a TikTok competitor, could be a good alternative for people who are mainly interested in the music and dance aspects of TikTok. Its worth noting that Triller has a much smaller user base than TikTok, so content is somewhat limited.Triller is already looking to take advantage of the potential TikTok ban in the U.S. The company recently launched a website, SaveMyTikToks.com, to allow TikTok users to save their TikTok videos by transferring them to Trillers platform, encouraging creators to migrate their content to its app.Plus, Triller recently hired ex-TikTok exec Sean Kim as its CEO to focus on an overhaul of the app. Kim previously served as TikToks head of product from 2019 to 2022, working on things like its For You feed, creator monetization, the developer platform, third-party integrations, and more. Trillers addition of one of TikToks top talents could help the platform build out its service to be a better-positioned TikTok alternative.RedNoteImage Credits:RedNoteTikTok users in the U.S. are already flocking to Chinese short-form video app Xiaohongshu (known as RedNote in English). Launched in 2013, the app is Chinas answer to Instagram.The app features a layout thats similar to Pinterests and boasts a number of social shopping features. It provides users with a mix of video and livestreaming features. RedNote includes a lot of the sort of content you see on TikTok, like beauty tutorials and product reviews.Its not clear whether RedNote will sustain the interest its getting right now. Its also not clear whether the U.S. government will want to crack down on the app due to its Chinese ownership if its able to get a significant American user base.Lemon8Image Credits:ByteDanceIn the months leading up to the TikTok ban deadline, the company has been promoting its sister app, Lemon8. TikTok also recently started allowing users to access Lemon8 with their TikTok account.The app is similar to Instagram and Pinterest, as it lets people share slideshows, photo collections, and browse content through Following and For You feeds. Lemon8 offers access to creative tools, filters, effects, stickers, text templates, and more.However, its worth noting that Lemon8 could get tangled up in the TikTok ban, especially since lawmakers main concern with TikTok is its Chinese ownership. As a result, Lemon8s presence in the U.S. remains unclear.LikeeImage Credits:LikeeLikee is a short-form video app that, alongside the ability to share videos, features editing tools and livestreams. The app boasts over 100 million users from all around the world.Likee is big on AR filters, similar to Snapchats, and lets creators use them in their videos and livestreams. Likee also features an extensive music library, so it could be good for people who use TikTok to find new music.In addition, the app has monetization features that allow creators to earn money for their content through SuperLikes from their followers. However, as with the other smaller apps on this list, engagement on Likee is somewhat limited since it doesnt have the same amount of reach as TikTok. Of course, that could change over time.FanbaseImage Credits: FanbaseImage Credits:FanbaseFanbase is a subscription-based social network that is essentially a combination of TikTok, Instagram, Patreon, Clubhouse, and Snapchat. The app features short-form videos, images, long-form videos, Stories, livestreams, and audio rooms. While the app is free to use, you can pay a subscription to get access to exclusive content.What makes Fanbase a possible alternative to TikTok is the apps Flickz feed. Like TikTok, Flickz includes a feed for discovery and another feed dedicated to content from creators you follow. You can find all sorts of content on Fanbase, including videos on sports, cooking, music, humor, and more.The app was founded with the mission of valuing and platforming Black creators, whose content is often appropriated or undervalued on traditional social media platforms. Fanbase is an ad-free platform that promises to never shadowban or suppress content.ZigazooImage Credits: ZigazooImage Credits:ZigazooZigazoo is a relatively new short-form video platform aimed at young users and could be a good TikTok alternative for kids and teens. The app features lighthearted and playful videos and is considered a safer alternative to TikTok, as it doesnt have a comments feature and has strict moderation policies.The app lets users browse through or create short videos based on challenges or educational prompts. Zigazoo also features fun dancing videos, which is one of TikToks most popular content categories. Like TikTok and Instagram Reels, the app includes different effects, sounds, and filters for video.While the app isnt a TikTok replacement for adults, its a great alternative for younger users, especially those with parents who are concerned about TikToks potential harm to kids and teens.FavoritedImage Credits:FavoritedFavorited is an a16z-backed social app that gamifies livestreaming. The app lets livestream creators interact with their audiences and earn money through virtual gifts from viewers. The app also features a 70/30 revenue split for creators, whereas TikTok has a 50/50 split for live creators.Favorited also lets creators link their digital stores. However, unlike TikTok, Favorited doesnt feature a discovery feed to help people find new content.The app has 750,000 users so far this year and is seeing thousands of new signups per day. Unfortunately, the app doesnt have much of a presence outside of the U.S., but of course, that could change.ClapperImage Credits:ClapperClapper is a short-form adults-only app that champions authentic expression and unfiltered interactions. The app has a 17+ audience policy and is known for having limited moderation, which may not be for everyone.Clapper lets you post videos that are up to three minutes long. The app features an audio-only feature that allows users to create a room with up to 2,000 listeners with 20 speakers. Plus, creators can create communities where they can interact with their followers one-on-one.The app is ad-free and is more focused on unfiltered content, rather than polished content that is designed to go viral. It includes some video editing features, but they are quite limited when compared to whats available on TikTok. And, of course, the apps user base is quite small, so there is somewhat limited social interaction.FableImage Credits:FableFable is a good app for TikTok users who are part of the social networks reading-focused BookTok community. The app features book clubs where people can discuss the books theyre reading, kind of like they would on TikTok.Unfortunately, Fable lacks the video aspect, so its nowhere near a complete TikTok alternative. Instead, it could provide a way for BookTok creators and members of the community to continue their discussions on another platform.FlipImage Credits:FlipFlip is a shopping-focused short-form video app that could be a great platform for people who are fans of TikToks ecommerce offerings like TikTok Shop. The app lets users create and monetize their own product reviews, and viewers can purchase the products they see in videos directly within the app.The app lets every shopper become a creator on the social network, as they can share their honest reviews and then earn cash based on the engagement and sales their content generates.LoopsImage Credits:Loops (opens in a new window)Loops is an upcoming short-form video app that is part of the fediverse, which is a network of decentralized social media platforms. Its designed to be a privacy-focused alternative to TikTok.The app is available in beta via Apples TestFlight platform. Loops is pretty similar to TikTok, as it will allow users to share, comment on, and post short videos. Plus, Loops claims it will not sell or provide user data to third-party advertisers or use uploaded content to train AI models.Since the app will be a part of the federated web, remote users from other platforms like Mastodon and Pixelfed will also be able to follow users Loops accounts. These remote followers will also be able to like, comment on, or share videos if their platform supports it.NeptuneImage Credits:NeptuneNepture is an upcoming female-founded social network that promises to put content creators first. The app has started to get buzz on social networks like TikTok and X by users who are wondering if it could become the next TikTok. Their hopes arent random, as Neptunes marketing strategy frames the app as a TikTok alternative, but better.The beta version of the app is expected to be released either this month or in February. The public release for the app is expected in the spring.The company says that on Neptune, a creators content will get seen not because of an algorithm but because of its quality and impact. The app is also going to feature customizable content feeds and ghost metrics, which would allow users to try out new ideas without worrying about the pressure to perform.TomeImage Credits:TomeTome is an upcoming iOS platform that could be a great option for people who are part of TikToks BookTok community. The app will launch on January 28, and is being advertised as a place to share everything from memes, to fan art, to book recommendations.Tome will feature a Tumblr-like feed that will show content from people you follow, as the app doesnt use an algorithm to influence the content you see.The app is expected to be a place for people to find other readers and creators with similar interests to chat about favorite books. Tome says it wont use user data for ads and that users fan art and content wont be used to train AI.ReelShortImage Credits:ReelShortReelShort is a short movie platform that offers access to exclusive vertical TV miniseries.The app is good for fans of TikTok because it offers short, engaging videos. It features new TV miniseries added daily, with hundreds of new episodes each month.Of course, ReelShort isnt a direct TikTok competitor because it features scripted shows, unlike videos from regular people who are just sharing their lives and experiences on social media.FavesImage Credits:FavesFaves is an app that lets people organize videos in one place to view them at a later time without clogging up a devices storage space. When a video is saved on Faves, its automatically stored on the cloud.While Faves isnt a social network, people are using it to save all of their favorite TikTok videos so they dont lose access to them. For instance, you could download all of your favorite TikTok recipes to ensure theyre safe if TikTok gets banned.BlueskyImage Credits:BlueskyWhile decentralized social network Bluesky isnt a TikTok competitor, its worth checking out because it gives users more control over their data and experience. The app is a great alternative for people who want to use something other than Metas Instagram and Threads.Similar to X, Bluesky lets you share text, videos, and photo posts. Blueksy also lets you create and join custom feeds based on your interests.

Flow, Inside Out 2, Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl, and The Wild Robot get the nod for Animated Film with Better Man, Dune: Part Two, Gladiator II, Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes, and Wicked selected for Special Visual Effects.

The EE British Academy Film Awards (BAFTAs) are prestigious annual awards presented by the British Academy of Film and Television Arts to honor outstanding achievements in the film industry. Recognized as one of the most significant film awards globally, the BAFTAs celebrate excellence across a range of categories, including acting, directing, writing, cinematography, and production design. The awards were first established in 1947, and the ceremony takes place in London, attracting leading figures from the international film community. Often considered a precursor to the Oscars, the BAFTAs provide a strong indication of what the VFX and animation community believe have made substantial contributions to the art form.Special Visual Effects NomineesBetter ManLuke Millar, David Clayton, Keith Herft, Peter StubbsOur fxpodcast with Director Michael Gracey:Director Michael Gracey & making Better ManDune: Part TwoPaul Lambert, Stephen James, Gerd Nefzer, Rhys SalcombeOur fxpodcast with Visual Effects Supervisor Paul Lambert:Dune: Part Two fxpodcast Visual Effects Supervisor Paul LambertGladiator IIMark Bakowski, Neil Corbould, Nikki Penny, Pietro PontiOur fxguide story with Overall Production VFX Supervisor: Mark BakowskiGladiator II: Mark Bakowski Overall VFX Sup. and RidleygramsKingdom of the Planet of the Apes Erik Winquist, Rodney Burke, Paul Story, Stephen UnterfranzOur fxpodcast with Director Wes Ball and VFX Supervisor Erik Winquist:fxpodcast #369: Kingdom Of the Planet of Apes with Director Wes Ball and VFX Supervisor Erik WinquistWickedPablo Helman, Paul Corbould, Jonathan Fawkner, Anthony SmithOur fxpodcast with renowned visual effects supervisor Pablo Helman:Pablo Helman breaks down WickedAnimated FilmFlowGints Siibalodis, Matss KaaInside Out 2 Kelsey Mann, Mark NielsenWallace and Gromit: Vengeance Most FowlNick Park, Merlin Crossingham, Richard BeekThe Wild RobotChris Sanders, Jeff HermannThe awards ceremony will take place on 16 February 2025 at the Royal Festival Hall in London. In addition to the awards, BAFTA is an independent arts charit, supporting the arts.

In New York City, life unfolds on the stoops of rowhouses. There, residents and their guests filter in and out of the front door. In a pinch, the steps sub in for seats, on sunny Sunday afternoons they play host to sidewalk sales.Arguably one of New Yorks most famous stoops is at 66 Perry Street. The Greenwich Village residence made its big screen debut on Sex and the City, as the exterior of protagonist Carrie Bradshaws residence. Fast forward nearly 30 years, daily visitors make pilgrimages to the Italianate edifice lined with black iron railings to pose for photographs, recreating popular scenes from the television show that debuted in 1998, and was recently rebooted.66 Perry Street, and its steps, where Carrie liked to take smoke breaks and daydream about Big and Aidan, have been the subject of much controversy as of late, and preservation proceedings. The longtime owner of 66 Perry Street has been more than patient in dealing with the regular onslaught of onlookers who gather on her stoop day to night. This week, the New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission (LPC) reviewed and approved a proposal to add a gate to the front of the stoop. This is meant to protect the residence and privacy of its residents amid its tourist-attraction appeal.A chain link with signs wasnt enough to stop some from climbing up onto the stoop steps. (Courtesy Landmarks Preservation Commission)In the hearing, the owner, who purchased the 1866 rowhouse in 1979, considered herself stubborn, saying for decades she had hoped her stoops popularity would drop in interest. She tried a simple chain link with a sign to prevent people from climbing onto the steps, peering into the windows, and ringing the doorbellit didnt work.In a statement, submitted to the LPC with the application for the gate, the owner recalled saying yes to the young film scout who showed up on her doorstep inquiring if it could be used in an upcoming television show: At the time, no one knew the show would turn into anything long lastingmuch less, the iconic fantasy vehicle and touchstone for NYCs magic that it has become. My home is now a global tourist destination, she wrote. Local architect Isidoro Cruz designed a gate for the stoop. Handco Welding will also work on the project. The owner statement shared that the design intent is to create a gate that blends with the existing stair railings, areaway fence and late Italianate facade we restored in the early 1980s.The proposed gate features an arched top and its panels mimic those of the existing fences. (Courtesy Landmarks Preservation Commission)In a presentation during the LPC hearing, Cruz explained the detailing proposed for the steel and cast iron gate. The arch swooping over the top was modeled after the arched pediment and windows, he said, while the gate panels are envisioned as near identical matches to those decorating the low-lying, existing fences lining either side of the stoop.In the hearing with LPC, several commissioners noted a dislike for the arch, saying it may draw too much attention to the gate, adding that leaving it flat may work just fine.It was unanimous among the commissioners that a design solution is more than necessary at 66 Perry Street. The addition of a gate was swiftly approved, albeit with a design that may be slightly tweaked, however, I couldnt help but wonder what would Carrie Bradshaw think of it all?