Elon Musk wrote "Make Europe Great Again" in an X post on Saturday.Musk has used X to share support for far-right political parties in Europe.His remarks have drawn ire from political leaders, including German Chancellor Olaf Scholz.Elon Musk continues to champion right-wing politics in Europe.Musk shared an X post on Saturday that invoked President-elect Donald Trump's world-famous campaign slogan, "Make America Great Again.""From MAGA to MEGA: Make Europe Great Again!" the tech billionaire wrote.In a separate post, Musk said, "So many people in Europe lack hope for the future or think Europe is 'bad' in some way. Pervasive pessimism. This will lead to the end of Europe. Therefore, it must change."Representatives for Musk did not respond to a request for comment from Business Insider.Musk has previously promoted right-wing political parties and agendas in Europe, including in a December 2024 op-ed in a prominent German newspaper. The op-ed called the Alternative for Germany party or AfD the "last spark of hope for this country.""The AfD advocates a controlled immigration policy that gives priority to integration and the preservation of German culture and security. This is not about xenophobia, but about ensuring that Germany does not lose its identity in the pursuit of globalization," Musk wrote. "A nation must preserve its core values and cultural heritage to remain strong and united."That same month, Musk called German Chancellor Olaf Scholz an "incompetent fool" on X and suggested he should resign.Musk owns a Tesla Gigafactory near Berlin, which has been the source of local tension. Last year, aclash between police and protestors,who said the factory's expansion would deplete local forests and water resources, broke out.Thomas Zittel, a politics professor at Goethe University Frankfurt, told Business Insider that Musk's "motivation to comment on German party politics may be driven by his own experiences during the construction" of the factory. He added that there was "probably too much bureaucracy and regulation for his taste.""After all, he thinks in terms of disruption," Zittel said.Musk has also waded into UK politics. Earlier this month, he advocated on X for the release of Tommy Robinson, a far-right English agitator. Robinson, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, breached a court order not to repeat false claims about a refugee from Syria and was jailed last year. Robinson was sued for defamation over the claims.Five days later, Musk shared a poll on X asking if America should "liberate the people of Britain from their tyrannical government."Musk's comments have drawn criticism from political leaders across Europe.Scholz responded to Musk's op-ed during an interview this month. "There are many people on social media who want to attract attention with strong slogans," he said. "The rule is: Don't feed the troll."UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer also discussed Musk during a speech without naming him this month. "Those who are spreading lies and misinformation as far and as wide as possible are not interested in victims they're interested in themselves," Starmer said.

How video game console generations got less impressive with time Readers FeatureGameCentralPublished January 19, 2025 1:00am Is the concept of the generational leap already over? (Sony/Microsoft/Metro)A reader looks back at his history with video game consoles, from the Atari 2600 to PS5, and laments the end of major graphical leaps forward.A new year is as good a time as any to reflect, as well as look forwards. Which is exactly what Ive done, but this time Im taking a look at how each generational shift has impacted the visuals of our games.Now, this is entirely a personal view; Ive not necessarily taken the industry standard of what a generation is and what machines are included in them this is simply how I remember each cohort of consoles and what my memory was of them at the time (and in retrospect).Ive not included the PC, due to its fluid nature, but have included some home computers as they are mostly standalone computers that fitted neatly into their respective generations. For each generation Ive named the main systems aligned to that era (but its by no means exhaustive, there are plenty of articles online if you want a more in-depth read). Pitfall on Atari 2600 (Wikipedia)The First Generation Atari 2600, Intellivision, Magnavox Odyssey 2My exposure to this generation was very limited. I was very young and vaguely remember seeing one at a friends house but it serves as a useful reminder of how it all began for me at least. Graphics were basic but functional but with nothing previous to compare them too (other than more powerful arcade machines) they were still very impressive in conveying the action. Many of the titles took place moving from single screen to single screen, which was reminiscent of the arcade games of the time. Knight Lore on the ZX Spectrum (Wikipedia)8-Bit Generation NES, Master System, ZX Spectrum, C64This is where I truly entered the scene, primarily with the Spectrum and Master System. Graphical sophistication took a leap, especially as developers got to grips with the hardware and its limitations. Its probably a clich, but with quite a bit of truth behind it, in that the very limited memory meant the programmers had to come up with novel and ingenious ways of getting more and more out of these systems.The different machines had their strong and weak points (the Spectrum couldnt handle colour clash well and thats why many of its titles were monochrome) and the games on the systems reflected that. Scrolling screens that covered a whole level were more commonplace now, not just single screen affairs. Pilotwings on the SNES (Nintendo)16-Bit Generation Mega Drive, SNES, Atari ST, AmigaMore colours, more sprites on screen, and fancy new tech such as Mode 7 on the SNES gave the players a genuine leap forward of what could be achieved on screen. Up until this point, youd often have magazine adverts outrageously trying to sell you arcade perfect conversions of the latest game, when in fact a cursory glance at the screenshots showed it was anything but.However, Id argue that Street Fighter 2 on the SNES was the first game that could actually make that claim. The arcade wasnt in our homes yet (unless you were rich enough to afford a Neo-Geo), but it was getting closer. Tomb Raider on PlayStation (Crystal Dynamics)Crystal DynamicsFully exploring new dimensions PlayStation, N64, SaturnWe certainly had usable 3D way before this generation, but it was with the advent of dedicated graphics cards on PCs and more powerful consoles, such as those mentioned above, when the third dimension really came to the fore. Admittedly, some of the titles dont look great now, but the gameplay of the likes of Super Mario 64 and Metal Gear Solid still shine through. The move from pixels to polygons was here to stay.The PlayStation and Nintendo 64 were built to handle 3D graphics from the ground up, whereas the Saturn was still more of a 2D machine (although it did have some notable 3D titles) and suffered as a consequence. GTA 3 on PlayStation 2 (MobyGames)Segas last stand and a new giant enters the fray Dreamcast, PlayStation 2, GameCube, XboxWhereas the previous gen introduced the foundations of 3D to many titles, this gen refined it, built on it, and added a layer of sheen. Its difficult to measure the graphical improvements from one generation to the next but to my mind the leap from the original PlayStation to its immediate successor was one of the biggest. The more powerful machines also allowed more complex AI, dynamic worlds, and longer fields of view for players to explore. Gears Of War on Xbox 360 (MobyGames)The HD Generation Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, WiiPrevious systems experimented with online connectivity, but it was here where it gained mass adoption, mainly due to the increased roll-out of broadband technology at the time. A further boost was that high definition TVs were starting to make their way into peoples living rooms at the same time, something these consoles had the inbuilt capability to deal with.Whilst not as ground-breaking as the change from black and white TV to colour, the change from standard to high definition was still significant in the improved fidelity and visuals for gamers. Colours popped, edges smoothed, and lighting effects became more pronounced and noticeable. The Legend Of Zelda: Breath Of The Wild on Nintendo Switch (Nintendo)Another fidelity leap, divergence of strategies PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Wii U, SwitchAlthough it took decades to transition from SD to HD, it was only a few more years before 4K (or ultra HD) gained mainstream attention, but even the most ardent videophile would admit that leap forward didnt have the same impact. However, graphics now were extremely impressive and allowed developers and artists to fully realise their ideas and it could be argued that games such as Red Dead Redemption 2 and The Last of Us Part 2 have yet to be bettered, even 10 years on.Nintendo had already taken a conscious decision not to compete on graphical grunt alone and this was evident with the launch of their hybrid console, the Switch. Titles such as Super Mario Odyssey, Zelda: Breath Of The Wild, and Mario Kart 8 Deluxe still look gorgeous though, reminding us that clever and imaginative art styles shouldnt be burnt on the altar of raw power. Marvels Spider-Man 2 on PlayStation 5 (Sony Interactive Entertainment)The Forgotten Generation? PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/SNow I am being a tad mischievous with this title, especially as the PlayStation 5 has continued to sell very well since launch. However, this article is primarily about visual improvements between console generations and, to date, I can honestly say I struggle to see any material difference between this generation and the last. In the first couple of years of a new wave of consoles this is understandable, but were over four years into this cycle (which is traditionally over halfway through a console generation) and still not much in the way of a difference.Weve heard and read about new buzz words and phrases, about SSDs, RTX, AI and machine learning, just as Nvidia launch their near 2,000 graphics card, but have we reached the oft mentioned law of diminishing returns coming home to roost? Personally, Id be happy with the current state of affairs if the 500 we were paying for the consoles and 60 for the games used the increased power for discernible changes in physics models, AI, etc. rather than going for tiny improvements in graphical fidelity.More TrendingWere at interesting juncture in gaming and I dont see the crash that some are predicting as a result of the spiralling development costs. Hopefully it will be more of a pivot to something different. Maybe a new console launch in the next few months will throw up some lightBy reader TheTruthSoul (PSN ID)The readers features do not necessarily represent the views of GameCentral or Metro.You can submit your own 500 to 600-word reader feature at any time, which if used will be published in the next appropriate weekend slot. Just contact us at gamecentral@metro.co.uk or use our Submit Stuff page and you wont need to send an email.GameCentralSign up for exclusive 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

Nature, Published online: 15 January 2025; doi:10.1038/s41586-024-08393-xDeep learning methods have been used to design proteins that can neutralize the effects of three-finger toxins found in snake venom, which could lead to the development of safer and more accessible antivenom treatments.

Mirthwood is an enchanting world filled with mystery, adventure, and hidden secrets. Drawing inspiration from Stardew Valley and Fable, Mirthwood combines charming visuals with rich exploration, allowing players to uncover vast landscapes, secret locations, and intricate puzzles at every turn. Whether you are venturing through dense forests, winding rivers, or abandoned ruins, the game encourages curiosity and discovery, with countless surprises awaiting those who seek them.

We may earn a commission from links on this page. Deal pricing and availability subject to change after time of publication.Garmin smartwatches have been gaining popularity in recent years for health-conscious and sports enthusiasts alike. Their Garmin Venu 3S, which was released in late 2023, is one of their premium watches that works great for beginners and more advanced athletes thanks to their user-friendly fitness tracking. You can get the 41mm Venu 3S for $349.99 (originally $449.99), the lowest price it has been according to price tracking tools. Garmin Venu 3S Operating System: Android, Memory Storage Capacity: 8 GB $349.99 at Amazon $449.99 Save $100.00 Get Deal Get Deal $349.99 at Amazon $449.99 Save $100.00 The Venus 3S offers Android and Apple users a long battery life of up to 10 days (depending on your use and settings), 8GB of storage, a built-in GPS to track your activity, and a 1.2-inch AMOLED touchscreen. This 41mm size is perfect for people with smaller-sized wrists. The Venus 3S is user-friendly, with three buttons and a touchscreen to navigate its features and avoid accidentally stopping your workout. The smartwatch has a speaker and microphone so you can take your calls directly from your watch. You can also use it to listen to its guided meditation feature or your playlists from Spotify and Amazon music, just keep in mind there is no LTE support, so you'll need to be within Bluetooth or wifi range of your phone to use these features. If you're looking for a smartwatch to do trail runs, this smartwatch is not it, since there's no trail-run feature. However, you can get stats on your recovery time after workouts as well as the benefits of your training, a morning report of your health status, heart rate monitoring, stress tracking, on-screen workouts you can follow along, their Body Battery Energy Monitoring that shows you how much or little energy you might have, as well as a Sleep Coach feature that helps you improve your sleep.

The switch has flipped on the TikTok ban. TikTok's app stoped working and was removed from the App Store and Google Play on Saturday night just hours before the January 19, ban was set to take effect.People who have previously installed the app were instead greeted with a pop-up. "Sorry, TikTok isn't available right now," it says. "A law banning TikTok has been enacted in the U.S. Unfortunately, that means you can't use TikTok for now. We are fortunate that president Trump has indicated that he will work with us on a solution to reinstate TikTok once he takes office. Please stay tuned."The notice gives users the option to close the app or "learn more," which directs to a page on TikTok's website with similar language. Existing users can also download their data from the website.Following the passage of the "Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Apps Act" by President Biden, TikTok had six months to divest itself from Chinese parent company ByteDance. The company opted to fight the law, bringing a case to the Supreme Court that its First Amendment rights were violated by the measure. The Supreme Court was not swayed.As part of the ban, Apple's App Store, Google's Play Store and any other app marketplace must remove TikTok or be subject to a fine of $5,000 for every user in the US that downloads the app. Internet hosting providers are also expected to comply, which means accessing the platform's short-form videos from a web browser is out of the question.Multiple attempts have been made to ban TikTok in the US over concerns of spying, but this is the first time one has stuck. President-elect Trump was a major of supporter of a ban during his first term in office and, ironically, TikTok's only hope of surviving after his second inauguration. Trump called for the Supreme Court to take up TikTok's appeal, and now that the court's made its decision, the problem falls to the President-elect to "fix," if he choses to.Developing...This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/social-media/tiktok-is-no-longer-available-in-the-us-040204115.html?src=rss

Looking for NYT Connections answers and hints? Here's all you need to know to solve today's game, plus my commentary on the puzzles.

It is one of the 20th centurys most memorable images: a naked girl, screaming, running from a napalm bombing during the Vietnam War. More than a half-century later, a new documentary is calling into question who took it and the retired Associated Press photographer long credited for the photo insists it was his, while his longtime employer says it has no evidence of anyone else being behind the camera.The film about the Pulitzer Prize-winning picture, The Stringer, is scheduled to debut next week at the Sundance Film Festival. Bothphotographer Nick Utand his longtime employer are contesting it vigorously, and Uts lawyer is seeking to block the premiere, threatening a defamation lawsuit. The AP, which conductedits own investigationover six months, concluded it has no reason to believe anyone other than Ut took the photo.The picture of Kim Phucrunning down a road in the village ofTrang Bang,crying and naked because she had taken off clothes burning from napalm, instantly became symbolic of the horrors of the Vietnam War.Taken on June 8, 1972, the photo is credited to Ut, then a 21-year-old staffer in APs Saigon bureau. He was awarded the Pulitzer a year later. Now 73, he moved to California after the war and worked for the AP for 40 years until retiring in 2017.The films allegations open an unexpected new chapter for an image that, within hours of it being taken, was beamed around the planet and became one of the most indelible photographs of both the Vietnam War and the turbulent century that produced it. Whatever the truth, the films investigations apparently relate only to the identity of the photographer and not the images overall authenticity.The dispute puts the filmmakers, whocall the episodea scandal behind the making of one of the most-recognized photographs of the 20th century, at odds with Ut, whose work that day defined his career. It also puts them at cross purposes with theAP,a global news organization for whom accuracy is a foundational part of the business model.How did the questioning of the photo begin?Its difficult, so many years later, to overestimate the wallop that this particular image packed. Ron Burnett, an expert on images and former president of the Emily Carr University of Art and Design, called it earth-shattering.It changed the way photos have always been thought about and broke the rules for how much violence you can show to the public, Burnett said.The photo sat unchallenged for much of its 53-year existence. All these years later, a counter-narrative has emerged that it was instead taken by another person, someone who working that day as a driver for NBC News and also lives now in California. The person allegedly had delivered his film to the APs office as a stringer, a non-staff member who provides material to a news organization.The husband-and-wife team of Gary Knight, founder of the VII Foundation, and producer Fiona Turner are behind the film. On his website, Knight described The Stringer as a story that many in our profession did not want told, and some of them continue to go to great lengths to make sure isnt told.The film grapples with questions of authorship, racial injustice and journalistic ethics while shining a light on the fundamental yet often unrecognized contributions of local freelancers who provide the information we need to understand how events worldwide impact us all, Knight wrote.Knight did not return a message seeking comment from the AP on Thursday. A representative from Sundance also did not return a message about a cease-and-desist letter from Uts lawyer, James Hornstein, trying to stop the films airing. Hornstein would not make Ut available for an interview, saying he anticipated future litigation.Knight and Turner met with AP in London last June about the allegations. According to the AP, filmmakers requested the news organization sign a non-disclosure agreement before they provided their evidence. AP declined.That hampered the APs own investigation, along with the passage of time. Horst Faas, chief of photos for AP in Saigon in 1972, and Yuichi Jackson Ishizaki, who developed Uts film, are both dead. Many of the Saigon bureaus records were lost when communists took over the city, including any dealings with the stringer. Negatives of photos used back then are preserved in APs corporate archives in New York, but they provided no insight for the investigation.Still, the AP decided to release its own findings before seeing The Stringer and the details of the claim that it is making. AP stands prepared to review any evidence and take whatever remedial action might be needed if their thesis is proved true, the news organization said.Some who were there are sure about what happenedThe AP said it spoke to seven surviving people who were in Trang Bang or APs Saigon bureau that day, and all maintain they have no reason to doubt their own conclusions that Ut had taken the photo.One was Fox Butterfield, a renowned longtime New York Times reporter, who also said that he was contacted by Turner for the documentary. I told them what my memory was and they didnt like it, but they just went ahead anyway, Butterfield told AP.Another was photographer David Burnett, who said he witnessed Ut and Alexander Shimkin, a freelance photographer working primarily for Newsweek, taking photos as Kim Phuc and other children emerged from smoke following an attack. Shimkin was killed in Vietnam a month later, according to the investigation.A key source for the story in The Stringer is Carl Robinson, then a photo editor for the AP in Saigon, who was initially overruled in his judgment not to use the picture. AP reached out to Robinson as part of its probe, but he said he had signed an NDA with Knight and the VII Foundation. Knight followed up, saying Robinson would only speak off the record, which the AP concluded would have prevented the news organization from setting the record straight.Robinson did not immediately reply to an email seeking comment on Thursday.On duty that day in Saigon, Robinson had concluded that Uts picture could not be used because it would have violated standards prohibiting nudity. But Faas overruled him, and senior AP editors in New York decided to run the picture for what it conveyed about war.The AP questioned Robinsons long silence in contradicting Uts photo credit, and showed a photo from its archives of Robinson with champagne toasting Uts Pulitzer Prize. In a 2005 interview with corporate archives, Robinson said he thought AP created a monster when it distributed the photo because much of the worlds sympathies were focused on one victim, instead of war victims more broadly.Former AP correspondent Peter Arnett, who believes Ut made the image, said Robinson wrote to him after Faas death in 2012 to make the allegation that Ut had not taken it; he said he did not want to do it while Faas was still alive. According to the AP investigation, Arnett said Robinson told him that Ut had gone all Hollywood and he didnt like it.Hornstein characterized Robinson, who was dismissed by AP in 1978, as a guy with a 50-year vendetta against the AP. He also questioned the long silence by the man supposedly identified in the documentary as the person who really took the photo.The lawyer also produced a statement from Kim Phuc, who said that while she has no memory of that day, her uncle has repeatedly told her that Ut took the picture and that she had no reason to doubt him. Ut also took her to the nearest hospital after the photo was taken, she wrote.David Bauder, Associated Press

Remember not too long ago when everything was bigger? TVs were bulky, phones were thick, as were laptops. Chipsets werent that powerful, but they were larger, and memory disks the size of a book maxed out in gigabytes. Today, technologys overcome size to make things more powerful while being smaller. Smartphones are super-slim, laptops and TVs are often razor-thin, and you can now literally get a memory card with 2 terabytes of capacity. The point is, things get smaller and more powerful with time. Case in point, Tektos A3 Delta Mini Automatic Knife.The A3 Delta Mini takes this philosophy of compact power and applies it to the world of everyday carry. Its a knife thats unapologetically small but remarkably capableproof that size is no longer a limitation in design. Inspired by its larger predecessor, the A3 Delta, this scaled-down marvel retains the strength, precision, and reliability that Tekto is known for, all within a form factor that slips seamlessly into your pocket. Its not just a smaller knife; its a smarter one, showcasing how modern engineering and thoughtful design can condense greatness into a truly pocket-sized tool.Designer: TektoClick Here to Buy Now: $119 $139.99 (15% off, use coupon code YANKO). Hurry, free 2-day FedEx shipping in the United States. Deal ends in 48 hours!The A3 Delta Mini retains the full-sized A3 Deltas DNAruggedness, durability, and top-notch performancebut in a compact, California-legal form. Its automatic folding mechanism ensures lightning-fast deployment, while the 1.95-inch titanium-coated D2 steel blade balances precision and control. Whether youre slicing through tough materials or tackling delicate tasks, this knife delivers reliable results. Compact doesnt mean underpowered; the A3 Delta Mini is a tactical powerhouse designed for modern-day challenges.The Mini features a 1.95-inch Fine Edge Drop Point blade fashioned from titanium-coated D2 steel, renowned for its durability and edge retention. With a hardness rating of 5860 HRC, it can tackle a variety of cutting tasks with confidence, whether slicing rope, opening packaging, or prepping small game outdoors.Every detail of the A3 Delta Mini has been crafted with the user in mind. Its contoured G10 handle offers exceptional grip, comfort, and control, no matter the hand position or weather conditions. Enhanced with additional jimping, the handle ensures a firm grip for precise cuts, even under pressure. Whether youre navigating everyday carry (EDC) tasks or unexpected scenarios, the Minis ergonomics make it a versatile tool ready for anything.Unlike its full-sized predecessor, the A3 Delta Mini is California-legal for automatic knives, offering quick deployment through a button lock mechanism. A distinctive crimson-red safety indicator and a forward-locking system work together to prevent accidental openings, ensuring peace of mind during daily carry. Coupled with Tektos reputation for top-tier build quality, this thoughtful safety suite underlines the brands commitment to combining speed and accessibility with uncompromising reliability.The A3 Delta Minis handle measures 4.00 inches, while the overall length reaches 6.13 inches when opened. At just 2.54 ounces, it strikes an impressive balance between heft and portability, giving users the confidence to tackle tasks without feeling weighed down. Meanwhile, its slender build ensures easy pocket carry, aided by the included ambidextrous pocket clip for quick and efficient retrieval. The knife comes in 3 colorways Black, Desert, and OD Green.Despite its small footprint, the A3 Delta Mini brings impressive reliability to everything from quick everyday tasks to emergent situations. The button lock and safety switch provide an extra layer of protection, while the D2 steels toughness ensures repeated performance over time. Add in features like the lanyard hole and Tekto pouch, and you have a highly adaptable tool well-suited for campers, hikers, and urban explorers alike.Click Here to Buy Now: $119 $139.99 (15% off, use coupon code YANKO). Hurry, free 2-day FedEx shipping in the United States. Deal ends in 48 hours!The post Tekto A3 Delta Mini: Ultra-Compact Power in a California-Legal Automatic Knife first appeared on Yanko Design.

The popular video app stopped working shortly after signaling to users it might go offline, with a federal law barring U.S. companies from hosting or distributing TikTok set to take effect on Sunday.