So, that was a big weekend, but TikTok is back, right? Well, not so fast. The law banning the popular short form video app from app stores has still gone into effect, new users still cant download it, and Trumps executive order postponing enforcement of the ban only gives Bytedance 75 days to come up with a solution. On that note, both X and Bluesky have thrown their hats into the ring as potential TikTok replacements.Technically, both sites already supported video, and X even already had the ability to swipe from one video to the next. Whats new, aside from Bluesky also gaining swipeable videos, is the new video feeds.Bluesky's new video feedBluesky has gained the most features, so lets start there. Previously, videos on Bluesky used to work much like they did on the Twitter of old, where they could be attached to posts, but didnt have a browsing interface of their own. Now, users can create their own video feeds, which will be populated by swipeable videos related to that feeds particular subject.It works much like text post feeds, where you can pin a particular timeline to your main Bluesky page, either generated by the site itself or by users, and that timeline will be populated by relevant posts. But where text feeds, like the default Discover and Following timelines, will show a more traditional scrolling webpage format, video feeds display more likewell, TikTok. Simply pick a video to start with from a list of recent options, then swipe to browse like youve probably gotten used to on the other app.To start, you can access a trending videos feed right from the search bar (which you can disable entirely under Settings > Content & Media, if youre not into short form videos), but users have already been hard at work creating pin-worthy curated feeds like #BookSky Vids that are specific to certain topics.This should give Bluesky a unique approach compared to TikTok, where what users see is by-and-large at the mercy of the algorithm (excepting the Following and Friends tabs). Instead, these custom feeds will only show videos from specific accounts, handpicked by the creators of said feeds.X's new video tabFor a while now, Xs videos have already worked much like TikToks, but now theyre much more prominent. Now, at the bottom of Xs mobile app, theres a small circular play button that immediately starts playing a TikTok-like personalized feed of recommended videos. You can like, repost, comment on, and share these videos, but for now, theres no way to access a feed that only shows videos from creators you follow, and little indication as to how Xs algorithm works. It truly is Elon roulette over there, but for what its worth, the feed does seem to take some inspiration from the rest of your X activity. Mine started with innocuous pet videos before quickly veering into absurd Godzilla and Vtuber content, which I dont think most people would like as much as me.Still, the feed definitely has room to grow. For instance, the only way to access your watch history is to download an archive of your X data.Are Bluesky and X ready to take on TikTok?With TikTok back up for now, assuming you already had it downloaded, itll probably be a while before either replacement gets a chance to pose a serious threat to it, especially with Instagram still trying to make Reels happen. But both are clearly still in an early stage regardless, so perhaps they could do with the time to bake. For instance, neither works quite right on desktop at the moment, with Bluesky just showing your video feeds like a traditional timeline of text posts with videos attached, while X isnt showing its new video tab on desktop at all. However, Bluesky might have an edge here, as indie developers are already at work making their own TikTok alternatives using the AT Protocol technology that powers Bluesky.

President Donald Trump has pardoned Ross Ulbricht, the founder of Silk Road who was sentenced to life in prison after being found guilty of money laundering, narcotics trafficking and computer hacking. I just called the mother of Ross William Ulbright [sic] to let her know that in honor of her and the Libertarian Movement, which supported me so strongly, it was my pleasure to have just signed a full and unconditional pardon of her son, Ross, Trump said in a post on Truth Social.Ulbricht has been serving a life sentence since 2015. Prosecutors alleged that the dark web marketplace Ulbricht created was used by thousands of drug dealers and other unlawful vendors to distribute hundreds of kilograms of illegal drugs and other unlawful goods and services to well over a hundred thousand buyers, and to launder hundreds of millions of dollars deriving from these unlawful transactions. Ulbricht was also accused of attempting to order assassinations of his perceived enemies, though prosecutors said there was no evidence that these murders were actually carried out.The reprieve for Ulbricht comes after he tried, and failed, to appeal his sentence in 2017. Crypto enthusiasts, many of whom supported Trump during the 2024 election, have long argued that his sentence was too harsh. Trump said during his campaign that he would commute Ulbrichts sentence on day one if he was reelected.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/cybersecurity/donald-trump-pardons-silk-road-creator-ross-ulbricht-010206263.html?src=rss

The TikTok ban may have lasted only a few hours (at least for now), but Meta is still trying to capitalize on its rivals tenuous future. Meta has rolled out a new breakthrough bonus program that offers up to $5,000 to creators who are new to the companys apps.According to Meta, the bonus program is open to US adults who have an existing presence on a third party social app that you can link or already have linked during the application process. Participants will also be required to create a professional account on Instagram and a page on Facebook.If accepted, creators will then be able to earn up to $5,000 over a 90-day period in exchange for sharing at least 20 reels on Facebook and 10 reels on Instagram posted natively within each app within each 30-day bonus period and sharing on at least 10 separate days within each 30-day bonus period. (Meta notes that creators individual payments will be calculated based on an evaluation of your social presence.) Creators will also be able to participate in its "Facebook Content Monetization" program that allows creators to earn money for text and photos posts in addition to video content.Though Meta doesnt name TikTok specifically, the timing of the rollout seems pretty clearly meant to target TikTok creators who arent active on Facebook and Instagram. Its also notable that the terms of the bonus program require creators to post twice as many Reels on Facebook as Instagram, suggesting Meta is looking to boost original content on Facebook specifically.The breakthrough bonuses are just one of the ways Meta is attempting to lure TikTok creators to its platforms. The company is also offering some creators, including those in the breakthrough program, a free one-year trial subscription to Meta Verified, which provides a blue check and extra perks like impersonation protection. The company also recently extended the length of Reels on Instagram, from 90 seconds to up to three minutes, and redesigned the Instagram grid.Meta is also reportedly striking bigger deals with specific, higher-profile creators. The Information recently reported that Meta has been offering some TikTok stars bonuses of up to $50,000 a month in exchange for posting their content on Reels first. A Meta spokesperson declined to comment on the specifics of those arrangements, but said the company recently expanded our investment in content deals to support more creators.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/social-media/meta-is-trying-to-lure-tiktok-creators-with-a-new-bonus-program-220632949.html?src=rss

Donald Trump is busy reversing numerous Biden administration policies, with EVs a key focus.

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.

Microsoft won't be the sole cloud provider for OpenAI but can decide whether to deliver the company with capacity or allow another party to fill the need.

At a press briefing on Tuesday, President Trump suggested that he's open to the idea of Elon Musk or Larry Ellison buying TikTok.

After founding my pediatric mental health care company in 2021, one of our first patients was a child whod been referred to us from the emergency room (ER) after a deeply troubling experience in the healthcare system. She was put on medication by her primary care provider (PCP) to help her cope with emotional struggles following a breakup, but when the initial dosage didnt seem to work, her doctor kept increasing it. Over time, she developed severe side effects, including self-harm behaviors like hair-pulling. Desperate for help, her mother begged the PCP to take her off the medication, but the provider didnt know how to safely taper the dosage.In a state of panic, they went to the ER, but the ER isnt equipped to manage complex medication adjustments like this. Its not something they do. The PCP had referred the family to the ER for help, but the ER essentially sent them back. This left the mother in shambles, caught in a system where no one seemed ableor trainedto help.Sadly, this story is far too common. Providers often prescribe psychiatric medications without adequate training, relying on studies rather than clinical expertise. Its like trying to treat chest pain by prescribing heart medication without consulting a cardiologist first. You wouldnt manage an arrhythmia without expert input, yet we see this approach all the time in mental health care.But its not the PCPs faulttheyre not set up to handle mental health crises. Yet, the lack of collaboration and expertise in these situations have devastating consequences for families. Its a glaring symptom of a much larger crisis: the youth mental health epidemic.The alarming state of youth mental healthAccording to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), suicide rates among children and young adults increased by 62% between 2007 and 2021, with social media platforms contributing to feelings of inadequacy, isolation, and hopelessness. This alarming trend reflects a broader crisis: Between 2016 and 2020, 5.6 million children and adolescents were diagnosed with anxiety and 2.4 million with depression.While these figures predate the pandemic, the crisis has deepened in recent years, especially among adolescent girls, who face mounting social pressures, academic stress, and the pervasive impact of social media. In 2023, 73% of adolescent girls reported at least one mental health issue, with nearly half (48%) experiencing comorbid conditions.The unfair burden on pediatriciansThe youth mental health crisis isnt just staggering in numbersits playing out every day in pediatric clinics. With 74% of U.S. counties lacking child psychiatrists, pediatricians, who didnt sign up to manage mental health care, are now on the front lines because other mental health services are either full or inaccessible. These doctors have taken an oath to care for their patients, but theyre being asked to treat mental health conditions, often with inadequate resources and training.Its not their fault. The economics of mental health care in this country make it difficult to provide accessible, effective treatment, and the shortage of psychiatric prescribers only adds to the burden. The reality is, primary care providers are doing their best in a broken system that hasnt given them the tools or support to succeed.Consider this: fewer than 5% of pediatric patients are monitored according to the FDAs recommended schedule for antidepressants with black-box warnings, despite black-box warnings about increased suicidal thoughts and behaviors. Meanwhile, antidepressant prescriptions in children aged 512 have increased by over 40% from 2015 to 2021. These medications are powerful, and prescribing them without therapy or close monitoring puts kids at risk.Pediatricians are trying to do right by their patients, but the current system sets them up to fail. They need a model that supports them, alleviates the burden, and ensures kids get the right care.The case for collaborative careCollaborative care offers a solution that needs more attention. Its a model that exists but isnt widely implemented due to state regulations, reimbursement barriers, and provider shortages. By integrating psychiatry and therapy into the primary care setting, collaborative care makes the most of limited resources while ensuring kids receive holistic, evidence-based treatment.Heres how it works: Pediatricians oversee the medical home, supported by psychiatrists who provide guidance on medications, dosages, and side effects. Therapists work with families to build coping skills and address underlying issues. Together, these professionals create a comprehensive care plan that meets the childs physical and mental health needs.With the youth mental health crisis overwhelming existing systems, collaborative care extends the reach of scarce psychiatric resources and empowers pediatricians to provide informed, effective care. Its a model that just makes sense.Build a better systemPediatricians shouldnt have to shoulder the burden of youth mental health care alone. The crisis theyre facing in their clinics is a symptom of a larger systemic failureone that can only be addressed by breaking down the silos between primary care, psychiatry, and therapy.Psychiatric urgent care is an example of whats possible. It provides immediate, specialized support for kids in distress, bridging the gap between crisis care and long-term treatment. But for these models to succeed, they need to connect seamlessly with primary care, ensuring that kids and families have continuous, coordinated support.We also need changes in policy and reimbursement. Collaborative care must be reimbursed consistently across all states, including Medicaid. Without systemic support, even the best models cant scale to meet the demand.The path forwardIts time to recognize mental health as an integral part of overall well-being. This means equipping pediatricians with the tools and training they need, supporting them with psychiatric expertise, and fostering strong partnerships across care teams.The youth mental health crisis is urgent, but its not insurmountable. By embracing collaborative care and removing the barriers that prevent its widespread adoption, we can build a system that truly supports kids, families, and the providers who care for them.As a child and adolescent psychiatrist, Im calling on policymakers, healthcare leaders, and communities to take action. This isnt just about fixing a broken systemits about creating a new one that ensures every child has the chance to thrive.Monika Roots, MD is a child and adolescent psychiatrist, and cofounder, president and chief medical officer of Bend Health.

As an e-commerce entrepreneur, I loathe Google. I know all too intimately after spending $2 million advertising on Google, that Googleyes, beloved Googleis in fact a monopoly.In 2020, the same year the federal government launched its antitrust lawsuit against Google for monopolizing search options in America, my companys Google ads account was mysteriously and erroneously suspended, resulting in a loss of over $150,000.Our team lost countless hours investigating the suspension and trying to get through to someoneanyone at Googlewho could help. We even had our lawyer send a letter. We quickly learned: Google is too big to care. Eventually, we created a workaround, which was not a solution but a triage to recoup revenue we were losing dramatically. We never heard from anyone at Google, the triage became a permanent fix, and we went on with our lives.The experience, however, altered my understanding of the world. The internet, I realized, was not equalit was monopolized by Google. When theres one main place where people go to search it, with approximately 90% of internet searches happening on Google, there is one main street where all the shoppers in the world are shopping.The internet is real estateImagine you want to sell lemonade on a hot day. Instead of multiple locations in your city for people like you to serve thirsty customers looking to drink lemonade, imagine there is only one small street that has three storefronts.As a business I want to be on this street, and this street is called Google. The first few results on a Google search are exceptionally prime real estate. Industry calls Google a high-intent marketing channel, which simply means people searching on Google are actively looking to make a purchase (thirsty people looking for lemonade).As a business I must compete against everyone in the world who wants American customers for these top three to four storefronts, also known as sponsored search results.The cost of doing business can get quite expensive when there are only three to four storefronts for lease on Main Street, continually being auctioned off at all hours of the day.How Google makes moneyWe all innately understand that Google searches the internet for results to an inquiry and prioritizes the results according to its algorithm.But search on its own doesnt pay. Google makes nearly 80% of its $278 billion dollar revenue (just in 2021) from companies like ours (and anyone) willing to pay top dollar to have their advertisements featured in the sponsored section above search results, for a search query.According to Google: Google Ads runs an auction every single time it has an ad space availableon a search result, or on a blog, news site, or some other page. Each auction decides which ads will show at that moment in that space. Your bid puts you in the auction.Relevancy is necessary to entice people to click on an ad and for Google to see it as related to the search terms. In addition, the responses are weighted to give an advantage to the highest bidder, meaning the company willing to pay the most for eyeballs and clicks usually wins.What about organic, unpaid search results?When I type in can a business survive without showing on Google search in Google, its AI overview response is: While technically possible, it is extremely difficult for a business to survive without being on Google in todays digital landscape, as most people use Google to search for businesses online, making it a crucial tool for reaching potential customers.The problem with this answer is that about 96% of webpages get zero organic traffic from Google search at all. If a business does not show up in those first few ad results it is unlikely that it will succeed.To be seen on Google one must almost always pay both for ads and for organic ranking through search engine optimization (SEO), a critical backend technique to get any form of visibility on Google. SEO has become so valuable that AI is now being deployed to steal competitor businesses years of SEO work in what are called SEO heists, which steal the organic ranking of a competitor business.The rise of LTV tacticsDigital marketing is expensive. In fact it is frequently more expensive than what the company will receive from a customer making an individual purchase. A company might charge $5 for a lemonade, even though it cost them $7 to get that purchase.With digital marketing so expensive, e-commerce businesses often push for more return from every customer through LTV: customer lifetime value. Simply put, consumers are valued by how much they spend over their lifetime with a company..The LTV push is inescapable these days as e-commerce companies try to keep customers close to balance the expense of digital advertising.Its the Now! Limited time if you sign up for email culture. And the Oh, actually sign up for text messages too! messaging. The please and thanks and like us on Instagram and tag us and tell your friends and get a free lemonade if you tell your friends and make free content for us tactics. And on and on.It is exhausting and never-ending for both consumers and entrepreneurs alike.But this is the world we live in. All e-commerce companies must optimize for Google or die. And that is the very definition of a monopoly, whether or not a court case says so.Maureen Brown is cofounder and CEO of Mosie Baby.

Tucked away in Jakartas business district is the Stalk Tree-Hugger. It is designed by RAD+ar, and it embraces five existing tall trees with a parametric fabric, building a mesmerizing play of light and shadows to support different commercial activities. The project focuses on creating a unique spatial experience while adopting and maintaining a simple yet functional design. The design is intended to be in complete harmony and tandem with the surrounding greenery. It includes a restaurant and lounge, protected by the shifting shadows of the trees, building an intimate and interesting ambiance.Designer: RAD+arVisitors are welcomed into the restaurant which feels inviting and yet mysterious. The tensile structures form dynamic patterns as they move harmoniously with the wind and the swaying trees, fostering an architectural setting that is nature-centric and feels quite comforting. The entrance is subtly merged with vertical plants, and it leads to a narrow, greenery-lined foyer that holds an upper bar-restaurant amidst the trees.The aforementioned upper bar-restaurant is topped with a lightweight steel-timber thatch roof. This unique roof provides shade and support to the parametric tensile structure. The roof doubles up as a facade and a diverse ceiling, transforming into a lovely lantern at night, that subtly enriches the cityscape, and elevates the ambiance of the space for different events, including music performances.The bar-restaurant occupies around 750 square meters, and it offers a unique experience unlike F&B outlets. The design team at RAD+ar was led by Antonius Richard, and they wanted to demonstrate how minimal intervention in nature can create versatile and interesting spaces for commercial activities. This project was a study by them, to understand how to better reduce natural interference while retaining the commercial value of the land.The project is a wonderful specimen of flexibility since it proves how experimentations with limitless permutations for natural elements and lighting are possible while causing minimal impact and disturbance to the existing landscape. The firm wanted to create a dynamic and free-flowing space that cleverly incorporates nature, and they were successful in doing so.They utilized attractors that created constantly changing properties. The different buildings also served as revolving shadows, letting visitors have an interesting experience under the shadows. The movement of the trees and the flowing wind helped to form a relaxing and tranquil space, where visitors can peacefully observe nature, and be around it.The post This Parametric Tensile Structure Is A Captivating Bar-Restaurant Amongst Trees In Indonesia first appeared on Yanko Design.