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Meta plans to cut 3,600 jobs as Zuckerberg prioritizes operational efficiency.

2025-03-08 18:10:34 By Michael Brown

Mark Zuckerberg, CEO of Meta, has announced that his company will be laying off 5% of its workforce.

Meta Platforms Inc. is cutting around 5% of its workforce — approximately 3,600 jobs — through performance-based eliminations, a spokesperson for the Menlo Park tech giant confirmed on Tuesday.

According to an internal memo, obtained by Bloomberg News, CEO Mark Zuckerberg said, “I’ve decided to raise the bar on performance management and move out low performers faster. We typically manage out people who aren’t meeting expectations over the course of a year, but now we’re going to do more extensive performance-based cuts during this cycle.”

The job cuts are a component of Meta's comprehensive strategy for 2023, dubbed the "year of efficiency," which seeks to enhance operations while also bringing in new talent to fill roles by the conclusion of 2025. Zuckerberg further disclosed that Meta is targeting a 10% rate of “non-regrettable attrition” by the end of the current performance evaluation period, suggesting that additional reductions could be forthcoming.

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Zuckerberg described the upcoming year as "intense," emphasizing a commitment to progress in artificial intelligence, smart eyewear, and the evolution of social media.

In the course of its restructuring efforts, Meta plans to provide "generous severance packages" to employees who are impacted, with notifications for U.S. staff anticipated to be sent out by February 10.

This statement follows the company's confirmation just a week ago regarding the termination of its diversity, equity, and inclusion initiative, which was attributed to recent rulings by the U.S. Supreme Court that have impacted its course.

Meta has decided to shift away from its previous strategy of prioritizing a diverse range of candidates in hiring. Instead, the company will implement "fair and consistent practices" aimed at reducing bias for all employees, irrespective of their backgrounds.

In addition, Meta has scaled back its third-party fact-checking program and loosened policies on hate speech and abuse. Zuckerberg, who announced these changes last week, said the company is prioritizing “free expression.”

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In line with this transition, Meta is relocating its content moderation team from California to Texas and easing limitations on subjects like immigration and gender. For instance, the company now allows conversations that might have been considered harmful in the past, such as labeling gay individuals as mentally ill, provided they meet specific criteria.

Meta is also positioning itself to align with the upcoming Trump administration.

In December, the organization contributed $1 million to the inauguration fund of Trump, while Zuckerberg had dinner with the President-elect at his Mar-a-Lago resort. Recently, Zuckerberg also brought Trump supporter Dana White, the CEO of UFC, onto Meta's board.

Facebook continues to be the leading social media platform in the United States, with 68% of adults actively using it, while its popularity among teenagers has decreased to 32%. In 2016, Meta launched its fact-checking initiative to address concerns about "fake news" that arose during Trump's initial election campaign.

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With a potential TikTok ban on the horizon, US users are turning to the Chinese app Xiaohongshu in large numbers as a form of protest.

View pictures in App save up to 80% data. HONG KONG (AP) — As the threat of a TikTok ban looms, U.S. TikTok users are flocking to the Chinese social media app Xiaohongshu – making it the top downloaded app in the U.S. Some of the “TikTok refugees,” as they call themselves, say the TikTok alternative, a Chinese app, is being chosen in protest of the TikTok ban. The U.S. Supreme Court is due to rule on a law that stipulates TikTok must be divested from its Chinese parent company ByteDance by Jan. 19 or face a ban in the U.S. over national security concerns. After the justices seemed inclined to let the law stand, masses of TikTok users began creating accounts on Xiaohongshu, including hashtags such as #tiktokrefugee or #tiktok to their posts. Since Monday, Xiaohongshu has become the top downloaded free app on Apple’s App Store in the U.S. Xiaohongshu, translated as "Little Red Book" in English, is a Chinese social media platform that integrates features of e-commerce, short videos, and user-generated content. In recent years, the app has seen significant popularity in China and among regions with a Chinese diaspora, including Malaysia and Taiwan. It boasts 300 million monthly active users, predominantly young women who turn to it as a primary search engine for finding recommendations on products, travel, restaurants, and tutorials for makeup and skincare. The #tiktokrefugee hashtag has garnered more than 160,000 posts on Xiaohongshu, with a significant number featuring American users sharing videos to introduce themselves and seeking advice on how to use the app, which they refer to as "RedNote." Xiaohongshu has yet to provide a response to a comment request from The Associated Press. Alexis Garman, a 21-year-old TikTok influencer from Oklahoma, boasts nearly 20,000 followers. She recently signed up for Xiaohongshu on Tuesday after observing others joining the platform. Garman mentioned that she doesn't have significant worries regarding data privacy. Garman expressed, “My experience on (Xiaohongshu) has been truly wonderful and welcoming,” having shared two posts on the platform. "I love your makeup!" a Xiaohongshu user from Beijing writes on one of her posts, and Garman responds with a thank you. Meanwhile, a user from Sichuan jokingly remarks, "I am your Chinese spy… please share your personal details or pictures of your cat (or dog)!" “Garman expressed that the potential ban of TikTok is more than just losing an app; it means the loss of jobs, friendships, and a sense of community. ‘For me, the connections and relationships I've built with my followers will be lost,’ he stated.” Other American users who have started using Xiaohongshu have expressed their reasons for joining the platform as a form of protest against the potential ban on TikTok. An American user known as Definitelynotchippy created a video specifically for the Chinese audience on Xiaohongshu, detailing the reasons behind the increasing number of American users downloading the app. “She stated, ‘The reason our government claims they are prohibiting TikTok is that they are asserting it’s owned by you, the Chinese people or government, whatever. They want us to believe that you are the enemy.’” "Many of us are more intelligent than that, which is why we chose to annoy our government by downloading a genuine Chinese app," she remarked. "We refer to this as trolling… essentially, we're here to defy our government, gain insights about China, and spend time with all of you." Users in China on Xiaohongshu have generally embraced American users, with several extending offers to teach them the Chinese language. Additionally, some have provided guidance on how to navigate the Chinese internet, cautioning newcomers against mentioning or discussing politically sensitive topics, as this could lead to censorship. In certain instances, Chinese students have even sought assistance from Americans with their English assignments. Similar to many applications and online services in China, Xiaohongshu faces censorship regulations. These platforms usually implement censorship by removing or shadowbanning content that the Chinese government considers politically sensitive. Major Western platforms like Google and Facebook are inaccessible in China. Though Xiaohongshu has seen an influx of users, it is not clear if the app could replace TikTok, which has created an ecosystem that allows for e-commerce and advertising. Before TikTok was under threat, the overwhelming majority of Xiaohongshu’s users were Chinese, and the app, which lacks translation features, is not optimized for an international user base. Even though U.S.-China tensions remain high over trade and national security, many Chinese and American Xiaohongshu users have pursued friendly cultural exchanges on the app. Those interactions range from live chat rooms to comments on posts. A TikTok user named Amanda, who has recently relocated to a new platform, shared a video expressing her joy at discovering the Xiaohongshu app. She mentioned how welcoming the Chinese community has been. In response to her post, a Chinese user commented, “We are not enemies; we are all human beings living in the same world!” "Another person mentioned, 'We've never really had the opportunity to connect with you international users directly on the same app or platform, so we share that sentiment since you are here on this app.'" 在一条用中文发布的评论中，Amanda，这位TikTok“难民”，表示她未来会努力在视频中添加中文的字幕和说明。 "I'm thrilled to engage with Chinese individuals and discover more about your culture and personal stories," she expressed.

"I used to have this mindset": A Texas Roadhouse server shares that she often encounters two distinct types of groups at her tables. She then advises against embodying one particular type.

"Always refer to Table 1." View pictures in App save up to 80% data. @vegangirl1987/TikTok fizkes/ShutterStock BONDART PHOTOGRAPHY/ShutterStock (Licensed Content) A server from Texas Roadhouse recently gained attention on TikTok by highlighting two distinct categories of customers she encounters. In her viral video, she cautioned viewers about a prevalent behavior exhibited by one of these groups. The TikTok video shared by user @vegangirl1987 garnered more than 2.3 million views, prompting a flood of responses from fellow users who agreed with the perspective of the food service worker. "The server states in a text overlay, 'When dining out, there are two distinct types of people.'" Initially, she displays a video featuring a single table. It showcases several plates piled on one another, with all the cutlery neatly arranged on the uppermost plate. At the top, there's also a ramekin that holds a sauce container. The stack on the "good" table is decorated with both cloth and paper napkins. She then shifts her camera lens to capture the other category of restaurant patrons—the “bad” ones. In her commentary, she adds, “Make sure you’re not like the second table.” She showcases a table where the dishes are laid out haphazardly. Leftover food remains on the plates, drinks are half-consumed, and the bread basket holds untouched rolls. Clearly, the second table demands more attention from the bussers to properly clear and set up for incoming guests. Diverse viewpoints Although the TikToker strongly endorsed the post-meal routine of table one, perspectives on this method differ widely. According to Chowhound, restaurant patrons should “think twice” before stacking their plates at a restaurant. The outlet states that due to individual server and eatery methodologies, stacking plates could hinder more than help wait staff. Additionally, the article notes that certain servers might perceive a sense of “disrespect.” This feeling arises from the belief that “customers are taking on their responsibilities.” But Chowhound does concede that there are some instances where this is considered acceptable. In fast-casual restaurants, plate stacking is generally perceived as a thoughtful and welcomed gesture. However, the website writes, “the higher-end the restaurant, the more of a no-no it is.” Is it advisable to stack your plates at a restaurant? This sentiment was also echoed in a Reddit post uploaded to the r/NoStupidQuestions sub. The original poster wrote that they, too, saw conflicting opinions on post-meal plate prepping. "My parents have consistently taught me that it's impolite to stack your dirty plates after eating at a restaurant," they mentioned. "Yet, I recall seeing a post from a server who expressed gratitude when diners do this. Is there a general consensus on the etiquette regarding this matter?" A user on the app mentioned that upscale dining venues typically frown upon the practice of stacking plates. “In the realm of fine dining and proper etiquette, that’s true. You should never stack your plates. However, in more casual settings like family-owned diners, it’s completely acceptable to do so. In fact, servers often welcome it in certain situations,” they wrote. Furthermore, a server contributed their perspective on the issue. They mentioned that they are okay with customers stacking plates, but only if it’s done “properly.” This means not creating more mess than they would typically have to manage. They also explained their table-clearing process, which enables them to efficiently “grab and go.” "At this point, I simply gather all my clutter onto a single plate. I then create a stack with that plate, while keeping bowls and assorted plates in a separate pile. Sauce containers might go into a bowl for organization. I try to arrange the silverware either on the plate or grouped together for easy access when it's time to clean up. Lastly, I make sure to push all the drink cups to the edge of the table where the server placed them." TikTok users respond Users of the app praised the TikToker for their insightful analysis of restaurant patrons. "I'm definitely in favor of option one, but it's still your responsibility, haha," wrote one user. Based on the replies to the post, it appeared that the majority supported table one. One more commenter mentioned that as a member of camp No. 1, they feel the need to compensate for their partner's disorganization after meals. “I’m diner #1, and my spouse is diner #2,” they shared. “Whenever she joins me, I always ensure we tidy up the table before departing. She finds it odd, but I simply enjoy being polite.” Another person proclaimed, "I am the original table, forever." @vegangirl1987 There’s always two types of groups. #servertok #texasroadhouse #bekind #fypppp ♬ original sound – Vegangirl1987 A TikTok user, who claimed to have experience in the food service sector, expressed their opinion on the best table choice. "As a former hostess and busser, I can confidently say Table 1 is the way to go!" they commented. Another person said that this diner quirk directly correlates with a popular internet ethics theory: “The people arguing against this are the same people that don’t return their shopping carts.” The Daily Dot has contacted Texas Roadhouse through email and also left a comment on TikTok for @vegangirl1987 to gather more details.

Prepare Your Markers! Governor Whitmer Unveils Lions Logo Drawing Competition

As excitement builds around the Detroit Lions' upcoming Divisional Round playoff game, Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer is rallying the state’s support for the team in a creative way. This morning, Governor Whitmer launched a statewide contest inviting Michiganders of all ages to submit their own drawings of the iconic Detroit Lions logo. View pictures in App save up to 80% data. An Appeal for Solidarity “The Lions have truly won our hearts and filled us with optimism for a Super Bowl run this season,” stated Governor Whitmer. “I encourage everyone to support the team by creating and sharing your own rendition of their logo. Let’s demonstrate to the Lions that we stand behind them as they head into the playoffs.” With the #NFLDraft in Detroit this week, everyone’s talking about our @Lions, but a picture is worth a thousand words #OnePride pic.twitter.com/lG9MWwXucD— Governor Gretchen Whitmer (@GovWhitmer) April 24, 2024 The competition aims to involve the community and allow fans to express their creativity as they support the Lions. Submissions will be showcased on Governor Whitmer’s official social media platforms, such as Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, with the possibility of highlighting chosen entries. Submission Guidelines If you’re ready to get artistic and show your support for the Lions, you can submit your drawing through the designated link provided by the Governor’s office. Whether you're a seasoned artist or just a passionate fan, all drawings are welcome! As the Lions head towards the playoffs, fans have an excellent chance to showcase their pride and add to the thrill as the team aims for a Super Bowl win. Let's demonstrate our support for the Lions by creating a wave of drawings from across the state!

NAMM 2025: “An electric guitar designed with one concept in mind: Playfulness.” Verso introduces Sine, an entirely innovative electric guitar featuring three-dimensional pickup motion for “an additional level of expressiveness.”

Just when you believe you've witnessed everything, the Verso Sine makes its entrance, featuring adjustable pickups and a Sine pad that enables you to physically manipulate the volume for swells and tremolo effects. View pictures in App save up to 80% data. (Image source: Verso Instruments) NAMM 2025: So maybe you’ve got a Stratocaster, tried the Telecaster, played every electric guitar under the sun and it is time for something new – what about a guitar with a “Sine pad,” a moving pickup system that lets you control volume mechanically for on-the-fly tremolo effects and swells? Verso has unveiled its latest quirky yet brilliant creation: the Verso Sine. This guitar boasts a whimsical, Fisher Price-inspired look while showcasing an incredibly innovative take on the design of electric six-string instruments. As Verso says, it’s not that different from your Strat; you still plug the 1/4” guitar cable in. You send the signal to the amp. However, this eccentric high-end setup comes with a variety of features that cater to the bold and adventurous gamer. That being said, there are certain recognizable design elements. The Sine features a sturdy ash body, coated with a linseed oil paint. It comes with a glued neck, which can be made from ash, maple, cherry, oak, or walnut – the choice is yours. Only wood types that are indigenous to Germany are used. View pictures in App save up to 80% data. (Image source: Verso Instruments) The neck has a C profile. You can have a 16” fretboard radius or a 9.5” to 16” compound radius. The scale length is 25.6” and you can have this as a regular six-string or for adventures in the extended-range you can order it up as a 7-string guitar. Again, it looks Fisher Price but it is no toy; the Sine is a high-end electric guitar. There are 22 Jescar frets, Schaller locking M6 tuners, a solid brass bridge that’s height adjustable. Sine - Shaping Sound Through Motion | Guitar with Physical Volume, Expression & CV - YouTube View pictures in App save up to 80% data. Tune In It is the Sine pad and moveable electric guitar pickups that makes this such a radical proposition. Well, it’s like a powdered-steel pickguard that wrap around the body and sits proud of it. It is spring loaded. Press down on the Sine pad and the string will adjust its pickup height, allowing you to mechanically control the volume. Consider this as a genuine tremolo system. The pickups are attached to the Sine pad using magnets, allowing you to reposition them easily. By adjusting their position closer to the bridge, you'll achieve a brighter treble sound, while moving them toward the neck will enhance the bass response. Additionally, you have the option to split them for a complete stereo output from your guitar. Experiment with different placements until you discover a tone that suits your preferences. View pictures in App save up to 80% data. (Image source: Verso Instruments) You can also get the Verso Sine with Lehle expression functionality, allowing you to hook up and control two pedals or synths via the Sine pad. Check out the demo video for how this looks and sounds in practice. There is also a USB MIDI control allowing you to control parameters on your DAW. Or control your analogue synthesizer via CV. At last, you have the ability to control your amplifier and pedals through an internal relay. That's a remarkable amount of versatility packed into a single guitar. Plus, it delivers a fantastic sound. Starting at €3,040, this product is currently available. After customizing your configuration, a deposit of €/$500 will secure your place in the production line, and Verso will be manufactured to your specifications. For more details, head over to Verso.

Here’s a Complete List of Every Air Jordan 4 Set to Release in 2025

View pictures in App save up to 80% data. The Air Jordan 4 "White Cement" (on the left) and Nigel Sylvester's Air Jordan 4 "Bike Air" are among the most anticipated releases of 2025 for this iconic sneaker model. 2024 was the year of the Air Jordan 4. That’s according to trend reports from both JD Sports, which used data from StockX as part of its calculations, and GOAT Group, parent company of the resale platform of the same name, as well as Stadium Goods. According to the latter, the top five most in-demand sneakers of the year were all Air Jordan 4s, led by the return of the original “Military Blue” colorway, now called “Industrial Blue” officially, as well as the “Bred Reimagined.” With the banner year coming on its 35th anniversary, the Air Jordan 4 shows no signs of slowing down in 2025. Another of the four original colorways will return with the “White Cement” edition, which is already a lock for one of the biggest shoe releases of the year. And while that may be the only OG making its return, there will also be several high-profile drops in the form of a Nigel Sylvester collaboration, which follows him being chosen to debut the reconfigured Air Jordan 4 RM, and a new colorway for the hit Nike SB x Air Jordan 4 from 2023. Footwear News presents an overview of all the Air Jordan 4 launches scheduled for 2025. While leaks are constantly evolving, the releases listed here are the most reliable ones reported for the year. We will continue to update this post as new details emerge. View pictures in App save up to 80% data. Release Date: March 8Price: $215SKU: HV0823-003 This new women's-exclusive colorway is highlighted by a calming seafoam green, complemented by metallic silver eyestays. View pictures in App save up to 80% data. Release Date: March 15Price: TBDSKU: HF4340-800 As the main narrative unfolds, Nigel Sylvester began to generate buzz for his upcoming collaboration in early January by placing a massive “Bike Air”-branded brick in Lower Manhattan. Given the enthusiastic reception of his Air Jordan 4 RM, a model that was relatively unknown at the time, it’s safe to anticipate that this established creator will make a significant impact. View pictures in App save up to 80% data. Release Date: May 3Price: $200SKU: HV0823-100 Launching just in time for Mother's Day, this fresh Air Jordan 4 colorway is designed exclusively for women and features detachable flower patches on the laces. Air Jordan 4 “White Cement” View pictures in App save up to 80% data. Release Date: May 24Price: $225SKU: FV5029-100A true classic is making a comeback for the first time since 2016, marking only the fourth retro release in its history. As an essential colorway of one of the most cherished sneaker models ever, the Air Jordan 4 “White Cement” is a must-have for sneaker enthusiasts everywhere. Undefeated x Air Jordan 4 Collaboration View pictures in App save up to 80% data. The original Undefeated x Air Jordan 4 Collaboration from 2005. (Courtesy of GOAT) Release Date: June 2025Price: $225SKU: IB1854-200, IB1519-200Nike has recently made headlines by reintroducing several highly sought-after sneakers, including the legendary Air Jordan 4 from 2005 in collaboration with Undefeated. This release will feature two different versions: one adorned with “Nike Air” branding and the other with the Jumpman logo. While sneaker enthusiasts typically prefer the “Nike Air” option, the Jumpman-branded version will remain more faithful to the original collaboration. View pictures in App save up to 80% data. Release Date: Summer 2025Price: $215SKU: FV5029-003 This year, a number of Air Jordans will debut featuring “Rare Air” designs, which play off well-known themes while incorporating quirky elements like the velcro tongue tag found on the Air Jordan 4. View pictures in App save up to 80% data. Release Date: Summer 2025Price: TBDSKU: DR5415-100 Although the rumored "Varsity Red" edition that surfaced online won't be making its debut, the "Navy" version seems to be on track for release, generating excitement as a much-anticipated successor to Nike SB's "Pine Green" edition from 2023. Air Jordan 4 “Black Panther” View pictures in App save up to 80% data. The Air Jordan 4 “Black Panther” from 2020. Release Date: Holiday 2025Price: TBDThe year 2025 kicked off with the release of the Air Jordan 3 “Black Cat” and might just conclude with the Air Jordan 4 featuring the same color scheme that pays homage to one of Jordan's lesser-known nicknames. Among the various “Black Cat” Jordans, the Air Jordan 4 stands out as the most sought-after model.

Wyze cameras are set to utilize artificial intelligence to provide descriptions of their visual observations.

The latest video-to-text description notifications can be accessed through Wyze's Cam Unlimited Pro subscription, which costs $20 per month. Please share this tale. Picture: Wyze View pictures in App save up to 80% data. For instances when you can't spare a moment to review your camera recordings. Wyze has introduced a new AI capability designed to minimize the frequency of manual checks on security footage by providing descriptions of what the camera has recorded. The innovative Descriptive Alerts will deliver notifications that “precisely summarize motion events” and offer additional context beyond just informing users of detected movement or objects, as stated by Wyze. An example alert provided by the company is “a delivery driver wearing a blue hat leaves a package on the doorstep, then leaves. A green SUV is parked in the street.” Rival smart home security companies like Ring, Google’s Nest, and (to some extent) Arlo provide similar AI summarization features for their own cameras, but Wyze’s video-to-text alerts seem to be the only service that specifies detail like color in its descriptions. View pictures in App save up to 80% data. Picture: Wyze Here’s an illustration that displays the updated alert next to the footage being referenced. Here’s an illustration that displays the updated alert next to the footage being referenced. Picture: Wyze Wyze’s Descriptive Alerts are available to Cam Unlimited Pro members — a new $19.99 per month (or $199.99 per year) subscription that bundles other features like facial recognition, searching videos using descriptive keywords, and simultaneously viewing live feeds from multiple Wyze cameras. The Cam Unlimited Pro subscription will also include 60 days of cloud storage, though Wyze says this won’t be available until “Spring 2025.”  Just remember, Wyze cameras have suffered from serious security and privacy issues in the past. Choose wisely.

Skyrim: Dawnguard collides with The Witcher in a breathtaking new role-playing game.

The Blood of Dawnwalker is definitely a title worth watching. View pictures in App save up to 80% data. Brand new studio Rebel Wolves has dropped the first trailer for The Blood of Dawnwalker, and it’s a damn good one. That’s perhaps exactly what we should’ve expected given that Rebel Wolves was formed using major talent from CD Projekt RED. You can certainly see a The Witcher influence on The Blood of Dawnwalker, although there’s a dash of Skyrim: Dawnguard in there too. The Blood of Dawnwalker, previously known as Dawnwalker: Origins, is described as a “dark fantasy narrative sandbox” RPG with the project spearheaded by Konrad Tomaszkiewicz who you may recognise as the game director of The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt. Created in Unreal Engine 5, The Blood of Dawnwalker is set to take us to medieval Europe, 1347 AD, with a story seemingly centering around vampirism but before I continue, let’s take a look at that new trailer. The Blood of Dawnwalker is looking very promising indeed. There’s a lot to unpack here, so let’s begin with the setting. The Blood of Dawnwalker takes us to the Carpathian Mountains, so that means we’re in central Europe. The mountain ranges stretch across the Czech Republic, Austria, Slovakia, Poland, Ukraine, Romania, and Serbia. In a secluded part of this region, a young man named Coen and his daughter are caught off guard by a band of heavily armored soldiers. These soldiers are determined to eliminate them in an effort to halt the advance of the plague. This is until a reanimated creature, accompanied by a handful of loyal acolytes, arrives to eliminate the soldiers in a gruesome and gory scene. The creatures consume the remains of the fallen soldiers, which leads me to believe this is a story about vampires, though it deviates from the typical trope of sharp fangs. In fact, the teeth on the leader look more like those of one of Until Dawn’s wendigos. The enigmatic leader of this unsettling faction possesses the power to breathe life into our hero’s daughter, declaring, “I embody life and death. I encompass all that lies in between. Your quaint valley has not escaped my gaze. Disease. Scarcity. Violence.” “Blood flowed thoughtlessly like water,” he goes on. “From now on, everything will change for each of you.” Regardless of what these otherworldly entities may be, it's evident that they believe they can improve humanity according to their own distorted perspective. In conclusion, we get to see a few short gameplay clips that highlight moments of combat, with the trailer teasing a complete gameplay reveal set for this summer. Maybe during the Summer Game Fest? Or at the Opening Night Live event of Gamescom? Certainly! Since most of this trailer consists of cinematic footage, I recommend managing your excitement until we get a glimpse of more gameplay. However, I completely understand if you're struggling to contain your enthusiasm. This has quickly soared to the top of my most anticipated list. The game is set to be released on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S.

Have You Come Across the Sled Launcher That Someone Constructed in Their Backyard?

A few years back, a family in Grand Rapids put their creativity to the test and constructed an incredible sled launcher for their children. It appears to be a blast and works remarkably well! Sledding Has Evolved Significantly Since My Childhood View pictures in App save up to 80% data. canva.com As a child, I remember having two choices for sledding: the iron rail sled on the left and the wooden toboggan on the right. My sister and I wore out the rail sled, although we discovered that steering it wasn't very effective. Our family also owned the toboggan, but it required a steep hill to be fun. The downside was that after sliding down a big hill, we had to trudge back up to take another turn, which really limited how many times we could enjoy the ride down. 👇HERE: Top Sledding Hills in Grand Rapids for a Fun Snowy Day👇 View pictures in App save up to 80% data. canva.com The next iteration of the sled was the saucer style. The sled depicted in the image above appears to be a more recent model, featuring plastic handles, whereas the original versions had simple rope handles that were prone to breaking. One major drawback of this sled design was its tendency to spin you around backwards while descending a hill. This issue becomes particularly problematic when navigating jumps, trees, and other people on the slope. View pictures in App save up to 80% data. canva.com The introduction of plastic and tube sleds revolutionized the winter fun for children. View pictures in App save up to 80% data. canva.com Nowadays, there are numerous sledding options available, ensuring that children can enjoy sliding down the hills in parks throughout Grand Rapids. One inventive family decided to take matters into their own hands and constructed a launch system for their kids' sleds right in their backyard. Have You Spotted the Sled Launcher That Someone Constructed in Their Backyard? View pictures in App save up to 80% data. Grand Rapids Reddit Community This may look like an eyesore to some, a fort, or a deer blind gone bad, but its a brilliant piece of work.  A family south of Grand Rapids built this monstrosity to launch their kids down a sled hill in their backyard. Even though I am long from being a kid this looks like amazing fun. View pictures in App save up to 80% data. Grand Rapids Reddit Community The person who designed this launcher clearly had some understanding of kinetic energy, as the acceleration becomes apparent when the child approaches the bottom of the launcher. Anyone who has crafted pinewood derby cars for scouting knows just how crucial kinetic energy is in that context. View pictures in App save up to 80% data. Grand Rapids Reddit Community As you can see this sled launcher has turned a modest hill into a much more fun experience for kids going down it. See the full experience in the video below. View pictures in App save up to 80% data. Grand Rapids Reddit Community There are two Reddit threads the sled launcher came from. In one thread posters point out you may need to sign a waiver to go down it while another point out the ladder being a death trap. On the other thread posters are commenting on what fun it is while other want to know if the kid hit the tree. https://www.reddit.com/r/grandrapids/comments/1i0lp3q/a_winter_fun_follow_up_this_is_the_video_of_my/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web3x&utm_name=web3xcss&utm_term=1&utm_content=share_button Aside from the challenge of getting up there to start the sled, it seems like an absolute blast! Top Sledding Hills in Grand Rapids for a Fun-Filled Snowy Day Sledding is arguably the Michigan experience. Every kid looks forward to sledding when it snows, and these hills are some of the best options for the whole family. Gallery Credit: Tommy McNeill

Elon Musk Claims His Boring Company Can Construct a $20 Trillion Tunnel Linking America and Europe for '1000 Times Lower Cost'

View pictures in App save up to 80% data. Elon Musk Claims His Boring Company Can Construct a $20 Trillion Tunnel Linking America and Europe for '1000 Times Lower Cost' Elon Musk is back with another bold claim. This time, he says The Boring Company could build the long-discussed trans-Atlantic tunnel for “1000X less money” than the staggering $20 trillion price tag being floated around. But before you start dreaming of zooming from New York to London in under an hour, let's unpack what's really going on here. A $20 Trillion Vision Lacking a Clear Path Forward The concept of a tunnel linking America and Europe has been proposed for many years, but it has mostly remained in the realm of science fiction. Reports from Newsweek and other sources suggest that the estimated cost of such a project could soar to $20 trillion, a figure that nearly matches the entire GDP of the United States! This staggering price tag presents a significant barrier to making the idea a reality. Make Sure to Catch: With 100+ historic trademarks including some of the high grossing characters in history, like Cinderella, Snow White and Peter Pan, this company is transforming the $2 trillion entertainment market with patented AR, VR, and AI tech. — For a short window, investors are able to claim $2/share ($980 min). Despite some flashy headlines, no plans exist to build this tunnel. Governments haven't approved it, no budgets have been allocated and no construction companies have been hired. In short, it's just a concept. Musk's claim to do it for a fraction of the cost adds to the spectacle, but he isn't even breaking ground on it anytime soon. The @boringcompany could do it for 1000X less money https://t.co/IXJY63xUCo — Elon Musk (@elonmusk) December 10, 2024 From Dream to Disappointment Musk’s comment also ties into his promotion of hyperloop technology, which uses vacuum-sealed tubes to propel trains at incredible speeds. In 2013, Musk popularized the idea with a white paper that excited people about futuristic travel. But more than a decade later, hyperloop has been anything but groundbreaking. See Also: ‘Scrolling To UBI' — Deloitte's #1 fastest-growing software company allows users to earn money on their phones. You can invest today for just $0.26/share with a $1000 minimum. Despite some test tracks by Musk’s Boring Company and pilot projects by other companies in places like India and China, no commercial hyperloop system is operational today. Many experts have criticized the technology as impractical and overly expensive. In fact, The Boring Company quietly shifted its focus away from hyperloop projects, opting instead for much simpler underground tunnels for cars. The Concept of Tunnels Is Not a Recent Innovation For decades, engineers and visionaries have contemplated the construction of a tunnel linking the U.S. and the U.K., a concept that predates Musk's rise to fame. This notion began to gather momentum in the early 1900s but was ultimately rejected due to its perceived high costs and complexities. Even now, the logistical hurdles are staggering. We’re discussing the construction of a tunnel exceeding 3,000 miles, either suspended in the ocean or hidden beneath the ocean floor. In contrast, the Channel Tunnel linking France and the U.K. spanned just 23 miles and required six years for completion. If a trans-Atlantic tunnel were to be constructed at the same time, it might take hundreds of years to complete. Trending: Maker of the $60,000 foldable home has 3 factory buildings, 600+ houses built, and big plans to solve housing — you can become an investor for $0.80 per share today. What’s the main point? Musk's claim that The Boring Company could do it for a fraction of the cost is classic Elon – bold and headline-grabbing but with little substance behind it. While breakthroughs in vacuum train technology make high-speed trans-Atlantic travel sound exciting, there's no clear plan, funding or timeline for making it happen. Plus, Musk's track record with hyperloop doesn’t inspire confidence. At this point, the concept of a trans-Atlantic tunnel is still purely imaginative. While Musk's remarks might spark interest, they do little to alter the fact that this notion is more of a fantasy than a feasible undertaking. Therefore, don't expect to take that 54-minute journey from New York to London in the near future. Would you like to receive the most recent stock analysis from Benzinga?

Speculation surrounding a potential upcoming announcement for the Switch 2 suggests it may not fully meet expectations.

View pictures in App save up to 80% data. The Nintendo Switch 2 is going to be revealed as soon as January 16 according to credible reports from gaming industry insiders. The next-generation handheld is tipped for a launch later this week, amid a flurry of leaks that emerged last week during CES 2025. View pictures in App save up to 80% data. The price of Hollyland Lark M2 microphones has just dropped even further. Our top pick for budget-friendly wireless microphones is now available at a 35% discount! Elevate your content creation with the Hollyland Lark M2 kit. Amazon Was £129.99 Now £84.99 It's uncertain if Nintendo accelerated its launch plans in response to the leaks, or if a mid-January release was already part of their strategy. Nintendo had set itself a target of the end of March this year to unveil the console, so a launch in three days without much prior notice would betray industry convention around building excitement. However, Nintendo is no stranger to springing announcements on us. Today’s whisperings do make it seem like the Switch 2 launch is inevitable this week. The Verge’s Tom Warren commented it “should be the Switch 2 reveal this week” while the podcaster NateTheHate is also going public for a prediction (via Eurogamer). The podcaster mentions that Nintendo is likely to prioritize showcasing the console's hardware over unveiling significant new first-party titles. This could indicate that Nintendo is wary of recent leaks and has opted to present the new system instead. Perhaps we'll gain some understanding of the extra features that have contributed to the anticipation surrounding the Switch 2. The podcaster believes that information about games could start to emerge by late February or early March.