Amy Dowden appeared on Strictly: It Takes Two tonight after having to pull out of this Saturday’s show.
Amy, 34, was taken to hospital following the live show last weekend after falling ill backstage. Fellow pro Lauren Oakley is stepping in this weekend for Amy as she performs with JB Gill.
On Friday’s It Takes Two (November 1), Amy made an appearance and issued an update on her health.
Amy appeared on It Takes Two tonight following her health ordeal last weekend (Credit: BBC)
Amy Dowden on Strictly: It Takes Two
Speaking on tonight’s show, Amy said: “I’m feeling so much better and I want to thank everyone for the love and support I’ve received.
“Feeling much better, thank you.”
I’m feeling so much better and I want to thank everyone for the love and support I’ve received.
JB then discussed his upcoming couple’s choice routine with Lauren, who joined Amy and the JLS singer on the sofa.
Speaking about dancing with JB, Lauren gushed: “What was so nice was that the couple’s choice was choreographed by an outside choreographer.
“So we both came in on Monday on a level playing field. We were both learning the routine.”
JB added: “It was surreal [training with Lauren] because I’m very much used to working with Amy. Lauren is lovely, she’s amazing and she’s an incredible dancer.”
Amy then said she’s “grateful” that Lauren stepped in to train and dance with JB. She also said she’s “proud” of JB and has been kept in the loop with their rehearsals.
Watching It Takes Two, viewers rejoiced seeing Amy looking well.
Viewers loved seeing Amy on It Takes Two (Credit: BBC)
One person gushed on X: “Great to see Amy looking much better.”
Another wrote: “@dowden_amy ah what a lovely surprise seeing you on #ItTakesTwo tonight. Hope you’re doing well.”
A third added: “Glad to see Amy doing well, she will be missed this weekend.”
For all the latest Strictly Come Dancing news head to our dedicated Facebook page here.
Read more: Amy Dowden latest: JB Gill issues statement addressing ‘changes’ as Strictly pro takes time out ‘to get better’
Send your best wishes to Amy on our Facebook page @EntertainmentDailyFix.
Stand aside Flux and MidJourney: There’s a new player that just shot to the top of AI image generation rankings. A mystery model formerly known as Red Panda—which had AI watchers scratching their heads on Artificial Analysis’s leaderboards—finally revealed itself as Recraft V3, a fresh release from a little-known London startup.
The model enjoyed the top score on the ELO rating system for image generators, outperforming Flux 1.1 Pro and MidJourney. In terms of efficiency, Recraft V3 matches SDXL’s generation speed of under 10 seconds while delivering what blind tests indicate is unmatched superior image quality.
In four days of benchmark testing, Recraft V3 demonstrated superiority in text generation quality, anatomical accuracy, and prompt comprehension. It stands as the sole model capable of generating images with extended text passages, beyond simple word or phrase integration.
In fact, it was so good that even former Stability AI researcher Joe Penna, who worked on the development of SDXL—the undisputed king of open source image generation until Flux appeared—publicly praised the model on the company’s Discord server.
“Wow! Amazing new model, Recraft,” he said, “I’m very impressed.”
Stability AI researcher Joe Penna on Recraft V3. Image: Discord screenshot
You may not have heard about it, unless you are deeply into generative AI or digital design, but London startup Recraft AI was founded in 2022 and started as a niche player focused on AI-powered tools for graphic designers rather than general image generation. Its trajectory shifted after securing $11 million in funding from the likes of Khosla Ventures and former GitHub CEO, Nat Friedman, earlier this year.
Recraft V3 excels in creating realistic images, handling fine details and imperfections with notable precision and operates on a subscription model similar to MidJourney, Leonardo, or Ideogram.
Digital design is at the core of Recraft’s values. This model is also capable of processing text to vector generations, meaning users can prompt a model to generate images that can be upscaled infinitely without losing quality.
SVG Image generated with Recraft V3
Free users receive 50 daily credits which is enough for 50 images. However—and this is a new business model, users don’t retain ownership of their creations. That right is reserved for paid subscribers, with plans starting at $10 monthly for 1,000 credits.
How to use Recraft V3
Users can access Recraft V3 through three channels: a web interface, Discord commands, or mobile apps available on iOS and Android.
Fire up Discord, join Recraft’s server, and you’ll find yourself in familiar territory if you’ve ever used MidJourney. Head to the #image-gen channel, type /recraft, and watch the magic happen.
You can also use different modifiers after the prompt. Want a widescreen masterpiece? Throw in –ar 16:9. Need a portrait? Type –ar 3:4, and it has your back.
Other useful additions are the –style command that lets users choose the specific visuals of their generations whether it is photorealism, 3D, or even kawaii. Got a specific look in mind? The –sref command lets you upload reference images to guide the AI’s artistic vision.
Once the image is generated, users can choose the image they like the most between 2 generations and then they can either save it or upscale it to 4 times its size
Recraft’s Discord-based UI
The web interface at recraft.ai flexes some serious muscle. To start, simply go to Recraft.AI and sign in.
Once on the image generation UI, users will just need to place their prompt on the text box on the left size.
They also have sliders to change the aspect ratio and the number of images.
Users can also change the style by clicking on the button with the icon on top of the text box and choosing their preferred option from a popup menu with a lot of examples.
Recraft’s Web-based UI
The interface is a lot more sophisticated than other sites and it is clear just at first glance that it’s aimed at designers. It lets users generate frames, product mockups, sets of images, deal with backgrounds, vectorize images, etc.
Mobile creators haven’t been forgotten. The official apps on iOS and Android are available, offering the same quality generations. Simply download the app, login, click on the top middle button, and generate an image by putting the prompt on on the text box on the lower side of the screen and clicking the generate button
Recraft Mobile UI
Users can choose how detailed the image will be, the aspect ratio, the styles and references on the same interface. It is pretty intuitive.
Testing the model
We tested the model in different areas, both in terms of style and technical capabilities. Here is how it stacked up against its competitors—both open source and close source.
Realism
Prompt: A projection of the word “Emerge” on a woman’s face
Recraft V3:
Emerge image created with Recraft V3
Recraft shows the best understanding of natural skin texture, facial expressions, and environmental lighting. The projection appears well-integrated with the skin, and crucially, there are real imperfections—visible pores, slight skin blemishes, and natural hair flyaways. The candid expression and background context add significant authenticity.
Stable Diffusion 3.5:
Emerge image created with Stable Diffusion 3.5
SD 3.5 comes in a close second place. It is a big improvement vs SD3 medium and even the best realistic SDXL finetunes. It shows a strong dramatic presence with the orange-tinted lighting and bold red lipstick. While the facial features are well-defined, there’s a noticeable artificial quality to the skin texture. The projection appears more like a sharp overlay, and the expression feels somewhat posed and synthetic.
MidJourney:
Emerge image created with MidJourney
As always, MidJourney creates a moody, cinematic look with strong technical execution. However, the woman’s skin has a glossy, almost ethereal quality that, while beautiful, feels less natural than Recraft’s attempt. The projection blends well, but the overall perfection of the features and textures—and the clear lack of authenticity in the expressions—reveals its AI origin.
Winner: Recraft
Prompt Adherence and Spatial Awareness
Prompt: A dog standing on top of a TV showing the word “Decrypt” on the screen. On the left there is a woman in a business suit holding a coin, on the right there is a robot standing on top of a first aid box. The overall scenery is surreal
Recraft V3:
Decrypt image created with Recraft V3
The model failed in terms of spatial awareness. However, it managed to achieve the surreal style in the overall composition. This is a departure from other models that exhibited great adherence and spatial awareness in the elements, but the overall mood or style of the scene was questionable.
This can be seen as a good tradeoff for some since it is easier to inpaint and edit elements in a composition than to restyle a whole image. However, it is important to consider this as a major limitation when compared against other models.
Decrypt images created with Flux, Auraflow, and SD3 Medium
Winner: Flux
Illustration and Style:
Prompt: Hand-drawn illustration of a giant spider chasing a woman in the jungle, extremely scary, anguish, dark and creepy scenery, horror, hints of analog photography influence, sketch
The model has a lot of different styles to choose from, but we went with Recraft RAW for this generation. At first we thought the “hand drawn” style was the best option, but… no, it wasn’t.
Image created with Recraft RAW
After trying different preset styles, the good old RAW (the most versatile one) was the best fit for what we were looking for.
Image created with Recraft RAW
Compared to the other models, Recraft generated an interesting composition, and was accurate at showing the key message of the scene: A giant spider chasing a woman. However, the overall art looked more like a digital illustration instead of a hand-drawn illustration.
Aesthetically, the most accurate model for this specific prompt seems to be the latest Stable Diffusion Model, which generated a hand drawn illustration, and was able to convey the anguish of a woman running away from a giant spider.
Images created with SD3, SDXL, MidJourney, and Ideogram
Winner: SD3
Conclusions
It is easy to see why Recraft V3 claims the top spot in the Image Generation Leaderboard. Unlike competitors like MidJourney and Flux, which often fall into predictable, stylized patterns—the smooth “Flux face” or the lifeless “MidJourney look”—Recraft leans into realism. Its outputs are compelling, showing intricate details like natural skin texture, subtle imperfections, and nuanced lighting. This aesthetic balance, favoring authenticity without sacrificing polish, gives Recraft an edge that other models struggle to match.
The pricing strategy is also important to consider. Recraft offers a free tier with generous daily credits, and it’s the only model supporting text-to-SVG generation, a boon for illustrators looking for scalable, professional-quality vectors. It is also priced similarly to MidJourney’s cheapest plan—but unless you are looking for the MidJourney aesthetics, Recraft is a lot more versatile and powerful, so it is the better option.
That said, Recraft isn’t perfect. When it comes to complex scenes with multiple elements, spatial awareness sometimes falters. Prompts requiring precise composition can result in minor misalignments, and users may find themselves inpainting or adjusting positions more than expected. But for those who prioritize realism and versatility, this shortfall is easily overlooked.
Also, free users not owning their creations may be a major flaw to take into consideration.
In general, Recraft V3 does seem to be the best closed-source option, delivering superior value and flexibility at a price point that respects creators’ budgets. For anyone in search of high-quality realistic images without the trademark “AI look,” Recraft is a clear winner.
However, those capable of running AI models locally, may be just fine enough with Flux or SD 3.5.
Generally Intelligent Newsletter
A weekly AI journey narrated by Gen, a generative AI model.
The Monster Hunter Wilds beta has being doing very well in terms of attracting players so far, but plenty of those folks seem like they might now be in danger of wetting the bed – either in fear or amusement – after encountering some graphical glitch nightmare fuel that makes the game not look like one you’re planning on playing in 2025.
Upon loading in, a bunch of folks on the Monster Hunter subreddit have been sharing clips of these issues seeing NPCs revert to almost-2D eyeless texture form – which as you can imagine makes conversations interesting – and monsters simply being giant angry blobs that you’re hunting, as if you’re clearing up after a toddler that’s gone nuts with some Play-Doh (silly putty, I think, if you’re from across the pond).
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You can just check out some of the posts embedded throughout this article if you want a taste of what it’s been like for these folks, as they’ve navigated a realm that’s a lovely mix of sharp, realstic visuals and abstract existential dread. To be fair, if you’ve signed up to hunt some monsters, you need to be ready for anything.
Anyway, the good news is that Capcom’s already on the case, suggesting that it’s ensuring the final release build of the game should be less prone to stuff like this, and providing folks with troubleshooting steps to follow in order to help them have a less weird beta experience.
“The issue of afterimage noise occurring in certain environments when Frame Generation is enabled will be fixed in the full game, which is already in a more improved state compared to the beta test,” the developer wrote in a tweet, with some other issues also being noted alongside steps to try in a troubleshooting guide it’s posted on Steam.
If you’re after some more Monster Hunter goodness, you can read some of our words previewing Wilds, and outlining why what Capcom’s done with armour in terms gender is cool.
We’re reaching the end of yet another week and these celebs have had it pretty tough these past few days.
For Kerry Katona, she’s apparently suffered a love split while Nikita Kuzmin and Sam Quek faced some Strictly backlash.
Let’s see who’s probably wishing the week away…
Ryan and Kerry have reportedly called it quits… (Credit: SplashNews.com)
Celebs having a far worse week than us – Kerry Katona
This week, Kerry seemingly confirmed to fans that she’s split from her fiancé Ryan Mahoney.
It comes after she said they were “not in a great place”.
Kerry had shared an update on her mum’s health on Instagram. Her mum has been hospitalised, with Kerry revealing she had blood clots found in her lungs.
In the clip, Kerry’s mum Sue gushed over her “gorgeous” doctor. One follower wrote in the comments: “So much love to you both and and is the Dr single?”
Kerry then replied: “No but I am!!”
Well that’s pretty clear…
Is Wynne’s journey over this weekend? (Credit: BBC)
Wynne Evans
Opera singer Wynne Evans is still going strong on Strictly and this weekend, he takes on the rumba with pro partner Katya Jones.
However, he’s not even hit the dance floor yet, and bookies are already predicting he will leave.
He’s currently at 9/4 to depart the series.
Well that’s not the biggest vote of confidence!
Vanessa Bauer
Dancing On Ice 2025 will be on our screens before we know it and the celebrity line-up are already meeting with their pro skating partners and training.
But poor Vanessa Bauer is already facing backlash as Love Island star Chris Taylor was revealed as her partner.
One viewer ranted: “Is it in her contract to get the young good looking lads?”
Another said: “What a shock she always gets the young good skaters.”
Are they wrong, though?
Nikita and Sam slayed an American Smooth last weekend (Credit: BBC)
Celebs having a worse week than us – Nikita Kuzmin and Sam Quek
Halloween on Strictly last weekend was a spooky extravaganza once again this year. But for one couple, they faced a barrage of complaints about their rather risqué looks.
Nikita Kuzmin and Sam Quek started off their routine tame, transforming into Brad and Janet from The Rocky Horror Picture Show.
But halfway through the performance, viewers (and us) were left with their jaws on the ground as the pair stripped off to reveal corsets and suspenders.
Despite, of course, channelling the movie, some viewers weren’t happy. One moaned: “Strictly is a family show; their outfits were inappropriate.”
Another said: “Wtf! Those outfits are more like what you’d wear as a stripper.”
Lighten up, people!
Read more: Kerry Katona ‘terrified’ over her mum’s health as she admits ‘it’s all very touch and go’
What did you think of this week’s showbiz news? Leave us a comment on our Facebook page @EntertainmentDailyFix and let us know.
The SEC’s scrutiny of Immutable underscores a larger regulatory question regarding tokens used within decentralized gaming ecosystems.
Immutable’s $IMX token functions as an in-game asset for transactions and ownership on the company’s blockchain gaming platform. Immutable asserts that such tokens, designed for a specific purpose within digital economies, should be distinguished from traditional securities.
The case may have implications for how gaming tokens and digital assets are regulated in the future, as the SEC’s approach to digital assets has sparked ongoing discussions on the need for clearer regulatory guidelines in the web3 and gaming sectors.
What’s next for Immutable?
Immutable’s legal team has signaled its intent to defend the company’s stance on $IMX token compliance adding, “We will fight if we have to.”
As of now, the case marks another chapter in the SEC’s push for oversight within a rapidly evolving sector—one that many in web3 argue could benefit from engagement rather than enforcement.
The broader industry continues to advocate for well-defined regulations for digital assets, highlighting concerns over what many view as regulatory ambiguity in the U.S. Immutable’s case joins a series of recent enforcement actions that may shape the compliance landscape for blockchain-based companies going forward.
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*All investment/financial opinions expressed by NFT Plazas are from the personal research and experience of our site moderators and are intended as educational material only. Individuals are required to fully research any product prior to making any kind of investment.
With a name like Kong: Survivor Instinct you’d be forgiven for assuming that the titular gigantic ape would be the star of the show. After all, who doesn’t want to play as a huge hairy ape beating the snot out of other massive creatures? Psych! Despite the name, Kong and his Titan pals are mostly background scenery that add up to just a few minutes of screen time across the 4-6 hours it takes to play through Kong: Survivor Instinct. But could that be a good thing? I mean, last year’s Skull Island: Rise of Kong let you play as the big boy and was terrible. The short answer is no, it’s not a good thing. While Kong: Survivor Instinct is a better game that Skull Island, it’s not by much.
So if you aren’t monkeying around (yes, Kong is an ape, but l’m not gonna let that get in the way of a joke) as Kong, what exactly are you doing? Set just after the events of Godzilla vs Kong, you play as David Martin who rushes to find his estranged daughter among the ruins of a city that is currently under attack from several massive creatures, including the mighty Kong. Along the way he encounters a mercenary group called the Hyenas and takes some of their mystery tech, pissing off the group which is led by Alan Jonah, a character last seen in Godzilla: King of the Monsters.
Available On: PC, Xbox, PlayStation, SwitchReviewed On: PS5Developed By: 7LevelsPublished By: 7Levels
Review code provided by the publisher
Look, the Monsterverse movies are not known for their stellar writing and strong characters. While they certainly have their moments, most people could not care less about humans and their drama. I say this so you can understand what I’m about to say to the fullest: Survivor Instinct is worse. It’s not that it’s terribly written – I’ve read a lot of shitty fanfiction, including 50 Shades of Grey – it’s just that there’s barely any story or characters anyway, and what’s there is blander than beige socks. David has no discernible personality and the few other humans he meets are instantly forgettable. Any semblance of plot comes mostly from optional documents, so if you don’t read those the story is that David wants to find his daughter, he climbs over a lot of stuff, and then the game abruptly ends in an unsatisfying manner.
You do, at least, get a look at some of the monsters that haven’t been featured in the movies, though, such as the horrifying Abbadon which should be nuked from space.
Speaking of climbing over stuff, let’s chat about the gameplay. Kong: Survivor Instinct is a 2.5D metroidvania, albeit a very simple one. David starts with simple skills like being able to jump 1ft off the ground and 1ft forward (I swear the man has concrete in his shoes) and is able to drag boxes around like a boss. Over the course of the game, David picks up some new tools to help out: a sledgehammer that’s equally good for hitting people and for breaking through walls; a grappling hook to reach awkward places; and a gun, for shooting faces and padlocks.
All of this is combined into some very basic, plodding platforming and puzzle solving. The most complex it gets is clambering up a few things to turn on a generator to open a door to get a crate to bust through a floor, or having to cycle between a few generators to open the right doors at the right time.
It’s not even that it’s bad – after all, it mechanically works and is solid, albeit very basic, design – it’s just that we’ve done all this hundreds of times. Except, we’ve done it in games that feel smoother and faster, that take those basic elements and build on them. Perhaps Kong: Survivor Instinct is aiming for a slower and more deliberate pace since David appears to be a middle-aged man, but that doesn’t stop it from feeling so sluggish, and the puzzles from feeling bland. There’s no challenge, no sense of gratification from figuring something out because it’s all so obvious. What you do in the first hour is largely identical to what you do in the sixth, just with a few extra steps.
Without a shadow of a doubt, the worst part of the game is the combat. David can block incoming attacks, dash to avoid bullets and grab enemies who are deflecting his strikes. It’s a basic selection of moves, none of which feel good because of how slow the game is. Ranged enemies get thrown into the mix, always coming in behind their comrades who will duck down so they can let off a shot. It’s like the world’s worst conga line. Thus, the basic combat loop is that you get in a hit or two to make the enemy block, grab them for another hit or two and then throw them toward the next foe. Time it right and the ranged enemy will shoot his pal in the back. One or two random new enemy types show up from time to time, like shield-bearers, but they add little to the experience.
It’s all so painfully slow and cumbersome, and becomes even worse when enemies come at you from both sides because the controls and mechanics just aren’t built for it. Each attack feels weak with no sense of impact. Thankfully, if you’re a good shot you can smack off enemy helmets and then gun them with with a quick headshot to end combat quicker.
Let’s circle back to the Titans, the hulking behemoths that we actually want to see in action. What do they do in the game? Well, two things: the first is that each segment is themed around one of the Titans, slowly building up to a clumsy chase sequence where you have to awkwardly run away from a rampaging monster as it wrecks the building around you. These sequences are certainly the most exciting moments in the entire game, but that’s a low bar to jump over. The biggest issue is that the movement isn’t smooth enough nor fast enough to make these chases enjoyable, so instead of running for your life it feels more like gently jogging away from a persistent salesmen waving a flyer.
The other time you get to see a Titan in action is when you deliberately summon one at the end of each section so that it will helpfully demolish an obstacle blocking your way. Scattered throughout the city are special biometric signals that you collect and then piece together in a clunky mini-game. You need to gather them all up in order lure the Titan to the area so that you can advance. Baiting them should feel like a big moment, but it really doesn’t – there’s very little sense of scale or power from these monsters. Nor is there any interactivity in these sequences, leaving you to numbly watch for a few seconds before you get back to dragging crates around.
In Conclusion…
⭐⭐
Rating: 2 out of 5.
I’m coming across as very harsh toward Kong: Survivor Instinct, so let me address that. You see, it’s not a truly bad game. I’ve played truly bad games and compared to those Survivor Instinct is like a sweet peck on the lips. But in some ways, it’s also worse than those terrible games because it’s boring. Horrible games and amazing games have something in common: they are interesting to experience. A truly god-awful game is at least interesting to pick apart and talk about in the same way that a great one is, too. But Kong: Survivor Instinct is just dull from start to finish. There’s nothing to talk about, from its non-existent story to its lifeless gameplay.
No. I tell a lie. There is one interesting decision that Kong: Survivor Instinct makes, and that’s to barely feature Kong and the rest of the monsters. It’s such a peculiar choice to base a game on an IP that is built around giant monsters causing carnage and barely use said monsters. To have the rampaging beasts as a backdrop is a bold choice in some ways, respecting the Godzilla movie heritage where the human stories were just as important as Godzilla wrecking shit. But since Kong: Survivor Instinct doesn’t even come close to nailing the human story, we’re left a boring 2.5D metroidvania where the titular ape barely ever shows up.
Days of our Lives weekly spoilers predict Doug Williams will pass away soon. Sources report that Jullie Williams cares for her husband. Is he ailing? Fans know the time is near. The actor Bill Hayes passed away on January 12, 2024. Plus, many characters will return in December for his memorial. Next, Gabi Hernandez warns her cousin, Javi Hernandez, about Leo Stark. But the little writer may have genuinely changed his conman lifestyle. Will Javi heed his cousin’s warnings? Finally, Clyde Weston asks Chad DiMera for a mysterious favor. What does the crook have in mind this time? He may know what happened to his dead wife’s body during the week of November 4-8, 2024, on the 60th season of the NBC Peacock exclusive.
Days of our Lives Weekly Spoilers: Doug Williams Dies Soon?
DOOL weekly spoilers report that Doug Williams (Bill Hayes) may die soon on the sudser. The actor passed away earlier this year in January. Since the beloved soap tapes 6 months in advance, Doug’s final scenes with Julie Williams (Susan Seaforth Hayes) aired on July 11, 2024. Doug sang to his beautiful wife, Julie, one last time.
Days of Our Lives Spoilers: Doug Williams – Julie Williams | Peacock
Next week, on Days of our Lives, Julie cares for Doug. Does he get sick off the canvas? Of course, she wants to be with Doug in his final hours. Many fans predict that writers may have the patriarch Doug Williams pass away peacefully in his sleep. The heartache will be intense. The two actors were married in real life as well after meeting on the set many years ago.
Further, DOOL’s comings and goings announced many family members’ return to the end-of-life celebration in December. Characters, including Doug’s daughter, Hope Brady (Kristian Alfonso), and her husband, Bo Brady (Peter Reckell), journey back to Salem to pay their respects. Stay tuned next week and beyond as we gear up for Doug’s passing.
Days Weekly Spoilers: Gabi Warns Javi About Leo
Days of our Lives weekly spoilers hint that Gabi Hernandez (Cherie Jiminez) and her cousin Javi Hernandez (Al Calderon) talk about Leo Stark (Greg Rikaart). The newcomer dropped in on his relatives earlier this week, announcing he was moving to Salem since his mother just died.
Of course, Gabi is thrilled that her cousin is in town. She even offered him a job at Gabi Chic and a place to stay at Casa Hernandez. Further, DOOL weekly spoilers reveal that Rafe Hernandez (Galen Gering) and his relative agree about the late woman’s engagement ring. But if Javi meets someone special, will he change his mind and want the ring for his own sweetheart?
Days of our Lives weekly spoilers reveal that Javi Hernandez and Leo Stark meet soon on the sudser. Leo has been doing some soul-searching over the past few months. He even sees a psychiatrist, Dr. Marlena Evans (Deidre Hall). But Gabi warns her relative about the former conman. Will he listen to her or pursue a relationship with Leo?
DOOL Weekly Spoilers: Clyde Asks Chad for a Favor
Days of our Lives weekly spoilers indicate that prison escapee Clyde Weston (James Read) still isn’t done messing with Chad DiMera (Billy Flynn). Recently, the crook forced Cat Greene (AnnaLynn McCord) and her brother, Dr. Mark Greene (Jonah Robinson), to do his dirty work, or their mother would suffer.
Further, Cat pretended to be Chad’s late wife, who was back from the dead. DOOL’s Dr. Greene even faked the DNA tests. Plus, Abigail Deveraux’s coffin was empty, leading the widower to believe Cat was his Dear Abby. Luckily, Steve Johnson (Stephen Nichols) uncovered the hoax and saved Chad from an untimely death.
So, will Clyde try to get a hold of the DiMera fortune another way? Days of our Lives weekly spoilers report that the criminal will ask Chad for a favor. Will he comply? Chances are Clyde will play his target with the promise of the real Abigail Deveraux’s whereabouts.
What will Clyde ask of Chad the week of November 4-8, 2024? Meanwhile, Gabi and Javi have a heart-to-heart about Leo Stark. Will he listen to her advice? Finally, grab the tissues, DOOL fans. Julie Williams cares for Doug Williams during his final hours. Will he die late next week on the longest-running NBC soap?
Return to Soap Dirt for the latest Days of our Lives spoilers and casting news.
Published: November 01, 2024 at 10:22 am Updated: November 01, 2024 at 10:22 am
by Ana
Edited and fact-checked:
November 01, 2024 at 10:22 am
To improve your local-language experience, sometimes we employ an auto-translation plugin. Please note auto-translation may not be accurate, so read original article for precise information.
In Brief
The blockchain industry, initially based on Layer 1 blockchains like Bitcoin and Ethereum, is evolving with the emergence of Layer 2 solutions, addressing scaling challenges and potential drawbacks.
Originally based on innovative Layer 1 (L1) blockchains like Bitcoin and Ethereum, the blockchain industry has grown into a vast ecosystem with other L1 projects that all promise innovation, scalability, and decentralization. However, in a market that is becoming more and more cluttered, the growth of new L1 chains has brought up concerns over the true worth of these initiatives.
The dynamics of the area are also being altered by the emergence of Layer 2 (L2) solutions, which emphasize the possible disadvantages of an overloaded L1 environment while offering fresh answers to scaling problems.
The Purpose of Layer 1 Blockchains and Their Development
Decentralized apps (dApps) are made possible by Layer 1 blockchains, which are fundamental protocols that make up the basic layer of blockchain networks and support a variety of protocols. The emergence of the most well-known L1 blockchains, such as Ethereum and Bitcoin, opened the door for the current wide range of L1 solutions. These systems seek to address the three main issues with blockchain: decentralization, security, and scalability. Usually, every new L1 blockchain makes a claim to provide special answers to these problems, ranging from increased throughput to reduced transaction costs.
Skale Labs co-founder Jack O’Holleran draws attention to this concentration of market activity, pointing out that although the L1 ecosystem has expanded, very few initiatives have commercial momentum. Given the intense rivalry and resource-intensive difficulty of creating a blockchain from scratch, O’Holleran contends that merely releasing a new L1 chain is insufficient to garner sustained interest or participation.
Is the Ecosystem Being Overcomplicated by New Layer 1 Chains?
Some have begun to wonder if the ecosystem is getting too difficult due to the growing number of L1 blockchains. Users and developers may find it challenging to manage the fragmented environment created by the launch of each new L1 chain, which carries with it new tokens, user experiences, and frequently distinct sets of protocols. According to O’Holleran, a lot of new L1 ventures are having trouble getting off the ground and are depending on tactics like airdrops to get consumers in without attaining steady growth or a sizable market share.
Interoperability and liquidity are further complicated by an overabundance of L1 platforms. It becomes more difficult for assets to flow easily across platforms with each new chain that doesn’t mesh well with the networks that already exist.
For instance, certain L1 blockchains may unintentionally divide the liquidity offered by other platforms, even while they may address certain scalability concerns. Because users must traverse several chains to access assets and applications—often via third-party bridges that pose security risks—this fragmentation leads to a less integrated market structure.
The natural rivalry in the L1 space might also hinder innovation. Instead of enhancing and expanding upon current platforms, the emphasis frequently moves toward developing the next “breakthrough” blockchain due to the abundance of initiatives competing for attention. This fragmented strategy may result in a vicious cycle whereby new initiatives surface, attract early enthusiasm but eventually find it difficult to stay relevant in the face of well-established behemoths like Ethereum.
The Case for L1 Development’s Ongoing Innovation
Notwithstanding these concerns, several industry insiders think that innovation depends on the ongoing development of new L1 blockchains. According to Charles Wayn, co-founder of Galxe and Gravity, the emergence of new L1 chains is a logical development in the blockchain world, giving developers a chance to tackle certain problems that more established blockchains could encounter. With an emphasis on cross-chain interactions, Wayn’s firm recently introduced Gravity, its own L1 solution, to solve scalability difficulties.
According to Wayn, newer L1 blockchains can provide reduced costs and increased transaction throughput, whereas older blockchains are limited in their usefulness by issues like congestion and high transaction fees. In order to improve security and privacy, several more recent L1 blockchains also include modern technologies such as Zero-Knowledge Proofs. These technologies make the case for new, specialized L1 blockchains by addressing certain demands that incumbent L1 blockchains would not prioritize.
Emerging L1 initiatives like Gravity seek to close the gaps left by general-purpose blockchains like Ethereum by concentrating on specialized features or applications. Wayn claims that by placing a strong focus on specialization, developers may produce apps that are suited to certain market niches while simultaneously increasing the ecosystem’s adaptability. Although these specialized blockchains may initially cater to a smaller user base, they are better able to meet niche demands than more general L1 platforms because of their concentration on certain features.
Layer 2 Solutions: A Good Substitute?
Although there is ongoing discussion on the merits of new L1 blockchains, Layer 2 (L2) solutions are becoming a more and more well-liked substitute for dealing with scalability problems. Without requiring a completely new chain, L2 solutions expand the capabilities of current L1 blockchains by operating on top of them. Caldera co-founder and CEO Matt Katz supports L2 solutions because he sees them as a workable and effective approach to solving scaling issues without the drawbacks of expanding the ecosystem with more L1s.
Rollups and state channels are examples of L2 solutions that relieve the main chain of part of the transactional and computational burden. They can lower prices and boost throughput without sacrificing security by doing this. For instance, Katz’s business offers a “rollup-as-a-service” platform that enables programmers to swiftly build Ethereum L2 chains. This method avoids the difficulties involved in building a stand-alone blockchain while giving developers flexibility and scalability.
Katz further highlights the interoperability benefit of L2 solutions over new L1 chains. L2 solutions, like Ethereum, are intended to integrate easily with their parent chains, in contrast to the majority of L1 blockchains. This compatibility lowers the danger of liquidity fragmentation by enabling them to benefit from the security and liquidity of their parent chains without the need for independent bridges. Katz claims that this interoperability makes it possible for an environment that is more unified and easy to use, with fewer obstacles when transferring assets between chains.
Is There a Middle Ground for the Industry?
The blockchain industry must make a crucial decision in the future because both L1 and L2 solutions have unique advantages and difficulties. L1 blockchains, which offer crucial security and decentralization, are, on the one hand, the fundamental layer on which decentralized applications and protocols are constructed. However, L2 solutions offer a practical means of improving scalability without having to deal with the difficulties of developing brand-new, stand-alone blockchains.
According to O’Holleran, the market will inevitably weed out weaker L1 chains, leaving only those that provide genuine value. He believed that this self-regulating system may lessen fragmentation and simplify the environment. Wayn, however, argues that the development environment should remain flexible and dynamic and that innovation should not be constrained by the launch of additional L1 blockchains. Katz, on the other hand, believes that the emergence of L2 solutions would help to streamline the blockchain environment by reducing the need for more L1s.
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About The Author
Victoria is a writer on a variety of technology topics including Web3.0, AI and cryptocurrencies. Her extensive experience allows her to write insightful articles for the wider audience.
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Victoria d’Este
Victoria is a writer on a variety of technology topics including Web3.0, AI and cryptocurrencies. Her extensive experience allows her to write insightful articles for the wider audience.
GOAT Gaming is making waves in the Web3 gaming space, where you can play mini-games on Telegram, compete for real money and get rewards. By combining blockchain with user-friendly gameplay, you can jump in whether you’re on your phone or computer.
This article covers the platform, the community-focused “Road to $GOAT” campaign, Genesis GOATs NFTs, and how the team is keeping over 3 million players engaged at the time of writing.
Road to $GOAT: How to Play, Compete and Earn
One of the key reasons for GOAT Gaming’s recent growth is the “Road to $GOAT” campaign where players can earn $GOAT tokens for participating in various activities. This pre-Token Generation Event (TGE) is all about rewarding player skill, dedication and community engagement.
To get $GOAT, level up by earning XP and boost your share of season rewards. Use Crowns to join competitions on GOAT Gaming—more play means more chances to level up and win prizes. Keep an eye out for rare, limited-edition items, too; snagging one could make you a VIP and bring you even closer to earning $GOAT tokens.
The campaign has two main leaderboards:
GOAT Leaderboard: Players earn points by completing game and social challenges, competing for a bigger share of the $GOAT rewards.
Creator Leaderboard: This one’s for content creators, who earn points by creating good content and climbing the ranks weekly and overall.
Source GOAT Gaming
On top of these, there’s a weekly creator leaderboard for extra points and rewards. You can get involved through:
Game Quests: From quick and easy to hard, these quests help you build skills and stay active.
Social Quests: Simple tasks like following GOAT Gaming’s social channels earn you points and grow the community.
Achievements: The platform tracks your actions and converts them into GOAT points, which accumulate as you play.
Referral Program: Invite your friends to join, and you’ll get a share of their GOAT points, which is a passive way to get more rewards.
This combination of quests and challenges has worked well – within the first week, the campaign had 100,000+ active players and 1,000,000+ on-chain transactions. GOAT Gaming is clearly hitting the mark with a wide range of players and building a Web3 gaming community.
Source GOAT Gaming
GOAT Games
One of the best games on the platform is Mighty Action Heroes, which is fun to play and super easy to get into. We were able to jump in by linking our Telegram account to the browser game, and it was an easy process. This makes it super simple and lets players get into the action straight away.
Another game you can check out is Kitty Solitaire, which brings a fresh take on the classic card game—this time, with a feline twist. It’s everything you love about solitaire, but now you can play it in asynchronous matches against other players. This playful twist on solitaire adds variety to GOAT Gaming’s expanding mini-game library, enhancing its appeal to a wide audience.
GOAT Genesis NFTs
The Genesis GOATs NFT collection is central to GOAT Gaming’s engagement strategy. Limited to just 3,333 NFTs, these offer special in-game perks, ongoing rewards, and a $GOAT locker multiplier that ties into the platform’s achievements.
GOAT Gaming has also partnered with popular NFT projects like Azra Games, Chibi Clash, and Azuki. If you hold a Genesis GOAT, you can get a 50% XP boost per partner NFT, and you can stack these boosts up to 150% for holding multiple NFTs. It’s a creative way to keep players engaged and make the platform’s ecosystem even more rewarding.
Source GOAT Gaming NFTs on OpenSea
The Genesis GOATs NFT collection is also a big deal. Limited to 3,333 NFTs, these offer in-game perks, ongoing rewards and a $GOAT locker multiplier that ties into the platform’s achievements. GOAT Gaming has also partnered with other NFT projects like Azra Games, Chibi Clash and Azuki.
If you have a Genesis GOAT, you get a 50% XP boost per partner NFT, and you can stack these boosts up to 150% if you have multiple NFTs. It’s a clever way to keep players engaged and make the ecosystem more rewarding.
Active Community and a Growing Player Base
GOAT Gaming isn’t just about the games; it’s about the community too. The team always keeps players in the loop and asks for feedback on decisions.
Since integrating with Telegram, GOAT Gaming has taken it to the next level. Their “Telegram webapp” lets you play games like Waifu Clash and Wheel Spin directly in the messaging app. This was a huge hit, with over 100,000 players and 1,000,000+ transactions in the first week. 250,000 users in September is proof that GOAT Gaming is working, bringing in more players with simple and fun gameplay.
Tournaments, especially in Mighty Action Heroes, add another layer of competition and make players want to improve and earn more rewards and prizes, like the $9999 USDT they recently gave out players.
What’s Next for GOAT Gaming?
With its growing player base, strong partnerships and player-driven rewards, GOAT Gaming is laying the groundwork to change what Web3 gaming can be. By offering competitive, easy-to-play games with real-world prizes, the platform is already setting the bar high in Web3 gaming. As GOAT Gaming grows, its mix of competitive gaming, community interaction, and rewarding gameplay could make it a household name in blockchain gaming.
Editor’s note: Written with the assistance of AI – Edited and fact-checked by Jason Newey.
Jason Newey is a seasoned journalist specializing in NFTs, the Metaverse, and Web3 technologies. With a background in digital media and blockchain technology, he adeptly translates complex concepts into engaging, informative articles.
Lewis Hamilton’s first co-designed capsule collection for Dior Men isn’t just a mere slap of his name.(ALFREDO PIOLA)
When Lewis Hamilton was announced as Dior’s brand ambassador in July this year, it probably came as a shock to no one. The multiple Formula 1 record holder—the man has the most career wins and world championship titles to date—isn’t just a blur on the racetrack, he’s quite the snazzy dresser off of it. Specifically, Hamilton had been spotted wearing Dior Men on multiple occasions while making the F1 Grand Prix circuit this season.
Brand ambassadorships are a well-established concept that works. But at the rate persons of note are being conferred the title, it’s nigh impossible to keep track of who’s affiliated to which brand. What is rare, however, is a brand ambassador who is more than just a physical embodiment of what a brand represents.
(ALFREDO PIOLA)
Hamilton seems to have a knack for taking his involvement with fashion brands a step further than the norm. With Tommy Hilfiger, Hamilton co-created four TommyXLewis capsule collections from 2018 to 2020, imbuing his own personal sense of style to that of the American brand. And now at Dior Men, he’s charging ahead with a capsule collection designed together with artistic director Kim Jones.
(ALFREDO PIOLA)
“Working with Kim and the talented team at Dior has been a dream, and I was honoured when Kim asked if I’d like to do this with him. Our values and ideas are aligned, making it easy to bring to life a creative collection infused with our shared experiences,” Hamilton expresses.
The new Dior Men Lifestyle Capsule collection is not F1 , or even racing-related, because that would be far too predictable and Hamilton is a multi-faceted individual. Instead, the collection revolves around skiing and snowboarding as a personal celebration of Hamilton’s love for an outdoor-centric winter lifestyle. He’s an adrenaline junkie and has a love for extreme sports aside from motorsports.
“We share a love of nature, a desire to celebrate Africa and an interest in the artisanal processes and techniques that unite craftspeople in Africa with the savoir-faire of the Dior ateliers. Added to that, this collection also reflects Lewis’ sporting side, his virtuosity and our functionality,” says Jones.
African-inspired touches come in the form of motif as well as the use of colours.(ALFREDO PIOLA)
In many ways, the Lifestyle Capsule collection is a global effort. African-inspired motifs are incorporated within the collection (Jones grew up in African countries in his early years), adding vibrancy to technical functionalities. African weaves made in Burkina Faso, for example, have been crafted into casual suiting by the Dior ateliers, and custom snowboards by Switzerland-based Factory 9 feature Dior branding set against graphic African-inspired motifs. The collection’s technical skiwear by Japanese sportswear brand Descente too are made to withstand the harsh cold conditions on the slopes. The expertise rendered by these different “global ateliers” all ensure that not only do the pieces look exceptional and on par with Dior’s craftsmanship, but that they also function on the same level.
African-inspired touches come in the form of motif as well as the use of colours.(ALFREDO PIOLA)
Hamilton has taken it a step further by pushing the boundaries of the Dior ateliers in ensuring that sustainability isn’t an afterthought to the creation of the collection. Having been on a plant-based diet since 2017, Hamilton insisted that no animal leather is to be used for any of the pieces in the Lifestyle Capsule collection. He’s pushed for more conscious choices in terms of materiality. The collection’s ready-to-wear such as slouchy denims, knitwear, and fleeces are made partly using organic or recycled textiles. A micro-fibre snow shoe, the Dior Snow derby, has been designed to serve as a casual pair of footwear while simultaneously being capable of performing on the slopes over a snowboard—a cleverly designed versatile pair.
These new touches serve to enhance the collection while retaining the essence of a Kim Jones Dior Men collection. The B44 Blade sneaker is a new addition to Jones’ expanding sneaker offerings for Dior Men. Conceptualised with a decidedly 2000s silhouette in mind, it’s undoubtedly sporty in its allure and rendered in tasteful gradations of colours. It’s too early to say if the design will become a mainstay for Dior Men but it definitely fits in with the existing Dior Men universe.
(ALFREDO PIOLA)
In an interview with WWD, Jones hints that there will be more to come. “This is almost like a taste, and then we get into bigger collections,” he said of the partnership with Hamilton. And to that, we’ll just have to wait and see what comes next, because this collection, in essence, is quite a game-changer for a house like Dior.
This article was first seen on Esquire.Sg
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