this is Shades of the Day — bringing you different shades of opinion in news & culture so that you can see the big picture quickly. We believe that seeing multiple POVs is the best way to stay informed.

It’s Wednesday, January 15 — here’s what you’ll find in today’s edition:

• The RedNote app protest

• Spain’s housing tax

• Mark Zuckerberg’s comments about “masculine energy”

• 6 quick hits of news from the last 24 hours

The RedNote app protest

As TikTok faces a potential ban in the United States due to national security concerns, defiant users are moving to Xiaohongshu (aka RedNote) a Chinese social media app, in protest. The NYT says the acts of protest have skyrocketed RedNote to the top of App Store charts -- and “TikTok refugees” are finding a new community on the app.

A USA Today Op was amused: The mass adoption of RedNote is an act of defiance to the likes of Zuckerberg and Musk. The American public are making it clear they don't want Meta's ad-filled feeds or Musk's “free speech”.

But the Advocate cautions against widespread adoption of RedNote: The app's censorship makes it a bad TikTok alternative. Discussing LGBTQ+ issues isn't even allowed on the app.

This Redditor was also hesitant: The app's heavily censored by the CCP! Using it in place of TikTok is hardly a free speech win.

Spain’s housing tax

Spain's housing crisis is prompting a strong reaction from the government: AP says PM Sánchez is pushing for a 100% tax on non-EU property buyers. It's an effort to curb foreign ownership of real estate, which contributes to high housing cost and limited availability.

BBC says non-residents currently pay 6-10% in tax depending on the property and region -- this proposed tax is similar to ones in Denmark and Canada. It will likely dissuade many UK buyers.

The Guardian says the tax is going to help the housing crisis though -- Spain's housing prices have increased by 48% in the past decade. Last year, non-EU residents bought around 27k houses in Spain.

Irish Times: And many of these properties are solely for investment purposes -- that means higher rates for locals!

Zuck’s “masculine energy” comment

Mark Zuckerberg suggests corporations should embrace traditional masculine energy to counter a “neutered” corporate culture. He argued that embracing “aggression” in the workplace has its merits.

Zuckerberg made the comment on a podcast with Joe Rogan. Watch the full episode for yourself here.

Stylist thinks Zuck is totally off base: Zuckerberg's call to embrace masculine energy could amplify toxic environments and gender inequality. Besides, his comments seem to imply that feminine energy is taking over workplaces -- which is definitely not the case!

But Hot Air applauded Zuck's pivot: Meta seems to be ready to shed its “woke” culture. A shift away from “leftist” views is a major positive.

Merits aside, Business Insider argues Zuckerberg's focus on “masculinity” isn't a winning strategy: His push for masculine energy seems out of step with the goals of Meta's platforms -- which are primarily used by women.

1) Joni Ernst, Republican senator from Iowa, supports Pete Hegseth's confirmation as Defense Secretary despite controversy over sexual misconduct allegations and his stance on women in combat roles.

2) Dangerous weather fuels L.A. inferno as firefighters struggle; thousands await evacuation.

3) Tommy Lee slams artists promoting new music and tours as LA fires continue.

5) Cuba releases 553 prisoners after removal from US terrorism list, cheered by jailed protesters' families. The Catholic Church played a vital role in the negotiation.

8) Hamas accepts ceasefire deal draft, hinting at potential Israel-Hamas truce in Gaza.

9) Ye (formerly known as Kanye West) claims that he made over $2 million in a single day after debuting his new Yeezy apparel.