Pelican Press

Mining tech firm is first to get federal fund money Mining tech firm is first to get federal fund money A Queensland mining technology company will be the first cab off the rank to receive money from a multi-billion dollar federal manufacturing fund. The Toowoomba-based Russell Mineral Equipment will get the monetary boost to keep manufacturing jobs in Australia as part of the Labor government’s $15 billion National Reconstruction Fund, more than a year after it was set up. Russell Mineral Equipment, which helps develop technology used in hard rock mining, will get $40 million. The fund aims to drive investment in seven priority areas: resources, agriculture, transport, medical sciences, renewables and low-emissions technology and defence. Industry Minister Ed Husic said this first investment marked the start of the government’s plan to strengthen manufacturing industries in Australia. “It’s an investment we’ve made on behalf of the *********** people, an investment that will secure financial return, as well as keeping a great Aussie company in Aussie hands,” he told reporters in Canberra on Tuesday. “We said as a government we would build our manufacturing capabilities, that we wanted to grow sovereign capability, that we wanted to be able to stand more on our own two feet.” Mr Husic said announcements on other businesses in line for funding would be made in the coming weeks, independently of the government. “We are not about politically colour-coded spreadsheets making decisions on the basis of political interest over national interest,” he said. “We deliberately set up the board of the National Reconstruction Fund to be independent. “We want taxpayers to have the confidence that the proper decisions are being made.” Fund chair Martijn Wilder said the initial investment would allow the recipient *********** business to expand. “A key part of what’s really attractive about this investment for us is not just putting money for the company, but it’s allowing the innovation the company has built to grow,” he said. “Our investment in RME will also help us to protect *********** manufacturing.” Source link #Mining #tech #firm #federal #fund #money Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Samsung’s New ISOCELL ALoP Camera Technology Could Result in Slimmer Camera Bumps Samsung’s New ISOCELL ALoP Camera Technology Could Result in Slimmer Camera Bumps Samsung has introduced a new camera technology which aims to revolutionise the smartphone market by eliminating chunky camera bumps while maintaining similar brightness levels. The technology, dubbed All Lenses on Prism (ALoP), has been developed by Samsung Semiconductor which employs a large set of telephoto lenses without having to incur the space they require. Samsung claims it as a future telephoto camera solution for capturing portrait photos in day and night situations without any change in the quality on smartphones with a compact camera module. Samsung’s ISOCELL ALoP Technology Explained According to Samsung, traditional camera units housing a telephoto sensor usually utilise a folded telephoto camera structure that uses a prism and has a lens set placed between the prism and image sensor. Its height determines the width of the camera bump due to the lenses standing vertically with respect to the plane of the smartphone’s body. However, this structure is said to bring limitations, especially when it comes to brightness improvements which may require a ******* lens that would potentially result in an even larger camera bump. Samsung says its new ALoP technology mitigates this dilemma by placing the lenses horizontally upon the prism. It employs a 40-degree tilted prism reflection surface and a 10-degree tilted sensor assembly. This enables makers to increase the brightness levels by increasing the lens diameter and the related effective lens size (EPD) without affecting the shoulder height of the camera module. In essence, smartphones can have lenses with a larger aperture without increasing the camera bump size. The new ALoP technology can reduce camera module length by 22 percent Photo Credit: Samsung ALoP Technology Benefits The new lens technology can accommodate an f/2.58 lens aperture at a focal length of 80mm, Samsung said. In contrast with folded camera optics, ALoP places the lens ahead of the prism and can use larger apertures for low-noise portrait images in darker conditions. The company also claimed that ALoP technology can lead to a reduction of up to 22 percent in the camera module length as compared to conventional folded camera optics. Courtesy of the tilted prism reflection surface and sensor assembly, the smartphone can have a slimmer body with a lower-profile camera unit at the rear. The new ISOCELL technology is also claimed to improve aesthetics by ensuring that only circular lens shapes are visible instead of rectangular prism. And the effective reduction in size for large camera bumps, which makes the phone ******* to use on flat surfaces, will lead to a sleeker, more ergonomic phone design, Samsung said. Source link #Samsungs #ISOCELL #ALoP #Camera #Technology #Result #Slimmer #Camera #Bumps Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

The 6 Best Foods for Your Immune System, According to Dietitians The 6 Best Foods for Your Immune System, According to Dietitians These immunity-supporting foods can help you stay healthy and vibrant all winter long. With cold and flu season around the corner, building a strong immune system is essential for staying healthy and warding off illness. Research shows that eating a balanced diet filled with nutrient-rich foods is one of the best ways to support your immune health. While no food can magically “boost” immunity, certain foods provide nutrients that can help your immune system function at its best. Here, we’ll explore the impact of nutrition on immune health, reveal six of the best expert-recommended foods to support immune function, and share other lifestyle tips for optimal immune support. Related: 7 Worst Foods for Your Immune System, According to a Dietitian How Nutrition Impacts Your Immune System Eating a healthy, well-balanced diet rich in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants can help keep your immune system rock solid. Rather than “boosting” immunity, the goal is to supply your body with the essential nutrients to stay healthy, prevent illness and function its best. According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the vitamins, minerals and antioxidants found in certain foods help bolster immune defenses and reduce inflammation, helping build a stronger foundation for excellent health. Experts agree that a diet rich in nutrient-dense, whole foods is essential for optimal immune function. Sarah Schlichter, M.P.H., RDN, a registered dietitian at Bucket List Tummy, says, “Certain nutrients can activate immune and body functions and processes, making them work more efficiently. For example, vitamin C helps stimulate antibody formation to ****** illnesses, while vitamin A aids in keeping tissues and skin healthy for protection from infections.” “A balanced diet rich in immune-supporting nutrients supports optimal immune responses, helping the body respond effectively to daily stressors and potential infections,” says Trista Best, RD, a registered dietitian with Balance One Supplements. The 6 Best Foods for Your Immune System1. Citrus Fruits Citrus fruits like oranges, lemons and grapefruits are excellent sources of vitamin C, which is an antioxidant that supports immune cell production and protects cells from oxidative stress. “Vitamin C is key in immune function, particularly in producing and sustaining immune cells like lymphocytes and phagocytes,” explains Best. Citrus fruits also contain flavonoids that act as antioxidants and help combat free ******** damage. Get more citrus in your life with our Skillet Lemon Chicken & Potatoes with Kale or these delicious Citrus Fruit Cups. 2. Yogurt Yogurt is rich in probiotics, which are beneficial bacteria that can support gut health. Since around 70 to 80 percent of your immune cells reside in your gut, maintaining a healthy gut microbiome is crucial for immune function. “Probiotics in yogurt help diversify the ‘good’ bacteria in your gut, creating a stronger defense against pathogens,” Schlichter explains. “For maximum immune support, opt for yogurt labeled with ‘live and active cultures’ and choose plain unsweetened varieties to avoid added sugars.” Pair plain yogurt with fresh berries like our Yogurt with Blueberries & Honey or add kefir to smoothies with this Berry-Kefir Smoothie. 3. Garlic Garlic has been used for centuries in traditional medicine for its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. Garlic contains allicin, a sulfur-containing compound that studies suggest offers immune-support benefits. “Garlic contains compounds like allicin that can help reduce the severity and duration of illnesses,” says Best. “It also contains sulfur compounds that support the body’s natural detoxification processes, indirectly aiding immunity.” Incorporate fresh garlic into sauces, soups and marinades, like our Garlic Hummus or Lemon-Garlic Vinaigrette. 4. Sweet Potatoes Sweet potatoes are packed with beta-carotene, a precursor to vitamin A, which is essential for proper immune function. “Vitamin A keeps tissues and skin healthy, which are critical barriers against infections,” explains Schlichter. “A single medium sweet potato offers more than the daily recommended value of vitamin A, along with fiber, potassium and vitamin C, making it a nutrient-dense choice for immune support.” Need some recipe inspiration? Explore our collection of Healthy Baked & Roasted Sweet Potato Recipes. 5. Leafy Greens Leafy greens like spinach, kale and Swiss chard are nutritional powerhouses that provide vitamins A, C and E—all of which support better immune health. Best says, “Leafy greens contain folate, a nutrient that supports cell production, including immune cells and keeps our body’s defenses strong. The antioxidants in leafy greens protect cells from oxidative stress, while vitamin A promotes skin health, a primary line of defense against pathogens.” Check out these 19 Leafy Green-Packed Recipes That Aren’t Salad to get your daily dose of healthy greens in a new and tasty way. 6. Almonds Almonds are rich in vitamin E, another antioxidant that supports immune function by protecting cell membranes from oxidative stress. “Vitamin E doesn’t get as much attention as vitamin C, but it’s essential for protecting immune cells from damage,” says Schlichter. Additionally, almonds contain healthy fats that enhance the absorption of ****-soluble vitamins, including vitamins A and E. While a handful of almonds is a healthy immune-supporting snack, consider using almonds in recipes like our Roasted Cauliflower Salad with Almonds, Olives & Feta or these Cranberry-Almond Energy ******. Other Ways to Support Your Immune System Beyond eating nutrient-dense foods like the ones listed above, these lifestyle factors can help support a healthy immune system. Stay Hydrated: Water is crucial for cellular health as it allows your body to transport nutrients and waste. “Proper hydration helps keep cells functioning at their best, which includes immune cells,” says Best. Get Regular Exercise: Best says, “Regular exercise promotes healthy blood circulation, which helps immune cells move throughout the body efficiently.” The Centers for ******** Control and Prevention recommends getting at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity weekly exercise, which works out to five 30-minute sessions each week. Prioritize Sleep: Getting enough sleep (and quality sleep, at that) is essential for immune function, as this is when the body repairs cells and produces infection-fighting molecules like cytokines. Best notes, “Quality sleep is essential for immune recovery and resilience.” Manage Stress: The NIH states that chronic stress can weaken immune function by increasing cortisol levels, which suppress immune cell activity. Best recommends stress management techniques like meditation, deep breathing, journaling and yoga. “Reducing stress is a powerful tool for immune health, as it keeps your body from overproducing cortisol, which can dampen immune responses,” she explains. The Bottom Line Supporting your immune health involves more than eating one specific food or taking a supplement. A strong immune system requires a balanced diet rich in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. Foods like citrus fruits, yogurt, garlic, sweet potatoes, leafy greens and almonds provide nutrients that help maintain a healthy immune system. Alongside these dietary choices, staying hydrated, exercising regularly, sleeping well and managing stress are all crucial lifestyle factors contributing to a robust immune system. Speak with your healthcare provider or a registered dietitian if you have any questions or concerns about your immune health. Related: 20 Top Healthy Eating Habits, According to a Dietitian Source link #Foods #Immune #System #Dietitians Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Manjimup Farmers Market officially closes after more than 20 years servicing the community Manjimup Farmers Market officially closes after more than 20 years servicing the community A farmers’ market which has been servicing the Manjimup community for more than 20 years has officially shut down. Faced with the pressure of running a ***-weekly market with declining stall and visitor numbers without an executive team, the Manjimup Farmers Market committee were forced to de-register the incorporation indefinitely. MFM president Crystal Flippen said the MFM did not have the local support it needed to continue running in its current format. “It’s a real shame,” she said. “It’s sad because we’re located in an area known for its fresh produce.” The market went into recess in April before being declared defunct in November. Ms Flippen said the committee struggled not only to get producers involved but locals’ support by attending the market or taking up a role on the committee. “It seems as the years went on, interest seemed to decline,” she said. “The markets actually did well through COVID because people were shopping locally however, when the state opened, the markets *****.” Previous secretary Beth Shorthouse said despite a number of people offering to get involved, no one showed at the “make or break” AGM held on November 2. “People say they want it, but are not willing to make it happen,” she said. Ms Shorthouse told the Times she, along with two other Manjimup locals, Paula Benson and Marie Dare, would be running a pop-up market in place of the defunct market at the same location on Mottram Street. The first was held on November 17. Ms Shorthouse said the pop-up market wasn’t bound by the same restrictions and regulations as the MFM and was hopeful it would become a permanent replacement. “We intend to run another on Saturday, December 21, and then we’ll see how it goes,” she said. Source link #Manjimup #Farmers #Market #officially #closes #years #servicing #community Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Massachusetts woman accused of driving wrong way while intoxicated on I-93 in New Hampshire Massachusetts woman accused of driving wrong way while intoxicated on I-93 in New Hampshire A Massachusetts woman is facing multiple charges after state police said she drove the wrong way while intoxicated on Interstate 93 in New Hampshire over the weekend. Deirdre Masi, 49, of Lowell, Massachusetts, was arrested Sunday and charged with driving while intoxicated – subsequent offense; reckless conduct – deadly *******, reckless driving and ********* threatening, state police said Monday. Deirdre Masi, 49, of Lowell, Mass. At around 10:45 p.m. Sunday, Trooper William Moran noticed a car traveling northbound in the southbound lanes of I-93, near Exit 1 in Salem, state police said. Moran drove on the northbound side, parallel to the wrong-way vehicle, before using a crossover and successfully stopping the driver, later identified as Masi, near Exit 2. Masi was held on preventative detention at the Rockingham County Department of Corrections pending an arraignment scheduled for Monday in Salem District Court. This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available. Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW Source link #Massachusetts #woman #accused #driving #wrong #intoxicated #I93 #Hampshire Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

AFL Draft: Top WA prospect Bo Allan feeling ‘nervous’, has ‘indication’ of which clubs might pick him AFL Draft: Top WA prospect Bo Allan feeling ‘nervous’, has ‘indication’ of which clubs might pick him Western Australia’s top prospect Bo Allan says he has a “little bit of an indication” which club could pick him up in the AFL Draft but admits anything can happen on Wednesday night. The 18-year-old flew to Melbourne on Tuesday as a likely first-round prospect, the only WA product invited to the opening night of the draft. Allan admitted to feeling “a little bit nervous” but was thrilled he could be about to realise his AFL dream. “Just looking forward to it and excited for what’s to come. It’ll be a good night,” Allan said. “It was a slow build-up throughout the year… but it’s finally here, I’m keen and I’m ready to go.” The West *********** understands Richmond, who currently hold picks 1, 6, 10 and 11, are among the clubs interested in the big-bodied midfielder/defender, while St Kilda (picks 7 and 8) and Melbourne (picks 5 and 9) also have their eye on Allan. Despite being on West Coast and Fremantle’s radars this year, the Peel Thunder premiership player is expected to be off the table before both local clubs enter the draft at pick 12 and 14 respectively. Camera IconBo Allan is set to go in the first round. Credit: Ian Munro/The West *********** Allan said he is happy to go to whichever club gives him an opportunity. “I’ve had a fair number of interviews and that’s been great, getting to know clubs as well,” he said. “There is a little bit of an indication but a lot happens on the night and stuff changes, so just waiting and seeing what happens. “I’ve come to the realisation that I don’t really have control over what can happen. I’m just going to embrace the opportunity if it comes and wherever it is.” The WA skipper was honoured by the praise he had received in the lead-up to the draft, including being touted as a potential future captain of an AFL club by WA talent manager Adam Jones. “It’s an honour for me to be seen that way by others and I try and hold myself to a good standard,” he said. “That’s how I want to be seen and I still think there’s still a lot of growth in that but I’m really happy others are holding me in such high respect and regard.” Camera IconBo Allan greets a fan at Perth Airport. Credit: Ian Munro/The West *********** Allan added how proud he was of the state’s draft crop, who defied early dire expectations to have a number of players likely to end up on an AFL list by the end of the draft on Thursday. “We got to work and Webby (WA coach Marc Webb) and Jonesy did a great job to get us up to standard and I think we raised some eyebrows this year,” he said. “As a whole, WA did really well and I’m really proud of the committee and the boys.” Allan will return to Perth after the draft after heading over with family, his girlfriend Tiarne and his manager Andrew McDougall, but admits he’s itching to get to started on his first pre-season. “I’m so excited for what’s to come. It’s going to be an unreal experience. I just want to get to work and wherever it is, try and settle in and meet some new people,” he said. Source link #AFL #Draft #Top #prospect #Allan #feeling #nervous #indication #clubs #pick Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

High school principal under investigation after helping former homeless student High school principal under investigation after helping former homeless student A suburban Cincinnati high school principal is being investigated for insubordination after he let a former student who was experiencing homelessness attend school after the student was unenrolled, records show. Robert Burnside is principal at Lakota East High School in Liberty Township, about 25 miles north of Cincinnati. During a pre-disciplinary meeting, district administrators asked Burnside about his relationship with a student experiencing homelessness, who was withdrawn from the district this school year. The questions, obtained by The Enquirer through an Ohio Public Records Act request, raise concerns about how the student was able to receive lunches at the school and what might happen if the student was ever hurt on school grounds. “Did you consider the liability of this since he was unenrolled?” one of the questions reads. Burnside declined to comment on the matter at this time. Burnside was placed on paid administrative leave Nov. 1, “pending the conclusion of an investigation.” The following week, Superintendent Ashley Whitely alerted district families about Burnside’s absence and said the district has “been investigating a concern that was brought to our attention.” The district “had anticipated having a resolution sooner,” Whitely wrote. The district did not comment further on the situation but said other Lakota East administrators have been overseeing daily operations in Burnside’s absence. More: Lakota’s new superintendent focuses on improving district culture and test scores Burnside has led Lakota East High School since 2021. He previously served as principal at New Richmond High School and, before that, worked at Lakota as an English teacher and as an administrator at the Lakota East Freshman School. He also spent time as an assistant principal at Kings High School, according to his resume. Records: Lakota East principal charged with insubordination, violating student attendance policy Burnside is accused of insubordination, willfully violating the school board’s policy for student attendance and putting himself and the district “in a potentially liable position,” according to a letter from Rob Kramer, executive director of human resources for the district. Those charges were listed in a pre-disciplinary hearing notice the district sent to Burnside on Nov. 5. The district also provided a list of questions that were asked during the pre-disciplinary hearing Nov. 7, which continuously point to Burnside’s relationship with a previous student who experienced homelessness. Burnside was questioned on how he came to know this student, his relationship to the student’s parents and how the student received services at the school without being enrolled. Specific questions include: “Would you, or have you, ever allowed a student not enrolled in Lakota schools to attend and be in a building for multiple days?” “Where was he laying his head at night?” “How was he getting to East each day?” “How would teacher have accounted for him being in their class? Take attendance if he was withdrawn?” “What would have occurred if he had gotten in trouble? How would he have been disciplined if he was not a student in our school?” “Did he ever get hurt? If so, how? Did you consider the liability of this since he was unenrolled?” “Did you make arrangements with the cafeteria so that [the student] was able to get a lunch? Did you use your own money for this?” “Beyond his teachers and the cafeteria, did you ask anyone else to support this plan for [the student]?” Burnside is to remain on paid administrative leave indefinitely, until the investigation is over. During this time he will receive full pay and benefits, but cannot be on school property, attend school district events or communicate with students or staff. Burnside and his wife have six children, according to his biography on the district’s website. This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Lakota Schools investigates principal who supported homeless student Source link #High #school #principal #investigation #helping #homeless #student Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

‘Get good gear’: Cricketing great Stuart MacGill’s alleged role in ***** deal ‘Get good gear’: Cricketing great Stuart MacGill’s alleged role in ***** deal The trial against cricketing legend Stuart MacGill has begun, with a jury hearing details of his alleged role in a large scale ******** deal. Source link #good #gear #Cricketing #great #Stuart #MacGills #alleged #role #***** #deal Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Super Micro Computer names BDO as auditor, files Nasdaq compliance plan Super Micro Computer names BDO as auditor, files Nasdaq compliance plan (Reuters) -Super Micro Computer on Monday named BDO USA as its auditor and said it has submitted a plan to the Nasdaq seeking additional time to regain compliance with the listing rules, sending its shares surging 25% in extended trading. In the compliance plan, the AI server maker said it will be able to complete its annual report for the year ended June 30 and its quarterly report ended Sept. 30, but did not give a target date. “BDO is a highly respected accounting firm with global capabilities. This is an important next step to bring our financial statements current, an effort we are pursuing with both diligence and urgency,” CEO Charles Liang said. Super Micro’s listing came under threat after it ******* to file its annual 10-K report by the August deadline, citing a need to assess “its internal controls over financial reporting” for the delay. The move came a day after Hindenburg Research disclosed a short position and alleged “accounting manipulation”. The company’s shares started 2024 on a high note, buoyed by Wall Street’s optimism over the AI-driven demand for its high-performance data center servers. This was reinforced by Super Micro’s inclusion in the prestigious S&P 500 index. But since March, its shares have been squeezed by worries over competitive pricing and production ramp-ups that have hit profit margins. The selloff accelerated after the accounting issues, pushing the shares down more than 24% this year. On Monday, Super Micro’s shares closed up nearly 16% after a report earlier in the day said the company intends on submitting a plan with the Nasdaq. The Nasdaq regulations provided a grace ******* until mid-November to submit a remediation plan to regain compliance. If approved, this could extend the deadline to February next year. However, analysts said the timeline appeared to be squeezed after EY resigned as Super Micro’s auditor in October. Pending the review of Super Micro’s compliance plan, its shares will remain listed on the Nasdaq. (Reporting by Akash Sriram and Zaheer Kachwala in Bengaluru; Editing by Arun Koyyur) Source link #Super #Micro #Computer #names #BDO #auditor #files #Nasdaq #compliance #plan Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

NZ treaty campaigners urge Luxon to ***** the bill NZ treaty campaigners urge Luxon to ***** the bill New Zealand’s divisive treaty debate continues with a huge rally in Wellington of protesters against a government bill to reinterpret the Treaty of Waitangi. Source link #treaty #campaigners #urge #Luxon #***** #bill Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

US Air Force plans new unmanned aircraft capable of carrying 500 lbs over 230 miles US Air Force plans new unmanned aircraft capable of carrying 500 lbs over 230 miles Silent Arrow has announced that it has been selected by the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) for a $1.8 million Direct to Phase II Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) contract to develop a logistical drone. This contract focuses on the development and flight testing of the Silent Arrow CLS-200, a special missions Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) designed for contested logistics operations over a range of 200 nautical miles (230 miles). The CLS-200 relies on the foundational engineering of the commercially successful Silent Arrow GD-2000, the world’s first heavy payload, autonomous, and attritable cargo delivery aircraft to enter full-rate production. The GD-2000 has been deployed in the ******* States and multiple overseas countries from various aircraft, including the C-130H, MC-130J, C-27J, and Airbus A400M. Mass production is based in the *** and led by Silent Arrow manufacturing partner The MEL Group under AS9100, with Airbus DS Airborne Solutions GmbH also partnered with Silent Arrow to distribute and support the GD-2000 heavy cargo delivery UAS platform throughout ********* market segments. 500 lbs over 230 miles Whereas the GD-2000 is an unpowered glider, the new CLS-200 can travel six times as far by utilizing an innovative propulsion unit and propeller system that are inexpensive enough to allow the entire cargo drone to be single-use. In addition to being air-droppable, it can take off from the ground, including from unimproved surfaces, naval vessels, and other launch points. “We’d like to thank the U.S. Air Force, AFRL and our Air Force Customer and End-User organizations for expanding Silent Arrow’s warfighter offerings by awarding this competitive Direct to Phase II,” said Chip Yates, Silent Arrow’s Founder and CEO. “The flight testing at our Pendleton, Oregon facility will be exciting as we longline airdrop 5 units from our UH-1H rotorcraft and then deliver a 6th unit to the Air Force for their hands-on evaluation.” The UAS can carry 500 pounds to over 200 nautical miles (230 miles). US Air Force drones In addition to CLS-200, in September, AFWERX selected Silent Arrow for an SBIR Phase II $1.25M contract focused on the Silent Arrow CLS-300 (“Contested Logistics System, 300nm Range”) powered cargo drone to address the most pressing challenges in the Department of the Air Force (DAF). The Air Force Research Laboratory and AFWERX had partnered to streamline the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) process by accelerating the small business experience through faster proposal to award timelines, changing the pool of potential applicants by expanding opportunities to small business and eliminating bureaucratic overhead by continually implementing process improvement changes in contract **********. The DAF began offering the Open Topic SBIR/STTR program in 2018, which expanded the range of innovations the DAF funded. Silent Arrow will start its journey to create and provide innovative capabilities to strengthen the ******* States of America’s national defense. The Silent Arrow product line consists of five attritable, autonomous cargo delivery aircraft capable of carrying 350 to 2,000 pounds of emergency, disaster relief, and humanitarian response supplies anywhere in the world on short notice. The Silent Arrow GD-2000, Widebody, SA-PGB, CLS-200, and CLS-300 provide the warfighter with various contested logistics capabilities. Source link #Air #Force #plans #unmanned #aircraft #capable #carrying #lbs #miles Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

*********** Council of Superannuation Investors urges shareholders to vote down Mineral Resources pay report *********** Council of Superannuation Investors urges shareholders to vote down Mineral Resources pay report A group representing Australia’s $3.9 trillion superannuation industry has recommended its members vote against the remuneration plan of scandal-hit Mineral Resources at the company’s annual general meeting on Thursday. The *********** Council of Superannuation Investors wants to clarify what directors knew about MinRes’ investment in industrial property that was part-owned by managing director Chris Ellison. The Perth-based miner bought 49 per cent of a company linked to Mr Ellison that owned the property, the *********** Financial Review reported last week, the latest in a series of scandals that has seen the company lose more than half its value from a peak in May. “Investors want to know who signed off on that transaction,” ASCI’s executive manager of stewardship Ed John said. “The board must respond on this issue before the AGM.” Mr Ellison has been under scrutiny after the company that he founded launched an internal inquiry into what the board described as “profoundly disappointing” conduct. Separate investigations were launched by the *********** Securities and Investments Commission, the corporate watchdog, as well as the *********** Securities Exchange. One of Australia’s largest pension funds, $88 billion HESTA, has put the company on its watch list, which means it is subject to closer monitoring, and has been engaging directly with it regarding its recent governance failures, chief executive Debby Blakey said earlier this month. Bloomberg Source link #*********** #Council #Superannuation #Investors #urges #shareholders #vote #Mineral #Resources #pay #report Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Louisville football DB Tayon Holloway arrested, charged with strangulation and ******** Louisville football DB Tayon Holloway arrested, charged with strangulation and ******** Louisville cornerback Tayon Holloway has been suspended indefinitely from all team activities after being charged with first degree strangulation, a Class C felony, and fourth degree ******** for dating *********, the school announced via an emailed statement. The potential penalty for strangulation in the first degree is five to 10 years in prison. “The University of Louisville is aware of the arrest of football student-athlete Tayon Holloway,” the statement read. “As we gather more information, Tayon has been suspended indefinitely from all team activities.” Holloway was detained Sunday night and arraigned on Monday, pleading not guilty to the charges. His bond was set at $10,000 with a no contact order assigned. According to the citation, officers were dispatched to an apartment on Shelburne Circle around 9 p.m. Sunday after “a call for service on a 911 hang up.” When the victim called back, they were crying but said they were away from trouble with assistance no longer needed. Upon arrival to the apartment, the report said the parties inside were uncooperative but agreed to allow officers to search the apartment. When one of the officers made contact with the victim, she had a laceration to her upper lip and puffy eyes, “commonly associated with crying,” the report read. The victim told the officer that Holloway was about to smoke ********** in his room when she grabbed it. Holloway got ******, threw the victim off the bed onto the ground and “began to strike her in the face with a closed fist,” the report read. The victim tried to protect herself with a nearby lamp then put a pillow over her face. Holloway pressed the pillow over her face and nose, according to the report, for what the victim said felt like “a long time, around 10 seconds.” The victim felt like she was going to lose consciousness and began to cry. Holloway then took the pillow off the victim’s face and “began to throw her out of the room and started pushing and shoving her and lifting her towards (the) apartment exit,” the report said. During this time, the victim used a mirror to protect herself, but the mirror broke in the process. Cardinals linebacker Jurriente Davis was listed as a witness on the citation. Holloway, a North Carolina transfer, has played in all 10 of the Cardinals’ games this season with four starts. He’s totaled 16 tackles and five pass breakups on the year. Reach Louisville football, women’s basketball and baseball beat writer Alexis Cubit at *****@*****.tld and follow her on X at @Alexis_Cubit. This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: Louisville football: DB arrested, charged with strangulation, ******** Source link #Louisville #football #Tayon #Holloway #arrested #charged #strangulation #******** Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Trump picks ex-congressman and Fox host as transport secretary Trump picks ex-congressman and Fox host as transport secretary President-elect Donald Trump has nominated former congressman and Fox Business host Sean Duffy to lead the Department of Transportation. Duffy, who was one of Trump’s most vocal defenders on cable news, is the second Fox commentator to be picked for the incoming cabinet. If confirmed, he will take charge of aviation, automotive, rail, transit and other transportation policies at the transport department, with a roughly $110bn (£86bn) annual budget. “Sean has been a tremendous and well-liked public ********,” Trump wrote in an announcement on Truth Social, adding Duffy was “admired across the aisle”. Trump said Duffy would use his experience in Congress “to maintain and rebuild our Nation’s Infrastructure, and fulfil our Mission of ushering in The Golden Age of Travel, focusing on Safety, Efficiency, and Innovation”. “The husband of a wonderful woman, Rachel Campos-Duffy, a STAR on Fox News, and the father of nine incredible children, Sean knows how important it is for families to be able to travel safely, and with peace of mind,” the president-elect said. Before beginning his career in public service, Duffy was a prosecutor and a reality TV star, appearing on several shows including The Real World: Boston, and Road Rules: All Stars. In 2011, he was elected as a *********** to represent Wisconsin in the US House of Representatives, where he served until 2019. If confirmed, he will succeed Secretary Pete Buttigieg, who was nominated by President Joe Biden in 2021. The Department of Transportation has nearly 55,000 workers and leads the country’s safety, sustainability and efficiency efforts with regard to travel and transport. The incoming secretary will continue to face a number of safety-related aviation issues, including the continued problems at Boeing, as the troubled manufacturer addresses a series of safety and quality issues. The threat of labour action also looms, as well as potential upheaval if Trump delivers on his campaign promise to reverse the Biden administration’s new rules on vehicle emissions. Since his resounding election win earlier this month, Trump has steadily named those he wants to fill high-ranking positions in his administration, seeming to choose close allies over those with related policy experience. Source link #Trump #picks #excongressman #Fox #host #transport #secretary Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Biden allows Ukraine to strike Russia with ********* long-range missiles Biden allows Ukraine to strike Russia with ********* long-range missiles But why now? And what could this mean? Source link #Biden #Ukraine #strike #Russia #********* #longrange #missiles Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Labor’s promise to legislate 100,000 fee-free TAFE placements hits hurdle, Coalition pulls support Labor’s promise to legislate 100,000 fee-free TAFE placements hits hurdle, Coalition pulls support The Coalition has confirmed it will oppose Labor’s promise for an extra 100,000 free TAFE placements, saying the unfunded policy could “permanently” saddle the budget bottom line by an extra $500m each year. This comes as the government is attempting to pass the key legislation in final two sitting weeks of the year which would guarantee the funding of 100,000 fee-free TAFE place every year from 2027. However, the Opposition says while the Bill forces the government to pay for the 100,000 placements, Labor is yet to allocate funding for the proposed policy which they say will cost the budget $500m a year. It also says funding requirements should not be legislated in perpetuity without a review of its success, with Coalition skills and training spokeswoman Sussan Ley labelling the Bill as a “lie”. Camera IconCoalition skills and training spokeswoman Sussan Ley confirmed the Coalition would not support the government’s Fee Free TAFE legislation. NewsWire/ Martin Ollman Credit: News Corp Australia “Anthony Albanese is trying to cash in on TAFE’s brand to boost his bad poll numbers but you can’t claim you are permanently funding 100,000 free TAFE places and refuse to allocate a dollar,” she said. She also took aim at a footnote in the Bill’s explanatory memorandum which says an “FT (free TAFE) place may not be free of all fees. The fees covered will depend on the terms and conditions of the relevant FT agreement”. Although the Coalition has pulled support, the Greens have confirmed they will still support the Bill, which is still before the House. Camera IconPrime Minister Anthony Albanese is fighting a battle to get the fee-free TAFE Bill through parliament in the last fortnight of sittings for the year. NewsWire / Nikki Davis Jones. Credit: News Corp Australia In principle, this means Labor still needs the support of at least two crossbenchers in order to guarantee support for the Bill in the Senate. To date, Labor has spruiked increasing take-up in vocational education and training courses through its 500,000 fee-free placements, however questions have been raised on course completion rates. Documents quietly released by Skills and Training Minister Andrew Giles also revealed only about 13 per cent of enrolments begun under the fee-free TAFE arrangements had been completed between March 2023-24, with courses generally taking between six to 12 months to finish. Source link #Labors #promise #legislate #feefree #TAFE #placements #hits #hurdle #Coalition #pulls #support Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

The Riftbreaker: Heart of the Swamp Review | TheXboxHub The Riftbreaker: Heart of the Swamp Review | TheXboxHub Review – If you are looking for more Riftbreaker action, Heart of the Swamp will scratch that *****. Just dont expect too much more. Source link #Riftbreaker #Heart #Swamp #Review #TheXboxHub Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Georgia appeals court cancels hearing in election interference case against Trump Georgia appeals court cancels hearing in election interference case against Trump ATHENS, Ga. (AP) — A Georgia appeals court on Monday canceled ***** arguments that were scheduled for next month on the appeal of a lower court ruling allowing Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis to continue to prosecute the election interference case she brought against President-elect Donald Trump. Trump and other defendants had asked the Georgia Court of Appeals to hold ***** arguments in the case, and the court had set those arguments for Dec. 5. But in a one-line order with no further explanation, the appeals court said that hearing “is hereby canceled until further order of this Court.” A Fulton County grand jury in August 2023 indicted Trump and 18 others, accusing them of participating in a sprawling scheme to illegally try to overturn the 2020 presidential election in Georgia. Four defendants have pleaded guilty after reaching deals with prosecutors, but Trump and the others have pleaded not guilty. But with Trump set to return to the White House in January, the future of the case against the once and future president was already in question even if the Court of Appeals ultimately says Willis shouldn’t be disqualified. Trump and other defendants filed the appeal seeking to get Willis and her office removed from the case and to have the case dismissed. They argue that a romantic relationship Willis had with special prosecutor Nathan Wade created a conflict of interest. Superior Court Judge Scott McAfee in March found that no conflict of interest existed that should force Willis off the case, but he granted a request from Trump and the other defendants to seek an appeal of his ruling from the Court of Appeals. McAfee wrote that “reasonable questions” over whether Willis and Wade had testified truthfully about the timing of their relationship “further underpin the finding of an appearance of impropriety and the need to make proportional efforts to cure it.” He allowed Willis to remain on the case only if Wade left, and the special prosecutor submitted his resignation hours later. The allegations that Willis had improperly benefited from her romance with Wade resulted in a tumultuous couple of months in the case as intimate details of Willis and Wade’s personal lives were aired in court in mid-February. Source link #Georgia #appeals #court #cancels #hearing #election #interference #case #Trump Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Neptunia Game Maker R:Evolution Review | TheXboxHub Neptunia Game Maker R:Evolution Review | TheXboxHub Travis Bruno of Capsule Computers writes: “Looking back at Compile Heart and Idea Factory International’s history with the Hyperdimension Neptunia series, one has to be quite impressed. Despite debuting back in 2010 the franchise has seen sixteen releases over the course of these fourteen years, not counting the remakes of all four mainline entries of course, which is some remarkable production even if the quality of the game’s hasn’t always been the best. These games have ranged from long-form turn-based RPGs, strategy RPGs focused on single characters, idol production games, side-scrolling retro shooters, and more. Lately though the Neptunia franchise has taken a turn towards the action RPG side of things with last year’s Sisters vs Sisters being an impressive offering thanks in part to its strongly written story and solid combat. Now, following a character that hasn’t been given much love over the years and offering yet another take on the Neptunia characters in a new world, is Neptunia Game Maker R:Evolution worth checking out?” Source link #Neptunia #Game #Maker #REvolution #Review #TheXboxHub Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

What we know about North Korean troops in Ukraine What we know about North Korean troops in Ukraine Getty Images Some observers now say we should not be too quick to dismiss North Korea’s military capabilities When rumours first emerged in October that North Korean troops were about to start supporting Russia’s war in Ukraine, it wasn’t immediately clear what role they would be fulfilling. Their lack of battlefield experience was given as a key reason why they might just be assigned to non-combat roles. But after the US and Ukraine revealed North Korean troops have already engaged in combat with Ukrainian soldiers, their role in the ****** is being re-evaluated. Even the number being deployed – originally put at around 11,000 by the Pentagon – has been debated. According to Bloomberg, unnamed sources believe Pyongyang may actually deploy as many as 100,000 troops. Accurate information is difficult to come by, however, as Moscow and Pyongyang have not responded directly to any of these reports. So what do we know about the presence of North Korean troops in Russia? How effective are these troops? In short, it is hard to say. The secretive kingdom may have one of the world’s largest militaries, with 1.28 million active soldiers, but – unlike Russia’s military – the Korean People’s Army (KPA) has no recent experience of combat operations. Mark Cancian, from the Centre for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), believes Pyongyang’s army is “thoroughly indoctrinated but with low readiness”. However, he says, they should not be presumed to be cannon fodder – adding such a characterisation is “Ukrainian bravado”. Ukrainian and South Korean intelligence services have said that many of the troops deployed to Russia are some of Pyongyang’s best, drawn from the 11th Corps, also known as the Storm Corps – a unit trained in infiltration, infrastructure sabotage and assassinations. These soldiers are “trained to withstand a high degree of physical pain and psychological ********”, says Michael Madden, a North Korea expert from the Stimson Center in Washington. “What they lack in combat they make up for with what they can tolerate physically and mentally,” he adds. Mr Cancian agrees that “if these are special operations forces, they will be much better prepared than the average North Korean unit”. “Further, the Russians appear to be giving them additional training, likely on the special circumstances of the war in Ukraine,” he adds. This appears to be backed up by the appearance of videos on social media showing men believed to be North Koreans in Russian uniforms, at what appear to be military training facilities in Russia. And as the war in Ukraine creeps towards its third year, these North Korean troops may be among “the best capable” among the troops available to Russia, says Chun In-****, a retired South Korean army lieutenant-general. Moscow has been recruiting at least 20,000 new soldiers a month to help bolster its war effort, with more than 1,000 Russian soldiers ******* or wounded on average daily, according to Nato and military officials in the West. “[Russia] has been sending troops to the front without proper training. Compared to such recruits, North Koreans are trained and motivated. They are not combat-tested currently, but that soon will not be the case,” Lt-Gen (retd) Chun said. Still, some experts believe the obvious language barrier and unfamiliarity with Russian systems would complicate any fighting roles, suggesting instead that Pyongyang’s troops would be tapped for their engineering and construction capabilities. Why is North Korea getting involved? Given these disadvantages, what is in this deal for the two countries? Observers say Moscow needs manpower, while Pyongyang needs money and technology. “For North Korea, [such deployments are] a good way to earn money,” says Andrei Lankov, director of the Korea Risk Group. South Korean intelligence puts this at $2,000 (£1,585) per soldier per month, with most of this money expected to end up in the state’s coffers. Pyongyang could also gain access to Russian military technology, which Moscow would otherwise have been reluctant to transfer, Mr Lankov adds. Getty Images Kim Jong Un and Vladimir ****** signed a pact in June pledging mutual support against “aggression” Moscow’s manpower problems have been widely reported, with the US estimating that some 600,000 Russian troops have been ******* or wounded since its invasion of Ukraine in 2022. In September, Russian President Vladimir ****** issued an order – for the third time since the war started – to expand his army. It has also pursued personnel strategies that “minimise domestic political impact”, such as offering bonuses to recruits who volunteer and enlisting foreigners with the promise of citizenship, says Mr Cancian from CSIS. “With Russia reportedly suffering over 1,000 casualties on the battlefield, reducing its own losses could alleviate some pressure on the ****** regime,” agrees Lami Kim, a professor of Security Studies at the Daniel K Inouye Asia-Pacific Center for Security Studies. What does South Korea think? These developments, coming at a time when tensions within the Korean peninsula have spiralled to their highest in years, are worrying Seoul. In October, the North blew up sections of two roads that connected it to South Korea, days after accusing Seoul of flying drones into the North’s capital Pyongyang. That came after the two countries engaged in a ****-for-tat balloon campaign, flying thousands of trash and *********** balloons towards each other’s territories. The Koreas have also suspended a pact aimed at lowering military tensions between them, shortly after North Korea said that the South was now “****** number one”. So it makes sense that South Korea would be uneasy about the North acquiring new military prowess amid these tensions. After all, troops in South Korea have also not fought in another major conflict since the Korean War. According to Mr Madden and Mr Cancian, it is thought the North Korean troops are being employed around the embattled Kursk border region, which Moscow has been trying to recapture from Ukraine. The South fears that “its adversary could boast more hostile capabilities” as a result of the experience its soldiers would get on the battlefield, says Lt-Gen (retd) Chun. While South Korea has long accused the North of supplying weapons to Russia, it says the current situation has gone beyond the transfer of military materials. It has also expressed “grave concern” over a pact between Pyongyang and Moscow, which pledges that the two counties will help each other in the event of “aggression” against either country. South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol has reiterated – at least three times in the past two months – that the South would consider aiding Ukraine “for defensive purposes”. If this happens, it would mark a shift from the South’s longstanding policy of not supplying weapons to countries engaged in active conflict. Source link #North #Korean #troops #Ukraine Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Peter Dutton says Labor’s international student caps plan a ‘dog’s breakfast’ after rejecting major bill Peter Dutton says Labor’s international student caps plan a ‘dog’s breakfast’ after rejecting major bill Opposition leader Peter Dutton has blasted Labor’s doomed international student caps as a “dog’s breakfast” as he defended the Coalition’s decision to sink legislation designed to lower migration. The Coalition on Monday revealed it would oppose the Federal Government’s plan to cap international student enrolments at 270,000 next year as part of its wider strategy to curtail net overseas migration levels. Mr Dutton said he supported a cap on international student numbers — although he wouldn’t reveal a number — as the Coalition targets even deeper cuts to migration levels to help free up housing for *********** families. The Opposition Leader said he couldn’t support Labor’s approach, which he claimed would “bake in a benefit” for wealthy sandstone institutions such as the University of Sydney. “We’re not supporting a bad bill that bakes in a benefit to a university that can make $1.4 billion a year while Australians can’t afford to pay rent,” he said. “I just don’t think people realise how much pressure families are under at the moment.” Mr Dutton also used a snap press conference in Canberra to accuse Labor of turning Australia into an “international embarrassment” with its strident opposition to nuclear energy. The criticism follows reports the Federal Government rejected an invite from the US and *** at this week’s UN climate summit to join a new global pact to accelerate the uptake of nuclear energy. The twin attacks will frame the political debate for what shapes as a frantic final parliamentary sitting fortnight of the year, in which Labor is facing a major ****** to pass contentious pieces of legislation. More to come Source link #Peter #Dutton #Labors #international #student #caps #plan #dogs #breakfast #rejecting #major #bill Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Strike Rush Review – Duuro Plays Strike Rush Review – Duuro Plays Duuro says: “Strike Rush’s core gameplay deserves better than its current ghost town status, but as it stands, you’re essentially paying for a multiplayer game you can’t properly play.” Source link #Strike #Rush #Review #Duuro #Plays Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

NATO members Sweden and Finland advise citizens on how to survive war NATO members Sweden and Finland advise citizens on how to survive war Sweden and Finland have updated guidance to their citizens on how to survive war, as NATO allies bolster defense measures against the backdrop of the Ukraine conflict. Both nations joined the transatlantic alliance in the past two years, after Russia invaded its neighbor. Many ********* countries have since ramped up military spending to bolster long-term security in the region. Booklets distributed to millions of households in the Nordic nations include instructions on how to prepare for the effects of military conflicts, communications outages and power cuts, as well as extreme weather events. From stockpiling bottled water and sanitary products, to growing edible foodstuffs at home, government authorities offered tips on how residents could sustain themselves in the event of war. The brochures also include advice for parents and caregivers, instructing people to preserve diapers, medication and baby food. The Swedish government will distribute “Om krisen eller kriget kommer (If crisis or war comes),” to all five million households over a two-week ******* from November 18, according to the Swedish Civil Contingencies Agency (MSB), a governmental agency that compiled the pamphlet. The fifth version of the Swedish brochure, which was first published in World War II, will place “greater emphasis on preparing for war,” a statement from the MSB said on Monday. The digital version of brochure, released in October, has been downloaded about 55,000 times, the agency added. “The state of the world has worsened drastically in recent years. War is being waged in our vicinity. Extreme weather events are becoming increasingly common. ******* threats, cyberattacks, and disinformation campaigns are being used to undermine and influence us,” a statement on the MSB website said. “To resist these threats, we must stand ******* and take responsibility for our country. If we are attacked, everyone must help defend Sweden’s independence and our democracy. We build resilience every day – together.” New advice in the 2024 edition includes tips on evacuation, how to stop bleeding, dealing with anxiety, preparedness for pets, how to speak to children about crisis and war, and how to support especially vulnerable members of the population, added MSB. Finland’s Ministry of the Interior also issued new crisis guidance on Monday, giving readers advice on how to prepare for long power cuts, water outages, telecommunications disruptions, extreme weather events, and military conflict. Earlier this year, Norway and Denmark – two other members of the 32-party bloc – distributed updated wartime guidance on how people should prepare for potential crises. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com Source link #NATO #members #Sweden #Finland #advise #citizens #survive #war Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

The Binding Of Isaac Card Game Is 64% Off – Great Co-Op And Solo Strategy Game The Binding Of Isaac Card Game Is 64% Off – Great Co-Op And Solo Strategy Game Amazon has a lot of great board and card game deals ahead of ****** Friday 2024, including numerous fun tabletop experiences adapted from video games. Not everything that’s on ***** could be described as a true bargain, but The Binding of Isaac: Four Souls absolutely is at its current prices. The strategy card game’s core set is only $16.49, down from $45. But it gets even better, as The Binding of Isaac: Four Souls Ultimate Collector’s Box is on ***** for $45, which is $80 less than its $125 list price. The Ultimate Collector’s Box includes over 700 illustrated cards across the core set and two expansions bundled with it. These deals were offered in the lead-up to Amazon’s Big Deal Days event in October, but it’s cool to see them return in the lead-up to the retailer’s ****** Friday 2024 *****, which begins November 21. And this time you don’t need to be a Prime member to get these deals. While that’s great news for those without a membership, it also means the ****** Friday offers will probably sell out faster than the last round. While Four Souls isn’t eligible for the promotion, board and card game enthusiasts will want to check out Amazon’s Buy Two, Get One Free ***** this week, too. The Binding of Isaac: Four Souls – Ultimate Collector’s Edition Here’s everything you’ll find inside the Ultimate Collector’s Box: 340 Binding of Isaac 2nd Edition Cards (Base Set) 269 Requiem Expansion Cards 98 Four Souls+ Expansion Cards Instruction Booklet 12 Card Dividers 15 Heart Tokens 15 Tear Tokens 100 Plastic Pennies 10 Plastic Nickels Coin Bag Dice: D6 with Isaac graphic on one side and D8 The Binding of Isaac: Four Souls adapts the beloved rogue-like video game into a replayable strategy card game for one to four players. Designed by the video game’s original creator, Edmund McMillen, The Binding of Isaac: Four Souls is a strategy card game with cooperative and competitive elements. You and up to three friends will join forces to collect souls–four of them, naturally–from the game’s monstrous bosses. During your journey, you’ll find loot, upgrade your abilities, and ****** a wide variety of creatures pulled from the video game. If you’re feeling diabolical, you can deliberately sabotage your own teammates–or you can have a nice and relaxed cooperative run. Each run lasts around 30 minutes. The Ultimate Collector’s Box comes with the revised, 2nd Edition base set and both expansions, Requiem and Four Souls+. The 2nd Edition added a fun and rather chaotic Solitaire-style game variant as well as a really solid solo mode. I bought the Ultimate Collector’s Box earlier this year largely because I was interested in the single-player mode, and it hasn’t disappointed. Four Souls is certainly better as a multiplayer experience, but it’s a compelling card game for solo players, too, especially when it’s this cheap. All told, you’re getting 707 cards across the three sets included in the Ultimate Collector’s Box. That’s a lot of cards to keep track of, but the 12 included dividers should help you keep the collector’s box organized. You also get two dice, one of which is Binding of Isaac-themed, two different types of tokens, and everything else needed for the complete Foul Souls experience. The Binding of Isaac: Four Souls Base Set The Binding of Isaac: Four Souls Base Set comes with 340 cards, plastic pennies, two dice (D6 and D8), and instructions. This is everything you need to play the base game. Amazon’s deal drops the price from $45 to $16.49, which is an incredible deal for Binding of Isaac fans. The Ultimate Collector’s Edition offers the best value, but it’s worth noting the expansion sets are sold separately, too. If you already own the base game, the Requiem expansion is on ***** for only $15 (was $35). Amazon doesn’t have a deal on the $25 Four Souls+ expansion, which is the smaller of the two. More ****** Friday Board and Card Game Deals at Amazon If you like strategy card games, you should also check out the challenging card game adaptation of From Software’s Bloodborne, which is on ***** for $33 (was $45) at Amazon. As of November 18, 75% of Amazon’s stock is claimed, so this deal won’t be around for much longer. We’ve included a few lists of our favorite Amazon board and card game deals below. Some of the games on this list are in Amazon’s B2G1 board game *****. Bloodborne: The Official Board and Card Games The Elder Scroll V: Skyrim – The Adventure Game The Lord of the Rings: The Card Game Marvel: Crisis Protocol Miniatures Game Arkham Horror: The Card Game Star Wars: Legion Miniatures Game Source link #Binding #Isaac #Card #Game #Great #CoOp #Solo #Strategy #Game Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Why Trump and Xi Jinping’s ‘special relationship’ soured Why Trump and Xi Jinping’s ‘special relationship’ soured BBC Donald Trump once declared that he and ******** President Xi Jinping “love each other” In a sports park next to the red walls and glossy blue tiles which surround Beijing’s Temple of Heaven, a group of pensioners are working out. “I’m 74 and I hope this helps me live a long time,” one man says after he finishes his pull-ups, just as a cold wind blows leaves from cypress trees across the park, disrupting another man who is mid-headstand. Women reach for gloves and sweaters as they take turns hanging from an overhead ******** course. ******** emperors once came to this Ming dynasty holy site to pray for a good harvest. Now the park is used by locals to enjoy their retirement after spending decades contributing to China’s spectacular growth. Getty Images People working out near Beijing’s Temple of Heaven They’ve watched their country open up to the world and their factories propel its economy, which nips at the heels of the ******* States as the world’s largest. But some ***** what the promises of US president-elect Donald Trump – who has vowed steep tariffs on goods made in China – means for the country’s export-driven economy. After all, then-President Trump declared in 2020 that he and ******** President Xi Jinping “love each other”, even in the midst of a bitter trade war with China. The view of Trump on the ground For many in China, Trump is a figure of fun and memes of him dancing to the YMCA are shared widely on social media. Others worry that he’s too unpredictable. “I like Trump, but he’s unstable. Who knows what he might do?” says the 74-year-old pensioner, whose name has been withheld. Some of Trump’s cabinet choices – announced since his election victory – will no doubt make people even more wary. Marco Rubio, his pick for Secretary of State, has called Beijing “the threat that will define this century”. He is also sanctioned by Beijing. Trump’s choice for National Security Adviser, Mike Waltz, wrote earlier this month that the US should “urgently” bring the conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East to an end so it can “finally focus strategy attention where it should be: countering the greater threat from the ******** ********** Party”. Getty Images For some in China, Trump (pictured in the Forbidden City) is a figure of fun But China has been in training for a second Trump presidency, says Jie Yue, a Senior Research Fellow on China at Chatham House, a London-based think tank. Despite concern on the street, she says his return comes as “no surprise” to Beijing, although she warns that the world should still “expect a roller-coaster type of relationship to unfold” when Trump takes office in January. Beijing’s “cold war” warning to Washington The competition between the two nations has been ramping up for some time, long before Trump won the election. It turned especially tense during the Biden administration because of tariffs and geopolitical disagreements ranging from Russia’s invasion of Ukraine to the future of Taiwan. Yet there was dialogue, with several senior US officials making trips to Beijing. President Xi has vowed to work with the incoming Trump administration, but he also used his last meeting with President Joe Biden to warn Washington that a “new cold war should not be fought and cannot be won”. He added that “containing China is unwise, unacceptable and bound to fail”. Getty Images President Xi warned that a “new cold war should not be fought and cannot be won” Beijing has long accused the US and its allies of trying to contain China – they see tariffs targeting ********-made imports, laws restricting the country’s access to advanced AI chips and military alliances in the South China Sea and beyond as part of this approach. And Trump’s decision to pick Rubio and Waltz suggests his administration will “take a much harsher, muscular approach with China,” says Lyle Morris from the Asia Society’s Centre for China Analysis. “While Trump views his personal relationship with ******** President Xi Jinping as an avenue for negotiation, he will likely lean on Waltz and Rubio in fashioning a more aggressive, uncompromising policy towards China.” They are far from the only voices in Washington that see China as a threat to US security and its economy – a view that surprises the average person in Beijing. “You’re much better off here than in the US right now,” says the 74-year-old in the park before heading off to stretch. From Covid blame to nuclear competition Just north of the Temple of Heaven is the Forbidden City, where ******** emperors lived for almost 500 years. It was here, in 2017, that Xi hosted Trump, bestowing on his guest an honour not granted to any US president since the founding of the People’s Republic of China. Xi shut down the area and took Trump on a tour of the imperial quarters, every moment broadcast live on state TV. He was served kung pao chicken for dinner, and in turn brought a video of his granddaughter, Arabella Kushner, singing a ******** song which went viral on social media. It was billed by both as a high point in US-China relations, but that quickly soured after the Covid pandemic broke out in Wuhan in 2019 and spread globally in 2020. Trump repeatedly called it the “******** virus” and blamed the outbreak on Beijing. He also kicked off a ****-for-tat trade war, with tariffs still in place on more than $300bn (£238bn) of goods. Trump’s “America-first” doctrine has historically weakened some US alliances When Trump starts his second term, he will be encountering a stronger Xi, who has cemented his position at China’s helm with a historic third term – and the possibility of remaining in power for life. Given it has the world’s largest army and navy, Washington is now concerned that the country is building a ******* nuclear arsenal. Even as Trump was unveiling his new cabinet, ******** state media published videos from the country’s biggest airshow of a new stealth fighter jet – the J35-A – flying vertically and upside-down. China is only the second country to boast two stealth fighters in its inventory. The other is the US. The world’s first two-seat stealth fighter, the J20-S, was also on display. Last week, researchers at the Middlebury Institute of International Studies in California found satellite images that indicate China is working on nuclear propulsion for a new aircraft carrier. The studies have “sparked serious concerns over Beijing’s potential adoption of a first-use strategy and increased nuclear threats, fuelling strong support to significantly boost US nuclear capabilities in response,” says Tong Zhao from think tank Carnegie Endowment for International Peace. “Unless Trump personally intervenes, which seems unlikely, it appears the two nations are on the brink of a much more intense nuclear competition with far-reaching implications for international stability.” The Taiwan question Under Xi’s leadership in recent years, China has also become more assertive in its territorial claims over Taiwan and the South China Sea. One worry is that Beijing is ramping up militarily to invade Taiwan, which it sees as a breakaway province that will eventually be under its control. Under Trump and his cabinet, would the US be willing to defend Taiwan? It’s a question asked of every US president. Trump has dodged it, saying he wouldn’t have to use military force because Xi knew he was “crazy”, and he would impose paralysing tariffs on ******** imports if that happened. Despite Trump’s unwillingness to participate in foreign wars, most experts expect Washington to continue providing military assistance to Taipei. For one, it is bound by law to sell defensive weapons to the island. Two, the Trump administration sold more arms to Taiwan than any other. “There is strong bipartisan support for continuing military aid to Taiwan. I don’t expect Trump to significantly change course on arms sales to Taiwan,” Mr Morris says. What Trump really thinks of Xi These glaring differences aside, Trump does seem to admire Xi’s strongman image. “I had a very strong relationship with him,” he said in a recent interview with the Wall Street Journal. It’s hard to know what Xi thinks – he has said very little about their relationship and barely mentions Trump by name. In 2018, ******** state media CGTN took direct aim at the ********* leader, and released an unflattering video with the sarcastic title: “Thanks Mr Trump, you are great!” It was later taken down by censors. Getty Images When Trump starts his second term he will be encountering a stronger Xi But what we do know is both leaders project a type of muscular nationalism. Xi’s dream is the “great rejuvenation of the ******** nation” and Trump believes only he can “make America great again”. Both promise that they are working towards a new golden age for their countries. Trump’s “golden age” for America incudes 60% tariffs on ********-made goods. But Beijing is in no mood for a second trade war. It has troubles of its own. A sluggish economy vs the Musk factor President Xi’s dream of prosperity is in jeopardy. China’s economy is sluggish, its property sector is sinking, nearly 20% of its young people are struggling to find jobs and it has one of the world’s fastest growing ageing populations. Some of this economic pain is clear at the Temple of Heaven. We join the throngs of ******** tour groups walking through white marble gates. It has become fashionable for young people to dress up in Qing dynasty costumes although their long silk robes often fail to hide the other big trend – chunky white trainers. Dozens of school groups are listening attentively to guides about their city’s colourful history while a ****** forms around the altar to make a wish. I watch as a middle-aged woman dressed in ****** takes her turn. She turns three times, clasps her hands, closes her eyes and looks toward the sky. Later we ask what she hoped for. She says many people come here and ask for their children to get jobs or to get into a good school. “We wish for better lives and prospects,” she says. While China claims to have eradicated extreme ********, millions of labourers and factory workers across the country, those who contributed to China’s rise, will worry what about what’s to come. Her future and the future of China’s economy may partly depend on just how serious Trump is about his tariffs. This time, Beijing is prepared, according to Yu Jie. “China has already begun to diversify its sources of agricultural imports (notably from Brazil, Argentina and Russia) and increased the volumes of its exports in non-US allied countries. At a domestic level, the recent local government debt recapitalisation is also paving the way to offset the negative impacts on the likely trade war with the Trump Administration.” Getty Images ******** leaders may ask if Elon Musk can temper Trump’s trade impulses Beijing may also have another hope. Billionaire Elon Musk now appears to have Trump’s ear. His company, Tesla, depends on China for production – about half of all its EVs are made in the country. ******** leaders may ask if Musk can temper Trump’s trade impulses. But the great power struggle of the 21st century is not just over trade. Xi’s dream also involves making China the world’s dominant power. Some experts believe this is where another Trump presidency may offer Beijing an opportunity. China’s place on the world stage “******** leaders will reinforce the narrative that the US is the single and most disruptive source of global instability, while portraying China as a responsible and confident world power,” says Yu Jie. Biden spent four years building up friendships across Asia with the likes of South Korea, Japan, the Philippines and Vietnam – all in an effort to contain China. In the past, Trump’s “America-first” doctrine isolated and weakened these US alliances. He opted for deals over delicate diplomacy and often put a price tag on America’s friendships. In 2018, for instance, he demanded more money from South Korea to continue keeping US troops in the country. Beijing has already built up alliances with emerging economies. It is also trying to repair its relationship with the *** and Europe, while mending historical grievances with ****** neighbours, South Korea and Japan. If Washington’s influence does wane around the world, it could be a win for President Xi. Back at the park, as we discuss the results of the US election, one man holds up four fingers. “He’s only got four years,” he says. “The US is always changing leaders. In China, we have more time.” Time is indeed on Beijing’s side. Xi could be president for life – and so can afford to make slow but steady progress towards his goals. Even if Trump does get in the way, it will not be for long. Top picture credit: Getty Images BBC InDepth is the new home on the website and app for the best analysis and expertise from our top journalists. Under a distinctive new brand, we’ll bring you fresh perspectives that challenge assumptions, and deep reporting on the biggest issues to help you make sense of a complex world. And we’ll be showcasing thought-provoking content from across BBC Sounds and iPlayer too. We’re starting small but thinking big, and we want to know what you think – you can send us your feedback by clicking on the button below. Source link #Trump #Jinpings #special #relationship #soured Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]