Pelican Press

XRP jumps 4% after weekend rally pushes token to three-year high: CNBC Crypto World XRP jumps 4% after weekend rally pushes token to three-year high: CNBC Crypto World ShareShare Article via FacebookShare Article via TwitterShare Article via LinkedInShare Article via Email CNBC Crypto World features the latest news and daily trading updates from the digital currency markets and provides viewers with a look at what’s ahead with high-profile interviews, explainers, and unique stories from the ever-changing crypto industry. On today’s show, John Glover, chief investment officer of Ledn, discusses bitcoin’s recent price moves and why he says the cryptocurrency could face a pullback in the near term. 09:09 Mon, Nov 18 20243:00 PM EST Source link #XRP #jumps #weekend #rally #pushes #token #threeyear #high #CNBC #Crypto #World Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Activision Addresses Call Of Duty: ****** Ops 6 2XP Token Issue After Fan Outcry Activision Addresses Call Of Duty: ****** Ops 6 2XP Token Issue After Fan Outcry Earlier this month, Call of Duty: ****** Ops 6 players were happy to see that the Season 1 update included double XP tokens from Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3, Modern Warfare 2 and Warzone. However, almost as soon as they were added to the game, the tokens were taken back out. In response to the vocal outcry from fans, Treyarch–Activision’s developer for ****** Ops 6–has explained why the tokens were pulled and when they may return. Treyarch shared an update on X, where it revealed that the ability to activate legacy XP tokens was a bug that “introduced potential risk to game stability.” The team behind the game is currently testing ways to reintroduce the feature without causing more bugs in the game. Additionally, the studio promised an additional update about the situation next week. With the start of Season 01, a UI bug allowed players to activate legacy XP tokens in ****** Ops 6. Unfortunately, it also introduced some potential risk to game stability, which is why it was patched yesterday. We realize how much players appreciate being able to redeem legacy… — Treyarch (@Treyarch) November 16, 2024 During the meantime, there is a workaround. Players can still apply their legacy XP tokens in Warzone, which will still be active if they switch to ****** Ops 6 within the time limit. It’s not an ideal solution, but it should hopefully be enough for now. Despite this setback, ****** Ops 6 has already shattered engagement records, and not even being on Game Pass on day one seems to have hurt it at all. Instead, ****** Ops 6 appears to have proven once again that the Call of Duty franchise transcends any single console or computer. Source link #Activision #Addresses #Call #Duty #****** #Ops #2XP #Token #Issue #Fan #Outcry Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

‘Luxury Knayton stargazing break scam left us in farmer’s field’ ‘Luxury Knayton stargazing break scam left us in farmer’s field’ BBC/Carla Fowler Ryan Swain and Samantha Cook were looking forward to a break under the stars together When Samantha Cook booked a surprise break for herself and her fiancé, she was looking forward to a night of escapism from her “relentless” work schedule. Scrolling through local glamping sites, an eye-catching £99 “stargazing dome” deal offered a futuristic pod with a transparent canopy and breathtaking views of twinkling North Yorkshire skies. The events manager and mother-of-one promptly received booking confirmation messages from a firm called Star Domes, along with a key code and an address in the small village of Knayton. All set for their unusual getaway, Samantha arranged childcare and set off from nearby Malton with partner Ryan Swain. Airbnb/Bubble Retreats The scam website stole pictures from an award-winning Airbnb in Agnes, Australia Nearing their destination, the excited couple were unable to find the dome and Samantha pulled up to a pub to ask for directions to what she assumed would be a local landmark. Instead, the people in the pub apologised and told her she had been scammed. “I was devastated, I burst out crying because I had Ryan in the car,” the 39-year-old said. “It was our last weekend until New Year that we had a full weekend together without work, so it was a bit gutting.” Samantha, who is pregnant, and Ryan are victims of a scam website which has left dozens of people looking at an empty farmer’s field instead of views of the heavens. “Sam was mortified, in tears and heartbroken,” Ryan, 34, said. “The website, looking back on it, looked really authentic and legitimate. “Everything was in place and then obviously when you put the postcode in, it takes you somewhere.” Farmer Julian Potter is used to mystified holidaymakers turning up to one of his fields after encountering about 30 in the past six months. “The effect on me is negligible but these poor people have come up here,” he said. BBC/Carla Fowler Julian Potter said he had been turning scam victims away from his farm nearly every week “We had a couple who were coming here for their first wedding anniversary, you could see the excitement in their eyes.” He continued: “Young families with kids, they have no idea until they get here that they’ve lost their money and they’re not going to go on holiday – it’s absolutely heartbreaking.” Mr Potter said a nearby caravan park and the local pub had also had to break the bad news to dozens of disappointed visitors. He said the websites advertising the domes often had minor spelling mistakes and only seemed to operate for a few days before disappearing and reappearing with a different name. “The police just can’t keep up with putting them down,” he added. The photos of the stargazing domes, or bubble tents as they are actually known, were snatched from a popular Airbnb destination in Australia. BBC News reached out to the genuine holiday rental company to inform them of the scam, who said they had reported the “frustrating and unfair” issue and had no connection to the problems in the ***. ‘I felt *******’ Janice Kirby is another victim of the scam. The 55-year-old from County Durham spotted the deal on social media and booked it immediately. “I thought this would be a nice change because it was very luxurious and looked gorgeous,” Janice said. “I didn’t think any more of it and then a couple of days later, I realised I didn’t have any confirmation email.” Janice Kirby Janice Kirby saw the website advertised on Facebook and booked a one night stay Purely by chance, Janice stumbled across a post on Facebook from Mr Potter’s farm, warning people about the scam. “I’d have been turning up at the weekend if I hadn’t seen it,” Janice said. “I felt *******. I always thought I would never fall for anything like that. “It’s right what they say, if it looks too good to be true then it probably is.” Looking back, Janice said there had been signs the website was not legitimate. “There was an 11:00 check-in and a 14:00 check-out the next day. Normally it’s the other way around,” she said. “I was over the moon but thinking logically, that would never happen.” Janice’s bank agreed to give her a full refund after two payments were taken out of her account. Samantha and Ryan’s bank also returned their cash. The BBC tried to contact the people behind the star dome breaks but has yet to receive a reply. Which? consumer expert Rob Lilley-Jones said such scams were happening with “increasing frequency”, with those behind the ***** using new technology. “When big sums of money are involved it is no surprise people out there are going to try and make a quick buck,” he said. Mr Lilley-Jones added it was “really hard to police scams like this”, claiming “thousands” were happening each day. He said anyone who had been defrauded should contact their bank before reporting it to the police and Action ******, the national reporting centre for ******. Other The scam website promises a night in a “luxury stargazing dome” for £99 with stolen pictures and bogus reviews North Yorkshire Police confirmed it had received a report of the scam from the owner of a nearby caravan and glamping site, which it had referred to Action ******. A force spokesperson said anyone who had been affected should report the scam. They added that people should double check the address, look for contact information and read the terms and conditions when booking something and handing over money. Trust mark labels and online reviews should also be verified from a number of sources, the spokesperson said. ‘It affects everything’ Samantha and Ryan said the website had faked Trustpilot-style reviews plus a booking calendar and other traditional signs of authenticity. They told the BBC they were now less trusting of others. “You become a victim and you question your everyday life,” Ryan said. “I had people doing things out of the goodness of their heart and I was asking if there were ulterior motives. “It affects everything, it’s not just financial. It affects your mental health, it affects your trust and it affects your outlook on life.” Listen to highlights from North Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, catch up with the latest episode of Look North or tell us a story you think we should be covering here. Source link #Luxury #Knayton #stargazing #break #scam #left #farmers #field Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Sony ****** Friday deals include the WH-1000XM5 headphones for $100 off Sony ****** Friday deals include the WH-1000XM5 headphones for $100 off ****** Friday deals are in full swing in the tech space, and one of the best deals at the moment is on our top pick for the best wireless headphones you can get. Sony’s WH-1000XM5 headphones have dropped to $298, which represents a $100 discount. That’s one of the lowest prices we’ve seen; they briefly dropped to $280 earlier this year, but we haven’t seen that price since. If you’re on a tight budget, consider the WH-1000XM4 headphones, which are one generation older but offer a lot of the same features — and are currently on ***** for $200. We’ve long been recommending Sony’s 1000X line and this is the best iteration to date. They earned a score of 95 in our review. The redesigned headphones are much more comfortable to wear for extended periods than previous models. Sony Sony’s WH-1000XM5 headphones are $102 off for ****** Friday. They’re our pick for the best wireless headphones overall. $298 at Amazon Sony has improved the active noise cancellation (ANC) feature as well, thanks to the addition of a new chip and four more microphones. We feel that the company’s current flagship headphones do a better job of blocking out high frequencies and background noise (and even human voices) than the XM4s. The XM5s can switch between noise modes depending on your location or activity, and they can pause audio automatically when you start speaking. They deliver better call quality than rival models and, in general, you’ll get clear, crisp sound, including punchy bass. You won’t need to charge the XM5s too often either, as they have a 30-hour battery life. Check out all of the latest ****** Friday and Cyber Monday deals here. Source link #Sony #****** #Friday #deals #include #WH1000XM5 #headphones Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

PGA Tour board approves cuts to cards, fields PGA Tour board approves cuts to cards, fields The PGA Tour policy board has approved sweeping changes to eligibility that wipe out 25 cards starting in 2026. Source link #PGA #Tour #board #approves #cuts #cards #fields Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Rainbow Six Siege Finally Getting Full Cross-Play, Many Years Later Rainbow Six Siege Finally Getting Full Cross-Play, Many Years Later Nine years after release, and Rainbow Six Siege will soon feature cross-play between PC and console. The feature will launch with the Year 9 Season 4 update on December 3, alongside anticheat updates to try and contend with PC cheaters. Starting December 3, console players can join the PC player pool freely. That being said, PC players won’t be able to join the console matchmaking pool. If you’re in a party with at least one PC player, the group will be moved to the PC pool. For console users who play ranked playlists with cross-play active, they’ll maintain a PC rank separate from the console rank. The full crossplay experience is coming to Siege in Operation Collision Point! Console players, get ready to squad up with your PC pals. Starting in Y9S4, you’ll be able to choose to matchmake into PC lobbies as a console player. Will you be playing in the PC pool? pic.twitter.com/0m0Do4WsFU — Rainbow Six Siege (@Rainbow6Game) November 17, 2024 Adding cross-play to a game that’s almost a decade old demands some considerations, and the matchmaking quirks aren’t the only ones. Developer Ubisoft is implementing anticheat updates to improve cheater detection to “ensure fairness” once cross-play comes in. As such, players with a Mousetrap Penalty, which is aimed at preventing console players from using mouse and keyboard, will be forced into the PC matchmaking pool for 90 days. If said players turn off cross-play, they’ll be unable to join matchmaking until they toggle the option back on. Moreover, any matches with a detected cheater will be automatically canceled with no impact on matchmaking rating. The Reputation Center is being overhauled to best reflect the actions that can lead to warnings or penalties. According to Ubisoft, details such as reputation, rank, and match replays will be concentrated in a new hub with account stats coming soon. The Rainbow Six Siege Year 9 Season 4 update adds a new operator called Blackbeard, who carries a H.U.L.L. adaptable shield, balance changes for R.O.U. Projectors, Thunderbird’s Kona Station, and ballistic shields, and a number of general tweaks. You can read the full details in the official season announcement post. Source link #Rainbow #Siege #Finally #Full #CrossPlay #Years Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

3 Dividend Stocks To Consider With Yields As High As 7.3% 3 Dividend Stocks To Consider With Yields As High As 7.3% As global markets navigate the uncertainties surrounding the incoming Trump administration and fluctuating interest rate expectations, investors are seeking stability amidst volatility. In this environment, dividend stocks can offer a reliable income stream, making them an attractive option for those looking to balance risk with potential returns. Name Dividend Yield Dividend Rating Tsubakimoto Chain (TSE:6371) 4.14% ★★★★★★ Wuliangye YibinLtd (SZSE:000858) 3.13% ★★★★★★ CAC Holdings (TSE:4725) 4.62% ★★★★★★ Guangxi LiuYao Group (SHSE:603368) 3.25% ★★★★★★ Padma Oil (DSE:PADMAOIL) 6.74% ★★★★★★ GakkyushaLtd (TSE:9769) 4.47% ★★★★★★ China South Publishing & Media Group (SHSE:601098) 4.38% ★★★★★★ HUAYU Automotive Systems (SHSE:600741) 4.33% ★★★★★★ FALCO HOLDINGS (TSE:4671) 6.73% ★★★★★★ E J Holdings (TSE:2153) 3.84% ★★★★★★ Click here to see the full list of 1964 stocks from our Top Dividend Stocks screener. Let’s uncover some gems from our specialized screener. Simply Wall St Dividend Rating: ★★★★☆☆ Overview: Food Moments Public Company Limited is involved in the production and ***** of butchered chicken and processed chicken products, with a market cap of THB4.05 billion. Operations: Food Moments Public Company Limited generates revenue through the production and distribution of chicken parts (THB5.05 billion) and processed chicken parts (THB2.40 billion). Dividend Yield: 7.3% Food Moments recently declared a dividend of THB 0.15 per share, marking the start of its dividend payments. While it’s too early to assess the reliability or growth of these dividends, they are well-covered by earnings and cash flows, with payout ratios at 26.1% and 53.4%, respectively. Despite lower profit margins compared to last year, its dividend yield is in the top 25% in Thailand’s market and offers good value trading below estimated fair value. SET:FM Dividend History as at Nov 2024 Simply Wall St Dividend Rating: ★★★★☆☆ Overview: Palram Industries (1990) Ltd manufactures and sells thermoplastic sheets, panel systems, and finished products both in ******* and internationally, with a market cap of ₪1.86 billion. Operations: Palram Industries (1990) Ltd generates revenue from several segments, including the Polycarbonate Sector at ₪947.77 million, PVC Sector at ₪420.95 million, Pur-U Sector at ₪185.04 million, and Canopia Sector at ₪259.90 million. Story Continues Dividend Yield: 3.2% Palram Industries’ dividend payments have been volatile over the past decade, despite a recent cash dividend of ILS 1.17 per share. The company’s dividends are well covered by earnings and cash flows, with payout ratios of 40.2% and 37.5%, respectively, indicating sustainability in current conditions. Earnings grew significantly by 71.2% last year, supporting potential future payouts. Recently added to the TA-125 Index, Palram trades at a significant discount to its estimated fair value but offers a relatively low yield compared to top payers in *******’s market at 3.23%. TASE:PLRM Dividend History as at Nov 2024 Simply Wall St Dividend Rating: ★★★★★☆ Overview: The Gunma Bank, Ltd. offers a range of banking and financial products and services in Japan with a market cap of ¥391.57 billion. Operations: Gunma Bank’s revenue is derived from its diverse range of banking and financial products and services offered within Japan. Dividend Yield: 3.9% Gunma Bank offers a stable dividend yield of 3.91%, placing it among the top 25% in Japan’s market. The bank has consistently increased its dividends over the past decade, recently doubling its interim dividend to ¥20 per share. Despite a volatile share price, Gunma Bank’s payout ratio is low at 32%, suggesting dividends are well covered by earnings. The bank also raised its profit guidance, indicating strong financial health and potential for continued shareholder returns. TSE:8334 Dividend History as at Nov 2024 Click this link to deep-***** into the 1964 companies within our Top Dividend Stocks screener. Invested in any of these stocks? Simplify your portfolio management with Simply Wall St and stay ahead with our alerts for any critical updates on your stocks. Invest smarter with the free Simply Wall St app providing detailed insights into every stock market around the globe. This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned. Companies discussed in this article include SET:FM TASE:PLRM and TSE:8334. Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email *****@*****.tld Source link #Dividend #Stocks #Yields #High Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

America’s ‘news influencers’ skew *************, Pew report finds America’s ‘news influencers’ skew *************, Pew report finds It’s no secret that non-traditional news sources are becoming an increasingly relevant part of the online media environment. But a new report from Pew Research and the Knight Foundation offers a more complete picture of what the growing crop of “news influencers” on social media believe. Titled “America’s News Influencers,” the report is based on a survey of 10,000 US adults, as well as an analysis of 500 “news influencers.” Pew defined the latter group as “individuals who regularly post about current events and civic issues on social media and have at least 100,000 followers” on Facebook, Instagram, X, TikTok or YouTube. The report highlights the growing popularity of these accounts, particularly among younger Americans. The researchers note that 20 percent of US adults report “regularly” relying on influencers as a news source, and that the number climbs to 37 percent for people between the ages of 18 and 29. It also offers new insights about the people behind these influential accounts. The researchers found that news influencers are far more likely to be men and “slightly more likely” to identify with the political right than the left. (Pew notes that about half of the influencer accounts studied didn’t explicitly identify with a political ideology.) But regardless of political affiliation, it’s clear that influencers are tapping into a real demand for non-traditional news sources. “There’s no partisan split,” says Galen Stocking, a senior researcher at Pew. “Republicans and Democrats are saying they’re getting news regularly from news influencers at roughly the same rate.” Pew’s researchers did, however, uncover some notable differences between platforms. While most of the 500 influencers they studied were active on multiple platforms, X was by far the most popular with 85 percent of influencers having a presence on the platform formerly known as Twitter. News influencers on X were also more likely to “explicitly identify with the political right (28 percent) than the left (21 percent),” the report says. In fact, that trend holds true for almost all of the platforms in the study. On Instagram, 30 percent of news influencers identified with the right while 25 percent identified with the left. YouTube had a similar split with 28 percent right-leaning influencers and 21 percent left leaning. On Facebook, it was even more pronounced. “Influencers on Facebook are particularly likely to prominently express right-leaning views: There are three times as many explicitly ************* news influencers (39%) as ******** ones (13%) on the site,” the report notes. Pew-Knight Initiative TikTok, meanwhile, looks somewhat different. It was the only platform to have a slightly higher share of left-leaning news influencers, at 28 percent, compared with 25 percent on the right. It also had the highest share of women news influencers at 45 percent. While the report doesn’t attempt to unpack what the greater share of ************* voices may mean, Stocking points out that the social media users surveyed by Pew also expressed some differences in how they perceive the content shared by news influencers. “There’s actually a pretty interesting gap where the moderates within the parties are less likely to say that it helps them better understand current events,” Stocking tells Engadget. Pew’s researchers are far from the first to note that the political right is often more prominent on social media. A 2021 from Media Matters found that posts from Facebook pages aligned with the political right consistently outperformed those from “nonaligned and left-leaning pages.” Researchers at the found in 2022 that ************* news was more visible on the platform then known as Twitter. And while Pew doesn’t speculate about whether platforms themselves are incentivizing certain viewpoints, the researchers note that their findings are at odds with what many on the right believe about mainstream social media. “Many Republicans have long believed that social media sites censor ************* viewpoints,” the report says. “But overall, more news influencers explicitly present a politically right-leaning orientation than a left-leaning one (27% vs. 21%) in their account bios, posts, websites or media coverage.” Source link #Americas #news #influencers #skew #************* #Pew #report #finds Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

‘Go for gold’ says Goldman Sachs, but other Wall Street banks aren’t so sure ‘Go for gold’ says Goldman Sachs, but other Wall Street banks aren’t so sure Three Wall Street banks have taken differing views on gold’s trajectory in 2025, reflecting the complex economic outlook. Goldman Sachs expects the price of the yellow metal to reach $3,000 per ounce by December 2025, saying “Go For Gold” in a note from Nov. 17. @GC.1 5Y line The investment bank cited gold’s critical role as a hedge against potential economic tail risks, particularly those surrounding U.S. policy uncertainties following President-elect Donald Trump’s election win. “The unusually wide range of potential US policy shifts in 2025 strengthens the diversifying role of commodities in portfolios,” said the Goldman team led by Daan Struyven, the bank’s co-head of global commodities research, in the note. They highlighted gold’s potential to protect investors against scenarios like escalating trade tariffs proposed by Trump and suggested a basket of investment ideas, including buying gold and shorting copper. “Higher tariffs would reduce global growth (negative for copper prices) and increase uncertainty (positive for gold prices),” the bank said, citing price action in 2019 when the U.S. raised tariffs as an example. The gold price has declined by 7% since late October as the risk of a disputed U.S. election result diminished. Meanwhile, the market started to price in a higher interest rate environment, which is typically negative for gold prices. In contrast to Goldman Sachs, Karen Ward, chief market strategist for Europe, Middle East, and ******* at JPMorgan Asset Management, took a more skeptical view on the metal in her 2025 outlook. “Gold is a significant signal that global investors are looking for a store of something in short supply because they are worried about the value of fiat currencies,” Ward said. However, she challenged gold’s investment merit, adding: “I just don’t think gold is the best place to look for that thing in short supply.” Instead, Ward suggested that investors should seek alternatives that provide annual yields and recommended assets, such as core infrastructure investments over gold. Switzerland-based UBS took the middle ground between Goldman Sachs’ enthusiasm and JPMorgan’s caution. While maintaining a positive outlook on gold, UBS warned that its gains — gold had risen 35% this year until November — could slow down. Nevertheless, it still expects the precious metal to outperform other commodities, nearing $2,900 per ounce by the end of next year. “Since the beginning of the Russia-Ukraine war in 2022, Gold’s relationship with US real rates has become very asymmetric,” said UBS’ chief economist Arend Kapteyn and chief market strategist Bhanu Baweja in their 2025 outlook dated Nov. 18. “Gold rises as US rates fall, but it doesn’t fall much as US rates rise.” UBS also believes there is still substantial room for investor allocation as gold holdings currently represent only 1%-2% of investor portfolios on average, well below historical peaks. Despite their differing views, all three major financial institutions noted that central bank demand will emerge as a crucial supporting factor. Goldman Sachs pointed to a fivefold increase in central bank gold purchases, driven by concerns about financial sanctions and sovereign debt sustainability. UBS corroborated this and suggested that central banks view gold as a portfolio diversifier and a stable reserve asset. JPMorgan’s Karen Ward also echoed the narrative of sovereign-linked risks, saying: “We should be worried in this world of ever-rising government debt. We should be worried about medium-term inflation.” Ward acknowledged the broader economic concerns that make gold attractive, even while questioning its ultimate investment value. — CNBC’s Michael Bloom contributed reporting. Source link #gold #Goldman #Sachs #Wall #Street #banks #arent Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

The 3,128-Piece Captain America Shield Lego Set Is Only $140 At Amazon Right Now The 3,128-Piece Captain America Shield Lego Set Is Only $140 At Amazon Right Now Captain America fans can get an awesome deal on the Lego model kit featuring the Marvel hero’s iconic shield. Ahead of ****** Friday 2024, Amazon and Walmart have discounted the 3,128-piece Captain America Shield Lego building kit to $140 (was $200). This is the same deal we’ve seen during previous ****** Friday and Prime Day sales. Captain America’s Shield typically doesn’t stay in stock for long when it’s on ***** for this low of a price. Lego Captain America Shield Once fully constructed, it has a diameter of 18.5 inches, and there are also parts included to rest it on a display base. It comes with a Captain America minifigure, and in total, there are over 3,100 pieces to assemble. While most of the parts are uniform, these kits are particularly great for when you want to zone out and build in autopilot mode. Captain America’s Shield is the largest Marvel Lego set focused on the legendary superhero, but it’s certainly not the only one. In fact, two new Captain America Lego sets are slated for release on December 1. Anthony Mackie’s Captain America will join the Lego Construction Figure line with a 359-piece posable action figure, complete with wings–and his shied, of course. This is the second Captain America Construction Figure; the first Captain America buildable action figure is 310 pieces and on ***** for $24.74 at Amazon. You can also preorder the 223-piece Captain America vs. Red Hulk Battle Set for $55. This set comes with four minifigures and a battle jet. Source link #3128Piece #Captain #America #Shield #Lego #Set #Amazon Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Trump picks Sean Duffy, Fox host and former Wisconsin congressman, for transportation secretary Trump picks Sean Duffy, Fox host and former Wisconsin congressman, for transportation secretary President-elect Donald Trump said Monday he is naming former Wisconsin Rep. Sean Duffy as his nominee for transportation secretary, as he continues to roll out picks for his Cabinet. Duffy is a former reality TV star who was one of Trump’s most visible defenders on cable news — a prime concern for the media-focused president-elect. Duffy served in the House for nearly nine years, was a member of the Financial Services Committee and chairman of the subcommittee on insurance and housing. He left Congress in 2019, and is co-host of “The Bottom Line” on Fox Business. In his announcement, Trump noted that Duffy is married to a Fox News host, calling him “the husband of a wonderful woman, Rachel Campos-Duffy, a STAR on Fox News.” Duffy is so far the second Fox-affiliated television host that Trump has named to his Cabinet. Trump last week announced his choice of Fox News host Pete Hegseth to serve as his defense secretary. Rachel Campos-Duffy and Sean Duffy speak onstage during the 2023 FOX Nation Patriot Awards at The Grand Ole Opry in Nashville on Nov. 16, 2023. / Getty Images Trump said Duffy would use his experience and relationships built over the years in Congress “to maintain and rebuild our Nation’s Infrastructure, and fulfill our Mission of ushering in The Golden Age of Travel, focusing on Safety, Efficiency, and Innovation. Importantly, he will greatly elevate the Travel Experience for all Americans!” Duffy in 2022 ruled out a run for Wisconsin governor despite pleas from Trump to make a bid, saying he needed to care for his nine children, including his youngest child who had a heart condition. He is a former lumberjack athlete and frequent Fox News contributor. He was featured on MTV’s “The Real World: Boston” in 1997. He met his wife on the set of MTV’s “Road Rules: All Stars” in 1998. A reality television background before politics is not unusual in Trump’s world. The former president launched his political career after his hit reality show, “The Apprentice.” Duffy, after his time on reality television, worked as a special prosecutor and Ashland County district attorney. He won election to Congress as part of a tea party wave in 2010. When he first ran for office, Duffy was largely considered an underdog but attracted national attention for his campaign ads, in which he donned a red flannel shirt and chopped trees. He told voters he came from a “long line of lumberjacks” and would bring his axe to Washington. He served until resigning in 2019. The Transportation Department oversees the nation’s complex transportation system, including pipelines, railroads, cars, trucks, the airlines and mass transit systems as well as federal funding for highways. If confirmed, Duffy would take over at a time of tremendous change, especially on the nation’s highways. Traffic deaths remain near record highs at a time when new technologies are being introduced that could help make the roads safer. Multiple companies are deploying autonomous robotaxis and even driverless semis with no specific federal regulations. And the nascent move from gasoline to electric vehicles presents safety problems of its own, especially with battery fires that can be difficult to extinguish. The department includes the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, which regulates automakers, including Elon Musk’s Tesla. The department sets fuel economy standards for cars and trucks and regulates the airline industry through the Federal Aviation Administration, which is grappling with a shortage of air traffic controllers to ensure the safe and orderly flow of air travel. Nicholas Calio, president and CEO of Airlines for America, said the association was “thrilled” by the choice of Duffy. “Congressman Duffy has a proven track record for getting things done, and we are eager to collaborate with him on key issues impacting the U.S. airline industry,” Calio said. Trump has criticized electric vehicles as expensive and unreliable and called President Joe Biden’s policy to promote them “lunacy. He also has said EV manufacturing will ******** auto industry jobs and has falsely claimed that battery-powered cars don’t work in cold weather and are unable to travel long distances. Trump has softened his rhetoric about electric vehicles in recent months after Musk endorsed him and campaigned heavily for his election. Even so, industry officials expect Trump to try to slow a shift to electric cars, and a tax credit for EV purchases is reportedly among those the Trump administration may seek to eliminate next year. Trump, in his statement, said Duffy would “prioritize Excellence, Competence, Competitiveness and Beauty when rebuilding America’s highways, tunnels, bridges and airports.” Trump, as he campaigned for the White House, would sometimes complain about the state of air travel in particular, lamenting that the nation’s “once-revered airports” are a “******, crowded mess.” Duffy, Trump said Monday, “will make our skies safe again by eliminating DEI for pilots and air traffic controllers.” DEI refers to “diversity, equity and inclusion” programs. Source link #Trump #picks #Sean #Duffy #Fox #host #Wisconsin #congressman #transportation #secretary Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Richard Curtis’ new Netflix animated film about Christmases that go wrong Richard Curtis’ new Netflix animated film about Christmases that go wrong Netflix Santa Claus is voiced by Succession star Brian Cox, in a slightly less-sweary role than usual As we hurtle towards Mariah Carey’s most lucrative holiday, families all over the *** will be pressing play on Christmas films such as Love Actually to get themselves into the festive spirit. The 2003 movie was one of a string of hits from writer-director Richard Curtis which dominated the box office at the turn of the millennium, alongside Notting Hill, Bridget Jones’s Diary and Four Weddings and a ********. Curtis is returning to the Christmas theme for his latest film, but this time around he has moved away from the traditional romcom and taken on his first animated project. “The thing for me is, it’s been a long time since I was, as it were, on the dating market,” he tells BBC News. “But I’ve been a dad for the last 25 years, so it was a real joy for me to be able to write about kids.” The film-maker has described working on animation as “a huge treat and revelation for me”, adding that the “whole process is so different from the other movies I’ve worked on”. That Christmas, released on Netflix on 4 December, is adapted from the book of short stories Curtis published in 2021. Set in the fictional coastal town of Wellington-on-Sea, the film follows a handful of families gearing up for Christmas Day. When a blizzard hits the town and leaves the parents separated from the children, their carefully planned celebrations are thrown into chaos. Netflix When the parents get caught in a blizzard, the children suddenly become free to design their dream Christmas The theme of Christmas gone wrong was highly relatable to Swiss director Simon Otto, who has previously worked as an animator on How to Train Your Dragon and Enchanted. “I know from my own family growing up, we had such a clear idea of the timeline of how Christmas or any tradition will unfold,” he tells BBC News. “And I can count more times where it didn’t happen the way you expect and somehow something got messed up. “We all have a Christmas memory where something goes wrong, those are the Christmases you remember the most, and at the end of that experience you always feel like, ‘My ****, we were able to be together for this time, and the realisation that that’s what it’s really all about.” He adds: “I thought there was a beautiful poetry in that which we really wanted to bring out in the film, and make it as familiar to people as we can, but also contemporary and real.” The 90-minute film features the voices of Curtis regulars such as Bill Nighy, alongside Fiona Shaw, Jodie Whittaker, Lolly Adefope and Brian Cox as Santa Claus. Getty Images Director Simon Otto (left), actress Fiona Shaw and writer Richard Curtis attended the film’s premiere last month That Christmas premiered at the London Film Festival in October, where it received broadly positive reviews from critics. “It can be easy to sneer at the arrival of a new Christmas movie,” noted the Hollywood Reporter’s Lovia Gyarkye. “Genuine holiday cheer is tough to conjure and, if you’re not the intended audience for Hallmark-type saccharinity, the festive fare likely inspires more exasperation than joy. “But this one slyly avoids the usual mawkishness by grounding its whimsical story in the real and prickly emotions of life.” Next Best Picture’s Philip Bagnall suggested the film is “engineered to keep the kids busy around 4pm on Christmas Day while mum and dad sip their third Irish coffee in peace”. “This is unlikely to become a festive classic,” cautioned Screen Daily’s Wendy Ide. “But the message is a persuasive one: that Christmas comes in many shapes and forms and, ultimately, the only holiday tradition that is non-negotiable is goodwill to all.” Netflix The parents in the film anxiously wait to hear whether their children are OK The film sees the children of the town left to fend for themselves, providing an opportunity to design the kind of Christmas Day they dreamed of, rather than the one planned by their parents which observed various family traditions. In one scene, the kids attempt to watch a Christmas film as their parents had suggested, but they get so bored they turn it off within moments. In a cheeky twist, the film they dismiss is Curtis’s own Love Actually. Otto says he planted this joke in the movie without Curtis knowing. When the writer finally saw it, he jokes he found it “very hurtful”. “No, not really,” he laughs. “It reminded me of course that, when you say ‘boring old Christmas movie’, I think of Miracle on 34th Street or whatever, but when you say it to a young person, they say Love Actually. It was 20 years ago!” One of the film’s central questions is whether families should stick to traditions or be open to new experiences. “The truth is that it shouldn’t be all traditions nor a complete reinvention,” Otto reflects, “because some traditions are there for a reason, and we love them. We talk about Santa to our kids for a reason, because there’s something magical.” Getty Images The film’s voice cast includes Bill Nighy, Jodie Whittaker, Lolly Adefope (pictured), Guz Khan and Paul Kaye One striking thing about the film is how contemporary and diverse it feels. Curtis’s earlier films were made in a different era, and he has said in recent years his approach to casting would be different today. But That Christmas does its best to make up for lost ground. As Ide noted in her review, the film “unfolds in a fictional Suffolk seaside town… but the wide mix of accents and ethnicities suggests that the filmmakers have tried to cram the whole of Great Britain into this single tiny village”. It’s not only the mixed-race family at the centre of the film which make it feel of the times. The children in the movie are concerned about climate change, and one has chronic anxiety. There are lighter modern flourishes too – the father in one family christens his van Beyoncé, smartphones play a big part in the plot, and the soundtrack features Dua Lipa and Ed Sheeran. Curtis acknowledges the conscious effort to make the film feel current. “I started my career on a show called Not The Nine O’Clock News,” he recalls, “which was contemporary sketches, and I think always in my films I’ve tried to write jokes that make me laugh now, rather than traditional jokes. “And the thing about being a parent is you spend most of your life in the real world of your kids, so I love the fact that it does feel modern, because life as it comes at you these days just is modern.” Netflix The film is being released in a healthy year for animation, with several contenders in the awards race Otto picks up: “It felt true to me. If you take a snapshot of who lives [in the ***], it varies from region to region of course, but it’s such a diverse, interesting, eclectic mix of people. “It feels to me like that’s the world we live in, and certainly we didn’t want to create a world we lived in 10 years ago. If anything, we wanted to create a world we might live in 10 years from now, so more forward looking.” The film is being released in a healthy year for animation, with The Wild ******, Inside Out 2 and Flow among those competing in this year’s awards race. But there is still a certain snobbery towards animated films, and only three have ever scored a best picture nomination – Beauty and the ******, Toy Story 3 and Up. Director Guillermo del Toro has previously championed it as its own craft, commenting: “Animation is not a genre for kids. It’s a medium for art.” Curtis agrees: “I feel quite strongly about that at this moment, because for me, the two Spider-Verse movies are the most remarkable movies of the last 10 years. “I watch them and I think, ‘they must have taken 300 years to make, they’re so extraordinary’. In the same way it’s turned out that much pop music, which used to be looked down on, is really great, I think every genre can be great, and there are some amazing works of art in the world of animation.” Source link #Richard #Curtis #Netflix #animated #film #Christmases #wrong Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Save up to $350 on Galaxy S24 smartphones Save up to $350 on Galaxy S24 smartphones ****** Friday deals are already here (no, we don’t know where the year went either) and they include discounts on some of our favorite phones. Notably, the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra is currently down to $950 from $1,300. The Ultra came out in early 2024 and quickly became our choice for best premium Android phone. It scored an 89 in our review thanks to features like its long battery life — we often had over 50 percent left after 24 hours. It has a titanium frame and a 6.8-inch OLED panel that peaks at 2,600 nits, rather than the previous 1,750 nits. Plus, it has a slew of AI tools and utilizes Samsung’s Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for fast performance. SAMSUNG If $950 feels (understandably) a bit steep then check out the Samsung Galaxy S24+. The 256GB model is currently marked down from $1,000 to $800 — still a solid chunk of change, but a noticeable difference. The Samsung Galaxy S24+ garnered an 87 in our review, not far off from its sister device. It comes with Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 and features like Chat Assist and Live Translate. Its battery life impressed us, though its low-light photography performance left something to be desired. Check out all of the latest ****** Friday and Cyber Monday deals here. Source link #Save #Galaxy #S24 #smartphones Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Chris Wright, CEO of Liberty Energy, is Trump’s pick for secretary of Energy Chris Wright, CEO of Liberty Energy, is Trump’s pick for secretary of Energy Chris Wright, CEO of Liberty Energy, is Trump’s pick for secretary of Energy – CBS News Watch CBS News Chris Wright is a vocal advocate of oil and gas development, including fracking. Be the first to know Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting. Not Now Turn On Source link #Chris #Wright #CEO #Liberty #Energy #Trumps #pick #secretary #Energy Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Unite Round ALW venue moved due to poor pitch quality Unite Round ALW venue moved due to poor pitch quality The A-League Women’s Unite Round in Sydney will no longer take place at inner-city venue Leichhardt Oval due to substandard pitch conditions. Source link #Unite #ALW #venue #moved #due #poor #pitch #quality Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

World Of Warcraft 2? Blizzard Says There Are No Plans Currently, But That Could Change World Of Warcraft 2? Blizzard Says There Are No Plans Currently, But That Could Change World of Warcraft is one of the most enduringly successful video games of all time. It’s been up and running–and generating monthly subscription revenue–for 20 years this month. But could developer Blizzard ever release a sequel instead of updating and expanding upon the existing game? Game director Ion Hazzikostas told GamesRadar that at some distant point in the future, Blizzard might consider wiping the slate clean with a new game. But World of Warcraft 2 is not happening anytime soon, if it ever does. “Theoretically, at some long, distant point down the line, that may be a question we grapple with seriously,” he said about the possibility of needing to start over with a sequel for the benefit of the game and community. “But, for the time being, we have a huge, vibrant, and growing player community that we’re excited to serve.” You need a javascript enabled browser to watch videos. World of Warcraft: The War Within – Launch Trailer Size:640 × 360480 × 270 Want us to remember this setting for all your devices? Sign up or Sign in now! Please use a html5 video capable browser to watch videos. This video has an invalid file format. Sorry, but you can’t access this content! Please enter your date of birth to view this video JanuaryFebruaryMarchAprilMayJuneJulyAugustSeptemberOctoberNovemberDecember12345678910111213141516171819202122232425262728293031Year20242023202220212020201920182017201620152014201320122011201020092008200720062005200420032002200120001999199819971996199519941993199219911990198919881987198619851984198319821981198019791978197719761975197419731972197119701969196819671966196519641963196219611960195919581957195619551954195319521951195019491948194719461945194419431942194119401939193819371936193519341933193219311930192919281927192619251924192319221921192019191918191719161915191419131912191119101909190819071906190519041903190219011900 By clicking ‘enter’, you agree to GameSpot’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy enter Hazzikostas went on to say that what makes World of Warcraft so successful is how it’s reinvented itself again and again over the years from a technical perspective. “We’re constantly tearing out some old foundational system and replacing it with something that will scale to support our new server architecture, to support new graphics pipelines, to support new aspects of multiplayer interaction that the original game couldn’t have imagined,” he said. The priority for Blizzard right now is to “keep serving” the millions of players as best they can. “We are making the improvements that we think suit the modern audience best,” he said. Plenty of live-service-style games have come out with sequels, including Overwatch, Destiny, and Counter-Strike, but World of Warcraft is sticking with what works for the time being. Blizzard did, at one point long ago, attempt to make another MMO via its Titan project. It was ultimately canceled, however, and some of the work went on to materialize in Overwatch. In addition to a sequel, some are wondering if Blizzard might bring WoW to console. Following Microsoft’s acquisition of Activision Blizzard, a Blizzard developer said the team was thinking about the possibility of putting the game on console. “It would be very insincere to say that we’re not, like… of course we’re talking about that,” WoW executive producer Holly Longdale said. “We are Microsoft now.” WoW’s tenth expansion, The War Within, was released in August and GameSpot called it one of the game’s best yet. The War Within’s next major update goes full goblin mode. Read more about Wow: Source link #World #Warcraft #Blizzard #Plans #Change Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Former captain with Air Cadets found guilty of ******* offences involving children Former captain with Air Cadets found guilty of ******* offences involving children WARNING: This story contains details some readers may find distressing. A former captain working with Air Cadets has been found guilty of all eight charges brought against him, including five involving ******* ****** against children and another three involving child ************. During his weeks-long trial earlier this year, Adrian Schmid pleaded not guilty to the charges. At the heart of the trial was the testimonies of two young boys who claimed he touched them ********* — as well as photos police found of a third boy, who didn’t provide testimony. The identities of the witnesses and youths involved are protected under a publication ban. The Superior Court of Justice also heard from one police officer who testified that more than 11,000 images and 140 videos of child ************ were recovered from a USB drive taken from Schmid’s house. The files — which showed youths engaging in a wide range of graphic ******* acts — had been deleted, but police were able to recover them after their seizure. Altogether, four devices taken from Schmid’s house included files later classified as child ************. In September, Schmid testified that he’d found the USB drive on the ground outside roughly 15 years ago. He said he later used it for his own documents, believing it had been wiped. Schmid had no account for other child ************ found by police, but suggested the boys could have been at fault. He also denied any ******* touching. Justice found Schmid not to be credible But in the courtroom Monday, Justice Pierre Roger said he rejected the idea put forward by the defence during closing submissions in October that the accused’s evidence should leave the court with a reasonable doubt, despite suspicious circumstances. “The allegations are many and serious,” Roger said as he read aloud his decision. In the end, the justice found that text messages between Schmid and one of the boys was strong evidence of grooming and an inappropriate relationship. “Many of his explanations defy logic and common sense,” the justice said, referring to Schmid. “Some gave the impression that they were concocted by the accused as he testified in an unconvincing attempt to explain the evidence.” Roger said he found Schmid not to be a credible witness. In contrast, he found the boys’ testimony credible and reliable. He found that while the two boys’ testimonies didn’t always match up, those gaps could be explained by their young age and that they were trying to force themselves to forget what had transpired. Roger added that the evidence given also supports a finding that more ******* occurrences took place than just what was described during the testimony from the younger of the two boys. “It was apparent from his testimony that he was still very much a child with a more limited understanding of what was occurring,” Roger said. Outside the courthouse, the family of the boys said they felt justice had been served and that a great weight had been lifted. The father, speaking on behalf of his family, expressed hope that the older of his boys would be able to move forward following the decision. “Relief,” the father said. “For the past four years it was very hectic and now it’s a relief. We can move on and start over.” No sentencing date was set, with the lawyers returning in early December to discuss a potential date. Following the proceedings, Engel told CBC News he was not ready to make a statement regarding whether the decision would be appealed. The ********* Armed Forces told CBC News that Schmid — who had been serving as a Cadet Instructor Cadre Officer — was released from its reserve force in January 2023. Source link #captain #Air #Cadets #guilty #******* #offences #involving #children Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

The Ninja Creami ice cream maker is $50 off for ****** Friday The Ninja Creami ice cream maker is $50 off for ****** Friday Sure, ****** Friday deals offer a great opportunity to snag some essentials and upgrades for a lower price than usual, but if you have the leeway for a fun treat for yourself or a loved one, you’ll find plenty of discounts in that realm too. For instance, you can snag the Ninja Creami ice cream maker for $50 off the list price. At $180, that’s not too far away from its record low price, making it a solid deal. While it isn’t quite the season for ice cream in North America, there’s never truly a bad time to enjoy it. This is a more compact ice cream machine than many other household models. The Ninja Creami is very easy to use as well, since it operates in a similar way to a food processor. You’ll need to make a liquid ice cream base and then freeze it, ideally for 24 hours. You can then use the machine to blend in flavors. Cleaning up is a cinch if you have a dishwasher, since everything aside from the machine component is safe to place alongside your dishes on the racks. Ninja Our favorite ice cream maker is back on ***** for ****** Friday. The Ninia Creami is as easy to use as a food processor, and it can be yours for $180. $198 at Amazon On the downside, it is a rather noisy machine. We estimate that the volume is somewhere between that of a food processor and a countertop blender running at full speed. It’s fairly tall too at 16 inches, so you’ll want to make sure you have enough space for the Ninja Creami before buying it. Otherwise, we have no major complaints, other than the design not being overly attractive. As such, we gave it a score of 90 in our review. The Ninja Creami has seven one-touch programs, but if you’d prefer an 11-in-1 deluxe model, you’re in luck: that’s on ***** too. At $220, it’s $30 off. It supports 24 oz tubs that hold 50 percent more ice cream than those in the original Ninja Creami. The Deluxe model also has a dual processing feature. This allows you to add two different mix-in flavors to the same base. So you can, for instance, add sprinkles to the top part and cookies to the bottom. Check out all of the latest ****** Friday and Cyber Monday deals here. Source link #Ninja #Creami #ice #cream #maker #****** #Friday Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Tesla makes up for Nvidia’s dip Tesla makes up for Nvidia’s dip A Tesla Cybertruck is parked outside of a dealership on November 14, 2024 in Austin, Texas. Brandon Bell | Getty Images This report is from today’s CNBC Daily Open, our international markets newsletter. CNBC Daily Open brings investors up to speed on everything they need to know, no matter where they are. Like what you see? You can subscribe here. What you need to know today Individual stocks sway indexesOn Monday, the S&P 500 rose 0.4% and the Nadaq Composite added 0.6%, mostly spurred higher by Tesla. Shares of Goldman Sachs and Salesforce fell, causing the Dow Jones Industrial Average to drop 0.1%, Europe’s regional Stoxx 600 ended flat after recouping losses. Autonomous vehicles on the agendaTesla shares jumped 5.6% after it was reported that President-elect Donald Trump’s incoming administration plans to draw up a federal framework that will regulate self-driving vehicles. The regulatory framework would make adoption of self-driving cars much easier. CNBC could not independently verify the report. Super Micro aims at Nasdaq complianceSuper Micro Computer has hired BDO as a new auditor and submitted a plan to Nasdaq to ensure compliance with the exchange, the company said in a statement. Shares closed 16% higher and were up over 38% in after-hours trading. Super Micro’s market capitalization has tumbled from around $70 billion at its peak to $12.6 billion as of Monday after investors learned of the company’s compliance troubles. ‘Europe-first’ approachEuropean countries should adopt a “Europe-first” approach to technology, especially in response to Trump’s protectionist inclinations, tech CEOs told CNBC. U.S. and ******** companies “have been playing extremely unfairly for the last 20 years,” said Andy Yen, CEO of VPN developer Proton, while Europe has a mindset that it needs to be “fair to everybody.” [PRO] S&P offers sharp upside Wall Street bank Morgan Stanley sees the S&P 500 hitting 6,500 next year on the back of more rate cuts and positive corporate sentiment galvanized by the election results. That’s about a 10% upside from Monday’s close. But investors should still be wary of certain headwinds, warned the bank’s Chief U.S. Equity Strategist Mike Wilson. The bottom line Investors are waiting with bated breath for Nvidia’s earnings report on Wednesday. “The star this week is our friend Nvidia,” said Kim Forrest, chief investment officer at Bokeh Capital Partners, highlighting its importance to all the key indexes with its recent inclusion in the Dow. “Unless some information comes out before then, the market is going to wait and see what’s going on with Nvidia.” Shares of Nvidia fell 1.3% on a report from The Information that the company’s new Blackwell chips tend to overheat when connected to custom servers. Nvidia’s drop had the largest negative effect on the S&P and Nasdaq, dragging down the former by 0.52 points and the latter by 23 points. However, Tesla — which has mostly seen large gains since Trump won the elections — managed to more than make up for Nvidia’s loss. Tesla shares jumped 5.6%, contributing to a 0.62-point increase in the S&P and 47-point rise in the Nasdaq. That helped the S&P achieve its first winning day in three, and the Nasdaq break its four-day losing streak. “The market is set up well for equities, and investors are not going to see the pullback they want,” said Andrew Slimmon, Morgan Stanley Investment Management’s head of the applied equity advisors team. For now, despite the market’s losses last week, “a strong economy, the Fed continually cutting rates, and strong Q3 earnings” will provide support for stocks, said Slimmon. — CNBC’s Samantha Subin and Pia Singh contributed to this report. Source link #Tesla #Nvidias #dip Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

For The First Time In A Decade, Xbox Is Call Of Duty’s Most Popular Platform For The First Time In A Decade, Xbox Is Call Of Duty’s Most Popular Platform For the first time in a decade, Call of Duty is more popular on Xbox than it is on any other platform, due in no small part to Call of Duty: ****** Ops 6, launching on Game Pass. “It’s about being accessible in more places, and there’s no real platform out there today, other than what we’re doing with Xbox [Game Pass] that isn’t really per-device,” Microsoft Gaming CEO Phil Spencer said in a recent interview with Game File. “Most of the gaming platforms are, ‘This device runs this [game],’ and trying to think about a platform that looks more horizontally and connects creators and players in that way, that’s what we’re trying to do, and that’s the feedback we’re getting.” You need a javascript enabled browser to watch videos. 15 Tips For Playing COD: ****** Ops 6 As An Older Gamer Size:640 × 360480 × 270 Want us to remember this setting for all your devices? Sign up or Sign in now! Please use a html5 video capable browser to watch videos. This video has an invalid file format. Sorry, but you can’t access this content! Please enter your date of birth to view this video JanuaryFebruaryMarchAprilMayJuneJulyAugustSeptemberOctoberNovemberDecember12345678910111213141516171819202122232425262728293031Year20242023202220212020201920182017201620152014201320122011201020092008200720062005200420032002200120001999199819971996199519941993199219911990198919881987198619851984198319821981198019791978197719761975197419731972197119701969196819671966196519641963196219611960195919581957195619551954195319521951195019491948194719461945194419431942194119401939193819371936193519341933193219311930192919281927192619251924192319221921192019191918191719161915191419131912191119101909190819071906190519041903190219011900 By clicking ‘enter’, you agree to GameSpot’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy enter The last time Xbox was the most-used platform for a Call of Duty title was in 2014, shortly after the launch of Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare, according to CharlieIntel. So what’s the reason behind Xbox’s sudden reclamation of the Call of Duty crown? According to Spencer, the answer is Game Pass. Spencer says Microsoft and Activision’s marketing teams worked well together and ultimately did an excellent job of getting the word out that ****** Ops 6 would be available on Game Pass. “I’m really proud of ****** Ops 6,” Spencer said. “I really saw the [Microsoft and Activision] teams gel together as they both built [the Game Pass marketing] promotion,” he said. Microsoft’s promotional efforts didn’t end after the game’s release, of course. The launch of ****** Ops 6 Season 1 saw the introduction of a creepy new Easter egg for the game’s iconic Nuketown map, which is set in a Fallout-esque nuclear test site complete with model homes inhabited by mannequins. Prior to Microsoft’s acquisition of Activision in 2022, Call of Duty maintained popularity on Xbox partially due to Microsoft paying Activision for exclusive rights to some of the franchise’s DLC and marketing campaigns. Source link #Time #Decade #Xbox #Call #Dutys #Popular #Platform Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

How is the world doing on tackling climate change? How is the world doing on tackling climate change? EPA The recent floods in Valence, Spain, were made worse by climate change Scientists, politicians and world leaders are meeting at the annual UN climate summit, COP29, in Azerbaijan during what is set to be the hottest year on record. What progress have countries already made to tackle change? Fossil fuels: Still increasing despite pledges Fossil fuel use is still rising despite positive steps by some countries including the *** and by the EU to wean themselves off the energy sources that do most to heat up our planet. At last year’s COP28 meeting in the ******* ***** Emirates, countries agreed to “transition away from fossil fuels in energy systems”. Perhaps surprisingly, this was the first time that the world had taken direct aim at coal, oil and gas. These are the main drivers of climate change because they release planet-warming carbon dioxide (CO2) when burned for energy. But in fact, CO2 emissions from fossil fuels are projected to reach a new high in 2024 at 37.4bn tonnes, up 0.8% from 2023, according to research by the international Global Carbon Project team. “The impacts of climate change are becoming increasingly dramatic, yet we still see no sign that burning of fossil fuels has peaked,” said lead author Prof Pierre Friedlingstein of the University of Exeter. There have been some signs of progress. The *** closed its last remaining coal power station in September, proving that electricity in major economies can still flow without the dirtiest fossil fuel. In the EU, the share of electricity coming from coal, oil and gas reached a new low earlier this year. But new fossil fuel projects are still being approved in many countries. Of the world’s biggest economies, China is a major culprit, but far from the only one. This is despite warnings from the UN that, if all the coal, oil and gas from existing and under-construction projects were burned, the world would likely warm far beyond the globally agreed target of 1.5C. Renewables: Rapid growth is encouragingGetty Images Wind and solar power have increased massively and are getting cheaper Renewable sources of energy like wind and solar are growing very quickly and prices have fallen considerably over the past decade. Last year, countries promised to triple the capacity of so-called ‘renewables’ by 2030. The idea is that these clean sources should start to displace ****** fossil fuels in the electric power grid, therefore reducing CO2 emissions even as electricity demand grows. Currently, the International Energy Agency (IEA) expects global renewable capacity to grow 2.7 times by 2030 compared with its 2022 level – so not quite on track for a trebling, but close. The hope is that economics, as much as climate policy, can help renewables to grow even faster. “In many cases and for many countries, renewable energy is already the cheapest and the economically sane option for producing energy,” said Prof Joeri Rogelj of Imperial College London. China alone is expected to account for more than half of the growth in global renewable capacity to 2030, according to the IEA. But renewables are also set to rise quickly in the EU, US and India, as well as the ***. Batteries and other forms of energy storage are key to the expansion of renewables: while a fossil fuel-driven power station can be fired up at any time of the day, the wind doesn’t always ***** and the Sun doesn’t always shine. Electric vehicles: Numbers rising but it’s a mixed picture The number of electric vehicles (EVs) is growing quickly, led by China, but rates of uptake vary considerably between countries. They are the main way to reduce planet-warming emissions from road transport, according to the UN. That is because they can be powered by clean electricity, rather than directly from fossil fuels. The cost of EVs differs widely between nations. In China, the IEA estimates that more than 60% of electric cars sold in 2023 were already cheaper than their petrol or diesel equivalent, partly thanks to government subsidies to the industry, encouraging more people to make the switch. In other regions, electric cars have typically been more expensive, but are generally getting cheaper. In the ***, for example, the recent growth in EV sales is partly thanks to obligatory government targets, explained Colin Walker, head of transport at the Energy and Climate Intelligence Unit. “As prices are driven down, more families are able to access the savings that come from electric driving,” he said. Deforestation: Mixed progressgetty The Amazon sucks up carbon dioxide, so protecting it is vital Deforestation fell significantly in Brazil’s Amazon in 2023 but the world ******** far off track to meeting its target of halting it by 2030, according to the World Resources Institute. There have been some encouraging signs. Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva came back to power in 2023, recommitting to that goal and promising to tackle tree loss. His predecessor Jair Bolsonaro had significantly weakened legal protections for the forest. This is a region that has historically helped to buffer the world from further warming, by absorbing some of the carbon dioxide produced from human activities. But there are concerns that this is changing as a result of tree losses and the effects of drought worsened by climate change. Deforestation increased in other parts of the Amazon, including the part in Bolivia. “We must learn from the countries that are successfully slowing deforestation,” said Mikaela Weisse, Global Forest Watch Director at the World Resources Institute. Claudio Angelo from Brazil’s Climate Observatory said that in the case of his country, while measures like punishing people for felling trees had been successful it was also important to focus on promoting things like sustainable agriculture. “Brazil has been very good at the stick so far, but with the carrot we haven’t been that good,” he said. So what’s the big picture? While a lot of positive steps have been taken, the headline figures on emissions have sadly not changed much. A recent UN report warned that current policies put the world on track for around 3C warming by the end of the century. Other organisations have come up with similar figures. This is clearly far above the target to try to limit long-term warming to 1.5C above pre-industrial levels, which was agreed by nearly 200 countries in Paris in 2015. The UN says that the 1.5C target is still “technically possible”, but only with huge cuts to emissions over the next decade. The recent US election has also posed challenges for uniting the world around new climate targets. Incoming president Donald Trump has pledged to withdraw the US from the Paris climate agreement and “drill, baby, drill” for more oil and gas. This is “a major ***** to global climate action,” according to Christiana Figueres, the former UN climate chief. “But it cannot and will not halt the changes under way to decarbonise the economy and meet the goals of the Paris agreement.” Source link #world #tackling #climate #change Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

U.S. Senator Urges Valve to Tackle “Extremist and Hateful” Content on Steam U.S. Senator Urges Valve to Tackle “Extremist and Hateful” Content on Steam Vits2d ago I actually think it’s the opposite. For an Xbox handheld—or a PlayStation handheld, for that matter—to stand a chance, it needs to share the same library and infrastructure as the home console. Otherwise, we’re just doomed to repeat the mistakes that ******* off so many handhelds before. Here’s the kicker: it also has to deliver everything we expect from portable gaming. That means being reasonably sized, reasonably powerful, and reasonably efficient. But today’s tech can’t pull off all that magic in one package. Microsoft isn’t just making a Handheld-PC here; they’re making a handheld console. The bar’s set higher—this thing has to work perfectly out of the box and hold its own for an entire generation. This isn’t some trendy experiment like the Asus Ally. To nail it on the first try, they’re going to need a custom solution from AMD, something that aligns with the tech in their consoles. Honestly, that’s probably better suited for the next-gen Xbox. Either that, or they’ll need a ******* ARM solution from Nvidia or Qualcomm plus an insane translation layer. And, surprise—it all takes time. By the time an Xbox handheld finally drops, it’ll be up against the Steam Deck 2, Switch 2, and a new lineup of Windows handhelds. So, yeah, they’d better get it right the first time. It’ll need to be priced like the Steam Deck 2 and Switch 2 but perform close to those Windows handhelds. And the same goes for Sony if they’re thinking of jumping back into the handheld arena. People look at the booming handheld PC market and think it’s a breeze. But here’s the thing they’re conveniently overlooking: the expectations for a console are a whole different ballgame. The manufacturer isn’t just tossing together a decent hardware setup—they have to supply everything: hardware, software, infrastructure, media, and all that jazz. And it’s all expected to last an entire generation. It’s not just about throwing some specs together and calling it a ‘console.’ It’s about creating an entire ecosystem that actually works. And, to make things even more fun, that ecosystem has to be identical or close enough to share resources with to the home console’s. Yeah, that’s a whole lot ******* than a handheld PC or even a dedicated solo handheld like the Switch. Source link #U.S #Senator #Urges #Valve #Tackle #Extremist #Hateful #Content #Steam Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

'Tragedy': Teens critical after Laos methanol poising 'Tragedy': Teens critical after Laos methanol poising An apparent methanol poisoning incident in Laos has left two people ***** and two *********** women fighting for life in Thailand. Source link #039Tragedy039 #Teens #critical #Laos #methanol #poising Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

This Apple ****** Friday deal gets you $50 off the Apple Watch Series 10 on Amazon This Apple ****** Friday deal gets you $50 off the Apple Watch Series 10 on Amazon Apple devices are some of the most sought after this time of year and, believe it or not, you can find some decent ****** Friday deals on them if you know where to look. At the moment, one such deal is on the Apple Watch Series 10: Apple’s newest wearable is on ***** for $350, which is $50 off and a record low. That price is for the smaller 42mm model without LTE functionality, and the 46mm size is also $50 off and down to $379. The Apple Watch Series 10 is our pick for the best smartwatch overall, but it’s probably best to look at other options if you’re an Android user. After all, you’ll need a compatible iPhone to set up the wearable and get the most out of it. We gave the Apple Watch Series 10 a score of 90 in our review. Apple redesigned the smartwatch to offer a larger screen and thinner frame, both of which were plus points in our book. The wide-angle OLED panel offers better viewing angles. The wearable has in-depth fitness and health tracking too, with new functions including sleep apnea detection. Apple The Apple Watch Series 10 has dropped to its lowest price to date. Both sizes are $50 off ahead of ****** Friday. $349 at Amazon We found that there was a slight increase in battery life thanks to efficiency improvements, but some alternative smartwatches run for much longer on a single charge. Overall, this is a somewhat iterative update compared with the Series 9 and 8, but if you’re upgrading from an older Apple Watch (or buying one for the first time), you may find the features, performance and charging speed to be impressive. Meanwhile, a four-pack of Apple AirTags has also dropped to a record low price of $70. Apple will soon enable a new AirTag feature that allows you to more easily share the location of the tracker with airlines and other people. Check out all of the latest ****** Friday and Cyber Monday deals here. Source link #Apple #****** #Friday #deal #Apple #Watch #Series #Amazon Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

NYC priest who allowed Sabrina Carpenter to ****** a music video in ******* further stripped of duties NYC priest who allowed Sabrina Carpenter to ****** a music video in ******* further stripped of duties NEW YORK (AP) — The leader of a New York City ******* where pop star Sabrina Carpenter filmed provocative scenes for a music video was stripped of his duties Monday after ******* officials said an investigation revealed other instances of mismanagement. Monsignor Jamie Gigantiello was relieved of “any pastoral oversight or governance role” at his ******* located in the Williamsburg neighborhood of Brooklyn, Bishop Robert Brennan said in a statement issued by the Roman ********* Diocese of Brooklyn. An investigation launched after the video revealed that Gigantiello made unauthorized financial transfers to a former top aide in New York City Mayor Eric Adams’ administration, which is being investigated on charges of ***********, Brennan said. “I am saddened to share that investigations conducted by Alvarez & Marsal and Sullivan & Cromwell LLP have uncovered evidence of serious violations of Diocesan policies and protocols at Our Lady of Mount Carmel – Annunciation Parish,” the bishop said. “In order to safeguard the public trust, and to protect ******* funds, I have appointed Bishop Witold Mroziewski as administrator of the Parish.” Gigantiello’s administrative powers were taken away after Carpenter’s video for her hit song “Feather” sparked criticism last November. The priest has now also been cut from his pastoral duties, giving Mroziewski “complete authority over the parish,” including on liturgical matters, though Gigantiello will still be able to say Mass with Mroziewski’s approval, said diocese spokesperson Adriana Rodriguez. Brennan, who oversees ********* churches in the New York City boroughs of Brooklyn and Queens, said he also relieved a deacon who had been appointed as a temporary administrator during the investigation. He said the deacon had used ******* and other offensive language during private conversations in the parish office that had been secretly recorded at Gigantiello’s direction. Gigantiello didn’t respond to email and Facebook messages seeking comment Monday. Released on Oct. 31, 2023, the “Feather” music video revolves around men behaving badly toward Carpenter before meeting grisly deaths. At points in the video, the former Disney Channel star is seen pulling up to the distinctive brick ******* in a pink hearse and then dancing in front of the *******’s ornate altar wearing a short ****** dress and a ****** veil alongside a colorful array of faux coffins. The diocese at the time said it was “appalled” and that proper procedures for filming had not been followed. Besides relieving Gigantiello of administrative duties, Brennan also dropped him from fundraising duties as vicar of development for the diocese and conducted a spiritual rite to restore the sanctity of the *******. In a letter to parishioners last November, Gigantiello said approving the filming was a “lapse in judgment” and maintained he wasn’t present at the time and didn’t realize how provocative the ****** would be. On Monday, Brennan said a broader review uncovered other instances of administrative impropriety. Among them is an ongoing investigation into Gigantiello’s use of a ******* credit card for “substantial” personal expenses, he said. From 2019 to 2021, the monsignor also transferred $1.9 million in parish funds to bank accounts affiliated with Frank Carone, Adams’ former chief of staff, Brennan said. The bishop said Gigantiello ******* to seek prior approval for the transactions and didn’t properly document them, in violation of the diocese’s investment policies and protocols. Carone’s law firm repaid $1 million of the funds, along with about 9% interest, according to Brennan. Gigantiello also requested early repayment for the remainder, but without the substantial interest called for under the loan notes, the bishop said. Federal investigators have subpoenaed the Brooklyn ******* seeking information about Carone and Gigantiello’s financial dealings, though neither has been accused of any wrongdoing. Brennan stressed the diocese is “fully committed” to cooperating with law enforcement in its investigations. Carone didn’t respond to an email seeking comment, but Gigantiello has defended his stewardship, telling The City, a local news outlet, that the investments were legal and yielded a significant return for the *******. Meanwhile, the commotion set off by her music video hasn’t been lost on Carpenter. She made light of it during a concert at Madison Square Garden in late September, just days after Adams became the first New York City mayor indicted while in office. “*****, what now?” she said cheekily to the Manhattan crowd. “Should we talk about how I got the mayor indicted?” ___ This story has been updated to correct the name of Carpenter’s song to “Feather,” not “Feathers.” ___ Follow Philip Marcelo at twitter.com/philmarcelo. Source link #NYC #priest #allowed #Sabrina #Carpenter #****** #music #video #******* #stripped #duties Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]