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Discharge: MEPs sign off EU budget for 2023 while highlighting persistent issues | News Discharge: MEPs sign off EU budget for 2023 while highlighting persistent issues | News Plenary endorsed the budgetary management by the European Commission, responsible for more than 95% of EU expenditure, but warned that structural issues were undermining EU financial credibility and policy delivery. The decision was taken by 412 votes to 245 with 5 abstentions. High error rate demands corrective action In the resolution accompanying the discharge decision for the Commission (adopted by 443 votes to 202 and 21 abstentions), MEPs said they were seriously concerned about the 5.6% error rate in EU spending, which has risen for the third year in a row. They call on the Commission to present a clear action plan within four months to reduce errors. MEPs also demand stricter fraud detection and audit mechanisms, clearer definitions of milestones and targets, and the prevention of double funding and use of pre-existing projects for the Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF). Outstanding commitments and mounting debt Unpaid commitments rose to a record €543 billion in 2023, more than double the EU’s annual budget. This backlog risks delayed implementation, warn MEPs, who demand more realistic budget forecasting. By the end of 2023, EU borrowing stood at €458.5 billion, with further increases expected. Rising interest rates and the absence of a repayment plan, MEPs say, could compromise fiscal stability and limit future EU action. NGO transparency and conditionality Parliament demands full financial transparency for NGOs and other interest representatives, and for the Commission to share the results of an internal screening of contracts with the Parliament. All entities must be registered in the EU Transparency Register and disclose their main funders. Alignment with EU values, and traceability of funds should be a prerequisite for access to institutions and funding. Quote Rapporteur for the Commission discharge Niclas Herbst (EPP, DE) said: “Billions of euros have been transferred to member states under the RRF, but Parliament and the European Court of Auditors are not sufficiently involved in their control. For example, we have asked in vain for a meaningful list of final beneficiaries. The RRF has been used to take on debt at the expense of future generations, to finance questionable national budget priorities, and repayment remains uncertain. Because of these weaknesses, the RRF must never be used as a model for future financial programmes or the EU’s next financial framework.” Discharge postponed for the Council and Asylum Agency MEPs postponed the Council’s discharge − as has been the case every year since 2009, due to a lack of cooperation with Parliament. They also postponed the discharge decision for the EU Asylum Agency, citing “very worrying conclusions” from an investigation by the European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF), which they say put the Agency’s stability, governance, and reputation at risk. Postponed decisions are revisited later in the year, when discharge is either granted or ultimately denied. Vote results of all the discharge decisions will be available here. Background Through the “discharge procedure”, the European Parliament exercises democratic oversight over the budget’s implementation, holding the Commission and other EU institutions accountable for the management and disbursement of EU funds. Based on reports from the Commission and the European Court of Auditors (ECA), the Parliament’s Committee on Budgetary Control (CONT) reviews the financial management of the EU budget in a given financial year, considers irregularities and holds hearings with the relevant officials. Refusal of discharge can result in remedial action, stricter financial controls, or political consequences. Source link #Discharge #MEPs #sign #budget #highlighting #persistent #issues #News Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Disney announces an Abu Dhabi theme park and resort – CNBC Disney announces an Abu Dhabi theme park and resort – CNBC Disney announces an Abu Dhabi theme park and resort CNBCDisney Is Building A New Theme Park In Abu Dhabi—Here’s What We Know ForbesDisney Announces Plans for New Theme Park and Resort with Miral in Abu Dhabi The Walt Disney CompanyDisney announces a new theme park in Abu Dhabi, its first new resort in a generation CNNDisney to Build a Magic Kingdom Theme Park in Abu Dhabi The New York Times Source link #Disney #announces #Abu #Dhabi #theme #park #resort #CNBC Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

The Well Festival: Live Interviews About Health and Happiness The Well Festival: Live Interviews About Health and Happiness The first-ever Well Festival, hosted by the Well desk of The New York Times, runs from 9:30 a.m. Eastern to 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday. A livestream is available here. Below is the full schedule and a brief description of each of the 13 panels, covering love and relationships, the quest for joy, facing adversity, protecting mental health, aging well and many other issues that matter to us all. 9:35 a.m. ‘Building a Life of Joy’ Tracee Ellis Ross — the former star of “******-ish,” current owner of PATTERN Beauty and future star of “Solo Traveling With Tracee Ellis Ross” — is known for her joyful demeanor. She speaks with Lori Leibovich, the editor of The Times’s Well desk, about what brings her that joy and what the rest of us can do to get more of it in our own lives. 10 a.m. ‘Finding Meaning in the Face of Adversity’ Suleika Jaouad burst into the public eye in 2012 with “Life, Interrupted,” a column in The Times in which she wrote about facing ******* in her 20s. Since then, she has faced two recurrences, most recently last year. Throughout, she has been open about leukemia’s impact on her life, including in her memoir “Between Two Kingdoms.” Patia Braithwaite, an editor on the Well desk, will interview her. 10:30 a.m. ‘Protecting Your Happiness in the Age of Social Media’ Dani Blum, a Well reporter, will moderate a conversation between Lisa Damour, a psychologist specializing in children’s and teenagers’ health, and Gabriela Nguyen, the founder of Appstinence, a student organization at the Harvard Graduate School of Education that encourages people to quit social media — as Ms. Nguyen did herself. 11:15 a.m. ‘How to Fix Your Relationships’ Terry Real is a family therapist, author and public speaker who specializes in relationships. Jancee Dunn, the author of Well’s newsletter, will interview him about how couples can build more satisfying lives together, avoid common interpersonal mistakes and fix problems in their relationships and sex lives. 11:40 a.m. ‘Getting Honest With Ourselves: A Conversation About Mental Health’ Charlamagne Tha God is known for interviewing public figures on his radio show “The Breakfast Club” — and for his openness about depression, anxiety and addiction. He will talk with Astead Herndon, a national politics reporter for The Times, about how he manages his mental health and what needs to change to reduce stigma, especially in ****** communities. 1:25 p.m. ‘Food as Nourishment, Community and Happiness’ Samin Nosrat is the author of the cookbook “Salt **** Acid Heat: Mastering the Elements of Good Cooking,” and Dacher Keltner is a professor of psychology at the University of California, Berkeley, who hosts the podcast “The Science of Happiness.” The Times food writer Kim Severson will investigate how they think about cooking and food as sources of pleasure and community. 1:55 p.m. ‘What We’ve Learned From 80 Years of Happiness Research’ The Harvard Study of Adult Development is the longest-running study of human happiness, and Dr. Robert Waldinger, a professor of psychiatry at Harvard Medical School, is its current director. Susan Dominus, a Times reporter who wrote a recent profile of Dr. Waldinger, will interview him about the study’s findings and how we can apply them to our own lives. 2:25 p.m. ‘Movement for Joy’ It’s easy to see exercise as a chore. But Robin Arzón, an endurance athlete and head instructor for Peloton, and Kelly McGonigal, a health psychologist at Stanford University, have found it to be a source of joy. They will discuss revelatory fitness with Danielle Friedman, a frequent Well contributor who wrote a book about women’s exercise culture. 3:05 p.m. ‘How to Find Joy in an Anxious World’ Dan Harris, a former journalist, began meditating after having a panic attack on national television — and then wrote a book called “10% Happier.” Sara Bareilles is a singer, songwriter and Broadway star who opened up a few years ago about her experiences with depression and anxiety. Along with Dacher Keltner, making a second appearance at the festival, they will discuss how they cope. 3:35 p.m. ‘Can You Make Peace With Your Body?’ Jameela Jamil, best known for playing the name-dropping socialite Tahani Al-Jamil in “The Good Place,” has been outspoken about her struggles with eating disorders and body image. Lisa Miller, a Well reporter, will interview her about her advocacy for body positivity, as well as how she found peace with her body and how others might do the same. 4:05 p.m. ‘The Science of Aging Well’ Dr. Peter Attia is a podcast host who promotes an aggressive regimen to prevent chronic disease and maximize health late in life. Kate Lowenstein, the deputy editor of Well, will interview him about his fitness, nutrition and sleep routines, and whether an average person can emulate a program for which his practice charges tens of thousands of dollars a year. 4:35 p.m. ‘The Stories We Tell in Love and Relationships’ Orna Guralnik is a clinical psychologist and psychoanalyst who counsels real couples in the docu-series “Couples Therapy,” a new season of which airs on May 22. In a conversation with Caitlin Roper, the executive producer for scripted film and television at The Times, she will speak about the stories we tell in love and relationships. 5 p.m. ‘Being the M.V.P. of Your Own Life’ Dwyane Wade, an N.B.A. Hall of Fame shooting guard, will talk to Marc Lacey, a managing editor at The Times, about masculinity, vulnerability, fatherhood, and how and why he has become healthier since leaving basketball. Source link #Festival #Live #Interviews #Health #Happiness Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

NYT Strands today: hints, spangram and answers for Wednesday, May 7 NYT Strands today: hints, spangram and answers for Wednesday, May 7 Table of Contents Table of Contents How to play Strands Hint for today’s Strands puzzle Today’s Strand answers Strands is a brand new daily puzzle from the New York Times. A trickier take on the classic word search, you’ll need a keen eye to solve this puzzle. Like Wordle, Connections, and the Mini Crossword, Strands can be a bit difficult to solve some days. There’s no shame in needing a little help from time to time. If you’re stuck and need to know the answers to today’s Strands puzzle, check out the solved puzzle below. How to play Strands You start every Strands puzzle with the goal of finding the “theme words” hidden in the grid of letters. Manipulate letters by dragging or tapping to craft words; double-tap the final letter to confirm. If you find the correct word, the letters will be highlighted blue and will no longer be selectable. If you find a word that isn’t a theme word, it still helps! For every three non-theme words you find that are at least four letters long, you’ll get a hint — the letters of one of the theme words will be revealed and you’ll just have to unscramble it. Every single letter on the grid is used to spell out the theme words and there is no overlap. Every letter will be used once, and only once. Each puzzle contains one “spangram,” a special theme word (or words) that describe the puzzle’s theme and touches two opposite sides of the board. When you find the spangram, it will be highlighted yellow. The goal should be to complete the puzzle quickly without using too many hints. Hint for today’s Strands puzzle Today’s theme is “Training day.” Here’s a hint that might help you: clear the tracks. Today’s Strand answers NYT Today’s spanagram We’ll start by giving you the spangram, which might help you figure out the theme and solve the rest of the puzzle on your own: Today’s Strands answers BOXCAR ENGINE FLATBED HOPPER GONDOLA CABOOSE Please enable Javascript to view this content Source link #NYT #Strands #today #hints #spangram #answers #Wednesday Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D vs Intel Core Ultra 9 285K Faceoff AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D vs Intel Core Ultra 9 285K Faceoff Today, we’ll put the AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D vs the Intel Core Ultra 9 285K in a heated contest to see which chip comes out on top. The best processor is not necessarily the one with the most number of cores or the highest clock speeds; rather, it is the one that fulfills your specific requirements and fits within your budget. Gamers do not necessarily require the highest-end chip to enjoy the latest AAA games, although having one wouldn’t hurt. However, numerous compelling reasons exist for a consumer to seek to acquire a flagship processor. You may be part of a small, elite crowd of enthusiastic gamers with the financial capacity to acquire the latest and greatest mainstream processor. Alternatively, you could be among the type of users who use their systems for more than just casual gaming, thereby warranting a more substantial investment in a processor that provides considerable processing power alongside exceptional gaming performance. The million-dollar question remains whether to choose between Intel or AMD, as both chipmakers have released highly compelling flagship processors in the current market. AMD currently has two coexisting mainstream processor lineups in the retail market. The vanilla Ryzen 9000 (codename Granite Ridge) series was the inaugural launch, later followed by the Ryzen 9000X3D series, which incorporates AMD’s 3D V-Cache technology, significantly enhancing gaming performance. Consequently, AMD has two flagship products: the Ryzen 9 9950X3D from the 3D V-Cache branch and the Ryzen 9 9950X from the main family. In contrast, Intel only has the Core Ultra 200S (codenamed Arrow Lake) series to compete against AMD, with the Core Ultra 9 285K as the singular leader of Intel’s army. Features and Specifications: AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D vs Intel Core Ultra 9 285K The Ryzen 9 9950X3D features Zen 5 execution cores and adheres to a conventional 16-core, 32-thread configuration. On the contrary, the Core Ultra 9 285K employs a hybrid design, integrating P-cores (Lion Cove) and E-cores (Skymont). Consequently, the Core Ultra 9 285K showcases a 24-core, 24-thread design. With Arrow Lake, Intel went with an approach without Hyper-Threading, so the Core Ultra 9 285K has fewer threads than the Ryzen 9 9950X3D. Concerning clock speeds, the Ryzen 9 9950X3D exhibits a 16% greater base clock speed than the Core Ultra 9 285K. However, both processors possess identical boost clocks. For cache capacity, the Ryzen 9 9950X3D is equipped with AMD’s 3D V-Cache, providing a total cache of 144MB (16MB L2 + 128MB L3). On the other hand, the Core Ultra 9 285K is accompanied by a cache capacity of 76MB (36MB L2 + 40MB L3). Consequently, the Ryzen 9 9950X3D has 3.2X more L3 cache, which is advantageous for gaming and specific workloads. Swipe to scroll horizontally Processor AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D Intel Core Ultra 9 285K MSRP $699 $599 Microarchitecture Zen 5 X3D Lion Cove / Skymont Cores / Threads (P+E) 16 / 32 24 / 24 (8+16) P-Core Base / Boost Clock (GHz) 4.3 / 5.7 3.7 / 5.7 E-Core Base / Boost Clock (GHz) N/A 3.2 / 4.6 Cache (L2/L3) 144MB (16+128) 76MB (36+40) TDP / PBP or MTP 170W / 230W 125W / 250W Memory DDR5-5600 CUDIMM DDR5-6400 / DDR5-5600 Today’s best AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D and Intel Core Ultra 9 285K deals The Ryzen 9 9950X3D has a 36% greater TDP (Thermal Design Power) or, in Intel’s case, PBP (Processor Base Power), than the Core Ultra 9 285K. Nevertheless, the latter features a 9% higher MTP (Maximum Turbo Power). Therefore, the Ryzen 9 9950X3D has superior power efficiency to the Core Ultra 9 285K. The Ryzen 9 9950X3D and Core Ultra 9 285K support PCIe 5.0 connectivity and DDR5 memory. Both provide 24 high-speed PCIe 5.0 lanes to support the latest graphics cards and PCIe 5.0 SSDs. Regarding memory support, only the Core Ultra 9 285K has embraced CUDIMMs (Clocked Unbuffered Dual In-line Memory Modules), bumping the native supported frequency up to DDR5-6400. As far as conventional DIMMs are concerned, both support DDR5-5600. Get Tom’s Hardware’s best news and in-depth reviews, straight to your inbox. Platform longevity favors the Ryzen 9 9950X3D, as the chip resides on the AM5 platform, which was launched in 2022 with AMD’s commitment to providing support until 2027. On the other hand, the Core Ultra 9 285K uses the LGA1851 platform, which was released in 2024, but its life span is likely to be limited. There are indications that Intel may refresh Arrow Lake for LGA1851 before transitioning to the LGA1954 platform for forthcoming processors. Winner: Tie Specification-wise, the Ryzen 9 9950X3D has a big L3 cache thanks to AMD’s 3D V-Cache technology and lower power consumption overall than the Core Ultra 9 285K. Another of AMD’s strengths is the life expectancy of the AM5 platform, which is substantially higher than LGA1851. Investing in the platform now offers a ticket for future processor upgrades. The LGA1851, in contrast, represents a fading platform. Arrow Lake may be the sole chip to utilize the LGA1851 platform, or possibly Arrow Lake Refresh, assuming the latest rumors are true. This is not particularly surprising, as the typical cadence for Intel sockets has consistently been two or three generations of chips, unlike AMD. In LGA1851’s defense, it is presently the sole platform that completely supports CUDIMMs. One advantage the Core Ultra 9 285K holds over the Ryzen 9 9950X3D is the possibility of leveraging CUDIMMs, such as high-speed memory DDR5-9200 and beyond. Nevertheless, considering the long life span of AM5, it is likely that full CUDIMM support will be introduced for AMD’s platform in due course. Gaming Benchmarks and Performance: AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D vs Intel Core Ultra 9 285K This article provides an overview of the Ryzen 9 9950X3D and Core Ultra 9 285K’s performance metrics. We have also published in-depth individual reviews of these two CPUs, which you can refer to for more details. These graphs show the geometric mean of our gaming test results with these two CPUs at 1080p (1920×1080) resolution. We paired both CPUs with the Nvidia GeForce RTX 5090 graphics card to minimize potential bottlenecks. Testing at 1080p might seem irrelevant for such a powerful setup, but this resolution allows us to see the full potential of our CPUs in gaming. Image 1 of 18 (Image credit: Tom’s Hardware) (Image credit: Tom’s Hardware) (Image credit: Tom’s Hardware) (Image credit: Tom’s Hardware) (Image credit: Tom’s Hardware) (Image credit: Tom’s Hardware) (Image credit: Tom’s Hardware) (Image credit: Tom’s Hardware) (Image credit: Tom’s Hardware) (Image credit: Tom’s Hardware) (Image credit: Tom’s Hardware) (Image credit: Tom’s Hardware) (Image credit: Tom’s Hardware) (Image credit: Tom’s Hardware) (Image credit: Tom’s Hardware) (Image credit: Tom’s Hardware) (Image credit: Tom’s Hardware) (Image credit: Tom’s Hardware) The Ryzen 9 9950X3D outperformed the Core Ultra 9 285K in gaming performance. This outcome was anticipated, as gaming performance is the former’s most notable strength, attributable to the substantial L3 cache enabled by AMD’s 3D V-Cache technology. Cumulatively, the Ryzen 9 9950X3D yielded average frame rates that were 34% higher than those of the Core Ultra 9 285K throughout our testing suite of 16 games, utilizing a combination of High and Ultra graphical settings at 1080p. Furthermore, the AMD flagship demonstrated a 27% higher result in 1% Lows. The Ryzen 9 9950X3D and Core Ultra 9 285K hit the market at $699 and $620, respectively. The former presents 0.28 FPS per dollar, while the latter offers 0.23. Despite costing 13% more, the Ryzen 9 9950X3D has more gaming value for your money. While the Ryzen 9 9950X3D has maintained its pricing, the Core Ultra 9 285K has dropped to $589, reaching 0.25. Winner: AMD The Ryzen 9 9950X3D is undoubtedly the better choice for gaming enthusiasts. While the Core Ultra 9 285K is a capable gaming processor, it falls short compared to the Ryzen 9 9950X3D, which is almost 35% faster in average frame rates and close to 30% faster in 1% Lows. The Ryzen 9 9950X3D has consistently maintained a higher price point than the Core Ultra 9 285K. Notwithstanding the recent price reductions of the Core Ultra 9 285K, the Ryzen 9 9950X3D continues to provide better value in gaming. Productivity Performance: AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D vs Intel Core Ultra 9 285K Image 1 of 10 (Image credit: Tom’s Hardware) (Image credit: Tom’s Hardware) (Image credit: Tom’s Hardware) (Image credit: Tom’s Hardware) (Image credit: Tom’s Hardware) (Image credit: Tom’s Hardware) (Image credit: Tom’s Hardware) (Image credit: Tom’s Hardware) (Image credit: Tom’s Hardware) (Image credit: Tom’s Hardware) The Ryzen 9 9950X3D flaunts superior multi-threaded performance, but the contest is heated. The Zen 5 processor delivers a mere 3% higher multi-threaded performance than the Core Ultra 9 285K. Looking at benchmarks individually, there are times when the Core Ultra 9 285K is substantially faster. For example, the Intel chip boasted 18% higher results in POV-Ray or 11% higher in HandBrake x265. The Ryzen 9 9950X3D also has its moments, such as in V-Ray 6, where it outperformed the Core Ultra 9 285K by 17%. Image 1 of 7 (Image credit: Tom’s Hardware) (Image credit: Tom’s Hardware) (Image credit: Tom’s Hardware) (Image credit: Tom’s Hardware) (Image credit: Tom’s Hardware) (Image credit: Tom’s Hardware) (Image credit: Tom’s Hardware) Intel continues to be the leader in single-threaded performance; however, the disparity has been narrowing, as evidenced by the current generation. The Core Ultra 9 285K achieved a 9% better single-threaded overall than the Ryzen 9 9950X3D. The POV-Ray benchmark clearly favors the Core Ultra 9 285K, which significantly surpassed the Ryzen 9 9950X3D by an impressive 31%. Conversely, the performance delta between the two processors wasn’t as big in other workloads. Winner: Tie There is no definitive victor in this comparison. The Ryzen 9 9950X3D has higher multi-threaded performance relative to the Core Ultra 9 285K. Nevertheless, the disparity stands at merely 3%, a difference that may not be noteworthy across all workloads. Meanwhile, the Core Ultra 9 285K is better at single-thread performance than the Ryzen 9 9950X3D, where the former exhibits a speed increase of 9% over the latter. It can be argued that a loss of 3% is more tolerable than a loss of 9%; this perspective holds validity when one prioritizes a chip for productivity purposes while overlooking gaming considerations. Overclocking: AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D vs Intel Core Ultra 9 285K The Ryzen 9 9950X3D and Intel Core Ultra 9 285K have unlocked multipliers and are ready for your manual overclocking endeavors. The quality of overclocking can vary significantly between processors, and currently, we do not possess a substantial number of samples from which to derive definitive conclusions. Our results are primarily based on our overclocking experiences with the single sample available in our lab. In the context of the Ryzen 9 9950X3D, we activated AMD’s Precision Boost Overdrive (PBO) functionality. For the PBO configuration, we utilized the ‘advanced’ and ‘motherboard’ power settings, accompanied by a 10X scalar adjustment and an increase of 200 MHz in the clock speed. Furthermore, we implemented a -15 all-core Curve Optimizer offset. We’ve also experimented with Intel’s latest ‘200S Boost’ feature combined with some manual overclocking. But the long story short is that there isn’t much practical headroom for performance gains with fabric overclocking. Intel also offers manual tuning for the P-cores and E-cores, though the actual performance gains are heavily weighted towards the latter. Winner: Tie Unlike the old Pentium, modern processors arrive with little headroom for serious overclocking with conventional cooling. It’s a two-way street. On a positive note, you can rest easy at night knowing their chips are at or near their potential. However, on the downside, the art of extracting additional performance at no cost is slowly fading away. Power Consumption, Efficiency, and Cooling: AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D vs Intel Core Ultra 9 285K Image 1 of 9 (Image credit: Tom’s Hardware) (Image credit: Tom’s Hardware) (Image credit: Tom’s Hardware) (Image credit: Tom’s Hardware) (Image credit: Tom’s Hardware) (Image credit: Tom’s Hardware) (Image credit: Tom’s Hardware) (Image credit: Tom’s Hardware) (Image credit: Tom’s Hardware) The Core Ultra 9 285K has 30% lower idle power consumption than the Ryzen 9 9950X3D. Furthermore, the Core Ultra 9 285 K’s active idle power consumption during YouTube playback is particularly notable, as it consumes 39% less power. On the contrary, the Core Ultra 9 285K reveals a higher power consumption during various workload scenarios. The Intel chip operates within a power range of 219W to 325W, whereas its AMD counterpart operates between 178W and 228W. Notably, the Ryzen 9 9950X3D has a peak power consumption that is 30% lower than that of the Core Ultra 9 285K. Image 1 of 6 (Image credit: Tom’s Hardware) (Image credit: Tom’s Hardware) (Image credit: Tom’s Hardware) (Image credit: Tom’s Hardware) (Image credit: Tom’s Hardware) (Image credit: Tom’s Hardware) The Core Ultra 9 285K was more power efficient in the Linpack workload, displaying a 5% lower watt-hour. The Ryzen 9 9950X3D excelled in the Cinebench 2024 workload, landing a 10% higher watts per point and a 13% lower watts per FPS in the HandBrake x265 test. The ideal balance is performance at a reduced power consumption. To elaborate, the processor at the bottom right corner of the power efficiency charts represents the best chip in terms of efficiency. The Ryzen 9 9950X3D outperforms the Core Ultra 9 285K in multiple benchmarks. Winner: AMD The Core Ultra 9 285K wins at idle power consumption, but the Ryzen 9 9950X3D consumes less power. While both idle and average power consumption should be considered, the latter is ultimately more important since we typically use our systems more than letting them idle for prolonged periods. Furthermore, the Ryzen 9 9950X3D has better power efficiency than the Core Ultra 9 285K. A power-efficient processor helps reduce system costs, including processor cooling and power supply capacity expenses. It also positively contributes to electricity savings. Pricing: AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D vs Intel Core Ultra 9 285K The Ryzen 9 9950X3D launched last month at $699. Since this processor recently came out of the oven, it’s unrealistic to expect any price adjustments. Meanwhile, the Core Ultra 9 285K debuted at $620 in October 2024. Nowadays, you can find the flagship Arrow Lake chip at U.S. retailers for $589, 5% below the launch price. Intel processors usually maintain their value until the next generation arrives. Therefore, it’s unlikely that the Core Ultra 9 285K will officially get any cheaper. You may still find a retailer deal here or there. To put things in perspective, the Ryzen 9 9950X3D’s gaming performance is 34% higher than the Core Ultra 9 285K while being 19% more expensive. The Zen 5 part has a 3% multi-threaded advantage over the Core Ultra 9 285K, but the Intel chip does have up to 9% higher single-threaded performance, though. Winner: AMD At $699, the Ryzen 9 9950X3D may look like a scary investment. However, our results show that even with that hefty price tag, the 3D V-Cache flagship gives you more value for your money in gaming. The multi-threaded performance isn’t shabby, but it does lose out to the Core Ultra 9 285K in single-threaded performance. The Ryzen 9 9950X3D already looks good. However, its appeal will grow further when the pricing starts to decline, whether through official price reductions or retailer promotions during special events such as ****** Friday. Bottom Line: AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D vs Intel Core Ultra 9 285K Swipe to scroll horizontally Header Cell – Column 0 AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D Intel Core Ultra 9 285K Features and Specifications Gaming Row 1 – Cell 2 Productivity Applications Overclocking Power Consumption, Efficiency, and Cooling Row 4 – Cell 2 Pricing Row 5 – Cell 2 Total 6 3 The gaming performance of the Ryzen 9 9950X3D was never in doubt, particularly given that lower-tier Zen 5 components equipped with 3D V-Cache have already surpassed the Core Ultra 9 285K by massive margins. However, the more important question is whether the Ryzen 9 9950X3D possesses any appeal outside the gaming realm. The answer to this inquiry is yes. In addition to being a great gaming processor, the Ryzen 9 9950X3D can double as a productivity monster, similar to the vanilla Ryzen 9 9950X. Thanks to the Zen 5 architecture and the 16-core, 32-thread configuration, the Ryzen 9 9950X3D has no issues tackling demanding workloads, as long as they benefit from multi-threading. Unfortunately, the Ryzen 9 9950X3D’s single-threaded performance lags behind the Core Ultra 9 285K. However, if you can overlook the Ryzen 9 9950X3D’s single-threaded weakness, the Zen 5 chip is a fantastic all-around performer that’s power efficient and offers support for the latest technology. And unlike the Core Ultra 9 285K, the Ryzen 9 9950X3D doesn’t leave you feeling like you just bought an obsolete processor—at least for a couple of years. Source link #AMD #Ryzen #9950X3D #Intel #Core #Ultra #285K #Faceoff Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

India strikes – how will Pakistan respond? Four key questions India strikes – how will Pakistan respond? Four key questions NurPhoto via Getty Images Pakistan claims to have shot down five Indian fighter jets – India has not confirmed this In a dramatic overnight operation, India said it launched missile and air strikes on nine sites across Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir, targeting what it called militant positions based on “credible intelligence”. The strikes, lasting just 25 minutes between 01:05 and 01:30 India time (19:35 and 20:00 GMT on Tuesday), sent shockwaves through the region, with residents jolted awake by thunderous explosions. Pakistan said only six locations were hit and claimed to have shot down five Indian fighter jets and a drone – a claim India has not confirmed. Islamabad said 26 people were killed and 46 injured in Indian air strikes and shelling across the Line of Control (LoC) – the de facto border between India and Pakistan. Meanwhile, India’s army reported that 10 civilians were killed by Pakistani shelling on its side of the de facto border. This sharp escalation comes after last month’s deadly militant attack on tourists in Pahalgam in Indian-administered Kashmir, pushing tensions between the nuclear-armed rivals to dangerous new heights. India says it has clear evidence linking Pakistan-based terrorists and external actors to the attack – a claim Pakistan flatly denies. Islamabad has also pointed out that India has not offered any evidence to support its claim. Does this attack mark a new escalation? In 2016, after 19 Indian soldiers were killed in Uri, India launched “surgical strikes” across the LoC. In 2019, the Pulwama bombing, which left 40 Indian paramilitary personnel dead, prompted airstrikes deep into Balakot – the first such action inside Pakistan since 1971 – sparking retaliatory raids and an aerial dogfight. Experts say the retaliation for the Pahalgam attack stands out for its broader scope, targeting the infrastructure of three major Pakistan-based militant groups simultaneously. India says it struck nine militant targets across Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir, hitting deep into key hubs of Lashkar-e- Taiba (LeT), Jaish-e-Mohammed, and Hizbul Mujahideen. Among the closest targets were two camps in Sialkot, just 6-18km from the border, according to an Indian spokesperson. The deepest hit, says India, was a Jaish-e-Mohammed headquarters in Bahawalpur, 100km inside Pakistan. A LeT camp in Muzaffarabad, 30km from the LoC and capital of Pakistan-administered Kashmir, was linked to recent attacks in Indian-administered Kashmir, the spokesperson said. Pakistan says six locations have been hit, but denies allegations of there being terror camps. Anadolu via Getty Images Pakistan says six locations have been hit, including in Muzaffarabad, capital of Pakistan-administered Kashmir “What’s striking this time is the expansion of India’s targets beyond past patterns. Previously, strikes like Balakot focused on Pakistan-administered Kashmir across the Line of Control – a militarised boundary,” Srinath Raghavan, a Delhi-based historian, told the BBC. “This time, India has hit into Pakistan’s Punjab, across the International Border, targeting terrorist infrastructure, headquarters, and known locations in Bahawalpur and Muridke linked to Lashkar-e-Taiba. They’ve also struck Jaish-e-Mohammed and Hizbul Mujahideen assets. This suggests a broader, more geographically expansive response, signalling that multiple groups are now in India’s crosshairs – and sending a wider message,” he says. The India-Pakistan International Border is the officially recognised boundary separating the two countries, stretching from Gujarat to Jammu. Ajay Bisaria, a former Indian high commissioner to Pakistan, told the BBC that what India did was a “Balakot plus response meant to establish deterrence, targeting known terrorist hubs, but accompanied by a strong de-escalatory message”. “These strikes were more precise, targeted and more visible than in the past. Therefore, [they are] less deniable by Pakistan,” Mr Bisaria says. Indian sources say the strikes were aimed at “re-establishing deterrence”. “The Indian government thinks that the deterrence established in 2019 has worn thin and needs to be re-established,” says Prof Raghavan. “This seems to mirror Israel’s doctrine that deterrence requires periodic, repeated strikes. But if we assume that hitting back alone will deter terrorism, we risk giving Pakistan every incentive to retaliate – and that can quickly spiral out of control.” Could this spiral into a broader conflict?AFP via Getty Images Smoke rises after an artillery shell hits the main town in India’s Jammu region on Wednesday The majority of experts agree that a retaliation from Pakistan is inevitable – and diplomacy will come into play. “Pakistan’s response is sure to come. The challenge would be to manage the next level of escalation. This is where crisis diplomacy will matter,” says Mr Bisaria. “Pakistan will be getting advice to exercise restraint. But the key will be the diplomacy after the Pakistani response to ensure that both countries don’t rapidly climb the ladder of escalation.” Pakistan-based experts like Ejaz Hussain, a Lahore-based political and military analyst, say Indian surgical strikes targeting locations such as Muridke and Bahawalpur were “largely anticipated given the prevailing tensions”. Dr Hussain believes retaliatory strikes are likely. “Given the Pakistani military’s media rhetoric and stated resolve to settle the scores, retaliatory action, possibly in the form of surgical strikes across the border, appears likely in the coming days,” he told the BBC. But Dr Hussain worries that surgical strikes on both sides could “escalate into a limited conventional war”. Christopher Clary of the University at Albany in the US believes given the scale of India’s strikes, “visible damage at key sites”, and reported casualties, Pakistan is highly likely to retaliate. “Doing otherwise essentially would give India permission to strike Pakistan whenever Delhi feels aggrieved and would run contrary to the Pakistan military’s commitment to retaliating with ‘quid pro quo plus’,” Mr Clary, who studies the politics of South Asia, told the BBC. “Given India’s stated targets of groups and facilities associated with terrorism and militancy in India, I think it is likely – but far from certain – that Pakistan will confine itself to attacks on Indian military targets,” he said. Despite the rising tensions, some experts still hold out hope for de-escalation. “There is a decent chance we escape this crisis with just one round of reciprocal standoff strikes and a ******* of heightened firing along the Line of Control,” says Mr Clary. However, the risk of further escalation remains high, making this the “most dangerous” India-Pakistan crisis since 2002 – and even more perilous than the 2016 and 2019 standoffs, he adds. Is Pakistani retaliation now inevitable?AFP via Getty Images Indian paramilitary personnel stand guard along a road in Srinagar on Tuesday Experts in Pakistan note that despite a lack of war hysteria leading up to India’s strike, the situation could quickly shift. “We have a deeply fractured political society, with the country’s most popular leader behind bars. Imran Khan’s imprisonment triggered a strong anti-military public backlash,” says Umer Farooq, an Islamabad-based analyst and a former correspondent of Jane’s Defence Weekly. “Today, the Pakistani public is far less eager to support the military compared to 2016 or 2019 – the usual wave of war hysteria is noticeably absent. But if public opinion shifts in central Punjab where anti-India feelings are more prevalent, we could see increased civilian pressure on the military to take action. And the military will regain popularity because of this conflict.” Dr Hussain echoes a similar sentiment. “I believe the current standoff with India presents an opportunity for the Pakistani military to regain public support, particularly from the urban middle classes who have recently criticised it for perceived political interference,” he says. “The military’s active defence posture is already being amplified through mainstream and social media, with some outlets claiming that six or seven Indian jets were shot down. “Although these claims warrant independent verification, they serve to bolster the military’s image among segments of the public that conventionally rally around national defence narratives in times of external threat.” Can India and Pakistan step back from the brink?NurPhoto via Getty Images Indian security forces patrolling in Uri, Jammu and Kashmir India is once again walking a fine line between escalation and restraint. Shortly after the attack in Pahalgam, India swiftly retaliated by closing the main border crossing, suspending a water-sharing treaty, expelling diplomats and halting most visas for Pakistani nationals. Troops on both sides have exchanged small-arms fire, and India barred all Pakistani aircraft from its airspace, mirroring Pakistan’s earlier move. In response, Pakistan suspended a 1972 peace treaty and took its own retaliatory measures. This mirrors India’s actions after the 2019 Pulwama attack, when it swiftly revoked Pakistan’s most-favoured-nation status, imposed heavy tariffs and suspended key trade and transport links. The crisis had escalated when India launched air strikes on Balakot, followed by retaliatory Pakistani air raids and the capture of Indian pilot Abhinandan Varthaman, further heightening tensions. However, diplomatic channels eventually led to a de-escalation, with Pakistan releasing the pilot in a goodwill gesture. “India was willing to give old-fashioned diplomacy another chance…. This, with India having achieved a strategic and military objective and Pakistan having claimed a notion of victory for its domestic audience,” Mr Bisaria told me last week. Source link #India #strikes #Pakistan #respond #key #questions Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Nintendo Switch 2 Elden Ring Version Getting Two New Tarnished Classes Is Not the Hidetaka Miyazaki Vision I Grew up Worshipping Nintendo Switch 2 Elden Ring Version Getting Two New Tarnished Classes Is Not the Hidetaka Miyazaki Vision I Grew up Worshipping When I first set foot in the Elden Ring‘s world, sword in hand and grace guiding me through The Lands Between, I thought the corruption only seeped through demigods and those twisted by the power of Great Runes, not the man who created them. But here we are. Hidetaka Miyazaki, the once-pure soul behind gaming’s grimmest masterpieces, seems to have been tempted by the glowing lure of the Nintendo Switch 2. Because yes, the game is making its way to the new console, and with it comes something new: two new Tarnished classes. And suddenly, I find myself wondering if the real Great Rune was capitalism all along. Elden Ring: Tarnished Edition on Switch 2 brings new classes After years of crafting worlds where ambition, greed, and power are the ultimate downfall of those who dare reach too far, it seems Hidetaka Miyazaki has taken a turn. His latest move? Introducing two new classes for Elden Ring: Tarnished Edition on the Nintendo Switch 2. Showcased at the FromSoftware Games Event Spring 2025 in Tokyo (as reported by Famitsu), the game will include two new character classes, ominously titled (as translated by RPG Site) “Knight of Ides” and “Heavy Armored Knight.” These additions, along with other new content like fresh armor sets, weapons, and skills, are set to launch with the Switch 2 version. On the cuter side of grim, Torrent is also getting three new appearance options, because nothing says “brutal open-world despair” like custom horse skins. In itself, this wouldn’t be anything out of the ordinary: new content in a game is to be expected. However, the real kicker is that these same additions will also be sold separately as part of the Tarnished Pack DLC for other platforms. To me, this feels like a calculated move, one that doesn’t quite align with the vision I once thought Miyazaki had. He was supposed to be the creator who refused to follow the industry’s rules, who seemed more focused on creating complex worlds than on chasing trends. A profitable shift in focus and a tarnish on Miyazaki’s vision New classes, same old cash grab. | Image Credit: FromSoftware Let’s not dance around the Erdtree: this is a shrewd, cold-blooded move. Releasing new character classes with the Switch 2 version, while charging loyal players on other platforms for the same content via DLC? That’s not just a cash grab, it’s practically a lore break. The irony here is cosmic. Miyazaki’s games have always mocked greed and the corruption of power. Dark Souls was literally about kingdoms crumbling under ambition. Bloodborne had Victorian scientists drinking eldritch substances in pursuit of transcendence. And Elden Ring? The game opens with the gods shattered by their own lust for runes. But now, new classes are being sold separately, not part of the main game. It’s a far cry from the pure creative vision that made Miyazaki a legend. Sure, the hype around the Switch 2 is real, and I get it. But couldn’t these new classes have been added across all platforms as a free update? Maybe as a thank-you to the 30 million Tarnished who bought the game already? Instead, we’re getting what amounts to a fancy launch edition, and everyone else has to pay cover just to join the party. But I suppose even visionaries must one day kneel before the Golden Order of Shareholders. Source link #Nintendo #Switch #Elden #Ring #Version #Tarnished #Classes #Hidetaka #Miyazaki #Vision #Grew #Worshipping Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

One of our favorite digital drawing tablets is 20% off at Amazon One of our favorite digital drawing tablets is 20% off at Amazon A digital drawing tablet is one of the most important tools for graphic artists. Whether you’re just starting with your career or you’re already a seasoned professional, you should always be on the lookout for offers like Amazon’s 21% discount for the Wacom Intuos Pro Medium. It’s currently available for $299, for savings of $81 on its original price of $380. Like with most tablet deals, there’s no telling how much time is remaining before its price goes back to normal, so we highly recommend completing your purchase as soon as possible if you’re interested. Why you should buy the Wacom Intuos Pro Medium drawing tablet The Wacom Intuos Pro Medium is featured in our list of the best drawing tablets as the best drawing tablet with pen. It comes with the Wacom Pro Pen 2, which is also included in our roundup of the best smart pens. It’s an ultra-responsive and battery-free pen that’s very easy to control, and it will let you draw with your choice among an astounding 8,192 levels of pressure sensitivity. You’ll be able to easily switch between fine and wide strokes, and use the pen as if it were a brush. This particular model of the Wacom Intuos Pro features an active surface area of 8.7 inches by 5.8 inches, and it offers multi-touch gestures and programmable ExpressKeys so you can personalize how you bring your creations from your imagination to the computer. The drawing tablet also has a compact design, so you can bring it with you anywhere and work on your laptop whenever inspiration strikes. You can connect the Wacom Intuos Pro Medium to your Windows PC or Mac computer either through USB or Bluetooth. The Waco Intuos Pro Medium usually sells for $380, but you can get it for a discounted price of $299 from Amazon right now. The 21% discount translates to $81 in savings, but we’re not sure when the price of the digital drawing tablet goes back to normal. If you don’t want to miss out on this bargain, you’re going to have to add the Wacom Intuos Pro Medium to your cart and proceed with the checkout process immediately. Source link #favorite #digital #drawing #tablets #Amazon Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

MEPs call for bolder EU action on water resilience | News MEPs call for bolder EU action on water resilience | News In their report, adopted with 470 votes in favour, 81 against and 92 abstentions, MEPs want an ambitious strategy for the EU to manage its water resources more efficiently and respond better to current water-related challenges. The text says water is not only essential to people’s lives and health, but also central to Europe’s economy, competitiveness, and climate adaptation efforts. Water efficiency targets, reducing pollution and improving disaster preparedness MEPs want the Commission to propose sectoral targets for water efficiency and water abstraction (taking water from a surface or underground source) based on risk assessments. The EU needs to do more to reduce water pollution from pharmaceuticals, chemical pesticides and fertilisers, antibiotic-resistant bacteria, microplastics and chemicals, and to phase out so-called “forever chemicals” (PFAS). Parliament wants climate adaptation to be integrated into sectoral plans and policy measures affecting water and land use, as well as tailored measures for regions facing unique challenges, such as the Mediterranean, island areas and outermost regions. Preparedness and crisis response mechanisms for water scarcity, drought and floods must be significantly improved, they add. Dedicated funding and digital innovation Additionally, MEPs are asking the Commission to make dedicated funding available for water resilience, supported by specific mechanisms within existing funds, to modernise water infrastructure, sustainable water management, nature-based solutions and innovative water-efficient technologies. They urge the Commission to invest in artificial intelligence (AI) solutions, real-time leak detection, smart irrigation, and emerging technologies that improve water efficiency. They also stress the importance of digital tools for transparent data collection, monitoring and early warning systems, as well as improving cybersecurity of critical water infrastructures. Quote Rapporteur Thomas Bajada (S&D, MT) said: “Our people – our families, farmers, and businesses – deserve clean, secure, and affordable water. That means moving from promises to real, binding action. We cannot afford to treat water as infinite. That is why this report calls for enforceable water efficiency and abstraction targets – sector by sector, basin by basin. We call for a strong EU-wide response to pollution, including the full phase-out of PFAS wherever safe alternatives exist. Because these “forever chemicals” have no place in a sustainable future. We must also invest in solutions that work: modern irrigation, smart recycling systems, real-time monitoring, and infrastructure that prevents leaks before they happen. These are not luxuries – they are the tools we need to protect our health, our food systems, and our future.” Next steps The Commission is expected to adopt the European Water Resilience Strategy before the summer, according to its 2025 work programme. Background Pollution, habitat degradation, impacts of climate change, and the over-use of freshwater resources are putting pressure on Europe’s lakes, rivers, coastal waters and groundwaters, with water stress affecting 20% of Europe’s territory and 30% of the population every year. Only 39,5% of Europe’s surface water bodies achieved good ecological status and only 26.8% achieved ‘good’ chemical status under the implementation of EU’s water legislation. Source link #MEPs #call #bolder #action #water #resilience #News Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

The serious and secretive business of choosing a pope The serious and secretive business of choosing a pope WHO TAKES PART IN THE CONCLAVE? Only cardinals aged under 80 when a pope dies can take part in a conclave. There were 135 cardinals who met that requirement when Pope Francis died in April but two have said they will not take part. The cardinal electors come from 70 countries, against 48 in 2013 when Pope Francis was elected. Italians make up the biggest single national bloc, with 19 cardinals, against 10 from the United States and seven from Brazil. In all, there are 52 cardinal electors considered from Europe, 23 from Asia, 17 from Africa, 17 from South America, 16 from North America, four from Central America and four from Oceania. WHERE DOES THE CONCLAVE TAKE PLACE? The cardinals hold their election in the Sistine Chapel. Most participating cardinals sleep in a ******** hotel near the chapel. They will be banned from communicating with the outside world. HOW DOES THE BALLOT WORK? Except for the first day, when only one ballot is held, the cardinals hold two daily balloting sessions – two in the morning and in the afternoon – until a candidate has a majority of “at least” two-thirds of cardinals. All participants are sworn to secrecy about the voting. HOW LONG DOES A CONCLAVE LAST? Modern papal conclaves are typically short. The average length of the last 10 conclaves was 3.2 days and none went on for more than five. The 2013 conclave that elected Pope Francis lasted two days, as did the 2005 conclave for Pope Benedict XVI. The longest papal election was the conclave of 1268-1271 in Viterbo, Italy. It lasted for two years, nine months and two days before Pope Gregory X was elected. He later established that in future elections, cardinals should be locked away in seclusion – “**** clave” – to focus on their task. The 1503 conclave that elected Pope Julius II is often cited as one of the shortest, taking only a few hours. WHAT DOES THE SMOKE SIGNIFY? Cardinals cast their votes on papers that are gathered and burned at the end of the morning and afternoon sessions, with smoke pouring from a makeshift chimney above the Sistine Chapel. ****** smoke indicates inconclusive votes, while white smoke tells the world that a pope has been chosen. The great bell of St Peter’s Basilica will ring out on election of a new pope. The smoke signals are expected about noon and 7pm each voting day. However, smoke could emerge earlier if the new pontiff is elected in the first ballot of one of the sessions. HOW IS THE NEW POPE ANNOUNCED? After a pope is chosen, a senior cardinal appears on the balcony of St Peter’s Basilica and announces in Latin: “Annuntio vobis gaudium magnum. Habemus Papam” (“I announce to you great joy. We have a pope”). He identifies the new pope by his given name, with his first name translated into Latin, and then his papal name, also in Latin. The most common papal names are John (23 times), Gregory (16), Benedict (16), Clement (14), Innocent (13), Leo (13) and Pius (12). Pope Francis was the first to choose that name, in honour of St Francis of Assisi. The new pope delivers his first public address and his first “Urbi et Orbi” (To the City and the World) blessing in front of the crowd in St Peter’s Square. A few days later, the new pope will celebrate a mass that marks the beginning of his ministry. Source link #secretive #business #choosing #pope Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

How to get Marvel Rivals Wolverine Patch costume for free How to get Marvel Rivals Wolverine Patch costume for free Marvel Rivals Season 2 has debuted with a stunning content selection, transporting players to the spectacular Hellfire Gala, a mutant-centric festival set on the bright Krakoa map. Emma Frost makes her debut as a fearsome Vanguard hero this season, and the Battle Pass has been redesigned with plenty of rewards. NetEase Games entices free-to-play players by providing exquisite cosmetics for free, such as the Scarlet Witch Chaos Gown, which can be obtained by simply playing nine matches, and Mantis’ Flora Maiden skin from the Cerebro Database event. These free skins underscore the season’s emphasis on accessibility, allowing gamers to dress their favorite Marvel characters in high-fashion. The excitement builds up to the Hellfire Gala Moments event, which runs from May 2 to May 23, 2025, and enables players to immerse themselves in Krakoa’s elegance with unique tasks and beautiful rewards. This limited-time event will feature exclusive cosmetics such as emotes and nameplates, as well as a standout reward: a brand-new Wolverine skin known as the Patch costume. This high-fashion design, which features Logan in a sleek white suit and eyepatch, is inspired by legendary comic lore and has fans buzzing, especially following its introduction in the Season 2 teaser. Here’s how to get it in Marvel Rivals. How to claim the free Wolverine Patch skin in Marvel Rivals NetEase Games The Wolverine Patch skin, which depicts Logan in a sleek white suit and eyepatch inspired by the Hellfire Gala comics, is a noteworthy free reward in Marvel Rivals Season 2. This cosmetic is available during the Hellfire Gala Moments event from May 2 to May 23, 2025, and can be obtained by completing a series of objectives on the Krakoa map. Log in to Marvel Rivals, then select the Events tab from the main menu. To reach the mission board, select the Hellfire Gala Moments event. To unlock the skin, players must complete challenges spread throughout three Acts. Begin by visiting three distinct Krakoa map locations—The Green Lagoon, A Flying Dragon?, and Krakoa’s Next Gen—in Quick Match, Competitive, or AI games to win 180 Chrono Tokens. Next, focus on earning X-Coins by accomplishing tasks such as dealing damage or playing matches. Use this currency to acquire four Gala Gifts from a pool of eight on the event page, including cosmetics such as Emma Frost’s “To Me, My X-Men” emote. You can have a peek at them from the Rewards Preview. Finally, cast ten votes in the Gala Star Vote to select the 2026 Hellfire Gala costume hero. Earn Voting Tokens by completing missions such as disrupting enemies or role-specific duties; each vote costs one token. Completing these votes also results in a personalized Gallery Card. To progress through missions, prioritize daily missions for speedier rewards. Track your progress in the event interface, and once all missions have been done, go to the event page and click Claim to add the Wolverine Patch skin to your collection. Act promptly, as these rewards will expire after May 23, 2025, so dive into Krakoa to claim this iconic skin. Source link #Marvel #Rivals #Wolverine #Patch #costume #free Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

AI enables slain man to address courtroom at killer’s sentencing AI enables slain man to address courtroom at killer’s sentencing In what’s believed to be a world first, artificial intelligence (AI) has allowed a slain man to address his killer at the sentencing hearing. Christopher Pelkey was shot dead in a road rage incident in Chandler, Arizona, four years ago, but just recently, AI was used to recreate a digital version of the victim that was allowed to make a statement during the trial, a local news site reported. The video presentation also included real clips of Pelkey to give those in court a clearer understanding of his personality. Some of these clips were also used to create the AI-generated likeness of Pelkey, which you can see below. Chris Pelkey died in Nov. 2021 in a road rage shooting. Recently, Chris’ family created an AI-generated video of him giving his own victim impact statement. Here is a clip – watch the full story tonight ONLY on @FOX10Phoenix pic.twitter.com/JIz6bKuNfU — Nicole Krasean (@NicoleK_Fox10) May 5, 2025 In the video played in court, the AI version of Pelkey says: “To Gabriel Horcasitas, the man who shot me — it is a shame we encountered each other that day in those circumstances. In another life, we probably could’ve been friends.” He continues: “I believe in forgiveness and in God who forgives. I always have and I still do.” After watching the video, Judge Todd Lang said: “I love that AI. Thank you for that. I felt like that was genuine, that his obvious forgiveness of Mr. Horcasitas reflects the character I heard about today.” This week, the judge sentenced Horcasitas to ten-and-a-half years for Pelkey’s manslaughter. It was Chris Pelkey’s sister, Stacey, who came up with the idea to use AI to create a likeness of her brother for use in court. She said it was important “not to make Chris say what I was feeling, and to detach and let him speak because he said things that would never come out of my mouth, but that I know would come out of his.” Ann A. Scott Timmer, Chief Justice of the Arizona Supreme Court, commented that AI has the potential “to create great efficiencies in the justice system and may assist those unschooled in the law to better present their positions. For that reason, we are excited about AI’s potential.” Timmer added: “But AI can also hinder or even upend justice if inappropriately used. A measured approach is best. Along those lines, the court has formed an AI committee to examine AI use and make recommendations for how best to use it … Those who use AI — including courts — are responsible for its accuracy.” Indeed, while the use of AI in this way brings a powerful and deeply personal element to court proceedings, it also raises various ethical and legal concerns about authenticity, emotional influence, and appropriate application. As a result, it seems likely that other courts will at some point develop guidelines for future cases, if they choose to allow AI-generated victim statements. Please enable Javascript to view this content Source link #enables #slain #man #address #courtroom #killers #sentencing Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Türkiye’s EU accession process must remain frozen | News Türkiye’s EU accession process must remain frozen | News Under current circumstances, despite the democratic and pro-European aspirations of a large part of Turkish society, Türkiye’s EU accession process cannot resume, MEPs say in a report adopted on Wednesday with 367 votes in favour, 74 against and 188 abstentions. The Turkish government has failed to address fundamental democratic shortcomings, the report says, pointing to the increasing shift within the EU towards “a different framework for the relationship, which might come at the expense of the accession process”. Parliament urges the Turkish government, the EU institutions and EU member states to continue working towards a closer, more dynamic and strategic partnership with particular emphasis on climate action, energy security, counter-terrorism cooperation, and regional stability. EU membership criteria are not up for negotiation MEPs are deeply concerned by the continued deterioration of democratic standards in Türkiye and by the relentless suppression of critical voices. They condemn the harsh crackdown on the recent peaceful mass protests and the prosecution of hundreds of protesters through hasty mass trials lacking any evidence of criminal wrongdoing.. MEPs also consider the attacks against Istanbul Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu are a politically motivated move aimed at preventing a legitimate challenger from standing in the upcoming elections. With these actions the current Turkish authorities are pushing the country further towards a fully authoritarian model. EU membership is contingent on fulfilling specific accession criteria, such as stable institutions that guarantee democracy, the rule of law, human rights, respect for and the protection of minorities, good neighbourly relations, compliance with international law and alignment with the EU’s common foreign and security policy. These are absolute criteria, not matters subject to transactional strategic considerations or negotiations, the report says MEPs also condemn the recent ******** visit of President Erdogan to the occupied areas of the Republic of Cyprus and his “provocative statements” as a unilateral action and tantamount to a direct illegitimate intervention against the interests of the Greek and Turkish Cypriot communities. They stress that the democratic and pro-European aspirations of the majority of Turkish society, particularly among Turkish youth, are a major reason for keeping Türkiye’s accession process alive, even if frozen. Deeper cooperation in areas of mutual strategic interest MEPs acknowledge Türkiye’s strategic and geopolitical importance, and its increasing presence and influence in areas critical for international security, such as the ****** Sea region, Ukraine and the Middle East. Türkiye is a strategic partner and a NATO ally. It is also a country with which the EU has close relations in security, trade, economy and migration, MEPs add. Therefore, it is important to maintain a constructive dialogue and to deepen cooperation in areas of mutual strategic interest. However, democratic backsliding and non-alignment with EU common foreign and security policy are not conducive to significant progress being made in that regard, MEPs warn. Quote The rapporteur, Nacho Sánchez Amor (S&D, ES), said: “We are constantly hearing from Turkish authorities about their supposed commitment to EU membership and how important it is for us to revive this process due to security and geopolitics, but they have got it wrong. Membership is about democracy, and the further they push towards a full authoritarian model – as observed recently with Ekrem İmamoğlu’s arrest – the further they move away from EU membership.” Source link #Türkiyes #accession #process #remain #frozen #News Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Disney Abu Dhabi theme park and resort coming Disney Abu Dhabi theme park and resort coming A rendering of Disney’s new theme park on Yas Island in Abu Dhabi. Disney A new Disney theme park is coming to Abu Dhabi. The Walt Disney company announced Wednesday that it has reached an agreement with immersive destination and experiences company Miral to bring a park and resort to Yas Island in the United Arab Emirates. This will be Disney’s seventh theme park resort and it will be fully developed and built by Miral. Disney’s imagineers will lead creative design and operational oversight on the project. The entertainment giant will not be investing capital in the project, but will reap the benefits of royalties. The development in Abu Dhabi is not part of the $60 billion that Disney has pledged to invest in its theme parks over the next decade. “This is a thrilling moment for our company as we announce plans to build an exciting Disney theme park resort in Abu Dhabi, whose culture is rich with an appreciation of the arts and creativity,” said Disney CEO Bob Iger, in a statement. “As our seventh theme park destination, it will rise from this land in spectacular fashion, blending contemporary architecture with cutting edge technology to offer guests deeply immersive entertainment experiences in unique and modern ways.” Iger, in an interview with CNBC’s David Faber on Wednesday, said imagineers have already begun designing the park. He declined to specify when the company expects the park to open. The announcement came after Disney reported a top- and bottom-line beat for its fiscal second quarter, with its experiences business — including parks, cruises and resorts as well as consumer products — reporting 6% year-over-year revenue growth. Disney has slowly been entering the United Arab Emirates in recent years, adding retail locations and touring entertainment shows like Broadway’s “The Lion King” and “Disney on Ice.” The company noted that around one-third of the world’s population lives within a four-hour flight of the UAE and that the region has an addressable tourism market of around 500 million visitors. “This groundbreaking resort destination represents a new frontier in theme park development,” said Josh D’Amaro, chairman of Disney experiences. “Our resort in Abu Dhabi will be the most advanced and interactive destination in our portfolio. The location of our park is incredibly unique – anchored by a beautiful waterfront – which will allow us to tell our stories in completely new ways. This project will reach guests in a whole new part of the world, welcoming more families to experience Disney than ever before.” Yas Island is a hub of entertainment and retail experiences. It is already home to Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, Yas Waterworld, SeaWorld Abu Dhabi and Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi as well as the Formula 1 Yas Marina Circuit. The area also hosts Abu Dhabi’s largest mall and an award-winning golf course. Upon completion, the new Disney park will have themed accommodations and unique dining and retail experiences that integrate the storytelling heritage of Disney and the futuristic and cultural essence of Abu Dhabi. Source link #Disney #Abu #Dhabi #theme #park #resort #coming Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

Nvidia and MediaTek’s ARM chip could mean cheaper AI laptops Nvidia and MediaTek’s ARM chip could mean cheaper AI laptops Nvidia and MediaTek are reportedly teaming up to launch a new Arm-based system-on-chip (SoC) aimed at AI-capable Windows PCs. Expected to debut at Computex 2025, the collaboration could introduce a new contender in the AI PC market. The chip may offer an alternative to existing solutions from Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X series, Intel’s Core Ultra lineup, and AMD’s Ryzen AI chips. Notably, Nvidia’s Jensen Huang and MediaTek’s Rick Tsai are scheduled to deliver back-to-back keynotes at Computex on May 19 and 20, respectively. Rumors suggest that companies will announce a new processor lineup that combines MediaTek’s Arm CPUs with Nvidia’s Blackwell GPUs, forming a platform aimed at compact, AI-focused PCs. According to ******* outlet Heise Online, Nvidia and MediaTek are preparing two Arm-based chips, the N1 and N1X, with MediaTek providing the CPU and Nvidia supplying the GPU. These chips are expected to be tied to the GB10 platform, though a scaled-down CPU configuration is possible, reportedly featuring 20 cores (10 Cortex-X925 and 10 Cortex-A725). Currently, Windows-on-Arm laptops rely exclusively on Qualcomm’s Snapdragon processors, which are mostly limited to premium, mobility-focused devices. Thanks to Nvidia’s extensive GPU driver support, an area where Qualcomm’s Adreno has struggled, the new chips could appeal to gamers. On the other hand, MediaTek could launch a more affordable variant with a smaller Nvidia GPU, opening the door for budget-friendly Arm-based laptops. While Nvidia and MediaTek may unveil their new Arm-based chip at Computex, actual laptops and desktops featuring the processor may not hit the market for some time. A report from SemiAccurate suggests that technical issues could delay the chips’ completion, possibly pushing device launches into 2026. Meanwhile, MediaTek has reportedly secured significant packaging capacity, likely for the new processors, using FCBGA (Flip Chip Ball Grid Array) technology, which enables the CPU and GPU to be combined before being installed in notebooks. According to Digitimes, the unusually large order was placed around the end of last year, though it’s unclear if the potential delays were already anticipated. Please enable Javascript to view this content Source link #Nvidia #MediaTeks #ARM #chip #cheaper #laptops Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

My latest Steam Deck obsession is a tactical spin on Space Invaders My latest Steam Deck obsession is a tactical spin on Space Invaders There are few games that feel truly timeless to me, but Space Invaders ranks high on that list. Anytime I play it, I still find that I can sink my teeth into it more than most modern games 10,000 times its size. It’s simple, but I find that there’s hidden depth in its strategy. What’s the most efficient way to clear waves? How do you manage columns of aliens once they start getting closer? Every game is a battle in which every shot counts. StarVaders understands that idea and takes it to a logical evolution. The new indie game is another in a long line of genre hybrids that smashes a roguelike, deck-builder, and shoot-em-up together. I rolled my eyes when I first heard the description, but after a week of toying around with it, I’m hooked. StarVaders takes the feeling I get when playing Space Invaders and successfully puts it into a turn-based tactics format that has me constantly starting one more run. The premise here is familiar: Aliens have come to Earth! Shocking, I know. It’s up to a squad of mech pilots to fight them off. It’s a simple setup, but there’s some surprising depth to where it all goes. At the end of each run, I hear a bit of cryptic dialogue that peels back what exactly happened more and more. I haven’t seen enough of it yet to know exactly what’s going on, but it adds some narrative intrigue to an already sticky roguelike hook. Gameplay is the focus here and I’m finding even more depth there with each run. StarVaders plays like a cross between Into the Breach and Space Invaders. In each level, I’m placed on a grid-based board. I’m at the bottom and different alien ships drop in from the top. They come closer to the bottom with each passing turn. If they get into the bottom three rows before I can squash them, they add a tick to my doom meter. When I accumulate five doom, my run ends. To take down the ships before that happens, I need to play cards. My deck is divided between attacks and movement, and each one costs a bit of heat. Each turn, I must move and shoot to manage the board, all while remembering the unique properties of every alien. I might need to shoot one twice to break its shield first or deal with bugs that move twice as many spaces on a turn. A successful round is a juggling act where I need to make sure I’m not wasting a single action. It’s very much like Into the Breach in that sense, playing on that game’s Chess-like approach combat. Pl The more I play, the more depth I find in that hook. Following in the footsteps of games like Monster Train, I have a chance to buff my deck and gain passive relics between rounds. I can upgrade cards occasionally too, letting me turn basic cards into essential tools. For instance, I can make it so a basic movement ends with me shooting a bullet upwards, or making it so a quick shot will gain a repeat status effect if it kills an enemy. It takes me a bit to get the hang of every status effect and what they all mean, but my runs become much more efficient once I do. With the right cards, I can clear out a full board of enemies with only a few well-played cards. There’s a lot of smart risk that goes into that strategy too. Each turn, I only have three heat to work with. Once I hit that limit, I’m in danger of overheating. That means that I can play one more card, but it will be burned and made unusable until the next round. Similarly, there’s also some risk taking when it comes to evading enemy attacks. On each turn, I can see red spaces that my foes will hit once my turn ends. I can spend movement cards to get to safety, or I can intentionally take the hit. If I do, I’ll add a junk card into my deck which I’ll have to spend heat to purge if I don’t want to keep it in my draw. There are a lot of cases where that risk is worth it so long as I have a good handle on my deck and what it can do. I’m still early in my playthrough, but I’ve found a wealth of deckbuilding strategies to toy around with as I weigh those risks. Some of my builds have been based around intentionally purging cards from my hand to get extra heat. I’ve built others around laying bombs all over the board and shooting to detonate them. There are several characters to unlock across three classes, each of which has their own specific skills, and I unlock new cards each time I level up in a meta progression system. With more difficulties still to unlock and story to see, StarVaders is a game I know I’ll return to a lot this year. It feels like I can pick up a little more strategy with each run, and that’s what really makes it feel like a game built in the spirit of Space Invaders even more than its aliens. StarVaders is available now on PC. Source link #latest #Steam #Deck #obsession #tactical #spin #Space #Invaders Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

Stock Market Today: Planned U.S.-China Trade Talks Lift Sentiment; Dow Futures Rise – WSJ Stock Market Today: Planned U.S.-China Trade Talks Lift Sentiment; Dow Futures Rise – WSJ Stock Market Today: Planned U.S.-China Trade Talks Lift Sentiment; Dow Futures Rise WSJStock market today: Dow, S&P 500, Nasdaq futures rise with US-China trade talks, Fed rate decision in focus Yahoo FinanceChina Agreed to U.S. Tariff Talks but Is Likely to Play Hardball The New York TimesTrump officials Bessent and Greer to meet with ******** counterparts on trade, economic issues CNBCU.S. and ******** officials will meet in Geneva in first sign of thaw in trade war NPR Source link #Stock #Market #Today #Planned #U.S.China #Trade #Talks #Lift #Sentiment #Dow #Futures #Rise #WSJ Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Bungie May Have Fixed Destiny 2’s Most Frustrating Problem Bungie May Have Fixed Destiny 2’s Most Frustrating Problem If you’ve ever played Destiny 2, you’ll be familiar with the creeping overwhelm that can happen when returning to the game after a while, or if it’s your first time playing. There are a lot of menu options, quests, triumphs, challenges, and more all housed within a complicated UI that many people seem to struggle to navigate easily. I recently returned to the game after a three-month hiatus and found myself blindly clicking to find the menus I needed–and that’s as someone with more than 3,000 hours in the game. During a reveal stream for the new expansion, The Edge of Fate, Bungie also outlined many quality-of-life upgrades and updates coming to the game. The most notable of these is a complete overhaul to the game’s UI, which is now known as the Portal. The new Portal in Destiny 2 The Portal is a streamlined activity-selection screen, instantly showing the activities available at that time. There are different subsections within the Portal depending on the type of activity you want to play. These are split into Fireteam, Pinnacle, Crucible, and Solo Ops sections. Solo Ops is a new category that splits off smaller, shorter, self-contained gameplay sessions for those who want to play without the need for a fireteam. You can also tailor the activities on offer depending on the rewards you’re seeking. There are 50 new gameplay modifiers, which allow for the most customization in Destiny 2 so far. Activity rotations are now curated to provide variety and something new. The Portal splits subsections into clear activities From looking at the improved UI and the introduction of the Portal, it’s already clear that Bungie may have fixed the most frustrating problem with its space shooter to date. As an avid Destiny 2 fan I’ve found myself trying to convince my friends to jump in, but with a complex New Light experience that dumps new players into the game with little direction other than suggesting to follow a marker for a bit to see what happens, they were reluctant, to say the least. Now, with the Portal, the next logical activity is highlighted in the bottom right of the interface, whether that’s a new campaign mission, or the next activity you need in order to complete a specific quest or triumph. The Portal will be added with The Edge of Fate release date, which also introduces new Destiny 2 armor systems, weapons, and locations. The first of those new locations, Kepler, will feature customizable difficulty options, further deepening your ability to play the game exactly as you’d like. Source link #Bungie #Fixed #Destiny #Frustrating #Problem Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Asus’ upcoming ROG Ally 2 could be the Xbox handheld we’ve all been waiting for Asus’ upcoming ROG Ally 2 could be the Xbox handheld we’ve all been waiting for It seems that the Xbox handheld might be less of a dream and more of a reality, given the latest leaks. We just got new leaked images of the Asus ROG Ally 2, which will rival some of the best gaming handhelds, and there’s a major surprise in there for Xbox fans. We’ve been hearing about Microsoft’s upcoming Xbox-branded handheld for months, but this is the first concrete proof that the device actually exists. The big reveal here is that the handheld might come in the form of a next-gen Asus ROG Ally. Images of the handheld in two variations leaked due to regulatory listings, which gives us a good idea of what they’ll look like. First spotted by 91mobiles and VideoCardz, the listings reveal the Asus ROG Ally 2 — which is the official name spotted in the documentation — in its full glory. The handhelds, available in ****** and white, have seen slight design changes. We’re seeing molded controller grips, which make the ROG Ally 2 look quite bulky, and two USB-C ports at the top edge of the handheld. While the grips will likely stay the same as in these photos, I could imagine the ports being moved to a more convenient location, although it’s hard to say right now. 91mobiles Other than the color, the most important change between the two ROG Ally devices is that the ****** version features a dedicated Xbox button. This implies that it might not be a Windows-based handheld like the previous models; it could run on Xbox OS. Equally, it could still run on Windows while being deeply integrated with the Xbox ecosystem. One way or another, something’s happening, and it’s exciting. The two handhelds are also said to vary a lot in terms of specs, at least if the leaked listings are to be believed. The ****** model with the Xbox button, also referred to as the ROG Ally 2 RC73X1, comes with AMD’s Ryzen Z2 Extreme CPU (eight cores, 36W), a 7-inch 120Hz display, and 64GB of LPDDR5X-8533 memory. Meanwhile, the non-Xbox model seems to be a huge step down, with the AMD Aerith Plus (four cores, 20W) CPU. Leaks aside, it’s very possible that we’ll learn more about these two devices in the coming weeks. Computex 2025 is right around the corner, so by the end of this month, we might know more about the Asus ROG Ally 2 and the Xbox handheld. Please enable Javascript to view this content Source link #Asus #upcoming #ROG #Ally #Xbox #handheld #weve #waiting Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Parliament encourages Kosovo and Serbia to advance their EU accession reforms | News Parliament encourages Kosovo and Serbia to advance their EU accession reforms | News Kosovo needs to accelerate its EU-related reforms and Serbia must do more to protect the rule of law and media freedom and to fight corruption, say MEPs. In two reports adopted on Wednesday, MEPs assessed the progress made by Kosovo and Serbia in their efforts to join the European Union during 2023 and 2024. Kosovo: comprehensive reforms and inclusive governance are essential Kosovo has made notable strides in its electoral reforms, economic resilience, and the protection of fundamental rights, say MEPs. However, challenges remain regarding judicial reforms, media freedom, public administration efficiency, and the digitalisation of public services. Continued commitment to comprehensive reforms and inclusive governance is essential for Kosovo’s to progress on its European integration pathway, they stress. The Pristina-Belgrade dialogue has unfortunately not yielded the expected results, note MEPs, who ask both parties to implement the Brussels and Ohrid agreements, including the establishment of the Association/Community of Serb-Majority Municipalities, and the lifting of Serbia’s opposition to Kosovo’s membership of regional and international organisations. MEPs also state that Kosovo has been the target of foreign interference and disinformation campaigns, particularly from Russia and China, with the aim of destabilising the region and undermining the European integration of the Western Balkans. Parliament therefore urges the Kosovo government to reinforce its capacities to combat such threats. The report was adopted by 353 votes in favour, 145 against and with 78 abstentions. Quote Riho Terras (EPP, ET), rapporteur, said: “It is clear that Kosovo’s integration process needs new momentum – we need a new chapter in the talks between Pristina and Belgrade. It is extremely positive that all major parties in Kosovo are strongly in favour of EU integration. Kosovo’s future is in the European family and we will work together on the reform agenda, because any future accession must be based on merit.” Serbia: major hurdles to overcome Despite some progress in negotiations, Serbia still has major hurdles to overcome, according to MEPs. Belgrade needs to improve its internal political dialogue, protect the rule of law, and make anti-corruption reforms. It also has to work on reaching a comprehensive normalisation agreement with Kosovo, and fully align with EU foreign policy. Parliament calls on Serbia’s authorities to ensure the independence of key institutions, including media regulators such as the Regulatory Authority for Electronic Media. They must also implement in full all outstanding recommendations by the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe’s Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (OSCE/ODIHR) and the Council of Europe bodies on electoral reform, well ahead of any new elections, MEPs warn. MEPs demand full and transparent legal proceedings and an official investigation into the collapse of the Novi Sad train station canopy on 1 November 2024, as well as an impartial investigation into the alleged use of unlawful crowd control technology against protesters. Deploring the continuing violence against students, MEPs are also deeply concerned about the increasing political and financial pressure placed on teachers and university professors who support the students’ collective action. The report was adopted by 419 votes in favour, 113 against and with 88 abstentions. Quote Tonino Picula (S&D, HR), rapporteur, said: “A long political crisis, intensified by a lack of progress on fundamental criteria, such as corruption, rule of law, media freedom and electoral reform, is having a direct impact on Serbia’s progress towards EU membership. For too long Serbia has been trying to take the best of EU funds while side-lining our core values and our geopolitical orientation. The enlargement process is merit-based, and Serbia’s progress could have a positive impact on the region.” Source link #Parliament #encourages #Kosovo #Serbia #advance #accession #reforms #News Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

When will interest rates go down again and how do they affect mortgages? When will interest rates go down again and how do they affect mortgages? Kevin Peachey Cost of living correspondent BBC The Bank of England is widely expected to cut interest rates on Thursday, with further falls expected during the rest of the year. The Bank’s Monetary Policy Committee cut rates to the current level of 4.5% in February. Interest rates affect mortgage, credit card and savings rates for millions of people. What are interest rates and why do they change? An interest rate tells you how much it costs to borrow money, or the reward for saving it. The Bank of England’s base rate is what it charges other banks and building societies to borrow money. That influences what they charge their own customers for loans such as mortgages as well as the interest rate they pay on savings. The Bank moves rates up and down in order to keep *** inflation – which is the increase in the price of something over time – at 2%. When inflation is above that target, the Bank can decide to put rates up. This encourages people to spend less, reducing demand for goods and services and limiting price rises. Once inflation is at or near the target, the Bank may hold rates, or cut them to stimulate spending and economic growth. Will rates fall further? It is difficult to predict exactly what will happen to interest rates. The main inflation measure, CPI, was 2.6% in the 12 months to March 2025, down slightly from the previous month. Although that is far below the peak of 11.1% reached in October 2022, inflation remains above the 2% target. As well as inflation, the Bank has to consider how the *** economy is doing more generally. It also pays close attention to the performance of the global economy, which has been thrown into chaos by the widespread tariffs introduced by US President Donald Trump. Bank of England governor Andrew Bailey previously said he would take a gradual and careful approach to cutting rates. But the uncertainty caused by US tariffs may mean *** interest rates fall further than predicted as the Bank seeks to help boost the economy. Some analysts believe rates could fall to 3.5%. How do interest rates affect mortgages, loans and savings rates? Mortgages Just under a third of households have a mortgage, according to the government’s English Housing Survey. About 600,000 homeowners have a mortgage that “tracks” the Bank of England’s rate, so a base rate change has an immediate impact on their monthly repayments. But the vast majority of mortgage customers have fixed-rate deals. While their monthly payments aren’t immediately affected by a rate change, future deals are. Mortgage rates are still much higher than they have been for much of the past decade. As of 6 May, the average two-year fixed mortgage rate was 5.16%, according to financial information company Moneyfacts, and a five-year deal was 5.09%. The average two-year tracker was 5.16%. This means many homebuyers and those remortgaging are having to pay a lot more than if they had borrowed the same amount a few years ago. About 800,000 fixed-rate mortgages with an interest rate of 3% or below are expected to expire every year, on average, until the end of 2027. Their borrowing costs are expected to rise sharply. Lenders have been reducing rates on new fixed deals in expectation that *** interest rates will fall further. You can see how your mortgage may be affected by future interest rate changes by using our calculator: Credit cards and loans Bank of England interest rates also influence the amount charged on credit cards, bank loans and car loans. Lenders can decide to reduce their own interest rates if Bank cuts make borrowing costs cheaper. However, this tends to happen very slowly. Getty Images Savings The Bank base rate also affects how much savers earn on their money. A falling base rate is likely to mean a reduction in the returns offered to savers by banks and building societies. The current average rate for an easy access account is 3% a year. Any cut could particularly affect those who rely on the interest from their savings to top up their income. What is happening to interest rates in other countries? In recent years, the *** has had one of the highest interest rates in the G7 – the group representing the world’s seven largest so-called “advanced” economies. In June 2024, the European Central Bank (ECB) started to cut its main interest rate for the eurozone from an all-time high of 4%. After a series of cuts, this now stands at 2.25%. In the US, the central bank – the Federal Reserve – cut rates three times in the latter part of 2024, but held interest rates in March, meaning its key lending rate has a target range of 4.25% to 4.5%. The Fed’s decisions have come under attack from President Trump, who wants to see further cuts. Source link #interest #rates #affect #mortgages Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

Netflix is removing Bandersnatch, its interactive video game episode of ****** Mirror Netflix is removing Bandersnatch, its interactive video game episode of ****** Mirror Netflix is removing its two remaining interactive specials, including the critically acclaimed ****** Mirror: Bandersnatch. Set in 1984, Bandersnatch tells the story of Stefan Butler, a young programmer who’s developing a game for the ZX Spectrum based on a fantasy novel (the author of which is portrayed in a cameo appearance by Jeff Minter, the creator of games like Tempest 2000 and Attack Of The Mutant Camels). The 90-minute special was released in 2018 and was one of Netflix‘s first interactive shows, where viewers would be given the chance to which direction the plot would go at specific moments. Last year Netflix announced that it was planning to remove almost all of its 24 interactive specials, with 20 to be removed by December 1. As it currently stands, only two remain – ****** Mirror: Bandersnatch and Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt: Kimmy vs. the Reverend – both of which will be removed on May 12, according to What’s On Netflix. Netflix is reportedly set to roll out a new UI redesign over the coming weeks, and its interactive technology is not part of this redesign, which is why all specials are being removed. It’s not yet clear whether Bandersnatch will return in a non-interactive form. Last month New on Netflix reported that Netflix had re-added four of its previously removed specials starring survivalist Bear Grylls, but in cut-down versions with the interactivity removed, following a single storyline. When they were first introduced, Interactive Specials were seen by some as one of Netflix‘s first attempts to add game-like content to its service. This has evolved to Netflix offering its own selection of fully fledged games as both downloadable mobile apps and streaming on TV. Bandersnatch lets viewers choose what happens next. Netflix spokesperson Chrissy Kelleher said last year that the Interactive Special idea had “served its purpose, but is now limiting as we focus on technological efforts in other areas”. Bandersnatch won two Emmy Awards, for Outstanding Television Movie and Outstanding Creative Achievement In Interactive Media Within A Scripted Program. Following the ceremony in 2019, ****** Mirror creator and Bandersnatch executive producer Charlie Brooker told press: “I think there will be a lot more interactive [storytelling]. It’s never going to replace sitting back and being told a story, I think it’s just a different genre that will coexist [with others].” Bandersnatch was named after a real ZX Spectrum game that was so ambitious it never saw the light of day and led to the closure of its developer Imagine Software. Source link #Netflix #removing #Bandersnatch #interactive #video #game #episode #****** #Mirror Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Nvidia confirms on-***** date for RTX 5060 GPU, setting up a possible showdown with AMD’s rumored RX 9060 XT Nvidia confirms on-***** date for RTX 5060 GPU, setting up a possible showdown with AMD’s rumored RX 9060 XT Nvidia has announced its RTX 5060 arrives on May 19 The GPU has an MSRP of $299 and comes with 8GB of VRAM (which remains controversial) With AMD rumored to reveal its rival RX 9060 XT on May 21, the week after next could be a huge one for gamers seeking a more affordable GPU Nvidia has announced that its RTX 5060 desktop graphics card will go on ***** on May 19, as will the laptop version of this GPU. VideoCardz caught wind of the date being announced on X (formerly Twitter). It was a launch day that had been previously rumored, with the price tag on the desktop GPU being $299, and the specs already revealed by Nvidia previously (when its sibling, the RTX 5060 Ti, was launched). Starting May 19 at 9 a.m. Pacific Time, GeForce RTX 5060 graphics cards, desktops, and GeForce RTX 5060 Laptop GPUs will be available from our partners and retailers worldwide.#GeForceRTX50 pic.twitter.com/VLA9bZUWRWMay 6, 2025 The RTX 5060 Ti arrived in both 16GB and 8GB flavors, but the RTX 5060 will only debut with the latter loadout of video RAM (VRAM), and that has already proved controversial among PC gamers. You may like Again, like the RTX 5060 Ti, there will only be third-party versions of this graphics card, meaning Nvidia isn’t producing its own Founders Edition model. To recap on the (already revealed) specs, the RTX 5060 has 3,840 CUDA Cores which is a 17% drop compared to the core count of the RTX 5060 Ti. Clock speeds and other specs are in the same ballpark, but as mentioned, there’s no 16GB spin on the vanilla RTX 5060. Power usage is also lower with the RTX 5060 at 145W compared to 180W, which could be a consideration for folks who have a lesser power supply and not much room to maneuver when it comes to the overall wattage that their gaming PC can cope with. Analysis: Lane drain and other VRAM complications (Image credit: Future / John Loeffler) Not to bang on about it, but the obvious problem with the RTX 5060, as I discussed at length yesterday, is Nvidia’s choice to run with 8GB of VRAM. I won’t go over the same ground I’ve already covered (see yesterday’s piece for the full lowdown), but there are some further points to consider now the launch date is primed and ready to go. Sign up for breaking news, reviews, opinion, top tech deals, and more. The arguments in favor of accepting 8GB (as a pricing compromise) might include ‘it’s fine for 1080p gaming’ meaning those running at Full HD resolution should be more or less okay with this helping of VRAM. However, various third-party tests have illustrated that with some games and graphics settings, 8GB is a bottleneck at 1080p now, slowing down frame rates substantially. Yes, Nvidia does have its bag-of-AI-tricks in the form of RTX Neural Texture Compression as revealed with the Blackwell generation, which helps VRAM go much further. But the trouble is, nothing’s happening quickly to bring support in with games for that tech. It could be a long way down the road before texture compression makes a meaningful impact (though it may indeed be a big piece of the puzzle for Nvidia eventually). As things stand in the here and now, that 8GB loadout is looking plain shaky. The central tempting factor for the RTX 5060, then, is that it’ll be a much more affordable outlay – we hope. With that MSRP of $299, if third-party graphics cards are available at that price level, this GPU could be seen as a decent shot at an affordable gaming card with some limitations that you’ll just have to live with. At least for those with a motherboard that supports PCIe 5.0, because if you have a PCIe 4.0 motherboard, you’ll experience additional slowdown in scenarios where the 8GB of memory isn’t enough, as evidenced with the RTX 5060 Ti. Why? Because when the on-board VRAM can’t cope, the graphics card taps the main system RAM, using that PCIe 4.0 interface to reach it – and it’s a lot slower than PCIe 5.0. This gets a bit complicated because it’s worsened by the decision made by Nvidia that all RTX 5060 models, Ti versions included, only support half the available PCIe lanes, and so half the bandwidth. Now, PCIe 5.0 is fine because it’s so fast, halving its bandwidth still leaves plenty of room to pipe data through. However, this becomes a real stumbling block with the slower PCIe 4.0 standard, and even more of a problem with PCIe 3.0 should you have a motherboard running that even older take on the interface. I should note that the RTX 5060 Ti 16GB is okay, because it has that much larger helping of VRAM, and so doesn’t need to run off to grab additional system RAM. And the RTX 5070 above it is fine, too – even if it only runs with 12GB of video RAM, which is arguably still light on the memory – because Nvidia didn’t hamstring that GPU by closing off half the PCIe lanes. The RTX 5070 has the full 16 lanes, rather than just eight as with the RTX 5060 models. The long and short of it is that those without a new PCIe 5.0-toting motherboard will suffer the more outrageous slings and arrows bogging down performance with any RTX 5060 8GB (Ti, or non-Ti) graphics card. Pricing could also end up being higher than MSRP, too, as we’ve seen with the RTX 5060 Ti 8GB, which is currently selling for something like 10% more than its recommended price (that’s the cheapest model at the time of writing in the US). So, we could end up looking at $330 (around £250 / AU$510) for the RTX 5060 in the US realistically, or $350 upwards for beefier models of this graphics card (and in line with that elsewhere). At which point, given the mentioned shakiness around performance, would-be buyers may have more pause for thought. Traditionally, the xx60 series has been a big seller for Nvidia, but maybe that won’t be quite as clear cut this time around – especially given the irony that you need a cutting-edge motherboard to most effectively run your affordable-level Blackwell GPU. Furthermore, we also need to see what competition AMD’s RX 9060 XT will be – although that may also have an 8GB spin (as well as a 16GB model), we don’t know that for sure yet, or how the full specs will pan out. A lot of eyes are watching this lower-mid-range battle, that’s for sure, with the 9060 XT expected to be revealed just after the RTX 5060 goes on *****. You might also like… Source link #Nvidia #confirms #onsale #date #RTX #GPU #setting #showdown #AMDs #rumored Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

Buy this casino stock as it breaks into the Middle East market, Bank of America says Buy this casino stock as it breaks into the Middle East market, Bank of America says Wynn Resorts could see a big windfall in the near future, according to Bank of America. The bank upgraded shares of the casino operator to a buy rating from neutral. Analyst Shaun Kelley accompanied the move by raising his price objective to $100 from $90, which implies upside of nearly 20%. Kelley highlighted the opening of Wynn Al Marjan Island, located in the United Arab Emirates, in early 2027 as a key catalyst. This would be the Middle East’s first major integrated casino resort, giving Wynn a first-mover advantage. Wynn Resorts is currently nearing the halfway point of its construction on the $5 billion casino development. He said investors will price this into the stock in the next 12 to 18 months. “We think the density and growth of wealth relocating to the region amid a friendly tax and business climate, plus well-established tourism infrastructure are major tailwinds,” Kelley wrote. “While investors will need to be patient given macro uncertainty and it still being ~2 years until the UAE opens, Wynn’s recent pullback (-20% since Oct), 10% free cash flow yield and core asset valuation increasingly de-risk China/Macau exposure (our big concern). Ultimately, the UAE should drive a return to both growth and diversification away from Macau, that we believe will help re-assert Wynn’s once premium valuation.” The analyst also pointed to stable trends and market share in Wynn’s Macao segment. Meanwhile, the company’s Las Vegas assets remain best-in-class and are still gaining market share. Wynn Resorts climbed more than 3% on the back of Bank of America’s upgrade. Most analysts covering Wynn are bullish on shares. LSEG data shows that 15 of 18 analyst have a buy or strong buy rating on the stock. The average price target also implies upside of 28%. Source link #Buy #casino #stock #breaks #Middle #East #market #Bank #America Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Opals shine to beat NZ in Trans-Tasman Throwdown Opals shine to beat NZ in Trans-Tasman Throwdown The Opals have put on a final quarter show to hold off a fast-finishing New Zealand team to win the first match in a three-game series between the teams. Source link #Opals #shine #beat #TransTasman #Throwdown Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]