Pelican Press

Flood warnings across Wales as Storm Bert to bring more rain Flood warnings across Wales as Storm Bert to bring more rain Further heavy rain is likely to cause flooding on Sunday after Storm Bert swept across Wales, forecasters have said. The Met Office has issued a new weather warning for heavy rain across a large swathe of the country until 13:00 GMT, with 98mm (4in) of rain already recorded overnight in Libanus, Powys. Natural Resources Wales has issued around 100 flood warnings and alerts. A number of roads have been closed due to flooding and fallen trees after wind gusts of 82mph (130km/hr) were recorded at Capel Curig in Conwy county on Saturday. A property was hit by flooding and debris in Llanarmon Dyffryn Ceiriog on Saturday Yellow weather warnings for rain and wind are in place across the *** in what meteorologists have described it as a multi-hazard storm. Five adults and five children had to be rescued by firefighters from a house after a landslide in Llanarmon Dyffryn Ceiriog, in Wrexham county, on Saturday. North Wales ***** and Rescue Service said the property was hit by flood water and debris and suffered “substantial” damage. Jonathan Greatorex, landlord of The Hand at Llanarmon pub, said: “The community has been amazing and rallied round to support the family at what must be a deeply difficult time.” Sunday’s weather warning for a rain covers Blaenau Gwent, Bridgend, Caerphilly, Cardiff, Merthyr Tydfil, Monmouthshire, Neath Port Talbot, Newport, Powys, Rhondda Cynon Taf, Swansea, Torfaen and Vale of Glamorgan. “A few places, particularly over hills, may see an additional 30-40mm [1.1-1.6in] before rain clears east by early afternoon,” warned the Met Office. There is also a weather warning for strong wind, in place until 21:00 GMT, covering Anglesey, Bridgend, Cardiff, Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion, Conwy, Gwynedd, Neath Port Talbot, Pembrokeshire, Powys, Rhondda Cynon Taf, Swansea and Vale of Glamorgan. Source link #Flood #warnings #Wales #Storm #Bert #bring #rain Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Kings Park’s Botanical Cafe *****: Grease build-up sparks blaze during busy lunch rush Kings Park’s Botanical Cafe *****: Grease build-up sparks blaze during busy lunch rush Grease build-up in a kitchen air conditioning unit has sparked a ***** at Botanical Cafe in Kings Park during a busy lunch rush and the damage is expected to keep it shut for some time. The blaze broke out just before midday on Sunday and staff tried to put it out before four ***** trucks arrived. The employees used ***** extinguishers but also water and risked electric shock or worse from throwing it on live wires, incident controller Daniel Barnard said. Fortunately, no-one was hurt. “They have helped the scenario, but at the same time, it could have been a lot worse had they become victims or casualties of it,” Mr Barnard told reporters. “So while they’ve done some good work here, just be careful in future … people trying to be good Samaritans trying to help, sometimes they can get themselves into trouble. “They could have easily put some water onto some power and received electric shock.” The ***** was a reminder to service air conditioning units regularly, Mr Barnard said. He said the kitchen would be “out of action for a little while”. “People might have to go somewhere else to get their daily coffee.” Source link #Kings #Parks #Botanical #Cafe #***** #Grease #buildup #sparks #blaze #busy #lunch #rush Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

This man vowed to eat McDonald’s every day for 100 days and has already lost 34 pounds This man vowed to eat McDonald’s every day for 100 days and has already lost 34 pounds A 57-year-old Tennessean went viral on TikTok in late February after announcing his commitment to an unconventional approach to weight loss: eating only McDonald’s for 100 days. “I know some of you are thinking that might be crazy, but I’m gonna eat nothing but McDonald’s for the next 100 days,” Kevin Maginnis shares in his first-ever TikTok. As day 44 rolls in, Maginnis, who introduces himself to his over 76,000 TikTok followers as bigmaccoaching, has stayed true to his plan. In fact, it has worked, he shares with his newfound following. He has lost 34 pounds thus far and reports having improved cholesterol levels. His approach seems counterintuitive, but Maginnis explains the secret sauce to his success with his easy-to-follow daily guidelines. He eats three McDonald’s meals daily from anywhere on the menu and does not snack in between. He cuts each meal in half and saves the remaining portion for his next meal. He also chooses a bottle of water instead of soda with each meal. For breakfast, he will sometimes choose the Egg McMuffin and hash brown, cut both in half, and save the rest for either lunch or breakfast the next day. The famed McDonald’s devotee is not bored—at least yet. He celebrated his birthday this week with half of a 10-piece chicken nuggets, apple slices, a couple of dipping sauces, and a “birthday shake”—because McDonald’s, unfortunately, doesn’t offer drive-through birthday cakes. But Maginnis has faced criticism, with some comments pointing to the renowned film Super Size Me, which documents the negative health outcomes of eating only McDonald’s for 30 days and sheds light on the harmful effects of America’s fast food industry. Maginnis claps back on the platform, saying for him, it’s “half-size me.” In his mind, portion control overrides food’s nutritional value. He responded to one inquirer who asked why he can’t portion-control home-cooked meals—which are minimally processed, have a lower sodium content, and provide more nutrient variety. “Overeating at home is what got me in trouble; by creating a ‘leave the food at the house alone’ scenario, it has helped me.” Medical experts are quick to critique Maginnis’s approach. “I have cardiologists that love it and I have cardiologists that hate it,” he said on day 10 of his challenge on the Today show. And while Maginnis doesn’t consider his plan a typical diet, calorie-based weight-loss approaches often fail, experts point out. Story Continues “Is a calorie a calorie when it comes to weight loss? Technically, yes. That’s what is going to work in this situation,” says Tara Schmidt, lead registered dietitian for the New Mayo Clinic Diet. “The topics that have not yet been addressed, though, are nutrient density (diet quality), balance, and sustainability. Research tells us that any calorie-controlled diet program will work, but most people will experience weight regain when they are no longer able to maintain it.” While portion control can lead to weight loss, weight should not be framed as the sole measurement of health. Solely focusing on weight glosses over the importance of other health metrics integral to maintaining optimal health and a sense of well-being. “In the realm of food choices, it’s also notable to consider the quality of food being consumed and its impact on the body,” says Tara Schmidt, lead registered dietitian for the New Mayo Clinic Diet. In fact, the type of foods we eat can help reduce the risk of chronic conditions like heart ******** and diabetes. Highly processed foods, like fried foods, can cause inflammation, putting people at risk for long-term health conditions like heart ********, type 2 diabetes, and *******. Fast food is also high in sodium and low in fiber, which means it is digested quickly and can induce what feels like a sugar ******, which can negatively affect mood and trigger fatigue. Eating diverse foods is also associated with a stronger gut microbiome, which helps protect us from illness. “By consuming a large number of different plant fibers, that gives the building blocks for the emergence of diverse bacterial populations,” Dr. Richard Day, vice president of medical affairs and clinical development at ADM, a food processing company, previously told Fortune. And the Mediterranean diet—a way of eating based on abundance and the prioritization of a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and plant-based protein—has been associated with longevity. Aiming for 30 different plants a week can improve the gut microbiome, reducing inflammation and improving heart and brain health. While Maginnis can choose from the entire McDonald’s menu, the options are still limited, as his videos show. So the McDonald’s-or-bust way may not be for everyone. And while Maginnis says he understands other factors can improve his overall health, until day 100, he’s sticking with half of the best of what McDonald’s has to offer. This story was originally featured on Fortune.com Source link #man #vowed #eat #McDonalds #day #days #lost #pounds Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Dozens of flood warnings in place after man ***** Dozens of flood warnings in place after man ***** PA Media Areas in Northern Ireland were affected by flooding on Saturday Dozens of flood warnings and alerts remain in place across England on Sunday as disruption from Storm Bert continues in many parts of the ***. A man in his 60s ***** on Saturday after a tree hit his car near Winchester, while a number of homes were flooded in counties Down and Tyrone in Northern Ireland. Yellow warnings for wind and rain are in place for western parts of Scotland and Wales, south-east England and Northern Ireland on Sunday. Meanwhile, there were 81 flood warnings in place across England, Wales and Scotland on Sunday morning. As of 08:00 GMT, there were 56 flood warnings in place in England, 36 in Wales and four in Scotland. There were also 169 flood alerts in place in England, 36 in Wales and six in Scotland. Storm Bert has caused roads and homes to flood, and led to power cuts. Around 28,000 properties are without power across the ***, according to PowerOutage, a data aggregator. In Denbighshire, north Wales, five adults and five children were rescued from a house following a landslide on Saturday. Following hours of heavy rain and wind caused by Storm Bert, residents in Dundonald in Northern Ireland were stuck in their houses due to the flood water on Saturday. Meanwhile, up to 10 homes may have been flooded in Coalisland. Travel has also been disrupted, with roads and train lines affected by floodwater, fallen trees and other debris. PA Media Milder temperatures are causing the snow which covered much of Scotland to melt Since Storm Bert made landfall on Friday, three men have ***** on the roads – though only one has been directly linked to Bert. Parts of Scotland are bracing for a second day of disruption with high winds and localised flooding after Storm Bert swept heavy snow and rain across the country. The central belt was hit by more snow that anticipated on Saturday, causing disruption on roads. The M8 saw long traffic jams and two of the main routes south – the M74 and A68 – were closed for a time due to accidents. Milder temperatures are causing the snow which covered the north of England and much of Scotland earlier this week to melt. PA Media Houses in Dundonald in Northern Ireland were flooded Avanti West Coast cancelled its service between Edinburgh and Carlisle all day on Saturday with the next direct service from Carlisle not scheduled to run until Sunday afternoon. Train journeys to and from Manchester Piccadilly were disrupted on Saturday evening as flooding between Macclesfield and Stoke-on-Trent blocked some lines. Source link #Dozens #flood #warnings #place #man #***** Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Russell wins in Vegas, Verstappen takes out F1 title Russell wins in Vegas, Verstappen takes out F1 title Max Verstappen has been crowned champion of the world for a fourth successive year after finishing fifth at the Las Vegas Grand Prix won in dominant style by George Russell. Verstappen needed only to outscore Lando Norris to become just the sixth driver in Formula One history to win four titles or more. And, with Norris taking the chequered flag in only sixth, Verstappen is guaranteed the world crown with two races remaining. Lewis Hamilton raced back from 10th to second to complete an impressive one-two finish for Mercedes. Carlos Sainz finished third for Ferrari, one place ahead of his teammate Charles Leclerc. Australia’s Oscar Piastri, in his McLaren, started eighth on the grid and finished one place better. Russell’s third victory was the most dominant of his career so far, crossing the line 7.3 seconds clear of Hamilton, but the night on the Strip will be remembered for Verstappen cementing his name among the sport’s greats. Verstappen’s fourth title, all but sealed three weeks ago following his wet-weather masterclass in Brazil, sees him emulate Alain Prost and Sebastian Vettel as a four-time world champion, with only Hamilton and Michael Schumacher (both with seven) and Juan Manuel Fangio (five) now ahead of the all-conquering Dutchman in the record books. And after Verstappen raced to four wins from the opening five rounds this year – against the backdrop of the furore surrounding his boss, Red Bull team principal ********** Horner – many F1 observers were expecting the Dutchman to run away with the title. But Red Bull’s superiority suddenly vanished into thin air, with McLaren, Ferrari and even Mercedes at times boasting quicker cars. Red Bull are on course to finish third in the constructors’ championship this year. This century only Hamilton in 2008 with McLaren, and Verstappen in 2021, have won the drivers’ title when their team did not win the constructors’ championship. Verstappen started fourth in Sin City and worked his way up to second before Hamilton zoomed past on lap 31. The Dutchman then came under pressure from both Sainz and Leclerc in the closing stages, with the Spaniard moving past on lap 42 before Leclerc relegated the Red Bull man to fifth five laps later. But Verstappen, who has won only one of the last 12 races, crossed the line comfortably clear of Norris to be sure of the title. “Max Verstappen you are a four-time world champion,” said Horner on the radio. “That is a phenomenal, phenomenal achievement. You can be incredibly proud of yourself.” An emotional Verstappen responded: “Oh my **** man, what a season. Four times. It was a little bit more difficult than last year.” For Mercedes, the grid’s once-all conquering team will be staggered at their pace here. Russell’s win never looked in doubt after he nailed his start, while Hamilton picked off the opposition at will to make up eight places with relative ease. Source link #Russell #wins #Vegas #Verstappen #takes #title Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Infinix Inbook Air Pro+ Review: Affordable and Reliable Infinix Inbook Air Pro+ Review: Affordable and Reliable Infinix has made steady efforts to make its presence felt in the laptop segment. The brand has consistently launched laptops that cater to different segments like gaming or thin and light categories. With the launch of its Inbook Air Pro+, the company plans to disrupt the market with some value-for-money proposition. Priced at Rs. 49,990, the latest laptop from the brand comes loaded with some interesting specifications, including a slim and lightweight design, a 13th Intel Core i5 processor, an OLED display, and more. So, does it make sense to go for this laptop? Let’s find out in this in-depth review. Infinix Inbook Air Pro+ Laptop Design: Sleek and Lightweight Dimension – 315.6 x 225.6 x 15.3mm Weight – 1kg Colours – Silver, Brown Infinix has made sure you get some premium-looking laptops at this price segment with the latest machine. At a time when most of the affordable laptops come with not-so-great designs, the Infinix Inbook Air Pro+ stands out with its sleek and light profile. The laptop is available in two colour options: Silver and Brown. The laptop weighs 1kg and offers 4.5mm thickness at the slimmest point, making it one lightest and thinnest laptops in this segment. The device is available in two colour options: Silver and Brown. I got the former for the review, and it sure gives a decent look, though you might find some similarities to the MacBook Air in terms of design. The laptop shell is made using aluminium and magnesium alloy, which offers some durability. The built quality is decent enough. The lid provides a smooth texture with the brand’s logo at the centre. However, the sturdiness of the lid is not so great. First of all, you will feel some tightness when opening the lid, and the hinge does not feel that strong as the wobble issue persists here. Opening the lid, you will find a backlit keyboard and a large touchpad. The Infinix Inbook Air Pro+ comes wtih some good connectivity ports. As for the ports, the laptop offers a decent amount of ports for everyday usage. You get two USB Type-C ports and a HDMI port on the left side. On the right side, there is a USB 3.2 Gen 1 port, a 3.5mm audio jack, and a USB Type-C port. That said, the Infinix Inbook Air Pro+ does offer a sleek design language, which is surely a plus point in this price segment. Infinix Inbook Air Pro+ Display: Smooth and Vibrant Display – 14-inch OLED screen Resolution – 2.8K (1800×2880 pixels) Refresh Rate – 120Hz Coming to the display, the Infinix Inbook Air Pro+ packs a decent display in a compact form factor. The device is packed with a 2.8K (1800×2880 pixel) resolution and offers a 14-inch OLED display. The colour reproduction of the device is really good, and you will enjoy watching movies on it. The saturation levels are good enough, all thanks to the OLED screen. The laptop also has a 120Hz screen refresh rate, making the animation much smoother than the standard 60Hz panels. The laptop is one of the few in the segment that comes equipped with an OLED screen and 120Hz screen refresh rate. The laptop comes loaded with up to 440 nits of peak brightness, which is good enough for the indoor work environment. However, it is not that great for outdoor conditions, primarily because of the reflective screen. So, if a light source is directly behind you, you might face some trouble using the laptop’s screen. Infinix Inbook Air Pro+ Keyboard, Touchpad, Speakers, and Webcam Keyboard – Backlit keyboard Webcam -Full HD+ IR camera Speakers – Quad Speakers The Infinix Inbook Air Pro+ offers a backlit chiclet-styled keyboard. The LEDs are decent enough to give a comfortable typing experience in low-light conditions and come with two levels of brightness. The laptop comes with a backlit keyboard and a large touchpad. Coming to the performance, there is a decent key travel with some little tactile feedback. That said, the typing experience was decent enough for a short-term basis, but during prolonged sessions, you will feel a bit tired. That said, you get a dedicated CoPilot key right next to The laptop also comes with a large touchpad slab made of glass. The overall experience is pretty average, to be honest. However, the response is good, with no rattling sound when you click. However, the right and left click is placed at the very bottom, which makes it difficult to reach. So, pairing a Bluetooth mouse could be a better alternative. In terms of security, you get an IR-based camera for Windows Hello support, which is a rare thing in this price segment. The IR-based Windows Hello feature works effortlessly, even when the lights are dim in the room. The FUll HD camera is also decent for video calls, and the dual microphone captures the sound nicely. The audio output is also good on this one. The four speakers are loud enough but lack some punch on higher volumes. Infinix Inbook Air Pro+ Software: Decent Operating System – Windows 11 Pro Other Features – Flashlink The Infinix Inbook Air Pro+ runs the Windows 11 Pro operating system. The device also comes with a Copilot AI along with a dedicated Copilot button, which is now becoming a standard in the laptop segment. You can simply log in with your Microsoft account and ask multiple questions to the chatbot. The laptop also comes with a Flash LInk feature that helps with the effortless sharing of content between your mobile device and laptop. Infinix Inbook Air Pro+ Performance: Reliable for Daily Usage Chipset – Intel Core i5-1334U SoC RAM – 16GB LPDDR4X ROM – 512GB PCIe 3.0 SSD GPU – Intel Iris Xe Graphics The thin and light Infinix Inbook Air Pro+ is powered by the 13th Intel Core i5-1334U processor. It also packs 16GB of LPDDR4X RAM and 512GB of internal storage. Coming to the performance, the Infinix Inbook Air Pro+ is a reliable machine at this price segment. I have compiled some synthetic benchmarks to give you a glimpse of its performance. Benchmark Infinix Inbook Air Pro+ Cinebench R23 Single Core 5310 Cinebench R23 Multi Core 1264 Geekbench 6 Single Core 2277 Geekbench 6 Multi Core 8168 PC Mark 10 5219 3DMark Night Raid 12991 3DMark CPU Profile 2933 3DMark Steel Nomad Light 997 CrystalDiskMark 3459.20 MB/s (Read)/ 2541.40 MB/s (Write) That said, the laptop glides effortlessly during day-to-day tasks. So, whether be it scrolling on the web, watching movies, editing documents or photos, the laptop performance is stable in most cases. Even with heavy multitasking, like opening multiple tabs, playing YouTube, and writing an article on Microsoft Word, the laptop is good enough. The thermal performance is also good throughout the day, which is good. The Infinix Inbook Air Pro+ is powered by 13th Intel Core i5 processor that delivers stable day-to-day performance. However, it is not suitable for running heavy tasks like video or photo editing but works great as an office device. You can also run casual arcade games on this machine, but not expect much with recent or graphics-heavy games. Infinix Inbook Air Pro+ Laptop Battery: Average Battery Capacity – 57 Wh Lithium Polymer (Typical) Fast Charging – 65W USB Type-C Adapter The Infinix Inbook Air Pro+ comes loaded with an average battery life. The device comes with 57W power support, which might not seem extensive, but it can glide throughout the day with mild usage. However, if you are doing some heavy office work, then the laptop will deliver close to five hours of battery life. However, the fast-charging support comes in handy in this situation, and the laptop can be fully charged in under two hours. Infinix Inbook Air Pro+ Laptop Verdict The Infinix Inbook Air Pro+ is an interesting offering at this price point. The laptop offers a sleek and lightweight design and offers a decent display. The laptop comes with a stable performance, which is enough to glide throughout the day without much hassle. However, it does come with some share of misses. The reflective screen makes it a bit tough to see the screen in outdoor conditions, while the touchpad needs to be more precise. That said, for Rs 49,990, it is still one of the slimmest and lightest laptops available in the market that can deliver stable performance. Source link #Infinix #Inbook #Air #Pro #Review #Affordable #Reliable Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

NYC millionaire claims he’s now $12M in debt, wife suspects hidden funds — who wins when a divorce drags on? NYC millionaire claims he’s now $12M in debt, wife suspects hidden funds — who wins when a divorce drags on? NYC millionaire claims he’s now $12M in debt, wife suspects hidden funds — who wins when a divorce drags on? It may come as a bit of a surprise that John H. Foster, managing partner of the $800 million private equity firm HealthPointCapital, claims to be $12 million in debt. It certainly caused his soon-to-be ex-wife, Stephaine Foster, to raise her eyebrows. While John attributes his financial trouble to Stephanie’s alleged lavish spending, causing his nearly $50 million net worth to fall – Stephanie suspects there’s more to the story. “He’s asset-stripping the marital estate,” Stephanie told The Post in an exclusive interview. Stephanie questioned John’s financial struggles, pointing out his indulgent habits. According to Stephanie, the 82-year-old has been flying between Florida and New York for high-end beauty treatments, including Botox, hair dyeing and manicures. According to The Post, Stephanie’s lawyer, BriAnne Copp, reinforced her skepticism during a recent hearing stating, “While he’s lived a fabulous lifestyle for the last 60 years, now that he’s embroiled in a divorce, now he’s suddenly $12 million in debt.” As the couple’s legal battle continues to unfold, whether John is hiding assets — and what Stephanie is ultimately entitled to — ******** unresolved. But their ongoing disagreement sure is costing them. In June, Copp alleged that John had been manipulating his finances since the start of the divorce proceeding to avoid having part of his money go to his wife, Stephanie. This accusation came after Stephanie allegedly discovered a text in John’s phone stating his intention to claim he was in debt and leave her penniless after the divorce. But John’s assets don’t paint a picture of someone in debt. Take, for example, as Copp alleges, his Texas ranch and Gulfstream IV-SP jet. More recently, Copp claims John purchased an $800,000 Hinckley yacht and deposited over $3 million into his account within the last year. But if John is in debt, what would that mean for Stephanie? Debt division in divorce can depend on the type of debt and whether it was accrued before or during the marriage, or after the date of separation, depending on the state. A court may also factor in equitable distributions of liabilities according to state law. Story Continues However, if John is fabricating his financial struggles, the consequences could be severe. State laws typically require spouses to exchange detailed information about their financial assets. As part of the discovery process, a spouse could even hire a forensic accountant who specializes in tracing hidden funds. But as long as neither party budges on their stance in the divorce, the legal bills will keep climbing. Read more: I’m 49 years old and have nothing saved for retirement — what should I do? Don’t panic. Here are 3 of the easiest ways you can catch up (and fast) Divorce, especially lengthy cases, can be expensive. On average, the cost per person can be between $15,000 to $20,000 and can increase to $100,000 for more complex cases, according to Forbes. Celebrity divorce lawyer, Laura Wasser — known for representing Kim Kardashian, Britney Spears and Ariana Grande — warns that the biggest mistake couples make during a divorce is letting lawyers escalate their conflicts. “The biggest mistake couples make is not owning what’s going on,” she told CNBC in an interview. “If you let lawyers take control of it, remember, we lawyers make money from your conflict.” Wasser, who charges $1,000 an hour with no discounts, makes it clear that the longer the divorce goes on, the more money it will cost both parties. This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind. Source link #NYC #millionaire #claims #hes #12M #debt #wife #suspects #hidden #funds #wins #divorce #drags Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Max Verstappen wins fourth world title as George Russell triumphs in Las Vegas Grand Prix Max Verstappen wins fourth world title as George Russell triumphs in Las Vegas Grand Prix Third and fourth places for the Ferraris of Carlos Sainz and Charles Leclerc reduced their deficit to McLaren in the constructors’ championship to 24 points with two races to go. Norris stopped for fresh tyres to take fastest lap in the closing stages to give McLaren an extra point. Verstappen, starting one place ahead of Norris in fifth place on the grid, headed his rival throughout a relatively quiet race as Russell took control from the start. Verstappen’s measured performance was aimed at securing the title at the first chance he had, and he did so with the calmness and aplomb with which he has driven for the vast majority of the year. Russell controlled the race from the front, fending off an early challenge from Leclerc, who jumped from fourth on the grid to second past Alpine’s Pierre Gasly and then Sainz around the first two corners. And as Leclerc then squabbled with the recovering Sainz, and the Ferraris then ran into tyre trouble before Mercedes and Verstappen, Russell stretched out his lead to take control of the race. Hamilton ran 10th in the early laps, but drove a superb first stint, fast while also keeping his tyres in shape. He vaulted up on to the back of the lead group by delaying his first stop, and passed Norris shortly after it. The seven-time champion then set about challenging the Ferraris, with Verstappen at this point second ahead of Sainz and Leclerc, having overtaken the red cars with a later pit stop. But Hamilton, lacking straight-line speed in his Mercedes, was unable to make progress past the red cars. Instead, Mercedes made a second pit stop on lap 27, a lap before Sainz and four laps before Leclerc, and used his pace to emerge in second place. Russell followed Leclerc in on lap 32, and for a few laps after his stop Hamilton took chunks out of his team-mate’s lead, getting it down from 11.2 seconds to 7.4 in seven laps. But it soon became clear that Russell had the race under control, and he led Hamilton to an unexpected one-two. Behind them, the Ferraris closed back in on Verstappen after their final pit stops and both passed him in the final 10 laps. Behind Norris, his team-mate Oscar Piastri was seventh as Haas driver Nico Hulkenberg, RB’s Yjuki Tsunoda and Red Bull’s Sergio Pérez completed the top 10. Source link #Max #Verstappen #wins #fourth #world #title #George #Russell #triumphs #Las #Vegas #Grand #Prix Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

WA goalkeeper Katelyn Smith reveling in hat-trick to help ParaMatildas win IFCPF World Cup final WA goalkeeper Katelyn Smith reveling in hat-trick to help ParaMatildas win IFCPF World Cup final Not many people can say they have scored a hat-trick in a World Cup final. Even fewer can say they have done it while playing goalkeeper. But Perth’s own ParaMatildas co-captain Katelyn Smith can. Source link #goalkeeper #Katelyn #Smith #reveling #hattrick #ParaMatildas #win #IFCPF #World #Cup #final Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Denaturalization just a drop in the bucket Denaturalization just a drop in the bucket President-elect Trump’s incoming administration is expected to take aim at legal immigration in addition to cracking down on the ******** variety, slowing the pace of application approvals and redirecting resources to look for ****** in old applications, including naturalizations. The first Trump administration pushed for more denaturalizations, an initiative that incoming White House deputy chief of staff Stephen Miller has said will be “supercharged” the second time around. Though that effort is primed to make a big media impact, it’s unlikely to make a statistically significant dent in immigrant populations. “I think it’s safe to assume that there will not be an attempt to denaturalize Elon Musk. I think we can probably guess that one. But I think you could end up having a chilling effect on people,” said Stuart Anderson, director of the National Foundation for ********* Policy (NFAP). “They kind of just got started on denaturalization efforts, and it’s certainly something that can continue, but I can’t imagine the numbers would be as big as you might see, in terms of comparison to mass deportation, or simply just blocking green card categories, such as blocking the diversity category, for example, which would be like 50,000 people a year.” Though denaturalizations are exceedingly rare, the first Trump administration made at least two major efforts to put them in the spotlight. In 2018, Francis Cissna, then-director of ******* States Citizenship and Immigration Services, said the agency was hiring a team of lawyers to refer 1,600 cases of naturalization ****** to the Department of Justice (DOJ). And in 2020, the DOJ launched its own denaturalization initiative, looking to push more cases through court. At the time, CNN reported the DOJ had filed a total of 228 cases between 2008 and 2020, 94 of which were filed during the first three years of the Trump administration. And denaturalizations became more difficult for the government to prove in 2017, when the Supreme Court decided a landmark case setting a high burden of proof for the government to successfully prosecute naturalization application ******. In essence, naturalized citizens can lose their U.S. citizenship if they willfully concealed or misrepresented a fact in their applications or interactions with U.S. immigration officials, and that fact was material to their eligibility for naturalization. Musk, for example, who allegedly worked illegally on a student visa and has publicly discussed his use of ******** drugs, could theoretically face scrutiny over the legality of his path to citizenship under a strict interpretation of the rules. Another famous potential target: Prince Harry, who has been attacked by the ************* Heritage Foundation over his own immigration process and use of illicit drugs. “I wouldn’t protect him,” Trump said of the prince in February. “He would be on his own, if it was down to me.” In 2016, before Trump won his first presidential election, an internal Department of Homeland Security (DHS) watchdog found 315,000 fingerprint files for immigrants who had been deported or convicted of ******* had not been uploaded to a database that cross-checks immigrant applicants’ identities. Among those 315,000 files, officials found that only 858 people had been ordered deported but had successfully applied for citizenship under a different identity. Despite the low incidence of ******, even in a list of deportees and convicts, the first Trump administration channeled significant resources away from processing new applications and toward digging for dirt in old files. In fiscal 2019, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) pulled more than $200 million from processing to fund “Operation Second Look” and “Operation Janus,” the Obama-era initiative born out of the internal report highlighting the fingerprint database. And organizations such as the ********* Civil Liberties Union warned the denaturalization force was likely to discourage some eligible legal permanent residents from seeking naturalization. “I think what we’re going to see in the second Trump administration is a continuation of attempts that started the first administration to cut legal immigration through various means. We’re likely to be surprised at some of the actions, but I think the overall goal will be to have less legal immigration, and over the course of the coming decades, that could even be felt,” Anderson said. “But in the more immediate term, you’re likely to see a lot of disappointed Americans who are looking to sponsor loved ones. You’re going to see some disappointed employers, and you’re very likely to see ********* consumers not able to get some of the services they want to be provided, being provided for them,” he added. While denaturalizations are unlikely to have a demographic impact by themselves, some economists ***** reduced immigration could slow the broader economy. Because of the dual impact of coronavirus and restrictive policies on immigration between 2016 and 2022, GDP growth in 2022 was an estimated 1.3 percentage points lower than it would have been, according to an NFAP study by economist Madeline Zavodny. Many economists ***** a second Trump administration will enact restrictive policies and reassign resources away from servicing applications, stunting labor force growth — a major factor in broader economic growth. “Historically, we have had a growing labor force almost throughout all of ********* history that has contributed to the fast, rapid economic growth in the ******* States. And if you remove a major source of that labor growth, whether it’s undocumented workers or legal immigrants, you’re going to likely slow down the overall growth rate,” said Robert ******, professor of economics at Washington College. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Source link #Denaturalization #drop #bucket Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Google Pixel 9 Pro Review: A Pocketable Champion Google Pixel 9 Pro Review: A Pocketable Champion 2024 is the year Google finally introduced its entire range of Pixel devices in India, including the Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, Pixel 9 Pro XL, and Pixel 9 Pro Fold. In short, this year, consumers have plenty of Pixel devices to choose from, depending on the budget. Starting at Rs. 79,999 for the base Pixel 9 and going all the way to Rs. 172,999 for the book-style Pixel 9 Pro Fold. On paper, the Pixel 9 Pro and 9 Pro XL might only differ in terms of display size and battery, but the real difference ***** in everyday use. One is compact to fit in the smallest pockets and convenient to use with one hand, while the other is huge at 6.8 inches. This year, Google added one phone to its Pixel lineup, which is the Pixel 9 Pro, which we will review here. Much like how Apple brought all the bells and whistles from its Pro Max model to Pro this year, Google also tries to fit all the firepower in the compact body of the Pixel 9 Pro. So, who should exactly buy this one or consider an alternate flagship? I try to answer this in my review. Google Pixel 9 Pro Design: Compact form wins Dimensions – 152.8mm x 72mm x 8.5mm Weight – 199 grams Durability – IP68 dust and water resistance The Pixel 9 series finally ditches the bar-style rear back that housed the camera in a way that was loved and hated by some. The good news is that there’s a new island placement on the rear for cameras, and it looks mature. It is easy on the eyes and makes the new Pixels shine in a crowded market with no distinct design except the iPhones. The Pixel 9 Pro comes in four colour choices I like the matte back panel and glossy frame finish on the Pixel 9 Pro. Thanks to the matte treatment, the back isn’t a fingerprint magnet; however, it is a slippery phone. I accidentally dropped it twice during this review, but thankfully, the 9 Pro survived both drops without scratches. Unlike the iPhone 16 Plus (Review), the Google Pixel 9 Pro doesn’t wobble on a flat surface mainly because the centre-aligned island at the back keeps it even. The Pixel 9 Pro packs a 4700mAh battery Over the years, the Pixels have developed their design language, and the new 9 series somehow maintains that in a good way. The polished finish metal frame feels solid in the hand, and Google has added additional protection by using Gorilla Glass Victus 2 on both front and back panels. At under 200 grams, the Pixel 9 Pro is a handy phone with an even weight distribution. The 8.5mm thickness is also decent. There’s IP68 dust and water resistance on board for peace of mind. It weighs 199 grams The Pixel 9 Pro beats the 9 Pro XL in convenience. The compact form factor is easy to use and something that’s easier to live with every day. I would pick this over most big phones because of the one-hand usage as well, and it nails the basics quite comfortably—the ease of checking notifications, typing, dialling numbers, and doing everything with just one hand. Everything else in design is minimalistic, which will grow on you. In terms of colours, Google has always offered different shades, and this year, the lineup is interesting. The Pixel 9 Pro is available in Rose Quartz, Hazel, Obsidian, and Porcelain – the one I got for the review. Overall, the Pixel 9 Pro feels like a solid device and a premium one, too. The Pixel 9 is a compact device that’s convenient to use with just one hand Google Pixel 9 Pro Display: Flagship-grade Display – 6.3-inch, 1280×2856 pixels, 1Hz – 120Hz Display Type – Flat, LTPO, OLED Display protection – Gorilla Glass Victus 2 (front and rear panels) The smartphone has an excellent display offering crisp, accurate and natural colours. The Pixel 9 Pro, compared to the Pixel 8, packs a ******* display – 6.3 vs 6.2 inches. The bezels around the display also seem slim, and the claimed screen-to-body ratio stands at 87 percent. I liked the overall colour rendering, and you will love watching HDR videos on the display. With a peak brightness of 3000nits, the Pixel 9 Pro is bright outdoors, and sunlight legibility is never a problem. The phone offers a peak brightness of 3000nits Thanks to the compact size, the Pixel 9 Pro is one of my preferred devices for multimedia usage and offers a decent 495PPI pixel density. With Widevine L1 certification, Pixel 9 Pro streamed Full-HD resolution Netflix shows on demand. This year, Google has shifted to an ultrasonic fingerprint scanner, which is quick and almost flawless for everyday use. The punch ***** for selfies is almost non-distracting while watching videos or playing games. The bezels around the display are narrower compared to the Pixel 8 Pro Google Pixel 9 Pro Performance: Hits and misses Google Tensor G4 Titan M2 security coprocessor 16GB RAM and 256GB storage In terms of raw performance, the Pixel 9 Pro doesn’t offer the absolute best, and you guessed it right, it won’t beat phones in the same price bracket. Google Tensor G4 is good for browsing, multitasking, and running Google’s suite of AI apps. However, when it comes to gaming or even graphic-intensive image or video editing, the Pixel 9 Pro disappoints. But I’m not surprised, as the Pixels have never been advertised as gaming or performance-driven devices. During my review, the Tensor G4 handled light image editing and could run AI features without stutters. The Pixel 9 Pro doesn’t get hot during intensive tasks thanks to excellent heat optimisations. Like during our synthetic benchmark tests, the Pixel 9 Pro handled tests well and below are the results for your reference. Benchmarks Google Pixel 9 Pro Google Pixel 8 Pro Google Pixel 9 Pro XL AnTuTu v10 12,25,583 10,38,343 10,67,971 PCMark Work 2.0 13,800 11,805 12,922 Geekbench V6 Single-Core 1,872 1,629 1,944 Geekbench V6 Multi-Core 4,227 3,274 4,667 GFXB T-rex 120 120 120 GFXB Manhattan 3.1 107 85 105 GFXB Car Chase 62 48 54 3DM Slingshot Extreme OpenGL Maxed Out Maxed Out ******* to Run 3DM Slingshot Maxed Out Maxed Out ******* to Run 3DM Wild Life Maxed Out 8,186 8,902 3DM Wild Life Unlimited 2,615 8,574 9,294 The pure Android experience is another reason many prefer Pixels over other Android devices. The Pixel 9 Pro runs Android 14 out-of-the-box and comes with Gemini (which I will talk about in a bit). Lately, Google has been pushing its AI prowess under the name Gemini, and it seems like a ******* push than what we have seen in all these years. It is greater than how Google pushed Search, but I’m not surprised. AI is the next big thing for smartphones and empowers users to do much more in less time. As expected, the software experience is fluid, and the Pixel UI is clean of bloatware, Pixel’s biggest advantage over rivals. Google Tensor G4 powers the Pixel 9 Pro While reviewing, I downloaded the Android 15 update, which was mostly similar to Android 14, with some added features, like Theft Detection Lock and Private Space. Among all new features, the App Archiving has to be my Android 15 pick, a feature announced last year by Google that is only making its way as a system-wide option with the latest update. The feature lets users save storage on an app that’s used rarely. Thanks to the form factor, the Pixel 9 Pro is my go-to device for quickly typing emails and has one of the decent haptic motors for typing feedback. The loudspeaker is a loud one and is excellent for a mid-size room. As mentioned above, the Pixel 9 Pro was my device pick for most of my multimedia needs, thanks to the display quality and speaker output. The 9 Pro can connect to mobile networks in areas like a basement where other phones struggle to be connected to a network. The call quality is decent on the device, and we had no problems with 5G on both Airtel and Jio networks. It features a 42-megapixel selfie camera Google Pixel 9 Pro AI 2024 has been the year of AI push for smartphone manufacturers, so why should Google hold back? The Pixel 9 series comes with a host of AI features. The first is the Gemini assistant, which uses multimodal models with which users can interact via voice, text, or pictures. The company added an all-new Add Me feature to the camera, which will never let you miss out on group photos with the help of AI. The Super Res Zoom, a feature that has been part of Pixels ever since Pixel 3, has been improved and offers high-quality zoom up to 20x. Pixel 9 series gets the all-new Pixel Studio, an image generator app powered by what Google calls an on-device diffusion model running on Tensor G4 and Imagen 3 text-to-image model. There are more additions, like the new Weather app that gets AI enhancements, Keep Notes that integrates Gemini, and Pixel Screenshots to organise screenshots on the device. We have discussed AI capabilities on the new Pixels in our Pixel 9 Pro XL review, so you can read it here. Pixel Studio uses generative AI to bring imagination to life Google Pixel 9 Pro Camera: “Pixel-able” 50-megapixel primary camera 48-megapixel ultra-wide and 48-megapixel telephoto 42-megapixel selfie camera Pixel 9 packs the same camera setup as its ******* sibling, the Pixel 9 Pro XL. Jumping straight to camera results, the daylight shots on the 9 Pro come out crisp with natural colours (true-to-life colours) and plenty of details. The dynamic range is excellent in some of the samples I captured, and skin tones are bang-on. Portraits are amazing, and blur is handled wonderfully. The telephoto camera is great and doesn’t disappoint in some of the challenging situations. I managed to capture some excellent 5x photos. Pixel 9 Pro comes with a triple camera setup The ultrawide camera on the 9 Pro also shines. It captured some really good shots during camera tests, which you can see below. Macro lovers can take advantage of 9 Pro’s ultrawide camera, though Samsung has done better in macro shots this year. The Pixels are a league apart when it comes to camera comparisons, be it with Samsung or an iPhone. Daylight samples from the primary camera (tap images to expand) Close-up shot using ultrawide camera (tap image to expand) Low-light photography is another highlight of the 9 Pro. I clicked some amazing low-light shots with plenty of details, controlled noise, and keeping colours in check. Pixel’s automatic night mode worked well for me. Of course, you can take things into your control and tweak settings to get better results. The portraits come out good, though, there’s scope of improvement. Low-light camera samples (tap image to expand) Portrait shot in low light (tap image to expand) The selfie camera on the 9 Pro is amazing; finally, the front camera upgrade has paid off—amazing skin tones captured in different light conditions. On the video front, the Pixel 9 Pro has improved greatly compared to the Pixel 8 Pro. However, it is not as good for videos as the iPhone at the moment. Shots taken using 1x, 0.5x, 2x and 5x (tap image to expand) Low light shots taken in 1x, 0.5, 2x and 5x (tap image to expand) Google Pixel 9 Pro Battery: Decent 4700mAh battery Up to 55% charging in about 30 minutes Wireless charging support Do not underestimate the Pixel 9 Pro just because of its sheer size. In my tests, I found the Pixel 9 Pro to be a capable device in terms of battery performance. With heavy usage, the Pixel 9 Pro lasted a whole day with 15-20 percent left till the end of the day. While with medium usage, the phone can easily last up to 36 hours. Pixel 9 Pro comes with fast-charging support The Pixel 9 Pro doesn’t ship with a charger like modern-day flagships. It supports 27W wired charging and up to 15W wireless charging. I tested the phone with a 45W charger, and it matched the brand’s claimed fast charging figures. The phone, however, takes roughly 100 minutes to charge fully. The Pixel 9 Pro is a device that can outshine many compact flagships out there Google Pixel 9 Pro Verdict The Pixel 9 Pro is an excellent choice for those who want Pixel-like camera prowess. Its compact form factor is the biggest highlight, and the good thing is that Google this year hasn’t kept marquee features limited to 9 Pro XL. You get all the bells and whistles of the ******* sibling at a lesser price with the 9 Pro. The battery surprised me with its backup, and it shines in most scenarios. The extended software support should give prospective buyers confidence. The Pixel 9 Pro comes with a single 16GB RAM and 256GB storage configuration The only downgrade is the lack of heavy-duty performance credentials, which you can experience only when gaming or editing videos or photos on the device. Long thing short, where the chipset is required to handle graphic-intensive tasks is where 9 Pro feels it ******** behind the competition. It’s high time that Google opts for Snapdragon or MediaTek for its chipset requirements, as Tensor cannot outrun its closest rivals. If you want the best camera experience, you can’t go wrong with the Pixel 9 Pro, but when you add gaming and other graphics-intensive tasks, I have to ask you to look another way. At Rs. 109,999, the Pixel 9 Pro feels slightly expensive for what it offers, but you can consider it as a premium for all the top-tier Google features arriving this year, along with AI. When talking about alternatives, the Pixel 9 (Review) is definitely the closest sibling you can consider, ****** some features. The Samsung Galaxy S24+ (Review) is also closer to the Pixel 9 Pro in terms of packaging, while you can also look at the iPhone 16 Pro, which is slightly more expensive. Source link #Google #Pixel #Pro #Review #Pocketable #Champion Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

MPs back calls for public inquiry MPs back calls for public inquiry *** Parliament Dr Neil Shastri-Hurst and Sarah Edwards said the victims’ families deserved closure Two MPs have backed calls for a public inquiry into the Birmingham pub bombings after the city marked the 50th anniversary. Sarah Edwards, Labour MP for Tamworth, and Dr Neil Shastri-Hurst, ************* MP for Solihull West and Shirley, both said the victims and their families deserved “closure”. Twenty-one people were ******* and 220 injured in the IRA bombings at the Mulberry Bush and the Tavern in the Town on 21 November 1974. Six innocent men, known as the Birmingham Six, served more than 16 years in prison for the atrocity, but the real perpetrators were never brought to justice. Edwards, who is originally from Birmingham, told BBC Politics Midlands: “I think it absolutely makes sense that they [the victims and families] can get that closure. “I think it’s really good we’re hearing positive things from the government about the fact they are considering it.” She said if an inquiry were to happen, it would need to be done in “the right way” so families could feel confident they would “get the answers they want”. Shastri-Hurst, who also grew up in Birmingham, said he was born nine years after the bombings and described it as a “cloud that covered the city”. “I think it is right that we have a public inquiry,” he said. “Families need closure on this – they’ve had the inquests, but they haven’t had many answers to their questions. “I think the time has come and we need to get on with it.” PM Keir Starmer questioned over inquiry for pub ***** victims. Events were held across the city on Thursday to mark five decades since the bombings, and on Friday, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said a decision on an inquiry would be made as soon as possible. Pressed on how much longer families would have to wait, he said: “We’ll keep talking to them and engage and come to a decision as quickly as we can.” Source link #MPs #calls #public #inquiry Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Barbarouses stars for ‘Nix, WSW coach blasts Mata agent Barbarouses stars for ‘Nix, WSW coach blasts Mata agent ROUND FIVE OF THE A-LEAGUE MEN COMPETITION AT A GLANCE: THEY SAID IT: “His agent doesn’t control the team … Fahid (Khalfallah) and his comments were out of order. They were cowardly” – Backing his decision to bench Juan Mata, Western Sydney coach Alen Stajcic hit out at the high-profile signing’s player agent Fahid Ben Khalfallah. The agent had labelled Stajcic’s treatment of the player as “insane” and “disrespectful” in the lead-up to Unite Round. MAN OF THE WEEK: On an afternoon when Melbourne Victory had the better of chances, Kosta Barbarouses iced Wellington’s 1-0 win with a left-foot strike just inside the box. The veteran’s late goal helped the Phoenix become the first team to defeat the Victory this campaign and exacted revenge for last season’s semi-final heartbreak. TALKING POINT: Can opposition players share a round of golf before their match? A strange question, but one that was sincerely asked in the lead-up to the Sydney derby after Sky Blues duo Joe Lolley and Jordan Courtney-Perkins shared a round with Wanderers imports Juan Mata and Marcus Antonsson. Courtney-Perkins conceded his timing was off, while Lolley took a swing at his critics – quite literally – imitating his impeccable skill on the links after netting the opener in Sydney FC’s 4-2 win. STAT *******: At 17, centre-back Dylan Leonard became the youngest goalscorer in Western *******’s short history when he made good on an inch-perfect corner from Ben Garuccio in the 60th minute. When he was given his marching orders in the final minutes for a challenge on Cristian Caideo, Leonard overtook Apostolos Stamatelopoulos as the youngest player in ALM history to be red-carded and score a goal in the same game. BEAT THAT: Just when questions were being asked of Central Coast’s championship defence, the injury-hit Mariners scored their first win of the season – a 2-1 come-from-behind win over bitter rivals the Newcastle Jets. The win is the first step to retaining the resplendent F3 derby trophy for another season. UNDER PRESSURE: Brisbane are the only team who have not registered a competition point after five rounds. Their 3-2 defeat to Adelaide ******* marked their fourth loss from as many games, with coach Ruben Zadkovich lamenting a slow start to the second half in which the Reds equalised within 40 seconds. UP NEXT: Adelaide ******* will ****** to keep their unbeaten start to the season alive when they host a Perth Glory outfit still chasing their first win. Auckland FC are back at home against Newcastle, who are seeking to bounce back from derby disappointment at Unite Round. Fresh off the bye, Melbourne City welcome Western Sydney to AAMI Park. Macarthur FC have the chance to heap more pressure on Brisbane before Western ******* host Melbourne Victory. Source link #Barbarouses #stars #Nix #WSW #coach #blasts #Mata #agent Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Nintendo Switch Mario Kart Bundle Is Only $225 With ****** Friday Doorbuster Deal Nintendo Switch Mario Kart Bundle Is Only $225 With ****** Friday Doorbuster Deal Nintendo’s official ****** Friday deals are starting to go live at major retailers, and Best Buy’s lineup of deals includes two very welcome surprises: $75 discounts on the Nintendo Switch OLED and Nintendo Switch holiday bundles. Both bundles include Mario Kart 8 Deluxe and a 12-Month Switch Online membership. The Switch OLED Mario Kart bundle is available for only $275, while the regular Switch Mario Kart bundle is down to $225. Best Buy – ****** Friday Doorbuster Deals Save on extra Switch controllers: Nintendo Switch consoles without $80 worth of free stuff–Mario Kart 8 Deluxe costs $60, Switch Online is $20–have never received discounts like this from a major retailer, so Best Buy’s Doorbuster is by far the best Switch console deal we’ve seen. As such, we wouldn’t be surprised to see both of these bundles sell out soon. You can use your savings on the console to pick up a steeply discounted game or extra controller. Along with this unprecedented pair of console deals, the Nintendo Switch Pro Controller and Neon Red/Blue Joy-**** Controller Set have received their biggest discounts yet. You can save $20 on each, dropping the price of the Pro Controller to $50 and the pair of Joy-**** Controllers to $60. A bunch of notable Switch-exclusive games are featured in the ****** Friday *****, too. Super Mario Odyssey is only $30, The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom is down to $40, and Animal Crossing: New Horizons is also up for grabs for $40. Nintendo ****** Friday Deals Nintendo Switch games $275 (was $350) | Best Buy ****** Friday Doorbuster Deal November 24 Update: Best Buy has a ****** Friday Doorbuster that drops the price of the Switch OLED holiday bundle to $275, the lowest ever for a Nintendo Switch OLED at a major retailer. The Nintendo Switch OLED Mario Kart bundle comes with the console with white Joy-***** and matching white docking station, 12 months of Switch Online, and a voucher to claim Mario Kart 8 Deluxe from the Nintendo eShop. You’re getting $80 worth of additional content compared to buying the console ($350), Mario Kart ($60), and Switch Online ($20) individually. Along with the sharp, larger OLED screen, you’re getting numerous quality-of-life upgrades compared to the base model. The Switch OLED has a wider, better-designed dock with an ethernet port, improved speakers, and double the internal storage space (64GB). Plus, the built-in kickstand is significantly improved for tabletop mode. You can buy the bundle at Best Buy, Target, Walmart, and GameStop. As for the included game code, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is the top-selling Switch game of all time–though this record does include previous console bundles. First released on the Wii U and then later ported to Switch, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe has greatly expanded over the years with a series of DLC tracks. If you’re buying the console bundle as a gift, we’d recommend picking up the Booster Course Pass for $25, as this adds 48 tracks to the game, effectively doubling its size. The 12-month subscription to Switch Online also broadens your gaming options, as it lets you access online multiplayer, store game save data online, and unlocks a growing library of NES, SNES, and Game Boy games. While details on the Switch successor are expected to be revealed by next year, there are still plenty of exciting games coming to current Switch consoles throughout the rest of 2024 and next year. If you’re interested in the smaller, portable-only Nintendo Switch Lite, Nintendo released the new Hyrule Edition handheld alongside The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom on September 26. You can buy the Zelda-themed Switch Lite for $210. It doesn’t come with the game, but you will get a 12-month Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack membership, which grants access to even more retro Nintendo games. Source link #Nintendo #Switch #Mario #Kart #Bundle #****** #Friday #Doorbuster #Deal Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Lawmakers react to Governor Pritzker’s line in the sand for Trump administration Lawmakers react to Governor Pritzker’s line in the sand for Trump administration SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (NEXSTAR) — The day after the election, Governor JB Pritzker gave a clear message to President-elect Donald Trump and his incoming administration. “To anyone who intends to come, take away the freedom and opportunity and dignity of Illinoisans, I would remind you that a happy warrior is still a warrior,” Pritzker said. “You come for my people. You come through me.” Whether it be reproductive rights, immigration protections or many of the other differences between the two, Pritzker made it clear he intends for Illinois to push back. He formed a coalition of Democratic Governors with Colorado Governor Jared Polis called Governors Safeguarding Democracy. Illinois State Capitol Complex security fortified with new rules Trump recently signaled that he does not plan to back away from promises of mass deportations from the campaign trail. He responded to a post on Truth Social saying that he intends to use military assets to conduct these deportations by simply saying “TRUE”. Pritzker questioned the legality of those measures. “The idea of calling out, you know, the army into the domestic confines of the ******* States is seems uncalled for and may, in fact, be unconstitutional and ********,” Pritzker said. “He does not have the ability to call out the National Guard inside the confines of the ******* States. The governors do.” Illinois is one of several “Sanctuary States” in the country. The state also has a policy that stops from local law enforcement from working with ICE. That on its own is expected to put the state at odds with the White House. *********** leadership in the statehouse questioned how Pritzker’s steps post-election would be good for Illinois. Senate *********** Leader John Curran doesn’t view this as protecting Illinoisans. Instead, he sees it as political posturing. “Explain to me how that’s good for Illinois,” Curran (R-Lemont) said. “I mean, it may be good for his future presidential aspirations. It may be good for running in the Democratic primary for president in 2028. It’s not good for Illinois. There’s no good that comes from that.” The Governor’s Democratic allies have been more supportive of this ******. “My job is to protect the folks who have the least protection available,” Pritzker said. House Democratic Kelly Cassidy led the charge for the Reproductive Health Act, which codified Roe V. Wade protections into Illinois law ahead of the U.S. Supreme Court Decision that overturned it. She said it was a priority going forward to ensure Illinois is protected from potential changes at the federal level. IL Senator works to improve speech therapy coverage “There is still some work to do. And in particular, I expect there will be ongoing work because as they pivot to new approaches, we’re going to have to as well,” Cassidy (D-Chicago) said. “But, you know, we’ve got our shield law that is protections for patients and providers of reproductive health care, as well as gender affirming care that it’s a it’s a pretty good shield, but it does not protect health data. Privacy doesn’t address health data privacy. So we want to make sure we get that in place there. There are some federal laws that we are anticipating might be repealed that we’re going to want to make sure that we’re addressing as well.” None of those protections were filed during the two-week veto session lawmakers returned to Springfield for this month. Instead, they punted to a lame-duck session scheduled for January. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WCIA.com. Source link #Lawmakers #react #Governor #Pritzkers #line #sand #Trump #administration Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Kayaking the north coast of Bali Kayaking the north coast of Bali An adventure with Dave Smith Source link #Kayaking #north #coast #Bali Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Neanderthals made weapons from glue; 60,000-year-old ***** discovery stuns scientists Neanderthals made weapons from glue; 60,000-year-old ***** discovery stuns scientists For centuries, Neanderthals were often portrayed as primitive, brutish beings. But a new discovery has challenged this long-held stereotype. A Neanderthal glue-making structure has been uncovered at Vanguard ***** in Gibraltar. Archaeologists found a specialized hearth or “burning structure,” which they believe was used to create a prehistoric superglue: birch tar. This discovery provides evidence of their advanced *****-using techniques, suggesting Neanderthals were more intelligent than previously thought. “Neanderthals were able to construct layered and complex hearths with specific technological objectives that could have included tool, medicine and/or ******* elaboration,” the researchers wrote in the study paper. Quaternary Science Reviews." loading="lazy" width="811" height="557" decoding="async" data-nimg="1" class="rounded-lg" style="******:transparent" fifu-data-src="[Hidden Content]; The anthropogenic structure could have been made following these steps. Journal Quaternary Science Reviews. Glue used to make tools and weapons The discovery was made within a sedimentary layer dated to the ******* between 60,000 and 67,000 years ago. “We present multiproxy evidence of a new type of Neanderthal hearth discovered in Vanguard ***** (VC) (Gibraltar), which is dated 65 kyr, and associated with Middle Paleolithic stone artefacts,” the researchers wrote in the study paper. The location includes several prehistoric human caves. These caves were among the last known homes of Neanderthals in Europe, and before they eventually became extinct. The researchers suggest that the Neanderthals used the discovered structure for a specific purpose: heating rockrose plants under controlled conditions. To achieve this, they would have burned herbs and shrubs over a layer of guano mixed with sand. The controlled environment, with limited oxygen, would have been crucial for the process of extracting birch tar from the rockrose plants. Birch tar, a sticky, dark substance, served as a powerful adhesive, allowing the Neanderthals to craft tools and weapons with precision. Neanderthals performed complex tasks The team identified the hearth based on its ******** in this seaside *****. The circular hearth, with its two channels and thick wall lining, deviates from the typical design of cooking ***** pits. Moreover, the hearth showed evidence of burning resinous plants, including charred wood and specific plant compounds linked to tar production from birch bark. This suggests a specialized use beyond simple cooking. The team hypothesizes that the structure was used to heat rockrose plants under controlled conditions. “We propose that the structure was used for heating rockroses (Cistaceae) under anoxic conditions by burning herbs and shrubs, over a guano mixed with sand layer,” the authors stated. The researchers built a structure similar to the one found in the archaeological site and attempted to replicate the process of producing birch tar. They successfully produced enough tar from rockrose leaves. This discovery challenges the long-held stereotype, suggesting Neanderthals were capable of doing intricate tasks. Moreover, they likely had a deep understanding of materials and techniques. In another recent development, it was found that these prehistoric humans liked collecting marine fossils. Roughly 15 fossils, which seemed to be carefully selected and preserved, were found in Spain *****. This further bolsters the evidence that Neanderthals were not dim-witted as assumed. This new study was published in the journal Quaternary Science Reviews. Abstract Here we present multiproxy evidence of a new type of Neanderthal hearth discovered in Vanguard ***** (VC) (Gibraltar), which is dated ∼ 65 kyr, and associated with Middle Paleolithic stone artefacts. The hearth structure coincides with predictions from theoretical studies which require the use of heating structures for obtaining birch tar, commonly used in hafting. We propose that the structure was used for heating rockroses (Cistaceae) under anoxic conditions by burning herbs and shrubs, over a guano mixed with sand layer. We tested this hypothesis experimentally with success. The presence of levoglucosan and retene in the structure’s matrix points to combustion of higher resinous plant-derived material. Our results advance our understanding of Neanderthal behavior, as the ability to organize activities related with the use of *****. Source link #Neanderthals #weapons #glue #60000yearold #***** #discovery #stuns #scientists Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

England in New Zealand: Broken thumb rules Jordan Cox out of Test series England in New Zealand: Broken thumb rules Jordan Cox out of Test series Vice-captain Pope took the gloves on the second day of the warm-up game on Sunday, but with only 14 players in Queenstown and some opting for extra time in the nets, England had to ask James Anderson to take part as a fielder. Anderson, 42, has been working as England’s bowling consultant since retiring from Test cricket in July and is entered in the Indian Premier League auction, beginning on Sunday. The injury is cruel on Cox, who was facing throw-downs from England assistant coach Jeetan Patel. Cox has been the reserve keeper and batter in the Test squad since the summer and had already been told he would make his debut in place of Smith. England will call up a replacement, yet Cox’s injury is the latest episode in a constantly changing picture behind the stumps. Smith, 24, was made first choice at the beginning of the home summer after Jonny Bairstow and Ben Foakes were dropped. A return for either seems unlikely. Phil Salt has kept for England in white-ball cricket, while Durham’s Ollie Robinson has impressed in the County Championship. Somerset 20-year-old James Rew is an exciting prospect and currently with the England Lions in South *******, alongside another 20-year-old in Matty Hurst of Lancashire. Source link #England #Zealand #Broken #thumb #rules #Jordan #Cox #Test #series Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Five highlights of Stockport Five highlights of Stockport Steve McKenna with new twists on an old spot Source link #highlights #Stockport Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

This vitamin deficiency can cause forgetfulness and mimic symptoms of dementia—but it’s reversible. Doctors explain the signs to look for This vitamin deficiency can cause forgetfulness and mimic symptoms of dementia—but it’s reversible. Doctors explain the signs to look for About 5.8 million people in the U.S. have Alzheimer’s ******** and related dementias, giving these life-altering illnesses a wide impact across the country. But while it can be devastating when a loved one shows signs of memory loss, doctors say you shouldn’t automatically assume they have dementia. Several factors can cause a person to have classic signs of dementia, including a deficiency in vitamin B12. “Vitamin B12 deficiency can cause cognitive impairment, including impairments in thinking,” says Dr. Scott Kaiser, a geriatrician and director of Geriatric Cognitive Health for the Pacific Neuroscience Institute in Santa Monica, CA. “That can definitely mimic signs of dementia.” Couple that with the fact that older adults are more likely to have trouble fully absorbing vitamin B12, putting them at risk for a deficiency, and doctors say that vitamin B12 deficiency should at least be on the radar of people with older loved ones. Unlike dementia, this is a health issue that can be reversed. But what does a vitamin B12 deficiency look like, and how can you tell it apart from dementia? Doctors explain. Vitamin B12 is a water-soluble vitamin that’s naturally present in some foods, although it’s also available as a dietary supplement and prescription medicine, according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH). This vitamin helps your body make DNA, and also plays a role in the development and function of the central nervous system, which includes the brain and spinal cord. Your body can’t make vitamin B12, so you need to get it from outside sources like meat, dairy, eggs, fortified foods, and supplements, the NIH says. Most adults need 2.4 micrograms of vitamin B12 a day, although the numbers are slightly higher during pregnancy and breastfeeding. There are a few reasons why someone might develop a vitamin B12 deficiency. Following a vegan diet for years is a big one, says Deborah Cohen, D.C.N., an associate professor in the department of clinical and preventive nutrition sciences at Rutgers University School of Health Professions. “Humans can store a small amount of vitamin B12,” which is why it may take a while for a deficiency to show up, she says. But Cohen says there are plenty of other risk factors for vitamin B12 deficiency, including taking the diabetes ***** metformin and certain medications for gastroesophageal reflux ******** (GERD) like proton pump inhibitors for years. “These drugs decrease secretion of intrinsic factor—a protein secreted by cells in the stomach which is vital for the transport of B12 from the stomach to the last part of the small intestine, where it is absorbed,” Cohen explains. Story Continues People who have had stomach surgery for weight loss, older adults, and people with gastrointestinal conditions like Crohn’s ******** and celiac ******** are also at risk for a B12 deficiency, she says. Vitamin B12 deficiency has a few hallmark symptoms, according to doctors: “B12 is essential for energy production,” says Dr. Amit Sachdev, medical director in the Department of Neurology at Michigan State University. “The most common manifestation of B12 deficiency is fatigue.” That fatigue and related symptoms can be confused with symptoms of depression and dementia, he says. People with vitamin B12 deficiency may act forgetful and confused, and struggle with concentrating and accomplishing tasks, Kaiser says. In more severe vitamin B12 deficiencies, a person may develop delusions and paranoia. “That could mimic dementia,” Kaiser says. Doctors say it’s hard to tell from a physical exam if a person has a vitamin B12 deficiency or dementia. “There is no way to tell the difference based on [cognitive] symptoms,” says Parul M Goyal, M.D., assistant professor of medicine at Vanderbilt University Medical Center and director of Medicine for Seniors at Vanderbilt One Hundred Oaks. However, having gastrointestinal symptoms that started around the same time as cognitive issues may raise a doctor’s suspicion for vitamin B12 deficiency, Sachdev says. “The combination of body and cognitive changes is a major clue that a treatable cause such as B12 deficiency could be the issue,” he says. If a doctor suspects a vitamin B12 deficiency, they will usually order blood work to check a patient’s levels, Kaiser says. But having lower vitamin B12 levels doesn’t automatically mean that someone’s symptoms are being caused by the deficiency. “B12 deficiency is also more common in people with Alzheimer’s ********, so you may have two things going on,” Kaiser says. As a result, doctors will usually recommend taking a vitamin B12 supplement and seeing what happens. “If you treat the vitamin B12 deficiency and symptoms improve, that will help you know what is causing them,” Kaiser says. But Sachdev says that if your loved one has regular well visits with blood work, things should never get to this point. “Routine lab monitoring for B12 at well checks is the most common way that deficiency is detected,” he says. If your loved one is showing signs of dementia, doctors stress that it’s important to see a healthcare provider for an evaluation. “A lot of people will avoid getting an evaluation because of common misconceptions that these memory changes are normal with increasing age, but that’s not a helpful assumption,” Kaiser says. “There is a misconception that there’s nothing we can do about it—that’s not true.” Once you get an evaluation, a doctor will usually order a blood test to check for a vitamin B12 deficiency, along with other potential factors that could cause dementia-like symptoms, Sachdev says. If your loved one does, in fact, have a vitamin B12 deficiency, they’ll likely be prescribed ***** or intramuscular supplements, Sachdev says. If they’re taking a medication that may be behind the deficiency, like a proton pump inhibitor or metformin, a doctor may recommend trying a different type of *****, Goyal says. Ultimately, doctors stress that a vitamin B12 deficiency and the symptoms that come with it are reversible. “The effects of supplements are often noticed within weeks,” Sachdev says. More on nutrition and supplements: This story was originally featured on Fortune.com Source link #vitamin #deficiency #forgetfulness #mimic #symptoms #dementiabut #reversible #Doctors #explain #signs Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

The West Test: Security guard taken for assessment after being hit by cricket ball at Perth Stadium The West Test: Security guard taken for assessment after being hit by cricket ball at Perth Stadium Running security is a dangerous game at the cricket, as one desperately unlucky guard found out in Perth on Sunday. Play in the West Test between Australia and India had to be paused briefly on Sunday after the ball struck a security guard in the side of the head. As India amassed a monster lead in the first Test at Perth Stadium, all eyes in the crowd were fixated on Indian megastar Virat Kohli at the crease. But one man who was rightly monitoring the fans as part of his job from a boundary-line position was most unfortunate to be in the wrong place at the wrong time. Camera IconThe moment of impact. Credit: Seven Kohli climbed into a short ball from *********** spearhead Mitchell Starc, cutting a six over third man. The ball landed over the boundary marker and bounced into the security guard’s head. Camera IconNathan Lyon checks in. Credit: DEAN LEWINS/AAPIMAGE The man instantly clutched at the spot he’d been hit and was checked on by *********** spin veteran Nathan Lyon before the team medico raced across the ground to check on the man’s ********. He was taken into the race after a brief delay for an assessment and replaced by another guard. Source link #West #Test #Security #guard #assessment #hit #cricket #ball #Perth #Stadium Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Nintendo Switch Pro Controller Is Only $50 For ****** Friday, Lowest Price Ever Nintendo Switch Pro Controller Is Only $50 For ****** Friday, Lowest Price Ever The Nintendo Switch Pro Controller has finally received an official, substantial discount for ****** Friday. It only took seven-plus years for it to happen, but if you’ve exercised extreme patience, you have finally been rewarded. The Nintendo Switch Pro Controller is on ***** for $20 off at Best Buy, dropping the price from $70 down to $50. Needless to say, this is the best discount ever on the official Switch controller, so we wouldn’t be surprised to see this offer sell out before ****** Friday sales end. You can also save $20 on a pair of Neon Red and Blue Joy-**** Controllers. And if you’re in the market for a Nintendo Switch console this holiday, Best Buy is offering a wild deal on the Nintendo Switch holiday bundle. Well, two of them. You can get the Nintendo Switch OLED Mario Kart bundle for only $275 or the regular Nintendo Switch Mario Kart bundle for only $225. $50 (was $70) The Nintendo Switch Pro Controller ******** our top pick on our best Switch controllers list all these years later. It’s significantly better for docked play than slotting two controllers in the Joy-**** Grip. It also has chunkier face buttons, full-size analog sticks, and larger triggers. The Switch Pro Controller is equipped with Nintendo’s HD rumble, gyro sensors for motion controls, and has an NFC reader to tap Nintendo’s Amiibo figures. Since it’s a Bluetooth controller, the Pro Controller also works great on PC, Mac, mobile, Steam Deck, and several other devices. It’s a great all-around controller that rivals the Xbox Wireless Controller in terms of ergonomics. The Switch Pro Controller ****** Friday deal is currently only available at Best Buy, but it should be up for grabs at Target soon. Walmart will also have this deal starting November 25. If you need a new pair of Joy-**** Controllers for handheld mode or multiplayer, you’re in luck: Joy-**** Controllers are also on ***** for the lowest price ever. You can grab a pair of Neon Red and Blue Joy-**** Controllers for $60 (was $80) at Best Buy. This deal will also be available at Walmart and Target. As mentioned, Best Buy is breaking from the official deals with its Doorbusters on the Nintendo Switch OLED and regular Switch console bundles. You can get the 2024 holiday bundles for $75 off, dropping the price of the Switch OLED with Mario Kart 8 Deluxe and a Switch Online + Expansion Pack membership to $275 (was $350). The base model Switch bundle with Mario Kart and Switch Online is on ***** for only $225. These are the best Nintendo Switch deals ever offered by a major retailer. A nice selection of first-party Nintendo games is on ***** for ****** Friday, too. A trio of Mario platformers have received substantial discounts. Most notably, you can get Super Mario Odyssey for only $30. The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom’s $40 price is a new all-time low. The cozy sim Animal Crossing: New Horizons rarely receives discounts, so this $20 price cut is definitely worth checking out. This is also the first time the remastered collection of the first two Pikmin games has been discounted, so snag Pikmin 1 + 2 for $30 before it’s gone. Nintendo ****** Friday Deals Nintendo Switch games Switch controllers and accessories Switch Console Bundles Source link #Nintendo #Switch #Pro #Controller #****** #Friday #Lowest #Price Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Earth Has Tilted 31.5 Inches. That Shouldn’t Happen. Earth Has Tilted 31.5 Inches. That Shouldn’t Happen. When humans pump groundwater, it has a substantial impact on the tilt of Earth’s rotation. Additionally, a study documents just how much of an influence groundwater pumping has on climate change. Understanding this relatively recent data may provide a better understanding of how to help stave off sea-level rise. Water has power. So much power, in fact, that pumping Earth’s groundwater can change the planet’s tilt and rotation. It can also impact sea-level rise and other consequences of climate change. Pumping groundwater appears to have a greater consequence than ever previously thought. But now—thanks to a study published in the journal Geophysical Research Letters—we can see that, in less than two decades, Earth has tilted 31.5 inches as a result of pumping groundwater. This equates to.24 inches of sea level rise. “Earth’s rotational pole actually changes a lot,” Ki-Weon Seo, a geophysicist at Seoul National University and study lead, says in a statement. “Our study shows that among climate-related causes, the redistribution of groundwater actually has the largest impact on the drift of the rotational pole.” With the Earth moving on a rotational pole, the distribution of water on the planet impacts distribution of mass. “Like adding a tiny bit of weight to a spinning top,” authors say, “the Earth spins a little differently as water is moved around.” NASA research published in 2016 alerted us to the fact that the distribution of water can change the Earth’s rotation. This study in Geophysical Research Letters attempts to add some hard figures to that realization. “I’m very glad to find the unexplained cause of the rotation pole drift,” Seo says. “On the other hand, as a resident of Earth and a father, I’m concerned and surprised to see that pumping groundwater is another source of sea-level rise.” The study included data from 1993 through 2010, and showed that the pumping of as much as 2,150 gigatons of groundwater has caused a change in the Earth’s tilt of roughly 31.5 inches. The pumping is largely for irrigation and human use, with the groundwater eventually relocating to the oceans. In the study, researchers modeled observed changes in the drift of Earth’s rotational pole and the movement of water. Across varying scenarios, the only model that matched the drift was one that included 2,150 gigatons of groundwater distribution. Surendra Adhikari, a research scientist at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory who was involved in the 2016 study, says the additional research is important. “They’ve quantified the role of groundwater pumping on polar motion,” he says in a news release, “and it’s pretty significant.” Where the water moves from—and to—matters. Redistributing water from the midlatitudes makes the biggest difference, so our intense water movement from both western North America and northwestern India have played a key role in the tilt changes. Now that the impact of water movement is known for such a short—and relatively recent—time, digging through historical data may help show trends and provide greater depth to the understanding of groundwater movement effects. “Observing changes in Earth’s rotational pole is useful,” Seo says, “for understanding continent-scale water storage variations.” This data may also help conservationists understand how to work toward staving off continued sea level rise and other climate issues. Hopefully, changes can be properly implemented over time. You Might Also Like Source link #Earth #Tilted #Inches #Shouldnt #Happen Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Zayn Malik's heartbreaking tribute to Liam Payne Zayn Malik's heartbreaking tribute to Liam Payne Just days after Liam Payne’s ********, Zayn Malik has paid a heartfelt tribute to his One Direction bandmate during the first show of his postponed solo tour. Source link #Zayn #Malik039s #heartbreaking #tribute #Liam #Payne Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Hundreds of East Indian descendants greet India’s Prime Minister in the last day of his visit to Guyana. Hundreds of East Indian descendants greet India’s Prime Minister in the last day of his visit to Guyana. Hundreds of East Indian descendants greet India’s Prime Minister in the last day of his visit to Guyana. Source link #Hundreds #East #Indian #descendants #greet #Indias #Prime #Minister #day #visit #Guyana Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]