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Warren Buffett’s Last Dance Is a Masterclass in Wealth Building Warren Buffett’s Last Dance Is a Masterclass in Wealth Building At the height of his 94 years, the greatest of all time, Warren Buffett, announced this past weekend that—60 years and over 5.5 million percent gains later—he is finally ready to step down from the realm at Berkshire Hathaway (NYSE:) (NYSE:). To honor the legend who not only developed and popularized the investment philosophy that forms the foundation of our approach to financial markets but also inspired the mathematical framework behind our Fair Value tool, Investing.com breaks down one of the most fantastic periods of outperformance in the legendary investor’s life: the last year and a half, spanning from November 2023 until April this year. Based on significantly more selling than buying, the ultimate masterclass in wealth creation is not just a tribute to Buffett’s value investing philosophy. More than that, it serves as a wake-up call to those chasing market gains regardless of fundamentals or broader market conditions. So, please sit back and enjoy as we take you through the final dance of the greatest of all time. Buffett Beats the S&P 500’s Bull Market While Remaining a Net Seller Back in November 2023, Berkshire Hathaway was coming from another solid year, where it had gained 11.28%, very much in line with the ’s 10.38% during that same *******. Back then, only a few realized that disparity was about to widen. One of those was Investing.com’s Fair Value tool, which flagged that the stock was still undervalued, with a 37.45% upside potential. And then came Buffett’s masterclass, as the stock rallied a powerful 42.58%, easily outpacing the S&P 500 by more than 10%. But the most impressive aspect of this rally might have been the fact that Buffett, contrary to the rest of the market, did it while selling more than buying, as well as by anticipating market trends with a comfortable margin. Let’s take a closer look at Buffett’s last dance below. *If you’d like to learn more about how Berkshire Hathaway’s business model generates such strong returns for investors, here’s the breakdown from our WarrenAI Gen AI tool. Breaking Down the Masterclass: Berkshire Hathaway’s Market-Beating Performance At the time of the Fair Value signal, the S&P 500 had already gained 18.5% YTD. Yet Buffett didn’t chase the rally. Instead, he quietly stockpiled cash. As of May 2025, Berkshire’s cash and short-term investments reached a record high of $348 billion. We asked WarrenAI to give us a breakdown of Warren Buffett’s building cash position since November 2023. Here’s what it said: Source: WarrenAI Source: WarrenAI Between late 2023 and mid-2025, Warren Buffett took Berkshire Hathaway through one of its most dramatic portfolio reshuffles in recent memory. The shift began in late 2023, when Berkshire made a bold move into insurance, taking a $6.6 billion stake in Chubb (NYSE:). But even as Buffett added new names, the real theme of the months ahead would be trimming—and, in some cases, exiting positions entirely. By early 2024, Buffett had begun a wave of high-profile exits. Most striking was a near-50% reduction in Apple (NASDAQ:), generating roughly $75.5 billion in sales. Long considered Berkshire’s crown jewel, Apple’s trimming sent a clear message: Buffett was repositioning for what’s next. He followed that up with more cuts: over $5 billion in Bank of America (NYSE:) shares sold, a massive reduction in Citigroup (NYSE:), and full exits from Paramount Global (NASDAQ:), HP (NYSE:), and Ulta Beauty (NASDAQ:). Smaller trims came in names like Capital One (NYSE:), Louisiana-Pacific (NYSE:), and T-Mobile US (NASDAQ:). But it wasn’t all selling. In Q4 2024, Berkshire added to its stakes in a few select names: Constellation Brands (NYSE:), Domino’s Pizza (NYSE:), Pool Corporation (NASDAQ:)., and Sirius XM (NASDAQ:), the last of which grew to over 117 million shares worth $2.68 billion. Buffett also continued to build his position in Occidental Petroleum (NYSE:) and modestly increased VeriSign (NASDAQ:). During this time, the most notable geographical diversification move was Buffett’s investment in Japanese trading companies, which represents a significant international allocation outside Berkshire’s traditionally US-focused portfolio. By May 2025, Berkshire had emerged with a more concentrated, defensive portfolio and had built a massive cash position of $347 billion. So, when the market sank in the face of Trump’s trade war woes, Buffett was already one step ahead of everyone else, ready to screen the market for opportunities. That’s when BRK stock really took off, posting one of its best quarters in history against the S&P 500, posting a legendary 20% outperformance over the benchmark in the quarter alone. The Oracle’s Legacy Lives on in our Fair Value Tool But while Buffett is sadly retiring, his teachings live on in those who follow the principles of his value investing philosophy. This is the case with our own Fair Value tool, which constantly monitors the market, analyzing key fundamentals to maintain an updated price target for every stock in the market. You can also screen the market for long/short opportunities at a glance with our lists: Not subscribed to InvestingPro yet? Unlock full access to the lists mentioned above by subscribing to InvestingPro through this link. Now, this wasn’t the first time the tool flagged an undervalued stock that eventually entered a sustained uptrend, just like Berkshire Hathaway stock did. Over time, Fair Value has consistently helped investors spot both undervalued gems and overvalued risks. Those who paid attention to the signals often walked away with solid gains or avoided painful losses. Here are just a few past wins: Conclusion But perhaps even more than delivering a masterclass in wealth building, Buffett’s last dance leaves us with something ******* for life in general: the lesson that greatness is a never-ending pursuit, driven by the simple desire of always wanting a little more, whatever that is. After all, who would have imagined that the legendary investor would reach his peak at the age of 94 – and without his lifetime partner, Charlie Munger, by his side? Farewell, Warren, it’s been an honor to watch you and to be inspired by you. Source link #Warren #Buffetts #Dance #Masterclass #Wealth #Building Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

Alexander-Arnold to leave Liverpool at end of season Alexander-Arnold to leave Liverpool at end of season Right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold confirms he will leave Liverpool at the end of the season. Source link #AlexanderArnold #leave #Liverpool #season Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

FBR: Fast Brick Robotics capital raising plan hit by delay bid FBR: Fast Brick Robotics capital raising plan hit by delay bid The Takeovers Panel has knocked back a late bid to delay the vote on a major capital raising by building robot developer FBR. FBR — formerly known as Fast Brick Robotics — raised $6.3 million through a placement to institutional investors including Boston-based fund Fidelity International. The company needs the second tranche of the deal to be approved by shareholders at an extraordinary meeting scheduled for Tuesday morning. But shareholder Bob Ciesla had asked the Panel to hit the pause button. According to a statement by the Panel released by FBR to the ASX, Mr Ciesla said the company was asking shareholders to vote on “highly complex” items without a full explanation or independent valuations. He wanted the company to find financing options that would not dilute shareholders, including loans, and an interim order to defer the meeting. The Panel late on Monday said it would not delay the meeting. FBR chief Mark Pivac said the company looked forward “to playing its part in solving the housing crisis in Western Australia”. “FBR has complied with all its obligations relating to its upcoming general meeting, and the Takeovers Panel will assess the application on its merits and proceed accordingly,” he said. It comes after a leadership shake up at FBR, which is based in Perth’s east. Mike Pivac exited the chief executive role in mid-April and handed the reins to cousin Mark Pivac, who had previously been chief technology officer. Glenn Cooper resigned as a director at the same time and FBR’s board was reduced to four positions. The company has pledged to cut costs by 70 per cent. Shares in FBR last traded at 0.6¢ each. Source link #FBR #Fast #Brick #Robotics #capital #raising #plan #hit #delay #bid Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

PS Plus Monthly Free Games for May 2025 Revealed PS Plus Monthly Free Games for May 2025 Revealed PlayStation Plus subscribers, it’s that time of the month again! This May 2025 lineup is packed with variety. Every month, Sony drops a handful of free games on PS Plus that you can add to your library and keep as long as your subscription remains active. Whether you are into survival games, strategic card battles, or retro-style shooters, there is something here to fulfill your gaming hunger. Sony just announced this month’s games through their PlayStation Blog, and they will be available from May 6 to June 2. That gives you nearly a full month to claim these titles before they vanish. Missing out on these freebies would be like leaving money on the table, so mark your calendars and set those reminders. Ark: Survival Ascended Ark: Survival Ascended | Credit: Studio Wildcard/Snail Games Ark: Survival Ascended, developed by Studio Wildcard, is a full Unreal Engine 5 remake of Ark: Survival Evolved. This game throws you into a prehistoric world where dinosaurs are your allies, mounts, and sometimes your enemies, too. It has been rebuilt from scratch with high-end graphics, better physics, and many other improvements. The game drops you into a world where you will need to form tribes, tame and breed hundreds of dinosaur species, and fight your way to the top of the food chain. Other than that, what makes Ark special is the scale of its world. It has about 48 square kilometers of explorable terrain of both land and ocean. The game supports online multiplayer for up to 70 players, private sessions for eight players, and even local split-screen for two players. This version gives PS5 players access to all of Ark‘s worlds, like Scorched Earth, Aberration, Extinction, and more. If you have ever wanted to ride a T-Rex while your friend struggles to build a thatch hut, this is your game. Balatro Balatro | Credit: LocalThunk/Playstack The next game is Balatro, developed by LocalThunk and available for both PS5 and PS4 users. This poker-inspired roguelike deck-builder is stupidly addictive but clever, too. Poker hands and special joker cards work together to create effective synergies that change the rules in various ways. Each run is divided into “antes,” and each ante has three blinds that progressively get harder each time you defeat a boss. Your goal is to earn enough chips to overcome these blinds by forming traditional and even ******** poker hands. You will go to stores in between rounds where you can buy new cards, packs, and vouchers with extra perks. Every run seems new because there are 150 jokers and decks that can be unlocked. It’s a masterclass in risk-reward, but newbies may feel overwhelmed. If you love strategy with a side of chaos, this one is a must-play. Warhammer 40,000: Boltgun Warhammer 40,000: Boltgun | Credit: Auroch Digital/Focus Entertainment Rounding out the May lineup is Warhammer 40,000: Boltgun for PS5 and PS4. This shooter game throws you into the boots of a Space Marine named Malum Caedo on planet Graia with a mission, that is to deal with Chaos Space Marines and daemons of Chaos in the most over-the-top way possible. The story of the game picks up many years after the events of Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine. Rogue Techpriests are experimenting with a dangerous power source that has opened a warp rift. Now Chaos Space Marines and daemons are coming through, and it’s up to you to grab your boltgun and send them back to the warp in pieces. The climactic battle with Chaos Sorcerer Tumulus Samael gives a satisfying end. Boltgun‘s gameplay is fast, brutal, and unapologetically old-school. Its retro visuals hide modern touches, like smart enemy AI and smooth movement. It’s not deep, just point and shoot. But sometimes that’s all you need. If you ever played Doom in the 90s and thought that it needed more genetically enhanced super soldiers in power armor, then Boltgun might be just what you need. So there you have it – three different games hitting PlayStation Plus this May. Whether you are into survival games with dinosaurs, strategic card games, or retro-style shooters with a sci-fi flavor, there is something for everyone this month. Make sure to claim these games before June 2, 2025. Source link #Monthly #Free #Games #Revealed Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

At Social Security, these are the days of the living dead At Social Security, these are the days of the living dead Rennie Glasgow, who has served 15 years at the Social Security Administration, is seeing something new on the job: dead people. They’re not really dead, of course. In four instances over the past few weeks, he told KFF Health News, his Schenectady, New York, office has seen people come in for whom “there is no information on the record, just that they are dead.” So employees have to “resurrect” them — affirm that they’re living, so they can receive their benefits. Revivals were “sporadic” before, and there’s been an uptick in such cases across upstate New York, said Glasgow. He is also an official with the American Federation of Government Employees, the union that represented 42,000 Social Security employees just before the start of President Trump’s second term. Martin O’Malley, who led the Social Security Administration toward the end of the Biden administration, said in an interview that he had heard similar stories during a recent town hall in Racine, Wisconsin. “In that room of 200 people, two people raised their hands and said they each had a friend who was wrongly marked as deceased when they’re very much alive,” he said. It’s more than just an inconvenience, because other institutions rely on Social Security numbers to do business, Glasgow said. Being declared dead “impacts their bank account. This impacts their insurance. This impacts their ability to work. This impacts their ability to get anything done in society.” “They are terminating people’s financial lives,” O’Malley said. Though it’s just one of the things advocates and lawyers worry about, these erroneous deaths come after a pair of initiatives from new leadership at the SSA to alter or update its databases of the living and the dead. Holders of millions of Social Security numbers have been marked as deceased. Separately, according to The Washington Post and The New York Times, thousands of numbers belonging to immigrants have been purged, cutting them off from banks and commerce, in an effort to encourage these people to “self-deport.” Glasgow said SSA employees received an agency email in April about the purge, instructing them how to resurrect beneficiaries wrongly marked dead. “Why don’t you just do due diligence to make sure what you’re doing in the first place is correct?” he said. The incorrectly marked deaths are just a piece of the Trump administration’s ****** program purporting to root out fraud, modernize technology, and secure the program’s future. But KFF Health News’ interviews with more than a dozen beneficiaries, advocates, lawyers, current and former employees, and lawmakers suggest the overhaul is making the agency worse at its primary job: sending checks to seniors, orphans, widows, and those with disabilities. Philadelphian Lisa Seda, who has *******, has been struggling for weeks to sort out her 24-year-old niece’s difficulties with Social Security’s disability insurance program. There are two problems: first, trying to change her niece’s address; second, trying to figure out why the program is deducting roughly $400 a month for Medicare premiums, when her disability lawyer — whose firm has a policy against speaking on the record — believes they could be zero. Since March, sometimes Social Security has direct-deposited payments to her niece’s bank account and other times mailed checks to her old address. Attempting to sort that out has been a morass of long phone calls on hold and in-person trips seeking an appointment. Before 2025, getting the agency to process changes was usually straightforward, her lawyer said. Not anymore. The need is dire. If the agency halts the niece’s disability payments, “then she will be homeless,” Seda recalled telling an agency employee. “I don’t know if I’m going to survive this ******* or not, but there is nobody else to help her.” Some of the problems are technological. According to whistleblower information provided to Democrats on the House Oversight Committee, the agency’s efforts to process certain data have been failing more frequently. When that happens, “it can delay or even stop payments to Social Security recipients,” the committee recently told the agency’s inspector general. While tech experts and former Social Security officials warn about the potential for a complete system ******, day-to-day decay can be an insidious and serious problem, said Kathleen Romig, formerly of the Social Security Administration and its advisory board and currently the director of Social Security and disability policy at the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities. Beneficiaries could struggle to get appointments or the money they’re owed, she said. For its more than 70 million beneficiaries nationwide, Social Security is crucial. More than a third of recipients said they wouldn’t be able to afford necessities if the checks stopped coming, according to a January survey from the National Academy of Social Insurance. Advocates and lawyers say lately Social Security is failing to deliver, to a degree that’s nearly unprecedented in their experience. Carolyn Villers, executive director of the Massachusetts Senior Action Council, said two of her members’ March payments were several days late. “For one member that meant not being able to pay rent on time,” she said. “The delayed payment is not something I’ve heard in the last 20 years.” When KFF Health News presented the agency with questions, Social Security officials passed them off to the White House. White House spokesperson Elizabeth Huston referred to Mr. Trump’s “resounding mandate” to make government more efficient. “He has promised to protect social security, and every recipient will continue to receive their benefits,” Huston said in an email. She did not provide specific, on-the-record responses to questions. Complaints about missed payments are mushrooming. The Arizona attorney general’s office had received approximately 40 complaints related to delayed or disrupted payments by early April, spokesperson Richie Taylor told KFF Health News. A Connecticut agency assisting people on Medicare said complaints related to Social Security — which often helps administer payments and enroll patients in the government insurance program primarily for those over age 65 — had nearly doubled in March compared with last year. Lawyers representing beneficiaries say that, while the historically underfunded agency has always had its share of errors and inefficiencies, it’s getting worse as experienced employees have been let go. “We’re seeing more mistakes being made,” said James Ratchford, a lawyer in West Virginia with 17 years’ experience representing Social Security beneficiaries. “We’re seeing more things get dropped.” What gets dropped, sometimes, are records of basic transactions. Kim Beavers of Independence, Missouri, tried to complete a periodic ritual in February: filling out a disability update form saying she remains unable to work. But her scheduled payments in March and April didn’t show. She got an in-person appointment to untangle the problem — only to be told there was no record of her submission, despite her showing printouts of the relevant documents to the agency representative. Beavers has a new appointment scheduled for May, she said. Social Security employees frequently cite missing records to explain their inability to solve problems when they meet with lawyers and beneficiaries. A disability lawyer whose firm’s policy does not allow them to be named had a particularly puzzling case: One client, a longtime Social Security disability recipient, had her benefits reassessed. After winning on appeal, the lawyer went back to the agency to have the payments restored — the recipient had been going without since February. But there was nothing there. “To be told they’ve never been paid benefits before is just chaos, right? Unconditional chaos,” the lawyer said. Researchers and lawyers say they have a suspicion about what’s behind the problems at Social Security: the Elon Musk-led effort to revamp the agency. Some 7,000 SSA employees have reportedly been let go; O’Malley has estimated that 3,000 more would leave the agency. “As the workloads go up, the demoralization becomes deeper, and people burn out and leave,” he predicted in an April hearing held by House Democrats. “It’s going to mean that if you go to a field office, you’re going to see a heck of a lot more empty, closed windows.” The departures have hit the agency’s regional payment centers hard. These centers help process and adjudicate some cases. It’s the type of behind-the-scenes work in which “the problems surface first,” Romig said. But if the staff doesn’t have enough time, “those things languish.” Languishing can mean, in some cases, getting dropped by important programs like Medicare. Social Security often automatically deducts premiums, or otherwise administers payments, for the health program. Lately, Melanie Lambert, a senior advocate at the Center for Medicare Advocacy, has seen an increasing number of cases in which the agency determines beneficiaries owe money to Medicare. The cash is sent to the payment centers, she said. And the checks “just sit there.” Beneficiaries lose Medicare, and “those terminations also tend to happen sooner than they should, based on Social Security’s own rules,” putting people into a bureaucratic maze, Lambert said. Employees’ technology is more often on the ******. “There’s issues every single day with our system. Every day, at a certain time, our system would go down automatically,” said Glasgow, of Social Security’s Schenectady office. Those problems began in mid-March, he said. The new problems leave Glasgow suspecting the worst. “It’s more work for less bodies, which will eventually hype up the inefficiency of our job and make us, make the agency, look as though it’s underperforming, and then a closer step to the privatization of the agency,” he said. Jodie Fleischer of Cox Media Group contributed to this report. KFF Health News is a national newsroom that produces in-depth journalism about health issues and is one of the core operating programs at KFF — the independent source for health policy research, polling, and journalism. Source link #Social #Security #days #living #dead Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Copper cable thefts in Spain leave passengers trapped in trains overnight Copper cable thefts in Spain leave passengers trapped in trains overnight MADRID (Reuters) – Copper thieves brought part of Spain’s high-speed train network to a standstill on Sunday evening, leaving some trapped in trains overnight and thousands stranded at stations. Thieves stole cables in four areas within a 10-kilometre radius in what Transport Minister Oscar Puente called a “serious act of sabotage” in a post on X. Train services on the affected lines were suspended Sunday evening, and while on Monday morning a few trains left Madrid for Toledo, 70 kilometres south, services to cities such as Seville and Malaga further south were still suspended, Adif said on X. Thousands of people were left waiting in Madrid’s Atocha station. It comes after hundreds of passengers were left trapped on trains last week during a nationwide blackout. Nine trains were left stranded between stations, with many passengers forced to spend the night onboard, according to interviews on state broadcaster TVE. The state-owned railway infrastructure operator Adif said its staff were working to replace the stolen cables and reestablish the service. The high-speed network has rapidly expanded in Spain as part of a government push to decarbonise public transport. The network connects almost all the country’s big cities but is vulnerable to cable thefts because it crosses large swathes of empty countryside. (Reporting by Inti Landauro; editing by Charlie Devereux, Alexandra Hudson) Source link #Copper #cable #thefts #Spain #leave #passengers #trapped #trains #overnight Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

‘Dangerous nonsense’: AI-authored books about ADHD for ***** on Amazon | Artificial intelligence (AI) ‘Dangerous nonsense’: AI-authored books about ADHD for ***** on Amazon | Artificial intelligence (AI) Amazon is selling books marketed at people seeking techniques to manage their ADHD that claim to offer expert advice yet appear to be authored by a chatbot such as ChatGPT. Amazon’s marketplace has been deluged with works produced by artificial intelligence that are easy and cheap to publish but include unhelpful or dangerous misinformation, such as shoddy travel guidebooks and mushroom foraging books that encourage risky tasting. A number of books have appeared on the online retailer’s site offering guides to ADHD that also seem to be written by chatbots. The titles include Navigating ADHD in Men: Thriving with a Late Diagnosis, Men with Adult ADHD: Highly Effective Techniques for Mastering Focus, Time Management and Overcoming Anxiety and Men with Adult ADHD Diet & Fitness. Samples from eight books were examined for the Guardian by Originality.ai, a US company that detects content produced by artificial intelligence. The company said each had a rating of 100% on its AI detection score, meaning its systems were highly confident that the books were written by a chatbot. Experts said online marketplaces were a “wild west” owing to the lack of regulation around AI-produced work – and dangerous misinformation risked spreading as a result. Michael Cook, a computer science researcher at King’s College London, said generative AI systems were known to give dangerous advice, for example around ingesting toxic substances, mixing together dangerous chemicals or ignoring health guidelines. As such, it was “frustrating and depressing to see AI-authored books increasingly popping up on digital marketplaces” particularly on health and medical topics, which could result in misdiagnosis or worsen conditions, he said. “Generative AI systems like ChatGPT may have been trained on a lot of medical textbooks and articles, but they’ve also been trained on pseudoscience, conspiracy theories and fiction,” said Cook. “They also can’t be relied on to critically analyse or reliably reproduce the knowledge they’ve previously read – it’s not as simple as having the AI ‘remember’ things that they’ve seen in their training data. Generative AI systems should not be allowed to deal with sensitive or dangerous topics without the oversight of an expert,” he added. Yet Cook noted Amazon’s business model incentivised this type of practice, as it made “money every time” people bought a book, whether the work was “trustworthy or not”, while the generative AI companies that created the products were not held accountable. Prof Shannon Vallor, the director of the University of Edinburgh’s Centre for Technomoral Futures, said Amazon had “an ethical responsibility to not knowingly facilitate harm to their customers and to society”, although it would be “absurd” to make a bookseller responsible for the contents of all its books. Problems were arising because the guardrails previously deployed in the publishing industry – such as reputational concerns and the vetting of authors and manuscripts – had been completely transformed by AI, she noted. This was compounded by a “wild west” regulatory environment in which there were no “meaningful consequences for those who enable harms”, fuelling a “race to the bottom”, Vallor said. At present, there is no legislation that requires AI-authored books to be labelled as such. Copyright law only applies if a specific author’s content has been reproduced, although Vallor noted that tort law should impose “basic duties of care and due diligence”. The Advertising Standards Agency said AI-authored books cannot be advertised to give a misleading impression that they were written by a human, enabling people who had seen such books to submit a complaint. Richard Wordsworth was hoping to learn about his recent adult ADHD diagnosis when his father recommended a book he found on Amazon after searching “ADHD adult men”. When Wordsworth sat down to read it, “immediately, it sounded strange”, he said. The book opened with a quote from the conservative psychologist Jordan Petersen and then contained a string of random anecdotes, as well as historical inaccuracies. Some advice was actively harmful, Wordsworth observed. For example, one chapter discussing emotional dysregulation warned that friends and family did not “forgive the emotional damage you inflict. The pain and hurt caused by impulsive anger leave lasting scars.” When Wordsworth researched the author he spotted a headshot that looked AI-generated, plus a lack of qualifications. He searched several other titles in the Amazon marketplace and was shocked to encounter warnings that his condition was “catastrophic” and that he was “four times more likely to die significantly earlier”. He felt immediately “upset”, as did his father, who is highly educated. “If he can be taken in by this type of book, anyone could be – and so well-meaning and desperate people have their heads filled with dangerous nonsense by profiteering scam artists while Amazon takes its cut,” Wordsworth said. An Amazon spokesperson said: “We have content guidelines governing which books can be listed for ***** and we have proactive and reactive methods that help us detect content that violates our guidelines, whether AI-generated or not. We invest significant time and resources to ensure our guidelines are followed and remove books that do not adhere to those guidelines. “We continue to enhance our protections against non-compliant content and our process and guidelines will keep evolving as we see changes in publishing.” Source link #Dangerous #nonsense #AIauthored #books #ADHD #***** #Amazon #Artificial #intelligence Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

Elon Musk, His 16-Foot Wall and the Feud With His Texas Neighbors Elon Musk, His 16-Foot Wall and the Feud With His Texas Neighbors At first, residents of the upscale ****-de-sac in West Lake Hills, Texas, did not know who had moved into the 6,900-square-foot, six-bedroom mansion next door. Then construction workers arrived to ****** a 16-foot chain-link fence around the $6 million property, which is one of four homes on the leafy street. They also installed an outward-facing camera. Next, a fleet of cars — many of them Teslas — began parking on the street. Three times a day, a shift change signaled security personnel coming and going at the house. Once, the driver of a passing car shouted late at night that he was looking for a party at “E’s house.” No one liked the commotion, or the traffic, or the keypad-activated gate opening and closing for workers and cars at all hours. So even when they learned through word of mouth that their new neighbor was Elon Musk, the world’s richest man, that did not stop some of them from grousing to the City of West Lake Hills about his mansion. The complaints have since escalated into an uproar over city ordinances, permits and exceptions known as variances — so much so that the matter of Mr. Musk’s house landed in a contentious Zoning and Planning Commission meeting last month. The debate is headed next to a West Lake Hills City Council session, scheduled for May 14. “Transporting service employees to other houses, leaving their cars on our quiet streets, hauling laundry to and fro to other houses has to stop,” Paul Hemmer, a neighbor and the main complainant, wrote to the Zoning and Planning Commission. The letter was also signed by the occupants of the two other houses on the street. For the past few months, Mr. Musk, 53, has bulldozed his way across Washington, flouting long-established traditions and hacking away at what he deemed to be unnecessary federal bureaucracy. But in his own backyard outside Austin, the tech billionaire has become mired in a maze of local regulations and red tape. No one, it seems, is rich enough to escape the neighbors. Moguls including Mark Zuckerberg have sometimes hit the limits of their wealth and connections in disagreements over their luxury homes. So has Mr. Musk, who is so far losing against the municipal bureaucracy in West Lake Hills. He and his employees did not obtain permits for a metal gate and the fence built around the property, making the chain-link structure 10 feet taller than was allowed, local records showed. In total, the construction violated six city ordinances. After some neighbors protested, Mr. Musk’s team tried to gain retroactive permission for the projects. But Jim Pledger, one of the six commissioners on the West Lake Hills Zoning and Planning Commission, said he and his colleagues voted unanimously last month against recommending that the homeowner — he was careful not to name Mr. Musk — be granted variances for the projects. If an exception was made, Mr. Pledger said, “we’d incentivize people to break the rules.” Unless the City Council disagrees with that decision, Mr. Musk faces the prospect of tearing down the fence and gate or changing them to comply with the town’s rules. Mr. Musk did not return requests for comment. A house manager linked to the property declined to comment. Mr. Musk’s history in Texas is relatively recent. The tech mogul, who oversees six companies, moved most of his business operations to the state from California starting around 2021. He has built factories for his electric vehicle company, Tesla, his rocket company, SpaceX, and his tunneling venture, the Boring Company, around Austin and neighboring Bastrop. Mr. Musk also moved himself to Austin. He initially wanted to build houses for himself and his children (he has at least 13) on hundreds of acres that he bought there. After the plan fell through, he looked at other properties. In 2022, Mr. Musk purchased the West Lake Hills home through a limited liability company, which was named after the street where the property sits. The house is in the middle of a residential neighborhood at the bottom of about two acres of sloping land off a narrow public road, making security challenging. “Castles are supposed to be built on hills, right?” said Anne Yeakel, a longtime West Lake Hills resident who lives around the corner. “These were sophisticated buyers, and if security was the prime directive, this was not the house for it.” Mr. Musk and his staff did not introduce themselves to the neighbors. Few residents have seen him there. But word traveled fast in the community of 3,400, and soon everyone knew he had moved in. “It’s common knowledge here,” Ms. Yeakel said. The mansion was one of three that Mr. Musk bought in the area over the last three years to create a compound for his children and their mothers. At one point, Claire Boucher, known as the musician Grimes, lived with Mr. Musk and their three children in the house. Shivon Zilis, a brain technology executive who has four children with Mr. Musk, lives about a 10-minute walk away. Mr. Musk also purchased another Tuscan-style mansion about a year ago. Neighbors soon grew frustrated with the constant hubbub at the house. They saw people coming and going carrying gun holsters, as the security team ballooned along with Mr. Musk’s safety concerns. Though Texas has permissive gun laws, the activity stood out. “I call that place Fort Knox,” said Mr. Hemmer, a retired real estate agent who lives across the street and is president of the neighborhood homeowners association. The house was quieter on days when Mr. Musk was not in town, neighbors said, especially in recent months, when he lived mostly in Washington to advise President Trump. Now residents are bracing for Mr. Musk’s return, after he said he would spend less time in the capital. Some neighbors became particularly annoyed at the hulking fence in front of the mansion, as well as the giant metal gate at the other end of the property, which appears to serve as an employee entrance. Mr. Hemmer, who has long owned a Tesla, grew so frustrated with his neighbor that he began flying a drone over the house to check for city violations, and he keeps a video camera trained on the property around the clock. Last year, he complained to West Lake Hills officials about Mr. Musk’s fence, the traffic and how he thought the owner was operating a security business from the property. Mr. Musk’s security team also contacted the West Lake Hills Police Department about Mr. Hemmer, according to city records. One security official accused Mr. Hemmer last year of standing naked in the street, according to the records. Mr. Hemmer denied that he was naked and said he was on his property wearing ****** underwear. On another night, he said, he was walking his dog fully clothed and stopped when he suddenly needed to ******** — which Mr. Musk’s camera captured. “The cameras got me,” Mr. Hemmer said. “It’s scary they have guys sitting and watching me ****.” After repeated remonstrances from Mr. Hemmer, West Lake Hills officials found that Mr. Musk had violated city ordinances with the fence and the gate. Last month, the Zoning and Planning Commission debated whether to grant him variances for the projects. Before the meeting, Tisha Ritta, a permit expert working for Mr. Musk’s limited liability company, wrote a letter to the planning commission asking for relief from the city rules. “As a high-profile public official, the property’s resident faces ongoing security threats, making proactive safety measures imperative,” she wrote, according to a copy of the letter. Ms. Ritta did not respond to requests for comment. Mr. Hemmer and other residents wrote their own letter to the planning commission, admonishing their neighbor for facilitating “bad behavior on our quiet little ****-de-sac.” For a time, Mr. Musk appeared poised to win the neighborhood battle. Planning and zoning officials recommended that his property be granted “hardship variances,” which would allow him to keep the fence and other projects with only small changes to the property, according to city documents. But at the planning meeting, the commissioners refused Mr. Musk the variances. When they questioned Ms. Ritta, she blamed a former house manager for failing to get permits for the construction. “I just met the property owner last year, and unfortunately they were under the guidance of the property manager,” she said, according to a recording of the meeting. Mr. Hemmer also spoke up at the meeting to say he doubted the homeowner had been misguided. “If you follow him at all in the news, he’s always guilty of building stuff and then asking for permission later,” he said. One commissioner, who was not identified in the recording, said she could not believe West Lake Hills staff had recommended that the homeowner receive any exceptions. “I’m astounded the staff is putting forth any kind of suggestions we bend based on who is asking,” she said. The planning commission’s decision does not end the process. At the upcoming West Lake Hills City Council meeting, members must decide whether to stick with the commissioners’ recommendation on Mr. Musk’s mansion. If the City Council votes against him, Mr. Musk could sue the town. And if that does not work — and given his track record in backing candidates — there is always the next local election. Kirsten Noyes contributed research. Source link #Elon #Musk #16Foot #Wall #Feud #Texas #Neighbors Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

Press briefing on this week’s plenary session | News Press briefing on this week’s plenary session | News When: Monday 5 May at 16.30 Where: Daphne Caruana Galizia Press room and via Interactio Key topics this week include: Debate on and vote on Parliament’s priorities for the next long-term budget for the EU Debate on US trade measures and global trade opportunities for the EU Debate on EU contribution to a just peace deal for Ukraine Vote on more flexibility on CO2 emission performance standards for new cars and vans Vote on rules to prevent security risks arising from foreign investments in the EU Debate and vote on greater flexibility in gas storage refilling to address market and bring down prices Commemoration of the end of the World War II in Europe Debate on the 19 May EU-*** summit in London Debate with Kaja Kallas on EU-Türkiye relations, followed by a vote Debate on the Iberian peninsula electricity blackout Interpretation of the press briefing will be available in English, French, *******, Italian, Spanish and Polish. Journalists wishing to actively participate and ask questions, please connect via Interactio using this link: You can follow it live from 16.30 on Monday in Parliament’s Daphne Caruana Galizia press room or via Parliament’s webstreaming and EbS+. Information for the media – Use Interactio to ask questions Interactio is only supported on iPads (with the Safari browser) and Mac/Windows (with the Google Chrome browser). When connecting, enter your name and the media you are representing in the first name / last name fields. For better sound quality, use headphones and a microphone. Interpretation is only possible for questions asked on video. Journalists who have never used Interactio before are asked to connect 30 minutes before the start of the press conference to perform a connection test. IT assistance can be provided if necessary. When connected, open the chat window (upper right corner) to be able to see the service messages. For more details, check the connection guidelines and recommendations for remote speakers. Source link #Press #briefing #weeks #plenary #session #News Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

‘You Hear Me? What I Said?’ ‘You Hear Me? What I Said?’ Donald Trump flipped out at a journalist for The Wall Street Journal onboard Air Force One on Sunday. The journalist drew Trump’s ire after asking about talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin amid the U.S. president’s effort to broker peace between Russia and Ukraine over the former’s invasion of the latter. Trump asked which outlet the reporter worked for, a tactic he’s resorted to frequently during his second term. When told the Journal, he then railed: “That’s what I thought. Boy, you people treat us so badly. Wall Street Journal has truly gone to hell. Go ahead, yeah. Rotten newspaper. You hear me? What I said? It’s a rotten newspaper.” Trump then told the journalist to “go ahead” with the question but refused to answer. “I wouldn’t tell The Wall Street Journal because it’d be wasting my time. There are talks, but I don’t want to talk to The Wall Street Journal. Look, Wall Street Journal is China-oriented and they’re really bad for this country.” Trump turned to take a question from another journalist. It’s the latest flashpoint between Trump and the Rupert Murdoch-owned publication, which despite its conservative leaning has in recent months flamed Trump on multiple occasions — most notably over his trade policies and market-spooking tariffs, which it dubbed “The Dumbest Trade War In History.” Related… Source link #Hear Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Ten killed after four tourist boats capsize in China, state media report – Reuters Ten killed after four tourist boats capsize in China, state media report – Reuters Ten killed after four tourist boats capsize in China, state media report ReutersTen dead after tourist boats capsize in China BBCTourist boats capsize in sudden storm in southwest China, leaving 9 dead and 1 missing AP NewsThree dead and 14 missing after two sightseeing boats carrying tourists capsize in China Daily MailTwo boats capsized in China’s southwest after sudden storm, leaving 20 missing Times of India Source link #Ten #killed #tourist #boats #capsize #China #state #media #report #Reuters Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

“I wanted to cry for him”: Caleb Serong on hamstrung teammate Hayden Young as Docker awaits prognosis “I wanted to cry for him”: Caleb Serong on hamstrung teammate Hayden Young as Docker awaits prognosis Fremantle star Caleb Serong has expressed his devastation for friend and teammate Hayden Young after the onballer suffered his third hamstring injury this season. Young was playing just his fourth game of the season after spending extra time rehabbing his leg but broke down during the second quarter and the Dockers are waiting on results of his scans. The injury is expected to sideline Young for longer than a standard hamstring problem and Serong said that was a huge blow for the damaging left footer. “I wanted to cry for him on Friday night. It was tough,” Serong said. “He’s a tough ******* though and he’ll continue to work and get himself back out there. I know he’s had a scan. I’m not sure of the exact results yet. I know he’ll do everything he can to be back out there at some stage this year. “It’s just really frustrating. These recurring injuries are just really disheartening when you do everything you can to get back and then it happens again. He’s one that you can never question the professionalism and never question his preparation. “It’s one of those ones that doesn’t quite make sense and it’s hard to make sense for himself and the guys around him. He’s got a lot of support in his corner.” Fremantle’s midfield has already been weakened by injury this season with Nat Fyfe yet to play a game, Nathan O’Driscoll being sidelined since round four and Jaeger O’Meara waiting to learn when he can return from hamstring and foot injuries. The Dockers were blown away in the midfield by St Kilda on Friday night, losing the clearances 50-22. Serong said Young’s injury would open the door for someone else to seize their chance and it was important for everyone to work together to improve. “It’s not one person. We’ve got a few senior mids out at the moment with Jaeger, Fyfey and now Youngy as well. It creates opportunity,” Serong said. “Obviously Corey Wagner has come into the midfield in the last couple of weeks and played a role. I’ve got no doubt he will continue to be exposed in there. Jonno, what he can do from a physical point of view and just that increased opportunity for him will hopefully bring a few more results for him. He’s played some great footy this year. “We’ve got some guys in the WAFL who are playing good footy. We’ve got some options.” Source link #wanted #cry #Caleb #Serong #hamstrung #teammate #Hayden #Young #Docker #awaits #prognosis Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Glendale shooting injures several people; police call scene ‘chaotic’ Glendale shooting injures several people; police call scene ‘chaotic’ The Brief Several people were shot at a restaurant on Sunday night, the Glendale Police Department said. It happened just before 8 p.m. near 57th and Glendale avenues. GLENDALE, Ariz. – Several people were shot in Glendale on Sunday night at a restaurant, the police department said, calling the scene “chaotic.” What we know The May 4 shooting happened near 57th and Glendale avenues around 7:45 p.m. at El Camaron Gigante Mariscos & Steakhouse. Latest on victims “What I can confirm is that there are multiple people shot,” Glendale Police Officer Moroni Mendez said. “The number is closer to 9 now. I can’t confirm whether that is the actual number, but it is more than three now.” Latest on possible suspects There is believed to be more than one shooter, but Officer Mendez says the public is safe. “There are no apprehensions at the moment. There are quite a few people detained, and we’re trying to investigate whether they’re suspects, victims, witnesses, investigative leads. There are multiple people that our officers and detectives are speaking to,” Officer Mendez said. He says no officers or security guards were involved in the shooting. What we don’t know We don’t know the severity of the victims’ injuries. We don’t know what led up to the shooting. What you can do If you have any information, call the Glendale Police Department at 623-930-3000. Map of where the incident happened: Source link #Glendale #shooting #injures #people #police #call #scene #chaotic Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Hamilton admits frustration in "sarcastic" F1 Miami GP radio comments – Autosport Hamilton admits frustration in "sarcastic" F1 Miami GP radio comments – Autosport Hamilton admits frustration in “sarcastic” F1 Miami GP radio comments Autosport’Fire in my belly’ led to team orders controversy BBCLewis Hamilton unapologetic for terse exchange with Ferrari at Miami Grand Prix The Guardian’It was frustrating’ – Hamilton opens up on tense Miami radio messages during Ferrari strategy debate Formula 1Lewis Hamilton’s radio rants with Ferrari brings real drama to Miami Grand Prix USA Today Source link #Hamilton #admits #frustration #quotsarcasticquot #Miami #radio #comments #Autosport Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Deal between State Government and NRL for North Sydney Bears team to be announced on Thursday Deal between State Government and NRL for North Sydney Bears team to be announced on Thursday Roger Cook will face pressure to come clean with taxpayers over the value of the deal, after the Government was understood to have tabled a revised offer last month of $50 million to grow local participation. Source link #Deal #State #Government #NRL #North #Sydney #Bears #team #announced #Thursday Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

Arizona Lottery Pick 3, Fantasy 5 results for May 4, 2025 Arizona Lottery Pick 3, Fantasy 5 results for May 4, 2025 The Arizona Lottery offers multiple draw games for those aiming to win big. Arizona offers Powerball, Mega Millions, The Pick, Triple Twist, Fantasy 5 and Pick 3 as well as Scratchers, Quick Draw and Fast Play. Lottery players have seen enormous jackpots recently, with previous winners of both the Powerball and Mega Millions breaking into the top 10 largest jackpots in U.S. lottery history. Money raised from Arizona lottery games goes toward funding higher education, health and human services, environmental conservation and economic and business development in the state. Pick 3 0-3-4 Check Pick 3 payouts and previous drawings here. Fantasy 5 02-12-27-30-31 Check Fantasy 5 payouts and previous drawings here. Triple Twist 10-12-22-24-30-35 Check Triple Twist payouts and previous drawings here. Feeling lucky? Explore the latest lottery news and results Are you a winner? Here’s how to claim your lottery prize All Arizona Lottery retailers will redeem prizes up to $100 and may redeem winnings up to $599. For prizes over $599, winners can submit winning tickets through the mail or in person at Arizona Lottery offices. By mail, send a winner claim form, winning lottery ticket and a copy of a government-issued ID to P.O. Box 2913, Phoenix, AZ 85062. To submit in person, sign the back of your ticket, fill out a winner claim form and deliver the form, along with the ticket and government-issued ID to any of these locations: Phoenix Arizona Lottery Office: 4740 E. University Drive, Phoenix, AZ 85034, 480-921-4400. Hours: 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, closed holidays. This office can cash prizes of any amount. Tucson Arizona Lottery Office: 2955 E. Grant Road, Tucson, AZ 85716, 520-628-5107. Hours: 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, closed holidays. This office can cash prizes of any amount. Phoenix Sky Harbor Lottery Office: Terminal 4 Baggage Claim, 3400 E. Sky Harbor Blvd., Phoenix, AZ 85034, 480-921-4424. Hours: 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Sunday, closed holidays. This office can cash prizes up to $49,999. Kingman Arizona Lottery Office: Inside Walmart, 3396 Stockton Hill Road, Kingman, AZ 86409, 928-753-8808. Hours: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, closed holidays. This office can cash prizes up to $49,999. Check previous winning numbers and payouts at [Hidden Content]. Winning lottery numbers are sponsored by Jackpocket, the official digital lottery courier of the USA TODAY Network. Where can you buy Arizona lottery tickets? Tickets can be purchased in person at gas stations, convenience stores and grocery stores. Some airport terminals may also sell lottery tickets. You can also order tickets online through Jackpocket, the official digital lottery courier of the USA TODAY Network, in these U.S. states and territories: Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Idaho, Maine, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Puerto Rico, Washington D.C., and West Virginia. The Jackpocket app allows you to pick your lottery game and numbers, place your order, see your ticket and collect your winnings all using your phone or home computer. Jackpocket is the official digital lottery courier of the USA TODAY Network. Gannett may earn revenue for audience referrals to Jackpocket services. GAMBLING PROBLEM? CALL 1-800-GAMBLER, Call 877-8-HOPENY/text HOPENY (467369) (NY). 18+ (19+ in NE, 21+ in AZ). Physically present where Jackpocket operates. Jackpocket is not affiliated with any State Lottery. Eligibility Restrictions apply. Void where prohibited. Terms: jackpocket.com/tos. This results page was generated automatically using information from TinBu and a template written and reviewed by an Arizona Republic editor. You can send feedback using this form. Our News Automation and AI team would love to hear from you. Take this survey and share your thoughts with us. This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Arizona Lottery Pick 3, Fantasy 5 results for May 4, 2025 Source link #Arizona #Lottery #Pick #Fantasy #results Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Apple reportedly wants to split up the iPhone’s release schedule – Engadget Apple reportedly wants to split up the iPhone’s release schedule – Engadget Apple reportedly wants to split up the iPhone’s release schedule EngadgetApple Plans iPhone Release Schedule Shakeup, New Styles The InformationApple’s design for the 20th-anniversary iPhone is apparently so ‘extraordinarily complex’ it must be made in China, report says YahooReport: Apple Eyes iPhone Release Schedule Shake-Up, Book-Style Foldable PCMagApple set to launch six iPhones in 2026, may rejig release schedule for first $2,000 foldable: Report Mint Source link #Apple #reportedly #split #iPhones #release #schedule #Engadget Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Filly and mare dominate Monday’s Lark Hill trials as Storyville and Frigid take respective fast-class trials Filly and mare dominate Monday’s Lark Hill trials as Storyville and Frigid take respective fast-class trials The fairer sex dominated the morning at Monday’s Lark Hill trials, with Storyville and Frigid defeating elite opposition to take their 950m heats. Source link #Filly #mare #dominate #Mondays #Lark #Hill #trials #Storyville #Frigid #respective #fastclass #trials Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

iPhone Battery Dying Fast? Turn Off These 3 Settings iPhone Battery Dying Fast? Turn Off These 3 Settings Do you find yourself constantly charging your iPhone when the Low Power Mode warning pops up? While phones hold less of a charge over time, you don’t want your phone to die on you while you’re using it to navigate on the road or in the middle of a conversation. While your phone’s battery might not have the capacity to hold the charge it did when it was fresh out of the box, there are options that can help you squeeze more juice out of each charge. By disabling certain settings, you can ensure your iPhone battery can go the distance when you need it most. You can also keep an eye on your Battery Health menu — it’ll tell you your battery health percentage (80% or higher is considered good), as well as show you how many times you’ve cycled your battery and whether or not your battery is “normal.” CNET Tech Tips logo We’ll explain three iOS features that put a strain on your iPhone’s battery to varying degrees, and show how you can turn them off to help preserve battery life. Here’s what you need to know. Turn off widgets on your iPhone lock screen All the widgets on your lock screen force your apps to automatically run in the background, constantly fetching data to update the information the widgets display, like sports scores or the weather. Because these apps are constantly running in the background due to your widgets, that means they continuously drain power. If you want to help preserve some battery on iOS 18, the best thing to do is simply avoid widgets on your lock screen (and home screen). The easiest way to do this is to switch to another lock screen profile: Press your finger down on your existing lock screen and then swipe around to choose one that doesn’t have any widgets. If you want to just remove the widgets from your existing lock screen, press down on your lock screen, hit Customize, choose the Lock Screen option, tap on the widget box and then hit the “—” button on each widget to remove them. If you’re already low on battery, it’s best to just switch to a wallpaper that doesn’t have lock screen widgets. Reduce the motion of your iPhone UI Your iPhone user interface has some fun, sleek animations. There’s the fluid motion of opening and closing apps, and the burst of color that appears when you activate Siri with Apple Intelligence, just to name a couple. These visual tricks help bring the slab of metal and glass in your hand to life. Unfortunately, they can also reduce your phone’s battery life. If you want subtler animations across iOS, you can enable the Reduce Motion setting. To do this, go to Settings > Accessibility > Motion and toggle on Reduce Motion. Visual tricks like the parallax effect are fun, but they can affect your battery life. Switch off your iPhone’s keyboard vibration Surprisingly, the keyboard on the iPhone has never had the ability to vibrate as you type, an addition called “haptic feedback” that was added to iPhones with iOS 16. Instead of just hearing click-clack sounds, haptic feedback gives each key a vibration, providing a more immersive experience as you type. According to Apple, the very same feature may also affect battery life. According to this Apple support page about the keyboard, haptic feedback “might affect the battery life of your iPhone.” No specifics are given as to how much battery life the keyboard feature drains, but if you want to conserve battery, it’s best to keep this feature disabled. Fortunately, it is not enabled by default. If you’ve enabled it yourself, go to Settings > Sounds & Haptics > Keyboard Feedback and toggle off Haptic to turn off haptic feedback for your keyboard. Every single time you type, you’ll feel a slight vibration for each key you hit. For more tips on iOS, learn how to download iOS 18 and how to automatically delete multifactor authentication messages from texts and emails. Source link #iPhone #Battery #Dying #Fast #Turn #Settings Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

An exhibit honoring victims of gun violence is taken down at ATF headquarters – NPR An exhibit honoring victims of gun violence is taken down at ATF headquarters – NPR An exhibit honoring victims of gun violence is taken down at ATF headquarters NPRView Full Coverage on Google News Source link #exhibit #honoring #victims #gun #violence #ATF #headquarters #NPR Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Aussie designers Maison de Sabre accuse Sportsgirl of copying its signature products Aussie designers Maison de Sabre accuse Sportsgirl of copying its signature products Aussie designers Maison de Sabre has accused fashion retailer Sportsgirl of copying its signature bag charms. Source link #Aussie #designers #Maison #Sabre #accuse #Sportsgirl #copying #signature #products Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

10 Best-Selling Games Developed by Rockstar Games 10 Best-Selling Games Developed by Rockstar Games There are not many gaming studios that have made a global impact as strong as Rockstar Games. The studio was founded in 1999 by Sam and Dan Houser, and since then, it has been trying to perfect its storytelling. Their Grand Theft Auto series alone has changed the perception of what video games can be, sometimes sparking debates, but mostly breaking records and, most importantly, keeping us glued to screens. Besides the technicalities, what makes Rockstar Games special is their cultural impact. How many developers can claim that their games have caused congressional hearings, influenced fashion trends, inspired movies, and cemented themselves so deeply in pop culture? Now with such a huge impact, it is obvious that the studio has raked in huge amounts of money with each of its installments. Let’s explore their 10 best-selling games so far. 10 Max Payne Max Payne | Credit: Rockstar Games Imagine a rain-soaked New York City, a broken man motivated to take revenge for his murdered family, and a trail of bodies. That’s Max Payne. It was initially developed by Remedy Entertainment before Rockstar took over the franchise. At the time of its release in 2001, it sold about 82,000 units in its first month. However, positive word-of-mouth eventually pushed its lifetime sales to over 4 million. The game’s bullet-time mechanic, inspired by The Matrix, was a game-changer at the time. The slow-motion dives and shootouts felt as if you were directing your own action movie. Add graphic novel panels, Norse mythology references, and gritty voice-overs, and you have now got a story and vibe that is pure noir. 9 Max Payne 3 Max Payne 3 | Credit: Rockstar Games After Max Payne 2 became a commercial disappointment, players had to wait almost a decade for the conclusion of the trilogy. Max Payne 3 came in 2012 and took the action from the shadowy streets of New York to the sunny but equally dangerous favelas of São Paulo, Brazil. Max was now a security contractor, and he got tangled in a series of betrayals and corruption. He was older, drunker, and more broken this time. Rockstar Games took full development control this time and changed the graphic novel storytelling approach to a more cinematic approach inspired by modern action films. James McCaffrey returned to voice Max and also provided the character model. The game improved its shooting mechanics significantly, and the Euphoria animation engine enhanced them, making enemies react realistically to every bullet impact. The game sold about 3 million copies in its first week. Within a month of release, it sold about 440,000 units in the US and has sold over 4.5 million copies worldwide. 8 L.A. Noire L.A. Noire | Credit: Rockstar Games L.A. Noire was a risky experiment at the time. It was a detective game in which reading facial expressions was the key. When it was launched in 2011, it combined detective work and open-world exploration quite brilliantly. The plot of the game was set in 1947 Los Angeles, and it follows detective Cole Phelps as he rises through the LAPD ranks and investigates corruption that involves big shots of the city. The game has fast action and chase sequences, combats, and gunfights. L.A. Noire’s MotionScan technology captured actors’ performances with extreme detail, allowing players to judge the characters’ facial expressions during interrogations. Although the technology hasn’t aged perfectly, it was a genuine attempt to improve interactive storytelling at the time. It was reportedly made within a budget of $50 million, which included production and marketing. On day 1 of its release, it sold about 550,000 units in North America and 1.6 million units worldwide within a week. The game has sold over 5 million copies during its lifetime. 7 GTA: Liberty City Stories GTA: Liberty City Stories | Credit: Rockstar Games Liberty City Stories brought GTA to the PSP in 2005 and later to PS2. The game was set in 1998, and the players would play the character of mobster Toni Cipriani, who was rising in Liberty City’s underworld. Even though there were some hardware limitations, Rockstar managed to shrink their signature open-world chaos into a portable form without compromising much. The game was more popular on the PSP. Its multiplayer mode for up to six players via PSP’s wireless network was a big draw at the time. Ports to iOS and Android also kept the game alive for a longer ******* of time. Sure, it was not as groundbreaking as later GTAs, but it has managed to sell over 8 million copies, which is not a small deal. 6 GTA III GTA 3 | Credit: Rockstar Games GTA III was released in 2001, and it quite fundamentally changed how we think about video games. It was the first 3D GTA, and it set the standard for open-world games. Players explored Liberty City as Claude, who somehow got caught in a web of crime. The level of freedom to steal cars, escape cops, and cause chaos was never seen before at the time. Its non-linear story lets you pick missions, and side gigs like vigilante work add depth. Despite (or perhaps because of) the controversy around its mature themes and how it showed violence, GTA III attracted the public’s attention and appealed to their imagination like no one did before it. The game sold 120,000 copies in its first week and sold 2 million copies in the US during its release year alone, eventually reaching 14.5 million worldwide. 5 Red Dead Redemption Red Dead Redemption | Credit: Rockstar Games Red Dead Redemption proved that Rockstar could master the Wild West just as well as urban crime. The game’s plot was set in 1911, during the dying days of the American frontier, and it follows former outlaw John Marston as he is forced to hunt down his old gang to save his family. Red Dead Redemption’s dusty plain landscape, towering mesas, and frontier towns took the standards of open-world games to a whole new level. The attention to detail was amazing for a game of 2010. Gunfights with the “Dead Eye” slow-motion mechanic added more action to an emotional story. The game was made within a development and marketing budget of about $100 million, and Rockstar needed to sell 4 million copies just to break even. However, it took them only about three weeks to do that. The game eventually sold 15 million copies and collected many Game of the Year awards. 4 GTA: Vice City GTA: Vice City | Credit: Rockstar Games When it launched in 2002, GTA: Vice City took its players to a neon-soaked version of 1980s Miami. The game follows Tommy Vercetti as he tries to build a criminal empire after a botched drug deal. The vibe is pure Scarface meets Miami Vice. Vice City‘s greatest strength was its atmosphere. The licensed soundtrack featuring everything from Michael Jackson to Iron Maiden took everyone back to the 80s. Cruising down Ocean Drive in an Infernus sports car with Hall & Oates blasting from the radio was unlike anything gaming had offered before. The game expanded on what GTA 3 had built with more missions and the ability to buy properties. Its Demolition Man mission has made a separate legacy in the gaming community. Although there was controversy over its portrayal of violence and racial groups, which also resulted in lawsuits and protests, Vice City earned praise from critics. It became the fastest-selling game in history at that time, selling 500,000 copies within 24 hours and 1.4 million in its first 48 hours. It eventually went over 17.5 million lifetime sales. 3 GTA: San Andreas GTA: San Andreas | Credit: Rockstar Games GTA: San Andreas was released in 2004, and it was *******, bolder, and wilder than Vice City or any GTA installment that came before it. The game is set in the early 1990s in a completely fictional state based on California and Nevada. It follows Carl “CJ” Johnson as he returns home to Los Santos (Los Angeles) after his mother’s ******* and tries to rebuild his gang amid a gang war. The story is inspired by Boyz n the Hood and LA’s riots. The game has RPG elements like character customization, exercise that literally affects your physical appearance in real time, and skill development. You can swim, dual-wield guns, customize cars, or do whatever you want. The multiplayer mode for two players was a bonus. Because of its authenticity, the game had a huge cultural impact. Big names like Samuel L. Jackson and Ice-T portrayed the characters in the game. Within a week of its release in the US alone, it sold more than 2 million units. The game became the best-selling PlayStation 2 game ever at the time, with 17.33 million copies, later reaching 27.5 million across all platforms. 2 Red Dead Redemption 2 Red Dead Redemption 2 | Credit: Rockstar Games Red Dead Redemption 2 is a masterpiece. Rockstar Games took 8 years to develop the prequel after the first installment, and it was the pinnacle of Rockstar’s storytelling ambitions. The game follows outlaw Arthur Morgan and the Van der Linde gang during the last days of the Wild West. Much expected after the original, Red Dead Redemption 2‘s attention to detail is great. The prairies, towns, and shootouts feel alive. The “Dead Eye” system and horse-bonding mechanics also add a cool touch. You will hunt, rob trains, play poker, or do as you wish. However, some might complain that the pace of the game is slow, although it could be deliberate to immerse the players more. The game broke entertainment records, making about $725 million within three days of its release. By the end of 2018, it had sold 23 million copies and had reached over 34 million sales. 1. GTA V GTA V | Credit: Rockstar Games GTA V is not just Rockstar’s crown jewel; it’s one of entertainment’s greatest commercial successes, *******. The game was released in 2013, and its story follows three criminals- Michael, Franklin, and Trevor- through an interconnected story of heists and betrayal. Los Santos becomes a playground of chaos, from stock market manipulation to yoga on a mountain. The heist missions in the game are more complex, and players can choose to design their own missions. The characters satirize everything from social media to government surveillance. GTA V has remained one of the top-selling games across three console generations for over a decade. Its success was fueled by GTA Online, where players build criminal empires together. The online mode also became a money-printing machine because of microtransactions. The game sold 11 million copies in its first 24 hours and reached 29 million within six weeks. It has sold over 200 million units and over 135 million copies so far, making it one of the most successful games ever. From the bullet-time innovation of Max Payne to the record-smashing GTA V, Rockstar Games has constantly redefined what games can be. Whether you love crime epics or cowboy dramas, there’s a Rockstar game for you. Now, with the upcoming GTA 6, it’s only going to be crazier! Source link #BestSelling #Games #Developed #Rockstar #Games Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

US and Philippine forces cancel ship-sinking drill after World War II-era target prematurely sinks US and Philippine forces cancel ship-sinking drill after World War II-era target prematurely sinks MANILA, Philippines (AP) — A World War II-era Philippine navy ship to be used as a target in a combat exercise by American and the Philippine forces accidentally sank Monday hours before the mock assault, prompting the drill to be cancelled, U.S. and Philippine military officials said. The BRP Miguel Malvar, which was decommissioned by the Philippine navy in 2021, took on water while being towed in rough waters facing the disputed South China Sea and sank about 30 nautical miles (55 kilometers) off the western Philippine province of Zambales. Nobody was onboard when the ship listed then sank, the Philippine military said. American and Philippine forces would proceed with other live-fire maneuvers off Zambales on Monday despite the premature sinking of the Malvar. The ship was built as a patrol vessel for the U.S. Navy in the 1940s and was transferred to Vietnam’s navy before the Philippine military acquired it, Philippine navy Capt. John Percie Alcos said. “It’s an 80-year-old dilapidated ship and it wasn’t able to withstand the rough seas,” Philippine Lt. Col. John Paul Salgado told The Associated Press. The ship-sinking exercise was planned in an offshore area facing the hotly disputed Scarborough Shoal, which has been closely guarded by the ******** coast guard, navy and suspected militia ships. The Philippines also claims the fishing atoll, which lies about 220 kilometers (137 miles) west of Zambales. ******** and the Philippine forces have had increasingly hostile confrontations in the waters and airspace of Scarborough in recent years. The cancelled ship-sinking drill would have been the third to be staged by the treaty allies in recent years. It was supposed to be one of the highlights of largescale annual military exercises by the United States and the Philippines from April 21 to May 9 with about 14,000 U.S. and ********* forces participants. Called Balikatan, Tagalog for shoulder-to-shoulder, the combat drills have increasingly focused on the defense of Philippine sovereignty in the face of China’s growing aggression in the South China Sea, which Beijing claims virtually in its entirety. Mock battle scenes which have been staged so far, including the retaking of an island from hostile forces, have reflected assurances by the Trump administration, including by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, that the U.S. would abide by its treaty commitment to defend the Philippines in case ********* forces come under an armed attack, including in the South China Sea. On Sunday, U.S., *********** and Philippine forces practiced retaking an island from hostile forces in the coastal town of Balabac in western Palawan province, which faces the South China Sea. Japanese forces and British marines joined as observers of the combat exercise, which “showcased the growing interoperability and cohesion among partner nations in maintaining regional security,” Salgado said. “What we have seen since Trump returned to the White House is a remarkable level of continuity in the US-Philippines alliance not only in joint military drills, but also on American statements that the alliance is ‘ironclad,’ said Derek Grossman, a senior defense analyst at RAND Corporation. “The Trump administration is trying to keep the pressure on China through its support to the Philippines,” Grossman said, but added that it’s unclear “just how sustainable this commitment will be given that the Trump administration seems less hawkish on China than its predecessors.” China has vehemently opposed such exercises involving U.S. forces in or near the South China Sea or Taiwan, the island democracy, which Beijing claims as a province and has threatened to annex by force if necessary. U.S. and Philippine military officials, however, have insisted that the combat exercises were not designed with China in mind but serve as a deterrence to acts of aggression in the region. Source link #Philippine #forces #cancel #shipsinking #drill #World #War #IIera #target #prematurely #sinks Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

McLaren reigns supreme in this week's winners and losers of F1's Miami GP – Motorsport.com McLaren reigns supreme in this week's winners and losers of F1's Miami GP – Motorsport.com McLaren reigns supreme in this week’s winners and losers of F1’s Miami GP Motorsport.comOscar Piastri wins F1 Miami Grand Prix to stretch lead in title race The GuardianUncovered: The crucial role Max Verstappen played in Oscar Piastri’s Miami GP win PlanetF1All the key moments from the 2025 Miami Grand Prix Formula 1Our verdict on McLaren’s Miami dominance + messy Ferrari team orders The Race Source link #McLaren #reigns #supreme #week039s #winners #losers #F1039s #Miami #Motorsport.com Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Cardup ******: Truck and freight train collide on Bishop Road near Hopkinson Road Cardup ******: Truck and freight train collide on Bishop Road near Hopkinson Road A truck driver has been taken to hospital after a truck and a freight train collided on Monday afternoon. Source link #Cardup #****** #Truck #freight #train #collide #Bishop #Road #Hopkinson #Road Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]