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Nacon Connect 2025: Everything Announced Nacon Connect 2025: Everything Announced Nacon held its annual Nacon Connect event for 2025 on Thursday, and with it came a number of brand new game announcements along with updates on other titles from the French publisher. Nacon Connect 2025 featured 12 games and a few peripherals and accessories across nearly 40 minutes, including Hell is Us, a RoboCop: Rogue City sequel and a new game in the Styx franchise. You can check out everything that was announced during the event below. Be sure to let us know your thoughts on the showcase in the comments or join the discussion further in the Insider Gaming Forums. Everything Announced at Nacon Connect 2025 Revosim RS Pure The Revosim RS Pure is Nacon’s first racing wheel. Along with the wheel, Nacon is releasing a handbrake, gearshift, and clutch pedal. Cthulhu: The Cosmic Abyss From Big Bad Wolf: “In this first-person psychological thriller, players take on the role of Noah, an agent of Ancile, a secret Interpol division specializing in occult cases, as he investigates the mysterious disappearance of miners in the depths of the Pacific Ocean. His quest will lead him to the labyrinthine prison of R’lyeh, an ancient sunken city where Cthulhu is imprisoned” The Mound: Omen of Cthulhu From ACE Team: “A first-person horror game with online co-op for up to 4 players. Inspired by Lovecraft’s novella The Mound, this game puts players in the shoes of a squad of conquistadors on an expedition to discover a legendary underground city rumored to hold priceless treasures.” Styx: Blades of Greed The first game in the Styx series since 2017’s Shards of Darkness, Styx: Blades of Greed is scheduled to launch in fall 2025 for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. Rennsport Rennsport is finally set to launch on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S in 2025. RoboCop: Rogue City – Unfinished Business A stand-alone sequel to 2023’s RoboCop: Rogue City, RoboCop: Rogue City – Unfinished Business will have players return to Old Detroit to reach the top of the Omni Tower that’s been overrun by mercenaries. It launches this summer for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. Edge of Memories The upcoming action JRPG revealed its gameplay to fans for the first time. Edge of Memories is scheduled to release this fall. The Occultist Launching in 2026, The Occultist follows paranormal investigator Alan Rebels who has to travel to the island of Godstone to uncover the truth behind his father’s disappearance. The Fading of Nicole Wilson Set to release in 2025 for PC and console, The Fading of Nicole Wilson is a “story-driven folk-horror adventure.” “Teenager Brit takes a ghost-hunting job at the eerie Timberline Hotel, hoping for fame,” Nacon says. “But when her employer is hospitalized, she must investigate alone. Armed with her camera and paranormal gear, she quickly realizes there are more dangerous forces at play than any supernatural entity.” Hell Is Us The latest look at Hell Is Us unveils the game’s investigation mechanics with creative director Jonathan Jacques-Belletête going through the feature. Dragonkin: The Banished The game is official out in early access. Test Drive Unlimited Solar Crown Season 3 launches on March 19, and KT Racing is giving a preview for players. Ravenswatch With nearly one million players, Ravenswatch is introducing two new heroes: Romeo & Juliet. For more Insider Gaming, read our exclusive on Until Dawn remake developer Ballistic Moon being “effectively closed”. And don’t forget to sign up for our newsletter. SUBSCRIBE to our newsletter to receive the latest news and exclusive leaks every week! No Spam. Source link #Nacon #Connect #Announced Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

Dunsborough Arts Festival gave the South West a taste of talent over the March long weekend Dunsborough Arts Festival gave the South West a taste of talent over the March long weekend The Dunsborough Arts Festival and Sculpture by the Bay competition was held over the March long weekend where thousands of visitors gathered to immerse themselves in the culture. Source link #Dunsborough #Arts #Festival #gave #South #West #taste #talent #March #long #weekend Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

The Sinking City 2 Looks More Sinister Than Ever In New Gameplay Deep Dive, Kickstarter Now Live The Sinking City 2 Looks More Sinister Than Ever In New Gameplay Deep Dive, Kickstarter Now Live The Kickstarter for The Sinking City 2 has gone live, and Frogwares has shown off a sneak peek at the game with a deep dive into its current state of development. The studio says that it’ll be using crowdfunding to help create a safety net for the developer, as well as use the funds to secure additional features for the game. Currently, Frogwares is aiming to secure $105,000 in funding, and similar to its previous Kickstarter campaign for Sherlock Holmes: The Awakened, it’ll offer various rewards to backers if certain goals are met. This new campaign is launching during a dangerous time for the studio and Ukraine, as three years on, Russia’s invasion of the country is still ongoing. “After three years of this horrid war hanging over our daily lives, we’ve learned to adapt, though it has never been easy,” Frogwares CEO Wael Amr said in a press release. “In 2023 when we released Sherlock Holmes: The Awakened with the help of Kickstarter and our loving fans, we built ourselves a safety net that saved us more than once. From power outages and the need for team members to relocate on short notice, to having to pause development for days, this safety net was crucial. Given that The Sinking City 2 is a far more complex and demanding game, we’ve decided to take the same route as before.” For The Sinking City 2, Frogwares says players can expect a “horror-first” approach, with the gameplay being built around pillars of combat and exploration. The game will feature a Lovecraftian influence once again, as players will venture into the decaying city of Arkham, scrounge for limited resources, and solve various cases inside of a morally grey world that features an expanded Cthulu mythos. “We’re not ditching our investigation roots entirely but the chance to spread and challenge our norms has really helped the team grow,” Frogwares publishing director Sergiy Oganesyan added. “We’ve placed combat and exploration first while still keeping an air of investigation that adds depth but is entirely optional.” It has been a long road for the sequel to 2019’s The Sinking City, as several years back, Frogwares was involved in an infamous dispute with publisher Nacon regarding ownership over the game. The Sinking City 2 was officially unveiled in March 2024, and while it doesn’t have a concrete release date yet, it will launch for PC, Xbox Series X|S, and PS5. Source link #Sinking #City #Sinister #Gameplay #Deep #Dive #Kickstarter #Live Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

State Street teams up with Ray Dalio’s Bridgewater on new ‘All Weather’ ETF State Street teams up with Ray Dalio’s Bridgewater on new ‘All Weather’ ETF State Street has teamed up with Bridgewater Associates for an ETF that will give regular investors a chance to buy a version of one of the massive private investment firm’s longstanding strategies. The SPDR Bridgewater All Weather ETF (ALLW) launched Wednesday and is based off an investing approach of Bridgewater’s created in 1996. All Weather is an example of what is often called a risk-parity strategy, combining multiple assets in an attempt to lower the volatility of the overall portfolio. The ETF will be actively managed, with the goal of taking advantage of changes in the macroeconomic environment. ALLW will be managed directly by State Street employees, using a model portfolio developed by Bridgewater. The range of assets that the fund can hold include equities, inflation-linked bonds, nominal bonds, gold and other commodities. “The mix of assets Bridgewater uses has and will continue to evolve to best reflect the global macroeconomic research produced by their approximately 300-person investment team,” the fund’s factsheet says. The fund can gain those exposures in multiple ways, including through derivatives, which means the notional value of the positions can be larger than the fund’s assets. The exposures listed on the initial holdings list do add up to more than 100%, with nominal bonds as the biggest category. The launch comes at a time when the U.S. bull market for stocks has shown signs of strain, and the policies of President Donald Trump have created uncertainty for the global economic outlook . “The next 10 years could look very different than the past due to dynamics like geopolitical tensions, heightened inflation, deglobalization, AI, and more. Predicting exactly how this will play out will be extremely difficult, but all investors have a chance to prepare better for what’s ahead,” Karen Karniol-Tambour, co-chief investment officer at Bridgewater, said in a press release. New trend for ETFs The launch is part of a broader push by the ETF industry to put strategies previously reserved for high net worth investors in to widely available funds. Last month, State Street launched a private credit ETF as part of a partnership with Apollo. The underlying strategy of the fund is the same as Bridgewater’s decades-long approach, but there will be some differences in the portfolios, according to the fund’s website. The All Weather ETF comes with a management fee of 0.85%. “Our launch of ALLW is a testament to our commitment to leveling the playing field for all investors to reach their financial goals and ‘all weather’ diversification is one way we’re helping them get there,” Anna Paglia, chief business officer at State Street Global Advisors, said in a press release. All Weather and other risk-parity strategies are often pitched as an alternative to the traditional 60-40 portfolio of stocks and bonds, though there is no guarantee they will outperform that approach in any given year. While Bridgewater’s All Weather returns are not publicly available, risk parity strategies in general seem to have struggled in the post-Covid market environment. Bridgewater was founded by legendary hedge fund manager Ray Dalio, who has shifted to more of an adviser role for the firm in recent years. The firm has roughly $172 billion in assets under management, according to a recent securities filing . Source link #State #Street #teams #Ray #Dalios #Bridgewater #Weather #ETF Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Sacred Solitude: Inside the World of Greek Orthodox Monks Sacred Solitude: Inside the World of Greek Orthodox Monks In the pre-dawn hours, a lone monk moves silently through the shadowed corridors of a monastery on Mount Athos (Aghion Oros, or the “Holy Mountain”), the self-governing monastic republic in northeastern Greece. The scent of burning incense lingers in the cool air. He steps into a candle-lit chapel, where the flickering light casts shifting patterns over centuries-old frescoes blackened by time and devotion. Bowing deeply, he whispers the Jesus Prayer: “Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner.” This simple yet profound invocation, endlessly repeated, lies at the heart of Orthodox monastic life – a tradition that has endured, largely unchanged, for over a thousand years. Though Greece is celebrated for its ancient ruins, sun-drenched islands, and bustling cities, a very different world exists within its monastic enclaves. In places like Mount Athos and Meteora, monks withdraw from the distractions of modern life to embrace a rhythm of prayer, manual labor, and contemplation. But where did this tradition originate? And how did these monastic communities shape Greece’s spiritual landscape, transforming remote mountains and cliffs into sacred havens of devotion? St. Basil the Great is remembered as one of the founding fathers of communal monasticism in Eastern Christianity. Mosaic, Kiev Hagia Sophia, 11th century. St. Basil the Great is remembered as one of the founding fathers of communal monasticism in Eastern Christianity. Mosaic, Kiev Hagia Sophia, 11th century. The hermitages of Saints Gregory and Anthony in Meteora, Greece. © Shutterstock The hermitages of Saints Gregory and Anthony in Meteora, Greece. © Shutterstock The Birth of Monasticism in Greece Christian monasticism (from the Greek word “monachos,” meaning “solitary”) first emerged in the deserts of Egypt during the 3rd and 4th centuries. Pioneering ascetics like St. Anthony the Great (251–356 AD) and St. Pachomius (c. 292–348 AD) withdrew from urban life to seek God in solitude, fasting, and unceasing prayer. Their radical devotion inspired a growing movement that spread across the Eastern Roman (Byzantine) Empire, taking root in Syria, Asia Minor, and eventually Greece. By the 4th century, Greek-speaking monks had begun establishing their own hermitages, often in remote caves or perched on rocky outcrops. Some embraced complete isolation, while others formed small communities, laying the foundation for organized monastic settlements. The most influential early figure in Greek monasticism was Basil of Caesarea (c. 330–379), also called St. Basil the Great, whose ethical manuals (the “Moralia” and “Asketika”) provided a framework that would shape Orthodox monastic life for centuries. Basil emphasized a balance between solitude and communal living, encouraging monks to dedicate themselves to prayer, manual labor, and acts of charity. In Cappadocia (modern-day Turkey), monks carved entire churches and monastic dwellings into soft volcanic rock, creating natural fortresses that offered protection from persecution and invading forces. Similarly, in Greece, early Christian hermits sought refuge in the caves of Mount Olympus and the rugged landscapes of the Peloponnese. These isolated sanctuaries laid the groundwork for the great monastic centers that would flourish in the centuries to come. Daniel the Stylite, as depicted in the 11th century Menologion of Basil II, spent 33 years atop a column near Constantinople. Daniel the Stylite, as depicted in the 11th century Menologion of Basil II, spent 33 years atop a column near Constantinople. One of the most extreme expressions of Christian asceticism was the “Stylite” movement. Stylites (from the Greek “stylos,” meaning “pillar”) were monks who lived atop tall stone columns, exposed to the elements, in a radical act of devotion. These towering ascetics were revered as living saints, drawing pilgrims who sought their blessings, confessions, or miraculous healings. Among the most renowned Greek Stylites was St. Daniel the Stylite (c. 409–493), whose fame spread beyond the Byzantine world. Inspired by St. Simeon Stylites of Syria (c. 390–459), Daniel spent 33 years atop a column near Constantinople, offering spiritual guidance to emperors and commoners alike. His influence cemented the Stylite tradition as a revered form of asceticism, with similar practices emerging in parts of Greece. At the easternmost “leg” of the Halkidiki peninsula, Mount Athos is home to twenty monasteries. © Shutterstock At the easternmost “leg” of the Halkidiki peninsula, Mount Athos is home to twenty monasteries. © Shutterstock Mount Athos: A Monastic Republic By the 10th century, monasticism in Greece had evolved from scattered hermitages into large, organized communities. Nowhere was this transformation more profound than on Mount Athos, the easternmost of the three peninsulas of Halkidiki in northern Greece that became a sanctuary for monks seeking refuge from war and political upheaval. With the support of Byzantine emperors like John I Tzimiskes (r. 969–976), Mount Athos was granted autonomy as a self-governing monastic republic. Over time, it became home to twenty grand monasteries, each preserving Orthodox traditions, priceless manuscripts, and sacred art. Unlike the rest of Greece, Mount Athos remained largely untouched during the four centuries of Ottoman rule (“Tourkokratia”), maintaining its independence as a spiritual stronghold. Mount Athos also became the center of “Hesychasm,” a mystical tradition emphasizing inner stillness and divine illumination. Hesychast monks sought spiritual union with God through the continuous repetition of the Jesus Prayer, often in deep meditation. Monks at Vatopedi Monastery, Mount Athos. © Shutterstock Monks at Vatopedi Monastery, Mount Athos. © Shutterstock Even today, Mount Athos remains a living relic of medieval monasticism. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the mountain is home to around 1,400 monks, spread across its twenty monasteries (17 Greek, one Russian, one Serbian and one Bulgarian), as well as smaller “sketae” (daughter houses of the monasteries), “kellia” and “kathismata” (cells for one solitary monk). Ancient customs persist, from rigorous fasting and prayer schedules to the strict prohibition of women – a rule upheld for over 1,000 years. According to tradition, the Virgin Mary (Panaghia) and the Apostle John visited Mount Athos while traveling to Cyprus, to visit the resurrected Lazarus. Their ship was caught in violent storm and blown off course. As they neared the peninsula, a divine voice proclaimed that the land was to be her personal garden. From that moment on, Mount Athos was dedicated to the Theotokos (Mother of God) – the “Garden of the Panaghia” – and no other women were permitted to set foot on its soil. The prohibition, known as the “Avaton,” is upheld to maintain the monks’ spiritual focus and to preserve the mountain as an earthly extension of Mary’s purity. Even female animals, apart from birds and insects, are generally not allowed on the peninsula. Monks here see themselves as the spiritual successors of the desert fathers, preserving the Orthodox faith through prayer and study. Even in today’s digital age, most Athonite monks avoid modern technology, shunning phones, computers, and even electricity. However, some monasteries have cautiously adopted solar panels to provide essential lighting and heating during the harsh winter months. Male visitors can apply for a special permit (“diamonitirio”) to enter Mount Athos, but only a limited number are allowed per day. Those who make the pilgrimage experience a monastic world almost untouched by modernity. For more information, visit the official website: mountathosinfos.gr Holy Monastery of the Great Meteoron and Varlaam, Meteora. © Shutterstock Holy Monastery of the Great Meteoron and Varlaam, Meteora. © Shutterstock Meteora: Monasteries in the Sky Rising dramatically above the plains of Thessaly, Meteora is one of Greece’s most awe-inspiring landscapes and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Towering rock pillars, shaped by wind and water over millions of years, provide a seemingly impossible foundation for ancient monasteries that appear to float between earth and sky. These secluded sanctuaries were originally accessible only by rope ladders and pulley systems, ensuring the monks’ isolation from worldly distractions – and from invading forces. The first hermits arrived in Meteora during the 11th century, drawn to its sheer cliffs and natural caves as places of solitude and prayer. Over time, scattered hermitages evolved into organized monastic communities. By the 14th and 15th centuries, at the height of Meteora’s monastic era, 24 monasteries stood perched atop the rock formations. Today, only six remain active, carefully preserved as living centers of Orthodox spirituality. The ornate interior and “analogian” (lectern) of a monastery, Meteora. © Shutterstock The ornate interior and “analogian” (lectern) of a monastery, Meteora. © Shutterstock The Holy Monastery of Great Meteoron is the largest and most historically significant. It was founded in the mid-14th century by St. Athanasios the Meteorite, a scholarly monk from Mount Athos. His successor, Saint Joasaph, was a Serbian king of Byzantine descent who renounced his throne to embrace monastic life at Meteora at the age of 22. These monasteries became strongholds of Orthodox faith, safeguarding religious traditions and manuscripts through centuries of political turmoil. Unlike Mount Athos, Meteora welcomes both men and women. Visitors can explore the monasteries, admire centuries-old frescoes, and experience the quiet devotion still preserved within these sacred walls. Though Meteora has become one of mainland Greece’s most popular tourist destinations, attracting thousands of visitors each year, its monastic communities of both monks and nuns remain committed to prayer and hospitality. A Greek Orthodox monk at prayer, Monastery of St. George in Corinth. © Shutterstock A Greek Orthodox monk at prayer, Monastery of St. George in Corinth. © Shutterstock Bringing firewood for the winter at Aghios Dionysios Monastery, Mount Athos. © Shutterstock Bringing firewood for the winter at Aghios Dionysios Monastery, Mount Athos. © Shutterstock The Unchanging Rhythm of Monastic Life For Orthodox monks, time moves to a different rhythm – one shaped not by the modern world but by the ancient monastic “Typikon,” a liturgical book that has governed monastic life for centuries, and the three basic virtues: celibacy, obedience, and poverty. Their days revolve around three core pillars: liturgical prayer, manual labor, and inner stillness, known as “hesychia.” The monks devote themselves to long, solemn church services filled with haunting Byzantine chants, to the work of their hands – tending gardens, making wine, painting icons, and preserving manuscripts – and to silent prayer and meditation, centered on the ceaseless repetition of the Jesus Prayer. At 3.30 am, while the outside world remains in deep slumber, the monks awaken for the Midnight Office (known as “Matins” in the Western rites) – the first prayers of the day. As they chant the Psalms in Byzantine Greek, their voices rise and fall in rhythmic prayer, connecting them to generations of monks who have stood in the same place before them. After morning prayers, they gather for a silent meal at 7.30 am, known as the “Trapeza.” Food follows strict fasting rules – meat is never consumed, and dairy is often restricted. As they eat, one of their brethren reads aloud from the “Lives of the Saints,” ensuring that even mealtime is an opportunity for spiritual reflection. For more on the food cooked by the monks on Mount Athos, click here. Though many imagine monks as detached from the world, their daily labor – referred to as “common obedience” – is both practical and deeply spiritual. On Mount Athos, some monks devote their time to winemaking and beekeeping, producing Athonite wines and honey that are renowned worldwide. Others train as iconographers, following the Byzantine artistic tradition and painting religious icons through prayer. Some dedicate themselves to the careful restoration of ancient manuscripts, preserving Orthodox heritage one fragile page at a time. Others work as farmers and carpenters, growing olives, wheat, and vegetables or crafting wooden artifacts to support their monastic communities. Even time itself moves differently here. Mount Athos still follows the old Julian calendar, making it 13 days behind the rest of the world. Within its monasteries, time is not marked by the ticking of a clock but by the rhythmic ringing of the “semantron” – a wooden or metal board struck with a mallet, calling the monks to prayer. King Charles has deep ties with the Orthodox Church. His Highgrove Estate in England is filled with Byzantine icons, many of which were given as gifts from the monks at Mount Athos. King Charles has deep ties with the Orthodox Church. His Highgrove Estate in England is filled with Byzantine icons, many of which were given as gifts from the monks at Mount Athos. The Future of Orthodox Monasticism The traditions established by Greek Orthodox monks – solitude, prayer, and ascetic devotion – continue to shape the spiritual landscape of Orthodox Christianity. Pilgrims journey to Mount Athos and Meteora, seeking wisdom and guidance from those who have preserved these ancient practices for centuries. In recent years, monasticism has seen a quiet revival, as young men (and women), disillusioned by materialism and nihilism, turn to monastic life in search of deeper meaning. New monasteries, inspired by the Mount Athos tradition, have been founded in the US, Europe, and Australia, offering spiritual refuge in an increasingly restless and uncertain world. This renewed interest is not confined to Orthodoxy – Catholic monastic orders, such as the Benedictines and Carthusians, and even certain Protestant communities, continue to attract those drawn to contemplation, prayer, and simplicity. As long as there are those who seek a deeper spiritual life, the monasteries of Mount Athos and Meteora will endure – silent islands of prayer in a world that never stops moving. Source link #Sacred #Solitude #World #Greek #Orthodox #Monks Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

********* former Olympic snowboarder accused of ordering killings added to FBI’s Most Wanted list ********* former Olympic snowboarder accused of ordering killings added to FBI’s Most Wanted list A ********* former Olympic snowboarder who allegedly became the head of a transnational drug organization and ordered numerous killings was added to the FBI’s “Ten Most Wanted Fugitives” list Thursday. Federal investigators announced at a news conference in Los Angeles that Ryan Wedding, who participated in the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City in parallel giant slalom, was still at large, possibly in Mexico and that they are offering a $10-million reward for information leading to his capture. The 43-year-old Wedding — who also goes by “El Jefe” and “Public Enemy” — was accused in a September indictment in the Central District of California of running a network that transported hundreds of kilograms of ******** from Colombia, through Mexico and into California. He allegedly orchestrated three murders and an attempted ******* as part of the enterprise, which he ran from 2011 to 2024, according to the indictment. His second in command, Andrew Clark, was arrested in Mexico in October. Clark was held in Mexico, then transferred to the United States, where he was arraigned on the indictment in Phoenix on Monday, prosecutors said. The duo allegedly would hire contract killers and take out hits on people who they believed got in the way of their business. In November 2023, they allegedly ordered the killings of an Indian couple visiting Canada who they believed had stolen a ******** shipment. It was a case of mistaken identity. The couple was shot to death in front of their daughter — who was also shot but survived. In April 2024, Clark and another co-defendant, Malik Damion, allegedly ordered the killing of another man in Ontario who was shot to death in his driveway. One month later, Wedding and Clark allegedly had another man killed over a drug debt as he sat in his car in the driveway of his home. In photos taken of Wedding in 2024, he sported a bedazzled Los Angeles Dodgers hat and a thick mustache. Federal authorities said they believe Wedding is currently in Mexico and may be getting protection from the Sinaloa Cartel. Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. Source link #********* #Olympic #snowboarder #accused #ordering #killings #added #FBIs #Wanted #list Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Split Fiction – How To Hatch The Underlands Bird Egg Split Fiction – How To Hatch The Underlands Bird Egg During Split Fiction’s Underlands level, you’ll meet all manner of creatures big and small. Along the way, you’ll encounter a rather distressed pair of bird parents, and their new baby, who seems to be stuck in their egg. The path forward is blocked until you can help this family hatch their new child. To do so, you’re going to need to complete a specific sequence of events that culminates in a log being flung at high velocity toward the new baby. Don’t worry, they’re okay. The cute bird family in the Underlands After completing the side story for the area, head back towards the Piranha-infested waters and use the stalks to quickly jump to safety. Don’t forget you can use the stalks to dash upwards if you’re finding it a close call. When you arrive at the birds, you’ll find you can pick any of them up. The parents, funnily enough, aren’t too fond of this, but that’s okay since we don’t need to pick them up for this puzzle. Instead, pick up the baby bird stuck inside the egg, and place them on the left side of the seesaw. Zoe needs to pull the log to the left. Then, as her tree form, Zoe should grasp the log in the central area and pull it as far to the left as possible. Count down your timing, and have Mio jump on the opposite side of the seesaw to send the bird flying into the air. At the same time, Zoe should let go of the log, which will fly forward and send the bird’s egg flying towards the blocked path forward, clearing it. Conveniently, this also breaks the bird’s egg open, and the happy family will hop off through the new clearing. Source link #Split #Fiction #Hatch #Underlands #Bird #Egg Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

New Zealand fires ambassador to U.K. for asking whether Trump ‘understands history’ – The Washington Post New Zealand fires ambassador to U.K. for asking whether Trump ‘understands history’ – The Washington Post New Zealand fires ambassador to U.K. for asking whether Trump ‘understands history’ The Washington PostNew Zealand envoy to the *** fired for questioning Trump’s knowledge of history CNNNew Zealand Dismisses Top Diplomat to U.K. After His Remarks on Trump The New York TimesNew Zealand’s high commissioner to the *** loses job after Trump comments The GuardianTop New Zealand diplomat fired for what he said about Trump Fox News Source link #Zealand #fires #ambassador #U.K #Trump #understands #history #Washington #Post Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Split Fiction – How To Get Through The Underlands Piranha-Infested Water Split Fiction – How To Get Through The Underlands Piranha-Infested Water Split Fiction’s Underlands are stunningly beautiful, but some areas are deceptively dangerous. Throughout the level you’ll be faced with the challenge of piranha-infested water, and some of these aren’t as easy to cross as they first seem. The girls can shapeshift throughout this level. While Mio is safe in her “otter” form–which, if you ask us, looks much more like a lizard, Zoe isn’t as lucky. If Zoe enters the water as a human, fairy, or tree, she will quickly become piranha food. Wall running can save Zoe from piranhas. Some of the safe methods forward aren’t very obvious. During the first area of piranha waters there is a short platforming section until you end up stranded on a patch of grass. While Mio can swim through the water, she soon faces a roadblock where Zoe needs to give her some help to life a barrier. At this point, Zoe should wall run on the left-hand wall. Don’t worry, we forgot wall running was a thing too. If you’re struggling to make the distance, try angling Zoe towards the middle of the wall, jump dashing to get as far along as possible, and then wall running before jump dashing to the next platform. From here, Zoe should shapeshift into the tree and use the areas on the wall to grapple from point to point until the next safe platform. Use Zoe’s tree form to grapple across water. After landing there, you’ll see a large rock blocks the way. As the tree, Zoe can lift the rock to allow Mio to get through. Here, Mio should shift into the gorilla form to break the log. When she is in a safe space, Zoe should let go of the giant rock which will fly forward and break through the barrier. After a short cutscene, the two need to forge forward once more. Complete the platforming section until you find yourself looking over a large ledge to a round pool of water. Zoe can turn into a fairy and fly across the water to the flower stream which will carry her across the water to safety. As her gorilla form, Mio should use the pink leaves to swing across to the water and then quickly shift into her otter form as she drops to the water. Here, she can safely swim through a gap in the rocks underwater. Some sections require quick shapeshifting The next piranha waters are shortly afterwards. Zoe will need to use the grapples on the left wall before quickly shifting into her fairy form to fly towards the flower streams that will carry her to safety. Mio can use the same grapples before turning into her otter form in midair and swimming to the next section. After yet more platforming and a puzzle sequence, Zoe and Mio find more piranha-infested waters. Here, Mio will need to transport a large plant stalk that Zoe is clinging to in order to save her from the waters, as well as some new contenders: flesh-eating flowers. To begin, Zoe just needs to slide up and down the stalk to remain out of the flowers’ reach. Another important wall running section When they reach the platform, Zoe needs to go on to it and turn into her tree form. By grappling the flower bud on the wall, she can make the flowers on the wall retract, meaning that Mio is free to transport the stalk through to the next section, and Zoe can transform into her fairy form to quickly fly through and rejoin the stalk. Not all stalks will float for long In the next area, Mio needs to drag the stalk close to the flowers on the right so that Zoe can grapple across them and attach to the second stalk that’s already waiting there. This pole will quickly begin to sink in the water, so Mio needs to swim around and bring the first stalk with her for Zoe to attach to. That’s all of the piranha water sections in the Underlands and how to safely navigate them. Along the path forward on the right you’ll find the next Split Fiction side story, so be sure to complete that before moving on. We’ve also got a helpful guide on how to survive the Split Fiction sandfish. Source link #Split #Fiction #Underlands #PiranhaInfested #Water Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Private lander on the moon, but condition unclear Private lander on the moon, but condition unclear Intuitive Machines says its robotic Athena lander has landed on the moon’s surface but details of the spacecraft’s status and health remained unclear, a tense moment in the company’s second such attempt. The six-legged Athena, carrying 11 payloads and scientific instruments, targeted its landing site some 160 km from the lunar south pole for touchdown on Thursday. But by that time, the lander’s engine was still running, telemetry showed, as it appeared to hover over the moon. Minutes later, after commanding the lander’s engine to shut down, the company confirmed Athena “is on the surface of the moon,” but its exact orientation was unclear. Intuitive Machines ended its mission live stream and said a press conference is scheduled for later in the day. Intuitive Machines’ shares fell more than 20 per cent in afternoon trading. The stock has more than doubled in the past year. The space startup is one of many companies primed by NASA to return the United States to the moon. The focus on private companies is seen as lower cost but higher risk. After launching atop a SpaceX rocket on February 26 from Florida, Athena has flown a winding path to the moon some 383,000 km away from Earth. The Houston-based company’s first moon landing attempt almost exactly a year ago, using its Odysseus lander, marked the most successful touchdown attempt at the time by a private company. But its hard touchdown – due to a faulty laser altimeter used to judge its distance from the ground – broke a lander leg and caused the craft to topple over, dooming many of its onboard experiments. Five nations have made successful soft landings in the past – the then-Soviet Union, the US, China, India and, last year, Japan. The US and China are both rushing to put their astronauts on the moon later this decade, each courting allies and giving their private sectors a key role in spacecraft development. India’s first uncrewed moon landing, Chandrayaan-3 in 2023, touched down near the lunar south pole. The region is eyed by major space powers for its potential for resource extraction once humans return to the surface – subsurface water ice could theoretically be converted into rocket fuel. Austin-based Firefly Aerospace this month celebrated a clean touchdown of its Blue Ghost lander, marking the most successful soft landing by a private company to date. Intuitive Machines, Firefly, Astrobotic Technology and a handful of other companies are building lunar spacecraft under NASA’s Commercial Lunar Payload Services program, an effort to seed development of low-budget spacecraft that can scour the moon’s surface before the US sends astronauts there around 2027. Source link #Private #lander #moon #condition #unclear Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

It May Be A Bad Idea To Update Your Xbox Controller Right Now It May Be A Bad Idea To Update Your Xbox Controller Right Now Microsoft is not having a good week with its Xbox firmware updates. Just hours after the latest Xbox Insider update reportedly reverted consoles back to their factory settings, Microsoft has acknowledged that the new firmware for Xbox wireless controllers has caused some problems with Bluetooth connectivity and performance. In an update on the Xbox support site, Microsoft specifies that the Xbox wireless controllers firmware update is specifically causing some issues with “older non-Xbox devices.” Microsoft’s suggestion is that if players are having trouble with their controller’s Bluetooth connectivity, then they should revert the controllers to a previous firmware. A follow-up message on social media indicates that Xbox Support is looking for a more permanent solution. We are aware of an issue with the Xbox Wireless Controller 5.23.5.0 firmware update. Our teams are actively working on a solution. In the meantime, players can revert their controller’s firmware by following the steps provided on Xbox Support: — Xbox Support (@XboxSupport) March 6, 2025 As annoying as that issue may be, it pales in comparison to the adverse effects of the Xbox Insider update. Users are reporting that the firmware did not erase the games that they had downloaded on their consoles, but everything else was essentially starting over from scratch. Ironically, that Insider update was meant to fix a minor issue regarding the way players view their Xbox profiles. Entirely erasing those profiles was an unintended consequence. That issue shouldn’t affect players who aren’t a part of the Xbox Insider program. For players who are in the program, they can choose to leave the preview. Presumably the final version of Xbox Insider won’t have the same issues, but the program is still in its testing phase. Source link #Bad #Idea #Update #Xbox #Controller Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Putin says any Ukraine peace deal must ensure Russia’s security, vows no retreat Putin says any Ukraine peace deal must ensure Russia’s security, vows no retreat By Vladimir Soldatkin and Dmitry Antonov MOSCOW (Reuters) – Russia will seek a peace deal in Ukraine that safeguards its own long-term security and will not retreat from the gains it has made in the conflict, President Vladimir Putin said on Thursday in comments to relatives of soldiers killed there. Putin also took an indirect swipe at French President Emmanuel Macron, saying Western leaders should not underestimate the Russian people and should keep in mind the fate of Napoleon Bonaparte, whose invasion of Russia in 1812 ended in disaster. Trusted news and daily delights, right in your inbox See for yourself — The Yodel is the go-to source for daily news, entertainment and feel-good stories. “We must choose for ourselves a peace option that will suit us and that will ensure peace for our country in the long term,” Putin told a group of Russian women who have lost loved ones during the three-year war in Ukraine. Asked by the mother of one fallen soldier if Russia would retreat, Putin said he did not intend to do that. Russia currently controls just under a fifth of Ukraine – or about 113,000 square km. At times during the meeting some women wiped away tears. U.S. President Donald Trump has upended Western policy on the Ukraine war, opening up bilateral talks with Moscow and pausing military aid to Kyiv after clashing with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy in the White House last week. Reuters reported in November that Putin was open to discussing a Ukraine peace deal with Trump but ruled out any major territorial concessions and would insist that Kyiv abandon ambitions to join NATO. In comments last summer setting out his terms for ending the war, Putin also said Ukraine must withdraw all its forces from the entire territory of four Ukrainian regions claimed and partly controlled by Russia. MACRON MOCKED Trump’s dramatic change of U.S. policy on Ukraine has raised hopes for peace talks but has also alarmed Washington’s European allies who this week have reaffirmed their support for Kyiv. France’s Macron angered Moscow on Wednesday when he said in an address to the nation that Russia was a threat to Europe. Macron said Paris could discuss extending its nuclear umbrella to allies and that he would hold a meeting of army chiefs from European countries willing to send peacekeeping troops to Ukraine after any peace deal. Russia mocked Macron, calling him “Micron”. Russian cartoons cast him as France’s Emperor Napoleon riding towards defeat in Russia in 1812. “There are still people who want to go back to the time of Napoleon, they forget how it ended,” Putin said on Thursday, without mentioning Macron by name. “All the mistakes of our enemies and opponents began with this: in underestimating the character of the Russian people and representatives of Russian culture in general,” Putin added. (Reporting by Vladimir Soldatkin and Dmitry Antonov; Writing by Maxim Rodionov; editing by Guy Faulconbridge and Gareth Jones) Source link #Putin #Ukraine #peace #deal #ensure #Russias #security #vows #retreat Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

Free Prime Gaming Titles Revealed For March 2025 – 20 Free Prime Games Free Prime Gaming Titles Revealed For March 2025 – 20 Free Prime Games · · March 6, 2025 Amazon Prime has revealed a slew of free games coming to the Prime Gaming service this month. The subscription service with Amazon Prime boasts many benefits, but the most appropriate one for me is Prime Gaming, which regularly rewards users with exclusive in-game items, discounts, and, of course, free games. Read on to check out the full list of 20 free Prime Gaming titles coming to the service in March 2025. All Free Games on Prime in March In a recent post from Prime Gaming, it was revealed that the following games will be released on the service throughout March: Saints Row: The Third ****** II: Definitive Edition Crime Boss: Rockay City Naheulbeuk’s Dungeon Master Wall World Syberia: The World Before Endling – Extinction is Forever Dark Deity: Complete Edition Beholder 3 Wolfenstein: The Old Blood Mutazione Figment 2: Creed Valley Legacy of Kain: Defiance Mortal Shell The Forgotten City Deux Ex: Invisible War Session: Skate Sim Let’s Build a Zoo Gamedec -Definitive Edition The Wisbey Mystery Free Amazon Luna Games in March In addition, the team revealed that a fresh host of titles is free to play on Amazon Luna through March. If you live in the US, ***, Canada, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Austria, the Netherlands, or Poland, you can enjoy the following titles: WRC Generations Fully Loaded Overcooked! 2 Spitling Jackbox Party Pack 3 Strange Horticulture Fortnite OG Fortnite Ballistic LEGO Fortnite Brick Life Fortnite Battle Royale Fortnite Festival LEGO Fortnite Odyssey Rocket Racing Fortnite Trackmania Starter Access Fallout New Vegas: Ultimate Edition Fallout 3: GOTY Edition Which of these free Amazon Prime games are you most looking forward to playing? Let me know in the comments what you’ll be playing first this month with Amazon Prime. For more Insider Gaming coverage, check out the news that there might not be another Last of Us game SUBSCRIBE to our newsletter to receive the latest news and exclusive leaks every week! No Spam. Source link #Free #Prime #Gaming #Titles #Revealed #March #Free #Prime #Games Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Treasury Secretary Bessent says the American dream is not about ‘access to cheap goods’ Treasury Secretary Bessent says the American dream is not about ‘access to cheap goods’ Scott Bessent, US treasury secretary, during a Bloomberg Television interview in New York, US, on Thursday, Feb. 20, 2025. Victor J. Blue | Bloomberg | Getty Images Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent on Thursday offered a full-throated defense of the White House’s position on tariffs, insisting that trade policy has to be about more than just getting low-priced items from other countries. “Access to cheap goods is not the essence of the American dream,” Bessent said during a speech to the Economic Club of New York. “The American Dream is rooted in the concept that any citizen can achieve prosperity, upward mobility, and economic security. For too long, the designers of multilateral trade deals have lost sight of this.” The remarks came with markets on edge over how far President Donald Trump will go in an effort to attain his goals on global commerce. Stocks fell sharply Thursday despite news about some movement from the administration on ******** imports. In a speech delivered to a crowd of leading economists, Bessent indicated that Trump is willing to take strong measures to achieve his trade goals. “To the extent that another country’s practices harm our own economy and people, the United States will respond. This is the America First Trade Policy,” he said. Earlier in the day, Commerce Department data underscored how far the U.S. has fallen behind its global trading partners. The imbalance swelled to a record $131.4 billion in January, a 34% increase from the prior month and nearly double from a year ago. “This system is not sustainable,” Bessent said. Economists and market participants worry that the Trump tariffs will raise prices and slow growth. However, White House officials point out that tariffs did little to stoke inflation during Trump’s first term, touting growth potential from reshoring as companies look to avoid paying the duties. “Across a continuum, I’m not worried about inflation,” Bessent said. He added that Trump considers tariffs to have three benefits: as a revenue source with the U.S. running massive fiscal deficits, as a way to protect industries and workers from unfair practices around the world, and as “the third leg to the stool” as Trump “uses it for negotiating.” Thursday’s talk was hosted by Larry Kudlow, the head of the National Economic Council during Trump’s first term. In addition to discussing tariffs, the two chatted about deregulation as well as the onerous debt and deficit burden the government is facing. The budget is already $840 billion in the hole through just the first four months of fiscal 2025 as the deficit runs above 6% as a share of gross domestic product, a level virtually unheard of in a peacetime, expansionary economy. “This is the last chance bar and grill to get this done,” Bessent said of imposing fiscal discipline. “Everyone knows what they should do. It’s, do they have the willpower to do it?” Bessent also advocated a deep examination of bank regulations, particularly for smaller institutions, which he said are burdened with rules that don’t help safety. As Bessent spoke, stocks added to losses in what has been a tough week for Wall Street. “Wall Street’s done great, Wall Street can continue doing well. But this administration is about Main Street,” he said. Source link #Treasury #Secretary #Bessent #American #dream #access #cheap #goods Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

PS5: A limited edition The Last of Us DualSense is being released next month PS5: A limited edition The Last of Us DualSense is being released next month Sony is releasing a special limited edition DualSense controller based on The Last of Us. The controller will be released on April 10, to celebrate the release of The Last of Us Part II Remastered on PC, and the second season of The Last of Us on HBO, both of which are set for April. According to Sony, the limited edition controller “features glossy trophy icons printed across the surface that call back to key moments, characters, and events from The Last of Us Part I and The Last of Us Part II”. Pre-orders for the controller will start on March 14 on the PlayStation Direct website (in countries that have one), as well as participating retailers, and will cost $84.99 / €84.99 / £74.99. The PlayStation Direct pre-orders will start at 7am PT in the US, and 10am local time in the ***, France, Germany, Austria, Spain, Portugal, Italy, Netherlands, Belgium, and Luxembourg. “We were excited by the chance to memorialize The Last of Us franchise in a controller that fans and our own team would love,” a joint statement from Naughty Dog head of studio Neil Druckmann and graphic designer Mehan Mehran read on the PlayStation Blog. “We wanted to ensure that both installments of The Last of Us are represented, via trophy icons printed in ****** gloss across the controller body. Among the trophies, three particular images will immediately stand out for TLOU fans: The firefly, moth, and wolf. “Players will recognize the Fireflies’ iconic spray-painted logo that originated in Part I, while the moth and wolf represent the intertwining lives and duality between Ellie and Abby in Part II.” The Last of Us Part II Remastered is coming to PC via Steam and the Epic Games Store on April 3. It was originally stated that the game would require a PSN account to play, but Sony announced in late January that it was changing this policy going forward. Instead, PC players no longer need to have a PSN account to play Sony’s first-party games, but having one will unlock in-game extras. In The Last of Us Part II Remastered, logging in with a PSN account gives the player 50 points to activate bonus features, and also unlocks Jordan’s Jacket from Naughty Dog’s upcoming game Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet as an outfit for Ellie. Source link #PS5 #limited #edition #DualSense #released #month Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Head of watchdog agency ends lawsuit to stop his firing by Trump – The Washington Post Head of watchdog agency ends lawsuit to stop his firing by Trump – The Washington Post Head of watchdog agency ends lawsuit to stop his firing by Trump The Washington PostThe Courts Just Got Rid of the Last Person Standing in the Way of Trump’s Federal Worker Purge SlateHead of watchdog agency throws in towel after contesting Trump firing Fox NewsOfficial who fought to reinstate fired probationary feds can be removed during legal fight, court says Government Executive Source link #watchdog #agency #ends #lawsuit #stop #firing #Trump #Washington #Post Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

“Freedom to play however you want to play” Led To Battlefield 5 Making the Most Controversial Decision in Franchise History “Freedom to play however you want to play” Led To Battlefield 5 Making the Most Controversial Decision in Franchise History Let’s be honest here, Battlefield 5 wasn’t one of the best entries in the franchise. However, it brought a number of new and unique features that we’d never seen before in Battlefield games. Its maps were gorgeous, combat mechanics were refined, and there were tons of customization options. Battlefield 5 took the FPS franchise in a new direction. (Image via EA) With Battlefield 5, EA was experimenting with a number of new ideas as it wanted to elevate the franchise and allow players to be whoever they wanted. For this, EA decided to include women in the Second World War FPS title, but it ended up backfiring so terribly that it divided the community. Battlefield 5 director explains the decision to include women Battlefield 5 wanted to represent the realities of World War 2. (Image via EA) When Battlefield 5 hit the shelves back in 2018, the focus of all complaints was the so-called historical inaccuracy of including women soliders on the front lines of warfare. Some condemned EA’s development choices and stated that the game was a massive departure from the “authentic experience” they all know and love. While chatting with PCGamesN, Battlefield 5 game director Daniel Berlin opened up about the development of the title. When questioned about all the controversies surrounding the inclusion of female soliders in the game and why it was crucial to experience, here’s what he had to say – Because there were a lot of female Norwegian resistance fighters during the ******* occupation. In the multiplayer, things are freer. We’ve always wanted a multiplayer that has a freedom to play however you want to play. While the introduction of female soldiers in the game was controversial, it was based on historical accuracy according to Berlin. In the game’s War Stories campaign, we see a number of real-life historical events, such as the Nordlys mission, which features a female Norwegian resistance fighter. It’s an actual representation of women who took part in Norway’s resistance during World War 2. With the multiplayer mode, the developers wanted to give players more choices over any kind of historical accuracy. Battlefield 5 allows you to take the job of a tank operator, recon specialist, and even a pilot. Customization is a central feature here, and EA didn’t want to restrict players to a single gender as it would go against player freedom. EA has revealed first Battlefield Labs playtest dates The future of Battlefield is right around the corner. (Image via EA) While Battlefield 5 was an incredible experience, all eyes are now on the future of the next entry in the FPS franchise. Back in February, EA revealed Battlefield Labs, a way to choose fans to playtest and provide feedback on in-works features for the next Battlefield game. Thousands of players rushed to sign up for Battlefield Labs and hoped to soon get their first look at the next game. Now, as reported by Insider Gaming, EA has informed participants of the Battlefield Labs that the first test will take place on March 7th. According to EA, the upcoming closed beta will be based on testing “concepts and mechanics.” It’s supposed to take place on PC, with a first session lasting around two hours. No recording or live streaming of these events will be allowed. Even though Battlefield Labs covers only a section of fans in selected regions, EA aims to improve the program and bring in tens of thousands of users from different regions in the future. With that said, do you agree with EA’s inclusion of women in Battlefield 5? Let us know in the comments below. Source link #Freedom #play #play #Led #Battlefield #Making #Controversial #Decision #Franchise #History Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

US butterfly populations drop by 22% in two decades, study says US butterfly populations drop by 22% in two decades, study says Maddie Molloy BBC Climate & Science Jack Cochran The Danaus eresimus, commonly known as the soldier butterfly, is among the 20 butterfly species experiencing the steepest decline Butterfly populations in the US shrank by more than a fifth within the space of two decades, according to a new study. Numbers fell by 22% between 2000 and 2020, according to research by Binghamton University in New York. A third of species saw serious decline, with some, like Julia’s Skipper, losing more than 90% of their populations. However, the researchers say butterflies may be able to recover if urgent conservation measures are taken. The study published in the journal Science measured butterfly “abundance” – the number of individuals of a species within a specific area. It analysed 12.6 million butterfly sightings from 76,000 surveys across 35 monitoring programmes. This included data from citizen science programmes like the North American Butterfly Association’s Fourth of July counts. Using statistical models, they estimated population trends for 342 species. The results showed that 33% were in significant decline, with many exhibiting extreme losses – 107 species declined by more than 50%. “While the results aligned with global trends, seeing the extent of the decline at such a large spatial scale was sobering,” said Prof Eliza Grames, an assistant professor of biological sciences at Binghamton University. ****** Bodkins The West Virginia White (Pieris virginiensis) – a woodland butterfly – has declined in abundance by more than 98% Some of the most affected species include the Florida white, Hermes copper, tailed orange, Mitchell’s satyr, and West Virginia white, all of which have declined in abundance by more than 98% within the US. The West Coast lady, once a common backyard butterfly, has declined by 80%, raising alarm as even this highly adaptable species struggled. “That’s alarming because it suggests even common butterflies aren’t safe,” Prof Grames said. Habitat loss, pesticides, and climate change are key causes of this decline, according to the researchers. Butterflies are crucial pollinators, supporting plants and crops. Experts say their decline could disrupt food production and entire ecosystems. They also serve as indicators of environmental health – when butterfly numbers fall, it signals trouble for other species. Southwest US most affected Species are declining most severely in the US Southwest, one of the hottest and driest regions, researchers say. They believe drought may be a major contributor to these losses. “Drought is a double threat – it harms butterflies directly and also affects their food and host plants,” Prof Grames explained. The results could help drive important conservation efforts, such as prioritising species for the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species and Endangered Species Act protection. Despite the decline, there is hope for recovery. “Butterflies can recover quickly because they have short generation times. Small actions like planting wildflowers, reducing pesticide use, or even leaving part of a backyard unmowed can significantly improve their chances,” Prof Grames said. She also stressed the need for government action. “Insects are fundamental to life on earth, and we need conservation actions and policies that support insects.” Source link #butterfly #populations #drop #decades #study Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Dragonkin: The Banished Early Access Hands-On Preview – Who Wants a **** Dragon? [Wccftech] Dragonkin: The Banished Early Access Hands-On Preview – Who Wants a **** Dragon? [Wccftech] Despite being a bit by-the-books, Dragonkin: The Banished is an action role-playing game with tons of potential. Source link #Dragonkin #Banished #Early #Access #HandsOn #Preview #**** #Dragon #Wccftech Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Sudan files case against UAE for ‘complicity in genocide’ Sudan files case against UAE for ‘complicity in genocide’ Reuters The RSF has been accused of committing a genocide in Darfur – against the region’s non-Arabic groups Sudan is taking the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to the International Court of Justice (ICJ), accusing it of supporting Sudan’s paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in the civil war. Khartoum argues the UAE is “complicit in the genocide” of the Masalit community, in West Darfur, through its military, financial and political backing for the RSF. In response, the UAE has strongly rejected Sudan’s allegations, calling the case a “cynical publicity stunt”, and saying it will seek an immediate dismissal. Since the war began in April 2023, both the RSF and the Sudanese army have been accused of committing atrocities. The RSF has been accused of committing a genocide in Darfur – against the region’s non-Arabic groups. According to news agency AFP, Sudan’s submission to the ICJ says: “The United Arab Emirates fuels the rebellion and supports the militia that has committed the crime of genocide in West Darfur. “The United Arab Emirates must make full reparation for the injury caused (by) its internationally wrongful acts, including paying reimbursement to the victims of the war.” An unnamed UAE official said that “the allegations presented by the SAF representative at the ICJ lack any legal or factual basis, representing yet another attempt to distract from this calamitous war”. UN experts monitoring the arms embargo on Darfur have previously described accusations of the UAE smuggling weapons to the RSF through Chad as credible. The ICJ’s advisory opinion is not legally binding but still carries significant political weight. The nearly two-year war has devastated Sudan, with tens of thousands killed and over 12 million people displaced, fuelling one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises. Earlier this week, heavy shelling on a camp for displaced people in North Dafur left dozens of people feared dead. A crowded market in Abu Shouk, a camp on the outskirts of the city of el-Fasher, was attacked for roughly two hours on Tuesday evening, a local official told the BBC. Source link #Sudan #files #case #UAE #complicity #genocide Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Senua’s Saga Hellblade II Will Miss Out on Best Game at BAFTA But That’s Not Stopping It From Winning in Ten Other Categories Senua’s Saga Hellblade II Will Miss Out on Best Game at BAFTA But That’s Not Stopping It From Winning in Ten Other Categories The prestigious Bafta Games Awards is almost here, celebrating milestone achievements in video games, across a plethora of categories. 2025’s iteration of the same features over 10 sub categories, with a strong list of contenders this time around. Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II is one of the more popular choices this time around, but it is curiously omitted from the Best Game subcategory, which is quite the unfortunate surprise. However, this isn’t exactly the end of the world, and Hellblade II might still have a fair shot at winning other awards along the way. Senua’s Saga Hellblade II could win more than a few awards during the BAFTA Games Awards of 2025 Hellblade has made its way across 10 nominations | Image Credit: Ninja Theory Despite not being nominated for the prestigious Best Game award at the BAFTA Games Awards 2025, Senua’s Saga Hellblade II has made its presence quite noticeable, when we take into consideration that it has 10 nominations across other categories. It was nominated for the following categories: Artistic Achievement Audio Achievement British Game Games Beyond Entertainment Music Narrative Performer In A Leading Role Performer In A Supporting Role Technical Achievement In particular, the game has been nominated for both Artistic Achievement and Audio Achievement, which it should easily manage to bag. After all, Hellblade II is an audio-visual masterpiece. The game makes full use of surround sound and vividly depicts the effects of schizophrenia intermixed with an intriguing Norse backdrop to go along with it. The effect is an immersive storytelling experience like no other, and one that far surpasses the first game. Hellblade II isn’t perfect and it doesn’t need to be | Image Credit: Ninja Theory While it is most certainly unfortunate that Senua’s Saga Hellblade II didn’t really manage to be nominated for Best Game, it still remains a pretty solid game to experience. Additionally, given its staggering 10 nominations, it is most certainly going to bag a few awards and wholeheartedly deserves it. Hellblade II is a great game, but it was unfortunately released in a year with multiple blockbuster releases. The game also has a few flaws, especially with regards to its combat and pacing – which makes having other stronger contenders take its place feel a lot more fair. Other competitors for the coveted Best Game award Balatro is nominated for Best Game | Image Credit: LocalThunk The much coveted Best Game award for Bafta consists of multiple blockbuster titles from 2024, with entries such as Astro Bot, Balatro and ****** Myth: Wukong making it. Competition seems to be quite tough this time around, and it is quite refreshing to see entries other than your usual AAA blockbusters make their way through. Balatro is a welcome surprise, and deserves all the credit it gets, for being a deceptively simple game that still manages to keep things entertaining, drawing in hours of gameplay. ****** Myth Wukong, despite being a AAA title, is still quite impressive, as is Astro Bot. In general, 2024 has been a great year for video games, and so has been 2025, thus far. Source link #Senuas #Saga #Hellblade #Game #BAFTA #Stopping #Winning #Ten #Categories Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Will Trump’s pause on U.S. intel and weapons for Ukraine bring Zelenskyy and Putin closer to peace, or further away? Will Trump’s pause on U.S. intel and weapons for Ukraine bring Zelenskyy and Putin closer to peace, or further away? The CIA chief confirmed Wednesday that the Trump administration had paused not only the flow of military hardware and financial support to Ukraine, but also vital intelligence gathering that has helped Kyiv anticipate and block incoming missile and drone attacks and effectively target Russia’s invading forces. The U.S. military’s European Command has also said shipments of arms that were already on their way — approved by the Biden administration but not yet delivered — have been paused. The pause is part of President Trump’s abrupt shift in policy on Ukraine, which has seen the White House adopt rhetoric closely aligned with Russia’s narrative justifying the three-year war on its smaller neighbor, and Mr. Trump’s bid to pressure Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to accept a ceasefire deal that could involve significant concessions by Kyiv. Speaking Thursday at a Council on Foreign Relations event in Washington moderated by CBS News’ Margaret Brennan, Mr. Trump’s special envoy to Russia and Ukraine Keith Kellogg defended the intelligence cutoff as a necessary wake up call to Kyiv of the White House’s determination to forge a peace deal. “The best way I can describe it is like hitting a mule with a two-by-four across their noses — we got their attention,” he said. “But it’s a pause, it’s not an end. It’s then up to them.” Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and President Trump’s special envoy to Ukraine and Russia, Keith Kellogg, meet in Kyiv, Ukraine, Feb. 20, 2025. Maxym Marusenko/NurPhoto/Getty Kellogg did not play down the severity of the measure, but said it would not have taken Kyiv by surprise, as “they were warned this was coming. I told them.” “If you take away support like that, of course it’s important,” said Kellogg, a retired Lieutenant General in the U.S. Army, adding: “But that’s why it was done.” Trump administration officials have said Vladimir Putin will also have to make concessions to bring about a ceasefire, but those have not been outlined by the White House to date. To even engage in real negotiations on a potential ceasefire agreement, Mr. Trump has made it clear that he wants Zelenskyy to first give the U.S. access to a major share of Ukraine’s mineral resources. Why Ukraine says security guarantees are essential Zelenskyy’s reluctance to sign an economic deal thus far, without clear guarantees that it would come with a commitment from the U.S. to help defend Ukraine from further Russian attack, appeared to enrage Mr. Trump during their chaotic Oval Office meeting on Friday. The White House has repeatedly suggested that American business investment in Ukraine, with U.S. workers on the ground, would, by default, shield the country from Russian aggression, and Mr. Trump has said himself that he trusts Russia to keep any promises it makes. Ukraine and America’s European allies do not trust Putin’s Russia. They note that as the Biden administration warned of Russia’s looming invasion at the beginning of 2022, top officials in Moscow insisted repeatedly that they had no such intentions. “I am certain that there is no risk of a large-scale war. … We do not intend to take any aggressive actions. We will not attack, raid or invade Ukraine,” Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov said about a month before Putin ordered the full-scale invasion, sparking the bloodiest conflict on European soil since World War II. Attacks on Ukraine continue as U.S. pauses intelligence sharing, military aid 01:59 Given that recent history, Ukraine’s former Deputy Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration Ivanna Klympush-Tsintsadze told CBS News on Wednesday that any talk of a ceasefire with Russia now, without clear security guarantees from the West, would only give Putin time to regroup and rearm his strained military, and then to reinvade. Could a Ukrainian “goodwill gesture” get Trump on board? “We are interested in peace, but we are definitely interested in something that would be guaranteed as a peace, and that would not be used by the Russian Federation as a pause to remobilize and to attack with a tsunami wave over Ukraine and also over European countries,” Klympush-Tsintsadze told CBS News in Kyiv on Wednesday. After Zelenskyy’s dressing-down at the White House, Ukrainian officials — including Zelenskyy himself — made it clear they were still willing to sign an economic agreement with the U.S. “I think the only thing that that deal is potentially going to give us is a discussion on another deal,” Klympush-Tsintsadze said, suggesting the economic agreement could serve as a framework, “and the possibility to engage the United States. … It’s a goodwill gesture with hope that it would translate into the U.S. standing with good against the evil.” Russia, Europeans stress, has shown no willingness so far to bend on any of its maximalist demands that Ukraine cede the roughly 20% of its territory currently occupied by Putin’s forces. The Kremlin has repeated ruled out agreeing to any European peacekeeping forces helping maintain a truce. Russia’s attacks on Ukraine continue Far from any signs of détente, Russian missiles, bombs and explosive drones have continued falling on Ukraine. Ukrainian emergency service firefighters extinguish a fire in a house after Russian shelling on the city of Kostiantynivka, Ukraine, on March 6, 2025. Diego Herrera Carcedo/Anadolu via Getty Images Overnight, the attacks intensified. The eastern city of Krivy Rih, President Zelenskyy’s hometown, was targeted by a Russian ballistic missile. In a post on social media, Zelenskyy said among the damaged buildings was a hotel full of aid workers, including some U.S. and British volunteers. At least 30 people were injured in the attack and four killed, Zelenskyy said, adding that none of those killed were from the U.S. or U.K. “Unfortunately, I do not see the readiness of the Russian Federation to really engage,” Klympush-Tsintsadze said, noting that “every single night” Ukraine has faced Russian bombardment. “That is not something that is showing goodwill of terminating these attacks.” What Ukraine wants, what Russia wants Klympush-Tsintsadze said she hoped an agreement with the Trump administration on minerals “would give us the possibility, hopefully, to come to a real peace settlement,” but she cautioned that “a peace settlement that would not have security provisions on the side of our partners would barely hold with the Russian Federation.” “We’ve been there before,” she said, stressing that when Russia first attacked her country 11 years ago, sending in forces to seize the Crimean Peninsula while denying their presence, Moscow claimed it was because “NATO is expanding,” but she said at the time Ukraine was “a totally neutral and non-aligned, non-block country.” “And then all the other lies that the Russian Federation has been coming up with against the Ukrainian people, just because they don’t want us to exist. They just want to exterminate us as a nation and as a country, and that’s their goal. So, in order for us to reach peace, we would have to see the way to that peace settlement — which definitely comes through a ceasefire, but not necessarily ends with a ceasefire.” Moscow has defended its aggression against Ukraine for more than a decade as a justified reaction to the U.S.-led NATO alliance’s territory inching toward Russia’s western border. That expansion began in the wake of the ********** Soviet Union’s collapse in 1991, with former Soviet bloc republics choosing to join the Western alliance to ensure their own security. Ukraine has expressed interest in joining the NATO alliance for over 20 years, and it has cooperated with NATO as a neutral partner for about that long, but it was not given a clear path to membership — largely due to many members worrying it would be seen as a provocation by Russia — until after Putin launched his full-scale invasion in 2022. In 2023, with the war well underway, then-President Biden said he didn’t believe Ukraine was “ready for membership in NATO,” adding that he didn’t see unanimity among the alliance’s members “about whether or not to bring Ukraine into the NATO family now, at this moment, in the middle of a war.” President Trump’s administration has ruled out Ukraine joining the alliance and launched unilateral negotiations with Russia. That direct Washington-Moscow dialogue and the lack of any clear demands by Mr. Trump for concessions from Putin have stoked fears in Kyiv and Western European capitals about the White House’s commitment to both the NATO alliance and to securing a ceasefire in Ukraine that looks like anything other than humiliation and capitulation for pro-Western Zelenskyy. Zelenskyy says Ukraine is ready for peace talks after U.S. announced military aid pause 03:53 Russia insists it wants to end the war it started in Ukraine, and Mr. Trump has said he believes Moscow on that point. Speaking Thursday to reporters in Moscow, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov doubled down on the Russian narrative, pushed since Mr. Trump engaged in talks with Putin, that Europe, to a greater degree than Washington, is to blame for the conflict’s enduring nature. Peskov said that while the U.S. under Mr. Trump “is not a friendly country to us at the moment, the United States is a country with which we are now trying to revive and restore our bilateral relations.” That is not the case, he made clear, of America’s NATO allies in Europe. Ukraine seeks Europe’s support, but hopes the “United States will stand for democracy” Peskov cited remarks by President Emmanuel Macron of France, who called Wednesday for Europe to boost its collective military capabilities and assume more responsibility for the continent’s defense — as President Trump has demanded — as evidence that “France is really looking for a continuation of the war.” He said Macron had suggested that “France is ready to use its nuclear weapons for security purposes and so on,” claiming the French leader had issued “a claim to nuclear leadership in Europe, that is, it is very, very confrontational.” Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov on Thursday called Macron’s remarks “a threat to Russia,” while dismissing European suggestions that it is in fact Russia which poses a threat to security on the continent, calling that “stupid” and “delirious nonsense.” Macron did reference atomic weapons in his Wednesday night address, saying France’s “deterrent capabilities” had helped to protect the country “much more than many of our neighbors” who do not possess such weapons. He did not mention plans to bolster France’s nuclear deterrent specifically, but said that as the Trump administration signals less willingness to come to its European allies’ defense, he would consider requests from nations such as Germany to extend “the protection of our allies on the European continent by our deterrent.” As Europe grapples over how to ensure its own defense from future Russian or other threats, Ukrainians will be hoping the continent’s leaders move quickly to boost their own defenses against Russia’s current, ongoing assault. France was quick to confirm it would continue sharing its intelligence with Ukraine after the U.S. cutoff, with Defense Minister Sebastien Lecornu saying: “Our intelligence is sovereign. We have intelligence that we allow Ukraine to benefit from.” “We are hoping that all the great… warm political will of the European nations will also, as urgently as possible, will translate in upscaling their defense engagement with Ukraine,” Klympush-Tsintsadze told CBS News. “They’ve given a lot. They have much more limited capacities than the United States, but we hope that they will be able to invest in Ukrainian defense capacities, that they will be able to upscale their defense production, that they will help us also to procure weaponry in order for us to stay strong while Russia has not given up on their plans to just destroy us.” She made it clear that Ukraine would also continue working toward an agreement with Mr. Trump. “We are to try to get the message across to the American public. I think that this is also very important, and I’m sure that President Trump really cares about the support that he enjoys back in the United States, and I hope that he hears also his citizens [saying] why this is important, and why it is expected that the United States will stand for democracy, will stand for freedoms.” Imtiaz Tyab contributed to this report. More Tucker Reals Tucker Reals is CBSNews.com’s foreign editor, based in the CBS News London bureau. He has worked for CBS News since 2006, prior to which he worked for The Associated Press in Washington, D.C., and London. Source link #Trumps #pause #U.S #intel #weapons #Ukraine #bring #Zelenskyy #Putin #closer #peace Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

Tory peer Lord Hamilton apologises for Holocaust memorial comment Tory peer Lord Hamilton apologises for Holocaust memorial comment Becky Morton Political reporter *** Parliament Conservative peer Lord Hamilton has apologised after saying the Jewish community should “pay for their own” Holocaust memorial because they have “an awful lot of money”. The former minister said his comments in a House of Lords debate on plans for a memorial near Parliament were “insensitive” but “not intended to be antisemitic”. A Conservative Party spokesman condemned the comments as “completely unacceptable” and “flagrantly antisemitic”. Responding to calls for him to be suspended from the parliamentary party, leader Kemi Badenoch said: “I have intervened in the situation. Lord Hamilton misspoke and he’s apologised and I think that should be the end of the matter.” Speaking during a debate on legislation to allow a Holocaust memorial and learning centre to be built in Westminster, with public funds used to pay for it, Lord Hamilton said: “I do not understand why the government have volunteered taxpayers’ money, when there is so little of it, to finance this. “The Jewish community in Britain has an awful lot of money. It has a lot of education charities that would contribute towards this. I do not understand why they should not pay for their own memorial.” Challenged by Lord Austin that the memorial was “for everybody” not just the Jewish community, Lord Hamilton added: “I take that point, but the driving forces behind putting up this memorial are the Jewish people in this country. “They are people who have property everywhere. I do not see why they should not fund it.” The former minister under Margaret Thatcher and John Major withdrew his comments the following day and said in a statement: “My remarks were not intended to be antisemitic and I apologise unreservedly. “With retrospect having read my comments, I realise that my remarks were insensitive and I apologise. I intend to meet with groups from the Jewish community in order to better understand how to communicate about issues affecting British Jews.” PA Media An artist’s impression of what the memorial and learning centre might look like His original remarks were criticised by the Antisemitism Policy Trust, who said they were “ill-judged, racist and false”. During the debate, Conservative peer Lord Finkelstein said: “The Holocaust is not something that is just about the Jews.” He added that Lord Hamilton’s comments were “probably a pretty eloquent contribution as to why we need this memorial – and near Parliament”. Former Labour MP and crossbench peer Lord Austin described the remarks as “disgusting racism” and called on the Conservative Party to take “proper action”. “The Tories were quick to demand Labour took action on antisemitism and quite right too,” he wrote on social media. “But they must now do the same themselves.” Plans for a Holocaust memorial in Victoria Tower Gardens in Westminster were first announced under Conservative Prime Minister David Cameron in 2016. A bill to remove restrictions on the memorial being built in the gardens and to allow public funds to be used for it is currently making its way through Parliament. Source link #Tory #peer #Lord #Hamilton #apologises #Holocaust #memorial #comment Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Review: Monster Hunter Wilds will melt your PC and youll still ask for seconds – Entertainium Review: Monster Hunter Wilds will melt your PC and youll still ask for seconds – Entertainium Monster Hunter Wilds is a beast of a game filled with incredible hunts and beautiful environments to explore if your computer can handle its state at launch. Source link #Review #Monster #Hunter #Wilds #melt #youll #seconds #Entertainium Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Masquerade ball wows for Eaton Community College Year 12 students Masquerade ball wows for Eaton Community College Year 12 students Year 12 Eaton Community College students celebrated the start of their final year of high school with a school ball on February 21. Source link #Masquerade #ball #wows #Eaton #Community #College #Year #students Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]