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Analysis-As Trump hails taking back of Panama Canal, Hong Kong Inc walks tightrope Analysis-As Trump hails taking back of Panama Canal, Hong Kong Inc walks tightrope By Clare Jim, James Pomfret and Anne Marie Roantree HONG KONG (Reuters) – Hong Kong’s edge as a financial hub will erode further as the city becomes embroiled in China-U.S. tensions, with the flash ***** of a Hong Kong-owned global ports business highlighting geopolitical volatility, executives and analysts said. The former British colony is caught in the eye of a storm between Beijing and Washington, underlined by the decision by conglomerate CK Hutchison, controlled by Hong Kong billionaire Li Ka-shing, to sell its ports network, including assets along the Panama Canal, to a U.S. consortium led by BlackRock. 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. U.S. President Donald Trump, who claimed in January that the Panama Canal was being operated by a ******** company, has hailed the deal. “The Trump administration is going to see that this worked…and you have to assume they’re going to follow the same play book…(they) see this as a victory,” Steven Okun, a senior adviser to financial and risk advisory Kroll, told Reuters. As the U.S. strives to contain its main global rival China on fronts including trade, shipping, technology and capital raising, a dozen business people, investors, lawyers, shipping executives and risk analysts who spoke to Reuters say this is bringing greater uncertainty and volatility to Hong Kong. Hong Kong firms have traditionally been seen as internationally-focused and independent of the ******** state, reflecting the role of the former British colony as a freewheeling financial hub. “We have been constantly reviewing our business plan and discussing about our strategy because of the political tension,” said an executive of a listed Hong Kong company who declined to be named given the sensitivity of the topic. “For example, do we still want to list our units in Hong Kong and is Hong Kong still attractive as a listing venue, because investors could draw a China connection,” he told Reuters. Hong Kong has a separate rule of law from China and its own financial policy-making autonomy, but some lawyers, diplomats and business executives say that after China’s imposition of a national security law in 2020, the city was essentially being viewed by the West as fully under the control of Beijing. This has hurt it economically and cast doubt on whether it is a jurisdiction separate from mainland China with global best practices, they said. Earlier this year, Hong Kong’s Far East Consortium and Chow **** Fook Enterprise, which owns a development with Star Entertainment, the embattled casino group in Brisbane, tried to buy Star out. If successful, the bid will be another test of regulators who view Hong Kong companies as ********. In 2018, Australia blocked a A$13 billion ($8.2 billion) takeover of the country’s biggest gas pipeline company, APA Group, by CK Infrastructure, a unit of CK Hutchison, citing it would be against the national interest. ‘LUMPED IN’ “Hong Kong is being increasingly lumped in with China … that’s a fact,” said a board member of a leading Hong Kong business family with interests locally and overseas, including retail and property. “To a degree, this has raised the complexity and cost in our business dealings. We have to live with this.” According to a person with knowledge of the matter, CK Hutchison had initially tried to fight to keep its two main port businesses in Panama after Trump alleged the Panama Canal was under ******** control. But later, Hutchison opted to cash out and mitigate longer term reputational risks. “People in the Hutch empire are running for cover,” said the person with knowledge of the ports negotiations, who declined to be identified due to the sensitivity of the issue. “This is a nightmare situation and we’ve never dealt with anything like this before.” This source added that CK Hutchison executives were in touch with officials in Beijing while the situation unfolded. CK Hutchison did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Co-managing director Frank Sixt said in a statement this week the ports transaction was “unrelated to recent political news reports.” The Hong Kong government has said it has never interfered with the commercial operations of Hong Kong companies, and criticised U.S. officials for making what it said were unreasonable and distorted accusations regarding the operation of the Panama Canal. CAUGHT IN CROSSHAIRS “It’s been politicised and weaponised,” a senior ******** government official said of the Trump administration’s framing of Hutchison as a ******** entity – something the firm has denied. “It’s unfortunate and regrettable,” the official told Reuters, declining to be identified. Others, including business executives and lawyers, agreed that Hong Kong is increasingly being viewed as similar to other ******** cities, even though officials like the territory’s financial secretary, Paul Chan, say the city remains a global hub for the free flow of capital, goods and people. “The market is based on expectations,” said Vera Yuen, an economics lecturer with the University of Hong Kong business school. “The valuation (of Hong Kong) is based on what they (the world) think, not what you claim.” Even ahead of the recent Trump administration pressure on Hutchison’s Panama ports, some local firms with international reach had been drawing up contingency plans to deal with growing U.S.-China strategic rivalry – and a growing sense Hong Kong would be in the crosshairs in a conflict. In 2023, Hong Kong-based conglomerate Swire Pacific sold its Swire Coca-Cola USA unit to its controlling shareholder, John Swire & Sons Ltd headquartered in the U.K., to protect the business so that it would no longer be seen as being held by a “******** company”, two sources with knowledge of the matter said. A Hong Kong shipping firm executive described how his operation was already presenting its international posture in meetings with foreign investors. “The key is being as international as we can – our offices, domiciles and ships,” the executive said. “We want to be able to show we are not really based anywhere.” ($1 = 1.5780 *********** dollars) (Additional reporting by Greg Torode and Jessie Pang in Hong Kong; Scott Murdoch in Sydney and Beijing Newsroom; Writing by James Pomfret; Editing by Raju Gopalakrishnan) Source link #AnalysisAs #Trump #hails #Panama #Canal #Hong #Kong #walks #tightrope Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

MWC 2025: G+D, AWS reimagine cloud-based eSIM offerings MWC 2025: G+D, AWS reimagine cloud-based eSIM offerings Noting that the technology’s global market value is expected to grow from $4.7bn to 2023 to $16.3bn by 2027, driven by increasing adoption in smartphones, internet of things (IoT) devices and automotive applications, Giesecke+Devrient (G+D) is teaming up with Amazon Web Services (AWS) to create advanced embedded subscriber identity module provider (eSIM) technology in the cloud. The collaboration between the leading global provider of eSIM technology and IT giant aims to transform the traditional eSIM implementations to more scalable, elastic, cloud-native deployments. This will also see the introduction of new business models designed to accelerate the widespread adoption of eSIM technology across various industries and streamline its application. G+D will use AWS’s global cloud infrastructure to enhance eSIM deployment capabilities, making it more efficient and accessible for mobile network operators, device manufacturers and enterprise customers. G+D claims to have rolled out the first eSIM in 2012 and to date has enabled more than 500 million eSIM downloads in accordance with SGP specifications, supporting industry standardisation and believes that it has continued to be at the forefront of the technology’s innovation and implementation. It also said that it has played a critical role in the creation and evolution of the GSMA eSIM specifications such as SGP.22 (consumer eSIMs), SGP.32 (IoT eSIMs) and the upcoming SGP.41/42 (eSIMs for in factory profile provisioning). G+D’s eSIM platform will now harness harnesses AWS cloud capabilities to deliver eSIM solutions designed to meet current enterprise requirements which say the provider are increasingly demanding. The company’s SGP.32 solution with eSIM, which includes G+D’s IoT Suite, is already built on AWS to offer proven scalability and elasticity. Using AWS’s global infrastructure is also said to further ensure G+D’s AirOn360 Entitlement Service maintains consistent performance for customers worldwide. AWS’s security capabilities provide robust protection for sensitive eSIM data and operations. G+D’s eSIM platform uses AWS sovereignty controls and features to support sovereign deployment models to ensure secure eSIM delivery that meets stringent regulatory requirements. “G+D transforms mobile connectivity management through highly innovative eSIM solutions built on AWS. By leveraging the global reach and scalable architecture of AWS, G+D’s SGP.32 platform, IoT Suite and Entitlement Services can now deliver eSIM profile management capabilities to mobile operators and enterprises worldwide,” said Yasser Alsaied, vice-president of IoT at AWS. “As eSIM adoption accelerates across consumer and IoT devices, secure, reliable cloud services are fundamental to scaling eSIM technology and enabling new connectivity solutions. AWS and G+D are helping customers to transform their mobile connectivity operations while maintaining the highest standards of security and performance.” Philipp Schulte, CEO G+D Mobile Security, added: “With eSIM bringing IoT and consumer connectivity into a new era, we are ready to pioneer the connected future. Our work with AWS underlines our intention to continuously push boundaries and reimagine the way carriers, device vendors and enterprise customers think about eSIM implementation. “The combination of cloud computing and eSIM technology represents a powerful duo that drives the future of connectivity. This integration not only simplifies the management of mobile connections but also unlocks new possibilities for global and flexible communication solutions, fostering significant business value for enterprises across industries. Together with AWS, we look forward to shaping a seamless, smart and more sustainable future.” Source link #MWC #AWS #reimagine #cloudbased #eSIM #offerings Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

South Korean fighter jets accidentally bomb homes, injuring 15 civilians – CNN South Korean fighter jets accidentally bomb homes, injuring 15 civilians – CNN South Korean fighter jets accidentally bomb homes, injuring 15 civilians CNN7 injured by ‘abnormally’ dropped bombs during South Korean military drill ABC NewsSouth Korean fighter jet accidentally drops bombs during training exercise, injuring multiple people Fox NewsFighter jet accidentally bombs village, injuring 15, during South Korea military drill The GuardianSouth Korean fighter jets accidentally drop bombs, injuring 8 people The Associated Press Source link #South #Korean #fighter #jets #accidentally #bomb #homes #injuring #civilians #CNN Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

There’s finally a fix for an annoying Microsoft Store bug that’s older than Windows 11 There’s finally a fix for an annoying Microsoft Store bug that’s older than Windows 11 Microsoft has proposed four ways to fix a common store error after six years The methods include resetting the app, updating it, and amending TLS settings It’s been an error that was first brought to public attention as early as 2019 Microsoft has finally addressed one of the longest-standing issues with its storefront on Windows 11 by providing a detailed workaround guide after six years. Some Windows users had complained about a specific error code 0x80131500 in the Microsoft Store, which was first cited as early as 2019, and which now seems to have been fixed in March 2025. Sometimes known as the “Try that again” error, it even pre-dated Windows 11 by more than two years. The company has proposed four ways to fix the frustrating Microsoft Store error. Broadly, the four solutions are to reset the Microsoft Store app, check for updates, run the Microsoft Store troubleshooter (in Windows 10 only), and try updating your internet’s TLS settings. In particular, Microsoft has urged users trying the fourth method to make sure that TLS 1.2 and TLS 1.3 are being used. By opening the Internet Properties tab, go to Advanced, and then only have the latter two boxes ticked from the checklist, ignoring TLS 1.0 and TLS 1.1. This means the error could be due to incompatibilities with the Transport Layer Security internet protocol if the first three methods don’t resolve things. One of the first times that the error 0x80131500 was publically outlined was over six years ago on the r/Windows10 sub-Reddit. While “solved” by the original poster, the steps taken are different to what’s been suggested by Microsoft itself. Resetting the app seemed to do the trick, but it was more of a temporary fix than something that stuck. Interestingly, the thread’s original poster tried several different methods to find a workaround, including creating a new local Windows account, pausing antivirus protection, resetting the Microsoft Store’s cache, reinstalling the app with the dedicated troubleshooter, logging in with Safe mode enabled, and then trying it on a virtual machine. Microsoft finally got around to aiding users with this infamous error With Microsoft’s official guidelines, we’re hoping that the common (and frustrating) error can finally be fixed on Windows 11 and Windows 10. However, it raises a further question of exactly why it took the company over six years to actually address a problem that was so commonly cited even before the launch of its latest operating system. Sign up for breaking news, reviews, opinion, top tech deals, and more. It also raises a point about how many people actually use the Microsoft Store often enough to even encounter this problem, as the vast majority of programs can be installed from external sources, bypassing the troublesome storefront completely. I imagine that if the Microsoft Store was much more popular, there would be a greater outcry about this fix – and Microsoft probably wouldn’t have left it six years before fixing. Regardless, one of the four solutions will hopefully mean that you will no longer have to put up with the “Try that again” error message. We recommend updating it and then deleting the cache if it persists before trying to reinstall. You may also like… Source link #finally #fix #annoying #Microsoft #Store #bug #older #Windows Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

Evercore ISI names Amazon a top pick, says AI will boost the stock going forward Evercore ISI names Amazon a top pick, says AI will boost the stock going forward Investors are underestimating the boost artificial intelligence will give to Amazon , according to Evercore ISI. Analyst Mark Mahaney named Amazon his new large-cap top pick, saying that the megacap tech stock appears attractively valued after its recent slide. The analyst shifted the online retailer to the No. 1 position, while moving Uber to No. 2. “Shares traded off on the Q4 print, but we viewed that as an Expectations Correction and not a Fundamentals correction,” Mahaney wrote on Wednesday. “We are also focused on two new product catalysts with the pending Alexa+ and Kuiper launches, and we believe there is an opportunity for a material narrative shift (to the positive) for AMZN as an excellent thematic play on robotization and on AI Cloud services, with the potential for Gen AI workloads to drive an acceleration in AWS revenue in H2:25,” Mahaney said. AMZN 1D mountain Amazon Amazon shares have underperformed this year, falling more than 5%, along with the overall Magnificent Seven trade. Investor optimism in the megacap hyperscalers dimmed given the high valuations and after the release of DeepSeek prompted fears of greater competition in the sector. The analyst’s $210 price target represents just a marginal increase from Wednesday’s close of $208.36 for the stock. What’s more, in its Feb. 6 earnings report, Amazon issued disappointing guidance for the current quarter. Since then, the stock is down more than 12%. Still, Mahaney remains a believer in large-cap internet companies after the latest earnings season for three reasons. He said the “Return on Artificial Intelligence” story is starting to bear out, on top of the strength of overall demand trends among internet companies, as well as continued cost-cutting in the sector, that will boost margins. “The substantial number of successful AI deployment datapoints – successful in boosting engagement, monetization, cost efficiencies, etc. – suggests that the ROAI is proving out,” Mahaney wrote. In Amazon’s case, he noted, its Amazon Web Services’ AI business is now a multi-billion dollar revenue run rate business that’s growing three times faster than its Cloud business did at the same stage. Additionally, AI-driven automation is improving cost to serve at its most advanced distribution sector, he said. Source link #Evercore #ISI #names #Amazon #top #pick #boost #stock Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Denmark’s postal service to stop delivering letters Denmark’s postal service to stop delivering letters Paul Kirby Europe digital editor Getty Images Denmark’s letter deliveries began in 1624 Denmark’s state-run postal service, PostNord, is to end all letter deliveries at the end of 2025, citing a 90% decline in letter volumes since the start of the century. The decision brings to an end 400 years of the company’s letter service. Denmark’s 1,500 postboxes will start to disappear from the start of June. Transport Minister Thomas Danielsen sought to reassure Danes, saying letters could still be sent and received across the country. One company said it was prepared to take over deliveries. Postal services across Europe are grappling with the decline in letter volumes. Germany’s Deutsche Post said on Thursday it was axing 8,000 jobs, in what it called a “socially responsible manner”. Deutsche Post has 187,000 employees and staff representatives said they feared more cuts were to come. Denmark had a universal postal service for 400 years until the end of 2023, but as digital mail services have taken hold, the use of letters has fallen dramatically. Public services send communications via a Digital Post app or other platforms and PostNord Denmark says the letter market is no longer profitable. Letter numbers have fallen since the start of the century from 1.4 billion to 110 million last year. The decision will affect elderly people most. Although 95% of Danes use the Digital Post service, a reported 271,000 people still rely on physical mail. Danish MP Pelle Dragsted blamed privatisation for the move and complained the move would disadvantage people living in remote areas. PostNord said about 1,500 of its workers would lose their jobs, out of a workforce of 4,600. The company said it would switch its focus to parcel deliveries and that any postage stamps bought this year or in 2024 could be refunded for a limited ******* in 2026. Chief executive Kim Pedersen said Danes had become increasingly digital and the decline in letter volumes had become so pronounced that it had fallen by as much as 30% in the past year alone. PostNord also operates in Sweden. It is 40% Danish-owned and 60% Swedish-owned. Source link #Denmarks #postal #service #stop #delivering #letters Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Ireland vs France: Romain Ntamack and Damian Penaud return for visitors, who retain 7-1 bench split Ireland vs France: Romain Ntamack and Damian Penaud return for visitors, who retain 7-1 bench split Romain Ntamack and Damian Penaud have returned to the France line-up for Saturday’s Six Nations game against Ireland in Dublin (14:15 GMT). Fly-half Ntamack returns from suspension while Penaud is recalled to the right wing after being left out of the matchday squad for the win over Italy a fortnight ago. Ntamack and Penaud’s return means Leo Barre and Theo Attissogbe drop out. France head coach Fabien Galthie has again opted to go with seven forwards and just one back on the bench having used the tactic in last month’s 73-24 win in Rome. Locks Emmanuel Meafou and Hugo Auradou replace Romain Taofifenua and Alexandre Roumat on the bench, with Maxime Lucu the only player providing backs cover. Galthie has named an unchanged pack with back row Gregory Alldritt having shaken off fitness concerns to start. Ntamack renews his half-back partnership with captain Antoine Dupont after serving a two-game ban for his red card in the opening win over Wales. Penaud, who has scored in his last two appearances against Ireland, is one try away from equalling Serge Blanco’s record mark of 38. Louis Bielle-Biarrey, the tournament’s top scorer with five tries, retains his place on the left wing. Three-in-a-row chasing Ireland lead the standings on 14 points after three games. France are three points behind the holders, so victory for Les Bleus could give them control of the title race heading into the final round of fixtures. Ireland will name their team at 12:00 GMT on Thursday. Source link #Ireland #France #Romain #Ntamack #Damian #Penaud #return #visitors #retain #bench #split Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Amanda Jane Basso: Accused arsonist and insurance scammer denies burning down Spencer Park Doralane Pastries Amanda Jane Basso: Accused arsonist and insurance scammer denies burning down Spencer Park Doralane Pastries An Albany woman accused of setting fire to a popular Spencer Park bakery and trying to claim $2.7 million in insurance money has denied the allegations, pleading not guilty to the charges laid against her. Source link #Amanda #Jane #Basso #Accused #arsonist #insurance #scammer #denies #burning #Spencer #Park #Doralane #Pastries Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

******* bonds getting hit again as ECB set to cut rates. What will Lagarde say? – MarketWatch ******* bonds getting hit again as ECB set to cut rates. What will Lagarde say? – MarketWatch ******* bonds getting hit again as ECB set to cut rates. What will Lagarde say? MarketWatchGlobal bond sell-off deepens as Germany jolts markets Financial TimesGerman Bonds Slump Again as Debt Selloff Spreads Around World BloombergBond market selloff extends after seismic ******* spending shift Reuters Source link #******* #bonds #hit #ECB #set #cut #rates #Lagarde #MarketWatch Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

South Sudan’s arrest of Gabriel Doup Lam violates peace deal, opposition says South Sudan’s arrest of Gabriel Doup Lam violates peace deal, opposition says Nichola Mandil in Juba and Danai Nesta Kupemba in London BBC News AFP Gen Gabriel Duop Lam is in charge of the military wing of the opposition party The arrest of an army general from South Sudan’s main opposition is a “grave violation” of the peace deal that ended a five-year civil war, an opposition spokesperson has told the BBC. Gen Gabriel Duop Lam was arrested earlier this week, along with other senior officials of the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement in Opposition (SPLM-IO). The detainees are all allies of Vice-President Riek Machar, whose rift with President Salva Kiir sparked a devastating war in 2013. On Thursday morning, Machar’s spokesperson said that the SPLM-IO did not know how their officials were or where they were being held. “We are doing our best to avoid any escalation to the situation, however we need our partners in peace to demonstrate the political will to assure that this country will not go back to war again,” Puok Both Baluang told the BBC’s Newsday programme. President Kiir has insisted that South Sudan will not return to war, government spokesperson Michael Makuei told reporters in the capital Juba on Wednesday. Makuei added that the opposition figures were arrested because they were “in conflict with the law”. South Sudan is the world’s newest nation, after seceding from Sudan in 2011. But just two years later, a civil war erupted when Kiir sacked his entire cabinet and accused Machar of instigating a failed coup. After five years, with 400,000 lives lost, and 2.5 million people forced from their homes, a peace deal was agreed in 2018. But it has been fraught ever since. Gen Lam is in charge of the military wing of the opposition party, which is yet to be integrated into the army. He was taken into custody on Tuesday. Another Machar ally, Oil Minister Puot Kang Chol, was taken by security forces in the middle of the night. Machar’s house in the capital, Juba, was surrounded by troops from the South Sudanese army overnight before they were later withdrawn. All other senior military officials allied with Machar have been placed under house arrest, the BBC understands. AFP Despite brokering a peace deal in 2018, First Vice-President Riek Machar (L) and President Salva Kiir (R) have had a contentious relationship The arrests follow reports that the White Army militia had seized a strategic town in Upper Nile state close to the Ethiopian border, after clashes with government troops. The White Army fought alongside Machar during the civil war. Some in the army, loyal to Kiir, have accused Machar’s allies of supporting the rebels. Machar’s spokesperson told the BBC that the current fighting between the White Army and security forces “would have been avoided” if the leadership of the national army had abided by the peace agreement. The UN and African Union have warned that the violence in this area could potentially spread. Ter Manyang, head of the Juba-based Center for Peace and Advocacy, told Reuters that the fighting in this area could threaten the peace deal. “The country is likely to slide to war unless the situation is managed by the top leadership of the country,” he said. The country has never held an election – these are now due to take place in 2026 after years of delay. More BBC stories on South Sudan:Getty Images/BBC Source link #South #Sudans #arrest #Gabriel #Doup #Lam #violates #peace #deal #opposition Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

3 Undervalued Stocks With Wide Moats Offering Stable Returns 3 Undervalued Stocks With Wide Moats Offering Stable Returns Over the last three months, the (SPX) index is down nearly 5%, reverting to early November level. After the initial optimism following President Trump’s inauguration, the gains evaporated as tariff-driven fears took hold. However, the stock market is no stranger to rallies after such resets, always heading to a new all-time high. Over the last 10 years, SPX yielded 10.66% annualized returns. Image credit: S&P Dow Jones Indices At this point in time, investors should consider undervalued stocks with wide moats. Such companies have an enduring competitive advantage of at least 20 years. In turn, this protected market share safeguards their profitability for the long haul, despite intermittent market fluctuations. 1. Brown-Forman Brown Forman (NYSE:) has been making money for over 150 years by selling premium-grade alcohol brands such as Jack Daniel’s, Herradura, Chambord, Finlandia Vodka, Woodford Reserve, Korbel and others. Totaling just over 40 brands, they have become staples to nearly every restaurant and liquor store across the world. Owing to its recognizable heritage and premium pricing, the company built a global distribution network, having partnered with local distributors to better leverage regional markets. Combined with marketing, Brown-Forman keeps their brands fresh with limited-edition releases. For fiscal year 2024, the company generated $3.9 billion net sales at 30.6% operating margin. As of the latest earnings report for Q3 2025 delivered this Wednesday, Brown-Forman reaffirmed organic net sales growth between 2% and 4% for fiscal 2025, following cost-saving measures such as 12% workforce reduction announced last month. Brown-Forman stock is also a dividend aristocrat, having increased dividend payouts for 41 consecutive years, while paying regular quarterly cash dividends for 81 years. At present, the dividend yield is 2% at $0.906 annual payout per share. Although down 41% over a one-year *******, BF.B shares are up 12.5% over the last month. Currently priced at $35.82, the average BF.B price target is $42.74 per share, according to WSJ forecasting data. The low estimate of $34 is close to the present price level, suggesting a sustained shift away from the bottom. 2. Berkshire Hathaway It’s difficult to go wrong with this investing conglomerate, as it reflects Warren Buffett’s investment strategies. Over the last 25 years, the company had only four negative-performing years, with the largest drop suffered during the Great Recession of 2008 at -32.2% annual performance. Last year, Berkshire Hathaway (NYSE:) ended with a solid 27.2% returns, which is very close to the best year of 2013 that yielded 29.8% gains to shareholders. Year-to-date, BRK.B stock is already up 9.75%. Berkshire shareholders expose themselves to a diversified range of sectors, from insurance and consumer companies to Big Tech and banking. Exiting 2024, Berkshire holds a record $325 billion in cash reserves. Such an enormous war chest not only reassures shareholders but it also serves as a ramp for speculation. After all, the company has ample means to seize emerging investment opportunities, often serving as the ‘lender of last resort’. And although not paying dividends itself, Berkshire has a large portfolio of such companies, including dividend aristocrats. Presently priced at $494.51, the average BRK.B price target is $522.98 per share, with the low estimate being just over the current price level, at $495 per share. 3. American Express Founded in 1850, this legacy credit and payments company is now priced at $282.42 per share, returning to early November level. Over the last year, American Express (NYSE:) shareholders saw nearly 30% returns, while the stock declined 10% over the last month. But with a 5-year total return of 162%, AXP ranks among the top 25% in the financial sector. Although overshadowed in terms of market share relative to Visa (NYSE:) or Mastercard (NYSE:), American Express secured its wide moat by focusing on high-income clients. With premium benefits, rewards and customer service, American Express has become the Aston Martin of credit card companies. As of latest Q4 2024 earnings ending December, American Express generated record $10.1 billion for the full year, with earnings per share (EPS) up to $14.01, an uptick of 25% from 2023. For the full year 2025, the company expects 8-10% EPS gains, with a plan to increase the dividend payout by 17%. Presently, American Express gives 0.99% dividend yield at an annual payout of $2.80 per share. Against the current price of $283.47, the average AXP price target is $324.46, while the low estimate is $265 per share. Although not at the very bottom, this is still a relatively safe exposure point for such a wide moat payments firm. *** Neither the author, Tim Fries, nor this website, The Tokenist, provide financial advice. Please consult our website policy prior to making financial decisions. This article was originally published on The Tokenist. Check out The Tokenist’s free newsletter, Five Minute Finance, for weekly analysis of the biggest trends in finance and technology. Source link #Undervalued #Stocks #Wide #Moats #Offering #Stable #Returns Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Parents angry after pupils forced to dump a GCSE Parents angry after pupils forced to dump a GCSE Greig Watson & Miya Chahal BBC News, Nottingham Neena Edwards Neena Edwards said the blanket policy was unfair to children who enjoyed their work Parents of pupils at a school in Nottinghamshire have said they have been left “angry, mad and disappointed” after it was announced children would have to drop a GCSE subject. Year 10 pupils at The Brunts Academy in Mansfield currently study nine areas, five compulsory and four optional. But the school has said it is cutting this to three options after Easter, saying this will allow “increased time and support” for the remaining lessons. But parents said the decision had been taken without proper consultation and it had been done to suit the school, not students. ‘Underhand and unfair’ In February pupils were asked to fill out a questionnaire about their workload. Last week the school sent out an email saying 75% of pupils had reported their workload was “challenging” and adjusting the curriculum – by dropping the weakest subject for each pupil – would “build greater learning confidence”. Parent Neena Edwards said: “I’m angry, mad and disappointed. “It was underhand and unfair. It is taking away lots of opportunity for the children. “The way it was done – they were given this survey and like any 15-year-old, when asked if they had too much homework, they all said ‘Yes!’. “Each child should have been able to make their own decision and rather than a blanket policy it should have been done on a case-by-case. “My son is quite happy with what he has, he chose those options for a reason. “They have all of these children’s lives in their hands and they don’t care, that’s what it feels like. “I’m about to do the secondary school application for my daughter and I won’t be sending her to Brunts. “It feels like they are running it like a business, not somewhere to teach kids.” Sally-Anne Branfield Sally-Anne Branfield said the lack of consultation had left her “a little bit shocked” Parent Sally-Anne Branfield said pupils were not told what the questionnaire was for and nothing was mentioned to parents. She said: “I see the benefit for the children that may be struggling with the additional option but I still think we should have got a choice in it all. “My child is happy and feels they are managing all the subjects really well and enjoys the subject she is being forced to drop. “I’m a little bit in shock this has all been decided – quite a big decision – without consulting parents and to do it with what in my opinion was a covert questionnaire. “If they had asked a direct question to the kids of ‘Do you want to drop an option?’ I can guarantee my daughter would have said no. “I definitely think it is for the benefit of the school and not the children.” ‘Cover story’ Parent Alex Draper said: “There was no warning, no consultation, there was simply a decision made by the school. “It seems odd to have studied a subject for the best part of a year and then to have it dropped. “Regardless of which subject they are forced to drop, there was a lack of consultation. “They claim there was a consultation ******* listening to the student voice and teachers but that has not been our experience. “I have lost a lot of respect for the school – it feels like a mess. “It feels like a cover for the fact they can’t deliver the education our children need.” A spokesperson for the academy said: “Our students’ education is our absolute priority, and we are committed to ensuring they have the best possible opportunities to learn. “As such, we continue to offer a well-balanced ambitious curriculum that provides students with the opportunity to be successful on their future pathways. “We are confident that by creating this additional learning time, all students will be empowered to fulfil their potential.” “While this decision has been welcomed by many students and parents, we understand some families have questions about what this means and we are in the process of scheduling individual meetings to ensure the curriculum meets the individual needs of each child.” Source link #Parents #angry #pupils #forced #dump #GCSE Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Bird on song but Warriors keep four-peat hopes alive Bird on song but Warriors keep four-peat hopes alive Jackson Bird was a whisker away from a Sheffield Shield hat-trick as NSW and three-time defending champions Western Australia traded day one blows in Perth. Sent in at the WACA, the hosts were bowled out for 196 on Thursday as the season’s leading wicket-taker Bird finished with 3-22 off 15.5 overs. The Blues stumbled to stumps at 3-17 though, with Sam Konstas (6), Nic Maddinson (4) and nightwatchman Ryan Hadley (1) all out as Lance Morris (2-2 off three overs) bowled with serious pace. Earlier, former Test quick Bird was cruelly denied a hat-trick, with Cameron Gannon chopping a ball back perilously close to his leg stump after Bird had dismissed Ashton Turner and Joel Paris. Bird, who turns 39 in December, played the most recent of his nine Tests in 2017. He went wicketless in the Shield season opener last year but has bulldozed through batting line-ups in his six games since with a Shield-leading 33 wickets at an average of 13.36. The Warriors were 7-139 before Gannon’s (19) useful contribution alongside Joel Curtis (42) added to Turner’s (42) good work. WA are gunning to become the first team to win four-straight Shield titles since the advent of the six-team era with Tasmania’s admission in 1977. And the regular season’s penultimate round is essentially a must-win for both teams if they are to finish in the top two and reach the final. Only .24 points separate the Blues and Warriors in second and third, with six points on the line and all six teams still able to finish in the top two. The hosts started solidly thanks to Cam Bancroft (22) and captain Sam Whiteman (25). But Blues skipper Jack Edwards (2-49) chipped away and was rewarded, with Ryan Hadley (2-21) backing him up as the Warriors fell from 0-43 to 5-99. The visitors were unable to capitalise, however. Konstas mistimed a straight drive to be caught at short mid-off before Maddinson was caught behind trying to hook. Hadley was no match for Morris, pinned on the crease after being driven back by a series of menacing short ******. Both teams will likely hunt a result, given a draw would almost certainly leave them needing other final-round results to go their way to qualify for the final. Source link #Bird #song #Warriors #fourpeat #hopes #alive Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

‘Committed to uncovering the truth’ ‘Committed to uncovering the truth’ It’s a Nessie business. Officials at a museum dedicated to Loch Ness, the world-renowned body of water in Scotland home to the so-called “Loch Ness Monster,” have announced the first potential sighting of the elusive beast in 2025. Photos showing a “****** mass” slithering underneath the chilly waters of the famous lake were handed over to the Loch Ness Centre in Inverness by a witness who spotted the spooky shape and snapped a picture as evidence. The first Loch Ness Monster sighting of 2025 lasted for minutes and was caught on camera. The photos were later shared with research institutions dedicated to the study of Scotland’s Loch Ness. The Loch Ness Centre / SWNS A general view shows the Loch Ness in the Scottish Highlands on June 1, 2024, as researchers and enthusiasts from around the world try to track down the elusive Loch Ness Monster, also known as Nessie. AFP via Getty Images The exciting occurrence is said to have taken place over a ******* of several minutes, thanks to favorable weather — offering a clear view of the mysterious movements, SWNS reported. The center’s general manager Nagina Ishaq, commenting on the event, said: “We’ve had numerous observations over the years, but this recent sighting has been particularly captivating. “The conditions on the day of this sighting were absolutely perfect. This could very well be our first significant sighting of the year, further fueling the mystery surrounding Loch Ness and its most famous resident,” she added. “As always, we are committed to solving the mystery of Nessie once and for all,” Ishaq assured. “Our previous collaborations … allowed us to advance our research efforts significantly, and this potential sighting is a reminder that the mystery of Loch Ness is far from solved. “We continue to explore every possibility and are committed to uncovering the truth,” she concluded. Independent research organization Loch Ness Exploration encouraged truth seekers to keep up their efforts — and to share their findings, too. “It’s fantastic to see the ongoing enthusiasm for scanning the waters of Loch Ness in search of the legendary monster,” enthused the group’s Alan McKenna. “Whether you’re capturing intriguing sonar readings, spotting unusual surface disturbances, or noticing patterns in the loch’s natural behavior, we’d love to hear from you,” he said. “Every observation adds to our understanding, whether it’s potential evidence of Nessie or new insights into the loch’s unique ecosystem. “Keep sharing your findings — we’re always excited to analyze and explore what they could mean,” McKenna said. At least one expert seemed to recently pour a loch’s worth of cold water on countless theories — after some good-natured prodding from Prince William. During a visit to NatureMetrics, a research lab near London, the heir to the British throne asked if the institution’s ability to extract environmental DNA, or eDNA, from water and other natural substances meant they’d been able to answer the nagging Nessie question. Firm founder Kat Bruce then claimed that the so-called creature was more likely a “very big eel” — at least according to testing done on the infamous body of water. Source link #Committed #uncovering #truth Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

7-Eleven Taps American Executive to Help Keep It Out of ********* Hands 7-Eleven Taps American Executive to Help Keep It Out of ********* Hands Fighting off a takeover by a ********* rival, the Japanese parent company of 7-Eleven announced a major business shake-up that included the appointment of its first foreign-born chief executive. Seven & i Holdings said on Thursday that Stephen Dacus, 64, a member of the company’s board of directors and longtime retail executive from the United States, will be its next C.E.O. It also said that it is planning to hold an initial public offering of its U.S. convenience store business, which operates more than 13,000 7-Eleven branches in the country. The moves are the company’s latest attempt to prevent itself from being acquired by the retail group Alimentation Couche-Tard. The ********* owner of the Circle K convenience store chain has offered around $47 billion for control of Seven & i, the largest-ever foreign-led bid for a Japanese company. Japan’s corporate landscape, which in many ways resisted change for decades, is beginning to shift in the face of an influx of attention from foreign investors. The reshuffling at Seven & i, whose convenience stores are so ubiquitous in Japan they are considered part of the national infrastructure, is the latest example of that transformation. Activist investors have long pushed Seven & i to spin off its 7-Eleven convenience store business, arguing that the move would improve the sprawling retail group’s valuation and deliver benefits to shareholders. Seven & i also said it would plan to buy back more than $13 billion worth of its shares by fiscal year 2030 to help boost their value. The moves comes as the company’s options for resisting acquisition by Couche-Tard have diminished. Late last month, a bid from Junro Ito, a son of Seven & i’s founder, to take it private fell apart after he failed to secure the necessary funding. Mr. Ito’s proposal had support from some within the company’s upper ranks who saw it as a way to keep 7-Eleven in Japanese hands. The belief was that a founding-family-led buyout could help preserve a company culture that prioritizes values such as quality and customer experience over what it views as the typical Western focus on shareholder returns and big profits. Couche-Tard has said it would respect and seek to learn from Seven & i’s methods of operation. When Mr. Dacus steps into his new role in May, he will have to convince shareholders that Seven & i’s new structure and a leadership team led by him and others from the existing management can drive growth without the need for a *****. Seven & i’s past leaders and its current chief executive, Ryuichi Isaka, have been Japanese executives who rose through the internal ranks. By contrast, Mr. Dacus has held top positions across a number of global brands. Mr. Dacus, who speaks fluent Japanese and English, has also worked for years in Japan’s retail industry, including stints at the parent company of Uniqlo and as chief executive of Walmart Japan. Under Mr. Isaka, Seven & i sought to make itself more valuable by moving out of underperforming businesses to focus on 7-Eleven stores both in Japan and abroad. In October, the company announced plans to spin off its supermarket division and other peripheral units into a separate holding company. It also set a target of roughly doubling annual sales to around $200 billion by 2030. However, in recent months, profits from Seven & i’s convenience store business have stagnated in Japan. The situation has been worse in overseas markets like the United States. Over the three months ending in November, operating income from Seven & i’s overseas convenience store business fell by a third from a year earlier. Before its announcements on Thursday, Seven & i’s shares had fallen more than 6 percent from earlier in the week, when a Japanese media report said the company planned to refuse Couche-Tard’s offer. Seven & i denied the report, saying it was still considering the bid. Weak growth and mounting pressure from investors to negotiate a deal with Couche-Tard had led Seven & i to increasingly consider Mr. Dacus as a contender for the top job. This was the case even as he headed the independent committee evaluating Couche-Tard’s takeover proposal, according to a person familiar with the matter, who spoke on the condition of anonymity. Source link #7Eleven #Taps #American #Executive #********* #Hands Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

Trump administration pauses flow of intelligence to Ukraine that helps on battlefield – The Associated Press Trump administration pauses flow of intelligence to Ukraine that helps on battlefield – The Associated Press Trump administration pauses flow of intelligence to Ukraine that helps on battlefield The Associated PressScranton helped the US aid Ukraine. Now its role is uncertain BBC.comAbruptly Blocking Intel, The U.S. Prevents Ukraine’s HIMARS From Firing For Maximum Effect ForbesTrump’s Decision to Halt Aid to Ukraine Could Reorder the Battlefield The New York TimesMarine Le Pen timidly distances herself from Donald Trump Le Monde Source link #Trump #administration #pauses #flow #intelligence #Ukraine #helps #battlefield #Press Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

******* harassment petition against Nigeria’s senate president dismissed ******* harassment petition against Nigeria’s senate president dismissed The petition filed by a ********* senator alleging ******* harassment by the senate president has been dismissed. Godswill Akpabio, one of the country’s most senior politicians, on Wednesday denied the allegations made against him by Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan. The ethics committee which was mandated to look at the petition cited procedural violations and legal constraints at a hearing afterwards. “The petition runs contrary to Senate rules and cannot be entertained,” said chairman of the ethics committee senator Neda Imasuen. He added that Uduaghan had personally signed the petition instead of having it endorsed by another individual, violating an order of the senate. In an interview with Arise Television on Friday, Senator Uduaghan alleged that Akpabio had made inappropriate advances towards her during a visit to his residence in southern Akwa Ibom state, on 8 December 2023. She further alleged that Akpabio had, on a separate occasion, insinuated that she should “take care of him” if she wanted her motions to receive favourable consideration in the senate. The senator alleged that Akpabio was behaving like a university lecturer who consistently failed his student who had refused to sleep with him. But this was denied by Akpabio. “At no time did I ever harass any woman. I was raised very well by my late single mother, and I have always upheld respect for women. I was even awarded the most gender-friendly governor in Nigeria,” he noted. The issue has generated huge debate in Nigeria with many calling for an independent investigation. In a social media post, one of Akpabio’s predecessors as senate president, Bukola Saraki, said the issues raised were too serious to be simply brushed aside. Earlier on Wednesday, two groups of protesters gathered at the assembly ground in the capital, Abuja – one backing Akpabio and the other in support of his colleague, chanting ”Akpabio must go.” Senator Uduaghan used Wednesday’s plenary session to submit the petition calling for an investigation into Akpabio’s behaviour. As the president, it was Akpabio who allowed Uduaghan to submit the petition. Before becoming senate president less than two years ago, Akpabio was governor of the oil-rich Akwa Ibom state for eight years and also minister of ****** Delta affairs under former President Muhammadu Buhari. Source link #******* #harassment #petition #Nigerias #senate #president #dismissed Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

What is the Department of Education What is the Department of Education Ana Faguy BBC News, Washington Getty Images President Donald Trump is considering an executive order that would shut down the US Department of Education – a long-cherished goal of conservatives. The move would deliver on a promise he made on the campaign trail. Trump plans to end some of the department’s programmes, while others would be housed within different parts of the government, according to US media reports. The Republican president will direct his newly confirmed Education Secretary Linda McMahon to “take all necessary steps to facilitate the closure of the Education Department” based on “the maximum extent appropriate and permitted by law”, according to a draft of the order seen by the Wall Street Journal. Abolishing the department entirely requires an act of Congress, however. Established in 1979, the Department of Education oversees funding for public schools, administers student loans and runs programmes that help low-income students. Trump and his allies have accused the agency of “indoctrinating young people with inappropriate racial, *******, and political material”. In December, he nominated former World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) CEO and his transition co-chair, Linda McMahon, as his pick for education secretary. The Senate has yet to schedule confirmation proceedings for McMahon. What does the Department of Education do? A common misconception is that the Department of Education operates US schools and sets curricula – that responsibility actually belongs to states and local districts. The agency does oversee student loan programmes and administers Pell grants that help low-income students attend university. It also helps fund programmes to support students with disabilities and for students living in poverty. And the department enforces civil rights law designed to prevent race or sex-based discrimination in federally funded schools. What is its budget and how many people work there? The department’s allocation was $238bn (£188bn) in fiscal year 2024 – less than 2% of the total federal budget. The agency says it has about 4,400 employees, the smallest of any cabinet-level department. Most public funding for US schools comes from state and local governments. In 2024, the Education Data Initiative estimated that the US spends a total of just over $857bn on primary and secondary education – the equivalent of $17,280 per pupil. Can Trump shut down the department? On his own, no. Not only would Trump need congressional approval to get rid of the department, but he would also probably need a supermajority in the US Senate – 60 out of 100 senators. Republicans have a 53-47 majority in the Senate, so they would need at least seven Democrats to vote to abolish the agency – a political longshot. Even in the House of Representatives, Trump would struggle to gain necessary support. A vote last year to abolish the education department – which was attached as an amendment to another bill – failed to pass as 60 Republicans joined all Democrats in the House to vote no. Trump has moved to shrink other government departments in recent weeks, despite questions about the legality of those moves. An earlier draft of Trump’s order to dismantle the education department, obtained last month by the Washington Post, acknowledged that only Congress can get rid of the agency outright, but executive action could direct the agency to begin to wind itself down. Education department employees are among those who are the focus of the administration’s efforts to shrink the federal workforce. Why do Republicans want to abolish it? The idea of eliminating the education department has been floated by Republicans for nearly as long as it has existed. During Ronald Reagan’s 1980 presidential campaign, he pushed for it to be dismantled. Republicans have historically pushed against centralising education policy, believing that it is best left up to individual states and localities. More recently they have accused the education department of pushing what they describe as “woke” political ideology on to children, including on gender and race. Trump’s allies also want to expand school choice, which would allow students and families to use public money to select private or religious alternatives to public schools. Conservatives argue that other education department functions, such as administering loans, should be handled instead by the US Department of Treasury, and that civil rights infractions are the Department of Justice’s domain. Source link #Department #Education Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Digg to Make Comeback as Co-Founder Rose, Reddit’s Ohanian Bet on AI-Driven Revival Digg to Make Comeback as Co-Founder Rose, Reddit’s Ohanian Bet on AI-Driven Revival Digg founder Kevin Rose has teamed up with former rival Alexis Ohanian to buy the once-popular content aggregator as they bet on an artificial intelligence-powered revival of the platform that once drew around 40 million monthly visitors. Launched in 2004 by a then 27-year-old Rose, Digg was once called the “homepage of the internet” and was a rival to Reddit, a firm co-founded by Ohanian. But the platform lost ground after its 2012 ***** to New York-based tech incubator Betaworks. Microsoft’s LinkedIn scooped up its most valuable assets, including patents. It has since pivoted to curating news. Rose and Ohanian, who acquired Digg for an undisclosed sum, said on Wednesday they aim to revive the platform by leveraging their social media expertise, restoring its nostalgic early interface. Digg’s early model allowed users to “digg” or “bury” content— an early precursor to how social media platforms surface viral stories today. The duo also plans to use AI-driven curation to curb misinformation and toxic discourse. “Recently we’ve hit an inflection point where AI can become a helpful co-pilot to users and moderators, not replacing human conversation, but rather augmenting it,” Rose said. He added that he had been approached several times over the past years to buy Digg but it “never felt right” before. Invites for the new version will roll out in the coming weeks, as Digg prepares to reenter a crowded social media landscape where smaller players such as Pinterest are jostling for ad dollars and user attention with giants such as Meta. Justin Mezzell, a longtime collaborator of Rose with experience at Google and Facebook, will take over as Digg CEO. The deal is backed by venture capital firms True Ventures, where Rose is a partner, and Ohanian’s Seven Seven Six. Rose will be Digg’s board chair and key advisor. Ohanian has also joined a bid led by former Los Angeles Dodgers owner Frank McCourt to acquire TikTok’s US operations. © Thomson Reuters 2025 (This story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) For details of the latest launches and news from Samsung, Xiaomi, Realme, OnePlus, Oppo and other companies at the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, visit our MWC 2025 hub. Source link #Digg #Comeback #CoFounder #Rose #Reddits #Ohanian #Bet #AIDriven #Revival Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

England v Italy: Tommaso Menoncello and Juan Ignacio Brex England v Italy: Tommaso Menoncello and Juan Ignacio Brex Brexit, Brangelina, Barbenheimer. And Brexoncello? If only true cultural phenomena get a cut-and-shut shorthand, Italy’s midfield is on to something special. Juan Ignacio Brex and Tommaso Menoncello are a classic buddy-cop pairing. Brex, 32, born in Argentina, has come halfway around the world to put his wily hands and gainline nous at Italy’s disposal. Menoncello is a younger gun, born a decade later and brought up in the rugby heartland of Treviso. His battering-ram running and energy have scrambled the most organised of defences. Their partnership has become something of a meme. Benetton Treviso, their club side, posted a video of the pair lifting weights together, external, accompanied by a heart emoji and one word: ‘Brexoncello’. Flip to January in Treviso’s charity calendar for this year and there they are again, posing topless together with a rehomed dog., external But you still see it best on the pitch. Eleven days ago, 11 minutes into their meeting with France at the Stadio Olimpico, was a textbook example; Brex luring the defence on to him, slipping a pass and Menoncello rampaging through for a score from 40 metres out. “He is fantastic to play with,” Menoncello tells BBC Sport of Brex. “He is a genius with his little passes, he is famous for them and it is very difficult to defend.” “He is younger, he is faster, he brings every physical part of the game,” says Brex, repaying the compliments. “Maybe I am more the playmaker, and he is more the creator and finisher. That is why we work together on the pitch, we have different characteristics.” Source link #England #Italy #Tommaso #Menoncello #Juan #Ignacio #Brex Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Maximum points: what is the most influential video game ever? | Games Maximum points: what is the most influential video game ever? | Games Ahead of the 21st Bafta games awards this April, the institution is running a public survey asking people to nominate the most influential video game of all time. As the survey points out, this is an open-ended question: early, groundbreaking titles such as Space Invaders and Pong regularly crop up as answers because they helped write the rules of the form, but on a personal level, the right game at the right time can be exceptionally influential, too. For players, it’s often the games that made us feel differently about what games could do that feel the most influential. For a game designer, a film director, a writer or a musician, one particular game might inspire a whole creative era. Inspired by Bafta’s survey, we asked people from across games and culture for their most influential game – and not one name cropped up twice. Mike Bithell, game designer and head of Bithell Games Revision evasion … Metal Gear Solid 2. Photograph: Konami Metal Gear Solid 2 (2001) hit me at the perfect moment. I was trying to power through my GCSEs, and here came this perfect thing that pointed to a future of games that took me seriously as a player. (I nearly failed my last maths test after staying up for those final few cutscenes.) It engaged with sci-fi tropes and stylish storytelling in a way that felt generations ahead of its peers. Shenmue was the game that convinced me I wanted to make games, but MGS2 showed me the kind of games I wanted to make. One day I’ll get there. Louise Blain, creative lead at Blumhouse Games Fresh fear … PT. Photograph: Kojima Productions/Konami Helpfully, the constantly evolving nature of the horror genre means that a new game can arrive and instantly unlock a fresh fear. Hideo Kojima and Guillermo del Toro’s shortform horror game PT (2014) holds a special place in my heart, and it’s all the more bittersweet for the fact that it is now unavailable and its full-length successor, Silent Hills, never saw the light of (foggy) day. Taking the lead from Amnesia: The Dark Descent’s oppressive first person experience, the simplicity of PT’s looping corridor is its masterstroke. All you really need to do is push forward and peer into its darkest corners, making this a frankly agonising haunted house taken entirely at your own pace. The game has spawned an infinite number of spiritual successors in atmospheric horror over the last decade, but even the recent trend for anomaly horror has a distinct PT flavour, as we enter the same spaces over and over again, on edge for the frightening differences. Keza MacDonald, Guardian video games editor Beyond fun … The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time. Photograph: Nintendo As Grand Theft Auto’s Dan Houser once said: “Anyone who makes 3D games who says they’ve not borrowed something from Mario or Zelda is lying.” The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time (1998) set an example for explorable 3D game worlds that is still followed today – everything, from Link’s movement to the sword combat to the little fairy who acts as a guide to what was then a new way of controlling games, was designed from scratch and with little precedent. But it’s the mood of this game that I think was especially influential, not just on me but a generation of children who played it. Ocarina of Time is exciting, but also scary and a little sad. With its child hero, who hurtles forward in time against his will, it depicts a loss of innocence; it trusted young players to overcome their nervousness and get to grips not just with a new type of video game, but with all the threatening creatures, malevolent forces and hidden secrets that might be out there in its world. I think it’s the first video game I played that felt like it wasn’t just for fun. Ellie Gibson, comedian Girls’ own adventure … Tomb Raider. Photograph: Reuters The obvious and only correct answer is Tomb Raider (1996). It introduced the idea that a female video game character could be the star, rather than sidekick or hostage. It was the first game I played that wasn’t just about collecting shiny things or killing baddies (and it’s a great shame the series lost its way down these rabbit holes in later years). It was about adventure, exploration and clever puzzles that made you feel like a genius when you finally solved them. Tomb Raider went on to inspire a raft of successful action adventure titles, such as the Uncharted games, and its influence is still present in the Assassin’s Creed series. It’s a shame this influence didn’t extend to inspiring a raft of strong female characters, but patriarchy gonna patriarchy, innit. On a personal note, Lara Croft was such a huge influence on me personally that in 2002 I visited Angkor Wat wearing a tight vest and attempted to climb up a temple via some overhanging vines. I got shouted at by a security guard and ran away. Nina Freeman, game designer Physical humour … QWOP. Photograph: Foddy.net The most influential game for me must be QWOP (2008), by Bennett Foddy. It sort of brings me back to my roots when I play it. I’ve always been drawn to small, experimental games, and QWOP is a timeless example of that. At one of the first game jams I ever did, my friends and I made how do you Do It?, which was heavily inspired by the physical humour of QWOP. Bennett, whom I hadn’t yet met, was a judge at the jam! We showed him the game, chatted a bunch, and kept in touch after that. Bennett ended up becoming one of my biggest mentors at this early stage of my career, so his work in general has had a big impact on me. Brenda Romero, game designer Father of FPS … Doom. Photograph: id Software Look, I admit a bias here, but even if I were not married to John [Romero], my answer would still be the same: Doom (1993). I actually tried to think of something else, but nothing compared to its impact. Doom defined the first person shooter and set the stage for what is gaming’s most popular genre. At the same time, it introduced deathmatch and online multiplayer to a wide audience. All FPS games truly owe their DNA to Doom. Doom was created to be moddable, and that decision is part of the reason why the community is still active almost 32 years later. I don’t know of a single game developer who was not taken aback when Doom hit. It was mind blowing and a cultural shift for both games and game culture. At the time, consoles really dominated, and Doom sold the PC hard. From a design perspective, Doom introduced the abstract level design philosophy, the style for which John Romero is still known. As a designer, the non-linear and non-standard level design was a big break from the way things were done at the time. I have heard others say that everything about those early levels was a masterclass in game design. Not a week goes by where a well-known game developer doesn’t credit Doom for inspiring them and starting their career. And it’s still going, now playable on everything from pianos to ATMs and pregnancy tests. Iain Cook, musician, producer and composer Mile melter … A Nintendo 64 with a Mario Kart 64 cartridge. Photograph: Sam Stephenson/Alamy I had mostly kicked my video game addiction for the only ******* in my life between 1997 and 1999, but fell off the wagon hard when the PlayStation 2 was released. The next-gen allure of Metal Gear Solid 2, Silent Hill 2 and Gran Turismo 3 convinced me that I was missing out on something revolutionary. But in 2001 I was suddenly in the recording studio and on tour in Europe and America with my first proper band, Aereogramme, and there was a lot of downtime to fill. Eight-hour driving days in the back of a smokey van; endless post-soundcheck afternoons, waiting anxiously to go on stage. Not that I didn’t succumb to other vices, but video games made the hours melt away. Advance Wars was a huge hit with me and my bandmates; the pass-and-play turn-based strategy really worked to engage the brain in between service station piss stops and weed-induced naps. But it was Mario Kart (1992-present) that really got the heart pounding. In time trials on 2001’s Super Circuit I would spend an hour or more trying to shave a tenth of a second off the previous best three laps laid down by the fastest racer in the band. Once we’d dialled in on a new course, identified the shortcuts and mapped out the best racing line, you had to stitch all of those things perfectly together in a single run. Mess up and there’s no point in continuing. Restart. Deep breath. Palms sweating. You needed total focus as well as muscle memory. The mounting anxiety explodes in expletive-filled euphoria when you cross the line. This game has brought me together with some amazing people. I’m now part of a WhatsApp group where my friends and I compete with other bands and video game industry people, setting a new course every couple of weeks, posting screenshots to validate authenticity. I know for sure that when Mario Kart 9 drops, my productivity is going to drop sharply again. Sam Barlow, game designer and founder of Half Mermaid Way to go … Super Mario Bros. Photograph: Nintendo Super Mario Bros (1985). What more to say? You move a character – he looks like a human, and a characterful human. There is a world: the one in the background, evocative landscapes and skies; and the one in the foreground that you run and jump over. The imagery! Natural landscapes mashed up with Alice in Wonderland. The physics and the controls allow expression – you can go fast, slow, cautious, bold … it’s the way in which we exist as a primal level as a biped that walks through the world, condensed down into a game. Challenge, exploration, expression. We go left to right, and there are levels and goals and bosses … and secrets! This game laid down the structures and the ideas that we’ve been using ever since – but also showed that masterful execution is the heart of a video game. Shuhei Yoshida, former head of PlayStation Studios Sentimental … Journey. Photograph: Sony My most influential game of all time is Journey (2012). Journey moved players deeply; they had tears in their eyes at the end. It was proof that a game, like movies and novels, could affect people emotionally. This game, which was developed by a small team of 18 people and could be played in three to four hours, swept most of the industry’s highest game of the year honours, competing against AAA blockbuster titles. I believe it was the first time that had happened in the industry. Meghna Jayanth, writer and narrative designer Sim sensation … Princess Maker 2 Refine. Photograph: CFK Co/Bliss Brain The Princess Maker series (1991-2007). You are tasked with raising a fairy princess disguised as an ordinary human girl, managing her time between learning important skills, pursuing her interests, adventuring and dating. This early social simulation game is surprisingly crunchy and punishing; it’s extremely possible for your “daughter” to die or be exiled during the various social and political trials that mark her coming-of-age. Each instalment varies, but it’s not uncommon to have 50+ endings as well as branching dialogue and narrative events conditional on your princess’s particular stats and attributes. As a narrative designer this game was a revelation, and apart from in my own work, I think you can see its influence in everything from the wildly successful Persona games to last year’s intriguing indie meditation on capitalism Final Profit to any of Hanako Games’ niche but satisfying offerings. In fact, I see a genre through-line all the way to the ambitious and genuinely brilliant design of indie game Closer the Distance, one of this year’s Independent games festival narrative nominees. Oh, and it was unashamedly marketed to and interested in girls. I wish more publishers and executives would pay attention. This is a game that I wish was even more influential. Keith Stuart, Guardian video game correspondent Weirdly therapeutic … Paperboy Photograph: Atari In the early 1980s, most of the games I played were extremely abstract: you were a space ship fighting aliens, or you were a hungry yellow circle being chased by ghosts. But in 1985 Atari released Paperboy, a game in which you were a boy delivering papers. Not only was this arcade classic revolutionary in that it featured a real-life job, it also presented a world that was absolutely full of detail and experimentation, in which players were actively rewarded for messing about. What if you threw a paper at a window or a passerby? You got feedback. You got feedback whatever you did. As a schoolboy with an actual paper round it felt weirdly therapeutic to do the job badly, but in game design terms it also taught a generation of designers that the everyday world is an exciting, amusing and challenging place to set a video game. It was also a game that let you mess about, it rewarded mischief. It was GTA a dozen years early. Source link #Maximum #points #influential #video #game #Games Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Fashion That Keeps Everything in Proportion Fashion That Keeps Everything in Proportion Thoughtful pairings of cool silks, crisp cottons and light wools bring balance to spring’s oversize silhouettes. Source link #Fashion #Proportion Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Sheffield Shield: Sam Konstas tumbles at end of first day to give Western Australia unlikely upper hand Sheffield Shield: Sam Konstas tumbles at end of first day to give Western Australia unlikely upper hand Western Australia claimed the late scalp of teen sensation Sam Konstas to help medicate a wobbly start to their must-win Sheffield Shield clash with New South Wales. Source link #Sheffield #Shield #Sam #Konstas #tumbles #day #give #Western #Australia #upper #hand Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Acer to Launch New Smartphones in India on March 25; Amazon Availability Confirmed Acer to Launch New Smartphones in India on March 25; Amazon Availability Confirmed Acer will unveil new smartphones in India later this month. The company has not yet announced the exact models that will be launched, but a launch date has been revealed. A live Amazon microsite has confirmed that the upcoming phones will be available for purchase via the e-commerce site. Notably, Indkal Technologies announced last year that it will launch Acer-branded smartphones in India. The company is expected to introduce smartphones priced between Rs. 15,000 and Rs. 50,000 in the country. Acer to Launch New Smartphones in India A live Amazon microsite confirms that Acer will introduce new smartphones in India on March 25. The use of the word “smartphones” in the promotional image suggests that there will be more than one handset. They will go on ***** in the country via Amazon. The company has yet to confirm the monikers of the upcoming smartphones. Earlier this year, the Acerone Liquid S162E4 and Acerone Liquid S272E4 smartphones were spotted on the Acerpure website. These phones could be the ones to see an official launch later this month. The handsets come with rectangular rear camera modules and the “Acerpure” brand name imprinted on the back panels. As per the official listing, the Acerone Liquid S162E4 sports a 6.5-inch HD+ (720 x 1,600 pixels) LCD screen with Corning Gorilla Glass 5 protection, while the Liquid S272E4 has a slightly ******* 6.7-inch display. The former handset is powered by a MediaTek Helio P35 SoC, while the latter likely gets a customised version of the same chipset. Both handsets ship with Android 14 and support 4GB of RAM alongside 64GB of onboard storage. The Acerone Liquid S162E4 and Liquid S272E4 also support up to 512GB and 256GB of storage expansion, respectively. They pack a 5,000mAh battery each and support dual SIM 4G, Wi-Fi, GPS, Bluetooth 5.0 and USB Type-C connectivity. In the camera department, the Acerone Liquid S162E4 carries a 16-megapixel primary rear sensor alongside a 0.08-megapixel sensor, while the Liquid S272E4 has a 20-megapixel main sensor and a 0.3-megapixel secondary sensor. Both handsets are equipped with 5-megapixel selfie shooters. Affiliate links may be automatically generated – see our ethics statement for details. For details of the latest launches and news from Samsung, Xiaomi, Realme, OnePlus, Oppo and other companies at the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, visit our MWC 2025 hub. Amazon Prime Video Begins Testing AI-Aided Dubbing for Some Movies and Shows Apple’s Foldable iPhone Specifications, Price and AI Features Leaked: Here’s When It Might Debut Source link #Acer #Launch #Smartphones #India #March #Amazon #Availability #Confirmed Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

‘Eephus’ Review: One Last Game ‘Eephus’ Review: One Last Game But this is not a film about the Sox, nor is it, at least on its face, about anything epic at all. In fact, that MLB team barely comes up at all, though Bill Lee, a.k.a. “Spaceman,” the famous left-handed pitcher who played for Boston in the 1970s, portrays a minor character in the movie. Instead, the drama centers on two recreational baseball teams who’ve met up at Soldier’s Field for the very last game this diamond will see. In a sly twist on genre convention — the small town folk trying to save a beloved public space because some terrible mean rich guy is going to build a mall on it, or something — the reason Soldier’s Field is going away is that they’re building a school on it. A public school. Its proximity to people’s homes will make life easier for every parent in this town. How dare they, right? “Eephus” never really foregrounds this in the story. In fact, “Eephus” never foregrounds any particular plot point. The screenplay, written by Lund, Michael Basta and Nate Fisher, exists outside sports movie tropes altogether, though it’s most certainly a baseball movie. It dwells in some languid liminal space between hangout movie and elegy, a tribute to the community institutions that hold us together, that introduce us to one another and that, in an age of optimized life choices and disappearing public spaces, are slowly fading away. That makes it sound very serious, which “Eephus” is not. The arc is simplicity itself: The teams gather to play the game, which goes much longer than they’d expected and then, at the end, they go home. In between, the men fret, *****, argue, josh around and occasionally hit the ball. They lament the end of their ball-playing era, but whenever someone brings up just playing on the field two towns over, they loudly and flatly refuse: That field’s no good and the town is lousy, too. (Their language is slightly stronger than what I can print here.) There are some delightful Easter eggs in the film for natives of the region — I chuckled, nostalgically, at the ad for the Ground Round painted onto the fence — but there are some for cinephiles, too. No one character emerges as the protagonist, though certain faces will feel familiar from other small indie films. Yet the most prominent actor, aside from Lee, is never seen: a radio announcer named Branch Moreland, whom we hear early on talking about the field’s closure and other local news, and who offers pearls of wisdom between the movie’s acts, each named for the time of day the game is entering (“Midday,” “Golden Hour”). Moreland, hilariously, is voiced by the documentarian Frederick Wiseman, a Boston native and one of the most prolific and celebrated American directors of all time, but hardly known as an actor. Source link #Eephus #Review #Game Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]