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Biden Authorizes Ukraine to Use US-Supplied Long-Range Missiles for Deeper Strikes Inside Russia Biden Authorizes Ukraine to Use US-Supplied Long-Range Missiles for Deeper Strikes Inside Russia MANAUS, Brazil (AP) — President Joe Biden has authorized Ukraine to use U.S.-supplied long-range missiles to strike deeper inside Russia, easing limitations on the weapons as Russia deploys thousands of North Korean troops to reinforce its war, according to a U.S. official and three other people familiar with the matter. The decision allowing Kyiv to use the Army Tactical Missile System, or ATACMs, for attacks farther inside Russia comes as President Vladimir ****** positions North Korean troops along Ukraine’s northern border to try to reclaim hundreds of miles of territory seized by Ukrainian forces. Biden’s move also follows the presidential election victory of Donald Trump, who has said he would bring about a swift end to the war and raised uncertainty about whether his administration would continue the ******* States’ vital military support for Ukraine. The official and the others knowledgeable about the matter were not authorized to discuss the U.S. decision publicly and spoke on condition of anonymity. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s reaction Sunday was notably restrained. “Strikes are not made with words,” he said during his nightly video address. “Such things are not announced. The missiles will speak for themselves.” Zelenskyy and many of his Western supporters have been pressing Biden for months to allow Ukraine to strike military targets deeper inside Russia with Western-supplied missiles, saying the U.S. ban had made it impossible for Ukraine to try to stop Russian attacks on its cities and electrical grids. Zelenskyy’s statement came shortly after he posted a message of condolence on Telegram following a Russian ******* on a nine-story building that ******* at least eight people in the northern city of Sumy, 40 kilometers (24 miles) from the border with Russia. Russia also launched a massive drone and missile *******, described by officials as the largest in recent months, targeting energy infrastructure and ******** civilians. The ******* came as fears are mounting about Moscow’s intentions to devastate Ukraine’s power generation capacity before the winter. “And this is the answer to everyone who tried to achieve something with ****** through talks, phone calls, hugs and appeasement,” Zelenskyy said. The comment appeared to be a dig at ******* Chancellor Olaf Scholz, who spoke Friday with ****** in the first such call with a sitting head of a major Western power in nearly two years. Some supporters have argued that the limitation and other U.S. constraints could cost Ukraine the war. The debate has become a source of disagreement among Ukraine’s NATO allies. Biden had remained opposed, determined to hold the line against any escalation that he felt could draw the U.S. and other NATO members into direct conflict with nuclear-armed Russia. ****** has warned that Moscow could provide long-range weapons to others to strike Western targets if NATO allies allow Ukraine to use their arms to ******* Russian territory. News of Biden’s decision followed meetings over the last two days with the leaders of South Korea, Japan and China. The addition of North Korean troops was central to the talks, which took place on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in Peru. Biden did not mention the decision during a speech at a stop in the Amazon rainforest in Brazil on his way to the Group of 20 summit. Asked about the decision, U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres told reporters that the U.N. position is “to avoid a permanent deterioration of the war in Ukraine.” “We want peace, we want fair peace,” Guterres said Sunday before the summit in Rio de Janeiro. He didn’t elaborate. The longer-range missiles are likely to be used in response to North Korea’s decision to support ******’s invasion of Ukraine, according to one of the people familiar with the development. The overall supply of ATACMS missiles is short, so U.S. officials in the past have questioned whether they could give Ukraine enough to make a difference. Some supporters of Ukraine say that even a few long-range strikes deeper inside Russia would force its military to change deployments and expend more of its resources. North Korea has provided thousands of troops to Russia to help Moscow try to claw back land in the Kursk border region that Ukraine seized this year. The introduction of North Korean troops to the conflict comes as Moscow has seen a favorable shift in momentum. Trump has signaled that he could push Ukraine to agree to give up some land seized by Russia to find an end to the conflict. As many as 12,000 North Korean troops have been sent to Russia, according to U.S., South Korean and Ukrainian assessments. U.S. and South Korean intelligence officials say North Korea also has provided Russia with significant amounts of munitions to replenish its dwindling weapons stockpiles. Trump, who takes office in January, spoke for months as a candidate about wanting Russia’s war in Ukraine to be over, but he mostly ducked questions about whether he wanted U.S. ally Ukraine to win. He also repeatedly slammed the Biden administration for giving Kyiv tens of billions of dollars in aid. His victory has Ukraine’s international backers worrying that any rushed settlement would mostly benefit ******. America is Ukraine’s most valuable ally in the war, providing more than $56.2 billion in security assistance since Russian forces invaded in February 2022. Worried about Russia’s response, however, the Biden administration repeatedly has delayed providing some specific advanced weapons sought by Ukraine, agreeing only under pressure from Kyiv, its supporters and in consultation with allies. That includes initially refusing Zelenskyy’s pleas for advanced tanks, Patriot air defense systems and F-16 fighter jets, among other systems. The White House agreed in May to allow Ukraine to use U.S.-provided weaponry for limited strikes just across the border with Russia. Source link #Biden #Authorizes #Ukraine #USSupplied #LongRange #Missiles #Deeper #Strikes #Russia Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Victoria’s final exams blunder saga explained Victoria’s final exams blunder saga explained WHAT HAPPENED WITH THIS YEAR’S VCE FINAL EXAMS? * Almost half of all year 12 exams in Victoria were impacted by a blunder that allowed students to view questions before sitting the test * The error involved students being able to spot hidden questions in sample exam papers uploaded each year to familiarise students with test details * Fifty-six of the state’s 116 VCE exams were affected WHAT ACTION HAS BEEN TAKEN? * Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority (VCAA) chief executive Kylie White resigned on Saturday, one day after the government ordered a sweeping review into the body * This came after Ms White’s insistence last week that the issue did not compromise any final exams * Education Minister Ben Carroll said he is “incredibly upset and ******” and earlier downplays about what took place were “proven to be completely unsatisfactory” * Opposition spokeswoman Jess Wilson said Mr Carroll was “complicit in the cover up” after it was revealed he knew of the issue on October 14 * The Victorian Opposition will introduce a motion in parliament next week to refer the issue to the state’s Ombudsman HOW WILL THIS IMPACT STUDENTS’ RESULTS? * Mr Carroll has said measures were in place to ensure no student would be unfairly disadvantaged * The assessment authority will use an existing grade check process, overseen by an independent advisory panel of experts chaired by Professor John Firth, for exams impacted by the errors * Answers will be reviewed to identify anomalies in how students responded to affected questions and marks adjusted if they provided anyone with an unfair advantage * This will mean some questions could be ruled invalid, resulting in all students who sat the exam being awarded a full mark * Authorities said they are working towards releasing results as expected in mid-December HAVE SIMILAR BLUNDERS HAPPENED BEFORE? * Multiple errors appeared in general maths and chemistry exams in 2023 and six students received the incorrect ******** language exam * Five questions from the 2022 maths exams also contained errors Source link #Victorias #final #exams #blunder #saga #explained Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Tesla Cybertrucks have joined the growing number of luxury EVs that can now be leased Tesla Cybertrucks have joined the growing number of luxury EVs that can now be leased Tesla now made Cybertrucks available for lease, but it’s unclear how much that will boost sales.Graham Rapier/Business Insider Tesla Cybertruck, with a starting price of $80,000, is now available for lease. Leasing an EV is a popular option, making up 46% of franchise EV sales, per J.D. Power. Part of the reason is due to a tax credit program that the Cybertruck has been largely left out of. Tesla is offering the Cybertruck for lease a year after the EV company made its first deliveries to customers. Under a three-year lease with no down payment and 10,000 annual miles, leasing a Cybertruck costs $1,249 per month, not including taxes and fees, according to Tesla’s website. The Cybertruck, which has a base MSRP of $79,990, makes up a small part of Tesla’s overall volume production, but it still plays an important role in CEO Elon Musk’s hopes to compete in the crowded pickup truck segment. In its third-quarter earnings report from October, Tesla reported that the Cybertruck reached profitability for the first time in less than a year since deliveries were made to customers in November 2023. Leasing an electric vehicle has become a popular option for consumers. According to J.D. Power, a market research firm, 46% of EV purchases, not including Tesla, were leases in 2023. EV maker Rivian said during its third-quarter earnings call earlier this month that 42% of vehicles sold were leased. According to Rivian’s website, the company’s lowest-priced vehicle is the R1T truck, which costs $69,900. Over the last few years leasing became a popular financing option for EVs due largely to a $7,500 federal tax credit issued under the Biden administration’s Inflation Reduction Act. Under the program, drivers buying an EV with cash or through a loan could be eligible for a $7,500 tax credit, making the overall purchase more affordable. However, the credit only comes if certain provisions are met, such as vehicle manufacturing requirements, whether the buyer ******** under an income threshold, and if the vehicle’s price doesn’t exceed $80,000. Story continues However, leasing an EV offers buyers another way to take advantage of the tax credit program without meeting every requirement. Through what’s known as a “leasing loophole,” dealerships can receive the tax credit and choose to pass those savings on to the buyer or lessee. Rivian said during its earnings call earlier this month that lessees make up a large population of those who take advantage of the tax incentive program. But Tesla’s Cybertruck has largely been left out of the federal incentive program. A spokesperson for the Internal Revenue Service pointed *** to the Department of Energy’s website, which has a list of eligible vehicles under the federal program. The Cybertruck was not listed. A Tesla spokesperson did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Read the original article on Business Insider Source link #Tesla #Cybertrucks #joined #growing #number #luxury #EVs #leased Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

ADCA 2024-25: Collingwood Park secure first win of the season, Royals remain unbeaten after round five ADCA 2024-25: Collingwood Park secure first win of the season, Royals remain unbeaten after round five Collingwood Park registered their first win of the 2024-25 Albany and Districts Cricket Association A-grade competition, while Royals remain the only undefeated side after round five on Saturday. A superb team bowling performance helped Park defend 150, skittling the winless Manypeaks for just 137 in the 37th over at Turf East. After being bowled out in the 44th over of their batting innings, Park got the perfect start after Byron Spaanderman nicked off Peaks captain Regan Poett for a second-ball duck. Casey Ganzer scored freely at the top of the order with 35 runs from 19 deliveries but Peaks struggled to conjure meaningful partnerships. Leg-spinner Jed Schwarzbach (3-23) claimed the crucial wicket of Ganzer, and Ben Grey (0-17) tightened the screws after the power play before O’Shea Durack (2-28) and Englishman Freddie Sharp (1-33) combined for three quick wickets. Kane Pinney consolidated through the middle overs with a patient 26 before his knock was ended when Sharp caught him short of his ground in the first over after drinks. Middle-order batter Oliver Douglas provided some resilience with 36 runs from 40 ******, but he was sent walking by Leroy van den Dool, who took two wickets in his only over, before Schwarzbach ended Peaks’ tough day in the 33rd over. Earlier, Park won the toss and elected to bat, and after Cameron Walsh castled Warwick Durack for one, Park reassembled through van den Dool (43) and new recruit Dylan Solomon (20). However, most of their middle order *******, with Buddy Robinson’s unbeaten 34 the only score above 10 as Peaks put the clamps on through the middle overs. Peaks claimed four wickets in the five overs before drinks as Douglas (2-29) and Kane Pinney’s 1-8 from four overs threatened to derail Park’s entire innings. Peaks’ Ben Southern manufactured a spectacular run-out to send Solomon back to the pavilion, but youngster Robinson showed maturity beyond his years to help Park to a winning total. The Lions overcame a nervy run chase to secure a four-wicket victory over Railways at Turf North, and remain the only undefeated A-grade side. Opener Ryley Valli provided yet another sublime knock to anchor the Lions’ innings, scoring 81 from 118 ******. Valli smacked five boundaries, but smart ******* play and quick running between the wickets hallmarked his innings. The Lions were cruising at 2-102 before the Tigers sparked a comeback when Milan Jaggi snared Mitch Green, caught behind for 26, and then Joe Stanley snared his second wicket, dismissing Harry Grigson (7). However, young wicketkeeper Davey Wignall (12) combined with Valli for a crucial 31-run sixth-wicket stand. Valli’s innings eventually ended 18 runs shy of victory after Caleb Haua’s safe hands in the deep held on to a skied ball, before aggressive right-hander Daniel Thomas plundered two sixes in three ****** to secure victory for the Lions in the 41st over. After winning the toss and electing to bat, the Tigers struggled to form substantial early partnerships as they stumbled to 5-68 in the opening session. The Tigers’ drastic top-order batting collapse was highlighted by Hayden Davies, who took a freakish catch off his own bowling to dismiss opener Devon Jefferis (10) before brother Ryan Davies snared a screamer at short leg off the bat of Alan Pietersen (4). Pacer Matt France claimed 1-16 before an ankle injury forced him from the field for the rest of the innings, but fiery quick Thomas picked up the slack with 3-45 from seven overs. Stanley anchored their innings with a superb 62 runs from 105 ******, while Milan Jaggi showed strong intent with 35 from 44 ******. Lions skipper Green produced an economic nine-over spell of 2-28 which included the partnership-breaking wicket of Milan Jaggi, and bowled in a tight partnership with Valli, who finished with a strangling 0-18 from nine overs. Hayden Davies finished their brilliant effort in the field with tight ****** bowling to return 2-23 from seven overs. Source link #ADCA #Collingwood #Park #secure #win #season #Royals #remain #unbeaten Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Accused ****** driver threw ***** cans out of truck, tried to run from deadly Arlington ****** Accused ****** driver threw ***** cans out of truck, tried to run from deadly Arlington ****** ARLINGTON, Texas – A suspected ****** driver is under arrest after a ****** that ******* a motorcycle rider in Arlington early Saturday morning. Thomas Kelly Jr., 27, is charged with intoxication manslaughter, collision involving ****** and tampering. The ****** happened shortly after 1 a.m. on N. Collins Street, near NE Green Oaks Boulevard. Arlington police say a 20024 Chevy Silverado was involved in a head-on ****** with a Harley Davidson. The 55-year-old rider was pronounced ***** at the scene. The rider was later identified as Richard Wing of Dallas. Witnesses told police that the Silverado was traveling north on N. Collins and was weaving in and out of lanes trying to pass drivers. The truck swerved into the center lane where he hit the motorcycle that was attempting to make a turn. Witnesses also told police that after the wreck the driver of the Silverado, later identified as Kelly, started to throw cans from inside the vehicle into a nearby field and tried to run from the scene. A person chased down the driver and held Kelly until officers arrived at the scene. Kelly refused to perform roadside sobriety tests, but police say they believe he was ****** based on statements from Kelly and other observations. Police recovered multiple ***** cans from the field where witnesses told them he was throwing items after the ******. A blood sample will be sent to a lab for analysis. Kelly is being held in the Arlington City Jail, records show. Source link #Accused #****** #driver #threw #***** #cans #truck #run #deadly #Arlington #****** Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

New Broncos coach Michael Maguire set for huge role in Reece Walsh’s development New Broncos coach Michael Maguire set for huge role in Reece Walsh’s development It was only a few months ago that Michael Maguire was devising a plan to nullify Reece Walsh, but now the **** Broncos fullback is excited to work with his new coach who he hopes can turn him and Brisbane’s other young stars into men. Maguire led the Blues to State of Origin glory over Walsh and the Maroons, with former Queensland legends accusing the NSW coach of going after the superstar fullback after he was smashed in the head by Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii just seven minutes into the series opener. But that’s all been put to bed now, with Walsh excited to work with the veteran coach and eager to get the Broncos back into the top eight after he inked a new four-year deal last month. Maguire has to navigate a talented squad that went from the grand final to missing the top eight in the space of 12 months, with Ezra Mam’s immediate playing future up in the air. While that still needs to play out, Walsh is looking forward to working with Maguire who can help him on and off the field. “Turning some of us young boys into men. I think that’s a big one,” he replied when asked about his new coach. “Me and ‘Madge’ had a few chats before we got it (the deal) done. I was just happy that he wanted to keep me on for five more years. “It’s about me growing as a person and player because I want to be that player that everyone wants to play with. Madge is really driving that. I’ve got so much growth in me and he sees that.” Walsh’s contract extension was a drawn out process that was originally mentioned months ago but took until the off-season to get sorted. “It was a long time coming,” he said, adamant the negotiations weren’t a distraction. “To have it all done is good because I don’t have to think about anything besides turning up here day in and day out and trying to put my best foot forward. “It’s pleasing that it’s done and it’s good to just focus on working hard and building a strong culture. “I wouldn’t say it (the delay in signing) impacted me too much. There were conversations with my manager a few times last year, but I wouldn’t say it affected me.” Camera IconWalsh was back at training with skipper Adam Reynolds on Monday. Adam Head Credit: News Corp Australia The 22-year-old has experienced the highs and lows in his two seasons with the Broncos, but he wants to enjoy some consistency in 2025 and to take on more of a leadership role at Queensland’s glamour club. It’s something he’s destined to do, with Walsh the most marketable player in the game, with fans waiting hours after games to get a selfie or some memorabilia from the Maroons star. His fame off the field is great, but that’s not the legacy Walsh wants to leave. “I play rugby league to win, and I believe that we’re building a strong work ethic here,” he said. “We’re all doing that together here so it’s not solely about me. All the boys are pushing each other and they’re pushing me to be better. “I come in here each day and I work hard to be a footballer. I can’t control stuff that happens out there. I just want to come in here, put my best foot forward and be the best rugby league player I can be. “When I go home, I want to be the best dad and best son I can be. All that stuff works itself out.” Source link #Broncos #coach #Michael #Maguire #set #huge #role #Reece #Walshs #development Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Marsien Production Begins: All Units Sold Out Marsien Production Begins: All Units Sold Out Read the full story on Modern Car Collector Marsien Production Begins: All Units Sold Out Marc Philipp Gemballa GmbH has officially begun the series production of the Marsien, a limited-edition off-road supercar based on the 992-generation Porsche 911 Turbo S. With only 40 units planned for production, the Marsien has already achieved a sold-out status, showcasing its immense popularity among automotive enthusiasts. Deliveries are expected to commence soon, fulfilling the high demand for this unique vehicle. Image Via Marc Philipp Gemballa GmbH The Marsien is designed to conquer rough terrains, similar to the Porsche 911 Dakar. The exterior of the Marsien is crafted from custom carbon fiber, featuring wide fenders and a distinctive rear spoiler inspired by the legendary Porsche 959. This combination of robust design and luxurious materials ensures the Marsien stands out both on and off the road. Image VIa Marc Philipp Gemballa GmbH Under the hood, the Marsien is powered by a RUF-tuned 3.7-liter flat-six engine. This powerhouse produces an impressive 740 horsepower and 686 lb-ft of torque in its standard configuration. For those seeking even more performance, an optional stage 2 upgrade is available, boosting the engine’s output to a staggering 819 horsepower. This upgrade includes the addition of new turbochargers, an ECU remap, and a reworked transmission, providing an enhanced driving experience. Image VIa Marc Philipp Gemballa GmbH To complement its powerful engine, the Marsien is equipped with a custom exhaust system developed by Akrapovic. This not only improves performance but also gives the Marsien a distinctive, aggressive sound. Additionally, the suspension system has been specially developed by KW Automotive to handle the rigors of off-road driving while maintaining excellent on-road performance. The Marsien represents a perfect blend of luxury, performance, and off-road capability. Its sold-out status before the commencement of deliveries is a testament to its desirability and the excitement it has generated in the automotive community. As customers eagerly await the arrival of their Marsien units, the vehicle is set to make a significant impact on the market, further solidifying Marc Philipp Gemballa GmbH’s reputation for creating extraordinary supercars. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter Source link #Marsien #Production #Begins #Units #Sold Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Ferrari Approved: For those who don't want to wait for their dream car Ferrari Approved: For those who don't want to wait for their dream car If you find yourself in need of a Ferrari, you don’t need to wait over a year to order a bespoke one from the factory. Source link #Ferrari #Approved #don039t #wait #dream #car Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Lawn Mower Brands To Steer Clear Of (And Better Alternatives To Consider) Lawn Mower Brands To Steer Clear Of (And Better Alternatives To Consider) When preparing to drop a few hundred dollars — or quite a bit more — on a lawn mower, you want reliability and high levels of performance. Whether you want a zero-turn or riding lawn mower or a walk-behind self-propelled or push lawn mower, you want to receive a good value. When sticking with a brand name that you can trust for your lawn mower, you expect to receive better product quality and customer service. You might pay a little more, but by buying a trustworthy brand, you expect the product to be ready to work when you need it. Unfortunately, it’s difficult to track who owns different mower brands now. Snapper is a brand you may know, but the Snapper brand name has had different owners since 2002. Craftsman was once a well-known lawn mower brand, but Sears, its parent company, eventually sold the Craftsman name on its way to bankruptcy. As companies change owners, you can’t remain certain of the quality of the brand name. A new owner may try to improve profits by cutting costs too far, affecting quality. New owners may fragment the product line by going into too many areas of the market at once, diluting the overall product quality. We’ve studied several lawn mower brands currently in the market for quality and price. Learn more about the quality of today’s lawn mower brands and which ones you should avoid at all costs, as well as a couple that you can trust as the right lawn mower for cutting your grass. Read more: Here’s The Right Way To Mow If You Don’t Want Weeds To Take Over Troy-Bilt: Low Price And Disappointing Performance Troy-Bilt riding mower for ***** outside a store – ZikG/Shutterstock Troy-Bilt began making garden tools in 1937, but it’s one of those traditional brand names that has had numerous different owners over the years. Troy-Bilt’s parent company filed for bankruptcy in 2001, and after the brand went through a couple of different owners, Stanley ****** & Decker bought it in 2021 as part of buying MTD Holdings. Over the years, Troy-Bilt has become a brand known for extremely low prices and, unfortunately, poor performance. Although you can find Troy-Bilt walk-behind mowers at big box hardware stores like Home Depot, they don’t have great customer reviews. One of the priciest models from this brand, the Troy-Bilt 28-inch self-propelled mower ($1,399 at Home Depot), has just a 3.5-star rating out of 5, and only 60% of customers would recommend this model to friends and family members. One Home Depot reviewer disliked the build quality of this Troy-Bilt mower, as it broke down repeatedly. If you want to bag your lawn clippings, Troy-Bilt mowers tend to struggle with this capability as well. On the Consumer Affairs website, Troy-Bilt has a 1.2-star rating out of 5, with more than 600 reviews logged. Its customer service team doesn’t seem to respond well to complaints, either, leaving customers frustrated. Cub Cadet: A Distinctive Yellow ****** Doesn’t Help With Reliability Cub Cadet riding mower sitting in the middle of the lawn – ESTELLE R/Shutterstock You might recognize the Cub Cadet brand of lawn mowers from its yellow machines. However, a bright ****** doesn’t guarantee brand quality. International Harvester debuted Cub Cadet in 1961 when it wanted to enter the residential garden tractor market. However, Cub Cadet’s current owner is Stanley ****** & Decker, as International Harvester broke up in the mid-1980s and sold off most parts of its business. MTD Products owned the Cub Cadet brand for many years before Stanley ****** & Decker bought MTD in 2021. Modern Cub Cadet lawn mowers tend to have poor customer reviews, including a 1.2-star rating on Consumer Affairs. Cub Cadet walk-behind mowers struggle to bag lawn clippings. However, its riding mowers tend to have better performance. One of Cub Cadet’s most popular riding mowers at Home Depot ($3,399) is the XT1 Enduro 54-inch model, which has a 4.0-star rating. One reviewer at Home Depot said the frame cracked after a couple of years of use, and Cub Cadet did not cover it with the mower’s warranty. Additionally, customer service for Cub Cadet is not a strong point, as it’s difficult for customers to register complaints and seek help. Yard Machines: A Cheap Brand That Doesn’t Last Yard Machines walk-behind mower in the yard – Inside House Garage / YouTube Yard Machines is a brand that delivers some of the lowest prices that you will find for walk-behind lawn mowers. According to customer reviews, the old saying — you get what you pay for — fits well with the Yard Machines brand. It is a brand that struggles with durability, performance, and engine reliability. Yard Machines is another brand that Stanley ****** & Decker now owns through its MTD Holdings subsidiary. You can find Yard Machines lawn mowers at Walmart and Ace Hardware. Walmart carries both riding and walk-behind Yard Machines mowers, including the 42-inch riding mower for $1,894. This is a low price for a riding mower, but customer reviewers at Walmart give it just a 3.9-star rating. Multiple reviewers mention the poor build quality of the deck, which rattles and doesn’t seem stable. The 20-inch Yard Machines walk-behind mower costs $299.99 at Ace Hardware. It has a 3.9-star rating at Ace Hardware, and only 50% of reviewers would recommend this mower to friends and family members. One reviewer said the mower is hard to start due to a lack of a choke. Another said it uses cheap, thin metal throughout the frame, making it susceptible to bends and dents. A Better Option: Toro Toro zero-turn lawn mower parked in the yard – OJUP/Shutterstock If you want a trustworthy lawn mower brand that doesn’t break the bank, Toro has a long history of creating excellent lawn care products, including mowers. Toro became a company in 1914 and continues to make lawn mowers today, meaning it doesn’t seem to suffer from some of the reductions in brand quality that the other brand names on our list have had over the years as they pass among different owners. Toro makes both walk-behind and riding mowers. Its zero-turn lawn mowers rate excellent for customer satisfaction and very good for reliability. The Toro 54-inch zero-turn riding mower costs $3,999.99 at Tractor Supply. It has a 4.3-star rating, and 81% of customer reviewers would recommend this riding mower. One reviewer at Tractor Supply said the Toro zero-turn mower did an excellent job cutting thick brush. One of the more popular walk-behind Toro models is the Toro Recycler 22-inch self-propelled lawn mower, which costs $479 at Ace Hardware. It has a 4.4-star rating at Ace Hardware, and 87% of customers would recommend it to friends and family members. One reviewer said it operates smoothly and cuts the grass evenly on both flat and sloped areas. King Of The Neighborhood For A Beautiful Lawn: John Deere Person mowing with a John Deere commercial riding mower – Getty Images/Getty Images When it comes to the most reliable lawn mower brand, it’s difficult to beat the distinctive green and yellow of John Deere models. John Deere makes garden tractors and zero-turn lawn mowers for residential use. It also makes commercial mowers for golf courses and sports turf. This brand of commercial mowers offers up to 2,500 hours of use, showing the durability of the John Deere brand. When Consumer Reports surveyed lawn tractor owners, John Deere received the award as the most reliable brand. You can purchase the John Deere S130 42-inch riding mower at Lowe’s for $2,899. It has a 4.3-star rating, and 85% of customers recommend the product. One reviewer appreciated the smooth performance and excellent turning radius of this John Deere model. You can buy the Z515E zero-turn mower for $5,199 at the John Deere website. It has a 4.7-star rating, and one reviewer mentions the excellent cutting pattern with this mower, which avoids creating a stripe pattern in the lawn. You can also purchase John Deere mowers from most local dealers that sell the green-and-yellow farm equipment. Read the original article on House Digest. Source link #Lawn #Mower #Brands #Steer #Clear #Alternatives Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Malinauskas to jet to COP29 for Adelaide host city bid Malinauskas to jet to COP29 for Adelaide host city bid SA Premier Peter Malinauskas will travel to COP29 in Azerbaijan to promote Adelaide’s bid to host the massive international climate change event. Source link #Malinauskas #jet #COP29 #Adelaide #host #city #bid Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Saudi executes more than 100 foreigners in 2024: AFP tally Saudi executes more than 100 foreigners in 2024: AFP tally Saudi Arabia has ********* more than 100 foreigners this year, according to an AFP tally indicating a sharp increase which one rights group said was unprecedented. The latest **********, on Saturday in the southwestern region of Najran, was of a Yemeni national convicted of smuggling drugs into the Gulf kingdom, the official Saudi Press Agency reported. That brought to 101 the number of foreigners ********* so far in 2024, according to the tally which is compiled from state media reports. This is almost triple the figures for 2023 and 2022, when Saudi authorities had put to ****** 34 foreigners each year, according to AFP tallies. The Berlin-based *********-Saudi Organisation for Human Rights (ESOHR) said this year’s executions had already broken a record. “This is the largest number of executions of foreigners in one year. Saudi Arabia has never ********* 100 foreigners in a year,” said Taha al-Hajji, the group’s legal director. Saudi Arabia has faced persistent criticism over its use of the ****** penalty, which human rights groups have condemned as excessive and out of step with efforts to soften its forbidding image and welcome international tourists and investors. The oil-rich kingdom ********* the third highest number of prisoners in the world after China and Iran in 2023, according to Amnesty International. In September, AFP reported that Saudi Arabia had carried out its highest number of executions in more than three decades, surpassing its previous highs of 196 in 2022 and 192 in 1995. Executions have continued at a rapid clip since then and totalled 274 for the year as of Sunday, according to AFP’s tally. – ‘********** crisis’ – Foreigners ********* this year have included 21 from Pakistan, 20 from Yemen, 14 from Syria, 10 from Nigeria, nine from Egypt, eight from Jordan and seven from Ethiopia. There were also three each from Sudan, India and Afghanistan, and one each from Sri Lanka, Eritrea and the Philippines. Saudi Arabia in 2022 ended a three-year moratorium on the ********** of ***** offenders, and executions for *****-related ******* have boosted this year’s numbers. There have been 92 such executions so far this year, 69 of them of foreigners, according to the AFP tally. Diplomats and activists say that foreign defendants usually face a higher barrier to fair trials, including the right to access court documents. Foreigners “are the most vulnerable group”, said Hajji of the ESOHR. Not only are they often “victims of major ***** dealers” but also “subjected to a series of violations from the moment of their arrest until their **********,” he said. Saudi Arabia is notorious for beheading those convicted of capital *******, although official statements tend not to mention the method of **********. The high number of executions undercuts statements by Saudi Arabia’s de facto ruler, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, who told The Atlantic in 2022 that the kingdom had eliminated the ****** penalty with the exception of ******* cases or when an individual posed a threat to many lives. Jeed Basyouni, who heads Middle East anti-****** penalty advocacy for the NGO Reprieve, said persistent ***** arrests were “perpetuating the cycle of *********”. The overall number of executions was on track to exceed 300 for the year, she noted. “This is an unprecedented ********** crisis in Saudi Arabia,” said Basyouni. “Families of foreign nationals on ****** row are understandably terrified that their loved one will be next.” bur/ami Source link #Saudi #executes #foreigners #AFP #tally Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Foreign student cap at risk as coalition blocks bill Foreign student cap at risk as coalition blocks bill A federal government push to reduce international student numbers is in jeopardy, weeks before it is due to come into effect. The coalition will oppose a bid to rein in migration, claiming the foreign student cap “will not even touch the sides of this problem”. Legislation before parliament aims to cap at 270,000 places the annual intake of international students from 2025, less than half this year’s 445,000 commencements. “We cannot support measures which will only serve to compound this crisis,” senior opposition members Sarah Henderson, James Paterson and Dan Tehan said in a ****** statement on Monday. Coalition politicians, including Opposition Leader Peter Dutton, previously expressed support for student caps. The change of mind prompted a stern response from Education Minister Jason Clare who said the coalition could not be trusted on the issue. “Peter Dutton might pretend to be a tough guy on immigration, but the truth is he’s a ******,” he told reporters in Canberra. “You can’t talk tough on immigration and then go soft on this.” The legislation will replace an immigration rule, known as ministerial direction 107, that has been blamed for an increase in visa refusals at a number of universities because it prioritised visa processing at institutions where international students were more likely to graduate. The post-pandemic influx of overseas students has been blamed for Australia’s housing crisis, a claim dismissed by the property sector. Universities say the government is waging a war on a sector worth almost $37 billion to the *********** economy. “This is not only a sledgehammer to our sector, but it’s economically reckless,” Universities Australia chief executive officer Luke Sheehy told reporters in Canberra. “(Universities) will continue to be in a state of pain that they have been for many many months, and a state of anguish because of the funding uncertainty and the policy chaos.” The Greens also oppose the government’s legislation, meaning it won’t clear the Senate unless an agreement is reached with either the coalition, or the minor party and crossbench. “This flawed policy will hopefully never see the light of day,” Greens senator Mehreen Faruqi said. Source link #Foreign #student #cap #risk #coalition #blocks #bill Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Superloop has dropped unrivalled ****** Friday NBN deals – including NBN 1000 internet for just AU$89p/m Superloop has dropped unrivalled ****** Friday NBN deals – including NBN 1000 internet for just AU$89p/m Superloop seems to be taking ****** Friday seriously by announcing some incredible NBN deals on its high-speed plans, with 12 month discounts across the board and up to AU$264 in savings to be scooped up. Even if you weren’t considering switching your NBN plan, these ****** Friday NBN deals are arguably too good to ignore. From today (Monday, 18 November) until 8 December, Superloop is offering a AU$20 per month discount on its NBN 100, NBN 250 and NBN 1000 plans, and an extra generous AU$22 per month discount on its NBN 100/40 plan, for those who require faster upload speeds to accommodate large file uploads or multiple video calls from home. All discounts will remain active for the first 12 months of your service – very generous compared to the more common six-month introductory discounts many providers offer. To get the discounts, just make to enter the code ******-FRIDAY at the checkout. The standout pick for us has to be the NBN 1000 plan, which has not only received a typical evening speed bump, going from 811Mbps to 860Mbps*, but it’s also had its price slashed to just AU$89 per month for 12 months. This discount comfortably makes it the cheapest NBN 1000 plan in Australia right now. Read on for a more detailed look at Superloop’s ****** Friday NBN deals. All plans work on a no lock-in contract basis and come with unlimited data. We’ve also noted the typical evening speed (TES) figure – the speed you can expect in the busier evening hours – for each plan. Superloop is a TechRadar preferred partner (What does this mean?) When you order a Superloop NBN plan for ****** Friday, the telco will send you an eero 6+ modem-router to help ensure you achieve the maximum possible speeds of your chosen plan. If you remain connected for 24 months, you’ll get it for free. If you want to jump on one of these plans, not only do you need to enter the code ******-FRIDAY at checkout, but you’ve also got to be quick, as Superloop’s ****** Friday NBN deals are only available until 8 December, 2024. * Superloop’s website hasn’t been updated with this increase at the time of publication, but we’ve been assured that the 860Mbps figure is accurate and that the site will be updated shortly to reflect the new speed. Source link #Superloop #dropped #unrivalled #****** #Friday #NBN #deals #including #NBN #internet #AU89pm Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

7 Reasons I Wish I Used a Financial Advisor To Plan For Retirement 7 Reasons I Wish I Used a Financial Advisor To Plan For Retirement FG Trade / Getty Images Retirement planning isn’t for the faint of heart, especially when you’re going it alone. Just ask Wes B., a retired boomer who’s learned some tough lessons about managing money in his golden years. Be Aware: Cutting Expenses for Retirement? Here’s the No. 1 Thing To Get Rid Of First For You: 5 Subtly Genius Moves All Wealthy People Make With Their Money GOBankingRates talked with Wes about his retirement journey and why he now wishes he’d gotten some pro financial advice. Here are seven reasons he thinks a financial advisor could have made all the difference. Trending Now: Suze Orman’s Secret to a Wealthy Retirement–Have You Made This Money Move? Turns out, retirement can last a lot longer than you might think. Wes is finding this out firsthand. “I’m still so active at 73,” he said. “I’m kayaking and hiking and camping. I thought I’d be slowing down but I’m nowhere near it.” A financial advisor could have helped Wes plan for a longer retirement, making sure his money grows with him – now and into the future. Find Out: The Best Retirement Towns for the Middle Class in 2024 Wes found out the hard way that healthcare in retirement isn’t exactly free. “I thought Medicare would cover everything,” he shared. “Well, it doesn’t! That was a rude awakening.” If Wes had consulted with a financial advisor, he would’ve put more money aside for unexpected health-related expenses. “My back surgery would’ve been less of a sticker shock if I had more money in my healthcare savings account!” Surprise! Taxes don’t disappear when you retire. Wes wasn’t ready for the hit to his income. “I didn’t realize exactly how much of my retirement income would go to taxes,” he said. “There were probably strategies I could have used to keep more of my money, but hey, hindsight is 20/20. I only hope I can help people now.” A financial advisor could have helped Wes navigate the tricky world of retirement taxes, potentially saving him a bundle. Wes thought he was playing it safe by sticking to what he knew. Unfortunately, that wasn’t the best move for growing his nest egg. “I kept most of my money in my company’s stock and a few other familiar investments,” he explained. “Now I know that putting all your eggs in one basket isn’t the smartest move.” An advisor could have recommended other investments to help Wes diversify his portfolio and figure out the correct balance between riskier and more ************* assets for his retirement goals. Story Continues When to start taking Social Security benefits is a big decision, and Wes isn’t sure he made the right call. “I started taking benefits as soon as I could at 62,” he admitted. “I realize I might have been better off waiting for a ******* monthly check.” If Wes had talked to a financial advisor, they could have probably crunched the numbers and helped him make a better decision about when to start collecting Social Security. Sure, Wes knew prices would go up over time. But he didn’t really get how much inflation would eat into his purchasing power in retirement. “The cost of everything seems to have doubled since I retired,” he said. “My fixed income doesn’t stretch as far as it used to.” A good financial advisor could have factored inflation into Wes’s retirement plan – making sure he stayed solvent well into his golden years. The investing world has changed a lot since Wes started saving for retirement, and there are a lot of new opportunities he didn’t know about – he wonders if a financial advisor could’ve helped with that. “I just didn’t stay on top of that stuff,” he shared. “And I wonder if my portfolio would look different if I did.” More From GOBankingRates This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: I’m a Retired Boomer: 7 Reasons I Wish I Used a Financial Advisor To Plan For Retirement Source link #Reasons #Financial #Advisor #Plan #Retirement Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

McSweeney gets vital WA hit-out against Starc, Cummins McSweeney gets vital WA hit-out against Starc, Cummins Australia’s Test team has trained at the WACA Ground in Perth ahead of the five-match series against India, starting at Optus Stadium. Source link #McSweeney #vital #hitout #Starc #Cummins Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Super typhoon Man-Yi batters the Philippines Super typhoon Man-Yi batters the Philippines STORY: :: Super typhoon Man-Yi lashes northern parts of the Philippines :: Quezon PDRRMO :: Jomalig, Philippines :: November 17, 2024 :: Office of the Municipal Mayor of Jomalig :: Baler, Philippines :: Coast Guard Station Aurora On Saturday night, it packed winds of 185 kph (115 mph), weakening slightly after hitting land in the town of Panganiban in Catanduanes province to arrive over the coastal waters of Camarines Norte province by 8 a.m., weather officials said. It is the sixth tropical cyclone to hit the Philippines in a month, Man-Yi is hurtling towards the southern and central areas of Luzon. On average, about 20 tropical storms strike the Philippines each year, bringing heavy rain, strong winds and deadly landslides. Source link #Super #typhoon #ManYi #batters #Philippines Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Market watch: Terrell May granted official release by the Roosters, expected to sign with the Tigers Market watch: Terrell May granted official release by the Roosters, expected to sign with the Tigers The Wests Tigers are in the box seat to sign Samoan star Terrell May on a three-year deal after the hard-working middle forward was given permission by the Roosters to sort out his long-term future with a new club. May played all 27 games for the Roosters last season and finished the year with the most offloads out of all the props in the NRL, with several clubs fighting for his signature over the past few days. It looks like the Tigers have beaten out the Dragons for his services, with May to join the likes of Jarome Luai, Sunia Turuva and Jack Bird at the club next season. It’s a crucial get for Benji Marshall who is assembling a squad to ensure the Tigers don’t make it four wooden spoons in a row. The Tigers also needed a leader in the middle after Stefano Utoikamanu signed with the Storm, with the club unsuccessful in their bid to sign Kobe Hetherington and Corey Horsburgh. May played three seasons for the Roosters and emerged as one of the best bench props in the game which saw him named the inaugural impact player of the year in the Rugby League Players Association Dream Team. It’s understood May has verbally agreed to join the Tigers on a three-year deal. Source link #Market #watch #Terrell #granted #official #release #Roosters #expected #sign #Tigers Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

This Is the Main Reason I Buy Android Tablets Over an iPad This Is the Main Reason I Buy Android Tablets Over an iPad An iPad today is a thinner, more powerful version of the iPad of 10 years ago. In the Android world, you have the fun novelty of “what will they think of next?” That, more than any other reason, is why I continue buying them instead of iPads. Let’s take a moment to appreciate the diversity among Android tablets out there. Tablets That Fold Into Phones Joe Fedewa / How-To Geek Let’s start with my personal favorite. I’m writing this on a Galaxy Z Fold 5. I love this device more than any consumer electronic gadget in recent memory. As a phone, it’s shorter and more narrow than most modern slab phones. Yet once open, it has a screen larger than my old Nexus 7. Thanks to Samsung’s myriad multitasking features, I am surprised just how much computing I can do just from this screen. How much, exactly? All of it. I replaced my PC with a folding phone. When I need a larger display, I connect my phone to a lapdock or an external monitor and use the Samsung DeX desktop interface. My foldable pocket tablet is a true 3-in-1 device that you can’t replicate with an iPhone or an iPad. If you don’t have a need for DeX, and you aren’t as in love with a stylus as I am, then you can go for a larger book-style foldable like the OnePlus Open or the Google Pixel Pro Fold. As Micah Woods emphasized in his Galaxy Z Fold 6 unboxing video, unlike the small tablets of yesteryear, these book-style foldable phones are true phablets. Tablets With E-Ink Screens Tyler Hayes / How-To Geek E-ink screens feel to me a bit like magic. How does something that looks like paper behave like a screen? It’s not a vibe that works for everyone, but I’m among the handful of people who love the ideal of an e-ink laptop or desktop monitor that allows me to do my computing without blasting light into my eyes. E-ink laptops aren’t yet a thing, and e-ink monitors are painfully expensive. Thankfully, e-ink has expanded past the limited world of eReaders and even single-purpose note-taking devices like the ReMarkable tablet. You can now get a fully functional Android tablet with Play Store access from companies like Boox. I’ve owned both the monochrome and ****** versions of the Boox Tab Ultra. Boox markets these tablets as “ePaper tablet PCs,” and that’s how I used them. I wrote articles, communicated with colleagues, uploaded photos, and managed my personal finances from these devices (which I used in conjunction with a Light Phone 2). When I was done with work, I read ebooks and comics. There isn’t enough demand for an e-ink display on a tablet for Apple to stick one on an iPad, but in the Android world, where there’s a will, there’s a way. Tablets That Are Way Too Big (or Small) Justin Duino / How-To Geek With iPads, Apple alone dictates the available sizes. If you want something big, you can go up to 12.9 inches by getting an iPad Pro. Want something small? You can get down to 8.3 inches with an iPad Mini. If the iPad Pro seems unwieldy, on Android, you can go even *******. The Samsung Galaxy S10 Ultra has a whopping 14.6-inch display. When connected to an optional keyboard, it effectively becomes a laptop, and not a small one at that. Want to go smaller? At 6.13 inches, the Boox Palma is the size of a smartphone. Sergio Rodriguez / How-To Geek Since the Palma lacks cellular radios, that makes it a tablet, right? Sure, with an e-ink screen, Boox markets it as a tiny eReader, but with full Play Store access like Boox’s other devices, you can use this thing however you want. Tablets That Double As Gaming Handhelds Razer The Razer Edge is a rather unconventional approach to creating a gaming handheld. Unlike the Steam Deck or most Windows handheld PCs, the Edge is not a single unit. Rather, it’s a tablet not much larger than a Samsung Galaxy S Ultra that happens to come with a Razer Kishi V2 controller. In fact, if you already have a high-end phone, you can save yourself a bunch of money by buying just the controller and skipping the Edge. For that reason, the Edge wasn’t an easy recommendation at launch. Its price placed it right in line with gaming handhelds with more power and larger libraries. The thing is, the Edge isn’t particularly overpriced when you consider you’re getting a 144Hz 2400 x 1080 AMOLED display paired with a capable Snapdragon G3x Gen 1 chip. Now that you can grab one used or just at a reduced price, it’s an easier buy for anyone into Android gaming. You can hand it to a family member or use it as a way to avoid draining your phone’s battery with your gaming habit. Tablets That Function As Smart Home Hubs Justin Duino / How-To Geek The Google Pixel Tablet, as the name suggests, is the tablet wing of the Pixel line. Unlike Pixel phones, it isn’t high-end. It’s not exactly cheap either, at least not by Android tablet standards. It’s decidedly average. It’s fine. What makes the Pixel Tablet interesting isn’t the tablet itself but the charging dock that you can buy with it. This dock serves as a speaker that pumps out better audio than the tablet itself. It also props the tablet up at an angle that is great for casual viewing. It can serve as a fancy clock, weather station, or calendar. It can also serve as your smartphone hub. Treat it like a smart speaker with a screen, one that also doubles as a way to binge Netflix when you’re ready to chill. Is the iPad the best all-around tablet for the majority of people? Sure, probably. I won’t argue against that. Still, it’s hard for me to see the use of one in my life. Despite packing more power than a large proportion of PCs, the iPad’s software limits what you can do with it. Without a DeX-like feature, it’s hard to use an iPad as a PC. Like most tablets, it requires a bag to carry around. I can also get better gaming devices for the price. Is an Android tablet better? That’s not the question I’m interested in. Rather, I like that, every few years, another one comes along that does something that feels genuinely new. Source link #Main #Reason #Buy #Android #Tablets #iPad Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Harry Higgs could celebrate a ‘Party *****’ ace with a strip show at Royal Queensland Harry Higgs could celebrate a ‘Party *****’ ace with a strip show at Royal Queensland ********* showman Harry Higgs plans to have “fun” at the *********** PGA Championship this week, and hasn’t ruled out another strip show if he snares an ace at Royal Queensland’s “Party *****”. Higgs was fined in 2022 for whipping his shirt off at TPC Scottsdale’s famous par-three 16th-***** during the Phoenix Open after sinking a par for putt. A similar par effort at Royal Queensland’s par-three 17th ***** would not be enough for Higgs to repeat his strip, having promised not to remove his shirt again. However, should he produce a *****-in-one, particularly when it can secure fans at the ***** a share of $1 million on Saturday from 11am onwards, there is no telling what might happen. “A million-dollar *****-in-one, and then just a *****-in-one in general, I can’t say for sure that I would keep that promise that I would never ever do it (take off is shirt) again,” 32-year-old Higgs admitted on Monday. “It seems like they get plenty rowdy here. I’m very much looking forward to getting here on the tournament days and having a bit of fun with the folks. “No matter how many people are here, there’ll be enough that you’ll feel some nerves and you’ll want to perform in front of them. “That’s what we are … we’re entertainers and performers. “You want to perform on a ******* stage, with more people around and have a bit of fun with the folks.” Higgs’ determination to enjoy himself at Royal Queensland and next week at the *********** Open will be aided by him already having earned his PGA Tour card for next year after a strong season on the Korn Ferry Tour that included two wins. His most recent tournament was this month’s World Wide Technology Championship in Mexico, where he finished in a tie for 30th, 12 strokes behind winner Austin Eckroat. Camera IconHarry Higgs intends to have some ‘fun’ at Royal Queensland. John Gass Credit: News Corp Australia “Mexico was the first time in five years that I played a PGA Tour event where it really didn’t matter how I did,” the world No.163 said. :I still hit plenty of bad shots, but my reaction to them was just kind of a shrug and a smile, and I felt like that helped me continue to get better throughout that week. “That’s a good bit of learning, especially once I start up in January again, but to try to put it into practice here too. “It’s nice to travel to a different part of the world, play a little different golf and just see how you stack up and certainly play against still some phenomenal golfers. “There are good golfers everywhere in this world, and certainly plenty here.” Source link #Harry #Higgs #celebrate #Party #***** #ace #strip #show #Royal #Queensland Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

People Who Were ‘Constantly Excluded’ in Childhood Often Develop These 11 Traits as Adults, Psychologists Say People Who Were ‘Constantly Excluded’ in Childhood Often Develop These 11 Traits as Adults, Psychologists Say They say nothing is impossible. However, it’s virtually impossible to walk through life scoring invitations to every party and knowing the backstory of each inside joke. Everyone feels left out sometimes, even as adults. For instance, your nightly scroll through Instagram might reveal you didn’t get invited to (or informed about) a work happy hour or friends’ weekend getaway. While childhood is “supposed” to be carefree and innocent, kids, of course, can feel left out, too, like getting cold shoulders on the playground or not having anyone to sit with at lunch. Psychologists say these exclusions can have long-term effects if they’re the baseline rather than the exception for kids. “Childhood is the most significant time for our development, meaning what happens during these years can significantly impact us for the rest of our lives,” says Dr. Alexandra Stratyner, Ph.D., a psychologist in New York. “Being excluded as a child can cause feelings of loneliness, sadness, anger, self-doubt and anxiety. If these feelings are not addressed, they can linger into adulthood, which can hurt one’s mental health.” Dr. Stratyner adds that peer interactions teach children about social norms and relationships. Constant exclusion makes it hard to take those lessons. As a result, psychologists say people who were often excluded in childhood usually develop these 11 traits as adults. They also shared ways to move forward. Related: People Who Were Told They Were ‘Too Sensitive’ as Children Usually Develop These 14 Traits as Adults, Psychologists Say 11 Traits of People Who Were Constantly Excluded as Kids, According to Psychologists1. Social insecurity People who were almost always excluded as children can feel socially insecure for several reasons, says Dr. Brandy Smith, Ph.D., a licensed psychologist with Thriveworks. “The possible insecurity within situations could stem from reduced social interactions, so there is literally less data to pull from regarding how to interact with others,” Dr. Smith says. Other times, Dr. Smith says people may blame themselves for the exclusion, feeling something must have been wrong with them. Both can trigger anxiety about social interactions. 2. Perfectionism Exclusion can cause a child to feel overlooked. As a result, they may do what they can to get noticed as adults, which can manifest as perfectionist tendencies. “A person excluded as a child may strive for perfection or go above and beyond in situations where it’s unnecessary to try to prove their worth,” Dr. Stratyner says. “They may also do this to try to be seen.” 3. Creativity Kids may find healthy outlets to cope with exclusion. “Many of those excluded as a child turned to a creative outlet such as writing, art or music,” Dr. Stratyner says. “This gave them a way to express themselves.” Creativity can help adults view situations through multiple angles in brainstorming sessions and become expert problem-solvers. 4. Loyalty Children often left out quickly learn the importance of connection, albeit the hard way. “Someone excluded as a child may be extremely loyal to those they care about,” Dr. Stratyner says. “This is because they value the relationship greatly and would go to great lengths to protect it.” Related: People Who Moved at Least Once During Childhood Usually Develop These 10 Traits as Adults, Psychologists Say 5. Empathy People who spent much of their childhood missing the cut for sports teams and birthday party invite lists may become empaths. “Some may have strong empathy for others, relating to the feelings of others who have also been isolated,” Dr. Stratyner says. 6. Low self-esteem Internalized rejection can trigger low self-esteem, especially if it is not resolved. “Low self-esteem…often leads individuals to question their worth and grapple with self-doubt,” says Dr. Joel Frank, Psy.D., a licensed psychologist with Duality Psychological Services. “For instance, if someone was excluded as a child, they may hesitate to share their ideas at work, fearing they won’t be valued.” 7. Overanalyzing Having a rough go at social interactions during a critical development phase can be the start of a toxic internal monologue narrated by a Monday morning quarterback. “Individuals may notice a heightened sense of vigilance, constantly watching for signs of rejection,” Dr. Frank says. “It leads them to overanalyze conversations and body language, interpreting innocent gestures as threats.” 8. People-pleasing People may change their stripes to blend in with the crowd to establish connections. Dr. Smith says that people may think that becoming agreeable “enough” can increase their odds of being included. “The downside with this is that it’s difficult to form a sense of self when constantly playing chameleon,” Dr. Smith says. Related: Individuals Who Grew Up as ‘People-Pleasers’ Usually Develop These 12 Traits as Adults, Psychologists Say 9. High external validation needs After a childhood of not receiving positive feedback from peers, it’s natural that someone would crave it as a grown-up. “Sometimes, as an ******, this individual may look to how often they are being invited to things for a sense of validation,” Dr. Smith says. Dr. Smith explains that someone may base their worth on the number of invitations they receive (and feel like something is wrong with them if they don’t get invited to something). 10. Potential to isolate There’s nothing wrong with independence, and solo time is life-giving. However, consistently excluding yourself has harm, Dr. Smith says. Still, it’s understandable that someone often excluded in childhood would veer in this direction. “Sometimes, when a person is often excluded, they will focus on self and create their own world, whether that be an imaginative world they connect with or becoming overly independent and not wanting much, if anything, to do with others,” Dr. Smith says. 11. Highly structured Dr. Frank says people who lacked connection as kids may ******* highly structured settings as adults. “Many find comfort in structured environments with clear rules and roles, providing a sense of security and minimizing the unpredictability that can lead to exclusion,” Dr. Frank says. “In workplaces with defined hierarchies, individuals may feel more at ease, understanding exactly what is expected of them.” Related: 22 Surprising Phrases That Make You ‘Instantly Unlikable,’ Psychologists Warn How To Heal From Childhood Exclusion1. Reflect While it can be uncomfortable, Dr. Smith suggests trying to get to the root of the reason for exclusion. These reasons can involve: The impact of interpersonal approaches, like verbal aggression Others’ biases, such as that a child’s whole family doesn’t “fit in” with the rest of the neighborhood Miscellaneous reasons, such as not having much in common with a specific group (Dr. Smith says these reasons usually aren’t personal but rather a part of life) 2. Let it go This one can feel challenging, but you deserve to move forward without carrying the weight of your childhood. “Our past experiences impact us, but they do not define us,” Dr. Smith says. “It is crucial to let go of anything from the past that is not serving us.” Notably, Dr. Smith says letting go doesn’t mean forgetting or lying to yourself. “Rather, it is about acknowledging that past experiences do not control us,” Dr. Smith says. “We…are not ******** to what happened in our childhood.” 3. Make friends It can be healing. “If you were excluded as a child, having a few good friends you can rely on as an ****** is essential,” Dr. Stratyner says. “Try to build a friend group who all like to go out together and do things. Going out in a group and socializing can help heal your inner child and make you feel included.” 4. Talk to a professional Working through deep-seated issues developed in childhood can take time, and you may benefit from professional support from a therapist. “Getting things off of your chest can help you feel better, and a therapist can offer great advice on how to heal from this type of trauma,” Dr. Stratyner says. Up Next: Related: 11 Signs You Might Be ‘Socially Inept,’ Psychologists Say Sources Dr. Alexandra Stratyner, Ph.D., a psychologist in New York Dr. Brandy Smith, Ph.D.,, a licensed psychologist with Thriveworks Dr. Joel Frank, Psy.D., a licensed psychologist with Duality Psychological Services Source link #People #Constantly #Excluded #Childhood #Develop #Traits #Adults #Psychologists Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Elders confirms $475m buyout of rival farm inputs business Delta Ag Elders confirms $475m buyout of rival farm inputs business Delta Ag Agribusiness juggernaut Elders will buy out rival Delta Ag for $475 million in a move that will see the group acquire a network of 68 farm inputs outlets nationwide. Delta operates throughout WA, Victoria, New South Wales and South Australia, selling fertilisers, seeds, animal health products, fuel, and technical advisory services to farmers via about 40 independent wholesale customers Elders confirmed the purchase on Monday, with chief executive Mark Allison saying it would provide the group greater exposure to key local retail markets. “Delta provides us with … a market-leading agronomy and farm advisory team to complement and extend our products and services range for rural and regional customers,” he said. “It will also enhance Elders’ existing technical service network and its offering in ag tech and precision agriculture, through Delta’s farm advisory business and respected network of specialists.” Delta’s leadership team, staff and operations will remain unchanged, according to Elders, despite some towns — including Gunnedah in NSW — having both Elders and Delta outlets. Established in 2006, Delta also includes an in-house agricultural chemicals and animal health private label brand. “Elders has a proven track record of synergy generation through backward integration and anticipates the acquisition will create meaningful value for Elders shareholders,” Mr Allison said. Delta managing director and co-founder Gerard Hines said there was “strong cultural alignment” between the two businesses. “Our management team will remain unchanged and we are excited to be able to continue to provide our customers with innovative and value adding business solutions with the added support of Elders,” he said. The acquisition will now need to be cleared by the *********** Competition and Consumer Commission but is expected to be completed within the first half of next year. Elders went into a trading halt on Monday for a $246m capital raising to help pay for the acquisition. Confirmation of the acquisition comes on the same day Elders — which was established in 1839 and is one of Australia’s oldest companies — reported a 55 per cent fall in net profit after tax to $45.1m for the 12 months to September 30. Source link #Elders #confirms #475m #buyout #rival #farm #inputs #business #Delta Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Arrest made in $35,000 retail theft operation in Northern California Arrest made in $35,000 retail theft operation in Northern California (FOX40.COM) — A man accused of stealing over $35,000 worth of merchandise from several stores and reselling it was arrested, according to the Citrus Heights Police Department. On Friday, CHPD arrested a 29-year-old Sacramento man after a “detailed investigation.” The man is allegedly behind numerous grand thefts across Sacramento County. Police said he targeted local retail stores and obtained a search warrant for his residence. Major Central California ***** bust linked to Sinaloa cartel During the search, CHPD said it found over $10K in stolen clothing from a retailer. The man was arrested for alleged organized retail theft and robbery. He was booked into the Sacramento County Main Jail. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX40. Source link #Arrest #retail #theft #operation #Northern #California Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Same-**** marriage in Thailand expected to bring increase in tourists Same-**** marriage in Thailand expected to bring increase in tourists Thailand’s same-**** marriage legislation, scheduled to come into effect in January 2025, could attract an additional 4 million tourists to the country per year, according to a report commissioned by the travel company Agoda. The report published Thursday estimates the country’s marriage equality law may increase tourism arrivals by 10%, netting the country an extra $2 billion in tourism revenue per year, within two years. Arrivals are expected to come, not only from same-**** couples and their wedding guests, but from the broader LGBTQ community and beyond. “Thailand is set to attract a growing number of travellers and expatriate workers who seek not just a vacation spot but a place where they can feel truly accepted,” according to the report, titled “The Economic Impact of Marriage Equality on Thailand’s Tourism Industry.” Thailand’s new legislation — scheduled to go into effect on Jan. 22, 2025 — is projected to add 76,000 full-time jobs to its tourism industry, while raising the country’s ****** domestic product by .3%, according to the report from the public policy consultancy Access Partnership. The new law will make Thailand the third place in Asia to allow same-same marriage, following Taiwan in 2019 and, on a more limited basis, Nepal in 2023. The law is also set to grant same-**** couples rights related to child adoption, health care and inheritance. Calculating the impact To calculate the potential economic impact of Thailand’s new legislation, the report examined the effect of same-**** marriage legislation in other countries. “Other markets, such as New Zealand and the ******* States, saw notable increases in same-**** weddings following introduction of marriage equality legislation,” Timothy Hughes, Agoda’s vice president of corporate development, told CNBC Travel. New Zealand legalized same-**** marriage in 2013. By 2016, the majority of same-**** weddings in the country were for visitors, the report said. Australians made up more than half (58%) of same-**** weddings in New Zealand from 2013 to 2017, according to the report citing Statistics New Zealand. This figure fell to 26% in 2017, after Australia passed its own same-**** marriage law, it said. Within 5 hours flying of Thailand are more than 3.6 billion people in markets that do not have marriage equality. Timothy Hughes Vice President of Corporate Development at Agoda Agoda’s report also analyzed other factors that influence international tourists, including the attractiveness of a destination, the affordability of travel, the ease of entrance, and the perceived level of acceptance of LGBTQIA+ issues. Assessing tourism impact of same-**** legislation in Thailand 1. Attractiveness: appeal as a travel destination 2. Accessibility: ease of entering via visa-free deals 3. Affordability: cost to travel in relation to other countries 4. Availability of substitutes: proximity of other viable destinations Finally, the report also considered the availability of viable alternative destinations for LGBTQIA+ or travelers in the region. “Within 5 hours flying of Thailand are more than 3.6 billion people in markets that do not have marriage equality,” said Hughes. He highlighted the economic opportunity from Indian travelers, predicting Thailand will become a top destination “for Indian LGBTQIA+ couples and those ready to celebrate with them.” A ‘unique strategic opportunity’ The planning, for some, has already begun. Ann Chumaporn, a Thai rights activist and co-founder of Bangkok Pride, said her organization is arranging a mass wedding event for same-**** couples on Jan. 23, 2025 — the first day that marriage registrations can be filed, she said. “We have over 300 couples registered, and our goal is to reach 1,000 couples nationwide,” she told CNBC Travel. “We already have international couples registered.” The Thai government also has its sights set on hosting WorldPride, a global pride event that netted New South Wales $185.6 million *********** dollars ($120 million) when Sydney hosted in 2023, according to Agoda’s report. Evidence from other markets shows couples do travel to get married abroad, even if the marriage isn’t legally recognized in their home countries, said Agoda’s Timothy Hughes. Ezra Acayan | Getty Images News | Getty Images Rainbow tourism, as it is known, is valued at $200 billion worldwide, according to the report. In an era of fierce competition for tourists — especially whose who splurge on weddings and related celebrations — Thailand has a “unique strategic opportunity,” said Marcus Ng, director of Access Partnership. “While we cannot predict what other markets might do, what this report demonstrates is that there is a clear economic benefit to inclusivity for both the tourism sector and the wider economy.” Source link #Samesex #marriage #Thailand #expected #bring #increase #tourists Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Border-Gavaskar Trophy: Australia ***** back as Test team hit WACA for first training session Border-Gavaskar Trophy: Australia ***** back as Test team hit WACA for first training session Australia’s Test cricket stars have jubilantly reunited in Perth ahead of their blockbuster series against India. After touching down in Perth late on Sunday, the *********** squad took their first steps on the WACA ground, where they had a practice session on Monday morning. It’s the first time the squad has been together since February’s tour of New Zealand, and the joy in the air was palpable. There were plenty of jokes being cracked as the first team members started a light warm-up with Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc and Nathan Lyon, who arrived ahead of the main squad last week, settling in. Travis Head gave the whole team a laugh as he entered the playing field for their welcome-back meeting wearing his batting helmet, only to hand it to Test debutant Nathan McSweeney to signal he now had short-leg/bat-pad duties. While Starc and Usman Khawaja caught up, Smith threw peace signs as he and Marnus Labuschagne soaked in the early morning sun during a warm-up lap. Labuschagne was one of the first to welcome McSweeney as the squad broke up into groups for fielding practice, with McSweeney joining the slips corden in his first session with the team. Camera IconSteve Smith. Credit: Ian Munro/The West AustralianCamera IconMitch Marsh and Usman Khawaja. Credit: Ian Munro/The West *********** Khawaja, Smith, McSweeney, Labuschagne and keeper Alex Carey shared plenty of back slaps and banter as they did their best to capture the ****** slapped their way by national coach Andrew McDonald. Josh Hazlewood, Mitchell Starc and Pat Cummins eased into things through boundary fielding before warming up to bowl on the fresh centre wicket. Smith and Khawaja were given the first taste of the big three and Lyon before McSweeney joined the pair. ****** and bails alike were flying as Khawaja left his second ball from Starc, which sent his bails arcing into the sky. However, he wasn’t so kind to Lyon, planting the off-spinner onto the roof of the western stand before hitting his next ball 10 rows back. Camera IconSteve Smith. Credit: Ian Munro/The West AustralianCamera IconNathan Lyon. Credit: Ian Munro/The West *********** After a cautious start, Smith also joined the six-hitting shinanigans and even took the ******* to Starc. But the big left-armer had the last laugh, drawing a big inside edge that would have found the keeper had there been one. McSweeney finished with a four off Starc after a near-hour-long session. Source link #BorderGavaskar #Trophy #Australia #***** #Test #team #hit #WACA #training #session Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Same-**** marriage in Thailand expected to bring increase in tourists Same-**** marriage in Thailand expected to bring increase in tourists Thailand’s same-**** marriage legislation, scheduled to come into effect in January 2025, could attract an additional 4 million tourists to the country per year, according to a report commissioned by the travel company Agoda. The report published Thursday estimates the country’s marriage equality law may increase tourism arrivals by 10%, netting the country an extra $2 billion in tourism revenue per year, within two years. Arrivals are expected to come, not only from same-**** couples and their wedding guests, but from the broader LGBTQ community and beyond. “Thailand is set to attract a growing number of travellers and expatriate workers who seek not just a vacation spot but a place where they can feel truly accepted,” according to the report, titled “The Economic Impact of Marriage Equality on Thailand’s Tourism Industry.” Thailand’s new legislation — scheduled to go into effect on Jan. 22, 2025 — is projected to add 76,000 full-time jobs to its tourism industry, while raising the country’s ****** domestic product by .3%, according to the report from the public policy consultancy Access Partnership. The new law will make Thailand the third place in Asia to allow same-same marriage, following Taiwan in 2019 and, on a more limited basis, Nepal in 2023. The law is also set to grant same-**** couples rights related to child adoption, health care and inheritance. Calculating the impact To calculate the potential economic impact of Thailand’s new legislation, the report examined the effect of same-**** marriage legislation in other countries. “Other markets, such as New Zealand and the ******* States, saw notable increases in same-**** weddings following introduction of marriage equality legislation,” Timothy Hughes, Agoda’s vice president of corporate development, told CNBC Travel. New Zealand legalized same-**** marriage in 2013. By 2016, the majority of same-**** weddings in the country were for visitors, the report said. Australians made up more than half (58%) of same-**** weddings in New Zealand from 2013 to 2017, according to the report citing Statistics New Zealand. This figure fell to 26% in 2017, after Australia passed its own same-**** marriage law, it said. Within 5 hours flying of Thailand are more than 3.6 billion people in markets that do not have marriage equality. Timothy Hughes Vice President of Corporate Development at Agoda Agoda’s report also analyzed other factors that influence international tourists, including the attractiveness of a destination, the affordability of travel, the ease of entrance, and the perceived level of acceptance of LGBTQIA+ issues. Assessing tourism impact of same-**** legislation in Thailand 1. Attractiveness: appeal as a travel destination 2. Accessibility: ease of entering via visa-free deals 3. Affordability: cost to travel in relation to other countries 4. Availability of substitutes: proximity of other viable destinations Finally, the report also considered the availability of viable alternative destinations for LGBTQIA+ or travelers in the region. “Within 5 hours flying of Thailand are more than 3.6 billion people in markets that do not have marriage equality,” said Hughes. He highlighted the economic opportunity from Indian travelers, predicting Thailand will become a top destination “for Indian LGBTQIA+ couples and those ready to celebrate with them.” A ‘unique strategic opportunity’ The planning, for some, has already begun. Ann Chumaporn, a Thai rights activist and co-founder of Bangkok Pride, said her organization is arranging a mass wedding event for same-**** couples on Jan. 23, 2025 — the first day that marriage registrations can be filed, she said. “We have over 300 couples registered, and our goal is to reach 1,000 couples nationwide,” she told CNBC Travel. “We already have international couples registered.” The Thai government also has its sights set on hosting WorldPride, a global pride event that netted New South Wales $185.6 million *********** dollars ($120 million) when Sydney hosted in 2023, according to Agoda’s report. Evidence from other markets shows couples do travel to get married abroad, even if the marriage isn’t legally recognized in their home countries, said Agoda’s Timothy Hughes. Ezra Acayan | Getty Images News | Getty Images Rainbow tourism, as it is known, is valued at $200 billion worldwide, according to the report. In an era of fierce competition for tourists — especially whose who splurge on weddings and related celebrations — Thailand has a “unique strategic opportunity,” said Marcus Ng, director of Access Partnership. “While we cannot predict what other markets might do, what this report demonstrates is that there is a clear economic benefit to inclusivity for both the tourism sector and the wider economy.” Source link #Samesex #marriage #Thailand #expected #bring #increase #tourists Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]