Pelican Press

Zelenskyy set for European summit in London after Trump showdown – ABC News Zelenskyy set for European summit in London after Trump showdown – ABC News Zelenskyy set for European summit in London after Trump showdown ABC NewsUK’s Starmer says he’s sure Trump wants a lasting peace in Ukraine ReutersWhite House row with Ukraine raises stakes for European summit in London The Associated PressZelenskyy meets with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer in London following Trump Oval Office clash Fox NewsReeves loans £2bn in frozen Russian assets to fund weapons in Ukraine The Independent Source link #Zelenskyy #set #European #summit #London #Trump #showdown #ABC #News Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

KCD II Hardcore Mode Adds 10 Brutal Perks, Including “Punchable Face” KCD II Hardcore Mode Adds 10 Brutal Perks, Including “Punchable Face” Kingdom Come: Deliverance II will feature a hardcore mode with up to ten negative perks that add extra challenges. These include reduced XP gain, faster hunger, louder footsteps, and even random sleepwalking. Players seeking a brutal experience can enable multiple perks, making survival significantly tougher. Source link #KCD #Hardcore #Mode #Adds #Brutal #Perks #Including #Punchable #Face Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Samsung Galaxy A56 5G, Galaxy A36 5G and Galaxy A26 5G With 6.7-Inch AMOLED Displays, 5,000mAh Batteries Launched Samsung Galaxy A56 5G, Galaxy A36 5G and Galaxy A26 5G With 6.7-Inch AMOLED Displays, 5,000mAh Batteries Launched Samsung Galaxy A56 5G, Galaxy A36 5G and Galaxy A26 5G were launched on Sunday, ahead of the Mobile World Congress (MWC 2025). The new Galaxy A series of smartphones are equipped with 6.7-inch Super AMOLED screens, with up to 120Hz refresh rate. All three models are available in 128GB and 256GB storage configurations. The Galaxy A56 5G, Galaxy A36 5G, and Galaxy A26 5G run on Android 15, with Samsung’s redesigned One UI 7 interface, and are slated to receive six years of OS and security updates. Samsung Galaxy A56 5G, Galaxy A36 5G and Galaxy A26 5G Price and Availability Samsung Galaxy A56 5G pricing starts at EUR 479 (roughly Rs. 43,500) for the base model with 8GB of RAM and 128GB of storage, while the handset is also available in a 256GB storage variant that is priced at EUR 529 (roughly Rs. 48,000). It is sold in Awesome Graphite, Awesome Lightgray, Awesome Olive and Awesome Pink colour options. The price of the Samsung Galaxy A36 5G is set at EUR 379 and EUR 399 (roughly Rs. 36,200) for the base model with 128GB of storage, while the 256GB variant is priced at EUR 449 (roughly Rs. 40,800). The company will offer this model in Awesome ******, Awesome Lavender, Awesome Lime and Awesome White colourways. Priced at EUR 299 (roughly Rs. 27,100) for the 128GB model, the Samsung Galaxy A26 5G is the most affordable of the three models launched by the company on Sunday. It is also sold in a 256GB variant that costs EUR 369 (roughly Rs. 33,500). The Galaxy A26 5G is available in ******, Mint, Peach Pink and White shades. Samsung Galaxy A56 5G, Galaxy A36 5G and Galaxy A26 5G Specifications All of Samsung’s latest Galaxy A series smartphones run on Android 15-based One UI 7 and are slated to get six years of OS and security updates. The Samsung Galaxy A56 5G, Galaxy A36 5G, and Galaxy A26 5G sport a 6.7-inch Full-HD+ Super AMOLED screen with a 120Hz refresh rate. The Samsung Galaxy A56 5G is powered by an Exynos 1580 chip, while the cheaper Galaxy A26 5G has an Exynos 1380 SoC. The Galaxy A36 5G features a Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 chip. All three handsets are equipped with up to 256GB of built-in storage. Samsung has also touted new Galaxy AI features on the phones, such as Auto Trim, Best Face, AI Select, and Read Aloud. There’s a 50-megapixel primary camera on all three models, with optical image stabilisation and an f/1.8 aperture. The Samsung Galaxy A56 5G, Galaxy A36 5G feature a 12-megapixel and 8-megapixel ultrawide camera, respectively, along with a 5 megapixel macro camera. The Galaxy A26 5G has an 8-megapixel ultrawide camera, along with a 2-megapixel macro camera. Both the Samsung Galaxy A56 5G and Galaxy A36 5G are equipped with a 12-megapixel selfie camera, housed in a hole punch display cutout. The Galaxy A26 5G features a 13-megapixel camera on the front, housed in a waterdrop-style display notch. Connectivity options on all three models include 5G, 4G LTE, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.3, GPS, NFC, and a USB Type-C port. Samsung has equipped the Galaxy A56 5G, Galaxy A36 5G and Galaxy A26 5G with a 5,000mAh battery. The Galaxy A56 5G and Galaxy A36 5G support 45W charging, while the Galaxy A26 can be charged at 25W. These handsets have an IP67 rating for dust and water resistance. 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 #Samsung #Galaxy #A56 #Galaxy #A36 #Galaxy #A26 #6.7Inch #AMOLED #Displays #5000mAh #Batteries #Launched Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Did the Ancient Greeks Celebrate Carnival? Did the Ancient Greeks Celebrate Carnival? Did ancient Greeks celebrate carnival? The answer is not as easy as you think Credit: GreekReporter archive As the vibrant parades of Carnival sweep across Greece, one question comes to many people’s minds: Did the ancient Greeks celebrate Carnival? From the samba-infused streets of Patras to the mask-adorned revelers in Rethymno, Naoussa, and Xanthi, one can’t help but wonder about the origins of this widespread celebration. Carnival has been a festival historically linked to the Christian calendar leading up to Lent. It is known for its colorful and vibrant parades, the elaborate costumes of its participants, and a spirit of limitless joy that dazzles millions of people. However, the question about the roots of Carnival celebrations remain. This question has captivated the minds of archaeologists and scholars throughout the centuries. Some historians and cultural enthusiasts speculate that the roots of Carnival stretch much further back than its link to the Christian calendar suggests. It is more than evident to many that with ancient ceremonies to honor deities, particularly those from ancient Greece, having such an important role in the societies of antiquity, Carnival can’t be anything but a continuation of these ancient traditions. So, did the ancient Greeks celebrate their own version of Carnival? And, if so, how, when, and more importantly, why? One can draw undeniable parallels between today’s festivities and the joyous rites dedicated to Dionysus; the popular god of wine, fertility, and ecstasy. Did the ancient Greeks have a carnival? Dionysus occupied a central role in ancient Greek culture. He embodied the essence of being alive and feeling ecstatic and transformed. The festivals dedicated to his honor, especially the Dionysia, were not simply celebrations. They were profound expressions of human creativity with deep spirituality and important social aspects around them. These celebrations paid homage to the God itself but also helped people feel—temporarily— free from the constraints of societal norms. This was a concept that deeply resonated with the love ancient Greeks had for freedom, something that is clearly an element of modern day carnival celebrations, too. Ancient floor mosaic displayed at the Archaeological Museum of Thessaloniki depicting the arrival of Dionysus to Naxos where he meets sleeping Ariadne. Credit: Greek Ministry of Culture and Sports The Dionysia were Greece’s festivals of ecstasy Among everything else, Dionysia stood out as quite an important part of ancient Greek religious and cultural life. This well-known festival was a loved celebration that included processions, dramatic contests, and the communal enjoyment of wine. These festivals showed no class divides either. Everyone was welcome to celebrate and honor the god. The theatrical competitions were at the heart of Dionysia, too. There, people experimented with drama, creating a breeding ground for literary and dramatic innovation. One could certainly argue that these festivities gave rise to the seminal works of Aeschylus, Sophocles, Euripides, and Aristophanes. These were works that defined the world of Greek plays forever. It was very common for these plays to explore themes of identity, power, and the divine. They offered a reflective mirror to the Greeks, who could project their own lives into the characters of the plays. The use of masks and costumes during the Dionysia was also an integral part of the Dionysian worship. By adopting new identities, participants were asked to forget their everyday selves and engage in a ritual that would blur the lines between that which was real and that which wasn’t. This was believed to allow them to connect deeply both with Dionysus himself and with each other. Evidently, the tradition of masking finds a direct parallel in the emphasis on disguise and performance of the modern carnival celebrations. Today, masks are used both to conceal the identities of the participants and liberate them from any inhibitions. This creates a temporary but important change of social roles, something that makes carnival so popular nowadays. A young Greek using an oinochoe (wine jug, in his right hand) to draw wine from a crater in order to fill a kylix (shallow cup, in his left hand). His nudity shows that he is serving as a cup-bearer in a symposium, or banquet. Credit: Cage Painter – Jastrow – Public Domain The Ritual of Wine Drinking During Antiquity Central to the Dionysian festivals was the abundant and ritualistic consumption of wine. This beloved drink was viewed not simply as a beverage but as a sacred way that led to ecstasy and enlightenment. Dionysus, often depicted himself with a cup of wine in hand, symbolized the intoxicating power of the vines. This sacred drink for the Greeks dissolved the barriers between one’s self and society. It connected his drinkers to the core of life, reminding them of the reasons why they had to worship Dionysus. This ritual consumption of alcohol fostered a sense of unity and connection between the participants, too, similar to the Carnival’s own tradition of feasting and enjoying life, as well. The liberal drinking of wine during the Dionysia also served as a reminder of the dual nature of Dionysus. He was both a bringer of joy and a creator of chaos. This duality reminded the Greeks of the delicate balance between the societal order and wildness of nature. One could certainly say that Carnival, too, showcases this balance: It provides for a ******* of excess joy and liberty that strengthens communal bonds and rejuvenates people overall. The carnival tradition in Naoussa, Greece is unique. Credit: Anastasiapanag/Wikimedia Commons/CC BY-SA 4.0 The Dionysian legacy in modern carnival The Dionysian festivals with their rich combination of art, ecstasy, and communal celebration offer us a great tool—that of recognizing the origins of modern Carnival. The parallels between ancient Greek rites dedicated to Dionysus and contemporary Carnival festivities suggest a deep-rooted lineage and connection. Spanning from the use of masks and costumes in order to hide one’s true self, to the emphasis on liberation from societal norms and structures, Carnival and Dionysia share a lot in common. This is especially true of the timeless human need for celebration that goes beyond cultures and religions. By examining the Dionysian festivities in ancient Greece, we can see the familiar and enduring human need for get-togethers that break the monotony of daily life. These organized fiestas allow people to express their joy, creativity, and delight. The legacy of Dionysus, as seen in the ancient Dionysia and as is reflected in the vibrant celebrations of modern Carnival, continues to inspire millions of people across the world. It is a world in which the transformative power of joy remains a crucial element for a healthy and functioning society. People celebrating the Carnival parade in the western Greek city of Patras. Credit: AMNA From Ancient Vineyards to Modern Streets From the vineyards of ancient Greece to the samba-filled streets of contemporary Patras, the gap might seem vast. However, the core of these two events remains the same. It is evident that there is a link between these celebrations that goes beyond time, religion, and geography. This is why the theory that Carnival finds its roots in Dionysian festivities is so compelling. It is supported by the mere fact that Carnival and Dionysia share a very similar pattern with a break from the daily routine of life, the blurring of social roles, and the communal joy found in music, dance, and, of course, alcohol. Of course, scholars remain divided on how directly Carnival traditions can be traced back to the Dionysian festivals, as there is no clear archaeological evidence that connects the two. Some point to the Roman Bacchanalia (the Roman version of Dionysian festivals) as a more immediate predecessor. However, the link between Dionysus and carnival festivities is undeniable. They both celebrate the beauty of life and the temporary suspension of the ordinary. In modern Greece, the spirit of Dionysian ecstasy lives on through Apokries, the Greek Carnival. Apokries customs such as the wearing of masks and seeking of indulgence before Lent resembles traditions of the ancient Dionysus celebrations. It is clear proof that shows a continuum of festive spirit—a joyful tradition that has evolved and yet remains deeply rooted in ancient Greek practices. The question of whether the ancient Greeks celebrated Carnival in the way we understand it today may remain partially unanswered. However, the parallels between Dionysian festivals and modern Carnival festivities show clearly the universal appeal for communal celebration. It is in our human nature to want to celebrate and escape from our daily problems as a whole. Hence, as we put our masks on and join the parade, we unknowingly participate in a tradition as old as Dionysus’ ecstatic rites themselves. This serves as enduring evidence that joy and festivity will always be integral parts of human culture. Source link #Ancient #Greeks #Celebrate #Carnival Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Starmer acting as ‘bridge’ between Trump and Zelensky Starmer acting as ‘bridge’ between Trump and Zelensky Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has said the *** and France is to work with Ukraine “on a plan to stop the fighting” with Russia – and will then “discuss that plan with the United States”. Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky is due at a summit of European leaders, two days after a fiery exchange with US president Donald Trump in the White House. Sir Keir told BBC One’s Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg that his “driving purpose” right now was to act as a “bridge” between the two men. Asked about how he felt watching the spat in the White House, Sir Keir sought to play down the incident, saying “nobody wants to see that” and admitted he felt “uncomfortable”. The PM’s response was to pick up the phone to his counterparts Trump and Zelensky that same night, in an effort to “get us back to the central focus”, he said. “There are a number of different routes people can go down. One is to ramp up the rhetoric as to how outraged we all are or not.” He said the other option was to “roll up my sleeves” and quickly phone both men – and then also to speak to French President Emmanuel Macron about the role that the leading nations of Europe would play. “Because my reaction was we have to bridge this, we have to find a way that we can all work together because in the end we’ve had three years of bloody conflict now, we need to get to that lasting peace”. In the interview, Sir Keir was careful to avoid laying any blame for the row and insisted he was “clear in my mind” that Trump “wants a lasting peace”, answering “yes” when asked directly if he believed Trump could be trusted. Zelensky could also be trusted, he added, but not Russian President Vladimir Putin – which is the reason the US needs to provide a security guarantee for any peace deal. The Prime Minister acknowledged that a European security guarantee would have to be led by a “coalition of the willing”. Sir Keir said that “Europeans have stood up in the last three years” but that “generally Europe needs to do more in its own defence and security and that’s why I’ve said we need to increase spending, we’ve got to increase capability and we’ve got to co-ordinate more because in the Ukraine conflict we’ve seen that the co-ordination isn’t there”. Earlier this week, the PM announced he would cut the foreign aid budget to fund an increase in defence funding to 2.5% of national income by 2027, which led to the resignation of his International Development Minister Anneliese Dodds. Source link #Starmer #acting #bridge #Trump #Zelensky Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

MCU Fans Claim James Gunn’s Hope For a DC Solution to Marvel Rivals Won’t Work Due to Sexism MCU Fans Claim James Gunn’s Hope For a DC Solution to Marvel Rivals Won’t Work Due to Sexism It’s been a while since NetEase Games treated us with Marvel Rivals. The game debuted back in December 2024 and brought some of the most iconic Marvel characters, such as Spider-Man, Wolverine, and Scarlet Witch, in a 6v6 hero-shooter format. James Gunn is the key to DCU’s rise. (Image via DC/YouTube) Marvel Rivals has been a phenomenal success, and it’s still breaking records left and right. This makes us everyone wonder, will DC copy the same hero-shooter path? While James Gunn, the director pushing DC Studios into a new era, is open to the idea, Marvel fans believe it’s destined to fail as DC doesn’t really have female characters. MCU fans believe a DC Counterpart of Marvel Rivals will fail A DC version of Marvel Rivals has many hurdles. (Image via NetEase Games) While chatting with Comicbook at one of the recent DC Studios events, Gunn was questioned if there will ever be a DC counterpart of Marvel Rivals. Surprisingly, Gunn stated that the DC’s version of a hero-shooter may be possible, and he’s open to the idea. Since then, we’ve been seeing fans coming up with story ideas for a DC version of Marvel Rivals. They want the DC hero-shooter to use its own original gameplay mechanics and features to stand out from competitors. However, MCU fans believe that this idea can never work out due to a lack of female characters in DC verse. are you ready for a roster of 30 male characters and two women? [Hidden Content] — Lex (not Luthor) (@Lex_Noodles) February 26, 2025 There’s absolutely no denying the fact that the DC Universe has a number of iconic characters, and a fair share of them are female. However, if DC goes for a hero-shooter like Marvel Rivals, it doesn’t have enough popular female characters who can fit into various roles. In the Marvel universe, we have tons of female heroes. Right from Captain Marvel, who can take down ships and planets, to She-Hulk, who can tank everything that stands in her way. However, that’s not the case with DC Universe. For some odd reason, the universe has always revolved around Superman and Batman. Fans have always felt that female characters haven’t received the same levels of limelight. Sure, you have Wonder Woman, Super Girl, and Batgirl, but that’s all the DC universe has to offer, really. If Gunn really wants a DC version of Marvel Rivals, he must tackle this problem effectively. Otherwise, the hero-shooter would end up being yet another failure for Warner Bros. James Gunn’s obsession for video games in DCU DC’s take on the hero-shooter genre needs to be handled properly. (Image via Rocksteady Studios) It’s not just the idea of a live-service hero-shooter that fascinates Gunn. As reported by IGN, he’s had conversations with both Rocksteady and NetherRealm and wants a game that takes place in his version of DCU. It’s still years away, but he’s always been open to the idea of bringing games into the DCU. However, it’s going to be interesting to see how DC makes its own version of Marvel Rivals. Undoubtedly, we’re going to see tons of copycat accusations, but that shouldn’t really be an issue, considering Rivals itself copied Overwatch. It’s going to be a long while before we see a DC hero-shooter, and who knows if the hero-shooter hype will still be around by then. Focusing on a game with the hopes that it will still make waves years from now could lead to another disappointment like Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League. Surely, Gunn doesn’t want to repeat that tragedy. With that said, do you think a DC’s take on Marvel Rivals could work? Let us know in the comments. Source link #MCU #Fans #Claim #James #Gunns #Hope #Solution #Marvel #Rivals #Wont #Work #Due #Sexism Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Did the Ancient Greeks Celebrate Carnival? Did the Ancient Greeks Celebrate Carnival? Did ancient Greeks celebrate carnival? The answer is not as easy as you think Credit: GreekReporter archive As the vibrant parades of Carnival sweep across Greece, one question comes to many people’s minds: Did the ancient Greeks celebrate Carnival? From the samba-infused streets of Patras to the mask-adorned revelers in Rethymno, Naoussa, and Xanthi, one can’t help but wonder about the origins of this widespread celebration. Carnival has been a festival historically linked to the Christian calendar leading up to Lent. It is known for its colorful and vibrant parades, the elaborate costumes of its participants, and a spirit of limitless joy that dazzles millions of people. However, the question about the roots of Carnival celebrations remain. This question has captivated the minds of archaeologists and scholars throughout the centuries. Some historians and cultural enthusiasts speculate that the roots of Carnival stretch much further back than its link to the Christian calendar suggests. It is more than evident to many that with ancient ceremonies to honor deities, particularly those from ancient Greece, having such an important role in the societies of antiquity, Carnival can’t be anything but a continuation of these ancient traditions. So, did the ancient Greeks celebrate their own version of Carnival? And, if so, how, when, and more importantly, why? One can draw undeniable parallels between today’s festivities and the joyous rites dedicated to Dionysus; the popular god of wine, fertility, and ecstasy. Did the ancient Greeks have a carnival? Dionysus occupied a central role in ancient Greek culture. He embodied the essence of being alive and feeling ecstatic and transformed. The festivals dedicated to his honor, especially the Dionysia, were not simply celebrations. They were profound expressions of human creativity with deep spirituality and important social aspects around them. These celebrations paid homage to the God itself but also helped people feel—temporarily— free from the constraints of societal norms. This was a concept that deeply resonated with the love ancient Greeks had for freedom, something that is clearly an element of modern day carnival celebrations, too. Ancient floor mosaic displayed at the Archaeological Museum of Thessaloniki depicting the arrival of Dionysus to Naxos where he meets sleeping Ariadne. Credit: Greek Ministry of Culture and Sports The Dionysia were Greece’s festivals of ecstasy Among everything else, Dionysia stood out as quite an important part of ancient Greek religious and cultural life. This well-known festival was a loved celebration that included processions, dramatic contests, and the communal enjoyment of wine. These festivals showed no class divides either. Everyone was welcome to celebrate and honor the god. The theatrical competitions were at the heart of Dionysia, too. There, people experimented with drama, creating a breeding ground for literary and dramatic innovation. One could certainly argue that these festivities gave rise to the seminal works of Aeschylus, Sophocles, Euripides, and Aristophanes. These were works that defined the world of Greek plays forever. It was very common for these plays to explore themes of identity, power, and the divine. They offered a reflective mirror to the Greeks, who could project their own lives into the characters of the plays. The use of masks and costumes during the Dionysia was also an integral part of the Dionysian worship. By adopting new identities, participants were asked to forget their everyday selves and engage in a ritual that would blur the lines between that which was real and that which wasn’t. This was believed to allow them to connect deeply both with Dionysus himself and with each other. Evidently, the tradition of masking finds a direct parallel in the emphasis on disguise and performance of the modern carnival celebrations. Today, masks are used both to conceal the identities of the participants and liberate them from any inhibitions. This creates a temporary but important change of social roles, something that makes carnival so popular nowadays. A young Greek using an oinochoe (wine jug, in his right hand) to draw wine from a crater in order to fill a kylix (shallow cup, in his left hand). His nudity shows that he is serving as a cup-bearer in a symposium, or banquet. Credit: Cage Painter – Jastrow – Public Domain The Ritual of Wine Drinking During Antiquity Central to the Dionysian festivals was the abundant and ritualistic consumption of wine. This beloved drink was viewed not simply as a beverage but as a sacred way that led to ecstasy and enlightenment. Dionysus, often depicted himself with a cup of wine in hand, symbolized the intoxicating power of the vines. This sacred drink for the Greeks dissolved the barriers between one’s self and society. It connected his drinkers to the core of life, reminding them of the reasons why they had to worship Dionysus. This ritual consumption of alcohol fostered a sense of unity and connection between the participants, too, similar to the Carnival’s own tradition of feasting and enjoying life, as well. The liberal drinking of wine during the Dionysia also served as a reminder of the dual nature of Dionysus. He was both a bringer of joy and a creator of chaos. This duality reminded the Greeks of the delicate balance between the societal order and wildness of nature. One could certainly say that Carnival, too, showcases this balance: It provides for a ******* of excess joy and liberty that strengthens communal bonds and rejuvenates people overall. The carnival tradition in Naoussa, Greece is unique. Credit: Anastasiapanag/Wikimedia Commons/CC BY-SA 4.0 The Dionysian legacy in modern carnival The Dionysian festivals with their rich combination of art, ecstasy, and communal celebration offer us a great tool—that of recognizing the origins of modern Carnival. The parallels between ancient Greek rites dedicated to Dionysus and contemporary Carnival festivities suggest a deep-rooted lineage and connection. Spanning from the use of masks and costumes in order to hide one’s true self, to the emphasis on liberation from societal norms and structures, Carnival and Dionysia share a lot in common. This is especially true of the timeless human need for celebration that goes beyond cultures and religions. By examining the Dionysian festivities in ancient Greece, we can see the familiar and enduring human need for get-togethers that break the monotony of daily life. These organized fiestas allow people to express their joy, creativity, and delight. The legacy of Dionysus, as seen in the ancient Dionysia and as is reflected in the vibrant celebrations of modern Carnival, continues to inspire millions of people across the world. It is a world in which the transformative power of joy remains a crucial element for a healthy and functioning society. People celebrating the Carnival parade in the western Greek city of Patras. Credit: AMNA From Ancient Vineyards to Modern Streets From the vineyards of ancient Greece to the samba-filled streets of contemporary Patras, the gap might seem vast. However, the core of these two events remains the same. It is evident that there is a link between these celebrations that goes beyond time, religion, and geography. This is why the theory that Carnival finds its roots in Dionysian festivities is so compelling. It is supported by the mere fact that Carnival and Dionysia share a very similar pattern with a break from the daily routine of life, the blurring of social roles, and the communal joy found in music, dance, and, of course, alcohol. Of course, scholars remain divided on how directly Carnival traditions can be traced back to the Dionysian festivals, as there is no clear archaeological evidence that connects the two. Some point to the Roman Bacchanalia (the Roman version of Dionysian festivals) as a more immediate predecessor. However, the link between Dionysus and carnival festivities is undeniable. They both celebrate the beauty of life and the temporary suspension of the ordinary. In modern Greece, the spirit of Dionysian ecstasy lives on through Apokries, the Greek Carnival. Apokries customs such as the wearing of masks and seeking of indulgence before Lent resembles traditions of the ancient Dionysus celebrations. It is clear proof that shows a continuum of festive spirit—a joyful tradition that has evolved and yet remains deeply rooted in ancient Greek practices. The question of whether the ancient Greeks celebrated Carnival in the way we understand it today may remain partially unanswered. However, the parallels between Dionysian festivals and modern Carnival festivities show clearly the universal appeal for communal celebration. It is in our human nature to want to celebrate and escape from our daily problems as a whole. Hence, as we put our masks on and join the parade, we unknowingly participate in a tradition as old as Dionysus’ ecstatic rites themselves. This serves as enduring evidence that joy and festivity will always be integral parts of human culture. Source link #Ancient #Greeks #Celebrate #Carnival Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

NSW Breakers snare WNCL title with freakish run-out NSW Breakers snare WNCL title with freakish run-out The NSW Breakers have won their first WNCL title since 2018-19 after producing a late fightback to defeat Queensland by 21 runs. Source link #NSW #Breakers #snare #WNCL #title #freakish #runout Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Examining claim Trump was recruited by KGB in 1987 and given codename ‘Krasnov’ Examining claim Trump was recruited by KGB in 1987 and given codename ‘Krasnov’ In February 2025, Alnur Mussayev, a former Soviet and Kazakh security official, claimed in a Facebook post that U.S. President Donald Trump was recruited in 1987 by the KGB, the intelligence agency of the Soviet Union, and assigned the code name “Krasnov.” Mussayev’s post didn’t state whether he personally recruited Trump or simply knew about the recruitment, nor did it state whether Trump actively participated in espionage or was just a potential asset. Trump did visit Moscow in 1987, but there is no clear evidence suggesting he was actively recruited by the KGB during that trip or at any other time. Mussayev’s allegations that Trump was recruited by the KGB at that time don’t line up with Mussayev’s documented career path. Several biographies of him on Russian-language websites suggest that at the time Trump was supposedly recruited, Mussayev was working in the Soviet Union’s Ministry of Internal Affairs, not the KGB. Trump’s pro-Russia stance (compared with other U.S. presidents) has fed into past allegations that he is a Russian asset — for instance, the 2021 book “American Kompromat” featured an interview with a former KGB spy who also claimed the agency recruited Trump as an asset. Again, however, there is no clear evidence supporting this claim. In late February 2025, a rumor circulated online that Russian intelligence recruited U.S. President Donald Trump as an “asset” in the late 1980s and gave him the code name “Krasnov,” following allegations from a former Soviet and Kazakh security official, Alnur Mussayev. The claim appeared on TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, Threads and X, where one account published a thread in response to the rumor, purporting to tie together evidence to support it (archived, archived, archived, archived, archived, archived, archived, archived). (@anthony7andrews / X) That user wrote: “Now that it’s been revealed that Trump has been a Russian asset for 40 years named Krasnov by the FSB, I will write a simple thread of various pieces of information that solidifies the truth of everything I’ve written.” At the time of publishing this article, the thread had been viewed more than 10 million times. Meanwhile, one Threads user wrote about Mussayev alleging “that Trump was recruited by the KGB in 1987 under the code name ‘Krasnov.'” [Hidden Content] The claim gained traction when the news website The Daily Beast published a now-deleted story (archived) titled “Former Intelligence Officer Claims KGB Recruited Trump,” using only Mussayev’s Facebook post as a source. The article described Mussayev’s allegations as “unfounded.” We contacted The Daily Beast to ask why the story was deleted and will update this story if we receive a response. Meanwhile, Snopes readers wrote in and asked us whether the rumor that Trump was recruited to be a Russian asset was true. Here’s what to know: The allegations don’t line up with official records The allegations originated from a Facebook post that Mussayev published on Feb. 20, 2025 (archived). The post alleged that in 1987, the KGB recruited a “40-year-old businessman from the USA, Donald Trump, nicknamed ‘Krasnov.'” Mussayev claimed he was serving in the KGB’s Moscow-based Sixth Directorate at the time, and it was “the most important direction” of the department’s work to recruit business owners from “capitalist countries.” Mussayev’s post didn’t specify whether Trump participated in any spying, only that he was recruited. In an earlier post (archived) from July 18, 2018, he described Trump’s relationship with Russian President Vladimir Putin as follows: Based on my experience of operational work at the KGB-KNB, I can say for sure that Trump belongs to the category of perfectly recruited people. I have no doubt that Russia has a compromise on the President of the United States, that for many years the Kremlin promoted Trump to the position of President of the main world power. We also reached out to Mussayev for comment on the story and will update this article if he responds directly to us. However, on Feb. 26, 2025, he wrote on Facebook that he had received numerous requests from journalists and did not plan to give interviews. He added (archived): First of all, I would like to point out that the information is not completely new and has appeared on the Internet and mass media since 2015. And was reflected in the investigation by the US Special Prosecutor Mueller. Secondly, I do not need PR and publicity and, frankly, by the power of the profession, I am burdened by it. Further information will be issued in accordance with the rules of conducting information warfare. Trump did visit Moscow in 1987, reportedly to look at possible locations for luxury hotels. However, several Russian-language websites (of unknown trustworthiness) with short biographies of Mussayev revealed a discrepancy: While Mussayev claimed he worked in the Sixth Directorate of the KGB in 1987, those online biographies placed him in the KGB from 1979 until 1986, when he moved to the Soviet Union’s Ministry of Internal Affairs. The biography of Mussayev on Lenta.ru attributed that information to a Kazakhstani historian named Daniyar Ashimbayev. Moreover, according to a translated version of a Feb. 22, 2025, Russian-language post Ashimbayev made on his Telegram account, Mussayev had no connections to the First Directorate, the branch of the KGB responsible for recruiting foreign assets. (Ashimbayev noted that Mussayev could justify this by claiming his real responsibilities were top-secret information, however.) Other sources corroborate that the Sixth Directorate’s main focus was not foreign intelligence. Journalist and author W. Thomas Smith Jr.’s book “Encyclopedia of the Central Intelligence Agency” states that the directorate was responsible for “enforcing financial and trade laws, as well as guarding against economic espionage,” while the First Chief Directorate was the KGB’s main espionage arm. Previous accusations against Trump Trump’s relatively pro-Russian positions compared with those of other U.S. presidents have led to past allegations that he is or was a Russian asset in some way. For instance, the controversial, flamboyant and untrustworthy Steele Dossier, released just before Trump took office in 2017, claimed Russia had incriminating tapes of Trump engaging in ******* activity with prostitutes in Moscow, among other scandalous accusations. CNN reported that the dossier’s main source, Igor Danchenko, was mainly relaying “rumor and speculation,” and in 2022 he was acquitted of charges of lying to the FBI about the dossier’s sources. In the 2021 book “American Kompromat,” journalist Craig Unger interviewed a former KGB spy, Yuri Shvets, who also alleged that Trump was compromised by Russia. Snopes previously covered that claim. The British newspaper The Guardian reported that Shvets had said Trump was “cultivated as a Russian asset over 40 years.” Shvets claimed Trump first appeared on the Russians’ radar in 1977, when he was the target of a spying operation — 10 years before the recruitment alleged by Mussayev took place. Shvets said the KGB later went on a “charm offensive” when Trump visited Moscow and St. Petersburg for the first time in 1987 — the same year specified by Mussayev. Shvets told The Guardian that Trump proved so willing to spread anti-Western propaganda that there were celebrations in Moscow. We aren’t aware of any evidence corroborating these claims. The Mueller report documented the official findings of former Special Counsel Robert Mueller’s investigation into Russian efforts to interfere in the 2016 U.S. presidential election, as well as allegations of conspiracy or coordination between Trump’s presidential campaign and the Kremlin. That investigation — which found that the Russian government did interfere in the 2016 presidential election “in sweeping and systemic fashion” and that there were “links” between Trump campaign officials and individuals with ties to the Russian government — did not establish that members of the Trump campaign conspired or coordinated with the Russian government. Sources: Cohen, Marshall. “The Steele Dossier: A Reckoning | CNN Politics.” CNN, 18 Nov. 2021, [Hidden Content]. “Donald Trump’s Russian Spy Connection: Social Media Explodes with ‘Evidence’ about #Krasnov. Is It Just Another Wild Conspiracy Theory?” The Economic Times, 23 Feb. 2025. The Economic Times – The Times of India, [Hidden Content]. Former Intelligence Officer Alnur Mussayev Claims KGB Recruited Donald Trump Under Codename ‘Krasnov.’ 21 Feb. 2025, [Hidden Content]. Kazakh Ex-Security Chief’s False ‘Trump KGB Recruitment Story’ Gains Media Traction – The Times Of Central Asia. 24 Feb. 2025, [Hidden Content]. Luczkiw, Stash. “‘Trump Recruited as Moscow Asset,’ Says Ex-KGB Spy Chief.” Kyiv Post, 22 Feb. 2025, [Hidden Content]. Muller, Robert. Report On The Investigation Into Russian Interference In The 2016 Presidential Election. U.S. Department of Justice, Mar. 2019, [Hidden Content]=. No Label Defined. [Hidden Content]. Accessed 24 Feb. 2025. Palma, Bethania. “Did Ex-KGB Spy Say Russia Cultivated Trump as an ‘Asset’ for 40 Years?” Snopes, 2 Feb. 2021, [Hidden Content]. Polantz, Katelyn. “How the FBI Attempted to Verify a Salacious Allegation in the Steele Dossier | CNN Politics.” CNN, 9 Dec. 2019, [Hidden Content]. Smith, David. “‘The Perfect Target’: Russia Cultivated Trump as Asset for 40 Years – Ex-KGB Spy.” The Guardian, 29 Jan. 2021. The Guardian, [Hidden Content]. Smith, W. Thomas, and W. Thomas Smith. Encyclopedia of the Central Intelligence Agency. Infobase Publishing, 2003. “The Daily Beast Publishes, Then Deletes Story Alleging Trump Was Recruited by Soviet Spies.” Yahoo News, 22 Feb. 2025, [Hidden Content]. Trump-Russia Steele Dossier Source Acquitted of Lying to FBI. 18 Oct. 2022. www.bbc.com, [Hidden Content]. Unger, Craig. American Kompromat: How the KGB Cultivated Donald Trump, and Related Tales of Sex, Greed, Power, and Treachery. Penguin, 2021. Web Page Template. [Hidden Content]. Accessed 24 Feb. 2025. “Who Is Alnur Mussayev? The Former USSR KGB Officer at the Center of Explosive Donald Trump ‘Russian Spy’ Allegations.” The Economic Times, 23 Feb. 2025. The Economic Times – The Times of India, [Hidden Content]. “Мусаев, Альнур.” Lenta.RU, [Hidden Content]. Accessed 24 Feb. 2025. МУСАЕВ Альнур Альжапарович | ЦентрАзия. [Hidden Content]. Accessed 24 Feb. 2025. Source link #Examining #claim #Trump #recruited #KGB #codename #Krasnov Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

After Trump clash, Ukraine’s Zelenskyy gets warm *** welcome before European summit After Trump clash, Ukraine’s Zelenskyy gets warm *** welcome before European summit Britain’s Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy shake hands during a bilateral meeting at 10 Downing Street ahead of a summit of European leaders, on March 1, 2025, in London. Peter Nicholls | Via Reuters British Prime Minister Keir Starmer greeted President Volodymyr Zelenskyy with a warm embrace on Saturday after the Ukrainian leader flew to London for talks following his clash at the White House with U.S. President Donald Trump. In an extraordinary Oval Office meeting on Friday, Trump threatened to withdraw support for Ukraine, three years after Russia invaded its smaller neighbor. French President Emmanuel Macron spoke to Zelenskyy and Trump on Saturday and called for calm in an interview following Friday’s White House clash. In London, a crowd cheered as Zelenskyy arrived for talks with Starmer at his Downing Street office before a summit of European leaders that the Ukrainian president will attend on Sunday to discuss a peace plan for Ukraine. “I hope you heard some of that cheering in the street. That is the people of the United Kingdom coming out to demonstrate how much they support you … and our absolute determination to stand with you,” Starmer told him. Starmer told Zelenskyy he had “full backing across the United Kingdom.” “We stand with you and Ukraine for as long as it may take,” Starmer said. Zelenskyy said on Saturday he had “important and warm” talks with Starmer, with a discussion on strengthening Ukraine’s position and obtaining reliable security guarantees. “During our talks we discussed the challenges standing before Ukraine and all of Europe, coordination with our partners, concrete steps to strengthen Ukraine’s position and ending the war in a just fashion, with reliable security guarantees,” Zelenskyy wrote on the Telegram messaging app. Other European leaders also issued messages of support for Zelenskyy and Ukraine after his meeting with Trump, highlighting differences between traditional allies the United States and Europe over the war since Trump returned to office. Senior Russian politicians have reacted with glee to what they see as Zelenskyy’s White House humiliation, saying the Ukrainian leader got what he deserved and that U.S. military aid to Kyiv must now be cut. Source link #Trump #clash #Ukraines #Zelenskyy #warm #European #summit Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

Blue Ghost becomes second private spacecraft to land on the Moon Blue Ghost becomes second private spacecraft to land on the Moon Reuters Blue Ghost orbiting the Moon in the week before it landed on the lunar surface A private spacecraft has landed on the Moon, becoming only the second commercial vehicle to reach the lunar surface. Blue Ghost left Earth on January 15, after being launched by US firm Firefly Aerospace with the intention of exploring the Sea of Crises, a huge crater visible from Earth. The project is the latest collaboration by US space agency Nasa and private companies. Intuitive Machines, another firm, is hoping to land its Athena spacecraft near the Moon’s south pole in the next few days. Intuitive was the first private company to achieve a lunar landing. Its spacecraft Odysseus reached the Moon on 22 February last year. However, the mission was short-lived as the spacecraft landed on the slope of a crater, broke some landing gear and toppled over. Blue Ghost touched down smoothly, having been orbiting the Moon for the last two weeks. Staff at Firefly’s headquarters in Texas broke out into cheering and applause when they were told their landing was successful. Dr Simeon Barber, a planetary science researcher from the Open University, said Blue Ghost was essentially the first successful private venture to the Moon, as the vehicle was intact and responsive. He told BBC Breakfast: “[They’ve] demonstrated a technology for landing on the surface of the Moon, the kind that had been forgotten after the Apollo era when we had astronauts on the [lunar] surface.” The importance of the Moon to many private firms, said Dr Barber, was to use it as a launch pad for exploring the rest of space. “By going to the Moon, we can learn how to run robotic instruments in space [and] in the really harsh environment of the Moon, which is at times hot and at times cold. It’s very dusty, there’s lots of radiation.” Reuters Blue Ghost’s mission is to explore the Sea of Crises – a huge crater visible from Earth He said at some point it was likely humans would return to the lunar surface and explained it had been so long because of a lack of funding. The last time humans set foot on the Moon was 19 December 1972, during the Apollo 17 mission. “The Apollo missions were hugely successful,” explained Dr Barber. “But they were ‘touch and go’ missions.” Back then, astronauts would be there for three days before having to leave again, as costs were running into the billions of dollars. “That’s not sustainable,” he said. Dr Barber said the belief now was that bringing private companies into the fold would help reduce costs as a result of commercial competition. It could lead to cheaper landers and innovations that might extract resources from the moon, such as water for the astronauts to drink. The first private company to attempt to reach the moon was another US firm, Astrobotic Technology. They tried reaching the moon in January 2024, but their lander never made it to the moon, because of a suspected fuel leak, and crashed back to Earth. The fiery descent meant the spacecraft broke apart in its final moments before plunging into the southern Pacific Ocean. Source link #Blue #Ghost #private #spacecraft #land #Moon Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Queensland Police appeal for public help in alleged Gold Coast child sex abuse offences Queensland Police appeal for public help in alleged Gold Coast child sex abuse offences Queensland Police are investigating alleged child sex abuse offences on the Gold Coast and have released an image of a man they say may be able to assist them in their queries. The police allege the offences occurred between February 19 and February 23 at a Coomera address. The man, seen below, is described as Caucasian in appearance, with dark short hair and a scar on the side of his head. Camera IconQueensland Police say they would like to speak to this man in relation to alleged child sex abuse offences on the Gold Coast. Queensland Police Credit: News Corp Australia He also wears braces on his teeth, the police said. “Investigators appeal to the man, or anyone who may have any information regarding his identity to come forward,” the police said on Sunday evening. Source link #Queensland #Police #appeal #public #alleged #Gold #Coast #child #sex #abuse #offences Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Breakaway Abkhazia’s acting leader wins presidential election, state media says Breakaway Abkhazia’s acting leader wins presidential election, state media says By Felix Light TBILISI (Reuters) – The acting leader of the breakaway Georgian region of Abkhazia won a presidential election in the territory, months after his predecessor was driven from office, state media said on Sunday, citing preliminary results. Acting President Badra Gunba took almost 55% of the vote in the Saturday election, ahead of opposition leader Adgur Ardzinba on just under 42%, Abkhazian state news agency Apsnypress reported, citing the electoral commission. 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. Georgia, of which Abkhazia is recognised as a part by all but a handful of countries, called the election “another flagrant violation of Georgia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity”. Gunba, Abkhazia’s vice president since 2020, took over as acting leader in November after his ally Aslan Bzhania resigned after mass protests against an investment agreement with Russia. It was the third time since 2014 that an Abkhazian leader had been driven from office by mass protests. A lush, ****** Sea coastal territory of around 240,000 people, Abkhazia broke away from Georgia after a war in the early 1990s, with the support of Russia. Moscow recognised it as independent after another war in 2008. Tens of thousands of ethnic Georgians were expelled from the region in successive conflicts. Though the territory is politically and economically dependent on Russia, some Abkhazians have been critical of what they see as Moscow’s growing influence in the breakaway state. (Reporting by Felix Light; Editing by WIlliam Mallard) Source link #Breakaway #Abkhazias #acting #leader #wins #presidential #election #state #media Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Europe Is Left with Hard Choices as Trump Sours on Ukraine – The New York Times Europe Is Left with Hard Choices as Trump Sours on Ukraine – The New York Times Europe Is Left with Hard Choices as Trump Sours on Ukraine The New York TimesEurope swiftly responds to shifts in US foreign policy DW (English)Europe’s Nightmare Is Here: They Have to Fight Putin Without the US BloombergThe Five Eyes Have Noticed The AtlanticWestern leaders must seize the moment to make Europe safe The Economist Source link #Europe #Left #Hard #Choices #Trump #Sours #Ukraine #York #Times Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Australia 90-4 England: Amy Hardcastle compares tough night to being in washing machine Australia 90-4 England: Amy Hardcastle compares tough night to being in washing machine Amy Hardcastle compared the experience to being in a washing machine. Jodie Cunningham said it was evidence of the work English women’s rugby league still has to do. England’s experience in Las Vegas could hardly have been more chastening. A 90-4 defeat by Australia was the biggest the Lionesses – either as England or Great Britain – have ever suffered. Both captain Cunningham and centre Hardcastle, interviewed on the pitch moments after a shattering result, were quick to pinpoint the reasons for it: they couldn’t get enough of the ball, and so ended up spending much of the 70 minutes trying to defend against the best team in the world. How to use that as a learning experience to avoid a repeat is a tougher question – and one that goes to the heart of the structure of women’s rugby league in England. The effort from Stuart Barrow’s team never wavered, even as hopes of running their opponents close were shredded. The fact they scored the final try of the match, having conceded 17 before that, spoke volumes of their capacity to keep going. That, in itself, required huge reserves of character. “I think we know what we need to do when we go back home,” Hardcastle said. “You can’t take anything away from the Jillaroos. “They’re absolute athletes and what they get to do in Australia, and how professional they are, and the backing that they get is incredible. And to face them at a top level, it’s a privilege to be here. “We’ve lost, but to be able to be here and give it a go and know what it’s like in that battle, in that washing machine, it’s been worth that 70 minutes.” The size of the defeat clearly hurt. “There are always positives to take,” Cunningham said. “Right now, it’s tough to focus on them, but I think the heart was there, the effort was there, we didn’t give up. “I think Georgia Roche getting a try for us right at the end shows that we didn’t give up. The effort was there. It was just that they were too good for us. “But I’m proud of the girls. I’m proud of how they kept going and sometimes that’s what you’ve got to take at international rugby.” Source link #Australia #England #Amy #Hardcastle #compares #tough #night #washing #machine Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

WA Olympian Brianna Throssell dives into new business career after calling time on swimming career WA Olympian Brianna Throssell dives into new business career after calling time on swimming career From the pools at Beatty Park to the top of an Olympic podium — Perth’s queen of the pool Brianna Throssell has lived a fairytale career. But at just 29, Throssell has closed the door on her life in swimming. The two-time Olympic gold medallist announced her retirement on Sunday, ending a 14-year career which started at the City of Perth Swimming Club and ended months after the Paris Games. Now Western Australia’s most decorated swimmer of all time is diving into the business world. In an interview with The West ***********, Throssell has revealed she had been contemplating her future since Paris and will now start a new role at finance giant Deloitte. “It’s all I’ve ever known and it was a really big decision to hang up the bathers but I also know it’s the right decision and I’m content and happy with it,” she said. “I know that in my heart that I’m so content with everything I’ve achieved and I’ve given everything I’ve got. “Finishing on a high is something that was really important to me and I would have to say that 2024 was my best year in the pool, I got my first ever individual medal in Doha at the World Championships, and then to to win that gold in Paris was was so special it was the icing on the cake.” Camera Icon10-year-old Brianna Throssell. Credit: Supplied Throssell — a swimming prodigy as a teenager — made her Olympic debut as a 20-year-old in Rio and won her first gold in Tokyo. But she found her niche as a relay specialist. She won her second gold medal in Paris alongside Lani Pallister, Mollie O’Callaghan and Ariarne Titmus in a famous 4×200 freestyle relay swim. Coach Dean Boxall labelled her the “unsung hero” of a golden generation in the pool. Throssell says she won’t miss everything that comes with the world of international swimming. “I’m not gonna miss the early mornings, I’m also not going to miss smelling like chlorine 24/7. My skin and my hair can finally breathe, which is fantastic,” she said. Camera IconBrianna Throssell with Ariarne Titmus. Credit: Maddie Meyer/Getty Images “But I will certainly miss the friendships I’ve made along the way, being surrounded by such like-minded people chasing very similar dreams and goals is something that I will miss. “Dean’s squad, it was the most incredible environment to be around, from the support staff, to the athletes to the head coach it was the most special time in my career, so I will really miss that.” Throssell has a business degree with a major in management and has owned popular boutique West Coast Dress Hire. That doesn’t make jumping into the workforce full-time as a 29-year-old any less scary. “Entering the real workforce at 29 is a pretty scary thing but I had to face it at some stage, and I’m really lucky that I do have this opportunity with Deloitte, I’m embracing it with open arms, and I’m really excited to get started,” she said. Camera IconGold Medalists Mollie O’Callaghan, Lani Pallister, Brianna Throssell and Ariarne Titmus last year. Credit: Adam Pretty/Getty Images Dolphins coach Rohan Taylor praised Throssell for her hard work and dedication to the program. “Brianna has just contributed so much to this Dolphins swim team. She is a swimmer that just kept pushing and really found a way to get better,” he said. “Bri will probably say her gold in Paris was a highlight, but for me her individual medal in Doha was something special. It was a just reward for a true professional.” Source link #Olympian #Brianna #Throssell #dives #business #career #calling #time #swimming #career Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Companies start landing on the moon as space agencies foot the bill – The Washington Post Companies start landing on the moon as space agencies foot the bill – The Washington Post Companies start landing on the moon as space agencies foot the bill The Washington PostLiftoff! NASA Tech, Science En Route to Moon with Intuitive Machines NASASpaceX launches Intuitive Machines’ 2nd Moon lander, 3 rideshare spacecraft Spaceflight NowThere are 3 private lunar landers headed to the moon right now — a 1st in space history Space.comIntuitive Machines: Buy, Sell, or Hold? The Motley Fool Source link #Companies #start #landing #moon #space #agencies #foot #bill #Washington #Post Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

Glen Quartermain: Fremantle Dockers deliver on Justin Longmuir’s promise to bin ‘vanilla’ brand of football Glen Quartermain: Fremantle Dockers deliver on Justin Longmuir’s promise to bin ‘vanilla’ brand of football Fremantle coach Justin Longmuir delivered on his promise of a more exciting brand to the one the Dockers produced in their thumping defeat to the Indigenous All Stars, writes Glen Quartermain. Source link #Glen #Quartermain #Fremantle #Dockers #deliver #Justin #Longmuirs #promise #bin #vanilla #brand #football Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

First gameplay trailer for PLAYERUNKNOWN's Prologue: Go Wayback First gameplay trailer for PLAYERUNKNOWN's Prologue: Go Wayback PLAYERUNKNOWN Productions has released the first gameplay trailer for Prologue: Go Wayback!. Source link #gameplay #trailer #PLAYERUNKNOWN039s #Prologue #Wayback Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

The Lenovo Legion Go is one of our favourite gaming handhelds – and it’s just hit a brand new record-low price on Amazon The Lenovo Legion Go is one of our favourite gaming handhelds – and it’s just hit a brand new record-low price on Amazon When it comes to the best handheld gaming consoles most people are going to be talking about the Steam Deck. Our favourite, though is the equally impressive Lenovo. It comes with 512GB of storage, a carrying case, and 65W USB-C charger. These, plus the powerful hardware behind it, make the Legion Go an ideal choice for playing a large library of PC games on a Switch-like gaming handheld. You also no longer have to pay a premium for it. Thanks to a deal we’ve spotted you can get the Lenovo Legion Go at Amazon for only £498 (was £699.99). It’s the lowest price we’ve ever seen it and if you’re interested you can even get a free 60 days of Audible. Today’s best Lenovo Legion Go deal In our Legion Go review, we praised its performance, visual presentation, and audio quality. The AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme chip, which includes integrated AMD Radeon Graphics offers solid overall performance when combined with 16GB of RAM. Its QHD display supports 2560×1600 resolution that enhances graphical details and pairs well with its speedy 144Hz refresh rate. The Gorilla Glass is a nice touch. It may be one of the bulkier Steam Deck clones, but its build also helps to protect it from damage. The Legion Go also stands out with its customization and how many different ways you can experience games with it. It includes removable controllers that enable motion controls, a built-in kickstand that makes it easy to play or watch without holding, and two USB-C ports so that you can charge from the top or bottom while playing. It doesn’t have the best battery life (about three hours in our testing), but none of the handheld gaming consoles really do. And while we’re big fans of the Legion Go, it’s hard to beat the Steam Deck when it comes to integration. If you need some help with your decision, we go over how the Steam Deck compares to the Legion Go in a separate article. You can also see our list of best handheld gaming consoles for more recommendations if you’re keen to game on the go on from your sofa. Source link #Lenovo #Legion #favourite #gaming #handhelds #hit #brand #recordlow #price #Amazon Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

Why Trump’s strategy of negotiation through intimidation is a losing one Why Trump’s strategy of negotiation through intimidation is a losing one President Trump is actually quite a bad negotiator. To understand the president’s negotiation style, ignore his ghost-written “Art of The Deal” and take a look at a book called “Winning Through Intimidation.” Though it’s largely forgotten now, it was a bestseller when originally published back in 1973. The book — written by a real estate broker — has a simple message. There are two kinds of people in the business world: the people who get screwed over and the people who do the screwing. The No.1 reason people get taken advantage of is that they get intimidated by the other side. So, if you want good deals, you should be intimidating. And the best way to do that, according to this book, is by cultivating an intimidating image, being aggressive and taking extreme negotiating positions. If you had to sum up Trump’s negotiating style in one sentence, this would be it. The irony is that the book also cautions against being intimidated by other negotiators, a lesson Trump hasn’t learned. Trump is regularly intimidated by those he perceives as more wealthy or more powerful. How else do you explain his public deference to Elon Musk or his fawning over Vladimir Putin? On top of that, Trump is too emotional and too easily manipulated to be a good negotiator. Even his supporters admit that. For example, JD Vance cautioned Volodymyr Zelensky not to criticize Trump, saying, “The idea that Zelensky is going to change the president’s mind by badmouthing him in public media … everyone who knows the president will tell you that is an atrocious way to deal with this administration.” Think about that for a moment. Trump is trying to negotiate a deal in one of the biggest, most dangerous conflicts that currently exist on the planet. And Vance, his own vice president, is cautioning everyone to tread carefully, because the president of the United States might go off half-cocked and do something foolish if he gets mad. That’s not the kind of person you want taking the lead in a high-stakes negotiation — or any negotiation, really. But Donald Trump’s biggest flaw as a negotiator is that he’s only got one speed. It’s like the old joke about how if you’re a carpenter, every problem is a nail and every solution is a hammer. A good negotiator recognizes that different situations call for different approaches. Trump, however, treats everything like a one-off deal with someone he wants to squeeze as hard as he possibly can. Trump’s efforts to strong-arm Zelensky into an agreement that would hand the U.S. a 50 percent interest in the Ukrainian economy in exchange for nothing at all is an excellent example of this negotiating style. Trump combined an outrageous opening offer with threats to punish Ukraine if Zelensky didn’t immediately accept his terms. When Zelensky balked, Trump attacked him personally, claiming Ukraine had started the war and that he was an unelected dictator whom everybody in Ukraine hated. That’s an utterly shameful way to treat an ally and a friend, but neither of those words have a meaning in Trump’s taxonomy. For Trump, there are only people you can bully and people you can’t. Don’t get me wrong — I’m not criticizing Trump here from a moral perspective but from an economic one. There are situations where you really can get the highest return from being obnoxious and ruthlessly exploiting your negotiating partner. But there are other situations, especially when you will have to deal with that person again, where scorched-earth negotiating imposes huge costs down the line. That’s the problem with what Trump is trying to do to American allies like Canada. It’s easy to get a great deal out of someone who trusts and relies on you — once. But after you abuse that relationship, they will take steps to make sure they are never in that position again. The perception that America is a trusted partner whose positions and alliances don’t depend on who won the last election has made us both safer and richer. But by suddenly turning on our allies, Trump is burning through 80 years of carefully built-up American trust and influence in a few weeks. This may get him a couple of “good deals” in the short term, but at what price? Trump is trying to manage foreign relations the same way he used to do real estate deals. But on the international stage, there are wide-ranging consequences that can’t be reduced to dollars and cents. Trump thinks he can slap a “for *****” sign on everything from Ukraine to Gaza. But some things aren’t about property values. They’re just about values. The shining city on a hill is not just real estate. Chris Truax is an appellate attorney who served as Southern California chair for John McCain’s primary campaign in 2008. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Source link #Trumps #strategy #negotiation #intimidation #losing Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

S&P 500 (VOO): Don't Buy The Dip, It's Only A Blip, & Head For The Hills If A Rally Fails – Seeking Alpha S&P 500 (VOO): Don't Buy The Dip, It's Only A Blip, & Head For The Hills If A Rally Fails – Seeking Alpha S&P 500 (VOO): Don’t Buy The Dip, It’s Only A Blip, & Head For The Hills If A Rally Fails Seeking Alpha Source link #SampP #VOO #Don039t #Buy #Dip #It039s #Blip #amp #Hills #Rally #Fails #Seeking #Alpha Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Petracca, Oliver star, but Dockers too good for Demons Petracca, Oliver star, but Dockers too good for Demons Christian Petracca and Clayton Oliver have put on star displays, but Melbourne’s inaccuracy in front of goal cost them dearly in a 19-point loss to Fremantle. Source link #Petracca #Oliver #star #Dockers #good #Demons Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Buy These 3 No-Brainer AI Stocks When Prices Fall Buy These 3 No-Brainer AI Stocks When Prices Fall Bull markets are fun because stock prices go up rather than down. The downside is that top-notch stocks often rise to excessive valuations, which can diminish their long-term return potential. Recently, volatility has begun creeping into the broader market after mostly good times these past few years. If these expensive but otherwise exceptional stocks begin falling to more attractive prices, it could be the buying opportunity investors have long waited for. Three Motley Fool contributors did their homework and circled CrowdStrike Holdings (NASDAQ: CRWD), Amazon (NASDAQ: AMZN), and Tesla (NASDAQ: TSLA) as market pullback must-haves. If the market stumbles, consider these high-flying AI stocks high-priority buying targets. Justin Pope (CrowdStrike Holdings): Next-generation cybersecurity star CrowdStrike Holdings offers investors much to like. Hackers are more sophisticated than ever, and a data breach can cost enterprises millions of dollars in damages. CrowdStrike is among a new wave of high-end cybersecurity companies. Its cloud-based platform uses artificial intelligence (AI) and data analytics to help detect potential threats faster than traditional antivirus programs. The company has received industry recognition for its technology, which shows in its business results. CrowdStrike protects 300 of the Fortune 500 companies and 543 of the Fortune 1,000. The business generates more than $4 billion in annual recurring revenue, converts 23% of sales to free cash flow, and is generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) profitable. The balance sheet has $3.5 billion in cash (net of debt) and is quickly piling up, with revenue growing by more than 28% year over year last quarter. Cybersecurity is among the hottest growth trends in technology, so CrowdStrike should enjoy steady demand for the foreseeable future. Management estimates its total addressable market at $116 billion, well beyond its current scope. Perhaps the stock’s most significant flaw is its valuation. Its price-to-sales ratio (26) is among Wall Street’s most expensive. The valuation has proven resilient, especially given CrowdStrike’s embarrassing IT outage controversy over the summer. It could take some marketwide volatility to knock CrowdStrike’s price tag down. Don’t hesitate to back up the truck on this long-term winner if that happens. The stock has the profitability and growth potential to generate sustained market-beating returns if investors can scoop up reasonably priced shares. Story Continues Will Healy (Amazon): Amazon stock has often prospered by capitalizing on tech-driven industry trends, and AI is merely the latest example. As the leading cloud infrastructure provider, it will serve as the platform by which numerous companies use AI-driven services and tools. Through the technology, it will help its customers automate tasks, analyze data, and build new applications. Moreover, the benefits extend beyond its cloud segment, Amazon Web Services (AWS). Its e-commerce arm makes use of the technology in a variety of ways. These benefits include personalizing customer preferences, optimizing supply chains, and writing product descriptions. Also, the e-commerce-driven North American and international segments include subscription, third-party seller service, and advertising businesses, and AI also drives efficiencies in these areas. Amid Amazon’s past success and AI utilization, it belongs on investor watch lists, and it likely would not take a huge ***** to make it an excellent buy. At just over $215 per share, the recent 11% drop in the share price places it in correction territory. Also, its recent P/E ratio of 39 may appear inexpensive when considering that it has traded for more than 50 times earnings for nearly all of its history as a profitable company. Additionally, Amazon remains on track for significant growth, especially considering its massive $2.3 trillion market cap. In 2024, amid its 11% revenue growth, net income rose 94% to $59 billion. The increases may slow modestly going forward. Still, with analysts forecasting 10% revenue increases in both 2025 and 2026, it will likely maintain rapid profit growth. In the end, both AWS and its e-commerce segments have made extensive use of AI. This has occurred during a correction that offers prospective investors a slightly discounted stock price. Should the stock continue to fall and it enters bear market territory, Amazon’s value proposition could become too attractive for many investors to ignore. Jake Lerch (Tesla): With the stock market having come down from its recent highs, I’d suggest AI investors consider adding some shares of Tesla. That’s because, in my view, Tesla is an underrated AI stock. Granted, the vast majority of its revenue today comes from electric vehicle sales. However, in the long term, this company will sink or swim based on its AI-powered innovations. Think robotaxis, full self-driving, and its Optimus humanoid robot. All of those products and features will require enormous AI advancements that will deliver value to consumers. Clearly, Tesla is making enormous investments in AI, including its Dojo and Cortex supercomputers, which are designed to train on the vast amounts of real-world data collected by Tesla vehicles. At any rate, it may take years for Tesla’s AI plans to come to fruition. However, for the patient investor, that offers an opportunity. As of this writing, Tesla shares are down more than 37% from their most recent all-time high. Yet, this is no rare scenario for Tesla stock. The company’s shares experienced pullbacks from all-time highs of 25% (or more) on four prior occasions since 2020. TSLA data by YCharts Each of those dips was a buying opportunity for the shrewd long-term investor. Indeed, for investors who bought on the earliest pull-back in 2020 and held their shares until today, a $10,000 investment would now be worth more than $121,000 — despite the fact that Tesla shares have plummeted by close to 40% in recent weeks. The lesson: Ignore the noise when it comes to Tesla stock. Instead, long-term AI investors should use this recent correction as an entry point and hold those shares for years to come. Your future self may thank you for it. Before you buy stock in Amazon, consider this: The Motley Fool Stock Advisor analyst team just identified what they believe are the 10 best stocks for investors to buy now… and Amazon wasn’t one of them. The 10 stocks that made the cut could produce monster returns in the coming years. Consider when Nvidia made this list on April 15, 2005… if you invested $1,000 at the time of our recommendation, you’d have $765,576!* Now, it’s worth noting Stock Advisor’s total average return is 890% — a market-crushing outperformance compared to 170% for the S&P 500. Don’t miss out on the latest top 10 list, available when you join Stock Advisor. See the 10 stocks » *Stock Advisor returns as of February 24, 2025 John Mackey, former CEO of Whole Foods Market, an Amazon subsidiary, is a member of The Motley Fool’s board of directors. Jake Lerch has positions in Amazon, CrowdStrike, and Tesla. Justin Pope has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. Will Healy has positions in CrowdStrike. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Amazon, CrowdStrike, and Tesla. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. Stock Market Volatilty: Buy These 3 No-Brainer AI Stocks When Prices Fall was originally published by The Motley Fool Source link #Buy #NoBrainer #Stocks #Prices #Fall Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

Amazon's generative AI vision for Alexa is appealing, but unproven – Engadget Amazon's generative AI vision for Alexa is appealing, but unproven – Engadget Amazon’s generative AI vision for Alexa is appealing, but unproven Engadget50 things to try with Alexa+ About AmazonAmazon just gave Alexa its biggest upgrade since debut – and you’ll want an Echo Show for it ZDNetAmazon unveils Alexa+, a smarter, more personalized assistant Fox NewsAmazon has a ‘slew of AI devices’ coming, hardware chief says CNN Source link #Amazon039s #generative #vision #Alexa #appealing #unproven #Engadget Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]