Pelican Press

Morocco’s King Mohammed VI urges nation to avoid slaughtering sheep during Eid al-Adha Morocco’s King Mohammed VI urges nation to avoid slaughtering sheep during Eid al-Adha King Mohammed VI has asked Moroccans to abstain from performing the ******* rite of slaughtering sheep during Eid al-Adha this year due to a sharp drop in the country’s herd. The shortages are blamed on seven years of drought. Eid al-Adha, which falls in June, commemorates the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim, or Abraham, to sacrifice his son on God’s command. Muslims mark the event by slaughtering sheep or other animals and the meat is shared among family and donated to the poor. But herds in Morocco have shrunk by 38% in a decade due to dry pastures, according to official data. Meat prices are rocketing, and 100,000 sheep are being imported from Australia. Performing the rite “under these difficult circumstances will cause significant harm to large segments of our people, especially those with limited income,” King Mohammed VI said in a speech read by the minister of religious affairs on national television on Wednesday. His father, Hassan II, made the same appeal back in 1966 when Morocco also suffered a long drought. Explaining the challenge in a recent interview, Morocco’s agriculture minister, Ahmed Bouari, said “the need to secure water for priority sectors, such as driving and industry” meant that agriculture was the worst-hit, “with most irrigation areas subject to strict regulations and water rationing”. Import tax and VAT on cattle, sheep, camels and red meat were recently lifted to help stabilise prices across Morocco. Source link #Moroccos #King #Mohammed #urges #nation #avoid #slaughtering #sheep #Eid #alAdha Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Attack on Titan VR: Unbreakable Global Challenge Event Arrives Attack on Titan VR: Unbreakable Global Challenge Event Arrives Attack on Titan VR: Unbreakable has a new global challenge available from today, making all DLC available for free for a limited time. Source link #Attack #Titan #Unbreakable #Global #Challenge #Event #Arrives Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Conan O’Brien on his Oscars Hosting Gig Conan O’Brien on his Oscars Hosting Gig Conan O’Brien is not a cynic — at least not when it comes to the Oscars, which he is hosting for the first time on Sunday. The Emmy-winning comedian, podcaster, traveler and movie buff is genuinely excited — “I get to do this!” he enthused — but also thoroughly worried. “It’s the thing I wake up and think about at night: What’s the best way to tackle this? How? In a way that makes me creatively happy?” he said. Since he accepted the job late last year, O’Brien, 61, has had an emotionally taxing few months. In December, his parents, who were in their 90s, died three days apart, in his childhood home in Massachusetts. Not long after the double ********, just as he was settling back in Los Angeles to work on the Oscars, the fires started there, and his home was evacuated. When his wife called to ask what to save, his only thought was of a 1980 letter from the author and essayist E.B. White. O’Brien had written to him, as a teenage fan, “and he wrote me back a really sweet letter,” O’Brien said. “So I said, just grab that. And if the rest goes, it goes.” He is still living in a hotel, where he has hung the letter on a wall, he said in a video interview from his office on Monday. The conversation was discursive — pensive and funny. Though he hosted the Emmys twice (most recently in 2006), he has never attended the Oscars. “This was the only way I could get invited,” he joked. His preparation has included bringing in 10 of his own writers to work with Oscar-night stalwarts, running jokes by the crew, and dropping in at clubs in Los Angeles to try out material. “I started seriously writing comedy around the time I was 18,” he said, “and it’s what I think about all the time.” Yet even for him, there is no formula. “It’s frustrating, but it’s not math. You can’t prove it. The only way to find out is to try it on people.” Still, with only days to go before the show, O’Brien had few confirmed plans: Would he do a musical number? An opening montage? “Nothing’s in stone,” he said. “I’m leaving every possibility on the table. I have choices right now, and we’ll see what happens.” Given the churning news cycle, the risk of creating until the last minute felt both necessary and worth it. “There will be things that don’t go the way I want them to go,” he said. “But stay open to the possibility that that’s a gift, and you can make something out of it.” Beyond that, he has a secret for staying grounded. “I’m just going to read a lot of very dreary Russian novels,” he said. “‘Crime and Punishment’; ‘Brothers Karamazov’; ‘Notes From Underground.’ I’m going to finish reading them live onstage — aloud. This is an Oscars you don’t want to miss!” Here are edited excerpts from the conversation. Hosting this show is tricky — notoriously kind of a thankless task, that a lot of people say no to. Why did you agree? I need the money. And when I say that, keep in mind, it pays very little. I said yes because I am nostalgic, particularly now, about my childhood. The biggest thrill I’ve had in my career is meeting the celebrities that were on my television when I was a little boy. So when I met Don Knotts, I lost my mind. When I met Tom Cruise, I was happy and he was very lovely to me. But it couldn’t have the same impact [as Don Knotts]. And I remember watching Johnny Carson host the Oscars, and that being a big deal. And I intellectually understand — the entertainment landscape has changed a lot. I told Billy Crystal: “You hit a note that I think you can’t hit anymore.” Because when people tuned in to his Oscars, everyone had seen the movies he was parodying. It’s not the communal campfire that it maybe once was. But I still think the Oscars has meaning. Really good cinema — especially when it’s from different countries, different points of view — has an incredible amount of resonance and importance right now, and this is the night that celebrates that. To be a part of it is meaningful to me. I don’t think of it as a thankless task — even if I just do it once, and no one’s interested in me doing it again, it will have been a meaningful experience for me. My parents aren’t here to see it, but I know it would have been a huge deal to them. I was able to tell my father, and he was impressed. [Chuckles]. He probably wondered, couldn’t they find someone else? This has been such an intense few months for you, personally. It’s a lot. And it just might be an Irish Catholic thing, but we’re so good at pushing things down to push forward. It’s a strength and a weakness. My one goal with the Oscars is, I would like to have fun onstage that night. I would like to enjoy it. Because I’m at a stage in my career where I don’t know if one thing leads to another anymore. And I’m not saying that in a morbid or sad way. I’m content; I’ve been blessed. I’ve really enjoyed all the things that I’ve been able to make and the crazy adventures I’ve had, the highs and lows. I wouldn’t change a thing, And if I’m having fun, I won’t say everybody else will be having fun — because that’s not how the internet works — but if I’m having a good time, I think that will translate. Did you get advice from other veteran hosts, like Billy Crystal or Jimmy Kimmel? Billy lost his house in the fire, and I didn’t want to bother him because I can only imagine. Then I saw him at the “S.N.L.” 50th, and we had a long talk, so I think I’m going to be texting him to maybe say, “here are some jokes,” things like that. I got more into the weeds with Jimmy and Molly [Kimmel and McNearney, his head writer/producer who is also his wife]. We went out to dinner, and they have such an encyclopedic knowledge — things you wouldn’t even think about. Like, if you’re doing a bit about somebody in Act I, make sure they’re in their seat, because sometimes five minutes into the monologue they’re still loading people in. Jimmy said, just make sure you sit down when you can, in between acts, because you are standing the whole three hours and it does start to wear away at you. So I’ve had a pair of metal legs made that I’m going to paint a flesh color. You said, on your podcast, that you hate when critics single out something relatively minor in a movie. What did you love, among the nominees? We live in the era of nit-picking. Making a great film is next to impossible. I think it’s kind of a miracle — every year I think of the thousands of films that are made and how they’ve been being made for 100 years. And still the truly great, perfect movies are very few and far between. So to me, it’s a celebration of the effort. [In “A Complete Unknown”], there is a scene where Timothée Chalamet, as Bob Dylan, is trying to write a song — you see him struggling. I thought it was a great depiction of the creative process, which is usually misrepresented in film. I was blown away by Mikey Madison in “Anora.” I loved “Conclave.” I’d watch Ralph Fiennes read from an electrical manual. I think I’ve seen all the movies and I saw real merit in a lot of them. And then I’ll be quiet about the ones that I wasn’t as crazy about, because who cares? It’s a celebration of all these people working really hard to attain something that’s almost impossible. That’s the part I get excited about. I’m excited for the A-listers when they win. But when I see these people that have come from, you know, Latvia, get up onstage, if they get up for [the animated film] “Flow,” that’s thrilling to me. You’re seeing someone have the greatest moment of their life. It can be transformative. How will you thread the needle of hosting in an era of political upheaval? It is all about threading the needle. I’m there, really, to talk about these films, to talk about the industry. And yes, there’s going to be political jokes here and there; there have to be. But if it’s a screed, I’m doing a disservice to everybody. I’m actually doing a disservice to the people who might agree with the screed, in my opinion. However anyone voted should not be a prerequisite for whether you enjoy the show. I feel very strongly about that. Is there an aspect of the show that you’re most nervous about? Getting the tone right. The tone has been shifting a lot in Los Angeles. And people love to project their agenda onto a big show. The thing I think about the most is how the ground can shift between when I’m talking to you and when the show happens. Moods can change, currents can change. I want to make sure that I have my antenna up for everything. And I’m going to be doing that right up until they tap me on the shoulder to go out. So I just hope that I’m able to ride it like a wave, because there’s so much about it that I can’t manifest now. It’s just going to happen. It sounds like that’s what excites you about it. It’s what excites me and worries me. And that is, in a nutshell, my life. I am drawn to the things that scare me. They excite me and they scare me. I love them and I dread them, and it just keeps flipping. And they haven’t made a medication yet that will fix it. I think if I solely loved it, I wouldn’t be me. And if I was solely terrified by it, you’d never have heard my name. I’m old enough to tell young people now, that doesn’t change. I got some bad news for you: There’s always just got to be both. And hopefully more of that joy — which I think I’ve had. Is there anything else you can share about what’s in store? I’m going to look amazing. That’s what you can look forward to. I’m in shape. I’m going to be wearing an incredible array of tuxedos. I’ve had various surgeries to look my best. Unfortunately, I waited till kind of late, so I’m still healing. I hope they use a soft lens. I think the surprise for America is, people are going to look at this and say, that’s one of the most attractive men alive. There’ll be a whole AI controversy, because they’ll say Conan looked a little too good. Source link #Conan #OBrien #Oscars #Hosting #Gig Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

Who Is in DOGE? Tracking Its Staffers and Allies in the Federal Government Who Is in DOGE? Tracking Its Staffers and Allies in the Federal Government Amanda Scales Chief of staff, Office of Personnel Management Ms. Scales, who worked at Mr. Musk’s artificial intelligence company, has a senior role at the Office of Personnel Management, a powerful agency that manages government hiring. Agency involvement: Office of Personnel Management Company involvement: xAI Katie Miller Senior adviser Ms. Miller, a longtime aide to Mr. Trump, acts as a senior adviser to the operation. The president called her a “deeply experienced communications professional” when he named her to the team as one of the first hires. Riccardo Biasini Top aide to Musk Mr. Biasini is one of many aides of Mr. Musk who traveled with him to multiple companies before joining the government effort. Among other roles he has held, he is an executive at the Boring Company, Mr. Musk’s tunneling business. Agency involvement: Office of Personnel Management Company involvement: X, The Boring Company Anthony Armstrong Senior adviser, Office of Personnel Management Mr. Armstrong is a former Morgan Stanley banker who worked on Mr. Musk’s deal to buy Twitter. He now serves as a senior adviser to the Office to Personnel Management. Agency involvement: Office of Personnel Management Company involvement: X Jennifer Balajadia Mr. Musk’s assistant Ms. Balajadia is Mr. Musk’s longtime assistant, and she has email addresses at multiple federal agencies — a sign of her reach across the bureaucracy, alongside Mr. Musk’s. Agency involvement: Department of Education Company involvement: The Boring Company Adam Ramada DOGE liaison, Education and Labor Departments Mr. Ramada comes from a background in finance start-ups, and he has identified himself in lawsuits as the head of teams assigned to the Education and Labor Departments. He has been described by people involved in meetings with him as a liaison between Elon Musk’s engineers and political appointees in the government. Agency involvement: General Services Administration, Department of Education, Department of Labor Brooks Morgan Education start-up executive Mr. Morgan comes from the private sector with experience running an education start-up. He has been described by people at the Education Department as focused on the agency’s work force and budget. Agency involvement: Department of Education Tarak Makecha Finance executive Before DOGE, Mr. Makecha worked as a finance executive at a software company that detects drones. He has been involved in meetings with the State Department and on foreign aid. Agency involvement: State Department Company involvement: Tesla Scott Langmack DOGE liason, Housing and Urban Development Mr. Langmack is a businessman who has worked in real estate technology. He has been embedded at the Housing and Urban Development Department. Agency involvement: Department of Housing and Urban Development Rachel Riley Adviser, Health and Human Services Ms. Riley is a former consultant with McKinsey, the global consulting giant. She is working at the Department of Health and Human Services and has worked closely with Brad Smith. The two requested access to payment systems at the Medicare agency, according to a document seen by The Times. Agency involvement: Department of Health and Human Services Tom Krause Senior Treasury official Mr. Krause has been leading DOGE efforts to review the Treasury Department’s payment systems, which contain sensitive information about millions of Americans. He clashed with a top civil servant at the Treasury, who resisted giving Mr. Krause access to the systems and later resigned from his job. Mr. Krause has since been named to that civil servant’s job, with oversight of the nation’s fiscal systems. Agency involvement: Treasury Department Marko Elez Software engineer Mr. Elez is a former X employee who has been granted access to the Treasury Department’s payments system. A history of racist social media posts led him to be fired from DOGE in February. But he was quickly reinstated after Vice President JD Vance came to his defense. Agency involvement: Treasury Department Company involvement: X, SpaceX, xAI Ryan Wunderly Special adviser, Treasury Department Mr. Wunderly was hired to fill Marko Elez’s vacant role at the Treasury, which gives him read-only access to the department’s payments system, according to a court filing. Agency involvement: Treasury Department Edward Coristine Software engineer Mr. Coristine is one of the youngest DOGE staffers, having graduated high school last year. A coder who interned at Neuralink, one of Mr. Musk’s companies, Mr. Coristine was fired from another internship at a tech firm after an investigation into the leaking of internal information. Agency involvement: General Services Administration, United States Agency for International Development, Department of Education Company involvement: Neuralink Luke Farritor Software engineer Few of Mr. Musk’s aides have been spotted at as many federal agencies as Mr. Farritor, a prize-winning computer scientist who dropped out of college. He has spent a significant amount of time at the General Services Administration, interviewing tech staff members about their work. Agency involvement: General Services Administration, United States Agency for International Development, Centers for Disease Control, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, Department of Energy, Department of Education, Department of Health and Human Services Company involvement: SpaceX Christopher Stanley Software engineer Mr. Stanley has worked for Elon Musk at SpaceX and X in security engineering roles. He recently was involved in helping to release Jan. 6 prisoners. Agency involvement: Office of Personnel Management, Department of Justice Company involvement: X, SpaceX Ethan Shaotran Software engineer Mr. Shaotran is part of the cadre of young coders. He founded an artificial intelligence start-up that received funding from OpenAI, a major player in tech and one of Mr. Musk’s chief competitors in A.I. Agency involvement: General Services Administration, Department of Education Alexandra Beynon Software engineer Ms. Beynon is a former head of engineering at a company that prescribes ketamine therapy. She applied to work at the U.S. Digital Service, the executive office tech unit that was taken over by DOGE, just before Mr. Trump’s inauguration in January. Agency involvement: Department of Education Gavin Kliger Software engineer Mr. Kliger, who has no government experience, has emerged as one of Mr. Musk’s most prolific foot soldiers. He has clashed with security officials at U.S.A.I.D. and sought access to sensitive taxpayer data at the I.R.S. Agency involvement: Office of Personnel Management, United States Agency for International Development, Internal Revenue Service Jordan Wick Software engineer Mr. Wick is among the young coders working at DOGE, and he worked at Waymo, the self-driving car company. He also co-founded a hackathon aimed at developing A.I. software for government infrastructure. Agency involvement: Consumer Financial Protection Bureau Cole Killian Software engineer Mr. Killian is among the young coders working at DOGE and is listed as a detailee at the Environmental Protection Agency, a designation often given to those on temporary assignment. Agency involvement: Environmental Protection Agency Greg Hogan Software engineer With a background in software engineering and A.I., Mr. Hogan has taken over the technology office at Office of Personnel Management. Agency involvement: Office of Personnel Management Ryan Riedel Network security engineer Mr. Riedel left an engineering role at SpaceX to join the Energy Department as chief information officer, according to his LinkedIn account. The account also includes prior information technology roles in the U.S. military. Agency involvement: Department of Energy Company involvement: SpaceX Nikhil Rajpal Software engineer Mr. Rajpal is part of the group of young coders at DOGE who have gone into various federal agencies to carry out Mr. Musk’s directives. Agency involvement: Office of Personnel Management, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Consumer Financial Protection Bureau Akash Bobba Software engineer Mr. Bobba is among the young coders at DOGE. He interned at Palantir, which was founded by Peter Thiel, a longtime Republican backer who has a long, on-again-off-again history with Mr. Musk. Agency involvement: Office of Personnel Management, General Services Administration James Burnham DOGE’s top lawyer Mr. Burnham is a well-known conservative attorney who has provided oversight of legal work for the team. Brian Bjelde Top aide to Musk Mr. Bjelde helped carry out widespread layoffs at X and was an early executive at SpaceX, where he worked in human resources — experience that carries over to his new role at the Office of Personnel Management. Agency involvement: Office of Personnel Management Company involvement: X, SpaceX Kendall Lindemann Human resources staffer Ms. Lindemann is an associate of Brad Smith and Amy Gleason who is now working on the team in a human resources and operations role. Agency involvement: United States Digital Service Stephanie Holmes Human resources staffer, Office of Personnel Management Ms. Holmes is a human resources consultant whose practice focuses on pushing back against corporate diversity, equity and inclusion programs. She has joined DOGE and been working on federal work force projects for the operation. Christina Hanna Human resources staffer, Office of Personnel Management Ms. Hanna worked at SpaceX and is a former H.R. manager for Mr. Musk. She now works at the Office of Personnel Management. Agency involvement: Office of Personnel Management Company involvement: SpaceX Stephen Duarte Human resources staffer, Office of Personnel Management Mr. Duarte worked at SpaceX and is a former H.R. manager for Mr. Musk. He now works at the Office of Personnel Management. Agency involvement: Office of Personnel Management Company involvement: SpaceX Bryanne-Michelle Mlodzianowski Human resources staffer, Office of Personnel Management Ms. Mlodzianowski worked at SpaceX and is a former H.R. manager for Mr. Musk. She now works at the Office of Personnel Management. Agency involvement: Office of Personnel Management Company involvement: SpaceX Mr. Lewin is a Harvard Law School graduate who has been part of DOGE teams entering several federal agencies, including U.S.A.I.D. and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. He once worked as a research assistant for Laurence Tribe, a liberal legal scholar. Agency involvement: General Services Administration, United States Agency for International Development, Consumer Financial Protection Bureau Mr. Altik is a lawyer who was selected to clerk for Supreme Court Justice Neil Gorsuch. In private practice at Weil, Gotshal & Manges, a prominent firm, he focused on litigating complex business disputes in state and federal courts. Agency involvement: Office of Personnel Management Mr. Peters is a lawyer who served in the first Trump administration and has a specialty in labor and employment issues. He is now working at the Office of Personnel Management. Agency involvement: Office of Personnel Management Mr. Raynor is an attorney who has worked for the Justice Department and once clerked for Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas. He now works for the Office of Personnel Management. Agency involvement: Office of Personnel Management Michael Russo Chief information officer, Social Security Administration Before joining the Social Security Administration, Mr. Russo was an executive at a tech company that processes payments for Mr. Musk’s Starlink. Agency involvement: Social Security Administration Company involvement: Starlink Frank Schuler Real estate executive Mr. Schuler is a partner in a real estate investment firm based in Atlanta and has an email address at the General Services Administration, which manages the federal government’s property portfolio. Nicole Hollander Real estate manager, General Services Administration With a background in real estate management, Ms. Hollander has followed her husband, Steve Davis, into federal government. She previously aided Mr. Musk after he bought Twitter and is now responsible for the assessment of federal buildings and leases through the General Services Administration. Agency involvement: General Services Administration Company involvement: X Joanna Wischer Policy analyst Ms. Wischer was a policy analyst and speechwriter for the Trump presidential campaign. Justin Monroe Expert, Office of Personnel Management Mr. Monroe is listed as an “expert” at the Office for Personnel Management. He previously worked as a security director at SpaceX. Agency involvement: Office of Personnel Management, Federal Bureau of Investigation Company involvement: SpaceX Source link #DOGE #Tracking #Staffers #Allies #Federal #Government Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

The YouTubers who brought Pokémon to Chorleywood The YouTubers who brought Pokémon to Chorleywood Danny Fullbrook BBC News, Hertfordshire Danny Fullbrook/BBC Youtuber and business owner Chloe Webb – aka PokiChloe – has travelled the world buying and selling Pokémon cards Chloe Webb was explaining how she recently sold a Pokémon card in her shop for £40,000 when a young boy and his dad politely interrupted to ask for her autograph. Ever since the 31-year-old quit her office job and opened Collector’s Cardhouse in the picturesque Hertfordshire village of Chorleywood in April, it has become a destination for fans around the world. “Every week we have an international visitor – Japan, America, United Arab Emirates – I’ve made so many friends all over the world, which is crazy to me because I never used to leave my little bubble when I had a normal job,” she says. “I live, breathe, and eat Pokémon.” “I’ve travelled everywhere around the world, made lifelong friends,” she adds. “It has completely transformed every part of my life and I’ve got a really successful business now because of it.” Danny Fullbrook/BBC Pokémon card value is set by the rarity, popularity and condition of the card The Japanese franchise started life in 1996 on the Nintendo Game Boy, with players having to catch, train and battle virtual monsters called Pokémon. When it arrived on *** shores in 1999, it had evolved. There was an animated series and packets of trading cards were available at most newsagents across the country. That’s when Mrs Webb, from Watford, became a fan. She began a business with her husband, Harry, selling the cards online just before the pandemic. During lockdown, it “really blew up”. Danny Fullbrook/BBC Collector’s Cardhouse in Chorleywood opened in April 2024 Mrs Webb started making YouTube videos under the name “PokiChloe” to reach new fans. The couple joined forces with another Youtuber, Dean Leander – AKA PokeDean – to open a physical business. Today her Youtube channel, which mostly shows daily life in her Chorleywood shop, has more than 118,000 subscribers. Danny Fullbrook/BBC Collectors from around the world buy and sell cards at the Hertfordshire shop In recent years, Pokémon cards have become valuable collectors’ items and many shop visitors hope they too could be sitting on a gold mine. Last year, a Nottinghamshire man made £55,000 when he sold a collection of cards from the 1990s and 2000s. But a collector from Suffolk failed to sell his fourth print Charizard card when it did not reach it’s reserve of £8,000. Mrs Webb explained: “It could be anything that makes a card collectable. “It could be that they’re rare… It could be that it’s a really popular Pokémon. “Sometimes overnight prices change on cards and I can’t tell you why that card is now valuable.” YouTube/PokiChloe On her YouTube channel PokiChloe documents daily life in the shop Sometimes cards worth up to £100,000 have been brought into the shop, although PokiChloe admits the big sums no longer surprise her. “It’s going to sound really awful: I’m very used to it now,” she says. “It is very surreal to think that this little bit of cardboard is worth that sort of money because to some people that’s a deposit for a house – that could buy them two or three cars. “But with what we do now we’re exposed to it. Often it’s just another day and another Pokémon card.” Danny Fullbrook/BBC Cards in the best condition can receive a higher grading rank which means more value Many of the visitors who arrive at Collector’s Cardhouse come with large binders tucked under their arms filled with cards they stashed away in their childhood. Many of these collections are, unfortunately, not worth anything. If, however, PokiChloe does deem a card valuable, it then has to be “graded”. The process involves sending the card to a grading company who analyse it for signs of wear and then award it a graded score, usually out of 10, which denotes its quality and potential value. PokiChloe compared those cards that get a 10 to “gold dust”. “It has to be completely clean,” she says. “There can’t be scratches on the holographic part, there can’t be any whitening or damage on the back, it can’t be creased. It has to be perfect like it’s never been touched before. “We had a Charizard that was graded a 10. It was a special card that was given out to employees at Creatures, who own Pokémon. I think there’s only 300 of them and we had a 10 and we sold it for just under £40,000.” Chloe Webb Chloe Webb is invited to card events around the world Mrs Webb said a common misunderstanding is that a card has to be old to be valuable. “There are packs that you could open today from the shop that cost you about £30,” she says. “If you got the best card in the set and it was graded a 10, you’d be looking at a couple of thousand. “And they’re cards that only came out a few years ago. So they’re not even what we would call vintage. They’re modern cards.” A graded card, regardless of how damaged it is, is sealed in plastic to preserve its condition. Mrs Webb said: “We get people that send off cards that aren’t in good condition. They just want to encapsulate it and keep it as a memory. So that’s quite nice to see. “I know the money is a big part of it and obviously people are blown away by the prices, but for some people it’s about the memories, the nostalgia and just having some memories from when they were kids.” Danny Fullbrook/BBC It’s not just older Pokémon cards that have worth, those from newer packs can also fetch big prices Next year Pokémon is celebrating its 30th anniversary. PokiChloe has ambitious plans for the future of Collector’s Cardhouse. “I want to keep this growing,” she says. “If you’d asked me about this five years ago I wouldn’t have believed it. I used to work in an office, I had a very normal job before this, and now this is my life… So, as long as people enjoy it, I’m going to keep doing it.” Chloe Webb Although most of the shop’s stock is Pokémon related, it also sells other types of collectable cards such as Dragon Ball, One Piece and Digimon Source link #YouTubers #brought #Pokémon #Chorleywood Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

FBI accuses North Korean-backed hackers of stealing $1.5 billion in crypto from Dubai-based firm – The Associated Press FBI accuses North Korean-backed hackers of stealing $1.5 billion in crypto from Dubai-based firm – The Associated Press FBI accuses North Korean-backed hackers of stealing $1.5 billion in crypto from Dubai-based firm The Associated PressCrypto’s biggest hacks and heists after $1.5 billion theft from Bybit ReutersBybit Hack Traced to Safe{Wallet} Supply Chain Attack Exploited by North Korean Hackers The Hacker NewsLeveraging Transparency for Collaboration in the Wake of Record-Breaking Bybit Theft Chainalysis Source link #FBI #accuses #North #Koreanbacked #hackers #stealing #billion #crypto #Dubaibased #firm #Press Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7 Renders Suggest Minor Design Changes; Tipped to Get ******* Displays Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7 Renders Suggest Minor Design Changes; Tipped to Get ******* Displays Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7 is expected to launch in the second half of this year alongside Galaxy Z Fold 7. Most leaks in recent weeks have focused on the Galaxy Z Fold 7, however, we now get our first look at the design and specifications of the Galaxy Z Flip 7. New leaked renders of the clamshell foldable show a design similar to the Galaxy Z Flip 6 with a centrally positioned hole-punch cutout on the main display and dual rear cameras. The clamshell foldable smartphone is expected to be powered by an Exynos 2500 chipset. Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7 Design Leaked Prominent leaker Steve H.McFly (@OnLeaks) in collaboration with Android Headlines shared alleged renders and specifications of Galaxy Z Flip 7. It is shown to have a centrally aligned hole-punch cutout to house the selfie camera on the main display. The small screen appears to have two outward-facing sensors. In the leaked renders, the handset is shown in a light blue colour option with a similar design as previous generations. The leak suggests that the Galaxy Z Flip 7 will get slightly ******* inner and outer screens. It is tipped to feature a 3.6-inch cover display and a 6.8-inch inner display. The Galaxy Z Flip 6 for comparison, has a 3.4-inch cover display and a 6.7-inch inner screen. The upcoming phone is said to run on Samsung’s Exynos 2500 chipset. It is likely to feature 12GB of RAM and could be offered in 256GB or 512GB of storage options. For optics, Samsung is said to maintain the camera setup of the previous model in the new Galaxy Z Flip 7. It is tipped to feature a dual rear camera unit comprising a 50-megapixel primary sensor and a 12-megapixel ultra-wide sensor. The phone is likely to pack upgraded sensors and is said to measure 166.6 x 75.2 x 6.9mm. The thickness of the phone could be 9.1mm with the camera bump. For comparison, the Galaxy Z Flip 6 measures 165.1 x 71.9 x 6.9mm when unfolded. The report further claims that the Galaxy Z Flip 7 will be priced at $1,099 (roughly Rs. 96,000) for the base variant, maintaining the same pricing as the Galaxy Z Flip 6. Source link #Samsung #Galaxy #Flip #Renders #Suggest #Minor #Design #Tipped #******* #Displays Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Dockers challenging Eagles’ financial superiority after another sharp profit drop at West Coast Dockers challenging Eagles’ financial superiority after another sharp profit drop at West Coast The Fremantle Dockers are challenging the West Coast Eagles as the State’s best AFL financial performer after the departure of premiership coach Adam Simpson contributed to yet another sharp drop in profit by the older club. A newly-filed annual report filed with the corporate regulator on Thursday show the Eagles profit for the 12 months to October 31 fell to just $675,924 from $1.98m the year before, despite the club pulling in nearly $5m in extra revenue. Three years ago, the Eagles made $7.4m. The club said in the annual report the reduced profit “largely reflects costs associated with the cessation of the senior coach’s contract”. The result, which includes a lower $1.78m royalty paid to the WA Football Commission, compares to the $1.85m profit announced by the Dockers three weeks ago. However, the Fremantle figure was inflated by $1.2m in development grants linked to the expansion of its Cockburn Central headquarters. Stripping that out, its profit was almost identical to the Eagles at $675,042, despite the latter’s $17m in extra revenue. More to come. Source link #Dockers #challenging #Eagles #financial #superiority #sharp #profit #drop #West #Coast Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Oscar-winning actor Gene Hackman and his wife and dog found dead in their New Mexico home Oscar-winning actor Gene Hackman and his wife and dog found dead in their New Mexico home SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — Oscar-winning actor Gene Hackman, his wife and their dog were found dead in their New Mexico home Wednesday, authorities said. Foul play was not suspected, but authorities did not release circumstances of their deaths and said an investigation was ongoing. Santa Fe County Sheriff’s deputies found Hackman, his wife Betsy Arakawa and a dog dead when they preformed a ******** check at the home around 1:45 p.m., spokesperson Denise Avila said. 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. Hackman, 95, was a five-time Oscar nominee who starred in dozens of films and one of the industry’s most respected and honored performers. His two Oscar wins, for “The French Connection” and “Unforgiven,” were spaced out 21 years apart. News of his death comes just four days before this year’s Academy Awards ceremony. The couple’s home is in a gated community just outside of Santa Fe, New Mexico’s capital city. Hackman moved in the 1980s to the area, where he was often seen around town and served as a board member of the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum in the 1990s, according to the local paper, The New ********. Hackman played a variety of roles, appearing in action movies, thrillers and even had a comedic part in “Young Frankenstein.” Aside from appearances at awards shows, he was rarely seen in the Hollywood social circuit and retired in his mid-70s. An email sent to his publicist was not immediately returned early Thursday. Source link #Oscarwinning #actor #Gene #Hackman #wife #dog #dead #Mexico #home Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

The Top 3 Actively Managed ETFs The Top 3 Actively Managed ETFs The major market indexes have struggled this year to produce returns. Many actively managed ETFs have fared better than their index counterparts. Here are 3 top actively managed ETFs. In this stock pickers market, active management has proven beneficial for these ETFs. With the up only 2% and the flatlining so far this year, most exchange-traded funds have been treading water. That’s because many ETFs track broad indexes and mirror their performance. Index ETFs have been great investments during the bull market, as they have generated excellent returns with mostly cheap expense ratios. But with indexers struggling and expected to produce lower returns compared to the past two years, it may be a good time to turn to actively managed ETFs. These are ETFs that are actively managed by professional portfolio managers, who pick the stocks in the ETF as opposed to just tracking an index, like the S&P 500. In what many have called a stock pickers market, some actively managed ETFs have posted solid returns that have beaten the indexes. Here are three top actively managed ETFs. Cambria Global Value ETF The Cambria Global Value ETF (NYSE:) has been one of the top-performing actively managed ETFs, both this year and over the long term. The portfolio managers look for value stocks from around the world based on cyclically adjusted price-to-earnings ratios (CAPE). Then, from that universe, they look for the cheapest stocks based on traditional value metrics. Year-to-date, the ETF has returned roughly 11.4%, easily beating the major benchmarks, as well as the and S&P 500 value indexes. It has an expense ratio of 0.64%. This ETF holds about 214 stocks. The three largest holdings are Moneta Bank based in Prague, the First American Treasury Obligations Fund, a money market fund, and Komercni Banka, which also trades in Prague. T. Rowe Price International Equity ETF The T. Rowe Price International Equity ETF (NYSE:) invests at least 65% in non-US stocks. The fund primarily invests in developed markets, with an awareness of the global economic backdrop and the outlook for certain industries, sectors, and individual countries. The portfolio managers, led by Jodi Love, focus on bottom-up stock selection. This ETF has returned 9.8% YTD and about 10.5% over the past one year. The one-year return for this ETF is going to be lower, due to the fact that the indexes were up big in 2024. The more important number is the outperformance year-to-date. This ETF holds about 182 stocks at present. The three largest holdings are ASML Holding (NASDAQ:), a Netherlands-based semiconductor company, Rolls Royce, which trades in London, and AstraZeneca (NASDAQ:). Also, it has an expense ratio of 0.50%. ARK Fintech Innovation ETF The ARK Fintech Innovation ETF (NYSE:) is an ETF managed by famed investor Cathie Wood and her team at Ark Invest. This ETF invests in both domestic and foreign stocks that are engaged in fintech innovation. Fintech innovations are described as technologically enabled products or services that potentially change the way the financial sector works. That could include stocks of companies involved in digital wallets, intelligent devices, neural networks, next-gen cloud, and cryptocurrencies, among others. The ETF is up 6% YTD, which, while below the others, still beats the benchmarks. However, it is up 44% over the past 12 months and has a three-year annualized return of 13.3%. In addition, it has an expense ratio of 0.75%. This ETF currently holds about 37 stocks, with Shopify (NYSE:), Coinbase Global (NASDAQ:) and Robinhood (NASDAQ:) as the three largest holdings. What separates these actively managed ETFs from passively managed funds that track an index is that the managers can alter the portfolio, based on changes in the market. In volatile and uncertain times, it may be beneficial to have professional stock pickers managing the portfolio. Original Post Source link #Top #Actively #Managed #ETFs Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

Why NIH pays universities far more for indirect costs than private foundations – STAT Why NIH pays universities far more for indirect costs than private foundations – STAT Why NIH pays universities far more for indirect costs than private foundations STATNIH to partially lift freeze on grant reviews, but obstacles remain ScienceTrump administration loophole snags US research grants from Lyme to lung disease ReutersPresident Trump’s Cuts to Medical Research The New York Times Source link #NIH #pays #universities #indirect #costs #private #foundations #STAT Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Driver dies after cement truck rolls on major Melbourne freeway Driver dies after cement truck rolls on major Melbourne freeway A driver has died after a horror ****** which caused a cement truck to roll on a major Aussie freeway, leaving debris strewn for metres. Source link #Driver #dies #cement #truck #rolls #major #Melbourne #freeway Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Elon Musk keeps tweeting the ‘R-word.’ Disability advocates say he needs to stop. Elon Musk keeps tweeting the ‘R-word.’ Disability advocates say he needs to stop. Elon Musk has the ear of one of the most powerful people in the world – President Donald Trump – making him one of the most powerful people in the world, too. He’s been given unfettered access to adjust the federal government’s budget and headcount. So what’s he doing posting a slur multiple times targeting the disabled community on social media? Musk – who boasts nearly 220 million followers on X, the social media platform he owns – has repeatedly used the “R” word to describe people with whom he disagrees. In the last week alone, he’s included it in at least three tweets. The use of this language has sparked criticism from people with disabilities and their advocates, who were beginning to see a world where such terms were deemed unacceptable. USA TODAY has reached out to Musk for comment. “When we, disabled people, speak out against its usage, our concerns are frequently ignored or minimized with excuses like ‘I’m not using it in a harmful way,'” says Nila Morton, a 26-year-old disability advocate. “This dismissive attitude implies that the feelings of disabled people are less important, like our pain does not matter. In reality, the casual use of this word further marginalizes our community that already struggles to secure equal opportunities and fair treatment in society.” Elon Musk listens to U.S. President Donald Trump speak in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, D.C., Feb. 11, 2025. In case you missed: Elon Musk’s ‘Ozempic Santa’ post turns heads, clashes with RFK Jr.’s stance ‘Undermines our community’ The Trump administration is aiming to rid the federal government (and private sector) of all things diversity, equity and inclusion. It’s a sharp turnaround from decades of progress for marginalized people and just several years after the country grappled with George Floyd’s ******* and began to examine the effects of systemic racism. Disabled people, too, saw a more hospitable climate that they worry is now slipping away. The “r” word began appearing in the early 1960s as a medical term to describe those with intellectual disabilities, according to non-profit The Arc, but it grew into “a cruel insult.” While not totally out of today’s vernacular, national legislation named “Rosa’s Law” made “intellectual disability” the correct term in federal language. It’s not just the language itself that upsets them. It’s the language coupled with what they worry is a shift in our culture that could limit their rights. “Too often, people dismiss it as a harmless negative word but in reality, its use reinforces harmful, ableist attitudes and behaviors,” Morton says. “When people like Musk … use this slur, it not only undermines our community but also opens the door for able-bodied people to justify discrimination and the denial of resources and opportunities to disabled people.” This isn’t a new concern when it comes to Trump nor Musk; Trump once mocked a disabled reporter and Musk insulted a Twitter employee about his disability and later apologized. “Both (men) have continually insulted, mocked and dismissed the disabled community,” says Michael Rembis, director of the Center for Disability Studies at the University at Buffalo, adding that “they perpetuate the ignorance, hate and violence that has harmed, and in many cases destroyed, the lives of disabled people in the past and in more recent times.” Not to mention that Musk himself has said he has Asperger’s syndrome, which the Cleveland Clinic notes falls under the umbrella of autism spectrum disorder. Musk is “making the use of derogatory ableist comments acceptable,” says Lisette Torres-Gerald, disabled scholar-activist and senior researcher at education and research non-profit TERC. ‘I am not ashamed’: Disability advocates, experts implore you to stop saying ‘special needs’ ‘A fight that disabled people are ready to take on’ Musk is, of course, free to express his political and personal views like anyone else. But there’s no need to use hateful language either, advocates say. “I am hopeful that (Musk) will find other ways to express his critiques without resorting to a hateful schoolyard put-down,” says Andy Imparato, executive director of Disability Rights California. But if the language continues, it’s “just another reminder that disabled people must continually fight for their rights and for their dignity,” Rembis says. “This is a fight that disabled people and their allies are ready to take on; we will continue to speak out, protest, demonstrate, write, make art, tell our stories and work together to make a better, more accessible, more loving world.” This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Elon Musk, Donald Trump and disabled people Source link #Elon #Musk #tweeting #Rword #Disability #advocates #stop Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

House hearing debates ways to improve Artemis – SpaceNews House hearing debates ways to improve Artemis – SpaceNews House hearing debates ways to improve Artemis SpaceNewsDOGE-wary House panel defends key NASA program with Huntsville roots AL.comFormer Trump Adviser Calls on Revising NASA’s Moon Program BloombergLong-time advocate of SLS rocket says it’s time to find an “off-ramp” Ars TechnicaOpening Statement of Space and Aeronautics Subcommittee Chairman Mike Haridopolos at Step by Step: The Artemis Program and NASA’s Path to Human Exploration of the Moon, Mars, and Beyond House Committee on Science, Space and Technology Source link #House #hearing #debates #ways #improve #Artemis #SpaceNews Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Son of ****** Caps quick to join Dolphins in 2026 Son of ****** Caps quick to join Dolphins in 2026 The Dolphins continue to build their burgeoning young forward stocks by signing Newcastle giant Sebastian Su’a, son of a former New Zealand Test cricketer. The 21-year-old prop, who stands at 198cm, is the progeny of 1990s ****** Caps’ left-arm paceman Murphy Su’a. New Zealand-born Su’a, who has played just one NRL match, will join his former Knights front-rower Daniel Saifiti at the Dolphins in 2026 on a two-year deal. AAP understands Saifiti, who joined the Dolphins in the off-season, rates the tyro highly and is looking forward to linking with his old teammate. Saifiti is not the only Dolphin who regards Su’a as a prospect. “Our assistant coach Rory Kostjasyn knows Sebastian from his time at the Knights and we believe he will have a really good opportunity to make an impact here,” Dolphins’ CEO Terry Reader said. “Having someone of that size, learning from the experience of our existing pack, makes Seb an exciting prospect for us.” The Dolphins are preparing for the future by signing Su’a. Former skipper Jesse Bromwich, one of the great props of the modern era, retired at the end of last year. Current front-rower Mark Nicholls (35) is in his twilight years while former Melbourne title-winning back-rowers Felise Kaufusi (32) and Kenny Bromwich (33) have transitioned into middle forwards The Dolphins have signed or extended young gun forwards Max Plath (23) and Kulikefu Finefeuiaki (21) in recent months and Su’a is the next cab off the rank. Su’a played his junior league with Mount Albert Lions and also was a promising rugby union player. He joined the Knights in 2022 and progressed through the Jersey Flegg and NSW Cup competitions before debuting against South Sydney in round 25 last year. He hails from a sporting family with father Murphy Su’a playing 13 Tests and 12 one-day internationals for New Zealand. He captured 36 Test wickets at an average of 38.25, including a career-best of 5-73 against Pakistan in 1993. Source link #Son #****** #Caps #quick #join #Dolphins Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

USDA makes profound announcement that could alter the future of our food system: ‘We’ve got to build’ USDA makes profound announcement that could alter the future of our food system: ‘We’ve got to build’ The U.S. Department of Agriculture recently announced that more than $6 billion will be awarded to rural communities to back renewable energy projects and lower greenhouse gas emissions — a plan that could have the potential to reduce electricity costs and create jobs in those regions. The grants and loans are primarily allocated to build new wind, solar, and battery facilities, with some proposals also including hydropower and nuclear energy facilities. About $5.5 billion worth of grants exclusively for nonprofit, member-owned electric cooperatives in rural communities are supplemented through the USDA’s Empowering Rural America (New ERA) program. Nonprofit, member-owned electric cooperatives provide power to over 42 million Americans and 92% of poverty-stricken counties, benefitting citizens throughout the nation who may otherwise struggle to afford electricity. This new structure will also ensure that profits are reinvested in the company and returned to members rather than investors. “These programs put the money exactly where it is most needed and most effectively used,” Ted Compton, board president of La Plata Electric Association, a cooperative located in Southern Colorado, told Canary Media. In addition, $565 million in partially forgivable loans will be awarded to companies that promise to bring affordable clean power to rural communities through the Powering Affordable Clean Energy (PACE) program. Watch now: This company is making it easier than ever to save money with solar power The PACE programs are part of the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act, which aims to help rural Americans gain access to clean, cheap, renewable energy. By investing in solar panels and EVs, consumers can save money and receive financial incentives directly from the government in the form of tax benefits that can easily exceed $20,000 if they know what to look for. “If we’re going to meet our climate goals and meet the rising demand for energy, we’ve got to build a lot of clean energy. And rural communities have to be partners in that,” said Josh Ewing, director of the Rural Climate Partnership, a nonprofit that represents rural communities in climate policy initiatives. Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don’t miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet. Source link #USDA #profound #announcement #alter #future #food #system #Weve #build Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Gene Hackman: Hollywood legend dies aged 97 – BBC.com Gene Hackman: Hollywood legend dies aged 97 – BBC.com Gene Hackman: Hollywood legend dies aged 97 BBC.comSheriff: Gene Hackman, wife found dead in Santa Fe home; no foul play suspected Santa Fe New MexicanActor Gene Hackman, wife Betsy Arakawa, found dead in New Mexico home, local media report USA TODAYActor Gene Hackman and his wife Betsy Arakawa found dead in their New Mexico home, police say CNNGene Hackman, Oscar-winning star of ‘Hoosiers’ and ‘Unforgiven,’ dies at 95 ABC News Source link #Gene #Hackman #Hollywood #legend #dies #aged #BBC.com Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Super Rugby Women: Western Force coach Dylan Parsons says belief crucial as they target grand final glory Super Rugby Women: Western Force coach Dylan Parsons says belief crucial as they target grand final glory Western Force coach Dylan Parsons says merely confidence and the unknown separating his side from reaching the Super Rugby Women’s grand final and challenging for the title. Source link #Super #Rugby #Women #Western #Force #coach #Dylan #Parsons #belief #crucial #target #grand #final #glory Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Warner Bros Will Need a Miracle to Turn the Tables After Marvel Clearly Outshined DC in Video Games Warner Bros Will Need a Miracle to Turn the Tables After Marvel Clearly Outshined DC in Video Games DC’s stronghold in video games has diminished in recent years, and a large part of its game’s failure goes to the studios behind it not being able to deliver good games at large scales. Marvel has surpassed DC in the gaming race. Image Credit: Marvel Similarly, DC’s rival Marvel now has a lot of games that seem to be doing well in the market. Marvel has gone way ahead in this race than DC, and there is nothing much the latter can do about it now. It will be long before DC games can make a comeback Warne Bros. has shut down its gaming unit. Image Credit: Warner Bros. The future for DC games looks meek at the moment, especially after Warner Bros. recently shut down 3 studios from its gaming unit and canceled the upcoming Wonder Woman game. DC’s recent Suicide Squad game bombed at the market and largely contributed to Warner Bros.’s decision to take a step back from gaming for a while. On the other hand, Marvel is having a joy ride at the moment. There was a time when DC dominated the gaming market with games like Batman: Arkham Asylum and Injustice. However, now Warner Bros. only has games like Suicide Squad and Harry Potter Quidditch Champions. These games failed to perform well in the market and contributed largely to DC’s fall. Marvel is currently dominating the market with games like Spider-Man, Spider-Man 2, and the recently released hero shooter Marvel Rivals. There is a massive difference in quality between games from DC and Marvel. Spider-Man 2 sold over 2.5 million units within 24 hours, whereas Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League incurred $200 million in losses. The game was available at a 95% discount on Steam. Wild to think that back when the Arkham games were first releasing Marvel were mostly just producing movie tie-in games. DC was held at a higher standard for video game adaptations, now Marvel have Spider-Man and Marvel Rivals and DC has nothing — Ollie (@TheQuiver_) February 25, 2025 DC has alot of characters that are viable for games but WB just sticks to batman every single ******** time — (@szngardevoir) February 26, 2025 How the turn tables turn or something — Batcape98 (@Jonatha83622215) February 26, 2025 DC has now withdrawn itself from gaming, for now at least. It seems it will be long before Warner Bros. reestablishes its stronghold in the market. There is nothing much that it can do at the moment. Marvel has surpassed DC in this race Spider-Man 2 is one of the most successful games from Marvel. Image Credit: Insomniac Games Marvel vs. DC has been a long-standing debate ever since these comics were established. It is one of the most interesting rivalries in pop culture. The films and TV shows from DC have still been doing a lot better than its gaming unit. If things keep going the way they are, DC’s name might vanish from gaming altogether. Marvel, on the other hand, has a lot of big plans for the future. Players might see more games in the future from its universe. Warner Bros. will first need to reopen its gaming unit and enable it to create unique titles, but it is quite uncertain as to when that will happen. What do you think about it? Let us know in the comments below. Source link #Warner #Bros #Miracle #Turn #Tables #Marvel #Outshined #Video #Games Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Christian sect members who watched 8-year-old die get lengthy prison sentences Christian sect members who watched 8-year-old die get lengthy prison sentences The parents of an 8-year-old girl who died after they withheld her insulin, encouraged by members of a small Christian sect who believed God would save her, have been sentenced to at least 14 years in prison. Elizabeth Struhs died in January 2022 on a mattress on the floor of her home in Toowoomba, west of Brisbane, days after her father Jason Struhs, 53, declared that she no longer needed medication for Type 1 diabetes. Her mother, Kerrie Struhs, 49, encouraged Elizabeth’s father to withhold her insulin, as did 12 other members of a ******-based sect known as “The Saints,” who were last month found guilty of manslaughter in a judge-only trial. In a sentencing hearing Wednesday, Queensland Supreme Court Justice Martin Burns sentenced sect leader Brendan Stevens, 63, to 13 years in prison, describing him as “a dangerous, highly manipulative individual.” Eleven other members of the sect, who sang and prayed while Elizabeth died, were sentenced to between six and nine years in prison. “Elizabeth suffered a slow and painful death and you are all, in one way or another, responsible,” Justice Burns wrote in his sentencing remarks. It’s not the first time Jason and Kerrie Struhs have been prosecuted for failing to give Elizabeth medical care. The 14 members of the sect refused to enter a plea and represented themselves at trial. – Court Sketch/Nine News In 2019, Elizabeth, then 6, was hospitalized for a month after becoming gravely ill from undiagnosed and untreated diabetes. At the time, her father rejected the sect’s insistence that God would heal her and eventually took his daughter to hospital. That time, Jason Struhs pleaded guilty to “failing to provide the necessaries of life to Elizabeth” and was given a suspended sentence after testifying against his wife. Kerrie Struhs pleaded not guilty and was given an 18-month sentence. What happened next all but sealed Elizabeth’s fate. While Kerrie Struhs was in prison, her husband’s 17-year opposition to the sect crumbled, the trial heard, and he became “baptized” as its newest member. Elizabeth died just three weeks after her mother was released from prison on parole, telling her parole officer that she’d withhold her daughter’s treatment again, if given the choice. She also said she wouldn’t intervene if anyone tried to help Elizabeth – but no one did. A ‘miracle’ recruit The couple at the center of the case had a long and often combative relationship. Jason Struhs told police that his wife wasn’t very religious during the first few years of their marriage, but that changed when she met sect leader Brendan Stevens and his wife Loretta in 2004. As Kerrie Struhs grew closer to the Stevens family, she began to reject medical treatment. Jason Struhs remained a staunch non-believer, who insisted that their eight children be vaccinated. The couple’s conflicting beliefs caused friction in the household, and for a time Jason moved to the garage to “escape the tension.” He worked night shifts and preferred to stay away from the house, either working or playing golf, he told police, according to court documents. Jason Struhs was a relatively new member of the sect, led by Brendan Stevens. – Court Sketch/Nine News Kerrie Struhs told police her husband was an “angry man” who didn’t believe in God, and that she was planning to leave him after her release from prison in December 2021. But she changed her mind after she discovered that Jason had joined the church, describing him as much calmer, like a “new person.” “The change in him has been unbelievable,” she told police. Jason Struhs told police he had a “mental breakdown” after Kerrie went to prison and sought support from sect members. To the church, the conversion of someone once vehemently opposed to their teachings was something of a “miracle” – proof that God had cured his anger. A small home-based sect When Jason Struhs declared in early January 2022 – just five months after joining the sect – that Elizabeth no longer needed insulin, church members were elated. Their campaign to convince him that Elizabeth could be cured by God had worked. Within days her condition deteriorated, and even as she lay dying with the insulin in the cupboard, no one gave it to her or suggested they seek medical help. As Elizabeth became sicker, vomiting then unresponsive, Jason Struhs seemed to waver in his conviction, but church members rallied around him, encouraging him to follow God’s will. They sat at Elizabeth’s bedside, singing and praying. “Whatever the Lord’s plan is for us, we will follow it,” Stevens later told police. Justice Burns said Wednesday Jason Struhs had put his own personal beliefs ahead of his duty as a father, “then staked the life of your eight-year-old child on it.” Elizabeth Struhs died on the ground floor of her family’s home in Toowoomba, Queensland, on January 7, 2022. – Courtesy: Andrew Whiteman Elizabeth died on January 7, 2022, of diabetic ketoacidosis, a complication caused by a lack of insulin and medical treatment for diabetes – the same condition she had in 2019. The sect continued to sing, dance and pray around her body for 36 hours before Jason Struhs said it was time to phone police. For years, the sect’s beliefs were reinforced by their leader, Brendan Stevens, who taught his followers to reject modern medicine but denied any responsibility for Elizabeth’s death. In 2022, as Elizabeth’s condition deteriorated, Stevens told her parents, “This is just a little trial to prove that you all are truly faithful to our faithful God,” according to court documents. Stevens’ wife Loretta, 67, and six of their adult children – Therese, Andrea, Acacia, Camellia, Alexander and Sebastian Stevens, ages 24 to 35, were also convicted, along with Elizabeth’s older brother Zachary Struhs, 22. The others included Lachlan and Samantha Schoenfisch, a married couple aged 34 and 26, and Keita Martin, 24, who went to school with the Stevens children and moved in with the family when she was 17. During the trial, their family members told the court they’d become increasingly concerned about their extreme religious beliefs. On Wednesday, Justice Burns said the culpability of some of the sect members was “reduced significantly” due to the lesser roles they played in Elizabeth’s death and their own indoctrination – some had grown up inside the sect. But not all were taken in by Brendan Stevens. Jayde Struhs, Elizabeth Struhs’ sister, addressed the media after their parents were convicted. – Nine News Jayde Struhs, Jason and Kerrie Struhs’ eldest daughter, gave evidence against her parents. She left their home at age 16 for fear she’d never be accepted as gay. In a victim impact statement read in court, Jayde Struhs said: “These people only wanted to control my family and everything they did. All for the sense of power … so they could play God.” All 14 defendants represented themselves during a 9-week judge-only trial in 2024, however none gave or called any evidence. Speaking on their behalf, Brendan Stevens called the trial a “religious persecution.” Jayde Struhs told Australia’s national broadcaster, the ABC, that Stevens instilled an Armageddon-style fear in his followers. “The main … messaging that Brendan puts out there is that the world’s going to end and Jesus is going to come back and save us … if you’re not absolute in the walk of God, you’ll go to hell forever,” she said. Cult expert Raphael Aron, director of Cult Consulting Australia, says Jason Struhs would have been under “immense” pressure to join the group and follow their beliefs. He said prison is unlikely to change the beliefs of “The Saints,” and if members are allowed further contact with each other, it could further entrench their ideology. “I don’t know if any group has fallen apart because the leader went to jail; he’s just seen as a martyr, basically a replica of Jesus on the cross,” said Aron. “There’s all sorts of other ways of justifying it, and they keep going.” He said he hopes Elizabeth’s death acts as a “wake up call” to anyone who may be questioning the legitimacy of people influencing themselves or a loved one. A major red flag is the rejection of conventional medicine, Aron said, as it allows the group to conceal abusive behavior. “The one area in life where the groups can actually be held accountable will be through the medical world, because that practitioner has a responsibility to do something about what’s going on,” said Aron. Sect leaders also often ban members from accessing the internet because if they did, they might find damning testimony from former members, he added. Small groups with extreme beliefs are all but impossible to detect unless people come forward, Aron said – but in Australia, unlike the United States, there are few avenues to report them. He’s advocating for a regulatory body with the power to investigate complaints. “The problem is, if you go to the police and no crime has been committed, they can’t do anything, and by the time the crime has been committed, it’s too late.” Justice Burns said Wednesday that the prospects of the offenders’ rehabilitation were “bleak, to say the least.” “Each of you engaged in some sort of spiritual gamble with the life of a child – a child you professed to love. The arrogance of your belief in that regard was and remains bewildering.” For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com Source link #Christian #sect #members #watched #8yearold #die #lengthy #prison #sentences Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Gene Hackman: One of Hollywood's greatest 'tough guys' – BBC.com Gene Hackman: One of Hollywood's greatest 'tough guys' – BBC.com Gene Hackman: One of Hollywood’s greatest ‘tough guys’ BBC.comSheriff: Gene Hackman, wife found dead in Santa Fe home; no foul play suspected Santa Fe New MexicanActor Gene Hackman and his wife Betsy Arakawa found dead in their New Mexico home, police say CNNGene Hackman, Oscar-winning star of ‘Hoosiers’ and ‘Unforgiven,’ dies at 95 ABC News Source link #Gene #Hackman #Hollywood039s #greatest #039tough #guys039 #BBC.com Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Kimberley residents urged to check gardens for invasive fringed spider flower Kimberley residents urged to check gardens for invasive fringed spider flower Kimberley residents are being urged to inspect their gardens for a fast-spreading invasive weed after detections in Kununurra and Wyndham raised concerns about its potential spread across the region. Source link #Kimberley #residents #urged #check #gardens #invasive #fringed #spider #flower Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Nvidia Earnings: Here’s Why the Stellar Q4 Results Got a Cold Market Reception Nvidia Earnings: Here’s Why the Stellar Q4 Results Got a Cold Market Reception Nvidia (NASDAQ:) crushed expectations on Wednesday, yet its stock wobbled for a brief ******* in after-hours trading, before recovering in pre-market action. The mixed reaction signals uncertainty as investors brace for today’s session. At first glance, the AI chip giant delivered a stellar performance. Q4 2024 revenue soared to $39.33 billion, easily surpassing the $38.05 billion estimate. Earnings per share landed at $0.89, edging past forecasts of $0.85. But despite the strong numbers, the market’s hesitation suggests investors may be looking beyond the headline beat. However, increasingly demanding investors seem to have focused on other, less optimistic details. Why is the market reaction mixed to Nvidia’s excellent results? First of all, the company announced that it expects sales of $43 billion for the first quarter of 2025, slightly above the average forecast ($42.3 billion), but below the high estimate of $48 billion. The company also warned that its non-GAAP gross margin should reach 71% for the current quarter, 1 point below consensus. It should also be noted that Q1 sales of $43 billion would correspond to annual sales growth of just over 65%, which would certainly be impressive, but would confirm the slowdown in growth. Indeed, Q4 2024 revenues published last night corresponded to annual growth of 77.8%, itself lower than Q3 (+94.4%) and Q2 (+130%). Details of sales by division also prompted investors to exercise caution. Revenues from the networks division missed expectations, at $3.02 billion versus $3.51 billion anticipated, and down 9.2% year-on-year. The same was true of video game sales, down 14% year-on-year to $2.5 billion, against expectations of $3.02 billion. Results were therefore not perfect across the board, and the slowdown in growth suggests that maturity is approaching for Nvidia, suggesting that we shouldn’t expect the stock to repeat its stellar performance of 2024 (+194%) this year. Nvidia shares overvalued according to models On the other hand, valuation models consider the share to be overvalued at the current price, with an InvestingPro Fair Value (which synthesizes several recognized models) at $124.71, 5% below Wednesday’s closing price. This doesn’t mean we should necessarily expect a plunge either, but it does imply that there are now more interesting opportunities to bet on this year. ProPicks AI sends a warning It’s also worth noting that Nvidia shares were removed from ProPicks AI’s Tech Titans strategy earlier this month. InvestingPro’s AI-managed strategy added Nvidia shares as early as November 2023 and later closed the position with a staggering 229% gain in just 14 months. Since its real-world launch in November 2023, the Tech Titans strategy has delivered an impressive 95.08% overall return—far outpacing the ’s 38.79% gain through its February 2025 update. Updated monthly—just like all 30+ ProPicks AI strategies on InvestingPro—the Tech Titans strategy gets its next refresh on Monday. That makes now the perfect time to get in at a steep discount through this link and start profiting. *** DISCLAIMER: This article is written for informational purposes only; it does not constitute a solicitation, offer, advice, counsel or recommendation to invest as such it is not intended to incentivize the purchase of assets in any way. As a reminder, any type of asset, is evaluated from multiple points of view and is highly risky and therefore, any investment decision and the associated risk remains with the investor Source link #Nvidia #Earnings #Heres #Stellar #Results #Cold #Market #Reception Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

Pope Francis was in ******** finance struggle before hospitalization Pope Francis was in ******** finance struggle before hospitalization ******** CITY (Reuters) – Before he was hospitalized for double pneumonia, Pope Francis was battling firm resistance from some of his own cardinals about how to plug a widening gap in the ********’s finances. Three days before his hospitalization, Francis ordered the creation of a new high-level commission to encourage donations to the headquarters of the 1.4-billion-member Catholic Church. The new “Commission on Donations for the Holy See”, announced by the ******** on Wednesday as Francis was spending his 13th day in hospital, was formed after the pope faced push back against his proposals for ******** budget cuts from within the Roman Curia. 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. In a closed-door meeting late last year, ******** department chiefs, including senior cardinals, argued against cuts and against the Argentine pope’s desire to seek outside funding to fix the deficit, two officials told Reuters. The officials asked not to be named due to the sensitive nature of the information. Francis has been seeking to patch up the budget for several years. He has cut cardinals’ salaries three times since 2021 and demanded a “zero deficit” agenda in September. But his efforts appear to have had little impact. Although the ******** hasn’t published a full budget report since 2022, the last set of accounts, approved in mid-2024, included an 83-million-euro ($87 million) shortfall, the two sources said. Reuters was not able to verify the deficit figure independently. While the ******** has operated with a deficit for years by rebalancing accounts and drawing on the dividends from its investment income, the gap has grown significantly in recent years. In 2022, the gap reported by the ******** was 33 million euros. Two cardinals who oversee the ********’s budget declined Reuters’ requests for interviews and did not provide current budget information. The ******** did not respond to a request for comment. GROWING PENSION WOES Adding to the budget concerns are growing liabilities within the ********’s pension fund, which were estimated to total some 631 million euros by the ********’s finance czar in a 2022 media interview. There has been no official update to this figure, but several insiders told Reuters they believe it has ballooned. “The budget problems are going to force the ******** to do a lot of things it doesn’t want to do,” said Rev. Tom Reese, a Jesuit priest and commentator who has written about the ********’s finances. The ******** may have to limit its charitable works or down-size its diplomatic presence at embassies across the world, he said. “The footprint of the pope could be severely reduced,” said Reese. “If you can’t pay your bills, you can’t do much.” Reuters could not determine the precise reasons behind the ********’s growing budget shortfall. The ******** suffered a substantial loss of tourist income during the Covid pandemic. And in October, the pope also said there would have to be cuts to the at-least 40 million euro budget for the ********’s extensive multi-language media operations. Although the ******** is the headquarters of the global Catholic Church, it generally controls only its own budget. In most cases, individual dioceses and religious orders control their own finances. Addressing the budget woes at the recent meeting, the pope suggested that ******** offices could seek outside funding to balance their expenses or ward off staffing cuts, according to the two officials who spoke to Reuters. Several cardinals questioned the wisdom of such a move, arguing it could trigger conflicts of interest for Church, the sources said. Reuters could not determine what funding sources the pope wants ******** offices to tap. Several insiders said that wealthy Catholic foundations in the U.S. and Europe, which are typically run independently and determine their own funding priorities, could provide a valuable source of income. The new high-level commission announced on Wednesday was given the task of encouraging donations from lay Catholics, national bishops conferences, “and other potential benefactors”. LIMITED INCOME STREAMS The pope appointed a new administrator for the ********’s pension fund in November, and warned its operating structure may need to change, without providing further details. The fund has not made its accounts public. Many public pension funds have underestimated how long retired employees will live, throwing off their budget calculations. In 1960, Italy’s average life expectancy was 69 against 83 in 2022. It is not clear if the ******** has made any adjustment to take this into account. “If you get the life expectancy assumptions wrong, that could be a huge problem,” said Gregory Kearney, a researcher at Stanford University who has studied failing state pension funds in the U.S. The ********, a microstate within Rome, has limited fiscal options. It does not issue debt, sell bonds, or levy taxes. A 2010 monetary agreement with the EU limits the ******** to only issuing a fixed amount of euro coins each year, initially set at a sum of 2.3 million euros. The global Catholic headquarters instead has three main income streams. It takes donations through the pope’s official fund. It has an investment portfolio, which includes stock investments and more than 5,000 properties, the vast majority in Italy. And it makes money from admissions to the ******** Museums. The museums suffered a major decrease in income during the Covid pandemic from 2020 to 2022, due to extended lockdowns in Italy, but visitors have flooded back since 2023. The ******** reported a profit of 45.9 million euros on its investments in 2024. It did not say whether it was selling any assets, but said 35 million euro of the profit came from better management of rental properties. Donations to the ******** have been relatively stable, averaging around 45 million euros over the past decade, with spikes of 74 million euros in 2018 and 66 million euros in 2019. However, Ed Soule, a business professor at Jesuit-run Georgetown University in Washington, worried that wealthy Catholic donors could start withholding donations if they felt they were being used for underfunded pension liabilities rather than charitable work. “Some donors would look at this and say I’m not really interested in using my money to fund your unfunded pension,” he said. “It’s just not the sort of thing that gets people excited.” HOPES FOR JUBILEE The pope’s budget woes come as the ******** is anticipating a record number of visits by tourists in 2025, as part of the ongoing Catholic Holy Year, also known as a Jubilee. Some 32 million tourists are expected over the year. Many of the tourists will pay for admission to the museums, which costs at least 20 euro. “That will no doubt bring in a lot of money into the ********’s coffers,” said J.F. Pollard, a British historian who has written about the ********’s finances. But only a portion of that income will help fill the budget deficit, as the museums must also pay its own staff and cover costs for exhibits and its extensive conservation and restoration works. Reese said the Jubilee would not bring in enough money to fill the deficit. “It’s not like the pope is charging $1,000 per pilgrim,” he said. The pope, who is 88 and has been hospitalized several times in recent years, may decide to sell off some of the ********’s investment portfolio to cover the deficit, the Jesuit priest suggested. Any sell-off would provide immediate income but reduce future investment profits. “That postpones the problem for some future pope,” said Reese. “Whether it will be the next (pope) or the one after, there will be a day of reckoning.” ($1 = 0.9525 euros) (Reporting by Joshua McElwee; Editing by Crispian Balmer and Daniel Flynn) Source link #Pope #Francis #******** #finance #struggle #hospitalization Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Shares of British aerospace giant Rolls-Royce jump 16% on upbeat outlook, profit beat – CNBC Shares of British aerospace giant Rolls-Royce jump 16% on upbeat outlook, profit beat – CNBC Shares of British aerospace giant Rolls-Royce jump 16% on upbeat outlook, profit beat CNBCUK’s Rolls-Royce upgrades forecasts after 2024 beat Yahoo FinanceRolls-Royce brings back dividend and announces £1bn share buyback The GuardianRolls-Royce shares surge as group says turnaround is 2 years ahead of schedule Financial TimesRolls-Royce Lifts Profit Guidance, to Buy Back £1 Billion Stock Bloomberg Source link #Shares #British #aerospace #giant #RollsRoyce #jump #upbeat #outlook #profit #beat #CNBC Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]