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Maddow Blog | As Trump hires Dan Bongino to help lead the FBI, will the bureau ever be the same? Maddow Blog | As Trump hires Dan Bongino to help lead the FBI, will the bureau ever be the same? In early September 2024, federal prosecutors presented evidence of a striking and unexpected controversy. The Justice Department had apparently uncovered evidence of a Russia-backed media network funding and directing a scheme that sent millions of dollars to prominent right-wing commentators and podcast hosts. As the scandal unfolded, far-right podcaster Dan Bongino used his own program to extend some advice to his ideological brethren: Those caught up in the mess, Bongino said, should not cooperate with the FBI. Six months later, Donald Trump decided it’d be a good idea to put the far-right media personality in a key leadership post at the FBI. NBC News reported: President Donald Trump on Sunday announced the selection of conservative commentator and former Fox News host Dan Bongino to serve as deputy FBI director, filling a position typically held by a career FBI agent with an influential media personality who has called for mass firings at the bureau. Bongino will lead the bureau alongside Kash Patel, who was narrowly confirmed as FBI director by the Senate last week. The deputy director position is effectively responsible for running the bureau’s day-to-day operations, as The New York Times reported, it is “a complex and grueling job that requires working closely with foreign partners and navigating sensitive investigations.” For generations, the administrative position has gone to senior agents with extensive FBI experience. According to NBC News’ reporting, this trend was supposed to continue: Patel privately agreed — shortly before the president’s announcement — that the next FBI deputy director would be an active special agent with operational expertise and experience, as well as institutional knowledge and respect within the bureau. It was against this backdrop that Trump instead chose a podcaster with literally no FBI experience for the job. The fact that Bongino worked as a Secret Service agent and NYPD officer is of interest, but it’s also not altogether relevant. What’s more, this is not a Senate-confirmed position. The president wants an unqualified conservative media personality to help run the FBI’s operations, and so an unqualified conservative media personality will now help run the FBI’s operations. Even by Trump standards, this is truly bonkers. In fact, it’s genuinely challenging to know where to start. Do we emphasize how hilarious Trump’s recent focus on “meritocracy“ is in light of decisions like these? Do we focus on Bongino’s failed congressional campaigns, making this an extension of the ongoing “Team of Losers” thesis? How about the president’s preoccupation with hiring officials with Fox News experience? (According to tallies from The New York Times and Media Matters, Trump has now chosen 20 former Fox hosts and contributors — and counting — to serve on his team.) Or maybe a few paragraphs about Trump vowing to “depoliticize” the FBI while installing someone who once said, “My entire life right now is about owning the libs. That’s it. The libs, because they have shown themselves … to be pure unadulterated evil”? While each of these angles are relevant, more still, however, is the ******* picture: This is a step a president takes when he wants to tear down the FBI and turn it into something new and twisted. Trump tapped an inexperienced and prolific conspiracy theorist to serve as the director of the FBI, at which point he tapped another inexperienced and prolific conspiracy theorist to serve as the deputy director of the FBI. Both men, of course, are also election deniers. As the aforementioned Times report added, “The combination of Mr. Patel and Mr. Bongino will represent the least experienced leadership pair in the bureau’s history. It is also all but certain to prompt concerns about how the men, who have freely peddled misinformation and embraced partisan politics, will run an agency typically insulated from White House interference.” NBC News’ reporting also noted that Bongino has spent many hours specifically spouting “baseless falsehoods” about the bureau itself, leading current and former FBI feeling “appalled — and extremely concerned for the national security of the country.” I don’t doubt that there will still be an institution called the Federal Bureau of Investigation, but with Patel and Bongino at the helm, it will not be the FBI. Before 51 Senate Republicans voted to confirm Patel last week, Democratic Sen. Chris Murphy of Connecticut said on the chamber’s floor, “If your plan is to destroy the rule of law and turn the Department of Justice into a political weapon that rewards loyalty and punishes dissent, then Kash Patel is the perfect person to lead the FBI.” Bongino makes the same problem vastly worse. This article was originally published on MSNBC.com Source link #Maddow #Blog #Trump #hires #Dan #Bongino #lead #FBI #bureau Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Trump Administration Live Updates: Musk’s Ultimatum to Federal Workers Receives Pushback – The New York Times Trump Administration Live Updates: Musk’s Ultimatum to Federal Workers Receives Pushback – The New York Times Trump Administration Live Updates: Musk’s Ultimatum to Federal Workers Receives Pushback The New York TimesTrump deploys SpongeBob meme to troll DOGE critics Fox NewsSeveral administration officials tell workers not to reply to Musk email The Washington Post Source link #Trump #Administration #Live #Updates #Musks #Ultimatum #Federal #Workers #Receives #Pushback #York #Times Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Insomniac’s Spider-Man 3 May Be Repeating the Same Controversy That Made You Hate The Witcher 4 Insomniac’s Spider-Man 3 May Be Repeating the Same Controversy That Made You Hate The Witcher 4 History has a funny way of repeating itself in the gaming industry. Just two months after CD Projekt Red’s controversial announcement about The Witcher 4, Insomniac Games finds itself walking a similarly thorny path with Marvel’s Spider-Man 3. Two studios, two heroes, two different breakup letters. | Image Credit: Insomniac Games Both beloved franchises are shifting focus from their iconic protagonists, but while one studio’s approach has fans ready to storm the castle with pitchforks, the other might have found a way to keep the peace. It’s a tale of two transitions, and the ******’s in the details. The question isn’t just about who gets to be the hero anymore—it’s about how you handle letting go of characters that players have spent hundreds of hours embodying. When passing the torch becomes a wildfire The gaming community hasn’t exactly been throwing roses at CD Projekt Red since The Witcher 4‘s reveal. Replacing Geralt with Ciri as the protagonist was always going to ruffle some feathers, but perhaps it’s the studio’s cagey approach to Geralt’s role that really got under players’ skin. While CD Projekt Red keeps dancing around the White Wolf’s involvement like a nervous bard at a vampire’s ball, Insomniac is taking a refreshingly different approach. Speaking with The Direct at MultiCon, Peter Parker’s voice actor dropped some web-slinging wisdom: There are very few things that I can say about this game, but you have somehow landed on the one thing that I can answer, and that’s that, yes, Peter is not gone. He will be a part of the next game and he won’t be relegated to the couch, I promise. It’s not just what Yuri Lowenthal said—it’s how he said it. No cryptic developer speak, no “wait and see” teases. Just straight-up confirmation that Peter isn’t being shoved into retirement faster than Uncle Ben’s memory. Meanwhile, poor Doug Cockle (Geralt’s voice actor) got “slapped by CD Projekt” (his words, not ours) for even hinting at his involvement. Talk about different approaches to transparency. The irony? Both studios are essentially doing the same thing—evolving their franchises beyond their original protagonists and most likely disappointing a portion of their fanbase in the process. But while one’s treating it like a state secret, the other’s treating it like a natural progression. Why some torch passes burn brighter than others Not all hero transitions need to leave fans fuming. | Image Credit: Insomniac Games Change in gaming communities is about as welcome as a game-breaking bug in the launch build. But it’s fascinating how the same pill becomes easier to ******** when it’s coated in the right kind of transparency. CD Projekt Red’s approach to The Witcher 4 feels unnecessarily mysterious. Sure, they’ve confirmed Ciri as the new protagonist, but their silence about Geralt’s role has turned a straightforward transition into a PR puzzle. Executive Producer Małgorzata Mitręga calls it an “organic, logical choice,” (via IGN) but the lack of clear communication feels anything but organic. Contrast this with Insomniac’s handling of their next entry in the Marvel’s Spider-Man series. They, via Lowenthal, are not just acknowledging Peter’s continued importance—they’re celebrating it. This isn’t about replacing heroes; it’s about expanding their legacy. And somehow, that makes all the difference. The best part? This approach actually builds excitement rather than anxiety. When you tell fans “your favorite character isn’t gone, they’re just sharing the spotlight,” it turns out they’re a lot less likely to reach for their pitchforks. What do you think about these different approaches to character transitions? Are you more excited about Peter’s active role in Spider-Man 3, or are you still holding your breath about Geralt’s fate in The Witcher 4? Share your thoughts in the comments below! Source link #Insomniacs #SpiderMan #Repeating #Controversy #Hate #Witcher Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

*** MP jailed for 10 weeks for punching passer-by *** MP jailed for 10 weeks for punching passer-by A *** parliamentarian has been sentenced to 10 weeks in prison for punching one of his constituents after a night out, raising the prospect he could be ousted from parliament and trigger an electoral test for the governing Labour Party. Mike Amesbury was suspended from Labour after CCTV footage showed him throwing a punch at a man in October and repeatedly hitting him after the man was knocked to the ground. Amesbury, the MP for Runcorn and Helsby in northwest England, initially said he felt threatened on the street. The 55-year-old appeared at Chester Magistrates’ Court, where prosecutor Alison Storey said a member of the public approached Amesbury at a taxi ****** just after 2am on October 26 to remonstrate with him about a local bridge closure. Amesbury then knocked the man to the floor punching him at least five times when he was on the ground, she said. He then told his victim: “You won’t threaten your MP again, will you? You f***ing soft lad.” His lawyer Richard Derby said Amesbury was remorseful and had apologised for his actions, asking for the court to impose a sentence of unpaid work. But Judge Tan Ikram said: “Unprovoked drunken behaviour in the early hours in the streets is too serious to be dealt with by unpaid hours of work.” Amesbury was sentenced to 10 weeks for a single count of common assault, having pleaded guilty last month. He will serve 40 per cent of the sentence in custody. He can now be removed from office if enough constituents support a petition calling for a new election for the parliamentary seat, which would put pressure on Labour, led by Prime Minister Keir Starmer. Amesbury won the seat comfortably for Labour in its landslide general election win in July. But since then the anti-establishment Reform *** party, led by Nigel Farage, has overtaken Labour in some opinion polls. Reform *** chairman Zia Yusuf said in a statement: “We call on Mike Amesbury to do the honourable thing and resign immediately so a by-election can be held.” Source link #jailed #weeks #punching #passerby Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

European Union calls for more cyber data-sharing with Nato European Union calls for more cyber data-sharing with Nato The European Union (EU) has issued updated recommendations for its blueprint on cyber security crisis management and incident response, reflecting an increasingly charged security environment and growing potential threats to the 27-state bloc, candidate countries and non-member neighbours such as the ***. The Cyber Blueprint is a non-binding instrument that does not supersede national cyber security policies in Europe, but is rather designed to enable so-called Union actors – meaning EU-level individual entities and networks – to understand how best to interact and make the best use of available mechanisms in the event of a major cyber incident affecting individual EU member states, or the EU as a whole. Depending on its cause and impact, such an incident could escalate into a full-blown crisis affecting the workings of the EU internal market, and posing serious public security and safety risks for millions. “In an increasingly interdependent Union economy, disruptions from cyber security incidents can have far-reaching impacts across various sectors,” said executive vice-president for tech sovereignty, security and democracy Hanna Virkkunen. “The proposed cyber security blueprint reflects our commitment to ensuring a coordinated approach, leveraging existing structures to protect the internal market and uphold vital societal functions,” she said. “This recommendation is a crucial step forward in reinforcing our collective cyber resilience.” Among other things, the blueprint sets out what a cyber crisis is and what would trigger cyber crisis mechanisms at Union level. It also explains the various available mechanisms, such as the Cybersecurity Emergency Mechanism, that will help prepare incident response, management and recovery operations. Brussels is increasingly concerned that such an incident would form part of a wider geopolitical crisis – very likely involving Russia and the US, with potential flashpoints around Ukraine, Moldova or the Baltics – that would activate a Nato military response. As such, the revisions additionally aim to promote more structured cooperation between civilian and military organisations. In this regard, it calls for the European cyber crisis liaison organisation network (EU-CyCLONe), as well as the EU Cyber Commanders Conference, the EU network of Military Computer Emergency Response Teams Operational Network (MICNET), and the Computer Security Incident Response Teams (CSIRTs) Network, as well as a future EU Cyber Defence Coordination Centre, to cooperate to “develop common situational awareness” between the civilian and military cyber spheres. Such cooperation would take into account pre-existing arrangements, such as the CERT-EU/Nato technical agreement, which dates back nine years, and should endeavour to establish appropriate contact points into Nato in the event of a major cyber crisis, in order to share data and coordinate crisis response mechanisms. “To this end,” the blueprint reads, “the Union should explore ways to improve information sharing capabilities with Nato, including through possible interconnections between their respective communication and information systems.” Brussels also wants European Commission services and the European External Action Service (EEAS) to consider organising a joint staff exercise to test collaboration in the event of a large-scale cyber incident affecting Nato states in Europe, including ones in which Articles 4 and 5 of the Nato Treaty are triggered. Article 5, the cornerstone clause of the Nato Treaty, establishes that a military attack on one member is a military attack on all. It has been invoked once, in the wake of the 9/11 terrorist attacks in the US. Article 4, which is lesser known, establishes principles for multilateral consultation when a member considers its territorial integrity, political independence and security threatened. It has been invoked seven times in the alliance’s history, and never prior to the year 2000, five times relating to incidents arising from the 2003 invasion of Iraq and the Syrian civil war, and twice in relation to Russia’s continued aggression against Ukraine. “Given the exposure of candidate countries and the potential of cyber incidents taking place in the Union’s neighbourhood, joint exercises involving candidate countries should be considered,” said the EU. The EU’s full recommendations can be downloaded here. Source link #European #Union #calls #cyber #datasharing #Nato Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

A Doctor Claimed He Knew Why I Got *******. When He Told Me, I Was Horrified And Embarrassed. A Doctor Claimed He Knew Why I Got *******. When He Told Me, I Was Horrified And Embarrassed. As a ******* survivor, watching Netflix’s new show “Apple Cider Vinegar” felt like a gut punch. The show captures the exhaustion and desperation many ******* patients feel, and the seductive allure of ditching traditional medicine for the promise of a “natural” cure. It also exposes the dark underbelly of the alternative health industry — a world where quacks and influencers prey on the vulnerable. They speak with unwavering confidence, yet their claims are backed by zero peer-reviewed evidence. I know this all too well … because I almost fell for it myself. I was diagnosed with early-stage breast ******* in December 2022. I immediately began scheduling consultations with surgeons, but most appointments were pushed to mid- or late January because of the holidays. With weeks to wait, I decided to use the time proactively — or so I thought — and met with Dr. T, an integrative medical doctor, to explore if supplements could support my health while I waited for treatment. While Dr. T fully backed my decision to pursue surgery, she mentioned another holistic practitioner, Dr. D, who specialized in thermography. She explained that thermography — a thermal imaging technique that maps blood flow on the breast’s surface — potentially can identify areas of abnormal heat linked to inflammation or tumors. What caught my attention, though, was her offhand remark that Dr. D had allegedly “healed” a breast ******* patient without surgery, radiation or chemotherapy. As a science writer curious about holistic medicine, I was intrigued. Could thermography detect my *******? I decided to find out. The author shortly before breast-conserving surgery at MedStar Georgetown University Hospital in Washington, D.C. Courtesy Jennie Durant When I arrived at Dr. D’s office, I noticed that it felt more like a spa than a medical clinic — a welcome change from the windowless rooms with fluorescent lighting where I’d gotten my breast screens. The thermogram process involved nine thermal images taken with a special camera, followed by a “cold challenge” where I submerged my hands in icy water to test how my body responded. I was told that healthy tissue cools in sync with the brain’s signals, while cancerous or inflamed areas resist the change and show up as hot spots on the thermogram. I was fascinated, but I couldn’t ignore the red flags: thermograms aren’t FDA approved as standalone tests for detecting breast *******, and the technician operating the machine turned out to be the doctor’s wife. After waiting for 30 minutes for my results — an eternity that left me uneasy — Dr. D finally called me into his office. And then, things took a bizarre turn. First, he showed me the rainbow-colored thermogram report and acknowledged that it hadn’t detected my ******* — in fact, he seemed visibly flustered by the imaging fail. Instead, it had only revealed “extra heat” in the area, putting me in the “high-risk” category. Then, he revealed his theory: My ******* was caused by “too many COVID vaccines,” and I shouldn’t get another. I was too stunned to respond. Not only is there zero evidence linking COVID vaccines to breast ******* or other “turbo cancers,” the claim flew in the face of my personal history. “What about the fact that my mom had the same type of *******, in the same breast, at the same age?” I asked. He dismissed this outright. “No, it’s definitely the vaccines,” he insisted, before pivoting to his next pitch: Super Mineral Water, a product he sold in his clinic, which he claimed could “detox” my body and possibly help cure me. By then, I was equally horrified and embarrassed — not just by his quackery, but by my naiveté for walking into this mess. I grabbed my things and left as quickly as I could. The author ringing a bell after finishing a month of radiation treatment at MedStar Georgetown University Hospital in Washington, D.C. Courtesy Jennie Durant After my experience, I turned to the internet and stumbled on some comment boards about thermograms. One post led me to the story of Morganne Delian, a believer in homeopathic medicine who opted for a thermogram instead of a mammogram to detect ******* when she felt a lump in her breast. The thermogram practitioner reportedly told Delian that he couldn’t see a lump but warned she had “mild to moderate risk of developing aggressive breast tissue.” Months later, after finally undergoing a mammogram and a biopsy, she was diagnosed with Stage 3 breast *******. Stories like Delian’s are chilling reminders of the potential dangers posed by unproven screening tools and alternative therapies. From coffee enemas and Gerson therapy (a real-life version of the Hirsch method in “Apple Cider Vinegar”), to ****** salve, intravenous vitamin C, alkaline diets, homeopathy and energy healing, these practices are aggressively marketed by doctors, chiropractors and clinicians, even though they lack the necessary scientific testing and evidence to prove they work. So why are so many people still drawn to these alternatives? Part of it, I think, is the allure of control in a moment when you feel paralyzed with terror. A ******* diagnosis strips you of your agency — your body feels like a traitor and your treatment plan is dictated by a team of experts that you’ve just met. Alternative medicine offers the illusion of empowerment and personalized care. Quacks don’t bog you down with statistics, side effects or limitations — they offer hope and simplicity. In a world where ******* treatments are scary or difficult to understand, that simplicity and hope can become irresistible. After my diagnosis, one of the best things I did was learn to trust my ******* team and the science that guided them. I abandoned my wishful thinking — the fantasy of the “lovely healing experience,” like Milla’s tropical Hirsch retreat in “Apple Cider Vinegar.” Instead, I embraced the stark reality of white hospital walls and a windowless operating room, where my surgeon skillfully removed my tumor and left me ******* free. The author and her husband at the D.C. Cherry Blossom Festival, a couple of weeks after finding out she was ******* free. Courtesy Jennie Durant Now, I get an annual mammogram and breast MRI, the recommended screening protocol for women like me who are high risk and have dense breasts. I also take tamoxifen daily, a preventative medicine that I’ll take for at least five years, or for as long as my oncologist advises. Why? Because she’s the expert — not me. Science saved my life. It saves lives every day. Yet, we’re in a dangerous moment when people distrust the regulators and science communities tasked with protecting them, while placing blind faith in politicians and influencers who profit from our vulnerability. ”Apple Cider Vinegar” exposes the dark side of these charismatic characters — people who lie as easily as they breathe. It’s a stark reminder why we need to trust science now, more than ever. The question is: Will we listen? Note: Some names and identifying characteristics have been changed to protect the privacy of individuals in this essay. Jennie Durant is a science writer, researcher and breast ******* survivor with a book on bee declines coming out with Island Press in 2026. Her work has appeared in the San Francisco Chronicle, Grist, The Conversation, Salon and other outlets. Connect with her on Liinks, jenniedurant.com or check out her research on Google Scholar. Do you have a compelling personal story you’d like to see published on HuffPost? Find out what we’re looking for here and send us a pitch at *****@*****.tld. Related… Source link #Doctor #Claimed #Knew #******* #Told #Horrified #Embarrassed Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

David Beckham on what made him successful on and off the pitch David Beckham on what made him successful on and off the pitch David Beckham is one of the world’s most famous soccer players, celebrated for his exceptional career and significant contributions both on and off the pitch. He was part of Manchester United’s “Class of ’92,” a group of young talents who rose through the club’s youth academy to achieve unprecedented success. He captained the England national team from 2000 to 2006, played for some of the world’s biggest clubs and became the first English soccer player to win national league titles in four different countries. “The reason I’ve been successful is because of teams that I’ve been part of. I was lucky to play for great teams with great managers and great players,” Beckham told CNBC’s Tania Bryer in the most recent episode of CNBC Meets. Off the pitch, Beckham has long been committed to humanitarian work and has supported numerous charities and projects around the world, including UNICEF, for which he’s served as a Goodwill Ambassador for 20 years. His work was recognized with a Crystal Award at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland in January this year. Reflecting on his many humanitarian trips to countries around the world, David described gender inequality in action. “Girls were being affected and were treated differently, and I wanted to be part of empowering these young girls… they just needed to be given the opportunity. They need to be treated the same,” Beckham said. Since retiring in 2013, Beckham has continued to work with renowned brands such as Adidas, Hugo Boss and H&M, as well as starting his own ventures. In 2018, he became a founder and co-owner of U.S. Major League Soccer club, Inter Miami. The team made headlines in 2023 with the signing of Argentine superstar, Lionel Messi. “I wanted to be part of growing the game in America. I saw the challenges, I knew the opportunities and I knew that we could grow it to a certain level,” Beckham said. Watch the video above for Tania Bryer’s interview with global icon David Beckham. Source link #David #Beckham #successful #pitch Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

You Want More Avowed? So Does The Game’s Director You Want More Avowed? So Does The Game’s Director There is one person who already seems keen on seeing more Avowed: the game’s director, Carrie Patel. While Obsidian hasn’t said anything about an expansion for the RPG–let alone a sequel just days after launch–Patel sounds enthusiastic about exploring the Pillars of Eternity offshoot further. Speaking with Bloomberg, Patel didn’t dismiss creating a wholly original experience next. But at the same time, she expressed a not-so-subtle hint that more time within the Avowed universe excited her. “Now that we’ve built this wonderful world, and also built this team strength and muscle memory around the content and gameplay in this world, I’d love to see us do more with it,” said Patel. You need a javascript enabled browser to watch videos. Avowed Review Size:640 × 360480 × 270 Want us to remember this setting for all your devices? Sign up or Sign in now! Please use a html5 video capable browser to watch videos. This video has an invalid file format. Sorry, but you can’t access this content! Please enter your date of birth to view this video JanuaryFebruaryMarchAprilMayJuneJulyAugustSeptemberOctoberNovemberDecember12345678910111213141516171819202122232425262728293031Year202520242023202220212020201920182017201620152014201320122011201020092008200720062005200420032002200120001999199819971996199519941993199219911990198919881987198619851984198319821981198019791978197719761975197419731972197119701969196819671966196519641963196219611960195919581957195619551954195319521951195019491948194719461945194419431942194119401939193819371936193519341933193219311930192919281927192619251924192319221921192019191918191719161915191419131912191119101909190819071906190519041903190219011900 By clicking ‘enter’, you agree to GameSpot’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy enter Obsidian Entertainment is busy with another RPG installment planned for later this year. The Outer Worlds 2 got its first gameplay trailer at The Game Awards in December, and the sequel is releasing on PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X|S. In addition, employees at the developer want to make a tactics game within the Pillars of Eternity series, though it’s unclear if this will ever happen. Patel talked about the past, too. For instance, she discussed with Bloomberg how Avowed was originally pitched as a multiplayer-centric game that married Destiny with Skyrim. That was before Patel came on board as the game’s director after a major development pivot. She has also explained why Avowed has no romance options, bucking a pretty popular trend for RPGs. For more, check out GameSpot’s Avowed review. We also have tips to help you save the Living Lands in the RPG, as well as a guides hub. Source link #Avowed #Games #Director Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Steve Carell, Justin Bieber headline Los Angeles charity hockey game: ‘These guys were ready’ – The Athletic – The Athletic Steve Carell, Justin Bieber headline Los Angeles charity hockey game: ‘These guys were ready’ – The Athletic – The Athletic Steve Carell, Justin Bieber headline Los Angeles charity hockey game: ‘These guys were ready’ – The Athletic The AthleticSkate for LA Strong charity game helps community come together for wildfire recovery NHL.comJustin Bieber Says He’s Going to Teach Son Jack Blues to Skate ‘as Soon as Possible’: ‘It’s Never Too Early’ PEOPLEJustin Bieber & Jeremy Roenick Hilariously Fight During L.A. Charity Hockey Game Yahoo EntertainmentJustin Bieber, Snoop Dogg Among Celebs Participating in Benefit Hockey Game for L.A. Wildfire Relief Billboard Source link #Steve #Carell #Justin #Bieber #headline #Los #Angeles #charity #hockey #game #guys #ready #Athletic #Athletic Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Grand Mountain Adventure 2 now offers controller support for you snow-sport fanatics Grand Mountain Adventure 2 now offers controller support for you snow-sport fanatics Grand Mountain Adventure 2 now has full controller support Skii down the slopes, slalom and more, with your choice of controls GMA2 transports you to a wide open ski resort world to explore and compete in If you’ve been reading the site throughout the past couple of weeks (and why wouldn’t you?) one of the recent releases that should’ve stood out was Grand Mountain Adventure 2 and its complex snowsports simulation. And now players using controllers can enjoy full support for their gamepad of choice! Grand Mountain Adventure 2 takes you to the slopes of … with a variety of snowsport activities to partake in. Whether that be classics like skiing and snowboarding or paragliding and ziplining! You’ll be able to explore a wide open-world skiing resort experience, dodging hordes of tourists as you head downhill. Just the trailer alone stood out to me when writing about it, with vast numbers of other skiers to avoid, avalanches and weather effects and a genuinely vast world to explore. It’s a wonder how it manages to fit on mobile with all this, but the technical wizardry doesn’t end there now that Grand Mountain Adventure 2 has controller support! Stay in control One of my more controversial opinions is that the main issue many developers and players have with the mobile platform lies in its controls. After all, handheld devices have always been a hotbed for great releases. But the touchscreen, as wonderful as it is, is far better at smoothly scrolling social media and music streaming apps than it is at tight and responsive controls, at least in my opinion. Therefore it’s good to see a number of developers taking the step of adopting gamepad support and ensuring that there’s a wide variety of accessibility options for eager players to use. Speaking of which, if you’re looking to see what we think of some top controllers why not check out Jack Brassel’s review of the NEO S gamepad and see whether or not this funky purple piece of kit is worth your money? Source link #Grand #Mountain #Adventure #offers #controller #support #snowsport #fanatics Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Rangers appoint ex-captain Ferguson as interim manager Rangers appoint ex-captain Ferguson as interim manager Rangers have appointed their former captain Barry Ferguson as interim manager until the end of the season to replace Philippe Clement, the Scottish Premiership club said. Belgian Clement was sacked on Sunday the day after a home defeat by St Mirren, the Buddies first league win at Ibrox in more than 30 years, left second-placed Rangers 13 points adrift of rivals Celtic in the standings. The 47-year-old Ferguson, who won five league titles, five Scottish Cups and five League Cups across two spells at Ibrox, previously served as caretaker coach of Blackpool in 2014. He has also managed Clyde, Kelty Hearts and Alloa Athletic. “I want to wish Philippe every success in the future,” Rangers CEO Patrick Stewart said in a statement. “He is a fine man whom I have enjoyed working with in my short time here so far.” “I also want to welcome Barry back to the club. We appreciate him and his team stepping into the role at this difficult time.” Clement has guided Rangers to the Europa League last 16, where they face Fenerbahce next month, but they were knocked out of the Scottish Cup by second-tier Queen’s Park this month and lost the League Cup final to Celtic on penalties in December. “I want to reiterate, the issues we are facing run deeper than the manager,” added Stewart. “The ongoing football review seeks to address those issues and we will continue to implement its findings in the coming weeks and months ahead of appointing a new, permanent manager.” Former boss Steven Gerrard, ex-Everton manager Sean Dyche and Derek McInnes, currently in charge at Kilmarnock, have been linked with the vacancy. Source link #Rangers #appoint #excaptain #Ferguson #interim #manager Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

World’s first flying car hops over vehicle in public test World’s first flying car hops over vehicle in public test Alef Aeronautics says its Model A flying car can drive 320 kilometres on a single charge (Alef Aeronautics) A US startup has demonstrated an airborne vehicle that it claims to be the world’s first flying car. Alef Aeronautics released a video of its Model Zero prototype flying over a parked car on a public road in California, marking the first real-world test of the design concept. “This drive and flight test represents an important proof of technology in a real-world city environment,” said Alef Aeronautics chief executive Jim Dukhovny. “We hope it will be a moment similar to the Wright Brothers’ Kitty Hawk video, proving to humanity that new transportation is possible.” Most “flying car” startups use a similar design to quadcopter drones, with external rotor blades setting them apart from current road-going cars. Others have adopted fold-down wings, which require a lot of space to take off. The Alef Model Zero has a more conventional automotive design, which hides the rotor blades within the chassis of the car. The startup said its 100 per cent electric car has a driving range of 320 kilometres and a flight range of around 160km. Founded in 2015 – the same year flying cars were envisioned in the 1989 sci-fi film Back to the Future Part II – Alef Aeronautics hopes to eventually produce a vehicle that is “affordable for most people, not just the rich”. The company has already secured more than 3,300 pre-orders for its Model A vehicle, which is expected to enter production later this year. A manufacturing agreement to fulfil these orders has already been reached with PUCARA Aero and MYC, a joint venture that has produced aviation-grade parts for Airbus and Boeing. Alef’s Model Zero flies over a parked car on a California road (Alef Aeronautics) Prices for Alef’s Model A start at around $300,000 (£237,000), though a second flying car dubbed the Model Z is expected to cost around $35,000. “Designed to drive on the street, take off vertically when needed and fly overhead above traffic, we’re building the solution to the issues of modern congestion,” the company’s website states. “It fits into a regular driving lane and conforms to all traffic regulatory conditions. Alef flying car fits into a regular parking space and inside a regular-sized garage.” Source link #Worlds #flying #car #hops #vehicle #public #test Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

India PC Shipments Surged 3.8 Percent YoY in 2024, HP Lead the Way, Acer Saw Highest Growth: IDC India PC Shipments Surged 3.8 Percent YoY in 2024, HP Lead the Way, Acer Saw Highest Growth: IDC PC sales in India witnessed a solid 3.8 percent year-over-year (YoY) growth in 2024, as per a report by market research firm IDC. HP grabbed the lion’s share of domestic PC shipment, while Lenovo secured the second spot followed by Dell. Acer and Asus also have featured in the top five positions. Total shipments of desktops, notebooks and workstations in India touched 14.4 million units last year. IDC opined that the growth was aided by momentum in public sector buying and accelerated demand for gaming and AI-powered PCs. As per a report by IDC, PC shipments in India touched 14.4 million units in 2024, up 3.8 percent YoY. This includes 4.5 percent YoY growth in shipments of notebooks and 1.8 percent YoY in shipments of desktops. Workstation shipments recorded the highest growth at 10.9 percent. In Q4 2024 the overall market grew by 6.9 percent YoY, driven by a 9.6 percent YoY growth in the notebook category. Premium notebook shipments grew by 13.8 percent YoY in 2024. The consumer segment grew by 2.6 percent YoY in 2024, while the commercial segment grew by 5.1 percent YoY. The enterprise and government segments registered 10.6 percent YoY growth in the same *******. Top Five PC Companies As mentioned, HP secured first place in the overall PC market in 2024 with 30.1 percent market share. While its government and enterprise segments grew by 14.7 percent and 14.3 percent respectively, its consumer segment declined by 7.5 percent YoY due to increasing competition, especially in the eTailer channel. Lenovo, came second on the list with a 17.2 percent market share last year. The brand grew across both the consumer and commercial segments by 7 percent and 7.4 percent YoY respectively. Shipments to the enterprise segment and a consistent push through eTailers led to 7.3 percent YoY growth. The IDC report notes that Dell came in third with a 16.1 percent market share in 2024 while Acer took fourth place with a 15.1 percent market share. As per the report, Acer’s growth is the highest among the top five vendors last year mainly driven by the eTailer push, aggressive pricing, and steep discounts. Acer grew by 48.4 percent YoY in the consumer segment. Asus came in fifth position by grabbing a 7 percent market share by maintaining a healthy channel inventory. IDC notes that the vendor increased its footprint in the commercial segment growing by 18.4 percent YoY there in last year. IDC Research Manager Bharath Shenoy opines that the consumer PC market has been on a growth trajectory driven by gaming and AI-powered PCs. “Since mid-2024, shipments of AI-powered notebooks increased substantially as the demand for relatively lower-end AI PCs powered by Intel Core Ultra processors and AMD Ryzen AI processors have seen a steady increase,” he said. Navkendar Singh, Associate Vice President, of Devices Research, IDC India attributes the growth of the commercial PC market to healthy refresh order books and momentum in public sector buying. He notes that the industry is expecting replacement demand to start coming in from this year, as 2020-21 purchases reach 3-4 years in age. The weakening rupee could increase device costs and it can impact the price-sensitive SMB and consumer segments. The report predicts low single-digit growth for the India PC market in 2025. Source link #India #Shipments #Surged #Percent #YoY #Lead #Acer #Highest #Growth #IDC Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Starbucks to lay off 1,100 corporate workers Starbucks to lay off 1,100 corporate workers Starbucks’ corporate headquarters seen in Seattle. The company announced its Q2 earnings on 27th Apr 2021. Toby Scott | Lightrocket | Getty Images Starbucks will lay off 1,100 corporate employees and will not fill several hundred other open positions, the coffee chain’s CEO, Brian Niccol, said Monday. The cuts will not affect workers at the company’s cafes. In a message to corporate employees, Niccol said Starbucks is “simplifying our structure, removing layers and duplication and creating smaller, more nimble teams.” “Our intent is to operate more efficiently, increase accountability, reduce complexity and drive better integration,” Niccol wrote. “All with the goal of being more focused and able to drive greater impact on our priorities.” The layoffs come as Starbucks tries to draw coffee drinkers back to its cafes after same-store sales declined for four straight quarters. As customers turn to cheaper rivals in Starbucks’ two largest markets, the U.S. and China, Niccol has tried to revamp operations since he took the helm of the company last year, including by speeding up service. Starbucks had about 16,000 employees who work outside of store locations as of last year. The cuts will affect people who work in corporate support, but not roasting, manufacturing, warehousing and distribution. Don’t miss these insights from CNBC PRO Source link #Starbucks #lay #corporate #workers Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

What is red teaming? | Definition from TechTarget What is red teaming? | Definition from TechTarget Red teaming is the practice of rigorously challenging plans, policies, systems and assumptions with an adversarial approach. A red team might be a contracted external party, an internal group or a combination of internal and external resources that uses strategies and tactics to encourage an outsider perspective. The goal of red teaming is to overcome cognitive errors like groupthink and confirmation bias, which can impair the decision-making or critical thinking ability of an individual or organization. Another goal is to determine if existing detective, preventive and mitigation measures are effective for a wide range of attack vectors. Often, a group of internal IT employees, a red team is used to simulate the actions of those who are malicious or adversarial. From a cybersecurity perspective, a red team’s goal is to breach or compromise a company’s digital security. A blue team, by contrast, is a group of internal IT employees used to simulate the preventative actions of individuals or departments responsible for security operations. The blue team’s goal is to stop the red team from committing hypothetical cyberattacks, such as a data breach or phishing attack. Such interaction is what’s called a red team-blue team simulation. Figure 1 depicts red and blue teaming for cybersecurity. Figure 1. Red and blue teaming; sharing of information from an exercise might result in a purple teaming exercise. Red teaming does not require the existence of a blue team. An organization might seek to compare the active and passive systems of an agency. Red teaming originated in the military to realistically evaluate the strength and quality of strategies. Since then, red teaming has become a common cybersecurity training exercise among public and private sector organizations. Other security testing methods include ethical hacking and penetration testing, or pen testing. While the red team shares the same goal and perspective of these strategies, their execution is often quite different. Penetration testing vs. red teaming Pen testing and red teaming are often used interchangeably to describe security testing techniques. Each uses an “outside” perspective but does so in a different way. Figure 2 compares the two activities. Figure 2. How penetration texting and red teaming compare to each other. Penetration testing Pen testing is a manual security testing method that organizations use to provide a comprehensive overview of the quality and effectiveness of their security controls. The goal is to test the vulnerability of networks, assets, hardware, platforms and applications within a defined scope. Often automated using special software tools, the attack simulation launches actions attempting to defeat the organization’s security posture. Existing security measures are violated and an attack path is established. The test attempts to break through preventive measures and establish an attack surface red team operations can exploit. Pen testing transcends a vulnerability assessment, an evaluation process used to rank cybersecurity weaknesses by importance and/or risk. Pen testing leverages ethical hackers to physically and virtually challenge the strength of security devices and procedures. These tests are deliberate and meticulous, placing no focus on stealth or evasion. The goal is to gain access and bypass security controls by simulating real-world attacks. Pen testing lacks a competing blue team. The blue team is often informed of penetration test plan scope and depth. Learn the necessary steps for network penetration testing. Red teaming Red teaming is a stealthy procedure used to test systems, protocols and the people managing them. Red teaming is a focused security testing method with specific objectives. If the objective is to access a sensitive server or a business-critical application, red team success is measured by how well it accomplishes this objective. If the red team achieves its goal, the organization is insufficiently prepared to prevent such an attack. Outcomes from the pen test can indicate measures to take to resolve deficiencies in security controls. The lack of notice distinguishes red teaming from pen testing. Blue teams are often purposely left in the dark during these evaluations. The goal is to force the blue team to respond as if it were an actual attack, providing a more accurate assessment. Read more here about penetration testing vs. red teaming. Red team methodology Red teaming involves a tactical, deliberate process to extract all the desired information. An assessment that identifies entry points and vulnerabilities legitimate cybercriminals may want to exploit should precede a red team simulation. Doing the assessment prior to simulation ensures a controlled process and measurable outcome. The assessment will help illuminate goals the red team wants to achieve. Any weakness associated with digital assets, physical assets, technical processes or operational processes could be targeted for exploitation in the red teaming session. Once objectives are set, the red team will initiate an attack. Typically, the blue team will identify the red team activity as malicious and start to contain or limit the success of their efforts. Once the exercise ends, each party will provide findings that showcase the value of their perspective and the exercise itself. The blue team will identify any indicators of compromise (IoC) they were able to detect. IoCs are flags that security teams use to register suspicious activity. Typically, security systems that protect networks and systems generate them. The red team will prepare a breakdown of its tactics, techniques and procedures (TTPs) for the blue team. Together, the two teams use the results to create a list of actionable items — such as firewall upgrades or server configurations — they can perform to improve the current security system’s detection and response activity. This sharing of information can often establish what’s called a purple team, as shown in Figure 1 above. Red team activities Red team exercises that deal with cybersecurity might include a variety of activities that attempt to defeat cybersecurity controls, such as those listed in Figure 1. Examples include trying to bypass firewalls and intrusion detection and prevention systems (IDS/IPS), introducing viruses, conducting phishing and malware attacks and launching social engineering attacks. While attacks typically address systems, applications, utilities and networking resources, they might also include an attack on a data center’s physical security. This could occur by surreptitiously allowing red team members entry into data centers. Social engineering attacks focus on psychological attributes of employees. Red team members must perform sufficient due diligence on employees (e.g., learning what they do and any particular habits that could be exploited) before launching the social engineering attack. Much information can be gained by walking around office areas and observing employee behavior. Employees who leave their workstations without logging off create a risk of unauthorized access to their systems. In a potential red teaming simulation, employees could be called about a “problem” detected on their systems and convinced to have “IT” remotely activate a “fix.” Pros and cons of red teaming The positive benefits of red teaming are numerous. Most importantly, they identify vulnerabilities in systems, policies, procedures and employees that could be exploited in cyberattacks. Knowledge of such vulnerabilities can be used to identify and deploy remediations to prevent future attacks. Red teaming benefits grow when combined with blue teaming. Greater information sharing fosters collaboration, reveals areas where additional training is needed, and can encourage employees to improve their cybersecurity skills and reduce response times for future events. Among the downsides of red teaming are the potential costs for an exercise. An exercise might not be feasible or succeed if senior management is not engaged or resources to execute it are insufficient. Preparing for a red team exercise As with any cybersecurity activity, senior management approval is the first step. Next is assembling the team and tools to be used. The actual attack objectives and scope should be defined, and conducting a pen test is an important preliminary step. It establishes baseline security data that can be used to formulate the exercise. Once the exercise has been defined and resources assembled, the team decides when to launch the exercise. If a blue team has also been assembled, they should not be notified of the exercise date. Upon completion of the exercise, the teams should prepare a report of findings and recommendations. Data from cybersecurity software used in the exercise should be included. A post-exercise meeting provides an opportunity for all players to share their experiences and review recommendations. The role of AI in the future of red teaming Artificial intelligence is quickly permeating all aspects of IT, especially in cybersecurity. Use of AI capabilities can increase the likelihood of identifying potential attack vectors and facilitate better analysis of exercise results. Red and blue teaming are expected to remain important and AI will enhance greatly the overall process and results from exercises, resulting in better early warnings and faster, more accurate responses to cyberattacks. Learn about AI red teaming, which is the practice of simulating attack scenarios on an artificial intelligence application to identify weaknesses and plan preventative actions. Source link #red #teaming #Definition #TechTarget Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

Ukraine Marks Third Anniversary of War With Little Fanfare – The New York Times Ukraine Marks Third Anniversary of War With Little Fanfare – The New York Times Ukraine Marks Third Anniversary of War With Little Fanfare The New York TimesWestern leaders visit Kyiv and pledge military support against Russia on the war’s 3rd anniversary The Associated PressZelensky praises ‘absolute heroism of Ukrainians’ three years after Russian invasion The HillIn Russia, Anniversary of Ukraine War Draws Little Public Mention The New York TimesUrsula von der Leyen arrives in Kyiv with €3.5 billion in fresh financial aid Euronews Source link #Ukraine #Marks #Anniversary #War #Fanfare #York #Times Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

I replaced Google Search with ChatGPT Search, here’s how you can too I replaced Google Search with ChatGPT Search, here’s how you can too While Google is still the first name you think of when it comes to search engines (RIP Ask Jeeves), there’s a rebellion rising in the shape of AI. We’ve already covered how Perplexity makes a great replacement for Google (with the usual caveats of checking for accuracy), but OpenAI’s ChatGPT is already enormously popular. In fact, it’s arguably become the poster child for LLMs, with ‘ChatGPT’ becoming a descriptor for an entire field (for better and for worse). With that in mind, ChatGPT has its own search engine, and it’s remarkably simple to use and can be accessed just about anywhere the app can. That, combined with its broader mindshare, might make it the biggest competition Google has in a field it’s traditionally run unopposed in. Here’s how to swap Google Search for ChatGPT’s alternative, and why you might want to do so. Why ChatGPT could be your next search engine As we covered in our guide to Perplexity AI and how it could replace Google Search, much of the appeal of ChatGPT as a search engine comes down to a different starting position. While Google has worked to shoehorn as much AI into its search system as it possibly can, the likes of OpenAI have a clean slate. That means it can do just about anything, but searching the web is a neat extra feature. Sign up for breaking news, reviews, opinion, top tech deals, and more. It doesn’t hurt that the ChatGPT desktop app and web interface are still some of the slickest around, and all it takes to switch to searching the web is to click the ‘globe’ icon. Add in a handy Chrome extension, and ChatGPT can search anywhere Google can while offering more conversational results that let you ask for additional info, a quick summary, and more. How to make ChatGPT Search your default search engine The following instructions work on Chromium browsers, but you have to have a ChatGPT account to be able to use it. The free account works, though. Open Chrome on your device Click the Extensions icon (the jigsaw piece), or search for Chrome Extensions. Install the ChatGPT Chrome Extension. Simply type into the address bar to search using ChatGPT instead of Google How to use ChatGPT on your smartphone (Image credit: Future) As with Perplexity, you’ll need to visit your app store of choice on iOS or Android to download the ChatGPT app. Doing so gives you the standard chatbot functionality, as well as the option to click the ‘Globe’ to trigger a web search for your results. (Image credit: Future) I will concede that, while I appreciate the sourcing (and Google could learn a thing or two), I think I actually prefer Perplexity’s way of rolling out its ‘Related’ as questions that then prompt further chatbot responses. ChatGPT hands over a series of links, which is great, but I like the option to delve deeper and have information from other articles included to add context. Will you be switching your default search engine to ChatGPT? Let us know, and remember it’s easy to revert if you’d prefer to go back to Google. You might also like Source link #replaced #Google #Search #ChatGPT #Search #heres Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

Market Shift: These 3 Stocks Are Winning While Big Tech Lags Market Shift: These 3 Stocks Are Winning While Big Tech Lags As earnings season winds down, a notable trend has emerged: several mega-cap stocks have underperformed year-to-date (YTD). In contrast, several mid-to-large cap stocks with strong retail followings have delivered superior returns. This shift in market dynamics is significant, given the influence of mega-cap stocks on major indices and exchange-traded funds (ETFs). While market breadth has improved in 2024, gains have been more evenly distributed across multiple sectors, a stark contrast to previous years where the technology sector led the market higher. This year, most sectors have edged up gradually, consolidating within a higher timeframe uptrend and channel. The result has been choppy trading activity, with many of the most notable moves occurring in mid to modest large-cap stocks as opposed to mega-cap stocks seen in previous years. The Magnificent 7’s Struggles One of the most striking takeaways from the market’s YTD performance is the relative stagnation of the so-called Magnificent Seven stocks. Apple (NASDAQ:), Microsoft (NASDAQ:), Amazon (NASDAQ:), Alphabet (NASDAQ:), NVIDIA (NASDAQ:), Tesla (NASDAQ:), and Meta Platforms (NASDAQ:). Notably, if Meta is removed from this group, the remaining stocks would be close to flat YTD. Of these seven, only Meta, Alphabet, and NVIDIA are positive YTD, while the others are in negative territory. Tesla, in particular, has led the downside down by nearly 12% as of Thursday, February 20th’s close. This underperformance is significant because, in previous years, these stocks propelled the overall market higher, offering investors strong returns through broad-market ETFs. However, 2024 has seen a different trend: smaller market capitalization stocks have delivered better risk-adjusted returns, shifting the narrative away from reliance on the Magnificent Seven. Mid-Cap Stocks Delivering Outperformance While many mid-to-large cap stocks have outperformed YTD, three standout examples highlight this trend: 1. Dutch Bros (NYSE:), a $12.7 billion consumer cyclical company, has surged 56% YTD as of February 20th’s close. The coffee chain had been trending higher since November, and its latest earnings report on February 12 catalyzed a nearly 30% surge. The reported a 75% jump in Q4 earnings per share to $0.07, while sales increased 35% to $343 million. Same-store sales grew 4.4%, far exceeding the expected 1.5% gain. The strong earnings beat and subsequent rally underscore a broader trend: the market is rewarding mid-cap companies for earnings beats with more substantial upside than mega-cap stocks, which have struggled to sustain post-earnings gains. 2. Doximity (NYSE:), a $14 billion digital platform company for medical professionals, has already gained 40% YTD. Like BROS, DOCS shares were in a steady uptrend leading into earnings, then surged nearly 25% following its February 6 report. The company delivered a massive earnings beat, adjusted earnings per share of $0.45 vs. $0.34 expected and revenue of $168.6 million vs. $152.8 million expected. Furthermore, its fiscal Q4 revenue guidance of $132.5-$133.5 million surpassed analysts’ estimates of $123.8 million, fueling further investor optimism. 3. Robinhood Markets (NASDAQ:), while larger in market capitalization than the above two with a $49.7 billion market cap, has also been a standout performer, gaining 50% YTD. The stock had been trending higher since the start of the year, and following its February 12 earnings report, shares surged from $55 to nearly $67 before pulling back. The company an enormous EPS beat, exceeding estimates by 141% and further cementing the trend of mid-to-large cap stocks receiving stronger market reactions to earnings than their mega-cap counterparts. Capital Rotation in 2025 The strong YTD performances of BROS, DOCS, and HOOD suggest that risk and capital are flowing toward mid-to-large cap stocks rather than the Magnificent Seven. Unlike previous years, when holding leading tech-focused ETFs was enough to generate strong returns, some investors might now see better opportunities in individual stocks. As earnings season concludes, the market’s response to these stocks indicates a potential shift in investor sentiment. The underperformance of large caps suggests that mega-cap stocks may be nearing exhaustion to the upside, while select mid-to-large cap names continue to deliver compelling upside potential. Original Post Source link #Market #Shift #Stocks #Winning #Big #Tech #Lags Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

Why is Ukraine negotiating a minerals deal with the US? Why is Ukraine negotiating a minerals deal with the US? Abdujalil Abdurasulov BBC News Getty Images The Ukraine has substantial supplies of key minerals, but some are now in Russian-occupied territory Kyiv and Washington are close to signing a deal over US access to Ukraine’s mineral deposits, a Ukrainian minister says. Olga Stefanishyna, deputy prime minister for European and Euro-Atlantic integration, said on X that “negotiations have been very constructive, with nearly all key details finalised”. She added that “we are committed to completing this swiftly to proceed with its signature”. Zelensky first included the offer of an agreement on minerals in the so-called “victory plan” that he presented to Trump last September. The idea was to offer the then presidential candidate a tangible reason for the US to continue supporting Ukraine. On Monday former *** prime minister Boris Johnson told the BBC in Kyiv that such a deal was “the great prize” because it would secure “a United States commitment under Donald Trump to a free, sovereign and secure Ukraine”. What minerals does Ukraine have? Kyiv estimates that about 5% of the world’s “critical raw materials” are in Ukraine. This includes some 19 million tonnes of proven reserves of graphite, which the Ukrainian Geological Survey state agency says makes the nation “one of the top five leading countries” for the supply of the mineral. Graphite is used to make batteries for electric vehicles. Ukraine also has a third of all European lithium deposits, the key component in current batteries. And prior to the Russian invasion, Ukraine’s global share of titanium production, a lightweight metal used in the construction of everything from aeroplanes to power stations, was 7%. Further, Ukraine has significant deposits of rare earth metals. These are a group of 17 elements that are used to produce weapons, wind turbines, electronics and other products vital in the modern world. Some of the mineral deposits, however, have been seized by Russia. According to Yulia Svyrydenko, Ukraine’s Minister of Economy, resources worth of $350bn (£277bn) remain in occupied territories today. In 2022, SecDev, a geopolitical risk consultancy based in Canada, conducted an evaluation, which established that Russia had occupied 63% of Ukrainian coal mines, and half of its manganese, caesium, tantalum and rare earth deposits. Dr Robert Muggah, principal of SecDev, says that such minerals add a “strategic and economic dimension” in Russia’s continued aggression. By seizing them, he says, Moscow denies access revenue for Ukraine, expands its own resource base and influences global supply chains. Why does the US want them? Critical minerals “are the foundation of the 21st century economy,” Dr Muggah explains. They are key to renewable energy, military applications and industrial infrastructure. They play “a growing strategic role in geopolitics and geoeconomics”. Additionally, the US is keen on a deal for Ukraine’s mineral resources because it wants to reduce dependency on China, which controls 75% of rare earth deposits in the world, according to the Geological Investment Group. In December China banned the export of some rare earth minerals to the US, having previously limited mineral exports to the US the previous year. Getty Images Minerals such as lithium and graphite are vital for electric car production What do we know about the negotiations so far? Prior to Stefanishyna’s assertion that a deal was close, there appeared to be several sticking points. Last Wednesday, Zelensky rejected US demands for a reported 50% share of its rare earth minerals – which Trump said would reflect the amount of aid the US had provided to Ukraine during its war with Russia. “I can’t sell our state,” he said. The provisions of a second draft of the deal on Sunday appeared to be even tougher than in the first document. Instead of 50/50 revenue split, the revised draft suggested the US wanted full control, Zelensky told journalists at the press conference on Sunday. Zelenzky is also said to want any deal to include security guarantees. On Monday former *** prime minister Boris Johnson called an agreement for US access to Ukraine’s minerals “the great prize”. He rejected suggestions the deal was a “rip-off” and said “what the Ukrainians get from this is a United States commitment under Donald Trump to a free, sovereign and secure Ukraine”. Some commentators have described the US offer as “colonial” but Kyiv is interested in joint exploration of its resources. Developing these mineral resources is extremely difficult and expensive, says Iryna Suprun, chief executive of the Geological Investment Group, a mining advisory firm based in Ukraine. She argues that if they can attract American investors to develop their natural resources, it will be highly beneficial for the country’s economy. “We will get technologies that our mining industry lacks so much,” Ms Suprun explains. “We will get capital. That means more jobs, tax payments. We’ll receive revenue from the development of mineral deposits.” Source link #Ukraine #negotiating #minerals #deal Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

Zelenskyy Willing to Quit for Peace in Ukraine, Europe to Ask Trump for US Troops as a ‘Backstop’ Zelenskyy Willing to Quit for Peace in Ukraine, Europe to Ask Trump for US Troops as a ‘Backstop’ Russia marked the third anniversary of its war with Ukraine by launching its biggest-ever drone strike on Kyiv over the weekend. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has also taken heavy fire from the White House, with President Trump calling him a “dictator” and blaming him for Russia’s invasion. Zelenskyy told reporters he would step down if it stopped the fighting. He also said he’d give up the presidency if it meant Ukraine could join NATO. Sen. Jack Reed (D-RI) condemned what he called President Trump’s alignment with Russia. “This is just someone who admires Putin, does not believe in the struggle of the Ukrainians and is committed to cozying up to an autocrat,” Reed told ABC. U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth defended President Trump’s stance, telling Fox News Sunday, “The reality is the president is focused on one thing and one thing only, and that’s stopping the killing and the destruction across Ukraine and ensuring an enduring peace. So, standing here and saying, ‘You’re good, You’re bad. You’re a dictator. You’re not a dictator. You invaded. You didn’t.’ It’s not useful. It’s not productive.” Meanwhile, a dozen leaders from Europe and Canada are visiting Ukraine’s capital on the war’s third anniversary to show their support to Zelenskyy. Here at home, the White House is continuing to take the axe to the federal government, this time at the Pentagon, dismissing the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Air Force General C.Q. Brown Jr. He also fired the Navy’s top officer, Admiral Lisa Franchetti, and six three and four-star generals. Trump wants to replace Brown with Air Force Lieutenant General Dan “Razin” Caine. Hegseth defended the move, saying, “The president deserves to pick his key national security and military advisory team. There are lots of presidents who’ve made changes from FDR to Eisenhower, H.W. Bush to Barack Obama who fired or dismissed hundreds of militaries during his term.” When the French and British leaders visit the White House this week, they’ll be pitching a peace plan for Ukraine that would call for 300,000 peacekeepers, with U.S. troops providing a backstop. In previous comments, Trump has opposed any U.S. military involvement. Source link #Zelenskyy #Quit #Peace #Ukraine #Europe #Trump #Troops #Backstop Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Support service calls to be hidden on invoices and bills to help protect victims of domestic violence Support service calls to be hidden on invoices and bills to help protect victims of domestic violence New industry rules will ensure calls made to support services by victims of domestic, family or ******* violence are hidden on invoices and bills. Source link #Support #service #calls #hidden #invoices #bills #protect #victims #domestic #violence Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

China’s rival to Elon Musk’s Starlink has the potential to challenge its reach by 2030, says report China’s rival to Elon Musk’s Starlink has the potential to challenge its reach by 2030, says report Elon Musk’s Starlink is facing growing competition from China’s state-backed satellite internet initiatives and Amazon’s Project Kuiper, intensifying the race for dominance in space-based connectivity. As China rapidly develops its low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellite network, concerns are emerging over potential data security risks. Shanghai-based SpaceSail, one of China’s leading satellite internet companies, is aggressively expanding into international markets. According to a report by Reuters, the company has signed agreements to provide services in Brazil and Kazakhstan, with discussions underway in more than 30 other countries. SpaceSail aims to deploy 648 LEO satellites this year and expand to a total of 15,000 by 2030, potentially rivaling Starlink’s global reach. It is claimed that the company has state-backed funding from Shanghai Spacecom Satellite Technology (SSST). Amazon’s Project Kuiper, led by Jeff Bezos, is also entering the satellite broadband industry, with a projected investment of $16 billion. The project is expected to spend up to $3.5 billion on satellite launches by 2025, aiming to provide widespread internet access and integrate with Amazon Web Services (AWS). However, Project Kuiper faces an uphill battle against Starlink, which already has a strong market presence and brand recognition. Availability of Starlink’s satellite internet (Image credit: Starlink) As of February 2025, Starlink, operated by SpaceX, has established a significant global presence. It offers satellite internet services in over 100 countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, and various nations across Europe, South America, and Asia. Proposed satellite constellation for Amazon’s Project Kuiper (Image credit: NSR) In contrast, Amazon’s Project Kuiper is still in the developmental phase. The initiative plans to deploy its first production satellites in early 2025, to commence broadband services later in the year. While specific service regions have not been officially announced, Amazon aims to deliver high-speed, low-latency broadband to unserved and underserved communities worldwide. China’s rapid satellite expansion raises concerns about potential data security risks, echoing past controversies. Western governments previously flagged Huawei’s telecom infrastructure as a potential cybersecurity threat, leading to bans and restrictions in multiple countries. Similarly, TikTok has faced scrutiny over alleged data-sharing practices with the ******** government. Unlike commercial competitors, ******** internet providers operate under strict government oversight, which could enable Beijing to exert control over global communications infrastructure. This also raises questions about whether data transmitted via ******** satellites could be accessed or monitored by authorities, potentially compromising user privacy. Get Tom’s Hardware’s best news and in-depth reviews, straight to your inbox. As competition in satellite internet heats up, data security and geopolitical risks will become central issues in the industry. The expansion of ******** satellite services could lead to further scrutiny from Western governments, especially as more nations adopt LEO-based connectivity solutions. Source link #Chinas #rival #Elon #Musks #Starlink #potential #challenge #reach #report Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Microsoft shelves AI data-center deals in sign of potential oversupply, analyst says Microsoft shelves AI data-center deals in sign of potential oversupply, analyst says By Aditya Soni (Reuters) – Microsoft has scrapped leases for sizeable data center capacity in the U.S., suggesting a potential oversupply at the tech giant as it builds out artificial intelligence infrastructure to meet a potential demand surge, TD Cowen analysts said. Skepticism has been growing among investors over the billions of dollars U.S. tech firms have been channeling into AI infrastructure due to slow payoffs and breakthroughs at ******** startup DeepSeek, which has showcased AI tech on par with or even better than its Western rivals at a fraction of the cost. Redmond, Washington-based Microsoft has canceled leases totaling “a couple of hundred megawatts” of capacity with at least two private data-center operators, the analysts led by Michael Elias said, citing supply chain checks. Microsoft has also paused converting statement of qualifications, or precursors to formal leases, the analysts added, saying other tech firms including Meta Platforms had previously made similar moves to lower capital spending. The note was published late on Friday but it picked up traction on social media platforms over the weekend, with several media outlets covering the development on Monday. Microsoft, the main backer of ChatGPT-maker OpenAI, did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Monday. Brokerage Jefferies, currently hosting the Microsoft investor relations team in Sydney, said the company has strongly denied any change to its data center plans. The company’s shares, which underperformed most Big Tech stocks last year, rose about 0.5% in premarket U.S. trading. Any lease cancellations would mark a sharp shift for a company that months ago earmarked $80 billion in capital spending for this fiscal year, mostly for AI. Microsoft has called the spending crucial to easing supply bottlenecks that limit its ability to meet AI demand. The news could possibly indicate lower demand, Bernstein analyst Mark Moelder said, especially after lackluster quarterly results from major cloud companies, but it was also reflective of the capacity build-up at Microsoft in the past years. “Microsoft needed to meet demand and had a great deal of difficulty finding capacity. Management may, therefore, have rented, even at a meaningful premium, data centers and GPU capacity and negotiated more deals for additional future capacity than they needed,” Moelder said. (Reporting by Aditya Soni in Bengaluru; Editing by Sriraj Kalluvila) Source link #Microsoft #shelves #datacenter #deals #sign #potential #oversupply #analyst Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

Mecha Break Release Window—Platforms & Everything we Know Mecha Break Release Window—Platforms & Everything we Know The Mecha Break Release ******* is great news to the hundreds of thousands who wishlisted the manic mech title. The beta is proving to be a hit, and the full Mecha Break release could be groundbreaking. Amazing Seasun Games is an ambitious studio focused on making fun and different games. You only have to look at the difference between Snowbreak Containment Zone—a fully-fledged sci-fi shooter—and Mecha Break to see this. But it’s the latter drawing a lot of eyes in 2025. Did you know Mecha Break’s open beta hit a monumental 317,000 concurrent players on its first day? Sleep on it if you dare. Let’s get stuck into the latest on the multiplayer mech shooter. Do we Know When Mecha Break is Coming Out? A spectacle. Credit to Amazing Seasun Games Mecha Break doesn’t have a specific release date, but it’s been confirmed the game is arriving in Spring 2025. The general release ******* was confirmed by developer Amazing Seasun Games via an X post. They let players know: “Mecha BREAK launches Spring 2025!” I have to think the open beta feedback will have a bearing on launch plans. If there’s a lot to work on, don’t be surprised to see the release window get pushed back. Very rarely are games brought forward, so expect Mecha Break to launch in the months of March, April, or May. Mecha Break Platforms Xbox Series X|S and PC players can enjoy Mecha Break at release, and the mech shooter is also coming to PlayStation 5 later on. In the same post concerning the release window, the developer confirmed its initial platforms: “Play on Steam, Windows PC via the Xbox App, and as a console launch exclusive with Xbox Series X|S.” A curious fan quizzed the Mecha Break X page on the status of a PlayStation 5 launch. If you are on PS5, don’t worry, a future release is on the cards: “We look forward to bringing Mecha BREAK to PlayStation players later in 2025.” It’s disappointing for PlayStation users, but at least a port is coming! Nintendo Switch players must sit this one out for good—unless the Switch 2 can handle it. Mecha Break is one of many incredible games scheduled for 2025. From Soulslike titles like The First Berserker Khazan to the ****** May Cry-inspired action title Lost Soul Aside, and FPS royalty with DOOM: The Dark Ages. If you do play Mecha Break, check out how to get free Twitch Drops for it. Are you hyped to engage with multi-mech engagements? Or is this another online multiplayer title destined to get lost in the shuffle? I’m interested to hear your thoughts, so drop a comment. SUBSCRIBE to our newsletter to receive the latest news and exclusive leaks every week! No Spam. Source link #Mecha #Break #Release #WindowPlatforms Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

‘It’s very lonely’: what are Australia’s university students missing out on? | *********** universities ‘It’s very lonely’: what are Australia’s university students missing out on? | *********** universities When Mai* started studying psychology in mid-2019, she looked forward to making the trip to the university for her tutorials, where she’d have lively conversations with classmates as they grappled with new ideas. But her excitement turned to dread when her face-to-face tutorials were swapped for Zoom meetings in 2020. “People don’t switch on their camera – you just see names,” Mai says. “It’s very lonely, very isolating. There’s nobody to talk to if you’re struggling through a question.” Lecture halls, once packed with students, have been emptied in favour of pre-recorded talks, Mai says, some of which are reused from past years and are out of date. Even lab demonstrations have been replaced by lifeless, directionless Zoom breakout rooms. Mai has sat through online classes that slumped into silence just halfway through their one-hour time slot as her lecturer pleaded for the grid of faceless audience names to engage with simple questions. “Nobody spoke,” she says. “It’s so awkward, it’s so painful, you just want to get out.” As soon as she graduated Mai moved to Hobart to study medicine, a rare course with compulsory in-person practical classes. Lockdowns were a fading memory and she expected a packed campus. But, apart from her medicine classmates, it was deserted, she says – as it remains two years later. “I had this very naive vision of, ‘Oh, wow, I’m going to meet so many students from many different places’ – [but] a lot of students don’t attend, just because they have other work and life commitments,” she says. *********** students like Mai are entering universities expecting an experience many establishments no longer offer. They imagine themselves with time and space to explore big ideas with their peers and teachers, sharing vibrant discussions and a on a path to independent adulthood, only to find no one has time to sit around on the quad and talk. Those who can’t afford to spend all week on campus – or who aren’t given the option for in-person classes – worry they’re missing out on a higher-quality education while being charged ever-increasing fees. Students under financial pressure have cut back on classes and picked up more work, while cash-strapped universities have held on to unpopular but cheaper online classes. The result, students say, is a vicious cycle of falling campus attendance: as fewer students attend class in person, attending class in person becomes even less appealing, and universities offer fewer in-person opportunities because students are not showing up. Many, like Mai, now ask themselves: “What’s the point of going on campus?” Australian expectations for university life date back to the pre-1980s ideal of study without work, according to Dr Thuc Bao Huynh, a research fellow at Monash University’s Centre for Youth Policy and Education Practice. “If someone was a student, they wouldn’t really be doing all that much else except being a student,” he says. “That’s not the case any more.” The myth of campus life is butting up against the modern reality in which increasingly few students have the luxury of their studies and social life being their main responsibilities. Since the 1990s growing numbers of Australians from a broader range of backgrounds have taken the opportunity to study while working part-time to support themselves. Cost-of-living pressures have accelerated this trend, Huynh says, forcing more students to treat university as a part-time commitment. As rent and living costs have risen, the share of students with jobs has jumped, according to several analyses. Nearly half of all students opted to study part time instead of full time in 2023. Those who can’t afford to spend all week on campus – or whose courses don’t have in-person classes – worry they’re missing out on a higher-quality education while being charged ever-increasing fees. Photograph: Agenzia Sintesi/Alamy “Being a student is 1740406720 mashed in with everything else that young people are going through,” Huynh says. “It’s just another thing that they have to deal with.” Struggling to juggle university and work and given the option to do their coursework online, Jedd Brockhouse’s classmates at La Trobe University in Melbourne’s north see no point in coming on campus. “If you know you don’t have to be there, then why fit in an hour of traffic to go and sit in a class for two hours?” he says. Sam Lane only learned how much he had missed out on when he took a break from his law classes to try his hand at art history. He says he went to university in 2019 looking for the picture of campus life his parents had painted: “That kind of traditional sitting on the quad, going for beers and talking about your readings … everyone’s on the lawn at the same time and you run into people.” skip past newsletter promotion Sign up to Five Great Reads Each week our editors select five of the most interesting, entertaining and thoughtful reads published by Guardian Australia and our international colleagues. Sign up to receive it in your inbox every Saturday morning Privacy Notice: Newsletters may contain info about charities, online ads, and content funded by outside parties. For more information see our Privacy Policy. We use Google reCaptcha to protect our website and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. after newsletter promotion Lane got glimpses of that fantasy world at the University of New South Wales art school on Sydney’s bustling Oxford Street. His three-hour long art history classes forced him and his peers to meet face-to-face while giving them time to grapple with and debate aesthetics and philosophy. “You didn’t feel like you were just there to be chewed up and spat out of the lecture hall,” he says. “If something was interesting to the class, you could delve into it.” But once his art tutorial ended Lane had to hurry back to UNSW’s main campus in Sydney’s east for classes that had been required to cut their on-campus teaching hours, with professors rushing through impossible quantities of information. Sam says he went to university in 2019 looking for the picture of campus life his parents had painted. Photograph: Lisa Maree Williams/TheGuardian “There’s no time to chat, there’s no time to get to know the people around you,” he says. “You’re too busy trying to get through all the content super quickly.” Lane is now coming to the end of his degree and has watched as falling in-person attendance strains student societies and puts a halt to long-running party traditions, including battle of the bands events. “People realise what they lost and really want to get back into it … [but] there’s no good time to put it [on] because there’s not enough people on campus, they can’t get a turnout,” he says. “It’s just a bit dead.” The trend to online learning reflects broader pressures: reduced federal funding and the threatened loss of international students, a major income source, have forced universities to find savings. At the same time, university staff are teaching 200,000 more students than they were a decade ago. Kaab Qureshi, a second-year student at Canberra’s *********** National University, says he has had difficulty learning in some classes that have become “ginormous” as the university cut and condensed contact hours. “They just want to cut costs as fast as they can,” he says. “I believe they put reputation and profits above student engagement and support.” For those who can afford to hang around on campus, not even overstuffed face-to-face classes have stopped them from finding the community they wanted. Kristy Sauw, Qureshi’s classmate at ANU, says her first year of university couldn’t have been better. After moving from a Wagga Wagga high school to an on-campus residential hall, it was easy for her make friends and get to classes in person. “I made a lot of friends in my philosophy tutorial because we viewed it as an hour to just yap and it was really fun,” she says. “As much as we focused on what we were actually talking about, we also just got to bond and talk over random topics.” Qureshi put up the extra money to live in a residential hall for his first year but rising rents have forced him to move back in with his family, a 90-minute drive away. “As much as I might want to be on campus, if I can’t afford it, I can’t afford it,” he says. “Even though it’s better for my mental health, it’s just something I would have to give up. “That’s just the uni life.” *Name has been changed Source link #lonely #Australias #university #students #missing #*********** #universities Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]