Pelican Press

Head over heels in love with Flamenco Head over heels in love with Flamenco Mogens Johansen enjoys a heel stomping flamenco show at the Cathedral of Flamenco in Madrid Source link #heels #love #Flamenco Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

****** tells Scholz that Russia is willing to look at energy cooperation, Kremlin says ****** tells Scholz that Russia is willing to look at energy cooperation, Kremlin says MOSCOW (Reuters) – President Vladimir ****** told ******* Chancellor Olaf Scholz on Friday that Russia was ready to look at energy deals if Berlin was interested, the Kremlin said, in their first phone conversation since December 2022. It said the two men had a “detailed and frank exchange of views” on Ukraine and that ****** had set out the same position he has been stating for months: any peace deal must address Moscow’s security interests and be based on “new territorial realities” – a reference to the fact that Russian troops control a fifth of the country. ****** also spoke of an “unprecedented degradation” in relations between the two countries, for which he blamed unfriendly actions by Germany, a Kremlin statement said. “It was emphasized that Russia has always strictly fulfilled its treaty and contractual obligations in the energy sector and is ready for mutually beneficial cooperation if the ******* side shows interest in this.” Germany was heavily reliant on Russian gas before the war, but direct shipments ceased when the Nord Stream pipelines under the Baltic Sea were blown up in 2022. Germany and other ********* Union countries have imposed successive waves of sanctions on Russia over the war and taken steps to wean themselves off their dependence on Russian oil and gas. On Ukraine, the Kremlin said ******’s stance was the one that he stated in June, when he said that the war could end if Kyiv gave up its NATO ambitions and handed over the entirety of four regions claimed by Russia. Ukraine rejected those conditions as tantamount to surrender. “Possible agreements should take into account the interests of the Russian Federation in the field of security, proceed from new territorial realities, and most importantly, eliminate the root causes of the conflict,” the Kremlin said. (Reporting by Reuters; Editing by Mark Trevelyan; editing by Guy Faulconbridge) Source link #****** #tells #Scholz #Russia #energy #cooperation #Kremlin Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Double the festive fun with WA Symphony Orchestra concerts at RAC Arena and Burswood Park in December Double the festive fun with WA Symphony Orchestra concerts at RAC Arena and Burswood Park in December WA Symphony Orchestra is serving up a double helping of festive fun with free concerts on two successive weekends in December. Source link #Double #festive #fun #Symphony #Orchestra #concerts #RAC #Arena #Burswood #Park #December Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Seattle winter storm preparation tips, tricks to stay safe this weekend Seattle winter storm preparation tips, tricks to stay safe this weekend The Seattle region will experience severe weather and a cold winter storm over the weekend that could impact you if you’re not prepared for an emergency. Here’s the weather outlook and what you could do to keep your family, friends and pets safe. There was patchy fog into Saturday morning, but as we came toward dawn, the rain moved in at the coast and showered the area through the morning. This is the start of a soaker in the weather system throughout the weekend. From Saturday afternoon and evening, it will be raining areawide and the rain could be heavy in some spots. It will also be breezy north and at the coast late in the day Saturday with wind gusts 30-40 mph at Whidbey Island and the coast. Elsewhere, it will be blustery with some wind gusts 20-30 mph, but the wind will be hit-and-miss. This is not a major wind event, and the wind will be getting lighter by midday Sunday. Rain will be continuous through Saturday night and early Sunday, totaling between 0.5-1 inches in the lowlands with more at the coast. The rain will turn to showers Sunday afternoon but it stays rainy at times into Sunday night and Monday. Because of the anticipated winter storm, the Kitsap County Department of Emergency Management provided the following tips to help the Kitsap community stay safe and prepared. The Kitsap area could experience coastal flooding, with the highest tides of the year possible, according to a press release from the department. “When king tides coincide with storms featuring low atmospheric pressure, tides can surpass predicted levels. This exact combination triggered coastal flooding in Kitsap County in December 2022,” the press release said. “The first round of king tides begins this Sunday, and the National Weather Service does not anticipate any flooding along the interior coast this weekend.” Here is the schedule for the king tides this winter season: December 12,13,15-19, 31. The department provided further recommendations to stay prepared during this winter storm, including: If you lose power: Flashlights and battery-powered lanterns nearby for a good source of light Turn off most electrical appliances, especially the stove, oven and space heaters. Avoid opening the fridge and freezer. Keep gas generators & BBQ grills outdoors to avoid deadly carbon monoxide poisoning Windstorms and power outages can be scary for young children. Create a winter kit: A well-stocked kit at home and in your car will help you prepare for the next winter storm. Car kits should include: Blankets Extra clothing, hats, and gloves Battery-operated flashlights, headlamps, and lanterns Water Nonperishable food, a can opener, paper plates, and utensils First Aid kit A NOAA weather radio (battery-powered or hand crank) A portable power pack charger for cell phones and other electronic device. Car care: Fill gas tanks to avoid ice in the tank and fuel lines Check the radiator system and antifreeze level Replace worn tires and monitor tire pressure Keep a winter emergency kit in the car. Home care: Weatherproof your home to protect it from the cold Have your chimney checked every year Make sure smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are working and not expired Never leave lit candles or other flames unattended Insulate walls and attic. Property owners can take steps to prepare for potential flooding impacts. For more information, click here to learn how to protect your family, pets, and property from flooding. Source link #Seattle #winter #storm #preparation #tips #tricks #stay #safe #weekend Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Melbourne *******’s NBL game against Adelaide 36ers erupts as fans clash with players during match Melbourne *******’s NBL game against Adelaide 36ers erupts as fans clash with players during match Melbourne *******’s game against Adelaide 36ers has exploded at the start of the final quarter with Adelaide players getting involved in a scuffle with fans and players from both teams getting ejected. ******* led 85-73 at John Cain Arena when Adelaide star and former NBA star Montrezl Harrell took exception to Melbourne’s Rob Loe after a charging foul. Shea Ili quickly reacted to the confrontation sparking a heated exchange that to both players getting ejected. But the drama soared as players returned to their benches for a video review of the incident as fans sitting next to the Adelaide bench started engaging with the visiting team. Harrell was ****** at their comments and then a fan shoved DJ Vasiljevic prompting chaos as officials tried to hold players back. Security and Melbourne ******* staff removed the fans from their seats and one man left the arena with his hood covering his face. Camera IconThis fan left the arena covering his face. Credit: Darrian Traynor/Getty Images “It’s rare that you see that level of aggression from a fan,” former star Derek Rucker said. *********** basketball icon Andrew Gaze expressed similar concerns. “That’s one of the privileges of coming to the basketball. You get to be up close and personal but you’ve got to know you can’t get involved in the emotion,” he said. Camera IconThe NBL game exploded Credit: Darrian Traynor/Getty Images The delays from the incident will force the starting time of Perth Wildcats’ away game against Brisbane Bullets to be pushed back. It was due to start at 1.30pm. Source link #Melbourne #Uniteds #NBL #game #Adelaide #36ers #erupts #fans #clash #players #match Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

JD Vance is right: Reduce the power of big foundations to help charity JD Vance is right: Reduce the power of big foundations to help charity In his 2021 campaign for Senate, JD Vance, now vice-president-elect, minced no words in expressing his disdain for two of America’s largest private, philanthropic institutions: the Ford Foundation and the Gates Foundations. Both are, he said, “fundamentally cancers on ********* society but they pretend to be charities, so they benefit from preferential tax treatment.” Their endowments, he continued, contain “hundreds of billions of dollars in ill-gotten wealth,” funding “******** left-wing ideology.” He advocated, in response, a dramatic corrective: We should seize their assets.” Vance went too far in his language, but he was not wrong to identify the nation’s biggest foundations — including Ford, MacArthur and Soros — as left-leaning. And although it’s not likely that his ******** prescription will pass legal or political muster, it’s well worth re-examining the tax advantages of private foundations he called out. They have allowed them to grow dramatically, even as individual charitable giving — the beating heart of ********* civil society — is shrinking. Indeed, overall charitable giving adjusted for inflation and as a percentage of adjusted ****** income is declining as we enter the holiday, end-of-year giving season. As the next Congress considers whether and how to extend President-elect Donald Trump’s 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, it should set as a priority providing a tax benefit for those who do not itemize their tax returns so that those other than the affluent will have an incentive to make charitable donations. It should compensate (a “pay-for” in Hill jargon) for the decline in tax revenues that would result by increasing the minimal 1.39 percent excise tax on foundation asset appreciation—capital gains of their investment portfolios — notably lower than the 4 percent set in the Tax Reform Act of 1969. That super-low tax rate (especially compared to the standard 15 percent capital gains rate) has encouraged the tax-advantaged growth of private foundations to balloon. According to FoundationMark, which relies on publicly available data, “U.S. foundation assets rose nearly $200 billion in 2023 to set a new record and top the $1.5 trillion mark for the first time. Over the past five years, foundation assets have grown from $1 trillion in 2018 to the current high due to a favorable investment climate and strong incoming contributions.” The latter are also tax-advantaged, through their deductibility of up to 30 percent of income and totaled $80 billion in 2023. Because foundations must devote at least 5 percent of their assets to grantmaking, their growth has meant that their grants are an increasing share of all U.S. charitable giving. Over the past decade, according to Giving USA, foundation giving has grown from 16 to 18 percent of all IRS-tracked charitable gifts, while individual giving has fallen off from 71 percent to 67 percent. Story Continues This is much more than a minor statistical trend. Foundation giving is, by definition, the province of the wealthy who create the initial endowments. It’s often directed, however, by staffs of “philathropoids” with their own agendas, including Ford’s emphasis on reducing income inequality or Hewlett’s focus on reducing climate change. Individual gifts may support similar goals — but they are best seen as a vast, decentralized group of donations, many supporting local causes, whether churches or historical societies, which help bind ********* society together, rather than focusing on social change above all. Keep in mind that even as major foundations focus on such matters as climate change (MacArthur), ******* healing (Kellogg) or reducing incarceration (Open Society), donors overall, per the definitive Giving USA analysis, favor religious and human services far ahead of the environment and “public society benefit”. Yet the tax code disfavors the small-dollar donor. The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 arguably had many virtues. But by sharply increasing the “standard” deduction, it sharply reduced the number of taxpayers who itemize their returns. That means that all but the highest earners have reason to claim any specific tax deductions-including that for charitable giving. Put another way, charitable giving, at least per the tax code, has become a luxury good. Or as the Congressional ****** Economic Committee has put it: “Only 9 percent of the charitable giving that avoided taxation because of the deduction occurred within the bottom four quintiles in 2018, while more than half came from the top 1 percent of Americans.” A clear approach to correcting this imbalance is to include an “above the line” tax deduction, such that those who do not otherwise itemize their tax returns can still reduce their taxable income through charitable gifts. This was actually, albeit briefly, a part of the COVID-era CARES Act, which provided for an up to $300 deduction per taxpayer. One cannot, of course, be certain that this will increase actual charitable giving; many taxpayers who don’t itemize their returns nonetheless leave money in the Sunday collection plate. However, there is a strong dimension of tax fairness involved in extending a charitable tax benefit to those of middle and low incomes. The most significant barrier in Congress to doing so, however, is not whether an extended deduction will or won’t increase giving. Lawmakers, instead, worry about the revenue loss to the IRS that would result. Indeed, the CARES Act incentive, now expired, has been estimated to have led to $4.8 billion in such losses. That leads those in Congress who, at this moment, are studying the issue, to look for ways to make up for that loss. That’s where they should turn their attention to the foundation excise tax. Lawmakers contemplating expanding the charitable deduction must confront a difficult reality. An enhanced deduction will increase charitable giving — but that won’t show up in the federal budget. What will show up is a decline in tax revenue. The Penn Wharton budget model group estimates that a non-itemizer charitable deduction could cost the IRS $151 billion over ten years; a tax credit (more valuable) could cost $267 billion. This is where an increased excise tax on foundation asset growth could play a big role. If one assumes that increasing that tax from 1.39 to the top capital gains rate of 20 percent would increase revenue by a similar degree, that could mean increasing the excise tax take from $1 billion to $14.3 billion, a big step toward offsetting Treasury loss. This is obviously a rough estimate; the change would have to be rigorously modeled or “scored.” Even limiting the increased tax to the largest foundations — those with assets of a billion or more, or roughly the top 50 — would be a significant “pay-for.” This would have other benefits. Notably, it would serve as a step toward reducing the overall growth in these foundations, which have evolved from vehicles for those who have earned the funds being disbursed (e.g. John D. Rockefeller) to piggy banks for self-perpetuating boards and staffs with their own agendas. Better to tax those foundations to make possible greater individual giving — and to push the big foundations toward eventually “sunsetting” or closing their doors, as the Gates Foundation has said it will do by 2047 — a good example for the field, Vance’s criticism notwithstanding. The tax code, as it stands, stacks the deck against the small charitable donor. It’s time to restore a much-needed balance. Howard Husock is a senior fellow at the ********* Enterprise Institute. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Source link #Vance #Reduce #power #big #foundations #charity Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Improved bus services promised in England as part of £1bn boost Improved bus services promised in England as part of £1bn boost Bus services in every part of England will be boosted by nearly £1bn of new funding, the government is pledging. The Department for Transport last month announced the investment for 2025. Confirming details of its plans, the government said the money will be allocated based on need, population and levels of deprivation – instead of making areas compete for investment as in previous years. In total, there will be £712m for local authorities to improve services, alongside a further £243m for bus operators. The DfT says say Leicester, the Isle of Wight, Torbay, Southend, Cambridgeshire and Peterborough are set to receive “unprecedented” levels of investment. About 3.4 million people in England travel regularly by bus, making it the most commonly used mode of public transport. Local authorities in all English regions will be able to introduce new bus routes, make services more frequent and protect crucial routes, the DfT says. It added the money will allow more urban areas to maintain high levels of service. Meanwhile, rural communities and small towns will be able to offer more services. Writing in the Sunday Mirror, Transport Secretary Louise Haigh said: “It’s simple: buses need to turn up, be affordable, and be punctual. Our funding helps them do just that.” Haigh said: “This represents record capital investment to the majority of places and a once-in-a-generation reform plan that aims to deliver London-style buses to every corner of the country – including those areas that are usually overlooked.” The announcement comes ahead of the Buses Bill, which aims to give local transport authorities across England new powers to run their own services. An extra £151m will also fund a cap in single bus fares outside London, which rose to £3 last month, until the end of 2025. The ******** Democrats have called for the government to U-turn on the cap decision, with the party saying it will hit both commuters and local businesses. Sir Ed Davey said on Friday: “The fare cap increase is like a bus tax for people across the country, impacting bus users and commuters already struggling to make ends meet. “MPs must be given a say on this bus fare hike on behalf of their constituents.” But Department for Transport said the fare cap introduced by the previous government was due to expire at the end of 2024 and some fares would have soared unless it intervened. “Fares will only be allowed to increase with inflation in the normal way, and the £3 bus fare cap will lead to savings of up to 80% on some routes, keeping bus tickets affordable across the country,” it said. Source link #Improved #bus #services #promised #England #part #1bn #boost Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Mindcop Review | NoobFeed | N4G Mindcop Review | NoobFeed | N4G “The Montpellier-based (France) indie games publisher Dear Villagers and Germany-based indie games developer Andre Gareis, are today very happy and proud to announce that their detective narrative game “MINDCOP”, is coming to PC (via Stean) )and consoles (PS5 and the Nintendo Switch) in Q4 2024.” – Jonas Ek, TGG. Source link #Mindcop #Review #NoobFeed #N4G Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Supercars rookie out with concussion after scary ****** Supercars rookie out with concussion after scary ****** The Adelaide street circuit’s notorious turn eight has claimed another victim, with rookie Supercars driver Jaxon Evans ruled out of the final race of the season after a brutal ******. The New Zealander was diagnosed with concussion after his high-speed collision during qualifying on Sunday. With seconds remaining in the session, the Brad Jones Racing driver clipped the inside kerb of the infamous corner and careened into the concrete barrier opposite. The collision ripped the front left wheel off the chassis and sent pieces of bodywork flying as the car slid along the barrier before bouncing off and crashing into the opposite wall. The smoking wreckage finally came to a rest halfway down Brabham Straight. “Feeling a little bit shaken up after that,” Evans said soon after the ******. “Never nice to be the one that ends up in the fence, especially here at turn eight. “Obviously it’s qualifying, so we’re putting everything on the line. I feel like I didn’t turn in super early, maybe a little bit in the end and I just caught the inside fence, which put me into the outside fence, and from there on you’re a passenger.” It was the same turn that ended Friday’s opening qualifying session early, when Richie Stanaway, Cam Hill and David Reynolds clipped the same kerb and collided into the same section of concrete within seconds of each other. Evans was able to walk away from his ****** and was cleared by a medical assessment, but his condition deteriorated. “This means that Jaxon will be unable to take any further part in this weekend and the SCT Motorsport Camaro will remain in the garage for the final race of the season,” his team Brad Jones Racing said in a statement. Team principal Brad Jones said their engineers had been on track to repair the severely damaged vehicle before the race. “The amount of work they’ve done in such a short space of time is staggering,” Jones said. The ****** prompted calls for a review of the turn’s layout. Supercars legend and commentator Mark Skaife suggested moving back the barrier on the outside of the turn, while three-time champion Scott McLaughlin questioned the positioning of the guardrail on the inside of the corner. Jones fell victim to turn eight as a driver himself, but did not feel there needed to be any changes to the corner. “I don’t know that you need to do anything, to tell you the truth,” he said. “Motor racing is tricky and that’s a tricky corner. You take a risk and sometimes when it goes wrong you pay the price.” Turn eight struck again in race three of the Porsche Carrera Cup, with Glen Wood and championship leader Harri Jones falling victim to the inside kerb-concrete barrier combo. Source link #Supercars #rookie #concussion #scary #****** Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Missing Des Moines teen, 14, has returned home, her family reports Missing Des Moines teen, 14, has returned home, her family reports Kylie Sporer, a 14-year-old Des Moines girl missing since Monday, returned home on Saturday, her family reported. “She just came knocking on mom’s door,” said her aunt, Kenda Moore, shortly after 6 p.m. “Someone dropped her home safe.” Kiley Sporer The family and Des Moines police had asked the public for help in finding Sporer. She was last seen leaving her school Monday in the Union Park neighborhood. “When she didn’t come home that night, we knew something was wrong,” Moore told the Register in an earlier interview Saturday afternoon. “That’s not her.” Moore had spoken on behalf of Sporer’s mother, who she said was too distraught to talk to the press, and the rest of the family. Sporer’s family had been searching every day. “I’ve spent Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, driving everywhere… with her best friends and our cousins,” Moore said, “searching everywhere we can.” Moore said her husband searched Saturday along the Des Moines River from Union Park to the Martin Luther King Jr. Park neighborhood. Moore had taken days off work and made posters to give to neighbors, gas stations, stores and postal workers in hopes that would increase the possibility of someone seeing her. “Her mom and her dad love her, and they miss her and they just want her to come home,” Moore had said Saturday afternoon, stopping at times to gather herself. “They don’t care what’s happened. What’s important is that she’s safe.” Kyle Werner is a reporter for the Register. Reach him at *****@*****.tld. This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Missing Des Moines teen, 14, has returned home, her family reports Source link #Missing #Des #Moines #teen #returned #home #family #reports Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Midland ********: 84-year-old woman ******** in hospital after being ‘assaulted’ in fast food carpark Midland ********: 84-year-old woman ******** in hospital after being ‘assaulted’ in fast food carpark Detectives are looking to speak with Kierah ***** Miller after an elderly woman was allegedly knocked to the ground and seriously injured in the carpark of a fast food restaurant. An 84-year-old woman is recovering in Royal Perth Hospital after she was allegedly assaulted outside a Midland restaurant on Great Eastern Highway around 12.35pm on Saturday. It is alleged the attacker fled the scene on foot after she approached the woman and knocked her over. Police allege the elderly victim suffered serious head injuries before she was taken to Royal Perth Hospital in an ambulance. She was in a stable condition on Sunday. Police are now searching for 29-year-old Kierah ***** Miller, with police posting her photo across social media. Ms Miller is known to frequent areas around the Perth metropolitan area and was last seen wearing a ****** shirt and shorts. She is described as having a medium build, 160cm tall with brown hair and eyes. Anybody who sees Ms Miller is strongly urged to not approach her but to call police immediately on 131 444 and quote incident number 161124 1245 17543. Anybody with information regarding her whereabouts, or who witnessed the alleged ********, is urged to contact ****** Stoppers on 1800 333 000. Source link #Midland #******** #84yearold #woman #******** #hospital #assaulted #fast #food #carpark Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

While Jeff Bezos Rides The Stock Market *****, MacKenzie Scott Has Just Sold $8 Billion In Amazon Shares To Fund Charities Nationwide While Jeff Bezos Rides The Stock Market *****, MacKenzie Scott Has Just Sold $8 Billion In Amazon Shares To Fund Charities Nationwide While Jeff Bezos Rides The Stock Market *****, MacKenzie Scott Has Just Sold $8 Billion In Amazon Shares To Fund Charities Nationwide While Jeff Bezos is enjoying the recent rise in the stock market, his ex-wife, MacKenzie Scott, is making news for her generosity. She recently sold another $8 billion worth of Amazon shares and is using the money to help charities nationwide. Don’t Miss: Scott, who was previously married to Jeff Bezos, the founder of Amazon, has decided to use her money to try to change the world. Since their 2019 divorce, she has received a large amount of Amazon shares, making her one of the wealthiest people on the planet. But unlike many other billionaires, she isn’t keeping all that money for herself. Instead, she’s giving it away quickly, recently selling 11% of her Amazon shares to support nonprofits, per filings. Since the divorce, Scott has sold or donated 255 million Amazon shares, worth about $37 billion. That’s huge, especially since she has done it in less than six years. Instead of holding onto her wealth, Scott focuses on giving back by providing grants to organizations working on education, health, ******** and economic opportunities. Trending: This Adobe-backed AI marketing startup went from a $5 to $85 million valuation working with brands like L’Oréal, Hasbro, and Sweetgreen in just three years – here’s how there’s a limited time opportunity to invest at $1,000 for only $0.50/share before closing date. After graduating from Princeton University, she moved to New York City to follow her dream of becoming a writer. She had to take different jobs, like waitressing, just to pay her bills and these hard times taught her what it feels like to struggle with money, which made her want to help others in need. Some groups that have received her donations include the Housing Trust Silicon Valley, which got $30 million to help make affordable housing and the ******* Vocational Service in Boston, which received $7 million to help families become more financially stable. These donations are just a small part of her giving. Scott has already given more than $17 billion to over 2,300 nonprofits, making her one of the most generous people in the U.S. See Also: ‘Scrolling Through UBI’ — Deloitte’s #1 fastest-growing software company allows users to earn money on their phones. Valuation set to change next week but you can invest TODAY for just $0.25/share with a $1000 minimum. While Jeff Bezos’ net worth keeps growing with Amazon’s success, Scott’s net worth is shrinking – but that’s her goal. Forbes estimates that her wealth decreased from $59 billion in 2021 to about $30 billion in late September. She pledged to donate as much as she could over her lifetime when she joined The Giving Pledge in 2019. Story Continues Source link #Jeff #Bezos #Rides #Stock #Market #***** #MacKenzie #Scott #Sold #Billion #Amazon #Shares #Fund #Charities #Nationwide Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

ACCC supermarkets inquiry a ‘negative catalyst’ for Coles, Woolworths: JP Morgan ACCC supermarkets inquiry a ‘negative catalyst’ for Coles, Woolworths: JP Morgan A leading analyst has taken a negative stance against Coles and Woolworths as the supermarket giants prepare to be put under the spotlight at a probe into the highly-scrutinised sector. Source link #ACCC #supermarkets #inquiry #negative #catalyst #Coles #Woolworths #Morgan Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Man Gets Jail Time, Banned From Yellowstone National Park for Breaking Key Rule Man Gets Jail Time, Banned From Yellowstone National Park for Breaking Key Rule A Colorado Springs man will serve jail time and be banned from Yellowstone National Park, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Wyoming recently announced. His ******: leaving the trail in a thermal area of the park. According to a press release, Joseph Aita, 62, “entered the protected area of Canary Spring in Mammoth Hot Springs in the north area of the park” along with his wife, Celia Aita, and their two minor children. He pleaded guilty to the charge of destroying a mineral resource, and received a sentence of seven days in jail and five years of probation. He will be banned from Yellowstone National Park for the duration of that *******, and will also pay a fine of $3,000. Although the sentence may seem severe, Aita actually got off on the lighter side thanks to his guilty plea. Going off-trail in thermal areas of Yellowstone is strictly prohibited, and park officials take this regulation incredibly seriously. This is both due to the fragile nature of the ecosystem and the danger that guests face from the unique geological formations of the area. Related: Pierce Brosnan Enters Plea in Yellowstone Park ******** Hiking Charges Back in 2019, a man was boiled to ****** in a Yellowstone hot spring attempting to “hot ****,” or soak in one of the naturally heated pools of water. That same year, a man was severely burned when he tripped and fell into a thermal pool. Back in September of this year, a woman who intentionally left the trail suffered second- and third-degree burns in the same area. Needless to say, visitors should stay on official trails at all times. It is required by law where “Stay on Trail” is clearly marked, and heavily encouraged in all other areas of the park. Source link #Man #Jail #Time #Banned #Yellowstone #National #Park #Breaking #Key #Rule Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

WA bushfire, cyclone, flood victims eligible for $24,000 in emergency support WA bushfire, cyclone, flood victims eligible for $24,000 in emergency support Bushfire, cyclone and flood victims will be able to access up to $24,000 in emergency relief funding, under a new State Government natural disaster program. Source link #bushfire #cyclone #flood #victims #eligible #emergency #support Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

This Is Tropical Storm Sara’s Path Toward Florida, According to Spaghetti Models This Is Tropical Storm Sara’s Path Toward Florida, According to Spaghetti Models The latest update for Tropical Storm Sara, which has a small chance of becoming Hurricane Sara, has its path curling toward Florida over the next week. As the storm has progressed over the last three days, the system continues to hug the northern coastline of Honduras, causing devastating mudslides and widespread flooding in the area. Fortunately, the track for the storm ******** fairly consistent with yesterday’s forecast, which is generally good news for the ******* States. Here’s what spaghetti models for Tropical Storm Sara reveal about its current path. What is Tropical Storm Sara’s track today? The track for Tropical Storm Sara, according to the latest models on November 15, has it moving relatively slowly in the Caribbean Sea before passing through the Yucatan Peninsula in a northwestern direction. It will then be pushed by a front moving across the ******* States and curve toward Florida, likely reaching the state around Thursday, November 21. According to a report by the National Center of Atmospheric Research (NCAR) on November 15, the vast majority of possible tracks for Tropical Storm Sara has it sitting in the middle of the Gulf of Mexico in about five days. Continuing those lines forward have it eventually making landfall somewhere in Florida. This more or less matches the spaghetti models from Tropical Tidbits as well, though some paths have it reducing in speed significantly and hovering closer to the Bay of Campeche. If that comes to pass, it will be more unclear as to where the storm will make landfall in the ******* States. Either way, the strength of Tropical Storm Sara is expected to drop as it moves over land, weakening due to wind shear. The National Hurricane Center (NHC) has the storm becoming a tropical depression by the time it gets through Mexico by Monday, November 18. The intensity guidance for the storm from Tropical Tidbits also indicate that it will most likely remain as a tropical storm or tropical depression over the next five days. Due to the colder waters around the Gulf coastline of the ******* States in mid-November, the storm is unlikely to gather too much strength while in the Gulf and weaken further as it nears Florida. The post This Is Tropical Storm Sara’s Path Toward Florida, According to Spaghetti Models appeared first on Mandatory. Source link #Tropical #Storm #Saras #Path #Florida #Spaghetti #Models Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

After controversial rally, Trump returns to Madison Square Garden for UFC event After controversial rally, Trump returns to Madison Square Garden for UFC event President-elect Donald Trump walked out to a roaring standing ovation just ahead of the start of the UFC pay-per-view card at Madison Square Garden on Saturday night, combining two things close to his heart: fierce battles inside the octagon and New York City. Trump was accompanied by UFC President Dana White and the pair headed to their cageside seats to **** Rock’s “********* Bad ****.” A return to Madison Square Garden meant revisiting the place where a comedian caused an uproar at a Trump rally last month by likening Puerto Rico to a “floating island of garbage.” Yet Trump continues to relish visits to New York, where he lived for decades, before moving to his Mar-a-Lago club in Palm Beach, Florida. UFC aired a video package of Trump’s road to reclaiming the White House, calling it, “The great comeback in ********* History,” while fans stood and applauded. Trump, wearing a red tie, pumped his fist toward the crowd when the video ended. The president-elect also had his clenched fists pumping back and forth and briefly danced to the Village People’s “YMCA” just outside the cage. He later again thrust his fist skyward as “Takin’ Care of Business” played. President-elect Donald Trump, singer **** Rock and Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk pose for a photo as they attend UFC 309 at Madison Square Garden in New York, on Nov. 16, 2024. KENA BETANCUR/AFP via Getty Images Elon Musk, picked by Trump to lead a new Department of Government Efficiency, and House Speaker Mike Johnson, joined the president-elect and White at the Garden, as did Robert Kennedy Jr., Trump’s choice to lead the Department of Health and Human Services in his incoming administration. Trump shook hands with the UFC broadcast team that included Joe Rogan. Rogan hosted Trump on his podcast for hours in the final stages of the campaign ahead of his election win last week. The announcers for the pay-per-view audience later declared, “Festive doesn’t even begin to describe” the scene before later proclaiming, “47’s in the building. Let’s go.” The MSG crowd chanted “USA! USA!” right before the main card was about to start and then again throughout the action. After a year delay, Stipe Miocic is getting his shot at a third heavyweight championship reign when he battles current champion Jon Jones in the main event at UFC 309. Trump is a longtime UFC enthusiast and frequent attendee of major fights. He made promoting hypermasculine tones a signature of his campaign — as he looked to further widen the gap among male voters between himself and his Democratic opponent, Vice President Kamala Harris. Trump and his top supporters embraced alpha-male terms and often accentuated them with vulgar and demeaning language. While campaigning, Trump appeared frequently on podcasts, gaming platforms, and with key supporters who described a vote for Trump as a way to demonstrate true manliness. While Trump taped a podcast with Rogan, who himself has spoken about hypermasculinity, Harris ******* to do a similar appearance, citing scheduling conflicts. Trump’s son, Don Jr., also attended the ******. Except for a day trip to Washington this week to meet for nearly two hours with President Biden and separately address House Republicans, Trump has been spending his time since his Election Day victory at Mar-a-Lago. The club has hosted galas and ************* events throughout the week. Trump has been close to White for more than two decades. White hosted a 2001 UFC battle at Trump Taj Mahal, a former casino-hotel in Atlantic City, New Jersey, and Trump has frequently attended UFC matches since — including during his 2024 campaign. Trump has turned up at fights recently with famous entourages, including White, musician **** Rock and former Fox News Channel host Tucker Carlson. In 2018, during Trump’s first term, he and White starred in a UFC video where the then-president was called the “Combatant In Chief.” As Trump has strengthened his grip on the national *********** Party over the last near-decade, White’s personal political profile has grown exponentially. White spoke at the 2016 and 2020 *********** conventions, and when the party gathered in Milwaukee this past July. He also addressed the crowd at Trump’s Florida victory party in the wee hours of the morning after Election Day. “This is what happens when the machine comes after you,” White said then. “What you’ve seen over the last several years, this is what it looks like: couldn’t stop him. He keeps going forward. He doesn’t quit.” Source link #controversial #rally #Trump #returns #Madison #Square #Garden #UFC #event Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Embattled ******** leader Libby Mettam commits to next term whether leader or not Embattled ******** leader Libby Mettam commits to next term whether leader or not Libby Mettam has declared speculation around her leadership ‘ridiculous’ after ******** candidate and Perth Lord Mayor Basil Zempilas ruled out a challenge, but left the door open to a pre-election handover. Source link #Embattled #******** #leader #Libby #Mettam #commits #term #leader Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Astrophotographer Captures Milky Way Over Easter Island’s Moai During Eclipse Astrophotographer Captures Milky Way Over Easter Island’s Moai During Eclipse A remarkable image of the Milky Way’s swirling colours over Easter Island’s famed Moai statues was captured recently by photographer Josh Dury, a seasoned astrophotographer and contributor to Space.com. During his trip to Easter Island for last month’s annular solar eclipse, Dury took advantage of the island’s pristine night sky to photograph the ancient statues beneath a brilliant stretch of the Milky Way, showcasing a unique connection between the island’s historical culture and the universe above. This image, titled Aringa Ora O Te Tupuna or The Living Face of the Ancestors, was shared on social media and subsequently recognised by NASA as an Astronomy Photo of the Day (APOD). Stunning Night Sky Above Iconic Moai Statues The Moai statues, some of which are over twice the height of an average human and weigh up to 12,700 kilograms, stand as ancient figures on the remote island, renowned for its exceptionally dark skies, far from urban light pollution. During his stay, Dury, supported by island residents, positioned his camera to capture a composition that framed the statues with the Milky Way. The shot, in addition to its artistic merit, is seen as a tribute to the islanders and the ancestral legacy of the Rapa Nui people. A Photographer’s Tribute to Culture and Science Dury described the experience as one of the most emotionally significant of his career, dedicating the photograph to both the island’s people and its ancestors. In a statement about the image’s title, he explained that the phrase, in the native Rapa Nui language, represents a bridge between art, science the cultural importance of astronomy to the island’s inhabitants. Source link #Astrophotographer #Captures #Milky #Easter #Islands #Moai #Eclipse Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

1 taken to hospital, I-25 southbound closed near Lone Tree after multiple motorcycles ****** 1 taken to hospital, I-25 southbound closed near Lone Tree after multiple motorcycles ****** DENVER (KDVR) — Southbound Interstate 25 was closed near Lone Tree due to a ****** involving multiple motorcycles, which sent one person to the hospital. South Metro ***** Rescue said in a post on X Saturday afternoon, that the motorcycles crashed on I-25 near Lincoln Avenue. FOX31 Newsletters: Sign up to get breaking news sent to your inbox SMFR said one motorcycle rider was taken to a hospital while two others refused treatment on the scene. “This afternoon, Lone Tree Police responded to an accident involving multiple motorcycles. A motorcyclist was driving in a careless manner and hit another motorcyclist,” a post from the City of Lone Tree states. Southbound I-25 was temporarily closed in the area and two lanes have since reopened. As of 3:50 p.m., Colorado Department of Transportation cameras in the area show traffic moving slowly. Officers with the Lone Tree Police Department remain on the scene investigating the ******. The city said the motorcyclist who caused the ****** will be cited for careless driving. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX31 Denver. Source link #hospital #I25 #southbound #closed #Lone #Tree #multiple #motorcycles #****** Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Father and Daughter Decode Mysterious Signal From Space: What Does It Mean? Father and Daughter Decode Mysterious Signal From Space: What Does It Mean? A simulated extraterrestrial message sent from Mars to Earth in 2023 was decoded in June by Ken Chaffin and his daughter, Keli Chaffin, through nearly a year of persistent efforts. Created as part of “A Sign in Space” project by the SETI Institute, the message displays five formations of amino acids, though its meaning ******** unclear. Daniela de Paulis, SETI’s artist-in-residence and a licensed radio operator, designed the project with other international scientists and artists to explore what an alien signal might resemble. Signal Reception and Decoding Process In May 2023, the ExoMars Trace Gas Orbiter transmitted a signal intended to simulate an alien message. This was captured by three Earth-based observatories: the Allen Telescope Array in California, the Robert C. Byrd Green Bank Telescope in West Virginia, and the Medicina Radio Astronomical Station in Italy. Released online, the raw data allowed citizen scientists worldwide to engage in decoding efforts through a community forum. Decoding required the Chaffins to use cellular automata algorithms on what appeared to be a “starmap” of white pixels, eventually revealing clusters representing amino acids. Interpreting the Message The Chaffins’ discovery is confirmed by the project team to represent amino acids, essential molecules in life forms. However, no interpretation has been provided for why these particular configurations might have been chosen. De Paulis and her team maintain that understanding the message’s intent is left to those examining it, in part to mimic a real-life scenario of receiving an alien transmission without guidance. Open Interpretation and Ongoing Exploration This simulation invites global citizen scientists to theorise about the message’s significance. Speculations range from life-forming compounds assembling in space to a simple extraterrestrial greeting. De Paulis plans to document public interpretations in a forthcoming book, recognising the difficulty in reaching a universal consensus on its meaning. Ken and Keli Chaffin, while uncertain about the precise intent, have voiced enthusiasm over their role in exploring this unique cosmic message. For the latest tech news and reviews, follow Gadgets 360 on X, Facebook, WhatsApp, Threads and Google News. For the latest videos on gadgets and tech, subscribe to our YouTube channel. If you want to know everything about top influencers, follow our in-house Who’sThat360 on Instagram and YouTube. Further reading: alien signal, amino acids, space communication, extraterrestrial life, citizen scientists, decoded message, cosmic puzzle, space signal, SETI, ExoMars, Mars mission Vivo Y300 5G India Launch Date Announced; Rear Design, Colours Revealed New Telugu Movies OTT Releases This Week: Devara, Maa Nanna Super, Janaka Aithe Ganaka, and More Source link #Father #Daughter #Decode #Mysterious #Signal #Space Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

India in Perth: Australia-India rivalry at its fiercest in the 21st century India in Perth: Australia-India rivalry at its fiercest in the 21st century The next chapter of Australia’s great rivalry with India unfolds on Friday when the first ball of the Test summer is bowled at Optus Stadium. Source link #India #Perth #AustraliaIndia #rivalry #fiercest #21st #century Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Biden awkwardly stands in back of APEC photo with China’s Xi Jinping front and center Biden awkwardly stands in back of APEC photo with China’s Xi Jinping front and center President Biden awkwardly stood in the back corner of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) family photo on Saturday, as other prominent world leaders were spotted front and center. ******** Premier Xi Jinping was placed in the front-center of the photo, next to Peruvian president Dina Boluarte. Boluarte hosted the world leaders in Lima for this year’s APEC summit. ********* Prime Minister Justin Trudeau was seen in the front row on Xi’s right, along with Australia’s Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. Pictures show Biden smiling and laughing with Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra of Thailand while the family photo was being taken. This weekend, Biden had closed-door meetings with a variety of leaders, including Boluarte and ********* Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba. Trump Appoints Tulsi Gabbard As Director Of National Intelligence: ‘Fearless Spirit’ President Biden was placed in the back corner of this year’s APEC photo, while Xi Jinping was placed in the front. The photograph’s placement of Biden, who is leaving office in January, departs from where ********* leaders typically stand. Last year, Biden was center in the 2023 APEC family photo, which was hosted in San Francisco. Trudeau and Xi were on Biden’s right. Read On The Fox News App In 2017, former President Trump stood towards the front-center of that year’s APEC family photo, along with Russian Prime Minister Vladimir ******. Here Are The Most Talked-about Candidates For Top Posts In Trump’s Administration US President Joe Biden (top, second right) and other leaders participate in a family photo during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Leaders’ Retreat summit in Lima, Peru, Saturday. The conference came nearly two weeks after the 2024 presidential election, where Vice President Harris lost to Trump in a huge upset victory. Biden met with the *********** leader this week to discuss the transition process. “I look forward… to having a smooth transition. We’ll do everything we can to make sure you’re accommodated, what you need,” the Democratic president said to Trump during the meeting. World leaders, including President Joe Biden, front center, stand for a “family photo” during the 2023 Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Leaders’ Week at Moscone Center in San Francisco. “I appreciate very much the transition that’s so smooth,” Trump replied. “It will be as smooth as it can get, and I very much appreciate that.” Fox News Digital’s Paul Steinhauser and Brooke Singman contributed to this report. Original article source: Biden awkwardly stands in back of APEC photo with China’s Xi Jinping front and center Source link #Biden #awkwardly #stands #APEC #photo #Chinas #Jinping #front #center Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Mitchell Johnson: How Virat Kohli changed the face of Indian cricket as the game’s next big thing Mitchell Johnson: How Virat Kohli changed the face of Indian cricket as the game’s next big thing When Virat Kohli first came on the scene, I remember hearing about him before I saw him. Many were saying he was the next Sachin Tendulkar, even though we all knew Sachin could never be replaced. I was fortunate enough to play against both Indian legends in all formats and while there are some similarities, they were also very different. One of Kohli’s attributes stood out early to me above all others – he was up for the ******! That kind of aggressive attitude was something we had rarely seen from an Indian player at that point. We were used to giving it but didn’t always get it back in return. While the occasional player from India may have been combative in moments, Kohli really made it a part of his game. He took his team with him as well so it’s not an understatement to say that Kohli changed the face of Indian cricket, taking a new generation of players and showing them how to play tough cricket. Camera IconVirat Kohli and Mitchell Johnson. Credit: Scott Barbour/Getty Images I remember hearing at the back end of Tendulkar and Virender Sehwag’s careers, a young Kohli would push his teammates to go ******* at training, particularly with fielding drills. He would train like he played and pushed players around him to get better. Kohli was demanding but he is one of those players you want in your team because he has your back and that is important in team sports. I could sense a difference in the Indian team I played against in 2014/15, my last full Aussie summer before I retired from international cricket the following November. They were competitive and confident they could beat us at home and while they didn’t do it that summer, won 2-0 by Australia over four Tests, that was the last time the Aussies have won the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. The Indian team now speak in the media with confidence, even arrogance – though not in a bad way. The Kohli way has rubbed off on many of his teammates across his long career and he has set up the future as well. I had a well-publicised personal rivalry with Kohli. We had many interactions on the field and I enjoyed it. While I didn’t know him off the field, on the field we probably played the game in a similar way – taking the game on and not backing down. Some don’t like that style of cricket and prefer there’s no chat with the opposition, but I enjoyed that part of the game. I would become frustrated during some of our battles, but I also enjoyed that he kept coming at me. It’s always a nice feeling to get one of the best out, and likewise, I’m sure he enjoyed taking me down and hitting me for a four or a six. Most of our differences stemmed from the Boxing Day Test in 2014, when a ball I threw hit him on the body. I was legitimately trying to run him out but he didn’t like what I did. He made some comments in the media that night about having no respect for me as a player, which annoyed me. The goal from our point of view was generally to get Kohli riled up as soon as he came out to bat and take his focus away from his skills. Get him annoyed and get him playing a big shot early. I wonder if the situation will give him all the determination he needs or if it will all be too much for him. In that Test match at the MCG we got him off guard early and had him playing at a ball he didn’t need to in frustration and unfortunately we dropped him on not many. He then focussed and harnessed his energy and piled on the runs – all 169 of them. When bowling to him, I can remember thinking we had to get him early or else we could be in trouble. If you didn’t get Kohli in the first 10 or so ******, he would often make you pay. I also remember the cover drives, the pull shots and the urgency of his running between wickets. One of the best players in the world playing me with so much time, I think I even said ‘good shot’ in my head a few times after being driven down the ground. The 36-year-old is most likely in Australia for the final time on a Test tour. It’s a place he’s done well. He averages 54.08 in Australia – higher than his career average of 47.83 and few batsmen around the world can say that. His form hasn’t been at its best recently and he will be under pressure to perform again here in front of the many Indian fans who will turn out. Camera IconKohli during a WACA warm-up match this week. Credit: Ian Munro/The West *********** I wonder if the situation will give him all the determination he needs or if it will all be too much for him. As a fan now watching on, maybe I’d like to see him make one more Test ton in Australia. As his adversary from a decade ago, maybe not. Ultimately, I want to see the best against the best and a series played with all the ***** and urgency that has come to mark this great rivalry. And I know that’s where Virat will feel right at home. Source link #Mitchell #Johnson #Virat #Kohli #changed #face #Indian #cricket #games #big Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Japan’s Mount Fuji eyes China-made tram to transport hikers, source says Japan’s Mount Fuji eyes China-made tram to transport hikers, source says By Mariko Katsumura TOKYO (Reuters) – ********* authorities seeking to reduce the carbon footprint and overcrowding at Mount Fuji will propose a trackless, rubber-tyred tram system made by China’s CRRC to transport climbers, a person with direct knowledge of the plan said. The new proposal, which has not been previously reported, would replace the original plan to build a light-rail system connecting the base to the fifth hiking station of the popular Yoshida Trail to the top after a local city and other parties, voiced concern over its environmental and cost impact. Yamanashi Prefecture, home of the most popular route used by climbers of the 3,776-metre (12,3388-foot) volcano, is set to announce the plan soon, the person told Reuters, asking for anonymity because the information is not yet public. Mount Fuji, which straddles Yamanashi and Shizuoka prefectures, is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Japan, whose numbers have surged in recent years. Pollution from the constant stream of tourist buses and cars arriving at the fifth station, as well as overcrowding on the trails, have become headaches for authorities seeking to clean up the site, which ********* people hold sacred. Mount Fuji was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2013, further boosting its appeal. But the distinction came on the condition that Japan reduce overcrowding, environmental harm from visitors, and fix the artificial landscape, such as the large parking lots constructed to accommodate tourists. Shanghai-listed CRRC’s “Autonomous Rapid Transit” is a new-generation tram that uses magnetic road markings and can be operated unmanned. Yamanashi prefecture plans to use locally produced hydrogen to power the tram, the source said. The transit system is expected to slash the project’s cost by as much as 40% from the roughly 140 billion yen ($895 million) estimated for the rail system, said the source. The new plan would allow the prefecture to use the existing Fuji Subaru Line toll road and prohibit the entry of all private vehicles and sightseeing buses, the person said. The prefecture hopes to conduct a pilot run as early as the next fiscal year starting in April. Yamanashi is also aiming to build a tram network that would extend to local municipalities and connect to a magnetic levitation rail system planned by Central Japan Railway in the 2030s, the person said. Yamanashi prefecture declined to comment on the plan. During the summer climbing season between July to September this year, the mountain hosted 204,316 climbers. Authorities have said they hoped to control the number of visitors through a public transit system. ($1 = 156.3500 yen) (Reporting by Mariko Katsumura; Editing by Chang-Ran Kim and ********** Schmollinger) Source link #Japans #Mount #Fuji #eyes #Chinamade #tram #transport #hikers #source Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]