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Call of Duty Modern Warfare 2 Had an Exemplary Campaign but Its Popularity Is Due to One Feature Call of Duty Modern Warfare 2 Had an Exemplary Campaign but Its Popularity Is Due to One Feature Whenever we talk about the greatest Call of Duty games of all time, there’s no doubt that Modern Warfare 2 (2009) will instantly pop up in your head. After giving a marvelous experience in Modern Warfare (2007), MW2 just took that experience to a whole new level. From Shepherd’s blood-wrenching betrayal to the massively controversial “No Russian” mission, the campaign was something you couldn’t have asked for any better. Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 was released on November 10, 2009. | Credit: Infinity Ward. However, the main highlight wasn’t its campaign storyline, but its revolutionary multiplayer setup. Except for the infamous Noob Tubes, players never had to worry about anything in the game’s multiplayer mode. Be it classic maps or brand-new intricate game modes, this game had everything. And this was the reason MW2 was arguably the best multiplayer title at that time. Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 was peak multiplayer experience Modern Warfare 2 revolutionized the CoD multiplayer setup. | Credit: Infinity Ward. Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2‘s multiplayer feature had a lot to offer, including customizable Killstreaks and progression challenges, a focus on larger maps with huge numbers of players, and the addition of cooperative Spec Ops maps. Both online and local friends could take on these specially designed game modes. Each one offered variety, and each player typically had a distinct role. It also gave fans iconic maps like Terminal and Rust. And you know what’s the best part? It simply enhanced all the other aspects of Modern Warfare that we cherished. And this is the reason the recently released MW series could never touch the legacy of the OG series. Comment byu/zhuangcorp from discussion inpatientgamers You can have a lot of variety in your strategies because the game is very well-balanced, and practically every gun is good. Hence, the word “meta” didn’t really work well with MW2‘s multiplayer scenario, except for the One Man Army saga. The Kill streaks were incredibly rewarding, gave every player a goal to achieve, and rewarded you for playing well because they were enjoyable to use, gave you a goal to strive for, and forced you to play strategically and avoid dying to maintain your kill streak. To keep you playing for a long time, there were a ton of progression and items to unlock, including guns, camos, titles, emblems, and more. There was only one issue with the multiplayer mode of Modern Warfare 2 The One Man Army perk was overpowered. | Credit: Infinity Ward. There have been numerous balancing tweaks throughout the course of a Call of Duty franchise, but the original Modern Warfare 2 didn’t place as much emphasis on that. Many of the game’s overpowered elements, such as the notorious noob tubes and One Many Army, which, with luck, could effectively win you matches single-handedly. This perk gave players the ability to switch classes even without dying. Eventually, players realized that they could create multiple classes focused on explosives, such as grenade launchers, and use One Man Army to switch between them in order to replenish their ammunition. The misuse of this tactic earned many tactical nukes. But with this game, everything worked and made it more enjoyable and that is why Activision never tried to fix this. In contrast to more recent CODs, OG MW2 just provided more tools to casual players, while the pros never cared about using One Man Army or Noob Tubes. Source link #Call #Duty #Modern #Warfare #Exemplary #Campaign #Popularity #Due #Feature Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Lori Chavez-DeRemer, Trump’s pro-union pick for labor secretary, to face questions at confirmation hearing Lori Chavez-DeRemer, Trump’s pro-union pick for labor secretary, to face questions at confirmation hearing Washington — Former GOP Rep. Lori Chavez-DeRemer, President Trump’s nominee to run the Labor Department, is expected to face tough questioning from at least one member of her own party when she appears before the Senate’s Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee for her confirmation hearing Wednesday. Her confirmation hearing is scheduled for 10 a.m. Republican Sen. Rand Paul of Kentucky, who sits on the committee, has said he will oppose her because of her previous support for pro-union policies. Chavez-DeRemer was one of only three Republicans who supported the Protecting the Right to Organize Act, or PRO Act, in the last Congress. The bill would have strengthened labor protections for workers to collectively bargain and expanded penalties for employers that violate workers’ rights. In January, Paul predicted that Chavez-DeRemer could lose more than a dozen Republican votes. But so far, he’s been the only GOP senator to publicly pull his support. Rep. Lori Chavez-DeRemer walks to a meeting with Sen. Lisa Murkowski in the Hart Senate Office Building on Dec. 18, 2024, in Washington, D.C. Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images “I’m the national spokesman and lead author of the right-to-work bill. Her support for the PRO Act, which would not only oppose national right-to-work but would preempt state law on right-to-work — I think it’s not a good thing,” Paul told NBC News last month. “And it’d be sort of hard for me, since it’s a big issue for me, to support her.” Without Paul, Chavez-DeRemer will need at least one Democrat on the Senate HELP Committee to vote to advance her nomination. Republicans have a 12-11 vote majority on the panel. Chavez-DeRemer could in theory pick up support from Democrats for her pro-union stances, but few if any now seem willing to back Mr. Trump’s nominees over his overhaul of the executive branch and firings of federal workers. So far, Mr. Trump’s Cabinet nominees have been confirmed with minimal GOP defections. Three Republicans voted against Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, who was confirmed after Vice President JD Vance cast the tie-breaking vote. Republicans have otherwise united behind Mr. Trump’s picks, with the exception of Sen. Mitch McConnell of Kentucky, who voted against three nominees as of last week. Mr. Trump nominated the Chavez-DeRemer, an Oregon Republican, as labor secretary after she lost her reelection bid in November. She served one two-year term in Congress, becoming the first Republican woman elected to Congress in Oregon. Caitlin Yilek Caitlin Yilek is a politics reporter at CBSNews.com, based in Washington, D.C. She previously worked for the Washington Examiner and The Hill, and was a member of the 2022 Paul Miller Washington Reporting Fellowship with the National Press Foundation. Source link #Lori #ChavezDeRemer #Trumps #prounion #pick #labor #secretary #face #questions #confirmation #hearing Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Kansas lawmakers reverse veto of ban on transgender care for minors – The Washington Post Kansas lawmakers reverse veto of ban on transgender care for minors – The Washington Post Kansas lawmakers reverse veto of ban on transgender care for minors The Washington PostKansas Legislature overrides governor’s veto of legislation that targets trans kids Kansas ReflectorKansas Lawmakers Override Veto of Ban on Transition Care for Minors The New York TimesKansas lawmakers succeed in passing youth gender medicine ban over a veto The Topeka Capital-JournalTrans minors in Kansas will no longer have access to care after Legislature overrides veto Kansas City Star Source link #Kansas #lawmakers #reverse #veto #ban #transgender #care #minors #Washington #Post Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Fortnite Chapter 6 Season 2 trailer features Sub-Zero from Mortal Kombat Fortnite Chapter 6 Season 2 trailer features Sub-Zero from Mortal Kombat Fortnite’s upcoming next season has received a new trailer, showing Sub-Zero in action. The Mortal Kombat character is the latest to feature in the game as a crossover character, with players likely able to unlock and play as him next season as part of the Battle Pass. Chapter 6 Season 2 is called Lawless and is set to arrive later this week. The focus this time is crime, and it’s claimed the game will feature a new mode with a potential cops and robbers type theme. “Ransack Fletcher Kane’s banks, pull off a train heist and make an explosive getaway in Battle Royale Chapter 6 Season 2: Lawless, starting February 21,” Epic Games‘ description reads. The trailer also shows some of the other new characters set to be added to the game as part of Chapter 6 Season 2, including a large pickle called Big Dill. Fortnite‘s current season, which ends on Thursday, was called ****** Hunters and was based on yokai and Japanese culture. As well as a selection of Japanese characters, the season also included crossovers which allowed players to unlock Baymax from Disney’s Big Hero 6, and Godzilla. Baymax is the latest in a series of Disney characters being added to the game, as Disney and Epic Games prepare to launch a new Disney-themed universe inside Fortnite. Earlier this month, a dataminer found that the planned Disney universe had been moved to a ‘stable’ build, suggesting development was progressing. Source link #Fortnite #Chapter #Season #trailer #features #SubZero #Mortal #Kombat Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Jackson Barrett: Fremantle Dockers should use season launch to make a bold and clear premiership statement Jackson Barrett: Fremantle Dockers should use season launch to make a bold and clear premiership statement This is a no-excuses season for Fremantle in their hunt for a maiden premiership and they have the perfect opportunity to own it in front of players, stakeholders and fans, writes Jackson Barrett. Source link #Jackson #Barrett #Fremantle #Dockers #season #launch #bold #clear #premiership #statement Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Limited Run Games says two of its recent NES releases could damage the console Limited Run Games says two of its recent NES releases could damage the console Limited Run Games has told customers that it doesn’t recommend they play two of its most recent NES releases, in case the console or cartridge are damaged. Last year the manufacturer released physical versions of Rugrats: Adventures in Gameland and Piopow, both of which arrive as an NES cartridge designed to be played on actual NES hardware. However, customers who bought either game are now receiving emails from Limited Run informing them that the cartridges may not actually be safe to use. As posted on BlueSky by retro enthusiast John Riggs (via Time Extension), Limited Run’s email warns that because the cartridges have an issue with voltage regulation, there’s a “small chance” that they could do damage over time. “Upon learning about this issue from our community, we immediately began investigating and can confirm that due to an issue with voltage regulation, there is a small chance that prolonged use of these titles could result in damage to either the cartridge or the console hardware,” the email reads. “We have identified that these titles were not manufactured by our regular partner who we have worked with across 30+ titles and who we trust implicitly thanks to their impeccable manufacturing track record. “The manufacturer who produced Rugrats and PioPow has only worked on a very small handful of titles for Limited Run Games and right now, we are going through our back catalogue of NES titles manufactured by this supplier and testing for possible issues. While we conduct further testing, our immediate pledge is to rectify the potential issue with Rugrats and PioPow and ensure that this will not happen again.” Because Limited Run only sells its games for a limited *******, neither is available to buy, but the company says it’s still in the process of fulfilling its back orders, and has decided not to send out any orders that haven’t been shipped yet. Instead it will re-manufacturing the carts with its “trusted manufacturing partner”. Players who pre-ordered the Collector’s Edition of Rugrats will be asked if they want to receive the set with the NES cartridge removed (with a fixed version coming in the future), or – if they don’t want to unseal it – wait longer for a set with a fixed cartridge included. Customers who haven’t received their order and don’t want to wait for a new cartridge can contact Limited Run for a full refund. As for those who already received the cart, Limited Run says: “We do not recommend continuing using their game, however there is no need to return the game to us. We will automatically be sending out a revised version to each and every customer as soon as possible.” “We will update all customers on expected delivery dates as soon as we have them and kindly ask for your patience as we work our way through this issue. We are extremely sorry for any inconvenience these issues have caused and moving forward, we will not be distributing any original cartridge sourced by this manufacturer.” This isn’t the first time Limited Run has had to apologise for the quality of the games it’s been releasing for retro consoles. Last year the company apologised for using burnt CD-R discs instead of pressed discs for a re-release of 3DO horror game D. Source link #Limited #Run #Games #NES #releases #damage #console Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Passenger charged outrageous fee for taking water bottle on flight Passenger charged outrageous fee for taking water bottle on flight These fees are flying. A traveler claims she was charged about $63 to bring her water bottle on board her flight. Ruby Flanagan was hit with the extra flee when taking a Ryanair flight out of Dublin, she said sharing her story with The Mirror. A traveler claims she was charged about $63 to bring her water bottle on board her flight. anut21ng Stock – stock.adobe.com Although she claimed the budget airline “has a reputation for ridiculous extra charges,” she was shocked to become a “victim” because of her large water bottle. Flanagan said she booked herself a “non-priority” ticket which would only allow her a “small” bag onto the flight and opted to travel with a backpack — one she has used to travel many times — for the short trip. Her roundtrip ticket only cost her about $45 — at first. She arrived at her gate at Stansted Airport with her bag tightly packed and her 750 ml metal water bottle tied to the strap and settled into her seat with no problems. However, three days later that was not the case. Flanagan said that when she attempted to board her Ryanair flight out of Dublin she was told that her water bottle had to be zipped into her bag and approved by the staff who needed to see it fit into the metal box built to represent the underseat storage space she would have. Flanagan said that when she attempted to board her Ryanair flight out of Dublin she was told that her water bottle had to be zipped into her bag and approved by the staff. blackday – stock.adobe.com “I was one of a handful of other passengers who had been pulled aside by the Ryanair crew and were desperately trying to repack,” she recounted. “After moving a few bits around and shoving the bottle in, my bag now had a giant growth-like lump on the top right-hand corner as the zip did its best to stay closed.” Unfortunately, the overstuffed backpack was not approved by the Ryanair staff this time and Flanagan was told she would have to pay to get her bag on the flight. “Thrown by the statement, I asked them why I couldn’t take the bottle in my hand as I did on my outgoing flight,” she said. Unfortunately, the overstuffed backpack was not approved by the Ryanair staff this time and Flanagan was told she would have to pay to get her bag on the flight. REUTERS “In response, I was told that the water bottle needed to fit into the bag; otherwise, it would be classed as a ‘second bag’, which was not allowed with my ticket.” To add to her frustration and confusion, Flanagan claimed she “watched other backpack passengers holding laptops, Burger King bags and travel pillows pass through without a hitch.” Yet, Flanagan and others were being charged extra despite insisting that they had flown one way with the same stuff and been totally fine. “In response, I was told that the water bottle needed to fit into the bag; otherwise, it would be classed as a ‘second bag’, which was not allowed with my ticket.” ARMMY PICCA – stock.adobe.com “Each discussion consisted of a lot of hand flailing, a lot of eye-rolling, the word ‘dimensions’ repeated over and over, and a lot of pointing — specifically to the fella with the debit card holder at the other end of the gate who sheepishly waved us over,” she said. The airline “officially closed the gate” as the arguments continued which caused Flanagan to go into a “state of panic” having never missed a flight before. She was told, “You’ll have to pay for it either way … out, it’s a second bag and in, the bags too big, so you’ll need to pay.” As the plane was set to depart in a few minutes, Flanagan finally shuffled over to the staffer with the card reader defeated. She paid about $63 — more than she paid for her round-trip ticket — to bring her water bottle on board. She later realized it would have been cheaper to throw the water bottle away and purchase a new one but noted “that would’ve been ridiculously un-environmental — and would’ve taken away from the satisfaction of being the over one-millionth plastic bottle of water saved from landfill by refilling.” Flanagan filed a complaint with Ryanair which was quickly rejected. Ryanair defended the charge to The Mirror: “This passenger booked a Basic Fare ticket for this flight from Dublin to Stansted (4 Feb), which allowed them to carry a small personal bag onboard.” “This passenger attempted to board with an additional carry-on, and as it would not fit within their permitted bag, she was correctly required to pay a standard gate baggage fee (€60). Once payment was made, this passenger traveled on this flight from Dublin to Stansted (4 Feb).” Extra baggage can be purchased for cheaper while booking a ticket. Flanagan isn’t the first passenger to be stuck with extra fees for what they believe to be a “ridiculous” situation. A Ryanair passenger was incensed after getting forced to fork over a baggage fee because a wheel was poking out of the size checker. And another woman recently claimed that she was forced to pay cancellation for her sister’s Ryanair flight after her sibling was tragically killed before the trip. Source link #Passenger #charged #outrageous #fee #water #bottle #flight Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

Video: The Deportees Trapped in a Panama Hotel – The New York Times Video: The Deportees Trapped in a Panama Hotel – The New York Times Video: The Deportees Trapped in a Panama Hotel The New York TimesPanama says many migrants deported from the US agree to be returned to home countries Reuters CanadaUS deports 119 migrants from a variety of nations to Panama The Associated Press Source link #Video #Deportees #Trapped #Panama #Hotel #York #Times Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Marvel Rivals’ Latest Round of Layoffs Sparks Controversy but the Outrage Misses Out on a Key Piece of Information Marvel Rivals’ Latest Round of Layoffs Sparks Controversy but the Outrage Misses Out on a Key Piece of Information In the gaming industry, even the brightest success stories can be turned into headlines of disappointment. The latest case in point is Marvel Rivals, a team-based hero shooter that captured the hearts of players and filled the void left by Overwatch. The game has been a massive success. | Image Credit: NetEase Games Despite its success, recent news has revealed layoffs within the team, leaving fans shocked and confused. But there’s a key piece of information that’s been overlooked in the ongoing outrage: the layoffs are specific to the U.S. team, with the core development team in China continuing to work on the game. What’s really happening at Marvel Rivals? These were unexpected layoffs from the studio. | Image Credit: NetEase Games There is no doubt that Marvel Rivals is a success. It filled a critical gap in the gaming community for those who enjoyed Overwatch but were looking for something new and fresh. With its vibrant visuals, beloved heroes, and engaging gameplay, the game quickly gathered a dedicated fan base. Players were fully invested in the game’s regular updates, which kept the experience fresh and engaging. However, the recent news of layoffs from the development team has sent shockwaves through the community. Worth noting this round of layoffs only impacts the team in the US, not the core dev team in China. It’s part of a broader reconsideration of NetEase’s overseas investments and studios. The firm has pulled funding from a number of overseas teams over the past year. [Hidden Content] — Daniel Ahmad (@ZhugeEX) February 18, 2025 It’s a bad look for NetEase to layoff a successful team no matter the reason, however. The previous layoffs or closures included studios where you could argue current performance / lack of results was the issue. Can’t make the same argument here. — Daniel Ahmad (@ZhugeEX) February 18, 2025 Wait wtf? Isn’t the game doing numbers? — JimKeefy (@JimKeefy) February 18, 2025 This game has been an insane success, why the hell are they changing leadership and laying people off? WHAT — Scrubing (@Scrubings) February 18, 2025 Naturally, fans took to social media, voicing their outrage and confusion. It’s a valid sentiment, especially considering the game’s massive popularity and the consistent updates it has provided. But fans are missing an important point. These layoffs aren’t a sign that Marvel Rivals is struggling financially. In fact, they are limited to the U.S.-based team, while the core development team in China remains intact and continues to work on the game. The layoffs appear to be part of a broader restructuring move by NetEase. Whether it’s financial optimization, shifting company priorities, or even regional adjustments, these cuts seem to be a strategic decision rather than a reflection of the game’s performance. This may also be a preemptive move to adjust to changes in global trade and tariffs, particularly the potential tariffs raised by the Trump administration. It’s easy to jump to conclusions, but the layoffs should not be viewed as a sign of a sinking ship. The game will continue to deliver on its promises Players are outraged, but they need to understand the reasons. | Image Credit: NetEase Games While it’s unfortunate to see talented developers lose their jobs, especially after delivering a well-received title, players can rest assured that Marvel Rivals will continue to function properly and fulfill the promises it made to its community. Fans who have been excited about upcoming additions to the game should not worry that these layoffs will result in delays or a reduction in quality. However, it’s important to recognize that layoffs in the gaming industry are an ongoing issue that highlights the volatility and pressures faced by developers. In this case, it’s not a simple case of a failing game or poor management. Rather, it shows the complexities and difficulties involved in the global video game industry, particularly when large companies like NetEase are making adjustments across various markets. In the end, while fans and former employees alike have every right to voice their frustrations, it’s crucial to remember that the layoffs are not a direct indication of failure. Source link #Marvel #Rivals #Latest #Layoffs #Sparks #Controversy #Outrage #Misses #Key #Piece #Information Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Perth woman Bozena Knapinski accused of poisoning her ex-husband with high doses of selenium Perth woman Bozena Knapinski accused of poisoning her ex-husband with high doses of selenium A woman is on trial accused of trying to poison her husband by adding selenium drops to his drinking water. Source link #Perth #woman #Bozena #Knapinski #accused #poisoning #exhusband #high #doses #selenium Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Chubby Chicks restaurant in Center City met with backlash; owner speaks out Chubby Chicks restaurant in Center City met with backlash; owner speaks out The Brief Chubby Chicks, a new restaurant in Center City is facing backlash. The owner, Shakeira Turner, is speaking out about being bullied by people who live nearby. PHILADELPHIA – Trouble has arisen for a newly opened Center City restaurant, with the business owner claiming she is being bullied by neighbors who simply aren’t happy her business is there. FOX 29’s Alex George spoke with the owner about what has been happening. What we know Chubby Chicks restaurant on Walnut Street just opened up two months ago, and in that time, they say they have found dead rodents left at their door, received complaints to their landlord, and heard comments that the business doesn’t belong in the “prestigious” neighborhood. What they’re saying “My life savings, my home, all of that is wrapped up into this business, so it’s not just, ‘Oh, if I have to go,’ no, it would be devastating,” said Shakeira Turner, the owner. Chubby Chicks just opened at 1111 Walnut Street two months ago. It’s a place where people come to eat brunch and celebrate. “We do karaoke on the weekends on Saturdays and Sundays. It is so much fun. It is inclusive. You come here and be yourself, and that is what everything is about here,” Turner said. But since opening, Turner says things haven’t been great. “We are basically not too welcomed here. I thought that we would be, and I thought maybe this would be a good addition to the street,” she said. She says people who live nearby have made several complaints to the landlord, requiring her lawyer to get involved. “They are saying that we are playing unusual music and that we are playing riffraff coming out of here, and that is just not true,” Turner explained. “We are open from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. during the week, and they were saying that we are playing music until 2 a.m. We are not even here. Even going as far as saying that one of us was on the roof of their building at 2 a.m., just putting in false claims to my landlord, which really stirred up some issues.” She says she has even had one-on-one confrontations. “I even had someone tell me to my face, ‘How did I get here? Did I use my drug dealer baby daddy money?’ So it’s hurtful. It’s extremely hurtful,” Turner said. Since then, she says issues have continued, including stolen signs, food left at her back door, someone entering and flooding the basement multiple times, and leaving dead rodents at the storefront. “Someone has left a rat three times in front of our building. After us getting them up, cleaning them up, thinking it was a fluke, it was every single day,” she said. A video detailing the situation at Chubby Chicks is gaining traction on social media, asking for the community to come and support the business. “It’s unfortunate and it’s disheartening in the time we live in, so I just wanted to hold her close and show her that the community is here to support her,” said Dr. Afia, a content creator. What’s next FOX 29 has reached out to the property manager and have not yet received a response. The Source The information in this story is from Chubby Chicks owner, Shakeira Turner. Source link #Chubby #Chicks #restaurant #Center #City #met #backlash #owner #speaks Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

Google Reportedly Teases New Features to Gemini Advanced Users, Removes Older Gemini 1.5 Models Google Reportedly Teases New Features to Gemini Advanced Users, Removes Older Gemini 1.5 Models Google teased several new artificial intelligence (AI) features to Gemini Advanced subscribers on Tuesday. As per the report, these features include an AI video generation tool as well as agentic tools. However, there is no news on when these features could be shipped to users. Meanwhile, the Mountain View-based tech giant is said to be rolling out the Gemini 2.0 Pro Experimental and the Gemini 2.0 Flash Thinking AI models to paid subscribers. While adding the new models, the company has also removed the older 1.5 Pro and Flash models from the AI apps. Gemini Advanced Users Reportedly Teased New Features According to a 9to5Google report, the tech giant shared a newsletter with Gemini Advanced subscribers teasing new features that could be available in the next few months. Without disclosing any release date, the company teased that users might soon be able to generate videos using Gemini platforms. In the newsletter, Google reportedly mentioned, “Explore new ways to create with leading video, image, and audio generation tools.” Notably, the Gemini app already offers access to Imagen 3, the company’s latest image generation model. Veo 2, the newest video generation model is currently not available to them. The tech giant might be planning to add video generation capabilities and inline editing to image generation. While audio generation could be added with its MusicLM platform. The newsletter reportedly also mentioned agentic tools that “can take action on your behalf.” This is less speculative as Google DeepMind’s Project Mariner is expected to roll out this year. Notably, Project Mariner was first unveiled at Google I/O 2024, where Gemini was shown to complete multiple complex tasks across different apps with a single prompt. Apart from this, Gemini Advanced subscribers are also getting access to the Gemini 2.0 Pro Experimental and Gemini 2.0 Flash Thinking models. While the former is the most capable model in the 2.0 series, the latter is a reasoning model that comes with a transparent chain-of-thought (CoT). Those on the free tier of the Gemini app can still access the Gemini 2.0 Flash Thinking Experimental, which was added recently. The experimental “Thinking with apps” model is also available to free users, and it can perform reasoning-focused tasks across apps such as YouTube, Maps, and Google Search. However, these new models come at the expense of older models, which are now being removed from the app. Gemini users will no longer be able to access the 1.5 Pro and 1.5 Flash models. Source link #Google #Reportedly #Teases #Features #Gemini #Advanced #Users #Removes #Older #Gemini #Models Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Stocks Rally Pauses as Trump Threatens 25% Tariffs: Markets Wrap – Yahoo Finance Stocks Rally Pauses as Trump Threatens 25% Tariffs: Markets Wrap – Yahoo Finance Stocks Rally Pauses as Trump Threatens 25% Tariffs: Markets Wrap Yahoo FinanceView Full Coverage on Google News Source link #Stocks #Rally #Pauses #Trump #Threatens #Tariffs #Markets #Wrap #Yahoo #Finance Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Up Late with Ben Harvey: Perth Comanchero kingpin Ray Cilli apprehended in South East Asia Up Late with Ben Harvey: Perth Comanchero kingpin Ray Cilli apprehended in South East Asia In tonight’s episode, Harvey talks about a notorious bikie who became one of Australia’s most wanted men when he fled to Thailand amidst a major drug investigation that has been captured. Source link #Late #Ben #Harvey #Perth #Comanchero #kingpin #Ray #Cilli #apprehended #South #East #Asia Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Jefferies upgrades this beaten-down chip stock, says earnings are poised to rebound Jefferies upgrades this beaten-down chip stock, says earnings are poised to rebound While the first quarter of this year may be rough for STMicroelectronics , Jefferies sees better days on the horizon for the struggling technology stock. Analyst Janardan Menon upgraded shares of the semiconductor maker to buy from hold. He also raised his price target by 11 euros to 34 euros. “We believe Q1-25 represents the bottom of this correction cycle for STM’s revenue and gross margin,” Menon wrote to clients in a Wednesday note. He expects “a small improvement in Q2 followed by stronger rebound in H2-25.” Menon pointed out that the firm has been at an underperform or hold rating for about three years on STMicroelectronics. Its earnings per share forecasts have been at least 30% under consensus given impacts from an inventory correction within the industrial and automotive sectors. Now, the analyst has a forecast for 2025 per-share earnings that’s in line with Wall Street consensus, which would mark a major turnaround. What’s more, his 2026 expectation is 22% above the average among peers. A post-correction normalization of inventory and recovery within the industrial sectors are two reasons to expect this turnaround in earnings, Menon said. He also anticipates a boost from Apple between 2025 and 2027 as the iPhone 17 uses a 3-D sensor that’s based on meta-optics — a technology STMicroelectronics offers — for facial recognition. Revenue tied to microcontroller units and other products can see a recovery for various reasons, he added. STM 1Y mountain STM, 1-year With his upgrade, Menon moved into the ********* on Wall Street. Most analysts with ratings on U.S.-listed shares are at a hold or equivalent, per LSEG. U.S.-listed shares of the stock jumped 3.8% in Wednesday’s premarket following the upgrade. The stock has slipped more than 2% in 2025, building on last year’s plunge of just over 50%. Source link #Jefferies #upgrades #beatendown #chip #stock #earnings #poised #rebound Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Myrtle Beach pastor John-Paul Miller sells Solid Rock Church for $2.1M. What it will be now Myrtle Beach pastor John-Paul Miller sells Solid Rock Church for $2.1M. What it will be now Solid Rock Church, which has been in the national spotlight since the pastor’s wife committed suicide last spring, sold for over $2 million with plans to build condominiums. The 2.3 acre property in The Market Common in Myrtle Beach transferred from Solid Rock Ministries Inc. to Salem Woods Holdings LLC for $2.1 million on Feb. 13, Horry County Land Records show. The building will be torn down to build condos, former Solid Rock Church pastor John-Paul Miller said in a text to The Sun News. This is the same company in which Solid Rock Ministries previously bought over 20 acres of land with intention of building a larger church. However, this has never come to fruition as the church’s attendance shrunk exponentially following Mica Miller’s death. “The city of (Myrtle Beach) did not come through for us, they did not protect us, they did not stop the harassment,” Miller said in a text, referring to protesters that have gathered outside the church every Sunday for nearly a year. “So after 70 years of that chapel being protected from category 5 hurricanes, wars, and redevelopment, it will now be torn down and have condos built in its place, thanks to the city of (Myrtle Beach).” The church was originally built in 1958 and was the church for the Myrtle Beach Air Force Base. It’s unclear if condominiums is what Salem Woods Holding has planned for the property. The Sun News tried to contact Salem Woods Holding but did not hear back before publication. Prior to its public strife, Solid Rock Church bought two plots of land from Salem Woods Holding LLC in August 2023, The Sun News previously reported. In total, Solid Rock Church obtained 28 acres of land for $1.2 million total. In December 2024, these two plots of land were sold to Living Water Church at Market Common for $5 each. Solid Rock Church officially shut down in November 2024, with everything inside the church being given away, Miller previously said. Living Water Church at Market Common was created to act as a holding company for Solid Rock Church’s assets, said Miller’s lawyer Russell Long in a November press conference. This includes the 28 acres of undeveloped land. Not all of Solid Rock Church’s assets were sold as Solid Rock Ministries currently owns Miller’s Coldwater Circle home in the Myrtle Beach area. The church bought the house for about $169,000 in 2023, land records show. Miller’s life has been filled with controversy since his wife, Mica Miller, committed suicide on April 28, 2024. After her death, her family accused Miller of abusing her and causing her death, which started a Justice for Mica movement. Miller has denied these allegations. Shortly after Mica Miller’s death, a group of Justice for Mica protesters started gathering outside the church during church service. Their purpose is to bring awareness to domestic abuse, said protester Millie Joy on Feb. 2. At the end of 2024, Miller started a new congregation, Mercy Church. Miller, who stopped preaching shortly after Mica Miller’s death, returned to the pulpit with Mercy Church. Miller’s new church does not have a home and has been conducting services in a vacant storefront and a gym before returning to the empty Solid Rock Church building. Mica Miller in national spotlight Mica Miller committed suicide on April 27, according to North Carolina officials. In May, Robeson County Sheriff’s Office released a video of her buying a gun before driving from Myrtle Beach to a North Carolina state park. There, she called 911 and told them she was planning to kill herself. Her body was found in the state park. Her death has become a national conversation topic, with people making TikTok videos about her, Facebook groups started and posts circulating online with the #JusticeForMica. Mica Miller’s father and sister, Michael and Sierra Francis, told The Sun News previously that they believe Mica Miller was in an abusive relationship with Miller. The family made it known that they did not approve of the couple’s relationship. The family also offered help as she tried to leave him, they claim. Mica Miller had filed for separation from her husband multiple times before her death. At the time of her death, the couple were estranged. Mica Miller also struggled with mental illness, according to her husband. Medical records provided by Miller show she was diagnosed with bipolar disorder and dependent personality disorder. Her family denied she had a history of mental health, saying her disorders didn’t start until she got involved with Miller. FBI searches Miller’s home, lawsuits incoming In November, the FBI searched Miller’s Myrtle Beach home for reasons that remain unknown. The Sun News requested the incident report but have not received it as of Feb. 18. Later in the month, Solid Rock Church closed. In addition, Miller was arrested for third-degree assault in November. During an argument with Sandra Caron, one of the protesters, he allegedly tapped her baseball cap with his phone. He was released on bond the follow day. Miller has been attempting to stop the protesters using lawsuits. Since the start of 2025, he has filed over 20 court actions, including lawsuits and restraining orders against various Justice for Mica supporters. Miller is not the only one filing lawsuits. His father, Wayne Miller, and a handful of others have filed court actions against the same people as John-Paul Miller. Source link #Myrtle #Beach #pastor #JohnPaul #Miller #sells #Solid #Rock #Church #2.1M Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Rihanna Is ‘Thankful’ for A$AP Rocky’s Acquittal in Instagram Note – Yahoo Entertainment Rihanna Is ‘Thankful’ for A$AP Rocky’s Acquittal in Instagram Note – Yahoo Entertainment Rihanna Is ‘Thankful’ for A$AP Rocky’s Acquittal in Instagram Note Yahoo EntertainmentASAP Rocky Found Not Guilty of Shooting Former Friend in Assault Trial The New York TimesA$AP Rocky Found Not Guilty in Felony Assault Trial as Rapper Tearfully Tells Jury ‘Thank Y’all for Saving My Life’ PEOPLEA$AP Rocky returns to a life of music, fashion, film and Rihanna with his acquittal WTOP Source link #Rihanna #Thankful #AAP #Rockys #Acquittal #Instagram #Note #Yahoo #Entertainment Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Richardson aiming to add British title to honours list Richardson aiming to add British title to honours list Matthew Richardson, the *********** cycling ace who controversially defected to Team Britain, is competing for a British title this weekend. Source link #Richardson #aiming #add #British #title #honours #list Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro Models Could Feature Aluminium Frame Unlike iPhone 17 Air: Report iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro Models Could Feature Aluminium Frame Unlike iPhone 17 Air: Report Apple’s purported iPhone 17 and iPhone 17 Pro models might be equipped with an aluminium frame, according to an analyst. For the past couple of years, Apple has used a titanium frame on its iPhone Pro models, after switching from stainless steel, which added a considerable amount of weight to the company’s handsets. The iPhone 17 Air, which is expected to be unveiled as the successor to last year’s iPhone 16 Plus, is still expected to arrive with a titanium frame. iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro Could Help Apple Achieve Carbon Neutrality Goals Citing an investor note from Haitong International Securities Group analyst Jeff Pu, MacRumors reports that the iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro, and the iPhone 17 Pro Max will feature an aluminium frame. However, the fourth model in the series — the iPhone 17 Air — is still expected to sport a titanium frame, according to Pu. The company has used aluminium for its standard iPhone model for several years now, while the company switched from aluminium to stainless steel with the iPhone X, iPhone XS, iPhone 11 Pro, and subsequent premium models. With the iPhone 15 Pro, the Cupertino company began using a titanium frame, which resulted in a lighter handset. The company doesn’t typically disclose its plans for rumoured iPhone models, or other products, so the real reason for the anticipated substitution of titanium for aluminium is still unclear. The analyst suggests that the decision to use aluminium on its next smartphones could help Apple achieve its carbon neutrality goals, which have a 2030 deadline. On the other hand, we can speculate that the purported decision to continue using titanium on the iPhone 17 Air might be related to the smartphone’s durability. Recent reports suggest that the iPhone 17 Air will be as thin as 5.5mm, making it Apple’s thinnest iPhone to date. Using titanium instead of aluminium could ensure the durability of the rumoured handset. While the iPhone 17 and iPhone 17 Pro might have an aluminium frame in common, the rumoured changes to the design of the rear camera module on the iPhone 17 Pro might not make their way to the standard model. According to a post on X (formerly Twitter) by FrontPageTech’s Jon Prosser, the iPhone 17 is expected to feature the same design as the iPhone 16. Prosser recently leaked renders of the iPhone 17 Air and the iPhone 17 Pro, with an elongated rear camera module. Source link #iPhone #iPhone #Pro #Models #Feature #Aluminium #Frame #iPhone #Air #Report Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

DOGE in Kentucky? Lawmakers introduce bills to create new state efficiency task force DOGE in Kentucky? Lawmakers introduce bills to create new state efficiency task force A bill that would establish Kentucky’s equivalent to the federal Department of Government Efficiency recently formed by President Donald Trump has been introduced in the Kentucky Senate. Sen. Lindsey Tichenor, R-Smithfield introduced Senate Bill 256, which would create a government office called the “Kentucky Office of Government Efficiency,” Tuesday, according to a news release from the Senate Majority Caucus. The new department would focus on eliminating waste and enhancing cost efficiency in state government. “Kentuckians expect their government to operate efficiently and responsibly,” Tichenor said in a statement. “This legislation will create a department focused on holding state agencies accountable, cutting waste and delivering real results for taxpayers.” Ky. Senator Lindsey Tichenor (R) District 6 during the first day of the 2025 General Assembly at the Kentucky State Capitol in Frankfort. Jan. 7, 2025. The proposal calls for a system similar to DOGE, the new federal initiative led by tech-billionaire Elon Musk and greenlit by Trump. In the weeks since Trump took office, Musk and his team have scoured several federal agencies searching for ways to save money, eliminating hundreds of positions across the government and reviewing established contracts for “wasteful” spending. The proposal suggests forming the “Kentucky Office of Government Efficiency” within the Office of the Auditor of Public Accounts. Under the framework, the Auditor of Public Accounts would carry out performance audits and operational reviews of state agencies to look for inefficiencies, wasteful spending and opportunities to save, the news release said. The office would develop best practices and recommendations based on findings and oversee the implementation of recommendations. Meanwhile in the Kentucky House of Representatives, a separate proposal also aims to snuff out government inefficiencies. Reps. TJ Roberts, R-Burlington, and John F. Hodgson, R-Fisherville, introduced House Concurrent Resolution 50 Tuesday, which would create a Task Force called the “Kentucky Discipline of Government Efficiency.” The task force, which is described as a “companion measure” to the Senate bill, would include 10 members, Roberts said in a statement on social media. The House Speaker would appoint four members, the Senate President would nominate four members and the ********* leaders from each chamber would each appoint one member. “This initiative will review executive branch spending to enhance efficiency, cut waste and prioritize essential services, ensuring Kentuckians’ tax dollars are used wisely in our 2026 budget. Building on our recent tax relief success, the Task Force will unite citizens, stakeholders, and lawmakers to create a more accountable government,” Roberts said. Contact reporter Killian Baarlaer at *****@*****.tld or @bkillian72 on X. This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: Kentucky DOGE? Lawmakers file bills to create state equivalent Source link #DOGE #Kentucky #Lawmakers #introduce #bills #create #state #efficiency #task #force Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Watch out, Nvidia – AMD’s rumored to have a plan to unleash RX 9070 reviews to run interference with RTX 5070 GPU’s big launch day Watch out, Nvidia – AMD’s rumored to have a plan to unleash RX 9070 reviews to run interference with RTX 5070 GPU’s big launch day AMD’s RX 9070 is supposedly set to have reviews aired on March 5 That’s the same day as Nvidia releases its RTX 5070 GPU This further backs up the rumor that the on-***** date for RX 9070 models could be March 6 More evidence has emerged from the rumor mill that AMD is setting up a mid-range GPU showdown between its RX 9070 and Nvidia’s RTX 5070. VideoCardz brings us what’s purportedly the review embargo date for RX 9070 models, which is March 5, ahead of a theoretical March 6 on-***** date (all AMD has officially said, though, is that these graphics cards will go on ***** in early March). However, as review embargoes tend to fall a day (or maybe two) ahead of the arrival of GPUs on shelves, this does further suggest that the RX 9070 on-***** date might in fact be March 6 as rumored. What’s also telling about March 5 is that it’s a huge date in Nvidia’s own launch diary – this is the day that RTX 5070 graphics cards officially go on *****. So, the plan would appear to be for AMD to trigger a flood of reviews of RX 9070 GPUs, no doubt comparing them to the RTX 5070 (which will already have been reviewed at that point). And presumably the hope for Team Red is that this could dampen the enthusiasm for Nvidia’s graphics cards as they hit the shelves. (Image credit: PowerColor) Analysis: Pricing cards on the table, please, AMD Of course, all this depends on how these reviews pan out, and the rival graphics cards actually stack up to each other. But thus far, the leaks around the RX 9070 paint a promising picture, and you’ve got to think AMD must be reasonably confident to have set up an (almost) head-to-head launch here. At any rate, I can’t wait to find out, and obviously I’m not alone there – anyone looking for a good mid-ranger at a (relatively) more affordable price is doubtless as keen as I am to discover where the final performance of these AMD and Nvidia GPUs will lie. Sign up for breaking news, reviews, opinion, top tech deals, and more. While we know the asking price for Nvidia’s RTX 5070 – which is $549 / £539 – what we don’t know is where AMD is pitching its RX 9070 and 9070 XT. So far, Team Red is playing its pricing cards close to its chest, but I’m hoping we will finally find out the MSRP at the big launch event AMD has planned for February 28. Another interesting point here is that VideoCardz observes that when the embargo material supposedly provided by AMD talks about that big launch at the end of February, it calls the event an “RX 90×0 announcement” not an RX 9070 affair. That further suggests we will get details on other RDNA 4 desktop graphics cards, perhaps the specs of RX 9060 models, too? Or at least something of a teaser for those more wallet-friendly GPUs. You might also like… Source link #Watch #Nvidia #AMDs #rumored #plan #unleash #reviews #run #interference #RTX #GPUs #big #launch #day Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

2 Undervalued China Stocks to Buy Amid the Current Market Rally 2 Undervalued China Stocks to Buy Amid the Current Market Rally The renewed rally in China-based stocks is unveiling hidden opportunities. While Alibaba, Tencent, and Baidu dominate the country’s landscape, there are numerous lesser-known players to keep an eye on. For investors willing to brave near-term volatility, these two under-the-radar stocks offer compelling exposure to China’s next growth wave. Looking for actionable trade ideas to navigate the current market volatility? Subscribe here to unlock access to InvestingPro’s AI-selected stock winners. As ******** equities continue their rally, discerning investors are increasingly turning to undervalued gems with robust growth prospects. Two companies that stand out in the current environment are Futu Holdings (NASDAQ:) and Atour Lifestyle Holdings (NASDAQ:). Both are poised to benefit from the country’s economic recovery, rising domestic consumption, and technological innovation, making them attractive long-term buys for 2025 and beyond. Here’s why these companies are compelling buys amid the current rebound. 1. Futu Holdings 2025 Year-To-Date: +54.4% Market Cap: $17 Billion Futu Holdings operates at the cutting edge of China’s rapidly expanding fintech market. The disruptive online brokerage and wealth management platform serving over 24 million users has carved a niche with commission-free trading of stocks, options, and ETFs across U.S., Hong Kong, and mainland markets. FUTU stock has surged dramatically since the start of the year, climbing 54% to near the highest level since July 2021. Shares closed at $123.56 on Tuesday, pushing the company’s market cap to $17 billion. Despite robust fundamentals, Futu trades at a reasonable 19x forward earnings, a steep discount to U.S. peers like Robinhood (NASDAQ:) (36x). Regulatory uncertainties and market volatility have suppressed its valuation, but its growth trajectory remains intact. Futu Holdings has 14 analysts covering the stock with a “Strong Buy” rating. The mean analyst price target stands at $125.27, ranging from $95.09 (low) to $160.30 (high), suggesting a potential 29.7% upside. In addition, Futu maintains a ‘GREAT’ Financial Health Score, indicating robust operational performance and financial stability. Source: Investing.com Regulatory easing in China and a surge in retail investor interest are expected to drive significant growth in Futu’s user base and transaction volumes. The company’s platforms, Futubull and Moomoo, have earned significant recognition across key markets, ranking as the leading stock trading app by downloads and daily active users in Hong Kong, Singapore and Malaysia. Meanwhile, Futu’s wealth management business, branded as Futu Money Plus, is fueling high-margin growth. As ******** consumers become more digitally savvy, Futu’s innovative approach and strong market positioning could lead to sustained revenue expansion in the coming years. 2. Atour Lifestyle Holdings 2025 Year-To-Date: +18.9% Market Cap: $4.2 Billion Atour Lifestyle Holdings is a consumer-centric company focused on the leisure, tourism, and lifestyle sectors. The Shanghai-based company has established itself as China’s leading upper-midscale hotel chain, redefining hospitality with a blend of affordable luxury and technology-driven experiences. Shares have been on a tear, hitting a series of record highs in recent sessions. ATAT closed at $31.96 on Tuesday, earning the company a market cap of $4.2 billion. Shares have gained 18.9% year-to-date. Despite the surge in its stock over the past year, Atour remains undervalued at just 27x forward earnings, a significant discount to global peers like Hilton and Marriott, which trade at 43x and 35x, respectively. This discrepancy stems in part from broader pessimism toward China’s hospitality sector. Atour Lifestyle’s InvestingPro Fair Value analysis suggests a 9.7% upside potential from its current price, with a calculated price target of $35.06. Furthermore, Atour demonstrates exceptional financial strength with an ‘EXCELLENT’ Financial Health Score, placing it among the top performers in its sector. Source: InvestingPro As China’s domestic travel and leisure spending rebound, Atour is uniquely positioned to capture the surge in demand. The company’s strategic focus on mid-tier cities, where 60% of its properties are located, aligns with the “travel democratization” trend as middle-class consumers prioritize experiences over savings. With government policies aimed at boosting consumption and tourism, Atour’s diversified portfolio is set to benefit from improved consumer sentiment. Moreover, its strategic focus on digital transformation and innovative service offerings enhances its competitive edge, setting the stage for accelerated growth in 2025 and beyond. Conclusion Both Futu Holdings and Atour Lifestyle Holdings are significantly undervalued, and they boast strong financial health metrics that reinforce their resilience. Their business models are well aligned with long-term tailwinds such as a recovering domestic economy, digital transformation, and increased consumer spending. For investors looking to build a portfolio with exposure to China’s growth story, these two stocks represent compelling opportunities with substantial upside potential in 2025 and beyond. Be sure to check out InvestingPro to stay in sync with the market trend and what it means for your trading. Whether you’re a novice investor or a seasoned trader, leveraging InvestingPro can unlock a world of investment opportunities while minimizing risks amid the challenging market backdrop. Subscribe now and instantly unlock access to several market-beating features, including: ProPicks AI: AI-selected stock winners with proven track record. InvestingPro Fair Value: Instantly find out if a stock is underpriced or overvalued. Advanced Stock Screener: Search for the best stocks based on hundreds of selected filters, and criteria. Top Ideas: See what stocks billionaire investors such as Warren Buffett, Michael Burry, and George Soros are buying. Disclosure: At the time of writing, I am long on the S&P 500, and the Nasdaq 100 via the SPDR® S&P 500 ETF (SPY), and the Invesco QQQ Trust ETF (QQQ). I am also long on the Invesco Top QQQ ETF (QBIG), Invesco S&P 500 Equal Weight ETF (RSP), and VanEck Vectors Semiconductor ETF (SMH). I regularly rebalance my portfolio of individual stocks and ETFs based on ongoing risk assessment of both the macroeconomic environment and companies’ financials. The views discussed in this article are solely the opinion of the author and should not be taken as investment advice. Follow Jesse Cohen on X/Twitter @JesseCohenInv for more stock market analysis and insight. Source link #Undervalued #China #Stocks #Buy #Current #Market #Rally Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

Trump signs executive order aimed at expanding IVF access and reducing costs – CNN Trump signs executive order aimed at expanding IVF access and reducing costs – CNN Trump signs executive order aimed at expanding IVF access and reducing costs CNNFact Sheet: President Donald J. Trump Expands Access to In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) The White House’Promises kept’: Trump signs executive order to ‘aggressively’ make IVF more affordable and accessible Fox NewsSen. Britt reacts to Trump’s order expanding IVF access CNN Source link #Trump #signs #executive #order #aimed #expanding #IVF #access #reducing #costs #CNN Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Kim Sae-ron’s death exposes South Korea’s celebrity culture Kim Sae-ron’s death exposes South Korea’s celebrity culture EPA Analysts say they are not optimistic that the ruthless “cancel culture” surrounding the industry will change Actress Kim Sae-ron’s death in an apparent suicide has renewed criticism of South Korea’s entertainment industry, which churns out stars but also subjects them to immense pressure and scrutiny. Kim, 24, had been bombarded with negative press coverage and hate online after a drink-driving conviction in 2022. She became so unpopular, scenes featuring her were edited out of shows. The circumstances leading to her death are depressingly familiar, experts say. Some other celebrities who had their careers upended by cyberbullying also ended up taking their own lives. As Kim was laid to rest on Wednesday, analysts say they are not optimistic her death will lead to any meaningful change. South Korea’s entertainment industry is enjoying massive popularity. Today, there are more than an estimated 220 million fans of Korean entertainment around the world – that’s four times the population of South Korea. But there is also increasing spotlight on the less glamorous side of the entertainment industry. South Korea is known for its hyper-competitive culture in most spheres of life – from education to career. It has one of the highest suicide rates among developed countries. While its overall suicide rate is falling, deaths of those in their 20s are rising. This pressure is heightened in the case of celebrities. They face immense pressure to be perfect, and are subjected to the demands of obsessive “super fans” who can make or break careers. That is why even the slightest perceived misstep can be career ending. “It is not enough that the celebrities be punished by the law. They become targets of relentless criticism,” Korean culture critic Kim Hern-sik told the BBC. He referred to K-pop artists Sulli and Goo Hara, who died by suicide in 2019 after long battles with internet trolls, even though they did not have known brushes with the law. Sulli had offended fans for not conforming to the K-pop mould, while an internet mob had targeted Goo Hara over her relationship with an ex-boyfriend. ‘A real life Squid Game’ Cyberbullying has also become a money-making gig for some, Korean culture critic Kim Hern-sik told the BBC. “YouTubers get the views, forums get the engagement, news outlets get the traffic. I don’t think [Kim’s death] will change the situation. “There needs to be harsher criminal punishment against leaving ****** comments,” he says. Kim Sae-ron’s father has blamed a YouTuber for her death, claiming the controversial videos they published caused her deep emotional distress. Others have pointed fingers at some local media outlets, who reportedly fuelled public animosity against Kim by reporting the unverified claims. “This cycle of media-driven character assassination must stop,” civic group Citizens’ Coalition for Democratic Media said in a statement on Tuesday. Na Jong-ho, a psychiatry professor at Yale University, likened the spate of celebrity deaths in South Korea to a real-life version of Squid Game, the South Korean Netflix blockbuster which sees the indebted fighting to the death for a huge cash prize. “Our society abandons those who stumble and moves on as if nothing happened.. How many more lives must be lost before we stop inflicting this destructive, suffocating shame on people?” he wrote on Facebook. “Drunk driving is a big mistake. There would be a problem with our legal system if that goes unpunished. However, a society that buries people who make mistakes without giving them a second chance is not a healthy one,” Prof Na added. Last year, the BBC reported on how “super fans” in the notorious K-pop industry try to dictate their idols’ private lives – from their romantic relationships to their daily activities outside of work – and can be unforgiving when things go off script. It is no surprise that Kim Sae-ron chose to withdraw from the public eye after her DUI conviction, for which she was fined 20 million won (£11,000) in April 2023. It is worth noting however, that not all public figures are subject to the same treatment. Politicians, including opposition leader Lee Jae-myung, also have past drink-driving convictions but have been able to bounce back – polls show Lee is now the country’s top presidential contender. In South Korea, it is “extremely tough” for artistes to recover when they do something that puts a crack in their “idol” image, says K-pop columnist Jeff Benjamin. He contrasts this to entertainment industries in the West, where controversies and scandals sometimes even “add a rockstar-like edge” to celebrities’ reputations. “While no one cheers when a Hollywood celebrity is arrested for DUI (drinking under the influence of alcohol or drugs) or sent to jail for significant crimes, it’s not necessarily career-ending,” he says. While the Korean entertainment industry has made moves to address artistes’ mental wealth concerns, it is unclear how effective these have been. Real change can only happen when there is no more financial or attention incentives to continue with such intrusive reporting, says Mr Benjamin. If you have been affected by any of the issues in this story you can find information and support on the BBC Actionline website here. Additional reporting by Jake Kwon in Seoul Source link #Kim #Saerons #death #exposes #South #Koreas #celebrity #culture Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Denmark Summer Golf Classic returns with 300 players registered, local teams take out placings in both events Denmark Summer Golf Classic returns with 300 players registered, local teams take out placings in both events The Denmark Summer Golf Classic celebrated its 12th anniversary at the Denmark Country Club at the weekend, with hundreds of players taking part. Source link #Denmark #Summer #Golf #Classic #returns #players #registered #local #teams #placings #events Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]