Pelican Press

East Timor’s Challenges Two Decades After Independence East Timor’s Challenges Two Decades After Independence Three decades ago, he was a scrappy campaigner roaming the world’s corridors of power with a dream to win independence for his tiny homeland. Today, at 75, José Ramos-Horta is both the president and a relentless salesman for East Timor. He asked China’s president, Xi Jinping, to “help us resolve the problem of agriculture, food security and poverty.” He pleaded with Vietnam’s leaders to do the same. He pitched Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed, the ruler of the United Arab Emirates, his dream of building student dormitories. Mr. Ramos-Horta is under mounting pressure to sustain his nation — Asia’s youngest and one of its poorest. Home to about 1.4 million people, East Timor is one half of an island that lies near the northern tip of Australia; the other half is part of Indonesia. A Portuguese colony for centuries, it emerged as an independent state in 2002 after a brutal occupation by Indonesia. Its roughly $2 billion economy remains heavily reliant on oil and gas revenue, which is evaporating quickly, and more than 40 percent of its people are estimated to live in poverty. “No country in Southeast Asia or in Africa began as we did, from ashes, from total destruction,” Mr. Ramos-Horta said. But, he added: “In 22 years, we should have resolved child poverty, child malnutrition, mother malnutrition and extreme poverty. So that has been a failure.” Still, by other measures, East Timor, or Timor-Leste as it is known in Portuguese, is a success. It has strengthened its young democracy, holding competitive elections with multiple transfers of power. It ranks among the highest in Asia for press freedom. Life expectancy is around 70, up from around 64 in 2002. The entire population now has access to electricity. While politically motivated violence followed independence, including an assassination attempt on Mr. Ramos-Horta in 2008, during his first term as president, the country is stable now. East Timor is a positive case study for young post-conflict states, said Parker Novak, an Indo-Pacific expert at the Atlantic Council. “They’ve built a fairly resilient democracy. That’s something they’re very proud of, and rightfully so.” In September, a visit by Pope Francis briefly put East Timor in the global spotlight. About 97 percent of the population identifies as Roman Catholic, a legacy of the Portuguese colonizers and, more recently, the pivotal role the church played in winning independence from Indonesia. Some clergy fought for independence, and bishops and nuns protected people from Indonesian forces. In Dili, the capital, streets were scrubbed and walls freshly painted to primp for the papal trip. The prime minister, Xanana Gusmão, was out with a broom. For one of the least visited countries in Asia, it was a major moment. Outside of Dili, the major population center, East Timor still feels like an untouched paradise. Tall, lush mountains are surrounded by wide expanses of azure seas. There are few people on its white sandy beaches. Francis’ arrival also resurrected memories of a tainted past. Bishop Carlos Ximenes Belo, one of the heroes of the independence movement, was accused in 2022 of having ********* abused children decades ago. Few Timorese speak up about Bishop Belo, who remains widely revered. Mr. Ramos-Horta, who was awarded a Nobel Peace Prize in 1996 along with Bishop Belo for their work to win independence, said the matter had “already been addressed years ago by the ********” and that any restitution had already been made between the church and the victims. The China Factor At the grounds of the presidential palace in Dili, members of the public stroll in freely and sit in the lush gardens. It was all made possible by China. Beijing gave nearly $7 million to build the palace, which opened in 2009. (The U.S. dollar is the official currency here.) Less than a mile away are the defense and foreign ministries, both also built by China. Mr. Ramos-Horta recounted how he had asked the ******** ambassador for help in providing clean water. “Even before I went to China, ******** engineers were coming to Timor already, to look at the water sources for irrigation and water supply to communities,” he said. “The ********, they deliver very fast.” This reliance on China has triggered fears about Beijing’s intentions in East Timor, and what it could mean for the United States, which has stepped up its troop presence in the *********** port city of Darwin, just a few hundred miles from East Timor. “When China looks at investing in another developing country, they do so with one eye, certainly on a viable business, but with the other eye, very much on a longer-term strategic interest,” said Damien Kingsbury, an emeritus professor at Deakin University in Australia. As Mr. Ramos-Horta took me on a tour of the palace, he dismissed those fears, saying “China is not a threat to the world.” He said Beijing was reluctant to help more, such as with building a police force, because it was aware of American and *********** sensitivities. He added that East Timor does not borrow money from China, and that the only military security arrangement it has is with Australia. Not ‘Hostages of the Past’ Mr. Ramos-Horta is fond of sharing anecdotes. One was about bumping into Indonesia’s president, Prabowo Subianto, in Singapore in July. Mr. Prabowo asked after Mr. Ramos-Horta’s younger brother, a close friend of his. “That’s the level of the friendship we have with Indonesian leaders,” Mr. Ramos-Horta said. The same Mr. Prabowo who led the feared Kopassus special forces unit that slaughtered hundreds in East Timor during the Indonesian occupation? The Indonesian military moved in days after the Portuguese left in 1975, after the United States had greenlighted the invasion. They killed, according to some estimates, as many as 200,000 people before allowing a referendum in 1999. Mr. Ramos-Horta lost four siblings. Still, in recognition of Indonesia honoring the results of the referendum, Mr. Ramos-Horta said he and Mr. Gusmão, the prime minister, decided that they would not allow “ourselves to be hostages of the past.” “We honor the victims. We bury the dead, but we look forward.” He recounted how when he and Mr. Gusmão first heard that Mr. Prabowo had been elected, Mr. Gusmão “was very happy” and gave him a thumbs up. “Those who were here, during the difficult time, they have the greatest emotional connection” to East Timor, Mr. Ramos-Horta said, adding that such people would be more supportive of the country’s stability. Familiar Challenges A quarter-century after the Indonesians left, many of East Timor’s independence heroes remain in government. While Mr. Gusmão fought in the jungles, Mr. Ramos-Horta spent decades in exile, lobbying for freedom. He has served as foreign minister, prime minister and is now in his second term as president. “People feel obligated to them, they liberated the country from a horrendous military occupation,” said Charles Scheiner, a researcher at La’o Hamutuk, a local advocacy group. “Everybody in this country has family who was killed by the Indonesian military, and many of them are survivors of torture and *****.” But winning sovereignty is different from running a country. Analysts say that instead of using the revenues from oil and gas to improve decrepit schools and develop fishing and farming industries, officials channeled them into creating an inflated bureaucracy and paying those involved in the post-independence violence big pensions to “buy peace.” The World Bank has warned that East Timor is heading toward a “damaging fiscal cliff” by 2035. “The underlying premise of the democracy is that it would lead to better policymaking,” said Guteriano Neves, an independent policy analyst based in Dili. “But it has not.” Mr. Ramos-Horta is counting on developing an offshore gas field, called Greater Sunrise, to bring in much-needed revenue. While coffee remains a major export, Mr. Ramos-Horta speaks effusively of developing East Timor as an air cargo or pharmaceuticals hub. He also hopes to join the Association of Southeast Asian Nations to make regional trade easier. The odds are long. Negotiations for the Greater Sunrise field are continuing, and it is expected to take at least five years of development before generating any revenue. Tourism remains untapped because of few commercial flights. Internet speeds still crawl. About 25 minutes away from Dili, in the village of Ulmera, Alda Bisoi Correia, 74, recalled why she voted for independence. She was terrified of pro-Indonesia militias but said it was “our last opportunity” to take a stand. Today, she wonders what it was all for. “Independence hasn’t made a difference to us,” she said. Ms. Correia said the government does not supply water. Her family cannot afford a fridge. Her son is a security guard. His adopted daughter, Sandra Correia Lopes, 12, weighs just 12 kilograms, or 26 pounds, and falls sick frequently. As dusk turned to night, Sandra sat down to dinner. It was a plate of rice and vegetables that her aunt had cooked over firewood. It will be nearly a month before her family can afford to serve meat. Hitu Carvalho de Jesus contributed reporting. Source link #East #Timors #Challenges #Decades #Independence Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

The Legend of Heroes: Trails through Daybreak II Review | NoobFeed The Legend of Heroes: Trails through Daybreak II Review | NoobFeed VGChartz’s Thomas Froehlicher: “The Legend of Heroes: Trails Through Daybreak II is strikingly similar to Trails into Reverie, in that it comes with a seriously uneven narrative and yet rock-solid overall content. Even if the story, pacing, and game progression could have been much better in my view, there’s still a lot to enjoy in this sequel: an amazingly great cast of characters, epic turn-based combat, engaging music, surprisingly hooking mini-games, and great visuals. Falcom just needs to focus on what it does best, sharpen the narrative, and trim the game length, then it will release a game to rival the very best RPG experiences out there.” Source link #Legend #Heroes #Trails #Daybreak #Review #NoobFeed Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Stephanie Vaquer wins North American championship – Cageside Seats Stephanie Vaquer wins North American championship – Cageside Seats Stephanie Vaquer wins North American championship Cageside SeatsMysterious group attacks Fraxiom, Josh Briggs and Yoshiki Inamura: NXT Vengeance Day 2025 highlights WWEWWE NXT Vengeance Day 2025 Results: Winners, Live Grades, Reaction and Highlights Bleacher ReportVengeance Day highlights: Grace, mystery group attacks, new champion, more! Cageside SeatsWWE NXT Vengeance Day: NXT Championship Triple Threat Result Yahoo Entertainment Source link #Stephanie #Vaquer #wins #North #American #championship #Cageside #Seats Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Afterlove EP Review | NoobFeed Afterlove EP Review | NoobFeed NoobFeed editor Joy writes – Afterlove EP delivers a heartfelt narrative enriched by Jakarta’s vibrant backdrop, blending visual novel storytelling with exploration and rhythm-based gameplay. Despite minor technical flaws, its emotional depth, cultural authenticity, and musical integration make it a compelling and immersive experience worth exploring. Source link #Afterlove #Review #NoobFeed Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

The Stone of Madness Review | NoobFeed The Stone of Madness Review | NoobFeed NoobFeed editor Maisie Scott writes – The Stone of Madness stands out from the crowd and keeps you engrossed from beginning to end because of its captivating ambiance, beautiful graphics, and strategic complexity. No matter your level of strategy expertise or whether you’re just starting and want a fresh challenge, this game will not disappoint. Source link #Stone #Madness #Review #NoobFeed Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Sun Metro employee killed in fire worked there just months Sun Metro employee killed in fire worked there just months EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) — The Sun Metro employee who was killed in this week’s fire had been with the transit agency since December 2024 and he was a fleet maintenance technician, the City said. The City of El Paso confirmed Ruben Ibarra’s death after Tuesday’s fire in a news release sent out on Friday, Feb. 14. Man in critical condition dies after Sun Metro explosion Earlier, KTSM had reported his death based on information provided by his family. Eight people were injured in Tuesday’s fire at Sun Metro’s Operations Center. That included two people who were in critical condition and were flown to a burn center in Phoenix. “Ruben Ibarra joined Sun Metro in December 2024 as a Fleet Maintenance Technician, and while his time with the department was brief, he was part of the Sun Metro family. His loss is deeply felt by those who worked alongside him,” the City said. City Manager Dionne Mack said: “Our hearts go out to Ruben’s family, friends, and colleagues as they face this unimaginable loss. Ruben was a valued member of our Sun Metro team, and his passing is a heartbreaking loss for all who had the privilege of working alongside him. As we mourn, we remain committed to supporting his loved ones, and the City of El Paso will cover the costs of his ******** expenses to assist his family during this incredibly difficult time.” Mayor Renard U. Johnson and the El Paso City Council also expressed their condolences. “Ruben’s commitment to public service and his contributions to our community will never be forgotten,” Johnson said. “The City of El Paso stands in solidarity with his loved ones and the entire Sun Metro family during this time of mourning. We ask our community to keep them in your thoughts and prayers and to honor Ruben’s memory by supporting one another and showing compassion in the face of this tragedy.” “This is a tragic loss for our Sun Metro team,” Sun Metro Director Anthony DeKeyzer said. “Our employees are the heart of our department, and we are all feeling the weight of this moment. We are committed to providing the support and resources our team needs to grieve, heal, and move forward together.” The Ibarra family has requested privacy, and the City of El Paso and Sun Metro ask the community to respect their wishes and allow them the opportunity to grieve their loved one appropriately. The City has communicated internally with employees about available Employee Assistance Program (EAP) resources, but wants to remind staff that support remains available. Any employee needing assistance is encouraged to reach out. AllOne Health Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTSM 9 News. Source link #Sun #Metro #employee #killed #fire #worked #months Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Despite its Issues, Elder Scrolls Online Made $2 Billion in Revenue While Throne and Liberty Faded Into Obscurity Despite its Issues, Elder Scrolls Online Made $2 Billion in Revenue While Throne and Liberty Faded Into Obscurity The world of MMORPGs has been around for ages. However, only a few titles have managed to remain intact and relevant in this highly competitive genre of video games. One of these games is Bethesda’s very own Elder Scrolls Online (ESO), a 2014 title that has easily made the studio a whole bank up until now. Elder Scrolls Online is one of the best MMORPGs out there | Zenimax Online However, it was not always like this. Elder Scrolls Online made a lot of noise during its debut, and it was not because of how good it was but because of its flaws. It was plagued by many different issues that we are going to talk about later, but the important thing to note is how it was eventually able to make an impact, something that last year’s Throne and Liberty, unfortunately, failed to do. Elder Scrolls Online has generated over $2 Billion in revenue as other games struggles The game had a rocky start during its launch | Zenimax Online As discussed, Elder Scrolls Online’s reception was not great at the beginning, with many players even dismissing it as just a cash grab that happens to use the Elder Scrolls name. Surprisingly, instead of backing down at the time, the studio doubled down on the game and decided to adapt instead in order to survive. The first thing Bethesda decided to do was get rid of the not-so-popular subscription model at the time and execute a buy-to-play model. This allowed players to buy the game and its expansions just once and enjoy them until the end of support, instead of paying for access to the game every now and then. The studio also produced many quality-of-life improvements, which, along with other improvements, eventually made Elder Scrolls Online a game enjoyed by the masses. A similar impact on the gaming industry was also expected by last year’s Throne and Liberty, which unfortunately just didn’t pop off and stayed as a name to be remembered and not a game to be played. On the other hand, according to reports, as noted by Massively Overpowered, Elder Scrolls has gone on to generate over $15 million for the studio every month, which ultimately accounts for over $2 billion in revenue in the game’s lifetime up until now. A stable revenue stream like this, along with other massively popular franchises under the same publishing house, is an impressive feat by Bethesda that many studios can only wish to conquer someday. Why Elder Scrolls Online was eventually able to make it despite its issues Elder Scrolls Online has slowly built a massive revenue stream over time | Zenimax Online The difference between ESO and Throne and Liberty boils down to adaptability and player trust. The former listened to its community, made meaningful improvements, and continuously expanded its world. Meanwhile, Throne and Liberty just continued with a dull story and dependence on PvP to make progress in the game. Calling back to how Elder Scrolls Online was when it eventually came out, users participating in the game’s official subreddit reacted the following when they learned about the $2 billion revenue stream. Comment byu/Expensive-Country801 from discussion inElderScrolls Comment byu/Expensive-Country801 from discussion inElderScrolls Comment byu/Expensive-Country801 from discussion inElderScrolls Comment byu/Expensive-Country801 from discussion inElderScrolls Comment byu/Expensive-Country801 from discussion inElderScrolls In the end, ESO’s $2 billion success isn’t just about having an iconic IP; it’s more about learning and delivering an experience that keeps the players coming back. Throne and Liberty, on the other hand, serves as yet another reminder that in the world of MMORPGs, hype means nothing if you can’t deliver on your promises. Source link #Issues #Elder #Scrolls #Online #Billion #Revenue #Throne #Liberty #Faded #Obscurity Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

DeepSeek Drives $1.3 Trillion China Stock Rally as Funds Pile In – Yahoo Finance DeepSeek Drives $1.3 Trillion China Stock Rally as Funds Pile In – Yahoo Finance DeepSeek Drives $1.3 Trillion China Stock Rally as Funds Pile In Yahoo FinanceView Full Coverage on Google News Source link #DeepSeek #Drives #Trillion #China #Stock #Rally #Funds #Pile #Yahoo #Finance Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Vigils for dissident Alexi Navalny’s anniversary Vigils for dissident Alexi Navalny’s anniversary The design for a memorial to Alexei Navalny will revealed on the first anniversary of the death in custody of the fierce opponent of Russian President Vladimir Putin. The dissident died in a Siberian penal colony in the Arctic Circle on February 16, 2024 while serving a 19-year sentence on politically motivated charges. The circumstances of his death have not been clarified. The opposition leader’s widow, Yulia Navalnaya, launched a competition to design the memorial in December. Hundreds of ideas were submitted, mostly from Russia but also internationally. Earlier this month, Navalnaya called for a vote on three shortlisted designs and for donations for the construction of the stone monument to be erected on her husband’s grave in Moscow. Navalnaya said in a video message that the monument would not only be a place of rest or remembrance. “It will be a place of hope and strength for all those who believe in its principles and dream of a beautiful Russia in the future.” Navalny’s widow also invited people to a memorial evening at the Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church in Berlin. where she is continuing her husband’s opposition work in exile. Navalny’s team also plans to mark the anniversary with a live broadcast online, during which friends and associates will remember his work. Events including rallies, screenings of the documentary Navalny and vigils were also planned. As supporters commemorated the opposition leader at his grave in Moscow’s Borisovsky Cemetery, human rights activists warned of the risk of arrest due to his anti-corruption foundation being classified as “extremist” and being banned in Russia. The prominent activist and Putin critic survived a poisoning attack with the nerve agent Novichok in 2020 but was arrested on his return to Russia in January 2021 and subjected to a series of show trials. Source link #Vigils #dissident #Alexi #Navalnys #anniversary Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Thousands of probationary federal health agency workers fired by letter this weekend. Here’s what it said. Thousands of probationary federal health agency workers fired by letter this weekend. Here’s what it said. Probationary workers across multiple federal health agencies in the Department of Health and Human Services received virtually identical letters Saturday evening informing them they would be terminated from their positions, sources told CBS News. “Unfortunately, the Agency finds that you are not fit for continued employment because your ability, knowledge and skills do not fit the Agency’s current needs, and your performance has not been adequate to justify further employment at the Agency,” read the letter obtained by CBS News. The letter was signed by Jeffrey Anoka, acting head of human resources for the Department of Health and Human Services. One health official told CBS News thousands of letters were sent out Saturday. Probationary workers are those that generally have less than a year on the job and are easier to fire than other federal staff. A portion of a letter which was sent to thousands of probationary workers in the Department of Health and Human Services on Feb. 15, 2025, notifying them that they had been fired. CBS News The move comes amid a government-wide effort to cut probationary workers by the Department of Government Efficiency task force, or DOGE, led by billionaire Elon Musk. More than 5,000 probationary workers at health agencies had initially been slated to be let go, though not all received letters of termination Saturday. Some letters were also sent in error to people not intended to be let go, officials said. Some agencies have also been granted exemptions for a portion of their staff on the chopping block, as backlash has mounted over cuts at agencies like the Indian Health Service. Also not on the final list of cuts ordered by the Trump administration was the CDC’s Epidemic Intelligence Service, the agency’s “disease detectives,” CBS News learned. Officials overseeing the fellowship had initially warned health departments and those in their ranks that they would be halved. Fellowship programs elsewhere in the agency were not as lucky. Officials said CDC’s Public Health Associate Program, which places recent graduates in health departments throughout the country, was cut. Other agencies losing staff Saturday include the Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response, which oversees the nation’s pandemic stockpiles, the Food and Drug Administration, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services and the National Institutes of Health. A White House official said Saturday that workers exempted from the cuts included scientists at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the FDA, workers for Medicare and frontline healthcare providers. “This isn’t a haphazard effort of us axing whoever we can ‘get away’ with axing for the sake of it. This is a calculated effort to streamline bureaucracy,” said the official. Calley Means, an adviser for newly sworn-in Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., defended the firings for reasons beyond cost savings, reiterating a criticism made during President Trump’s presidential campaign that officials had not done enough to address drivers of sliding life expectancy in the U.S. “It would be irrational not to make changes,” Means wrote in a post to X. At the FDA, an employee said Saturday that scientists, engineers and an attorney had been among those terminated from the regulatory agency’s ranks late Saturday. Cuts included parts of the FDA funded largely from fees that companies pay when they submit applications, not taxpayer dollars — like centers overseeing regulation of tobacco products and medical devices. The toll inflicted by this week’s cuts stretches beyond probationary workers and fellows. Many contractors, who have fewer protections than agency staff, were suddenly told this week that they were being let go. One former CDC contractor said they had been one of two people on a small team in the Atlanta-based agency who knew how to operate a project to analyze electronic health records for disease surveillance. The only other person who knew how to use the project was a CDC employee still on probation. “I fear they will be overrun with work and will end up dropping many projects. Projects were already beginning to drop while I was there,” said the former CDC contractor. Many scientists that CBS News spoke to said they had uprooted their lives for the chance to serve the federal government, sometimes taking steep pay cuts from what they could be earning in academia or the private sector. Others had been on probation for staff roles after many years working for the same agency as a contractor. One former National Institutes of Health scientist said they had been reassured in a tearful meeting with their supervisors Friday that the decision had nothing to do with their performance, and had received praise for the progress they had made in the time since they had been hired. “Words cannot adequately express how financially screwed I am,” the former NIH scientist said. Alexander Tin Alexander Tin is a digital reporter for CBS News based in the Washington, D.C. bureau. He covers federal public health agencies. Source link #Thousands #probationary #federal #health #agency #workers #fired #letter #weekend #Heres Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

More LGBT-identifying people are religious than you might expect More LGBT-identifying people are religious than you might expect When people think of a gay man, they often have an image of a coffee-drinking, well-dressed urbanite with a graduate degree who has never darkened the doorway of a church since he came out to his conservative, religious Midwest parents years ago. Like any stereotype, there are probably people who fit it. But with more and more surveys including ******* orientation as a question, we are becoming more aware of the diversity of people who identify as gay. While some recognize that there is the occasional person who identifies as gay or lesbian who attends church, it’s easy to assume they are exclusively attending a downtown denomination with a rainbow flag flying in its window where a female pastor gives a homily on global warming. Again, while this does describe some, ******* and gender ********* religiosity is much more diverse and extensive than most people realize. First, belying stereotypes about secular gay people, nearly half of all LGBT individuals in the United States are religious, according to a report by the Williams Institute at UCLA, with 1 in 5 identifying as “highly religious.” Following trends in the society at large, older LGBT people are more religious than younger, and non-white are more religious than white, with a large majority (70%) of ****** LGBT people identifying as religious. Similarly, LGBT people in the South are much more religious than LGBT people in the North, with, for example, 3 out of 4 LGBT people in South Carolina identifying as moderately or very religious. So while, yes, there are gay Ph.D.s living in New York City who are in the stereotypically gay professions and who have not attended church in years, so too are there gay loggers and ranchers who attend church religiously. But which church? While there are some churches that are not heteronormative — that is, they ordain ********* active gay clergy, solemnize same-sex marriages and do not treat *********** behavior as a sin — they are in the *********. Furthermore, in a study I published a few years ago, I found that more ******* minorities affiliated with heteronormative faiths than non-heteronormative ones. So even among gay parishioners, those attending the rainbow-flag waving services are the exception, not the rule. Most go to more traditional churches. But why? While some might see a contradiction inherent in ******* minorities attending a heteronormative faith, one study of ******, gay religious men found that many preferred their more traditional churches for a variety of reasons. For example, some may not want to base their religious experience so centrally on their sexuality, some just because they were raised with it and feel more comfortable, their orientation and its teachings notwithstanding, with one respondent stating that “I just prefer — I just want to stay with what I know, my regular old church, as long as he’s not at the pulpit telling me I’m going to go to hell. I don’t want — I think some people may feel like it’s kind of like playing around with religion in some aspects.” That’s not to say that some churches oriented specifically toward ******* minorities don’t have their place. For example, in Africa, a church in Kenya geared specifically toward gender and ******* minorities has been serving a community that has faced violence and abuse for over a decade (and has had to move 10 times). While ******* minorities are less religious generally, even outside of formal religious practice, the vast majority of ******* minorities hold some kind of spiritual beliefs about God, and may pray even if they are not formally religious. I took the past 10 years of the General Social Survey, a large, nationally representative survey that asks a wide variety of questions, including some dealing with religious beliefs as well as ******* orientation, and calculated how many LGB Americans believe in God, finding that: Only 11% of LGB Americans are atheists, and simply do not believe in God. Twelve percent have a position that is somewhat agnostic, stating that they don’t know, and there is no way to find out. Twenty-one percent indicated that they believed in a “higher power.” Six percent indicated that they “believe sometimes.” Twenty-one percent indicated that they believe but occasionally doubt. Twenty-nine percent believe in God and have no doubt about it. In other words, about half of all LGB believe in God; if the “higher power” option is included, that number grows to 70%, with only about 1 in 4 being atheists or agnostics. The belief in a personal God is also demonstrated by looking at how often they pray. According to the same survey, over 1 in 3 people identifying as LGB (transgender was not included as an option in the survey) in the United States pray daily and only a little less than 1 in 3 “never” pray. In terms of religious services attendance, about 1 in 5 of ******* minorities attend “about once a month” or more, and a ********* (44%) attend “never.” According to the same GSS survey, about 6% of the U.S. population identifies as gay, lesbian or *********. Since according to the U.S. Census there are 341 million people in the United States, that would equate to 20.5 million LGB-identifying people, according to the GSS survey, and 4 million LGB people attending religious services at least once per month, and at least 6.8 million prayers ascending to heaven from the U.S. every day from this same group of men and women. Of course, they are not “LGBT+ prayers” any more than other prayers are heterosexual prayers. As Elder David A. Bednar has said, “We are not defined by ******* attraction. We are not defined by ******* behavior. We are sons and daughters of God.” As shown by the findings in the study above, for many ******* minorities, their lived religion is not reducible to how it interfaces with that one particular part of their identity, instead encompassing the totality of their relationship with God. Source link #LGBTidentifying #people #religious #expect Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

Mass resignation marks a new kind of defiance in the second Trump era – The Washington Post Mass resignation marks a new kind of defiance in the second Trump era – The Washington Post Mass resignation marks a new kind of defiance in the second Trump era The Washington PostHonig on ‘incalculable damage on DOJ’ CNNA Rupture on the Right Over Prosecutors and the Rule of Law The New York TimesPresidents Can’t Use the Justice Department as Their Personal Law Enforcement Agency brennancenter.org Source link #Mass #resignation #marks #kind #defiance #Trump #era #Washington #Post Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

The White Lotus leans on the exotic backdrop of Koh Samui The White Lotus leans on the exotic backdrop of Koh Samui There was a lot of talk about the settings for the first two seasons of the ****** comedy series The White Lotus. In the first, Maui was the exotic backdrop. Tourists have been drawn to Sicily and the locations of season two. And the much talked-about season three, which streams on Apple TV from February 17, is likely to do the same for the Thai island of Koh Samui. For the Thai island is the key location for season three — and, more specifically, Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui, makes a titillating setting. A spokesperson for Four Seasons believes: “The iconic, bucket-list location, along with the resort’s beauty and charm, creates a stunning setting for the show’s plot twists and turns. “Overlooking the idyllic Gulf of Thailand the resort captivatingly highlights the serene island life of Koh Samui, alongside pristine sandy beaches bordered by lush tropical greenery and tranquil blue seas.” The third season of HBO’s Emmy-winning series follows a new group of resort guests and takes a satirical look at death and Eastern religion and spirituality. The series is created, written and directed by Mike White. Camera IconThe White Lotus season three. Credit: Supplied/TheWest And it marks an even stronger bond between Max (Warner Brothers’ global streaming platform) and Four Seasons. They have announced a global partnership. “The White Lotus has always been about blending authentic beauty and culture with compelling storytelling, which makes our partnership with Four Seasons an ideal fit,” says Pia Barlow, executive vice-president, Originals marketing, HBO and Max. “As we prepare to celebrate season three, Four Seasons Hotel Westlake Village provides the perfect backdrop for our global brand partnership and multi-day experience. We’re excited to create unforgettable moments that resonate both on and off the screen.” Marc Speichert, executive vice-president and chief commercial officer of Four Seasons, adds: “Formalising our partnership with HBO and Max marks an exciting milestone in our journey together, embracing a cultural phenomenon that blends exceptional storytelling with the universal love of travel. “Mike White and his team have created something truly special. For many Four Seasons guests, especially our pop culture enthusiasts and travel trendsetters, The White Lotus serves as the perfect travel inspiration. “After showcasing the beauty of Maui and then our breathtaking Taormina property, we’re excited to celebrate Koh Samui in the third season of this beloved show.” RESORT TREADS LIGHTLY White beaches, tropical greenery and coral reefs – and next to this, Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui was built on what was once an orchard, but is now a textbook blend of luxury and traditional Thai living. Architect and landscape artist Bill Bensley collaborated with partner Jirachai Rengthong to reflect the simplicity of southern Thai homes while using rather opulent materials. Its villas and private retreats have ocean-inspired interiors. Private decks overlook the Gulf of Thailand. Camera IconBill Bensley Credit: bensley.com But Bill says that the guiding core of the project was to have minimal intervention: “We were handed the stewardship of this precious site, a seaside hill with abundant greenery and fauna.” For other tourism developments on Koh Samui, hillsides have been stripped of trees. “What is forgotten in doing so, is that the Earth cannot stay strong without roots to hold it, causing immense landslides,” explains Bill. “We are delighted to be able to retain the 856 coconut trees,” adds Jasjit. “We did not cut down a single tree, and instead, built our restaurant, villa decks and even the interiors around them.” More than 1000 coconut trees were planted on the premises. And care of those trees, and the property, is all part of the business. Thada Whasagool, the resort’s sustainability manager, says: “Through the implementation of an industrial-sized wood-chipping machine, we transform 100 per cent of coconut waste into compostable material, enriching the soil and fostering a circular economy that harmonises with Koh Samui’s ecological equilibrium. “This initiative allows guests to enjoy the tranquillity of nature and contribute positively to environmental conservation.” Camera IconFour Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea, was a backdrop in season one. Credit: Four Seasons THE WHITE LOTUS FOUR SEASONS BACKDROPS Season One Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea. Season Two San Domenico Palace, Taormina, A Four Seasons Hotel Season Three Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui Camera IconFour Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea, was a backdrop in season one. Credit: SuppliedCamera IconSan Domenico Palace, Taormina, a Four Season hotel, was used in season two. Credit: Four SeasonsCamera IconSan Domenico Palace, Taormina, a Four Season hotel, was used in season two. Credit: SuppliedCamera IconFour Seasons Resort Koh Samui is a stylish setting for the series. Credit: Four SeasonsCamera IconThe White Lotus season three. Credit: Supplied/TheWestCamera IconJennifer Coolidge in the second season of White Lotus. Credit: Fabio Lovino/HBO/TheWestCamera IconOn location in Sicily for The White Lotus, season two. Jennifer Coolidge, who plays Tanya McQuoid, and Jon Gries, who play Greg. Credit: Fabio Lovino/HBO/HBOCamera IconJennifer Coolidge, winner of the award for outstanding supporting actress in a drama series for “The White Lotus,” poses in the press room during the 75th ********** Emmy Awards on Monday, Jan. 15, 2024, at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis) Credit: Ashley Landis/APCamera IconThe White Lotus season two – Credit: Fabio Lovino/HBO/HBO Source link #White #Lotus #leans #exotic #backdrop #Koh #Samui Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

Several Different Brands Of Canned Tuna Have Been Recalled Due Their Potential For Causing A Fatal Form Of Food Poisoning. These Are The Ones To Avoid Right Now. Several Different Brands Of Canned Tuna Have Been Recalled Due Their Potential For Causing A Fatal Form Of Food Poisoning. These Are The Ones To Avoid Right Now. Multiple brands of canned tuna sold in stores like H-E-B, Trader Joe’s, Publix, and Costco have been recalled due to the potential for botulism, which can be a fatal form of food poisoning. Last week, Tri-Union Seafoods announced a voluntary recall on several of its canned tuna products sold across multiple states, citing a manufacturing defect in the cans’ “easy open” pull tab feature as the issue. The cans were packaged under Trader Joe’s and H-E-B brand names, along with the Genova and Van Camp brands. According to the announcement, the affected products were delivered to the following states under these labels: H-E-B label: H-E-B stores in Texas Trader Joe’s label: Trader Joe’s retailers in Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Virginia, Washington D.C. and Wisconsin Genova 7 oz. label: Costco stores in Florida and Georgia Genova 5 oz. label: Harris Teeter, Publix, H-E-B, Kroger, Safeway, Walmart, and independent retailers in Alabama, Arkansas, Arizona, California, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, New Jersey, Tennessee, and Texas Van Camp’s label: Walmart and independent stores in Pennsylvania, Florida and New Jersey If you suspect you purchased one of the products, check the universal product code, or UPC, and best-by date on the can and cross reference them with the impacted list on the Food and Drug Administration’s website. No illnesses have been reported so far. That said, consumers should not use the affected products, even if they don’t seem spoiled. The tuna was recalled out of an “abundance of caution following the notification from our supplier,” the company said. The notification stated that the products “encountered a manufacturing defect that may compromise the integrity of the product seal (especially over time), causing it to leak, or worse, be contaminated with clostridium botulinum,” according to the company. What To Do If You Have Or Ate The Recalled Tuna Rightone / Getty Images If you discover you have the product at home, you can return it to the store you purchased it from for a refund. Tri-Union Seafoods also stated consumers can throw out the product or reach out to the company directly for a retrieval kit and replacement coupon. You can contact the company at *****@*****.tld or by calling 833-374-0171. And if you suspect you ate the affected tuna? Don’t panic. To reiterate, no illnesses have been reported yet. If you believe you consumed any of the recalled products, you should watch for any signs of potential foodborne illness, including upset stomach, diarrhea, vomiting, bloody stool, and more. Botulism is a rare yet serious illness that can occur when certain bacteria produce a toxin in the body that then attacks the nerves. It can lead to difficulty breathing or paralysis and can be fatal. If you’re concerned or experiencing any symptoms ― whether mild or otherwise ― chat with your doctor as soon as possible. It’s always better to get a medical opinion if you’re worried.This article originally appeared on HuffPost. Source link #Brands #Canned #Tuna #Recalled #Due #Potential #Causing #Fatal #Form #Food #Poisoning #Avoid Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Driv3r Boldly Attempted to Challenge GTA III’s Unstoppable Open-World Dominance and Failed Miserably Driv3r Boldly Attempted to Challenge GTA III’s Unstoppable Open-World Dominance and Failed Miserably Developed by Rockstar Games, it could be said that the massively popular GTA video game franchise has helped shape the modern gaming industry as we know it today. Time and time again, with different installments, the studio just continued to innovate and pioneer immersiveness and mechanics other studios can only dream of, which makes it obvious there will be someone out there trying to copy the success formula. Rockstar Games has been pioneering and innovating in the industry since the beginning GTA clones are nothing new; in fact, ever since the series first blew up, many games have blatantly adapted to not only the graphic style but also level designs, mechanics, features, and more. One game out of this bunch was 2004’s Driv3r, which tried to challenge the franchise’s dominance but failed embarrassingly, just like any other clone. GTA and its long-running legacy of having clones that hardly stick around GTA has had many different clones throughout decades | Rockstar Games Imitation is often called the best form of flattery, which is true for the Grand Theft Auto franchise. Not only have dozens of clones tried to make their way to the top the same Rockstar did, but some even succeeded, including the likes of Watch Dogs and Saints Row. However, as anybody could have guessed, not all of them make it big. Driv3r, in particular, failed to deliver a big impact in an attempt to be like Rockstar’s GTA 3. Revisiting what the game was like, users of r/OriginalXbox shared the following thoughts on the game: Comment byu/San4341 from discussion inoriginalxbox Comment byu/San4341 from discussion inoriginalxbox Comment byu/San4341 from discussion inoriginalxbox Comment byu/San4341 from discussion inoriginalxbox As the third installment in the Driver series, Driv3r had a legacy to uphold. The first two games were loved by the audience for their high-speed chases and film-inspired car physics. But with this one, the studio just focused on competing with GTA 3’s elements, including the expansive open world, and that’s where it all went wrong. Where it all went wrong for Driv3r Driv3r was a GTA clone that had potential but it all went down the drain | Cover from Internet Archive After it was finally released, despite all the initial hype at the time, Driv3r was an unpolished, glitch-ridden mess that left players frustrated rather than thrilled. The driving was still top brass according to industry standards, but the moment players stepped out of the car, everything fell apart. Apart from its in-game issues, the game also suffered from an identity crisis. Driv3r desperately wanted to be a GTA competitor, but its open-world ambitions never lived up to the hype. What could potentially have been an open-world juggernaut just faded away while trying to find its own space in the industry. With GTA 6 coming up this year, gamers wonder what other massive shifts to the industry Rockstar will bring this time around. Source link #Driv3r #Boldly #Attempted #Challenge #GTA #IIIs #Unstoppable #OpenWorld #Dominance #Failed #Miserably Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Trump Administration Fires Immigration Judges – The New York Times Trump Administration Fires Immigration Judges – The New York Times Trump Administration Fires Immigration Judges The New York Times Source link #Trump #Administration #Fires #Immigration #Judges #York #Times Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Lawyers swamped as WA divorces ***** due to cost of living and school holiday pressures Lawyers swamped as WA divorces ***** due to cost of living and school holiday pressures Good news for family lawyers and bad news for romantics: WA is in the grip of a divorce *****, with new cases up 167 per cent at one firm, while some small operations are closing their books. Source link #Lawyers #swamped #divorces #***** #due #cost #living #school #holiday #pressures Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Foldable iPhone leaker just tipped size of both displays Foldable iPhone leaker just tipped size of both displays When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. Credit: ConceptsiPhone / YouTube For years, Apple has been rumored to be working on a foldable iPhone. Recent rumors have coalesced around a potential 2026 launch. Since 2015, the rumored iPhone Flip has been oriented toward Apple’s first folding device offering a clamshell-style device, similar to the Galaxy Z Flip 6 or Motorola Razr. However, recent leaks have pointed toward more of a bookstyle fold, like the Galaxy Z Fold 6 or Google’s Pixel 9 Pro Fold. This week, regular tipster Digital Chat Station posted on Weibo that Apple’s first foldable would be a “Big Fold” — bookstyle. They added (machine translated), “The current prototype has an outer screen of 5.49 inches and an inner screen of 7.74 inches.” The current prototype has an outer screen of 5.49 inches and an inner screen of 7.74 inches. Those are surprising numbers and would make the foldable iPhone the smallest ‘Big Fold’ style device on the market. For comparison, the Pixel 9 Pro fold features an exterior display of 6.3 inches and an interior one of 8 inches. The Z Fold 6 has a similar 6.3-inch cover screen, though the main display is smaller at 7.6 inches. DCS is a reasonably reliable leaker, but this report clashes with another rumor from earlier in the month claiming that Apple is working on a device with an internal screen measuring a massive 12 inches. The cover display from that handset is estimated to be around 6.1 inches. That rumor mentioned that Apple is working on smaller versions as well, making us wonder if DCS looked at one of those prototypes. We’ll have quite a while before we see Apple launch its version. The earlier rumor proposed a fall 2026 release and leaker Jukanlosreve confirmed September 2026, when Apple will likely launch the iPhone 18 series. More from Tom’s Guide Source link #Foldable #iPhone #leaker #tipped #size #displays Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Trump administration fires more than a dozen immigration judges – Fox News Trump administration fires more than a dozen immigration judges – Fox News Trump administration fires more than a dozen immigration judges Fox NewsTrump Administration Fires Immigration Judges The New York TimesTrump administration fires new immigration judges POLITICO Source link #Trump #administration #fires #dozen #immigration #judges #Fox #News Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Laneways traffic alert for Perth motorists: Road closures in place for festival at Wellington Square Laneways traffic alert for Perth motorists: Road closures in place for festival at Wellington Square Main Roads WA has issued an alert to Perth motorists ahead of a popular festival taking place in the city. Heavy traffic is expected around the CBD area as Laneway Festival kicks off at Wellington Square on Sunday. The festival — which is being headlined by Charli XCX — will start at 1.30pm and finish at 11.30pm. With thousands of attendees expected, road closures and restrictions will be in place from 12pm until midnight. Concertgoers are being urged to consider using public transport to get to and from the East Perth event. The following road closures and restrictions will be in place from 12pm Sunday until 12am Monday: Wittenoom Street (Hill Street to Bennett Street) CLOSEDHill Street (between Wittenoom Street and Royal Street) CLOSEDWittenoom Street (Bennett Street to Plain Street) (Local Traffic Only)Bennett Street (Wellington Street to Royal Street) (Local Traffic Only)Wickham Street (Bennett Street to Plain Street) (Local Traffic Only)Bronte Street (Bennett Street to Plain Street) (Local Traffic Only)The CPP Royal Street Car Park (east end from Lime Street) will be used exclusively for the event from 6am on Sunday 16 February until 12am on Monday 17 February. Residents who live in the local traffic only areas will still be able to enter and exit their properties and park in the areas they usually do. However, should locals run into any problems on the night, a dedicated resident hotline will be open for complaints — 08 6266 8365. Source link #Laneways #traffic #alert #Perth #motorists #Road #closures #place #festival #Wellington #Square Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

New ALDI store coming to Rochester region. Here’s where New ALDI store coming to Rochester region. Here’s where The town of Ontario, Wayne County, is getting an ALDI store. On Feb. 11, the town’s Planning Board gave final site plan approval for a location at 1903 Route 104. The parcel is between a Fastrac gas station and convenience store and a Dunkin’ Donuts. At 20,264 square feet, the Ontario ALDI will be slightly smaller than the one that opened last June at 1733 E. Ridge Road in Irondequoit. Ontario Town Supervisor Ben Aman said he expects construction to begin sometime in late 2025 or early 2026. The only other ALDI in Wayne County is at 20 Route 31 in Lyons. However, the one over the Monroe County line at 915 Ridge Road in Webster is closer to Ontario. “Our residents and our community is really excited for this,” Aman said of the forthcoming store. ALDI plans to open more than 225 new locations in 2025 as part of the next phase of its five-year national growth strategy. This is the most stores ALDI will open in one year in its nearly 50-year history in the United States. In 2024, the no-frills supermarket chain opened nearly 120 stores, bringing the total count to more than 2,400. This story includes reporting by USA Today. Reporter Marcia Greenwood covers general assignments and has an interest in retail news. Send story tips to *****@*****.tld. Follow her on X @MarciaGreenwood. This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: New ALDI store coming to Rochester NY region. Here’s where Source link #ALDI #store #coming #Rochester #region #Heres Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Pope Francis hospitalized over respiratory infection – CBS News Pope Francis hospitalized over respiratory infection – CBS News Pope Francis hospitalized over respiratory infection CBS NewsPope Francis showing ‘some’ improvement amid hospitalization for bronchitis, ******** says ABC News88-year-old Pope Francis admitted to hospital for bronchitis CNNPope Francis will remain in hospital, ******** says Fox News Source link #Pope #Francis #hospitalized #respiratory #infection #CBS #News Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Melbourne defender Steven May wants All Stars to remain a permanent fixture for WA Melbourne defender Steven May wants All Stars to remain a permanent fixture for WA Steven May reached the pinnacle of football at Optus Stadium in 2021 and while nothing will ever match that, the Melbourne defender said Saturday’s Indigenous All Stars game came damn close. Source link #Melbourne #defender #Steven #Stars #remain #permanent #fixture Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Over 150 locations impacted by wave of closures Over 150 locations impacted by wave of closures Denny’s announced this week it is closing more locations than originally planned. Back in October, the diner chain’s leadership announced plans to close 150 lower-performing stores by the end of 2025, starting with 50 closures in 2024. However, in a Wednesday investors call, chief financial officer Robert Verostek said 70 to 90 would shutter in 2025. This, paired with the 88 he told investors already went dark in 2024, equates to as many as 38 additional store closures from the original October announcement. Some of these closures are related to expiring leases or aging buildings, leadership said. In a statement issued last year, Denny’s executive vice president and chief global development officer Stephen Dunn said the locations the company plans to shutter are often too old to be remodeled or are not turning a profit. “Some of these restaurants can be very old. So when you think of a 70-year-old plus brand, you have a lot of restaurants that have been out there for a very long time,” Dunn said in October. Denny’s announced this week it plans to close even more restaurants than originally announced in its October investors call. In Wednesday’s meeting, Verostek said closing stores were open for an average of nearly 30 years. “In any mature brand, when restaurants have been open that long, it is natural that trade areas can shift over time,” he said. “Accelerating the closure of lower-volume restaurants will improve franchisee cash flow and allow them to reinvest into traffic-driving initiatives like our tested and proven remodel program,” he continued. While Denny’s has yet to release a list of closing locations, it plans to shutter up to 178 restaurants nationwide in 2025, according to information given in the investor meetings. The company plans to offset the closures with about 25 to 40 openings, though roughly half of these will be traditional Denny’s restaurants, while the other half will be Keke’s Breakfast Cafes, which Denny’s acquired in 2022. In a statement to USA TODAY Friday, Denny’s said it “does not provide advance notice of closures” and instead works “closely with our owners and teams when a restaurant unfortunately has to close.” The Denny’s website lists 1,323 U.S. locations. California, Florida and Texas have a large concentration of stores. Contributing: Bonnie Bolden, USA TODAY Network This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Denny’s closing more restaurants: Over 150 locations impacted Source link #locations #impacted #wave #closures Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

‘Shogun,’ ‘Hacks,’ ‘Anora,’ ‘Nickel Boys’ Land Top Honors at Writers Guild Awards 2025 (Full Winners List) – Variety ‘Shogun,’ ‘Hacks,’ ‘Anora,’ ‘Nickel Boys’ Land Top Honors at Writers Guild Awards 2025 (Full Winners List) – Variety ‘Shogun,’ ‘Hacks,’ ‘Anora,’ ‘Nickel Boys’ Land Top Honors at Writers Guild Awards 2025 (Full Winners List) VarietyWGA Awards: ‘Anora’ & ‘Nickel Boys’ Take Top Screenplay Prizes; ‘Hacks’, ‘Shōgun’, ‘The Penguin’ Among TV Winners — Full List DeadlineThe Writers Guild Awards 2025 Winners VultureWriters Guild Awards 2025: Shōgun, The Penguin and Hacks Among TV Winners TVLine Source link #Shogun #Hacks #Anora #Nickel #Boys #Land #Top #Honors #Writers #Guild #Awards #Full #Winners #List #Variety Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]