Pelican Press

Tragic End to Richard Garriott’s Legacy, Man Who Created Ultima 7 One of the Best RPG Games of All Time? Tragic End to Richard Garriott’s Legacy, Man Who Created Ultima 7 One of the Best RPG Games of All Time? Life has taken a downward series of turns for Richard Garriott, the legendary game developer behind Ultima 7. His groundbreaking design philosophy and intricate world-building inspired generations of developers, including Bethesda’s Todd Howard, who counts Ultima 7 as his favorite game. But his legacy has been overshadowed by recent events. Richard Garriott in an interview with RMC. | Image Credit: @RMCRetro/YouTube The mishandling of the Kickstarter-funded Shroud of the Avatar and a ******* blockchain MMO project have tarnished his reputation. Earlier this year Garriott suggested on social media that he might reacquire Ultima Online back from Electronic Arts. But can Garriott restore his legacy, or has his time passed? Richard Garriott’s Career Has Had The Highest High But Also The Lowest Lows Image Credit: Origin Systems In August 2024, Richard Garriott surprised fans by hinting at reclaiming Ultima Online (UO), the revolutionary MMORPG that debuted in 1997. Its elements influenced countless modern games, and developers like Todd Howard continue to draw inspiration from Garriott’s work. In August, Garriott responded to a fan’s suggestion on social media to crowdfund the game’s purchase from EA, Garriott replied, “I believe I will get it back ‘soon.’” I believe I will get it back “soon”. — Richard Garriott (@RichardGarriott) August 11, 2024 Garriott’s reputation has been in decline for years, largely due to Shroud of the Avatar. The game was full of broken promises and questionable business practices. Initially funded through Kickstarter in 2013, the game suffered from feature cuts, delayed rewards, and poor financial transparency. By 2019, Garriott’s company, Portalarium, sold the game to its lead developer, effectively abandoning it and its investors. The game’s current development is minimal, and its player base is dwindling. It’s argued that this project marked the beginning of the end for Garriott’s standing in the gaming world. Adding to the controversy, Garriott’s attempt at blockchain gaming in 2022 was a disaster. His attempt to create an NFT-based MMO was met with backlash, with many accusing him of prioritizing profit over creativity. The project *******, leaving behind a trail of disappointed fans and damaged trust. Comment byu/ANastyFerret from discussion inUltima This has led many in the community to question whether Garriott still has the creative vision to contribute to the industry. Some fans argue that his success owed as much to collaboration as to his ingenuity, comparing him to figures like George Lucas, whose works flourished through teamwork. Would He Even Fit In Today’s Gaming Industry? Image Credit: Origin Systems Despite his declining reputation, Garriott’s early achievements are undeniable. Ultima 7 is still celebrated as a masterpiece in RPG design, praised for its world-building, storytelling, and innovative gameplay mechanics. Comment byu/MacroPlanet from discussion inultimaonline The possibility of Garriott returning to Ultima Online is a divisive topic. Some fans hope he could breathe new life into the game, while others ***** he would tarnish its legacy further. His track record over the past two decades has raised concerns about his ability to manage such a project effectively. Interestingly, the private server community for Ultima Online has outpaced the official game in many ways. This has led some to question whether Garriott’s involvement is even necessary. Many believe the game’s future would be better off without his involvement. Garriott’s legacy highlights the challenges faced by once-revered creators who try to keep up with the industry. While his contributions to gaming history are undeniable, his recent missteps have left a bitter taste. Whether he can ever recapture the magic of his early work ******** to be seen, but for now, he is a reminder that even legends can fall from grace. Source link #Tragic #Richard #Garriotts #Legacy #Man #Created #Ultima #RPG #Games #Time Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

San Diego has long talked of a new ‘Purple’ Trolley line. What could it look like? San Diego has long talked of a new ‘Purple’ Trolley line. What could it look like? SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) — San Diego’s regional leaders have long discussed adding a new “Purple” line to the Metropolitan Transit System’s rail network. This week, the region’s planning agency got an early glimpse into what that could look like. The Purple Line has been pitched as a new north-south train connection for communities in the nearly 30-mile corridor from San Ysidro to Sorrento Mesa — residential areas and job centers where the region’s current transit network has less reach. (San Diego Association of Governments) During a presentation to the San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG) Mobility Working Group on Thursday, Cecily Taylor, the regional planner heading up the Purple Line project, gave an overview about her team’s work to craft concepts of how the new line could be brought to life. SANDAG renews interest in Trolley connection for airport transit link As Taylor detailed, the most comprehensive version of the project her team looked at was to build a subway-style line — one that is mostly underground — with a few sections of aerial track comparable to the UCSD Blue Line extension. This, she said, would be the best option for a light rail transit line through the whole corridor given its mountainous terrain. An underground train would also have the smallest impact on the neighborhoods themselves and the surrounding environment. Potential alignment options could connect with existing transit hubs like the SDSU Mission Valley Station and the UTC Transit Center. While the goal would be to link the San Ysidro hub as well, Taylor noted their initial focus could be the sections of the line running from National City to Mission Valley — areas their modeling showed the highest ridership demand. This part of the line similarly has less overlap with other transit projects in the works. Conceptual maps of some of the alignment options for the Purple Line can be found below. (San Diego Association of Governments) (San Diego Association of Governments) With these concepts, Taylor said SANDAG can now turn to technical planning, which would encompass drawing up all of the potential alignment options and alternatives — like enhanced bus service or a street-level Trolley line — to then work towards a preferred option. “The next phase of planning will require a broader look at all of the possible options for this project — the different routes, the different modes, where the stations could go — and we’d want to be sure to bring our different partners and the public along with us,” she explained. “That process will definitely take time to make sure that the project we land on will be the best for the community.” This stage could also give the planning agency a clearer picture of how they could pay for the project. For the full subway-style light-rail line, the cost is estimated to range from about $19 billion to $23 billion just for the tracks. A portion of the price tag could be covered by federal and state funds, she noted, but the region would still need to earmark local dollars — something which could be a challenge down the line. Westbound I-8 lanes in East County to close for road maintenance “There are a lot of state and federal programs that can help us make this project a reality,” Taylor explained, “but all of those require a local match and for a project of this scale we know that will be a big commitment for our region.” SANDAG’s regional planners will pivot to this technical analysis sometime next year, after the conceptual study is presented to the Board of Directors in January. Given the engineering intricacies that would need to be worked through to flesh out each of the options on the table before paring down to a few recommendations, it could be upwards of a decade before crews could get to the design and construction phase of the project, Taylor said. “Really this is why we do planning: We had an idea and we wanted to explore what would be possible and analyze how that would perform,” she explained. “So we do feel like this was a valuable study to look at this next level of transit technology in the region and evaluate what would be a forward-thinking project.” Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 5 San Diego & KUSI News. Source link #San #Diego #long #talked #Purple #Trolley #line Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Critical donor ******* milk shortage to help ********** ******* prompts urgent warning from doctors and mums Critical donor ******* milk shortage to help ********** ******* prompts urgent warning from doctors and mums Australia is facing a critical shortage of donated breastmilk needed to help thousands of the most vulnerable ******* during their early weeks of life. Last year, 55,000 bottles of breastmilk were sent to 35 hospitals across the country. Every week about 130 litres is collected. But Lifeblood, the organisation that supplies the milk, says demand is increasing. “Donor numbers are lower than what we need to meet demand. We had an incredibly difficult winter ******* because we found a lot of our donors were unwell. That has left us short at times over the winter *******. We still don’t have enough donors looking forward to meet that demand,” Lifeblood manager Jemma Falkenmire said. Mother Sarah Oliver, 35, delivered her daughter Matilda seven weeks early. She weighed just 1.3kg. While Oliver has come to accept her journey is different to others, she admitted the early days were incredibly difficult. “I was wrecked emotionally and physically. You put on a happy face because you’ve got to show the world. But, it was heartbreaking,” she said. “It’s really hard to watch a lot of other people go through a similar thing at a similar time to you and their situation is extremely different.” Camera IconBaby Matilda was helped by donated ******* milk. Credit: Supplied Unable to produce enough of her own breastmilk at the start, the 35-year-old relied on milk donations, to give her daughter a fighting chance. Compounding the difficult situation, Matilda also developed necrotizing enterocolitis, a serious and often deadly gut ********, in the early stages of her life. But she managed to ****** through. “We were so thankful for that donor milk you know when she got really unwell we don’t know what would have happened if she had been on formula as well as because it may have exacerbated the situation,” Oliver said. Laura Klein, a leading breastmilk researcher says donor milk is the best choice for these very ********** *******. “We now have really strong evidence from international clinical trials that using donor milk instead of infant formula for these ******* that are born preterm halves the risk of necrotizing enterocolitis,” Klein said. Camera IconSarah Oliver is calling for more donations to help ********** *******. Credit: Supplied She said while the donated breastmilk was a precious resource, it was only a short term fix, to help mums until their own milk comes in. “Donor milk isn’t equivalent to maternal ******* milk and we really want to emphasize that donor milk should be available as a short-term bridge to breastfeeding and mums should always be supported to provide as much of their own milk as possible,” Klein said. Donors are screened and tested for key infectious *********, using the same processes Lifeblood applies to blood donations. Breastfeeding mums also need to avoid alcohol and common medications including ibuprofen. Experts, including former Olympian turned obstetrician Dr Jana Pittman said that should not be a barrier to donating. “Donating breastmilk is a wonderfully special thing that you may have the potential to do,” Dr Pittman said. “Obviously, there’s a few hoops to jump through because we’re giving that milk to little ********** *******, but please hang in there and give it a shot. “It’ll be definitely worth it and you can certainly help save the lives of our most vulnerable *******.” The donation service operates across most of the country. Camera IconLifeblood representative Jemma Falkenmire speaking to the shortages. Credit: Supplied 7NEWS understands talks are now underway with the Victorian and Northern Territory Governments to extend the program there. “When the service first started around five years ago, three quarters of *********** ********** ******* didn’t have access to donated ******* milk. And we’ve mostly closed that gap, but there is still a little work to go to fully close that gap,” Lifeblood manager Jemma Falkenmire said. The milk lab is just one service offered to the more than 25,000 ********** ******* born in Australia every year. Most of them will require some form of extra care at birth. While there is a lot of support for families, more is needed, particularly for hospitals reliant on specialist equipment that is sometimes worth millions of dollars and are critical to keep vulnerable ******* alive. “We birth very, very tiny little *******. I got to hold one last week that was only 500 grams. Tiny little humans trying to make their way into the world,” Dr Pittman said. “But what it does require is more funding and more awareness and just people knowing that there are mums and families out there fighting off really hard situations to the best of their ability and that we can help in many ways other than just awareness.” Baby Matilda still has to visit doctors and specialists almost daily to deal with persistent problems with eating and growing. But she is a fighter with her mum describing Matilda as a pillar who holds the family together. “We are going to keep on being Matilda and being the small thing she is. Hopefully we’re going to get *******. We’re going to live life and prove everyone wrong, I think, both me and her,” Oliver said. Sarah Oliver is hoping to spread awareness about the incredibly difficult time families with ********** ******* go through. “A NICU [neonatal intensive care unit] stay is, whether it be two days or however many months, is horrendous and I don’t wish that upon anyone. But to get some extra support and help as many parents as we can would be great.” November 17 is World Prematurity Day. Source link #Critical #donor #******* #milk #shortage #********** #******* #prompts #urgent #warning #doctors #mums Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

FAA investigating after ********* Airlines flight makes ‘expedited climb’ to avoid mountain FAA investigating after ********* Airlines flight makes ‘expedited climb’ to avoid mountain (NEXSTAR) – The Federal Aviation Administration is currently investigating why an ********* Airlines flight from Hawaii did not follow an assigned route and was instead forced to perform an “expedited climb” to avoid the terrain in its path, the agency tells Nexstar. The flight took off from the Daniel K. Inouye International Airport, also known as the Hawaii International Airport, shortly before 1 a.m. local time on Wednesday, flight tracking service FlightAware shows. It arrived safely in Los Angeles about five hours later. Oakland airport can’t use its new name, judge says Just after departure, however, air traffic controllers told the flight deck to quickly ascend after the aircraft ******* to make a specific turn, the FAA said. “An air traffic controller instructed ********* Airlines Flight 298 to perform an expedited climb after the crew did not make the assigned turn while departing from Honolulu International Airport,” the FAA’s statement reads. “The controller’s actions ensured the aircraft remained safely above nearby terrain.” This local film needs your help to make it to the Oscars ********* Airlines, in a statement obtained by Nexstar, suggested a different version of events. “During the climb out of Honolulu on November 13, the crew of ********* Airlines flight 298 requested and received right-turn clearance and complied with controller instructions,” a spokesperson for the carrier said. “There was no Enhanced Ground Proximity Warning System (EGPWS) alert as there were no issues with terrain clearance based on the trajectory of the aircraft.” New opportunity arrives for Hawaiʻi Island businesses The airline added that the safety of passengers and crew is a “top priority.” Texas GOP rep. detained at airport over being ‘disoriented’ The Daniel K. Inouye International Airport is located on the southeastern coast of O’ahu, with the Waiʻanae mountain range on the western portion of the island and the Koʻolau mountain range to the east. CNN, citing flight tracking data, reported that the departing plane cleared nearby mountain peaks by approximately 1,500 feet. The FAA is currently investigating the incident. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KHON2. Source link #FAA #investigating #********* #Airlines #flight #expedited #climb #avoid #mountain Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Government crackdown on port protest 'unprecedented' Government crackdown on port protest 'unprecedented' Climate protesters say locals found swimming inside a sweeping marine exclusion zone could be arrested during a blockade of the world’s biggest coal port. Source link #Government #crackdown #port #protest #039unprecedented039 Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

The Baddest Man on The Planet Was Once The Main Boss of His Own Nintendo Game Mike Tyson’s Punch Out! The Baddest Man on The Planet Was Once The Main Boss of His Own Nintendo Game Mike Tyson’s Punch Out! Mike Tyson’s own video game was once considered to be the most difficult Nintendo game of the time. It was a boxing game where you had to ****** a lot of challenging opponents to reach the final boss. A ****** with Mike Tyson even in the game was extremely difficult. Image Credit: Nintendo Mike Tyson is known for his cool lifestyle; he is the superstar boxer everyone admires. He used to be ruthless in the ring and reached the highest possible point in the game of boxing. He walked into the ring as a novice but left it years later as a legend. Mike Tyson Has Much More To Him Than Just Boxing Mike Tyson was once in a league of his own. Image Credit: Getty Images Mike Tyson is the only person to have a video game on him where he himself is the final boss. Back in the day, when Tyson was at the peak of his career, he was considered to be absolutely unbeatable. Tyson was the undisputed champion from 1997 to 1980. He also became the youngest heavyweight champion in history at the age of 20. Something similar is reflected in the game as well. Mike Tyson’s Punch Out! was one of the most difficult games on the market. It had very challenging opponents, and reaching Mike Tyson was in itself considered a win for many players. Some players even believed that it was nearly impossible to beat Tyson in the game since he was the most feared boss ****** of that time due to his aura. People have celebrated after beating Tyson in the game as if they had won the heavyweight championship. There was a lot of craze about the game at that time. Comment by from discussion ininterestingasfuck Comment by from discussion ininterestingasfuck Comment by from discussion ininterestingasfuck Comment by from discussion ininterestingasfuck The challenging nature of the game is what made it stand out. Not only did it have Mike Tyson’s name attached to it, but it also did justice to his boxing legacy by making the game difficult. Mike Tyson Did Not Just ******, He Commanded The Stage Mike Tyson’s command over the boxing ring was too tight. Image Credit: @WBCBoxing via X/Twitter It is not easy to make a game on oneself; Tyson had some real guts to have pulled it off. Had it been some other athlete, a similar game might not have done as well. Tyson had a huge influence on pop culture at the time. He was not just a boxer but also a fashion and lifestyle icon. People wanted to imitate his way of life to feel like him. He had a huge impact on people. The man’s command in the ring was something to be marveled at. You are truly missing out if you have not watched any of his fights. You still have the chance to watch his latest ****** with Jake Paul, which he unfortunately lost. What do you think about it? Let us know in the comments below. Source link #Baddest #Man #Planet #Main #Boss #Nintendo #Game #Mike #Tysons #Punch Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Ilhan Omar Gives Explicit Reply After Pro-******* Protester Says ‘Go To Gaza, Sweetheart’ Ilhan Omar Gives Explicit Reply After Pro-******* Protester Says ‘Go To Gaza, Sweetheart’ Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-Minn.), who has long called for a ceasefire between ******* and ******, and has urged the administration of President Joe Biden to withhold U.S. military aid to *******, didn’t ****** words when she was harassed Wednesday on Capitol Hill. The progressive lawmaker, who is one of the only ******* women in Congress, was captured in footage shared on social media being surrounded by pro-******* protesters as she tried to enter an elevator who told her to “go to Gaza, sweetheart.” Omar responded bluntly with an explicit retort: “***** you.” *******’s military has relentlessly bombed the Gaza Strip for more than a year in retaliation for a ****** ******* Oct. 7, 2023, that ******* 1,200 people. The bombings and other military actions have ******* at least 40,000 men, women and children, destroyed schools and hospitals, and led to serious concerns about famine. Omar’s response came after nearly an entire minute of the group waiting alongside her at the elevator while asking “what are you doing,” “why do you stand with ******” and “would you just condemn ******, would you just say that it’s wrong to take hostages?” “Just say that,” one of the protesters continued in the footage. “You can’t say that?” Omar previously called for President Joe Biden to withhold U.S. military support for *******. Jacquelyn Martin/Associated Press She has been subjected to Islamophobia since taking office in 2019, including being targeted by then-President Donald Trump on Twitter. The group of protesters who ambushed Omar on Wednesday were identified as members of Betar US, a movement of staunch ******* supporters, by ******** newspaper Ynet. The group also shared footage of members knocking on the door of Rep. Rashida Tlaib on Capitol Hill while laughing — one day before the ******* Nations released a report detailing how *******’s actions in Gaza are “consistent with the characteristics of genocide.” Related… Source link #Ilhan #Omar #Explicit #Reply #ProIsrael #Protester #Gaza #Sweetheart Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

New Global Policies to Cut Plastic Waste and Reduce Carbon Emissions by 2050 New Global Policies to Cut Plastic Waste and Reduce Carbon Emissions by 2050 A recent study by the University of California, Santa Barbara has identified four policies that could reduce plastic waste pollution globally by over 90 percent and cut associated carbon emissions by nearly a third by 2050. The findings highlight a comprehensive approach involving increased recycled content, a cap on plastic production, enhanced waste management investment, and a packaging fee to address the plastic waste crisis effectively. Proposed Policies to Combat Plastic Waste The study titled “Pathways to reduce global plastic waste mismanagement and greenhouse gas emissions by 2050,” by researchers at the University of California Berkeley and the University of California Santa Barbara was published in Science. The study recommends mandating that new plastic products contain at least 40 percent post-consumer recycled materials and capping new plastic production at 2020 levels. It advocates for significant investments in waste management infrastructure, including landfills and collection systems, especially in underserved regions. Lastly, a minor fee on plastic packaging is suggested to discourage single-use items and promote sustainability. According to Professor Douglas McCauley, an environmental science expert at UC Santa Barbara and UC Berkeley, these policies could substantially minimise plastic pollution if adopted globally. The potential impact is comparable to removing 300 million gasoline-powered cars from roads for a year, underscoring the considerable climate benefits. Busan Summit to Finalise Global Plastics Treaty The study’s release comes just ahead of critical negotiations for the Global Plastics Treaty, set to take place in Busan, South Korea, from November 25 to December 1. This legally binding agreement aims to provide a framework to curb plastic pollution, with over 190 countries expected to participate. Researchers, including Dr. Roland Geyer, Professor of Industrial Ecology at UC Santa Barbara, are optimistic that these policy recommendations will guide treaty negotiations, providing a data-driven approach to mitigate plastic pollution and emissions. “This policy work shows that we can reach minimal mismanaged plastic waste if we can come together in action,” said Dr. Nivedita Biyani, a researcher at the Benioff Ocean Science Laboratory. Without action, the study warns, plastic consumption and emissions could rise by 37 percent by 2050. The research underscores the environmental and social costs of plastic waste, particularly for the Global South, which disproportionately suffers from pollution due to limited waste management resources. Source link #Global #Policies #Cut #Plastic #Waste #Reduce #Carbon #Emissions Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Paris’ most un-Parisian pocket | The West *********** Paris’ most un-Parisian pocket | The West *********** Walking through the park, eyeing the quirky modern apartments rising either side of it, you could be forgiven for thinking you’ve been transported to Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Copenhagen or another ********* city famed for its contemporary design skills. With few of the obvious ingredients that make Paris so quintessentially “Parisian”, this feels far removed from the French capital of your imagination. But it’s one of the most impressive pieces of urban regeneration I’ve seen of late, transforming a previously unloved patch of land in Paris’ 17th arrondissement, in the city’s north-western corner, where tourists rarely tread. Completed in stages between 2007 and 2021, with an onus on eco-friendliness, inclusivity and sustainability, Parc Clichy-Batignolles—Martin Luther King is a bit of a *******-twister. While the second part of its name honours the ********* civil rights hero, the first part refers to the two neighbouring districts beside which the park sits, just east of the suburban railway tracks that lead in and out of Gare Saint-Lazare, a busy Parisian transport hub a few kilometres to the south. Strolling along the paths and boardwalks of this 10ha park, passing oncoming joggers, ponds, lawns, gardens and flowers, you’ll notice the slick and eclectic parkside apartments, whose fluid, curvaceous tiers and jutting balconies contrast with the more sober mid-19th century Haussmann-style apartments that dominate so much of Paris’ urban fabric. Camera IconParc Clichy-Batignolles-Martin Luther King is a delightful fusion of nature and contemporary design. Credit: Steve McKenna/ Also demanding your attention as you stroll is the Paris Courthouse, a 160m-tall skyscraper that looms to the rear of the park. Designed by Italian “starchitect” Renzo Piano, it houses the city’s law courts across stacked storeys with different dimensions. You can book walking tours with local guides who’ll teach you more about the local area’s new architecture and design, but it is a pleasure to mosey around the park at your own pace, pausing to soak up the way it has been cleverly stitched together. It’s also nice to look out for the water lilies, irises, reeds and other aquatic plants that flourish by the water features. What you’ll also realise is that, on closer inspection, the park is more Parisian than it initially appears, as it has petanque facilities and a bistro serving modern French cuisine. In good weather, the park is aflutter with French conversations — and other languages — with groups of sun-bathing and picnicking friends and families commonplace. Simple to reach, the park is on the doorstep of Pont Cardinet station — one stop from Gare Saint-Lazare on the train — and it’s also on Line 14 of the Paris Metro, so you can be here in just 10 minutes from, say Gare de Lyon or Chatelet, in central Paris. There are other reasons to stick around. Heading in the opposite direction from Pont Cardinet station is Square de Batignolles, which is actually a neat little park, created in 1862 on a disused freight yard. Inspired by the trend at the time for English-style gardens, it has meandering, tree-lined paths and a duck pond fed by a mini cascade. You can exit from the park onto Place du Dr Felix Lobligeois in the historic heart of Batignolles, which was incorporated into the city of Paris in the same decade (and given a Haussmannian flourish). Shaded by lime trees, flanked by the pretty little neoclassical ******* of Saint-Marie des Batignolles, this square is served by neighbourhood eateries whose chairs and tables spill out onto the pavements. It’s an alluring setting for a long, leisurely lunch. And oui, it also feels very much like your classic Parisian village. fact file + For more information on visiting Paris, see parisjetaime.com Camera IconParc Clichy-Batignolles-Martin Luther King is a delightful fusion of nature and contemporary design. Credit: Steve McKenna/ Camera IconPlace du Dr Felix Lobligeois is a nice lunch spot in Batignolles village. Credit: Steve McKenna/ Camera IconThe gardens of Parc Clichy-Batignolles-Martin Luther King. Credit: Steve McKenna/ Camera IconFlowers bloom in Parc Clichy-Batignolles-Martin Luther King. Credit: Steve McKenna/ Camera IconThe waterways of Parc Clichy-Batignolles-Martin Luther King . Credit: Steve McKenna/ Camera IconSquare des Batignolles is another attractive green space in the 17th arrondissement. Credit: Steve McKenna/ Camera IconSquare des Batignolles greenery. Credit: Steve McKenna/ Camera IconSquare des Batignolles was created in 1862 on a disused freight yard. Credit: Steve McKenna/ Camera IconThe Renzo Piano-designed Pars Courthouse is a new landmark in Paris’ 17th arrondissement. Credit: Steve McKenna/ Camera IconThe towering Renzo Piano-designed Paris Courthouse. Credit: Steve McKenna/ Source link #Paris #unParisian #pocket #West #*********** Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

‘Ghost bridge’ submerged for more than a century in North Jersey is exposed ‘Ghost bridge’ submerged for more than a century in North Jersey is exposed A drawdown at the Oak Ridge Reservoir in West Milford is providing a rare peek into New Jersey’s past. Likely submerged for most of its existence, the stone bridge now exposed along with the reservoir’s bare floor provides the only hint of a village that vanished over a century ago. It isn’t a ghost story but a reminder of pressing needs at the turn of the 20th century. In the late 1800s, Newark was desperate for clean water. Industrial pollution had ruined its original source: the Passaic River. The problem led officials to consider building a pipeline 25.3 miles northwest to the Pequannock River. There, amid a rural land dotted with iron mines and forges, they could strategically place dams to create a chain of reservoirs linked by the Pequannock River: Clinton Falls, Oak Ridge and Macopin. While the old Oak Ridge Reservoir bridge can still be seen today, most of the road that once cut through the reservoir floor no longer exists. The road was replaced by those around the reservoir in the early 1890s, the Jersey City News reported in 1890. The most controversial of the original three, Oak Ridge, required the sacrifice of a small village. The East Jersey Water Company, which oversaw the project to create the Newark Watershed, had to acquire the land in order to flood it. That demanded purchasing homes, barns and fields from reluctant residents, namely Horace Chamberlain, the Passaic Daily News reported in July 1889. A former state legislator, Chamberlain had amassed a large estate in the area that included a 400-acre farm, said 1914’s “A History of Morris County.” Company officials also had to buy water rights from factories along the Pequannock and its feeders, including Dunker Pond and Echo Lake. The view from the top of the stone bridge at Oak Ridge Reservoir shows the Pequannock River flowing through a flood plain created along in the early 1890s to provide Newark with fresh drinking water. By the end of 1891, however, Chamberlain was *****, the factory owners were compensated and the homes that once formed the village were auctioned off. Houses sold for as little as $20. The highest bid was $200 for Lewis Thompson’s country home, the Passaic Daily News reported in April 1891. The homes in Oak Ridge and in nearby Wallace’s Corners were linked by the bridge to Paterson-Hamburg Turnpike, a toll road built between 1806 and 1814 that facilitated trade and travel across New Jersey’s Highlands. The turnpike’s role in the region’s growth was vital, linking small towns to larger markets. Some suspect the bridge was built along with the turnpike, but its age is unknown. Motorists risk their safety on the side of Route 23 south in West Milford to catch a glimpse of the old stone bridge exposed by low water levels at the Oak Ridge Reservoir. Carefully crafted from stone blocks, the bridge spans three arches and sticks up about 20 feet above the slow trickle of the Pequannock River. The region has been dealing with severe drought, going more than a month with no measurable rainfall. Oak Ridge’s main job is to keep the modern queen of the Newark Watershed reservoirs, Charlotteburg, topped off. Charlotteburg was the last of the system’s reservoirs to be built, with the work done between 1958 and 1960. It increased the total storage capacity of the reservoirs to roughly 14.4 billion gallons, state records show. The three original reservoirs were completed by May 1892. Two other reservoirs were added in the middle part of the decade, as the three-reservoir system ultimately did not produce as much water as expected, local newspaper reports said. The old stone bridge at Oak Ridge Reservoir shows itself during unusually low water levels. In order for the company to make good on its 50 million-gallon-per-day contract with Newark by the 1900 deadline, suggestions arose to build another reservoir a half-mile below the Oak Ridge dam, The Jersey City News reported in June 1892. Instead, the company began buying land in Sussex County in preparation for the Canistear Reservoir’s creation. At that time, a single ******* stood in what was then mostly ******* forest, The Jersey City News reported when work wrapped up on Canistear in November 1896. Echo Lake, once considered an alternative reservoir site amid Chamberlain’s protests, was added to the system shortly after, the Passaic Daily News reported. The bridge at Oak Ridge Reservoir is near the intersection of Route 23 and Reservoir Road. But caution is advised: The best way to view this relic is not by stopping on the highway, but by finding a safe vantage point nearby. Also, be warned: The property is part of the Newark Watershed, which requires permits to access it for hiking, boating, fishing and other recreational pursuits. This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: North Jersey ‘ghost bridge’ submerged under reservoir is exposed Source link #Ghost #bridge #submerged #century #North #Jersey #exposed Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

First Down Under: Latest chapter of Steelers-Ravens awaits First Down Under: Latest chapter of Steelers-Ravens awaits When the NFL released this season’s slate of games, one thing was immediately obvious – the second half of the schedule was stuffed full of divisional contests and key conference clashes. That was no accident. And the result is a run to the playoffs littered with crucial match-ups that could shape the postseason. Starting with the battle for AFC supremacy in Buffalo, when the 8-2 Bills take on the undefeated Chiefs. It’s rare to see the undefeated team as the underdogs with the bookies, but that’s the sort of season it’s been for Kansas City, whose record only stayed unblemished courtesy of a blocked field goal last week. Now they take on Bills QB Josh Allen, who is in a four-way tie for most wins (three) against Chiefs superstar Patrick Mahomes, along with Joe Burrow and Tom Brady. A loss here wouldn’t be the worst thing for the Chiefs, but it’ll take heroics from Allen given the injuries Buffalo has on offence, and the likelihood Kansas City’s defensive coordinator, Steve Spagnuolo, will cook up something special. This pundit can’t wait to see what Steelers (7-2) head coach Mike Tomlin cooks up for hated AFC North enemies Baltimore (7-3) this week, in one of the tightest rivalries in football. Over the past 18 games between these teams, 15 have been decided by a touchdown or less, but those 18 games didn’t feature the combo of MVP-favourite Lamar Jackson and rushing leader Derrick Henry in Ravens purple. This dynamic duo is currently the most unstoppable force in the NFL, and if Pittsburgh can get the W here they will officially be in Super Bowl contention. The 49ers (5-4) started the season in Super Bowl contention, but they certainly haven’t lived up to it, due to a combination of injuries and, honestly, a weird vibe. But the vibes feel much better with the return of their All-Pro running back ********** McCaffrey, who will hopefully fix the team’s red zone woes, which statistically is not much different from that of the lowly Giants and Patriots. All this is bad news for the Seahawks, who have lost six straight to the Niners. The Bears’ (4-5) record against Green Bay (6-3) is even worse, dropping the past 10 contests, and Chicago comes into this game having fired their offensive coordinator Shane Waldron midweek. The priority for the rest of the season is making sure they don’t permanently ruin No.1 draft pick Caleb Williams. The Colts (4-6) have a similar goal with sophomore passer Anthony Richardson, who returns from his recent benching to face a Jets (3-7) team that is playing for self-respect at this point. Self-respect rode the first horse out of Dallas, and who could blame it given the Cowboys (3-6) have allowed an average of 40 points over their past five home games. This could be a get-right game for a Texans offence (6-4) that blew a 16-point lead and ******* to score in the second-half in a loss to the Lions last week. The Bengals (4-6) roadtrip to LA should be much more interesting, because it pits QB Joe Burrow and Cinci’s Top 5 pass offence against a Chargers (6-3) defence that, surprisingly, is the league’s stingiest. For the Bengals, there is only so many chances you get to stay in playoff contention, so dropping this would hurt, while the Chargers, who have been reborn under new head coach Jim Harbaugh, have a chance to solidify their case for a wildcard. Source link #Latest #chapter #SteelersRavens #awaits Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Iran backs Lebanon in ceasefire talks, seeks end to ‘problems’ Iran backs Lebanon in ceasefire talks, seeks end to ‘problems’ By Maya Gebeily and Riham Alkousaa BEIRUT (Reuters) -Iran backs any decision taken by Lebanon in talks to secure a ceasefire with *******, a senior Iranian official said on Friday, signalling Tehran wants to see an end to a conflict that has dealt heavy blows to its Lebanese ally Hezbollah. ******* launched airstrikes in the Hezbollah-controlled southern suburbs of Beirut, flattening buildings for a fourth consecutive day. ******* has stepped up its bombardment of the area this week, an escalation that has coincided with signs of movement in U.S.-led diplomacy towards a ceasefire. After days of intense attacks on the capital, ******** bombardment flattened five buildings in Beirut’s southern suburbs known as Dahiyeh on Friday, including one near one of Beirut’s busiest traffic junctions, Tayouneh. Video showed a building being struck and turning into a cloud of rubble and debris that billowed into Horsh Beirut, the city’s main park. The ******** military said its fighter jets attacked munitions warehouses, a headquarters and other Hezbollah infrastructure. It issued a warning on social media identifying buildings ahead of the strikes Two senior Lebanese political sources told Reuters the U.S. ambassador to Lebanon had presented a draft ceasefire proposal to Lebanon’s parliament speaker Nabih Berri on Thursday. Berri is endorsed by Hezbollah to negotiate and met the senior Iranian official Ali Larijani on Friday. Asked at a news conference whether he had come to Beirut to undermine the U.S. truce plan, Larijani said: “We are not looking to sabotage anything. We are after a solution to the problems.” “We support in all circumstances the Lebanese government. Those who are disrupting are Netanyahu and his people,” he added, referring to ******** Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Hezbollah was founded by Iran’s Revolutionary Guards in 1982, and has been armed and financed by Tehran. On Thursday, Eli Cohen, *******’s energy minister and a member of its security cabinet, told Reuters prospects for a ceasefire were the most promising since the conflict began. The Washington Post reported Netanyahu was rushing to advance a Lebanon ceasefire with the aim of delivering an early foreign policy win to his ally, U.S. President-elect Donald Trump. A senior diplomat, speaking on condition of anonymity, said more time was needed to get a ceasefire done but was hopeful it could be achieved. The outgoing U.S. administration appears keen to secure a ceasefire in Lebanon, even as efforts to end *******’s related war in the Gaza Strip appear totally adrift. IRAN SAYS IT SUPPORTS LEBANESE POSITION World powers say a Lebanon ceasefire must be based on U.N. Security Council Resolution 1701 which ended a 2006 war between Hezbollah and *******. Its terms require Hezbollah to move weapons and fighters north of the Litani river, some 20 km (30 miles) north of the border. ******* demands the freedom to act should Hezbollah violate any agreement, which Lebanon has rejected. Meeting with Larijani, Lebanon’s caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati urged support for Lebanon’s position on implementing 1701 and called this a priority, along with halting “******** aggression”, his office said. Larijani said, “Iran supports any decision taken by the government, especially resolution 1701”, the statement said. ******* launched its ground and air offensive against Hezbollah in late September after almost a year of cross-border hostilities in parallel with the Gaza war. It says it aims to secure the return home of tens of thousands of Israelis forced to evacuate from northern ******* under Hezbollah *****. *******’s campaign has forced more than a million Lebanese to flee their homes, creating a humanitarian crisis. ******* has also dealt Hezbollah serious blows, ******** its leader Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah and other commanders. Hezbollah has kept up rocket attacks into ******* and its fighters have been battling ******** troops in the south. The ******* Nations Interim Force in Lebanon said an artillery shell hit its West Sector headquarters in southern Lebanon’s Shama on Thursday, but did not explode. It said no peacekeepers were hurt, and there was only minor damage. ******* promised to investigate the incident with the shell after Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani spoke with ******** counterpart Gideon Saar and protested ******** attacks against Italian personnel and UNIFIL infrastructure, an Italian statement said. EU CONDEMNS ******** OF MEDICS UNIFIL said deliberate attacks on peacekeepers were a grave violation of international humanitarian law and Tajani stressed their “unacceptability.” Separately, UNIFIL said one French peacekeeper ***** and three others were slightly hurt when a UNIFIL convoy was involved in a road accident along the coastal road near Shama. The ********* Union strongly condemned the ******** of 12 paramedics in an ******** strike near Baalbek in the Bekaa Valley on Thursday. “Attacks on healthcare workers and facilities are a grave violation of international humanitarian law,” EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell said on X. Lebanon’s health ministry says ******** attacks have ******* at least 3,445 people through Thursday since Oct. 7, 2023, most since late September. It does not distinguish between civilian casualties and fighters. ******* says Hezbollah attacks have ******* about 100 civilians and soldiers in northern *******, the ********-occupied Golan Heights and southern Lebanon over the last year. (Reporting by Maya Gebeily, Timour Azhari, Riham Alkoussa and Tom Perry in Beirut; Clauda Tanios, Jana Choukeir, Nadine Awadalla and Tala Ramadan in Dubai; Writing by Tom Perry aqnd David Brunnstrom; Editing by Peter Graff, Frances Kerry and Cynthia Osterman) Source link #Iran #backs #Lebanon #ceasefire #talks #seeks #problems Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

PMGC Will Be The Most Valuable *** Esports Event Ever PMGC Will Be The Most Valuable *** Esports Event Ever In December, the grand final of the PUBG Mobile Global Championship will unravel in London, England. With a $3 million prize pool up for grabs, this has snatched the record for the most valuable esports event to ever be held in the ******* Kingdom. It’s the first time the tournament has taken place in the ***, and fans are excited to say the least. Big Money The PUBG Mobile Global Championship is one of the most valuable tournaments in the modern esports calendar. A single event will rarely reach such epic proportions in terms of a prize pool, and few tournaments come close to the $3 million **** that this game boasts. During the event, 49 teams will compete for a chance at snatching the coveted PMGC trophy. In 2023, it was IHC Esports that walked away with the prize. The tournament was a roaring success in 2023, with a whopping peak viewership of 980,123 users being recorded, which decimates most competing events. In recent years, the concept of mobile-based esports tournaments has skyrocketed in popularity. It’s estimated there at 2 billion mobile gamers worldwide, and many of them invest time and effort in games like Free ***** and PUBG Mobile. While the ******* Kingdom’s gaming expo scene is crumbling, the esports ecosystem across the region ******** relatively solid. In the last few years, we’ve seen the likes of the League of Legends World Championship, the Halo Championship Series, a BLAST R6 Major, and the Rocket League Championship Series all make their way into the region. Will you be watching the PMGC unfold in London? Let us know in the comments. For more Insider Gaming esports, check out the news that ****** Ops 6 is the first confirmed EWC game Subscribe to our newsletter to receive the latest news and exclusive leaks every week! No Spam. Source link #PMGC #Valuable #Esports #Event Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Man arrested after woman allegedly stabbed in Melbourne’s east Man arrested after woman allegedly stabbed in Melbourne’s east A man has been arrested after a woman was allegedly stabbed to ****** at a suburban home. Source link #Man #arrested #woman #allegedly #stabbed #Melbournes #east Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Mother demands action after daughter is constantly being bullied at school Mother demands action after daughter is constantly being bullied at school SAN BERNARDINO, Calif. – A mother is speaking out after she says the school ignored her concerns about a bully targeting her daughter. Cell phone video shows 11-year-old Emily LaForge being attacked on Wednesday at Henry Elementary School in San Bernardino by a girl she claims has tormented her for months. “She just makes fun of my way, the way I look, the way I dress, or just like the friends that I have,” Emily told FOX 11. “I’ve been thinking bad thoughts that she’s going to come to school with a ******* because she has made threats to the school that she’s going to ****** up the school one day. And I feel like if she ever does that, the first person she’s going to try to find is me.” For the last three months, her mother Myra says she’s been begging the school principal to discipline the bully but says her concerns were ignored. “He only called me because you guys called him,” she explained. FOX 11 contacted the school principal and a few hours later the San Bernardino City Unified School District issued this statement, “The incident in question was addressed with swift and appropriate disciplinary measures, in alignment with our district’s commitment to positive behavior, interventions and supports. We are also implementing follow up interventions to support the students involved in a constructive and positive manner” Myra said school officials haven’t given her any information on the discipline, but she said the bully is still at the school, and she is not okay with that. “I want them to get her the help she needs, honestly, because there’s something there, and I want them to move her schools,” Myra added. “She’s constantly feeling paranoid at school. I don’t know when she’s going to hit me. She keeps telling people she’s going to beat me up. That’s bullying. She’s not keeping her peace at school where she’s supposed to feel safe and comfortable.” Source link #Mother #demands #action #daughter #constantly #bullied #school Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Victoria frustrate reigning Sheffield Shield champs WA Victoria frustrate reigning Sheffield Shield champs WA Some lower-order resistance has helped Victoria claim a 206-run first-innings lead in their Sheffield Shield clash with three-time reigning champions Western Australia. After being skittled for 167, WA appeared to be containing Victoria at the Junction Oval when the hosts were 6-207 on Saturday. But No.9 Xavier Crone hit an unbeaten 62 from 65 ******, smashing three sixes to help Victoria reach 373. Fellow bowlers Fergus O’Neill (44) and Sam Elliott (26) also chipped in to make WA’s bowlers toil in hot conditions for most of the day. Opening bowlers Joel Paris (3-44) and Cameron Gannon (3-59), as well as spinner Corey Rocchiccioli (3-115) took all but one of WA’s wickets. WA had to bat for the last hour before stumps on Saturday, reaching 1-33 with Sam Fanning and Jayden Goodwin at the crease. Opener Cameron Bancroft, who has endured an unfortunate form slump after dominating the Shield for the past two seasons, struggled again. After recently being overlooked for a call-up to the Test team for the first time since the 2019 Ashes, Bancroft fell to O’Neill for 11. In the first innings on Friday, Bancroft could only manage 12, also losing his wicket to O’Neill. Victoria have set themselves up nicely to become the first team to beat WA in the Shield this season. WA are aiming to claim a fourth straight title, and were undefeated after three matches before they headed to Melbourne. Source link #Victoria #frustrate #reigning #Sheffield #Shield #champs Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Austria says Russia to cut off gas from Saturday Austria says Russia to cut off gas from Saturday By Nina Chestney, Francois Murphy and Dave Graham LONDON/VIENNA (Reuters) -Russia told Austria on Friday it will suspend gas deliveries via Ukraine on Saturday, in a development that signals a fast-approaching end of Moscow’s last gas flows to Europe. Russia’s oldest gas-export route to Europe, a pipeline dating back to ******* days via Ukraine, is set to shut at the end of this year. Ukraine has said it will not extend the transit agreement with Russian state-owned Gazprom in order to deprive Russia of profits that Kyiv says help to finance the war against it. Moscow’s suspension of gas for Austria, the main receiver of gas via Ukraine, means Russia will now only supply significant gas volumes to Hungary and Slovakia, in Hungary’s case via a pipeline running mostly through Turkey. In contrast, Russia met 40% of the ********* Union’s gas needs before Moscow’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine. Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer said Gazprom’s notice of ending supplies was long expected and Austria has made preparations. “No home will go cold … gas-storage facilities are sufficiently full,” he told reporters. Gazprom declined to comment. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha, writing on X, said Russia’s action showed it “once again uses energy as a *******”. But Austria, he said, would find a way to ensure energy security and “******* blackmail”. “The era of Europe relying on Russian gas is over,” he said. Time to fully cut Russian energy profits — and war funding.” OMV, Austria’s biggest energy supplier, said it has been preparing for the eventual cut-off of Russian gas and can deliver gas to its customers by importing via Germany, Italy and the Netherlands. Austria’s gas imports from Russia will end following a contractual dispute between Gazprom and OMV. In a notice published on the central ********* gas hub platform, OMV said Gazprom told it supply would stop on Saturday. ********* COUNTRIES ADAPT Gazprom’s move may fan concerns in Austria about heating through the winter and served as Moscow’s rebuke to its political class since the Russia-friendly Freedom Party was cut out of coalition talks after winning Austria’s election in September, said Ulrich Schmid, a professor of Eastern ********* studies at the University of St. Gallen. ********* and global gas prices spiked following a drop in Russian pipeline supplies in 2022 but some ********* countries found alternative sources, including liquefied natural gas from the ******* States. The U.S. has become the world’s top gas producer and is expected to expand production. Story Continues Austria was one of the first western ********* countries to buy Russian gas when the ******* Union signed a gas contract in 1968, months before the ******* invasion of Czechoslovakia. Germany was also heavily reliant on Russian gas before the war, but shipments ceased when the Nord Stream pipelines under the Baltic Sea were blown up in 2022. Russia’s notice of ending gas supplies to Austria came as Russian President Vladimir ****** and Chancellor Olaf Scholz of Germany held their first phone conversation since December 2022. Russia was ready to look at energy deals if Berlin was interested, the Kremlin said. “It was emphasized that Russia has always strictly fulfilled its treaty and contractual obligations in the energy sector and is ready for mutually beneficial cooperation if the ******* side shows interest in this,” the Kremlin said. Russia shipped some 15 billion cubic metres of gas via Ukraine in 2023, about 8% of peak Russian gas flows to Europe via various routes in 2018-2019, according to data compiled by Reuters. In 2023, the Ukraine transit route met 65% of gas demand in Austria and its eastern neighbours Hungary and Slovakia, according to the International Energy Agency. Ukraine has said it doesn’t plan to extend the transit agreement into 2025. Hungary no longer receives much gas via Ukraine and imports volumes via the TurkStream pipeline that runs along the bed of the ****** Sea. Slovakia still receives Russian gas via Ukraine. Gazprom’s move showed Russia flexing its muscles at the West as pressure builds for a ceasefire in Ukraine, said Schmid at the University of St. Gallen. Russia likely felt emboldened after Donald Trump won the U.S. presidency this month pledging to quickly end the Ukraine war, he added. EU energy commissioner Kadri Simson told Reuters on the sidelines of a UN climate conference in Azerbaijan that all EU countries receiving gas via the Ukraine route have access to other supply sources that could fill the gap. “We have been very clear that alternative supply is available and there is no need for the continuation of Russian gas transiting via Ukraine to Europe,” Simson said. The ********* benchmark price for gas edged down 0.63 euro to 45.72 euros per megawatt hour at the trading close. (Writing by Nina Chestney and Miranda Murray; reporting by Francois Murphy, Dave Graham, Pavel Polityuk, Yuliia Dysa, Thomas Seythal, Vladimir Soldatkin, Kate Abnett; Editing by Louise Heavens, David Evans, Rod Nickel, Ron Popeski and Cynthia Osterman) Source link #Austria #Russia #cut #gas #Saturday Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Catch me if you Cam: Smith takes back NSW Open lead Catch me if you Cam: Smith takes back NSW Open lead Cameron Smith has shown his class – and a rare display of frustration – while seizing command of the NSW Open with another sublime round on the Murray River. As his playing partner, LIV Golf teammate and halfway leader Lucas Herbert endured an extraordinary back-nine collapse, Smith surged to a two-shot lead entering Sunday’s final round. Golf’s so-called moving day proved Smith’s mantra as the 2022 British Open champion threatened to equal the course record he set on Thursday before settling for a five-under-par 66 at Murray Downs Golf and Country Club, near Swan Hill. With a supreme driving display complementing his wizardry short game, Smith reeled off five birdies and an eagle to soar to 15 under and deliver a ‘catch me if you Cam’ challenge to chasing rivals. But it was a despairing day for Herbert, who watched a two-shot halfway lead disintegrate into a four-******* deficit. He was only one ******* behind before two errant drives led to double bogeys in four holes down the stretch. Herbert flung his driver in disgust after losing his tee shot right into the trees on No.16. But worse was to follow with an inexplicable four-putt from just a few metres off the green as Smith birdied in a second three-shot swing of the day. If not for a double of his own on the 17th, after finding two bunkers and then three-putting and dishing his ball into the water in anger, Smith would have a four-shot advantage. Instead the former world No.2 has a two-******* buffer over the people’s player Corey Lamb “Chops”, who eked out a scrambling par at the last in a round of 67. Herbert’s round of 72 left the Bendigo-born star in a three-way tie for third at 11 under with New South Welshman Alexander Simpson and New Zealander Josh Geary (69). The hunt for the Kel Nagle Cup looks a five-way battle, with Smith six shots clear of the best of the rest. Source link #Catch #Cam #Smith #takes #NSW #Open #lead Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Airline industry addresses accessibility failures Airline industry addresses accessibility failures Emma Kelly on the changes that may be ahead Source link #Airline #industry #addresses #accessibility #failures Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Former Charlotte teacher accused of **** acts with student accepts plea deal Former Charlotte teacher accused of **** acts with student accepts plea deal CHARLOTTE (QUEEN CITY NEWS) — A former teacher at South Mecklenburg High School has pleaded guilty to one of the charges she faces for ******* activity with a student, according to court documents. Gabriela Neufeld, 27, is accused of having a ******* relationship for at least a month with a then-18-year-old male student who attended South Meck. This came to light in late November 2023, and Neufeld was arrested by Charlotte Mecklenburg Police. PREVIOUS COVERAGE | Charlotte high school teacher arrested for ******* activity with student: CMPD On Nov. 14, 2024, Neufeld pleaded guilty to a ****** against nature, court documents state. As part of a plea agreement, five counts of ******* activity with a student were dismissed and will not be pursued again. She was sentenced to between 6 months and 1 year, 5 months in prison. Following her imprisonment, she will be on probation for 3 years, must give up her teaching license, and cannot work with minors. In addition, she will have to surrender to any evaluation, counseling, treatment, or educational programs her probation officer orders. Neufeld is required to pay her court fees as well as a $40-a-month supervision fee during her probation. According to Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools, Neufeld was hired in 2021. She was under a four-year contract with CMS that was set to end in 2026 when the incident happened. Ex-Charlotte HS track, XC coach charged with indecent liberties with student-athlete CMS confirmed with Queen City News that Neufeld resigned on Nov. 30, 2023. The following statement was sent out by CMS in November 2023: Good morning South Meck High School families. This is Principal Marc Angerer with a message about a news story you may have seen regarding a South Meck teacher. Although I cannot discuss personnel information, I wanted to inform you that we take this matter seriously. We share your concerns regarding this situation. The safety and security of our students and staff is of the utmost importance to us all, and while this is a troubling situation, it is being managed by law enforcement. Thank you for your support of South Meck High School. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Queen City News. Source link #Charlotte #teacher #accused #**** #acts #student #accepts #plea #deal Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Donald Trump names Karoline Leavitt as youngest White House press secretary in history Donald Trump names Karoline Leavitt as youngest White House press secretary in history President-elect Donald Trump on Friday named Karoline Leavitt, his campaign press secretary, to serve as his White House press secretary. Leavitt, 27, currently a spokesperson for Trump’s transition, would be the youngest White House press secretary in history. Previously that distinction went to Ronald Ziegler, who was 29 when he took the position in 1969 in Richard Nixon’s administration. “Karoline Leavitt did a phenomenal job as the National Press Secretary on my Historic Campaign, and I am pleased to announce she will serve as White House Press Secretary,” Trump said in a statement. “Karoline is smart, tough, and has proven to be a highly effective communicator. I have the utmost confidence she will excel at the podium, and help deliver our message to the ********* People as we Make America Great Again.” Leavitt replied in a post on X, formerly Twitter: “Thank you, President Trump, for believing in me. I am humbled and honored. Let’s MAGA,” the acronym for “Make America Great Again.” If you’d like to view this content, please adjust your Cookie Settings. To find out more about how we use cookies, please see our Cookie Guide. The White House press secretary typically serves as the public face of the administration and historically has held daily briefings for the press corps. Trump disrupted those norms in his first term, preferring to serve as his own chief spokesperson. While he was president from 2017 to 2021, Trump had four press secretaries but frequently preferred to engage directly with the public, from his rallies, social media posts and his own briefings. Camera IconEric Trump, attorney Emil Bove, Trump 2024 National Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, and attorney Alina Habba listen to Donald Trump speak as he arrives for his hush money trial at Manhattan ********* Court in May this year. Credit: Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images At a news conference this past August, Trump was asked if he’d have regular press briefings in his new administration. He told reporters, “I will give you total access and you’ll have a lot of press briefings and you’ll have, uh, from me.” When it came to a press secretary, he said: “Probably they’ll do something. If it’s not daily, it’s going to be a lot. You’ll have more than you want.” Camera IconKaroline Leavitt running for Congress in 2022. Credit: NBC Leavitt, a New Hampshire native, is seen as a staunch and camera-ready advocate for Trump who is quick on her feet and delivers aggressive defenses of the *********** in television interviews. She worked as a spokesperson for MAGA Inc., a super PAC supporting Trump, before joining his 2024 campaign. In 2022, she ran for Congress in New Hampshire, winning a 10-way *********** primary before losing to incumbent Democratic Representative Chris Pappas. During Trump’s first term in office, Leavitt worked in the White House press office. She then became communications director for New York *********** Representative Elise Stefanik, whom Trump has tapped to serve as his US ambassador to the ******* Nations. Trump’s first press secretaries, Sean Spicer and Sarah Huckabee Sanders, were known for quarreling with reporters. Another, Stephanie Grisham, never held a briefing. Her successor, Kayleigh McEnany, often lectured the news media during her appearances in the White House press briefing room. Source link #Donald #Trump #names #Karoline #Leavitt #youngest #White #House #press #secretary #history Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Parents stunned by ***** truth behind beloved nursery rhyme: ‘Childhood shattered’ Parents stunned by ***** truth behind beloved nursery rhyme: ‘Childhood shattered’ Apparently, this baker made a ******** — and now, it’s ******** sweet childhood memories. Sinister rumors about the beloved cheery nursery rhyme “The Muffin Man” are being whisked around on social media, leaving a bad taste in slack-jawed mouths worldwide. “Which nursery rhyme is about *********?,” began ***-based content creator, @NotMrSpock_Fact, in a trending TikTok tell-all. “The one you’re probably thinking of is ‘The Muffin Man.’” Urban legend has it that the “Muffin Man” nursery rhyme is actually about a British serial ******* of the 1500s. Fxquadro – stock.adobe.com Yes, according to urban legend, the kindly confectioner of Drury Lane — who got an unforgettably hilarious shout-out from the Gingerbread Man during the interrogation scene in “Shrek” — was a kiddie *******. In the viral vid, which has scared up over 1.1 million views, the TikTokker explains that the true identity of the Muffin Man is said to be Fredrick Thomas Linwood, a serial slaughterer who allegedly ******* a slew of children in the 1500s. “He was a baker,” said the social media whistleblower, “So, his method of doing to was tying bits of string around a beautiful, tasty muffin and drawing the children in with it before he ******* them.” On TikTok, a ***-based content creator virally claimed that the real Muffin Man would tie string around his baked good to lure small children into his ****** trap. Jastina – stock.adobe.com It’s stomach-churning scuttlebutt with a possible ring of truth. A muffin master-chef did, in fact, live on Drury Lane in London’s West End, per the London Museum. The storied breadwinner sold inexpensive baked goods to the disenfranchised folks of the then-raggedy neighborhood. “It was a very poor area and had a terrible reputation,” claim the experts. “Many people went there to drink, gamble and sometimes even commit *******.“ Although the true identity of the renown “Muffin Man” is unknown, historians claim a popular beadmaker did live on Drury Lane in London. Francis Bros. & Day And while it’s unclear whether our once-beloved Muffin Man partook in any murderous depravity, growing suspicions of his unsavory sins are causing social media audiences to spiral. Online outrage surrounding the sweets slinger is eerily similar to the fallout that ensued after Jane, a separate TikTok bubble-buster, unveiled the truth about the iconic “It’s raining, it’s pouring, the old man is snoring,” nursery rhyme. TikTok users noted that many of the nursery rhymes adults share with children have “dark” meanings. N Lawrenson/peopleimages.com – stock.adobe.com “Do you know what it means?” questioned the smiley blonde in a popular post. “The old man liked a good drink,” she said. “‘It’s raining, it’s pouring,’ refers to the alcoholic drinks being poured very liberally — like it’s raining cocktails and shots.” And as if that shocking revelation wasn’t sobering enough, a tribe of Spanish-to-English translators recently shattered the hearts of millennials everywhere by decoding the lyrics of ‘90s dance hit, the “Macarena.” “It’s the cheater’s theme song,” groaned a disenchanted detractor, after learning that the buzzy ditty openly promotes adultery. Muffin Man fans are, too, now lamenting over his distasteful lore. Shook social media audience members were surprised by the Muffin Man’s alleged past. mythja – stock.adobe.com “Wow that really freaked me out fact,” confessed a creeped-out commenter. “And we sing this to our ****,” said an equally stunned onlooker. “My childhood shattered,” moaned another. “I love how dark our childhood nursery rhymes,” another teased. “Guess it explains why I like true ******.” A few foodies, however, cheekily admitted that they actually wouldn’t mind enduring ****** by muffin. “The muffin man would 100% draw me in with that method,” joked a treat-seeker. “Even as an ******.” Source link #Parents #stunned #***** #truth #beloved #nursery #rhyme #Childhood #shattered Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Paul beats Tyson but hits don’t match the hype Paul beats Tyson but hits don’t match the hype Jake Paul has won a unanimous decision over Mike Tyson as the hits didn’t match the hype in a ****** between a young YouTuber-turned-boxer and the 58-year-old former heavyweight champion. All the hate from the pre-****** buildup was gone, with Paul even stopping to pay homage with a bow to Tyson before the final bell sounded at the home of the NFL’s Dallas Cowboys on Friday night. The ****** wasn’t close on the judge’s cards, with one giving Paul an 80-72 edge and the other two calling it 79-73. Tyson came after Paul immediately after the opening bell and landed a couple of quick punches but didn’t try much else the rest of the way. Even fewer rounds and shorter rounds couldn’t do much to generate ‘Iron Mike’, in his first sanctioned pro ****** in almost 20 years, facing a boxing neophyte with hopes of fighting for championships somewhere in the future. Paul was more aggressive after the quick burst from Tyson in the opening seconds, but the punching wasn’t very efficient. There were quite a few wild swings and misses. Tyson mostly sat back and waited for Paul to come to him, with a few exceptions. It was quite the contract the co-main event, another slugfest in which Katie Taylor kept her undisputed super lightweight championship with a decision over Amanda Serrano. It was the first sanctioned ****** since 2005 for Tyson. Paul started fighting a little more than four years ago. The ****** was originally scheduled for July 20 but had to be postponed when Tyson was treated for a stomach ulcer after falling ill on a flight. Source link #Paul #beats #Tyson #hits #dont #match #hype Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Muslims who voted for Trump upset by his pro-******* cabinet picks Muslims who voted for Trump upset by his pro-******* cabinet picks By Andrea Shalal WASHINGTON (Reuters) – U.S. ******* leaders who supported *********** Donald Trump to protest against the Biden administration’s support for *******’s war on Gaza and attacks on Lebanon have been deeply disappointed by his cabinet picks, they tell Reuters. “Trump won because of us and we’re not happy with his secretary of state pick and others,” said Rabiul Chowdhury, a Philadelphia investor who chaired the Abandon Harris campaign in Pennsylvania and co-founded Muslims for Trump. ******* support for Trump helped him win Michigan and may have factored into other swing state wins, strategists believe. Trump picked *********** senator Marco Rubio, a staunch supporter of ******* for Secretary of State. Earlier this year, Rubio said he would not call for a ceasefire in Gaza, and that he believed ******* should ******** “every element” of ******. “These people are vicious animals,” he added. Trump also nominated Mike Huckabee, a former Arkansas governor and staunch pro-******* ************* who backs ******** occupation of the West Bank and has called a two state solution in Palestine “unworkable”, as the next ambassador to *******. He has picked *********** Representative Elise Stefanik, who called the UN a “cesspool of antisemitism” for its condemnation of deaths in Gaza, to serve as U.S. ambassador to the ******* Nations. Rexhinaldo Nazarko, executive director of the ********* ******* Engagement and Empowerment Network (AMEEN), said ******* voters had hoped Trump would choose cabinet officials who work toward peace, and there was no sign of that. “We are very disappointed,” he said. “It seems like this administration has been packed entirely with neoconservatives and extremely pro-*******, pro-war people, which is a ******** on the on the side of President Trump, to the pro-peace and anti-war movement.” Nazarko said the community would continue pressing to make its voices heard about ending the war in Gaza. “At least we’re on the map.” Hassan Abdel Salam, a former professor at the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities and co-founder of the Abandon Harris campaign, which endorsed Green Party candidate Jill Stein, said Trump’s staffing plans were not surprising, but had proven even more extreme that he had feared. “It’s like he’s going on Zionist overdrive,” he said. “We were always extremely skeptical … Obviously we’re still waiting to see where the administration will go, but it does look like our community has been played.” The Trump campaign did not immediately respond to an email seeking comment. Several ******* and ***** supporters of Trump said they hoped Richard Grenell, Trump’s former acting director of national intelligence, would play a key role after he led months of outreach to ******* and ***** ********* communities, and was even introduced as a potential next secretary of state at events. Another key Trump ally, Massad Boulos, the Lebanese father-in-law of Trump’s daughter Tiffany, met repeatedly with ***** ********* and ******* leaders. Both promised ***** ********* and ******* voters that Trump was a candidate for peace who would act swiftly to end the wars in the Middle East and beyond. Neither was immediately reachable. Trump made several visits to cities with large ***** ********* and ******* populations, include a stop in Dearborn, a majority ***** city, where he said he loved Muslims, and Pittsburgh, where he called Muslims for Trump “a beautiful movement. They want peace. They want stability.” Bill Bazzi, mayor of neighboring Dearborn Heights, who endorsed Trump, said he met the president-elect three times and still believed he would work to end the war, despite the cabinet appointments. Rola Makki, the Lebanese *********, ******* vice chair for outreach of the Michigan *********** Party, agreed. “I don’t think everyone’s going to be happy with every appointment Trump makes, but the outcome is what matters,” she said. “I do know that Trump wants peace, and what people need to realize is that there’s 50,000 ***** Palestinians and 3,000 ***** Lebanese, and that’s happened during the current administration.” (Reporting by Andrea Shalal; Editing by Peter Graff and Clarence Fernandez) Source link #Muslims #voted #Trump #upset #proIsrael #cabinet #picks Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Baroque star violinist Lina Tur Bonet stirs Perth Concert Hall with Musica Alchemica’s early music charms Baroque star violinist Lina Tur Bonet stirs Perth Concert Hall with Musica Alchemica’s early music charms Spanish violin virtuoso Lina Tur Bonet and Musica Alchemica quartet farewell Perth Concert Hall with early music charms. Source link #Baroque #star #violinist #Lina #Tur #Bonet #stirs #Perth #Concert #Hall #Musica #Alchemicas #early #music #charms Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]