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Battle-tested Phoenix eye Wildcats in NBL finals fight Battle-tested Phoenix eye Wildcats in NBL finals fight South East Melbourne coach Josh King is adamant his team is ready to make a serious run at what would be one of the most unlikely NBL titles in recent memory. The Phoenix will have to do it the hard way, thrust onto the road in a tough Seeding Qualifier against the Perth Wildcats when the Play-In Tournament starts on Tuesday night. But the difficult road is one King’s men have travelled throughout the campaign, after overcoming an 0-5 start and the sacking of former coach Mike Kelly to reach the post-season. “They’re battle tested, now it’s playoff basketball. Playoff basketball is different,” American coach King said. “We’re going to go on the road … in a hostile environment against a really good basketball team who’s playing well right now, so we know what we’re up against. “It’s not going to be easy, but it’s not supposed to be easy. It’s why it’s the playoffs. “It’s the best of the best, and we deserve to be there and I know we’re gonna play to the best of our ability on Tuesday.” Perth will have home-court advantage for the third-versus-fourth Seeding Qualifier, but have been bumped out of RAC Arena because of a clash with preparations for a Kylie Minogue concert. It means the Wildcats will host the game at the Perth High Performance Centre – where they last played a home fixture during the 2012 grand final series. The venue was used this season for two NBL games involving visiting teams during the league’s inaugural HoopsFest round. Top seed Illawarra and second-ranked Melbourne United are the leading championship contenders, with Perth next best placed. But the Sydney Kings and Adelaide 36ers, who meet in the Play-In Qualifier on Thursday night, are capable of doing damage and King has no doubt about South East Melbourne’s title credentials in a wide-open race. “Of course, I mean, I have confidence in my group,” King said. “Is it going to be easy? No, but you’ve got to play well. We can’t think we’re going to play well for 36 minutes and win playoff games. “We’ve got to stay concentrated and disciplined and do the all the little things to win games on the road, especially in the playoffs.” Illawarra and Melbourne face long waits for their opening games in best-of-three Playoff series, with the Play-In Tournament and a FIBA break to come first. The Hawks – a 1979 foundation club – made history by finishing top of the ladder for the first time but now face a tricky test to negotiate the unusual schedule. “Nobody wants to take 20 days off but we’ve got to play when we’ve got to play,” Hawks coach Justin Tatum said. “The momentum was fine – we’ll build it back up when we need it. “We’ll make sure as a staff and as a group we won’t let it drop.” NBL PLAY-IN TOURNAMENT Seeding Qualifier Perth Wildcats v South East Melbourne Phoenix Perth High Performance Centre, Tuesday 11 February (9:30pm AEDT) *Winner to Playoffs, loser to Play-In Game Play-In Qualifier Sydney Kings v Adelaide 36ers Qudos Bank Arena, Thursday 13 February (7:30pm AEDT) *Winner to Play-In Game, loser eliminated Play-In Game Sunday, February 16 *Winner to Playoffs, loser eliminated Source link #Battletested #Phoenix #eye #Wildcats #NBL #finals #fight Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

Major Caribbean earthquake triggers tsunami alerts in Cuba, Puerto Rico – BBC.com Major Caribbean earthquake triggers tsunami alerts in Cuba, Puerto Rico – BBC.com Major Caribbean earthquake triggers tsunami alerts in Cuba, Puerto Rico BBC.comMagnitude 7.6 earthquake in the Caribbean triggers a tsunami advisory for Puerto Rico and Virgin Islands CNNMajor earthquake shakes Caribbean with islands watching for tsunami potential Fox Weather Map: Tracking a Potential Tsunami in the Caribbean The New York TimesPowerful earthquake strikes Caribbean Sea, tsunami advisories issued Yahoo Source link #Major #Caribbean #earthquake #triggers #tsunami #alerts #Cuba #Puerto #Rico #BBC.com Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Rare first edition Harry Potter novel sold at auction Rare first edition Harry Potter novel sold at auction An extremely rare first edition of JK Rowling’s debut Harry Potter novel has sold for a hefty price after going under the hammer in the ***. Source link #Rare #edition #Harry #Potter #sold #auction Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Analysis-Russia raises domestic asset seizure stakes with grain trader, Moscow airport grab Analysis-Russia raises domestic asset seizure stakes with grain trader, Moscow airport grab By Anastasia Lyrchikova, Olga Popova, Gleb Stolyarov and Darya Korsunskaya MOSCOW (Reuters) – Russia is quickening the pace of domestic asset seizures this year after courts ruled last week that a leading grain trader, Moscow’s sprawling Domodedovo airport and strategic warehouse assets be handed over to the state. Foreign companies have grappled with the risk of state seizure ever since Russia sent troops into Ukraine in February 2022, but Moscow, under the auspices of strategic stability and domestic security, has increasingly brought domestic assets too into the crosshairs. Grains trading house Rodnie Polya, Moscow’s Domodedovo Airport and all 16 warehouses belonging to Russia’s largest warehouse owner Raven Russia were all placed under state management on January 31, court documents showed and sources said. The General Prosecutor’s office did not respond to Reuters requests for comment on the cases. Lawyers Reuters spoke to said the number of cases filed on the grounds of foreign ownership would likely increase in strategic sectors of the economy, and agreed that the rules of the game were changing for any businesses with non-Russian links. “This is a signal to owners with dual citizenship, especially from unfriendly countries,” Artem Zhavoronkov, a partner at Russian law firm Nordic Star, told Reuters. “Either renounce your foreign citizenship or lose your business in Russia.” The Kremlin typically refers to countries that have imposed sanctions on Russia over its actions in Ukraine as “unfriendly”. Rodnie Polya controlled 14% of Russia’s grain exports just a year ago, but has steadily had its market share squeezed. Owner Petr Khodykin this week surrendered his St Kitts and Nevis passport and a residency permit for the United Arab Emirates in a last-ditch attempt to cling on to his business, a source close to the company told Reuters. The move may not have worked. Rodnie Polya’s assets were handed to Rosimushchestvo, Russia’s federal property management agency, on February 5, Russian tax filings show. Rodnie Polya said its lawyers were considering various methods of defence, including appealing to the constitutional court. “Petr Khodykin is looking for a fair trial for a Russian citizen and is trying to draw the authorities’ attention to the fact that his story is completely different from cases when the General Prosecutor is indeed defending the interests of the state and its security,” Rodnie Polya said. WIDESPREAD ASSET SEIZURE More than 1 trillion roubles’ ($10.34 billion) worth of strategic enterprises and assets, seen as critical for developing Russia’s economy and defence capabilities, were transferred to state ownership by Russian courts in 2023, Prosecutor General Igor Krasnov said in March 2024. Story Continues While several foreign-owned assets, such as those of Danone and Carlsberg were seized by presidential decree before deals to hand-picked buyers were forced through, the General Prosecutor has used the courts. Last April, Russian President Vladimir Putin said assets would only be seized when Russia’s national security was a stake. But authorities have been constantly improvising in terms of asset seizure, a person whose business was taken over by the state told Reuters. When people see that a method is working it quickly starts being employed more widely, the person said, with government agencies keen to show off their success in bringing assets into the state’s portfolio. Any company with assets of strategic importance to Russia or that fails to invest in its businesses in the country could be at risk, according to a presentation, seen by Reuters, prepared by a law firm to advise clients. Prosecutors on February 5 filed a similar case against oil services company Borets, court filings showed. Borets’ ultimate holding company is a UAE entity, corporate filings show. Borets did not immediately respond to a request for comment. ‘NEW RULES OF THE GAME’ A Russian agriculture source brushed aside concerns, seeing the seizure of Rodnie Polya as an isolated case that would not pose a wider threat to other agricultural firms. Boris Brusko, managing partner at law firm I. Helory, said the Rodnie Polya case showed the state was seeking to increase control over the corporate activity of assets it deemed strategic. “This is the state’s establishment of new rules of the game in the current political situation for protecting its strategic interests,” Brusko told Reuters. Another agricultural source said the speed with which the court moved was surprising, with lawyers given barely any time to get acquainted with all the case files. The speed of the decisions came as an unpleasant surprise, said Yevgeny Nadorshin, an economist at PF Capital, suggesting that fiscal pressure could be behind the urgency, as a slowdown in economic growth and new U.S. sanctions could hurt Russia’s revenues. The principle of loyalty also could not be ignored, Nadorshin said, as “the wrong passport is the basis of suspicion of unfriendly foreign influence. “Judging from the start of the year, (this process) seems to have intensified,” Nadorshin said. “I have an uncomfortable feeling this is not the finale.” ($1 = 96.7455 roubles) (Reporting by Gleb Stolyarov in Tbilisi, Olga Popova, Anastasia Lyrchikova and Elena Fabrichnaya in Moscow and Darya Korsunskaya and Alexander Marrow in London; Writing by Alexander Marrow; Editing by Alex Richardson) Source link #AnalysisRussia #raises #domestic #asset #seizure #stakes #grain #trader #Moscow #airport #grab Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

US consumer finance watchdog workers protest Musk's DOGE – Reuters US consumer finance watchdog workers protest Musk's DOGE – Reuters US consumer finance watchdog workers protest Musk’s DOGE ReutersOMB head Russell Vought takes over as CFPB as acting head, DOGE team deletes X account CNN Source link #consumer #finance #watchdog #workers #protest #Musk039s #DOGE #Reuters Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Egypt’s Aswan in five islands Egypt’s Aswan in five islands There are many amazing things about a cruise on the River Nile — and one is just how many islands you’ll pass. There are hundreds of them. Most are tufted with vegetation, sometimes occupied by grazing oxen, donkeys and wading birds or frequented by men in rowing boats who harvest the abundant reed beds. Strikingly different, festooned with everything from plush resorts to epic granite boulders, are the islands around Aswan. This is the principal city of southern Egypt and a regular stop on Nile voyages. It’s where passengers usually swap their cruise ships for rides on smaller vessels, including motorboats and feluccas — traditional masted sailing boats — that ply the waters around Aswan. Here are five spots to seek out. ELEPHANTINE ISLAND Once a hive for the ivory trade, this island has been settled by humans for millennia — it has ruins dating from Egypt’s Old Kingdom (2686BC-2181BC) and quarries that supplied granite for grandiose monuments in Luxor, over 200km downriver. Ancient relics are also on show at the Aswan Museum, founded here in the early 20th century by British Egyptologist Cecil Mallaby Firth. That’s at the island’s southern end, while at the northern tip is the island’s modern icon. Boasting the highest point in Aswan, resembling an airport control tower, the panoramic bar and restaurant of the Movenpick Resort has sweeping views of the city, the Nile, its islands and desert surrounds. Camera IconGranite formations characterise the islands around Aswan. Credit: Steve McKenna/ KITCHENER’S ISLAND Also known as El Nabatat, this island was named after the British field marshal Horatio Herbert Kitchener, who was awarded it in the 1890s as a reward for his military exploits in Sudan, a country to the south of Egypt. When he wasn’t leading or plotting battles, Kitchener was often cultivating palms and flowers. He transformed most of this oval-shaped island, measuring 1km long and 500m at its widest point, into the Aswan Botanical Garden, a lush and lovely escape with trees and plants collected from British colonies in Asia and Africa. The island was bequeathed back to the Egyptian people after the death of Kitchener, then Britain’s secretary of state for war, in 1916 (he was one of 737 passengers who died after their ship was sunk by a ******* mine near Orkney, Scotland). Camera IconA traditional felucca sails the waters around Aswan. Credit: Steve McKenna/ SALOUGA AND GHAZAL NATURE RESERVE Birdsong provides a pleasing audio backdrop as you glide around the islands of Aswan. A particularly luxuriant cluster of islets form the Salouga and Ghazal nature reserve, which was created in 1986 to protect the biological diversity here. Keep your eyes (and binoculars) peeled for resident and migrating birds as you pass the reedy banks. ******-headed ibises, egrets, cormorants, herons, bulbuls and Eurasian hoopoes are often spotted as are Nile Valley sunbirds, whose males sport dazzling yellow and green feathers when breeding during the winter season (December-March). NAGAA SUHAYL GHARB Even more colourful are the brightly painted village homes and shops of this surreal village, on the river’s west bank just opposite Seheil Island, another spot rich in archaeological sites and granite quarries. The culture and language of Nubia — an ancient civilisation that flourished between today’s southern Egypt and northern Sudan — runs deep in Nagaa Suhayl Gharb and many Nubian homes open their doors to tourists. Some properties have been converted into guesthouses and cafes. Several have sandy floors and rooftops where you can take in the views over the Nile. Camera IconPhilae Temple is one of the most stunningly located ancient sites in Egypt. Credit: Steve McKenna/ AGILKIA ISLAND Tens of thousands of Nubian people were displaced — and relocated to the Aswan city region — following the construction of the two Aswan dams, which aimed to regulate the flow of the flood-prone Nile. Completed in 1902, the first dam resulted in the Philae Temple being submerged in a new reservoir. It was remarkably salvaged decades later, moved piece by piece (in over 40,000 blocks) from its original flooded island location to the slightly higher neighbouring Agilkia Island. You can now wander around the sandstone ruins, which date from the 7th century BC and are among the most spellbinding in all of Egypt. They include a temple devoted to the ancient goddess Isis and later shrines and gates built for Ptolemaic pharaohs and Roman emperors. Camera IconColourful Nubian homes line the banks of the Nile in and around Aswan. Credit: Steve McKenna/ fact file + Aswan is a stop on most Nile cruises, including the 7-night Luxor-Luxor voyage with CroisiEurope, a French operator that caters for French and English-speaking passengers and spends two nights in Aswan. Fares are available from around $2500 per person. Itineraries are also offered with a pre-cruise stay in Cairo. croisieurope.travel/en + The best time to cruise the River Nile is from November to April, when daytime temperatures average between 25C-30C. For more information on visiting Egypt, see experienceegypt.eg Camera IconA boat sails by Elephantine Island with its striking airport control-like tower. Credit: Steve McKenna/ Camera IconBoats stop at Kitchener’s Island, home of the Aswan Botanical Garden. Credit: Steve McKenna/ Camera IconThe striking tower of the Movenpick Resort Aswan of Elephantine Island. Credit: Steve McKenna/ Source link #Egypts #Aswan #islands Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

PennDOT announces speed restrictions as winter storm rolls into PA PennDOT announces speed restrictions as winter storm rolls into PA (WBRE/WYOU) — As a winter storm makes its way through Pennsylvania on Saturday, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) announced speed restrictions on multiple roadways. PennDOT is urging drivers to avoid unnecessary travel, but if they have to head out, speeds will be reduced to 45 miles per hour on the following roadways: Interstate 80 between mile marker 194, or the Clinton and Union County line, and mile marker 247, or the Columbia and Luzerne County line. The entire length of Interstate 180. Interstate 80 in Luzerne County. Interstate 81 in Lackawanna, Luzerne, and Susquehanna Counties. Interstate 84 in Lackawanna, Pike, and Wayne counties. Interstate 380 in Lackawanna and Wayne counties. PennDOT is also advising large trucks and commercial trucks to avoid Route 54 between Route 487 in Ralpho Township and Route 61 in Mount Carmel Township in Northumberland County. PennDOT advises commercial trucks and large trucks should take Route 61 and Route 487. On roads with speed restrictions, commercial vehicles not affected by the restrictions on the listed roads and other areas must move to the right lane. Winter storm moves in for Super Bowl weekend While PennDOT crews have been working to treat the roadways, their priority is to keep the roads passable, not completely free of snow and ice. PennDOT asks drivers to give plow trucks plenty of space when traveling and to never try to pass a truck while it’s spreading winter materials or plowing. Authorities advise drivers to prepare an emergency kit for their vehicles which should include the following: When assembling an emergency kit, travelers should also include items for the special needs of passengers, such as baby food, **** supplies, or medications. PennDOT urges drivers to travel the posted speed limit, pay close attention to signs and flaggers, turn on their ***********, and avoid all distractions. You can stay up to date on speed limit restrictions, road conditions, and closures on 511PA.com. To also stay up to date on the latest weather alerts, use the Eyewitness Interactive Radar. 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 PAhomepage.com. Source link #PennDOT #announces #speed #restrictions #winter #storm #rolls Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

Two U.S. senators slammed an S.F. telehealth company’s Super Bowl ad. Here’s why – San Francisco Chronicle Two U.S. senators slammed an S.F. telehealth company’s Super Bowl ad. Here’s why – San Francisco Chronicle Two U.S. senators slammed an S.F. telehealth company’s Super Bowl ad. Here’s why San Francisco ChronicleHims and Hers Super Bowl Ad Sparks Controversy Over Weight Loss Drugs The New York TimesWhy Hims’ Super Bowl Ad Caused Such A Backlash Investor’s Business DailyDrug industry groups target Hims & Hers Super Bowl ad touting weight loss drug USA TODAY Source link #U.S #senators #slammed #S.F #telehealth #companys #Super #Bowl #Heres #San #Francisco #Chronicle Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Shock deaths of Adam Hunter and Troy Selwood shine spotlight on support for ex-AFL stars after retirement Shock deaths of Adam Hunter and Troy Selwood shine spotlight on support for ex-AFL stars after retirement After the shock deaths of Adam Hunter and Troy Selwood this week, a spotlight has been shone on the support networks provided for footballers once they’ve stepped off the field for the final time. Source link #Shock #deaths #Adam #Hunter #Troy #Selwood #shine #spotlight #support #exAFL #stars #retirement Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Trump signs order prioritizing US ‘resettlement’ of white South Africans over ‘discrimination’ Trump signs order prioritizing US ‘resettlement’ of white South Africans over ‘discrimination’ After years railing against immigrants coming to America, Donald Trump signed an executive order Friday to prioritize the U.S. resettlement of white South African “refugees” suffering from what he called “government-sponsored race-based discrimination.” Trump also shut down all funding for the country, much of which is used to battle AIDS. Afrikaners, architects of the historically brutal discriminatory system of apartheid in South Africa, would be resettled in America through the U.S. refugee program, which Trump had suspended by executive order on his first day in office, according to the president. Trump accused the South African government in his order of discriminating against the white Afrikaaners, descendants of the largely Dutch colonists who arrived in the country in the 1600s and imposed apartheid against the overwhelming majority of ******* living there until the 1990s. Trump raged in his order that South Africa’s government is seizing “ethnic ********* Afrikaners’ agricultural property without compensation” and enacting “countless government policies designed to dismantle equal opportunity” in employment, education and business.” He wrote that the U.S. cannot support the government of South Africa’s “commission of rights violations in its country.” Donald Trump speaks earlier this week before signing a previous executive order, this one barring transgender athletes from participating in women’s and girls’ sports (Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved) South Africa’s government has denied private land confiscations or racially motivated discrimination. Officials have said the government is looking at unused or publicly owned land to give citizens help who suffered generations of apartheid. The Washington Post has reported that private land is confiscated only “rarely,” and is intended to address the disparities created by apartheid. Afrikaners, who make up only 8 percent of the population, own three-fourths of the country’s farmland, while *******, who comprise 80 percent of the population, own just 4 percent of agricultural land, according to the country’s 2017 land audit, The Postnoted. In a post on X Monday, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa responded to Trump’s earlier attacks on the country, saying the land measure is “not a confiscation instrument, but a constitutionally mandated legal process.” Later he vowed in his state of the nation address: “We will not be bullied” Trump instructed Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem in his order to “prioritize humanitarian relief, including admission and resettlement through the United States Refugee Admissions Program, for Afrikaners in South Africa who are victims of unjust racial discrimination.” Trump’s right-wing “best buddy” Elon Musk grew up in apartheid South Africa, and overstayed his student visa after moving to the United States for school, his own bother Kimbal has recounted. Musk has long criticized his homeland for being “anti-white.” Trump liveLatest from our live blog as of Saturday 08/02/2025 A federal judge temporarily blocked Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) from accessing the Treasury Department’s payment system, citing potential “irreparable harm” from leaks of sensitive financial data. This action follows other court decisions halting Trump administration plans, including staff purges at USAID and buyouts for federal workers. President Trump stated that DOGE, led by “special government employee” Elon Musk, will next target military and education spending for cuts. Nineteen Democratic attorneys general sued to prevent DOGE’s access to Treasury records containing personal data like Social Security and bank account numbers. This legal challenge raises concerns about data security and potential misuse of information by DOGE, while supporters applaud efforts to curb government spending. Ramaphosa reached out to Musk in a phone call in a reported effort to set the record straight after earlier attacks by Trump. The new order was a flip flop from one Trump signed his first day in office, in which he argued that refugees are a strain on the nations receiving them. Trump said he would only restart the refugee program if he concluded that doing so would serve the interests of the U.S. Trump’s earlier order did, however, allow officials to make case-by-case exemptions. The United States provided nearly $440 million in aid to South Africa in 2023, with the majority of funds allocated to ****/AIDS treatment through PEPFAR, a program that supports 17 percent of South Africa’s ****/AIDS response and provides lifesaving medication to millions. Source link #Trump #signs #order #prioritizing #resettlement #white #South #Africans #discrimination Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Map: 7.6-Magnitude Earthquake Strikes the Caribbean Sea Map: 7.6-Magnitude Earthquake Strikes the Caribbean Sea Note: Map shows the area with a shake intensity of 4 or greater, which U.S.G.S. defines as “light,” though the earthquake may be felt outside the areas shown. The New York Times A major, 7.6-magnitude earthquake struck in the Caribbean Sea on Saturday, according to the United States Geological Survey. The temblor happened at 7:23 p.m. Atlantic time about 130 miles southwest of George Town, Cayman Islands, data from the agency shows. U.S.G.S. data earlier reported that the magnitude was 8. As seismologists review available data, they may revise the earthquake’s reported magnitude. Additional information collected about the earthquake may also prompt U.S.G.S. scientists to update the shake-severity map. Aftershocks in the region An aftershock is usually a smaller earthquake that follows a larger one in the same general area. Aftershocks are typically minor adjustments along the portion of a fault that slipped at the time of the initial earthquake. Quakes and aftershocks within 100 miles Source: United States Geological Survey | Notes: Shaking categories are based on the Modified Mercalli Intensity scale. When aftershock data is available, the corresponding maps and charts include earthquakes within 100 miles and seven days of the initial quake. All times above are Atlantic time. Shake data is as of Saturday, Feb. 8 at 7:42 p.m. Atlantic time. Aftershocks data is as of Saturday, Feb. 8 at 9:24 p.m. Atlantic time. Source link #Map #7.6Magnitude #Earthquake #Strikes #Caribbean #Sea Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

****** Makes Gaunt Israeli Hostages Thank Captors Before Release – The New York Times ****** Makes Gaunt Israeli Hostages Thank Captors Before Release – The New York Times ****** Makes Gaunt Israeli Hostages Thank Captors Before Release The New York TimesFreed Israeli hostages did not know their loved ones had died CNNHamas releases 3 frail-looking Israeli hostages for ************ prisoners under Gaza ceasefire The Associated PressSeven Palestinians freed by Israel admitted to hospital Al Jazeera EnglishShock in Tel Aviv over the emaciated faces of freed Israeli hostages Yahoo Source link #****** #Gaunt #Israeli #Hostages #Captors #Release #York #Times Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Rate hopes to lift business, consumer spirits Rate hopes to lift business, consumer spirits Confidence is rising as consumers and businesses hold out hopes for interest rate relief in 2025, surveys are expected to show. Source link #Rate #hopes #lift #business #consumer #spirits Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

NBA: Anthony Davis goes off injured during Dallas Mavericks debut against Houston Rockets – BBC.com NBA: Anthony Davis goes off injured during Dallas Mavericks debut against Houston Rockets – BBC.com NBA: Anthony Davis goes off injured during Dallas Mavericks debut against Houston Rockets BBC.comWith Anthony Davis injury concerns, Nico Harrison’s gamble goes beyond trading Luka Doncic The Dallas Morning NewsAnthony Davis intends to ‘give life back’ to Mavericks fans after shock of Luka Dončić trade Yahoo SportsAnthony Davis stat sheet: 15 key numbers after trade to Mavs NBA.ComIt only took 3 quarters for Mavs fans’ biggest Anthony Davis nightmare to come true The Smoking Cuban Source link #NBA #Anthony #Davis #injured #Dallas #Mavericks #debut #Houston #Rockets #BBC.com Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Blizzard Could Solve the Character Slot Issue in Diablo 4 By Reprising a Small Feature From Its Predecessor Blizzard Could Solve the Character Slot Issue in Diablo 4 By Reprising a Small Feature From Its Predecessor Launched back in June 5, 2023, Blizzard’s Diablo 4 has had quite a few issues as of late that might put it off from becoming one of the better ARPGs on the market. The game has been plagued with multiple issues, ranging from gameplay to plot related problems. One of the more glaring issues with Diablo 4 is its lack of sufficient character slots. Players might find it easy to quickly overwhelm the game’s pre-defined limit of 15, which is all the more strange considering that it is missing one of the best features from its predecessor – the Rebirth system. The return of the Rebirth system to Diablo 4 could be game changing Diablo 4 should bring ****** the Rebirth system | Image Credit: Blizzard Entertainment Inc. The ‘Rebirth’ system was a staple of Diablo 3. In short, Rebirth would let players soft-reset their character (including its stats) without losing their long-term progression – thereby allowing for more varied builds. This mechanic is entirely absent in Diablo 4, and seems like a rather strange omission, given how easily it could solve the problem of not having enough character slots in the game. For the uninitiated, Diablo 4 has a measly total of only 15 character slots to choose from, with each slot housing a separate build and/or class – all up to the player’s discretion. This allows long-term players to actively use multiple builds, with the game even encouraging the same. While resetting a character back to Level 1 would seem like a very counter intuitive thing to do with regards to the game’s progression, timing it with the release of a new Season would in fact help balance things out even better for the game, promoting competition and saving Blizzard from having to take into account level caps and the like. 15 character slots is quite restrictive | Image Credit: Blizzard Entertainment Inc. 15 slots isn’t exactly a whole lot to choose from, and the reprisal of the Rebirth mechanic would at the very least offer players an alternative (instead of having to stay content with a fixed number of slots). After all, losing out on your earnings and gauntlet League ratings every time you ‘delete’ a character is quite painful to go through. However, it can be argued that this is not a long-term solution, and ideally saves players about a minute of in-game time as they set up a new character profile. Admittedly, the tweaked Rebirth mechanic could do better by having your tiles and stats logged over throughout your time in the game – as a way to remember your past accomplishments. Blizzard still needs to do a lot more to make Diablo 4 a better game Blizzard needs to do a lot more to keep its player base happy | Image Credit: Blizzard Entertainment Inc. There’s a lot of problems in Diablo 4, and the character slot issue is simply the tip of the iceberg. Blizzard needs to do a lot more to keep Diablo 4 sailing, and its player base happy. For starters, the campaign needs better writing, as does the overall timeline of events. Events feel too long and drawn out, and condensing it would greatly enhance the experience. The same can be said for the overall gameplay loop, which can feel unrewarding at times. Expansions also need to be of higher quality, and the overall endgame grind needs to be adjusted in order to be more engaging. After all, a happy player base greatly prevents a game from dying, and with the current situation with the games industry as a whole, more IPs should be preserved and refined to keep them fresh and appealing – without undergoing major changes to its core design. Source link #Blizzard #Solve #Character #Slot #Issue #Diablo #Reprising #Small #Feature #Predecessor Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

Retegui scores four as Atalanta crush Verona in Serie A Retegui scores four as Atalanta crush Verona in Serie A Mateo Retegui has scored four goals to lead Atalanta’s 5-0 demolition of Hellas Verona, while Santiago Giménez scored in his Serie A debut for AC Milan. Italy striker Retegui took his league-leading tally to 20 goals for the season after scoring a first-half hat-trick before adding his fourth after the break. The second-leading scorer is Fiorentina’s Moise Kean with 15 goals. Retegui found the net in the 21st, 25th, 44th and 56th minutes. Ederson made it 3-0 in the 37th. The lopsided win lifted Atalanta to within one point of Inter Milan in second. Leader Napoli are four points ahead of third-placed Atalanta. Gimenez started making good on the 30 million euros ($A49.5m) plus bonuses Milan reportedly paid Feyenoord for the Mexico striker. Giménez took a pass from Christian Pulisic, put the ball on his left foot and drilled in his team’s second goal in a 2-0 win over Empoli. Rafael Leão opened the scoring with a header. Both sides finished with 10 men. Milan defender Fikayo Tomori saw a second yellow in the 55th, but Empoli’s advantage only lasted 10 minutes before Luca Marianucci got a direct red. Giménez made his club debut earlier in the week when he had an assist in a 3-1 win over Roma in the Italian Cup. Torino and Genoa drew 1-1. Source link #Retegui #scores #Atalanta #crush #Verona #Serie Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Magnitude 7.6 earthquake in the Caribbean triggers a tsunami advisory for Puerto Rico and Virgin Islands – CNN Magnitude 7.6 earthquake in the Caribbean triggers a tsunami advisory for Puerto Rico and Virgin Islands – CNN Magnitude 7.6 earthquake in the Caribbean triggers a tsunami advisory for Puerto Rico and Virgin Islands CNNBreaking News Live: 7.6 magnitude earthquake shakes Caribbean southwest of Cayman Islands The Times of IndiaMajor earthquake shakes Caribbean with islands watching for tsunami potential Fox Weather Map: Tracking a Potential Tsunami in the Caribbean The New York Times Source link #Magnitude #earthquake #Caribbean #triggers #tsunami #advisory #Puerto #Rico #Virgin #Islands #CNN Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Powerful 7.5 quake strikes Caribbean sea Powerful 7.5 quake strikes Caribbean sea A powerful earthquake with a magnitude of at least 7.5 has struck the Caribbean Sea southwest of the Cayman Islands and north of Honduras. The earthquake struck at 6:23pm local time on Saturday and was measured at a magnitude of 7.6 and occurred at a depth of 10km, according to the United States Geological Survey (USGS). The quake’s epicentre was located about 200km south-southwest of George Town in the Cayman Islands, USGS said. It was unclear if there was any damage on land. This marks the biggest quake in the region since 2021, when a 7.2 magnitude earthquake struck Haiti, according to the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration The US Tsunami Warning System said a tsunami warning was in effect following the quake for the Caribbean Sea and north of Honduras, adding that a tsunami was not expected on the US Atlantic or Gulf Coast. The US National Tsunami Warning Center said there is no tsunami alert for the US mainland but issued a tsunami advisory for Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands. Hazard Management Cayman Islands urged residents located near the coast to move inland and to higher ground. It said wave heights of 0.3 to one metres were expected. Puerto Rico Governor Jenniffer González Colón said in a statement she is in contact with emergency agencies after the tsunami advisory, but did not recommend anyone to leave the coast. The Dominican government also issued a tsunami alert and recommended residents on the coast to move to high areas “of more than 20 metres of altitude and two kilometres inland”. It also urged ships to steer away or avoid entering the sea for the next few hours. The Cuban government requested people to leave beachfront areas. Honduran authorities said are no immediate reports of damages, but urged its residents to stay away from beaches in the next few hours. Later, the US government’s National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) said “tsunami waves reaching 1 to 3 meters above the tide level are possible along some coasts of Cuba”. It added waves between 0.3 and one metre above the tide level are possible for some coasts of Honduras and Cayman Islands. “Actual amplitudes at the coast may vary from forecast amplitudes due to uncertainties in the forecast and local features,” the NOAA said in a report. with dpa Source link #Powerful #quake #strikes #Caribbean #sea Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

2025 WM Phoenix Open scores, takeaways: Jordan Spieth lurks behind Thomas Detry heading into final round – CBS Sports 2025 WM Phoenix Open scores, takeaways: Jordan Spieth lurks behind Thomas Detry heading into final round – CBS Sports 2025 WM Phoenix Open scores, takeaways: Jordan Spieth lurks behind Thomas Detry heading into final round CBS SportsSeeking 1st PGA Tour win, Detry leads in Phoenix ESPNPGA Tour Highlights: WM Phoenix Open, Round 3 NBC SportsJordan Spieth makes two eagles in three holes to move into contention at WM Phoenix Open Yahoo Sports2025 WM Phoenix Open Saturday TV coverage, streaming: How to watch Round 3 GOLF.com Source link #Phoenix #Open #scores #takeaways #Jordan #Spieth #lurks #Thomas #Detry #heading #final #CBS #Sports Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Australia would not back ‘forced displacement’ of Palestinians in Gaza: Labor minister Australia would not back ‘forced displacement’ of Palestinians in Gaza: Labor minister Labor frontbencher Katy Gallagher says Australia would not support the “forced displacement” of Palestinians in Gaza as part of Donald Trump’s plan to take “ownership” of the ************ territory, suggesting it could violate international law. The US President’s plan to transform Gaza into the “Riviera of the Middle East” dumped decades of foreign policy, sparking global backlash and fuelling uncertainty in the capitals of Washington’s allies. Under the plan, the 2.1 million Palestinians living in Gaza would be resettled — where and how remains unclear. Several Middle East governments swiftly condemned the policy shift, warning that an influx of Palestinians to nearby countries would destabilise the region. ************ officials have also rejected the idea that Gazans would leave their war-torn home voluntarily, as suggested by Mr Trump. The Albanese government has been questioned all week over how far it would back Mr Trump’s plan but stuck closely to Australia’s bipartisan position for a two-state solution. Senator Gallagher on Sunday reaffirmed Labor’s position for “a two-state solution that supports the rights of the ************ people, the state of Palestine, and the state of Israel to coexist peacefully”. But the Finance Minister said international law had to be abided by, and suggested parts of the proposed plan could go against that. “We have made clear what our position is … and that the conflict in the Middle East is resolved as soon as possible and peacefully, and in accordance with international law,” she said. Pressed, she said that Anthony Albanese had “been clear” that “ all matters are dealt with in accordance with international law”. Asked if a country taking control of Gaza was in line with international law, Senator Gallagher said: “If you’re talking forced displacement … that is not consistent with international law.” Camera IconFinance Minister Katy Gallagher says Australia would not support the ‘forced displacement’ of Palestinians in Gaza as part of Donald Trump’s plan to take “ownership” of the ************ territory. NewsWire / Martin Ollman Credit: News Corp Australia She repeated that the Albanese government had been “very clear and consistent” in its position. “I understand Peter Dutton has confirmed his commitment to a two-state solution as well,” she said. Indeed, the Opposition Leader this week reaffirmed his support for a two-state solution. He also praised Mr Trump as a “big thinker and a deal maker”. Reporters and policy analysts alike have been trying to piece together what a US takeover of Gaza would look like, with several details changing since Mr Trump first announced the plan. He first did not rule out deploying US troops, but walked that back after a wave of criticism from his America first base. Meanwhile, his White House press secretary told reporters Mr Trump did not plan to use US taxpayer dollars to fund the reconstruction of Gaza, raising further questions about where the money would come from. Source link #Australia #forced #displacement #Palestinians #Gaza #Labor #minister Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

PlayStation Network Is Working After 24-Hour Outage, Sony Says – The New York Times PlayStation Network Is Working After 24-Hour Outage, Sony Says – The New York Times PlayStation Network Is Working After 24-Hour Outage, Sony Says The New York TimesPlayStation Servers Down For 20 Hours—But Some Players Say They’re Back Online ForbesPSN service returning for some after outage — live updates and potential fix to try now Tom’s GuideSony PlayStation Network outage enrages gamers around the world The Associated PressPlayStation Network 16-hour outage continues, quashing online video games USA TODAY Source link #PlayStation #Network #Working #24Hour #Outage #Sony #York #Times Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Backlash erupts as talks of popular golf course to be converted into cemetery Backlash erupts as talks of popular golf course to be converted into cemetery A handful of Labor MPs have erupted over swirling rumours one of Sydney’s oldest and most popular golf courses is set to be sliced up and redeveloped into a cemetery. Source link #Backlash #erupts #talks #popular #golf #converted #cemetery Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Powerful earthquake strikes Caribbean Sea, tsunami advisories issued Powerful earthquake strikes Caribbean Sea, tsunami advisories issued A magnitude 7.6 earthquake struck in the middle of the Caribbean Sea, about 200 km south of the Cayman Islands on Feb. 8, 2025. The powerful quake, which struck 10 km below the Earth’s surface, prompted the National Weather Service (NWS) Tsunami Warning System to issue tsunami alerts for coastal regions of the Cayman Islands, Jamaica, Cuba, Mexico, Honduras, Bahamas, San Andres and Providencia, Belize, Haiti, Costa Rica, Panama, Nicaragua, and Guatemala. Feb. 8, 2025, Caribbean Sea earthquake – Baron Many of the alerts have since been dropped, but tsunami waves 1-3 metres above tide level are possible along parts of Cuba’s coast, and tsunami waves reaching 0.3-1 metre above tide level are possible along parts of the coasts of the Cayman Islands and Honduras. Tsunami advisories have also been issued for Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. Caribbean tsunami advisory graphic – Feb. 8, 2025 “Earthquakes of this size are known to generate tsunamis dangerous to shorelines near the source,” the NWS said in one of its statements. “The earliest estimated time that hazardous sea level fluctuations and strong ocean currents may begin in Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands is 9:46 p.m. AST on Saturday, Feb. 8, 2025,” the NWS later added. Any possible waves that do make it to shore for Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands, however, are forecast to remain under 30 cm in height. Luckily, since the earthquake was so offshore, there has been no immediate damage or injuries. There is no tsunami threat to the Gulf of Mexico or the Eastern Seaboard. Source link #Powerful #earthquake #strikes #Caribbean #Sea #tsunami #advisories #issued Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Katie Britt vows to work with RFK Jr. after NIH funding cuts cause concern in Alabama – AL.com Katie Britt vows to work with RFK Jr. after NIH funding cuts cause concern in Alabama – AL.com Katie Britt vows to work with RFK Jr. after NIH funding cuts cause concern in Alabama AL.comTrump Administration Cuts Put Medical Progress at Risk, Researchers Say The New York TimesNIH slashes billions in biomedical research funding BBC.com Source link #Katie #Britt #vows #work #RFK #NIH #funding #cuts #concern #Alabama #AL.com Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Your pictures on the theme of ‘winter walks’ Your pictures on the theme of ‘winter walks’ 5 minutes ago We asked our readers to send in their best pictures on the theme of “winter walks”. Here is a selection of the photographs we received from around the world. Roland Trope Roland Trope: “An overnight snowfall continued in the early daylight hours. Wind gusts blew snow off tree branches. I took this photo of a couple walking by who looked like they could walk for hours in the falling snow.” Adam Harrison Adam Harrison: “I actually went for a quick walk to capture the sunset over the local canal but misjudged the time completely. The ice scenes just down the road were a nice alternative though.” Stephen Lodge Stephen Lodge: “Scout joining us on a walk in the snow.” Mike Crompton Mike Crompton: “Bublik the Corgi taking his first walk in the snow.” Lewis James Davies Lewis James Davies sent in this frame taken during an early morning walk. Sirsendu Gayen Sirsendu Gayen: “A morning walker feeding the pigeons on a foggy winter morning.” Ian Hawley Ian Hawley: “Wrapping up warm.” Clare Keegan Clare Keegan: “The early bird wasn’t catching any worms a couple of weeks ago.” Thierry Meyrat Thierry Meyrat: “At the foot of the Eiger, Switzerland, skiers go up a hill on a conveyer belt. Strange pilgrimage, as they look like walkers who do not move in a naive art painting.” Sandhya Bhattaram Sandhya Bhattaram: “The sight of the frozen pond in Richmond, London, gives the birds cold feet.” Carlos Gomez LLata Carlos Gomez LLata sent in a different type of winter: “Winter walk in Runaway Bay, Antigua.” Leonardo Fugoso Jr Leonardo Fugoso Jr: “Walking downhill in Wisconsin could be treacherous.” Fiona Smail Fiona Smail: “Sheep venturing out into the snow from the comfort of their barn in St John’s in the Vale. It was a lovely day when the sun shone bright and the sky was a pale shade of winter blue.” Hang Ross Hang Ross: “Fallow Bucks in a snow storm in the New Forest.” Mick Bennett Mick Bennett: “Morning coffee always involves a barefoot stroll in the garden – no exception. Warm hands holding coffee cup, cold feet on the crisp, frozen snow.” Evelyn Oakley Evelyn Oakley: “A woman taking a walk in the fine snow adds her own pattern to those already drawn by departing vehicles and earlier walkers.” Alice Cumberton Alice Cumberton: “Smile for the camera.” Tom Cotsford Tom Cotsford took this picture while on a walk in the New Forest. Craig Horne Craig Horne sent in this picture entitled “Legsnow walk”. The next theme is “glass” and the deadline for entries is 18 February. The pictures will be published later that week and you will be able to find them, along with other galleries, on the In Pictures section of the BBC News website. You can upload your entries directly here or email them to [email protected].***. Terms and conditions apply. Further details and themes are at: We set the theme, you take the pictures. All photographs subject to copyright. Photography Source link #pictures #theme #winter #walks Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]