Pelican Press

Southern States Shrouded In Fog, Mist Ahead Of Super Bowl Southern States Shrouded In Fog, Mist Ahead Of Super Bowl A thick fog has engulfed the South – from Texas to Florida – triggering dense fog advisories and reducing visibility to less than one mile along coastal areas like Orange Beach, Alabama. The blanket of mist also led to dangerous road conditions, contributing to a multi-vehicle pileup that shut down a Louisiana interstate. Source link #Southern #States #Shrouded #Fog #Mist #Ahead #Super #Bowl Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Even Director of Marvel Rivals Knows One DPS Hero Is the Bane of All Healers Even Director of Marvel Rivals Knows One DPS Hero Is the Bane of All Healers We all think that strategy is the approach in Marvel Rivals, but let’s be honest: there’s nothing better than relying on sheer brute force damage. Thankfully, the hero-shooter is filled with powerful heroes and villains who can deal with incredible damage. Marvel Rivals is one of the biggest success stories in recent years. (Image via NetEase Games) When we talk about DPS characters in Marvel Rivals, some deal lethal damage per second, and some have excellent abilities. However, there’s one DPS hero in particular that even Marvel Rivals‘ director knows is the bane of every character’s life, especially healers! Magik is a force to be reckoned with in Marvel Rivals Magik is one of the top picks in Marvel Rivals. (Image via NetEase Games) Since Marvel Rivals‘ initial reveal, it’s been compared to Blizzard’s Overwatch 2. While chatting with PCGamesN, game director Thaddeus Sasser opened up about the title’s development and explained how developer NetEase Games is planning to separate its hero-shooter from the competition. According to Sasser, there are three key areas that NetEase focuses on: superheroes, destructions, and team-ups. The developer wants to evolve the hero shooter‘s story over time, just like Overwatch. When it came to how the meta would look once Marvel Rivals releases, Sasser said to keep an eye out for Magik. She’s got such great mobility and she can dash in and juggle the enemy with upwards airheads, and pull off some fun moves. As we’ve said before, Marvel Rivals has tons of DPS heroes to choose from. However, there’s nothing close to the sheer insanity Magik brings to the table. Commanding forces from a demonic dimension, the Queen of Limbo can dash through the battlefield, cross portals, and wreak havoc upon enemies. Magik has one of the best mobility kits in the game. Since she has teleportation abilities, she can quickly reposition herself and escape dangerous situations. She can even engage enemies with surprise attacks, which makes her a lethal flanker who can basically take down all support characters in a matter of seconds. Marvel Rivals doesn’t need to abandon its best feature The hero-shooter doesn’t need to change quite penalties. (Image via NetEase Games) It’s clear that Marvel Rivals has one-upped Overwatch in basically everything that the Blizzard title was lacking. One of the improved features we see in Rivals is the quit penalty. Although Overwatch has always given penalties for ranked play, NetEase takes this one step further and punishes gamers for disconnecting too frequently, even in Quick Play matches. Many in the community find the nature of the quit penalty quite harsh and want NetEase to rework it completely. However, it’s one of the reasons why Marvel Rivals is triumphing over its competitors without any sweat. Enforcing penalties in ranked modes is logical, and while it seems strange in casual matches, it’s quite crucial. The pickup-and-play aspect of Quick Play encourages players to come and go as they please. However, as Rivals is a game focused on teamwork, that strategy can never work. Players leave whenever they want to impact the overall flow of the game, whether it’s in ranked or casual play. In titles such as Overwatch and Rivals, abandoners can make things ********** for everyone. So, NetEase has done an incredible job of discouraging and punishing that behavior wherever possible. With that said, do you think Magik is one of the best DPS characters in Marvel Rivals? Let us know in the comments below. Source link #Director #Marvel #Rivals #DPS #Hero #Bane #Healers Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

PlayStation Network outage frustrates gamers nationwide PlayStation Network outage frustrates gamers nationwide A gamer uses a PS4 controller as he plays the new Ubisoft video game Watch Dogs Legion on October 28, 2020. Kenzo Tribouillard | AFP via Getty Images Sony’s PlayStation Network is experiencing a massive outage, leaving many frustrated users unable to play online games or access its online store. In a post on X just before 9 p.m. ET Friday, Ask PlayStation posted: “We are aware some users might be currently experiencing issues with PSN.” According to Sony’s PlayStation Network status page, services including PlayStation Direct, the PlayStation Store, gaming and social, PlayStation Video and account management were experiencing issues. Users took to social media to vent their frustration, and crack a few jokes. “Playstation network down, time to get to know my wife of 5 years,” one person wrote on X. “Playstation I Hope u gonna give us a free game #PlayStationNetworkDown,” another posted. “PlayStation Network is down and not only can I not play Marvel Rivals… but I can’t play *any* game I bought on the PSN Store and the phone app is completely busted,” another person wrote on X. “This digital only future we’re living in kinda sucks ngl.” PlayStation Network said it was working to resolve the issue as soon as possible. Source link #PlayStation #Network #outage #frustrates #gamers #nationwide Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Europe’s emboldened far right lauds Trump at Madrid rally – Financial Times Europe’s emboldened far right lauds Trump at Madrid rally – Financial Times Europe’s emboldened far right lauds Trump at Madrid rally Financial TimesOrban, Le Pen hail Trump at far-right ‘Patriots’ summit in Madrid ReutersEU far-right parties rally in Madrid behind slogan ‘Make Europe Great Again’ FRANCE 24 EnglishLooking at Trump, Europe’s far right vows to ‘reconquer’ the continent POLITICO EuropePatriots for Europe pitches ‘alternative’ leadership to EPP, Socialists in Trump era Euronews Source link #Europes #emboldened #lauds #Trump #Madrid #rally #Financial #Times Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Rockstar Pushing for GTA 6 on Switch 2 is Something Sony Would Never Attempt With Bloodborne or God of War Rockstar Pushing for GTA 6 on Switch 2 is Something Sony Would Never Attempt With Bloodborne or God of War Currently, two of the most highly anticipated developments in gaming are Rockstar’s GTA 6 and the Switch 2. Both represent significant milestones: GTA 6 as the next chapter in one of the most iconic franchises ever, and the Switch 2 as the next-gen successor to the beloved hybrid console. Rockstar is looking at the next-gen hybrid console as a viable platform. | Image Credit: Rockstar Games Recent reports suggest that Rockstar is eyeing the hybrid console as a viable platform for its games, signaling the console’s growing appeal as a versatile device for all types of gamers. While one major studio embraces this new frontier, Sony, on the other hand, remains focused on exclusivity. Rockstar is acknowledging the power of Switch 2 Zelnick made it clear that Rockstar is going to support Switch 2. | Image Credit: Nintendo As reported by Eurogamer, during Take-Two’s recent financial results call, CEO Strauss Zelnick revealed that the company is eager to support Nintendo’s upcoming console, acknowledging that the console has evolved into a platform that offers a wider range of players. While Zelnick did not confirm any specific titles, he emphasized that Take-Two’s approach to Nintendo’s audience has changed. He further emphasized that the handheld now supports a broader demographic capable of enjoying mature, complex games like those from Rockstar. Zelnick even pointed out that titles like Civilization 7 are now available on the Switch, essentially highlighting a shift in how developers view the platform. While no confirmation was given for GTA 6 (even on its release date) on the Switch 2, he made it clear that Take-Two expects to support the new console. This marks a significant change in direction for Rockstar and suggests that the Switch 2 will be a generational leap that many people hope it to be. It might also be capable of offering the performance and features needed to run even the most demanding games. With rumors and leaks suggesting similar things, it’s clear that Nintendo has managed to make the leap from a family-friendly handheld to one that can compete with traditional consoles like PlayStation and Xbox (not in performance just yet but in diverse titles for sure). Sony’s stubborn approach in the evolving industry Sony still loves its exclusivity and closed ecosystem. | Image Credit: Sony While Rockstar is embracing the Switch 2 as an opportunity to broaden its audience, Sony seems to be sticking to its old-school approach of console exclusivity. The company has long prided itself on offering experiences that can only be found on PlayStation, with games like God of War and Bloodborne acting as major draws for players to buy into the PlayStation ecosystem. However, in an industry that is increasingly embracing cross-platform play, accessibility, and in general, inclusivity, its stubbornness in keeping its beloved franchises exclusive to PlayStation is starting to look increasingly out of touch. There is no denying that God of War and Bloodborne (it’s not even getting a remaster or sequel, forget about releasing on other platforms) have certainly drawn players to the console and helped define the PS brand, but the world of gaming has changed. With the rise of services like Xbox Game Pass, cross-platform play becoming more common, and even Nintendo aiming to expand its offerings with more mature and 3rd party titles, Sony’s refusal to bring its top games to alternative platforms like the Switch 2 may start to feel like a missed opportunity. In the end, Rockstar’s push for games on the Switch 2 is a clear signal that the future of gaming may not be about locking titles behind the ecosystem, but about presenting the game wherever players choose to play. Source link #Rockstar #Pushing #GTA #Switch #Sony #Attempt #Bloodborne #God #War Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

This weight-loss app helped me lose 84 pounds – and genuinely changed my life This weight-loss app helped me lose 84 pounds – and genuinely changed my life Can an app – something that’s essentially a series of carefully cobbled-together ones and zeros – truly be life-changing? It’s something I’d never considered before, bar, perhaps, winning big on the lottery (disclaimer: this has sadly yet to happen). And yet, in November 2023, I downloaded an app that, with no exaggeration, has changed my life. Homescreen heroes This is part of a regular series of articles exploring the apps that we couldn’t live without. Read them all here. The app in question? Calorie Counter+ by Nutracheck. Disappointed? I get it. A calorie-counting app doesn’t sound exhilarating – and yet, installing it proved to be one of the best things I’ve ever done. I’ve struggled with being a healthy weight my whole life, and while I’ve had a few years of stability here and there, nothing ever worked long-term. Come November 2023, I was 247 lbs (112kg / 17.6 stone) and **********. I had no energy. Clothes were a nightmare. And I just generally felt… not nice. Something had to be done, and I didn’t want to put myself through unsustainable diets like keto or intermittent fasting like I’d done in the past, because while they do work, their effects, for me at least, were only short-term. Tired of yo-yo-ing up and down and craving stability once and for all, I finally bit the bullet and turned to calorie counting to help me lose and (more crucially) keep the weight off. Starting my journey on November 1 2023, I used Nutracheck’s app every single day to help track what I was eating. Eight months later, I’d lost 84 lbs (38kg / six stone), and reached my goal weight of 165 lbs (75kg), while completely transforming my relationship with food in the process. Here’s how… Why calorie counting? Before I dive into the details of the app, it’s worth covering calorie counting, and how it works. While there are plenty of detailed resources that cover this in more detail (and I encourage you to check them out), it’s good to have a refresh to show why an app like Nutracheck is so useful. Sign up for breaking news, reviews, opinion, top tech deals, and more. For starters, our bodies burn a certain number of calories just to keep us alive – this is your Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR). On top of this, you burn additional calories through daily activities and exercise, giving you your Total Daily Energy Expenditure (TDEE). For example, someone might have a BMR of 2,000 calories (what they’d burn if they stayed in bed all day). But because they’re moderately active, their TDEE might be 2,500 calories. This means that they need 2,500 calories daily to stay at their current weight (also known as their maintenance calories). Even an innocent bowl of muesli that I poured myself without weighing came in at around 500 calories once I’d plugged the numbers into the app – this awareness alone was transformative. There are a bunch of online calculators out there to help you roughly work out these numbers (Nutracheck’s app also does this when you enter your age, weight, height and activity levels), and it’s a crucial part of the process. While no calculator is 100% accurate, these ballpark figures are vital starting points, which you can adjust as your weight goes up or down during the process. The next important thing to know is that one pound of **** is equal to around 3,500 calories (or just under half a kg). The rest is simply maths – to lose one pound of ****, you need to create a deficit of 3,500 calories (in other words, eat 3,500 calories less than you burn). Over a seven-day week, that means eating 500 fewer calories each day than your maintenance calories. (Image credit: Nutracheck) In our example above, that would mean that the person with 2,500 maintenance calories would need to hit a target of 2,000 calories a day. After one week, they should have lost around a pound of **** (not accounting for other things like water weight fluctuations). If you stick to this formula consistently over time, you’ll see progress. I found the predictability incredibly motivating, especially compared to previous diets where results felt more random. Exercise, of course, also burns calories and can help contribute to this deficit, but it’s far more reliable and easier to eat less than it is to try and create a deficit solely with exercise. One pizza that took you 10 minutes to eat would take hours to burn off via walking or running, for example. Heartbreaking, isn’t it? So that’s the maths out of the way. Your next question might be why you need an app to track calories at all, and it’s a valid one. The thing is, it’s extremely easy to underestimate just how many calories we’re consuming. Something as simple as a splash of olive oil in a pan when you’re cooking can add an extra 200 calories to your meal in the blink of an eye – that’s almost half your daily deficit. For people like me who struggle with intuitive eating and knowing what the right proportion sizes are, calorie-tracking apps , like Calorie Counter+, are an absolute godsend. Why Nutracheck? For me, what made Nutracheck different from other calorie-tracking apps like MyFitnessPal is its focus on the *** market. With a database of over 350,000 *** products, you can easily scan barcodes and find accurate nutritional information for foods you actually buy. This might seem like a small detail, but when you’re trying to build a sustainable habit, removing the annoyance of manually entering nutritional information for every single thing you eat makes a huge difference. Paired with a set of kitchen scales for entering the specific weight of foods and ingredients, it’s a very powerful tool indeed. Getting started with the app is straightforward, too. After downloading, you input your current weight, height, and goal weight, and the app guides you through a simple setup process. You can customize your dashboard to prioritize the metrics that matter most to you, whether that’s calories, protein intake, or your five-a-day target. (Image credit: Future) What surprised me most, though, was how quickly logging food became second nature. The barcode scanner is lightning-fast (though you do need an internet connection) and, for eating out, it’s relatively easy to search for similar meals in the database to give you a rough estimate. Within a week, weighing portions and scanning barcodes became as routine as brushing my teeth. The real eye-opener, though, came from seeing just how many calories were in my usual portions. Even an innocent bowl of muesli that I poured myself without weighing came in at around 500 calories (!) once I’d plugged the numbers into the app. This awareness alone was transformative. (Image credit: Future) One of Nutracheck’s standout features is also its recipe calculator. For someone who cooks most meals from scratch, this tool is invaluable. You can input all of your ingredients and portions, save the recipe, and then easily log it whenever you make that meal again. It takes the guesswork out of homemade meals and helps you understand exactly what’s going into your food. By focusing first on meeting my basic nutritional needs and then fitting in treats where I could, I developed a much healthier relationship with food. The app also takes exercise into account as well. While I mainly focused on diet for my weight loss, the ability to sync with various fitness trackers (including Fitbit, Garmin, and your phone’s built-in sensors), helps provide a complete picture of your daily energy expenditure. The app automatically adjusts your calorie allowance based on your activity level, which is particularly useful if you’re having a more active day. However, I chose not to use this feature as it’s far safer to not fall into the trap of ‘eating calories back’ especially as fitness trackers make educated guesses at best. Beyond the calories But perhaps the most important feature of Nutracheck for me isn’t technical at all – it’s the philosophy behind it. Unlike restrictive diets that ban entire food groups, Nutracheck simply helps you understand what you’re eating. As long as I hit my daily targets for protein and fibre, and got my five portions of fruit and vegetables, everything else was fair game – including alcohol, ice cream, and snacks. This was revolutionary. What’s also freeing about this approach is that no food is off-limits. Previous diets had always failed because they were too restrictive – cutting out carbs entirely with keto, or limiting eating windows with intermittent fasting. With Nutracheck, I could eat whatever I wanted, just not however much I wanted. The app also helped me make smarter choices about treats. For instance, I discovered that a large bowl of popcorn was far more satisfying as an evening snack than a small chocolate bar for the same calories, letting me enjoy snacking while still staying on track. (Image credit: Future) This subtle but crucial difference in approach meant I never felt deprived or developed the guilt-binge cycle that had derailed my previous attempts at weight loss. By focusing first on meeting my basic nutritional needs and then fitting in treats where I could, I developed a much healthier relationship with food. The app itself tracks seven key nutrients alongside calories – protein, carbohydrates, ****, saturated ****, sugar, fiber, and salt. This comprehensive tracking helped ensure I wasn’t just losing weight, but doing it healthily. The protein tracking particularly helped me maintain muscle mass during weight loss, especially as I started going to the gym a few months into my endeavor. Sustainable success After reaching my goal weight in July 2024, I’m still using Calorie Counter+ today. I’ve increased my daily calories significantly – from 1,750 at the end of my weight loss phase to around 2,750 for maintenance. The app has helped me find this sweet spot where I can maintain my weight while eating substantially more, thanks to increased activity levels and a better understanding of portion sizes. While I still log everything, it’s more about maintaining awareness than strict control. The app has essentially taught me what proper portions look like, making it easier to eat intuitively while staying at a healthy weight. (Image credit: Future / Esat Dedezade) At $29.99 / £27.99 for an annual subscription (a 61% saving compared to paying monthly), I can honestly say Nutracheck’s app has been the best money I’ve ever spent on my health. While it might not be the most exciting app on my phone, it’s certainly the most impactful. It’s helped me lose weight in a way that feels sustainable for the first time in my life, without ever feeling like I was on a diet. Sure, calorie counting isn’t for everyone, and it certainly isn’t a magic solution. The key is understanding that this is a marathon, not a sprint. The app helped me shift my mindset from seeking quick fixes to accepting that real, sustainable change takes months, not weeks. But if you’re like me – someone who’s tried everything else and is ready for a more measured approach – Nutracheck’s Calorie Counter+ might just be the tool you need. Download Calorie Counter+ by Nutracheck on iOS or Android. You might also like Source link #weightloss #app #helped #lose #pounds #genuinely #changed #life Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

Perth Breakfast and Brunch: Panda & Co review Perth Breakfast and Brunch: Panda & Co review Of all the restaurant etiquette faux pas that grind my gears — and I’m sorry to say there are many — letting your kids watch cartoons with no earphones is right up there. Source link #Perth #Breakfast #Brunch #Panda #amp #review Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

We Only Have One Advice For All PlayStation Users After Sony’s Silence on PSN Network Outage We Only Have One Advice For All PlayStation Users After Sony’s Silence on PSN Network Outage If you’re unable to browse the PlayStation Store or play games online on your PlayStation console, don’t worry, as you’re not alone. PlayStation Network (PSN) suffered a major outage on Friday evening, disrupting services for players. Sony PlayStation Network servers have been down for hours. (Image via Sony) What’s really shocking is that it’s been 14 hours, and Sony still hasn’t been able to fix the issues. What could be the reason behind this? Well, no one knows for sure, but if we’re to learn from history, you should think about changing your password as soon as possible. PSN is suffering global outage and Sony has some explaining to do Sony still hasn’t pushed for a proper fix for the outages. (Image via Sony) If you’re out of the loop, PSN first went offline at 6 P.M EST on February 7th, 2025. The ****** isn’t limited to any specific region; it has impacted all Sony console users globally. Every aspect of the service has been down, which doesn’t happen often. On the Status page, Sony has acknowledged the issues with the PSN services and has stated that the company is resolving to fix them as soon as possible. What’s still unclear is what has led to this ****** and when we could expect the problems to be fixed. The PlayStation Network is still down after 14 hours. The company made one statement acknowledging the outage but has made no comment since. pic.twitter.com/OtAhGXdCPE — DiscussingFilm (@DiscussingFilm) February 8, 2025 However, the fact that Sony still hasn’t explained anything related to this outage should be ringing alarms for you. If you’ve forgotten already, back in 2011, PSN suffered its biggest outage ever and was down for a total of 23 days. The outage happened due to multiple security breaches on the service. Hackers had managed to break into Sony’s servers and access the personal data of more than 77 million users at the time. Hackers could see the usernames of players, passwords, and credit card details. Seriously, it was one of the biggest cybersecurity breaches ever seen, not only for PSN but in the entire history of gaming. If the current outage was due to some technical issues, Sony wouldn’t have hesitated to inform players. However, since the company still hasn’t said anything, there’s a chance that there could be another hacker infiltration in PSN servers that has led to server outages. We highly recommend changing your account passwords and other details before Sony reveals some bad news. PSN outage hits Monster Hunter Wilds open beta Monster Hunter Wilds is one of the most anticipated projects of the year. (Image via Capcom) The second open beta for Monster Hunter Wilds has proven to be a smash hit among gamers with record numbers. As the latest entry in Capcom’s long-running action RPG series, the game is all set to launch on February 28th, 2025. PlayStation gamers have loved the franchise since its debut back in 2004, and it has become a cornerstone of Sony consoles. Unfortunately, due to the PSN outages, gamers haven’t been able to experience Monster Hunter Wilds on their consoles. Hordes of Monster Hunter Wilds beta players have stated that they were kicked out of the game and received various error codes on their PS5 consoles. It’s quite sad to see that players aren’t able to enjoy the beta of what could be one of the best games of the year. However, there’s still more to come in Monster Hunter Wilds‘ beta phase. The current run started on Thursday, February 6th, and is supposed to run until Sunday, February 9th. However, gamers will have another shot at the beta next week, from Thursday, February 13th to Sunday, February 16th. With that said, what do you think could be the reason behind current PSN outages? Let us know in the comments below. Source link #Advice #PlayStation #Users #Sonys #Silence #PSN #Network #Outage Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Florida panther sneaks up on opossum, but outcome is a surprise Florida panther sneaks up on opossum, but outcome is a surprise Florida panthers prey on an assortment of mammals, including opossums. But for one seemingly oblivious opossum recently, it must have been its lucky night. The accompanying footage, credited to ***** Brewer and shared by Matt Devitt of WINK Weather, shows a panther walking up behind an opossum, seemingly out of pure curiosity. Although both animals bare their teeth, the encounter features a surprise ending, revealing that top predators aren’t always savage beasts. Top comment on Facebook: “This is the Florida we need to be saving.” Endangered Florida panthers are protected by state and federal law, numbering slightly more than 200 individuals. Their top prey items are deer and wild hogs. This article originally appeared on For The Win: Florida panther sneaks up on opossum, but outcome is a surprise Source link #Florida #panther #sneaks #opossum #outcome #surprise Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

SpaceX launches 21 Starlink satellites from Florida – Space.com SpaceX launches 21 Starlink satellites from Florida – Space.com SpaceX launches 21 Starlink satellites from Florida Space.comSpaceX Falcon 9 Starlink 12-9 Kennedy Space CenterLive coverage: SpaceX to launch 21 Starlink satellites on Falcon 9 rocket from Cape Canaveral Spaceflight NowWhat to know: SpaceX launch from Cape Canaveral set for Saturday afternoon Florida Today Source link #SpaceX #launches #Starlink #satellites #Florida #Space.com Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

Aussie Hansen to miss Ireland rugby clash with Scotland Aussie Hansen to miss Ireland rugby clash with Scotland Ireland captain Caelan Doris says his Six Nations-winning team have been left disappointed for Mack Hansen after their *********** winger was forced to drop out of the starting XV on the eve of Sunday’s Six Nations clash against Scotland. But he expects Calvin Nash to prove an able deputy once more after being drafted in from the cold to start the Edinbugh clash. The 27-year-old Nash stepped up to play all five of last year’s Six Nations matches and two summer Tests against South Africa as Connacht flyer Hansen was also sidelined for the first half of last year with a shoulder injury. Nash was then an unused member of the squad for the four-match autumn series as Hansen returned to reclaim his starting place and after playing no part in the Six Nations opener against England last weekend, the Munster wing was again left out of the initial 23 named for Sunday’s clash at Murrayfield. But Nash will now earn his ninth cap after being added to the starting XV with Hansen forced to withdraw due to hamstring tightness. “No, not at all,” skipper Doris said on Saturday when asked if the late change caused any disruption to Ireland’s preparations. “We’re disappointed for Mack, obviously. He’s been an integral part of what we’ve been about over the last number of years. “But there’s a lot of trust in Calvin and how he’s been when he’s been with us over the last number of years so I think it should be quite a seamless transition. Obviously it’s a disappointment for Mack but what an opportunity for Calvin at the same time. “He’s class. I’ve known him for quite a while. We played together at 18s and then 20s as well. I’ve seen his quality the whole way but probably over the last two years in particular I think he’s kicked on with Munster and he took his opportunity incredibly well this time last year over in France. “He’s trained really well over the last number of weeks so I’m looking forward to seeing him tomorrow.” Source link #Aussie #Hansen #Ireland #rugby #clash #Scotland Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

What Is A Ring Of Fire Annular Solar Eclipse NASA Explains What Is A Ring Of Fire Annular Solar Eclipse NASA Explains What Is A Ring Of Fire Annular Solar Eclipse NASA Explains Source link #Ring #Fire #Annular #Solar #Eclipse #NASA #Explains Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Georgia police officer fatally shot responding to pickleball club; suspect arrested – CBS News Georgia police officer fatally shot responding to pickleball club; suspect arrested – CBS News Georgia police officer fatally shot responding to pickleball club; suspect arrested CBS NewsSuspect in custody after shooting, killing police officer just ‘serving the citizens of Roswell’ WSB AtlantaRoswell police officer killed: Suspect identified by GBI FOX 5 AtlantaGeorgia police officer shot, killed while responding to shopping center Fox News Source link #Georgia #police #officer #fatally #shot #responding #pickleball #club #suspect #arrested #CBS #News Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Marvel Rivals Has Plans to “introduce new game modes that have different narrative elements” Marvel Rivals Has Plans to “introduce new game modes that have different narrative elements” Remember when Overwatch 2 was supposed to be the next big thing in hero shooters? Well, two months into 2025, and NetEase’s Marvel Rivals isn’t just eating Blizzard’s lunch—it’s raiding the whole damn kitchen. With a whopping 33 heroes at launch and player numbers that would make even Tony Stark’s ego look modest, this newcomer means business. Move over, Blizzard—there’s a new sheriff in town. | Image Credit: NetEase Games The numbers tell quite a story: while Overwatch 2‘s Steam player count has nose-dived by nearly 40% since December, Marvel Rivals is busy breaking records left and right. We’re talking 640K+ concurrent PC players at its peak—enough to populate a small country of superhero enthusiasts. But it’s not just about the numbers; it’s about what’s cooking behind the scenes. And if game director Thaddeus Sasser’s previous hints are anything to go by, we might be witnessing the birth of something that makes Overwatch 2 look like yesterday’s news. More than just another hero shooter Speaking to PCGamesN during the Summer Game Fest last year, Sasser dropped some tantalizing hints about what’s in store for Marvel Rivals: We might even introduce new game modes that have different narrative elements. As we release new stories for the upcoming seasons, we’ll have narrative arcs that inform the gameplay and how the characters interact with each other that comment on the state of the world and the state of the game. This isn’t just about adding new maps or heroes—it’s about fundamentally changing how story and gameplay intertwine. While Overwatch 2 has largely relegated its narrative to cinematics and seasonal events, Marvel Rivals seems set to weave storytelling directly into its gameplay mechanics. Take the team-up system, for example. As Sasser explains: Different characters have different special powers they can activate together. Rocket Racoon can drop infinite ammo for Punisher’s turret, which just lets Punisher lay down a withering field of fire. These aren’t just static abilities—they’re, apparently, meant to evolve as characters’ relationships change through the narrative. And with the Fantastic Four joining the roster—Reed Richards and Sue Storm already in action, with Ben Grimm and Johnny Storm arriving later this month—these team-ups are about to get even more interesting. No forced role queues here; just pure, strategic mayhem. A tale of two trajectories Tale of two games: One rising, one falling. | Image Credit: NetEase Games The numbers don’t lie: Marvel Rivals maintained a healthy 300,000+ average players last month on Steam alone, while Overwatch 2 struggled to keep 19,000. But it’s not just about player counts—it’s about approach. Marvel Games executive producer Danny Koo puts it simply: NetEase has poured its heart into every minor detail from the map creation to character expression. And we engage with the community daily. And as fans know now, this isn’t empty PR speak. While Overwatch 2 pushes FOMO-driven battle passes, Marvel Rivals lets players progress at their own pace with non-expiring passes. New heroes? Every 1.5 months, like clockwork. Balance updates? Regular and responsive. It’s the kind of consistency that builds trust and goodwill, not frustration. The game’s former Call of Duty and Battlefield developers aren’t just making another hero shooter—they’re crafting something that respects both its source material and its players. With regular content drops, transparent communication, and a clear vision for the future, NetEase isn’t just competing with Blizzard—they’re rewriting the rules of the genre. What do you think about Marvel Rivals‘ plans for narrative-driven game modes? Could this be the innovation that finally puts Overwatch 2 to rest? Share your thoughts in the comments below! Source link #Marvel #Rivals #Plans #introduce #game #modes #narrative #elements Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

England rugby men edge sloppy France in exciting finale England rugby men edge sloppy France in exciting finale France have let England off the hook in a dramatic Six Nations match at Twickenham, spurning chances that allowed the hosts to edge to a 26-25 win. Source link #England #rugby #men #edge #sloppy #France #exciting #finale Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Bison ‘thunder’ through crowd of panicked Yellowstone tourists Bison ‘thunder’ through crowd of panicked Yellowstone tourists Last week we featured footage showing bison stampeding toward a snow coach in Yellowstone National Park, as tourists watched with heightened concern. To their relief, the bison navigated around the vehicle without incident. On Monday, photographer Jeff Vanuga shared an image showing the aftermath of a bison stampede that caused panic among tourists who had been away from their vehicles observing a wolf kill. Vanuga described the scene via Instagram: “After wolves took down a bison cow 100′ below the road the herd came up to where the everyone was observing the kill. Seconds later a stampede ensued with bison running directly at the crowd. “Everyone ran and scattered about as the bison thundered through people, snow coaches and snowmobiles. Luckily no one was injured and after getting out of harm’s way I managed a couple shots of the last bison weaving through the crowd. An adrenaline-filled morning!” The wolves that killed the bison cow belonged to the Wapiti Pack, which utilizes a wide swath of territory, including the northern range in the winter. Wolves take down bison cow in Yellowstone National Park. Photo: ©Jeff Vanuga Yellowstone is home to nearly 5,000 bison, which must contend with wolves in the winter, and wolves and grizzly bears during spring and summer. Bison, which can weigh 2,000 pounds, often utilize roads for easier commuting. This puts them in close contact with tourists. According to the park, bison can attain speeds of 30 mph, so stampedes are awesome and, at times, harrowing spectacles. This article originally appeared on For The Win: Bison ‘thunder’ through crowd of panicked Yellowstone tourists Source link #Bison #thunder #crowd #panicked #Yellowstone #tourists Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Ben Simmons waived by the Nets after the team and former No. 1 pick agree to a buyout – The Associated Press Ben Simmons waived by the Nets after the team and former No. 1 pick agree to a buyout – The Associated Press Ben Simmons waived by the Nets after the team and former No. 1 pick agree to a buyout The Associated PressSources: Simmons bought out; will join Clippers ESPNBen Simmons signing with Clippers after clearing waivers Yahoo SportsBen Simmons hits NBA buyout market, and at least three teams will meet with former All-Star, per reports CBS SportsNBA buyout market tiers: 35 players to watch now that 2025 trade deadline has passed The Athletic Source link #Ben #Simmons #waived #Nets #team #pick #agree #buyout #Press Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Todd Howard Helped Create the Single-Most Important Skyrim Tool That Revolutionized Modding Culture Todd Howard Helped Create the Single-Most Important Skyrim Tool That Revolutionized Modding Culture There’s absolutely no denying the fact that Bethesda’s Todd Howard is one of the most well-known auteurs in the entire gaming industry. He joined the studio back in 1994 and played a major role when it came to the CD version of the Elder Scrolls Arena. Elder Scrolls is one of the most popular RPG franchises. | Credit: Bethesda Game Studios. Howard’s first major work was 1995’s Terminator: Future Shock, after which he rose to fame. Many consider his later works, such as Fallout 3, Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrim, and Starfield, to be the peak of his career. However, all modders would agree that Howard’s biggest contribution to the gaming scene was creating a tool that completely transformed everything. Todd Howard’s ultimate creation for Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Skyrim has one of the best modding scenes. (Image via Bethesda Game Studios) Right before Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrim hit the shelves in 2011, Howard sat down with the Game Developer and opened up about the studio’s approach to the latest entry in the Elder Scrolls franchise. He explained how the game’s “new” Creation Engine worked and how Bethesda switched up the formula from Oblivion. While chatting, Howard talked about Bethesda’s Creation Kit. According to him, it’s one of the most crucial things for Bethesda. The studio invested a lot of resources into developing it due to the sheer size of the game and how it could enhance the gaming experience. So when it comes to content creation, we just have so much of it that we have to put a lot of development time into the tools, because the game is so big. We’re hoping [the Creation Kit] will be available as a download on launch day. It’s been almost 14 years since the release of Skyrim, and it’s thriving against Bethesda’s latest releases. What’s the reason behind this? It’s the modding support from the community that brings a number of tweaks and, at times, a completely new game. However, none of these would’ve been possible with the Creation Kit. The Creation Kit is one of the best tools ever crafted by Bethesda, and it allows gamers and developers to craft a number of Skyrim mods. As the tool was released for absolutely free on Steam, thousands of players jumped into modifying the game to their liking. Seriously, Skyrim wouldn’t have attained the heights it did without the Creation Kit. Bethesda even released Skyrim Workshop on Steam, which allowed modders to upload their Creation Kit results and revolutionize the experience for everyone. Elder Scrolls 6 is still years away Elder Scrolls 6 is one of the most anticipated titles. (Image via Bethesda Game Studios) If you’ve forgotten already, Bethesda announced Elder Scrolls 6 all the way back in 2018. One might think that the studio would’ve pushed out a trailer or given bits of information about the game during that *******. However, Bethesda has done absolutely nothing. Why didn’t Bethesda reveal anything about one of its most anticipated titles? Well, the studio was busy working on Starfield. The announcement was basically made to stop gamers from asking if Elder Scrolls 6 will ever happen. However, now that Starfield‘s development has wrapped up, Bethesda has started working on the game. It’s fair to say that the title won’t hit the shelves before 2027, at least because Bethesda really needs to nail everything about this game. This gives you the perfect opportunity to jump back into Skyrim, especially if you didn’t like Starfield‘s direction in terms of gameplay or if you haven’t played the title in a while. It’s a blast to revisit, with every playthrough feeling unique. It’s a fantastic roleplay experience, just like Dungeon & Dragons. You can get lost for hours in this immersive world. With that said, what’s your experience with Creation Kit for Skyrim? Let us know in the comments below. Source link #Todd #Howard #Helped #Create #SingleMost #Important #Skyrim #Tool #Revolutionized #Modding #Culture Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

*** health minister sacked over WhatsApp jokes *** health minister sacked over WhatsApp jokes *** Prime Minister Keir Starmer has sacked his health minister over inappropriate WhatsApp comments including a joke about a constituent being “mown down” by a truck and an elderly lady croaking it after asking about her bins. Andrew Gwynne, has apologised for his behaviour and the “badly misjudged” comments. He lost his ministerial gig and was suspended from the Labour Party, as soon as Starmer learned of the saga. “I deeply regret my badly misjudged comments and apologise for any offence I’ve caused. I’ve served the Labour Party all my life and it was a huge honour to be appointed a minister by Keir Starmer,” Gwynne posted on X. “I entirely understand the decisions the PM and the party have taken and, while very sad to have been suspended, I will support them in any way I can.” Gwynne posted messages in a WhatsApp group called Trigger Me Timbers, which he shares with more than a dozen Labour councillors, party officials and at least one other MP, the Mail on Sunday reported. He made antisemitic slights and joked about a constituent being “mown down” by a truck, the newspaper said. He also reportedly wrote in one message that he hoped a 72-year-old woman would soon have “croaked it” after she asked a councillor, who shared the message in the group, about her bins. “The prime minister is determined to uphold high standards of conduct in public office and lead a government in the service of working people,” a government spokesperson said. “He will not hesitate to take action against any minister who fails to meet these standards, as he has in this case.” A Labour spokesperson said the party was investigating the comments made in the group. “Swift action will be taken if individuals are found to have breached the high standards expected of them as Labour Party members,” the spokesperson said. Source link #health #minister #sacked #WhatsApp #jokes Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Demonstrators with Nazi flags leave Cincinnati-area highway overpass after residents confront them Demonstrators with Nazi flags leave Cincinnati-area highway overpass after residents confront them A group of demonstrators wearing ****** clothing, some holding Nazi flags with swastikas, quickly left a Cincinnati-area overpass when they were confronted by residents Friday, video shows. Coverage from NBC affiliate WLWT of Cincinnati includes video of people walking up to the demonstrators, with police officers between them. The group of more than a dozen demonstrators quickly got into a U-Haul box truck and left. The demonstration included a sign posted over the freeway as well as individuals pacing with Nazi flags, according to video that aired on the station. No arrests or injuries were reported in the afternoon incident in the village of Evendale, about 12 miles north of downtown Cincinnati. A group of people dressed in all ****** clothing displayed Swastika flag materials over I-75, in Evendale, Ohio, on Feb. 7, 2025. Evendale police said officers responded to the demonstration on an Interstate 75 overpass shortly after 2 p.m. “The protest was occurring on sidewalks designed for pedestrian travel,” Evendale police said in a statement. “The protest, while very offensive, was not unlawful. The protest was short lived in duration. The protestors left the area on their own.” The location abuts another village, Lincoln Heights, which historic preservationists said is “the first all-******, self-governing city north of the Mason-Dixon line.” Lincoln Heights resident Kachara Talbert said the demonstrators should have been arrested. “They just let these people drive off and disrespect us and our heritage,” Talbert told WLWT. “And y’all going to let these terrorists and racists come over here and do that?” A prayer circle forms after a group displaying swastika flags was seen demonstrating on an I-75 overpass in Evendale, Ohio, on Friday afternoon. Cincinnati Mayor Aftab Pureval said such demonstrations were not welcome. “Messages of hate like this have no place in our region,” he said on X. “It was shocking and disgusting to see swastikas displayed in Evendale today. This is not what we stand for, and it will never be what we stand for.” The Jewish Federation of Cincinnati said in a statement that it was “deeply disturbed” by the demonstration. “We will not be intimidated,” the group said. “Our response to hate is to reaffirm our commitment to strengthening community bonds, advancing education, and advocating for a society free of antisemitism and all forms of hate and bigotry.” No specific group appears to have taken credit for the demonstration. This article was originally published on NBCNews.com Source link #Demonstrators #Nazi #flags #leave #Cincinnatiarea #highway #overpass #residents #confront Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

A New Back to The Future Game is in Development Says Co-Creator A New Back to The Future Game is in Development Says Co-Creator Co-creator of Back to The Future, Bob Gale, has said that a new video game is in the works. The news came in a new interview by cleveland.com (paywalled), who had the opportunity to sit down and speak to Back to the Future’s co-creator Bob Gale. In the interview, Gale was asked “what’s next” for him in the Back to the Future universe, to which he replied, “We’ve got a shot at a new video game based on Back to the Future.” Gale continued, ” I don’t want to tell you any more than that because I’m not allowed to, but this is something I’ve wanted to do for a long time. Knock on wood that it will happen. Of course, 2025 is the 40th anniversary of the original movie. We’re planning on some events, plus there’s a documentary that’s in post-production now about the making of the musical.” For those out of the loop, Back to the Future has had a game before called “Back to the Future: The Game” and released in December 2010 by Telltale Games and released in 5 parts, known as espisodes. The game received fairly positive reviews and reached number 3 in the PlayStation 3 sales charts on its release, however, Telltale Games did not release any sales figures. Would you like to see a new Back to the Future video game? Let us know down below, and join more discussions in the official Insider Gaming forums. For more Insider Gaming, read about what Take-Two’s CEO had to say about the Nintendo Switch 2 and check out what a recently discovered patent shows for the Switch 2’s Joy-**** controllers. And don’t forget to sign up for our newsletter. SUBSCRIBE to our newsletter to receive the latest news and exclusive leaks every week! No Spam. Source link #Future #Game #Development #CoCreator Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

NIH cuts threaten UAB, Birmingham and beyond – AL.com NIH cuts threaten UAB, Birmingham and beyond – AL.com NIH cuts threaten UAB, Birmingham and beyond AL.comDeep Cuts to Medical Research Funds Could Hobble University Budgets The New York TimesOutcry as NIH Plans $4 Billion in Cuts to Reimburse Scientists BloombergNIH cuts billions of dollars in biomedical funding, effective immediately The Washington Post Source link #NIH #cuts #threaten #UAB #Birmingham #AL.com Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

John Helldiver VA Is In Trouble and Johan Pilestedt Is Doing Everything He Can To Help John Helldiver VA Is In Trouble and Johan Pilestedt Is Doing Everything He Can To Help The use of AI-driven technology is becoming quite common nowadays and as a result, artists feel threatened as industry giants could misuse their work. Last year, the Screen Actors Guild – American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) initiated a strike due to disagreements over the terms of a new labor contract. The Actors’ Union strike ended in November 2023. However, the union’s voice actors and motion capture artists are still on strike to revolt against American video game companies. Craig Lee Thomas, the voice actor of John Helldiver, is on strike (Image via Arrowhead Game Studios) One of the artists who is currently on strike is Craig Lee Thomas, who voiced John Helldiver in Arrowhead Game Studios’ Helldivers 2. Johan Pilestedt, Chief Creative Officer of Arrowhead, recently revealed on his social media account that he supports Thomas in his battle against popular video game companies. Johan Pilestedt supports the voice actor of John Helldiver In a recent X post, Johan Pilestedt, the CCO of Arrowhead Game Studios, revealed that he had a conversation with Craig Lee Thomas, the voice actor of John Helldiver in Helldivers 2. Pilestedt supports voice actors, stating that they deserve control over their own creative output and have the right to earn passive income from licensed VO. I spoke to @itsmecraiglee (John Helldiver) on voice acting and AI. Actors deserve control over their own creative output. If they want to earn passive income from licensed VO – fine! If they want to create unique performances – fine! It should be their individual consent, right? — Pilestedt (@Pilestedt) February 7, 2025 Pilestedt also added that voice actors should also be able to create unique performances. Since Helldivers 2 is a live-service game, the company needs to come to an agreement with Thomas since he will be required to lend his voice in the future. In recent years, particularly after 2020, video game companies have extensively used generative AI to create content for their games. This was an attempt to reduce labor costs and increase productivity by using AI instead of human performers. Now, the union is seeking a better and safer contract that will keep their jobs secure. Helldivers 2 has made a strong comeback Arrowhead has managed to revive the hype for Helldivers 2 (Image via Arrowhead Game Studios) It makes sense why artists are seeking higher pay because the use of AI significantly brings down the development cost of video games. Video games are quite popular and help video game developers in generating massive revenues. For example, Steam Revenue Generator has revealed that Helldivers 2 has generated roughly $1.3 billion since its release. This number could’ve been a lot less if Arrowhead didn’t change its strategy. It is one of the few studios that take players’ feedback seriously, and that is what saved the game from dying. Sony’s involvement almost ruined the game because it tried to impose the PSN account linking policy on PC players. The policy was revoked but the game’s reputation was heavily damaged. Fortunately, Arrowhead has managed to turn things around for now as the active player count is looking good once again. Source link #John #Helldiver #Trouble #Johan #Pilestedt Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

John Cooney: Irish boxer dies after suffering brain injury in Belfast fight John Cooney: Irish boxer dies after suffering brain injury in Belfast fight Super-featherweight boxer John Cooney, 28, has died after his defeat by Welshman Nathan Howells in Belfast last Saturday. The Irish boxer suffered an intracranial haemorrhage and underwent surgery to relieve pressure on his brain following the bout at the Ulster Hall. Galway man Cooney was assessed by the medical team in the ring before being stretched out and transferred to the Royal Victoria Hospital in Belfast. “It is with complete devastation that we have to announce that after a week of battling for his life John Cooney has sadly passed away,” MHD Promotions said on behalf of the Cooney family. “Mr and Mrs Cooney and his fiancée Emmaleen would like to thank the staff at Belfast’s Royal Victoria Hospital who have worked tirelessly to save John’s life and for everyone who has sent messages of support and prayers. “He was a much-loved son, brother and partner and it will take us all a lifetime to forget how special he was. RIP John “The Kid” Cooney.” The contest was stopped in the ninth round at the Ulster Hall in what was Cooney’s first defence of his Celtic super-featherweight title. The Galway boxer won the Celtic title with a first-round win over Liam Gaynor in November 2023 at a sold-out 3Arena in Dublin, on the undercard of Katie Taylor’s revenge win over Chantelle Cameron. Cooney then spent a year out of the ring recovering from a hand injury before returning to beat Tampela Maharusi of Tanzania in October 2024 in London. Source link #John #Cooney #Irish #boxer #dies #suffering #brain #injury #Belfast #fight Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Charlie Albone: Top tips for small-space gardening on balconies, courtyards, or terraces Charlie Albone: Top tips for small-space gardening on balconies, courtyards, or terraces Small-space gardening can be lots of fun and you can create an area packed full of plants if you are clever and stick to a few basic rules. Source link #Charlie #Albone #Top #tips #smallspace #gardening #balconies #courtyards #terraces Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]