Pelican Press

Moderate US job growth expected in noisy January employment report – Reuters Moderate US job growth expected in noisy January employment report – Reuters Moderate US job growth expected in noisy January employment report ReutersThe big January jobs report comes out Friday. Here’s what to expect CNBCJanuary jobs report: Healthy labor market expected, but revisions bear watching MarketWatchJanuary jobs report expected to show hiring slowed, unemployment rate held steady to start 2025 Yahoo FinanceMarket expert says January jobs report revisions will be ‘interesting to see’ Fox Business Source link #Moderate #job #growth #expected #noisy #January #employment #report #Reuters Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Alphabet: The 8% Drop Might Be the Entry Opportunity of the Year Alphabet: The 8% Drop Might Be the Entry Opportunity of the Year Alphabet (NASDAQ:), the parent company of tech giant Google, has been on a remarkable upward trajectory over the past year, with its stock climbing as much as 40%. However, yesterday’s 8% dip following the latest earnings report has caught the attention of savvy investors. With the stock still up 30% from the same time last year, this pullback, driven by concerns over cloud revenue growth and increased capital expenditures, might just be the golden entry point many have been waiting for. As we’ll see below, there are several reasons for investors on the sidelines to be excited. Let’s jump in and take a look. Fundamental Performance To start with, let’s break down Alphabet’s latest earnings report from Tuesday. While it was a solid update overall, a small revenue miss took the spotlight. Despite consistently surpassing analyst expectations throughout 2024, revenue came in $170 million below consensus this time – a rare stumble that weighed on the stock. However, beyond that slight disappointment, there were plenty of bright spots worth paying attention to. Net income, for example, jumped 28%, which helped push Alphabet’s EPS up 31% year on year, while free cash flow remained strong at nearly $25 billion for the quarter. Most importantly, search and ads continued to grow in the face of rival search options like ChatGPT. This would have been a key metric that Wall Street was watching closely, and so its latest performance would have been well received. On the whole, aside from the revenue miss, the impressive figures served to highlight Alphabet’s resilience and adaptability in a competitive landscape. Bullish Analyst Updates For those investors who love to grab a bargain, the multiple bullish stances from analysts covering Alphabet stock suggest this recent dip is indeed more of a speed bump than a roadblock. Consider that just last week, the teams at both Wedbush and Oppenheimer reiterated their Outperform ratings, along with $220 and $225 price targets, respectively. From where Alphabet shares closed on Wednesday, that’s pointing to a targeted upside of almost 20%. Needless to say, this would also result in shares being back trading at all-time highs. Their bullish outlook was echoed yesterday when, in a note to clients, Pivotal Research expressed confidence in Alphabet’s post-earnings valuation, emphasizing the strength of its assets. They acknowledged the need for patience as management continues to deliver in search and YouTube and address the deceleration in cloud growth, but they still reiterated their Outperform rating and $225 price target. Potential Concerns Of course, a surprise revenue miss is never a good thing, and concerns were flagged on how the last quarter saw some hefty expenditure from the company, which raised eyebrows. When considering how Alphabet posted a quarter-on-quarter decline in cloud revenue and investors looking at the rapid advances (at minimal costs) from China-based AI startup DeepSeek, a big capital-spending surprise isn’t likely to sit well. In that context, yesterday’s drop is somewhat understandable, and it will be concerning if Alphabet can’t show some payoff soon. Investors should keep a close eye on how these investments translate into tangible returns in the coming quarters while at the same time recognizing that it’s fair to think yesterday’s drop might mean it’s all priced in now already. Getting Involved Alphabet’s current technical setup also supports the theory that this is an enticing opportunity for those of us looking to add some tech to our portfolios. The stock bounced off a level of support yesterday and closed well above the lows. This has created a strong, potentially only short-term, foundation to launch a comeback rally in the coming days. In addition, an RSI of 46 indicates that Alphabet stock has a ton of room to run if things start taking off. Remember, the is still up around highs, a risk-on sentiment still prevails, and Alphabet is still Alphabet. It’s not often that it drops 8% in a single day, so it could well be the time to be brave. Original Post Source link #Alphabet #Drop #Entry #Opportunity #Year Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

Grenfell Tower to be taken down, government confirms Grenfell Tower to be taken down, government confirms Grenfell Tower will be taken down, the government has announced nearly eight years after a fire that killed 72 people. The process is expected to take around two years and will be done “sensitively”, with no changes before the eighth anniversary of the disaster in June, the government said. The plan has drawn a mixed reaction from local people, bereaved families and survivors – some of whom want the 24-storey tower to remain standing as a lasting reminder of the 2017 tragedy. Others argue its presence is distressing to those who lost loved ones and say it should be replaced by a memorial. “It is clear from conversations it remains a sacred site,” the government said in a statement. “It is also clear that there is not a consensus about what should happen to it.” Materials from the site and parts of the tower will be made available for inclusion as part of a memorial “if the community wishes”, the government added. The decision to dismantle the building comes after engineers advised it should be “carefully taken down” due to safety concerns. Fire damage to the upper levels of the tower has been exacerbated by weather, according to a 2020 report. Some survivors and bereaved families have said the tower should remain as it is until people have been prosecuted over the fire. No charges in relation to the tragedy will be announced until late 2026, the Metropolitan Police and Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) have said. Some former residents were told about the decision to take down the tower during a meeting with Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner on Wednesday. A spokesperson for Grenfell United, which represents some bereaved families and survivors, said no-one at the meeting supported the plan, and that ignoring their wishes was “disgraceful and unforgivable”. Kimia Zabihyan, from Grenfell Next of Kin, which also acts for some bereaved families, described the meeting as “charged”, but said Rayner appeared to have attended with the “best of intentions”. Downing Street said Rayner held the meeting to make sure bereaved families and survivors were the first to hear the government’s decision. She offered bereaved family members and survivors “the opportunity to meet in person and online at different times and places”, and had “heard many views” through the process, the prime minister’s official spokesman said. Emma O’Connor, who lived on the 20th floor of tower and escaped the fire, said survivors had not been properly consulted about the plan and called on Rayner to “show us some respect”. Ms O’Connor has launched a petition calling for local residents, survivors and bereaved family members to be allowed to vote on the tower’s future. Others in the area have supported the government’s decision. The head of a local residents’ association told the BBC on Wednesday he and “the overwhelming majority” of local residents supported the decision to take down the tower. Mushtaq Lasharie said locals had been waiting for “closure” for more than seven years. Another local resident said the building had been “haunting us every day”. Emma Dent Coad, who was Labour MP for Kensington at the time of the fire, on Wednesday said the decision made her feel “relieved”. “I see it everyday, and it hurts me every single day,” she said. “It triggers me sometimes, and sometimes when I look at it, I don’t see the shroud, I see what happened on that day.” The fire on 14 June 2017 was originally caused by a faulty fridge in a fourth-floor flat, but quickly spread around the block because it was covered in highly flammable cladding. A public inquiry concluded in September that the disaster had been the result of numerous government and construction industry failures. The Grenfell Tower Memorial Commission has been consulting on plans for a memorial in the area of the tower. Five design teams have been shortlisted to create the memorial, with the winner aiming to submit a planning application in late 2026. Source link #Grenfell #Tower #government #confirms Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

GTA Parent Company Hints At Plans To Support Switch 2 GTA Parent Company Hints At Plans To Support Switch 2 Take-Two has supported Nintendo platforms over the years, and the company expects that to continue with the Nintendo Switch 2. This comes just days after another high-profile publisher, EA, said something similar, indicating the Madden series may show up on Switch 2. In an interview with Barron’s, Take-Two boss Strauss Zelnick said he’s not ready to make any announcements, but fans can expect reveals to come. “Historically, we’ve supported Nintendo platforms selectively; we’ve supported them when the platform is right for the property at hand,” Zelnick said. “We haven’t made any announcements, but I think you can expect it will be supportive when it makes sense.” During an earnings call, Zenick said there was a time when Nintendo platforms were aimed nearly exclusively at kids and young people in general, but that’s no longer the case. The Switch can “support any audience” today, Zelnick said, stopping short of specifically confirming any game releases for Switch 2. In an interview with VentureBeat, Zelnick said, “I would have every belief that we’ll be supportive of Switch 2.” People might want to know if GTA VI will show up on Switch 2, and there is no reason to believe it will. The game has only been announced for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S. Grand Theft Auto: The Trilogy – The Definitive Edition came to Switch in 2021. Before that, Rockstar released GTA: Chinatown Wars on Nintendo DS back in 2009. Outside of Rockstar Games, there are plenty of 2K Games franchises that could potentially show up on Switch 2, but no announcements have been made. Recently, developers at Civilization studio Firaxis commented on the Switch 2’s rumored mouse controls and how that could be “intriguing” for the series. In other Take-Two news, the company has re-confirmed that GTA VI remains on schedule to launch in Fall 2025, despite fears it could be delayed like many of Rockstar’s past games were. Source link #GTA #Parent #Company #Hints #Plans #Support #Switch Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Financials, Health Care Sectors Leading US Stocks Higher in 2025 Financials, Health Care Sectors Leading US Stocks Higher in 2025 Genius remains a bull market so far in 2025. All the main sectors in the US equities market are posting year-to-date gains, led by financials and health care, based on a set of ETFs through Thursday’s close (Feb. 6). The Financial Select Sector SPDR ETF (NYSE:) is up 7.8% so far this year. (XLV) is a close second-place performer with a 6.9% year-to-date rise. Both funds are well ahead of the overall stock market’s 3.5% rise so far in 2025, based on (SPY). Notably, the (XLK) is currently the laggard year to date. After flying high in recent years, this slice of the market is posting a relatively sluggish gain of just 1.0% so far in 2025. A new headwind this year for the formerly leading tech sector is the recent launch of DeepSeek, an artificial intelligence (AI) company in China that’s seen as a low-cost threat to US-led AI firms. “We think 2025 is the year the investing world realizes China is outcompeting the rest of the world,” writes Deutsche Bank analyst Peter Milliken wrote in a report titled “China Eats The World.” He predicts: “Investors we believe will have to pivot sharply to China in the medium term, and will struggle to get access to its stocks without bidding them up.” The market, for the moment, seems to agree from a sector perspective and has downgraded US big-tech firms’ performance after two calendar years of red-hot gains. Meanwhile, the crowd has pivoted to the financial sector since the election. Barron’s this week labels the sector’s rally as “Wall Street’s latest momentum trade du jour” and that “the financial services sector got a big lift from President Donald Trump’s victory in November. Shares of many major banks as well as regional leaders have continued to rally since then.” XLF’s momentum is certainly strong these days. In yesterday’s trading, the fund edged up to a new record high. Adding to the tailwind is yesterday’s news that the Federal Reserve’s new annual stress test for banks shows lesser hypothetical shocks to the US economy vs. previous years. “The 2025 stress test scenario, broadly better vs last year, increases our confidence that banks should begin to see relief on regulatory capital requirements, given our expectations for a shift to a balanced, transparent, and more predictable regulatory regime,” writes Bank of America analyst Ebrahim Poonawala Poonawala in note yesterday. Source link #Financials #Health #Care #Sectors #Leading #Stocks #Higher Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Many lottery winners in Michigan must share their identity. A new bill could change that Many lottery winners in Michigan must share their identity. A new bill could change that If you win big in the Michigan lottery, but don’t want the fame to go along with your fortune, you may be out of luck, but a state representative wants to change that. In Michigan, whether lottery winners can choose to remain anonymous or are required to go public with their identity depends on the type of lottery game they win, and the cash value of their winnings. However, a current legislative proposal by State Rep. Pat Outman, R-Six Lakes, could allow all lottery winners in the state to remain anonymous if it becomes law. Here’s what to know. What is being proposed in the Michigan legislature? Outman introduced a bill on Jan. 14 that would allow winners of more than $10,000 from the Michigan Lottery, and winners of games played under joint enterprises to keep their names, addresses and other personal information private. “HB 4004 is about protecting people’s right to privacy in an era where personal information is more accessible than ever. Eleven other states already allow lottery winners to remain anonymous, and it’s time for Michigan to follow suit,” Outman said in an emailed statement. “This isn’t a partisan issue — every time it’s been introduced, it’s had broad bipartisan support. Ensuring the safety and privacy of our citizens should be a priority, and HB 4004 is a commonsense step in that direction.” Outman proposed the bill in past legislative sessions and it was approved by the Michigan House of Representatives. However, the bill never made it to a vote in the Michigan Senate. “When Michigan introduced the lottery in the 1970s, the world was a much different place — there was no internet, no social media, and far fewer concerns about privacy and personal safety,” Outman said. “Today, a lottery winner’s name becoming public can lead to real dangers, including scams, harassment, and even violence. Tragically, there have been cases in other states where lottery winners were targeted and harmed simply because their identity was made public.” Similar bills were introduced in 2021 and 2024. What is the Michigan Lottery saying about the bill? The Michigan Lottery is studying the bill, but has not yet taken a formal position on the proposal, Michigan Lottery spokesperson Jake Harris said. What does current law require in Michigan? Michigan in-state lottery winners of cash prizes of $10,000 or below must disclose their identity publicly, Michigan Lottery Numbers said. Winners of multi-state lotteries are subject to the rules of the games under Michigan law, according to the Michigan Lottery. More: How can you contact your elected officials in Michigan? Here’s what to know If I win a big prize, can I stay anonymous in Michigan? If you win a Michigan state lottery game with a cash prize of more than $10,000, you may remain anonymous unless you waive the right, according to the Michigan Lottery. Where winners can claim the Powerball, Mega Millions jackpots anonymously There are 17 states where winners do not have to reveal their identities. Are there ways around public disclosure for Michigan winners? While many multi-state lottery games publicly disclose the identity of winners, there is a way around that. By playing as a group, most individuals may be able to stay anonymous, but one member of the group must claim the prize publicly. In 2024, a Michigan trio won an $842.4 million Powerball jackpot, the group remained anonymous as their attorney accepted the prize. More: Stuck in the winter doldrums? See what there is to do in February in Michigan What lotteries are conducted in Michigan? The Michigan Lottery offers a variety of options for gambling, including scratch-off tickets. Other major in-state games include: USA Today contributed. Contact Jenna Prestininzi: *****@*****.tld. This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Michigan House bill seeks to provide anonymity to lottery winners Source link #lottery #winners #Michigan #share #identity #bill #change Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Apple’s Vision Pro is getting the M5 chip, but that’s not what it really needs Apple’s Vision Pro is getting the M5 chip, but that’s not what it really needs Table of Contents Table of Contents The wrong priority? Taking the long view We’ve not yet seen the full rollout of Apple’s M4 chip family — the M4 Ultra is still yet to make an appearance — but already we’ve just learned that the M5 chip is now in production. That means it’ll probably arrive in Macs either late this year or early next year. If you’ve been waiting to buy a new MacBook Pro, that could mean 2026 is the year to finally pull the trigger. After all, Apple is expected to fully redesign its flagship laptop for next year’s release, and if that coincides with a powerful new M5 chip, all the better. But there’s another device the M5 chip is rumored for: the Vision Pro headset. And on that front, things are a lot more complicated. On the surface, it looks encouraging. The M5 will likely bring increased performance and better efficiency, the latter of which could lead to improved battery life in the Vision Pro. But there’s another thing we could see when the M5 drops into the mixed-reality headset: the inclusion of Apple Intelligence, the company’s artificial intelligence (AI) system. While the M2 in the existing Vision Pro can run AI (it does so in Macs, after all), it can’t do it in the Vision Pro where it also needs to handle many other heavy processing workloads. Adding artificial intelligence to the Vision Pro makes sense from Apple’s perspective, as it’s trying to gain a foothold in the AI market. But does it actually make sense for Vision Pro users, both existing and prospective ones? I’m not so sure. The wrong priority? Apple I recently wrote that there’s one thing the Vision Pro needs to resurrect itself, and that’s a cheaper model. At $3,500, the current Vision Pro is well out of the reach of most consumers, and sales are suffering as a result. And really, I can say that a strong chip and Apple Intelligence were not on my list of necessary improvements. So why is Apple prioritizing a new chip instead of a cut-price model? Well, a new form factor takes time to develop, especially if Apple wasn’t planning on launching one and was instead forced into action by lacklustre Vision Pro sales. But are AI and a more powerful chip really what the headset needs? It’s already one of the most powerful and feature-rich virtual reality headsets on the market, and that’s precisely why its price is so high. Adding in a brand-new chip is going to do nothing to make the Vision Pro more affordable, something that desperately needs to happen. As well as that, Apple Intelligence is very limited right now. While it has some good uses, it will need to be in a far better state by the time it launches in the Vision Pro to actually have any major impact (or convince buyers to snap one up). While I can see how AI could help Vision Pro users navigate a new interface and an unfamiliar way of working (just ask Siri to do something if you can’t find it, for example), it will be irrelevant if the headset is still too expensive for most people to actually purchase one. Taking the long view Apple I expect that this M5 update is intended to keep the Vision Pro relevant while Apple works on a more affordable sibling model, which we know is in development. But really, the M5 inclusion just helps to highlight how much of a drastic rethink the Vision Pro needs. Simple chip upgrades and artificial intelligence aren’t going to cut it. I’m hopeful that that kind of overhaul is exactly what Apple has planned. There’s no need to ditch the current Vision Pro entirely — that can carry on as a model for enthusiasts and those for whom money is no object. For those people, the M5 chip will be a welcome upgrade. But I expect that everyone else would be willing to skip the M5 chip if it meant Apple could bring down the cost and release a more affordable headset. It’s just a shame that the cut-price headset might not launch until 2028. Until then, Apple will have to hope upgrades like the M5 are enough to keep people happy. Source link #Apples #Vision #Pro #chip Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Helldivers 2 Devs Snuck in the Most Hilarious FRV Tidbit in Latest Patch Notes Helldivers 2 Devs Snuck in the Most Hilarious FRV Tidbit in Latest Patch Notes When it comes to patch notes, most developers stick to the dry, technical details of what’s been fixed or changed. But Helldivers 2 developer Arrowhead Game Studios has always marched to the beat of a different drum, turning what could be mundane update logs into entertaining reads that keep players coming back for more. Taking patch notes from boring to brilliant. | Image Credit: Arrowhead Game Studios In their latest patch notes for update 01.002.101, the team has outdone themselves yet again, peppering their technical documentation with the kind of wit and charm that would make even the most hardened Automaton crack a smile. From “yeeted” vehicles to “absolute cinema”-tic camera improvements, these patch notes read less like a technical document and more like a comedy script. And in true Super Earth fashion, they’ve managed to sneak in some genuinely hilarious observations about their own game mechanics, proving that sometimes the best way to fix a bug is to embrace it with open arms and a hearty laugh. The art of writing patch notes with style The latest Helldivers 2 update brings a host of important changes, but it’s the way Arrowhead presents them that has players grinning from ear to ear. Take, for instance, their explanation of the FRV improvements: Comment byu/Glub__Glub from discussion inhelldivers2 This delightful mix of technical information and playful commentary has become something of a trademark for the studio, earning them praise from players who appreciate developers who don’t take themselves too seriously: Comment byu/Glub__Glub from discussion inhelldivers2 Even when addressing serious gameplay improvements, the team manages to maintain their signature humor without compromising the clarity of their communication. Take, for instance, their approach to the “Siege-Ready” armor passive bug—instead of fixing its unintended bonus of providing extra ammo to all magazine-based weapons rather than just primary weapons, they decided that sometimes the best solution is to simply… let players have their fun! In fact, this particular decision showcases Arrowhead’s understanding that not all bugs are created equal. Sometimes, what starts as an unintended feature ends up enhancing the player experience in ways the devs never anticipated. It’s refreshing to see a studio that can recognize these happy accidents and embrace them with such style and grace. When bugs become features and patch notes become entertainment No FRVs were yeeted into space during this photo op. | Image Credit: Arrowhead Game Studios The team’s ability to find humor in the chaos extends beyond vehicle physics to player movement mechanics as well: Comment byu/Glub__Glub from discussion inhelldivers2 The casual inclusion of “yeeted” in official patch notes hasn’t gone unnoticed by the community: Comment byu/Glub__Glub from discussion inhelldivers2 This approach to patch notes does more than just entertain—it helps build a stronger connection between developers and players. By acknowledging the sometimes absurd nature of game development and the unexpected ways players interact with their creation, Arrowhead shows they’re not just fixing a game, they’re part of the community that plays it. Whether they’re describing catastrophic FRV explosions or explaining why Helldivers shouldn’t slide around “despite it being the year of the snake,” these patch notes serve as a reminder that even in the serious business of spreading managed democracy across the galaxy, there’s always room for a good laugh! Have you spotted any other gems in the latest patch notes? Share your favorite humorous patch note moments in the comments below! Source link #Helldivers #Devs #Snuck #Hilarious #FRV #Tidbit #Latest #Patch #Notes Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

L’Oreal looks to U.S. ‘land of opportunity’ as China disappoints L’Oreal looks to U.S. ‘land of opportunity’ as China disappoints L’Oreal global flagship store is seen on Nanjing Road on May 8, 2021 in Shanghai, China. Vcg | Visual China Group | Getty Images The world’s largest beauty group L’Oreal said Friday that it plans to become less dependent on the ******** consumer for growth, instead targeting burgeoning opportunities in the U.S. market. “We see the U.S. as the land of opportunity,” said CEO Nicolas Hieronimus during an earnings presentation following the release of the company’s fourth-quarter results Thursday. Speaking during a Q&A session, Hieronimus described China as “the big unknown” after the company reported a continuous decline in quarterly North Asia sales amid a “challenging” ******** ecosystem. North Asia sales were down 3.6% on a like-for-like basis in the fourth quarter, a steeper decline than the 2.4% contraction forecast in a consensus estimate cited by Citi bank. Through 2024, L’Oreal’s market growth in mainland China declined around 4%, while travel retail in Asia fell roughly 10%, according to data the company shared Friday. The beauty group added that China now accounts for 17% of total sales, a notable reduction on recent years. “The big unknown is China,” Hieronimus continued. “We have accounted in our own calculations for a flattish market for China. We think that travel retail will remain difficult and only good surprises can come from there.” The company, whose brands include Lancôme, Maybelline and Kiehl’s, has been struggling with weaker consumer demand over recent quarters, particularly in the key ******** market — a trend that has also beset high-end luxury firms. It comes as fourth-quarter sales rose across all regions to 11.08 billion euros ($11.49 billion), up 2.5% on a like-for-like basis and just shy of the 11.1 billion euros estimated by analysts in an LSEG poll. U.S. sales rose 1.4% on a like-for-like basis, down from 5.2% growth in the prior quarter and the weakest among all other regions. Nevertheless, Hieronimus said he was optimistic about the opportunities in the U.S. market, particularly in its young and growing Latino and multiracial populations, which he said would lead to “a variety of new beauty needs.” He also pointed to the affluence of the U.S. consumer, which he said would “continue to drive the growth of our luxury division.” Stock Chart IconStock chart icon L’Oreal. “Today, we are pretty bullish in the U.S., confident in emerging markets, steady on our stronghold in Europe and a big question mark in China,” he said. Hieronimus did not weigh in on the implications of any new U.S. policies around trade and immigration under President Donald Trump’s administration. Responding to a separate question on the potential impact of U.S. tariffs — which economist warn could flame inflation and suppress consumer spending both in the U.S. and targeted markets like China — Hieronimus said there were “many unknowns” in the macroeconomic environment. L’Oreal’s full-year sales rose 5.1% to 43.48 billion euros versus the 43.33 billion euros forecast, the company reported Thursday. Shares were down 4.5% Friday as investors digested the results, extending a more than 20% decline last year. Source link #LOreal #U.S #land #opportunity #China #disappoints Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

How to Romance Hans Capon in Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 (Answered) How to Romance Hans Capon in Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 (Answered) Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 will have you living out a full-fledged second life in medieval Bohemia. As you can imagine, that second life comes with all the trappings you’d expect – including romance and relationships. As you make your journey across the expansive world of KCD2, you’ll meet many characters you can share a fling with – or something deeper. In this guide, I’m addressing how to romance Hans Capon in Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2. It’s probably one of the easiest romantic options to pursue, and it requires very little heavy lifting, such is the pre-existing relationship between Hans and Henry. How to Kiss Hans in Kingdom Come As the game unravels, you’ll want to pay close attention to the conversation options you pick when you’re interacting with Hans. If you ever see the heart symbol alongside a conversation line, pick that one if you intend to romance Hans Capon, the man you’re sworn to protect. There are two or three opportunities to set up the relationship as the game unravels. Also, if you ever have to ‘pick a side’ or help Hans out with a side objective, make sure you do it, just so you have the best chance possible of ticking the necessary boxes to get the full Hans romance scene later in the game. For instance, when you’re trapped in Suchdol Fortress in the game’s closing missions, you can fetch Hans some food, which is an example of where you can bolster that relationship. Ultimately, if you want to romance Hans Capon in KCD2, you’ll need to wait until one of the last missions in the game. You’ll be trapped in Suchdol Fortress and will be forced to undertake something tantamount to a suicide mission, and before you go, you can find Hans and bid him farewell, just in case the worst should happen. In the conversation options, you’ll be prompted to hear an emotional story from Hans, which is a thinly veiled representation of the relationship between both him and Henry of Skalitz. If you pick the option that suggests the story sounds comparable to Hans and Henry’s relationship, you’ll get a further prompt to kiss Hans Capon. This is where an amorous cutscene kicks in and the pair embrace, engaging in a romantic scene that fades to ******. For more Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 content, check out our full review of the game. SUBSCRIBE to our newsletter to receive the latest news and exclusive leaks every week! No Spam. Source link #Romance #Hans #Capon #Kingdom #Deliverance #Answered Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Tinder Dating Safety Guide Released in Four Indian Languages Ahead of Safer Internet Day Tinder Dating Safety Guide Released in Four Indian Languages Ahead of Safer Internet Day Tinder released its Dating Safety Guide in four Indian languages on Friday. The Match Group-owned dating app said that the regional language version of the guide was created in collaboration with the non-profit institution Centre for Social Research (CSR) ahead of the Safer Internet Day, which is observed on February 11. The company said that the guide was part of its ongoing commitment to education and awareness around online dating safety in India. Tinder recently conducted a survey in the country, and the translated guide was developed on the basis of the feedback received. Tinder Releases Its Dating Safety Guide in Indian Languages In a press release, the dating app announced the release of its Dating Safety Guide in four regional Indian languages including Bengali, Hindi, Kannada, and Marathi. Notably, the dating guide was first released in September 2023 in English, and the company claims it has been viewed more the one million times and has 50,000 downloads. Recently, the company conducted a survey in India and found that users’ biggest priority before going on the first date with someone they met through a dating app was safety and security. Additionally, 37 percent of surveyed individuals said they would video call their match before going on a real-life date. Alongside the feedback from the survey, Tinder claimed that regional language speakers also suggested the company introduce educational content in their native language. The company stated that it is committing to creating inclusive and more informed dating experiences for diverse users in India. Throughout the ongoing month, Tinder users in India will see in-app cards highlighting that the Dating Safety Guide is available to be downloaded in the abovementioned regional languages. Users can also see tips mentioned in these cards as well as online resource destinations where they can find more information about online safety while dating and meeting new people. The guide covers a wide range of topics, such as how to look for “red flags” (things that might not feel right) and “green flags” (signs of respect and kindness), definition and contextual understanding of context, and how to use safety tools provided within the Tinder app. Source link #Tinder #Dating #Safety #Guide #Released #Indian #Languages #Ahead #Safer #Internet #Day Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Trump’s Attack on Foreign Aid, and Disappearing Bird Flu Data – The New York Times Trump’s Attack on Foreign Aid, and Disappearing Bird Flu Data – The New York Times Trump’s Attack on Foreign Aid, and Disappearing Bird Flu Data The New York TimesCDC scientific report resumes publication after unprecedented pause The Washington PostCDC Journal Resumes Publication, but Without H5N1 Studies Medpage Today‘Voice of the CDC’ resumes publication, but experts worry about what they’re not hearing The Associated PressWeekly CDC report returns, omits bird flu studies Live 5 News WCSC Source link #Trumps #Attack #Foreign #Aid #Disappearing #Bird #Flu #Data #York #Times Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

iQOO 12 Software Update Policy Revised; Will Now Get 4 Years of OS and 5 Years of Security Updates iQOO 12 Software Update Policy Revised; Will Now Get 4 Years of OS and 5 Years of Security Updates iQOO 12 is the company’s flagship smartphone for 2023 which debuted in India in December of the same year. At launch, it was confirmed to get three years of operating system (OS) updates and four years of security patches, and the company released the Android 15-based FuntouchOS 15 update for the phone in select global markets in November last year. However, iQOO has now announced the expansion of its software update policy for its 2023 flagship model. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), iQOO India announced the revised software policy of the iQOO 12. The phone will now be eligible to receive four years of OS updates and five years of security updates, with the latter including advanced security patches, as per the company. It extends the software support by one year. With this move, the company emphasises its focus on delivering “security, longevity, and performance” to users. Big news for all #iQOO12 users! We’re taking your experience to the next level with 4 years of OS updates and 5 years of security patches, ensuring your device stays up-to-date and secure till 2028. At iQOO, we don’t just create powerful devices, we make sure they remain… pic.twitter.com/wec6n9JfKd — iQOO India (@IqooInd) February 7, 2025 Launched with FuntouchOS 14 based on Android 14, the handset is confirmed to receive software updates till 2027 and security patches till 2028. iQOO 12 Specifications The dual-SIM (Nano-SIM) iQOO 12 features a 6.78-inch 2K (1,440×3,200 pixels) AMOLED E7 display with HDR support and up to 144Hz refresh rate. The screen has a 20:9 aspect ratio and 92.42 percent screen-to-body ratio. It is powered by an octa-core 4nm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset, paired with up to 16GB of LPDDR5X RAM and Adreno 750 GPU. It runs on FuntouchOS 15 based on Android 15. For optics, the phone is equipped with a triple rear camera setup comprising a 50-megapixel primary camera with a 1/1.3-inch OmniVision OV50H sensor with an f/1.7 aperture, a 50-megapixel ultra-wide-angle camera with a 120-degree field-of-view and an f/2.0 aperture, and a 64-megapixel periscope telephoto camera with 3x optical zoom, 100x hybrid zoom, and an f/2.6 aperture. It also gets a 16-megapixel front camera with a wide-angle lens and an f/2.5 aperture for selfies and video calls. Connectivity options on the iQOO 12 include 5G, 4G LTE, Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4, GPS, NFC, infrared blaster, and a USB 2.0 Type-C port. The phone packs a 5,000mAh battery with 120W FlashCharge support. Source link #iQOO #Software #Update #Policy #Revised #Years #Years #Security #Updates Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Friday’s top Wall Street analyst calls Amazon & Nvidia Friday’s top Wall Street analyst calls Amazon & Nvidia Here are the biggest calls on Wall Street on Friday: Morgan Stanley reiterates Amazon as overweight Morgan Stanley called Amazon a “GenAI winner” following earnings on Thursday. “Retail cost to serve is improving, with ample runway to go thru more core logistics and GenAI-enabled advances, including robotics. AWS is compounding profitably with potential for acceleration as we enter a phase of broader GenAI inference. $280 PT AMZN still under-appreciated GenAI winner.” Read more about Amazon here. KBW initiates Strategy as outperform KBW says the crypto company formerly known as MicroStrategy is very well positioned. “We view MSTR as an attractive proxy for investors seeking levered Bitcoin exposure with additional torque from accretive Bitcoin purchases that are fueled by highly demanded security issuances and a valuation that exceeds net asset value.” Citi reiterates Netflix as neutral Citi raised its price target on Netflix t o $1,020 per share from $920 “After reviewing consensus revenue estimates, we believe sells side revenue forecasts are reasonable for the next few years. As such, barring significantly lower costs, we don’t expect outsized equity returns in ’25 through ’27. We maintain our Neutral rating.” Deutsche Bank upgrades Honeywell to buy from hold The firm upgraded Honeywell following its decision on Thursday to breakup into three separate companies . “And if we are right about this, we think the stock’s multiple can re-rate towards the peer group average, ~23x **** [next twelve months] P/E. So, we essentially believe that earnings momentum can bridge ‘deal limbo’, creating a near-term positive catalyst, followed by the breakup catalyst in 2026. Read more about this call here. HSBC Upgrades Expedia to buy from hold HSBC said in its upgrade of Expedia that travel trends are looking up for the online travel company. “Encouraging trends across leisure, B2B, advertising + int’l.” Morgan Stanley downgrades e.l.f. Beauty to equal weight from overweight Morgan Stanley says it has “lower visibility” for the beauty company. “We are downgrading ELF to Equal-weight post Q3 results last night, which were overshadowed by ELF lowering implied Q4 guidance significantly, confirming January US scanner data weakness.” Bernstein upgrades Pinterest to outperform from market perform Bernstein upgraded Pinterest following its solid earnings on Thursday. “It’s possible that this quarter was a one-off, though we see enough evidence in execution to believe the pace of progress is sustainable.” Citi upgrades Hershey to neutral from sell Citi says the risk/reward seems more “balanced.” “We are upgrading the Hershey shares to Neutral. The stock is down 24% over the past 6 months, the second worst in our coverage behind BG (median -13%). We do not see much near-term upside in the stock price – not when the shares trade at > 25x this year’s earnings and cocoa remains persistently high.” Citi upgrades Deckers to buy from neutral Citi says investors should buy the dip in the shoe company. “We are upgrading DECK from Neutral to Buy and maintaining our $215 TP.” Citi upgrades Pagaya to buy from neutral Citi said in its upgrade of Pagaya that it’s bullish on the AI lending software company. “We think the narrative improves in 2025 towards a focus on network partner expansion and rising personal loan/point-of ***** volume demand from existing partners.” Wells Fargo reiterates JPMorgan as overweight Wells raised its price target on the stock to $300 per share from $270. ” JPM reflects ‘Goliath is Winning’ given mkt share gains, best-in-class performance, and what we see as the most positive regulatory inflection in 3 decades. We expect re-rating similar to Year 1 in Trump 1.0.” TD Cowen upgrades Genpact to buy from hold TD Cowen says the professional services and solutions company is seeing ‘Turnaround traction.'” “Turnaround traction has built steam & G is apt to ultimately return to DD [double digit] top & bottom line growth in ’25 and a DD EPS med-term CAGR.” Wedbush upgrades Denny’s to outperform from neutral The firm says the restaurant company stock is undervalued. “… Denny’s introduction of the $2,$4,$6,$8 menu in August and focus on core equities (the Grand Slam) is driving incremental comp product improvements and menu innovation have driven significant improvements in guest sentiment, remodels are underway, local co-ops are re-opting in, contributing an incremental 0.5% of marketing spend, and off-premise continues to grow.” MoffettNathanson downgrades Roblox to sell from neutral The firm says Roblox shares have run too far too fast. “Yesterday’s earnings and stock reaction began, we think, to reignite some debates around what’s achievable, when, and what’s embedded in the shares today. Morgan Stanley reiterates Nvidia and Broadcom as overweight The firm says it’s sticking with AI winners Nvidia and Broadcom. “We remain positive longer term, with a focus on AI (NVDA, AVGO) as well as value beneficiaries of a cycle snapback, such as ADI, MKSI, and WDC.” Citi downgrades Nike to neutral from buy Citi downgraded the stock after meeting with management and says the inflection point is on hold. “We are downgrading NKE from Buy to Neutral. We attended a sell-side event to meet with new CEO Elliott Hill. After discussing the key building blocks and challenges to achieve a turnaround, we no longer believe F26 will inflect the way we hoped, either on the sales or EBIT margin line.” Source link #Fridays #top #Wall #Street #analyst #calls #Amazon #Nvidia Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

British couple found dead at home in south of France British couple found dead at home in south of France A British couple have been found dead in their home in south west France. French media reported they were both aged in their 60s, and the couple are believed to have lived in Scotland for many years before moving to France. The mayor of Villefranche-de-Rouergue, Jean-Sébastien Orcibal, told French television that the deaths were “clearly a *********”. They are understood to have lived in the hamlet of Les Pesquiès, south of Villefranche-de-Rouergue, for around 10 years. Local media reported a neighbour discovered the bodies around 12:20 on Thursday and that the police investigation remains ongoing. Mr Orcibal dismissed speculation the deaths were due to a burglary “gone wrong”, and said “no knife was found”. The couple were described as being “well integrated” in the village. A helicopter, a drone, criminal investigation technicians and a forensic doctor were all seen at the home throughout Thursday. Les Pesquiès has around 100 residents and the area is popular with expats. A spokesperson for the ***’s Foreign Office said: “We are supporting the family of a British couple who died in France and are liaising with the local authorities”. Source link #British #couple #dead #home #south #France Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

SpaceX Falcon 9 Starlink 12-9 – Kennedy Space Center SpaceX Falcon 9 Starlink 12-9 – Kennedy Space Center SpaceX Falcon 9 Starlink 12-9 Kennedy Space CenterWhat to know: SpaceX launch from Cape Canaveral set for Friday afternoon Florida TodayToday: Falcon 9 rocket set to launch from Cape Canaveral Yahoo! VoicesSpaceX launches 21 Starlink satellites on foggy Tuesday morning Spaceflight NowWATCH LIVE at 1:52 p.m.: SpaceX to attempt Starlink launch from Florida coast WKMG News 6 & ClickOrlando Source link #SpaceX #Falcon #Starlink #Kennedy #Space #Center Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

Civilization 7 Quality-Of-Life Fixes Are Inbound, Starting With Its UI Civilization 7 Quality-Of-Life Fixes Are Inbound, Starting With Its UI Ahead of its full release on February 11, Civilization VII developer Firaxis has outlined plans to improve the game with post-launch fixes and new features. Early reviews for Civilization VII have been mixed so far, while Steam community feedback posts have also highlighted several areas that need to be addressed. In a developer update, Firaxis revealed that its primary focus is on the user interface, as it wants to make this part of the game easier to use and read. “We need some time to digest all of your feedback, but some areas that we’re already looking into include making UI interactions more intuitive, improving map readability, fixing areas of polish like formatting, and more,” Firaxis explained in a blog post. “We’re committed to getting this right, and will share more details as soon as we can.” Firaxis will also be working on implementing several features requested by the community, adding these in via free future updates. While the timing for these has yet to be worked out, the developer says that Civilization VII fans can expect to see the following features added in time: Adding Teams to multiplayer games so that you can play cooperatively Allowing full player counts in multiplayer in all three Ages through refinements to the Distant Lands system Allowing you to pick your starting and ending Age to allow for single- or double-Age games Providing a wider variety of map types Enabling city and religion names to be customized Hotseat multiplayer The studio added that is aiming to release Patch 1.1.0 in March, which includes quality-of-life UI adjustments, ongoing AI balance and improvement, adjustments to diplomacy and crises, and additional bug fixes. Currently available in early access on PC, Civilization VII will also be coming to PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and Switch. The game is also expected to be on Switch 2 via backwards compatibility, and with rumors of the updated Joy-**** controllers having mouse-like functionality, Civilization VII executive producer Dennis Shirk recently commented that such a feature is quite intriguing. Source link #Civilization #QualityOfLife #Fixes #Inbound #Starting Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

*** government demands access to Apple users’ encrypted data *** government demands access to Apple users’ encrypted data The *** government has demanded to be able to access encrypted data stored by Apple users worldwide in its cloud service. The news was first reported by the Washington Post quoting sources familiar with the matter, and the BBC has spoken to similar contacts. Legally, the notice, served by the Home Office under the Investigatory Powers Act, cannot be made public, and Apple declined to comment. The Home Office said: “We do not comment on operational matters, including for example confirming or denying the existence of any such notices.” The notice applies to all content stored using Apple’s Advanced Data Protection (ADP), which encrypts the data meaning that Apple itself cannot see it. It is an opt-in service and not all users choose to activate it. If they lose access to their account, the added encryption means there is no way of retrieving any of their data. The firm has previously said it would pull security services from the *** market rather than comply with any government demands to weaken them by creating so-called “back doors” to grant the authorities access to user data on demand. Cyber security experts agree that once such an entry point is in place, it is only a matter of time before bad actors also discover it. And withdrawing the product from the *** might not be enough to ensure compliance – the Investigatory Powers Act applies worldwide to any tech firm with a *** market, even if they are not based in Britain. The tech giant can appeal against the government’s demand but cannot delay implementing the ruling during the process even if it is eventually overturned, according to the legislation. The government argues that encryption enables criminals to hide more easily, and the FBI in the US has also been critical of the ADP tool. Professor Alan Woodward, cyber security expert from Surrey University, said he was “stunned” by the news, and privacy campaigners Big Brother Watch described the reports as “troubling”. “This misguided attempt at tackling crime and terrorism will not make the *** safer, but it will erode the fundamental rights and civil liberties of the entire population,” the group said in a statement. *** children’s charity the NSPCC has previously described encryption as being on the front line of child abuse because it enables abusers to share hidden content. But Apple says that privacy for its customers is at the heart of all its products and services. In 2024 the company contested proposed changes to the Investigatory Powers Act, calling it an “unprecedented overreach” of a government. The changes also included giving the government the power to veto new security measures before they were implemented. They were passed into law. “The main issue that comes from such powers being exercised is that it’s unlikely to result in the outcome they want,” said Lisa Forte, cyber security expert from Red Goat. “Criminals and terrorists will just pivot to other platforms and techniques to avoid incrimination. So it’s the average, law abiding citizen who suffers by losing their privacy.” Source link #government #demands #access #Apple #users #encrypted #data Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Survival Mechanics in Kingdom Come Deliverance 2 Serves as a Reminder That the Protagonist Is “not a superhero” Survival Mechanics in Kingdom Come Deliverance 2 Serves as a Reminder That the Protagonist Is “not a superhero” Following a six-year break since the first game’s release, Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 returns players to one of the most realistic, beautiful, and historically accurate video game recreations of the Middle Ages ever created. Henry of Skalitz returns to the action for his next adventure. Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 was released on February 4, 2025. | Credit: Warhorse Studios. It was well worth the wait since Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 offers something that even its predecessor was unable to: greatly enhanced graphics, a more expansive and satisfying open world, and a compelling, gritty story that is as simple to follow as it is to enjoy. However, it’s not like Henry is a superhero and possesses supernatural powers. He is a normal human being, just like all of us. Henry is not a superhero in Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 Henry is a normal human being. | Credit: Warhorse Studios. In Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2, it’s very easy to get into trouble in the first few hours. After a brief introduction, Henry is thrown into an open world from the 15th century with nothing—clothes, food, shelter, weapons, money, you name it—and you have nothing. This leads to some interesting situations where your main goal for a long time is simply to keep Henry alive. Now you might have understood that it doesn’t mean Henry can do everything you want as he is the main protagonist of the game. When the senior game designer of Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2, Ondřej Bittner, was asked about this, this is what he stated (via GamesRadar+): We dialled back and we only kept things that make you more human, more grounded, but didn’t detract from overall RPG gameplay, which is supposed to be: ‘I’m the hero, I have these abilities, I’m meant to use these abilities to solve a problem.’ It is clear that Bittner has given the subject careful consideration. According to Bittner, the increasing trend is more of a rejection of the “more is better” mentality that many popular role-playing games take than a means of making games blatantly more difficult. Additionally, he thinks that playtime will feel richer the more you force players to keep it reactive. Some of Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2‘s more complex features aren’t as terrible as they first appear to be. Bittner notes that you would have to “try really hard” to die of starvation and that Warhorse’s role-playing game is very different from “Don’t Starve Together” or “real survival games” aside from its restricted save system. Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 is closer to the reality ground Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 is not like other RPGs. | Credit: Warhorse Studios. Bittner has also stated that all of these necessary survival mechanics are there “to remind you that Henry’s just a human.” That kind of puts limits on other things you can expect. If your character has to eat and sleep, you’ll be more careful in combat because surely they’re not a superhero. So it’s kind of grounding Henry. To make sure that trotting around Bohemia is still enjoyable, Bittner also identifies other parts of the game that deviate from hard-edged realism. For instance, its alchemy system is “very much fantasy,” and compared to more restrictive games with comparable features, Henry’s carrying capacity is still significantly higher despite its limitations. It’s important to strike a balance because the over-gamification of a system can take away from any immersion it may provide. Alchemy, blacksmithing, and even the requirement that Henry sharpen his sword in order to keep it in combat condition are all elements that contribute to the game’s medieval feel, but they were purposefully kept fairly basic. Even the upcoming Assassin’s Creed game should learn something from this title. “We didn’t want to marry rich representation with very complicated or layered gameplay,” Bittner says, explaining that the development team was extremely selective about which features were included in Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2. And the development team is pretty confident in the game as well. Source link #Survival #Mechanics #Kingdom #Deliverance #Serves #Reminder #Protagonist #superhero Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Portslade cub scout leader jailed for decades-long child abuse Portslade cub scout leader jailed for decades-long child abuse A former cub scout leader dubbed a “paedophile hiding in plain sight” has been jailed for 16 years for ********* assaulting children as young as seven years old spanning nearly three decades. Ian Silvester, of Locks Hill in Portslade, East Sussex, previously denied 83 charges of historical sex abuse in Hove and Worthing. Silvester, 60, who also worked as a babysitter, diving instructor, first aid trainer and St John Ambulance trainer, was found guilty of 79 of those charges following a trial at Lewes Crown Court in November. He was sentenced to 16 years in prison with an additional six years on licence at the same court on Friday. Sentencing Silvester, judge Christine Laing KC said: “You are the very definition of a paedophile hiding in plain sight.” The judge said the defendant had given his victims a “lifetime of shame and regret”, telling the court the abuse happened so “openly and plainly and so often in front of others”. Impact statements were read out in court each describing the confusion and shame felt by his victims. One man who was abused by Silvester said: “You are a monster who picked the most vulnerable in society.” On devices seized from Silvester’s home were images and videos of his victims being assaulted by him as well as indecent images of children, online chat logs and web searches of ******* interest in young boys. Source link #Portslade #cub #scout #leader #jailed #decadeslong #child #abuse Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

A New Halo Novel That Ties Into The Events Of Halo: Infinite Releases This Month A New Halo Novel That Ties Into The Events Of Halo: Infinite Releases This Month Believe it or not, a staggering 32 Halo novels have been published over the past several decades, and that list will grow even longer on February 18 with the release of Halo: Empty Throne. The novel will cover events set before the most recent game in the franchise, Halo Infinite, as the UNSC military prepares to attack Zeta Halo. Preorders for Halo: Empty Throne are now available for $20 at Amazon, and it’s worth picking up if you’re interested in learning more about this chapter of the Halo universe. $20 | Releases February 18 Written by Jeremy Patenaude, Halo: Empty Throne is a 512-page novel set before the events of Halo: Infinite that picks up as the UNSC flagship Infinity is prepping to attack Zeta Halo, which is now under the control of the rogue AI–and Master Chief’s previous partner–Cortana. She has amassed an arsenal of Forerunner weapons to assist with her authoritarian takeover, and the UNSC is determined to stop her from deploying them. Unfortunately–and unsurprisingly–the Banished show up, adding a third faction to the conflict and complicating both the UNSC’s and Cortana’s plans. The book is available in paperback for $20 or on Kindle for $15. Additionally, you can snag it on audible for one Credit. There’s also an audio CD for $50, though that price is a bit steep and we’d recommend sticking with one of the other formats. Patenaude has contributed to other Halo books, including the official Halo Encyclopedia that released in 2022. The 488-page hardcover volume covers the “many characters, worlds, and technologies” of the Halo series, along with hundreds of illustrations, including never-before-seen artwork from throughout the series. If you’re interested in checking it out, you can grab the standard edition for $28 (was $50), or the Deluxe Edition with special Forerunner-spired packaging, a unique cover, and exclusive lithograph print for $49.12 (was $100). As for those who want to read more stories set within the universe, you’ll want to check out the many official Halo novels that are available. As mentioned above, there are now 33 entries in the Halo book series. Some are part of larger subseries or trilogies like Halo: The Original Series or the Forerunner Saga, while others are standalone novels that can be enjoyed on their own, such as Contact Harvest and Outcasts. Best of all, many are on ***** at Amazon, making this an excellent time to fill up your bookcase with a few Halo stories. Halo Book Deals Halo: The Original Series Halo: The Fall of Reach — $13 ($19) Halo: The Flood — $15 ($19) Halo: First Strike — $14 ($18) Halo: Ghosts of Onyx — $14.49 ($19) Halo: Gray Team Halo: The Cole Protocol — $12 ($19) Halo: Envoy — $15 ($18) Halo: Forerunner Saga Halo: Cryptum — $14 ($18) Halo: Primordium — $14 ($19) Halo: Silentium — $13 ($19) Halo: Kilo-Five Halo: Glasslands — $13 ($19) Halo: The Thursday War — $14.15 ($19) Halo: Mortal Dictata — $14.18 ($19) Halo: Alpha-Nine Halo: New Blood — $9.49 ($19) Halo: Bad Blood — $12.79 ($19) Halo: Battle Born (YA Novels) Halo: Battle Born — $9.39 ($13) Halo: Meridian Divide — $9.30 ($14) Halo: Ferrets Halo: Last Light — $11 ($17) Halo: Retribution — $7.74 ($17) | Preowned Halo: Divine Wind — $10.49 ($18) Halo: Rion Forge Halo: Smoke and Shadow — $6 ($13) Halo: Renegades — $12 ($18) Halo: Point of Light — $11 ($19) Halo: Master Chief Halo: Silent Storm — $13 ($19) Halo: Oblivion — $13 ($17) Halo: Shadows of Reach — $11.69 ($19) Halo: Standalone Books Halo Encyclopedia Source link #Halo #Ties #Events #Halo #Infinite #Releases #Month Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

‘It Changed Something in Me’: Trump’s Candid Admission About How Attempted Assassination Transformed His Belief in God ‘It Changed Something in Me’: Trump’s Candid Admission About How Attempted Assassination Transformed His Belief in God President Donald Trump said an assassination attempt on his life drew him closer to God and that he believes people need faith to find true happiness. Trump made his remarks at the 73rd annual National Prayer Breakfast Thursday, referring back to the July 13, 2024, campaign event in Butler, Pa., during which he was hit in the ear by a bullet. Two spectators were also injured during the shooting, and Corey Comperatore, a dad, husband, and volunteer firefighter, was tragically killed. “None of us knows exactly when our time on earth will be over,” Trump told those gathered at the prayer breakfast. “You never know — a truth I confronted a few short months ago when there was an incident that … was not fun.” The president has frequently said he believes the Lord saved him that day. He repeated this Thursday, explaining how people have told him it’s practically impossible he survived — an unlikely arc of events that happened when he turned his head slightly toward an immigration chart he was referencing during the campaign event. “God was watching me,” Trump said, quipping, “immigration saved my life.” Watch his remarks: The president also inserted other quips during his remarks, noting the gunshot didn’t impact his oft-times referenced hairstyle. “It didn’t affect my hair — can you believe it?” he said. “It might have touched it, but not where it counts.” But the most noteworthy line of his speech came when he reflected on the impact of the assassination attempt on his heart and mind. “It changed something in me,” he said. “I feel even stronger. I believed in God, but I feel much more strongly about it. Something happened.” Trump continued, “But that event, like the tragedy last week, should remind us that we have to make the most out of every single day that we have.” At the end of the speech, Trump also said he believes faith is essential for people to find true happiness. “People of religion are going to be happy again, and I really believe you can’t be happy without religion — without that belief,” he said. “I just don’t see how you can. So, let’s bring religion back. Let’s bring God back to our lives.” As CBN News previously reported, Trump also announced the creation of a task force to take on anti-Christian bias within the federal government. Attorney General Pam Bondi will seek to immediately halt “all forms of anti-Christian targeting and discrimination within the federal government.” Read here for more. ***As the number of voices facing big-tech censorship continues to grow, please sign up for Faithwire’s daily newsletter and download the CBN News app to stay up-to-date with the latest news from a distinctly Christian perspective.*** Source link #Changed #Trumps #Candid #Admission #Attempted #Assassination #Transformed #Belief #God Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

With a Wormhole Headed Towards Super Earth in Helldivers 2, a Major Order to Defend It Might Soon Be On the Cards With a Wormhole Headed Towards Super Earth in Helldivers 2, a Major Order to Defend It Might Soon Be On the Cards In Helldivers 2, the mission to liberate planets and spread democracy across the galaxy never truly ends. Just when you think you’ve tackled it all, something new and even more dangerous pops up. In the latest development, a wormhole is slowly drifting toward Super Earth. Players are looking forward to the next major order. | Image Credit: Arrowhead Game Studios It looks like the Helldivers might soon be issued another Major Order, this time with the crucial task of defending humanity’s home planet. As the wormhole draws closer, it’s clear that the fight to protect Super Earth is about to reach a whole new level. A new threat emerges for Super Earth in Helldivers 2 Meridia’s history is going to play a role in future MO. | Image Credit: Arrowhead Game Studios In Helldivers 2, Meridia’s history is a complex tale. Originally, the planet was chosen as a Barrier Planet to contain the Terminid infestation. The Terminid Control System (TCS) was installed to eliminate the Terminids, which successfully destroyed 99% of the species in the Umlaut Sector. However, the remaining Terminids adapted rapidly and mutated, triggering a Supercolony outbreak that overwhelmed the planet. Despite efforts to contain the threat, Meridia became too dangerous, and a decision was made to destroy it by collapsing it into a ****** hole through Operation Enduring Peace. While this approach succeeded in wiping out the Terminid infestation, it left behind an anomaly: the Meridian ****** Hole. By late 2024, the disturbance emerged from the ****** hole, some strange electromagnetic phenomena. This was later connected to the return of Illuminate. When Illuminate finally made its return and launched coordinated attacks across the galaxy, these strange “Spacetime Fluctuations” began to be detected, correlating with their activities. The wormhole in the Meridia continued to grow, and by February 2025, all supply lines linking Meridia to surrounding planets had been severed, with the wormhole now drifting dangerously close to Super Earth. Players feel this might just be the next Major Order Players are getting kicked out of Meridia. | Image Credit: Arrowhead Game Studio As the wormhole continues to move toward Super Earth, the stage is set for what could be Helldivers 2‘s next Major Order: defending humanity from an unknown, possibly catastrophic threat. With the Meridian ****** Hole already destroyed, the question now is whether the wormhole will bring an invasion from the Illuminate or a different alien faction entirely. The stakes are higher than ever, and the Helldivers will have to face this new challenge head-on, one dive at a time. Comment byu/Odd-Struggle-6397 from discussion inHelldivers Comment byu/Odd-Struggle-6397 from discussion inHelldivers Comment byu/Odd-Struggle-6397 from discussion inHelldivers Comment byu/Odd-Struggle-6397 from discussion inHelldivers What makes this mission particularly intriguing is that, unlike previous campaigns where Helldivers were tasked with taking back lost ground, this time they may be facing a more direct, unknown conflict. The mission may not just be about defending what remains, but ensuring that humanity’s vision of spreading democracy across the galaxy endures, no matter the cost. In the end, with the wormhole at Meridia now drifting toward Super Earth, the Helldivers 2 community can expect an exciting and tense next phase of the game. Source link #Wormhole #Headed #Super #Earth #Helldivers #Major #Order #Defend #Cards Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Intel’s vacant CEO spot rumored to be filled by Toms Caulfield — abrupt GlobalFoundries shakeup sparks speculation Intel’s vacant CEO spot rumored to be filled by Toms Caulfield — abrupt GlobalFoundries shakeup sparks speculation In a surprising move, GlobalFoundries this week announced that Dr. Thomas Caulfield had been appointed executive chairman, while Tim Breen will become the new CEO, succeeding Caulfield, effective April 28, 2025. While leadership transitions happen occasionally, the Internet rumor mill (Reddit) reacted by speculating that Caulfield, who has been rumored to be a potential replacement for Pat Gelsinger, could become the next chief executive at Intel. The rumor mill also points to recent highly irregular trade activities in Intel stock as a sign that Caulfield is headed to Intel. Before Thomas Caulfield became chief executive of GlobalFoundries in 2018, he was general manager of GF’s Fab 8 300-mm facility in New York, and before that, he spent 17 years at IBM Microelectronics from 1989 to 2005. While at the helm of GlobalFoundries, Caulfield sold assets he deemed unpromising, but more importantly, he quit the leading-edge process technology race, leaving it to Intel, TSMC, and Samsung. Instead, GlobalFoundries was repurposed to become a specialty foundry, competing in completely different markets. Eventually, he made the company profitable and guided it through an IPO. Thomas Caulfield’s role change at GlobalFoundries has sparked speculation about his potential move to Intel. His departure comes without mention of retirement, and given his industry reputation, some Intel investors on Reddit believe that he could become the next CEO of Intel. Caulfield’s extensive semiconductor industry experience, including his leadership at GF, operational expertise at IBM Microelectronics, and a doctorate in Materials Science from Columbia University, would make him a highly qualified candidate for Intel’s CEO position. An unusual Intel stock trade is used to reinforce this theory: On February 4, when 8,913,900 Intel shares were purchased after hours for $172 million — an amount eerily close to the $178.59 million stock-based incentive given to Intel’s previous chief executive Pat Gelsinger back in 2021. The Intel stock transaction was nearly three times the company’s average daily trading volume, making it a highly irregular occurrence, particularly in the after-market. Large block trades of this nature are rare for Intel, and the timing aligns suspiciously with Caulfield’s announcement the following day. However, some factors do not align with the theory. Under the terms of the GlobalFoudries shakeup, Thomas Caulfield becomes executive chairman of GlobalFoundries. Being a hands-on chairman typically involves substantial operational oversight or strategic direction, which can clash with the time demands of being a full-fledged CEO elsewhere. Naturally, one could assume that Intel wouldn’t want a CEO who would spend significant amounts of time serving other companies. Yet, Caulfield will likely have to oversee GF as Tim Breen becomes the next CEO of GF, whereas Niels Anderskouv (currently the chief business officer) will take on the roles of president and COO. Ahmed Yahia Al Idrissi, who has been chairman for over a decade, will step down. Another factor that should be kept in mind is that while Thomas Caulfield has over 30 years of operational excellence and is deeply respected in the semiconductor industry, he has limited experience running a products company and has zero experience running a products company at Intel scale. Get Tom’s Hardware’s best news and in-depth reviews, straight to your inbox. In general, while Thomas Caulfield has many competencies valued in the industry, his upcoming position at GlobalFoundries and some other factors do not necessarily support the theory that he is set to become the next CEO of Intel. However, Intel might be ready to make concessions to secure a CEO with industry experience. Only time will tell. Source link #Intels #vacant #CEO #spot #rumored #filled #Toms #Caulfield #abrupt #GlobalFoundries #shakeup #sparks #speculation Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Liberal leadership candidates have to pay $125K to stay in race – National Liberal leadership candidates have to pay $125K to stay in race – National Descrease article font size Increase article font size Federal Liberal leadership candidates will have to cross another hurdle Friday to remain in the race — a payment of $125,000 to the party. The party requires candidates to pay a total entrance fee of $350,000 in instalments. The candidates still in the race have made two initial payments of $50,000 each — one payment to launch their campaigns and the second to obtain access to the party’s membership list. Those candidates who meet today’s deadline will still have to make a final payment of $125,000 by Feb. 17 at the latest. On Thursday, former Liberal House leader and leadership candidate Karina Gould said her campaign is doing everything it can to remain in the race, despite not having the resources of her main rivals. 0:43 Chrystia Freeland to set aggressive timeline for 2% defence spending She said the party establishment tried “as hard as possible” to keep the number of candidates low, and now she’s working to meet an “extremely aggressive” fundraising deadline. Story continues below advertisement In a fundraising email sent Tuesday night, Gould’s campaign told supporters that their candidate needs to raise $100,000 by 5 p.m. today to stay in the race. Get breaking National news For news impacting Canada and around the world, sign up for breaking news alerts delivered directly to you when they happen. Another candidate, former MP Frank Baylis, said Thursday he will meet all the deadlines. “I understand the party. It’s in a very difficult position. This is a very condensed race. We have a very short time ******* … But I respect what the party is doing, and we’re going to work within the confines of the rules that the parties laid out,” he said. 1:26 Mark Carney aims to beat Trudeau’s NATO spending target by two years Three other candidates remain in the race: former central bank governor Mark Carney and former deputy prime minister Chrystia Freeland — widely seen as the front-runners — and former MP Ruby Dhalla. The Liberal party is trying to replace Prime Minister Justin Trudeau in record time. It will elect its next leader on March 9, after the candidates face off in two debates. Story continues below advertisement The party reported a week ago that nearly 400,000 supporters registered as members to vote in the leadership race before the deadline. More on Canada More videos &copy 2025 The ********* Press Source link #Liberal #leadership #candidates #pay #125K #stay #race #National Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]