Pelican Press

Tecno Pova 7 Series Design Teaser Shows Triple Rear Camera Setup; Could Launch Soon Tecno Pova 7 Series Design Teaser Shows Triple Rear Camera Setup; Could Launch Soon Tecno is expected to introduce new Pova series smartphones soon. The company has teased the launch of “next generation Pova series” handsets, which is expected to be the Tecno Pova 7 lineup. However, Tecno has yet to confirm the Pova 7 moniker. In the teaser, the brand has teased the design of at least one of the upcoming Pova 7 series models. The preceding Tecno Pova 6 series includes a vanilla, Pro and Neo variants. The purported Pova 7 lineup may feature similar options. Tecno Pova 7 Series Design Teaser In a press release, Tecno shared the teaser of its “next generation Pova series,” which is expected to be the Tecno Pova 7 series. In the images, the company shows a triangle-shaped camera module bordered with LED lights placed on the top left corner of the rear panel. Another closer image suggests that the phone will be equipped with a triple rear camera unit. Notably, Tecno has not yet confirmed the “Pova 7” moniker or the variants that will likely feature in the upcoming series. The teaser has not hinted at any other features or design elements of the anticipated handsets either. Tecno Pova 6 Series The Tecno Pova 6 Pro 5G and Pova 6 Neo 5G were launched in India in March and September 2024, respectively. The Pro version started at Rs. 19,999 for the 8GB + 256GB variant, whereas the Neo version started at Rs. 13,999 for its base 6GB + 128GB option at launch. The Tecno Pova 6 Pro 5G carries a MediaTek Dimensity 6080 SoC and a 6,000mAh battery with 70W wired fast charging support. Meanwhile, the Tecno Pova 6 Neo 5G comes with a MediaTek Dimensity 6300 SoC and a 5,000mAh cell with 18W wired charging support. Both Tecno Pova 6 Pro 5G and Pova 6 Neo 5G handsets get 108-megapixel rear cameras. The Pro option has a 32-megapixel selfie shooter, while the Neo variant gets an 8-megapixel front camera sensor. The base Tecno Pova 6 has a MediaTek G99 Ultimate chipset and a 6,000mAh battery. Source link #Tecno #Pova #Series #Design #Teaser #Shows #Triple #Rear #Camera #Setup #Launch Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Couple embezzled $5 million from Southern California company, police say Couple embezzled $5 million from Southern California company, police say LOS ANGELES (KTLA) – A previously married Orange County couple was arrested over the weekend for embezzling nearly $5 million from a local company, authorities said. In an investigation that began three years ago, according to officials at the Irvine Police Department, 41-year-old Gurpreet Kaur Lakhiani, a company controller, and her then husband, 40-year-old Deepak Lakhiani, stole millions of dollars from an Irvine company. The couple reportedly embezzled the funds between 2012 and 2021 and is suspected of using the money to fund a lavish lifestyle, using the money to buy luxury vehicles, jewelry real estate and travel. A former married couple seen as they’re taken into custody for alleged embezzlement of nearly $5 million. (Irvine ***) “The loss was so significant that the business had to close, leaving many people unemployed,” Irvine police said. Police in riot gear face-off with protesters in downtown Los Angeles The pair were taken into custody and booked at the Orange County Jail on $4.4 million warrants for charges that included embezzlement, grand theft, money laundering and receiving stolen property. Investigators did not provide any details on how the couple stole the funds, nor did they name the former company that fell victim to the theft. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTLA. Source link #Couple #embezzled #million #Southern #California #company #police Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

Apple Tipped to Replace Long AppleCare+ Packages With Monthly and Annual Subscriptions Apple Tipped to Replace Long AppleCare+ Packages With Monthly and Annual Subscriptions Apple will soon phase out its two-three year-long subscriptions of AppleCare+ in favour of shorter plans, according to claims by a seasoned journalist. The Cupertino-based technology company offers AppleCare+ subscription which extends the hardware repair coverage for iPhone and other Apple devices from the standard one year duration to two years. Additionally, it includes accidental damage protection. Currently, customers can purchase the coverage with the new Apple device or within 90 days from the date of purchase from Apple retail stores or on device. However, that could soon change. Changes to AppleCare+ Subscription This information comes from Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), the journalist highlighted that Apple will offer monthly and annual subscriptions of the AppleCare+ plan starting next week. Meanwhile, it will scrap the existing two and three year options that it currently offers. A notable change coming to AppleCare+ next week: Apple is dropping the 2-3 year pay in advance option at physical retail stores and on devices and will only offer monthly and annual subscriptions. You’ll still be able to get those multi-year plans on the online store. — Mark Gurman (@markgurman) February 2, 2025 This means customers who purchase an Apple device from the retail store will no longer be able to get a two-three year AppleCare+ subscription up front. Additionally, the company may also discontinue the option of purchasing the plan through the device itself, but this move is speculated to happen some time later. Thus, getting coverage from Apple is expected to become complicated for those who don’t buy it at the point of purchase. Meanwhile, 9to5Mac speculates that buyers will only be able to get a longer AppleCare+ plan if they buy the device from the Apple online store and only at the time of purchase. Others will only have the option to enrol in the monthly and annual plans. Notably, AppleCare+ price in India starts at Rs. 7,900 for the iPhone SE (2022), Apple’s most affordable iPhone model. It goes up to Rs. 20,900 in India for the iPhone 16 Pro Max, and $499 (roughly Rs. 43,000) in the US for the Apple Vision Pro, which is the most expensive AppleCare+ subscription offered by the company. Source link #Apple #Tipped #Replace #Long #AppleCare #Packages #Monthly #Annual #Subscriptions Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

After Raven Inspiration, Call of Duty’s Quest to Become Fortnite Involves AI-Generated Hatsune Miku Clone After Raven Inspiration, Call of Duty’s Quest to Become Fortnite Involves AI-Generated Hatsune Miku Clone Call of Duty has always been the gruff, no-nonsense uncle of the gaming world—the one who shows up to family gatherings in tactical gear and lectures you about “staying frosty.” Lately, however, Uncle COD has been sneaking into Fortnite’s closet, trying on flashy outfits and neon wigs. The latest fashion disaster? A suspiciously familiar anime-inspired bundle that’s got players asking: “Is this Call of Duty or a knockoff Fortnite collab?” When your military shooter has an anime identity crisis. | Image Credit: Activision Activision’s latest Season 2 update for ****** Ops 6 dropped a new tracer pack featuring a blue-haired, anime-styled calling card that looks like Hatsune Miku’s distant AI-generated cousin. This comes hot on the heels of a Raven-inspired battle pass skin that had fans side-eyeing Epic Games’ Nevermore set. But while Fortnite’s crossovers thrive on polish and partnership, Call of Duty’s attempts feel more like a garage ***** imitation—complete with extra fingers and a side of existential dread. Call of Duty‘s identity crisis: From soldiers to AI slop Let’s address the six-fingered elephant in the room. Activision‘s latest bundle, the Killer Content pack, features a calling card with a blue-haired anime character that’s either Hatsune Miku’s evil twin or an AI’s fever dream. Reddit user Silly-Bandicoot7768 summed it up perfectly: Ah yes, the fingers. While Fortnite‘s Miku collab had clean, crisp art, ****** Ops 6‘s version looks like it was drawn by a sleep-deprived intern using a way-less-than-perfect Midjourney prompt. The character’s left hand? Five fingers, but the thumb is awkwardly cropped out—a classic AI giveaway. Comment byu/Silly-Bandicoot7768 from discussion inblackops6 Comment byu/Silly-Bandicoot7768 from discussion inblackops6 This isn’t Activision’s first AI rodeo. Remember December’s “Necroclaus” fiasco, where Zombie Santa rocked six fingers and a gloved hand holding Gobblegums like he’d never seen human anatomy? Or the job listing where Treyarch sought artists “proficient in AI tools”? Activision would rather let algorithms do the heavy lifting than pay human artists—even as ex-CEO Bobby Kotick pocketed a golden parachute worth $400 million. The Killer Content pack epitomizes this ethos. For 2,400 CoD Points (~$20), you get gun skins, a loading screen, and a calling card that looks like it escaped a DeviantArt AI generator. No operator skin, no unique quips—just… blue stuff: Comment byu/Silly-Bandicoot7768 from discussion inblackops6 But perhaps the most concerning part isn’t just the AI art—it’s how these attempts at mimicking Fortnite’s success are fundamentally changing Call of Duty‘s DNA. When imitation isn’t the sincerest form of flattery Red light, green light… wrong game, soldiers. | Image Credit: Activision Let’s give credit where it’s due: Fortnite has mastered the art of crossovers. From Star Wars to God of War, Epic Games’ partnerships feel celebratory, not cynical. But when Call of Duty tries to replicate that magic, it’s like watching your dad attempt the “Renegade” dance on TikTok. Take the Raven skin for example. In Fortnite, Raven is a sleek, gothic icon from the Nevermore set. In ****** Ops 6? It’s Raven’s discount doppelgänger—edgy armor, glowing eyes, and all the subtlety of a chainsaw in a library. Players aren’t buying it: Comment byu/Silly-Bandicoot7768 from discussion inblackops6 The irony? While Fortnite uses crossovers to expand its universe, Call of Duty’s attempts dilute its own. Once promised to be a gritty military shooter, ****** Ops 6 now feels like a confused mashup of Squid Game events, zombie Santas, and anime knockoffs. But, fortunately, Activision’s obsession with chasing trends does have consequences. Since the launch of Season 2 (and the “Miku bundle”), ****** Ops 6′s Steam reviews have tanked to “Mostly Negative” as fans revolted against “AI slop.” Meanwhile, Fortnite keeps breaking its own concurrent player count records season after season. Coincidence? Hardly. For now, though, Activision seems content to let AI generate its future. But if players keep getting six-fingered Santas and anime abominations, they might just vote with their wallets… and their uninstall buttons. What do you think? Is Call of Duty’s Fortnite mimicry a smart evolution or an identity crisis in progress? Sound off in the comments below! Source link #Raven #Inspiration #Call #Dutys #Quest #Fortnite #Involves #AIGenerated #Hatsune #Miku #Clone Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

EU leaders meet to talk defense but Trump and his tariffs loom large EU leaders meet to talk defense but Trump and his tariffs loom large EU flags flutter in front of European Central Bank (ECB) headquarters in Frankfurt, Germany July 18, 2024. Jana Rodenbusch | Reuters European leaders are gathering Monday to discuss how to finance huge investments in defense — but the latest moves by U.S. President Donald Trump will loom large over the meeting. Over the weekend, Trump confirmed upcoming tariffs on goods from Mexico, Canada and China, due to kick in on Tuesday. For now, European goods were spared, but EU officials know they could well be next in line. The U.S. President has not been shy in sharing his opinions on Europe’s trade practices. In fact, overnight, Trump told reporters, “it will definitely happen with the European Union.” “I can tell you that, because they’ve really taken advantage of us. And, you know, we have over a $300 billion deficit. I wouldn’t say there’s a timeline but it’s going to be pretty soon,” he added. In 2023, the United States was the EU’s largest export market, according to the European statistics office, although the bloc also imports significant amounts from the U.S. While the EU sells mostly cars and pharmaceutical products to the U.S., it imports mostly oil and natural gas from the U.S. There’s a consensus in the European Union that one way to mitigate trade tensions with the U.S. will be by increasing energy purchases. Speaking ahead of the Europe Union leaders’ meeting on Monday, an EU official, who did not want to be named due to the delicate nature of the relationship with the U.S., said they expected Trump’s latest moves to be mentioned. “I don’t expect a specific discussion on tariffs but the issue is likely to be raised by some leaders,” the official told CNBC Sunday. Firm Response In the meantime, the EU has been preparing for potential tariffs from the United States and has vowed a “firm” response to any new duties. “The European Union regrets the U.S. decision to impose tariffs on Canada, Mexico, and China,” a spokesperson for the European Commission, told CNBC Sunday. “The EU firmly believes that low tariffs drive growth and economic stability within a strong, rules-based trading system. However, the EU would respond firmly to any trading partner that unfairly or arbitrarily imposes tariffs on EU goods,” they added. And although Trump’s latest duties do not target the EU directly, officials in the bloc are aware of their indirect consequences. A senior diplomat, who did not want to be named due to the sensitivity of the issue, told CNBC there’s a realization that a trade confrontation with the EU is approaching. “The EU can still negotiate, including by buying more LNG, but it will be very hard [to avoid an escalation],” the senior diplomat said. Source link #leaders #meet #talk #defense #Trump #tariffs #loom #large Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Players Frustrated By Reckless Revives During Boss Battles in The First Descendant Players Frustrated By Reckless Revives During Boss Battles in The First Descendant Christopher|2d ago |Opinion piece|0| ▼ Info Add Alt Source Generally, in games, when you bump into another character, you expect to simply “slide” to the side and continue on your merry way. But when that happens in TFD, you do a full stop, like hitting a wall. PC PS4 PS5 The First Descendant Xbox One Xbox Series X n4g.com Read Full Story >> [Hidden Content] n4g.com Source link #Players #Frustrated #Reckless #Revives #Boss #Battles #Descendant Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Forrester: Why digitisation needs strong data engineering skills Forrester: Why digitisation needs strong data engineering skills Data and analytics leaders must build and address the adaptive and resilient data-driven business strategy and roadmap by improving the entire quintet of high-performance IT capabilities – application, data, process, people and infrastructure – all of which are key to measuring and improving the health of the enterprise. This data-driven strategy should rest on a broader technology strategy that enables a company to quickly reconfigure business structures and capabilities to meet future customer and employee needs with adaptivity, creativity and resilience. In an era when constant change is the new normal, legacy approaches to delivering actionable insights to decision-makers will no longer work. Multiplying data The first area to consider is that digital transformation generates more data – and that data is all over the place. The new normal drives more digital activity, which produces more data, both structured and unstructured – internal data generated by enterprise applications and customer experiences, as well as external data coming from partners, data marketplaces and social media. The noble but idealistic vision that all enterprise data will eventually end up in a single – physical or virtual – analytical enterprise repository has come and gone. While this is still a recommended aspirational vision and strategy, the reality is sobering – anecdotal evidence shows that no more than 20% of all enterprise data that could be used to drive actionable insights is leveraged for that purpose. And with artificial intelligence (AI), this challenge will only grow as new models spin off more data. In addition, new architectures and platforms will shift responsibilities. While the promise of a unified enterprise analytical data repository is always enticing, the current state of being able to find, access and analyse data wherever it is has driven the development of newer technologies such as data catalogs, data fabric, enterprise semantic layer platforms and knowledge graphs. In turn, these technologies drive new questions for data and analytics leaders. Who is responsible for managing these new platforms – business, IT, or organisations reporting to chief data officers (CDOs) or chief analytics officers (CAOs)? Is it down to data professionals or analytics professionals to manage platforms that sit in the murky area between data and analytics in a typical enterprise analytical technology stack? With the current state fragmented between on-premise legacy databases, cloud, lakehouses and the like, large enterprises will face complex decisions as they define roles and responsibilities. Technology platforms Another area IT leaders must assess is that modern insights platforms and solutions will multitask and overlap. Deciding what technology platform should support your data-driven business transformation is increasingly challenging. Not only are new and emerging technologies driving shifts in responsibilities, but they also complicate the “who does what where?” questions due to their highly overlapping capabilities. For example, most leading enterprise business intelligence (***), predictive analytics and machine learning (PAML) and digital decision platforms now include data preparation functionality. Further, *** platforms open their semantic layer to competitors’ *** platforms, acting as data catalogs, and the lines between automated machine learning (AutoML) and augmented *** platforms are blurring. Then there is the question of data democratisation, which hasn’t resolved the language disconnect between business and IT. Business professionals speak about data, metrics and key performance indicators, while IT, data and analytics professionals talk about data models, schemas, dimensions and attributes. Business professionals want customer insights and often don’t need to understand where in the data architecture the data originates. These different languages block what’s most important to driving value: working across the organisational chart to apply data and insights to actions that improve business outcomes. Although there is a determined desire to bridge this literacy gap through the proliferation of natural language query (NLQ) and low-code/no-code capabilities, the disconnect is still evident as global data and analytics decision-makers consider about half of their organisational data literacy to be intermediate level at best. Speed to data insight Forrester warns that impatience for underused and non-actionable data signals will grow. Data visualisation is not a panacea for underused data. Even seemingly obvious data visualisations won’t trigger insights or actions without proper context, effective data storytelling and advanced visualisation techniques. A chart clearly showing a pattern like a trend does not indicate whether the trend is good or bad. Was the trend expected or unexpected? Does it exceed or fall short of goals and expectations? Is the red trend line meant to be an alert, or does the colour simply highlight a data point? Data and analytics business and tech leaders will increasingly be asked to answer these types of questions to better use data signals in a compelling and impactful way. It’s no longer a question of whether data, analytics and insights are business or IT responsibilities. That decision/strategy is way too simplistic. Multiple shifts are happening in the C-suite, such as lines of business (LOBs) taking on more data and AI responsibilities, centralised enterprise functions moving towards governance and oversight roles, and advanced data-driven organisations increasingly separating data and analytics functions from IT and moving these teams outside of the CIO reporting lines. In Forrester’s 2024 State of data, analytics, measurement and insights survey, 51% of organisations at the advanced level of data-driven business maturity with at least one specified senior data and analytics role have a CDO, compared with only 40% of beginner organisations. In 44% of advanced organisations, the CDO reports directly to the CEO, compared with 35% of beginner organisations. Below the C-suite, roles and responsibilities for delivering insights are also mixed among IT, business and data and analytics organisations. The data-driven business In this data-driven era, Forrester recommends that businesses evolve traditional roles to harness new opportunities. This dynamic transformation demands not only a shift in how we view and use data but also a profound reevaluation of the personas that lead and execute this vision within LOB teams. Data belongs to the LOBs, where customer experience, marketing, finance and HR professionals generate the data and act on the signals it produces, while data teams ensure the ingested information is fit for use and is digestible by diverse users. Business leaders working with their data and analytics colleagues must explore pivotal new personas and enhanced skills that are mission-critical to thrive in this environment where data guides strategic decisions and actions. No matter how many skills business teams are able to acquire, advanced data- and analytics-driven business capabilities will continue to depend heavily on technology-focused data and analytics professionals. Leaders are already introducing adaptive business processes such as *** governance, adaptive data architectures like data mesh, and adaptive technologies such as AutoML and augmented ***. Data and analytics leaders who are more aligned to the technology organisation must address the evolving and adaptive nature of tech-focused people skills. Success in data-driven initiatives requires intricate coordination of multiple moving parts. Don’t be enamoured with emerging technologies claiming to be a panacea. Promised benefits won’t materialise unless your organisation has the right people and talent assigned to the right roles and with the right responsibilities and skills. This article is based on an excerpt of Forrester’s Evolve data and analytics roles and skills for the adaptive enterprise report by Zeid Khater, with contributions from Aaron Katz, Boris Evelson, Kim Herrington, Karsten Monteverde and Jen Barton. Source link #Forrester #digitisation #strong #data #engineering #skills Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

Global auto stocks fall as Trump tariffs spark trade war concerns Global auto stocks fall as Trump tariffs spark trade war concerns Employees work on the assembly line of new energy vehicles at a factory of ******** EV startup Leapmotor on April 1, 2024 in Jinhua, Zhejiang Province of China. Shi Kuanbing | VCG | Visual China Group | Getty Images Shares of auto giants fell sharply on Monday, after U.S. President Donald Trump imposed long-threatened tariffs on goods from Canada, Mexico and China. Trump signed executive orders on Saturday to implement 25% tariffs on ******** and most ********* goods, while imposing a 10% duty on ********* energy products and ******** goods, which are set to take effect from Tuesday. The U.S. president warned Americans could feel “some pain” when the measures come into force, but said the tariffs were necessary “because of the major threat of ******** aliens and deadly drugs killing our Citizens, including fentanyl.” Canada and Mexico have hit back, threatening to impose retaliatory measures that included tariffs. Shares of global automakers plunged as investors fretted over the impact of a potential trade war. Analysts expect Trump’s tariffs to have a profound impact on the automotive industry, citing a heavy reliance on manufacturing operations across North America, particularly in Mexico, and complex global supply chains. Japanese auto giants Toyota and Nissan both fell more than 5% on Monday, while domestic rival Honda tumbled 7.2%. Shares of Japan-listed Mazda Motor Corp traded more than 7.5% lower, while Kia Motor Corp fell nearly 6%. In Europe, shares of French car parts supplier Valeo and automaker Renault fell 6.8% and 2%, respectively, during early morning deals. French-Italian conglomerate Stellantis, known for brands such as Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep and Maserati, fell 6% on Monday morning. Germany’s Volkswagen slipped 5%, while domestic peers Porsche and BMW both traded off by around 3.5%. Trump has suggested the European Union could be next to face tariffs. For Germany, the prospect of U.S. tariffs on European autos comes at a time when it’s top original equipment manufacturers, or OEMs, are already reeling. Volkswagen, Mercedes-Benz Group and BMW have all issued profit warnings in recent months, citing economic weakness and sluggish demand in China, the world’s largest car market. This developing story is being updated. Source link #Global #auto #stocks #fall #Trump #tariffs #spark #trade #war #concerns Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

Beyoncé given Grammy by Taylor Swift after record-breaking night Beyoncé given Grammy by Taylor Swift after record-breaking night Beyoncé took home three Grammy Awards in Los Angeles on Sunday night, including best album. The star was recognised for her eighth album, Cowboy Carter, which celebrates and contextualises the ****** roots of country music. She also won the Grammy for best country album – to her evident surprise – in an announcement from Taylor Swift. Her haul of 35 trophies, won over more than two decades, makes her the most decorated artist in Grammy history. Source link #Beyoncé #Grammy #Taylor #Swift #recordbreaking #night Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

AI to revolutionise fundamental physics and ‘could show how universe will end’ | Large Hadron Collider AI to revolutionise fundamental physics and ‘could show how universe will end’ | Large Hadron Collider Advanced artificial intelligence is to revolutionise fundamental physics and could open a window on to the fate of the universe, according to Cern’s next director general. Prof Mark Thomson, the British physicist who will assume leadership of Cern on 1 January 2026, says machine learning is paving the way for advances in particle physics that promise to be comparable to the AI-powered prediction of protein structures that earned Google DeepMind scientists a Nobel prize in October. At the Large Hadron Collider (LHC), he said, similar strategies are being used to detect incredibly rare events that hold the key to how particles came to acquire mass in the first moments after the big bang and whether our universe could be teetering on the brink of a catastrophic collapse. “These are not incremental improvements,” Thomson said. “These are very, very, very big improvements people are making by adopting really advanced techniques.” “It’s going to be quite transformative for our field,” he added. “It’s complex data, just like protein folding – that’s an incredibly complex problem – so if you use an incredibly complex technique, like AI, you’re going to win.” The intervention comes as Cern’s council is making the case for the Future Circular Collider, which at 90km circumference would dwarf the LHC. Some are sceptical given the lack of blockbuster results at the LHC since the landmark discovery of the Higgs boson in 2012 and Germany has described the $17bn proposal as unaffordable. But Thomson said AI has provided fresh impetus to the hunt for new physics at the subatomic scale – and that major discoveries could occur after 2030 when a major upgrade will boost the LHC’s beam intensity by a factor of ten. This will allow unprecedented observations of the Higgs boson, nicknamed the God particle, that grants mass to other particles and binds the universe together. “There’s a particular measurement about the Higgs boson that is so fundamental to the nature of the universe,” said Thomson. “What we will be looking at is producing not one Higgs boson but two Higgs bosons at the same time.” This, he said, will allow scientists to measure how the Higgs particle gives mass to itself for the first time – a phenomenon called Higgs self-coupling. Two Higgs bosons appear at once so rarely and the particles are so elusive – disintegrating into more familiar particles as soon as they come into existence – that five years ago Thomson said he would have assumed this was beyond the LHC’s capabilities. “Now I’m confident we are going to make a good measurement,” said Thomson. The strength of Higgs self-coupling is crucial for understanding how, a trillionth of a second after the big bang, a change in the Higgs field resulted in particles suddenly acquiring mass. It could also reveal whether the Higgs field has reached a final, stable resting state or whether another drastic transition could occur in future, a scenario that would see the universe as we know it evaporate almost instantaneously. The Standard Model of physics suggests that this is a possibility – but there is no need for alarm. skip past newsletter promotion Our morning email breaks down the key stories of the day, telling you what’s happening and why it matters Privacy Notice: Newsletters may contain info about charities, online ads, and content funded by outside parties. For more information see our Privacy Policy. We use Google reCaptcha to protect our website and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. after newsletter promotion “It’s not something that could happen on a timescale that has any relevance even to our stars,” said Dr Matthew McCullough, a theoretical physicist at Cern. “So it doesn’t connect with humanity in that sense. On the other hand, it’s a scientific question – could this happen?” According to Thomson: “It’s a very deep fundamental property of the universe, one we don’t fully understand. If we saw the Higgs self-coupling being different from our current theory, that that would be another massive, massive discovery. And you don’t know until you’ve made the measurement.” AI is being injected into every aspect of the LHC operation, from deciding which data to collect to how it should be interpreted. “When the LHC is colliding protons, it’s making around 40m collisions a second and we have to make a decision within a microsecond … which events are something interesting that we want to keep and which to throw away,” said Dr Katharine Leney, who works on the LHC’s Atlas experiment. “We’re already now doing better with the data that we’ve collected than we thought we’d be able to do with 20 times more data ten years ago. So we’ve advanced by 20 years at least. A huge part of this has been down to AI.” Scientists have long hoped the LHC might be capable of producing dark matter, a substance that is believed to make up a large fraction of the universe. But given that the nature of dark matter is entirely unknown, searching for it is a challenging task. Generative AI could help prise this puzzle apart, according to Thomson. “You can start to ask more complex, open-ended questions,” he said. “Rather than searching for a particular signature, you ask the question: ‘Is there something unexpected in this data?’” Source link #revolutionise #fundamental #physics #show #universe #Large #Hadron #Collider Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Fortnite leak reveals release dates of new cosmetics Fortnite leak reveals release dates of new cosmetics The latest Fortnite update added many new cosmetics, and thanks to a newest leak, we know when some of them will come out. Source link #Fortnite #leak #reveals #release #dates #cosmetics Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Car bomb blast in northern Syria kills 15 agricultural workers Car bomb blast in northern Syria kills 15 agricultural workers Fifteen people, including 14 women, have been killed in a car bomb attack on a vehicle transporting agricultural workers in northern Syria, first responders say. Another 15 women were wounded by the blast on the outskirts of the city of Manbij, east of Aleppo, according to the Syria Civil Defence. The agency, which is also known as the White Helmets, said some of the wounded were in a critical condition and warned that the death toll might rise. There was no immediate claim from any armed groups. It was the second deadly car bomb attack in the Manbij area in three days. On Saturday, two children and a woman were among four people killed by an explosion on a street in the city centre, the White Helmets said. Source link #Car #bomb #blast #northern #Syria #kills #agricultural #workers Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Fortnite just canceled free skin cups in several regions Fortnite just canceled free skin cups in several regions Fortnite: “Due to the same issue, weve also canceled todays Aces Wild Card FNCS Cup in Europe and the Middle East regions.” Source link #Fortnite #canceled #free #skin #cups #regions Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Apple Tipped to Replace Long AppleCare+ Packages With Monthly and Annual Subscriptions Apple Tipped to Replace Long AppleCare+ Packages With Monthly and Annual Subscriptions Apple will soon phase out its two-three year-long subscriptions of AppleCare+ in favour of shorter plans, according to claims by a seasoned journalist. The Cupertino-based technology company offers AppleCare+ subscription which extends the hardware repair coverage for iPhone and other Apple devices from the standard one year duration to two years. Additionally, it includes accidental damage protection. Currently, customers can purchase the coverage with the new Apple device or within 90 days from the date of purchase from Apple retail stores or on device. However, that could soon change. Changes to AppleCare+ Subscription This information comes from Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), the journalist highlighted that Apple will offer monthly and annual subscriptions of the AppleCare+ plan starting next week. Meanwhile, it will scrap the existing two and three year options that it currently offers. A notable change coming to AppleCare+ next week: Apple is dropping the 2-3 year pay in advance option at physical retail stores and on devices and will only offer monthly and annual subscriptions. You’ll still be able to get those multi-year plans on the online store. — Mark Gurman (@markgurman) February 2, 2025 This means customers who purchase an Apple device from the retail store will no longer be able to get a two-three year AppleCare+ subscription up front. Additionally, the company may also discontinue the option of purchasing the plan through the device itself, but this move is speculated to happen some time later. Thus, getting coverage from Apple is expected to become complicated for those who don’t buy it at the point of purchase. Meanwhile, 9to5Mac speculates that buyers will only be able to get a longer AppleCare+ plan if they buy the device from the Apple online store and only at the time of purchase. Others will only have the option to enrol in the monthly and annual plans. Notably, AppleCare+ price in India starts at Rs. 7,900 for the iPhone SE (2022), Apple’s most affordable iPhone model. It goes up to Rs. 20,900 in India for the iPhone 16 Pro Max, and $499 (roughly Rs. 43,000) in the US for the Apple Vision Pro, which is the most expensive AppleCare+ subscription offered by the company. Source link #Apple #Tipped #Replace #Long #AppleCare #Packages #Monthly #Annual #Subscriptions Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Musk says administration is on verge of shutting USAID Musk says administration is on verge of shutting USAID Washington — The U.S. Agency for International Development is on the cusp of being shuttered, according the Trump administration’s billionaire adviser and Tesla CEO Elon Musk, who’s been wrestling for control of the agency in recent days. Early Monday, Musk held a live session on X Spaces, previously known as Twitter Spaces, and said he’d spoken in detail about USAID with the president. “He agreed we should shut it down,” Musk said. “It became apparent that its not an apple with a worm it in,” Musk said. “What we have is just a ball of worms. You’ve got to basically get rid of the whole thing. It’s beyond repair. … We’re shutting it down.” HIs comments came after the administration placed two top security chiefs at USAID on leave. USAID Director for Security John Vorhees and Deputy Director for Security Brian McGill were put on leave Saturday night, two sources confirmed to CBS News. A current and a former U.S. official told The Associated Press on Sunday that THE move came after the two USAID officials refused to allow personnel from the Musk-run Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) to access classified material in restricted areas. Musk’s DOGE crew lacked high enough security clearance to access that information, so the two USAID security officials – John Voorhees and deputy Brian McGill – believed themselves legally obligated to deny access. DOGE personnel did eventually gain access Saturday to the aid agency’s classified information, which includes intelligence reports, the former official said. Kate Miller, who serves on an advisory board for DOGE, didn’t respond to requests for comment but did repost the AP article on X with the comment, “No classified material was accessed without proper security clearances.” The current and former U.S. officials had knowledge of the incident and spoke on condition of anonymity because they weren’t authorized to share the information. Musk on Sunday responded to an X post about the news by saying, “USAID is a criminal organization. Time for it to die.” He followed with additional posts on X about the aid agency. This comes a day after DOGE carried out a similar operation at the Treasury Department, gaining access to sensitive information including the Social Security and Medicare customer payment systems. The Washington Post reported that a senior Treasury official had resigned over Musk’s team accessing sensitive information. Musk formed DOGE in cooperation with the Trump administration with the stated goal of finding ways to fire federal workers, cut programs and slash federal regulations. USAID, whose website vanished Saturday without explanation, has been one of the federal agencies most targeted by the Trump administration in an escalating crackdown on the federal government and many of its programs. “It’s been run by a bunch of radical lunatics. And we’re getting them out,” President Trump said to reporters about USAID on Sunday night. The Trump administration and Secretary of State Marco Rubio have imposed an unprecedented freeze on foreign assistance that has shut down much of the USAID humanitarian, development and security programs worldwide – compelling thousands of layoffs by aid organizations – and ordered furloughs and leaves that have gutted the agency’s leadership and staff in Washington. The U.S. is by far the world’s largest donor of humanitarian aid, with USAID administering billions of dollars in humanitarian, development and security assistance in more than 100 countries. Peter Marocco, a returning political appointee from Mr. Trump’s first term, was a leader in enforcing the shutdown. USAID staffers say they believe agency outsiders with visitors badges asking questions of employees inside the Washington headquarters are members of Musk’s DOGE team. Democratic Sen. Elizabeth Warren said in a post on Sunday that the president was letting Musk access people’s personal information and shut down government funding. “We must do everything in our power to push back and protect people from harm,” the Massachusetts senator said, without giving details. Source link #Musk #administration #verge #shutting #USAID Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Donald Trump to cut off funding for South Africa over land seizure policy Donald Trump to cut off funding for South Africa over land seizure policy US President Donald Trump has said he will cut all future funding to South Africa over allegations that it was confiscating land and “treating certain classes of people very badly”. Last month, President Cyril Ramaphosa signed into law a bill that allows land seizures without compensation in certain circumstances. Land ownership has long been a contentious issue in South Africa with most farmland still owned by white people, 30 years after the end of the racist system of apartheid. There have been continued calls for the government to address land reform and deal with the past injustices of racial segregation. On Sunday, Trump wrote on social media platform Truth Social: “I will be cutting off all future funding to South Africa until a full investigation of this situation has been completed!” He later said, in a briefing with journalists, that South Africa’s “leadership is doing some terrible things, horrible things”. “So that’s under investigation right now. We’ll make a determination, and until such time as we find out what South Africa is doing — they’re taking away land and confiscating land, and actually they’re doing things that are perhaps far worse than that.” South Africa’s International Relations Minister Ronald Lamola said in a response on X that he hoped Trump’s advisers would use “this investigative ******* to deepen their understanding of South Africa’s policies as a constitutional democracy”. “Such insights will ensure a respectful and informed approach to our democratic commitments,” he added. The US allocated about $440m (£358m) in assistance to South Africa in 2023, according to US government data. The South African government says that the new law does not allow arbitrary seizures of land as it must first attempt to reach an agreement with the owner. The president’s spokesperson, Vincent Magwenya, last month said the state “may not expropriate property arbitrarily or for a purpose other than… in the public interest”. It says that the current system of “willing seller, willing buyer” has allowed white farmers to delay the process of land reform. However, some critics have expressed fears that the law may have disastrous consequences like in Zimbabwe, where land seizures wrecked the economy and scared away investors. Source link #Donald #Trump #cut #funding #South #Africa #land #seizure #policy Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

The Art of Fauna is an accessible puzzler that’s passionate about wildlife conservation, out now on iOS The Art of Fauna is an accessible puzzler that’s passionate about wildlife conservation, out now on iOS Accessibility for visually impaired and dyslexic Content filter for animals that cause discomfort A percentage of revenues go to wildlife protection Klemens Strasser (developer of Letter Rooms and Ancient Board Game Collection) has announced the official launch of The Art of Fauna, a new puzzler that lets you train your brain while supporting the conservation of wildlife at the same time. What’s interesting is that, unlike your average run-of-the-mill puzzler, this one will have you forming illustrations from the 18th and 19th centuries – either that or you can string sentences together to complete the image description. The Art of Fauna features a hundred puzzles to dive into, with accessibility for visually impaired players along with dyslexia-friendly fonts as well. As for doing your part to save the environment, 20% of revenues will be donated to organisations that support the conservation of wildlife, so you can rest assured that your puzzle prowess will always go to a good cause. This means a percentage of the $7.99 price tag, or you can also buy the eco-zone packs separately – this one has 20 puzzles each at $2.99 a pop. And if you’re still a tad on the fence about it, perhaps the App Store’s “Game of the Day” accolade will give you a little nudge in the right direction. To me, though, what also stands out are the content filters. You can apparently hide specific animals if they make you a little bit iffy – a handy feature especially if, like me, you have a phobia of sea creatures (oh my goodness). In the meantime, if you’re eager to join in on all the fun, you can do so by downloading it from the App Store. You can also join the community of followers on the official Twitter page to stay updated on all the latest developments, visit the official website, or take a little peek at the embedded clip above to get a feel of the vibes and visuals. Source link #Art #Fauna #accessible #puzzler #passionate #wildlife #conservation #iOS Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Apple Tipped to Replace Long AppleCare+ Packages With Monthly and Annual Subscriptions Apple Tipped to Replace Long AppleCare+ Packages With Monthly and Annual Subscriptions Apple will soon phase out its two-three year-long subscriptions of AppleCare+ in favour of shorter plans, according to claims by a seasoned journalist. The Cupertino-based technology company offers AppleCare+ subscription which extends the hardware repair coverage for iPhone and other Apple devices from the standard one year duration to two years. Additionally, it includes accidental damage protection. Currently, customers can purchase the coverage with the new Apple device or within 90 days from the date of purchase from Apple retail stores or on device. However, that could soon change. Changes to AppleCare+ Subscription This information comes from Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), the journalist highlighted that Apple will offer monthly and annual subscriptions of the AppleCare+ plan starting next week. Meanwhile, it will scrap the existing two and three year options that it currently offers. A notable change coming to AppleCare+ next week: Apple is dropping the 2-3 year pay in advance option at physical retail stores and on devices and will only offer monthly and annual subscriptions. You’ll still be able to get those multi-year plans on the online store. — Mark Gurman (@markgurman) February 2, 2025 This means customers who purchase an Apple device from the retail store will no longer be able to get a two-three year AppleCare+ subscription up front. Additionally, the company may also discontinue the option of purchasing the plan through the device itself, but this move is speculated to happen some time later. Thus, getting coverage from Apple is expected to become complicated for those who don’t buy it at the point of purchase. Meanwhile, 9to5Mac speculates that buyers will only be able to get a longer AppleCare+ plan if they buy the device from the Apple online store and only at the time of purchase. Others will only have the option to enrol in the monthly and annual plans. Notably, AppleCare+ price in India starts at Rs. 7,900 for the iPhone SE (2022), Apple’s most affordable iPhone model. It goes up to Rs. 20,900 in India for the iPhone 16 Pro Max, and $499 (roughly Rs. 43,000) in the US for the Apple Vision Pro, which is the most expensive AppleCare+ subscription offered by the company. Source link #Apple #Tipped #Replace #Long #AppleCare #Packages #Monthly #Annual #Subscriptions Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

S&P 500: Why a Long-Term Bear Market Is Simply Impossible Today S&P 500: Why a Long-Term Bear Market Is Simply Impossible Today In several past articles, I have tried to prepare those reading my analysis for the strong probability that we can see a long-term bear market in the . I have outlined the many reasons supporting my perspective, and have provided a few supporting charts in various prior public articles. But, I will tell you that the pushback I have seen that this is even “possible” is much greater than I had expected. Many commenters have provided one reason after another as to not only why it is not likely, but, in their minds, it is simply not even possible. While I have addressed all their reasons in various prior articles, I doubt they really care. Too many investors are seemingly going through their investing careers while donning blinders. You see, people just don’t want to even consider something so difficult to accept. Believe me, I would rather not have to consider this potentiality. In fact, I am even praying that I am wrong in my assessment. But, thus far, I am not seeing anything to the contrary to make me change my perspective. Yet, again, I am praying for it, as I do not want to live through the ramifications of what that would mean to society. Rather, too many of you are hyper-focused on the news of the day in order to make your decisions. But, history should have taught you the foolishness of such an approach. Consider how important everyone in the market thought DeepSeek to be as to the direction of the market. Yet, that lasted a total of one day, whereas the next 5 days saw the market move in the exact opposite direction as it attempted to test the all-time highs. So, how important was it really? But, I digress. Getting back to the issue at hand, I have even been publishing articles about banks over the last two years to warn people to prepare now before things actually turn critical. While I have tried to be clear that the banks I highlight are not imminently going to fail, I do outline that they run the risk of failure once the bear market I expect begins, and we see pressure placed upon our financial system. Consider that approximately 40% of banks failed during the Great Depression, and that was a much shorter bear market than I expect to see over the coming decades. Consider what happened during the 2007-2008 stock market decline and financial crisis. How many of the larger banks were on the verge of collapsing? Even when considering that the larger banks were bailed out by the government, there were still approximately 15% of banks that went out of business even during such a short bear market. Now, I want you to also consider the Great Financial Crisis was caused by only one issue on bank balance sheets. Many of you probably do not even realize that there are five yes, five major risk factors sitting on the balance sheets of larger banks at this time, and the problem is getting worse with each passing quarter. These risk factors include major issues in commercial real estate, rising risks in consumer debt (approaching 2007 levels), underwater long-term securities, over-the-counter derivatives, and high-risk shadow banking (the lending for which has exploded). So, in our opinion, the current banking environment presents even greater risks than what we have seen during the 2008 GFC. And, I am quite confident that there will no longer be any government bailouts, as they will not likely be able to backstop all the issues that will likely arise. Of course, many consider the FDIC as the backstop for such difficult times. But, did you know that the FDIC incurred losses of $35.1B and $38.1B for 2008 and 2009? Moreover, the Deposit Insurance Fund (DIF) balance went into the negative by $21B. Again, it is important to note that this was during a relatively short bear market. Consider what a long-term bear market may do to the system. Moreover, I believe the US will likely be moving towards “bail-ins” rather than choosing the route of bail-outs. And, if you do not know what a “bail-in” is, I strongly encourage you to read our prior articles on banks or do your own research. To give you a head start, I will tell you that it all started in Cypress. Now, allow me to remind you of the wise words of Benjamin Franklin who noted: “By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail.” So, rather than choosing to prepare, many commenters have thrown their hands in the air and claimed that if things get that bad then there is nothing that can help them. Well, again, consider that approximately 40% of banks went out of business during the Great Depression, which means that 60% of the banks survived. Would you not want to give yourself the best opportunity to be among the ranks of those banks if things do get that bad? Is it wise to just throw your hands into the air and give up? I know I would not easily give up the financial security of my family. Furthermore, what would be the downside of trying to protect yourself or at least developing a contingency plan if there is even a 30% chance that I am correct? And, I can assure you that I believe it is a much greater probability. Yet, for now, I have no indication that the bear market has begun. Rather, I have provided a very specific test as far back as November of last year as to my initial signal that a long-term bear market has potentially begun: “It is for this reason I am seeking confirmation before I proclaim a long-term bear market to have begun. That confirmation process begins with a breakdown of the 5560-5670 SPX region. Until then, I am maintaining an objective perspective that we can still rally to the 6273-6377 SPX region before that major top is struck. And, it is due to this objectivity, our concern for our clients’ financial well-being, and our consistent accuracy which has earned us the trust of our 8500+ subscribers and almost 1000 money manager clients through the last 13 years.” As of now, I am still of the same opinion in the near term. S&P 500: Key Levels for the Week Ahead For the coming week, the first support to watch is the 5900SPX region. As I write this update on the weekend, the market is set up to test that region in the coming week, as long as Friday’s high is respected as resistance. And, should we test that region in the coming week, then the 5935-5985SPX resistance will tell the story thereafter. If the market is unable to get back over that resistance from the drop to the 5900SPX region, then it points us down to test the support noted in the analysis above from November. However, if the market can hold over 5900SPX in the coming week or so, and rally impulsively through the noted resistance, then we can continue to rally to test the next resistance region in the 6273-6377SPX region in a more direct fashion from the 5900SPX region. Now, I am going to address the comments I see so often that Elliott Wave analysis is not saying anything other than the market is going to go up or down. Clearly, that is an incredibly superficial manner in which to view Elliott Wave analysis. Rather, Elliott Wave analysis provides very specific levels to watch how the market reacts, and based upon the structure of that reaction, it tells you how to adjust, if need be. In fact, you will not see any other analysts provide to you such detail on both the upside and downside in the market, especially which hit their targets as often and as accurately as we have over the last 13+ years we have provided our analysis. As I have said many times before, this is no different than if an army general were to draw up his primary battle plans, and, at the same time, also draw up a contingency plan in the event that his initial battle plans do not work in his favor. It is simply the manner in which the general prepares for battle. We prepare for market battle in the same manner. So, rather than approaching a non-linear market environment with one linear perspective, we approach it with an objective, non-linear perspective based upon Fibonacci mathematics. So, as I write this missive over the weekend, the market is presenting itself in a near-term bearish posture. Yet, until the market actually breaks down below the larger degree support I have noted above, I still think we will see the 6273-6377SPX region before we consider that a major top may be struck. But, as you can see, we have our specific and objective parameters, and they are outlined above. Is your approach this specific or objective? Source link #LongTerm #Bear #Market #Simply #Impossible #Today Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

EU leaders meet to talk defense but Trump and his tariffs loom large EU leaders meet to talk defense but Trump and his tariffs loom large EU flags flutter in front of European Central Bank (ECB) headquarters in Frankfurt, Germany July 18, 2024. Jana Rodenbusch | Reuters European leaders are gathering Monday to discuss how to finance huge investments in defense — but the latest moves by U.S. President Donald Trump will loom large over the meeting. Over the weekend, Trump confirmed upcoming tariffs on goods from Mexico, Canada and China, due to kick in on Tuesday. For now, European goods were spared, but EU officials know they could well be next in line. The U.S. President has not been shy in sharing his opinions on Europe’s trade practices. In fact, overnight, Trump told reporters, “it will definitely happen with the European Union.” “I can tell you that, because they’ve really taken advantage of us. And, you know, we have over a $300 billion deficit. I wouldn’t say there’s a timeline but it’s going to be pretty soon,” he added. In 2023, the United States was the EU’s largest export market, according to the European statistics office, although the bloc also imports significant amounts from the U.S. While the EU sells mostly cars and pharmaceutical products to the U.S., it imports mostly oil and natural gas from the U.S. There’s a consensus in the European Union that one way to mitigate trade tensions with the U.S. will be by increasing energy purchases. Speaking ahead of the Europe Union leaders’ meeting on Monday, an EU official, who did not want to be named due to the delicate nature of the relationship with the U.S., said they expected Trump’s latest moves to be mentioned. “I don’t expect a specific discussion on tariffs but the issue is likely to be raised by some leaders,” the official told CNBC Sunday. Firm Response In the meantime, the EU has been preparing for potential tariffs from the United States and has vowed a “firm” response to any new duties. “The European Union regrets the U.S. decision to impose tariffs on Canada, Mexico, and China,” a spokesperson for the European Commission, told CNBC Sunday. “The EU firmly believes that low tariffs drive growth and economic stability within a strong, rules-based trading system. However, the EU would respond firmly to any trading partner that unfairly or arbitrarily imposes tariffs on EU goods,” they added. And although Trump’s latest duties do not target the EU directly, officials in the bloc are aware of their indirect consequences. A senior diplomat, who did not want to be named due to the sensitivity of the issue, told CNBC there’s a realization that a trade confrontation with the EU is approaching. “The EU can still negotiate, including by buying more LNG, but it will be very hard [to avoid an escalation],” the senior diplomat said. Source link #leaders #meet #talk #defense #Trump #tariffs #loom #large Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Are We Living in the Age of Bubbles? Are We Living in the Age of Bubbles? Are We Living in the Age of Bubbles? Source link #Living #Age #Bubbles Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

A 30-50% Yield from Crypto? These Bitcoin-Linked ETFs Deliver That A 30-50% Yield from Crypto? These Bitcoin-Linked ETFs Deliver That Staking has become a popular way for crypto investors to earn passive income. You lock up your holdings to help secure a blockchain network, and in return, you earn rewards—essentially, a yield. These rewards often come from a mix of newly minted coins and transaction fees on the network. But let’s be honest: staking altcoins isn’t for everyone. It can get complicated, it requires technical know-how, and there’s always the risk of staking on the wrong platform (RIP Celsius and BlockFi users). For those of us who don’t have the time, patience, or inclination to dive into the altcoin rabbit hole, there’s an easier way to earn crypto-linked income: ETFs. And no, I’m not talking about those gimmicky ETFs that just sell options on MicroStrategy (NASDAQ:) and Coinbase (NASDAQ:). I mean ETFs that actually hold Bitcoin—either directly (spot) or through futures contracts—as the underlying asset. If that sounds more your speed, here are two -linked ETFs that deliver high yields and passive income, paid monthly or even weekly. ProShares Bitcoin ETF (BITO) ProShares Bitcoin ETF (NYSE:) is a relic from the days when a spot Bitcoin ETF seemed like a pipe dream under Gary Gensler’s SEC. To navigate this, the folks at ProShares came up with a workaround: an ETF that holds futures contracts collateralized by U.S. Treasury bills. You might be wondering how an ETF linked to Bitcoin—a non-yielding asset—manages to pay monthly distributions. The answer lies in the futures contracts. As a 1940 Act fund, BITO is required to distribute all taxable gains by the end of the year to avoid tax penalties. These gains are realized when BITO “rolls” its futures contracts—essentially selling expiring contracts and replacing them with new ones. In addition to the futures gains, some of the distributions come from the interest earned on its Treasury collateral, essentially giving you a slice of the risk-free rate. Currently, BITO sports a whopping 55.15% yield. While this sounds massive, it’s important to note that this yield reflects Bitcoin’s high volatility and strong performance, as realized futures gains are paid out as distributions. So, don’t expect the yield to remain consistent—it will fluctuate based on Bitcoin’s price movements and the fund’s taxable income. ProShares warns in bad times, it could get cut altogether. ProShares describes their managed distribution policy like this: The monthly dividend is designed to approximate the fund’s taxable income and distribute it equally over the remaining months of the year. Simplified, the calculation considers the fund’s net investment income, subsidiary gains, and previous distributions divided over the number of months left in the calendar year. Roundhill Bitcoin Covered Call Strategy ETF (YBTC) The iShares Bitcoin Trust (NASDAQ:) now has an options chain, so if you want to, you could buy 100 shares and sell covered calls on them yourself. Given Bitcoin’s sky-high implied volatility, the premiums are incredibly juicy. Or, you could just outsource the task to Roundhill Bitcoin Covered Call Strategy ETF (NYSE:), which is what I’d personally do. But note that YBTC doesn’t follow the conventional buy-write strategy where you own the underlying asset and sell calls against it. Instead, it employs a synthetic covered call strategy. Here’s how it works: instead of holding shares of IBIT, YBTC creates a synthetic stock position by buying a call and selling a put at the same strike price and expiration. This setup mimics a leveraged long position but requires only a fraction of the capital. Then, YBTC writes short calls against this synthetic position, effectively implementing what’s known in options trading as a “poor man’s covered call” strategy. The trade-off here is capped upside in exchange for steady income generation. Currently, YBTC offers a 3.97% distribution yield. Like BITO, you can expect this yield to fluctuate depending on Bitcoin’s performance and volatility. But here’s where YBTC stands out: it’s one of the few ETFs to pay its distributions on a weekly basis! Source link #Yield #Crypto #BitcoinLinked #ETFs #Deliver Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

Nasdaq: Bearish Cloud Cover Signals More Pain Ahead Nasdaq: Bearish Cloud Cover Signals More Pain Ahead Market travails continue to be an issue for bulls. Positive opening gaps across indices quickly faded, leaving markets in a state of risk-off as trade war fears reemerged. Now, are leading the selloff, plunging 2.7%. have dropped 2%, while tumbled 1.4%, shedding roughly 600 points. The closed its breakdown gap before reversing into a ‘bearish’ cloud cover. There are also ‘sell’ triggers for the MACD and On-Balance-Volume. The December breakdown is still in play and the best optimists can look to is an 18,700-20,100 trading range. Look for a retest of 18,700. The weekly time frame shows a trend breakdown from 2024’s sharply ascending trend, with a larger bullish trend from 2023 looking ripe for a retest. Meanwhile, the ‘bull trap’ is still an issue for the with Friday’s action registering as a distribution day to boot. On the plus side, technicals are again net positive. Although on a weekly time frame, there is an ever so slowly narrowing ‘bearish’ wedge. The () spent another day under its 50-day MA after trying to break through. Repeated attempts to challenge a support or resistance level typically lead to a breakthrough after at least 3 attempts; we are now on 7 attempts and counting for a breakout of its 50-day MA. I have redrawn the trend on the weekly timeframe, with the week finishing on a higher distribution. Technicals are mixed. On a final note, the , having undercut moving averages on the gap down, finished Friday with a bearish “inverse hammer” that spiked into those same moving averages. If bears want a shorting candidate, this is it. For the week ahead, watch for a bearish follow to Friday’s selling. If this lasts a couple of days, then prepare for larger tests of support as defined by indices’s trading ranges. The index looking most vulnerable to selling is the Semiconductor Index. Source link #Nasdaq #Bearish #Cloud #Cover #Signals #Pain #Ahead Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

How to unlock free Fortnite x Discord Boogie Bomb avatar How to unlock free Fortnite x Discord Boogie Bomb avatar By playing Fortnite, you can unlock a Boogie Bomb Discord avatar for free. Source link #unlock #free #Fortnite #Discord #Boogie #Bomb #avatar Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Massive Baldur’s Gate 3 mod is adding “six-to-eight” new companions with their own wants, desires Massive Baldur’s Gate 3 mod is adding “six-to-eight” new companions with their own wants, desires Larian Studios: “Hiya hiya, If you want to stay in the loop on all our news and updates, we’re now shouting into the void from even more corners of the internet. You might have noticed our slumbering BlueSky account is dusted off and now active. Then our Community Team took the next most natural step and joined Tumblr – because if the gang are going to star in a thousand slow-burn romance fics, we might as well be there to see it. In other news, some of you on PS5 might have accidentally stumbled into Patch 8 a little early – whoops! If you’re one of the few wondering what the heck is going on, don’t worry. You can roll back to Patch 7 by deleting and reinstalling the game. Full details here, click away. Think of it as a time-travel mechanic. And with that, the Patch 8 stress test is in fact now live for Xbox, PlayStation, and PC!” Source link #Massive #Baldurs #Gate #mod #adding #sixtoeight #companions #desires Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]