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Powell’s comments gave investors a reality check Powell’s comments gave investors a reality check Jerome Powell, chairman of the US Federal Reserve, at Music Hall at Fair Park in Dallas, Texas, US, on Thursday, Nov. 14, 2024. Shelby Tauber| Bloomberg | Getty Images This report is from today’s CNBC Daily Open, our international markets newsletter. CNBC Daily Open brings investors up to speed on everything they need to know, no matter where they are. Like what you see? You can subscribe here. What you need to know today Postelection rally fades U.S. markets fell on Thursday and are poised to end the week lower. The so-called “Trump trades,” in particular, are fizzling out. Breaking from Wall Street, Asia-Pacific stocks mostly rose on Friday. Japan’s Nikkei 225 added 0.28% on news that the country’s economy expanded in the third quarter, while China’s CSI 300 dropped almost 1% after it was reported that China’s real estate troubles worsened. Not in a hurry to cut The U.S. Federal Reserve doesn’t need to be “in a hurry to lower rates,” Fed Chair Jerome Powell said Thursday. The economy is still strong, Powell noted, and October’s disappointing jobs report was mostly because of hurricanes and labor strikes. Powell’s slightly hawkish tone dampened market enthusiasm and lowered traders’ expectations for a December rate cut. Japan’s third-quarter GDP risesJapan’s economy expanded 0.3% in the third quarter, compared with a year earlier. The increase in GDP is a turnaround from the previous quarter’s contraction of 1.1%, and snaps two consecutive quarters of year-on-year decline. On a quarterly basis, GDP rose 0.2%, in line with estimates from a Reuters poll, but that’s lower than the second quarter’s 0.5% increase. China retail sales pick back upChina’s retail sales in October rose 4.8% year on year, reported the National Bureau of Statistics. It’s higher than the 3.8% expected in a Reuters poll and an increase from September’s 3.2% growth. However, investment in real estate between January to October slumped 10.3% from a year ago — the steepest drop in almost two years, according to data from Wind Information. [PRO] Nvidia to uplift little-known Korean firm Nvidia’s meteoric rise has lifted many associated chipmakers. As Nvidia transitions to its next-generation AI chip, one little-known South Korean firm is becoming such a crucial linchpin in Nvidia’s production process that Wall Street bank Citi gave the firm a 40% potential upside within the next 12 months. The bottom line After enjoying the postelection rally, investors are turning their attention to issues like inflation and interest rates again. Consumer and wholesale price increases in October, while coming in as expected, ticked up from the previous month, indicating that there are still pockets of heat in the economy. Still, the process of disinflation – in which the rate of price increases slows down – is not a linear one. One month of accelerating prices doesn’t necessarily mean inflation’s back. As Fed Chair Jerome Powell noted, the job of getting inflation to the central bank’s “two percent longer-run goal” could be “on a sometimes-bumpy path.” And just as disinflation doesn’t travel in a straight line, neither does the trajectory of interest rates. Powell added that the Fed doesn’t need to be “in a hurry to lower rates” because the of “the strength we are currently seeing in the economy.” The hawkish ****** of Powell’s comments dramatically lowered traders’ bets of a December rate cut. The chance that the Fed will cut rates by 25 basis points at its December meeting is now 62.6%, compared with 82.5% earlier in the day, according to the CME FedWatch tool. BlackRock’s Rick Rieder thinks the Fed will still reduce rates by 25 basis points in December. As for cuts next year, however, “the pace at which that happens and whether they actually need it gets really called into question,” Rieder told CNBC. Those concerns overshadowed the postelection euphoria, causing stocks to fall. The S&P 500 slipped 0.6%, the Dow Jones Industrial Average dropped 0.47% and the Nasdaq Composite retreated 0.64%. All indexes are on track to end the week lower. The U.S. economy is widely expected to achieve a soft landing. For investors who were riding high on the postelection rally and are now descending to earth, their landing sure feels like a bumpy one. — CNBC’s Jeff Cox, Brian Evans and Sarah Min contributed to this report. Source link #Powells #comments #gave #investors #reality #check Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Purpose 1951 (XS) Review | VGChartz Purpose 1951 (XS) Review | VGChartz VGChartz’s Lee Mehr: “It’s a shame that Tonguç Bodur’s latest winds up feeling so empty. Even with fair considerations of it as a budget walking sim, that doesn’t disregard advancements and nuances other narrative adventures have introduced over the past decade. Sure, perhaps some of the skyboxes look prettier in leveraging Unreal Engine 5, but that’s faint praise when no interactions within the world feel meaningful. And with an inconsequential story relying on artificial tension, the whole thing feels like a purposeless jaunt.” Source link #Purpose #Review #VGChartz Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Ten ***** in ***** at Spanish retirement home Ten ***** in ***** at Spanish retirement home At least 10 people have been ******* and others hurt in a ***** that broke out at a retirement home near Zaragoza in north-eastern Spain, emergency services say. The ***** broke out in the town of Villafranca de Ebro early on Friday morning and local officials said more than 80 people were living in the home at the time. The centre opened 16 years ago as a retirement home, according to local reports, but has since specialised in care for residents with mental health problems. Emergency services were alerted at about 05:00 (04:00 GMT) on Friday and firefighters were able to put out the *****. Ten people ***** and two others were taken to hospital, including one person whose condition was described as critical, the local mayor told Spanish radio. Source link #Ten #***** #***** #Spanish #retirement #home Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Star Citizen Developers Discuss The Long and Difficult Road to Server Meshing Star Citizen Developers Discuss The Long and Difficult Road to Server Meshing Its not an exaggeration to say that Server Meshing is the technology that will make or break Star Citizen. Today, Cloud Imperium Games released a video all about it. Source link #Star #Citizen #Developers #Discuss #Long #Difficult #Road #Server #Meshing Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

It's a mouthful but this supercar leaves you speechless It's a mouthful but this supercar leaves you speechless Mercedes-Benz has gone back to the future with a staggeringly fast mid-sized hybrid SUV that will keep its fleet of Formula 1 racers on their toes. Source link #It039s #mouthful #supercar #leaves #speechless Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

The best wireless chargers for 2024 The best wireless chargers for 2024 Imagine never having to fumble with a charging cable again. That’s the magic of a wireless charger. Not only does going wireless clear up your space and make charging as simple as setting your phone down, but it’s also surprisingly versatile. Whether you’re looking for a sleek charging pad for your nightstand, a stand that keeps your phone propped up on your desk or even a foldable charger for convenient travel, there’s a wireless charger designed to fit your lifestyle. Some even double as a car charger, keeping your phone powered up on the go without the hassle of cables to plug in. With so many convenient options, it’s easy to see why more people are ditching their wired chargers and embracing the effortlessness of wireless. Table of contents Best wireless chargers for 2024 Engadget Max output: 10W | Cable length: | Box contents: Base, battery There’s no shortage of portable wireless chargers, but it’s rare that you can find one which is as well-suited to your desk as it is your bag. The Otterbox OtterSpot system is our top pick precisely because it’s so versatile. The base unit is stable, includes a power adapter and accommodates a wide range of smartphones. But it really shines when you want to leave home. You can buy as many as three 5,000mAh portable batteries that optionally stack on top of the base to recharge, and serve as completely wireless chargers on the go. Those batteries can power wired devices through USB-C ports, too. This isn’t the fastest charger given its 10W output, and the base alone is normally expensive at $55 (though it’s down to $38 as we write this). If you want a station you really can use everywhere, though, the OtterSpot is a top pick that can grow along with your needs. $100 at Otterbox Engadget Max output: 15W | Cable length: 6.6ft | Box contents: Charging pad, USB-C cable It’s easy to find wireless power charging pucks that are fast or portable, but rarely both — and certainly not as well-considered as Belkin’s BoostCharge Pro Portable Wireless Charger Pad. Its extremely compact design not only offers 15W MagSafe charging (plus Qi charging when flat), but includes a kickstand that lets you watch videos while you power up. Add a long 6.6ft braided cable and this is an ideal charger whether you’re traveling or catching up on TV shows. The emphasis on MagSafe-compatible may make the Belkin BoostCharge less appealing for Android devices, and a better option for Apple devices. However, this is designed specifically as a phone charger rather than an Apple Watch charger, or multi-device charger. Still, it’s a definite step up from Apple’s more affordable but simpler MagSafe Charger. And importantly, you have the choice of buying Belkin’s accessory with ($80) or without ($60) a power adapter. $50 at Belkin Anker Max output: 10W | Cable length: 4ft | Box contents: Charging pad, microUSB cable, welcome guide If you just need the basics, Anker’s 315 Wireless Charger offers significant value from a well-known name. It tops out at 10W (7.5W for iPhones), doesn’t include a power adapter and relies on a microUSB cable instead of a USB-C cable, but it also costs only $15. Even if you have to buy an adapter, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a better deal. This charger works well with various devices, including AirPods Pro. $15 at Amazon Belkin Max output: 15W | Cable length: 4ft | Box contents: Charging stand, USB-C cable There’s fierce competition in the wireless charging stand space, and it’s easy to get a good 15W charger if you’re willing to pay. Belkin, however, is one of the few that promises truly solid value. Its $45 BoostCharge 15W Wireless Charging Stand costs less than some alternatives while including a power adapter in the box. The lip at the bottom will keep your phone stable, and dual charging coils let you use the device while watching a video in landscape mode. You can also easily keep an eye on your phone’s battery level. There’s no MagSafe or other device-specific charging optimizations on this one for your Apple devices. And like many wireless charging stands, this doesn’t officially support the iPhone 13 mini and similarly small handsets. But there’s otherwise little to complain about here — this is a no-nonsense power solution at a good price, and conveniently comes packaged with an included USB-C cable $33 at Amazon Engadget Max output: 15W | Cable length: 5.9ft | Box contents: Charging pad, USB-C cable There aren’t many great options for wireless chargers that use Samsung’s fast power delivery technology, particularly if you want a stand. Thankfully, Spigen’s charger is up to the job. It delivers 15W to all Samsung Galaxy phones that support Super Fast Wireless Charging, and it’s a well-made (if unspectacular) perch that prevents your device from sliding around. The universal form factor works with other smartphones too, though it doesn’t specify that it works with Apple devices. You’ll want to shop carefully. Some versions don’t include a power adapter, and some stores sell for less than the official $80. If you can score a good deal, though, this is an ideal way to charge your Galaxy device while providing a clear view of the always-on display, allowing you to check your phone’s battery with a quick glance $60 at Amazon Anker Max output: 10W | Cable length: 3ft | Box contents: Charging stand, microUSB cable, welcome guide Anker’s strong value in pad chargers also applies to stands. The 313 Wireless Charger tops out at 10W (5W for iPhones), doesn’t include a power brick and uses a microUSB cable rather than a USB-C cable, but it’s also $20. You can buy an adapter and still undercut the price of some equally competent alternatives. It can charge while your phone is in landscape orientation, too – an added bonus to this phone charger. You might want to look at competing products if they cost under $40 with an adapter included, but the 313 is otherwise difficult to top. $16 at Amazon What to look for in a wireless charger It’s tempting to buy a wireless charging pad optimized for the size and features of the phone you have right now. Resist that urge — this is an accessory you’ll probably use with smartphones and other devices, and you don’t want to replace it every time you buy a new handset. Instead, think about the phones you’re likely to use down the road. If you’re sure you’ll use iPhones for a long time, an Apple MagSafe-compatible charger will be faster and more convenient. If you use Android phones or think you might switch sides, however, you’ll want a more universal design. You’ll also want something that accepts a variety of device sizes. Certain wireless charging stations don’t work well with the iPhone 13 mini or other particularly small phones, for instance. If you think you may change phone sizes at some point, a pad charger is a wiser choice. With that said, you’ll still want to pay attention to any potentially limiting design features, such as prominent cradles and lips. Also, consider wireless chargers with modular components. While you’ll have to invest exclusively in one company’s ecosystem, this gives you room to grow as your gadget needs change. You can add a charger for a second phone or smartwatch, and some systems even offer modular batteries to supply power on the go. Just be sure to look at a multi-device charger if there’s a very good chance you’ll expand your setup in the future. Where and how will you use your charger? Odds are that you have a specific use case in mind for your charger. You may want it by your bedside for a quick charge in the morning, or on your desk for at-a-glance notifications. You might even keep it in your bag for convenient travel charging instead of bulky power banks. If you intend to place your charger on a nightstand, you’ll usually want a pad. With a stand, even a dim always-on display can prove distracting when you’re trying to sleep. You may also want a wireless charging pad if your phone will sit on a low table, as it might be easier to grab in a rush. Look at compact models if space is tight. On your desk, you may prefer a stand to quickly glance at alerts or make video calls. Want something more travel-friendly? A puck or similarly minimalist design is typically best, delivering wireless power effortlessly to your phone or other devices. You may also want a charger with a battery (either modular or built-in) for camping or whenever an outlet isn’t nearby. Some even come as magnetic wireless chargers, perfect for seamless attachment to compatible devices. Wireless charging performance Although wireless charging is usually slower than its wired equivalent, speed and wattage are still important considerations. A fast charger can supply enough power for a long night out in the time it takes to change outfits. In general, a 15W charger is more than quick enough for most situations, and you’ll need a MagSafe-compatible charger to extract that level of performance from an iPhone. With that said, even the slower 7.5W and 10W chargers are fast enough for an overnight power-up. If anything, you’ll want to worry more about support for cases. While many models can deliver power through a reasonably thick case (typically 3mm to 5mm), you’ll occasionally run into examples that only work with ****** phones. There are some proprietary chargers that smash the 15W barrier if you have the right phone. Google’s second-generation Pixel Stand, for example, delivers up to 23W for a Pixel 6 Pro or Pixel 7 Pro. Optimized designs like this can make sense if you’re loyal to one brand. Be sure to get a charger that still works well with other manufacturers’ smartphones, though, as you don’t want to replace your accessory (or endure sluggish speeds) if you switch brands. Quality and box contents Once you’ve chosen the form factor and performance levels that meet your needs, you’ll want to consider the fit and finish. You’re likely going to use your wireless charger every day, so even small differences in quality could make the difference between joy and frustration. If your charger doesn’t use MagSafe-compatible tech, textured surfaces like fabric or rubberized plastic are more likely to keep your phone in place. The base should be grippy or weighty enough that the charger won’t slide around. If you’re buying a stand, check that it won’t tip over or wobble. Pay attention to what’s included in the box. Some models don’t include power adapters, and may even ask you to reuse your phone’s USB-C charging cable. What may seem to be a bargain may prove expensive if you have to buy extras just to use it. Also, some cables and chargers are better than others. A USB-C charger is more future-proof, while braided cables may be less likely to break or tangle. You’ll also want to think about the minor conveniences. Status lights are useful for indicating correct phone placement, but an overly bright light can be distracting. Ideally, the light dims or shuts off after a certain ******* of time. And while we caution against lips and trays that limit compatibility, you may still want some barriers to prevent your device falling off its perch on the charging station. By now, you should know what to look for. While it would be impossible for us to test every charger, we’ve tried numerous models and have some favorites. Wireless chargers FAQs Do wireless chargers work if you have a phone case? Many wireless chargers do work if you leave the case on your phone. Generally, a case up to 3mm thick should be compatible with most wireless chargers. However, you should check the manufacturer’s guide to ensure a case is supported. How do I know if my phone supports wireless charging? Checking the phone’s specification should tell you if your phone is compatible with wireless charging. You might see words like “Qi wireless charging” or “wireless charging compatible.” Do cords charge your phone faster? Most often, wired charging will be faster than wireless charging. However, wired charging also depends on what the charging cable’s speed is and how much power it’s designed to carry. A quick-charging cable that can transmit up to 120W of power is going to be faster than a wireless charger. Source link #wireless #chargers Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

*** growth slows between July and September as services sector falters *** growth slows between July and September as services sector falters The *** economy expanded by just 0.1% in the third quarter of 2024, falling short of the 0.2% growth forecast by economists and marking a slowdown from the 0.5% increase recorded in the second quarter. The latest GDP figures, released by the Office for National Statistics (ONS), revealed weakening momentum in the ***’s dominant services sector. In its first estimate of activity for the three months to September, the ONS reported that output from both the services and manufacturing sectors had eased. The slowdown has been attributed to lingering uncertainty surrounding the new Labour government’s budget and persistently high borrowing costs. The services sector, which contributes roughly 80% of *** GDP, grew by just 0.1% during the quarter while construction grew 0.8% and production fell by 0.2%. ONS director of economic statistics Liz McKeown said: “The economy grew a little in the latest quarter overall as the recent slowdown in growth continued. Retail and new construction work both performed well, partially offset by falls in telecommunications and wholesale. Generally, growth was subdued across most industries in the latest quarter. “In September the economy shrank a little. Services showed no growth with a notable increase in car sales offset by a slow month for IT companies. Production fell overall, driven by manufacturing, though there was an increase in oil and gas extraction.” Labour, which came to power earlier this year, has positioned economic growth as a key policy priority. However, the lacklustre data highlights the difficulties of achieving this ambition in the face of fiscal constraints and subdued private-sector activity. Last month’s budget saw the chancellor increasing taxes and borrowing in a move Labour defended as necessary to stabilise public finances and improve services. The measures included a hike in employers’ national insurance contributions, which many businesses argue could dampen job creation and discourage investment. Meanwhile, the Bank of England has lowered interest rates twice this year, with the latest cut bringing rates down to 4.75%. However, borrowing costs remain elevated compared to pre-pandemic levels, keeping pressure on *** households and businesses. Download the Yahoo Finance app, available for Apple and Android. Source link #growth #slows #July #September #services #sector #falters Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Looking For The Perfect RPG like Earthbound? Try Yakuza: Like A Dragon Looking For The Perfect RPG like Earthbound? Try Yakuza: Like A Dragon SimpleSlave198d ago “It wouldn’t have been much of a change if they just kept the same old mechanics they’d been using for more than a decade, but with a new main character would it? Granted, the combat isn’t perfect but it is the refreshing change the series needed, and I can only see it improving with subsequent iterations” This is the problem right here. Is this idea that the series needed to change. It is also the idea that IF it needed to change and freshen up, completely doing away with the gameplay was the thing to do. Like making the core Street Fighter games into a Kart Racing or Grand Turismo into a Card Battle game. You, like the rest of the new fans, sound so ******* and devoid of any imagination it focking hurts… Seriously, stop. The most laughable part is you thinking that Turn Based, a far more restrictive and inferior system, is somehow freshening something up. Any real Yakuza fan knows that that’s what the Offshoots were for. Something you would be very aware of if you actually were “a fan of the games since the PS2 days.” Which you clearly are not. They ******* a very unique franchise that served a niche in order to appeal to the likes of people like you and the rest of the “anime” Persona crowd. Something that they also did with Persona sadly enough. But it shouldn’t surprise me in the least, cuz that’s what ***** does. Ironically? What Nintendon’t. Go figure. They did the Yakuza franchise wrong, but c’est la vie. Source link #Perfect #RPG #Earthbound #Yakuza #Dragon Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Māori Haka Protest Erupts in New Zealand Parliament Māori Haka Protest Erupts in New Zealand Parliament new video loaded: Māori Haka Protest Erupts in New Zealand Parliament transcript Back transcript Māori Haka Protest Erupts in New Zealand ParliamentMember of Parliament Hana-Rawhiti Maipi-Clarke led the ceremonial performance of Māori culture, tearing up a controversial bill as other lawmakers joined her in protest. Oh, oh don’t do that. The House is – The House is suspended until a ringing of the bells. The gallery is to be cleared. Recent episodes in International International video coverage from The New York Times. International video coverage from The New York Times. Show more videos from International Source link #Māori #Haka #Protest #Erupts #Zealand #Parliament Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

MINDCOP Review – Thumb Culture MINDCOP Review – Thumb Culture “The Montpellier-based (France) indie games publisher Dear Villagers and Germany-based indie games developer Andre Gareis, are today very happy and proud to announce that their detective narrative game “MINDCOP”, is coming to PC (via Stean) )and consoles (PS5 and the Nintendo Switch) in Q4 2024.” – Jonas Ek, TGG. Source link #MINDCOP #Review #Thumb #Culture Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

What is TikTok’s ‘Winter Arc’ challenge and why is it going viral? What is TikTok’s ‘Winter Arc’ challenge and why is it going viral? The latest obsession on TikTok is the “Winter Arc” challenge, which sees young people get ahead of their New Year’s Resolutions. Winter Arc TikTok is flooded with videos of young men and women wearing dark-******** oversized hoodies and athleisure, working out in the gym, or going for early-morning runs. “These are the months where a lot of people tend to slow down … this is the time where people tend to let their foot off the gas,” says one TikToker, Carly Upgraded, in a video with 4.6 million views. Carly says the Winter Arc is all about being “laser-focused” on your goals, so that you’re transformed by the new year. Her goals include waking up at 5:30 a.m., having a workout and meal plan, reading books, and even posting more content on TikTok. Despite its recent popularity, the now-viral trend has actually been around as a concept for years, according to celebrity fitness trainer Michael Baah. Baah has worked with high-profile clients including British soccer legend Gary Lineker, boxer Ezra Taylor and Strictly Come Dancing star Tasha Ghouri. “Whether it’s fitness, financial, whatever remit you’re in, you can create a challenge during the last 90 days of the year — the last quarter of the year — to get you ready and set for the next year ahead,” Baah told CNBC Make It. He said it takes 66 days to form a habit, so the Winter Arc helps ease the process of transitioning into your New Year goals. “The best time to plant the tree was 10 years ago. So starting your challenge early is going to keep you locked in and help you get into your routine a lot quicker than starting on the first of January, when you’re battling all of those demons, and the chocolate and Christmas leftovers in the fridge,” he said. However, there does appear to be a dark side to the trend, with some TikTokers taking things to the extreme, saying they’ll cut off all romantic relationships, have no form of human contact, and go to the gym six days a week during their Winter Arc. London-based celebrity therapist Malminder Gill warned against this approach, saying these extreme goals are a form of “self-harm.” “You’re challenging yourself to actually speed up depression,” she told CNBC Make It. “We need social interaction, we need balance, we need sunlight.” Here are four expert tips to create healthy, realistic Winter Arc goals: Improve by 10% Although Winter Arc extremists might have you believe you need to go from zero to 100, this will lead to burnout, according to Gill. Her philosophy is to take whatever you’re doing currently — such as in your diet, fitness regime or social life — and figure out how to improve it by just 10%. “This is better because it’s easier to maintain and there’s less likely to be this cliff drop,” Gill explained. It can be as simple as choosing not to add any sweetener to your coffee, or adding an extra 10 minutes to your gym workout, Gill advises. Fitness coach Baah, meanwhile, encouraged “consistency over intensity” to help get you to the finish line. “I always say to people: start where you are. If you’re not a gym person, don’t start becoming a gym girl from day two and start smashing seven days in the gym, because that’s not going to be consistent,” he said. “Instead, incorporate 15-to-40 minute workouts in the gym semi-regularly, rather than two-to-three-hour sessions every day, so that after a long a day at work you’re not put off and lose motivation.” Complete an internal check Preparing your goals also requires you to assess your emotions and feelings throughout the year. “Decide ‘what is it that brings me energy?'” says Katia Vlachos, certified coach and meditation teacher. “What is it that recharges me, that energizes me, that brings me joy? And what is it that depletes me?” Gill described this as an “internal check,” which requires people to get real about their feelings. “One of the absolute best self-care things you can do is checking in with yourself. What do I think before the world tells me what I should think?” Gill said. This could mean cutting out activities that drained you this year, setting boundaries, and doubling down on habits that are helping you grow. ‘Well-formed goals’ As people approach the end of the year, many look back on a list of vague goals that never came to fruition, Gill said, which can cause feelings of guilt and shame. “When it comes to guilt in this context, specifically this year, you’re just going to have to ***** it up, because next year, you have to define your goals and outcomes much better,” she added, noting that more manageable targets are less likely to lead to these feelings. “If you’re feeling guilt or regret because of your goals that have been unachieved or not accomplished, it’s because they weren’t well-formed goals or well-formed outcomes,” she said. “You didn’t create the goal in a way that fits in with your life. You didn’t do the full, forward-thinking. You didn’t think of all of the traps that might be waiting for you.” Life coach Vlachos emphasized the importance of creating flexible goals that align with your values, as opposed to strict, measurable goals. That way you can adapt your goals as you grow through the year. “Our goals should not be our cages,” she said. “They should motivate us and pull us forward and help us grow, not keep us limited or lead us to ***** out.” Don’t forget to ‘nourish your soul’ A lot of Winter Arc goals outlined on TikTok are focused on the physical and aesthetic, but ignore the mind and soul. “Do you nourish your soul? Do you do the things that bring you joy and make you happy? I find that as important as the physical stuff,” Vlachos said. She stressed that it can be more challenging to address big questions about your feelings and emotions rather than going to the gym. One way to get in tune with your feelings can be through meditation, and it doesn’t take up a lot of time, Vlachos said. Her favorite meditation exercise, for instance, is called “16 seconds.” “You basically breathe in for a count of four. You hold for a count of four. You breathe out for four, and then you hold for a count of four,” she said. Source link #TikToks #Winter #Arc #challenge #viral Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Lenovo Raises PC Shipments Outlook for 2025 After Strong Earnings Lenovo Raises PC Shipments Outlook for 2025 After Strong Earnings Lenovo Group Ltd. hiked its projection for global PC shipments in 2025 after posting better-than-expected earnings, saying AI features will help boost growth next year. The overall PC market will expand in the current quarter, Lenovo’s Chief Executive Officer Yang Yuanqing told Bloomberg News after earnings on Friday. He raised his outlook for global shipments in 2025 to double-digit percentage growth, up from a previous forecast of five percent to 10 percent, citing demand for AI PCs and the replacement cycle facilitated by Windows 11. Yang added that Lenovo is not particularly disadvantaged against its key competitors if US President-elect Donald Trump decides to slap tariffs on foreign goods after formally returning to the White House. Net income grew 44 percent to $358.5 million (roughly Rs. 3,027 crore) in the September quarter, Beijing-based Lenovo said in a filing on Friday. That compares with an average estimate of $343.3 million (roughly Rs. 2,899 crore). Revenue rose 24 percent to $17.85 billion (roughly Rs. 1,50,738 crore), also exceeding analyst projections. The company’s quarterly PC shipments climbed three percent from a year ago, according to industry researcher IDC, while rivals like Dell Technologies Inc. and Apple Inc. saw declines. “The market is taking a breather before going into the year-end buying *******,” said Bryan Ma, vice president at IDC. PC makers are making a big push this year to add artificial intelligence capabilities — with a helping hand from Windows maker Microsoft Corp. — in a bid to entice consumers into an upgrade cycle. As the industry bounces back from the troughs of recent years, the reception to this new crop of AI PCs will be crucial to future success. The mass market’s interest for such devices, which have higher price tags, still ******** to be tested. Lenovo’s AI bet is not limited to end-user devices. The company’s infrastructure solutions group, which sells servers to large-scale customers, is another key pillar of its investment into the nascent technology. Lenovo sees that division powering growth by delivering data center hardware that helps accelerate AI model training and computations. “Lenovo’s data center segment could grow substantially on AI server order wins and improving supply of Nvidia’s GPUs, though profitability may remain subdued”, Bloomberg Intelligence analysts Steven Tseng and Sean Chen wrote in a report ahead of the earnings release. © 2024 Bloomberg L.P. (This story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Source link #Lenovo #Raises #Shipments #Outlook #Strong #Earnings Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

FBI video shows moment man sets US ballot box on ***** FBI video shows moment man sets US ballot box on ***** New footage released by the FBI from 28 October reveals the moment a man set a ballot box on ***** with an “improvised incendiary device” in Portland, Oregon. The FBI is investigating three fires at ballot boxes that occurred ahead of the US election – two in Vancouver, Washington, and one in Portland, Oregon. A reward of up to $25,000 (£19,677) is being offered for information that leads to the identification, arrest, and conviction of those responsible. Source link #FBI #video #shows #moment #man #sets #ballot #box #***** Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

England v South *******: Can hosts keep ****** in the blitz? England v South *******: Can hosts keep ****** in the blitz? Personnel might be part of that. Jones earned rave reviews in his early England days, with captain Jamie George lauding the “crazy energy” he was coaxing from their defence. But Jones didn’t have the endurance to match, handing in his notice after a little over seven months in post. Joe El-Abd – England’s third defence coach in less than a year – has replaced him, initially splitting his duties between the national side and French second-tier club Oyonnax. England have stressed that there is a continuity in defensive philosophy, but, even so, a changing cast of coaches won’t have helped bed it in. Then there is the nature of the tactics themselves. Jones was the mastermind behind South *******’s ‘blitz’ defence, with tacklers rushing up in defence, attempting to shut down opponents’ time and space. England have hoped to do the same. When it works well, the tactic squeezes teams, denying them momentum and creating turnover opportunities. Those are the rewards, but the blitz is also high-risk. On-rushing defenders are more easily evaded and, moving at pace, the holes they leave behind are hard to plug. A blitz defence can post impressive gainline numbers or contain a team for sustained periods, but, when it fails, the errors can also be more costly. Big territorial losses and heavy scoreboard damage can result. South ******* centre Andre Esterhuizen says that a successful blitz lives on a ******-edge – flipping from ferocious front-foot aggression to desperate corner-flagging cover in the blink of an eye. “The biggest thing about that system is scramble,” he told Rugby Union Weekly earlier this week. “You are going to make misreads, you are going to make mistakes, but it is how your team-mates around you fix it for you. “We say that 80% of your reads you are going to get right, but 20% you are going to get wrong and that’s where we work hard and scramble for each other.” During his time with England, Jones said that finding that balance is key. He warned that an emphasis on aggression can, at times, tip too far and leave teams vulnerable. “You have to push yourself to where the margins are so small and you’re right on the limit of **********,” he said. England are still trying find that sweet spot and master a tricky tactic. Jacques Nienaber, former South ******* head coach, reckons it took the Springboks 14 matches to get right when he came into their set-up in 2018., external Source link #England #South #******* #hosts #****** #blitz Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

NoviqTech cashes in as crypto and blockchain surge NoviqTech cashes in as crypto and blockchain surge “Trump trading” was well and truly back again this week following The Donald’s shock resounding win in the US presidential election last Tuesday. The mighty USD has been surging as has bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies that have their tail in the air with the re-ascendancy of Trump, an avowed crypto supporter. Blockchain, energy stocks and Tesla have also been running, with Tesla up nearly 45 per cent since the election. Telsa appears to be riding high on the back of the newfound bromance between major shareholder and uber-rich super-genius Elon Musk and the president elect. Shortly after Trump won the presidential race, bitcoin started its own race, reaching for its all-time high this week of more than US$93,000 (AU$144,000). It perhaps comes as no surprise then that this This week’s Bulls N Bears Runner of the Week is……… blockchain solutions company NoviqTech Ltd. NoviqTech (NVQ) up 172% on blockchain placement After closing at 2.2c last Friday, NoviqTech continued to muddle along on a flat trajectory all week, that is until the company went into a trading halt for a “strategic placement” on Wednesday. Noviq hit the boards again on Friday, sprinting out of the blocks to a high of 6c, up some 172 per cent from last week on news the successful capital raise to accelerate its “blockchain-powered solutions” has been supported by some rather influential crypto investors. Noviq has a suite of products around data storage, tracking and reporting based largely on its ledger and blockchain technology. Its key offering is around carbon reporting, carbon tokenisation and the guaranteeing of the origin of green fuels and resources. The latest placement, which was only for a little over $1 million dollars at 2c per share, has been widely publicised as being supported by notable blockchain investor, ********* politician and *********** professional poker player Antanas Guoga or for those who used to tune into the hit tv-show High Stakes Poker “TONY G”. ‘Tony G’ said on the X platform this morning: “I don’t invest in many companies in the *********** market. But could not resist the tech and team of Noviqtech. It’s going to be a fun journey to make blockchain work.” And it would seem that Tony G has already had a bit of fun with his recent investment In Noviq already tripling in value – nice work if you can get it. Camera IconNoviqTech Ltd is a blockchain powered ledger and carbon footprint monitoring company capturing the attention of industry and crypto investors. Credit: File SelfWealth Ltd (SWF) up 136% Taking out second spot on the Bulls N Bears Runner of the Week podium this week is sizzling stock swapping platform Selfwealth which shot up some 136 per cent this week from a close of 11c last week to a high of 26c on Thursday. The suddenly popular online trading platform known for it’s competitive brokerage and user-friendly interface has received not one but two non-binding takeover offers from competing groups this week. On Wednesday asx-listed services group Bell Financial tabled a takeover proposal for 22c in cash for Selfwealth, a proposal valuing the company at $51 million to which the Selfwealth board promptly replied, “yes please, take us!” Not more than a day later the company received its second non-binding indicative proposal for the week, this time at 23c per share from AxiCorp Financial Services. Axi is a privately owned global online brokerage firm focused on forex trading and contracts for difference. Axi indicated it is serious about the offer and is willing to negotiate and sign a binding implementation deed in an expedited manner. It seems the impending bidding war for Selfwealth stimulated the market with the share price now trading above the proposed takeover prices and shareholders are left licking their lips in anticipation – the only question now is who’s ready to go again? Cyclone Metals (CLE) up 84% Landing in third place this week is Cyclone Metals which captured the attention of the market and the attention of Brazilian mining giant Vale with its Iron Bear magnetite iron ore project in Canada. The share price is running this Friday on news Cyclone has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the South ********* iron ore giant for a strategic partnership over Iron Bear to accelerate its development. Cyclone hit an intraday high of 3.5c on Friday on news of the substantial partnership, pushing it up more than 84 per cent from its close of 1.9c last Friday. Vale says it will contribute up to US$18 million (AU$27.83 million) for feasibility studies, drilling and environmental work to earn an initial 30 per cent interest in the project. The company may then opt to launch towards a 75 per cent controlling interest in the project by taking Iron Bear to a decision to mine or spending US$120 million (AU$185.5 million), whichever comes first. Cyclone is chaired by Perth dealmaker and occasional soccer fan Tony Sage and this isn’t Sage’s first rodeo. Back in 2008 he flogged a magnetite project to the ******** for some $400m, having spirited it away from its previous owners just 18 months prior for the miserly sum of $20m. Midway Ltd (MWY) up 66% And the final Bulls N Bears Runner of the Week is *********** plantation wood fibre exporter Midway Ltd which hit a high of $1.28 on Thursday, representing a 66 per cent gain from its close of 77c last week. Midway’s share price boost was kicked along by yet another takeover offer for the week, this time in the binding form by *********** fund manager River Capital at an offer price of $1.19 in cash per share. River Capital manages over $1 billion spread across both listed and unlisted companies. Midway’s fibre is used in recyclable paper, plastic replacement products and coal replacing energy generation in the ****** region. And River’s offer is looking the goods too with the Midway board giving it the nod and recommending it to shareholders. From blockchain to carbon tracking, all the way to deforestation and a bit of mining, this week’s Runners of the Week have come full circle on yet another rollercoaster week for the market. No doubt The Donald will claim responsibility for it all. Is your ASX-listed company doing something interesting? Contact: *****@*****.tld Source link #NoviqTech #cashes #crypto #blockchain #surge Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Shanghai, Tokyo, New York, Houston spew most greenhouse gas of world cities Shanghai, Tokyo, New York, Houston spew most greenhouse gas of world cities BAKU, Azerbaijan (AP) — Cities in Asia and the ******* States emit the most heat-trapping gas that feeds climate change, with Shanghai the most polluting, according to new data that combines observations and artificial intelligence. Seven states or provinces spew more than 1 billion metric tons of greenhouse gases, all of them in China, except Texas, which ranks sixth, according to new data from an organization co-founded by former U.S. Vice President Al Gore and released Friday at the ******* Nations climate talks in Baku, Azerbaijan. Nations at the talks are trying to set new targets to cut such emissions, and figure out how much rich nations will pay to help the world with that task. Using satellite and ground observations, supplemented by artificial intelligence to fill in gaps, Climate Trace sought to quantify heat-trapping carbon dioxide, methane and nitrous oxide, as well as other traditional air pollutants worldwide, including for the first time in more than 9,000 urban areas. Earth’s total carbon dioxide and methane pollution grew 0.7% to 61.2 billion metric tons with the short-lived but extra potent methane rising 0.2%. The figures are higher than other datasets “because we have such comprehensive coverage and we have observed more emissions in more sectors than are typically available,” said Gavin McCormick, Climate Trace’s co-founder. Plenty of big cities emit far more than some nations Shanghai’s 256 million metric tons of greenhouse gases led all cities and exceeded those from the nations of Colombia or Norway. Tokyo’s 250 million metric tons would rank in the top 40 of nations if it were a country, while New York City’s 160 million metric tons and Houston’s 150 million metric tons would be in the top 50 of countrywide emissions. Seoul, South Korea, ranks fifth among cities at 142 million metric tons. “One of the sites in the Permian Basin in Texas is by far the No. 1 worst polluting site in the entire world,” Gore said. “And maybe I shouldn’t have been surprised by that, but I think of how ****** some of these sites are in Russia and China and so forth. But Permian Basin is putting them all in the shade.” China, India, Iran, Indonesia and Russia had the biggest increases in emissions from 2022 to 2023, while Venezuela, Japan, Germany, the ******* Kingdom and the ******* States had the biggest decreases in pollution. The dataset — maintained by scientists and analysts from various groups — also looked at traditional pollutants such as carbon monoxide, volatile organic compounds, ammonia, sulfur dioxide and other chemicals associated with ****** air. Burning fossil fuels releases both types of pollution, Gore said. This “represents the single biggest health threat facing humanity,” Gore said. Climate talks wrestle with fossil fuel interests Gore criticized the hosting of climate talks, called COPs, by Azerbaijan, an oil nation and site of the world’s first oil wells, and by the ******* ***** Emirates last year. “It’s unfortunate that the fossil fuel industry and the petrostates have seized control of the COP process to an unhealthy degree,” Gore said. “Next year in Brazil, we’ll see a change in that pattern. But, you know, it’s not good for the world community to give the No. 1 polluting industry in the world that much control over the whole process.” Brazil President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has called for more to be done on climate change and has sought to slow deforestation since returning for a third term as president. But Brazil last year produced more oil than both Azerbaijan and the ******* ***** Emirates, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration. At a press conference Friday by the Alliance of Small Island States, it’s Chair, Cedric Schuster, said the negotiating bloc feels the need to remind everyone else why the talks matter. “We’re here to defend the Paris agreement,” Schuster said, referring to the climate deal in 2015 to limit warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius (2.7 Fahrenheit). “We’re concerned that countries are forgetting that protecting the world’s most vulnerable is at the core of this framework.” ___ The Associated Press’ climate and environmental coverage receives financial support from multiple private foundations. AP is solely responsible for all content. Find AP’s standards for working with philanthropies, a list of supporters and funded coverage areas at AP.org. Source link #Shanghai #Tokyo #York #Houston #spew #greenhouse #gas #world #cities Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Powell comments, Japan GDP, China retail sales, Powell comments, Japan GDP, China retail sales, A view of the night scenery in Shanghai, China S3studio | Getty Images Entertainment | Getty Images Asia markets were mixed Friday as Wall Street fell after U.S. Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell indicated the central bank was in no rush to cut rates, with investors also assessing China and Japan economic data. Speaking in Dallas, Powell pointed out that strong U.S. economic growth will allow policymakers to take their time in deciding how far and how fast they should lower interest rates. In Asia, investors assessed key economic data from China on Friday, which included October numbers for retail sales, industrial production and urban unemployment. China’s retail sales rose more than expected in October, while industrial production and investment data missed forecasts. The unemployment rate in cities fell to 5% in October, down from 5.1% in September. Hong Kong’s Hang Seng index rose 0.23%, while mainland China’s CSI 300 fell 0.82% after the data release. Separately, Japan on Friday reported its third-quarter GDP expanded 0.3% year-on-year, snapping two straight quarters of year-on-year declines. On a quarter-on-quarter basis, GDP rose 0.2%, in line with Reuters poll estimates. Japan’s Nikkei 225 was up 0.28% after the GDP announcement and closed at 38,642.91, while the broad-based Topix rose 0.39% higher at 2,711.64. The yen strengthened marginally against the U.S. dollar to 156.19, after initially weakening after the GDP release. South Korea’s Kospi ended marginally lower at 2,416.86, despite shares of heavyweight Samsung Electronics surging 7.21%, while the small-cap Kosdaq climbed 0.57% and ended at 685.42. Australia’s S&P/ASX 200 climbed 0.74%, finishing at 8,285.2. Overnight in the U.S., all three indexes fell, with the Dow Jones Industrial Average dropping 0.47%. The S&P 500 fell 0.6%, while the Nasdaq Composite pulled back 0.64%. So-called “Trump trades” also lost steam as the market rally cooled. Tesla tumbled 5.8%, while the small-cap benchmark Russell 2000 dropped more than 1%, underperforming the major averages. — CNBC’s Brian Evans and Sarah Min contributed to this report. Source link #Powell #comments #Japan #GDP #China #retail #sales Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

*** economy slows between July and September *** economy slows between July and September The ***’s economy grew by 0.1% between July and September, according to the latest official figures. Growth was lower than expected and the Office for National Statistics said activity was subdued across most industries during the three months. Labour made boosting economic growth its top priority when it came into power but Chancellor Rachel Reeves said she was “not satisfied” with these latest figures. This week she announced plans to reform the pensions sector to try to boost investment but the government is facing a backlash by some businesses who have criticised tax rises in the Budget. Source link #economy #slows #July #September Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Bancroft’s nightmare continues with another low score Bancroft’s nightmare continues with another low score Cameron Bancroft’s horror start to the summer has continued, dismissed cheaply on a tough opening day for Western Australia’s batters in their Sheffield Shield match against Victoria. On the same day Todd Murphy took four wickets for the Vics to press his claims for the Sri Lanka tour, Bancroft’s misery lived on as he was out for just 12. The former Test opener was the first man out as WA were all out for 167, before Victoria went to stumps at 2-100. Marcus Harris is 40 not out at stumps for Victoria, a week after both he and Bancroft lost out to Nathan McSweeney for the vacant spot at the top of Australia’s Test order. Particularly watchful early, Harris’ only two scoring shots in his first 26 ****** were nice drives to the mid-off and mid-on boundaries. He then hit three successive fours from Brody Couch’s first over, with a late cut, uppercut and backfoot drive all through the offside. But while Harris at least got a start on Friday at his favoured Junction Oval in Melbourne, there was little joy for Bancroft. The right-hander got off the mark by punching a ball to backward-point boundary, and also produced a lovely on-drive off Sam Elliott. In between that he was also dropped in the slips by Harris off Fergus O’Neill (3-43), before the quick nipped one back in at him and Bancroft was out lbw. Bancroft’s run of scores in red-ball cricket this summer now reads 0, 0, 8, 12, 0, 16, 3, 0 and 12. It comes after he was the leading run-scorer in the Sheffield Shield over the past two summers, before his form deserted him at the precise wrong moment. Murphy’s 4-27 on his 24th birthday came at the right time ahead of this summer’s tour of Sri Lanka. He was the preferred option as Australia’s second spinner in last year’s Ashes, but a fit-again Nathan Lyon has not required a tweaker alongside him since then. West *********** Corey Rocchiccioli has since been the leading spinner in the Shield last summer, before taking four wickets in the second innings for Australia A against India A last week. But in the third-last round before selection for the Sri Lanka Test tour, Murphy was able to bag his best figures of the summer. He had opener Sam Fanning caught behind sweeping a ball down leg, before being miserly with the ball for the majority of his spell. The Victorian then ran through the tail and removing Joel Paris, Cameron Gannon and Brody Couch. Rocchiccioli (1-15) was able to get one wicket for Western Australia before stumps, having Campbell Kellaway caught at cover for 26 when he was beaten in flight. Peter Handscomb was also unbeaten on 26. Source link #Bancrofts #nightmare #continues #score Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Which Frisch’s Big Boy locations have closed across Greater Cincinnati? Here’s a list Which Frisch’s Big Boy locations have closed across Greater Cincinnati? Here’s a list More Frisch’s Big Boy locations shuttered this week, as the number of closures continue to increase. The looming threat of closures comes as Frisch’s Restaurants admitted Oct. 23 it faces an unspecified number of evictions from several locations due to “unforeseen circumstances.” Court records reveal “more than 20” properties face eviction in Southwest Ohio – or a quarter of Frisch’s Restaurants’ 78 total locations in Ohio, Kentucky and Indiana. Records also show the landlord claims Frisch’s owes more than $4.5 million in rent. So which restaurants in Greater Cincinnati are now closed or are set to close? Several Frisch’s Big Boy statues are locked behind fencing in Walnut Hills. Closed Frisch’s Big Boy locations in Greater Cincinnati 4227 Bridgetown Road, Cheviot. 5202 Delhi Ave., Delhi Township. 1830 Columbus Ave., Lebanon. 3560 S. Dixie Highway, Middletown. 1283 State Route 28, Loveland. 551 W. Plane St., Bethel. Frisch’s locations expected to close soon Note: These have been referred to Hamilton County bailiffs and are slated to close. However, they were still open and running, as of Thursday. 4765 Montgomery Road, Norwood. 9070 Plainfield Road, Blue Ash. 9830 Colerain Ave., Colerain Township. 12150 Mason Montgomery Road, Symmes Township. This story will be updated. This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Which Frisch’s Big Boy locations are closed across Cincinnati? Source link #Frischs #Big #Boy #locations #closed #Greater #Cincinnati #Heres #list Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

HMD Pulse 2 Pro Render, Specifications ***** Ahead of Launch; May Sport Unisoc T612 SoC, 5,000mAh Battery HMD Pulse 2 Pro Render, Specifications ***** Ahead of Launch; May Sport Unisoc T612 SoC, 5,000mAh Battery HMD’s Pulse 2 Pro could be inching towards its launch as key specifications and render of the handset have surfaced online. The alleged official render shows the handset in green with a square-shaped camera island at the rear. The upcoming handset is tipped to feature Unisoc T612 SoC under the hood and could pack a 5,000mAh battery with 20W fast charging support. HMD’s Pulse 2 Pro is expected to arrive as a successor to the HMD Pulse Pro, which was launched earlier this year with a Unisoc T606 processor and a 6.65-inch LCD screen. The alleged official render and specifications of the HMD Pulse 2 Pro were shared by X user named HMD_MEME’S (@smashx_60). The render shows the handset in green colour with a ***** punch display design similar to the vanilla HMD Pulse Pro. It seems to have a dual rear camera setup at the back arranged in a square-shaped camera island with an LED flash. The power button and alert slider are seen to be placed on the left spine. Photo Credit: X/ @smashx_60 HMD Pulse 2 Pro Specifications (rumoured) As per the *****, the HMD Pulse 2 Pro will be offered in blue, green, and yellow colour options. It is said to feature an IPS LCD HD+ display and run on Unisoc T612 SoC. It is tipped to come in 6GB and 8GB RAM options and 128GB and 256GB storage options. For comparison, HMD packed a Unisoc T606 inside the Pulse Pro with up to 6GB RAM and a maximum of 128GB storage. Additionally, the HMD Pulse 2 Pro is tipped to carry a 50-megapixel primary camera and a 2-megapixel depth sensor at the rear. It is said to sport a 50-megapixel selfie camera. It could get the 5,000mAh battery with 20W wired charging from its predecessor. To recall, the HMD Pulse Pro was released in April this year with a starting price of EUR 180 (Rs. 16,000). It is offered in ****** Ocean, Glacier Green, and Twilight Purple colourways. For the latest tech news and reviews, follow Gadgets 360 on X, Facebook, WhatsApp, Threads and Google News. For the latest videos on gadgets and tech, subscribe to our YouTube channel. If you want to know everything about top influencers, follow our in-house Who’sThat360 on Instagram and YouTube. Xiaomi’s Android 15-Based HyperOS 2 Update to Roll Out This Month: Global Release Schedule iPhone ‘Inactivity Reboot’ Feature Restarts Device After 72 Hours, Expert Says Source link #HMD #Pulse #Pro #Render #Specifications #***** #Ahead #Launch #Sport #Unisoc #T612 #SoC #5000mAh #Battery Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Spain’s Deoleo says olive oil prices set to halve from record levels Spain’s Deoleo says olive oil prices set to halve from record levels Jure Susac, a Bosnian olive farmer from the western-Herzegovinian town of Ljubuski, delivers his pickings to an oil-mill in Capljina, during harvest season, on October 29, 2022. Elvis Barukcic | Afp | Getty Images Spain’s Deoleo, the world’s largest olive oil producer, says one of the most challenging moments in the industry’s history appears to be drawing to a close, with “liquid gold” prices expected to nearly halve from an all-time high over the coming months. A prolonged ******* of climate-fueled extreme weather and drought in southern Europe has severely impacted olive harvests in recent years, culminating in a dizzying price rally that shocked industry veterans and consumers alike. The shortage of olive oil, a superfood staple of the Mediterranean diet, pushed the industry into crisis mode, stoked food insecurity fears and even prompted a ****** surge in Spanish supermarkets. Prices have since cooled, however, as industry estimates point to significantly improved harvests in the 2024-2025 season, particularly in key producing countries such as Spain, Greece and Tunisia. “Although there have been steps towards improvement, it would not be entirely accurate to say that the crisis is over,” Miguel Ángel Guzmán, chief sales officer at Deoleo, told CNBC via email. “We are still going through a phase of tension in olive oil prices, especially in the higher quality oils, such as Extra *******,” Guzmán said, noting that there is still some market uncertainty ahead of the olive harvest for the 2024-2025 season. “However, the outlook is positive for the coming months, as the market is expected to begin to stabilize and normality is expected to be gradually restored as the new harvest progresses and supply increases,” Guzmán said. ‘A gradual normalization’ Deoleo, the maker of household olive oil brands such as Bertolli and Carbonell, described a perfect storm of challenges as “one of the most difficult moments in the history of the sector” over the summer and called for a “profound transformation” of the industry. Extra ******* olive oil prices in Spain’s Andalusia stood at 6 euros ($6.33) per kilogram as of Nov. 6, according to Expana, an agricultural and food-focused market intelligence firm. That’s down around 19% on a monthly basis and nearly 35% off a record high of 9.2 euros in January. Spain accounts for more than 40% of the world’s olive oil production, making it a global reference for prices. A person holds a bottle of olive oil on June 21, 2024, in Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain. Europa Press News | Europa Press | Getty Images “The relaxation of prices at origin is expected to begin between November, December and January, provided that weather and harvest conditions remain stable in the coming weeks,” Guzmán said. “Indications are that if everything develops normally, especially if rains continue to favor production, we could see a downward trend in prices throughout 2025,” he added. Deoleo said olive oil prices should fall to around 5 euros per liter, a steep drop from highs of 9 to 10 euros, which had become the norm in Spanish supermarkets this year. “This price would be reasonable in a context of increased production, which would ease market tensions and facilitate a gradual normalization of prices after a ******* marked by volatility,” Guzmán said. ‘An existential threat to the industry’ Kyle Holland, senior market reporter for oilseeds and oils at Expana, said most industry players were “very, very bearish” regarding the price outlook. “The production numbers are key. For Spain, we’re looking at probably 1.3 million metric tons, compared to last season’s 670,000 to 680,000 metric tons, depending on who you speak to, so not far from double basically.” Alongside Spain, Expana’s Holland said bumper olive harvests were expected in Greece, Tunisia and Turkey, noting that the quality of the olives appeared to be “very good,” too. “Most people are very, very bearish. They don’t see how the prices can move up with the amount of supply we have,” he added. An aerial view of agricultural workers washing the grapes, with a mixture of water, olive oil and potassium carbonate called “posata” to make them look brighter and protect them from the burning rays of the sun in Menemen Plain of Izmir, Turkiye on August 27, 2024. Anadolu | Anadolu | Getty Images Deoleo’s Guzmán said two consecutive years of drought has fomented concern in the industry, “which is facing the need to adapt to an increasingly uncertain future due to climate change.” In response to this challenge, Guzmán said the olive oil sector is undergoing significant investments in new agricultural technologies and to develop more resilient olive varieties. “This is crucial, as climate change has been identified as an existential threat to the industry,” he added. Source link #Spains #Deoleo #olive #oil #prices #set #halve #record #levels Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Windows 11 ISOs for Arm-Based PCs and Virtual Machines Released by Microsoft Windows 11 ISOs for Arm-Based PCs and Virtual Machines Released by Microsoft Microsoft has released Windows 11 disk image for Arm-based PCs. With its rollout, users can create bootable installation media or access Windows Setup from within a running copy of Windows to clean install the operating system (OS). However, those with an older Arm64 PC may require some additional workaround before being able to boot it. The ISO contains the latest Windows 11 2024 Update and can be downloaded from the official Microsoft website. Windows 11 ISOs for Arm64 PCs According to Microsoft, Windows 11 ISOs are primarily designed for installing Windows 11 on an Arm virtual machine running on supported hardware for development purposes. However, it can also be used to install the OS on Arm64 PCs. Users can perform a direct clean install of Windows 11 on devices powered by the latest Snapdragon X chipsets and while devices will boot up successfully, they will not have full functionality until the remaining drivers are installed. Meanwhile, older PCs will require the injection of drivers into the ISO from the device manufacturer for the OS to be successfully bootable. If this is not followed, it may boot to a state where input is non-functional. The ISOs can be downloaded from the official Microsoft website and it contains the version 24H2 released last month as part of the Windows 11 2024 Update. Windows 11 is available in the disk image format in multiple languages. Depending on the version chosen, the image file occupies approximately 5.1GB of space. Recent Changes Microsoft recently introduced two significant changes with the latest Windows 11 Insider Preview to the Canary channel. This includes a Prism emulator for Arm-based PCs which allows for additional extensions to devices running Windows 11 on Arm-based chipsets, improving support for running the latest apps as well as more legacy apps and games. Additionally, the Windows 11 Insider Preview also brings a new on-screen gamepad keyboard layout which allows users to use the Xbox controller to navigate and type. For the latest tech news and reviews, follow Gadgets 360 on X, Facebook, WhatsApp, Threads and Google News. For the latest videos on gadgets and tech, subscribe to our YouTube channel. If you want to know everything about top influencers, follow our in-house Who’sThat360 on Instagram and YouTube. HMD Pulse 2 Pro Render, Specifications ***** Ahead of Launch; May Sport Unisoc T612 SoC, 5,000mAh Battery iPhone ‘Inactivity Reboot’ Feature Restarts Device After 72 Hours, Expert Says Source link #Windows #ISOs #ArmBased #PCs #Virtual #Machines #Released #Microsoft Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Billie Jean King: Tennis great on format changes, Saudi Arabia and Emma Raducanu Billie Jean King: Tennis great on format changes, Saudi Arabia and Emma Raducanu In recent months, King has kept an open mind about whether the WTA Finals should be staged in Saudi Arabia. The decision to hold the year-end tournament in Riyadh was criticised by some because of the country’s human rights record. Homosexuality is ******** in Saudi Arabia, while Amnesty International has cited the country’s “jailing of women’s rights activists, suppression of free speech and rampant use of the ****** penalty”. Martina Navratilova and Chris Evert considered the awarding of the Finals to Riyadh for a three-year term to be a “step backward” for women’s tennis, but King, who is gay, argued it was important at least to engage with the Saudi authorities. And now the first edition of the tournament has been completed, King says it is time for the WTA Tour and the players to decide if this should be a long-term arrangement. “I think they have to decide. I know they [the Saudi Federation] did a lot of programmes. Let’s see if they stay, let’s see what happens. “It’s a really hard one. For the ****** that live there, I want them to see the best too. I would love to see a female player come out of the Middle East as the number one in the world as she could influence in a huge way I think.” Source link #Billie #Jean #King #Tennis #great #format #Saudi #Arabia #Emma #Raducanu Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

PS5 is Not Even in the Top 10- Nintendo or PlayStation, Who Wins the Highest Selling Console Battle PS5 is Not Even in the Top 10- Nintendo or PlayStation, Who Wins the Highest Selling Console Battle PS5 does not even come close when talking about some of the highest-selling consoles in the market. Even Nintendo fails to secure the top spot in the list of best-selling consoles ever. PS5 is nowhere close to becoming a successful console. Image Credit: Sony You will be surprised to know the console still stands strong as one of the most successful consoles even 2 decades after its release. Every other does not even come close to the successful run of it. PS5 Fails To Secure A Place In The Top 10 PS2 is still the best-selling console in the market. Image Credit: Sony According to a list of the top 10 consoles shared by Culture Crave on Twitter, PlayStation 2 secures the No. 1 position with 160 million units sold to date, which is truly a commendable feat. In second position, we have the Nintendo DS with 154 million units sold, followed by the Nintendo Switch with 146 million units sold. PlayStation 4 sits in fifth place with 117.2 million units sold. It is clear that in recent times the sales of PlayStation seem to have been going down whereas Nintendo is rising gradually. Given that the best-selling console to date is the PS2, it is fair to say that the battle between Nintendo and PlayStation is a close one. The 10 highest-selling video game consoles pic.twitter.com/sFDwNQg4ai — Culture Crave (@CultureCrave) November 14, 2024 However, the sales of PlayStation seem to be gradually decreasing, with the PS4 in the fifth position and the PS5 not even included in the list since it has only 60 million units sold to date. It is fair to say that Nintendo has managed to create a special place in people’s hearts of late, and it is not long before it surpasses all other consoles to become the best-selling in the market. PlayStation 5 Is Performing Quite Poorly Nintendo Switch is more successful than PS5. Image Credit: Nintendo PlayStation 5 might be a great console, but its price point became a major cause for criticism, resulting in fewer sales altogether. PS5 Pro has also almost arrived with a price point of $700, which is just insane for a console. At the same price point, you can build a PC as powerful as the PS5 Pro. The price point is the major cause of criticism and the biggest reason why PS5 is failing to do well in the market. Nintendo Switch, on the other hand, is still priced a little low, which enabled more players to buy it. Keeping a high price point restricts your audience to a limited few people who can spend a high amount for a gaming console, whereas most of the people will not even think about spending that much. The console closes its doors to a large section of gamers. What do you think about it? Let us know in the comments below. Source link #PS5 #Top #Nintendo #PlayStation #Wins #Highest #Selling #Console #Battle Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]