Pelican Press

Call Of Duty: Warzone Season 1 Rank Reset Explained Call Of Duty: Warzone Season 1 Rank Reset Explained Call of Duty’s Season 1 update is now live in Warzone, bringing ****** Ops 6’s full integration, including the new movement system, ******* pool, and additional features. The update also resets players’ ranks, as ****** Ops 6 introduces Call of Duty’s classic Prestige system to Warzone. For the first time ever, the classic Prestige system is introduced in Warzone. This also means that the update wipes the slate clean for everyone, resetting all player ranks for the new season. Here is everything you need to know about the reset for Season 1 of Warzone. You need a javascript enabled browser to watch videos. Call of Duty: Warzone – Official Area 99 Launch Trailer Size:640 × 360480 × 270 Want us to remember this setting for all your devices? Sign up or Sign in now! Please use a html5 video capable browser to watch videos. This video has an invalid file format. Sorry, but you can’t access this content! Please enter your date of birth to view this video JanuaryFebruaryMarchAprilMayJuneJulyAugustSeptemberOctoberNovemberDecember12345678910111213141516171819202122232425262728293031Year20242023202220212020201920182017201620152014201320122011201020092008200720062005200420032002200120001999199819971996199519941993199219911990198919881987198619851984198319821981198019791978197719761975197419731972197119701969196819671966196519641963196219611960195919581957195619551954195319521951195019491948194719461945194419431942194119401939193819371936193519341933193219311930192919281927192619251924192319221921192019191918191719161915191419131912191119101909190819071906190519041903190219011900 By clicking ‘enter’, you agree to GameSpot’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy enter How player levels works in Warzone Season 1 Season 1 features cross-progression between ****** Ops 6 and Warzone, meaning your player level in Warzone will match whatever rank you are currently in ****** Ops 6. So, if you’re already Prestige 1 level 55 in ****** Ops 6, that’s the rank you’ll see when you log in to Warzone. You’ll start fresh at level 1 if you haven’t played ****** Ops 6. Playing and earning XP will increase your rank from 1 to the max rank of level 55. After you’ve completed level 55, you’ll have the option to Prestige, which re-locks your loadout items and sends you back to level 1. This is a rinse-and-repeat cycle that might sound tedious for some battle-royale players, but you can earn some sweet exclusive rewards. More in-depth Prestige details and a look at the rewards can be found here, which includes operator skins, ******* blueprints, and nostalgic loading screens inspired by past ****** Ops games. How ******* levels work for Warzone in Season 1 Warzone is adding ****** Ops 6 weapons to the already large ******* pool that includes guns from previous years. Even though your rank is reset, you’ll still keep the levels of any guns you’ve used. This means you can still pick your favorite **** from MW2 or MW3 and have all your attachments unlocked and ready to go, or you can choose one of the new ****** Ops 6 weapons for your loadout. Any ******* progression in ****** Ops 6 multiplayer and Zombies will carry over to Warzone, but if you haven’t played the game yet, you’ll need to unlock those weapons at the required rank, and then level those weapons up to get attachments unlocked. For the first time ever, Season 1 of Warzone also adds a unique Mastery camo grind for battle royale. The Season 1 battle pass features over 100 items to unlock, which includes the new Krig C ******** rifle and Saug submachine ****. You can find more highlights of the Season 1 content here. Source link #Call #Duty #Warzone #Season #Rank #Reset #Explained Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Driver in fatal ****** warned for speeding days earlier Driver in fatal ****** warned for speeding days earlier A man who fatally crushed two people on an iconic Sydney bridge while speeding to the casino was warned by police 10 days earlier at the same site. Source link #Driver #fatal #****** #warned #speeding #days #earlier Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

NYT Strands today: hints, spangram and answers for Thursday, November 14 NYT Strands today: hints, spangram and answers for Thursday, November 14 Strands is a brand new daily puzzle from the New York Times. A trickier take on the classic word search, you’ll need a keen eye to solve this puzzle. Like Wordle, Connections, and the Mini Crossword, Strands can be a bit difficult to solve some days. There’s no shame in needing a little help from time to time. If you’re stuck and need to know the answers to today’s Strands puzzle, check out the solved puzzle below. How to play Strands You start every Strands puzzle with the goal of finding the “theme words” hidden in the grid of letters. Manipulate letters by dragging or tapping to craft words; double-tap the final letter to confirm. If you find the correct word, the letters will be highlighted blue and will no longer be selectable. If you find a word that isn’t a theme word, it still helps! For every three non-theme words you find that are at least four letters long, you’ll get a hint — the letters of one of the theme words will be revealed and you’ll just have to unscramble it. Every single letter on the grid is used to spell out the theme words and there is no overlap. Every letter will be used once, and only once. Each puzzle contains one “spangram,” a special theme word (or words) that describe the puzzle’s theme and touches two opposite sides of the board. When you find the spangram, it will be highlighted yellow. The goal should be to complete the puzzle quickly without using too many hints. Hint for today’s Strands puzzle Today’s theme is “Name of the game” Here’s a hint that might help you: characters is a detective game. Today’s Strand answers NYT Today’s spanagram We’ll start by giving you the spangram, which might help you figure out the theme and solve the rest of the puzzle on your own: Today’s Strands answers PLUM PEACOCK GREEN ORCHID MUSTARD SCARLET Source link #NYT #Strands #today #hints #spangram #answers #Thursday #November Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Former Marine misused a combat technique in fatal chokehold of NYC subway rider, trainer testifies Former Marine misused a combat technique in fatal chokehold of NYC subway rider, trainer testifies NEW YORK (AP) — When Daniel Penny wrapped his arm around the neck of a homeless man on a Manhattan subway last year, the 25-year-old veteran appeared to be deploying a non-lethal chokehold long drilled into U.S. Marines. Done right, the maneuver should knock a person out without ******** them, according to Joseph Caballer, a combat instructor in the Marine Corps who trained Penny in several types of holds. But held too long, the technique can restrict the flow of blood to a person’s brain, ending their life in a matter of minutes. “Once the person is rendered unconscious, that’s when you’re supposed to let go,” Caballer told a jury on Thursday. His testimony came weeks into the trial of Penny, who faces charges of manslaughter and criminally negligent ********* after placing Jordan Neely, a homeless man and Michael Jackson impersonator, in the fatal chokehold last May. Prosecutors allege that Penny “went way too far” in his attempt to restrain Neely, showing an “indifference” toward his life even after he had lost consciousness and stopped fighting back. Penny, an architecture student who served four years in the U.S. Marines, told police he was seeking to protect himself and other riders from a man who was acting erratically on the train and frightening riders with distressing comments. His attorneys have emphasized Neely’s previous arrests, along with his struggles with mental illness and ***** use. Bystander video of the encounter shows Penny with his bicep pressed across Neely’s neck and his other arm on top of his head, a position he held for close to six minutes, even after the man went limp. The technique — an apparent “blood choke” — can make a person feel like “trying to breathe through a crushed straw,” Caballer said. In his own training sessions, Caballer recalled telling his fellow Marines: “You don’t want to keep holding on. This can result in actual injury or ******.” Asked by prosecutors whether Penny has used the chokehold in an “improper” manner, Caballer said that he had. Attorneys for Penny argue their client had sought to restrain Neely by placing him in a headlock, but that he did not apply strong force throughout the interaction. They have raised doubt about the city medical examiner’s finding that Neely ***** from the chokehold, pointing to his health problems and ***** use as possible factors. Pressed by Penny’s attorney, Caballer acknowledged that he could not “definitively tell from watching the video how much pressure is actually being applied.” But at times, he said, it appeared that Penny was using a hold that may have cut off the flow of blood to Neely’s brain. “He could possibly be cutting off maybe one of the carotid arteries,” the witness added. Later in the afternoon, Dr. Cynthia Harris, the city medical examiner who inspected Neely’s body, reiterated her finding that he had ***** from a lack of oxygen caused by the chokehold. Though she did not describe the exact process of asphyxiation, she testified that “blocking both arteries in both veins, could ***** a person in a matter of seconds.” Jurors were also shown video for the first time Thursday of Penny demonstrating the chokehold to detectives during an interview inside the precinct. “He had his back turned to me and I got him in a hold, got him to the ground, and he’s still squirming around and going crazy,” Penny said, adding: “He gets a burst of energy at one point and I did have to hold him a little more steady.” Harris is expected to be the final witnesses called by prosecutors in a trial that has divided New Yorkers and cast a national spotlight on the city’s response to ****** and disorder in its transit system. It’s unclear whether Penny will take the stand. In the eighteen months since the ********, Penny has been embraced by conservatives as a good Samaritan who used his military training to protect his fellow riders. U.S. Rep. U.S. Matt Gaetz, who President-elect Donald Trump nominated this week as his attorney general, described him as a “Subway Superman.” But the trial has also drawn near daily protests from ****** Lives Matter activists, who’ve labeled Penny a ******* vigilante who overreacted to a ****** man in the throes of a mental health episode. Penny faces up to 15 years in prison if he is convicted. Source link #Marine #misused #combat #technique #fatal #chokehold #NYC #subway #rider #trainer #testifies Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

In an outcome beyond parody, The Onion has bought Infowars In an outcome beyond parody, The Onion has bought Infowars When reality becomes stranger than satire, maybe the satirists can teach us something. The Onion confirmed on Thursday that its parent company bought Infowars, the disgraced purveyor of Sandy ***** misinformation and vendor of pseudoscience supplements. The Onion posted on Bluesky that it plans to transform the rebooted Infowars into “a very funny, very ******* website.” The Onion says it received the blessing of the families of the victims of the Sandy ***** Elementary School ********* to scoop up Infowars in a bankruptcy auction. Everytown for **** Safety, a nonprofit founded in the massacre’s aftermath, will reportedly advertise on the rebooted site. Infowars founder Alex Jones was found liable in 2022 for nearly $1.5 billion in damages for spreading *********** theories about the 2012 ********* that ******* 20 children and six ****** staffers. Elon Musk allowed Jones back on X (Twitter) last year after the platform “permanently” banned him in 2018 under its previous ownership. As America’s chief satire publication (at least of those doing so consciously), The Onion’s announcement of the purchase stayed on brand. Its tone, hinting at what’s to come, resembled The Colbert Report on steroids (or maybe Jones’ “Survival Shield X-2” pills). “Founded in 1999 on the heels of the Satanic ‘panic’ and growing steadily ever since, InfoWars has distinguished itself as an invaluable tool for brainwashing and controlling the masses,” The Onion wrote in a truth-meets-fiction announcement. “With a shrewd mix of delusional paranoia and dubious anti-aging nutrition hacks, they strive to make life both scarier and longer for everyone, a commendable goal. They are a true unicorn, capable of simultaneously inspiring public support for billionaires and stoking outrage at an inept federal state that can ************ JFK but can’t even put a man on the Moon.” The Onion plans to rebrand Infowars as a parody of itself (more than it already was), poking fun at “weird internet personalities” like Jones, according to The New York Times. Ben Collins, the CEO of The Onion’s parent company, Global Tetrahedron, hasn’t said how much it paid to transform Infowars’ destructive self-parody into constructive satire. (Collins reported extensively on Infowars when covering misinformation at NBC News.) He plans to launch the rebooted site in January. Source link #outcome #parody #Onion #bought #Infowars Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Here’s the deflation breakdown for October 2024 — in one chart Here’s the deflation breakdown for October 2024 — in one chart As inflation has throttled back from pandemic-era highs, consumers have seen prices decline outright for many household items. This dynamic, known as deflation, generally doesn’t occur on a broad, sustained scale in the U.S. economy: With limited exceptions, businesses are generally loath to lower prices once they’ve increased, economists said. But prices in some pockets of the economy, largely for physical goods — from new cars to appliances, sporting goods, consumer electronics and certain apparel — have deflated over the past year, according to the consumer price index. “We are seeing [deflation] to some extent,” said Stephen Brown, deputy chief North America economist at Capital Economics. Largely, prices have pulled back as pandemic-era contortions in supply-and-demand dynamics unwind, economists said. The U.S. dollar has also been relatively strong against major global currencies, making it cheaper to import goods from overseas. But supply chains have “normalized” and deflation has “moderated to a pretty significant degree” as a result, said Mark Zandi, chief economist at Moody’s. Where there has been deflation Prices among all physical goods are down 1% since October 2023, according to CPI data. This figure is for “core” goods, a measure that strips out volatile food and energy commodities, the prices of which can be volatile. More from Personal Finance:Credit card debt hits record $1.17 trillionHere’s a key move for investors to reduce future crypto taxesThe best ways to save money this holiday season Appliances were roughly 2% cheaper in October than they were a year ago, for example, according to the CPI. Annual prices have also declined for clocks, lamps and decorative items, down about 3%; dishes and flatware, down 7%; women’s outerwear, down 6%; children’s apparel, down 1%; toys, down 3%; **** products, down 1%; and new cars, down 2%. Prices for some categories — such as furniture and bedding, men’s clothing, cosmetics, and used cars and trucks — are down from October 2023, but they’ve rebounded somewhat in recent months, according to CPI data. That said, used cars and trucks should see a resumption of deflation since “wholesale prices have fallen recently, and supply and demand continues to improve in the sector,” Bank of America economists wrote Monday in a research note. Energy prices and electronics Gasoline prices are also “way down,” Zandi said. They’ve declined more than 12% in the past year, according to CPI data. Drivers paid $3.05 a gallon, on average, at the pump as of Nov. 11, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration. Consumers “could get more relief there because global oil prices are soft,” Zandi said. That softness may be in anticipation of President-elect Donald Trump’s proposed policies around China, said Zandi. Those may include tariffs of at least 60% on goods imported from China, a nation with a huge appetite for oil. If Trump’s policies were to negatively affect the ******** economy, they’d also likely dampen China’s oil demand. Other energy commodities refined from oil have also seen huge price declines. Fuel oil prices, for example, are down over 20% in the past year, a trend that should contribute to lower prices elsewhere, such as for airfare, economists said. Food prices are also generally underpinned by their own unique supply-and-demand dynamics, economists said. Bacon, turkey and snacks are about 4% cheaper than they were a year ago, for example. Lower energy prices can also take pressure off food prices, as it costs less to transport and distribute food to grocery store shelves. Consumer electronics have also seen big price declines: Computers, video equipment and smartphones are respectively 5%, 10% and 9% cheaper than they were a year ago, according to CPI data. But consumers might not experience those lower prices at the store. They may exist only on paper. That’s due to how the Bureau of Labor Statistics measures inflation for certain consumer goods, such as electronics, economists said. Technology continually improves, meaning consumers get more for their money. The bureau treats those quality improvements as a price decline, giving the illusion of falling prices on paper. Source link #Heres #deflation #breakdown #October #chart Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

The New Star Wars: Unlimited TCG Set Is Available Now And Discounted at Amazon The New Star Wars: Unlimited TCG Set Is Available Now And Discounted at Amazon Star Wars: Unlimited is a new trading card game that first hit the market in March with the Spark of Rebellion set. A second expansion pack dropped in July, Shadows of Galaxy, and its third expansion pack–Twilight of the Republic–just arrived this month. All three are now available at Amazon, and many of them are seeing generous price cuts ahead of ****** Friday. If you’re looking to ***** in with the new set, the Twilight of the Republic Booster Box is on ***** for $94 (was $120). This gets you a staggering 384 cards split between 24 booster packs. Each pack contains a randomized assortment of cards from different rarities, including nine common cards, three uncommon cards, one rare or legendary card, one leader, one base/token, and one foil card for a total of 16 cards per pack. That means you should have no problem piecing together a powerful deck as you’ll have hundreds of new cards to choose from. Twilight of the Republic Booster Box Amazon is also discounting the Twilight of the Republic Prerelease Box to just $33 (was $39). Along with six booster packs, the box includes everything you need to start playing–such as tokens, damage counters, and a quickstart rulebook. Toss in exclusive leader cards for Ahsoka Tano and General Grievous, and it’s a solid offer at its new low price. If you’re completely new to the TCG, take a look at the multiple Star Wars: Unlimited starter sets available. These come with two prebuilt decks, and each deck includes 10 cards you won’t find in booster packs, giving you a leg up on the competition who decided to skip the starter set and ***** right into boosters. You’ll also get a rules booklet, gameplay counters, and two playing mats. You can grab the latest Twilight of the Republic Starter Set for $35, but if you’re looking for a better deal, you can grab the previous expansion Shadows of the Galaxy Starter Set for $25 (was $35). These are just a few of the many Star Wars: Unlimited deals available at Amazon. Be sure to check the list below to see all the starter sets, booster boxes, and other releases on *****. While Amazon’s early ****** Friday ***** is a great time to grab Star Wars: Unlimited packs, there are hundreds of other discounts on video games, laptops, Lego sets, and more. Head over to our ****** Friday Hub to see the latest discounts. Best Early ****** Friday Star Wars Unlimited TCG Deals Source link #Star #Wars #Unlimited #TCG #Set #Discounted #Amazon Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Caoimhin Kelleher: What now for Liverpool goalkeeper as Alisson Becker nears return? Caoimhin Kelleher: What now for Liverpool goalkeeper as Alisson Becker nears return? It has always felt like Kelleher would eventually have to move on – unless he kept waiting for Alisson, who is seven years older than him, to decline or leave. But the Irishman’s hand effectively seemed to be forced in August when Liverpool agreed to sign Valencia and Georgia goalkeeper Mamardashvili, now 24, in a deal worth up to £29m next summer. That could drop Kelleher, who joined the club aged 16 from Cork side Ringmahon Rangers, to third choice. “I’ve made it clear in the last few years that I want to go and be a number one and play week in, week out,” said Kelleher in September. “The club’s made that decision to get another goalkeeper and from the outside looking in, it looks like they’ve made a decision to go in a different direction.” Even if Liverpool surprisingly sold Alisson, who has 18 months left on his deal with the option for another year, Kelleher would likely remain second choice, this time to a younger goalkeeper. Liverpool have turned down bids from Nottingham Forest in the past year, while Celtic have also been strongly linked. Last month former Republic of Ireland goalkeeper Shay Given told BBC Radio 5 Live: “He isn’t getting any younger. “Each game that goes by where he doesn’t play, he will never get back. “He has only got one career, one life and one opportunity at being a top goalkeeper.” Kelleher’s recent run in the team seems to have proved he is good enough – but he will now face another spell on the sidelines with Alisson’s return. In October, former Liverpool goalkeeper Sander Westerveld told BBC Radio Merseyside: “Alisson is the best in the world. “I think this is a moment for Kelleher to show the world what he’s capable of. He will probably leave at the end of the season.” Source link #Caoimhin #Kelleher #Liverpool #goalkeeper #Alisson #Becker #nears #return Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

NYT Mini Crossword today: puzzle answers for Thursday, November 14 NYT Mini Crossword today: puzzle answers for Thursday, November 14 The New York Times has introduced the next title coming to its Games catalog following Wordle’s continued success — and it’s all about math. Digits has players adding, subtracting, multiplying, and dividing numbers. You can play its beta for free online right now. In Digits, players are presented with a target number that they need to match. Players are given six numbers and have the ability to add, subtract, multiply, or divide them to get as close to the target as they can. Not every number needs to be used, though, so this game should put your math skills to the test as you combine numbers and try to make the right equations to get as close to the target number as possible. Players will get a five-star rating if they match the target number exactly, a three-star rating if they get within 10 of the target, and a one-star rating if they can get within 25 of the target number. Currently, players are also able to access five different puzzles with increasingly larger numbers as well. I solved today’s puzzle and found it to be an enjoyable number-based game that should appeal to inquisitive minds that like puzzle games such as Threes or other The New York Times titles like Wordle and Spelling Bee. In an article unveiling Digits and detailing The New York Time Games team’s process to game development, The Times says the team will use this free beta to fix bugs and assess if it’s worth moving into a more active development phase “where the game is coded and the designs are finalized.” So play Digits while you can, as The New York Times may move on from the project if it doesn’t get the response it is hoping for. Digits’ beta is available to play for free now on The New York Times Games’ website Source link #NYT #Mini #Crossword #today #puzzle #answers #Thursday #November Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

One of our favorite Anker power banks is 41 percent off One of our favorite Anker power banks is 41 percent off Anker makes a lot of our favorite charging gear, not only because their products tend to perform quite well, but also because there are options for all kinds of budgets. ****** Friday tech deals can present good opportunities to get some of Anker’s more expensive gear for less, and we’re already starting to see solid ****** Friday Anker deals. For example, the 200W Prime Power Bank is 41 percent off right now and down to $110 — and this includes the power brick and its dedicated charging base. Anker’s 200W portable charger is our choice for best premium power bank thanks to features like charging an iPhone in an average of one hour and 48 minutes. One of the best parts of the power bank is its sleek screen, which shows the power coming in or out and how much battery the accessory is holding. This feature is much more exact than the four dots on my cheaper (but still loved) Anker Nano Power Bank. Anker The power bank and charging base both offer one USB port and two USB-C ports so there’s plenty of ways to charge your devices. The base also uses magnets to secure its pins to the power bank and charge it upright. Our biggest quip with the power bank was its high price, but with this ***** it’s definitely worth looking into. Check out all of the latest ****** Friday and Cyber Monday deals here. Source link #favorite #Anker #power #banks #percent Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

********* Airlines passenger shares photos of man ‘in my lap’ in reclining seat complaint ********* Airlines passenger shares photos of man ‘in my lap’ in reclining seat complaint Most airplane seats have the ability to recline for a relaxing flight experience, but one man has shared how another passenger’s seat may have gone too far. In a recent post on X/Twitter, the man under the username @av_cova posted a photo of the seat in front of him reclined so far back that his knees were touching the top of the seat. He revealed in the post that he was sitting in first class on an ********* Airlines flight. “‘First class,’” his post began. “Dude is in my lap. You continue to be awful, @AmericanAir.” In the thread, the man explained that he had limited access to move in the cabin. He suggested that the seat was able to move so far back because it was broken. “I can’t use my tray table and no chance of getting up. I’m in 3C, so 2C is clearly broken. AA1851. Get it fixed before someone else wastes a fortune on first class and gets f***ed @AmericanAir,” the post read. ********* Airlines passenger complains about uncomfortable seat recliner mishap on flight (AFP via Getty Images) In an interview with Fox News, the X user mentioned that he did alert a flight attendant of the seat problem, but allegedly nothing was done to fix it. “He shrugged it off – basically saying, ‘It’s an old airplane; some of these seats are worn out,’” he told the outlet. “No matter how I positioned myself, the seat was still against my knees. The gentleman in the seat in front of me was very sympathetic, but he was unable to get the seat to lock forward, as it was inoperable.” ********* Airlines later responded to the passenger’s complaint, as they commented underneath his post apologizing for the uncomfortable experience. “Keeping our planes in top-notch shape is always the goal,” they wrote. “We’re sorry for this inconvenience and appreciate you bringing this to our attention. We’ll get this right over to the Maintenance folks for review. Our apologies again.” However, he still wasn’t satisfied with the apology, as the man replied: “Maintenance isn’t gonna review the money I wasted…” Speaking with Fox, the social media user explained that he had spent an extra $500 on a first-class seat specifically for extra leg room, which wasn’t possible with the seat malfunction. This isn’t the first time a person has complained about a seat on a flight. Back in September, Erin Rempel turned to TikTok to share a video of her experience in the middle seat of an airplane. The clip showed her sitting in the middle seat with two men on either side of her, who had stretched their legs far enough that she appeared squished into her seat. The text across the screen of her video simply read: “Female rage.” “Why would anyone EVER need that much room??? I tried to get him to move but he wouldn’t,” she wrote in the caption of her video. Her TikTok went on to receive more than 20 million views, with many people taking to the comments to express how they were equally as **** as Rempel. Some people even called out the display of “manspreading” – when a man spreads out his legs in a public seating area, typically taking up an extra seat in the process or invading others’ space. “Girl you need to say something. They do not need to be over that much, if you’re nervous, call a flight attendant,” one commenter pointed out at the time. Source link #********* #Airlines #passenger #shares #photos #man #lap #reclining #seat #complaint Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Save Over 50% On Xbox Game Pass Ultimate Today Only (November 14) Save Over 50% On Xbox Game Pass Ultimate Today Only (November 14) Woot’s Xbox Game Pass Ultimate is even better than normal today only (November 14). If you use promo code TWENTY at checkout, you can get 3-Month Xbox Game Pass Ultimate codes for $29.19 or 1-Month codes for $11. Woot’s original deal of $36.49 for three months and $13.79 for one month was already great, especially since Game Pass Ultimate costs $20/month from the Xbox Store, but these deals are really great. Four 3-Month codes will cost you $116.76, which is over 50% off the annual cost of Game Pass Ultimate via the Xbox Store ($240). If you’ve never shopped at Woot, you can sign in using your Amazon account. When placing your order, you will need to input your shipping address, but the codes will be delivered to your email. Woot sends a shipping confirmation email with a “tracking number” shortly after your order is finalized. The tracking number is actually the 25-character key that you need to redeem on the Xbox Store. Xbox Game Pass Ultimate is stackable up to 36 months, but Woot is limiting customers to 10 codes (30 months). These codes are redeemable for both new and active subscribers. If you are charged monthly by the Xbox Store, redeeming a prepaid code will automatically push your next billing date to the day after your prepaid voucher time ends. You should also check out Amazon’s Xbox controller bundle deal while it’s still available. You can get a brand-new Xbox Wireless Controller, an Amazon ***** TV Stick 4K, and one month of Game Pass Ultimate for $75. This bundle is valued at up to $137, as Xbox Wireless Controllers retail for $60-$70, the ***** TV Stick 4K is $50, and Game Pass Ultimate is $17. A handful of controller ****** options are available, including the recently released transparent blue Sky Cipher Special Edition. Alternatively, you can get the same bundle with the ***** TV Stick 4K Max ($60 value) for $80. Xbox Cloud Gaming was added to ***** TV 4K streaming devices over the summer, so you can stream hundreds of Game Pass games on your ***** Stick, including Call of Duty: ****** Ops 6. Xbox Cloud Gaming is only included with the Ultimate tier of Game Pass. If you need a new Xbox controller and have use for the ***** Stick–for game streaming or not–these bundles offer terrific value. Check out our full breakdown of Amazon’s Xbox Cloud Gaming starter kit for more details–it’s unclear when the promotion expires. Source link #Save #Xbox #Game #Pass #Ultimate #Today #November Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Crisis-era regulation has ‘gone too far’, Reeves tells *** finance sector Crisis-era regulation has ‘gone too far’, Reeves tells *** finance sector Britain’s Finance Minister Rachel Reeves has pledged to make the “necessary”, “urgent” and “incredibly tough” choices to restore the country’s economic stability. Pool | Getty Images News | Getty Images Finance minister Rachel Reeves on Thursday promised a reboot of regulation governing Britain’s “crown jewel” financial industry which she said has shackled the City’s global prospects since the global financial crisis and stifled *** economic growth. According to extracts from her first Mansion House address shared with media, Reeves vowed not to take the ***’s status as a global financial center for granted, and pledged a raft of growth-focused reforms to earn and preserve this position. Her speech comes as leaders across the industry brace for a possible bonfire of regulation on Wall Street during President-elect Donald Trump’s second term in office, with leaner taxes and lighter rules on capital likely to widen an earnings gap between U.S. banks and their global competitors. “While it was right that successive governments made regulatory changes after the Global Financial Crisis, to ensure that regulation kept pace with the global economy of the time, it’s important we learn the lessons of the past,” she said. “These changes have resulted in a system which sought to eliminate risk taking. That has gone too far and, in places, it has had unintended consequences which we must now address.” The former Bank of England economist will propose five priority growth opportunities to maximize potential for growth in *** financial services, namely capital markets, fintech, sustainable finance, asset management and wholesale services, and insurance and reinsurance, the excerpts showed. She said the first Financial Services Growth and Competitiveness Strategy would be published in spring to serve as a roadmap for growth, cementing the sector’s place at the heart of the government’s 10-year Industrial Strategy. “The *** has been regulating for risk, but not regulating for growth,” said the chancellor, who has written to policymakers reminding them of their responsibilities regarding growth as well as market stability. Reeves and Prime Minister Keir Starmer promised voters in July’s election that they would turn Britain into the fastest Group of Seven economy after years of sluggish growth. Innovation Besides rebalancing rules to curb risk, the government is also exploring ways to help finance firms reduce costs linked to supervising junior managers, in a proposed shake-up of the so-called Certification Regime. Further action is being taken to jumpstart Britain’s sluggish capital markets with a commitment to establish PISCES by May 2025 – the world’s first regulated market for trading private company shares in a tax-efficient manner. This pledge to boost investment in capital-starved British firms complements plans outlined on Wednesday to build a slew of “megafunds” in what the government said was the biggest shake-up in *** pensions seen in decades. Reeves wants to consolidate about 60 defined contribution pension schemes and 86 Local Government Pension Schemes into eight structures large enough to bankroll ambitious infrastructure projects and under-supported growth firms. A collapse in allocations to domestic assets among Britain’s pension funds – forecast to hold 1.3 trillion pounds in assets by the end of the decade – is broadly seen as a key reason behind Britain’s lacklustre economic growth. Mindful of its manifesto commitments to make Britain the global hub for transition finance, Reeves said the government would join forces with the City of London Corporation to launch the Transition Finance Council. The Treasury will also publish draft legislation for tighter regulation of ESG ratings providers and a consultation on the value case for a *** Green Taxonomy to boost investor confidence in sustainable companies. The Chancellor also committed to consult on economically significant companies disclosing information using future *** Sustainability Reporting Standards. Tackling one of the finance sector’s greatest scourges, Reeves said she and the interior and science ministers had set tech and telecommunication firms a deadline of March 2025 to show how they are reducing ****** on their platforms. Source link #Crisisera #regulation #Reeves #tells #finance #sector Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

NYT Crossword: answers for Thursday, November 14 NYT Crossword: answers for Thursday, November 14 The New York Times crossword puzzle can be tough! If you’re stuck, we’re here to help with a list of today’s clues and answers. Source link #NYT #Crossword #answers #Thursday #November Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

How much is Disney’s Singapore cruise? Here are rates for 2025 How much is Disney’s Singapore cruise? Here are rates for 2025 Bookings for Disney’s first cruise in Asia open on Dec. 10, 2024, about a year ahead of the ship’s maiden voyage, which is scheduled to depart Singapore in December 2025. Prices for a three-night cruise on the Disney Adventure for two adults start at $958, while double occupancy rates for four- and five-night cruises start at $1,318 and $2,694, respectively, according to the company’s website. But those who want rooms with a view can expect to pay more. Rates for a three-night cruise for two adults jump to $1,318 for an ocean-view room, and $1,438 for a room with a private verandah. The highest room category, a “Concierge” stateroom, which comes with extra services, is priced at $3,298 for two adults, according to the company’s website. However, rates for kids or additional adults in the same room are significantly lower, according to the company’s website. All in, a family of four who books a four-night journey in an ocean-view room can expect to pay about $2,876. A screenshot of Disney Adventure’s ocean-view room prices for four adults. Walt Disney Fans of the movie “Frozen” can opt to book two royal suites: the Elsa Royal Suite adorned with icy light fixtures and snowflake patterns, or the summer-inspired Anna Royal Suite with a forest ambience. Each suite will have living and dining areas, two bathrooms and two bedrooms — one outfitted with bunkbeds for the kids. Prices for those suites have not yet been released. Those who want to sail on the cruise’s maiden voyage can expect to pay more — around $780 per person for the three-night trip, according to the website. The prices for the cruise, which is scheduled to first set sail on Dec. 15, 2025, include meals, live shows and Disney character experiences. However, alcohol, internet and “******-exclusive dining” cost extra, according to the website. Details about the ‘Disney Adventure’ The “Disney Adventure” can hold 6,700 passengers and has seven themed areas inspired by Disney, Pixar and Marvel films. Certain experiences were specifically created for Disney’s ****** customer base, according to a Disney press release. Themed areas include: Imagination Garden: an open-air garden with a fairytale castle at the heart of the shipToy Story Place: an outdoor water park with slides, rides and a playgroundSan Fransokyo Street: a street market-inspired entertainment area with an arcade and shopping optionsTown Square: three decks of shops, lounges, cafes, salons and restaurantsDisney Discovery Reef: a sea-themed outdoor dining area with bars and cafesMarvel Landing: an adventure zone with three new attractions, including Disney’s first rollercoaster at sea San Fransokyo Street will house one of several gaming lounges on the ship. A blended mix of San Francisco and Tokyo, the area is inspired by the Disney film “Big Hero 6.” Walt Disney Disney has slowly released details about its first Asia-based cruise this year, first announcing details about the ship in June, followed by the ship’s launch dates in October. To date, the website shows cruises departing through March 2026. Disney’s cruise will be docked in Singapore for at least five years, according to the terms of a partnership between Disney Cruise Line and the Singapore Tourism Board. The Marvel Landing features three new attractions, including the Iron Man-inspired Ironcycle Test Run, Disney Cruise Line’s first rollercoaster. Walt Disney Noting Singapore’s ability to draw tourists from China, Indonesia and India, Sarah Fox, vice president and regional general manager of Disney Cruise Line, shared “how incredibly important” the Southeast ****** market is to the company at a media conference on Oct.16. “We’ve really assessed the region,” said Fox. “The region, obviously, is very dynamic, and we’re very excited to be bringing Disney Cruise Line to those consumers around the area.” Source link #Disneys #Singapore #cruise #rates Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

****** Friday Amazon deals include the ***** TV Stick 4K Max for a record low of $33 ****** Friday Amazon deals include the ***** TV Stick 4K Max for a record low of $33 Amazon has already started to mark down its in-house made gear for ****** Friday, and some of the best deals so far are on its streaming devices. The ***** TV Stick 4K Max, the company’s most powerful streaming dongle, has dropped to a new low of $33. That’s a 45 percent discount off its original $60 price tag. This compact streamer supports 4K content and comes with an enhanced Alexa Voice Remote and Wi-Fi 6E support. You can, of course, use it to access Amazon Prime Video, along with Netflix, Disney+ and all your favorite services. While the Amazon ***** TV Stick 4K Max is a good option for streaming, we also use it for something a bit different: playing retro games. Our senior reporter Jeff Dunn bought one to play games from the PS1, Game Boy, Genesis, old arcade games and more. He finds it works much better than having to lug around any ******* devices. However, using your ***** TV Stick 4K Max to play old games requires a bit of setup so, if you’re interested in trying it, may I direct you to Dunn’s helpful guide here. Amazon Amazon’s ***** TV Cube is also discounted as part of a larger ***** on ***** TV devices for ****** Friday. Right now, you can pick up the streaming device for 29 percent off, dropping to $100 from $140. The Cube is your pick if you want access to ethernet and hands-free use with Alexa. It’s more powerful than the 4K Max, but, for the price difference, it’s a tough call if it’s worth it. Check out all of the latest ****** Friday and Cyber Monday deals here. Source link #****** #Friday #Amazon #deals #include #***** #Stick #Max #record Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Sri Lankan president’s coalition heads for landslide election win Sri Lankan president’s coalition heads for landslide election win Getty Images A parliamentary majority will be a boost for Dissanayake, who was elected on a promise to combat *********** and restore stability The alliance of Sri Lanka’s new leader is headed for a landslide win in the country’s snap parliamentary elections, according to partial official results. President Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s National People’s Power (NPP) coalition has so far won 97 seats. It needs 113 seats in the 225-member house to secure a majority. Dissanayake, who was elected in September, needs a clear majority to deliver his promise to combat *********** and restore stability after the island’s worst-ever economic crisis. The high cost of living was one of the key issues for many voters. Analysts expect the NPP to do well in the elections but what ******** to be determined is the margin of victory, and whether it gets the two-thirds majority it wants to be able to pass its ambitious reforms. In the outgoing assembly, Dissanayake’s Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) party, which now leads the NPP, had just three seats. More results are expected later on Friday. “We believe that this is a crucial election that will mark a turning point in Sri Lanka,” the 55-year-old Dissanayake told reporters on Thursday after voting in the capital Colombo. Nearly two-thirds of former MPs chose not to run for re-election, including prominent members of the former ruling Rajapaksa dynasty. Sajith Premadasa, the man Dissanayake defeated in the presidential elections, led the opposition alliance. Dissanayake called for snap elections shortly after he became president to seek a fresh mandate to pursue his policies. There was “no point continuing with a parliament that is not in line with what the people want”, he had said. Out of 225 seats in the parliament, 196 MPs will be directly elected. The rest will be nominated by parties based on the percentage of votes they get in what is known as proportional representation. High inflation, food and fuel shortages precipitated a political crisis in 2022 which led to the ousting of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa. His successor Ranil Wickremesinghe managed to negotiate a bailout package worth $3bn with the International Monetary Fund – but many Sri Lankans continue to feel economic hardship. “We are still stuck with the problems we faced before. We still don’t have financial help even to fulfil our daily needs,” 26-year-old garment factory worker Manjula Devi, who works in the Katunayake Free Trade Zone near Colombo, told the BBC. The number of people living below the ******** line in Sri Lanka has risen to 25.9% in the past four years. The World Bank expects the economy to grow by only 2.2% in 2024. Disenchantment with established political players greatly helped the left-leaning Dissanayake during September’s election. His party has traditionally backed strong state intervention and lower taxes, and campaigned for leftist economic policies. Dissanayake made history as Sri Lanka’s first president to be elected with less than 50% of the vote. Many observers think his alliance will do better this time. How his alliance fares will be partly due to a fragmented opposition – with many leaders and parties breaking away into either smaller groups, or contesting as independent candidates. Observers say the JVP-led alliance ran a more vibrant campaign than the opposition, which is likely to have a significant impact on the outcome of the election. What is clear is that whoever comes into power will be under massive pressure to perform and live up to their campaign promises. Sri Lanka’s economic situation ******** precarious – and the main focus is still on providing essential goods and services. How the country progresses from this point will be a real challenge for the new government. Additional reporting by Kelly Ng Source link #Sri #Lankan #presidents #coalition #heads #landslide #election #win Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

CoD: ****** Ops 6 Now Lets You Buy Gobblegums With Real Money CoD: ****** Ops 6 Now Lets You Buy Gobblegums With Real Money Call of Duty’s Season 1 update is now live in ****** Ops 6, bringing a fresh battle pass, more weapons, and new multiplayer maps. Zombies won’t receive a new map until Season 1 Reloaded, but the new update does add the ability to purchase Gobblegums. ****** Ops 6 returns the Gobblegum system from the Zombies mode in ****** Ops 3, and it includes special gumballs that offer a range of temporary or one-time use abilities to help in the ****** against zombie hordes. Some Gobblegums can help players upgrade their ******* rarity, give them free perks, revive teammates, or even teleport them away from danger. Season 1 Gobblegum packs The Season 1 update to ****** Ops 6 brings plenty of new cosmetic bundles to the in-game shop, and this includes Gobblegum packs for Zombies players. As of right now, the shop contains a small assortment of packs ranging from 200 CoD Points ($2) for a pack of three gums to a large pack of 12 high-end Gobblegums for 1,100 CoD Points ($10). However, it’s definitely worth noting that the Gobblegums are an optional loadout item, and ****** Ops 6 makes it easier than past years to earn free Gobblegums. Players earn the gums randomly while playing Zombies, and there are even double-XP events that can sometimes increase the Gobblegum earn rate. Gobblegums are featured in the Season 1 battle pass, and they’ll likely be available as rewards in future events as well. The Season 1 battle pass features over 100 items to unlock, including two new weapons, Sev as a playable operator, and plenty of cosmetic ******* blueprints. You can find more highlights of the Season 1 content here. Source link #CoD #****** #Ops #Lets #Buy #Gobblegums #Real #Money Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Health Minister Mike Nesbitt submits pay offer to unions Health Minister Mike Nesbitt submits pay offer to unions PA Media Health Minister Mike Nesbitt presented the pay offer to unions on Thursday A pay offer aimed at avoiding industrial action by unions has been put on the table by Health Minister Mike Nesbitt. BBC News NI understands a pay award backdated to this August is currently being considered by union representatives. On Monday, Nesbitt said the latest allocation of money by the executive would not allow him to match pay deals in other parts of the ***. Speaking after meeting Nipsa, Unite, and Unison, the minister said there had been constructive discussions. “I put the plan to them and they accepted it as a serious proposal, but it is one they need to go away and think about and consult upon,” he said. “Equally, they have given challenges to me that I need to take to executive colleagues, beginning with the first and the deputy first minister, and I will do that at pace. “What we are in now is a process. I think now everyone recognises that the resolution to this will require an all-executive approach, and that is to all public sector pay, not just health,” Carmel Gates, said: “We are beginning discussions with members tomorrow to prepare for action” Carmel Gates, from NIPSA, said her union is not discussing the details from a meeting between unions and the health minister on Thursday, but still plan on talking to their members about a possible strike. Speaking on BBC’s The View programme, Ms Gates, said: “We are beginning discussions with members tomorrow to prepare for action because unless the offer that is coming to us is at least parity with colleagues in Britain, then it is not going to be good enough.” Rita Devlin of the Royal College of Nursing said: “We are in a better place than we were yesterday, but we’re not there yet. “I would not be recommending it to my members at this time.” She said that while no-one wanted to take industrial action, “every single year we ****** for crumbs off the table to try to make sure that our members get the money that they deserve”. The BMA said in July this year, the Doctors’ and Dentists’ Pay Review Body (DDRB) recommended an uplift of 6% for all doctors, and this had already been applied in the rest of the ***. Its Northern Ireland council chair Dr Alan Stout said the minister had told the BMA he was not in a position to make the full pay award. “On behalf of all doctors in Northern Ireland, I made it clear this was totally unacceptable,” Dr Stout said. “I will now meet with the chairs of all the BMA branch of committees in Northern Ireland to seek their views on how to proceed. “The scale of anger and outrage I have been hearing over the course of the last week is unprecedented. Doctors here are totally disillusioned with the Department of Health and its attitude towards doctors’ pay.” Analysis: Conversations continue over pay by Aileen Moynagh, BBC News NI health reporter Neither the health minister nor most health unions would comment on the details of this morning’s pay meeting. But BBC News NI understands the proposal from Mike Nesbitt would restore pay parity with England and Wales – but not full pay parity. What this interim offer means is that pay for health workers would be backdated to August and not April like England and Wales, at this stage. It’s understood Nesbitt has committed to working with the Northern Ireland Executive in a bid to find money to bridge the gap, with the aim of fully restoring pay parity if possible. Conversations and negotiations continue. PA Media The first and deputy first minister said the executive has to work within the budget Hope for a positive resolution – O’Neill Earlier, First Minister Michelle O’Neill said that a winter of strike action by various unions in Northern Ireland over pay is “not inevitable”. On Wednesday, unions representing teachers said they will also ballot their members on strike action. O’Neill said she hoped there could be a “positive resolution”. “We also have been faced with the fact they’ve settled pay in England but not here, we’ve allocated 57% of the budget this week to health,” she added. Stormont budget O’Neill said she and the Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly met the health minister on Wednesday night, ahead of his discussions with the unions. Little-Pengelly said the executive had to “work within the budget” it had. “A certain amount of funding has to go towards funding those frontline services, that is a finite amount of money,” she said. “The executive will be doing their best that is our promise.” O’Neill said that it’s a “challenging situation” and the the executive does not want workers to go on strike. “We will work to find solutions. I don’t think anything’s inevitable, we will work night and day to make sure we can get a positive resolution.” Source link #Health #Minister #Mike #Nesbitt #submits #pay #offer #unions Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Halo Infinite devs confirm campaign updates aren’t happening, multiplayer support is far from over Halo Infinite devs confirm campaign updates aren’t happening, multiplayer support is far from over Metroid Prime 2: Echoes is celebrating its 20th anniversary this week after an initial Gamecube launch on 15th November 2004. In a new interview with developers Jack Mathews and Zoid Kirsch from Kiwi Talkz, it’s been revealed that the game’s multiplayer mode nearly featured playable Space Pirates. Source link #Halo #Infinite #devs #confirm #campaign #updates #arent #happening #multiplayer #support Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

How much is Disney’s Singapore cruise? Here are rates for 2025 How much is Disney’s Singapore cruise? Here are rates for 2025 Bookings for Disney’s first cruise in Asia open on Dec. 10, 2024, about a year ahead of the ship’s maiden voyage, which is scheduled to depart Singapore in December 2025. Prices for a three-night cruise on the Disney Adventure for two adults start at $958, while double occupancy rates for four- and five-night cruises start at $1,318 and $2,694, respectively, according to the company’s website. But those who want rooms with a room can expect to pay more. Rates for a three-night cruise for two adults jump to $1,318 for an ocean-view room, and $1,438 for a room with a private verandah. The highest room category, a “Concierge” stateroom, which comes with extra services, is priced at $3,298 for two adults, according to the company’s website. However, rates for kids or additional adults in the same room are significantly lower, according to the company’s website. All in, a family of four who books a four-night journey in an ocean-view room can expect to pay about $2,876. A screenshot of Disney Adventure’s ocean-view room prices for four adults. Walt Disney Fans of the movie “Frozen” can opt to book two royal suites: the Elsa Royal Suite adorned with icy light fixtures and snowflake patterns, or the summer-inspired Anna Royal Suite with a forest ambience. Each suite will have living and dining areas, two bathrooms and two bedrooms — one outfitted with bunkbeds for the kids. Prices for those suites have not yet been released. Those who want to sail on the cruise’s maiden voyage can expect to pay more — around $780 per person for the three-night trip, according to the website. The prices for the cruise, which is scheduled to first set sail on Dec. 15, 2025, include meals, live shows and Disney character experiences. However, alcohol, internet and “******-exclusive dining” cost extra, according to the website. Details about the ‘Disney Adventure’ The “Disney Adventure” can hold 6,700 passengers and has seven themed areas inspired by Disney, Pixar and Marvel films. Certain experiences were specifically created for Disney’s ****** customer base, according to a Disney press release. Themed areas include: Imagination Garden: an open-air garden with a fairytale castle at the heart of the ship Toy Story Place: an outdoor water park with slides, rides and a playground San Fransokyo Street: a street market-inspired entertainment area with an arcade and shopping options Town Square: three decks of shops, lounges, cafes, salons and restaurants Disney Discovery Reef: a sea-themed outdoor dining area with bars and cafes Marvel Landing: an adventure zone with three new attractions, including Disney’s first rollercoaster at sea San Fransokyo Street will house one of several gaming lounges on the ship. A blended mix of San Francisco and Tokyo, the area is inspired by the Disney film “Big Hero 6.” Walt Disney Disney has slowly released details about its first Asia-based cruise this year, first announcing details about the ship in June, followed by the ship’s launch dates in October. To date, the website shows cruises departing through March 2026. Disney’s cruise will be docked in Singapore for at least five years, according to the terms of a partnership between Disney Cruise Line and the Singapore Tourism Board. The Marvel Landing features three new attractions, including the Iron Man-inspired Ironcycle Test Run, Disney Cruise Line’s first rollercoaster. Walt Disney Noting Singapore’s ability to draw tourists from China, Indonesia and India, Sarah Fox, vice president and regional general manager of Disney Cruise Line, shared “how incredibly important” the Southeast ****** market is to the company at a media conference on Oct.16. “We’ve really assessed the region,” said Fox. “The region, obviously, is very dynamic, and we’re very excited to be bringing Disney Cruise Line to those consumers around the area.” Source link #Disneys #Singapore #cruise #rates Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Cupra’s new SUV to offer ‘wide range’ of engines including PHEV in Australia Cupra’s new SUV to offer ‘wide range’ of engines including PHEV in Australia Cupra Australia is gearing up for a comprehensive product onslaught in 2025, with the star of the show likely to be the all-new Terramar SUV. Due to launch around mid-way through next year, the 2025 Cupra Terramar will serve as the brand’s first proper entry into the burgeoning mid-size SUV segment, which currently accounts for around 22 per cent of all new vehicles sold in Australia. Speaking with CarExpert, head of product and marketing for Cupra Australia, Jeff Shafer, said: “I think [the Terramar] will be a real core model for us”. “It’s right in the heart of the SUV market in Australia – it’s that size that’s not too big and not too small. So, we’ll have three or four drivelines in the Terramar, and have a pretty good offering in terms of what that covers both in price and equipment.” 100s of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. Camera IconSupplied Credit: CarExpert When asked if the Terramar will be cutting the existing Ateca’s lunch, Mr Shafer said the two models are pretty different cars and appeal to different customers. “I think Ateca and Terramar sit in different spaces – definitely, the Terramar is a size up from Ateca. Even today, it’s a different customer that looks at Ateca versus Formentor, even though the size isn’t that different. “We’ll still see Ateca be ******* for us for another year and a bit,” Mr Shafer added. Revealed in September, the Cupra Terramar is the Spanish brand’s sportier take on the new-generation Volkswagen Tiguan – sharing its ******* cousin’s MQB evo architecture, drivetrains and tech but in an all-new design. Measuring 4519mm long, 1863mm wide and 1584mm tall with a 2681mm wheelbase, the Terramar is almost identically sized to the new Tiguan which measures 4539mm/1842mm/1639mm/2680mm. Camera IconSupplied Credit: CarExpert The height difference will be down to the Terramar’s standard sports suspension and slimline roof racks compared to the Tiguan. Mr Shafer confirmed a plug-in hybrid will make up one of the “three or four drivelines” coming to Australia, one being the 200kW/400Nm 1.5 TSI e-Hybrid version launched overseas, which offers 112-121km of electric driving range on the WLTP test cycle. It’s also understood the 195kW/400Nm 2.0 TSI with all-wheel drive is coming Down Under, serving as the performance hero for the time being with a claimed 0-100km/h acceleration time of 5.9 seconds. This engine is shared with the Tiguan, as well as the facelifted VW Golf GTI and Skoda Octavia RS performance models. The only other engine confirmed globally at this stage is the 110kW/250Nm 1.5 eTSI mild-hybrid, which achieves a claimed 6.1-6.6L/100km and serves as the entry-level variant. This motor will also serve the entry point to the facelifted Leon and Formentor lineups in 2025. Full pricing and specifications aren’t confirmed for our market as yet, but we’d wager the Terramar will start in the low $50,000 bracket and head up around the $70,000-$75,000 mark for a fully loaded PHEV. Camera IconSupplied Credit: CarExpert The Terramar will be part of a wider product offensive from the Cupra brand in 2025, which will see the Formentor and Leon facelifts during the second quarter of 2025, as well as the go-fast 240kW Born VZ electric hatchback sometime during the first half of 2025. The all-new Tavascan electric crossover is due to arrive around March-April, and the new Leon Sportstourer wagon is earmarked for a July-August introduction – likely with 245kW 2.0 TSI AWD and 200kW 1.5 TSI e-Hybrid options – to round out the lineup Down Under. Cupra has also confirmed further expansion plans for its dealer and service network, promising a total of 20 points of ***** and 25 fully functioning service outlets by the end of 2025, in addition to a further 15 regional ‘service only’ sites. To the end of October, the Spanish brand has registered 1805 new vehicles, which is down 39.2 per cent on the same January-October ******* in 2023. Cupra’s October figure of 193 vehicles was also down 56.1 per cent. However, almost the entire range is getting refreshed in 2025, namely the volume sellers, and with the help of the new Terramar and Tavascan the brand hopes to sell between 8000 and 10,000 vehicles annually towards 2027-2028. Camera IconSupplied Credit: CarExpert MORE: Everything Cupra Terramar Source link #Cupras #SUV #offer #wide #range #engines #including #PHEV #Australia Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Rue Valley puts a time loop spin on Disco Elysium Rue Valley puts a time loop spin on Disco Elysium Time loops are a perfect fit for video games. This interactive medium is inherently repetitious, and certain games, such as roguelikes, are intentionally designed to be played over and over. It’s natural to take that further and bring that repetition in play as a clear time loop. Deathloop and The Legend of Zelda: Majora’s Mask are some of the most famous examples of games with time loops, but indies like Twelve Minutes and The Forgotten City are equally as experimental with that idea. Rue Valley is the latest game built around a time loop and it does so by way of Disco Elysium. Rue Valley Alpha Gameplay Trailer Disco Elysium showed how an RPG that prioritizes dialogue, internal dialogue, and the emotional well-being of the player character can be just as engaging as one with combat. Emotion Spark Studio and Owlcat Games‘ Rue Valley takes that same idea and applies it to a depressed man stuck in a time loop at a motel in the middle of a desert. Embracing the time loop Rue Valley takes place over 47 minutes. The game begins with the main character in a therapy session at a motel at around 8 p.m. As the sun sets, players can explore the motel and surrounding areas and interact with the different characters there as time passes. The dialogue and the player’s inner monologue are presented similarly to how they are in Disco Elysium, although Rue Valley sports more of a comic book aesthetic. It does not play out in real time, but is based on the player’s fairly mundane actions. In a preview event attended by Digital Trends, Creative Director Marko Smiljanić explained that one of the main goals of Rue Valley is to “present mundane stuff that we experience every day in real life as something meaningful in a video game way,” like getting out of bed. “If in some RPGs you find a better sword, in this game, the equivalent of that would be getting out of bed,” Smiljanić says. Owlcat Games After 47 minutes worth of time passes, the sky around Rue Valley turns bright red and the timeline resets, and players begin their loop anew in that therapy session. Rue Valley is an ever-unfolding mystery box as players learn more about their situation with each passing loop and gain more insight into the surrounding characters and era. There isn’t a preset number of loops needed to complete the game. Smiljanić stresses that game length relies heavily on what the players choose to do or what their stats let them do. While there’s a lot of choice-driven dialogue in Rue Valley, that’s not its only RPG-driven system. Before the game begins, players must spend a certain number of “personality points” to create their character. Rather than increasing a stat like strength, these points bring the player’s personality toward different emotional extremes across decisional, social, and emotional axes. Through these, players can shape their character to be impulsive or calculated, introverted or extraverted, and sensitive or indifferent. Depending on the player’s personality, the dialogue and gameplay options will differ. There are also sometimes “stat checks,” which require acuity in a certain emotional state to be successful. In-game events will also apply status effects to the player and further impact those emotional stats and dialogue options. These status effects aren’t your typical RPG ones like poison or burning; they’re things like “total lack of motivation.” Owlcat Games These are all very subtle systems. Rue Valley isn’t a very bombastic game; it’s more of a slice-of-life RPG about depression with a supernatural time loop as a *****. It may be low-key, but what I’ve played so far is fascinating. While the depth and intrigue of its RPG systems certainly present themselves in this early look, time loop stories typically don’t make a ton of sense until you can see them through to the end. Thankfully, Rue Valley’s narrative is intriguing, so this seems to be another example of why time loops work so well in video games. Those intrigued by games with looping structures should keep this RPG on their radar. Rue Valley is in development for PC, and you can check out its open alpha on Steam. Source link #Rue #Valley #puts #time #loop #spin #Disco #Elysium Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Philippines braces for typhoon Man-yi as Usagi weakens Philippines braces for typhoon Man-yi as Usagi weakens MANILA (Reuters) – Typhoon Usagi weakened sharply on Friday after bearing down on the Philippines’ northern towns, blowing away houses in its path as authorities brace for another storm that could hit the capital Manila over the weekend. Usagi, known locally as Ofel, intensified into a super typhoon as it made landfall in the town of Baggao in Cagayan province on Thursday afternoon. Philippine meteorological agency Pag-asa said that Usagi has since weakened and is now headed towards Taiwan. Usagi is the 15th cyclone to hit the Philippines this year. Officials are already bracing for another typhoon, Man-yi, which could hit eastern towns and the capital region over the weekend as it continues to intensify in the western Pacific. Man-yi could become a supertyphoon on early Sunday, Pag-asa said. No casualties have yet been reported from Usagi, even as thousands of families living in vulnerable communities fled ahead of its arrival. Rueli Rapsing, head of the Cagayan disaster relief office, said town officials are still probing the extent of the damage from the storm. “There were more homes that were partially or totally blown after Marce (Typhoon Yinxing). Currently, we’re moving around assessing the damage,” Rapsing said on Friday. Preemptive evacuations of vulnerable residents in Typhoon Man-yi’s path will begin on Friday. Pag-asa said Man-yi’s center was last estimated around 795km (494 miles) east of the central town of Guian in Eastern Samar province, and warned of a storm surge of up to 3 metres (10 feet) in coastal towns of the central provinces. The Philippines is dealing with its sixth storm in a month, mainly hitting the main island of Luzon. Tropical Storm Trami and Typhoon Kong-rey brought heavy flooding and triggered landslides, ******** 162 people with 22 still missing, according to government data. Four storms churned in the western Pacific ocean at the same time this month, the first time it has happened since records began in 1951, the Japan Meteorological Agency said. About 20 tropical storms strike the Philippines each year on average, bringing heavy rains, strong winds and deadly landslides. (Reporting by Mikhail Flores in Manila; Editing by Nicholas Yong) Source link #Philippines #braces #typhoon #Manyi #Usagi #weakens Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

The best all-in-one gets a lot faster The best all-in-one gets a lot faster The 2024 iMac looks the same as ever, but there’s an update that promises to dramatically transform the lineup. It’s not the M4 processor, though that’s nice. No, I’m talking about the boost in base memory that finally lifts the entry-level models from a deplorable 8GB to 16GB. That, along with the new chips, promises to finally make the $1,299 iMac cost effective for most buyers. There are a few other tweaks, like an optional nano-coated display, an updated 12-megapixel webcam and an assortment of new colors. Otherwise, things are much the same as last year, which may make you wonder if it’s worth the upgrade. After testing one for content creation, gaming and productivity, I can tell you that the answer is definitely yes. Apple Apple’s 2024 iMac comes with the powerful M4 chip and starts with 16GB of RAM, making it a better value than past models. ***** Powerful M4 processors 16GB of RAM comes standard Much improved webcam Nano-textured display option ***** Upgrades still too expensive Needs more screen size options No vertical height adjustment $1,204 at Amazon What’s new with the latest iMac? Side-by-side, the 2023 and 2024 iMacs look about the same. The 24-inch 4.5K 500-nit display and the computer itself are housed in the same slim 0.43-inch (11.5mm) thick frame. It still sits on an elegant stand that tilts but lacks an adjustable height setting. While tilt-only is a common setup on all-in-one PCs, at this point it would be nice to see Apple do even a simplified height adjustment like it did on the Studio Display. Elsewhere, there are two Thunderbolt 4 ports on the base model and four on the more expensive versions, along with a magnetic power connector and 3.5mm headphone jack on the left side — all the same as before. What is new is the higher-quality 12MP webcam that’s a massive leap up from past models. It finally delivers sharp and ******-accurate video worthy of the rest of the computer, to help you look your best when on FaceTime or Zoom. It supports Apple’s Center Stage feature that auto-centers the subject during video calls, even if you’re moving around. The new webcam also works with the new Desk View feature that lets you show off objects below your screen. Steve Dent for Engadget You can now get the iMac with optional nano-textured display glass that blocks glare, even with a light pointing right at it. Though it does slightly reduce sharpness, I’d recommend it if you can afford the extra $200. Otherwise, it’s the same clear and colorful display with 500 nits of brightness, a wide P3 gamut and a resolution of 4,480 x 2,250, which are all the same as before. The 24-inch size may be too small for some, but I found it ample for most work, and I’m used to dual 32-inch screens. Still, given that the iMac is Apple’s only desktop model with an integrated display, it would be nice to see a 27- or even 32-inch option on future models, even if that makes it less compact and portable. The iMac M4’s ****** palette also got a tiny refresh. Though it still comes in the same seven hues as before, they’re now in slightly paler shades that Apple calls “fresh.” Indeed, the model I tested is a very light green that is so subtle it’s hard to even see in dim light. I’m a fan of subdued hues, but anyone hoping for a shot of bright ****** may be disappointed. The accessories have also been updated. Both the new Magic Mouse and Magic Keyboard (with optional Touch ID) now charge via USB-C rather than Lightning like the iMac M3, negating a major complaint in our previous review. As usual, all the accessories, including the cables, match the ****** of your iMac — a cute touch. Steve Dent for Engadget I love the feel of Apple’s keyboard for speed typing, as I’m not a mechanical keyboard guy. The Magic Mouse is an acquired taste, but the slightly firm click pressure and accuracy suit my taste and I love the ability to scroll side-to-side as well as up and down. Yes, the charging port is on the bottom, which is a bit of a design fail, but it can go a month between charges — and you only need to plug it in for a few minutes to get enough power to last a workday. The key updates are inside with the M4 processor, which is available in two variants. The base $1,299 model comes with an 8-core CPU, 8-core GPU, 16GB of RAM, 256GB of storage and two Thunderbolt 4 ports. All other versions have 10-core CPUs, 10-core GPUs and four Thunderbolt ports, starting at $1,499 with 16GB of RAM and 256GB of storage. There’s no M4 Pro option, and therefore no Thunderbolt 5 ports on any 2024 iMac. Every version but the base model also has gigabit ethernet (on the power brick) and Touch ID on the Magic Keyboard. The model I’m testing shows that Apple’s upgrades are still too expensive. It has a 10-core M4, 24GB of RAM, 1TB of storage and four Thunderbolt 4 ports, along with the nano-textured screen. Those three options (the extra 8GB of RAM, 1TB of storage and the updated screen) ****** the $1,299 price up to $2,299. The good news, though, is that not buying them won’t leave you with an unacceptable amount of memory as before. In use: Outstanding performance and friendly features Steve Dent for Engadget Desktop PCs don’t get much more practical than the iMac M4. Installing it is as easy as placing it on a surface and plugging it in, then running through a relatively quick setup. With everything integrated in the display, you can install it on your desk, in a ****’s bedroom or anywhere else with a small amount of space. It’s easy to move, too, as there are no cables other than power and weighs just 9.74 pounds. Performance was a pleasant surprise, better than I expected on tasks ranging from video editing to gaming. The key benchmarks show substantial gains over the iMac M3 in processing, graphics performance and AI, ranging from 20 percent on single CPU tests to over 30 percent on the GPU side. The iMac M4 is actually a touch faster than the 14-inch MacBook Pro M4, but pokier than the 16-inch model with an M4 Pro chip, particularly when it comes to graphics. In fact, GPU performance is considerably lower than the Mac Mini and even the MacBook Pro M3 Pro models. Still, integrated graphics are far more powerful than they used to be, and the iMac M4 beats most rival Windows PCs in that regard, including the Surface with a Snapdragon X Elite chip. However, it sits well below PCs with discrete graphics from NVIDIA and AMD. Computer Geekbench 6 Geekbench 6 GPU Cinebench 2024 Apple iMac (M4, 2024) 3,751/15,093 35,520 171/881 GPU 4,425 Apple iMac (M3, 2023) 3,125/11,818 25,922 137/659 GPU 3,340 Apple MacBook Pro 16-inch (M4 Pro, 2024) 3,925/22,456 70,197 178/1,689 GPU 9,295 Surface Laptop 7 (Snapdragon X Elite) 2,797/14,400 19,963 123/969 GPU N/A Apple MacBook Pro 16-inch (M3 Max, 2024) 3,202/21,312 92,344 143/1,686 GPU 13,182 Gaming shows the iMac’s GPU deficiencies, with resolution limited to a maximum of 1080p for titles like Resident Evil 7 Biohazard and Baldur’s Gate 3 to have playable frame rates above 30 fps. Still, it’s not a bad gaming machine for an AIO that’s mostly designed to run Excel spreadsheets or make Zoom calls. It’s surprisingly solid for content creation, too. That’s aided by the rapid storage speeds (2.94/5.14 GB/s read/write), integrated video decoding and faster processor. For instance, I don’t expect a lot of iMac users to edit 8K 24p clips on Blackmagic’s DaVinci Resolve, but you can totally do that. It also handled Premiere Pro, Photoshop and Lightroom Classic projects well. The only place it stuttered was on RAW 8K video playback, which is a very big ask for an all-in-one. My 16-inch MacBook Pro with an M3 Pro can handle that thanks to the extra cores, but it’s nearly $1,000 more. Steve Dent for Engadget With that bright, sharp display, the iMac M4 is also great for entertainment. It can play 4K HDR content and supports Dolby Atmos and Spatial Audio thanks to the six speaker setup with two force-canceling woofers. Of course it’s better to use high-quality headphones, but the sound straight out of speakers is better than any AIO I’ve used before. When watching movies and series on Netflix and Prime Video (The Diplomat and Don’t Look Up), the iMac M4 provided a colorful, immersive viewing experience. Finally, AI was a big selling point of the M4 Macs at its unofficial Mac Week event. The iMac M4 fared well in that regard with a 51,421 Geekbench 6 quantized AI score, closely matching results from the M4 Pro and M4 Max (all M4 CPUs have 16 “Neural Engine” AI cores). As a more practical test, I transcribed a 69-minute Engadget podcast episode using the Whisper Transcription app, which took three minutes and four seconds. That was the same as the MacBook Pro M4, but a minute slower than the M4 Pro model. Should you buy the iMac M4? Steve Dent for Engadget With an unchanged design, there might seem to be no justification to buy or upgrade to the iMac M4. I disagree for one reason: Apple’s change to 16GB of base memory allows you to do more than ever on an entry-level iMac, including taxing activities like 4K video editing and AAA gaming. In fact, I would only consider getting an M3 or older model if getting one with 16GB of RAM is cheaper than the iMac M4. I would still avoid the base model if at all possible, though. For me, the sweet spot is now the $1,499 option that comes with 256GB of storage, four Thunderbolt 4 ports (to easily add extra storage) and the Magic Keyboard with Touch ID. That’s still not cheap, but gives you a very capable and expandable machine for $400 less than the minimum price we recommended last year. Source link #allinone #lot #faster Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]