Pelican Press

Bitcoin hacker sentenced to five years in prison Bitcoin hacker sentenced to five years in prison A hacker has been sentenced to five years in a US prison for laundering the proceeds of one of the biggest ever cryptocurrency thefts. Ilya Lichtenstein pleaded guilty last year to hacking into the Bitfinex cryptocurrency exchange in 2016 and stealing almost 120,000 bitcoin. He laundered the stolen cryptocurrency with the help of his wife Heather Morgan, who used the alias Razzlekhan to promote her hip hop music. At the time of the theft, the bitcoin was worth around $70m (£55.3m), but had risen in value to more than $4.5bn by the time of they were arrested. The $3.6bn worth of assets recovered in the case was the biggest financial seizure in the DOJ’s history, deputy attorney General Lisa Monaco said at the time. “It’s important to send a message that you can’t commit these ******* with impunity, that there are consequences to them,” district judge Colleen Kollar-Kotelly said. Lichtenstein, who has been in prison since his arrest in February 2022, expressed remorse for his actions. He also said that he hopes to apply his skills to ****** cybercrime after serving his sentence. Morgan also pleaded guilty last year to one count of *********** to commit money laundering. She is due to be sentenced on 18 November. According court documents, Lichtenstein used advanced hacking tools and techniques to hack into Bitfinex. Following the hack, he enlisted Morgan’s help to launder the stolen funds. They “employed numerous sophisticated laundering techniques”, the US Department of Justice (DoJ) said in a statement. The methods included using fictitious identities, switching the funds into different cryptocurrencies and buying gold coins. Lichtenstein, who was born in Russia but grew up in the US, would then meet couriers while on family trips and move the laundered money back home, prosecutors said. Morgan’s Razzlekhan persona went viral on social media when the case emerged. Even as the couple attempted to cover up the hack, she published dozens of expletive-filled music videos and rap songs filmed in locations around New York. In her lyrics she called herself a “bad-**** money maker” and “the crocodile of Wall Street”. In articles published in Forbes magazine, Morgan also claimed to be a successful technology businesswoman, calling herself an “economist, serial entrepreneur, software investor and rapper”. Source link #Bitcoin #hacker #sentenced #years #prison Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Silent Hill meets Killer7 in this must-try new horror game Silent Hill meets Killer7 in this must-try new horror game This year has been a bit of a renaissance for retro horror games. Not only have we gotten a ******* blast from the past thanks to Bloober Team’s Silent Hill 2 remake but the indie scene has returned to the era of lo-fi horror in a big way. Games like Crow Country and ***** the Spotlight have brought us back to the days of fixed cameras and blocky heroes. Now you can add another great throwback to the list of 2024 alt-horror greats: Sorry We’re Closed. A debut title from à la Mode Games, Sorry We’re Closed is both familiar and unlike anything I’ve really played. On its surface, it’s another ode to Silent Hill with some light puzzling and tight resource management. Below those clear inspirations, though, is one of the year’s most stylish and inventive games, one that’s not easily classifiable by genre. If you think that there’s no uncharted territory left for retro horror to explore, think again. Neon-soaked horror If you were jumping into Sorry We’re Closed ******, you might not realize that it’s a horror game at all in its opening moment. The most immediate red herring is its striking, neon-soaked art style that looks like a cross between Killer7 and Neon White. Even beyond that, the story opens up with a bickering couple and our hero, Michelle, working a shift as a despondent convenience store cashier. It all looks like a mundane slice-of-life story … until Michelle goes to sleep and meets a paralysis ****** that places a curse on her. That kicks off a twisted — and at times convoluted — tale as Michelle works with angels and demons to both break free from her curse and fix her struggling relationship. It’s a creative setup that fuses modern indie sensibilities with classic horror, and that extends to Sorry We’re Closed’s inventive gameplay. I figure I’m not in for many surprises when I start exploring a dreary underground train station. I’m walking around in search of puzzle items and avoiding creepy rat-like creatures all through the watchful eye of fixed camera angles that obscure my vision. It’s a pitch-perfect throwback that’s not too far off from Crow Country, right down to some water pipe puzzling. Sorry We’re Closed | Launch Date Announcement Trailer That familiar structure gets a few major shakeups. When I press down the left trigger, I’m suddenly viewing what’s directly in front of me in first person. It’s a neat magic trick that has a big impact on exploration. Sometimes I need to jump into first person to find something that a fixed camera angle is hiding from me. I can’t figure out how to progress in one room until I hold the trigger down and realize that what I think is a flat floor is actually the top of a staircase I can descend. It makes for some clever problem-solving that’s new for a game cut from this cloth. That’s only the tip of the innovation iceberg. Early in the story, Michelle’s third eye is opened as she explores the dream world she’s trapped in. That’s not just a turn of phrase; it’s a superpower. By pressing a button, a circle spreads out around me and reveals what the space I’m in looks like in the real world. For instance, impassable vines may block my path in the dream world, but they vanish while my third eye is open. It’s another spatial puzzling layer that goes beyond the genre’s classic lock-and-key item-hunting *****. The third eye bleeds into combat too, creating Sorry We’re Closed‘s most striking feature. When I aim my ******* at an ****** in first person, I can open my third eye to reveal a weak point in them, represented by a crystal heart. When I ****** at it, sometimes another appears. My goal in battle is to hit those weak points with a sort of rhythmic accuracy to maximize damage (thus saving my precious ammo). Doing so also charges up a “heartbreaker” shot, which allows me to deliver a *****-shot to any ******. In boss fights, I need to nail that pattern to charge up my shot and take them out. One battle against a squid monster has me dodging its gnashing beak, quickly switching to first person to hit its weak points, and then ******* off my heartbreaker. All of that looks incredibly stylish too, peppering bright neon colors and UI flourishes on top of the lo-fi aesthetic. Akupara Games As a creative swing, this may sound like a lot of ideas to throw out at once — and it is. As sharp as all the individual parts are, the adventure can be a little messy at times. The perspective switching is a great idea, but I’m often left fumbling with controls as I try to get enough distance between me and approaching creepers to switch to first person, get the right ******* equipped, and open my third eye quickly. It doesn’t help that it’s a little hard to judge what distance an ****** can actually strike me at (and vice versa), which led to a few surprise deaths during my playthrough. Combine that with a story that gets a little too wrapped up in its demonic lore, and you’ve got an eclectic horror game that doesn’t fully snap all its ideas together by its ending. I’m always willing to forgive a lack of polish when in a game that’s this loaded with creative energy, though. It may be indebted to PlayStation horror classics, but it brings me back to the first time I played Killer7 more than anything. I was a teenager at the time and I’d quite literally never played anything like it at that point in my life. I still haven’t, honestly. The strange on-rails ********* setup made for an otherworldly experience, like I was playing a shooter from another planet. Sorry We’re Closed has that same feeling, which makes it easier to get lost in its strange world. You can play plenty of more polished horror games this year, but none of them will open your third eye quite like this. Sorry We’re Closed is available now on PC. Source link #Silent #Hill #meets #Killer7 #musttry #horror #game Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

AI will start remixing your music on YouTube AI will start remixing your music on YouTube Like a song you put on a YouTube video but want to give it a new spin? The video platform is testing a new AI tool to do just that, at least for when you post a Shorts video. YouTube is letting a limited number of creators use the AI tool as a kind of co-producer. They can submit their music and a prompt about genre, mood, or other elements, and the AI will spin a new 30-second soundtrack that attempts to meet the request. The remix feature employs YouTube’s Dream Track, an AI toolkit released a year ago to some U.S.-based artists. The AI works with the creators to compose songs based on prompts and pre-recorded vocals. Artists like Charli XCX, Demi Lovato, John Legend, Sia, T-Pain, and Charlie Puth all gave permission to YouTube for Dream Track to use their singing. The new tool carries Dream Track into the popular track remix facet of the music industry by restyling it to a new mood and type of sound. They might turn a pop song into a jazz ballad or an R&B song into a formal, baroque-style sound. All of the Dream Track features use the Lyria music generation AI model developed by Google’s DeepMind team. Lyria interprets words and audio and recombines the ideas behind both into unique music. Despite being new tracks, YouTube made a point of saying that the AI origin and the human artist behind the new track will be obvious. “If you’re a creator in the experiment group, you can select an eligible song > describe how you want to restyle it > then generate a unique 30-second soundtrack to use in your Short,” YouTube’s description explained. “These restyled soundtracks will have clear attribution to the original song through the Short itself and the Shorts audio pivot page, and will also clearly indicate that the track was restyled with AI.” Music dreams The ability to quickly customize music to fit any specific genre, mood, or theme has obvious appeal for creators. And the industry probably won’t be too upset thanks to YouTube’s proactive measures to avoid copyright issues. YouTube and Google have made ostentatious efforts to compensate creators and rights holders when it comes to AI assistance. YouTube and Universal Music Group (UMG) signed a deal last year to work out a compensation scheme for AI to defuse that question before YouTube releases an AI music generator. Compare that to the annoyance of creators who have seen their videos scraped to train AI models without their permission. Still, YouTube wants AI to fill its platform in as many ways as possible. The platform has already tested all kinds of AI tools for the public. AI can help inspire new video ideas with YouTube’s Brainstorm with Gemini tool and jump ahead of the kind of rights issues raised by artists thanks to an AI tool for removing copyrighted music from your video without taking it down completely. You might also like Sign up to be the first to know about unmissable ****** Friday deals on top tech, plus get all your favorite TechRadar content. Source link #start #remixing #music #YouTube Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

University cash crisis will get worse despite tuition fee rise, BBC told University cash crisis will get worse despite tuition fee rise, BBC told BRANWEN JEFFREYS/BBC Tuition fees for undergraduate degrees in England will rise in autumn 2025 Almost three quarters of universities in England will face financial problems next year – despite tuition fees increasing, the BBC has been told. A report published on Friday reveals how financial issues faced by most universities are even worse than previously thought. The Office for Students (OfS) predicts more than a third are likely to have serious cash flow problems. Speaking exclusively to the BBC, Sir David Behan, the regulator’s chairman, called for ******** change, saying course closures and university mergers might be needed for financial stability. The government is considering the long-term funding and reform of universities. Tuition fees in England will rise for current and existing students by £285 to £9,535 a year for those on full-time degrees, in autumn 2025. Even so, new analysis by the OfS, the independent regulator of higher education in England, shows a worsening position for universities. The regulator had said it expected 40% of universities to be in financial deficit in 2023-24. Now the OfS says by 2025-26, 72% could be spending more money than they have coming in and may have to use an overdraft or financial reserves, with a total £1.6bn deficit forecast across the sector. In 40% of institutions, cash flow may become so tight there will only be enough money in the bank to cover one month at a time of bills including salaries. Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson said the OfS findings show “why universities must do more to make their finances work”. Radically reimaginedBRANWEN JEFFREYS/BBC OfS chairman Sir David Behan says universities need to cut costs to reduce the risk of institutions closing Sir David Behan, the OfS chairman, says a university going bust “isn’t imminent now”, but to reduce the risk higher education needs to be “radically reimagined”. He suggests universities should think about “a transformation of their offer”, looking closely at the length and range of courses, and how to increase degree apprenticeships where tuition fees are covered mainly through the levy on larger employers. Apprentices are paid to work while they study, so students end up with less debt. Sir David says universities also need to collaborate more, and should consider mergers or whether courses at nearby institutions are too similar – saying it “doesn’t make sense” for those universities to compete with one another. But, he says, as some universities reduce the number of courses on offer he doesn’t want to see “cold spots” where students in more rural locations don’t have a choice of courses at their nearest university. The outlook has worsened for universities because they have recruited fewer *** and international students than predicted. For home students, the OfS says, Ucas figures suggest numbers have increased by around 1.3% this year, compared with the optimistic 5.8% universities had predicted. Universities that traditionally required higher entry grades have fared better, because they have simply taken a ******* share by accepting some students with lower results. This has led to lower recruitment and increased pressure in universities that accept middling grades, and some smaller institutions. International recruitment has also fallen, with overall visa applications down by about 16% this year, and 20% fewer applications from India alone. Since January, most international students have been banned from bringing family members to live with them in the ***. The rule was introduced last year by Rishi Sunak’s government, which committed to bringing immigration numbers down. Difficult decisions All of this comes as the government considers what to do about university funding in England from 2026, in a review likely to conclude next year. The OfS report acknowledges that the scale of change needed will not be easy. Vivienne Stern, chief executive of Universities ***, which represents 140 institutions, says universities are already “making tough choices to control costs”, adding that the sector “needs to continue evolving”. She says the size of the challenge “is a source of serious concern”. The University of East Anglia (UEA) in Norwich has cut £30m in the last 18 months – almost 10% of its annual spending. Prof David Maguire, the vice chancellor, says “difficult decisions” have led to a 20% reduction in the number of courses, increased lecture group sizes, less one-to-one contact between academics and students, and fewer staff in student support including in mental health and counselling. Unlike big city universities, there are no nearby institutions to collaborate with, so remaining financially sustainable is crucial, especially for the many local students who live at home. Prof Maguire says universities need to know what tuition fees or direct funding they will get through to the next election. “We don’t want ***** and bust, where one year we’re up, the next year we’re down,” he says. “That doesn’t help anybody.” The increase in National Insurance contributions the university has to pay as an employer will more than wipe out the increase in tuition fees next year, he adds. As universities cut back there is a risk to the student experience – this year the largest annual study of undergraduates found only 36% in England thought their course was good or very good value for money. Sir David says he expects “absolute transparency” about what students are getting in return for fees, whether on contact hours or important services such as mental health support. He suggests business degrees are one area that might need more scrutiny to demonstrate which offer the best outcomes for students. BRANWEN JEFFREYS/BBC Teddy says he can see where his tuition fee goes on his healthcare course Teddy Darvill-Cutts is a UEA occupational therapy student who says he can see where his tuition fee goes. “I’m surrounded by all this up-to-date technology, everything’s working well,” he says. But another UEA student, Amber Bramham, says not “all students see the benefits equally”. The financial pressures on universities could lead to very visible changes such as institutions focusing on a smaller number of courses to which they can recruit well. The forecasts published on Friday will also form part of the public debate, and private negotiations between universities and ministers considering whether tuition fees should rise further in the future. The heat is now on universities to bring down costs, with renewed scrutiny from ministers and the regulator over how they spend money. This could renew pressure around vice chancellors pay, even though it is a tiny fraction of the spending of universities with a turnover of £500m or more. Source link #University #cash #crisis #worse #tuition #fee #rise #BBC #told Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

This Apple ****** Friday deal drops the Apple Watch Series 10 to a new low price on Amazon This Apple ****** Friday deal drops the Apple Watch Series 10 to a new low price on Amazon You don’t have to look too hard to find early ****** Friday deals on Apple devices. For one thing, the has dropped to a new all-time-low price on Amazon. The wearable can be yours for $350. That’s $50 off, or a discount of 13 percent. That price is for the smaller 42mm model without LTE functionality. However, the 46mm variant is also . Apple The Apple Watch Series 10 has dropped to its lowest price to date. Both sizes are $50 off ahead of ****** Friday. $349 at Amazon The Apple Watch Series 10 is our pick for the overall, but it’s probably best to look at other options if you’re an Android user. After all, you’ll need a compatible iPhone to set up the wearable and get the most out of it. We gave the Apple Watch Series 10 a . Apple redesigned the smartwatch to offer a larger screen and thinner frame, both of which were plus points in our book. The wide-angle OLED panel offers better viewing angles. The wearable has in-depth fitness and health tracking too, with new functions including sleep apnea detection. We found that there was a slight increase in battery life thanks to efficiency improvements, but some alternative smartwatches run for much longer on a single charge. Overall, this is a somewhat iterative update compared with the Series 9 and 8, but if you’re upgrading from an older Apple Watch (or buying one for the first time), you may find the features, performance and charging speed to be impressive. Meanwhile, a four-pack of Apple AirTags has also . Apple will soon enable a that allows you to more easily share the location of the tracker with airlines and other people. Check out all of the latest ****** Friday and Cyber Monday deals here. Source link #Apple #****** #Friday #deal #drops #Apple #Watch #Series #price #Amazon Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Sri Lanka leader’s coalition set for election victory Sri Lanka leader’s coalition set for election victory Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s coalition, the National People’s Power, is set for victory in a snap general election, results from the Indian Ocean island’s poll body show. Dissanayake, who won the presidential election in September, is seeking a mandate for his policies aimed at alleviating distress among the poor in a country struggling to emerge from a severe financial crisis. Marxist-leaning Dissanayake’s coalition had just three of parliament’s 225 seats before Thursday’s election, prompting him to dissolve it and seek a fresh mandate. NPP won 44 seats, receiving almost 62 per cent or more than five million votes in Thursday’s election, putting them on course for victory, latest results on the Election Commission of Sri Lanka’s website showed. “We see this as a critical turning point for Sri Lanka. We expect a mandate to form a strong parliament, and we are confident the people will give us this mandate,” Dissanayake said after casting his vote on Thursday. “There is a change in Sri Lanka’s political culture that started in September, which must continue.” Samagi Jana Balawegaya party of opposition leader Sajith Premadasa, the main challenger to Dissanayake’s coalition, won 11 seats and about 19 per cent of the votes polled. Just over 17 million Sri Lankans were eligible to elect lawmakers for a five-year term. A record 690 political parties and independent groups were contesting across 22 electoral districts. Source link #Sri #Lanka #leaders #coalition #set #election #victory Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

The Rogue Prince Of Persia’s Second Act Brings Big Changes To The Game The Rogue Prince Of Persia’s Second Act Brings Big Changes To The Game When The Rogue Prince of Persia launched in May, Ubisoft and developer Evil Empire were very clear that the game was still in early development and subject to change. But a new update is adding more than just some minor adjustments. Evil Empire has dropped a teaser trailer for The Rogue Prince of Persia – The Second Act, which gives the game some massive upgrades. As ***** out on the game’s Steam notes, the most obvious change is the revamped art direction on the prince himself, and there is also greater detail in the backgrounds. The colors are richer and more vibrant, and purple has been eliminated from the prince’s character model. The original release covered the first act of the game, which has now been polished and revamped alongside the game’s second act. Evil Empire is also teasing additional biomes, new enemies, more bosses, the option for multiple save slots, and more changes that will be detailed upon the update’s release. Additionally, localization for *******, *********, Korean, Polish, Portuguese, Russian, and Spanish will be available. As ***** out in the game’s first act, The Rogue Prince of Persia takes place in the city of Ctesiphon, and it casts the player as a new prince who foolishly provoked the Hun army. In response, the Hun chief, Nogai, has sent his possessed soldiers into Ctesiphon to ******** it. Now, the prince has to defend his city and use a mystical artifact to time travel and prevent himself from being permanently ******* by his enemies. The Rogue Prince of Persia – The Second Act will hit Steam on November 21. Development of the final version of the game will continue into 2025. However, the team behind the critically acclaimed Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown, was disbanded by Ubisoft and shifted to “other projects” within the company. Source link #Rogue #Prince #Persias #Act #Brings #Big #Game Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

System from Alaska to bring San Diego County scattered rain, potential for snow System from Alaska to bring San Diego County scattered rain, potential for snow SAN DIEGO (FOX 5) — A low pressure system is moving through California and will bring much cooler temperatures, breezy westerly winds, some light rain and possible snowfall to San Diego for the next two days. Winds will be the first noticeable change Thursday evening as southwest to westerly winds pick up in the mountains and deserts, carrying gusts of 35 to 45 mph. Winds will pick up again across the region for much of Friday afternoon. On and off showers are expected starting as early as late Thursday evening with less coverage by Saturday early afternoon. This will be a bit of a splash-and-dash system with periods of light rainfall. Saturday late afternoon and evening look mainly dry. Most areas expected to see the scattered showers are looking a tenth inch of rain to locally a quarter inch. King tides return to San Diego’s coastline, thanks to the ******* Moon This is a cold storm system originating from the Gulf of Alaska, so stretches across California are expected to get a round of snow. Locally, snow levels will drop to about 5,000 feet in elevation by Saturday morning, so any lingering precipitation could change over to a light dusting of snow in higher-elevation mountain areas. As far as temperatures go, our afternoon highs for Friday could be 15 to 20 degrees colder than Thursday’s, particularly in mountain areas. Friday daytime highs for coastal and inland areas will top out in the low 60s, mid to upper 40s in the mountains and mid-60s for the deserts. Overnight conditions will be chilly and somewhat cloudy with low temperatures bottoming in out in the low 40s for inland valleys and low 30s for the mountains. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 5 San Diego & KUSI News. Source link #System #Alaska #bring #San #Diego #County #scattered #rain #potential #snow Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Powell’s comments drag investors down to earth Powell’s comments drag investors down to earth Jerome Powell, chairman of the US Federal Reserve, speaks during a conversation on the economic outlook 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. Europe’s regional Stoxx 600 climbed 1.08%, ending a two-day losing streak. Shares of Burberry popped 18.7% after the British luxury company announced a plan to overhaul the brand. 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. Wholesale prices edged up slightly The U.S. producer price index rose 0.2% in October, reported the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Though that’s higher than the 0.1% increase in September, the figure was in line with the Dow Jones consensus forecast. Wholesale inflation was at 2.4% for the year. Core PPI, which excludes food and energy prices, came in at 0.3%, matching expectations. Disney pluses subscribers Disney shares surged 6.2% after reporting fiscal fourth-quarter results that beat Wall Street’s expectations. The media giant’s net income jumped 74.2% year on year. That’s partly thanks to Disney+, its streaming business, which finally turned profitable and added subscribers during the recently concluded quarter. [PRO] ******** and hedging big on China Michael Burry, the investor who called the 2007 subprime mortgage crisis, is ******** on China. Scion Asset Management – a hedge fund that Burry manages – massively increased its stake in three ******** internet companies. At the same time, Burry seems to be hedging against those bets. 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 58.6%, 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 #drag #investors #earth Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Apple ****** Friday deals discount the M3 MacBook Air with 16GB of RAM to $899 Apple ****** Friday deals discount the M3 MacBook Air with 16GB of RAM to $899 If you’re looking to treat yourself or a loved one to a new laptop without breaking the bank, there are plenty of early ****** Friday deals worth considering. Even better, there’s a discount on what we reckon is the best laptop for most people and the best laptop for college students. Apple’s M3 MacBook Air with 16GB of RAM has dropped to its lowest price to date. The laptop is available for $899, which is $200 off the list price. This is a 13-inch MacBook Air with 256GB of storage. Other configurations with more storage space are on ***** too. One with 8GB of RAM and a 512GB SSD is available for $989, though we’d recommend having at least 16GB of memory. It’s not possible to upgrade the RAM in an Apple Silicon MacBook, but you can always add external storage if need be. Apple Our pick for the best laptop for most people is on *****. A 13-inch MacBook Air with an M3 chip, 16GB of RAM and 256GB of storage is $200 off at $899. $899 at Amazon To that end, you can snag a 13-inch M3 MBA with 16GB of RAM and 512GB of built-in storage for $1,088. If a model with 24GB and the same SSD is what you’re looking for, you can snap one up for $1,299, which is a $200 discount. Apple just released its first M4-powered Macs, but it has yet to slot the latest chip into the MacBook Air. The 13-inch MBA’s blend of power and portability makes it a potent choice and we gave it a score of 90 in our review. It delivers fast performance and has a ******* display. The design is sleek and sturdy and it sounds great thanks to a quad-speaker array. We like the trackpad and keyboard as well, while the upgrade to Wi-Fi 6E connectivity is a definite plus. Our main quibble is that the USB-C ports are on the same side of the unit as the one for the charger — having even one USB-C on the right side would be handy. But that’s a minor complaint about an otherwise terrific laptop. Check out all of the latest ****** Friday and Cyber Monday deals here. Source link #Apple #****** #Friday #deals #discount #MacBook #Air #16GB #RAM Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Trump might cede climate leadership to China Trump might cede climate leadership to China President Donald Trump meets with China’s President Xi Jinping at the start of their bilateral meeting at the G20 leaders summit in Osaka, Japan, June 29, 2019. Kevin Lemarque | Reuters After a campaign featuring promises to slash landmark climate legislation, and a first term record that included pulling the U.S. out of the Paris climate agreement, President-elect Donald Trump’s win casts a shadow of doubt over the world of global climate policy. The Paris Agreement, which Trump vowed to withdraw from once again in his second term as president, is a landmark pledge by 195 countries and the ********* Union to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Now that Republicans have secured full control of Congress, the incoming Trump administration could announce U.S. withdrawal from the Paris Agreement in early 2025 and complete the process by the beginning of 2026. Trump might even pull out of the entire ******* Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change process which the Paris Agreement is a part of, BMO Capital Markets analysts wrote in a note last week. As an isolationist, Trump-led ********* foreign policy cedes global leadership on the issue, an increasingly willing China can assume the spot instead. Ceding global climate leadership to China “would be a mistake” China is looking to “play a more proactive role internationally on climate change,” said Joanna Lewis, an associate professor at Georgetown University and expert in international climate policy. But “it would be a mistake for the ******* States to completely cede not just [its] leadership role on climate change. But the development of low carbon technologies, that’s really the area that has been particularly competitive between China and the ******* States,” said Lewis. “The rest of the world needs these technologies, and so is going to be increasingly reliant on China, unless you see other players like the ******* States building up their own involvement in these industries.” President Joe Biden aimed to address the ******** competition with his landmark climate and jobs act the Inflation Reduction Act, which Trump has also vowed to axe. The aim of the IRA is to “directly compete with China” in key clean energy industries, “not just for use in the ******* States, but potentially for export to the rest of the world,” Lewis said. The law also aims to help “build clean energy supply chains around the world so that China is not responsible for the vast majority of clean energy manufacturing in key sectors,” she added. “So if the ******* States sort of cedes the leadership role in clean energy technology manufacturing to China, then that gives China even more ability to dominate the markets in the rest of the emerging and developing world as well.” US President Donald Trump (C) looks on with Governor of California Jerry Brown (R) and Lieutenant Governor of California, Gavin Newsom, as they view damage from wildfires in Paradise, California on November 17, 2018. Saul Loeb | AFP | Getty Images But it’s not all ***** and gloom, Lewis says, as “there are ways the U.S. can continue to be involved, even in the absence of Trump leadership on this issue.” When Trump first pulled the U.S. out of the Paris Agreement in 2017, there was an increase in subnational engagement at international climate negotiations, Lewis said. This included governors and senators taking action to demonstrate ********* initiative in climate policy and engage in diplomacy. “If Trump cedes leadership in the international realm, the states and other subnational actors will happily fill that void,” Lewis said. Former California Gov. Brown was particularly active in climate diplomacy during the first Trump administration. He helmed the California-China Climate Institute which organized high-level climate diplomacy meetings between U.S. and China, including for his successor, current California Gov. Gavin Newsom. The Inflation Reduction Act has “staying power” Trump has had nothing but negative things to say about Biden’s IRA. Solar stocks tanked the day after the Nov. 5 election, on fears that Trump would repeal the massive climate bill, which includes tax credits to expand solar energy. But the IRA might prove tough to dismantle for the incoming Trump administration. “Support for clean energy has become bipartisan in the ******* States,” U.S. special envoy for climate John Podesta said this week at the ******* Nations sponsored COP29 climate conference in Baku, Azerbaijan. “Fifty-seven percent of the new clean energy jobs created since the Inflation Reduction Act passed are located in Congressional districts represented by Republicans.” Eighteen House Republicans, many of whom faced difficult re-election bids in the November election, wrote to *********** House Speaker Mike Johnson, urging him to keep some of the tax credits and deductions in the IRA, writing that, “a full repeal would create a worst-case scenario where we would have spent billions of taxpayer dollars and received next to nothing in return.” In Baku, Podesta said, “it’s precisely because the IRA has staying power that I am confident that the ******* States will continue to reduce emissions – benefitting our own country and benefitting the world.” Source link #Trump #cede #climate #leadership #China Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Alan Wake And Control Film And TV Adaptations Are Still “Very Early” Alan Wake And Control Film And TV Adaptations Are Still “Very Early” Remedy is working with Annapurna Pictures on movie and TV show versions of Alan Wake and Control, but how are those projects progressing? According to Remedy boss Sam Lake, it’s still very early days for both. Speaking to IGN, Lake said the team is “very excited,” but noted that it’s “very, very early days.” In Hollywood, adaptations of popular brands get announced frequently but not every project makes it to market. Time will tell how the Alan Wake and Control adaptations fare, but Lake said bringing Remedy’s games to film and TV has been something the team has been looking into “for a long time.” “Now, with Annapurna, we have a perfect partner and it feels like a genuine collaboration. Obviously, they bring in their prestige expertise and we bring in our universe and our games, and together we are exploring ideas. But yes, early days, but I am very excited,” he said. Alan Wake II was inspired in part by David ****** and the Twin Peaks series, and this prompted a question about whether or not Remedy would try to work with ****** on its game adaptations for TV and film. “Wouldn’t that be cool?” Lake said. “Yeah, no. I mean, as I said, early, early days, and where we are with everything is that we are just exploring the potential in our universe for different projects and ideas. We’ll see where it goes.” Lake also confirmed that he’s never met ******, but is hopeful he can one day sit down with him over a cup of coffee and discuss art. Remedy also has a deal with Annapurna Pictures for Control 2, and that is unaffected by the mass resignations at Annapurna Interactive. Source link #Alan #Wake #Control #Film #Adaptations #Early Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

City to get ‘bonuses early’ and PM ‘backs thought police’ City to get ‘bonuses early’ and PM ‘backs thought police’ A number of the papers cover Rachel Reeves’s first Mansion House speech, an annual address to the City of London by the sitting chancellor, which she delivered on Thursday evening. The Financial Times says Reeves urged City regulators to allow financial service providers to take greater risks, saying that rules introduced after the 2008 ****** had “gone too far” and were harming growth. The paper says the comments were part of an attempt by Reeves to “reassure City grandees that she had a growth strategy”. The i says Reeves also backed a proposal that would allow bankers to receive their bonuses after a five-year deferral *******, instead of the current eight years some have to wait. The paper adds that Bank of England governor Andrew Bailey, who also gave a speech, made a “political intervention” on the ***’s relationship with Europe, saying the “consequences of Brexit” were damaging the economy. More than 250 unpaid carers risk ********* prosecution after unwittingly building up debts because of overpayment of their benefits, according to the Guardian. The paper says as many as one in five claimants of the carer’s allowance have been punished for breaching earnings caps, where going just £1 over the weekly limit means having to pay back the whole benefit. It says 15,000 carers have been affected overall, with 50 being asked to repay at least £10,000. ******** Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey, himself a carer for his teenage son, is quoted calling for a halt to repayment demands until a review is carried out. The Metro reports that a lawsuit has been launched against Apple by consumer group Which? alleging that the tech giant is “ripping off” customers of its iCloud storage service. The paper says the group accuses Apple of forcing the service on customers and making it difficult for them to use alternatives. Apple said in a statement its customers are not required to use iCloud and said it will “rigorously defend” any legal claim against it. Children are among thousands of people being investigated by police for non-****** hate incidents (NCHI), according to the Times. An NCHI is an incident which is “perceived… to be motivated – wholly or partly – by hostility or prejudice towards persons with a particular characteristic”. The paper says forces recorded one incident involving two secondary school ****** who said another pupil smelt “like fish”. It adds that non-********* classroom incidents are not supposed to be recorded, and quotes Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer’s spokesperson saying the guidance on the issue is being reviewed. The Daily Telegraph leads for a third consecutive day on a visit to the home of columnist Allison Pearson over a now-deleted social media post. Pearson said she was told by police she was being visited over a “non-****** hate incident”. But Essex Police said officers spoke to Pearson earlier this month in an investigation under the Public Order Act, which is understood to relate to alleged incitement to ******* hatred. Writing for the paper, human rights lawyer Geoffrey Robertson says the state should not “suppress” free speech “unless it is intended to incite ********* or is so inflammatory that it is likely to do so”. Critics have said the growing number of NCHIs being recorded are a “waste of police time” and called on the government to “police the streets, not tweets”, according to the Daily Mail. The paper quotes Downing Street saying it’s “important that police can capture data” relating to such incidents where it is “proportionate and necessary to do so to help prevent serious ******* which may later occur”. And the Daily Mirror’s headline calls for new laws to “stop the cosmetic cowboys”. The paper says it was moved to launch a campaign after one mum ***** and hundreds of other patients were injured after cosmetic surgeries carried out by unlicensed practitioners. Source link #City #bonuses #early #backs #thought #police Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

New Naughty Dog Project Has Been in the Works Since 2020, Neil Druckmann Given Full Creative Control New Naughty Dog Project Has Been in the Works Since 2020, Neil Druckmann Given Full Creative Control Explore the fascinating journey of Brian Fargo, a visionary figure in the gaming industry who founded Interplay Entertainment and has left an indelible mark on RPGs. From his early inspirations rooted in science fiction and fantasy to pioneering iconic games like Fallout, Fargo’s career spans decades of innovation and adaptation in the ever-evolving landscape of video games. Discover his insights into game development challenges, his pioneering use of crowdfunding for Wasteland 2, and his upcoming project, Clockwork Revolution. Source link #Naughty #Dog #Project #Works #Neil #Druckmann #Full #Creative #Control Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Anti-*********** boss stays put after robodebt ‘mistake’ Anti-*********** boss stays put after robodebt ‘mistake’ An anti-*********** watchdog boss has apologised but refuses to resign after being found to have engaged in misconduct over the robodebt scandal. A report in October found National Anti-*********** Commissioner Paul Brereton hadn’t adequately excused himself from a decision not to investigate six referrals from the robodebt royal commission over the ******** scheme. “I’ve accepted that viewed through the lens of the legal notion of apprehended bias I’ve been found to have made a mistake for which I’ve taken sole responsibility,” the commissioner told a National Public Sector Governance Forum in Adelaide on Friday. “Given the need to ensure that there’s public confidence in the process, we decided that the original decision should be reconsidered by an eminent, independent person, and in this way, the mistake will be rectified. “If we recognise that mistakes will happen, accept responsibility for them and put things right, rather than just seeking a scapegoat, we will do a lot to improve culture in the public service. And ironically, a year later, I find myself in that very situation.” The annual report for the Inspector of the National Anti-*********** Commission, which provides oversight of the federal body, revealed almost 90 per cent of all complaints received were about the decision not to investigate the robodebt referrals. The commission received more than 1300 complaints in its first year of operation. In October, NACC inspector Gail Furness announced Mr Brereton had engaged in misconduct after failing to recuse himself from the investigation after a conflict of interest. Mr Brereton said the “stinging finding” of misconduct followed as any mistake of fact or law fell within the definition and hit out at vitriolic criticism of his performance “Some have suggested that I should resign. Others have gone further,” he said. “One commentator even posted that it was revolver in the library time for me, which was liked by another 1700, and I’m afraid I didn’t find it particularly funny.” Integrity advocates at the time said Mr Brereton must reconsider his position. The annual report found many of the complaints received about the robodebt decision said the commission’s decision “disregarded, disrespected or misunderstood the royal commissioner’s referral”. Between 2016 and 2019, the former coalition government’s robodebt scheme recovered more than $750 million from almost 400,000 people. Many ******** recipients were falsely accused of owing the government money and robodebt was linked to several suicides. Lifeline 13 11 14 beyondblue 1300 22 4636 Source link #Anticorruption #boss #stays #put #robodebt #mistake Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Don’t sleep on Infinity Nikki. It could be 2024’s biggest game Don’t sleep on Infinity Nikki. It could be 2024’s biggest game If you thought you knew every major game coming for the rest of 2024, think again. On Wednesday night, Infold Games announced that Infinity Nikki will launch on December 5 for PlayStation 5, PC, and mobile. If you’ve never heard of it before, you’re about to in a very big way. The upcoming free-to-play game is the fifth entry in the mega-popular Nikki series. It takes what was once a mobile dress-up gacha game and turns it into a full open-world console game with shades of The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild peppered in. At first glance, you may be tempted to write it off as niche, but that would be a tactical error. Infinity Nikki will launch at the perfect time, landing in the cross section of multiple trends that have defined 2024. If all goes well for Infold Games, it could smash records. If you’re still a little confused as to why, here are all of the reasons that Infinity Nikki could be a sensation. The Nikki series is enormous Infinity Nikki – Release Date Trailer | PS5 Games If you’ve never heard of the Nikki series before, you’ve been sleeping on a giant. Developed by Infold Games, Nikki games are traditionally free-to-play “dress up” games that are all about collecting outfits. They also contain oddly deep lore, something that’s helped the series earn a massive, dedicated fan base over the years. How big is it? The series’ most recent title, Shining Nikki, has over 100 million downloads worldwide. Infinity Nikki is already poised to rise to similar success. Even before its release date announcement, it already had 30 million preregistrations. Even if this was just your average Nikki sequel, it would be a big deal — but it’s much more than that. Dress-up games are having a moment Infinity Nikki might be the best example of “right place, right time.” There are two major factors that might catapult it to success. The first is that the dress-up genre is currently experiencing a mainstream *****. While the genre has always been popular among its most committed fans, 2024 brought it even more into the spotlight thanks to Dress to Impress, an incredibly successful Roblox game. While it was first released at the end of November 2023, the game gained popularity this year thanks in no small part to a collaboration with Charli XCX. Since then, the game has only grown ******* and become a massive game among streamers. According to Eurogamer, the game has been played over 2.3 billion times. There’s certainly a hunger for the genre right now, so Infinity Nikki couldn’t be coming at a better time. The ******** console game market is also having a moment The other key factor that could spell success for Infold Games is the ******** console game market’s current *****. The series, which is developed by a ******** studio, has long been a major hit in China. Until now, though, it’s exclusively been a mobile game. This year has seen China breaking more into the more traditional console gaming market with enormous success. ****** Myth: Wukong is 2024’s most jaw-dropping success story, with the action RPG smashing Steam records on release. It’s clear that there’s an enormous market for console games in China right now, and that should help propel an already massive series to even greater heights. Breath of the Wild’s designer worked on it Infold Games Those two factors may build a foundation for success, but it won’t mean much if the game is bad. Thankfully, that’s not something that Infold Games likely has to worry about. Infinity Nikki has a secret ******* working on it: Kentaro Tominaga, a former Nintendo veteran who worked on several Mario Kart and Zelda games while with the company. Most notably, he was the game designer for The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. That’s how you know Infold Games is serious about making an open-world hit. Hours before the release date announcement, Digital Trends went hands-on with a mobile build of Infinity Nikki running on iPhone. The Nintendo inspiration was immediately clear, as we explored an open world not so dissimilar to Hyrule and even used a dress as a makeshift glider. While the Breath of the Wild DNA is clear, its more obvious parallel might actually be Super Mario Odyssey. The gameplay loop has Nikki collecting stars scattered throughout the world, each of which has a little in-world challenge tied to it. The collect-a-thon setup makes it feel very much like a Nintendo game, but with modern mobile game sensibilities. It’s the same formula that pushed Genshin Impact to success, so there’s good reason to believe that this style will resonate with players here as well. It’s free While all of this is important, Infinity Nikki has one true ace up its sleeve: it’s free. Despite being a console game, Infold Games is still deploying its tested mobile gaming free-to-play formula. At its core, it’s still a microtransaction-heavy gacha game where players can spend real money to get outfits. While that might be off-putting to some players, that means that it’ll be much easier to get players in the door. You can expect it to rack up a lot of curiosity downloads across platforms at launch, especially if it achieves the kind of staggering early numbers that turn heads. Perhaps above all else, Infinity Nikki just seems like the kind of cozy game that a tense world could use right now. It’ll launch just ahead of holiday breaks, which could position it as a casual wind-down game for players. It’s just the right game for the moment, and if all goes well, it could create the mainstream moment that establishes the dress-up genre as a goliath right next to shooters. Infinity Nikki launches on December 5 for PS5, PC, and mobile. Source link #Dont #sleep #Infinity #Nikki #2024s #biggest #game Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Vivek Ramaswamy wants to start DOGE cuts by eliminating funding for unauthorized programs Vivek Ramaswamy wants to start DOGE cuts by eliminating funding for unauthorized programs Vivek Ramaswamy, who was picked to lead the newly-created Department of Government Efficiency, proposed defunding federal programs that no longer have congressional authorization – which includes money for veterans’ health care, NASA and early education. The new office, nicknamed DOGE after co-leader Elon Musk’s favorite meme, will operate “outside of government” and will aim to “cut wasteful expenditures and restructure Federal Agencies.” Two days after being nominated, Ramaswamy suggested deep cuts to federal funding, starting with a list of expired authorizations of appropriations. Some congressional funding was approved with a set time before authorization expired. However, they continue to receive funding. A recent report by the Congressional Budget Office found more than 1,200 programs at more than $516 billion a year. When an authorization expires, Congress can extend the program through new legislation or by providing new appropriations, according to CBO. Ramaswamy took to X earlier this week to write about his first steps. “We shouldn’t let the government spend money on programs that have expired. Yet that’s exactly what happens today: half a *trillion* dollars of taxpayer funds ($516 B+) goes each year to programs which Congress has allowed to expire. There are 1,200+ programs that are no longer authorized but still receive appropriations,” he wrote. “This is totally nuts. We can & should save hundreds of billions each year by defunding government programs that Congress no longer authorizes. We’ll challenge any politician who disagrees to defend the other side. Social media users were quick to point out some of the programs that received funding despite lacking current Congressional authorization. One is the Veterans’ Health Care Eligibility Reform Act of 1996, which helps provide funding for veterans’ medical care. The authorization expired in 1998, but still receives about $120 billion in funding. Vivek Ramaswamy speaks during the fourth *********** presidential primary debate. Days after being tapped to lead the Department of Government Efficiency, he proposed cutting unauthorized federal programs, which includes veteran healthcare (AFP via Getty Images) It was hardly the only notable agency that could see a funding stream tried up. Others included a bill that helped NASA and the International Space Station. Another area was tied to Head Start, which helps provide early childhood education to low-income students. It’s unclear if Ramaswamy knew the specific programs that he could potentially cut or if he would exempt any. He later doubled down on his thoughts. “If it doesn’t advance the interests of ********* citizens, we’re putting it on the chopping block. Amazingly, there are a number of programs whose authorization from Congress has *already expired* yet $$$ still flows out the door. That needs to end next year,” the one-time presidential candidate wrote. Both Ramaswamy and Musk have been tasked to lead the Trump-created agency that will look to curb government spending. Musk has estimated that $2 trillion can be axed from the federal payroll. “We are very grateful to the thousands of Americans who have expressed interest in helping us at DOGE,” the agency wrote on X on Thursday. “We don’t need more part-time idea generators. We need super high-IQ small-government revolutionaries willing to work 80+ hours per week on unglamorous cost-cutting. If that’s you, DM this account with your CV. Elon & Vivek will review the top 1% of applicants.” Musk admitted that the working conditions at DOGE aren’t exactly typical. “This will be tedious work, make lots of enemies & compensation is zero,” he wrote on X. “What a great deal!” Source link #Vivek #Ramaswamy #start #DOGE #cuts #eliminating #funding #unauthorized #programs Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Google is being targeted for oversight by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau Google is being targeted for oversight by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau has started the process of placing Google under federal supervision, an action which could create new standards for how the federal government can oversee big tech if the effort is successful. Falling under the CFPB’s supervision would subject Google to regular inspections and scrutiny, although the exact aims of the department’s efforts have not been fully disclosed. However, it has been an ongoing project for some time, as sources told that Google has been fighting against this move by the CFPB for months. This department was created in 2008 in response to the financial crisis that year, and its objective is to protect consumers from unfair or deceptive financial practices. The CFPB primarily focuses on businesses such as banks and credit unions, but Director Rahit Chopra has voiced an interest over recent years in subjecting tech companies that offer financial products to similar oversight. For instance, the bureau began an investigation into app store payments systems from Amazon, Apple, Facebook, Google, PayPal and Square . The preliminary moves by the CFPB to oversee Google, and the agency’s entire scope of operation, will likely be impacted by Donald Trump’s return to the presidency in early 2025. Source link #Google #targeted #oversight #Consumer #Financial #Protection #Bureau Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

China October retail sales beat forecasts while real estate slump worsens China October retail sales beat forecasts while real estate slump worsens Pictured here is a Shanghai development under construction on Nov. 4, 2024. Cfoto | Future Publishing | Getty Images BEIJING — China’s retail sales rose more than expected in October, while industrial production and investment data missed forecasts as the real estate drag worsened. Retail sales grew by 4.8% year-on-year in October, the National Bureau of Statistics said Friday. That was above the 3.8% forecasted in a Reuters poll, and a pickup from 3.2% growth in September. Industrial production rose by 5.3% in October from a year ago, missing expectations of 5.6% growth. Fixed asset investment, reported on a year-to-date basis, rose by 3.4% from a year ago, slower than the 3.5% forecast. Investment in real estate for the January to October ******* fell by 10.3% from a year ago, steeper than the 10.1% drop seen in the January to September *******. While infrastructure and manufacturing investments picked up slightly in the year-to-date ******* as of October, versus that of September. The unemployment rate in cities ticked lower to 5% in October, down from 5.1% in September. ******** authorities have ramped up stimulus announcements since late September, fueling a stock rally. The central bank has cut interest rates and extended existing real estate support. On the fiscal front, the Ministry of Finance last week announced a five-year 10 trillion yuan ($1.4 trillion) program to address local government debt problems, and hinted more fiscal support could come next year. Manufacturing surveys indicated a pickup in activity last month, while exports surged at their fastest pace in more than a year. Imports, however, fell as domestic demand remained soft. The core consumer price index that strips out more volatile food and energy prices rose by 0.2% in October from a year ago, modestly better than the 0.1% increase seen in September. Beyond a trade-in program to encourage car and home appliance sales, Beijing’s stimulus measures have not targeted consumers directly. China’s Golden Week holiday in early October affirmed a trend in more cautious consumer spending, but several consultants said that sales during the Singles Day shopping festival, which recently ended, had beat low expectations. The country’s ****** domestic product in the first three quarters of the year grew by 4.8%. The country has set a target of around 5% growth for the year. Source link #China #October #retail #sales #beat #forecasts #real #estate #slump #worsens Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Game Of Thrones Star Sophie Turner In Talks To Play Lara Croft In Tomb Raider TV Show – Report Game Of Thrones Star Sophie Turner In Talks To Play Lara Croft In Tomb Raider TV Show – Report Game of Thrones star Sophie Turner is in negotiations to play Lara Croft in Prime Video’s upcoming Tomb Raider series, according to a new report. Deadline reported this, but there is no confirmation of a deal as of yet. Previously, it was reported that Turner could potentially audition for Croft in the series from Fleabag’s Phoebe Waller-Bridge. Bohemian Rhapsody’s Lucy Boynton was also said to be a frontrunner to play Lara Croft. Oscar-winner Angelina Jolie played the role of Lara Croft in multiple Tomb Raider movies over the years, while another Academy Award-winner, Alicia Vikander, portrayed Lara Croft in 2018’s Tomb Raider. The Tomb Raider TV series is being made for Prime Video, whose owner, Amazon, is also publishing the next Tomb Raider game from Crystal Dynamics. This new game is not connected to the series. Waller-Bridge is best known for creating the TV series Fleabag and writing and producing the show ******** Eve. She played Helena in Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny and was brought on to help improve the script for the James Bond movie No Time to ****. “There’s so much I can incorporate,” Waller-Bridge previously said about her past experiences with Indiana Jones and James Bond. “I mean, the character of Lara Croft was inspired by Indiana Jones and James Bond. So there’s so much, and it just felt like the perfect final step in my own personal adventure through this kind of franchise world.” 2018’s Tomb Raider movie made $275 million worldwide and is among the highest-grossing video game movies of all time. Plans were in place for Vikander to come back for a sequel, but the situation got muddied up when Amazon bought out MGM. While you wait for the Tomb Raider series, a Tomb Raider animated show, The Legend of Lara Croft, premiered in October on Netflix featuring Hayley Atwell as the voice of Lara Croft. As for the next Tomb Raider video game, there is almost nothing to go on at this point beyond the fact that Crystal Dynamics is making it. Source link #Game #Thrones #Star #Sophie #Turner #Talks #Play #Lara #Croft #Tomb #Raider #Show #Report Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Vaccine maker stocks fall as Trump chooses RFK Jr. to lead HHS Vaccine maker stocks fall as Trump chooses RFK Jr. to lead HHS Robert F. Kennedy Jr. in Phoenix on Aug. 23, 2024. Thomas Machowicz | Reuters Shares of vaccine makers fell Thursday as President-elect Donald Trump nominated Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a prominent vaccine skeptic, to lead the Department of Health and Human Services. The stocks fell in the final hour of trading as reports emerged about Trump’s expected pick. Moderna’s stock closed more than 5% lower on Thursday, shares of Novavax fell more than 7% and Pfizer’s stock ended more than 2% lower. Shares of BioNTech, the ******* drugmaker that helped develop a Covid vaccine with Pfizer, closed more than 6% lower. British drugmaker GSK, which makes flu shots and several other vaccines, closed roughly 2% lower. Shares of those companies dipped further in extended trading as Trump confirmed his pick in a post on his platform Truth Social. Health policy experts have said a second Trump term could allow Kennedy to elevate anti-vaccine rhetoric, which could deter more Americans from receiving Covid shots and routine immunizations that have for decades saved millions of lives and prevented debilitating illnesses. Pfizer, Moderna and Novavax are still recovering from falling Covid vaccination rates in the U.S., which have dented their profits over the past two years. Kennedy’s track record as a vaccine skeptic is extensive. He has long made misleading and false statements about the safety of shots, such as claiming they are linked to autism despite numerous studies going back decades that debunk the association. Kennedy is the founder of the nonprofit Children’s Health Defense, the most well-funded anti-vaccine organization in the country. Don’t miss these insights from CNBC PRO Source link #Vaccine #maker #stocks #fall #Trump #chooses #RFK #lead #HHS Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Astro **** Gets New Character Mention in Credits, Implies More Content to Be Added After Speedrun DLC Astro **** Gets New Character Mention in Credits, Implies More Content to Be Added After Speedrun DLC Astro **** just got its end credits updated with a new character mention implying more content is on the way after the speedrun levels. Source link #Astro #**** #Character #Mention #Credits #Implies #Content #Added #Speedrun #DLC Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Five takeaways from Trump’s first week as president-elect Five takeaways from Trump’s first week as president-elect Getty Images Donald Trump has moved speedily since winning the US presidential election to set the foundations of his second term in the White House. He has made his early priorities clear – and stunned some in Washington and around the world while doing so. Here’s what we’ve learned from his rollercoaster first week as president-elect. 1) He’s building a loyal team to shake up government Trump started building his top team almost immediately, nominating cabinet picks for Senate approval and appointing White House advisers and other senior aides. But that doesn’t tell the full story. His selections make clear that he plans a ******** shake up of government, eschewing more conventional and experienced picks for those who are loyal to him and share his vision for a second term that will upend the status quo in Washington. His choice for defence secretary, for example, has called for a purge of military chiefs enacting “woke” policies. His nominee for health secretary, Robert F Kennedy Jr, has said he wants to “clear out ***********” at America’s health agencies and cut “entire departments” at the Food and ***** Administration (FDA). And that’s not to mention a promised new department helmed by advisers Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy, which Trump says will focus on slashing regulations and historic cost-cutting. The ******* picture is that Trump’s proposed team is almost universally loyal, and favour overhauling their respective government departments. You can take a deeper look at who’s in the frame for his top team here. 2) He’ll have a friendly Congress on his side Republicans have won control of the House as well as the Senate, giving the party a crucial (albeit narrow) majority in both chambers for at least the next two years, when there will be the usual midterm elections. This is a major boost to Trump’s agenda. It means he will be more easily able to pass legislation and gives his policy priorities a friendly path to becoming law. What a *********** trifecta means for Trump’s second term 3) But Senate Republicans won’t always roll over Trump’s influence was put to the test earlier this week when Republicans in the Senate picked their new leader. While he did not weigh-in on the race directly, there had been a concerted effort from the president-elect’s most vocal allies as well as favourable ‘Maga’ media outlets to get hard-line Trump loyalist Rick Scott elected. But he was defeated in the first round and Republicans opted for a more orthodox pick in John Thune, who has had a more rocky relationship with Trump. It’s worth noting that this was a secret ballot, so it was far from a public repudiation of Trumpworld. There will be sterner tests of Trump’s power on Capitol Hill to come, notably when confirmation hearings are held for his more divisive cabinet picks. Some Senate Republicans, for example, have already signalled their opposition to Trump’s shock choice of Matt Gaetz to lead the justice department. Key moments from loyal Trump supporter Matt Gaetz 4) Trump’s ********* conviction could soon be wiped While much of the focus was on the president-elect’s nominations and appointments, we also had a reminder that his legal troubles have been upended by his victory. In New York specifically, his ********* ****** conviction in the hush-money case lives on for at least a few more days. But it could soon be consigned to history. Earlier this week a judge delayed his decision as to whether Trump’s conviction should be thrown out because of a Supreme Court ruling in the summer that expanded presidential immunity. That decision is now expected to come next week. And while it’s not clear whether the conviction will be tossed out, Trump’s scheduled sentencing on 26 November is likely to be delayed regardless. Here’s a reminder of how Trump’s election win impacts his cases. 5) He has China firmly in his sights It’s no secret that Trump views the world differently to Biden, and could drastically shift US foreign policy over the next few years. One clear theme that’s emerged in recent days is the prominence of China hawks in his proposed team – those who believe Beijing poses a serious threat to US economic and military dominance and want to challenge this more forcefully. And they are present from the top down. His nomination for secretary of state – America’s most senior diplomat – Marco Rubio, has described China as the “most advanced adversary America has ever faced”. Mike Waltz, his national security adviser, has said the US is in a “cold war” with China. Other nominees such as his proposed ambassador to the UN, Elise Stefanik, have directly accused China of election interference. During Trump’s first administration, relations with Beijing were tense, and they barely warmed under Biden. With tariffs, export controls and pointed rhetoric, the president-elect appears ready to take an even tougher stance this time around. Source link #takeaways #Trumps #week #presidentelect Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Sonic Rumble is a fun battle royale, but oddly slow spinoff Sonic Rumble is a fun battle royale, but oddly slow spinoff True to its titular hedgehog’s ethos, the Sonic series never slows down. After releasing what might be the franchise’s best game in decades, Sonic X Shadow Generations, yet another new game is set to launch this winter. Sonic Rumble will turn the series into a free battle royale game that takes some clear notes from Fall Guys: Ultimate Knockout. It’s an elimination game that’s more about clearing platforming minigames and collecting rings than combat. Digital Trends recently went hands-on with Sonic Rumble, playing a few rounds on an iPhone. While it has all the right elements of a free-to-play multiplayer game, its slow movement doesn’t quite feel like a fit for the fast-paced nature of Sonic. It may end up being a fun enough mobile obsession, but it’s one of *****’s odder uses of its legendary IP that I’ve ever seen. Get ready to rumble In Sonic Rumble, Dr. Eggman turns Sonic and his pals into adorable toys. It’s a light narrative that sets up its battle royale ***** and cute aesthetic well enough. The ***** here is that 32 players pop into a three-round test of skill. Some rounds have players racing through a long stage at the same time, while others are simple ring-collecting minigames. Each round, half of the players are eliminated. The final battle is between the top eight players, with only one coming out on top. It’s all par for the course for the genre, right down to its microtransactions, battle pass, and collectible skins. If you love games like Fall Guys or Kirby’s Dream Buffet, Sonic Rumble will check a lot of boxes. At its heart, this is a lighthearted battle against physics. The first round is a chaotic match as 32 players all bounce around obstacles at the same time. It can feel a little derivative as I bounce between inflatable bumpers or run against spinning treadmills. There are a few unique ideas here, though. For one, it makes use of Sonic’s signature homing ******* as part of its platforming. With the tap of a button, I can zoom toward ziplines or bounce into enemies. ***** The best ideas come in the interplay between cooperation and competition. At certain points during a race, players need to work together to progress. Sometimes I hit a door that only unlocks once six robots standing near it are smashed. That goes a lot quicker if I’m working with other players instead of sabotaging them. Similarly, I occasionally have to smash into a wall to knock it down, another task that goes faster with help. While that collaboration adds a neat twist, it can be entertainingly cutthroat too. One closing round threw the final eight players into a small, snowy space filled with valuable rings. It was a race to see who could get the most before the timer ran out. During the chaos, gold chests popped up across the screen. Opening one gives players a homing ******* that they can use to steal another players’ rings. I grabbed one and started hunting down the first-place player to do some damage. Moments like that bring the fun tension that this genre relies on. Other standout features include the ability to create custom matches and streamer-friendly options that will help content creators organize matches with their audience. There’s even an in-game tab that curates content from those creators. Though there are some great pieces, the entire project feels a little puzzling. You’d expect a Sonic battle royale to be about speed, sending players through the kind of quick roller coaster rides that other mobile games like Sonic Dream Team do so well. That’s not the case; in fact, Sonic Rumble is incredibly slow-paced. It plays much more like Fall Guys than Sonic, with characters stumbling through levels rather than blasting through them. There’s no snappy movement, and even the homing ******* feels a bit clumsy. None of the things that make Sonic games fun are really represented here. Instead, it feels like an unrelated game that’s been reskinned to look like the franchise. ***** That’s not inherently a bad thing. The point of spinoffs is that they’re supposed to do something new with a series. Not every Sonic game needs to be built around speed — just look at The ******* of Sonic the Hedgehog. Still, you at least want to feel some DNA carried over to a game like this to make the franchise feel like a surprise fit for a new genre. Tetris 99, for instance, translates naturally to an elimination game thanks to its tense, competitive edge. Sonic Rumble doesn’t seem to make a compelling case for what Sonic brings to the battle royale. It winds up feeling like a cash grab launching a few years too late. Perhaps the main thing that Sonic Rumble brings to the table is fan service — and that might be all that really matters. I’ve got a Chao companion that happily floats around me. I can unlock alternate skins for characters, which includes callbacks to games like Sonic Riders. The toy transformation setup isn’t just a cute plot point; it signals that this is a lighthearted plaything for fans. It’s another excuse to make a Sonic museum full of references. The actual battle royale almost feels secondary to its unlockables in that sense. I don’t expect Sonic Rumble to shake up the battle royale market much. It’s a fairly standard elimination spinoff that doesn’t exactly play to Sonic’s strengths. That doesn’t mean that it won’t resonate with the hedgehog’s dedicated fan base, though, who are just getting another freebie to obsess over once they’re done playing Sonic X Shadow Generations and watching Sonic the Hedgehog 3 for a third or 10th time. Sonic is as much a lifestyle as it is a video game franchise at this point, so I imagine its intended audience won’t be too precious about how polished it is. It’s another way to play Sonic. Perhaps that’s enough for fans. Sonic Rumble will launch on mobile devices this winter. Source link #Sonic #Rumble #fun #battle #royale #oddly #slow #spinoff Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Why caste plays a role in childhood stunting in India Why caste plays a role in childhood stunting in India Getty Images Official data shows that 35% of India’s 137 million children under five are stunted Decades of caste discrimination have contributed to India having higher levels of child stunting rates than across Sub-Saharan *******, new research has revealed. The two regions together are home to 44% of the world’s under-five population but account for about 70% of stunted children globally – a key indicator of malnutrition. But, while both have made significant strides in recent years, India’s rate stands at 35.7%, with the average across Sub-Saharan *******’s 49 countries at 33.6%. A child is considered stunted when they fall short of the expected height for their age – a clear sign of critical nutritional gaps. However, the study by Ashwini Deshpande (Ashoka University) and Rajesh Ramachandran (Monash University, Malaysia) found that focusing only on the height gap – or why Indian children are shorter than children in Sub-Saharan ******* – overlooks an important factor: the crucial role of social identity, especially caste, in child malnutrition in India. The first 1,000 days of a child’s life, often called the “golden *******”, are pivotal: by age two, 80% of the brain develops, laying the foundation for lifelong potential. In these early years, access to healthcare, good nutrition, early learning, and a safe environment profoundly shapes a child’s future. India and Sub-Saharan *******, both with rapidly growing middle classes, young populations and significant workforce potential, share longstanding comparisons. In 2021, the World Bank reported, “Sub-Saharan ******* and South Asia [including India] account for over 85% of the global poor,” underscoring similar challenges in ******** and development. Getty Images Some of the world’s highest stunting rates are in war-torn countries in Sub-Saharan ******* such as DR Congo Using official data, the authors looked at the most recent estimates of the stunting gaps between India and a sample of 19 countries in Sub-Saharan *******. Official data shows that more than 35% of India’s 137 million children under five are stunted, with over a third also underweight. Globally, 22% of children under five are stunted. Then they examined six broad socially disadvantaged groups in India. Among them are adivasis (tribespeople living in remote areas) and Dalits (formerly known as untouchables), who alone comprise more than a third of the under-five population. The economists found that children from higher-ranked, non-stigmatised caste groups in India stood at 27% – markedly lower than the Sub-Saharan ******** rate. They also found that children from higher-ranking caste groups in India are some 20% less likely to experience stunting compared with those from marginalised groups, who occupy the lowest tiers of the caste hierarchy. This conclusion ******** significant even after accounting for factors like birth order, sanitation practices, maternal height, sibling count, education, anaemia and household socio-economic status. This difference is despite seven decades of affirmative action, India’s caste system – a four-fold hierarchy of the Hindu religion – ******** deeply entrenched. “This should not be surprising given that children from better-off groups in India have access to more calories and face a better ******** environment,” the authors say. Getty Images Women ****** up outside a food ration shop in India – maternal health is key to reducing stunting of children The reasons behind high stunting rates among Indian children have sparked a complex debate over the years. Some economists have argued that the differences are genetic – that Indian children are genetically disposed to lower heights. Others believe that improved nutrition over generations has historically closed height gaps thought to be genetic. Some studies have found that ****** fare worse than boys and others just the opposite, using different global standards. To be sure, stunting has decreased across social groups – a separate 2022 study found that improvements in health and nutrition interventions, household living conditions and maternal factors led to reduction in stunting in four Indian states. (More than half of India’s under-five children were stunted, according to a federal family health survey of 1992-93). Children from marginalised groups like adivasis are likely to be more malnourished. In *******, the rate of stunting has also fallen since 2010, although the absolute number increased. Getty Images Children from marginalised groups like adivasis (above) are likely to be more malnourished But what is clear is that children from poor families, with less-educated mothers, or from marginalised groups, are especially vulnerable to stunting in India. “The debate on the height gap between Indian and Sub-Saharan ******** children has resulted in overlooking the role of social identity, especially caste status,” the authors say. “This is a crucial dimension to understanding the burden of child nutrition in India.” The analysis uses data from demographic and health surveys. For India, it includes the latest data from 2019-21, and for Sub-Saharan *******, it includes data from 19 countries with surveys from 2015 onwards. The dataset covers anthropometric – measurements related to the physical dimensions and composition of the human body- outcomes for 195,024 children under five in India and 202,557 children under five in Sub-Saharan *******. Source link #caste #plays #role #childhood #stunting #India Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]