Pelican Press

Republicans projected to win House majority, securing GOP trifecta Republicans projected to win House majority, securing GOP trifecta Speaker of the House Mike Johnson, R-La., holds the gavel onstage ahead of the start of the first day of the *********** National Convention at the Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, July 15, 2024. Andrew Harnik | Getty Images Republicans will keep control of the House of Representatives, NBC News projected Wednesday. The projection comes a week after President-elect Donald Trump, a ***********, claimed a decisive victory against Vice President Kamala Harris in the presidential election and the GOP gained majority control of the Senate. Going into the election, House Republicans aimed to expand their razor-thin majority of 220 seats, compared to the 212 held by Democrats. That threadbare GOP majority gave Democrats high hopes to flip the chamber. They needed to gain a net of just four seats to seize back control, because the vacancies leave the chamber with fewer than 435 total votes. Democrats outraised their *********** rivals in all but one of the 26 House races rated to be a “toss-up” by the Cook Political Report with Amy Walter, according to an NBC News analysis of October campaign finance data. Democrats also outspent Republicans in crucial races from July through September. Despite the massive fundraising effort, Democrats ******* to gain the 218 seats needed for control of the House. In Pennsylvania’s 8th Congressional District, *********** Rob Bresnahan unseated incumbent Democratic Rep. Matt Cartwright, and in the state’s 7th District, *********** Ryan Mackenzie defeated incumbent Democratic Rep. Susan Wild, two particularly competitive races. In the battleground state of Michigan, *********** Tom Barret grabbed an open seat in the 7th Congressional District that formerly belonged to Democrat Elissa Slotkin, who declared victory in her Michigan Senate race. The one-party-controlled Congress will have an abundance of key issues to legislate, including whether to extend the $3.3 trillion Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, much of which is set to expire next year. Trump signed the initial bill into law in 2017 and has said he wants to not only extend the tax breaks, but also pursue deeper cuts. Also on tap for Congress is the extension of enhanced subsidies under former President Barack Obama’s signature Affordable Care Act, which expire at the end of 2025. A debt ceiling ****** is also coming up. Source link #Republicans #projected #win #House #majority #securing #GOP #trifecta Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

WoW: The War Within’s Next Major Update Is Going Full Goblin Mode WoW: The War Within’s Next Major Update Is Going Full Goblin Mode World of Warcraft: The War Within is going full Goblin mode for its next major update, taking players to the city of Undermine where they’ll partner with the various Goblin trade cartels and even get their own, fully-customizable hot rod to tear up the city streets in. The news comes as part of Blizzard’s Warcraft 30th Anniversary Direct, where the developer announced what’s next for the MMORPG as it celebrates 20 years. Titled Undermined, the 11.1 update is slated to arrive early next year, and will introduce a new raid, dungeon, two new delves, and kick-off The War Within Season 2. Vehicles in WoW aren’t exactly new, but its never had something like this. The new D.R.I.V.E. system sounds close to how the game’s skyriding (originally dragonriding) overhauled flying mounts, only this time it’s a similar idea for cars, allowing players go full Mario Kart on their personal ride. Instead of just passively going from point A to B, as is usual for ground mounts, players will actually drive the car like they would in a racing game. That means not only customizing the look and appearance of their Goblin-created gas-guzzler but also its stats. Those who want to build for all-out speed can do so, while others may want to invest in better drift capabilities, improved acceleration, more grip, or a combination of all four. And yes, you can boost. “I don’t think people will be prepared for the speed the ground mount [car] moves when they get into it,” assistant lead quest designer Mark Kelada told GameSpot. “I think it moves three-to-five times faster than your regular ground mount by default, not counting when you boost, and I think boosting gets up to faster [speeds] than skyriding at normal [without car speed upgrades]. It flies, pun unintended, it flies across the zone. It is really, really fun to interface with a new landmass like Undermine with a car.” The city streets of Undermine are tailor-made to take advantage of the new feature. There will be timed races to participate in throughout the zone, though Kelada said those looking for PvP races will have to organize their own circuits. For now, the feature is relegated to the Undermine zone specifically and only works for the new vehicle introduced as part of the update. However, that was also initially the case with skyriding, something that is now usable with nearly every flying mount. With that in mind, it’s hard not to see a future where the system gets adapted to other ground-based motor vehicle mounts that already exist in WoW’s ever-growing mount catalog. A big part of Undermine is the four Goblin trade cartels that have thrown the city into chaos, and players will get to pick a side. The Steamwheedle, Bilgewater, Blackwater, and Venture Company cartels will be available to team up with, with certain rewards and activities tied to each cartel, including car parts. Signing up with one cartel isn’t an exclusive arrangement, and Blizzard said players will be able to work with each Goblin faction. Players will be able to customize not only the look of their car, but also its stats. Kaleda said the cartels all play a role in the Undermine story campaign, as do some new characters introduced to show a new side of Goblin culture. The story is in some ways more personal, Kaleda said, and intended to help players understand more of how Goblins interact with the world and where they are coming from. But don’t worry, there will still be plenty of wacky gadgets and explosions. “I do want to say too though, we made sure we keep the levity of Goblins,” Kelada said. “I think people connect to [how] they’re just zany and creative.” Delves, the new form of endgame content built for solo or small group play introduced in The War Within, will continue to be a focus going into the Undermined update. Two new delves will be added, as will new variations for existing delves. There will also be a new delve pinnacle boss to take on, similar to Zekvir in Season 1. Brann Bronzebeard, the customizable AI companion that assists players while in delves, is getting some new changes, too. No longer just relegated to the damage or healer role, Brann will be able to tank in Season 2, giving players who main healer a more convenient way to engage with delves. “We’re really happy with how delves are playing out, and I think they are on their way to being that other pillar of endgame alongside raids, dungeons, and PvP that we always hoped they would be,” game director Ion Hazzikostas said. The Liberation of Undermine will be the game’s next eight-boss raid, one that will take players through the streets of the city and into a vast complex that hides dark secrets. Those secrets are owned by infamous ex-Goblin faction leader, Gallywix, whom it looks like players may be taking on in some form in the raid. In addition, a new dungeon taking place in The Ringing Deeps, one of the expansion’s launch zones, will task players with preventing a group of Goblins from destroying a dam. The dungeon, Operation: Floodgate, will immediately be available as part of the Season 2 Mythic dungeon pool alongside Battle for Azeroth’s Goblin-themed dungeon, The Motherlode. Blizzard had plenty of other announcements during its Warcraft 30th Anniversary Direct, including what’s next for WoW Classic and remastered versions of Warcraft 1 and 2 that are available today. Source link #WoW #War #Withins #Major #Update #Full #Goblin #Mode Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Snap Sri Lankan election poses test for new leader Snap Sri Lankan election poses test for new leader Reuters Polling will follow a largely peaceful and low-key campaign Sri Lanka’s 17.1 million voters head to the polls again on Thursday to vote in snap parliamentary elections, barely seven weeks after choosing a new president. More than 8,800 candidates are in the fray in an election marked by a low-key campaign. Voting begins at 07:00 local time (01:30 GMT) and ends until 16:00 (10.30 GMT). Counting will start in the evening and results are expected on Friday. Out of 225 seats in the parliament, 196 MPs will be directly elected. The rest would be nominated by political parties based on the percentage of votes they get in what is known as proportional representation. Getty Images Sri Lankans are returning to the polls barely seven weeks after choosing a new president “Over 8,800 candidates belonging to 49 political parties and 284 independent groups are contesting the elections but only around 1,000 candidates have actively campaigned,” Rohana Hettiarachchi, executive director of poll monitoring group People’s Action for Free and Fair Elections, told the BBC. 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. “Sri Lanka has still not recovered from the 2022 economic crisis, even with the IMF bailout,” Raisa Wickrematunge, deputy editor of Himal Southasian magazine, told the BBC. “I am typing this from the Sri Jayawardenapura general hospital, a public hospital which is switching off its lights and fans to try to bring down skyrocketing electricity costs.” In 2022, the country defaulted on its foreign debt for the first time, forcing it to seek debt restructuring deals. Observers expect a multi-cornered contest in the general election, which may ultimately dent the chances of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s party, Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna, enacting ambitious reforms. “Analysts predict he may struggle to get two-thirds and may have to rely on coalitions. This would make his task much more difficult,” says Raisa Wickrematunge. The election campaign has been largely peaceful with no reports of poll-related deaths or large scale misuse of government resources. “********* is negligible compared to previous elections. It will be peaceful elections,” hopes Rohana Hettiarachchie. Source link #Snap #Sri #Lankan #election #poses #test #leader Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Dragon Age: The Veilguard Could Save So Many Studios Dragon Age: The Veilguard Could Save So Many Studios staticall1d 6h ago @The_Hooligan I would go for Dragon Age: Origins with DLCs; if you like that, then Dragon Age Inquisition with DLCs. If you really like them both, go for Dragon Age II, but keep in mind, it’s kind of a different game, toned down and more action oriented; play only if you’re a fan of DA and want to get more of the story. Personally, i would skip Veilguard, but that’s up to you. At least, i would wait for deep *****. See a couple of reviews first too. Source link #Dragon #Age #Veilguard #Save #Studios Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Baby red panda ***** from firework stress, says Edinburgh Zoo Baby red panda ***** from firework stress, says Edinburgh Zoo RZSS Roxie the baby red panda was three months old when she ***** Edinburgh Zoo’s baby red panda has ***** from stress caused by fireworks on Bonfire Night, according to veterinary experts. The Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS) said three-month-old Roxie choked on her own ****** as pyrotechnics were being set off across the city. Roxie’s mother Ginger also ***** unexpectedly five days earlier, and vets say they cannot rule out this also being linked to firework noise. The zoo is now joining with animal ******** charities and other campaigners in calling for tighter restrictions on fireworks. RZSS Ginger the ****** red panda ***** five days before her kit Roxie Red pandas are native to the eastern Himalayas and south western China but have become an endangered species, mainly due to habitat loss, human interference and poaching. Roxie was born in July, taking the number of captive red pandas at Edinburgh Zoo to four, and a fifth arrived in Scotland from Whipsnade zoo in October. But on 31 October, RZSS, which runs Edinburgh Zoo, announced the ****** of nine-year-old Ginger, and her kit Roxie ***** five days later. New firework control powers New powers banning the use of fireworks came into force in four areas of Edinburgh between 1-10 November – though this did not include the area around the zoo. Ben Supple, RZSS deputy chief executive, said baby Roxie had access to her den on Bonfire Night but the “frightening noises” appeared to have been too much for her. He said: “Roxie had recently lost her mum Ginger but was responding well to specialist care from our expert team and was feeding independently. “Very sadly, she choked on her ****** on Bonfire Night and our vets believe this was probably a reaction to fireworks. “We know that fireworks can cause stress to other animals in the zoo and we cannot rule out that they may have contributed to the untimely ****** of Roxie’s mother Ginger, just five days’ earlier.” Watch: Fireworks set off on Scottish streets on Bonfire Night There was widespread disorder across Edinburgh on Bonfire Night – missiles were thrown at police in Gilmerton and Sighthill and there was two instances of attacks on firefighters in the city. Firework Control Zones were in force in Niddrie, Balerno, Calton Hill and Seafield – where the Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home is located. The Scottish government gave local authorities these powers in 2022 following a major riot in Dundee. Parts of Glasgow were due to be covered by a similar ban but it was was delayed until next year due to a council error. When Edinburgh’s fireworks control zones were announced in August, the Dogs Trust charity said it backed a city-wide ban despite not having any centres in Edinburgh. RZSS has now called for tighter restrictions on fireworks, saying they cause ***** and distress for pets, livestock and zoo animals. It has backed a petition started by Julie Doorne in Grantham, Lincolnshire, which has been signed by over a million people and been delivered to Downing Street. The petition calls for: Restricting private use of fireworks to traditional dates such as Bonfire Night, New Year’s Eve, ******** New Year and DiwaliReducing the maximum permitted decibels for private use fireworks from 120 to 97Requiring all public fireworks displays to be licensedRequiring fireworks packaging to be labelled indicating the noise level Ben Supple said it was “essential” for the *** and Scottish governments to ****** down on the use and ***** of fireworks. He said: “We support calls from animal ******** charities to ban the ***** of fireworks to the public, with only light displays being permitted at organised events. “This would help avoid devastating consequences for animals like Roxie while ensuring that people can still enjoy traditional celebrations.” A spokesperson for the *** government’s department for business and trade said: “We are sorry to hear of the ****** of Roxie the panda and our thoughts are with the team who cared for her at Edinburgh Zoo. “We endeavour to keep pets and the public safe and that’s why we launched new fireworks safety campaign this season to help people use them safely and appropriately.” Source link #Baby #red #panda #***** #firework #stress #Edinburgh #Zoo Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Grand Theft Auto 5 is back on PlayStation Plus this month Grand Theft Auto 5 is back on PlayStation Plus this month Rockstar Games November’s PlayStation Plus lineup is packed with games this month, both in terms of quality and quantity. However, with Grand Theft Auto 6 on the horizon (hopefully sometime next year), arguably the biggest addition is Grand Theft Auto 5, which is back on the subscription service after leaving earlier this year. There’s not much to say about GTA 5 that hasn’t already been said. It’s one of the bestselling games of all time and still holds up more than 10 years after release. It’s likely you already own it on some platform, but if you somehow don’t or just want to play it on the PlayStation 5 or 4, you can play it for free with an Extra or Premium subscription. There are somehow even more AAA games coming to PlayStation Plus in November. Dying Light 2: Stay Human is a solid action and parkour open-world RPG. It fell under the radar a bit at launch since other open-world games like Horizon Forbidden West and a little game called Elden Ring also came out in February 2022, so PlayStation Plus is a great way to check it out if you missed it. If you’re looking for something a bit different, there’s also Like a Dragon: Ishin, a remake of Yakuza spinoff Ryū ga Gotoku Ishin. This beloved and enjoyable franchise has become a mainstay on just about every platform and across game subscription services, so it makes sense at least one would show up here. And if that weren’t enough, the PlayStation Plus Premium tier has a bunch of classic games. This includes Blood Omen: Legacy of Kain and Blood Omen 2 if you want to get ready for Legacy of Kain: Soul Reaver 1 & 2 Remastered, which is releasing on December 10 after being announced earlier this year. Check out the full list of games coming to the service on November 19. PlayStation Plus Extra and Premium Grand Theft Auto 5 (PS4, PS5) Dying Light 2: Stay Human (PS4, PS5) Like a Dragon: Ishin (PS4, PS5) MotoGP 24 (PS4, PS5) The Sims 4 Island Living (add-on only) (PS4) Digimon Survive (PS4) Overcooked! All You Can Eat (PS4, PS5) Stick ******: The Game (PS4) Clash: Artifacts of Chaos (PS4, PS5) ******* Frequency (PS4, PS5) Hungry Shark World (PS4) Chivalry 2 (PS4, PS5) PlayStation Plus Premium Synapse (PSVR 2) Blood Omen: Legacy of Kain (PS4, PS5) Blood Omen 2 (PS4, PS5) Resistance: Fall of Man Resistance 2 Source link #Grand #Theft #Auto #PlayStation #month Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Major Aussie bank’s big rates move, but there’s a catch for existing mortgage holders Major Aussie bank’s big rates move, but there’s a catch for existing mortgage holders One of Australia’s biggest financial institutions has reduced home loan interest rates, but there’s just one catch for potential customers. Source link #Major #Aussie #banks #big #rates #move #catch #existing #mortgage #holders Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Amazon can’t force employees into anti-unionization meetings Amazon can’t force employees into anti-unionization meetings After a lengthy consideration, the National Labor Relations Board has ruled that Amazon’s “captive-audience meetings” are a violation of the National Labor Relations Act. These are mandatory meetings where an employer shares its stance on unionization. “Ensuring that workers can make a truly free choice about whether they want union representation is one of the fundamental goals of the National Labor Relations Act. Captive audience meetings—which give employers near-unfettered freedom to force their message about unionization on workers under threat of discipline or discharge—undermine this important goal,” Chairman Lauren McFerran said of the ruling. “Today’s decision better protects workers’ freedom to make their own choices in exercising their rights under the Act, while ensuring that employers can convey their views about unionization in a noncoercive manner.” The decision noted that employers may hold meetings about unionization as long as workers receive advanced notice about the topic, are told that attendance is voluntary and without consequences for opting not to participate, and that attendance records are not kept. Today’s ruling centers on Amazon, which has a rocky history with its employees’ efforts to organize and with the NLRB. However, the decision could impact other big tech firms that have followed similar practices around unionization. Source link #Amazon #force #employees #antiunionization #meetings Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Forget Uber Eats: Prime members get two years of Doordash Dashpass free Forget Uber Eats: Prime members get two years of Doordash Dashpass free Amazon Prime has long been one of the best subscription services that money can buy, and it just got a whole heap sweeter (or saltier, depending on your tastes). Right now, Prime members can get two years of Doordash’s subscription service, Dashpass, completely free. The pass provides unlimited AU$0 deliveries from thousands of eligible restaurants on orders over $12 (over $30 for groceries), so if you’re someone who’s given up on food delivery due to high costs, this deal’s for you – further increasing the crazy value offered by a Prime membership. For just AU$9.99 each month (or just AU$79.99 a year), Prime members get free and fast delivery on millions of domestic items purchased on Amazon, free international shipping on eligible orders and early access to limited-time deals. Plus, Prime members also get access to Prime Video, Prime Reading, Prime Gaming and Amazon Music Prime at no extra cost. It’s truly insane value, and with early Amazon ****** Friday sales already dropping, free expedited shipping just makes sense. If right now wasn’t already the best time to be a Prime Member, two years of free delivery and reduced fees through Doordash certainly does it. After all, it’s almost summer – who wants to leave the house if they don’t have to? Food delivery is massively convenient, but the cost has quickly started to make it very hard to justify unless you’re taking advantage of limited-time deals or ordering so much that the AU$5-AU$15 in additional fees is a drop in the bucket. But with Dashpass’ free delivery, there’s no downside (other than a few notches on your belt). I mean, why would you stop your show, pause your movie, or – worse yet – waste half of your lunchbreak going to pick up your order, when you can get it dropped in your lap at no additional cost? And that’s before you add in the benefits you’re already getting – or could be getting – from Amazon Prime. We went through them before – free delivery, free international delivery, one-day delivery, exclusive deals, plus Amazon Prime Video, Prime Music and Prime Reading, but it’s really worth expanding on how good that all is. Completely free for Prime Members, even if you pretend it costs the AU$9.99p/m that Prime does, Prime Video might just be the best streaming service in Australia. And while you might be turned off by ads, the free tier is significantly more popular than the AU$12.99 ad-free tier, and you still get all the same access to shows like The Boys, Invincible, Fallout and Lord of the Rings: Rings of Power. Then there’s Prime Gaming, which offers members free games, a free monthly Twitch channel subscription, all your favourite music and podcasts with Amazon Music Prime and, to top it all off, Prime members get thousands of e-books, comics, children’s books and more through Prime Reading. Amazon Music Unlimited and Kindle Unlimited expand on these features at an additional cost, but as free add-ons, it doesn’t get much better. If washboard abs are your goal for December, free delivery on Doordash might not be what you’re after. The allure of Indian – Samosa’s included – might be a bit more enticing than Chicken and Broccoli after work. For everyone else, though, this deal adds even more incredible value to Amazon Prime, at no extra cost to you. Just remember – if you cancel your Prime membership, your free Dashpass goes with it. You might also like… Source link #Forget #Uber #Eats #Prime #members #years #Doordash #Dashpass #free Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

A $1 billion proposal is the latest plan to refurbish and save the iconic Houston Astrodome A $1 billion proposal is the latest plan to refurbish and save the iconic Houston Astrodome HOUSTON (AP) — The Houston Astrodome has been in limbo, waiting for its chance at a second life since being shuttered more than 15 years ago. It was a technological marvel when it opened in 1965. But its heyday has long passed and it hasn’t been home to a sports team since the Astros left in 1999 and it was closed to all events a decade later. Over the years, ideas for its redevelopment and rebirth have been plentiful, everything from turning it into an indoor water park to flooding its sunken floor in order to reenact naval battle scenes. But none of these plans garnered enough public support or financing. The latest proposal to refurbish the Astrodome was unveiled on Wednesday by a nonprofit focused on saving the beloved domed stadium. The group, the Astrodome Conservancy, proposes redeveloping the inside of the structure to create new areas for restaurants, retail, office and cultural spaces. But like the others before it, this plan could face a similar fate, with a $1 billion price tag and an initial lack of support from local entities that would need to give their OK for the project to go forward. Beth Wiedower Jackson, the conservancy’s executive director, said that unlike previous proposals, her organization believes theirs is backed by data and would be economically viable in part because there would be enough private investment to support it. “This is a big, big, bold vision. And those previous plans, even admitted by Harris County officials, were a first step towards a future Astrodome. And this is the full swing of the bat. And this gives people something to be excited about,” Jackson said. The plan, Vision: Astrodome, proposes the construction of four state-of-the-art buildings inside the stadium that would offer spaces for restaurants, stores and offices. Similar spaces for shopping and eating would also be located around the Astrodome and connected to other facilities around the stadium. The Astrodome is at NRG Park, a 350-acre complex that includes NRG Stadium, located right next to the Astrodome and home to the NFL’s Houston Texans, as well as an arena and exhibition halls. “The Astrodome is ready now for its next chapter, redevelopment,” said Phoebe Tudor, the conservancy’s chairman. “It is time for all of us in Houston to come together and do something hard, working together to repurpose the Astrodome.” Nicknamed “the Eighth Wonder of the World,” the Astrodome ushered in a change in how people attended sporting events. It also hosted various cultural events, including concerts by Elvis and Tejano music star Selena as well as the “Battle of the Sexes” tennis match between Bobby Riggs and Billie Jean King in 1973. Some people have called for its demolition. But a 2017 designation by the Texas Historical Commission as a state antiquities landmark essentially protects it from wholesale destruction. The stadium also maintains a strong foothold in the memories of many people both in and outside of Houston. Rafi Kohan, whose 2017 book “The Arena” explores the place sports stadiums hold in ********* culture, said the Astrodome’s construction came at a time of incredible technological innovation in the ******* States, and it helped transform Houston from what some saw as a “backwoods cow town” into a leader in technology. Houston became the home of the space program with the opening of Johnson Space Center in 1964. “There was and continues to be a lot of civic pride around the Astrodome, what it represented, the sort of space age feat, you know, in stadium form,” Kohan said. Douglas Brinkley, a historian and professor at Houston’s Rice University, said the Astrodome has tremendous historical relevance and is worth saving. “It’s been our fault that we’ve neglected it or not invested in it. But a turnaround is upon us right now. We’re going to get this done,” Brinkley said. But whether there continues to be enough support in Houston to refurbish and save the Astrodome ******** to be seen. It costs between $100,000 and $200,000 a year to maintain the stadium. The Astrodome is owned by Harris County and managed by the Harris County Sports & Convention Corporation. The office of Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo, the county’s top elected official, declined to comment on the conservancy’s proposal. James Dixon, the sports and convention corporation’s chairman, said in a statement that he respects the conservancy’s efforts but “over the last few years, we have seen several concepts that, while thought-provoking, haven’t resulted in viable funding and maintenance solutions.” Dixon said his organization and the county are working with other stakeholders on a plan for the future of NRG Park and “the solution for the Astrodome must be decided within that context.” One of those stakeholders, the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, which holds its annual event at NRG Park and would have a say on what to do with the Astrodome, was not on board with the conservancy’s proposal. “The proposed plan by the Astrodome Conservancy does not align with the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo’s strategic vision and operational requirements,” Chris Boleman, the group’s president and CEO, said in a statement. ___ Follow Juan A. Lozano on X at Source link #billion #proposal #latest #plan #refurbish #save #iconic #Houston #Astrodome Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Get All 3 Lord Of The Rings Illustrated Editions For Less Than $30 Each Get All 3 Lord Of The Rings Illustrated Editions For Less Than $30 Each The Lord of the Rings fans can save big on some of the best editions of J.R.R. Tolkien’s legendary fantasy novel, The Hobbit, and other books about Middle-earth thanks to the latest Buy Two, Get One Free Book Sales at Amazon and Target. These early ****** Friday promotions include all three Tolkien Illustrated Editions, which are unique hardcover versions of the author’s three best-known books: The Lord of the Rings, The Hobbit, and The Silmarillion. If you add all three to your cart, you’ll only wind up paying $86 ($225) total, which breaks down to $28.66 ($75) per book. Plenty of other Tolkien books and box sets are featured in the B2G1 Free Book ***** at Amazon, including The Lord of the Rings Collector’s Edition Box Set, which was published on November 5. You can read about our favorites below or check out the Amazon hub we created to see the best B2G1 free LOTR books. Tolkien Illustrated Editions The Tolkien Illustrated Series is special because all of the full-****** illustrations and sketches throughout each book were drawn by the author himself while he penned the manuscripts that would become The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit. The illustrations in The Silmarillion were drawn by Tolkien while drafting his exhaustive backstory and lore for the world of Middle-earth. The Silmarillion was published posthumously and is now the first of a 12-part series, The History of Middle-earth, compiled by his son Christopher Tolkien. The illustrations aren’t the only notable aspects of these editions. Each hardcover comes with a gorgeous dust jacket, sprayed edges with Elvish script, the complete text printed in ****** and red, a ribbon bookmark, and a pair of removable fold-out maps. Since it compiles all three volumes–Fellowship of the Ring, Two Towers, and Return of the King–The Lord of the Rings Illustrated is by far the largest of the three at 1,248 pages; These editions of The Hobbit and The Silmarillion are 432 pages each. The Lord of the Rings Collector’s Editions The Lord of the Rings Collector’s Edition Box Set released earlier this month and is already on ***** for $72.63 (was $105) at Amazon–and it’s eligible for Amazon’s B2G1 free promotion. This set comes with a display box containing hardcover editions of The Fellowship of the Ring, The Two Towers, and The Return of the King. All of the new Collector’s Editions have foil-stamped covers, stained edges, ribbon bookmarks, and maps of Middle-earth on the inside covers. The books released individually in September, just a few weeks after matching Collector’s Editions of The Hobbit and The Silmarillion released. In addition to the box set, four of the five Collector’s Editions are eligible for B2G1 free on their own, and all five are available for nice discounts. The only book that isn’t eligible is The Fellowship of the Ring. The History of Middle-earth 2024 Box Sets Three of the four striking new History of Middle-earth Box Sets are included in Amazon’s promotion. These released throughout 2024 and are as beautiful as any book on these lists. The only set that isn’t eligible is No. 2, which comes with three books and is on ***** for only $48 (was $100). The other three hardcover sets include four books each and are on ***** for their best prices yet. If you get The History of Middle-earth Box Sets 1, 3, and 4 with this promotion, you’ll only pay $144 for 12 hardcover books, which is an average of only $12 per book. Considering these three sets started at $125, you’re saving literally hundreds of dollars compared to launch prices. It’s not included in the *****, but the alternative here is a mammoth three-volume set totaling 5,440 pages that collects all 12 parts for $139. The budget-friendly five-book paperback box set containing several parts of The History of Middle-earth is eligible for buy two, get one free, though. More B2G1 Free Tolkien Box Sets The Lord of the Rings Deluxe Illustrated | The Collected Poems of J.R.R. Tolkien The Lord of the Rings Deluxe Illustrated Box Set is a three-volume, enhanced remaster of the 1992 edition illustrated by legendary artist Alan Lee. This premium hardcover set was published on October 1 and includes brand-new paintings and over 50 never-before-seen pencil drawings. Also featured in ***** is The Collected Poems of J.R.R. Tolkien, a three-volume hardcover collection containing many previously unpublished poems Tolkien composed throughout his life. The 1,728-page set contains 60-plus years of poems as well as commentary by two leading Tolkien scholars. In addition to the two pricier sets below, two budget-friendly Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit box sets are included in the promotion. The Leatherette Pocket Set is a cool gift idea, though be warned: The text is very small. Source link #Lord #Rings #Illustrated #Editions Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

U.S. October CPI; Australia unemployment rate U.S. October CPI; Australia unemployment rate A Sydney ferry passes the Opera House and skyline of the central business district area on May 12, 2020 in Sydney, Australia. James D. Morgan | Getty Images Asia-Pacific markets traded mixed on Thursday after the U.S. October consumer price index reading fueled expectations for the Fed to cuts rates again in December. The CPI came in line with expectations, accelerating slightly to an annual inflation rate of 2.6%. Core CPI, which straps out volatile food and energy prices, gained 3.3% last month, also matching expectations. Australia’s unemployment rate remained steady in October at 4.1%, as economists had expected, while the number of employed people increased 15,900 from a month ago, falling short of the expected 25,000. The participation rate, which measures the share of working-age people currently employed or seeking a job, stood at 67.1%, slightly below an estimated 67.2%. “It is clear that the labour market in Australia is still very resilient, despite an extended ******* of restrictive rates,” said My Bui, economist at investment management firm AMP. Bui believes the Reserve Bank of Australia is unlikely to deliver a cut in December, but sees room for easing in the first half of 2025. Australia’s S&P/ASX 200 was up 0.43%. Japan’s Nikkei 225 gained 0.82% while the Topix added 0.92%. ********* yen appreciated slightly against the U.S. dollar to 155.36 on Thursday, after falling below the 155 benchmark overnight, hovering near the lowest level in over four months. South Korea’s Kospi advanced 0.82%, while the Kosdaq Index was up 1.73%. The country’s markets opened an hour later than usual on Thursday because of national college entrance exams. Hong Kong’s Hang Seng index was down 0.82% in a choppy trading morning, following a multi-day losing streak that saw the index shed 4% this week as of Wednesday’s close. Mainland China’s CSI 300 was trading near the flatline. Overnight in the U.S., the S&P 500 and Dow Jones Industrial Average closed near the flatline following the release of the inflation report. The S&P 500 inched higher by 0.02% to close at 5,985.38, while the 30-stock Dow ticked up 47.21 points, or 0.11%, to 43,958.19. The Nasdaq Composite ended the day with a 0.26% decline and closed at 19,230.74. The inflation data puts the Federal Reserve on course to lower interest rates next month, with markets pricing in a 80.8% likelihood of a quarter-percentage-point cut, according to the CME FedWatch Tool. — CNBC’s Brian Evans and Hakyung Kim contributed to this report. Source link #U.S #October #CPI #Australia #unemployment #rate Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake Review – A Classic Returns | MP1st Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake Review – A Classic Returns | MP1st “It’s been a long time coming, and we’re happy to report that Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake largely lives up to expectations. Disappointing performance issues aside, this is a faithful adaptation of a treasured RPG classic that elevates its strongest aspects while doing its best to make up for any shortcomings. ” – Mitch Vogel | NintendoLife Source link #Dragon #Quest #III #HD2D #Remake #Review #Classic #Returns #MP1st Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Trump victory may provide TikTok a lifeline to remain in the U.S. Trump victory may provide TikTok a lifeline to remain in the U.S. *********** presidential nominee, former U.S. President Donald Trump, (C) greets attendees during a campaign stop to address Pennsylvanians who are concerned about the threat of ********** China to U.S. agriculture at the Smith Family Farm September 23, 2024 in Smithton, Pennsylvania. Win Mcnamee | Getty Images After Donald Trump won the U.S. presidency last week, tech CEOs including Apple’s Tim Cook, Meta’s Mark Zuckerberg and Amazon’s Jeff Bezos publicly praised the president-elect. One name was conspicuously missing: TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew. His absence was notable considering that of all the top tech companies, TikTok faces the most immediate and existential threat from the U.S. government. In April, President Joe Biden signed a law that requires China’s ByteDance to sell TikTok by Jan. 19. If ByteDance fails to comply, internet hosting companies and app store owners such as Apple and Google will be prohibited from supporting TikTok, effectively banning it in the U.S. Trump’s return to the White House, though, may provide a lifeline for Chew and TikTok. Although both Republicans and Democrats supported the Biden TikTok ban in April, Trump voiced opposition to the ban during his candidacy. Trump acknowledged the national security and data privacy concerns with TikTok in a March interview with CNBC’s “Squawk Box,” but he also said “there’s a lot of good and there’s a lot of bad” with the app. Trump also leveraged TikTok’s shaky future in the U.S. as a reason for people to vote against Democrat Vice President Kamala Harris. “We’re not doing anything with TikTok, but the other side is going to close it up, so if you like TikTok, go out and vote for Trump,” the president-elect said in a September post on his Truth Social service. Since his election, Trump hasn’t publicly discussed his plans for TikTok, but Trump-Vance transition spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt told CNBC that the president-elect “will deliver.” “The ********* people re-elected President Trump by a resounding margin giving him a mandate to implement the promises he made on the campaign trail,” Leavitt said in a statement. Trump’s rhetoric on TikTok began to turn after the president-elect met in February with billionaire Jeff Yass, a *********** megadonor and a major investor in the ********-owned social media app. Yass’s trading firm Susquehanna International Group owns a 15% stake in ByteDance while Yass maintains a 7% stake in the company, equating to about $21 billion, NBC and CNBC reported in March. That month it was also reported that Yass was a part owner of the business that merged with the parent company of Trump’s Truth Social. TikTok’s CEO Shou Zi Chew testifies during the Senate Judiciary Committee hearing on online child ******* exploitation, at the U.S. Capitol, in Washington, U.S., January 31, 2024. Nathan Howard | Reuters If ByteDance doesn’t sell TikTok by the January deadline, Trump could potentially call on Congress to repeal the law or he can introduce a more “selective enforcement” of the law that would essentially allow TikTok to continue operating in the U.S. without facing penalties, said Sarah Kreps, a Cornell University professor of government. “Selective enforcement” would be akin to police officers not always enforcing every single instance of jaywalking, she said. At TikTok, meanwhile, Chew has remained quiet since Trump’s victory, just as he had been in the lead-up to Election Day. The ********-owned company may be taking a neutral approach and a wait-and-see strategy for now, said Long Le, a China business expert and Santa Clara University associate teaching professor. Le said it’s hard to foresee what Trump will do. “He’s also a contrarian; that’s what makes him unpredictable,” Le said. “He can say one thing, and the next year he’ll change his mind.” TikTok didn’t respond to requests for comment. Mark Zuckerberg, CEO of Meta testifies before the Senate Judiciary Committee at the Dirksen Senate Office Building on January 31, 2024 in Washington, DC. Alex Wong | Getty Images ‘Facebook has been very bad for our country’ When it comes to social media apps, Trump’s campaign comments suggest he’s more concerned with TikTok rival Meta. In his March interview with “Squawk Box,” Trump said Meta, which owns Facebook and Instagram, posed a much ******* problem than TikTok. He also said a TikTok ban would only benefit Meta, which he labeled “an ****** of the people.” “Facebook has been very bad for our country, especially when it comes to elections,” Trump said. But Trump’s negative views on Meta may have changed after comments by CEO Mark Zuckerberg over the past few months, Cornell’s Kreps said. Zuckerberg described the photo of Trump raising his fist following a ******* ************** attempt in July as “one of the most badass things I’ve ever seen in my life.” And after Trump’s win, Zuckerberg congratulated him, saying he was looking forward to working with the president-elect and his administration. “My sense as an armchair psychologist of Trump is that he really likes people who sing his praises, and so his view on Zuckerberg and Meta, I would imagine, has changed,” Kreps said. “He might then just revert to his ********* economic nationalism here and say, ‘Let’s protect ********* industry and continue with the ******** ban.'” Meta didn’t respond to a request for comment. Maintaining support of the TikTok ban could also win Trump political favor with lawmakers concerned about China’s global political and business influence, said Milton Mueller, a professor at Georgia Tech’s School of Public Policy. “I don’t see him scoring big points politically by standing up for TikTok,” Mueller said, noting that few lawmakers, like Sen. Rand Paul, R-***., have opposed the ban. Even if Trump does provide a lifeline for TikTok, it’s unclear how much damage that would do to his administration since many politicians are reluctant to publicly criticize him, Le said. “They’re not going to challenge him because he just got so much power,” Le said. Since launching his TikTok account in June, Trump has amassed over 14 million followers. Given his social media savvy, Trump may not want to make a decision that results in him losing the public attention and influence he’s gained on TikTok, Le said. WATCH: TikTok is ‘digital nicotine’ for young people, says D.C. Attorney General Brian Schwalb Source link #Trump #victory #provide #TikTok #lifeline #remain #U.S Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

How to play co-op in Lego Horizon Adventures How to play co-op in Lego Horizon Adventures Sony Interactive Entertainment Thanks to the family-friendly look and gameplay, Lego games are some of the best co-op games on the market. Lego Horizon Adventures is the latest crossover that turns all those ****** dinosaurs into Lego dinosaurs. Thankfully, this game hasn’t forgotten about co-op and is perfect for friends and family to experience together, even cross-platform. Here’s all the ways you can play co-op. Sony Interactive Entertainment How to play local co-op Local co-op is the perfect way to share the Lego Horizon Adventures experience while sitting side-by-side with your co-op partner. It allows for drop-in/drop-out play so you can access it anytime. All you need is two PlayStation or Switch controllers. Step 1: Start up Lego Horizon Adventures on PS5 or Nintendo Switch. Step 2: Complete the prologue section. Step 3: When the option appears on the bottom right of the screen, press the Options button on the second controller to join the game. How to play Lego Horizon Adventures online co-op Being on PS5 and Switch, Lego Horizon Adventures also features online co-op with full cross-platform support. Here’s how to connect online. Step 1: Complete the prologue chapter. Step 2: Press the Options button to open the menu. Step 3: Invite your friend from your friends list to join your game. Co-op in Lego Horizon Adventures is drop-in/drop-out, meaning you don’t have to stop playing a stage for a friend to join or leave your game. However, do note that co-op is limited to only two players either locally or online. Source link #play #coop #Lego #Horizon #Adventures Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Why Canada could become the next nuclear energy ‘superpower’ Why Canada could become the next nuclear energy ‘superpower’ NexGen NexGen’s operation in Canada’s remote Athabasca Basin Uranium is making a comeback thanks to a renewed focus on nuclear energy as a climate crisis solution. Canada, rich with high-grade deposits, could become a nuclear “superpower”. But can its potential be realised? Leigh Curyer had been working in uranium mining for nearly two decades when he noticed a striking shift. In 2011, the Fukushima nuclear plant disaster in Japan badly damaged the world’s view of nuclear power, and the price for the heavy metal – a critical component for nuclear fuel – cratered. But the last five years has seen a reversal, with the global price of uranium spiking by more than 200%one of this year’s top-performing commodities. Mr Curyer, an ***********-born businessman, credits this to a changing attitude that began soon after Microsoft founder Bill Gates touted nuclear energy as “ideal for dealing with climate change” in 2018. Four years later, then-*** Prime Minister Boris Johnson pushed forward a policy of generating at least 25% of the country’s energy from nuclear. Shortly after, the ********* Union voted to declare nuclear energy climate-friendly. These events were “catalytic” for the uranium industry and a turning point for Mr Curyer’s company NexGen, which is behind the largest in-development uranium mine in Canada. His phone began to ring with calls from investors worldwide – something that “had never happened in my previous 17 years in the industry”, he said. NexGen Leigh Curyer is the head of NexGen, whose mine is the largest in development in Canada NexGen, whose project is located in Canada’s remote, uranium-rich Athabasca Basin in northern Saskatchewan, is now worth nearly $4bn (£2.98bn), despite the fact that the mine won’t be commercially operational until at least 2028. If fully cleared by regulators, NexGen’s project alone could push Canada to become the world’s largest producer of uranium over the coming decade, knocking Kazakhstan out of the number one spot. Other companies have also rushed to Saskatchewan to capitalise on the *****, starting their own exploration projects in the region, while existing players re-opened dormant mines. With its rich resources, Canada’s mining companies see the country playing a major role in the future of nuclear energy, meeting a demand for uranium that is poised to rise after nearly two dozen countries committed in COP28 climate conference to tripling their nuclear energy output by 2050. Nuclear energy is often hailed for its low carbon emissions compared to other sources like natural gas or coal. The World Nuclear Association estimates that 10% of power generated worldwide comes from nuclear sources, while more than 50% is still generated by gas or coal. At this year’s COP29, the focus has been on ramping up funding for nuclear projects in the wake of a recent UN report indicating that current policies and investments fall short of what is needed to slow global temperature rise. Canada’s role in supplying the commodity is made more urgent by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, particularly for the US, which had relied heavily on Russian-supplied enriched uranium to ***** up its commercial nuclear reactors. Mr Curyer believes his mine could prove to be “absolutely critical” to America’s nuclear energy future, as the US is now hunting for alternatives to Russia, including by ramping up exploration on its own soil. Uranium can be found around the world, though it is heavily present in Canada, Australia and Kazakhstan. But what makes Canada’s Athabasca Region unique is that its uranium is especially high grade, said Markus Piro, a professor of nuclear engineering at McMaster University. Canada has set strict rules for the ***** of its uranium to other countries, Prof Piro said, and mandates it only be used for nuclear power generation. The country is also referred to as a “tier-one nuclear nation”, he said, due to its capability to produce nuclear fuel from the mining to the manufacturing stage. Once mined, uranium is milled to produce what is called calcined yellowcake, and then enriched, either at facilities in Canada or overseas, to create fuel for nuclear reactors. “We’ve got a one-stop shop here in Canada, not every nation’s like that,” Prof Piro said. Canada is currently the world’s second largest producer of uranium, accounting for roughly 13% of the total global output, according to the ********* government. NexGen anticipates that once its mine is operational, it will boost that to 25%. Meanwhile, Cameco, which has been mining uranium in Saskatchewan since 1988 that supplies 30 nuclear reactors around the world, re-opened two of its mines in late 2022 to increase output. CEO Tim Gitzel told the BBC that he believes “Canada could be a nuclear superpower around the world”. But enthusiasm around nuclear energy is not without its critics. Some environmental groups worry nuclear projects are too costly and come with timelines that do not meet the urgency of the climate crisis. Data from the ***-based World Nuclear Association shows that 60 nuclear reactors are under construction across 16 countries, most of them in China, and a further 110 are in the planning stages. Some are expected to come online this year – others won’t be ready until at least the end of the decade. Meanwhile, more than 100 nuclear plants have been closed in the last two decades around the world, including New York State’s sole nuclear power plant, which was retired in 2021 due to high operating costs and environmental and safety concerns. Plants were also shuttered in Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, and Quebec, Canada. And not all of Canada is on board with the country’s uranium industry. British Columbia sits on its own supply of uranium but has not allowed any nuclear plants or uranium mines to operate in the province since 1980. Critics have also expressed concern about radioactive waste nuclear reactors leave behind for future generations. Others ***** another Fukushima-scale disaster, where a tsunami disabled three reactors, causing the release of highly radioactive materials and forcing mass evacuations. “The risk is not zero, that is for sure” though t can be reduced, said Prof Piro. “Even though amongst the general public there are mixed feelings about it, the reality is that it has produced very safe, very reliable and affordable electricity worldwide.” The industry maintains the technology is both promising and viable. Mr Gitzel of Cameco said the industry has learned from past safety errors. “And the public is buying on,” he said. “I can tell you that we have in Canada great public support for nuclear power.” A 2023 Ipsos poll indicates that 55% of Canadians support nuclear energy. Getty Images Uranium City, photographed in this 1975 photo, was once home to 2,500 residents Still, past uranium booms in Canada have turned into dramatic busts. North of NexGen’s proposed mine stands Uranium City, once home to 2,500 residents in its mid-20th Century heyday. In 1982, a major local mining firm shuttered operations over high costs and a soft market for uranium. Now, Uranium City’s population is 91 people. But investors argue that there is a true global burgeoning demand for the commodity that poses a golden opportunity for Canada. NexGen anticipates that construction on its mine – which is awaiting clearance from Canada’s federal nuclear regulator – will begin early next year. Mr Gitzel says around 100 other companies are now actively exploring Saskatchewan for deposits. As to when it will be on the market ******** unclear. Mr Gitzel cautioned that some companies have started explorations in the past that never reached production stage. The timeline to get mining projects approved in Canada can also be lengthy. “Building a mine is going to take five to 10 years, and so far, the only ones in operation are ours, so we will wait and see how it plays out,” he said. For Mr Curyer, it is crucial that his project and others are realised in the next four years, for both Canada and the world. “Otherwise, there is going to be a shortage in uranium, and that will subsequently impact power prices,” he said. Source link #Canada #nuclear #energy #superpower Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Menopause, the other menstrual ****** for Indian women Menopause, the other menstrual ****** for Indian women Getty Images Indian women are struggling to find resources to help them deal with the end of menstruation Indian women on average hit menopause a few years earlier than their counterparts in the West, studies show. A recent paper found that women experiencing ********** menopause, particularly in the age group of 30–39 years, is also on the rise. Yet there are few resources to help them deal with it. “In some studies, the average age of menopause in India is 47 – meaning some women can hit it by 44-45 while others by 50 and this is considered normal,” says Dr Ruma Satwik, a gynaecologist and obstetrician at Delhi’s Sir Gangaram Hospital. This is several years earlier than, for example, the US where the average age is 51. Doctors say the earlier menopause is a result of nutritional and environmental circumstances as well as genetic factors. But in a country where conversation on menstruation still comes with stigma and ******, menopause awareness is lagging. Sangeeta, who goes by one name, is overwhelmed every day as she juggles work, household chores and childcare while enduring severe hot flashes, fatigue, insomnia, backache and abdominal pain. “What’s the point of living like this?” the 43-year-old asks. “Sometimes I feel my pain will end when I ****.” A janitor at Dr Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital, a government-run facility in the capital, Delhi, Ms Sangeeta hit menopause a year ago but did not know until recently that the hospital had a dedicated clinic to address the health concerns it raised. Hundreds of miles away in the financial capital, Mumbai, Mini Mathur says she felt like she was experiencing “every possible” symptom after she turned 50. The TV host says she had never had any medical concerns and followed a healthy lifestyle. The onslaught of symptoms reminded her of the advice a friend had given her years ago. “It’s coming for everyone. Please hit the ground running.” Getty Images TV host Mini Mathur says it was difficult to find a doctor in India who would take her symptoms seriously India’s 2011 Census data showed the country had 96 million women above 45 years. By 2026, that number is projected to reach 400 million, says Dr Anju Soni, president of the Indian Menopause Society. “Indian women live one-third of their life after menopause,” she says. Women are considered to have hit menopause when they haven’t menstruated for a year. But this is preceded by perimenopause, a phase of gradual decline in reproductive hormones that can last from anywhere between two to 10 years. The symptoms are wide ranging: from affecting mood, memory, focus, ******* to effects on bone, brain, muscle, skin and hair. Depending on its severity, women may find their quality of life decline. Most symptoms are manageable with supplements, changes in diet, exercise and, if necessary, hormone replacement therapy, doctors say. But there are no tests to determine the condition and they usually rely on eliminating other causes for the symptoms. Doctors say menopause and perimenopause are under-researched across the world with very little taught about it in medical school. This can make the process of getting a diagnosis quite frustrating for women, Dr Satwik says. Ms Mathur says it took visits to several healthcare centres across the country and abroad over the past two years before she received the care she needed. She was stunned to find that a lot of her symptoms – which included brain fog, low mood, ****** pain and anxiety – became “vastly better” when she began using progesterone cream topically. “I had to go to Austria to find a doctor who wouldn’t negate my symptoms and feelings and say ‘sabko hota hai [it happens to everyone]’.” Getty Images India is expected to have 400 million women above the age of 45 by 2026 The refrain is all too familiar for 60-year-old activist Atul Sharma who was so worried about the changes menopause brought in her mood and **** drive that she hid the condition from her husband for nearly six years. Ms Sharma, who works with women in rural areas on health and economic empowerment in northern Uttar Pradesh state, found there was barely any provision for menopausal women at rural government clinics. Primary healthcare workers who wanted to help did not have any specialised training. “Even the nurse who comes here says, ‘Ab iske liye bhi davai mangogi [now you will seek medicine for this also]? Just bear it with. It happens to every woman’.” In 2022-24, Dr Satwik surveyed over 370 women between the ages of 40 and 60 on their symptoms and its severity. “About 20% experienced nothing at all. The rest experienced one or more symptoms mildly while 15-20% were experiencing it to a severe degree.” Getty Images In the US, Hollywood actresses like Halle Berry have been publicly talking about their experience of menopause While information within India ******** scarce, many women say they are turning to social media and that online resources are often more illuminating than conversations with their doctors. Many follow ********* specialists like Dr Mary Claire Haver who shares latest research on social media and celebrities like Hollywood actresses Naomi Watts and Halle Berry who have been promoting the documentary The M Factor: Shredding the Silence on Menopause. Watts is herself writing a book on menopause while Berry is pushing for new legislation to promote its research, training and education. Ms Mathur says she feels privileged that she was able to get treatment. “How are women who are bringing up families, kids, going to work, travelling in packed local trains dealing with it? “We are not up to date with the West,” she says. “We don’t have enough brands of oestrogen patches and progesterone creams that we need in India.” She’s now studying a course in the US, certified by the National Board of Health and Wellness Coaches, hoping to eventually bridge the gap between information, resources and access to specialists for women from all kinds of backgrounds in India. “The cost of this treatment is out of reach for many poor women in India,” Ms Sharma says. Ms Sangeeta says she is resigned to living with pain. Increased awareness has to come from the medical fraternity, says Dr Satwik, adding that there need to be as many talks on menopause or perimenopause as there are on fertility and adolescent health. Dr Soni says the government already has a network of healthcare workers in rural and remote areas. “They already give supplements and provide health care services to pregnant women. Now extend that to menopausal women.” Follow BBC News India on Instagram, YouTube, Twitter and Facebook. Source link #Menopause #menstrual #****** #Indian #women Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Walmart-Exclusive LOTR: Fellowship Of The Ring 4K Steelbook Up For Preorder Walmart-Exclusive LOTR: Fellowship Of The Ring 4K Steelbook Up For Preorder Peter Jackson’s adaptation of The Fellowship of the Ring is getting a standalone 4K Blu-ray release. Exclusive to Walmart and available to preorder for $35, The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring is the Steelbook Limited Edition. It includes a 4K UHD and digital versions of the theatrical and extended cuts of the beloved film. The Fellowship of the Ring releases January 7, just a few weeks after The Lord of the Rings Trilogy: One Ring Gift Box, which you can preorder for $157 at Amazon ahead of its December 20 release. Speaking of limited-edition trilogy box sets, The Hobbit’s Limited Edition 4K Steelbook Collection is up for grabs for only $150 at Amazon, the lowest price we’ve seen this year. $35 | Exclusive to Walmart This is the same version and steelbook of The Fellowship of the Ring included in The Lord of the Rings Trilogy Steelbook Collection, which received a reprint in August and quickly sold out for $170. If you already own that, there’s really no reason to buy this, but for those who missed out, this upcoming release offers solid value. It’s not a 1:1 comparison because the box set also includes a slipcase, but each movie in the box set averaged out to roughly $57. Walmart’s $35 price point is quite reasonable, especially if the retailer also winds up releasing the steelbook editions of The Two Towers and The Return of the King. If that happens with the same pricing structure, you’ll be able to get the complete LOTR Trilogy with steelbook cases for $115. The Lord of the Rings is almost always packaged as a trilogy on 4K Blu-ray. You won’t find 4K or even standard Blu-ray editions of the individual movies at major retailers, so the fact this even exists is fairly surprising. The Lord of the Rings Trilogy: One Ring Gift Box LOTR: One Ring Gift Box The Lord of the Rings Trilogy: One Ring Gift Box, shown above, includes theatrical and extended cuts of all three films on 4K Blu-ray. The traditional Blu-ray case comes packaged inside a faux-leather “book” that will look handsome on a display shelf. You’ll also get a pouch containing a replica of the One Ring on a necklace chain. B2G1 Free Lord of the Rings Books Tolkien Illustrated Editions Lord of the Rings fans should also check out the Buy Two, Get One Free Book Sales at Amazon and Target before they end on November 16. Both retailers have included a bunch of popular editions of J.R.R. Tolkien’s novels, including the lovely Tolkien Illustrated Editions of The Lord of the Rings, The Hobbit, and The Silmarillion. The recently released Lord of the Rings Collector’s Edition Hardcover Box Set is also eligible for B2G1 free, and it’s on ***** for $73 at Amazon. All three volumes of The Lord of the Rings have foil-stamped cover art, stained edges, ribbon bookmarks, and maps on the inside of these elegantly bound hardcovers. These sales end November 16. Tolkien Illustrated Editions New Collector’s Editions The Lord of the Rings, The Hobbit, and Middle-earth Books Galore To help you navigate the many, many editions of J.R.R. Tolkien’s books, we put together a custom Amazon hub filled with notable collector’s editions and box sets of the author’s beloved fantasy novels, The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit, as well as the complementary tomes that provide fascinating insight on Middle-earth. Source link #WalmartExclusive #LOTR #Fellowship #Ring #Steelbook #Preorder Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

France mounts big security operation for ******* match after Amsterdam ********* France mounts big security operation for ******* match after Amsterdam ********* FRANCK FIFE/AFP Paris police are treating the event as a high-risk match and aim to pre-empt any trouble Thousands of police are being deployed in Paris to ensure security at Thursday’s France-******* football international, a week after ********* in Amsterdam in which Maccabi Tel Aviv fans came under *******. Paris police chief Laurent Nuñez said that 4,000 officers would be on patrol, 2,500 at the Stade de France in the northern Paris suburbs and the rest on public transport and inside the capital. In addition around 1,600 private security guards will be on duty at the stadium, and an elite anti-********** police unit will protect the visiting ******** squad. “It is a high-risk match [because of] an extremely tense geopolitical context,” Mr Nuñez said. “We will not allow any attempt to disturb public order.” The Uefa Nations League match is under intense scrutiny following the ********* after last Thursday’s match between Ajax and Maccabi Tel Aviv in the Netherlands. The stadium, which can hold 80,000, will be only a quarter full. Following advice by the ******** government, no more than 100 or so ******** fans are expected to travel to Paris, though other ******* supporters may go to the game. Politicians across Europe decried a “return of antisemitism” after ******** fans were chased through the streets of Amsterdam. Maccabi fans were themselves involved in vandalism, tearing down a ************ flag, attacking a taxi and chanting anti-***** slogans, according to city authorities. They were then targeted by “small groups of rioters… on foot, by scooter or car”, the city said in a 12-page report. ********* between ******* and its neighbours in the Middle East has the potential to spread to Europe. France, Belgium and the Netherlands all have large ******* populations of North ******** origin and they live beside far smaller ******* populations, who in the main identify strongly with *******. To express solidarity with ********* Jews after Amsterdam, President Emmanuel Macron has said he will attend Thursday’s match, which begins at 20:45 (19:45 GMT). He will be joined by Prime Minister Michel Barnier as well as previous presidents François Hollande and Nicolas Sarkozy. FRANCK FIFE/AFP Security is tight but few Israelis are expected to travel to the match Supporters have been told to expect identity checks ahead of the game. Bars and restaurants in the area have been told to close from the afternoon. The Stade de France was the scene of a dangerous breakdown in law-and-order at a Uefa Champions League final between Liverpool and Real Madrid in 2022. However since then the Rugby World Cup and Paris Olympics have both been peacefully staged there. France’s far-left France Unbowed (LFI) party – which sides with Palestinians and Lebanese in the conflicts with ******* – has called for Thursday’s match to be cancelled, or at least for President Macron to refuse to attend. “We do not want our head of state honouring a country that commits genocide,” said LFI deputy David Guiraud. ******* has denied allegations of genocide as baseless and grossly distorted. But Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau said it was out of the question to cancel or relocate the match. “France does not give way to those who sow hatred,” he said. France and ******* are in the same group in the Uefa competition, alongside Italy and Belgium. In their first leg – played in Budapest – France beat ******* 4-1. Pre-match tensions were already in evidence after a pro-******** “gala” event was given the go-ahead for Wednesday evening in Paris, which the far-right ******** minister Bezalel Smotrich was at one point expected to attend – although it was later thought his “presence” would be by video-link. Luc Auffret/Anadolu Pro-************ demonstrators have tried to get Thursday’s Uefa Nations League match cancelled Pro-************ and anti-******* organisations were planning demonstrations in the capital to coincide with the event. Relations between Macron and Benyamin Netanyahu have come under severe strain in recent weeks, after Macron accused the ******** prime minister of “spreading barbarism” in Gaza and Lebanon. French Jews were also upset when Macron was quoted as saying that Netanyahu should accept ******* Nations calls for a ceasefire because “his country was itself created by a decision of the UN.” This was interpreted in ******* as an insult to Jews who had lost their lives in their country’s war of independence. France in turn was angered when two French officials were briefly detained by ******** authorities at a holy site in East Jerusalem that is under French administration. Macron has been described as pursuing a zigzag in his approach to the Middle East, as in many other domains, flipflopping inconsistently between outspoken statements of support for ******* and then its ***** neighbours. Source link #France #mounts #big #security #operation #******* #match #Amsterdam #********* Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

PWHL Coming To EA Sports NHL 25 PWHL Coming To EA Sports NHL 25 EA Sports and the Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL) have announced that the league will be coming to NHL 25 in December. Starting December 5, all six PWHL teams — Boston Fleet, Minnesota Frost, Montréal Victoire, New York Sirens, Ottawa Charge, and Toronto Sceptres — will be added to the game to play in a number of modes. Those include Play Now, Online Versus, Shootout and Season. In addition to being playable in modes, PWHL content will be added to the World of Chel as well Hockey Ultimate Team (HUT). The launch comes alongside the start of the PWHL’s second season. “We are thrilled to bring the PWHL into NHL 25 as part of a massive holiday update, giving players all-new ways to play, starting in a couple of days with the frenetic energy of NHL Arcade through to the launch of 4 Nations Face-Off in the New Year,” NHL 25 Executive Producer Bill Dollar said. Women’s hockey has been a growing presence in the EA Sports NHL series for a number of years with international teams being a part of the last handful of games. The PWHL marks the first women’s league to be added to the franchise. In the past, EA Sports did speak with the NWHL about possible inclusion, but no deal was ever reached. As far as this update is concerned, not all likenesses will be scanned and into the game when the update comes. That said, there is a plan to add more via updates to NHL 25. In addition to the PWHL, EA Sports announced that the Four Nations Tournament and a new Arcade mode are both coming to NHL 25. What do you think of the PWHL coming to NHL 25? Let us know down below, and join the discussion in the official Insider Gaming forums. For more Insider Gaming, check out the 16 games coming to the PlayStation Plus Game Catalog in November. And don’t forget to sign up for our weekly newsletter. Subscribe to our newsletter to receive the latest news and exclusive leaks every week! No Spam. Source link #PWHL #Coming #Sports #NHL Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Brazil Supreme Court evacuated after blasts in capital Brazil Supreme Court evacuated after blasts in capital Brazil’s Supreme Court has been evacuated and a man has been found ***** after two explosions were heard outside the building on Wednesday evening. The blasts hit the centre of Brazil’s capital – where the Supreme Court, parliament and presidential palace are all located. A spokesperson for the federal police told the AFP news agency a body had been discovered in front of the court. It is unclear how the man was connected with the blasts. The country’s solicitor general, Jorge Messias, condemned what he said was a deliberate ******* and vowed a full investigation into the blasts would be launched. “I strongly condemn the attacks against the Supreme court and the lower house,” he said in a statement posted to X. “We must know the motivation behind the attacks, and to re-establish peace and safety as fast as possible.” Images carried by news agencies showed the deceased man lying in an area outside the court, as officers cordoned off the area. A police spokesperson told AFP that they could “confirm that there is a body in front of the Supreme Court”, but offered no further details. Earlier, the Supreme Court said in a statement that the building had been evacuated as a “precautionary measure” after explosions were heard. Justices had just finished hearing a plenary session and were quickly evacuated safely, it added. The court is located in the Plaza de los Tres Poderes, across the square from the presidential palace. Local media reported that President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva had left the area shortly before the blasts. The explosions come just a week before ******** President Xi Jinping is due to visit the capital, following a trip to a G20 summit in Rio de Janeiro. Last year, the plaza was the scene of mass disorder, after supporters of ex-President Jair Bolsonaro ransacked the buildings in a bid to prevent his electoral defeat by President Lula. Source link #Brazil #Supreme #Court #evacuated #blasts #capital Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

A Disturbing Pattern With the Most Hideous Elden Ring Bosses Reveals a Weird Hidetaka Miyazaki ******* A Disturbing Pattern With the Most Hideous Elden Ring Bosses Reveals a Weird Hidetaka Miyazaki ******* When it comes to boss design, Hidetaka Miyazaki has always had a flair for the dramatic. But there’s something particularly fascinating (and slightly disturbing) about a pattern that Elden Ring players have recently noticed in some of the game’s most memorable encounters. Miyazaki at The Game Awards 2019. | Image Credit: thegameawards/YouTube It seems that many of the game’s most formidable bosses share an unusual trait: they become significantly stronger after… well, mutilating themselves. And once you notice this pattern, you can’t help but wonder what this says about Miyazaki’s unique vision for these epic confrontations. Elden Ring‘s Self-Mutilating Menagerie The trend in question becomes apparent when you look at some of the game’s most notorious boss fights: Take Godrick, for example. In what might be one of the most metal moments in gaming history, this grafting-obsessed demigod decides that having a regular arm just isn’t cutting it anymore: Comment byu/Full_Data_6240 from discussion ingaming This fascination with transformation through self-mutilation has become something of a signature move in Miyazaki’s games. It’s a design philosophy that extends far beyond just making bosses look cool—it’s about creating moments that stick with players long after they’ve put down the controller. And this isn’t just limited to Elden Ring. Miyazaki’s peculiar predilection for self-destructive power-ups extends throughout FromSoftware’s entire catalog, from Dark Souls 2 to Bloodborne: Comment byu/Full_Data_6240 from discussion ingaming The consistency of this design choice across multiple games suggests this isn’t just coincidence—it’s a deliberate artistic decision that has become one of Hidetaka Miyazaki‘s most distinctive directorial signatures. The Method Behind Miyazaki’s Madness As always, his design choice has a valid explanation. | Image Credit: FromSoftware What makes these transformations particularly fascinating is how each one tells a story. From Malenia’s scarlet bloom to Godfrey’s rejection of nobility, these aren’t just random acts of self-destruction: Comment byu/Full_Data_6240 from discussion ingaming These moments of self-mutilation often serve as powerful character development, revealing the desperate lengths these beings will go to achieve victory. Take Malenia, for instance, whose transformation has become more than “legendary” among players: Comment byu/Full_Data_6240 from discussion ingaming In interviews, Miyazaki has often spoken about his ******* to create boss encounters that leave lasting impressions on players. This unique approach to boss transformations serves multiple purposes: it creates memorable spectacles, raises the stakes mid-******, and often tells us something profound about these characters and their motivations. The genius ***** in how these transformations affect both the narrative and gameplay. When a boss mutilates itself, it’s not just for show—it fundamentally changes how players must approach the ******. What worked in phase one suddenly becomes obsolete, forcing players to adapt their strategies on the fly while processing the visual and emotional impact of what they’ve just witnessed. This balance of beauty and horror, of power and sacrifice, has become one of the most distinctive aspects of Miyazaki’s game design. It’s a reminder that in the worlds he creates, true power often comes at a terrible price. And sometimes, that price is paid in flesh and blood. Whether you find it disturbing or fascinating (or both), there’s no denying that this recurring theme has become one of the revered designer’s most effective tools for creating unforgettable moments in gaming. And honestly? We wouldn’t have it any other way. What’s your favorite boss transformation in Elden Ring? Which one do you find most disturbing? Let us know in the comments below! Source link #Disturbing #Pattern #Hideous #Elden #Ring #Bosses #Reveals #Weird #Hidetaka #Miyazaki #******* Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

We gave the Lenovo Legion 7i four stars — it’s $600 off today We gave the Lenovo Legion 7i four stars — it’s $600 off today Lenovo In one of its early ****** Friday deals happening right now, Lenovo has cut the price of the Lenovo Legion Tower 7i by 19%. That means instead of paying $3,150, it’s down to $2,550 for a limited time. It’s a high-end gaming PC and easily one of the best gaming PC deals around right now. If you’re looking to game in style for a long time to come, here’s what it has to offer. Why you should buy the Lenovo Legion Tower 7i Lenovo makes some of the best gaming PCs around and it’s a name you can depend on. With the Lenovo Legion Tower 7i, you get a 14th-generation Intel Core i9-14900KF processor paired up with 32GB of DDR5 RAM and 1TB of SSD storage. The star of the show here is its Nvidia GeForce RTX 4080 Super graphics card with 16GB of dedicated VRAM. That CPU and GPU combination is quite the powerful pairing, so you can enjoy high-end gaming performance for a long time to come. The Lenovo Legion Tower 7i uses liquid cooling. It’s an effective cooling method combined with decreased airflow obstruction and better efficiency. The Lenovo Legion Tower 7i has a neat looking 3D mesh foot bezel along with an eye-catching rail-side transparent glass panel so you can always see what’s going on in your PC, right down to how good the RGB lighting looks. The tower also offers those extras you might not think of, like 2.5G Ethernet and Wi-Fi 6E support. There are plenty of USB ports for connecting all your favorite accessories. Just make sure to add one of the best gaming monitors and you’re all set for the long-term. Whatever you want to play, it’s going to look great here. If you’re keen to play games at ultra quality levels for a while to come, you need the Lenovo Legion Tower 7i in your life. It ordinarily costs $3,150, but right now it’s down to $2,550 for a limited time only at Lenovo. Now is the perfect time to buy, with the 19% discount a doorbuster deal likely to end very soon. Source link #gave #Lenovo #Legion #stars #today Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Labour to ‘miss homes pledge’ and ‘pension megafunds’ plan Labour to ‘miss homes pledge’ and ‘pension megafunds’ plan The i says Labour’s pledge to build 1.5 million homes by the end of this Parliament has been “plunged into doubt” by comments from the head of Homes England, the government’s housing agency. The paper says that, in an email to staff, Peter Denton said the target was “realistically” part of a “two parliamentary term approach”. The Times says the government is facing a growing “business backlash” over last month’s Budget, which contained, among other things, a £25bn increase in employers’ national insurance. The paper says the British Retail Consortium has drafted a letter telling Chancellor Rachel Reeves its members will not be able to absorb the additional cost of the measures. It quotes the letter as saying the “sheer scale of new costs… and the speed with which they occur, together with costs from a raft of other regulation, create a cumulative burden that will make job losses inevitable, and higher prices a certainty”. Councils will be allowed to increase council tax by 5% next year, meaning a £110 jump in average bills, according to the Daily Mail. The paper says Downing Street will allow councils to do this in order to help them meet rising costs. It adds, though, that the news comes just a fortnight after some “eye-watering” tax rises in the Budget and despite previous attacks by Labour on the Conservatives over similar council tax hikes. Reeves hopes to unlock £80bn worth of investment by reforming local government retirement schemes to form eight pensions “megafunds”, the Financial Times reports. It comes as the chancellor is due to deliver her first Mansion House speech, an annual address delivered by the sitting chancellor in the City of London, on Thursday. Reeves tells the paper she also wants to reassure businesses the recent tax rises were part of a “once in a parliament Budget”. The Daily Telegraph says Essex Police has been accused of attacking free speech after launching an investigation into one of its columnists, Allison Pearson, for allegedly stirring up ******* hatred in a social media post last year. Pearson has said two officers visited her to tell her about the investigation on Sunday, but they would not say which post it concerned or who had made the complaint. Former prime minister Boris Johnson is quoted calling the behaviour of the police “appalling”, while shadow home secretary Chris Philp says he is “deeply concerned this will have a chilling effect on free speech and free expression”. A report by Human Right Watch has said ******* is using evacuation orders to pursue the “deliberate and massive forced displacement” of ************ civilians in Gaza and the policy amounts to “******* against humanity”, according to the Guardian. The paper says the report comes amid mounting evidence that ******* is “accelerating efforts to cut the Gaza Strip in two with a buffer zone” and “building infrastructure to support a prolonged military presence” in the territory. The Metro leads with Donald Trump’s “shock appointment” of a Fox News TV host and former soldier as the US defence secretary. The paper says that, despite having no government experience, Pete Hegseth, 44, will run the “world’s largest military machine and its $800bn (£627bn) budget”, with responsibility for 1.3 million active duty personnel, 1.4 million reservists, and civilian staff worldwide. “Wild west of cosmetic surgery in Britain”, reads the headline in the Daily Mirror. The paper says an ITV investigation has found that potentially deadly operations, including liposuction, are being carried out by people with just hours of training. It adds Health Secretary Wes Streeting has pledged a crackdown on rogue operators. And the Sun alleges a video taken at this summer’s Euros appears to show Premier League David Coote using a rolled-up US banknote to sniff a line of white powder in a clip he later sent to a friend on WhatsApp. The BBC has not independently verified the footage. Source link #Labour #homes #pledge #pension #megafunds #plan Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Survive the Night in IfSunSets | COGconnected Survive the Night in IfSunSets | COGconnected IfSunSets is a new open world survival/crafting game with a pirate theme, set on a mystery-and-monster filled tropical island. Source link #Survive #Night #IfSunSets #COGconnected Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]