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Pelican Press

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  1. Pelican Press
    Women’s Champions League big guns enjoy impressive wins Women’s Champions League big guns enjoy impressive wins If Lyon are to add to their record eight Women’s Champions League titles, stunning goals like that scored by 21-year-old forward Melchie Dumornay will help. Dumornay’s chipped shot from the centre circle to beat Roma goalkeeper Camelia Ceasar on Wednesday night was the standout moment of a 3-0 win in a clash of two unbeaten teams in Group A. Haiti international Dumornay, the competition’s young player of the year last season, had opened the scoring six minutes earlier in the 36th to help lift Lyon to three straight wins and no goals conceded as they seek a first Champions League title since 2022. Canada international Vanessa Gilles sealed the win in the 52nd, while Matildas right-back Ellie Carpenter played a full game for the French visitors to the Italian capital. “Melchie is a player who is amazing to work with; she is growing, growing and growing. But the biggest thing for Melchie, apart from her goals, is her contribution to the team. She does so much work for us,” Lyon’s *********** coach Joe Montemurro told uefa.com. “We still need points to qualify mathematically for the quarter-finals. We look to another big game in Lyon next week, when I’m sure Roma will come back and will try to get some points. It will be a very tough game for us and we need to keep going.” Chelsea coach Sonia Bompastor, who led Lyon to that Champions League title three seasons ago, now has a perfect record of nine wins in nine games in her debut season with her new club. Celtic pushed the Blues hard in Glasgow, and the 2021 beaten finalists had to rally for a 2-1 win. Chelsea are three points clear of Real Madrid, who earlier in the day were inspired by playmaker Caroline Weir in a 7-0 rout of FC Twente. Weir had two assists before curling in an elegant free kick to score herself. Defender Maria Mendez netted two headers from corners as Madrid followed up a 4-0 win over Celtic in their previous home game in Group B. *********** teenager Daniela Galic came off the bench in the 79th minute. The Young Matildas midfielder, who played two A-League Women seasons for Melbourne City before heading to Europe last July, was booked five minutes later on a tough night for the Dutch side in the Spanish capital. In Istanbul, Wolfsburg forward Rebecka Blomqvist struck a second-half hat-trick in a 5-0 win against tournament newcomers Galatasaray to earn the two-time ********* champions their first points in Group A. With AAP. Source link #Womens #Champions #League #big #guns #enjoy #impressive #wins Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]
  2. Pelican Press
    Bethesda Workers Go On Strike Against Microsoft Bethesda Workers Go On Strike Against Microsoft Last year, quality-assurance workers at Bethesda and ZeniMax studios formed ZeniMax Workers *******, the largest certified video game union in the ******* States. Now that union is putting its collective power to the test in a brief strike against Bethesda and ZeniMax’s parent company, Microsoft. ZeniMax Workers ******* has been attempting to negotiate a deal with Microsoft over remote-work requirements while also limiting the number of outsourced QA workers who can be brought in on Bethesda’s projects. The union didn’t say who Microsoft is outsourcing QA work to, but it accused the company of ignoring requests to negotiate. “They have continually given us their first proposal again and again, and it’s become obvious that our different mobilization tactics have not worked,” QA test lead Rhyanna Eichnersaid told Inverse. This one-day strike was called in an attempt to make Microsoft more receptive to addressing the union’s concerns. “Striking isn’t fun or ideal, but there’s a satisfaction in having a concrete physical action we can do to ****** for better work conditions,” noted senior QA tester Juniper Dowell. “Hopefully, we can convince them to stop dragging their feet and meet us at the table.” According to Dowell, many of the QA testers were hired during the COVID pandemic when remote work was more prevalent. Microsoft’s current requirements call for QA workers to be in the office two days a week, while the union is asking for a more flexible remote policy. After the strike began, Microsoft issued a statement affirming the company’s willingness to “listen and address their concerns at the bargaining table.” Quote from MS rep to me re: today’s ZeniMax strike (over remote work, outsourcing): “We respect our employees’ rights to express their point of view as they have done today. We will continue to listen and address their concerns at the bargaining table.” — Stephen Totilo (@stephentotilo) November 13, 2024 If the one-day strike fails to motivate Microsoft to make any concessions or changes, it could lead to a longer strike in the future. But for now, Bethesda’s upcoming games, including Indiana Jones and the Great Circle, are not expected to be delayed by the strike. Source link #Bethesda #Workers #Strike #Microsoft Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]
  3. Pelican Press
    Apple’s latest Logic Pro for Mac and iPad update simplifies things and recreates an iconic reverb effect Apple’s latest Logic Pro for Mac and iPad update simplifies things and recreates an iconic reverb effect Whether you’re a singer or songwriter, in a band, a musician, or a podcaster, there is a good chance that you use Logic Pro on the Mac or iPad to produce, edit, and eventually export. Apple gave Logic Pro a significant upgrade in May alongside new iPads and truly infused it with AI in the form of session players. Now, though, with Logic Pro for Mac 11.1 and Logic Pro for iPad 2.1, Apple’s expanding on some core capabilities and adding a plugin with some historical significance – at least in the music industry. A bevy of new features, led by the Quantec Room Simulator plug-in, are rolling out today as a free update for both platforms. First, a bit of a history lesson on the Quantec Room Simulator – it’s built from the original documentation and algorithms of the physical piece of hardware created by Wolfgang Buchleitner, which enables a distinct and accurate reverb adjustment. It’s been used by countless artists, including Peter Gabriel, who uses it at live shows for building harmonic drones and on records including Passion and Us. (Image credit: Apple) Apple essentially acquired the tech to rebuild the Quantec Room Simulator as a plugin that’s now included with Logic Pro for Mac and iPad. This lets you add natural-sounding effects to anything – be it spoken word, music, or even foley sounds. There are two routes for using it: one that is more vintage and one that is updated modern. Beyond the Quantec Room Simulator plug-in, Logic Pro is getting “Reorder Mixer Channels” that allow you to rearrange various strips individually or in groups. You can also add your own personal sounds on the iPad via Sample Folders, which can pull from connected storage, the Files app, or iCloud Drive. You can now more easily search for plug-ins on the Mac thanks to a new categorization. These are some handy additions that should let you make the most of Logic Pro, either by using the built-in tools or pulling from other sources. The Quantec Room Simulator will also be one to try out, and of course, a Logic Pro update wouldn’t be complete without some new sounds. To fill that need, Apple’s also adding a Modular Melodies Synth Pack at no additional cost. Of course, if you’re new to Logic Pro for Mac or iPad, there is a cost associated with it. On the Mac, it’s a one-time purchase of $199.99 in the ******* States, and on the iPad, it’s either $4.99 a month or $49.99 a year. These updates are now rolling out with Logic Pro for Mac 11.1 and Logic Pro for iPad 2.1. Sign up to be the first to know about unmissable ****** Friday deals on top tech, plus get all your favorite TechRadar content. You might also like Source link #Apples #latest #Logic #Pro #Mac #iPad #update #simplifies #recreates #iconic #reverb #effect Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]
  4. Pelican Press
    Ohio lawmakers pass bill restricting transgender student access to bathrooms Ohio lawmakers pass bill restricting transgender student access to bathrooms The Ohio Senate on Wednesday approved a ban on transgender students using bathrooms that fit their gender identities and sent the measure to *********** Gov. Mike DeWine. The ***********-backed bill applies to public K-12 schools and institutions of higher education. It requires the schools to designate separate bathrooms, locker rooms and overnight accommodations “for the exclusive use” of either males and females, based on one’s gender assigned at or near birth, in both school buildings and facilities used for a school-sponsored event. The legislation would not apply to school employees, emergencies or people helping young children or those with disabilities, and schools would still be able to provide single-use and family bathroom facilities. State Sen. Jerry Cirino, a Kirtland ***********, said the bill “is about safety and security.” The ACLU of Ohio urged the governor not to sign the measure, which it condemned as a violation of the right of privacy of LGBTQ+ Ohioans that will make them less safe. “We are closely considering next steps,” the ACLU said on social media. “If allowed to go into effect, SB 104 will create unsafe environments for trans and gender non-conforming individuals of all ages,” Jocelyn Rosnick, the group’s policy director, said in a statement. “This bill ignores the material reality that transgender people endure higher rates of ******* ********* and assaults, particularly while using public restrooms, than people who are not transgender.” Transgender and gender-nonbinary teens who were subject to restroom or locker room restrictions had a higher prevalence of ******* ********, according to a 2019 study published in the journal Pediatrics. About 36% of surveyed teens reported ******* ********, the study found. The Center for ********** Virtue commended legislators for passing the bill and called on DeWine to sign it. The governor has said he’s inclined to sign the bill, but will conduct a legal review first. “Today is a huge victory for children and families in Ohio,” CCV Policy Director David Mahan said in a statement. “Amended SB104 is common-sense legislation that will guarantee the only people entering young ladies’ private spaces are female, not men claiming to be female.” At least 11 states have adopted laws barring transgender ****** and women from ******’ and women’s bathrooms at public schools, and in some cases other government facilities. The laws are in effect in Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Tennessee and Utah. A judge’s order putting enforcement on hold is in place in Idaho. Ohio House Republicans attached the measure to a proposal regarding Ohio’s college credit program for high school students before passing it in June, much to the chagrin of one of the Democratic state senators who had signed on as a co-sponsor. Sen. Catherine Ingram, of Cincinnati, said she was taking her name off the bill. Senate Democratic Leader Nickie Antonio said she couldn’t believe *********** leaders prioritized the bill on their first day back following the November election. “There should be no exception to liberty and justice for all, yet here we are telling our children that there are people who are less-than,” she said. “This bill is not about bathrooms. It’s about demonizing those who are different, and our children are watching and listening to the fearmongering.” Source link #Ohio #lawmakers #pass #bill #restricting #transgender #student #access #bathrooms Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]
  5. Pelican Press
    Exclusive-Trump’s team drawing up list of Pentagon officers to *****, sources say Exclusive-Trump’s team drawing up list of Pentagon officers to *****, sources say By Phil Stewart and Idrees Ali WASHINGTON (Reuters) – Members of President-elect Donald Trump’s transition team are drawing up a list of military officers to be fired, potentially to include the ****** Chiefs of Staff, two sources said, in what would be an unprecedented shakeup at the Pentagon. The planning for the firings is at an early stage after Trump’s Nov. 5 election victory and could change as Trump’s administration takes shape, said the sources, who are familiar with the Trump transition and requested anonymity to speak candidly about the plans. One of the sources questioned the feasibility of a mass ******* at the Pentagon. It was also unclear if Trump himself would endorse the plan, although in the past he has railed extensively against defense leaders who have criticized him. Trump has also spoken during the campaign of ******* “woke” generals and those responsible for the troubled 2021 pullout from Afghanistan. The Trump campaign did not immediately respond to request for comment. The second source said the incoming administration would likely focus on U.S. military officers seen as connected to Mark Milley, Trump’s former chairman of the ****** Chiefs of Staff. Milley was quoted in the book “War” by Bob Woodward, which was published last month, calling Trump “fascist to the core” and Trump’s allies have targeted him for perceived disloyalty to the former president. “Every single person that was elevated and appointed by Milley will be gone,” the second source said. “There’s a very detailed list of everybody that was affiliated with Milley. And they will all be gone.” The ****** Chiefs of Staff include the highest ranking officers in the U.S. military and comprise the heads of the Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force, National Guard and Space Force. The disclosure of plans to ***** senior leaders of the U.S. armed forces comes a day after Trump picked as his defense secretary Pete Hegseth, a Fox News commentator and veteran who has signaled a willingness to clean house at the Pentagon. “The next president of the ******* States needs to radically overhaul Pentagon senior leadership to make us ready to defend our nation and defeat our enemies. Lots of people need to be fired,” Hegseth said in his 2024 book “The War on Warriors: Behind the Betrayal of the Men Who Keep Us Free.” It is unclear if Hegseth’s lack of management experience could complicate his Senate confirmation and if a more traditional alternative for the position would carry out such sweeping dismissals. GENERAL BROWN TO BE AMONG THE FIRST FIRED Hegseth has also taken aim at Milley’s successor, Air Force General C.Q. Brown, asking whether he would have gotten the job if he were not ******. “Was it because of his skin ******? Or his skill? We’ll never know, but always doubt – which on its face seems unfair to CQ. But since he has made the race card one of his biggest calling cards, it doesn’t really much matter,” he wrote. The first source familiar with the transition planning said Brown would be among the many officers to leave. “The chiefs of the ****** Chiefs and all the vice chiefs will be fired immediately,” the source said, before noting that this was still only early planning. Some current and former U.S. officials have played down the possibility of such a major shakeup, saying it would be unnecessary and disruptive at a time of global turmoil with wars raging in Ukraine and the Middle East. The first source said that it would be difficult bureaucratically to ***** and replace a large swath of senior U.S. military officials, suggesting the planning could be bluster and posturing by Trump allies. But the second source suggested the Trump camp believed the ****** Chiefs of Staff needed to shrink due to perceived bureaucratic over-reach. Such cuts could be endured in an organization the scale of the U.S. military, the source said. “These people are not irreplaceable. They are very replaceable. And then the other thing too is there is no shortage of people that will step up,” the source said. “In World War Two, we were very rapidly appointing people in their 30s or people competent to be generals. And you know what? We won the war.” (Reporting by Phil Stewart and Idrees Ali; Editing by Don Durfee and Suzanne Goldenberg) Source link #ExclusiveTrumps #team #drawing #list #Pentagon #officers #***** #sources Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]
  6. Pelican Press
    Best Christmas Gifts for Gamers Best Christmas Gifts for Gamers That time of year is just around the corner and many people are looking for the best gift to get their gamer kids or spouse. So, what are the best Christmas gifts for gamers? Best Christmas Gifts for Those Who Love Gaming When making a list of items to get people who love to game, many different thoughts come to mind. However, some may end up being a bit pricier, like a new PC or console. Assuming that every one this list is for already has something to play video games on, we are going to make this list dedicated more towards accessories and more. Here are the best Christmas gifts for gamers. Gift Cards Starting the list of easy with gift cards. Everyone loves a good gift card for Christmas, as it lets gamers purchase exactly what they want. Below is a list of different gift card options you could get for your favorite gamer: Xbox Gift Card PlayStation Gift Card Gamestop Gift Card Walmart Gift Card Target Gift Card Best Buy Gift Card Nintendo eShop Gift Card Looking for something a bit more detailed than just a plain ole’ gift card? Luckily, there are quite a few other options when purchasing gifts for a gamer. Gaming Headset Is your favorite gamer in need of a new headset? Luckily, there are quite a few on the market that work for both PC and console. Brands such as HyperX, Logitech and Turtle Beach all make extremely affordable headsets that come equipped with decent mics. Not only do headsets look great as an accessory, but they can really make or break a gamer’s gaming experience. Having a good headset is essential for all gamers. Headsets can be found online at Amazon, Best Buy and any other major retailer. Controller Charger Is your favorite gaming enthusiast a controller gamer? Well, no one enjoys having to plug in their wireless controller or change the batteries frequently. That is why having a controller charger is a must for a gamer. In fact, many of these chargers can work as a dock station, charging multiple controllers at once. This allows people to never worry about their battery running out. Controller chargers can be found on almost any major retailer’s website or in-store. Related: Best ****** Friday Deals for PS5 Gaming Chair Having a good gaming chair is essential. The truth is, many of those who game up close to a monitor have already begun to develop terrible posture and back issues. Having the right chair to prevent this could really help with any future health issues. However, good gaming chairs can be quite expensive. While Amazon and Walmart do have some decent ones for cheap, if you are willing to spend a lot of money, then Secretlabs would be a great purchase. Mouse Pad We have already discussed controller accessories, but what about mouse and keyboard accessories? While having a full-desk mouse pad is great for gaming on a PC, it is also fun to have one with a unique design. Whether it’s anime or other fantasy worlds, shops like Higround have some of the most unique and impressive mouse pad designs on the market. Help deck your gamer’s setup by getting him one of these top-of-the-market mouse pads. Lighting RGB lighting is huge within the gaming world. Whether you are getting strips to put around your favorite gamer’s desk or buying Philips Hue lights to put behind their TV, lighting helps really immerse a gamer into the gaming experience. Every major retailer sells lighting and you can even find special smart lights at stores like Home Depot and Lowes. What will you be buying your favorite gamer for Christmas this year? For more Insider Gaming guides, check out the best ****** Friday deals for Xbox X|S. Subscribe to our newsletter to receive the latest news and exclusive leaks every week! No Spam. Source link #Christmas #Gifts #Gamers Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]
  7. Pelican Press
    Nvidia is finally ditching GeForce Experience for good Nvidia is finally ditching GeForce Experience for good We’ve had the Nvidia app for a while, but now, it’s available officially. About a year ago, Nvidia launched the Nvidia app into beta as a one-stop-shop for managing some of its best graphics cards, including grabbing new drivers, messing around with different features, and optimizing your game settings. Now, it’s out of beta, officially replacing the legacy GeForce Experience and Nvidia Control Panel apps, and with some new features in tow. One of the biggest draws of the Nvidia app initially was driver downloads. It may seem mundane, but you’d previously need to download GeForce Experience and create an Nvidia account for GPU driver updates. If you didn’t, you’d have to search and install your drivers manually. The Nvidia app gives you access to new drivers, and notifies you when they’re ready, all without an Nvidia login. Now, signing in is optional for “bundles and rewards” offered by Nvidia. The app actually goes further than GeForce Experience on the driver front. Last month, Nvidia introduced driver rollback to the Nvidia app, which has made its way to the full release. If you install your drivers through the Nvidia app, you’ll be able to roll them back to previous versions if you run into any issues. That’s fantastic, as bugs and game performance differences can show up with new drivers, especially on niche hardware configurations. Get your weekly teardown of the tech behind PC gaming Drivers may be the main draw of the Nvidia app, but it’s packed with features. Not only are many of the functions of the Nvidia Control Panel and GeForce Experience included; Nvidia also uses its app as a hub for the other tools it offers. If you have apps like Nvidia Broadcast, FrameView, ICAT, or ChatRTX installed, you can launch them through the Nvidia app. Nvidia has updated many legacy features of GeForce Experience, too. The redesigned overlay is much more responsive — speaking from personal use here — and it can show your system stats, track your performance, and capture photos and videos. That includes an instant replay feature, and new codecs for gameplay like AV1. In other areas, Nvidia has pushed ahead of GeForce Experience with new features like RTX HDR and RTX Dynamic Vibrance, both of which function like AI-powered image filters for your games. There are a ton of features within the Nvidia app now, and it’s great everything is finally under one roof. AMD recognized the need for a unified app years ago with Radeon Software. It has never required a login, and it keeps all of the settings locked to a single interface. Now, Nvidia is following suit. The company says the “migration of GeForce Experience and Nvidia Control Panel features is complete” with this release. Soon, Nvidia says that the Nvidia app will be an optional install alongside a new driver, similar to how it offered GeForce Experience in the past. Source link #Nvidia #finally #ditching #GeForce #Experience #good Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]
  8. Pelican Press
    Trump picks Rep. Matt Gaetz as attorney general Trump picks Rep. Matt Gaetz as attorney general Rep. Matt Gaetz, R-Fla., is seen outside the U.S. Capitol after the last votes before the August recess on Thursday, July 25, 2024. Tom Williams | CQ-Roll Call, Inc. | Getty Images President-elect Donald Trump on Wednesday said he will nominate *********** Rep. Matt Gaetz of Florida to serve as U.S. attorney general. Trump wrote on Truth Social that Gaetz “has distinguished himself in Congress through his focus on achieving desperately needed reform at the Department of Justice.” Gaetz replied on X, “It will be an honor to serve as President Trump’s Attorney General!” The selection is the clearest example yet of how Trump, having sworn off many of his former staffers as “RINOs” or enemies of him and his MAGA agenda, is making loyalty a key qualification for his second administration. If he is confirmed by the Senate, Gaetz will succeed Attorney General Merrick Garland, who led the Justice Department as it carried out a ****-trafficking investigation into the congressman. The DOJ ultimately declined to charge Gaetz. Gaetz ******** the subject of an ongoing House Ethics Committee investigation into whether he engaged in ******* misconduct or illicit ***** use. Gaetz, who has denied any wrongdoing, said in September that he would no longer voluntarily participate in that panel’s probe. The 42-year-old lawmaker, who has carved out a reputation as a staunch and vocal Trump loyalist, has aggressively criticized the DOJ investigation and prosecution of Trump by special counsel Jack Smith. In October 2023, Gaetz filed the original motion to oust then-House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, his fellow ***********. A band of eight Republicans led by Gaetz would ultimately join with all House Democrats in removing McCarthy as speaker, plunging the GOP conference into chaos. Gaetz was traveling with Trump, billionaire Elon Musk and others Wednesday during the president-elect’s first trip to Washington, D.C., since defeating Vice President Kamala Harris, NBC News reported. Trump’s selection of Gaetz came as a major surprise even to his *********** colleagues on Capitol Hill. House Speaker Mike Johnson, whose projected majority had already been slimmed after Trump tapped GOP Reps. Elise Stefanik of New York and Florida’s Mike Waltz to join his incoming administration, said Tuesday, “I don’t expect that we will have more members leaving.” Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, told Punchbowl News she was “shocked” by the pick. “This is why the Senate’s advise and consent process is so important. I’m sure that there will be many, many questions raised at Mr. Gaetz’s hearing,” she told the news outlet. Asked by a HuffPost reporter for his reaction about the Gaetz news, Rep. Mike Simpson, R-Idaho, replied, “Are you s——- me?” Source link #Trump #picks #Rep #Matt #Gaetz #attorney #general Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]
  9. Pelican Press
    Phil Spencer says Avowed wasn’t delayed due to quality concerns Phil Spencer says Avowed wasn’t delayed due to quality concerns Microsoft has said that Avowed’s delay wasn’t the result of quality concerns with the game. Obsidian’s RPG was once scheduled for release this year, but in August Xbox said it was pushing the title to February 2025. With Microsoft having a relatively large first-party line-up for late 2024, it said at the time that it wanted to “give players’ backlogs some breathing room”. Spencer discussed the delay in further detail in a new interview with Game File. “We can afford it when we have the Diablo expansion, then ****** Ops, then Indy [and the Great Circle],” he said. “We didn’t move it because Obsidian needed the time. They’ll use the time.” Spencer added: “[Xbox Game Studios head] Matt ****** and I, we plan it out, we talk with the Game Pass team… We said, ‘Okay, let’s make sure we pace this out a little better’.” Announced in July 2020, Avowed is a first-person fantasy action RPG set in the world of Eora, which was originally introduced in Obsidian’s Pillars of Eternity series. Game director Patel Carrie Patel has said Avowed will be similar in length to The Outer Worlds and that it has over 10 different endings. In the same interview, Spencer also expressed his dislike of “manipulative” expansions that don’t offer players “a unique point of view”. In a separate Bloomberg interview published today, the executive said Xbox is still open to more acquisitions following last year’s $69 billion purchase of Activision Blizzard. He also said Xbox wouldn’t rule out any first-party game coming to PS5 or Switch, and that Xbox is working on handheld prototypes. Source link #Phil #Spencer #Avowed #wasnt #delayed #due #quality #concerns Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]
  10. Pelican Press
    X rival Bluesky gains 1.25 million users following U.S. election X rival Bluesky gains 1.25 million users following U.S. election In this photo illustration, the Bluesky Social logo is displayed on a cell phone in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on September 4, 2024. Mauro Pimentel | AFP | Getty Images Micro-blogging startup Bluesky has gained over 1.25 million new users in the past week, indicating some social media users are changing their habits following the U.S. presidential election. Bluesky’s influx of users underscore how the app has been able to pitch itself as an alternative to rivals X, which is owned by Elon Musk, and Meta’s Threads. The bulk of the new users are coming from the U.S., Canada and the ******* Kingdom, the company said Wednesday. “We’re excited to welcome everyone looking for a better social media experience,” Bluesky CEO Jay Graber told CNBC in a statement. Despite the surge of users, Bluesky’s total base ******** a fraction of its rivals’. The Seattle startup claims 15.2 million total users. Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg in October said Threads had nearly 275 million monthly users. Musk in May claimed that X had 600 million monthly users, but market intelligence firm Sensor Tower pegged X’s monthly base at 318 million users in October. “Journalists, politicians, and news junkies have also been talking up Bluesky as a better X alternative than Threads,” wrote Similarweb, the internet traffic and monitoring service, in a Tuesday blog. Some users with new Bluesky accounts posted that they had moved to the service due to Musk and his support for President-elect Donald Trump. “It’s appalling that Elon Musk has transformed Twitter into a Trump *********** machine, rife with disinformation and misinformation,” one user posted on Bluesky. This is Bluesky’s second notable surge in the last couple of months. Bluesky said it picked up 2 million new users in September after the Brazilian Supreme Court suspended X in the country for failing to comply with regional content moderation policies and not appointing a local representative. Watch: Cramer’s **** Dash: Alphabet and Meta. Source link #rival #Bluesky #gains #million #users #U.S #election Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]
  11. Pelican Press
    X rival Bluesky gains 1.25 million users following U.S. election X rival Bluesky gains 1.25 million users following U.S. election In this photo illustration, the Bluesky Social logo is displayed on a cell phone in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on September 4, 2024. Mauro Pimentel | AFP | Getty Images Micro-blogging startup Bluesky has gained over 1.25 million new users in the past week, indicating some social media users are changing their habits following the U.S. presidential election. Bluesky’s influx of users underscore how the app has been able to pitch itself as an alternative to rivals X, which is owned by Elon Musk, and Meta’s Threads. The bulk of the new users are coming from the U.S., Canada and the ******* Kingdom, the company said Wednesday. “We’re excited to welcome everyone looking for a better social media experience,” Bluesky CEO Jay Graber told CNBC in a statement. Despite the surge of users, Bluesky’s total base ******** a fraction of its rivals’. The Seattle startup claims 15.2 million total users. Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg in October said Threads had nearly 275 million monthly users. Musk in May claimed that X had 600 million monthly users, but market intelligence firm Sensor Tower pegged X’s monthly base at 318 million users in October. “Journalists, politicians, and news junkies have also been talking up Bluesky as a better X alternative than Threads,” wrote Similarweb, the internet traffic and monitoring service, in a Tuesday blog. Some users with new Bluesky accounts posted that they had moved to the service due to Musk and his support for President-elect Donald Trump. “It’s appalling that Elon Musk has transformed Twitter into a Trump *********** machine, rife with disinformation and misinformation,” one user posted on Bluesky. This is Bluesky’s second notable surge in the last couple of months. Bluesky said it picked up 2 million new users in September after the Brazilian Supreme Court suspended X in the country for failing to comply with regional content moderation policies and not appointing a local representative. Watch: Cramer’s **** Dash: Alphabet and Meta. Source link #rival #Bluesky #gains #million #users #U.S #election Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]
  12. Pelican Press
    1 Element in Red ***** Redemption 2 Game Logic is So Bad Fans Want an Alternate Ending as Punishment 1 Element in Red ***** Redemption 2 Game Logic is So Bad Fans Want an Alternate Ending as Punishment Rockstar Games’ Red ***** Redemption 2 is often cited as one of the best action-adventure games of all time, however, even a masterpiece like RDR2 has some mistakes. Players on Reddit were discussing video games that violate their own logic and during the discussion, a gamer mentioned how Red ***** Redemption 2 completely eradicates the importance of donating to the camp as later Dutch van der Linde reveals that they need more money. Donating to the camp seems pointless to many players (Image via Rockstar Games) A player suggested that Rockstar Games could’ve added an Easter egg ending that is triggered depending on the amount of money players have donated to the camp. This alternate ending could’ve featured the crew escaping and moving to Dutch’s favorite place, Tahiti. This One Thing In Red ***** Redemption 2 Doesn’t Make Sense A post on the r/gaming subreddit sparked a discussion over one thing in Rockstar Games’ Red ***** Redemption 2 that doesn’t make sense at all. Throughout the campaign, players have the opportunity to donate to the camp in order to get some upgrades like better supplies, a fast travel system, and decorative additions that improve gang morale. These upgrades certainly make sense but Dutch later tells players that the crew has insufficient funds. Comment byu/ZhangtheGreat from discussion ingaming This is indeed an embarrassing mistake but players can forgive Rockstar Games for it because Red ***** Redemption 2 has an exceptional storyline. The game was released for the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One in October 2018, and for Windows and Stadia in November 2019. Upon release, it broke several records and went on to win many prestigious awards. Players Suggest That Rockstar Games Should’ve Added An Alternate Ending It seems like players really want to see the gang in Tahiti (Image via Rockstar Games) As a response to this mistake in Red ***** Redemption 2, a player suggested that Rockstar Games should’ve added a secret Easter Egg ending that players could only access on the second playthrough. This ending could only be played if players donated a certain amount of money to the camp by the end of the game. Comment byu/ZhangtheGreat from discussion ingaming Comment byu/ZhangtheGreat from discussion ingaming Comment byu/ZhangtheGreat from discussion ingaming Comment byu/ZhangtheGreat from discussion ingaming During one of the Saint Denis missions in Red ***** Redemption 2, Dutch first mentions Tahiti, explaining that the gang needs to flee the US and go somewhere remote. After this point, Dutch constantly talked about moving to Tahiti and did it so often that it became a meme. Well, players would love to get an ending where the crew finally reaches Tahiti as Dutch just can’t stop talking about it. This meme became so popular that some people have even made petitions on Change.org to convince Rockstar Games to work on a Tahiti DLC for the game. It’s hard to say if Rockstar would go back to Red ***** Redemption 2 now as the entire focus is on the next installment. Do you think Rockstar Games should acknowledge this mistake in a future DLC? Share your opinions in the comments! Source link #Element #Red #***** #Redemption #Game #Logic #Bad #Fans #Alternate #Punishment Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]
  13. Pelican Press
    Microsoft is, once again, trying to force users into using Edge Microsoft is, once again, trying to force users into using Edge Microsoft has deployed no shortage of tactics to get Windows users onto its Edge browser, and although some of the more nefarious methods of trying to force users to pick up the browser have *******, the company is still experimenting with new methods. The latest route launches Edge automatically on your PC on startup and prompts users to continually import data from Chrome, including your history, bookmarks, and tabs. Richard Lawler from The Verge spotted the prompt, which showed up earlier this year without explanation before disappearing. It’s back now, and in an official capacity from Microsoft. “This is a notification giving people the choice to import data from other browsers,” said Microsoft’s Caitlin Roulston in a statement to The Verge. Since the introduction of Edge, Microsoft has tried — and mostly ******* — to force Windows users onto its browser. In 2021, the company made a controversial change in Windows that made it nearly impossible to change your default browser to anything but Edge. It backpedaled on the change after facing backlash. Just days before then, Microsoft starting showing pop-ups within Edge whenever users went to the Chrome download page. Microsoft has done similar things many times before, sometimes showing what resembles a screen-overtaking ad on the Chrome download page. Even now, after you download Chrome through Edge, Microsoft injects a banner at the top of the page that reads: “Microsoft Edge runs on the same technology as Chrome, with the added trust of Microsoft.” Jacob ****** / Digital Trends The new prompt has the option to “bring over your data from other browsers regularly” checked by default, alongside a large blue button that reads, “confirm and continue.” Even if you leave Chrome as your default browser, confirming the notification will continually siphon the data you store in Chrome over to Edge. That includes your browsing history, bookmarks, and active tabs. Even if you ignore the pop-up and continue on with the browser of your choice, Edge won’t go away. It’s notoriously difficult to uninstall Edge on Windows, and even if you do, new updates can reinstate the browser on your PC. Windows also comes with several components of Edge ******* deep on your PC, so even if you manage to remove the browser, features like weather, widgets, and search within Windows will still use Bing and Edge. There are new tools, such as MSEdgeRedirect, that get around Microsoft’s force-feeding. However, the company has rendered similar tools, such as EdgeDeflector, unusable in the past. Source link #Microsoft #force #users #Edge Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]
  14. Pelican Press
    Recount triggered in Pennsylvania Senate race as McCormick heads to D.C., Casey declines to concede Recount triggered in Pennsylvania Senate race as McCormick heads to D.C., Casey declines to concede Sen. Bob Casey is not giving up on retaining his U.S. Senate seat. The three-term Democrat is currently locked in a tight race with Dave McCormick, trailing the *********** by just over 29,000 votes as of 4 p.m. Wednesday. CBS News has not issued a projection in the race. Pennsylvania Secretary of the Commonwealth Al Schmidt announced Wednesday afternoon that unofficial results in the race have triggered a statewide recount. That’s because vote totals for McCormick and Casey are within a 0.5% margin, which triggers a statewide recount under state law. According to the Department of State, Casey received 48.5% of the vote with 3,350,972 votes and McCormick had 48.93% with 3,380,310. Counties must begin the recount by Nov. 20, the announcement says. The recount will cost about $1 million in taxpayer funds, the Department of State says. In a statement Wednesday, McCormick’s spokesperson Elizabeth Gregory said, “Senator-Elect McCormick’s lead is insurmountable, which the AP made clear in calling the race. A recount will be a waste of time and taxpayer money, but it is Senator Casey’s prerogative. Senator-Elect McCormick knows what it’s like to lose an election and is sure Senator Casey will eventually reach the right conclusion.” According to an earlier statement from the Pennsylvania Department of State, Casey’s campaign did not waive an automatic recount by noon Wednesday. Casey has not made a public appearance since his election night watch party in Scranton, but he posted a video on his social media accounts Tuesday. “The ********* democratic process was born in Pennsylvania, and that process will play out,” he said in the video on X. Meanwhile, McCormick is moving forward. The businessman declared victory during a speech in Pittsburgh Friday, and he has spent this week in Washington going through the Senate orientation process. “The people have spoken. There’s a clear, clear victory,” McCormick said last week. CBS News Philadelphia reached out to both campaigns Wednesday, but neither made the candidates available to speak. Casey’s campaign has said it’s been waiting for outstanding votes from around the state, from mail-in ballots to overseas and military votes and provisional ballots. In Philadelphia, the state’s largest county and one where Casey has garnered more than 78% of the vote, commissioners say the number of votes left out there is running thin. “We had about 20,000 provisional ballots to start with. We’ve already counted 11,000 of those,” city commissioner Seth Bluestein said Wednesday. Bluestein told CBS News Philadelphia the election board wrapped up voting on outstanding mail-in votes Wednesday. He says a few thousand could not be counted for various reasons, mostly a lack of a signature or secrecy envelope. As for the remaining provisional ballots, Bluestein said the board will take those up on Friday. But he warned, “most of those will probably end up not getting counted.” The Department of Stats says there are about 60,366 uncounted provisional ballots and 20,155 uncounted mail-in and absentee ballots. That includes ballots for which officials still need to determine eligibility or validity. Dan Snyder Dan Snyder, a Lehighton native and Temple University graduate, is excited to return to his home area after spending over three years as the Evening Anchor in Oklahoma City. Source link #Recount #triggered #Pennsylvania #Senate #race #McCormick #heads #D.C #Casey #declines #concede Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]
  15. Pelican Press
    Activist takes own life in protest at Iranian regime Activist takes own life in protest at Iranian regime A well-known Iranian human rights activist has ******* himself in protest at what he called the dictatorship of Iran’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. In a post on social media, Kianoosh Sanjari said he would take his own life if four political prisoners were not released by 19:00 local time (16:30 BST) on Wednesday. When authorities did not free the prisoners, he posted an image taken from high up overlooking a busy junction in the capital Tehran on X. “My life will end after this tweet,” he wrote at 19:20, adding: “I wish that one day Iranians will wake up and overcome slavery.” “No one should be imprisoned for expressing their opinions. “Protest is the right of every Iranian citizen.” His ****** was confirmed hours later by fellow activists. Sanjari was a vocal critic of Iran’s leaders and advocate for democracy. On Wednesday morning, he posted an ultimatum on X, demanding the release of four political prisoners. “If Fateme Sepehari, Nasreen Shakrami, Tomaj Salehi and Arsham Rezaei are not released from prison by 19:00 today … I will end my life in protest against the dictatorship of Khamenei and his partners.” All four were arrested for their support and involvement in the wave of unprecedented protests following the ****** of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini, who ***** in 2022 after being detained by Iran’s morality police. Sanjari was repeatedly arrested and imprisoned for his political activism between 1999 and 2007. He left Iran in 2007 and received asylum in Norway, before joining US broadcasting service Voice of America’s Persian service in Washington DC. He returned to Iran in 2016 to be with his parents, and was arrested and sentenced to 11 years imprisonment in Evin prison, where political prisoners are often imprisoned. He was released on bail in 2019 on medical grounds, and subsequently taken to a psychiatric hospital. He told local media he was given electric shocks, chained to a bed and injected with substances. “Kianoosh Sanjeri is not just a name, it is a symbol of years of pain, resistance and struggle for freedom,” freedom of speech activist Hossein Ronaghi posted on X. Source link #Activist #takes #life #protest #Iranian #regime Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]
  16. Pelican Press
    Fallout, Elder Scrolls, and ***** Workers Go on Strike in Protest at Parent Company Microsoft Fallout, Elder Scrolls, and ***** Workers Go on Strike in Protest at Parent Company Microsoft GamesRadar+ writes: “Xbox boss Phil Spencer says there are no “red lines” banning certain Microsoft games from being released on PlayStation, but it’s too early to make decisions about tentpole franchises like Halo. Speaking to Bloomberg, Spencer said that “the ball is moving in the right direction” when it comes to more open game platforms.” Source link #Fallout #Elder #Scrolls #***** #Workers #Strike #Protest #Parent #Company #Microsoft Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]
  17. Pelican Press
    The Alienware R16 with RTX 4080 Super is $800 off today The Alienware R16 with RTX 4080 Super is $800 off today This little Alienware PC fits just about anywhere. Jacob ****** / Digital Trends A landmark gaming PC should have plenty of processing and graphical power on top of efficient airflow and chassis design. After all, you don’t want your prized machine overheating when you’re in the throes of a Baldur’s Gate III battle. That’s why we tend to favor Alienware deals when vetting gaming PC discounts, which leads us to today’s promo: Right now, when you order the Alienware Aurora R16 Gaming Desktop through Dell, you’ll save a whopping $800! At full price, this model sells for $2,800. Why you should buy the Alienware Aurora R16 Gaming Desktop This version of the Alienware Aurora R16 comes with an Intel Core i9 (max clock speeds of 5.60GHz), an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4080 Super, 32GB of RAM, and 1TB of storage. On paper, the CPU and GPU alone really seal the deal with this model, but we love that the PC is able to lean on a trove of memory and excellent storage, too. And lending a hand in the efficiency department is the 1000W platinum-rated PSU with its 240mm liquid-cooling system. Expect lightning-fast response times, next to no input lag, and gorgeous graphics (you should also check out the best monitor deals we’ve been keeping tabs on). You’ll also be able to use the Alienware Command Center desktop software to get into the nitty-gritty of your gaming specs. The program keeps track of CPU and GPU vitals and even lets you customize the RGB lighting of the Aurora R16. On top of one year of Alienware support, the R16 also comes with a 30-day free trial of Microsoft Office 365. It’s hard to say how long this Alienware offer will stick around, but it could be a while before the next big markdown comes along. That being said, today might be the best day to save $800 on the Alienware Aurora R16 Gaming Desktop. You should also check out our list of the best desktop computer deals for even more slamming discounts! Source link #Alienware #R16 #RTX #Super #today Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]
  18. Pelican Press
    Elon Musk may already be overstaying his welcome in Trump’s orbit Elon Musk may already be overstaying his welcome in Trump’s orbit Musk has been so aggressive in pushing his views about Trump’s second term that he’s stepping on the toes of Trump’s transition team and may be overstaying his welcome at Mar-a-Lago, sources say. Source link #Elon #Musk #overstaying #Trumps #orbit Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]
  19. Pelican Press
    NYT Crossword: answers for Wednesday, November 13 NYT Crossword: answers for Wednesday, November 13 The New York Times crossword puzzle can be tough! If you’re stuck, we’re here to help with a list of today’s clues and answers. Source link #NYT #Crossword #answers #Wednesday #November Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]
  20. Pelican Press
    Early ****** Friday Apple deals 2024: AirPods, iPads, MacBooks Early ****** Friday Apple deals 2024: AirPods, iPads, MacBooks Update 11/11/24: We’ve seen some early ****** Friday Apple deals come and go already, which means you need to pounce on these deals if you see something you like. We’ll be here with regular updates throughout the lead-up to ****** Friday, and while we’ve seen some new Apple deals pop up, we’ve also seen some disappear already. Right now there are a lot of early ****** Friday deals to shop, and while we’re expecting even more to arrive when ****** Friday officially starts, we’re seeing a ton of early ****** Friday Apple deals we’re ready to recommend. If you have your eye on early ****** Friday laptop deals, early ****** Friday smartwatch deals, early ****** Friday Beats headphone deals, or early ****** Friday Bose headphone deals, we’ve likely found an Apple version to match. You can find all of the best early ****** Friday Apple deals below, so read onward for details on how to save. Apple AirPods 3 — $94 $169 44% off Apple Described as “the best of both worlds,” the Apple AirPods 3 are perfect entry-level earphones. They have personalized spatial audio and up to 30 hours of battery life. There’s also Siri support for any time you need to ask something. Apple AirPods Pro 2 — $190 $249 24% off Simon Cohen / Digital Trends “Great buds get even better,” explains our Apple AirPods Pro 2 review. These earbuds have excellent noise cancelation and top-notch transparency paired beautifully with very good sound quality. Whatever you need to listen to, these buds are great, right down to excellent call quality. Apple Watch SE 2 — $219 $279 22% off Andy Boxall / Digital Trends We described the Apple Watch SE 2 as “simple, cheap, and brilliant” being the perfect entry point for anyone seeking one of the best smartwatches. It’s perfect for motivating you and getting you more active throughout the day. Apple iPad 10th Gen — $299 $349 14% off Apple / Apple Landing a newer model iPad for under $300 may seem like a stretch, but with this ****** Friday deal you can get the 10th Gen iPad for just $299. It’s available in four different colors and even features things like Touch ID, a 12-megapixel camera, and all-day battery life. Apple iPad mini — $350 $499 30% off Adam Doud/Digital Trends / Digital Trends My personal favorite iPad, the iPad mini, is a “little powerhouse,” with a gorgeous screen and great performance. It’s perfect for browsing online, playing games, or even getting some work done on the move. Its versatility and lightweight build really sell it. Apple Watch Series 9 — $329 $399 18% off Andy Boxall / Digital Trends This may not be the latest model any more, but the Apple Watch Series 9 is a great option for most thanks to its extensive health, fitness, and safety features. It’s silky smooth to use and integrates well with your iPhone. Apple Watch Series 10 — $349 $399 13% off Apple Watch Series 10 Andy Boxall / Digital Trends Only recently launched, the Apple Watch Series 10 is a refined Apple Watch with a thinner design, subtle screen upgrades, and improved charging speeds. If you want the ultimate Apple Watch experience, this is it. It also looks great on your wrist. Apple AirPods Max — $449 $549 18% off Apple While they’re pretty pricey for a set of headphones, the Apple AirPods Max delivery big sound, and with this ****** Friday deal they also deliver a $100 discount. This brings this to a ***** price of $449, which may still be more than most people are willing to spend, but it’s still one of the best prices we’ve seen on the AirPods Max. Apple Watch Ultra 2 — $734 $799 8% off Christine Romero-Chan / Digital Trends On the other hand, if you’re looking for the best that Apple has to offer, the Apple Watch Ultra 2 should be right up your alley. When we reviewed it, we felt that it had “outstanding design, great software, and some very welcome upgrades,” and that the ” Apple Watch Ultra 2 is tough to beat.” which is even more true with the 10% off. Apple MacBook Air 13-inch M3 — $799 $1,099 27% off Luke Larsen / Digital Trends With “excellent GPU performance” and a “compact and beautiful design,” we gave the Apple MacBook Air 13-inch M3 four stars in our review. Everything about it oozes class, right down to its 18-hour battery life and its beautiful 13.6-inch Liquid Retina display. It’s ideal for everyone. Apple iPad Pro 11-Inch M4 — $949 $999 5% off Apple The latest Apple iPad Pro M4 gives you one of the thinnest and most powerful tablets on the market from pretty much any brand. While it is still a bit pricey at $947, that’s a nice 5% discount from the original $999 price tag, so it’s worth grabbing if you’ve been eyeing it for a while. Apple MacBook Pro M3 14-inch — $1,349 $1,599 16% off Luke Larsen / Digital Trends With a 8-core CPU and 10-core GPU, the Apple MacBook Pro M3 14.2-inch can handle gaming and video editing with style. It has a delightful 14.2-inch Liquid Retina XDR display, so everything you work on will look great. It’s ideal for content creators on a budget. How to choose Apple products on ****** Friday So, what are you looking for? Apple makes a lot of different great products. It’s important to think about whether you need a new laptop from one of the best MacBooks or if you’re actually seeking one of the best smartwatches. Alternatively, if you need some of the best headphones, the AirPod range is what you need. Once you’ve figured out exactly what you want, think about budget. Apple products are more affordable than they used to be, but they can also be very expensive, so it’s important to figure out what you can afford and what you actually need. Think about how it’ll enrich your life and fit into your life. If you don’t travel often for instance, you may not need new earphones. Don’t be tempted by an incremental upgrade as Apple products are built to last. How we chose these Apple ****** Friday deals When it comes to deal hunting, we know what we’re doing. We seek out the best deals throughout the year, so when it comes to ****** Friday, we know what we’re doing. In this case, pretty much all Apple products are worth your time, but we’ve specifically focused on newer models that will last you a long time to come. Apple products are built to last, but the oldest devices can lack essential features, so unless they’re heavily discounted, they’re not always a good choice. Essentially, we list the deals we would want to buy ourselves or we would recommend to friends and family. These are the best that Apple has to offer at the relevant prices. After all, a good deal is only good if it’s something you actually want to own. Otherwise, there’s not much point spending a little money on something that is inferior in quality. Source link #Early #****** #Friday #Apple #deals #AirPods #iPads #MacBooks Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]
  21. Pelican Press
    E. coli cases climb to 104 in McDonald’s outbreak tied to slivered onions E. coli cases climb to 104 in McDonald’s outbreak tied to slivered onions At least 104 people have been sickened, with 34 hospitalized, in an outbreak of E. coli food poisoning tied to onions served on McDonald’s Quarter Pounder hamburgers, federal health officials said Wednesday. Cases have been detected in 14 states, according to an update from the U.S. Centers for ******** Control and Prevention. One person ***** in Colorado and four people have developed a potentially life-threatening kidney ******** complication. At least 30 cases were reported in Colorado, followed by 19 in Montana, 13 in Nebraska, 10 in New Mexico, eight in Missouri and Utah, six in Wyoming, three in Kansas, two in Michigan and one each in Iowa, North Carolina, Oregon, Washington and Wisconsin. Illnesses were reported between Sept. 12 and Oct. 21. At least seven people who got ***** said they ate McDonald’s food while traveling. Slivered onions served on the Quarter Pounders were the likely source of the outbreak, the CDC said. Taylor Farms, a California-based produce grower, recalled onions potentially linked to the outbreak. Tests by the U.S. Food and ***** Administration detected a type of E. coli bacteria that produces a dangerous toxin in one sample of the onions, but it did not match the strain that made people *****, officials reported. Quarter Pounders were removed from menus in several states during the early days of the outbreak. The onions served at the McDonald’s locations are past their shelf life and no longer for *****. CDC officials said the risk to the public ******** low. The type of bacteria implicated in this outbreak causes about 74,000 infections in the U.S. annually, leading to more than 2,000 hospitalizations and 61 deaths each year, according to the CDC. Symptoms occur quickly, within a day or two of eating contaminated food, and typically include fever, vomiting, diarrhea or ******* diarrhea and signs of dehydration — little or no urination, increased thirst and dizziness. The infection can cause a type of serious kidney injury, especially in kids younger than 5. E. coli poisoning in young children requires immediate medical attention. ___ The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Science and Educational Media Group. The AP is solely responsible for all content. Source link #coli #cases #climb #McDonalds #outbreak #tied #slivered #onions Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]
  22. Pelican Press
    Ancient Samos and the Museum of Mysterious Artifacts Ancient Samos and the Museum of Mysterious Artifacts The island of Samos in Greece is an island about 1.5 km from the shores of Turkey, which has a long history dating back to 4,000 BC. The name ‘Samos’ is thought to have Phoenician origin and according to the ancient Greek geographer Strabo, the name means ‘altitude near the coast’, probably because of the high mountains on the island. Samos was a very important island in ancient times, and the historian Herodotus referred to it as the best city among both the Greeks and the ‘Barbarians’. There are many myths in relation to the origins of the island. According to legend, sea nymphs or Nereids were the first inhabitants of the island. Nereids were deities that accompanied the **** Poseidon and helped sailors to ****** the storms and travel safely on the sea waters. One famous Nereid was the mother of Achilles, Thetis. Pelasgians of Samos Island (Archivist / Adobe Stock) The first inhabitants of Samos island were the Pelasgians who are considered to be ancestors of the Greeks. According to Greek mythology, the first king of Samos Island was said to be the demigod king Ancaeus (Ankaios), son of the **** Poseidon and Astypalaea. Ancaeus was also one of the heroes in the Argonauts who accompanied Jason on the quest in search of the Golden Fleece. The Goddess Hera was the protector of the island, who according to mythology was born on Samos Island. Another important figure of Samos is the Greek philosopher and mathematician, Pythagoras. As we can see, Samos Island has an important place in ancient Greek mythology. The significance of the island is also reflected in the museums of the main city, which contain a wide range of very impressive artifacts. The first archaeological excavations took place in 1812 with British archaeologists from London and then continued with the Germans in 1900. The artifacts reflect the importance of the island as a cultural centre in ancient times. The influence of the Minoan, Mycenaean, Egyptian, and Mesopotamian civilizations is depicted in the artifacts found during the archaeological excavations. According to the museum, the strange bronze artifact shown in the featured image (above) depicts a carriage that would have been pulled by horses. However, there are a few interesting features of the image: a) the figurines have a very unusual appearance including pointed faces and unusually long necks, b) the shape of the object they are placed upon bears no similarity to a carriage (it looks a lot more like a submarine!), and c) the figurine on the left has something connected to the waist which he also holds, like some kind of wheel or control. Another unique item is a bronze artifact depicting ****** female figurines, which was given as a gift to the ruler Azael of the Old Testament. The text is written in Aramaic, and the origin of the artifact is believed to be from Syria in about the 7th century BC, hence the similarities with ancient Sumerian depictions of the sun **** on the top. Bronze artifact depicting ****** female figurines. (ΣΑΜΟΣ: Τα αρχαιολογικά μουσεία – Ίδρυμα Λάτση (GR)) In addition to the unique and fascinating artifacts, Samos is also home to one of the greater architectural achievements of ancient Greece – an aqueduct commissioned by the architect and engineer Eupalinos in the 6th century BC, a one-kilometer (0.62 mi) tunnel which was able to transfer more than 400 cubic meters of water per day. Being the longest tunnel of its time, the tunnel is regarded as a major feat of ancient engineering. The Greek historian Herodotus described the tunnel briefly: “I have dwelt rather long on the history of the Samians because theirs are the three greatest works of all the Greeks. One is a tunnel through the base of a nine hundred foot high mountain. The tunnel’s length is seven stades, its height and length (width) both eight feet. Throughout its length another cutting has been dug three feet wide and three feet deep, through which the water flowing in pipes is led into the city from an abundant spring.” The aqueduct of Eupalinos. (ΣΑΜΟΣ: Τα αρχαιολογικά μουσεία – Ίδρυμα Λάτση (GR)) The aqueduct of Eupalinos and the Museum of Samos are definitely worth a visit. The island of Samos holds a significant place in both history and mythology. From its early Pelasgian inhabitants to its mythological ties to Poseidon, Hera, and Pythagoras, the island has been a vital cultural and religious center. The impressive archaeological finds, including unique bronze artifacts and the engineering marvel of the Eupalinos tunnel, showcase the island’s ancient importance. Samos was not only a hub for Greek civilization but also influenced by various cultures like the Minoans, Mycenaeans, and Egyptians. Today, the island’s rich history continues to captivate visitors through its well-preserved museums and historical landmarks. Below are some more images showing some of the unique artifacts found on the island. Left; A goat-like creature with wings. It was part of a handle of some kind of a bowl. Right; A figurine with influences of the Minoan Civilization.(ΣΑΜΟΣ: Τα αρχαιολογικά μουσεία – Ίδρυμα Λάτση (GR)) One of the oldest Egyptian goddesses, Nut, mother of Osiris, is on the right and Syrian **** Resheph is believed to be the figure on the left – **** of plagues and war. (ΣΑΜΟΣ: Τα αρχαιολογικά μουσεία – Ίδρυμα Λάτση (GR)) By John ****** This article was first published in Feb 2014 and was updated Nov 2024. Source link #Ancient #Samos #Museum #Mysterious #Artifacts Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]
  23. Pelican Press
    Spotify unveils a new payout model for creators with popular videos Spotify unveils a new payout model for creators with popular videos Spotify is aiming to give YouTube some competition with its new partner program for video creators and content that goes viral. The music and podcast app announced that monetizes audio and video beyond income from advertising starting on January 2, 2025. pays Spotify creators in two ways. Creators can earn a share of ad revenue from their content on all platforms through its Partner Program. They can also earn money through monthly podcast subscriptions that “allow listeners to support creators directly in return for exclusive bonus content and perks.” Both tiers also come with eligibility requirements. The Spotify Partner Program requires participants to host and upload their content through its Spotify for Creators platform, have streamed 10,000 hours and at least 2,000 unique views in a 30-day ******* and published at least 12 episodes. Subscriptions will be open to content creators who have at least two published episodes and at least 100 unique Spotify listeners in a 60-day *******. The new programs will be available for subscribers in the US, ***, Canada and Australia next January. Spotify has taken other steps to make its video and music content more accessible and mainstream. The music and video streamer integrated with and so users can post tracks on the social media sites. Source link #Spotify #unveils #payout #model #creators #popular #videos Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]
  24. Pelican Press
    Dell XPS 13 (9350) review: better battery, same design flaws Dell XPS 13 (9350) review: better battery, same design flaws Dell XPS 13 (9350) MSRP $1,400.00 “The Dell XPS 13 (9350) is a highly portable laptop with great battery life, but its unconventional design is off-putting.” ***** Solid build Highly compact and portable Attractive aesthetic Battery life is excellent Good enough performance ***** No headphone jack Expensive Questionable design elements LED function keys a bust Dell continues to roll out new versions of its redesigned XPS 13, sporting its unconventional design. Having first launched on Intel’s previous-gen Meteor Lake chips, then on Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X Elite, and now, finally, on Intel’s new Lunar Lake platform, each of the three machines introduced in 2024 use different chipsets but are otherwise identical — for better or for worse. All of the XPS 13’s unconventional design elements are still here, which range from merely controversial to downright dysfunctional. It’s still a highly portable and well-built laptop, but no longer tops our list of the best laptops as it once did. This time around, though, the XPS 13 better does leverage its new chipset to gain some very good battery life. While I’m happy to see improvements, it’s not quite enough to make me overlook this laptop’s faults though. Specs and configuration Dell XPS 13 9350 Dimensions 11.62 x 7.84 x 0.60 inches Weight 2.7 pounds Display 13.4-inch 16:10 FHD+ (1920 x 1200) IPS, 120Hz 13.4-inch 16:10 QHD+ (2560 x 1600) IPS, 120Hz 13.4-inch 16:10 2.8K (2880 x 1800) OLED, 60Hz CPU Intel Core Ultra 5 226V Intel Core Ultra 7 256V Intel Core Ultra 7 258V Intel Core Ultra 7 268V Intel Core Ultra 9 288V GPU Intel Arc 130V Intel Arc 140V Memory 16GB LPDDR5X RAM 32GB LPDDR5X RAM Storage 512TB M.2 NVMe SSD 1TB M.2 NVMe SSD 2TB M.2 NVMe SSD 4TH M.2 NVMe SSD Ports 2 x USB-C with Thunderbolt 4 Camera 1080p with infrared camera for Windows 11 Hello Wireless Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4 Battery 55 watt-hour Operating system Windows 11 Price $1,400+ You can select from various configurations of the XPS 13 9350, not all of which are currently available in Dell’s web store. For example, what are likely a lower-priced Core Ultra 5 model isn’t available yet. The current base model, which I reviewed, is $1,400 with an Intel Core Ultra 7 256V, 16GB of RAM, a 512GB SSD, and a 13.3-inch FHD+ IPS display. At the high end, you’ll spend $2,000 for a Core Ultra 7 258V, 32GB of RAM, a 1TB SSD, and a 2.8K OLED display. Those are premium prices, and you can spend less for a similar machine. The HP OmniBook Ultra Flip 14, which only comes with an OLED display, is just $1,400 (on *****) for a similar configuration as Dell’s high end. Dell does tend to put its laptops on ***** after a certain point, so you’ll want to keep an eye open for a more attractive price. Design Mark Coppock / Digital Trends The best thing about the XPS 13’s design is that it leverages Dell’s ability to craft a high-quality XPS laptop and its trademark tiny bezels to make a very portable machine. The XPS 13 isn’t the thinnest laptop — that honor belongs to Apple’s MacBook Air 13 — nor is it the lightest. But it’s tiny in width and depth, and its all-aluminum construction is tight and solid. Feels as good in hand as any laptop made today. Aesthetically, the XPS 13 looks a lot like past generations on the outside. It’s a sleek, streamlined chassis that comes in two colors — Platinum and Graphite — with an interior that matches. The chassis sides are made from anodized aluminum that both looks great and resists scratches. There really isn’t another laptop that has quite the same look and feel. Open the lid, and the XPS 13 has maybe the most modern aesthetic inside. The zero-lattice keyboard, glass palm rest with hidden haptic touchpad, and LED touch function keys are a great look (check below, though, for how it all works). The 13-inch laptop has become a lot less popular over the last several years, with the 14-inch laptop with its larger display but not too much larger chassis becoming a lot more dominant. The only other mainstream 13-inch machine I’ve reviewed in the last several months is the Asus ProArt PX13, and that’s a very different laptop. It’s thicker and heavier and not nearly as small. Really, the XPS 13 kind of stands alone in this regard. The MacBook Air 13 has a larger display and its bezels aren’t as thin, so its chassis is wider and deeper. But you don’t give anything up by choosing the diminutive XPS 13. It’s a design that’s both modern and timeless. Keyboard and touchpad Mark Coppock / Digital Trends OK, so I just said how great the XPS 13 looks and how well it’s built. And those are legitimate accolades. The problem is that its standout design features aren’t really all that functional. Take the zero-lattice keyboard, for starters. The more I’ve used it, the less I’ve liked it. The keycaps are large, yes, but the complete lack of key spacing doesn’t feel natural. The switches are light and snappy, not as good as Apple’s Magic Keyboard but still precise. But I’ve just never found myself able to maintain full speed as I type on Dell’s keyboard. The LED touch function keys have no haptic feedback, meaning not only do you have to look at them to know where to press but you don’t really know when you have. Maybe they saved some space in the chassis over physical keys, but that doesn’t seem to be the reason they exist given that they’re also used on the much larger 14- and 16-inch models. It seems like something Dell just implemented to be futuristic but not to solve an actual problem. I also don’t like the hidden touchpad. On the XPS 13, particularly as compared to the larger machines that have larger touchpads, it’s easy to lose track of where to swipe. If Dell added an LED along the edges, that would make all the difference in the world. It’s a good-enough haptic touchpad, but again, it seems like form over function. The MacBook Air’s Force Touch touchpad with Force Click feature is larger, visible, and better. Using the fourth version of the XPS 13 with the same features has cemented my opinion that they’re bad choices. Dell should strongly consider a redo that trades functionality for modernity. A laptop like the HP OmniBook Ultra Flip 14 is plenty modern while also being a lot more pleasant to actually use. Connectivity and webcam Another weakness is in connectivity. There are just two USB-C ports with Thunderbolt 4, one of which powers the XPS 13. There’s no SD card reader, which admittedly is less common, but also no 3.5mm audio jack, which so far has stuck around. The MacBook Air 13 also has just two Thunderbolt 4 ports, but it also has a MagSafe 3 connection for power and an audio jack. This is really something else Dell might want to rethink. Wireless connectivity, however, is fully up-to-date. The webcam is a 1080p version, which has become the floor. Several other laptops have higher-res webcams, like the OmniBook with its 9MP version. As with other Microsoft Copilot+ PC laptops, the XPS 13 supports the full suite of the enhanced Studio Effects software as well as all other available AI features. That’s thanks to a fast neural processing unit (NPU) that comes in at 45 tera operations per second (TOPS) that exceeds the Copilot+ PC 40 TOPS requirement. Mostly, the NPU is used for more efficient on-device AI processing, and that positions the XPS 13 for whatever Microsoft rolls out. Mark Coppock / Digital Trends You can choose from facial recognition or a fingerprint reader in the power button to log in via Windows 11 Hello. Both worked consistently and quickly, as usual. Performance Mark Coppock / Digital Trends The XPS 13 9350 is built around Intel’s Lunar Lake chipset, also known as Core Ultra Series 2. You can choose from several options, from the Core Ultra 5 226V up to the Core Ultra 9 288V. They’re all 8-core/8-thread chipsets running at 17 watts, and they vary only in clock speeds and Intel Arc graphics versions. I reviewed the XPS 13 with the Core Ultra 7 256V, which is a little slower than the Core Ultra 7 258V in the other Lunar Lake laptops I’ve reviewed. It uses the faster Intel Arc 140V. Looking at the XPS 13 9350 versus the XPS 13 9345 that uses the Qualcomm Snapdragon X1E-80-100, which is a 12-core ARM chipset, there’s no contest. Qualcomm’s chipset is a lot faster, with the only caveat being that it runs Windows on Arm and so will slow down in emulated applications. The XPS 13 9350 keeps up with other Lunar Lake laptops, but its graphics performance is slower. The XPS 13 9345 also has faster graphics, but all of these machines aren’t as fast as the Asus ProArt PX13, which has the lowest-end discrete GPU Nvidia offers, the GeForce RTD 4050. Ultimately, the XPS 13 9350 is plenty fast enough for demanding productivity users, but it’s not as fast as its Qualcomm and AMD competition. And it’s not a great laptop for gamers or creators thanks to low-end graphics performance. Cinebench R24 (single/multi) Geekbench 6 (single/multi) Handbrake (seconds) 3DMark Wild Life Extreme Dell XPS 13 9350 (Core Ultra 7 256V / Intel Arc 140V) 120 / 571 2575 / 10530 91 4840 Dell XPS 13 9345 (Snapdragon X1E-80-100 / Adreno) 121 / 921 2805 / 14511 N/A 6397 HP OmniBook Ultra Flip 14 (Core Ultra 7 258V / Intel Arc 140V) 116 / 598 2483 / 10725 99 5866 Asus Zenbook S 14 (Core Ultra 7 258V / Intel Arc 140V) 112 / 452 2738 / 10734 113 N/A HP OmniBook X (Snapdragon X Elite / Adreno) 101 / 749 2377 / 13490 N/A 6165 Asus ProArt PX13 (Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 / RTX 4050) 116 / 897 2710 / 14696 54 15298 MacBook Air (M3) 141 / 601 3102 / 12078 109 8098 Battery life Mark Coppock / Digital Trends While Lunar Lake isn’t the fastest chipset, its primary purpose is to compete more strongly with Apple’s highly efficient M3 chipset that powers the MacBook Air 13. That’s also a focus of Qualcomm’s chipset. In our tests, the XPS 13 9350 adds to the already excellent battery life of the XPS 13 9345. These are very strong results, aided in part by the low-power IPS display in both of our XPS 13 review units. Some of the others have more power-hungry OLED displays, giving the Dell machines an advantage. The MacBook Air 13 is stronger the ******* you work it, maintaining its overall efficiency lead that will likely get even stronger when the M4 chipset arrives next year. The XPS 13 9350 will get you through a full day’s work, and then some. It’s a great performer here. Web browsing Video Cinebench R24 Dell XPS 13 9350 (Core Ultra 7 256V) 13 hours, 33 minutes 24 hours, 52 minutes 2 hours, 24 minutes Dell XPS 13 9345 (Snapdragon X1E-80-100) 12 hours, 29 minutes 22 hours, 9 minutes 1 hour, 37 minutes HP OmniBook Ultra Flip 14 (Core Ultra 7 258V) 11 hours, 5 minutes 15 hours, 46 minutes 2 hours, 14 minutes Asus Zenbook S 14 (Core Ultra 7 258V) 16 hours, 47 minutes 18 hours, 35 minutes 3 hours, 33 minutes Microsoft Surface Laptop (Snapdragon X Elite X1E-80-100) 14 hours, 21 minutes 22 hours, 39 minutes N/A HP Omnibook X (Snapdragon X Elite X1E-78-100) 13 hours, 37 minutes 22 hours, 4 minutes 1 hour, 52 minutes Asus Vivobook S 15 (Snapdragon X Plus) 13 hours, 10 minutes 16 hours, 19 minutes N/A Asus ProArt PX13 (Ryzen AI 9 HX 370) 8 hours, 7 minutes 11 hours, 12 minutes 1 hour, 12 minutes Apple MacBook Air (Apple M3) 19 hours, 38 minutes 19 hours, 39 minutes 3 hours, 27 minutes Display and audio Dell offers a trio of displays with the XPS 13. Two are IPS panels — FHD+ (1920 x 1200) and QHD+ (2560 x 1600) running at 120Hz — and a 2.8K (2880 x 1800) OLED display at 60Hz. The base display that I reviewed is a low-power panel, which affected the battery results above. It’s an OK display subjectively, being maybe sharp enough for most people at 13.3 inches but not sharp enough for me. Colors were fine but not spectacular, and the same with contrast. There was a time when an IPS panel with the objective results that this one showed would have been excellent. In the last several years, though, these results have become closer to average. It was a bright display at 507 nits, which I’ve seen more and more often, and its contrast was very good at 1,740:1. The only reason that number seems low is because I’ve reviewed so many OLED display with perfect *******. The XPS 13’s display also had fairly wide colors at 100% sRGB, 74% AdobeRGB, and 75% DCI-P3, and they’re accurate at a DeltaE of 1.41. Again, those are average scores today, but they still make for a display that’s more than good enough for most users. You can opt for the OLED display if you want a lot more sharpness, wider colors, and inky *******. But you’ll also give up some battery life in the bargain. Really good battery life saves the day, but troubles remain I love the XPS 13’s portability. It’s a laptop that you can use anywhere and easily carry it around. But when I open it up and struggle with the keyboard and touchpad, I’m frustrated. I remember the older XPS design that was just as portable but a lot more comfortable. Put a “normal” keyboard with real function keys and a haptic touchpad that I can actually see, and I’d be a lot happier. The performance is fine and the display is good enough for most people. I’m sure the OLED model would be as spectacular as always. But what saves the XPS 13 from a lower score — I still can’t fully recommend it — is the battery life. It’s a major step up from the older Intel models, and it elevates this to a laptop that will keep you working for a long time — so long as you can get past its unconventional design. Source link #Dell #XPS #review #battery #design #flaws Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]
  25. Pelican Press
    Amazon Prime Video to stream Diamond regional sports networks Amazon Prime Video to stream Diamond regional sports networks Sopa Images | Lightrocket | Getty Images Diamond Sports reached a deal with Amazon’s Prime Video that will allow its 16 regional sports networks to be made available on the streaming platform. As part of the deal, Diamond’s networks will be made available as an add-on subscription to Prime customers living within each team’s designated geographic area. Further details, such as pricing, will be announced at a later date. Financial terms of the multiyear agreement were not disclosed. The agreement is not exclusive, meaning Diamond can still pursue streaming rights deals with other partners, according to a person familiar with the matter. The company’s previously launched FanDuel Sports Network streaming options will still be available. This marks the latest development for Diamond Sports as it looks to exit bankruptcy protection with a revamped business model. In October, Diamond inked a naming rights deal with Flutter-owned FanDuel, rebranding its networks from Bally Sports to FanDuel Sports Network. The name change took place immediately during the National Hockey League season and ahead of the start of the 2024-25 National Basketball Association season. Earlier this week, Diamond also announced it would offer games on an a la carte basis at $6.99 per game beginning Dec. 5, which will not require a subscription. Both Prime Video and the FanDuel Sports Network app will offer the single games, according to the person familiar with the offering. On Thursday, Diamond will seek court approval for its reorganization plan, which has drawn criticism from Major League Baseball and the Atlanta Braves, who question the company’s future viability under the plan. Both the league and the Braves had requested further clarity on what the partnership with Amazon, which at the time was not solidified, would entail. Diamond sought bankruptcy protection last year, toppled by a heavy debt load and the effect of cord-cutting on its networks as consumers opt out of cable TV bundles for streaming services. Diamond has also inked deals with the NBA and NHL for TV and streaming rights for their teams. It has been negotiating with MLB teams on an individual basis. Various regional sports networks, including the New York Yankees’ YES Network, have launched streaming options in recent years. Amazon’s Prime Video already airs a selection of Yankees games each season since it is a stakeholder in the YES Network. Pricing has been on the higher end of the scale, as the networks have been careful when it comes to pricing their streaming options so as not to further disrupt the cable TV model and breach contracts with distributors. These contracts have long helped support the billions of dollars in fees that the networks pay professional sports teams to air games. Don’t miss these insights from CNBC PRO Source link #Amazon #Prime #Video #stream #Diamond #regional #sports #networks Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

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