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AMD to cut down global workforce by 4% AMD to cut down global workforce by 4% AMD on Wednesday said that it would reduce its global workforce by 4% in a bid to focus on its main future growth opportunities. As a result of the decision, the company will have to lay off around 1,000 employees worldwide after doubling its headcount over the past three years. “As a part of aligning our resources with our largest growth opportunities, we are taking a number of targeted steps that will unfortunately result in reducing our global workforce by approximately 4%,” a statement from AMD reads. “We are committed to treating impacted employees with respect and helping them through this transition.” The workforce reduction is described as a targeted approach, ensuring AMD has the skills necessary in the sectors of its fastest growth, including its data center operations in general and AI processors in particular. It is unclear which of AMD’s business units will feel the brunt of the cuts. As of late 2023, AMD employed 25,768 people full-time in addition to 9,526 temporary workers and contractors, which was roughly two times more than the company employed in 2020 (12,637 permanent employees and 5,739 temporary workers). AMD’s rival Intel is in the process of laying off some 16,000 people across the company as it is trying to adjust its cost structure with its current earnings. Unlike AMD, Intel has been bleeding money in recent quarters, which at least explains Intel’s reasons for cutting staff. AMD’s statement almost reads like a preference for a lean organizational structure, though it is hard to say how such adjustments will affect the company’s competitive positions here and now. Get Tom’s Hardware’s best news and in-depth reviews, straight to your inbox. Source link #AMD #cut #global #workforce Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Investor overseeing $1 trillion at Nuveen names her No. 1 idea right now Investor overseeing $1 trillion at Nuveen names her No. 1 idea right now Investors looking for opportunities in this elevated market may want to take a look at U.S. small caps, according to Nuveen’s Saira Malik. “There is still room for this rally to run, but we do need to be careful because of valuations,” the firm’s chief investment officer said at CNBC’s Delivering Alpha Conference on Wednesday. “That’s why we’re looking at areas that are cheap — small caps trading at that big discount. You need to be more selective.” Smalls caps have outperformed in the wake of president-elect Donald Trump’s victory over Vice President Kamala Harris. The Russell 2000 index surged on the heels of Trump’s win and is up nearly 8% since the start of November on optimism that lower tax rates will help smaller, domestically focused companies the most. The index is up about 17% this year, still trailing the S & P 500’s more than 25% year-to-date gain. Malik views small caps as one of the most attractive areas amid a broad rally that’s boosted the major indexes and valuations to new highs. The sector, however, appears to be trading at two-decade lows relative to large caps, she said. Nuveen in March of this year had about $1.2 trillion under management. A strong dollar and deregulation should also bode well for small cap stocks typically oriented in the U.S., she added. Potential tariffs from the new Trump administration and greater spending power among U.S. consumers is another boon for smaller companies. “Deregulation is going to make the world an interesting place, because it could open up more M & A activity, which, again, positive for small caps trading at that deep discount to their counterparts,” Malik said. The iShares Russell 2000 ETF (IWM) , which tracks the Russell 2000, is up 8% this month. Source link #Investor #overseeing #trillion #Nuveen #names #idea Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Truckie charged after two people ******* in horror Qld highway ****** Truckie charged after two people ******* in horror Qld highway ****** A 30-year-old man has been charged with dangerous driving after a truck smashed into the back of another car, ******** a teenager and a woman. Source link #Truckie #charged #people #******* #horror #Qld #highway #****** Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

While Apex Legends & Overwatch Toy Around With Temporary Gifts, Fortnite Wins the 3-Way Battle With an Insane Nostalgia Offering While Apex Legends & Overwatch Toy Around With Temporary Gifts, Fortnite Wins the 3-Way Battle With an Insane Nostalgia Offering It looks like the Battle Royale genre is in the midst of a nostalgia wave. Games like Apex Legends, Overwatch, and Fortnite are introducing throwback modes that will take players back to each game’s roots. However, there’s a key difference in how these games are approaching their throwback moments. While Apex and Overwatch are introducing these modes as limited-time events, Fortnite is bringing the OG mode as a permanent feature. Battle Royale games are taking players back to the original. | Image Credit: Epic Games This is quite a bold statement by Epic Games, showing that it is not just celebrating the past, but understands how to build a lasting, evolving game that honors its history. While other games are dabbling in nostalgia with short-lived modes, it is going all in and turning nostalgia into a permanent part of the game. By taking this approach, it is poised to emerge as the true winner in this 3-way battle for nostalgic dominance Why Fortnite’s OG Mode Is the Real Winner The game is winning the 3-way nostalgia battle very decisively. | Image Credit: Epic Games Both Apex Legends and Overwatch are capitalizing on nostalgia with limited-time modes that let players revisit the games’ early days. These modes offer a fun, but temporary, glimpse into what made the games special before updates and changes reshaped them. Apex Legends‘ Launch Royale mode debuted with Season 23 and allows players to revisit the original map and mechanics of Legends when everything was fresh and new. This limited-time mode will most likely end with the season, just like the duo mode introduced in the previous season. It’s the same case with Overwatch with its Classic mode which will take the players back to 2016 when the original game was launched. While both these games are offering their own temporary moments of nostalgia, Fortnite is turning its throwback experience into a permanent feature. Launching on December 6th, OG mode will take players back to 2017 and let them experience the original map, the simpler building mechanics, and the core gameplay before the game evolved into the massive, ever-changing behemoth it is today. THIS. IS. NOT. A. DRILL. OG is coming BACK and is here to stay. Relive Battle Royale from the start and explore the OG map, collect OG loot, and relive OG seasons. Drop back in on December 6. pic.twitter.com/Zpg1CrItS5 — Fortnite (@FortniteGame) November 12, 2024 By making this mode permanent, Epic Games is trying to tap into something deeper than just a nostalgia trip. It wants to preserve the game’s history. With the OG mode being permanent, players won’t have to worry about the mode disappearing after a few weeks. Instead, players will be able to relive the game’s origins for as long as they want to, whether they’re long-time fans who remember the early days or newcomers who want to see what made the game a cultural phenomenon in the first place. This move not only celebrates the game’s history but also gives players time to engage with the game’s roots, making it a winner in this epic 3-way nostalgic battle. Epic Games Has Been Leading the Charge in Battle Royale Genre The developers understand what the players want and more often than not it delivers on the premise. | Image Credit: Epic Games Epic Games has always been introducing various new innovations to the game. It has been on a constant mission to evolve Fortnite with new updates, various collaborations, and the addition of new features. But by introducing the OG mode as a permanent mode, it is proving why it is leading the charge in the genre: it understands how to keep the community engaged. This is also not just a marketing gimmick but a strategic move that aligns with how the game has always operated: offering players a variety of experiences, while never forgetting where it all began. Whether it’s collaborations with pop culture icons, new gameplay features, or an entirely new mode, Fortnite has cultivated a sense of community that celebrates both the present and the past. In this sense, Fortnite OG is more than just a mode, it is a piece of history that will now live forever with the game. It gives players a way to see the past while remaining immersed in the game’s present. And with the game’s evolving nature, having a permanent throwback mode means players can enjoy a unique piece of the game’s history at any time. In the end, with Fortnite OG setting a new standard for what nostalgia can look like in modern games, Epic Games has cemented its place as the leader in the battle royale space, at least when it comes to celebrating the past. Source link #Apex #Legends #Overwatch #Toy #Temporary #Gifts #Fortnite #Wins #3Way #Battle #Insane #Nostalgia #Offering Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Cisco (CSCO) Q1 earnings report 2025 Cisco (CSCO) Q1 earnings report 2025 Cisco CEO Chuck Robbins speaks at The Wall Street Journal’s Future of Everything Festival in New York on May 21, 2024. Dia Dipasupil | Getty Images Cisco reported a fourth straight quarter of declining revenue even as results topped analysts’ estimates. The stock slipped about 1% in extended trading. Here’s how the company did in comparison with LSEG consensus: Earnings per share: 91 cents adjusted vs. 87 cents expected Revenue: $13.84 billion vs. $13.77 billion expected Cisco’s revenue dropped 6% in the quarter ended Oct. 26, from $14.7 billion a year earlier, according to a statement. Net income fell to $2.71 billion, or 68 cents per share, from $3.64 billion, or 89 cents per share, in the same quarter a year ago. Networking revenue plunged 23% to $6.75 billion, slightly below the $6.8 billion consensus of analysts surveyed by StreetAccount. Security revenue doubled to $2.02 billion, topping the StreetAccount consensus of $1.93 billion. Cisco’s revenue from collaboration was $1.09 billion, a bit below the $1.04 billion consensus estimate. Chuck Robbins, Cisco’s CEO, said on a Wednesday conference call that orders from large-scale clients for artificial intelligence infrastructure exceeded $300 million in the quarter. Server makers such as Dell and HPE have also focused on sales of hardware that can help clients implement generative AI. “We have earned more design wins and remain confident that we will exceed our target of $1 billion of AI orders this fiscal year from web-scale customers,” Robbins said. U.S. government agencies have delayed deals with Cisco, rather than scrapping them altogether, Robbins said. Cisco lifted its full-year guidance to $3.60 to $3.66 in adjusted earnings per share on $55.3 billion to $56.3 billion in revenue, up from a prior forecast of $3.52 to $3.58 in EPS and $55 billion to $56.2 billion in revenue. Guidance would indicate projected revenue growth of 3.3% at the middle of the range. Analysts expected adjusted earnings for the year of $3.58 per share on $55.89 billion in revenue. As of Wednesday’s close, Cisco’s stock was up 17% year to date, while the S&P 500 index, is up around 26% over that stretch. WATCH: The Earnings Setup: Cisco Systems, Applied Materials and Disney Source link #Cisco #CSCO #earnings #report Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Investor overseeing $1 trillion at Nuveen names her No. 1 idea right now Investor overseeing $1 trillion at Nuveen names her No. 1 idea right now Investors looking for opportunities in this elevated market may want to take a look at U.S. small caps, according to Nuveen’s Saira Malik. “There is still room for this rally to run, but we do need to be careful because of valuations,” the firm’s chief investment officer said at CNBC’s Delivering Alpha Conference on Wednesday. “That’s why we’re looking at areas that are cheap — small caps trading at that big discount. You need to be more selective.” Smalls caps have outperformed in the wake of president-elect Donald Trump’s victory over Vice President Kamala Harris. The Russell 2000 index surged on the heels of Trump’s win and is up nearly 8% since the start of November on optimism that lower tax rates will help smaller, domestically focused companies the most. The index is up about 17% this year, still trailing the S & P 500’s more than 25% year-to-date gain. Malik views small caps as one of the most attractive areas amid a broad rally that’s boosted the major indexes and valuations to new highs. The sector, however, appears to be trading at two-decade lows relative to large caps, she said. Nuveen in March of this year had about $1.2 trillion under management. A strong dollar and deregulation should also bode well for small cap stocks typically oriented in the U.S., she added. Potential tariffs from the new Trump administration and greater spending power among U.S. consumers is another boon for smaller companies. “Deregulation is going to make the world an interesting place, because it could open up more M & A activity, which, again, positive for small caps trading at that deep discount to their counterparts,” Malik said. The iShares Russell 2000 ETF (IWM) , which tracks the Russell 2000, is up 8% this month. Source link #Investor #overseeing #trillion #Nuveen #names #idea Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Odell Beckham Jr. dunks on everyone who laughed at him for taking Rams salary in Bitcoin Odell Beckham Jr. dunks on everyone who laughed at him for taking Rams salary in Bitcoin BALTIMORE, MARYLAND – JANUARY 02: Wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. #3 of the Los Angeles Rams celebrates after the Rams defeated the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium on January 02, 2022 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images) When Odell Beckham Jr. signed with the Los Angeles Rams in 2021, he decided to take his $750,000 salary in Bitcoin. It was a bold call by the star receiver, especially after the price of Bitcoin had doubled in the four months before he signed his contract. Three years later, he’s finally getting the last laugh. Bitcoin is at an all-time high, soaring past $90,000 this week, which means Beckham’s bet paid off. He didn’t pass up the opportunity to dunk on those who doubted him, either. On Wednesday, he posted on X (formerly Twitter) calling out people who said taking his salary in Bitcoin “was *****,” sharing a screenshot of the crypto’s skyrocketing price. x.com We have to assume Beckham has held onto his Bitcoin until now based on his post, and he should be thankful he did. When Beckham signed with the Rams in Nov. 2021, the price of Bitcoin hit a peak of around $65,000 before cratering to $16,000 a year later. Now at all-time highs, Beckham has presumably made about 50% on his investment in the volatile coin, turning $750,000 into more than $1 million. This article originally appeared on Rams Wire: Odell Beckham Jr. dunks on everyone who laughed at him for taking Rams salary in Bitcoin Source link #Odell #Beckham #dunks #laughed #Rams #salary #Bitcoin Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

LEGO Horizon Adventures Review – A Brick-Breaking Adventure | GB LEGO Horizon Adventures Review – A Brick-Breaking Adventure | GB “Clocking in at a fairly short six-to-eight hours, Lego Horizon Adventures offers up frequent, brief bursts of fun with its excellent combat encounters. However, this is wrapped up in an experience that feels way too shallow and repetitive to recommend to anyone other than the most enthusiastic Horizon and Lego fans. It’s clear that the intention is to woo new, younger gamers to Sony’s flagship franchise, but if you already own Zero Dawn and Forbidden West on PlayStation, we can’t see any reason why you’d want to check this one out. Mind you, if all you’ve got is a Switch, then this endearingly light-hearted introduction will have to do for now. It could have been so much more, though.” – Ollie Reynolds | NintendoLife Source link #LEGO #Horizon #Adventures #Review #BrickBreaking #Adventure Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

HP has an entirely new take on laptops with foldable screens HP has an entirely new take on laptops with foldable screens HP has released a patent detailing ideas for its latest take on a foldable laptop, as spotted by MSPoweruser. According to the diagrams in the document, the device would close like a many of the conventional best laptops, and then the sides of the extra-wide display would fold around the bottom of the PC. When closed, the device would be about the size of a normal laptop, just a little thicker. The diagrams are drawn for clarity, however, and don’t reflect how thick the product would actually be. HP HP This design approaches the extra-large display from a completely different angle than the HP Spectre Foldable, which needed to be detached from the base and rotated to act as wide display. HP got a lot of things right with the Spectre Foldable — but it was ultimately too expensive to become a mainstream product. With its continued foldable experiments, HP seems to be hoping to reach the right balance between usable and affordable at some point — and perhaps this wraparound laptop will be the one. The patent mostly goes into the special hinges and spring mechanisms the laptop would use, as well as the specific ways it would fold and stay in place. I don’t know how long it will take to get the foldable laptop right, but I’m personally glad that companies like HP are continuing to work toward this goal. Every time I switch from working on my ultra-wide monitor to my MacBook Air, the difference in screen size is heartbreaking. Plus, it would be fun to see cafes full of people working on 20-something-inch displays. Source link #laptops #foldable #screens Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Will Incentives Boost Cryptocurrency Derivatives Market? Thalex Proves That It Can Will Incentives Boost Cryptocurrency Derivatives Market? Thalex Proves That It Can While all eyes in the cryptocurrency market are glued to the impacts of Donald Trump being re-elected on coin prices and general sentiments, exciting developments are happening just under the radar. Over the past several years, the cryptocurrency derivatives market has offered more experienced traders a new way to interact with the ecosystem through more complex, and more rewarding investment strategies. However, the sector’s rise within the wider blockchain arena has been more gradual given its appeal mainly remained focused on traders who already came from a financial and investment background. For many crypto newcomers, the concept of cryptocurrency futures and options just seemed to be out of their grasp when they were still learning the ropes of a new financial ecosystem. That being said, some projects were able to gain a share of the derivatives space, mainly Deribit, a cryptocurrency options and futures exchange for and . Since launching in 2016, the exchange became well known and regarded as being an early mover in a space that few were paying that much attention to, especially after launching a perpetuals program. And because of that first-mover advantage, the exchange went mostly unchallenged while competitors were hard to encounter. Now, the competition is heating up significantly. As the cryptocurrency market broadens its reach to new audiences and even institutions that used to be uninterested or cautious of the space, a greater influx of traders are looking for ways to differentiate their digital asset portfolios. This positions the cryptocurrency derivatives market to welcome both new and experienced traders to experiment. Enter Thalex, a cryptocurrency derivatives exchange that specializes in offering stablecoin-settled options. Recently, the exchange launched its Market Velocity Program, or “MVP”, to galvanize its active user community to deepen their participation across its derivatives offerings. The program is aimed at active Thalex users to recognize and incentivize their continued activity on the exchange—offering USDt rewards that are allocated based on a participant’s share of trading fees paid. The incentive Thalex offers is significant, with roughly $250,000 to distribute as a volume rebate among traders in a highly competitive monthly reward pool. If we’re comparing numbers, this monthly reward pool exceeds Deribit’s $200,000 winter competition. Some might say that incentive programs are dubiously successful in driving active participation in relatively niche sectors. But for Thalex, the program is paying off. Since launching on October 17th, the MVP initiative rocketed Thalex’s trading volume to $30 million in just one week. And with the program set to continue until March 31st, there is plenty of room for the trading volume to continue climbing. By taking big swings through its incentive program, Thalex demonstrates how bold moves are critical to maintaining competition and gaining a foothold in an emerging market. Reactivating user communities is also an essential component here. It’s easy to get new people to sign up for a platform they will ultimately never use, but creating opportunities to recognize the existing community helps solidify their continued support and long-term usage. When early adopters of a certain product or technology feel a tangible reward or recognition of their standing in the community, they feel more valued and likelier to continue using whatever the product or service provides. In adopting this mentality, the Thalex team also highlights the importance of staying power and longevity in an industry that can feel cutthroat or unwelcoming to competition. Incentive programs will always exist in one form or another. When implemented correctly, like in the MVP initiative, companies like Thalex show how they can help a project and sector grow simultaneously. Source link #Incentives #Boost #Cryptocurrency #Derivatives #Market #Thalex #Proves Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Trump administration: Here are the 3 key members Canada will get to know – National Trump administration: Here are the 3 key members Canada will get to know – National U.S. president-elect Donald Trump is quickly building out his cabinet, and some of his most high-profile nominees will become key figures in the Canada-U.S. relationship if confirmed. The next secretaries of state, homeland security and defence will be tasked with advancing the Trump administration’s interests abroad and will be the ones pressing Canada to align with U.S. stances on foreign policy, immigration and military spending, among other issues. Most of the nominees Trump has announced so far are current or former *********** lawmakers in Congress and governors, who have been among his most staunch defenders. Analysts say that shows Trump is prioritizing loyalty and the ability to navigate the legislative process above all else. “Donald Trump’s choices so far signal he is serious about pursuing the policies he campaigned on,” Matthew Lebo, a political science professor at Western University, told Global News in an email. Story continues below advertisement All of Trump’s nominees will need U.S. Senate confirmation, but many of his choices so far are expected to get relatively easy approval with Republicans in solid control of the chamber. Here’s a look at the faces Canadians may get to know very well once the second Trump administration is up and running next year. Marco Rubio — Secretary of State Florida Sen. Marco Rubio has been tapped to serve as Trump’s secretary of state, making him the top diplomat for the ******* States. A prominent critic of China and Iran, Rubio has been a leader in the Senate on foreign relations and intelligence issues and is seen as a foreign policy “hawk” with hardline views. “There’s probably no one in the Senate who really knows foreign affairs better than Marco Rubio,” said ********** Leuprecht, a professor at Queen’s University and the Royal Military College and a senior fellow at the Macdonald-Laurier Institute. Story continues below advertisement Although previously supportive of Ukraine in its ****** against Russia’s invasion, Rubio has more recently said Ukraine needs to seek a negotiated settlement with Moscow and voted against the most recent round of U.S. military and humanitarian aid. Trump and vice-president-elect JD Vance have made similar comments about ending the war, which has raised concerns about what Russia could gain in peace talks. 1:52 Marco Rubio appears to be front runner for Trump’s Secretary of State As a senator, Rubio co-sponsored legislation passed by Congress last year that would make it ******* for a president to withdraw from NATO, which now requires approval by at least two-thirds of the U.S. Senate. Get breaking National news For news impacting Canada and around the world, sign up for breaking news alerts delivered directly to you when they happen. Trump has long railed against NATO allies that don’t pay their fair share on defence — a frequent frustration raised by U.S. officials about Canada — and some Trump critics, including his former national security adviser John Bolton, ***** Trump will try to withdraw the U.S. from the alliance. Story continues below advertisement On the diplomatic front, Rubio is expected to be joined by U.S. Rep. Elise Stefanik, who Trump nominated to be the U.S. Ambassador to the ******* Nations. Stefanik has served in *********** leadership in the U.S. House of Representatives and is a fierce defender of Trump’s agenda. 1:52 Trump taps Tom Homan as border czar, Elise Stefanik as UN ambassador Stefanik has also led efforts to curb antisemitism in the U.S., particularly in the wake of ******’ Oct. 7, 2023, ******* on *******. Her appointment, as well as staunch ******* defender Mike Huckabee as U.S. ambassador to *******, come after both have been vocal in their support for ******* amid the Middle East conflict. In July, Rubio and other *********** senators raised concerns about “Gazans with potential ********** ties to enter the U.S. through Canada” after Ottawa eased temporary visa restrictions for ********* family members fleeing *******, Gaza and the West Bank. Story continues below advertisement Kristi Noem — Homeland Security Secretary South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem, who was re-elected to a second term in a landslide in 2022, is one of Trump’s fiercest defenders and has been an outspoken critic of U.S. immigration policy. As Homeland Security secretary, she will oversee key border and immigration enforcement agencies such as U.S. Customs and Border Patrol and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Her closest counterpart in Canada is Public Safety Minister Dominic LeBlanc, and she is likely to be the face of U.S. pressure on Canada to increase immigration enforcement measures and reduce entries. Noem, whose home state is closer to Canada than Mexico, has made several trips in recent years to the U.S.-Mexico border, which she called a “warzone” in January. She has deployed dozens of National Guard troops to assist the ***********-led state of Texas with border security. In 2022, Noem equated Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s decision to invoke the Emergencies Act to quell the so-called “Freedom Convoy” protests, which involved freezing organizers’ financial accounts, with “********** China’s social credit system.” Story continues below advertisement 7:28 South Dakota governor discusses further restrictions of ********* access, pills via telemedicine Trending Now Teens accused of plotting to ***** pro-******* rally on Parliament Hill Kate Middleton fans slam TV star for ‘vile’ comment about princess’s looks Canada is South Dakota’s top export market, and the state sees more than $750 million in agricultural trade alone. Leuprecht said Noem’s time as governor could mean she sympathizes with the jurisdictional concerns of provinces like Quebec and Alberta when it comes to immigration and other issues, but also see the value of maintaining free trade with Canada while clamping down on the border. Alongside Noem, Trump’s immigration policy will also be led by former top ICE official Tom Homan as his administration’s incoming “border czar.” Stephen Miller, the architect of Trump’s first-term immigration agenda, will join the new administration as White House deputy chief of staff for policy and homeland security adviser. Lebo said Homan and Miller’s appointments “are signs Trump is serious about mass deportations,” which experts ***** will have implications for Canada’s economy and border security. Story continues below advertisement Pete Hegseth – Defense Secretary Trump’s choice to lead the Pentagon, Fox News host Pete Hegseth, is unusual given Hegseth’s lack of government experience — and could face the most difficult path to confirmation. A U.S. Army veteran who served in the Middle East, Hegseth has been an outspoken supporter of military members as well as a critic of the modern military as an institution. In 2019, Hegseth successfully lobbied Trump to pardon U.S. service members who had been accused of war *******, after making the case for them on air at Fox. In his book The War on Warriors: Behind the Betrayal of the Men Who Keep Us Free, released earlier this year, Hegseth rails against diversity and inclusion measures in the military and in recruitment and promotion criteria, calling such programs “woke.” Trump has similarly criticized “woke” generals and vowed to replace them as president. Story continues below advertisement Hegseth’s book also includes criticism of NATO, which he calls “outdated, outgunned, invaded, and impotent” and echoes Trump’s repeated pledge to not defend alliance members that don’t meet defence spending commitments. “Why should America, the ********* ’emergency contact number’ for the past century, listen to self-righteous and impotent nations asking us to honor outdated and one-sided defense arrangements they no longer live up to?” Hegseth wrote. 2:04 Ukraine fears Trump victory will mean end of U.S. military support Leuprecht said it would generally be a good move to appoint someone without military experience as defence secretary, in order to avoid clashing with career military leaders on decision-making. “The last thing you need is another expert at the top of the department,” he said. “You actually want somebody who can generally make sense of the department and figure out how the department relates to other departments, to Congress and to the presidency.” Story continues below advertisement Trump did tap a former military member, Rep. Mike Waltz of Florida, to serve as his national security adviser. Waltz, a retired retired Army Green Beret who did multiple combat tours as a colonel in the National Guard, is a hardline critic of China, and has taken notice of reports of China’s alleged interference in Canada’s elections. In a social media post last year, Waltz called allegations of ******** interference in ********* elections “a MASSIVE scandal” and suggested Beijing wanted to keep the Liberals in power. He has also been openly critical of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, cheering on ************* Leader Pierre Poilievre to win the next election. More on Politics More videos Source link #Trump #administration #key #members #Canada #National Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

David Einhorn is building new position in CNH Industrial, says agricultural play is ‘cheap’ David Einhorn is building new position in CNH Industrial, says agricultural play is ‘cheap’ David Einhorn speaking in New York City on April 3, 2024. Adam Jeffery | CNBC Greenlight Capital’s David Einhorn said Wednesday he has taken a medium sized position in agricultural play CNH Industrial. Speaking at CNBC’s Delivering Alpha conference in New York City, the hedge fund investor said the seller of agricultural equipment is an under-the-radar value play as the industry nears the end of a bearish cycle. “It’s exactly the kind of situation that absolutely nobody cares about right now because it’s cheap, and the news over the next ******* of time isn’t going to be very good. Agriculture prices are low, and agricultural equipment is ending down cycle,” Einhorn said at a panel with CNBC’s Leslie Picker. Shares of CNH popped more than 4% in extended trading following his comments. Source link #David #Einhorn #building #position #CNH #Industrial #agricultural #play #cheap Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Dragon Quest 3 HD-2D Remake review: an authentic return Dragon Quest 3 HD-2D Remake review: an authentic return Dragon Quest 3 HD-2D Remake MSRP $59.99 “Dragon Quest 3 HD-2D Remake gives an NES classic the royal treatment it deserves.” ***** Original RPG is still great Fantastic HD-2D visuals Welcome quality of life features Superb performance ***** Rough difficulty spikes Long load times Early on in the Dragon Quest 3 HD-2D Remake, I encountered a boss battle so frustratingly difficult that I just wanted to throw my Nintendo Switch at the wall. I was fighting against a group of hoodlums and its head honcho, and had to sit back as they devastated my party with hard-hitting attacks. I eventually won that battle by pure endurance and using up all of my healing items. I left feeling accomplished as a reward for my perseverance, like a true hero. I’m glad that Square Enix preserved the intense difficulty that defined the original NES RPG, whose eccentricities have been faithfully preserved in its new upgrade. Dragon Quest 3 HD-2D’s turn-based gameplay may be simple, but its new graphical style complements its retro feel. Those old-school considerations pair perfectly with new modern quality of life improvements that make sure this remake never feels stuck in the past. Off on a quest Dragon Quest 3 follows a silent protagonist simply known as the “hero” who has to save the world from an evil monster named Baramos. They bring along three other companions with virtually no personalities to ****** alongside them. Given that the original game was released in 1988, I wasn’t really expecting an emotionally moving story or a charming cast of characters like later series entries such as the most recent Dragon Quest 11. RPGs during this era didn’t have hugely elaborate plots, so the HD-2D remake lets me focus on Dragon Quest 3’s strong points: its exploration and battle system. There’s just enough here to make it feel new without losing its retro charm. Dragon Quest 3 feels streamlined at first. I’m collecting items such as a wrecking ball and a few keys. Once the party manages to get a ship a bit later in the story, the game opens up much more, letting the party visit new towns to unlock optional side quests to earn items and equipment for the hard journey ahead. The remake includes some great quality-of-life features like an objective marker that lets you know how to progress the story. This alleviates the frustration of wandering aimlessly that many retro games have. You’re also welcome to turn the feature off — and that’s key to the remake’s success. It’s a great way to cater to both veteran players who want to replicate the original experience as well as newcomers who want the convenience of modern games. Additionally, the remake does away with arbitrarily low bag limits on individual items so I don’t have to unnecessarily discard anything to make room for new items that I find. It’s a welcome change that modern RPGs like Dragon Age: The Veilguard have embraced and it makes exploration smoother as I don’t have to go back to put items into storage before heading out. Square Enix I do wish that these quality of life features extended a bit further. Random encounters can’t be turned off and their rate is annoyingly high. You can also only save your progress in a town’s *******, which can be frustrating if you want to do so before stepping into a room with a boss ******. There is a separate autosave that updates after every battle, but that’s only a half-step toward modern convenience, leaving the system in between worlds. As a gamer that appreciates quality of life considerations, these delicate changes felt like they were made to try to keep the original’s difficulty intact, while not alienating modern audiences. Even with some missteps, it succeeds at this balancing act; there’s just enough here to make it feel new without losing its retro charm. Modern facelift Exploration is enhanced by the HD-2D graphical style used here. A sprite-based game like Dragon Quest 3 really benefited from this approach as it really adds to the retro charm. One of the major missteps Square Enix’s other recent remake, Romancing SaGa 2: Revenge of the Seven, made was that the move to full 3D took a lot of personality out of the original. That’s not the case here. The environments are lush with detail; trees, oceans, and buildings all look stunning. Despite being 2D sprites, enemies have as much depth as a 3D model. That has some performance benefits too. The HD-2D remake runs great on Nintendo Switch, with virtually no frame hiccups, although sometimes load times can be a bit longer than I’d like. Waiting to save my progress reminded me of how long older Pokémon games took to do the same. Square Enix All the little upgrades add up without totally paving over the original. For its music, the remake now uses a high-quality orchestral score instead of the older digital instruments. That grand upgrade brings the original soundtrack to life in a much grander fashion, providing musical subtleties that the old NES blips didn’t quite reach. There are a bunch of small touches in battle presentation that give the blank slate party some extra personality, too. The game’s voice acting consists of grunts and effort noises when ******* off attacks. When selecting your party’s moves in battle, the camera pans out into a third-person view to show the entire party, whereas the original only showed a first-person perspective. These additions surprisingly add up quite a bit to make this remake much more expressive without throwing away the original’s minimalistic charm. Old-school battling While the remake gives the original an aesthetic overhaul, battles keep it refreshingly retro. There aren’t any special gimmicks like Persona 3 Reload’s One More or modern Pokémon Scarlet and Violet’s Terastallizing mechanics in its classic turn-based battles. I simply just take turns with the ****** to dish out attacks. While the battles are very straightforward, there’s depth to how I can build out my party members. I can select their class (choosing from ones like a Mage, Warrior, or Thief) and then reassign them when they reach level 20 while carrying over their skills, reverting them to level 1. This process cuts their stats in half, but makes them stronger in the long run. It’s a foundational version of a class system that would evolve into today’s RPGs — see Metaphor: ReFantazio’s Archetypes — but this simple approach works perfectly for a throwback game like Dragon Quest 3. Square Enix Its age can also be felt in its high difficulty, especially before it gives players strong weapons or resources. There are constant difficulty spikes. Random encounters can be ******* than some bosses. Keeping the party’s equipment up to date sometimes feels prohibitively expensive, as weapons and armor cost a lot of gold. That difficulty did taper off a bit later in the game for me once I got the ship and was able to explore side dungeons to find new items to help out. Even on the easiest difficulty, bosses still hit quite hard. Luckily, the easiest difficulty also prevents the party from ever dying, leaving them with 1 HP. It completely trivializes the game’s brutal difficulty, but I’m not ashamed to say that I set my game to it a few times while going through a rough patch. I just wish there were a better solution for players who want to experience the original adventure and still get a challenge. It’s a real Goldilocks situation. In a time filled with remakes and reboots, Dragon Quest 3 HD-2D remake is one of the more successful ones I’ve played. It doesn’t have to deal with the debate between fixed and free-form camera angles or whether a 3D graphical overhaul lacked the charm of the original’s presentation. In fact, this is probably the most authentic remake I’ve seen in recent years. It kept close to the original vision that’ll keep veterans happy while adding in just enough sensibilities for modern audiences. Dragon Quest 3 HD-2D Remake was tested on Nintendo Switch with a code provided by the publisher. Source link #Dragon #Quest #HD2D #Remake #review #authentic #return Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

AMD is purportedly preparing Ryzen 200 “Hawk Point Refresh” APUs — Ryzen 7 255/260 set to replace the Ryzen 7 8745H/8845H series AMD is purportedly preparing Ryzen 200 “Hawk Point Refresh” APUs — Ryzen 7 255/260 set to replace the Ryzen 7 8745H/8845H series AMD is allegedly planning to refresh its Ryzen 8040 or Hawk Point lineup of APUs using the new Ryzen 200 branding—possibly by CES 2025—per the Golden Pig Upgrade Pack. This is to better align AMD’s upcoming offerings—including refreshes—with its existing Ryzen AI 300 series, and future products should be named based on the same nomenclature: Ryzen AI 400, Ryzen AI 500—you get the idea. AMD took the market by storm with its Phoenix APUs (Ryzen 7040) back in 2023 – based on the Zen 4 and RDNA 3 architecture. Last December, AMD revealed the Ryzen 8040 series, “Hawk Point,” which was essentially rebadged Phoenix silicon packaged with a better NPU – still based on XDNA 1. Strix Point, which should’ve been the Ryzen 8050/9050 series, introduced Zen 5 and RDNA 3.5 to the masses using a new Ryzen AI 300 moniker. The ***** suggests AMD is again refreshing Hawk Point (or re-refreshing Phoenix) under the Ryzen 200 series. It is also said that these APUs will lack an NPU, which could be a drawback for some customers as the NPU will likely be fused off – making them inferior to Hawk Point in silicon binning. From the Ryzen 200 lineup, we have the Ryzen 7 255 (rebadged Ryzen 7 8745H) and the Ryzen 7 260 (rebadged Ryzen 7 8845H) to counter Intel’s upcoming Arrow Lake-H mobile family. (Image credit: Weibo) As for the specifications, the same leaker shared AMD’s entire mobile portfolio for the upcoming two years, per which the Ryzen 200 APUs will seemingly pack up to eight Zen 4 cores alongside a 12 CU RDNA 3 iGPU (Radeon 780M). The memory support ******** unchanged at DDR5-5600/LPDDR5X-7500. Customers should exercise great caution when purchasing a laptop this time around. Intel is refreshing Alder Lake with the Core 200H/U lineup of CPUs. Likewise, AMD abandoned its traditional naming convention and hopped on the AI bandwagon, the Ryzen AI 300 series. In tandem with the unintuitive and always-changing naming schemes – the sheer number of refreshes is bound to confuse many people who aren’t as tech-savvy as us. Get Tom’s Hardware’s best news and in-depth reviews, straight to your inbox. Source link #AMD #purportedly #preparing #Ryzen #Hawk #Point #Refresh #APUs #Ryzen #set #replace #Ryzen #8745H8845H #series Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Bitcoin’s Bull Run: On-Chain Data Signals New Demand, $100k in Sight? Bitcoin’s Bull Run: On-Chain Data Signals New Demand, $100k in Sight? prices have continued their impressive run today breaching the 90000 mark for the first time. The world’s largest cryptocurrency is now up around 30% since election day and a 121% YTD as the new generations ‘digital gold’ continues its ascent. The greed around crypto markets is evident at present, can you blame the hodlers? There does seem to be somewhat of a generational shift when it comes to investment flows and this has been reflected in recent data. BlackRocks Bitcoin ETF has now surpassed the holdings of its Gold ETF (NYSE:) and this switch could in part explain the struggles of the precious metal as the new digital Gold grows in popularity. It would be unwise to dismiss this as we have seen in 2024 that the world’s largest cryptocurrency appears to be less volatile than in the past. The reason for this has been touted as institutional adoption which could be part of it. Source: FinancialJuice (click to enlarge) ETF Flows Soar Bitcoin ETFs have seen remarkable inflows over the past week. The last two days however saw close to $2 billion dollars of inflows, led largely by the IBIT ETF. The continuation of ETF flows will be a comfort for fund managers and institutions in particular with market participants expecting less volatile swings as mainstream adoption continues to increase. Can the inflows continue? Source: CoinMarketCap (click to enlarge) On-Chain Data Analysis – New Demand Wave Incoming? Looking at on-chain data analysis from Glassnode, In March, there was a big surge in profit-taking, reaching over $3.1 billion. Over the past seven months, as the market settled, both profits and losses balanced out. This indicates that supply and demand have reset. Now, we’re noticing an increase in profit-taking again, hinting that new demand is coming into the market. We can see changes in the market by looking at the difference between profits and losses. Right now, the market is mostly about profits, with profits being about 47 times ******* than losses. This shows that there are very few people holding Bitcoin at a loss as the market climbs to a new all-time high. Could we see a surge in profit taking that could scupper the rally? Source: Glassnode (click to enlarge) President Trump Plans The US President Elect Donald Trump is already making moves ahead of assuming office on the 20 January 2025. Markets have been buoyed by Trump’s victory with Crypto in particular benefiting. Markets are eyeing ******* regulations under Trump, while Elon Musk has suggested the US Government use Bitcoin to help tackle outrageously high US debt levels. In the coming weeks any further developments and comments by incoming members of Trump’s team may have a knock on effect for crypto. Interesting times ahead indeed. Technical Analysis Bitcoin is trading around 5% higher on the day having breached the $90k barrier. Its is becoming extremely difficult to do any technicals as there is a lack of historical price action. On the upside i will pay attention to the round numbers like $95k before the 100k becomes a real possibility. The downside at least leave something to look at. BTC/USD is trading in overbought territory with the RSI currently in the mid 80’s. Now of course we know that just because the RSI is in overbought territory it does not mean that a sell is imminent but worth paying attention to. Support on the downside may be found at 90000 before 88884 and 86334 come into focus. Lower down we have the 85000 handle and and the 81500 handle to focus on. Bitcoin (BTC/USD) Daily Chart, November 13, 2024 Source: TradingView.com (click to enlarge) Support Resistance Original Post Source link #Bitcoins #Bull #Run #OnChain #Data #Signals #Demand #100k #Sight Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Investors pump money into the Trump trade. Here’s how it did last time Investors pump money into the Trump trade. Here’s how it did last time Wall Street has been pumping money into the Trump trade, but investors should be wary before committing capital based on campaign promises, if history is any indication. Investors have been pouring money into stocks tied to Donald Trump’s policies in the weeks before the presidential election and the days since, hoping the President-elect’s return to the White House will favor some companies over others. Bank stocks have surged, with the SPDR S & P Regional Banking ETF (KRE) up about 13% this month. Small-caps surged, with the Russell 2000 gaining about 9%. Bitcoin topped $93,000 for the first time . But that doesn’t mean those bets will pay off, according to the Wells Fargo Investment Institute. In fact, traders raising their exposure to asset classes according to what they assume will win under a Trump (or Biden) administration have been disappointed with past results. “For those investors hoping campaign promises translate into policy-targeted asset outperformance, we would urge caution,” Wells Fargo’s Austin Pickle, investment strategy analyst, wrote on Monday. “There are several instructive examples where investors put too much emphasis on perceived benefits of potential policy changes, only to see policy fail to materialize or policy benefits fail to translate into anticipated returns.” Small-caps, real estate and traditional energy companies — all considered beneficiaries of Trump’s policies — initially rallied following the 2016 U.S. presidential election, only to underperform over the president-elect’s first term, Wells Fargo Investment Institute found. To be sure, a candidate’s policies can be consequential, but should be weighed against broader growth in the economy, whether earnings are expanding and the course of interest rates — all of which more directly influence the equity market, read the Wells Fargo note. On Wednesday, the major averages were little changed in late afternoon trading, losing some steam after their surge to new all-time highs over the past week. The Dow Jones Industrial Average topped 44,000 for the first time, and the S & P 500 soared past 6,000. Here’s a breakdown of different asset classes and how they performed in the past, and more recently. Smallcaps Smallcap stocks, as represented by the iShares Russell 2000 ETF (IWM), are expected to benefit under Trump because of his pro-business policies. From Election Day 2016 through year-end, the asset class outperformed the S & P 500 by 8% on a relative basis. One year after Election Day, however, small-caps gained only a bit more than 2% relative to the broader index. In fact, from Election Day 2016 through Election Day 2020, smallcaps tumbled more than 22%. This month, the IWM has surged 9%. IWM 1M mountain IWM Real estate Then there’s the Real Estate Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLRE) , which could get a boost from Trump’s promises to cut back on regulations and loosen permitting requirements tied to the housing market. In 2016, however, the XLRE fell more than 4% relative to the S & P 500, immediately after Election Day through the end of that calendar year. Expand the timeline to one year out from Election Day, and the ETF underperformed the broader index by 11%. Over the entirety of Trump’s term, the sector tumbled more than 40%. In November, the XLRE is slightly down on the month. Energy Energy stocks are expected to get a huge boost from Trump, who made energy a focus of his presidential campaign , and promised to “drill, baby, drill.” However, the sector, as represented by the Energy Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLE) , was a sore spot for the duration of Trump’s presidency. On Election Day 2016 through to the remainder of that year, the XLE gained 4% relative to the S & P 500. But then, one year from that’s year’s Election Day, it tumbled 11%. Across Trump’s entire four-year term, energy stocks plunged. This month, the XLE gained 7%. XLE 1M mountain XLE — CNBC’s Fred Imbert contributed to this report. Source link #Investors #pump #money #Trump #trade #Heres #time Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

The best ergonomic keyboards for 2024 The best ergonomic keyboards for 2024 1 / 5 Ergonomic keyboard hand positions A standard keyboard keeps your arms tight to your body and makes you splay your hands outward at the wrists. Staggered vs columnar This decision seems to be one of the more hotly-contested among ergo enthusiasts. A conventional keyboard has staggered keys, with each row slightly offset to the rows above and below it — so the A key is about halfway between the Q and W above it. This is a holdover from vintage mechanical typewriters, in which each press activated a hammer that smashed ink onto paper in the shape of a letter. To fit the hammers as close together as possible, while still allowing for finger pads, the keys were staggered. Columnar or ortholinear keyboards stack the keys in orderly columns, often with rows that are not linear. Proponents claim this makes the keys easier to reach. Whether that’s true will be up to your fingers to decide, but I can say for certain that if you learned to type on a staggered keyboard, switching to a columnar layout is tough. It will take days, possibly weeks before you instinctively hit the C key. The N, M and B keys don’t fare much better. Programmable keys With a few exceptions, most ergonomic keyboards will work with PCs or Macs as a standard typing input, but the use of function and hot keys may require some remapping. It can be as easy as an onboard switch to toggle between Mac and PC layouts, or as involved as downloading software to change up the keys. Some boards even include (or let you buy) extra keycaps to change, say, the Mac’s Command and Option keys to PC’s Start and Alt buttons. For some boards, remapping or programming keys is a crucial feature. Gaming peripherals have extra keys that you can set to ******** a series of keystrokes with the push of a single button. Keyboards that work with layers, in which a single button can perform several functions, typically allow you to change what those are. Some ergo keyboards have non-standard layouts, like thumb clusters with multiple keys near the space bar that you operate with your thumb. You’ll also be able to program those. Other considerations Ergonomic keyboards come in mechanical, membrane, and scissor switch versions. Which works best for you is, again, up to your preference. I won’t get too deep into the particulars here, as we have an entire guide devoted to mechanical boards, but the short of it is that membrane and scissor switches are less customizable than mechanical and typically cheaper. Typing on them tends to be quieter and softer. Mechanical switches are more customizable, offer a more responsive typing experience and are usually pricier. You’ll also have the option of wired or wireless ergonomic boards. All other things being equal, wired models are less expensive. Competitive gamers who rely on split-second responses may prefer the zero-lag of wired keyboards. Wired models also never run out of battery life and have fewer connectivity issues. But wireless keyboards keep your desk less cluttered. Some ergonomic keyboards come with permanent or removable wrist or palm rests, which can be cushioned or hard. This is another area where opinions diverge: proponents claim they help you maintain a neutral hand position, while detractors say they put pressure on the tendons in your wrist and can exacerbate conditions like carpal tunnel. Ideally, your palms should be resting, not your wrists, and you might find you like having that support or you may find the pressure uncomfortable. Photo by Amy Skorheim / Engadget How we tested ergonomic keyboards All our guides begin with extensive research to figure out what’s out there and what’s worth testing. We consider brands with good reputations that we’ve heard good things about from colleagues and look at keyboard reviews in forums and other trusted publications. For this guide, I looked for keyboards with ergonomic features like tenting, split keys, palm support and so on. I also zeroed in on boards that didn’t require a deep amount of familiarity with the vast and exhaustive world of custom keyboards. Once I settled on ten boards, I acquired them and used each one for anywhere from a few days to a few weeks. I tried out the remapping and macros software and considered the comfort, design, price and durability of each model before arriving at picks I think will work best for the most people out there. Best ergonomic keyboards for 2024 Photo by Amy Skorheim / Engadget Ergonomic features: Alice split, center tenting, optional negative tilt, wrist rest | Host connection: Bluetooth or USB receiver | Switch type: Scissor | Hotkey compatibility: Mac and Windows | Ten key: Yes | RGB lighting: No | Programing interface: Logi Options+ (app) | Language/Layout: QWERTY The Ergo K860 from Logitech closely resembles a standard, full-size keyboard, so there’s not much of a learning curve. But subtle changes like the Alice layout, tented middle and optional negative tilt make typing noticeably more ergonomic. Logitech makes some of our favorite PC accessories, and the reasons why are all evident with this keyboard: it connects quickly and reliably via Bluetooth, the build is solid and feels high-quality and it’s reasonably priced at $130 (and is often on ***** for around $100). It’s compatible with more recent iterations of Windows, MacOS, iPadOS, ChromeOS and Linux, though you’ll need software to support non-basic key functions for the latter two operating systems. There are three switching buttons that swap between previously connected devices, and the board speedily swapped between a MacBook and a PC laptop in my tests. Built-in function keys like volume and brightness worked well and the Option/Start and Command/Alt combo keys worked correctly depending on which computer was connected to. The rotated Alice-split design and raised center made a difference in the way I held my arms as I typed, allowing me to keep my elbows comfortably away from my ribs and my palms rotated inward instead of forcing them flat. The palm rest is springy but firm (albeit not removable) and the arrow keys and a numeric keypad on the right side put all possible keys within reach. Unfortunately, that adds length to that side of the board, which forces your mouse farther out. The scissor switch keys can feel mushy if you’re coming from a mechanical board, but they’re responsive enough. Logitech offers software for programming the keys, but this model will likely appeal most to those looking for a plug and play option. For a mechanical Alice keyboard with both wireless and wired capabilities, I recommend the Periboard 835. The Mac and Windows-compatible board has a solid build, low profile switches, RGB lighting, comfortable tenting and a few extra programmable keys. ***** Rotated keys and palm wrest make typing comfortable Wirelessly connects quickly to three devides Hotkeys work with MacOS and Windows ***** Takes up a large footprint Wrist wrest is not removable $110 at B&H Photo Photo by Amy Skorheim / Engadget Ergonomic features: Fully split | Host connection: USB-C port | Switch type: Mechanical (tactile or linear) | Hotkey compatibility: Mac and Windows | Ten key: No | RGB lighting: Yes | Programing interface: QMK/VIA (browser) | Language/Layout: QWERTY If you (expertly) sawed a mechanical keyboard in two, it would look like the Keychron Q11. You can even push the two halves back together to make it look like a standard, 75 percent mechanical board (though once you discover the expediency of a snack bowl between the halves, I don’t know why you’d do that). Keychron is widely respected in the mechanical keyboard world because they make keyboards with an impressive build quality that aren’t astronomically expensive. Like all Keychron devices, you can buy this one assembled or barebones, to which you can add your own keycaps and switches. I tested a fully assembled model with Gateron G Pro Red linear mechanical switches, which provide smoother action and a quieter clack than tactile or clicky switches. The keycaps are made from PBT, a higher-quality polymer than the ABS plastic keys found in less expensive keyboards. The machined aluminum body feels substantial and there’s no wobble. All of that combined creates a luxe and durable feel and a satisfying, buttery clack as you type. The assembled version comes with keycaps (and a keycap puller) to set up the board for either Mac or Windows. A switch at the top of the board toggles between the two operating systems, ensuring the function keys act appropriately. Extra keys include the two customizable knobs at the top corners and five macro keys to the left of the board. Those and the rest of the board can be programmed with open source keyboard firmware QMK and VIA, which most Keychron boards are compatible with out of the box. I have very basic keyboard needs so I used VIA to give the right knob zoom capabilities, make the M1 key open a clipboard manager and have the M2 key ******** a screenshot. Programming with VIA requires the use of keycodes and you’ll need to define macros within the app to get the knob to do more advanced things beyond the pre-selected options, but the implementation of your new instructions is instantaneous (and quite satisfying). The only drawbacks are the lack of tenting and the rather short USB-C bridge cable connecting the two sides. I found I wanted a little more separation than nine inches, so I swapped it for a longer cord. But there’s no easy fix for the lack of center lift. ***** High quality build Smooth and buttery mechanical keys Fully split keys keep your hands at a comfortable distance apart Easily toggle between Mac and Windows systems ***** No center tenting Short bridge cable included $220 at Amazon Kensington Ergonomic features: Alice split, center tenting, optional negative tilt, wrist rest | Host connection: Bluetooth or USB receiver | Switch type: Membrane | Hotkey compatibility: Windows | Ten key: No | RGB lighting: No | Programing interface: Kensington Konnect | Language/layout: QWERTY The compact Kensington Pro Fit Ergo sells for $70 at full price, but is often on ***** for around $55. That makes it a good budget board, but it feels much more premium than the price tag suggests. The membrane keys are surprisingly springy and the low profile keycaps make typing easy. The wrist rest, especially when combined with the negative tilt, hits my palms at just the right spot, not putting pressure on my tendons while keeping the backs of my wrists straight. Of course, different hand sizes will have different experiences, but my men’s medium/women’s large mitts were comfortable. It connected easily via Bluetooth or radio dongle to both the Mac and PC I tried, staying reliably connected and woke quickly from sleep. And the LED indicator for the rechargeable battery stayed green (full) over the month or so of testing in which I used it and stored it intermittently. Recharging is simple via the USB port. While it’s simple to switch to a Mac or Windows layout, the keyboard works better as a PC peripheral. Kensington’s software allows you to reprogram the function keys and a few specialty keys with shortcuts or macros but I couldn’t get the software to work with my Mac. It performed fine with my PC laptop, but this probably isn’t the keyboard to get if you want minute, customized key remapping anyway. If you just want a relatively inexpensive keyboard that’s far more comfortable to type on than most, this is a good one to grab. $55 at Amazon Photo by Amy Skorheim / Engadget Ergonomic features: Fully split, center tenting, thumb cluster | Host connection: USB-C port | Switch type: Mechanical (tactile, clicky, linear) | Hotkey compatibility: Mac and Windows | Ten key: No | RGB lighting: Yes | Programing interface: Oryx (browser) | Language/Layout: QWERTY (programmable) A rep I spoke with at ZSA warned me about the Voyager, saying the board has an effect “like a brain injury: A moment ago you knew how to type, and now you don’t.” That’s exactly how I felt after plugging in the impossibly compact accessory. For one, the columnar layout puts keys (particularly those on the bottom row) in spots you don’t intuitively reach for. Then there’s a thumb cluster where you’ll find not just the space bar, but other important keys like return. Finally, the board uses layers, giving each key up to three functions. I actually had to interrupt testing at one point and plug in another keyboard because I just felt too slow and disconnected like I was typing with oven mitts on. However, now that I have the hang of how the Voyager works, it feels magical. Rarely do my hands need to leave the home position, yet every key I need on a regular basis is easily accessible. Since you don’t need to reorient your fingers when you use arrow keys, hit the mute button or type with the number pad, you’re always in the same position, which can save you some serious accumulated time. Your thumbs, which are fairly dexterous, are capable of doing more than just mashing the spacebar; here, they operate the return key, tab button and can even initialize layers. The fully split and extra compact design let you position the two boards anywhere they feel comfortable and the optional magnetic legs give it a subtle but effective center tenting. Where some keyboards offer remapping capabilities as a nice-to-have feature, the majority of people will likely want to use either the browser-based Oryx configurator or Zsa’s Keymapp app to switch up what these keys do. It took me multiple tries to get them set in a way that worked for me, so I got pretty familiar with Oryx. It doesn’t require you to lookup keycodes, instead giving you a vast library of searchable commands. But changes aren’t implemented automatically — you have to flash the keyboard’s firmware by pushing a button at the top edge of the device to make the changes. Certain system-specific functions, like the Mission Control key on a Mac, need to be programmed using key sequences (in this case, control + down arrow). And occasionally the board will mistake a single tap for a tap and hold (which often enables a second function). I also flashed the board once and lost all use of the right side, but reflashing fixed it. The Voyager is not for someone looking for a quick adjustment to improve their ergonomics. It’ll take weeks of practice and reprogramming (both the board and your brain) before typing feels fluid again. I recommend keeping a screenshot of your latest Oryx-configured layout on your desktop for reference until you remember which keys do what. That said, once things start clicking, the Voyager really does maximize your output while minimizing your movements. If you want something fully split with thumb clusters and a columnar layout but that’s a little less minimal — and wireless to boot — the Advantage 360 from Kinesis, makers of the popular Advantage 2 is a good one to check out. It looks like it comes from an ‘80s-era IBM office but is somehow also from the future. The tenting goes from low to intense and the keys curve concavely to meet your fingers where they naturally land. The 360 is per-key programmable, works with layers and has four macros keys. ***** Fully split board Center tenting for a natural hand position Thumb cluster lets your thumb do more work Compact size and clever key mapping keep your hands in the home position ***** Difficult to relearn ortholinear layout Takes time to program and learn the right key functions $365 at ZSA Photo by Amy Skorheim / Engadget Ergonomic features: Fully split, columnar keys, thumb cluster, wrist rest, optional tenting and negative tilt (additional cost) | Host connection: Wired or Bluetooth and USB receiver (wireless costs extra) | Switch type: Mechanical (tactile, linear or clicky) | Hotkey compatibility: Mac, Windows, Linux, iOS & Android | Ten key: Programmable | RGB lighting: Yes | Programing interface: Bazecor | Language/layout: QWERTY (but programmable to any layout) Like the Zsa Voyager, The Dygma Defy is another fully split, columnar board with thumb clusters and keys and layers that are per-key programmable. It has a little more going on than the Voyager, with full sized keycaps, built-in wrist rests and twenty more keys, including eight keys in each thumb cluster. The programming software, Bazecor, is super simple to figure out, making it easy to program shortcuts, macros and layers (again, sticking a screenshot of your keys layout on your desktop will help as you learn what you’ve programmed each key to do). The keys are a delight to type on with springy and responsive mechanical switches. As a whole, the Defy feels well designed and the (detachable) wrist rests have a just-right consistency. Optionally, you can add an LED underglow, tenting mechanisms and wireless capabilities (Bluetooth and RF) but each add-on increases the price by $70, $80 and $90, respectively. That brought the fully kitted-out version I tested to $609. Without those, it’ll run you $369. That’s very close in price to the Voyager, which doesn’t have an underglow or wireless capabilities. The Voyager does include tenting knobs, but the lift is minimal at about a half an inch. At its maximum setting, the Defy’s tenting brings the halves nearly vertical. The Defy is a well-made, deluxe board, especially with the add-ons. It’s probably best for those who prefer a maximalist working setup and need lots of extra options for programmable keys. I found myself at a loss for what to do with all the keys and had a tough time keeping them all straight. Plus my cluttered desk felt like it was sacrificing a bit too much room to accommodate the two sizable halves. For me, the Voyager strikes a better balance between offering extra keys and taking up minimal desk real estate. ***** Premium build 16 thumb cluster keys Programming software is easy to use ***** Expensive, especially with optional features High learning curve $369 at Dygma Photo by Amy Skorheim / Engadget Ergonomic features: Fully split, center tenting, removable wrist rest | Host connection: USB-A cable | Switch type: Mechanical (tactile, clicky, linear) | Hotkey compatibility: Mac and Windows | Ten key: No | RGB lighting: Yes | Programing interface: SmartSet (app) | Language/Layout: QWERTY As I said in our guide to ergonomic mice, my sporadic, console-only gaming does not make me a gamer. But I have a decent understanding of what gamers might like. PC gamers who rely on the WASD keys may appreciate not having to contend with the right side of a keyboard at all, and instead use that space for their mouse. The Freestyle Edge from Kinesis is a gaming variation on the brand’s original Freestyle 2 is a fully split model with Cherry MX mechanical switches. The tactile Brown ones in my tester unit had a satisfying click and a not overly loud clacky noise. The wrist rests are removable and clever folding legs give you three height options for tenting and can also be removed completely. It is backlit, with per-key RGB lights and nine macros buttons that can be programmed with the configuration app or without it using keyboard commands. All of this may appeal if you’re looking for a programmable gaming keyboard with a few ergonomic tricks. Just keep in mind that all of those features add up to a somewhat bulky peripheral. ***** Fully split means you can just use the left half High degree of optional tenting Additional programmable shortcut keys ***** Somewhat bulky Built-in cables are not customizable $199 at Amazon Other ergonomic keyboards we tested Goldtouch Elite Adjustable I remember wondering if something like the Goldtouch Elite Adjustable existed when I first started testing ergonomic keyboards. It didn’t at the time, as far as I could tell, but now a connected yet adjustable split board is indeed a product you can buy. It’s a solidly-built board and the ball ****** connecting the two halves feels like it will put up with a lot of use. A squeeze of the lever at the top of the keys lets you set the board just how you like, adjusting both the vertical tenting and the angle between the two halves. There’s no programming to speak of, just the ability to swap a few function keys like print screen and home. Unfortunately, the tenting doesn’t work for me. Because of the extra keys at the outer edges, raising the middle edges upwards lifts the center keys considerably, which brings my wrists and forearms off the desk instead of letting them rest. Holding them like that created extra neck and shoulder strain on my part, which is sort of the opposite of the goal. But if you’re not into tenting anyway and want a flat, Alice-split board with an adjustable splay, this works quite well. Kinesis Form Split Touchpad Keyboard The idea behind the Kinesis Form Split Touchpad Keyboard is pretty ergonomic: put the trackpad between the two halves and minimize travel for your mouse hand. The distance between the two puts your elbows at a comfortable distance and keeps your wrist nearly in-line with your forearms. The build is excellent, with low profile mechanical switches that feel smooth and just the right amount of clacky. The trackpad is responsive, but gestures only work with Windows computers. Even dragging and dropping doesn’t work on a Mac here, so I don’t see Apple users getting much use out of the board. I also found myself wishing for the slightest rotation of the keys — though they’re a good distance apart, a slight angle would keep my wrists fully unbent. There’s no tenting or negative tilt either, both of which could help a bit more, ergonomically speaking. Logitech Wavekeys While it’s a perfectly fine and affordable Bluetooth keyboard, the Logitech Wavekeys has minimal ergonomics. The keys rise up slightly in the middle and there’s a comfortable wrist rest attached, but the layout is the same as any other keyboard, with no splitting of the keys to open up your arms or keep your wrists straight. Source link #ergonomic #keyboards Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

We must use genetic technologies now to avert the coming food crisis We must use genetic technologies now to avert the coming food crisis There are two monumental problems with the world’s food system. Firstly, hundreds of millions of people can’t afford to buy enough nutritious food to stay healthy. Secondly, it is incredibly destructive. We are still razing rainforests to make way for ranches, and both conventional and organic farms produce all kinds of pollutants, with food systems generating more than a third of greenhouse gases. As the world soars past a 1.5°C rise in temperature (see “2024 is set to be the first year that breaches the 1.5°C warming limit”), things could get much worse. But there is plenty we can do, from eating less meat to reducing food waste (see “Is the climate change food crisis even worse than we imagined?”). With the amazing advances in genetic technologies in recent years, there is also huge scope to improve the plants and animals that provide our food. We can make them more nutritious, healthier, better able to cope with changing conditions and less susceptible to ********* that are thriving as the world warms. We should also be able to create plants that need less fertiliser and capture more of the sun’s energy. It is astounding that most countries aren’t investing heavily in improving crops The benefits from all this would be enormous: more food from less land, lower prices, reduced greenhouse gas emissions and less chance of viruses such as H5N1 bird flu causing another pandemic. So it is astounding that most countries aren’t investing heavily in improving crops. There is some private investment, but those companies are unlikely to make their technologies freely available, slowing their adoption. We are also restricted by the notion that more “natural” means of farming are better, with opposition to genetically modified (GM) crops making it difficult and expensive to get them approved. This is starting to change, with many countries making it easier for gene-edited crops and animals to get to market, but we need more action – and fast. The idea that organic food is better for the planet and GM foods are worse for it is a false narrative that hides a much more unpalatable reality: that continuing as we are will lead to even more destruction and increased hunger. Topics: Source link #genetic #technologies #avert #coming #food #crisis Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

The brand-new and improved Apple MacBook is already $200 off for ****** Friday The brand-new and improved Apple MacBook is already $200 off for ****** Friday Apple launched the 16GB version of the latest MacBook Air just two weeks ago and announced it was discontinuing the 8GB version. So, it comes as a bit of a surprise to see that this newer 16GB RAM model has already been significantly discounted ahead of ****** Friday. You can now get the Apple MacBook Air 13-inch (M3) at Amazon for $899.99 (was $1,099.99). That’s a great price for TechRadar’s pick for the best MacBook you can buy right now as it excels as a school or work laptop. The $200 discount on the model with 16GB of memory actually makes it cheaper than models with more storage, which is a fair trade in our eyes for the overall boost in performance. If you do want to double the storage, you can upgrade to the 512GB version for an extra $200. Today’s best Apple Macbook deal In our Apple MacBook Air 13-inch (M3) review, we awarded it a full five stars for its performance, fan-less design, battery life, and relatively modest price given the power on offer. Its crown jewel is the M3 chip with its 8-core CPU and 10-core GPU, powerful enough to support Apple Intelligence. Our reviewer reported over 14 hours of battery life compared to the 18 hours Apple advertised, but even that’s impressive enough to leave the charger at home. Its lightweight, portable build makes it ideal for travelling or commuting, too. One of our only gripes was its weak specs, which is a lot better now that Apple has doubled the RAM in the base model. It’s also a much more respectable price at its current rate. If you’ve been meaning to upgrade to a more competent Apple laptop, now’s your chance to get one of the best for under $900. If you’re torn between different models, you can compare them in our MacBook Air vs MacBook Pro guide to see what’s best for you. If you’re more of a Windows person, I’d recommend checking out our best Windows 11 laptops instead. More of today’s best ****** Friday deals Source link #brandnew #improved #Apple #MacBook #****** #Friday Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Investors pump money into the Trump trade. Here’s how it did last time Investors pump money into the Trump trade. Here’s how it did last time Wall Street has been pumping money into the Trump trade, but investors should be wary before committing capital based on campaign promises, if history is any indication. Investors have been pouring money into stocks tied to Donald Trump’s policies in the weeks before the presidential election and the days since, hoping the President-elect’s return to the White House will favor some companies over others. Bank stocks have surged, with the SPDR S & P Regional Banking ETF (KRE) up about 13% this month. Small-caps surged, with the Russell 2000 gaining about 9%. Bitcoin topped $93,000 for the first time . But that doesn’t mean those bets will pay off, according to the Wells Fargo Investment Institute. In fact, traders raising their exposure to asset classes according to what they assume will win under a Trump (or Biden) administration have been disappointed with past results. “For those investors hoping campaign promises translate into policy-targeted asset outperformance, we would urge caution,” Wells Fargo’s Austin Pickle, investment strategy analyst, wrote on Monday. “There are several instructive examples where investors put too much emphasis on perceived benefits of potential policy changes, only to see policy fail to materialize or policy benefits fail to translate into anticipated returns.” Small-caps, real estate and traditional energy companies — all considered beneficiaries of Trump’s policies — initially rallied following the 2016 U.S. presidential election, only to underperform over the president-elect’s first term, Wells Fargo Investment Institute found. To be sure, a candidate’s policies can be consequential, but should be weighed against broader growth in the economy, whether earnings are expanding and the course of interest rates — all of which more directly influence the equity market, read the Wells Fargo note. On Wednesday, the major averages were little changed in late afternoon trading, losing some steam after their surge to new all-time highs over the past week. The Dow Jones Industrial Average topped 44,000 for the first time, and the S & P 500 soared past 6,000. Here’s a breakdown of different asset classes and how they performed in the past, and more recently. Smallcaps Smallcap stocks, as represented by the iShares Russell 2000 ETF (IWM), are expected to benefit under Trump because of his pro-business policies. From Election Day 2016 through year-end, the asset class outperformed the S & P 500 by 8% on a relative basis. One year after Election Day, however, small-caps gained only a bit more than 2% relative to the broader index. In fact, from Election Day 2016 through Election Day 2020, smallcaps tumbled more than 22%. This month, the IWM has surged 9%. IWM 1M mountain IWM Real estate Then there’s the Real Estate Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLRE) , which could get a boost from Trump’s promises to cut back on regulations and loosen permitting requirements tied to the housing market. In 2016, however, the XLRE fell more than 4% relative to the S & P 500, immediately after Election Day through the end of that calendar year. Expand the timeline to one year out from Election Day, and the ETF underperformed the broader index by 11%. Over the entirety of Trump’s term, the sector tumbled more than 40%. In November, the XLRE is slightly down on the month. Energy Energy stocks are expected to get a huge boost from Trump, who made energy a focus of his presidential campaign , and promised to “drill, baby, drill.” However, the sector, as represented by the Energy Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLE) , was a sore spot for the duration of Trump’s presidency. On Election Day 2016 through to the remainder of that year, the XLE gained 4% relative to the S & P 500. But then, one year from that’s year’s Election Day, it tumbled 11%. Across Trump’s entire four-year term, energy stocks plunged. This month, the XLE gained 7%. XLE 1M mountain XLE — CNBC’s Fred Imbert contributed to this report. Source link #Investors #pump #money #Trump #trade #Heres #time Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Biden meeting with families of hostages held by ****** as White House says it’ll work with Trump team on their return Biden meeting with families of hostages held by ****** as White House says it’ll work with Trump team on their return Hagerty on what Trump’s victory means for foreign policy “Environment is shifting right now” on ******** ******** deal, Sen. Bill Hagerty says 08:48 President Biden is meeting Wednesday with the families of ********* hostages still held by ****** in Gaza, and the Biden administration stands ready to work with the incoming Trump administration toward the common goal of securing their release, the White House said Wednesday. The topic of the ********* hostages held in Gaza came up during Mr. Biden’s nearly two-hour meeting with President-elect Donald Trump, national security adviser Jake Sullivan said. Sullivan met with the families of the hostages on Tuesday. Sullivan told reporters that he told the families the Biden administration is ready and willing to work with Trump’s team to secure the return of the hostages. “Yes, of course we’re prepared to work with the incoming team in common cause, on a bipartisan basis, to do everything in our collective ********* power to secure the release of the hostages, both living and deceased,” Sullivan said during Wednesday’s White House briefing. “We are open to have that engagement, have that collaboration, and we will continue to work in every remaining day that President Biden has in office, that we have in these jobs, to try to bring those hostages home to their loved ones.” The families of the hostages have continued to lobby the Biden administration for the release of their loved ones, more than a year after ****** first attacked and took hostages last October. Four Americans are among the hostages still believed to be alive. At least three ********* hostages have ***** in Gaza since the Oct. 7 *******. Kathryn Watson Kathryn Watson is a politics reporter for CBS News Digital, based in Washington, D.C. Source link #Biden #meeting #families #hostages #held #****** #White #House #itll #work #Trump #team #return Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

CIA official charged over intelligence ***** CIA official charged over intelligence ***** A US government official has been charged for allegedly leaking classified documents appearing to show ******** plans for a retaliatory ******* on Iran. ******* carried out air strikes on Iran in October, targeting military sites in several regions, in response to the barrage of missiles launched by Tehran weeks earlier. Leaked classified documents are said to have contained the US’s assessment of the plans ahead of the *******, as well as the movements of ******** military assets in preparation. The official, Asif Rahman, was arrested in Cambodia on Tuesday and brought to federal court in Guam to face charges, according to the indictment, seen by US media. Mr Rahman worked for the CIA abroad and held a top secret security clearance, the New York Times reported. He was due to appear in court on Thursday, charged with two counts of wilfully transmitting classified information. The documents that Mr Rahman allegedly leaked were not stated in the court documents, but a source confirmed to the BBC’s US partner, CBS News, that they related to the ******** ******* plans. In October, two documents appearing to be attributed to the US National Geospatial Intelligence Agency, a Department of Defense agency, were published on an Iranian-aligned Telegram account. The documents, marked top secret, were shareable between the Five Eyes intelligence alliance, made up of the US, Britain, Canada, New Zealand and Australia. The documents appeared to be based on satellite information obtained from 15-16 October. The first was titled: “*******: Air Force Continues Preparations for Strike on Iran and Conducts a Second Large-Force Employment Exercise.” It described ballistic and air-to-surface missile handling. The second was titled: “*******: Defense Forces Continue Key Munitions Preparations and Covert UAV Activity Almost Certainly for a Strike on Iran.” It discussed ******** drone movements. ******* carried out its retaliatory strike on Iran on 26 October, having spent weeks deciding how to respond to the missiles fired by Tehran on 1 October. The ******* Defense Forces (IDF) said it targeted military sites in several regions, with subsequent reports suggesting an Iranian missile production site had been hit. One civilian and four soldiers were ******* in the attacks, Iranian authorities said. Iran initially launched around 180 ballistic missiles at ******* in response to the killings of ****** and Hezbollah leaders. The US Department of Justice has been contacted for comment. Source link #CIA #official #charged #intelligence #***** Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

The Hobbit Trilogy Steelbook Collection Is Up For Grabs For $150 At Amazon The Hobbit Trilogy Steelbook Collection Is Up For Grabs For $150 At Amazon After dominating the charts with The Lord of the Rings, Peter Jackson turned his gaze to the book that started it all–The Hobbit. The adaptation of The Hobbit isn’t nearly as well-regarded as Jackson’s LOTR Trilogy; it takes more time to watch the film trilogy than it does to read the book. The Hobbit probably should have been adapted into a single movie instead of three. But hey, at least that means this cool box set has three steelbook cases. The Hobbit Limited Edition Steelbook Collection has been out of print for a while, but right now you can grab it for $150, the best price we’ve seen this year. This box set normally sells for around $200, so we wouldn’t expect this offer to stick around for long. $150 (was $200) This premium collection gets you steelbooks for all three films in The Hobbit Trilogy. Better yet, it includes both the theatrical and extended formats in 4K, making this the ideal way to experience Bilbo’s adventure. Along with the three steelbooks for your six, region-free Blu-rays, the collection includes a stylish box to hold all its contents — giving you a cool way to display it in your home theater. If you don’t need all these extras, you can pick up The Hobbit Trilogy (4K Blu-ray) for $46 (was $90). This gets you the entire trilogy in 4K (including both the theatrical and extended versions) across six discs. It’s essentially the same as the above collection, ****** the steelbooks and collector box. The Hobbit Trilogy Steelbook Collection Looking to add more Middle-earth content to your Blu-ray library? Then take a look at the upcoming The Lord of the Rings Trilogy: One Ring Gift Box. Preorders are open ahead of its December 20 release, and inside you’ll find theatrical and extended versions of all three films in 4K, a limited-edition book with sleek faux-gold accents, and a replica of the One Ring. It’s a bit pricey at $157, but you’re getting tons of cool collectibles for your investment. And since The Lord of the Rings Trilogy Steelbook Collection has already sold out after being reprinted in August, this upcoming collection is currently the best option. It is worth noting that Walmart is taking preorders on the Limited Edition Steelbook version of The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring. Set to release on January 7 and available to preorder for $35 exclusively at Walmart, this is the same 4K steelbook edition from the aforementioned, sold-out collection. Once you’re done checking out all these Blu-ray deals, take a look at Amazon’s B2G1 Free Book *****, which includes a bunch of notable Tolkien books, including The Hobbit’s Illustrated Edition featuring sketches by the author and the recently released Collector’s Edition hardcover. Target is also hosting a B2G1 Free Book ***** ahead of ****** Friday 2024. B2G1 Free Books – The Lord of the Rings & The Hobbit Books Tolkien Illustrated Editions New Collector’s Editions Source link #Hobbit #Trilogy #Steelbook #Collection #Grabs #Amazon Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

12,000-year-old stones may be oldest example of wheel-like tools 12,000-year-old stones may be oldest example of wheel-like tools A perforated pebble from the Nahal Ein Gev II archaeological site, which may be an ancient spindle whorl Laurent Davin A set of 12,000-year-old pierced pebbles excavated in northern ******* may be the oldest known hand-spinning whorls – a textile technology that may have ultimately helped inspire the invention of the wheel. Serving as a flywheel at the bottom of a spindle, whorls allowed people to efficiently spin natural fibres into yarns and thread to create clothing and other textiles. The newly discovered stone tools represent early axle-based rotation technology thousands of years before the first carts, says Talia Yashuv at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. “When you look back to find the first vehicle wheels 6000 years ago, it’s not like it just came out of nowhere,” she says. “It’s important to look at the functional evolution of how transportation and the wheel evolved.” Yashuv and her colleague Leore Grosman, also at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, studied 113 partially or fully perforated stones at the Nahal Ein Gev II site, an ancient village just east of the Sea of Galilee. Archaeologists have been uncovering these chalky, predominantly limestone artefacts – probably made from raw pebbles along the nearby seashore – since 1972. 3D scanning revealed that the holes had been drilled halfway through from each side using a flint hand drill, which – unlike modern drills – leaves a narrow and twisting cone-like shape, says Yashuv. Measuring 3 to 4 centimetres in diameter, the holes generally ran through the pebble’s centre of gravity. Drilling from both sides would have helped balance the stone for more stable spinning, says Yashuv. Several of the partially perforated stones had holes that were off-centre, suggesting they might have been errors and thrown out. The team suspected that the stones, weighing 9 grams on average, were too heavy and “ugly” to have been beads and too light and fragile to be used as fishing weights, says Yashuv. Their size, shape and balance around the holes convinced the researchers that the artefacts were spindle whorls. To test their hypothesis, the researchers created replicat whorls using nearby pebbles and a flint drill. Then they asked Yonit Kristal, a traditional craftsperson, to try spinning flax with them. “She was really surprised that they worked, because they weren’t perfectly round,” says Yashuv. “But really you just need the perforation to be located at the centre of mass, and then it’s balanced and it works.” If the stones are indeed whorls, that could make them the oldest known spinning whorls, she says. A 1991 study on bone and antler artefacts uncovered what may be 20,000-year-old whorls, she adds, but the researchers who examined them suggested the pieces were probably decorative clothing accents. Even so, it is possible that people were using whorls even earlier, using wood or other biological materials that would have since deteriorated. The finding suggests that people were experimenting with rotation technology thousands of years before inventing the pottery wheel and the cart wheel about 5500 years ago – and that the whorls probably helped lead to those inventions, says Yashuv. Carole Cheval at Côte d’Azur University in Nice, France, is less convinced, however. Whorls work more like a top than a wheel, she explains. And while the artefacts might very well be whorls, the study lacks microscopic data that would reveal traces of use – as yarns would have marked the stones over time, Cheval says. Trace analysis was “beyond the scope” of the current study, says Yashuv. Ideally, researchers studying ancient whorls would be skilled in spinning themselves – which the study authors were not, says Cheval. “It really changes the way you think about your archaeological finds,” she says. Topics: Source link #12000yearold #stones #oldest #wheellike #tools Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Perplexity to introduce sneaky ads alongside its AI answers Perplexity to introduce sneaky ads alongside its AI answers It was only a matter of time. “Answer engine” startup Perplexity AI announced on Wednesday that it will begin experimenting with inserting advertisements into its chatbot responses starting next week. Rather than a standard ad you might be familiar with, however, the platform will instead start showing ads to users in the U.S. in the form of “sponsored follow-up questions and paid media positioned to the side of an answer,” from the company’s advertising partners. Those include Indeed, Whole Foods, Universal McCann, and PMG. Perplexity AI “Ad programs like this help us generate revenue to share with our publisher partners,” the company wrote in a Wednesday blog post. “Experience has taught us that subscriptions alone do not generate enough revenue to create a sustainable revenue-sharing program … advertising is the best way to ensure a steady and scalable revenue stream.” The startup is quick to point out that all sponsored answers will be clearly labeled as such and that the answers themselves will still be generated by its model, not written or edited by the partner companies themselves. “We intentionally chose these formats because it integrates advertising in a way that still protects the utility, accuracy and objectivity of answers,” the company wrote. “These ads will not change our commitment to maintaining a trusted service that provides you with direct, unbiased answers to your questions.” Perplexity’s experimentation comes as the company faces increased competition from OpenAI, which recently released its similar SearchGPT feature, as well as multiple lawsuits over allegations that the company’s data scraping practices amount to copyright infringement on a “massive scale.” Perplexity has also been served cease-and-desist letters from both The New York Times and Conde Nast over its behavior. Whether advertisers will be willing to overlook those glaring issues ******** to be seen. If not, then Perplexity may be limited to its sole existing income source: its $20/month Perplexity Pro subscription. Source link #Perplexity #introduce #sneaky #ads #answers Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]