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Beluga whale was Russian military asset Beluga whale was Russian military asset Norwegian Orca Survey The tame beluga whale approached Norwegian fishermen in 2019, wearing a harness, leading to speculation that it was an escaped Russian “spy whale” The mystery as to why a beluga whale appeared off the coast of Norway wearing a harness may finally have been solved. The tame white whale, which locals named Hvaldimir, made headlines five years ago amidst widespread speculation that it was a Russian spy. Now an expert in the species says she believes the whale did indeed belong to the military and escaped from a naval base in the Arctic Circle. But Dr Olga Shpak does not believe it was a spy. She believes the beluga was being trained to guard the base and fled because it was a “hooligan”. Russia has always refused to confirm or deny that the beluga whale was trained by its military. But Dr Shpak, who worked in Russia researching marine mammals from the 1990s until she returned to her native Ukraine in 2022, told BBC News: “For me it’s 100% (certain).” Dr Shpak, whose account is based on conversations with friends and former colleagues in Russia, features in a BBC documentary, Secrets of the Spy Whale, which is now on BBC iPlayer and being shown on BBC Two on Wednesday at 21:00 GMT. Jørgen Ree Wiiig The beluga whale was wearing a harness which contained a mount for a camera The mysterious whale first came to public attention five years ago when it approached fishermen off the northern coast of Norway. “The whale starts rubbing against the boat,” Joar Hesten, one of the fishermen, says. “I heard about animals in distress that instinctively knew that they need help from humans. I was thinking that this is one smart whale.” The sighting was unusual because the beluga was so tame and they’re rarely seen as far south. It was also wearing a harness, which had a mount for a camera, and bore the words, in English, “Equipment St Petersburg”. Mr Hesten helped to remove the harness from the whale, which then swam to the nearby port of Hammerfest, where it lived for several months. Oxford Scientific Films The harness the beluga was wearing had the words “Equipment St Petersburg” on it. Seemingly unable to catch live fish to eat, it charmed visitors by nudging at their cameras and even on one occasion returning a mobile phone. “It was very obvious that this particular whale had been conditioned to be putting his nose on anything that looked like a target because he was doing it each time,” says Eve Jourdain, a researcher from the Norwegian Orca Survey. “But we have no idea what kind of facility he was in, so we don’t know what he was trained for.” Captivated by the whale’s story Norway made arrangements for the beluga to be monitored and fed. The name it was given – Hvaldimir – is a nod to hval which is Norwegian for whale, and the name of Russia’s President, Vladimir ******. Oxford Scientific Films Dr Shpak says she is certain the beluga escaped from the Russian military programme but is not convinced it was a spy Dr Shpak did not want to name her sources in Russia for their own safety but said she had been told that when the beluga surfaced in Norway, the Russian marine mammal community immediately identified it as one of theirs. “Through the chain of vets and trainers the message came back – that they were missing a beluga called Andruha,” she says. According to Dr Shpak, Andruha/Hvaldimir had first been captured in 2013 in the Sea of Okhotsk in Russia’s Far East. A year later it was moved from a facility owned by a dolphinarium in St Petersburg to the military programme in the Russian Arctic, where his trainers and vets remained in contact. “I believe that when they started to work in open water, trusting this animal (not to swim away), the animal just gave up on them,” she says. “What I’ve heard from the guys at the commercial dolphinarium who used to have him was that Andruha was smart, so a good choice to be trained. But at the same time, he was kind of like a hooligan – an active beluga – so they were not surprised that he gave up on (following) the boat and went where he wanted to.” Google Satellite images from near Murmansk in the Russian Arctic show what appear to be white whales in pens near a submarine base Satellite images from near the Russian naval base in Murmansk show what could have been Hvaldimir/Andruha’s old home. Pens can clearly be seen in the water with what appear to be white whales inside. “The location of the beluga whales very close to the submarines and the surface vessels might tell us that they are actually part of a guarding system,” says Thomas Nilsen, from Norwegian online newspaper The Barents Observer. Russia, for its part, has never officially addressed the claim that Hvaldimir/Andruha was trained by its army. But it does have a long history of training marine mammals for military purposes. Speaking in 2019, a Russian reserve colonel, Viktor Baranets, said: “If we were using this animal for spying, do you really think we’d attach a mobile phone number with the message ‘Please call this number’?” The beluga whale travelled south over several years Sadly, Hvaldimir/Andruha’s incredible story does not have a happy ending. Having learned to feed himself, it spent several years travelling south along Norway’s coast and in May 2023 was even spotted off the coast of Sweden. Then on September 1 2024 its body was found floating at sea, near the town of Risavika, on Norway’s south-western coast. Had the long arm of ******’s Russia caught up with the reluctant beluga? It appears not. Despite some activist groups suggesting that the whale had been shot, that explanation has been dismissed by the Norwegian police. They say there was nothing to suggest that human activity directly caused the beluga’s ******. A post-mortem examination revealed that Hvaldimir/Andruha ***** after a stick became lodged in his mouth. Source link #Beluga #whale #Russian #military #asset Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Jury shown video of father slapping girl Jury shown video of father slapping girl Surrey Police A video showing the father of Sara Sharif slapping his daughter less than 13 months before she ***** of multiple injuries has been shown to jurors. In the home video filmed in July 2022 Urfan Sharif is seen sitting on a bed playing with a new born baby and Sara, who already has a mark on her cheek. He slaps her and she continues smiling, then he slaps her three more times until she says “Hey!” Mr Sharif, 42, along with Sara’s stepmother, Beinash Batool, 30, and uncle, Faisal Malik, 29, have denied both ******* and causing or allowing her ****** of the ten-year-old at their trial at the Old Bailey. Sara’s body was discovered in a bunkbed at her home in Woking, Surrey, on 10 August 2023. Jurors previously heard she had been hooded, burned, bitten and beaten during more than two years of ******. The jury was told that the video was filmed two days after the baby was born. Sara was smiling and had an mark on her cheek with cream on it. Ms Batool’s barrister Caroline Carberry KC said it was Sudocrem. Sara was saying to the baby “Come to me” when her father slaps on the cheek with the mark on it. She continues smiling, and her father slaps her at least three more times. At the end Sara says “Hey!”, and then the video stops. Surrey Police Urfan Sharif, Beinash Batool and Faisal Malik are each facing two charges relating to the ****** of Sara Sharif Mr Sharif smiled as the video was played in court. Ms Carberry KC asked: “Did you find that funny?” He said: “I have not seen my daughter for a long time.” Asked why he slapped his daughter he said: “This is not slap ma’am.” “Why did you slap her face at all?” Ms Carberry KC asked. “This not slap. You can she how happy she was with me. “I was saying coochie, coochie, coochie.” Ms Carberry said: “She didn’t even flinch at all because she’s so used to it.” The court also heard how Sara shouted at her father to “go away” during supervised contact when she was a toddler. She shouted at Mr Sharif in 2015 when she was not living with him, according to notes from a social worker who observed the contact. Mr Sharif told Ms Carberry KC that the social worker’s notes were not true. “She was not even talking at that time,” he said. “She started talking at the age of three.” Surrey Police Urfan Sharif, seen here when he was arrested at Gatwick Airport, said claims he threatened to ***** former partners were “false allegations” Ms Carberry KC also went through a list of allegations made against Mr Sharif – that he falsely imprisoned an 18-year-old woman, that he hit his first wife in the mouth and made it bleed, that he kicked her and threatened to ***** her and swore all the time. He denied all the allegations, saying the social worker records were false. Ms Carberry KC said he also only attended four out of 10 sessions of a “parenting puzzle” course. Mr Sharif agreed that when he met Ms Batool he was 32 or 33 and she was 20, and that it was a casual relationship at first. Ms Carberry KC said Ms Batool was a “vulnerable young woman”, isolated from her family and struggling. Mr Sharif said: “She is anything but vulnerable.” Ms Carberry KC asked him: “Do you remember cutting her clothes with scissors?” “No ma’am,” Mr Sharif said. “She’s a psycho. That is her thing.” “She’s a psycho and is obsessed with cutting clothes.” ‘As her own’ The court heard that he had told social services that they were “a perfect couple”. Guildford Family Court later ordered Mr Sharif to attend a Domestic ********* Perpetrator Programme. He attended 10 out of the 16 sessions, the court heard. The jury heard that in 2019 Sara was living with her mother Olga Sharif, but then made allegations of neglect and ********* against her. She said her mother was smoking cannabis, not feeding her, leaving her alone with another child and burning her with a lighter. Mr Sharif recorded the allegations in a video. This led to a court order that Sara should live with her father and his new wife, Ms Batool. Caroline Carberry KC said: “She treated [her] as her own.” “That’s what I thought,” Mr Sharif replied. “[She] seemed to love Beinash more than [she] loved you?” he was asked. “That’s right ma’am,” he said. The trial continues. Follow BBC Surrey on Facebook, and on X. Send your story ideas to [email protected].***, or WhatsApp us on 08081 002250. Source link #Jury #shown #video #father #slapping #girl Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Coalition spokesman Simon Birmingham calls for ‘just peace’ in Ukraine amid Trump uncertainty Coalition spokesman Simon Birmingham calls for ‘just peace’ in Ukraine amid Trump uncertainty The war in Ukraine must end with a “just peace” and not with an “empowered” Vladimir ******, the opposition foreign affairs spokesman says, foreshadowing yet another clash of worldviews with the incoming US administration. Donald Trump has said he would end the conflict within 24 hours. But there are concerns a Trump peace plan would force Ukraine to yield swathes of its territory to invading Russia. Simon Birmingham said on Wednesday a just ending to the war was “one where Ukrainians feel safe and secure in their sovereignty”. Camera IconOpposition foreign affairs spokesman Simon Birmingham says the war in Ukraine must end with a “just peace” and not with an “empowered” Vladimir ******. NewsWire / Martin Ollman Credit: News Corp Australia “It’s one where Vladimir ****** does not feel empowered to repeat in a few years’ time what he has done over the last couple of years,” Senator Birmingham told the National Press Club. “So how that is secured is obviously something that needs to respect the views of the Ukrainian people and ultimately put their safety at the forefront of those discussions. “Now, I don’t think I can be any more upfront than, in these days still after President Trump’s election to a second term, to be openly canvassing that.” Both the Albanese government and the Coalition have reacted to Mr Trump’s election win last week with cautious but optimistic messaging. Mr Trump’s America first rhetoric has sparked uncertainty around the US’s commitment to international trade and security. Ukraine has bipartisan support in Canberra, with Australia contributing around $1.5bn worth of aid to Kyiv’s efforts to push Russian forces out of its territory. Senator Birmingham said “we all want to see peace” and that there were “areas in which Donald Trump as a disrupter may actually be able to get breakthroughs.” At least six people were ******* in Ukraine early on November 11, amid reports that US president-elect Donald Trump had told Russian President Vladimir ****** not to escalate the war there. At least five people were reported ******* following Russian strikes on the city of Mykolaiv, Ukraine’s State Emergency Service (SES) said. Footage released by the SES showed emergency crews dousing fires and searching through rubble. Some survivors are seen being tending to by emergency workers. On the same day, one person was ******* and at least 22 people injured after Russian air strikes targeted the city of Zaporizhzhia, while at least seven people were injured after a Russian missile hit an apartment building in Kryvyi Rih. Credit: SES of Ukraine via Storyful “So we have to hope that we can see if there is to be a peace, it is one that stands the test of time in the years ahead and gives Ukrainians those opportunities,” he said. “And they’re the benchmarks that we’re outlining and of course they’re the benchmarks my comments will be held against in the” Asked what the Coalition would do if it disagreed with Mr Trump on Ukraine, Senator Birmingham said he “would expect what I’ve said right now to be replayed and reflected back”. He said the Coalition’s position was not to “oppose the instinct of President Trump to try to find a way to peace.” “But what that pathway is matters enormously, not just to the Ukrainian people, but to what it sends as a signal to Russia, to China, and to others around the rest of the world about what aggression can yield and where lines will be drawn,” Senator Birmingham said. “And we need those lines to be drawn in a way that deters future aggression, rather than increases the risk of it.” Camera IconMore than 6.1 million Ukrainians have sought refuge outside of their homeland since Russia’s invasion in February 2022. NewsWire / Martin Ollman Credit: Supplied More than 6.1 million Ukrainians have sought refuge outside of their homeland since Russia’s invasion in February 2022. Nearly 12,000 civilians have been ******* and some 26,000 more injured. Moscow’s war against its smaller neighbour has had far-reaching consequences. The conflict has pushed up the fuel and energy prices and restricted Ukrainian grain from reaching countries that critically need it. It has also prompted nuclear fears, with multiple atomic power plants in the ******* line and the Russian president casually hinting he would use nuclear warheads. With Russia reportedly using North Korean troops to bolster its depleting force numbers, analysts have warned the conflict could expand. Source link #Coalition #spokesman #Simon #Birmingham #calls #peace #Ukraine #Trump #uncertainty Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Subway rider who helped restrain man in NYC chokehold ****** says he wanted ex-Marine to ‘let go’ Subway rider who helped restrain man in NYC chokehold ****** says he wanted ex-Marine to ‘let go’ NEW YORK (AP) — A subway commuter who helped an ex-Marine restrain an agitated man aboard a Manhattan subway last year testified Tuesday that he tried to convince the veteran to loosen his grip around the man’s neck. In a New York City courtroom, Eric Gonzalez recalled encountering the chaotic struggle in progress, after Daniel Penny had already pinned the man, Jordan Neely, to the train’s floor and placed him in a firm chokehold. “I made my presence known to Daniel Penny,” Gonzalez told jurors. “I said, ‘I’m going to grab his hands so you can let go.’” Penny is facing manslaughter charges in the May 2023 ****** of Neely, a 30-year-old man who was homeless. Prosecutors say Penny acted with “indifference” to Neely’s life by keeping him in a chokehold for nearly six minutes. Penny’s defense attorneys, meanwhile, say their client was seeking to protect himself and fellow riders from a “seething, psychotic” person who had shouted at riders and made distressing statements about wanting to **** prior to Penny’s intervention. But Gonzalez, a casino manager and daily subway rider, hadn’t known any of that when he “jumped in to help,” he revealed Tuesday. Rather, he said he wanted to diffuse the situation by giving Penny an “alternative” to continuing to choke Neely. He recalled telling Penny: “Let him go, get your arm away from his neck.” Jurors were then shown slowed-down video of the altercation, in which Gonzalez appeared to mouth something to Penny. As Penny continued to choke Neely, Gonzalez kept hold of Neely’s arms and wrist. “Jordan Neely’s body goes limp and I let go and shortly after Daniel Penny lets go,” Gonzalez added. He checked the man’s pulse and tried to place him in a “recovery position,” he said, before leaving the scene. In their cross-examination, defense attorneys sought to cast doubt on the narrative of the bystander-turned-participant, noting his testimony was coming weeks after Gonzalez learned that prosecutors did not plan to charge him for his involvement in the struggle. They also noted that Gonzalez’s story had changed over time: he initially told prosecutors that Neely had attacked him, though surveillance footage showed he was not on the train at the start of the confrontation. “I was trying to justify my actions for having my hands on him,” Gonzalez admitted on Tuesday. In court Tuesday, Penny sat straight up, staring forward as the video played. Members of Neely’s family sat near the front of the gallery, including his father, who hung his head for much of the proceeding. The trial has placed a spotlight on issues of public safety and disorder within the city’s transit system. The case has divided many New Yorkers, often along political lines. Penny, who is white, has become a cause célèbre on the right; Neely, who was ******, is frequently mentioned at the city’s ******* justice protests, some of which have taken place just outside the lower Manhattan courthouse. On Tuesday, Gonzalez said he was aware of the public attention around the case and feared he could face “public prosecution” for his testimony. “There’s all these protests going on, I’m scared for myself, I’m scared for my family,” he said. Source link #Subway #rider #helped #restrain #man #NYC #chokehold #****** #wanted #exMarine Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Terminally-ill people discuss proposed new law Terminally-ill people discuss proposed new law BBC Nik Ward, who suffers from MND, worries legalising assisted dying could lead to people feeling pressure to end their lives The question of whether terminally-ill people should have the right to end their lives is dividing MPs as they consider a proposed law to legalise assisted dying. If passed, the landmark bill would offer this choice to those who are expected to **** within six months – provided their decision is approved by doctors. They would need to be satisfied that a patient’s choice has been made without pressure or coercion. But the debate has raised questions about how terminally-ill people could be safeguarded and coercion avoided – with criticism of the proposal coming from both Labour and ************* politicians. BBC News has spoken to two people who have terminal conditions, Elise Burns, who supports assisted dying, and Nik Ward, who hopes the bill does not pass. Nik has motor neurone ********, and says he probably would have chosen assisted dying three years ago if it had been legal. The 53-year-old has been told for the past five years that he is terminally ill and knows he could **** tomorrow by choking on food or on his own saliva. “I prided myself on my health and fitness,” says Nik, who now uses a motorised wheelchair and breathing apparatus. “Twenty years ago, if you were to say to me that I’d be in a wheelchair, I’d be like ‘Nah mate, it’s all right. I’d rather go.'” Now Nik says his attitude to life – and ****** – has changed and he is grateful to have seen his children grow up. His eldest daughter is engaged to be married. Under the proposed law, Nik is concerned that other people suffering terminal illnesses would choose an assisted ****** and miss out on the joys that more life could bring – even if they are less physically able. The private members’ bill was put forward by Labour MP Kim Leadbeater but the deeply sensitive nature of this issue has split politicians in all major parties. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has promised his party will be allowed to vote freely with their conscience. Many people living with terminal illnesses have said the bill offers them hope that they may not have to experience a painful or prolonged ******. Elise Burns lives in constant pain due to terminal ******* ******* that has spread to her bones, lungs and liver. She has been told she might have only two years to live. Elise Burns, 50, lives in constant pain and wants the choice to end her life before it gets worse The 50-year-old relies on two different forms of morphine and a high-strength co-codamol to manage the pain. Some days “they don’t touch the sides”, leaving her barely able to move. The pain is worst in her thigh, where she had a metal rod inserted after ******* rotted her femur. Elise says the pain will only get worse as her body becomes more tolerant of painkillers – making them less effective. “I’m not scared to **** but I am scared of a bad ****** – a long, drawn-out, brutal, horrific ******. That terrifies me.” There has been particular concern among critics of the bill about how people who have been left vulnerable by life-threatening illness will be safeguarded. Some believe the existence of assisted dying legislation could create an implicit pressure on terminally-ill people – even if no-one is actively trying to coerce them. Nik describes this possibility as a “very subtle but very insistent background noise”. He thinks people who may feel like a burden to their loved-ones might, for example, choose to “end their lives because they feel like they ought to for their children’s sake”. “It’s the people that are most thoughtful, most considerate – they’re the very people that I’m worried about,” he adds. Nik worries other terminally-ill people will feel driven to choose assisted dying if the bill passes But Nik acknowledges that, though MND has robbed him of his active body, he is not enduring constant pain like Elise and some other terminally-ill people. “I fully respect their position,” he says. “I’m living in a fairly privileged situation, in some senses.” Elise disagrees that the bill would coerce people into prematurely ending their lives, as this option would only be available to those with six months to live. As a safeguard, the person’s request to **** would need to be approved by two doctors and a judge. Elise accepts that those opposed to the bill have questions about the effectiveness of these safety measures, and the ethics of assisted dying. “It’s such a complex issue and I don’t have all the answers. What I would say is that everyone should have the choice to do what they wish with their bodies.” Elise says she will likely be ***** before the bill becomes law, if it passes, but hopes it could help others Elise knows she will **** soon but says having a choice about when this happens would bring her comfort and reassurance. She believes it is likely that, if the bill is approved, it will come too late to help her. Instead, she plans to use the assisted dying service offered by the Swiss firm Dignitas. She says their process requires a lot of paperwork beforehand and will cost her between £12,000-£15,000. She says she is fortunate enough to be able to afford the sum but that the high prices involved are another reason why the law should be changed – so that assisted dying is possible for every terminally-ill person who chooses it, not just those who can afford it. If the bill does pass, Elise wishes she could “be there to see it”. “It’s going to help so many people,” she adds. Newscast – The Assisted Dying Bill Explained Adam Fleming is joined by the BBC’s deputy political editor Vicki Young and medical editor Fergus Walsh to discuss the safeguards set out in the bill, how leading politicians are saying they’ll vote and the concerns those who oppose the bill have raised. Source link #Terminallyill #people #discuss #proposed #law Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Khawaja debunks strike rate ‘myth’ in McSweeney nod Khawaja debunks strike rate ‘myth’ in McSweeney nod Usman Khawaja has brushed aside the perceived need for quick top-order Test runs as a “myth” in endorsing new *********** opening partner Nathan McSweeney. The 25-year-old will debut against India in Perth’s first Test from next Friday. The South *********** skipper and former Queensland teammate of Khawaja’s at the Bulls will be in unfamiliar territory, given he bats at No.3 for the Redbacks. Steve Smith will shift back to his preferred No.4 after a short-lived audition to replace the retired David Warner last summer. Warner struck at 70 runs per 100 ****** in 143 first-class games, while the more measured McSweeney’s strike rate is 42 in 34 first-class matches. Khawaja scores slightly quicker than McSweeney but laughed off the suggestion Australia’s Test fortunes would be scuppered by a lower scoring rate against the new ball. “I don’t know where this myth started that you need someone to score really fast to do well,” he said on Wednesday. “You’ve got five days to do it … I don’t know why you need to score fast. “Opening’s as much about scoring runs as it is about being able to absorb. “Davey was special; he could score runs while absorbing but he didn’t do it (score fast) every time. “He was consistent; out there and setting a platform, and Nathan does that very well.” McSweeney, an off-spinning No.6, was yet to cement his place at the Bulls when he left for Adelaide seeking what he figured would be greater opportunities in 2021. He’s flourished since and relished the responsibility of captaincy, Khawaja joking a haircut to remove the “boofy curls” had also helped his cause. Commentary has centred around McSweeney’s task of adapting to the new role at the top of the order. But Khawaja, himself a former No.3, said he shouldn’t overthink it. “There’s no guarantees in cricket … but he doesn’t have to do anything different,” Khawaja said. “Just repeat the process. He’s been able to handle the pressure at Shield level. “When you look at his demeanour, the way he plays, you do kind of feel over a longer ******* of time he’ll be able to handle the scrutiny, the pressure of Test cricket.” Khawaja on Wednesday detailed plans to link his Usman Khawaja Foundation annually with the Gabba Test, which will this year be the third in the series from December 14. It’s purpose is to assist youth from ********, immigrant, Indigenous, rural, remote and low-socio economic backgrounds through cricket and educational programs. The fundraiser will include a pre-Test lunch, with proceeds from the gate and an auction including Pakistan star Babar Azam’s Test shirt going to the charity. “We’ve got the pink Test in Sydney,” Khawaja said of the high-profile McGrath Foundation fundraiser. “We’re trying to make the Usman Khawaja Foundation a part of the Gabba Test. “I didn’t speak English (when arriving in Australia from Pakistan as a child) … cricket broke down the barriers for me. “I never felt isolated when I played sport.” Source link #Khawaja #debunks #strike #rate #myth #McSweeney #nod Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

This powerful, quiet, exhaust-free generator is almost 55% off ahead of ****** Friday This powerful, quiet, exhaust-free generator is almost 55% off ahead of ****** Friday Losing power can be an all-too-stressful scramble. Whether you’re prepping for storm season or just need some backup juice during camping or RVing, the EcoFlow Delta 2 has got your back. Even better, this No. 1 bestselling power station is almost 55% off at Amazon weeks before ****** Friday. Amazon Power through any storm or adventure with 1800W of fume-free output. This juice machine is ready to get your cell phones, coffee makers, freezer chests, power tools and more up and running fast. $459 at AmazonWhy is this a good deal? Power stations like this usually come with a hefty price tag, but at $459 (down from $999!), this is an incredible deal. Did we mention it’s the lowest it’s been all year? Also, considering the versatility of the Delta 2 and its ability to charge multiple devices while keeping appliances running, it’s hard to beat the value. Even pricier gas-powered generators pale in comparison when you consider this model’s clean energy, lack of noise and zero fumes. Why do I need this? This falls into the category of “things you don’t think about until you need them.” If you love camping or RVing — or live in an area prone to power outages — this generator can be a lifesaver. It’s not just about charging your phone (though you’ll thank yourself when your phone doesn’t **** mid-trip). We’re talking about keeping your food cold or even powering tools. It’s portable enough to take with you and powerful enough to keep you going for days. For those who like camping but aren’t down with giving up all the luxuries of home, imagine powering up your string lights, heated blankets and even a coffee maker, all while enjoying the great outdoors. This generator provides users with 1 kilowatt-hour of power but is expandable up to 3kWh with extra batteries. With its expandable battery and 15(!) outlets, it can keep essential appliances and devices running smoothly during both short outages and extended breaks from the grid. Plus, it’s easy to use and charges incredibly fast, going from 0% to 80% in just 50 minutes and fully charging in 80 minutes with AC input. There’s even an optional solar panel available if AC power isn’t an option. The EcoFlow Delta 2 Portable Power Station has 15 outlets — so no fighting over who gets to juice up their cell phone first. (Amazon) What reviewers say With over 1,300 five-star reviews on Amazon, the Delta 2 has earned a solid reputation for being a reliable, versatile power station that users trust. ***** The Delta 2 can be a game-changer during a power outage, especially when it comes to preventing food spoilage. One satisfied reviewer shared, “In the first week it already saved my fridge from spoiling during a five-hour power outage.” They also praised the device’s ease of use: “The app is pretty straightforward, support gives a real human being, and quality seems reliable with low temp cutoff and other safeguards in place.” Another user highlighted its versatility, using it to run multiple appliances at once: “I’ve tested this with my Blendtec (similar to a Vitamix). And it worked awesome. I was able to run it full blast and it was only pulling about 600 watts or ¼ of the total allowed by the unit. I was also able to run a projector, Chromecast, speakers and a lamp for about 12 hours. When I checked, the Delta 2 still had 55% battery left.” “This is a solid built product,” praised another user who used the Delta 2 in their vehicle. “The bottom edges have these rubber bumpers for extra protection. The form factor is designed well to fit in the car.” ***** While there’s a lot to love about the Delta 2, one user noted the fan’s volume as a drawback: “When plugged into the AC wall, the Delta 2’s fans were very loud.” However, the same reviewer pointed out an easy fix: “You can lower the charging speed from 1200 watts to 600 watts via the app, and the fan won’t be as loud.” “My biggest complaint is the app,” said another shopper. “It could have better capability of turning things on and off remotely, as well as warnings for battery discharge. However, it does show you the essentials. Hopefully, the app will improve over time, and the unit will be more controllable.” Amazon The strong and silent type: We’re pretty sure you’re going to fall for this quiet contender. $459 at Amazon If you have Amazon Prime, you’ll get free shipping, of course. Not yet a member? No problem. You can sign up for your free 30-day trial here. (And by the way, those without Prime still get free shipping on orders of $35 or more.) The reviews quoted above reflect the most recent versions at the time of publication. Source link #powerful #quiet #exhaustfree #generator #ahead #****** #Friday Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Swiggy shares jump nearly 8% on debut after India’s second-largest IPO this year Swiggy shares jump nearly 8% on debut after India’s second-largest IPO this year Swiggy delivery team gather after attempting Guinness World record title for largest Vada Pav (Indian Burger) delivery across Mumbai. Swiggy team delivered eleven thousand (11,000) Vada Pav (Indian Burger) across the city creating a Guinness World record. Sopa Images | Lightrocket | Getty Images Shares of Indian food delivery giant Swiggy rose nearly 8% on their trading debut Wednesday after its IPO became the country’s second largest this year. The company raised 113.27 billion Indian rupees ($1.34 billion) in its IPO that closed Monday, pricing its shares at 390 rupees apiece. The IPO was reportedly oversubscribed more than three times, according to Indian business outlet Mint. The listing comes close on the heels of Hyundai Motor India’s 278.56 billion rupee IPO in October, India’s largest ever IPO by amount raised. The shares allocated to qualified institutional buyers were subscribed more than six times, according to Mint, while the portion given to retail investors was 114% subscribed. The IPO comprised both an offer for the ***** of existing shares, worth 68.28 billion rupees, and a fresh issue of shares, worth 44.99 billion rupees. The lead bookrunners for this IPO included Kotak Mahindra Capital, J.P. Morgan India, and Citigroup Global Markets India. Swiggy said the net proceeds of 43.59 billion rupees from the fresh issue of shares will be used to pay down borrowings in its subsidiary Scootsy, as well as for further investment in the subsidiary. Proceeds could also be used to fund inorganic growth “through unidentified acquisitions and general corporate purposes,” among other things. Source link #Swiggy #shares #jump #debut #Indias #secondlargest #IPO #year Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Speed of cricket ****** cause row over Bingley housing scheme Speed of cricket ****** cause row over Bingley housing scheme Getty Images Sport England said too little consideration over the risk of injury from flying cricket ****** had gone into the plans A row over the speed of ****** being hit by cricket batsmen could delay a major housing scheme. Developers were granted permission to convert an office building next to Crossflatts Cricket Club in Bingley into 139 flats subject to a cricket ball risk assessment over concerns about the risk to future residents of flying ******. Aire Valley Ltd submitted its assessment and has applied to have that planning condition removed to progress the development. However, Sport England said it had not been produced by a qualified consultant and underestimated the power of some of the players’ shots. Google An application to turn Aire Valley House into 139 flats was approved by Bradford Council The Local Democracy Reporting Service said the planning application to convert the office block on Croft Road into 139 flats was approved by Bradford Council in 2021, with work on its conversion starting late last year. However, when the risk assessment was submitted by developers in summer this year, its accuracy was queried by Sport England. Aire Valley House Ltd’s assessment suggested a 10ft (3m) tall fence along a stretch of the club boundary would be enough to stop ****** from landing in the new development. Google Work to convert the residential site next to the cricket club began late last year However, Sport England said: “The ball strike assessment doesn’t appear to have been undertaken via a specialist qualified consultant.” The agency also noted the assessment “contains flaws in that cricket shots can be played 360 degrees off the crease with only shots from the furthest crease being measured on this report”. Sport England said the speed at which professional players hit a ball should also have been considered, as Crossflatts Cricket Club played in an ECB Premier League which allowed tier five professionals. The agency said “residents, visitors and property at the application site could be at risk of both injury and damage from cricket ******”. Bradford Council planners are to decide at a date to be determined if the developer’s risk assessment meets the planning condition and can be dropped allowing the work to continue. Listen to highlights from West Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, catch up with the latest episode of Look North or tell us a story you think we should be covering here. Source link #Speed #cricket #****** #row #Bingley #housing #scheme Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Skyfields forever: Five new precincts to emerge from Perth Airport’s multi-billion redevelopment, including a new leisure precinct as well as traditional commercial property zone Skyfields forever: Five new precincts to emerge from Perth Airport’s multi-billion redevelopment, including a new leisure precinct as well as traditional commercial property zone SEE THE PICTURES: Forming one of the biggest urban redevelopment projects in Australia, it is set to drive billions of dollars in investment and create thousands of jobs. Source link #Skyfields #precincts #emerge #Perth #Airports #multibillion #redevelopment #including #leisure #precinct #traditional #commercial #property #zone Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Travis Kelce’s and Patrick Mahomes’ Kansas City Homes Burglarized Within 48 Hours of Each Other Travis Kelce’s and Patrick Mahomes’ Kansas City Homes Burglarized Within 48 Hours of Each Other Mahomes’ home was broken into early in the morning of Oct. 6, and burglars hit Kelce’s home on the evening of Oct. 7 Ralf Ibing – firo sportphoto/Getty Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce The Kansas City-area homes of Chiefs stars Travis Kelce and Patrick Mahomes were burglarized last month within 48 hours of each other, PEOPLE can confirm. Mahomes’ eight-acre Belton, Missouri estate was broken into around midnight on Sunday, Oct. 6, according to a police report obtained by PEOPLE. Police with the Cass County Sheriff’s Office were dispatched to the home at 12:08 a.m. on a burglary/breaking and entering call. There were no signs of forced entry to the home, according to the police report. Less than 48 hours later, at 7:33 p.m. on Oct. 7 as the Chiefs were playing the New Orleans Saints, a break-in occurred at Kelce’s home, according to a police report obtained by PEOPLE. Leawood Police were not called to the house until 1:36 a.m. the following morning, where they reported that $20,000 was taken and a rear door was broken. TMZ was the first to report the news. Related: Patrick Mahomes’ Mom Randi Shows off His Childhood Home, Including Travis Kelce Mannequin and Baby Photos Brittany Mahomes/Instagram (L-R) Brittany, Bronze, Patrick and Sterling Mahomes Mahomes and his wife, Brittany, bought the eight-acre parcel of land where they built their “dream home” in September 2020, Architectural Digest reported. During the summer of 2023, the Mahomes family — which includes daughter Sterling, 3, son Bronze, 23 months, and a third child, a girl, on the way — moved into the compound, which is about a half-hour’s drive from Kansas City. In addition to the residence, it features a 50-yard-football field custom-stamped with Mahomes’ logo, a pool with a swim-up bar and par-3 golf *****. Related: Patrick Mahomes Cuddles Kids Sterling and Bronze on the Couch in Adorable Home Photo Kelce, meanwhile, purchased his home in Leawood, Kansas just over a year ago. Mahomes, Kelce and the Chiefs won that game and their next four to maintain their undefeated season and bring their record to 9-0. They next face Josh Allen and the Buffalo Bills in New York, in a rematch of the 2024 AFC divisional round playoff game, on Sunday, Nov. 17. Source link #Travis #Kelces #Patrick #Mahomes #Kansas #City #Homes #Burglarized #Hours Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Premier League footballer questioned over ***** claims Premier League footballer questioned over ***** claims A Premier League footballer has been further questioned by police and ******** under investigation for allegedly ******* three women and ********* assaulting a fourth, the BBC can reveal. This comes a year on from a BBC News investigation, which spoke to five women who accused the Premier League player of *****, ******* ******** or controlling behaviour. Despite four women reporting the man, who we are calling Player X, to the police for alleged ******* offences from 2021 to 2023, he has continued to play for the club. One woman told the BBC the lack of action from the club and governing body the Football Association contributed to her attempting to take her own life. “I didn’t want to exist in a world where I’m constantly reminded that ***** allegations can be ignored as long as you’re talented enough,” she explained. Another woman said they believe if Player X had been suspended after the first allegation she would not have gone on to be ********* assaulted. The football bodies say they take ******* misconduct very seriously. The BBC has confirmed that the footballer attended a police station on Thursday 7 November and was interviewed under caution – this was the first time he was questioned about an allegation of ***** reported last year by a fourth woman. It has been two and half years since Player X was first arrested on suspicion of ***** in July 2022, following a report from one woman. Shortly afterwards he was also arrested for an earlier allegation of ***** from a second woman, who reported him to the police in August 2021. Player X was questioned by police in February 2023 about allegations of ******* ******** made by a third woman. Privacy rules regarding the identification of suspects means the BBC is not naming the footballer. The player has denied wrongdoing, the BBC understands. One of the women, who we are calling Kira, first reported Player X to the police in August 2021 and has expressed finding the ********* process extremely strenuous, as she continues to wait for the outcome of the police investigation. “This investigation, my only chance at justice, has drained me physically and mentally…the longer this investigation drags on, the more my trust in the system fades,” she told the BBC. The BBC investigation from last November found seven out of 20 Premier League clubs have had players or bosses investigated by the police for ******* offences since 2020. However, the bodies only have regulations on how to respond to allegations of this nature if they occur within “a football environment”, or if concerns relate to children or vulnerable adults. Therefore, they say the allegations against Player X do not fall under their safeguarding requirements. This contrasts with the approach in the ******* States, where the National Football League (NFL) and Major League Baseball (MLB) have publicly-available policies for players, or staff, who have been accused of ******* or domestic *********. The women told the BBC last November that the club, FA and Premier league are prioritising commercial interests over the safety of women. The celebrity status of top footballers has led to calls for players who become embroiled in ********* allegations to be suspended until it has been fully investigated. Dame Caroline Dineage, chairwoman of the Culture, Media and Sport Committee, told the BBC last year that footballers’ public role-model position means it is crucial any ******* ****** allegations are handled appropriately. “As part of the new regulator’s role setting licensing conditions, we want to see it have the powers to take clubs to task for their approach and lack of progress when it comes to improving every aspect of equality, diversity and inclusion,” she added. The Department for Culture, Media and Sport told the BBC that as there is an ongoing investigation this is a matter for the police, the FA and Premier League. After first going to the police in August 2021, Kira emailed the FA, Premier League and the club about her allegations the following month “in desperation”, as she was worried about him continuing to play on such a big platform while he was being investigated. The club told her it couldn’t discuss her allegations for legal reasons. The Premier League directed her to the FA. More than four months after contacting the FA about her allegations, it told her in emails that it could take “no further action” as the alleged behaviour did not breach its regulations. It stated there was “no evidence” to suggest that Player X “poses a risk of harm to children or adults at risk”. It sent her a PDF document that was titled “Football’s Safeguarding Children policy” – which did not apply to her. “They were hiding behind their lack of policies whilst knowing that the regulations they did have set up were meant to protect profits, not victims,” says Kira. In July 2024, Kira again approached the club, Premier League and FA – sending them evidence that she was a “vulnerable ******”. In an email, seen by the BBC, the club told her they had passed her correspondence onto the Premier League and the FA. The Premier League told her it was unable to discuss allegations currently under police investigation. And the FA, told her it couldn’t share any details or updates regarding if any FA interventions have been taken. “Further, we refer to our email…where we explained we are not the employer of the individual,” it added. Speaking about the response Kira told the BBC their correspondence has “reinforced a devastating message that I don’t matter, that more women coming forward doesn’t matter, and that even when I meet safeguarding requirements, it will never matter”. Another woman – Mia – says she believes if the FA and club had acted when they were first alerted to a ***** allegation in 2021, she wouldn’t have later gone to the house of Player X where she alleges he ********* assaulted her. “If they had decided to take the first allegation seriously… if they had suspended him, I never would have been in that situation that I was in that day,” she told the BBC. “Their decision caused me to suffer,” she said. While the FA has detailed policies in place for players accused of ******** on the game, there isn’t anything similar for players accused of ******* or domestic ********* that takes place beyond the football environment. Clubs’ responses to players and leading figures under police investigation for such offences are varied – with some opting to suspend, and others not. Some lawyers in the *** have noted the many legal difficulties facing football clubs when considering how to deal with a player facing allegations of ******* or domestic *********, without overarching rules in place. This month, Benjamin Mendy successfully sued Manchester City over his unpaid wages during his suspension, after he was charged with ***** and ******* ******** in 2021 and later found not guilty on all counts. A spokesperson for the Met said: “Met officers are investigating following a number of reports of alleged ******* offences between 2021 and 2023. “A man in his 30s was arrested in July 2022. He has since been interviewed by police on two further occasions while under caution. “The investigation ******** ongoing and detectives are continuing with in-depth and detailed enquiries. Those who have come forward to police continue to receive support from Met officers.” The footballer’s club and the Premier League told us they were unable to comment on an ongoing police investigation. A spokesperson for the FA added: “Our safeguarding policies and procedures allow us to support and protect children and adults at risk within a football-related environment.” “Regardless of where the incident took place, if the individual has a role within football, we always carry out a thorough safeguarding risk assessment and take the appropriate action if we believe there is a risk of harm to children. We are unable to comment on specific cases, but that does not mean that we haven’t taken the required action or applied appropriate safeguards within our jurisdiction.” [email protected].***. And if you are affected by any of the issues in this story, contact BBC Action Line for details of advice and support. Source link #Premier #League #footballer #questioned #***** #claims Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Town devastated by alleged ******* of Elvis impersonator Town devastated by alleged ******* of Elvis impersonator A 75-year-old musician allegedly murdered in a rural NSW town is being remembered as a “top bloke” as his accused ******* faces court for the first time. Source link #Town #devastated #alleged #******* #Elvis #impersonator Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Family reeling as 16-year-old victim of alleged sword-and-SUV ******* ******** in hospital Family reeling as 16-year-old victim of alleged sword-and-SUV ******* ******** in hospital The family of a 16-year-old from a small northern Ontario community, who was seriously injured when her ex-boyfriend allegedly hit her with his vehicle and then attacked her with a sword, say the past week has been a “big blur.” Kaylie Smith ******** in hospital in Ottawa with serious injuries, but is in stable condition. “It’s just like a big blur. It doesn’t seem real,” said Cindy Smith, Kaylie’s mother. Officers responded to a collision involving a motor vehcile and a pedestrian in Cobalt, Ont. — about 500 kilometres northwest of Ottawa — on Nov. 3, according to Const. Martin Thibault of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP). When they arrived, Thibault says they found an 18-year-old had driven an SUV into Smith, who had just got off the bus, and then attacked her with a sword. Thibault added that witnesses helped Smith until emergency responders arrived. Smith’s ex-boyfriend, Phillipe Gagnon, was arrested within an hour of the ******* and ******** in custody. He faces several charges, including attempted ******* and aggravated ********. OPP are treating the incident as intimate partner *********. ‘Doesn’t seem real’ to mom Smith’s family has been in Ottawa by her side in hospital since she was airlifted to the city. “One minute we’re living life, and the next minute we’re here at the hospital, fighting for her life. I just don’t get it,” Cindy said. She described her daughter as a “beautiful, wonderful girl” who loves animals and drawing. “I just thank **** she’s alive, and I sure hope there’s justice for this,” she said. “Nobody deserves to go through this.” Family members describe 16-year-old Kaylie Smith, 16, as soft-spoken, sweet and helpful to others. Family members describe Smith as soft-spoken, sweet and helpful to others. (Submitted by Paige Smith) A handful of family members have been in the city to support Kaylie, including her cousin Paige Smith. Paige bounced between two hotels before securing a place to stay for the “foreseeable future” with help from the community. “It’s just been a blur,” Paige said. “When everything happened, we kind of dropped everything and headed down, worried about the consequences afterwards. You don’t really think about yourself in these moments. It’s just auto-pilot — doing what needs to be done.” An online fundraiser to support the family’s stay in the city and Kaylie’s long recovery has raised close to $100,000. A candlight vigil was also held over the weekend. The community of Cobalt, Ont., held a candlelight vigil for the 16-year-old victim of an ******** on Nov. 6. The teenage girl is recovering in an Ottawa hospital. Cobalt, Ont., community members hold a candlelight vigil for Smith on Nov. 6. (Charlie Angus/X) Accused known to police Protesters gathered outside the Haileybury courthouse on Tuesday morning ahead of bail proceedings for Gagnon. They carried signs reading “Justice for Kaylie” and “No Bail.” OPP confirmed Gagnon previously had dealings with police. Court records show he assaulted Smith’s stepfather in May and received a conditional sentence and probation in October — just days before he allegedly attacked Smith. His conditions included a prohibition on possessing weapons. Phillip Gagnon appeared in court in Haileybury, Ont., on Nov. 13, 2024. Phillipe Gagnon appeared in court in Haileybury, Ont., on Nov. 12. (Lauren Foster-MacLeod) Kaylee Kennedy, one of the protesters outside the courthouse, said the situation has been heartbreaking. “Domestic ********* is no joke. To go through something like that, her whole life has changed, and that breaks my heart,” Kennedy said. “She’s never going to be the same again.” Source link #Family #reeling #16yearold #victim #alleged #swordandSUV #******* #******** #hospital Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Is this the final chapter of the Sue Gray saga? Is this the final chapter of the Sue Gray saga? Five weeks after Sue Gray resigned as the prime minister’s chief of staff, with the prospect of her being sacked hovering close, she is off again. And just like last time, even the manner of her departure is contested. We have been told the prime minister had decided to withdraw the offer for Ms Gray to be his envoy to the nations and regions. And, we understand, the cabinet secretary, the most senior civil ******** in the country, had spoken to her to confirm this. This chain of events is not disputed by other figures in government. But Ms Gray is adamant it was her decision, we are told, and she never spoke directly to the prime minister about it. A friend of Ms Gray told the BBC: “Sue has taken a decision not to take the role. She’s going to focus on other things.” They added: “She’s taken time to think about it properly, talking to stakeholders, but ultimately she’s decided she doesn’t want to do it.” It appears the prime minister had grown tired of Ms Gray’s ******** to actually start the paid, part-time job that she had been demoted into when she left Downing Street. Given the 38 days which have gone by since it was publicly known she had been offered the new job she had yet to start, it had been clear for some time that she didn’t want to do it. It seems reasonable to conclude, at the very least, that both sides were having second thoughts. It also seems reasonable to say that a second bout of messy and not entirely consistent briefing from each camp underlines the central truth in all of this – the hurt, the rows, the anger, the mistrust which has been there for all to see. Her apparent lack of enthusiasm was almost immediately evident, when she ******* to turn up at the first ever meeting of a new Council of the Nations and Regions in Edinburgh just days into the job. What followed were daily questions to the prime minister’s official spokesman from reporters about whether she had taken up her post. After weeks of stonewalling, an answer: no. One insider got in touch about the envoy role and said: “We all thought it was a bad idea that would lead to endless drama and probably another resignation down the line.” In other words, what might have seemed like a mutually convenient layby into which Ms Gray could be shunted, ended up perpetuating a rather public soap opera. Some sceptics had seen the new gig as a non-job from the start. The government saying it isn’t looking to fill the vacancy will do little to dispel that instinct from those who thought it all along. The Scottish National Party MP Pete Wishart mocked the news, telling the Commons: “We got the crushing news today that our British envoy to Scotland will no longer be coming there to represent this Parliament.” “We were practicing the street parties and the haka just to be sure that she was properly welcome to the northern territories,” he added. So, what might happen next? Some have pondered that Ms Gray may be offered a seat in the House of Lords – but would that revive all of these issues again? Incidentally, beyond all the noise about Ms Gray it is worth reflecting on other more recent changes in Downing Street – both in personnel and managerial instinct. Two Blair-era Labour advisers are returning to the heart of government in senior roles – Jonathan Powell as national security adviser and Liz Lloyd as director of policy delivery and innovation. This reconfiguration coincides with Sir Keir Starmer coming to a view four-and-a-half months into the job as prime minister that it isn’t sufficient for No 10 to merely empower government departments to ****** on with their work. They need “a strong team captain”, as one source put it. “This is the broader part of the post-Sue reset,” the source added, saying it amounted to a “significant reassessment” in how Sir Keir wanted to approach a job he has been learning how best to grapple with. Ms Gray has been a case study in the early difficulties of that grappling, which Downing Street might now finally hope to have put behind it. Source link #final #chapter #Sue #Gray #saga Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Star Wars Deckbuilding Card Game Is Only $17 At Amazon Star Wars Deckbuilding Card Game Is Only $17 At Amazon If you like strategy card games and Star Wars, Amazon’s deal on the official Star Wars deckbuilding game should be on your radar. Star Wars: The Deckbuilding Game is discounted to only $16.67, which is the best price this year. Created by Fantasy Flight Games, this stellar adaptation of Star Wars released in 2023 with a $38 MSRP. It often sells for around $30, so Amazon’s current deal is very good. Star Wars: The Deckbuilding Game adapts the Galactic Civil War of the original Star Wars trilogy into a two-player card game with one player controlling the Galactic Empire and the other the Rebel Alliance. Players create custom decks with cards that feature iconic Star Wars characters, vehicles, and locations, and face off in head-to-head matches (lasting roughly 30 minutes) to decide the fate of the galaxy. Star Wars: The Deckbuilding Game Everything you need to play comes in the box, including 140 cards players use to create their own decks, a rulebook, damage counters, resource counters, and a gameboard for tracking each player’s progress as they either save or conquer the Star Wars galaxy. Star Wars: The Deckbuilding Game would make for a great gift for Star Wars fans this holiday. If you’re a big fan of the Clone Wars, check out the Clone Wars Edition of this deckbuilder, which Fantasy Flight released in August. Star Wars: The Deckbuilding Game – Clone Wars Edition also carries a $38 list price, but it hasn’t received any discounts yet. The deckbuilder isn’t the only Star Wars card game created by Fantasy Flight. Earlier this year, Fantasy Flight released a collectible trading card game set in the Star Wars universe. Star Wars: Unlimited TCG debuted in March with Spark of the Rebellion. It was followed up by Shadows of the Galaxy in July. The third set, Twilight of the Republic, just released last week on November 8. Star Wars: Unlimited TCG – Twilight of the Republic launched this month. Twilight of the Republic focuses on the Clone Wars and includes characters such as General Grievous, Ahsoka Tano, Anakin Skywalker, Captain Rex, and more. Unlimited cards have a cool art style resembling animated Star Wars TV shows. Booster boxes and starter sets haven’t always been easy to find at major retailers, but Amazon has some deals on them right now, including $25-$30 discounts on Shadows of the Galaxy and Twilight of the Republic Booster Boxes. Each box contains 24 packs with 16 cards per pack (384 cards total). All three starter sets are available at Amazon, too. Each starter set comes with two pre-made decks: one led by a hero from the light side of the Force, another led by a major character from the dark side. Starter sets also contain themed deck boxes, poster playmats, counters, and the rulebook–everything you need to get up and running with ease. One interesting thing about the starter sets is that each deck features 10 exclusive cards. Here are the heroes and villains each starter deck is framed around: Star Wars: Unlimited Trading Card Game Starter Set Cards Star Wars: Unlimited is designed for players ages 12 and up. Like the deckbuilder, Unlimited is a fast-paced card game with matches typically lasting less than 30 minutes. Fantasy Flight has already confirmed three expansions for next year: Jump to Lightspeed, Legends of the Force, and Secrets of Power. Source link #Star #Wars #Deckbuilding #Card #Game #Amazon Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Major ***** operation across the Kimberley sees 12 people arrested for *****, firearm and stealing offences Major ***** operation across the Kimberley sees 12 people arrested for *****, firearm and stealing offences Twelve people have been charged with serious *****, firearm and stealing offences following a major operation in the Kimberley in which there were 12 raids across seven communities from Broome to Kununurra. Source link #Major #***** #operation #Kimberley #sees #people #arrested #***** #firearm #stealing #offences Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Man escapes from SUV after driving into Canandaigua Lake from City Pier Man escapes from SUV after driving into Canandaigua Lake from City Pier CANANDAIGUA — A 19-year-old driver was able to escape from his vehicle and swim to shore after inadvertently driving into Canandaigua Lake early Tuesday morning. The driver was taken to F.F. Thompson Hospital for treatment related to exposure and potential hypothermia, according to Canandaigua police. Police said the driver had stopped his SUV on the City Pier and drove into the lake while attempting a U-turn. Police responded to the scene at 1:24 a.m. Tuesday. Crews pull a vehicle from Canandaigua Lake on Nov. 12 after a driver accidentally drove off the City Pier. Drugs and alcohol were not contributing factors in the accident, police said. No other people were in the vehicle and no other injuries were reported. The driver was issued a traffic ticket for moving from a lane unsafely, police said. This article originally appeared on MPNnow: Man drives into Canandaigua Lake from City Pier, escapes from car Source link #Man #escapes #SUV #driving #Canandaigua #Lake #City #Pier Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Netflix ad-supported tier has 70 million monthly users Netflix ad-supported tier has 70 million monthly users People wait in a line to enter “The Lab,” a “Stranger Things” Netflix series experience in Madrid on June 2, 2022. Beata Zawrzel/ | Nurphoto | Getty Images Netflix’s cheaper, ad-supported tier has reached 70 million global monthly active users two years after it was launched. The company said Tuesday that more than 50% of its new sign-ups are for ad-supported plans in countries that offer the option. Netflix said it continues “to see positive momentum and growth across all areas of the business,” adding it has seen “steady progress across all countries’ member bases.” Netflix launched the option in November 2022 as one of its responses to a slowdown in subscriber growth. Recently, subscriber growth hasn’t been an issue. Last month Netflix reported it added 5.1 million subscribers during the third quarter, beating Wall Street estimates. In total, Netflix counts 282.7 million memberships across all of its pricing tiers. Beginning next year, Netflix said it will no longer update investors on its subscriber numbers as it shifts focus toward revenue and other financial metrics as performance indicators. When Netflix launched its ad platform two years ago, the company said Nielsen would rate its content. Netflix in May announced it would air two National Football League games on Christmas Day this year as part of a three-year deal. On Tuesday it said it sold out of its ad inventory for the two live games. Netflix also said it’s brought on FanDuel and Verizon as advertisers for the games. FanDuel will become the exclusive pregame sportsbook ******** partner, Netflix said, and will have a sponsored in-show feature. Media companies have been focusing on ad-supported strategies for their streaming options that woo customers with cheaper plans and also offer advertising revenue that can help move the streaming businesses toward profitability. While the ad market has been slow for traditional TV, it has grown for streaming and digital businesses. Netflix offered its last update on its ad-supported tier in May, when it said it reached 40 million global monthly active users, nearly doubling the figure it had shared in January. That announcement came during Upfronts, when media companies make their pitches to advertisers. Netflix also announced in May it would launch its own advertising platform, ending a partnership with Microsoft for that technology. It’s rolled out the platform in Canada and plans to launch it in the U.S. by the end of the second quarter next year. It plans to set the platform live everywhere by the end of 2025. Don’t miss these insights from CNBC PRO Source link #Netflix #adsupported #tier #million #monthly #users Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Football regulator: EFL chief hopes ‘seminal review’ can end Premier League ‘deadlock’ Football regulator: EFL chief hopes ‘seminal review’ can end Premier League ‘deadlock’ Parry also expressed concern at “a whole raft of competition law cases which are impacting on the way that we run the game”. He continued: “Having been left more or less free to set their own rules for many years, now the competition law authorities… seem to be saying, ‘we don’t think that the people running football are doing a terribly good job of it’. “To be looking over our shoulder all of the time with challenges from clubs if they don’t like rules… the game will grind to a halt unless we find a solution for that.” In September, Leicester City won an appeal against a possible points deduction for an alleged breach of financial rules, when an independent panel found the Premier League did not have the jurisdiction to punish the club as it had been relegated to the Championship when their accounting ******* ended. The ruling indicated the wording in the Premier League’s regulations was not legally sound. Last month two aspects of the Premier League’s associated party transaction rules – which regulate commercial deals involving clubs’ owners – were deemed unlawful by a tribunal after being challenged by Manchester City, which has since threatened further legal action. “It’s certainly getting a lot more difficult,” said Parry. “I have no problem with us having to be more professional and to be at the top of our game because that’s where we should be. But it’s the willingness of clubs at the drop of a hat to challenge the whole system. “You have to question how long you can function effectively while that mentality exists, and we have to find a solution to that. “The way in which we ensure consistency of financial regulation across the two leagues isn’t working. One thing a single independent regulator will bring is that consistency.” The legislation will “explicitly require clubs to provide effective engagement” with fans on changes to ticket prices, and any proposals to relocate home grounds. It will no longer be required to consider government foreign and trade policy when approving club takeovers, and there will be “a clear commitment” to do more to improve equality, diversity and inclusion. Nineteen amendments have been proposed by the Fair Game campaign group, including excluding the possibility that the owner of a club could be a state or state-controlled entity, and making the state of the game review assess player ********, along with an examination of multi-club ownership. Source link #Football #regulator #EFL #chief #hopes #seminal #review #Premier #League #deadlock Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Dateline eyes dual revenue strategy at Las Vegas gold mine Dateline eyes dual revenue strategy at Las Vegas gold mine Dateline Resources has revealed a potential ace up its sleeve at its 1.1-million-ounce Colosseum gold project outside Las Vegas in California, suggesting mine waste at the gold project could provide a crucial second revenue stream converting it into construction materials to serve the bustling southern Nevada concrete market. The latest development stems from a recently tabled scoping study over the Colosseum project, confirming, the historic mine still has plenty of legs with a net present value (NPV) of US$235m at a ************* US$2200 gold price. Also, the latest data suggests the project can enhance its economics and reduce its environmental footprint by converting waste and tailings into saleable construction materials. Management says the Colosseum project has been reimagined for broader opportunities thanks to recent expressions of interest by local concrete sector stakeholders with regard to the supply of aggregate to the construction industry. The conversations have prompted waste-to-aggregate studies, revealing that Colosseum’s primary waste rock types meet the necessary standards for use in both concrete and asphalt production. After submitting several samples to Alkali Silica Reactivity (ASR) for testing, the company says all of the Colosseum project samples were deemed suitable for concrete, coming in well under the maximum allowable expansion metric of 0.1 per cent. The potential dual revenue streams from aggregate and concrete sand could significantly benefit Colosseum’s bottom line, making the project not only a gold asset but a potentially integral player in Nevada’s infrastructure growth. With construction of the new Southern Nevada International Airport underway, local demand for aggregate is expected to skyrocket. Dateline’s studies align with this development, positioning the company to serve major roadway and airport projects just 40km from the Colosseum mine. Management says an upcoming Definitive Feasibility Study (DFS) will incorporate further testing to assess both gold recovery optimization and the potential sales of aggregate and tailings material. Such sales could help offset capital costs early in the project lifecycle, with long-term upfront contracts with Nevada-based construction companies a potential financing source. The old Colosseum mine has previously churned out gold as early as the late 1800s in the USA, before finally succumbing to a gold price below US$350 (A$525) an ounce in 1993 when production ceased. In 1994, Barrick Gold made a successful takeover bid for the mine, after which Barrick held the Colosseum project for almost two decades with little work being done, believing then that only 300,000 ounces were left in reserves and the operation was too small to pursue. Dateline acquired the Colosseum mine from Barrick in 2021, when Barrick was rationalising its non-core assets and promptly committed to the project’s first modern exploration and development program, reviewing all available exploration and production data and compiling a new digital database for both exploration planning and mineral resource modelling. The latest scoping study at Colosseum proposes an impressive 635,000 ounces of gold production over 8.3 years could be achieved at an AISC per ounce of US$1490. That number compares favourably to today’s gold price US$2600 an ounce or roughly AUD$4000 an ounce. Dateline will bank a total of US$1.344 billion in sales over the life of mine. For Dateline, the growing Colosseum project now appears to present a multifaceted opportunity. While gold ******** near all-time highs and the priority, the waste-to-aggregate strategy could reshape the project’s economics particularly for early-stage mining and perhaps the projects US$138 million of pre-production Capex. Adding another revenue stream to produce not only gold at Colosseum, but become a leader in sustainability by repurposing waste could seriously bolster returns while reducing the project’s environmental impact. Is your ASX-listed company doing something interesting? Contact: *****@*****.tld Source link #Dateline #eyes #dual #revenue #strategy #Las #Vegas #gold Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Passenger Sees Worker Unscrewing Plane Part Before Takeoff Passenger Sees Worker Unscrewing Plane Part Before Takeoff Before taking off, a plane passenger spotted a mechanic working on the wing. Taylor Hilton says it happened on an ********* Airlines flight from Dallas to John Wayne Airport in California. Hilton says a flight attendant was also concerned and showed the video to the pilot. She says the pilot came on the intercom and informed everyone that some screws were loose and the dismantled part is for aerodynamic purposes and not required to fly safely. Source link #Passenger #Sees #Worker #Unscrewing #Plane #Part #Takeoff Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Exxon CEO says Trump should keep U.S. involved in global effort to address climate change Exxon CEO says Trump should keep U.S. involved in global effort to address climate change President-elect Donald Trump should keep the U.S. involved in global efforts to address climate change, Exxon Mobil CEO Darren Woods said Tuesday. Trump should try to bring a “common sense” approach to the annual U.N. Climate Change Conference and “continue to have the U.S. influence policy around the world,” Woods told CNBC’s “Squawk Box” on Tuesday. Woods spoke from the climate conference, which kicked off this week in Baku, Azerbaijan. Trump withdrew the U.S. from the Paris climate agreement in 2017 and is expected to do so again in his second term. President Joe Biden signed an order to rejoin the agreement on his first day in office in 2021, a decision that Exxon supported. Trump slammed the Paris Agreement as “horribly unfair to the U.S.” and vowed to rescind all unspent funds under the Inflation Reduction Act in an address to the Economic Club of New York in September. He made energy policy a central part of his campaign platform, calling for unconstrained fossil fuel production. Exxon has plans to invest $20 billion through 2027 in carbon capture and storage technology, hydrogen fuel, and lithium mining in the U.S. for electric vehicle batteries. Woods told CNBC on Tuesday that Exxon’s investments in technologies to lower emissions depend on federal tax credits that were established or expanded under the IRA. He warned that the company’s investments in these technologies would change if the incentives are weakened or repealed. “There needs to be an incentive to reward those investments and generate a return,” Woods said. “If we find that those incentives dissipate or go away entirely, then that would definitely change our investment plans.” Wood previously said Exxon’s oil and gas production levels will not change, at least in the short term, in response to the outcome of the U.S. presidential election. “I’m not sure how ‘drill, baby, drill’ translates into policy,” Woods told CNBC’s “Squawk Box” on Nov. 1, referencing one of Trump’s campaign slogans. The CEO said Exxon has not faced constraints on its shale production under the Biden administration. Exxon’s production levels are based on how much money the company can return to shareholders, not which political party is on office, he said. Exxon shares have risen more than 20% since the start of the year, Don’t miss these energy insights from CNBC PRO: Source link #Exxon #CEO #Trump #U.S #involved #global #effort #address #climate #change Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

The downfall of a dating fraudster The downfall of a dating fraudster BBC Raymond McDonald has left a trail of shattered emotions longer than his 20-year conviction record A prolific romance fraudster is currently serving the latest in a string of prison sentences for scamming women out of thousands of pounds through false promises of love and a luxury lifestyle. But there are fears he could be responsible for “hundreds” more victims. Raymond McDonald, 51, has been in and out jail several times across the last two decades, beginning with a sentence for ****** in 2003 before turning his hand to romance scams. He last left prison in December 2023 and was soon simultaneously seeing several women he met through dating sites, cheating them out of money and even pretending to marry one victim. By August he was back in jail having left another trail of financial and emotional devastation. Some of the women he defrauded have told the BBC the trauma they suffered at his hands was similar to that felt by victims of ******* ******** and domestic ******. They say for all the material loss McDonald has caused, the emotional distress he leaves behind runs much, much deeper. Family photo McDonald invents jobs with odd working hours to allow him to simultaneously maintain several relationships “People normally think ‘dangerous’ is somebody who can physically hurt you, make you bleed, but Raymond hurts people emotionally,” says Saad Sheban, the latest detective to put the dating fraudster from County Durham behind bars. Yet there is little sign McDonald sees prison as anything other than a temporary reprieve for the people whose lives he shatters, with police believing the number of victims could reach three figures. McDonald even targeted one woman while on day release from jail. His ***** follow a familiar pattern: A distinguished army career, villa in Cyprus, working strange hours to allow him space to cultivate multiple relationships at the same time. In reality, as Det **** Sheban describes him: “McDonald is a serial scammer who routinely preys on women who are just trying to find a life companion.” And each chapter of his offending always ends the same way: Women ****** back. ‘What I wanted to hear’ Within days of his release from jail last December, McDonald made contact through a dating site with the first of his known targets who we are calling Paula. He told her he was working over Christmas in a secretive military role, training foreign soldiers, but wanted to stay in touch with her during the festive season. Paula recalls: “I said, ‘these soldiers – are they from Ukraine?’ He said he couldn’t tell me, but that I might be right. “(He) just made you feel, I don’t know, wanted. Special. I hadn’t been in a relationship for such a long time. I suppose in hindsight, it was what I wanted to hear.” McDonald was adept at turning on the charm, but his ***** left some feeling suicidal McDonald wasn’t just charming Paula. Over the next few weeks he formed relationships with several other women, arranging to meet and telling them he was newly divorced or starting a new job. He juggled spending time with them by pretending to work shifts. “He only wanted to meet really early – like half seven in the morning – because he said he was going to work,” one woman said. Another was spun the line that McDonald needed to be on shift at the probation service in the evenings. In truth, he was himself reporting to probation. Family photo Dishonourably discharged from the army in 2000, McDonald went from packing chickens to ******* fraudster The women who spoke to the BBC all agreed he came across as warm, genuine and even a little vulnerable at first. But while claiming he was shy, bereaved or recovering from a bad break-up, McDonald was taking money from them to pay for things that never materialised – from cut-price luxury items to house deposits. Some victims believed he had property abroad, fancy cars, a log cabin in the Lake District or a caravan near Blackpool. For one woman the ***** did not involve money, but marriage. Still maintaining multiple relationships, McDonald jetted off to the Middle East for what his partner believed was a whirlwind wedding mere weeks into their relationship. Police believe McDonald paid for the trip using money scammed from other victims. He made all the arrangements and showed his partner fake evidence their marriage was legal under local law. She had no reason to suspect it was in fact all a sham, but as they returned from their “honeymoon” in March – just four months after McDonald had left prison – the net was closing in. A post on a Facebook group called “Are We Dating The Same Guy?” played a part in revealing Ray’s true identity Some of his victims had grown suspicious about who he really was, with Paula concerned enough to use Clare’s Law, via which people can request information about a partner’s previous offending. “Women need to know that you can use Clare’s Law to ask about more than just convictions for domestic ******,” she says. “You can also find out about financial ****** and coercive control.” As Paula was getting answers, elsewhere another woman was starting to question McDonald’s motives. He had pressured her to pay him more and more money for bargain luxury goods that never appeared, so when someone she knew offered to post about him on a Facebook group called ‘Are We Dating The Same Guy?’, she agreed. The responses to that post were shocking. One of the replies to the Facebook post was a link to a 2019 Northern Echo article about McDonald’s offending Members of the group did indeed know Ray McDonald, with one posting a newspaper article from a previous trial in which the judge described him as “gutless”. Among the people who saw the posts was his new bride. As she read the comments, while her “husband” was sitting in another room of the same house, she says: “My world just fell.” She made an excuse to get out and called the police who, hours later, arrested him. The women were about to discover who they had really been dating. Who is Ray McDonald? Giving a stark summary of Raymond McDonald, his mother says: “He’s got naff all. He’s a ******* big liar. I’ve had two nervous breakdowns because of him.” Among the many ***** McDonald told the women he duped was that his mother was dying of *******. He even pretended to go to her ******** on Valentine’s Day. Alive and living in County Durham, she says: “He’s hurt the women he’s stole off and promised to marry. It was a full sham. “He just kept going and going and going. I can’t tell you how many times he’s been in jail.” The mother McDonald claimed had ***** has strong words about her son His family currently have no contact with him after years of dealing with the fallout from his *****. Previous victims have come to the house and threatened his relatives, who he also had a habit of lying to. “He even told us he was dying,” his sister says. “Got everyone in a room – even his ***** and grandad – and told us all he was dying. “Three days later, it all came out he wasn’t. “He doesn’t stop. He can’t. He’s fifty now. It’s like… does he want to **** in jail, alone?” ‘Just a wreck’ As with many elaborate **** tricks, not everything Raymond McDonald said was a lie. He had indeed been in the army. Dishonourably discharged in 2000, McDonald worked briefly in a supermarket and at a factory packing chickens but soon began committing ******. He received his first prison term in 2003. A suspended sentence was handed to him four years later, followed by four more stints in jail. Released during the term he was given in 2019, he immediately began scamming another woman and was recalled to prison. Within two weeks of his release last December he was back on dating sites picking targets. When the women learned the truth, they were devastated. “My whole world fell apart,” says one. “I was just a wreck.” Another told us that, after detectives turned up at her house and told her what had been happening, she “couldn’t get out of bed”. And the woman who thought she had married him added: “He said his love was real yet everything he told me about himself was a lie.” Dr Elisabeth Carter says the psychological effect of romance scams is akin to that of ******* ****** Dr Elisabeth Carter, who advises police on offenders’ grooming methods, believes only about 15% of victims of face-to-face romance ****** come forward. “There is this shame,” she says. “They’ve not only lost their money. This person was right in front of them lying to their face. “After they realise they’re the victim of a ******, they also have grief to deal with. They’ve lost the love of their life. “The impact on victims, psychologically, of romance ****** is akin to the psychological impact of ***** and other types of ******* ****** and ********.” Cleveland Police McDonald is currently serving a jail sentence of four and a half years After his latest arrest in March, McDonald initially denied all wrongdoing but later pleaded guilty to three counts of ****** by false representation. In August he was sentenced to four and a half years in prison at Newcastle Crown Court. The judge said he did not think the sentence would be enough for some of the victims even if it had been life. He noted the emotional impact on the women was much greater than the financial loss suffered. Det **** Saad Sheban believes McDonald may never stop scamming Asked if there could be more victims living with the consequences of McDonald’s two decades of *****, Det **** Saad Sheban said: “It’ll be hundreds during this time.” And the detective has his own theory on the character behind the *******. “Ray was in denial. He didn’t believe he’d scammed anyone. He didn’t believe what he’d done was wrong. “That’s what the scary part is. Once you think what you’re doing is absolutely right then you’re not going to stop.” But he was forced to by some of the women he thought he could control. Those who came forward say they want to take what has been a deeply traumatic experience and channel it into something positive – namely warning other women about McDonald before he is released. “This ****** isn’t just about ******,” says one. “This man ruins lives. Some of us were left suicidal. “Dating sites need to take more responsibility and the law needs to change. Until it does, women need to look out for other women.” Source link #downfall #dating #fraudster Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

West Coast Training Notes: John Worsfold watches on as Jeremy McGovern returns after wedding West Coast Training Notes: John Worsfold watches on as Jeremy McGovern returns after wedding Jeremy McGovern was a welcome sight at West Coast training, just days after his wedding, while John Worsfold was a notable observer amid his return to the club. See our full training wrap here. Source link #West #Coast #Training #Notes #John #Worsfold #watches #Jeremy #McGovern #returns #wedding Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]