PS5 Pro’s Huge Price Didn’t Negatively Impact Sales, Sony Says
PS5 Pro’s Huge Price Didn’t Negatively Impact Sales, Sony Says
Earlier this month, the PlayStation 5 Pro finally arrived in stores. And while the lack of a disc drive and the $700 price tag have been unpopular with players, Sony President Hiroki Totoki has assured investors that sales of the mid-generation console update haven’t been negatively affected.
As noted by video game reporter Genki_JPN, Totoki recently told ********* investors that, “In terms of the pricing, many people made different comments on that, but pricing on PS5 Pro has not had a negative impact, I don’t think.” He added that, “********* users are the target of this hardware.”
Considering that the PS5 Pro has barely been out a week, it seems ********** to assess whether it’s a success or a ********. What we do know is that PS5 Pro consoles appear to be readily available in stores, which means they haven’t sold out. Video Games Chronicle is also reporting that several scalpers have had to sell their PS5 ***** at a loss due to the lack of demand that accompanied the PS5 when it debuted in 2020. And as mentioned by Totoki, PS5 Pro isn’t geared towards the average player.
However, the scalpers have reportedly had more success reselling the optional disc drive that can be added to the PS5 Pro. Several retailers have already sold out of the disc drive, which has given the scalpers an opportunity to fill the void until Sony can meet the demand. That suggests that there is a demand among the ********* for a PS5 Pro that can play discs. Whether Sony will eventually release a PS5 Pro with a disc drive ******** to be seen, especially since the company is reportedly making deals for PlayStation 6 manufacturing down the line.
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England review ‘brutal’ after Australia defeat – Ollie Sleightholme
England review ‘brutal’ after Australia defeat – Ollie Sleightholme
Sleightholme, 24, came on as a replacement and scored twice in the second half to register his first two international tries.
Marcus Smith’s touchline conversion from the Northampton wing’s second try put England into a 30-28 lead heading into the final 10 minutes.
However, two Wallaby tries – either side of Itoje’s 78th-minute score – saw Australia register only their second win against England in their past 12 meetings.
The frantic finale also prevented a dream first game at Allianz Stadium for Sleightholme, who won his third cap on Saturday.
“It was nice to score but it doesn’t mean anything if you don’t win,” he added.
It is the fourth game in five matches that Borthwick’s side have fallen on the wrong side of the final play, following two close Tests against the All ******* in July and a 33-31 defeat by France in their final game of this year’s Six Nations.
On Saturday, England will face world champions South *******, who defeated Scotland in their opening match of the autumn on Sunday.
“We’re testing fans’ patience, testing our patience,” admitted England number eight Ben Earl. “It feels like we won the game twice against Australia and then managed to lose it. Frustrating.
“Not the same old problems, different problems, but the same overwhelming feeling of another game that we’ve let slip. So food for thought.”
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Overwatch Classic Sees 6v6 Matches Return For Limited Time
Overwatch Classic Sees 6v6 Matches Return For Limited Time
Blizzard has announced that 6v6 matches are coming back to Overwatch for a limited time with Overwatch: Classic. The — new? — mode launches November 12 for all players and will run to December 2.
The announcement came alongside a new teaser video for the mode showing the original cast of characters, game modes, and maps.
“Eight years ago, Blizzard released a completely new gaming world called Overwatch,” Blizzard said in a blog post. “Connected by a theme of fighting for the future, millions of you jumped in to experience new heroes like a time-jumping adventurer, an esports champion turned mech pilot, and a genetically-modified gorilla from the Moon.
“Now you’ll be able to relive the nostalgia in a series of new limited-time events in Overwatch 2, where you can experience the original heroes, abilities, and maps in the classic 6v6 team-based action you remember.”
Overwatch: Classic will see access to 21 characters from the original launch of the game. The mode takes players back to Overwatch 1.0 from May 2016 with classic abilities from the heroes. The heroes will be grouped into their original classes, but the mode will feature the No Hero Limits rule meaning you can have a full team of the same heroes.
Regarding maps, all 12 original maps will be available along with the four original game modes.
As far as if Overwatch: Classic is the way for Blizzard to bring 6v6 back permanently, the studio says not right now.
“We are running separate 6v6 test modes in future seasons to gather feedback and gauge player interest on that format,” Blizzard said.
What do you think of 6v6 matches coming back to Overwatch via Overwatch: Classic? Let us know in the official Insider Gaming forums.
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BenQ Mobiuz EX321UX review: performance matches the price
BenQ Mobiuz EX321UX review: performance matches the price
BenQ Mobiuz EX321UX: Two-minute review
BenQ has built a strong reputation for delivering great monitors that cater to creators and gamers. Supporting both ends of the spectrum is the BenQ Mobiuz EX321UX. One of the finest 32-inch mini-LED displays released this year, this 4K monitor is highlighted by an IPS panel that features a peak brightness of 1,000 nits and DisplayHDR 1000 certification. Offering a fantastic contrast ratio of 1000:1, there are 1,152 local dimming zones with a ****** gambit covering 99% Adobe RGB and 99% P3.
That alone would make this a fine monitor for creatives who stream or edit photos and videos. Meanwhile, PixSoul Engine does a fantastic job of making game visuals top-tier by using BenQ’s Game ****** Database for advanced game-specific ****** modes. It also incorporates AI calculations for real-time adjustments of brightness and contrast, meaning regardless of what style of games you’re into, the visuals will look fantastic.
Performance-minded gamers needing a competitive edge have much to appreciate about the EX321UX. Paired with the respectable 144Hz refresh rate, the EX321UX also has a 1ms response time and FreeSync Premium Pro capabilities. Then there are various graphic overlays for both frame rate counters and crosshairs as well. Outside of PC gaming, there are enough ports to satisfy streamers and multi-platform gamers alike. As with most higher-end BenQ monitors, the EX321UX comes with an intuitive remote control, which makes applying various settings an easy task.
Those ports also allow for KVM, letting you use a set of keyboard and mouse inputs on two video import devices. This is great for streamers who use one PC for gaming and another for streaming with software like OBS. On the sound side of things, an eARC HDMI port gives 7.1 channel audio support for your choice of speakers.
The EX321UX could be considered the best mini-LED display in the 32-inch space now if a few things didn’t hold it back. The most notable aspect is the high $1,199 price point, which, when compared to the rest of the best 4K gaming monitors available that offer similar performance, might be a bit too much. Then again, the image quality alone is worth the price of admission.
The other issue is that the focus on adding eARC compatibility means this monitor doesn’t have a built-in speaker system. If money isn’t a problem and you have a nice speaker or headset system ready for use, the EX321UX is an absolute must-buy.
BenQ Mobiuz EX321UX: Price & availability
(Image credit: Future / Ural Garrett)
How much does it cost? $1,199/£ 1,099.99/ AU $2,199
When is it available? Available now
Where can you get it? Available in the US, ***, and Australia
The BenQ EX321UX is now available in the US, ***, and AU territories for $1,199, £1,099.99, and AU $2,199 respectively. Potential buyers across those countries can buy directly from the manufacturer’s online store or various retailers like Amazon. For an IPS mini-LED panel, the cost may seem like a lot compared to other 32-inch 4K gaming monitors. However, the 1,000 nits brightness, HDR, PixSoul AI Engine, and 99% P3 and Adobe RGB makes this one of the best looking gaming monitors available. That doesn’t even count the loads of extras from eARC HDMI and KVM capabilities to the selection of ports and overlays.
If that’s a bit much, the Gigabyte M32UC is a wonderful alternative for around $450 and comes with built-in speakers. One would say that for the $1,199 price range, potential buyers could move into the OLED realm through outstanding gaming monitors like the Samsung Odyssey OLED G9.
BenQ Mobiuz EX321UX: Specs
Swipe to scroll horizontally
Screen size
31.5 inch
Aspect ratio
16:9
Resolution
3840×2160
Brightness
1000 nits
Response time
1ms
Viewing angle
178 degrees/178 degrees
Contrast ratio
1000:1
****** support
1.07 billion colors
Inputs
1x HDMI (v2.1) eARC, 2x HDMI (v2.1), 1x DisplayPort (v2.1), 1x USB-C (PowerDelivery 65W, DisplayPort Alt Mode, Data), 1x USB Type-C upstream (USB 3.2 Gen 1, 5 Gbps, data only), 3x USB Type-A downstream (USB 3.2 Gen 1, 5 Gbps, power charging 4.5W), 1x USB Type-C downstream (USB 3.2 Gen 1, 5 Gbps, power charging 7.5W), 1x 3.5 headphone jack
Weight
15.9 lb | 7.2kg
BenQ Mobiuz EX321UX: Design
(Image credit: Future / Ural Garrett)
The overall design is more in line with function over form
Features remote control and loads of ports
Weighing in at around 16 lbs, the BenQ Mobiuz EX321UX is easy to control during setup. There’s an attached ****** at the base that connects to the neck which is then linked to the display’s back panel. Once that’s done, you can adjust for height, tilt, and swivel. Going for more of a three-leg base means that the front legs aren’t obtrusive and won’t take up much space.
When it comes to the visual design on the EX321UX, it’s definitely more function over form. The front looks pretty boring – but who cares when the image quality is that beautiful? Having an all white back panel does offer a slight amount of aggressive flair, and you won’t find customizable RGB lighting.
Power comes from a standard power port that connects to a brick adapter before the power socket. The power port sits next to a large number of ports that allow you to connect various video and audio outputs alongside features like KVM capabilities. Outside of the singular eARC HDMI port, there are two standard HDMI 2.1 ports and a singular DisplayPort 2.1. Then there are three USB-C connections for various usage in addition to three USB-A ports. Rounding out the ports is a 3.5mm headphone jack so you can connect one of the best gaming headsets available to make up for the lack of built-in speakers.
On the bottom center is the power button, thumbstick for settings navigation, and quick switch button. These do a good enough job of changing various options, but the included remote comes in pretty handy, too. Navigating menus to change settings such as audio, video, and feature settings or even just turning it on and off was a breeze.
BenQ Mobiuz EX321UX: Features
(Image credit: Future / Ural Garrett)
PixSoul Engine provides great image enhancement
eARC HDMI allows great audio experiences
KVM and various overlays significantly add to the total package
As mentioned previously, the highlight of the BenQ EX321UX’s outstanding image quality is an accumulation of its mini-LED IPS panel, high brightness, and 1,152 local dimming zones with a ****** gambit covering 99% Adobe RGB and 99% P3. Taking things over the top is the PixSoul Engine, which utilizes BenQ’s Game ****** Database for game-specific ****** modes and integrated AI algorithms for real-time adjustments of brightness and contrast. This does a fantastic job of making games look better while providing necessary visual information and avoiding damage to the immersive experience. Though the pre-selected image filtering looks great, the default Display HDR mode is simply wonderful in terms of image quality.
Not many gaming displays feature eARC HDMI as many gamers usually use headphones anyway. However, having the port that supports 7.1 channel audio on hand is something special for video editors and gamers who don’t want to put on a headset. Of course, video content through YouTube or streaming services like Netflix could benefit from the capability if you’re fine with using supported speakers.
KVM capabilities are perfect for streamers who offset the heavy computing of games on one computer with high-fidelity video streaming on another device. It works pretty simply and switching between devices takes roughly as long as switching between video inputs. Finally, there are various overlays for frame rates and crosshairs for shooter fans. All of these features are controlled through the in-display thumbstick or handy remote control.
BenQ Mobiuz EX321UX: Performance
(Image credit: Future / Ural Garrett)
Image quality is outstanding and enhanced by PixSoul
Game performance sets the standard for high-end gaming monitors
Modern PC gaming benchmarks of visual fidelity look amazing on the EX321UX, such as Cyberpunk 2077, Hellblade II: Senua’s Sacrifice, Alan Wake II, and more. The 1,000 nit brightness and 1,152 local dimming zones allow for bold, crisp ****** and incredibly deep *******. HDR capabilities further enhance visuals without the brightness making images look flat. This even applies to more general computing tasks like web browsing where font reading is a pleasurable experience. ****** accuracy is fantastic thanks to its high ****** gamut which many Adobe Suite users will appreciate.
Gaming performance is pretty top tier as well. The max 144Hz refresh rate allows for buttery smooth gameplay while the 1ms response time allows for lag-free tracking of on-screen elements. Holding all of that together to prevent screen tearing is FreeSync Premium Pro compatibility. Some of the games we tested, such as Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III, Forza Motorsport (2023), and Armored Core VI: Fires of Rubicon, proved that the EX321UX can handle fast-paced, twitch leaning gameplay. Add various overlays like crosshairs and competitive gamers will definitely have an edge with this display.
Should you buy the BenQ Mobiuz EX321UX?
Swipe to scroll horizontally
BenQ Mobiuz EX321UX scorecard
Value
$1,199 may sound like a lot for a 32-inch IPS 4K gaming monitor, but there’s so much here beyond great image and performance quality.
4.5 / 5
Design
The design is functional, there are plenty of ports, and the included remote helps. Though it looks nice, it doesn’t move the needle aesthetically.
4 / 5
Performance
Game performance is solid as a rock thanks to its 1ms response time, 144Hz refresh rate, and FreeSync Premium Pro. Then there’s the jaw-dropping image quality.
4.5 / 5
Total score
The BenQ EX321UX might be one of the best 32-inch miniLED 4K gaming monitors available. Everything is top notch from the image quality to its performance and extras.
4.34 / 5
Buy it if…
Don’t buy it if…
Also consider
How I tested the BenQ Mobiuz EX321UX
The BenQ Mobiuz EX321UX was tested over a two-week *******. During the day, tasks primarily involved using Google Chrome and Slack. This included working with Google Docs, project management software Asana, and social media management tools like Hootsuite.
Slack was also used extensively for communication across different channels, providing an opportunity to test the monitor’s performance during general everyday use. Additionally, Adobe Suite software, including Premiere Pro and Photoshop, was used to evaluate ****** accuracy on the monitor.
To assess overall image quality, games such as Alan Wake II, Forza Motorsport (2023), and Hellblade II: Senua’s Sacrifice were played, focusing on technical visual details and art direction. Performance and game enhancement features were tested with games like Fortnite and Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III. Other games played included Starfield and Armored Core VI: Fires of Rubicon.
I have spent several years covering monitors and other PC components for TechRadar. In addition to gaming, I have over a decade of experience with Adobe Suite.
First reviewed November 2024
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Who is Elise Stefanik, Trump’s pick for UN ambassador
Who is Elise Stefanik, Trump’s pick for UN ambassador
Washington — President-elect Donald Trump will nominate New York Rep. Elise Stefanik to serve as U.S. ambassador to the ******* Nations, tapping a key House ally to join his administration.
Stefanik, 40, has been one of Trump’s most vocal defenders in Congress. She’s likely to be confirmed by the new, GOP-led Senate when the president-elect takes office in January, which will set up a race not only to fill Stefanik’s seat in the lower chamber, but also to succeed her as chair of the *********** conference.
File: Representative Elise Stefanik, a *********** from New York, during a news conference in Washington, DC, US, on Thursday, June 13, 2024.
Tom Williams/CQ Roll Call/Bloomberg via Getty Images
“I am honored to nominate Chairwoman Elise Stefanik to serve in my Cabinet as U.S. Ambassador to the ******* Nations,” Trump said in a statement to CBS News. “Elise is an incredibly strong, tough, and smart America First fighter.”
Here is what to know about the New York ***********.
Stefanik’s record in Congress
Stefanik was elected to represent New York’s 21st Congressional District in 2014 and at the age of 30, became the youngest woman elected to Congress. Currently in her fifth term, she cruised to reelection in November, defeating Democrat Paula Collins with more than 62% of the vote.
Stefanik serves on the Armed Services, Education and Workforce, and Intelligence Committees. She also is a member of the Select Subcommittee on the Weaponization of the Federal Government, which was created in 2023 when Republicans took control of the House. The weaponization panel was a nod to what many Republicans believed was federal investigators’ unfair treatment of Trump.
The New York *********** is the highest-ranking woman in the House, serving in leadership as the GOP conference chair. She replaced former Rep. Liz Cheney of Wyoming in the post after Cheney was ousted for her criticisms of Trump following the Jan. 6, 2021, ******** on the U.S. Capitol.
Stefanik has been one of Trump’s staunchest defenders in the House, having emerged as a crucial ally during his first impeachment proceedings in 2019. She also introduced a nonbinding resolution last year that sought to “expunge” both of Trump’s impeachments by the House.
During this Congress, Stefanik made headlines for her grilling of university presidents during a hearing about their response to antisemitic incidents following the Oct. 7, 2023, ******* attacks on ******* by ******. The presidents of Harvard, Stefanik’s alma mater, and the University of Pennsylvania resigned following the hearing.
While Stefanik supported earlier packages sending assistance to Ukraine, she voted against a plan to send $60.8 billion to aid Ukraine in its war against Russia in April.
Stefanik and the 2020 election
The congresswoman was among a group of more than 100 House Republicans who signed onto a friend-of-the-court brief filed with the Supreme Court after the 2020 election in a longshot bid to overturn the election results in four battleground states. She also joined GOP lawmakers in objecting to certifying Pennsylvania’s election results.
“Tens of millions of Americans are concerned that the 2020 election featured unconstitutional overreach by unelected officials and judges, ignoring state election laws,” Stefanik said during a speech on the House floor after the Capitol *******. “We can and we should peacefully discuss these concerns.”
But the congresswoman also condemned the ********* of Jan. 6 during the same speech, calling it a “truly tragic day” for the country.
“We all join together in fully condemning the dangerous ********* and destruction that occurred today in our nation’s Capitol,” she said. “Americans will always have the freedom of speech and the Constitutional right to protest, but ********* in any form is absolutely unacceptable, it is anti-*********, and must be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”
Earlier this year, Stefanik would not commit to certifying the results of the election, telling NBC News in January it would depend on whether “this is a legal and valid election.”
Stefanik before Congress
Stefanik graduated from Harvard University and worked in the White House for President George W. Bush on the Domestic Policy Council and in the chief of staff’s office. She also was an adviser to former House Speaker Paul Ryan during the 2012 presidential campaign, when he was the *********** vice presidential nominee.
Stefanik and her husband, Matt, have one son, Sam.
Melissa Quinn
Melissa Quinn is a politics reporter for CBSNews.com. She has written for outlets including the Washington Examiner, Daily Signal and Alexandria Times. Melissa covers U.S. politics, with a focus on the Supreme Court and federal courts.
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Poll: A dozen new Liberals not enough to beat Labor in 2025
Poll: A dozen new Liberals not enough to beat Labor in 2025
A new poll predicts a 14 per cent swing against Labor in WA, potentially ushering in a dozen new ******** MPs to State Parliament.
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Call of Duty: ****** Ops 6 Rights A Huge MW3 Mistake In Season 1
Call of Duty: ****** Ops 6 Rights A Huge MW3 Mistake In Season 1
NoobFeed editor Ahnaf Tajwar writes – If you’re into classic COD mechanics with some fresh twists, Call of Duty: ****** Ops 6 is worth a shot. The new omnidirectional movement, return of round-based Zombies, and rewarding progression make this one of the more exciting COD entries.
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The Google Pixel 8a drops to $399 ahead of ****** Friday
The Google Pixel 8a drops to $399 ahead of ****** Friday
If you’re looking for an excellent midrange smartphone for yourself or a loved one among all the early ****** Friday deals, your search may be over. Google’s Pixel 8a is on *****. It has dropped by $100 to $399.
That’s not quite the lowest price we’ve seen for the handset. It fell to $380 at one point. But this is still a good deal if you’re looking for a great phone that won’t break the bank. This price is for a configuration with 128GB of storage, but 256GB models are also $100 off at $459.
Google
The Google Pixel 8a is our pick for the best midrange smartphone on the market. Both the 128GB and 256GB variants are $100 off for ****** Friday.
$399 at Amazon
The Pixel 8a is our pick for the best midrange smartphone overall. We gave it a score of 90 in our review.
Thanks to Google’s inclusion of the Tensor G3 chip, the Pixel 8a supports many of the same AI features that you’ll find on flagship Pixel devices. We feel that the cameras are excellent, while that 6.1-inch 120Hz OLED display sure looks pretty.
The Pixel 8a has great battery life too. It lasted for 20 hours and 29 minutes in our video rundown test, actually beating out the Pixel 8 by 13 minutes. On the downside, wireless charging is pretty slow as it maxes out at 7.5W.
The bezels are a little thicker than you might like too, but otherwise the design is fairly slick. Another plus point is that the Pixel 8a is IP67-rated for dust and water resistance, so it should be somewhat durable.
Check out all of the latest ****** Friday and Cyber Monday deals here.
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Kenya’s chief justice says no-one has ever tried to bribe her
Kenya’s chief justice says no-one has ever tried to bribe her
Kenya’s most senior judge has hit out following recent allegations of *********** and incompetence within the judiciary.
“In all these 22 years I’ve been a judge and a chief justice, nobody has ever approached me with a bribe. I would have them arrested,” Martha Koome told the BBC.
The country’s first female chief justice has recently been accused of failing to properly investigate and tackle allegations of bribery and *********** within the judiciary.
Some Kenyans have been referring to “jurispesa” – a *********** of the legal term jurisprudence and pesa (the Swahili word for money) – implying there is *********** in the judiciary.
But she defended herself and her colleagues, asking anyone making such accusations to present the evidence to the security agencies or to the judicial oversight commission.
She told the BBC ******* Daily podcast that the claims were “supposed to lower my credibility. It is supposed to distract me. I know who I am and I know what I have done and what I am going to do.”
She said she would always remain impartial.
Kenya’s judiciary has long been marred by claims of *********** and in 2021 Justice Koome told the BBC that *********** was “a national embarrassment in and out of the judiciary.
She said that some of the criticism she faced was because of her gender. “It is total misogyny. It is total chauvinism.”
She also said that one of the things she was most passionate about was addressing ********* against women.
She said it was “completely disheartening” that “every other day there is a report of a young woman who has lost her life through *********”.
Justice Koome said there were many matters of ***** that were not moving at all or were waiting in court for lack of witnesses.
There has been a recent increase in the levels of ********* against women, with police announcing that nearly 100 women and ****** had been ******* in the past three months.
More than 500 women were victims of femicide in Kenya between 2016 and 2024, according to the ******* Data Hub.
Justice Koome expressed her commitment to addressing the issue by making justice available to women across the country.
She has said she aims to open 11 courts around the country specialising in ******* and gender-based ******* – with two of them already set up in the western Kisumu and Siaya counties.
“We have a lot of hope in them because cases of gender-based ********* must be given priority. So that the victim who was violated does not keep coming to court, year in year out,” she said.
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NieR: Automata DLC and Photo Mode Coming to Stellar Blade November 20
NieR: Automata DLC and Photo Mode Coming to Stellar Blade November 20
It’s only fitting that NieR: Automata, one of the titles that inspired Stellar Blade initially, would enjoy a crossover with the action-packed PlayStation 5 exclusive. Directors Kim Hyung Tae and Yoko Tara, two long-time video game developers with deep respect for each other, join forces to bring console fans a collaboration unlike any other.
How does the NieR: Automata DLC work in Stellar Blade? According to the recent announcement, Emil from Emil’s Shop in NieR appears in Stellar Blade, selling eleven collab-specific items that somehow help combine both game worlds.
On top of the NieR: Automata DLC, Stellar Blade also receives a photo mode on November 20. The game’s upcoming photo mode allows you to pause the action at any point, snapping screenshots of Eve in various poses, expressions, landscapes, and even battle scenes for the ultimate action shot.
There seems to be a brand-new side quest in the game that teaches you how to utilize the photo mode and rewards you with money and items upon completion. It’s an excellent way to introduce the mechanic and spark creativity.
Furthermore, on the same day as the photo mode and NieR: Automata DLC—November 20—a patch will launch simultaneously that includes additional appearance cosmetics, lip-sync language support, additional songs for camp, character customization, new battle mechanics, like auto-targeting and ballistics correction, and more!
What did you think of Stellar Blade? Let us know in the comments below, or start a thread on our official community forums!
If you’re a fan of action-packed games, Insider Gaming recently reported on From Software’s parent company confirming 20 upcoming console games!
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Investors should stick to long-term plans no matter who is president: advisors
Investors should stick to long-term plans no matter who is president: advisors
A version of this article first appeared in CNBC’s Money 101 newsletter with Sharon Epperson, an eight-week series to improve your financial wellness with monthly updates. Sign up to receive these editions, straight to your inbox.
Stocks soared in the days after President-elect Donald Trump won the 2024 election, and the Federal Reserve announced another interest rate cut less than two days later.
The Dow Jones Industrial Average, S&P 500 and Nasdaq markets reached record highs and their best week in a year.
Yet, Wall Street’s reaction to the election outcome does not reflect how many Americans feel about the state of their personal finances, some financial experts say. “Vibecession,” or the disconnect between the markets, the economy and people’s feelings about their financial standing, continues.
Feelings, however, should not overshadow anyone’s focus when assessing the potential impact of a second Trump presidency when it comes to finances, advisors say.
“While a new presidency may bring changes to the economic environment, it’s crucial to focus on financial strategies within our control,” said certified financial planner Rianka Dorsainvil, founder and senior wealth advisor at YGC Wealth and a member of the CNBC Financial Advisor Council. “Stick to your long-term financial plan, adjusting only when your personal circumstances or goals change.”
More from Your Money:
Here’s a look at more stories on how to manage, grow and protect your money for the years ahead.
Consumers and investors have little or no control over government policies on tariffs, taxes, interest rates or the state of the economy. However, improving your personal economy is possible by taking better control of your money, experts say.
Here are five ways to improve your finances:
1. Build an emergency fund
Build up your emergency funds in a high-yield savings account. “Aim for three to six months of living expenses,” Dorsainvil said. “This financial buffer provides peace of mind and stability, regardless of broader economic conditions. It ensures you’re prepared for unexpected expenses or income disruptions.”
2. Increase savings goals
Boost savings goals in accounts that also offer tax breaks. Compare tax advantages of traditional and Roth 401(k) plans and other workplace retirement savings accounts — and Roth IRAs, too.
“If you’ve got a 401(k) plan with a matching contribution, if you put it in the stable value fund or the cash option and you put in $100 with each paycheck, you’re ahead of the game,” said CFP Lee Baker, founder of Claris Financial Advisors in Atlanta.
Combination picture showing former U.S. President Donald Trump and U.S. President Joe Biden.
Reuters
3. Review benefits from employers
During open enrollment, thoroughly review health insurance coverage options and other benefits, including flexible spending accounts and health savings accounts.
FSAs and HSAs are tax-advantaged accounts for health expenses. Unlike FSAs that are “use it or lose it” savings vehicles generally for the calendar years, HSA funds roll over from year to year.
The account comes with you if you change jobs and HSA money can be invested. HSAs also offer three ways to save on taxes: funds go in pretax, grow tax-free and you can withdraw money to pay for qualified medical expenses without paying taxes on it.
“They’re the perfect investment vehicle,” said Baker, who is also a member of the CNBC Financial Advisor Council. “Turbocharging it or putting as much money into as possible has always been our advice to the vast majority of clients.”
4. Pay down debts
If you’re dealing with credit card debt, experts say to take a break from using cards and work with a nonprofit credit counselor to develop a strategy to pay down your debt. You can find one through the National Foundation for Credit Counseling.
“By reducing debt, you’re better positioned to adapt to potential changes in interest rates or economic policies,” Dorsainvil said.
5. Look for ‘missing money’
Another option is finding “missing money” or unclaimed assets from accounts you may have forgotten.
Search for your “unclaimed property” on the National Association of State Treasurers’ missingmoney.com website or go directly to the state’s unclaimed property office. It may only take a few minutes to fill out a form to claim funds from an old bank or brokerage account.
The bottom line: don’t let short-term market reactions or speculative headlines scare you into decisions that may adversely affect your portfolio or wallet, Dorsainvil said.
Instead, focus on fundamental financial practices that “provide a solid foundation to navigate any economic environment, regardless of who’s in the White House,” she added.
JOIN the CNBC Financial Advisor Summit on Dec. 10 where we will bring together industry thought leaders and experts to discuss the latest trends, emerging risks and strategic insights that can help advisors better serve their clients. Grab your colleague and get your ticket today!
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Who is Elise Stefanik, Trump’s pick for UN ambassador?
Who is Elise Stefanik, Trump’s pick for UN ambassador?
President-elect Donald Trump has named *********** Congresswoman Elise Stefanik to serve as the US ambassador to the ******* Nations.
A longtime Trump ally, Stefanik is a staunch supporter of ******* and has also been critical of the UN for what she argues is a lack of sufficient backing for its war against ******.
“Elise is an incredibly strong, tough, and smart America First fighter,” Trump said in a statement confirming the first cabinet pick of his second term.
If confirmed, Stefanik would replace UN Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield, a career diplomat who worked for the US Foreign Service for 35 years.
Stefanik said she was “deeply humbled” to accept Trump’s nomination and was looking forward to “earning the support of my colleagues in the ******* States Senate”, which must vote on her nomination to make it official.
“America continues to be the beacon of the world, but we expect and must demand that our friends and allies be strong partners in the peace we seek,” Stefanik added in a statement given to the New York Post.
The New York Congresswoman has minimal experience in foreign policy and national security. She has served on the House Armed Services Committee and the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence.
Since ******’s 7 October *******, she has become one of the most outspoken supporters of ******* in Congress, garnering national attention as she led congressional hearings about university presidents’ handling of protests on college campuses following the ******* *******.
Last month, she argued there should be a “complete reassessment of US funding of the ******* Nations” after the ************ Authority tried to expel ******* from the UN over human rights abuses in Gaza.
In a statement on Monday, *******’s international spokesperson to the UN said the country’s ambassador, Danny Danon, “looks forward to working closely with Elise Stefanik on tackling malicious ***** at the UN advanced by hostile nations while staying unswervingly committed to truth and justice”.
Before Trump’s announcement, Stefanik had risen to become the highest ranking woman in House *********** leadership.
Born and raised in upstate New York, the congresswoman was the first member of her family to earn a college degree after graduating from Harvard University in 2006.
Soon after, she entered politics, serving as a White House domestic policy adviser under President George W Bush and eventually becoming a senior aide to Bush chief of staff Joshua Bolten.
Stefanik later became a top campaign adviser for Paul Ryan when he ran for vice-president alongside Mitt Romney. When Romney lost, the then-30-year-old moved back to upstate New York and ran for Congress, flipping a Democratic-controlled seat with a win by over 20 points.
Stefanik once billed herself to voters as a traditional *************, but emerged as one of Trump’s most ardent defenders during the first impeachment trial against him in 2019. Her support for Trump has not wavered since.
“I’m proud to be a top surrogate,” Stefanik said earlier this year of her support for the president-elect. “I would proudly serve in a future Trump administration.”
Her appointment would leave open the 21st Congressional District seat in New York, which would lead to a special election.
Some Trump allies, including billionaire Elon Musk, have argued it is too risky to lose Stefanik’s seat as Republicans and Democrats battle for control of the House, which ******** too close to call.
Additional reporting by Nada Tawfik
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Stellar Blade is getting Nier Automata DLC and a photo mode this month
Stellar Blade is getting Nier Automata DLC and a photo mode this month
Stellar Blade will add Nier Automata DLC and a photo mode next week as part of a major title update.
Launching on November 20, the patch will also introduce new costumes for protagonist Eve and lip-sync support for six additional languages (French, Spanish, Italian, *******, Portuguese, and ****** ********* Spanish).
“Nier:Automata significantly inspired Stellar Blade,” Shift Up chief technology officer DongKi Lee said in a PlayStation Blog post. “The collaboration between Director Kim Hyung Tae and Director Yoko Taro, marked by mutual respect and creativity, led to this successful outcome.
“In the center of all this is Emil (voiced by Maii Kadowaki), the strange character from Nier:Automata. Emil’s Shop makes a surprise appearance in the world of Stellar Blade where eleven different collaboration-special items will be available. Items that intertwine the best of both games, leading you to a more enriched world.”
The game’s photo mode will let players pose Eve, change her outfit, and add new visual effects to screenshots.
“You can now transform each moment in the game into your personal masterpiece,” Lee said. “Beautiful landscape, thrilling battles, those emotional moments with the characters… Capture these moments to your heart’s content. Meticulous camera work and various filters allow you to create unique looks.”
Shift Up has confirmed that it’s exploring the possibility of releasing Stellar Blade for PC and developing a sequel to the game.
Ahead of its PS5 release in April, VGC’s Stellar Blade review called it “one of the most mechanically satisfying action games of the generation.”
We said: “For those who wished that **** of War Ragnarok offered a bit more challenge or that Bayonetta had a bit more weight to its combat, this slick sci-fi slasher is the perfect tonic, offering both the perfect entry point into the Souls-like genre and a refreshing refinement of the well-worn character action formula.”
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Audio AIs are trained on data full of bias and offensive language
Audio AIs are trained on data full of bias and offensive language
Audio training data has been overlooked when it comes to assessing AI
******* Palacio/Unsplash
Artificial intelligence models that generate audio are being trained on datasets plagued with bias, offensive language and potential copyright infringement, sparking concerns about their use.
Generative audio products, such as song generators, voice cloning tools and transcription services, are increasingly popular, but while text and image generators have been subject to much scrutiny, audio has received less attention.
To help rectify this, William Agnew at Carnegie Mellon University in Pennsylvania and his…
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Italian authorities bust ‘international forgery ring’
Italian authorities bust ‘international forgery ring’
Police in Italy say they have busted a major ********* ********* network forging and selling artworks by some of the biggest names in modern art.
More than 2,100 forged artworks were recovered, including works attributed to Banksy, Andy Warhol and Pablo Picasso.
Thirty-eight people were arrested over the forgeries, which carried a potential ***** value of about €200m (£165m; $213m).
Six forgery workshops were uncovered in the sting, including two in Tuscany, one in Venice and the rest elsewhere in Europe, Italian prosecutors added.
Those arrested face charges of *********** to handle stolen goods, forgery and ******** ***** of artworks, the Carabinieri cultural squad and the Pisa prosecutors’ office said in a ****** statement on Monday.
The statement said authorities were tipped off in 2023 after they seized about 200 fake pieces from the collection of a businessman in Pisa, including a copy of a drawing by Italian painter Amedeo Modigliani.
Fake artworks attributed to more than 30 famed artists were seized in raids carried out in Italy, Spain and Belgium, the statement said.
Other artists impersonated by the network included Claude Monet, Vincent Van Gogh, Salvador Dali, Henry Moore, Gustav Klimt, Joan Mirò, Jackson Pollock, Francis Bacon and Piet Mondrian.
Pisa Chief Prosecutor Teresa Angela Camelio said experts believe the operation is “the biggest act of protection” of Banksy’s estate.
Banksy is one of the world’s most famous artists, but despite his global following, his identity ********, officially at least, unknown.
This is not the first time his artwork has attracted **********. In September, two thieves were arrested and charged over the theft of his famed Girl with Balloon piece from a central London art gallery.
Banksy’s art, which tends to be graffitied by the artist on public buildings, has at times not remained intact for long.
A recent urban jungle collection, which popped up over a series of days across London, was defaced.
Warhol’s work, too, has fallen foul of ********** of late. Earlier this month two of his artworks were stolen during an overnight break-in at a gallery in the Netherlands.
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F1 24: A deeper ***** into its PS5 Pro enhancements, plus first details on the upcoming season 4
F1 24: A deeper ***** into its PS5 Pro enhancements, plus first details on the upcoming season 4
Electronic Arts writes: “In a first for EA Sports, the PS5 Pro F1 24 enhancements enable 8K/60Hz support when using a compatible display in Resolution Mode. All 25 circuits in the game are improved both on and off the track, and with variable weather and time of day options for each, players are bound to discover a new favorite in 8K/60Hz.”
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Food security: Is the climate change food crisis even worse than we imagined?
Food security: Is the climate change food crisis even worse than we imagined?
Роман Заворотный/Adobe Stock
You have probably already noticed that the price of many of the foods in your grocery basket has risen – a lot. In the ***, the cost of white potatoes is up 20 per cent in the past year, with carrots up 38 per cent and olive oil up 40 per cent. And while that means the expense of putting together a roast dinner is soaring, specialty items are suffering even ******* hikes – you will now pay nearly double for some bars of chocolate.
What is driving prices up is complex, but one of the biggest factors is climate change. In the short term, extreme weather caused by a warming climate has had devastating consequences for growers. In northern Europe, for instance, torrential rains in spring 2024 left fields too sodden to harvest vegetables or plant new crops. Meanwhile, a drought in Morocco, which typically exports a lot of vegetables to Europe, meant there wasn’t enough water for irrigation. The result was soaring prices for potatoes and carrots.
As the average global temperature zooms past 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels in the coming years, heatwaves, droughts and extreme storms are going to become even more common and severe, causing greater disruption to food production. But current efforts to compensate for the impact of poor harvests – such as clearing forests to grow more crops – make many other problems worse, from biodiversity loss to increasing carbon dioxide levels. With such big impacts on so many foods already happening, have we underestimated how bad the effect will be? And what can we do about it if we have?
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Bitcoin skyrockets to an all-time high of over $84,000 — a euphoric surge in investments from Trump’s presidential win
Bitcoin skyrockets to an all-time high of over $84,000 — a euphoric surge in investments from Trump’s presidential win
After months of sitting in consolidation, Bitcoin has broken its record high for the second time this year, rising to over $84,000 at the time of writing. CNBC reports the main driving force behind Bitcoin’s resurgence is Donald Trump’s electoral win for the presidential seat.
Bitcoin broke its previous high ($73,794) on November 6, the day Trump won the election. Since then, Bitcoin has been on a nonstop bull run, charging to its all-time high of nearly $85,000 today. Bitcoin’s new high represents a 15% increase over its previous high of $73,000 and a 23% increase from its last major high of $69,000 in 2021.
This massive spike is purportedly a result of market euphoria following Trump’s presidential win. Trump is a big supporter of cryptocurrency, promising to make the ******* States the crypto capital of the world. He also purportedly insists that all Bitcoin should be mined in the country.
(Image credit: TradingView)
Trump’s endorsement of crypto, especially Bitcoin, is encouraging investors to pour more money into the cryptocurrency. Purportedly, net inflows for Bitcoin and Ethereum ETFs in the two days after the election were combined over $2 billion. ETFs appear to be the leading value-builder for the world’s most popular cryptocurrencies. BlackRock Bitcoin ETF is now more valuable than gold due to the election, making Bitcoin one of the most attractive asset builders moving forward.
The good news for PC gamers and graphics card buyers is that Bitcoin’s mining difficulty has not gotten any easier. As a result, we shouldn’t see another major GPU mining shortage in the foreseeable future. Bitcoin’s difficulty now requires dedicated ASICs to be profitable. Ethereum is in the same boat since the crypto moved to a proof-of-stake strategy that makes mining Ethereum with GPUs impossible.
Bitcoin isn’t the only cryptocurrency that has seen price increases; virtually all of the popular cryptos have seen sudden spikes due to Trump’s electoral win. Ethereum is now at $3,300, representing a full $1,000 increase in less than a week. Another popular coin, Ada (Cardano), has increased in value by over 80% in the same timeframe.
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Katie Stockton says bitcoin could be headed to $98,000 next after some short-term consolidation
Katie Stockton says bitcoin could be headed to $98,000 next after some short-term consolidation
Market participants have been closely watching the so-called “Trump trades” on the back of the election. The cryptocurrency market is one that was strongly impacted by Trump’s victory last week, noting bitcoin subsequently gained about 23%. The charts are a great way to analyze cryptocurrencies like bitcoin given their deep global liquidity and pure supply/demand dynamics. The postelection rally in bitcoin has had a positive impact on the chart from a technical perspective, with a breakout to new all-time highs having been confirmed. The breakout resolves a seven-month long corrective phase to the upside in a bullish intermediate-term development. The weekly MACD is positive after flashing a timely ‘buy’ signal a few weeks earlier. This should allow overbought conditions to be absorbed for some time. The effect of the postelection rally is also meaningful on the monthly chart, which has taken the shape of a bullish cup-and-handle formation. There is a new bullish ‘pop’ higher in the stochastic oscillator, which suggests that the cyclical bull trend is set for another wave higher. The monthly MACD histogram shows an uptick in long-term upside momentum in additional positive technical development. $98,000? Breakouts to new highs often instill questions about upside potential. When there is no resistance left on the charts, we can apply a measured move price projection to derive a target. In the case of bitcoin, an aggressive measured move targets approximately $98.1K, based on the 2023-2024 upmove projected from the corrective low in August. Former resistance near $73.8K is now initial support following the breakout. Investors in bitcoin should welcome the breakout as an extension of the uptrend, and prospective investors should see it as a reason to revisit the chart. We recommend letting bitcoin digest its strong gains of late in a short-term consolidation phase before adding exposure. —Katie Stockton with Will Tamplin Access research from Fairlead Strategies for free here . DISCLOSURES: (None) All opinions expressed by the CNBC Pro contributors are solely their opinions and do not reflect the opinions of CNBC, NBC UNIVERSAL, their parent company or affiliates, and may have been previously disseminated by them on television, radio, internet or another medium. THE ABOVE CONTENT IS SUBJECT TO OUR TERMS AND CONDITIONS AND PRIVACY POLICY . THIS CONTENT IS PROVIDED FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY AND DOES NOT CONSITUTE FINANCIAL, INVESTMENT, TAX OR LEGAL ADVICE OR A RECOMMENDATION TO BUY ANY SECURITY OR OTHER FINANCIAL ASSET. THE CONTENT IS GENERAL IN NATURE AND DOES NOT REFLECT ANY INDIVIDUAL’S UNIQUE PERSONAL CIRCUMSTANCES. THE ABOVE CONTENT MIGHT NOT BE SUITABLE FOR YOUR PARTICULAR CIRCUMSTANCES. BEFORE MAKING ANY FINANCIAL DECISIONS, YOU SHOULD STRONGLY CONSIDER SEEKING ADVICE FROM YOUR OWN FINANCIAL OR INVESTMENT ADVISOR. Click here for the full disclaimer. Fairlead Strategies Disclaimer: This communication has been prepared by Fairlead Strategies LLC (“Fairlead Strategies”) for informational purposes only. This material is for illustration and discussion purposes and not intended to be, nor construed as, financial, legal, tax or investment advice. You should consult appropriate advisors concerning such matters. This material presents information through the date indicated, reflecting the author’s current expectations, and is subject to revision by the author, though the author is under no obligation to do so. This material may contain commentary on broad-based indices, market conditions, different types of securities, and cryptocurrencies, using the discipline of technical analysis, which evaluates the demand and supply based on market pricing. The views expressed herein are solely those of the author. This material should not be construed as a recommendation, or advice or an offer or solicitation with respect to the purchase or ***** of any investment. The information is not intended to provide a basis on which you could make an investment decision on any particular security or its issuer. This document is intended for CNBC Pro subscribers only and is not for distribution to the general public. Certain information has been provided by and/or is based on third party sources and, although such information is believed to be reliable, no representation is made with respect to the accuracy, completeness, or timeliness of such information. This information may be subject to change without notice. Fairlead Strategies undertakes no obligation to maintain or update this material based on subsequent information and events or to provide you with any additional or supplemental information or any update to or correction of the information contained herein. Fairlead Strategies, its officers, employees, affiliates and partners shall not be liable to any person in any way whatsoever for any losses, costs, or claims for your reliance on this material. Nothing herein is, or shall be relied on as, a promise or representation as to future performance. PAST PERFORMANCE IS NOT INDICATIVE OF FUTURE RESULTS. Opinions expressed in this material may differ or be contrary to opinions expressed, or actions taken, by Fairlead Strategies or its affiliates, or their respective officers, directors, or employees. In addition, any opinions and assumptions expressed herein are made as of the date of this communication and are subject to change and/or withdrawal without notice. Fairlead Strategies or its affiliates may have positions in financial instruments mentioned, may have acquired such positions at prices no longer available, and may have interests different from or adverse to your interests or inconsistent with the advice herein. Any investments made are made under the same terms as nonaffiliated investors and do not constitute a controlling interest. No liability is accepted by Fairlead Strategies, its officers, employees, affiliates, or partners for any losses that may arise from any use of the information contained herein. Any financial instruments mentioned herein are speculative in nature and may involve risk to principal and interest. Any prices or levels shown are either historical or purely indicative. This material does not take into account the particular investment objectives or financial circumstances, objectives or needs of any specific investor, and are not intended as recommendations of particular securities, investment products, or other financial products or strategies to particular clients. Securities, investment products, other financial products or strategies discussed herein may not be suitable for all investors. The recipient of this information must make its own independent decisions regarding any securities, investment products or other financial products mentioned herein. The material should not be provided to any person in a jurisdiction where its provision or use would be contrary to local laws, rules, or regulations. This material is not to be reproduced or redistributed absent the written consent of Fairlead Strategies.
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US envoy vows climate ****** will continue under Trump
US envoy vows climate ****** will continue under Trump
Getty
The US will still continue fighting climate change and curbing its emissions of planet-warming gases despite the election of Donald Trump, the US special envoy told the COP29 conference on its opening day.
John Podesta, a Biden administration appointee, labelled the incoming president a climate denier who would dismantle environmental safeguards and remove the US from a key international agreement to stop burning fossil fuels.
Experts say Trump’s return to the White House will have a hugely negative effect on climate change action, at least in the short term.
But Podesta said “facts were still facts, science is still science,” and US states and cities would continue the ****** to reduce fossil fuel use.
“In January we are going to inaugurate a president whose relationship with climate change is captured by the words ‘hoax’ and ‘fossil fuels’, Mr Podesta said.
“He has vowed to dismantle our environmental safeguards and once again withdraw the ******* States from the Paris Agreement.”
“That is what he has said, and we should believe him.”
The 2015 Paris agreement saw countries agree to try to keep global temperature rise below 1.5C.
Leaders from nearly 100 countries will address the meeting in the coming days.
COP29 had been billed as an opportunity to solve the crucial issue of getting money to poorer countries to help them deal with the impacts of climate change and help them prepare for it.
But expectations for what the summit can achieve have been lowered by a Trump victory that makes Biden administration negotiators from one of the world’s largest carbon emitters a lame duck in this process and unable to really promise much.
However, the election wasn’t the end of the struggle, Mr Podesta told reporters.
He believed that as a result of the policies put in place by President Biden and with the support of states and cities, US emissions would continue their downward trajectory, albeit at a slower pace.
“The ****** is ******* than one election, one political cycle and one country. This ****** is ******* still because we are living through a year defined by the climate crisis in every country of the world.”
COP29 got underway amid a welter of scientific gloom. The UN’s World Meteorological Organization (WMO) said in a report released to coincide with the conference’s start, that 2024 is on track to be the world’s warmest year on record.
Its latest State of the Climate report also finds that our oceans are heating up rapidly and glacier melt is accelerating.
“We are on the road to ruin,” Mukhtar Babyaev, president of COP29 said in his opening remarks.
He went on to list examples of climate impacts now around the world, saying “these are not future problems” as rising temperatures were doing huge damage around the world right now.
Getty Images
Experts say the recent deadly floods in Valencia, Spain, were likely made worse by climate change
The mood of delegates wasn’t improved by the scale of the main task facing negotiators here.
Amid energy and economic crises, developed countries are expected to find billions extra in climate finance for developing nations.
Richer countries are willing to increase their contributions, as long as major emerging economies like China and the Gulf states also chip in.
UN climate change chief Simon Stiell said that two thirds of the world cannot afford to cut emissions quickly enough to keep the 1.5C temperature threshold alive.
If they didn’t get the cash to cut their carbon, everyone suffers, he said.
“Let’s dispense with any idea that climate finance is charity. An ambitious new climate finance goal is entirely in the self-interest of every nation, including the largest and wealthiest,” he told delegates.
One issue exercising the minds and pockets of attendees at this gathering is the price of food and drink in the conference centre
Our colleague Aygul Mehman, a journalist with the BBC’s Azerbaijani service, was charged 41 AZN (the Azerbaijani currency) for her modest lunch of soup, a bean salad and a dry roll. That’s about £18 ($24).
“It’s like they are taking money from our pockets,” one delegate told BBC Climate Editor Justin Rowlatt as he was queuing up for food.
This is a serious issue. Delegates from poorer nations often complain about how much these big conferences cost them when you add in flights and hotels and the total can come to many thousands of pounds.
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4,000-Year-Old Bronze Age Dilmun Temple Found on Failaka Island, Kuwait
4,000-Year-Old Bronze Age Dilmun Temple Found on Failaka Island, Kuwait
From one of the oldest trading civilizations in the world comes another exciting discovery – a 4,000-year-old Bronze Age temple, uncovered on Failaka Island, linked to the early Dilmun civilization (3,200 to 320 BC).
During prior excavations, traces of the wall believed to be part of the same temple’s platform were found on top of a hill, and were dated to approximately 1900-1800 BC. Now, the full temple, measuring 11×11 meters (36.08×36.08 feet) in size, has been unearthed, along with many artifacts such as seals and pottery, that confirm the temple’s association with the Dilmun people, an East Semitic-speaking population from eastern Arabia that traded extensively with the civilizations of Mesopotamia.
The National Council for Culture, Arts, and Literature announced in a press release that the Kuwaiti-Danish team from the Moesgaard Museum in Denmark, which has been performing excavations on the island for many years, made these finds earlier last week. The new finds lie not far from other significant structures linked to this ancient culture, such as ‘the Palace’ and ‘Dilmun Temple,’ meaning this was the second temple discovered in the same general area.
Early Dilmun civilization pottery, from 2,300 BC. (Ciacho5/CC BY-SA 3.0).
Dr. Stephen Larsen, head of the Danish delegation, emphasized that the temple’s layout held clues about religious practices during the early Dilmun *******, featuring altars that would have had ritualistic and ceremonial significance. Dr. Hassan Ashkenani, Professor of Archaeology and Anthropology at Kuwait University, was quick to point out that finding the temple next to a large administrative building hints at the site’s importance as a religious and administrative center for the kingdom, reports the Kuwait Times.
Dr. Ashkanani explained that the discovery represented a fascinating find that sheds light on the Dilmun people’s activities on the exotic and remote Failaka Island, and in the region in general. The existence of two temples at the same site, alongside a large administrative building, highlights Failaka’s role as an important center for religious and administrative activities.
The Dilman Civilization: Prospering in the Bronze Age
The Dilmun people built a prominent ancient civilization that flourished from the third millennium BC. It occupied the lands of modern-day Bahrain, eastern Saudi Arabia, and Kuwait, and played a crucial role as a key trading hub on the route connecting Mesopotamia, the world’s oldest civilization, with the Indus Valley in South Asia. Scholars also believe that Dilmun maintained commercial connections with other significant ancient sites, including Elam in present-day Oman, Alba in Syria, and Haittan in Turkey, reports The BBC.
Dilmun ruins (burial chambers) unearthed in Saar, Bahrain. (Rapid Travel Chai/CC BY-SA 3.0)
Dilmun merchants held a valuable monopoly on the trade of copper, the first mined metal by humans. Sourced from the rich copper mines in Oman, copper would be transported through Dilmun’s ports and then shipped to Mesopotamian cities, converted into tools, weapons, and luxury items. Dilmun’s exclusive control over copper trade routes made it a key economic hub and powerful intermediary between Oman and the Mesopotamian civilizations.
Despite their trade orientation, Religion was a major part of the Dilmun culture as well.
“The belief system here has a lot in common with those of Mesopotamia and ancient Egypt. Belief in the after-life is shown by burying the ***** with possessions such as tools, food, drinking vessels and gold. We’ve even found weapons,” explained Abdullah Hassan Yehia, the keeper of the Qal’at al Bahrain.
Failaka Island: Oozing Fertility in an Arid Dustbowl
Failaka Island is relatively small, but its location made it a natural attraction for the commerce-minded Dilmun people. The island can be found approximately 30 miles (50 kilometers) from the spot where the Tigris and Euphrates Rivers converge to empty into the Persian Gulf. From here, the Dilmun culture was able to maintain control over the lucrative Persian Gulf trade in general.
Satellite view of Failaka Island, Kuwait. (NASA/METI/AIST/Japan Space Systems/Public Domain).
Even beyond its strategic location, Failaka Island was famed for its agricultural produce; its fertility was enabled by abundance of sweet-water springs, which still supply the island with much of its drinking water. The island was an oasis in a larger, arid region, giving rise to the myth that perhaps it was the mythical Garden of Eden!
“There is no doubt that the land of Kuwait is rich with different antiquities, which began from the Stone Age and Bronze Age, as well as from other historic ages,” archaeologists exploring the island remarked in a 2017 interview with the Kuwait News Agency Kuna. “We have found 20 Sumerian documents in Falaika, all talking about the importance of Dilmun, and the big trade relations between Dilmun and Old Iraq.”
Top image: Ancient Bronze Age ruins from the Dilmun civilization found previously on Failaka Island. Source:Bo Hessin/CC BY-SA 3.0.
By Sahir Pandey
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FEMA Supervisor Fired for Allegedly Telling Relief Workers to Skip Homes of Trump Supporters
FEMA Supervisor Fired for Allegedly Telling Relief Workers to Skip Homes of Trump Supporters
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has confirmed that a supervisor is currently under investigation after being fired for allegedly asking fellow employees not to inspect homes in a Florida town hit by Hurricane Milton if they displayed signs in their yards supporting Donald Trump’s presidential campaign.
According to internal correspondence obtained by The Daily Wire, supervisor Marn’i Washington told workers to “avoid homes advertising Trump” as they went to a Lake Placid neighborhood to assess the damage left by the hurricane. Washington allegedly reiterated the message verbally and in a group chat used by the workers.
“I volunteered to help disaster victims, not discriminate against them,” one of the employees told the outlet. “It didn’t matter if people were ******, white, Hispanic, for Trump, for Harris. Everyone deserves the same amount of help.”
Department of Homeland Security employees were tasked to help understaffed FEMA workers as they dealt with Hurricane Milton which struck just weeks after Hurricane Helene. The workers given the guidance were operating in the Highland County area.
“I know they’re short-staffed, I thought we could go help and make a difference,” one of the employees said. “When we got there we were told to discriminate against people. It’s almost unbelievable to think that somebody in the federal government would think that’s okay.”
The government employees shared that as a result of the guidance from Washington, they skipped over 20 homes with Trump signs or flags from the end of October and into November – essentially barring residents from receiving FEMA assistance.
Workers who followed the guidance kept track of the houses they skipped noting, “Trump sign no entry per leadership,” “Per leadership no stop Trump flag,” “Trump sign,” and “Trump sign, no contact per leadership.”
Employees said it felt wrong to discriminate against people when they were at their “most vulnerable.”
One of those employees filed a complaint to DHS writing, “If they had damage or lost power for over thirty-six hours, it was my duty to inform them of benefits to which they are entitled through FEMA.”
But instead, they were guided to skip over those homes along with other recommendations like “practice de-escalation and preventative measures,” and “avoid high salt diets and coffee.”
“This behavior raises significant concerns of discrimination against ******* States citizens because of their political views,” a copy of the complaint obtained by The Daily Wire said. “These actions not only undermine the integrity of our agency and create a hostile work environment for those who may hold differing political beliefs but they also threaten the very democracy of our country.”
FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell has called the incident “reprehensible.”
“This is a clear violation of FEMA’s core values and principles to help people regardless of their political affiliation,” she said. “This type of behavior and action will not be tolerated at FEMA and we will hold people accountable if they violate these standards of conduct.”
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Criswell noted that Washington was terminated and the matter has been turned over to FEMA’s Office of Special Counsel.
Another FEMA spokesperson released a statement saying the agency is “deeply **********” by the employee’s actions and that it is an “isolated incident.”
“The employee who issued this guidance had no authority and was given no direction to tell teams to avoid these homes and we are reaching out to the people who may have not been reached as a result of this incident,” the spokesperson said, adding that the agency has helped more than 365,000 households impacted by both Hurricanes Helene and Milton in Florida and provided nearly $900 million in direct assistance to survivors.
“We are horrified that this took place and therefore have taken extreme actions to correct this situation and have ensured that the matter was addressed at all levels.”
Before being terminated, Washington walked back the instructions she gave and also denied that homes were skipped after a meeting with other FEMA administrators.
Lake Placid Mayor John Holbrook told the New York Post that many of the residents had taken it upon themselves to clear out the destruction with the assistance of Highland County. He noted that he hadn’t noticed FEMA activity in the area.
“We’re picking up most of the debris ourselves,” he said.
Highland County backed Trump by 70% in the general election last Tuesday.
It is unclear if a similar guidance was issued elsewhere in the country.
Meanwhile, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has directed the Florida Division of Emergency Management to investigate the incident as well.
The blatant weaponization of government by partisan activists in the federal bureaucracy is yet another reason why the Biden-Harris administration is in its final days,” DeSantis said on social media.
“New leadership is on the way in DC, and I’m optimistic that these partisan bureaucrats will be fired,” he said.
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Pelican News
View the full article at [Hidden Content]
Preorder Venom 4K Collection With Limited-Edition Action Figure For $50 Off
Preorder Venom 4K Collection With Limited-Edition Action Figure For $50 Off
With Venom: The Last Dance bringing trilogy of live-action movies to a close, Sony is releasing a collection featuring all three films on 4K Blu-ray, and it comes with a cool collectible. Venom 3-Movie Collection is bundled with a limited-edition action figure, and big fans of the symbiote can place their preorders now. Listed for $130, Venom 3-Movie Collection is discounted to only $80 at Amazon.
A release date for the collection hasn’t been revealed, but it’ll probably launch alongside the physical editions for Venom: The Last Dance, which went up for preorder when the film premiered in theaters last month.
Venom 3-Movie Collection
Venom Series 4K Limited Edition Steelbooks
If you’d rather own steelbook cases instead of an action figure, you can create your own Venom collection by preordering Venom: The Last Dance’s Limited Edition Steelbook and picking up reprints of the first two movies’ steelbook editions for cheap:
Venom — $23.40
Venom: Let There Be Carnage — $23.40
Venom: The Last Dance — $48.49 ($66) | Preorder
The Venom movies may not be very good, but the steelbook cases look cool, and The Last Dance has the best design of the bunch. Just like the Venom 3-Movie Collection, there’s no official release date yet for The Last Dance, but we’ll update this article once the date is revealed.
Check out more details on the collection and all editions of Venom: The Last Dance below.
$80 (was $130) | Release Date: TBA
The Venom 3-Movie Collection comes with 4K Blu-ray, Blu-ray, and digital versions of all three films in the series. The most notable aspect of this set is undoubtedly the limited-edition action figure.
Though Amazon has not released specifics on the figure, based on the window on the box, the Venom figure is likely three to four inches.
As mentioned, you are missing out on the steelbook case for The Last Dance, but this collection offers a convenient way to get all three movies in all three popular formats for a reasonable price–at the moment, at least.
Amazon’s price is currently set at $80, but the list price for the collection is $130. With Amazon’s preorder price guarantee, you’ll pay the lowest price offered between the time you order and release.
$48.49 (was $66) | Release Date: TBA
Amazon listed Venom: The Last Dance’s 4K Steelbook Edition for $66 at first, but as with many other Blu-ray preorders, the price has since dropped substantially to $48.49.
There’s no guarantee it will remain at this price–it could go back up or drop even lower–but preordering from Amazon secures a price guarantee. As usual, you won’t pay until your preorder ships from Amazon’s warehouse, and you will only be charged the lowest price offered since completing your order.
As an added bonus, you’ll also get a copy of the movie on a standard Blu-ray disc and a digital streaming code for it.
$35-$50
Venom: The Last Dance will also release on 4K Blu-ray without a steelbook. You can preorder the standard 4K Blu-ray edition for $37.49 (was $50), the 1080p Blu-ray for $32 (was $41), or the DVD edition for $27 (was $35).
Special features haven’t been finalized yet, but if it’s anything like its predecessors, Venom 3 will probably have an assortment of behind-the-scenes documentaries, deleted scenes, and promotional materials to check out once you’re done watching the main event.
The threequel once again stars Tom Hardy as Eddie Brock and his alien bestie, as the pair find themselves hunted by deadly forces. The movie has a pretty stacked cast, as Chiwetel Ejiofor, Juno Temple, Rhys Ifans, Peggy Lu, Alanna Ubach and Stephen Graham also star in it.
If you’re thinking of making your own Venom collection, here’s a look at the Limited Edition Steelbooks for the first two movies. You can put together a pretty cool art gallery of Venom’s weird adventures. It’s worth noting that these are bad movies, but they’re actually so bad that they’re good, in a weird, outrageously magical sort of way.
Venom & Venom: Let There Be Carnage Limited Edition Steelbooks
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Pelican News
View the full article at [Hidden Content]
Our only visit to Uranus came at an unusual time for the planet
Our only visit to Uranus came at an unusual time for the planet
Uranus is more normal than we had thought
NASA/Space Telescope Science Institute
Uranus’s strange magnetic field may be much less weird than astronomers first thought, which means its largest moons could be much more active, and even perhaps have global oceans.
Our only direct measurements of Uranus’s magnetic field come from NASA’s Voyager 2 spacecraft, which flew by the planet in 1986. The spacecraft’s readings suggested that the magnetic field was lopsided – meaning it wasn’t aligned with the planet’s rotation – as well as being unusually rich in extremely energetic electrons and devoid of the plasma that is common in the magnetic fields of other gas giants like Jupiter. Astronomers at the time thought the results so bizarre that they invoked complex physics to try to explain the readings – or simply dismissed them as evidence that Voyager 2’s instruments had gone haywire.
Now, Jamie Jasinski at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory in California and his colleagues have reanalysed the Voyager 2 data and found that it was skewed by a rare burst of solar wind that squashed Uranus’s magnetic field just before the spacecraft arrived, disturbing the readings. This means everything we thought we knew about Uranus’s magnetic field might be wrong, says Jasinski. “This kind of almost resets everything,” he says.
Jasinski and his team found that the solar wind compressed Uranus’s magnetic field to a size that it would typically only adopt 4 per cent of the time – but that scientists have, for the past 40 years, assumed was its normal state. The squashed magnetic field explains the previous strange results, such as its lack of plasma and highly energetic electrons, says Jasinski.
If there is, in fact, plasma in Uranus’s magnetic field – and Voyager 2 just happened to miss it – then it might not all come from the planet itself. Some might come from Uranus’s moons, the largest of which are called Titania and Oberon. Until now, we have assumed these moons were inert, but the new study leaves open the possibility that they are geologically active after all. This would fit with recent calculations indicating the moons might have hidden oceans. “The solar wind could have essentially eradicated all the evidence of active moons just before the flyby happened,” says Jasinski.
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#visit #Uranus #unusual #time #planet
Pelican News
View the full article at [Hidden Content]
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