Pelican Press

Caernarfon’s Carlton bakery closes after 100 years Caernarfon’s Carlton bakery closes after 100 years BBC Dewi Roberts’ great-grandparents opened the bakery in 1922 A family-run bakery is closing its doors for the last time, ending an era stretching back more than a century. Carlton Bakery ceases trading on Saturday with the Roberts family selling up after four generations in Caernarfon, Gwynedd. It was founded by Dewi Roberts’ great-grandparents in 1922 and the current owner is his father Alun, 83, known as cwstad (custard) by locals. Dewi, 40, who has worked in the shop since he was a boy but has done other work, told BBC Cymru Fyw he was taught to bake by his mother. He said running a bakery had been hard, getting up at three in the morning and working six days a week. He added that a recent loss of staff had increased the burden. Last weekend, the shop announced on social media that it would be closing on 9 November, prompting messages of support. “People have been really nice – it’s been pretty overwhelming to be honest,” said Dewi. Bakery staff Brenda Jones and Karen Morgan Karen Morgan, who worked at the bakery for more than 20 years, said her first memories of the shop was visiting as a child. “I remember coming here with my mum to buy trifle and she used to buy chocolate cakes here for me and my brother on our birthdays.” She said its closure was “terribly sad”. Brenda Jones, who has worked at the shop for 15 years, added: “I don’t know where people are going to get their bread now – I don’t know where I’ll go either to be honest. “I’m especially going to miss the bread rolls from Carlton.” Family Photos Then and now: Alun Roberts, the current owner of the bakery, is known locally as cwstad, which is custard in Welsh Source link #Caernarfons #Carlton #bakery #closes #years Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Slitterhead Review – Unknown Horrors | Infinite Start Slitterhead Review – Unknown Horrors | Infinite Start In our Slitterhead Review we examine the latest horror experience. Will it live up to the hype, or is it another cult classic? – IS Source link #Slitterhead #Review #Unknown #Horrors #Infinite #Start Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Workplace Gender Equality Agency report highlights need for more employer action to prevent ******* harassment Workplace Gender Equality Agency report highlights need for more employer action to prevent ******* harassment One in four employers is still failing to monitor the prevalence of ******* harassment in the workplace, a damning report has revealed. Results released on Monday by the Workplace Gender Equality Agency review the initiatives employers have put in place since the Federal Government created a positive duty on employers to stamp out ******* harassment in their workplaces. The requirement stemmed from a key recommendation in the Respect@Work Report, which was handed down by the *********** Human Rights Commission in 2020. The Agency said the results showed that even though many employers have put work into reducing ******* harassment and discrimination, more work needs to be done. While nearly 99 per cent of employers had a formal policy on work-related ******* harassment and discrimination, 28 per cent were not monitoring how prevalent it was. “While we are seeing comprehensive policy coverage, this is only a critical first step,” WGEA chief executive Mary Wooldridge said. “Long-term culture change within organisations also requires employees and company leaders to know the policy, understand what’s in it and the part they play in its implementation. “One of the insights from the Respect@Work Report is that proactive engagement by leadership is critical for long-term change. WGEA’s new results show that most CEOs are highly engaged in reviewing, signing off on and then communicating these policies (85 per cent), however just over half (55 per cent) of their boards are similarly involved.” The results also revealed that only 25 per cent of chief executives communicated their organisation’s expectations with new staff during their induction. Just 9 per cent did so ahead of big events such as Christmas parties. “While employers are training employees with the knowledge and understanding to respond to complaints, employers also now have a responsibility to stop ******* harassment before it starts,” Ms Wooldridge said. “Our results indicate CEOs and Boards can play more of a role in proactively enabling a safe and respectful culture by communicating the employer’s expectations more regularly to all employees.” Source link #Workplace #Gender #Equality #Agency #report #highlights #employer #action #prevent #******* #harassment Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

After Shadows, Ubisoft Should Set Next *********’s Creed Game in Persia to Honor its Most Cursed Franchise After Shadows, Ubisoft Should Set Next *********’s Creed Game in Persia to Honor its Most Cursed Franchise Ubisoft’s decision to delay *********’s Creed: Shadows to February 11, 2025, has given the community time to think about the future of the beloved franchise. As fans eagerly wait for the next chapter in the *********’s Creed saga, there is a golden opportunity for the studio to take the series in a bold yet nostalgic direction. It can intertwine the franchise with one of its predecessors, Prince of Persia while paying tribute to its legacy. Players are already thinking about the future direction the studio will take the series to. | Image Credit: Ubisoft This isn’t just about invoking nostalgia in players. By incorporating elements from PoP such as its iconic parkour mechanics, deadly environmental traps, and time-altering themes, the studio has a chance to breathe new life into both franchises. The result could be something fresh and exciting, all while ensuring that the very essence of PoP’s distinctive gameplay lives on through *********’s Creed. Why Ubisoft Should Fuse Prince of Persia with *********’s Creed Prince of Persia is one of the most beloved and cursed franchises in gaming history. | Image Credit: Ubisoft Ubisoft has long used the *********’s Creed franchise as a platform for innovation, with each installment bringing new mechanics and settings to keep the gameplay fresh. The franchise has taken players from the ancient streets of Rome to the lively markets of Baghdad, each installment immersing players in a meticulously crafted world that feels alive and dynamic. By fusing Prince of Persia with *********’s Creed, the studio has the opportunity to take players back to the heart of the Persian Empire. This way it will not only honor the legacy of the beloved franchise but also unlock a wealth of possibilities for storytelling, world-building, and gameplay. The historical richness of Persia, with its beautiful cities, vast deserts, and towering palaces, would provide an excellent backdrop for an epic AC adventure. However, it’s not just the setting that makes this fusion exciting; it’s also the gameplay potential. First and foremost, parkour. The PoP games were built on their fluid, dynamic parkour mechanics, which allowed players to leap, wall-run, and navigate through complex environments in the blink of an eye. While these mechanics were the foundation for *********’s Creed’s signature movement system, there’s still room for improvement. However, the next installment should fully embrace the essence of PoP and introduce new layers of complexity to the parkour system. If the game is set in Ancient Persia, there will always be elaborate palaces, labyrinthine temples, and ancient citadels for players to scale and test these mechanics on. Beyond movement, these grand structures should be filled with hidden traps and environmental puzzles. These challenges would encourage players to stay alert, think on their feet, and explore the environment in greater depth. In doing so, players would not only engage with the revamped parkour system but also immerse themselves in a world that feels truly reactive to their actions. Why it Matters to Revive the Prince of Persia Legacy Even before its release, Shadows has been swimming in controversy regarding its protagonist choices and gameplay. | Image Credit: Ubisoft The Prince of Persia franchise deserves more than to fade into obscurity. While a recent attempt at reviving the series emerged with a platform-based title, it ******* to capture the magic of its predecessors, and the development team behind it was ultimately disbanded. For many, PoP was the stepping stone to *********’s Creed, and its influence is still present. Ubisoft is in a very tough spot right now. *********’s Creed: Shadows, even before its release, has been met with various controversy, and fans have been expressing growing frustration with the direction the series has taken in recent years. By fusing the beloved (also cursed) franchise into *********’s Creed, Ubisoft has an opportunity to not only reinvigorate its iconic legacy but also renew hope among PoP fans who have longed for a proper revival. As the release date for Shadows comes close (February 11th), players are watching closely to see how the studio will move forward with the series. Even though the franchise is covered in controversies right now, it has delivered some of the best gaming experiences with a few of its installments as well so players don’t want to see it stagnate or fade into irrelevance. In the end, while this is just a hopeful vision that imagines both franchises making a spectacular return, the studio needs to take decisive action. It needs to make the right choices, starting with a fresh, bold direction that honors its legacy and gives players something to look forward to once again. What is your favorite *********’s Creed title? Tell us in the comment section below. Source link #Shadows #Ubisoft #Set #Assassins #Creed #Game #Persia #Honor #Cursed #Franchise Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Here’s why young adults in Puerto Rico are struggling financially Here’s why young adults in Puerto Rico are struggling financially Parade attendees wave Puerto Rican flags on Fifth Avenue in Manhattan during the annual Puerto Rico Day Parade. Luiz C. Ribeiro | New York Daily News | Tribune News Service | Getty Images Young adults in Puerto Rico are on shaky financial ground, a study finds. About 47% of respondents in the U.S. territory are financially fragile, meaning they lack confidence in their ability to absorb a $2,000 economic shock, according to a September report from the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority Investor Education Foundation. “This is the first time a study of this nature has been done on Puerto Rico,” said report co-author Harold Toro. He is also the research director and chair in economic development research at the Center for a New Economy, an economy-focused think tank based on the island. “It highlights things that people feel and experience, but that are hard to find numbers for,” Toro said. More than half, or 59%, of adults ages 18 to 29 on the island are financially fragile, compared to 47% of those ages 30 to 54 and 41% of those age 55 or older, FINRA found. The organization in 2021 polled 1,001 adults who live in Puerto Rico. “The financial fragility and capability more broadly in Puerto Rico … it’s pretty dire when we compare it to the mainland ******* States,” said report co-author Olivia Valdés, senior researcher at the FINRA Investor Education Foundation. Financial fragility, particularly for young adults, is much higher in Puerto Rico than on the mainland U.S. More than half, or 59%, of 18 to 29-year-olds are financially struggling in Puerto Rico compared to 38% of the same age group in the U.S., according to FINRA data. About 30% of U.S. residents overall were considered financially fragile in 2021, according to FINRA’s latest Financial Capability in the ******* States report, which polled 27,118 U.S. adults in 2021. The Puerto Rico survey was separate, but fielded at the same time. The younger generation has experienced financial strain for over two decades. Vicente Feliciano founder and president of Advantage Business Consulting, a market analysis and business consulting firm in San Juan, Puerto Rico Many young adults leave Puerto Rico to try and improve their financial situation, by seeking education or employment in the ******* States or in other countries. For the young adults who stay, the generation must contend with an economy under recovery, an electric grid hanging on by a thread and sky-high costs for basic needs like housing. Understanding why young Puerto Ricans are financially fragile could help with efforts to retain younger residents and bring working professionals back to the island, experts say. But “living in Puerto Rico can’t just be a matter of survival, it also has to be a place where you can thrive,” said Fernando Tormos Aponte, an assistant professor of sociology at the University of Pittsburgh. Young Puerto Ricans are ‘having a tougher time’ To be sure, a certain degree of financial strain is typical for people just starting out. Generally speaking, financial standing gets better with age. But financial fragility is more prominent among young adults in Puerto Rico compared to the U.S. “People who are younger seem to be … having a tougher time,” Toro said. Adults age 18 to 29 in Puerto Rico are less likely than adults ages 30 and over to report having emergency and retirement savings, FINRA found. Less than a quarter, 22%, of 18- to 34-year-olds in Puerto Rico have any type of retirement account. Among that age group on the mainland U.S., 43% do, according to the broader FINRA analysis. Young adults in Puerto Rico are also more likely than older residents to have student loan and medical debt. Younger generations only know a Puerto Rico in crisis Puerto Rico’s economy “is doing quite well,” said Vicente Feliciano, founder and president of Advantage Business Consulting, a market analysis and business consulting firm in San Juan, Puerto Rico. The job market has improved, and salaries are growing at a faster pace than inflation, thanks to the increase in minimum wage, Feliciano said. While the federal minimum wage in the U.S. is $7.25, it’s $10.50 in Puerto Rico. Employment in the private sector was at a 15-year high since mid- 2022, according to the Federal Reserve Bank of New York. Still, the median household income on the island was just $25,621 in 2023, less than a third of the $80,610 median household income in the mainland U.S., per Census data. Even though the last couple of years have been better, for adults under 40 in Puerto Rico, “most of their working lives have been overshadowed by the depression that Puerto Rico fell through from 2006 through 2015,” Feliciano said. “The younger generation has experienced financial strain for over two decades,” he said. “They have seen many of their friends leave the country. They are frustrated. They blame the traditional [political] parties for something that may or may not be their fault, but is very real.” ‘We want people to come back’ Alejandro Talavera Correa moved to Washington, D.C. in 2019 for a job in finance. The role and pay were too good to pass up, he said: “People have to leave in order to get a competitive salary.” But within a few years, he found himself moving back to Puerto Rico. Talavera Correa, now 28, found an opportunity to return to Puerto Rico through El Comeback, an online job board that is tailored to include job postings that meet market salary standards or offer benefit packages for prospective applicants. “We want people to come back,” said Ana Laura Miranda, project manager of El Comeback. “We need to be realistic. We need to invest in employees and if we don’t have the salaries, then we need to create benefit packages.” According to Miranda, the audience that mostly uses the platform are in their late 20s to those in their mid to late 30s. They vary from single adults to families with kids. More from Personal Finance: Latino caregivers face higher financial strain Latino student loan borrowers face extra challenges Over 3 million financially insecure Latinas live in *********-restricted states The initiative is still in its early stages, and has attracted and retained 51 candidates, Miranda said. Candidates are often looking to be close to family or regain the sense of belonging or warmth that comes with being in Puerto Rico, said Miranda. But young workers returning to Puerto Rico may face new financial challenges. “There’s always going to be a certain pay cut,” as six figure salaries are not as common on the island as they are in the U.S. And “Puerto Rico is not cheap,” said Miranda. “The cost of living … it’s real. We cannot miss that.” The island — like the mainland U.S. — has a housing market that’s unaffordable for many residents, and having a car is essential to get around because public transportation services can be unreliable. Talavera Correa was fortunate to buy a condo during the pandemic when mortgage rates were low. “If you don’t have that kind of money, you’re essentially stuck either renting or living with your parents,” said Talavera Correa. Yet, like most Puerto Ricans on the island, he still struggles with regular blackouts and electricity problems. Those send him to his mom’s house, where service is more reliable due to her solar panels. “Blackouts and problems with electricity are quite recurrent,” said Advantage Business Consulting’s Feliciano. “Electricity is a major distinction between the U.S. and Puerto Rico and it hits the younger generation ******* than it hits the wealthier, older generation.” Despite the challenges, Talavera Correa is happy with his decision. “It’s essentially the quality of life that you can have here in Puerto Rico. You have the beaches, everything outdoors, and the opportunity that you can have to have a happy life,” he said. “But if that comes with economic restraints, or just overall living situations regarding the electricity, water … that disappoints a lot of people [who] come back.” Source link #Heres #young #adults #Puerto #Rico #struggling #financially Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

7 Reasons Millionaires Are Renting Their Dream Homes Even When They Can Afford To Buy 7 Reasons Millionaires Are Renting Their Dream Homes Even When They Can Afford To Buy You know the housing market is really slow when even millionaires are having trouble buying their dream homes and opting to rent instead. But that’s the situation in the housing market here at the end of 2024. Find Out: 3 Best States To Buy Property in the Next 5 Years, According to Experts Explore More: 5 Subtly Genius Moves All Wealthy People Make With Their Money The Wall Street Journal reported that the number of renters among earners in the top 5% of income has nearly doubled over the last 15 years. While experts predict the market will change very quickly in 2025 due to interest rates coming down, thus sellers will finally be willing to part with homes they’ve been hanging onto, many markets are still slow to free up inventory. Housing shortages aren’t the only reason millionaires aren’t buying homes even though they can afford homes at prices that average Americans can’t hope to pay. Here are seven reasons why even these wealthy people are opting to rent right now instead of buying. Trending Now: When you have millions to spend, you have the money to be pickier about the house you want. However, according to Zillow, as of 2022, there was a 4.5 million house shortage, limiting the supply for even those with the cash to customize their desires. With money to *****, some millionaires are opting to simply rent until things free up again. Be Aware: 5 Housing Markets That Will Plummet in Value Before the End of 2025 It’s easy to see millionaires as being able to buy what they want without considering the price, but even wealth has its limits. There are a record number of million-dollar-plus homes on the market in states like California, New York, Florida and Massachusetts, to name a few, according to Zillow, partly a result of the inventory glut. Millionaires are finding it’s simply cheaper to rent than to buy at the moment. One millionaire, a 29-year-old finance professional in Seattle, Tori Dunlap, prefers renting for the flexibility it allows her, much less the cost savings of owning a home. “Renting is flexible, and I don’t have to worry about things that homeowners worry about, like committing to a particular place or neighborhood or dealing with a burst pipe,” she told Business Insider. As someone who travels a lot for work and doesn’t have the skills to do the maintenance on a home, she prefers renting. Though mortgage rates are starting to decline, they’ve been holding steady at higher rates for the past few years. The current mortgage rate for a 30-year fixed mortgage is around 6.38% at the high end. On a home purchased at even just $2 million, the monthly mortgage payment would be around $12,402, according to a Zillow mortgage calculator. Story Continues Any home comes with regular maintenance costs to repair, maintain, renovate and keep up with basics. However, the pricier the home, and especially when you move into the realm of luxury homes, the higher the maintenance costs. From things like landscaping to smart home technology to HVAC maintenance and security system costs, higher-end homes cost more to maintain, and millionaires are less interested in paying these costs. One millionaire, Bernadette Joy, told CNBC that she opts to rent because it saves her time and hassles with “maintenance headaches” and chores. “Since downsizing, I’ve cut the time I spend on chores in half. And we love living with less clutter after discarding and donating many pieces of clothing and furniture.” Lastly, while real estate is often recommended as being part of a diverse investment strategy, the truth is not every millionaire prefers to invest in this asset in such a significant way. They may wish to put their money into other higher-yielding investments. More From GOBankingRates This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: 7 Reasons Millionaires Are Renting Their Dream Homes Even When They Can Afford To Buy Source link #Reasons #Millionaires #Renting #Dream #Homes #Afford #Buy Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Dog **** ******** warning in Belfast hills Dog **** ******** warning in Belfast hills BBC Infection causes pregnant cows to have miscarriages and leaves them unable to breed again A ******** spread in dog **** could spell disaster for cattle near walking routes on the Belfast hills, conservationists have warned. Neospora has been branded a “silent *******” but is easily avoided if dog walkers bag and bin their pets’ *******. Infection causes miscarriages in pregnant cows and leaves them unable to breed again. Dr Lizzy Pinkerton from the Belfast Hills Partnership said cattle were “basically the conservation tool” on the hills, where they help manage vegetation to support a healthy biodiversity. “Not everyone is a responsible dog owner,” she said. Dr. Lizzy Pinkerton said people thought dogs can go anywhere and nature would take care of it “People think when they go up into the hills that it doesn’t matter, the dogs can just go anywhere and nature will take care of it,” Dr Pinkerton said. “Unfortunately it carries ********. “For the farmers trying to make a living off the hills, it is devastating.” Andrew McCammond’s 200 suckler cows are among the herds that graze across the Belfast hills. The cattle help manage vegetation to support a healthy biodiversity. “They say Divis Mountain and the hills surrounding it are in good environmental condition,” said Mr McCammond. “If it wasn’t grazed and managed with cows, there would be a lot more forage and then once in a while, there would be a massive ***** which would have a detrimental effect and do away with this beautiful area.” Martin Cunningham is a fourth generation farmer on Divis Mountain. The hills attract thousands of visitors and dog-walkers every year, most of them careful to stick to the publicly accessible areas outlined on maps. But some are not so careful. That has brought the ******** to the door of landowners like Martin Cunningham who is a fourth generation farmer on Divis. “It’s been very difficult to deal with,” he said. “A loss of an animal is very hard on us both financially and emotionally. “To see our animals suffer is very hard on us and also the financial implication is very hard to get over at a time when farming’s under a lot of pressure.” The hills play an important role in helping to protect the environment, with peatlands throughout them absorbing and storing carbon. Walking routes are accessible from Slievenacloy to Carnmoney Hill. ‘Duty of care’ Signs warn dog walkers to stick to the paths and to pick up their ****’s **** “We want everyone to be able to make use of the hills, from the local landowners to the people walking and enjoying them,” said Dr Pinkerton. “So just by really carefully looking after your dog, making sure that you know if it’s done its business and picking up after it, it’s so simple but will make such a big difference.” While picking up the **** probably isn’t anyone’s favourite job, Mr McCammond said it was a must, to keep farming in the area viable and to protect biodiversity. “I take a duty of care to make sure everything is good in this shared space,” he said. “The public should take the same.” Source link #Dog #**** #******** #warning #Belfast #hills Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

*********** Workers Union set to boost push against silica dust issues on mine sites *********** Workers Union set to boost push against silica dust issues on mine sites Australia’s largest union will kick start a ****** against silica dust safety loopholes in the mining industry when its high-ranking officials convene in Perth this week. Source link #*********** #Workers #Union #set #boost #push #silica #dust #issues #sites Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

TSMC ‘cannot produce 2nm chips overseas’ until domestic output becomes more advanced, confirms Taiwanese govt official TSMC ‘cannot produce 2nm chips overseas’ until domestic output becomes more advanced, confirms Taiwanese govt official While TSMC can build advanced fabs in the U.S., Europe, and Japan, it cannot transfer its most advanced process technologies to production facilities abroad, as they are protected by Taiwanese law, said J.W. Kuo, Minister of Economic Affairs in Taiwan, reports the Taipei Times. That said, TSMC cannot make chips using its N2 (2nm-class) manufacturing technologies in the U.S. while these production nodes are its latest nodes. “Since Taiwan has related regulations to protect its own technologies, TSMC cannot produce 2nm chips overseas currently,” Kuo said at a meeting of the Economics Committee in Taipei, reports Taipei Times. “Although TSMC plans to make 2nm chips [abroad] in the future, its core technology will stay in Taiwan.” Taiwanese regulations require domestic chipmakers to manufacture only chips using previous-generation fabrication processes at their overseas facilities, keeping the most advanced technology within the country. Perhaps, the Minister is a bit too cautious, as TSMC’s 2nm-class capable production facility in the U.S. is many years away. Yet, the message he sends is quite clear: Taiwan wants TSMC to keep its leading-edge process technology in the country. While this is not said directly, these regulations are meant to ensure that Taiwan in general, and TSMC in particular, ******** a key business hub for the world’s leading chip designers that require leading-edge process technologies, and which all happen to be from the U.S. TSMC is set to start high-volume production of chips on its N4 and N5 fabrication technologies (4nm and 5nm-class) at its Fab 21 in Arizona in 2025. The company’s first N3 and potentially N2-capable facility — Fab 21 phase 2 — is only set to come online in 2028, which is when TSMC’s facilities in Taiwan will produce chips on the company’s A16, A14, and finer nodes. But, the U.S. does not have to worry. At a forum in Hsinchu, Cliff Hou, chairman of the Taiwan Semiconductor Industry Association (TSIA) and a senior vice president at TSMC, assured that the long-standing collaboration between Taiwan and the U.S. would not be disrupted by political changes. Although certain adjustments may be needed, the core partnership ******** stable and enduring, as it has been for decades. Addressing potential U.S. tariff hikes, a topic Trump raised in his campaign, Hou noted that TSIA has yet to receive official notifications. However, he urged Taiwan to allocate more resources to R&D and strengthen its supply chain expertise to secure its leadership position in the global semiconductor market. Get Tom’s Hardware’s best news and in-depth reviews, straight to your inbox. Hou also pointed to the importance of Taiwan advancing its expertise in semiconductor equipment and materials — areas where foreign companies currently dominate. Collaborative efforts are underway between the industry and government to attract foreign partners to establish design and materials centers within Taiwan, bolstering its semiconductor ecosystem, which is another way to bolster Taiwan’s importance in the global microelectronics supply chain. Source link #TSMC #produce #2nm #chips #overseas #domestic #output #advanced #confirms #Taiwanese #govt #official Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Judge to decide whether Trump’s hush money conviction can stand Judge to decide whether Trump’s hush money conviction can stand By Luc Cohen NEW YORK (Reuters) – A New York judge is set to decide this week whether President-elect Donald Trump’s ********* conviction on charges involving hush money paid to a ***** star should be overturned in light of the U.S. Supreme Court’s July ruling on presidential immunity. Justice Juan Merchan has said he will make his decision by Tuesday. It is the first of two pivotal choices that the judge must make after Trump’s Nov. 5 election victory. Merchan also must decide whether to go ahead with sentencing Trump on Nov. 26 as currently scheduled. Legal experts have said sentencing now is unlikely to happen ahead of Trump’s Jan. 20 inauguration. A favorable ruling by Merchan for Trump on the immunity question or a sentencing delay would pave the way for him to return to the White House largely unencumbered by any of the four ********* cases that once appeared to threaten his ambitions to win back the White House. Officials at the U.S. Justice Department are assessing how to wind down the two federal ********* cases brought against Trump by Special Counsel Jack Smith due to its longstanding policy against prosecuting a sitting president. A separate case in Georgia involving state ********* charges concerning Trump’s efforts to overturn his 2020 presidential election loss ******** in limbo. Trump, 78, pleaded not guilty and denied wrongdoing in all four cases, which he portrayed as political persecutions by allies of Democratic President Joe Biden designed to thwart his campaign. “It is now abundantly clear that Americans want an immediate end to the weaponization of our justice system,” Trump campaign spokesperson Steven Cheung said in a statement on Friday. Trump in May became the first U.S. president to be convicted of a ****** when a jury in Manhattan found him guilty of state charges of falsifying business records to cover up a potential **** scandal shortly before his first presidential victory in 2016. Trump has vowed to appeal the conviction after sentencing. His lawyers have argued that the case must be dismissed following the Supreme Court’s immunity ruling. The Supreme Court, in a decision arising from one of Smith’s two cases against Trump, decided that presidents are immune from prosecution involving their official acts, and that juries cannot be presented evidence of official acts in trials over personal conduct. It marked the first time that the court recognized any degree of presidential immunity from prosecution. Trump’s lawyers said the jury that convicted Trump was shown evidence by prosecutors of his social media posts as president and heard testimony from his former aides about conversations that occurred in the White House during his 2017-2021 term. Prosecutors with the office of Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg, a Democrat, have argued that the Supreme Court’s ruling has no bearing on the case, which they said concerned “wholly unofficial conduct.” The Supreme Court in its ruling found no immunity for a president’s unofficial acts. “Even if the judge finds that some of the evidence should not have been introduced, it would not have changed the outcome of the jury’s decision, and the court will not, therefore, dismiss the case on that basis,” New York Law School professor Anna Cominsky said. Even if Merchan allows the conviction to stand, experts expect Trump’s lawyers to ask the judge to delay the sentencing. Trump faces a sentence of up to four years in prison after being convicted of 34 felony counts. Legal experts have said that while lesser penalties such as fines or probation are more likely, a prison sentence would not be impossible. (Reporting by Luc Cohen in New York; Editing by Noeleen Walder and Will Dunham) Source link #Judge #decide #Trumps #hush #money #conviction #stand Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Royals and veterans attend Cenotaph ceremony Royals and veterans attend Cenotaph ceremony King Charles, Prince William and politicians were among those who attended the annual National Service of Remembrance at the Cenotaph in central London. Tens of thousands of veterans and civilians joined the King in paying their respects to those who ***** in the two world wars and other conflicts. Source link #Royals #veterans #attend #Cenotaph #ceremony Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Workplace Gender Equality Agency reveals ‘positive progress’ in workplaces Workplace Gender Equality Agency reveals ‘positive progress’ in workplaces Australia’s workplace gender equality watchdog has reported “positive progress” in how bosses approach and deal with ******* harassment, even as the vexed problem continues to rock some of the country’s largest employers. The Workplace Gender Equality Agency shows 99 per cent of medium and large employers covering five million employees have formal policies on work-related ******* harassment and discrimination and some 85 per cent of CEOs are now “highly engaged in reviewing, signing off on and then communicating these policies”. But while CEOs are increasingly focused on the issue, just over 55 per cent of company Boards are similarly involved, WGEA CEO Mary Wooldridge said. “Our results indicate CEOs and Boards can play more of a role in proactively enabling a safe and respectful culture by communicating the employer’s expectations more regularly to all employees,” she said on Monday. “Overall, we are seeing positive progress in relation to the prevention and responses to ******* harassment but there’s more to be done. “Future WGEA reporting will be able to monitor progress on this.” Employers are shifting to a new “positive duty” model to prevent ******* harassment, the agency said, which means they are proactively working to prevent it from occurring in the first place. Camera IconWorkplace Gender Equality Agency CEO Mary Wooldridge said there was some ‘positive progress’ in the agency’s latest data snapshot but there was also ‘more work to be done’. NewsWire / Martin Ollman Credit: News Corp Australia Some 91 per cent of employers now prioritise prevention measures like having a statement on their positive duty to provide a safe workplace for all employees, the WGEA said. Nearly half of employers, or 49 per cent, have articulated processes relating to the use of nondisclosure or confidentiality agreements. Some 88 per cent of employers provide training on the prevention of ******* harassment and discrimination, but 28 per cent of employers are not monitoring how prevalent ******* harassment might be in their workplaces and 68 per cent fail to provide comprehensive anonymous disclosure processes. “While there are comprehensive processes to disclose ******* harassment to HR or designated staff, anonymous disclosure processes are less available,” the agency said. “The ability to protect a reporter’s identity with anonymous disclosure is important, given widespread underreporting of these serious issues.” The data snapshot comes before the release of the agency’s comprehensive analysis of the private sector’s performance on workplace gender equality, expected at the end of November. The agency’s results, while indicating some progress, follow a set of stark scandals involving alleged ******* harassment of staffers at some of Australia’s most respected employers, including media giant Nine Entertainment. In a public report released from October, Nine acknowledged widespread workplace harassment. Some 24 per cent of employees experienced ******* harassment in the past five years, the company said, and 49 per cent had experienced bullying, discrimination or harassment. One staffer told investigators women were “constantly bullied into submission and to a point where we have no confidence or self-worth left”. “If you challenge your male superior, they more often than not respond aggressively and it costs you professionally and financially,” the staffer said. Meanwhile in May, fashion retailer Country Road was hit with ******* harassment allegations, with the company launching an external investigation into its complaints processes. Source link #Workplace #Gender #Equality #Agency #reveals #positive #progress #workplaces Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Dying Light: The ****** Interview Story, Map, Parkour, and More Dying Light: The ****** Interview Story, Map, Parkour, and More Franchise director Tymon Smektala speaks with GamingBolt about Dying Light’s upcoming standalone adventure. Source link #Dying #Light #****** #Interview #Story #Map #Parkour Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

NZXT Kraken Elite 360 RGB Review: The best on the market – and priced like it NZXT Kraken Elite 360 RGB Review: The best on the market – and priced like it NZXT’s Kraken line of liquid coolers dates back more than a decade. And along with its long line of PC cases, motherboards, and PSUs the company has plenty of experience dealing with PC heat dissipation. Today we’re looking at the latest flagship AIO from NZXT, the Kraken Elite 360 RGB. It features an upgraded pump, thick liquid tubing, and a fancy 2.7-inch IPS display with more customization options than a giant cephalopod has tentacles. This cooler clearly isn’t for builders on a budget – with a price tag of $294.99 USD, it’s firmly in premium territory. As such, my expectations for the Kraken Elite RGB are high. For it to make our list of best CPU coolers, performance will have to be more or less perfect. Let’s take a quick look at the Kraken Elite 360 RGB’s specifications, then we’ll ***** into its features and our benchmark testing. Cooler specifications (Image credit: Tom’s Hardware) Swipe to scroll horizontally Cooler NZXT Kraken Elite 360 RGB MSRP $294.99 USD Heatsink Material Aluminum Lighting Yes Warranty 6 years Socket Compatibility Intel Socket LGA 1851/1700/1200/115x AMD AM5 / AM4 Pump Speed 2800RPM ±10% Radiator Size 401 (L) x 120 (W) x 27 (D) Base Copper Average Maximum TDP (Our Testing) ~270W with Intel’s i7-14700K Packing and included contents The outside of the box sports NZXT’s purple and white theme, with an image highlighting the design of the AIO. (Image credit: Tom’s Hardware) The contents are well-protected with molded cardboard and plastic coverings. (Image credit: Tom’s Hardware) Included with the box are the following: 3-in-1 fan block 360mm radiator Fan cable Mounting for modern AMD and Intel platforms (Image credit: Tom’s Hardware) Features of NZXT’s Kraken Elite 360 3-in-1 fan shroud There’s more to a cooler than just the heatsink or radiator. The bundled fans have a significant impact on cooling and noise levels, as well as how the cooler looks in your case. And the included F360 RGB Core “fan” certainly has a unique look! Rather than including three separate 120mm fans which would then have to be individually connected, NZXT includes the F360 RGB Core. This is essentially one large plastic slab with three fans installed in it. The advantages of this design are aesthetics and simpler installation. The main downside: If one fan stops working, you’ll have to replace the entire block (or add three separate fans). (Image credit: Tom’s Hardware) Swipe to scroll horizontally Dimensions 360 x 120 x 26mm Fan Speed 500-2400 RPM ±10%, with Zero RPM support Air Flow Up to 75.12 CFM Air Pressure Up to 3.3 mmH2O Bearing Type FDB Lighting Eight individually-addressable RGB LEDs Lifespan 60,000+ hours Large copper contact plate, pre-installed thermal paste (Image credit: Tom’s Hardware) The Kraken Elite features a large copper contact plate to cover even the largest of CPUs, with pre-installed thermal paste applied to make installation easier. Extra thick, rotatable tubing The tubing for this AIO is made of CIIR rubber with **** braided sleeves, and it’s much thicker than what you’d find on most other liquid coolers. As a result, the AIO has more internal liquid coolant and higher flow rates – which helps make it easier to cool a CPU and should, in theory, lead to better performance. (Image credit: Tom’s Hardware) Robust software with lots of customization To customize this cooler, you’ll need to download NZXT’s Cam software – as the AIO doesn’t feature traditional PWM support. The software offers a lot of functionality and customization options, some of which are shown in the images below. You can change the fan speeds, what sensors the cooler responds to, and much more! You can even set the AIO’s display to play YouTube videos – or integrate with other options online. If for some reason you don’t wish to install the software – the AIO will still function, but it will be limited to the default configuration. Image 1 of 3 (Image credit: Tom’s Hardware) (Image credit: Tom’s Hardware) (Image credit: Tom’s Hardware) I’ve also uploaded a quick video showing the screen and some of the ways you can customize it, which you can watch below. NZXT Kraken Elite 360 AIO Display – YouTube Watch On Testing Methodology, and how my testing differs vs the competition I do a few things to ensure my results are useful to PC builders. I strictly regulate the ambient temperature to 23 degrees Celsius during testing. I do not accept results at 22 or 24C as valid, even though in theory there won’t be much of a difference. I also do my best to emulate the conditions you’d encounter using the cooler, with thermal loads similar to those a person would experience in real life, and tested in a real case rather than an open bench, which can decrease the difficulty of cooling. Many other reviewers and, in fact, most of my own older reviews, only test coolers with a load running on the CPU. While this does provide useful information, it doesn’t paint a complete picture of how a cooler will perform. Many workloads, and especially gaming, will stress both the CPU and GPU. As such, to test how well a CPU’s cooler will perform in these situations, I’ve added two tests: one with a light CPU and one with a moderate CPU load – both while running a full load with AMD’s Radeon RX 7900GRE. Testing configuration – Intel LGA1700 platform Swipe to scroll horizontally CPU Intel Core i7-14700K Motherboard MSI Z790 Project Zero Case MSI Pano 100L PZ ****** System Fans Iceberg Thermal IceGale Silent PSU Silverstone HELA 1300 Many factors other than the CPU cooler can influence your cooling performance, including the case you use and the fans installed in it. A system’s motherboard can also influence this, especially if its socket suffers from bending, which results in poor cooler contact with the CPU. In order to prevent bending from impacting our cooling results, we’ve installed Thermalright’s LGA 1700 contact frame into our testing rig. If your motherboard is affected by bending, your thermal results will be worse than those shown below. Not all motherboards are affected equally by this issue. I tested Raptor Lake CPUs in two motherboards. And while one of them showed significant thermal improvements after installing Thermalright’s LGA1700 contact frame, the other motherboard showed no difference in temperatures whatsoever! Check out our review of the contact frame for more information. LGA 1700 Installation 1. The first thing you’ll need to do is attach the fan shroud to the radiator (which requires four screws rather than the 12 you’d need with three separate fans), then plug the fan cord into to the radiator. Image 1 of 2 (Image credit: Tom’s Hardware) (Image credit: Tom’s Hardware) 2. Secure the radiator to your case. 3. Place the CPU bracket against the rear of the motherboard. Secure it using the included standoffs. (Image credit: Tom’s Hardware) 4. Take the CPU block and press it against the CPU. Secure it with the included thumbscrews. (Image credit: Tom’s Hardware) 5. Connect the PWM cable to your motherboard, power on your computer, and installation is complete. (Image credit: Tom’s Hardware) Source link #NZXT #Kraken #Elite #RGB #Review #market #priced Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Former NBA star Kenny Smith says he learned this 1 crucial lesson from his billionaire college roommate Former NBA star Kenny Smith says he learned this 1 crucial lesson from his billionaire college roommate In his memoir, “Talk of Champions,” former NBA point guard Kenny Smith shares that he was roommates with future billionaire David Kohler during college. That’s Kohler, as in the person who would go on to be the fourth generation of his family to own and operate the giant plumbing manufacturer of the same name. According to Forbes, the Kohler family is worth an estimated $16.2 billion. Smith was surprised to see his roommate sleeping on his couch instead of working for the family business. “‘Why didn’t your father just make you an executive?’” Smith, now an analyst on “Inside the NBA,” recalled asking Kohler at the time, in a 2023 conversation with radio personality Big Boy. “He said, ‘No, I’ve got to be a plumber first,’” Smith continued. “‘He’s going to make me be a plumber and then I go through the steps so if I get an invoice as an executive for $7 for screws I know that they’re really $3. So I know everything about the company.’” Smith says the conversation changed his perspective on business, sports and life. Here’s why. The Kohler family isn’t the only one that insists that the next generation acquire practical work experience. According to researchers at the University of Louisville, St. John Fisher University and Kennesaw State University, many business families mandate external experience for younger generations “believing it to be the best way for younger family members to gain legitimacy, to learn what work ‘is really like’ and to make mistakes at no cost to the family business,” as written in Family Business. Read more: 5 minutes could get you up to $2M in life insurance coverage — with no medical exam or blood test To be clear, you don’t have to be a billionaire business family to implement these lessons. “Now, when my kids ask me for things, I’m, like, ‘No, you’ve got to be a plumber first. I’m going to give it to you, but you’ve got to go through the steps, and you’ve got it, it’s waiting for you. It’s waiting for you at the end,’” Smith told Big Boy. A quick brush of practical experience can help you as an investor and as a parent. Story Continues Making use of a product or service before purchasing or investing can help give you insight and could be a part of doing your due diligence. If you’re trying to invest in an industry where practical experience is inaccessible, try reaching out to experts and veterans of the industry to get their perspective before putting in any money. In other words, be a plumber first or speak to a plumber first before investing in a plumbing company. Similarly, helping your children develop their personal finance skills can go a long way toward giving them the best shot at success. Teaching them early about things like budgeting and opening a bank account for them can help them gain the skills to control their financial destiny independently. This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind. Source link #NBA #star #Kenny #Smith #learned #crucial #lesson #billionaire #college #roommate Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Metro Awakening – Everything You Need to Know Metro Awakening – Everything You Need to Know GB: “The Metro series has had an impeccable track record thus far, so naturally, excitement surrounding its future is always high, but though it ******** to be seen when the follow-up to Metro Exodus from 4A Games will arrive, there’s other things to look forward to as well. Vertigo Games, for instance, has hoped onto the Metro train (heh) and delivered a virtual reality-exclusive in the form of Metro Awakening, which has continued to look increasingly promising since being announced. Now, as players prepare to ***** into its offerings, here, we’re going to go over a few key details that you should know about it.” Source link #Metro #Awakening Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

T3 SinglePass Smooth X straightener review T3 SinglePass Smooth X straightener review T3 SinglePass X: two-minute review Product info Note: The SinglePass Smooth X is not to be confused with the SinglePass X. The latter has wider, 1.5in / 38mm plates better best suited for thicker hair and has five temperature settings compared to the Smooth X’s nine. Due to these larger plates, the SinglePass X is less compact than the Smooth X, but still features the same SinglePass technology and CeraGloss plates. The T3 SinglePass Smooth X may not be at the top of my best hair straighteners list, but when you factor in its design, functionality, tech and value for money, it’s not far off. I love its Satin Blush ******, and the sleek, pastel pink finish isn’t just stylish but practical, as it resists fingerprints and smudges. The rose-gold accents on the hinge and logo add a touch of luxury, while the ****** of the ceramic plates blends well with the blush tone, giving it a cohesive, high-end feel. The plates are 1in wide and 20% longer than standard straighteners, which allows for faster styling by covering more hair in each pass. This is a bonus for my long, thin hair and it took a little over two minutes to finish straightening my whole head. Made from T3’s CeraGloss ceramic, these plates also help to smooth frizz and add shine and while they might not glide as effortlessly as other straighteners, like the GHD Chronos, (learn more in my GHD Chronos review) they still perform well, especially when curling. The StyleEdge design of these plates, which give them beveled edges, also makes sure curls and waves are created without leaving creases, which is welcomed. Measuring 11.8in / 30cm long and weighing 14.7oz / 417g, the SinglePass Smooth X is compact, lightweight and well-balanced. I was initially concerned the added length might make it cumbersome, but it was easy to move around my head during styling. The PrecisionControl hinge keeps the plates gliding smoothly without the need for excessive pressure, too, which adds to the overall comfort. The temperature controls are located near the base of the styler, with a row of nine LED indicators representing its nine heat settings – from 260F / 127C to 410F / 210C. This range gives flexibility for a host of hair types, with lower settings ideal for fine and fragile hair and higher settings best suited for thicker, coarser textures. The SinglePass technology and CeraSync heaters inside the styler then help distribute this heat evenly, reducing the need to go over the same section multiple times and helping to minimize heat damage. This also helps create more uniform curls that last. During my tests, the SinglePass Smooth X lived up to its name, straightening my fine, naturally curly hair with minimal frizz. However, after straightening, I found my hair looked a little too sleek and flat, which is common for finer hair like mine but was a tad disappointing. Overall, the T3 SinglePass Smooth X holds its own among the best hair straighteners, with its sleek design, ease of use, and strong performance for both straightening and curling. Minor drawbacks like the placement of the power button, which makes it easy to accidentally change the heat setting, plus the overly sleek results for my thinner hair weren’t dealbreakers for me, but did lessen the appeal. However, if you prefer a straight, smooth, frizz-free finish or your hair is long and thick, then chances are you will love it. Read on for my full T3 SinglePass X review… T3 SinglePass Smooth X review: price & availability List price: $149.99 Available: US only Replaces the T3 Lucea 1″ flat iron The T3 SinglePass Smooth X replaces the Lucea 1in flat iron and costs $149.99. It’s only available in the US, and is only sold in a single Satin Blush ******. Its price and technology positions the SinglePass Smooth X in the mid-range of T3’s wider straightener lineup. It sits below the $249.99 Smooth ID styler, which has the added feature of real-time personalized heat settings, and the $189.99 Lucea 1.5in styling iron, which has wider plates. It then costs more, and offers more, in terms of tech and performance than the travel-friendly SinglePass Compact Flat Iron, which retails for $89.99 and has a smaller, more portable design. The closest model to the Smooth X is the T3 SinglePass Stylemax. It has the same plate size, same SinglePass, CeraGloss and StyleEdge technology and design, and costs the same. Yet it offers more customizable temperature options, and a Curl Mode, which optimizes the heat for curls and waves. Outside of T3, similar rivals in terms of features and design include the $160 Moroccanoil Perfectly Polished Titanium flat iron, and the £109 mdlondon Strait which has similarly long, bevelled plates and multiple heat settings but is only sold in the *** and ROI. In comparison to most of its siblings, and rivals, the Smooth X’s price – which initially felt high – represents much better value than may first appear. Largely because of its built-in tech, and design as well as its performance. You get more features with the SinglePass Stylemax for the same price, but that model is less attractive, less sleek and doesn’t have the longer plates, which are a bonus on the Smooth X. You can buy the SinglePass Smooth X in the US directly from the T3 website, as well as third party retailers like Amazon US. T3 SinglePass Smooth X specs Swipe to scroll horizontally Power: Mains Cord length: 9ft / 2.7m Temperature settings: 9 Temperature range: 260F / 127C to 410F / 210C Plate width: 0.9lb / 417g Weight: ‎11.8 x 1.2 x 3.6″ / 30 x 3 x 9.1cm Dimensions: 1″ / 2.5cm T3 SinglePass Smooth X review: design 1-inch wide, ceramic-coated plates 9 different heat settings Longer-than-usual plates T3 is renowned for making attractive and elegant stylers and the SinglePass Smooth X is no exception. It comes in a single, pastel pink-rose ******, officially called Satin Blush, and has a soft, matte finish. This not only looks and feels premium, but means it doesn’t pick up fingerprints or show up grease like ****** stylers tend to do. Even the plates match the main blush ******, and there are rose gold metal accents on the hinge, logo and controls. (Image credit: Future) The plates are noticeably longer – 20% longer than standard – than other straighteners I’ve used, including the GHD Platinum Plus, but are on par with plates on the mdlondon STRAIT. They’re made from what the brand calls CeraGloss ceramic, which is ceramic material coated in a gloss-like finish. This is the default for plates across the T3 straightener range and has been designed to smooth frizz and add shine without snagging or pulling the hair. In my experience, this works well and while it’s not the smoothest flat iron I’ve tried (that prize goes to the GHD Chronos) it does a great job. These plates also use a so-called StyleEdge design. This means their edges are beveled and smooth making them great for creating curls and waves without causing creases or kinks. (Image credit: Future) In terms of size, the plates are one inch wide and the overall dimensions of the straightener is ‎11.8 x 1.2 x 3.6 in / 30 x 3 x 9.1 cm in size. It weighs 14.7 oz / 417g. This makes it compact and light enough for easy handling and for packing in a suitcase or bag, without being too small to work on longer hair. I found the straightener to be well-balanced. I was initially concerned that the added length would cause my wrist to ache or be slightly cumbersome while moving it around my head, but this wasn’t the case. It isn’t too heavy, but it has enough weight to feel sturdy and comfortable. The PrecisionControl hinge keeps the arm tension just right, allowing for a smooth, even glide without any stiffness or looseness. You don’t have to squeeze too hard to get the best results, nor do the plates aggressively spring back into position. This all adds to the premium feel. The Power button on the Smooth X doubles up as a temperature control and is found near the base of the styler near the 360-degree, 9ft / 2.7 meter swivel cord. Above this button is a slim row of nine LEDs, each one representing a different temperature setting as follows: 260F / 127C 280F / 138C 300F / 149C 320F / 160C 340F / 171C 360F / 182C 380F / 193C 400F / 204C 410F / 210C The lower settings (1-4) are designed for fine or fragile hair, the medium settings (5-6) are better for normal or “medium-textured” hair, while the 7-9, high settings are ideal for thick or coarse hair. That said, T3 does suggest dropping the temperature down 1-2 settings if your hair ******-treated. (Image credit: Future) When the straightener reaches your chosen temperature, the flashing lights turn solid to let you know it’s ready to use. The Smooth X will then remember your chosen setting for the next time you use it. A small downside is that the position of the power button makes it easy to accidentally change temperature mid-style. If you have thicker or longer hair, or your hair has been damaged from chemicals or over styling, you’ll likely get much more use and benefit from having a wide temperature range. I’ve never been overly fussed about having a range of temperatures choices as my fine hair is pretty malleable. However, I welcomed the ability to drop or increase the heat as and when needed. Features-wise, the Smooth X uses the same SinglePass technology found in all of the stylers in the SinglePass range. This technology uses a microchip that continuously monitors the temperature, preventing hot or cool spots. This means you can style your hair in a single pass, reducing the need to repeatedly glide over the same section. This not only saves time but helps reduce heat damage. The CeraSync Heaters inside the styler then make sure the heat is distributed evenly across the plates for fast and consistent styling. These heaters work in tandem with the ceramic plates and SinglePass tech to keep an optimal and steady temperature. All of this combines to make the Smooth X a good-looking, easy-to-use and effective styler for a wide range of hair styles and types. T3 SinglePass Smooth X review: performance One pass is enough to smooth hair Longer plates allow for faster styling Excellent straightener for curling The well-thought-out design and functionality of the SinglePass Smooth X really comes to life when you start using the flat iron for different styles and finishes. For me, with my long, thin and naturally curly hair, the extra-long ceramic plates are a particular strength. They not only glide smoothly through the hair, for both straightening and curling, but the added length and SinglePass technology means I can finish styles quickly and efficiently. It took a little over two minutes to straighten my long hair, and I styled the majority of sections with a single pass on my preferred temperature setting of 340F / 171C, or setting 5. Technically, my hair is fine and ******-treated so, based on T3’s advice, I should be styling on setting 2 or 3. However, I found that while it still styled my hair well at this temperature, the style didn’t hold anywhere near as well. The consistent, even heat across the plates seemed to make a difference in speed, but also in minimizing frizz. This was particularly noticeable when curling my hair; other straighteners tend to create curls that are uneven, the Smooth X heated every part of hair and curl evenly ,meaning the shape was more uniform from top to bottom. The beveled edges of the plates then allow for smooth curling without leaving creases in the hair, something I’ve struggled with when using other straighteners with more blocky plates. The shape, size and design of the Smooth X also makes creating waves a doddle, and the results during my tests were always polished and consistent. (Image credit: Future) Sadly I was underwhelmed with how my hair looked after being straightened. This is partly due to how thin my hair is, but also, ironically, because of how well the plates glide and flatten frizz. As my hair is naturally curly, I usually only use a flat iron to knock out this frizz. I don’t like to create super sleek, straight styles as they tend to leave my thin hair looking limp, flat and greasy. This was the case with the Smooth X, unfortunately. It almost straightened my hair into submission and there was very little movement. It is possible to bring movement to straight hair without having to sacrifice a smooth finish – as I experienced with the mdlondon Strait – but the Smooth X did not achieve this balance. That said, if you have thicker hair or love sleek looks, the Smooth X will likely work exactly as you expect, and want. (Image credit: Future) Plus, moving the tool around my head was always comfortable, no matter which style I created. The swivel cord gives plenty of room and movement, and the weight of the straightener is balanced enough that it didn’t feel too heavy, even after styling for a while. The heat-up time is fast too, reaching setting 5 in just 10 seconds and setting 9 in 15 seconds. I found that the power button, though convenient for switching settings before styling, can easily be pressed during use, which can be a bit annoying mid-styling. Some online reviewers have also said that the hinge tension can loosen over time, which can make it ******* to maintain even pressure across the plates. I didn’t experience this myself during my review, but it’s something to keep in mind for long-term use. Performance score: 3.5 out of 5 Should I buy the T3 SinglePass Smooth X? Swipe to scroll horizontally Section Notes Score Value Upper mid-range, and decent value given the quality and features included. 4/5 Design: Longer than usual plates, lots of heat settings, balanced and easy to wield. 5/5 Performance: Great for curling, smooths frizz well, but can leave hair looking flat. Easy to press temperature button accidentally. 3.5/5 Buy it if… Don’t buy it if… How I tested the T3 SinglePass Smooth X Tested a range of temperature settings Created a range of straight and curly looks For my T3 SinglePass Smooth X review I spent a month using it as my main hot styling tool. I created a series of different looks for different occasions including straight, curly and wavy styles and put a range of temperature settings to the test. I timed how long the styles took to complete and monitored the finish and condition of my hair. First reviewed: September 2024 Source link #SinglePass #Smooth #straightener #review Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Portraits of patients with prosthetics go on display in Leeds hospital Portraits of patients with prosthetics go on display in Leeds hospital Nicola Rees/BBC Robin Fahey lost his nose, eye and upper teeth as a result of ******* People with facial injuries who wear prosthetics to replace features such as an eye or a nose have had their portraits unveiled in Leeds. A group of 15 patients treated for head and neck ******* took part in research asking them to compare the comfort of prosthetics made using different methods. As part of the study, their portraits were painted to help convey the physical and psychological impacts of their treatment. Following the scheme, run by Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust and the University of Leeds, the artworks have gone on display in the Bexley Wing at St James’s University Hospital. Robin Fahey, who had his nose, eye and upper teeth removed in 2019 due to *******, said: “Although it’s not perfect, this is my face and I will embrace what I have and it’s up to others to embrace people like myself. “With the prosthetic, it’s back to where people can see the person you are instead of, for want of a better word, a freak, because that’s how you feel.” Artist Alison Murdoch said painting Mr Fahey’s portrait had been “life-changing”. “When he first walked in he was all wrapped up, virtually disguised with glasses, hat, mask,” she said. “He actually asked me if it was OK to take those items off, and that’s when it hit me what his reality was.” Nicola Rees/BBC Rebecca Fogell says she wants to see a greater acceptance of people with facial injuries Rebecca Fogell, an NHS nurse for more than two decades, noticed a small lump near her eye in 2019 and underwent scans. After the discovery of a tumour which had grown into bone and nerves, surgeons removed her cheekbone and part of her nose, with her eye later requiring removal. Speaking after her four-year “medical and emotional rollercoaster”, she said: “It does make me feel like I have got my face back when I look in the mirror, but I know underneath that it isn’t really me anymore. “We want to work towards acceptance and in the real world we are not quite there yet.” The research compared conventional and new digital methods of making prosthetics, with recent 3D scanning techniques found to be a less invasive way of capturing a patient’s face. Artificial intelligence is then used to help reconstruct the facial feature, with the design later created with a 3D printer. Dr Rachael Jablonski says new digital methods of creating prosthetics can make the experience more comfortable for patients Dr Rachael Jablonski, who led the study, said: “We found that 90% of patients preferred digital over conventional processes due to the comfort, speed, hygiene, and perceived positive impact on outcomes associated with digital technology. “However, the patients were also keen to ensure they would not lose out on the skilled finishing touches from the conventional approach.” The exhibition, called I’m Still Me, runs until 31 January. 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 #Portraits #patients #prosthetics #display #Leeds #hospital Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Celebrate 1 Year of Minecraft Star Wars: Path of the Jedi – A Blocky Galactic Adventure Celebrate 1 Year of Minecraft Star Wars: Path of the Jedi – A Blocky Galactic Adventure -Foxtrot42d ago Maybe but like I said above just get a few saplings and you can grow your own to farm them Either that or just go to the edge of the biome and chop down the wood from there, then you don’t actually have to go inside. It’s a shame because they are making out this is scarier then it actually is. I just can’t believe **** hard Minecraft fans can be this pleased when the game has so much potential, it’s like they have seen all these awesome mods with great concepts behind them but because the ideas have already been done they don’t want to be seen as copying so they don’t bother unless it’s super original. Source link #Celebrate #Year #Minecraft #Star #Wars #Path #Jedi #Blocky #Galactic #Adventure Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Perth ********: Young father Zachary Hepping allegedly attacked by group of 10 people outside club Perth ********: Young father Zachary Hepping allegedly attacked by group of 10 people outside club A young father has suffered serious facial injuries after being assaulted in Perth early on Sunday morning in what he says was an unprovoked *******. Zachary Hepping was outside a nightclub on Murray Street when he was allegedly attacked by a group of 10 people, suffering fractures to his nose, eye socket and jaw. The 24-year-old told Nine News that he will need surgery to repair the damage done in the *******. Mr Hepping was back in hospital on Sunday seeking treatment. His mother Melissa Ramakkattiyama told Nine News her son could have been *******. “This is just horrible,” Ms Ramakkattiyama said. “People can’t go out and just enjoy themselves now. Camera IconZachary Hepping was outside a nightclub on Murray Street when he was allegedly attacked by a group of 10 people, receiving facial fractures to his nose, eye socket and jaw. Credit: 9NEWSCamera IconThe 24-year-old told 9 News that he will need facial surgery to repair the damage done in the *******. Credit: 9NEWS “It comes to this. Shattered face, a broken jaw, broken nose, broken eye socket. Is this what we’ve come to?” No charges have been ***** over the incident. Source link #Perth #******** #Young #father #Zachary #Hepping #allegedly #attacked #group #people #club Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Outlast Prototype Footage Has Allegedly Leaked Outlast Prototype Footage Has Allegedly Leaked Footage from what appears to be a prototype build of Red Barrels’ first-person psychological survival horror game, Outlast, has emerged. Source link #Outlast #Prototype #Footage #Allegedly #Leaked Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Aftermath of continued intensive ******** airstrikes in Bekaa, Lebanon Aftermath of continued intensive ******** airstrikes in Bekaa, Lebanon The ******** military continued its intensive airstrikes across the Bekaa valley over the weekend, leaving many buildings flattened. The Health Ministry said late Saturday that the airstrikes on towns and villages in the eastern Bekaa Valley and Baalbek-Hermel province left 20 people ***** while those in two villages in south Lebanon ******* 11 people, including five paramedics. Source link #Aftermath #continued #intensive #******** #airstrikes #Bekaa #Lebanon Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Retro Games Rule Steam Deck Users Divided on Whether the Classics are Better Than Modern Games Retro Games Rule Steam Deck Users Divided on Whether the Classics are Better Than Modern Games Do you play retro games on your Steam Deck? Players try to explain why they prefer older or newer games. Which do you prefer? Source link #Retro #Games #Rule #Steam #Deck #Users #Divided #Classics #Modern #Games Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

How to influence people and succeed at work: Executive coach How to influence people and succeed at work: Executive coach Why do decision-makers at work really choose one person for a role over another? What actually makes them trust someone’s judgment? How do they decide in practice who to tap for important opportunities? For the last 12 years, I’ve coached top performers at some of the world’s largest and most competitive Fortune 500 companies. As a result, I’ve been a trusted advisor to executives, C-suite leaders, and hiring managers who’ve confided in me their answers to all these questions. Over time I’ve seen that technical expertise gets you far, but your ability to communicate persuasively determines whether your opinion is actively sought out or you have to ****** to get your voice heard. I’ve watched this play out across different industries and ranks. The ability to influence others can set you up for success. And vice versa. Take the smart subject matter expert who can’t translate their work into the language of decision-makers, for example, or the skilled but inarticulate manager who gets passed over for promotion. Your impact and advancement at work depends on your ability to persuade others. DON’T MISS: The ultimate guide to negotiating a higher salary Becoming persuasive doesn’t mean resorting to manipulation, mind games, or politicking. In fact, the most powerful communicators I’ve worked with are thoughtful professionals who’ve learned to leverage their perceptiveness strategically. They understand psychology: how people think, what drives their choices, and how to present ideas to get seen, heard, and paid. The good news is that persuasive communication is a learnable skill. Here are my three favorite strategies to get started. Pick one to try today, and watch how differently people respond to your contributions. 1. Lead with your bottom line Decision-makers are busy and overwhelmed. When you take too long to get to your point, you risk losing their attention, and you may inadvertently signal that you don’t have a good handle on your own message. Contrast this with someone who can articulate their key point in a few crisp sentences. That level of clarity suggests expertise and confidence. To be more persuasive, start with your conclusion, request, or recommendation, then follow with supporting evidence as needed. This might sound like: “I recommend pushing the product launch to September. The three factors driving this are ….””We need to consider redesigning our app’s navigation by Q3 to stop losing users. The data shows ….””Can you review this report by Thursday? I need your input specifically on X and Y.” Before your next meeting, write down your main “take-home” message in one to two clear sentences. That constraint forces you to filter out the fluff and focus on the information that matters. 2. Sell your idea as a way to solve specific problems Persuasive communicators have mastered the art of translation. They reframe their messages through the lens of their audience’s needs. People in power don’t just want clever solutions. They want good ideas that speak directly to their pressures, pain points, and priorities. Make that connection and you’ll gain a competitive edge. To be more persuasive, start with your conclusion, request, or recommendation, then follow with supporting evidence as needed. For example, instead of saying, “This new system will improve data processing efficiency by 40%,” you might say, “This solution will help you deliver quarterly reports three days faster, giving you more time to prepare for board meetings.” Even when you need to defer or push back, the same principle applies. Jazz up a simple “I’ll get back to you,” by saying instead, “I want to make sure I give you the most useful answer for your quarterly planning. Can I have until Friday to gather the specific data you’ll need?” 3. Speak with authority Small shifts in your word choice can dramatically change how your message lands, especially with senior stakeholders. Consider the difference between saying “I think we should …” versus “In my experience …” One signals uncertainty, the other expertise. Or how about “I’m trying to …” versus “We’re implementing …”? The first suggests struggle, the second implies purposeful action. Look for opportunities to swap weak verbs with more powerful ones. For example: “Had to” can become “decided to,” “chose to,” or “opted to” “Helped” could be replaced with “guided,” “directed,” “led,” “advised,” or “oversaw” Don’t get caught up in fancy words or corporate jargon. This is about choosing more precise language that reflects the scale and scope of your actions. Melody Wilding, LMSW, is an executive coach, human behavior professor, and author of “Managing Up: How to Get What You Need from the People in Charge.” Download exact scripts to diplomatically say no at work here. Want to earn more money at work? Take CNBC’s new online course How to Negotiate a Higher Salary. Expert instructors will teach you the skills you need to get a ******* paycheck, including how to prepare and build your confidence, what to do and say, and how to craft a counteroffer. Pre-register now and use coupon code EARLYBIRD for an introductory discount of 50% off through Nov. 26, 2024. Source link #influence #people #succeed #work #Executive #coach Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

A New Ultimate Descendant To Be Revealed Next Weekend A New Ultimate Descendant To Be Revealed Next Weekend Recently, Nexon opened up an official live Q&A on TFDs Discord channel, where they answered a lot of fans questions. Source link #Ultimate #Descendant #Revealed #Weekend Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]