Pelican Press

Bid to resentence Menendez brothers could be delayed by election of new L.A. district attorney Bid to resentence Menendez brothers could be delayed by election of new L.A. district attorney With the election defeat of the Los Angeles district attorney, a plan to resentence the Menendez brothers could be delayed. The brothers are serving a life sentence without parole for ******** their parents, but there have been growing calls for them to be resentenced and freed after decades behind bars. NBC News’ Liz Kreutz reports. Source link #Bid #resentence #Menendez #brothers #delayed #election #L.A #district #attorney Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

A premium VR headset with average performance A premium VR headset with average performance The Focus Vision shines best when it comes to overall build quality and comfort. Even though it’s made of plastic like the Quest 3, it’s a sturdy device that clearly looks more high-end than Meta’s offerings. Ample cushioning helps the Focus Vision rest comfortably on your forehead and behind your noggin. And its halo-like head strap, together with the ability to flip up the visor, makes it easy to slip on over large glasses. Best of all, the Focus Vision features a removable battery at the back of its headstrap. That provides a helpful counterweight to the bulky front-end, and it could conceivably let you stay in wireless VR all day if you’ve got enough spare batteries. The headset also has a small built-in battery, which allows you to stay in your VR session even when you’re swapping out the larger rear power cell. This is the sort of thing we’ll probably never see in a consumer Quest headset, as it’s simply too expensive to implement, and Meta isn’t building for enterprise customers who demand continuous wireless. (And to be fair, it’s also easy to just plug the Quest 3 into a USB battery pack.) Devindra Hardawar for Engadget In use Using the Focus Vision doesn’t feel much different than the Focus — a headset I liked when I reviewed in 2021, but as a business-focused device I warned that no consumer should actually buy it. That’s not too surprising, I suppose, since both headsets share the same basic design, displays and CPU. In standalone VR mode, playing the Maestro demo genuinely made me feel like I was conducting an orchestra (an experience I also had on the Quest 3S), and I enjoyed hopping around a few virtual worlds in VR Chat. Other experiences, like the classic underwater VR short theBlu, felt just as immersive as they did on clunkier tethered headsets. While I could tell the Focus Vision didn’t have the best lenses around, and I wished it had more graphical horsepower, it still delivered a thrill as I stood in the middle of a sunken shipwreck, waiting for an enormous blue whale to pass by. It was also nice to see the Vive app storefront a bit more populated than it was in 2021. Still, it pales in comparison to Meta’s Quest library, which has far more titles and plenty of compelling exclusives (including Star Wars titles like the Vader Immortal series and Tales from the Galaxy’s Edge). Devindra Hardawar for Engadget We already knew that HTC Vive could build a decent headset – the Focus Vision’s controllers and speakers are just as capable as they were on the previous model – but what about the Focus Vision’s new features, like mixed reality and eye tracking? Unfortunately, there’s not much to say just yet. There are a handful of mixed reality experiences available, like the creation app Figmin XR and the shooter Yuki, but they’re not exactly mind blowing. The Focus Vision’s 16MP mixed reality cameras deliver a fuzzy view of the real world (similar to the Quest 3 and 3S), so it’s not nearly as immersive as something like the far pricier Apple Vision Pro. The Focus Vision’s eye tracking feature also refused to work for me entirely, even after I tried to calibrate it without glasses multiple times. That didn’t seem like a huge loss though, as there are only a handful of games in the Vive store that support it (like Capsule Critters and Mare). It’s a feature that seems more useful for developers who want to build their own eye tracking experiences, than it is for people who just want to play games with eye tracking. Devindra Hardawar for Engadget Solid stand-alone VR A better selling point for the Focus Vision is its ability to stream uncompressed desktop VR experiences — but only when you invest in the $149 DisplayPort streaming kit. While Meta’s Quest’s headsets have been able to connect to PCs for years, first via USB-C cables then wirelessly, they also deliver a heavily compressed view of desktop VR. By going straight to the DisplayPort connection on your video card, HTC Vive aims to deliver something closer to what we saw with the Vive Pro 2 and other dedicated PC headsets. After playing half an hour of Half-Life: Alyx, I can confirm that the Focus Vision delivers a solid desktop VR experience, especially for a standalone headset. But given that it already costs $999 and requires an additional $149 accessory to get there, it’s hard to tell who will find this compelling. True VR heads have likely already invested in serious desktop setups like the Valve Index, or the recent Bigscreen Beyond (which uses absurdly clear microLED screens like the Vision Pro). The beauty of connecting standalone headsets to PCs has always been about value. It was a huge bonus when the $300 Quest 2 could deliver adequate desktop VR. But that just isn’t the case for the Focus Vision. I suppose if you’re a developer who wants a single device for testing both standalone VR and complex desktop experiences, or working for a business that needs multi-use VR headsets, the Focus Vision could fill some sort of need. But either way, that seems like a fairly niche use case. Devindra Hardawar for Engadget The Focus Vision’s auto-IPD adjustment, which scans your eyes and physically moves the lenses to be in the ideal position, was also hit-or-miss for me. Sometimes it worked just fine and landed near my prescribed IPD of 66. But sometimes the automatic process would land on an IPD of around 72, which made everything look a bit blurry. And occasionally the feature just wouldn’t work at all. Auto adjustment is helpful if you’re sharing a headset with other people, but otherwise manually choosing your preferred IPD is far more useful. During my typical standalone usage, the Focus Vision lasted for around one hour and 45 minutes, close to the two-hour estimate from HTC Vive. That’s less than what I typically see on the Quest 3 and 3S, but at least you can purchase additional batteries and easily swap them. The built-in battery, which enables hot swapping, lasts for about twenty minutes, but it’s also not something you’ll typically be stressing. Devindra Hardawar for Engadget Should you buy the Vive Focus Vision? Despite my issues, the Focus Vision still sits in an interesting position in the world of VR – especially since Meta gave up on the Quest Pro, which would have been a close competitor. It still delivers decent standalone VR, despite using an aging CPU and lenses. And if you don’t want the clutter of SteamVR sensors in your office, it’s a smart way to tap into powerful PCs for more immersive VR experiences (so long as you buy the $149 DisplayPort kit). But for a $999 headset, it’s a shame HTC Vive didn’t try ******* to make the Focus Vision stand out. Source link #premium #headset #average #performance Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Emergency service staff who **** in line of duty honoured by King Emergency service staff who **** in line of duty honoured by King handout Bryn Hughes campaigned for emergency workers following the ******* of his daughter, Nicola The first recipients of an award for emergency service workers who **** in the line of duty have been announced. The Elizabeth Emblem, named after the late Queen, will be given to the next of kin of more than 30 deceased firefighters, police officers and public servants in recognition of their loved ones. Among those honoured are PC Fiona Bone and PC Nicola Hughes, who were ******* in an ambush responding to a bogus 999 call in September 2012. To mark the new honour, the first batch of emblems will be awarded by King Charles III later this year. The award was announced earlier this year following a two year campaign by Nicola’s father, Bryn Hughes, for an award recognising their sacrifice. Mr Hughes previously said he started his campaign after being “surprised” there was no official state recognition specifically for emergency service workers who had ***** in the line of duty. The Elizabeth Emblem is the civilian equivalent of the Elizabeth Cross, which recognises members of the armed forces who ***** in action or as a result of a ********** *******. NHS workers who ***** during the pandemic will also be eligible for the award. Martin Wiltshire DC Malcolm Wiltshire ***** in an air ****** in 1985 “It was a complete shock,” Martin Wiltshire told the BBC after being informed he would be receiving the award on behalf of his father, DC Malcolm Wiltshire. “It’s a real privilege that dad’s memories been kept alive after all these years,” he said, adding that his father “loved his job” and “took great pride in his work”. DC Wiltshire served in the Hampshire Constabulary. He ***** in 1985 when the aircraft he was onboard taking aerial photographs of traffic congestion crashed. Both he and the pilot were ******* on impact. Martin Wiltshire Mr Wilshire and his daughter took part in the Police Unity Tour in memory of his father “It really did affect the family,” said Mr Wiltshire, who was 15 at the time of his father’s ******. “But obviously time helped.” He added that his family had been welcomed in by the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary in recent years. Police have supported him in taking part in various events. “They always remember the anniversary of dad’s ****** each year.” Speaking about the significance of the award, he said: “It’s really important that their memories are not forgotten and their service to the public is remembered.” William Cruickshank William Wallace ***** aged 29 tackling a warehouse blaze in Glasglow “I’d never even heard of the Elizabeth Emblem,” another recipient, William Cruickshank, told the BBC. “I’m really proud of it. I can’t believe it.” Mr Cruickshank said he had been encouraged by his sister Elaine to apply for the award on behalf of their father, William Wallace, who was a firefighter for Glasgow ***** Service. He was one of 19 firefighters and crew who ***** tackling a warehouse blaze in Cheapside Street on 28 March 1960. It was the biggest loss of life ever suffered by one of the ***’s ***** services. William Cruickshank Mr Cruickshank as a child with his father, mother and sister Elaine Mr Cruickshank, who was six when his father *****, added: “Obviously, it doesn’t make up for the fact my dad ***** in service,” but said he saw the recognition as a “positive” thing. “Those days you didn’t have counselling,” he explained, saying it was “quite hard to live with the fact you didn’t have a dad”. Mr Cruickshank was also an 2012 Olympics torch-bearer, carrying it in memory of his late father. He said it was a “special moment” when he handed the torch over to another firefighter. Also receiving an emblem will be the families of PC Andrew Harper and firefighter Leslie Marsh. Lissie Harper’s husband ***** in 2019 while responding to a call about the theft of a quad bike. During the attempted arrest, PC Harper was pulled behind the vehicle for several miles and ***** of his injuries. Mr Marsh’s daughter will receive the honour 75 years after he ***** from spinal injuries after falling through a ***** in the first floor of a derelict ******* while responding to a ***** in Birmingham. Handout Lissie Harper will receive an award in recognition of her late husband, Andrew Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said: “We must never forget those who have given their lives to protect others in the line of duty. “While families will never be able to replace their loved ones, the Elizabeth Emblem pays tribute to the sacrifice they have made.” The design of the emblem includes a rosemary wreath – a symbol of remembrance – around the Tudor Crown, which the King adopted when he took the throne. It will be inscribed with the words “For A Life Given In Service” and will have the name of the person it commemorates on the reverse. Relatives of deceased emergency responders can apply for the emblem on the government’s website. Source link #Emergency #service #staff #**** #line #duty #honoured #King Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

King Boo’s Haunted Mansion Lego Mario Set Gets First Price Cut At Amazon King Boo’s Haunted Mansion Lego Mario Set Gets First Price Cut At Amazon One of the coolest Lego Super Mario expansion sets is on ***** for the first time at Amazon and Target: King Boo’s Haunted Mansion. Released in August for $75 alongside the revamped starter kits for Mario, Luigi, and Peach, the 932-piece expansion kit is discounted to $60. It’s one of numerous Lego Super Mario sets in Target’s Early ****** Friday *****, which runs through November 9. Amazon is matching this deal and several others as well as offering deals of its own. At 932 pieces, King Boo’s Haunted Mansion is one of the ******* expansion sets in the Lego Super Mario line. It already offered pretty solid value in terms of how many pieces you get for $75. The set comes with four figures: King Boo, Dry Bones, Boo, and a Yellow Baby Yoshi who clearly just wants to return to his island. The completed build is 7.5 inches tall and 9 inches wide, with a depth of 7.5 inches. King Boo’s Haunted Mansion Lego Set King Boo’s Mansion is a display-worthy expansion set, but it was designed with but it was designed with the interactive Lego Mario, Luigi, and Peach figures in mind. And since this is a ghost level from Mario we’re talking about, there are plenty of secrets and traps to uncover. The three interactive figures are included with the new starter kits, which retail for $10 less than the originals and come with more recognizable and prominent enemies. Two of these kits are discounted to $40 (was $50) at Amazon: Adventures with Interactive Lego Mario and Interactive Lego Peach. Multiple of the other recently released expansion sets are also on ***** at Amazon and Target, including big discounts on a new Peach’s Castle set and Soda Jungle Maker from New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe. If you want to play Lego Super Mario, All three figures have expressive eyes and a small display on their chest to react to what’s happening in your “level.” They also talk and have various sound effects. The “play” component of Super Mario sets is tailored more toward kids, but even the handful of Super Mario Lego display sets for adults, including the 2,807-piece Mighty Bowser and newly discontinued Super Mario 64 Question Block, interact with the figures. So the starter courses are worth buying even if you don’t plan on building any expansions or even the starter course itself. We put together a list of the best Lego Super Mario and Donkey Kong Lego deals available at Amazon and Target now. You can read detailed overviews of the latest Lego Mario starter courses and expansions below the list. And if you’re shopping for an older Super Mario fan this holiday, the Super Mario World: Mario & Yoshi Lego display model is an awesome ode to the Super Nintendo classic and arguably the best-looking Lego Nintendo set to date. Best Super Mario Lego Deals (November 2024) Lego Super Mario Playsets Lego Nintendo Display Sets for Adults Keep in mind that many Lego Super Mario sets have been discontinued over the past couple of years, so what’s available right now likely won’t be the same list after the holidays. This includes the Super Mario 64 Question Block display set for adults, which is now officially discontinued and out of stock at the Lego Store–but you can still get this impressive ode to the iconic Nintendo 64 game at Amazon. There are some particularly great deals on the Donkey Kong expansion sets, including Diddy Kong’s Mine Cart Ride for $88 at the Lego Store and Dixie Kong’s Jungle Jam for only $19. Both sets have been discontinued, so Donkey Kong fans should snag them before they’re gone for good. If you’re curious, here’s the list of recent and soon-to-be discontinued Lego Mario sets. $40 (was $50) While you’re getting fewer pieces compared to the first Mario starter course (218 vs. 231), the set more than makes up for it with its figures. Along with Mario, the set comes with Yoshi, Goomba, and Bowser Jr. Yoshi is a brand-new addition in the refreshed starter set, and Bowser Jr. can now zip around in style with his glorious Clown Car. $40 (was $50) While the Peach starter course still comes with a Lava Bubble and Yellow Toad–except his smile has been replaced with a shocked face–Lakitu replaces Lemmy. Naturally, Lakitu has a cloud to ride on and a fishing ***** to mess with your precious bricks. $50 Luigi’s new starter set comes with Kamek on her broomstick, Boo, and Pink Baby Yoshi. His original set came with ***** *****, Bone Goomba, Pink (******) Yoshi. The star addition is Kamek, but you’ll probably want the Mario starter set, too, as Kamek and Bowser Jr. need to trade insults with each other. It’s possible Pink Yoshi retired from his post in this course and forced his offspring to take on the role. Believe it or not, there are no labor laws in the Mushroom Kingdom preventing Baby Yoshi from working. If you’re keeping score at home, this means all three starter sets now have flying enemies. That said, we’re pretty sure looks are deceiving here, and none of these lovable Lego villains can actually fly. $60 (was $75) King Boo’s Haunted Mansion is one of our favorites in the entire Lego Mario series. Just look at that mansion design! If your Lego Mario/Luigi/Peach figures are brave, they can open the doors and step inside the pretty (but also pretty haunted) residence of King Boo. Your objective is to locate a key, unlock a treasure chest, and thwart the King Boo. The set has some cool interactive elements, including a rising sofa, a movable bookshelf, and multiple Blocks. Beyond King Boo, you get three additional figures: Yellow Baby Yoshi, Dry Bones, and a regular Boo. Also, with the Luigi’s Mansion sets no longer available–unless you are willing to pay exorbitant prices for the Luigi’s Mansion Entryway and/or Haunt-and-Seek expansions–this is the closest you’ll get to replicating Luigi’s solo adventures in Lego form at the moment. $52 (was $65) Though it doesn’t come with Peach, this is a great add-on for any of the three Lego Super Mario starter sets. It lets you build a medium-size version of Peach’s Castle, complete with walls designed to collapse and a ******* catapult to keep enemies at bay. This set includes figurines for Roy, Toad, and Chain Chomp. After Roy is done at the castle, he is rumored to be competing in a chariot race. But first, he must teach his trusty steed how to “neigh” instead of barking like a dog. It was already reasonably priced at launch at $65 for a 738-piece build, but right now you can add it to your collection for only $52 at Amazon. $44 (was $55) Soda Jungle is one of the coolest worlds in any side-scrolling Super Mario game, and now this vibrant and unique setting is available in Lego format. The 598-piece set comes with heaps of interactive components pulled from New Super Mario Bros. U, including a Special Pipe that starts a Speed Run challenge. You’ll also get a Pink Shy Guy, Wiggler, and a Piranha Plant, along with cool accessories like a buildable raft and tons of jungle-based decorations. Once again, you’re getting solid value here with Amazon’s deal that drops the price to $44. $120 At 1,392 pieces, The Bowser Express Train became the largest Lego Mario playset (by piece count) when it launched in August. This very cool kit lets you build a Bowser-themed train with a bunch of interactive features. Highlights include a spinning platform, detachable handcar, and a spring-loaded cannon to blast away at nearby foes. It also comes packed with Super Mario figures, including Hammer Bro, ***** *****, two Goombas, and two Para-Biddybuds. $15 At just 173 pieces, Goombas’ Playground is the smallest and cheapest of the latest expansions. You’ll get to build an adorable little playset featuring an interactive seesaw and tree trunk, as well as three buildable Goombas. To get the most out of the set, be sure to pair it with an interactive Mario, Luigi, or Peach figure. Source link #King #Boos #Haunted #Mansion #Lego #Mario #Set #Price #Cut #Amazon Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Nothing or nobody holding back Big Ange at Spurs Nothing or nobody holding back Big Ange at Spurs Ange Postecoglou says he is sticking by his long-term goal of sustained success at Tottenham Hotspur and is receiving the support to achieve that. Source link #holding #Big #Ange #Spurs Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

The Souls-like/roguelike "Mortal Rite" is now available for PC via Steam EA The Souls-like/roguelike "Mortal Rite" is now available for PC via Steam EA “The Dallas-based (the US) indie games developer Round Toast Studios today announced with great joy and excitement that their Souls-like/roguelike “Mortal Rite”, is now available for PC via Steam Early Access.” – Jonas Ek, TGG. Source link #Soulslikeroguelike #quotMortal #Ritequot #Steam Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Amber Alert issued for abducted 13-year-old Columbus girl Amber Alert issued for abducted 13-year-old Columbus girl An Amber Alert has been issued for a 13-year-old Columbus girl who was reported abducted Friday by a man in a pickup truck. Mackenzie Hall, 13, was last seen at around 10:08 a.m. in the 400 block of South Huron Avenue. Mackenzie Hall, 13, is a white female with brown hair who was last seen wearing a gray hoodie with white shoes and a pink backpack when she was reported abducted just before 10:10 a.m. Friday in the 400 block of South Huron Avenue near Westgate Park in the city’s Hilltop area. Shane Smith, 48, was last seen with 13 year old Mackenzie Hall on the 400 block of South Huron Avenue. He is described as being 5’11” and around 200 pounds. She was last seen with 48-year-old Shane Smith, who was driving a white 2004 Ford Ranger pickup truck with Ohio license plate number HRW-1901. The pickup had three stickers in the back window, including a Pittsburgh Steelers sticker on the left and one in the middle with two rifles forming a cross below a skull head. Smith was seen driving a white 2004 Ford Ranger pickup truck with license plate number HRW-1901. The truck has a Pittsburgh Steelers sticker and a skull and bones sticker in the rear windshield. Smith is described as a white man with green eyes, brown hair, and weighs approximately 200 pounds. If anyone sees the teenage girl or vehicle, call 911 or 1-877-AMBER-OH. *****@*****.tld @ShahidMeighan This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Mackenzie Hall, 13, was abducted by Shane Smith, 48, police said Source link #Amber #Alert #issued #abducted #13yearold #Columbus #girl Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

The 9 best gadgets for your pets The 9 best gadgets for your pets My husband and I love our cat very much, but boy, does her ***** stink up the ******. After seeing an ad for Pretty Litter online, we decided to try it out to see if it would help us. Fortunately, it does, and more. Not only does it have super absorbent silicon crystals that trap odor, but it actually changes ****** to tell you if your cat has any ******** tract issues. Of course, this doesn’t replace going to the vet, but it’s nice to know what’s going on with your cat’s health. Since the litter is so efficient at keeping odor away, we’ve found that we actually use less litter than before, which helps reduce waste. Plus, our cat seems to like it too. On top of that, the company offers a subscription service, delivering a new bag to your door every month. — Nicole Lee, Former Reporter Source link #gadgets #pets Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Why did the ***’s first satellite end up thousands of miles from where it should have been? Why did the ***’s first satellite end up thousands of miles from where it should have been? BBC/Gerry Fletcher Artwork: The half-tonne Skynet-1A satellite was launched in November 1969 Someone moved the ***’s oldest satellite and there appears to be no record of exactly who, when or why. Launched in 1969, just a few months after humans first set foot on the Moon, Skynet-1A was put high above *******’s east coast to relay communications for British forces. When the spacecraft ceased working a few years later, gravity might have been expected to pull it even further to the east, out over the Indian Ocean. But today, curiously, Skynet-1A is actually half a planet away, in a position 22,369 miles (36,000km) above the Americas. Orbital mechanics mean it’s unlikely the half-tonne military spacecraft simply drifted to its current location. Almost certainly, it was commanded to ***** its thrusters in the mid-1970s to take it westwards. The question is who that was and with what authority and purpose? It’s intriguing that key information about a once vital national security asset can just evaporate. But, fascination aside, you might also reasonably ask why it still matters. After all, we’re talking about some discarded space junk from 50 years ago. “It’s still relevant because whoever did move Skynet-1A did us few favours,” says space consultant Dr Stuart Eves. “It’s now in what we call a ‘gravity well’ at 105 degrees West longitude, wandering backwards and forwards like a marble at the bottom of a bowl. And unfortunately this brings it close to other satellite traffic on a regular basis. “Because it’s *****, the risk is it might bump into something, and because it’s ‘our’ satellite we’re still responsible for it,” he explains. BBC/Gerry Fletcher If a satellite ***** at 40E it would drift to the nearest gravity well, which is 75E. Dr Eves has looked through old satellite catalogues, the National Archives and spoken to satellite experts worldwide, but he can find no clues to the end-of-life behaviour of Britain’s oldest spacecraft. It might be tempting to reach for a *********** theory or two, not least because it’s hard to hear the name “Skynet” without thinking of the malevolent, self-aware artificial intelligence (AI) system in The Terminator movie franchise. But there’s no connection other than the name and, in any case, real life is always more prosaic. What we do know is that Skynet-1A was manufactured in the US by the now defunct Philco Ford aerospace company and put in space by a US Air Force Delta rocket. “The first Skynet satellite revolutionised *** telecommunications capacity, permitting London to securely communicate with British forces as far away as Singapore. However, from a technological standpoint, Skynet-1A was more ********* than British since the ******* States both built and launched it,” remarked Dr Aaron Bateman in a recent paper on the history of the Skynet programme, which is now on its fifth generation. This view is confirmed by Graham Davison who flew Skynet-1A in the early 70s from its *** operations centre at RAF Oakhanger in Hampshire. “The Americans originally controlled the satellite in orbit. They tested all of our software against theirs, before then eventually handing over control to the RAF,” the long-retired engineer told me. “In essence, there was dual control, but when or why Skynet-1A might have been handed back to the Americans, which seems likely – I’m afraid I can’t remember,” says Mr Davison, who is now in his 80s. Sunnyvale Heritage Park Museum Could the command to move Skynet-1A have come from the US Air Force’s ‘Blue Cube’? Rachel Hill, a PhD student from University College London, has also been scouring the National Archives. Her readings have led her to one very reasonable possibility. “A Skynet team from Oakhanger would go to the USAF satellite facility in Sunnyvale (colloquially known as the Blue Cube) and operate Skynet during ‘Oakout’. This was when control was temporarily transferred to the US while Oakhanger was down for essential maintenance. Perhaps the move could have happened then?” Ms Hill speculated. The official, though incomplete, logs of Skynet-1A’s status suggest final commanding was left in the hands of the Americans when Oakhanger lost sight of the satellite in June 1977. But however Skynet-1A then got shifted to its present position, it was ultimately allowed to **** in an awkward place when really it should have been put in an “orbital graveyard”. This refers to a region even higher in the sky where old space junk runs zero risk of running into active telecommunications satellites. Graveyarding is now standard practice, but back in the 1970s no-one gave much thought to space sustainability. Astroscale British engineers are developing technologies to snare defunct satellites in low orbits Attitudes have since changed because the space domain is getting congested. At 105 degrees West longitude, an active satellite might see a piece of junk come within 50km of its position up to four times a day. That might sound like they’re nowhere near each other, but at the velocities these defunct objects move it’s starting to get a little too close for comfort. The Ministry of Defence said Skynet-1A was constantly monitored by the ***’s National Space Operations Centre. Other satellite operators are informed if there’s likely to be a particularly close conjunction, in case they need to take evasive action. Northrop Grumman The Americans have already shown it’s possible to grab a high-orbiting satellite Ultimately, though, the British government may have to think about removing the old satellite to a safer location. Technologies are being developed to grab junk left in space. Already, the *** Space Agency is funding efforts to do this at lower altitudes, and the Americans and the ******** have shown it’s possible to snare ageing hardware even in the kind of high orbit occupied by Skynet-1A. “Pieces of space junk are like ticking time ******,” observed Moriba Jah, a professor of aerospace engineering at the University of Texas at Austin. “We need to avoid what I call super-spreader events. When these things explode or something collides with them, it generates thousands of pieces of debris that then become a hazard to something else that we care about.” Source link #UKs #satellite #thousands #miles Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Criterion Collection 40-Film Box Set Preorders Are 50% Off Ahead Of November 19 Release Criterion Collection 40-Film Box Set Preorders Are 50% Off Ahead Of November 19 Release The Criterion Collection is responsible for restoring and preserving a bunch of classic and contemporary movies over the past four decades. To celebrate its 40th anniversary, Criterion is releasing a 40-film box set dubbed CC40 on November 19. This mammoth collection contains 49 discs, 40 films, hundreds of hours of special features, and a 216-page retrospective book, all stored in a premium clouthbound slipcase. CC40 has a list price of $800 (ouch indeed), but you can preorder the set for 50% off at Amazon and Barnes and Noble. The massive $400 discount is being offered as part of the annual 50% off holiday ***** on Criterion movies at Barnes and Noble and Amazon. But if you’re interested in watching and owning a good portion of the included films, you’re paying $14 per movie–and that is a great price for a Criterion Collection Blu-ray. CC40: The Criterion Collection Blu-ray Bundle $400 (was $800) CC40: The Criterion Collection 40-Film Blu-ray Bundle Aside from 40 digitally restored films, the collection includes exclusive packaging, a clothbound slipcase, and a 216-page book with essays from critics, authors, and other members of the industry. Criterion Collection says this isn’t a “top 40 compilation” or a “historical survey,” but rather is a wide assortment of films that display the artistic range of the community. Preordering at Amazon locks in the preorder price guarantee (making you eligible for any additional price cuts between now and release), though if Amazon sells out, you’ll also find the collection on ***** at Barnes & Noble. As a reminder, Amazon won’t charge your credit card until your order ships. CC40 Film List 8 ½ Tokyo Story All That Jazz Bicycle Thieves Repo Man ****** Jules and Jim Being There Weekend Yi Yi The Night of the Hunter Pickpocket Sweet Smell of Success On the Waterfront Do the Right Thing Ratcatcher Sunday ******* Sunday Mirror Barry Lyndon Safe Seconds His Girl Friday Mishima: A Life in Four Chapters Y tu mama tambien My Own Prive Idaho Love & Basketball Night of the Living ***** Ace in the ***** 3 Women The Red Shoes Down by Law La Cienaga Wanda House Sullivan’s Travels The Battle of Algiers A Woman Under the Influence Cleo from 5 to 7 Persona In the Mood for Love CC40 Special Features As for bonus features, you’ll get to enjoy alternate soundtracks, audio commentaries, documentaries, interviews with cast and crew, deleted scenes, TV ads, and more. The 216-page book is also a nice addition to the bundle, giving you a way to learn more about your favorite films while away from the screen. It’s hard to predict whether preorders for this collection will sell out. The Criterion Collection is well-respected in the physical media collector space. There are plenty of Blu-ray enthusiasts who specifically collect Criterion’s releases. That said, it’s a very expensive Blu-ray collection–even though you’re actually getting a pretty solid per-film deal. Source link #Criterion #Collection #40Film #Box #Set #Preorders #Ahead #November #Release Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Golf Collective pitches plan to transform Sydney’s Moore Park South Golf Collective pitches plan to transform Sydney’s Moore Park South Golf lovers have presented a bold new plan to transform one of Australia’s major city parks, pledging the upgrade will expand green space and add several new public spaces while retaining an iconic 18-***** course. Golf Collective, made up of Golf Australia, PGA Australia, Golf NSW and Moore Park Golf Club, presented its plan for Sydney’s Moore Park South to the public for the first time on Saturday, as it moves to stop a proposal from the NSW government to cut the course in half. The government, led by Premier Chris Minns, wants to develop more parkland out of the course to cater to a growing population around the inner-city areas of Waterloo, Zetland, Redfern and Green Square. Golf Collective argues the course can be retained while delivering 15 hectares of “quality and connected recreational space” for the public. “Golf NSW believes the alternate proposal provides a win-win solution for the NSW government and a growing Sydney by offering a multitude of recreational activities, while continuing to service the massive demand for publicly accessible golf via an 18-***** course,” Golf NSW CEO Stuart Fraser said. Camera IconA golfing advocacy group has delivered its plan to transform Moore Park Golf Course to preserve it as an 18-***** course while also delivering more public spaces. Newswire / Gaye Gerard Credit: News Corp AustraliaCamera IconA map of some of the proposed changes to Moore Park South from Golf Collective. Supplied Credit: Supplied “The proposed recreational hub will truly be the heartbeat of the precinct and golf industry stakeholders welcome the opportunity to maximise the recreational benefits of the site for the community.” The proposal would implant an adventure playground, nature play space, dog park, barbecue and picnic facilities, fitness trail, football oval, skate park half courts, a bicycle pump track and riding zone, athletics precinct and three kilometres of walking, running and cycling paths. It would also build a 500-space car park. The plan chips away part of the original golf course to allow more space for the developments, but would still preserve a par-68 18-***** course suitable for local, state and national competitions. “By enhancing existing infrastructure and revitalising un-used and under-utilised areas, the initiative aims to create a park that caters to diverse recreational interests in a financially sustainable way that solves the many challenges in the broader precinct,” Save Moore Park Golf advocate Jared Kendler said. “This exciting master plan delivers a minimum of 15 hectares of quality and connected recreational space for play, exploration, relaxing, walking and sports activities for people of all ages.” Camera IconNSW Premier Chris Minns and City of Sydney Mayor Clover Moore both support cutting back the golf course to deliver more parkland for local residents. NewsWire / Monique Harmer Credit: News Corp Australia The government’s proposed changes have not yet been detailed, but in a discussion paper from February, NSW Planning and Public Spaces Minister Paul Scully said the redevelopment would repurpose 20 hectares of Moore Park Golf Course and retain a minimum 9-***** course, the existing driving range and clubhouse. “It is an important step to addressing the needs of residents living in the city’s most densely populated suburbs while providing a pathway for golf to continue in Moore Park,” Mr Scully said. The new public park is designed to cater to an expected 790,000 local residents in the area by 2041. “There are almost 690,000 people within a 5km radius of Centennial Parklands,” the discussion paper states. “The Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure population projections estimate the population will rise by 100,000 people to almost 790,000 in 2041. “The large majority of these people live in higher density housing forms such as apartments and terraces, with limited access to private open space. Camera IconThe course includes a popular driving range. Newswire / Gaye Gerard Credit: News Corp Australia “To support this density, the government is acting on a need to deliver more public open space for people to enjoy the outdoor environment. “The government will repurpose the current golf course’s western boundary and part of the lands north of Dacey Avenue for transformed public open space.” Mr Minns announced the Moore Park transformation in October 2023. The plan to cut the course in half is contentious, and attracted a rebuke from Hollywood star Mark Wahlberg, who has thrown his support behind the “Save Moore Park Golf Course” campaign. “I know I’m not a citizen of Australia but I am pleading to you and everybody in NSW to save Moore Park Golf Club,” he said in March. “It’s been here for over 100 years and it’s been giving people hundreds and hundreds of years of pleasure and joy.” But City of Sydney Mayor Clover Moore lobbied the government to alter the course for more parkland. “In the face of increasing need for public open space, we asked the government: Is an 18-***** golf course still the best use of inner city public land?” she told NewsWire on Friday. “That question is fundamentally one of equity and putting our public land to its best use in the community interest. “The government accepted our proposal and has now committed funding to convert the course from 18 holes to nine, retaining the larger area of land for golf, the clubhouse, depots, parking and popular driving range and returning up to 20 hectares of land to Moore Park for public recreation. “It has been the policy of successive state governments to increase housing in the Green Square urban renewal area and by 2040, up to 80,000 more people will be living in the Green Square and Waterloo area within 2km of here.” Ms Moore said some $2.6m had already been included in the state budget for conversion work. “It is imperative for growing, densely-populated communities to have access to open space with parkland and this will really help,” she said. Source link #Golf #Collective #pitches #plan #transform #Sydneys #Moore #Park #South Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Todd Howard Revealed Elder Scrolls 6 Will Have 1 Major Advantage That Bethesda Couldn’t Give to Skyrim Todd Howard Revealed Elder Scrolls 6 Will Have 1 Major Advantage That Bethesda Couldn’t Give to Skyrim The next major game for Bethesda and Todd Howard will be the highly anticipated Elder Scrolls, with the attention shifting to the title now that Starfield has had its time in the spotlight. It’s been a decade since Bethesda has visited the Elder Scrolls franchise. Credit: Bethesda Game Studios. There’s no denying the fact that the next Elder Scrolls entry is one of the most anticipated games. While Howard still hasn’t shared much about the game, he already has incredible plans for the future of Elder Scrolls 6 which would help it surpass Skyrim! Todd Howard Won’t Repeat the Same Mistake With Elder Scrolls 6 Elder Scrolls 6 will see extended post-launch support. (Image via Bethesda Game Studios) In an interview with MrMattyPlays, the director and executive producer of Berthesda Game Studios, Todd Howard opened about the development process behind the studio’s various games and what the future holds. When asked about how long Bethesda plans to support Fallout 76, Howard’s answer was mostly driven by his regrets about the studio’s previous games like Skyrim and Fallout 4. He notes that these titles still remain popular thanks to updates, mods, and constant player engagement. However, Howard believes they should’ve had extended support, and it’s something that Bethesda will focus on for the Elder Scrolls 6. We know people are going to play it for a long time and so it’s not just what it means for content. It goes further than that. In the last couple of years, Bethesda has constantly supported and provided expansions for its smash hits. It’s still bringing new additions for Fallout 76 and even introduced a brand-new DLC to Starfield despite it’s negative reception. Extended support for the next Elder Scrolls game will allow Bethesda to present us with even more quests and characters, which would enrich the game’s lore and keep players engaged for a long time. With more hands on the deck and hardware improvements of the modern-day consoles, the next Elder Scrolls game will undoubtedly pass Skyrim when it comes to post-launch support. Elder Scrolls 6 Will Define Bethesda’s Future Bethesda has ******* to deliver in recent years. (Image via Bethesda Game Studios) While it’s great to see Bethesda acknowledging its past faults, it still doesn’t change the fact that its recent releases haven’t managed to hit the mark. Even though Howard and his team promised that Shattered Space DLC for Starfield would be a generational expansion, it ******* to make an impact. Immediately, after its release, the expansion was review bombed as it didn’t bring anything new to the table. What’s even more concerning is that it took Howard and his team more than a year to develop the DLC, which is quite surprising considering they’ve given us some incredible DLCs in way less time. The way Studio handled Starfield and its recent projects hasn’t been the best. Even though Elder Scrolls 6 is one of the most hyped titles of the decade, some in the community believe it would be a ******** considering Bethesda’s recent track record. If Howard and his team don’t realize the errors of recent releases and bring what the community desires for the next Elder Scrolls game, Bethesda might fall into the abyss just like Firewalk Studios. With that said, are you excited for Elder Scrolls 6? Let us know in the comments below. Source link #Todd #Howard #Revealed #Elder #Scrolls #Major #Advantage #Bethesda #Couldnt #Give #Skyrim Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Penn State moves forward with public-private partnership for student housing development Penn State moves forward with public-private partnership for student housing development Penn State is moving forward with a ground lease for a 1,500 bed housing project on its University Park campus as it looks to increase its enrollment in the coming years. The proposed real estate transaction was discussed during a Penn State board of trustees’ committee meeting Thursday and by the full board on Friday. The development, which was first made public in April, will have 1,500 beds intended for non-first year students at University Drive and College Avenue. The board approved it with one vote in opposition, Trustee Barry Fenchak. Sara Thorndike, senior vice president for finance and business/treasurer for the university, told the committee Thursday that they want to accommodate growth and knew they’d need more housing for students that is affordable. “If we’re putting more first year students on campus, we want an affordable option for the rest of the students to go to. When we evaluated whether we wanted to use our own housing revenues and reserves for this project, or whether we wanted to think about other options, what was really critical to us is to continue to use our own resources to renovate our current housing inventory, which is critical for our success,” Thorndike said, which led them to explore a public-private partnership. Penn State is moving forward with a ground lease for a 1,500 bed housing project at University Drive and College Avenue on its University Park campus. This rendering shows what the development may look like. Penn State sent out a request for qualifications to 19 firms, received six responses, and evaluated four of those submissions. From there, the university narrowed the list to two. With the board’s approval on Friday, they approved selecting Graystar Development East as the lead developer of the project and to lease the property, among other items. The terms for the ground lease, including how long it would last or how much the lease costs, were not disclosed. On Thursday, Thorndike said it is a more than $20 million deal for Penn State. Fenchak said he voted against it, not because of any project specifics, but because of where it fits into the university’s mission. He said it is not in the university’s best interest to increase enrollment at University Park due to broader issues Penn State is facing internally like finances and the need for out-of-state tuition revenues, and externally, like students picking alternatives to higher education. “If we put ourselves in a position where we have to increase enrollment, that’s only going to exacerbate those concerns, and I don’t think they’re in the best interest of the university’s overall missions at this time,” he said. Rent affordability was an important piece to the university, as well as receiving economic benefits since it’s still on the university’s land, she said. The university will maintain ownership and long-term control of the property. Story Continues Some terms are still being negotiated, including the rental rates. Thorndike said the proposed rental rates for a one bedroom is 25% below the average downtown State College rent, two bedrooms are 18% below the average (and 60% below the top of the market), and the four bedrooms are 7% below the average rent (and 18% below the top of the market). Thorndike said they’re anticipating 775 beds by fall 2027, which will be “critical” for the university as it looks at enrollment growth and affordability, and the remainder will come in fall 2028. At least one trustee previously questioned if this development — which will be a short walk from the Lasch Football Building — will primarily cater to football players and other student-athletes. During this week’s meetings, the university reiterated that any non-first year student is eligible to live there. Penn State is moving forward with a ground lease for a 1,500 bed housing project at University Drive and College Avenue on its University Park campus. This rendering shows what the development may look like and where it’s located. Source link #Penn #State #moves #publicprivate #partnership #student #housing #development Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

15 Unreal Engine 5 Games That Look Ridiculously Good 15 Unreal Engine 5 Games That Look Ridiculously Good SPEAKxTHExTRUTH1d ago I saw Zero noticeable difference when I played it on Pro. The only game I’ve seen significant difference in is FF7RB but now I get these stutters after the Pro update. I can safely say that if you don’t have a PS5 then getting the Pro is a no brainer but upgrading from PS5 to Pro is not a wise move as of now. Wait for better new games. Source link #Unreal #Engine #Games #Ridiculously #Good Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Quordle today – hints and answers for Saturday, November 9 (game #1020) Quordle today – hints and answers for Saturday, November 9 (game #1020) Quordle was one of the original Wordle alternatives and is still going strong now more than 1,000 games later. It offers a genuine challenge, though, so read on if you need some Quordle hints today – or scroll down further for the answers. Enjoy playing word games? You can also check out my Wordle today, NYT Connections today and NYT Strands today pages for hints and answers for those puzzles. SPOILER WARNING: Information about Quordle today is below, so don’t read on if you don’t want to know the answers. Your Quordle expert Your Quordle expert Marc McLaren Social Links Navigation Global Editor in Chief Quordle today (game #1020) – hint #1 – Vowels How many different vowels are in Quordle today? • The number of different vowels in Quordle today is 4*. * Note that by vowel we mean the five standard vowels (A, E, I, O, U), not Y (which is sometimes counted as a vowel too). Quordle today (game #1020) – hint #2 – repeated letters Do any of today’s Quordle answers contain repeated letters? • The number of Quordle answers containing a repeated letter today is 2. Quordle today (game #1020) – hint #3 – uncommon letters Do the letters Q, Z, X or J appear in Quordle today? • No. None of Q, Z, X or J appear among today’s Quordle answers. Quordle today (game #1020) – hint #4 – starting letters (1) Do any of today’s Quordle puzzles start with the same letter? • The number of today’s Quordle answers starting with the same letter is 0. If you just want to know the answers at this stage, simply scroll down. If you’re not ready yet then here’s one more clue to make things a lot easier: Quordle today (game #1020) – hint #5 – starting letters (2) What letters do today’s Quordle answers start with? • F • T • A • S Right, the answers are below, so DO NOT SCROLL ANY FURTHER IF YOU DON’T WANT TO SEE THEM. Quordle today (game #1020) – the answers (Image credit: Merriam-Webster) The answers to today’s Quordle, game #1020, are… Sign up to be the first to know about unmissable ****** Friday deals on top tech, plus get all your favorite TechRadar content. Sometimes the most obvious of words can prove tricky in Quordle. THERE is one that I always have to think about; it’s probably the single most common word in the game, but it often escapes my attention. The repeated Es don’t help, but even setting that aside it just doesn’t occur to me until I really, really think about it. THERE is one potentially tricky word in this Quordle, but there are others. ATOLL is also a tough one, and SANER could be hard to narrow down depending on the way the letters fell for you. How did you do today? Send me an email and let me know. Daily Sequence today (game #1020) – the answers (Image credit: New York Times) The answers to today’s Quordle Daily Sequence, game #1020, are… Quordle answers: The past 20 Quordle #1019, Friday 8 November: DELAY, NAVAL, MOLAR, SWARM Quordle #1018, Thursday 7 November: REPAY, SYNOD, LOATH, PITHY Quordle #1017, Wednesday 6 November: SASSY, DRUID, THREW, SLOSH Quordle #1016, Tuesday 5 November: BEGET, AMUSE, STONY, LOUSY Quordle #1015, Monday 4 November: CHILL, TACKY, GRAPH, PLAZA Quordle #1014, Sunday 3 November: QUIRK, HEART, ELBOW, KNOWN Quordle #1013, Saturday 2 November: SWUNG, FLOOR, PARER, CRUST Quordle #1012, Friday 1 November: FIFTY, GULCH, RECUT, TWEET Quordle #1011, Thursday 31 October: TWINE, RIGID, BELCH, AMEND Quordle #1010, Wednesday 30 October: SLOOP, BRINE, BROOD, FLUID Quordle #1009, Tuesday 29 October: CLIFF, BURNT, SNAKY, POLYP Quordle #1008, Monday 28 October: MACAW, LIEGE, GOUGE, CARGO Quordle #1007, Sunday 27 October: STUNG, CLOUT, SOWER, BASIS Quordle #1006, Saturday 26 October: DUCHY, CANNY, BLOCK, SMART Quordle #1005, Friday 25 October: PRANK, EXIST, RUDDY, PICKY Quordle #1004, Thursday 24 October: DAIRY, RALLY, CURLY, LABEL Quordle #1003, Wednesday 23 October: DROSS, ANNEX, GRAVE, BROKE Quordle #1002, Tuesday 22 October: ADORE, SMITH, AFOOT, LUCID Quordle #1001, Monday 21 October: TREAD, NINTH, GRIEF, UNSET Quordle #1000, Sunday 20 October: CORAL, WHOSE, HEIST, SOAPY Source link #Quordle #today #hints #answers #Saturday #November #game Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Police inquiry after boy shaken as baby ***** Police inquiry after boy shaken as baby ***** Handout/PA Real Life Bradley Nelson was left with disabilities, after being shaken by his dad as a baby A boy left ****** and brain-damaged after being attacked as a baby by his father has ***** in hospital, prompting a fresh police investigation. Bradley Nelson, nine, was left severely disabled and unable to walk after being assaulted by Darren Spreadbury in April 2016, when he was seven months old. Despite being born “fit and well” Bradley was later diagnosed with cerebral palsy and epilepsy. Nearly nine years later, Bradley, from Whitby, ***** at Scarborough General Hospital in last month after going into cardiac arrest. In May 2018, Spreadbury was sentenced to four years in prison, after scans found Bradley’s brain injuries had been caused by shaken baby syndrome. “Bradley was ****** because he shook him that hard, he snapped his optic nerve and he had a can of Coke’s worth of blood between his brain and his skull,” Bradley’s mum, Sharon Boocock, said. Doctors later determined he had suffered a brain injury that was “unexplained and non-accidental”, leading to the arrest of Spreadbury. He pleaded guilty to causing grievous bodily harm with intent and was handed a 10-year restraining order, as well as being sent to prison. Handout/PA Real Life Bradley underwent several operations in the years following the ******* In the years following the *******, Bradley needed “24-hour care” and was unable to walk, talk or feed himself, according to his mum. He underwent several operations and suffered complications and infections. Ms Boocock said her life at the time was devoted to staying in to look after Bradley. “I couldn’t go anywhere after 17:00 because Bradley would come home from school and that was me housebound,” she said. She explained how she had juggled her job as a bartender to earn “whatever money she could” and said she was “learning to live again”. Last month, Bradley was sent home from school after complaining about feeling sleepy. He was taken in to hospital and Ms Boocock and her partner, Jonny Nelson, were told he had suffered a seizure after falling unconscious. Bradley ***** on 22 October after going into cardiac arrest. Handout/PA Real Life Bradley was described by his mum as “always smiling and happy” Sharon said, despite everything, Bradley had been “always smiling and happy”. Last week, police informed her they were investigating the cause of his ******. A North Yorkshire Police spokesperson said: “We have been made aware of the ****** of a nine-year-old boy from the Whitby area, who sadly passed away in hospital on October 22. “The child had complex medical needs and an investigation into the cause of his ****** is currently under way, reflecting due process in such circumstances.” A fundraiser has been launched on GoFundMe by Sharon’s friends to help cover Bradley’s ******** costs. It has raised almost £4,000 – where donors have described him as the “bravest little boy”. Listen to highlights from North 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 #Police #inquiry #boy #shaken #baby #***** Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

NYT Strands today — hints, answers and spangram for Saturday, November 9 (game #251) NYT Strands today — hints, answers and spangram for Saturday, November 9 (game #251) Strands is the NYT’s latest word game after the likes of Wordle, Spelling Bee and Connections – and it’s great fun. It can be difficult, though, so read on for my Strands hints. Want more word-based fun? Then check out my Wordle today, NYT Connections today and Quordle today pages for hints and answers for those games. SPOILER WARNING: Information about NYT Strands today is below, so don’t read on if you don’t want to know the answers. Your Strands expert Your Strands expert Marc McLaren Social Links Navigation Global Editor in Chief NYT Strands today (game #251) – hint #1 – today’s theme What is the theme of today’s NYT Strands? • Today’s NYT Strands theme is… Generation jam NYT Strands today (game #251) – hint #2 – clue words Play any of these words to unlock the in-game hints system. NYT Strands today (game #251) – hint #3 – spangram What is a hint for today’s spangram? • GrungePop? NYT Strands today (game #251) – hint #4 – spangram position What are two sides of the board that today’s spangram touches? First: top, 3rd column Last: bottom, 3rd column Right, the answers are below, so DO NOT SCROLL ANY FURTHER IF YOU DON’T WANT TO SEE THEM. NYT Strands today (game #251) – the answers (Image credit: New York Times) The answers to today’s Strands, game #251, are… BLUR OASIS PAVEMENT TOOL NIRVANA SUBLIME SPANGRAM: NINETIESBANDS My rating: Moderate My score: Perfect I have slightly mixed feelings about this Strands puzzle. On the one hand, the subject is NINETIESBANDS, and in many ways that’s my specialist subject. I’m a huge music fan (and former music journalist) and the ’90s was my era. Two of the bands in today’s list, PAVEMENT and BLUR, are among my favorites ever, and I have a soft spot for NIRVANA too. Sign up to be the first to know about unmissable ****** Friday deals on top tech, plus get all your favorite TechRadar content. On the flip side, what on earth does ‘Generation jam’, the theme clue, refer to? I have no idea whatsoever. And setting that aside, this may prove very difficult for people who are either too young or too old to be familiar with the likes of TOOL and SUBLIME, who aren’t necessarily household names (or aren’t these days, at least). Still, rather this than yesterday’s silly emoji-based game. How did you do today? Send me an email and let me know. Yesterday’s NYT Strands answers (Friday, 8 November, game #250) SHAKE WAVE CLAP PRAY PINCH FIST POINT PEACE SPANGRAM: HANDGESTURES What is NYT Strands? Strands is the NYT’s new word game, following Wordle and Connections. It’s now out of beta so is a fully fledged member of the NYT’s games stable and can be played on the NYT Games site on desktop or mobile. I’ve got a full guide to how to play NYT Strands, complete with tips for solving it, so check that out if you’re struggling to beat it each day. Source link #NYT #Strands #today #hints #answers #spangram #Saturday #November #game Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

PUBG is getting a 5v5 top-down shooter spinoff in 2025 PUBG is getting a 5v5 top-down shooter spinoff in 2025 Krafton and PUBG Studios unveiled Project ARC today. It’s a spinoff of the popular game PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds, but trades in the third-person battle royale gameplay for that of a 5v5 top-down shooter. Currently intended as a multiplayer-only title, Project ARC is trying to stand out by implementing realistic ********* mechanics into a top-down shooter. Things like target height, hit zones, destructible environments, and **** recoil matter in Project ARC when they typically don’t in top-down shooters. Players choose a character, each of which uses a unique ******* from PUBG and has a gadget like a Med Kit or Grenade Launcher. Right now, the only confirmed game modes are Team Deathmatch and Demolition, which has the same rules as the primary mode of games like Valorant or Spectre Divide, but swaps the ***** for a Decrypter hacking device. Krafton Unlike The Callisto Protocol, which started as a PUBG spinoff, but developed into its own universe, Project ARC is a direct PUBG spinoff set in the same world as the battle royale. That connection will mainly be seen through weapons and gadgets like the Blue Zone Grenade and Folded Shield. When it comes to expanding PUBG as an IP, developers said in comments provided to Digital Trends that “PUBG Studios is currently working on several new projects, including Project ARC. As a small team, the ARC Team will continue to pursue swift and bold experimentation.” A team of less than 15 people is working on Project ARC. Project ARC will be released into early access on PC in 2025. The developers will consider a console release after they add controller support, but don’t plan to bring the game to mobile. The developers are still deciding whether Project ARC will be a free-to-play or premium title. Source link #PUBG #5v5 #topdown #shooter #spinoff Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

How to delete a character from Character AI How to delete a character from Character AI Character AI has a huge catalog of virtual personalities derived from history, fiction, and the imaginations of users. But, sometimes, you might make a character and later decide you don’t want to have it on the platform anymore. And while you can’t actually outright delete third-party AI-generated characters, in this guide, we will show you how you can manage them for yourself and others. Hide and overwrite character (Image credit: Future) Because Character AI does not offer a delete button for the AI personalities, you can’t make them disappear from the servers. But you can edit them and their availability to the point that it doesn’t matter. Making the chatbot private means no one will see it but you, all but making it invisible. You can also take more drastic steps and overwrite everything about the chatbot with gibberish or punctuation to wipe the personality away more thoroughly. Here’s how to hide or obscure your Character AI personalities: Open Character AI and log in to your account. Select the character you want to send to oblivion from the left sidebar to open a chat with it. Click on the three dots in the character’s profile on the right-side panel and click on the “Edit button. At the bottom of the AI’s profile is the “Visibility” option. Change that setting to private. Click the “Save Changes” button on the bottom right. If that’s not enough, you can overwrite your creation. Edit the character’s details in the profile by replacing the name, description, and other details with N/A or any other placeholder text. Save the changes like you did to make the chatbot private. (Image credit: Future) Meta AI’s comment summaries can be a nice way to sum up long or complex posts, but they also fill up your screen at times. If you find these summaries unhelpful, here’s how you can turn them off: Open Facebook on a web browser or as a mobile app and go to the settings menu. Click or tap on “Settings” within the “Settings & Privacy” “ menu. Open up the “Posts” sub-menu as indicated in the image above. Slide the “Allow Comment Summaries on Your Posts” to the left. Once toggled off, you shouldn’t see the AI summaries anymore after you reload the website or app. You might also like Sign up to be the first to know about unmissable ****** Friday deals on top tech, plus get all your favorite TechRadar content. Source link #delete #character #Character Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

How Trump’s Win Is Explained by Right and Left Media Outlets How Trump’s Win Is Explained by Right and Left Media Outlets Media outlets across the political spectrum offered very different explanations about why Donald J. Trump won the presidential election this week. On the right, some media outlets said Mr. Trump had won because of the left’s embrace of what they called extreme political views, while others focused on how Americans were deeply dissatisfied with the economy under President Biden, which Vice President Kamala Harris defended. Outlets on the left were more divided in their explanations. Some said ********* voters had chosen to “***** it all to the ground” by choosing Mr. Trump. Others blamed the Democratic Party as a whole, arguing that Democrats had ******* to connect with voters on key issues, and that Ms. Harris had lost by defending what those commentators saw as a broken system. Here’s how a few outlets have covered the last few days in political news: FROM THE RIGHT Breitbart Breitbart, a ************* outlet, highlighted that Americans were upset with how Democrats had handled the economy, and argued that Mr. Trump’s victory was a “mandate for Trumponomics.” In one article, the reporter John Carney ticked through what he saw as the reasons behind Mr. Trump’s victory. He pointed to the costs of basic necessities like groceries, housing and health care, all of which had soared over the last four years, as well as fears surrounding high levels of immigration. Americans, in Mr. Carney’s view, wanted “less inflation, more economic nationalism and an economy they could feel great about again.” “The presidential election, in other words, was in significant part an economic referendum in which voters chose Trump and his economic policies,” Mr. Carney wrote. FROM THE RIGHT The Daily Wire The Daily Wire was one of many ************* outlets to point to transgender rights as a reason that Democrats lost the election. Throughout the election, Mr. Trump’s campaign attacked Ms. Harris for her support of trans rights, including one prominent ad that featured her saying that “every transgender inmate in the prison system would have access” to gender-affirming surgery. Messaging like that ad, wrote Mary Margaret Olohan, a senior reporter for The Daily Wire, helped win Mr. Trump the race. Ms. Olohan wrote that Americans “rejected far-left transgender ideology and the candidate who embraced these ******** positions.” “Donald Trump and his campaign effectively used her remarks to show the ********* people how out of touch she was on this topic,” Ms. Olohan wrote. Ben Shapiro, a co-founder of The Daily Wire, said Ms. Harris was “an empty vessel” who did not inspire voters, on a live version of “The Ben Shapiro Show,” after Mr. Trump prevailed. But voters did not ******* just Ms. Harris, in Mr. Shapiro’s view: It was the last four years of Democratic rule. “It was about a return to normalcy,” Mr. Shapiro said. “You feel more normal this morning.” FROM THE LEFT ‘Pod Save America’ “Pod Save America,” a ******** podcast hosted by former members of President Barack Obama’s staff, aired an hourlong episode after the election focused on what, in their view, went wrong for Ms. Harris. According to Dan Pfeiffer, a former senior adviser to Mr. Obama, Ms. Harris faced an uphill battle because of her truncated campaign. “He’s been running for almost 10 years straight, and she had to mount a campaign in 109 days,” Mr. Pfeiffer said. “And the country shifted to the right across the board.” Jon Favreau, another host of the show, said Democrats had to rethink their strategy. They cannot, he said, keep defending “a broken system” that many Americans want to see improved. “Donald Trump and his folks want to ***** it down,” Mr. Favreau said. “We should at least be the party that doesn’t want to ***** the system down, but wants to fix it and wants to reform it.” FROM THE LEFT The Nation Elie Mystal, a correspondent for The Nation, a ******** outlet, wrote that Mr. Trump had won because the country had proved itself “to be a fetid, violent people,” and that America “deserves to get what it wants” for electing him. “We had a chance to stand ******* against fascism, authoritarianism, racism and bigotry, but we did not,” Mr. Mystal wrote. Other writers for the site blamed the Democratic Party. Jeet Heer, a correspondent for The Nation, wrote that Ms. Harris had lost because Democrats were stuck in the past in a country that “desperately wants change.” “To a self-destructive degree, Harris tied herself to the policies of Joe Biden, an unpopular incumbent,” Mr. Heer wrote. “This gave Trump an easy pathway to again be the voice of dissatisfaction and change.” FROM THE LEFT Mother Jones Mother Jones, a ******** site, struck a dour tone after Mr. Trump’s victory. David Corn, the Washington bureau chief for Mother Jones, wrote that the ******* States had met its “judgment day” by electing Mr. Trump, whom Mr. Corn described as “the first fascist and the first convicted felon to win an ********* presidential election.” “A judgment has been reached: This is a nation to be ruled by Trump’s politics of hate,” Mr. Corn wrote. Michael Mechanic, a senior editor for Mother Jones, wrote that Mr. Trump had won because of wealth inequality. Even though the economy seemed to be booming under Mr. Biden, “those on the losing end of our thriving economy don’t see it as thriving,” Mr. Mechanic wrote. “In courting Americans who, fairly or not, feel like the system has never done them a bit of good, Team Trump has the rhetorical advantage, because he says he’ll ******** that system,” Mr. Mechanic said. Source link #Trumps #Win #Explained #Left #Media #Outlets Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Olympics drone-spying scandal not isolated misstep: CSA Olympics drone-spying scandal not isolated misstep: CSA The ********* Soccer Association says an independent review has confirmed the Paris Olympics drone-spying scandal was not an isolated misstep. Canada Soccer CEO Kevin Blue said in a statement on Friday the spying “was a symptom of a past pattern of an unacceptable culture and insufficient oversight within the national teams.” Canada Soccer announced on July 31 Sonia Regenbogen of the law firm of Mathews, Dinsdale & Clark had been retained to review the Olympic incident and any related matters. CSA is reviewing the report, with Blue adding he expects to release conclusions and future steps within a week. ​ ​ Canada women’s coach Bev Priestman, assistant coach Jasmine Mander and analyst Joseph Lombardi are all serving one-year FIFA suspensions after New Zealand’s Olympic Committee filed a complaint with the IOC’s integrity unit, alleging drones were flown over a pair of pre-tournament practice sessions. Canada were penalised six points in the group phase and fined 200,000 Swiss francs ($A346,000). Trying to defend their 2021 Olympic title, Canada advanced to the group stage and lost to Germany on penalty kicks in the quarter-finals. “We know that more needs to be done and change takes time,” CSA board chair Peter Augruso said in a statement. Source link #Olympics #dronespying #scandal #isolated #misstep #CSA Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

1 Breaking Bad Star’s Work in Video Game Industry Makes Him a More Legendary Geek Than Henry Cavill 1 Breaking Bad Star’s Work in Video Game Industry Makes Him a More Legendary Geek Than Henry Cavill When you think of iconic, action-packed roles in Hollywood, Breaking Bad star Danny Trejo comes to mind. From his career-defining portrayal of the ruthless, ******-wielding Machete to his tough-guy roles in Predators and From Dusk Till Dawn, Trejo is synonymous with street-smart, no-nonsense characters. But there’s another side to the actor that might surprise everyone, he enjoys playing various video games. Trejo has been very active in the gaming industry and has voiced various characters. | Image Credit: Ubisoft’s Far Cry 6 While many people in the gaming community might know Henry Cavill as a massive gaming geek who regularly shares pictures of himself playing various games such as Warhammer 40K: Space Marine 2 and The Witcher 3, it’s Trejo’s deep roots in the video game world, both as a player and a voice actor, that might just put him ahead in the geek stakes. Breaking Bad Star Danny Trejo’s Surprising Legacy in the Video Game Trejo shared a image of Animal Crossing on the National Video Game day. | Image Credit: Nintendo Most fans might only associate Danny Trejo with tough-guy action roles, and understandably so. As his career has been defined by his gritty characters who ****** their way through dangerous situations, often with a machete in hand. But recently, Trejo’s social media posts have revealed a surprising passion: Animal Crossing: New Horizons. Yes, that’s right, the actor who is known for playing a hardened ********* is now relaxing in his own virtual village, fishing, decorating, and chatting with his animal neighbors. On National Video Game Day, Trejo posted a picture of himself playing Animal Crossing on his Nintendo Switch. What’s your favorite video game of all time? Mine… @AnimalCrossing: New Horizons! #NationalVideoGameDay pic.twitter.com/SvNhoAO0UM — Danny Trejo (@officialDannyT) July 8, 2024 Animal Crossing is a peaceful, cozy game focused on building and personalizing a virtual town. For most, it might seem like a stark contrast to his usual on-screen persona but it’s a clear reflection of his ability to appreciate the soothing and creative side of gaming. However, what most players don’t know is that Trejo’s love for gaming goes well beyond casual play. He has brought many characters in video games to life. His most notable appearances include voicing Raul the Ghoul in Fallout: New Vegas, Umberto Robina in Grand Theft Auto: Vice City Stories, and a recurring character in the Call of Duty franchise. In 2010’s street-fighting game The ******: Lights Out, he went beyond just voicing, he did full-motion video cutscenes, showing off his street-fighting skills. He’s even made a cameo in Far Cry 6, playing himself as a character. Trejo Might Edge Out Henry Cavill as a True Geek Icon Cavill might be more popular in the gaming community but Trejo has a higher influnce in the industry. | Image Credit: Nintendo While Henry Cavill is undoubtedly one of Hollywood’s most high-profile gamers, Danny Trejo’s long-standing and enduring legacy in the video game industry might just cements him as a geek icon in his own right. Cavill’s gaming hobby is always amazing to follow, making him somewhat relatable, but Trejo’s gaming legacy is multi-faceted. He’s not just a gamer, instead, he’s an integral part of gaming culture, with numerous voice roles under his belt and a diverse catalog of video game appearances. Trejo has spent years building up his connection with fans, and he continues to bring that tough-guy charm to both the big screen and the world of interactive entertainment. His unexpected love for Animal Crossing, a game that’s all about relaxation and community building, only adds to his appeal as a multifaceted geek. In the end, both Trejo and Cavill share a deep passion for gaming, but when it comes to true video game geek status, Danny Trejo might have just edge out Superman himself, with his iconic tough-guy charm and Machete ****** in hand. Did you knew about Trejo’s love for video games? Share your thoughts with us in the comment section below. Source link #Breaking #Bad #Stars #Work #Video #Game #Industry #Legendary #Geek #Henry #Cavill Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

The Dell Inspiron 15 Laptop has an awesome discount today The Dell Inspiron 15 Laptop has an awesome discount today Dell Whether you’re a college student in need of a new Windows machine or you’re a workplace professional who needs a fast and powerful laptop, you can’t go wrong with Dell hardware. For years, Dell has produced some of the best desktop PCs and laptops, with options to fit every want, need, lifestyle, and budget. That’s why we decided to shine a light on one of the best student laptop deals we’ve seen in a minute: Right now, when you order the Dell Inspiron 15 Laptop through the manufacturer, you’ll save $200. At full price, this model sells for $730. Why you should buy the Dell Inspiron 15 Laptop This configuration of the Inspiron 15 Laptop comes with an Intel Core i7 (max clock speeds of 5.0GHz), Intel Iris Xe Graphics, 16GB of RAM, and 1TB of storage. While we wouldn’t recommend this type of PC for heavy multimedia programs or all-day battery life, these types of core components are perfect for a more casual PC user. And as far as battery life goes, you can expect over 9 hours on a full charge. The 15.6-inch IPS screen delivers 1920 x 1080 resolution at up to 120Hz. This makes the Inspiron 15 a decent choice for watching Netflix movies and shows. With this spread of pixels and motion capabilities, you’ll even be able to enjoy some light to moderate PC gaming! There’s also no shortage of ports, with options including HDMI 1.4, USB-C, and USB-A connections. Other great features include a free 30 days of Microsoft Office 365 and a 30-day free trial of McAfee+ Premium. We’re not sure how long these Dell laptop deals are here to stay, so now might be the best time to save. Take $200 off the Dell Inspiron 15 Laptop when you order through the manufacturer, and be sure to check out some of the other great laptop deals we’ve been tracking down! Source link #Dell #Inspiron #Laptop #awesome #discount #today Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Researchers are learning more about ‘Zosia,’ the 17th century ‘vampire’ ******* with a blade over her neck Researchers are learning more about ‘Zosia,’ the 17th century ‘vampire’ ******* with a blade over her neck Sign up for CNN’s Wonder Theory science newsletter. Explore the universe with news on fascinating discoveries, scientific advancements and more. With a sickle across her neck and a padlock on her left big toe, the corpse of a young woman found in northern Poland would have been unable to rise from her unmarked grave, according to local 17th century folklore. But her identity and how she ended up in such a state are secrets researchers say they are just beginning to unlock. Archaeologists first made the grim discovery in 2022 and have been studying the ******** to understand who the woman was and why she, and perhaps others ******* in the same field around 400 years ago, were feared as vampires or demons. Now, using the contours of her skull as well as information in a DNA sample extracted from her skeleton, researchers have recreated what her face may have looked like. The striking 3D reconstruction of Zosia, as locals nicknamed her, sheds light on the human found in the grisly grave. Archaeologist Dariusz Poliński, who led the team that unearthed Zosia’s ********, said it was a “mind-blowing” moment when he saw the reconstruction by Swedish forensic artist Oscar Nilsson for the first time. “He added so much feeling, so much emotion,” said Poliński, a professor of medieval history at Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń, Poland. “It wasn’t a mask.” The research team’s journey of uncovering Zosia’s identity is featured in the new documentary “Field of Vampires,” which was produced by Caravan Media and aired October 30 as an episode of the PBS series “Secrets of the *****.” For Nilsson, who painstakingly rebuilt Zosia’s face using clay placed on a 3D-printed model of her skull, it was emotional to see the young woman as she likely appeared in life. “I’m used to reconstructing faces, but in this case also I’m looking forward to giving her some human dignity back,” he said in the documentary. “She deserved something better.” Zosia was found ******* with a sickle across her neck and a padlock on her toe, a folk practice intended to stop the ***** from coming back to life. – Caravan Media Ltd A high-status outsider Between 18 and 20 years old when she *****, Zosia likely had a health condition that may have made her prone to experiencing severe chronic headaches and fainting spells, according to an analysis of the spine, Poliński said. In addition, the sternum may have been deformed, possibly leading to the growth of a visible chest tumor that could have caused pain. However, the disorder was not the cause of her ******, which ******** unknown, and detailed medical analyses are ongoing. Fragile silk fabric and metallic threads made of silver and gold, thought to be a trimming for a fine headdress or bonnet, found in her grave suggested she came from a wealthy or high-status background. Information gleaned from DNA and chemical isotopes in her ******** indicated that she may have originated from southern Scandinavia, perhaps Sweden. During the course of the 17th century, Poland and Sweden fought a series of wars, so Zosia could have been an outsider within her community. Europe in the 17th century was also in the grip of what’s known as the Little Ice Age, a ******* of cooling that in some places led to crop ******** and famine. Swedish forensic artist Oscar Nilsson made the reconstruction using clay to replicate her muscle and tissues. – Caravan Media Ltd ***** of the ***** The padlock and sickle were made of iron, Poliński said, a metal thought to offer protection against the supernatural, but he said that the objects were not placed on the body at the same time. “Initially she was ******* in a coffin in a natural position, with the head towards the west and on a pillow and the padlock on her toe,” he said. However, he said, it appeared the protective power of the padlock wasn’t enough for those who feared Zosia’s reanimated corpse. “Maybe because of some misfortune or the ****** of somebody else, they decided to open the grave,” Poliński suggested. In doing so, whoever ********** her ******** broke or twisted the spine. It was at this point, Poliński suspected, that they abandoned efforts to turn over or remove the body from the grave. Instead, the sickle was secured over her throat to deter the corpse from rising from the *****. Opening and disturbing graves in this way was relatively common during the 17th century in the region because people often attributed misfortune to supernatural activity by the *****, Poliński said. Revenant graves, as they are known, are found throughout Europe and date from several different time periods. “The ***** were blamed for different happenings. The deceased person was believed to be a kind of trigger for some ******** or ******,” he said. All cultures have a belief that the ***** may return to bother the living, said Martyn Rady, the Masaryk Professor Emeritus of Central ********* History at University College London. Rady was not involved in the research project or the documentary. “Generally, the ‘undead’ are people that have led violent lives or ***** violently or have not been ******* with the proper ******** rites,” he said. “All societies have revenants and they will use a number of strategies to stop them moving about after ****** — the sickle is one; staking down is another; putting thorny branches around the neck yet one more,” he added. Rady said Zosia fell into the category of revenant, but was not technically a vampire, which he said were first described in the 1720s by officials of the Habsburg monarchy. “They were quite clear that, in popular local legend, the vampire had three characteristics — it was a revenant, feasted on the living, and was contagious. The Austrian definition shaped the literary vampire legend.” Ritualistic burials Archaeologists first excavated the site in Pień near Dąbrowa Chełmińsk in northern Poland in 2005, and Poliński said the rural field was used as a ********* for around four generations in the 17th century. No written records about the place exist, nor does it feature on any maps. Geophysical surveys suggest many more graves are at the site beyond the dozens already excavated, Poliński said. A year after discovering Zosia’s grave, the same team found a child’s ******** ******* in an unusual way. The skeleton was face down and the upper torso missing, and a padlock similar to the one found on Zosia’s body was uncovered beneath the legs. Another burial site revealed the skeleton of a pregnant woman with the ******** of a fetus still present in her womb. Poliński’s team is reexamining the previously excavated graves for “anti-vampiric” practices and hopes to understand how the individuals ******* there are connected to one another by studying DNA samples. Poliński said the findings will be published in a scientific journal next year. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com Source link #Researchers #learning #Zosia #17th #century #vampire #******* #blade #neck Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

A Quiet Place: The Road Ahead Review – Don’t Breathe Too Loud I The Koalition A Quiet Place: The Road Ahead Review – Don’t Breathe Too Loud I The Koalition WTMG’s Kyle Nicol: “A Quiet Place: The Road Ahead is a better game than I expected. It’s good, but it could have honestly been a lot better, even great. The developers have, for the most part, successfully managed to translate the movie’s unique and engaging premise into game form. However, uneven level design and repetitive gameplay holds it back from being truly great. I hope we get more from A Quiet Place, as there’s so much untapped potential in bringing it to gaming form, but this is a solid enough first effort.” Source link #Quiet #Place #Road #Ahead #Review #Dont #Breathe #Loud #Koalition Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]