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Should you open a savings account or CD before the Fed’s next meeting? Should you open a savings account or CD before the Fed’s next meeting? If you’re considering opening a new savings account or certificate of deposit (CD), knowing how the Fed’s decisions impact your interest earnings over time is key to making an informed decision about where to put your money. The Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) is set to hold its next meeting on June 17-18, 2025. During this time, committee members will determine whether to raise, maintain, or lower the federal funds rate. These rate decisions are key indicators of the health of the economy and, ultimately, trickle down to affect deposit accounts. Here’s a closer look at how you can take advantage of today’s CD and savings rates in light of the Fed’s policy decisions. This embedded content is not available in your region. The federal funds rate is the target interest rate set by the Federal Reserve. It determines the rate that banks charge one another to borrow funds overnight in order to meet reserve requirements. The federal funds rate is expressed as a range, which is currently 4.25%–4.50%. Banks negotiate a specific rate between each other within that range. The Fed uses the funds rate as a tool to quell inflation. When inflation is high, the Fed raises its target rate to make borrowing money more expensive, which discourages consumer spending and helps bring everyday costs down. When the economy needs a boost, the Fed might initiate a series of rate cuts to encourage more spending and borrowing. Read more: A look at the federal funds rate over the past 50 years: How has it changed? Changes to the federal funds rate have major implications for financial institutions and the economy at large. But these decisions also affect your bottom line. Although the Fed’s rate doesn’t directly impact the interest rates set by individual banks for consumer deposit accounts and loans, they are closely correlated. When the Fed raises its rate, for example, interest rates on deposit products such as high-yield savings accounts and CDs also tend to go up. And when it lowers its rate, deposit interest rates generally fall. The Fed will meet again on June 17-18 and decide whether or not to adjust the federal funds rate. (In its last meeting, the committee maintained the target range for the federal funds rate at 4.25–4.50%.) The Fed has maintained this target range since its last rate cut in December 2024. As economic activity continues to expand at a solid pace, many wonder whether the Fed will cut its target rate this year. In its last meeting, the committee released the following statement: “In considering the extent and timing of additional adjustments to the target range for the federal funds rate, the Committee will carefully assess incoming data, the evolving outlook, and the balance of risks. The Committee will continue reducing its holdings of Treasury securities and agency debt and agency mortgage‑backed securities. The Committee is strongly committed to supporting maximum employment and returning inflation to its 2 percent objective.” It’s expected that the Fed will once again hold its target rate steady in its next meeting. That means there likely won’t be any major movements to interest rates for the time being. That said, we can’t know for sure what will happen. So, while you wait for the Fed’s official announcement about how rates will change (or not), it could be a good time to evaluate your current savings account or consider opening a new account. Should the Fed decide to keep rates the same, it won’t have a direct impact on your savings and CD rates, which means now is as good a time as any to open an account and take advantage of historically high interest rates. As it stands, the best savings and CD accounts are paying around 4% and up. However, if the Fed does decide to lower rates, now might be your last chance to lock in today’s competitive rates with a CD. This embedded content is not available in your region. Ultimately, waiting until the Fed’s next announcement before opening a new deposit account won’t have a significant impact on your potential earnings. Now is as good of a time as any to compare the current rates on your existing accounts and see if you could be earning more elsewhere. For example, say your existing savings account earns 0.42%, the national average for traditional savings accounts. If you deposited $10,000, you’d earn a total of $42 in interest over one year. However, some of the top high-yield savings accounts offer around 4%. If you deposited $10,000 at that rate, you’d earn $400 in interest over one year. That means you could be missing out on significant earning potential by leaving your money in a low-interest account. Regardless of how the Fed adjusts the federal funds rate, it pays to reevaluate your current accounts and ensure you’re earning the best rate possible. Read more: How to choose the right high-yield savings account for you Source link #open #savings #account #Feds #meeting Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Knicks vs. Pacers Game 2 score: Indiana takes commanding 2-0 lead behind monster night from Pascal Siakam – CBS Sports Knicks vs. Pacers Game 2 score: Indiana takes commanding 2-0 lead behind monster night from Pascal Siakam – CBS Sports Knicks vs. Pacers Game 2 score: Indiana takes commanding 2-0 lead behind monster night from Pascal Siakam CBS SportsPacers 138-135 Knicks (May 21, 2025) Final Score ESPNKnicks vs. Pacers Game 2 schedule, odds, game times, NBA playoff updates: Where to watch, stream series CBS SportsNew York Knicks vs. Indiana Pacers: How to watch Game 2 of the 2025 NBA Eastern Conference Finals tonight Yahoo SportsCelebs at Knicks vs. Pacers: Russell Wilson, Ciara at Game 2. See stars at Madison Square Garden USA Today Source link #Knicks #Pacers #Game #score #Indiana #takes #commanding #lead #monster #night #Pascal #Siakam #CBS #Sports Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Kim Kardashian issues statement after Paris robbery guilty verdict Kim Kardashian issues statement after Paris robbery guilty verdict Kim Kardashian “will never forget what happened” to her during the Paris robbery. After eight people were found guilty by a Paris court of crimes connected to the gunpoint robbery of Kardashian, 44, in 2016, she said she is “deeply grateful to the French authorities for pursuing justice in this case”. Kardashian added in a statement to PEOPLE: “The crime was the most terrifying experience of my life, leaving a lasting impact on me and my family. While I’ll never forget what happened, I believe in the power of growth and accountability and pray for healing for all. I remain committed to advocating for justice, and promoting a fair legal system.” Her attorneys Michael Rhodes, Léonor Hennerick and Jonathan Mattou added in their own statement that Kardashian “appreciates the Court’s decision and once again thanks the French authorities for treating her with great respect throughout the process”. They went on: “It has been a long journey from that terrible night back in 2016 to her standing courageously in a historic Paris courtroom to confront these criminals. “She looks forward to putting this tragic episode behind her, as she continues working to improve the criminal justice system on behalf of victims, the innocent, and the incarcerated seeking to redeem themselves.” The eight suspects who were found guilty will all walk free due to the fact that they have served time previously. According to CNN, Judge David De Pas called the sentences “quite lenient”. De Pas said: “They were thought of a long way away from this serious event, which impacted the civil parties. You have caused harm, even if you did not strike, if blood has not been shed, you have caused fear.” Source link #Kim #Kardashian #issues #statement #Paris #robbery #guilty #verdict Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Realme GT 7 Series: Global Launch Date, Expected Price in India, Specifications and Features Realme GT 7 Series: Global Launch Date, Expected Price in India, Specifications and Features Realme GT 7 series will be launched in global markets in the coming days, and the smartphone brand has already confirmed that all three models in the GT 7 lineup will be available in India. Next week, the brand will introduce the Realme GT 7 and the Realme GT 7T, along with a special version of the former, which is called the Realme GT 7 Dream Edition. With only days left until these handsets are unveiled, Realme has revealed several key specifications of these phones, as well as their design. You don’t have to wait until the Realme GT 7 series is unveiled to learn more about these smartphones. Read on for details about the Realme GT 7 series’ launch date, expected price in India, specifications, and features. Realme GT 7 Series Launch Date Realme GT 7 series launch date has been set for May 27, and the company will introduce the Realme GT 7, Realme GT 7T, and the Realme GT 7 Dream Edition at a launch event in Paris. This event will be streamed live via the company’s YouTube channel, and viewers in India will be able to watch the company unveil the handsets when the event starts at 1:30pm IST. The company is also expected to announce details of the smartphones related to price and availability at the same event. Realme GT 7 Series Expected Price in India and Availability Realme GT 7 price and availability is unlikely to be confirmed before the launch event that is slated to take place in a few days, but recent leaks have given us an idea of what to expect from the Shenzen-based smartphone maker. The Realme GT 7 could be priced at EUR 799 (roughly Rs. 77,400) in Europe, while the Realme GT 7T could be priced at EUR 699 (roughly Rs. 67,700). Credible leaks related to the Realme GT 7 series price in India are still awaited. We already know that the Realme GT 7 series will be available to purchase via the company’s website, Amazon, and offline retailers in India. The handsets are expected to go on ***** a few days after the launch event on May 27. Realme GT 7 Series Specifications and Features We already know several details of the Realme GT 7 series’ specifications, thanks to recent leaks. The company has also teased several details of the upcoming Realme GT 7, Realme GT 7 Dream Edition, and Realme GT 7T via its website. Here’s a quick look at the specifications of the upcoming Realme GT 7 series. Design Here comes the realme GT 7 Series! It introduces the strongest design in the industry with a groundbreaking concept: IceSense Graphene. It not only boasts a stunning look but is also the first phone with a back cover that serves as a cooling system. realme will continue to strive… pic.twitter.com/tP7yZqBk3L — Chase (@ChaseXu_) May 7, 2025 Both the Realme GT 7 and the Realme GT 7T will be available in two colourways, IceSense ****** and IceSense Blue. The Realme GT 7T model will also be sold in a Racing Yellow colour option. We already know that the GT 7 series will feature the company’s IceSense Graphene thermal solution that is claimed to deliver efficient heat dissipation. The Realme GT 7 will have a laser etched frame with a metallic texture, and the rear panel will feature a special coating that is skin friendly and prevents the phone from slipping from a user’s hand. Display The Realme GT 7 is expected to debut with a 6.78-inch 1.5K LTPS AMOLED display with Corning Gorilla Glass 7i protection, according to recent leaks. The screen is said to have a peak brightness of 6,000nits, and a 120Hz refresh rate. The Realme GT 7 Dream Edition is expected to feature the same specifications as the standard model. On the other hand, the Realme GT 7T is likely to sport a 6.8-inch 1.5K LTPS AMOLED display with 120Hz refresh rate. It is also expected to offer a peak brightness level of 6,000nits. Other details related to the handset’s display could be revealed in the coming days, or at the launch event. Performance and Software The Realme GT 7 and Realme GT 7 Dream Edition will be powered by the recently unveiled Dimensity 9400e from MediaTek. This 4nm chip is equipped with one Arm Cortex-X4 core clocked at 3.4GHz, three Cortex-X4 cores at 2.85GHz, and four Cortex-A720 cores at 2.0GHz. It will feature an Arm Immortalis-G720 GPU and a MediaTek APU 790, according to details shared by the smartphone maker. The MediaTek Dimensity 8400 Max will arrive on the Realme GT 7T, and this chip has eight Arm Cortex-A725 cores at various clock speeds, along with an Arm Mali-G720 MC7 GPU and a MediaTek NPU 880 . All three models in the Realme GT 7 series are expected to run on Realme UI 6.0, which is based on Google’s Android 15 operating system. Camera Realme GT 7 and Realme GT 7 Dream Edition are expected to arrive with a triple rear camera setup. According to recent reports, the smartphone will have a 50-megapixel primary camera with optical image stabilisation (OIS), a 50-megapixel telephoto camera with 2x optical zoom, and an 8-megapixel ultrawide camera. The company’s website also gives us a fairly good idea of what to expect from the Realme GT 7T in the camera department. It is expected to feature a primary camera with a Sony IMX896 sensor, as well as an 8-megapixel ultrawide camera. All three smartphones are expected to feature a 32-megapixel selfie camera. Battery The landing page for the Realme GT 7 and Realme GT 7T reveals that these handsets will be equipped with a 7,000mAh battery. Both phones are also confirmed to debut with support for 120W fast charging, via a USB Type-C port. Realme has also confirmed that the GT 7 model will feature a “Long-life Battery Chip” that is designed to reduce overheating, while extending the battery longevity of the Realme GT 7. It’s currently unclear whether this chip will also be available on the midrange Realme GT 7T model. Source link #Realme #Series #Global #Launch #Date #Expected #Price #India #Specifications #Features Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

What is ‘Ozempic Teeth’? The Truth About the Rapid Weight Loss Treatment’s ‘Damaging’ Side Effects What is ‘Ozempic Teeth’? The Truth About the Rapid Weight Loss Treatment’s ‘Damaging’ Side Effects With weight loss drug advertisements infiltrating aspects of everyday life from scrolling on social media to in-person shopping, it’s become quite clear just how mainstream these medications are now. They may not be sold next to standard supplements like magnesium and creatine in stores, but they’re practically being put on the same shelf by the upper echelons of Hollywood. Ozempic, specifically, has been on the rise in the last few years with several celebrities such as Oprah Winfrey and Sharon Osbourne openly admitting to taking the GLP-1 drug, originally designed to treat type-2 diabetes, to help them lose weight. As of 2024, approximately 5.7 million people are doing the same, according to a study by KFF Health Track. Yet, the short-term benefits of this injectable drug are currently being outweighed by a very serious potential side effect that has become so common that it has earned a nickname online: Ozempic teeth. More from WWD What is Ozempic Teeth? Ozempic teeth refers to the deterioration of oral health seen within prescription semaglutide users. Videos from certified dentists and Ozempic users posted on TikTok and Instagram suggest issues with oral health – such as tooth decay, bad breath and bleeding or irritated gums – may be a result of symptoms of the drug such as dry mouth, acid reflux and vomiting. How Symptoms of Ozempic May Lead to Dental Issues According to Dr. Sandip Sachar, a Manhattan-based dentist, there is no scientific evidence to suggest Ozempic can lead to oral health complications, however, people taking GLP-1 medications tend to drink less water, which has subsequently led to the presence of dry mouth. “One of the ways that GLP-1 medications work is by reducing or slowing the emptying of the GI (gastrointestinal) contents,” she told WWD. “This is more prevalent in emptying of foods that are consumed but also can affect liquids that are consumed. Slowing of GI emptying may prevent hunger but also may prevent thirst.” When a person experiences dry mouth, it means there’s less protective saliva being produced to help “neutralize acidic foods and drinks, wash away food debris and decreased plaque buildup,” Sachar explained. “Bacteria in plaque as well as acidic foods and drinks can erode tooth enamel leading to tooth decay and more severe problems down the road,” she said. “In addition to tooth decay, other symptoms include increased tooth sensitivity to hot and cold, enamel erosion, tooth fractures, receding gums, generalized oral discomfort and acid reflux.” Meghan Garcia-Webb, a board-certified obesity medicine doctor, listed acid reflux and vomiting as other potential side effects of GLP-1 medications that could cause oral health issues. “That can be very damaging to the teeth,” she said. “If these become chronic problems, then, of course, they can be more damaging to the teeth, throat and esophagus,” Garcia-Web noted. How Poor Oral Health Can Be Prevented This is all not to say dental and oral hygiene issues are guaranteed with weight loss treatment. In fact, the prescribing doctor can help catch these symptoms before they make their way to the mouth. Garcia-Webb said decreasing a patient’s dose, switching them to a different medication or starting them on an additional one to “help with nausea or excess stomach acid” can help manage the side effects. Additional measures to avoid oral complications should also be taken, according to Sachar. “I recommend that they maintain good oral hygiene with twice a day brushing with a fluoride toothpaste, and flossing every day. They should consume enough water to stay hydrated and prevent dry mouth,” she said. She also suggested chewing sugar-free gum to increase saliva production and actively avoiding acidic or sugary drinks, as well as sticky foods and candy. For anyone already exhibiting signs of Ozempic teeth, Sachar said frequent dental cleanings are necessary. Best of WWD Sign up for WWD’s Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Source link #Ozempic #Teeth #Truth #Rapid #Weight #Loss #Treatments #Damaging #Side #Effects Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Ethan Coen’s ‘Honey Don’t!’ Gets 6.5-Minute Ovation In Cannes – Deadline Ethan Coen’s ‘Honey Don’t!’ Gets 6.5-Minute Ovation In Cannes – Deadline Ethan Coen’s ‘Honey Don’t!’ Gets 6.5-Minute Ovation In Cannes DeadlineAubrey Plaza Makes First Red Carpet Appearance Since Husband’s Death at Cannes Film Festival People.comMargaret Qualley and Aubrey Plaza Get Raunchy in Ethan Coen’s Detective Movie ‘Honey Don’t!,’ Earning Rowdy 6-Minute Cannes Ovation Variety‘Honey Don’t!’ Review: Ethan Coen’s Second Lesbian ****** Is a Mishmash of Parts That Don’t Fit Together IndieWire’Honey Don’t!’ Review: Margaret Qualley in Ethan Coen Whodunit The Hollywood Reporter Source link #Ethan #Coens #Honey #Dont #6.5Minute #Ovation #Cannes #Deadline Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

‘I want a child but I’m scared to come off the pill’ ‘I want a child but I’m scared to come off the pill’ Elin Alexander BBC Wales News BBC Marianne Barry, 29, believes there is a lack of understanding about PMDD If 29-year-old Marianne Barry doesn’t take the contraceptive pill each day, she could have symptoms of severe anxiety or even suicidal thoughts. Marianne has pre-menstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), a condition which affects as many as 8% of women, but for which the average wait time for a diagnosis is around 12 years. Contraception remains the primary course of treatment for women living with PMDD, but for women who wish to become pregnant this poses a dilemma. “I want to have a child, but I also want to be sane,” said Marianne. The Welsh government said it was “determined to improve the diagnosis, treatment and awareness of conditions affecting women”, including PMDD. Marianne, a teaching assistant from Cardiff, spent eight years going back and forth to her GP before seeking a private diagnosis two years ago, when her symptoms became overwhelming. “I would wake up in the morning and I could feel this thing bubbling up inside of me,” she said. “It was like my brain was almost hot with feelings of anger, being upset, anxiety – the anxiety was just insane.” She began to realise that her symptoms coincided with her menstrual cycle, and started to make a record of them. “I could feel it and I’d go ‘OK, well I know my *******’s coming.'” Before she was prescribed the contraceptive pill, Marianne’s symptoms would re-appear each month, which she said left her in a constant cycle of anxiety. “You almost feel like you’ve made it up because you have this really bad low and then everything seems to start getting better again as you’re coming towards that ovulation *******.” “I want to have a child, but I also want to be sane.” What is PMDD? According to the NHS, symptoms of PMDD are “similar to PMS, but are much more intense and can have a much greater negative impact on your everyday life”. Symptoms can include: Headaches and joint and muscle painOvereating and problems sleepingFeeling very anxious, angry, depressed or suicidal. The exact cause of PMDD is not fully understood, but the average wait time for a diagnosis is around 12 years in Wales. Dr Llinos Roberts, a GP, believes this is due to a lack of research. “The treatment options are somewhat limited and I think this reflects the lack of research historically that’s gone into health issues particularly affecting women,” said Dr Roberts. “The options we have are contraception, which helps reduce the symptoms of PMDD. Also you’ve got the options of treating the actual symptoms with CBT and antidepressants.” Dr Llinos Roberts says that GPs should consider learning more about PMDD to improve their understanding of the condition For Marianne, who wants children in the future, the idea of coming off her medication and her symptoms potentially returning is too daunting for her. “There’s no certainty that you’re going to get pregnant, you don’t know how long it’s going to take. So, I want to have a child but I also want to be sane,” she said. “I’m too scared to come off my pill now.” Corinne has opted for antidepressants to treat her PMDD symptoms Corinne Sinclair, 30, from Cardiff, was diagnosed with PMDD two months ago and is currently trying for a baby. Antidepressants are her only treatment option but she has been told by doctors that if she gets pregnant, she will have to think about coming off those too. “I think more research could be done into PMDD to give women more options that isn’t just taking the contraceptive pill,” said Corrine. “It’s a bit of a cop-out really and I feel they tend to do that with a lot of women’s issues.” Corinne also has endometriosis, which can make conceiving a child more difficult. She said the worry of this, and the potential return of her PMDD symptoms – which include dark thoughts and struggling to find the motivation to get out of bed – caused her a lot of stress. “When you’re trying for a baby, it’s supposed to be an exciting and happy time and it is, and I’m still hopeful and looking forward to it, but there is that niggly worry at the back of your head,” she said. “After having the baby, am I going to suffer with my mental health? “During pregnancy, am I going to be really unwell mentally?” No silver bullet Dr Roberts said PMDD could be difficult to diagnose as it was often mistaken for depression or anxiety. She advised women with suspected PMDD to keep a detailed diary of their symptoms, to keep track of when they occur and subside, and to provide that evidence to their GP. She said there was no silver bullet for women with PMDD who wanted to have children. “This can be very challenging for women who want to conceive but know that if they come off their contraception that’s likely to exacerbate their PMDD symptoms,” she said. “If they’re somebody who  has significant PMDD symptoms, it’s a matter of balancing the pros and cons of coming off contraception.” The Welsh government said its Women’s Health Plan for Wales outlined how it was “determined to improve the diagnosis, treatment and awareness of conditions affecting women”. “Pre-menstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) is included as part of the menstrual health priority area within the plan,” a spokesperson said. “Funding of £3m will be used to deliver the actions in the plan.” Additional reporting by Dani Thomas. Source link #child #scared #pill Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

‘I was about to cry’: Emotional scenes before, during and after Joash Papalii’s first game in the NRL ‘I was about to cry’: Emotional scenes before, during and after Joash Papalii’s first game in the NRL Joash Papalii may have had his eyes closed when he scored a try on debut on Friday night, but they were wide open as he embraced family and took photos with everyone in the CommBank Stadium sheds as they celebrated a moment that he’d been dreaming about since he was a young kid supporting the blue and golds. There were emotional scenes after the game as friends and family held up posters as Papalii posed with anyone and everyone in the home dressing room, with pride replacing the sheer hysteria they showed when he ran out for the first time two hours earlier. His dad was hugging senior players in the sheds while everyone soaked up the atmosphere, before the 20-year-old was whisked away from the deafening celebrations to a quiet place where he smiled for eight minutes straight in his first proper interview. It was a much more relaxed feeling compared to Monday when he was ushered into Jason Ryles’ office after training with no idea what was about to unfold. Camera IconThere were emotional scenes as Joash Papalii made his debut for the Eels on Friday night. Parramatta Eels Credit: Supplied “I was walking in the physio room and he goes ‘Joash’ loud as. ‘Come here, I need to talk to you in my office’, so I ran there straight away,” the youngster explained. “Nathan Brown then asked me if I was in trouble and I was nervous. He told me to sit down and I was shaking my legs. “He asked me how it was going with my performance. He said I was killing it and then told me straight that I would be debuting this week. “When he told me, in my mind I was saying ‘are you joking?’ “I was about to cry but I held my tears. I didn’t expect it this week, but I had to be ready for anything.” Camera IconJoash Papalii was the happiest man at CommBank Stadium. Parramatta Eels Credit: Supplied Papalii spent a couple of years in the Canterbury system but made the move to Parramatta this season where he’s starred in reserve grade. But after being so close a number of times as 18th man, Papalii finally earned his shot after being picked on the bench for the showdown with the Sea Eagles. The message from Ryles was simple, with the rookie told to be ready for anything. So when Will Penisini came off inside the opening two minutes following a head knock, the lifelong Eels fan hopped off the bench and was straight into the action without any time to worry about what might happen. He was strong from the outset, with Papalii living out a childhood dream in the 24th minute when he finished off a big break up the middle to score in the right corner. It’s a moment he’ll never forget, but it’s one he’ll have to watch again and again given his eyes were closed as he grounded the ball for what should be the first of many NRL tries. “I did not expect it,” he said. “I just told myself, just keep moving, just push and then when I saw Dylan Walker break the line, I was like, ‘he’s breaking’. I had to get on my bike. “And then when I saw Dean Hawkins, he got tackled, and then he looked at me and he just chucked it (the ball). “I was like oh, I’ve got to grab it. And I was about to go in the corner, and then I was like, I’ve got to come back in, and then I threw the ******, and I was like, am I actually over the line? “And when I opened my eyes I was like, wow, I actually got it. And I did not expect it. “I was so happy. And when I heard the crowd it was so loud. I’ve always dreamed about this – watching it as the 18th man, experiencing the boys playing, it’s all I ever wanted to do.” Papalii isn’t sure if there were 150, 250 or 300 people who were there to support him on Friday, with friends and family travelling from as far as Melbourne to cheer him on. He was a ball of energy on and off the field, with the nephew of Raiders legend Josh Papalii cracking jokes and exuding pure joy from the moment he ran on until the recorders were switched off at the end of the interview, with the rookie just glad his parents were there after supporting him throughout his journey. “All I ever wanted to do was to give back to them for all the sacrifices they’ve given me throughout my life,” he said. “I just wanted to make them proud.” Source link #cry #Emotional #scenes #Joash #Papaliis #game #NRL Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

Remembering the Indian scientist who challenged the Big Bang theory Remembering the Indian scientist who challenged the Big Bang theory In his 1983 science fiction story, an Indian astrophysicist predicted what schools would look like in 2050. Jayant Narlikar envisioned a scene where an alien, living among humans, would sit in front of a screen and attend online classes. The aliens are yet to manifest, but online classes became a reality for students far sooner, in 2020, when the Covid-19 pandemic hit. Narlikar also famously proposed an alternative to the Big Bang Theory – the popular idea that the universe was created in a single moment from a single point. He believed that the universe had always existed, expanding continuously into infinity. With his passing on Tuesday, India lost one of its most celebrated astrophysicists. Narlikar was 86 – a man far ahead of his times and someone who shaped a generation of Indian researchers through his lifelong dedication to science education. His ******** was attended by hundreds, from school children to renowned scientists and even his housekeeping staff, underscoring the profound impact he had on society. Narlikar famously proposed an alternative to the Big Bang theory [Getty Images] Born on 19 July, 1938, in the town of Kolhapur in the western state of Maharashtra, Narlikar was raised in a home steeped in academic tradition. His father, Vishnu Narlikar, was a professor and mathematician, and mother Sumati was a scholar of the Sanskrit language. Following in his parents footsteps, the studious Narlikar went to Cambridge University for higher studies where topped a highly prestigious mathematical course. He also took a deep interest in astrophysics and cosmology. But his most significant episode at Cambridge was his association with his PhD guide, physicist Sir Fred Hoyle. Together, Narlikar and Hoyle laid the groundwork for a revolutionary alternative to the popular Big Bang theory. The two physicists contested the Big Bang Theory, which posits that all matter and energy in the universe came into existence in one single instance about 13.8 billion years ago. The Hoyle-Narlikar theory boldly proposed the continuous creation of new matter in an infinite universe. Their theory was based on what they called a quasi-steady state model. In his autobiography, My Tale of Four Cities, Narlikar used a banking analogy to explain the theory. “To understand this concept better, think of capital invested in a bank which offers a fixed rate of compound interest. That is, the interest accrued is constantly added to the capital which therefore grows too, along with the interest.” He explained that the universe expanded like the capital with compound interest. However, as the name ‘steady state’ implies, the universe always looks the same to the observer. Astronomer Somak Raychaudhury says that though Narlikar’s theory isn’t as popular as the Big Bang, it is still useful. “He advanced mechanisms by which matter could be continually created and destroyed in an infinite universe,” Raychaudhary said. “While the Big Bang model gained broader acceptance, many tools developed for the steady-state model remain useful today,” he added Raychaudhary recollects that even after Hoyle began to entertain elements of the Big Bang theory, Narlikar remained committed to the steady-state theory. A sign outside his office fittingly stated: “The Big Bang is an exploding myth.” Narlikar stayed in the *** till 1971 as a Fellow at King’s College and a founding member of the Institute of Theoretical Astronomy. As he shot to global fame in the astrophysics circles, the science community in India took note of his achievements. In 1972, he returned to India and immediately took charge of the Theoretical Astrophysics Group at the coveted ***** Institute of Fundamental Research, which he led it till 1989. But his biggest contribution to India was the creation of an institution dedicated to cutting-edge research and the democratisation of science. This dream materialised in 1988, when Narlikar, along with other distinguished scientists, founded the Inter-University Centre for Astronomy and Astrophysics (IUCAA) in Pune city in western India. From a modest 100sq ft room, IUCAA has gone on to become an internationally respected institution for astronomy and astrophysics. Narlikar served as its founder-director till 2003, and continued to be an emeritus professor after that. He insisted that IUCAA should include programs aimed at school children and the general public. Monthly lectures, science camps, and workshops became regular events. Recalling Narlikar’s vision for the institution, science educator Arvind Gupta says, “He said PhD scholars don’t fall from the sky, you must catch them young. He offered me a place to stay, told me to try running the children’s science centre for six months, and I ended up staying 11 years. He gave me wings to fly.” Despite being a prolific scholar who published over 300 research papers, Narlikar never confined himself to being just a scientist. He also authored many science fiction books that have been translated into multiple languages. These stories were often grounded in scientific principles. In a story called Virus, published in 2015, he envisioned a pandemic taking over the world; his 1986 book Waman Parat Na Ala (The Return of Vaman), tackled the ethical dilemmas of artificial intelligence. Sanjeev Dhurandhar, who was part of the Indian team that contributed to the physical detection of gravitational waves in 2015, recalled how Narlikar inspired him to attempt the unthinkable. “He gave me a complex problem early in my research. After I struggled for a week, he solved it on the board in 15 minutes – not to show superiority, but to guide and inspire. His openness to gravitational waves was what gave me the courage to pursue it.” A well-known rationalist, Narlikar also took it upon himself to challenge pseudoscience. In 2008, he co-authored a paper that challenged astrology using a statistical method. Raychaudhary said that his motivation to challenge pseudoscience came from the belief system of questioning everything that did not have a scientific basis. But when it came to science, Narlikar believed in exploring the slimmest of possibilities. In his last days, Narlikar continued doing what he loved most – replying to children’s letters and writing about science on his blog. Source link #Remembering #Indian #scientist #challenged #Big #Bang #theory Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Cher on 60 years of fame: Music, movies and giving back Cher on 60 years of fame: Music, movies and giving back Pop icon, movie star and conservationist Cher’s career spans from the 1960s to 2020s—an incredible seven decades. Over the years, she has sold millions of albums, won an Oscar and co-founded a charity which works to free animals from captivity. In this edition of CNBC Meets, Cher speaks to Tania Bryer about the ambition that drove her success, activism and why her next album might be her last. Source link #Cher #years #fame #Music #movies #giving Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Can Trump's pricey 'Golden Dome' missile defence system be done? – BBC Can Trump's pricey 'Golden Dome' missile defence system be done? – BBC Can Trump’s pricey ‘Golden Dome’ missile defence system be done? BBCBad news for Trump’s Golden Dome: He can’t build it without Canada PoliticoThe plan to protect America by shooting down missiles mid-air The EconomistGolden Dome: An aerospace engineer explains the proposed nationwide missile defense system The ConversationTrump’s Golden Dome plan could launch new era of weapons in space Reuters Source link #Trump039s #pricey #039Golden #Dome039 #missile #defence #system #BBC Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Fresh start to fuel forgotten Socceroo's World Cup fire Fresh start to fuel forgotten Socceroo's World Cup fire Ipswich Town boss Kieran McKenna says Massimo Luongo deserves to push on and reach another World Cup, having confirmed why the *********** is leaving the club. Source link #Fresh #start #fuel #forgotten #Socceroo039s #World #Cup #fire Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Ten Must-Have Souvenirs From the Greek Island of Crete Ten Must-Have Souvenirs From the Greek Island of Crete Visitors to the island of Crete have the opportunity to return home with a variety of souvenirs. Credit: Greek Reporter Visitors to Crete always want to find just the right memories of the island to take back home. Crete is home to a rich material culture and tourists spending their holidays on the Greek island have a wide selection of memorable souvenirs to choose from Top Ten Souvenirs You Can Buy on Crete 1. Olive oil Olives have been cultivated on Crete since Minoan times (about 3,500 BC). Archaeologists have even found an entire room devoted to olive pressing in the Minoan palace of Knossos. Cretans are one of the largest consumers of olive oil worldwide and it is the main ingredient of the healthy Cretan diet. A bottle of fresh olive oil and an amphora. Credit: Manfred Werner, cc-by-sa4.0/Wikimedia Commons From the miraculous olive tree comes a varied range of other products as well, such as pastes to spread on bread; its decorative wood makes beautiful utensils, and the beauty products, including soap, that are made with olive oil are second to none. 2. Thyme honey The area of Sfakia, in the White Mountains of Crete, is famous for the character of its people, not only for their resilience and hospitality but also their culinary flair as well. Thyme honey. Credit: Christos Christos Pontikis/CC PDM 1.0 The pies from Sfakia (also called Sfakianes pites) are made with very simple ingredients and when still hot, are topped with the best honey around, from Sfakia. On Crete, honey varieties range from those made from orange blossoms to pine trees, but thyme honey is the absolute best-seller due to its mild taste, deep orange color, and unique consistency. 3. Graviera cheese Contrary to what anyone would believe, Greeks eat more cheese than any other people in the world. Of course, Feta cheese remains a best-seller in the rest of the country; however, in Crete, locals mainly prefer soft types such as anthotyros (quite similar to the Italian ricotta, which can be eaten dry or fresh) and mizithra, used for pies and salads. Graviera cheese. Credit: PRA/CC BY-SA 3.0 When it comes to more aged or savory cheese, the choice is the pungent and spicier Cretan Graviera, with a subtle flavor of nuts and even pepper sometimes. Graviera is also sold with thyme or spices and is sometimes aged in mountain caves. In Crete, Graviera is made from sheep’s and goat’s milk in different proportions. 4. Herbs Another characteristic of the Cretan mountains is the endless varieties of wild herbs, and medicinal plants that grow with the aid of the ideal climate: abundant water from the mountains combined with balanced temperatures and very rich soil. Greek herbs. Credit: Rainer Zenz/Wikimedia Commons/CC BY-SA 3.0 It’s no surprise that the herbs that can be used for teas can also serve as condiments at the table. Herbs like thyme, oregano, and marjoram are widely used on Crete. To make Cretan Mountain tea, you should purchase the Cretan dittany which only grows on Crete, (Origanum dictamnus), and add to it chamomile, verbena, and sage. Locals are known to include up to 12 different mountain herbs to prepare what they also call their “********* tea”. They serve this tea hot and with honey during Winter, or with a touch of orange zest and iced in Summer. 5. Local crafts Near the city of Chania, there’s a unique place that gathers over thirty local artisans in one village. The Verekinthos Arts and Crafts Village provides local artisans with spaces to live and create. This project, which took over thirty years to complete, presents ancient traditional crafts using historical techniques that may have otherwise been lost. Taking a walk around the village, you can purchase clay board games, glass and metal jewelry, toys made of tin or wood, and fine ceramics. Some artists also offer courses on Byzantine painting and ceramics. 6. Carob products Carob is a very common evergreen tree growing almost anywhere on Crete. The island is home to the largest natural grove in Europe, which is located in Tris Ekklisies. Unripe carob pods on the tree. Ripe carob is brown. Credit: /Wikimedia Commons/CC BY-SA 3.0 The pod (not the seeds) of the carob tree are consumed dried or roasted and are used also to produce carob flour. During wartime, carob was used to feed the rebels who lived in the mountains as well as the villagers there. Carob is today considered a nutritional superfood; it’s also a healthy substitute for chocolate. Some of its derived products include pasta, coffee, tea, and biscuits. 7. Cretan knives Cretan knives have always been key to the local culture; men historically carried two of them at all times. One of the knives was intended for food — for scaling fish, carving meat, or cutting bread. The other was for self-defense and combat. Cretan knives. Credit: Gabi Ancarola The difference between the two types of knives is in the shape of the handle. Food knives have special grooves on the handle to accommodate the fingers. Knives used for combat, instead, have a straight handle. 8. Cretan boots Called “stivania,” these are the traditional boots still to be found on Crete, especially in the mountains and in remote villages. Shepherds still consider stivania as part of their everyday outfits. In the cities, stivania can be seen during special feasts and celebrations, since they are part of the Cretan dress many traditional dancers wear. Walking down “the road of the leather,” as it is called, in the center of Chania, it is still possible to get a custom pair of shoes made for yourself. People from all over the world come to the island to get their feet measured; just a few weeks later, once back home, they receive a pair of boots that have a fit like no mass-produced shoes can match. 9. Komboloi These strings of beads, known in Greece as worry beads, are part of a tradition that can also be found in other areas of the country. On Crete, however, the House of Amber has one the biggest collections of Komboloi. Komboloi. Credit: Greek Reporter Komboloi normally have an odd number of beads and there are versions both for men and for women. Their beads can be made of aromatic wood, such as sandalwood, but also natural stone, glass, amber, or plastic. 10. Kitchenware Pottery is one of the most emblematic of all Greek items, and your friends back home would certainly appreciate any beautiful vase or pot made on Crete. Margarites, a village near the city of Rethymno, is probably one of the best places to test your own skills with clay; you can then choose among all their pots, cups, vases, and plates to take some back home. Pitharia. Credit: orientalizing/CC BY-NC-ND 2.0 The production of pots is a tradition as old as time in Crete. They are seen on the island in the form of pitharia, the huge vases the Minoans would use to store oil, wine, or food. Many of these have been found in different cities all around the Mediterranean, proving the commercial ties Crete once had with nearby civilizations. Source link #Ten #MustHave #Souvenirs #Greek #Island #Crete Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

Ten Must-Have Souvenirs From the Greek Island of Crete Ten Must-Have Souvenirs From the Greek Island of Crete Visitors to the island of Crete have the opportunity to return home with a variety of souvenirs. Credit: Greek Reporter Visitors to Crete always want to find just the right memories of the island to take back home. Crete is home to a rich material culture and tourists spending their holidays on the Greek island have a wide selection of memorable souvenirs to choose from Top Ten Souvenirs You Can Buy on Crete 1. Olive oil Olives have been cultivated on Crete since Minoan times (about 3,500 BC). Archaeologists have even found an entire room devoted to olive pressing in the Minoan palace of Knossos. Cretans are one of the largest consumers of olive oil worldwide and it is the main ingredient of the healthy Cretan diet. A bottle of fresh olive oil and an amphora. Credit: Manfred Werner, cc-by-sa4.0/Wikimedia Commons From the miraculous olive tree comes a varied range of other products as well, such as pastes to spread on bread; its decorative wood makes beautiful utensils, and the beauty products, including soap, that are made with olive oil are second to none. 2. Thyme honey The area of Sfakia, in the White Mountains of Crete, is famous for the character of its people, not only for their resilience and hospitality but also their culinary flair as well. Thyme honey. Credit: Christos Christos Pontikis/CC PDM 1.0 The pies from Sfakia (also called Sfakianes pites) are made with very simple ingredients and when still hot, are topped with the best honey around, from Sfakia. On Crete, honey varieties range from those made from orange blossoms to pine trees, but thyme honey is the absolute best-seller due to its mild taste, deep orange color, and unique consistency. 3. Graviera cheese Contrary to what anyone would believe, Greeks eat more cheese than any other people in the world. Of course, Feta cheese remains a best-seller in the rest of the country; however, in Crete, locals mainly prefer soft types such as anthotyros (quite similar to the Italian ricotta, which can be eaten dry or fresh) and mizithra, used for pies and salads. Graviera cheese. Credit: PRA/CC BY-SA 3.0 When it comes to more aged or savory cheese, the choice is the pungent and spicier Cretan Graviera, with a subtle flavor of nuts and even pepper sometimes. Graviera is also sold with thyme or spices and is sometimes aged in mountain caves. In Crete, Graviera is made from sheep’s and goat’s milk in different proportions. 4. Herbs Another characteristic of the Cretan mountains is the endless varieties of wild herbs, and medicinal plants that grow with the aid of the ideal climate: abundant water from the mountains combined with balanced temperatures and very rich soil. Greek herbs. Credit: Rainer Zenz/Wikimedia Commons/CC BY-SA 3.0 It’s no surprise that the herbs that can be used for teas can also serve as condiments at the table. Herbs like thyme, oregano, and marjoram are widely used on Crete. To make Cretan Mountain tea, you should purchase the Cretan dittany which only grows on Crete, (Origanum dictamnus), and add to it chamomile, verbena, and sage. Locals are known to include up to 12 different mountain herbs to prepare what they also call their “********* tea”. They serve this tea hot and with honey during Winter, or with a touch of orange zest and iced in Summer. 5. Local crafts Near the city of Chania, there’s a unique place that gathers over thirty local artisans in one village. The Verekinthos Arts and Crafts Village provides local artisans with spaces to live and create. This project, which took over thirty years to complete, presents ancient traditional crafts using historical techniques that may have otherwise been lost. Taking a walk around the village, you can purchase clay board games, glass and metal jewelry, toys made of tin or wood, and fine ceramics. Some artists also offer courses on Byzantine painting and ceramics. 6. Carob products Carob is a very common evergreen tree growing almost anywhere on Crete. The island is home to the largest natural grove in Europe, which is located in Tris Ekklisies. Unripe carob pods on the tree. Ripe carob is brown. Credit: /Wikimedia Commons/CC BY-SA 3.0 The pod (not the seeds) of the carob tree are consumed dried or roasted and are used also to produce carob flour. During wartime, carob was used to feed the rebels who lived in the mountains as well as the villagers there. Carob is today considered a nutritional superfood; it’s also a healthy substitute for chocolate. Some of its derived products include pasta, coffee, tea, and biscuits. 7. Cretan knives Cretan knives have always been key to the local culture; men historically carried two of them at all times. One of the knives was intended for food — for scaling fish, carving meat, or cutting bread. The other was for self-defense and combat. Cretan knives. Credit: Gabi Ancarola The difference between the two types of knives is in the shape of the handle. Food knives have special grooves on the handle to accommodate the fingers. Knives used for combat, instead, have a straight handle. 8. Cretan boots Called “stivania,” these are the traditional boots still to be found on Crete, especially in the mountains and in remote villages. Shepherds still consider stivania as part of their everyday outfits. In the cities, stivania can be seen during special feasts and celebrations, since they are part of the Cretan dress many traditional dancers wear. Walking down “the road of the leather,” as it is called, in the center of Chania, it is still possible to get a custom pair of shoes made for yourself. People from all over the world come to the island to get their feet measured; just a few weeks later, once back home, they receive a pair of boots that have a fit like no mass-produced shoes can match. 9. Komboloi These strings of beads, known in Greece as worry beads, are part of a tradition that can also be found in other areas of the country. On Crete, however, the House of Amber has one the biggest collections of Komboloi. Komboloi. Credit: Greek Reporter Komboloi normally have an odd number of beads and there are versions both for men and for women. Their beads can be made of aromatic wood, such as sandalwood, but also natural stone, glass, amber, or plastic. 10. Kitchenware Pottery is one of the most emblematic of all Greek items, and your friends back home would certainly appreciate any beautiful vase or pot made on Crete. Margarites, a village near the city of Rethymno, is probably one of the best places to test your own skills with clay; you can then choose among all their pots, cups, vases, and plates to take some back home. Pitharia. Credit: orientalizing/CC BY-NC-ND 2.0 The production of pots is a tradition as old as time in Crete. They are seen on the island in the form of pitharia, the huge vases the Minoans would use to store oil, wine, or food. Many of these have been found in different cities all around the Mediterranean, proving the commercial ties Crete once had with nearby civilizations. Source link #Ten #MustHave #Souvenirs #Greek #Island #Crete Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

Israeli soldiers and former detainees tell AP Israel’s use of human shields in Gaza is widespread Israeli soldiers and former detainees tell AP Israel’s use of human shields in Gaza is widespread TEL AVIV, Israel (AP) — The only times the ************ man wasn’t bound or blindfolded, he said, was when he was used by Israeli soldiers as their human shield. Dressed in army fatigues with a camera fixed to his forehead, Ayman Abu Hamadan was forced into houses in the Gaza Strip to make sure they were clear of bombs and gunmen, he said. When one unit finished with him, he was passed to the next. “They beat me and told me: ‘You have no other option; do this or we’ll kill you,'” the 36-year-old told The Associated Press, describing the 2 1/2 weeks he was held last summer by the Israeli military in northern Gaza. Orders often came from the top, and at times nearly every platoon used a ************ to clear locations, said an Israeli officer, speaking on condition of anonymity for fear of reprisal. Several Palestinians and soldiers told the AP that Israeli troops are systematically forcing Palestinians to act as human shields in Gaza, sending them into buildings and tunnels to check for explosives or militants. The dangerous practice has become ubiquitous during 19 months of war, they said. In response to these allegations, Israel’s military says it strictly prohibits using civilians as shields — a practice it has long accused ****** of using in Gaza. Israeli officials blame the militants for the civilian death toll in its offensive that has killed tens of thousands of Palestinians. In a statement to the AP, the military said it also bans otherwise coercing civilians to participate in operations, and “all such orders are routinely emphasized to the forces.” The military said it’s investigating several cases alleging that Palestinians were involved in missions, but wouldn’t provide details. It didn’t answer questions about the reach of the practice or any orders from commanding officers. The AP spoke with seven Palestinians who described being used as shields in Gaza and the occupied West Bank and with two members of Israel’s military who said they engaged in the practice, which is prohibited by international law. Rights groups are ringing the alarm, saying it’s become standard procedure increasingly used in the war. “These are not isolated accounts; they point to a systemic failure and a horrifying moral collapse,” said Nadav Weiman, executive director of Breaking the Silence — a whistleblower group of former Israeli soldiers that has collected testimonies about the practice from within the military. “Israel rightly condemns ****** for using civilians as human shields, but our own soldiers describe doing the very same.” Abu Hamadan said he was detained in August after being separated from his family, and soldiers told him he’d help with a “special mission.” He was forced, for 17 days, to search houses and inspect every hole in the ground for tunnels, he said. Soldiers stood behind him and, once it was clear, entered the buildings to damage or destroy them, he said. He spent each night bound in a dark room, only to wake up and do it again. The use of human shields ‘caught on like fire’ Rights groups say Israel has used Palestinians as shields in Gaza and the West Bank for decades. The Supreme Court outlawed the practice in 2005. But the groups continued to document violations. Still, experts say this war is the first time in decades the practice — and the debate around it — has been so widespread. The two Israeli soldiers who spoke to the AP — and a third who provided testimony to Breaking the Silence — said commanders were aware of the use of human shields and tolerated it, with some giving orders to do so. Some said it was referred to as the “mosquito protocol” and that Palestinians were also referred to as “wasps” and other dehumanizing terms. The soldiers — who said they’re no longer serving in Gaza — said the practice sped up operations, saved ammunition, and spared combat dogs from injury or death. The soldiers said they first became aware human shields were being used shortly after the war erupted on Oct. 7, 2023, when ****** attacked Israel, and that it became widespread by the middle of 2024. Orders to “bring a mosquito” often came via radio, they said — shorthand everyone understood. Soldiers acted on commanding officers’ orders, according to the officer who spoke to the AP. He said that by the end of his nine months in Gaza, every infantry unit used a ************ to clear houses before entering. “Once this idea was initiated, it caught on like fire in a field,” the 26-year-old said. “People saw how effective and easy it was.” He described a 2024 planning meeting where a brigade commander presented to the division commander a slide reading “get a mosquito” and a suggestion they might “just catch one off the streets.” The officer wrote two incident reports to the brigade commander detailing the use of human shields, reports that would have been escalated to the division chief, he said. The military said it had no comment when asked whether it received them. One report documented the accidental killing of a ************, he said — troops didn’t realize another unit was using him as a shield and shot him as he ran into a house. The officer recommended the Palestinians be dressed in army clothes to avoid misidentification. He said he knew of at least one other ************ who died while used as a shield — he passed out in a tunnel. Troops unsuccessfully pushed back, a sergeant says Convincing soldiers to operate lawfully when they see their enemy using questionable practices is difficult, said Michael Schmitt, a distinguished professor of international law at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point. Israeli officials and other observers say ****** uses civilians as shields as it embeds itself in communities, hiding fighters in hospitals and schools. “It’s really a heavy lift to look at your own soldiers and say you have to comply,” Schmitt said. One soldier told the AP his unit tried to refuse to use human shields in mid-2024 but were told they had no choice, with a high-ranking officer saying they shouldn’t worry about international humanitarian law. The sergeant — speaking on condition of anonymity for fear of reprisal — said the troops used a 16-year-old and a 30-year-old for a few days. The boy shook constantly, he said, and both repeated “Rafah, Rafah” — Gaza’s southernmost city, where more than 1 million Palestinians had fled from fighting elsewhere at that point in the war. It seemed they were begging to be freed, the sergeant said. ‘I have children,’ one man says he pleaded Masoud Abu Saeed said he was used as a shield for two weeks in March 2024 in the southern city of Khan Younis. “This is extremely dangerous,” he recounted telling a soldier. “I have children and want to reunite with them.” The 36-year-old said he was forced into houses, buildings and a hospital to dig up suspected tunnels and clear areas. He said he wore a first-responder vest for easy identification, carrying a phone, hammer and chain cutters. During one operation, he bumped into his brother, used as a shield by another unit, he said. They hugged. “I thought Israel’s army had executed him,” he said. Palestinians also report being used as shields in the West Bank. Hazar Estity said soldiers took her Jenin refugee camp home in November, forcing her to film inside several apartments and clear them before troops entered. She said she pleaded to return to her 21-month-old son, but soldiers didn’t listen. “I was most afraid that they would kill me,” she said. “And that I wouldn’t see my son again.” ___ Magdy reported from Cairo. Source link #Israeli #soldiers #detainees #Israels #human #shields #Gaza #widespread Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Companies turn to AI to navigate Trump tariff turbulence Companies turn to AI to navigate Trump tariff turbulence Artificial intelligence robot looking at futuristic digital data display. Yuichiro Chino | Moment | Getty Images Businesses are turning to artificial intelligence tools to help them navigate real-world turbulence in global trade. Several tech firms told CNBC say they’re deploying the nascent technology to visualize businesses’ global supply chains — from the materials that are used to form products, to where those goods are being shipped from — and understand how they’re affected by U.S. President Donald Trump’s reciprocal tariffs. Last week, Salesforce said it had developed a new import specialist AI agent that can “instantly process changes for all 20,000 product categories in the U.S. customs system and then take action on them” as needed, to help navigate changes to tariff systems. Engineers at the U.S. software giant used the Harmonized Tariff Schedule, a 4,400-page document of tariffs on goods imported to the U.S., to inform answers generated by the agent. “The sheer pace and complexity of global tariff changes make it nearly impossible for most businesses to keep up manually,” Eric Loeb, executive vice president of government affairs at Salesforce, told CNBC. “In the past, companies might have relied on small teams of in-house experts to keep pace.” Firms say that AI systems are enabling them to take decisions on adjustments to their global supply chains much faster. Andrew Bell, chief product officer of supply chain management software firm Kinaxis, said that manufacturers and distributors looking to inform their response to tariffs are using his firm’s machine learning technology to assess their products and the materials that go into them, as well as external signals like news articles and macroeconomic data. “With that information, we can start doing some of those simulations of, here is a particular part that is in your build material that has a significant tariff. If you switched to using this other part instead, what would the impact be overall?” Bell told CNBC. ‘AI’s moment to shine’ Trump’s tariffs list — which covers dozens of countries — has forced companies to rethink their supply chains and pricing, with the likes of Walmart and Nike already raising prices on some products. The U.S. imported about $3.3 trillion of goods in 2024, according to census data. Uncertainty from the U.S. tariff measures “actually probably presents AI’s moment to shine,” Zack Kass, a futurist and former head of OpenAI’s go-to-market strategy, told CNBC’s Silvia Amaro at the Ambrosetti Forum in Italy last month. “If you wonder how hard things could get without AI vis-a-vis automation, and what would happen in a world where you can’t just employ a bunch of people overnight, AI presents this alternative proposal,” he added. Nagendra Bandaru, managing partner and global head of technology services at Indian IT giant Wipro, said clients are using the company’s agentic AI solutions “to pivot supplier strategies, adjust trade lanes, and manage duty exposure dynamically as policy landscapes evolve.” Wipro says it uses a range of AI systems — both proprietary and supplied by third parties — from large language models to traditional machine learning and computer vision techniques to inspect physical assets in cross-border transit. ‘Not a silver bullet’ While it preferred to keep company names confidential, Wipro said that firms using its AI products to navigate Trump’s tariffs range from a Fortune 500 electronics manufacturer with factories in Asia to an automotive parts supplier exporting to Europe and North America. “AI is a powerful enabler — but not a silver bullet,” Bandaru told CNBC. “It doesn’t replace trade policy strategy, it enhances it by transforming global trade from a reactive challenge into a proactive, data-driven advantage.” AI was already a key investment priority for global firms prior to Trump’s sweeping tariff announcements on April. Nearly three-quarters of business leaders ranked AI and generative AI in their top three technologies for investment in 2025, according to a report by Capgemini published in January. “There are a number of ways AI can assist companies dealing with the tariffs and resulting uncertainty. But any AI solution’s success will be predicated on the quality of the data it has access to,” Ajay Agarwal, partner at Bain Capital Ventures, told CNBC. The venture capitalist said that one of his portfolio companies, FourKites, uses supply chain network data with AI to help firms understand the logistics impacts of adjusting suppliers due to tariffs. “They are working with a number of Fortune 500 companies to leverage their agents for freight and ocean to provide this level of visibility and intelligence,” Agarwal said. “Switching suppliers may reduce tariffs costs, but might increase lead times and transportation costs,” he added. “In addition, the volatility of the tariffs [has] severely impacted the rates and capacity available in both the ocean and the domestic freight networks.” WATCH: Former OpenAI exec says tariffs ‘present AI’s moment to shine’ Source link #Companies #turn #navigate #Trump #tariff #turbulence Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

Companies turn to AI to navigate Trump tariff turbulence Companies turn to AI to navigate Trump tariff turbulence Artificial intelligence robot looking at futuristic digital data display. Yuichiro Chino | Moment | Getty Images Businesses are turning to artificial intelligence tools to help them navigate real-world turbulence in global trade. Several tech firms told CNBC say they’re deploying the nascent technology to visualize businesses’ global supply chains — from the materials that are used to form products, to where those goods are being shipped from — and understand how they’re affected by U.S. President Donald Trump’s reciprocal tariffs. Last week, Salesforce said it had developed a new import specialist AI agent that can “instantly process changes for all 20,000 product categories in the U.S. customs system and then take action on them” as needed, to help navigate changes to tariff systems. Engineers at the U.S. software giant used the Harmonized Tariff Schedule, a 4,400-page document of tariffs on goods imported to the U.S., to inform answers generated by the agent. “The sheer pace and complexity of global tariff changes make it nearly impossible for most businesses to keep up manually,” Eric Loeb, executive vice president of government affairs at Salesforce, told CNBC. “In the past, companies might have relied on small teams of in-house experts to keep pace.” Firms say that AI systems are enabling them to take decisions on adjustments to their global supply chains much faster. Andrew Bell, chief product officer of supply chain management software firm Kinaxis, said that manufacturers and distributors looking to inform their response to tariffs are using his firm’s machine learning technology to assess their products and the materials that go into them, as well as external signals like news articles and macroeconomic data. “With that information, we can start doing some of those simulations of, here is a particular part that is in your build material that has a significant tariff. If you switched to using this other part instead, what would the impact be overall?” Bell told CNBC. ‘AI’s moment to shine’ Trump’s tariffs list — which covers dozens of countries — has forced companies to rethink their supply chains and pricing, with the likes of Walmart and Nike already raising prices on some products. The U.S. imported about $3.3 trillion of goods in 2024, according to census data. Uncertainty from the U.S. tariff measures “actually probably presents AI’s moment to shine,” Zack Kass, a futurist and former head of OpenAI’s go-to-market strategy, told CNBC’s Silvia Amaro at the Ambrosetti Forum in Italy last month. “If you wonder how hard things could get without AI vis-a-vis automation, and what would happen in a world where you can’t just employ a bunch of people overnight, AI presents this alternative proposal,” he added. Nagendra Bandaru, managing partner and global head of technology services at Indian IT giant Wipro, said clients are using the company’s agentic AI solutions “to pivot supplier strategies, adjust trade lanes, and manage duty exposure dynamically as policy landscapes evolve.” Wipro says it uses a range of AI systems — both proprietary and supplied by third parties — from large language models to traditional machine learning and computer vision techniques to inspect physical assets in cross-border transit. ‘Not a silver bullet’ While it preferred to keep company names confidential, Wipro said that firms using its AI products to navigate Trump’s tariffs range from a Fortune 500 electronics manufacturer with factories in Asia to an automotive parts supplier exporting to Europe and North America. “AI is a powerful enabler — but not a silver bullet,” Bandaru told CNBC. “It doesn’t replace trade policy strategy, it enhances it by transforming global trade from a reactive challenge into a proactive, data-driven advantage.” AI was already a key investment priority for global firms prior to Trump’s sweeping tariff announcements on April. Nearly three-quarters of business leaders ranked AI and generative AI in their top three technologies for investment in 2025, according to a report by Capgemini published in January. “There are a number of ways AI can assist companies dealing with the tariffs and resulting uncertainty. But any AI solution’s success will be predicated on the quality of the data it has access to,” Ajay Agarwal, partner at Bain Capital Ventures, told CNBC. The venture capitalist said that one of his portfolio companies, FourKites, uses supply chain network data with AI to help firms understand the logistics impacts of adjusting suppliers due to tariffs. “They are working with a number of Fortune 500 companies to leverage their agents for freight and ocean to provide this level of visibility and intelligence,” Agarwal said. “Switching suppliers may reduce tariffs costs, but might increase lead times and transportation costs,” he added. “In addition, the volatility of the tariffs [has] severely impacted the rates and capacity available in both the ocean and the domestic freight networks.” WATCH: Former OpenAI exec says tariffs ‘present AI’s moment to shine’ Source link #Companies #turn #navigate #Trump #tariff #turbulence Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

Canada's New Leverage With Trump: Golden Dome – Newser Canada's New Leverage With Trump: Golden Dome – Newser Canada’s New Leverage With Trump: Golden Dome NewserBad news for Trump’s Golden Dome: He can’t build it without Canada PoliticoThe plan to protect America by shooting down missiles mid-air The EconomistGolden Dome: An aerospace engineer explains the proposed nationwide missile defense system The ConversationTrump’s Golden Dome plan could launch new era of weapons in space Reuters Source link #Canada039s #Leverage #Trump #Golden #Dome #Newser Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Space Marine 2 Won’t Have 4-Player Co-Op Because It Makes the Game “Too Easy” Space Marine 2 Won’t Have 4-Player Co-Op Because It Makes the Game “Too Easy” Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 is about to get even crazier with the upcoming launch of the very much requested Siege Mode. It’s the Horde mode that was promised to us at launch, and it’s finally coming in June. With the new announcement, we’ve also gotten an answer to one of the most asked questions. Why can’t players team up in groups of four? Wouldn’t it make sense in a horde mode? But despite this, developer Saber Interactive has confirmed it will not be increasing the co-op limit beyond three players. According to Chief Creative Officer Tim Willits, doing so would make the game too easy. And we don’t want that, do we? Space Marine 2 will stick to 3-player teams for co-op Set to launch on June 26, 2025, Patch 8 finally gives us Siege, an endless horde-style mode in which we must defend an Imperial fortress on the planet Kadaku from waves of Tyranid and Chaos forces. While Siege is the game’s most ambitious post-launch addition so far, it is still limited to the three-player co-op restriction found in the original Operations missions. In a recent interview with IGN, Tim Willits, Chief Creative Officer at Saber Interactive, explained the studio’s commitment to the three-player co-op structure. He explained that adding a fourth player during PvE missions, including Siege Mode, made the entire thing feel too easy, and that the changes needed to improve it weren’t worth it. As we’ve mentioned in a past interview, sticking to three players for PvE game modes (including Siege Mode) has to do with the challenge we’re able to provide, and specifically, the enemies we’re able to throw at you and your friends. Having four Space Marines together for a PvE mission simply made it too easy, and scaling enemy assaults to justify bringing a fourth player was too great of a challenge. If this is a disappointment to you, worry not, because there’s a way for you to play with more people. Earlier this month, a modder known as Warhammer Workshop (Tom) released a crazy 12-player co-op mod. And the best part is that the developers have completely supported the modding community in the hope that it makes the game last long like Skyrim. The game continues to charge ahead with updates The new Siege mode is gonna be so crazy. | Image Credit: Saber Interactive Willits acknowledged the work of modders but clarified that the studio has no plans to officially expand co-op beyond three players. “We don’t have such plans at this time,” he stated. This officially shuts the door for official large-party co-op, but it leaves room for the modding scene to experiment further #SpaceMarine2‘s Siege Mode got announced yesterday!! We’re happy to see your enthusiasm and we can’t wait to tell you more about it, keep an eye out for the May Community Update PS: Brother Valtus keeps asking where the traitors are he seems excited to join your squad pic.twitter.com/urF0E8Uo11 — Focus Entertainment (@Focus_entmt) May 23, 2025 Patch 8, launching alongside Siege Mode on June 26, also brings cosmetic DLC for the White Scars and Blood Angels chapters, each adding new skins and cosmetics for various classes and weapons. While this content is locked behind the Ultra Edition, Gold Edition, or Season Pass, Siege Mode itself will be free to all players on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S. Still, the future remains bright for Space Marine 2. Willits confirmed that post-Year 1 content is already in development, including new missions, weapons, and an entirely new class that will be revealed in the coming weeks. While the three-player cap isn’t going away, we can expect even more content in the coming days. Saber Interactive has put a lot into making Space Marine 2 a good live-service game since its launch. What do you think of the upcoming Siege mode? Will you be playing it? Let us know your thoughts! Source link #Space #Marine #Wont #4Player #CoOp #Game #Easy Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Jack Hutchinson’s journey from country football star to key cog in Waalitj Marawar’s (West Coast’s) future Jack Hutchinson’s journey from country football star to key cog in Waalitj Marawar’s (West Coast’s) future Less than two years ago Jack Hutchinson was a high-flying Victorian country football star and finishing his carpentry apprenticeship. Source link #Jack #Hutchinsons #journey #country #football #star #key #cog #Waalitj #Marawars #West #Coasts #future Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

University of Kansas breaks ground on new ******* center University of Kansas breaks ground on new ******* center KANSAS CITY, Kan. – The University of Kansas broke ground on a new ******* center Friday, May 23. They hope it will revolutionize ******* care and research as we know it and be a beacon of hope for ******* patients and their families. “This building is an incredible milestone in our journey to be one of the best ******* centers in the country, if not the world,” University of Kansas ******* Center Director Dr. Roy Jensen said. Former Aspen Place residents make new allegations in lawsuit against ownership The University of Kansas’s ******* center became NCI-designated in 2012, and in 2022 became a comprehensive ******* center. But everyone involved in Friday’s groundbreaking said they’ve long dreamed of today, a building putting researchers and patient care side-by-side into one complex for the first time. “When you’ve been given a terminal diagnosis, you want to be next to the people who are asking the question, ‘Have you ever thought about this?’ so they can translate to them, ‘Let’s try this,’” Dr. Steven Stites, University of Kansas Health System Medical Director, said. The new center will be partially funded with $69 million secured by Kansas Senator Jerry Moran, the largest gift in University History, $125 million in total from the Sunderland Foundation and $75 million from the state of Kansas. The Hall Family Foundation also donated $25 million and community supporters provided the final match of $25 million. “It’s been a long long haul we’ve gone through all of that with them and now we are here because of bipartisan support in the Kansas legislature breaking ground on a phenomenal facility that’s going to bring research and clinicians together to provide the very best in ******* care to people of this region,” Kansas Governor Laura Kelly said. The work inside the new building will focus on cellular therapy, using the body’s own cells to fight *******. Seven therapies have already been FDA approved, and they hope hundreds more are ahead. Tributes continue for Sarah Milgrim after antisemitic shooting in D.C. “You are truly helping turn research into results and patients into survivors,” non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma stage four ******* survivor Cici Rojas said. While a cure for ******* eludes researchers, mortality is down 34% since 1991. “All recovery from this dreaded disease starts with the power of hope. Today we celebrate hope,” Senator Moran said. Last year, the ******* center treated patients from 45 states and several countries. The new facility will be located on the 39th Street and Rainbow Boulevard campus in Kansas City, Kansas. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 4 Kansas City WDAF-TV | News, Weather, Sports. Source link #University #Kansas #breaks #ground #******* #center Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

This Beautiful BMW Wagon Is Actually Going Into Production – Motor1.com This Beautiful BMW Wagon Is Actually Going Into Production – Motor1.com This Beautiful BMW Wagon Is Actually Going Into Production Motor1.comView Photos of the BMW Concept Speedtop Car and DriverThe BMW Concept Speedtop Is a Gorgeous Shooting Brake. It’s Also Forbidden Fruit for Americans Road & TrackThe stunning new BMW Speedtop is a £500k V8 shooting brake spun off an M8 Top GearBMW Speedtop Stuns In Exclusive Photos BMW BLOG Source link #Beautiful #BMW #Wagon #Production #Motor1.com Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

The designer & artist behind Air New Zealand’s new uniforms The designer & artist behind Air New Zealand’s new uniforms Air New Zealand has turned to a local designer and artist for its new uniforms. Marking the airline’s 85th year of flying to Australia, they pay homage to the Maori culture of New Zealand (Aotearoa). A spokesperson for the airline says: “The collection embodies the airline’s profound sense of pride in Aotearoa, and strong cultural heritage. The bold print, colour and exquisite design showcase the very best of Aotearoa to the world.” Designed by globally famous Emilia Wickstead, the fabrics have bespoke handpainted prints from Ta Moko artist Te Rangitu Netana. It’s 14 years since there was a change of the uniforms worn by 6000 Air New Zealanders around the world. The spokesperson says: “Our uniforms have always been a core part of Air New Zealand’s identity. They’re worn with immense pride.” Camera IconEmilia Wickstead and Te Rangitu Netana. Credit: SuppliedEMILIA & TE RANGITU For those who follow fashion, the collection is “recognisably Emilia”. More than just uniforms, the collection embodies New Zealand-born Emilia Wickstead’s aesthetic of sophistication and playfulness. And her work with Maori artist Te Rangitu Netana carries strong tradition. The Fine Print dress shows her craft, in using an intricate and meaningful print. The Collective Thread shirt is highly versatile. The Ie Faitaga being trialled by Pacific team members is a manifestation of a commitment to inclusivity. New designs for pilots include a bold pinstriped suit with a Kiwi feather lining. Camera IconEmilia Wickstead. Credit: Supplied Emilia says it has been a passion project — one she has dreamed of working on. She explains: “Designing the Air New Zealand uniform has been an incredibly personal project for me. At the heart of it was a deep respect for the heritage and the unique identity of New Zealand’s people and land. It was essential to me that this uniform tells a meaningful story about Aotearoa. “I wanted to create a uniform that empowers individuals and inspires pride in all who wear it and see it. For me, good design should always evoke a sense of pride and occasion, and I believe this uniform will do just that.” As part of this collaboration, Te Rangitu Netana’s meticulously hand-drawn prints bring narratives to life. His work blends traditional tattooing with storytelling — perfect for fabric prints. Each print is hand-drawn by Te Rangitu, reflecting landscapes, wildlife and culture of Aotearoa. He explains: “Each print is a story, deeply rooted in the traditions and values of Aotearoa. “The patterns on this uniform are a reflection of the land, the sea, and the connections that bind us all as Kiwi. “As a Maori artist on the world stage, I feel a deep responsibility in ensuring our culture is represented in a way that is authentic and meaningful. “I’m proud that these designs have found a place in Air New Zealand’s uniform, bringing te ao Maori to designs that show up all over the world.” Camera IconBlouse and skirt. Credit: SuppliedPATTERNS & STYLES + Patterns based on the feathers of the huia — an extinct species of New Zealand wattlebird, which was endemic to the North Island and last seen in 1907. + Some feature purapura whetu — a Maori phrase for “star dust”, referring to a simple, cross-stitch pattern used in tukutuku (weaving) art. + It includes the introduction of the ie faitaga — a long, rectangular cloth wrapped around the waist as a skirt or kilt. This is a traditional, formal “lavalava”. + And there are Matariki constellation motifs. In Maori culture, Matariki is the Pleiades star cluster. The rising of this constellation in late June or early July marks the beginning of the Maori lunar calendar’s new year. Camera IconPilot uniform. Credit: SuppliedKEY PIECES + The Fine Print A dress of high quality craftsmanship, with a tui knot neckline, And iconic kowhai print, inspired by Maori heritage and the story of Ngatoro-i-Rangi, symbolising protection, responsibility and belonging. There’s the belief that Ngatoro-i-Rangi, who is honoured for his magical abilities and navigational skill, guided two tribes to the Taupo area in New Zealand. + The Collective Thread A versatile shirt, of inclusive design with bold prints and a tui knot neckline. It will be worn by any crew or ground staff member. + The Wrap Around A sleek trench coat created in “suit style” violet pinstripe. The makers are proud of both its craftsmanship and comfort. + The Woven One This is a cultural garment — an Ie Faitaga. It is worn like a kilt and will be trialled by Pacific people. + The Runway Cut This waistcoat is for male crew members and ground staff cloaking, with the designer trying to give the wearer an aura of authority. Camera IconThe Collective Thread, shirt. Credit: SuppliedCamera IconThe Fine Print, dress. Credit: SuppliedCamera IconThe Woven One – Ie Faitaga. Credit: SuppliedCamera IconWaistcoat and kaka feather print. Credit: SuppliedCamera IconShirt for cabin crew and ground staff with Purapura Whetū print. Credit: SuppliedCamera IconEmilia Wickstead. Credit: Supplied Source link #designer #artist #Air #Zealands #uniforms Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

******** Spacecraft Accused of Dumping Experimental Fuel in Streak Seen Across American Sky ******** Spacecraft Accused of Dumping Experimental Fuel in Streak Seen Across American Sky Across the American West, a massive glowing streak appeared in the skies last weekend — and an experimental rocket fuel seems to have been its source. As Live Science reports, the spectacular light show was almost certainly the result of spent fuel from ZhuQue-2E, a rocket from the ******** startup Landspace that used a methane-based fuel known “methalox” as its upper stage burned. Launched on May 17, the rocket took off from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwest China. On the other side of the Pacific Ocean, a mega-bright streak was seen over at least seven American states — Colorado, Idaho, Missouri, Nebraska, New Mexico, Utah, and Washington — and skywatchers online began speculating about what could have caused it. Around that same time, the Space Weather blog noted that the radiant tails were likely from the ******** rocket. Harvard astrophysicist Jonathan McDowell later confirmed, per his own measurements, that the source of the “unusual luminous cloud” seen out west was from a ZhuQue-2E “fuel dump at the upper stage.” As footage from the incredible spectacle shows, the massively bright streak lit up the entire night sky, which in some areas was already illuminated by auroras from a geomagnetic storm that just so happened to have occurred at the same time. Soon after the rocket made it to space, skywatchers began posting amazing footage of the mega-bright glowing streak — and as SpaceWeather noted at the time, those radiant streaks also took place during an aurora, which was caused by a geomagnetic storm that happened at the time same time. In the so-called “Methane Race to Orbit,” Landspace scored a massive goal for its home country back in 2023, when it became the first company to successfully launch a rocket — another ZhuQue-2E, and its second such attempt — using methalox. In subsequent years, the American companies United Launch Alliance and Blue Origin became the second and third to launch spacecraft into orbit using the methane-based fuel, which is lauded by experts as far cleaner than the standard RP-1 kerosene that produces carbon dioxide when burned. In a prior interview with SpaceNews, rocket propulsion expert Filippo Maggi explained that although methane is, like CO2, also a greenhouse gas, it burns cleaner than RP-1 — and provides more energy, too. “If you produce a good propulsion unit, the efficiency of that unit can be as high as 99.5 percent,” Maggi told the site back in 2021. “That means that the residues of methane would be basically zero. You might have some carbon monoxide released instead of carbon dioxide. But that would be very little.” More on China’s space case: Mysterious Bacteria Not Found on Earth Are Growing on China’s Space Station Source link #******** #Spacecraft #Accused #Dumping #Experimental #Fuel #Streak #American #Sky Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

Emotions were on full display during final episode of ESPN’s ‘Around the *****’ – New York Post Emotions were on full display during final episode of ESPN’s ‘Around the *****’ – New York Post Emotions were on full display during final episode of ESPN’s ‘Around the *****’ New York PostConfessions of ESPN’s worst ‘Around the *****’ participant of all time – The Athletic The New York TimesAfter ESPN’s ‘Around the *****’ finale, Woody Paige shares ‘face time’ with Denver7 YahooWhat’s next for ESPN’s Tony Reali after ‘Around The *****?’: ‘More smiles to come’ USA TodayTim Cowlishaw goes ‘Around the *****’ one final time as beloved ESPN studio show signs off Dallas News Source link #Emotions #full #display #final #episode #ESPNs #***** #York #Post Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]