Pelican Press

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]

Milestone man Greene lights up as Giants flex muscles Milestone man Greene lights up as Giants flex muscles GWS skipper Toby Greene produced a hot start in his AFL milestone game and was one of the Giants’ best in their important away win over Carlton. Source link #Milestone #man #Greene #lights #Giants #flex #muscles Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

T.J. Maxx and Marshalls can ‘insulate’ themselves from tariffs because their business model is scooping up other retailers’ unsold inventory T.J. Maxx and Marshalls can ‘insulate’ themselves from tariffs because their business model is scooping up other retailers’ unsold inventory T.J. Maxx and Marshalls parent company TJX has an advantage over its discount retail rivals, analysts said. TJX is an off-price retailer that sources much of its inventory from other retailers’ unsold products, meaning it doesn’t have to pay tariffs on the bulk of its goods. Moreover, consumers continue to pull back on discretionary goods from other retailers. Off-price retailers like T.J. Maxx are staying strong amid tariff concerns and economic uncertainty thanks in part to their ability to nab inventory from other retailers’ unsold products—after the initial buyer already paid import taxes on them. TJX, the parent company of T.J. Maxx, HomeGoods, and Marshalls, reported better-than-expected first-quarter earnings Wednesday, posting $13.11 billion in net sales for the quarter, compared to the estimated $13.01 billion, according to data compiled by LSEG. TJX’s share price was down about 3% as of Wednesday afternoon after CEO Ernie Herrman warned the company was “not immune to tariff pressure.” “The availability of merchandise we are seeing is outstanding, and we are in a great position to take advantage of the plentiful opportunities that the marketplace is offering,” Herrman said in a call with investors on Wednesday. “We are confident in our ability to navigate the current tariff and macro environment in the short term.” Off-price retailers are able to keep prices low by keeping an inventory of unsold items from other retailers, as well as brokering deals directly with manufacturers for brand name products in bulk. While logistics experts and economists warned of empty shelves as a result of tariffs causing companies to cut back on imports, Herrman shrugged off inventory concerns. The company reported a 7% increase in inventory per store. “This is a typical remark, but is important at a time when investors are worried about empty shelves,” Bank of America analyst Lorraine Hutchinson said in a note to investors on Wednesday. Bank of America predicted earlier this month that off-price retailers would be able to use the strategy of sourcing unwanted inventory from other retailers to “insulate” themselves from tariffs. “​​The theory is that inventory would have already been [subject to] the tariffs [absorbed] by the original purchaser,” Brian Mulberry, client portfolio manager at Zacks Investment Management, told Fortune. “Therefore, the discount retailers don’t pass on this, or they don’t experience the same level of tariffs.” TJX sources about 60% of its products from other retailers, and about 40% from deals with manufacturers, Mulberry said. While the 40% of inventory bought directly from manufacturers are subject to tariffs, those products, often brand-name goods, have high appeal to consumers who may be otherwise skimping on discretionary purchases to save money. Story Continues “If there is some type of pressure on the U.S. consumer that makes them a little bit more cost-conscious, the discounts that they’re getting at TJX is speaking to the wallet, if you will, of the consumer,” Mulberry said. Herrman said he was confident that stores, particularly HomeGoods, will continue to be well stocked even as tariffs on China hover at 30% because TJX relies on about 21,000 vendors across 100 countries. “Our merchants deal with negotiating with the vendor, who’s in negotiations, really, with their factories in China,” he said. “I think the availability will be fine. There’s so many vendors that we deal with…I don’t really get concerned about empty shelves.” TJX’s well-stocked shelves and discount prices have given it a leg up over other discount retailers, Mulberry said. Target, which continues to post dismal earnings, has struggled to move inventory since the pandemic. While not always known as a discount store, it has had to slash prices on many of its goods in order to move them. Still, Target’s ticket size, or how much shoppers spent per transaction, decreased this quarter. Target did not immediately respond to Fortune’s request for comment. Because TJX maintained its fiscal 2026 guidance of a 2% to 3% increase in comparable sales, UBS analyst Jay Sole posited the company would also have the edge on full-price rivals. “Our view is TJX will take major market share from Department Store peers over the next few years,” Sole said in a Wednesday note. This story was originally featured on Fortune.com Source link #T.J #Maxx #Marshalls #insulate #tariffs #business #model #scooping #retailers #unsold #inventory Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

SEC Baseball Tournament 2025 Friday Scores, Updated Bracket and Schedule – Bleacher Report SEC Baseball Tournament 2025 Friday Scores, Updated Bracket and Schedule – Bleacher Report SEC Baseball Tournament 2025 Friday Scores, Updated Bracket and Schedule Bleacher ReportThe gauntlet of the SEC baseball tournament and what to know going in ESPNTennessee over Texas is a tall tale but every word is true Southeastern Conference2025 SEC baseball tournament: Bracket, schedule, scores NCAA.comSEC Baseball Tournament: Bring your ace to work Wednesday in Hoover Saturday Down South Source link #SEC #Baseball #Tournament #Friday #Scores #Updated #Bracket #Schedule #Bleacher #Report Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Food banks ‘picking up the slack’ for the government Food banks ‘picking up the slack’ for the government Catherine Doyle BBC News NI Deirdre Deirdre, from west Belfast, says food banks are “picking up the slack” for the government A single mother, from west Belfast, has said she doesn’t know how her “children would have been fed” without food banks. It comes after the anti-poverty charity Trussell Trust released annual figures showing a 71% increase in the number of emergency food parcels distributed in Northern Ireland in the past year compared to five years ago. The figures show that more than 77,000 parcels were provided by food banks to people “facing hunger” in Northern Ireland over the past year. The charity says it’s equivalent to “one parcel every seven minutes”. Deirdre, a mother of two, said food banks were “a lifeline” for her. ‘I didn’t know what to do’Getty Images The charity says the figures should be a “wake-up call” for the local and *** governments Deirdre said she had worked since she was 15 and had three jobs to get herself through university, but turned to food banks after “having to come out of my professional job”. “It was very embarrassing,” she said. She used to donate to food banks before having to turn to them for help. “Little did I know that I would ever be in a position where I was going to be one of them people,” she said. “It was at a stage in my life where I didn’t know what to do”. ‘Not surprised’ Deirdre Deirdre says “Nobody knows the situation they’re ever going to face” that might lead to going to a food bank for help The figures from Trussell show “significant” numbers of parents “struggling to afford the essentials”. There has been a 68% rise in families with children needing emergency food, since 2019/20, and a 47% rise in parcels to support children under the age of five. The charity said many food banks are reporting “severe levels of hardship”, with some parents rationing their own food to feed their children. While the organisation has seen a decrease in the total number of emergency food parcels distributed compared to the previous year, they said “the need for emergency food is still persistently high”. Deirdre said people don’t realise that “the working poor are still in need of food banks”. “Nobody knows the situation they’re ever going to face. “Nobody knows whether or not you’re going to lose a job. Nobody knows whether or not your mental health might change. Nobody knows what got you to the stage where you are going to have to avail of a food bank.” Deirdre added that she’s “really not surprised” by the number of people relying on food banks and called on the policy makers to do something. She said there should not be a “need for food banks” adding that charities are “picking up the slack” for the government. “All these decisions that people are making about cuts… are being made by people who have not experienced what we have experienced,” she said. Deidre added: “I don’t know how my children would have been fed” without food banks. “I was too embarrassed to go to relatives.” Without this help, Deirdre said: “I probably would have made sure they were okay and I wasn’t.” “That’s the stark reality of the society that we live in today.” ‘Massive wake-up call’Getty Images Fiona Cole, from Trussell, says “A whole generation has now grown up in a country where sustained high levels of food bank need feels like the norm” Fiona Cole, policy manager in Northern Ireland at Trussell, said: “A whole generation has now grown up in a country where sustained high levels of food bank need feels like the norm. “This should be a massive wake-up call to government.” “We urgently need the Northern Ireland Executive to deliver on the original ambition for an anti-poverty strategy.” She added: “The Westminster government will fail to improve living standards unless it rows back on its harmful policy choices on disability benefits, support for children, and housing support.” ‘It’s not right’Getty Images Local food bank manager Ken Scott says “food donations are not keeping up with the level of need we are seeing” Ken Scott, manager of Bangor Foodbank and Community Support, said: “Our food bank is seeing far too many people who are forced to need our help. “Food donations are not keeping up with the level of need we are seeing, and this is putting us under a lot of strain. “It’s not right that anyone should be forced to turn to charity for emergency food,” he added. Trussell The Trussell Trust says many food banks are reporting “severe levels of hardship” Deirdre said the reason people are going to food banks is “not because we mismanage money. It’s not because we can’t budget. It’s because there isn’t enough to budget.” “Universal Credit is not enough to live on.” Source link #Food #banks #picking #slack #government Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Eel’s NRL debut famous from here to Hawaii Eel’s NRL debut famous from here to Hawaii Joash Papalii’s dream NRL debut will quite literally be celebrated all around the world – and the Parramatta youngster can thank his mum. Around 150 friends and family members attended CommBank Stadium on Friday night to witness Eels winger Papalii writing the first chapter of his NRL story. The 20-year-old Canterbury junior starred in the Eels’ 30-10 upset defeat of Manly after coming on for the concussed Will Penisini less than 90 seconds into the game. Playing on the right, Papalii collected a skidding Dean Hawkins kick and set up a try finding Jordan Samrani on his outside, before gathering a looping Hawkins pass for a four-pointer of his own. Papalii’s debut was fitting reward for patience; he’d been Jason Ryles’ replacement player in all but one of Parramatta’s games since round two. “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 said at fulltime. After biding his time, Papalii became emotional when Ryles told him on Monday that he would be making his first NRL appearance on Friday night. “He just told me straight, ‘You’ll be debuting this week’, and in my mind I was like, ‘Are you joking?'” Papalii said. “I was about to cry, I try to hold my tears, but when he said it, it was a relief. I didn’t expect it. I didn’t expect it this week.” For those who couldn’t be there in person, Papalii’s mother Margaret will make her way to the post office on Monday and post some 90 Papalii T-shirts and jumpers. Some will end up with loved ones as far and wide as New Zealand, Indonesia, Hawaii and the US mainland. “We got made 200 in total, not including the T-shirts that people ordered from overseas, so there’s a backlog batch that we’re going to send over on Monday,” Margaret said. For Papalii, sharing his debut with his mother and father was the highlight of a very special evening. “That’s all I wanted to do, is give back to them, my dad and mum, and all the sacrifices they’ve given me throughout my life,” Papalii said. “All the trainings, all the drives, even they would take off work to take me (to footy), and I just wanted to give back and make them proud.” Source link #Eels #NRL #debut #famous #Hawaii Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

General Motors makes surprising announcement about the price of its electric vehicles: ‘We feel good’ General Motors makes surprising announcement about the price of its electric vehicles: ‘We feel good’ Inside EVs reported that General Motors is not planning to raise prices due to the current administration’s tariff policies. “We now expect pricing to be relatively consistent for the remainder of the year.” GM CFO Paul Jacobson stated, according to the report. This announcement is surprising. Several of GM’s EVs are assembled in Mexico, so the company is bracing for a huge cost impact in the billions of dollars. However, according to the Inside EVs report, GM is currently planning to hold steady on consumer pricing through the rest of the year. The article cites that the Equinox EV is currently the most affordable EV in the U.S. and that GM credits its Mexico build location for keeping costs so low. The low price, coupled with the vehicle’s 300-plus mile range, has made Chevrolet the fastest-growing EV brand in the country. GM said it is expecting a $4 billion to $5 billion impact based on the current tariff policy, affecting imports from Korea, Mexico, and Canada. It plans to offset some of the costs with “self-help initiatives” and increased U.S. production of battery components, according to the report. Switching from a gas-powered vehicle to an EV has environmental and financial benefits. EVs do not produce air pollution that contributes to the warming of the planet, so it is a more eco-friendly transportation choice. EV owners can say goodbye to rising, fluctuating gas prices, saving money over time. Some EV skeptics cite the negative environmental effects that are a result of the pollution created during the battery manufacturing and charging process. While there is an environmental impact, the process is getting cleaner over time and has minimal negative effects in comparison to the 16.5 billion tons of fuel required for powering traditional gas vehicles. Roughly 30 million tons of minerals are dug up annually for the more affordable energy transition to EVs, and these minerals can often be reused, further reducing the environmental impact. Jacobson is confident that GM’s wide EV lineup – from the $35,000 Equinox EV to the $130,000 Cadillac Escalade IQ – will help the company maintain pricing. “We feel good about where pricing is versus where we started the year, so we’ve assumed things remain constant from here,” Jacobson said, according to Inside EVs. Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don’t miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet. Source link #General #Motors #surprising #announcement #price #electric #vehicles #feel #good Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Stephen A. Smith Incensed After Knicks Fall Down 2-0 in Eastern Conference Finals – Sports Illustrated Stephen A. Smith Incensed After Knicks Fall Down 2-0 in Eastern Conference Finals – Sports Illustrated Stephen A. Smith Incensed After Knicks Fall Down 2-0 in Eastern Conference Finals Sports IllustratedPacers hold off late charge, put Knicks in 2-0 hole ESPNDoyel: Pacers are two wins at home from NBA Finals? Not to get ahead of ourselves, but… IndyStarAfter Game 1 collapse, Knicks once again must prove they were made for this moment The New York TimesHow the Pacers pulled off a comeback never seen before in NBA history NBC News Source link #Stephen #Smith #Incensed #Knicks #Fall #Eastern #Conference #Finals #Sports #Illustrated Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Trent Alexander-Arnold: The relationship between local players & fans Trent Alexander-Arnold: The relationship between local players & fans Speaking in 2022, Dunk, now 33, said he wanted to remain “a one-club man” at Amex Stadium. “I was born here, my childhood was here, I’ve played for and captained the club… to do it in your home town, not many people get to do that,” he explained., external But Dunk is not your typical footballer. The idea of playing for the club you support – and spending your entire professional career with them – may be the stuff of dreams for fans, but it doesn’t often quite work out like that for players. “It’s sometimes really hard for supporters – you feel like they fall for it every time. ‘This player really loves us’… and then they move on,” former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher said on Sky Sports. “Players don’t think like supporters. “He [Alexander-Arnold] will lose something that he’s got right now in terms of the Liverpool fans. “Some people will say playing for Real Madrid… that price isn’t worth paying. While others will say you’ve got to play for Real Madrid, they’re the biggest club in the world. “That is something he’s sacrificed. That’s his decision.” And then there are the downsides to being a local player. Chris Sutton was a Premier League winner with Blackburn Rovers in 1994-95 – but his first taste of professional football was with Norwich. The former striker was born in Nottingham but his family moved to Norfolk when he was a couple of years old, so for him it was his hometown club. “Is there a difference when you are playing for your local club? Yes, because you have this attachment to the club, your family and the area. You are playing for them all,” he told BBC Sport. “From the outside, people always think how great it is when someone has come through and is playing for his boyhood club, but in many ways there is greater pressure than when you have moved somewhere. “You don’t always get more patience from fans just because you are a local lad, but that is a consequence of the environment and the expectations at clubs. A lot of the time now, fans expect immediate success from these players coming through. They want them to be the finished article. “A few years ago, I did think you maybe got a longer opportunity to prove yourself as a young player. I think now, though, we’re in an age of instant judgement.” Source link #Trent #AlexanderArnold #relationship #local #players #fans Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]