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Analysts Are Bullish on These 3 Laser Tech Companies Analysts Are Bullish on These 3 Laser Tech Companies Lasers are an often-overlooked technology with a broad array of applications in medicine, industrial settings, electronics, and more. The global market for laser technology is small but growing rapidly; valued at about $24 billion in 2024, it is expected to climb at a compound annual growth rate of 8% over a five-year ******* to reach close to $30 billion by 2029. A number of under-the-radar laser tech firms may be poised to capture a portion of this growth. Companies like nLIGHT Inc (NASDAQ:)., Coherent (NYSE:) Corp., and Cognex Corp (NASDAQ:). utilize lasers in different ways, but one thing they have in common is a stamp of approval by Wall Street analysts. Below we explore why each of these firms may be worthy of investor consideration. 1. Aerospace and Defense Drive nLIGHT Revenue Gains nLIGHT develops semiconductor and fiber lasers and sensors for industrial, aerospace, and defense applications, among others. Electronic components companies like nLIGHT are highly susceptible to tariffs, but the company has managed to emerge from the first quarter of the year not only unscathed, but in a dominant position. Revenues for the first quarter of the year climbed by 16% year-over-year (YOY) to nearly $52 million, beating analyst predictions by a solid margin. Gross margin of 26.7% was also up sharply from 16.8% in the prior-year quarter. Net losses of $8.1 million represent an improvement of more than 41% over last year’s figure at this time as well. Driving nLIGHT’s recent success has been its aerospace and defense operations, which the company foresees growing by at least 25% this year. The company expects this to drive continued revenue growth into the second quarter, with a range of $53 million to $59 million forecast. A sense of optimism has emerged across the Street, with all five analysts rating LASR shares, assigning a Buy rating. The stock has a consensus price target of $14.90, leaving additional room for growth in the near term. 2. Lasers Remain a Focus of Coherent as Data Center Business Drives Growth Coherent builds a wide range of lasers, optoelectronic components, and related devices for use in industrial, communications, and electronics settings. Like nLIGHT, Coherent has also demonstrated its potential through better-than-expected earnings. Its third-quarter fiscal 2025 earnings, for the ******* ended March 31, included a 24% YOY improvement in revenue and a gross margin improvement of 491 basis points to 35.2%. While Coherent’s data center business has primarily driven growth, its new slate of optical networking technologies ensures that its laser business remains a critical component of its operations. Coherent’s market cap of $12.3 billion makes it one of the largest laser companies in the world, so investors may be encouraged to see that this part of its business is still central despite the rapid growth of the data center market. Coherent is also likely insulated from some of the damage from tariffs due to its vertical integration of materials, a benefit afforded to it because of its size and scope. The company also enjoys solid market share across multiple business lines. At the same time, shares have dropped in value by more than 18% year-to-date (YTD), bringing Coherent’s price-to-sales ratio down to just 2.21 and attracting attention from value investors. COHR shares are favorites of Wall Street analysts based on 14 Buy ratings and two Holds. The stock’s consensus price target is $102.80, more than a quarter above current levels. 3. Near-Term Challenges for Cognex, But a Solid Product Lineup Points to Long-Term Success Cognex’s machine vision products are designed to automate manufacturing and distribution operations across multiple industries. The company also topped analyst revenue predictions for the most recent quarter, though sales growth of 2.5% YOY is not as impressive as the firms above. Importantly, though, Cognex is profitable, with adjusted EPS of 16 cents per share representing 41% YOY improvement. One of Cognex’s most important products is its In-Sight 8900 smart camera, built to use AI to improve manufacturing automation. Still, despite a strong product line-up, the company is cautious going forward. Headwinds in automotive and consumer electronics, two key partner industries, threaten to dampen performance. Further, tariff uncertainty could continue to threaten demand, and the company is in the midst of a CEO transition. Still, investors with a longer view may see long-term potential in CGNX shares, as seven analysts providing a Buy rating would agree. Based on a consensus price target of $39.17, CGNX stock may have upside potential of nearly 29%. What’s more, analysts considered the most recent earnings report when boosting their overall estimates for revenue for nLIGHT this year. Original Post Source link #Analysts #Bullish #Laser #Tech #Companies Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

Pole dance show at historical Palace of Corfu; authorities file lawsuit (video) Pole dance show at historical Palace of Corfu; authorities file lawsuit (video) Young women in underwear swaying on a pole and smile on the camera. Other “models” are waiting in line for their turn: pole dance, smile and camera click! click! for picture in underwear. The show is staged not in a bar or a private facility but at the historical Old Palace of Corfu. With the Arch of the old Palace of Corfu, standing on a pole as if they were pole dancing and being photographed. Local authorities threaten the organizers of the show with lawsuits and the Culture Ministry disclaims any responsibility. Nobody would have been aware of the show in the Palace section housing the Municipal Gallery of Corfu, next to the Museum of Asian Art, if a video was not uploaded on social media. Video The show took place in the early morning hours of Friday, May 23, and it looks as if the “organizers” of the spectacle set up their equipment undisturbed, while a crowd of people was cheering and having fan in the center of the old town of Corfu. Who gave permission for this apparently commercial show? Did anyone requested for permission, at all? The Municipality of Corfu and the Museum of Asian Art are the competent services for the Old Palaces in Corfu, the Culture Ministry said in a statement on the scandal on Friday. The Ministry described as “********” what happened at the site of the Old Palaces of Corfu and stated that the competent services, namely the Municipality of Corfu and the Museum of Asian Art of Corfu, should file a lawsuit against anyone responsible for the incident. “This was done arbitrarily, it is offensive to the place,” Deputy Mayor in charge of Culture at the Municipality of Corfu, Konstantinos Vousolinos, told media. “We will file a lawsuit. Wasn’t there a single citizen to pick up the phone? The Municipality doesn’t have a night guard at this point. The area belongs to the Ministry of Culture. Obviously the guard who is inside the Museum of Asian Art didn’t notice,” Vousolinos said speaking to SKAI TV. He stressed that neither a permit for the show was requested nor was it given. He added that it remained unclear whether the photo shooting was part of a commercial production or organized by a group of tourists, “who appeared to be foreign,” as he noted. He said that the show lasted about an hour and attracted a crowd of onlookers due to its proximity to a popular nightlife district. This incident caused a lot of reactions, as the old town of Corfu is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The building in question was built in 1819. The Palace of Saint Michael and Saint George, a 19th-century neoclassical building, was commissioned by Sir Thomas Maitland, the first British Lord High Commissioner of the Ionian Islands, served as his official residence and is one of the island’s most prominent landmarks. After the famous Adidas sports shoe stepping on the Acropolis a week ago and the ******** “Greenhouse monster” outside the Ancient Stadium for Coca Cola in March… …who would wonder about the ***** & pole show in the Arch of a historical palace in Corfu? Both my two kitties wonder: what’s next? Source link #Pole #dance #show #historical #Palace #Corfu #authorities #file #lawsuit #video Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Pole dance show at historical Palace of Corfu; authorities file lawsuit (video) Pole dance show at historical Palace of Corfu; authorities file lawsuit (video) Young women in underwear swaying on a pole and smile on the camera. Other “models” are waiting in line for their turn: pole dance, smile and camera click! click! for picture in underwear. The show is staged not in a bar or a private facility but at the historical Old Palace of Corfu. With the Arch of the old Palace of Corfu, standing on a pole as if they were pole dancing and being photographed. Local authorities threaten the organizers of the show with lawsuits and the Culture Ministry disclaims any responsibility. Nobody would have been aware of the show in the Palace section housing the Municipal Gallery of Corfu, next to the Museum of Asian Art, if a video was not uploaded on social media. Video The show took place in the early morning hours of Friday, May 23, and it looks as if the “organizers” of the spectacle set up their equipment undisturbed, while a crowd of people was cheering and having fan in the center of the old town of Corfu. Who gave permission for this apparently commercial show? Did anyone requested for permission, at all? The Municipality of Corfu and the Museum of Asian Art are the competent services for the Old Palaces in Corfu, the Culture Ministry said in a statement on the scandal on Friday. The Ministry described as “********” what happened at the site of the Old Palaces of Corfu and stated that the competent services, namely the Municipality of Corfu and the Museum of Asian Art of Corfu, should file a lawsuit against anyone responsible for the incident. “This was done arbitrarily, it is offensive to the place,” Deputy Mayor in charge of Culture at the Municipality of Corfu, Konstantinos Vousolinos, told media. “We will file a lawsuit. Wasn’t there a single citizen to pick up the phone? The Municipality doesn’t have a night guard at this point. The area belongs to the Ministry of Culture. Obviously the guard who is inside the Museum of Asian Art didn’t notice,” Vousolinos said speaking to SKAI TV. He stressed that neither a permit for the show was requested nor was it given. He added that it remained unclear whether the photo shooting was part of a commercial production or organized by a group of tourists, “who appeared to be foreign,” as he noted. He said that the show lasted about an hour and attracted a crowd of onlookers due to its proximity to a popular nightlife district. This incident caused a lot of reactions, as the old town of Corfu is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The building in question was built in 1819. The Palace of Saint Michael and Saint George, a 19th-century neoclassical building, was commissioned by Sir Thomas Maitland, the first British Lord High Commissioner of the Ionian Islands, served as his official residence and is one of the island’s most prominent landmarks. After the famous Adidas sports shoe stepping on the Acropolis a week ago and the ******** “Greenhouse monster” outside the Ancient Stadium for Coca Cola in March… …who would wonder about the ***** & pole show in the Arch of a historical palace in Corfu? Both my two kitties wonder: what’s next? Source link #Pole #dance #show #historical #Palace #Corfu #authorities #file #lawsuit #video Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Israeli strikes kill Palestinians protecting Gaza aid trucks, ****** says Israeli strikes kill Palestinians protecting Gaza aid trucks, ****** says By Nidal al-Mughrabi and James Mackenzie CAIRO/JERUSALEM (Reuters) -Israeli airstrikes killed at least six Palestinians guarding aid trucks against looters, ****** officials said on Friday, underlining the problems hindering supplies from reaching hungry people in Gaza following Israel’s 11-week-long blockade. The Israeli military said 107 trucks carrying flour and other foodstuffs as well as medical supplies entered the Gaza Strip from the Kerem Shalom crossing point on Thursday. But getting the supplies to people sheltering in tents and other makeshift accommodation has been fitful. So far, an umbrella network of ************ aid groups said, 119 aid trucks have entered Gaza since Israel eased its blockade on Monday in the face of an international outcry. But distribution has been hampered by looting by groups of men, some of them armed, near the city of Khan Younis, the network said. “They stole food meant for children and families suffering from severe hunger,” the network said in a statement, which also condemned Israeli airstrikes on security teams protecting the trucks. A ****** official said six members of a security team tasked with guarding the shipments were killed. There was no immediate comment from the Israeli military. The aid groups network also said the amount of aid coming into Gaza was still inadequate and only included a narrow range of supplies. It said Israel’s agreement to allow trucks to enter the war-shattered enclave was a “deceptive manoeuvre” to avoid international pressure calling for the lifting of the blockade. ‘DESPERATION’ The U.N. World Food Programme said 15 trucks carrying flour to WFP-supported bakeries had been looted. “Hunger, desperation and anxiety over whether more food aid is coming is contributing to rising insecurity,” WFP said in a statement, calling on Israel to get far greater volumes of food into Gaza faster, more consistently and safely. “As WFP has said previously, two million people are facing extreme hunger and famine without immediate action,” it added. So far, Israel says it has allowed around 300 trucks to enter Gaza, a fraction of the number that aid groups say would be needed to relieve hunger among the population. But many of the trucks have been held up at the Kerem Shalom crossing and not yet reached people in need, and there has been mounting international pressure to get supplies in more quickly. A ******* government spokesperson said the aid was “far too little, too late and too slow,” adding that delivery of supplies had to be increased significantly. The Israeli military said it had conducted more strikes in Gaza overnight, hitting 75 targets, including weapons storage facilities and rocket launchers. ************ medical services said at least 25 people had been killed in the strikes. Israel imposed its blockade on Gaza in early March, accusing ****** of stealing aid intended for civilians, shortly before breaking a two-month-old ceasefire after the two sides deadlocked on terms for extending it. ****** has rejected the accusation and says many of its own fighters have been killed protecting the trucks from looters. Israel launched an air and ground war in Gaza after ****** militants’ cross-border attack on October 7, 2023, which killed some 1,200 people by Israeli tallies and saw 251 hostages abducted into Gaza. The Israeli campaign has since killed more than 53,600 Palestinians, according to Gaza health authorities, and devastated the coastal strip. Aid groups say signs of severe malnutrition are widespread. (Writing by James Mackenzie; editing by Mark Heinrich) Source link #Israeli #strikes #kill #Palestinians #protecting #Gaza #aid #trucks #****** Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Kicking Characters Out of Your Party Can Make Maelle Overpowered Early in Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 Kicking Characters Out of Your Party Can Make Maelle Overpowered Early in Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 In a game packed with party synergy and tactical team compositions, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 pulls a sneaky trick on players who dare to play it safe: it hides raw power behind solitude. One character that thrives in the absence of allies is Maelle, especially when you lean into her Solo Void build. While it might feel counterintuitive to bench your other party members, this setup turns Maelle into an elegant wrecking ball before the game even gets serious. The catch? You’ve got to embrace the silence and the shadow, both literally and figuratively. Maelle embraces the void in Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 In the early game, Maelle can go from solid support to total solo menace if you build her right, and that build starts with embracing her Virtuose Stance, a damage-boosting mode that requires a bit of setup but pays off in big, fiery ways. The centerpiece of the Solo build is the weapon Medalum, which instantly places Maelle into Virtuose Stance at the start of battle. This grants her a massive +200% damage bonus right out of the gate. The weapon, when paired with the right Pictos, like Inverted Affinity, creates devastating synergy. Moreover, it means you don’t need to rely on Swift Stride early on, since Virtuose is active from the first frame of combat. But don’t sleep on this weapon, it’s very easy to miss. To get it, you must play as Maelle during the final round of the Gestral Village Arena in Act 1. Miss that, and your only other shot is much later and requires defeating a tougher opponent, Golgra. After acquiring the weapon, Stendhal becomes your go-to nuke for single target. Despite some nerfs, it’s still one of the most potent skills in the game and scales beautifully with the burst-heavy nature of Virtuose Stance. For AoE, Phantom Strike is a great option. Stack that with Pictos like Inverted Affinity, Immaculate, and Glass Canon. You got yourself a nuke. Just be prepared to dodge or parry if anything survives. And, don’t forget to activate Solo Fighter, which significantly boosts her power when she’s the lone warrior on the field. Yes, you need to kick everyone else out of the party to make Maelle shine. Since you’ll be flying solo and relying on parries, equipping Lumina like Empowering Last Stand, Energizing Parry, and Last Stand Critical (or even Healing Counter for survivability) helps with Maelle’s solo play, AP management, and increases damage potential. Put it all together, and you’ve got a character who can solo entire fights, melt bosses, and look fabulous doing it. Why going solo with Maelle breaks the early game Send your party packing, unleash the void, and erase everything. | Image Credit: Sandfall Interactive Going solo might sound risky in a game like Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, where battles can be brutal and team synergy is usually key. But Solo Void build is not a gimmick, it’s a legitimate way to break the early game wide open and turn what would normally be tough fights into speedruns. By removing your other party members from battle (yes, you can literally deactivate them from the Pause menu), you activate the Solo Fighter Picto and unlock a completely streamlined playstyle. Suddenly, you’re not juggling cooldowns or coordinating turns, you’re focused entirely on maximizing Maelle’s damage. With her weapon, Medalum, which scales with both Agility and Defense, she hits hard while also being able to take hits, a crucial edge when she’s on her own. All of this pushes you to fine-tune her attributes even more, perfect her skill rotation, and push for optimal play. It’s the kind of build that makes you feel clever and powerful at the same time. And once it starts clicking? You’re not just surviving, you’re dominating. Source link #Kicking #Characters #Party #Maelle #Overpowered #Early #Clair #Obscur #Expedition Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Judge blocks Trump administration mass layoffs at many U.S. agencies Judge blocks Trump administration mass layoffs at many U.S. agencies Employees of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) hug each other as they ****** outside the Mary E. Switzer Memorial Building, after it was reported that the Trump administration fired staff at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and at the Food and Drug Administration, as it embarked on its plan to cut 10,000 jobs at HHS, in Washington, D.C., U.S., April 1, 2025. Kevin Lamarque | Reuters A federal judge blocked the Trump administration from sharply cutting jobs and reorganizing the structure of many major federal agencies. The order issued late Thursday granted a preliminary injunction that pauses further reductions in force and “reorganization of the executive branch for the duration of the lawsuit.” “Presidents may set policy priorities for the executive branch, and agency heads may implement them. This much is undisputed,” wrote Judge Susan Illston in her order in U.S. District Court for the District of Northern California. “But Congress creates federal agencies, funds them, and gives them duties that — by statute — they must carry out,” Illston wrote. “Agencies may not conduct large-scale reorganizations and reductions in force in blatant disregard of Congress’s mandates, and a President may not initiate large-scale executive branch reorganization without partnering with Congress.” Ilston’s injunction was issued in response to a lawsuit challenging the effects of a Feb. 11 executive order signed by President Donald Trump, which said it “commences a critical transformation of the Federal bureaucracy.” The order directed heads of federal agencies to prepare for large-scale reductions in force. The suit was filed by a group of unions representing federal workers, as well as advocacy groups, and several cities, states and counties. The Trump administration has already requested that the Supreme Court issue an emergency pause of Illston’s initial temporary restraining order blocking its reorganization efforts. “That far-reaching order bars almost the entire Executive Branch from formulating and implementing plans to reduce the size of the federal workforce, and requires disclosure of sensitive and deliberative agency documents that are presumptively protected by executive privilege,” wrote U.S. Solicitor General John Sauer in the May 16 application to the high court. “Neither Congress nor the Executive Branch has ever intended to make federal bureaucrats ‘a class with lifetime employment, whether there was work for them to do or not,'” Sauer wrote. “This Court should stay the district court’s order.” This is breaking news. Please refresh for updates. Source link #Judge #blocks #Trump #administration #mass #layoffs #U.S #agencies Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Container ship barely misses Norwegian man’s house after running aground – The Washington Post Container ship barely misses Norwegian man’s house after running aground – The Washington Post Container ship barely misses Norwegian man’s house after running aground The Washington PostMan in Norway wakes to find huge container ship in garden BBCMan wakes up to find a giant cargo ship in his yard NBC NewsMan sleeps through massive container ship running aground on his front lawn CNNCargo Ship Crashes Into Man’s Yard After Crewman Fell Asleep, Police Say The New York Times Source link #Container #ship #barely #misses #Norwegian #mans #house #running #aground #Washington #Post Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Switch Online’s Game Boy Collection Adds Four Games, Including A Classic Kirby Title Switch Online’s Game Boy Collection Adds Four Games, Including A Classic Kirby Title Nintendo has revealed four new games coming to Nintendo Switch Online’s Game Boy library today, May 23. They are Kirby Star Stacker, Survival Kids, Gradius: The Interstellar Assault, and The Sword of Hope. Kirby Star Stacker is the highest-profile addition. Originally released by HAL Laboratory in 1997, it is a puzzle game with gameplay similar to Tetris Attack or Pokemon Puzzle League. Players have to match blocks that look like Rick, Coo, and Kine from Kirby’s Dream Land 2. The Super Famicom version of this game came to Nintendo Switch Online in 2023, but now the original release also has a place as part of Nintendo’s subscription service. Survival Kids is another notable inclusion this month because it’s a Konami franchise about to be reimagined for Nintendo Switch 2. The original Survival Kids is a cult classic that tasks players with surviving on a deserted island. If you enjoy modern survival games, they owe a lot to games like Survival Kids that helped trailblaze some of the genre’s mechanics. While the Nintendo Switch 2 version of Survival Kids looks like a lighthearted, cooperative reinterpretation of the series’ formula, it’s nice to have the rare Game Boy original available through Switch Online now. Game Boy enthusiasts will also enjoy the other two games coming to Nintendo Switch Online. Gradius: The Interstellar Assault is a solid Game Boy version of Konami’s classic arcade shoot ’em up. Meanwhile, The Sword of Hope is an ambitious but lesser-known RPG for Nintendo’s handheld console. Kirby Star Stacker, Survival Kids, Gradius: The Interstellar Assault, and The Sword of Hope all now available to play through Nintendo Switch Online. Source link #Switch #Onlines #Game #Boy #Collection #Adds #Games #Including #Classic #Kirby #Title Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

NYT Strands hints and answers for Saturday, May 24 (game #447) NYT Strands hints and answers for Saturday, May 24 (game #447) Looking for a different day? A new NYT Strands puzzle appears at midnight each day for your time zone – which means that some people are always playing ‘today’s game’ while others are playing ‘yesterday’s’. If you’re looking for Friday’s puzzle instead then click here: NYT Strands hints and answers for Friday, May 23 (game #446). Strands is the NYT’s latest word game after the likes of Wordle, Spelling Bee and Connections – and it’s great fun. It can be difficult, though, so read on for my Strands hints. Want more word-based fun? Then check out my NYT Connections today and Quordle today pages for hints and answers for those games, and Marc’s Wordle today page for the original viral word game. SPOILER WARNING: Information about NYT Strands today is below, so don’t read on if you don’t want to know the answers. You may like NYT Strands today (game #447) – hint #1 – today’s theme What is the theme of today’s NYT Strands? • Today’s NYT Strands theme is… Flights of fancy NYT Strands today (game #447) – hint #2 – clue words Play any of these words to unlock the in-game hints system. STOP STOOP POOT CLOP CLAWS COOL NYT Strands today (game #447) – hint #3 – spangram letters How many letters are in today’s spangram? • Spangram has 10 letters NYT Strands today (game #447) – hint #4 – spangram position What are two sides of the board that today’s spangram touches? First side: top, 2nd column Last side: bottom, 5th column Right, the answers are below, so DO NOT SCROLL ANY FURTHER IF YOU DON’T WANT TO SEE THEM. Today’s best Get Better At Wordle deals NYT Strands today (game #447) – the answers (Image credit: New York Times) The answers to today’s Strands, game #447, are… CHAMPAGNE PILLOW LEGROOM PRIVACY TOWELETTE SPANGRAM: FIRST CLASS My rating: Easy My score: Perfect I flew FIRST CLASS once when the friend I was traveling with managed to get us an upgrade. It was very much like that episode of The Simpsons when Homer discovers that there is a secret world that only beautiful people are allowed entry to. Sign up for breaking news, reviews, opinion, top tech deals, and more. I spent the entire flight feeling like an imposter. An imposter who was enjoying eating lobster and shrimps with fine CHAMPAGNE, of course. Another time, the Icelandic tourist board bumped me up to business class, which was thrilling news except I got stuck in security and missed the flight and then got downgraded back down to coach. It was frustrating but I enjoyed the momentary “flight of fancy”, feeling like an important businessperson even though I didn’t get to enjoy the perks of being an important businessperson. I know my place. Anyway, I digress. A straightforward search today and a reminder of the small things that make a big difference when it comes to comfort. How did you do today? Let me know in the comments below. Yesterday’s NYT Strands answers (Friday, May 23, game #446) ***** KIDNEY ****** GREEN NAVY CANNELLINI SPANGRAM: BEAN SALAD What is NYT Strands? Strands is the NYT’s not-so-new-any-more word game, following Wordle and Connections. It’s now a fully fledged member of the NYT’s games stable that has been running for a year and which can be played on the NYT Games site on desktop or mobile. I’ve got a full guide to how to play NYT Strands, complete with tips for solving it, so check that out if you’re struggling to beat it each day. Source link #NYT #Strands #hints #answers #Saturday #game Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

British woman accused of smuggling drugs into Sri Lanka in suitcase British woman accused of smuggling drugs into Sri Lanka in suitcase Samira Hussain and Charlotte Scarr BBC News André Rhoden-Paul BBC News Charlotte May Lee/Instagram Charlotte May Lee (pictured) denies the charges A British woman has been arrested in Sri Lanka after police allegedly found 101lbs (46kg) of the synthetic drug kush in her suitcase. Custom officers posed for pictures with bags of drugs they accuse Charlotte May Lee, 21, from south London, of attempting to smuggle into the country earlier this month. The former flight attendant denies knowing there were drugs in her suitcase and says she believes they were planted there. Ms Lee is being held in a prison north of the south Asian country’s capital, Colombo, and is contact with her family, her lawyer told the BBC. She could face up to 25 years in prison if found guilty. Her legal representative, Sampath Perera, told the BBC his team was visiting her daily in prison in the city of Negombo, to provide support and monitor her wellbeing. A senior officer in the Sri Lanka Customs Narcotics Control Unit said the seizure at Colombo’s Bandaranaike Airport on 5 May was the biggest in its history. Ms Lee told Mail Online on Wednesday: “I had never seen them [the drugs] before. I didn’t expect it all when they pulled me over at the airport. “I thought it was going to be filled with all my stuff.” She told the paper she had been in Thai capital, Bangkok, prior to the flight, and packed her suitcase in her hotel room before heading out for the night. “They must have planted it then,” she said. “I know who did it.” She did not check her bag again before heading to Colombo, where she was arrested on 12 May, said Ms Lee. Ms Lee went to Sri Lanka as her visa was about to expire and she wanted a trip somewhere nearby before heading back to Thailand, she told the newspaper. She added that she faces harsh conditions in the prison, including sleeping on a concrete floor. Ms Lee is said to have flown from Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport around the same time as another British woman, Bella Culley, 18, from Billingham, County Durham, who is being held in Georgia on suspicion of drug offences. A senior customs officer in Sri Lanka told the BBC: “On the same day, another passenger who had left Bangkok airport, almost at the same time, was arrested in another country. We arrested this lady [Ms Lee] based on profiling.” He said there had been a massive increase in drugs coming via Bangkok into Sri Lanka. “This has been a real nuisance.” Ms Culley could face up to 20 years in jail or life imprisonment if found guilty. She is being detained before trial while the authorities investigates where 26lbs (12kg) of ********** and 4.4lbs (2kg) of hashish found in a travel bag came from, and whether she was planning on handing it over to someone else. Source link #British #woman #accused #smuggling #drugs #Sri #Lanka #suitcase Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

FBC: Firebreak Includes All These Changes For Launch, Including “Radically More Powerful” Weapons FBC: Firebreak Includes All These Changes For Launch, Including “Radically More Powerful” Weapons Following the recent closed test for FBC: Firebreak, game director Mike Kayatta from Remedy has revealed some of the changes that the studio is making to the game based on fan feedback. Kyatta said Remedy has received lots of important and helpful feedback so far, and this will result in major changes to weapon balance. “Guns are upgradable in Firebreak, but we now think we went too far with how weak they felt at the earliest levels,” Kyatta said. “In response, we are making all level-one guns radically more powerful, while adjusting other parts of the game to maintain the challenge balance.” You need a javascript enabled browser to watch videos. Size:640 × 360480 × 270 Want us to remember this setting for all your devices? Sign up or Sign in now! Please use a html5 video capable browser to watch videos. This video has an invalid file format. Sorry, but you can’t access this content! Please enter your date of birth to view this video JanuaryFebruaryMarchAprilMayJuneJulyAugustSeptemberOctoberNovemberDecember12345678910111213141516171819202122232425262728293031Year202520242023202220212020201920182017201620152014201320122011201020092008200720062005200420032002200120001999199819971996199519941993199219911990198919881987198619851984198319821981198019791978197719761975197419731972197119701969196819671966196519641963196219611960195919581957195619551954195319521951195019491948194719461945194419431942194119401939193819371936193519341933193219311930192919281927192619251924192319221921192019191918191719161915191419131912191119101909190819071906190519041903190219011900 By clicking ‘enter’, you agree to GameSpot’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy enter Now Playing: FBC: Firebreak – Gameplay Trailer Kyatta added that it heard from players that the double-barrel shotgun did not feel quite right, and the studio agrees, so it’s making some changes to “make sure it meets the expectations of its shooting style.” The developer also mentioned how “everything” related to general combat intensity and difficulty levels has been overhauled. “Among other things, we’re tying different enemy types to different threat levels, adjusting wave frequency and composition, and removing awkward lulls in the action,” Kyatta said. Also in the blog post, Kyatta said Remedy has added “dynamic tutorials” to the game to help players have a “clear path forward without limiting them from discovering alternate ways of going about things.” Additionally, Kyatta mentioned how the “visual clarity” of FBC wasn’t quite right. “The chaos stops being fun when players can no longer make meaningful decisions based on what they’re experiencing.” With that in mind, Remedy is spending time “cleaning up and reducing a lot of effects in the game, both on-screen and in-world.” What’s more, Kyatta said it was a known issue that the general in-game audio was too quiet in the early tests. The studio is now putting together the final audio mix for the game that should address this. Finally, Kyatta said Remedy continues to work on “performance testing and improvements” for PC, which is why the minimum and recommend PC specs have not been announced yet. “We’ll share those results as soon as we’re confident in them,” Kyatta said. “We’ve still got a lot to do to make the launch experience the best it can be, but the team is feeling really good about where we are,” he added. FBC officially launches on June 17, and it’s included as a day-one launch title for Game Pass and PlayStation Plus. Alternatively, it can be purchased outright for $40 for console and PC. Source link #FBC #Firebreak #Includes #Launch #Including #Radically #Powerful #Weapons Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Acer Swift Neo WIth Intel Core Ultra 5, Up to 32GB RAM Launched in India: Price, Specifications Acer Swift Neo WIth Intel Core Ultra 5, Up to 32GB RAM Launched in India: Price, Specifications Acer Swift Neo was launched in India on Friday. The laptop is powered by an Intel Core Ultra 5 CPU with Intel Arc Graphics, paired with up to 32GB of RAM. It has support for Copilot and Intel AI Boost, which is claimed to improve the performance of on-device AI-powered experiences. The latest Swift Neo comes with a diamond-cut touchpad, fingerprint reader and a backlit keyboard with a dedicated Copilot key. It is claimed to have a hinge that can be opened and closed with a single hand. Acer Swift Neo Price in India, Availability Acer Swift Neo price in India is set at Rs. 61,990 and is currently available for purchase via Flipkart, the company’s website, and via retail stores. The laptop is offered in a Rose Gold colourway. Acer Swift Neo Specifications, Features The Acer Swift Neo sports a 14-inch WUXGA (1,920×1,200 pixels) OLED display with 92 percent NTSC and 100 percent coverage of the sRGB colour gamut. The laptop is powered by an Intel Core Ultra 5 CPU with Intel Arc Graphics, paired with up to 32GB of LPDDR5 RAM and up to 1TB NVMe PCIe Gen 4 SSD storage. It runs on 64-bit Windows 11 Home out-of-the-box. Acer equips the Swift Neo laptop with a 1080p full-HD webcam. It supports Copilot and Intel AI Boost, which are claimed to enhance AI-backed features, including AI apps for video calling and on-device AI processing for improved privacy and efficiency. These features can help users manage multiple tasks simultaneously or perform high-resolution video editing seamlessly. The company says that the Acer Swift Neo can last for up to eight and a half hours on a single charge. The Flipkart listing reveals that the laptop carries a 55Wh battery with 65W charging support. Connectivity options include Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.2, HDMI and dual USB Type-C ports. For security, it comes with Secured-Core PC protection at the hardware level and a fingerprint sensor for biometric authentication. The slim, aluminium chassis of the laptop weighs 1.2kg. It measures 315×240×14.9 mm in size. Affiliate links may be automatically generated – see our ethics statement for details. For the latest tech news and reviews, follow Gadgets 360 on X, Facebook, WhatsApp, Threads and Google News. For the latest videos on gadgets and tech, subscribe to our YouTube channel. If you want to know everything about top influencers, follow our in-house Who’sThat360 on Instagram and YouTube. Elden Ring Film Adaptation in the Works at A24 With Alex Garland Set to Direct *** Government Updates Crypto Reporting Guidelines, Mandates Collection of Crypto Transaction Data Source link #Acer #Swift #Neo #Intel #Core #Ultra #32GB #RAM #Launched #India #Price #Specifications Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Carbunup River: Detectives probe suspicious house fire on Wildwood Road near Yallingup Carbunup River: Detectives probe suspicious house fire on Wildwood Road near Yallingup The Department of Fire and Emergency Services rushed to the scene after reports of a house fire about 17km east of Yallingup on Friday. Source link #Carbunup #River #Detectives #probe #suspicious #house #fire #Wildwood #Road #Yallingup Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Pokemon Go Is Bringing Every Legendary Giant Back Ahead Of Go Fest 2025 Pokemon Go Is Bringing Every Legendary Giant Back Ahead Of Go Fest 2025 Pokemon Go is setting the stage for its big Go Fest 2025 celebration, with numerous events and gatherings lined up over the next few weeks. Ahead of the global Go Fest event in late June, the mobile game will also bring back all of the legendary giants for an Ancients Recovered event, giving players another chance to snag the elusive Pokemon. The event kicks off at 10 AM local time on June 23 and runs until 8 PM local time on June 27. During that time, the legendary giants will all return to the game as five-star Raid bosses, with different Pokemon available each day of the event. You can see the full Raid schedule below: June 23 June 24 June 25 June 26 June 27 Regirock Regice Registeel Regieleki Regidrago Regigigas In addition, each of the legendary giants will know a special Charged Attack when caught during the event. The full list of attacks is as follows: Regirock: Earthquake Regice: Thunder Registeel: Zap Cannon Regieleki: Thunder Cage Regidrago: Dragon Energy Regigigas: Crush Grip That isn’t all that players have to look forward to. As part of the event, Gigantamax versions of Rillaboom, Cinderace, and Inteleon will appear in six-star Max Battles, giving you another chance to challenge and catch them if you miss out during their initial events. Pokemon Go Fest 2025 kicks off next week with a series of in-person gatherings in Osaka, Jersey City, and Paris. A global Go Fest event is scheduled to follow June 28-29, and like previous years, there will be rotating habitats with different Pokemon, event-themed Research tasks to complete, and various other in-game bonuses. Players who purchase a ticket for the event will also receive an exclusive Special Research story that leads to an encounter with the mythical Pokemon Volcanion. Source link #Pokemon #Bringing #Legendary #Giant #Ahead #Fest Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Quordle hints and answers for Saturday, May 24 (game #1216) Quordle hints and answers for Saturday, May 24 (game #1216) Looking for a different day? A new Quordle puzzle appears at midnight each day for your time zone – which means that some people are always playing ‘today’s game’ while others are playing ‘yesterday’s’. If you’re looking for Friday’s puzzle instead then click here: Quordle hints and answers for Friday, May 23 (game #1215). Quordle was one of the original Wordle alternatives and is still going strong now more than 1,100 games later. It offers a genuine challenge, though, so read on if you need some Quordle hints today – or scroll down further for the answers. Enjoy playing word games? You can also check out my NYT Connections today and NYT Strands today pages for hints and answers for those puzzles, while Marc’s Wordle today column covers the original viral word game. SPOILER WARNING: Information about Quordle today is below, so don’t read on if you don’t want to know the answers. You may like Quordle today (game #1216) – hint #1 – Vowels How many different vowels are in Quordle today? • The number of different vowels in Quordle today is 5*. * Note that by vowel we mean the five standard vowels (A, E, I, O, U), not Y (which is sometimes counted as a vowel too). Quordle today (game #1216) – hint #2 – repeated letters Do any of today’s Quordle answers contain repeated letters? • The number of Quordle answers containing a repeated letter today is 1. Quordle today (game #1216) – hint #3 – uncommon letters Do the letters Q, Z, X or J appear in Quordle today? • No. None of Q, Z, X or J appear among today’s Quordle answers. Quordle today (game #1216) – hint #4 – starting letters (1) Do any of today’s Quordle puzzles start with the same letter? • The number of today’s Quordle answers starting with the same letter is 2. If you just want to know the answers at this stage, simply scroll down. If you’re not ready yet then here’s one more clue to make things a lot easier: Quordle today (game #1216) – hint #5 – starting letters (2) What letters do today’s Quordle answers start with? • H • H • F • P Right, the answers are below, so DO NOT SCROLL ANY FURTHER IF YOU DON’T WANT TO SEE THEM. Today’s best Get Better At Wordle deals Quordle today (game #1216) – the answers (Image credit: Merriam-Webster) The answers to today’s Quordle, game #1216, are… Sign up for breaking news, reviews, opinion, top tech deals, and more. I made hard work of finishing today’s Quordle, but I also had some bad luck guessing boggy instead of FOGGY. My error was going for a word I wasn’t even sure was a word (LORAL) ahead of a very obvious one (POLAR), which for some reason I completely ignored. A bad case of Quordle blindness. How did you do today? Let me know in the comments below. Daily Sequence today (game #1216) – the answers (Image credit: Merriam-Webster) The answers to today’s Quordle Daily Sequence, game #1216, are… Quordle answers: The past 20 Quordle #1215, Friday, 23 May: SHIRE, GIANT, AWAIT, ****** Quordle #1214, Thursday, 22 May: LOSE, GLOVE, STINT, EXCEL Quordle #1213, Wednesday, 21 May: NOVEL, CHOSE, DIRTY, DONUT Quordle #1212, Tuesday, 20 May: DECOY, SHAKE, MAPLE, PURER Quordle #1211, Monday, 19 May: LINK, HANDY, DITCH, WAIVE Quordle #1210, Sunday, 18 May: QUACK, ******, PURGE, DOWNY Quordle #1209, Saturday, 17 May: STRIP, RANGE, UNITE, GEESE Quordle #1208, Friday, 16 May: SHEEP, SNUCK, DRIFT, BREAK Quordle #1207, Thursday, 15 May: PAINT, CROUP, PEDAL, FLUKE Quordle #1206, Wednesday, 14 May: FAVOR, METER, PICKY, MAKER Quordle #1205, Tuesday, 13 May: SCENT, AGAPE, POLAR, YEARN Quordle #1204, Monday, 12 May: ROYAL, ARGUE, BUNCH, READY Quordle #1203, Sunday, 11 May: QUASH, MUNCH, ALTER, UNDUE Quordle #1202, Saturday, 10 May: RELIC, BADGE, CHAMP, SATIN Quordle #1201, Friday, 9 May: MINUS, CRIME, NOSEY, SLAIN Quordle #1200, Thursday, 8 May: ELUDE, GREET, POPPY, ELITE Quordle #1199, Wednesday, 7 May: QUOTH, TRUNK, BESET, NAIVE Quordle #1198, Tuesday, 6 May: UNITE, SOGGY, FILET, PORCH Quordle #1197, Monday, 5 May: WREAK, COWER, STEAD, ****** Quordle #1196, Sunday, 4 May: PINCH, SMOKE, SCARY, CANNY Source link #Quordle #hints #answers #Saturday #game Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

Charlamagne tha God says Letitia James investigation is ‘retaliation’ Charlamagne tha God says Letitia James investigation is ‘retaliation’ Radio host Charlamagne tha God says President Donald Trump is using the Justice Department to go after New York Attorney General Letitia James in “retaliation” against the charges she brought against him in 2022. “We do know that Tish James is absolutely correct right?” Charlamagne said on Thursday’s The Breakfast Club . “This is just retaliation for the charges that Tish James brought against Donald Trump. “Like, Donald Trump has a list and Tish James is high on that list.” The Trump administration recently accused James of “falsifying records” in August 2023 to secure home loans on a property in Norfolk, Virginia, that she said was her “principal residence” while still serving in her role in New York. She spoke out about the probe against her this week. “This investigation into me is nothing more than retribution. It’s baseless,” James said Tuesday. In 2022, the AG launched a civil fraud case against Trump and his business empire in New York, accusing him of inflating the value of Trump Organization assets. The proceedings ended with New York state Supreme Court Judge Arthur Engoron ordering the now-president to pay a $354 million fine plus interest. Radio host Charlamagne tha God said that President Donald Trump is using the Justice Department to go after Letitia James in retaliation for the charges she brought against him in 2022. (The Daily Show / screengrab) The radio host speculated that Alvin Bragg, whose office convicted Trump on 34 counts of falsifying business records as part of a conspiracy to influence the 2016 presidential election, is also on the president’s retribution list. “Alvin Bragg is very quiet, probably rightfully so,” Charlamagne said. “But you know, we do know this is retaliation.” Trump posted on Truth Social last month that he considers James “a totally corrupt politician” and a “wacky crook”, who “should resign from her position as New York State Attorney General, IMMEDIATELY.” Laying out the allegations against James, Housing Finance Agency Director William Pulte wrote a letter to U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi and her deputy Todd Blanche last month. “Ms. James was the sitting Attorney General of New York and is required by law to have her primary residence in the state of New York – even though her mortgage applications list her intent to have the Norfolk, VA, property as her primary home,” Pulte wrote. James spoke out about the probe against her this week. ‘This investigation into me is nothing more than retribution. It’s baseless,’ she said Tuesday. (Getty Images) “It appears Ms. James’ property and mortgage-related misrepresentations may have continued to her recent 2023 Norfolk, VA property purchase in order to secure a lower interest rate and more favorable loan terms.” A spokesperson for James’ office previously said in a statement: “Attorney General James is focused every single day on protecting New Yorkers, especially as this administration weaponizes the federal government against the rule of law and the Constitution. “She will not be intimidated by bullies – no matter who they are.” Source link #Charlamagne #tha #God #Letitia #James #investigation #retaliation Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Police Digital Service board director quits several months after CISO departs Police Digital Service board director quits several months after CISO departs A senior figure from the Home Office has stepped down as a director at the Police Digital Service (PDS), several weeks after the organisation lost its chief information security officer (CISO) to the private sector. A Companies House filing confirms Bethan Page-Jones, the head of the Home Office’s national police capabilities unit, had her appointment terminated on 14 May 2025. Computer Weekly understands Page-Jones’ departure is linked to her assuming a new role at the Home Office, having recently been appointed as the director of strategy, capability, and resources for the department’s public safety group. PDS would not comment on Page-Jones’ departure, but instead instructed Computer Weekly to contact the Home Office, who confirmed she is no longer working with the PDS. Page-Jones’ departure comes several weeks after the organisation’s CISO – Jason Corbishley – announced on professional social networking site LinkedIn that he had left PDS after four years. He is now working as a consulting director at cyber security-focused threat research company Palo Alto Networks Unit 42, having previously served as the chief technology officer of the *** policing sector’s National Enabling Programme, as well as the head of ICT at Cumbria Constabulary. In a statement to Computer Weekly, a PDS spokesperson said: “The recruitment process for a new CISO is underway, and in the meantime, a highly qualified interim CISO has been appointed from within the organisation.” News of the departures comes 10 months after details emerged that two PDS employees were arrested in July 2024, after allegations of malpractice were made to the National Police Chiefs’ Council and the Association of Police and Crime Commissioners concerning the behaviour of individuals working there. These allegations were passed on to the City of London Police to investigate further, which confirmed two members of staff had been arrested, interviewed and bailed for suspected bribery, fraud and misconduct in public office. At the time of writing, the matter was still under investigation by the City of London Police, but in the wake of the arrests being made public, several high-profile employees of PDS left the organisation, including former CEO Ian Bell. PDS also stated at the time that the organisation would be the subject of a “thorough review”, while the employees involved would also be expected to participate in an HR-led misconduct review. Organisational review In a separate statement to Computer Weekly, PDS CEO Tony Eastaugh confirmed the organisational review was completed several months ago. “We concluded a significant reset programme at the end of last year, which allowed us to impose a new operating model and an ambitious strategic delivery plan to support policing and public safety,” he said. “Our organisational focus is delivering core and ‘live’ services at greater speed, scale and efficiency.” PDS, incorporated in June 2012, is classified as a private company with no shareholders, and its activities are funded by the Home Office and the wider policing sector. The organisation is responsible for overseeing the development and delivery of the National Police Digital Strategy, but doubts about its future have dogged the PDS in recent months, after the government announced plans to create a National Centre of Policing that will have IT in its purview. Source link #Police #Digital #Service #board #director #quits #months #CISO #departs Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Villains Have Rarely Been As Relatable As They Were In Fire Emblem: Sacred Stones Villains Have Rarely Been As Relatable As They Were In Fire Emblem: Sacred Stones Fire Emblem: The Sacred Stones is celebrating its 20-year anniversary today, May 23, 2025. Below, we look back at how its villains were unusually sympathetic, lending weight to the story. It’s one of the most haunting scenes in any Fire Emblem game. A soldier and temporary king, Orson, is seen talking with the reanimated corpse of his wife, Monica. She only says one thing–“darling”–over and over again. Orson, one of the many antagonists in Fire Emblem Sacred Stones, was a man devoted to Monica long before the campaign of the game began. He’s only present during a short part of the story, but he leaves a major impression once the credits roll after the game’s 30 chapters come to a close. While you’ll first meet him as a playable character, he eventually betrays Ephraim, Eirika, and the other heroes in order to (as he believes) save his wife’s life. Even though this story plays out solemnly on a 2.5 inch Game Boy screen, it packs a punch that remains one of the most memorable parts of Fire Emblem: Sacred Stones. Orson’s tale, along with those of the other villains in Sacred Stones, exemplifies the type of personal story that sets the Fire Emblem series apart from other strategy games. It provides a personal, intimate look at enemies before we fight them on the battlefield. Orson’s betrayal comes as a shock. When the idea of a turncloak hiding in Eirika and Ephraim’s forces is brought up by an enemy commander, it’s not immediately clear who he’s referring to. We find out when Orson tries to trick Eirika into handing over one of the keys to the games namesake, the sacred stones, while leading her right into the hands of the enemy. Then, he’s dismissed and nearly disappears from the story. We see him nine chapters later in a terrible state, living for nothing but the reanimated corpse of his wife. We witness brief scenes where he brings her gifts and lashes out at the people around him for the mere act of interrupting their time alone. These moments are short, intimate looks at an unwound man who has forsaken everything in his life for the memory of his love. Our last look at Orson comes from combat dialogue right before he is killed. “For the one I love, I betray everything,” Orson tells Eirika before they cross swords near the halfway point of Sacred Stone’s campaign. “My country, my lord and master… everything.” While few would endorse his actions, it’s easy to understand why Orson made them. Laying the scene out before us–as unsettling as it is–puts him in the spotlight as if he was one of the games’ protagonists. We get a similarly personal look at Lyon, the prince of Grado who serves as the secondary antagonist in Sacred Stones, that gives plenty of weight to his villainy. Like Orson, one of Lyon’s primary drivers is saving someone close to him through experimentation with dangerous magic. He uses the sacred stone, which is a seal that helps contain a powerful ******, to push healing magic, which isn’t known to help with grievous injuries in the world of Sacred Stones, further than it’s ever been pushed before. “If I can just press my studies a little harder […] I think I might be able to use it to heal my father’s illness,” Lyon says at one point in the story. “If that works, there’s no telling how many other people I can help as well.” As you might have guessed, Lyon’s experimentations backfire. He eventually loses control and is influenced by the ****** sealed through the sacred stones, before being finally convinced that the only way to prevent a cataclysmic event is to free the ******. We see the backstory of Lyon’s father sickness, his childhood relationships with Ephraim and Eirika, and his struggles with his poor health and lack of self-confidence throughout the game. Flashbacks, combat dialogue, and story sequences lay out the motivations of a ruler in complete despair. Fire Emblem: The Sacred Stones Getting such a sincere look at the villain’s perspective is one way to convince us that Ephraim and his army aren’t just cutting down evil, faceless enemies. The scenes with Orson and Lyon throughout the campaign overshadow the fantastical demonic villain that enters the fray later on. Fire Emblem is a franchise that wants you to care about the units you fight with and against. You’re not sending nameless soldiers to their deaths, you’re sending characters that you’ve recruited, trained with, leveled up, and grown closer to over the course of the game. It’s not uncommon for fans of the series to abort missions and start over as soon as one of their heroes falls on the battlefield. The thought of going on without them is too much. Sacred Stones exemplifies this part of the franchise. Moulder, a gentle priest who acts as a father figure to other units and Joshua, a talented swordsman with an unhealthy obsession with gambling, are just two of the 30 units that you can learn about as you watch them interact with one another before each mission. Building out your go-to squad is like choosing which friends you want to spend time with over the course of the games’ story. Orson and Lyon–villains that are only roadblocks in the path to the game’s main demonic antagonist–serve as sobering examples of villains who are tragically relatable. We see why they do what they do firsthand, giving them just as much of a story as any other character in the series. Later Fire Emblem games have built on what entries like Sacred Stones established for the franchise. Fire Emblem: Engage and Fire Emblem: Three Houses gave us more ways to build relationships with our soldiers on the field. Few games, however, have given us an equally as disturbing look into what would drive good people to commit horrible crimes. Source link #Villains #Rarely #Relatable #Fire #Emblem #Sacred #Stones Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Will the *** economy grow in 2025? Economists divided after data prints Will the *** economy grow in 2025? Economists divided after data prints People walk in Trafalgar Square, London, on April 28, 2025. Adrien Fillon | Nurphoto | Getty Images It’s been rare for a string of positive economic news to emerge out of the U.K. in 2025 — but this week in particular has given Britain three reasons to be optimistic. Data on Friday signaled unexpected positive momentum in the country’s economy, with retail sales rising by a much better-than-expected 1.2% in April, and GfK’s consumer confidence index showing an improvement in sentiment. Sterling gained 0.6% against the U.S. dollar after the figures were published on Friday, to trade at around $1.35. The combination of the two positive figures on Friday bucked expectations, and logic, for some economists. Economic activity in April was widely expected to show a downtrend, in part thanks to U.S. President Donald Trump’s global trade war. “Well now, that challenges the idea of a cautious consumer,” said Rob Wood, chief U.K. economist at Pantheon Macroeconomics, adding that a number of factors, some not influenced by politicians or businesses, were at play. “That said, official sales growth looks too good to be true, likely as the seasonal adjustment fails to adequately control for the later Easter this year,” Wood added. “There’s no doubt the weather helped a lot, with both March and April registering the most sunshine since records began.” Taken in isolation, Friday’s retail figures and consumer confidence data perhaps point to growth in the current quarter. However, British electricity regulator Ofgem added to the positive sentiment by declaring on Friday that electricity prices are set to decline by 7% in July. That could potentially fuel spending in other sectors in the coming months. “This is certainly an improvement for household expenses, with monthly bills likely to fall on average by around £11,” said Ellie Henderson, economist at Investec. Meanwhile, the string of positive elements could potentially bump up U.K. economic growth for the second quarter as a whole, according to Allan Monks, chief U.K. economist at JPMorgan who is forecasting a 0.6% annualised gain. “With the household savings rate so high, a continued improvement in confidence has the potential to unlock further consumer spending gains,” JP Morgan’s Monks said in a note to clients on Friday. “High inflation, softer wage growth and weak employment argue against a continuation of that trend. But the rise in confidence in May was matched by a notable drop in unemployment fears, lower inflation expectations and a rise in spending intentions.” The outlook for the U.K. has seesawed over the past year. The country has grappled with setbacks like unexpected economic contraction and mounting concern about fiscal spending plans, while also seeing some more positive data and the agreement of landmark trade deals with the U.S., India and the EU. Earlier this week, official figures showed the economy grew by 0.7% in the first quarter of 2025 — although that came as domestic inflation surged to 3.5% in April. Last week, another data print showed average earnings in the U.K. had grown by 5.9% on an annual basis. The mix of data meant economists appeared divided on Friday about what the latest bout of data meant for the U.K.’s long term economic picture. Alex Kerr, U.K. economist at Capital Economics, warned that “the sun won’t shine on [Britain’s] retail sector forever.” “Although for the first time since 2015, excluding the pandemic, retail sales volumes have risen for four months in a row, April’s impressive 1.2% m/m rise was largely driven by the unusually warm weather,” he said in a note sent shortly after the figures were published. “That boost won’t last. So even though consumer confidence ticked up slightly in May, we suspect retail sales growth will slow over the coming months.” ‘Depressed’ Brits resorting to retail therapy While most economists viewed the small increase in consumer confidence in May as a positive signal for next quarter’s economic growth, others suggested that as overall sentiment remains below pre-pandemic levels, the link between spending and sentiment may be broken instead. “Depressed British consumers have resorted to retail therapy to cope with their economic and financial woes,” said Andrew Wishart, senior *** economist at Berenberg. Instead, Wishart said a combination of the pandemic, and the ensuing inflation and interest rate hikes led consumers to shore up their finances. “Households have increased their saving rate (the share of household income not spent) to a level previously unseen outside of periods of mass unemployment,” Wishart added. Having stabilized their bank balances and secured pay rises, consumers are now spending in anticipation of a more stable interest rate and price environment, according to the economist. Counter intuitively, the additional spending means the Bank of England was more likely to hold rates for the rest of the year, than cut, he added. Janet Mui, head of market analysis at wealth manager RBC Brewin Dolphin, said in an email on Friday morning that with wage growth now outpacing inflation, U.K. households are spending more generously. However, she cautioned that the state of Britain’s public finances “remain a constraint.” “With higher borrowing costs, more tax rises and departmental spending cuts may happen,” she explained. “This poses some medium-term growth risks for the U.K amid ongoing uncertainty with how the global trade situation will settle.” Source link #economy #grow #Economists #divided #data #prints Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

ICE ending migrants’ court cases in order to arrest and move to deport them ICE ending migrants’ court cases in order to arrest and move to deport them The Trump administration has launched an operation to terminate the immigration court cases of certain migrants, in order to arrest them and place them in a fast-tracked deportation process instead, government officials and attorneys told CBS News. Lawyers and advocates this week reported arrests of migrants outside of immigration courthouses across the U.S., saying teams of Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers had detained individuals whose cases in front of immigration judges had just been terminated at the request of the government. Two Department of Homeland Security officials told CBS News that ICE is conducting an operation to expedite the deportation of migrants with court hearings scheduled in the near future. It’s the latest step taken by the Trump administration to dramatically ramp up immigration arrests across the country and fulfill what the president has promised will be the largest deportation campaign in American history. The operation involves ICE prosecutors asking immigration judges to terminate the court cases of certain migrants, so agents at the agency can instead arrest those individuals and place them in a more rapid deportation process known as “expedited removal,” the officials said. Unlike immigration court proceedings, which can take years to complete due to a massive backlog of 4 million pending cases, the expedited removal process allows officials to more quickly deport migrants, if their cases satisfy certain conditions. Migrants who lack proper documents and can’t prove they have been in the U.S. for more than two years are eligible to be deported under expedited removal, without a court hearing. Historically, officials were only allowed to use expedited removal on unauthorized immigrants detained within 100 miles of an international border and who had been in the U.S. for less than two weeks. But the Trump administration vastly expanded its scope soon after taking office. Expedited removal can also be applied to unauthorized migrants who entered the U.S. with the government’s permission at legal entry points, and there’s no two-year entry limit for those cases. That would place the nearly 1 million migrants who entered the U.S. under a Biden administration program known as CBP One at risk of being targeted by the new ICE operation. While those placed in expedited removal can be deported without a hearing in immigration court, they are entitled to an interview with an asylum officer if they say they are afraid of being persecuted in their home country. If they pass those screenings, they get a chance to plead their case in immigration court. In a statement, Department of Homeland Security spokeswoman Tricia McLaughlin faulted the Biden administration for releasing many migrants with notices to appear in immigration court, instead of trying to deport them quickly through expedited removal. “ICE is now following the law and placing these ******** aliens in expedited removal, as they always should have been,” McLaughlin said. Leandro Ferrer, an immigration lawyer based in Phoenix, Arizona, said his clients, two Cuban migrants, appear to have been swept up in the ICE operation when they showed up to their immigration court hearing on Tuesday. “There was a sense of relief when the government prosecutors moved to dismiss the removal proceedings,” Ferrer recounted. “This has always been, historically, a result that is highly sought after and either we try to win a case on the merits of an application or we try to dismiss the removal proceedings.” But to his shock and dismay, Ferrer said ICE agents arrested his clients immediately after they left the courtroom. “They did not provide identification, they did not have an arrest warrant, they did not make any attempt to establish whether or not they had committed a crime,” Ferrer added. “They just went in and took them.” Ferrer said his Cuban clients entered the U.S. in 2022, after showing up to a legal entry point along the U.S.-Mexico border, hoping to request asylum. Even amid ICE’s efforts to arrest some migrants after they show up to court, immigration lawyers said they are still strongly advising their clients against missing their hearings, as failure to do so could be grounds for judges to issue a deportation order. The ICE arrests at immigration courts were reported across the country in several cities with large immigrant populations, including Los Angeles, Seattle, Chicago, Dallas, Las Vegas and Miami. “I began getting calls from family members of those getting arrested asking for help,” said Antonio Ramos, a Miami-based immigration lawyer, adding that the phone calls began on Monday. Ramos said he’s trying to make preparations for his clients who have upcoming court hearings. “They’re going to come to my office first, we are going to take them to court and we are not going to leave them alone for one second in the building,” he said. “People need to consult with an attorney before going to court, somebody that can take a look at the case, evaluate options and not a notary,” Ramos added. Camilo Montoya-Galvez Camilo Montoya-Galvez is the immigration reporter at CBS News. Based in Washington, he covers immigration policy and politics. Source link #ICE #migrants #court #cases #order #arrest #move #deport Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Verdict in Kim Kardashian heist trial expected in Paris Verdict in Kim Kardashian heist trial expected in Paris A verdict is due in the trial of 10 people accused of robbing US celebrity Kim Kardashian of millions of dollars’ worth of jewellery in Paris nearly a decade ago. Nine men and one woman are accused of carrying out or aiding the armed burglary of £10m (£7.55m) worth of jewellery, including a diamond engagement ring, during Paris Fashion Week in 2016. Prosecutors are seeking a 10-year sentence for four of the men accused of carrying out the robbery, and between eight and six years for the five other men and woman accused of being accessories to the crime. The defendants delivered their final statements in court and were dismissed on Friday morning, with a verdict expected later in the day. Many of the defendants are now elderly and unwell, leading French media to dub them the “grandpa robbers”. But since the trial started on 28 April, both prosecutors and civil parties have vigorously pushed back against the notion that the alleged robbers were harmless, with Kardashian stating the heist – during which she was tied up and held at gunpoint – had left her traumatised. Prosecutor general Anne-Dominique Merville said the sentences should reflect the “seriousness” and the “violence” of the robbery. She urged the jury not to be swayed by the age and the health conditions of the defendants who – at the time of the heist – were “seasoned robbers”. On the night between 3 and 4 October 2016, as Kardashian was in her room at the Hotel de Pourtales in central Paris, a gang of five men made their way into the building. As three kept guard downstairs, two forced receptionist Abderrahmane Ouatiki – now also a plaintiff in the case – to take them to Kardashian’s room and act as translator as they demanded she hand over her jewellery, including an engagement ring worth $4m. Then, they fled. The defendants were arrested by police in January 2017, but the jewellery was never found. DNA evidence for Aomar Ait Khedache, 69, and Yunice Abbas, 71, placed them at the scene of the crime, and the two have admitted their involvement. However, Khedache – who is now disabled, deaf and mute – has denied he was the ringleader. Although he admitted he was one of the two who went into Kardashian’s room, pointed a gun at her and tied her up, he said he was never violent, “least of all with a woman”. His lawyers urged the jury to bear in mind his health condition and said that there was no risk of him reoffending. “At his age, prison time means a life sentence,” lawyer Frank Berton said. Abbas, who has Parkinson’s disease and recently underwent heart surgery, told the jury on Friday morning that regretted his actions. “I’m sorry for what I was capable of doing,” he said. Among the other defendants was a man who worked as a driver for the Kardashian family. He denies providing information on their movements to the robbers and another man who prosecutors say was the getaway driver. Last week, during an emotional five-hour testimony delivered through an interpreter, Kim Kardashian shared her traumatic memories of that night. She was composed but at times struggled to fight back tears as she recalled the moment she feared the robbers would ********* assault her. “I don’t wish that kind of terror on anyone – to think you could be killed or ******… I wouldn’t wish that on my worst enemy,” the 44-year-old said, standing metres away from the defendants and dabbing her eyes with a tissue. Kardashian also said among the jewellery taken from her was a watch that her late father had gifted her. “I can’t get that back, it wasn’t just jewellery… someone took away my memories,” she stated. When the court president, David De Pas, read out a letter written of apology written by Khedache, Kardashian said that she forgave him. However, she said it could not erase the trauma she had experienced. Night receptionist Abderrahmane Ouatiki, the other plaintiff in the case, was present in court throughout the trial. Since the heist, the Algerian former PhD student has experienced PTSD, quit his studies and left France. In his closing arguments, his lawyer said that while it was “harder to be a victim when one is anonymous and poor” and that “not everyone can afford to be surrounded by bodyguards to sleep better”, he believed justice could finally “restore the balance”. Source link #Verdict #Kim #Kardashian #heist #trial #expected #Paris Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Splitgate 2 Open Beta Starts Right Now Splitgate 2 Open Beta Starts Right Now Splitgate 2 has officially opened its doors for players to enjoy its beta, and some are not impressed. Source link #Splitgate #Open #Beta #Starts Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

One Special Forces officer blocked 1,585 Afghans from settling in *** One Special Forces officer blocked 1,585 Afghans from settling in *** A *** Special Forces officer personally rejected 1,585 resettlement applications from Afghans with credible links to British commandos, newly released documents say. The files, disclosed by the Ministry of Defence in court on Thursday, show the unnamed UKSF officer rejected every application referred to him in the summer of 2023, in what was described as a “sprint”. The MoD told the court that the officer may have been connected to the ongoing inquiry into alleged war crimes committed by the SAS. The admission comes after the BBC revealed last week that the UKSF officer – who previously served in Afghanistan – rejected applications from Afghans who may have witnessed the alleged war crimes. Afghan commandos, known as the Triples, supported the SAS and SBS for years in Afghanistan and were in danger of reprisal after the Taliban seized back the country in 2021. But thousands of *** resettlement applications containing credible links to the Triples were rejected. The rejections came at a time when a public inquiry in the *** had begun investigating allegations that British special forces had committed war crimes on operations in Afghanistan where the Triples were present. If the Afghan commandos were in the ***, they could be called as witnesses – but the inquiry has no power to compel testimony from foreign nationals who are overseas. MoD officials raised concerns as early as October 2022 about the role of the UKSF in rejecting applications with links to the Triples units, the new documents show. In a witness statement submitted to court, Natalie Moore, the head of the ***’s Afghan resettlement team, wrote that she became concerned the UKSF was applying a practice of “automatic rejections” with regard to Triples, giving rise to the “appearance of an unpublished mass rejection policy”. In January 2024, following the BBC’s revelation of the existence of a UKSF veto over applications, then-Veterans Minister Johnny Mercer warned senior cabinet ministers in writing of a “significant conflict of interest that should be obvious to all”. The veto gave the UKSF “decision-making power over… potential witnesses to the inquiry”, Mercer said, calling the arrangement “deeply inappropriate”. In the same letter, Mercer said that he had seen evidence that five former Triples had been killed by the Taliban after their resettlement applications were rejected. And in a meeting with Ms Moore, he highlighted a case in which an applicant was rejected having “previously confronted UKSF leadership about EJKs [extrajudicial killings] in Afghanistan”. Despite concerns first being raised internally in October 2022 – and again between October 2023 and January 2024 – in March 2024 the MoD denied to both the BBC and Parliament that UKSF had had a veto over the former commandos’ applications. The Triples – so-called because their designations were CF 333 and ATF 444 – were set up, trained, and paid by the UKSF. When Afghanistan fell to the Taliban, they were judged to be in grave danger of reprisal and were entitled to apply for resettlement to the ***. But more than 2,000 applications judged by resettlement caseworkers to have credible evidence were subsequently rejected by the UKSF. The MoD later announced a review of more than 2,000 rejected applications after finding that the decisions were “not robust”. Earlier this week, Armed Forces Minster Luke Pollard announced a new phase of the review to take into account up to 2,500 further cases which may have been improperly rejected. Some of the former Triples who were denied visas have since been tortured and killed by the Taliban, according to testimony from former colleagues, family members and lawyers. The documents disclosed in court on Thursday, as part of a judicial review case brought by a former member of the Triples, reveal that the government launched two investigations that examined the actions of the UKSF and the allegations of a conflict of interest at the heart of the Triples rejections. A summary of one of those investigations, known as Operation X, said it “did not obtain any evidence of hidden motives on the part of the UKSF liaison officer” and found “no evidence of automatic/instant/mass rejections” of the Triples by the UKSF – but provided no evidence to back up those conclusions. It instead concluded that the more than 2,000 rejections of Triples were down to “slack and unprofessional verification processes” by the UKSF liaison officer and “lax procedures followed by the officer in not following up on all lines of enquiry before issuing rejections”. More than 600 of those rejections have since been overturned. BBC Panorama reported recently that the rejection of the Triples applications had been overseen by Gen Jenkins, who was head of the UKSF at the time and was promoted last week to be the head of the Royal Navy. In the court documents, the MoD said that Gen Jenkins had no involvement with the applications and that he had not appointed the UKSF officer who rejected them. Tom de la Mare KC, representing the former Triple who brought the case, accused the MoD of breaching its duty of candour in the case by failing to disclose evidence of a blanket practice of rejection of the Triples applications. He further accused the MoD of providing misleading responses to requests for information. Cathryn McGahey KC, representing the MoD, told the court she did “not seek to excuse or underplay in any way the provision of inaccurate answers”, and she apologised for the fact that the MoD had previously told the court that no veto existed. The case is examining whether the review of the rejected Triples applications was conducted in a lawful manner. Ms McGahey told the court that “there might have been a better way of doing it, but that doesn’t make it unlawful”. Daniel Carey, partner at DPG, the law firm acting on behalf of the former Triples, said: “My client spent years asking the MoD to rectify the blanket refusals of Triples personnel and has seen many killed and harmed by the Taliban in that time. “He is pleased that the MoD have agreed to inform everyone of the decisions in their cases and to tell the persons affected whether their cases are under review or not, but it should not have required litigation to achieve basic fairness.” Source link #Special #Forces #officer #blocked #Afghans #settling Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

What is the OSI model? The 7 layers of OSI explained What is the OSI model? The 7 layers of OSI explained The OSI model (Open Systems Interconnection model) is a multilayered reference model that shows how computer systems and applications communicate over a network. This seven-layer model provides a visual design of how each communications layer is built on top of the other, starting with the physical cabling, all the way to the application that’s trying to communicate with other devices on a network. In doing so, this reference model provides a standard way for different systems and technologies to effectively communicate and interoperate. It also provides a clear structure for data transmission, and the model helps to manage and troubleshoot network issues. Importance of the OSI model A reference model is a conceptual framework for understanding relationships. It shows the relationships between the various elements of a network and offers a clear framework for describing the functions of a networking or telecommunications system that’s in use. The purpose of the OSI reference model is to guide technology vendors and developers so the digital communications products and software programs that they create can interoperate. Most vendors involved in telecommunications try to describe their products and services in relation to the OSI model. This helps them differentiate among the various transport protocols, addressing schemes and communications packaging methods. Additionally, the model provides a universally understood language for computer networking and communications. For this reason, IT networking professionals use it to conceptualize how data is sent or received over a network. Anyone pursuing an IT networking certification should understand the OSI model as it is a foundational part of most certification programs, including Cisco Certified Network Associate and CompTIA Network+. The model is designed to break down data transmission standards, processes and protocols over a series of seven layers. The OSI model is useful for guiding discussions around communications and evaluations of communications networks and their various elements. That said, the model is theoretical in nature and should be used only as a general guide. That’s because few network products or standard tools keep related functions together in well-defined layers like the OSI model. The TCP/IP suite, for example, is the most widely used network protocol, but even it doesn’t map cleanly to the OSI model. How the OSI model works The main concept of OSI is that the process of communication between two endpoints in a network can be divided into seven distinct groups of related functions, or layers. Each communicating user or program is on a device that can provide those seven layers of function. In this architecture, each layer serves the layer above it and, in turn, is served by the layer below it. So, in a given message between users, there is a flow of data down through the layers in the source computer, across the network and then up through the layers in the receiving computer. Only the application layer at the top of the stack doesn’t provide services to a higher-level layer. The seven layers of function are provided by a combination of applications, operating systems, network card device drivers, networking hardware and protocols that enable a system to transmit a signal over a network through various physical mediums, including twisted-pair copper, fiber optics, Wi-Fi or Long-Term Evolution with 5G. The seven layers of the OSI model 7 layers of the OSI model The OSI model consists of seven layers. Each layer has a unique function and specific responsibilities and directly interacts with the layer above it. The following are these seven layers from the highest to the lowest. Layer 7. The application layer The application layer is the human-to-computer interaction layer. It enables the user — human or software — to interact with the application or network whenever the user elects to read messages, transfer files or perform other network-related tasks. This layer facilitates these interactions by providing the interface between user applications and underlying network services. This is where applications use various protocols and services to communicate with servers — and with each other — across the network. For example, web browsers use Layer 7 application protocols, like HTTP or File Transfer Protocol. Other internet-connected apps, like Outlook, use protocols such as Simple Mail Transfer Protocol (SMTP). When there is a need to resolve domain names to IP addresses, Domain Name System (DNS) is used. Layer 6. The presentation layer The presentation layer translates or formats data for the application layer based on the semantics or syntax the application accepts. This layer also handles the encryption and decryption that the application requires, ensuring that different systems can read the data sent by the applications of other systems. Encryption is important to secure the data during transmission. The data may also be compressed in this layer. Compression helps ensure efficient data transmission by reducing its size without much affecting its integrity. Layer 5. The session layer The session layer controls the connections, or sessions, between computers and applications. It sets up, coordinates and terminates conversations to ensure efficient and organized data exchange. The session layer synchronizes data transfers and determines how long a system waits for another application to respond. Its other services include authentication and reconnection after an interruption. It uses checkpoints that reduce the need to restart transfers in case of session interruptions. This enables sessions to resume post-interruptions with minimal data losses. This layer uses specific protocols to manage and control sessions. Examples of such protocols are X.225 and Zone Information Protocol. Layer 4. The transport layer The transport layer sits in the middle of the OSI model and is responsible for transporting data between devices or applications in a network. It determines how much data to send, where it gets sent and at what rate. In addition, it breaks up the data received from the session layer into chunks called segments and controls the data between hosts to ensure efficient transmission. On the receiving end, the transport layer reassembles the segments into data that can then be consumed by the session layer. The layer also provides error detection and correction mechanisms to ensure complete data transfers and facilitate effective recovery in case of errors. TCP within the TCP/IP suite is the best-known example of a transport layer protocol. This protocol is commonly used for web browsing and email. This is where the communications select TCP port numbers to categorize and organize data transmissions across a network. User Datagram Protocol (UDP) is also a transport layer protocol. Unlike TCP, UDP does not establish a handshake between the source and destination computers to enable them to communicate. For this reason, UDP is faster than TCP, making it suitable for broadcasts, time-sensitive applications and query-response protocols, like DNS. On the other hand, it is less reliable than TCP since it doesn’t require an end-to-end connection and does not include any data verification mechanisms. Layer 3. The network layer The primary function of the network layer is to move data into and through different networks. It receives segments from the transport layer and breaks them up into packets on the sender’s device. It then reassembles the packets on the receiving device. Network layer protocols find the best physical path for data to move from the source to the destination. This is known as routing, a phenomenon that they accomplish by packaging data with correct network address information, selecting the appropriate network routes and forwarding the packaged data up the stack to the transport layer. From a TCP/IP perspective, this is where IP addresses are applied for routing purposes. Examples of network layer protocols include IP, Internet Control Message Protocol, Internet Group Management Protocol (IGMP) and Routing Information Protocol. Layer 2. The data link layer The data link layer, or protocol layer, handles moving data into and out of a physical link in a network. Layer 2 enables data transfers between devices on the same network. It facilitates these transfers by breaking down packets received from the network layer into smaller frames. This layer also handles problems that occur as a result of bit transmission errors in intranetwork communication. It ensures that the pace of the data flow doesn’t overwhelm the sending and receiving devices. This layer also permits the transmission of data to Layer 3, where it gets addressed, routed and forwarded. The data link layer can be further divided into two sublayers. The higher layer, which is called logical link control, is responsible for multiplexing, flow control, acknowledgement and notification to upper layers if transmit/receive errors occur. The lower layer, known as the media access control sublayer, is responsible for tracking data frames using MAC addresses of the sending and receiving hardware. It’s also responsible for organizing each frame, marking the starting and ending bits, and organizing timing regarding when each frame can be sent along the physical layer medium. Ethernet is one of the most commonly used technologies in the data link layer. It defines the rules for connections and data transmissions between the nodes in a network such as a local area network. Layer 1. The physical layer The physical layer transports data using electrical, mechanical or procedural interfaces, such as cables and switches. This layer is responsible for sending computer bits — strings of ones and zeros — from one device to another along the network through a physical medium. The physical layer is important because it determines how physical connections to the network are set up. It also determines how the bits in a data bitstream are represented into predictable signals as they’re transmitted either electrically, optically or via radio waves (Wi-Fi). Cross-layer functions of the OSI model Some cross-layer functions or services may affect more than one layer in the OSI model. These include the following: Security service telecommunication as defined by the International Telecommunication Union Telecommunication Standardization Sector X.800 recommendation. Management functions that enable the configuration, instantiation, monitoring and terminating of the communications of two or more entities. Multiprotocol Label Switching, which operates at an OSI model layer that lies between the Layer 2 data link layer and the Layer 3 network layer — MPLS can carry a variety of traffic, including Ethernet frames and IP packets. Address Resolution Protocol translations of IPv4 addresses (OSI Layer 3) into Ethernet MAC addresses (OSI Layer 2). DNS, which is an application layer service that’s used to look up the IP address of a domain name. How does data flow through the OSI model During transmission, the OSI model determines how data flows from a sending device to a receiving device. In particular, the data from the sending device travels down the seven layers of the model, i.e., from the application layer (Layer 7) to the physical layer (Layer 1). It thens travel up the seven layers on the receiving end, i.e., from the physical layer to the application layer. Suppose User A sends an email to User B. Here’s how data flows through the OSI model. At the sending end User A’s email client, e.g., Microsoft Outlook, sits on the application layer. It uses SMTP to pass the email message to the next layer, the presentation layer. At the presentation layer, the email message gets compressed, encrypted and formatted. It is then passed on to the session layer. At the session layer, a session is established between User A’s email server and User B’s email server. This connection remains open long enough to send the email from User A to User B. Next, the data reaches the transport layer. Here, it is divided into smaller segments, which are sent on to the network layer. At the network layer, the segments are further divided into smaller packets, and each packet is assigned source and destination IP addresses to allow routing. These packets travel to the data link layer, where they are further broken down into frames. The layer uses MAC addresses so the packets can move across local networks. Layer 2 also corrects any errors that occur as the data moves from Layer 7 to here. Finally, the frames are delivered to the physical layer. Here, the data is converted into a bitstream of ones and zeros and sent through a physical medium, such as a fiber optic cable. At the receiving end The above process is reversed at the receiving end (User B). First, the physical medium converts the received binary bitstream into frames that are passed to and reassembled into packets at the data link layer. The data link layer passes the packets to the network layer, which checks that the packets have arrived correctly and also assembles them into larger segments. These segments are passed to the transport layer. Here, the segments are reassembled or reordered as required. The session layer maintains the session until User B fully receives the email from User A. It also passes on the reassembled email to the presentation layer. This layer decompresses, formats and decrypts the email, and it passes it on to the application layer. Finally, the application layer delivers the email in human-readable format to User B’s email client — Outlook or something else. At this point, the email appears in User B’s inbox, and they can read it on a compatible device — desktop, laptop, tablet, smartphone, etc. Pros and cons of the OSI model The OSI model has a number of advantages, including the following: It’s considered a standard model in computer networking. The model supports connectionless, as well as connection-oriented, services. Users can take advantage of connectionless services when they need faster data transmissions over the internet and the connection-oriented model when they’re looking for reliability. It has the flexibility to adapt to many protocols. Different protocols can be used depending on the network’s requirements. For example, TCP can be used if reliable, error-free communication is required — say, for web browsing or email. Instead of TCP, UDP can be used if some reliability can be sacrificed in favor of faster communications for applications like online gaming or real-time video streaming. The model is more adaptable and enables the implementation of security applications and tools to enhance protection and resilience to cyberattacks. The disadvantages of the OSI model include the following: It doesn’t define or recommend any particular protocol, so device manufacturers and vendors use their own judgment to determine which protocol should be used and when. The session layer, which is used for session management, and the presentation layer, which deals with user interaction, are less useful than the other layers in the OSI model. Some services are duplicated at various layers, such as the transport and data link layers, which can make it harder to understand the model. Layers cannot work in parallel; each layer must wait to receive data from the previous layer. OSI model vs. TCP/IP model The OSI reference model describes the functions of a telecommunications or networking system, while TCP/IP is a suite of communication protocols used to interconnect network devices on the internet. TCP/IP and OSI are the most broadly used networking models for communication. The OSI and TCP/IP models have similarities and differences. The main similarity is in their construction, as both use layers, although the OSI model consists of seven layers, while TCP/IP consists of just four layers. Another similarity is that the upper layer for each model is the application layer, which performs the same tasks in each model but may vary according to the information each receives. The functions performed in each model are also similar because each uses a network and transport layer to operate. The OSI and TCP/IP models are mostly used to transmit data packets, although they each use different means and paths to reach their destinations. Additional similarities between the OSI and TCP/IP models include the following: Both are logical models. Both define standards for networking. Both divide the network communication process in layers. Both provide frameworks for creating and implementing network standards and devices. Both enable one manufacturer to make devices and network components that can coexist and work with the devices and components made by other manufacturers. Both divide complex functions into simpler components. The main difference between the OSI and TCP/IP models is that OSI is a conceptual and generic framework that describes network communication. In contrast, TCP/IP is a practical and functional model that helps to solve real communication problems and networking issues. Other differences include the following: OSI uses three layers — application, presentation and session — to define the functionality of the upper layers. TCP/IP combines these layers into one application layer. For data transmission, OSI uses Layers 1, 2 and 3, while TCP/IP uses all its layers. OSI uses two separate layers — physical and data link — to define the functionality of the bottom layers, while TCP/IP uses only the link layer. OSI uses the network layer to define the routing standards and protocols, while TCP/IP uses the internet layer. OSI is a protocol-independent model, meaning it can be used to understand any kind of network. TCP/IP is based on specific, standard protocols that are widely used in internet networks. History of the OSI model In the 1970s, technology researchers began examining how computer systems could best communicate with each other. Over the next few years, several competing models were created and published to the community. However, it wasn’t until 1984 that the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) took the best parts of competing networking reference models to propose OSI as a way to finally create a framework that technology companies around the world could use as the basis of their networking technologies. From ISO’s perspective, the easiest way to create a conceptual model was to organize the models into different abstraction layers required to organize and send data between computing systems. Looking inside each abstracted layer to see the details shows one part of this network communication process. Each layer can be thought of as a separate communication module or piece of the puzzle. But, to accomplish the goal of sending data from one device to another, each module must work together. Networking is the backbone of the internet, and it relies on several essential protocols. These key network protocols are crucial for enabling seamless communication and connections across the internet. Source link #OSI #model #layers #OSI #explained Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

Expedition 33 Has a Secret Axon Hidden Behind a Friendship Quest Expedition 33 Has a Secret Axon Hidden Behind a Friendship Quest Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 features an impressively beautiful world that’s a sight to behold. The developers at Sandfall Interactive have also made sure that exploring it feels rewarding and satisfying, as there lie many secrets and bosses that one might miss if they stick to just the narrative. Speaking of secrets, a fourth hidden Axon exists within the game’s world. Axons are basically powerful beings that players hunt and defeat throughout the narrative, and you’ll face two within the story, while the third one lies dead under Old Lumiere. So where’s the fourth one? That’s what we’re here for, and the revelation of this Axon is directly connected to a secret boss fight that can only be activated once players reach Relationship Level 5 with Maelle in Expedition 33. First things first, find Alicia in Expedition 33 Alicia waits for you at the top of The Reacher | Image Credit: YouTube/@BossFightDatabase To find Alicia in Expedition 33, first you need to talk to Maelle at the camp before you hit relationship level 6 to trigger the quest. So, make sure to spend enough time with Maelle at the camp and get those levels up. This will trigger a cutscene in Act 3 that’ll require you to find Alicia with Maelle at her request. Here, you’ll find out that Alicia sits at the top of The Reacher tower, which can be accessed by Esquie and his ability to fly. Even though she’s an optional boss, we recommend fighting her. Getting to the top is a bit tricky, so follow the steps below and you should do just fine: Take the rope up The Reacher entrance and continue down the path. Use your grappling hook to get over the gap and arrive at the crossroads. Head right and take the help of the hot air balloon to get to the top. From the Expedition 61 flag, continue towards the mountains, and once you reach them, head left and take the hot air balloon. At the top, use the stairways to go up to the Orphelin, whom you can choose to fight or ignore. Take the third hot air balloon to go up to a foggy area. From here, go right and take the last hot air balloon to get to the top even further. Head right to reach Alicia, who you’ll find at the end of the path. Once you get to her, a cutscene will trigger, and the boss fight will ensue shortly. But keep your eyes peeled to the screen throughout the entire cutscene, and the truth about the secret Axon will pop up right in front of you. Alicia leads Maelle to the fourth Axon before the boss fight in Expedition 33 The secret Axon looks quite messed up! | Image Credit: YouTube/@BossFightDatabase After Maelle and Alicia enter the boss fight arena, you’ll notice that the cutscene lingers on a doll sitting on a chair within the boss arena. Alicia will lead Maelle towards it, holding her hand, and once Maelle observes it properly, she says, “Oh, you’re the real Axon,” thus revealing that the doll is the fourth and secret Axon in Expedition 33. The cutscene further sheds light on Alicia and how she likes staying with the doll before the inevitable boss fight begins. Now, this won’t be a traditional Expedition 33 boss fight, as you’ll only be able to use Maelle to defeat Alicia. So the most important thing you need to remember is that her weakness is fire. With this information in mind, use your moves accordingly, and other than that, time your dodges and parries and observe her attack patterns. Read her like a book and you’ll defeat her without breaking a sweat. Or can simply use a one-shot Stendhal build to vaporise her, your choice. So, what do you think about the fourth Axon in Expedition 33? Did you beat Alicia yet, or are you prioritising the main story instead? Share your thoughts and opinions in the comment section below. Source link #Expedition #Secret #Axon #Hidden #Friendship #Quest Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]