Pelican Press

Detransitioner’s Warning: ‘False Hope,’ Lies and Chaos Detransitioner’s Warning: ‘False Hope,’ Lies and Chaos Prisha Mosley’s detransition journey has been a harrowing ordeal — one she is openly sharing to help others facing similar struggles. Listen to the latest episode of “Quick Start” “It’s important to me to be able to share the truth,” Mosley told CBN News. “There really was no one to let us know that it was a lie and a scam when I was going through this. So, I really feel like I’m helping people.” She said her own journey with gender confusion began when she was 15 years old and “discovered the trans community online.” Mosley had already joined another group where members encouraged one another not to eat — but she was suddenly enveloped into the trans community. She came to embrace the idea that she was “born in entirely the wrong body and needed medicine for it.” “I was 15 when that started, and medicalization began at 16 with Depo-Provera to stop my periods and then testosterone at 17,” she said. “And, then, just a year later, at 18, I had both of my breasts removed.” Mosley said doctors gave her “false hope” and offered a warning to others experiencing similar gender confusion. Ultimately, she said nothing she was promised came to fruition. “I really, really, truly thought that I was going to transition into a man, like have a full sex change and that all of my trauma would be gone, and my mental struggles and illnesses would be cured by this,” she said. “I thought that all of the problems I had were caused by being born in the wrong body, and I derived a lot of hope from the idea that these problems had a quick fix and a cure — that I could just take medicine, and have surgery, and then everything in my life and my family would be OK.” But that didn’t happen. Watch Mosley share what unfolded: Source link #Detransitioners #Warning #False #Hope #Lies #Chaos Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

The US Treasury just shocked Americans with a $258B surplus — its 2nd biggest monthly surplus in history The US Treasury just shocked Americans with a $258B surplus — its 2nd biggest monthly surplus in history Budget deficits are something we’ve come to expect from Uncle Sam. After all, without years of overspending, the federal government wouldn’t be sitting on trillions of dollars in debt. But, the latest monthly Treasury statement delivered a rare — and welcome — surprise. In April 2025, the U.S. government collected $850.2 billion in receipts while spending $591.8 billion, resulting in a monthly budget surplus of $258.4 billion. That’s not just any surplus — it’s the first monthly surplus of fiscal year 2025 (which began in October 2024), and the second-largest monthly surplus in U.S. history, behind only April 2022’s $308.2 billion surplus. Does that mean President Trump’s plan is working? According to the U.S. Department of the Treasury, the surplus was driven by “large individual tax deposits,” with April being the due date for final payments on prior-year taxes and the first installment of quarterly estimated taxes for many individuals and businesses. Individual income taxes alone brought in $537 billion — by far the biggest contributor to government revenue for April. Social insurance and retirement receipts followed at $184 billion, while corporate income taxes added $94 billion. Customs duties — a reflection of Trump’s tariffs — generated $15.6 billion in April, more than double the $6.3 billion collected during the same month last year. Still, tariff revenue remains modest compared to other major contributors. On the spending side, the biggest outlay for the month was Social Security at $132 billion, followed by $89 billion in net interest, $82 billion for Medicare, $76 billion for health and $70 billion for national defense. Despite the hefty surplus, one strong month isn’t enough to reverse the broader fiscal trend. From October 1 through April 30, the U.S. government brought in $3.110 trillion in revenue but spent $4.159 trillion — resulting in a $1.049 trillion deficit for the fiscal year so far. So it’s no surprise the national debt continues to soar. As of this writing, the total outstanding debt of the U.S. government sits at a staggering $36.212 trillion. The takeaway? To run a surplus, you have to earn more than you spend. That might be a tall order for a government juggling countless programs — but for individuals, it’s a surprisingly simple (and achievable) strategy. Story Continues Here are a few ways to boost your own fiscal health in 2025 — and beyond. If you want to improve your finances, the first step is understanding where your money goes each month. Track all your expenses for 30 days, then sort them into two categories: necessities — like rent, groceries, utilities and health care — and discretionary spending, such as dining out, entertainment, shopping and hobbies. This breakdown gives you a clear picture of your spending habits and helps identify areas where you can cut back. But trimming waste isn’t just about skipping lattes or takeout. Even in essential categories — like car insurance or banking — you may be spending more than you need to. The good news? With a bit of research, those costs can often be significantly reduced. Read more: You’re probably already overpaying for this 1 ‘must-have’ expense — and thanks to Trump’s tariffs, your monthly bill could soar even higher. Here’s how 2 minutes can protect your wallet right now Car insurance is a major recurring expense, and many people overpay without realizing it. According to Forbes, the national average cost for car insurance in 2024 was $2,150 per year (or $179 per month). However, rates can vary widely depending on your state, driving history and vehicle type, and you could be paying more than necessary. More Americans are also facing higher car payments, so it’s important to control vehicle-related expenses where you can. Instead of sticking with the same provider, you can try taking a few minutes to compare quotes from multiple insurers to ensure you’re getting the best deal. Bank fees can quietly drain your finances over time. Even comedian Bill Burr once complained to Joe Rogan about his bank taking $28 out of his account every month “for no reason.” In reality, many traditional banks charge anywhere from $5 to $35 per month in maintenance fees, overdraft fees and other hidden charges. Online banks, on the other hand, typically offer lower fees (or none at all) since they don’t have the same overhead costs as brick-and-mortar institutions. Many online banks also offer high-interest checking and savings accounts, allowing you to earn more on your idle cash while avoiding costly fees. Cutting expenses is one way to create a surplus — but boosting income can be just as powerful. And while asking for a raise doesn’t always lead to results, there are ways to earn money without clocking in extra hours. That’s where passive income comes in: money that keeps flowing with minimal day-to-day effort. One of the most popular passive income strategies? Real estate. When you own a rental property, tenants pay you rent each month — providing a steady stream of cash flow. It’s also a time-tested hedge against inflation, since both property values and rental income tend to rise along with the cost of living. That said, being a landlord isn’t always easy. You’ll be responsible for finding and screening tenants, collecting rent, and handling maintenance and repair requests (out of your own pocket) — and that’s assuming you can save enough for a down payment and get a mortgage to buy the property in the first place. The good news? These days, you don’t need to buy a property outright to reap the benefits of real estate investing. Crowdfunding platforms, for example, allow everyday investors to own shares in rental properties without the large down payments or management headaches traditionally associated with real estate ownership. Alternatively, real estate investment trusts (REITs) provide another avenue for those looking to gain exposure to this asset class. This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind. Source link #Treasury #shocked #Americans #258B #surplus #2nd #biggest #monthly #surplus #history Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

Pilotless planes are taking flight in China. Bank of America says it's time to buy Pilotless planes are taking flight in China. Bank of America says it's time to buy While startups around the world have tried to build vehicles that can fly without a pilot, only one is certified to carry people — in China. Source link #Pilotless #planes #flight #China #Bank #America #it039s #time #buy Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

****** leader Muhammad Sinwar’s body said found in Gaza tunnel hit by IDF last week – The Times of Israel ****** leader Muhammad Sinwar’s body said found in Gaza tunnel hit by IDF last week – The Times of Israel ****** leader Muhammad Sinwar’s body said found in Gaza tunnel hit by IDF last week The Times of IsraelLIVE: Israeli bombs kill 135 in Gaza, hospitals in north ‘out of service’ Al JazeeraIsraeli air strikes kills three in Deir el-Balah: Report Middle East EyeIsrael airstrikes kill at least 100 in Gaza as negotiators seek ceasefire ReutersIsraeli strikes across Gaza kill dozens and force a main hospital to close, health officials say NBC News Source link #****** #leader #Muhammad #Sinwars #body #Gaza #tunnel #hit #IDF #week #Times #Israel Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Apple blocks Fortnites return to the App Store, Epic Games CEO points out obvious clones Apple blocks Fortnites return to the App Store, Epic Games CEO points out obvious clones Epic: “Apple has blocked our Fortnite submission so we cannot release to the US App Store or to the Epic Games Store for iOS in the European Union. Now, sadly, Fortnite on iOS will be offline worldwide until Apple unblocks it.” Source link #Apple #blocks #Fortnites #return #App #Store #Epic #Games #CEO #points #obvious #clones Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Will 2025 be a sweet year for strawberry growers and consumers? Will 2025 be a sweet year for strawberry growers and consumers? The ***’s strawberry season is off to a “stonking start”, according to one grower, with warm days and cooler nights meaning they are sweeter than usual. Marion Regan, managing director of Kent-based Hugh Lowe Farms, told the BBC that a “glorious spring” this year had contributed to a “really good crop” of the fruit. That is good news for strawberry lovers, including those attending Wimbledon this year – one of Hugh Lowe Farms’ clients. This spring is currently ranking as the driest in over a century, according to the Met Office, with the Environment Agency recently warning there is a “medium” risk of a summer drought. Ms Regan, who has been growing strawberries for more than 50 years, said she was noticing that this year’s were a “good size” so far but that the “most marked thing” was their **********. A combination of warm days and cool nights are known to make strawberries sweeter. The lower night temperatures allow them to rest and put the energy they have gained during the day into producing more natural sugars. However, Ms Regan said it remained to be seen what the rest of their growing season – which lasts until November – would bring. Asked about the warnings over potential drought conditions, she said that she, like all good soft fruit growers, have irrigation systems in place to mitigate the effects of extreme weather and to ensure their crops get a steady supply with water. Nevertheless, some help from mother nature would not go amiss. “All farmers could do with the rain, it would be nice,” she added. Pauline Goodall, a strawberry farmer from Limington in Somerset, told the BBC earlier this month that a warmer than average start to May was having a noticeable effect on the timing of this year’s harvest. “They’re just ripening at a phenomenal rate,” she said of her strawberries. The Summer Berry Company, based in Colworth near Chichester, recently said that the warmer weather had helped increase its production to 200 tonnes – 50 tonnes more than by the same time last year – and that the plants were producing “lush-sweet tasting fruit”. This all bodes well for consumers keen to get their berry fix over summer, but how should we be making the most of these sweet flavours? While some people may prefer to keep it classic with cream, there are other options available for those who are looking to be more adventurous. According to the BBC Food, a little ****** pepper or balsamic vinegar helps to give them more flavour, while pairing them with some form of chilli can help balance the flavours out. This year marks a very different start to the strawberry-growing season than in 2024, when the fruit was delayed in ripening following one of the wettest winters on record. Scientists have said climate change was a major factor in this weather. It is also well-established that human-caused climate change is making spells of hot weather more likely, and that hot days have become more common in the ***. Over the decade 2014-2023, days exceeded 28C more than twice as often as the 1961-1990 average, according to the Met Office. Source link #sweet #year #strawberry #growers #consumers Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Hidden PS2 RPGs Nobody Played Hidden PS2 RPGs Nobody Played The PS2 has a plethora of classics RPGs, as well as more than a handful that have basically been lost to time. Source link #Hidden #PS2 #RPGs #Played Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Trump could leave less documentation behind than any previous US president Trump could leave less documentation behind than any previous US president WASHINGTON (AP) — For generations, official American documents have been meticulously preserved and protected, from the era of quills and parchment to boxes of paper to the cloud, safeguarding snapshots of the government and the nation for posterity. Now, the Trump administration is scrubbing thousands of government websites of history, legal records and data it finds disagreeable. It has sought to expand the executive branch’s power to shield from public view the government-slashing efforts of Elon Musk’s team and other key administration initiatives. Officials have used apps such as Signal that can auto-delete messages containing sensitive information rather than retaining them for recordkeeping. And they have shaken up the National Archives leadership and even ordered the rewriting of history on display at the Smithsonian Institution. All of that follows President Donald Trump discouraging note-taking at meetings, ripping up records when he was done with them, refusing to release White House visitor logs and having staffers sign nondisclosure agreements during his first term — then being indicted for hauling to Florida boxes of sensitive documents that he was legally required to relinquish. To historians and archivists, it points to the possibility that Trump’s presidency will leave less for the nation’s historical record than nearly any before it and that what is authorized for public release will be sanitized and edited to reinforce a carefully sculpted image the president wants projected, even if the facts don’t back that up. How will experts and their fellow Americans understand what went on during Trump’s term when those charged with setting aside the artifacts documenting history refuse to do so? How to piece together a history of truth and accuracy? The administration says it’s the “most transparent in history,” citing the Republican president’s penchant for taking questions from reporters nearly every day. But flooding the airwaves, media outlets and the internet with all things Trump isn’t the same as keeping records that document the inner workings of an administration, historians caution. That’s especially true given the president’s propensity for exaggerating, particularly when it comes to bolstering his own image and accomplishments. “He thinks he controls history,” says Timothy Naftali, a presidential historian who served as founding director of the Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum in Yorba Linda, California. “He wants to control what Americans ultimately find out about the truth of his administration, and that’s dangerous. Because, if he believes that he can control that truth, he may believe that there is nothing that he can do that would have consequences.” Watchdog groups are most immediately worried about what the administration is doing in real time with little oversight or accountability. They point to Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency, or DOGE, and other top officials seeking to obscure sweeping efforts to remake government, the economy and large swaths of the nation’s civil and cultural fabric. “With this administration’s history of tearing up records, storing them in unsecured facilities in Florida, its use of Signal,” said Scott Amey, general counsel of the Project on Government Oversight, which has sued DOGE seeking greater access to records. “At that point, there are a lot of questions about how’s DOGE operating, and is it operating within the law?” Trump has made concealing even basic facts part of his political persona. He long refused to release his tax returns despite every other major White House candidate and president having done so since Jimmy Carter. Today, White House stenographers still record every word Trump utters, but many of their transcriptions are languishing in the White House press office without authorization for public release. That means no official record — for weeks, if at all — of what the president has said. “You want to have a record because that’s how you ensure accountability,” said Lindsay Chervinsky, executive director of the George Washington Presidential Library in Mount Vernon, Virginia. “You can’t hold people accountable if you don’t actually know what happened.” The law says Trump must maintain records Presidents are legally obligated to keep up the historical record. After the Watergate scandal forced Nixon to resign in 1974, he tried to take documents home to California. Congress approved a law requiring document preservation that applied only to Nixon. Four years later, the Presidential Records Act extended similar rules to all commanders in chief. It mandates the preservation, forever, of White House and vice presidential documents and communications. It deems them the property of the U.S. government and directs the National Archives and Records Administration to administer them after a president’s term. A separate measure, the Federal Records Act of 1950, is meant to safeguard for the historical record the actions of other officials. It says their communications should be preserved, sent to the National Archives, whose headquarters is down the street from the White House, and are generally subject to requests for information under Freedom of Information Act. The Presidential Records Act affords presidents the exclusive responsibility for the custody and management of their records while in office, and says the National Archives plays no role except when a president wants to dispose of such materials. Further, it protects some presidential records from Freedom of Information requests for five years after a president leaves office, and can even block release of some records for up to a dozen years after a president’s term is up. Presidents also can evoke executive privilege to further limit certain types of communication from release. Once an administration is over, however, there are rules about what even the president must retain for the public. The Presidential Records Act also prohibits presidents from taking records home. That’s best evidenced by Trump’s 2022 federal indictment for mishandling classified documents. Rather than turn them over the National Archives, Trump hauled boxes of potentially sensitive documents from his first term to his Florida estate, Mar-a-Lago, where they ended piled up in his bedroom, a ballroom and even a bathroom and shower. The FBI raided the property to recover them. The case was later thrown out, though, and then abandoned altogether after Trump won back the White House last November. Trudy Huskamp Peterson, acting Archivist of the United States from 1993 to 1995, said keeping such records for the public is important because “decision-making always involves conflicting views, and it’s really important to get that internal documentation to see what the arguments were.” Early presidents often sought to preserve their place in history The push toward preservation of the historical record predates Nixon and even the United States itself. American colonists decried the secrecy around the British Parliament, leading early leaders to install transparency safeguards, including initially rejecting the notion of a presidential Cabinet at the Constitutional Convention. Instead, they endorsed requirements that the president receive advice in writing from department secretaries, so that there would be a written record, said Chervinsky, also author of “The Cabinet: George Washington and the Creation of an American Institution.” In 1796, Washington asserted what today might be called executive privilege, arguing that some diplomatic conversations had to be private given their sensitive nature. But the following year, the nation’s first president wrote about the need to build a library to house his papers for historians and researchers, Chervinsky said. Many early presidents kept meticulous records, including John Adams and Thomas Jefferson, both of whom wanted to “be seen as a positive figure in history,” Chervinsky said. Others, like Abraham Lincoln, had advisers who understood the importance of the era and documented history carefully. Other presidents often did not prioritize recordkeeping. Ulysses S. Grant, who left office in 1877, famously wrote, “The only place I ever found in my life to put a paper so as to find it again was either a side coat-pocket, or the hands of a clerk more careful than myself.” And it wasn’t until 2014 when the Library of Congress, finally clear of legal battles that raged 50 years earlier with Warren G. Harding’s family, released correspondence between the 29th president and his mistress, Carrie Fulton Phillips. Federally authorized presidential libraries did not exist until 1941, when Franklin D. Roosevelt opened his while still in office, although a mostly privately funded library established for Rutherford B. Hayes, who left the presidency in 1881, served as a model. Roosevelt also installed a White House tape recorder to capture conversations, a practice that mostly continued until Nixon’s Oval Office tapes upended his presidency. After President John F. Kennedy’s assassination, many of his presidential recordings were taken by his family and National Archives officials had to negotiate with Sen. Ted Kennedy, D-Mass., for public access, Peterson said. President Lyndon B. Johnson recorded phone calls that have informed historians for decades, including his 1964 lament about the Vietnam War: “It just worries the hell out of me.” Naftali said that in his role at the Nixon library, he saw drafts materials — and the notes used to compile them — that survived among presidential papers, even when the finished documents were shredded in Watergate cover-up efforts. “You should want accountability whether you’re a Republican or a Democrat or an independent,” Naftali said. “You want to know what people did in your name.” Presidential clashes with archivists predate Trump Even after new laws saw Nixon’s White House tapes turned over to authorities, it fell to archivists to separate official and political material from the personal, which was potentially subject to more privacy protections. They also had to deal with voice-activated devices clicking on while Oval Office cleaning crews worked. More recently, President George H.W. Bush’s administration destroyed some informal notes, visitor logs and emails. After President Bill Clinton left office, his former national security adviser, Sandy Berger, pleaded guilty to taking copies of a document about terrorist threats from the National Archives by stuffing them down his pants leg. President George W. Bush’s administration disabled automatic archiving for some official emails, encouraged some staffers to use private email accounts outside their work addresses and lost 22 million emails that were supposed to have been archived, though they were eventually uncovered in 2009. The younger Bush also signed an executive order seeking to limit the scope of the Presidential Records Act for himself and past presidents. His successor, President Barack Obama, rescinded that. Obama’s administration nonetheless moved to block release of White House visitor logs, something Trump continued in his first term. Congress updated the Presidential Records Act and the Federal Records Act in 2014 to encompass electronic messaging, including commercial email services known to be used by government employees to conduct official business. But back then, use of auto-delete apps like Signal was far less common. “A decade ago, we were still in a Gmail, Yahoo, and AOL world,” said Jason R. Baron, a professor at the University of Maryland and former director of litigation at the National Archives. “The point is, it’s far easier to copy — or forward — a commercial email to a dot-gov address to be preserved, than it is to screenshot a series of messages on an app like Signal.” Further complicating matters is Trump’s routinely answering cellphone calls, including from reporters. Guidance dating back decades suggests documenting, through ordinary note-taking, the substance of conversations where significant decisions are made, Baron said. But he also noted that the rules are less clear than those around written communications, including texts. Such communications have already been at the center of advocates’ work to preserve records around DOGE’s work. The administration has argued DOGE’s efforts are subject to the Presidential Records Act which would potentially shield it from Freedom of Information Act rules. Amey’s Project on Government Oversight sued, maintaining that Musk’s initiative should be covered by the Federal Records Act. Other advocacy groups have also sued DOGE over compliance with Freedom of Information Act requests, prompting the administration to file a one-page record retention policy in March that was revealed in court filings. It requires DOGE staffers to preserve all work-related communications and records, regardless of format — which, if applied completely across the board, would include apps like Signal. Relying on ‘an honor system’ There were efforts during the first Trump administration to safeguard transparency, including a memo issued through the Office of White House counsel Don McGahn in February 2017 that reminded White House personnel of the necessity to preserve and maintain presidential records. Trump’s 2017-2021 administration also established a system to capture messages the president posted to Twitter even after he deleted them. When Trump frequently ripped up briefing papers and other documents when he was finished with them during his first term, record analysts working across the street from the White House later would gather them up and tape them back together as best they could. Experts and advocates say no such guidance memo has been issued from the White House this time, though William Fischer, the National Archives acting chief records officer, released a memo this month reminding agencies about rules for maintaining federal records created on apps such as Signal and recommending using “automated tools to comply” with the Federal Records Act. Trump has recently talked about his place in history, and officials around the president have discussed building a presidential library — potentially in Florida — when he leaves the White House for good. But Trump also long exaggerated his right to keep documents for personal use rather than turn them over to archivists. “Under the Presidential Records Act, I’m allowed to do all this,” Trump wrote on his social media site in June 2023 after the FBI seized boxes of documents from Mar-a-Lago — an assertion the indictment against him disputed. The White House says Trump was “unjustly prosecuted” on “fake charges” during that case. It points to having recently ordered the declassification of bevies of historical files, including records related to the assassinations of Kennedy, his brother Robert and Martin Luther King. The administration says it fulfilled records requests from Congress that the administration of his predecessor, Democrat Joe Biden, ignored, and offered instructions that federal agencies should clear out backlogged Freedom of Information Act requests. It says it ended the Biden-era practice of staffers using Microsoft Teams, where chats were not captured by White House systems. The Biden administration had more than 800 users on Teams, meaning an unknown number of presidential records might have been lost, Trump officials now say, though that is something Biden representatives did not confirm. But the White House did not answer questions about the possibly of drafting a new memo on record retention like McGahn’s from 2017. Nor did it comment about whether nondisclosure agreements remain in use for White House staffers this term, or speak to Trump’s past habit of tearing up documents. Chervinsky, of the George Washington Presidential Library, said Congress, the courts and even the public often don’t have the bandwidth to ensure records retention laws are enforced, meaning, “A lot of it is still, I think, an honor system.” “There aren’t that many people who are practicing oversight,” she said. “So, a lot of it does require people acting in good faith and using the operating systems that they’re supposed to use, and using the filing systems they’re supposed to use.” Angered by the role the National Archives played in his documents case, meanwhile, Trump fired the ostensibly independent agency’s head, Archivist of the United States Colleen Shogan, and named Secretary of State Marco Rubio as her acting replacement. Peterson, the former acting national archivist, said she still believes key information about the Trump administration will eventually emerge, but “I don’t know how soon.” “Ultimately things come out,” she said. “That’s just the way the world works.” ___ Will Weissert covers the White House for The Associated Press. Source link #Trump #leave #documentation #previous #president Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

Red Dead Redemption Is At Its Best When It Shuts Up Red Dead Redemption Is At Its Best When It Shuts Up Red Dead Redemption is celebrating its 15-year anniversary today, May 18, 2025. Below, we consider that it may be better at showing than telling. As a rule, Westerns are sincere. Sure, there are outright farces like Blazing Saddles. Plenty of classic Westerns like Rio Bravo have a warm, comedic side. Even dark epics like the Searchers have moments of levity. But even when they are funny, Westerns play their archetypes straight. They are easy to make fun of because they are so unfeigned. In this context, Red Dead Redemption struggles to find its place. It imports Grand Theft Auto’s satire into a bare and somber world. In many moments, protagonist John Marston is the only voice of reason among cliches and caricatures. When Red Dead Redemption talks, it is often cheap and unserious. When it shuts up, it manages a real poetry, thanks to its austere landscapes and unpretentious world. First, let’s dig into its writing. RDR is a sunset Western, set in the waning days of Western expansion. Marston is a man out of time: a cowboy criminal in a world that wants to kill him (and will). Marston is foolish. He hunts down his former compatriots on the behest of the US government, because he hopes they will keep his promise to return his family to him and leave him alone. He is wrong. The killings he undertakes swing back on him and his family alike. This tragic arc is compelling, but a relatively narrow portion of the game is spent on it. Far more time is spent on Marston cavorting with scoundrels to track his targets. These characters are mostly cliches. Nigel West Dickens is a sniveling snake-oil salesman. Irish is, well, a drunk Irishman. Agustin Allende is a cruel dictator, and Landon Ricketts a noble marshall. Like Rockstar’s other other open-world games, RDR’s story missions are largely siloed off from the rest of the game. Many of them are just ride-alongs: long discussions on horseback, after which there might be a shootout. A huge portion of RDR’s runtime is listening to inane characters prattle on as Marston scolds, tut-tuts, or shrugs his shoulders. In this regard, the game’s treatment of Mexico is particularly egregious. The ******** Revolution was one of the most complex conflicts of this time *******, with dozens of factions. RDR reduces this to two sides: an oppressive government and a revolutionary army led by the charlatan Abraham Reyes, who only wants power for himself. Marston aids both sides to progress his own goals, thereby holding himself above the conflict altogether. He frowns as he helps the dictator destroy a village and shakes his head as the revolutionaries celebrate their victory. The game’s pessimism is not bleak, but cheap. Red Dead Redemption In part, the RDR’s political commentary feels incomplete because of Marsten himself. He is both an emblem of the United States’ worst sins, a hired gun meant to kill political dissidents and petty criminals alike, and a victim, a detainee forced to do labor the government won’t dirty its own hands with. This is a meaningful tension that RDR does not flesh out. If anything, Marsten’s plight is directly compared to the native peoples of the game. Both have been displaced from their homes. But Marsten is exactly the kind of white frontiersman who drove so many native peoples from their homelands. Because of the game’s satirical tone and Marsten’s wise-guy, above-it-all posture, it cannot mine that tension for drama. The game even undercuts its most effective moments. When Marston crosses the border to Mexico, an original song by José González plays. I still remember reaching this moment for the first time. Dawn scattered light across the virtual desert. Blood-red dirt and sky shone in an unbroken line. But this moment is preceded by Irish’s drunken hijinks. The grandeur of RDR’s world makes the needle drop land, but it is a moment that the game does not build to or descend from. However, the hardline separation between the delivery of RDR’s narrative and its wide-open world is an asset as much as a weakness. This is no Ubisoft checklist world. RDR’s side activities, particularly its minigames like poker and liar’s dice, exist on their own terms. You can’t capture outposts to spread your influence or win a tournament to become the most renowned poker player in the West. Instead, there’s a seat at the table for you, if you want to play a hand or two, but the dealer will deal with or without you. RDR’s random events can feel aggrandizing. Marston always arrives just in time to stop a highway robbery or rescue a fair maiden from vagabonds. But Marston can get swindled too. Highwaymen will try to take his horse or bandits will hide behind rocks to try and ambush him. These systems work in tandem to make the world feel separate from the player. The sun sets and rises. The same folks get drunk at the local bar every night. Marston wanders between them. RDR’s simulacra of the natural world helps that sense of separateness, of things acting and moving without your input. The game features extensive hunting and foraging mechanics. Even if you don’t engage with them, creatures scatter in the bushes by the roadside, herds of buffalo and cattle graze in grassy fields, and a chance encounter with a bear can ruin your day. This does result in some silly video game hijinks–the game’s predators will attack you for no reason–but there is also a wildness that can settle into its quiet moments. A large part of that wildness is that the game is still gorgeous. Each one of its biomes has a distinct character. It has its share of spectacular vistas, pulling on real-world locations like Monument Valley, but it is also willing to trade in mundanities: a well-worn dirt road, a chicken coop after dusk, playing horseshoes in the backyard. Rockstar’s obsession with granular, background simulation can be absurd, but it is also obviously a part of how its games feel unique. RDR is also quiet. There are no chattering radios or blaring car horns. There is only the desert. RDR can feel meditative, even boring, in a way few video games do. The ending is where the best parts of RDR’s talkative side and its quiet side align. After completing his task, Marston returns to his farm and his family. His wife Abigail and his son Jack are not cliches. Both have complex feelings for the man who has been so absent from their lives. The game takes its time unraveling these threads. In the meantime, Marston works like an ordinary man. He does chores. For the game’s last few hours, there is a feeling of merely being in the world. The ultimate, violent interruption of Marston’s quiet life is all more heartbreaking for how long it takes to come. The force of Red Dead Redemption’s final images help explain its outsized reputation. Marston promising his family he’ll find them when he knows he’ll die. A deep breath before facing the agents sent to kill him. Blood pouring from his mouth as he tries to stand. There is plenty of wanton violence in RDR, but this is a moment that feels actually senseless. It’s all because of how quiet it is, how much build-up leads to here. It is emblematic of RDR’s politics that a white settler is the ultimate, symbolic martyr of US state violence. That in no way takes away from the specter of death RDR summons at its conclusion. But here’s the thing: One of RDR’s primary inspirations is Cormac McCarthy’s Blood Meridian. At once beautiful, bleak, and absurd, the novel follows a band of men as they ******* for money along the line between Mexico and the US, loosely based on the real-life Glanton gang. Blood Meridian is ash and gunpowder printed to page. So much of RDR’s power is derived from it, the game can’t help but feel derivative. Furthermore, it reaches emotional depths RDR can’t offer in a fraction of the time. But what those can’t offer is RDR’s aesthetic embodiment. The spontaneous sunrise of a clear desert night, a coyote howl, a distant campfire, as you ride into the darkness. For more on Red Dead Redemption’s 15th anniversary, read about its spaghetti western cinematic inspirations. Source link #Red #Dead #Redemption #Shuts Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

Top Wall Street analysts prefer these dividend stocks for stable returns Top Wall Street analysts prefer these dividend stocks for stable returns Sopa Images | Lightrocket | Getty Images Volatile markets call for stability within portfolios, and investors are shopping for dividend stocks to provide a combination of upside potential and solid income. While the U.S. and China’s recent agreement to slash tariffs for 90-days provided some relief to investors, the threat of steep duties under the Trump administration continues to be a concern. Recommendations of top Wall Street analysts can help investors pick attractive dividend stocks that are supported by solid cash flows to make consistent payments. Here are three dividend-paying stocks, highlighted by Wall Street’s top pros, as tracked by TipRanks, a platform that ranks analysts based on their past performance. Chord Energy This week’s first dividend pick is Chord Energy (CHRD), an independent exploration and production company with long-held assets primarily in the Williston Basin. The company recently reported solid results for the first quarter of 2025, which it attributed to better-than-modeled well performance, strong cost control, and improved downtime. Chord Energy returned 100% of its adjusted free cash flow (FCF) to shareholders via share repurchases after declaring a base dividend of $1.30 per share. Based on the total dividend paid over the past 12 months, CHRD stock offers a dividend yield of 6.8%. Calling CHRD a top pick, Siebert Williams Shank analyst Gabriele Sorbara reiterated a buy rating on the stock and raised the price target to $125 from $121. While no energy stock is immune to weaker commodity prices, Sorbara thinks that his top picks are best positioned on a relative valuation basis due to their attractive assets with low breakeven levels, strong free cash flow and the potential for superior capital returns. In a research note following the results, Sorbara noted that the company reduced its 2025 capital expenditure outlook by $30 million, while maintaining its total production guidance, supported by improved operational efficiencies. Nonetheless, CHRD is monitoring the macro situation and has the required operational and financial flexibility to further reduce activity if conditions remain unfavorable or weaken, emphasized the analyst. Further, Sorbara highlighted that Chord Energy reaffirmed its capital returns framework, targeting to return more than 75% of its free cash flow to shareholders through dividends and opportunistic share repurchases. “We reaffirm our Buy rating on valuation, underpinned by its strong FCF yield providing the capacity for superior capital returns while maintaining low financial leverage (0.3x at the end of 1Q25),” said the analyst. Sorbara ranks No. 143 among more than 9,500 analysts tracked by TipRanks. His ratings have been profitable 55% of the time, delivering an average return of 20.4%. See Chord Energy Hedge Fund Trading Activity on TipRanks. Chevron We move to oil and gas giant Chevron (CVX), which recently reported first-quarter results that reflected the impact of lower oil prices on its earnings. Chevron’s outlook indicated a slowdown in the pace of its stock buybacks in Q2 2025 compared to the prior quarter amid tariff woes and the decision of OPEC+ to boost supply. Meanwhile, Chevron returned $6.9 billion of cash to shareholders during the first quarter through share repurchases of $3.9 billion and dividends of $3.0 billion. At a quarterly dividend of $1.71 per share (annualized dividend of $6.84 per share), CVX stock offers a dividend yield of 4.8%. Following the Q1 results, Goldman Sachs analyst Neil Mehta trimmed his price target for Chevron stock to $174 from $176 and reaffirmed a buy rating. The analyst said that despite macro uncertainties and moderated stock buyback assumptions, he continues to see an attractive long-term value proposition in CVX stock, with about a 5% dividend yield. “We additionally highlight expectations for strong free cash flow generation driven by major projects including Tengiz, US Gulf and the Permian,” said Mehta. Regarding the Tengiz (Tengizchevroil or TCO) project, the analyst highlighted management’s commentary that it reached name-plate capacity ahead of schedule. The company reiterated expectations for robust cash flow generation from the TCO project, including cash distributions and fixed loan repayments. Mehta also noted that CVX remains constructive on the operating outlook in the Gulf of Mexico and expects to increase production in the region to 300,000 boe/d in 2026. About Permian, he stated that Chevron boosted production by about 12% in Q1, thanks to continued efficiencies. Mehta ranks No. 535 among more than 9,500 analysts tracked by TipRanks. His ratings have been profitable 59% of the time, delivering an average return of 8.8%. See Chevron Ownership Structure on TipRanks. EOG Resources Finally, let’s look at EOG Resources (EOG), a crude oil and natural gas exploration and production company with proved reserves in the U.S. and Trinidad. Earlier this month, EOG reported market-beating earnings for the first quarter of 2025. The company returned $1.3 billion to shareholders, including $538 million in dividends and $788 million via share repurchases. EOG declared a dividend of $0.975 per share (annualized dividend of $3.90 per share), payable on July 31, 2025. EOG stock offers a dividend yield of 3.4%. In reaction to the Q1 results, RBC Capital analyst Scott Hanold reaffirmed a buy rating on EOG stock with a price target of $145. The analyst noted that the company announced macro uncertainty-led cuts to its activity plans, reducing the capital budget by 3% and organic oil production by 0.6%. Consequently, Hanold boosted his free cash flow (FCF) estimates by 6% to 7%. The analyst highlighted that EOG is able to revise its planned activity by reducing activity in areas with ample scale, which would not slow or degrade its operational efficiencies. Hanold observed that in total, 550 wells (net) are now planned in the core U.S. onshore basins, which is 30 fewer compared to the original guidance. Hanold pointed out that EOG again returned at least 100% of its free cash flow back to shareholders in Q1 2025. He expects this trend to continue, supported by the company’s balance sheet optimization strategy announced last year, current cash balance of about $7 billion and EOG’s stock price. “We expect management to flex buybacks to above 100% and think there is a path to over $1 billion resulting total returns at ~150% of 2Q25 FCF,” said Hanold. Overall, the analyst views EOG as best positioned to handle the ongoing oil price volatility, backed by its best-in-class balance sheet, growing natural gas volumes and low-cost structure. Hanold ranks No. 11 among more than 9,500 analysts tracked by TipRanks. His ratings have been successful 68% of the time, delivering an average return of 30%. See EOG Resources Insider Trading Activity on TipRanks. Source link #Top #Wall #Street #analysts #prefer #dividend #stocks #stable #returns Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Red Dead Redemption Turns 15: There Will Never Be Another Spaghetti Western Like It Red Dead Redemption Turns 15: There Will Never Be Another Spaghetti Western Like It Red Dead Redemption is celebrating its 15-year anniversary today, May 18, 2025. Below, we look back at the western in the context of its cinematic inspirations. Stories about the American West, just like stories about knights or ninjas or other iconic figures, are not a monolith. There are stories fantastical and grounded, silly and serious, traditional and rebellious. Red Dead Redemption is a spaghetti Western in the same lineage as so many of Sergio Leone’s movies, like A Fistful of Dollars and The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly. Even among other open-world games and the other games in its own series, Red Dead Redemption is a singular experience. It delivers on the fantasy of playing a legendary gunslinger in a grimy American West. And there will never be another game quite like it. A Look Back at the Red Dead Trilogy The Red Dead games are a trilogy, though we rarely think of the first entry, Red Dead Revolver. All three games in the series are wildly different takes on the Western; even though the most recent two have consistent characters and a chronology to them, they could hardly be more different in presentation, tone, and style. Red Dead Revolver, developed by Rockstar San Diego (originally Angel Studios) and funded in part by Capcom, is a linear action game with a simple revenge narrative. Stylistically, it has more in common with a comic book or anime than any Western film or the rest of the games in the Red Dead series. There are limbs flying everywhere, and it sports over-the-top bosses like a huge guy with dynamite strapped to his head and steel plates on his arms as shields. Red Dead Redemption 2, on the other hand, is a Western epic with more in common with True Grit or Open Range than with something like Sergio Leone’s A Fistful of Dollars. It works overtime to represent its characters and setting as accurately as possible (with notable exceptions like the treatment of the people of Appalachia). It’s so interested in authenticity that historian and professor Tore Olsson wrote an entire book on where RDR2 succeeds and comes up short with regard to representing reality and came away with the conclusion that, despite some mistakes and some places where more depth would be warranted, the game got more right than not. Red Dead Redemption Red Dead Redemption That brings us to the middle child, 2010’s Red Dead Redemption, a game that takes inspiration from the Spaghetti Western movies. The term Spaghetti Western refers to a genre of film made primarily between 1960 and 1978, and produced in Europe–most commonly Italy and Spain. Prior Westerns were often about mythologizing the American West. Cowboys were clear heroes or villains, and the lines between good and evil were clear and easily delineated. Spaghetti Westerns blurred those lines, making the villains charming and the heroes surly and difficult to be around. They also went hard on style. The opening sequence of A Fistful of Dollars is iconic, with silhouettes of gunslingers battling it out, backed by whistling and chanting music unlike anything the cinematic Old West had ever seen. We see all that at work in Red Dead Redemption. The graphics and music often take direct influence from Sergio Leone’s movies. The music especially stands out here. Composed by musicians Bill Elm and Woody Jackson, Red Dead Redemption uses some traditional instruments like the jaw harp, but it also broadens out from that with the score combining, for example, the sound of a smooth harmonica with grimy, heavily distorted electric guitar. The story, too, feels entirely of a piece with Spaghetti Western sensibilities, for better and worse. There are some parts that haven’t aged well. The character known as Irish stands out here as a poorly written character built on gross stereotypes of Irish people that sours your replay of an entire section of the game. Even that feels like something straight out of a Spaghetti Western, though, where characters were broad and often built on simple themes or stereotypes. Other, more elemental parts match up though, too. John Marston is a Good Guy, but he isn’t a good guy. He’s not rising to a challenge, but being blackmailed into an impossible situation. He’s abrasive, too. Even those of us who love the game can agree that Marston’s voice takes a bit of time to warm up to. On the opposite side is the immediately charming Dutch van der Linde: a guy with big ideas and a smooth, deep voice. Side characters like the snake-oil salesman Nigel West Dickens are broad, goofy, and unreliable, while characters like Bonnie MacFarlane tempt John toward an “honest” life that would come with heavy compromises, which he can’t afford to even really dream about. Landon Ricketts, the aging American gunslinger that John meets in Mexico, represents the characters played by actors like Lee van Cleef in movies such as For a Few Dollars More–wise killers who have earned that wisdom with blood and loss.His battles against his former comrades are only triumphant in that you survive them. They’re not victories over evil. John doesn’t want to be there, but the axe over his wife and son’s heads has forced his hand, and he has to do that dirty work. His old friends have gone sour, providing some justification for his actions, but they’re not evil. Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid isn’t a Spaghetti Western per se, being an American production, but it lands smack dab in the middle of the Spaghetti Western era, and shares enough of that broad, comedic tone and grimy quality to work here. John Marston’s final moments are a take on the movie’s iconic ending, in which the characters end on a freeze frame over the sound of a hail of gunfire. John opens the barn to see more lawmen than he could ever take down, all aiming at him. He gets his final moment and empties his revolver into the crowd, but he was never going to get to live a peaceful life. As much as he might try, it was not much more than a dalliance for a life-long gunslinger. Red Dead 2 feels like a slog when I try to imagine re-playing it–all these mean people making mistakes and killing each other, and a beautiful landscape full of terrible people. It’s undoubtedly a beautiful and incredibly written and realized game. But sometimes you want A Fistful of Dollars more than 3:10 to Yuma. Red Dead Redemption is the answer. Despite being full of cruelty, it is an adventure about a reluctant hero with the skills and grit to get himself out of so many bad situations, given all the grandiosity and flamboyance of those movies that inspired it. For more on Red Dead Redemption’s 15th anniversary, read why its story works best when it shuts up. Source link #Red #Dead #Redemption #Turns #Spaghetti #Western Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Caitlin Clark gets triple-double, flagrant foul for shoving Angel Reese in season-opening win – CNN Caitlin Clark gets triple-double, flagrant foul for shoving Angel Reese in season-opening win – CNN Caitlin Clark gets triple-double, flagrant foul for shoving Angel Reese in season-opening win CNNView Full Coverage on Google News Source link #Caitlin #Clark #tripledouble #flagrant #foul #shoving #Angel #Reese #seasonopening #win #CNN Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Social Security told this Ohio widow they overpaid her $70K — and now they want it bac Social Security told this Ohio widow they overpaid her $70K — and now they want it bac Social Security has been under scrutiny now that the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) is digging into its finances. For this reason, Social Security is invested in recouping all of the money it can due to erroneous payments. That’s how 65-year-old Ruth Podmanik from Sheffield Lake, Ohio found herself in a messy situation. The recent retiree revealed that her husband, Ed, passed away from leukemia back in 2012. She’d recently been approved to start receiving her late husband’s Social Security benefits. But now, as News 5 Cleveland reports, they’re going after Ruth for nearly $70,000 the agency claims was paid out mistakenly to Ed. “I feel scared,” Ruth told News 5. “Am I going to have to sell my house?” The Center on Budget and Policy Priorities says that Social Security has a payment accuracy rate of over 99%, and that only 0.3% of its payments are improper. Still, between 2015 and 2022, Social Security made roughly $72 billion in erroneous payments, according to its Office of the Inspector General. Meanwhile, Podmanik says her husband received Social Security payments during a five-month ******* of being out of work due to his illness. But when Ed went back to work, Social Security kept sending him money. She told News 5 that Ed called the Social Security Administration (SSA) “constantly” to ask why he was continuing to get benefits. They told him he was entitled to the money because of his leukemia. Now, Social Security is coming after Ruth for an overpayment to Ed of over $69,000. “Not once did they say anything to me about, ‘Hey, you know you still got an overpayment here?’” Podmanik told News 5. Despite reaching out to the SSA to resolve the matter, she isn’t getting answers. And she’s not the only one. “Every year, we’ve seen an increase in the volume of people calling and looking for help,” Natasha Pietrocola, director of the Division of Senior and Adult Services in Cuyahoga County, told News 5. She says many older Americans are confused about Social Security overpayments and are worried about the consequences. Story Continues Social Security can reclaim its money by withholding benefits from seniors. But, as Pietrocola told News 5, “that’s going to have devastating effects for them to be able to actually afford to live.” Part of the problem stems from a recent SSA change. In March, the agency said it’s looking to recoup overpayments at a rate of 100%. This means that the SSA can withhold 100% of a person’s monthly benefits to recover money it’s owed. The change amends a previous rule where the SSA could only withhold 10% of benefits to recoup overpaid funds. The change is expected to help Social Security recover around $7 billion over the next 10 years. Social Security later amended its message to limit clawbacks to 50% of benefits. Read more: You’re probably already overpaying for this 1 ‘must-have’ expense — and thanks to Trump’s tariffs, your monthly bill could soar even higher. Here’s how 2 minutes can protect your wallet right now If you’re someone who’s collecting Social Security, you may be reliant on that money to cover your expenses. So, if you get a notice letting you know that your monthly checks are being reduced due to an overpayment, it could have a huge impact on your ability to pay your bills. If that happens, your first move should be to contact the SSA and ask for an explanation if there’s something about the notice that isn’t clear or you don’t agree with it. If you can’t get an answer by phone, you may want to make an appointment at your local Social Security office to speak to a representative in person. It’s also possible to appeal a decision made by the SSA. And if that doesn’t help, you can weigh your options for low-cost legal aid. It’s also a good idea to create a my Social Security account and monitor it regularly. And be sure to reach out to the SSA if you start receiving smaller benefits or your benefits go missing. Meanwhile, Podmanik is still trying to get answers from Social Security. “There’s days when I sit here and I cry,” she said. “It wasn’t my mistake. It wasn’t my husband’s mistake for the overpayment. It was their mistake.” News 5 reached out to the SSA to look into her situation. But for Cuyahoga County residents, further resources for similar situations may be available through the Division of Senior and Adult Services. This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind. Source link #Social #Security #told #Ohio #widow #overpaid #70K #bac Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Buffett debuts another mystery stock. What it bought secretly in the past Buffett debuts another mystery stock. What it bought secretly in the past Warren Buffett’s Berkshire Hathaway is buying another mystery stock under confidential treatment, allowing the conglomerate to quietly build up a position and limit price movement without stoking volatility. A new regulatory filing disclosing its investment portfolio Thursday evening revealed that Berkshire has omitted one or more holdings “for which it is requesting confidential treatment from the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.” The SEC typically grants such confidential treatment when the disclosure of an ongoing investment strategy by any asset manager with more than $100 million, “would impede competition and could cause increased volatility in the market place.” Due to the sheer size of Berkshire’s equity portfolio, recently standing at some $275 billion worth of stock, any bet would usually have to amount to billions of dollars in order to have an effect on returns, and that could easily take months to build. Keeping a new stake confidential for a time is beneficial for Berkshire as it limits volatility until it’s done buying. News of Berkshire’s new stock picks typically leads other investors to follow suit, quickly moving the share price. The latest request for confidential treatment could have been the work of one of Buffett’s investing lieutenants, Todd Combs or Ted Weschler, especially after Buffett’s decision to step down as CEO at the end of this year. The 94-year-old legend recently revealed he has finally started to feel the effects of aging, such as occasionally losing his balance. Past secret stocks In late 2023 and early 2024, Berkshire received confidential treatment for a few quarters to mask its purchase of Swiss insurer Chubb. Berkshire now owns about $8 billion of the stock. Similarly, when Berkshire bought stakes in Chevron and Verizon in 2020, it also kept those stakes under wraps until it finished building the positions. Berkshire’s first-quarter earnings report offered little clue as to what the new purchase could be. The 10Q filing said that the cost basis for equity securities in “commercial, industrial and other” increased by about $2 billion last quarter, while investments in “consumer products” rose by $1.1 billion. Here’s what we already know about the first quarter: Berkshire doubled its stake in booze stock Constellation Brands , while hiking its bets on Domino’s Pizza , swimming pool supply distributor Pool Corp. and aerospace and electronics contractor Heico . Source link #Buffett #debuts #mystery #stock #bought #secretly Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Thousands still in the dark Sunday after St. Louis tornadoes; more severe weather ahead – KSDK Thousands still in the dark Sunday after St. Louis tornadoes; more severe weather ahead – KSDK Thousands still in the dark Sunday after St. Louis tornadoes; more severe weather ahead KSDKSearch and rescue efforts continue in Kentucky, Missouri after deadly tornado outbreak devastates communities FOX Weather‘I just fell to my knees and cried’: St. Louisans face devastating damage after tornado that killed 5 STLPR5 dead, church belltower collapses, buildings destroyed in St. Louis storm: Recap STLtoday.comVideo At least 27 dead after tornados and storms leave widespread damage ABC News Source link #Thousands #dark #Sunday #Louis #tornadoes #severe #weather #ahead #KSDK Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Why The Boeing 777X Won’t Have Engine Chevrons Why The Boeing 777X Won’t Have Engine Chevrons You may have noticed them on certain planes when looking out the terminal windows — a kind of shark-toothed look on the back of some planes’ engines. Commercial airplanes, outside of their livery, are designed for function, not aesthetics, so those shark teeth must serve some kind of purpose, right? In fact, they do: Called engine chevrons, they reduce jet engine noise, which can be pretty deafening. And yet, Boeing’s new 777X (pronounced “triple-seven ex”), its biggest in-development project meant to update the aging 777, doesn’t feature chevrons. While the technology was all the rage in the aviation world a decade or two ago, since then, progress has marched on. In fact, Boeing’s biggest rival, Airbus, never used chevrons in the first place. New engine designs have found other ways to reduce noise, without the drawbacks that chevrons introduced to flights. In testing now, the 777X sports the most bleeding-edge engines in Boeing’s lineup, the General Electric GE9X, which have broken new ground in both materials and construction. Read more: These Are Lesser-Known Automotive YouTubers Our Readers Say Deserve More Attention What Exactly Are Engine Chevrons? A profile of a Boeing 787 Dreamliner engine with chevrons – Stephen Brashear/Getty Images As anyone who’s ever been near a jet plane knows, engines are noisy. The physics behind that noise has to do with the fact that what engines do, essentially, is ***** in a lot of air, set it on fire (internal combustion), and then shoot that superheated exhaust out the other end. In that sense, it’s not all that dissimilar from a car — which is also very noisy if it doesn’t have a muffler. That hot air blasts into the atmosphere around it, which of course is much cooler. That creates all kinds of friction leading to vortices, which in turn makes that signature shrieking wail. Engine chevrons were developed in a joint research project between NASA, Boeing, and GE, specifically to compress that wail down. So they might look like a kid took a pair of craft edge scissors to the engine, but what they do is disrupt that exhaust in such a way that a buffer layer of smaller vortices is created to smother the larger ones. The result is reduced noise. Getting a handle on noise is good for passengers and their ears, of course, but it’s also important for the airline business. Cities around the world have strict noise pollution rules and following those rules is part of what determines flight paths. If a plane produces less sound in the first place, new flight paths can open up. What Is The Engine Chevrons’ Biggest Drawback? A profile of a Boeing 737 MAX engine with chevrons – Stephen Brashear/Getty Images As usual in the world of engineering, there are trade-offs that come with innovation. Again, the chevrons essentially tamp down on exhaust vortices by making more vortices to surround and smother them. But as a matter of physics, any time you’re creating a vortex, you’re pulling energy out of the source. In other words, making more vortices reduces the thrust of the engine, which is the whole point of the engine in the first place. It may not seem like much, but engine chevrons drop thrust by around half a percent. Multiply that by the entire length of a flight, flight after flight, and it adds up to a lot of extra fuel burned. Still, for a long time Boeing figured the economics still worked out, since with less noisy engines it could strip out a bunch of the sound insulation in the cabin. That meant the aircraft were actually much lighter than they otherwise would have been, and that weight savings equaled fuel efficiency. That’s why the chevron technology appeared on Boeing 747-8s, 787 Dreamliners, and one of Boeing’s biggest headaches, the 737 MAXs. What Changed With The 777X? A profile of a Boeing 777X engine without chevrons – John Keeble/Getty Images Obviously, if there were a way to reduce engine noise without also reducing thrust, that would be ideal. So when Boeing had General Electric make it the biggest and best engines in history for its 777X project, that’s exactly what it set out to do. The result is that GE developed a brand new nozzle design and new materials, a type of ceramic matrix composite, which essentially is so heat-resistant that it allows for a more compact, mixed exhaust stream. That produces less friction, and thus fewer vortices in the first place (as opposed to the chevrons, which reduce noise by creating even more vortices). In turn, that means that energy isn’t getting pulled away; in other words, thrust isn’t getting reduced. Therefore, the jet is quieter without losing any of its power. As if that wasn’t enough, the GE9X engine also features a honeycomb architecture inside. Just like car mufflers and resonators do, it creates good old-fashioned acoustic disruption — sound waves cancelling each other out — to reduce noise even further. If Boeing can only get them to stop failing safety tests, they’ll be the biggest and most fuel-efficient engines in the air, all without blowing your eardrums out. Want more like this? Join the Jalopnik newsletter to get the latest auto news sent straight to your inbox… Read the original article on Jalopnik. Source link #Boeing #777X #Wont #Engine #Chevrons Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

McCarthy tears into Republicans over Trump budget bill delay: ‘A real misstep’ – The Hill McCarthy tears into Republicans over Trump budget bill delay: ‘A real misstep’ – The Hill McCarthy tears into Republicans over Trump budget bill delay: ‘A real misstep’ The HillOpinion | How Trump’s ‘bribe now, pain later’ budget scheme hit a surprise roadblock MSNBC NewsTrump’s Back, and Not a Moment Too Soon for His Megabill PoliticoRepublican Revolt Reflects a Core Party Divide Over Spending and Debt The New York Times’Failure’s not an option’: Trump budget bill will be ‘big’ help for seniors, top House tax-writer says Fox News Source link #McCarthy #tears #Republicans #Trump #budget #bill #delay #real #misstep #Hill Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Top Wall Street analysts prefer these dividend stocks for stable returns Top Wall Street analysts prefer these dividend stocks for stable returns Sopa Images | Lightrocket | Getty Images Volatile markets call for stability within portfolios, and investors are shopping for dividend stocks to provide a combination of upside potential and solid income. While the U.S. and China’s recent agreement to slash tariffs for 90-days provided some relief to investors, the threat of steep duties under the Trump administration continues to be a concern. Recommendations of top Wall Street analysts can help investors pick attractive dividend stocks that are supported by solid cash flows to make consistent payments. Here are three dividend-paying stocks, highlighted by Wall Street’s top pros, as tracked by TipRanks, a platform that ranks analysts based on their past performance. Chord Energy This week’s first dividend pick is Chord Energy (CHRD), an independent exploration and production company with long-held assets primarily in the Williston Basin. The company recently reported solid results for the first quarter of 2025, which it attributed to better-than-modeled well performance, strong cost control, and improved downtime. Chord Energy returned 100% of its adjusted free cash flow (FCF) to shareholders via share repurchases after declaring a base dividend of $1.30 per share. Based on the total dividend paid over the past 12 months, CHRD stock offers a dividend yield of 6.8%. Calling CHRD a top pick, Siebert Williams Shank analyst Gabriele Sorbara reiterated a buy rating on the stock and raised the price target to $125 from $121. While no energy stock is immune to weaker commodity prices, Sorbara thinks that his top picks are best positioned on a relative valuation basis due to their attractive assets with low breakeven levels, strong free cash flow and the potential for superior capital returns. In a research note following the results, Sorbara noted that the company reduced its 2025 capital expenditure outlook by $30 million, while maintaining its total production guidance, supported by improved operational efficiencies. Nonetheless, CHRD is monitoring the macro situation and has the required operational and financial flexibility to further reduce activity if conditions remain unfavorable or weaken, emphasized the analyst. Further, Sorbara highlighted that Chord Energy reaffirmed its capital returns framework, targeting to return more than 75% of its free cash flow to shareholders through dividends and opportunistic share repurchases. “We reaffirm our Buy rating on valuation, underpinned by its strong FCF yield providing the capacity for superior capital returns while maintaining low financial leverage (0.3x at the end of 1Q25),” said the analyst. Sorbara ranks No. 143 among more than 9,500 analysts tracked by TipRanks. His ratings have been profitable 55% of the time, delivering an average return of 20.4%. See Chord Energy Hedge Fund Trading Activity on TipRanks. Chevron We move to oil and gas giant Chevron (CVX), which recently reported first-quarter results that reflected the impact of lower oil prices on its earnings. Chevron’s outlook indicated a slowdown in the pace of its stock buybacks in Q2 2025 compared to the prior quarter amid tariff woes and the decision of OPEC+ to boost supply. Meanwhile, Chevron returned $6.9 billion of cash to shareholders during the first quarter through share repurchases of $3.9 billion and dividends of $3.0 billion. At a quarterly dividend of $1.71 per share (annualized dividend of $6.84 per share), CVX stock offers a dividend yield of 4.8%. Following the Q1 results, Goldman Sachs analyst Neil Mehta trimmed his price target for Chevron stock to $174 from $176 and reaffirmed a buy rating. The analyst said that despite macro uncertainties and moderated stock buyback assumptions, he continues to see an attractive long-term value proposition in CVX stock, with about a 5% dividend yield. “We additionally highlight expectations for strong free cash flow generation driven by major projects including Tengiz, US Gulf and the Permian,” said Mehta. Regarding the Tengiz (Tengizchevroil or TCO) project, the analyst highlighted management’s commentary that it reached name-plate capacity ahead of schedule. The company reiterated expectations for robust cash flow generation from the TCO project, including cash distributions and fixed loan repayments. Mehta also noted that CVX remains constructive on the operating outlook in the Gulf of Mexico and expects to increase production in the region to 300,000 boe/d in 2026. About Permian, he stated that Chevron boosted production by about 12% in Q1, thanks to continued efficiencies. Mehta ranks No. 535 among more than 9,500 analysts tracked by TipRanks. His ratings have been profitable 59% of the time, delivering an average return of 8.8%. See Chevron Ownership Structure on TipRanks. EOG Resources Finally, let’s look at EOG Resources (EOG), a crude oil and natural gas exploration and production company with proved reserves in the U.S. and Trinidad. Earlier this month, EOG reported market-beating earnings for the first quarter of 2025. The company returned $1.3 billion to shareholders, including $538 million in dividends and $788 million via share repurchases. EOG declared a dividend of $0.975 per share (annualized dividend of $3.90 per share), payable on July 31, 2025. EOG stock offers a dividend yield of 3.4%. In reaction to the Q1 results, RBC Capital analyst Scott Hanold reaffirmed a buy rating on EOG stock with a price target of $145. The analyst noted that the company announced macro uncertainty-led cuts to its activity plans, reducing the capital budget by 3% and organic oil production by 0.6%. Consequently, Hanold boosted his free cash flow (FCF) estimates by 6% to 7%. The analyst highlighted that EOG is able to revise its planned activity by reducing activity in areas with ample scale, which would not slow or degrade its operational efficiencies. Hanold observed that in total, 550 wells (net) are now planned in the core U.S. onshore basins, which is 30 fewer compared to the original guidance. Hanold pointed out that EOG again returned at least 100% of its free cash flow back to shareholders in Q1 2025. He expects this trend to continue, supported by the company’s balance sheet optimization strategy announced last year, current cash balance of about $7 billion and EOG’s stock price. “We expect management to flex buybacks to above 100% and think there is a path to over $1 billion resulting total returns at ~150% of 2Q25 FCF,” said Hanold. Overall, the analyst views EOG as best positioned to handle the ongoing oil price volatility, backed by its best-in-class balance sheet, growing natural gas volumes and low-cost structure. Hanold ranks No. 11 among more than 9,500 analysts tracked by TipRanks. His ratings have been successful 68% of the time, delivering an average return of 30%. See EOG Resources Insider Trading Activity on TipRanks. Source link #Top #Wall #Street #analysts #prefer #dividend #stocks #stable #returns Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Oblivion Remastered Players Are Finding Out That The Game’s Most Popular Curse Is Actually A Problem Oblivion Remastered Players Are Finding Out That The Game’s Most Popular Curse Is Actually A Problem From GamesReviews:”Originally released in 2006, The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion changed the standards for open-world RPGs. Its vast world, dynamic AI, and emergent gameplay set the stage for Skyrim and several other genre efforts. Oblivion Remastered now, nearly two decades later, comes not just as a visual facelift but also as a creative reinterpretation that treads the line between respect and innovation./” Source link #Oblivion #Remastered #Players #Finding #Games #Popular #Curse #Problem Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

LokLik iCraft laser cutter review LokLik iCraft laser cutter review Why you can trust TechRadar We spend hours testing every product or service we review, so you can be sure you’re buying the best. Find out more about how we test. LokLik iCraft: 30-second review The relatively compact size of the LokLik iCraft makes it an ideal solution for any home or small business crafting professional looking for an easy-to-use machine for a huge varietty of cutting tasks. I found getting started with the iCraft relatively straightforward, with the software being nicely laid out and the connection to the machine via USB cable or BlueTooth making things extremely simple. Once everything was plugged in, I could connect the machine through the desktop application, and it was pretty much set to go. Supplied with the machine are the cutting blade and a pen, both of which are easy to swap between. If you want to swap out the pen and insert another, I found this worked equally well, giving you plenty of options from the outset. The software is generally easy to use, enabling you to load some of the included stock files, or your own, before they’re converted to be used as cutting paths. The library of images should be a major feature, but it’s all very clip art–style, so I found that during the test it was all best ignored. While some basic crafters might find them appealing, if you’re looking for a professional stock library to quickly get started, you’ll likely find very few, if any, suitable options. You may like The AI features are also a little hit-and-miss and all run within the software. Typing in a text prompt eventually creates an image, but none of the images generated were really worth cutting with the machine. They all seemed overly cartoony and not suitable for any professional market or anything outside of a very small niche. However, my main critique of the machine is that the standard cutting mat, which is used for most materials, was too sticky for any non-specific materials. I initially used the vinyl supplied with the machine, and using this, the machine was quick and straightforward to use; likewise, with a further stock of vinyl, the machine worked incredibly well. Any non-specific materials not designed for the cutting map stuck fast, and even some thinner vinyls and materials, once in place, were destroyed on removing. All papers were out of the question, as were felts and various other materials. I eventually placed a cutting mat from another manufacturer on top of the LokLik mat to create a better cutting surface, and this worked well but did throw the settings somewhat. From this point on, the machine transformed, and the Print then Cut feature offers a great way to print out and then cut high-quality stickers and other items, something that will really appeal to small businesses. The noise level is also well worth noting, being far quieter than most other cutters. The cutting process is relatively quick and straightforward, and the results are exceptionally good with the right materials, with smooth lines thanks to the sharp cutting blade. Once everything is set and the mat’s stickiness is reduced, the outcome is a perfectly good cutting machine that will suit most small craft businesses for cutting stickers, vinyl, specialist cards, and more. LokLik iCraft: Price and availability How much does it cost? £199 / $199 When is it out? Now Where can you get it? Widely available At just less than $200/£200 the iCraft is a great option, although do consider that you may need to purchase an addition cutting Mat and accessories and materials will be on top of that cost. The machine is available directly from LikLok as well as from many major online retailers such as Amazon. (Image credit: Alastair Jennings) LokLik iCraft: Specs Machine dimensions 51.6 x 14 x 14.5 cm Software LOKLiK IdeaStudio Connection USB & Bluetooth Sound in Operation Under 60 dB Precision 0.01 mm Power consumption 36 W Weight 5 kg Colours available Light Blue, Lavender Purple, White LokLik iCraft: Design The actual design and Build of the iCraft is exceptionally good. The long, thin design is standard with this style of machine and enables a relatively decent size of material to be cut, and it can handle anything from specialist card or foils to relatively thick materials – again it’s worth noting that standard card or foil will adhere with strength to the mat, so specialist materials need to be used. The results of using standard card that I use with other cutting machines can be seen in the image below. In terms of size and weight, it measures 51.56 x 13.97 x 14.48 cm and weighs 5 kg. One thing to consider is that while it’s long and thin and easy to store, you will need a bit of space when using it. The cutting mat feeds through the front and exits at the back of the machine, so although the machine itself isn’t very large, you should allow at least 40 cm to half a metre of space in front and behind to accommodate the mat. If you have the roller material attachment, you will need extra space for large 21-foot vinyls to pass through the back of the machine. One feature I like is that when not in use, the top folds down, giving it a neat appearance. When in use, you flip open the top and front to feed material, change the cutting blade to the pen, or use the external extra plates. (Image credit: Alastair Jennings) Connecting to your computer is straightforward, and for this test, I used a combination of the USB connection and Bluetooth. Overall, the build quality is very high, and setting up is easy. The only issue is the standard cutting mat, which was far too sticky from the outset for many materials; however, if you stick with vinyls and materials designed for cutting, you should be fine. Through the test I did slightly reduce the adhesive power; however, that adhesion strength seemed to build back up after cutting three sheets of cardboard. Eventually, the only way around it was to place another cutting mat with less adhesive strength on top, which worked well for lighter materials such as foil and paper. (Image credit: Alastair Jennings) LokLik iCraft: Features When it comes to features, one of the main attractions of this machine is its ability to cut through many different types of materials and the Print and Cut feature. As well as the standard blade that comes with the machine, there is also a small range of premium blades that further expand what you can do and cut with this machine. One of the points LokLik is keen to highlight is the cutting position accuracy, which comes down to 0.5 mm, again a feature that is essential when using the Print and Cut features. Even if you have intricate designs, such as stickers printed on another machine and then cut on this cutter, that level of accuracy will really help. It’s worth noting, however, that you should include cutting marks to ensure the design is properly lined up and this is all done through the LikLok Studio software. A feature that I’ve seen on other machines is the Print and Cut feature. On this machine that means you also need a printer, but essentially you layout and print the design, such as stickers, through the Studio software, then with markers printed on the sheet you feed back the print into the iCraft for cutting. Another big feature is the roller system. Unlike some other small cutting machines, LokLik has created a system where material can be loaded onto the roller and fed through the machine, allowing you to cut materials up to 21 feet in length. The width of the material will be limited, but if you have multiple stickers, vinyl, or cards to cut in one go, this could be a great option. One other point I noted—although this is becoming more common—is that compared with older cutting machines, it is relatively quiet. You still hear the cutter and the belt moving the head, but it’s much quieter, so if you are running this late at night to meet a deadline, you won’t need to worry about disturbing the household. Along with the machine comes the LokLik Idea Studio, a free AI-powered design software featuring a range of ready-made images to help you get started quickly. I found Idea Studio really nice and easy to use, though the included library is somewhat limited, especially in terms of design quality. An additional feature is the AI add-on, which provides a certain number of credits each month. These allow you to generate images that are ready for use on the iCraft. The Idea Studio software is one of the highlights of the machine, giving you easy, basic interaction with the files you prepare for cutting. As mentioned in the design and build section, you can connect the machine via USB or Bluetooth. It is compatible with Windows 10, macOS 11, or iOS 11 and later. (Image credit: Alastair Jennings) LokLik iCraft: Performance As the iCraft is lifted from the box, it’s instantly apparent that it’s a high-quality machine with a good plastic finish. As you open the top lid and lower the front, you can feel that all the lids, brackets, and plastics have been selected for longevity. This doesn’t feel like an entry-level machine in any way. The overall design is extremely solid, with a good weight and nice rubber feet on the bottom to keep it steady during cutting. As you open the machine and look inside, you can see the cutting head, which is again nicely laid out. Changing the cutter is easy—simply open a lever, lift out the cutter, and slot in a pen if needed. Aside from that, mechanical interaction is minimal. No tuning or calibration is required as the software handles its own self-checks. Connecting to a computer is equally easy. For most of the test, after the initial USB setup connection, I used the Bluetooth option which proved as strong and robust as USB. The machine was tested on both Mac and Windows systems and was equally easy to connect to both. Even those with no prior experience should be able to get started quickly. After connecting the machine, downloading the software, and registering, I accessed the LokLik Idea Studio software. It’s well laid out and easy to use. You simply select tools on the left, draw shapes or text onto the work surface, and then start cutting. The canvas area lets you select your machine type, cutting mat, and material size. Down the left-hand side are options for patterns, shapes, text, pen, uploads, and AI painting, offering various levels of interaction. Along the top are basic tools like new, save, select, fill, offset, and array. As with similar software, there’s also a library section. However, the available files are aimed at home users and consist mostly of free illustrations and cut-outs. There’s nothing suitable for professional-level use. Unlike some other cutters that come with high-quality files but lower build quality, the iCraft offers superior build quality but a less impressive image library. One interesting software feature is AI painting, which provides monthly credits to generate graphics and images. While this works, the quality is not great. The images tended to be cartoony and not suitable for professional use. It’s a nice feature that may improve but is currently more suited to home crafters. Once I laid out a couple of vinyl sticker designs, it was time to start cutting using the materials provided. LokLik supplied vinyl, but I found that the stickiness of the standard mat was so great that it damaged the vinyl during removal even when trying to delicately remove it with the pick. As I tried other materials, including paper, card, and felt, the mat’s stickiness continued to cause issues, delaminating paper or stretching vinyl. After several attempts and a new set of vinyls, that initial stickiness did start to reduce; however, only so much that only specialist materials could be used with the supplied mat. Eventually, I had to place another cutting mat over the standard mat to get a decent cut. However, you can’t simply replace the mat, as the machine requires the mat to feed through its rollers for proper detection and accuracy. A positive is that LokLik includes a wide range of presets for different materials, so as long as you know what you’re using, it’s easy to select a suitable setting. When using card and some materials with the addition mat, tests had to be carried out to gauge the correct settings before the main cut, due to the increased thickness of the mat. Once all issues are out of the way, this machine starts to come into its own, and the print and calibrate cut features are impressive; enabling you to accurately make and cut sticker sets with relative ease – while the printed marking do the job there are still occassions and a little calibration that is needed to get this absolutely spot on. Essentially, the process takes some working out, and there are no in-depth guides to help support you. The process goes like this: load the image you want for your sticker into LikLok Idea Studio and select the Show Print border, then select ‘Print then Cut’. The designs will print out on your printer, and then you will feed the print back into the iCraft. I found a few test runs were needed, but the results at the end were eventually exceptionally good; again, that sticky mat did cause a few issues. At the end of testing, I was impressed with the cutting ability, design, and overall quality of the machine. However, while the software was excellent for laying out designs, it was limited for editing and had a few quirks—such as sometimes locking text as an image unexpectedly. The AI features were glitchy on macOS, often failing to generate usable images, and the library was disappointing, offering no designs I would actually choose to cut. The biggest issue remains the standard mat, which is simply far too sticky for general use. If you’re considering this machine – which is, at its core, exceptionally good – I would strongly recommend purchasing a less sticky mat as well. (Image credit: Alastair Jennings) LokLik iCraft: Final verdict (Image credit: Alastair Jennings) There’s a great deal to like about the LokLik iCraft cutting machine. Firstly, it’s easy to use, and the software, for the most part, is very good and has massive potential. I’ll quickly run through a few of the negative points because, at its heart, this machine is exceptionally good. First and foremost, the standard cutting mat is impossible to use. It’s just far too sticky, and unless you’re cutting a very tough material that can withstand the adhesion, it’s pretty much useless. You’ll need to place another cutting mat on top of the standard one to use common materials such as paper, card, and felt. If you try vinyl— including the vinyl supplied in the box— it will stretch or tear until finally after a good twenty to thirty cuts it starts to ease. Then there’s the image library, which is designed for home users. I’m sure some will be happy with a few of the included illustrations, but for any professional use, the quality is extremely limited. With those two major issues noted, what remains is an extremely solid cutting machine with a high-quality build and superb accuracy. The software, once you ignore the library and AI features, is excellent. I tested some stickers we were making, and after running alignment tests to ensure the cuts were accurate, the precision was exceptionally good. The quality of the lines and curves was also superb. Switching over to using a pen worked perfectly well. If you want to create illustrations from drawings, whether using the supplied pen or adapting your own. So, what we have here is a superb cutting machine with high-quality build and mechanics, paired with software that has potential. Unfortunately, it comes with a cutting mat that needs to be replaced immediately. While I do like this cutting machine, the fact that it is supplied with a mat that is inadequate for use would make me consider other options. If LokLik can supply a mat that works as it should— like those from other manufacturers— then this machine would be a great choice due to its high build quality. Should I buy a LokLik iCraft? Swipe to scroll horizontally Value The main hardware offers great value for money, but the software and cutting mat let it down. 3.5 Design The hardware design is exceptionally good. It’s easy to store and pack away, making it ideal if you have limited space. 4 Features Overall, a decent set of features for a relatively simple cutting machine. It also has loads of potential that hasn’t yet been met. 4 Performance Once you do far too much work on the cutting mat to make it usable, the machine offers an exceptional cutting experience. 4 Overalls This machine could have been exceptional, but the standard mat is just far too sticky to enable successful use with most materials. 3.5 Buy it if… Don’t buy it if… For more crafting hardware, we’ve reviewed the best 3D printers and the best laser engravers around. LOKLIK iCraft: Price Comparison Source link #LokLik #iCraft #laser #cutter #review Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

Pilotless planes are taking flight in China. Bank of America says it's time to buy Pilotless planes are taking flight in China. Bank of America says it's time to buy While startups around the world have tried to build vehicles that can fly without a pilot, only one is certified to carry people — in China. Source link #Pilotless #planes #flight #China #Bank #America #it039s #time #buy Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

Why One Disabled Mom Fears Living With Her Adult Child Why One Disabled Mom Fears Living With Her Adult Child Many people rely on Reddit to navigate confusing financial and government systems — and the r/SocialSecurity subreddit is no exception. One recent post drew attention for highlighting a common but complicated concern: how Supplemental Security Income, or SSI, benefits may be affected if a recipient moves in with family. A user wrote about their mother, 48, who recently began receiving Social Security benefits after a successful disability claim. “She’s permanently disabled due to a back injury from a car accident in 2008,” the post explained. “My mom swears she was told she cannot live with anyone who has income or she will lose or have her benefits reduced.” Don’t Miss: The poster added that the home is under their father’s name — the mother’s legally separated spouse — and that the poster and their father pay half the mortgage. The mother is hesitant to move in, fearing that Social Security will “look up who owns the house and question why she’s living at her ex-husband’s house,” according to the post. “She’s so paranoid, but is this true?” The confusion likely stems from how the Social Security Administration treats SSI versus Social Security Disability Insurance, or SSDI. Several Reddit users pointed this out in the comments. “If she’s on SSI, the rules are indeed very strict,” one commenter explained. “If SSDI, it doesn’t matter where she lives or what her assets are.” The distinction is important. SSDI is based on work history and is not income-tested, meaning living with someone who has income — even a family member — usually doesn’t affect your benefits. SSI, on the other hand, is a needs-based program for people with limited income and assets. In SSI cases, help with housing can reduce the benefit amount. Trending: Maker of the $60,000 foldable home has 3 factory buildings, 600+ houses built, and big plans to solve housing — this is your last chance to become an investor for $0.80 per share. According to the SSA, your living situation can directly impact your SSI benefit. If someone else — like a child or other family member — provides free shelter or pays your rent, your monthly SSI payment may be reduced by up to one-third of the federal benefit rate. Story Continues However, there are ways to avoid this reduction. Many Reddit commenters recommended creating a formal rental agreement. “Do a legal lease,” one user advised. “She rents a room and pays. There should be proof of her paying rent. Having a receipt.” Several others chimed in to say they use this approach with their own parents who receive SSI. The SSA’s own guidance confirms this approach. As long as an SSI recipient pays their fair share of household expenses — rent, utilities, etc. — they can still receive the full benefit amount. See Also: Maximize saving for your retirement and cut down on taxes: Schedule your free call with a financial advisor to start your financial journey – no cost, no obligation. One key change that may help ease concerns: as of Sept. 30, the SSA has updated how it treats meals provided by others. If someone pays for your food but not your shelter, your SSI will no longer be reduced. However, if someone pays for both your food and shelter, your benefit may still be reduced. This nuance is likely why the original poster’s mother is so worried — and why clear, personalized advice is often needed. If you or a loved one receives SSI and is considering moving in with a family member, it’s essential to understand the SSA’s rules on household contributions. A written lease and proof of payment can make all the difference. SSDI recipients generally have more flexibility, but with SSI, even small changes in living arrangements can impact benefits. Read Next: Image: Shutterstock Up Next: Transform your trading with Benzinga Edge’s one-of-a-kind market trade ideas and tools. Click now to access unique insights that can set you ahead in today’s competitive market. Get the latest stock analysis from Benzinga? This article ‘They’ll Take Away My Benefits If I Move In With You’: Why One Disabled Mom Fears Living With Her Adult Child originally appeared on Benzinga.com © 2025 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved. Source link #Disabled #Mom #Fears #Living #Adult #Child Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Island of Winds Is an Adventure Game That Embraces Icelandic Folklore [Hands-On Preview] Island of Winds Is an Adventure Game That Embraces Icelandic Folklore [Hands-On Preview] Game Rant had the opportunity to play Island of Winds, Parity Games’ adventure title that revolves around authentic Icelandic folklore. Source link #Island #Winds #Adventure #Game #Embraces #Icelandic #Folklore #HandsOn #Preview Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Xiaomi’s in-house XRing 01 SoC leaked — melds 10-core Arm Cortex CPU plus 16-core Mali G925 GPU Xiaomi’s in-house XRing 01 SoC leaked — melds 10-core Arm Cortex CPU plus 16-core Mali G925 GPU Following Huawei and Lenovo’s lead in developing self-developed silicon within China, Xiaomi is working on its own XRing 01 SoC. This new chip reportedly features standard Arm Cortex cores and a 3nm-grade process node from TSMC. Per HXL, the XRing 01 carries a beefy decacore configuration, and based on now-delisted Geekbench tests of the chip, shared by leaker Jukanlosreve, Xiaomi’s alternative appears to be delivering performance comparable to MediaTek’s flagship Dimensity 9400 SoC. Faced with significant restrictions from the U.S. and motivated by potential cost savings compared to alternatives like Qualcomm and MediaTek, ******** manufacturers are rapidly transitioning towards in-house chip design and manufacturing. Huawei takes this a step further as its latest Kirin X90 SoCs for the Matebook Pro 2025 family is believed to feature custom Arm-based ‘Taishan’ cores and is reportedly fabbed in China using SMIC’s 7nm process. Xiaomi’s upcoming 15S Pro mobile devices are rumored to be powered by the XRing 01. Leaked specifications suggest the XRing 01 SoC featured a decacore layout, including two Cortex-X925 prime cores at 3.9 GHz, four Cortex A725/X4 cores running at 3.4 GHz, two Cortex A720/A725 cores at 1.89 GHz, and two efficiency-focused Cortex A520 cores at 1.8 GHz. You may like While mobile SoCs typically don’t employ four distinct core types, the XRing 01 shares this unusual design configuration with Samsung’s Exynos 2400. The dual Prime core setup is similar to Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite and Apple’s A18 Pro, though they use custom Arm designs. MediaTek’s Dimensity 9400 is a better comparison, but even that chip sticks to a more conservative octacore layout with just one Prime Cortex-X925 core. 2*X925-3.9GHz4*A725/X4-3.4GHz2*A720/A725-1.89GHz2*A520-1.8GHzMay 18, 2025 An early variant of XRing 01 reportedly managed to score 2,709 points and 8,125 points across the single-core and multicore departments in a now-removed Geekbench listing. This is impressive, but falls behind the Dimensity 9400 likely due to missing optimizations. With its decacore setup, the XRing 01 should be a multicore beast, but we’ll wait for official tests. Another important bit is the GPU, which is reportedly based on Arm’s Immortalis G925 design. The 12-core version of this GPU (G925-MC12) currently powers the Dimensity 9400 family, however, Xiaomi’s XRing 01 is alleged to incorporate the 16-core version (G925-MC16); that’s a solid 33% on-paper boost in the core count. This should help bridge the gap between Qualcomm’s Adreno 830 in the Snapdragon 8 Elite. That’s to say, an SoC is comprised of several other components apart from the CPU and GPU. Xiaomi will still need to source or design its own ISPs, modems, NPUs, etcetera. Even Apple only recently broke free from Qualcomm’s stranglehold with its in-house C1 modem, six years after acquiring Intel’s modem business unit. MediaTek and Samsung mostly follow a vertically integrated strategy, while Google’s Tensor chips are equipped with modems from Samsung. Get Tom’s Hardware’s best news and in-depth reviews, straight to your inbox. Follow Tom’s Hardware on Google News to get our up-to-date news, analysis, and reviews in your feeds. Make sure to click the Follow button. Source link #Xiaomis #inhouse #XRing #SoC #leaked #melds #10core #Arm #Cortex #CPU #16core #Mali #G925 #GPU Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

******** tall ship strikes Brooklyn Bridge, snapping masts and killing 2 crew members – Politico ******** tall ship strikes Brooklyn Bridge, snapping masts and killing 2 crew members – Politico ******** tall ship strikes Brooklyn Bridge, snapping masts and killing 2 crew members PoliticoCuauhtémoc ship: ******** Navy training ship strikes underside of Brooklyn Bridge CNNMexican Navy Sailing Ship Crashes Into Brooklyn Bridge, Killing 2 Crew Members The New York TimesMexican naval ship rams into Brooklyn Bridge, killing 2 and injuring 19 The Washington PostWhat caused ******** Navy ship to ****** into Brooklyn Bridge? Everything we know after two people killed The Independent Source link #******** #tall #ship #strikes #Brooklyn #Bridge #snapping #masts #killing #crew #members #Politico Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]