Pelican Press

Kalgoorlie-Boulder photographer wins photojournalism accolade for candid image of skimpy barmaid Kalgoorlie-Boulder photographer wins photojournalism accolade for candid image of skimpy barmaid A unique portrait of a Kalgoorlie-Boulder skimpy taking a brief break from her bartending duties has won a regional photojournalism accolade. Local photographer Mellen Burns won the 2025 Galah Regional Photography Prize’s excellence in photojournalism award for her work Tilly Time. The winning entry depicts Tilly sipping on a soft drink behind the bar with her name on a skimpy chalk board in the background. It formed part of Burns’ series, No photos of the girls, which saw her create candid images of skimpies at work in local pubs and bars. Burns said the award was a “really nice surprise” and enabled her to showcase a unique part of WA’s culture. “It was good to have an opportunity to show that series outside of the Goldfields,” she said. “No one (in the Eastern States) really knows anything about that kind of profession.” The $27,000 photography prize was hosted by independent print magazine Galah. Camera IconMellen Burns, Therese Maher and Tess Lehman during the 2025 Galah Regional Photography Prize awards night in Armidale. Credit: Mellen Burns/Supplied A panel of five judges compiled a shortlist of 42 works from more than 1100 entries across regional Australia. Editor-in-chief Annabelle Hickson said Tilly Time’s vibrant colours and unique composition helped Burns to stand out from the competition. “Straight away when the judges saw Mellen’s (entry) they said it felt like this fresh perspective, amazing colours and composition,” she said. “They just thought Mellen seemed like a real talent, and they wanted to connect with her. As part of her award, Burns will receive mentoring sessions with photographers and picture editors from The Sydney Morning Herald’s GoodWeekend magazine. The Goldfields photographer said the opportunity would enable her to learn more about the photojournalism industry and grow her network. “I’m excited about it, especially the mentorship sessions,” Burns said. “It’s always nice having contact with other people in the industry and to be able to pick their brains a little bit.” Ms Hickson said the prize showcased great talent outside of the major cities and helped to connect regional photographers with industry experts. “There’s lots of things I’m hoping will happen because of this prize, but one of them is to connect regional artists with an audience of collectors . . . but also mentoring people,” she said. “I do think you can live anywhere in Australia and be the best photographer. “You don’t have to live in Sydney, but the more remote you live, the harder networking is, it’s just sort of a fact. “So that really excites me that this (mentorship opportunity) is one of the one of the prizes.” An awards night at Armidale, New South Wales, earlier this month celebrated finalists and award winners. Lisa Sorgini won the $25,000 Galah regional photography prize for her work, The Flood, while the $2000 people’s choice award went to Sweetheart, Merriwa, an image by Maitland photographer Therese Maher. Burns’ attendance at the awards night was supported by the Regional Arts Fund and City of Kalgoorlie-Boulder. Camera IconThe 2025 Galah Regional Photography Prize on display. Credit: Galah/Supplied Source link #KalgoorlieBoulder #photographer #wins #photojournalism #accolade #candid #image #skimpy #barmaid Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Bitcoin Targets $131K–$155K as Elliott Wave and Global Liquidity Align Bitcoin Targets $131K–$155K as Elliott Wave and Global Liquidity Align In our previous two updates (see here), we showed that the Global M2 Money Supply (GMS) and the Commitment of Traders (COT) reports, aka “smart money,” aligned well with our Bullish Elliott Wave (EW) Principle count for BTC. Back then, BTC was trading at around $83K. Fast-forward over three weeks, and Bitcoin is now trading at $104K—a 24% gain. That’s what happens when the EW aligns with important externalities such as liquidity—a powerful, indispensable forecasting tool. However, we believe the party is just getting started. Many will be left behind, and FOMO (the Fear of Missing Out) will take hold once we see +$10K weeks. Allow us to explain below. Figure 1 below. Figure 1. Bitcoin’s daily price chart with our preferred EW count Contingent on holding above $93326, should be setting up powerful nested first and second waves: green W-1, 2, grey W-i, ii. The 3rd wave should soon commence, targeting at least $131K. For those who have followed our updates for a while, you may recall we’re tracking Bitcoin’s four-phase halving cycle, which is now in its final bullish year of the current cycle. The ideal upside target zone is $164-216K with an outside chance of as high as $337K. See Figure 2 below. Figure 2. Bitcoin’s monthly price chart with our preferred EW count, four-phase cycle, and trade signals. Based on our Elliott Wave analyses, Bitcoin is now in the red W-v of the ****** W-5, etc. This red W-v will subdivide into five smaller (green) waves, as shown in Figure 1, where we applied a standard Fibonacci-based impulse pattern. That path tells us to expect the green W-5 of the red W-v to target $135-140K. However, based on the more crucial monthly chart shown in Figure 2, that target zone falls slightly short of the lower end of the ideal $164-216K range. Thus, we should expect an extension of the green waves: W-3 will likely target the 2.618x extension instead of the standard 1.618x, which points to $155K, W-5 will likely target the 3.000x extension instead of the standard 2.000x, which points to $164K. Source link #Bitcoin #Targets #131K155K #Elliott #Wave #Global #Liquidity #Align Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

Russia-Ukraine peace talks end after less than 2 hours with deal to swap POWs but no ceasefire Russia-Ukraine peace talks end after less than 2 hours with deal to swap POWs but no ceasefire The first direct Russia-Ukraine peace talks since the early weeks of Moscow’s 2022 invasion ended after less than two hours Friday, and while both sides agreed on a large prisoner swap, they clearly remained far apart on key conditions for ending the fighting. Source link #RussiaUkraine #peace #talks #hours #deal #swap #POWs #ceasefire Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

Helldivers 2 Fans Are Creating Their Own Nazi-Themed Victory Celebrations Helldivers 2 Fans Are Creating Their Own Nazi-Themed Victory Celebrations When Arrowhead Game Studios first revealed the Masters of Ceremony Warbond for Helldivers 2, there was a lot of criticism over its contents, but now that it’s out, players have realised that Arrowhead has given them one of the best weapons in the game: CQC-1 “One True Flag.” As expected, this Super Earth flag, which is attached to a spear, can be used as a weapon and can also be planted anywhere on the map to celebrate victory. This Warbond was added to the game to celebrate the eradication of the Illuminate faction. However, the faction returned with backup before Arrowhead could even release the Warbond. Nevertheless, it is an exciting and satisfying experience when players plant a Super-Earth flag right on top of dead enemies. Helldivers 2 players are doing victory celebrations with the new Super Earth flag Stratagem The brand new Masters of Ceremony Warbond is here, and it seems like players just can’t get enough of the new CQC-1 One True Flag Stratagem. This weapon is a flag that can be used as a melee weapon. However, that’s not it; the flag can also be waved or planted anywhere on the map. As a result, players have been extensively using the flag to assert dominance over enemies. A video created by Cornzzz Games is currently going viral on the r/Helldivers subreddit. The video showcases one of the many victory celebrations that players do in the game with the flag. The clip is indeed hilarious and has garnered over 2,000 upvotes on Reddit. When Arrowhead revealed this Warbond earlier this month, there was a lot of criticism as players were not satisfied with the weapons in the Warbond. It turns out, this is probably the most unique and exciting weapon in Helldivers 2. Players absolutely love it and are willing to sacrifice one extra Stratagem slot for this weapon. Apart from this, the Warbond features another weapon, R-2 Amendment, Saber melee weapon, new armors, Sample Scanner booster, G-142 Pyrotech Grenade, new banners, capes, titles, and a Lockstep emote. The Illuminate is coming for Super Earth A new terrifying unit called Fleshmob has joined the Illuminate faction (Image via Arrowhead Game Studios) The Masters of Ceremony Warbond was announced to celebrate the eradication of the Illuminate faction, however, the Illuminate returned before the Warbond could even release. This time, the attack is much *******, and Super Earth has made it clear that it’s impossible to stop the Illuminate from reaching Super Earth. Currently, the players are required to hold Widow’s Harbor, Pilen V, and New Haven, but things are not looking good so far. If Illuminate takes control of these planets, they will be very close to Mars, the planet closest to Super Earth. There are speculations that Mars might end up becoming Malevelon Creek 2.0, as Super Earth will do everything to stop Illuminate from reaching Super Earth. The sudden twist in the game’s lore greatly increased the game’s active player count. Helldivers 2 has managed to bag many prestigious awards in the past, and at this pace, it might win the Best Multiplayer Award again this year. Source link #Helldivers #Fans #Creating #NaziThemed #Victory #Celebrations Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Federal Reserve will reduce staff by 10% in coming years, Powell memo says Federal Reserve will reduce staff by 10% in coming years, Powell memo says U.S. Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell departs after holding a press conference following a two-day meeting of the Federal Open Market Committee on interest rate policy in Washington, D.C., U.S., May 7, 2025. Kevin Lamarque | Reuters The Federal Reserve will look to reduce its headcount by 10% over the next couple of years, including offering deferred resignation to some older employees, central bank Chair Jerome Powell said in a memo. “Experience here and elsewhere shows that it is healthy for any organization to periodically take a fresh look at its staffing and resources. The Fed has done that from time to time as our work, priorities, or external environment have changed,” Powell said in the memo obtained by CNBC. The central bank chief added that he has instructed leaders throughout the Fed “to find incremental ways to consolidate functions where appropriate, modernize some business practices, and ensure that we are right-sized and able to meet our statutory mission.” One method for shrinking the staff will be to offer a voluntary deferred resignation program to employees of the Federal Reserve Board who would be fully eligible to retire at the end of 2027. The central bank said in its 2023 annual report that it had just under 24,000 employees. A 10% reduction would bring that number below 22,000. The memo comes as the Trump administration has pushed for cost cuts across civil service agencies, spearheaded by Elon Musk and the so-called Department of Government Efficiency. Musk has previously called the Fed “absurdly overstaffed.” Powell’s memo did not mention Musk or DOGE as a factor in the decision to shrink headcount. The planned staff cuts were first reported by Bloomberg News. — CNBC’s Matt Cuddy contributed reporting. Don’t miss these insights from CNBC PRO Source link #Federal #Reserve #reduce #staff #coming #years #Powell #memo Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Clair Obscur’s Composer Talks Going From Unknown To Scoring 2025’s Most Celebrated RPG Clair Obscur’s Composer Talks Going From Unknown To Scoring 2025’s Most Celebrated RPG Composer Lorien Testard did not have a history working on major video game soundtracks prior to his work on Clair Obscur: Expedition 33. Developer Sandfall found his work on SoundCloud and brought him on board. Over the course of five years, he composed 154 songs for the game, and if you played Clair Obscur, then you know how crucial music is to the game’s overall experience. We had a chance to speak with Testard over e-mail about his work on the game, how Sandfall found him, his approach to the music, and the potential of doing more Clair Obscur work in the future, to which he said, “The tomorrows are still unwritten!” You can find the full interview below. Game Informer: Is it true that this is your first major video game project, and the team at Sandfall just found your work on SoundCloud? Lorien Testard: Yes, that’s true. I was composing one track per week and posting it on SoundCloud. After about a year, I shared my work on an indie game forum, and that’s when Guillaume came across it and offered me the opportunity to compose music for his game project. I’m really grateful the stars aligned that day and brought us together! Lyrics are not typical in video game soundtracks. What influenced your decision to include them so prominently, and what was that songwriting process like? Lyrics and voice are important to me. They’re a personal and direct way to share emotion with the player. Through lyrics, I can share a vision of the story and express my emotional sensitivity to specific scenes in the game. It creates an intimate connection between the player and the world. Often, the lyrics aren’t immediately noticed during gameplay, they blend into the atmosphere. But for those who take the time to listen, or go back and read them afterwards, they’ll discover hidden layers and secrets in the words. I enjoy writing lyrics for the game a lot, and I love players’ reactions when they realize what the words are saying. It feels like we’ve created a bond together, through the music and the game. For the songwriting process, I chose to write in several languages – mostly French, English, and an invented language – depending on the feeling I wanted to convey and the emotion I wanted to share with the players. Even without its vocals, Clair Obscur has a very distinct sound that ranges from classical to rock. Why did you decide to use these particular genres? How did you go about nailing down the game’s musical identity? I didn’t really think about musical style or the game’s overall musical identity. I let myself be guided by what I felt for each character or location. I have been thinking about the game like a giant blank canvas, filled with smaller paintings to illustrate musically. It was the characters and the world that inspired the musical ideas. That’s why the soundtrack shifts freely – from piano and strings for the Gommage, to saxophone for the mini-game on the Gestral Beach, or to vocals with electric guitars when the characters need it. Many large RPGs in recent years have shifted to a multi-composer approach, where teams of 3-4 people write massive soundtracks together. Was this largely a solo effort for you, or did you have additional composers on your team? For the tracks where you worked with multiple composers, how did this affect your process? I was lucky to be involved from the very first steps of the project, which gave me the opportunity to discover the world and story of Expedition 33 very early on. That allowed me to start composing the soundtrack long before the production phase began. It’s what made it possible for me to carry the production and musical vision all the way through to the end of this massive project. About a year and a half into the process, [Alice Duport-Percier] joined me to collaborate on the vocal songs. She has incredible talent and the voice of an angel. She wrote the majority of the vocal lines in the game. Alice Duport-Percier (left) and Lorien Testard Most of the time, our process worked like this: I’d start by composing the instrumental version of the track, writing the lyrics, and sharing my feelings about the song and his emotional context to her. Then she’d create her vocal line guided by her sensitivity and what the song made her feel. She came to my studio once a month to record with me, and we kept that rhythm going for three years. This is not a complaint, but sometimes the sound mix in the game seems off in favor of the music. As in, dialogue will be a bit overpowered by music. Was this intentional? No, it’s not intentional. Mixing the game’s audio was a massive undertaking, and everything was done custom. For each cutscene, sound effect, songs, or line of dialogue, it’s always about finding the right balance between all the elements to convey what we feel is important to share with the players in that moment. The audio team worked with great care throughout the entire development to make sure the mix felt as balanced and appropriate as possible in every situation. You composed 154 songs for the game over the course of five years. Why was the process so long, and how did you end up writing so many songs? I quickly had a vision of the large-scale score the project would require, so I wrote out my ideal setlist for the OST. To make it immersive and truly reflective of the world, I decided that each level would need multiple environmental tracks, battle themes, unique boss themes, and custom music for the cinematics. That gave me a massive list of tracks to compose, and I had a lot of fun working through it, song by song, over the five years of development. Can you share some of your favorite video game soundtracks, RPG soundtracks, and specifically RPG battle themes? I love the soundtracks from the Zelda and Mario series, Majora’s Mask and Mario Sunshine for example, but I also listen to and enjoy a lot of music and artists that aren’t from the world of video games. Clair Obscur moves back and forth between devastating, comedic, and everywhere in between. How do you compose for so many tonal shifts while maintaining a cohesive sound? The use of melodies and leitmotifs helped with that – bringing back a character’s theme in a different arrangement or style created a link between different moments in the game, even when the emotions changed. There are many connections between the tracks. The battle music often sounds more contemporary and electronic than the orchestrated main themes. Was this an intentional choice? Yes, that was an intentional choice, but not because those tracks are for battles. It had more to do with the feeling I got from the specific enemy the player is facing. Whether you’re fighting Sakapatate or Sirène, the music can’t paint the same picture around the boss. Each song reflects the atmosphere and personality of the enemy the player is facing. What tools do you use to compose and make music? Are there any instruments in the score that might surprise listeners? I use a software called Nuendo to compose the tracks, along with various VSTs. For real and organic instruments, I play guitar, a bit of bass, and some piano. We also recorded many incredibly talented solo musicians for the OST, and the soundtrack features a nice variety of instruments throughout, including some you might not hear every day, like saxophone, accordion, bawu, or cümbüş. Clair Obscur is uniquely French in many, many ways. How did you apply the French aesthetic to the soundtrack? I didn’t intentionally try to bring a specifically French aesthetic into Clair Obscur, but the Belle Époque theme and all the French music I’ve listened to throughout my life are definitely a part of me. That said, I had a lot of fun making a more intentional nod with the mimes’ theme. I insisted, wholeheartedly, that the accordion had to be part of the OST and part of that song in particular. How did Sandfall describe the game to you at the start of development? The first time Guillaume told me about the project, he said something like: “You arrive at the beginning of the game after the heroes have already lost.” That set the tone. Seeing the soundtrack on platforms like Spotify and YouTube lets you see what tracks are the most popular and have the most plays. Have there been any surprises there? Since the music follows the game experience closely, the tracks that stand out the most in the soundtrack are often tied to each player’s journey through the game. But still, there have been a few surprises for me. I love feeling how personally the music connects with players. I get messages from players sharing which tracks stayed with them and touched them, and the variety in their choices is incredible, almost no track is left behind. Each one seems to find someone it speaks to. It’s so moving for me to feel that our music resonates with players like that. Would you be open to returning to compose for a sequel? Or composing a potential adaptation like a film? The tomorrows are still unwritten! For more on Clair Obscur, read Game Informer’s Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 review, check out our features, such as other games to play if you liked Expedition 33, why it’s not a great game to play at home with a newborn, and why we liked the beginning so much. Source link #Clair #Obscurs #Composer #Talks #Unknown #Scoring #2025s #Celebrated #RPG Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

Sean “Diddy” Combs’ Defense Abruptly Ends Cassie Ventura Cross-Examination – Update – Deadline Sean “Diddy” Combs’ Defense Abruptly Ends Cassie Ventura Cross-Examination – Update – Deadline Sean “Diddy” Combs’ Defense Abruptly Ends Cassie Ventura Cross-Examination – Update DeadlineCassie Ventura’s testimony resumes in Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs’ trial CNNCassie’s Heartbreaking Text to Diddy Days After Hotel Beating Is Read Aloud in Court People.comCassie’s harrowing testimony, the myth of ‘mutual abuse’ and what domestic violence really looks like USA TodaySean ‘Diddy’ Combs trial: Cassie wraps up cross-examination in rapper’s sex trafficking case Fox News Source link #Sean #Diddy #Combs #Defense #Abruptly #Ends #Cassie #Ventura #CrossExamination #Update #Deadline Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Even in Arcadia is band’s first *** number one album Even in Arcadia is band’s first *** number one album Rock band Sleep Token have scored their first ever *** number one album. The British group’s fourth full-length release, Even In Arcadia, shot to the top of the chart after three top 40 singles in as many months. Formed in 2016, the group have never revealed their identities, wearing masks at all times and rarely speaking in public, with posts speculating about who they are regularly going viral. Critics have accused the band of using gimmicks to boost their popularity, while fans say Sleep Token’s distinctive sound, which blends heavy metal with poppy, R&B elements, sets them apart. Building off their 2023 release, Take Me to Eden, which reached number three, the band now has 9.4 million monthly listeners on Spotify. The streamer said earlier this week that Even in Arcadia was its top new album, outranking releases from Kali Uchis and Pink Pantheress. Announcing the *** chart on BBC Radio 1’s Official Chart Show, host Jack Saunders said it was a “a groundbreaking rock record”. “It’s accessible enough but also loveable enough for those who do really love the genre to really keep it close,” he said. “I think it’s brilliant.” But not everyone is convinced. Music website Pitchfork – known for its sometimes-scathing takes – described the band as “schmaltzy and dull”. Reviewer Eli Enis said Even in Arcadia “feels means-tested to maximize cross-market potential”. Music critic Anthony Fantano, of The Needle Drop YouTube channel, describing it as “boring, uninspired, and uninteresting” and “metal for Disney adults”. Sleep Token’s previous record also had a lukewarm response from professional critics, but that didn’t prevent it from being a success. The group are due to headline Download Festival in Leicestershire next month, along with Green Day and Korn. It’s the first time any of the bands have topped the bill at the rock gathering. Other acts due to perform include McFly, Bullet For My Valentine, Don Broco, Alien Ant Farm, Spiritbox, Poppy and CKY. Source link #Arcadia #bands #number #album Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Kate Raston: West *********** of the Year finalist’s sights set on systemic change to end ******* violence Kate Raston: West *********** of the Year finalist’s sights set on systemic change to end ******* violence History won’t repeat itself — not if Kate Raston can help it. The 29-year-old has made it her mission to give young people the sex education she wishes she’d received. Source link #Kate #Raston #West #*********** #Year #finalists #sights #set #systemic #change #******* #violence Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

How you can file a claim in the $95 million settlement over allegations Siri eavesdropped How you can file a claim in the $95 million settlement over allegations Siri eavesdropped If you own an Apple device, you may be owed some cash from the tech giant. It’s part of a $95 million settlement Apple has agreed to that stems from a class-action lawsuit alleging that the company violated customer privacy through its iOS voice assistant, Siri. In 2021, Fumiko Lopez and other Apple device owners filed a lawsuit in a California federal court claiming that “confidential or private communications were allegedly obtained by Apple and/or shared with third parties as a result of an unintended Siri activation.” The lawsuit, Lopez v. Apple, alleges that those private conversations were shared with third-party businesses that targeted Lopez and other Apple customers with ads in Apple search and in Safari web browser. Apple denies the allegations and any wrongdoing, but ultimately agreed to the settlement payout. Here’s what to know about the lawsuit and whether you’re entitled to a payment. Who is eligible for a payout? Apple customers who owned or bought certain Siri-enabled devices and who “experienced an unintended Siri activation during a confidential or private communication” between Sept. 17, 2014, and Dec. 31, 2024, are eligible to make a claim for a payout, according to the settlement website. Devices that qualify under the lawsuit include: iPhones, iPads, Apple Watches, MacBooks, iMacs, Apple TV streaming boxes, HomePod speakers and iPod touches. If Apple customers aren’t sure if they’re eligible, they can contact the settlement administrator online; by phone at 1-888-981-4106; or by mail at Lopez Voice Assistant Settlement Administrator, P.O. Box 6609, 614 Cranbury Road, East Brunswick, N.J., 08816. How to file a claim if you’re eligible The settlement website has a submit claim section where eligible Apple customers can file a claim online. Some people may have received an email or a postcard with a claimant identification code and confirmation code that should be used when making a claim. If you did not receive either of these codes and believe you have been affected, follow the instructions on the submit claim section of the website. The deadline to submit a claim is July 2, 2025. How much are the payments? It will depend on how many people file claims, and each eligible customer can submit a claim for up to five Siri-enabled devices. Payments for each device are capped at $20 each, so there’s a possible maximum payout of $100. When could claimants get those payments? Later this year, at the earliest. There’s a final approval court hearing scheduled for Aug. 1, 2025, for the $95 million settlement, according to the FAQ page of the lawsuit website. If it’s approved, those who filed claims will be sent their payment. When a customer submits a claim, they can select options to receive payment through physical check, e-check or direct deposit. Source link #file #claim #million #settlement #allegations #Siri #eavesdropped Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

14 Years of Playing Skyrim Has Convinced Me Hidetaka Miyazaki Needs to Steal These Two Features Before Elder Scrolls 6 14 Years of Playing Skyrim Has Convinced Me Hidetaka Miyazaki Needs to Steal These Two Features Before Elder Scrolls 6 You can’t change my mind on the fact that Bethesda’s seminal classic Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrim is still the titan of the RPG genre. It’s been 14 years since the release of the game, and it’s still a title that will shock you with its hidden secrets in the fantasy world of Tamriel. I still remember setting foot in Skyrim and being filled with joy because it allowed me to go anywhere and become who I wanted. I’ve had the opportunity to play the RPG across tons of different platforms and experience everything that the modding community has given. Even though Hidetaka Miyazaki’s Soulsborne games have given me a similar level of joy, I believe they’ll be better off learning a few tricks from Skyrim before Elder Scrolls 6 finally releases. Hidetaka Miyazaki must steal these features from Skyrim Anyone who’s spent quite a while in the world of Skyrim would agree that the RPG does an incredible job when it comes to shaping our journeys. Becoming a part of the Dark Brotherhood, the Thieves Guild, or choosing a side in the Stormcloak-Imperial conflict just doesn’t give you new quests; it changes how everyone in the game treats you and reacts to your presence. With Skyrim‘s dynamic factions, Bethesda has introduced branching narratives and moral dilemmas. Every action I take in the RPG has consequences, and I miss this while playing FromSoftware games. Although Dark Souls has covenants, let’s be honest, they don’t feel a part of the game world. Miyazaki and his team must consider upping the faction game in Dark Souls 4 so there’s a more immersive and reactive experience. Another thing that I feel Skyrim has truly nailed down is its branching dialogue system, as it allows players to shape their journey based on their choices during in-game conversations. Whether you’re persuading a guard or deciding to spare your rival, all the in-game interactions have consequences that will affect your questlines, relationships, and even factions. On the other hand, from what I’ve seen, Soulslike games rely too much on cryptic monologues and basically have minimal dialogue. Why should the players go through the pain of piecing together the lore through their observations? I get that this mystery is a charm of FromSoftware, but adding more dialogue with real narrative implications could bring more to the game. Let’s hope FromSoftware can also build upon these mechanics. (Image via FromSoftware) As long as it’s done in a fine balance, I don’t think FromSoftware will ruin the mystery of Soulsborne. Just imagine being able to influence an NPC’s fate or shape the game based on deception. We’re likely to see Elder Scrolls 6 learning from these highs of Skyrim, and evolving upon them. Before that happens, and Bethesda conquers the gaming industry once again, it’s time for FromSoftware and Miyazaki to make their move. One thing that definitely sucks in Skyrim Elder Scrolls 6 must get rid of loading screens. (Image via Bethesda Game Studios) I can go on for hours when it comes to praising the world that Howard and his team have built in Skyrim. However, what I truly can’t stand are the frustrating loading screens. Seriously, you can’t go 10 minutes into the game without facing one of these, and it gets to a point where you want to delete the game outright. When Starfield was released, I thought Bethesda would’ve at least tried reducing loading screens in the space RPG, but that wasn’t the case. Instead, I felt like I saw even more of them compared to the studio’s game. Why isn’t Bethesda ditching this annoying game design? Well, there’s a reason. While chatting with VideoGamer, ex-Skyrim developer Bruce Nesmith stated that although gamers want a seamless exploration, all the loading screens in Bethesda’s titles are crucial to keep track of physics and item placement that stay after a player leaves the room. According to Nesmith, Bethesda doesn’t really have a choice, and every attempt to push back on loading screens and make the games more seamless has led to loads of performance issues, making the experience terrible. With that said, what else do you think FromSoftware can learn from the magic of Skyrim? Let me know in the comments below! Source link #Years #Playing #Skyrim #Convinced #Hidetaka #Miyazaki #Steal #Features #Elder #Scrolls Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Melania Trump statue missing from her hometown in Slovenia Melania Trump statue missing from her hometown in Slovenia “Melania” appeared on the banks of the River Sava in July 2020, four months before her human inspiration left the White House. Now, four months after the erstwhile Melanija Knavs resumed residence at Washington’s most famous address, her larger-than-life-size avatar has apparently made an undignified exit from her Slovenian hometown, Sevnica. All that remains of the massive bronze statue are the feet – and the two-metre-tall tree stump they were standing on. The symmetry would probably appeal to the whimsical US director Wes Anderson – who often features bizarre heists in his films. But even in his back catalogue, there has never been anything quite like the case of the cursed First Lady statue. Because this is not the first time a Melania Trump tribute has met a sticky end in Sevnica. The first iteration was unveiled in July 2019. Carved from a single piece of wood by a chainsaw-wielding local artisan called Ales “Maxi” Zupevc, it lasted a year before an unidentified perpetrator decided to turn it into a Fourth of July bonfire. Luckily, US artist Brad Downey – who commissioned Maxi to create the wooden original – had already made a cast of the statue. It duly made a comeback in bronze, at the same site. At its unveiling, Mr Downey said the new version had been designed to be “as solid as possible, out of a durable material which cannot be wantonly destroyed”. But, as it turns out, it can be chopped off at the ankles and taken away. Local police say they are treating “Melania’s” disappearance as “theft” and have launched an investigation. Brad Downey has always insisted that his work was political. He chose Maxi as a collaborator because his upbringing had been similar to that of the First Lady. And he argued that Melania Trump benefitted from a fast-tracked US citizenship process, while other immigrants suffered under her husband’s “xenophobic” policies. Now he suspects the statue’s disappearance “has something to do with Trump getting re-elected”. Meanwhile, in Sevnica, the local authorities have mixed feelings. They condemned “any form of interference with private or public property”. But, they added, “the image of the US First Lady was not something anyone was proud of”. Source link #Melania #Trump #statue #missing #hometown #Slovenia Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Nintendo Switch 2 Will Help You Find Your Joy-**** If It Falls Into The Couch Nintendo Switch 2 Will Help You Find Your Joy-**** If It Falls Into The Couch While the launch of Nintendo Switch 2 inches closer by the day, the Nintendo Today app has been providing useful updates on a few of the upcoming console’s new features. Today, the app revealed that hidden within the options menu is a feature that will help you find a lost Joy-**** should it get separated from the console. As spotted by X user Stealth40K, by tapping the Controllers icon on the main menu, you can select “Search For Controllers” from the list. Once there, select which Joy-**** you’ve misplaced, and the device will vibrate and make a ringing sound until you’ve retrieved it. Switch 2 has a ‘Search for Controllers’ feature to locate Joy-**** 2 controllers. The controller you are looking for will vibrate and make a sound. pic.twitter.com/FLNF1XoXL6 — Stealth (@Stealth40k) May 16, 2025 Nintendo Today has provided numerous updates about the Nintendo Switch 2 since the Switch 2 Direct in early April, including more information on the customizable GL and GR buttons for the Switch 2’s Pro Controller, as well as the binoculars found around the map in Mario Kart World. The app’s first-ever announcement was the March 2027 release date for the upcoming live-action The Legend of Zelda movie. Nintendo’s next console will feature a robust launch lineup of games, including Mario Kart World, Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition, and updated Nintendo Switch 2 editions of both The Legend Of Zelda: Breath Of The Wild and Tears Of The Kingdom. The console will also see Nintendo GameCube games come to the Nintendo Switch Online service exclusively on Switch 2, with The Legend of Zelda: Wind Waker and Soul Calibur 2 among the first games to be playable. Nintendo Switch 2 is set to launch in North America on June 5. Source link #Nintendo #Switch #Find #JoyCon #Falls #Couch Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Bird flu hits world’s largest poultry exporter Brazil Bird flu hits world’s largest poultry exporter Brazil Brazil, the world’s largest chicken exporter, has confirmed its first outbreak of bird flu on a poultry farm, triggering a country-wide trade ban from China and state-wide restrictions for other major consumers. The outbreak in southern Brazil was identified at a farm supplying Vibra Foods, a Brazilian operation backed by Tyson Foods, according to two people familiar with the matter. Vibra and Tyson did not immediately respond to questions. Vibra has 15 processing plants in Brazil and exports to more than 60 countries, according to its website. Brazil exported $US10 billion ($A16 billion) of chicken meat in 2024, accounting for about 35 per cent of global trade. Much of that came from meat processors BRF and JBS, which ship to 150 countries. China, Japan, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates are among the main destinations for Brazil’s chicken exports. Brazil’s Agriculture Minister Carlos Favaro said on Friday China had banned poultry imports from the country for 60 days. Under agreements with Japan, the UAE and Saudi Arabia, he said a trade ban would only restrict shipments from the affected state and, eventually, just the municipality in question. Your avian influenza update for the month of March 2025: – In March 2025, 142 outbreaks in poultry and 214 outbreaks in wild and non-poultry birds and mammals were reported across the Americas, Asia, and Europe.- Around 5.6 million poultry birds died or were culled, mostly in… pic.twitter.com/btewKKA6Oi— World Organisation for Animal Health (@WOAH) April 28, 2025 The outbreak occurred in the city of Montenegro in Brazil’s southernmost state of Rio Grande do Sul, the farm ministry said. The state accounts for 15 per cent of Brazilian poultry production and exports, pork and poultry group ABPA said in July 2024. BRF has five processing plants operating in the state. JBS has also invested in local chicken processing plants under its Seara brand. State officials said the outbreak of H5N1 bird flu is already responsible for the death of 17,000 farm chickens, either directly from the disease or due to cautionary culling. Veterinary officials are isolating the area of the outbreak in Montenegro and hunting for more cases in an initial 10km radius, the state agricultural secretariat said. Favaro, the farm minister, said Brazil was working to contain the outbreak and negotiate a loosening of trade restrictions faster than the two months agreed in protocols. “If we manage to eliminate the outbreak, we think it’s possible to re-establish a normal trade flow before the 60 days are up, including with China,” Favaro said in an interview aired on CNN Brasil. Chicken products shipped by Thursday will not be affected by trade restrictions, he added. The ministry said in a statement that it was officially notifying the World Organisation for Animal Health. Bird flu has swept through the US poultry industry since 2022, killing about 170 million chickens, turkeys and other birds, severely affecting production of meat and eggs. Bird flu has also infected nearly 70 people in the US, with one death, since 2024. Most of those infections have been among farm workers exposed to infected poultry or cows. The further spread of the disease raises the risk that bird flu could become more transmissible to humans. By contrast, Argentina was able to isolate a February 2023 outbreak and start resuming exports slowly the next month. “All necessary measures to control the situation were quickly adopted, and the situation is under control and being monitored by government agencies,” Brazil’s poultry industry group ABPA said in a statement. JBS referred questions about the outbreak to ABPA. BRF CEO Miguel Gularte told analysts on an earnings call that he was confident Brazilian health protocols were robust and the situation would be quickly overcome. Brazil, which exported more than five million metric tonnes of chicken products last year, first confirmed outbreaks of the highly pathogenic avian flu among wild birds in May 2023 in at least seven states. The disease is not transmitted through the consumption of poultry meat or eggs, the Agriculture Ministry said. “The Brazilian and world population can rest assured about the safety of inspected products, and there are no restrictions on their consumption,” the ministry said. Source link #Bird #flu #hits #worlds #largest #poultry #exporter #Brazil Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Days After Brutally Assaulting Cassie at L.A. Hotel, Here’s the Shocking Text Diddy Sent Her Days After Brutally Assaulting Cassie at L.A. Hotel, Here’s the Shocking Text Diddy Sent Her Casandra “Cassie” Ventura testified in Sean “Diddy” Combs federal criminal trial that he allegedly ****** her, physically abused her and forced her into drug-fueled sex acts The R&B singer said she received a $20 million settlement from Combs after filing a 2023 lawsuit against him alleging abuse Her lawsuit was followed by a federal investigation that led to Combs’ 2024 arrest on charges of sex trafficking, racketeering, and transportation to engage in prostitution Casandra “Cassie” Ventura was in a state of shock after Sean “Diddy” Combs hit her, kicked her while she lay curled on the floor and dragged her back to their room in the now-infamous attack at the InterContinental Hotel in Los Angeles in 2016. Not only was the R&B singer in pain from the ****** eye and other injuries Combs left her with after the May 6, 2016 beating, she was reeling from the fury the hip-hop mogul unleashed on her when she ran out of the room after a violent Freak Off session, she testified in Manhattan federal court this week. Yet, just days after the disturbing incident, Combs texted her, “I’m so horny for you!!!” jurors heard on Friday, May 16. Surprised, Ventura replied, “You are? What made you feel that way?” Related: Here’s Why Michael B. Jordan’s Name Came Up During Jury Selection for Diddy’s Trial Texting her that he “felt that way from Friday,” referring to Friday, May 6, 2016, Combs then asked her, “What you doing?” On the stand, Ventura who is eight months pregnant with her third child with husband Alex Fine, testified that she thought it was “a little strange” that Combs would say he desired her ********* after he hit, kicked and punched her that day. Texting him back that what happened on the day he beat her “wasn’t a good vibe,” she said, “We need a different vibe than Friday.” Combs seemed to agree. “F— Friday lol,” he wrote. “I don’t even want to do that again.” “Lol true,” Ventura responded. This startling text conversation comes on the fourth consecutive day that Ventura, 38, has testified in Combs’ high-profile federal sex trafficking and racketeering trial. During her first two days on the stand this week, federal prosecutors asked Ventura how Combs allegedly coerced her into taking part in days-long sex sessions he filmed. For the past two days, Ventura has been cross examined by Combs’ attorneys, who have sought to show how the two shared a loving, albeit turbulent, relationship, filled with jealousy. Defense attorneys also sought to show jurors that she was a willing participant in the sex sessions. During one text exchange in the early stages of their relationship in 2009 that Ventura was asked to read aloud, Combs asked her, “When do you want to do freak off?” She responded, “I’m always ready to freak off.” Related: Cassie Alleges Diddy Called Sex Tapes ‘Blackmail Materials’ — and She Lived in Fear He’d Release Them Want to keep up with the latest crime coverage? Sign up for for breaking crime news, ongoing trial coverage and details of intriguing unsolved cases.PEOPLE’s free True Crime newsletter Arrested in September 2024, Combs pleaded not guilty to five criminal counts including one count of racketeering conspiracy; two counts of sex trafficking by force, fraud or coercion; and two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution. Related: Cassie Settled Her Civil Suit Accusing Diddy of ***** for $20 Million, She Testifies Combs could face up to life in prison if he is convicted on all counts. Since his 2024 arrest, he has been held at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn. If you or someone you know has been ********* assaulted, please contact the National ******* Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673) or go to rainn.org. Read the original article on People Source link #Days #Brutally #Assaulting #Cassie #L.A #Hotel #Heres #Shocking #Text #Diddy Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

GEX Trilogy hands-on preview [SideQuesting] GEX Trilogy hands-on preview [SideQuesting] Limited Run’s update and collection of the GEX games add some nice quality of life improvements. We go hands-on with the latest build. Source link #GEX #Trilogy #handson #preview #SideQuesting Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Ned Davis not all in on stocks until tariff impact seen Ned Davis not all in on stocks until tariff impact seen Many investors are breathing a sigh of relief that stocks seem to be making a comeback. Ned Davis Research says: not so fast. President Donald Trump’s trade policies wreaked havoc on markets to start the year, dragging down the S & P 500 18.9% between its all-time high in February and its closing low in early April. But stocks have made a spectacular recovery since the White House in early April suspended for 90 days its “retaliatory” tariff policies. The S & P 500 has soared nearly 19% since its April 8 low, and is finally positive on the year again, last trading 0.6% higher. The Dow Jones Industrial Average and Nasdaq Composite are now respectively 1.1% and 0.5% lower on the year. But although this upward bounce is welcome, Tim Hayes, chief global investment strategist at Ned Davis Research, says investors who are getting their hopes up may be getting ahead of themselves. In a Thursday note, Hayes said he recently shifted 5% of a model portfolio allocation from bonds to equities, leaving him marketweight on stocks, at 55%. Going forward, he is watching for data that would support adding or lowering exposure to stocks and, until then, is staying neutral until the full impact of tariffs materializes. “The market has recovered with indicator improvement. But this doesn’t mean that there has been a significant increase in clarity about the months ahead,” he wrote. “When the tariffs hit, to what extent will we see uptrends in prices, inflation expectations and bond yields, with U.S. Treasury yields potentially driven higher by mounting deficit concerns?” Against such uncertainty, Hayes suggested a neutral approach makes the most sense, which calls for an allocation of 55% stocks, 43% bonds and 2% in cash. “The bottom line is that the messages are mixed, warranting a neutral stance and marketweight allocation. In the months ahead, the tariff impact should become more clear,” the strategist continued. “And the indicator developments will help us decide whether to 1) continue increasing exposure on evidence of a reassertive global bull market, 2) remain marketweight in a range-bound market, or 3) decrease it again in response to indications that what we’ve seen is a rally within a global bear market.” Source link #Ned #Davis #stocks #tariff #impact Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

The Dark Ages Coming to PlayStation Plus? Potential Explored The Dark Ages Coming to PlayStation Plus? Potential Explored It’s 2025, and Doomguy’s medieval makeover has finally arrived. Doom: The Dark Ages launched on May 15 to bloody good reviews. With brutal combat, a chunky shield that feels like it was forged from vibranium, and a setting that looks like a cathedral got possessed, the game is everything fans hoped for. The game is already tearing through PC, Xbox, and PlayStation 5, and it’s available day one on Xbox Game Pass. Naturally, this has raised a burning question among PS fans: Is the game coming to PlayStation Plus? Just like players are mourning the loss of glory kills, no PS fan wants to miss out on a killer subscription deal. Will PlayStation fans get to rip and tear in Doom: The Dark Ages through PS Plus? Unfortunately, Doom: The Dark Ages is not available on PlayStation Plus as of now. Bethesda and Sony have not announced any plans to bring it to the service at launch. That said, fans shouldn’t give up hope just yet. Both Doom (2016) and Doom Eternal made their way to the PS Plus library, though some time (years in case of Eternal) after their initial release. It’s not uncommon for big third-party titles to arrive on subscription platforms later, once the initial sales window cools off. Given the positive reception and the game’s popularity, there’s a strong chance The Dark Ages could follow suit. For now, though, PlayStation users will need to buy the game if they want in on the chaos. If you’re eager to dive in, here are the current editions and pricing: Standard Edition – $69.99 Premium Edition – $99.99 (includes the campaign DLC, digital artbook, soundtrack, and the Divinity Skin Pack.) Collector’s Bundle – $199.99 (Includes all Premium content plus a 12-inch Doom Slayer statue, replica runic keycard, and SteelBook case.) (availability may vary) A medieval twist on classic Doom It’s not on PS Plus yet, but hey, a Slayer can dream. | Image Credit: is Software The price might seem steep, but it’s exactly what you’d expect from a full-fledged AAA experience nowadays, and unlike some other so-called ‘AAA’ games, Doom: The Dark Ages absolutely delivers on that promise. And yes, Doom Slayer is still that guy who doesn’t even flinch when facing hell’s worst. Everything that made the modern Doom games great, the speed, the mayhem, the gore, is still here, but it now drops with an extra gritty, medieval hellscape. You’re still running and gunning, but with a twist: instead of just guns and chainsaws, you now have a shield you can throw like a boomerang of death. It might have raised a few eyebrows in early trailers, but it’s shockingly satisfying in action, especially once upgraded. And while some fans miss the glory kills from earlier games, there’s still gore. And they’re not completely gone as bosses still have them, giving you those cinematic finishers fans love. It’s exactly the kind of game that makes Xbox Game Pass feel like a cheat code. Day-one access to something this polished and fun? It’s no wonder PlayStation players are hoping it lands on PS Plus soon. Let’s hope that happens sooner rather than later. In short, Doom: The Dark Ages is a brutal, blood-soaked return to form, with a twist. It’s not on PS Plus yet, but based on history, there’s a decent shot it could show up down the line. Until then, PS players might need to shell out some cash or play the waiting game. Source link #Dark #Ages #Coming #PlayStation #Potential #Explored Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

Anthropic closes $2.5 billion credit facility Anthropic closes $2.5 billion credit facility Dario Amodei, Anthropic’s CEO, speaking on CNBC’s “Squawk Box” outside the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, on Jan. 21, 2025. Gerry Miller | CNBC Earlier this week, Anthropic received a $2.5 billion, five-year revolving credit line to amp up its liquidity in an ever-expanding — and expensive — competition in the artificial intelligence industry. Anthropic, founded by former OpenAI research executives, launched its Claude chatbot in March 2023. The company closed its latest funding round in March at a $61.5 billion valuation, and the new credit facility adds to that. The company said it plans to use it to strengthen its balance sheet and invest as it scales rapidly. Annualized revenue reached $2 billion in the first quarter, the company confirmed, more than doubling from a $1 billion rate in the prior *******. Revenue chief Kate Jensen said in a recent interview with CNBC that the number of customers spending more than $100,000 annually with Anthropic jumped eightfold from a year ago. Morgan Stanley, Barclays, Citibank, Goldman Sachs, JPMorgan, Royal Bank of Canada and Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group all participated in the credit facility. Read more CNBC reporting on AI Companies are seeking more funding and liquidity than ever before as the AI arms race intensifies. The generative AI market is poised to top $1 trillion in revenue within a decade. Companies from Google and Amazon to Anthropic and Perplexity are racing to announce new products and features, especially as the race to build “AI agents” intensifies. “This revolving credit facility provides Anthropic significant flexibility to support our continued exponential growth,” Krishna Rao, Anthropic’s finance chief, said in a statement. “The backing of these global financial institutions is a testament to the strength of our business and the resonance of our mission.” OpenAI announced similar news in October, when CNBC reported it had received a $4 billion revolving line of credit. The influx brought the company’s total liquidity to more than $10 billion and came soon after it closed a funding round at a then-valuation of $157 billion. JPMorgan Chase, Citi, Goldman Sachs, Morgan Stanley, Santander, Wells Fargo, SMBC, UBS, and HSBC all participated. OpenAI’s base credit line is $4 billion, with an option to increase it by an additional $2 billion. Source link #Anthropic #closes #billion #credit #facility Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Bungie admits Marathon art was stolen by former employee Bungie admits Marathon art was stolen by former employee Artist Antireal called out Bungie for stealing her art, claiming that they ripped off her pieces and even spotting her own logo in-game. The studio has admitted that a former employee used the art without authorization. Source link #Bungie #admits #Marathon #art #stolen #employee Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Dow Jones Today: S&P 500 on Pace to Extend Winning Streak as Major Stock Indexes Set to Post Big Weekly Gains; UnitedHealth Rebounds After Sell-Off – Investopedia Dow Jones Today: S&P 500 on Pace to Extend Winning Streak as Major Stock Indexes Set to Post Big Weekly Gains; UnitedHealth Rebounds After Sell-Off – Investopedia Dow Jones Today: S&P 500 on Pace to Extend Winning Streak as Major Stock Indexes Set to Post Big Weekly Gains; UnitedHealth Rebounds After Sell-Off InvestopediaStock market today: Dow, S&P 500, Nasdaq little changed as US stocks eye a weekly win Yahoo FinanceWall Street set for weekly gains on trade deal, weak data curbs enthusiasm ReutersDow Jones Falls On Surprise Inflation Data; Nvidia Supplier Dives On Earnings Investor’s Business DailyS&P 500 rises as benchmark heads for big weekly gain: Live updates CNBC Source link #Dow #Jones #Today #SampP #Pace #Extend #Winning #Streak #Major #Stock #Indexes #Set #Post #Big #Weekly #Gains #UnitedHealth #Rebounds #SellOff #Investopedia Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

Wegovy-maker Novo Nordisk abruptly ousts chief executive Wegovy-maker Novo Nordisk abruptly ousts chief executive Novo Nordisk, the company that makes Wegovy and Ozempic, is abruptly ousting its chief executive over concerns the firm is losing ground in the popular weight-loss drug market. The firm’s market value has dropped by roughly half over the last year, as alternatives from competitors such as Eli Lilly gain traction. Lars Fruergaard Jørgensen has led the company since 2017, overseeing its rise to become the most valuable company in Europe after the launch of its flagship anti-obesity drugs. He will stay in the role until a successor is appointed. The company said its controlling shareholder, the Novo Nordisk Foundation, had started talks about replacing Mr Jørgensen in recent weeks as a result of “market challenges” and the slide in its share price. “Considering the recent market challenges, the share price decline, and the wish from the Novo Nordisk Foundation, the Novo Nordisk Board and Lars Fruergaard Jørgensen have jointly concluded that initiating a chief executive succession is in the best interest of the company and its shareholders,” the company said in a statement. As part of the changes, the firm said that its former chief executive, Lars Rebien Sørensen, who now leads the Novo Nordisk Foundation, will also take on a greater role on the firm’s board. Mr Jørgensen started at the company in 1991. In an interview with Danish broadcaster TV2, he said that he had not seen the decision coming, according to Reuters. The move also caught many analysts off-guard. On a conference call with board chair Helge Lund, they pressed him on whether there were other factors behind the decision and whether it indicated a lack of confidence in the firm’s strategy. “Share price decline is not exactly something he can control so I was wondering if you can give some more detail on what exactly has driven this change right now,” said Danske Bank analyst Carsten Lonborg Madsen, noting that the company had had only a handful leaders since its start. “This is something that has been going on since mid 2024,” he said, referring to the slide in share price value. “It just feels like there’s something that has gone pretty wrong here.” “I’m sorry to belabour the point but I have to say that I’m confused by the discussion,” Seamus Fernandez of Guggenheim Securities said later. “If I were the next potential chief executive I would be very nervous to take the role.” Mr Lund acknowledged that the decision might look abrupt, noting that up until now it had been anticipating a slower succession timeline. He said the firm would make an announcement of a new leader “in due course” and it did not signal a change in the its strategy or plans. “There is nothing more behind this,” he said. Shares in the firm fell further after the announcement. Since 2021, Novo Nordisk has more than doubled its sales. But growth has been slowing. Last year, sales rose 25% to more than 290bn Danish kroner (£33bn), while profits were up roughly 20%. The company earlier this month predicted sales growth between 13% and 21%, with growth in operating profit between 16% to 24%. Source link #Wegovymaker #Novo #Nordisk #abruptly #ousts #chief #executive Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

iBuyPower Memorial Day *****: Access huge savings on gaming PCs with this code iBuyPower Memorial Day *****: Access huge savings on gaming PCs with this code Memorial Day is just around the corner, and iBuyPower is celebrating it with lowered prices for its wide range of gaming PCs. From now until May 26, you can enjoy discounts for the brand’s pre-built (RDY) and custom gaming desktops by using the coupon code MEMORIAL during the checkout process. You’ll get $50 off for purchases over $999, $100 off for purchases over $1,999, $200 off for purchases over $2,999, and $300 off for purchases over $3,999. The coupon code during the iBuyPower Memorial Day Mega-***** will further reduce any promotional prices, so here’s your chance at huge savings. Feel free to take a look at all the available offers, but we’ve also rounded up our favorite gaming PC deals from iBuyPower below if you want any recommendations. Either way, you better hurry — there’s a lot of time left on these discounts, but stocks of the gaming desktop that you’ve got your eyes on may not last until the *****’s last minute. iBuyPower RDY Slate 9MP R01 — $1,799 $2,099 14% off iBuyPower The iBuyPower RDY Slate 9MP R01, which is on ***** with a 14% discount for savings of $300, is powered by the AMD Ryzen 7 7700X processor, the Nvidia GeForce RTX 5070 graphics card, and 32GB of RAM for the ability to play the best PC games without any issues. The gaming desktop ships with Windows 11 Home pre-loaded in its 1TB SSD, and it features a stylish chassis with transparent sides and RGB lighting. iBuyPower RDY Element 9 R02 — $2,049 $2,299 11% off iBuyPower The iBuyPower RDY Element 9 R02 will capture your attention with its tempered glass panels and unique corner power button, but it’s more than just a pretty gaming PC. It’s also a powerhouse with the AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D processor, Nvidia GeForce RTX 5070 graphics card, and 32GB of RAM. It’s also got a 2TB SSD with Windows 11 Home pre-loaded, and you can get it with an 11% discount that’s equivalent to $250 in savings. iBuyPower RDY Y70 R05 — $3,099 $3,349 7% off iBuyPower You should go for the iBuyPower RDY Y70 R05 if you want a gaming PC that will have no trouble handling even the most demanding titles among the upcoming PC games. It’s equipped with the AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D processor, the Nvidia GeForce RTX 5080 graphics card, and 32GB of RAM, alongside a 2TB SSD with Windows 11 Home out of the box. The gaming desktop will be yours with a $250 discount, or 7% off its original price. Source link #iBuyPower #Memorial #Day #***** #Access #huge #savings #gaming #PCs #code Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

US proposes dropping Boeing criminal charge US proposes dropping Boeing criminal charge US prosecutors may drop a criminal charge against the aerospace giant Boeing, linked to two crashes involving its bestselling aircraft, the 737 Max. In an online meeting with relatives of those who died in the two accidents, officials for the Department of Justice (DOJ) said they were considering allowing the company to sign a non-prosecution agreement to settle the case. The move would avoid a trial over the criminal fraud charge that is due to begin in June, after a judge rejected an earlier settlement in which Boeing had agreed to plead guilty. Lawyers representing families of the ****** victims said they were “deeply disappointed” by the new plan. “While DOJ claims no final decision has been made, their scripted presentation made it clear that the outcome has already been decided,” said Erin Applebaum, a partner at Kreindler and Kreindler, which represents 34 families of those killed in the Ethiopian ******. “Boeing has never stood trial for the 346 lives lost due to its admitted crimes. Now, DOJ is prepared to let the company walk away, again, with no more than a financial penalty,” she added. Boeing currently faces a criminal fraud conspiracy charge, brought in the aftermath of two major 737 Max accidents in late 2018 off Indonesia and in Ethiopia in early 2019. The crashes, which killed 346 people, were blamed on a poorly designed piece of flight control software, which the pilots were not aware had been fitted to the aircraft. The Department of Justice subsequently accused Boeing of deliberately concealing vital information about the system from regulators, charging the firm with fraud. The firm admitted to the allegations but initially avoided prosecution by paying $2.5bn in fines and compensation and pledging to improve safety standards and compliance programmes. The case was reopened last year, after an incident in which an unused door fell off a 737 Max early in flight, leaving a gaping hole in the side of the aircraft. The DOJ accused Boeing of having breached the terms of the original settlement. Last year, a new deal was reached with prosecutors under which Boeing would plead guilty to the fraud charge, pay a further fine of $243m and agree to a court-appointed monitor overseeing its operations for a set *******. But the agreement was rejected in December by a US district court judge overseeing the case, due in part to concerns over how the monitor would be selected. It is understood that Boeing has since sought to withdraw its guilty plea. A non-prosecution agreement would not involve admitting to criminal charges. That would spare Boeing from a criminal record, a ****** mark that would complicated its dealings as a contractor for the government. The case is currently due to go to trial on 23 June. Source link #proposes #dropping #Boeing #criminal #charge Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

I got bullied during my Patapon 1+2 Replay demo and I loved it I got bullied during my Patapon 1+2 Replay demo and I loved it During PAX East 2025, I played a whole bunch of games. But Patapon 1+2 Replay is the one that will forever be etched into my brain. Before walking into my appointment, I didn’t know a thing about Sony’s cult series. The only thing I knew was that I had a hard time pronouncing the name initially, and that it was some kind of rhythm-based game. Before I entered the appointment, a colleague (let’s call him John) asked if he could join and watch. I had no problem with that, and Bandai Namco gave the okay. When I had begun talking to the team about Patapon 1+2 Replay, they immediately noticed that I had said the name wrong and engaged in some playful teasing as they corrected my pronunciation. It was foreshadowing of what was to come during a demo that would show me the comedic joy and tension of a classic series that’s built for casual, carefree entertainment. Discovering Patapon The second John and I sat down, we were greeted by Savannah Ho, the marketing lead for Patapon 1+2 Replay. After a short introduction, Ho gave me a simple elevator pitch to get me up to speed: “Patapon is a rhythm action game that’s perfect for people who love … Rhythm and action! This game has an easy entry level but a high skill ceiling. Especially with the Patapon 1+2 Replay bundle, we’ve added difficulty levels, which are new to the franchise.” The last piece of her pitch would become especially important as my appointment went on. As someone who was born with two left feet, easy mode sounded appealing. After talking with Ho, I was instructed to load into the game and was given a series of commands to press that would allow my adorable little eyeball men to perform various actions. These included tasks as simple as moving forward, attacking, and jumping. The catch was that they needed to be pressed alongside the beat, and if I failed to do so, I would need to start said input all over again. Not only did my little men perform an action when timed correctly, but I was also rewarded with an adorable, catchy bit of music. Ho assured me that the songs used in 1+2 Replay are also the same ones used in the originals. Hitting the combos on the right beat gave me a nice hit of serotonin. The cherry on top is the visual upgrade. It’s great to see games built for older handhelds polished up to feel modern once again. For the first level, I was tasked with hunting down a handful of animals before they escaped from my tribe. I thought I was in for a good time because of the game’s cheerful tone and the fact that I was playing on easy mode. But my lack of coordination meant that getting past the intro took me much longer than I’d like to admit, so much so that John started to rib me over it. Ho even started to laugh at his jokes and chimed in at first. That may sound like bullying, but it made my demo of an already upbeat game even more enjoyable. It’s hard not to smile and laugh whenever you see your little men perform an action or hunt down a creature — or, in my case, messing up. Although there weren’t real stakes in the first level, it did hurt to know that I let one creature get away and that it took me nearly ten minutes to complete it. Of course, without skipping a beat, John and Ho were right there to make sure I knew how badly I messed up, which made the situation funnier than it should have been. Ba The stakes only got higher from there. For the second level, Ho informed me that I would be fighting a T-Rex-like creature who would actively fight back. By this point in the demo, I was locked in and ready to prove them wrong — or so I thought. I was feeling the rhythm, and before I knew it, I made it to the T-Rex and was prepared for battle. The second it started, John and Ho began cracking jokes about my lacking skills. It immediately broke my concentration because I started busting up too. The adorable dinosaur made quick work of my frontline troops, which was a feat. Ho made it a point to say that the ones who died are specially designed to withstand damage; the fact that I got them killed was impressive. Even though I had lost good folks in the battle, my eyeball creatures and I ultimately walked away victorious in a deadly fight full of catchy music. As I learned during my demo, when I perform certain actions back to back, I begin to build up an ultimate attack. Every time I was getting close to obtaining it, John or Ho would taunt me with one-liners like “oh look, he’s getting closer!” Like clockwork, that would get me laughing and break my combo. Even though I was the butt of a lot of the jokes while playing Patapon 1+2 Replay, I wouldn’t have had it any other way. My playtime perfectly emphasized what Patapon is all about, giving me a ****** course in a series that’s new to me. It’s meant to be carefree and fun, something casual that can be made even more enjoyable while playing with others. That’s why Patapon 1+2 Replay is worth checking out. Even if you’re someone like me who has no rhythm, that upbeat energy is infectious. And it’s only amplified while playing with friends who can bask in that joy with you. It’s hard not to smile when playing. Patapon 1+2 Replay launches on July 11 for PC, PlayStation 5, and Nintendo Switch. Source link #bulliedduring #Patapon #Replay #demo #loved Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]