188 sb bet365
In conclusion, the future of NPC companions is bright, with advancements in AI technology, dialogue systems, and combat behaviors making them indispensable allies in the player's gaming journey. Let us embrace this new era of intelligent and less chatty NPC companions, as we embark on our virtual adventures with confidence, knowing that they have our backs and our best interests at heart. So, raise your virtual swords, dear players, and take an oath to appreciate and cherish the newfound brilliance of NPC companions in the gaming world!Stock markets waver as traders weigh Trump tariffs, inflation
NVIDIA has long been a dominant player in the graphics card market, known for its cutting-edge technology and high-performance products. Its GPUs are coveted by gamers, data scientists, and cryptocurrency miners alike, making it a key player in the world of computing. However, the company has not been without controversy, with past accusations of anti-competitive behavior and monopolistic practices.
Historical movies resonate with stories from the past for an audience watching them with a sense of awe after many years. The effect is gobsmacking when you see what you have fancied in your imagination on the silver screen as the events in history unveil how our world is shaped. Besides the benign charm that the historical movies generate, there is a triviality involved in distorting the history through false narratives. Historical movie directors and scriptwriters often get lambasted for culling the stories by adding their whims and fancies which lead to fabricating stories devoid of historical accuracy. The South Asian audience is especially agitated before such cinematic creations regardless of the artistic value. The hullabaloo occurred after screening Jodhaa Akbar in India and Aba in Sri Lanka, which exposed the tip of an iceberg. Thus, writing a screenplay based on historical facts or directing a historical movie can be a Herculean task for any movie maker in this region. It is by no means an exaggeration to describe the recently released Sinhala movie “Sri Siddha “ as a movie standing above such accusations. Rear Admiral Dr. Sarath Weerasekera wrote the script and also took the plunge of directing the movie, which brings the theatrical talents of many Sri Lankan artists such as Jagath Chamila, Paboda Sandeepani, Udari Warnakulasooriya and many more into the silver screen. The long silence that Dr. Weerasekera took after his debut Gamini in 2011 hasn’t marred his skills as a director, which is visible from the entertaining manner in which he presents a wonderful historical story full of humour and pathos equally. The movie is based on the Panakaduwa Cooper Plate discovered in 1948, which unveiled the toughest times of Vijayabahu I in his childhood escaping from the Chola invaders and the content of the Copper Plate refers to the veneration given by the Sinhalese monarch to a leader called Sipna Budalna for protecting him during the turbulent period he underwent. Taking from the first scene that shows how Prof. Senerath Paranavithana grasped the hidden value of the Copper Plate, the rest of the movie flows exploring the different stages of Vijayabahu’s life until his arch triumph of restoring the Sinhalese dynasty in Rajarata by overthrowing the Chola rule. While unfolding this historical narrative the movie evokes many subthemes ranging from love to betrayals that add a catharsis to this find work. As a commentator in military history and strategic studies, my admiration would naturally go to Dr. Weerasekera’s effort in tracing how Sinhalese organised themselves against the large forces of the Chola empire after the complete dissolution of Anuradhapura. According to Prof. Raj Somadeva, the fall of Anuradhapura was more an offshoot of internal chaos within the polity than the magnitude of Cholas as the historical chronicle Mahawamsa affirms the feeble rule of Mahinda V, the last king of Anuradhapura. The State’s reliance on the mercenaries went haywire when the treasury had no money to pay them which propelled the mercenaries to switch sides by deteriorating the situation. The first half of the movie refers to all the anarchy that prevailed after the total eclipse of Anuradhapura and how Sipna Budalna, the ferocious Sinhalese leader from the Rohana devoted himself to safeguarding Prince Kitthi, who hailed from Rohana principality. Panakaduwa Copper Plate The basis of the Panakaduwa Copper Plate reveals the bonhomie of Sipna Budalna, the chieftain from Ruhuna who protected Vijayabahu as the Plate narrates the following annotation. Ruhunadadanayaka Sithnarubimmudalnavan Vadithansahaviyahi Vadaminlovadavada Several scenes from the move depict the military mastery of Budalna and the way he inculcated the military discipline in young Vijayabahu. Although no evidence from the Mahawamsa or the Panakaduwa Copper Plate corroborates this, Dr. Weerasekera’s imaginative endeavour adds glamour to the rich tapestry of the movie. A historical movie can feel tedious if it doesn’t evoke human emotions like love and grief throughout its narrative. Beyond showcasing the heroic endeavours of Vijayabahu, the film touches on the softer side of this tough monarch, who lives in the forests to unify his country. His romantic involvement during his exile ultimately ends in tragedy, as he must sacrifice his love for the preservation of the crown. When Dr. Weerasekera included this element in the plot, he likely intended to connect it to a broader geopolitical reality during the late Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa eras. The intermarriages between the Sinhalese kings and the Pandyan royal families acted as a shield, protecting the Sinhalese monarchy from Chola invasions, as the Pandyans formed a formidable alliance with the Sinhalese against their common enemy, the Cholas. The practice of intermarriage as a political strategy was not new to the Asokan state system in the Indian subcontinent; ancient Indian strategist Shukracharya endorsed it in his well-known work, “Shukra-Nithi.” This approach served as a pragmatic tool for smaller States to secure their positions against more powerful neighbours. The movie illustrates how Prince Vijayabahu adopted this time-honoured practice for long-term political gain, even at the expense of his personal sentiments. Another notable aspect of Sri Siddha is its engagement with the military strategies adopted by Vijayabahu in taming the formidable Chola opponents who kept their grip over Rajarata by transforming it into a part of the Chola Mandala system. After the cascade of failures, Vijayabahu finally vanquished the enemy by encircling them from two sides and his alliance with the Pandyan King brought the due results when Pandyans militarily engaged with Cholas, which reduced their capacity to send reinforcements to Mahathiththa in Sri Lanka. More than an artistic piece filled with love, humour, sorrow and bravery, this is an eye-opener for a vigilant reader in history, who wants to know the strategic factors behind the long occupation of Cholas in Rajarata. To be precise, the narrative throughout “Sri Siddha” unfolds the perennial geopolitical uncertainties around the island and how our ancestors successfully outmatched them. Historical films Like many historical films, this one has notable flaws. Specifically, the fighting scenes and the use of technology are quite disappointing, especially considering the advanced AI tools available to filmmakers today. The depiction of the Chola ships arriving at Mahathiththa and the representation of the Chola fortress do not do justice to the intriguing plot. However, despite these minor shortcomings, viewers should not be discouraged from watching “Sri Siddha”, as it is a commendable effort to recreate our history and honour the characters who deserve our respect. The writer is a lecturer at the Department of International Law, Faculty of Law, General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University
The film follows the intertwined lives of four brothers – Liang, Wei, Zhang, and Chen – who are bound together by blood and loyalty in the tumultuous underworld of Hong Kong's criminal underworld. As the narrative unfolds, we witness the rise and fall of these four characters, each with their own ambitions, secrets, and betrayals. The linear structure of the film allows us to see how their paths intersect and diverge, leading to a series of shocking twists and turns that will keep viewers on the edge of their seats.I've put dozens of great smartwatches on my wrist to test them for CNET -- and dozens more not-so-great watches -- but I love going bare-wristed for a few days after finishing a review to give myself a break. After wrapping up my review of the Apple Watch Series 10 , however, something unexpected happened: I didn't want to take the gadget off. I've always been on the lookout for a hybrid watch that strikes the right balance between a traditional wristwatch and a smartwatch. Plenty of wearables over the years have promised just that, like the Withings Scanwatch range. The Series 10 strikes the ideal balance for me because it doesn't compromise on connectivity, fitness tracking features or the overall look. That's because of the LTPO 3 technology that lets the screen refresh at 1Hz and gives the Series 10 a ticking second hand on a few watch faces, even when the display isn't actively being used. It makes Apple's device feel like a regular watch when I'm not actively using it, which is different from any other smartwatch I've tested, and you can still get it after Black Friday for $70 off before Cyber Monday. This watch ticks the boxes for me I like being able to change up the look by switching between the Reflections watch face, with its sweeping "analog" second hand, and Activity Digital, with its digital seconds counter. I wish there were more watch faces that supported this ticking second hand. There is Flux , but I've found myself siding with Redditors who think it's kind of goofy. (If you've found a color combination that makes it feel less comical, let me know!) The ticking second hand isn't just an aesthetic choice, or for the times when I'm anxiously checking to make sure I'm not too early for my next meeting. It's also practical for folks in different professions, like health care workers who need to have a second hand even after the display times out. More than the ticking second hand, it's the display itself I was skeptical that the Series 10's wide-angle OLED display would make that much difference to the viewing experience. Apple says it's up to 40% brighter than earlier watch displays when you're looking at it off-axis. So of course I had to compare it to every other Apple Watch in my review cabinet, including last year's Series 9. When using my eyes alone I'm not able to quantify how much brighter it appears as a percentage, there's no question the Series 10 is easier to see and looks brighter than other Apple Watch models with the same watch face. The Series 10 doesn't have the same battery life or rugged construction, but I miss its display when I have to switch to the $799 Apple Watch Ultra 2. Why the Series 10 makes a great gift It's not just the display that's made it hard for me to remove the Series 10 from my wrist. There's almost every health and fitness tracking feature I could want, from a range of cycling tools to sleep apnea notifications , which is a part of the reason why this watch tops our Best Smartwatch for 2024 list . Then there's WatchOS 11 , which brings helpful safety tools like Check In to my wrist, so I no longer have to manually send the "I'm home!" message to friends and family. If only it worked with recipients who don't use iMessage: I truly hope Apple will add compatibility for RCS messaging for this indispensable safety tool, just like FaceTime works on Android through a web link. I now understand what people mean when they say they feel naked when they leave their house without their phones. Except for me, it's a watch. The Apple Watch Series 10 is normally listed at $499, but it's still $70 off now during Black Friday sales that are still going on .
In terms of controls, the GPD WIN4 offers a familiar layout, with a D-pad, analog sticks, face buttons, and shoulder triggers providing a console-like gaming experience. Additionally, the device features a built-in keyboard for typing and communication, making it a versatile tool for both gaming and productivity tasks. With built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, you can also connect the GPD WIN4 to other devices or the internet for a seamless gaming experience.Upon touchdown, the airport medical team wasted no time in boarding the aircraft and assessing the situation. Despite their best efforts, it was determined that the passenger had tragically passed away before the plane touched down. The team worked swiftly and professionally to handle the situation, providing support to the grieving passengers and crew members, as well as coordinating with local authorities to ensure the proper procedures were followed.
In a statement released by Alibaba Cloud following the incident, the company expressed gratitude for the prompt action taken by the firefighting team and other emergency responders. Their swift response played a crucial role in containing the fire and preventing it from escalating further.With this newfound revelation, the gamer set out to create a mock-up of the PS5 Pro console using the design elements of the bathroom heater as a guiding inspiration. The result was a stunningly realistic replica that captured the essence of both devices in a harmonious blend of form and function.Kuni Tyessi in Abuja The federal government has launched the Gas Emission project in order to reduce the impact of the emission of greenhouse gases on climate change. Speaking at the inception workshop in Abuja with the theme, ‘Abating Greenhouse Gas Emissions from Obsolete Refrigeration and Air conditioning Equipment in Ghana and Nigeria (AGORA)’ National Ozone Officer, Federal Ministry of Environment, Mr. Idris Abdullahi, said the project is aimed at creating a future where energy-efficiency and climate-friendly cooling and refrigeration technologies will be of standard. According to him, the project is also an avenue to promote energy-efficient and low global warming potential (GWP) technologies by strengthening policies that facilitate the transition to reduce the emission of greenhouse gases. Abdullahi who disclosed that the project is at its initial stage and will last up to three years said, “The project presents another opportunity to further advance the promotion of Energy Efficient and Low GWP technologies in the RAC sector by establishing and strengthening policies, regulations and partnerships.” He recalled that Nigeria is a party to the Montreal Protocol on Substances that deplete the Ozone Layer and has ratified all its amendments, the recent being the Kigali amendment on phase-down of Hydrofluorocarbons, which are greenhouse gases used mainly as cooling agents in the refrigeration and air conditioning sector. He said, “Over the past three decades, Nigeria has been implementing the Protocol’s Ozone Depleting Substances Phase out Programme in the relevant sectors, such as Refrigeration, Air Conditioning, and Foam, among others.” The representative of the Energy Commission of Nigeria, Dr. Shehu Mustafa, while highlighting the objective of the project, said it focuses on accelerating the transition to energy-efficient and climate-friendly refrigerators and air conditioners RAC in Nigeria and Ghana. He emphasised that the commission is aimed at enhancing energy efficiency and promoting climate-friendly cooling solutions, thereby contributing significantly to Nigeria’s climate goals and sustainable energy access. “The project will help to shape the future of air conditioning and future of air conditioning and refrigerating standards in Nigeria, driving advancements in energy efficiency, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and sustainable economic growth,” he said. Also speaking, the UNDP Regional Technical Advisor for Africa, Mr. Joel Darkwah, said that the project will support sustainable cooling solutions as well as ensure a more circular economy in Nigeria. “The country has been implementing the Montreal Protocol for years, hand in hand with international agencies such as UNDP, UNIDO, UNEP or the Italian Government – building technical capacity, strengthening its enforcement mechanisms, and bringing new and high-performing technologies to the country”. The workshop was organised by the Federal Ministry of Environment through the National Ozone Office, in collaboration with the Energy Commission of Nigeria, United Nations Environment Programme and the United for Efficiency (UNEP-U4E), United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
OTTAWA, ON , Nov. 21, 2024 /PRNewswire/ - The Royal Canadian Mint is delighted that the one-of-a-kind 2024 10 kg 99.99% Pure Gold Coin – The Dance Screen (The Scream Too) , an exquisite numismatic tribute to the art of acclaimed Haida master carver Chief 7IDANsuu ( James Hart ), sold for $1,561,250 .00 CAD (including Buyer's Premium), after a live auction conducted by Heffel Fine Art Auction House (Heffel). This rare, pure gold masterpiece was sold to an anonymous bidder on November 20, 2024 , and beat the previous record for a coin offered at auction in Canada , held by The Ultimate , a one kilo pure platinum coin also produced by the Royal Canadian Mint. "We are thrilled by the collector interest in this unique coin and delighted that the skill of the Royal Canadian Mint and the talent of Chief 7IDANsuu ( James Hart ) have been recognized by the buyer of this rare and beautiful 10 kg pure gold masterpiece," said Marie Lemay , President and CEO of the Royal Canadian Mint. "It has been an extraordinary privilege to auction The Dance Screen (The Scream Too) 10kg pure gold coin," said David Heffel , President of Heffel Fine Art Auction House. "The profoundly significant artwork by the esteemed Chief James Hart , showcased on its face, stands as an enduring icon of Canadian art, embodying the rich traditions and cultural narratives of the Haida Nation. We are honoured to have placed this masterpiece in a distinguished collection and look forward to seeing its legacy continue to inspire." Impeccably crafted from 10 kg of 99.99% pure Canadian gold, The Dance Screen (The Scream Too) re–creates carved images from the original red cedar panel carved by Chief 7IDANsuu on its reverse. The reverse design of the flagship coin of the 2024 Opulence Collection brings together traditional Haida figures—a Shaman, the Beaver, Raven, Eagle, Frog, Orca and Mother Bear with cubs—whose life deeply depends on the Salmon, represented in human and animal form along the edge. Six pearlescent pieces of responsibly sourced abalone shell are inlayed along the coin's edge, where their aquatic hues shimmer in the light and their shapes evoke the Haida copper shields that serve as traditional markers of wealth. The imposing coin's obverse features the effigy of His Majesty King Charles III by Canadian artist Steven Rosati , surrounded by an engraving of subtle sketch lines from the original carving. About the Royal Canadian Mint The Royal Canadian Mint is the Crown corporation responsible for the minting and distribution of Canada's circulation coins. The Mint is one of the largest and most versatile mints in the world, producing award-winning collector coins, market-leading bullion products, as well as Canada's prestigious military and civilian honours. As an established London and COMEX Good Delivery refiner, the Mint also offers a full spectrum of best-in-class gold and silver refining services. As an organization that strives to take better care of the environment, to cultivate safe and inclusive workplaces and to make a positive impact on the communities where it operates, the Mint integrates environmental, social and governance practices in every aspect of its operations. For more information on the Mint, its products and services, visit www.mint.ca . Follow the Mint on LinkedIn , Facebook and Instagram . About Heffel Fine Art Auction House Since 1978, Heffel has connected passionate collectors across the world with outstanding works of art, with sales totaling nearly $1 billion . With offices in Toronto , Vancouver , Montreal , Ottawa and Calgary , Heffel has the most experienced team of fine art specialists in Canada and provides superior client service to both sellers and buyers internationally. View original content: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/the-10-kg-99-99-pure-gold-the-dance-screen-the-scream-too-a-one-of-a-kind-coin-from-the-royal-canadian-mint-surpasses-1-5-million-at-heffel-auction-302313573.html SOURCE Royal Canadian Mint (RCM)FILE PHOTO: French Economy, Finance and Industry Minister Antoine Armand attends a debate session on the first part of the 2025 budget bill (PLF) at the National Assembly in Paris, France, October 22, 2024. REUTERS/Stephanie Lecocq/File Photo PARIS - French Finance Minister Antoine Armand said on Saturday that the 2025 budget could still be improved, but stopped short of giving ground in a standoff with the far right over new concessions. France's budget deficit has spiralled out of control this year, pressuring French government bonds, although ratings agency Standard & Poor's gave Prime Minister Michel Barnier's fragile minority government a rare reprieve late on Friday by leaving its rating steady. Any relief is likely to prove short-lived with both the left and far right threatening to bring Barnier's government down over the budget, which seeks to squeeze 60 billion euros ($64 billion) in savings through tax hikes and spending cuts. Marine Le Pen's far right National Rally (RN), whose tacit support Barnier needs to survive a likely no confidence motion, has given him until Monday to accede to her demands to make further changes to the budget. "This government, under his authority, is willing to listen, to have a dialog, to be respectful, to improve this budget," Armand told journalists. Asked about the showdown with Le Pen, he said: "The only ultimatum really facing the French is that our country gets a budget." On Thursday, Barnier dropped plans to raise electricity taxes in the budget as the RN had demanded, but it is keeping pressure on the government to hike pensions in line with inflation where the government had hoped to postpone an increase to save money. RN lawmaker Jean-Philippe Tanguy told Les Echos newspaper on Saturday if the bill is not modified the party would back a no-confidence motion. The test could come as soon as Monday if Barnier's government has to use an aggressive constitutional measure to ram the social security financing legislation through parliament, which will trigger a no-confidence motion. "The government doesn't seem to want to move (on pensions). We are waiting to see the social security bill on Monday to draw conclusions," Tanguy said. The RN also wants planned cuts to medication reimbursements by the state to be axed, increased taxes on share buybacks and financial transactions as well as a cut in France's contribution to the European Union's budget. The government's aim to cut the budget deficit next year to 5% of economic output from over 6% this year is already sliding in the face of costly concessions made to the RN and other parties. Standard & Poor's said that it expected the deficit at 5.3% next year and said the outlook was unclear after that whether France could keep reducing the deficit to an EU limit of 3% as currently planned by 2029. As the RN has firmed up its demands, French debt and stocks have come under pressure in recent days, pushing the risk premium on French government bonds to their highest level in over 12 years. "The absence of a budget (and) political instability would bring a sudden and substantial increase in the financing costs of French debt," Armand said. REUTERS Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you. Read 3 articles and stand to win rewards Spin the wheel now
In conclusion, the recent data center fire at Alibaba serves as a wake-up call for the importance of robust safety and security measures in protecting sensitive information stored in the cloud. By responding promptly and transparently to the incident, Alibaba has taken a proactive stance in ensuring the integrity of its data centers and the trust of its customers. As technology continues to evolve, so must the safeguards in place to protect against unforeseen events and maintain the resilience of critical infrastructure.
Google seemed to have a long-term plan for its tablets . Recent reports even talked about the Pixel Tablet 3 coming in 2026. However, industry sources revealed that the company has canceled the development of the Pixel Tablet 2 and its successors. That said, a new report reveals details about the key hardware improvements that the Google Pixel Tablet 2 would have brought. Leaked technical details of the canceled Google Pixel Tablet 2 Previous leaks had revealed that the Google Pixel Tablet 2 would be powered by the Tensor G4 chip. The latest report from Android Authority confirms this, revealing that the Tensor G4 chip would have been slightly weaker. The company would have used an IPoP (Integrated Package on Package) instead of FOPLP (Fan-Out Panel Level Packaging) packaging. This translates into cheaper hardware, but thicker and with worse thermal management. The chip could make sense in a tablet, whose large surface area allows it to dissipate heat much better than a phone. However, leaks have revealed that Google will use the SoC in the Pixel 9a as well. Despite not being the most powerful on the market, the Tensor G4 would have been a notable improvement over the Tensor G2 of the original Pixel Tablet . The Pixel Tablet 2—codenamed “kiyomi”—would also have had a 5G modem. According to the source, Google planned to implement the Exynos 5400 modem of the Pixel 9 series. However, the tablet would not support satellite telecommunications. The presence of a modem would also have enabled GPS support in the variant with cellular connectivity. Thread radio and improved display Like the Pixel 9 series and the Google TV Streamer, the Pixel Tablet 2 would have integrated a Thread radio . Thread is a protocol that seeks to improve the user experience of smart home device ecosystems. Google promoted its first tablet with a big focus on its smart display capabilities. The company saw it as a hub from which to control all your IoT products. So, it makes more sense to integrate the radio into the tablet than in the Pixel 9 lineup, which Thread hardware utility is currently still zero. Regarding the screen, the Pixel Tablet 2 would keep the same technology, size, and resolution. That is, it would have brought a 10.95-inch LCD screen with a resolution of 2560 x 1600 px. However, the company planned to increase the refresh rate to 120 Hz (previously 60 Hz) and the brightness to 550 nits (previously 500 nits). Better front and rear cameras Lastly, the leak with the details of the Pixel Tablet 2 reveals that Google had plans to improve the cameras. The device would have included a Samsung S5K3K1 front camera (1/3.94′′, 10MP), the same as the Pixel 9 Pro Fold. Plus, the device would have upgraded the rear camera to a Samsung S5K3J1 sensor (1/3′′, 11MP, autofocus). Remember that the rear camera of the original Pixel Tablet (Sony IMX355, 1/4′′ 8MP) doesn’t even support autofocus.