Queensland Labor publicly criticised the LNP’s unprecedented youth crime laws – so why did it wave them through?Ravens wide receiver Rashod Bateman, center Tyler Linderbaum and linebacker Roquan Smith missed practice Friday ahead of Monday's game.
Diary of disturbing disinformation and dangerous delusions This column : “Hunter Biden Isn’t the First Presidential Son Caught Up in Controversy. Anybody Remember Neil Bush?” — Esquire, Wednesday We say: Yikes. Esquire published a piece based on the premise that President George H.W. Bush pardoned his son, Neil. One problem: He didn’t. But Esquire was so eager to whitewash Joe Biden’s corrupt pardon for his son, it went on in the subhead: “Shut the f-ck up about Hunter Biden, please.” After blowback, the mag first corrected and then totally yanked the piece . Moral: Don’t let ChatGPT write your columns. This claim : “Joe Biden has played by all the rules that people told him you need to play by.” — MSBNC’s Symone Sanders-Townsend, Tuesday We say: What? Biden lied repeatedly to Americans, allowed his son and brother to influence-peddle off his name, bragged about getting the Ukrainian prosecutor who was reportedly investigating the firm employing Hunter fired, hid his cognitive decline as he ran for re-election and spent his entire presidency ignoring US immigration laws to disastrous results. That’s what Sanders-Townsend calls “playing by the rules”? This assertion : “I haven’t seen what the proof is that the FBI has been weaponized against a political party or the Department of Justice.” — Rep. Jamie Raskin, Sunday We say: Pure denialism. The raid on Mar-a-Lago , the botched and biased investigation into “collusion” with Russia, the FBI siccing Big Tech on right-wing accounts, the endless lawfare against Donald Trump as he campaigned — how much proof does Raskin need ? This statement : “[Hunter Biden is] one of the finest people I know.” — Sean Penn, Wednesday We say: Who is Penn hanging out with? If a crack-smoking , prostitute-hiring , tax-evading nepo baby who used his father’s position to clinch lucrative business deals and land high-paying jobs is the finest person you know, it doesn’t say much for the rest of your social circle. — Compiled by The Post Editorial BoardRichardson honored at Pulaski Board of Education meetingBrock Purdy and Nick Bosa are not available for the San Francisco 49ers when they enter Green Bay with designs on finding their finishing kick on Sunday afternoon. Purdy is out with a right shoulder injury and won't leave the sideline at Lambeau Field, head coach Kyle Shanahan said Friday, when he also declared Bosa out and confirmed journeyman Brandon Allen would make his 10th career start at quarterback. "Outside of here people haven't seen a lot of Brandon. But it's his second year (with the 49ers)," Shanahan said. "Obviously guys want Brock up, but guys are excited to see Brandon play." Shanahan said the 49ers are "a little surprised" Purdy experienced tightness and discomfort in his shoulder after an MRI exam on Monday that showed no long-term cause for concern. "The way it responded this week, it's really up in the air for next week," Shanahan said of Purdy's long-term prognosis. Allen's last NFL start on the road was with the Bengals at the Ravens in 2020. Allen completed 6 of 21 passes for 48 yards with two interceptions. He finished with a passer rating of 0.0 in a 38--3 loss. "It's definitely an opportunity for me to go out and play well and put our guys in a good position to win the game," Allen said Friday. "And obviously we want Brock back and healthy and all that, but for time being, it is an opportunity for me." Purdy took the practice field Thursday with the intent to participate. His shoulder tightened significantly, and the 49ers ushered him off the field to meet with trainers. Purdy beat the Packers in the NFC divisional playoffs at San Francisco in January, but Allen is familiar to Packers head coach Matt LaFleur. LaFleur was an assistant coach with the Rams during Allen's two-year run in Los Angeles. Allen broke into the NFL in 2016 with the Jaguars and is 2-7 in nine career starts. He went 1-2 with the Broncos in 2019 and 1-5 in six starts over two years with the Bengals in 2020 and ‘21. A victory against the visiting 49ers on Sunday would bolster the Packers' playoff chances, send a conference rival below .500 and avenge a bitter playoff defeat. Those seemingly rank in no particular order for the Packers (8-3), although they don't shy from living at least partially in the past ahead of a Week 12 showdown. San Francisco eliminated Green Bay 24-21 in the NFC divisional playoffs last season, scoring 10 unanswered points in the fourth quarter. "That's what you've got to sit with all offseason, is going back, watching the game, trying to see what you could have done better," Packers quarterback Jordan Love said. "What you could have done differently in that game. ... Just knowing that's the team that knocked us out, we're definitely hungry for this game." Ditto for San Francisco. The 49ers fell to 5-5 after last week's 20-17 home loss to Seattle, done in by Geno Smith's 13-yard touchdown run with 12 seconds to play. Still only a game behind NFC West-leading Arizona, the reigning conference champion 49ers are just 1-3 in division play and can ill afford to lose more ground. A visit to AFC East leader Buffalo awaits after the trip to Green Bay. While they're dealing with plenty of not-so-good news on the injury front, the 49ers do anticipate the return of other contributors. Cornerback Charvarius Ward, who missed the past two games following the death of his 1-year-old daughter, practiced Wednesday. Tight end George Kittle also is eager to play after a nagging hamstring injury sidelined him against the Seahawks. "Very excited," Kittle said. "Can't pass up playing the Packers, so no, I will be out there for sure." Allen was a three-year starter at Arkansas but has been a journeyman backup since entering the NFL in 2016 as the 201st overall pick of the Jaguars. Shanahan and LaFleur have been fierce competitors since twice working together, first as low-level assistants with the Texans in 2008, then on the so-called "dream team" staff in Washington that also included Sean McVay, Mike McDaniel and Raheem Morris; and two seasons with the Falcons (2015, 2016) where LaFleur was quarterbacks coach and Shanahan called the plays. Shanahan scored the most recent win over LaFleur in January. Green Bay has won seven of the past eight regular-season meetings between the franchises. But the familiarity and shared-brain approach to offense that has the coaches completed each other's play calls has led to some tight games. The past three at Lambeau Field were all decided by three points. Green Bay, which hosts a home game on Thanksgiving next Thursday, is starting a run of three games in 12 days. They'll play back-to-back Thursday games. Their Week 14 game is at Detroit. That might make it good news for LaFleur that surprising contributors have emerged of late. Packers wideout Christian Watson had a career-best 150 receiving yards on only four catches during last week's 20-19 road win against the Chicago Bears. His diving 60-yard reception in the fourth quarter put the Packers in position for Love's go-ahead, 1-yard scoring run with 2:59 to play. Watson entered the game with eight catches for 83 yards over his previous three contests, but LaFleur assured Watson remains a "big part" of the attack. "He's a guy who's got every measurable known to man in terms of the size, the speed, and it's not like those were easy plays he was making," LaFleur said. "He was making tough, contested catches." San Francisco will aim to generate more pressure against Love than the Bears, who sacked him just once. The 49ers collected four sacks against the Seahawks, with Bosa and Leonard Floyd contributing 1.5 apiece. Recent regular-season history between the Packers and 49ers at Lambeau Field has favored Green Bay. The Packers have won seven of their past eight home games against the 49ers and are 22-11 versus San Francisco at home all-time. Green Bay leads the series 34-28-1. --Field Level MediaDETROIT (AP) — Electric vehicles had another whirlwind year around the globe, driven by buyers in China, and growth in parts of Europe and the United States, despite headwinds. In a milestone for China, the world’s biggest auto market, EVs hit 50% of new car sales in July. That included pure battery EVs plus plug-in hybrid electric vehicles. Chinese companies such as BYD continue to gain traction worldwide with their inexpensive EVs. Electric vehicles also made and the U.S. Uncertainty around purchase subsidies could complicate matters come 2025, especially under the incoming Trump administration in the U.S. But mainstream consumers remain interested in new models, longer driving ranges, better performance and lower prices. The transition to electric vehicles is an important part of the shift to clean energy. Road transport accounts for of all global emissions from energy, according to the International Energy Agency. Widespread EV adoption could significantly address climate change. Here are five facts about EVs this year. Most of the data comes from consultancy Rho Motion. The global EV market, including pure EVs and plug-in hybrids, grew by 25% year-over-year as of November. Rho Motion estimates 15.2 million EVs had been sold worldwide ahead of the end of the year, and the International Energy Agency expected electrified vehicle sales to reach one in five cars sold globally. Most were in China. Mexico sold roughly 5 times as many EVs this year than last, mostly from Chinese powerhouse automaker BYD, according to Rho Motion. Related Articles Because China’s population is so much larger, its 40% growth year-to-date translates to many more EVs than Mexico’s fivefold increase. Other areas of note are the United Kingdom, which saw a roughly 17% increase year-to-date. That’s interesting to compare to France and Germany, which saw sales decline. In Turkey, the EV market grew by almost 50% year-to-date, driven by Tesla entering the market last year and Togg, a Turkish auto company, ramping up its sales. In Norway, which for years has been in first place for share of vehicles that are electric, 90% of new cars were EVs. The best-selling pure electric vehicles were the Tesla Model Y, followed by the Tesla Model 3 — both globally and in the U.S., according to Rho Motion. The Model Y SUV was released in 2020. Its base version today costs nearly $45,000. The Model 3 was released in 2017. The least expensive version sells for around $42,000. Both have been eligible for a $7,500 tax credit in the U.S. Tesla’s market share stood at 17% of all electric cars across the globe through October, according to Rho Motion. In the U.S., Tesla’s market share was 49% through October. That means the company still has the biggest EV market share. But its hold is shrinking as other auto companies combined sell a growing number of electrics. For example, GM, Ford, Honda and more are offering a wider variety of EVs at lower prices and sizes and are chipping away at Tesla’s longstanding lead. Tesla remains the most valuable auto company in the world, with a market value of $1.4 trillion.
NEW YORK (AP) — Shortly before he was to be flogged and imprisoned for eight years, Mohammad Rasoulof fled Iran. His weekslong journey would take him from Tehran, through rural Iranian villages, on foot across a mountainous borderland and ultimately to Hamburg, Germany. As arduous and dangerous as the trip was, Rasoulof’s travels had an added wrinkle: He was trying to finish a movie at the same time. A week after arriving in Germany, Rasoulof would premiere his film, “The Seed of the Sacred Fig” at the Cannes Film Festival in France. As he fled, Rasoulof was preoccupied with the movie’s edit, which was being carried out in Germany. “I remember when I was sitting in the car that was driving me to the border,” Rasoulof says. “I had my laptop and I was taking notes and sending them to my editor. The two friends who were taking me kept saying, ‘Put that thing away for a second.’” In Cannes, “The Seed of the Sacred Fig” won a special jury prize and Rasoulof was celebrated with a 13-minute standing ovation. The movie has since been hailed as one of the best of the year, and arguably its most daring. Rasoulof made “Sacred Fig” clandestinely in Iran, directing scenes from a separate location to avoid raising suspicions. (The opening titles read: “When there is no way, a way must be made.”) Its story — a devastating family drama set during the 2022 protests that engulfed Iran — would surely only add to Rasoulof’s prison sentence. So after all of this, how is he feeling? When he recently met with The Associated Press for an interview, Rasoulof shrugged. “Ordinary,” he says. Rasoulof, 52, has a more gentle, bemused presence than some of his films would suggest. But how could Rasoulof, after what he’s lived through this year, feel anything like ordinary? “I still haven’t grasped the meaning of exile,” he explains. “I think it will take some time. The feeling of that void has not hit me yet, and I think it may never come.” Rasoulof has been busy traveling from film festival to film festival. In September, he and his 24-year-old daughter attended the Telluride festival in Colorado. Many more such stops were to come. Since fleeing Iran, Rasoulof has effectively been immersed in the world he’s long known: cinema. “Maybe I am living in the world of cinema, and maybe that’s why things are so familiar,” he agrees. “Maybe that’s why I don’t feel I’m in exile.” “The Seed of the Sacred Fig,” currently playing in theaters, is the Oscar submission from Rasoulof’s adoptive home, Germany. He’s settled in with his family, grateful for how the country has welcomed him. Speaking through an interpreter, Rasoulof grants that he’ll probably always mentally have a bag packed, ready to return to Iran should the chance ever come. But what “home” constitutes has changed for him. “I might be able to change this concept of home for myself,” he says. “I walk on the streets here and I see people of different colors and forms from all over the place, and they all call this place home. So there’s always the chance that one can build something new.” How oppressive politics can infiltrate the home is central to “The Seed of the Sacred Fig.” It concerns a family of four: Iman (Missagh Zareh), a lawyer newly appointed to the Revolutionary Court in Tehran; his wife, Najmeh (Soheila Golestani) and their two daughters, Rezvan (Mahsa Rostami) and Sana (Setareh Maleki). Iman is proud of his high position, but, when the government crackdown on protesters following the death of Mahsa Amini accelerates, his daughters are increasingly at odds with him. After Iman's gun goes missing, his wife and daughters turn into suspects. “The Seed of the Sacred Fig,” populated with real cellphone videos from the protests, plays out as an excruciating microcosm of Iranian society. “It wasn’t like I put those videos in. They just came in,” says Rasoulof. “The reality is that it was through those videos I realized what happened. When the Woman, Life, Freedom movement occurred, I was in prison.” Rasoulof has spent several spells in Tehran’s Evin Prison. In 2010, he was arrested on set for filming without a permit. In 2022, he was jailed for seven months after pursuing the release of another of Iran’s most prominent filmmakers, Jafar Panahi. Panahi, who secretly made the film “No Bears,” was only released in 2023 after commencing a hunger strike. “My windows at home opened to the hills that have the Evin prison in them,” says Rasoulof. “I knew behind those walls many of my friends were sitting.” Rasoulof, inspired by the courage of the younger generation, resolved to pour the same spirit into “The Seed of the Sacred Fig.” Although it wasn’t until Rasoulof’s appeal of his sentence failed that he resolved to flee, he grants that deciding to make “Sacred Fig” essentially sealed his fate. “Making this film was part of that decision,” he says. “Although I had made up my mind earlier, because it was such a bitter decision, I was denying it and delaying it, waiting for a miracle to allow me to stay.” “I would open the fridge to make sure there was nothing there that would go bad,” he adds. “It was a strange circumstance.” For the film's actors and crew members, signing up for the movie meant also becoming co-conspirators. Everyone knew the risks. And, like Rasoulof, many of them have since left Iran. Rostami and Maleki also now live in Germany. Asked if his collaborators are all currently safe, Rasoulof responds: “No one is safe from the Islamic Republic.” In his new life, Rasoulof is experiencing freedoms he never had in Iran. His films, for example, are widely available outside his native country but not in Iran. His prize-winning 2020 drama “There Is No Evil,” about capital punishment in Iran, is banned — though, ironically, Rasoulof’s prison guards enjoyed watching it with him from a flash drive. “I haven’t seen many of my films on a big screen, especially my last film,” he says. “I really want to see ‘There Is No Evil’ on a big screen. A festival in Portugal has promised to take me to see my own film.” The name of Rasoulof’s film comes from his memory of an ancient fig tree he once visited on an island in the south of Iran. It’s a tree that, with apparent metaphorical meaning for the Iranian government, spreads its seeds onto other trees, killing them and growing in their place. Rasoulof pulls out his phone to share a photo of his apartment in Tehran. Outside a large window, you can see the walls of Evin running along a craggy hillside. Inside are many houseplants. “This is my home,” he says. “I have a lot of plants. I really miss my plants. I have a neighbor who takes care of them for me. I actually have a fig tree at home.” Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission. Get local news delivered to your inbox!Control Valves Market: Overview, Scope, Market Trends, and Influential Factors 2028
New Balance slash £55 off trainers praised by teachers and nurses for 'all day comfort'Their expectation levels may have been different, but neither Rutgers nor Seton Hall has had the most promising start to the season. New Jersey's two power-conference programs will try to author a signature win when the Pirates visit the Scarlet Knights for the Garden State Hardwood Classic on Saturday afternoon in Piscataway, N.J. Rutgers (6-4) endured a three-game losing streak before picking up its first Big Ten win of the season Tuesday, 80-76 over Penn State. The Scarlet Knights have enjoyed plenty of attention thanks to five-star freshmen Dylan Harper and Ace Bailey, but they've also put a loss to Kennesaw State on their resume. They'll try to assert their dominance over Seton Hall (5-5), which has lost to Fordham, Hofstra and Monmouth while fielding one of the weakest offenses in Division I. At 60.1 points per game, the Pirates rank sixth-to-last in the country, even as they limit opponents to 59.4 points per outing (the No. 11 scoring defense). Rutgers is 5-0 at home after leading by as many as 15 in the Penn State victory. Harper had 24 points, 12 rebounds and five assists and Bailey produced 15 points and 15 rebounds. "They're like a sixth defender for us," Harper said of the fans. "We've been on the road for 20 days so seeing all of our fans, and seeing how loud they were, it meant the world to us." The student section will be especially fired up to see the rival Pirates, which could make free-throw shooting an issue for them. They rank No. 350 in the country at 60.3 percent from the foul line entering Friday. However, Seton Hall pulled out a road win the last time the game was played at Rutgers. In a defensive rock fight in 2022, the Pirates prevailed 45-43. Rutgers got revenge last season at Seton Hall's place, winning 70-63. But most players on both rosters are new and will experience the rivalry game for the first time. "I don't have a Jersey player on my team, right?" Pirates coach Shaheen Holloway told NJ.com . "So I have to get those guys to understand rivalries." Seton Hall will lean on Chaunce Jenkins (11.8 ppg) -- who was limited in the team's 85-76 loss to Oklahoma State on Sunday due to a knee injury, but is cleared to face Rutgers -- and Isaiah Coleman (11.7 ppg), one of three returning players from last year's team. For Rutgers, Harper is excited about the rivalry having grown up in New Jersey and watched his older brother, Ron Harper Jr., play in the game. At 23.4 ppg, Dylan Harper is the third-leading scorer in the country, and he adds 5.1 rebounds and 4.6 assists per contest. Seton Hall leads the all-time series 42-32. --Field Level Media
The San Francisco 49ers are preparing for their Week 14 contest against the Chicago Bears on Sunday at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, California. The 49ers continued to practice without several key starters on Thursday. Defensive end Nick Bosa, tackle Trent Williams, and guard Aaron Banks were all absent for the second consecutive day this week. Banks remains in the concussion protocol, while Bosa and Williams have each missed the last two games due to injuries. On Wednesday, head coach Kyle Shanahan expressed optimism that Nick Bosa might play on Sunday. However, the pass rusher's chances diminish with each missed practice. Safety Talanoa Hufanga, whose practice window was opened this week, and linebacker Dre Greenlaw, recovering from an Achilles injury, remained limited participants in practice. The good news for the 49ers is that cornerback Deommodore Lenoir progressed from a limited participant in Wednesday's practice to a full participant on Thursday. Lenoir did not play on Sunday against the Buffalo Bills. Below are Thursday's practice participation reports for both the 49ers and Bears, which were provided by the 49ers Communications staff. San Francisco 49ers Thursday Practice Did Not Participate In Practice G Aaron Banks (concussion), DE Nick Bosa (hip, oblique), RB Jordan Mason (ankle), S George Odum (knee), T Trent Williams (ankle) Limited Participation in Practice LB Demetrius Flannigan-Fowles (knee), LB Dre Greenlaw (Achilles), DE Yetur Gross-Matos (knee), S Talanoa Hufanga (wrist) Full Participation in Practice CB Deommodore Lenoir (knee), DT Jordan Elliott (concussion), DE Sam Okuayinonu (wrist), G Dominick Puni (shoulder), QB Brock Purdy (right shoulder) Chicago Bears Thursday Practice Did Not Participate In Practice G Ryan Bates (concussion), S Elijah Hicks (ankle), RB Roschon Johnson (concussion), TE Marcedes Lewis (not injury related - resting player), WR D.J. Moore (quadricep), RB D'Andre Swift (quadricep) Limited Participation in Practice S Kevin Byard (shoulder), C Coleman Shelton (knee) Full Participation in Practice WR Keenan Allen (ankle), T Darnell Wright (knee) This article first appeared on 49ers Webzone and was syndicated with permission.U.S. defense chief to visit Japan next week
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With rapid expansion in the gaming world, the notion of inclusivity is at the forefront of every design. As expansion occurs in all industries, more awareness is established regarding an incredible spectrum of players' needs, including those with hearing impairments. According to the research conducted by the World Health Organization, over 5% of the world’s population – about 430 million people, including 34 million children – experience disabling hearing loss that requires rehabilitation. For any deaf gamer, inadequate features of access will turn their enjoyable play from pleasurable into nagging. In this article, we will explore the challenges that hearing-impaired players face and offer solutions that can be endorsed to make the gaming experience more inclusive for all. Recognizing the Challenges The gaming experiences of people who are deaf or hard of hearing are far more different than those of someone with adequate hearing. Audio cues support gameplay in many ways, such as with the movement of enemies, changes in the environment, or the plot of a game. Without those cues, deaf players can miss essential moments that might leave an impression on the gaming experience and immersion. The missing audio cue may then have profound, sometimes devastating consequences: failure to detect an incoming attack, losing track of significant storyline development, and so on. Overall, it would then make gameplay more challenging and, of course, less enjoyable. Communication plays a more critical role in multiplayer games. Some games are team-based, depending on real-time coordination, which most commonly uses voice chat. Though most video games usually have a text chat facility, voice communication is limited to fewer games. It is thus a significant challenge for hearing-impaired players to keep track of the rapid flow of gameplay. Isolated or marginalized players who cannot participate in voice chat may feel competitively disadvantaged against their hearing counterparts. Technological Advancements and Solutions Despite all these challenges, the gaming industry has gone a long way to serve inclusively. Presently, developers are ever so aware of the need for accessibility features and are actively working on creating solutions that make gaming more enjoyable for the hearing-impaired. Some of the most effective solutions in this regard are as follows: Subtitles and Closed Captions Captions have been a synonym for accessibility since the old days of video games for hearing-impaired players. They transcribe spoken dialogue so players may continue understanding what is happening in the game. The closed captions extend the reach further by encompassing the descriptions of the non-verbal sounds, such as footsteps and environmental noises, and the sound effects in the context of explosion sounds and creaking doors. The disabled players, unable to fully hear everything in the game, can stay engaged in the action without missing the important audio-based clues. Having subtitles become extremely common in many games is very beneficial not only to deaf players but also to offer a better experience for those who find it easier to play games without sound. Visual Indicators A hearing-impaired gamer can be similarly notified of important events in a game by using visual cues to replace or supplement audio cues. For example, Fortnite and other games have used visual indicators that alert players to nearby sounds, such as footsteps or gunfire, through on-screen visual cues. The indicators may appear color-coded, flashing, or displayed at certain locations on the screen for quick notice. They could use visual signals for a threat or objective, such as flashing an icon when an enemy is close by or pulsing an area indicating in-game activity that needs attention. This will level the playing field so the hearing-impaired player will be able to react to threats at the same rate as their hearing peers. Haptic Feedback One of the emerging solutions is haptic feedback, or vibration, providing tactile responses to in-game events. This way, the player can "feel" the game as an alternate way of experiencing the audio cues. For example, a rumble in the controller could signal the incoming attack or an explosion near you to tell you what's essential in the game through touch. For instance, in Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice, they used haptic feedback to create a sensory-rich environment where specific vibrations are carefully adjusted with the specific emotional and environmental moments. This is a great way to communicate the intensity of something happening or bring a player's attention to some danger close by for deaf players. Customizable Audio Settings This factor significantly increases the accessibility of a game for hearing-impaired players by offering customizable audio settings. That is because the user can control the audio experience, finding it as perfect as possible for their needs. This could be in the form of amplifying specific sounds, say dialogue or environmental noise, while diluting background music or sound effects that might be harder to listen to. Others may allow users to alter the frequency range of particular sounds to be more perceivable for gamers with partial hearing loss. By tailoring the audio experience, hearing-impaired players can be confident of getting the most out of the game by not missing critical audio cues. The Role of Game Developers Game developers are clearly at the top when it comes to developing accessible gaming experiences . By incorporating accessibility features at the onset of game design, developers can ensure games are fun for hearing-impaired gamers and all types of players. Committing to this will help developers reach a wider audience, better player satisfaction, and improvement in the gaming community at large. According to Private Internet Access (PIA), inclusivity in game design should be central, not something to be tacked on at the end. Accessibility features in the case of a study show that hear-impaired players benefit not only the targeted individual but also the layman, who might experience partial hearing loss or who merely prefers this accommodation. With this increased awareness of accessibility issues, more game studios have begun incorporating features that support diverse gamers in a more comprehensive, inclusive community. Conclusion Inclusion gaming isn't about adding features; it is more about creating a world where everyone is appreciated and included, regardless of their abilities. The deaf gaming community will always benefit from the proper accessibility options put together thoughtfully in their game: subtitles, visual cues, haptic feedback, and customizable audio settings. As technology evolves, the door will open even more for the tearing down of barriers between the industry and inclusive experiences, allowing every player, irrespective of their ability to hear, to enjoy the world of his favorite games without limit. It is a matter of all the developers, the community, and gamers themselves to make this dream a reality when everybody can be given joy.NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dec 26, 2024-- The iconic fitness brand and website, Men’s Fitness , has relaunched under The Arena Group . Originally published in 1987 as the ‘magazine for active men,’ the brand’s mission is to be the definitive source for men who want to live stronger, healthier lives. The new site contains health and fitness news, training routines, nutrition expertise, gear reviews and more. The site is led by Matt Allyn, former Editor-in Chief of Men’s Journal . Allyn also previously wrote for Runner’s World , Bicycling and Men’s Health . This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241226468398/en/ Beloved Fitness Brand, Men’s Fitness, Returns under The Arena Group just in time for New Year's resolutions. (Photo: Business Wire) The staff is comprised of seasoned health and fitness writers and experts. The team also has an Advisory Board made up of doctors, certified trainers and dieticians who are regular contributors to the site, providing guidance and context on the latest research or trending fitness content. One goal of the new site is to connect readers directly to these experts. “We’re at a point where there is more interest than ever in fitness and health,” said Allyn. “But it’s also harder than ever for readers to know who to trust. There is a lot of noise in this space. So, one of our main goals is to identify and showcase experts in this field, to help readers navigate their fitness journey with trusted sources.” New Year’s Resolutions Beginning earlier this month, and continuing through January, Men’s Fitness will produce a series of feature stories on men who went through health transformations – and will showcase the steps they took throughout the process. The goal is to inspire others to live their healthiest life. “Everyone’s health needs are different,” said Allyn. “We’re excited to kick off the new year by illuminating these stories to aid and inspire men on their health and fitness journey.” Men’s Fitness – which had been a sub brand of Men’s Journal since 2017 – is focused solely on health, fitness and nutrition. It has a robust social following on Facebook and X and the team plans to focus on growing its social content and audience in 2025. About The Arena Group The Arena Group (NYSE American: AREN) is an innovative technology platform and media company with a proven, cutting-edge playbook that transforms media brands. Arena’s unified technology platform empowers creators and publishers with tools to publish and monetize their content, while also leveraging quality journalism of anchor brands like TheStreet, Parade , Men’s Journal and Athlon Sports to build their businesses. The company aggregates content across a diverse portfolio of brands, reaching over 100 million users monthly. Visit us at thearenagroup.net and discover how we are revolutionizing the world of digital media. View source version on businesswire.com : https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241226468398/en/ CONTACT: Steve Janisse c-sjanisse@thearenagroup.net 404-574-9206 KEYWORD: NEW YORK UNITED STATES NORTH AMERICA INDUSTRY KEYWORD: OTHER COMMUNICATIONS PUBLISHING FITNESS & NUTRITION MEN COMMUNICATIONS MEDIA LIFESTYLE HEALTH CONSUMER SOURCE: The Arena Group Copyright Business Wire 2024. PUB: 12/26/2024 11:38 AM/DISC: 12/26/2024 11:37 AM http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241226468398/enNone
Qatar tribune Agencies New Delhi Ride hailing app Uber has launched Asia’s first water transport service in India’s Jammu and Kashmir. Named ‘Uber Shikara’, the service was launched on the picturesque Dal Lake, a local touristattraction. The service was launched by Prabhjeet Singh, President of Uber India and South Asia, who booked the inaugural shikara ride via the app. “Uber Shikara is our humble attempt to blend technology and tradition, enhancing accessibility and uplifting tourism in the breathtaking landscape of Kashmir,” Singh stated. An Uber spokesperson said this service marks a significant milestone for the company, as it is the first water transport offering in Asia, following similar services in select European countries like Venice, Italy. Initially, Uber has partnered with seven local shikara owners, with plans to expand the fleet based on user demand. Rides will be available at government-regulated rates, ensuring fair pricing for tourists. The seven shikaras are stationed at Nehru Park, an island park located in the heart of Dal Lake. Importantly, Uber will not charge any fees to its shikara partners, ensuring that the full fare goes directly to the boat operators, the company officials said. Ruchika Tomar, Director of Communications at Uber, expressed her excitement about the launch, emphasising the importance of shikara rides for both local and international tourists. “Anyone who comes to Srinagar must experience a shikara ride, which is a timeless activity on every traveller’s bucket list. Our service brings together the magic of technology and Kashmir’s traditional charm, providing a seamless experience for travellers,”she said. Wali Mohammed Bhat, President of the Shikarawala Association, highlighted the benefits of this initiative for both tourists and shikara operators. “With Uber Shikara, tourists will no longer need to bargain, and they will enjoy standardised pricing. The shikara riders are happy with this development, as it will enhance their livelihoods,” Bhat remarked. Kunanidi Mahanta from Odisha echoed similar sentiments, noting that the convenience of online booking is a significant advantage for tourists. “This service will not only make it easier for visitors to book rides ahead of time but will also provide a reliable source of income for shikara riders,” Mahanta said. Each Uber Shikara ride can accommodate up to four passengers and is available for one-hour bookings daily between 10 am and 5 pm. Rides can be scheduled from 12 hours up to 15 days in advance. Bhat anticipates an increase in participation from local shikara owners, stating, “With around 4,000 shikaras operating in Dal Lake, we expect more operators to join Uber, enhancing the overall experience for tourists while boosting business for shikara operators.” Uber has previously established its presence in Srinagar with cab services, and now, with the introduction of Uber Shikara, it aims to revolutionise the way tourists experience the enchanting waters of Dal Lake. Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha congratulated all stakeholders of the tourism sector in Jammu and Kashmir on the launch of the service, describing it as a testament to the creative ways technology can enhance cultural heritage. “The launch of Uber Shikara services will provide visitors with a seamless way to experience the timeless charm of Shikara rides,” the LG said in a post on X on Monday evening. Commending Uber for its futuristic vision, he reiterated that the Uber Shikara in Srinagar reflects innovative methods of blending technology with cultural heritage. “The launch of Uber Shikara in Srinagar is a testament to the creative ways technology can enhance our cultural heritage,” he said. I commend Uber for their futuristic vision,enabling convenient access to serene experiences while boosting local tourism. Together,we are showcasing splendor of crown of India to the world.Winter is upon us, & people of J&K invite you all to enjoy this magical season in paradise. Sinha said that this offering, in the upcoming tourist season, will provide visitors with a seamless way to experience the timeless charm of Shikara rides, a hallmark of J&K’s beauty. “I commend Uber for its futuristic vision, enabling convenient access to serene experiences while boosting local tourism,” he added. The LG further stated, “Together, we are showcasing the splendor of the crown of India to the world. Winter is upon us, and the people of J&K invite you all to enjoy this magical season in paradise.” Copy 06/12/2024 10