'We need new leadership': Atlantic Liberal caucus calls for Trudeau's resignationThis year's PC Gaming Show: Most Wanted included a new trailer for EVE Frontier , CCP Games' upcoming survival-focused spinoff to the long-running EVE Online. The new space sim is promising an oppressive atmosphere, more granular combat, and punishing survival elements, all built on a blockchain-based framework that actually, as difficult as it is to believe, seems to add to the experience—just don't call it a "blockchain game," its developers insist. Blockchain is involved, sure, but it's more about the fact that it is distributed and not centralized. With all the hoopla around AI, it's easy to forget that just a scant two years ago, NFTs and crypto were an unstoppable, overheated leviathan threatening to remake gaming with new forms of microtransactions and promises of an interoperable Fortnite-ification of all games. Those buzzwords have firmly landed on the "what's not" list since right alongside the metaverse, but EVE Online studio CCP Games is still working on a blockchain-based game (notably, there are no NFTs in sight). After seeing what the EVE Frontier team is working on and hearing the developers' vision for the game, I was persuaded that this sister game actually justifies its use of the tech. The most compelling argument I heard from CCP, and something that distinguishes EVE Frontier from every half-baked MMO project I saw at the height of crypto-mania, is that the blockchain stuff is meant to be in service to the game Frontier is trying to be and not the other way around. "When we were building EVE Online, we decided to build it on top of a database. Our choice of a database was hotly contested—at least in this community of people making MMO-like games," said CCP CEO Hilmar Veigar Pétursson. "And never did we really position the game, 'Eve Online: The First Database Game!' And we're not really looking to do that with EVE Frontier either. It is not really a blockchain game, no more than EVE is a database game. "We're just being very explicit about it because it is a hot topic, and we don't want to hide it away. Blockchain is involved, sure, but it's more about the fact that it is distributed and not centralized." The top line is that CCP is using blockchain to make EVE Frontier moddable on the client side without compromising the basic integrity of the MMO. "Using blockchain technology also lets us open up this universe to a layer where other players will be able to modify and co-create this universe with us," said CCP chief blockchain engineer Cheryl Ang. The primary point of contact for this modability will be "Smart Assemblies," valuable space stations that will serve sort of like a survival game home base, but with added complexity. "You can think of it kind of like modding on a traditional game," explained EVE Frontier product manager Scott McCabe. "You can play the original game as it came. You can then start getting truly independent third party mods. And finally you can actually build your own, if you set up all the development environments and really get into the nitty gritty." The biggest gaming news, reviews and hardware deals Keep up to date with the most important stories and the best deals, as picked by the PC Gamer team. McCabe was quick to clarify that you don't need to be an experienced coder to enjoy EVE Frontier or its mods. Just like how a vanguard of modders will spearhead a community of thousands or even millions on the Nexus or ModDB, McCabe and Ang hope to see sharing and trading of mods and coding expertise among Frontier's community. Some players programmed a Smart Assembly to automatically host king of the hill-style PvP tournaments, dispensing rewards to the victors. Others turned Smart Assemblies into vendors and even simple NPC questgivers. McCabe and Ang explained that the blockchain underpins something CCP calls "digital physics"—immutable rules in EVE Frontier that will limit what modders can create, ensuring that they can transform the game, but never "break" it. McCabe explained to me that you won't be able to cheat with Smart Assemblies, for example—no infinite ammo and fuel, or cranking up your speed and damage beyond the impossible. What CCP's proposing with Eve Frontier—client-side modding of a live multiplayer game without compromising the basic integrity of the experience—doesn't sound like anything I've seen before in a game. I don't know how feasible it would have been to build it using tech with less controversy, name recognition, and investor interest than blockchain, but McCabe intimated that part of the motivation was to use blockchain's decentralization to eventually defer EVE Frontier's governance entirely to its players instead of CCP, and even ensure the game's continued operation in the event of CCP's dissolution. A move that impressed me on that front is CCP's plan to make the Carbon engine—which powers both EVE Online and EVE Frontier—open source. I find that to be more evidence of EVE Frontier being a genuine game design experiment rather than a belated passenger on the crypto hype train, though in-game transactions—including the purchase of new ships—will be done with a crypto wallet set up in character creation rather than EVE Online's ISK in-game currency. Some of what has already been done in EVE Frontier's playtests call to mind EVE Online's long and legendary history of emergent shenanigans. Some players programmed a Smart Assembly to automatically host king of the hill-style PvP tournaments, dispensing rewards to the victors. Others turned Smart Assemblies into vendors and even simple NPC questgivers for other players. Since players have to build and maintain their own warp gates in the sparsely-populated Frontier, CCP observed players weaponizing warp gate control against enemy factions. Scary Space The combat and exploration of EVE Frontier are similar to EVE Online at first glance. You control a single ship from a zoomed out, overhead—at least as much as you can be "overhead" in space—perspective, as opposed to the first-person cockpit of Elite Dangerous or third-person rear view in something like Starfield. "The action's a little bit faster, more decisions that you have to make in the heat of the moment with imperfect information, and that will lead to some emergent gameplay," McCabe said of EVE Frontier's moment-to-moment combat. The new game will introduce line of sight and cover, meaning that stealth, surprise, and positioning will be critical in a way they never were in the original EVE. "You might not know what's behind the next rock, you might not know who is waiting for you, or perhaps how many reinforcements they have when you're setting your trap," explained McCabe, and that tension will only be heightened by EVE Frontier's more limited resources compared to EVE Online, where the loss of a ship can already be a devastating financial proposition—McCabe suggested that these complications resulted in an experience that "bordered on survival horror." McCabe also hopes this will make EVE Frontier feel like a larger, more dangerous universe, reminding me of the way the beginning of a game of Civilization can feel so vast, threatening, and full of infinite potential, versus a Civ late game fully explored and settled map, represented by EVE Online. "You can't just perpetually fly around forever without eventually running out of energy. You will need to stop and do something. That makes the universe feel substantially bigger than infinite free travel." EVE Frontier sounds like a fascinating, unique space sim that makes a genuinely worthwhile use of crypto-derived technology I had basically written off. If nothing else, CCP's extensive experience with operating a digital economy that long preceded crypto commands a certain benefit of the doubt, as does its commitment to the project well after the gold rush already ended. If you're interested in EVE Frontier, you can go to the game's official website to purchase a founder's pack and participate in ongoing playtests.Inspired by The Karate Kid, here’s how one Coastal Carolina player taunted Georgia StateCMG LEGAL DEADLINE: Chipotle Mexican Grill Class Action Deadline is Approaching – Contact BFA Law if You Suffered Losses (NYSE:CMG)
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KenCanning/E+ via Getty Images Introduction After discussing a lot of dividend growth stocks, it's time to take a detour. In this article, I'll update my bullish thesis on Range Resources ( NYSE: RRC ) , one of my four favorite natural gas producers Test Drive iREIT© on Alpha For FREE (for 2 Weeks) Join iREIT on Alpha today to get the most in-depth research that includes REITs, mREITs, Preferreds, BDCs, MLPs, ETFs, and other income alternatives. 438 testimonials and most are 5 stars. Nothing to lose with our FREE 2-week trial . And this offer includes a 2-Week FREE TRIAL plus Brad Thomas' FREE book . Leo Nelissen is an analyst focusing on major economic developments related to supply chains, infrastructure, and commodities. He is a contributing author for iREIT®+HOYA Capital . As a member of the iREIT®+HOYA Capital team, Leo aims to provide insightful analysis and actionable investment ideas, with a particular emphasis on dividend growth opportunities. Learn More . Analyst’s Disclosure: I/we have no stock, option or similar derivative position in any of the companies mentioned, and no plans to initiate any such positions within the next 72 hours. I wrote this article myself, and it expresses my own opinions. I am not receiving compensation for it (other than from Seeking Alpha). I have no business relationship with any company whose stock is mentioned in this article. Seeking Alpha's Disclosure: Past performance is no guarantee of future results. No recommendation or advice is being given as to whether any investment is suitable for a particular investor. Any views or opinions expressed above may not reflect those of Seeking Alpha as a whole. Seeking Alpha is not a licensed securities dealer, broker or US investment adviser or investment bank. Our analysts are third party authors that include both professional investors and individual investors who may not be licensed or certified by any institute or regulatory body.
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BALLYORGAN is the gateway to the Ballyhouras but locals believe its potential isn’t being unlocked. Aidan Gleeson, chairperson of the Glenroe / Ballyorgan Community Council, said it is a very picturesque and quaint area with fertile farmland and a mountain backdrop. He said the close knit community have struggled with the same challenges that many areas have of “under-resourcing of isolated places and not having a population big enough to attract the political will to address their problems”. “There are efforts to source funding from the local authority to address the poor public lighting and crumbling footpaths which have been neglected for many years. This forces walking groups to use the middle of the road to navigate the hillside village, and as everyone knows forcing pedestrians and vehicles to use the same space is not best practice. “The community has been repeatedly promised that next year, there may be funding available to address their needs and one of these years that may actually be true,” said Mr Gleeson (pictured below demonstrating urgent repairs that required in Ballyorgan). The prominent farmer and former chairperson of Limerick IFA. said in the meantime the people of Ballyorgan are moving ahead to provide for themselves “as they always have”. “Ballyorgan is now marketed as a hub for mountain walking. The community has established a pre-school and after school service to encourage young people to live in the area, and, of course, the Village Inn is a source of entertainment, music and fun. “There is still work to be done and the community has been working for a decade or more to reverse the decline in the area by lobbying for services and facilities to meet the needs of the locals and tourists alike,” said Mr Gleeson. He said there are efforts to develop the school field for use as a social space with amenities to benefit the community and visitors alike. However, infrastructural improvements by the council in Ballyorgan would give a big lift to the village and parish. READ MORE: New 2025 calendar launched by Dromcollogher group Ballyorgan, in past generations, was a centre for artisan skills, housing all the trades needed to service a village and adjoining estates. It had two churches to administer to the spiritual needs of its mixed faith population. There was a blacksmith, tailor, creamery, post office, shop and school. Over the years, one by one, they have lost a lot of the services they had or provided for themselves. But Ballyorgan’s community is fighting back.
Towns was extremely effective against the Rockets (Image via Getty) Karl-Anthony Towns ’s partner Jordyn Woods found herself at the premiere of Disney’s “Mufasa: The Lion King”. However, she could not keep her mind off Towns as he had an important match against the Rockets on the same day. While KAT and Jordyn Woods know how to display their love and affection for each other on social media, their lifestyles don’t fail to impress their fans in the slightest even when they are not in the presence of each other. The premiere of Disney’s new movie Mufasa: The Lion King took place at Hollywood’s Dolby Theater on Monday, December 9, 2024. Karl-Anthony was busy trying to beat the Toronto Raptors while his beloved partner stunned the crowd at the Mufasa premiere. She wore a golden-brown sequined dress paired with matching heels. However, the main eye-catcher was her faux fur coat. This showed how well Jordyn knows to dress herself. People who have good taste in fashion have conquered a very important aspect of everyday life. We are not the only ones who admired Jordyn Wood’s outfit for the movie premiere. NBA star Julius Randle’s wife Kendra Randle was also mesmerized by Jordyn’s look. This was evident from her comment that she left on Wood’s Instagram post: “Wow 🔥.” View this post on Instagram A post shared by HEIR JORDYN (@jordynwoods) Remember how we spoke about the love and affection that Jordyn and KAT have for each other? Well, even though she was away from the court, Jordyn could not keep her mind off KAT’s match against the Toronto Rockets. She shared what was on her mind with her Instagram fans saying: “When you have a premiere, but ball is life 😭🪛." This post shows just how much Jordyn loves and cares for Towns. Karl-Anthony Towns was playing for the Minnesota Timberwolves and he did not disappoint anybody rooting for the Timbs. He earned the “beast mode” praise from people who were watching the match at Scotiabank Arena. While Towns was locked in on the game on the court, Jordyn was supporting her lover through her phone. Fans of this couple have always admired the love they have for one another and this particular incident of Jordyn publicly displaying her feelings for Towns did not go in vain. People were moved by Jordyn’s gesture and there was even an online poll titled: “Is Jordyn Woods' courtside dedication more impressive than Karl-Anthony Towns' clutch performance?” People voted in her favor mostly with some saying that both Woods and Towns are “equally impressive”. They said: "Yes, her support is unmatched" and "Both are equally impressive" . Karl-Anthony was fabulous on court against the Rockets and there was nothing more important for Jordyn at that moment. Also read: Top 30 most valuable NBA teams of 2024 Even more impressive is Karl's ability to compete in a field full of A-list celebrities. Jay-Z, Beyoncé, and their 13-year-old daughter Blue Ivy were among the guests for the "Mufasa" premiere. However, Woods' courtside commitment to Towns remained constant in spite of the well-known audience.Ross Barkley’s 85th-minute winner gave them victory after they had twice squandered the lead in Germany. John McGinn and Jhon Duran goals at the start of each half were cancelled out by Lois Openda and Christoph Baumgartner. But Barkley had the final say less than two minutes after coming off the bench as his deflected effort earned the points which sent his side third in the new Champions League league phase. The top eight automatically qualify for the next stage and with games against Monaco and Celtic to come, Unai Emery’s men are a good bet to avoid the need for a play-off round in their first foray in this competition. Leipzig are out, having lost all six of their games. Villa enjoyed a dream start and were ahead with less than three minutes on the clock. Matty Cash, playing in a more advanced position on the right, crossed for Ollie Watkins, who nodded down into the path of McGinn and the skipper made no mistake from close range. That gave the visitors confidence and they had enough chances in the first 15 minutes to have the game wrapped up. Lucas Digne’s cross from the left was begging to be converted but Watkins could not make contact from close range and then Morgan Rogers shot straight at Leipzig goalkeeper Peter Gulacsi. Then Youri Tielemans found himself with time and space on the edge of the area from Watkins’ tee-up but the Belgium international disappointingly dragged wide. All that good work was undone in the 27th minute, though, as Emiliano Martinez was left red-faced. The Argentinian was too casual waiting to collect Nicolas Seiwald’s long ball and Openda nipped in to get the ball first and tap into an empty net. pic.twitter.com/LGoAMrLkQy — Aston Villa (@AVFCOfficial) December 10, 2024 Duran was introduced at the break and needed just a couple of minutes to fire a warning when he drilled wide after a loose ball fell to him 14 yards out. But the Colombian got his goal in the 52nd minute, though it was another moment for the goalkeeper to forget. Duran was invited to drive forward and unleashed a 25-yard shot, which was hardly an Exocet, but still was too much for Gulacsi, who barely even jumped. It was his 10th goal of the season and sixth from the bench as he continues his super-sub role. 😍 pic.twitter.com/ZHeVFiYUW9 — Aston Villa (@AVFCOfficial) December 10, 2024 The striker was not complaining and he thought he had doubled his tally shortly after when he converted Cash’s centre but the provider was ruled offside by VAR. Five minutes later, Villa found themselves pegged back again with a finish of real quality. Openda was sent clear by another long ball and his cross was perfect for Baumgartner to cushion a far-post volley back across goal and into the corner. Digne brought a save out of Gulacsi and then Openda shot straight at Martinez as both sides pushed for a winner. It was Villa who got it as Barkley saw his deflected effort wrong-foot Gulacsi and hit the back of the net.
Aston Villa march on in Champions League after beating RB Leipzig
MONTGOMERY, Ala. (AP) — Brandon Gilliam made field goals of 42, 29 and 30 yards and Alabama State beat Prairie View A&M 9-6 on Saturday to secure a third straight winning season under coach Eddie Robinson. The last time Alabama State had three straight winnings seasons was under coach Reggie Barlow, who had five consecutive from 2010-15. Javascript is required for you to be able to read premium content. Please enable it in your browser settings.
10-man Botafogo wins its first Copa Libertadores titleCox Enterprises Nearing One-Third of its Ambitious Goal to Empower 34 Million People to Live More Prosperous Lives by 2034
No. 18 Mississippi 89, Alabama St. 24SEOUL, South Korea — North Korean leader Kim Jong Un vowed to implement the “toughest” anti-U.S. policy, state media reported Sunday, less than a month before Donald Trump takes office as U.S. president. Trump’s return to the White House raises prospects for high-profile diplomacy with North Korea. During his first term, Trump met Kim three times for talks on the North’s nuclear program. Many experts however say a quick resumption of Kim-Trump summitry is unlikely as Trump would first focus on conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East. North Korea’s support for Russia’s war against Ukraine also poses a challenge to efforts to revive diplomacy, experts say. During a five-day plenary meeting of the ruling Workers’ Party that ended Friday, Kim called the U.S. “the most reactionary state that regards anti-communism as its invariable state policy.” Kim said that the U.S.-South Korea-Japan security partnership is expanding into “a nuclear military bloc for aggression.” “This reality clearly shows to which direction we should advance and what we should do and how,” Kim said, according to the official Korean Central News Agency. It said Kim’s speech “clarified the strategy for the toughest anti-U.S. counteraction to be launched aggressively” by North Korea for its long-term national interests and security. KCNA didn’t elaborate on the anti-U.S. strategy. But it said Kim set forth tasks to bolster military capability through defense technology advancements and stressed the need to improve the mental toughness of North Korean soldiers. The previous meetings between Trump and Kim had not only put an end to their exchanges of fiery rhetoric and threats of destruction, but they developed personal connections. Trump once famously said he and Kim “fell in love.” But their talks eventually collapsed in 2019, as they wrangled over U.S.-led sanctions on the North. North Korea has since sharply increased the pace of its weapons testing activities to build more reliable nuclear missiles targeting the U.S. and its allies. The U.S. and South Korea have responded by expanding their military bilateral drills and also trilateral ones involving Japan, drawing strong rebukes from the North, which views such U.S.-led exercises as invasion rehearsals. Further complicating efforts to convince North Korea to abandon its nuclear weapons in return for economic and political benefits is its deepening military cooperation with Russia. According to U.S., Ukrainian and South Korean assessments, North Korea has sent more than 10,000 troops and conventional weapons systems to support Moscow’s war against Ukraine. There are concerns that Russia could give North Korea advanced weapons technology in return, including help to build more powerful nuclear missiles. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said last week that 3,000 North Korean troops have been killed and wounded in the fighting in Russia’s Kursk region. It was the first significant estimate by Ukraine of North Korean casualties since the North Korean troop deployment to Russia began in October. Russia and China, locked in separate disputes with the U.S., have repeatedly blocked U.S.-led pushes to levy more U.N. sanctions on North Korea despite its repeated missile tests in defiance of U.N. Security Council resolutions. Last month, Kim said that his past negotiations with the United States only confirmed Washington’s “unchangeable” hostility toward his country and described his nuclear buildup as the only way to counter external threats.