My experience playing Avowed when it launches in February will be very different from yours. Maybe that sounds obvious—it's an Obsidian RPG, after all, with quest and dialogue choices even in the first couple hours that seem likely to echo throughout the journey. That's to be expected. But for the first time in one of its games, Obsidian's applied the same care it puts into wildly branching dialogue trees into its interface options, too. The biggest and most obvious choice will be between the first- and third-person cameras: after trying both I firmly prefer the default first-person option , but I know there are a number of RPG players who are excited to have the alternative. There's so much more to choose from in Avowed's options menus than just the camera. Just take a look: This is a major expansion from the options in Obsidian's last RPG , The Outer Worlds. I want to highlight a few of the options that stick out to me in the Game and UI menus that could add up to quite different experiences if you've ticked enough toggles. Game options Third-person view - The climbing and combat in Avowed feel very different when you're out of that first-person perspective. Auto activate companion abilities - Do you want your sidekicks to use their special attacks in combat autonomously, or do you want to maintain precise control over when those cooldowns are up? Your choice. Hit flash mode - How much visual feedback do you want on hits? You can turn these flashes off, have them appear only when you've staggered an enemy, or have them on all hits. Attacks move towards target - This option and the aim assist ones above all affect how precisely you need to aim both melee and ranged attacks; if you really want precision mouse control (and to miss more often), turn 'em off. 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. Dodge and blocking align to target - Like the magnetism, these options will subtly nudge your orientation towards the enemy you're fighting, I think primarily to keep first-person combat from feeling disorienting. But again, if you want total control, you can turn them off. Slow time on dodge - A powerful option here, giving you a window of bullet time when you dodge. A welcome accessibility option, but also a fun way to give yourself an edge on one of the higher difficulty levels. UI options Hide failed dialogue checks - A powerful roleplaying choice. Do you want the "gamey" experience of seeing you don't meet the perception or intellect stat threshold for a particular dialogue choice? Or do you want that choice to be hidden, so that you can only wonder what a smarter or more perceptive character could do in that situation? Shrink dialogue checks - Another major roleplaying decision here: Do you even want to know what stats enabled your dialogue choices? Or do you want the more naturalistic experience of playing a character with tons of attribute points in dexterity and guessing which responses are available due to your shredded calves? Interaction icons - A hand icon pops up on plants when you get within 10 feet or so, and Avowed also highlights environmental obstacles like thorns that you can burn and wooden boards you can smash. With this option disabled you'll have to pay more attention to what in the environment looks interactive. Objective markers - Want an arrow pointing towards where you're going or what you're looking for? I find these sorts of markers make me mentally check out and beeline from goal to goal; I'm much more engaged with them off. Damage numbers - What kind of action RPG would Avowed be without damage numbers? One that immediately feels a bit more grounded, especially if you've turned off visual features like the incoming attack warnings. Compass - By default the compass gives you a lot of information: it points to your objective, shows nearby enemies, dropped loot, and environmental pickables. Disabling it altogether, or toggling a few of the things it highlights, will really change how closely you have to eyeball your surroundings. I might change my mind when I'm hours into Avowed, but as I sit here now I'm planning out how I'm going to play. I think I'll keep the compass on just to orient myself towards north, but I'll only leave the icons for corpses—and maybe enemies—enabled. I'm not going to shrink my dialogue checks because I like that sense of satisfaction of seeing my attributes pass a threshold, but I will hide the failed skill checks to leave a bit of ambiguity about other ways a conversation could have gone. And objective markers are absolutely getting turned off to keep me attentive. I'm going to try disabling most of the aim assist and movement assist in combat too, which I think make more sense on a controller than they do on keyboard/mouse. And damage numbers? Yeah, those are going away, at least for long enough to judge whether Avowed's hit feedback feels substantial enough to get a good sense of how effective my attacks are. If you're way more interested in Avowed's story than anything else, it would make sense to leave on objective markers and shimmering loot and the many other options that limit how much time you have to spend poking around alleys and rooftops. But if you do want to play this game more like a lightweight, exploratory immersive sim , which is what I'm hoping for, then turning that stuff off is a welcome option. I'd like to see every RPG of Avowed's scale or bigger offer this much flexibility.Baker Mayfield throws for 3 TDs, Bucs take over 1st in NFC South with 28-13 win over RaidersLoneliness is not just about being alone. It goes much deeper than the absence of people in one’s life. It’s the emotional void caused by an unfulfilled need for companionship, leaving people overwhelmed with sadness and longing. While loneliness is often seen as an emotional burden, its impact on physical and mental health—particularly brain health—has now been confirmed to be far more serious than previously understood. A new study published in Nature Mental Health has revealed that loneliness is associated with a 31 per cent higher risk of developing dementia. This is the largest study ever conducted on the subject and sheds light on how loneliness can act as a risk factor for neurodegenerative diseases, comparable to other well-known causes like smoking or a sedentary lifestyle. The Link Between Loneliness and Dementia The research, led by Martina Luchetti and her team, analyzed data from 608,561 people worldwide, making it the most extensive meta-analysis ever on loneliness and dementia. The results are striking—people who report feeling lonely face a 31 per cent higher likelihood of developing dementia compared to those who don’t experience loneliness. While factors like social isolation, depression, diabetes, or high blood pressure can contribute to cognitive decline, the study found that loneliness alone remains an independent and strong predictor of dementia. Researchers noted that loneliness may lead to specific types of dementia, particularly Alzheimer’s disease and vascular dementia, with vascular dementia showing the strongest association. Further, loneliness was linked to a 15 per cent higher chance of developing milder cognitive issues, like memory loss or reduced problem-solving abilities, which often precede dementia. Why Loneliness Causes Dementia The study shows several reasons why loneliness impacts brain health: - Reduced Mental Stimulation: Loneliness often feels passive, leaving people without enough mental engagement or stimulation to keep the brain active and healthy. A lack of mental activity can accelerate cognitive decline. - Stress and Inflammation: Chronic loneliness is a form of silent stress that can trigger inflammation, leading to damage in brain cells over time. - Heart Health: Loneliness can overwhelm heart health, increasing the risk of vascular dementia. It impacts circulation, potentially limiting the brain’s access to oxygen-rich blood. - Lifestyle Habits: Lonely people may struggle to maintain healthy habits, such as regular exercise or a balanced diet, which are critical for brain health. Inactivity and poor eating habits further compound dementia risk. How to Support Those Dealing with Loneliness As loneliness can impact brain health, it is essential to take steps to combat it—both at an individual and societal level. Here’s how you can help: - Encourage Social Connections: Help lonely people engage in social activities, whether through community events, volunteering, or hobby-based groups. Socializing stimulates the brain and fosters emotional well-being. - Promote Physical Activity: Exercise not only improves physical health but also boosts mood and reduces stress. Encourage lonely people to participate in group activities like yoga classes, walking clubs, or fitness sessions. - Regular Check-Ins: Make an effort to call or visit loved ones who may be feeling isolated. Sometimes, even small gestures of connection can make a big difference. - Leverage Technology: Virtual meetups, video calls, and social media can help bridge gaps when physical companionship isn’t possible. Tech-based tools, like online games or brain-training apps, can also keep the mind engaged. - Encourage Therapy or Support Groups: Speaking to a therapist or joining support groups can help lonely individuals process their emotions, build coping skills, and connect with others experiencing similar struggles. - Adopt Healthy Habits: Encourage balanced nutrition, regular sleep, and stimulating mental activities like puzzles, reading, or learning a new skill to strengthen cognitive health. Get Latest News Live on Times Now along with Breaking News and Top Headlines from Mental Health, Health and around the world.By Michelle Conlin NEW YORK (Reuters) - Several key players in President-elect Donald Trump's new cryptocurrency venture head to Abu Dhabi on Monday for the largest bitcoin gathering in the Gulf region as the digital currency sets record highs. Speakers include the president-elect's son Eric and billionaire Steve Witkoff, the new White House envoy for the Middle East and co-founder of World Liberty Financial, a crypto platform launched in September that Donald Trump and his family helped form. Eric Trump will deliver Tuesday's keynote address at the Bitcoin MENA conference, which is projected to draw more than 6,000 people, and will then hold a "whale-only" chat in the conference's VIP lounge, according to the event's agenda. Witkoff will also speak separately to that more exclusive crowd, which requires a $9,999 "whale" pass, a nickname for large players who have potential to move a market. The president-elect is World Liberty Financial's chief crypto advocate, and sons Eric, Don Jr. and Barron are ambassadors, according to the WLF website. Company filings show Donald Trump is entitled to 22.5 billion WLF tokens and a share of its revenues. "The bitcoin conference carries a lot of significance for crypto as it's one of the longest-running conferences focused on bringing our industry together," said Marshall Beard, chief operating officer of Gemini, the crypto exchange founded by Trump backers Cameron and Tyler Winklevoss. "It’s been incredible to see the rise of bitcoin alongside the growth of the conference ... and crypto became a major campaign issue in this year’s presidential election." Other speakers also have close ties to World Liberty Financial, including Justin Sun, the 32-year-old Chinese founder of blockchain platform Tron. Three weeks after Trump won the Nov. 5 election, Sun posted on X that he bought $30 million worth of WLF tokens, making him the venture's largest investor. Sun was charged with crypto-related fraud and securities violations under the Biden administration. The Gulf gathering is occurring at an inflection point for the industry as Trump, once a crypto skeptic, has vowed he will be the "crypto president" and make America the new "crypto capital of the planet." Buoyed by these promises, bitcoin smashed records last week when it hit $100,000. Trump also named a White House czar for artificial intelligence and cryptocurrencies, former PayPal executive David Sacks, a close friend of Trump adviser and megadonor Elon Musk. Musk, whose companies include X, SpaceX and Tesla, spent more than a quarter of a billion dollars to help elect Trump in 2024, records show. Other technology and digital asset veterans also gave millions to candidates friendly to the industry, according to analytics firm Breadcrumbs. Trump's 2016 campaign manager, Paul Manafort, will address the conference on "A Life of Politics with the Man Closest to Donald Trump." Binance founder Changpeng Zhao, who served a four-month U.S. prison sentence this year for crypto-tied money-laundering law violations, will also hold a whale session at the conference. Trump, his family members, other speakers and their firms did not respond to requests for comment. (Reporting By Michelle Conlin; editing by Megan Davies and Cynthia Osterman)
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SyMRI 15 offers an innovative approach to MRI, transforming traditional imaging methodologies with its advanced synthetic imaging technology. Clinically validated through extensive multi-center studies across leading institutions in the United States, SyMRI 15 has proven its capability to enhance imaging workflows by replacing conventional 3D imaging techniques in addition to its unique ability to provide tissue quantification. This technology offers significant gains in both efficiency and throughput while maintaining the highest standards of diagnostic accuracy. Följande bilagor finns för nedladdning: Se fullständigt pressmeddelande och andra nyheter från detta bolag på . Vill du också synas med dina nyheter på Di.se?G7 foreign ministers push for Israel-Hezbollah ceasefire in final G7 of Biden administration
A new social media meme is dominating the cryptocurrency market, but the owner of the original artwork may be putting a stop to it. "Chill Guy" or "I'm just a chill guy" is a meme growing in popularity. The meme is a simply-drawn anamorphic dog, wearing casual clothes with a smirk on his face. The character has gained traction on social media as users relate to his cool, calm and collected demeanor. More recently, the meme has been spotted in social media marketing ads for brands like Sprite Europe , March Madness and NFL on CBS . In addition, the meme has been rising in the ranks in the cryptocurrency market. As of Thursday afternoon, a crypto token called CHILLGUY, which bears the popular character, reached a market cap, or total value, of more than $405 million, per CoinMarketCap . In response to the meme's viral nature, Phillip Banks, who appears to be the meme's original artist, is looking to copyright the character. Banks' X account is private but per screenshots shared by his followers, Banks announced on Thursday that he was seeking copyright for the character and would be issuing "takedowns" to for-profit institutions using the character without his permission. Banks shared a Reel to a public Instagram account expressing aversion to the use of the character in tandem with cryptocurrency. "I do not, and will never, endorse or condone any crypto-related projects involving my work," Banks said via on-screen caption in the video . "I will never give permission to use my art for anything crypto-related. I have absolutely no interest in anything crypto-related." Who is 'Chill Guy'? The "Chill Guy" meme centers around an illustration of an anamorphic brown dog wearing a grey sweater, rolled up blue jeans and red sneakers. With a subtle smirk, the character's hands (or paws?) are tucked inside his jean pockets. With a long, round head, large snoot and simple features, "Chill Guy" appears similar to Brian Griffin, the dog character in the sitcom, "Family Guy." Phillip Banks first posted the anamorphic dog to Instagram on Oct. 4, 2023. The on-screen caption on an Instagram Reel reads, "My new character. His whole deal is he's a chill guy that lowkey doesn't give a (expletive)." Thousands of videos on social media feature the character or reference him, with − mostly − men using the character. Top TikTok videos featuring the character include captions like, "When she thinks (you're) nonchalant and don't care (about) her, but in reality (you're) just a chill guy that likes being quiet sometimes" and, "When she yells at you for forgetting what she told (you) earlier today, but you are just a chill guy enjoying your day." "Every laid-back, easygoing man on this planet can see himself in this meme," Barstool Sports wrote in a blog post. "It’s not just a random image or a passing joke. No, it’s a reflection, a mirror held up to all of us who embody that calm, unbothered vibe." Greta Cross is a national trending reporter at USA TODAY. Follow her on X and Instagram @gretalcross. Story idea? Email her at gcross@gannett.com .
Phegley SHELBYVILLE — As the shocking news of Shelby County Coroner Brad Phegley’s death continued to sink in Sunday, no details have emerged to suggest that what happened to him was anything other than some kind of tragic accident or medical event. A postmortem examination of the 67-year-old coroner’s remains was scheduled to have been carried out Saturday in Bloomington. Further information was not available Sunday. Phegley’s hunting partner had found his body floating in Lake Mattoon around 2:49 p.m. Friday near a blind and decoys where they were waterfowl hunting. He was pronounced dead at the scene. Shelby County Board Chairman Tad Mayhall, R-Shelbyville, told the Herald & Review on Sunday that he had not heard any updated news on the cause of death. But he said he had spoken previously with Shelby County Sheriff Brian McReynolds about the circumstances of what happened. “He told me that if there was any change (about the circumstances), he would let me and the state’s attorney know,” he said, and noted there had been no updates. Mayhall said he was grateful to Moultrie County Coroner Lynn Reed for stepping in so quickly to maintain coroner's office services for Shelby County while a replacement for Phegley is sorted out. “It’s been a very quick learning experience for me since Friday afternoon,” Mayhall said. “Mr. Reed has been very helpful and, as even he said, this is a very uncommon situation to be in and we will navigate it as best we can.” The chairman said he expected to have an updated news release ready by sometime Monday on how the coroner’s office will cope going forward. And he said, as things settle down, the county will turn its attention to honoring Phegley’s memory and saluting his service. Just reelected in the last election unopposed after a convincing win in the Republican primary in March, Phegley had served as coroner for the last four years. A retired Illinois State Police trooper, he had also served as deputy coroner for eight years. A keen hunter and outdoors enthusiast, Phegley’s Facebook page is filled with pictures of him with specimen fish and animals he has caught and hunted over many years. His death comes as the latest in a series of blows to Shelby County, which has been rocked by a recent history of disputes and bitter political fights. Mayhall, newly chosen as chairman in the wake of November’s election that changed the face of the county board, said the task now was to cope with the coroner’s death, honor his memory and ensure the citizens get the services and government they need. “It’s been an arduous and challenging time for sure,” he said. “But I think that with the recent swearing in just this past Monday, and with a new group of board members and a change of leadership, if you put your ear to the ground and hear what the community is saying, they are asking for less contention and more productivity and for calm. “I personally take responsibility that it is my job to make sure that happens. We also want to make sure we are incredibly respectful for the time and service Mr. Phegley has given, and acknowledge the emotional toll all this has taken on his family.” In his latest video, Tom Ryle, WDFW marketing manager and an avid hunter, brings you into the field for a demonstration on the safe and effective use of treestands to help you get your big game hunting off the ground. (WDFW, Contributed) Believe it or not, if hunting were a company, it would be a Fortune 500 giant. In 2020, hunters and sport shooters pumped a whopping $149 billion into the U.S. economy . That's not pocket change—it's enough to make hunting the 52nd largest company by retail sales if it were listed on the Fortune 500, LandTrust reports. This money was spent on equipment such as shotguns and ammunition, trip-related expenses like lodging and transportation, licenses, leases, and more. But it's not just about sales. This industry supports nearly 970,000 jobs across the country. To put that in perspective, if hunting were an employer, it would be the third-largest private sector employer in the U.S. These jobs created over $45 billion in wages and income in 2020 alone. A recent report by the National Deer Association revealed that an average of 88% of state white-tailed deer harvests occur on private land . This statistic underscores the critical role that private landowners play in wildlife management and conservation. In states like Texas, where 99% of the land is privately owned, access to private land is essential for effective deer population management. The reliance on private land for hunting varies across regions. In the Southeast, 93% of deer harvests occur on private land, while in the Midwest and Northeast, the figures are 91% and 81%, respectively. This highlights the need for private landowners to allow public access for hunting, especially in states with limited public land. The economic impact of hunting isn't just felt at the national level—it trickles down to local economies too, strongly impacting both traditionally liberal and conservative states. Here are some examples from a recent report by Sportsmen's Alliance : Here's something that might surprise you: hunters are some of the biggest contributors to conservation efforts in the U.S. In 2017, over 15 million Americans purchased a hunting license, generating more than $500 million in revenue for conservation . This isn't a new phenomenon. For over 80 years, hunters have been major funders of conservation through license fees and taxes on hunting equipment. This money goes directly toward protecting wildlife habitats, managing animal populations, and ensuring the sustainability of our natural resources. What happens when we don't manage our wildlife populations, particularly deer? It might seem counterintuitive, but hunting actually plays a crucial role in keeping deer populations in check—and the consequences of not doing so can be costly. Without proper management, deer-related damages alone can cost up to $2 billion annually . Here's how that breaks down: The costs of deer overpopulation extend beyond just dollars and cents. When deer populations grow unchecked, overgrazing becomes a serious issue, affecting forest regeneration and biodiversity. This isn't just bad for the environment—it can have a ripple effect on industries that rely on healthy forests, from timber to tourism. States like Minnesota and Wisconsin, with their dense forests and diverse ecosystems, are some of the most vulnerable to overpopulation issues. There are also health concerns to consider. Overpopulation can increase the spread of diseases among wildlife and even lead to more human-wildlife conflicts, potentially raising the risk of disease transmission to humans. Without hunters, states would need to find alternative, often more expensive methods of population control, such as sterilization programs, culling by professional shooters, or even relocating animals—a practice fraught with logistical and ethical challenges. The beauty of regulated hunting is that it creates a win-win situation: Without regulated hunting, much of which occurs on private lands, the cost of managing wild game would shift to state agencies and taxpayers, resulting in higher costs and fewer resources for other conservation efforts. Consider the case of deer hunting alone. It contributes over $23 billion to the U.S. economy each year and plays a critical role in managing deer populations. Without deer hunters, state agencies would face an uphill battle trying to control populations, leading to higher incidences of disease, starvation, and habitat destruction. Whether you're a hunter or have never picked up a rifle in your life, the economic impact of hunting affects you. From the jobs it creates to the conservation efforts it funds, from the car accidents it prevents to the forests it helps protect, hunting plays a crucial role in our economy and our ecosystem. So the next time you see a hunter in their orange vest, remember: They're not just pursuing a hobby. They're contributing to a multi-billion dollar industry that supports jobs, funds conservation, and helps manage our wildlife populations. And in doing so, they're helping to keep our forests healthy, our roads safer, and our economy stronger. In the grand scheme of things, hunting is about much more than bagging a trophy. It's about maintaining a delicate balance—between human needs and wildlife populations, between conservation and utilization of natural resources. And as the numbers show, it's a balance that affects us all, whether we realize it or not. This story was produced by LandTrust and reviewed and distributed by Stacker Media. Contact Tony Reid at (217) 421-7977. 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Carleton College. Photo by Joshua Whitman. President-elect Donald Trump’s promises to deport millions of undocumented people could discourage some college applicants — including American citizens — from seeking the federal financial aid that millions of students rely on to attend college. Trump has promised to declare a national emergency and mobilize the military to deport undocumented immigrants, though he has not provided key details of the plan: how those immigrants will be identified, notified of their deportation and transported out of the country. The unknowns have placed students with undocumented parents in a risky position: the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA, is how students access federal scholarships and loans, and it’s also how many universities calculate their own financial aid packages. It also asks for parents’ Social Security numbers. The application offers a separate identity verification process for parents without Social Security numbers, and some experts fear that data could be misused to identify and potentially deport those individuals. (The student applying for federal aid must have a Social Security number to complete the form.) The National College Attainment Network, which lobbies for increased college access, sent an email to members Thursday urging mixed-status families to “make a considered decision about whether to submit a FAFSA.” The situation underscores the many ways the newly re-elected Trump and his mass deportation plans could affect the lives of millions of immigrants and their families, in everything from health care to education and the criminal justice system. The Higher Education Act prohibits the use of FAFSA data for anything other than processing financial aid awards, but Trump is not known for his fealty to legal details. The letter from the National College Attainment Network continues: “We cannot assure you that individuals who are undocumented might not be identified and targeted for punitive action in the future. Because of the potential stakes of this process, we want every individual to have as much information as possible before submitting identifying information to the federal government ... For some, the potential risks could now outweigh even the considerable benefits of federal student aid.” More than half of college students receive federal financial aid; without completing the FAFSA, students could face the full sticker price of college tuition. Minnesota State community and technical colleges cost more than $6,000 per year on average. Minnesota State’s four-year universities, which are thousands of dollars cheaper than the University of Minnesota, cost over $10,000 annually before financial aid — not counting housing or food costs. The IRS also maintains protected data on taxpayers who don’t have Social Security numbers — many undocumented workers in the U.S. use an IRS-issued alternative taxpayer identification number — but the U.S. Department of Education is a more likely political target. Trump has promised to shut down the Department of Education , which houses the federal student loan and grant programs. Eliminating the agency would require approval from the Republican-controlled Congress, and it’s unclear what the ramifications would be for federal financial aid. Trump has nominated professional wrestling mogul Linda McMahon to be secretary of the agency. Caitlyn Cole, director of career and college readiness for Achieve Twin Cities, said her team will troubleshoot individual student and family scenarios, and is awaiting guidance from the state Office of Higher Education. “We do believe that Trump’s threats will discourage mixed-status families to apply for the FAFSA,” Cole said. Students with undocumented parents also encountered issues with the FAFSA last year. The federal government rolled out a new application, leading to major delays for all students , and causing glitches in the section of the form where people without a Social Security number could request alternative identity verification. The FAFSA for the 2025-26 school year opened Thursday , more than a month and a half later than the usual opening date of Oct. 1.Analysis: Week 12 full of sloppy play, especially on special teams
Amidst poverty and disease in post- World War II Naples, the Italian Communist Party arranged for the opportunity for poorer children from southern Italy to board a train bound for northern Italy, where more stable host families would temporarily adopt these children, with more resources available to nurture them and give them a better life. The Children’s Train tells a fictional story based on these real-life historical conditions, but is it compelling enough to stream on Netflix? THE CHILDREN’S TRAIN : STREAM IT OR SKIP IT? The Gist: Based on the novel by Italian author Viola Adrone , The Children’s Train follows Amerigo (Christian Cervone), a young boy living in poverty with his mother Antonietta (Serena Rossi) in post-war Naples. Antonietta agrees to send Amerigo north through the Italian Communist Party’s “trains of happiness” program, which will set him up with a host family better-equipped to care for a child. Things don’t go quite as planned when Amerigo’s initial family falls through and he’s taken in by single woman Derna (Barbara Ronchi), with her brother’s large family becoming Amrigo’s by extension. Ultimately, Amerigo will feel conflict between the birth mother he misses and the surrogate family who cares for him in her absence. What Will It Remind You Of?: If you’ve seen an Italian drama where barefooted children scamper through the street, you might feel a twinge of familiarity during this one. Performance Worth Watching: Barbara Ronchi does the most nuanced and complicated work as a woman who initially has more loyalty to her political party than interest in helping to raise a child, even temporarily. Sex and Skin: Nope. The story is told almost entirely from a child’s point of view. Memorable Dialogue: “Come and see the oven!” It’s not a great line on its own, but after Amerigo has been told lies about the host families deciding to eat their new charges, his new family’s enthusiastic entreaty to come see the oven up close results in a funny misunderstanding. Our Take: There’s a heartbreaking series of contrasts at the heart of The Children’s Train , between a mother’s love for her son and her ability to provide it; between what a woman assumes about her own capacity to care for a child, and what she learns about herself as she does the job; and between a boy’s complicated feelings about both parental figures, and how that’s mixed up with socioeconomic comforts. But while the movie is handsomely assembled, it never feels truly immersive as it addresses those feelings, instead taking on an episodic structure that feels like large chunks of the source material must have been cut for time. Necessitating a fair amount of set-up and running just 96 minutes before credits, the movie itself winds up feeling as divided between its two principal locations as its young hero, but not in a productive way. By the time Amerigo feels fully adjusted to life in northern Italy, that section of the film turns out to be wrapping up, and the movie essentially lays its big emotional climax on the shoulders of a character who hasn’t been on screen for much of the past hour. Without more detailed characterization, the movie, frankly, resembles an odd cross between an interesting anecdote and an extended guilt trip, moreso than the tearjerker it’s aiming for. Our Call: If you’re looking for the kind of awards-level foreign-language films that often appear in limited release around the end of the year, SKIP IT, though the movie is watchable enough. Jesse Hassenger ( @rockmarooned ) is a writer living in Brooklyn. He’s a regular contributor to The A.V. Club, Polygon, and The Week, among others. He podcasts at www.sportsalcohol.com , too. Stream The Children's Train on NetflixPHILADELPHIA (AP) — Philadelphia 76ers forward Paul George has a bone bruise on his left knee and will miss two games, the team said Thursday. The 76ers said George did not suffer any structural damage when he that he hyperextended during in Wednesday night’s loss at Memphis. The game marked the first time this season the All-Star trio of George, Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey started a game together. George will miss home games Friday against Brooklyn and Sunday against the Los Angeles Clippers, his former team. A nine-time All-Star, the 34-year-old George will be evaluated again on Monday. dropped the Sixers to 2-12, the worst record in the NBA headed into Thursday night’s games. George signed a four-year, $212 million contract with Philadelphia after five seasons with the Clippers. He has averaged 14.9 points in eight games this season. Embiid has been out with injuries, load management rest and a suspension, while Maxey was sidelined with a hamstring injury. An expected contender in the Eastern Conference, the Sixers haven’t won since an overtime victory against Charlotte on Nov. 10. ___ AP NBA:Israel seeks Elon Musk’s influence in resolving hostage situation in Gaza
Brayden Point's 4-point night leads the Lightning over the Canucks 4-2