Christopher Perinchief — who was convicted of possession of ammunition without a licence — had his 12 year sentence reduced to 8.5 years following an appeal. The Court’s ruling said, “The Appellant in this case, Christopher Perinchief, pleaded guilty to possession of ammunition without a licence, contrary to section 3[1][a] of the Firearms Act 1973 […]

[Updated with PDF] Former commanding officer of the Royal Bermuda Regiment [RBR] David Curley has been sentenced to six months in jail after admitting to a charge of official corruption A ZBM report said, “The 55-year-old former Lieutenant-Colonel had pleaded guilty to a charge of official corruption last July. His sentence totals 18 months, with […]

Christian Sousa Matias was sentenced to prison time for causing the death of Allen Trott by careless driving. The ruling said, “The Accused appears before this Court for sentence, having been convicted, upon his guilty pleas entered 3 April 2023, to a charge of causing death by careless driving contrary to 37A of the Road […]

The Judicial Committee of the Privy Council in the UK has formally quashed Julian Washington’s conviction for murder and attempted murder. A spokesperson said,, “To secure Julian’s conviction, the prosecution in Bermuda relied upon the testimony of a DNA expert at trial. The jury were told Julian’s DNA was found on bullet casings recovered from […]

Apex Group Ltd. announced it has acquired the technology platform and conference business of Context365, “an established global provider of technology and events that connects alternative asset class investors with high quality asset managers.” A spokesperson said, “Context365 connects LPs and GPs through its software as a service [SaaS] digital networking and research platform, further […]

In a filing with the Bermuda Stock Exchange [BSX], Somers Limited announced the “shareholder approval of merger with SNB Investments.” The full filing stated: “Somers Limited, a financial services investment holding company, announces that its Board of Directors has declared a dividend of $4.55 per share to be payable to shareholders of record on 4 […]

Essent Group Ltd. announced that it has entered into an agreement through its subsidiary Essent US Holdings, Inc. to acquire Agents National Title Holding Company and Boston National Holdings LLC from Incenter LLC, a subsidiary of Finance of America Companies Inc. for $100 million. A spokesperson said, “Agents National Title, based in Missouri, is a […]

International General Insurance Holdings Ltd. [IGI] announced the completion of the acquisition of Norway-based managing general agency Energy Insurance Oslo AS [EIO]. A spokesperson said, “The transaction included the acquisition of all outstanding shares of EIO. The entity, which is expected to be renamed IGI Nordic AS [IGI Nordic], is a subsidiary of Bermuda-based International […]

Arch Insurance announced it has acquired Thimble, a leading insurtech platform for small business customers and agents. A spokesperson said, “Thimble enables small businesses to quickly get insurance coverage by the job, month or year using its award-winning app, website, or over the phone. “The acquisition expands Arch’s suite of digital solutions for small business […]

Renaissancere Holdings  announced it has “entered into a definitive agreement with American International Group, Inc., whereby RenaissanceRe will acquire AIG’s treaty reinsurance business, which includes Validus Reinsurance Ltd. and its consolidated subsidiaries, AlphaCat Managers Ltd. and its managed funds, and all renewal rights to the Assumed Reinsurance Treaty Unit of Talbot.” A spokesperson said, “AIG […]

Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. announced that its captive and alternative risk transfer solutions subsidiary, Artex, has acquired Bermuda-based Frontier Financial Services Limited. A spokesperson said, “Frontier is a management firm specializing in consulting, recruitment, business services and immigration services to reinsurance and insurance-linked securities clients in Bermuda. Peter Brodsky, Derek Winch and their team […]

Nascent Group Ltd. announced that it has signed an agreement to acquire Bermuda Compliance Consultants Ltd, and the acquisition is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2023. A spokesperson said, “Founded and headquartered in Bermuda, Bermuda Compliance Consultants Ltd. [BCCL] provides compliance advisory services to the insurance and the fund markets. Alison Morrison, […]

RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd. has completed its acquisition of Validus Re, the treaty reinsurance business of American International Group, Inc. A spokesperson said, “RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd. today announced that it has concluded its acquisition of Validus Re, the treaty reinsurance business of American International Group, Inc which includes Validus Reinsurance Ltd. and its consolidated subsidiaries, AlphaCat […]

Fleming Insurance Holdings, a provider of capital solutions to P&C insurers globally, has entered into an agreement to acquire JRG Reinsurance Company Ltd. from James River Group Holdings, Ltd. A spokesperson said, “This is a transformational transaction contributing to Fleming’s growth plan with the addition of complementary infrastructure, a strong balance sheet and capital base, […]

BF&M and Argus Group announced today that they “have signed a definitive amalgamation agreement, pursuant to which BF&M and Argus will combine in an all-stock transaction.” A spokesperson said, “The transaction is subject to required regulatory approvals and shareholder approval with a planned completion date for the amalgamation in the fourth quarter of 2024. The amalgamation “Under […]

In a filing with the Bermuda Stock Exchange [BSX], Somers Limited announced that, effective November 1, 2024, Somers’ largest shareholder, Union Mutual Pension Fund Limited [UMPFL] has merged with General Provincial Life Pension Fund Limited [GPLPFL], with GPLPFL being the continuing entity. The full filing stated: “As a result, the 14,424,184 ordinary shares of Somers, representing […]

BermudAir announced that they are increasing flights on its recently launched service between Bermuda and Halifax to twice a week; the airline is adding a flight on Wednesdays to its schedule starting on July 10th 2024, along with flights on Saturdays. “We’re delighted to be increasing our Halifax flights after launching service in May,” said Adam […]

Port Royal Golf Course, which recently celebrated its 50th anniversary, made time to allow their staff to receive training organized by the Bermuda Tourism Authority. A spokesperson said, “AnchorBDA is City & Guilds certified and was created by the Bermuda Tourism Authority [BTA] to establish our own industry-recognised designation to empower residents. This designation is […]

HenryJets.com and Bermuda Luxury Concierge announced a collaboration that they said “promises to elevate the standard of luxury travel.” A spokesperson said, “This partnership seamlessly integrates the premier private jet services of HenryJets.com with the bespoke, high-end hospitality and lifestyle management of Bermuda Luxury Concierge, crafting a truly sophisticated travel experience. “Clients will now enjoy […]

The Bermuda Tourism Authority announced a collaboration with Oprah Daily to feature Bermuda’s natural beauty and culture on the travel series Adventures with Gayle and Adam, which premiered on August 9, 2024. A spokesperson said, “The Bermuda Tourism Authority [BTA] has announced the culmination of its collaboration with Oprah Daily, resulting in a featured segment […]

Minister of Tourism, Culture, and Sport Owen Darrell is attending the Caribbean Tourism Organisation’s conference in the Cayman Islands. A Government spokesperson said, “The contribution of tourism to Bermuda’s economy and aggressively promoting the island as a business and leisure destination are some of the topics of focus when the Minister of Tourism, Culture and […]

BermudAir has launched a new promotion, with travellers booking a BermudAir Holiday package in September set to “receive complimentary second airfare.” A spokesperson said, “BermudAir announced today that its latest travel promotion is making waves by boosting tourism to Bermuda during the fall season. With enticing savings and exclusive perks, the airline is drawing more visitors […]

“While we are disappointed that the anticipated 110 units at Bermudiana Beach Resort will no longer be added to our hotel stock, we remain committed to promote Bermuda’s hospitality offerings,” the BTA said. This follows after Minister of Public Works Lt/Col David Burch announced that a “decision was made to pivot the Bermudiana Beach Resort […]

The Bermuda Tourism Authority [BTA] is aiming to enroll 300 new participants in its AnchorBDA programme before the end of 2024. A spokesperson said, “The Bermuda Tourism Authority has launched a bold challenge, aiming to enroll 300 new participants in its AnchorBDA programme before the end of 2024. “This initiative seeks to enhance the skills […]

After a shocking Season Two finale cliffhanger that left audiences on the edge of their seats, the news is finally out that Harlem will return for Season Three at the top of next year on January 23, exclusively on Prime Video in more than 240 countries and territories worldwide.

This true crime docuseries examines the murder of Annie Mae Aquash - a Mi'kmaq woman from Nova Scotia, Canada, a mother of two daughters, a teacher, and a revolutionary who fought for Indigenous rights in the 1970s and whose death went unsolved for almost 30 years.

Piráty opustil bývalý místopředseda strany a někdejší europoslanec Marcel Kolaja. Na síti X dnes uvedl, že nesouhlasí s dalším směřováním strany. Předsedou Pirátů se v sobotu stal bývalý pražský primátor a nynější primátorův náměstek Zdeněk Hřib, který zároveň prosadil reformu fungování strany. Členství v reakci na to už v sobotu zrušila k 17. listopadu bývalá místopředsedkyně strany Jana Michailidu, která neuspěla ve snaze o znovuzvolení. Členství pozastavil také vedoucí rušeného zahraničního odboru Pirátů Michal Gill, který byl odpůrcem změny stanov.

Pirátský sjezd byl ten nejzábavnější v letošním roce. Jaké řetězové maily a zprávy se mezi Piráty šíří? A čím si Zdeněk Hřib získal stranu do svých rukou? To je první téma nového dílu podcastu Padni komu padni. V druhé části autoři rozebírají novelu veřejnoprávních médií a zvýšení poplatků a dojdou i k otázce, zda má ČT vysílat sport nebo zábavní pořady typu Stardance.

Renomovaný festival fotografie Circulation, který se každoročně koná od března do května v Paříži, letos představil série fotografií Tomeu Colla. Fotograf původem z Mallorky je pořídil v zapomenutém městě Vorkuta, které uprostřed ničeho začali ve 30. letech stavět vězni gulagu. Jak vypadá místo, odkud existuje jedno letecké spojení s Moskvou za týden, kde panují dlouhé měsíce mrazu a kde si lidé sami vyrábějí sněhové pluhy?

Steve Burton announced as the 2024 Distinguished Citizen. The celebration will take place Dec. 5th at Ocean Edge Resort. ...

Date: October 9, 2024

This Doodle celebrates Uganda’s Independence Day! On this day in 1961, the Ugandan Constitutional Conference came to a close and marked the birth of the nation as a sovereign state.

The conference started in September and took place in London. After a month of negotiations between the budding Ugandan government and Great Britain, a formal transition of power was agreed upon and carried out on October 9th.

On Independence Day, many partake in celebrations across the country. The main event occurs in the capital city Kampala, where people attend observances like flag-raising ceremonies, lively rallies, traditional music concerts, and more. An annual grand parade is held at the Kololo Ceremonial Grounds, where the national anthem Oh Uganda, Land of Beauty is played for all to sing along. Ugandans enjoy delicacies like matoke (steamed and mashed green bananas), luwombo (slow-cooked meat with peanut sauce), chapati (egg omelet wrapped in chapati), and more. Meanwhile, the black, yellow, and red national flag waves high in the sky all day long — just like in today’s artwork.

Happy Independence Day, Uganda!

Location: Uganda

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Date: October 18, 2024

Today’s Doodle celebrates Azerbaijan’s Restoration of Independence Day, one of two Independence Days the nation celebrates. On this day in 1991, the Supreme Council adopted the Constitutional Act of State Independence of Azerbaijan, ending over 70 years of Soviet rule.

Azerbaijan’s first Independence Day takes place on May 28, commemorating the day in 1918 when the Democratic Republic of Azerbaijan was established. This made the nation the first democratic republic in the Middle East. This independence was interrupted when the Soviets  invaded in 1920, leading to the second Independence Day on October 18th, Restoration of Independence Day.

After work, people attend parades or gather with friends and family to enjoy a delicious meal like plov, which has many regional variations that contain rice, dried fruit, nuts, and meat. It is also common for people to display the nation’s flag, like the one waving in today’s Doodle.

Happy Restoration of Independence Day, Azerbaijan!

 

Location: Azerbaijan

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Date: November 9, 2024

Today’s Doodle celebrates Cambodia’s Independence Day. On this day in 1953, Cambodia declared independence from France, ending nearly a century of foreign rule. 

While festivities take place across the country, the largest are held in Phnom Penh. Government officials kick off the holiday with a formal ceremony at the Independence Monument, broadcast nationwide. The flag of Cambodia is raised and a ceremonial flame is lit before the next observance kicks off: parades! Colorful floats, marching bands, and military personnel proceed by as crowds wave Cambodia’s blue, red, and white flag, which depicts the main building of the Angkor Wat temple complex.

Families and friends often gather around tables to share lavish feasts and traditional dishes. As festivities wind down, fireworks light up the night sky.

Happy Independence Day, Cambodia!

 

Location: Cambodia

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When it comes to World of Warcraft, the grind for gear, levels, and achievements can sometimes feel overwhelming. That's where boosting services come in, offering a shortcut to success while allowing you to skip the tedious parts and focus on... Tagged as:

Seeking a balance between personal life and educational pursuits is a nuanced art for students enrolled in online learning programs. Without the physical separation of classrooms and the distinct routine of in-person education, online learners often struggle to create... Tagged as:

Запуск ИИ-возможностей от Apple почти для всего мира и особенно России оказался бесполезным. Ещё мало кто обновился на iPhone 15 Pro и мощнее, поддерживается только на системах с американской версией английского языка, в России интеграцию ChatGPT наверняка отрежут, а в Европе и Китае Apple Intelligence не доступен в принципе. Самих фишек тоже мало, но польза...

Аналитик Минг-Чи Куо рассказал о двух новых продуктах, которые стоит ожидать от Apple в ближайшие годы. В 2026 году компания планирует выпустить беспроводную умную домашнюю камеру с поддержкой Apple Intelligence и Siri. По словам Куо, в долгосрочной перспективе Apple намерена продавать камеру десятками миллионов штук. Также в 2026 году должны выйти новые AirPods, которые получат...

Это удобнее, чем предлагает Apple.

Apple today seeded the second public betas of upcoming iOS 18.2, iPadOS 18.2, and macOS Sequoia 15.2 updates, allowing the public to continue testing new features ahead of when the software launches. The public betas come a day after Apple provided developers with new betas.


Public beta testers can download the updates from the Settings app on each device after opting into the beta through Apple's public beta testing website. Note that Apple has also released public betas for watchOS 11.2, tvOS 18.2, and the latest HomePod software.

iOS 18.2, iPadOS 18.2, and ‌macOS Sequoia‌ introduce the next Apple Intelligence features, including the first image generation capabilities.

The update adds Image Playground, a new app for creating images based on text descriptions. You can enter anything you want, though Apple will suggest costumes, locations, items, and more to add to an image. There are options to create characters that resemble your friends and family, and you can choose a photo for ‌Image Playground‌ to use as inspiration to create a related image. Elements added to ‌Image Playground‌ creations are previewed, and there is a preview history so you can undo a change and go back to a prior version.

While ‌Image Playground‌ is a standalone app, it is also integrated into Messages, Notes, Freeform, and more. ‌Image Playground‌ does not make photorealistic images and is instead limited to animation or illustration styles.

The update also adds Genmoji, which are customizable emoji characters that you can create based on descriptions and phrases. Like ‌Image Playground‌ creations, you can base them on your friends and family, with the data pulled from the People album in Photos. You can also make characters using basic elements, and you'll get multiple ‌Genmoji‌ suggestions to choose from. You can create ‌Genmoji‌ using the emoji keyboard.

‌Genmoji‌ are limited to iOS 18.2 and iPadOS 18.2 right now, and will be coming to ‌macOS Sequoia‌ later.

Siri in iOS 18.2, iPadOS 18.2, and ‌macOS Sequoia‌ 15.2 has ChatGPT integration. If ‌Siri‌ is unable to provide an answer to a question, ‌Siri‌ will hand the request over to ChatGPT, though ‌Siri‌ will need user permission first. ChatGPT will answer the question and relay the information back through ‌Siri‌.

ChatGPT can be used to create content from scratch, including text and images. No account is required to use ChatGPT integration, and Apple and OpenAI do not store requests.

If you have an iPhone 16, there's a Visual Intelligence feature in iOS 18.2 that provides information about what's around you. Open up the camera and point it at a restaurant to get reviews, or point it at an item to search Google for it.

Some other Visual Intelligence capabilities include reading text out loud, detecting phone numbers and addresses to add them to Contacts, copying text, and summarizing text.

Apple added Writing Tools in iOS 18.1, but in iOS 18.2, you can more freely describe the tone or content change that you want to make, such as adding more action words, or turning an email into a poem.

‌Apple Intelligence‌ now supports localized English in Australia, Canada, New Zealand, South Africa, Ireland, and the UK in addition to U.S. English.

Wait List

If you've already been testing ‌Apple Intelligence‌ and are opted in, you will have access to Writing Tools, ChatGPT integration, and Visual Intelligence automatically.

There is a secondary waiting list for early access to use ‌Genmoji‌, ‌Image Playground‌, and Image Wand. You can sign up to get access in ‌Image Playground‌ or in the areas where you access ‌Genmoji‌ or Image Wand.

When you request access, you are added to a wait list for all three capabilities and you'll get a notification when the features are available for you to use. Apple will roll out access over time.

Availability and Compatibility

The public betas are available on all devices, but the ‌Apple Intelligence‌ features require a device capable of ‌Apple Intelligence‌.

Apple is still working on refining the new ‌Apple Intelligence‌ tools, and the company warns that ‌Genmoji‌, Image Wand, and ‌Image Playground‌ can sometimes give you results you weren't expecting. Apple is collecting feedback on these experiences and will refine them over time.

Release Date

Apple is expected to release the iOS 18.2, iPadOS 18.2, ‌macOS Sequoia‌ 15.2, watchOS 11.2, tvOS 18.2, and visionOS 2.2 updates in early December.
This article, "Apple Seeds Second Public Betas of iOS 18.2, iPadOS 18.2 and macOS Sequoia 15.2 With New Apple Intelligence Features" first appeared on MacRumors.com

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Apple is planning to launch an AI-powered smart home display as soon as March 2025, according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman. The display will measure in at approximately six inches, and while it is similar to an iPad, it is square rather than rectangular and it has thick bezels around the edges. There is a camera at the top front so that it can be used for FaceTime, plus there are internal speakers for playing music and a built-in rechargeable battery.


Apple will offer the hub in silver and black, and it will use a touch-based interface. The operating system will look like a mix of the iPhone's StandBy mode and watchOS, though it will primarily be controlled by voice. Apple plans to integrate Apple Intelligence for accessing apps and controlling smart home products, and it was designed around App Intents, a Siri system that will be able to control apps and tasks.

Apple designed a customizable home screen with widgets that can be used to show things like the weather and upcoming appointments, a photo slideshow, or important home controls. A software-based dock will be available for launching apps, and multiple systems in different rooms will work as intercoms. Apple plans to focus on security as well, providing alerts and camera footage from connected smart home cameras.

Built-in sensors will be able to determine how close a person is standing to the device, and it can adjust features from there. When no one is nearby, for example, it might show the temperature, but as someone approaches, it can switch to an interface for adjusting the thermostat, much like Nest thermostats. It could also detect how many people are nearby using external sensors that plug into outlets throughout the home, but Apple may or may not manufacture these extra sensors.

In addition to offering smart home controls and FaceTiming features, the device will include several Apple apps like Safari, Apple News, Apple Music, Notes, Calendar, and Photos, but there will not be a dedicated App Store. Apple is designing different attachments, such as a plate for attaching it to the wall and a base with additional speakers for using it in a central location in the home.

Apple plans to position the smart display as a "command center," with the aim of furthering Apple's position in the smart home market. The smart home hub has been in development for more than three years, and Apple CEO Tim Cook has been pushing the engineering and design teams to prioritize the device. It will be a standalone device, but it is meant to work in concert with other Apple products and will require an ‌iPhone‌ for setup.

With the smart home hub, Apple is looking to compete with Amazon and Google, who have similar devices. Amazon has the Echo Hub, and Google offers the Nest Hub Max. Apple will likely need to price the device similarly to these products, and the Echo Hub costs $150, while the Nest Hub Max costs $230.

While Apple has considered creating its own line of smart home accessories like an indoor security camera, it is not yet clear if the company will do so. Apple could get into accessories if the smart home display is a success. Earlier this week, Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo said that Apple was working on a smart home camera with wireless connectivity and deep integration with ‌Apple Intelligence‌, with Apple planning to launch the device in 2026.

In the future, Apple plans to release a robotic version of the smart home hub that can move the screen around, Gurman reports.

This article, "Apple to Launch AI-Powered Home 'Command Center' as Soon as March 2025" first appeared on MacRumors.com

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Mophie has three new Qi2 charging accessories available as of today from Apple retail stores, including a 3-in-1 Travel Charger, a Wireless Charging Vent Mount, and a Magnetic Vent Mount.


The $150 3-in-1 Travel Charger features a Qi2 MagSafe charging surface for the iPhone, which can provide up to 15W to a compatible ‌iPhone‌. It also has an Apple Watch charger that offers up to 7.5W for fast charging Apple Watch Series 7 models and later, and a 5W AirPods charging surface.

A 40W wall adapter is included for charging all three devices at once, and it comes with international plug configurations for the United States, UK, European Union, and Australia. The ‌iPhone‌ charging surface can be used while flat or while lifted up, and in the lifted mode, it is compatible with StandBy.

The charger folds up in half so that it can easily be tucked away in a backpack or a suitcase when traveling, plus Mophie includes a Travel Case that holds the charger and the power adapter that comes with it.

Mophie's $70 Wireless Car Vent Mount provides up to 15W for charging a compatible ‌iPhone‌ with Qi2. It is designed to connect to a vent using an adjustable hook, and it has a wide base that holds the ‌iPhone‌ securely in place.


The mount can tilt and swivel so that the viewing angle can be optimally adjusted, and one hand can be used to mount the ‌iPhone‌ and remove it. The vent attachment works on car vents up to 41mm deep, and Mophie includes a USB-C to USB-C cable, a 20W USB-C car adapter, and two cable management clips.

If in-car charging isn't needed, Mophie also has a $30 Car Vent Mount that holds an ‌iPhone‌ in place via ‌MagSafe‌, allowing it to be used for navigation, hands-free calls, and more. With the exception of charging capabilities, it is identical to the Wireless Mount, featuring multiple viewing angles, one-handed operation, and a strong magnetic hold.

Mophie's new products can be purchased from the Apple online store or in Apple retail locations.

This article, "Mophie Launches New Qi2 Car Charger and 3-in-1 Travel Charger" first appeared on MacRumors.com

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In the wake of the devastation rendered by Hurricane Helene, Carolina Furfare released a newsletter on October 1 stating the cancellation of the event that was to occur this weekend, and indicating that the hotels and facilities were needed in order to assist with rescue and sheltering efforts after the Hurricane hit the mountainous region.

This weather event hit the top ten most fatal and costly hurricanes in the United States even before full recovery efforts could be finalized. People who pre-registered have been given the option to roll over to next year, or to Bewhiskered 2025; due to the cancellation being so close to event day they cannot guarantee refunds for now.

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The real threat is collusion. When journalists strike secret alliances with the very people they're supposed to be holding accountable, we are in deep trouble. Lies go unchallenged.  Democracy cannot function. And that's what we're watching right now. Continue reading →