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France mounts security operation for Israel match after Amsterdam violence




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Archbishop of Canterbury resigns after church abuse scandal

Justin Welby hasn’t said when he’ll go. But replacing him won’t be easy. Victims of decades of church abuse are calling for root and branch reform.






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Decades after spotting a mysterious creature in the deep, researchers announce a new species

The mystery mollusc has been identified




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Strava’s new Night Heatmaps look to make subscribers safer after dark

Wouldn't it be nice if you could go out for a run without fear of being harmed? Technology has a way of making us both safer and at greater risk while out and about, but a new tool from Strava might help with the former. Strava has announced Night Heatmaps, a feature that shows which areas have more activity — or "heat" — between sunset and sunrise. Yes, Heatmaps is the feature that accidentally revealed the location of US military bases

The update is a welcome one with sunset getting very early in some areas of the world, while night seems to last late into the morning. It also comes alongside a new Weekly Heatmap, which shows heat levels in an area over the last seven days. Again, this can help you know which paths will have the most people, but at all times of the day. While this added awareness is great for knowing where to go, some people might also purposely choose to avoid the busiest times, for fear of unwanted attention (there's no winning here). 

In either case, the Night and Weekly Heatmaps are only available on subscriber accounts (a membership will cost you $12 monthly or $80 annually). It's also worth noting that Heatmaps pull solely from public activities on Strava, so you're not getting the full story of how many people go where. 

Night and Weekly Heatmaps join the Global Heatmaps (also subscriber exclusive) and your Personal Heatmap. You can access any of them through the Map tab and filter the Heatmap by activity type. 

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/apps/stravas-new-night-heatmaps-look-to-make-subscribers-safer-after-dark-140011174.html?src=rss




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Meta will have to defend itself from antitrust claims after all

The Federal Trade Commission will get a chance to argue its case for Meta’s breakup in court. On Wednesday, US District Judge James Boasberg allowed the FTC’s lawsuit against the social media giant to move forward (PDF link). The FTC first sued Meta in 2020 in an attempt to force the company, then known as Facebook, to divest itself of Instagram and WhatsApp. Alongside dozens of attorneys general, the agency alleged Meta acquired the platforms in 2012 and 2014 to stifle growing competition in the social media market.

This past April, Meta asked Judge Boasberg to dismiss the case. In addition to noting that the FTC had previously approved both acquisitions, Meta argued that the agency had failed to show that the company held monopoly power in the social networking services market, and that, in buying Instagram and WhatsApp, it had harmed consumers. Additionally, the company claimed that it had invested billions of dollars in both platforms and made them better as a result, to the benefit of social media users everywhere.

While he did not entirely dismiss the lawsuit, Boasberg did force the FTC to narrow its case, dismissing an allegation that Facebook had provided preferential access to developers who agreed not to compete with it.

“We are confident that the evidence at trial will show that the acquisitions of Instagram and WhatsApp have been good for competition and consumers. More than 10 years after the FTC reviewed and cleared these deals, and despite the overwhelming evidence that our services compete with YouTube, TikTok, X, Apple’s iMessage, and many others, the Commission is wrongly continuing to assert that no deal is ever truly final, and businesses can be punished for innovating,” a Meta spokesperson told Engadget. “We will review the opinion when it’s filed.”

Judge Boasberg will meet with the two sides on November 25 to schedule the trial. The FTC lawsuit, it should be noted, was filed under the previous Trump administration, though whether it moves forward and in what form will depend on who President-elect Trump appoints to lead the agency.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/big-tech/meta-will-have-to-defend-itself-from-antitrust-claims-after-all-155730259.html?src=rss




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Warcraft 1 and 2 Remastered are available right now for some retro RTS goodness

Blizzard pulled off a rare surprise today by shadow launching remasters of the original Warcraft and its sequel to commemorate the franchise’s 30th anniversary. These updates of the hit RTS games are available right now and look to merge retro goodness with some modern sensibilities.

The remasters feature “brand new, hand-drawn visuals that capture the original art style from each game.” Players will be able to swap between the original graphics and the remastered versions in real time. If the trailer is anything to go by, the games look purdy. The simple animations match the vibe of the two games nicely.

The original Warcraft is getting some serious quality-of-life changes to make the game more appealing to modern audiences. The update includes 16:9 resolution support and modern control options. For instance, players can now right-click to move units instead of having to rely on hotkeys.

Both remasters have also received "various UI and UX improvements such as tooltips and health bars, mission select screens, and increased unit selection." The original games placed strict limitations on how many units could be selected at once, so that last one is a nice improvement.

Warcraft 2 will even be available for multiplayer sessions. Franchise manager Brad Chan said during today’s 30th anniversary livestream that “all legacy custom maps will still be fully compatible and playable.” These remasters are available right now. Warcraft 1 is $10 and Warcraft 2 is $15.

Today’s 30th anniversary stream also dropped all kinds of other nuggets beyond the remasters. Warcraft 3: Reforged got a major update today that fixes many long-standing issues. Blizzard also announced that the affiliated mobile title Warcraft Arclight Rumble will be playable on PC starting on December 10, albeit as a beta.

The developer is relaunching WoW: Classic, complete with “all-new, fresh realms.” WoW: Classic 20th Anniversary Edition will be available on November 21 and will include PvE and PvP servers, in addition to Hardcore realms.

WoW Classic is even getting a new (old) expansion. Mists of Pandora Classic will be available next year. Check the trailer above for proof.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/pc/warcraft-1-and-2-remastered-are-available-right-now-for-some-retro-rts-goodness-194335478.html?src=rss




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Bluesky surges to 15 million users after getting a million sign-ups in one week

Bluesky may still be the underdog in the race for alternatives to X, but the once Twitter-affiliated service is gaining momentum. The app just passed the 15 million user mark after adding more than a million new users over the last week, the company said in an update.

While Bluesky is still considerably smaller than Threads, which with 275 million users is its biggest rival, there are signs that Threads users have been increasingly curious about the upstart. “Bluesky” has been a trending topic on Threads in recent days and an in-app search suggestion shows there are more than 19,000 posts about “Bluesky.” Bluesky itself has also made a push to win over Threads users in recent weeks by posting regularly on the Meta-owned service.

That effort seems to be working. A month ago, Engadget noted, the service had just under 9 million users. Its mobile app also has the top spot in Apple’s App Store, followed by Threads and ChatGPT. Its recent success also seems to be driven, at least in part, by frustration with Elon Musk and X following the US presidential election.

A recent report from web analytics company SimilarWeb found that “more than 115,000 US web visitors deactivated their accounts,” on November 7, “more than on any previous day of Elon Musk’s tenure.” The report also noted that “web traffic and daily active users for Bluesky increased dramatically in the week before the election, and then again after election day,” with Bluesky at points seeing more web traffic than Threads. (Threads’ mobile usage, however, is still “far ahead” of Bluesky.)

SimilarWeb

“In the US, Bluesky got more web visits than Threads in the immediate aftermath of the election,” the report notes. “For context, it’s important to note that both services are app centric, even though they support a web user interface.”

On its part, Bluesky seems intent on distinguishing itself from its larger, billionaire-controlled rivals. The company, which began as an internal project at Twitter before it spun off into an independent entity, has experimented with novel features like custom feeds, user-created moderation services and “starter packs” for new users.

“You're probably used to being trapped in a single algorithm controlled by a small group of people, that's no longer the case,” Bluesky’s COO Rose Wang shared in a video aimed at new users Tuesday. “On Bluesky, there are about 50,000 different feeds … these feeds provide a cozy corner for you to meet people with similar interests. And you can actually make friends again, because you're no longer tied to a dominant algorithm that promotes either the most polarizing posts and or the biggest brands, and that's the mandate of Bluesky.”

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/social-media/bluesky-surges-to-15-million-users-after-getting-a-million-sign-ups-in-one-week-224213573.html?src=rss




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After a brief retreat, politicians are again clamouring for the notwithstanding clause

When Ontario Premier Doug Ford was compelled to abandon his attempt to use the notwithstanding clause to end a labour dispute in 2022, it was possible to believe the tide had turned against the Charter’s escape clause. But the political temptation to override legal rights is apparently still strong.




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Church of England faces pressure over abuse scandal after Archbishop quits

LONDON — The Church of England faced pressure on Wednesday (Nov 13) to ensure people are held to account for systematically covering up allegations of abuse, one day after the Archbishop of Canterbury resigned over a church abuse scandal. Justin Welby quit on Tuesday as spiritual leader of the global Anglican Church, saying he had failed to ensure a proper investigation into allegations of abuse by a volunteer at Christian summer camps decades ago. Welby resigned after coming under pressure over a report that found failings in the handling of the case of John Smyth, a barrister who abused at least 115 children and young men before his death. The report has increased pressure on others to be held accountable for safeguarding failures. "We... know that some people pretty systematically covered this up, and that those people do need to be brought to account," Archbishop of York Stephen Cottrell, the second-most senior bishop in the Church of England, told BBC Radio. Cottrell said there were lessons to be learned from the review, but that he was not referring to bishops.




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Israel wants freedom to strike Lebanon even after ceasefire, France says

PARIS — Israeli officials are insisting on maintaining a capacity to strike Lebanon at any moment as part of conditions to secure a ceasefire with Iran-backed Hezbollah, France's foreign minister said on Wednesday (Nov 13). Speaking to a parliamentary hearing after holding talks in Israel last week in Jerusalem, Jean-Noel Barrot said it was a condition increasingly voiced among Israeli officials. "Today we hear in Israel voices calling for it to keep a capacity to strike at any moment or even enter Lebanon, as is the case with its neighbour Syria," said Barrot, who held talks with Israeli Minister of Strategic Affairs Ron Dermer and new Defence Minister Israel Katz last week. "That is not compatible with the sovereignty of a strong country," Barrot said, referring to broader efforts to help strengthen Lebanon's governance. Several diplomats said that it would be all but impossible to get Hezbollah or Lebanon to accept any proposal that included this demand.




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Suspected bomber dead after trying to enter Brazil's top court ahead of G20

BRASILIA — A man killed himself with a bomb outside Brazil’s Supreme Court after trying to enter the building on Wednesday (Nov 13), officials said, stirring security concerns before the country hosts global leaders from the Group of 20 major economies. The blasts come five days before the G20 heads of state meet in Rio de Janeiro, followed by a state visit to the capital Brasilia by Chinese President Xi Jinping. The first of two explosions went off on Wednesday evening in a parking lot near the court building and a second blast came seconds later in front of the court, where the man’s body was found. Federal District Vice Governor Celina Leao said preliminary information suggested the man had killed himself with explosives after trying to enter the Supreme Court. She said he owned a nearby car in which another explosion blew open the trunk. Leao said she hoped it was the crime of a “lone wolf,” but she could not be sure. Police said they had not made a final identification of the dead man as they were confronting the risk of additional explosives on the body.




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Appeal filed beyond condonable period after writ proceedings disposal not maintainable

The Hon'ble Andhra Pradesh High Court, in the case of M/s Reddy Enterprises v. Appellate Authority & Additional Commissioner (ST), Vijayawada [Writ Petition No. 12355 of 2024 dated July 05, 2024] held that the appeal filed beyond condonable period after disposal of the writ petition in favour of the




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Let’s Discuss This Cover Makeover: Immortals After Dark

This piece of literary mayhem is exclusive to Smart Bitches After Dark, but fret not. If you'd like to join, we'd love to have you! Have a look at our membership options, and come join the fun! If you want to have a little extra fun, be a little more yourself, and be part of keeping the site open for everyone in the future, we can’t wait to see you in our new subscription-based section … Continue reading Let’s Discuss This Cover Makeover: Immortals After Dark




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France mounts security operation for Israel match after Amsterdam violence

Thousands of police are deployed in Paris to ensure security at a France-Israel football international.




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One dead after two reported explosions near Brazil’s Supreme Court - Al Jazeera English

  1. One dead after two reported explosions near Brazil’s Supreme Court  Al Jazeera English
  2. Brazil: 1 killed in explosions outside Supreme Court; judges safely evacuated  Hindustan Times
  3. Video: Explosions Go Off Near Brazil’s Government Offices  The New York Times
  4. One dead following blasts at Brazil Supreme Court  BBC.com
  5. One dead after explosion takes place outside Brazil's Supreme Court  The Times of India





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Who is Rajan Shaw, named in Ratan Tata's Rs 10000 crore will, now given responsibility to look after...

Known for his humility, Ratan Tata leaves behind a legacy of compassion and generosity




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Three-component Friedel–Crafts-type difunctionalization of ynamides with (hetero)arenes and iodine(III) electrophile

Org. Chem. Front., 2024, Advance Article
DOI: 10.1039/D4QO00489B, Research Article
Open Access
Jun Kikuchi, Toya Nagata, Shingo Ito, Naohiko Yoshikai
A three-component Friedel–Crafts type difunctionalization of ynamides with an iodine(III) electrophile and electron-rich (hetero)arenes has been developed, enabling regio- and stereoselective synthesis of densely functionalized enamides.
To cite this article before page numbers are assigned, use the DOI form of citation above.
The content of this RSS Feed (c) The Royal Society of Chemistry




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Soft-oxometalates (SOMs): crafting the pillars of a sustainable future

J. Mater. Chem. A, 2024, Advance Article
DOI: 10.1039/D3TA07580J, Review Article
Nidhi Kumari, Soumyajit Roy
Soft-oxometalates as a tool of chemical science for designing sustainable solutions.
To cite this article before page numbers are assigned, use the DOI form of citation above.
The content of this RSS Feed (c) The Royal Society of Chemistry




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Jack Stoll finds a new home one day after being released by the Eagles

The Eagles former tight end was quickly picked up off waivers this week, now heading to play for the Dolphins.




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NIFT’s craft cluster projects enriching J&K’s artisans, crafts: L-G Manoj Sinha

He described J&K as “a repository of Indian creative traditions




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Indonesia and Australia hold joint military drills after signing a new defense agreement

The Indonesian and Australian militaries are holding joint combat drills off Indonesia’s main island of Java with about 2,000 troops training in air, maritime, amphibious and land operations




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Three youths go missing after coracle overturns in Sharavathi backwaters in Sagar taluk




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After hosting World Cup, Qatar praised by U.N. rights body for labour law reforms but urged to do more

In Qatar, better labour law protections have been passed in recent years relating to a minimum wage, freedom to change employers and combating forced labor and trafficking




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Swiggy pre-open trade: Shares jump in trading debut after $1.4-billion IPO

The stock listed at ₹420 on India's National Stock Exchange, compared to its issue price of ₹390




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Death of woman after delivery at private hospital in Dharmapuri sparks row; RDO holds inquiry




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Two men arrested for producing forged demand draft




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After Uddhav Thackeray calls EC biased for checking his bags, Eknath Shinde releases videos of his bags being checked

Eknath Shinde’s luggage was being checked at the Palghar police ground helipad as part of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)




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‘Unwieldy’ first draft at Baku sets 2030 goal of $5 trillion for climate action

While there are multiple technical issues being deliberated upon at Baku, the headline-moment that the hundreds of negotiators are working upon, is the NCQG.




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10 hostel students hospitalised after falling sick in Visakhapatnam district




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South Africa declares National Disaster after floods, storms

Disruptive rains, floods, strong winds and hail from Oct. 22 to Oct. 29 affected the Eastern Cape, KwaZulu-Natal, Free State, Limpopo, North-West, Gauteng and Mpumalanga provinces, Elias Sithole, head of the National Disaster Management Centre




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Kolkata’s Anish who is little master of the board after becoming youngest rated chess player at 3




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Swiggy Share Price & IPO Listing Highlights: Swiggy shares surge 10% after listing at premium on NSE, BSE

Swiggy Stocks Today, Swiggy IPO Listing Highlights November 13, 2024: Swiggy IPO Listing Live Status




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Ameesha Patel sparks dating rumours with 'darling' Nirvaan Birla after their Dubai photo goes viral, gets trolled for...

Ameesha Patel was age shamed after her intimate picture with businessman Nirvaan Birla went viral on social media. While Ameesha is 49 years old, Nirvaan is 30.




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'All I do is...': After Arjun Kapoor confirms breakup with Malaika Arora, her cryptic video goes viral

Malaika Arora talking about being 'boring baby' in cryptic video after Arjun Kapoor confirmed their breakup.




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Stars Buying Property After Property!

'Just this year alone, close to 40 major transactions involving Bollywood stars have been recorded.'




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Rock and Sand - 500 Years After the Reformation

Fr. Barnabas welcomes Fr. Josiah Trenham, author of Rock and Sand, as they discuss the Protestant Reformation 500 years later.




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Boeing to send out layoff notices to 10% of work force, on week after strike settled

Nine days after settling a strike that cost the company billions, airplane manufacturer Boeing announced that it plans to cut 10% of its workforce and will start sending out layoff notices this week.




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Pete Hegseth's combat experience may come in handy after surprise Pentagon pick

President-elect Donald Trump's decision to name Army veteran and outspoken Fox News commentator Pete Hegseth as his choice to lead the Pentagon and the 1.3 million active duty men and women in uniform was a surprise to supporters and opponents alike, raising immediate questions over whether Mr. Trump's often-rocky relations with the military brass in his first term will be repeated in his second.




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Indian tourist found dead after falling down Samui waterfall

SURAT THANI - Searchers have found and recovered the body of an Indian tourist who fell from a cliff while walking to the top of a popular waterfall on Koh Samui.




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UPS: After a challenging 18-month period, our company returned to revenue and profit growth

UPS today announced third-quarter 2024 consolidated revenues of $22.2 billion, a 5.6% increase from the third quarter of 2023.




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Local artisans craft gifts for all bodies

The premise was simple: Search out local artisans and makers to best complete the ellipsis-ended phrase, “When you love your body, you …” We knew A-list artists in the East Bay’s bustling, creative atmosphere would number in the hundreds, but desire and ambition won out over realistic aspirations that might have prevented action. Here then, […]



  • Features
  • Alameda See Spot Run
  • Berkeley Potters Guild
  • Chef Tu David Phu
  • East Bay shopping
  • local gifts
  • Richmond Art Center


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Catch up on the Future of Warcraft with the Warcraft 30th Anniversary Direct! - Blizzard News

  1. Catch up on the Future of Warcraft with the Warcraft 30th Anniversary Direct!  Blizzard News
  2. Get the Drop on New Rewards During the Warcraft 30th Anniversary Direct  Blizzard News
  3. The Latest World Of Warcraft: Midnight Teaser Implies That Housing Is Coming To The Game  Press Start Australia
  4. All The Major Announcements From The Warcraft 30th Anniversary Direct  Press Start Australia
  5. Warcraft celebrates 30th anniversary by keeping old promises  VentureBeat





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Albanese flies to South America on trade rescue mission after Trump victory - Sydney Morning Herald

  1. Albanese flies to South America on trade rescue mission after Trump victory  Sydney Morning Herald
  2. Albanese channels Turnbull in Trump tariff fight  The Australian Financial Review
  3. Live: Albanese lands in Peru ahead of APEC forum  ABC News
  4. Australia news LIVE: Trade tussle awaits PM at APEC meeting in Peru; Trump’s appointment spree continues  The Age




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Airlines cancel Bali flights after volcano spews ash miles into the sky - Al Jazeera English

  1. Airlines cancel Bali flights after volcano spews ash miles into the sky  Al Jazeera English
  2. More Bali flight cancellations with experts warning travel disruptions from volcanic ash cloud may continue  9News
  3. Volcanic eruption grounds Bali flights, leaving travellers stranded  Sydney Morning Herald
  4. Update on Indonesia operations due to volcanic ash  Virgin Australia Newsroom
  5. Travellers stranded after flights cancelled due to volcanic eruption  The Age