Apex Group has acquired IP Management Company, a South African unit trust management firm. A spokesperson said, “Apex Group Ltd. [Apex Group or The Group], a global financial services provider, today announces its acquisition of IP Management Company [RF] [Pty] Ltd [IPMC], a South African unit trust management company [ManCo]. “This follows the recent acquisition […]

Monument Re Limited announced today that its Belgian subsidiary Monument Assurance Belgium N.V. has completed the acquisition of a branch 21 closed book classical group life insurance portfolio from Contassur – Contibel Assurances Vie – Contibel Levensverzekeringen SA/NV [Contassur], following receipt of regulatory approval from the National Bank of Belgium. Koen Depaemelaere, CEO of Monument […]

Enstar Group announced that it has “entered into a definitive merger agreement under which Sixth Street will acquire Enstar, with Liberty Strategic Capital, J.C. Flowers & Co. LLC, and other institutional investors participating in the transaction. ” A spokesperson said, “Enstar shareholders will receive a total of $338.00 in cash per ordinary share of Enstar […]

Arch Insurance North America, part of Arch Capital Group Ltd. announced it has closed the acquisition of the U.S. MidCorp and Entertainment insurance businesses from Allianz originally announced on April 5. A spokesperson said, “Nearly 500 former Allianz MidCorp and Entertainment employees have joined Arch and will provide continuity to clients and brokers as Arch […]

The Ber-mazing Race will be held on August 31st at Bernard’s Park. A spokesperson said, “The Ber-mazing Race, Bermuda’s most thrilling and highly anticipated adventure race, returns on August 31, 2024 for another year. Race will be held at Bernard’s Park for an 11am start. “The Ber-mazing Race is an exciting race, resembling the popular […]

A Pan Am commemorative journey — dubbed ‘Tracing the Transatlantic’ – is set to take place in 2025, with Bermuda the first stop on the journey, which will also travel to New York and various European cities. The story said, “For many, Pan American World Airways represents our collective nostalgia for the golden age of air travel, when […]

The Bermuda Tourism Authority will support the 2024 Bermuda Gold Cup and Aspen Bermuda Women’s Match Race Regatta from October 29 to November 3. A spokesperson said, “Bermuda Tourism Authority has renewed its long-standing partnership with the Royal Bermuda Yacht Club to support the 2024 Bermuda Gold Cup [for the King Edward VII Gold Cup] […]

The Sixth Sense super-yacht — a 242-foot long motor yacht launched by Amels in 2019 that can accommodate 12 guests and 19 crew members — recently visited the island, stopping in the east end. Related Stories Video: Superyachts Invited To Bermuda Bermuda Called A Superyacht “Playground” $100 Million Superyacht “Rock.It” Visits Island 295-Ft Superyacht “Nero” […]

James Acaster explores his love/hate relationship with standup by relinquishing control of his set and accepting a healthy dose of audience interference - aka heckling.

It's beginning to look a lot like ch-aos. Ben Stiller stars in "Nutcrackers," premiering November 29 on Hulu.

Říjnové kolo soutěže Reflexu Akty X přináší jedinečnou kombinaci krásy a hrůzy – téma Halloween. Fotografové dostali příležitost propojit aktovou fotografii s prvky tajemna a horroru, což vyústilo ve fascinující galerii plnou odlišných přístupů jednotlivých umělců. Snímky říjnového kola odhalují škálu temných vizuálů, kde se krása lidského těla snoubí s ponurou atmosférou Halloweenu.

Kreml dokáže využít opravdu jakýkoli možný způsob, který může oslabit Evropu zevnitř. Každý problém, s nímž se Evropa zrovna potýká, vnímá Moskva jako svoji potenciální příležitost. A jelikož Rusko dobře ví, že k hlavním výzvám Evropy patří ilegální migrace, snaží se ještě přisypávat sůl do krvácející rány a problém ještě více prohloubit.

Ekonomická krize tehdy zasáhla celé Spojené státy, ale na New York dopadla s drtivou silou. Během let 1969 až 1974 přišlo v tomto městě o práci na půl milionu dělníků. Více jak milion domácností se tak stalo závislými na podpoře státu s mizernými vyhlídkami na jakékoliv zlepšení. 

Zvyšování daní nebo hromadné výpovědi lékařů ve slovenských nemocnicích se premiér Robert Fico snažil zametat pod koberec, jak jen to bylo možné, a dělal všechno pro to, aby odlákal pozornost veřejnosti k něčemu jinému. Nakonec přestal experimentovat a vrátil se k osvědčené klasice „za to můžou ostatní“. V tomto případě za to můžou ostatní politické strany, kterých je prostě moc.

Aby byla vzpoura povýšena na revoluci, musí nejdříve zvítězit. Extremista, který ve svém boji uspěl, se může stát bojovníkem za svobodu – aspoň pro dějepravu vlastního národa. Základním problémem každé definice je, že se politické pojmosloví zpravidla nepoužívá ve svém normativním významu. Ještě donedávna se výstižně vtipkovalo, že rozdíl mezi demokracií obecně a demokracií socialistickou je zhruba stejný jako mezi křeslem a elektrickým křeslem.

Od hraní v menších klubech až po vyprodané, velkoryse produkované koncerty – taková je hudební cesta britského hudebníka, producenta a skladatele Alexandera Kotze, známějšího pod jménem Elderbrook. Ten patří mezi přední postavy současné britské elektronické a indie-dance scény. O jeho kvalitách se můžete přesvědčit sami – vystoupí 14. 11. v pražském SaSaZu. O jeho začátcích, tlaku na výkon, životě s rodinou i o vniku unikátního „cinematic“ zvuku se dočtete v rozhovoru pro Reflex.

Beside the concrete pond, small children fish for nothing. This is all it costs to wish: a yard of yarn, a crooked stick. They cast their paper cups as if they might outlast hunger, as if a minnow might appear from muck and shoes and empty cans of beer. We watch them scoop up all …

Read more "What Passes for Optimism at MacArthur Park"

The post What Passes for Optimism at MacArthur Park first appeared on Timothy Green.

Years ago it was really a difficult process to make a set of tender pork ribs. We used to pare boil, then smoke them slowly on the barbecue and yet they still didn’t come out tender. But all of that has changed. These days there is nothing to making a tender rack of ribs at …

Regular readers will know that I was recruited via my doctor’s surgery to take part in the Fenland Study. The study is taking a sample of the population in this area born between 1950 and 1975, and carrying out a raft of blood tests, body stature measurements, DEXA body fat and bone density and tests … Continue reading "Back in the Fenland Study"

In my first couple of years of garden mothing, almost everything species that appeared was new to me, there were dozens and dozens. Well over 120 moths I’d never knowingly seen before. In subsequent years, there were the dozens of regulars, but even then still a few dozen species that were new to the garden … Continue reading "Moth of the Moment – Black-spotted Chestnut"

Removed From Troubles (Not open for application) Dave (Ant-Man series); Kurt (Ant-Man series); Luis (Ant-Man series); Lang, Scott ‘Ant-Man’ (Avengers series, The); van Dyne, Hope ‘The Wasp’ (Avengers series, The); Wilson, Wade Winston ‘Deadpool’ (Deadpool); Salander, Lisbeth (Millennium series, The) Removed From Troubles – Closed (Open for application) Kili (Lord of the Rings series, The […]

What kind of extension is SpeedyLook?

Our examination of SpeedyLook has revealed that it is an unreliable browser extension designed to hijack a web browser by changing its settings. This extension forces users to visit guardflares.com. Additionally, SpeedyLook enables the "Managed by your organization" setting (in Chrome browsers).

Соединенные Штаты доставили на Тайвань первую партию оперативно-тактических ракет ATACMS, однако точное количество пока неизвестно.

Tagged as:

Mobile is just about the perfect platform for turn-based RPGs, where battles tend to take place in contained, small screen-friendly environments and sessions can be as short or as long as you like.... Tagged as:

Tagged as:

RetroStyle Games, a company specializing in game development and visual design, congratulates Space Age Games on Supercell's acquisition of the remaining 38% of their shares, making Space Ape Games fully owned by Supercell.... Tagged as:

Здесь хочется написать что-то вроде «новые MacBook Pro уже приехали в Россию». Но волей удивительных событий они в России были задолго до официального анонса. Тем не менее, теперь их можно купить в Москве. Мы взяли такой на тестирование в продвинутой кастомной конфигурации: M4 Pro, 48 ГБ памяти, 20 видеоядер и 2 ТБ накопителя. Цвет «новый»,...

На китайском канале Film and TV Hurricane на Bilibili (аналог YouTube) вышел обзор Mac mini с M4, в съемках которого приняли участие старший вице-президент по международному маркетингу Apple Грег Джосвиак и старший вице-президент Apple по разработке аппаратного обеспечения Джон Тернус. Они рассказали, почему кнопка включения в новом Mac mini находится снизу. Очевидно, это не самое...

На AliExpress есть почти всё, что только можно пожелать — и особенно приятно, что к распродаже 11.11 многие товары доступны с внушительными скидками.

Мастера iFixit добрались до новейшего Mac mini с процессором M4. Они сразу же отметили, что компьютер очень легко разобрать, несмотря на существенно уменьшившийся корпус. Нижняя панель удерживается зажимами, которые можно отсоединить без каких-либо повреждений. Первое, что пользователи увидят после снятия этой панели, — CMOS-батарею, которую можно быстро заменить, просто выкрутив два винта. Затем, открутив ещё...

Это удобнее, чем предлагает Apple.

A Chinese court has agreed to hear a lawsuit against Apple from Beijing Bodyreader, a developer seeking around $420,000 in damages after their children's posture correction app was removed from the App Store in 2020.


Bloomberg reports that the case – the first of its kind to be heard in Beijing's intellectual property court – bears similarities to Epic Games' 2021 lawsuit against Apple. Bodyreader claims Apple unfairly removed their app citing "dishonest" behavior, while also challenging the company's 30% commission on app purchases and its control over the iOS ecosystem.

According to court documents reviewed by Bloomberg, Bodyreader argues that Apple's enforcement of App Store policies is inconsistent. The developer notes that after their original app was removed, they successfully published an identical app under a different name, "Qilin Century," which remains available on the App Store. Closed-door hearings began Thursday and could conclude this week.

The hearing represents the first time Apple has been forced to defend its standard mobile platform practices against a Chinese developer. Earlier this year, Apple successfully fought off antitrust accusations from a Chinese consumer, but the company still went so far as to appeal to remove references to its market dominance from the ruling.

Bodyreader is seeking monetary damages, an apology, and a court declaration that Apple engages in unfair monopolistic behavior. The developer has also requested that Apple be required to allow third-party app stores and external payment links.

This article, "Apple Faces Epic Games-Style China Lawsuit Over App Store Practices" first appeared on MacRumors.com

Discuss this article in our forums

Austrian smart lock maker Nuki has announced its new Smart Lock Ultra, featuring a smaller design and claiming significantly faster operation than its predecessor.


The Smart Lock Ultra is one-third the size of previous Nuki models. This has been achieved through a new built-in battery design that eliminates the need for a bulky battery compartment, according to the company. The lock features a new brushless motor, similar to those used in electric vehicles, enabling it to unlock in under 1.5 seconds, which could make it one of the fastest smart locks available.

Built-in Wi-Fi eliminates the need for a separate bridge, while Matter-over-Thread and Bluetooth connectivity options are also included. The lock supports all major smart home platforms including Apple Home, Amazon Alexa, and Google Home. Battery life is rated at six months per charge, with charging handled via an included two-meter magnetic cable.


The European version requires replacing the entire lock cylinder and comes with three physical keys, while an upcoming US model will work as a retrofit solution similar to August smart locks. The lock can be controlled through multiple methods, including geofencing, via the smartphone app, or compatible smart home platforms, and it works with Nuki's existing accessories like key fobs and keypads.

The fifth-generation Nuki Smart Lock Ultra will be available in Europe this December for €349, with the US version planned for the second quarter of 2025.

This article, "Nuki Unveils Smart Lock Ultra With Faster Operation, Compact Design" first appeared on MacRumors.com

Discuss this article in our forums

OWC today announced its new Thunderbolt 5 Hub, one of the first accessories to support Intel's latest Thunderbolt standard, and offering Thunderbolt 5 compatibility with Apple's new Mac mini and MacBook Pro Models with M4 Pro and M4 Max chips.


The hub converts a single Thunderbolt port into three Thunderbolt 5 ports and one USB-A port, and delivers up to 80Gb/s bi-directional data transfer speeds. It can achieve speeds up to twice as fast as Thunderbolt 4, with bandwidth up to 120Gb/s available for display connections, and supports connecting up to three 8K displays at 60Hz with Display Stream Compression, making it suitable for demanding visual workflows.


In terms of charging output, the hub provides up to 140W power delivery, which is enough for a 16-inch MacBook Pro, while the aluminum enclosure features passive cooling for silent operation.

OWC is keen to emphasize backward compatibility with Thunderbolt 3/4 and USB-C devices, allowing users to connect both newer and legacy peripherals. The hub also enables the creation of three separate device daisy chains that can operate independently.

The OWC Thunderbolt 5 Hub opens a new world of workflow possibilities and performance with compact perfection. By turning a single cable connection into three Thunderbolt 5 ports and one USB-A port, the OWC Thunderbolt 5 Hub breaks the connectivity handcuffs of host machines not offering enough Thunderbolt 5 ports. With up to 80Gb/s of bi-directional data speed – up to 2x faster than Thunderbolt 4 and USB4 – and up to 120Gb/s for higher display bandwidth needs, the OWC Thunderbolt 5 Hub redefines productivity. Connect portable SSDs exceeding 6000MB/s, up to three 8K displays @ 60Hz with DSC, today's USB-C connector compatible devices, and yesterday's USB-A desktop accessories. All while keeping modern notebooks powered and charged up for mobile use with 140 watts.

The OWC Thunderbolt 5 Hub is available for pre-order at $189.99 from the company's website and will begin shipping in December. OWC announced a new Thunderbolt 5 external SSD earlier this month.
This article, "OWC's Upcoming Thunderbolt 5 Hub Adds Three More Thunderbolt 5 Ports to Latest Macs" first appeared on MacRumors.com

Discuss this article in our forums

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

Discuss this article in our forums

Apple today seeded the second beta of an upcoming visionOS 2.2 update to developers for testing purposes, with the beta coming a little over a week after the first visionOS 2.2 beta.


visionOS 2.2 can be installed by going to the Software Update section of the Settings app on the Vision Pro and opting into Beta Updates.

The visionOS 2.2 update adds a new feature for the Mac Virtual Display option, allowing it to be set to Wide and Ultrawide. The Ultrawide setting is equivalent to two 4K displays side-by-side, and it is a notable improvement over the current Mac Virtual Display that's available in visionOS 2.1.

The Mac Virtual Display allows the Vision Pro to be connected to a Mac with the Vision Pro serving as the display for the machine. The virtual Mac desktop works just like a standard desktop with an external display, but Vision Pro does not support multiple displays. As a solution, Apple has added the option for a wider display to maximize space.

This article, "Apple Seeds Second Beta of visionOS 2.2 to Developers With Ultrawide Mac Virtual Display" first appeared on MacRumors.com

Discuss this article in our forums

Popular repair site iFixit today disassembled one of Apple's new M4 Mac mini machines for a teardown video that gives us a more complete look at the inside of the device.

Compared to the prior version of the Mac mini, the M4 model is densely packed with little space between components, which is how Apple slimmed down the size so much. The ‌M4 Mac mini‌ measures in at 5x5 inches, down from 7.5x7.5 inches, a size reduction that makes a major difference.

The power supply module is a board that extends across the top of the case, a design that Apple has previously used for the HomePod. The power supply normally takes up a lot of space, so that's how Apple shrunk it down without compromising performance.

In the middle of the ‌Mac mini‌, there's a fan that works with the redesigned thermal management system of the machine to pull in air from the environment, circulate it through each level of the ‌Mac mini‌, and then vent it out through the bottom. Because the M4 Pro versions of the ‌Mac mini‌ need more cooling power, Apple equipped them with a larger copper heatsink than the heatsink in the standard ‌M4 Mac mini‌ models.

iFixit is a little late to the ‌Mac mini‌ teardown, which means we have seen prior videos that provided some insight into the machine's internal components. We've already learned that the ‌Mac mini‌ has modular storage that can technically be upgraded after purchase, and iFixit confirmed that. iFixit swapped a 512GB SSD from one ‌M4 Mac mini‌ to another ‌M4 Mac mini‌ that had a 256GB SSD, and the swap was successful.

The M4 and M4 Pro ‌Mac mini‌ models use different NAND modules that aren't physically interchangeable, and iFixit was not able to use an M4 SSD in an M4 Pro ‌Mac mini‌, so users who plan to swap out their own storage will need to make sure to get the correct SSD for their device.

RAM for the ‌Mac mini‌ is tightly integrated into the M4 chip inside and is not upgradeable after purchase, and the ports are also soldered, which can make replacement difficult.

iFixit found other components in the ‌Mac mini‌ are simple to swap out, and the site gave the ‌Mac mini‌ a repairability score of 7 out of 10 thanks to the easy to remove components, swappable SSD, and the detailed repair manuals that Apple made available. iFixit says users could get at least a decade of use out of the ‌M4 Mac mini‌.
This article, "iFixit Shares M4 Mac Mini Teardown" first appeared on MacRumors.com

Discuss this article in our forums

Apple today released a new Gold Link Bracelet, which is available for $349. The band was first shown off when Apple introduced new Apple Watch Series 10 models, but it was not available for purchase in September.


The gold version of the Link Bracelet is identical to the natural and slate options, but it is designed to match the stainless steel Apple Watch Series 10 that comes in the same gold color. It is made from 316L stainless steel alloy with a custom butterfly closure.

Apple sells the Gold Link Bracelet in both 42mm and 46mm sizes to fit all Apple Watch models. The 46mm version fits 44mm to 49mm Apple Watch models, while the 42mm model fits 38mm to 42mm models. Apple is also selling a kit with additional links for larger wrists.

If ordered online today, the Gold Link Bracelet will arrive between December 20 and December 30. It is not yet available for Apple Store pickup.
This article, "Apple Releases $350 Gold Link Bracelet for Apple Watch" first appeared on MacRumors.com

Discuss this article in our forums

The 2024 Good Furry Awards were presented this Tuesday, 15 October, at Biggest Little Fur Con.

This year saw the Award divided into three categories, the winners of which were:

• Image Award: Finn the Panther
• Furtastic Award: Spottacus Cheetah
• Good Egg Award: Shutter Karelian

Meanwhile, 2024's Lifetime Achievement award was presented to Albedo creator Steve Gallacci.

"In sum, 'White Fragility' is an utterly ridiculous book. ... Everything about 'White Fragility' is poisonous garbage, and it's not an overstatement." Continue reading →

Now for the first time in our history, we're witnessing a broad and powerful attack on the principle of equality. Daily, we are told that all people are not in fact created equal. Some were born with moral stain, others were not. Some Americans are guilty, some are innocent. Nothing can change this because it was all determined at birth. All we can do is respond accordingly. Continue reading →

Elected Republicans, almost all of them, are in no hurry to stop the disorder. They appear to believe what we're watching is a version of the Rodney King riots from 1992. People saw an upsetting video on the internet, they're angry, and that's understandable. But they'll calm down soon, and we can get back to cutting capital gains taxes and sanctioning Bashar al- Assad. That's their view of it. They are wrong. This is not a momentary civil disturbance. This is a serious and highly organized political movement. It is not superficial. It is deep and profound. It has vast ambitions. It is insidious; it will grow. Its goal is to end liberal democracy and challenge Western civilization itself. This is an ideological movement. The ideas that fuel it have incubated for decades on college campuses. We paid for all of it, by the way. The rest of us were so thrilled that our kids got into Duke that we decided to ignore what Duke was actually teaching them and are continuing to send big checks. That was a mistake. It was one of the greatest mistakes we've ever made. Continue reading →

Democratic politicians don't fear the mob. Notice that? Why? Because they don't need to. They control the mob. The mob operates with their permission. These are their foot soldiers. This is their militia. Continue reading →