withdraw phlboss Century-old department store Nordstrom has agreed to be acquired and taken private by Nordstrom family members and a Mexican retail group in a $6.25 billion deal with the industry being squeezed by discount chains and other competition. Public companies are under a lot more scrutiny and if private, the Nordstrom may have more leeway in reviving a department store chain that has been attempting to reinvigorate sales for years. Javascript is required for you to be able to read premium content. Please enable it in your browser settings.Stock indexes drifted to a mixed finish on Wall Street as some heavyweight technology and communications sector stocks offset gains elsewhere in the market. The S&P 500 slipped less than 0.1% Thursday, its first loss after three straight gains. The Dow Jones Industrial Average added 0.1%, and the Nasdaq composite fell 0.1%. Gains by retailers and health care stocks helped temper the losses. Trading volume was lighter than usual as U.S. markets reopened following the Christmas holiday. The Labor Department reported that U.S. applications for unemployment benefits held steady last week, though continuing claims rose to the highest level in three years. Treasury yields fell in the bond market. On Thursday: The S&P 500 fell 2.45 points, or 0.04%, to 6,037.59. The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 28.77 points, or 0.1%, to 43,325.80. The Nasdaq composite fell 10.77 points, or 1%, to 19,764.89. The Russell 2000 index of smaller companies rose 20.34 points, or 0.9%, to 2,280.19. For the week: The S&P 500 is up 106.74 points, or 1.80%. The Dow is up 485.54 points, or 1.1%. The Nasdaq is up 447.76 points, or 2.3%. The Russell 2000 is up 37.82 points, or 1.7%. For the year: The S&P 500 is up 1,267.76 points, or 26.6%. The Dow is up 5,636.26, or 15%. The Nasdaq is up 5,009.01 points, or 33.4%. The Russell 2000 is up 253.12 points, or 12.5%.

I make HUNDREDS renting out my drive to football fans on match days – it’s so easy & I barely need to lift a finger

By Akiko Minami / Yomiuri Shimbun Staff Writer 7:00 JST, December 27, 2024 * * At the foot of Mt. Bizan that overlooks the central part of Tokushima, there is a structure called the Awa Odori Kaikan, where about 10 male and female dancers demonstrate daily how the 400-year-old Awa Odori dance has changed over the years. Visitors to the facility dedicated to the famous dance can see the transition of the dance: During the Meiji era (1868-1912), it had a mellow atmosphere like the Bon Odori dances. A little after the end of World War II, dancers were allowed to dance rhythmically as they wanted. More recently, the style has drastically changed. A well-organized formation of dancers in rows neatly spread out and come together while dancing, emphasizing the beauty of the group dance rather than the beauty of the individual dancers. The change came with the 1970 Osaka Expo. During the world expo, performing arts from all over Japan were performed in the Omatsuri Hiroba festival square on the expo grounds. The Awa Odori dance evolved into a show dance through trial and error to entertain Japanese and foreign visitors. Minoru Yamada, 71, a former leader of the Tensuiren dance group, performed at the expo at the age of 16 and was applauded with “Wonderful” and “Bravo” by foreign visitors. “Although I was young, I realized that the Awa Odori was so amazing that I had to spread it all over Japan,” Yamada said. Expos held in Japan have left a variety of tangible and intangible legacies. The Tower of the Sun, created by artist Taro Okamoto for the 1970 Osaka Expo, still stands at Expo ’70 Commemorative Park, which is located on the former expo grounds in Suita, Osaka Prefecture. Tours of the tower attracted 270,000 visitors to see its inside in fiscal 2023. The 2005 Aichi Expo garnered attention to its various natural, environmentally friendly approaches, such as an initiative to bring eco-bags and make natural, green walls, which helped raise public awareness of ecology and recycling. Unlike the Olympics, where the Olympic Charter requires the host cities to promote and leave positive legacies, the host cities of world expos are not required to do so by the rules of the Bureau International des Expositions, a Paris-based organization that oversees and regulates world expos. However, Harutoshi Imamura, 38, director of the expo promotion office at Mitsubishi Research Institute, Inc., said, “The public won’t allow an event that requires such large-scale investment to be a one-time event.” At least ¥300 billion of public money will be spent mainly on construction work at the 2025 Osaka-Kansai Expo grounds. It is critical that the Expo leaves something of value for the next generation. Of particular importance is the effective use of Yumeshima, an artificial island in Konohana Ward, Osaka, that will be the Expo site but has long been considered a “negative legacy.” Development of the island was started in 1977 by the Osaka city government as a 390-hectare area to be used for the disposal of construction waste, including surplus soil. The island was named as a candidate site for the athletes’ village if Osaka was going to host the 2008 Olympics. But after Osaka lost the bid to Beijing in 2001, most of the island has remained vacant. About ¥320 billion in public funds has been spent on the island’s development. An integrated resort with a casino is expected to open in 2030 on a 49-hectare northern section. By contrast, at present, a southern section, which is the site of the Expo, does not even have a blueprint for its post-expo use. The Osaka prefectural and city governments are planning to present a plan for the use of about 50 hectares in the center of the about-150-hectare expo site by the end of this fiscal year and select a developer by the end of next fiscal year. There are high expectations for the expo to transform the area into a vibrant place and help boost Osaka and the Kansai region.A 28-year-old father stands accused of beheading his one-year-old son just five days before Christmas. In a press release issued on Facebook, the Sacramento County Sheriff's Office stated that they had arrested Andrey Demskiy around 4:15 am on Friday in connection to the murder . Officers stated that they were called to the family's residence on the 7500 block of Versailles Way in North Sacramento County for a family disturbance. "Deputies arrived a short time later and contacted a female outside of the residence, who stated that her husband, 28-year-old Andrey Demskiy, had assaulted her and her mother," the statement read. "The female’s mother was transported to the hospital by ambulance for her injuries, which were not life-threatening," the statement added. "Deputies then attempted to contact Demskiy at the residence, but he refused to answer the door and surrender peacefully." Man faces murder charges in death of woman who was lit on fire in New York City subway NYPD cop killed as she got nails done for colleague's wedding after drunk driver smashed into salon "A short time later, Deputies learned that a one-year-old male child was inside the residence alone with Demskiy, and that Demskiy had possibly injured the child after throwing him," added the statement. "Fearing for the child’s safety, Deputies forced entry into the residence and attempted to detain Demskiy, who was uncooperative and became physically resistive." It was further stated by the statement that, as officers arrested the man, they discovered a "severed child’s head in the bedroom where Demskiy was contacted and detained." the statement later added, "Sheriff’s Child Abuse Bureau Detectives, who typically handle murder investigations involving children, responded to the scene along with Crime Scene Investigators." "Based on their investigation, Detectives determined that Demskiy was initially involved in a domestic violence incident with his wife and mother-in-law when they both exited the residence and waited for Deputies," the social media statement read. "Once they exited the residence, Demskiy used a knife to behead and murder his one-year-old son. According to the statement, "Detectives arrested and booked him into the Sacramento County Main Jail, where he remains in custody ineligible for bail. Demskiy is scheduled to appear in court on December 24." Since the arrest, family members have set up a GoFundMe to help cover the costs of a funeral. "On the 20th of December, our sweet boy, Micah Demskiy, met with the Lord. A devastating chain of events unraveled, causing the death of a one-year-old son of Angelina Demskiy," the description read. "The sweet little boy was a kind and joyful soul, loving all people and especially dogs. His kind heart and beautiful smile warmed the hearts of everyone he came in contact with. " "He loved his family and especially his mama. He loved being with family, going to the park, and singing hymns with his family," it continued. "If you have it on your heart to help our family in this difficult time, please keep us in your prayers." As of Monday, the fundraiser had raised $82,444 out of its $100,000 goal. DAILY NEWSLETTER: Sign up here to get the latest news and updates from the Mirror US straight to your inbox with our FREE newsletter.

Five takeaways from Tinubu’s maiden media chatSaquon Barkley reacts to Giants releasing QB Daniel Jones - Giants WireATLANTA , Dec. 23, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- KORE Group Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: KORE) ("KORE" or the "Company"), the global pure-play Internet of Things ("IoT") hyperscaler and provider of IoT Connectivity, Solutions, and Analytics, today announced it has received notification (the "Acceptance Letter") from the New York Stock Exchange (the "NYSE") that the NYSE has accepted the Company's previously-submitted plan (the "Plan") to regain compliance with the NYSE's continued listing standards set forth in Section 802.01B of the NYSE Listed Company Manual relating to minimum market capitalization and stockholders' equity. In the Acceptance Letter, the NYSE granted the Company an 18-month period from September 12, 2024 (the "Plan Period") to regain compliance with the continued listing standards. As part of the Plan, the Company is required to provide the NYSE quarterly updates regarding its progress towards the goals and initiatives in the Plan. In the Plan, Kore included details regarding previously reported operational restructuring activities, as well as an outlook on the Company's business. The Company expects its common stock will continue to be listed on the NYSE during the Plan Period, subject to the Company adherence to the Plan and compliance with other applicable NYSE continued listing standards. The Company's receipt of such notification from the NYSE does not affect the Company's business, operations or reporting requirements with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Cautionary Note on Forward-Looking Statements This press release includes certain statements that are not historical facts but are forward-looking statements for purposes of the safe harbor provisions under the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements generally are accompanied by words such as "believe," "guidance," "project," "may," "will," "estimate," "continue," "anticipate," "intend," "expect," "should," "would," "plan," "predict," "potential," "seem," "seek," "future," "outlook," and similar expressions that predict or indicate future events or trends or that are not statements of historical matters. These forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements regarding expected progress with the Company's compliance plan submitted to the NYSE, expected compliance with continued listing standards of the NYSE and expected continued listing of the Company's common stock on the NYSE. These statements are based on various assumptions and on the current expectations of KORE's management. These forward-looking statements are provided for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to serve as and must not be relied on by any investor or other person as, a guarantee, an assurance, a prediction or a definitive statement of fact or probability. Actual events and circumstances are difficult or impossible to predict and will differ from assumptions. Many actual events and circumstances are beyond the control of KORE. These forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, including general economic, financial, legal, political and business conditions and changes in domestic and foreign markets; the potential effects of COVID-19; risks related to the rollout of KORE's business and the timing of expected business milestones; risks relating to the integration of KORE's acquired companies, including the acquisition of Twilio's IoT business, changes in the assumptions underlying KORE's expectations regarding its future business; our ability to negotiate and sign a definitive contract with a customer in our sales funnel; our ability to realize some or all of estimates relating to customer contracts as revenue, including any contractual options available to customers or contractual periods that are subject to termination for convenience provisions; the effects of competition on KORE's future business; and the outcome of judicial proceedings to which KORE is, or may become a party. If the risks materialize or assumptions prove incorrect, actual results could differ materially from the results implied by these forward-looking statements. There may be additional risks that KORE presently does not know or that KORE currently believes are immaterial that could also cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking statements. In addition, forward-looking statements reflect KORE's expectations, plans or forecasts of future events and views as of the date of this press release. KORE anticipates that subsequent events and developments will cause these assessments to change. However, while KORE may elect to update these forward-looking statements at some point in the future, KORE specifically disclaims any obligation to do so. These forward-looking statements should not be relied upon as representing KORE's assessments as of any date subsequent to the date of this press release. Accordingly, undue reliance should not be placed upon the forward-looking statements. KORE Investor Contact: Vik Vijayvergiya Vice President, IR, Corporate Development and Strategy vvijayvergiya@korewireless.com (770) 280-0324 View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/kore-announces-nyse-acceptance-of-plan-to-regain-listing-compliance-302338621.html SOURCE KORE Group Holdings, Inc.

ATLANTA , Dec. 23, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- KORE Group Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: KORE) ("KORE" or the "Company"), the global pure-play Internet of Things ("IoT") hyperscaler and provider of IoT Connectivity, Solutions, and Analytics, today announced it has received notification (the "Acceptance Letter") from the New York Stock Exchange (the "NYSE") that the NYSE has accepted the Company's previously-submitted plan (the "Plan") to regain compliance with the NYSE's continued listing standards set forth in Section 802.01B of the NYSE Listed Company Manual relating to minimum market capitalization and stockholders' equity. In the Acceptance Letter, the NYSE granted the Company an 18-month period from September 12, 2024 (the "Plan Period") to regain compliance with the continued listing standards. As part of the Plan, the Company is required to provide the NYSE quarterly updates regarding its progress towards the goals and initiatives in the Plan. In the Plan, Kore included details regarding previously reported operational restructuring activities, as well as an outlook on the Company's business. The Company expects its common stock will continue to be listed on the NYSE during the Plan Period, subject to the Company adherence to the Plan and compliance with other applicable NYSE continued listing standards. The Company's receipt of such notification from the NYSE does not affect the Company's business, operations or reporting requirements with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Cautionary Note on Forward-Looking Statements This press release includes certain statements that are not historical facts but are forward-looking statements for purposes of the safe harbor provisions under the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements generally are accompanied by words such as "believe," "guidance," "project," "may," "will," "estimate," "continue," "anticipate," "intend," "expect," "should," "would," "plan," "predict," "potential," "seem," "seek," "future," "outlook," and similar expressions that predict or indicate future events or trends or that are not statements of historical matters. These forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements regarding expected progress with the Company's compliance plan submitted to the NYSE, expected compliance with continued listing standards of the NYSE and expected continued listing of the Company's common stock on the NYSE. These statements are based on various assumptions and on the current expectations of KORE's management. These forward-looking statements are provided for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to serve as and must not be relied on by any investor or other person as, a guarantee, an assurance, a prediction or a definitive statement of fact or probability. Actual events and circumstances are difficult or impossible to predict and will differ from assumptions. Many actual events and circumstances are beyond the control of KORE. These forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, including general economic, financial, legal, political and business conditions and changes in domestic and foreign markets; the potential effects of COVID-19; risks related to the rollout of KORE's business and the timing of expected business milestones; risks relating to the integration of KORE's acquired companies, including the acquisition of Twilio's IoT business, changes in the assumptions underlying KORE's expectations regarding its future business; our ability to negotiate and sign a definitive contract with a customer in our sales funnel; our ability to realize some or all of estimates relating to customer contracts as revenue, including any contractual options available to customers or contractual periods that are subject to termination for convenience provisions; the effects of competition on KORE's future business; and the outcome of judicial proceedings to which KORE is, or may become a party. If the risks materialize or assumptions prove incorrect, actual results could differ materially from the results implied by these forward-looking statements. There may be additional risks that KORE presently does not know or that KORE currently believes are immaterial that could also cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking statements. In addition, forward-looking statements reflect KORE's expectations, plans or forecasts of future events and views as of the date of this press release. KORE anticipates that subsequent events and developments will cause these assessments to change. However, while KORE may elect to update these forward-looking statements at some point in the future, KORE specifically disclaims any obligation to do so. These forward-looking statements should not be relied upon as representing KORE's assessments as of any date subsequent to the date of this press release. Accordingly, undue reliance should not be placed upon the forward-looking statements. KORE Investor Contact: Vik Vijayvergiya Vice President, IR, Corporate Development and Strategy vvijayvergiya@korewireless.com (770) 280-0324 View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/kore-announces-nyse-acceptance-of-plan-to-regain-listing-compliance-302338621.html SOURCE KORE Group Holdings, Inc.Trump reiterates he wants to buy Greenland for US security

Guess which ASX healthcare stock is jumping 7% on US FDA approval news

NEW YORK — There's a Christmas Day basketball game at Walt Disney World, featuring Mickey, Minnie, Goofy and Wemby. An animated game, anyway. The real game takes place at Madison Square Garden, where Victor Wembanyama and the San Antonio Spurs face the New York Knicks in a game televised on ABC and ESPN and streamed on Disney+ and ESPN+. The special alt-cast, the first animated presentation of an NBA game, will be shown on ESPN2 and also stream on Disney+ and ESPN+. Madison Square Garden is a staple of the NBA's Christmas schedule. Now it merges with a bigger home of the holidays, because the "Dunk the Halls" game will be staged at Disney, on a court set up right smack in the middle of where countless families have posed for vacation photos. Why that location? Because it was Mickey Mouse's Christmas wish. "Basketball courts often have the ability to make a normal environment look special, but in Disney it can only turn out incredible," Wembanyama said in an ESPN video promoting his Christmas debut. The story — this is Disney, after all — begins with Mickey penning a letter to Santa Claus, asking if he and his pals can host a basketball game. They'll not only get to watch one with NBA players, but some of them will even get to play. Goofy and Donald Duck will sub in for a couple Knicks players, while Mickey and Minnie Mouse will come on to play for the Spurs. "It looks to me like Goofy and Jalen Brunson have a really good pick-and-roll at the elite level," said Phil Orlins, an ESPN vice president of production. Walt Disney World hosted real NBA games in 2020, when the league set up there to complete its season that had been suspended by the COVID-19 pandemic. Those games were played at the ESPN Wide World of Sports. The setting for the Christmas game will be Main Street USA, at the entrance of the Magic Kingdom. Viewers will recognize Cinderella's castle behind one baseline and the train station at the other end, and perhaps some shops they have visited in between. Previous alternate animated broadcasts included an NFL game taking place in Andy's room from "Toy Story;" the "NHL Big City Greens Classic" during a game between the Washington Capitals and New York Rangers; and earlier this month, another NFL matchup between the Cincinnati Bengals and Dallas Cowboys also taking place at Springfield's Atoms Stadium as part of "The Simpsons Funday Football." Unlike basketball, the players are helmeted in those sports. So, this telecast required an extra level of detail and cooperation with players and teams to create accurate appearances of their faces and hairstyles. "So, this is a level of detail that we've never gone, that we've never done on any other broadcast," said David Sparrgrove, the senior director of creative animation for ESPN. Wembanyama, the 7-foot-3 phenom from France who was last season's NBA Rookie of the Year, looks huge even among most NBA players. The creators of the alternate telecast had to design how he'd look not only among his teammates and rivals, but among mice, ducks and chipmunks. "Like, Victor Wembanyama, seeing him in person is insane. It's like seeing an alien descend on a basketball court, and I think we kind of captured that in his animated character," said Drew Carter, who will again handle play-by-play duties, as he had in the previous animated telecasts, and will get an assist from sideline reporter Daisy Duck. Wembanyama's presence is one reason the Spurs-Knicks matchup, the leadoff to the NBA's five-game Christmas slate, was the obvious choice to do the animated telecast. The noon EST start means it will begin in the early evening in France and should draw well there. Also, it comes after ABC televises the "Disney Parks Magical Christmas Day Parade" for the previous two hours, providing more time to hype the broadcast. Recognizing that some viewers who then switch over to the animated game may be Disney experts but NBA novices, there will be 10 educational explainers to help with basketball lingo and rules. Beyond Sports' visualization technology and Sony's Hawk-Eye tracking allow the animated players to make the same movements and plays made moments earlier by the real ones at MSG. Carter and analyst Monica McNutt will be animated in the style of the telecast, donning VR headsets to experience the game from Main Street, USA. Other animated faces recognizable to some viewers include NBA Commissioner Adam Silver, who will judge a halftime dunk contest among Mickey and his friends, and Santa himself, who will operate ESPN's "SkyCam" during the game. The players are curious how the production — and themselves — will look. "It's going to be so crazy to see the game animated," Spurs veteran Chris Paul said. "I think what's dope about it is it will give kids another opportunity to watch a game and to see us, basically, as characters." Get local news delivered to your inbox!

KORE Announces NYSE Acceptance of Plan to Regain Listing Compliance

Renck: Nikola Jokic’s frustration becoming impossible to ignore. Are Malone, Booth, Kroenke paying attention?ATLANTA , Dec. 23, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- KORE Group Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: KORE) ("KORE" or the "Company"), the global pure-play Internet of Things ("IoT") hyperscaler and provider of IoT Connectivity, Solutions, and Analytics, today announced it has received notification (the "Acceptance Letter") from the New York Stock Exchange (the "NYSE") that the NYSE has accepted the Company's previously-submitted plan (the "Plan") to regain compliance with the NYSE's continued listing standards set forth in Section 802.01B of the NYSE Listed Company Manual relating to minimum market capitalization and stockholders' equity. In the Acceptance Letter, the NYSE granted the Company an 18-month period from September 12, 2024 (the "Plan Period") to regain compliance with the continued listing standards. As part of the Plan, the Company is required to provide the NYSE quarterly updates regarding its progress towards the goals and initiatives in the Plan. In the Plan, Kore included details regarding previously reported operational restructuring activities, as well as an outlook on the Company's business. The Company expects its common stock will continue to be listed on the NYSE during the Plan Period, subject to the Company adherence to the Plan and compliance with other applicable NYSE continued listing standards. The Company's receipt of such notification from the NYSE does not affect the Company's business, operations or reporting requirements with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Cautionary Note on Forward-Looking Statements This press release includes certain statements that are not historical facts but are forward-looking statements for purposes of the safe harbor provisions under the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements generally are accompanied by words such as "believe," "guidance," "project," "may," "will," "estimate," "continue," "anticipate," "intend," "expect," "should," "would," "plan," "predict," "potential," "seem," "seek," "future," "outlook," and similar expressions that predict or indicate future events or trends or that are not statements of historical matters. These forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements regarding expected progress with the Company's compliance plan submitted to the NYSE, expected compliance with continued listing standards of the NYSE and expected continued listing of the Company's common stock on the NYSE. These statements are based on various assumptions and on the current expectations of KORE's management. These forward-looking statements are provided for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to serve as and must not be relied on by any investor or other person as, a guarantee, an assurance, a prediction or a definitive statement of fact or probability. Actual events and circumstances are difficult or impossible to predict and will differ from assumptions. Many actual events and circumstances are beyond the control of KORE. These forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, including general economic, financial, legal, political and business conditions and changes in domestic and foreign markets; the potential effects of COVID-19; risks related to the rollout of KORE's business and the timing of expected business milestones; risks relating to the integration of KORE's acquired companies, including the acquisition of Twilio's IoT business, changes in the assumptions underlying KORE's expectations regarding its future business; our ability to negotiate and sign a definitive contract with a customer in our sales funnel; our ability to realize some or all of estimates relating to customer contracts as revenue, including any contractual options available to customers or contractual periods that are subject to termination for convenience provisions; the effects of competition on KORE's future business; and the outcome of judicial proceedings to which KORE is, or may become a party. If the risks materialize or assumptions prove incorrect, actual results could differ materially from the results implied by these forward-looking statements. There may be additional risks that KORE presently does not know or that KORE currently believes are immaterial that could also cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking statements. In addition, forward-looking statements reflect KORE's expectations, plans or forecasts of future events and views as of the date of this press release. KORE anticipates that subsequent events and developments will cause these assessments to change. However, while KORE may elect to update these forward-looking statements at some point in the future, KORE specifically disclaims any obligation to do so. These forward-looking statements should not be relied upon as representing KORE's assessments as of any date subsequent to the date of this press release. Accordingly, undue reliance should not be placed upon the forward-looking statements. KORE Investor Contact: Vik Vijayvergiya Vice President, IR, Corporate Development and Strategy vvijayvergiya@korewireless.com (770) 280-0324 View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/kore-announces-nyse-acceptance-of-plan-to-regain-listing-compliance-302338621.html SOURCE KORE Group Holdings, Inc.

Headed South for Winter? 5 Tips for Snowbirds About to Take FlightFor retro gaming enthusiasts, miniature versions of classic consoles have become a hot commodity. Nintendo has capitalized on this trend with smash hits like the NES Classic and SNES Classic, and Sony followed suit with the PlayStation Classic. Sega even dipped their toes in the water with the Genesis Mini and Genesis Mini 2. So, naturally, fans have been clamoring for Sega to give the same treatment to two of its most beloved, yet commercially unsuccessful, consoles: the Saturn and the Dreamcast. However, Sega has officially poured cold water on the idea, leaving many fans disappointed. But why? Let’s dive into the reasons behind Sega’s decision and explore the challenges and complexities surrounding these potential mini consoles. This news came directly from Sega’s Yosuke Okunari, the producer of the Genesis Mini and Genesis Mini 2 , in an interview with Famitsu. He stated that while the idea has been considered, the high cost and complexity of recreating the Saturn and Dreamcast hardware make these projects unlikely in the near future. This announcement, while disappointing, doesn’t come as a complete surprise to those who have followed the trajectory of these consoles and the challenges involved in emulating their unique architecture. The Saturn: A Complex Beast The Sega Saturn, released in 1994 in Japan and 1995 in North America and Europe, was a technological marvel for its time. However, its dual-CPU architecture, designed for raw power, proved to be a double-edged sword. While capable of stunning 2D graphics, it was notoriously difficult to develop for, leading to a lack of strong third-party support, particularly in the West. Here’s why a Saturn Mini is a challenge: My own experience with the Saturn was bittersweet. I remember being blown away by the graphics of Virtua Fighter 2 in the arcade and desperately wanting to play it at home. The Saturn delivered that arcade-perfect experience, but the console’s high price tag and the limited selection of games I was interested in meant it eventually gathered dust. The Dreamcast: A Beloved Failure The Dreamcast, launched in 1998, was Sega’s final console and a last-ditch effort to regain market share. It was ahead of its time in many ways, featuring online capabilities, a sleek design, and innovative controllers. Despite critical acclaim and a strong initial launch, it ultimately fell victim to the PlayStation 2 juggernaut. Here’s why a Dreamcast Mini faces hurdles: I have fond memories of the Dreamcast. Soul Calibur and Crazy Taxi were revolutionary at the time, and I spent countless hours playing Phantasy Star Online with friends, experiencing online console gaming for the first time. The Dreamcast’s demise was truly the end of an era for Sega. The Cost Factor: A Major Obstacle Perhaps the biggest hurdle for both the Saturn and Dreamcast Mini is the cost of production. Okunari specifically cited this as a key reason for Sega’s decision. Component shortages and rising manufacturing costs have impacted the entire electronics industry, making it difficult to produce affordable retro consoles. Think about it: to create a mini console that accurately emulates the original hardware and includes a decent library of games, Sega would need to invest in: Balancing these costs with a consumer-friendly price point is a delicate act, and it seems Sega isn’t confident in achieving that balance for the Saturn and Dreamcast at this time. Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Sega? While the news about the Saturn and Dreamcast Mini consoles is disappointing, it doesn’t mean Sega is abandoning its retro legacy. The success of the Genesis Mini and Genesis Mini 2 shows that there’s still a strong demand for classic Sega experiences. Perhaps Sega will explore alternative ways to make these classic games accessible to modern audiences. This could include: Ultimately, the future of Sega’s retro catalog remains to be seen. But one thing is clear: the passion for these classic consoles and their games endures, and fans will continue to hold out hope for a way to experience them in a new light.

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MOSAIC ANNOUNCES OCTOBER AND NOVEMBER 2024 REVENUES AND SALES VOLUMESA group of seven conservative and free market New England think tanks warns in a newly released report that green energy policies, combined with public benefit charges in Connecticut, could lead to increased electricity costs and rolling blackouts in the region. The report prepared by Always On Energy Research describes renewable energy mandates and climate goals in most New England states as failed policy and estimates that compliance will cost the six-state region’s residents more than $815 billion through 2050. The Yankee Institute for Public Policy in Connecticut was one of the groups that commissioned the report released last month. “Connecticut already endures one of the highest electricity rates in the nation,” said Andy Fowler, communications director for the Yankee Institute. “Just this past summer, our state’s residents and businesses experienced a large spike in rates due to an increase in the public benefits charge, which passes along to consumers the cost of government mandates imposed on power companies for a variety of state energy policies including green renewable energy.” Environmental advocates pushed back on the report. The Acadia Center, a climate and clean energy advocacy group based in the Northeast, said the report is inaccurate, misleading, and presents a deeply flawed analysis and distorted view of the region’s future energy outlook. The study makes five policy recommendations: Reconsider emission reductions goals in the context of affordability and reliability of electricity. Lift state moratoriums on building new nuclear power plants. Allow nuclear energy to compete against renewable energy technologies to meet state mandates to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Detail the cost of state mandates for procurement contracts for certain types of energy. Require state pension funds publicly report investment fees to gauge the costs and benefits environmental, social and governance investment policies.A huge crocodile that rose to fame with a cameo in hit film Crocodile Dundee has died. Burt died over the weekend, the Crocosaurus Cove reptile aquarium in Darwin, Australia, said. He was at least 90 years old. Advertisement “Known for his independent nature, Burt was a confirmed bachelor – an attitude he made clear during his earlier years at a crocodile farm,” Crocosaurus Cove wrote in social media posts. Advertisement The aquarium added: “He wasn’t just a crocodile, he was a force of nature and a reminder of the power and majesty of these incredible creatures. While his personality could be challenging, it was also what made him so memorable and beloved by those who worked with him and the thousands who visited him over the years.” A saltwater crocodile, Burt was estimated to be more than 16 feet long. He was captured in the 1980s in the Reynolds River and became one of the most well-known crocodiles in the world, according to Crocosaurus Cove. The 1986 film stars Paul Hogan as the rugged crocodile hunter Mick Dundee. In the movie, American Sue Charlton, played by actress Linda Kozlowski, goes to fill her canteen in a watering hole when she is attacked by a crocodile before being saved by Dundee. Advertisement Burt is briefly shown lunging out of the water. But the creature shown in more detail as Dundee saves the day is apparently something else. The Internet Movie Database says the film made a mistake by depicting an American alligator, which has a blunter snout. The Australian aquarium where Burt had lived since 2008 features a Cage of Death which it says is the nation’s only crocodile dive. It said it planned to honour Burt’s legacy with a commemorative sign “celebrating his extraordinary life and the stories and interactions he shared throughout his time at the park”.

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