Month: August 2022

Categories
Technology

Sony INZONE H9 Headset Review – Get in the Zone with the INZONE

Sony INZONE H9 Headset Review – Get in the Zone with the INZONE

The Sony INZONE H9 headset is one of the entries to the Inzone series of headsets, offering users gaming-friendly features that will heighten one’s experience in game and without further ado, let’s get right into the review.

Design

Just by looking at the design for the Sony INZONE H9 headsets, you can see that it shares a lot of similarities with the PlayStation 5, and that’s because it actually works seamlessly for the PlayStation 5 consoles with the supports the console’s Tempest 3D AudioTech provides. The whole design for the headset is that it’s white in colour, other than the expandable arm and the earcup padding which are in black.

Speaking about the earcups, the Sony INZONE H9 offers a leather padding for the earcups, a feature which isn’t present for the other INZONE headsets. The leather padding offers a great amount of comfort for me, especially for those long gaming sessions that I tend to have with doing dungeon runs and raids in the critically acclaimed MMORPG – Final Fantasy XIV online.

While it does offer comfort, I’m personally not a big fan of the material being made of leather because I have a tendency to sweat easily. But fortunately enough, it doesn’t take too much effort for me to wipe off the sweat. Another flu that I have with the INZONE H9 being majority white in colour, is that it needs a lot of extra effort to keep the headset clean. While the design is made to pair with the clean and slick design of the PlayStation 5, it would be appreciated to have other color choices for me to choose from.

The INZONE H9 also offers accessibility controls on both sides of the earcups. On the left, there are the volume scroll wheel, a button for the Noise Canceling / Ambient Sound mode as well as a USB port type-C and a port for the microphone. While on the right side, there’s the power button, the bluetooth button as well as a special button for raising and lowering your audio while you chat with friends during gaming sessions.

Sony INZONE H9 ReviewOne thing I appreciate about the INZONE H9 is that it offers swiveling earcups so that it’s very easy to carry around, whether you have it rested around your neck or if it’s fit inside your bag. Although you might need a bigger space for your bag because the headset is on the bigger size.

Sony INZONE H9 Review

Experience and INZONE Hub

Sony INZONE H9 ReviewAs previously mentioned, the INZONE H9 is a pretty big headset in terms of size. And while the plastic material of the headset does make it feel like its fragile, but it’s still a sturdy headset regardless.

The headset comes with a USB receiver for you to connect the headset to a PC or a PlayStation 5. There’s also a switch for the targeted platforms, meaning that you should make sure to switch it to the PlayStation 5 when playing on the console. And to use it on the console, just plug the USB in and you’ll be able to use all the features of the INZONE H9 headset.

Sony INZONE H9 ReviewFor PC users, you’ll need to have the third party app called INZONE Hub installed to have all the features available when using the headset on your PC or laptops. Once you’ve connected the headset, you’ll have access to customize and make your own sound profiles.

But if you’re not as tech savvy when it comes to creating sound profiles, not to worry, you can use the preset profile that are on the the INZONE Hub. The app also lets you adjust volumes, change the headset mode as well as personalizing the Spatial Sounds for the INZONE H9.

Audio and Mic

Sony INZONE H9 ReviewOver the course of my time using the INZONE H9, I played through some games that allows me to utilize the 3D audio from the spatial sound technology of the headset. While in PUBG, I was able to hear the footsteps of any nearby enemies and while in Stray, I was able to enjoy the environmental sounds while strolling through the city.

I had also used the headset while listening to music on Spotify and also watching videos on YouTube and Netflix. While using the preset sound profile, I found that it does enhance my music listening and movie watching experiences as it makes the sound quality better.

Sony INZONE H9 ReviewWhile the Active Noise Canceling mode was active, the surrounding sound does feel isolated but not entirely as I was still able to hear the sounds coming from my room’s fan and the Ambient mode also lets you hear your surroundings while talking with someone.

The mic on the INZONE H9 is pretty decent, while talking on discord with my friends, they told me that my voice was particularly louder and clearer than usual but other than that, there’s not much else that can be said for the mic.

BatteryLife

Sony INZONE H9 ReviewThroughout our review, the battery life for the Sony INZONE H9 is relatively good and it lives up to the advertised 32 hours that Sony had said. If you’re a casual user, the headset can even last up longer than a week, which is great. The time that you have to take to fully recharge the headset won’t take long either thanks to the fast-charging USB cable.

verdict

Sony INZONE H9 Review

While being the more premium INZONE headset, the H9 is the best gaming headset there is if you’re looking for one to use on PC and the PlayStation 5. With the PlayStation releasing more games for PC, you might want a companion headset to experience those PlayStation games. And while the PlayStation 5 already has its Pulse 3D headset, the INZONE H9 isn’t a bad replacement to it since it’s a lot more comfortable to wear.

Although, I do wish that the quality for the microphone is a bit better to make up for that, the audio performance is amazing, which is also elevated with the INZONE Hub. If you have the budget for it, the H9 is a good pick up but if you don’t, you can consider the H3 and H7 as a more budget friendly alternative.

For more information and review on the Sony INZONE H9 headset, do check out the official product page here.

Categories
Sports

Results, medals, schedule, how to watch, sports, countries; Eleanor Patterson

Results, medals, schedule, how to watch, sports, countries; Eleanor Patterson

Australian high jumper Eleanor Patterson says she didn’t perform at her best in the Commonwealth Games final.

Patterson won gold in the high jump at the Athletics World Championships in Oregon just late July and she admitted such a big win just before the Commonwealth Games may have had an impact.

Eleanor Patterson.

Eleanor Patterson.Credit:AP

But she congratulated Jamaica’s Lamara Distin for her gold medal win and said she would come back stronger in the remaining events this year and, hopefully, the Diamond League finals.

“It’s bittersweet. I didn’t perform,” Patterson told Channel Seven.

“Lamara was the best athlete on the day. I’m impressed with her and I’m proud of her but I am quite frustrated with myself as I didn’t come here today and perform like I usually do.”

Patterson said she didn’t know what had put her off so badly in Birmingham.

“I’ve had a bit of a sore ankle but no excuses. I was struggling to get my rhythm, I wasn’t switched on enough. I don’t know, it’s just really frustrating. I wasn’t doing my best,” Patterson told Channel Seven.

“There is that come down but I put myself up to a really high standard and I should be able to perform and I didn’t so hats off to Lamara for taking out the gold.

“I’m human. It’s a frustrating day for me. I’m angry at my own performance.”

Categories
Australia

The EU says Novavax’s COVID-19 vaccine should carry a warning. But this Australian expert says there’s ‘no major issue’

A vial of Novavax COVID-19 vaccine with a blurred needle in the background.

The European Medicines Agency (EMA) is recommending Novavax’s COVID-19 vaccine carry a warning of the rare possibility it will cause two types of heart inflammation.

The heart conditions — myocarditis and pericarditis — should be listed as new side effects for the vaccine, Nuvaxovid, based on a small number of reported cases, the agency said.

Myocarditis is inflammation of the heart muscle, while pericarditis is inflammation of the outer lining of the heart.

US vaccine developer Novavax said no concerns about heart inflammations were raised during the clinical trials of Nuvaxovid, and more data would be gathered.

“We will work with the relevant regulators to assure our product information is consistent with our common interpretation of the incoming data,” the vaccine developer said.

Adelaide epidemiologist and biostatistician Adrian Esterman said all medicines carried a risk of causing unwanted side effects, but overall severe adverse outcomes from vaccines were very rare.

I have added that the Australia’s medicines regulator, the Therapeutic Goods Administration, would be well aware of the EMA’s recommendation.

“My take on this is really there’s nothing to be worried about,” he said.

“In reality, it’s a very small number of people. This is not considered to be a major issue.”

How long has Novavax been in Australia?

The Novavax shot joined Australia’s national vaccine program in February after being approved by the TGA.

TGA figures show about 189,200 doses of the Novavax shot have been administered in Australia to July 24 this year. Last month it was provisionally approved by ATAGI for COVID-19 vaccination use in children aged 12 to 17.

Of all of those doses, the TGA said it had received a small number of reports of suspected myocarditis and/or pericarditis in people who had received Nuvaxovid.

“Three cases were likely to represent myocarditis and 21 were likely to represent pericarditis,” the latest TGA Vaccine Safety Report said.

“As a result of our investigation, the Product Information (PI) for Nuvaxovid (Novax) has been updated to include pericarditis as a potential adverse event.”

Professor Esterman said regulatory bodies like the TGA had a few ways to deal with reported adverse events.

“The first is to include a warning on the product Information sheet in the packet,” he said.

“If it’s more serious, in addition they can insist on a warning label on the packet. And, finally, they can take the product off the market.”

In June, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) flagged a risk of heart inflammation from the Novavax vaccine.

Myocarditis and pericarditis were previously identified as rare side effects, mostly seen in young men, from RNA vaccines made by Moderna and the Pfizer and BioNTech alliance, with the vast majority of those affected recovering fully.

What is the Novavax jab?

Novavax was hoping people who had opted not to take Pfizer and Moderna’s vaccines would favor its shot because it relies on technology that has been used for decades to combat diseases including hepatitis B and influenza.

Unlike mRNA and viral vector vaccines, which contain genetic material telling your body how to make the spike protein, the Novavax vaccine contains the actual spike protein.

In Novavax’s nearly 30,000-patient trial, conducted between December 2020 and September 2021, there were four cases of a type of heart inflammation detected within 20 days of taking the protein-based shot.

About 250,000 doses of Nuvaxovid have been administered in Europe since its launch in December, according to the European Center for Disease Prevention and Control.

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COVID-19 cases peak in Victoria.

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Categories
US

Boebert to take shot across GOP leadership’s bow in CPAC speech: ‘Disappointed too many times’

Boebert to take shot across GOP leadership's bow in CPAC speech: 'Disappointed too many times'

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EXCLUSIVE- Freedom Caucus Rep. Lauren Boebert is expected to send a shot across the bow of House Republican leadership in her Saturday CPAC speech, demanding a potential GOP majority aggressively enact several conservative priorities.

“Myself, and fellow warriors in the House Freedom Caucus, we’re ready for battle,” Boebert, R-Colo., plans to say in a speech Saturday at the Conservative Political Action Conference in Dallas, according to a copy obtained by Fox News.

The remarks suggest she may withhold support from Republicans seeking election to the House leadership should Republicans win the majority, including current Minority Leader Rep. Kevin McCarthy, who plans to run for speaker

“I wish I could tell you that I had full faith in GOP leadership in both the House and Senate to defund the deep state and to hold the Biden regime accountable,” she’s expected to say. “But I don’t. I’ve been disappointed too many times.

HOUSE REPUBLICANS PREP FIGHT AGAINST DEMS’ SOCIAL SPENDING AND TAX BILL AS SENATE MOVES TO PASS

Rep. Lauren Boebert, R-Colo., will deliver a speech Saturday at CPAC.

Rep. Lauren Boebert, R-Colo., will deliver a speech Saturday at CPAC.
(Joe Raedle/Getty Images)

“And any member of Congress, from freshmen to those in leadership, who won’t fight with me to end medical tyranny, secure the southern border and fire Anthony Fauci, they will not have my support. Not in their re-election and certainly not for speaker,” Boebert’s speech continues.

“The Freedom Caucus fired John Boehner, ran off squishy Paul Ryan and we will not tolerate another GOP speaker that works with Democrats more than Republicans.

“House Republicans must stop funding tyranny. I will not vote to fund a government that mandates the COVID vaccine while allowing our country to be invaded by millions of unvaccinated aliens. End the vax mandate for our hospital workers and service members, build the wall or I’m voting to shut down Biden’s bureaucrats.”

HOUSE GOP LEADER KEVIN MCCARTHY MEETS WITH CAUCUS ON ‘COMMITMENT TO AMERICA’ MIDTERM STRATEGY

Boebert added, “Any bill that funds tyranny while our country is being invaded, my Freedom Caucus allies are a no, and I’m a hell no.”

The salvo comes as Republicans are widely expected to take a majority in the House of Representatives in the midterm elections.

That will aid Republicans seeking to block liberal policies proposed by President Biden and to investigate his administration with committee subpoena power. But it could also highlight divisions within the party when GOP leaders are forced to work with Biden and a possible Senate Democratic majority on must-pass bills to fund the government, raise the debt limit and more.

GOP firebrands like Boebert and her fellow Freedom Caucus members often aim to use their leverage on those bills to implement what they say are key conservative policies. Top Republicans, like former House Speaker John Boehner, R-Ohio, often see the caucus as a thorn in their side.

“What Nancy Pelosi and other sane Democrats — the ones who’ve been around long enough to know how things work — are dealing with from AOC and her Squad reminds me a lot of what I had to deal with during my days as Speaker from the far-right kooks of the Tea Party or the Freedom Caucus or whatever they were calling themselves,” Boehner wrote in his book, “On the House.”

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The Freedom Caucus will wield a lot more leverage if the GOP is in the majority. And Boebert is expected on Saturday to take a veiled shot at top Republicans, like McCarthy, R-Calif., demanding support in implementing the Freedom Caucus’ priority policies.

In addition to Boebert, Kimberly Guilfoyle and former President Donald Trump are scheduled to speak at CPAC.

Fox Nation is a sponsor of CPAC 2022.

Tyler Olson covers politics for Fox News Digital. You can contact him at [email protected] and follow him on Twitter at @TylerOlson1791.

Categories
Technology

D-Link R15 AX1500 Smart Router Review: A solid entry-level option

D-Link R15 AX1500 Smart Router Review: A solid entry-level option

D-Link’s new Eagle Pro AI series of routers is looking to shake things on both sides of the market, from entry-level routers-to premium mesh systems. The R15 AX1500 Eagle Pro AI stands as the entry-level option, but provides some nifty value through its compact design, Wi-Fi 6 functionality and various smart features including Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa voice control commands, that this side of the market have been missing as of late. It might not jump out at users in any particular way, but still serves as a worthy upgrade for those looking for Wi-Fi 6 connectivity, or as a basic upgrade for those rather bare-bones routers provided by most internet and telco providers.

Design

Much like its sibling, the G415 4G Smart Router, the R15 is rather compact an unassuming, sporting a flat white paint job and four side antennas. Unlike the G415, the R15 does sit flat on its back rather than standing upright, meaning it might take up a little more room in some spaces. That being said, the R15 is one of the smallest routers I’ve ever used, so I can’t imagine both the size and orientation being too much of an issue for most users.

The back of the router also sports three Gigabit Ethernet LAN ports, and a single Gigabit Ethernet port for even faster transfer speeds, the latter of which is now becoming a standard for all levels and tiers of internet routers. Beyond this, there’s admittedly not much going on with the router, which isn’t necessarily a bad thing. Its smaller size allows it to be tucked away, while the only thing I can truly point out regarding the overall appearance and design of such a router, is that the flat white colourway may stand out, particularly if your internet setup is located in a central position in the home.

Performance

In terms of performance, the R15 plays things relatively straight. With the ability to hit speeds of up to 1,201Mbps on 5GHz band and 300Mbps on the traditional 2.4GHz, most Australian users will find the router capable of transmitting the fastest speeds our internet companies and telco providers have to offer. Unlike most entry-level routers and routers provided by the aforementioned internet and telco companies, the the R15 can cover a whopping 230 square meters, making it a no-brainer for both smaller and larger households alike, without the need to purchase any external or additional extenders.

That being said, the R15 does play friendly with the Eagle Pro AI range, meaning such extenders and even additional routers can easily be paired to the R15 via the Eagle Pro AI app. Much like the G415 4G Smart Router, the Eagle Pro AI Engine also keeps users tuned to the most reliable band at any given time, be it the 2.4GHz or 5GHz band, allowing multiple uses to consistently access the most efficient and reliable method of connectivity .

Software

Thankfully, the Eagle Pro AI app is incredibly friendly and easy to use. As we’ve covered most of the apps functionality and features in our D-Link G415 AX1500 4G Smart Router Review, we have included the relevant excerpt below, outlining a nearly identical experience in relation to the R15:

“It’s incredibly easy to navigate, and is responsible for additional features, including the aforementioned AI Mesh Optimiser and the handy AI Parental Control. As the name suggests, AI Parental Control allows users to monitor and manage their children’s online activities. From here, you can create a profile for individual users to block and minimize access to the internet. Aside from the rampant virus exposure that may be a cause for concern for some parents, certain sites can even be curbed thanks to a web filter.”

“The Eagle Pro AI App also allows for voice control through multiple platforms including the Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa. This might feel unnecessary for some, but is a welcome inclusion for those looking to turn their home into a smart, interconnected haven. The included AI Assistant can also whip up weekly reports for you incusing user activity and general internet traffic, with recommendations on how to solve the issues that may arise as a result. Overall, the app is incredibly easy to navigate and continuously informative at every step.”

Verdict & Value

Overall, the D-Link R15 AX1500 Smart Router is a reliable router for the entry-level price tag. Thanks to the Wi-Fi 6 compatibility, Eagle Pro AI app and compact design, it’s admittedly hard to pass this one up, should you be upgrading from a basic router provided by your internet provider, or imply looking to the future for Wi-Fi 6 support, which is arguably provided here at one of the cheapest price points in the market today. Impressive range will negate the need for extenders in most homes, while such a solution is incredibly easy to set up given the seamless functionality of the Eagle Pro AI app. If you’re looking for a solid all-rounder for an entry-level price tag, you might not need to look any further.

FOUR STARS (OUT OF FIVE)

highlights:
lowlights: White coloring can stand out, particularly if internet setup is in a central location
manufacturer: D Link
Price: A$199
Available:Now

Review based on unit supplied by D-Link.

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Categories
Sports

Opinion: How Alpine lost Piastri

Opinion: How Alpine lost Piastri

Before analyzing how Alpine found itself in this state, allow me to stress that the information learned by RacingNews365.com concerning Piastri’s move to McLaren was derived not from a single source, but three different parties – on two continents, in three countries – all with knowledge of the information. Crucially, all provided essentially the same details.

However, we have omitted items such as timelines for fear that these could jeopardize certain insiders in England and Australia. All I will say in this regard is: there is considerable dissent in the team’s ranks, with some choice language peppering the details. Saliently, all pointed to a two-plus one-year deal.

Three burning questions surround the loss of not one but two star drivers within a space of 24 hours – both to lower ranking teams: Why did Alpine not urgently secure its offer to Fernando Alonso once it knew Sebastian Vettel’s seat was vacant?

Forget not that Alonso is a driver who (twice) previously left Team Enstone under a cloud; a driver at the heart of every major F1 scandal this millennium; a driver who repeatedly left chaos in his wake from him; a driver managed by Flavio Briatore, whose reputation precedes him after he quit his role as boss of the same team in the wake of cheating allegations – yet Alpine went about re-signing him with an air of utter casualness.

Then: That McLaren was talking to Piastri was an open paddock secret; that he is advised by Mark Webber – who won Le Mans with a Porsche team overseen by current McLaren team boss Andreas Seidl, and learned the tricks of driver management from Briatore – equally so. Yet neither alarms nor even muted bells appear to have pealed in Enstone or Viry-Châtillon, Alpine’s Parisian base. Talk about sleepwalking…

Finally: what on earth possessed Alpine to issue a media release announcing an alleged driver contract without a single quote from the subject? Not a word; not only was that a sure giveaway that Alpine had lost control over its third driver, but smacked of egoistic desperation to salvage management ‘face’.

Alpine’s hubris coming back to bite the team?

Our information has it that McLaren’s contract with Piastri was signed last Saturday during the Hungarian Grand Prix, ahead of a mooted (by others) deadline of July 31, 2022, then immediately lodged with the CRB, which accepted the agreement as is standard procedure unless conflicts exist. Our sources are adamant that no 2023 Alpine-Piastri contract was in place, only a vague (and expired) option clause in his 2022 deal.

Significantly, Alpine was not informed of said acceptance, simply because there were no conflicts. Australian sources are equally adamant that Daniel Ricciardo has been informed of his de-hiring of him, and that a soft landing is being sought for him.

The bottom line is that hubris about what was smugly (and variously) referred to as a “rich man’s problem” or “nice problem to have” has come back to bite the team, leaving a proud French brand – celebrating the 50th anniversary of its halo A110 model’s world rally championship successes in 2023 – with a choice of Mick Schumacher or Ricciardo. Last-named shunned the team two years ago and serially underperformed since.

From media briefings with carefully selected outlets through vague off-record comments by junior press officers when gravitas was urgently required, to stone-deafness after Piastri’s (pointed) social media statements, and clumsy pointers from team management that Alonso was not contactable – leading the Spaniard to post mocking messages – Alpine has (mis?)managed this entire saga in amateurish fashion.

When approached by RacingNews365.comin the wake of Piastri’s tweet, a team spokesperson stated Alpine was confident about its position and offered no further comment.

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Categories
Australia

Victorian emergency department wait times blow out, ambulances failing to reach code one timeframes

Victorian emergency department wait times blow out, ambulances failing to reach code one timeframes

“There are no signs of demand slowing down through winter. COVID-19 continues to pose a high risk to Victorians and will do some for some time,” said Ambulance Victoria’s interim chief executive Felicity Topp.

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Ambulances were called to 97,928 code one cases from April to June this year, making this quarter the busiest in Ambulance Victoria’s history.

There were 16 per cent (or 13,487) more “lights and sirens” cases compared to this time last year and 4,694 more than the previous quarter.

A small improvement to the number of Victorians waiting for “planned” or elective surgeries was reported, with the wait list now at just above 87,000, a decrease of about 1600. There was also an almost 50 per cent increase in patients receiving their surgeries compared to the previous quarter.

However, the data does not include the peak of the latest Omicron wave, which disrupted elective surgery as beds were taken up by COVID-19 patients and staff fell sick with COVID, the flu and other winter illnesses.

Victorian Health Minister Mary-Anne Thomas said it was not yet possible to say with confidence whether the elective surgery waiting list would continue to decline over the months to come.

“We’re still feeling the impacts of COVID in our healthcare system. In this quarter that we’re in right now, we’ve seen significant hospitalizations with COVID, we continue to see furloughing, but we’ve put in place a series of reforms and I hope to see those continue to deliver outcomes,” she said.

Victorian Health Minister Mary-Anne Thomas said the state's hospitals were still feeling the impacts of COVID.

Victorian Health Minister Mary-Anne Thomas said the state’s hospitals were still feeling the impacts of COVID.Credit:Luis Enrique Ascuí

“We are working with all of our health care services to ensure that everyone on a waiting list is being actively managed. If anyone is concerned about increasing pain, or they’re worried about their symptoms, please go and see your GP.”

Although the number of patients being treated in emergency departments has not risen in the past year, the number of those who are presenting seriously ill has, with hundreds more requiring resuscitation.

“We deduce that this is a consequence of people deferring care that they need, so please go and see your GP if you’re at all concerned about your health,” Thomas said.

Shadow health spokeswoman Georgie Crozier said the ambulance response times were not good enough.

“Every second counts for a code one, and those targets are nowhere near being met. This isn’t just caused because of COVID. It’s years of underinvestment and mismanagement by the Andrews Labor government.”

Our Breaking News Alert will notify you of significant breaking news when it happens. Get it here.

Categories
US

Republicans vow ‘hell’ for Democrats over economic bill

Republicans vow 'hell' for Democrats over economic bill

Republicans are sharpening their knives while the Senate prepares to hunker in for a long weekend as Democrats deploy a special process to pass the party’s sprawling health care, tax and climate plan without buy-in from across the aisle.

Republican leaders smoked over the Democratic effort at a press conference on Friday, one day before the Senate is prepared to begin consideration of the plan, while taking aim at Sens. Joe Manchin (DW.Va.) and Kyrsten Sinema (D-Ariz. ), two key centrist holdouts, for backing the effort.

“So, what will vote-a-rama be like?” Sen. Lindsey Graham (RS.C) told reporters on Friday, referring to the voting marathon senators are set to be subjected to in the next few days as part of the process Democrats are using to pass the bill. “It’d be like hell.”

“They deserve this. As much as I admire Joe Manchin and Sinema for standing up to the radical left at times, they’re empowering legislation that will make the average person’s life more difficult,” Graham said.

Graham, along with Sen. Roger Marshall (R-Kan.), also threatened not to vote for a critical funding measure ahead of a September deadline, when government funding is set to lapse, over the effort.

Democrats are using a complicated procedure known as budget reconciliation to try to pass the party’s Inflation Reduction Act, a massive package that would advance key pieces of President Biden’s legislative agenda.

The procedure, which Republicans used to pass former President Trump’s signature tax law in 2017, will allow Democrats to pass a bill in the 50-50 Senate with a simple majority, bypassing the usual 60-vote threshold.

But to pass the bill using the maneuver, Democrats have to jump through a series of hoops before they bring the bill to the floor for a vote. That includes what’s known as vote-a-rama — an often lengthy and messy voting marathon in which senators can offer a series of amendments for a chance to influence legislation before a final vote on the overall bill.

Republicans have been strategizing in recent days on how to make Democrats feel as much pain as possible during the coming voting session, promising to line up tough votes for the party that could be used as ammunition for the coming campaign season.

During the recent press conference, Sen. John Barrasso (Wyo.), a member of Republican leadership, said the GOP will be focusing specifically on areas like “energy, inflation, border and crime.”

Many Republicans have been keeping their cards close to the vest on what amendments they plan to bring up during the voting marathon.

Pressed by The Hill on Thursday about which ones he’ll offer, Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.) declined to divulge, saying he wants “it to be a surprise.”

“My colleagues will all have plenty of time to read my amendments,” Kennedy said. “But I don’t believe in leading with my chin.”

Republicans have expressed hopes at attaching some of their amendments to the overall bill, despite their overwhelming opposition to the package, in the event it could make the legislation tougher to pass in the House.

Still, there is concern among GOP members around the chances Democrats will introduce a “wraparound” amendment, which could allow for erasure of all amendments adopted during the session.

Sen. John Thune (SD), the No. 2 Senate Republican, acknowledged the issue during the press conference on Friday, questioning whether Manchin and Sinema would vote for such an amendment.

“Because they both said that they won’t vote after they felt like, in the American Rescue Plan, they voted for a wraparound amendment and felt like they were misled by their leadership at the time that they would never vote for one of those again ,” Thune said.

The Hill has reached out to the offices of Manchin and Sinema for comment.

Categories
Technology

Bayonetta 3 Rating Reveals New Story And Online Details

Bayonetta 3 Rating Reveals New Story And Online Details

Bayonetta 3
Image: Nintendo, Platinum Games

If this year wasn’t already busy enough for the Switch with titles like Xenoblade Chronicles 3 and Pokémon Scarlet and Violet, there’s also Bayonetta’s next outing to look forward to this October.

If you are eager to learn more about the story of Bayonetta 3, Australia’s Classification Board has detailed what’s in store for the Umbra witch. Interestingly, the ACB even notes how this description “may contain spoilers.” There’ll be strong fantasy, violence and online interactivity (with the game rated MA15+). Here’s what else to expect:

Bayonetta 3 is an action adventure game in which human characters travel through a series of fantasy environments, battling monsters called Homunculi and an evil being known as Singularity. Players must make their way to an island, Thule, in order to prevent Singularity from destroying the known worlds.

Themes The game contains fantasy themes, including monsters and supernatural beings. There is a brief sequence where a character removes her own heart from her in order to increase her powers from her.

Violence Violence consists of melee combat in fantasy settings, using guns, blades and other weapons. Gameplay and cutscenes sometimes feature blood detail.

The same rating also references online interactivity – in the form of shared leaderboards. This apparently includes the ability to upload scores for “specific chapters” within the third game. It’s currently unknown if the game will support additional online features.

Bayonetta 3 was also rated by the ESRB last month – highlighting the mature content and in-game purchases:

What do you think of this story description? How about online leaderboard support? Leave a comment below.

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Categories
Sports

Canberra coach Ricky Stuart slams Penrith’s Jaeman Salmon after Raiders’ NRL loss

The Canberra Raiders NRL coach looks to his right during a match.

Penrith’s 26-6 triumph against Canberra has been overshadowed by the ongoing feud between the rival clubs, with Raiders coach Ricky Stuart labeling Panther half Jaeman Salmon a “weak-gutted dog”.

In Saturday’s other matches, Cronulla defeated St George Illawarra 24-18, while South Sydney beat the Warriors 48-10.

Stuart’s comments followed a controversial second-half incident where Salmon appeared to kick Raiders hooker Tom Starling in the groin and the face while being tackled, one of a number of reports from another fiery clash at Canberra Stadium.

Panthers forward James Fisher-Harris was sin-binned for a high-shot on Canberra’s Ryan Sutton that ended his night with a failed HIA, while Raiders winger Nick Cotric served 10 minutes in the bin for a similar hit on Dylan Edwards.

But Stuart had his sights set on Salmon, telling media he did not think the contact was accidental.

“I’ve had history with that kid (Salmon), I know that kid very well,” Stuart told reporters.

“He was a weak-gutted dog as a kid, and he hasn’t changed now, he’s a weak-gutted-dog person now.

“Fisher-Harris … they’re accidents and in this collision game, I understand it.

“Where Salmon kicked Tommy, it ain’t on.”

Those comments were put to a bemused Penrith coach Ivan Cleary, who said he did not believe Salmon would have deliberately tried to kick Starling.

“I don’t think I need to respond to those comments,” Clearly said.

“I know what Jaeman is like, he’s valuable in our club and we love him and that’s all that matters to us.”

But the loss also came with a hefty price for the Raiders, losing star prop Joe Tapine, who did not return in the second half following a first-half rib injury.

His side badly missed him, conceding 26 straight points after Josh Papalii had scored the match’s opening try.

The club had no update on the severity of Tapine’s injury immediately following the match.

Penrith, playing without their star halves pairing of Nathan Cleary and Jarome Luai along with second rower Villiame Kikau, survived an injury scare of their own with fullback Edwards, playing his 100th NRL game, pushing through pain to put in a clinical display.

A Penrith NRL player celebrates a try against the Canberra Raiders.
Dylan Edwards was among the Panthers’ try scorers against the Raiders.(AAP: Lukas Coch)

Edwards, who had earlier looked ginger after being drilled by Jordan Rapana, responded perfectly with a try on 54 minutes, breaking Canberra’s spirit and capping his 155m, six-tackle bust display.

And he got plenty of help, particularly through back-up playmaker Sean O’Sullivan, covering Cleary in immaculate fashion with a stunning three-try assists and some kicking excellence.

“Seany’s had a great year for us, he’s been exactly what we needed,” Cleary said.

“It’s been good for him and good for us; it’s sort of catapulted his career, when Nathan’s been out he’s been able to do the job.

“The boys have got confidence in him and we’re gonna keep backing him to step up.”

Five-eighth Salmon scored a crafty try in the second half to complete the route, while center Stephen Crichton had earlier marked his return from his sickening ear injury to cross.

The result is a crushing blow to the Raiders’ final hopes because they now sit a game back from the eight-placed Sydney Roosters, although all four of their remaining matches are against bottom-eight teams.

“I’m not walking away from that downhearted, because there was so much effort the boys put in,” Stuart said.

“We’re in survival mode and that’s how we’re going to play and we’re not going to let that result tonight stem the way we’ve been preparing and getting around each other.”

Sharks vs. Dragons

Team stats

play-by-play

Rabbitohs breeze past Warriors

Rabbitohs players surround and jump on Lachlan Ilias near the goalposts
The Rabbitohs blitzed the Warriors in an electric first half.(Getty Images: Bradley Kanaris)

South Sydney’s top-four ambitions remain intact following a ruthless 48-10 victory over the Warriors.

The Rabbitohs made easy work of a hapless Warriors outfit at Sunshine Coast Stadium, effectively having the contest put to bed when they scored six tries to one in the first half.

Adding two more to the Rabbitohs’ tally in the second stanza, star fullback Latrell Mitchell was given an early rest with 18 minutes to play after a perfect game off the tee.

Mitchell kicked all eight conversions, adding two tries and two try assists to go with two line assists and two linebreaks.

Perhaps the pick of his contributions was the sliced ​​cut-out pass that found Izaac Thompson on debut to score his first NRL try and the Rabbitohs’ seventh of the afternoon.

Skipper Cameron Murray was one of nine Rabbitohs’ players to run for over 100 meters and had three try assists in the first 16 minutes before putting Lachlan Ilias over in the third minute.

He also linked up with hooker Damien Cook off a midfield linebreak to set up the hooker for the Rabbitohs’ second.

A deft offload to Tevita Tatola gave the Rabbitohs their third, before Murray put a strong shot on Dallin Watene-Zelezniak 25 meters from the Warriors’ line to win back possession.

It led to Ilias setting up Keaon Koloamatangi as Souths piled on 24 points in the first 21 minutes of the match.

Edward Kosi hit back for the away side in their first and only real opportunity of the opening half, but Jai Arrow then found an offload through three tacklers for Mitchell to crash over.

Mitchell then put Alex Johnston in for his 23rd try of the season as the Rabbitohs enjoyed a 36-6 advantage at the break.

It marked the fifth straight match South Sydney had scored 30 points or more against the Warriors.

The Rabbitohs’ dominance continued in the second half with the only blight coming through Shaun Johnson’s try in the 50th minute in a rare attacking opportunity inside South Sydney’s 20-meter line.

Victory over the Warriors saw the Rabbitohs leap-frog the Roosters and Broncos to move to sixth on the ladder, their dominant win also their biggest of 2022.

But the run into the finals is tough for last season’s grand finalists.

Four matches against top eight sides remain for the Rabbitohs, who face Parramatta, competition leaders Penrith, North Queensland and the Roosters to round out the regular season.

Fixtures

ladder

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