INSERT INTO `tbl_article` (`id`, `arttitle`, `artcontent`, `artshortcontent`, `artimg`, `artwebdomain`, `artcat`, `artcatname`, `artcampid`, `arttype`, `artvideoid`, `artytlang`, `artdate`, `uid`, `spintextflag`, `langtransflag`, `artinbuildnewskeyword`, `artnewstype`, `artnewskeyword`) VALUES
(177, 'Apple TV Plus is getting a price hike — and other Apple subscriptions are, too', '<div><p>Apple is raising the prices of several of its services, including Apple TV Plus, Apple Arcade, Apple News Plus, and Apple One. Apple TV Plus is going from $6.99 per month to $9.99 per month, and Apple’s other services are seeing significant hikes, too. <em>MacRumors</em> <a href=\"https://www.macrumors.com/2023/10/25/apple-services-price-increases/\">first spotted</a> the changes.</p><p>Instead of $4.99 per month, Apple Arcade will now cost $6.99 per month. Meanwhile, Apple News Plus is increasing from $9.99 per month to $12.99 per month. With all three services getting price increases, that means the Apple One bundle is going up as well. </p><p>Here’s a rundown of the new pricing across Apple One’s three tiers:</p><div><ul><li>Individual: $19.95 (previously $16.95)</li><li>Family: $25.95 (previously $22.95)</li><li>Premier: $37.95 (previously $32.95)</li></ul></div><p>Apple One’s Individual and Family plans offer access to TV Plus, Music, and Arcade. The Individual plan offers 50GB of iCloud Plus storage, while the Family plan allows for 200GB of storage shared among five people. The most expensive Premier plan adds Fitness Plus and News Plus subscriptions, along with 2TB of iCloud Plus storage.</p><p>Apple spokesperson Bernadette Simpao confirmed these changes in a statement to <em>The Verge</em>, adding that existing subscribers will see the price increases go into effect “30 days later, on their next renewal date.â€ Simpao says Apple is also raising prices in “select international markets.â€</p><p>Apple reports its fourth quarter earnings next Thursday. Revenue from subscription services like iCloud and Apple TV Plus has been an important, growing segment for the company, and today’s hikes will help to juice those numbers going forward.</p><p>We last saw a <a href=\"/2022/10/24/23420902/apple-tv-plus-music-price-increase\">price hike across Apple’s services</a> almost exactly one year ago today, when it raised the prices of Apple Music, Apple TV Plus, and Apple One. It doesn’t look like Apple is raising the price of its Music, Fitness Plus, or iCloud Plus subscriptions this time around, however. </p><div><p>Apple joins several other streaming services that have raised their prices this year, including <a href=\"/2023/10/18/23922319/netflix-q3-earnings-2023-price-hike-increase-basic-premium\">Netflix</a>, <a href=\"/2023/8/9/23826500/disney-plus-hulu-no-ads-plan-price-increases\">Hulu, Disney Plus</a>, <a href=\"/2023/6/27/23775370/paramount-plus-price-increase-showtime\">Paramount Plus</a>, <a href=\"/2023/10/3/23901448/discovery-plus-price-increase-monthly-cost\">Discovery Plus</a>, and <a href=\"/2023/1/12/23551990/hbo-max-ad-free-price-increase-15-99\">Max</a>.</p></div><p><em><strong>Update October 25th, 11:44AM ET:</strong> Added a statement from an Apple spokesperson.</em></p></div>', 'Apple is increasing the price on Apple Arcade, Apple News Plus, and the Apple One bundle. Apple TV Plus is going from $6.99 per month to $9.99 per month.', 'https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/2QP05YUbQ5-8yF2RFEUloacoiQg=/0x0:2040x1360/1200x628/filters:focal(1020x680:1021x681)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/23988689/acastro_STK069_appleTVPlus_02.jpg', '49', NULL, NULL, '', 'newsapi', NULL, NULL, '2023-11-09', '248', '0', '0', NULL, NULL, NULL),
(178, 'Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 moves AI out of the cloud and onto your phone', '<div><p>Qualcomm’s new flagship mobile chipset is an on-device AI fest from top to bottom. The Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 <a href=\"https://www.qualcomm.com/news/releases/2023/10/qualcomm-launches-premium-snapdragon-8-gen-3-to-bring-generative\">brings generative AI capabilities</a> right to the chipset, vastly speeding up the processing-intensive activities that are usually outsourced to the cloud. It’s one more leap forward in a year that has seen a lot of leaping when it comes to AI, and it will come sooner than later: the first phones with the new chipset are expected to debut in the coming weeks.</p><p>The 8 Gen 3 supports a chatbot trained on Meta’s Llama 2, and it can accept text, image, and voice input. It can also talk <em>back </em>to you as well as generate an image or text. The chipset also runs the AI image generator Stable Diffusion on-device, something that <a href=\"/2023/2/23/23611668/ai-image-stable-diffusion-mobile-android-qualcomm-fastest\">Qualcomm demoed earlier this year</a>. This time around, the company says it can generate an image in less than one second — the previous tech generated an image in about 15 seconds, which is still faster than the couple of minutes it can take on even a well-equipped laptop. </p><div><div><p>It’ll even relay your favorite activities and “fitness level,â€ which sounds slightly dystopian</p></div></div><p>All of this is housed in what Qualcomm calls its AI engine, utilizing the company’s Hexagon neural processor. Meanwhile, the Sensing Hub uses OpenAI’s Whisper for speech recognition. The Sensing Hub also supplies the AI engine with information about the user, including location, for more personalized responses. It’ll even relay your favorite activities, age, and “fitness level,â€ which sounds slightly dystopian if you ask me.</p><p>Generative AI also plays a major role in the 8 Gen 3’s new image processing capabilities. It will support generative fill for image expansion so you can zoom out and re-crop photos — again, right on the device. The video features are even wilder: there’s an object eraser for video — just tap and an unwanted subject disappears! — and <em>on-device</em> night mode recording at up to 4K / 30p. Google announced its own Night Sight for video feature coming to the Pixel 8 Pro in the near future, but it will run in the cloud.</p><p>There’s also a feature called Vlogger’s View that will layer video from the selfie and rear cameras together into one view. It’s not a picture-in-picture thing — this feature uses improved image segmentation to remove the background from the selfie video to make it look like you’re standing in front of whatever your rear camera sees. </p><div><div><div><div aria-label=\"Zoom\" role=\"button\" tabindex=\"0\"><figure><div><p><span><img alt=\"Rendering of phones and foldables shown with Snapdragon logo.\" data-nimg=\"fill\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\"></img></span></p></div></figure></div></div><div><figcaption><em>On-device AI is coming to a whole host of mobile devices in the next year.</em></figcaption> <p><cite>Image: Qualcomm</cite></p></div></div></div><p>There’s good reason to be concerned about the misuse of these tools, and to that end, Qualcomm is working with a company called <a href=\"https://truepic.com/\">Truepic</a>. The tech it’s using is compliant with the Coalition for Content Provenance and Authenticity’s <a href=\"https://c2pa.org/\">open standard</a>, which is kind of like metadata to guarantee the authenticity of a photo or video. It cryptographically binds authentication to the digital asset — like a photo or video — so that it can’t be tampered with as easily as EXIF data can.</p><p>It’s not all AI on the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, though. Qualcomm claims a modest 10 percent bump in power savings compared to the 8 Gen 2 thanks to efficiency gains from the Kryo CPU and Adreno GPU. Dolby’s HDR photo format is supported, echoing Apple and Google’s push toward high dynamic range image capture in their latest devices. There’s <a href=\"/2023/2/15/23600171/qualcomm-snapdragon-x75-5g-modem-rf\">the X75 modem-RF</a> with more support for 5G carrier aggregation (remember 5G?), and the GPU supports improved hardware-based ray tracing for more realistic light reflections in mobile games. The system will support up to 240Hz refresh rates on compatible external displays. </p><p>There’s also a new system called Snapdragon Seamless, which is designed to make it easy to pair laptops and phones with peripherals across manufacturers and OS platforms. Qualcomm says this will enable easier switching between devices — like switching to audio to your PC for a video call and back to music playing on your phone, for example. </p><p>This seems mainly aimed at getting Android and Windows devices talking to each other more easily, at least at launch. Qualcomm says it’s an open platform that anyone can join, although initially the technology will be largely accessed by Qualcomm’s direct OEM and OS partners. Every garden has to start somewhere — even an open one.</p></div>', 'The AI-everything future of phones is coming at us fast.', 'https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/Uw9bKQHNL8ONxeaqtgWdnW0bEyg=/0x0:3000x2167/1200x628/filters:focal(1500x1084:1501x1085)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25025711/Snapdragon_8_Gen_3_AI_QRD.jpg', '49', NULL, NULL, '', 'newsapi', NULL, NULL, '2023-11-09', '248', '0', '0', NULL, NULL, NULL),
(179, 'Anker’s bassy Sport X10 earbuds are nearly 40 percent off for Prime Day', '<div><div><p>If you’re tired of your earbuds always falling out when you’re running on the treadmill or working out, it may be time to finally invest in some exercise-friendly audio. That’s where Anker’s Soundcore Sport X10, one of our favorite pairs of wireless earbuds, come in. Normally $69.99, the rotatable in-ears are currently <a href=\"http://www.amazon.com/dp/B09WMJCQRM?tag=theverge02-20\">receiving the discount treatment</a> at Amazon as part of the retailer’s <a href=\"/23903764/amazon-october-prime-day-deals-tips-news-guide-2023\">fall Prime Day event</a>, which sees them marked down to an all-time low of $51.99 ($18 off).</p><p>The Sport X10 solve one of the biggest problems for gym-goers: the irritating sensation you feel when your earbuds are starting to jettison from your ears. The platform-agnostic buds are equipped with ear loops like other workout-friendly earbuds, but unlike the competition, the pliable hooks can be rotated up to 210 degrees. This gives you the ability to find the perfect fit, making them more comfortable and helping them stay in place even during the most rigorous workouts.</p><div><div><p><a data-item-id=\"hwgMsg\" href=\"https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09WMJCQRM/?tag=theverge02-20\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\"><span><img alt=\"\" data-nimg=\"fill\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\"></img></span></a><a data-item-id=\"hwgMsg\" href=\"https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09WMJCQRM/?tag=theverge02-20\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\"><span><img alt=\"\" data-nimg=\"fill\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\"></img></span></a></p><div><p>Anker’s Soundcore Sport X10 headphones have powerful bass, flexible ear loops that keep them in place, and an IPX7 rating for water and sweat resistance. They can also provide up to eight hours of continuous battery life.</p></div></div></div><p>That’s not the only reason Anker’s value buds are great, though. The Sport X10 also carry an IPX7 rating, which means they’re able to stand up against heavy sweat, rain, and accidental splashes from a garden hose. (It happens to the best of us.) They also provide powerful sound with punchy bass, up to eight hours of playback (or 32 hours with the included charging case), and a push-button transparency mode for when it’s time to chitchat with your fitness pals. </p><p>While there’s no active noise cancellation to be found here, the Sport X10 are still some of the most ergonomic and feature-packed earbuds you can find under $70. The fact that you can choose from 22 different EQ settings in Soundcore’s mobile app is really just a plus.</p><div><form action=\"#\"><div><div><h2>Verge Deals</h2><p> / <span>Sign up for Verge Deals to get deals on products we\'ve tested sent to your inbox daily.</span></p></div></div></form></div></div></div>', 'The Soundcore Sport X10, which are one of our favorite pairs of workout-friendly earbuds, are down to just $51.99 as part of Amazon’s October Prime Day event.', 'https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/iqqbur0zgUbIfeSj7-PlCiO_log=/0x0:2040x1360/1200x628/filters:focal(1020x680:1021x681)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/24126477/DSCF0068.jpg', '49', NULL, NULL, '', 'newsapi', NULL, NULL, '2023-11-09', '248', '0', '0', NULL, NULL, NULL),
(180, 'The best October Prime Day deals under $50', '<div><div><div><div><p>We saw some good deals during <a href=\"/23903764/amazon-october-prime-day-deals-tips-news-guide-2023\">Amazon’s fall Prime Day event</a> this week, but most of them have expired by now. </p></div><p>Don’t feel too disheartened, though, because Amazon is still offering a few budget-friendly<em> </em>deals if you know where to look. In fact, we’ve found a bunch of discounted gadgets, from <a href=\"http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B466YTT3?tag=theverge02-20\">magnetic chargers</a> to <a href=\"https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0C29CL98P/?tag=theverge02-20\">speakers</a>, many of which could make for great holiday gifts. Best of all, we guarantee none of them suck because we can vouch for each and every one of them. </p><p>To help you better sift through Amazon’s deluge of cheap tech, we’ve rounded up the gadgets that are still on sale for less than $50.</p><p><h3>Smart speaker and earbud deals</h3></p><div><div><p><a data-item-id=\"z45iWp\" href=\"https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0C29CL98P/?tag=theverge02-20\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\"><span><img alt=\"\" data-nimg=\"fill\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\"></img></span></a><a data-item-id=\"z45iWp\" href=\"https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0C29CL98P/?tag=theverge02-20\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\"><span><img alt=\"\" data-nimg=\"fill\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\"></img></span></a></p><div><p>Sony’s adorable SRS-XB100 speaker offers USB-C charging, a built-in strap, and great sound for the price, rendering it a terrific travel speaker or home office companion. <a href=\"/23742818/sony-srs-xb100-portable-bluetooth-speaker-review\">Read our review</a>.</p></div></div></div><div><ul><li><strong>Skullcandy’s Jib True 2 </strong><a href=\"https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09VMPWWTH/?tag=theverge02-20\">are on sale at Amazon for $32.30 ($8 off) <strike>$27.99</strike></a><strike> ($12 off)</strike>. That’s not quite their all-time low of $16.99, but it’s still a good price for a pair of wireless earbuds that feature perks like built-in Tile tracking and IPX4 dust and water resistance.</li></ul></div><p><h3>Streaming stick deals</h3></p><div><div><p><a data-item-id=\"Naahsf\" href=\"https://www.amazon.com/Roku-Streaming-Device-Vision-Controls/dp/B09BKCDXZC/?tag=theverge02-20\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\"><span><img alt=\"\" data-nimg=\"fill\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\"></img></span></a><a data-item-id=\"Naahsf\" href=\"https://www.amazon.com/Roku-Streaming-Device-Vision-Controls/dp/B09BKCDXZC/?tag=theverge02-20\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\"><span><img alt=\"\" data-nimg=\"fill\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\"></img></span></a></p><div><p>Roku’s Streaming Stick 4K maintains its simple interface that puts your apps front and center and adds support for Dolby Vision HDR. <a href=\"/22727963/roku-streaming-stick-4k-review\">Read our review</a>.</p></div></div></div><div><ul><li>The last-gen <strong>Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K </strong>is also on sale for $22.99 ($27 off) at <a href=\"https://www.amazon.com/all-new-fire-tv-stick-4k-with-alexa-voice-remote/dp/B08XVYZ1Y5?tag=theverge02-20\">Amazon</a>. The older streaming stick isn’t as powerful as the 2021 model, but it still offers support for Dolby Vision, HDR10, and HDR10 Plus.</li><li><a href=\"/23460954/amazon-fire-tv-alexa-voice-remote-pro-review\"><strong>Amazon’s Alexa Voice Remote Pro</strong></a> is down to $29.99 ($5 off) at <a href=\"https://www.amazon.com/Introducing-alexa-voice-remote-pro/dp/B09RX4HKTD?tag=theverge02-20\">Amazon</a>. The backlit remote, which integrates well with Alexa, comes with a useful remote finder feature and a pair of customizable buttons that can be mapped to any app installed on your Fire TV. <a href=\"/23460954/amazon-fire-tv-alexa-voice-remote-pro-review\">Read our review</a>.</li></ul></div><p><h3>Outdoors and travel deals</h3></p><div><div><p><a data-item-id=\"8p0Bhq\" href=\"https://www.amazon.com/Tile-Powerful-Bluetooth-Water-Resistant-Compatible/dp/B09B2WG9X9?tag=theverge02-20\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\"><span><img alt=\"Colorful Tile Pro hanging from a key ring on a hook\" data-nimg=\"fill\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\"></img></span></a><a data-item-id=\"8p0Bhq\" href=\"https://www.amazon.com/Tile-Powerful-Bluetooth-Water-Resistant-Compatible/dp/B09B2WG9X9?tag=theverge02-20\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\"><span><img alt=\"Colorful Tile Pro hanging from a key ring on a hook\" data-nimg=\"fill\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\"></img></span></a></p><div><p>The Tile Pro is the company’s loudest Bluetooth tracker and has the widest range at 400 feet. It also has a user-replaceable battery, unlike other Tiles.</p></div></div></div><div><ul><li><strong>Epicka’s Universal Travel Adapter One</strong> is <a href=\"https://www.amazon.com/dp/B078S3M2NX/?tag=theverge02-20\">on sale at Amazon for $23.09 ($1 off)</a>. The adapter will come in handy if you’re planning on traveling internationally this holiday season. It comes with four different plugs that allow you to use it in over 150 countries, ranging from the UK to Japan, along with four USB-A ports and one USB-C port.</li></ul></div><p><h3>Gaming deals</h3></p><div><div><p><a data-item-id=\"XaKd29\" href=\"https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B09742H73B/ref=ewc_pr_img_1?smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER&amp;psc=1&amp;tag=theverge02-20\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\"><span><img alt=\"\" data-nimg=\"fill\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\"></img></span></a><a data-item-id=\"XaKd29\" href=\"https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B09742H73B/ref=ewc_pr_img_1?smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER&amp;psc=1&amp;tag=theverge02-20\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\"><span><img alt=\"\" data-nimg=\"fill\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\"></img></span></a></p><div><p><em>Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope </em>is an excellent turn-based strategy game that pairs classic <em>Mario</em> characters with the chaotic Rabbids for an encore performance. </p></div></div></div><div><div><p><a data-item-id=\"tPEzG5\" href=\"http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B61YDF5V?tag=theverge02-20\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\"><span><img alt=\"Screenshot from God of War Ragnarök featuring Kratos gently touching the face of his teenage son, Atreus\" data-nimg=\"fill\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\"></img></span></a><a data-item-id=\"tPEzG5\" href=\"http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B61YDF5V?tag=theverge02-20\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\"><span><img alt=\"Screenshot from God of War Ragnarök featuring Kratos gently touching the face of his teenage son, Atreus\" data-nimg=\"fill\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\"></img></span></a></p><div><p>While <em>Ragnarök</em>’s<em> </em>third-person action gameplay feels similar to its predecessor, its story is far more ambitious. As Kratos wishes to bury his past, he’s trying to convince his young son, Atreus, not to follow a tempting path at discovering his godhood and defying prophecy. <a href=\"/23437043/god-of-war-ragnarok-review-sony-ps5\">Read our review</a>.</p></div></div></div><div><div><p><a data-item-id=\"AzitdJ\" href=\"https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B4F5P2HT?tag=theverge02-20\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\"><span><img alt=\"\" data-nimg=\"fill\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\"></img></span></a><a data-item-id=\"AzitdJ\" href=\"https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B4F5P2HT?tag=theverge02-20\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\"><span><img alt=\"\" data-nimg=\"fill\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\"></img></span></a></p><div><p>The PowerA Enhanced Wired Controller is a budget-minded wired controller for Xbox and PC that connects via Micro USB and features two customizable buttons on its rear. It’s offered in many different colors and licensed designs.</p></div></div></div><div><ul><li>Curious what all the fuss over <a href=\"/23754478/spider-man-2-release-date-insomniac-games-playstation\">Marvel’s forthcoming <em>Spider-Man 2</em></a> game is about? Right now, you can grab a copy of the <a href=\"/23874289/marvels-spider-man-2-playstation-state-of-play-trailer-nyc-map\"><em><strong>Spider-Man: Miles Morales</strong></em></a> spinoff for the PS5, which includes a remaster of the original game, on sale at <a href=\"http://www.amazon.com/dp/B08QFWWJ8K?tag=theverge02-20\">Amazon for $42.57</a> ($18 off). <a href=\"/21549085/spider-man-miles-morales-review-ps5-ps4\">Read our review</a>.</li><li>Fans of the HBO show <a href=\"/23543145/hbo-the-last-of-us-review\"><em><strong>The Last of Us</strong></em></a><em> </em>can currently pick up <a href=\"/23329531/the-last-of-us-part-1-review-ps5-remake\"><strong>Part I</strong></a> of the series for <a href=\"http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B3QWRQL8?tag=theverge02-20\">$45.99 ($24 off) on Amazon</a>. The PS5 version is essentially just a remake of the original game released in 2013 but with faster load times and better visuals. <a href=\"/23329531/the-last-of-us-part-1-review-ps5-remake\">Read our review</a>.</li></ul></div><div><div><p><a data-item-id=\"JZBHTs\" href=\"https://www.amazon.com/Returnal-PlayStation-5/dp/B08QFPS48J?tag=theverge02-20\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\"><span><img alt=\"Returnal\" data-nimg=\"fill\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\"></img></span></a><a data-item-id=\"JZBHTs\" href=\"https://www.amazon.com/Returnal-PlayStation-5/dp/B08QFPS48J?tag=theverge02-20\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\"><span><img alt=\"Returnal\" data-nimg=\"fill\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\"></img></span></a></p><div><p>A roguelike third-person shooter that puts you in the shoes of Selene, an astronaut tormented by a seemingly never-ending time loop. <a href=\"/2021/4/29/22408468/returnal-ps5-dualsense-3d-audio\">Read our review</a>.</p></div></div></div><div><ul><li>The Nintendo Switch version of the tactical RPG <em><strong>Octopath Traveler II </strong></em>is <a href=\"http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BF66G8F9?tag=theverge02-20\">on sale at Amazon</a> for $43.49 ($16 off), which is one of the better prices we’ve seen on the game.</li><li><a href=\"/22523093/ratchet-clank-rift-apart-review-ps5\"><em><strong>Ratchet &amp; Clank: Rift Apart</strong></em></a> is <a href=\"http://www.amazon.com/dp/B095T8C99C?tag=theverge02-20\">on sale at Amazon for $42</a> ($28 off). The family-friendly game doesn’t exactly reinvent the series, but it’s one of the best entries so far thanks to great graphics, fast loading times, and clever gameplay mechanics. <a href=\"/22523093/ratchet-clank-rift-apart-review-ps5\">Read our review</a>.</li><li>You can pick up a copy of <em><strong>Demon’s Souls, </strong></em>a PS5 remake of FromSoftware’s <em>Souls</em>-like masterpiece from 2009, for just $35 ($35 off) on <a href=\"https://www.amazon.com/Demons-Souls-PlayStation-5/dp/B08FC5TTBF?tag=theverge02-20\">Amazon</a>.</li></ul></div><div><div><p><a data-item-id=\"qsD1HM\" href=\"https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09B1HMJ9Z/?tag=theverge02-20\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\"><span><img alt=\"\" data-nimg=\"fill\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\"></img></span></a><a data-item-id=\"qsD1HM\" href=\"https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09B1HMJ9Z/?tag=theverge02-20\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\"><span><img alt=\"\" data-nimg=\"fill\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\"></img></span></a></p><div><p>This Samsung Evo Select microSD card offers 512GB of extra storage for a Nintendo Switch, Steam Deck, or Asus ROG Ally at a good price point. </p></div></div></div><div><div><p><a data-item-id=\"Tqxs1X\" href=\"https://www.amazon.com/Resident-Evil-4-Xbox-X-PlayStation/dp/B0BJTSN9ZC?tag=theverge02-20\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\"><span><img alt=\"\" data-nimg=\"fill\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\"></img></span></a><a data-item-id=\"Tqxs1X\" href=\"https://www.amazon.com/Resident-Evil-4-Xbox-X-PlayStation/dp/B0BJTSN9ZC?tag=theverge02-20\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\"><span><img alt=\"\" data-nimg=\"fill\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\"></img></span></a></p><div><p>The remake of the 2005 classic, first launching on the Nintendo GameCube, is a massive graphical overhaul that stays true to its horror action roots.</p></div></div></div><div><ul><li>The Nintendo Switch version of <em><strong>Bayonetta Origins: Cereza and the Lost Demon</strong></em> is down to just <a href=\"https://www.anrdoezrs.net/links/8836598/type/dlg/https://electronics.woot.com/offers/nintendo-bayonetta-origins-cereza-and-the-lost-d\">$29.99 ($30 off) at Woot</a>.</li></ul></div><p><h3>Smart home deals</h3></p><div><div><p><a data-item-id=\"aDDpZn\" href=\"https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08GD3D9YJ/ref=ewc_pr_img_1?smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER&amp;psc=1&amp;tag=theverge02-20\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\"><span><img alt=\"\" data-nimg=\"fill\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\"></img></span></a><a data-item-id=\"aDDpZn\" href=\"https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08GD3D9YJ/ref=ewc_pr_img_1?smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER&amp;psc=1&amp;tag=theverge02-20\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\"><span><img alt=\"\" data-nimg=\"fill\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\"></img></span></a></p><div><p>With the MyQ Chamberlain Smart Garage Control, you can open and close your garage door from any location using your smartphone. </p></div></div></div><div><ul><li>You can buy a pair of <strong>Kasa Smart Plugs </strong><a href=\"https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07B8W2KHZ/?tag=theverge02-20\">on Amazon for about $28.40 $3 off)</a> when you clip the on-page coupon. Kasa’s plugs allow you to add modern smarts to more traditional gadgets, thus giving you the ability to set schedules and control them with your voice via Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant.</li></ul></div><div><div><div><h2>Verge Deals on X (formerly known as Twitter)  / </h2><p>Join more than 51,000 followers and keep up with the best daily tech deals with @vergedeals</p></div><p><a href=\"http://bit.ly/2JzR5Ud\">Follow us!</a></p></div></div><p><h3>Charger and power bank deals</h3></p><div><div><p><a data-item-id=\"0ERokZ\" href=\"https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0B466YTT3/ref=ewc_pr_img_1?smid=A294P4X9EWVXLJ&amp;psc=1&amp;tag=theverge02-20\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\"><span><img alt=\"Anker’s 621 Magnetic Battery (MagGo) holding up an iPhone with its kickstand on a desk.\" data-nimg=\"fill\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\"></img></span></a><a data-item-id=\"0ERokZ\" href=\"https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0B466YTT3/ref=ewc_pr_img_1?smid=A294P4X9EWVXLJ&amp;psc=1&amp;tag=theverge02-20\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\"><span><img alt=\"Anker’s 621 Magnetic Battery (MagGo) holding up an iPhone with its kickstand on a desk.\" data-nimg=\"fill\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\"></img></span></a></p><div><p>A portable power bank with magnetic wireless Qi charging, a convenient folding kickstand, and a USB-C port for wired charging.</p></div></div></div><div><div><p><a data-item-id=\"VH9HcJ\" href=\"https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B09BBKHCHF/ref=ewc_pr_img_1?smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER&amp;psc=1&amp;tag=theverge02-20\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\"><span><img alt=\"An iPhone propped up horizontally by the kickstand of a Belkin MagSafe charger on a table with a prop skeleton sitting in a chair and looking at the phone.\" data-nimg=\"fill\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\"></img></span></a><a data-item-id=\"VH9HcJ\" href=\"https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B09BBKHCHF/ref=ewc_pr_img_1?smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER&amp;psc=1&amp;tag=theverge02-20\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\"><span><img alt=\"An iPhone propped up horizontally by the kickstand of a Belkin MagSafe charger on a table with a prop skeleton sitting in a chair and looking at the phone.\" data-nimg=\"fill\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\"></img></span></a></p><div><p>Belkin’s BoostCharge Pro with MagSafe supports 15W fast wireless charging with MagSafe-compatible iPhones and has a lengthy 6.6-foot built-in cable. Its 15W charging speeds and little kickstand make the BoostCharge Pro with MagSafe the best all-purpose magnetic charging puck.</p></div></div></div><div><div><p><a data-item-id=\"PufbZY\" href=\"https://www.amazon.com/iOttie-Wireless-Charging-Dashboard-Smartphones/dp/B07X4YDKTF?tag=theverge02-20\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\"><span><img alt=\"\" data-nimg=\"fill\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\"></img></span></a><a data-item-id=\"PufbZY\" href=\"https://www.amazon.com/iOttie-Wireless-Charging-Dashboard-Smartphones/dp/B07X4YDKTF?tag=theverge02-20\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\"><span><img alt=\"\" data-nimg=\"fill\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\"></img></span></a></p><div><p>Qi wireless car charger with a one-touch mechanism and foot that adjusts to fit large and extra-large smartphones up to 3.7 inches.<br></br></p></div></div></div><p><h3>Miscellaneous deals</h3></p><div><div><p><a data-item-id=\"JGAQ5H\" href=\"https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B09Y9N2Z51?tag=theverge02-20\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\"><span><img alt=\"\" data-nimg=\"fill\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\"></img></span></a><a data-item-id=\"JGAQ5H\" href=\"https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B09Y9N2Z51?tag=theverge02-20\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\"><span><img alt=\"\" data-nimg=\"fill\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\"></img></span></a></p><div><p>The Original Tamagotchi is a virtual creature you can feed, play with, and care for — or discipline when needed.</p></div></div></div><div><div><p><a data-item-id=\"dDkEZ1\" href=\"https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00U26V4VQ/?tag=theverge02-20\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\"><span><img alt=\"Catan CU (promo image)\" data-nimg=\"fill\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\"></img></span></a><a data-item-id=\"dDkEZ1\" href=\"https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00U26V4VQ/?tag=theverge02-20\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\"><span><img alt=\"Catan CU (promo image)\" data-nimg=\"fill\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\"></img></span></a></p><div><p>The iconic board game classic that has players strategically competing and trading for resources.</p></div></div></div><div><div><p><a data-item-id=\"7gki9A\" href=\"https://www.amazon.com/Pet-Dog-Cat-Hair-Remover-Couch/dp/B00BAGTNAQ?tag=theverge02-20\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\"><span><img alt=\"\" data-nimg=\"fill\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\"></img></span></a><a data-item-id=\"7gki9A\" href=\"https://www.amazon.com/Pet-Dog-Cat-Hair-Remover-Couch/dp/B00BAGTNAQ?tag=theverge02-20\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\"><span><img alt=\"\" data-nimg=\"fill\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\"></img></span></a></p><div><p>The ChomChom is a reusable cat and dog hair remover that works great for furniture.<br></br></p></div></div></div><div><ul><li>The <strong>Rocketbook Core </strong>is <a href=\"https://www.amazon.com/Rocketbook-Innovative-Eco-Friendly-Digitally-Capabilities/dp/B071Y3MSRK/?tag=theverge02-20\">on sale for $23.99 (about $10 off) at Amazon</a>. The 32-page reusable smart notebook makes it easy to take handwritten notes and save them in Google Drive, Dropbox, or other cloud-based services.</li></ul></div><div><div><p><a data-item-id=\"58Htng\" href=\"https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08CMWHD3B?tag=theverge02-20\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\"><span><img alt=\"Hand holding a nasal aspirator in front of a colorful background of childrens’ toys and books.\" data-nimg=\"fill\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\"></img></span></a><a data-item-id=\"58Htng\" href=\"https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08CMWHD3B?tag=theverge02-20\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\"><span><img alt=\"Hand holding a nasal aspirator in front of a colorful background of childrens’ toys and books.\" data-nimg=\"fill\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\"></img></span></a></p><div><p>The Grownsy snot sucker comes with three interchangeable soft tips for a good fit and provides three levels of suction. Your kid might still hate it, but at least one of you will have an easier time with it.</p></div></div></div><div><div><p><a data-item-id=\"787dBC\" href=\"https://www.amazon.com/uni-Braided-Compatible-MacBook-Galaxy/dp/B07LF1FNRV?tag=theverge02-20\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\"><span><img alt=\"\" data-nimg=\"fill\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\"></img></span></a><a data-item-id=\"787dBC\" href=\"https://www.amazon.com/uni-Braided-Compatible-MacBook-Galaxy/dp/B07LF1FNRV?tag=theverge02-20\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\"><span><img alt=\"\" data-nimg=\"fill\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\"></img></span></a></p><div><p>A lengthy USB-C cable that delivers 100 watts of power, which is enough to power a full-size laptop like the 16-inch MacBook Pro when plugged into an adequate power adapter.</p></div></div></div><div><form action=\"#\"><div><div><h2>Verge Deals</h2><p> / <span>Sign up for Verge Deals to get deals on products we\'ve tested sent to your inbox daily.</span></p></div></div></form></div><p><em><strong>Update October 12th, 11:28AM ET:</strong> Adjusted pricing, removed expired deals, and updated the language to reflect the fact Prime Big Deal Days is over.</em></p></div></div></div>', 'There are a lot of great gadgets on sale for under $50 during Amazon’s Prime Big Deal Days. From the Echo Pop to the Amazfit Band 7, here are the best.', 'https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/UKOzdVmllRlXxwuR2CRFrutXJpk=/0x0:1080x1080/1200x628/filters:focal(540x540:541x541)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/24662217/Echo_Show_5_Shot_3.jpg', '49', NULL, NULL, '', 'newsapi', NULL, NULL, '2023-11-09', '248', '0', '0', NULL, NULL, NULL);
INSERT INTO `tbl_article` (`id`, `arttitle`, `artcontent`, `artshortcontent`, `artimg`, `artwebdomain`, `artcat`, `artcatname`, `artcampid`, `arttype`, `artvideoid`, `artytlang`, `artdate`, `uid`, `spintextflag`, `langtransflag`, `artinbuildnewskeyword`, `artnewstype`, `artnewskeyword`) VALUES
(181, 'Pokémon Sleep helped me catch ’em all — all the z’s, that is', '<div><div><div id=\"content\"><p>\n	)\n}\n\n\n	\n	const containers = document.querySelectorAll(\".w-full figure.w-full\");\n        containers.forEach(container =&gt; {const root = ReactDOM.createRoot(container);\n    root.render(</p><ledevideo credit=\"Illustration by Sarah Oh / The Verge\" poster=\"https://voxmedia.stories.usechorus.com/assets?community_id=372&amp;q=url:https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/24997403/236814_pokemon_sleep_soh.jpeg\" source=\"https://volume-assets.voxmedia.com/production/0794c32587e188ceac2f00945b21d6bf/236814_Pokemon_Sleep_SOh.mp4\"></ledevideo><p>)})\n	\n\n\n\n</p></div></div><p>For a long time, the only thing I knew about <em>Pokémon</em> was the shitposter theory that a clown named Mr. Mime was Ash Ketchum’s secret father. I’d never played any of the games or watched the cartoons; it is occasionally hard to explain how I totally missed the <em>Pokémon</em> boat as an elder millennial who had little interest in picking any of it up. But a few months ago, The Pokémon Company finally got me with <a href=\"/23802801/pokemon-sleep-iphone-android-hands-on\"><em>Pokémon Sleep</em></a>. </p><p>As a lifelong insomniac who had recently regressed to upsetting levels of sleep dysfunction, this was a chance to finally dive into what seemed like a cute, low-stakes, low-barrier-to-entry app that could keep me company at four in the morning. The concept is simple: <em>Pokémon Sleep</em> is framed as a “sleep research study,â€ where, each week, the player feeds and studies a Snorlax, whose “drowsy powerâ€ attracts other pokémon when it sleeps. As the Snorlax grows, it attracts more pokémon, which can be caught as indentured research assistants to collect food for the Snorlax. No one sleeps until the player sleeps. As the day goes on, the helpers get tired — their smiles start to fade, and their little eyelids droop while they wait for the sweet release of unconsciousness.</p><p>The only way to play is to sleep; if you want to be good, you need to sleep well, but if you want to be great, you need to sleep <em>consistently </em>well.</p><p>Today, a Snorlax is the first thing that greets me in the morning and the last thing I see at night. I’ve been in bed by 2AM for the last 67 nights and had at least seven hours of sleep every single time. Out of these past weeks, I’ve had what <em>Pokémon Sleep</em> deems “S-tierâ€ sleep every week except two, which merely earned an “Aâ€ rank. Three times a day, I briefly open the app to cook meals for my Snorlax and distribute candy to my tireless little helpers. I can even recognize a bunch of them now and some of their evolution patterns; the other day, I eagerly paid for extra-expensive gas to qualify for a limited-edition Snorlax car dehumidifier, and just today, I bought a Slowpoke-shaped wrist rest. Is this healthy? I don’t know. Is relying on <em>Pokémon</em> to maintain a manageable sleep cycle a good thing? </p><div><div><div><div aria-label=\"Zoom\" role=\"button\" tabindex=\"0\"><figure><div><p><span><img alt=\"A screenshot from the video game Pokémon Sleep.\" data-nimg=\"fill\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\"></img></span></p></div></figure></div></div><p><cite>Image: The Pokémon Company</cite></p></div></div><p>To call <em>Pokémon Sleep</em> a <em>game </em>is marketing. It’s essentially a gamified sleep tracker that weaponizes cuteness and the sort of idle, casual pet care psychology that took off when <a href=\"https://www.smithsonianmag.com/innovation/keeping-tamagotchi-alive-180979264/\">Bandai introduced the Tamagotchi in 1996</a>. It’s free to play, but the microtransactions are there if you want them; if you’re determined to treat your Snorlax like a hardcore gamer’s science experiment, there is all sorts of diehard min-max strategizing going on in the <em>Pokémon Sleep</em> Reddit that flies in the face of the whole chill sleepytime vibe. It also seems to be the most polarizing <em>Pokémon</em> installment — people either love it or hate it, which seems to depend on whether they actually need “helpâ€ in the sleep department. </p><p>From 2008 to 2014, I needed <em>a lot</em> of help sleeping via heavy medication and therapy (and unofficially, and very inadvisably, alcohol), which helped me maintain the semblance of a “normalâ€ day / night cycle. After I went off my prescription — a weird and wobbly transition into a world without pharmaceutical training wheels — I slowly gained confidence in my internal body clock. For several years, I enjoyed regular unmedicated sleep at mostly appropriate times, and it was great. Then came the pandemic, which sent me hurtling back in time to my oldest and worst friends: insomnia, polyphasic sleep, and the general sense of feeling like shit.</p><div><div><p>A Snorlax is the first thing that greets me in the morning and the last thing I see at night</p></div></div><p>When I told my psychiatrist about <em>Pokémon Sleep</em>, she was visibly intrigued, especially given my sleep history and tendency toward addiction. I asked if she thought the app was unethical for someone like me, and without hesitation, she said, “No.â€ If we operate on the premise that we’re all glued to our phones as adults, she explained, that there’s no real long-term solution to keep people off their phones, something like <em>Pokémon Sleep</em> might actually be doing something productive for people like me. I brought this same question to <a href=\"https://sites.google.com/view/stijnmassar/home\">Stijn Massar</a>, a neuroscientist and research assistant professor at the <a href=\"https://sleepcognition-lab.org/\">Sleep &amp; Cognition Laboratory</a> at the National University of Singapore. “I think I would agree with that,â€ Massar said. “For most adults, staying off phones is a very difficult thing.â€ I didn’t anticipate such easy endorsement from health and science professionals, but I eagerly accepted it as a sort of quasi-fatalist validation of my new routine. </p><p><em>Pokémon Sleep</em>, though, is supposedly an app for users ages four and up, which seems like a perplexingly young age for a sleep tracker. “Of course you do want kids to engage in healthy behaviors, but does it necessarily have to be through a game… or an app, and what are the side effects of that?â€ asked Massar, who has young children of his own. For several days before our call, he’d tried to use the app himself, but it had refused to log his sleep. I explained that the app doesn’t necessarily need to be open all day — the more you “workâ€ your food-gathering helpers, for instance, the more tired they get.</p><p>“It’s not a typical game in terms of it not being maximized for engagement… there’s a limit to it and there’s a very clear objective of getting habits in sync with what’s supposed to be healthy, so that part is good,â€ he said thoughtfully. “Like as parents we do everything within our normal capacity to get them to do healthy sleep. Adding phone games to the mix, would that pose any other problems? This of course is something that’s very hard to answer.â€</p><div><div><p>“For most adults, staying off phones is a very difficult thing.â€</p></div></div><p>All the <em>Pokémon Sleep</em>-ing parents I know are unanimously against the idea of their kids using it; sleep trackers are primarily an adult-focused technology, which isn’t entirely surprising given that <a href=\"https://sleep.hms.harvard.edu/education-training/public-education/sleep-and-health-education-program/sleep-health-education-79\">our ability to sleep often declines with age</a>. Edmond Tran, editor at <em>GamesHub</em> Australia, is the only other games journalist I know who has faithfully stuck with <em>Pokémon Sleep</em> since launch. Before that, he had subpar sleep patterns and often used his kid-free hours at night for “me timeâ€ that, more often than not, involved video games. “I actually went to bed at earlier hours for the first week or so because I was excited to try [<em>Pokémon Sleep</em>], which went a long way in building a good routine,â€ he said, though his discipline has since faltered. “There is still a routine there — in bed by midnight most nights, and I haven’t missed a night since.â€</p><p>Before trying <em>Pokémon Sleep</em>, Rachel Tan, a full-time corporate performance manager and mother of twin babies, had occasional bouts of insomnia and struggled to sleep a few times a week. “I realized I unconsciously tried to meet the preset sleep time and that in turn made me put my phone down earlier than I usually would have,â€ she said, though her interest started to wane about a month in because her sleep style (she hardly gets any “slumberingâ€ sleep, the deepest zone of sleep in the app) has remained largely the same. “It’s pretty much a Tamagotchi and sleep app slapped into one… I think if you’re a pretty consistent sleeper, there’s very little value in <em>Pokémon Sleep</em>.â€</p><p>There is a lot of value, though, for enterprising companies to create a sense of need for sleep trackers, especially when the global sleep economy — an ecosystem of sleep-related products and services and apps often framed as health-adjacent tools for self-empowerment — is <a href=\"https://www.statista.com/statistics/1119471/size-of-the-sleep-economy-worldwide/\">supposed to be worth $585 billion next year</a>. <em>Pokémon Sleep</em> occupies an awkward but fascinating spot between game and app; most people hear “Pokémonâ€ and immediately think of a game, when the reality is that this is just a very cleverly designed sleep tracker with world-famous characters driving all of its features. “I talk to very few people about <em>Pokémon Sleep</em> because most of the people I socialize with have little interest in games, and the one time I did bring it up they looked at me like I was crazy,â€ says Tran. “But I talked about it as a gamified sleep tracker more than a game or app, because really the primary hook for me is the behavioral encouragement and data collecting aspect of it.â€ </p><div><div><div><div aria-label=\"Zoom\" role=\"button\" tabindex=\"0\"><figure><div><p><span><img alt=\"A screenshot from the video game Pokémon Sleep.\" data-nimg=\"fill\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\"></img></span></p></div></figure></div></div><p><cite>Image: The Pokémon Company</cite></p></div></div><p>There is one contingent of parents that seems to find value in <em>Pokémon Sleep:</em> parents of adolescent kids who refuse to give up their smartphones at night. After my psychiatrist told me she’d tried playing <em>Pokémon Sleep </em>(she found it annoying), she explained that the app had become a successful tool for parents who routinely got into fights with their 12-year-olds over phone use. “We’ve closed the book on whether kids need phones,â€ she said, matter of factly explaining that most if not all Singaporean schools use social media and messaging apps like WhatsApp to distribute important information to students. Not having a smartphone isn’t about FOMO but, rather, about gaining information about tests and homework and class announcements; daily smartphone use among children <a href=\"https://www.moh.gov.sg/docs/librariesprovider5/resources-statistics/educational-resources/annex---evidence-review-of-screen-use-in-childhood-(1).pdf\">is so common </a>in Singapore that there’s even a government campaign called <a href=\"https://www.touch.org.sg/about-touch/tips-and-resources/details/2023/09/05/my-first-device-campaign\">My First Device</a> that frames smartphones as a vital life milestone.</p><p>In my shrink’s experience, this new norm has meant a dramatic uptick in family screaming matches over smartphones after dark and even cases of children silently belly-crawling into their parents’ room at night to retrieve their confiscated phones. <em>Pokémon Sleep </em>has become a sort of weird compromise where bedtimes are transparent and kids are disincentivized from playing <em>Fortnite</em> all night in case it impacts their potential pokémon catches.</p><p>I’m undeniably here for the behavioral encouragement, not least because it involves adorable little creatures and the perennial make-believe joy of feeding and caring for a pet. My friend Ruby, a recent <em>Pokémon Sleep</em> convert, is admittedly only playing it for the cute factor. “I don’t really need it to sleep, though I do like that it keeps me from staying up too late,â€ she said, admitting that she’ll probably drop off when her boyfriend comes to visit. Still, she’s developed a conscious bedtime routine and admits she was much less disciplined before the app. “My bedtime is set to 12:05AM and my phone is firmly put away by 12:20AM every night unless I’ve been out,â€ she said. “I was just telling my brother that I’ll probably never play another Pokémon console game because I cannot dedicate that kind of time to leveling pokémon… [in <em>Pokemon Sleep</em>] they level up while I’m <em>sleeping</em>.â€</p><p>Here lies the core of <em>Pokémon Sleep</em>’s warm, cozy allure: it’s not <em>quite </em>a conventional idle game, which is the sort of game that chugs along with or without player interaction. There are thousands of absolutely brain-dead idle games out there that are the equivalent of “put something on TV in the background while you’re busy,â€ and the only one I really liked was <a href=\"/2016/1/1/10699976/neko-atsume-the-game-of-passivity\"><em>Neko Atsume</em></a>, a cat-collecting idler that only really “workedâ€ if you actually let time pass. <em>Pokémon Sleep</em> is a game whose famous “gotta catch ’em allâ€ feature only kicks in when you’re literally asleep. Considering that many early idle games were <a href=\"https://www.gamedeveloper.com/design/the-rise-of-games-you-mostly-don-t-play\">reportedly made as parodies</a> of MMORPG rewards and hyper-capitalistic progress systems, <em>Pokémon Sleep</em> represents a new breed in this line of experimentation in an age of unprecedented technological invasiveness.</p><div><div><p>Sleep — the thing that many of us consider a sacred sanctuary of rest and regeneration, is also an economic concern in a capitalist framework</p></div></div><p>Sleep, the final frontier of personal space in an ever-shrinking world of constant surveillance and endless metrics, no longer belongs only to me — it also belongs to my pokémon. In the eyes of The Pokémon Company, I am now a dedicated, productive sleeper, which might feel like an incredibly cynical dig, but it is worth noting that the Sleep &amp; Cognition Laboratory’s website, while listing the impact of sleep deprivation on our cognition and health, is also explicitly clear that poor sleep “<a href=\"https://sleepcognition-lab.org/research/sleep/\">imposes a 2-4% drag on the GDP of developed nations</a>.â€ Yes, sleep — the thing that many of us consider a sacred sanctuary of rest and regeneration, is also an economic concern in a capitalist framework.</p><p>It’s comically dystopian, but once megacorps figure out how to make us materially productive in sleep, we’ll experience a planetwide seismic tremor from every classic science fiction writer rolling over in their graves. But if there were any brand that could accomplish the tricky task of making the concept of sleep-to-play a viable, desirable product — one that’s still so novel and silly that it can’t <em>possibly</em> be <em>anything</em> but a benign, niche bit of fun in its current incarnation — it’s going to be one of the most identifiable brands in the world, responsible for putting multiple generations of kids on collectibles. </p><p><em>Pokémon Sleep</em>, for all the structure and behavioral modification it has brought to an otherwise difficult process for me, is a wildly imperfect tool. Like all sleep trackers, its appeal boils down to two questions: do sleep trackers <em>help</em>, and do sleep trackers <em>work</em>? The gold standard of sleep tracking, according to Massar, involves <a href=\"https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/polysomnography/about/pac-20394877\">polysomnography</a> — imagine a science fiction film scene where someone is plastered with little nodes and sensors amid a tangle of monitors and recording equipment. Sleep tracking apps aren’t as accurate, but their widespread accessibility means that anyone with a smartphone can have a general idea of what happens after dark.</p><div><div><div><div aria-label=\"Zoom\" role=\"button\" tabindex=\"0\"><figure><div><p><span><img alt=\"A screenshot from the video game Pokémon Sleep.\" data-nimg=\"fill\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\"></img></span></p></div></figure></div></div><p><cite>Image: The Pokémon Company</cite></p></div></div><p>There is no objectively perfect amount of sleep, and the pervasiveness of smartphones and smartwatches has also created a phenomenon of people who tend to fixate on their own body metrics. “Some people take it more seriously than others, some people respond more negatively than others,â€ said Massar, who believes people should simply see sleep trackers as a measurement instrument, like a weighing scale. “Sleep trackers… won’t necessarily provide a way to improve your sleep, but if you have other ways to improve sleep habits, using sleep trackers to track where you are and help you gain some insights… it’s not necessary to obsess over 30 minutes more of a deep sleep period or 30 minutes more of an REM sleep period.â€</p><p>Massar also believes sleep simply isn’t as easily gamifiable as other behaviors, pointing to Singapore’s public fitness campaigns like the <a href=\"https://www.healthhub.sg/programmes/37/nsc\">National Steps Challenge</a>. The excitement of catching pokémon through gameplay adds a new dimension to the act of sleep that can help reframe a person’s experience around sleep. Personally, when it’s time to feed my Snorlax or go to bed, it almost feels like I’m on autopilot now, which is probably for the best because if I really stopped to think about the role of <em>Pokémon Sleep</em> in my ability to keep a sane and productive schedule, my neurosis would keep me up at night.</p><div><div><p>If this is how I regain control of my circadian cycle, through Psyducks and Chikoritas and an inexplicable number of Rattatas, then so be it</p></div></div><p>After all, this is my first time collecting and evolving all of these occasionally horrifying little abominations, learning that Moomoo Milk actually comes from Miltank and that the “slowpoke tailâ€ cooking ingredient isn’t a descriptive name for an herb or plant. I have, for better or worse, hitched my sleep health wagon to a frighteningly appealing brand rich in both novelty and nostalgia, which is extremely vexing for someone who hates normalizing technology that listens to your breathing in bed.</p><p>But if this is how I regain control of my circadian cycle, through Psyducks and Chikoritas and an inexplicable number of Rattatas, then so be it. My sleep is now indirectly powered by The Pokémon Company, and one day, because the arc of startup-era time bends toward monetization, perhaps this will turn into a wildly problematic springboard for sponsorships. Massar seemed genuinely interested in the fact that I could overcome such an entrenched history of insomnia with, well, pokémon. I could use a generic sleep tracker, but let’s be real — there’s no cutesy appeal there.</p><p>Even my 72-year-old mother tried <em>Pokémon Sleep</em> and marveled at the funny little animals for a few days before completely giving up. At least there’s an element of pleasure in caring for these dopey little characters, even if it’s a painfully self-aware pleasure that Pokémon has now become a crutch for my insomnia. And I’m not alone. Ed Tran is still keeping with it, as is Ruby, because it asks for such a low amount of engagement in exchange for a modest feeling of mundane grown-up accomplishment. “I’ll definitely continue to play it regularly,â€ Tran said. “I don’t even really care about collecting more <em>Pokémon Sleep</em> styles, I just like checking in on my little crew and growing a new Snorlax every week by feeding him terrible meals.â€</p><p>Like me, Tran, who maintains a casual “transient friendshipâ€ with his Snorlax, is more emotionally invested in the “slow and gradual growthâ€ of his pokémon helpers. And like me, he seems to have made peace with the fact that he’s one of a handful of people who actually gets something out of the app.  And while it feels like we’re oddball anomalies in our respective social circles — most people I know don’t need a sleep tracker and would rather use a respectable Fitbit because any sense of childlike wonder got sucked out of them a long time ago — <em>Pokémon Sleep</em> recently celebrated <a href=\"https://www.japantimes.co.jp/business/2023/08/26/tech/pokemon-sleep-smartphone-apps/\">10 million downloads</a>. It isn’t quite near <a href=\"https://www.guinnessworldrecords.com/news/2016/8/pokemon-go-catches-five-world-records-439327\"><em>Pokémon Go</em>’s 160 million download count in its first month</a>, but given <em>Sleep</em>’s very niche appeal, it’s like comparing apples to oranges when, at the end of the day, The Pokémon Company has the last laugh for cornering both the apple and orange market. But Tran simply can’t see <em>Pokémon Sleep</em> as something that his family needs to do, too.</p><p>“My kids don’t need much encouragement to get to sleep, so I wouldn’t let them use it if I could help it,â€ he said. “That said, my children’s exposure to video games is very, very low compared to some of their peers. I don’t want this life for them.â€</p></div>', 'Pokémon Sleep is part mobile game, part sleep tracking app, and for some people, the cute faces of Pikachu and Snorlax are a useful tool in fighting insomnia.', 'https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/Z0FVc3831MTR8eqTQWodsFpKsuo=/0x0:2040x1360/1200x628/filters:focal(1020x680:1021x681)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/24997403/236814_pokemon_sleep_soh.jpeg', '49', NULL, NULL, '', 'newsapi', NULL, NULL, '2023-11-09', '248', '0', '0', NULL, NULL, NULL),
(183, 'These Capcom Games Are up to 83% Off at Best Buy', '<div><p>Best Buy is currently having a <span><a data-ga=\"[[&quot;Embedded Url&quot;,&quot;External link&quot;,&quot;https://zdcs.link/jdJD1&quot;,{&quot;metric25&quot;:1}]]\" href=\"https://zdcs.link/jdJD1\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">Capcom sale of digital video games for up to 83% off</a></span>. You can find <em>Resident Evil, Devil May Cry</em>, and <em>Dead Rising</em> games for the Nintendo Switch and Xbox starting at $5. Here are the games that are available, their price history, and how much they cost at other retailers.<br></br></p><h2 id=\"h17661\"><a id=\"\"></a>Resident Evil 0 (Nintendo Switch)</h2><p><em>Resident Evil 0</em>, released on May 23, 2019, is a prequel to the original game, giving a fresh perspective on the events leading up to the <em>Raccoon City</em> incident. The digital version of<em> </em><span><a data-ga=\"[[&quot;Embedded Url&quot;,&quot;External link&quot;,&quot;https://zdcs.link/xRZ2D&quot;,{&quot;metric25&quot;:1}]]\" href=\"https://zdcs.link/xRZ2D\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\"><em>Resident Evil 0</em></a></span> is currently <strong>$5 </strong>(was $29.99) at Best Buy. <span><a data-ga=\"[[&quot;Embedded Url&quot;,&quot;External link&quot;,&quot;https://www.joinhoney.com/shop/best-buy/p/28_2d80742fcb0836d59ce2ca56011c60ad_2d80742fcb0836d59ce2ca56011c60ad?ext_screenview_id=8900585323374926212#price-history&quot;,{&quot;metric25&quot;:1}]]\" href=\"https://www.joinhoney.com/shop/best-buy/p/28_2d80742fcb0836d59ce2ca56011c60ad_2d80742fcb0836d59ce2ca56011c60ad?ext_screenview_id=8900585323374926212#price-history\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">Honey’s price history</a></span> tells us this is the cheapest it has been at Best Buy in the past four months. <span><a data-ga=\"[[&quot;Embedded Url&quot;,&quot;External link&quot;,&quot;https://zdcs.link/GvqWM&quot;,{&quot;metric25&quot;:1}]]\" href=\"https://zdcs.link/GvqWM\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">Amazon recently dropped its price</a></span> as well to $5, likely because of the sale, according to <span><a data-ga=\"[[&quot;Embedded Url&quot;,&quot;External link&quot;,&quot;https://camelcamelcamel.com/product/B07SCH2YHR&quot;,{&quot;metric25&quot;:1}]]\" href=\"https://camelcamelcamel.com/product/B07SCH2YHR\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">Camelcamelcamel’s price history</a></span>. </p><h2 id=\"h17662\"><a id=\"\"></a>Resident Evil 6 (Nintendo Switch)</h2><p>The digital version of <em>Resident Evil 6</em> for Nintendo Switch, released on October 28, 2019, features multiple characters and 4-player co-op in four chapters. With all DLC included, it’s <strong>$8</strong> (was $29.99) on <span><a data-ga=\"[[&quot;Embedded Url&quot;,&quot;External link&quot;,&quot;https://zdcs.link/7LwK7&quot;,{&quot;metric25&quot;:1}]]\" href=\"https://zdcs.link/7LwK7\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">Best Buy</a></span> and <span><a data-ga=\"[[&quot;Embedded Url&quot;,&quot;External link&quot;,&quot;https://zdcs.link/wrPwD&quot;,{&quot;metric25&quot;:1}]]\" href=\"https://zdcs.link/wrPwD\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">Amazon</a></span>. <span><a data-ga=\"[[&quot;Embedded Url&quot;,&quot;External link&quot;,&quot;https://www.joinhoney.com/shop/best-buy/p/28_8972604cc7871b42ae196b0458896a68_8972604cc7871b42ae196b0458896a68?ext_screenview_id=8900590143894188420#price-history&quot;,{&quot;metric25&quot;:1}]]\" href=\"https://www.joinhoney.com/shop/best-buy/p/28_8972604cc7871b42ae196b0458896a68_8972604cc7871b42ae196b0458896a68?ext_screenview_id=8900590143894188420#price-history\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">Honey’s price history</a></span> shows this is the cheapest it has been at Best Buy in the last four months, and <span><a data-ga=\"[[&quot;Embedded Url&quot;,&quot;External link&quot;,&quot;https://camelcamelcamel.com/product/B07ZZTTQ29&quot;,{&quot;metric25&quot;:1}]]\" href=\"https://camelcamelcamel.com/product/B07ZZTTQ29\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">Camelcamelcamel’s price history</a></span> shows a similar result from Amazon. GameStop sells the <span><a data-ga=\"[[&quot;Embedded Url&quot;,&quot;External link&quot;,&quot;https://zdcs.link/5OENd&quot;,{&quot;metric25&quot;:1}]]\" href=\"https://zdcs.link/5OENd\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">physical game for $22.99</a></span>.</p><h2 id=\"h17663\"><a id=\"\"></a>Resident Evil Village (Xbox)</h2><p>The digital standard version of <em>Resident Evil Village</em> for Xbox, released on May 7, 2021, is set a few years after the events of <em>Resident Evil 7: Biohazard</em>. You can get it for <strong>$16</strong> (was $59.99) at <span><a data-ga=\"[[&quot;Embedded Url&quot;,&quot;External link&quot;,&quot;https://zdcs.link/prbER&quot;,{&quot;metric25&quot;:1}]]\" href=\"https://zdcs.link/prbER\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">Best Buy</a></span> or <span><a data-ga=\"[[&quot;Embedded Url&quot;,&quot;External link&quot;,&quot;https://zdcs.link/KZyRj&quot;,{&quot;metric25&quot;:1}]]\" href=\"https://zdcs.link/KZyRj\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">GameStop</a></span> (it’s not available on Amazon). This is the cheapest it’s been over the past four months, according to <span><a data-ga=\"[[&quot;Embedded Url&quot;,&quot;External link&quot;,&quot;https://www.joinhoney.com/shop/best-buy/p/28_8972604cc7871b42ae196b0458896a68_8972604cc7871b42ae196b0458896a68?ext_screenview_id=8900590143894188420#price-history&quot;,{&quot;metric25&quot;:1}]]\" href=\"https://www.joinhoney.com/shop/best-buy/p/28_8972604cc7871b42ae196b0458896a68_8972604cc7871b42ae196b0458896a68?ext_screenview_id=8900590143894188420#price-history\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">Honey’s price history</a></span>.</p><h2 id=\"h17664\"><a id=\"\"></a>Resident Evil 5 (Nintendo Switch)</h2><p>The digital version of <em>Resident Evil 5</em>, released on Oct. 28, 2019, takes you to Africa to investigate an outbreak. You can play all the previously released DLC in single-player or co-op for <strong>$8</strong> (was $29.99) on <span><a data-ga=\"[[&quot;Embedded Url&quot;,&quot;External link&quot;,&quot;https://zdcs.link/3wJmq&quot;,{&quot;metric25&quot;:1}]]\" href=\"https://zdcs.link/3wJmq\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">Best Buy</a></span> or <span><a data-ga=\"[[&quot;Embedded Url&quot;,&quot;External link&quot;,&quot;https://zdcs.link/jdJEe&quot;,{&quot;metric25&quot;:1}]]\" href=\"https://zdcs.link/jdJEe\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">Amazon</a></span>. <span><a data-ga=\"[[&quot;Embedded Url&quot;,&quot;External link&quot;,&quot;https://www.joinhoney.com/shop/best-buy/p/28_efc50d3e7825047dd0ac7376eccee52a_efc50d3e7825047dd0ac7376eccee52a?ext_screenview_id=8900598058897071492#price-history&quot;,{&quot;metric25&quot;:1}]]\" href=\"https://www.joinhoney.com/shop/best-buy/p/28_efc50d3e7825047dd0ac7376eccee52a_efc50d3e7825047dd0ac7376eccee52a?ext_screenview_id=8900598058897071492#price-history\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">Honey’s price history</a></span> shows this is the cheapest it has been at Best Buy in the last pour months, and <span><a data-ga=\"[[&quot;Embedded Url&quot;,&quot;External link&quot;,&quot;https://camelcamelcamel.com/product/B07ZZV6NJD&quot;,{&quot;metric25&quot;:1}]]\" href=\"https://camelcamelcamel.com/product/B07ZZV6NJD\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">Camelcamelcamel’s price history</a></span> shows a similar result from Amazon. GameStop sells the <span><a data-ga=\"[[&quot;Embedded Url&quot;,&quot;External link&quot;,&quot;https://zdcs.link/GvqOY&quot;,{&quot;metric25&quot;:1}]]\" href=\"https://zdcs.link/GvqOY\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">digital game for $29.99</a></span>.</p><p>You can also get the following games on sale:</p><ul data-style=\"Bullet\" data-type=\"List\"><li><span><a data-ga=\"[[&quot;Embedded Url&quot;,&quot;External link&quot;,&quot;https://zdcs.link/7LwDL&quot;,{&quot;metric25&quot;:1}]]\" href=\"https://zdcs.link/7LwDL\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\"><em>Devil May Cry,</em> Standard Edition</a></span>: Nintendo Switch (digital) <strong>$9</strong> (was $19.99) </li><li><span><a data-ga=\"[[&quot;Embedded Url&quot;,&quot;External link&quot;,&quot;https://zdcs.link/OyYWD&quot;,{&quot;metric25&quot;:1}]]\" href=\"https://zdcs.link/OyYWD\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\"><em>Dead Rising 4,</em> Standard Edition</a></span>: Xbox One (digital) <strong>$10</strong> (was $39.99)</li><li><span><a data-ga=\"[[&quot;Embedded Url&quot;,&quot;External link&quot;,&quot;https://zdcs.link/R6yZ7&quot;,{&quot;metric25&quot;:1}]]\" href=\"https://zdcs.link/R6yZ7\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\"><em>Resident Evil 7:</em> <em>Biohazard, </em>Standard Edition</a></span>: Xbox One (digital) <strong>$8</strong> (was $19.99)</li></ul></div>', 'Best Buy is currently having a Capcom sale of digital video games for up to 83% off. You can find Resident Evil, Devil May Cry, and Dead Rising games for the Nintendo Switch and Xbox starting at $5. Here are the games that are available, their price history, …', 'https://i.kinja-img.com/image/upload/c_fill,h_675,pg_1,q_80,w_1200/a3cf8e9ac08874f152bb9d678c982546.jpg', '39', NULL, NULL, '13', 'newsapi', NULL, NULL, '2023-11-09', '203', '0', '0', NULL, NULL, NULL),
(185, 'Abandoned Farms Are a Hidden Resource for Restoring Biodiversity', '<div><div><div data-journey-hook=\"client-content\" data-testid=\"BodyWrapper\"><div><p>Southern Europe is not so different. Greece, Italy, Spain, and Portugal never had collective farms, but the inexorable aging of their populations and the exodus of young people to cities is emptying villages and leaving fields and pastures untended. Francesco Cherubini of the Norwegian University of Science and Technology <a data-event-click=\"{&quot;element&quot;:&quot;ExternalLink&quot;,&quot;outgoingURL&quot;:&quot;https://norwegianscitechnews.com/2020/02/abandoned-cropland-helps-make-europe-cooler/#:~:text=When%20the%20researchers%20put%20all,in%20the%20autumn%20and%20winter&quot;}\" data-offer-url=\"https://norwegianscitechnews.com/2020/02/abandoned-cropland-helps-make-europe-cooler/#:~:text=When%20the%20researchers%20put%20all,in%20the%20autumn%20and%20winter\" href=\"https://norwegianscitechnews.com/2020/02/abandoned-cropland-helps-make-europe-cooler/#:~:text=When%20the%20researchers%20put%20all,in%20the%20autumn%20and%20winter\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">calculates</a> that in the past three decades, Europe has seen a net loss of farmland larger than Switzerland.</p><p>The trend is surprisingly widespread. Japan, one of the most densely populated countries in the world, nonetheless has something approaching 250,000 acres of farmland sitting idle. Even in parts of Africa, where populations continue to grow, farming is seen as an old man’s activity, and fields lie abandoned as the young head for jobs in the cities, notes Edward Mitchard, a researcher at the University of Edinburgh.</p><p>Sometimes the abandonment is not driven by economic, demographic, or social factors, but by pollution or industrial disasters. Hundreds of square miles of radioactive former farmland around the stricken nuclear reactors at Chernobyl in Ukraine and <a href=\"https://e360.yale.edu/features/fukushima_bitter_legacy_of_radiation_trauma_fear\">Fukushima</a> in Japan are now within exclusion zones and could be without human occupation for centuries to come.</p><p>Nature pays little regard to exclusion zones, however. Despite the radiation, wolves, bears, wild boar, lynx, and other large animals are reclaiming their former terrain, forests are encroaching, and carbon is being captured.</p><p>Other times, it is war that does the damage. In the past 19 months, swaths of eastern and southern Ukraine have been consumed by warfare following the Russian invasion. Despite the military mayhem, nature is in places taking over abandoned fields. And even when the war ends, minefields could leave the land unused and unproductive for decades.</p><p>While the retreat from farming, for whatever reason, is the largest source of abandoned land globally, there are other causes. For instance, the end of the Cold War has led to the abandonment of an estimated 5,800 square miles of former military training areas in Europe. Free of tanks and troops, many of these areas are becoming <a href=\"https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1617138118301870\">nature reserves</a>, including the former British tank grounds at Lüneburg Heath in western Germany and the Königsbrücker Heath in eastern Germany vacated by Russian troops.</p><p>Left to its own devices, nature will usually reclaim abandoned places, with benefits for biodiversity and climate. Even without human intervention, carbon capture from the abandoned areas of Russia is already considerable. Irina Kurganova, a soil scientist with the Russian Academy of Sciences, <a href=\"https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23996953/\">estimates</a> that the collapse of collective farming there has led to the sequestering annually of more than 40 million tons of carbon in natural vegetation and improved soils.</p></div></div></div></div>', 'A billion acres of old farmland—an area half the size of Australia—has fallen out of use. Ecologists say the lands and degraded forests are neglected resources for rewilding and for capturing carbon.', 'https://media.wired.com/photos/6529569edf1e1fa4fb80f044/191:100/w_1280,c_limit/climatedesk-science-AP20112589275219.jpg', '39', NULL, NULL, '13', 'newsapi', NULL, NULL, '2023-11-09', '203', '0', '0', NULL, NULL, NULL),
(188, 'Guinea-Bissau capital without power over unpaid bill to Turkeys Karpowership', '<div><main data-testid=\"main-content\" id=\"main-content\"><article><header></header><div data-component=\"image-block\"><figure><p><span><picture><source srcset=\"https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/240/cpsprodpb/F1D2/production/_131460916_gettyimages-1129463172.jpg.webp 240w, https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/320/cpsprodpb/F1D2/production/_131460916_gettyimages-1129463172.jpg.webp 320w, https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/480/cpsprodpb/F1D2/production/_131460916_gettyimages-1129463172.jpg.webp 480w, https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/624/cpsprodpb/F1D2/production/_131460916_gettyimages-1129463172.jpg.webp 624w, https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/800/cpsprodpb/F1D2/production/_131460916_gettyimages-1129463172.jpg.webp 800w, https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/976/cpsprodpb/F1D2/production/_131460916_gettyimages-1129463172.jpg.webp 976w\" type=\"image/webp\"></source><img alt=\"Guinea Bissau capital in 2019\" height=\"549\" loading=\"eager\" src=\"https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/976/cpsprodpb/F1D2/production/_131460916_gettyimages-1129463172.jpg\" srcset=\"https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/240/cpsprodpb/F1D2/production/_131460916_gettyimages-1129463172.jpg 240w, https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/320/cpsprodpb/F1D2/production/_131460916_gettyimages-1129463172.jpg 320w, https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/480/cpsprodpb/F1D2/production/_131460916_gettyimages-1129463172.jpg 480w, https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/624/cpsprodpb/F1D2/production/_131460916_gettyimages-1129463172.jpg 624w, https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/800/cpsprodpb/F1D2/production/_131460916_gettyimages-1129463172.jpg 800w, https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/976/cpsprodpb/F1D2/production/_131460916_gettyimages-1129463172.jpg 976w\" width=\"976\"></img></picture></span><span role=\"text\"><span>Image source, </span>AFP</span></p><figcaption><span>Image caption, </span><p>Guinea-Bissau is one of the world\'s poorest countries</p></figcaption></figure></div><div data-component=\"byline-block\"><div><div><div><p>By Gloria Aradi &amp;  Yūsuf Akínpẹ̀lú</p><p>BBC News</p></div></div></div></div><div data-component=\"text-block\"><p><b>A Turkish firm has cut power supplies to Guinea-Bissau\'s capital over an unpaid bill of at least $15m (£12m), plunging the city into darkness.</b></p></div><div data-component=\"text-block\"><p>It has severely disrupted daily life, with hospitals affected and radio stations off-air. </p></div><div data-component=\"text-block\"><p>Economy Minister Suleimane Seidi acknowledged the arrears, saying most of the bill would be paid in 15 days.</p></div><div data-component=\"text-block\"><p>Karpowership is one of the world\'s biggest floating power plant operators, supplying several African states.</p></div><div data-component=\"text-block\"><p>But it has taken a tough line over non-payment. Last month, it cut power to Sierra Leone\'s capital, Freetown, over an unpaid bill of $40m.</p></div><div data-component=\"text-block\"><p>The Turkish company has also signed a deal to supply power to South Africa, saying it will cover more than 5% of the country\'s total electricity needs.</p></div><div data-component=\"text-block\"><p>South Africa has been hit by a wave of power cuts with people going without electricity for up to 10 hours a day.</p></div><div data-component=\"text-block\"><p>Power was cut in Bissau, a city with a population of more than 400,000, in the early hours of Tuesday and has not been restored, a resident told the BBC.</p></div><div data-component=\"text-block\"><p>Some public hospitals are now using generators to carry out surgery, local journalist Assana Sambu told the BBC.</p></div><div data-component=\"text-block\"><p>But they don\'t have running water because there is not enough electricity, and hospital directors have appealed for power in order to cook food for their patients.</p></div><div data-component=\"text-block\"><p>Another journalist, Alberto Dabo, said he was drinking water from a well because water supplies had been cut amid the sweltering heat which reaches 40C.</p></div><div data-component=\"text-block\"><p>\"Our houses are very hot. Most families stay outside till 4am before entering their houses to spend the rest of the night. You can\'t stay indoors because of the heat.\"</p></div><div data-component=\"text-block\"><p>State-run Rádio Nacional is among media outlets that have stopped broadcasting, while the private radio station where Sambu works is only partially operating, he added. </p></div><div data-component=\"text-block\"><p>Karpowership says it has been supplying 100% of Guinea-Bissau\'s electricity since signing a five-year agreement with the state-owned electricity and water utility company in 2019.</p></div><div data-component=\"text-block\"><p>The country is one of the poorest in the world and has been beset by instability since independence.</p></div><div data-component=\"text-block\"><p>\"Unfortunately, following a protracted period of non-payment, our [floating power plant] is now unable to continue operating,\" a Karpowership spokesperson was quoted by the Reuters news agency as saying. </p></div><div data-component=\"text-block\"><p>\"We are working around the clock with officials to resolve this issue and we aim to have generation back online as soon as possible,\" the spokesperson added.</p></div><div data-component=\"text-block\"><p>Energy Minister Isuf Baldé said $6m of the $15m bill had been paid.</p></div><div data-component=\"text-block\"><p>\"In a small and poor country like Guinea-Bissau, carrying out a transfer operation of this level, $10m, takes time,\" he said.</p></div><div data-component=\"text-block\"><p>He added that the contract with Karpowership needed to be renegotiated because costs had almost doubled since it began, to a level Guinea-Bissau could no longer afford.</p></div><div data-component=\"text-block\"><p>The company also supplies electricity to six other African countries - Ghana, The Gambia, Ivory Coast, Mozambique, Senegal and Sierra Leone.</p></div><div data-component=\"text-block\"><p>The company prides itself as \"the owner, operator and builder of the world\'s only Powership (floating power plant)\".</p></div><div data-component=\"text-block\"><p>Its involvement in the electricity sector is the latest example of Tukey\'s growing influence in Africa.</p></div><div data-component=\"text-block\"><p>Although access to electricity has increased in sub-Saharan Africa in recent years, it still remains low, with more than 50% of the region\'s population having no grid connection, according to the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (Unctad).</p></div></article></main></div>', 'Bissau is plunged into darkness because a Turkish company cut supplies over a $15m bill.', 'https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/1024/branded_news/17FB2/production/_131462289_gettyimages-1222943267-1.jpg', '39', NULL, NULL, '13', 'newsapi', NULL, NULL, '2023-11-09', '203', '0', '0', NULL, NULL, NULL);
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(189, 'Turkish company Karpowership restores electricity to Guinea-Bissau capital', '<div><main data-testid=\"main-content\" id=\"main-content\"><article><header></header><div data-component=\"image-block\"><figure><p><span><picture><source srcset=\"https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/240/cpsprodpb/2267/production/_131470880_gettyimages-1129463168.jpg.webp 240w, https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/320/cpsprodpb/2267/production/_131470880_gettyimages-1129463168.jpg.webp 320w, https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/480/cpsprodpb/2267/production/_131470880_gettyimages-1129463168.jpg.webp 480w, https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/624/cpsprodpb/2267/production/_131470880_gettyimages-1129463168.jpg.webp 624w, https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/800/cpsprodpb/2267/production/_131470880_gettyimages-1129463168.jpg.webp 800w, https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/976/cpsprodpb/2267/production/_131470880_gettyimages-1129463168.jpg.webp 976w\" type=\"image/webp\"></source><img alt=\"Picture taken on March 9, 2019 shows an aerial view of the presidential palace (top R), and the Estadio Lino Correia (L) in Bissau, capital city of Guinea-Bissau, the day before the country\'s parliament election\" height=\"549\" loading=\"eager\" src=\"https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/976/cpsprodpb/2267/production/_131470880_gettyimages-1129463168.jpg\" srcset=\"https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/240/cpsprodpb/2267/production/_131470880_gettyimages-1129463168.jpg 240w, https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/320/cpsprodpb/2267/production/_131470880_gettyimages-1129463168.jpg 320w, https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/480/cpsprodpb/2267/production/_131470880_gettyimages-1129463168.jpg 480w, https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/624/cpsprodpb/2267/production/_131470880_gettyimages-1129463168.jpg 624w, https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/800/cpsprodpb/2267/production/_131470880_gettyimages-1129463168.jpg 800w, https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/976/cpsprodpb/2267/production/_131470880_gettyimages-1129463168.jpg 976w\" width=\"976\"></img></picture></span><span role=\"text\"><span>Image source, </span>AFP</span></p><figcaption><span>Image caption, </span><p>Guinea-Bissau has one of the lowest electricity connection rates in Africa</p></figcaption></figure></div><div data-component=\"text-block\"><p><b>Turkish company Karpowership has restored power to Guinea-Bissau\'s capital after cutting off supplies over an unpaid bill of $15m (£12m).</b></p></div><div data-component=\"text-block\"><p>The company resumed operations late on Wednesday after receiving a payment of $6m from the government.</p></div><div data-component=\"text-block\"><p>Bissau had been plunged into darkness for nearly two days, with hospitals affected and radio stations off-air.</p></div><div data-component=\"text-block\"><p>The country is one of the poorest in the world and has been beset by instability since independence.</p></div><div data-component=\"text-block\"><p>In 2019, its government signed a deal with Karpowership, one of the world\'s biggest floating power plant operators, to supply the country with all its power.</p></div><div data-component=\"text-block\"><p>A spokesperson for the company told the BBC that Karpowership was \"grateful\" for Guinea-Bissau\'s efforts to pay the bill, which made it possible to resume electricity supplies.</p></div><div data-component=\"text-block\"><p>\"Following a protracted period of non-payment, our fuel suppliers were no longer able to withstand the delay and had no option but to pause work,\" the spokesperson added. </p></div><div data-component=\"text-block\"><p>Energy Minister Isuf Baldé confirmed that $6m of the $15m bill had been settled.</p></div><div data-component=\"text-block\"><p>\"In a small and poor country like Guinea-Bissau, carrying out a transfer operation of this level, $10m, takes time,\" he said.</p></div><div data-component=\"text-block\"><p>He added that the contract with Karpowership needed to be renegotiated because costs had almost doubled since it came into effect, making it unaffordable. </p></div><div data-component=\"text-block\"><p>Power was cut in Bissau, a city with a population of more than 400,000, in the early hours of Tuesday.</p></div><div data-component=\"text-block\"><p>Some public hospitals used generators to carry out surgery, local journalist Assana Sambu told the BBC.</p></div><div data-component=\"text-block\"><p>But they did not have running water because there was not enough electricity, and hospital directors appealed for power in order to cook food for their patients.</p></div><div data-component=\"text-block\"><p>Another journalist, Alberto Dabo, said he resorted to drinking water from a well because water supplies had been cut amid the sweltering heat which reaches 40C.</p></div><div data-component=\"text-block\"><p>Media outlets were also affected by the power cut, with state-run Rádio Nacional among those that stopped broadcasting,</p></div><div data-component=\"text-block\"><p>Guinea-Bissau has one of the lowest electricity connection rates in Africa, estimated at 10% nationally and 20% in the city of Bissau, according to the African Development Bank.</p></div><div data-component=\"text-block\"><p>Power outages in Bissau are frequent, with some parts of the city going without power for more than four hours a day.</p></div><div data-component=\"text-block\"><p>The World Bank said in 2020 that Guinea-Bissau\'s \"electricity sector has been trapped in a downward spiral for decades\" due to political instability, poor management, lack of planning and \"vested interests\".</p></div><div data-component=\"text-block\"><p>Karpowership supplies electricity to six other African countries - Ghana, The Gambia, Ivory Coast, Mozambique, Senegal and Sierra Leone.</p></div><div data-component=\"text-block\"><p>The Turkish company has also signed a deal with South Africa, saying it will cover more than 5% of the country\'s electricity needs.</p></div><div data-component=\"text-block\"><p>But it has taken a tough line over non-payment. Last month, it cut power to Sierra Leone\'s capital, Freetown, over an unpaid bill of $40m.</p></div><div data-component=\"text-block\"><p>Although access to electricity has increased in sub-Saharan Africa in recent years, it still remains low, with more than 50% of the region\'s population having no grid connection, according to the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (Unctad).</p></div></article></main></div>', 'Turkish firm Karpowership puts the lights back on after the government partially settles a $15m debt.', 'https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/1024/branded_news/156FF/production/_131470878_gettyimages-1129463168.jpg', '39', NULL, NULL, '13', 'newsapi', NULL, NULL, '2023-11-09', '203', '0', '0', NULL, NULL, NULL),
(190, 'Chinas Belt and Road Initiative: Kenya and a railway to nowhere', '<div><main data-testid=\"main-content\" id=\"main-content\"><article><header></header><div data-component=\"image-block\"><figure><p><span><picture><source srcset=\"https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/240/cpsprodpb/6131/production/_131418842_gettyimages-1241111933_976.jpg.webp 240w, https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/320/cpsprodpb/6131/production/_131418842_gettyimages-1241111933_976.jpg.webp 320w, https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/480/cpsprodpb/6131/production/_131418842_gettyimages-1241111933_976.jpg.webp 480w, https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/624/cpsprodpb/6131/production/_131418842_gettyimages-1241111933_976.jpg.webp 624w, https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/800/cpsprodpb/6131/production/_131418842_gettyimages-1241111933_976.jpg.webp 800w, https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/976/cpsprodpb/6131/production/_131418842_gettyimages-1241111933_976.jpg.webp 976w\" type=\"image/webp\"></source><img alt=\"Kenya\'s SGR passing through the Nairobi National park\" height=\"549\" loading=\"eager\" src=\"https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/976/cpsprodpb/6131/production/_131418842_gettyimages-1241111933_976.jpg\" srcset=\"https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/240/cpsprodpb/6131/production/_131418842_gettyimages-1241111933_976.jpg 240w, https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/320/cpsprodpb/6131/production/_131418842_gettyimages-1241111933_976.jpg 320w, https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/480/cpsprodpb/6131/production/_131418842_gettyimages-1241111933_976.jpg 480w, https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/624/cpsprodpb/6131/production/_131418842_gettyimages-1241111933_976.jpg 624w, https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/800/cpsprodpb/6131/production/_131418842_gettyimages-1241111933_976.jpg 800w, https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/976/cpsprodpb/6131/production/_131418842_gettyimages-1241111933_976.jpg 976w\" width=\"976\"></img></picture></span><span role=\"text\"><span>Image source, </span>Getty Images</span></p></figure></div><div data-component=\"byline-block\"><div><div><div><p>By Anne Soy</p><p>Senior Africa correspondent</p></div></div></div></div><div data-component=\"text-block\"><p><b>The first section of Kenya\'s Chinese-built railway was opened with much fanfare in 2017 - but two years later work on the tracks stopped in the middle of the country and the master plan of linking it to other landlocked countries in East Africa seems to have derailed. </b></p></div><div data-component=\"text-block\"><p>This means the project is not bringing as much money as was hoped at this stage, while Kenya is left servicing loans totalling around $4.7bn (£3.9bn), mainly borrowed from Chinese banks. </p></div><div data-component=\"text-block\"><p>Yet it is hard to believe that Kenya\'s Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) is not a success when passengers disgorge from a packed train of around 12 carriages at the Syokimau railway terminus in the capital, Nairobi - the last service of the day.</p></div><div data-component=\"text-block\"><p>They have travelled non-stop from the port city of Mombasa, 470km (290 miles) away on the Indian Ocean.</p></div><div data-component=\"text-block\"><p>\"It\'s great,\" 53-year-old commuter Pauline Echesa told me. The four-and-a-half hour journey gives her the bonus of watching wildlife along the way as the railway cuts through national parks, she says.</p></div><div data-component=\"image-block\"><figure><p><span><span></span></span><span role=\"text\"><span>Image source, </span>AFP</span></p><figcaption><span>Image caption, </span><p>Some passengers can enjoy the wildlife on the Madaraka Express, which passes through national parks</p></figcaption></figure></div><div data-component=\"text-block\"><p>A 30-year-old commuter found the experience a little more exhausting, saying the seats were not that comfortable but the journey saved her money compared to other ways travelling up from the coast.</p></div><div data-component=\"text-block\"><p>There is no doubt the passenger side of the business is doing well and is fully booked, but it cannot pay back the loans on its own - and it was never meant to do so.</p></div><div data-component=\"text-block\"><p>This burden falls to the cargo side of the business - bringing inland the containers that arrive at Mombasa port. It was intended that they would reach Uganda, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo.</p></div><div data-component=\"text-block\"><p>The problem is that they can only go as far as the Kenyan town of Naivasha - 120km from Nairobi but still far from the Ugandan border - on the SGR. Most of the freight trains then return to Mombasa empty, a huge loss of potential income.</p></div><div data-component=\"text-block\"><p>\"It will be more productive for us to continue with the project,\" Kenya\'s Transport Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen told the BBC. \"But the financing part is actually our challenge.\"</p></div><div data-component=\"text-block\"><p>He says the government would be exploring options for funding the construction of the remaining portion of the railway during the upcoming Belt and Road Summit in China.</p></div><div data-component=\"text-block\"><p>Launched in 2013, China\'s massive Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) has stretched across the globe and noticeably changed the landscape of infrastructure across Africa.</p></div><div data-component=\"text-block\"><p>But its future is a matter of debate now as China continues to scale down funding and African countries face the reality of growing debt that in some cases threatens to destabilise their economies.</p></div><div data-component=\"text-block\"><p>American think tank the Council on Foreign Relations argues that some BRI investments have involved opaque bidding processes and required use of Chinese firms leading to inflated costs which have in some cases resulted in the cancelation of projects and a political backlash.</p></div><div data-component=\"text-block\"><p>Internal issues that have affected the Chinese economy have also led to hugely diminished funding, says Nigeria\'s former Deputy Central Bank Governor, Kingsley Moghalu.</p></div><div data-component=\"text-block\"><p>\"The funding levels in the past couple of years have not been more than $2bn across the continent,\" he says - down, he estimates, from between $10bn and $20bn a decade ago.</p></div><div data-component=\"text-block\"><p>Kenya\'s SGR is one of those to have suffered.  </p></div><div data-component=\"image-block\"><figure><p><span><span></span></span><span role=\"text\"><span>Image source, </span>Reuters</span></p><figcaption><span>Image caption, </span><p>Kenya is hoping to find backing to build the SGR line to the Ugandan border at the Belt and Road Summit in China</p></figcaption></figure></div><div data-component=\"text-block\"><p>But Mr Murkomen says Kenya is open to options: \"We have private sector players in China who have said they are willing to put their own resources as long as we can have a conversation about how they\'ll recoup their finances.\"</p></div><div data-component=\"text-block\"><p>One could be a grace period to allow the country to first service the loans taken to finance the sections of the railway that are complete, he explains.</p></div><div data-component=\"text-block\"><p>An admission that the government is seeking more funding may not sit well with many in the country who already reeling from tax hikes introduced by President William Ruto since he came into office a year ago. </p></div><div data-component=\"text-block\"><p>Kenyans are concerned that debt repayments are exerting significant pressure on the country\'s economy. Government figures from the end of June 2022 showed that China was Kenya\'s third biggest external creditor - accounting for 19.4% of the country\'s debt.</p></div><div data-component=\"text-block\"><p>\"Right now, the debt profile of the country is quite heavy,\" says Kenyan economist Ken Gichinga, explaining that next June is when Kenya must repay a $2bn Eurobond. </p></div><div data-component=\"text-block\"><p>\"And there is also a feeling that not all that money went to building the railway,\" says Mr Gichinga.  </p></div><div data-component=\"text-block\"><p>The opacity in the deals countries like Kenya have signed with China is a matter of concern to their own citizens as well as critics abroad.</p></div><div data-component=\"text-block\"><p>The Council on Foreign Relations assessment notes that loan terms are rarely made public and \"because China refused to join the Paris Club of major official creditors\", Chinese banks are under no pressure to cap lending rates or share information.</p></div><div data-component=\"text-block\"><p>This, it concludes, means the risks for both the US and recipient countries \"considerably outweighed its benefits\".</p></div><div data-component=\"image-block\"><figure><p><span><span></span></span><span role=\"text\"><span>Image source, </span>AFP</span></p><figcaption><span>Image caption, </span><p>Critics are concerned that the details of China\'s loans are rarely publicly disclosed</p></figcaption></figure></div><div data-component=\"text-block\"><p>For Kenya\'s railway to reap the benefits that were envisioned at its inception, it needs to go transnational.</p></div><div data-component=\"text-block\"><p>\"Uganda really needs to also be onboard,\" argues Mr Gichinga.</p></div><div data-component=\"text-block\"><p>But that ambition looks shaky.</p></div><div data-component=\"text-block\"><p>The original East Africa Transport Master Plan, proposed by the East Africa Community around two decades ago, wanted two routes into landlocked countries from the coast - one coming from Kenya, known as the northern corridor, and another from Tanzania, dubbed the central corridor. It then had connections to South Sudan and DR Congo.</p></div><div data-component=\"text-block\"><p>However Uganda may decide to push its business towards Tanzania. Its railway project has cost way less to build and offers higher speeds as the line is electrified.  </p></div><div data-component=\"text-block\"><p>Former Tanzanian President John Magufuli tore up the deal that had been signed by his predecessor with China to build the railway and chose to get funding instead from Turkey and Portugal to finance the first leg of the project.</p></div><div data-component=\"text-block\"><p>Tanzania also appears on track to connect to Rwanda, Burundi and DR Congo - with China coming onboard in latter sections. </p></div><div data-component=\"text-block\"><p>Mr Moghalu argues that, like Tanzania, countries on the continent \"should be drivers of their own destiny\".</p></div><div data-component=\"text-block\"><p>\"African countries need a mental repositioning and not feel like an abused spouse that they should be grateful to China because their former spouse, the West, did not treat them well.\"</p></div><div data-component=\"text-block\"><p>Western countries have recently been trying to counter BRI, including US President Joe Biden\'s Build Back Better World Initiative, launched in 2021 in collaboration with G7 economies. But there is general acknowledgement that China still can offer more in terms of long-term development.</p></div><div data-component=\"text-block\"><p>For the Nairobi-Mombasa commuters, such investments for the country\'s future are definitely worthwhile.</p></div><div data-component=\"text-block\"><p>\"Let us sacrifice to pay the debt and get more for such projects,\" Ms Echesa told the BBC.</p></div><div data-component=\"text-block\"><p>The Kenyan government will be hoping it can convince China, and its banks, that the SGR railway will be profitable if it gets to the border and beyond.</p></div><div data-component=\"text-block\"><p><b>More on China-Africa relations:</b></p></div><section data-component=\"around-the-bbc\"><p><h2>Around the BBC</h2></p><ul role=\"list\" spacing=\"responsive\"><li></li></ul></section></article></main></div>', 'A $5bn transport project, funded by Chinese loans, is in danger of becoming a white elephant.', 'https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/1024/branded_news/F989/production/_131418836_gettyimages-1064062982_afp976.jpg', '39', NULL, NULL, '13', 'newsapi', NULL, NULL, '2023-11-09', '203', '0', '0', NULL, NULL, NULL),
(191, 'Briton among three dead in Ugandan park attack', '<div><main data-testid=\"main-content\" id=\"main-content\"><article><header></header><div data-component=\"image-block\"><figure><p><span><picture><source srcset=\"https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/240/cpsprodpb/10A78/production/_131461286_uganda_18_october.jpg.webp 240w, https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/320/cpsprodpb/10A78/production/_131461286_uganda_18_october.jpg.webp 320w, https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/480/cpsprodpb/10A78/production/_131461286_uganda_18_october.jpg.webp 480w, https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/624/cpsprodpb/10A78/production/_131461286_uganda_18_october.jpg.webp 624w, https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/800/cpsprodpb/10A78/production/_131461286_uganda_18_october.jpg.webp 800w, https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/976/cpsprodpb/10A78/production/_131461286_uganda_18_october.jpg.webp 976w\" type=\"image/webp\"></source><img alt=\"Four wheel drive car on fire\" height=\"549\" loading=\"eager\" src=\"https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/976/cpsprodpb/10A78/production/_131461286_uganda_18_october.jpg\" srcset=\"https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/240/cpsprodpb/10A78/production/_131461286_uganda_18_october.jpg 240w, https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/320/cpsprodpb/10A78/production/_131461286_uganda_18_october.jpg 320w, https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/480/cpsprodpb/10A78/production/_131461286_uganda_18_october.jpg 480w, https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/624/cpsprodpb/10A78/production/_131461286_uganda_18_october.jpg 624w, https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/800/cpsprodpb/10A78/production/_131461286_uganda_18_october.jpg 800w, https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/976/cpsprodpb/10A78/production/_131461286_uganda_18_october.jpg 976w\" width=\"976\"></img></picture></span><span role=\"text\"><span>Image source, </span>Uganda Police Force</span></p><figcaption><span>Image caption, </span><p>The attackers set the victims\' vehicle on fire after killing them</p></figcaption></figure></div><div data-component=\"text-block\"><p><b>A couple on their honeymoon and their guide were killed in a \"cowardly terrorist attack\" at a national park in south-west Uganda, authorities say.</b></p></div><div data-component=\"text-block\"><p>Uganda\'s police said the trio were killed, and their vehicle burned, in the Queen Elizabeth National Park.</p></div><div data-component=\"text-block\"><p>Police said joint forces were pursuing suspected members of the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) rebel group.</p></div><div data-component=\"text-block\"><p>Uganda\'s president said the tourists were from the UK and South Africa, while their guide was Ugandan.</p></div><div data-component=\"text-block\"><p>In a statement <a href=\"https://x.com/KagutaMuseveni/status/1714569280019214540?s=20\">posted on social media platform X, </a>Yoweri Museveni added the Ugandan High Commission in the UK would provide support to the families of the murdered couple.</p></div><div data-component=\"text-block\"><p>The UK\'s foreign office said it was in contact with the family of a British national following an incident at the park. </p></div><div data-component=\"text-block\"><p>The ADF is an IS-linked Islamist group which traces its roots to Uganda but operates mainly in the east of the Democratic Republic of Congo. The two countries have intensified operations targeting the group in recent months.</p></div><div data-component=\"text-block\"><div><p>On Monday, Uganda\'s president said police had foiled a plot, allegedly planned by ADF militants, to <a href=\"https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-67119939\">bomb churches in the country\'s central Butambala district.</a></p></div></div><div data-component=\"text-block\"><p>Police spokesperson Fred Enanga <a href=\"https://twitter.com/PoliceUg/status/1714335119563956507\">said on X</a>, formerly known as Twitter: \"We have registered a cowardly terrorist attack on two foreign tourists and a Ugandan in Queen Elizabeth National Park.</p></div><div data-component=\"text-block\"><p>\"The three were killed, and their safari vehicle burnt.\"</p></div><div data-component=\"text-block\"><p>He added the police are \"aggressively pursuing\" the suspected rebels, and expressed \"our deepest condolences to the families of the victims\".</p></div><div data-component=\"text-block\"><p>The police force also posted a photograph of a green four-wheel-drive vehicle on fire.</p></div><div data-component=\"text-block\"><p>Bashir Hangi, spokesperson for the Uganda Wildlife Authority, said the attack took place on Tuesday evening.</p></div><div data-component=\"text-block\"><p>The authority said in a statement all parks remain open, adding: \"We urge the public to remain patient and allow the investigative process to run its course.\" </p></div><div data-component=\"text-block\"><p>The UK Foreign Office has updated its travel advice for Uganda, warning the \"attackers remain at large\".</p></div><div data-component=\"text-block\"><p>It is advising against \"all but essential travel\" to Queen Elizabeth National Park, adding that anyone in the park should \"follow the advice of local security authorities\".</p></div><div data-component=\"text-block\"><p>\"If you are able to do so safely, you should consider leaving the area,\" it said.</p></div><div data-component=\"text-block\"><p>A spokesperson for the Foreign Office said: \"We are providing consular assistance to the family of a British national following an incident at Queen Elizabeth National Park in Uganda. We are in close contact with the local authorities.\"</p></div><div data-component=\"text-block\"><p>\"British nationals in the area should follow our travel advice and contact us if they require assistance.\"</p></div></article></main></div>', 'Ugandan police call it a \"cowardly terror attack\" in which two tourists and their guide were killed.', 'https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/1024/branded_news/F0A6/production/_131460616_gettyimages-967736902.jpg', '39', NULL, NULL, '13', 'newsapi', NULL, NULL, '2023-11-09', '203', '0', '0', NULL, NULL, NULL),
(192, 'Nigeria burns $1.4m worth of pangolin scales in anti-trafficking stand', '<div><main data-testid=\"main-content\" id=\"main-content\"><article><header></header><div data-component=\"image-block\"><figure><p><span><picture><source srcset=\"https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/240/cpsprodpb/795E/production/_130607013_pangolingettyimages-1315662162.jpg.webp 240w, https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/320/cpsprodpb/795E/production/_130607013_pangolingettyimages-1315662162.jpg.webp 320w, https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/480/cpsprodpb/795E/production/_130607013_pangolingettyimages-1315662162.jpg.webp 480w, https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/624/cpsprodpb/795E/production/_130607013_pangolingettyimages-1315662162.jpg.webp 624w, https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/800/cpsprodpb/795E/production/_130607013_pangolingettyimages-1315662162.jpg.webp 800w, https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/976/cpsprodpb/795E/production/_130607013_pangolingettyimages-1315662162.jpg.webp 976w\" type=\"image/webp\"></source><img alt=\"Live pangolin\" height=\"549\" loading=\"eager\" src=\"https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/976/cpsprodpb/795E/production/_130607013_pangolingettyimages-1315662162.jpg\" srcset=\"https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/240/cpsprodpb/795E/production/_130607013_pangolingettyimages-1315662162.jpg 240w, https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/320/cpsprodpb/795E/production/_130607013_pangolingettyimages-1315662162.jpg 320w, https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/480/cpsprodpb/795E/production/_130607013_pangolingettyimages-1315662162.jpg 480w, https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/624/cpsprodpb/795E/production/_130607013_pangolingettyimages-1315662162.jpg 624w, https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/800/cpsprodpb/795E/production/_130607013_pangolingettyimages-1315662162.jpg 800w, https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/976/cpsprodpb/795E/production/_130607013_pangolingettyimages-1315662162.jpg 976w\" width=\"976\"></img></picture></span><span role=\"text\"><span>Image source, </span>Getty Images</span></p><figcaption><span>Image caption, </span><p>All eight species of pangolin are threatened, with three listed as critically endangered</p></figcaption></figure></div><div data-component=\"byline-block\"><div><div><div><p>By Wedaeli Chibelushi</p><p>BBC News</p></div></div></div></div><div data-component=\"text-block\"><p><b>Nigeria has burned $1.4m (£1.2m) worth of pangolin scales in a stand against trafficking, officials said.</b></p></div><div data-component=\"text-block\"><p>It is the first time the nation has publicly destroyed seized wildlife products for this reason.</p></div><div data-component=\"text-block\"><p>The pangolin is one of the world\'s most trafficked mammals - their scales are in high demand in traditional Chinese medicine.</p></div><div data-component=\"text-block\"><p>Nigeria is a major transit hub for African pangolin scales and other wildlife products trafficked to Asia.</p></div><div data-component=\"text-block\"><p>\"These seized items represent the past we leave behind, but the destruction signifies the future we are determined to build for our planet,\" Environment Minister Iziaq Adekunle said before the burning took place in Nigeria\'s capital, Abuja. </p></div><div data-component=\"text-block\"><p>\"The destruction of these seized items is a powerful statement of our resolve to protect our environment, conserve our wildlife, and combat the illegal trade that drives species to the brink of extinction.\" </p></div><div data-component=\"image-block\"><figure><p><span><span></span></span><span role=\"text\"><span>Image source, </span>NESREA/Facebook</span></p><figcaption><span>Image caption, </span><p>The scales were incinerated publicly in Abuja, Nigeria\'s capital</p></figcaption></figure></div><div data-component=\"text-block\"><p>Almost four tonnes of pangolin scales were destroyed alongside seized leopard, python and crocodile skins.</p></div><div data-component=\"text-block\"><p>The agency had confiscated the scales in collaboration with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and a pan-African alliance named the Elephant Protection Initiative.</p></div><div data-component=\"text-block\"><p>And last year, Nigerian customs officials seized 1,613 tonnes of pangolin scales and arrested 14 people, Nigeria\'s Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency said.</p></div><div data-component=\"text-block\"><p>Pangolins are the only mammals in the world to be covered in scales, which are made from keratin, the same substance found in human fingernails.</p></div><div data-component=\"text-block\"><p>Four species live in Africa, across countries in the the south, east and centre of the continent. The creature is near extinct in Nigeria, so pangolins smuggled from there are likely to be from other countries, UNODC said.</p></div><div data-component=\"text-block\"><p>Asia is home to the other four species, although they have been totally wiped out in the continent\'s vast south-east region.</p></div><div data-component=\"text-block\"><p>According to animal charity Wild Aid, up to 200,000 pangolins are thought to be taken from the wild every year. It is not known how many are left globally - the animals are notoriously difficult to monitor because they are shy and nocturnal.</p></div><div data-component=\"text-block\"><p>According to UNODC, seizures of pangolin scales increased tenfold between 2014 and 2018.</p></div><div data-component=\"image-block\"><figure><p><span><span></span></span><span role=\"text\"><span>Image source, </span>NESREA/Facebook</span></p><figcaption><span>Image caption, </span><p>The destruction took place in front of NGOs and government officials</p></figcaption></figure></div></article></main></div>', 'Officials say they seized and destroyed the scales in a stand against illegal wildlife trafficking.', 'https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/1024/branded_news/795E/production/_130607013_pangolingettyimages-1315662162.jpg', '39', NULL, NULL, '13', 'newsapi', NULL, NULL, '2023-11-09', '203', '0', '0', NULL, NULL, NULL);
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(193, 'A Brief Evolution of Black art', '                                  <p><img style=\"width: 320px;\" src=\"data:image/png;base64,[encoded data, 286576 characters]\" data-filename=\"wadadliblack blogs page inline image.png\">The evolution of Black art is a rich tapestry that intricately weaves the ancestral threads of Africa with the diverse experiences of the diaspora. This fusion has created a dynamic continuum, bridging oceans and epochs, reflecting a journey from the traditional to the contemporary, and beyond.<br><br>From the profound sculptures of ancient African civilizations to the evocative street art of modern cities, Black art has continually embraced the multiplicity of its heritage. In the shackles of the Middle Passage, enslaved Africans held onto their artistic traditions as a means of spiritual survival. These traditions evolved, under the harsh realities of diaspora, into poignant expressions that conveyed the complex emotions and experiences of displacement, resistance, and hope.<br><br>The Harlem Renaissance marked a significant pivot point, with Black artists asserting their cultural identity and aesthetic autonomy. Here, the syncopated rhythms of African drums met the brassy notes of jazz to create a new visual language. This period saw a blossoming of Black creativity that aligned itself with the larger struggles for civil rights and recognition.<br><br>Today, the narrative continues to unfold, with contemporary artists like Kehinde Wiley and Julie Mehretu who draw from their African heritage and global perspectives. They blend techniques and motifs, infusing classical forms with urban vitality. Through mediums that range from painting and sculpture to digital and mixed media, they celebrate the past while forging new frontiers.<br><br>The evolution of Black art remains a powerful testament to resilience and transformation. It is a journey that transcends borders, connects generations, and continues to enrich the global art landscape with its vibrancy and vitality.</p>                                ', '                                  <p><img style=\"width: 320px;\" src=\"data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KG...', 'https://app.aiavatarstudio.net/images/artimages/image_654c3bc4975e7.png', '39', '', NULL, NULL, 'ownarticle', NULL, NULL, '2023-11-09', '203', '0', '0', NULL, NULL, NULL);
