De Bruyne 'open to everything' amid Saudi links

 

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Image caption,

De Bruyne signed for Manchester City from Wolfsburg in a £55m deal

Published
4 June 2024

Manchester City's Kevin de Bruyne has said he is "open to everything" as he discussed the possibility of a move to Saudi Arabia.

The Belgian playmaker, 32, has one year left on his contract at City where he has won six Premier League titles and the Champions League since joining in 2015.

De Bruyne said the "incredible" contracts on offer in the Saudi Pro League could be appealing towards the end of his career, and explained he had discussed his future with his wife.

"For Michele, an exotic adventure is OK. These are also conversations that we are increasingly having as a family," De Bruyne told Belgian broadcaster VTM, according to newspaper Het Laatste Nieuws., external

"I still have one year of contract, so I have to think about what can happen.

"My eldest [child] is now eight years old and knows nothing but England. He also asks how long I will play at City. Once the time comes, we will have to deal with it in a certain way.

"At my age, you have to be open to everything. You talk about unbelievable amounts in what may be the end of my career. Sometimes you have to think about that."

De Bruyne said that should he spend two years in Saudi Arabia, he would be "able to earn an incredible amount of money".

The Belgium captain, who is preparing for Euro 2024, missed almost five months of last season because of injury as City won their fourth consecutive league title, playing just 26 games in all competitions.

Morgan called up to Scotland squad

 

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Image caption,

Lewis Morgan could add to his two senior international caps

Published
3 hours ago

International friendly - Scotland v Finland

Where: Hampden Park, Glasgow When: Friday, 7 June Time: 19:45 BST

Coverage: Watch on BBC Scotland & iPlayer, listen on BBC Radio Scotland Extra and follow live text commentary on the BBC Sport website & app

Lewis Morgan has been recalled to Scotland's squad eight days before they open Euro 2024 against hosts Germany.

New York Red Bulls forward Morgan, 27, follows Scotland Under-21 and Bristol City striker Tommy Conway in being added to Steve Clarke's provisional squad after striker Lyndon Dykes and winger Ben Doak withdrew injured.

With Morgan's inclusion, Clarke has 28 players to consider for the final selection of 26 that will go to Germany.

The Scots face Finland at Hampden on Friday in a final warm-up match for the Euros.

Former Celtic, Inter Miami, St Mirren and Sunderland attacker Morgan was twice capped by Clarke's predecessor Alex McLeish in 2018.

He has scored 66 goals in 284 club appearances, including 26 goals since joining Bulls in 2022.

Maddison & Jones cut from England's Euro 2024 squad

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Image caption,

James Maddison was one of several attacking midfielders called up by Gareth Southgate

Simon Stone

Chief football news reporter

Nizaar Kinsella

BBC Sport football news reporter

Published
5 June 2024

Updated 3 hours ago

James Maddison and Curtis Jones will not be included in England manager Gareth Southgate’s final squad for Euro 2024.

Tottenham playmaker Maddison and Liverpool midfielder Jones were called up to the provisional 33-man selection.

Liverpool centre-back Jarell Quansah is also expected to be one of the seven players to be cut from the squad when the final 26 for the tournament in Germany is announced on Saturday.

Maddison played in England's friendly against Bosnia-Herzegovina on Monday, coming off the bench in the 3-0 win at St James' Park, while the uncapped Jones and Quansah did not feature.

The Football Association said Jones and Maddison had left the England camp prior to the team's last warm-up friendly against Iceland at Wembley on Friday.

"We thank them for being an important part of our pre-tournament preparation," added the FA., external

Former Leicester player Maddison has seven senior England caps and was part of Southgate's squad for the 2022 World Cup, although he did not make an appearance in Qatar.

The 27-year-old joined Tottenham in a £40m move from the Foxes last summer but endured an inconsistent season after a strong start was disrupted by injury.

One person not ruled out is Manchester United left-back Luke Shaw, who returned to training on Wednesday after a long injury lay-off.

The FA said Shaw, along with centre-back Harry Maguire and Brighton defender Lewis Dunk, were "following individual programmes" as 27 players, including Quansah, trained on Thursday.

Real Madrid midfielder Jude Bellingham will join up with the squad on Saturday having played in the Spanish side's victory in the Champions League final on 1 June.

England start their Euro 2024 campaign with a Group C game against Serbia in Gelsenkirchen on 16 June, before games against Denmark on 20 June and Slovenia on 25 June.

England XI for Euro 2024

Select your England XI for their Euro 2024 opener

Deep Dive – Tech Giant Fined for Data Privacy Violation

 

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Zenith Corp. in Hot Water: A Breakdown of the Record-Setting Fine

In a move that could reshape the online data landscape, tech giant Zenith Corp. has been slapped with a hefty $5 billion fine by the European Union for breaching user data privacy regulations. This hefty penalty marks the largest fine ever imposed under the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), the EU’s landmark data privacy law.

What Went Wrong?

The investigation by the Irish Data Protection Commission (DPC), the lead regulator for Zenith Corp. in the EU due to the company’s European headquarters being located in Ireland, revealed a concerning pattern of data privacy violations. Here’s a breakdown of the key accusations:

• Excessive Data Collection: Zenith allegedly collected far more user data than necessary for its services. This could have included browsing history, location data, and even personal messages, depending on the specific platform or service.
• Lack of Transparency: Regulators found that Zenith failed to clearly inform users about how their data was being collected, stored, and used. Users were likely unaware of the extent to which their personal information was being gathered.
• Unclear Opt-Out Mechanisms: The investigation also highlighted issues with Zenith’s opt-out procedures for data collection. Users may have found it difficult or confusing to withdraw their consent for data collection.

Impact and Implications

This landmark case sets a strong precedent for data privacy enforcement. Here’s what this hefty fine could mean:

• A Wake-Up Call for Tech Companies: This decision sends a clear message to tech giants that user data privacy is no longer a grey area. Companies can expect stricter scrutiny from regulators and hefty penalties for non-compliance.
• Empowering Users: The fine could empower users to take a more active role in protecting their online privacy. Hopefully, it will encourage users to be more mindful about the data they share online and demand greater transparency from the platforms they use.
• Potential for Further Regulation: This case could pave the way for stricter data privacy regulations worldwide. Other countries may be inspired to follow the EU’s lead and implement their own robust data protection frameworks.

The Road Ahead

Zenith Corp. has stated its intention to appeal the fine. However, this case has sparked a global conversation about the importance of data privacy in the digital age. As technology continues to evolve, so too must regulations around data collection and user consent. The outcome of this case will be closely watched by tech companies, regulators, and privacy advocates alike.

Let’s discuss! What are your thoughts on the Zenith Corp. data privacy scandal? Do these data collection practices concern you? Share your opinions and questions in the comments below!

Climate Change: A Pressing Issue with a Glimmer of Hope

 

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Climate change continues to dominate the headlines today. Here’s a closer look at the two major stories we mentioned earlier:

Rising Temperatures Spark Alarm

Heat waves are scorching parts of Europe and Asia. Record-breaking temperatures are causing wildfires, disrupting agricultural production, and putting a strain on energy grids. This extreme weather is a stark reminder of the urgency of addressing climate change.

• Impact on Daily Life: People are struggling to stay cool, with some facing power outages due to overloaded electricity grids. Hospitals are reporting an increase in heat-related illnesses, particularly among vulnerable populations like the elderly.
• Long-Term Effects: Scientists warn that these heat waves are just a glimpse of what’s to come if greenhouse gas emissions continue to rise. Rising sea levels, more extreme weather events, and mass extinctions could become the norm.

Hope Emerges with Battery Storage Breakthrough

Despite the grim news, a recent scientific development offers a beacon of hope. Researchers have reportedly made a significant breakthrough in battery storage technology.

• What it Means: Traditional batteries have limitations in terms of storage capacity and efficiency. This breakthrough could lead to batteries that store more renewable energy, like solar and wind power, for longer durations.
• Benefits: Wider adoption of renewable energy sources is crucial for reducing our reliance on fossil fuels and mitigating climate change. Efficient battery storage would make renewable energy a more reliable and cost-effective option.

The Road Ahead

While the battery storage development is promising, it’s just one piece of the puzzle. Here are some key areas where action is needed:

• International Cooperation: Countries need to work together to implement stricter emission reduction targets and invest in clean energy technologies.
• Shifting Policy: Governments can incentivize the use of renewable energy and electric vehicles through tax breaks and subsidies.
• Individual Action: We can all play a role in reducing our carbon footprint by using energy-efficient appliances, adopting sustainable transportation options, and making conscious consumer choices.

Climate change is a complex challenge, but it’s not insurmountable. By working together and embracing innovation, we can build a more sustainable future for ourselves and generations to come.

8 Times Wild Animals Surrounds Its Prey So It Can’t Escape

 

The wild kingdom is a theater of survival, where cunning and strategy often dictate the fate of both predator and prey. One of the most gripping and primal strategies employed by predators is surrounding their prey, effectively cutting off any escape route. Here are eight remarkable instances of wild animals utilizing this tactic:

1. Lion Ambush: Lions are renowned for their cooperative hunting techniques. They often encircle their prey, closing in from all sides, leaving little chance for escape.
2. Wolf Pack: Wolves are masters of coordination. Working together, they form a tight circle around their target, isolating it from its herd before launching a coordinated attack.
3. Killer Whale Pod: These apex predators use their intelligence and teamwork to encircle schools of fish or marine mammals, herding them into a confined space before moving in for the kill.
4. Cheetah Coalition: While cheetahs are known for their speed, they also employ strategic trapping of prey. In groups, they coordinate to surround and cut off escape routes, ensuring a successful hunt.
5. Hyena Clan: Hyenas are skilled scavengers but are also formidable hunters. They often work together in large groups, surrounding their prey and wearing it down through sheer persistence.
6. Crocodile Ambush: These stealthy predators lie in wait just below the water’s surface, surrounding unsuspecting prey before launching a lightning-fast attack.
7. Spider Web: Though small in size, spiders use their silk webs to ensnare insects, effectively surrounding them before moving in for the kill.
8. Ant Colony: While individually tiny, ants are incredibly effective hunters when working together. They swarm their prey, overwhelming it through sheer numbers.

In each of these cases, the key to success lies in teamwork, coordination, and strategic positioning. By surrounding their prey, these wild animals ensure that escape is nearly impossible, maximizing their chances of a successful hunt. It’s a testament to the ingenuity and adaptability of nature’s hunters, constantly evolving to outwit their quarry.

Times Animals Messed With Wrong Opponents !

 

Nature often showcases the unpredictability and sometimes sheer audacity of its inhabitants. From tiny insects to massive predators, animals occasionally find themselves in situations where they underestimate their adversaries, leading to amusing, sometimes perilous encounters.

In the animal kingdom, size isn’t always indicative of dominance. Take the case of a bold squirrel that once decided to challenge a neighborhood cat for its territory. Ignoring the considerable size difference, the squirrel puffed up its chest and chattered aggressively, causing the cat to retreat in bewilderment. It was a victory for the underdog, proving that determination can sometimes outweigh sheer physical strength.

Similarly, the tale of a small bird standing up to a much larger raptor is one for the ages. When a territorial hawk encroached on the nesting area of a feisty mockingbird, it was met with relentless dive-bombing and incessant squawking. Despite its imposing size, the hawk found itself outmatched by the tiny bird’s relentless defense of its territory.

Even in the depths of the ocean, there are stories of unlikely confrontations. Picture a curious octopus mistaking a camouflaged moray eel for an innocuous piece of coral. Unaware of the danger lurking within inches, the octopus tentatively reaches out, only to recoil in surprise as the eel suddenly springs into action. In this underwater showdown, agility and surprise trumped the octopus’s curiosity.

But nature’s miscalculations aren’t always harmless. Consider the tale of a young elephant testing its bravado against a seasoned crocodile. In a moment of youthful exuberance, the elephant ventured too close to the water’s edge, provoking the crocodile lurking beneath. With lightning speed, the crocodile lunged, catching the elephant off guard. Though the elephant escaped with only a harrowing tale to tell, it learned a valuable lesson about respecting the boundaries of its fellow predators.

These anecdotes serve as reminders that in the wild, appearances can be deceiving, and underestimating opponents can have unexpected consequences. Whether it’s a showdown between mismatched foes or a lesson learned through trial and error, the animal kingdom never fails to entertain with its tales of daring and folly.