Category Archives: general

general

2014 Bentley Continental GTC V8

Leave a comment

This 2014 Bentley Continental GTC V8 is a stunning luxury convertible finished in Beluga with matching Beluga leather upholstery accented by striking red stitching. Powered by a twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 engine producing 520 horsepower and 502 lb-ft of torque, this model delivers impressive performance with all-wheel drive through an eight-speed automatic transaxle.

The car currently shows 66,000 miles on the digital odometer and has a well-documented history, having been previously registered in Minnesota, Wisconsin, Mississippi, and Louisiana. It was most recently acquired by the selling dealer and is now offered in Texas with a clean Carfax report and a duplicate Louisiana title.

### Exterior and Wheels
The Continental GTC sports a sleek Beluga finish complemented by a Black power-operated soft top. It features bi-xenon headlights, twin figure-eight exhaust outlets, and front and rear parking sensors for added convenience and safety. The car rides on 21-inch black six-spoke wheels, fitted with a mix of Michelin tires. Braking performance is enhanced by red-finished brake calipers gripping ventilated rotors at each corner. The suspension is equipped with electronically controlled air dampers and variable steering assist, offering a balanced and comfortable ride.

### Interior Features
Inside, the cabin showcases exquisite craftsmanship with Beluga leather and red stitching continuing across the dashboard, center console, steering wheel, and door panels. Piano Black trim adds a touch of elegance throughout. The front seats are heated, ventilated, massaging, and power-adjustable with built-in neck warmers and embroidered headrests, ensuring maximum comfort. Additional luxuries include front seat position memory, a Breitling clock, dual-zone automatic climate control, and a touchscreen infotainment system with navigation.

### Instrumentation and Performance
The multifunction steering wheel frames a sophisticated instrument cluster, including a 210-mph speedometer, tachometer, coolant temperature and fuel level gauges, plus a central LCD screen providing vital driving information.

### Maintenance and History
The oil was recently changed in June 2025, reflecting attentive maintenance. The Carfax report is free from accidents or other reported damages, with only minor noted repairs such as marker lamp assembly and trunk latch replacement in September 2021.

This 2014 Bentley Continental GTC V8 combines powerful performance, luxurious comfort, and impeccable style, making it an exceptional choice for enthusiasts and collectors alike.
https://bringatrailer.com/listing/2014-bentley-continental-gtc-v8-8/

general

Mookie Betts has unexpected take on going to sleep after wild Game 3

Leave a comment

If you had trouble getting to sleep after the epic World Series Game 3 between the Los Angeles Dodgers and Toronto Blue Jays, you’re not alone. Just imagine how the players felt.

In the immediate aftermath of the Dodgers’ 6-5, 18-inning win, Los Angeles shortstop Mookie Betts was asked about what he would be thinking about when he finally puts his head on his pillow. A reporter asked if he would be thinking about Shohei Ohtani, who reached base nine times and hit two home runs in Game 3 (and will be the starting pitcher in Game 4), or Freddie Freeman, who hit an extra-inning World Series walk-off home run for the second straight year.

“I’m probably not gonna think about another man while I’m in bed,” Betts replied. Fair enough. Who are we to question what Betts plans to do after an 18-inning game and before a Game 4 scheduled to begin just 18 hours later?

Betts had as long a day as anybody on Monday. His responsibilities began long before the first pitch when he accepted the 2025 Roberto Clemente Award, given annually to the MLB player who best embodies the values—on and off the field—of the late, great Pittsburgh Pirates Hall of Famer.

“Life is about more than what you do, I think, as far as work. It’s about how you affect people. People always remember how you make them feel. So I know we live by that,” Betts said.

“It’s really cool just to be able to hold up this award,” he added, “and to know that this had nothing to do with baseball.”

Later that night, Betts went 1-for-8 with a walk in Game 3 as the Dodgers took a 2-1 World Series lead over the Blue Jays.

Game 4 is set for Tuesday night at 8 p.m. ET.
https://clutchpoints.com/mlb/los-angeles-dodgers/dodgers-news-mookie-betts-unexpected-take-sleep-wild-game-3

general

A hotel is not a home: States seek a better place for foster youth

Leave a comment

To place an obituary, please include the information from the obituary checklist below in an email to obits@pioneerpress.com. There is no option to place obituaries through our website. Feel free to contact our obituary desk at 651-228-5263 with any questions.

**General Information:**
– Your full name
– Address (City, State, Zip Code)
– Phone number
– An alternate phone number (if any)

**Obituary Specification:**
– Name of Deceased
– Obituary Text
– A photo in a JPEG or PDF file is preferable. TIF and other files are accepted; we will contact you if there are any issues with the photo.
– Ad Run dates

There is a discount for running more than one day, but this must be scheduled on the first run date to apply. If a photo is used, it must be used for both days for the discount to apply. Contact us for more information.

**Policies:**

*Verification of Death:*
In order to publish obituaries, a name and phone number of the funeral home/cremation society is required. We must contact the funeral home/cremation society handling the arrangements during their business hours to verify the death.

If the body of the deceased has been donated to the University of Minnesota Anatomy Bequest Program or a similar program, their phone number is required for verification. Please allow enough time to contact them, especially during their limited weekend hours.

A death certificate is also acceptable for this purpose, but only one of these two options is necessary.

*Guestbook and Outside Websites:*
We are not allowed to reference other media sources with a guestbook or an obituary placed elsewhere when placing an obituary in print and online. We may place a website for a funeral home or a family email for contact instead; contact us with any questions regarding this matter.

**Obituary Process:**
Once your submission is completed, we will fax or email a proof for review prior to publication in the newspaper. This proof includes price and days the notice is scheduled to appear. Please review the proof carefully. We must be notified of errors or changes before the notice appears in the Pioneer Press based on each day’s deadlines.

After publication, we will not be responsible for errors that may occur after final proofing.

**Online:**
Changes to an online obituary can be handled through the obituary desk. Call us with further questions.

**Payment Procedure:**
Pre-payment is required for all obituary notices prior to publication by the deadline specified below in our deadline schedule.

Please call 651-228-5263 with your payment information after you have received the proof and approved its contents.

– Credit Card: Payment accepted by phone only due to PCI (Payment Card Industry) regulations
– EFT: Check by phone. Please provide your routing number and account number.
– Cash: Accepted at our FRONT COUNTER Monday–Friday from 8:00 AM to 3:30 PM

**Rates:**
– The minimum charge is $162 for the first 10 lines.
– Every line after the first 10 is $12.20.
– If the ad is under 10 lines, it will be charged the minimum rate of $162.
– On a second run date, the lines are $8.20 per line, starting with the first line.
– For example: if the first run date was 20 lines, the cost would be $164.
– Each photo published is $125 per day.
– For example: 2 photos in the paper on 2 days would be 4 photo charges, totaling $500.

**Deadlines:**
Please follow deadline times to ensure your obituary is published on the day requested.

**Hours and Deadline (no exceptions):**
– Ad Photos

**MEMORIAM (Non-Obituary) Request:**
Unlike an obituary, Memoriam submissions are remembrances of a loved one who has passed. The rates for a memoriam differ from obituaries.

Please call or email us for more memoriam information. Call 651-228-5280 for more information.

**Hours:**
Monday–Friday 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM (Closed weekends and holidays)
Please submit your memoriam ad to memoriams@pioneerpress.com

—

**Article Excerpt Regarding Foster Care Issues**

Reports show instances of children spending the night in cars due to lack of appropriate placements. Jean Strout, senior attorney with the National Center for Youth Law—one of the groups that sued the department—said that even before the settlement, the judge ordered the agency to stop housing children in offices, hotels, and other unlicensed settings.

“It was not a big battle,” she said. “Where things get more nuanced is, what do you do instead?” She hopes the focus can shift to providing more individualized solutions for hard-to-place youth and addressing the underlying family issues that led to their removal in the first place.

“You can’t just keep growing the foster system and trying to find more foster families,” Strout said.

**Traumatized Children**

Advocates note that states need to explore more creative ways of caring for youth who often end up in hotels. These children are generally older and have physical and mental health needs beyond what a typical foster home can provide.

A child welfare research group, Chapin Hall, which has studied Maryland’s foster care system, found that youth who stayed in hotels, offices, or hospitals all had attention deficit or impulse control problems. Nearly all suffered from depression or mood disorders, and almost 60% were at risk of suicide.

“We’re dealing with traumatized children who are acting like traumatized children,” said Gallo.

The Chapin Hall report is one among many documenting failings of the child welfare system, as well as the heartbreaking level of needs faced.

—

For further questions or assistance, please contact the obituary desk at 651-228-5263.
https://www.twincities.com/2025/10/28/hotel-foster-care-suicide/

general

“Cowards”; “Pathetic” – Fans slam Blue Jays skipper John Schneider’s strategy to neutralize Shohei Ohtani for remaining World Series games

Leave a comment

**Dodgers Superstar Shohei Ohtani Faces Strategic Pitching Tactics in World Series Game 3**

Dodgers superstar Shohei Ohtani was on course for a generational stat line in Game 3 of the World Series against the Toronto Blue Jays. However, Toronto skipper John Schneider quickly altered the dynamic by instructing his pitchers to intentionally walk Ohtani in his next five plate appearances.

In a postgame press conference following Monday’s marathon, Schneider revealed that moving forward, the team planned to “take the bat out” of Ohtani’s hands. This drastic strategy drew criticism from fans on social media, who had witnessed the reigning MVP’s brilliance at the plate, especially in Game 3.

Before being walked five straight times, Ohtani put forth an impressive performance: going 4-for-4 with two doubles, two solo home runs, three runs batted in (RBIs), and three runs scored. Despite being heavily limited at the plate, Ohtani made history by becoming the first player in league history to record multiple games with 12 or more total bases. He also set a new mark as the first player to reach base nine times in a playoff game.

At the time of writing, Ohtani has already matched his base on balls total from last year’s World Series, standing at 13. With this year’s series guaranteed to extend for at least two more games, it will be intriguing to see if he can surpass the Dodgers’ record of 20 walks, set by teammate Max Muncy back in 2020.

—

**Dodgers Outlast Blue Jays in Record-Setting World Series Marathon**

In a game destined to be etched in baseball history, the Dodgers outlasted the Blue Jays in an epic 18-inning battle during Game 3 of the World Series. The reigning champions emerged victorious after Freddie Freeman crushed a solo walk-off home run to seal a 6-5 win.

The game tied the record for the longest World Series game in history by innings played, matching the 18-inning thriller between the Red Sox and Dodgers in the 2018 Fall Classic—coincidentally also held at Dodger Stadium.

The action was intense from the start. Toronto’s Teoscar Hernandez opened the scoring in the second inning with a solo home run, his fifth of the 2025 postseason. Andres Gimenez extended the Blue Jays’ lead with a sacrifice fly, giving Toronto a two-run edge heading into the fifth inning.

Shohei Ohtani and Freddie Freeman then combined efforts to tie the score at 4-4. Bo Bichette’s RBI single in the top of the seventh put the Blue Jays ahead once again. However, in the bottom half of the inning, Ohtani responded with another solo home run to level the game.

From there, the contest turned into a pitching duel. Unheralded reliever Will Klein etched his name in the history books by pitching five innings—from the 14th to the 18th—allowing just one hit while striking out five batters.

Finally, Freddie Freeman delivered the game-winning blow in the bottom of the 18th inning. With his walk-off home run, Freeman became the only player in history to hit two walk-off homers in his World Series career.

—

As the series continues, all eyes will remain on Ohtani and the Dodgers as they battle the Blue Jays in what has already become an unforgettable Fall Classic.
https://www.sportskeeda.com/baseball/news-cowards-pathetic-fans-slam-blue-jays-skipper-john-schneider-s-strategy-neutralize-shohei-ohtani-remaining-world-series-games

general

MacPaw releases Moonlock, a standalone macOS security app with real-time protection, smart insights, built-in VPN, more

Leave a comment

After teasing its release earlier this month, MacPaw, the macOS software company behind beloved apps such as CleanMyMac and Setapp, has officially launched **Moonlock** today. This all-new standalone cybersecurity application is designed to provide real-time protection, offer visibility into your Mac’s security posture, and deliver clear steps to improve it—all without requiring you to be a cybersecurity expert.

Built on the same engine that has powered CleanMyMac’s security features since 2023, Moonlock is backed by MacPaw’s in-house research lab. This team actively tracks Mac-specific malware, stealer families, AMOS variants, and other threats. Launching as a standalone app, Moonlock arrives at a critical moment for macOS users, with threats expanding faster than Apple’s native tools are evolving.

### Rising Threats and Growing Mac Adoption

Recent data reveals that 66% of Mac users faced a cyber threat last year. Additionally, MacPaw’s malware detections have increased by 20% in 2024 compared to 2023. Why the spike?

Mac adoption is surging. In the last quarter alone, Mac shipments outpaced global PC growth by nearly double, largely driven by increased enterprise adoption and the popularity of new models. This growth creates an expanding attack surface, making macOS an increasingly lucrative target for cybercriminals.

We’re in the midst of a significant shift—not one lost on MacPaw, which serves over 30 million users worldwide.

### What Is Moonlock?

If you’re already a CleanMyMac user, the name Moonlock might sound familiar. It’s the engine behind both the scanning and real-time malware detection features found under the Protection tab in CleanMyMac.

This engine, independently validated by AV-TEST and notarized by Apple, is now spun out into its own dedicated product. Freed from the constraints of a maintenance-focused framework, Moonlock offers more focused and advanced protection.

My favorite aspect of Moonlock is that it’s designed not only to detect and stop threats but also to make cybersecurity approachable. It features a user-friendly interface, unique sound design cues, and personalized insights intended to help users build lasting cybersecurity habits—rather than merely reacting to alerts.

—

## Key Moonlock Features

Let’s dive into what Moonlock offers. The application is divided into six main tabs:

### 1. Home

Home serves as your security control center. It’s the first screen upon opening the app, showing your protection level (mine said “Weakened Mac”), a list of hardening recommendations, feature monitors such as Detection History, and a visual representation of your Mac’s security status.

This is likely where you’ll spend most of your time checking your day-to-day cybersecurity posture.

### 2. Malware Scanner

Moonlock’s malware scanner works in two main modes: passive and active.

– **Passive Scanner**
Runs continuously in the background—even if you close the app. It scans every file you interact with, reacting immediately to malware or phishing attempts. Detected threats are halted and quarantined, with records viewable in the Detection History on the Home tab.

– **Active Scans**
Within the Malware Scanner tab, you can run three types of manual or scheduled scans: *Quick, Balanced,* and *Deep*. Scheduling scans with the Scan Planner lets you choose times when you’re not using your Mac, preventing interruptions.

All scanning is powered by the proprietary **Moonlock Engine**, validated by AV-TEST and notarized by Apple. During testing, the Scan Planner stood out as an excellent feature, allowing deep scans during idle hours—a godsend for uninterrupted productivity.

### 3. VPN

Moonlock includes a built-in VPN to protect your internet traffic. Like MacPaw’s separate ClearVPN app, it promises **no logging or tracking of user data**—a vital privacy safeguard because logs can be subpoenaed, breached, or sold.

The VPN also features a **Kill Switch**, which instantly cuts off your internet if the VPN connection drops. This dramatic but effective fail-safe protects your data until the connection is securely re-established.

### 4. Network Inspector

A unique feature rarely seen in user-facing apps, Network Inspector gives you control over where your Mac can connect. You can block specific countries known to be sources of malicious activity.

In my testing, I blocked about nine countries, including usual suspects like China and Russia. The list is exhaustive—even connections to the United States can be blocked.

When an app or website tries to connect to a blocked location, Moonlock immediately stops it. Functioning like a geo-firewall at the system level, it is based on real threat clustering. However, it’s a blunt tool that may block legitimate services and can be circumvented by proxies—so use it with caution.

### 5. System Protection

System Protection is an eye-opener for many users. After granting Moonlock system access, it performs a custom audit of your macOS security settings, including FileVault, firewall controls, privacy permissions, sharing settings, and encryption.

Better yet, it provides **clear, actionable, step-by-step instructions** to address any security gaps.

This is not generic advice. For example, it suggested:

– Switching my Mac account from Administrator to Standard User to limit what malware can do if I make a mistake.
– Using secure keyboard entry in Terminal to prevent other apps from eavesdropping on sensitive input.
– Disabling AirPlay when unnecessary to close a wireless entry point attackers could exploit.

All solid, practical tips that I found genuinely useful.

### 6. Security Advisor

Security Advisor acts as an educational center designed for users with little to no security experience. It offers safety tips and practical habits to avoid cyberattacks, presented as simple, sometimes fun micro-actions you can commit to directly in the app by clicking “Deal” buttons.

Examples include improving password strength, checking links before clicking, and managing risky app permissions.

Though it’s a basic 101 course, Security Advisor does a great job making security feel manageable and approachable for the average user.

—

## Price and Availability

Moonlock is available now for **$54/year**, with a **7-day free trial**. It is also included with MacPaw’s Setapp subscription.

—

I’m interested to hear your thoughts on the Moonlock app! Feel free to share your experiences and questions in the comments below.
https://9to5mac.com/2025/10/28/macpaw-releases-moonlock-a-standalone-macos-security-app-with-real-time-protection-smart-insights-built-in-vpn-more/

general

Early Voting Is Underway in the N.Y.C. Mayor Race. What Can It Tell Us?

Leave a comment

More than 220,000 New Yorkers have cast their early ballots, marking a significant turnout in the election process.

Amid this surge in voter participation, the campaigns of both Zohran Mamdani and Andrew Cuomo remain upbeat.

Both candidates are optimistic about their prospects as the race continues to heat up.
https://www.nytimes.com/2025/10/28/nyregion/early-voting-nyc-mayoral-election.html

general

Trump-Linked Truth Social Set to Become First Social Media Offering Prediction Market Trading

Leave a comment

**Truth Social to Launch Prediction Market Trading in Partnership with Crypto.com’s Regulated Exchange, CDNA**

Truth Social is set to become the world’s first social media platform offering prediction market trading, following a new agreement with Crypto.com’s regulated exchange, CDNA. This integration allows users to trade contracts on a variety of major events, including election results, inflation rates, commodity prices, and sports outcomes—all in real time.

**Prediction Markets Meet Social Media**

With this partnership, Truth Social plans to embed prediction market capabilities directly into its platform. Users will be able to trade contracts on political outcomes, economic events, and global sports events, watching prices shift instantly to react dynamically to live developments worldwide.

At the heart of this initiative is “Truth Predict,” a new product that enables users to buy and sell contracts tied to the outcomes of major events such as elections, inflation changes, commodity prices, and sports results. This real-time access aims to democratize participation in markets traditionally dominated by concentrated financial elites.

**Empowering Everyday Americans**

Nunes, a key spokesperson for this effort, emphasized the broader vision behind Truth Predict: disrupting markets historically controlled by financial elites and empowering everyday Americans. He framed the move as a way to transform free speech into actionable insights through market participation.

**Strong Financial Position and Regulatory Compliance**

Truth Social has positioned itself financially to support this growth, reporting over $3 billion in financial assets and maintaining positive operating cash flow since its recent public listing. Meanwhile, the partnership with Crypto.com’s regulated arm, CDNA, ensures that the offering complies fully with U.S. federal regulations.

Users will have streamlined and secure access to contracts covering politics, finance, economics, and sports, providing a unique blend of digital asset trading and traditional financial markets.

**Insights from Crypto.com CEO**

Kris Marszalek, CEO of Crypto.com, highlighted the industry potential, stating, “Prediction markets are poised to be a multi-deca-billion dollar industry.” He also emphasized the natural alignment between the community-driven nature of social media platforms and market sentiment analysis.

**Rewards Integration and Future Plans**

In addition to standard contract purchases, Truth Social and its streaming service, Truth+, will enable users to convert platform-earned Truth gems into Cronos (CRO) cryptocurrency. These tokens can then be used to buy prediction contracts, further linking social engagement with financial participation.

The service is expected to begin beta testing in the United States soon, followed by a full launch and plans for a global rollout once all regulatory prerequisites are met.

This initiative expands on a recent partnership between Trump Media and Crypto.com, signaling a new era where social media, digital assets, and traditional finance converge.

—

*Stay informed with the latest updates delivered straight to your inbox.*
[Subscribe Now]

*By subscribing, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You may unsubscribe at any time. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA, and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.*
https://www.financemagnates.com/cryptocurrency/trump-linked-truth-social-set-to-become-first-social-media-offering-prediction-market-trading/

general

How Skin-Care Brand Fitish is Making Prescription GLP-1 Meds Part of Its Business Model

Leave a comment

Despite the growing ubiquity of GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) medication use, there is still quite a bit of confusion, stigma, and misinformation surrounding injections like Ozempic.

Many people are unsure about how these medications work, their safety, and who should use them. This lack of clear information often leads to misunderstandings and unwarranted fear.

Additionally, there is a significant lack of access for many patients who could benefit from these medications. Barriers such as cost, insurance coverage, and limited availability make it difficult for some individuals to obtain the treatment they need.

Fitish founder Jenna…
[Continue reading]
https://fashionista.com/2025/10/fitish-wellness-brand-glp1-weight-loss-business

general

Philadelphia 76ers Injury Update: Joel Embiid’s Status Confirmed as 4 Players Ruled Out of Wizards Game (Oct. 28)

Leave a comment

Joel Embiid is set to return to the Philadelphia 76ers’ lineup for Tuesday’s game against the Washington Wizards.

After missing previous matchups, Embiid’s comeback is highly anticipated by fans and teammates alike. His presence on the court is expected to significantly boost the 76ers’ performance in this crucial game.
https://www.sportskeeda.com/basketball/news-philadelphia-76ers-injury-update-joel-embiid-s-status-confirmed-4-players-ruled-out-wizards-game-oct-28

general

Democrat Senator Dick Durbin compares ICE to Japanese internment camps

Leave a comment

**Democrat Senator Dick Durbin Compares ICE to Japanese Internment Camps**

*Posted on 10/27/2025 by DFG*

Democrat Senator Dick Durbin recently drew a controversial comparison between ICE and the Japanese internment camps during World War II. Durbin stated, “There’s only one parallel in history: the internment of 120,000 Japanese Americans during WWII.”

—

**Topics:** Politics

—

**Support Free Republic**

You can support our work by donating:

– [Donate by Credit Card](#)
– [Donate by PayPal](#)
– Or by mail to:
Free Republic, LLC
PO Box 9771
Fresno, CA 93794

Thank you very much and God bless you.

—

**Comments**

*Posted by DFG*

To: DFG
Somehow the 3 million deportations under Obama are conveniently forgotten. Oh, and which party did FDR belong to again?

*Posted by xp38*

—

**Disclaimer:** Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright.
https://freerepublic.com/focus/f-bloggers/4349113/posts