From CTV News – link to source story🔗 – thanks to PN A China Airlines cargo jet lands at John F. Kennedy International Airport, on March 14, 2020. (Kathy Willens / AP) David Koenig, The Associated Press | January 18,…

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Have you ever thought of mistakes that are mostly committed by property buyers? Knowing them would ensure that real estate transactions can be carried out without any glitches. Read on to know about 5 real estate mistakes buyers must avoid. Approaching without Plan Do not fall into a situation when you buy a house without […]

The Bitcoin community is taking part in a noble cause of helping Tonga recover from a disastrous volcanic eruption that hit the nation on January 15, with more than $40,000 already donated. (Read More)

Activision Blizzard CEO Bobby Kotick is expected to leave the company once the $68.7 billion buyout of his company has been completed. The acquisition will give the embattled CEO a convenient exit plan, as he and his leadership team deal with numerous lawsuits and investigations, a negative public image, and a stock price that plummeted around 30% through the second half of 2021. Reporting in the wake of the buyout announcement has honed in on the troubles that Activision has faced over the past six months and how they opened the door for Microsoft to buy the company and for Kotick to leave on his own terms. Bloomberg’s (paywalled) behind-the-scenes reporting has Kotick asserting that the acquisition had nothing to do with last year’s controversies or the calls for him to steep down. However, “A person familiar with the discussions, who was not authorized to speak publicly, said Microsoft looked at Activision’s situation, given all the negative attention and pressure on Kotick, and wondered if the beleaguered CEO would be willing to do a deal. “Kotick initially didn’t want to sell, according to another person familiar with the talks, and also put the word out to see if any other company would outbid Microsoft. But at that point, Kotick had little leverage with his board amid the ongoing public scrutiny at his company.” Per the Wall Street Journal, “Mr. Kotick has been eager to change the public narrative about the company, and in recent weeks has suggested Activision Blizzard make some kind of acquisition, including of gaming-trade publications like Kotaku and PC Gamer, according to people familiar with him. The Activision spokeswoman, Ms. Klasky, disputed that Mr. Kotick wanted to make the acquisitions. A spokesman for G/O Media, the parent company of Kotaku, declined to comment. PC Gamer didn’t respond to a request for comment.” Further Reading: What does Microsoft buying Activision Blizzard mean for gamers? The simple fact is that the narrative surrounding Activision Blizzard has not significantly changed over the past six months. If anything, it’s narrowed in and focussed on Kotick and his personal leadership of the company. The widespread allegations and DFEH lawsuit that emerged last summer were initially met with a dismissive attitude by executives which eventually resolved itself into announcing a new zero tolerance policy with the board of directors publicly backing Kotick. However, it was then reported in November that Kotick knew of the allegations and turned a blind eye. This made a bad situation worse at the company, especially as Blizzard games Overwatch 2 and Diablo 4 were delayed, Call of Duty: Vanguard made for a relatively down year for the franchise, and workers strike and seek to unionise. The company is still very profitable, but the market cap took a major hit, giving Microsoft the chance to offer Kotick a way out that he is seemingly now willing to take. Again, as reported by the WSJ, “Some of Activision’s directors who had stood by Mr. Kotick during the crisis were individually beginning to get anxious, according to people familiar with the board. Some directors didn’t believe shareholders and employees would be comfortable without a major change but weren’t willing to try to oust Mr. Kotick. He is expected to depart the company after the deal closes, the people said.” Kotick personally holds a stake in Activision that will be worth $390 million. Source: Bloomberg (via Jason Schreier), Wall Street Journal

January has so far been a massive month for Xbox Game Pass users, with the likes of Mass Effect: Legendary Edition, Spelunky 2, and Outer Wilds joining the service earlier in the month. Now, an additional nine games have been announced for the rest of the month, however four games will also be leaving Game Pass at the end of the month.

The four games leaving Xbox Game Pass this month are indie side-scrolling platformer Cyber Shadow, roguelike deckbuilder Nowhere Prophet, construction and management sim Prison Architect, and arena shooter Xeno Crisis.

Game Pass looks to be in for a strong year in 2022, with Microsoft announcing today that the subscription service now has more than 25 million subscribers globally. The news that Microsoft will buy Activision Blizzard may also end up being good news for Game Pass subscribers, with Microsoft saying that it intends to add "as many Activision Blizzard games as we can within Xbox Game Pass and PC Game Pass."

Here's the full list of Game Pass titles that will no longer be available after January 31.

Game Pass Titles Leaving In January

January 31

• Cyber Shadow -- console, cloud, PC
• Nowhere Prophet -- console, cloud, PC
• Prison Architect -- PC
• Xeno Crisis -- cloud, console, PC

With antitrust monopoly questions arising about Xbox's decision to acquire Activision Blizzard, a legal expert says the deal shouldn't face too much scrutiny from the government.

Here are the titles coming to Xbox Game Pass in January 2022.

Mitch Robinson also previously worked at Expedia and Tomo. At T3 Sixty, he'll lead a new to-be-announced business unit.

After years of waiting, Dogecoin can now be purchased on a decentralised exchange following a successful listing by THORchain.

Free Weed For Blood Donations In Michigan Where Shortages Are Critical

Starting today, anyone over the age of 21 who comes in with proof that they have donated blood or plasma will get free pre-rolls.

The post Free Weed For Blood Donations In Michigan Where Shortages Are Critical appeared first on The Fresh Toast.

How will the California housing market change and how will state and local officials respond to continuing affordable housing challenges in 2022.

Microsoft have shocked the gaming world with a planned buyout of Activision Blizzard for nearly $70 billion. The move will retain most of the leadership...

The post Microsoft is buying Activision Blizzard for $68.7 billion appeared first on ISK Mogul Adventures. Written by .