Saturday, 16 November 2024

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Scientists Discover Exceptionally Preserved Dinosaur Embryo in Egg Fossil

A groundbreaking discovery has left the paleontological community in awe: a remarkably well-preserved dinosaur embryo has been unearthed, providing unprecedented insights into the early stages of dinosaur development. The fossilized egg, estimated to be around 70 million years old, was found in southern China and contains an embryo of an oviraptorosaur, a feathered dinosaur closely related to modern birds.

A Rare Find

The embryo, nicknamed “Baby Yingliang” after the Yingliang Stone Nature History Museum where it is housed, represents one of the most complete dinosaur embryos ever found. The fossil reveals the curled-up position of the embryo, strikingly similar to how bird embryos are positioned before hatching. This suggests that behaviors seen in birds today, such as “tucking” during incubation, may have originated in their dinosaur ancestors.

“This specimen is extraordinary,” says Dr. Fion Waisum Ma, a paleontologist involved in the research. “It is one of the best-preserved examples of pre-hatching behavior in dinosaurs.”

Details of the Embryo

The embryo is about 27 centimeters long and is curled inside a 17-centimeter-long egg. Researchers used advanced imaging techniques to study the fossil without damaging it, revealing fine details such as its folded limbs, curved spine, and possible remnants of feathers.

The oviraptorosaurs, known for their bird-like beaks and feathered bodies, lived during the Late Cretaceous period and were thought to be omnivorous. This fossil not only confirms their connection to birds but also offers clues about their development and hatching strategies.


Evolutionary Link

The curled posture of the embryo mirrors a position known as “tucking,” a behavior that helps birds successfully hatch by positioning their heads under their right wing. If this behavior originated in dinosaurs, it could explain the evolutionary steps leading to modern avian species.

Dr. Ma notes, “This discovery supports the hypothesis that birds inherited many of their behaviors from their dinosaur ancestors.”

Implications for Paleontology

The fossil was initially overlooked when it was unearthed over a decade ago. However, during a recent museum inventory, researchers realized its significance. The discovery highlights the potential for further groundbreaking finds in previously unearthed specimens stored in collections around the world.

“This find reminds us of the untapped treasures within museum collections,” says Professor Steve Brusatte, a collaborator on the study. “There is so much we can still learn about the ancient world.”

Looking Ahead

The discovery of “Baby Yingliang” opens the door to more questions about dinosaur reproduction and their similarities to birds. Future studies on similar fossils may reveal even more about the lives and behaviors of these prehistoric creatures, deepening our understanding of evolution.

This find marks a significant milestone in paleontology, showcasing the incredible strides science can make when past discoveries are revisited with modern technology.

Attached is a news article regarding dinosaur embryos 

https://news.sky.com/story/amp/72-million-year-old-dinosaur-embryo-discovered-inside-fossilised-egg-12501849

Article written and configured by Christopher Stanley 

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Malcolm X’s Family Sues FBI, CIA, and NYPD Over His Assassination

The family of Malcolm X, one of the most prominent figures of the civil rights movement, has filed a lawsuit against the FBI, CIA, NYPD, and other government agencies, alleging their involvement in his assassination in 1965. The case marks a significant moment in the ongoing quest for answers and accountability regarding Malcolm X’s death, which has long been shrouded in controversy and suspicion.

The lawsuit, filed on behalf of Malcolm X’s daughters, accuses the agencies of withholding evidence and conspiring to assassinate the influential leader. Ilyasah Shabazz, one of his six daughters, stated during a press conference that the family is seeking justice for “a crime against humanity.” She emphasized the enduring pain of losing her father and the broader implications for the fight for racial justice in America.

Background of Malcolm X’s Assassination

Malcolm X, born Malcolm Little, was a vocal advocate for Black empowerment and self-determination. He was assassinated on February 21, 1965, at the Audubon Ballroom in Harlem while delivering a speech. Three men were convicted for his murder, but doubts about the official narrative have persisted for decades.

In 2021, two of the men—Muhammad Abdul Aziz and Khalil Islam—were exonerated after evidence surfaced suggesting they had been wrongfully convicted. The Manhattan District Attorney’s Office acknowledged that key evidence was withheld during their trial, leading to their wrongful imprisonment for over 20 years.


Allegations in the Lawsuit

The lawsuit alleges that government agencies actively participated in a conspiracy to kill Malcolm X or deliberately failed to prevent his murder despite having prior knowledge of the plot. The family argues that the assassination was part of a broader effort to silence a leader who was perceived as a threat to the status quo.

Malcolm X had been under heavy surveillance by the FBI and NYPD during his lifetime. Declassified documents have revealed that the FBI labeled him a “national security threat,” and informants infiltrated his organization, the Organization of Afro-American Unity.

Ben Crump, the attorney representing the family, said during the announcement of the lawsuit:

“The federal and state government agencies had knowledge and evidence of a conspiracy to assassinate Malcolm X, but instead of acting on it, they concealed the truth for decades.”

Seeking Accountability

The Shabazz family is demanding $100 million in damages and an acknowledgment of the role these agencies played in the assassination. While financial compensation is part of the lawsuit, Ilyasah Shabazz emphasized that the primary goal is to uncover the full truth about what happened on that fateful day.

This legal action follows a renewed interest in Malcolm X’s life and legacy, fueled by recent documentaries and investigations that have highlighted discrepancies in the official accounts of his death.

Implications for Justice

The case could potentially uncover new evidence and force agencies to release classified information related to Malcolm X’s assassination. It also underscores the broader struggle for transparency and justice in cases involving civil rights leaders.

As the lawsuit proceeds, it serves as a reminder of Malcolm X’s enduring impact and the sacrifices made by those who fought for racial equality. His family’s fight for answers not only seeks to honor his legacy but also to inspire future generations to demand justice, no matter how long it takes.

Attached is a news article regarding Malcolm x family who are to sue the FBI, CIA, NYPD 

https://news.sky.com/story/amp/malcolm-x-family-brings-100m-lawsuit-against-fbi-cia-and-nypd-over-conspiracy-to-assassinate-civil-rights-leader-13254986

Article written and configured by Christopher Stanley 


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Friday, 15 November 2024

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UFO Shot Down in Canadian Waters Raises Questions

On February 11, 2024, an unidentified flying object (UFO) was shot down over Canadian waters near the Yukon territory after being detected at an altitude of 40,000 feet. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau authorized the action, carried out by a U.S. F-22 fighter jet in coordination with NORAD. 

The incident is part of a series of recent aerial encounters, including another object downed over Lake Huron, on the U.S.-Canada border.

Authorities have described the Yukon object as cylindrical and smaller than the Chinese surveillance balloon shot down earlier this month. Defense officials stated it did not pose a direct military threat but presented a risk to civilian aircraft and potential surveillance capabilities. 

Recovery operations are ongoing, with teams working in challenging terrain to analyze the wreckage. Officials have yet to determine the object’s origin or purpose, fueling public speculation, including theories about extraterrestrial involvement. However, no evidence currently supports this claim.


In light of these incidents, North America has heightened its airspace monitoring. Officials suggest these objects could be “sky trash” such as research balloons or devices used for scientific purposes, though investigations are still underway. 

The events have prompted security reviews in multiple countries, including the UK, as concerns grow about aerial surveillance and airspace integrity.

This surge in unidentified aerial activity underscores the need for transparency and international cooperation as recovery and analysis efforts continue. Both Canadian and U.S. officials emphasize that understanding these objects’ origins and purposes is critical to maintaining security and public confidence.

Recovery efforts for the UFO shot down in Canadian waters near the Yukon have yielded limited details thus far:

1. Object Description: The object was described as cylindrical and smaller than the Chinese surveillance balloon previously downed. Its purpose and origin remain unknown. 

2. Recovery Progress: Canadian and U.S. military teams are actively searching for debris in difficult, remote terrain. Analysis of recovered materials is expected to clarify the object’s structure and potential capabilities. 

3. Preliminary Observations: Officials have not ruled out possibilities ranging from foreign surveillance devices to benign atmospheric or research-related items. Speculations about extraterrestrial origins have not been substantiated. 

Further updates are anticipated as investigation and analysis continue.

Attached is a news article regarding the UFO shot down in Canadian waters 

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-14088515/Police-Canada-wreckage-object-shot-Lake-Huron.html

Article written and configured by Christopher Stanley 


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Smileband News


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Why Did Many Latinos Support Donald Trump’s Presidential Bid. 

The Latino vote has traditionally been considered a cornerstone of Democratic electoral strategy, but Donald Trump’s presidential bids in 2016 and 2020 revealed a more complex reality. Despite his controversial rhetoric on immigration and polarizing policies, Trump managed to garner significant support from Latino voters. This shift has left many analysts and political pundits asking: Why did so many Latinos back Trump?

Economic Priorities

A significant factor behind Latino support for Trump was his focus on economic issues. Trump campaigned on job creation, tax cuts, and deregulation, which resonated with Latino small-business owners and working-class voters. Many Latinos credited his administration with fostering a strong pre-pandemic economy, characterized by low unemployment rates and rising wages.

Latinos are the fastest-growing group of entrepreneurs in the U.S., and Trump’s tax cuts and promises to reduce bureaucratic red tape appealed to this demographic. His “America First” policies aligned with the aspirations of many who sought economic stability and upward mobility.

Religious and Social Conservatism

Latinos, particularly those of Cuban, Venezuelan, and Colombian descent, often align with socially conservative values, including opposition to abortion and support for traditional family structures. Trump’s stance on these issues resonated with many religiously devout Latino voters, including Catholics and evangelicals.

Additionally, for many Latinos from countries with histories of socialist or authoritarian regimes, Trump’s warnings about socialism struck a chord. Cuban Americans in Florida, for example, were particularly receptive to Trump’s hardline stance against communist governments in Cuba and Venezuela.


Immigration Stance: A Double-Edged Sword

While Trump’s rhetoric on immigration, including his infamous call to “build the wall,” alienated some Latinos, it also appealed to others. Many Latino voters differentiated themselves from undocumented immigrants, seeing immigration enforcement as a matter of fairness and rule of law. For naturalized citizens and long-time residents, concerns over illegal immigration, crime, and border security were significant.

In particular, Mexican-American voters in Texas border towns swung toward Trump in 2020, with some citing a desire for order and security in their communities.

Disillusionment with Democrats

Many Latinos felt overlooked by the Democratic Party, which they perceived as taking their votes for granted. While Democrats often focus on identity politics, some Latino voters prioritized tangible issues like jobs, education, and public safety. Trump’s direct appeals to the community, through events like Latinos for Trump rallies and targeted Spanish-language ads, demonstrated a concerted effort to win their support.

Additionally, the Democratic Party’s progressive wing’s embrace of policies like defunding the police alienated some Latino voters, particularly those in working-class neighborhoods disproportionately affected by crime.

A Diverse Electorate

It’s important to note that the Latino community is far from monolithic. The term “Latino” encompasses a wide array of national, cultural, and socioeconomic backgrounds, leading to diverse political priorities. Cuban Americans in Florida, Puerto Ricans in New York, and Mexican Americans in California often have different concerns and voting patterns.

For instance, while Cuban Americans were motivated by anti-socialist rhetoric, Mexican Americans in oil-rich Texas counties gravitated toward Trump’s energy policies, fearing that Democratic climate proposals could harm local economies.

Conclusion

Donald Trump’s ability to attract Latino voters underscores the complexity of the Latino electorate. Economic pragmatism, conservative social values, and targeted outreach all played a role in reshaping traditional voting patterns.

For Democrats, the takeaway is clear: assumptions about Latino voters as a solidly Democratic bloc are no longer valid. To win their support, both parties must address their diverse priorities and recognize their growing influence in shaping America’s political landscape.

Attached is a news article on why Latinos supported trump through his presidential bid 

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cze3yr77j9wo.amp

Article written and configured by Christopher Stanley 


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Sudan: A Nation Dying of Thirst Amid Climate-Driven Floods and Oil Contamination

Sudan, a nation long battered by political instability and conflict, now faces a grim paradox: dying of thirst as floodwaters rise. Torrential rains, intensified by climate change, have caused devastating floods, submerging villages, displacing millions, and mixing with the toxic remnants of the country’s oil industry. This environmental catastrophe threatens not just lives but also the nation’s already fragile infrastructure and dwindling hope for recovery.

Floods and Pollution: A Deadly Combination

Sudan’s rainy season has historically brought both blessings and challenges. However, in recent years, climate change has drastically altered rainfall patterns, causing prolonged and intense flooding. In 2024 alone, floods have displaced over 1.5 million people, washing away homes, crops, and livestock. Compounding the crisis is the contamination of floodwaters with crude oil and industrial waste, particularly in regions like West Kordofan and South Sudan’s Unity State, where oil fields dominate the landscape.

Cracked pipelines and abandoned oil facilities have allowed pollutants to seep into the soil and waterways, turning lifelines into poison. Contaminated water sources have led to outbreaks of cholera and other waterborne diseases, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis. For many, the only available water is laced with toxins, making survival an agonizing gamble.

A Looming Water Crisis

Sudan’s water crisis is paradoxical yet dire. Despite floods, access to safe drinking water remains elusive for millions. The Nile River, a lifeline for Sudan and neighboring countries, has become increasingly polluted due to industrial runoff, human waste, and now, flood-related oil contamination. Wells and reservoirs, once reliable sources, are either destroyed by floods or rendered unusable due to pollution.

The situation has left humanitarian organizations scrambling to provide clean water, but logistical challenges and ongoing conflict hinder relief efforts. Refugees and displaced families are often forced to drink from contaminated sources, risking deadly illnesses in a desperate bid to survive.


The Role of Climate Change

Sudan’s plight underscores the devastating impact of climate change on vulnerable nations. Rising global temperatures have disrupted weather patterns, leading to erratic rainfall, desertification, and extreme weather events. While Sudan is one of the world’s lowest contributors to greenhouse gas emissions, it bears the brunt of the global climate crisis.

Floods are not the only manifestation of this crisis. Prolonged droughts in other parts of the country have decimated agriculture, pushing communities into hunger and poverty. This dual threat of drought and flooding, compounded by political turmoil, leaves Sudan ill-equipped to address its mounting challenges.

Global Responsibility and Local Action

Sudan’s water crisis is a stark reminder of the interconnectedness of environmental and human health. The international community must recognize its role in addressing climate change and supporting nations like Sudan, which lack the resources to adapt to its consequences.

Immediate action is needed to provide safe drinking water, repair infrastructure, and contain oil spills. Long-term solutions, such as transitioning to sustainable energy and improving water management systems, are equally crucial. Moreover, oil companies operating in Sudan must be held accountable for environmental damage and compelled to invest in cleanup efforts.

A Race Against Time

As the floods recede, they leave behind contaminated water, destroyed homes, and shattered lives. The people of Sudan face an uphill battle, fighting for survival against forces beyond their control. The world must act swiftly and decisively, not just to aid Sudan but to prevent similar tragedies in other vulnerable regions.

Sudan’s story is a warning: in a world increasingly shaped by climate change, the most vulnerable often pay the heaviest price. Will we listen and act, or will we allow a nation to die of thirst while drowning in its tears. 

Attached is a news article regarding the floods in Sudan that is mixing with oil and people are dying of thirst 

https://www.modernghana.com/amp/videonews/468796

Article written and configured by Christopher Stanley 


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Four teens and a man have been sentenced for killing two dearest companions for a situation of mixed up character.

Artisan Rist, 15, and Max Dixon, 16, were wounded to death with blades yards from Bricklayer's front entryway in Knowle West, Bristol, on 27 January.

They were pursued by the four equipped teens who had been searching for vengeance following an assault on a house in Hartcliffe, which Max and Bricklayer didn't have anything to do with.

Antony Snook, 45, will be condemned on 19 November, while Riley Tolliver, 18, and three young men, 17, 16 and 15, will be condemned on 16 December.

Snook, from Hartcliffe, Bristol, Tolliver and the 17 and 16-year-old had denied the two killings. The 15-year-old kid conceded killing Artisan yet denied killing Max.

Anyway a jury of nine men and three ladies at Bristol Crown Court required 18 hours 45 minutes to view the gathering to be very muchliable of the two killings.

As the jury foreman returned the decisions none of the litigants showed any response from the dock.

Individuals from Artisan and Max's families, who were sitting in the public display, cried as the blameworthy decisions were given.

Talking outside court Leanne Ekland, Max's mum, said: "The present result doesn't change the way that two families return home without their young men.

"In any case, we can now ideally start to process and recollect them both and the blissful recollections the two families have of Max and Artisan.


Addressing the BBC, the young men's mums said that their children were taken from them such that changed their lives until the end of time.

One of the weapons utilized had an edge length of 42cm (16.5in), while a second was 41cm (16in).

The jury was informed how Max and Bricklayer had been wrongly distinguished as being liable for tossing blocks at a house in the adjoining Hartcliffe region prior that night.

The five charged had set off from Hartcliffe making a beeline for Knowle West "never going to budge on vengeance", Beam Tully KC told the court.

Snook drove down Ilminster Road and when they saw Artisan and Max in the road they wrongly accepted they had detected those answerable for the assault.

Mr Tully added: "They were completely off-base about that. Max and Artisan had literally nothing to do with any previous episode and no association at all with those occasions."

Individuals from the local area raced to Max and Artisan who imploded in the road to attempt to save them before paramedics showed up.

The companions passed on in clinic in something like 15 minutes of one another in the early long stretches of Sunday morning.

Det Supt Gary Haskins, head of Avon and Somerset Police's significant wrongdoing examination group, said: "These were two young men continuing on ahead barely out being companions.

"They were chopped down in the prime of their lives. They probably been totally frozen.

"They were gone after for not a great explanation at all by people they didn't have the foggiest idea.

"Tragically over taking off from their aggressors they supported wounds... so serious tragically they surrendered to those wounds. They were unsurvivable wounds. 

Attached is a news article of the teenage boy who was murder by five people 

https://news.sky.com/story/amp/five-people-guilty-in-case-of-mistaken-identity-double-murder-of-teenage-boys-13253307

Article written and configured by Christopher Stanley 


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Smileband News


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Apple Accused of Trapping and Overcharging 40 Million iCloud Customers

Apple, a tech giant known for its sleek devices and innovative ecosystem, is facing allegations of exploiting its loyal user base through questionable iCloud storage practices. Reports suggest that approximately 40 million iCloud customers have been “trapped” into paying for additional storage, raising concerns about monopolistic behavior and unfair pricing.

The Allegations

At the heart of the controversy is Apple’s default iCloud offering of just 5GB of free storage—an allocation that has remained unchanged since its introduction in 2011. Critics argue that this is woefully inadequate in an era where iPhones boast cameras capable of producing high-resolution photos and videos, which can quickly exhaust the minimal free storage.

As a result, millions of users are left with little choice but to purchase additional storage plans, starting at $0.99 per month for 50GB and increasing significantly for larger capacities. Analysts estimate that Apple generates billions annually from iCloud subscriptions alone, leading some to claim that the company is leveraging its ecosystem to squeeze additional revenue from customers already paying a premium for its hardware.


A Question of Fairness

The issue has sparked debate over the fairness of Apple’s storage policies. While competitors like Google and Microsoft offer more generous free storage options, Apple’s limited free tier seems designed to funnel users into paid plans. Critics point out that even basic device backups can exceed the 5GB limit, forcing users to either upgrade their plans or risk losing valuable data.

Consumer advocacy groups have called this a classic example of a “digital trap,” where users are locked into a company’s ecosystem and face high costs to maintain functionality. Legal experts are also questioning whether Apple’s practices could violate antitrust laws in certain jurisdictions.

The Broader Implications

The controversy over iCloud highlights a broader issue of transparency and customer-centric practices in the tech industry. As digital storage becomes increasingly essential, companies like Apple face growing scrutiny over how they price and market these services.

For Apple, the backlash comes at a time when it is already under the microscope for its App Store policies and other alleged anti-competitive practices. While the company has defended its iCloud pricing as “competitive,” the growing dissatisfaction among users suggests that a reassessment of its approach may be overdue.

A Call for Change

Many are now calling on Apple to increase its free storage tier to reflect modern usage needs. Others advocate for more flexible pricing models or bundling storage as a complimentary feature with premium devices.

As the pressure mounts, the question remains: Will Apple address these concerns and maintain its reputation for customer loyalty, or will it risk alienating the very users who have fueled its success?

For now, millions of iCloud customers continue to grapple with the feeling of being trapped, as Apple’s storage policies remain a contentious topic in the tech world.

Attached is a news article regarding the ripping off 40m iCloud customers 

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c20g50ny53eo.amp

Article written and configured by Christopher Stanley 


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