Saturday, 16 November 2024

Smileband News


Dear 222 News viewers, sponsored by smileband, 

How the US Dollar Bill is Made: A Step-by-Step Process

The US dollar bill is one of the most widely recognized currencies in the world, embodying advanced security features and meticulous craftsmanship. The process of producing this iconic currency involves several stages, each overseen by the Bureau of Engraving and Printing (BEP) to ensure precision, security, and durability. Here’s an in-depth look at how US dollar bills are made, step by step:

1. Designing the Dollar

The journey of a dollar bill begins with its design. Artists and engravers work on creating intricate patterns, historical portraits, and symbols that not only represent the United States’ heritage but also deter counterfeiting.

Portraits and Symbols: Key figures like George Washington (on the $1 bill) are meticulously engraved.

Microprinting and Watermarks: These are integrated to make counterfeiting extremely difficult.

Security Features: Hidden threads, color-shifting inks, and 3D effects are incorporated at this stage.

2. Special Paper Creation

Unlike ordinary paper, US dollar bills are printed on a unique blend of 75% cotton and 25% linen, making them durable and resistant to wear and tear.

Embedded Security Fibers: The paper contains red and blue fibers visible under close inspection.

Watermark Integration: The watermark of the bill’s portrait is embedded during the paper-making process, adding another layer of security.

Supplier: This paper is exclusively produced by Crane Currency, a trusted contractor.

3. Printing the Bills

Once the paper is prepared, the printing process begins. This involves several advanced techniques:

Offset Printing: A base layer of subtle background colors is applied.

Intaglio Printing: Raised ink printing gives the dollar its distinctive texture. This step includes printing the portraits, numbers, and symbols using steel plates.

Serial Numbers and Seals: Unique serial numbers and the Treasury and Federal Reserve seals are applied using letterpress printing.


4. Security Features Implementation

Modern US dollar bills include advanced security features to combat counterfeiting. These are added during the printing stages:

Color-Shifting Ink: On newer denominations, the ink changes color when viewed from different angles.

3D Security Ribbon: Found on the $100 bill, this blue ribbon features moving images when tilted.

Security Thread: Embedded in the paper, this thread glows under UV light and is printed with the bill’s denomination.

5. Quality Control

After printing, each sheet of bills undergoes rigorous quality control to ensure precision and uniformity.

Automated Inspections: Machines scan the bills for defects in printing, alignment, or serial numbers.

Human Oversight: Experts perform manual checks to catch errors the machines might miss.

6. Cutting and Packaging

Once approved, the printed sheets are cut into individual bills.

Cutting Machines: These slice the sheets into perfectly sized currency notes.

Bundling: Bills are stacked, banded into bundles of 100 notes, and then grouped into bricks of 4,000 notes for shipment.

7. Distribution

The finished bills are sent to Federal Reserve Banks across the country, which then distribute them to commercial banks and financial institutions.

Tracking: Each bill’s serial number is logged, allowing for precise tracking throughout its lifecycle.

The Lifecycle of a Dollar Bill

The average lifespan of a dollar bill depends on its denomination. For example, a $1 bill typically lasts about 6.6 years before it is replaced due to wear and tear. Old and damaged bills are shredded and recycled, completing the currency’s lifecycle.

Conclusion

The making of the US dollar bill is a highly sophisticated process, blending art, science, and technology to produce a secure, durable, and recognizable currency. This meticulous production ensures the reliability and global trustworthiness of the American dollar.

Attached is a news article regarding the process on how the production of US bills are made 

https://www.federalreserve.gov/paymentsystems/coin_currency_orders.htm

Article written and configured by Christopher Stanley 


<!-- Google tag (gtag.js) --> <script async src="https://www.googletagmanager.com/gtag/js?id=G-XDGJVZXVQ4"></script> <script> window.dataLayer = window.dataLayer || []; function gtag(){dataLayer.push(arguments);} gtag('js', new Date()); gtag('config', 'G-XDGJVZXVQ4'); </script>


<script src="https://cdn-eu.pagesense.io/js/smilebandltd/45e5a7e3cddc4e92ba91fba8dc






Smileband News


Dear 222 news viewers, sponsored by smileband, 

Artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming how scientists study and potentially communicate with animals. 

By analyzing complex data from animal behavior, sounds, and other signals, AI tools are helping researchers decode and interpret animal communication in ways that were previously impossible.

1. Analyzing Animal Sounds

AI algorithms are being used to analyze patterns in animal vocalizations. For example:

Whales and Dolphins: Scientists use AI to decode whale songs and dolphin clicks, identifying recurring patterns that may signify specific meanings or behaviors.

Birdsong: AI models can distinguish subtle differences in bird songs across regions, helping to track migrations and understand their “language.”

2. Understanding Non-Vocal Communication

Animals like bees and elephants communicate through body movements or vibrations:

Bees: AI is analyzing the “waggle dance” of bees to understand how they convey information about food sources.

Elephants: AI tools help study seismic vibrations from elephant stomps, which could provide insights into their warning signals or social interactions.

3. Translating Animal Languages

Efforts like the Earth Species Project aim to create a universal animal translator using AI. By feeding machine learning models with vast amounts of vocalization data, scientists are building frameworks to link specific sounds with actions or contexts.

4. Real-Time Monitoring and Responses

AI-powered devices are being tested to interact with animals in real time:

Dolphins: Interactive devices analyze dolphin clicks and respond with specific sounds, mimicking basic communication.

Pets: AI in consumer technology like pet translators claims to interpret dogs’ barks or cats’ meows, though this remains less scientifically rigorous.

5. Protecting Wildlife

AI is also used for conservation:

Elephants and Tigers: AI systems can detect and interpret animal calls in forests, helping to prevent poaching.

Whales: Machine learning identifies whale calls in oceans to map migration routes and reduce ship collisions.

Challenges

Complexity: Animal communication is often multi-faceted, combining vocalizations, body language, and environmental context.

Ethics: Understanding animal communication raises questions about how humans should ethically interact with and potentially influence animals.

AI has opened a new frontier in understanding the minds of animals, bringing us closer to “talking” to them than ever before. While true interspecies communication remains a distant goal, these advancements could revolutionize our relationships with animals.

Attached is a news article regarding the AI animal language concept 

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-11373891/amp/AI-speak-ANIMALS-breakthrough-breaches-barrier-interspecies-communication.html

Article written and configured by Christopher Stanley 


<!-- Google tag (gtag.js) --> <script async src="https://www.googletagmanager.com/gtag/js?id=G-XDGJVZXVQ4"></script> <script> window.dataLayer = window.dataLayer || []; function gtag(){dataLayer.push(arguments);} gtag('js', new Date()); gtag('config', 'G-XDGJVZXVQ4'); </script>


<script src="https://cdn-eu.pagesense.io/js/smilebandltd/45e5a7e3cddc4e92ba91fba8dc












Smileband News


Dear 222 News viewers, sponsored by smileband, 

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 

<!-- Google tag (gtag.js) --> <script async src="https://www.googletagmanager.com/gtag/js?id=G-XDGJVZXVQ4"></script> <script> window.dataLayer = window.dataLayer || []; function gtag(){dataLayer.push(arguments);} gtag('js', new Date()); gtag('config', 'G-XDGJVZXVQ4'); </script>


<script src="https://cdn-eu.pagesense.io/js/smilebandltd/45e5a7e3cddc4e92ba91fba8dc












Smileband News


Dear 222 viewers, sponsored by smileband, 

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 


<!-- Google tag (gtag.js) --> <script async src="https://www.googletagmanager.com/gtag/js?id=G-XDGJVZXVQ4"></script> <script> window.dataLayer = window.dataLayer || []; function gtag(){dataLayer.push(arguments);} gtag('js', new Date()); gtag('config', 'G-XDGJVZXVQ4'); </script>


<script src="https://cdn-eu.pagesense.io/js/smilebandltd/45e5a7e3cddc4e92ba91fba8dc





Friday, 15 November 2024

Smileband News


Dear 222 News viewers, sponsored by smileband, 

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 


<!-- Google tag (gtag.js) --> <script async src="https://www.googletagmanager.com/gtag/js?id=G-XDGJVZXVQ4"></script> <script> window.dataLayer = window.dataLayer || []; function gtag(){dataLayer.push(arguments);} gtag('js', new Date()); gtag('config', 'G-XDGJVZXVQ4'); </script>


<script src="https://cdn-eu.pagesense.io/js/smilebandltd/45e5a7e3cddc4e92ba91fba8dc









Smileband News


Dear 222 News viewers, sponsored by smileband, 

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 


<!-- Google tag (gtag.js) --> <script async src="https://www.googletagmanager.com/gtag/js?id=G-XDGJVZXVQ4"></script> <script> window.dataLayer = window.dataLayer || []; function gtag(){dataLayer.push(arguments);} gtag('js', new Date()); gtag('config', 'G-XDGJVZXVQ4'); </script>


<script src="https://cdn-eu.pagesense.io/js/smilebandltd/45e5a7e3cddc4e92ba91fba8dc









Smileband News


Dear 222 News viewers, sponsored by smileband, 

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 


<!-- Google tag (gtag.js) --> <script async src="https://www.googletagmanager.com/gtag/js?id=G-XDGJVZXVQ4"></script> <script> window.dataLayer = window.dataLayer || []; function gtag(){dataLayer.push(arguments);} gtag('js', new Date()); gtag('config', 'G-XDGJVZXVQ4'); </script>


<script src="https://cdn-eu.pagesense.io/js/smilebandltd/45e5a7e3cddc4e92ba91fba8dc








Smileband News

Dear 222 New viewers, sponsored by smileband,  Netflix Star Arrested for Smuggling 40kg of Drugs into the UK A Netflix reality TV star has f...