blog, Books, television

The Loch Ness Centre in the Highlands has asked NASA and universities to help in a new hunt for the Loch Ness Monster

The Loch Ness Centre in the Highlands has asked NASA and universities to help in a new hunt for the Loch Ness Monster.

The Loch Ness Centre, located in the Highlands of Scotland, has reached out to NASA, as well as other scientists and universities, to lend their expertise in a new search for the elusive Loch Ness Monster. This request comes on the 90th anniversary of the first organized surface watch of Loch Ness, known as the Sir Edward Mountain’s expedition, which took place from May 30 to June 2

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Since the first expedition in 1934, there have been over 1,156 reported sightings of the Loch Ness Monster on the official Loch Ness Monster sightings register. Last year, a large search of Loch Ness concluded with a hydrophone capturing loud underwater noises and several potential sightings

[[5]].

The Loch Ness Centre has partnered with Loch Ness Exploration (LNE), an independent and voluntary research team, along with hundreds of in-person and virtual volunteers, to conduct these searches. The aim of this collaboration is to utilize state-of-the-art technology and scientific expertise to uncover the mysteries of Loch Ness and potentially shed light on the existence of the legendary creature

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The Loch Ness Centre is hoping that by involving NASA and other experts, they can gather new equipment and expertise to enhance their search efforts. This year’s search is expected to be one of the largest hunts for the Loch Ness Monster in over 50 years, attracting researchers, monster hunters, and enthusiasts from around the world
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It’s important to note that despite numerous reported sightings and searches, the existence of the Loch Ness Monster remains unproven. The search efforts, however, continue to captivate the imagination of people worldwide and contribute to the ongoing folklore surrounding the legendary creature
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Overall, the Loch Ness Centre’s request for assistance from NASA and universities demonstrates their commitment to exploring the mysteries of Loch Ness and engaging experts from various fields in their search for the elusive Loch Ness Monster

criminal

Europe is currently experiencing a period of high inflation.

Consumer price inflation (CPI) in Germany rose to 3.8% in December 2023, up from 2.3% in November, according to Eurostat. This marks the highest monthly inflation rate in Germany. The main drivers of inflation were energy prices, which rose by 4.1%, and services, which rose by 4.5%.

In France, annual CPI jumped to 4.1% in December from 3.9% the previous month, also marking the highest monthly inflation rate. The main drivers of inflation were energy prices, which rose by 2.7%, and food prices, which rose by 3.2%.

Europe is currently experiencing a period of high inflation, with the annual rate in the eurozone reaching 8.1% in May 2024. This is significantly higher than the European Central Bank’s (ECB) target of 2%.

There are some factors contributing to high inflation in Europe, the degradation in the ’90s.

history

Ernesto che Guevara was an argentine socialist revolutionary and leader character of the revolution.

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  Ernesto “Che” Guevara was captured by the Bolivian army on August 31, 1967, in the Vallegrande region of Bolivia. He had been leading a guerrilla uprising attempt in the country in an effort to promote revolutionary struggle in Latin America.

Guevara was wounded in the leg during the capture and was taken to a nearby schoolhouse. The next day, he was executed by a Bolivian army officer, Mario Terán. His body was then displayed to the public in an attempt to deter other revolutionaries.

Guevara’s death was a major blow to the Cuban Revolution and to the revolutionary movement in Latin America. However, he remains a popular figure among many leftists and revolutionaries around the world. His image is often used as a symbol of resistance and revolutionary struggle.

The circumstances of Guevara’s capture and execution have been the subject of much controversy. Some have accused the Bolivian government of torturing him before his execution, while others have claimed that he was executed without a trial. The Bolivian government has denied these allegations.

Regardless of the circumstances of his death, Guevara’s legacy remains a complex one. He is both revered and reviled, and his image is still used by both sides of the political spectrum. However, there is no doubt that he was a major figure in the history of the Cuban Revolution and of the revolutionary movement in Latin America.

economy

Historic Shift: United States Loses AAA Credit Rating for the First Time in Over a Century

WIKI
WIKI

The United States lost its AAA credit rating from Fitch Ratings on August 1, 2023. This is the first time since 1917 that the US has lost its top credit rating.

The downgrade is a blow to the US government’s reputation and could make it more expensive for the government to borrow money. It could also make it more difficult for the US to negotiate trade deals and other international agreements.

Introduction:

In a startling turn of events, the United States has lost its prestigious AAA credit rating from Fitch Ratings on August 1, 2023. This marked a historic moment, as it was the first time since 1917 that the nation had fallen from its top credit rating. The downgrade holds significant implications for the US government, affecting its borrowing costs, international negotiations, and overall economic reputation.

The AAA Rating Tradition:

For over a century, the United States has held the coveted AAA credit rating, a symbol of its financial stability and creditworthiness. This top-notch rating, assigned by various credit rating agencies, including Fitch Ratings, signifies that the nation has a minimal risk of defaulting on its financial obligations. This remarkable record of creditworthiness has allowed the US government to borrow money at favorable interest rates, fueling economic growth and development.

The Blow to Reputation and Borrowing Costs:

The loss of the AAA credit rating deals a significant blow to the US government’s reputation on the global stage. It not only reflects a shift in the nation’s fiscal health but also raises concerns about its ability to manage its financial obligations effectively. As a consequence, borrowing money could become more expensive for the US government, as investors may demand higher interest rates to compensate for the increased perceived risk. This, in turn, could have a ripple effect on the overall economy, potentially slowing down economic progress.

Challenges in International Negotiations:

Beyond the realm of finance, the downgrade has potential ramifications for the United States’ ability to negotiate international agreements and trade deals. A lower credit rating may erode the nation’s leverage in negotiations, as its economic strength and stability are closely scrutinized by its international partners. Other countries could view the downgrade as a sign of weakening economic prowess, potentially impacting the terms of trade agreements and diplomatic discussions.

Long-Term Implications:

While the immediate consequences of the credit rating downgrade are evident, its long-term implications remain uncertain. The US government may need to implement measures to restore its creditworthiness, potentially involving fiscal reforms, budget adjustments, and responsible financial management. Rebuilding trust in the nation’s economic stability will be crucial to regaining its AAA rating and safeguarding its financial future.

Conclusion:

The loss of the AAA credit rating by the United States from Fitch Ratings on August 1, 2023, marks a historic departure from a century-long tradition of financial stability. This downgrade carries far-reaching implications, affecting the nation’s borrowing costs, international negotiations, and overall economic standing. As the government navigates these challenges, the road to regaining its top credit rating underscores the importance of responsible fiscal policies and a renewed commitment to economic stability.

blog

World Population Monitoring Report 1996: Reproductive Rights

Introduction:

The World Population Monitoring Report 1996 focuses on the theme of reproductive rights, aiming to assess the progress made in ensuring individuals’ access to comprehensive reproductive healthcare and their ability to make informed decisions about their reproductive lives. The report examines key indicators, trends, challenges, and policy implications related to reproductive rights worldwide.

Overview of Reproductive Rights:

The report begins by providing a comprehensive definition of reproductive rights, emphasizing the fundamental principles of individual autonomy, equality, and non-discrimination. It highlights the key components of reproductive rights, including access to information and education, contraceptive services, safe abortion, and maternal healthcare.

Progress in Reproductive Rights:

The report assesses the progress made in promoting reproductive rights since the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) in 1994. It examines advancements in policy frameworks, legislative reforms, and the integration of reproductive health services within national healthcare systems. Additionally, it analyzes trends in contraceptive use, adolescent pregnancy rates, and maternal mortality to gauge the effectiveness of reproductive health programs.

Challenges and Obstacles:

This section identifies the challenges and obstacles faced in ensuring reproductive rights for all individuals. It discusses socio-cultural barriers, gender inequality, lack of access to quality healthcare services, limited education, and economic disparities that impede the realization of reproductive rights. The report emphasizes the need for comprehensive strategies to address these challenges at the national and international levels.

Reproductive Rights and Sustainable Development:

The report explores the linkages between reproductive rights and sustainable development. It examines how ensuring reproductive rights contributes to the achievement of broader development goals, such as poverty reduction, gender equality, and improved health outcomes. It highlights successful case studies and best practices that demonstrate the positive impact of investing in reproductive health on socioeconomic development.

Policy Implications and Recommendations:

Based on the findings, the report provides policy implications and recommendations to governments, international organizations, and civil society. It calls for the implementation of comprehensive reproductive health policies, the removal of legal barriers to reproductive rights, increased investment in reproductive health services, and the promotion of gender equality and women’s empowerment.

Conclusion:

The World Population Monitoring Report 1996 highlights the importance of reproductive rights as a key component of human rights and sustainable development. It underscores the progress made in advancing reproductive rights since the ICPD, while also recognizing the challenges that still persist. The report emphasizes the need for continued efforts to ensure universal access to reproductive healthcare and the full realization of reproductive rights for all individuals.

Note: The content of this report is fictional and does not represent any specific findings from the actual World Population Monitoring Report of 1996.

gov, society

Information about social strikes in Germany and France.

 Social strikes are a form of protest where workers or citizens refuse to work or engage in other forms of organized action to challenge the social and economic policies of their governments. These strikes are typically motivated by a desire to improve working conditions, wages, or social welfare benefits, or to protest against government policies that are seen as unfair or harmful.

In Germany, social strikes Hundreds of thousands of workers in Germany are participating in strikes across the country this week to other forms of industrial action, such as strikes over wages or working hours. However, there have been a number of high-profile social strikes in recent years, particularly in the public sector. For example, in 2019, thousands of nurses, care workers, and other health professionals went on strike across the country to demand better pay and working conditions. The strike lasted for several weeks and received significant media coverage.

Uncollected rubbish piled up over half of Paris is a discontent of Social welfare against public sector workers often at the affairs governament, this are called affair of strikes, for the next wave of acclamation to work with Governamant like in USA or Russia whereby millions of persons work under governamant policy.

In France, social strikes are more common and are often used as a powerful tool for workers and citizens to challenge government policies. France has a long tradition of social protest, dating back to the revolutionary period of the late 18th century. In recent years, there have been a number of social strikes in France, particularly in the public sector. For example, in 2018, railway workers went on strike for several weeks to protest against proposed reforms to the national rail network.

Overall, social strikes are an important form of protest in both Germany and France, allowing workers and citizens to voice their concerns about social and economic policies that affect their lives. While these strikes can be disruptive, they can also be an effective way of bringing attention to important issues and forcing governments to address them.

art, technology

Ceramica (also spelled as “cerámica”)

Human beings appear to have been making their own ceramics for at least 26,000 years, subjecting clay and silica to intense heat to fuse and form ceramic materials. Overall, ceramics play an important role in human culture and industry, and continue to be produced and admired around the world.

Ceramica (also spelled as “cerámica”) is a term used to describe the art and science of making ceramic objects. Ceramic objects are typically made from a mixture of clay, minerals, and water that are shaped and then fired at high temperatures to create a hardened, durable material.

The word “ceramic” comes from the Greek word κεραμικός (keramikos), “of pottery” or “for pottery”, from κέραμος (keramos), “potter’s clay, tile, pottery”. The earliest known mention of the root “ceram-” is the Mycenaean Greek ke-ra-me-we. Modern ceramic art and design continue to be popular today, with contemporary artists and designers exploring new techniques, materials, and forms. Ceramics are also used in a variety of industrial and technical applications due to their durability, heat resistance, and other properties.

Ceramic objects have been made by humans for thousands of years, and have been used for a variety of purposes including functional objects like pottery, tiles, and building materials, as well as decorative objects like sculptures and vases. The techniques used to make ceramics have evolved over time and vary depending on the cultural context and available resources.

Dating back to ancient civilizations such as the Chinese, Greek, and Roman cultures, a type of material that is made from inorganic, non-metallic substances, such as clay, silica, or other minerals, that are hardened by heat. It is commonly used to make a wide range of products, such as tiles, bricks, pottery, and decorative objects.

 Today, ceramics are still widely used in various industries, such as construction, aerospace, electronics, and medicine, due to their excellent properties, such as high strength, durability, heat resistance, and chemical inertness.

The process of making ceramics typically involves shaping the raw materials into a desired form, such as by molding or throwing on a potter’s wheel, and then firing the material at high temperatures to harden it. Depending on the specific type of ceramic being made, additional steps such as glazing, painting, or decorating may also be involved. Varying crystallinity and electron composition in the ionic and covalent bonds cause most ceramic materials to be good thermal and electrical insulators (researched in ceramic engineering). With such a large range of possible options for the composition/structure of a ceramic (nearly all of the elements, nearly all types of bonding, and all levels of crystallinity), the breadth of the subject is vast, and identifiable attributes. 

Refers to the art, science, and technology of creating objects from clay and other natural materials, such as sand, feldspar, and kaolin, through shaping and firing. The term “ceramics” can refer to both the finished products, such as pottery and porcelain, and the field of study and practice that encompasses the production, use, and aesthetics of these objects. 

There are several types of ceramics, including earthenware, stoneware, porcelain, and refractory ceramics. Each type has unique properties that make it suitable for different applications. For example, earthenware is often used for decorative objects and tableware, while refractory ceramics are used in high-temperature applications such as furnace linings and kiln furniture.

The production of ceramics involves several stages, including clay preparation, shaping, drying, glazing, and firing. Each stage requires different techniques and equipment, and skilled artisans and technicians are often involved in the production process.

Chinese ceramics are a type of pottery or porcelain that has been made in China for thousands of years. The production of Chinese ceramics began during the Neolithic period around 10,000 BC and has continued up to the present day.

Chinese ceramics are known for their intricate designs, beautiful colors, and delicate textures. They are made using a variety of techniques, including hand-building, wheel-throwing, and glazing. Some of the most famous types of Chinese ceramics include celadon, blue and white porcelain, and famille rose porcelain. 

Chinese ceramics have played an important role in Chinese culture and history. They have been used for a variety of purposes, such as for serving food and drink, for religious and ceremonial purposes, and as works of art. Chinese ceramics have also been traded around the world, and have influenced the development of ceramics in other cultures.

Today, Chinese ceramics are highly valued by collectors and art enthusiasts around the world. They are also still produced in China, using traditional techniques as well as modern innovations in technology and design.  Most later Chinese ceramics, even of the finest quality, were made on an industrial scale, thus few names of individual potters were recorded. Many of the most important kiln workshops were owned by or reserved for the emperor, and large quantities of Chinese export porcelain were exported as diplomatic gifts or for trade from an early date, initially to East Asia and the Islamic world, and then from around the 16th century to Europe. Chinese ceramics have had an enormous influence on other ceramic traditions in these areas.

history

23 January 1368 CE. Zhu Yuanzhang

The 23 January 1368 CE. Zhu Yuanzhang ascends to the throne of China as the Hongwu Emperor, initiating Ming Dynasty rule over China that would last for three centuries. In 1368 rebel armies—led by Zhu Yuanzhang (1328–1398)—overthrew the Yuan, and Zhu established a dynasty he named Da Ming (“Great Brightness”). The only emperor in China’s long history to have been born to a peasant family, Míng Dynasty that ruled China for nearly three hundred years. Born to a family of poor peasant farmers and orphaned at the age of 14, Zhu eventually became leader of a rebel army, and began to make plans for the overthrow of the Mongol (Yuan) dynasty. In 1363, Zhu defeated his rival Ch’en Yu-liang in the Battle of Lake Poyang (鄱陽湖之戰), one of the largest naval battles in world history. Zhu and the rebel forces advanced on Peking, forced the flight of the Mongol emperor, and proclaimed the Ming Dynasty in 1368. The reign of the Hongwu Emperor is notable for his unprecedented political reforms. The emperor abolished the position of chancellor, drastically reduced the role of court eunuchs, and adopted Draconian measures to address corruption.

blog

Bill Gates is now the US’ biggest farmland owner

Gates had been acquiring farmland for years, mostly through various Cascade subsidiaries. The mogul’s holdings include large tracts in Illinois, Iowa, Louisiana, California, and about a dozen other states.

Bill Gates has started laying out his plans for creating a ‘smart city’ in Phoenix, Arizona,” science-news outlet Futurism wrote. The region west of Phoenix is booming. The nearby community of Buckeye has grown more than tenfold in the last 20 years. There’s also a proposal to build a new interstate linking Phoenix to the Las Vegas Superhighway

https://nypost.com/2021/02/27/why-bill-gates-is-now-the-us-biggest-farmland-owner/

history

Lydia is not a forceful woman, but rather an extremely grateful one.

newshistory

After being conquered by Alexander the Great, for the Greeks, Tantalus was the primordial ruler of the mythical Lydia, and Niobe his superb daughter; Anfione connected Lidia’s business with Thebes, and through Pelops the lineage of Tantalus was part of the myths of the foundation of the second dynasty of Mycenae. In reference to the myth of Bellerophon, Karl Kerenyi emphasized .

As Licia remained so connected to Crete, and as the person of Pelops, the hero of Olympia, linked Lidia to the Peloponnese, so Bellerophon joined another Asian region, or rather two, Licia and Caria, to kingdom of Argos.

La Lidia (endonym: ardfard; in Greek: υδία; in Assyrian: Luddu; in Hebrew: Lûdîm) is an ancient historical region (and a kingdom of the Iron Age) located in western Asia Minor, generally east of ‘ancient Ionia, in the current Turkish provinces of Manisa and the hinterland of Smyrna. According to Herodotus, the name “Lidia” was derived from Lido, son of Atis, who gave the name of Lidi to a population previously called “Meoni”. Lidia had contacts with some of the most ancient civilizations in history, for example. that of the Hittites and the Phrygians.

According to a Lydian or Greek historiographical tradition, reported by Herodotus in his Stories, Lidia would be the homeland of the Etruscans during the Heraclid dynasty. It is believed that, following a terrible famine, a part of the Lydians emigrated in search of a new land. Led by the Prince Tyrrhenian, they landed on the western coasts of Italy, giving life to a new civilization. The Greeks called this people with the name of Tirreni.