Pelican Press

Hypervelocity Stars Hint at a Nearby Supermassive ****** Hole Hypervelocity Stars Hint at a Nearby Supermassive ****** Hole An astonishing fact only known for the past few decades is that every big galaxy in the universe has a supermassive ****** hole at its heart. This was suspected in the 1980s, and observations from the Hubble Space Telescope, which has peered deep into the cores of galaxies all across the sky, confirmed it. The “normal” kinds of ****** holes made when stars explode range from five to about 100 times the mass of the sun, more or less. But these central galactic monsters are millions of times more massive, and some have grown to the Brobdingnagian heft of billions of solar masses. A lot of mysteries still remain, of course, such as how they formed early in the history of the universe, how they grew so humongous so fast and what role they played in their host galaxy’s formation. But one odd question still nagging at astronomers is: What’s the galaxy size cutoff where this trend stops? In other words, is there some lower limit to how massive a galaxy can be and still harbor one of these beasts? The inklings of an answer are emerging from a surprising place: studies of rare stars moving through our own galaxy at truly ludicrous speeds. [Sign up for Today in Science, a free daily newsletter] Orbiting our Milky Way galaxy is a menagerie of smaller “dwarf” galaxies, some so tiny and faint you need huge telescopes to see them at all. But two are so large and close that they’re visible to the unaided eye from the Southern Hemisphere: the Large and Small Magellanic Clouds. The Large Magellanic Cloud (LMC) is the ******* and closer of the two, and it’s not clear if it harbors a supermassive ****** hole (SMBH). If such an SMBH exists there, it must be quiescent, meaning it’s not actively feeding on matter. As material falls toward such a ****** hole, it forms a swirling disk of superheated plasma that can glow so brightly it outshines all the stars in the galaxy combined. No such fierce luminescence is seen in the LMC, so we don’t know if an SMBH is there and not actively feeding or if the LMC is simply SMBH-free. But a recent study published in the Astrophysical Journal offers strong evidence that an SMBH does lie at the center of the LMC—based on measurements of stellar motions in our own Milky Way! The study looked at hypervelocity stars, ones that are screaming through space at speeds far higher than stars around them. Some of these stars are moving so rapidly that they have reached galactic escape velocity; the Milky Way’s gravity can’t hold them. In the coming eons, they’ll flee the galaxy entirely. And we have good reason to believe these runaway stars were launched by SMBHs—but how? Such a situation starts with a binary system, two stars orbiting each other. These systems contain a substantial amount of orbital energy, the sum of the kinetic energy of the two stars—their energy of motion—and their gravitational potential energy, the amount of energy released if they were to move closer together. If the binary star approaches a third object, some of that energy can be swapped around. One star can become bound to the third object, for example, while the other star can get a kick in its kinetic energy, flinging it away. The amount of the kick depends in part on the gravity of the third object. A massive ****** hole, of course, has an incredibly strong gravitational field that can fling the star away at high speed. And I do mean high speed; such a star can be flung away from the ****** hole at a velocity greater than 1,000 kilometers per second. S5-HVS1, for example, was the first confirmed such hypervelocity star, and it’s moving at more than 1,700 kilometers per second. Feel free to take a moment to absorb that fact: an entire star has been ejected away from a ****** hole at more than six million kilometers per hour. The energies involved are terrifying. We have seen a few of these stars in our galaxy, and careful measurements suggest they’re moving away from the center of the Milky Way, which is pretty convincing evidence that Sagittarius A*, our own Milky Way’s SMBH, is to blame. But not all of the high-velocity stars that have been detected appear to come from our galactic center. Fortunately, Gaia, the sadly now decommissioned European Space Agency astronomical observatory, was designed to obtain extremely accurate measurements of the positions, distances, colors and other characteristics of well more than a billion stars—including their velocity. There are 21 known hypervelocity stars at the outskirts of the Milky Way. Using the phenomenally high-precision Gaia measurements, the astronomers behind the new research examined the stars’ 3D velocities through space. They found that five of them have ambiguous origins, while two definitely come from the Milky Way center. Of the 14 still left, three clearly come from the direction of the LMC. The trajectories of these stars effectively point back to their origin, and based on our current knowledge, that origin must be a supermassive ****** hole. Even better, although the remaining 11 stars have trajectories that are consistent with both Milky Way and LMC origins, the researchers found that five are more likely to have come from our home galaxy and the other six are more likely to have come from the LMC. So there could be nine known hypervelocity stars plunging through our galaxy that were ejected by a supermassive ****** hole in another galaxy. Using some sophisticated math, the team found that the most likely mass of the ****** hole is 600,000 or so times the mass of the sun. This isn’t huge for an SMBH—it’s very much on the low end of the scale, in fact—but then, the LMC is a small galaxy, only 1 percent or so the mass of the Milky Way. We know that the mass of a ****** hole tends to scale with its host galaxy’s mass (because they form together and affect each other’s growth), so this lower mass is consistent with that. If this is true, then our satellite galaxy is shooting stars at us! And there may be more of them yet to be found, hurtling through space unseen on the other side of our galaxy, or so far out that they’re difficult to spot and even harder to study. And all this helps us get a clearer—but still quite hazy!—sense of just how far down the galactic scale we can expect to find big ****** holes. ****** holes are funny. Most people would worry about falling into one, as well as a host of other terrors, but now you can add “having to dodge intergalactic stellar bullets” to that list. Source link #Hypervelocity #Stars #Hint #Nearby #Supermassive #****** #Hole Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

The Israeli Connections to a New Gaza Aid Plan Promoted as Independent – The New York Times The Israeli Connections to a New Gaza Aid Plan Promoted as Independent – The New York Times The Israeli Connections to a New Gaza Aid Plan Promoted as Independent The New York TimesDiary of a Gazan family’s descent toward starvation ReutersIt Should Not Be Controversial to Plead for Gaza’s Children The AtlanticSweeping overhaul of Gaza aid raises questions of morality and workability The Washington PostLooters take over five aid trucks in Gaza, sell stolen goods at inflated prices – report The Jerusalem Post Source link #Israeli #Connections #Gaza #Aid #Plan #Promoted #Independent #York #Times Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

South Western Railway first rail firm renationalised by Labour South Western Railway first rail firm renationalised by Labour South Western Railway (SWR) has been renationalised, making it the first train company to transfer to public ownership under Labour. The first nationalised service will leave at 05:36 from Woking to Surbiton though it will be partially covered by a rail replacement bus service. The government has hailed the move as a “new dawn for rail” but it held back from promising lower fares, focusing more on plans to improve services and use profits to reinvest in infrastructure. Unions have expressed concerns over outsourcing to private companies, while the opposition Conservatives said Labour must “deliver on their promises”. SWR trains are now the responsibility of DfT (Department for Transport) Operator and will be integrated into Great British Railways (GBR), which will oversee all railway infrastructure. GBR will not officially exist until MPs vote to create it, which looks set to be in the autumn. On a visit to a train depot in Bournemouth earlier, Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander described the nationalisation of SWR as a “real watershed moment”. Asked whether prices would go down for passengers, she told the BBC she could not promise lower fares, but assured passengers they would get “great value for money”. Alexander is expected to travel on the first fully rail-operated route from London Waterloo to Shepperton in Surrey at 06:14. It will be the first service with the new GBR livery. The words “Great British Railways” and “coming soon” are painted in white against a royal blue background decorated with part of a union flag. Two more rail firms, C2C and Greater Anglia, will be brought into public ownership later this year. Four major operators have already been brought under public ownership under previous Conservative governments – East Coast Mainline, TransPennine, Northern and South Eastern (LNER). Seven more companies will be renationalised by 2027 as each of their contracts end – or sooner if their performance is judged to be unacceptable. These are: West Midlands TrainsEast Midlands RailwayAvanti West CoastCrossCountryChiltern RailwaysGovia Thameslink Railway Great Western Current government plans are to renationalise nearly all passenger rail services across England, Wales and Scotland by 2030, proposals which have been attacked the Conservatives. Shadow Transport Secretary Gareth Bacon said: “Labour have talked up the benefits of renationalisation for years and they will now have to deliver on their promises of lower ticket prices, an end to all disruption and strikes and better onboard services. The alternative is that, as usual, British taxpayers have to foot the bill for Labour.” The RMT Union welcomed SWR’s nationalisation but said it was concerned about outsourcing to private firms. RMT General Secretary Eddie Dempsey said: “Public ownership of South Western Railway is a major step forward and is a clear rejection of the failed privatisation model. “But the job is incomplete when our contracted-out members remain outsourced and not reaping the benefits of nationalisation.” The government said it could not promise fares would be cheaper despite significant cost savings through renationalisation but any additional money would be invested in making services better. Whitehall sources have told the BBC ministers hope to find ways to cut the cost of rail travel but it is impossible to make promises before GBR is formally established and services renationalised. Source link #South #Western #Railway #rail #firm #renationalised #Labour Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

Aaron Kirby: WA racer Ruairidh Avern gives The West *********** taste of life in fast lane Aaron Kirby: WA racer Ruairidh Avern gives The West *********** taste of life in fast lane Speed, power, precision, ritz and glamour. Only one sport in the world can combine the high rolling of the globe’s elite with the gritty, oily hard work of mechanics and engineers. Motorsport, and its most popular category, Formula One. Droves of sports fans are falling in love with the high-stakes drama of 20 of the world’s best drivers hurtling around on tarmac at speeds in excess of 300km/h. And as Melbourne-born McLaren ace Oscar Piastri continues to storm out ahead of the pack, the sports popularity looks set to grow further in Australia. So as motorsport and Formula One revel in a ***** of success, I was invited out to Carco.com.au Raceway in Wanneroo, formally known as Barbagallo Raceway, for five hot laps with one of WA’s brightest racing hot shots to get a taste of life in the fast lane. Ruairidh Avern is a rising star at WA’s Arise Racing, currently the leading rookie in Australia’s Radical Cup, a category primarily for giving young drivers their first steps from karts to cars. But don’t be fooled; they are still fast. The adrenaline begins to trickle into my veins as soon as the engine turns over, after I’ve been kitted out in a racing suit and buckled within an inch of claustrophobia, the purring a reminder of my grandfather who once raced rally cars and speedway. I have to admit; I was not as nervous as I thought I would be with the open top, at least until I was warned that if I felt I needed to hurl, I had to tell Ruairi to pull over. I do get seasick. But as soon as the Radical rolled out of the garage, I was glad I had a race helmet on to cover the ridiculously goofy grin on my mug. It was a cruisy little drive down to pit lane, looking over the track. Camera IconRuairidh with reporter Aaron Kirby as they go for a lap at Wanneroo Raceway. Credit: Justin Benson-Cooper/The West *********** The cruisy part disappeared rapidly as, with a thumbs up, Ruairi took us out of the pitlane and opened up through turn one. It was a stark contrast to the 90 minutes I spent at 10km/h on the Kwinana Freeway to get to the office that morning. The rush and blasts of wind were exhilarating, and if I wasn’t the rusted-on 27-year-old journalism veteran I tell myself I am, I would have whooped. At least, no one can say they heard any whoops as we powered around the Raceway. I warned myself about the breaking, but was still unprepared for being violently jerked forward as we went from 200km/h to double digits. By the fourth time over the hill on the back straight, I had promised myself neck strengthening would be added to my workout routine. However, it was all over far too soon, the Radical getting around the circuit in under a minute for each lap. Camera IconAaron Kirby with Ruairidh at Wanneroo Raceway. Credit: Justin Benson-Cooper/The West *********** I was reliably informed we hit around 215km/h, but on a longer track, we could have gone faster. It’s not hard to see why these drivers are addicted to pushing the limits on track; it’s an incredible sense of freedom, and there’s no doubt my drive out of Wanneroo was faster than the trip in. Source link #Aaron #Kirby #racer #Ruairidh #Avern #West #*********** #taste #life #fast #lane Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Governor DeSantis signs bill banning sports facilities in state parks Governor DeSantis signs bill banning sports facilities in state parks FLORIDA (WMBB) – After plans to add golf courses, pickleball courts and even hotels at state parks across Florida got major backlash. A bill signed into law will officially prevent this. Governor Ron DeSantis signed a bill into law that specifically bans the construction of golf courses, ball fields and sports facilities in state parks. This comes in direct response to DeSantis’ administration push to build such additions at nine state parks, including three in our area. Camp Helen State Park, Grayton Beach State Park, and Topsail Preserve were included in the proposal. The new legislation will also require government officials to give Floridians at least 30 days’ ahead of public hearings to discuss proposed changes to the conservation areas. It goes into effect on July 1. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to mypanhandle.com. Source link #Governor #DeSantis #signs #bill #banning #sports #facilities #state #parks Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Marjorie Taylor Greene: Teen Detained By ICE After Mistaken Arrest Would Be 'Thriving In Mexico' – HuffPost Marjorie Taylor Greene: Teen Detained By ICE After Mistaken Arrest Would Be 'Thriving In Mexico' – HuffPost Marjorie Taylor Greene: Teen Detained By ICE After Mistaken Arrest Would Be ‘Thriving In Mexico’ HuffPostPolice officer who arrested Georgia teen that was detained by ICE resigns from department CBS NewsOfficer involved in traffic arrest that led to Dalton teen’s ICE detention resigns, city confirms 11Alive.comOfficer who arrested Ximena Arias-Cristobal resigns from department WSB-TVDalton teen reunites with family early Friday morning: Legal battles loom after release WTVC Source link #Marjorie #Taylor #Greene #Teen #Detained #ICE #Mistaken #Arrest #039Thriving #Mexico039 #HuffPost Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Tracking down the real James Bond on the ********* Prairies Tracking down the real James Bond on the ********* Prairies James Bond is one of the most popular characters in cinema. It is estimated that 1.5 billion people have seen his on-screen adventures. But relatively few know that the super spy created by British author Ian Fleming is said to be based to some extent on a real spy who Fleming met while working as an intelligence officer in the British Navy during WWII: Sir William Samuel Stephenson. Camera IconSir William Stephenson. Credit: Supplied To learn more about Stephenson, I travelled to his hometown Winnipeg in the heart of the ********* Prairies, and got in touch with Don Finkbeiner, a veteran tour guide and owner of Heartland Tours. “In all my years in this job you’re only the second person who asked about Stephenson,” Don tells me. “His story even catches most Winnipeggers off guard even though many of them drive past his statue every day,” he says. Camera IconStephenson statue Winnipeg. Credit: Ian Neubauer From there we drive to a humble two-store wood home in the low-rent suburb of Point Douglas where Stephenson was raised. Camera IconWilliam Stephenson Way. Credit: Ian Neubauer Before the tour winds up we drive to the Exchange District, an inner-city area housing North America’s largest collection of 20th century stone-cut buildings. There, close to the ********* Museum for Human Rights, is William Stephenson Way. Later in the day I meet with Gary Solar of The Intrepid Society, a group dedicated to maintaining the memory and raising the profile of Stephenson. They are also his descendants. “As an individual, Stephenson ranks next to Churchill and Roosevelt in his efforts to defeat the Germans, such as providing intel for the men who sabotaged the Nazis’ attempt to develop the H-bomb,” Gary says of Operation Gunnerside, the Allied plot to sabotage the Vemork Hydroelectric Plant power station in Norway in 1943. It was the Allies’ most successful act of sabotage during WWII. Camera IconNeoclassical buildings in Winnipeg. Credit: Ian Neubauer Next we head to the Billy Bishop Building at Winnipeg’s 17 Wing air base to see a permanent exhibition of more than 300 Stephenson artefacts. It includes letters from J Edgar Hoover and Ronald Reagan, an oil painting of the spymaster and some of the medals he was awarded by the US, the British, French and ********* governments. Camera IconDisplay case at Stephenson Library. Credit: Ian Neubauer Gary shows me one, Room 3603 by H Montgomery Hyde, and points to the book’s preface, written by Fleming himself. It contains two poignant statements. The first is about how Stephenson “used to make the most powerful martinis in America and serve them in quart glasses”, which explains how Fleming came up with the idea for Bond’s iconic tipple, a martini shaken, not stirred. But the clincher — proof that Stephenson, who died in Bermuda in 1989, inspired the most famous and long-lasting movie franchise in history is the following line: “Bond is a highly romanticised version of a true spy. The real thing … is William Stephenson.” Camera IconDaniel Craig as James Bond. Credit: SuppliedCamera IconDaniel Craig stars as James Bond in Skyfall. Credit: Francois Duhamel/3-15-2012 20:28 swenborn[PRIVATECamera IconDaniel Craig stars as James Bond in Skyfall. Credit: Francois Duhamel/SuppliedCamera IconA scene from Goldfinger, with Honor ********* as ****** Galore and Sean Connery as James Bond. Credit: John Springer Collection/Corbis via Getty ImagesCamera IconSean Connery as James Bond. Credit: Bettmann/Bettmann ArchiveCamera IconSean Connery in Goldfinger in 1964. Credit: Courtesy Everett Collection Source link #Tracking #real #James #Bond #********* #Prairies Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

IndiGo flight facing severe weather was denied diversion requests, India says IndiGo flight facing severe weather was denied diversion requests, India says By Nandan Mandayam and Abhijith Ganapavaram (Reuters) -An IndiGo passenger plane attempting to avoid severe weather en route to Indian Kashmir was denied permission to divert towards Pakistan by both the Indian Air Force and Pakistan, India’s aviation regulator said on Friday. No passengers were injured when the flight from India’s capital Delhi to the northern Indian city of Srinagar was forced to fly through a hailstorm. But a post-landing inspection revealed damage to the aircraft’s nose, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) said in a statement, adding that the incident was under investigation. An image shared by the Times of India newspaper on the social media platform X showed a large hole in the front of the aircraft, while a video also circulating on the site showed passengers screaming and praying during the turbulence. Reuters could not immediately verify the authenticity of the video. The incident highlights the risks commercial airlines and passengers face after tensions between India and Pakistan led the two nuclear-armed neighbours to close their airspaces to each other’s airlines last month. The Airbus A321neo, which typically has seating capacity for 180 to 220 passengers, was first denied a request to turn towards the India-Pakistan border by the Indian Air Force, the regulator said, without specifying the reason. The IAF did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The flight crew then contacted the city of Lahore in Pakistan requesting entry into Pakistan’s airspace, but that was also denied, the DGCA said. A spokesperson for the Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority declined to comment. The crew of flight 6E 2142 then flew through the storm, choosing the shortest route to Srinagar, the summer capital of Indian Kashmir. “The flight and cabin crew followed established protocol and the aircraft landed safely in Srinagar,” IndiGo said in a statement. It later said the aircraft was undergoing checks in Srinagar and would resume operations once clearances had been secured. Tensions flared between India and Pakistan following a deadly attack on tourists in Indian Kashmir in April, eventually triggering the two neighbours’ worst military conflict in nearly three decades. The two countries declared a truce earlier this month. Their airspaces, however, remain closed to each other’s airlines. (Reporting by Nandan Mandayam in Bengaluru, Abhijith Ganapavaram in New Delhi and Ariba Shahid in Karachi; Editing by Joe Bavier) Source link #IndiGo #flight #facing #severe #weather #denied #diversion #requests #India Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

Thunder vs. Timberwolves odds, prediction, time: 2025 NBA Western Conference finals Game 3 picks via top model – CBS Sports Thunder vs. Timberwolves odds, prediction, time: 2025 NBA Western Conference finals Game 3 picks via top model – CBS Sports Thunder vs. Timberwolves odds, prediction, time: 2025 NBA Western Conference finals Game 3 picks via top model CBS SportsNBA betting: Bets that stand out for Timberwolves-Thunder Game 3 ESPNThunder-Timberwolves Pregame Show: OKC looks to maintain dominant lead over Wolves in Game 3 KOCOMinnesota Timberwolves vs. Oklahoma City Thunder: How to watch Game 3 of the 2025 NBA Western Conference Finals tonight Yahoo SportsThunder vs. Timberwolves score: Live updates for Game 3 as Shai Gilgeous-Alexander aims for 3-0 series lead CBS Sports Source link #Thunder #Timberwolves #odds #prediction #time #NBA #Western #Conference #finals #Game #picks #top #model #CBS #Sports Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Nigel Farage’s Reform *** commits to reinstating winter fuel payment Nigel Farage’s Reform *** commits to reinstating winter fuel payment Reform *** has said it will fully reinstate winter fuel payments to pensioners and scrap the two-child benefit cap, if the party gets into government. The commitments – to be unveiled at a press conference next week – come after Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer faced pressure from Labour MPs to change his approach to both policies. By the time of the next general election there may be no need to reverse either policy. Sir Keir has already announced plans to ease cuts to winter fuel payments – without saying when or how. And ministers say he has privately indicated he would like if possible to find a way to scrap the two-child benefit cap – although a formal decision may be many months away. The intervention by Nigel Farage – first reported in the Sunday Telegraph – will highlight and magnify the increasingly awkward divisions over policy within Labour. Reform *** said they would pay for their new polices by cutting net zero projects and scrapping hotels for asylum seekers. A source told the paper it was “already outflanking Labour” on both issues. Downing Street has been contacted for comment. More than 10 million pensioners lost out on winter fuel payments, worth up to £300, when the pension top-up became restricted to only people receiving pension credit last year. But Sir Keir has announced plans to ease the cuts in a U-turn following mounting political pressure in recent weeks. The prime minster said the policy would be changed at the autumn Budget, adding ministers would only “make decisions we can afford”. He did not lay out exactly what this would entail. The winter fuel payment is a lump sum of £200 a year for households with a pensioner under 80, or £300 for households with a pensioner over 80. On the two-child benefit cap, the Observer reported Sir Keir had privately backed plans to scrap it. The paper’s report that the PM was asking the Treasury to find ways to pay for it came alongside growing unrest and threats of rebellion among backbench Labour MPs. The policy – which prevents most families from claiming means-tested benefits for any third or additional children born after April 2017 – was introduced in 2017 by the then-Conservative government and is estimated to affect 1.5 million families. But the government’s child poverty strategy, which had been due for publication in the spring, has been delayed as it is still being worked on and measures including scrapping the cap are being considered. Labour MPs have long been calling for it to be axed, with seven of them suspended from the parliamentary party for voting against the government on an amendment to do so. Four were readmitted in February but the remainder continue to sit as independent MPs. Pressure to remove the limit has remained on the government from senior Labour figures, including former Prime Minister Gordon Brown, who said it was “condemning children to poverty”. Source link #Nigel #Farages #Reform #commits #reinstating #winter #fuel #payment Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Murdoch University agricultural researcher Rajeev Varshney elected to *********** Academy of Science as Fellow Murdoch University agricultural researcher Rajeev Varshney elected to *********** Academy of Science as Fellow Murdoch University agricultural researcher Rajeev Varshney has been elected as a Fellow of the *********** Academy of Science in recognition of his expertise in crop genomics, genetics, and pre-breeding. Professor Varshney serves as a director of the Centre for Crop and Food Innovation, the WA State Agricultural Biotechnology Centre, and is an international chair for Murdoch University’s Agriculture and Food Security. He specialises in genomics and molecular breeding in agriculture internationally, working to improve understanding in genomic variations in legumes. Professor Varshney said it was “an honour” for agricultural research contributions to be recognised by his peers. “I have long admired Australia’s rich agricultural heritage, with pioneers such as William Farrer paving the way for our robust and internationally competitive sector,” he said. “I’ve also been incredibly fortunate to meet and work with transformative scientists, such as Norman Borlaug and M S Swaminathan. “Their inspirational efforts to usher in a more sustainable and equitable agricultural sector played a major role in my research focus, which is to deliver innovative solutions to the most pressing challenges facing global food production.” He described his journey through leading two of WA’s research centres as an “immense privilege”. “Through the support of our investors, collaborators, my team, and the research leaders at Murdoch University, we’re making significant steps towards the development of climate-resilient, highly productive and more nutritious crops,” he said. Murdoch University vice chancellor Professor Deeks said the election demonstrated Professor Varshney’s research efforts. “Professor Varshney represents Murdoch University’s ethos of delivering translational research and his contributions to the field over his relatively short career have been tremendous,” he said. “As Murdoch University’s only Fellow of the Royal Society and our second elected Fellow of the *********** Academy of Science, Professor Varshney has been an outstanding ambassador of research excellence for the University and Western Australia as a whole.” Source link #Murdoch #University #agricultural #researcher #Rajeev #Varshney #elected #*********** #Academy #Science #Fellow Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

******* Patients Reveal The Symptom That Made Them Think Something Might Be Wrong ******* Patients Reveal The Symptom That Made Them Think Something Might Be Wrong Being diagnosed with ******* is one of the scariest things imaginable. But a ******* diagnosis doesn’t have to be a death sentence. There is hope for recovery, especially with early detection. That’s why it’s so important to listen to your body when it tells you something is wrong. Gerardo Huitrón / Getty Images Over on Quora, hundreds of people answered the questions What symptoms did you notice before being diagnosed with *******? and If you’ve had *******, looking back, what was your very first symptom that you didn’t think was one? Check out some of their stories below…which hopefully will act as an essential reminder to listen to our bodies and not put off getting checked out when we feel anything might be off. 1.”I noticed that every time I ate, I had to ****. I really didn’t think anything about it until I did some hard drinking one weekend. On Tuesday, I went to the ER and was diagnosed with a swollen pancreas and esophageal bleeding. I was admitted to the hospital and then found I had Stage III pancreatic *******. It took me four years and 119 lbs, but I’ve been *******-free for 3 1/2 years.” —HCKrod314, Quora 2.”I was chewing ice a lot! This was new for me. My MD said it could be because of anemia, so he gave me a blood test. Yup, I had anemia. He wanted to know where my blood was going, so he suggested a colonoscopy. I was not thrilled, but said, ‘OK.’ It came back positive for rectal *******. I had radiation, chemotherapy, and three surgeries over the next 18 months. Permanent colostomy now. But I’m alive! It’s been 4+ years now. ALWAYS say ‘yes’ to tests your MD wants to run, especially the dreaded colonoscopy (which, by the way, isn’t that bad because you’re unconscious for it)!” —Renee, Quora 3.”My Mom gave me a shirt as a gift. When I took off the one I was wearing to try it on, she spotted a ****** mole on my back that was nearly an inch long and irregularly shaped like a map of New Guinea. I’d noticed it weeks before and was ignoring it. She said, ‘You make an appointment with my dermatologist right now!’ You don’t argue with my Mom. So I went. The doctor cut it out immediately, and the pathologist’s report came back: malignant melanoma. Luckily, it was in situ (editor’s note: meaning it hadn’t spread). My mother gave me life, again.” —David J. Winter, Quora 4.”I had a throbbing sensation at the back of my head. It only lasted maybe 3–5 seconds, but I felt it whenever I strained (like to lift something heavy) or when I tilted my head down. It began happening more and more frequently, so I went to see my nurse practitioner. At first, he thought neck spasms might be causing it, but he ordered an MRI based on the frequency. The MRI revealed an almost 4cm brain tumor in my cerebellum. When it was excised and biopsied, it was determined to be Medulloblastoma — the most common brain tumor in children but extremely rare in adults, especially women. I was 38. I had my third tumor removed on 10/2023. So far, so good! The Lord has blessed me time after time!” —Keri Marlar, Quora Zave Smith / Getty Images/Image Source 5.”I peed. A lot. Frequently. At first, they tested for diabetes, but that wasn’t it. Long story short, they found a tumor; I had radiation therapy to get rid of it, and that tumor hasn’t come back for 30 years!” —Daniel Singer, Quora 6.”I had swollen glands in my neck that hurt badly to the touch, but otherwise, I did not feel sick. I assumed I just had a seasonal bug, but it was nothing like I had ever experienced. One year later, after my diagnosis of uterine *******, it was explained to me that the lymph nodes can swell up as an early reaction to abnormal cell activity, even if elsewhere in the body. About three months before my diagnosis, I started running a low-grade fever, which was quite unusual for me. I was unaware of it until I got my annual flu shot, and my doctor told me to return in a week when my fever was gone. The fever didn’t go away. Later, it was explained as a ‘******* fever,’ which some people get — another natural defense mechanism of the body.” “Then, about two months before my diagnosis, I started experiencing severe lower back pain and pelvic cramps. That is what ultimately led me to my ob-gyn. It was a tricky diagnosis. Even a biopsy did not indicate *******, but the doctor decided to perform a D&C as an extra measure, and that is how the ******* was found. Surgery and radiation were the treatment plans. That was three years ago. I just had a **** SCAN, which showed I am now *******-free, but I remain under surveillance for two more years.” —Jill Andrea Lambert, Quora Related: 51 People Who Quickly Discovered Why Their Hilariously Clueless Partner Was Single Before Meeting Them 7.”My friend Cathy was probably late 40s or early 50s. She and her husband wanted to live off the grid and participate in the world only on their terms. One day, she and her husband came down the mountain to visit; they lived two hours north. She mentioned that they were about ready for her husband to quit his job, and then they’d sell everything and start over in another state.” “‘Before I tell him to quit, I’d like to get your opinion,’ she said. ‘Let’s go into the bathroom. I want to show you something.’ This wasn’t something I expected or anticipated. She lowered her pants and had me look just above her buttocks. There was a three-inch growth that resembled a worm. It was large, thick, and angry-looking. ‘Don’t let him quit his job yet,’ I said. ‘You need a doctor first. Do it while you still have insurance.’ ‘What do you think it is?’ ‘That’s way above my pay grade,’ I said. I’m not medical in any way, shape, or form.’ The next week, she saw her primary care doctor, who turned her over to a specialist, which kind, I don’t know. ‘Thanks for telling me to see the doctor,’ she said. ‘He’s going to hang in until we get to the bottom of this.’ My friend had ***** *******. Because she wanted to handle her healing herself, she went with a natural approach and ate only things with no mothers and no faces and watched only old screwball comedies on TV. In three years, she went from an 85% survival rate to terminal. By the time she went back to a ‘normal’ doctor, she was inoperable and in tremendous pain. Hospice wouldn’t provide her with enough pain medication to control her pain. It was a horrible death. In a nutshell, noticing something unusual needs to be investigated. Only you really know your body; keep looking for answers.” —Lisa Dooley Fisk, Quora 8.”I had a sharp pain in my left breast throughout one day last summer. I never had this before or since. But this pain made me think I should check my breasts as I never do. To cut a long story short, I found out I had HER2 +++ breast ******* in my left breast. Surgery, chemo, radiotherapy, and injections…and I’m back at work nine months later. Hoping all will be well.” —Nicolette Loftus, Quora Anton Petrus / Getty Images 9.”It was 2016. I started a walking program—10,000 steps daily. After six weeks, I noticed a nagging ache in my lower back. It persisted for about three weeks, and I thought I’d pulled a muscle. I was also an avid popcorn addict. One Saturday evening, I ate a bag of microwave popcorn. By midnight, I was in agony. I told my adult daughter (an RN) I was going to the ER to be treated for diverticulitis — it runs in my family. She told me not to tell the ER my ‘self-diagnosis,’ and I said, ‘Of course not. I’m going to tell him my symptoms, and he’s going to tell me I have diverticulitis.’ I still remember the shock when the ER doctor came in and said, ‘Well, I have some bad news. It’s not diverticulitis (I had not mentioned the condition to him). I’m certain it’s ovarian *******, and we have a specialist coming in to see you. She’ll be here within a few hours. It was a Sunday morning. She was there before 8 a.m.” “Today, I’m a six-year ovarian ******* survivor because it was detected early, aggressive treatment was started immediately, and I had the support of my family and an incredible medical team. (My oncologist is Dr. Hope! Isn’t that the best possible name?)” —Laura Jones, Quora 10.”At 33, I did a self-exam after taking a shower and found a lump. It didn’t seem really big, but enough in size that I knew it was unusual. I was in bed with my then-husband and asked him if he felt it. He did and said he would call the doctor the next day and set up an appointment. We had three small children in elementary school, so I got them up and off to school. After they left, I did a double-check to make sure I wasn’t imagining things and found a much larger lump on the baseline of my breast. Breast ******* runs in my family, so I was pretty sure what I found was breast *******. I tried to stay upbeat until I got the official diagnosis, but deep down, I knew I was in for a rough road. I was correct it was stage 3 *******. That was 22 years ago, and I’m still here.” “Five years later, I had another diagnosis of *******, but it was caught early, and it was stage one. I didn’t feel that one — it was found on a mammogram. But months before, I felt extremely tired and had trouble staying awake during the day. I always wondered if that was a sign that something wasn’t right with my body. The tiredness got better once my treatments were finished. Who knows. I am blessed to be here still, though!” —Vicki Stevens, Quora Related: 27 Horrifying Deaths People Can Never, Ever, Ever, Ever Forget Because They Were That Bad 11.”All I had was a mouth ulcer. It wasn’t even particularly painful, but then my cat started acting oddly — sniffing at my mouth, pressing her head under my chin. I went to see my GP and three weeks later was diagnosed with carcinoma. Sadly, my ******* had been growing for months inside the muscle of my tongue. I’d had a few odd symptoms during that time, but nothing that gave me any indication it was *******. If I hadn’t gone to the doctor when I did, I wonder how long I’d have waited. I’ve heard stories about animals sensing ******* and other illnesses but never really believed it until now!” —Lyndsey Chapman, Quora 12.”For five years, I had occasional bright red blood in my poop. Dr. Google said I had hemorrhoids, so I never thought much about it after that. It was only when I developed uterine ******* that the CT scan showed a 4cm tumor in my colon. At that point, it was already stage 3, and I thank god for the uterine ******* (Stage 1, cured), or I would likely be dead from the colon *******. Never, EVER trust Dr. Google and get any bleeding checked, no matter how small.” –Shelley Heich, Quora Joos Mind / Getty Images 13.”I had a fungal infection under my thumbnail. It was no big deal, but it was annoying because it was unsightly and did not respond to any medication, even very expensive ones. I treated it for eight months without results. During a routine exam, my PSA levels were high; upon retesting, they were normal, then a month later, they were high again. The suspicion was that I had prostate *******, but an ultrasound revealed that I had bladder ******* and a separate kidney *******. Stage 3 for both. The removal of my kidney, three procedures to burn away the bladder *******, six rounds of chemotherapy, and heaps of MRIs and cystoscopies took a year. I have been *******-free now for ten years.” “The strange part was that despite not being treated for the duration of my ******* treatment, the ******* infection healed up all by itself. That fungal infection was the only indication that I had a serious problem.” —John Fenn, Quora 14.”Not me, but my husband. I noticed that his breath had become unpleasant. The problem increased until his breath was foul. I insisted he see a dentist, and the dentist found no problem with his mouth. Getting him to make an appointment with his doctor for no reason other than bad breath was hard, but eventually, he went. The doctor sent him for some tests that are routine for a man of his age. When the test results came back, she sent him for a biopsy on his prostate. The test results could have indicated ******* or only an infection. The biopsy proved that he had prostate *******. After the surgery, his breath returned to normal.” —Pam Johnson, Quora 15.”During the last 4-5 years, I have had a dry cough a few times a year. I would cough for a few days, and then the cough would go away. Finally, in October 2022, I went to a doctor to discuss my cough. She did an x-ray of my chest and found a growth between my heart and lung. Further investigation (a few biopsies later) showed that I had Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. The cardiovascular surgeon, pulmonologist, and oncologist all said that the coughing was most likely caused by the tumor pressing against a nerve (I think it’s called the vagus nerve). Since starting chemotherapy, I no longer have the cough.” “December 2023 UPDATE: One year has passed. I had six months (12 infusions) of hard chemotherapy, and as of the end of September 2023, I was told that the ******* was in remission.” —Richard, Quora 16.”The very first symptom was pain in my lower abdomen. It came and went, and I convinced myself it wasn’t serious. On some level, though, I knew something was wrong. This went on for a couple of years. I began to lose weight uncontrollably. I blamed it on how much exercise I was doing. I started eating more. I stopped being very active and still became scarily skinny. I thought it was weird that my pants felt so snug around my waist. It was because of the skinniness that I saw it. I was lying on my back, and when I lifted my head, I could see a huge lump in my lower abdomen. I went to the ER because it freaked me out. They referred me to an oncologist. It was a huge (20x10cm) tumor on my right ovary (mucinous adenocarcinoma). That is how I first noticed my ovarian *******. It was a long journey, but that was five years ago, and I have recently been declared CURED!!!” —Tiger Lily, Quora PASCAL POCHARD-CASABIANCA / AFP via Getty Images 17.”I was the only one who noticed my husband had a strong offensive odor ( to me) that seeped into his clothing, bedding, and soft furnishings. I asked his doctor about it and only got a strange look. After three years of this, he was diagnosed with prostate *******. The odor disappeared after surgery cured him of *******.” —Ann Ette, Quora 18.”Mine was really odd: I noticed a small FLAT spot on the side of my breast that didn’t go away. I got it sampled, and it was breast *******. So it’s not always a discernible lump — sometimes it’s a flat place or an actual depression in the skin. And no one had ever told me that, so please, if you notice a change — any change — in your body, please see a doctor as soon as you can.” —Patricia Marshall, Quora 19.”On the day of my college farewell party, I (20 then, now 22) distinctly remember asking my roommate, ‘Do I look ****? I think my belly is getting *******; It feels tight.’ After a month, I started facing problems with breathing; I thought my asthma was back (I had a history of childhood asthma). I (with my mom) went to a doctor, saying I felt uncomfortable and my stomach looked big. He told my mother, ‘You know today’s generation, they sleep late, wake up late, don’t eat on time. It’s just acidity, madam.’ *****, one week later, I was diagnosed with third stage ovarian *******. It was a kilogram of tumor. My periods were very regular and I had no early symptoms. I advise you to get yourself checked for *******. It really is late when you’re diagnosed.” —Dyk, Quora 20.”I honestly didn’t notice the ones that should have been obvious: fatigue and night sweats. To be honest, even if I had seen those symptoms listed somewhere, I wouldn’t have expected that at age 22, non-Hodgkins lymphoma would be the cause. Then, one Saturday morning, as I attempted to move my bowels, the tumor perforated my intestine, releasing half-digested food into my gut. This is called peritonitis and is equivalent to a burst appendix. The pain was immediate, intense, and enough to get me to an emergency room. Thirteen weeks later, I had completed chemotherapy AND my bachelor’s degree. I’m 58 now.” —Curt Wiederhoeft, Quora Willowpix / Getty Images 21.”I was exceptionally tired. The tiredness was like nothing I had ever felt in my 42 years; it made me feel sick to my stomach. I was also pale, although I didn’t realize it until someone asked me if I was ill. The most obvious sign was bleeding when I used the bathroom. It had started as an occasional spot/drop in my underwear (Had I scratched myself? Was it ******** spotting?). Later, there was a blood spatter in the toilet. I finally had a colonoscopy and was diagnosed with colon ******* (I assumed I was too young — not at all, it turns out). Had surgery and chemo. That was 21 years ago.” “But, four years after that *******, I was diagnosed with very early ovarian *******. It turns out colon/ovarian/ breast are related in some people. That ******* had no symptoms. It was found because I knew the connection between the three cancers and did aggressive follow-up. The doctor spotted an ovarian tumor so small that it couldn’t be felt if he were to examine the ovary. Turns out my peritoneum was loaded with tiny tumors. Lesson: colon ******* w/symptoms saved my life. I never would have found the ovarian if I hadn’t been doing serious follow-up. That ******* was 17 years ago.” —Kris Webb, Quora Some entries have been edited for length and/or clarity. Also in Internet Finds: 15 Facebook Marketplace Items You’ll Wish, From The Depths Of Your Soul, You Could Unsee Also in Internet Finds: People Are Confessing Their Absolute Pettiest “Revenge Served Cold” Stories, And It’s Deliciously Entertaining Also in Internet Finds: My Innocence Has Been Destroyed After Learning These Terrible, Disturbing, And Creepy Things Source link #******* #Patients #Reveal #Symptom #Wrong Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

Trump Administration Highlights: President Stresses New Era in Speech to West Point Graduates – The New York Times Trump Administration Highlights: President Stresses New Era in Speech to West Point Graduates – The New York Times Trump Administration Highlights: President Stresses New Era in Speech to West Point Graduates The New York TimesTrump celebrates West Point athletes in commencement address to military academy Fox NewsDonald Trump’s ‘Trophy Wife’ Remarks in West Point Speech Raise Eyebrows NewsweekThe latest on Trump’s tariffs, legal battles and West Point address CNNTrump Addresses a Military He’s Remaking in His Image The Atlantic Source link #Trump #Administration #Highlights #President #Stresses #Era #Speech #West #Point #Graduates #York #Times Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Percy in hunt as big names rise at Senior PGA C’ship Percy in hunt as big names rise at Senior PGA C’ship Multiple major winners Retief Goosen and Angel Cabrera share a four-way tie for the lead as a host of big names challenge for the Senior PGA Championship title. And *********** journeyman Cameron Percy is still just three shots from the lead going into the last round despite shooting a four-over 76 in windy conditions at the tough Congressional Country Club course on Saturday. Percy started the day tied for the lead, but opened with three bogeys and collected five more through his round. Goosen (68) and Cabrera (70) were tied in front with American Jason Caron (71) and England’s Phillip Archer (71), with Lee Westwood (68) and Stewart Cink (68) one shot behind. Two shots off the pace were Robert Karlsson (73), Padraig Harrington (73), Thomas Bjorn (73) YE Yang (75) and Vijay Singh (75). Of the other Australians, Mark Hensby was tied 19th at even par after a 71, with Scott Hend (74) at two over, Brendan Jones (75) four over, Richard Green (74) five over and Andre Stolz (78) eight over along with Mick Smith (79). The 11 golfers on or close to the lead have combined to win 13 major championships. “The people up there are the people that have a lot of experience,” Cabrera said. “Most of them have been in many majors, and you can see that.” Goosen has two U.S. Open championships on his resume and Cabrera one of those to go along with the 2009 Masters. Harrington won the British Open in ’07 and ’08 and Cink in ’09, while Singh has two PGA Championship victories and another in the Masters. That kind of sustained winning over the past few decades certainly helped prepare those guys for the conditions at Congressional, which has hosted three US Opens and one PGA Championship. “A tough golf course — all the guys that have really done it on hard golf courses really rise to the top and seem to grind it out more maybe a little bit more than certain players,” said Goosen. “I certainly grinded it out.” Source link #Percy #hunt #big #names #rise #Senior #PGA #Cship Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Texas woman sues state lottery after not receiving controversial $83.5M jackpot Texas woman sues state lottery after not receiving controversial $83.5M jackpot A woman in Texas is suing the state’s Lottery Commission for not paying out an $83.5 million award, more than three months after the numbers on her ticket matched the winning numbers in a drawing, according to court documents obtained by CNN. “Every Texan knows what that should mean when it comes to the lottery – if you win, you should get paid,” the suit says. “It shouldn’t take a lawsuit to get paid when you win the lottery. But that’s exactly what has happened here.” The woman bought her ticket through a lottery courier service, firms which allow customers to purchase tickets virtually, using a mobile app or other online interface. The woman, identified only as Jane Doe in the suit, purchased a ticket for the “Lotto Texas” lottery game through an app called Jackpocket on February 17, and her numbers matched those of the numbers pulled at 10:12 p.m. CT the same day, according to the lawsuit. A week after Doe won her ticket, then-Texas Lottery Commission Executive Director Ryan Mindell announced a move to ban courier services like the one Doe used, under Texas law. The ban became effective on May 19, according to a lottery commission spokesperson. Mindell resigned in April. “We all know the Commission is not allowed to change the rules after the drawing. But the Commission has apparently tried to do so and relied—at least in part—on this ex post facto announcement to continue to refuse to pay Plaintiff her lottery winnings simply because she utilized a lottery ticket courier service to buy the winning ticket,” the lawsuit says. A spokesperson told CNN in an email Saturday the commission “does not comment on pending litigation.” The lawsuit also alleges Doe’s unpaid winnings could be used to pay other Texas Lottery winners, or may be reallocated and redirected to “other Commission liabilities or purposes,” potentially reducing the amount owed to her. Attorneys for the woman have also filed for a temporary restraining order and requested for a temporary injunction to stop Acting Deputy Executive Director of the Texas Lottery Commission Sergio Rey from doling out funds, which the lawsuit alleges Doe still has not received. “If Mr. Rey is not restrained and enjoined from disbursing or diminishing the Plaintiff’s jackpot prize winnings, Plaintiff will suffer damages that will be incapable of being measured by any certain pecuniary standard before notice is given and a hearing is held on Plaintiff’s Application for Temporary Injunction,” a court document said. CNN has reached out to Texas Gov. Greg Abbott’s office, Jackpocket, and Rey for comment. What is a lottery courier service? A lottery courier service acts as a third-party vendor that buys lottery tickets on behalf of customers, coordinates the purchase of physical tickets through brick and mortar stores the services often own, and notifies buyers if they win. Courier services are typically operated online or through an app, offering a convenient way to play games. Some couriers even offer national lottery games like Mega Millions and Powerball. Lottery couriers, which had been operating in Texas since 2019, became a focus in April 2023 after a single entity bought 25 million lottery tickets in less than 72 hours using a courier service, CNN affiliate WFAA reported. The entity purchased “nearly every possible number combination,” the release from the governor’s office said at the time. The investor doubled its money because the jackpot was so high, and the winner took home $57.8 million before taxes, WFAA said. Courier services are operating in 19 states, according to a report published in 2024 by the Florida Office of Program Policy Analysis and Government Accountability. Only three states – New York, New Jersey and Arkansas – regulate the courier service industry, according to a 2024 Texas House report. Without such regulations in Texas, couriers are not required to obtain a license or permission from the Texas Lottery to operate, the report found. Purchasing via a lottery courier has two advantages for the customer, said Victor Matheson, professor of economics at College of the Holy Cross. “It allows the buyer to conveniently buy tickets without having to go to a regular lottery retailer and it also potentially allows out-of-state buyers to purchase tickets in any lottery across the country,” Matheson said in February. The service can have drawbacks like a fee, legality issues and lack of a limit to how many tickets are purchased, Matheson added. Other legal concerns include the regulation of sales across state lines when each state controls its own lottery games, sales to underage players, ticket buying syndicates and other issues. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com Source link #Texas #woman #sues #state #lottery #receiving #controversial #83.5M #jackpot Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Outrage, horror after Israeli attack kills nine children of Gaza doctor – Al Jazeera Outrage, horror after Israeli attack kills nine children of Gaza doctor – Al Jazeera Outrage, horror after Israeli attack kills nine children of Gaza doctor Al JazeeraIsraeli strike kills nine of Gaza doctor’s children, hospital says BBC9 of a doctor’s 10 children are killed in Israel’s latest strikes in Gaza AP NewsA Gaza doctor went to work to save lives. Hours later, her children’s burned bodies arrived CNNIsraeli raid kills Gaza doctor’s 9 children; another boy starves to death Al Jazeera Source link #Outrage #horror #Israeli #attack #kills #children #Gaza #doctor #Jazeera Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Nine of doctor’s 10 children among latest Gaza dead Nine of doctor’s 10 children among latest Gaza dead The bodies of 79 people killed by Israeli strikes have been brought to hospitals in the past 24 hours, Gaza ‘s Health Ministry said – a toll that doesn’t include hospitals in the battered north that it said are now inaccessible. The dead over the past day in Israel’s renewed military offensive included nine of a doctor’s 10 children, colleagues and the Health Ministry said. Alaa Najjar, a paediatrician at Nasser Hospital, was on duty on Saturday and ran home to find her family’s house on fire, Ahmad al-Farra, head of the hospital’s paediatric department, told The Associated Press. Najjar’s husband was severely wounded and their only surviving child, an 11-year-old son, was in critical condition after Friday’s strike in the southern city of Khan Younis, Farra said. The dead children ranged in age from seven months to 12 years old. Khalil Al-Dokran, a spokesperson for Gaza’s Health Ministry, told the AP that two of the children remained under the rubble. Israel’s military in a statement said it struck suspects operating from a structure next to its forces, and described the area of Khan Younis as a “dangerous war zone.” It said it had evacuated civilians from the area, and “the claim regarding harm to uninvolved civilians is under review.” Earlier Saturday, a statement said Israel’s air force struck over 100 targets throughout Gaza over the past day. The Health Ministry said the new deaths brought the war’s toll to 53,901 since the October 7, 2023, ******-led attack on Israel that sparked the 19 months of fighting. The ministry said 3747 people have been killed in Gaza since Israel resumed the war on March 18 in an effort to pressure ****** to accept different ceasefire terms. Its count doesn’t differentiate between civilians and combatants. Israel’s pressure on ****** has included a blockade of Gaza and its over two million people since early March. This week, the first small number of aid trucks entered the territory and began reaching Palestinians since the blockade began. But they were far fewer than the about 600 trucks a day that had been entering during the ceasefire. Warnings of famine by food security experts, and images of desperate Palestinians jostling for bowls of food at the ever-shrinking number of charity kitchens, led Israel’s allies to press the government of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to allow some aid to return. Netanyahu’s government has sought a new aid delivery and distribution system by a newly established US-backed group, but the United Nations and partners have rejected it, saying it allows Israel to use food as a weapon and violates humanitarian principles. Israel may now be changing its approach to let aid groups remain in charge of non-food assistance, according to a letter obtained by the AP. Israel accuses ****** of siphoning off aid but the UN and aid groups deny there is significant diversion. Hospitals in Gaza are again reporting attacks and other Israeli pressure. The Health Ministry said 11 security personnel have been trapped at the European Hospital in southern Gaza following heavy gunfire and air strikes since at least Tuesday. Dr Saleh Hams, director of the nursing department, said patients were evacuated after an Israeli strike on May 13. Hams said the security staff stayed behind to protect from looting, and that it was the only hospital in Gaza offering neurosurgery, cardiac care and ******* treatment. Israel said it will continue to strike Gaza until ****** releases all of the 58 remaining Israeli hostages and disarms. Fewer than half of the hostages are believed to be alive since the October 7 attack, in which militants killed some 1200 people, mostly civilians, and abducted 251 others. ****** has said it will only return the remaining hostages in exchange for more ************ prisoners, a lasting ceasefire and an Israeli withdrawal from the territory. Netanyahu has rejected those terms and has vowed to maintain control over Gaza and facilitate what he refers to as the voluntary emigration of much of its ************ population. Source link #doctors #children #among #latest #Gaza #dead Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Assassination of 2 Israeli Embassy Workers Caught on Surveillance Assassination of 2 Israeli Embassy Workers Caught on Surveillance The assassination of a couple outside a Jewish museum in Washington D.C. was caught on surveillance video. 26-year-old Sara Milgrim and 30-year-old Yaron Lischinsky were leaving the museum with two others when they were gunned down. A 31-year-old man named Elias Rodriguez was arrested minutes later, shouting, “Free free Palestine.” Rodriguex graduated from the University of Illinois in Chicago in 2018. Source link #Assassination #Israeli #Embassy #Workers #Caught #Surveillance Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

New York crypto investor accused of kidnapping Italian tourist – BBC New York crypto investor accused of kidnapping Italian tourist – BBC New York crypto investor accused of kidnapping Italian tourist BBCCrypto Investor Charged With Kidnapping and Torturing Man for Weeks The New York TimesCrypto investor in New York charged in kidnapping and torture plot The GuardianItalian tourist escapes NYC home where he was ‘tortured’ for weeks: Sources NBC New YorkItalian man kidnapped, tortured for weeks in Manhattan apartment: NYPD sources Yahoo Source link #York #crypto #investor #accused #kidnapping #Italian #tourist #BBC Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Fare-free train travel after days of commuter chaos Fare-free train travel after days of commuter chaos A fare-free day will run on Australia’s busiest rail network to placate frustrated commuters after a power outage hindered travel for thousands of people. Source link #Farefree #train #travel #days #commuter #chaos Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

Indian watchdog found global ad agencies colluded on fees, document shows Indian watchdog found global ad agencies colluded on fees, document shows By Aditya Kalra NEW DELHI (Reuters) -India’s antitrust body found that global ad agencies breached laws by coordinating on commissions they charge advertisers, prompting the watchdog’s raids on advertising and media companies in March, according to a document which sheds new light on the investigation into the media sector. The Competition Commission of India conducted surprise raids in March at the local offices of ad agencies WPP-owned GroupM, Interpublic, Publicis and Dentsu and at the offices of an Indian broadcasters’ body and an association of advertising companies. A CCI document dated February 7 and seen by Reuters on Friday sheds new light on allegations that three separate cartels operated through three different industry groups: the Indian Society of Advertisers (ISA), Advertising Agencies Association of India (AAAI) and Indian Broadcasting and Digital Foundation (IBDF). Before the raids, the CCI document said, it reviewed evidence that showed the alleged misconduct was prevalent since at least 2023, and advertising agencies exchanged commercially sensitive information on WhatsApp groups and agreed to adhere to pre-decided commission structures. “AAAI and its members are in contravention” of competition laws, the CCI noted in its initial review, while ordering the investigation which triggered the March raids, the document said. AAAI also often organised virtual meetings among members to align on prices and responses to be shared with clients, and discussed “retaliatory action” against members who don’t follow such guidelines, the document said. The group “also fixed the formula for fee in case of fee-based service to advertisers,” CCI said. The groups – AAAI which represents GroupM, Dentsu and Publicis, ISA which counts dozens of Indian and foreign companies as members, and the IBDF group of broadcasters – did not respond to Reuters queries. The CCI also did not respond to a request for comment. The CCI does not publicly disclose any details of price fixing investigations. Reuters reported in March that the allegations relate to collusion between media buying agencies and broadcasters, and the case was triggered after Dentsu made disclosures under a whistleblower-type federal programme. The raids cast a shadow on India’s fast-growing media and broadcast sector which counts Reliance-Disney and Sony as top players, and could alter how ads are priced and sold in the country. Detailing the allegations, the CCI document said the advertisers “established a buyer’s cartel”, while the broadcasters who provide channels separately engaged in “collective action to refrain from giving discounts” to clients. Story Continues Another cartel “exists in the media segment of advertising agencies and attempts are underway” to establish a cartel in its creative business segment, the CCI added. The three industry groups also “coordinate their activities and indulge in collective negotiations … on issues which should ideally be negotiated independently,” it added. “The respective industry association appear to evolve guidelines, advisories or negotiation parameters … to secure the commercial interests of their members,” it added. In recent weeks, AAAI privately asked its members to avoid discussions over pricing during meetings, where the group’s legal adviser must be present, Reuters has reported. The investigation comes amid major shifts in India’s advertising landscape following last year’s $8.5 billion merger between Walt Disney and Reliance’s Indian media assets, which is estimated to have a 40% share of the ad market in TV and streaming segments. India is the world’s eighth-biggest ad market, where revenues stood at $18.5 billion last year, GroupM estimates. The CCI investigation is likely to continue for several months before final findings are issued. (Reporting by Aditya Kalra; Editing by Susan Fenton) Source link #Indian #watchdog #global #agencies #colluded #fees #document #shows Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

Iranian director Jafar Panahi's 'It Was Just An Accident' wins Palme d'Or at Cannes – NPR Iranian director Jafar Panahi's 'It Was Just An Accident' wins Palme d'Or at Cannes – NPR Iranian director Jafar Panahi’s ‘It Was Just An Accident’ wins Palme d’Or at Cannes NPR‘Un Simple Accident’ Wins Palme d’Or at Cannes Film Festival The New York TimesCannes: Iranian director Jafar Panahi speaks out against regime after Palme d’Or win BBCCannes awards Palme d’Or to Iranian revenge drama ‘It Was Just an Accident’ AP NewsHow to Watch the 2025 Cannes Awards Ceremony Live Stream IndieWire Source link #Iranian #director #Jafar #Panahi039s #039It #Accident039 #wins #Palme #d039Or #Cannes #NPR Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Adrian Barich: Adam Selwood’s tragic death must change something in us, and in footy where toughness is armour Adrian Barich: Adam Selwood’s tragic death must change something in us, and in footy where toughness is armour Some of footy’s most familiar faces have been choking up this week, without warning. A passing comment. A highlight on social media. Someone mentioning Adam Selwood’s name. And bang, there it is: the lump in the throat. Grief doesn’t always have perfect timing. Sometimes it tightens you up mid-sentence, even if you’re live on radio or television. Adam’s death has left something broken in all who knew him. An ache that says the world is not the same. But how about we let his loss shift something in us? Let it soften how we see each other. Even those who seem rock-solid can be quietly unravelling behind the scenes. Adam Selwood was special. He really was. A player’s player. The perfect teammate, as Chris Judd described him. The ultimate Eagle. He gave everything for the team. Loyal, down to earth, protective. The kind of bloke you wanted beside if you were going to war, as we used to say in my day. And still, even he couldn’t deal with what he was confronted with. So now we’re left looking for answers, for reasons that just aren’t there, desperate to stitch together a story that makes sense when really, there is only the weight someone was carrying, and the fact that it became too heavy. I believe the pain of severe depression is really very hard to imagine unless you’ve suffered it yourself. It’s not just sadness; it’s relentless, exhausting, and often invisible. And we will continue to lose people until there is a broader understanding of the nature and intensity of that pain. When I heard of Adam’s death, just three months after his twin Troy, I drove 50km to Baldivis just to give my son a hug. Later we had a conversation about whether either of us had ever had dark thoughts. The chat ending with me asking whether a recent 18-day FIFO swing had highlighted anything. So, what now? How about we don’t hide from the heartbreak? We let it change us. Let’s say, “please speak up” — and our part of the deal is we’ve got to be ready when someone does. And most of us are crap at this stuff. It’s not that we don’t care. It’s just that we haven’t been taught the skills. So maybe it’s time we learnt. Let’s teach emotional first aid, the way we teach CPR. Being strong doesn’t make you safe. Being a good man doesn’t make you immune. Everything affects everything. How to listen without interrupting. How to sit with someone’s pain without trying to fix it straight away. How to notice when someone is struggling, even when they’re still cracking jokes. And how to ask the person the most important question. Don’t be embarrassed, or worried about offending them, or reluctant because you think you will put ideas in their head. It can be the first step in getting help. And in the world of footy, where toughness is worn like armour, we’ve got to talk about what’s going on under the surface. We’re learning more about chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), a degenerative brain disease caused by repeated head knocks. It too can mess with your mood, your impulses, and your sense of self. It can make even the brightest blokes feel like shadows of themselves. But in good news, we know that sometimes even the smallest gesture can save a life. A young man once told of a time when he made the decision to shuffle off this mortal coil. He was alone in that moment, in a dark place, when his phone buzzed. The message was from his brother saying: “Coffee?” He paused. Looked at it. And typed back: “Sounds good.” That casual message, that lucky moment of connection, brought him back from the brink. What if we made those gestures more often? What if we stopped assuming people are OK? That chat at the servo, or in Coles, or at the park, in the pub might be what someone remembers in the dark. And when you feel like giving up, try to remember why you’ve held on for so long. As the Roman philosopher Seneca said, “sometimes even to live is an act of courage”. That’s the raw truth. We need to give people permission to talk about the pain before it becomes too much to bear. Being strong doesn’t make you safe. Being a good man doesn’t make you immune. Everything affects everything. A kind word here. An ignored message there. A moment of connection. A moment missed. It all ripples. The way we show up (or don’t) matters more than we think. It’s also why we need support for former footballers: blokes who gave their all on the field and then have to try to figure out who they are off it. Enter the FifthQtr Foundation. Promoted by a bunch of footy stars, including Ken Hunter and Bryan Cousins, it exists for the space after the siren. After the spotlight. After the structure that gave players so much purpose. These aren’t just old broken-down heroes who are missing the roar of the crowd. Who are suffering limelight deprivation. These are ex-players adjusting to life with scarred bodies and minds, and a whole lot of big feelings they were never taught to manage. So let’s make a deal. In memory of Adam Selwood, let’s stop asking “How are you?” like it’s small talk and start meaning it. To the entire Selwood family and to everyone who loved Adam, we’re standing with you and we won’t forget Adam and Troy. Let’s give something back. Let’s build a game and a culture where vulnerability isn’t weakness, and where mateship means turning up when it counts most. You are not alone. Lifeline: 13 11 14. Source link #Adrian #Barich #Adam #Selwoods #tragic #death #change #footy #toughness #armour Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

Young US men are joining Russian churches promising ‘absurd levels of manliness’ Young US men are joining Russian churches promising ‘absurd levels of manliness’ “A lot of people ask me: ‘Father Moses, how can I increase my manliness to absurd levels?'” In a YouTube video, a priest is championing a form of virile, unapologetic masculinity. Skinny jeans, crossing your legs, using an iron, shaping your eyebrows, and even eating soup are among the things he derides as too feminine. There are other videos of Father Moses McPherson – a powerfully-built father of five – weightlifting to the sound of heavy metal. He was raised a Protestant and once worked as a roofer, but now serves as a priest in the Russian Orthodox Church Outside Russia (ROCOR) in Georgetown, Texas, an offshoot of the mother church in Moscow. ROCOR, a global network with headquarters in New York, has recently been expanding across parts of the US – mainly as a result of people converting from other faiths. In the last six months, Father Moses has prepared 75 new followers for baptism in his church of the Mother of God, just north of Austin. “When my wife and I converted 20 years ago we used to call Orthodoxy the best-kept secret, because people just didn’t know what it was,” he says. “But in the past year-and-a-half our congregation has tripled in size.” Convert Theodore – who until recently rejected all religion – lifts weights three times a week with Father Moses [BBC] During the Sunday liturgy at Father Moses’s church, I am struck by the number of men in their twenties and thirties praying and crossing themselves at the back of the nave, and how this religion – with traditions dating back to the 4th century AD – seems to attract young men uneasy with life in modern America. Software engineer Theodore tells me he had a dream job and a wife he adored, but he felt empty inside, as if there was a hole in his heart. He believes society has been “very harsh” on men and is constantly telling them they are in the wrong. He complains that men are criticised for wanting to be the breadwinner and support a stay-at-home wife. “We are told that’s a very toxic relationship nowadays,” Theodore says. “That’s not how it should be.” Almost all the converts I meet have opted to home-school their offspring, partly because they believe women should prioritise their families rather than their careers. Father John Whiteford, an archpriest in the ROCOR from Spring, north of Houston, says home-schooling ensures a religious education and is “a way of protecting your children”, while avoiding any talk about “transgenderism, or the 57 genders of the month or whatever”. Compared to the millions of worshippers in America’s evangelical megachurches, the numbers of Christian Orthodox are tiny – only about one percent of the population. That includes Eastern Orthodoxy, as practised across Russia, Ukraine, eastern Europe and Greece, and the Oriental Orthodox from the Middle East and Africa. Founded by priests and clergy fleeing the Russian Revolution in 1917, ROCOR is seen by many as the most conservative Orthodox jurisdiction in the US. Yet this small religious community is a vocal one, and what’s unfolding within it mirrors broader political shifts, especially following President Donald Trump’s dramatic pivot toward Moscow. The true increase in the number of converts is hard to quantify, but data from the Pew Research Centre suggests Orthodox Christians are 64% male, up from 46% in 2007. A smaller study of 773 converts appears to back the trend. Most recent newcomers are men, and many say the pandemic pushed them to seek a new faith. That survey is from the Orthodox Church in America (OCA), which was established by Russian monks in Alaska in the late 18th Century and now has more than 700 parishes, missions, communities, monasteries, and institutions in the US, Canada and Mexico which identify as Russian Orthodox. Professor Scott Kenworthy, who studies the history and thought of Eastern Orthodox Christianity – particularly in modern Russia – says his OCA parish in Cincinnati “is absolutely bursting at the seams”. He’s attended the same church for 24 years and says congregation numbers remained steady until the Covid lockdown. Since then, there has been constant flow of new inquirers and people preparing to be baptised, known as catechumens. “This is not just a phenomenon of my own parish, or a few places in Texas,” Prof Kenworthy says, “it is definitely something broader.” The digital space is key in this wave of new converts. Father Moses has a big following online – when he shares a picture of a positive pregnancy test on his Instagram feed he gets 6,000 likes for announcing the arrival of his sixth child. But there are dozens of other podcasts and videos presented by Orthodox clergy and an army of followers – mainly male. Father Moses tells his congregation there are two ways of serving God – being a monk or a nun, or getting married. Those who take the second path should avoid contraception and have as many children as possible. “Show me one saint in the history of the Church who ever blessed any kind of birth control,” Father Moses says. As for masturbation – or what the church calls self-abuse – the priest condemns it as “pathetic and unmanly”. Father Moses says Orthodoxy is “not masculine, it is just normal”, while “in the West everything has become very feminised”. Some Protestant churches, he believes, mainly cater for women. “I don’t want to go to services that feel like a Taylor Swift concert,” Father Moses says.” If you look at the language of the ‘worship music’, it’s all emotion – that’s not men.” Elissa Bjeletich Davis, a former Protestant who now belongs to the Greek Orthodox Church in Austin, is a Sunday school teacher and has her own podcast. She says many converts belong to “the anti-woke crowd” and sometimes have strange ideas about their new faith – especially those in the Russian Church. “They see it as a military, rigid, disciplinary, masculine, authoritarian religion,” Elissa says. “It’s kind of funny. It’s almost as if the old American Puritans and their craziness is resurfacing.” Buck Johnson has worked as a firefighter for 25 years and hosts the Counterflow podcast. He says he was initially scared to enter his local Russian Orthodox Church as he “looks different, covered in tattoos”, but tells me he was welcomed with open arms. He was also impressed the church stayed open throughout the Covid lockdown. Sitting on a couch in front of two huge TV screens at his home in Lockhart, he says his newfound faith is changing his view of the world. “Negative American views on Russia are what worry me,” Buck says. He tells me the mainstream, “legacy” media presents a distorted picture of the invasion of Ukraine. “I think there’s a holdover from the boomer generation here in America that lived through the Cold War,” Buck says, “and I don’t quite grasp why – but they say Russia’s bad.” The head of the Russian Church in Moscow, Patriarch Kirill, has doggedly backed the invasion of Ukraine, calling it a Holy War, and expressing little compassion for its victims. When I ask Archpriest Father John Whiteford about Russia’s top cleric, who many see as a warmonger, he assures me the Patriarch’s words have been distorted. Footage and photographs of Putin quoting ****** verses, holding candles during services in Moscow’s Cathedral of Christ the Saviour and stripping down to his swim trunks to plunge into icy water at Epiphany, seem to have struck a chord. Some – in America and other countries – see Russia as the last bastion of true Christianity. Archpriest John Whiteford, pictured with his wife Patricia, says home-schooling is “a way of protecting your children” [BBC] Nearly a decade ago, another Orthodox convert turned priest from Texas, Father Joseph Gleason, moved from America to Borisoglebskiy, a village four hours’ drive north of Moscow, with his wife and eight children. “Russia does not have *********** marriage, it does not have civil unions, it is a place where you can home-school your kids and – of course – I love the thousand-year history of Orthodox Christianity here,” he told a Russian video host. This wispy-bearded Texan is in the vanguard of a movement urging conservatives to relocate to Russia. Last August, Putin introduced fast-track shared values visa for those fleeing Western liberalism. Back in Texas, Buck tells me he and his fellow converts are turning their backs on instant gratification and American consumerism. “We’re thinking of things long term,” Buck says, “like traditions, love for your family, love for you community, love for neighbours. “I think that orthodoxy fits us well – and especially in Texas.” Source link #Young #men #joining #Russian #churches #promising #absurd #levels #manliness Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Scientists Discover Bizarre Bacteria That “Breathe” Electricity Instead of Air – SciTechDaily Scientists Discover Bizarre Bacteria That “Breathe” Electricity Instead of Air – SciTechDaily Scientists Discover Bizarre Bacteria That “Breathe” Electricity Instead of Air SciTechDaily Source link #Scientists #Discover #Bizarre #Bacteria #Breathe #Electricity #Air #SciTechDaily Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]