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Oxfordshire: ‘dinosaur highway’ Jurassic Footprints Reveal a Glimpse into Prehistoric Life
In a remarkable discovery at Dewars Farm Quarry in Oxfordshire, England, scientists have unearthed nearly 200 dinosaur footprints dating back 166 million years to the Middle Jurassic Period. This extensive track site, nicknamed the "dinosaur highway," is the largest of its kind in the United Kingdom and provides a unique window into the lives of the prehistoric giants that roamed the area. The find was initially made in 2023 when quarry worker Gary Johnson noticed unusual bumps on the ground while extracting limestone. This led to a collaborative excavation effort involving around 100 volunteers from the University of Birmingham and the University of Oxford. The team spent a week in June meticulously uncovering and recording the tracks, which hold significant scientific value. The discovery coincides with the 200th anniversary of the Megalosaurus, the first dinosaur species ever described, which was also found in Oxfordshire in 1824. "There’s a really long legacy in this area of exciting dinosaur tracks and body fossils," said Kirsty Edgar, a professor of micropaleontology at the University of Birmingham. These newly uncovered tracks connect to a previously discovered path at the same quarry in 1997, now inaccessible. Advances in technology, however, will allow researchers to extract new insights from the current find. The tracks reveal details about the dinosaurs' movements, speeds, and social behavior. Most of the creatures, including larger theropods such as the Megalosaurus, appeared to be moving northeast at an average speed of 5 kilometers per hour, a pace comparable to human walking speed. Analysis of the footprints suggests that the Megalosaurus, a predator, intersected paths with sauropods, large herbivores, as they moved through the area. "This theropod seemed to be moving at a leisurely pace, as indicated by the footprints," explained researcher Tanner. The intersecting paths hint at predator-prey interactions and suggest these dinosaurs may have been navigating along the shoreline, possibly to find food or avoid obstacles. The site’s preservation was made possible by the unique environmental conditions of the Jurassic Period. Soft sediment, combined with just the right amount of water, created the perfect medium for capturing and conserving the footprints. Edgar likened the ancient environment to the Florida Keys, with its carbonate mud banks and proximity to water. A subsequent storm likely covered the tracks quickly, shielding them from erosion and preserving them for millions of years. Unlike fossilized bones, which can be transported from their original location, footprints remain where they were made, offering invaluable insights into the daily lives of dinosaurs. Tracks can reveal group dynamics, predator-prey interactions, and how these creatures adapted to environmental changes. "It’s like a snapshot into the day of the dinosaurs’ life, and what they were doing," Edgar said. This discovery not only sheds light on the behavior and ecology of Jurassic dinosaurs but also underscores the importance of preserving and studying such ancient sites. The "dinosaur highway" at Dewars Farm Quarry stands as a testament to the enduring fascination with these prehistoric giants and the stories their footprints continue to tell. Based on a report by CNN 2024-01-14 -
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Duchess of Sussex Postpones Netflix Series to Support Wildfire Victims in California
The Duchess of Sussex, Meghan Markle, has postponed the release of her new Netflix series, *With Love, Meghan*, in response to the devastating wildfires currently ravaging California. The decision was announced by Netflix, citing Meghan's desire to prioritize the needs of those affected by the disaster in her home state. *With Love, Meghan* promises to blend practical advice with heartfelt conversations, as Meghan shares her personal tips on cooking, gardening, and hosting. The series aims to embrace "playfulness over perfection" and demonstrate how beauty can be found in unexpected moments. The Duchess, alongside her friends, will offer viewers a hands-on approach to creating memorable experiences, encouraging them to get involved. This announcement follows the Duke and Duchess of Sussex's visit to a meal distribution site for wildfire victims last Friday, where they hugged residents and spoke with emergency crews. Living in Montecito, near Santa Barbara, just 90 miles from Los Angeles, the couple has been actively supporting relief efforts. Their contributions have included donations of clothing, children’s items, and other essential supplies for those affected by the fires. Meghan's decision to delay her series underscores her commitment to her home state and the ongoing crisis, prioritizing compassion and support over personal projects during this challenging time for many Californians. Based on a report by Daily Telegraph 2024-01-14 -
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Labour must stop handing millions to Pakistan which blocks Return of Child Sex Offenders
The UK government is under growing pressure to cease providing financial aid to Pakistan amid accusations that the country is obstructing the deportation of convicted child sex offenders from Britain. Former Immigration Minister Robert Jenrick has strongly criticized the ongoing aid to Pakistan, claiming it is being misused while Islamabad refuses to accept deported criminals. This controversy revolves around the inability to deport grooming gang leaders from Rochdale and other areas, who were found guilty of exploiting and abusing young white girls. Jenrick expressed his outrage, stating, "It's shameful that Pakistan is abusing our generosity and madness that the Government isn't doing something about it." He advocated for stripping dual nationals of their UK citizenship and deporting them without exceptions, adding, "These sick and twisted individuals should never set foot on British soil again." Pakistan has been a significant recipient of UK aid, receiving over £1 billion in the last decade. Yet, the refusal to accept deported offenders, including prominent figures like Adil Khan and Qari Abdul Rauf, has intensified calls for the UK to leverage its aid and visa policies. Khan and Rauf, both part of a notorious gang that terrorized young girls for two years, remain in the UK despite being ordered for deportation due to Pakistan's stance. Khan, convicted of child trafficking and serving four years of an eight-year sentence, and Rauf, serving three and a half years out of six, have both attempted to avoid deportation by renouncing their Pakistani citizenship. Immigration judges dismissed these maneuvers, stating it would be "relatively easy" for the men to regain their status in Pakistan. Judges Charlotte Welsh and Siew Ling Yoke, while upholding the deportation orders, noted Khan's "breathtaking lack of remorse" and highlighted the strong public interest in removing them from the UK. Despite the legal rulings, Khan and Rauf continue to live and work in the UK, much to the dismay of their victims and the community. Rauf, reportedly employed by a takeaway delivery company, remains a conspicuous presence in Rochdale, where his presence has sparked public outrage. One local mother lamented, "Nobody can believe that monster is still here after what he did to those young girls. It's disgusting. What is the country coming to? Why is he still here?" The Home Office has not disclosed the exact number of UK-based criminals Pakistan has declined to accept, fueling further frustration and calls for transparency. Jenrick has previously emphasized the necessity of making foreign aid contingent on a country’s cooperation with deportation orders. The situation has escalated into a broader debate on balancing humanitarian aid with stringent immigration policies and the accountability of recipient nations. The case of Rauf, Khan, and potentially others, remaining in the UK due to Pakistan's refusal, underscores a critical impasse in international deportation protocols and raises questions about the future of UK aid to non-cooperative countries. Based on a report by Daily Mail 2024-01-14 Related Topics: The Silenced Truth: How Political Correctness Delayed Justice for Grooming Victims Britons Overwhelmingly Support a New Grooming Gang Inquiry Romanian Grooming Gang Convicted of Sexually Exploiting Women in Dundee Ethnicity of Grooming Gangs, Says Whistleblower’s Aide Grooming Networks Persist in Oxford, Warns Former Investigator Convicted Rochdale Grooming Gang Leader Still in the Town & not Deported Starmer Condemns 'Lies and Misinformation' Over Child Sexual Abuse UK Ex-MP Claims Grooming Gang Ethnicity Was Suppressed to Protect Votes Elon Musk Advocates for Tommy Robinson’s Release Amid Criticism of UK Leadership Kemi Badenoch Urges National Inquiry into UK Grooming Scandal -
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Over 15,000 Doctors Urge Senate to Block RFK Jr.’s Nomination as Health Secretary
In a powerful show of opposition, more than 15,000 doctors have signed a letter imploring the Senate to reject Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as the next secretary of health and human services. The letter, widely circulated by the physicians' advocacy group Committee to Protect Health Care, describes Kennedy’s nomination by President-elect Donald Trump as "a slap in the face" to healthcare professionals across the country. “The health and well-being of 336 million Americans depend on leadership at HHS that prioritizes science, evidence-based medicine, and the integrity of our public health system,” the letter asserts. “RFK Jr. is not only unqualified to lead this essential agency — he is actively dangerous.” Kennedy’s well-documented promotion of anti-vaccine rhetoric and other debunked medical claims are central to the doctors' concerns. The letter highlights his propagation of baseless conspiracy theories, including a supposed link between school shootings and antidepressants and his advocacy for unproven COVID-19 treatments. “This appointment is a slap in the face to every healthcare professional who has dedicated their lives to protecting patients from preventable illness and death,” the letter continues. Amid growing controversy, Kennedy has been meeting with senators from both parties on Capitol Hill ahead of his yet-to-be-scheduled confirmation hearing. Given the Senate's current composition, Kennedy would need nearly unanimous Republican support if all Democrats oppose his confirmation. Kennedy’s camp, however, has downplayed the backlash. When asked about the opposition from the medical community, Kennedy's spokesperson, Katie Miller, dismissed the outcry as “just another grift” aimed at generating donations for advocacy groups. “Robert F. Kennedy Jr. will be confirmed, and those who are spending their time undermining him will have no place and no voice at HHS,” Miller stated via text. The letter from the doctors is part of a broader campaign that includes urging healthcare professionals to contact their senators and organizations like the American Medical Association. Protect Our Care, a liberal nonprofit advocating for the preservation of the Affordable Care Act, also launched a campaign underscoring Kennedy’s controversial trip to Samoa in 2019, just before a deadly measles outbreak that claimed the lives of 83 people, mostly children. Hawaii Governor Josh Green, a physician, penned an op-ed in The New York Times, attributing Kennedy’s vaccine misinformation as a contributing factor to the outbreak and warning against his appointment to the Department of Health and Human Services. Organizations such as Community Catalyst and Public Citizen have echoed these warnings, labeling Kennedy as “wholly unqualified” and “a dangerous pick” who could “endanger people’s lives.” Meanwhile, Kennedy’s supporters and the American Values 2024 PAC argue that the opposition is driven by pharmaceutical companies seeking to stifle Kennedy’s efforts to reform public health. Yet, Dr. Rob Davidson, executive director of the Committee to Protect Health Care, counters this narrative, stating that their organization has consistently opposed Big Pharma’s interests, including efforts to lower prescription drug prices. “Kennedy presents a clear and present danger,” Davidson stated, reflecting the sentiment of thousands of doctors who believe that his leadership could jeopardize public health in America. Based on a report by NBC 2024-01-14 -
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GB News: Defying Labels, Courting Controversy, and Building Clout
Angelos Frangopoulos, the chief executive of GB News, resists attempts to label the TV channel as "right of centre," instead emphasizing its commitment to values and serving its audience. Since its launch on June 13, 2021, GB News has weathered challenges ranging from technical glitches and advertising hesitancy to high-profile departures. Yet, with the financial support of hedge fund tycoon Sir Paul Marshall and the Legatum Institute think tank, the channel has emerged as a force to be reckoned with in British broadcasting. Critics were quick to dismiss GB News in its early days, but it has since carved out a significant niche. While Sky News continues to dominate with a monthly reach of approximately 8 million viewers compared to GB News’s 3.5 million, December 2023 figures reveal GB News attracting an average of 66,000 live viewers, narrowly surpassing Sky News’s 63,500. This growth underscores its impact on viewers and the political landscape alike. The channel's programming often draws scrutiny, with some accusing it of disproportionately focusing on polarizing figures and topics. Nigel Farage, the leader of Reform UK and a GB News host, has become a focal point of discussion. Reports suggest that Tory leader Kemi Badenoch expressed concerns over Farage’s airtime, though Frangopoulos remains firm that his presence will not be reduced. In fact, GB News has set its sights on adding more high-profile contributors, including Boris Johnson. Announced as a “presenter, programme maker and commentator” in late 2023, the former prime minister has so far made limited appearances. “We’ll see how that evolves,” Frangopoulos notes, hinting at more to come. Despite its growing viewership, GB News continues to grapple with reputational and regulatory challenges. The Centre for Media Monitoring, operated by the Muslim Council of Britain, recently criticized the channel for what it called an “excessive” and negative focus on Muslims. Frangopoulos dismissed the report as “defamatory and purely politically motivated.” Additionally, GB News faces scrutiny from broadcast regulator Ofcom, which has found the channel in breach of its rules on 12 occasions, with more than half related to a lack of due impartiality. Frangopoulos acknowledges past mistakes but insists, “Where we’ve made mistakes, we’ve owned up to them and we’ve learnt from them.” While some advertisers remain hesitant, Frangopoulos believes GB News resonates with its audience because of its focus on issues that matter most to everyday people. “People don’t wake up in the morning and think about the woke world,” he argues. “They think about the cost of living. Do they feel safe? The state of policing. Taxation. The heating bill. All this stuff. And that’s ultimately what journalism is about — serving people and bringing light to darkness.” As GB News continues to chart its course, it remains a polarizing yet influential player in British media, one that critics and competitors cannot afford to ignore. Based on a report by BBC 2024-01-14 -
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The Town Where Guns Are a Legal Requirement: A Look Inside Kennesaw, Georgia
In Kennesaw, Georgia, a city ordinance dating back to the 1980s requires residents to own firearms and ammunition. This unique law has sparked both pride and controversy, making the town an unusual case in the national gun debate. The law, officially enacted in 1982, states, “In order to provide for and protect the safety, security and general welfare of the city and its inhabitants, every head of household residing in city limits is required to maintain a firearm, together with ammunition.” Despite its broad phrasing, the ordinance includes exceptions for those with mental or physical disabilities, felony convictions, or religious objections. “It’s not like you go around wearing it on your hip like the Wild Wild West,” said Derek Easterling, the three-term mayor of Kennesaw, in an interview with BBC News. He clarified that the law is not aggressively enforced, noting, “We’re not going to knock on your door and say, ‘Let me see your weapon.’” To his knowledge, there have been no arrests or prosecutions for violating the law since its inception. Opinions about the ordinance vary. Some residents see it as a source of pride and credit it with maintaining safety in their community. According to data from the Kennesaw Police Department, there were no homicides in the town in 2023, though there were two gun-related suicides. At a local pizza restaurant, patrons argued, “If anything, criminals need to be concerned, because if they break into your home, and you’re there, they don’t know what you got.” Others emphasize that the low crime rate stems more from the town’s culture than the guns themselves. “It’s the attitude behind the guns here in Kennesaw that keeps the gun crimes down, not the guns,” said Blake Weatherby, a groundskeeper at the Kennesaw First Baptist Church. He added, “It doesn’t matter if it’s a gun or a fork or a fist or a high heel shoe. We protect ourselves and our neighbors.” Weatherby, who once owned over 20 firearms, said he now owns none. Pat Ferris, a city council member who joined shortly after the law’s passage, described it as “more of a political statement than anything.” He admitted he’s unsure how many residents are even aware of the ordinance’s existence. The law was, in part, a reaction to Morton Grove, Illinois, becoming the first U.S. city to ban gun ownership. Kennesaw’s ordinance served as a counterpoint, highlighting differing regional attitudes toward firearms. Other U.S. cities, including Gun Barrel City, Texas; Virgin, Utah; Nelson, Georgia; and Nucla, Colorado, have since adopted similar laws. City council member Madelyn Orochena described Kennesaw’s gun law as “a weird little factoid about our community,” adding, “Residents will either roll their eyes in a bit of shame or laugh along about it.” Based on a report by NYP 2024-01-14
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