Sunday, August 1
Monarch Butterflies
A coalition of scientists and conservation experts have joined forces to try to extend a helping hand to these iconic butterflies.
“This is a huge crisis that we’re facing,” explained Xerces Society biologist Angela Laws.
The effort is led by River Partners and funded by California Fish and Wildlife.
“We need to do everything we can to try to save them,” said River Partners biologist Claire Pavelka.
At eight critical sites in California, teams recently finished planting 600 acres of native milkweed and other nectar-rich plants.
The hope is to restore habitat areas to encourage the butterflies to migrate by providing them critical nourishment.
“The landscape is a canvas, and we get to be the artist and we get to bring in what we want to see,” said California Fish and Wildlife Manager AJ Dill.
Monarch butterflies are known as an indicator species. What happens to them could spell trouble for other important pollinators
“It is often said that butterflies are like the famous canary in the coalmine. They’re indicators of a potentially dangerous situation before it’s generally perceived to be dangerous, ” explained Dr. Art Shapiro. READ MORE
Saturday, July 31
Persistent Inflation
The subject is presently dividing the funding neighborhood, which has been busy considering whether or not a current surge in shopper costs is right here to keep.
In the U.S., the patron worth index got here in at 5.4% in June — the quickest tempo in virtually 13 years. In the U.Ok., the inflation rate reached 2.5% in June — the best stage since August 2018 and above the Bank of England’s goal of two%.
For probably the most half, the Washington-based establishment sees these worth pressures as transitory.
For probably the most half, the Washington-based establishment sees these worth pressures as transitory.
“Inflation is expected to return to its pre-pandemic ranges in most countries in 2022,” the Fund stated in its newest World Economic Outlook replace launched Tuesday.
However, it warned that “uncertainty remains high.”
“There is however a risk that transitory pressures could become more persistent and central banks may need to take preemptive action,” the IMF stated. READ MORE
However, it warned that “uncertainty remains high.”
“There is however a risk that transitory pressures could become more persistent and central banks may need to take preemptive action,” the IMF stated. READ MORE
Housing Boom Over
Since the onset of the crisis, median home prices are up a staggering 24%.
But much of that government aid and support is about to go away. The foreclosure moratorium, which prevents foreclosures of federally-backed mortgages, will come to an end on July 31.
But much of that government aid and support is about to go away. The foreclosure moratorium, which prevents foreclosures of federally-backed mortgages, will come to an end on July 31.
Then on Sept. 30, the mortgage forbearance program, which allows some borrowers to pause their payments, will lapse. Since the beginning of the pandemic, over 7 million homeowners have been enrolled in the forbearance program.
However, as the economy has improved that number has fallen. As of July 11, there are still 1.75 million borrowers, or 3.5% of U.S. mortgages, enrolled in the forbearance program.
The foreclosure crisis following the 2008 housing crash was so bad, in part, because tens of millions of financially strained homeowners were underwater (meaning a borrower's remaining mortgage balance is greater than the home's value) and had no choice but foreclosure.
The foreclosure crisis following the 2008 housing crash was so bad, in part, because tens of millions of financially strained homeowners were underwater (meaning a borrower's remaining mortgage balance is greater than the home's value) and had no choice but foreclosure.
That's unlikely to be the case for financially strapped homeowners this year. These homeowners are likely sitting on sizable home equity (home value minus the outstanding mortgage), and if they can't repay the mortgage they can simply sell into the currently red-hot housing market. READ MORE
New Species Found
It has taken five years to confirm that this species had not been discovered before and that it was unique. Indian scientists spent half a decade sequencing the plant's DNA and comparing it to other known plants.
Indian polar-biologist Professor Felix Bast, working at the Bharati research station, discovered this dark green moss species at Larsemann Hills, overlooking the Southern Ocean.
Indian polar-biologist Professor Felix Bast, working at the Bharati research station, discovered this dark green moss species at Larsemann Hills, overlooking the Southern Ocean.
Biologists based at the Central University of Punjab have named the species Byrum bharatiensis. The research station and the moss take their name from the Hindu goddess of learning.
The research station Bharati is a permanently staffed station that has been in operation since 2012. This is India's third Antarctic research facility, and one of two still operational along with the Maitri station which was commissioned in 1989. India has had a scientific presence on the continent since 1983-1984.
The research station Bharati is a permanently staffed station that has been in operation since 2012. This is India's third Antarctic research facility, and one of two still operational along with the Maitri station which was commissioned in 1989. India has had a scientific presence on the continent since 1983-1984.
But this is the first time that a new plant has been discovered by Indian scientists working in the region. READ MORE
Friday, July 30
Naval Ship Destroyed
The sailor was a crewmember at the time and was charged with aggravated arson and the willful hazarding of a vessel, Cmdr. Sean Robertson, a U.S. 3rd Fleet spokesperson, said according to ABC News.
Robertson did not give any details as to what evidence was found or what the motive was. The name of the sailor has also not been disclosed.
The amphibious assault ship was nearing the end of its two-year $250 million upgrade when the fire broke out on July 12, 2020. More than 60 sailors and civilians were treated for relatively minor injuries resulting from the fire.
The ship, which can act as a mini aircraft carrier, burned for more than four days. The fire left the ship with extensive structural damage and was later scrapped with estimates that it will cost up to $4 Billion to replace it. READ MORE
OLYMPICS: Transwomen
Woke IOC Declares ‘Transwomen are Women’ as Transgender Kiwi Readies for Weightlifting Debut
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) reaffirmed its full support of transgender athletes Friday when medical director Richard Budgett declared “transwomen are women” and should be included in women’s sport “when we possibly can.”
“After 100 years of promoting women’s sport, it’s up to each of the international federations to ensure that they try and protect women’s sport,” he told a briefing in Tokyo. “Science will help, experience will help, and time will help.” READ MORE
Aircraft Carrier Turned Yacht
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We’re used to seeing aircraft carriers in their ready-for-combat mode, with fierce fighter jets waiting on the deck. What if, instead of that, we would see a completely different picture? Not just a peaceful-looking one, inviting passengers for total relaxation and pure indulgence, but even more daring than that.
Dutch Mitsi Studio created a jaw-dropping concept – the Noah Twins Carrier would not be just the world’s first aircraft carrier turned into a yacht, but it would be built with interchangeable decks, right out of a movie-like fantasy.
As the Studio puts it, the design would be like a Swiss Army knife, with the possibility of swapping between a landing strip and a golf course. Yes, a landing strip would still be there, but for a helicopter and air-taxis instead of fighter jets. And the nine-hole golf course could also change into a ski slope with artificial snow, because why not? READ MORE
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