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Jul 17th, 2023, 6:07 pm
These ‘urban’ cities were ruled by the Bible’s King David: archaeologist discovery

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Professor Yosef Garfinkle claims he found evidence of urban settlement in organized cities dating to around 1,000 BCE, which would be during the reign of King David, as documented in a journal published by the Institute of Archeology at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem.

Yosef Garfinkel, a professor at the Institute of Archaeology at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, says he found evidence of urban settlement in organized cities dating to around 1,000 BCE, which would be during the reign of King David, as documented by the school and published this week in the Jerusalem Journal of Archaeology.

However, not everyone agrees with his allegedly historic discovery.

Garfinkel’s findings would mean urban cities in that area could have been established more than 200 years earlier than previously believed — and during the reign of King David, who ruled from 1104 to 960 BCE, during the Iron Age.

He claims the cities all featured two parallel walls in the center and organized roads, suggesting the network was connected to one kingdom.

Garfinkel’s paper also reports that the freshly discovered five cities were between a half-day and a day’s walk from Jerusalem: The ruins sites are in Khirbet Qeiyafa, Tell en-Naṣbeh, Khirbet ed-Dawwara, Lachish and Beth Shemesh, north and west of Jerusalem.

Professor Yosef Garfinkle claims he found evidence of urban settlement in organized cities dating to around 1,000 BCE, which would be during the reign of King David, as documented in a journal published by the Institute of Archeology at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem.

However, Garfinkel’s findings weren’t excavated from the earth. Instead, they came to light after an archaeologist spent years digging through old archaeological publications.

“I hate to use the term ‘trying to prove the Bible,’ because I’m not trying to prove anything,” Garfinkel told the Times of Israel.

“There are biblical traditions, and we can see if these have historical memories or not … It doesn’t mean that everything, 100%, is historical memories,” he added. “Sometimes there are mistakes, sometimes there is wishful thinking, sometimes there is ideology.”

An aerial view of the casements of the city wall of Khirbet Qeiyafa, which were used as dwellings or storage.An aerial view of the casements of the city wall of Khirbet Qeiyafa, which were used as dwellings or storage.

Meanwhile, other archaeologists are skeptical of Garfinkel’s claim.

“I think it’s an oversimplification and he is flattening the details,” Professor Aren Maeir, an archaeologist from Bar Ilan University, told the Times of Israel.

“There are a lot of small details I don’t agree with, and there are generalizations over a wide period that are problematic.”

Tel Beit Shemesh is a small archaeological tell northeast of the modern city of Beit Shemesh.Tel Beit Shemesh is a small archaeological tell northeast of the modern city of Beit Shemesh.

The remains of what is thought to be King David's palace, one of two royal public buildings that were found during archaeological excavation in what is believed to be the Kingdom of Judah of the tenth century BCE, are seen on July 18, 2013 in Khirbet Qeiyafa, Israel. The findings were uncovered this past year by researchers at the Hebrew University and the Israel Antiquities Authority. One of the buildings is identified by the researchers, Professor Yossi Garfinkel of the Hebrew University and Saar Ganor of the Israel Antiquities Authority, as David's palace, and the other structure as a royal storeroom.The remains of what is thought to be King David’s palace, one of two royal public buildings that were found during archaeological excavation in what is believed to be the Kingdom of Judah of the 10th century BCE, are seen on July 18, 2013 in Khirbet Qeiyafa, Israel.

The findings were uncovered this past year by researchers. One of the buildings is identified by the researchers, Professor Yossi Garfinkel of the Hebrew University and Saar Ganor of the Israel Antiquities Authority, as David’s palace, and the other structure as a royal storeroom.

Maeir continued: “It’s like when a fisherman tells you about the type of fish he caught and with each story, his arms get wider and wider. Is it a sardine, a mackerel, or a blue whale? If you read the biblical text and take it literally, then it’s a blue whale.

“I think that probably there was a small kingdom in Jerusalem, but we don’t know the influence that this kingdom had,” he concluded.


See more pics and images at:

https://nypost.com/2023/07/14/urban-cit ... heologist/
Jul 17th, 2023, 6:07 pm
Jul 17th, 2023, 6:21 pm
CHEMICAL IMAGING TECHNOLOGY REVEALS HIDDEN DETAILS IN ANCIENT EGYPTIAN PAINTINGS

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Archaeologists from the Martinez of Sorbonne University, working in collaboration with the University of Liège, have used portable chemical imaging technology to review hidden details in Ancient Egyptian paintings.

Ancient artwork in Egypt are commonly thought to be the result of highly formalised workflows that produced skilled works. However, most studies of these paintings and the process that created them take place in laboratory conditions or in museums.

According to a new study published in the journal PLOS ONE, researchers used portable devices to perform chemical imaging on paintings in their original context, allowing the team to identify the alterations, layering and composition of paint while in the field.

Two paintings from the Ramesside Period were analysed as part of the study from tomb chapels in the Theban Necropolis. The first painting showed alterations made to the position of a figure’s arm, although the reason for this small change is uncertain.

On the second painting, the analysis uncovered numerous adjustments to the crown and other royal items depicted on a portrait of Ramesses II, a series of changes that most likely relate to some change in symbolic meaning over time.

According to the study: “In both cases, the precise and readable imaging of the physical composition of the painted surface offers a renewed visual approach based of chemistry, that can be shared through a multi- and interdisciplinary approach.

However, this also leads to a more complex description of pigment mixtures that could have multiple meanings, where the practical often leads towards the symbolic, and from there hopefully to a renewed definition of the use of colours in complex sets of ancient Egyptian representations.”
Jul 17th, 2023, 6:21 pm
Jul 17th, 2023, 7:54 pm
Peguis First Nation fashion designer bringing Indigenous roots to New York Fashion Week

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When New York Fashion Week kicks off in September, a woman from Peguis First Nation will be there showing off her work and culture.

Alyssia Sutherland, the owner of Ally's Ribbons, was one of the few Indigenous artists was invited to the showcase event, which runs from Sept. 7 to 13.

Sutherland designs ribbon skirts and will be taking 15 of them to the show.

She found out she was going to New York back in May while she was attending another show in Cannes, France, and said it was an unbelievable feeling.

"I just started crying," said Sutherland. "I was like, I can't believe I'm here in France showcasing my work and now I'm going to have the opportunity to showcase my work in New York.' So it was really exciting."

All of the models going to Fashion Week with Sutherland are Indigenous, including five she got to hand pick who are also from Peguis First Nation.

It was important for Sutherland to be able to showcase her community as much as possible on the biggest stage.

"I'm trying my best to take my community with me because I want to rise with my community. When I was younger, we never had these opportunities to look forward to. I had to move away into the city to do what I want…Now I'm starting to uplift my community in the best way that I can."

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Sutherland said she is excited to showcase her ribbons skirts, noting they are an important part of who she is and they are important to Indigenous people.

"Ribbon work is kind of like my identity. I want people to know that I'm Indigenous. I want people to know that I'm a warrior. I want people to know that I'm strong, I'm resilient, I'm beautiful and powerful."

Her designs incorporate bright colours and a lot of sequins to bring as much attention to the skirts, as well as the models.

She added the ribbons skirts mean something different to every person that wears or designs them but notes they are a strong symbol of Indigenous culture.

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At previous events, Sutherland said she has received a lot of positive feedback and compliments about the skirts she has designed.

"I really cherish those compliments because that's was my goal."

The theme for her skirts in September is "silver," so each design will incorporate silver in some kind of way.

She hopes this opportunity will be one that leads to many more, not just for her but all those that come with her on the journey.

"It only takes one opportunity to set off a whole big bang."
Jul 17th, 2023, 7:54 pm

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Jul 17th, 2023, 9:11 pm
Shooting Star: French Woman Sitting on Her Terrace Struck By Mystery Space Rock
By Ashmita Gupta


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Can you imagine quietly sipping coffee and minding your own business when a random rock coming all the way from outer space decides to pick beef with you? As outlandish as this sounds, this is exactly what happened to a woman in the village of Alsace located in eastern France.

As per the French newspaper Les Dernières Nouvelles d'Alsace (DNA), the woman was sitting outside on her terrace, chatting with a friend when the mysterious pebble hit her in the ribs earlier this month, on July 6.

While calling the object a pebble could make it sound harmless, it still managed to leave a bruise.

“I heard a big 'Poom' coming from the roof next to us. In the second that followed, I felt a shock on the ribs,” the unidentified woman told the French newspaper.

She mistook it for an animal, perhaps a bat, at first, but she soon realised that it resembled a piece of cement — the kind applied to ridge tiles. Except, it was colourless.

When she got it checked by a local roofer, he suggested that it could be a meteorite. Further examination by geologist Dr Thierry Rebmann only confirmed its extraterrestrial origins.

Meteorites are space rocks that survive their journey through the Earth's atmosphere and hit the ground. They can be rocky, metallic, or a combination of the two. Most meteoroids disintegrate when they speed through our planet’s atmosphere at tens of thousands of kilometres per hour. And of those that do make it to the ground in some form, a very tiny percentage of the original object survives.

As for this meteorite, consisting of iron and silicon, the object itself didn’t seem rare. But the fact that it struck a person is extremely out of the ordinary. In fact, a 2016 account suggested that the odds of getting killed by a meteorite is about 1 in 250,000.

What made the encounter stranger still was that it was rare to discover meteors in temperate climate zones like France. Officials have only recorded five instances of meteorites landing in France so far in the twenty-first century.

“It's very rare, in our temperate environments, to find them. They merge with other elements. On the other hand, in a desert environment, we can find them more easily,” stated Dr Rebmann, who thinks that scientists should study the rock to determine its origins.
Jul 17th, 2023, 9:11 pm
Jul 17th, 2023, 11:37 pm
Dream Vacation Alert: Hotel Will Pay Family $15,000 to Uncover Best State Fair in the Midwest–Plus Expenses

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Summer’s most coveted family travel gig is back with a $15,000 payday, endless funnel cake, and blue ribbons.

Summertime officially marks the return of the Midwest’s iconic state fairs and to celebrate the iconic summer staple, the family-friendly Wyndham hotels are back offering this summer’s best gig: apply to become the AmericInn State Fair Family.

They’re searching for one adventurous family to travel across the Midwest in search of the best things each state fair has to offer. Best of all, the job comes with $15,000 to help with travel.

From Iowa to Illinois, the winning State Fair Family will have the enviable task of visiting three iconic state fairs over the course of a week and sharing their pro tips and tricks via social media.

In exchange for the family’s hard work of sampling powdered sugar-covered confections and adrenaline-inducing rides, the winning family will be provided with 7 paid nights at AmericInn hotels, a $10,000 travel stipend and $5,000 cash. The family will also score a suitcase packed to the brim with AmericInn swag, an upgrade to Wyndham Rewards® Diamond membership, and lasting memories for a lifetime.

“Alongside the good old-fashioned hospitality and modern comforts at our hotels, the lucky State Fair Family will fully immerse themselves in the best of the Midwest’s iconic state fairs,” said Clem Bence, VP and brand leader at AmericInn by Wyndham. “All while captivating an audience on social media with their memorable adventures along the way.”

How to Apply:

Now through July 25, families can submit a written or video application via email ([email protected]) or by visiting http://www.americinn.com/fairfamily. Submissions should demonstrate—in under one minute or 300 words—what makes each family the ideal candidates for the role, while showcasing family flair, fun, and social-media savviness.

Families should also provide the handles to any public or active social media accounts. Video is highly encouraged from applicants, for assessing storytelling skills and social savviness.

AmericInn will select the winners on or about the week of August 2. Families must be available to attend three separate Midwest state fairs over the course of one week, on or about August 10-18, and document your adventures in real-time with unique photo and video content.
Jul 17th, 2023, 11:37 pm

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Online
Jul 18th, 2023, 2:21 am
Bronze Age gold torc discovered in field near Mistley

By Katy Prickett

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Precious objects like this damaged torc were often buried on their own

A section of a Bronze Age twisted gold torc has been found in a field by a metal detectorist.

The 3,000-year-old fragment was discovered near Mistley, on the River Stour in Essex, and has been declared treasure by a coroner.

Finds liaison officer Lori Rogerson said despite being made of prehistoric gold "it could have been made yesterday", which is "mind blowing".

It was also the "first ever" torc "reported as treasure from Essex".

Miss Rogerson said: "Gold metalwork from the Bronze Age is rare from Essex.

"It's always nice to work with prehistoric gold, but you have to remind yourself it is over 3,000 years old."

Metal detecting and the law

No search can begin until permission has been given by the landowner

All finds belong to the landowner

Any find in England, Wales and Northern Ireland that is more than 300 years old, made of gold or silver, or found with gold or silver artefacts, could be treasure under the 1996 Treasure Act

These must be reported to the appropriate county finds liaison officer
Source: Portable Antiquities Scheme

The detectorist reported the find to the Portable Antiquities Scheme three years ago.

British Museum experts confirmed the jewellery was made from at least 75% gold, about 18% silver and some copper.

The torc, which is 147mm-long (5.7in) long, was crafted from a rectangular rod with four grooves cut into it.

Miss Rogerson said a "highly skilled" goldsmith worked on it and "would have had to twist it, it's a really soft material so it is at risk of tearing,"

"He or she would have known just the right point to stop before it broke, while getting those twists in," she added.

The item comes from the Middle Bronze Age and dates to about 1300BC.

Colchester Museum hopes to acquire it.
Jul 18th, 2023, 2:21 am
Jul 18th, 2023, 11:54 am
Medieval shipwreck discovered in Tallinn continues to confound the experts

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A late medieval shipwreck found during the course of construction work in central Tallinn has continued to bring surprises to archaeologists.

Whereas initially the wreck, found during work on Lootsi close to the Old City Harbor, was categorized as a fourteenth-century cog, a clinker-built single-master typical of the Hanseatic League trade routes, now it appears that it was a considerably larger ship.

The vessel was probably Scandinavian built, and with a structure which international experts had not seen before, at least in boats of that era.

The find has also yielded a haul of fascinating details, including rats preserved in pitch, and the fact that people ashore were aware of the wreck and even seem to have broken off bits of it as trophies.

Maritime museum researcher Priit Tätti told ETV current affairs show "Ringvaade" that the vessel "Has characteristics which don't match to those which, historically speaking, have been considered to be cogs."

Usually with cogs, waterproofing was achieved via the use of moss, but in the Lootsi street example used pitch-covered animal fur, in addition to moss, for this purpose, Lätti said.

This indicates the vessel was likely of Scandinavian origin, meaning it was not laid down in that part of Europe associated with cogs - mainly northern Germany.

This is not the only idiosyncrasy of the find, Lätti added.

"It has a flat bottomed-hull, which at first glance seems exactly like that of a cog, but in fact the structure is quite unusual. Colleagues from abroad, who have seen more of these kinds of wrecks, have thrown up their hands and said they are not aware of anything similar," he went on.

Additional plank structures also raise questions. Lätti said that these have been seen before in shipbuilding, but were thought to have been introduced a hundred years later than the vessel's date. "These are all things that are very interesting to find, but every such find raises more questions than it answers," he said.

However, what is known is that it constituted a cargo ship built for the open seas; its last consignment before being wrecked was a cargo of large oak timber and ceramic roof tiles, all to be used in construction.

The location of present-day Lootsi street is on reclaimed land which would have been underwater in the late middle ages.

While the stern of the ship is very well preserved, with the bow the case is the opposite. "We don't know the story of the wreck to a great degree of accuracy, but we do know it was also located while in situ in such a way that it could be observed that the stern was lower and the bow was higher," Lätti said, adding that it was heeling to port when it sank.

The attitude at which it sank and the fact that this happened in shallow waters meant that the wreck would have been visible from the shore, which also explains some of the damage to the bow, he added.

"Examining this picture from the inside, it seems that some time after the sinking, the bow breached the surface of the water and local 'enthusiasts' then tried to take some of the details from there, as it is clear that some of these have been sawn off," he went on.

While it was initially thought that the wreck was about 10 meters long, by the end of the excavation work, a 20-meter-long ship was revealed. "It is still among the three biggest found in Europe, from that time," Lätti said.

While medieval ships found on the coasts of Europe are otherwise quite empty of finds, according to Lattti, both wrecks from that era found in Estonia have given archaeologists plenty to rejoice about.

According to Latti, it is, for instance, amazing how well the organic matter left on the ship has been preserved - preserved fruit and fish have been found inside, and more than twenty leather shoes have also been discovered.

"Were we otherwise used to archaeological finds coming in fragments, here they all came out intact," he went on.

The real "hit" find was the dead rats found well-preserved in tar which had flowed from barrels ruptured in the sinking, or at some point.

However, the hit find of the shipwreck turned out to be rats, which were buried under the tar that flowed out of the broken barrel. At the moment, the rats are in the laboratory's refrigerator, but since they are completely preserved with both skin and fur, it is hoped that various analysis, including of stomach contents and DNA, may shed more light on the stricken vessel's origins and history.

When initially found last summer, the ship was thought to be something of a transitional type, between a single-masted cog, and a double-masted hulk.

The wreck was found at a depth of around 1.5m during construction work for a planned office building, and is dated to the 1360s.

The wreck is 24.5m long, 9m in beam and 4m in height.

The hull was transported to the museum in two halves (see photo), a job which itself required some organization and had to be done in the small hours.

The original "Ringvaade" segment (in Estonian) is here.

https://news.err.ee/1608982829/medieval ... he-experts
Jul 18th, 2023, 11:54 am

Book request - The Mad Patagonian by Javier Pedro Zabala [25000 WRZ$] Reward!
https://forum.mobilism.org/viewtopic.php?f=72&t=5412023
Jul 18th, 2023, 3:38 pm
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I sometimes get REALLY DEPRESSED reviewing the news these days.
It's always about a global pandemic threatening life as we know it,
protests around the world, stupid politicians, natural disasters,
or some other really bad story.
ENOUGH IS ENOUGH

Welcome to The mobi weekly news magazine
IN OTHER NEWS
TUESDAY JULY 18

What is it?
Here is your chance to become an "ACE REPORTER" for our weekly news magazine.
It is your job to fine weird, funny or "good feel" stories from around the world and share them with our readers in our weekly magazine

How do you play?
Just post a story that you have come across that made you smile, laugh, feel good...
BUT NOTHING DEPRESSING :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol:

EXAMPLE POST
Naked sunbather chases wild boar through park after it steals his laptop bag
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A naked sunbather was seen chasing wild boar through a park after it stole his laptop bag.
Amusing photographs from Germany show the man running after the animal to try and claim the plastic bag back.
But the cheeky boar and its two piglets appear to be too quick for the sunbather, who can't keep up with their speedy little trotters.
As the incident unfolds, groups of friends and family sat on the grass watch on and laugh.
Heads are seen turning in surprise and amusement in the hilarious photographs.
The incident happened at Teufelssee Lake - a bathing spot in the Grunwell Forest in Berlin, Germany.
[/quote]
Rules:
Each Edition of IN OTHER NEWS will be open for 7 days...
You can post as many stories as you like, but you will only get paid for One Story in any 24 hour period
So in other words, you can only earn WRZ$ once a day.
Each news day will start when I post announcing it
OR at:
9:00 AM CHICAGO TIME (UTC -6)
3:00 PM GMT (UTC -0)

on those days I space out and forget to post or can't due to Real Life :lol:
Stories may be accompanied with images - but No big images, please! 800x800 pixels wide maximum
Videos are allowed, but please keep them short, and post a short summary for those that don't like to click on videos
No Duplicate stories - Where a post has been edited resulting in duplicates, then the last one in time gets disallowed.
And please limit this to reasonably family friendly stories :lol: :lol: :lol:

Reward:
Each news story posted that I feel is acceptable (must be a real story, too few words or simply a headline are not considered acceptable) will earn you 50 WRZ$
If you post multiple stories on any given day, you will only earn 50 WRZ$ for the first story of the Day
All payments will be made at THE END of the weekly news cycle.
Special Bonus - Each week I will award "The Pulitzer Prize" for the best story of the week
The weekly winner of the "The Pulitzer Prize" will receive a 100 WRZ$ bonus
It's just my personal opinion, so my judgement is final

So help bring GOOD news to the members of mobi, and join our reporting team...

IN OTHER NEWS
Jul 18th, 2023, 3:38 pm

Twitter: Fatima99@fatima99_mobi
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Jul 18th, 2023, 3:40 pm
It's the mummy of all mazes! Farmer creates incredible tribute to Tutankhamun in maize field 100 years after Egyptiain pharaoh's tomb was discovered

A farmer has created an incredible tribute to Tutankhamun in a maize field to celebrate the 100th year anniversary of his tomb being discovered.

Tom Pearcy cut more than 5km of pathways into a 15-acre field that contains around one million maize plants to create the image.

The maze is of an 'iconic' image of King Tut and at more than 100m in diameter, the head of the giant figure is bigger than the Royal Albert Hall in London.

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The unveiling of this years York Maize Maze, Europe's biggest maze

As well as celebrating being more than 100 years since the Egyptiain pharaoh's tomb was discovered, it has also been 3,000 years since Tutankhamun, who reigned from when he was nine years old until his death, died in around 1324 BC.

The image is at York Maze in North Yorkshire, which is believed to be the biggest maze in Europe and one of the largest in the world.

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The stunning maze marks the centenary of the discovery of Tutankhamun's tomb

Mr Pearcy said he created the imagine as he has 'always been fascinated by ancient Egypt and the lives of the pharaohs.'

He said: 'I have always been fascinated by ancient Egypt and the lives of the pharaohs.

'King Tutankhamun's sarcophagus is such an iconic image, it makes a great maize maze which visitors can explore and try to find their way through.

'I have also set a tricky hieroglyphic quiz trail within the maze, a real cornundrum.'

George Herbert, whose great-grandad George Carnarvon entered the tomb 100 years ago with famous egyptologist Howard Carter, was also at the unveiling.

Mr Herbert said his great-grandfather would have been 'amazed' to see the 'incredible' image of Tutankhamun.

'My great-grandfather the 5th Earl of Carnarvon was one of the great explorers and excavators of his time and a talented photographer,' he said.

'He would have been amazed, as I am, to see this incredible image of Tutankhamun carved into a field of maize.

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Created using one million maize plants, covering an area the size of eight Wembley football pitches,
and standing more than 150m tall, the York Maze is the largest maze in the UK


'As a photographer my great-grandfather knew the power of an image to tell a story and made sure that when he and Carter entered the tomb photographs of the discovery were captured and sent around the world.

'It is fantastic that 100 years on this amazing image of Tutankhamun will also be sent around the world.'

The Tutankhamun Centenary Maze is open for visitors from July 15 to September 4, which is when the crop will be harvested.
Jul 18th, 2023, 3:40 pm

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Jul 18th, 2023, 3:51 pm
Mystery Object Is Found on Remote Beach in Western Australia
Amanda Holpuch

The authorities said the cylindrical object, which was found about 155 miles north of Perth, did not pose a risk to the public, but they have yet to identify it.

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A copper-toned metal cylindrical object sitting on a beach.

A metal cylinder that was found on a beach in Western Australia is at least two meters, or about 6 feet 6 inches, tall, according to local news reports. Credit...Australian Space Agency

A remote beach in a part of Western Australia known for its rock lobsters and wildflowers has become home to a hulking metallic mystery object and the police officers guarding it.

The Western Australia Police Force asked people on Monday not to draw conclusions about the origins of the cylindrical object while it was being investigated. But in news reports and on social media, people speculated that it could be from a military or commercial airplane, or even a spacecraft.

The mystery object appears to be metal, has cables or wires hanging from the top and is at least two meters, or about 6 feet 6 inches, tall, according to local news reports.

A civilian reported the object to the police on Sunday after it was found near Green Head, a coastal town of fewer than 300 people about 155 miles north of Perth that is known for its fishing and sea lions.

The police said in a statement on Monday night that the object was safe and did not pose a risk to the public, according to an analysis by state fire and emergency services officials and chemical and forensic science investigators.

Still, the police asked the public to stay away. The mystery object would be moved only after it was formally identified, the police said.

Before the police arrived to guard the cylinder on Monday, locals had gathered around the mystery object on Sunday night, the Australian Broadcasting Corporation reported.

Garth Griffiths, who lives near the beach, told the ABC that 20 to 30 people were at the site of the object at any time.

“It was a great social evening,” Mr. Griffiths said. “It was a lovely, still night. The kids were digging sand castles around it.”

He said that a local couple had discovered the object floating in the water and pulled it out of the ocean using their four-wheel-drive vehicle.

The police said in an earlier statement on Monday that officers were guarding the object to preserve potential evidence and to make it easier for experts to examine the cylinder while state and federal agencies investigated it.

There was speculation online that the object was connected to MH370, the Malaysia Airlines plane that disappeared in 2014 after flying south over the Indian Ocean. However, the police said that at this “early stage” in their investigation, it did not appear that the debris was from a commercial aircraft.

The Australian Space Agency said in a statement on Twitter on Monday that the object “could be from a foreign space launch vehicle.” The agency said it was communicating with space agencies in other countries to get more information.

“​​As the origin of the object is unknown, the community should avoid handling or attempting to move the object,” the agency said.

Last year, a sheep farmer found a pointy black piece of space debris on his 5,000-acre property in a remote corner of southeastern Australia. Earlier this year, investigators examined a giant metal ball that was found on a beach in Hamamatsu, Japan. It turned out to be a buoy.

https://www.nytimes.com/2023/07/17/worl ... beach.html
-----------------------
Obviously, it's the aliens...
Jul 18th, 2023, 3:51 pm

I dumped Twitter - tune in, turn on, on Discord!
https://discord.gg/As9DZkGXUM
Jul 18th, 2023, 4:23 pm
Large snake found in North Carolina home's bathroom


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Police responded to a North Carolina home to remove an unusual "slippery suspect" -- a snake.

The Graham Police Department said in a Facebook post that officers responded to a "trespassing call" at a Graham home.

Last night, officers responded to a home concerning a trespassing call. The caller was unsure how the trespasser had gotten inside and was surprised to discover the slippery suspect in the bathroom.

Officers cleared the residence, and after brief standoff, Sgt. Way made the apprehension. The suspect was removed and relocated without incident.
Jul 18th, 2023, 4:23 pm

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Believe me, you are someone's crush. Yes, you are!
Jul 18th, 2023, 4:31 pm
Man named Campbell thought he was being mocked by dating app match with Soup

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The world of online dating can be a brutal place, with some people spending hours attempting to craft the best profile to snag a love connection - agonising over photos and coming up with cheesy one-liners to catch attention.

However, the last thing you'd expect is for the dating sites to play tricks on you like this bewildered bachelor did when an app suggested who his 'most compatible' match was. A Hinge user named Campbell George, who shares his name with the iconic Campbell Soup Company, feared the app was mocking him after he had a notification that told him his top match was a woman named SOUP.

The 26-year-old from New York, US, says the first notification he spotted was a 'most compatible' suggestion with a woman called 'Soup' which he couldn't resist sharing on twitter. As such many people have since proclaimed that the pair are meant to be together.

In his tweet, Campbell writes: 'What, am I a joke to you?' where it went viral racking up nearly 22,000 likes, comments, and re-tweets and getting the attention of Soup, who had deleted the app.

Hinge notifies users every day with a 'most compatible' and Campbell claims he got a 'kick' out of seeing who his most compatibles were and this one definitely was delicious. The matches are based on everything the app 'knows' about a person from their religious views to whether they want kids, to try to create a perfect pairing for the user.

Campbell's notification read: 'Most compatible: Campbell & Soup, we think you should meet'.

Making the content writer laugh, and figuring he had nothing to lose, Campbell pulled the trigger and 'liked' Soup's profile, sending the potential match a message. He wrote: "Would you believe it if Hinge recommended us as a match, like are they joking?"

Later that evening Soup messaged back: "Their algorithms most certainly picks up on keywords."

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Speaking about the hilarious match, Campbell said: "When I saw the Hinge compatibility, I just got a huge kick out of it. It was clear that their algorithm was a bit too smart for their own good.

"Usually they match people up when they like similar things but a pairing like this was delicious you might say.

"At first I thought it was a joke and then I realised it wasn't. I think it was just an oversight or overcalculation on their part [Hinge]. I reached out mostly for the name.

"She's very cute but we haven't chatted a lot since then so I don't know if there is a spark but we both found it very funny."

Campbell claims one of Soup's friends had seen his tweet and sent it to her, which made her redownload Hinge to reply to his message.

He continued: "She said it was an excuse to reactivate her Hinge account as she hadn't been on it for a while. I'm unsure if we'll meet up. Usually on Hinge most people you match with don't go past the three or four message stage. There's a big pool with a lot of fish.

"I'd be fascinated to see them pull a similar rabbit out the hat as there aren't many words that match as uniquely with Campbell as Soup does. I've never heard of the name Soup before, it's got to be a nickname.

"I think we matched as a bit of a laugh between us and I don't see if going anywhere really."

Campbell added: "It's the first thing lots of people think of when they hear my name [Campbell Soup] and it's an indignity I've endured for years. In fact I can usually tell how well I'm going to get on with someone if that's the first thing they mention.

"If Campbell Soup is their first point of reference with my name, then I doubt the conversation is going to go much further. Hinge could do better [with their matching]."
Jul 18th, 2023, 4:31 pm

Twitter: Fatima99@fatima99_mobi
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Jul 18th, 2023, 5:09 pm
ARCHAEOLOGISTS MAKE NEW DISCOVERIES AT SITE OF UNIVERSITY OF GLOUCESTERSHIRE’S NEW CITY CAMPUS

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Archaeologists from Cotswold archaeology have uncovered a section of an 18th century church’s external wall and porch during excavations at the University of Gloucestershire’s new City Campus in Gloucester, England.
The team have been excavating at the former location of a Debeham’s department store between Eastgate Street and Northgate Street, which during the Roman period was the north-eastern quadrant of Roman Colonia Glevum.

Colonia Glevum was an early fort established around AD 48 at an important crossing of the River Severn, and near to the Fosse Way, the early front line after the Roman invasion of Britain. The fort grew to become a “colonia” of retired legionaries and housed an administrative basilica, a forum market-place, and high status dwellings with mosaic floors.

Excavations have revealed an eight-metre-long footing of the Western elevation and porch of the post-medieval St Aldate’s Church, built around 1750. Thought to be named after a bishop of Gloucester who died in battle in 577, the post-medieval church replaced a medieval church of the same name that may have pre-dated the Norman Conquest.

Historians believe the medieval St Aldate’s Church was demolished in the mid-17th century after it sustained damage during the English Civil War (1642-1652).

Cliff Bateman, Senior Project Officer at the City Campus site, said: “The footing we have discovered is only 20cm to 30cm below the current ground surface and it has survived very well. It’s an interesting discovery in that, although the post-medieval St Aldate’s Church was built in the mid-18th century, photographs taken in later years very clearly show that it was a brick church, almost neoclassical in its design.”

“The footing is made up entirely of very well-dressed limestone blocks, some of which I presume may have come from the earlier medieval church and possibly from the nearby Roman and medieval defensive town wall that was razed after the Civil War,” added Bateman.

Although the location of the medieval church is uncertain, the researchers believe that the 18th century church used the footprint of its predecessor which will enable archaeologists to determine the location of the church burial ground.

Within the same location, the team have discovered 12 burials, the vast majority of which are associated with the medieval St Aldate’s Church. All the remains are being sensitively and respectfully transferred for assessment and analysis, before being reinterred.
Jul 18th, 2023, 5:09 pm
Jul 18th, 2023, 5:27 pm
Golden Retriever's Adorable Tantrum Over Leaving Brewery Goes Viral

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A golden retriever stole the hearts of bystanders by doing nothing at all.

TikTok user patric.ryan22 shared a video of an adorable pup lying on its back in the parking lot of Harpoon Brewery in Vermont. Not knowing what to do with their protesting pup, the pet parent in the clip patiently waits out the canine's antics.

"This pup didn't want his day at the brewery to end," the TikTok user captioned the moment.

In the clip, the golden retriever's owner holds on to the dog's leash while they wait for the dog to get up, eventually pulling out a phone to scroll through while the pet's tantrum ticks on. Bystanders filming the video narrate the amusing scene.



"He's like, 'Well guys, I guess we're gonna stay here,'" a person says over the video. Another voice adds the dog's POV, "He does not wanna leave."

In the video, after more time passes, the owner puts away their phone and walks around before looking down at the dog — who hasn't moved an inch and still refuses to leave the brewery.

"He doesn't know what to do," one of the bystanders narrates as the dog's owner tugs on the golden retriever's harness to get them up and moving.

"He's like, 'C,mon.' 'Alright. Alright,'" the voice continues as the owner finally gets the dog to roll over, get back on its paws, and pull its body up from the ground.

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However, this initial jolt of energy isn't enough to get the pet moving. In the clip, the dog sits upright on its paws but still refuses to move from its place in the parking lot despite the owner's efforts.

"He's like, 'I don't think so bud, My day's not over yet,'" one of the narrators says as the dog once again plops down on the ground. "And he's gonna go back on his back," the other bystander adds.

The dog's owner continues to try to get the golden retriever moving before giving up and picking up the canine. The pet parent carries the dog towards the cars in the parking lot as onlookers laugh in delight.

The sassy golden retriever became an overnight sensation, with the TikTok video garnering over 41.6 million views, 4.2 million likes, 188,000 bookmarks, and over 43,000 comments.

One TikTok user commented, "It's always a golden retriever," while another noted, "Golden retrievers seem to do this often." Another one made light of their location, writing, "I mean If ur not carried out of a winery or brewery did u really have a good time."
Jul 18th, 2023, 5:27 pm

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Jul 18th, 2023, 5:39 pm
Sailor and Pet Dog Found Alive After Being Stranded in Pacific Ocean for 2 Months

Sydney native Tim Shaddock, 51, and his dog Bella were rescued last week after setting off on a sailing trip from Le Paz, Mexico to French Polynesia in April

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An Australian sailor is recovering after being stranded in the Pacific Ocean for two months — with just his pet dog for company.

Sydney native Tim Shaddock, 51, and his dog Bella were rescued last week after setting off on a 3,000-mile sailing trip from Le Paz, Mexico to French Polynesia in April.

A few weeks after disembarking, their catamaran was damaged in a storm which also knocked out all of Shaddock's electronic devices, rendering him unable to contact anyone for help, reported 9News in Australia.

To survive, Shaddock told 9News he used his fishing gear to catch food — which he ate raw — and collected rainwater for hydration while he and Bella waited to be rescued.

This finally arrived two months after the storm when a helicopter that had been accompanying a tuna trawler spotted Shaddock’s vessel off the coast of Mexico.

"I have been through a very difficult ordeal at sea," Shaddock told the news station shortly after he was discovered. "And I'm just needing rest and good food because I have been alone at sea a long time.”

A specialist physician worked with the captain on board the tuna trawler to provide Shaddock with medical care. The news broadcast shared a photo of Shaddock sitting down with his legs up on a table as a medical professional appeared to apply bandages around his toes and other areas of his feet. Another photo showed the sailor getting his blood pressure taken on board.

Shaddock's doctor told 9News he was “conscious and chatty and eating small meals.” Also that despite his ordeal, the sailor showed "normal vital signs.”

“I have very good medicine,” Shaddock could be seen saying in the video. “I’m being looked after very well.”

Thankfully, the sailor also did not have any serious illnesses or injuries and told the site he was able to prevent dehydration and protect himself from the sun by hiding under a canopy on board his catamaran.

The Guardian reported Monday that Shaddock was making his way back to Mexico on the trawler and would receive further medical assistance while on shore.

Mike Tipton, a physiology professor at the extreme environment laboratory at the University of Portsmouth in England, told Sky News that his survival came down to “a combination of luck and skill."

"He was in a warm environment so didn't need to worry about hypothermia," Tipton added.

"Nearly all the long survival voyages occur in warm water," the professor continued. "He had a supply of fresh rainwater. He did the correct thing of minimizing activity in the hottest part of the day to reduce sweating."

Tipton also said that Shaddock’s dog Bella may have also made the “difference” in his survival," per 9News.

"You're living very much from day to day, and you have to have a very positive mental attitude in order to get through this kind of ordeal and not give up,” Tipton told the outlet.

“He had companionship. Once you’ve got enough food and water, then I think the dog has an advantage,” Tipton added. "Your survival time is as long as you can keep collecting water, getting occasional food and doing things that help you stay positive.”

Jul 18th, 2023, 5:39 pm

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