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GIZMODO.COMPhotogenic Yakuza Boss Pleads Guilty to Trying to Sell Nuclear MaterialBy Matthew Gault Published January 9, 2025 | Comments (0) | Takeshi Ebisawa posing with a rocket launcher during a meeting with two undercover agents from the Denmark Police (left) and a photo allegedly sent by Ebisawa showing plutonium with a Geiger counter (right) Image: U.S. Department of Justice Takeshi Ebisawa is done posing with rocket launchers, he's facing a lifetime in federal custody after pleading guilty to multiple guns, weapons, and nuke charges. In February of last year, Japanese Yakuza leader Takeshi Ebisawa entered our hearts when he posed with a rocket launcher for a photo. This year, hell be entering federal prison after pleading guilty to attempting to sell weapons-grade plutonium, drugs, and weapons to undercover federal agents.According to the Justice Department, Ebisawa is part of a large-scale criminal network that spanned Japan, Thailand, Bruma, Sri Lanka, and the U.S that moves drugs and weapons across South East Asia. Ebisawa was a known entity to the feds, who set up a sting operation to catch him. He wanted surface-to-air missiles left over from Americas war in Afghanistan that he planned to sell to armed groups in Burma. According to the feds, Ebisawa would partially pay for some of these weapons using amphetamine and heroin bound for the U.S. street market. The Yakuza leader also wanted to sell an additional 500 kilograms of meth and heroin as a separate transaction.And then theres the weapons-grade nuclear material. As part of the sting, Ebisawa tried to sell what he claimed was thorium and uranium to an undercover agent posing as an Iranian general. The Yakuza boss sent pics of a rocky substance next to a Geiger counter along with pictures of what he claimed were lab reports to the fake general. Ebisawa then offered to supply the General with plutonium that would be even better and more powerful than uranium for this purpose, the Justice Departments press release about the guilty verdict said.Ebisawa claimed he had 2,000 kilograms of Thorium-232, more than 100 kilograms of uranium in its yellowcake form. He promised he could get another five tons of nuclear material from his contacts in Burma. He provided samples and when the feds tested it they found that Ebisawa did, indeed, have weapons-grade nuclear material. He pleaded guilty to all six counts against him: conspiracy to traffick nuclear materials, actually trafficking the nuclear materials, money laundering, and three charges related to the drugs and firearms. A judge will determine sentencing, but the weapons charges alone carry a life sentence. Our investigation into Takeshi Ebisawa and his associates exposed the shocking depths of international organized crime from trafficking nuclear materials to fueling the narcotics trade and arming violent insurgents, DEA administrator Anne Milgram, said in a press release about the case. DEA remains positioned to relentlessly pursue anyone who threatens our national security, regardless of where they operate. Protecting the American people from such evil will always remain DEAs top priority.A prosecution of someone trafficking nuclear materials is incredibly rare. The business is tightly controlled. Only nine countries in the world have access to nuclear weapons and the nuclear power industry is heavily regulated. The International Atomic Energy Agency has recorded only 4,243 incidents of illegal activities involving nuclear material since 1993.In 2023, it reported 168 incidents in 31 states and said that it was in line with historical averages. But the nuclear power industry is growing. Russia, China, and the U.S. are in a new nuclear arms race. Nuclear weapons and power are big again and more nuclear means more points of failure, more complicated supply chains, and more places for nuclear material to get lost or stolen along the way.Daily NewsletterYou May Also Like By Matthew Gault Published December 24, 2024 By Matthew Gault Published December 21, 2024 By Matthew Gault Published December 13, 2024 By Todd Feathers Published November 18, 2024 By Matthew Gault Published November 14, 2024 By Matthew Gault Published November 13, 20240 Reacties 0 aandelen 142 Views
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GIZMODO.COMSamsung 34 Odyssey G5 Ultrawide Gaming Monitor at Its Record Low Price for Gamers New YearGaming enthusiasts, take note Samsungs premium Odyssey G5 Ultra-wide just hit a price thats turning heads. This massive 34-inch curved gaming display has built quite a reputation for combining immersive ultra-wide gameplay with high-end performance features. If youve been waiting for the right moment to upgrade your gaming setup or finally make the switch to ultra-wide, this deal might be exactly what youve been looking for.See at AmazonThanks to Amazon, you can get the Samsung Odyssey G5 Ultra-wide Gaming Monitor for just $341, saving you a hefty $209 (38%) off its regular $550 price tag. We probably dont even have to tell you how great this deal actually is.Level up your gaming battlestationFor the spec-hunters out there, this monitor delivers all the goods: a deeply immersive 1000R curved panel that matches your natural field of view, sharp WQHD resolution, and gamer-focused features like 165Hz refresh rate and 1ms response time. Youre also getting AMD FreeSync Premium to keep your gameplay smooth and tear-free, plus HDR10 support for vivid colors that pop.The panel also gives you those deep blacks and rich contrasts that make games look their best, whether youre exploring dark dungeons or bright, open worlds. And while gaming is clearly the focus here, that ultra-wide format is a game-changer for productivity too perfect for anyone who uses their setup for work and play.You dont have to use this monitor for gaming, but thats where itll shine. Sure, you could use it to create a theatrical experience at your desk, but its put to its best use when youre peeking around the corner in a first-person shooter game or when youre exploring a colorful new world in an adventure title. Its slight curve means you can feel like youre in the middle of things, no matter whats going on, and itll be a much-needed change from what youre likely used to.At this new low price, the Odyssey G5 hits a sweet spot between premium features and value thats hard to ignore. Whether youre a seasoned gamer or you plan to be one, or you just want a fantastic new monitor thatll tick all the boxes for you, this is one deal youre not going to want to miss out on. Be sure youre ready and pounce before this price goes away and youre left scratching your head, wondering what happened. Youll be the envy of all your gamer friends and tech buddies.See at Amazon0 Reacties 0 aandelen 123 Views
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GIZMODO.COMMysterious Red-Painted Dog Penis Bone Found in Ancient Roman ShaftDiscovering bones in ancient Roman quarry shafts is not unusualfinding a hand-painted dog penis bone, however, is. Bioarchaeologist Ellen Green from the University of Reading in the UK has uncovered a painted dog baculum, or penis bone, dating back over 2,000 years. Scientists found the painted bone within a first-century BCE Roman shaft in Surrey, England. Archaeologists discovered the bone among other skeletal remains, and it might have been used in fertility or good luck rituals, as first reported by Live Science. Green describes the red-stained artifact in a study published on December 25 in the Oxford Journal of Archaeology. Archaeologists discovered the 13.1-foot-deep (4-meter-deep) ancient Roman shaft (a former quarry, not the penis) in 2015 at a site called Nescot near the town of Ewell, and uncovered hundreds of human and animal skeletal remains. The researchers specifically uncovered the remains of over 280 domestic animals, including dogs, pigs, cattle, sheep, goats, and horses. Most were without evidence of butchering, disease, or burning. Of those animals, almost 200 of them were dogsbut only one of their penises was painted.Green used X-ray fluorescence (a non-destructive technique that determines an objects elemental composition) to determine that the red paint was iron oxide, a chemical compound whose color ranges from light yellow to a deep red. She then narrowed down the explanation behind the artifacts pigmentation to two scenarios: either the ochre was applied directly to the bone, staining it red, or the baculum was kept in a cloth dyed with ochre which then decomposed, staining the bone, the bioarchaeologist wrote in the study. Ochre is a natural pigment mainly composed of iron oxide.That said, no other bones appear to have been painted, archaeologists found no metal artifacts in the shaft that could have stained the bone with rust, and naturally occurring red ochre was absent from the Nescot site. As a result, Green concluded that someone intentionally painted the penis bone with red ochre before tossing it into the shaft, making it a truly special find. I could not find any other similar cases of Roman use of red ochre on bone, nor any examples from the British Iron Age, Green told Live Science. It is a very unique artifact from a very unique site, but it is ultimately a bit of a mystery. While Green describes how the bone was likely painted, many questions still remain as to why. In the study, she suggests the artifact may have been used as a ritual item, citing an already strong association between dogs and fertility within Roman Britain. Within the greater Roman world, the penis also represented good luck and protection against the evil eye, though this is the only example I could find of an actual penis having potentially been used as a ritual object, she added, according to Live Science.This claim, however, misses plenty of examples of penis bones being used in rituals across cultures. The Saami of northern Scandinavia, for example, attached bear bacula to sacred drums, while Indigenous Alaskan groups polished polar bear penis bones for knife hilts. These practices point to a wider tradition of genitalia symbolizing power, fertility, protection, and possibly even luck.The entire shaft, which was used as a burial site nine separate times over the course of about half a century after it was disused as a quarry, likely also served a broader ritualistic purpose. This is indicated by the presence of many young animals, as well as many animals born in the spring and summer, which tentatively points towards a connection with agricultural fertility, according to the study. While Green told The Independent that the idea of ritual shafts being associated with fertility is not new, it certainly brings ancient phallic symbolism to a whole new level. Maybe its time for us to replace the rabbit foot keychain.0 Reacties 0 aandelen 124 Views
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WWW.ARCHDAILY.COMYuyarina Pacha Community Library / Al BordeYuyarina Pacha Community Library / Al BordeSave this picture! JAG StudioLibrarySan Vicente de Huaticocha, EcuadorArchitects: Al BordeYearCompletion year of this architecture project Year: 2024 PhotographsPhotographs:JAG StudioMore SpecsLess SpecsSave this picture!Text description provided by the architects. Yuyarina Pacha means 'Space-Time to Think' in Kichwa. This project is located in the community of Huaticocha, in the buffer zone of the Sumaco Biosphere Reserve, in the Ecuadorian Amazon. In 2019, the Laboratorio Creativo Sarawarmi and Witoca, an agricultural association focused on coffee in the community of Huaticocha started a pilot non-formal education project with local children. What began as a reading club quickly evolved into a space for holistic learning. The library and reading club are more than just a place to look at books; they are a safe space where local children can learn, play, and create.Save this picture!The reading club was a great success. The small space in which it was held needed to become a full-fledged library, and since there was no community meeting space available, it also needed to fulfill that function. These needs led to the final configuration of the project, where the program is divided into three floors: An open ground floor for art and science workshops that involves water, plastics, food, etc., which also serves as a space for informal events for the Association and other spontaneous gatherings.Save this picture!Save this picture!Save this picture!Save this picture!Save this picture!The first floor is for activities without water, where the bibliographic collections are housed and children can access the books in an open shelf format; this is one of the Association's largest spaces, so meetings and other activities are also held there; and aSave this picture!Save this picture!Save this picture!The second floor focused on digital languages, where tablets and computers are used to store audio collections of stories aimed at preserving the community's oral memory; it also houses the magazine collection, which can be enjoyed at a balcony reading table connected to the central void of the first floor.Save this picture!The main structure of the project is made of Chonta, an Amazonian palm known for its incredible durability and strength. For generations, traditional houses in the region have relied on Chonta for construction, as its structure can be anchored directly into the ground without the need for waterproofing. The architecture embraces the pragmatic value of the region's ancestral building practices and adapts them to contemporary needs.Save this picture!Save this picture!Millimetric precision is a challenge in this architecture because the materials are organic and irregular. Therefore, the design considers potential variations and adapts to the imperfections of the materials. The thatched roof, characterized by its steep pitch, responds to the region's rainy climate. For the library, a glass skylight was incorporated into the ridge, providing natural overhead lighting and facilitating the construction and maintenance of the project. The ridge of a thatched roof is the most complex part to build and requires the most care and maintenance. This community project is a commitment to durability and self-management. The appropriation of the site began with a local event even before construction was completed. The Yuyarina Pacha Community Library is not only a space for knowledge, but also a testimony to the ability of rural communities to take charge of their development, despite being neglected by the state, and to a culture that maintains a more harmonious relationship with the place it inhabits.Save this picture!Save this picture!Project gallerySee allShow lessProject locationAddress:San Vicente de Huaticocha, EcuadorLocation to be used only as a reference. It could indicate city/country but not exact address.About this officeAl BordeOfficePublished on January 09, 2025Cite: "Yuyarina Pacha Community Library / Al Borde" [Biblioteca comunitaria Yuyarina Pacha / Al Borde] 09 Jan 2025. ArchDaily. Accessed . <https://www.archdaily.com/1025453/yuyarina-pacha-community-library-al-borde&gt ISSN 0719-8884Save!ArchDaily?You've started following your first account!Did you know?You'll now receive updates based on what you follow! Personalize your stream and start following your favorite authors, offices and users.Go to my stream0 Reacties 0 aandelen 121 Views
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WWW.POPSCI.COMDont settle for less: Get Microsoft Office 2024 for $119.97Stack CommerceShareWe may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs. Learn more Tired of clunky software that makes productivity feel like a chore? Microsoft Office 2024 Home is here to change that. Its packed with AI-powered features, real-time collaboration tools, and a sleek, user-friendly interface.And for just $119.97 (regularly $149), its a one-time investment that will level up your home office, family projects, and everyday tasks without any recurring fees.Whether youre writing reports in Word, crunching numbers in Excel, creating dazzling presentations in PowerPoint, or keeping track of lifes chaos in OneNote, Office 2024 makes it all easier, faster, and smarter.This isnt the old-school Microsoft Office your parents used. Office 2024 is flush with modern features, including AI integrations that make repetitive tasks a thing of the past. Think intelligent formatting suggestions, real-time data analysis, and natural language processing that make finding insights in your documents and spreadsheets as easy as asking a question.The contextual ribbon navigation keeps the tools you need front and center, minimizing distractions and simplifying your workflow. Need to adjust a table? The right options appear automatically. Need to collaborate with your family or roommates on a shared project? The co-authoring and chat features make it seamless.And lets talk about Excelbecause data nerds need some news. With dynamic arrays, Excel can now handle formulas like FILTER and UNIQUE, automatically updating outputs in real-time. Its like having your very own data assistant on call 24/7.Heres where Office 2024 really shines: the AI-powered features. These arent just gimmickstheyre real tools that can make your life run smoother.Imagine opening a report in Word, and the AI suggests ways to tighten up your writing. Or using Excel to crunch some numbers, and it highlights trends you hadnt noticed. Even PowerPoint can now help you design a more engaging presentation without you having to lift a finger.Need to manage your household budget, plan a family vacation, or help your kid with a school project? Office 2024s AI tools take the heavy lifting off your plate so you can focus on what really matters.Dont miss Microsoft Office 2024, while its just $119.97 (regularly $149).StackSocial prices subject to change.Microsoft Office 2024 Home for Mac or PC: One-Time Purchase $119.97Get It Here0 Reacties 0 aandelen 128 Views
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WWW.NATURE.COMWhy the last cases of sleeping sickness will be the hardest to eliminateNature, Published online: 09 January 2025; doi:10.1038/d41586-025-00013-6Pharmaceuticals and vector-control programmes have greatly diminished the once-widespread disease, but sustained effort will be needed to stamp out infection for good.0 Reacties 0 aandelen 120 Views
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WWW.NATURE.COMAuthor Correction: Progressive plasticity during colorectal cancer metastasisNature, Published online: 09 January 2025; doi:10.1038/s41586-024-08560-0Author Correction: Progressive plasticity during colorectal cancer metastasis0 Reacties 0 aandelen 129 Views
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WWW.NATURE.COMAuthor Correction: Common and rare variant associations with clonal haematopoiesis phenotypesNature, Published online: 08 January 2025; doi:10.1038/s41586-024-08572-wAuthor Correction: Common and rare variant associations with clonal haematopoiesis phenotypes0 Reacties 0 aandelen 136 Views
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WWW.LIVESCIENCE.COMNow is the best time to see Mars until 2027: How to spot the Red Planet 'at opposition'As Mars approaches opposition this month, it will become a dazzling spectacle in the night sky. See it at its best now, or wait until 2027.0 Reacties 0 aandelen 131 Views