Ian Mendola
Staff Writer
There have been many technological advancements made or soon to be made this year. These are some of the largest advancements in history as we now have the machines and parts for the latest and greatest improvements. These improvements and developments are going to change the way we work our everyday routines.
Some of these advancements have yet to be released and are still in the works with hopes of being released later this year. These include un-hackable internet servers, quantum supremacy, and tiny AI embedded in the most obscure places one can imagine. With artificial intelligence emerging over recent years with hit tech like Amazon’s Alexa, Google Home, and Apple’s HomePod. There is an industry push to minimize the size of the “assistant” so it can be included in your glasses or your smart watch in the near future.
There is also an increase in digital currency as it is effective and easy to use. The only issue with this is finding a way to stabilize the market and keep the currency value from fluctuating. As we saw with Bitcoin, there is plenty of work to be done there. This will allow for one of the greatest technological advancements as money is constantly used every day for essential needs in your home and for yourself.
Finally, there will be advancements in medicines with hopes of an anti-aging drug that will preserve your looks as you age. Even hyper-personalized medicines that use your genetic makeup to quickly and effectively treat illnesses you might develop.
iPhones and smartwatches as well as Android devices have made significant improvements as the iPhone Xr and Xs as well as the 11 and 11 pros have come out with their dual and triple-camera setups. This is revolutionary for the quality and effectiveness of taking photos. There is no need for a Canon or Nikon camera as iPhone quality has greatly improved this year.
Although we may be seeing a lot in terms of civil unrest and coronavirus, tech is still trying to march on into a brighter future.
Wednesday, June 10, 2020
Spanish households given minimum income guarantee
Olivia Hiriak
Staff Writer
The Spanish government approved an emergency relief package that provides around 850,000 households with a minimum income guarantee to lessen the economic blow caused by the coronavirus blockade. The poverty alleviation package, which will cost Spain around €3 billion or $3.3 billion annually, enables eligible households to receive between €62 and €1015 a month, or about $515 to $1,130 a year, which will be crucial for families if the country’s economy is expected to go into recession.
Aid has been accelerated by the left coalition government, but is in line with the poverty reduction plans outlined by the government of Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, who committed to redistribute the tax burden when he took office in January. Iglesias leads the United We Can party, which is Sanchez’s coalition partner and is pushing for taxes for the rich to cover the high cost of Covid-19. The Bank of Spain recently predicted that the Spanish economy could shrink by up to 13 percent by 2020.
The lines in the main food banks and social assistance centers in Spain have been accumulating since mid-March when Spain was closed. Raúl Flores, technical director of the Foessa Foundation, which is part of the aid organization Cáritas, told the New York Times that almost six million of the 47 million people living in Spain left “with a tightrope walk”. The minimum income guarantee is the first such system at national level in Spain, where most of the welfare programs have been managed by regional administrations.
The program will be implemented next month and, according to the government, is expected to reach around 2.3 million people. The beneficiaries must be younger than 65, the age at which the Spaniards stop paying the pension system, and their eligibility is determined on the basis of recent tax returns and other assets. The daily cases in Israel are increasing and are calling for the possible reinstallation of a blockade.
Staff Writer
The Spanish government approved an emergency relief package that provides around 850,000 households with a minimum income guarantee to lessen the economic blow caused by the coronavirus blockade. The poverty alleviation package, which will cost Spain around €3 billion or $3.3 billion annually, enables eligible households to receive between €62 and €1015 a month, or about $515 to $1,130 a year, which will be crucial for families if the country’s economy is expected to go into recession.
Aid has been accelerated by the left coalition government, but is in line with the poverty reduction plans outlined by the government of Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, who committed to redistribute the tax burden when he took office in January. Iglesias leads the United We Can party, which is Sanchez’s coalition partner and is pushing for taxes for the rich to cover the high cost of Covid-19. The Bank of Spain recently predicted that the Spanish economy could shrink by up to 13 percent by 2020.
The lines in the main food banks and social assistance centers in Spain have been accumulating since mid-March when Spain was closed. Raúl Flores, technical director of the Foessa Foundation, which is part of the aid organization Cáritas, told the New York Times that almost six million of the 47 million people living in Spain left “with a tightrope walk”. The minimum income guarantee is the first such system at national level in Spain, where most of the welfare programs have been managed by regional administrations.
The program will be implemented next month and, according to the government, is expected to reach around 2.3 million people. The beneficiaries must be younger than 65, the age at which the Spaniards stop paying the pension system, and their eligibility is determined on the basis of recent tax returns and other assets. The daily cases in Israel are increasing and are calling for the possible reinstallation of a blockade.
Tuesday, June 9, 2020
Prime Day Postponed
Ian Mendola and Evan Menz
Staff Writers
Amazon’s Prime day has been a staple of online shopping days where tech giant Amazon releases hundreds of thousands of deals throughout the site. Usually, it happens in late July where shoppers can buy anything from a toothbrush to a boat. There are deals and discounts that many would love to come to buy.
Amazon has been struggling for months to respond to a rush of customer orders during the public health crisis and had to institute many new safety protocols and shipping restrictions to be able to continue delivering food and basic needs.
The world’s largest online store is only now starting to bring itself back to regular operations and faster shipping times. Preparation for Prime Day and the holiday season takes months of planning so that work has taken a backseat to more immediate needs.
The coming of Prime Day would likely be a huge benefit not just for Amazon but for retailers overall, many of which have been under serious pressure during the pandemic, with many forced to close stores and even lay off their employees.
This year, Prime day is officially happening in September 2020. Since the outbreak many events and places have shut down and it would be best to help contain the disease to move it to a safer time for everyone.
Staff Writers
Amazon’s Prime day has been a staple of online shopping days where tech giant Amazon releases hundreds of thousands of deals throughout the site. Usually, it happens in late July where shoppers can buy anything from a toothbrush to a boat. There are deals and discounts that many would love to come to buy.
Amazon has been struggling for months to respond to a rush of customer orders during the public health crisis and had to institute many new safety protocols and shipping restrictions to be able to continue delivering food and basic needs.
The world’s largest online store is only now starting to bring itself back to regular operations and faster shipping times. Preparation for Prime Day and the holiday season takes months of planning so that work has taken a backseat to more immediate needs.
The coming of Prime Day would likely be a huge benefit not just for Amazon but for retailers overall, many of which have been under serious pressure during the pandemic, with many forced to close stores and even lay off their employees.
This year, Prime day is officially happening in September 2020. Since the outbreak many events and places have shut down and it would be best to help contain the disease to move it to a safer time for everyone.
Our fading 2020 summer
Delaney Cullura
Staff Writer
What’s happening with summer?
No one really knows what summer 2020 will hold. Most of us hope that stuff starts opening up. Many summer classes for colleges are going to be online. Beaches are only open for some people, and only some food places are open for takeout. Vacations are getting cancelled everyday as borders close and air travel is limited due to health and safety concerns.
I don’t think any of us thought that we would be in quarantine for so long. The seniors going away to college are starting to buy things for their dorm even though the fall semester might be online. All we want to do is to see our friends and family and head to college like every other graduating class. Unfortunately, we are going to have to make the best of what we get for the summer of 2020.
Staff Writer
What’s happening with summer?
No one really knows what summer 2020 will hold. Most of us hope that stuff starts opening up. Many summer classes for colleges are going to be online. Beaches are only open for some people, and only some food places are open for takeout. Vacations are getting cancelled everyday as borders close and air travel is limited due to health and safety concerns.
I don’t think any of us thought that we would be in quarantine for so long. The seniors going away to college are starting to buy things for their dorm even though the fall semester might be online. All we want to do is to see our friends and family and head to college like every other graduating class. Unfortunately, we are going to have to make the best of what we get for the summer of 2020.
Japan’s economy in jeopardy
Olivia Hiriak
Staff Writer
For the first time in five years, Japan has fallen into a recession. It’s already weakened economy has been impacted by the effects of the coronavirus on companies both domestic and abroad.
The world’s third economy shrank 3.4 percent annually after the United States and China in the first three months of the year. It is the largest economy officially entering a recession, often defined as two consecutive quarters of negative growth. Other major economies around the world are expected to follow the stream of outbreaks around the world. The companies had already stalled before the outbreak of the coronavirus. Consumer spending declined after the Japanese government raised a tax on consumption from eight to 10 percent in October. According to Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s government, this would help reduce public debt--the highest among industrialized nations--and the growing demand for social services to finance the country’s older workers.
The efforts in the health sector seem to have paid off. COVID-19 cases rose shortly before the withdrawal. The total number of deaths due to the outbreak was under 750 on Sunday, which is lower than other large industrialized nations. However, each of these decisions had a keen economic impact.
Staff Writer
For the first time in five years, Japan has fallen into a recession. It’s already weakened economy has been impacted by the effects of the coronavirus on companies both domestic and abroad.
The world’s third economy shrank 3.4 percent annually after the United States and China in the first three months of the year. It is the largest economy officially entering a recession, often defined as two consecutive quarters of negative growth. Other major economies around the world are expected to follow the stream of outbreaks around the world. The companies had already stalled before the outbreak of the coronavirus. Consumer spending declined after the Japanese government raised a tax on consumption from eight to 10 percent in October. According to Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s government, this would help reduce public debt--the highest among industrialized nations--and the growing demand for social services to finance the country’s older workers.
The efforts in the health sector seem to have paid off. COVID-19 cases rose shortly before the withdrawal. The total number of deaths due to the outbreak was under 750 on Sunday, which is lower than other large industrialized nations. However, each of these decisions had a keen economic impact.
Murder Hornets are deadly but remain remote for now
Brendan O’Boyle
Staff Writer
While things are already not looking good for the country due to COVID-19, the world’s largest hornet, the “Murder Hornet” has now made an appearance in the Pacific Northwest.
The Asian giant hornet, also known as the Vespa Mandarinia, are a fairly common species in parts of Asia and are known for their size and painful sting. These Hornets were recently discovered to be in North America as headlines about “murder hornets” began to surface across the web. They were discovered in Washington state near the Canadian border and are said to have somehow traveled from Asia.
While the name sounds sinister, some researchers say that most of the headlines about these hornets are misleading. Like the average honey bee, the murder hornets sting can put someone in the hospital if they have an existing allergy. In very rare cases though these stings can be fatal if they are not treated correctly. Officials recommend that if you have a bee allergy you try your best to avoid the nests of these hornets because also like honey bees, they will disturb you if you disturb them. Even if the hornets don’t have a high chance of killing you, the sting is extremely painful.
Sven-Erik Spichiger, the managing entomologist at the Washington state Agriculture Department, released a statement about the hornets:“What we’re told from the literature is that most people can survive one or two stings,” he told Reuters. “But if you sustain multiple stings, the necrosis and the venom will actually start getting into your bloodstream and will start working on your organs. And multiple stings could literally be fatal.”
The majority of experts are surprised that these hornets have arrived in the United States. Back in 2019, a hornet colony was discovered in Canada after they were accidentally shipped in a container to the country. It is very unlikely officials say, for hornets to travel like this though. Right now it is best to just keep a safe distance and stay informed.
Staff Writer
While things are already not looking good for the country due to COVID-19, the world’s largest hornet, the “Murder Hornet” has now made an appearance in the Pacific Northwest.
The Asian giant hornet, also known as the Vespa Mandarinia, are a fairly common species in parts of Asia and are known for their size and painful sting. These Hornets were recently discovered to be in North America as headlines about “murder hornets” began to surface across the web. They were discovered in Washington state near the Canadian border and are said to have somehow traveled from Asia.
While the name sounds sinister, some researchers say that most of the headlines about these hornets are misleading. Like the average honey bee, the murder hornets sting can put someone in the hospital if they have an existing allergy. In very rare cases though these stings can be fatal if they are not treated correctly. Officials recommend that if you have a bee allergy you try your best to avoid the nests of these hornets because also like honey bees, they will disturb you if you disturb them. Even if the hornets don’t have a high chance of killing you, the sting is extremely painful.
Sven-Erik Spichiger, the managing entomologist at the Washington state Agriculture Department, released a statement about the hornets:“What we’re told from the literature is that most people can survive one or two stings,” he told Reuters. “But if you sustain multiple stings, the necrosis and the venom will actually start getting into your bloodstream and will start working on your organs. And multiple stings could literally be fatal.”
The majority of experts are surprised that these hornets have arrived in the United States. Back in 2019, a hornet colony was discovered in Canada after they were accidentally shipped in a container to the country. It is very unlikely officials say, for hornets to travel like this though. Right now it is best to just keep a safe distance and stay informed.
Students remain optimistic about summer despite COVID-19
Devon Beacham and Kyle Sullivan
Staff Writers
With the year slowly coming to an end, in the least traditional way possible, students are holding onto hopes they will have at least a sliver of a normal summer given the circumstances. Regardless of grade, all students would give anything to have summer, especially seniors where it might be their last “normal” one.
We asked students from each grade what their anticipated plans are for the warm season if all goes well in regards to the current pandemic.
Freshman, Kiersten Marcello has set some positive and hopefully achievable goals for herself. Kiersten says: “If all goes well, and all of this coronavirus stuff goes away, I plan to make up for all the hours of doing nothing in my house. The first thing I would probably do is get my first job so I can start making my own money. Some of my friends won’t be staying in New Hope next year, so I will definitely be spending a lot of time with them. We will make the most of our summer by going out and biking every day and baking a bunch of brownies.”
Unfortunately, sophomore Kennedy Fisher’s plans are going to need some alteration. “My plan was to go to Greece and Italy this summer, but that’s not possible anymore,” Kennedy said. With the coronavirus affecting the entire world, international travel is banned for the time being. Kennedy plans to make up for her overseas trip as soon as she can.
Junior Samantha Finch seems to be somewhat sticking to her typical summer plans: “If everything that is going on continues, my plan is to head to my beach house in Stone Harbor. It is so peaceful there and I feel it will be a great place to pass the time in quarantine.”
Finally, with seniors upset about the abrupt end to the best year of their high school career, Will Kelley shares wise words: “Always make a total effort, even when the odds are stacked against you.”
Staff Writers
With the year slowly coming to an end, in the least traditional way possible, students are holding onto hopes they will have at least a sliver of a normal summer given the circumstances. Regardless of grade, all students would give anything to have summer, especially seniors where it might be their last “normal” one.
We asked students from each grade what their anticipated plans are for the warm season if all goes well in regards to the current pandemic.
Freshman, Kiersten Marcello has set some positive and hopefully achievable goals for herself. Kiersten says: “If all goes well, and all of this coronavirus stuff goes away, I plan to make up for all the hours of doing nothing in my house. The first thing I would probably do is get my first job so I can start making my own money. Some of my friends won’t be staying in New Hope next year, so I will definitely be spending a lot of time with them. We will make the most of our summer by going out and biking every day and baking a bunch of brownies.”
Unfortunately, sophomore Kennedy Fisher’s plans are going to need some alteration. “My plan was to go to Greece and Italy this summer, but that’s not possible anymore,” Kennedy said. With the coronavirus affecting the entire world, international travel is banned for the time being. Kennedy plans to make up for her overseas trip as soon as she can.
Junior Samantha Finch seems to be somewhat sticking to her typical summer plans: “If everything that is going on continues, my plan is to head to my beach house in Stone Harbor. It is so peaceful there and I feel it will be a great place to pass the time in quarantine.”
Finally, with seniors upset about the abrupt end to the best year of their high school career, Will Kelley shares wise words: “Always make a total effort, even when the odds are stacked against you.”
Demolition of Albania’s national theater causes widespread unrest
Olivia Harrison
Staff Writer
As Americans, the main focus in the news is mostly the spread of the Coronavirus and its devastating effects on everybody in the community, whether that be locally, nationally or internationally. Because of this, other news tends to be put on the back burner. However, one story that has recently been unearthed has caught some attention in the media anad is being reported worldwide.
In Tirana, Albania, last Sunday, police intervened against opposition supporters who were protesting the demolition of the country’s National Theatre. Although it seems as if these protests are stemming from the loss of cultural resources, a main contributing factor is Prime Minister of Albania, Edi Rama. In Albania, the prime minister is head of government and the most powerful and influential person in Albanian politics. Many people oppose Rama, as he is a part of the Socialist political party in Albania. Clashes of protestors against Rama and the socialist party have been going on for a couple months now, but have been on halt because of the Coronavirus. Although Albania has been on full lockdown, it did not stop oppositionists and theatre employees from coming out in mass numbers to protest the demolition of the National Theatre.
Located in Tirana, Albania’s Capital, the National Theatre has been around since World War ll, when it was built by Italy when they occupied what is now modern-day Albania. Workers started building the theatre in 1938, and finished it the following year. In 1940, it opened as a cultural center. Over the decades, the theater has had many names. When it first opened the Italians named it Savoia, and then when the Germans occupied Albanian territory, they called it The Theater of Kosovo. Finally, in 1945, after World War ll, when Albania was a communist country, it was called the People’s Theatre. Most cultural institutions in post-war Albania would be established here and it played a huge role in Albania’s cultural and national identity. Nowadays, it is known worldwide as the National Theatre.
Since it has been around for ages, the building was very old, dilapidated and had begun to fall apart. However, that did not stop artists and actors from utilizing the theatre. In its place, a new 30 million euro ($32.4 USD), will be built in its place with a stark, new modern design. When artists, actors and activists heard about this plan, they decided to take a stand. They believe that the theatre is a symbol of Albanian culture and heritage. Albania’s current government has been talking about taking down the theatre for two years now but held off. But, on Sunday, May 17, they decided to finally go through the process and tear down the National Theatre. Hundreds of oppositionists stood outside the area that the now demolished theatre once was and chanted “Down with the dictatorship!” Later that day, a group of students had to be moved away from the site and other demonstrators were detained by police, and even pepper sprayed. The police tried blocking local television crews from reporting the protests.
I spoke to my friend Ergi Hysa, who lives in Tirana about what he thought of the loss of the theatre and the current political tensions in his country and he had a lot to say. Ergi says, “You see, Albania is a small country and things get done very fast. We usually know what the government is doing and what’s going on. However, if they’re doing something we think is wrong, it’s impossible to call them out about it. Before the theater was built, Albania had hardly any industry other than farming. The theatre represented advancement as a country. There were also many different regimes, such as the communist jurisdiction. There was art from that time period and so much more. The theatre symbolizes so much and it was also the birth of Albanian theatre. Furthermore, the costumes and video footage from 1945 were destroyed as well.
Ergi explained: “We have lost hope in this system and I feel as if they broke the law by destroying the theatre and have this attitude of ‘well now it’s done, forget about the theatre.’” Because of the protests being aggressive and brutal, Ergi did not go to the protests. Instead, he is protesting online under the Instagram user @jemi.bashke which translates in English to “we are together”. On this account Ergi has made his own art about what he thinks of the situation and his posts have even gotten noticed by the Albanian news company, JOQ Albania.
Besides tracking attention from everyday citizens, the demolition of the theatre has tracked attention from the European Union itself, opposition democratic party leader Lulzim Basha, Europa Nostra, and even the President Ilir Meta and his wife Monika Kryemadhi. Lulzim Basha said: “Authorities were crossing the red line between democracy and dictatorship in this country.” Europa Nostra, a Europe-wide organization engaged in the protection of cultural heritage, protested against the decision on Twitter, calling it illegal.
The European Union office in Tirana itself even released a statement saying that it deplored, or highly disliked the destruction of the National Theatre and wanted to negotiate things civilly, without major political parties escalating the situation.
President Ilir Meta released a statement calling out Rama, calling the destruction of the theatre “a constitutional, legal and moral crime.” Rama fired back on Facebook stating: “They [oppositionists and protestors] cannot stop Tirana!!” Later that day, the president’s wife Monika Kryemadhi was seen being detained and put in a police van. She was later freed. The EU commissioner for culture Mariya Gabriel still urges both sides to talk things out before totally tearing down the theatre. She stated on Twitter: “Dialogue with civil society and experts of cultural heritage is necessary before taking an irreversible decision on #NationalTheatre #Tirana. We strongly encourage all relevant national institutions to engage now in a constructive dialogue with heritage stakeholders.”
Although Albania has banned public gatherings because of Covid-19, Lulzim Basha still urges residents to speak out against the government’s plans. Basha urges all citizens to start nationwide protests “to get rid of this bandit and this great evil,” adding that demonstrations would be held “respecting hygienic conditions.”
Staff Writer
As Americans, the main focus in the news is mostly the spread of the Coronavirus and its devastating effects on everybody in the community, whether that be locally, nationally or internationally. Because of this, other news tends to be put on the back burner. However, one story that has recently been unearthed has caught some attention in the media anad is being reported worldwide.
In Tirana, Albania, last Sunday, police intervened against opposition supporters who were protesting the demolition of the country’s National Theatre. Although it seems as if these protests are stemming from the loss of cultural resources, a main contributing factor is Prime Minister of Albania, Edi Rama. In Albania, the prime minister is head of government and the most powerful and influential person in Albanian politics. Many people oppose Rama, as he is a part of the Socialist political party in Albania. Clashes of protestors against Rama and the socialist party have been going on for a couple months now, but have been on halt because of the Coronavirus. Although Albania has been on full lockdown, it did not stop oppositionists and theatre employees from coming out in mass numbers to protest the demolition of the National Theatre.
Located in Tirana, Albania’s Capital, the National Theatre has been around since World War ll, when it was built by Italy when they occupied what is now modern-day Albania. Workers started building the theatre in 1938, and finished it the following year. In 1940, it opened as a cultural center. Over the decades, the theater has had many names. When it first opened the Italians named it Savoia, and then when the Germans occupied Albanian territory, they called it The Theater of Kosovo. Finally, in 1945, after World War ll, when Albania was a communist country, it was called the People’s Theatre. Most cultural institutions in post-war Albania would be established here and it played a huge role in Albania’s cultural and national identity. Nowadays, it is known worldwide as the National Theatre.
Since it has been around for ages, the building was very old, dilapidated and had begun to fall apart. However, that did not stop artists and actors from utilizing the theatre. In its place, a new 30 million euro ($32.4 USD), will be built in its place with a stark, new modern design. When artists, actors and activists heard about this plan, they decided to take a stand. They believe that the theatre is a symbol of Albanian culture and heritage. Albania’s current government has been talking about taking down the theatre for two years now but held off. But, on Sunday, May 17, they decided to finally go through the process and tear down the National Theatre. Hundreds of oppositionists stood outside the area that the now demolished theatre once was and chanted “Down with the dictatorship!” Later that day, a group of students had to be moved away from the site and other demonstrators were detained by police, and even pepper sprayed. The police tried blocking local television crews from reporting the protests.
I spoke to my friend Ergi Hysa, who lives in Tirana about what he thought of the loss of the theatre and the current political tensions in his country and he had a lot to say. Ergi says, “You see, Albania is a small country and things get done very fast. We usually know what the government is doing and what’s going on. However, if they’re doing something we think is wrong, it’s impossible to call them out about it. Before the theater was built, Albania had hardly any industry other than farming. The theatre represented advancement as a country. There were also many different regimes, such as the communist jurisdiction. There was art from that time period and so much more. The theatre symbolizes so much and it was also the birth of Albanian theatre. Furthermore, the costumes and video footage from 1945 were destroyed as well.
Ergi explained: “We have lost hope in this system and I feel as if they broke the law by destroying the theatre and have this attitude of ‘well now it’s done, forget about the theatre.’” Because of the protests being aggressive and brutal, Ergi did not go to the protests. Instead, he is protesting online under the Instagram user @jemi.bashke which translates in English to “we are together”. On this account Ergi has made his own art about what he thinks of the situation and his posts have even gotten noticed by the Albanian news company, JOQ Albania.
Besides tracking attention from everyday citizens, the demolition of the theatre has tracked attention from the European Union itself, opposition democratic party leader Lulzim Basha, Europa Nostra, and even the President Ilir Meta and his wife Monika Kryemadhi. Lulzim Basha said: “Authorities were crossing the red line between democracy and dictatorship in this country.” Europa Nostra, a Europe-wide organization engaged in the protection of cultural heritage, protested against the decision on Twitter, calling it illegal.
The European Union office in Tirana itself even released a statement saying that it deplored, or highly disliked the destruction of the National Theatre and wanted to negotiate things civilly, without major political parties escalating the situation.
President Ilir Meta released a statement calling out Rama, calling the destruction of the theatre “a constitutional, legal and moral crime.” Rama fired back on Facebook stating: “They [oppositionists and protestors] cannot stop Tirana!!” Later that day, the president’s wife Monika Kryemadhi was seen being detained and put in a police van. She was later freed. The EU commissioner for culture Mariya Gabriel still urges both sides to talk things out before totally tearing down the theatre. She stated on Twitter: “Dialogue with civil society and experts of cultural heritage is necessary before taking an irreversible decision on #NationalTheatre #Tirana. We strongly encourage all relevant national institutions to engage now in a constructive dialogue with heritage stakeholders.”
Although Albania has banned public gatherings because of Covid-19, Lulzim Basha still urges residents to speak out against the government’s plans. Basha urges all citizens to start nationwide protests “to get rid of this bandit and this great evil,” adding that demonstrations would be held “respecting hygienic conditions.”
Mountain scores new deadlift world record
John Devaney and Ted Devaney
Staff Writers
On May 2, the heaviest weight lifted from the ground ever belonged to a new person. Thor Bjornsson of Iceland, nicknamed The Mountain on the show Game of Thrones, pulled 501kg (1,104 pounds) from the ground to his waist.
The event was broadcasted live on ESPN in Thor’s personal gym. The crew was sure to maintain social distancing guidelines and had the maximum number of people in the room, including Thor, his wife Kelsey Henson, his coach, his friends, and an ESPN crew.
The previous world record was set by Eddie Hall in 2016 at 500kg. Only a handful of people have ever deadlifted over 1,000 pounds and only two in history have deadlifted at least 1,100 pounds, Eddie and Thor.
The day Thor pulled 501kg, the bar went up much faster than when Eddie Hall pulled 500kg. Many lifters thought he had much more left in him, but Thor opted out of a second lift because he felt content and did not want to risk injury.
After the lift, Thor called out Eddie Hall for a boxing match. Both were offered a big contract by Core Sports and Thor made sure Eddie knew he had signed it.
“Eddie Hall has been running his mouth for two weeks now and I know that he got the same deal. So Eddie, I just knocked out your record, and now I’m ready to knock you out in the ring. Time to put your fists where your big mouth is and sign the Core Sports contract. I’m ready. Are you ready, Eddie?”
The fight is planned to take place in September of 2021. Both have signed the contract and it will be interesting to see the two strongest men in the world step into the ring.
Staff Writers
On May 2, the heaviest weight lifted from the ground ever belonged to a new person. Thor Bjornsson of Iceland, nicknamed The Mountain on the show Game of Thrones, pulled 501kg (1,104 pounds) from the ground to his waist.
The event was broadcasted live on ESPN in Thor’s personal gym. The crew was sure to maintain social distancing guidelines and had the maximum number of people in the room, including Thor, his wife Kelsey Henson, his coach, his friends, and an ESPN crew.
The previous world record was set by Eddie Hall in 2016 at 500kg. Only a handful of people have ever deadlifted over 1,000 pounds and only two in history have deadlifted at least 1,100 pounds, Eddie and Thor.
The day Thor pulled 501kg, the bar went up much faster than when Eddie Hall pulled 500kg. Many lifters thought he had much more left in him, but Thor opted out of a second lift because he felt content and did not want to risk injury.
After the lift, Thor called out Eddie Hall for a boxing match. Both were offered a big contract by Core Sports and Thor made sure Eddie knew he had signed it.
“Eddie Hall has been running his mouth for two weeks now and I know that he got the same deal. So Eddie, I just knocked out your record, and now I’m ready to knock you out in the ring. Time to put your fists where your big mouth is and sign the Core Sports contract. I’m ready. Are you ready, Eddie?”
The fight is planned to take place in September of 2021. Both have signed the contract and it will be interesting to see the two strongest men in the world step into the ring.
Murder Hornets try to share a piece of the stage with COVID-19 threatening more disaster
Samantha Curtis and Gabriella Vitelli
Staff Writers
As if the corona virus weren’t enough, now the US has discovered a new species of hornets infiltrating Washington state. These hornets are known as the murder hornets because they decapitate bees. Several stings from them can also kill a human.
These hornets are native to east Asia and kill approximately 50 people each year in Japan. The hornet is around two inches long, about two times the size of a normal hornet. It possesses a set of jaws perfectly designed to snip the head off a honeybee. They have large orange-yellow heads, big prominent eyes, and their bodies have black and yellow stripes. They apparently made their way over to the United States in December, and there are four reported sightings.
The hornets do not tend to go after humans, but if they do, a traditional beekeeping suit will not protect against their stings, which contain seven times the venom as honey bees. The USDA has ordered special reinforced suits from China. The effect on humans is minimal after hearing what they do to bees. When they find a honey bee hive they invade the hive using their large jaws to kill the bees at a very fast speed. The hornets can kill 30,000 bees within hours and then have the hive as their own. As bad as their hornets are, they are even hard to kill, in the United States beekeepers are doing many trials with hornet traps, but if the queen is alive the population will continue. If you see one, first report it and stay away!
Staff Writers
As if the corona virus weren’t enough, now the US has discovered a new species of hornets infiltrating Washington state. These hornets are known as the murder hornets because they decapitate bees. Several stings from them can also kill a human.
These hornets are native to east Asia and kill approximately 50 people each year in Japan. The hornet is around two inches long, about two times the size of a normal hornet. It possesses a set of jaws perfectly designed to snip the head off a honeybee. They have large orange-yellow heads, big prominent eyes, and their bodies have black and yellow stripes. They apparently made their way over to the United States in December, and there are four reported sightings.
The hornets do not tend to go after humans, but if they do, a traditional beekeeping suit will not protect against their stings, which contain seven times the venom as honey bees. The USDA has ordered special reinforced suits from China. The effect on humans is minimal after hearing what they do to bees. When they find a honey bee hive they invade the hive using their large jaws to kill the bees at a very fast speed. The hornets can kill 30,000 bees within hours and then have the hive as their own. As bad as their hornets are, they are even hard to kill, in the United States beekeepers are doing many trials with hornet traps, but if the queen is alive the population will continue. If you see one, first report it and stay away!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)