Bringing forward the knowledge of the ups and downs of science, health and technology, for this year in this topic.

Meltdown and Spectre: All Macs, iPhones and iPads affected

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-42575033

Apple has said that all iPhones, iPads and Mac computers are affected by two major flaws in computer chips. It emerged this week that tech companies have been racing to fix the Meltdown and Spectre bugs, that could allow hackers to steal data. Apple said it had already released some patches but there was no evidence that the vulnerability had been exploited. But it advised downloading software only from trusted sources to avoid "malicious" apps. Mac users have often believed that their devices and operating systems are less vulnerable to security issues than, for example Android phones or computers running Microsoft systems.

Woman receives bionic hand with sense of touch

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-42430895

Scientists in Rome have unveiled the first bionic hand with a sense of touch that can be worn outside a laboratory. The recipient, Almerina Mascarello, who lost her left hand in an accident nearly a quarter of a century ago, said "it's almost like it's back again". In 2014 the same international team produced the world's first feeling bionic hand. But the sensory and computer equipment it was linked to was too large to leave the laboratory. Now the technology is small enough to fit in a rucksack, making it portable.

Freezing machines halt chip bug patch

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-42619812

Microsoft has halted some patches for the Meltdown and Spectre chip bugs after AMD customers complained that the software updates froze their machines. The flaw in computer chips affects billions of PCs, smartphones and tablets around the world. Specific fixes for the bugs on Windows 10, Windows 8.1 and Windows 7 had caused some machines to suffer blue-screen errors, Microsoft said.

Woman receives bionic hand with sense of touch

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-42430895

Scientists in Rome have unveiled the first bionic hand with a sense of touch that can be worn outside a laboratory. The recipient, Almerina Mascarello, who lost her left hand in an accident nearly a quarter of a century ago, said "it's almost like it's back again". In 2014 the same international team produced the world's first feeling bionic hand. But the sensory and computer equipment it was linked to was too large to leave the laboratory. Now the technology is small enough to fit in a rucksack, making it portable.


I was about to post this one. This is a huge break through!

Malware populates children's apps with porn adverts

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-42691027

Malware that displays explicit pornographic adverts has been found lurking in 60 apps available on Google's Play store.

Swimmers rescued by drone in Australia

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/av/world-europe-42727956/cocaine-found-in-fresh-pineapples

Lifeguards were being trained how to use the drone when the drama unfolded at Lennox Head, Australia. Officials say the rescue is a world first after they invested in hi-tech drone technology.

Cocaine found in fresh pineapples

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/av/world-australia-42732304/swimmers-rescued-by-drone-in-australia

Lifeguards were being trained how to use the drone when the drama unfolded at Lennox Head, Australia. Officials say the rescue is a world first after they invested in hi-tech drone technology.

First monkey clones created in Chinese laboratory

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-42809445

Two monkeys have been cloned using the technique that produced Dolly the sheep. Identical long-tailed macaques Zhong Zhong and Hua Hua were born several weeks ago at a laboratory in China. Scientists say populations of monkeys that are genetically identical will be useful for research into human diseases. But critics say the work raises ethical concerns by bringing the world closer to human cloning.

First monkey clones created in Chinese laboratory

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-42809445

Two monkeys have been cloned using the technique that produced Dolly the sheep. Identical long-tailed macaques Zhong Zhong and Hua Hua were born several weeks ago at a laboratory in China. Scientists say populations of monkeys that are genetically identical will be useful for research into human diseases. But critics say the work raises ethical concerns by bringing the world closer to human cloning.


I thought we all agreed to stop cloning after Dolly :o

I thought we all agreed to stop cloning after Dolly :o
So did I, and it is all unethical.

I thought we all agreed to stop cloning after Dolly :o
Just mentioned on my radio, when it was last done with cats, the cats only lived for a few days, so it could be dangerous to clone human beings.

Just mentioned on my radio, when it was last done with cats, the cats only lived for a few days, so it could be dangerous to clone human beings.



cloning could lead to multi-tasking.

cloning could lead to multi-tasking.
Cloning should be forbidden!

cloning could lead to multi-tasking.


I don't think that counts as multi-tasking.

So did I, and it is all unethical.
Under UK law, human cloning is prohibited.

I thought we all agreed to stop cloning after Dolly :o
Dolly did live for 6 years, but on Valentine's Day 2003 she was euthanised because she had a progressive lung disease and severe arthritis. The normal life expectancy for sheep is 10 to 12 years.

Cloning should NOT be done at all!

I don't think that counts as multi-tasking.



One of me could do carts and the other one could be in the breakroom enjoying a snack.

One of me could do carts and the other one could be in the breakroom enjoying a snack.


Howard do you guys have one of those motorized cart pushers?

They use them at the local Wally-Mart and it can push like 30 carts at a pop.

Howard do you guys have one of those motorized cart pushers?

They use them at the local Wally-Mart and it can push like 30 carts at a pop.


No unfortunately we have to bust our asses and do it by hand. ::)

Howard do you guys have one of those motorized cart pushers?

They use them at the local Wally-Mart and it can push like 30 carts at a pop.
I have seen the motorized cart pushers here, and was amazed then by the technology, etc.

One of me could do carts and the other one could be in the breakroom enjoying a snack.


You'd have two mouths to feed.

You'd have two mouths to feed.


The other me is on his own.

Cancer 'vaccine' eliminates tumors in mice

So I was browsing Reddit and saw this on the front page, which is super encouraging.

It says it involves injecting two immune-stimulating agents directly into solid tumors, they tested this on 90 mice with lymphoma tumors, 87 of the 90 mice were cured of the cancer, and they ended up curing the other three after a second treatment. They saw similar results in mice that had breast, colon, and melanoma tumors.

A clinical trial was launched in January to test the effect of the treatment in patients with lymphoma, and there's a quote from the article ithat says "I don't think there's a limit to the type of tumor we could potentially treat, as long as it has been infiltrated by the immune system."

Here's the article itself: https://med.stanford.edu/news/all-news/2018/01/cancer-vaccine-eliminates-tumors-in-mice.html

Cancer 'vaccine' eliminates tumors in mice

So I was browsing Reddit and saw this on the front page, which is super encouraging.

It says it involves injecting two immune-stimulating agents directly into solid tumors, they tested this on 90 mice with lymphoma tumors, 87 of the 90 mice were cured of the cancer, and they ended up curing the other three after a second treatment. They saw similar results in mice that had breast, colon, and melanoma tumors.

A clinical trial was launched in January to test the effect of the treatment in patients with lymphoma, and there's a quote from the article ithat says "I don't think there's a limit to the type of tumor we could potentially treat, as long as it has been infiltrated by the immune system."

Here's the article itself: https://med.stanford.edu/news/all-news/2018/01/cancer-vaccine-eliminates-tumors-in-mice.html
Lets hope they allow tests on human?

Elon Musk's huge Falcon Heavy rocket set for launch

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-42950957

Elon Musk will attempt to fly the world's most powerful rocket later with his own sports car on the top. The US entrepreneur's Falcon Heavy launcher is designed to have twice the lifting capacity of any other vehicle. But because of the historic high failure rate of maiden flights, only a dummy payload is being risked. Mr Musk has decided this should be his old cherry-red Tesla roadster with a space-suited mannequin strapped in the driver's seat.

E-cigarettes 'should be on prescription'

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-42950607

E-cigarettes should be available on prescription, according to Public Health England (PHE).

E-cigarettes 'should be on prescription'

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-42950607

E-cigarettes should be available on prescription, according to Public Health England (PHE).


that could be a good idea.

that could be a good idea.
I am in two worlds over this, good, yes, but it is still encouraging the habit of smoking.

Hedgehog numbers 'down by half', warn wildlife groups

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-42959766

Hedgehogs are continuing to decline in the UK, according to a new report. Surveys by citizen scientists show hedgehog numbers have fallen by about 50% since the turn of the century. Conservation groups say they are particularly concerned about the plight of the prickly creatures in rural areas. Figures suggest the animals are disappearing more rapidly in the countryside, as hedgerows and field margins are lost to intensive farming.

Hedgehog numbers 'down by half', warn wildlife groups

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-42959766

Hedgehogs are continuing to decline in the UK, according to a new report. Surveys by citizen scientists show hedgehog numbers have fallen by about 50% since the turn  the century. Conservation groups say they are particularly concerned about the plight of the prickly creatures in rural areas. Figures suggest the animals are disappearing more rapidly in the countryside, as hedgerows and field margins are lost to intensive farming.


Along the same lines, the catamount, or eastern puma, has been taken off the endangered species list...









...and declared extinct 

Along the same lines, the catamount, or eastern puma, has been taken off the endangered species list...









...and declared extinct 
Sometimes I wish the common pigeon would go that way.

Hackers hijack government websites to mine crypto-cash

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-43025788

The Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) took down its website after a warning that hackers were taking control of visitors' computers to mine cryptocurrency. Security researcher Scott Helme said more than 4,000 websites, including many government ones, were affected. He said the affected code had now been disabled and visitors were no longer at risk. The ICO said: "We are aware of the issue and are working to resolve it." Mr Helme said he was alerted by a friend who had received a malware warning when he visited the ICO website.

Sometimes I wish the common pigeon would go that way.


or seagull.

or seagull.
The gull can stay at the coast!

The gull can stay at the coast!


They're also in New York City

They're also in New York City
There are all over the place, too many of them!

or seagull.


Sky rats

Is this an early April Fool's Joke or for real?

Vodafone to install 4G network on the Moon

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/business/2018/02/27/vodafone-install-4g-network-moon/

The Moon will have a 4G mobile network installed next year, according to plans set out by Vodafone and Nokia. The mission, organised by space exploration company PTScientists, will be the first ever privately-funded Moon landing. Nokia masts will be launched on a SpaceX rocket in 2019 from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, USA. The network will enable Audi lunar exploration vehicles to communicate with each other and with a base station. The 4G signal, provided by Vodafone, will also be able to transmit high-definition video streaming of the Moon’s surface.

Is this an early April Fool's Joke or for real?

Vodafone to install 4G network on the Moon

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/business/2018/02/27/vodafone-install-4g-network-moon/

The Moon will have a 4G mobile network installed next year, according to plans set out by Vodafone and Nokia. The mission, organised by space exploration company PTScientists, will be the first ever privately-funded Moon landing. Nokia masts will be launched on a SpaceX rocket in 2019 from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, USA. The network will enable Audi lunar exploration vehicles to communicate with each other and with a base station. The 4G signal, provided by Vodafone, will also be able to transmit high-definition video streaming of the Moon’s surface.


That would be amazing :o

That would be amazing :o
But still begs the question, did man go to the moon in the first place?

But still begs the question, did man go to the moon in the first place?


I believe so :P

I believe so :P
btw...

https://us-east-1.tchyn.io/snopes-production/uploads/2016/08/neil-armstrong.jpg

btw...

https://us-east-1.tchyn.io/snopes-production/uploads/2016/08/neil-armstrong.jpg


It's Buzz Aldrin's footprint, not Neil Armstrong's ;)

https://www.snopes.com/moon-footprints/

It's Buzz Aldrin's footprint, not Neil Armstrong's ;)

https://www.snopes.com/moon-footprints/
I will look into that..

Fish oil supplements in pregnancy 'may reduce allergies'

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-43228242

Taking a daily fish oil capsule during pregnancy and the first few months of breastfeeding may reduce a baby's risk of food allergy, research suggests. According to a large analysis of past trials by Imperial College London, this led to a 30% reduction in egg allergy risk by the age of one. Fish oil contains a special kind of fat called omega-3 that has a positive, anti-inflammatory effect. Experts said larger trials were needed that followed up children for longer. But they said the research confirmed that diet in pregnancy could influence the development of allergies in early life. One in 20 children in the UK is affected by allergies to food, such as nuts, eggs, milk or wheat - and it's a growing problem. These allergies are caused by the immune system malfunctioning and over-reacting to these harmless foods, and this triggers symptoms such as rashes, swelling, vomiting and wheezing.

26 to 30 millennial railcard website crashes on launch day

https://www.standard.co.uk/news/uk/worse-than-getting-glastonbury-ticket-millennial-railcard-website-crashes-on-launch-day-a3788256.html

The website for the new millennials' railcards has crashed during a scramble as 26-30-year-olds battle to sign up for one of only 10,000 available. Brits aged 26-30 are eligible for the discount card on a first-come, first-served basis, the Rail Delivery Group (RDG) said. But the sign-up site crashed today as millennials up and down the country battled to get access to cheaper travel, telling of their frustration at being unable to use the website selling the cards. Emily Thomas, from London, wrote: "Getting a 26-30 railcard is worse than getting a Glastonbury ticket. Sort out your website to make it fair!"

Space junk demo mission launches

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-43584070

A UK-led experiment to tackle space junk has been sent into orbit. It takes the form of a small satellite that will practise techniques for tracking debris and capturing it. The RemoveDebris system is heading to the International Space Station where astronauts are expected to set the experiment running in late May. Space junk is an ever-growing problem with more than 7,500 tonnes of redundant hardware now thought to be circling the Earth. Ranging from old rocket bodies and defunct spacecraft through to screws and even flecks of paint - this material poses a collision hazard to operational missions. RemoveDebris will showcase technologies that could be used to clean up some of this techno-garbage. The 100kg demonstrator left Earth on Monday onboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket. It should arrive at the ISS on Wednesday.

Dinosaur tracks on Skye 'globally important'

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-highlands-islands-43620237

New light has been shed on a little understood period of dinosaur evolution after giant prehistoric footprints were discovered on the Isle of Skye. Researchers, including some from Edinburgh University, have been analysing dozens of the footprints, left about 170 million years ago. They found that the tracks belonged to sauropods and therapods from the Middle Jurassic period. The discovery has been described as being "globally important".

Dinosaur tracks on Skye 'globally important'

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-highlands-islands-43620237

New light has been shed on a little understood period of dinosaur evolution after giant prehistoric footprints were discovered on the Isle of Skye. Researchers, including some from Edinburgh University, have been analysing dozens of the footprints, left about 170 million years ago. They found that the tracks belonged to sauropods and therapods from the Middle Jurassic period. The discovery has been described as being "globally important".
Send in Ross! He is a dinosaur geek!

Facebook scandal 'hit 87 million users'

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-43649018

Facebook has said it now believes up to 87 million people's data was improperly shared with the political consultancy Cambridge Analytica. The figure previously quoted by the whistleblower Christopher Wylie had been 50 million. In addition, the social network indicated that some of the data was about people based outside of the US. The details were revealed in a blog by the tech firm's chief technology officer, Mike Schroepfer.

Health warnings after toxic caterpillar outbreak in London

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-london-43930702

An outbreak of toxic caterpillars that can cause asthma attacks, vomiting and skin rashes has descended on London, officials have warned. Oak processionary moths (OPM), which are in their larval stage, have been spotted across the south-east of England and in the capital. Hairs on the caterpillars can cause fevers and eye and throat irritations, the Forestry Commission said. The organisation has issued a caution not to touch the species. The biggest infestations of OPM were recorded in Greater London, stemming from Kingston upon Thames to Brent. Some infestations were also spotted in Bracknell Forest, Slough and Guildford.

Cambridge Analytica: Closure "will not stop investigation"

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-43985186

The closure of Cambridge Analytica will not stop a probe into the firm's handling of millions of people's data, investigators have said. The firm has been accused of acquiring data from up to 87 million Facebook profiles for use in political campaigns. Cambridge Analytica closed on Wednesday citing a loss of business.

Twitter users told to change passwords after internal leak

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-43995168

Twitter's 330 million users are being urged to change their passwords after some were exposed in plain text on its internal network. An error in the way the passwords were handled meant some were stored in easily readable form, said Twitter. The passwords should have been put through a procedure called "hashing" making them very difficult to read. Security experts said the way Twitter handled the potential breach was "encouraging".

Nasa's InSight mission will target 'Marsquakes'

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-43981895

The American space agency Nasa has launched its latest mission to Mars. InSight will be the first probe to focus its investigations predominantly on the interior of the Red Planet. The lander - due to touch down in November - will put seismometers on the surface to feel for "Marsquakes". These tremors should reveal how the underground rock is layered - data that can be compared with Earth to shed further light on the formation of the planets 4.6 billion years ago.

Cambridge Analytica: Closure "will not stop investigation"

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-43985186

The closure of Cambridge Analytica will not stop a probe into the firm's handling of millions of people's data, investigators have said. The firm has been accused of acquiring data from up to 87 million Facebook profiles for use in political campaigns. Cambridge Analytica closed on Wednesday citing a loss of business.
Cambridge Analytica has been ordered to turn over information it has on US citizen David Carroll by the UK's data protection watchdog. The data demand stems from legal action by Prof Carroll, who wants to know what information the firm holds on him. The company is at the centre of a row over the way it grabbed data on millions of Facebook users. Cambridge Analytica could face a steep fine if it does not comply before a 30-day deadline expires.

Facebook details scale of abuse on its site

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-44122967

For the first time, and under intense pressure, Facebook has released internal data on the scale and nature of its abuse problem.

Exam pupils banned from wearing watches

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-44139459

Pupils are being told to remove watches from their wrists before taking GCSE and A-level exams, to combat cheating. In most cases, students are being told to place the timepieces on their desks, but invigilators can demand they are left outside of the exam hall. The new rule was introduced to prevent pupils trying to pass off smartwatches - which have long been banned - as normal ones. Some universities have already imposed similar requirements. The regulation was announced by the Joint Council for Qualifications (JCQ) in an online guide published last July but was first reported this week by the Gloucestershire Live news site. The rule is also intended to prevent examinees trying to smuggle in notes folded up and placed under normal watch faces.

Exam pupils banned from wearing watches

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-44139459

Pupils are being told to remove watches from their wrists before taking GCSE and A-level exams, to combat cheating. In most cases, students are being told to place the timepieces on their desks, but invigilators can demand they are left outside of the exam hall. The new rule was introduced to prevent pupils trying to pass off smartwatches - which have long been banned - as normal ones. Some universities have already imposed similar requirements. The regulation was announced by the Joint Council for Qualifications (JCQ) in an online guide published last July but was first reported this week by the Gloucestershire Live news site. The rule is also intended to prevent examinees trying to smuggle in notes folded up and placed under normal watch faces.


In my experience most teens don't wear a watch any more.  I've been invigilating exams this week and haven't seen any student put a watch on their desk.

Exam pupils banned from wearing watches

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-44139459

Pupils are being told to remove watches from their wrists before taking GCSE and A-level exams, to combat cheating. In most cases, students are being told to place the timepieces on their desks, but invigilators can demand they are left outside of the exam hall. The new rule was introduced to prevent pupils trying to pass off smartwatches - which have long been banned - as normal ones. Some universities have already imposed similar requirements. The regulation was announced by the Joint Council for Qualifications (JCQ) in an online guide published last July but was first reported this week by the Gloucestershire Live news site. The rule is also intended to prevent examinees trying to smuggle in notes folded up and placed under normal watch faces.


How will they be able to tell time besides their cell phones?

How will they be able to tell time besides their cell phones?
When doing an exam, there will be a clock on the wall for information purposes, and the invigilator gives regular countdown times.

UK drone users face safety tests and flight restrictions

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-44293905

UK drone users may have to pass online safety tests under legislation being introduced to the Commons on Wednesday. Restrictions around airport boundaries have also been clarified stopping any drone flying within 1km of them. The changes, which are set to come into effect between 30 July and 30 November, follow a rise in the number of drone near-misses with aircrafts. Aviation Minister Baroness Sugg said the measures were needed to "protect" aircraft and their passengers. In addition to the safety tests, people who own drones weighing 250g or more will have to register with the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA).

Yesterday Cat read an article to me that claimed that maple syrup - yes MAPLE SYRUP could prevent or stop the progression of Alzheimer. Read more here

https://nypost.com/2016/03/14/maple-syrup-isnt-just-delicious-it-also-could-cure-alzheimers-disease/

I'm going to start taking  a teaspoon a day

Yesterday Cat read an article to me that claimed that maple syrup - yes MAPLE SYRUP could prevent or stop the progression of Alzheimer. Read more here

https://nypost.com/2016/03/14/maple-syrup-isnt-just-delicious-it-also-could-cure-alzheimers-disease/

I'm going to start taking  a teaspoon a day


but maple syrup has sugar.

but maple syrup has sugar.
natural sugar, not artificial?

Yesterday Cat read an article to me that claimed that maple syrup - yes MAPLE SYRUP could prevent or stop the progression of Alzheimer. Read more here

https://nypost.com/2016/03/14/maple-syrup-isnt-just-delicious-it-also-could-cure-alzheimers-disease/

I'm going to start taking  a teaspoon a day


I'd better start eating waffles more often!

but maple syrup has sugar.


that doesn't make it automatically bad

I'd better start eating waffles more often!
So should I?

I'd better start eating waffles more often!


I love waffles with butter and syrup. :)

I love waffles with butter and syrup. :)


Just make sure it's pure maple syrup, not that fake stuff like Aunt Jemima.  Pure Vermont maple syrup is the best

Just make sure it's pure maple syrup, not that fake stuff like Aunt Jemima.  Pure Vermont maple syrup is the best
Probably the Maple Syrup in McDonald's is the same?

Probably the Maple Syrup in McDonald's is the same?


according to the website McDonald's maple syrup has:
190 Calories & Sugars: 33g

Just make sure it's pure maple syrup, not that fake stuff like Aunt Jemima.  Pure Vermont maple syrup is the best


can it be sugar free? ???

Visa says service returning to normal

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-44335804

Visa says its service is "close to normal" again following a system failure which left customers across Europe unable to make some purchases. The company apologised and said it had no reason to believe the hardware failure was down to "any unauthorised access or malicious event". Its statement came five hours after it had initially acknowledged the problem. Shoppers had reported being stuck in queues as Visa transactions were unable to be processed. Payment processing through Visa's systems accounts for £1 in £3 of all UK spending, the company said.

Probably the Maple Syrup in McDonald's is the same?


Read the ingredients.  Most of what passes as "maple syrup" is artificially flavored corn syrup that has never been within a 100 miles of a sugar maple tree.  That includes the stuff McDonalds sells, Aunt Jemima's, Log Cabin, and the other commercial brands.  Real maple syrup is expensive, like $40-$50/ gallon, even here in VT direct from the farmer, but well worth the price.  It takes between 40/50 gallons of maple sap to produce 1 gallon of syrup, thus the price

Read the ingredients.  Most of what passes as "maple syrup" is artificially flavored corn syrup that has never been within a 100 miles of a sugar maple tree.  That includes the stuff McDonalds sells, Aunt Jemima's, Log Cabin, and the other commercial brands.  Real maple syrup is expensive, like $40-$50/ gallon, even here in VT direct from the farmer, but well worth the price.  It takes between 40/50 gallons of maple sap to produce 1 gallon of syrup, thus the price
Just the same as other products... avoid?

Just the same as other products... avoid?


You can have pancakes and waffles without the maple syrup.

You can have pancakes and waffles without the maple syrup.
... containing MSG?

Read the ingredients.  Most of what passes as "maple syrup" is artificially flavored corn syrup that has never been within a 100 miles of a sugar maple tree.  That includes the stuff McDonalds sells, Aunt Jemima's, Log Cabin, and the other commercial brands.  Real maple syrup is expensive, like $40-$50/ gallon, even here in VT direct from the farmer, but well worth the price.  It takes between 40/50 gallons of maple sap to produce 1 gallon of syrup, thus the price


"Pole syrup", as we call it: syrup sapped from telephone poles :P

... containing MSG?


No, just having them plain, butter and syrup are just additives.

"Pole syrup", as we call it: syrup sapped from telephone poles :P


That's even more expensive because it's so rare

Copyright law could put end to net memes

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-44412025

Memes, remixes and other user-generated content could disappear online if the EU's proposed rules on copyright become law, warn experts. Digital rights groups are campaigning against the Copyright Directive, which the European Parliament will vote on later this month. The legislation aims to protect rights-holders in the internet age. But critics say it misunderstands the way people engage with web content and risks excessive censorship.

Tea towels 'can cause food poisoning'

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-44401330

Multi-use of tea towels is putting households at risk of food poisoning, research suggests. Scientists from the University of Mauritius examined 100 towels that had been used for a month. They found E.coli was more likely to be found on towels used for multiple jobs, such as wiping utensils and cleaning surfaces, as well as drying hands. It was also more likely to be found on damp towels or those in households where meat was eaten. Multiple use increases the chance of cross-contamination of potential pathogens that can spread bacteria and lead to food poisoning. The government recommends washing or changing dish cloths, tea towels, sponges and oven gloves regularly and letting them dry before re-use. The research is being presented at the annual meeting of the American Society for Microbiology in Atlanta, Georgia.

Tea towels 'can cause food poisoning'

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-44401330

Multi-use of tea towels is putting households at risk of food poisoning, research suggests. Scientists from the University of Mauritius examined 100 towels that had been used for a month. They found E.coli was more likely to be found on towels used for multiple jobs, such as wiping utensils and cleaning surfaces, as well as drying hands. It was also more likely to be found on damp towels or those in households where meat was eaten. Multiple use increases the chance of cross-contamination of potential pathogens that can spread bacteria and lead to food poisoning. The government recommends washing or changing dish cloths, tea towels, sponges and oven gloves regularly and letting them dry before re-use. The research is being presented at the annual meeting of the American Society for Microbiology in Atlanta, Georgia.


And this required a scientific study?

And this required a scientific study?


My mum was using this as an excuse not to dry dishes back in the 1970s!

My mum was using this as an excuse not to dry dishes back in the 1970s!
I am now considering that policy, just let the dishes (etc) dry on the rack?

I am now considering that policy, just let the dishes (etc) dry on the rack?


Isn't it better to use a dishwasher? ???

Isn't it better to use a dishwasher? ???
I have to wait for a full load to run the dishwasher, when washing up after every meal is much easier.

Isn't it better to use a dishwasher? ???
Any way, I do not have that many plates, etc.

Isn't it better to use a dishwasher? ???


Yes, but not everyone has one.  They are becoming more common in the UK but older houses don't have room in the kitchen for one

Yes, but not everyone has one.  They are becoming more common in the UK but older houses don't have room in the kitchen for one
I do have a dishwasher and it does come useful if and when we have a party, etc, but generally, the dish usage is minimal now.

Instagram longer videos: How new IGTV feature will work

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/newsbeat-44546270

Instagram has released a long-form video feature which allows users to post hour-long clips. IGTV lets users create content exceeding the current maximum 60-second clip limit for the first time. It's not clear if the longer videos would include adverts or if users would be paid for their content as they are on platforms like YouTube. Speaking exclusively to Newsbeat, Instagram founder Kevin Systrom said it's in "no rush to figure that out".

'Netflix effect' poses challenge to British TV

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-44862598

Video streaming services such as Netflix and Amazon Prime now have more subscribers than traditional pay TV services in the UK, new data from Ofcom has revealed.

Sir David Attenborough backs world's biggest butterfly count

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-44895558

Spending time with nature offers "precious breathing space" from modern life, Sir David Attenborough has said, as he called on the public to join the world's biggest butterfly count. The naturalist said watching butterflies in his garden takes his mind off "the woes of Brexit". The exercise involves spending 15 minutes counting butterflies and submitting the sightings online. The majority of butterfly species have been in decline for the past 40 years. However, this year, weather in the UK - a cold winter followed by settled weather during a late spring and summer - have created the right conditions for butterflies to flourish.

Malicious faxes leave firms 'open' to cyber-attack

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-45083774

Booby-trapped image data sent by fax can let malicious hackers sneak into corporate networks, security researchers have found. Since many companies use fax machines that are also printers and photocopiers, they often have a connection to the internal network. The malicious images exploit protocols established in the 1980s that define the format of fax messages. The research was presented at the Def Con hacker conference in Las Vegas. The two researchers said millions of companies could be at risk because they currently did little to secure fax lines

Google tracks users who turn off location history

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-45183041

Google records users' locations even when they have asked it not to, a report from the Associated Press has suggested. The issue could affect up to two billion Android and Apple devices which use Google for maps or search. The study, verified by researchers at Princeton University, has angered US law-makers. Google said in response that it provides clear descriptions of its tools and how to turn them off. The study found that users' whereabouts are recorded even when location history has been disabled.

For example:

Google stores a snapshot of where you are when you open the Maps app
Automatic weather updates on Android phones pinpoint roughly where a user is
Searches that have nothing to do with location pinpoint precise longitude and latitude of users

YouTube nursery-rhyme channel with billions of views sold

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-45523304

One of the most popular YouTube channels in the world, which features animated nursery rhymes, has been sold. Little Baby Bum was founded by a London-based couple in 2011 and has racked up 17.5 billion views in its time.

Mediterranean diet 'may help prevent depression'

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-45641628

Eating a Mediterranean diet may help prevent depression, research suggests. But an expert in metabolic medicine says more rigorous, targeted trials are needed to confirm evidence of the potential link. The findings, in Molecular Psychiatry, come from a review of 41 studies published within the last eight years. A plant-based diet of fruit, veg, grains, fish, nuts and olive oil - but not too much meat or dairy - appeared to have benefits in terms of mood. Experts say trials are now needed to test the theory and to learn whether depression can be treated with diet.

PlayStation backs down in Fortnite cross-play row

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-45653520

Sony is to let gamers on PlayStation consoles play against those using rival devices, the company has announced. Many games already let those using a PC, Nintendo Switch or Xbox One play together online, but Sony had refused to take part. It had previously cited child protection as one of the reasons it blocked cross-play. However, it said it had "identified a path" to allowing cross-play on some games, starting with Fortnite.

Japanese scientists have landed two rovers on an asteroid.
https://www.goodnewsnetwork.org/in-historic-first-scientists-landed-rovers-on-an-asteroid/

First woman Physics Nobel winner in 55 years

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-45655151

The 2018 Nobel Prize in Physics has been awarded to a woman for the first time in 55 years. Donna Strickland, from Canada, is only the third woman winner of the award, along with Marie Curie, who won in 1903, and Maria Goeppert-Mayer, who was awarded the prize in 1963. Dr Strickland shares this year's prize with Arthur Ashkin, from the US, and Gerard Mourou, from France.
It recognises their discoveries in the field of laser physics.

Pret A Manger to label products after allergy death

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-45731201

The international sandwich shop chain Pret A Manger will list all ingredients, including allergens, on its freshly made products following the death of a teenager who had an allergic reaction after eating a Pret sandwich. Natasha Ednan-Laperouse, 15, went into cardiac arrest on a flight after buying a sandwich at Heathrow Airport in 2016. Theresa May called for a review of food labelling laws on Tuesday in the wake of her death. The sandwich chain has said it was "deeply sorry for Natasha's death". An inquest into her death heard the artichoke, olive and tapenade baguette she ate contained sesame - to which Ms Ednan-Laperouse was allergic.

Russia GRU claims: UK points finger at Kremlin's military intelligence

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-45741520

The UK government has accused Russia's military intelligence service of being behind four high-profile cyber-attacks. The National Cyber Security Centre says targets included firms in Russia and Ukraine; the US Democratic Party; and a small TV network in the UK. A Russian foreign ministry spokeswoman described the accusation as a "rich fantasy of our colleagues from Britain". World Anti-Doping Agency computers are also said to have been attacked.

Pret A Manger to label products after allergy death

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-45731201

The international sandwich shop chain Pret A Manger will list all ingredients, including allergens, on its freshly made products following the death of a teenager who had an allergic reaction after eating a Pret sandwich. Natasha Ednan-Laperouse, 15, went into cardiac arrest on a flight after buying a sandwich at Heathrow Airport in 2016. Theresa May called for a review of food labelling laws on Tuesday in the wake of her death. The sandwich chain has said it was "deeply sorry for Natasha's death". An inquest into her death heard the artichoke, olive and tapenade baguette she ate contained sesame - to which Ms Ednan-Laperouse was allergic.


I'm glad that Pret have changed their stance on this.  Although they followed the letter of the law, it wasn't the spirit.  The intention was to allow small local sandwich shops to carry on making sandwiches to order on the premises.

Partly though, if you have a child/teen with a serious allergy wouldn't you ask if the product contained that allergen?

I'm glad that Pret have changed their stance on this.  Although they followed the letter of the law, it wasn't the spirit.  The intention was to allow small local sandwich shops to carry on making sandwiches to order on the premises.

Partly though, if you have a child/teen with a serious allergy wouldn't you ask if the product contained that allergen?
and now another case has come forward. Food providers help to be very careful now.

Google Pixel 3 phones launch during privacy storm

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-45790074

Google has launched its latest smartphones under the shadow of a data exposure scandal. The Pixel 3 handsets introduce new photography features including a much higher-quality digital zoom than before. The company suggests the innovation shows it has no need to place more than one camera on the handsets' rear. The launch comes a day after it emerged that a Google+ bug was not made public when it was discovered in the Spring. The flaw led to personal data belonging to 500,000 members of the social network not being properly protected. Google has announced it is now ending access to the service to the wider public.

Under-25s turning their backs on alcohol, study suggests

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-45807152

Young people are turning their backs on alcohol, a new study has suggested. Researchers looked at official health data from the last decade and found almost a third of 16 to 24-year-olds in 2015 said they didn't drink, compared with around one in five in 2005. Non-drinking was found across a broad range of groups, suggesting it was becoming "more mainstream". Binge drinking rates also decreased - from 27% in 2005 to 18% in 2015, based on Health Survey for England figures. Almost 10,000 people were questioned, with the results demonstrating a clear decline in consumption of alcohol among young adults.

https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2018/oct/08/robot-farm-iron-ox-california

Now this is something to think about as computers and robots might be taking over within the next few years or so.

https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2018/oct/08/robot-farm-iron-ox-california

Now this is something to think about as computers and robots might be taking over within the next few years or so.
Don't trust robots and computers!

BBC News disrupted by software glitch

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-45812540

The BBC had to replace live broadcasts with recorded material on its TV news channels for about an hour on Wednesday following a technical glitch. The News at Six and News at Ten were also presented from the BBC's Millbank studio instead of the usual facilities at New Broadcasting House. The issue affected OpenMedia, a new computer system rolled out across BBC News outlets over the past six months. OpenMedia supplier Annova has been helping to investigate the fault. Engineers believe they have now addressed the problem.

Addison Lee plans self-driving taxis by 2021 in London

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-45935000

Taxi firm Addison Lee is betting its customers will be ready to, in London at least, in just three years' time. It has joined forces with self-driving software specialist Oxbotica, and says the tie-up means it will offer self-driving taxis in the capital by 2021. The move will pit it against rival ride-hailing app Uber, which is also planning to roll out driverless cars on its network in the future, pending regulatory permission.

Will folic acid ever be added to UK flour?

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-45942507

After repeated calls by health experts, the government says it will consult on adding folic acid to flour to help prevent common birth defects in babies. Women are already advised to take the B vitamin before and during pregnancy, but many don't. Mandatory fortification would mean everyone eating foods like bread in the UK will get a dose. Experts say it is safe and will only bring benefits - lots of other countries have been doing it for years. The government should reach a decision in spring, but the mood appears to be overwhelmingly in favour.

Mobile app data sharing 'out of control'

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-45952466

Data harvesting and sharing by mobile apps is "out of control", University of Oxford researchers have warned. Nearly 90% of free apps on the Google Play store share data with Google parent company Alphabet, the Financial Times reported. Google said it had clear policies for how developers could handle data, and that the research had mischaracterised some "ordinary functions" of apps. "If an app violates our policies, we take action," the online giant said.

NASA 'fixes' Hubble malfunction

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-45955602

NASA believes it has fixed a malfunction with the Hubble telescope which threatened to limit the orbiting observatory's performance. Earlier this month, one of Hubble's gyros - needed to point the spacecraft - failed, forcing controllers to place the telescope in "safe mode" - where it operates with essential functions only. This was required because a backup gyro also malfunctioned when switched on. But after a series of tests, the backup appears to be working normally. The telescope, launched in 1990, has been described as one of the most important scientific instruments ever created.

Two unborn babies' spines repaired in womb in UK surgery first

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-45958980

Two unborn babies have had their spines repaired by surgeons - weeks before they were born. The operations - which are the first ever of their kind in the UK - were carried out by a team of 30 doctors at University College Hospital in London. The babies had spina bifida, a condition when the spinal cord fails to develop properly and has a gap in it. It is usually treated after birth, but the earlier it is repaired the better for long-term health and mobility. During the 90-minute surgery carried out this summer, doctors cut an opening in the womb and then stitched together the baby's gap in the spine. The procedure is risky and can cause premature labour, but researchers are exploring less invasive keyhole methods.

Facebook fined £500,000 for Cambridge Analytica scandal

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-45976300

Facebook has been fined £500,000 by the UK's data protection watchdog for its role in the Cambridge Analytica data scandal. The Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) said Facebook had let a "serious breach" of the law take place. The fine is the maximum allowed under the old data protection rules that applied before GDPR took effect in May. The ICO said Facebook had given app developers access to people's data "without clear consent". In July, the ICO notified the social network that it intended to issue the maximum fine.

Facebook daily visits growth slows as sales miss forecasts

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-46038496

Facebook's user growth has slowed and its revenue has missed forecasts, according to the firm's latest results. An average of 1.49 billion people used Facebook's social network on a daily basis in September, up 9% on last year but below expectations of 1.51 billion. Growth was flat in the US and Canada and fell in Europe. Facebook said sales rose by 33% to $13.7bn (£10.7bn) in the third quarter, but fell short of expectations and trailed the prior quarter's 42% gain. The company, which also owns WhatsApp and Instagram, is grappling with a shift in its business as user growth slows in its most profitable markets.

WWF report: Mass wildlife loss caused by human consumption

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-46028862

"Exploding human consumption" has caused a massive drop in global wildlife populations in recent decades, the WWF conservation group says. In a report, the charity says losses in vertebrate species - mammals, fish, birds, amphibians and reptiles - averaged 60% between 1970 and 2014. "Earth is losing biodiversity at a rate seen only during mass extinctions," the WWF's Living Planet Report adds. It urges policy makers to set new targets for sustainable development. The Living Planet Report, published every two years, aims to assess the state of the world's wildlife.

WWF report: Mass wildlife loss caused by human consumption

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-46028862

"Exploding human consumption" has caused a massive drop in global wildlife populations in recent decades, the WWF conservation group says. In a report, the charity says losses in vertebrate species - mammals, fish, birds, amphibians and reptiles - averaged 60% between 1970 and 2014. "Earth is losing biodiversity at a rate seen only during mass extinctions," the WWF's Living Planet Report adds. It urges policy makers to set new targets for sustainable development. The Living Planet Report, published every two years, aims to assess the state of the world's wildlife.
It's time some countries implement birth control as China did until recently. We are way too many but nobody wants to say that loud. ::)
1 child per family for the next 100 years could do a lot to prevent this planet from dying.

It's time some countries implement birth control as China did until recently. We are way too many but nobody wants to say that loud. ::)
1 child per family for the next 100 years could do a lot to prevent this planet from dying.
...and the current display of the effects of Global Warning (more fierce hurricanes, colder winters, etc), we are on the road to destruction.

Medical cannabis products available on prescription (in the UK)

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-46045487

Medicinal cannabis products can now be legally prescribed to some patients across the UK for the first time. The treatments can be prescribed only by specialist doctors in a limited number of circumstances where other medicines have failed. The decision to relax the rules on the treatments followed an outcry over two boys with severe epilepsy being denied access to cannabis oil. But one charity fears access to it will be "much more limited" than expected. Among those who stand to benefit will be children with rare, severe forms of epilepsy.

It's time some countries implement birth control as China did until recently. We are way too many but nobody wants to say that loud. ::)
1 child per family for the next 100 years could do a lot to prevent this planet from dying.


It is better that the humans that exist be more efficient with the resources we have. Global population growth is already slowing significantly without the draconian measures.  :-X

It is better that the humans that exist be more efficient with the resources we have. Global population growth is already slowing significantly without the draconian measures.  :-X
I think we'll need both. There is no way the planet can sustain billions of people. BTW I wouldn't call a one child policy to be draconian. No one said anything about committing genocide to get the population down.

I think we'll need both. There is no way the planet can sustain billions of people. BTW I wouldn't call a one child policy to be draconian. No one said anything about committing genocide to get the population down.


The one child policy was very draconian, involving forced sterilization and forced abortions. It also a created a lop-sided gender balance: men earn much more than women, so abortion and infanticide rates for females are very high. China also has one of the largest gender gaps for infant mortality: girls are much more likely to die in infancy, suggesting child neglect or discrimination in healthcare.

It was a very illiberal policy that has now been scrapped. China's main concern is slowing economic growth due to an aging population and higher dependency ratio, and has now bumped it to a "two child policy".

Countries like Thailand and Turkey have shown a better and more gender-positive way to reduce fertility: by educating women, giving them jobs and moving them into cities. This has precipitously made the fertility rate fall below replacement. The problem is now that these countries risk growing old before they grow rich ;D

^Points taken.

Spinal implant helps three paralysed men walk again

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-46043924

Three paralysed men, who were told they would spend the rest of their lives in a wheelchair, are able to walk again thanks to doctors in Switzerland. An electrical device inserted around the men's spines boosted signals from their brains to their legs. And it also helped damaged nerves in the spinal cord to regrow. The researchers hope that this unexpected bonus will enable some paralysed people ultimately to regain independent movement. BBC News has had exclusive access to the patients in the clinical trial, the results of which are published in the journal Nature. The first patient to be treated was 30-year-old Swiss man David M'zee, who suffered a severe spinal injury seven years ago in a sporting accident.

Metop weather satellite launches into orbit

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-46113605

Europe has launched a front-line weather satellite into orbit that has components that are over a decade old. The Metop-C spacecraft took off from French Guiana late on Tuesday local time, and will circle the globe, gathering data that will feed into daily forecasts. The satellite was procured at the same time as its two predecessors, but was then stored for later use. A British instrument onboard was manufactured 17 years ago.

Samsung folding smartphone revealed to developers

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-46130071

https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/624/cpsprodpb/0A8E/production/_104220720_acce06f8-cd0c-451e-bc25-0727cb48beea.jpg

Samsung has unveiled a folding handset at an event in San Francisco. It described its Infinity Flex Display as "the foundation of the smartphone of tomorrow" and said it intended to start production within months. When unfolded, the device resembles a 7.3in (18.5cm) tablet. When closed, a separate smaller "cover display" on the handset's other side comes into use. Samsung has teased the concept for more than five years and had been vying with Huawei to show off a device first.

Call for UK ban on 'grotesquely sugary' freakshakes

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-46179175

The campaign group Action on Sugar is demanding a ban on freakshakes and all milkshakes with more than 300 calories. It surveyed milkshakes sold in restaurants and fast food shops in the UK and found they contained "grotesque levels of sugar and calories". Freakshakes are milkshakes that also contain chocolates, sweets, cake, cream and sauce. The Toby Carvery Unicorn Freakshake came top of the survey with 39 teaspoons of sugar or 1,280 calories. That is more than half the daily recommended amount of calories for an adult and over six times the amount of sugar recommended for seven to 10-year-olds. In terms of sugar, it is the equivalent of drinking more than five cans of cola.

Call for UK ban on 'grotesquely sugary' freakshakes

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-46179175

The campaign group Action on Sugar is demanding a ban on freakshakes and all milkshakes with more than 300 calories. It surveyed milkshakes sold in restaurants and fast food shops in the UK and found they contained "grotesque levels of sugar and calories". Freakshakes are milkshakes that also contain chocolates, sweets, cake, cream and sauce. The Toby Carvery Unicorn Freakshake came top of the survey with 39 teaspoons of sugar or 1,280 calories. That is more than half the daily recommended amount of calories for an adult and over six times the amount of sugar recommended for seven to 10-year-olds. In terms of sugar, it is the equivalent of drinking more than five cans of cola.


https://c.ndtvimg.com/2018-11/9k5fu44o_freakshake-istock_625x300_13_November_18.jpg
Wow! That's monstrous! :o

https://c.ndtvimg.com/2018-11/9k5fu44o_freakshake-istock_625x300_13_November_18.jpg
Wow! That's monstrous! :o
One to avoid!

Exoplanet discovered around neighbouring star

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-46196279

Astronomers have discovered a planet around one of the closest stars to our Sun. Nearby planets like this are likely to be prime targets in the search for signatures of life, using the next generation of telescopes. The planet's mass is thought to be more than three times that of our own, placing it in a category of world known as "super-Earths". It orbits Barnard's star, which sits "just" six light-years away.

MiSafes' child-tracking smartwatches are 'easy to hack'

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-46195189

A location-tracking smartwatch worn by thousands of children has proven relatively easy to hack. A security researcher found the devices neither encrypted the data they used nor secured each child's account. As a result, he said, he could track children's movements, surreptitiously listen in to their activities and make spoof calls to the watches that appeared to be from parents. Experts say the issues are so severe that the product should be discarded. Both the BBC and the researcher involved tried to contact the makers of the MiSafes Kid's Watcher Plus to alert them to the problem but received no reply. Likewise, a China-based company listed as the product's supplier did not respond to requests.

One to avoid!


Looks absolutely delicious but it could take a few days to eat, perhaps store it in the refrigerator day after day.

Looks absolutely delicious but it could take a few days to eat, perhaps store it in the refrigerator day after day.
Or share among family or friends?

Or share among family or friends?


That would be a good idea.

That would be a good idea.
Exactly as we did with the Subway rolls on our US visit.

Exactly as we did with the Subway rolls on our US visit.


and you can't possibly finish that sundae in just one sitting. :o

and you can't possibly finish that sundae in just one sitting. :o
Even the large drink were enormous.

Even the large drink were enormous.


and the dinner portions could've been enormous! :o

and the dinner portions could've been enormous! :o
We ate at homes more than eating out, when we did it was at endless buffets.

We ate at homes more than eating out, when we did it was at endless buffets.


I remember buffets, we really don't do it that much anymore.

I remember buffets, we really don't do it that much anymore.
With buffets, I can chose what to eat.

With buffets, I can chose what to eat.


and eat as much as you desire.

and eat as much as you desire.
It helps with a restricted diet.

Bitcoin falls below $5,000

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-46263998

The value of Bitcoin has fallen below $5,000 (£3,889) for the first time since October 2017. The fall brought the total value of all Bitcoin in existence to below $87bn. On Thursday, 15 November, Bitcoin Cash - an offshoot of Bitcoin - split into two different crypto-currencies, which are now in competition with each other. And some observers have blamed this for creating turmoil in the crypto-currency markets, with many of the digital assets experiencing falls.

It helps with a restricted diet.


You can always choose to eat less on a plate and not fill it up so much.

You can always choose to eat less on a plate and not fill it up so much.
Eat less, eat slowly, and more often?

Eat less, eat slowly, and more often?


eat slowly and take your time to digest your food.

eat slowly and take your time to digest your food.
Do not drink too much for that will fill you up much quicker.

Nasa's Mars mission on target for landing

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-46298259

The American space agency Nasa says its InSight Mars lander is on a near-perfect Thanksgiving trajectory. The probe is due to touch down on Monday at 19:53 GMT, to begin its quest to map the Red Planet's interior. Engineers can take the opportunity for one last course correction on Sunday to tighten the line to the bulls-eye - but they may not bother with it. "Right now we're looking really good, and we might be able to skip it," said Nasa's Tom Hoffman.

Do not drink too much for that will fill you up much quicker.


maybe drink some water.

'Adult' furry erotica site hacked

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-46289639

The website of an adult video game featuring sexualised animals has been hacked, with the information of nearly half a million subscribers stolen. Hack monitoring website Have I Been Pwned said the data breach had happened in August. The compromised information, including email addresses, names and order histories, resurfaced on a popular hacking forum a few months later. It is the latest in a long series of hacks aimed at adult sites.

'Adult' furry erotica site hacked

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-46289639

The website of an adult video game featuring sexualised animals has been hacked, with the information of nearly half a million subscribers stolen. Hack monitoring website Have I Been Pwned said the data breach had happened in August. The compromised information, including email addresses, names and order histories, resurfaced on a popular hacking forum a few months later. It is the latest in a long series of hacks aimed at adult sites.


Wow, that's unbelievable! :o

Type 2 diabetes affects 7,000 under-25s in England and Wales

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-46290849

There are nearly 7,000 children and young adults under 25 with type 2 diabetes in England and Wales - about 10 times the number reported before, according to Diabetes UK. Its analysis of 2016-17 data found most were being treated in GP practices rather than in specialist units. The condition is linked to obesity and is more aggressive in children

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/1/1e/Sophia_at_the_AI_for_Good_Global_Summit_2018_%2827254369347%29_%28cropped%29.jpg/220px-Sophia_at_the_AI_for_Good_Global_Summit_2018_%2827254369347%29_%28cropped%29.jpg
Sophia The Robot

https://www.cnn.com/style/article/sophia-robot-artificial-intelligence-smart-creativity/index.html

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/1/1e/Sophia_at_the_AI_for_Good_Global_Summit_2018_%2827254369347%29_%28cropped%29.jpg/220px-Sophia_at_the_AI_for_Good_Global_Summit_2018_%2827254369347%29_%28cropped%29.jpg
Sophia The Robot

https://www.cnn.com/style/article/sophia-robot-artificial-intelligence-smart-creativity/index.html
Can she think for itself?

Can she think for itself?


She has had intelligent conversations with people.

She has had intelligent conversations with people.
With more intelligence than some people? http://www.inthe00s.com/Smileys/thanksgiving/grin.gif

With more intelligence than some people? http://www.inthe00s.com/Smileys/thanksgiving/grin.gif


Watch for yourself:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ojPmlSX-6q4

https://i.ytimg.com/vi/G5IqcRILeCc/maxresdefault.jpg

And within the past couple of years there has been this AI Robot named Bina48.

Watch for yourself:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ojPmlSX-6q4
I cannot get sound on YouTube at the moment, hopefully later on.

Sir David Attenborough: Climate change 'our greatest threat'

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-46398057

The naturalist Sir David Attenborough has said climate change is humanity's greatest threat in thousands of years. The broadcaster said it could lead to the collapse of civilisations and the extinction of "much of the natural world". He was speaking at the opening ceremony of United Nations-sponsored climate talks in Katowice, Poland. The meeting is the most critical on climate change since the 2015 Paris agreement.

Data problems hit O2 mobile network

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-46464730

Millions of smartphone users in the UK have lost their data services after the O2 network suffered technical problems. O2 has 25 million customers, but also provides services for the Sky, Tesco, Giffgaff and Lycamobile networks which have another seven million users. O2 blamed the problem on a supplier and Ericsson, which makes mobile network equipment, said it was working to solve the issue. Japan's Y!Mobile network, owned by Softbank, also suffered big problems. O2 said: "We believe other mobile operators around the world are also affected. Our technical teams are working with their teams to ensure this is fixed as quickly as possible. "We'd encourage our customers to use wi-fi wherever they can and we apologise for the inconvenience caused." The difficulties in the UK were first reported at about 05:30 on Thursday.

YouTube deletes cheating videos after BBC investigation

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/blogs-trending-46468389

YouTube has deleted thousands of videos promoting academic cheating in the last week after a BBC Trending investigation. The videos all advertised essay-writing services, which can lead to serious penalties for students. Facebook and Google have been asked by a regulator to stop making money from adverts for these companies. All the social media companies say they are taking steps to discourage dishonest behaviour. Seven months after the BBC first exposed YouTube stars selling cheating on their channels, the companies which promise essays written to order are back, and are being promoted across social platforms. YouTube has removed thousands of videos in the last few days after we sent them more than 850 examples that breached the platform's rules. Facebook has also removed advertising for several essay-writing services that the BBC identified this week.

Nasa's Jupiter mission Juno reveals giant polar storms

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-46547904

Nasa's Juno mission to the gas giant Jupiter has reached its halfway mark and has revealed new views of cyclones at the poles. As it orbits the planet every 53 days - Juno performs a science-gathering dive, speeding from pole to pole. Its sensors take measurements of the composition of the planet, in an effort to decipher how the largest world in our Solar System formed. Mapping the magnetic and gravity fields should also expose Jupiter's structure.

https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/976/cpsprodpb/8AB2/production/_104760553_jupitermontage.jpg

Fortnite teen hackers 'earning thousands of pounds a week'

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-46624136

Children as young as 14 are making thousands of pounds a week as part of a global hacking network built around the popular video game Fortnite.

How well does Zozosuit measure up?

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/av/technology-46631923/how-well-does-zozosuit-measure-up

Japanese retailer Start Today, which operates Zozotown, the country's largest online fashion marketplace, has developed a figure-hugging bodysuit featuring lots of uniquely patterned dots. As you turn slowly round, your smartphone takes photos, building up a 360-degree image of your body shape. Then you can order clothes that really fit. At least, that's what the company claims. But does it really work?

I hope the video works...