Category Archives: Rockall

Fans of American Auto are in for some good news.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, NBC has picked up American Auto for a second season. NBC has also renewed Grand Crew and a third season of Young Rock. All three shows are produced by NBCs sister studio, Universal Television.

Superstore might be over, but creator Justin Spitzer was back on TV lending his comedic prowess to American Auto, which is set in the office of a Detroit automaker company. The cast features Saturday Night Live alum Ana Gasteyer leading an ensemble cast that includes Harriet Dyer, Jon Barinholtz, Humphrey Ker, Michael B. Washington, and Tye White.

In a recent interview, Spitzer discussed the future of network sitcoms after first getting his start writing for The Office.

I mean, I dont know that network sitcoms are any worse than in any other time. Networks, I think, have a broader audience to reach, he said. In terms of what drives the zeitgeist right now in TV culture, its not network sitcoms.

Its not like it was with the Cheers era, Seinfeld, Friends. Its a different era, he admitted. He added that come awards time, it doesnt help for your show to be on a network. And thats something those of us on a network have come to accept, but that can still change.

I think theres alot of very good network comedies, and I think a lot of good writers writing on networks, Spitzer continued. And I feel like if you have a show that can appeal to a broad audience, that doesnt feel like its too niche, why not make it available for as many people as possible?

And thats not to say I would never want to do streaming or cable, I think I absolutely do, he added. But this show feels like it can be on a network. And having grown up in the world of Cheers, and Friends, and eventually The Office and stuff, theres still something kind of nice about that. About that eight oclock, same time every week. That, I dont know, maybe the nostalgic part of me still loves.

Unfortunately, the show only holds a 51% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes.

If this show were written by predictive text it would have been far better, wrote Jesse A. The characters are flat and empty. The actors appear to be doing their best to fight the poor writing and direction but just dont yet have the chemistry to pull it off.

However, Isaiah M wrote, I was a bit worried American Auto would be the typical CBS sitcom aimed at disillusioned Boomers waiting to die. Although it periodically feels this way at times as it finds its way, American Auto is overall a hysterical new show thats willing to deal with our awkward, unlikeable selves in a way that continuity makes them all the more likable.

Greg M wrote, This show is much better than the audience thinks. I will say much of the humor is a pretty dark look at modern capitalism, but if youve ever been in a large company, parts are simply so hilarious and a bit too close to reality.

It remains to be seen if American Auto will be able to pull in new audiences for its sophomore season. A release date has yet to be announced.

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NBC Gives 'Superstore' Creator's 'American Auto' The Green Light - The Blast

Ozzy Osbourne remembered first encountering Metallica when he took them on the road in 1986. The Black Sabbath legend and heavymetal singershared what it was like meeting the metal band who were then up and coming, giving thoughts on their ascent.

But he shiedaway from stories surrounding talkof Metallica's hard-partying ways. Osbourne called them a "nice bunch of guys" and mentioned Metallica singer-guitarist James Hetfield's many skateboarding mishaps when he talked about their time together.

Metallica opened for Ozzy on the first American leg of his solo "The Ultimate Sin Tour" in 1986. For Metallica, it was the opening leg of their 198687 "Damage, Inc. Tour." Perhaps the joint portion of the trek could've been called the "Ultimate Damage Tour," alas,Osbourne didn't divulge any debauchery or destruction.

Instead, when asked what Metallica were like, he gavean amusing taleto Metal Hammer. "I remember walking past the dressing room," hesaid. "They were playing Black Sabbath. I had no idea they were big fans. I thought they were taking the piss!"

Osbournecontinued, "While we were on tour, I'd keep seeing James hanging about like he wanted to ask something. Eventually, he walked up and said, 'We want to play [Black Sabbath's] 'Paranoid' with you,' and we were like, 'Sure!' Then they showed just how big Sabbath fans they were. [Late Metallica bassist] Cliff [Burton] had a massive smile on his face the whole time."

Osbourne added, "Of course, it all came back around, when I got up to do it with them at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame [in 2009], which was brilliant too. To us, they were just a nice bunch of guys! The wildest we had from them was James, who must have broke his arm three fucking times on that tour skateboarding."

Injuries aside, Osbourne could sense Metallica were going to be huge. "You could tell just from how the crowd reacted every night," he said. "But you know, they're a great band. I remember it all really took off when they put out 'The Black Album.'"

And as luck would have it, current Metallica bassplayerRobert Trujillo would perform with both Ozzy and Metallica. The onetime Suicidal Tendencies bassist joined the former in the late '90s. He became a member of the latter in 2003 to replace Jason Newsted.

"Rob has always been a great friend of mine," Osbourne said, offering some insight into Trujillo's switchfrom Ozz to Met. "He's a great bass player and a great guy. He's the only guy who, when it came time to move, did things the right way. I always ask that the guys who play with me, if they get another offer and want to move on, that's fine, just don't drop me in the shit, give me time to get a replacement. Rob's the only guy who ever did things right by me for that."

In recent Ozzy news, Osbournetested positive for the coronavirus, as did his wife, mediapersonality Sharon Osbourne. Around the same time, their daughter Kelly Osbourne confirmed she's pregnant with child with her partner, turntablistSid Wilson of the metal bandSlipknot. Last week, Metallica were surprisedto learn a baby was born at one oftheir concerts.Hetfieldcalled to congratulate the mother.

It's unclear when the Metallica-focused Metal Hammer interviewwith Ozzy was conducted. ReliveMetallica's 2009 performance with Ozzy in the video below.

See Loudwire's picks for the Top 66 Hard Rock + Metal Frontmen of All Time

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Ozzy Shares What Touring With Metallica Was Really Like - Loudwire

Jon Bon Jovi has been criticized a lot as of late over his recent vocal performances, even though he is now 60 years old. Now,The Darkness vocalist Justin Hawkinssuggests that the mega star could benefit from therapy in order to help his voice.

During clips from Bon Jovi's 2022 performances, it's evident that the band has lowered the key of many of their songs to match the vocalist's now lower register. Though fans have commented praising his physical energy onstage, many have pointed out that he seems to be struggling to reach notes that he's known for belting out.

See some videos of the performances below.

In a video titled "What's Wrong With His Voice?!" on Hawkins' YouTube Channel Justin Hawkins Rides Again, the Darkness singer dissected some of these videos and pinpointed the differences in how he sings now as compared to the studio versions of their massive hits, including "Wanted Dead or Alive" and "Livin' on a Prayer." He also explained what he thinks the problem may be, and that Bon Jovi should stop touring for now so that the frontmancan work on it.

"Bon Jovi has been on tour this year but unfortunately fans and critics have noticed that his performances are... lacking?" Hawkins wrote in the description of the video. "I have the utmost respect for Jon Bon Jovi and everything I'm saying here is just speculation I wish him nothing but love."

Early in the video, Hawkins pointed out that plastic surgery can inhibit the ability to wail at a certain range because the face can't stretch properly to do so, though he doesn't say whether or not he thinks Bon Jovi had any procedures done on his face.

"He's got a lovely face. But he's not as young as he used to be, he's been doing this for what 40 years or something like that? It's a long time," Hawkins elaborated.

The singerthen added clips of a recent performance of Bon Jovi performing "Wanted Dead or Alive," and showed on his guitar how much they down-tuned it from the original register heard on the studio rendition of the track. He also suggested that some vocalists modify their delivery of a song when they've been playing it for decades and decades.

"This sounds like he's really tired, and he's sort of half-going for [it]," Hawkins continued, singing the melody of the chorus and emulating the way Bon Jovi performed it in the video. "It's sad. It's not much fun to watch really, especially as a singer."

Hawkins went on to note some comments that people left on the Bon Jovi videos, one of which said, "Jon... go to your massive mansion and enjoy life. We respect you and you should, too."

"That's actually quite a good sentiment," Hawkins reacted. "My career is not as long as Bon Jovi's, and not as big as well, even at the level that we've experienced. If you're in a situation like that and you can't deliver the goods and you can't give the audience what they deserve, that's horrible. It's a horrible feeling and you don't enjoy touring in that condition. You just want to go home, and I expect he's feeling the same way. But there must be a huge machine around Bon Jovi that stops him from being able to pull the plug on it, which is what needs to happen I think."

"I'm not talking pull the plug forever. It sounds like he needs some kind of therapy... It doesn't sound like it's a polyp or some sort of lump on his vocal cords, because that would be more unpredictable he'd be hitting the notes and then it would squeak off and it would do something unexpected," he continued. "That's not what's happening here. It sounds like he's super tired and everything has gone down."

Whileit initially sounded like Hawkins was referring to vocal therapy or lessons, he actually stated he thinks Bon Jovi is suffering psychologically, and thattalking to someone might help "coax his performances back out, because it doesn't sound to me like there's damage in there." Additionally, he mentioned that struggling with pitchwhile singing can be a result of hearing issues.

Hawkins himself has dealt with vocal issues prior, telling Loudwire in a 2021 interview, "The very lowest point of my singing career was just before I had a procedure on my vocal cords and I had a polyp on there, a big one, which was scary. I found it at the beginning of the tour and I had to go through this whole six week tour knowing there was a lump on my voice box."

The singer stated that after having his procedure, everything is now comfortable again, as he knows how to prepare for shows and warm down as well.

Watch the full video below.

See Loudwire's picks for the Top 66 Hard Rock + Metal Frontmen of All Time

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The Darkness Singer Suggests Jon Bon Jovi Needs Therapy - Loudwire

Illegal acquisition of a state's territory by another state

Two examples of unilateral annexation laws

Annexation (Latin ad, to, and nexus, joining), in international law, is the forcible acquisition of one state's territory by another state, usually following military occupation of the territory.[1] It is generally held to be an illegal act.[2] Annexation is a unilateral act where territory is seized and held by one state,[3] is distinct from conquest[a][6][7] and differs from cession, in which territory is given or sold through treaty.

Annexation can be legitimized if generally recognized by other states and international bodies.[3][8][1]

The illegality of annexation means that states carrying out such acts usually avoid using the word annexation in describing their actions;[9][10] in each of the unresolved annexations by Israel, Morocco and Russia, the states have avoided characterizing their actions as such.[10][11]

International law regarding the use of force by states evolved significantly in the 20th century. Key agreements include the 1907 Porter Convention, the 1920 Covenant of the League of Nations and the 1928 KelloggBriand Pact,[b] culminating in Article 2(4) of Chapter I of the United Nations Charter, which is in force today: "All Members shall refrain in their international relations from the threat or use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any state, or in any other manner inconsistent with the Purposes of the United Nations".

These principles were reconfirmed by the 1970 Friendly Relations Declaration. Since the use of force against territorial integrity or political independence is illegal, the question as to whether title or sovereignty can be transferred in such a situation has been the subject of legal debate. Annexation is an act of aggression according to the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court.[16]

Illegally annexed territory is considered as still occupied under international law and the provisions of international humanitarian law continue to apply, for precision such territory may be referred to as "occupied and illegally annexed". In a report to the United Nations General Assembly, Michael Lynk contrasted de jure annexation as a formal declaration[1] by a state that it is claiming permanent sovereignty over territory and de facto annexation without the formal declaration[2] as a descriptive term for a state establishing facts on the ground as the prelude to a future claim of sovereignty.[18]

The Fourth Geneva Convention (GCIV) of 1949 amplified the Hague Conventions of 1899 and 1907 with respect to the question of the protection of civilians.[19] and the rules regarding inviolability of rights have "an absolute character", making it much more difficult for a state to bypass international law through the use of annexation.[c]

During the 1967 Six-Day War, Israel captured East Jerusalem, a part of the West Bank, from Jordan. It has remained occupied until the present day. On June 27, 1967, Israel unilaterally extended its law and jurisdiction to East Jerusalem and some of the surrounding area, incorporating about 70 square kilometers of territory into the Jerusalem Municipality. Although at the time Israel informed the United Nations that its measures constituted administrative and municipal integration rather than annexation, later rulings by the Israeli Supreme Court indicated that East Jerusalem had become part of Israel. In 1980, Israel passed the Jerusalem Law as part of its Basic Law, which declared Jerusalem the "complete and united" capital of Israel. In other words, Israel purported to annex East Jerusalem.[21][22][23] The annexation was declared null and void by United Nations Security Council (UNSC) resolutions 252, 267, 271, 298, 465, 476[24] and 478.[25]

Jewish neighborhoods have since been built in East Jerusalem, and Israeli Jews have since also settled in Arab neighborhoods there, though some Jews may have returned from their 1948 expulsion after the Battle for Jerusalem. Only Costa Rica recognized Israel's annexation of East Jerusalem, and those countries who maintained embassies in Israel did not move them to Jerusalem.[26]The United States Congress passed the Jerusalem Embassy Act, which recognizes Jerusalem as the united capital of Israel and requires the relocation of the U.S. embassy there in 1995,[27] The act included a provision permitting the President to delay its implementation due to national security concerns. This waiver was used by presidents Clinton, Bush, Obama, and Trump, but was allowed to expire in 2019.[28]

Law professor Omar M. Dajani and others[29][30] discuss de facto annexation (also referred to as "creeping annexation"[31]). The debate considers whether, in all the circumstances, there is a pattern of behavior sufficient to conclude that Israel is in violation of the international prohibition against annexation, even absent a formal declaration.[32]

Israel occupied two-thirds of the Golan Heights from Syria during the 1967 Six-Day War, and subsequently built Jewish settlements in the area. In 1981, Israel passed the Golan Heights Law, which extended Israeli "law, jurisdiction, and administration" to the area, including the Shebaa farms area. This declaration was declared "null and void and without international legal effect" by United Nations Security Council Resolution 497. The Federated States of Micronesia recognized the annexation, and in 2021 the United States joined in recognition.

The vast majority of Syrian Druze in Majdal Shams, the largest Syrian village in the Golan, have held onto their Syrian passports. When Israel annexed the Golan Heights in 1981, 95% of the Majdal Shams residents refused Israeli citizenship, and are still firmly of that opinion, in spite of the Syrian Civil War.[33]

On 29 November 2012, the United Nations General Assembly reaffirmed it was "[d]eeply concerned that Israel has not withdrawn from the Syrian Golan, which has been under occupation since 1967, contrary to the relevant Security Council and General Assembly resolutions," and "[s]tress[ed] the illegality of the Israeli settlement construction and other activities in the occupied Syrian Golan since 1967."[34] The General Assembly then voted by majority, 110 in favour to 6 against (Canada, Israel, Marshall Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Palau, United States), with 59 abstentions, to demand a full Israeli withdrawal from the Syrian Golan Heights.[34]

On March 25, 2019, the United States recognized the Golan Heights as sovereign Israeli territory.[35]In response, United Nations Secretary-General Antnio Guterres stated "the status of Golan has not changed,"[36][37] and the decision received worldwide condemnation with European members of the United Nations Security Council noting "We raise our strong concerns about the broader consequences of recognizing illegal annexation and also about broader regional consequences." and that "Annexation of territory by force is prohibited under international law," adding that unilateral changes to borders violate "the rules-based international order and the UN Charter."[38]

In 1975, and following the Madrid Accords between Mauritania, Morocco, and Spain, the last withdrew from the territory and ceded the administration to Mauritania and Morocco. This was challenged by an independentist movement, the Polisario Front that waged a guerrilla war against both Mauritania and Morocco. In 1979, and after a military putsch, Mauritania withdrew from the territory that left it controlled by Morocco. A United Nations peace process was initiated in 1991, but it has been stalled, and as of mid-2012, the UN is holding direct negotiations between Morocco and the Polisario front to reach a solution to the conflict. The Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic is a partially recognized state that has claimed the entire region since 1975.

In March 2014, Russia annexed the Crimean Peninsula, which had been a part of Ukraine and administers the territory as two federal subjects the Republic of Crimea and the federal city of Sevastopol.[39] The UN General Assembly considers the Russian possession of Crimea and Sevastopol to be an "attempted annexation" and the Russian Federation an "occupying power".[40][41]

Russia rejects the view that this was an annexation and regards it as an accession to the Russian Federation of a state that had just declared independence from Ukraine following a disputed referendum, and considers it secession as a result of irredentism. A term often used in Russia to describe these events is "re-unification" () to highlight the fact that Crimea was a colony of the Russian Empire from 1783 to 1917, and part of the Russian SFSR from 1921 to 1954. Few states recognize this view.

Ukraine considers Crimea and Sevastopol its own territory, and oversees the Crimea Platform, an international diplomatic initiative to restore its sovereignty.

In 1952, Ethiopian Emperor Haile Selassie orchestrated a federation with Eritrea. He dissolved it in 1962 and annexed Eritrea, resulting in the Eritrean War of Independence.[42]

The part of former Mandatory Palestine occupied by Jordan during the 1948 ArabIsraeli War, was renamed "the West Bank". It was annexed to Jordan in 1950 at the request of a Palestinian delegation.[43] It had been questioned, however, how representative that delegation was, and at the insistence of the Arab League, Jordan was considered a trustee only.[44] Only Pakistan and the United Kingdom recognized the annexation by Jordan.[45] It was not condemned by the United Nations Security Council and it remained under Jordanian rule until 1967 when it was occupied by Israel. Jordan did not officially relinquish its claim to rule the West Bank until 1988.[46] Israel has not taken the step of annexing the territory (except for parts of it that was made part of the Jerusalem Municipality), rather, there were enacted a complex (and highly controversial) system of military government decrees in effect applying Israeli law in many spheres to Israeli settlements.

Following an Indonesian invasion in 1975, East Timor was annexed by Indonesia and was known as Timor Timur. It was regarded by Indonesia as the country's 27th province, but this was never recognised by the United Nations. The people of East Timor resisted Indonesian forces in a prolonged guerrilla campaign.

Following a referendum held in 1999 under a UN-sponsored agreement between the two sides, the people of East Timor rejected the offer of autonomy within Indonesia. East Timor achieved independence in 2002 and is now officially known as Timor-Leste.

After being allied with Iraq during the IranIraq War (largely due to desiring Iraqi protection from Iran), Kuwait was invaded and annexed by Iraq (under Saddam Hussein) in August 1990. Hussein's primary justifications included a charge that Kuwaiti territory was in fact an Iraqi province, and that annexation was retaliation for "economic warfare" Kuwait had waged through slant drilling into Iraq's oil supplies. The monarchy was deposed after annexation, and an Iraqi governor installed.

United States president George H. W. Bush ultimately condemned Iraq's actions, and moved to drive out Iraqi forces. Authorized by United Nations Security Council resolutions, an American-led coalition of 34 nations fought the Gulf War to reinstate the Kuwaiti Emir. Iraq's invasion (and annexation) was deemed illegal and Kuwait remains an independent nation today.

The rule of the Qing dynasty over Tibet was established after a Qing expedition force defeated the Dzungar Khanate which had occupied Tibet in 1720, and lasted until the fall of the Qing dynasty in 1912. The Imperial Edict of the Abdication of the Qing Emperor issued in 1912 provided the legal basis for the Republic of China (ROC) to inherit all Qing territories, including Tibet.[47][48][49] However, the ROC had no effective control over Tibet from 1912 to 1951;[50] In the opinion of the Chinese government, this condition does not represent Tibet's de jure independence as many other parts of China also enjoyed de facto independence when the Chinese state was torn by warlordism, Japanese invasion, and civil war.[51]

Tibet came under the control of the People's Republic of China (PRC) after attempts by the Government of Tibet to gain international recognition, efforts to modernize its military, negotiations between the Government of Tibet and the PRC, and the a military conflict in the Chamdo area of western Kham in October 1950. Some analysts consider the incorporation of Tibet into the PRC an annexation.[52][53][54]

If the actions of 1950 constituted an annexation, it was subsequently legalized by the Seventeen Point Agreement by the Government of Tibet in October 1951. From 1959 onwards, claims were made that this agreement was signed under pressure; academics have debated this ever since, but Tibet is recognized internationally as part of China.[55][56]

In 1954, the residents of Dadra and Nagar Haveli, a Portuguese enclave within India, ended Portuguese rule with the help of nationalist volunteers. From 1954 to 1961, the territory enjoyed de facto independence. In 1961, the territory was merged with India after its government signed an agreement with the Indian government.

In 1961, India and Portugal engaged in a brief military conflict over Portuguese-controlled Goa and Daman and Diu. India invaded and conquered the areas after 36 hours of fighting, thus ending 451 years of Portuguese colonial rule in India. The action was viewed in India as a liberation of historically Indian territory; in Portugal, however, the loss of both enclaves was seen as a national tragedy. A condemnation of the action by the United Nations Security Council was vetoed by the Soviet Union.[57] Goa and Daman and Diu were incorporated into India.

During the British colonial rule in India, Sikkim had an ambiguous status, as an Indian princely state or as an Indian protectorate. Prior to Indian independence, Jawaharlal Nehru, acting as the leader of Executive Council, agreed that Sikkim would not be treated as an Indian state. Between 1947 and 1950, Sikkim enjoyed de facto independence. However, the Indian independence spurred popular political movements in Sikkim and the ruler Chogyal came under pressure. He requested Indian help to quell the uprising, which was offered. Subsequently, in 1950, India signed a treaty with Sikkim bringing it under its suzerainty, and controlling its external affairs, defence, diplomacy and communications. A state council was established in 1955 to allow for constitutional government under the Sikkimese monarch. Meanwhile, trouble was brewing in the state after the Sikkim National Congress demanded fresh elections and greater representation for the Nepalese. In the 1967 Nathu La and Cho La clashes, Chinese border attacks were repulsed. In 1973, riots in front of the palace led to a formal request for protection from India. The Chogyal was proving to be extremely unpopular with the people. In 1975, the Kazi (prime minister) appealed to the Indian Parliament for a change in Sikkim's status so that it could become a state of India. In April, the Indian Army moved into Sikkim, seizing the city of Gangtok and disarming the Palace Guards. A referendum was held in which 97.5% of the voting people (59% of the people entitled to vote) voted to join the Indian Union. A few weeks later, on May 16, 1975, Sikkim officially became the 22nd state of the Indian Union and the monarchy was abolished.[58]

Following a controversial plebiscite in 1969, Western New Guinea or West Papua was annexed by Indonesia.[59] West Papua is the western half of the island of New Guinea and smaller islands to its west. The separatist Free Papua Movement (OPM) has engaged in a small-scale yet bloody conflict with the Indonesian military since the 1960s.[60]

North Vietnam de facto annexed South Vietnam following the military defeat of the South Vietnamese army in April 1975.[61] The communist regime of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam had officially reunified the country.

One example of a claimed annexation after World War II is the Kingdom of Norway's southward expansion of the dependent territory Queen Maud Land. On most maps there had been an unclaimed area between Queen Maud Land's borders of 1939 and the South Pole until June 12, 2015, when Norway formally claimed to have annexed that area.[62]

On 18 September 1955 at precisely 10:16 am, Rockall was declared officially annexed by the British Crown when Lieutenant-Commander Desmond Scott RN, Sergeant Brian Peel RM, Corporal AA Fraser RM, and James Fisher (a civilian naturalist and former Royal Marine), were deposited on the island by a Royal Navy helicopter from HMSVidal (coincidentally named after the man who first charted the island). The team cemented in a brass plaque on Hall's Ledge and hoisted the Union Flag to stake the UK's claim.[63] However, any effect of this annexation on valuable maritime rights claims under UNCLOS in the waters beyond 12 nautical miles from Rockall are neither claimed by Britain nor recognised by Denmark (for the Faroe Islands), Iceland or Ireland.[citation needed]

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Annexation - Wikipedia

Ever watch an Adam Sandler movie and think that's just the clothes he wears on a regular day? Well, there's certainly some truth to that. Speaking on Rob Lowe's "Literally!" podcast (via Uproxx), David Spade disclosed a few fascinating details about the "Grown Ups" films, including how Sandler encouraged the cast to write their own jokes and participate as collaborators.

However, the most entertaining revelation was about Sandler's wardrobe choice. "The funny thing is, Sandler is wearing a striped T-shirt," Spade said. "He has a striped T-shirt on the bed for his wardrobe for the day, and then there is a rack of T-shirts and big shorts." For the sequel, a wardrobe assistant had a similar outfit picked out for Sandler, but the actor walked in, looked at the outfit then at what he was wearing, and said he'd just go with what he had on. According to Spade, he wore his own clothes for the entire shoot. Well, that's certainly one way of keeping production costs down.

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The Untold Truth Of Grown Ups - Looper

Newswise Newcastle University scientists have found new types of plastic loving bacteria that stick to plastic in the deep sea that may enable them to hitchhike across the ocean.

The team showed for the first time that these deep-sea, plastic loving bacteria make up only 1% of the total bacterial community.Reporting their findingsin the journalEnvironmental Pollution, the team found that these bacteria only stick to plastic and not the non-plastic control of stone.

The research highlights these bacteria may be able to hitchhike across the deep sea by attaching to plastic, enhancing microbial connectivity across seemingly isolated environments.

To uncover these mysteries of the deep-sea plastisphere, the team used a deep-sea lander in the North-East Atlantic to deliberately sink two types of plastic, polyurethane and polystyrene, in the deep (1800m) and then recover the material to reveal a group of plastic loving bacteria. This method helps tackle the issue of how plastics and subsequently, our understanding of the plastisphere (microbial community attached to plastic) are sampled in the environment to provide consistent results.

The scientists observed a mix of diverse and extreme living bacteria, includingCalorithrix,which is also found in deep-sea hydrothermal vent systems andSpirosoma, which has been isolated from the Arctic permafrost. Other bacteria included the Marine Methylotrophic Group 3 - a group of bacteria isolated from deep-sea methane seeps, andAliivibrio,a pathogen that has negatively affected the fish farming industry, highlighting a growing concern for the presence of plastic in the ocean.

In their most recent work, they have also found a strain originally isolated from RMS Titanic namedHalomonas titanicae.While the rust-eating microbe was originally found on the shipwreck, the researchers have now shown it also loves to stick to plastic and is capable of low crystallinity plastic degradation.

The research was led byMax Kelly, a PhD student at Newcastle Universitys School of Natural and Environmental Sciences.

He said: The deep sea is the largest ecosystem on earth and likely a final sink for the vast majority of plastic that enters the marine environment, but it is a challenging place to study. Combining deep-sea experts, engineers, and marine microbiologists, our team is helping to elucidate the bacterial community that can to stick to plastic to reveal the final fate of deep-sea plastic.

Microplastics (fragments with a diameter smaller than 5mm) make up 90% of the plastic debris found at the ocean surface and the amount of plastic entering our ocean is significantly larger than the estimates of floating plastic on the surface of the ocean. Although the plastic loving bacteria found in the study here represent a small fraction of the community colonising plastic, they highlight the emerging ecological impacts of plastic pollution in the environment.

Reference:

Kelly, M., Whitworth, P., Jamieson, A., & Burgess, J. (2022). Bacterial colonisation of plastic in the Rockall Trough, North-East Atlantic: An improved understanding of the deep-sea plastisphere.Environmental Pollution, 119314. doi: 10.1016/j.envpol.2022.119314

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Research discovers new bacteria that stick to plastic in the deep sea to travel around the ocean - Newswise

Today, Bozeman, MT based band Kitchen Dwellers are thrilled to share their third full length studio album Wise River, produced by Cory Wong (Vulfpeck) and released via No Coincidence Records. The new album showcases homegrown stories and the bands ever-expanding creative palette that carefully infuses elements of Americana, roots, bluegrass, rock and indie rock all into a truly unique sonic experience.

In support of the new record, the band will embark on a nationwide tour that will include their first appearance at the iconic Telluride Bluegrass Festival as well as appearances at venues and festivals across the country including Sweetwater 420 Fest, Tuck Fest, Bear Shadow, Domefest, Summer Camp Music Festival, Electric Forest, Northwest String Summit, FloydFest, RiverWonderGrass, and many more to be announced.

The quartetShawn Swain [Mandolin], Torrin Daniels [banjo], Joe Funk [upright bass], and Max Davies [acoustic guitar]twist bluegrass, folk, and rock through a kaleidoscope of homegrown stories, rich mythology, American west wanderlust, and psychedelic hues.

Among the many natural wonders in Montana, Wise River runs for about 30 miles through the Southwestern region of the state, cutting through the mountains and flowing into the Big Hole River. Beyond being a favorite spot for fly fishermen, it remains etched into the topography of the land itself. Two hours away in Bozeman, Kitchen Dwellers equally embody the spirit and soul of their home with a sonic palette as expansive as Montanas vistas.

WATCH KITCHEN DWELLERS BEHIND THE SCENES - RECORDING WISE RIVER *video by Wimberg Productions

KITCHEN DWELLERS ON TOURApr 29 @ Tuck Fest | Charlotte, NCApr 30 @ Sweetwater 420 Fest | Atlanta, GAMay 1 @ Bear Shadow | Highlands, NCMay 4 @ Richmond Music Hall | Richmond, VAMay 5 @ Virginia Arts Festival | Norfolk, VAMay 7 @ Pearl Street Warehouse | Washington, DCMay 10 @ Race Street Live | Holyoke, MAMay 11 @ Stageone | Fairfield, CTMay 12 @ Wonder Bar | Asbury Park, NJMay 13 @ Mercury Lounge | New York, NYMay 14 @ XL Live | Harrisburg, PAMay 15 @ Flour City Station | Rochester, NYMay 17 @ Thunderbird Cafe and Music Hall | Pittsburgh, PAMay 18 @ Buffalo Iron Works | Buffalo, NYMay 19 @ Domefest | Thornville, OHMay 20 @ The Clay Center | Charleston, WVMay 21 @ Hi-Fi | Indianapolis, INMay 26 @ Otus Supply - Parliament Room | Ferndale, MIMay 27 @ Rivers Edge Amphitheater | Hamilton, OHMay 28 @ The Livery | Benton Harbor, MIMay 29 @ Summer Camp Music Festival | Chillicothe, ILJune 2-4 @ Pine Creek Lodge | Livingston, MTJune 15-19 @ Telluride Bluegrass Festival | Telluride, COJune 23-26 @ Electric Forest Festival | Rothbury, MIJune 25 @ High on a Hillside | Johnson City, TNJune 30-July 1 @ Peach Fest | Scranton, PAJuly 2-3 @ Dream Mountain Bluegrass Festival | Albright, WVJuly 8-9 @ Jeezum Crow Festival | Jay, VTJuly 15-16 @ The Boogiedown Music Festival | Yuba, WIJuly 21-24 @ Northwest String Summit | North Plains, ORJuly 27 @ Prescott Arts Festival | Portsmouth, NHJuly 27-31 @ FloydFest | Floyd, VAAug 1-4 @ RiverWonderGrass | Jensen, UTAug 5 @ I Bar Ranch | Gunnison, COAug 6 @ Four Corners Jam Festival | Aztec, NMAug 26-28 @ Sacred Rose | Bridgeview, ILSept 24 @ The Wilma | Missoula, MTOct 8-9 @ Cave Fest at the Caverns | Pelham, TNDec 7-11 @ Strings & Sol | Puerto Morelos, Mexico

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Kitchen Dwellers share stories of Montana and the Western US in new album Wise River - Grateful Web

Home Television SNL Preps Last 3 Shows of Season, Gets Ready for Farewells to...

This Saturday, SNL returns for the first of its three final episodes of the season. Benedict Cumberbatch is hosting, and musical guest is Arcade Fire. The hosts/mgs for the last two episodes havent been announced yet.

But soon we will also hear about the exits of several long time cast members. My guess is Kate McKinnon and Cecily Strong are done, so is Kyle Mooney. Also probably gone is Pete Davidson, who hasnt been on the show in weeks and has moved on to a Lorne Michaels-produced sitcom for Peacock and life as a Kardashian appendage.

In all likelihood, Kenan Thompson will stick around as captain of the team. His Kenan sitcom is up in the air at NBC with low ratings. But NBC has bigger issues with Mr. Mayor (which has to go), The Weakest Link, and Young Rock, all of which are dead in the water. Kenan may yet survive another season.

McKinnon and Strong have already spread their wings this year. Kate starred in the Tiger King series for Peacock, Strong was off off Broadway in the Lily Tomlin revival. They are each supremely talented. But 10 years is a long time, and with the pandemic subsiding, production picking up, both women could do well with streaming series, Strong also has the return of Schmigadoon coming as Schmicago, as I reported here.

As for Mooney, Id love to see him and Beck Bennett join up and do something clever and unexpected. Cross fingers.

SNL has a strong bench now, and can proceed with Colin Jost and Michael Che, Ego Nwodim, Mikey Day and Alex Moffat, plus Melissa Villasenor, Heidi Gardner, Bowen Yang, James Austin Johnson, Andrew Dismukes, Chloe Fineman, and so on.

Roger Friedman began his Showbiz411 column in April 2009 after 10 years with Fox News, where he created the Fox411 column. His movie reviews are carried by Rotten Tomatoes, and he is a member of both the movie and TV branches of the Critics Choice Awards. His articles have appeared in dozens of publications over the years including New York Magazine, where he wrote the Intelligencer column in the mid 90s and covered the OJ Simpson trial, and Fox News (when it wasn't so crazy) where he covered Michael Jackson. He is also the writer and co-producer of "Only the Strong Survive," a selection of the Cannes, Sundance, and Telluride Film festivals, directed by DA Pennebaker and Chris Hegedus.

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"SNL" Preps Last 3 Shows of Season, Gets Ready for Farewells to Long Time Cast Members - Showbiz411

A SOUTHAMPTON man has been banned from the Isle of Wight after he stalked a woman by turning up at her work.

Brian Bowes appeared in court after he stalked a woman between April 14 and 18, 2021, on the Island.

The court heard how the 62-year-old entered a home on the Island and attended his victim's place of work "multiple times".

He also sent her cards in the post to her place of work.

Appearing at Southampton Magistrates' Court, he pleaded guilty to stalking.

Bowes, of Rockall Close, Southampton, has been banned from entering the Isle of Wight for 12 months and has been put on electronic monitoring to ensure he does not leave his home address between 5pm and midnight for 12 months.

He was handed a restraining order banning him from contacting his victim directly or indirectly, visiting her place of work, or visiting an address of the Isle of Wight for two years.

He was also ordered to see a psychologist for the next six months.

Bowes was ordered to pay a victim surcharge of 95 and court costs of 310.

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Southampton stalker banned from Isle of Wight | Isle of Wight County Press - Isle of Wight County Press

Today only, as part of its Gold Box Deals of the Day, Amazon is offering the Samsung Galaxy Buds Live True Wireless Earbuds for $89.99 shipped. Regularly $170 and currently fetching as much at Best Buy, this is up to 47% off the going rate, the lowest price we have tracked on Amazon since December of last year, and the best we can find. AKG-tuned 12mm speakers and enhanced bass are joined by active noise cancellation and up to 29-hours of playback via the wireless charging Qi case. The unique bean-shaped form-factor also houses an always-on voice assistantalongside compatibility with both Android and iOS smartphones. Get an even closer look in our hands-on reviewand head below for more details.

If the Samsung buds above arent getting you excited, save a ton and go with the Anker Soundcore Life P2 True Wireless Earbuds. Delivering CVC 8.0 noise reduction, graphene drivers, and an IPX7 waterproof rating, they also clock in with a 40-hour playback time and a far more affordable $39 price tag right now.

Then go dive into the rest of this weeks fresh new Anker price drops at Amazon. Starting from $13 Prime shipped, youll find a range of its latest MagSafe gear marked down alongside power banks, Lightning cables, and additional charging gear for EDC and home setups. Everything is waiting for you right here.

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Samsungs ANC Galaxy Buds Live wireless earbuds with Qi case drop to $90 (Reg. $170) - 9to5Toys