The “golden visas” in Europe heated up housing prices. States are already ending the programs

1080px-Coronation_of_Charles_III_and_Camilla_-_Coronation_Procession — By Katie Chan - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=131601802

After years of anticipation, King Charles III has been crowned, marking a new era for the United Kingdom. With his unique perspective and approach to leadership, many are curious about what his reign may hold for the future of the kingdom. Let’s take a closer look at his journey to the throne and what we can expect from his reign.

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Early Life and Education of Charles III.

Charles III was born on November 14, 1948, in Buckingham Palace, London. He is the eldest son of Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh. He was educated at Cheam School in Berkshire and Gordonstoun School in Scotland. After completing his education, he joined the Royal Navy and served on various ships and submarines. He also attended the University of Cambridge and earned a degree in archaeology and anthropology.

The Role of the Prince of Wales.

As the eldest son of Queen Elizabeth II, Charles III held the title of Prince of Wales for over 60 years before ascending to the throne. During this time, he carried out numerous public engagements and charitable work, including founding The Prince’s Trust, which helps young people in the UK to achieve their goals. He also became known for his environmental activism and advocacy for sustainable living. As King, it is expected that he will continue to prioritize these issues and use his platform to make a positive impact on society.

The Passing of Queen Elizabeth II and the Succession.

The passing of Queen Elizabeth II marked the end of an era and the beginning of a new one for the British monarchy. As the longest-reigning monarch in British history, she left behind a legacy of stability and continuity. However, her death also triggered the process of succession, which ultimately led to the coronation of her son, Charles III. Despite some controversy and criticism, Charles III has been preparing for this role for most of his life and is expected to bring his own unique perspective and priorities to the throne.

The Coronation of King Charles III.

After years of waiting and preparation, the coronation of King Charles III finally took place in a grand ceremony at Westminster Abbey. The event was attended by dignitaries from around the world and watched by millions of people on television. It included European Commission President Ursula Von der Leyen, who said in a tweet that

The Coronation is a testament to the enduring strength of the British monarchy. A symbol of stability and continuity.

My congratulations to King Charles III and Queen Camilla. pic.twitter.com/rhLM9iAFrG
— Ursula von der Leyen (@vonderleyen) May 6, 2023

"The Coronation is a testament to the enduring strength of the British monarchy. A symbol of stability and continuity. My congratulations to King Charles III and Queen Camilla."

In his first speech as king, Charles III emphasized his commitment to serving the people of the United Kingdom and to upholding the traditions and values of the monarchy. Many are eager to see what changes and innovations he will bring to the role during his reign.

Cardinal Nichols of Westminster was of course there, and posted the following tweet:

Invoking God's blessing on King Charles III at the #Coronation God save the King! pic.twitter.com/mOyafPNDh1
— Cardinal Nichols (@CardinalNichols) May 6, 2023

What to Expect from the Reign of King Charles III.

As the new king settles into his role, many are curious about what his reign will bring. Charles III has already expressed his commitment to serving the people of the United Kingdom and upholding the traditions of the monarchy. However, he has also hinted at a desire to modernize and adapt the monarchy to the changing times. It remains to be seen what specific changes he will make, but many are hopeful for a fresh perspective and new ideas from the new king.

Who attended the ceremony?

The coronation of Charles III and Camilla as king and queen of the United Kingdom and the other Commonwealth realms took place on 6 May 2023. Approximately 2,200 people were invited to attend the event, including members of the royal family, representatives of the Church of England, prominent politicians from the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth of Nations, and foreign heads of state and royalty.^[1] Guests from 203 countries attended the service.^[2] dfaf See list of who attended here.

What Does the Future Hold for Queen Camila’s Role in the Monarchy?

With the impending reign of Prince Charles, speculation abounds about the role his wife, Camila, will take on as Queen. Here’s a look at the possibilities.

As Prince Charles prepares to ascend to the throne, many are wondering what role his wife, Camila, will play as Queen. While there is no set protocol for the role of a Queen consort, there are several possibilities for how Camila could contribute to the monarchy and the country as a whole.

The traditional role of Queen Consort.

Historically, the role of a Queen Consort has been to support the King and carry out ceremonial duties. This could include attending state events, hosting foreign dignitaries, and representing the monarchy at various functions. While the specifics of Camila’s role as Queen Consort are yet to be determined, it is likely that she will continue to fulfill these traditional duties. However, with the changing times and the modernization of the monarchy, there may be opportunities for Camila to take on a more active and influential role.

A more active role in charitable work and public appearances.

As the monarchy continues to modernize, there may be opportunities for Queen Camila to take on a more active role in charitable work and public appearances. This could include championing causes that are important to her, attending events and meetings on behalf of the monarchy, and using her platform to raise awareness for important issues. Additionally, as the royal family continues to adapt to the changing times, there may be opportunities for Queen Camila to take on a more prominent role in shaping the future of the monarchy. Only time will tell what the future holds for Queen Camila, but it is clear that she has the potential to make a significant impact in the years to come.

The impact of public opinion on her role.

Public opinion can play a significant role in shaping the role that Queen Camila takes on in the monarchy. If she is well-liked and respected by the public, there may be more opportunities for her to take on a more active role. On the other hand, if she is unpopular or controversial, it may be more difficult for her to make a significant impact. Ultimately, the decision about Queen Camila’s role will be up to the royal family and the Queen herself, but public opinion can certainly influence their decisions.

The Challenges and Opportunities Facing European Newsrooms Today

By

Juan Sanchez Gil

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7 May 2023

The world of journalism is rapidly changing, and European newsrooms are no exception. With the decline of print readership and the rise of digital platforms, news organizations are facing a complex and challenging environment. In this article, we explore some of the key issues that European newsrooms are grappling with, from the need to adapt to new technologies to the importance of maintaining journalistic integrity in the face of political pressure.

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The rise of digital platforms and the need for digital transformation.

With the increasing popularity of digital platforms, European newsrooms are facing the challenge of adapting to new technologies and transforming their operations to stay relevant. This includes developing new digital strategies, investing in digital infrastructure, and training staff to use new tools and platforms. However, digital transformation also presents opportunities for newsrooms to reach new audiences and engage with readers in innovative ways. The key is to strike a balance between traditional and digital approaches while maintaining the core values of journalism.

The importance of maintaining journalistic integrity in the face of fake news and disinformation.

In today’s digital age, the spread of fake news and disinformation has become a major challenge for European newsrooms. It’s more important than ever for journalists to maintain their integrity and uphold the principles of ethical journalism. This means fact-checking information before publishing, avoiding sensationalism, and providing balanced and accurate reporting. Newsrooms must also educate their audiences on how to identify and avoid fake news and work to build trust with their readers through transparency and accountability. By staying true to their values, European newsrooms can continue to play a vital role in informing and shaping public opinion.

The need to engage younger audiences and adapt to changing media consumption habits.

One of the biggest challenges facing European newsrooms today is the need to engage younger audiences who are increasingly turning to social media and other digital platforms for their news. This requires newsrooms to adapt their content and delivery methods to meet the needs and preferences of these audiences. Additionally, newsrooms must keep up with the constantly evolving media landscape, including the rise of mobile devices and the decline of traditional print media. This means investing in new technologies and platforms and finding innovative ways to deliver news and engage with audiences. While these challenges are significant, they also present opportunities for newsrooms to reach new audiences and expand their reach in the digital age.

A new religion from 2021 was founded around a hallucinogenic substance

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7 May 2023

Cross a tiger and a lion and you get a liger, cross a cow and a turtle and you get a helmeted calf, but what if you cross hallucinogenic frog slime with hallucinogenic mushrooms?

According to the lore of psychonauts (people who explore their own psyche by inducing changes in their state of consciousness, mostly for spiritual purposes), this mixture yields a psychedelic substance called psilomethoxine. But although there is no evidence to suggest that this is the case, a whole new religion is being built around it, called the Church of Psilomethoxine, which uses it to produce an effect it calls its “sacrament”.

Formed in 2021, the group quickly gained a following online.

After receiving a sample of the substance from an anonymous church member, the researchers analyzed it and reported their findings in a yet-to-be-peer-reviewed study.

In it, the authors explain that the Church of Psilomethoxine claims to have been able to produce a new hallucinogenic drug by mixing the hallucinogenic compound 5-MeO-DMT – which occurs naturally in the secretions of the Colorado toad – with an extract of hallucinogenic mushrooms. “This compound, called psilomethoxine, is thought to have unique properties and effects compared to traditional substances of a similar type,” they wrote.

The inspiration for this technique is thought to have come from the famous chemist Alexander “Sasha” Shulgin, who is credited with synthesizing hundreds of psychedelic compounds. In 2005, Shulgin suggested that crossing these two extracts could produce a hybrid molecule, and the Church of Psilomethoxine claims to be creating its sacrament using this very method in late 2021.

However, the authors of the new study have some doubts because “the proposed method of producing psilomethoxine from mushrooms conflicts with the established understanding of psilocybin biosynthesis.” After testing their sample using ultra-performance liquid chromatography with high-resolution mass spectrometry (UPLC-HRMS), the researchers found “no evidence to suggest that the compound psilomethoxine is present in the material the church offers its members online .”

“The sample actually consisted primarily of known tryptamines and other natural compounds expected to be present in dried Psilocybe mushrooms, specifically psilocybin and psilocin, with traces of baeocystin,” they wrote.

On its website, the Church of Psilomethoxine describes the effects of its substance as “the perfect blend between psilocybin and 5-MeO-DMT,” although the study’s authors say the so-called communion is simply a low dose of hallucinogenic mushrooms and that any unique psychedelic properties are likely due to placebo effect. “The lack of evidence of new compounds in the sample, together with the implausibility of the proposed biosynthetic synthesis, suggests that the Church of Psilomethoxine is engaging in misleading marketing practices and may be misrepresenting the material it distributes,” they conclude.

In response, the church says it has “never, at any time, claimed that psilomethoxine was ever positively a part of its sacrament. Why? Because at this point it is scientifically impossible to make such claims as there is no reference sample.’

In fact, the compound is only known to have been synthesized once, when chemists at the Institut Pasteur in France produced the molecule from vanilla orchids in 1965. However, their product was not deposited or added to any reference library, meaning it tested for the presence of psilomethoxine is hard.

In truth, the Church does admit that their own chemical analyzes have systematically failed to detect psilomethoxine in their communion substance. However, they remain convinced that the new psychedelic is still out there somewhere.

“Our claims about the existence of Psilomethoxine at this time are based solely on faith, supported by our and our members’ direct experience with the Sacrament,” they say.

Photo: Colorado toad

First person: Surviving abuse to help Eswatini’s neglected children

By

United Nations News

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7 May 2023

First person: Surviving abuse to help Eswatini’s neglected children

“In this community, many children don’t go to school or pre-school, because they don’t have food. Many others can’t afford the school fees. I can’t afford to send my own children to pre-school because my husband lost his job.

Some children suffer from a lack of parental love. We have seen neglected children left to find their own food, and at risk of sexual abuse from adults, who could potentially infect them with HIV.

This also happened to me: although my parents did not neglect me when I was a child, I faced abuse from adults including neighbours, my teachers, and the pastor at my church.

Siphiwe Nxumalo, a World Food Programme (WFP) volunteer in Eswatini, returned to her home country to help orphans and vulnerable children, struggling with poverty and neglect.

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A safe place for kids

Before we created this Neighbourhood Care Point, this building was full of criminals. It was used for storing stolen goods, and the walls were covered in violent graffiti images.

We have created a safe space for kids. After we renovated the structure and opened the Care Point, crime in the area dropped. We are not professional teachers, but make use of online resources, such as classes on YouTube, and educational apps.

We want them to develop an entrepreneurial mindset from a very young age, showing them how to avoid widespread crime and create opportunities for themselves.

Hot meals, five days a week

Around 75 children come to this Care Point. These centres originally targeted children under the age of eight, but we welcome kids of all ages, including those whose parents cannot afford to send them to school, children with disabilities, children in urgent need of food.

With support from WFP, we are able to provide hot meals, five days a week. Every month, we are supplied with maize, beans, rice and oil. WFP also gave us farming tools, and we have created a vegetable garden, where we grow beans, spinach, lettuce, and other vegetables.

I hadn’t realized, until my friends pointed it out, that I always talk about kids, and how to help them. So, I am in the right place. I have found my calling.

Siphiwe Nxumalo, a World Food Programme (WFP) volunteer in Eswatini, returned to her home country to help orphans and vulnerable children, struggling with poverty and neglect. — Children at a WFP-supported Neighbourhood Care Point in Eswatini

Eswatini: an HIV hotspot

Eswatini has the highest HIV prevalence in the world: 27.9 per cent of the adult population lives with the virus; 71 per cent of children are orphaned or vulnerable; and one in four children have lost one or both parents due to HIV/ AIDS.

Orphans and vulnerable children are at increased risk of facing violence and abuse, HIV infection, malnutrition, and reduced access to education.
Neighbourhood Care Points can be found across the entire country. In 2023, WFP supports 800 of these care points with regular food deliveries and farming inputs.
Local volunteers ensure that children have access to much needed education and health care, recreational activities, and healthy meals.

Find out more about WFP in Eswatini here.

Dangers of AI, what specifically did Biden talk about with Microsoft, Google, and other CEOs?

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6 May 2023

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To anticipate the dangers of AI President Joe Biden held a meeting with CEOs of prominent artificial intelligence (AI) companies, including Microsoft and Google, emphasizing the importance of ensuring the safety of their products prior to deployment.

The rise of generative AI, exemplified by apps like ChatGPT, has generated significant interest, leading companies to rush in launching similar products that they believe will revolutionize work dynamics.

Millions of users around the world have started using these tools, which have the potential to make medical diagnoses, write screenplays, draft legal briefs, and debug software. However, concerns are growing about potential privacy violations, biased employment decisions, and the facilitation of scams and misinformation campaigns.

President Biden, who said he had personally used ChatGPT, urged officials to address the current and potential risks AI poses to individuals, society, and national security. He and the White House officials stressed the need for companies to be transparent with policymakers, evaluate the safety of their AI systems, and safeguard them against malicious attacks.

ChatGPT – illustrative rendering. Image credit: BoliviaInteligente via Unsplash, free license

Dangers of AI

During the two-hour meeting, which executives from Google, Microsoft, OpenAI, and Anthropic, along with Vice President Kamala Harris and key administration officials, the discussion focused on transparency, safety evaluation, and protection against cyber threats.

Vice President Harris expressed the potential benefits of AI technology while acknowledging concerns related to safety, privacy, and civil rights. She emphasized that the CEOs have a “legal responsibility” to ensure the safety of their AI products, and the administration is open to advancing regulations and legislation in the field.

Following the meeting, Sam Altman of OpenAI stated that the companies were in agreement on the necessary actions to be taken.

The administration also announced a $140 million investment from the National Science Foundation to establish seven new AI research institutes. Additionally, the White House’s Office of Management and Budget will release policy guidance on the use of AI by the federal government.

Leading AI developers, including Anthropic, Google, Hugging Face, NVIDIA, OpenAI, and Stability AI, will participate in a public evaluation of their AI systems.

The proliferation of AI technology is expected to lead to an increase in political ads created using AI imagery, and the U.S. regulators are working closely with the U.S.-EU Trade & Technology Council on tech regulation.

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Pentagon developing wearable technology to predict different diseases

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6 May 2023

The U.S. Department of Defense is making investments in wearable technology that has the potential to quickly predict the occurrence of different diseases.

Working in collaboration with the private sector, the Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) has already created a wearable device that proved highly effective in identifying COVID-19 infections during the pandemic. But they did not stop at this point.

Jeff Schneider, the program manager for the Rapid Assessment of Threat Exposure (RATE) project, says the Defense Department intends to expand the device’s usage to detect other infectious diseases among military service members. If the existing version of the technology can detect just COVID-19, the upgraded version should be able to detect multiple pathogens.

The RATE algorithm is able to use the biometric data obtained from different sources, including commercially-available smartwatches. Image credit: Solan Feyissa via Unsplash, free license

Initially launched in 2020 by the Defense Threat Reduction Agency, the RATE project has been successful in its prototype phase during the COVID-19 crisis. This project uses a robust artificial intelligence algorithm with predictive capabilities which was trained using data collected from monitored cases of COVID-19 in hospitals.

The algorithm utilizes biometric data obtained from readily available commercial wearables. By employing the RATE algorithm, early detection of infectious diseases was made possible, with the ability to identify them up to 48 hours before symptoms became apparent.

Smartwatches that can predict infections are being tested with the U.S. military servicemen. Photo by Cynthia Griggs, U.S. Air Force

In certain instances, the algorithm accurately predicted infections up to six days before their onset, even including cases where individuals were asymptomatic.

The aim of the Department of Defense (DOD) is to maintain the preparedness of its personnel for crucial missions. However, infectious diseases like COVID-19 have always posed an unpredictable risk. Through the utilization of RATE, the DOD can employ commercial wearables to non-invasively monitor the health of service members and provide early alerts regarding potential infections, effectively containing their spread.

Philips is actively participating in the development of the algorithm and has expanded its global efforts to accelerate the commercialization and scaling process.

According to Philips, the algorithm is not limited to specific devices and can utilize biomarker data from any commercially available wearable. By analyzing these markers against their clinical datasets in the cloud, they generate a RATE wellness score that has demonstrated its effectiveness in indicating the onset of infections.

The developer also plans to offer the capability to other firms through a licensing model. The current version of RATE is being tested with Garmin watches and Oura rings.

Midwives scramble to ensure safe deliveries amid violence in Sudan

By

United Nations News

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6 May 2023

Midwives scramble to ensure safe deliveries amid violence in Sudan

“Health facilities and hospitals should be safe havens in times of crisis,” the UN Population Fund (UNFPA) said on Saturday, condemning an attack on a hospital in Khartoum.

Laila Baker, the UN Population Fund (UNFPA) regional director, said pregnant women in capital city are facing perilous conditions.

“We are acutely concerned,” she said. “There is no way we can monitor them, there is no access to safe delivery services, no way to ensure even meagre communication.

In addition, women can go into premature delivery, and complications can arise from panic, she said, adding that “the circumstances are so tenuous.”

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Epicentre of violence

Two weeks of brutal fighting between the Sudanese army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) have turned Khartoum, the epicentre of the violence, into a warzone and thrown the country into turmoil.

More than 500 people have been killed and hundreds of thousands forced to leave their homes, either within the country or across borders to neighbouring Central African Republic, Chad, Egypt, Ethiopia, and South Sudan.

Many of those fleeing have already been displaced multiple times due to political instability, hunger and climate crises, with untold numbers taking refuge in unsafe, crowded and unsanitary makeshift camps.

Health sector collapsing

Only one in four health facilities in Khartoum are fully operational, with most damaged only partially functioning, leaving millions of people without access to critical care, UNFPA said.

Dozens of attacks on hospitals, healthcare staff and ambulances, alongside widespread looting of already scarce medical supplies, water, fuel and electricity, are pushing the health sector to the brink of collapse.

Severe supply shortages

“We have a severe lack of supplies in Khartoum, especially oxytocin and umbilical clips,” said Jamila, a midwife working in a UNFPA-supported health centre in Khartoum. “Although services continue for the time being, we are praying for more supplies to arrive soon.”

Blood, oxygen, and other medical necessities, such as fuel for ambulances, are also running dangerously low.

Despite the catastrophic circumstances, those hospitals and health centres still functioning – and standing – are proving to be a lifeline for pregnant women and new mothers.

Where access is jeopardized, community midwives and skilled birth attendants trained by UNFPA are supporting pregnant women to give birth in the safety of their homes.

Midwives play key role

For women and girls, including the estimated 219,000 who are currently pregnant in Khartoum alone, not receiving essential health services could prove life threatening.

Access to midwives is the single most important factor in stopping preventable maternal and newborn deaths.

Some 24,000 women are expected to give birth in the coming weeks, in the throes of chaos and bloodshed, making it extremely hazardous for them to seek essential antenatal care, safe delivery services, or postnatal support.

Refugees fleeing the conflict in Sudan seek shelter under a tree in the village of Koufroun, in neighbouring Chad.

Fighting threatens safe deliveries

Incessant fighting in the Jabal Awliya village in Khartoum State has severely affected reproductive health care.

“We have designated phone numbers to receive requests for home births, and a midwife goes to perform the delivery,” said Saadya, a midwife working in Jabal Awliya. “We are able to accept all requests for now.”

With continued strikes on infrastructure, there is a risk of electricity lines being cut and even these emergency hotlines being severed for people in dire need.

Some 90 UNFPA-trained community midwives are currently assisting pregnant women and girls to give birth safely, mainly at home, in the Kalakla, Jabal, Naser and Al Azhari areas of Khartoum.

Over the past two years, UNFPA has trained 460 midwives who are reaching even remote communities, including in humanitarian crises, building trust and delivering high-quality maternal health services.

Surge in gender-based violence

There are also alarming reports of surging forms of gender-based violence – sexual violence against women and girls fleeing the fighting, domestic abuse fuelled by movement restrictions and tension, and women and girls being targeted when they go out to get supplies.

In response to the rising risks for some 3.1 million women and girls who were already at risk of violence before the current crisis, efforts are underway to train service providers to provide remote psychosocial support.

Prior to the current crisis, UNFPA distributed supplies for more than 19,000 safe births and supplies to meet the reproductive health needs of more than 45,000 people, including for the clinical management of rape and treating sexually transmitted infections.

UNFPA partners are currently making sure these reach those health facilities and hospitals that are still functioning across Sudan.

Heading to a breaking point

Sudan was already one of the world’s most impoverished countries before the conflict broke out, with one third of the population in need of humanitarian assistance and facing acute hunger.

The recent violence and attacks on health centres are a violation of international law and the right to health, the agency said.

As the situation reaches breaking point, and despite mounting risks, UNFPA said it will continue to assist safe births, seek protection for vulnerable women and girls, and support midwives to save lives.

Learn more about what UNFPA here.

What would happen if the Earth began to rotate in reverse?

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6 May 2023

The Earth rotates to the east, so the Sun, Moon, and all the celestial bodies we can see always appear to rise in that direction and set in the west. But there is no reason why this should be the only possible case. Our planet could just as easily have rotated in the opposite direction, and while the world would be slightly different, life would still go on as usual.

For this thought experiment, let’s imagine a planet just like ours, but rotating westward.

We can’t stop the Earth and turn it around – if the world stops spinning, apocalyptic tsunamis will immediately begin, the oceans will flood the poles, the planet’s magnetic field will cease to exist, and a lot of other troubles. We won’t go into the whole process of reversing the Earth’s spin now, so let’s just imagine that we make a wish and tomorrow it spins the other way.

Sunrise and sunset

Well, the first thing we will notice right away is the sunrise in the west. So far so good, we’ve avoided catastrophic devastation since the morning.

The main thing that will change is the weather – the rotation of the planet affects the winds. This phenomenon is known as the Coriolis effect and is cited – often and wrongly – as the reason why toilet water flows one way or the other depending on whether you are north or south of the equator. The way a household facility, such as a toilet, is constructed can mimic the effect, so the experiment should not be taken as credible.

Trade winds

But in the atmosphere the effect is in full force and the events there will be mirrored: the trade winds at the Equator will no longer blow west, and the easterly winds in the middle latitudes, such as the USA and Europe, but also Argentina and parts of Australia, will no longer push in that direction.

The biological diversity of the planet depends on adaptations that have taken a long time to develop – and now suddenly everything is in the mirror world… Surely many species, including us, will be affected by this. A simple example is that the trade winds at the equator carry nutrients from the Sahara into the Amazon, supporting the region’s incredible biodiversity. Without these winds, this important process could not take place.

Ocean currents

Currents are also affected by eddies and, in coastal areas, by winds. The established flow of hot or cold water in the oceans will change completely, which will have particular effects on the entire planet. The immediate impact this would have is difficult to quantify.

With and without deserts

Let’s assume for a moment a scenario where the magical change in rotation happened a few thousand years ago (so we can ignore all the biodiversity loss). The world would look very different today.

A 2018 study actually models an Earth counterpart that rotates in the opposite direction. One clear difference would be the Sahara – the desert simply wouldn’t exist; Africa and the Middle East would be much greener than they are today. Instead, the southern United States, the Caribbean, Central America, southern Brazil, and Argentina would be deserts. So would Japan and the east coast of China.

A change in winds and currents will also affect temperatures and precipitation. Regions that are now deserts will be much hotter and drier, of course, but there will be changes in other areas as well. Europe will be much colder and wetter, as will the Maghreb and Middle East, parts of Australia and New Zealand.

The planets do not rotate equally

Almost all the planets in the Solar System orbit the Sun in the same direction. Thanks to the conservation of angular momentum of the gas cloud from which our star formed, we are all on this synchronized merry-go-round. But it is not impossible to make a planet rotate in the opposite direction. Uranus suffered a major shock that spun it sideways, so that during its 84-year journey around the Sun, its poles point directly toward it during their respective summers.

More interesting, however, is to look at Venus. Earth’s deadly hot twin has an extremely slow day (roughly 224 times longer than ours) and rotates in the opposite direction around the Sun – so on Venus it would set in the east. It’s a pity that there is constant cloud cover, and it will take more than 100 days!

But the reason for this is unclear: possibilities include that the planet has turned 180 degrees due to the Sun’s gravitational pull and the behavior of its interior; another possibility is that the effect already mentioned, plus the pull from other planets on Venus’s atmosphere, together slowed its rotation to a standstill and then reversed it.

It is still unclear what happened to her; but a counter-rotating Earth is clearly possible. Maybe in some parallel universe there is an Earth like ours with a green Sahara and sand dunes where they should be the Argentinian pampas.

Photo by NastyaSensei:

USA: Slavery has left a deep and long-lasting legacy on the country, UN experts say

By

United Nations News

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5 May 2023

USA: Slavery has left a deep and long-lasting legacy on the country, UN experts say

During the visit, the Mechanism visited Washington DC, Atlanta, Los Angeles, Chicago, Minneapolis, and New York City saying in a press release, that it had been pleased to learn about various promising initiatives that authorities have developed to combat racial discrimination affecting people of African descent.

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Urging accountability and support

Members of the UN Human Rights Council-appointed delegation said they “felt an urgency, and a moral responsibility, to echo the harrowing pain of victims” and their resounding calls for accountability and support

“We saw some promising initiatives centering the voices of victims and survivors, as well as law enforcement initiatives that could be replicated throughout the United States.

‘Reparation initiatives’ welcome

“We welcome the reparatory measures taken so far, including executive orders signed in 2021 and 2022, as well as individual reparation initiatives by way of civilian settlement for damages,” said Tracie Keesee, an expert member of the Mechanism.

“But we strongly believe that more robust action, including on part of federal authorities, is needed to result in strong accountability measures for past and future violations.”

“This includes boosting oversight mechanisms with compelling power”, providing sufficient resources and “robust and holistic” reparation, together with support and rehabilitation to victims, including “access to justice and health, including mental health services.”

The legacy of structural racism

Slavery has left a deep and long-lasting entrenched legacy on the country, which can be perceived through generational trauma, the independent experts noted.

Racial discrimination permeates all contacts with law enforcement, from the first contact – often during early school years – by means of racial profiling, arrest, detention, sentencing and disenfranchisement in some US states, the said.

“In each of those aspects, available data points to a clear disproportional impact upon people of African descent.”

Transition to human rights-centred response

The experts said it should be an “imperative priority” to address and unpack the issue of poverty as it impacts people of African descent, moving from a criminal justice response to a human rights-centred response to poverty, homelessness, substance abuse, and mental illness.

“While acknowledging that most of these efforts would need to take place at the state and local levels, we call upon Federal Government and Congress to continue demonstrating leadership, notably by allocating federal funding to state-level policy initiatives, adopting national standards on the use of force, and undertaking federal criminal investigations into cases of excessive use of force by law enforcement,” said Juan Méndez, another of the Mechanism’s experts.

The Mechanism has shared its preliminary findings with the White House and will draft a full report to be published in the coming months and presented to the Human Rights Council at its next full session.

Independent human rights experts are mandated to monitor and report on specific thematic issues or country situations. They are not UN staff and do not receive a salary for their work.