ScienceAlert: The World’s Rarest Mineral Is So Rare It’s Only Ever Been Found Once
The stone itself was purchased in 2010 at a market in Chaung-gyi in Myanmar by gemologist Kyaw Thu, who thought the raw gem was a mineral called scheelite. After he faceted the stone, though, he realized that he was looking at something unusual.
Unable to match the mineral with anything known, he sent it to the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) Laboratory in Bangkok, Thailand. There, mineralogists were able to relate the stone to synthetic BiSbO4 — bismuth antimonate — though with the formula Bi3+Sb5+O4, an arrangement never before found in nature.
SMH: Kristian White: Clare Nowland killer to remain on bail over Christmas
“Mr White did not intend to kill or seriously injure Ms Nowland,” the judge said.
“Mr White did not act out of anger, or malice, or revenge, or retribution, or envy, or jealousy, or avarice, or greed, or some misplaced desire to inflict harm or to avoid detection for some crime. Mr White made a significant mistake in the course of his work.”
Crown prosecutor Brett Hatfield, SC, had submitted a full-time custodial sentence was “realistically inevitable” and that the jury had found White’s use of force “was not reasonably necessary”.
It’s easy to see how the Taser/Axon company’s repeated claims that they are relatively harmless devices lead, at least in part, to this mistake.
Guardian: We need to talk about plastic: five everyday items choking the planet
Some plastics are worse than others and have a unique impact in various parts of the world. Here, we look at five of the worst offenders.
- Plastic sachets, Indonesia …
- Polyester clothing, Ghana and Kenya …
- Drinks bottles, Caribbean islands …
- Tetra Pak, Vietnam …
- Wet wipes, UK …
Guardian: Andrei Popoviciu: My father voted for Romania’s ultra-nationalist. I am beginning to understand why)
His sentiment is not uncommon. For the past 35 years, Romania’s two dominant parties — centre-left social democrats and centre-right liberals — have presided over corruption scandals, nepotism, politically connected fraud and opaque use of public funds. Their decision to govern together in a coalition for the past three years has only deepened public mistrust, reinforcing the perception that they are all in it together against the people. For many Romanians, voting for Georgescu wasn’t just about ideology, but frustration.
iPhone in Canada: Flickr’s “Your Best Shot 2024” Photo Contest Opens December 1st
Photography enthusiasts, mark your calendars! Flickr’s most anticipated annual photo contest, Your Best Shot 2024, is set to begin on Sunday, December 1st.
What began as a casual discussion in the FlickrCentral group in 2007 has grown into Flickr’s most popular contest. Over the years, Your Best Shot has become a global stage for photographers of all skill levels, highlighting exceptional talent and fostering a sense of community among Flickr members.
This year’s contest is bigger than ever, featuring five competitive categories, including the much-loved “Open” category, which makes a triumphant return. Whether you’re a landscape photographer, portrait specialist, or experimental artist, there’s a category to showcase your finest work.
Last Updated: 29.Nov.2024 15:35 EST
