A volcanic eruption typically threatens the local environment and the land-bound animals within it. A recent situation in the Pacific Ocean, however, was anything but typical.
On May 17, the Twitter account for the NASA Earth Observatory shared details of underwater eruptions occurring a few days earlier at the Kavachi Volcano, near the Solomon Islands in the Pacific Ocean. The space agency’s Landsat 9 satellite, which was launched last September in conjunction with the U.S. Geological Survey, captured images of what scientists described as a “Sharkcano” eruption east of New Guinea.
According to the Smithsonian Global Volcanism Program, the May eruptions were not the first time this happened at Kavachi, one of the Pacific Ocean’s most active underwater volcanoes. Major eruptions occurred in 2007 and 2014, and NASA researchers uncovered satellite images of plumes of water emerging from Kavachi’s crater.
Because of the unique nature of the Kavachi volcano’s location, an unexpected thriving shark population swims within the deep ocean crater.
This image by NASA’s Landsat 9 shows a close-up look of the discolored water plume being emitted by a “Sharkcano,” an underwater volcano that lies about 15 miles south of Vangunu Island. (NASA)
Scientists found incredible footage of silky sharks and hammerheads “living within the volcano’s crater, which has been dubbed “Sharkcan.” Hammerheads can weigh anywhere between 500 and 1,000 pounds. The presence of these sharks, researchers wrote in a 2016 Oceanography article, brought up “new questions about the ecology of active submarine volcanoes and the extreme environments in which large marine animals can exist.”
“If gelatinous zooplankton, sharks and other fish species have a particular tolerance for hot and acidic water, do these groups have a greater chance of surviving human-induced changes to ocean chemistry and periods of increased volcanism on a global scale?” the article pondered.
The Oceanography researchers used a baited drop camera to dive 150 feet inside the crater, observing stingrays and jellyfish (among other creatures) living alongside the sharks.
The summit of Kavachi, NASA estimates, is approximately 20 meters, or roughly 65 feet, below sea level, while the base lies on the seafloor at a depth of 0.75 of a mile. The volcano formed in a tectonically active area known for phreatomagmatic eruptions. These are the interaction of magma and water, which causes explosive eruptions that can eject such matter as steam, ash and volcanic rock fragments.
Hammerhead sharks are known inhabitants of the acidic conditions within the Kavachi Volcano in the Pacific Ocean. (Francesca Scalpi/Flickr)
Now, the shark inhabitants find themselves in the middle of such eruptions, with details yet to emerge about the safety of both the hammerhead and the silky shark species that swim within the crater.
According to NASA, Landsat 9 is the only U.S. satellite with the mission of observing “the global land surface at a moderate scale that shows both natural and human-induced change.”
An adorable three-year-old girl who delighted retirees by dressing as a ‘mini-queen’ and paying ‘royal’ visits to care homes has taken her first-ever trip to Buckingham Palace.
Little Isla Bates undertook several “royal engagements” across the north of England to celebrate the Platinum Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II, where she walked down a red carpet and perfected her regal wave.
But on Monday, May 23, the little queen got the chance to visit Queen Elizabeth’s royal residence in London, where she wore her signature salmon pink outfit – charming passers-by.
Isla’s mother, Alex Fairhurst, said it was a “once in a lifetime” chance for the tot to visit the palace dressed in her smart coat and hat, with a pearl necklace and matching shoes.
And for full effect, she also donned her signature wig, with greying hair, leading scores of enthusiastic tourists to ask for photos with her.
Alex said: “It was a special day for her. It was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, especially so close to the jubilee – and being dressed as a mini-queen!
“There were lots of people coming over who wanted pictures, and we got as close as we could to the palace.”
Isla said she was thrilled to finally set her eyes on the real queen’s residence.
She said: “I was so excited to see the palace. It was my first time ever in London!”
As part of The Queen’s Green Canopy initiative, Isla has used her time as the mini-queen to plant trees at care homes dotted around Stockport in metropolitan Manchester in central England.
The project, which was introduced for the jubilee year, is designed to enhance the environment and create a legacy in honor of the queen’s leadership of the nation.
And at Bramhall Manor, in Stockport, three residents – John Rankin, Richard Dixon and Eric Norcross – helped Isla plant a tree, which was followed by a traditional tea party.
An adorable three-year-old girl delighted OAPs by dressing as a ‘mini-queen’ and paying ‘royal’ visits to care homes. (Douglas Whitbread/Zenger)
Alex, from Wigan, Lancastershire, said: “Isla thoroughly enjoyed her time at Cheadle Manor and Bramhall Manor, and especially loved dressing up as the Queen.
“It is a real privilege for Isla to be involved in the Platinum Jubilee and by planting the tree: she is playing her part in improving the environment and leaving a lasting legacy in Stockport,” Alex said.
Rowena Bolton, home manager at Cheadle Manor, part of the New Care group, added: “The residents were thrilled to have a mini-Queen for the day and enjoyed the celebrations.
“There were smiles all round!”
Isla also said she had loved bringing a grin to the faces of care home residents.
She said: “I have loved being a mini-Queen and helping to plant all of the trees. I like waving and making the residents smile.”
Isla’s incredible part as the mini queen is one of many fun and quirky events that are being held up and down the country during Elizabeth’s Platinum Jubilee year.
The monarch first came to the throne on February 6, 1952, and has served the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth for the last 70 years.
Earlier this month, Queen Elizabeth attended a jubilee celebration at the Royal Windsor Horse Show, which featured stars including actors Dame Helen Mirren, Tom Cruise, and Damian Lewis.
An adorable three-year-old girl delighted OAPs by dressing as a ‘mini-queen’ and paying ‘royal’ visits to care homes. (Douglas Whitbread/Zenger)
And during the extravaganza, she watched performances by the Household Cavalry and saw acts from comedian Omid Djalili and singer Gregory Porter.
Despite concerns surrounding her health, the 96-year-old monarch made a surprise public appearance last week to open the new London “Elizabeth Line” of the city’s underground rail system.
The Queen paired a sunshine yellow Stewart Parvin double-wool crepe coat with a matching hat and a diamond brooch designed in Singapore while walking aided with a cane.
She was joined by her youngest son, Prince Edward, the Earl of Wessex, for the official visit, with Prime Minister Boris Johnson commenting that it was “fantastic to see her.”
A thrifty mother filled her entire wardrobe with second-hand clothes – with all items costing less than $7.50.
Twenty years ago, Nadine Stephens, 47, began looking in thrift shops for vintage fashions and furniture.
At the time Nadine, from Brisbane, Australia, had four children for whom she had to scrimp because of her low income.
But when she fell in love with finding incredible second-hand goods, she decided to adopt the lifestyle for good.
The schoolteacher committed to turn her home into a vintage paradise, filled with hand-me-down goods and upcycled furniture.
Not just that, but she opted to make her whole wardrobe second-hand too, with a savings of $5,000 a year.
Nadine sees it as her way of saving some money and doing her bit for the planet – and says it’s easier than you think.
She said: “I have a love of all things quirky and you don’t get that in mainstream stores.
“If I can avoid buying new, I will – I don’t see the point of it when there are so many second-hand things out there.
“I think there is still a mindset that second-hand means bad quality – people can’t believe some of the things I get!
“I even get friends asking if I can teach them how to thrift shop.
“But it’s just about having patience and waiting to find the thing you need – it comes when you least expect it.
“Other than that, I don’t really find it any different to shopping normally.
“Except you come out with a better mindset because you are saving the planet – and thousands of dollars!”
Nadine began shopping second-hand as she raised her four children when money was tight.
But the more she did it, the more she became hooked on finding all sorts of amazing items with slashed prices.
The mother-of-four filled her wardrobe to the brim with unique and quirky outfits that perfectly suited her style.
And because she bought them all from thrift shops and rummage sales, nothing in her wardrobe cost more than $10.
Nadine explained that she puts together a list of items she wants to buy, and shops around to find them second-hand.
Sometimes, Nadine doesn’t find the item she needs but won’t go out and buy it new because she committed to a second-hand lifestyle.
Nadine Stephens, 47, filled her entire wardrobe with secondhand clothes – with all items costing less than $8. (Amy Reast/Zenger)
She said: “If I really wanted a particular jacket, I might spend a few weeks looking at different ones in different stories.
“Sometimes, you can look for things for a really long time and not find them – you don’t always get what’s on your wish list.
“Sometimes it takes years to come across certain items, but it always comes up when you least expect it.
Adopting her own vintage chic style, Nadine said she is often complimented on her outfits.
She said: “Nobody can believe what I get second-hand. There’s the mentality that things that are second-hand are awful.
“But it’s totally wrong – amazing things are out there! You just have to be willing to find what you like.”
Not only is her wardrobe filled with thrift-shop steals, but she has also styled her home using second-hand styles.
Her house is adorned with maximalist colors and vintage prints while her upcycled cupboards and shelves are full of second-hand items.
She told how she scours thrift shops, online marketplaces and even sometimes collects free items from the roadside to find whatever she needs.
Nadine will upcycles items if she can’t find exactly what she needs pre-made.
In the past she spent just $40 on a cabinet which would have cost up to $400 new.
With some added elbow grease, you would never have known it wasn’t brand new.
She said: “I attached new legs myself, from an old table I found on the side of the road.
“Now it’s the most beautiful piece of furniture and cost a fraction of the price.”
She makes her own curtains using material cutoffs, but her most recent find was a six-piece dining set which she picked up for $65 in a thrift shop.
She spruced it up herself – and reckons it would have cost over $1,000 new.
She said: “We live in a throwaway society – nobody fixes things anymore, they just buy new instead.
“I could head down to the store and buy things new very easily, but I can’t bring myself to do it because I know what’s out there second-hand.
“I always look for quality pieces that are sturdy and well made because you know they aren’t going to fall apart.”
While her main motivator is to reduce environmental damage, she admitted the transition to second-hand only has saved her a hefty sum.
Nadine Stephens, 47, filled her entire wardrobe with secondhand clothes – with all items costing less than $8. (Amy Reast/Zenger)
Nadine says she “couldn’t put a figure on” what she has saved, but says it is “tens of thousands” over the years.
She said: “I’ve just bought a house so it’s helping me to pay off the mortgage quickly.
“I’m also looking to buy a car so I’m putting money aside for that
“I wouldn’t do anything while my daughter is still in school, but I would love to save some money to go traveling one day.”
Nadine said she can’t imagine herself ever moving away from her second-hand lifestyle.
She said: “Secondhand is my way of reducing my carbon footprint and feeling better about my place in the world.
With 20 years of a second-hand lifestyle under her belt, Nadine has put together a list of handy tips to help others get on board:
1. Be patient.
“Don’t be impulsive with the things you are looking for.
“That perfect jacket, the perfect lamp is out there – you just haven’t found it yet.”
2. Set a budget.
“If you only want to spend $20 on a bookcase, stick to it!
“Don’t be swayed – unless it’s something amazing.”
3. Write a list of the things that you are looking for.
“Second hands stores carry a lot of goods and it can be overwhelming.
“If you’ve got your list, you’re good to go.”
4. Look on Facebook Marketplace and join your local marketplace group.
“There are lots of things to get from there for free!”
5. Don’t forget flea markets, yard sales, and rummage sales.
“They are generally cheaper than the second-hand stores as people are wanting to get rid of their stuff. Great prices everywhere!”
6. When buying off Facebook marketplace, always ask for a discount.
“Most sellers are willing to drop the price for a quick sale.”
For more from Nadine, visit her Instagram @the.hummingbird.thrifter.
Qatar is the host country for the first EA Sports metaverse event held in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region.
This metaverse competition offers a total prize pool of $50,000, which will be split among the four winners who qualify from EA Sports.
Backers say the much-anticipated EA Sports FIFA22 Champions Cup will usher in a new age of esports — organized, multiplayer video-game competition. The entire competition will be streamed live in the metaverse.
Esports fans will get the opportunity to see top players compete for the championship during the event, which is being held May 24, 25 and 28 at the Aspire Ladies Sports Hall in Doha, Qatar’s capital.
Doha’s downtown consists of futuristic skyscrapers and other ultramodern architecture inspired by ancient Islamic design. (NoDurians/Flickr)
(On May 23, the 20-year-old German FabienneXIII, a competitive FIFA player representing FOKUSCLANGG, became the first woman to win a game in the history of the FUT Champions Cup. Her victory is a further push for female representation in the FIFA esports sphere.)
The competition is also the first of its kind in this part of the world.
Along with a wealth of entertainment options and activities, the event features influential figures from FIFA and Qatar. Ooredoo Nation – Gamers’ Land, the company’s esports brand, is also providing a variety of exclusive non-fungible tokens for purchase (NFT).
Nasser bin Hamad bin Nasser Al Thani, the chief commercial officer of Ooredoo, said the company is “proud and excited to delve into the area of Web 3.0 technologies with this latest eSports breakthrough, which coincides well with our strategic commitment to engage in innovation.”
“In this day and age, we believe that esports is one of the most important areas of attention. It is also an area in which we can explore the many chances to provide our consumers with an experience that is unequaled,” he said.
The competition is the first of its kind in this part of the world. (Ooredoo-Nation)
This singular competition will feature the participation of 12 of the best EA Sports FIFA22 players, as well as four players from the region who have qualified by playing in online qualification games hosted by Ooredoo Nation.
The winner of first place will get $25,000, the winner of second place will receive $15,000, and the winners of third place and fourth place will each receive $5,000.
Qatar is an independent emirate on the west coast of the Persian Gulf. Doha, the capital city, is home to roughly half the country’s total population of about 2.8 million. More than 120 U.S. companies operate in country. U.S. exports to Qatar increased by 47.7% from 2018 to 2019, totaling $6.5 billion in 2019, according to the U.S. Dept. of State.
The Nissan Sakura, the automaker’s first Kei car that runs entirely on electric power, had its first public showing at the company’s global headquarters in Japan before being unveiled virtually in the metaverse.
It is possible to get a virtual feel for the Sakura by visiting the Nissan Crossing, which provides opportunities to do virtual test drives. According to the automaker, the purpose of debuting the Nissan Sakura in the metaverse was to provide clients with a one-of-a-kind experience that featured elements of immersive music and lighting. Additionally, a live broadcast was made available on the YouTube account that Nissan manages; however, the broadcast was only available in Japanese.
“The metaverse unveiling of the Sakura [depicted here getting a charge] has been designed to provide a unique experience, with immersive sound and light effects,” Nissan said. (Courtesy of Nissan)
“The all-new Sakura follows in the footsteps of the LEAF and the Ariya as an electric car for the mainstream market,” said Asako Hoshino, executive vice president of Nissan. “The LEAF and the Ariya have paved the way for the all-new Sakura. We believe that it will be a significant game-changer for the Japanese market, making it far easier for consumers in Japan to get electric vehicles.”
The new Nissan Sakura electric vehicle comes standard with a battery pack that has a capacity of 20 kWh and an electric motor that has a maximum output of 47 kW (63 hp). It is reported that this electric car has a range of up to 180 kilometers on a single charge and that it can be charged from 0 to 80 percent in around 40 minutes when using a fast charger. It can be purchased for 2,333,100 yen ($18,440.55) in Japan.
“The metaverse unveiling of the Sakura has been designed to provide a unique experience, with immersive sound and light effects. It will be simultaneously streamed on Youtube (Japanese language only),” Nissan said in a press release.
The company said the initiative reflects Nissan’s expansion of its presence in the metaverse and its creation of more opportunities to digitally communicate with customers.
Nissan is expanding its presence in the metaverse and creating more opportunities to digitally communicate with customers. (Courtesy of Nissan)
Not familiar with the metaverse? Here’s a handy definition: It’s a “digital reality that combines aspects of social media, online gaming, augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), and cryptocurrencies to allow users to interact virtually,” Investopedia.com said. “Augmented reality overlays visual elements, sound, and other sensory input onto real-world settings to enhance the user experience. In contrast, virtual reality is entirely virtual and enhances fictional realities.”
Jefferson County Commissioner Sheila Tyson greets supporters after declaring victory in her Tuesday primary election. (Solomon Crenshaw Jr. /birminghamwatch.org)
