Montana News

22/05/2024

New Study Finds Microplastics in Human Testicles

WASHINGTON, D.C. — A recent study published in the journal Toxicological Sciences has revealed that microplastics were present in every human testicle examined, raising significant concerns about the impact on the male reproductive system. The research was conducted by a team at the University of New Mexico, who analyzed 23 human and 47 canine te**es, collected in 2016 from men ages 16 to 88.

The study found almost three times as many in the 23 samples — collected in 2016 from men ages 16 to 88 — as the 47 canine samples. This indicates a significant difference in the accumulation of microplastics between the two species. The human **es had a plastic concentration almost three times higher than that found in the dog te**es: 330 micrograms per gram of tissue compared with 123 micrograms.

"At the beginning, I doubted whether microplastics could pe*****te the reproductive system," said Xiaozhong Yu, a professor at the University of New Mexico Press and one of the authors of the study.

The researchers were also able to identify the different types of plastics present in the samples. Polyethylene (PE), the compound used for plastic bags and bottles, was dominant in both dogs and human te**es. The presence of these microplastics in the organs raises concerns about their potential impact on the human reproductive system, though the full extent of their health effects is not yet known.

The study also found a significant inter-individual variability in the levels of microplastics across the samples. This suggests that while microplastics are widespread, the exposure levels can vary greatly between individuals.

This study adds to the growing body of research on the pervasiveness of microplastics in the environment and their potential impact on human health. Previous studies have found microplastics in human placentas, ancient rocks, clogged arteries, blue whales, baby p**p, the wilderness of Antarctica, near the peak of Mount Everest, and the bottom of the ocean. The presence of microplastics in human te**es underscores the urgent need for further research into the health effects of these particles and their potential impact on the reproductive system.

By Daniel Webster

21/05/2024

Elvis Presley's Graceland Mansion Faces Foreclosure Auction Amid Claims of Fraud by Granddaughter

In a dramatic turn of events, the iconic Graceland Mansion, once the home of the legendary Elvis Presley is set to be auctioned off this Thursday amid claims of fraud by Presley's granddaughter, Riley Keough. The auction is a result of a foreclosure notice issued earlier this month, alleging that Lisa Marie Presley , Elvis' daughter and Keough's mother, failed to repay a $3.8 million loan secured in 2018 using as collateral.

Keough, the sole heir to the property and a rising actress known for her roles in "Daisy Jones & the Six" and "Under the Bridge," has filed a lawsuit disputing the loan and the impending auction. In her suit, she alleges that the company behind the loan, Naussany Investments and Private Lending, presented fraudulent documents and may not actually exist. She is seeking to block the sale and declare the loan and associated deed of trust as fraudulent and unenforceable.

The legal battle has brought to light a complex web of allegations and counter-claims. Keough argues that her mother never borrowed any money from Naussany Investments and that the signatures on the loan documents are forgeries. She also alleges that Kurt Naussany, named as a defendant, has no connection to the company as he left in 2015, despite a signed email purportedly from him in 2023 being included as evidence.

The dispute over Graceland's future has drawn significant public attention, not just because of the property's historical significance as 's home but also due to the high-profile nature of the individuals involved. The mansion, which became a in 2006, is a popular tourist destination and the final resting place for Elvis, his parents, Lisa Marie, and other family members.

As the legal battle unfolds, an injunction hearing is scheduled for Wednesday, May 22, between Keough and Naussany Investments. The outcome of this hearing could have a significant impact on the future of Graceland and the resolution of the fraud allegations.

For now, the fate of Elvis Presley's Graceland hangs in the balance, with the scheduled auction just days away and a determined granddaughter fighting to protect her family's legacy from what she claims is a fraudulent scheme.

Photo: Wikimedia Creative Commons

By Daniel Webster

20/05/2024

Tips and Tricks for Growing a Giant Pumpkin

By Daniel Webster

Growing a giant pumpkin is a fun and rewarding challenge for any gardener. Here's a guide I've prepared to help you get started on your journey to a .

1. Choose the right seed: The first step I use in growing a giant pumpkin is selecting the right seed. I recommend the Atlantic Giant, Pacific Giant, and BIG MAX pumpkin seed for those aiming for a large fruit. You can pick them up from SeedsNow.

2. Prepare the soil: Good preparation is crucial for growing a giant pumpkin. Till up a 10-foot diameter bed and add 6 inches of composted manure, tilling it into the soil. Shape the bed into a low broad mound and cover it with straw mulch for the winter. Keep in mind that you may need anywhere from 400 sq. ft. all the way up to 1200 sq. feet for just ONE pumpkin.

3. Start indoors: To ensure a strong start, start your seeds indoors in a warm, sunny location. I start mine in my south-facing kitchen window sill. Sow the seeds about 1 inch deep and keep the soil moist. Once the seedlings have developed their first true leaves, you can transplant them outdoors.

4. Provide plenty of space: Pumpkins need a lot of space to grow, so make sure to plant them in a location with full sun and plenty of room for the vines to spread. If you're growing more than one plant, space the mounds at least 10 feet apart.

5. Water and fertilize: Pumpkins are heavy feeders and need plenty of and nutrients to grow. Water the deeply once a week, and every two weeks with a balanced fertilizer. A giant pumpkin may need up to 500 gallons of water per week, once it's getting big. I use well-aged chicken manure from my chicken coop. If you don't have that available, consider using an organic fertilizer every 5-10 days, such as Seaweed (kelp) and/or fish hydrolysate are some of the fertilizers currently being used by competitive giant pumpkin growers.

6. Monitor growth: As the pumpkin grows, gently slip a large piece of cardboard or wood under the fruit to avoid rot and insect problems. Consider putting it on a pallet when it's growing -- easier to move a heavy pumpkin later. Remove the rootlets that form along the vine for several feet on either side of the pumpkin so that the vine can lift freely from the ground as the pumpkin grows.

7. Harvest: Harvest your pumpkin at the end of the season just before the first frost. Cut the stem with a sharp knife, leaving a few inches of stem attached to the pumpkin.

8. Go win your Giant Pumpkin , have the biggest jack-o'-lantern on the block, or make a heck of a lot of pumpkin pies for Thanksgiving. Enjoy.

Share with me pics of your favorite giant pumpkin.

By following these tips and tricks, you'll be well on your way to growing a giant pumpkin. Remember to be patient and enjoy the process, as it can take between 100 and 120 days for your pumpkin to reach its full size.

You can pick up your giant pumpkin seeds at my favorite seed supplier here:
https://www.seedsnow.com/?rfsn=5389593.7a0729&utm_source=refersion&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_campaign=5389593.7a0729

Your purchase at SeedsNow helps support my news service. Thank you. Enjoy your giant pumpkin.

Photos: Creative Commons.

20/05/2024

“Living is the art of getting used to what we didn’t expect.” —Eleanor C. Wood



Photo: The Ride of Their Lives, photographer Jonno Rattman

20/05/2024

Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi Feared Dead in Helicopter Crash; Two Passengers Make Contact Amid Harsh Conditions

In a tragic turn of events, Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi is feared to have died in a helicopter crash in the mountainous northwest of Iran. The incident occurred on May 19, 2024, while Raisi was returning from a visit to the Iranian border with Azerbaijan.

The helicopter, carrying Raisi and several officials, including the country's foreign minister, crashed in the mountainous region known for its challenging weather conditions and difficult terrain. The exact location of the crash site has been identified, and search and rescue teams are currently working tirelessly to reach the site. However, the fog and the rugged terrain have posed significant challenges to the rescue efforts.

The news of the crash has sent shockwaves across the country and the international community, with many expressing their condolences and concern for the safety of the president and the other officials on board the helicopter.

In a glimmer of hope, it has been reported that contact has been made with two passengers of the ill-fated helicopter. The Executive Deputy of the President, Mohsen Mansouri, has confirmed that communication was established with two of the people who were on the helicopter. He stated that the severity of the incident was not "very high," suggesting that there might be survivors.

The crash site is located in an area that has been experiencing severe weather conditions, including heavy fog, cold temperatures, and rain turning into snow. These harsh conditions have made the search and rescue operations even more challenging, with visibility severely limited and the terrain treacherous.

The Iranian government has not officially confirmed Raisi's death, and the nation is bracing for the worst. Prayers and vigils have been held across the country, with citizens expressing their grief and solidarity with the president's family.

The incident comes at a time of heightened tensions in the Middle East, and Raisi's death could have significant implications for the region. Raisi, who has been in office since August 2021, has been a key figure in Iran's foreign policy and has played a crucial role in the country's relations with its neighbors and the international community.

The cause of the crash is still under investigation, and it is not yet clear whether it was due to a technical malfunction or other factors. The incident underscores the risks involved in traveling in the region, which is known for its challenging weather conditions and rugged terrain.

As the nation awaits further news about the fate of President Raisi and the other officials on board the helicopter, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of life and the unpredictable nature of the world we live in.

18/05/2024

"God grants only to those who love it and are always ready to guard and defend it. Let our object be our country. And, by the blessing of God, may that country itself become a vast and splendid monument, not of oppression and terror, but of wisdom, of peace, and of liberty, upon which the world may gaze with admiration forever!"
- Daniel Webster, Statesman, Orator, Attorney

17/05/2024

Harrison Butker's Jersey Surges to Top of NFL Sales After Controversial Commencement Speech

In a surprising turn of events, Kansas City kicker has topped the jersey sales charts, surpassing even his teammate and star quarterback . This surge in sales comes on the heels of Butker's controversial commencement speech at Benedictine College, where he shared his views on faith, family, and societal roles.

, a traditional , has been outspoken about his beliefs on social media platforms, and his recent commencement speech was no exception. He encouraged women at the Catholic college not to feel shame in choosing motherhood over their careers and urged men to be active in their family life. These comments have been labeled as "sexist" and belittling of women who are childfree by some critics.

However, it seems that Butker's comments have struck a chord with a significant portion of the NFL community. The lists Butker's jersey as one of its "most popular," for both men and women. As of publication, the women's XL size for his jersey is sold out on NFL.com.

The surge in Butker's jersey sales is a testament to the disconnect between public figures and media outlets that control the message and the average consumer who controls the market. It highlights the silent majority's disagreement with the vocal minority, a trend that has been seen in recent controversies involving other brands and public figures.

The NFL has distanced itself from Butker's comments, with league representatives stating that his views were not those of the NFL and that the league is steadfast in its commitment to inclusion. Despite this, Butker's jersey sales continue to soar, indicating that his message resonates with a significant portion of the NFL community.

As the controversy continues, it remains to be seen how this will impact Butker's career and the broader conversation about faith, family, and societal roles in the NFL. For now, Butker's jersey sales serve as a stark reminder of the complex and often contradictory nature of public opinion in the digital age.

Grok and Daniel Webster contributed to this news article

Photo: Wikimedia Creative Commons – Harrison Butker on the sideline of the AFC Championship in Baltimore on January 28, 2024.

19/01/2022

EPA NEWS: Purple Martins Thrive Again In New York’s Niagara River Area Of Concern and New York State's Great Lakes Restoration Initiative project helps restore habitat at Buckhorn Island State Park January 6, 2022 Purple martins above Grass Island, Buckhorn Island State Park, Niagara River. Photo Credit: Celeste MorienCHICAGO (Jan. 6, 2022) - U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation and New York State Department of Environmental Conservation today announced that purple martins are returning to a 13.5-acre marsh near Buckhorn Island State Park, in the Town of Grand Island, NY (Erie County). The marsh habitat restoration and protection has been funded by the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI), which is funding approximately $5.5 million. To prevent erosion, rock reefs

EPA and New York State’s Great Lakes Restoration Initiative project helps restore habitat at Buckhorn Island State Park January 6, 2022 Purple martins above Grass Island, Buckhorn Island State Park, Niagara River. Photo Credit: Celeste MorienCHICAGO (Jan. 6, 2022) – U.S. Environmental Protection...

19/01/2022

AMD Zen 3 Cezanne vs. Intel Tiger Lake-H 45 W power efficiency comparison: Ryzen 9 5900HS and Ryzen 5 5600H trounce the entire Tiger Lake-H lineup NEWS: Reviews, News, CPU, GPU, Articles, Columns, Other "or" search relation. 3D Printing, 5G, Accessory, AI, Alder Lake, AMD, Android, Apple, ARM, Audio, Biotech, Business, Camera, Cannon Lake, Cezanne (Zen 3), Charts, Chinese Tech, Chromebook, Coffee Lake, Comet Lake, Console, Convertible / 2-in-1, Cryptocurrency, Cyberlaw, Deal, Desktop, E-Mobility, Education, Exclusive, Fail, Foldable, Gadget, Galaxy Note, Galaxy S, Gamecheck, Gaming, Geforce, Google Pixel, GPU, How To, Ice Lake, Intel Evo / Project Athena, Internet of Things (IoT), iOS, iPad Pro, iPhone, Jasper Lake, Lakefield, Laptop, Launch, Leaks / Rumors, Linux / Unix, Lucienne (Zen 2), MacBook, Mini PC, Monitor, MSI, OnePlus, Opinion, Phablet, Radeon, Renoir, Review Snippet, Rocket Lake, Ryzen (Zen), Science, Security, Single-Board Computer (SBC), Smart Home,

TECH NEWS: Reviews, News, CPU, GPU, Articles, Columns, Other "or" search relation. 3D Printing, 5G, Accessory, AI, Alder Lake, AMD, Android, Apple, ARM,

19/01/2022

All hottest years in the last nine years, according to US NEWS:



With the exception of September and December, each month of 2021 had Arctic sea ice levels in the top-10 lowest levels for those respective months, a US agency said in its annual climate report.

The nine years spanning 2013-2021 all rank among the 10 hottest on record, according to an annual report a US agency released Thursday, the latest data underscoring the global climate crisis.


For 2021, the average temperature across global surfaces was 1. 51 degrees Fahrenheit (0. 84 degrees Celsius) above the 20th-century average, making the year the sixth-hottest in the overall record, which goes back to 1880.
"All this is driven by increasing heat trapping gas concentrations like carbon dioxide," Russell Vose (a senior climatologist at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, NOAA),

SCIENCE NEWS: With the exception of September and December, each month of 2021 had Arctic sea ice levels in the top-10 lowest levels for those respective

19/01/2022

This lifetime password manager NEWS: will help you protect your privacy.



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Between work, entertainment, and just accessing your bills, virtually everything on the internet requires an account and a password now. Remembering dozens of unique passwords is ridiculous, and using the same ones every time isn't safe. The Enpass Password Manager Individual Plan: A Lifetime Subscription provides you with security passwords and the pleasure of not having to remember them.

This password manager will automatically generate strong passwords and fill in your bank details and login information whenever you need them. The login information can be saved to protect all sensitive information. There is no need for it to be stored on servers. Enpass will notify you of security breaches on websites. You can also use Enpass to modify your login information seamlessly. Enpass can be accessed with touch ID or face recognition.

Get

SCIENCE NEWS: will help you protect your privacy. StackCommerce Between work, entertainment, and just accessing your bills, virtually everything on the

18/01/2022

Kosovo bans Serbian vote on constitutional changes on its soil Serbia will hold a referendum on Sunday on amendments to the constitution that would change how judges and prosecutors are elected. Published On 15 Jan 202215 Jan 2022Kosovo's Parliament has passed a resolution banning ethnic Serbs from voting on Kosovan soil in Serbia's national referendum on constitutional amendments.
Serbia is holding a referendum Sunday on constitutional amendments that would alter the way judges and prosecutors are selected. The government claims the move is to ensure an independent judiciary which is essential for EU membership.
Kosovo's independence supporters - the United States of America, Germany, France and Italy, as well as the EU mission – urged Prime Minister Albin Curti to allow Serbs to vote in the referendum.
But in an extraordinary session on Saturday, 76 out of 120 deputies voted in favour of a declaration banning Serbia from opening polling centres in Kosovo.

Serbia will hold a referendum on Sunday on amendments to the constitution that would change how judges and prosecutors are elected. Published On 15 Jan

18/01/2022

Unprecedented YouTube Milestone for Baby Shark

PinkfongBaby Shark has reached a ridiculous milestone for both the video itself and YouTube as a whole. It's the first video to reach 10 billion views on the Google-owned video-sharing platform.

If you're somehow never seen Pinkfong's Baby Shark video, then you should probably consider yourself lucky. This song is one of those songs that will stay in your head for hours. It's a video designed for kids, which is probably where most of the 10 billion views came from. Some probably came from adults who wanted to be annoying their friends by the catchy song.
Coming in as the second most-watched YouTube video is the beloved "Despacito" by Luis Fonsi. It has just over eight billion views, which is slightly less than Baby Shark.
A meme song is in third place with more than six billion views. LooLoo Kids J***y J***y Yes Papa is extremely popular and shows just how widespread a meme can become.
Rounding out the top five videos is an

18/01/2022

FRONT PAGES: Evidence Strongly Supports Sixth Mass Extinction In Progress Of Global Biodiversity . -- Five times has the history of human life been marked by mass biodiversity extinctions caused by extreme natural phenomena. Many experts today warn of a Sixth Mass Extinction crisis, which is being caused entirely by human activity. A comprehensive assessment of evidence of this ongoing extinction event was published recently in the journal Biological Reviews by biologists from the University of Hawai'i at Manoa and the Museum National d'Histoire Naturelle in Paris, France. "Drastically increased rates of species extinctions and declining abundances of many animal and plant populations are well documented, yet some deny that these phenomena amount to mass extinction," said Robert Cowie, lead author of the study and research professor at the UH Manoa Pacific Biosciences Research Center in the School of Ocean and Earth Science and Technology (SOEST). "This denial is

Newswise — The history of life on Earth has been marked five times by events of mass biodiversity extinction caused by extreme natural phenomena. Today, many experts warn that a Sixth Mass Extinction crisis is underway, this time entirely caused by human activities.A comprehensive assessment of ev...

18/01/2022

FIRE: Proposal For Combining Type 1 And Type 2 Incident Management Qualifications Into A Single Level File photo. Southern California Incident Management Team 3. A decade after a similar concept was proposed, the National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG) is being asked again to change the way Incident Management Teams (IMT) are configured. There are currently three levels of IMT, Types 1 through 3. The highest-qualified type is Type 1. Complex Incident Management Teams (CIMT) will combine the Types 1 and 2. The Incident Workforce Development Group (IWDG), a working group of IMT practitioners and subject matter experts jointly chartered by the Fire Management Board (FMB), crafted a memo to the FMB asking for the change, in order to address the following: Reduced number of IMT participants to fill IMT rosters, impacting the total number of IMTs available nationally; Inconsistent use of IMTs due to lack of national IMT rotation management and commitment approval;

File photo. Southern California Incident Management Team 3.A decade after a similar concept was proposed, the National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG) is being asked again to change the way Incident Management Teams (IMT) are configured. Currently there are three levels, Types 1, 2 and 3, with Ty...

17/01/2022

FRONT PAGE: Denmark’s Former Defense Minister Charged With Leaking State Secrets – CNN (CNN)Denmark's former defense minister has been charged with leaking state secrets, he said in a statement Friday. It's unclear exactly what Claus Hjort Frederiksen, a current opposition lawmaker, said or revealed -- or when he allegedly did so. Frederiksen, who also served as chairman of the Intelligence Services Committee, alleged that he was being charged for "violating the limits of my freedom of speech." "I have spoken out as a Member of Parliament on a political issue, and I have nothing further to add at present," Fredriksen said in a statement released by his political party, Venstre. "But I would never think of doing anything that could damage Denmark or Denmark's interest. "Frederiksen's announcement comes just days after news surfaced that Denmark's former spy chief, Lars Findsen, was sitting in jail due to similar allegations. Findsen was charged under the same section of

(CNN)Denmark's former defense minister has been charged with leaking state secrets, he said in a statement Friday. It's unclear exactly what Claus Hjort Frederiksen, a current opposition lawmaker, said or revealed -- or when he allegedly did so. Frederiksen, who also served as chairman of the Intell...

17/01/2022

FRONT PAGES: New Study Reveals The Origins Of Life On Earth *) -- New Brunswick (Jan. 2022)) - A Rutgers-led research team discovered the structures of proteins which may have been responsible for the origins of life on Earth's primordial soup. The study is published in the journal Science Advances . The researchers looked at how primitive life could have evolved on Earth from non-living, simple materials. The researchers explored what characteristics define life as we know. They concluded that any living thing would need to be able to gather and use energy from sources like the Sun and hydrothermal vents. In molecular terms this would mean that life depends on the ability to move electrons. The best elements for electron transport are metals (think of standard electrical wires), and most biological activities can be performed by proteins. Therefore, researchers explored the possibility of combining the two, i.e. proteins that bind to metals. They compared all

Newswise — New Brunswick, N.J. (Jan. 14, 2022) – Addressing one of the most profoundly unanswered questions in biology, a Rutgers-led team has discovered the structures of proteins that may be responsible for the origins of life in the primordial soup of ancient Earth.The study appears in the jo...

17/01/2022

‘Fallout’ series from Amazon appoints showrunners, Jonathan Nolan to direct premiere Home
News
Entertainment

"Fallout" was regarded as a spiritual successor to "Wasteland" and it took role-playing games to a new level
(Image credit: Microsoft/Bethesda)

The live-action TV series based on the post-apocalyptic world of the "Fallout" video games has taken a big step closer to production as Variety reports that Geneva Robertson-Dworet and Graham Wagner are now attached to serve as co-showrunners. Robertson-Dworet is best known for her work on the 2018 "Tomb Raider" film starring Alicia Vikander and for "Captain Marvel." Wagner has also worked on "Silicon Valley", "Portlandia" as well as "The Office." "In addition, Jonathan Nolan will direct the first episode of the series. Nolan is best known for his work on "Interstellar," the Dark Knight Rises, and "Memento." Nolan also created "Westworld." You can interpret this as a positive or negative. The Amazon-produced

Home News Entertainment "Fallout" was regarded as a spiritual successor to "Wasteland" and it took role-playing games to a new level (Image credit:

17/01/2022

Charge iOS, Android, and practically any other device with this 3-in-1 cable



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Tired of lugging around a different charging cable for each of your devices? You aren’t alone. Which is exactly why this 3-in-1 USB charging cable was created. And right now is the perfect time to get it since they’ve knocked 66 percent off the original MSRP.

The 3-in-1 USB charging cable conveniently replaces most of your other cables. On one end, you’ll find a standard USB plug that can go into any computer or standard wall charger. On the other end, you’ll find three different interfaces — a Micro USB, a USB-C, and a Lightning plug — so you can charge a wide variety of devices using just one cable, regardless of platform.





The cable itself is 47 inches long and constructed using durable woven nylon so it can withstand the punishment of daily use. It also features reinforced, smart chip protective joint

StackCommerce Tired of lugging around a different charging cable for each of your devices? You aren’t alone. Which is exactly why this 3-in-1 USB charging

16/01/2022

Step towards better justice: Open the “black box” of plea agreements NEWS:
Roughly 95% of criminal cases in the United States are resolved via plea bargain, according to the Department of Justice. They are often done in secret and hidden from the eye of a judge, as well as a jury of peers. Innocent defendants can be pressured into making confessions before even seeing a lawyer. If a defense lawyer meets their client, they can make compelling plea deals before the lawyer has the time to review the case, file motions or get to know the client. When prosecutors share evidence with defense, including possibly exculpatory evidence, plea offers can be made and accepted.
SCIENCE NEWS: Why This Was Written
Plea negotiation is a secretive process that does not always bring justice to either the victim or the defendant. However, there are efforts underway to improve it.
Hoping to make the process fairer and more transparent, some prosecutor offices are working

SCIENCE NEWS: Roughly 95% of criminal cases in the United States are resolved via plea bargain, according to the Department of Justice. They are often