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Using LED lights and glow sticks, scientists in the Bahamas have discovered an ancient deep-sea crustacean with giant eyes and a see-through body. 

Although the species, which they named Booralana nickorum, is newly identified, it has been on the planet for 300 million years and may play a crucial role in maintaining the health of the ecosystem, the researchers wrote in a study published Jan. 12 in the journal Zootaxa.

 

The new species named, Booralana nickorum, may play a crucial role in maintaining the health of the ecosystem. (Image credit: Courtesy of OceanX)

The new species has a hard exoskeleton; a segmented body; and big, compound eyes to find potential prey. As it lives in the deep sea, where there’s very little light, it has no need for color or pigmentation, so it’s white, and even slightly translucent.

“You can see its guts and things,” study co-author Nicholas Higgs, director of research and innovation at the Cape Eleuthera Institute, told Live Science.

At around 2.2 to 3 inches (55 to 76 millimeters) long, it’s much larger than its terrestrial cousins in the pill bug family — also called roly poly bugs or woodlice — which measures around 0.55 inch (14 mm). B. nickorum’s large size gives the deep-sea scavenger an advantage as it waits on the seabed for food to fall from above.

“The bigger you are, the more you can get from any one meal,” Higgs said, and the longer the animal can last between meals, which is important in this environment, where food is scarce.

The team discovered B. nickorum at depths of between about 1,770 and 1,840 feet (540 to 560 meters) on an underwater slope in the Bahamas’ Exuma Sound. They obtained the specimens during two expeditions, in April 2014 and February 2019, operated by OceanX and the Cape Eleuthera Institute. In 2014, they put down baited eel traps, which caught deep-sea isopods — a type of crustacean with a flattened, segmented body — so they returned in 2019 to investigate further using light traps. Instead of bait, these units had a flashing, multicolor LED fishing light; a green glow stick: a green, deep-drop LED fishing light; and a programmable white LED light to attract creatures by mimicking the bioluminescence generated by deep-sea animals.

Booralana nickorum was discovered during two expeditions to an underwater slope in the Bahamas’ Exuma Sound.  (Image credit: Courtesy of OceanX)

As soon as the researchers examined the specimens on board the ship, they were confident that the species was “definitely different from anything we’ve seen before,” Higgs said.

Further tests confirmed that B. nickorum was a new species. It was named after two members of senior author Edward Brooks’ family, both called Nicholas Brooks.

These isopods play a critical role in the ecosystem by speeding up the decomposition of plant or animal matter so the wider ecosystem can benefit from these energy sources. “Otherwise, it would just sink down and remain locked away in the sediment,” Higgs said.

These crustaceans also ensure that the carbon within the organic matter falling from the shallows is captured in the deep ocean for thousands of years.

Finding new species like these helps researchers understand whether animals in the deep ocean are endemic to one place or disperse from one region to another over time. This enables scientists to better predict the ripple effect of human activities, such as mining. “If you impact one site, is that going to impact animals in a different area?” Higgs said.

With more countries like the Bahamas considering deep-sea oil exploration, Higgs believes expeditions like these are vital in helping decision-makers understand how drilling could affect their precious ecosystems.

“As long as we don’t have access to this environment,” he said, “we’re not going to appreciate it, we’re not going to understand it, and we’re not going to value it.”

They were the men charged by Winston Churchill with carrying out a ‘butcher-and-bolt reign of terror’ behind enemy lines.

One was a swashbuckling English commander, another a Danishman who favoured killing with a bow and arrow.

In January 1942, Gus March-Phillipps and Anders Lassen played key roles in a mission that seemed more at home in a spy novel than reality.

The clandestine Small Scale Raiding Force – acting under the command of the equally top secret Special Operations Executive – was tasked with capturing German and Italian vessels from Spanish territory and sailing them to British-ruled Nigeria.

Incredibly, this flagrant act of piracy was a resounding success – thanks in part to future James Bond author Ian Fleming, who was then the SOE’s liaison at the Admiralty.

Now, acclaimed director Guy Ritchie is set to bring the story of Operation Postmaster to the big screen in The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare, the trailer for which was released this week.

Starring Henry Cavill as March-Philipps and Alan Ritchson as Anders Lassen, the explosive film is based on historian Damien Lewis’s similarly titled 2014 book.

Swashbuckling British commander Gus March-Phillips led the successful Operation Postmaster raid during the Second World War. Guy Ritchie’s new film The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare retells the incredible story of the daring raid. Right: Henry Cavill as March-Phillipps

The three ships targeted by the tiny raiding party of 34 men were the Italian merchant vessel Duchessa d’Aosta, the German tug Likomba and the diesel-powered Bibundi, a barge.

They were moored in the harbour on the Spanish-owned island of Fernando Po (now called Bioko) off West Africa.

Because of its location, Fernando Po held a vital strategic position. It was home to 500 native troops and a dozen four-inch guns stationed around it.

The island’s Spanish governor was virulently pro-Nazi and so hostile to British interests.

The sensitivity of the mission stemmed from the fact that Britain could not be seen to be openly launching an attack on territory owned by neutral Spain.

It meant that bombing the ships from the air was inconceivable. Another non-starter was the option of sinking the vessels in the harbour, because the shallow waters meant they could be re-floated easily.

Instead, a small warship called Maid Honour was disguised as a Swedish pleasure cruiser.

It set sail from Poole harbour in Dorset under the command of March-Phillips, who was known for his stammer.

SOE agent Richard Lippett persuaded the wife of a prominent German resident of Fernando Po to hold a drunken dinner party for the Axis officers on shore.

Danishman Anders Lassen favoured killing with a bow and arrow and played a key role in Operation Postmaster. Right: He is portrayed in The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare by Alan Ritchson

The three ships targeted by the tiny raiding party of 34 men were the Italian merchant vessel Duchessa d’Aosta (above), the German tug Likomba and the diesel-powered Bibundi, a barge

The Daily Mail’s original report of the raid, which included the British denial of involvement

With the alcohol flowing freely and the officers now being kept busy, March-Phillips, Lassen and their fellow raiders used explosives to break the ships out of the harbour before capturing their crew and discreetly towing them to Lagos.

In the event that the plot went wrong, the crew were carrying hidden suicide pills – nicknamed ‘holy communion – they could take before being captured.

But with the mission a success and Churchill thrilled, Britain resolutely denied any involvement.

This denial was made plausible by the work of Fleming, who played a key role in devising a convincing cover story.

It involved British destroyer HMS Violet, which steamed into the Gulf of Guinea to ‘intercept’ the three stolen ships.

It was claimed that the Italian and German crews had mutinied and sailed away of their own accord.

Once in international waters, the Violet seized the ships and escorted them into British custody.

The denial of involvement issued by the Admiralty in part read: ‘In view of the German allegations that Allied naval forces have executed a cutting out operation against Axis ships in the Spanish port of Santa Isabel, Fernando Po, the British Admiralty consider it necessary to state that no British or Allied warship was in the vicinity at the time of the alleged incident.’

In his book, Mr Lewis called the statement a ‘masterpiece of double-speak and deception – one deliberately designed to suggest that the Germans, by means of their wild accusations, had brought the subsequent misfortune upon themselves.’

The raid took place on the Spanish-owned island of Fernando Po (now called Bioko) off West Africa

The historian also revealed in his work the extent of Lassen’s brazen derring-do.

On one occasion, Lassen stole a jeep from American forces and then drove it up the steps of his hotel and into the lift, which carried it up to the floor he was on.

Lassen was also a flagrant womaniser, as a night in Salonika showed. He was seen emerging naked – bar his boots – from his hotel room to tell his boisterous men: ‘Chaps, can’t you let your CO screw in peace?’

His skill on the fighting front summed up by one German commander, who said the Dane and his men ‘come like cats and disappear like ghosts.’

Lassen would go on to serve in the fledgling Special Air Service (SAS) and remains the only man from the regiment to have been awarded the Victoria Cross.

The prestigious honour was given to him posthumously for the act which killed him.

He was hot while storming his third German bunker in northern Italy, less than a month before the end of the war in Europe.

Henry Cavill, 40 (right), stars in the film as Gus March-Phillips, with the movie telling the true story of Operation Postmaster

Guy Ritchie, 55, directed Paramount Pictures’ big-screen adaptation of Damien Lewis’ 2014 book, and ousted Superman star Henry plays the leader of the secret combat organisation (Eiza González pictured)

A scene from The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare, which will be released in April

The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare will be released in the US on April 19. A UK release date has not yet been confirmed

By then, March-Phillips had been dead for three years. He was killed during the ill-fated Operation Aquatint after leading a raider team of 11 ashore in German-occupied France.

The men were chanced upon by a heavily armed German patrol. March-Phillips was shot dead while attempting to swim away.

In a poem shortly before Operation Postmaster went ahead, March-Phillips appeared to foresee his own death in a poem he wrote.

It read: ‘Let me be brave and gay again / Oh Lord, when my time is near. / Let the god in me rise up and break / The stranglehold of fear. / Say that I die for Thee and the King, And what I hold most dear.’

In Ritchie’s new film, which will be released in the US on April 19, Fleming is portrayed by Freddie Fox.

Ritchie’s other films include two Sherlock Holmes titles, Snatch and Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels.

 

The Williams sisters, Venus and Serena, have always been more than just tennis legends; they are a symbol of sisterly support, inspiration, and empowerment. In a recent awe-inspiring moment, Venus Williams took the lead in promoting positivity and fitness on a stunning rooftop, with her sister Serena by her side. Their uplifting message has resonated with millions of fans around the world, making this sisterly endeavor a source of inspiration for all.

A Dynamic Sisterhood

The bond between Venus and Serena Williams is unbreakable, founded not only on their shared love for tennis but also on their unwavering support for each other’s endeavors. This sisterhood is a beacon of strength, resilience, and unity.

Spreading Positivity

In a world where negativity often dominates headlines, Venus Williams has been a trailblazer in promoting positivity and a healthy mindset. Her commitment to spreading this message has not only influenced Serena but also attracted millions of fans who yearn for a brighter, more optimistic world.

Rooftop Fitness Revolution

Their recent fitness escapade on a picturesque rooftop was a testament to their commitment to physical well-being. It wasn’t just about exercise; it was an invitation for everyone to embrace a healthier lifestyle while savoring the beauty of their surroundings.

Serena’s Fitness Journey

Serena Williams, renowned for her athletic prowess, has always championed the importance of fitness. Her journey towards peak physical condition continues to inspire not only her sister but also her legion of fans who admire her dedication and determination.

Inspiring Millions

The Williams sisters’ rooftop fitness adventure has captured the hearts of millions worldwide. Their dedication to a positive mindset, physical fitness, and the bond they share as sisters serve as a source of motivation and encouragement for people of all ages and backgrounds.

The Power of Sisterhood

The support and inspiration that Venus provides to Serena highlight the extraordinary power of sisterhood. It’s a reminder that familial bonds can be a driving force in achieving personal and fitness goals, and that success is sweeter when shared with loved ones.

A Global Inspiration

The rooftop fitness journey embarked upon by Venus and Serena Williams is not just a personal endeavor—it’s a global inspiration. It showcases the impact that two determined sisters can have on the world, motivating millions to embrace positivity and prioritize their health.

Conclusion

The rooftop fitness adventure led by Venus Williams, inspiring Serena Williams’ positivity, has transcended a simple workout routine. It has become a beacon of hope and empowerment for millions, reminding us all of the strength of sisterhood, the importance of spreading positivity, and the enduring power of leading a healthy and active life.

 

The asteroid, called 2008 OS7, is expected to come as close as 1.7 million miles to our planet at 14:41 GMT – about seven times further out than the moon.

It is estimated to be up to 1,574 feet (480 metres) in diameter, which is longer than the Tottenham Hotspur stadium (820 feet or 250 metres).

As 2008 OS7 flies past Earth, it will be travelling at a speed of 18.1 km per second or just over 40,000 miles per hour – roughly 50 times the speed of sound.

The asteroid is ‘potentially hazardous’, although thankfully it’s not expected to pose a danger to our planet.

As 2008 OS7 flies past Earth, it will be travelling at a speed of 18.1 km per second or just over 40,000 miles per hour – roughly 50 times the speed of sound (artist’s impression)

This 180-second exposure shot provided by Virtual Telescope Project in Italy shows asteroid 2008 OS7 during its approach of Earth on  January 31, 2024. Astronomers say an asteroid as big as a skyscraper will pass within 1.7 million miles of Earth on Friday. There’s no chance of it hitting us since it will pass seven times the distance from Earth to the moon

Experts used an AI-powered simulation to see if a nuke could stop an asteroid

Asteroid 2008 OS7 – discovered in 2008 by the Catalina Sky Survey in Arizona – completes an orbit around the sun every 962 days (2.63 years).

But as it does so, it intersects with Earth’s orbit, according to Dr Minjae Kim, a space expert at the University of Warwick’s astronomy department.

He describes it as ‘very small’ relatively speaking, because the largest known asteroid in the solar system, Ceres, is 580 miles in diameter (more than 3 million feet) – big enough for humans to live on.

‘2008 OS7 – a very small asteroid whose orbit intersects with that of Earth – has been classified as a “potentially hazardous asteroid”,’ said Dr Kim.

‘While this will still approach close to the Earth, we don’t need to worry about it too much as this asteroid will not enter Earth’s atmosphere.

‘One of the most intriguing aspects of the 2008 OS7 is its estimated diameter based on its luminosity and reflective properties.

‘This places it in the category of a small to moderately-sized asteroid, roughly equivalent to the size of a football field.’

According to NASA, the asteroid is 210 to 480 metres (688 to 1,574 feet) in diameter.

Pictured is the asteroid’s orbital path in white as well as the orbits of Earth (blue), Mars (red), Venus (purple) and Mercury (pink)

It is estimated to be up to 1,574 feet (480 metres) in diameter, which is longer than the Tottenham Hotspur stadium (820 feet or 250 metres, pictured)

What is a near-Earth orbit?

A near-Earth object (NEO) is a space rock – usually an asteroid – that passes close to the Earth.

A NEO is defined as such when it comes within 1.3 astronomical units (AU) (120.8million miles) of the sun and hence within 0.3 AU (27.8million miles) of Earth’s orbit.

Almost all NEOs are near-Earth asteroids (NEAs), although there are such things as near-Earth comets (NECs) too.

Unfortunately, this asteroid will be too small to be seen by the naked eye, or even with an average telescope.

NASA lists 2008 OS7 as one of the upcoming close approaches on its online tracker, which compiles upcoming objects that are getting closer and closer to Earth.

An asteroid is defined as ‘potentially hazardous’ if it comes within 0.05 astronomical units (4.65million miles) of Earth and is larger than 459 feet (140 meters) in diameter.

Despite being seven times further out than the moon when it makes its close approach, the asteroid is classed as a near-Earth object (NEO) and is being tracked by the space agency.

‘NEOs are comets and asteroids that have been nudged by the gravitational attraction of nearby planets into orbits that allow them to enter the Earth’s neighbourhood,’ said NASA.

‘Composed mostly of water ice with embedded dust particles, comets originally formed in the cold outer planetary system while most of the rocky asteroids formed in the warmer inner solar system between the orbits of Mars and Jupiter.

‘The scientific interest in comets and asteroids is due largely to their status as the relatively unchanged remnant debris from the solar system formation process some 4.6 billion years ago.’

On average, Earth is hit by a football pitch-sized rock every 5,000 years, and a civilisation-ending asteroid every one million years, according to NASA’s Near-Earth Object Program.

Asteroid 2008 OS7 won’t be back our way again until 2032, but it will be a much more distant encounter, staying 45 million miles (72 million kilometers) away.

DIFFERENT TYPES OF SPACE ROCKS

An asteroid is a large chunk of rock left over from collisions or the early Solar System. Most are located between Mars and Jupiter in the Main Belt.

A comet is a rock covered in ice, methane and other compounds. Their orbits take them much further out of the Solar System.

A meteor is what astronomers call a flash of light in the atmosphere when debris burns up.

This debris itself is known as a meteoroid. Most are so small they are vapourised in the atmosphere.

If any of this meteoroid makes it to Earth, it is called a meteorite.

Meteors, meteoroids and meteorites normally originate from asteroids and comets.

On this day 72 years ago, King George VI died suddenly in his sleep at the  Sandringham estate in Norfolk.

He was just 56 years old and had been the much-loved figurehead of the nation during the darkest days of the Second World War.

As the second son of George V, the King was a famously reluctant monarch who had acceded unexpectedly to the throne in December 1936 after the dramatic abdication of older brother Edward VIII.

Christened Albert after his great-grandfather Prince Albert in the last years of Queen Victoria’s long reign and known as ‘Bertie’ to his family and friends, George VI had been a shy and sickly child who suffered from a stutter and had always been content to live in the shadows of the more charismatic and glamorous Edward.

The coffin containing the body of King George V arrives at St George’s Chapel, Windsor, on the day of his funeral in February 1952

Princess Elizabeth was informed of her father’s death while on tour in Kenya. She flew home immediately, changing into mourning clothes once the plane had landed at London Airport

Londoners read the evening papers announcing the news that King George VI had died

He served as a Royal Navy officer in the First World War, seeing action as a gunnery officer in the Battle of Jutland in 1916, and as a ‘spare’ rather than an heir, had been given an unusual amount of latitude in whom he was allowed to marry.

He wooed and eventually won the aristocratic but not royal Lady Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon in 1923 and they had two daughters Elizabeth and Margaret.

His childhood stutter had persisted into adulthood and after his closing address at the British Empire Exhibition at Wembley on 31 October 1925 proved an ordeal for speaker and listeners alike, the prince underwent intensive speech therapy with the pioneering specialist Lionel Logue.

Logue, an Australian, prescribed a gruelling series of daily chest and vocal exercises that proved remarkably successful. By 1927, Berte he was able to give major public speeches without embarrassment.

Neither man imagined the immense stress to which Bertie’s speech impediment would be subjected.

The abdication of his older brother Edward VIII – in order to marry the American divorcee Wallis Simpson – had placed the future of the monarchy under threat at a time when the drums of war were already beginning to sound across Europe.

Logue remained a regular guest at Buckingham Palace well into the 1940s, where he helped the King prepare to address an audience of millions of eager listeners during his wartime radio broadcasts, a story that inspired the 2010 film The King’s Speech, starring Colin Firth.

When he reluctantly assumed the throne at a time of the House of Windsor’s greatest crisis, Prince Albert chose the regnal name George VI in order to restore trust and to stress continuity with his father, George V.

But he was thrust into controversy even before his 1937 coronation, held on a date originally intended to see the crowning of Edward VIII. His first duty as King was to decide how to deal with his errant brother. His solution was to confer the title Duke of Windsor on Edward while denying his wife or any subsequent children (there weren’t any) Royal status.

George VI was then constitutionally obliged to back Neville Chamberlain’s pre-war appeasement of Adolf Hitler, even inviting the Prime Minister to appear alongside the Royal family on the balcony at Buckingham Palace on his return from negotiating the Munich Agreement in 1938.

But the outbreak of war in 1939 marked the beginning of George VI’s defining years. The King and Queen resolved to stay in London with their daughters throughout the Blitz. The Royal family had a fortunate escape in September 1940 when two bombs exploded in a courtyard at Buckingham Palace while they were sleeping nearby.

King George VI, right, the Queen Mother and Princess Margaret wave farewell to Princess Elizabeth and  the Duke of Edinburgh as they depart for Nairobi on a a planned short tour of the Commonwealth in January 1952. In the event, it was cut short

Queen Elizabeth pictured returning to London from the airport following the death of her father in February 1952

 The Daily Mail from February 7 announces the death of King George VI

Queen Elizabeth, Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother, and Queen Mary at King’s Cross railway station awaiting the arrival of the train bringing the coffin from Sandringham, where King George had passed away

Their fortitude won them the enduring respect and affection of the British people after it became clear that they were making a point of sharing the same dangers and privations everyone else, even subjecting themselves to food rationing and restrictions on the depth of their bathwater.

The war also saw George VI forge a particularly close relationship with Winston Churchill – the two men met at least once a week to discuss the latest development with frankness.

The stresses of the war coupled with the George VI’s heavy smoking took a heavy toll on the King’s health.

He suffered hardening of the arteries and blood clots in his legs, and in 1951 had to undergo an operation to remove a lung because of a malignant tumour.

His last public appearance was to wave goodbye to his eldest daughter, Princess Elizabeth, at London Airport on 31 January 1952 as she and her husband the Duke of Edinburgh set off as his replacements on what was intended as a lengthy Commonwealth tour.

Joined by his wife, Queen Elizabeth – later styled the Queen Mother – and their younger daughter, Princess Margaret, the Royal family said their goodbyes on the tarmac before gathering on a rooftop to watch the plane take off.

That is why Elizabeth was thousands of miles away at a game reserve in Kenya when the King died in his sleep six days later on 6 February 1952.

The news was relayed to Royal courtiers on the tour, but it was Prince Philip, her husband, who told her the news of her father’s death.

The couple were staying at Sagana Lodge, given to them as a wedding present by the people of Kenya, after spending the night at the Treetops Hotel, in Aberdare Forest, watching big game.

At just 25, the new Queen was the same age as the first Elizabeth had been when she came to the throne in 1558.

 As he heard the news, Philip looked as if ‘you’d dropped half the world on him’, according to one close aide. But Elizabeth was composed even in a time of grief.

Lord Charteris, her then-private secretary, recalled seeing the new Queen seated at her desk in the Lodge shortly after being told the news.

Her cheeks were slightly flushed, but there were no tears.

She was ready to fulfil the role for which she had been carefully groomed.

When he asked what name she wished to use as Queen, she replied simply: ‘My own name, of course, Elizabeth.’

The tour was cancelled and the royal couple arrived home on 7 February.

Her grandmother Queen Mary, widow of King George V, was first to pay formal homage, kissing the new Queen’s hand.

The next day, February 8, Princess Elizabeth was formally proclaimed Queen.

Four days ahead of his funeral, the famous photo of three generations of Queens was taken: Queen Mary, the Queen Mother and the new Queen Elizabeth stood together as they awaited the arrival of the King’s coffin for the lying-in-state that would follow

The King’s coffin was taken by train from Sandringham to London and conveyed by road to Westminster Hall, where BBC broadcaster Richard Dimbleby said ‘Never safer, better guarded, lay a sleeping king than this, with a golden candlelight to warm his resting place, and the muffled footsteps of his devoted subjects to keep him company.’

On the day of the funeral, February 15, George’s coffin was draped in the royal standard, with a crown, orb and sceptre placed on top.

The funeral cortege then made its way to Paddington Station, with the coffin on a gun carriage s hauled by Royal Navy seamen as the Queen, the Queen Mother and Princess Margaret followed behind.

As the procession made its way through London, the bells of Big Ben rang out 56 times, with each chime representing a year of the late King’s life.

Prime Minister Winston Churchill arrives for the Privy Council after the death of the King

The coffin of King George VI is disembarked from a train at King’s Cross Station en route to Westminster Hall

Queen Elizabeth II, right, and Princess Margaret are veiled as they travel with their father’s cortege to Westminster Hall

The body of King George VI lies in state in Westminster Hall before being taken to St George’s Chapel, Windsor. Here, it is guarded by beefeaters and members of the Household Cavalry

From Paddington, the coffin was taken to Windsor by train, where a simple funeral service was held in St George’s Chape, where British monarchs have been buried since the 15th century.

When the funeral got underway at 2pm, the nation fell silent, with even passengers on a transatlantic flight to New York rising from their seats to bow their heads.

The service was presided over by the then Archbishop of Canterbury Geoffrey Fisher and the Archbishop of York Cyril Garbett.

There were no television cameras but the funeral service was was described in intricate detail by the Daily Mail, which read: ‘One moment it seemed that the King was with us, and the next that he had gone…

‘But a moment before and our new Sovereign, Queen Elizabeth, had taken the Colour of the King’s Company, the Grenadier Guards, and had placed it on the end of the coffin.

‘Then, as all that is mortal of her father sank into its purple sepulchre, she stepped forward and sprinkled earth on to the coffin.’

It added: ‘In that moment it seemed that this slim slight figure who has borne the intense nervous strains of the past ten days with magnificent composure was dedicated and set apart.

In mourning, the Queen at the funeral of her father with  husband, Prince Philip, and the Queen Mother on February 15, 1952. The Duke of Windsor stands far right

The final journey of King George VI, when his coffin was taken in procession from Windsor Railway Station to the funeral service

The funeral procession of King George VI of England passing the walls of Windsor Castle on its way to St George’s Chapel, where the service and burial took place

‘In that moment the young Queen, bidding mute farewell to her father and predecessor on the Throne, had taken her place in the long and glorious role of those who have worn the Crown.’

Elizabeth’s final tribute to her father was to drop a handful of earth that she had collected from Frogmore at Windsor on his coffin.

His body was moved from the Royal vault to the newly-completed King George VI Memorial Chapel, constructed in his honour in 1969.

The chapel, built as part of St George’s Chapel, is now the final resting place not only of King George VI, but of his wife, Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother, his daughter Queen Elizabeth II and her husband Prince Philip, Duke of Edinbugth and the ashes of his younger daughter Princess Margaret.

The sinking of the Titanic is an infamous event in history. Most people know about the iceberg and the fact that there were too few lifeboats for all the people on board.

However, many people do not know about Charles Herbert Lightoller, the second officer who saved lives and went on to distinguish himself in both world wars.

Lightoller’s maritime career began at the age of 13 when he started a 4-year apprenticeship on the Primrose Hill. A year into the apprenticeship saw him experience his first shipwreck.

The Holt Hill ran aground in 1889 and the Chief Mate was killed. Lightoller and the other survivors spent eight days on the island of St. Paul before being rescued.

Charles Lightoller, an officer on the Titanic.
By the age of 21, Lightoller would be the survivor of a shipwreck, a cyclone, and a fire at sea. He would also have his mates ticket. For years, he would sail the open seas with different ships before joining the White Star Line and eventually boarding the Titanic.

Lightoller was the First Officer on the Titanic for the sea trial, two weeks before its maiden voyage. However, when the ship set sail, he would be the Second Officer as Captain Edward Smith appointed Henry Wilde as the Chief Officer instead.

The Titanic left Queenstown, Ireland on April 11, 1912, and was expected to arrive in New York on April 17, 1912.

Edward J. Smith, on the Olympic, in 1911.
On April 14 at 11:40 pm, Lightoller was in his cabin after his shift when he felt a vibration run through the ship. Dressed in his pajamas, he went to the deck of the ship where he was met by Third Officer Herbert Pitman who had also felt the vibrations.

There was no sign of alarm on the bridge, and the men returned to their cabins to await further orders.

Only a few minutes later, Lightoller would be informed that the ship was taking on water and it was up to F deck in the Mail Room. Getting dressed, he headed to the deck and took charge of the even-numbered lifeboats on the port side.

RMS Titanic.
He supervised the loading of women and children into the lifeboats and asked for permission to lower them. By 2 am, he was lowering Collapsible Boat D when he was told by Wilde to get in, an order he refused.

In the final moments of the sinking ship, he launched Collapsible Boat B before having to dive into the water as the ship surged forward. He was struck by a ventilation shaft but was saved from being pulled under by an exploding boiler. The explosion pushed him to the surface of the water close to the boat he had just launched.

Lightoller survived aboard the Collapsible Boat B.
When the Carpathia arrived to rescue the men in the Collapsible Boat B, it was starting to sink. Lightoller was the last Titanic survivor to be taken aboard as he insisted on helping the others first. He was also the most senior officer to survive the sinking and would be called to the American Inquiry of the sinking.

This would not be the end of his time at sea as, after the American and British Inquiry, he would sail as First Officer on the Oceanic. He was still serving on the ship when WWI began and it became an armed merchant cruiser.

Lightoller, right, with third officer Herbert Pitman.
With the change in status of the ship, he would become a Lieutenant instead of the First Officer. The Oceanic would not serve in the Navy for long as it ran aground on September 8, 1914, before being broken up by a storm three weeks later.

Just before Christmas in 1915, Lightoller was given command of the torpedo boat HMTB 117. His actions as commander would lead to him being presented with the Distinguished Service Cross.

He was then promoted to commander of the Falcon, a torpedo boat destroyer. The Falcon would eventually meet the same fate as the Titanic after colliding with a trawler.

Charles H. Lightoller, second officer of the RMS Titanic.
By the end of 1918, he would leave the Royal Navy as a full commander. His promotion was prompted by his actions in sinking a UB-110 by ramming it with the destroyer Garry.

After leaving the Navy, he returned to White Star Line, but the company wanted to forget about the Titanic and all the people associated with it. This led to him resigning after serving for 20 years with the company.

Troops evacuated from Dunkirk on a destroyer about to berth at Dover, May 31, 1940.
During his years in retirement, Lightoller opened a guest house and bought a yacht called the Sundowner. However, this was not the end for the seaman as he found himself part of Operation Dynamo in 1940 at the age of 66.

The operation started with a request sent by the British Admiralty for private vessels to help with the evacuation of 400,000 Allied soldiers near Dunkirk.

On June 1, 1940, Lightoller sailed the Sundowner out of Ramsgate with his son Roger and Sea Scout Gerald Ashcroft. The vessel had a capacity of 21 people, but they were able to fit 130 soldiers on board.

On the return voyage, the Sundowner was attacked by runs from Luftwaffe aircraft. However, the evasive maneuvers used by Lightoller ensured that none of the strafing runs hit the boat.

Lightoller’s Sundowner. Photo by Stavros1 CC BY SA 3.0
Another danger came from the waves of fast-moving destroyers, particularly as the Sundowner was deep in the water due to the additional weight and was in danger of being swamped. After 12 hours, the ship made it safely back to Ramsgate.

After the first run, Lightoller wanted to head back to Dunkirk, but only ships able to travel 20 knots were allowed. Following the operation, he joined the Home Guard and worked with the Royal Navy on the Small Vessel Pool until the end of the war.

He was eventually ‘demobbed’ at the age of 72.

NBA star Dwight Howard is the first big name sports star to officially come out, Media Take Out has learned. And he did so this week, in legal paperwork filed in response to a lawsuit.

In an explosive response to a lawsuit where a gay man accused NBA legend Dwight Howard of assault, Media Take Out confirmed that Dwight admitted in legal documents that he met his accuser Stephen Harper on social media in May 2021.

Stephen claims in the lawsuit that he was s****lly assaulted by Dwight so brutally that his bussy was torn to pieces by the 7 foot tall NBA player.

Radar Online was the first to break this story.

Dwight denies assaulting Stephen but he admits to a WHOLE LOT. In his response, he admits having a thr**some with Harper and a person with male body parts named Kitty, who dressed as a woman.

In Stephen Harper’s lawsuit, he claims that he reached out to Dwight via direct message on Instagram. Stephen says Dwight responded and told him he was into “freaky” stuff and that he asked for Harper to send him explicit photos.

Dwight admitted, in his response to the lawsuit, that he did exchange texts with Harper between May 2021 to July 2021, “several of which included s**ually explicit content, such as photographs and videos.”

WHAAAATTT!!

The ex-NBA star also admitted in the legal documents that Harper came over to his home on July 19, 2021. Howard admitted they went to his bedroom, removed their clothing, and “engaged in consensual kissing.”

WHAAAAAAAAAAAATTT!!

In his lawsuit, Harper claimed Howard surprised him by bringing out trans-person, who called himself “Kitty.”

In his complaint, Harper said Dwight wanted a thr**some with Kitty, but he resisted. That’s when, according to Harper, he was assaulted.

Dwight Howard responded, saying first that he was NOT surprised by Kitty being in the bedroom. He said “Plaintiff was aware that [Kitty] would also be arriving at the home prior to Plaintiff even arriving at Defendant’s home.”

And according to Dwight, they all had a consensual three**some.

“The three agreed to touch one another and to engage in consensual sexual activity,” Howard’s lawyer wrote.

WHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAATTTT!!

We’re utterly speechless.

In the late 16th century, plans were floated throughout the increasingly powerful Spanish Empire for a possible conquest of China.

Many of those in the recently acquired Spanish territory of Manila, including governor Francisco de Sande, were in favour of using the Philippines to stage such an attack.

Were it not for the reluctance on the part of Philip II, who was occupied with threats in Europe, perhaps an invasion would have been launched. But could it have been successful? Or would it have resulted in disaster?

Why did the Spanish Empire contemplate invading China?

At the very beginning of the 16th century, the Spanish were competing with the Portuguese and wanted to seize a port similar to Macau.

Spain’s initial interest in China arose from early contacts between the Portuguese and Chinese.

These began around 1511 in Malacca, in modern-day Malaysia, a city oflittle was known about China in the West, in contrast to the Americas, until the second half of the 16th century, although there are some Portuguese manuscript sources from as early as 1524.

The notion of armed incursion, the seizure of a port or of the whole province of Canton, was mooted in these accounts.

They also described an “effeminate” Chinese population exploited and tyrannised by mandarins, with a defective military.

The Portuguese attempted to establish themselves from the 1520s in Macau, but suffered a series of naval defeats, with the Chinese reverse-engineering and then mass-producing the canon and firearms they had captured, neutralising any military advantage Europeans may have possessed.

Eventually they signed a treaty and leased Macau to the Portuguese in 1557 in exchange for silver, an arrangement that lasted until 1999.

 

Renowned actor Denzel Washington has issued a shocking warning to spiritual leader T.D. Jakes and music mogul Diddy.

In a recent interview, Washington had some powerful words of caution for the two influential figures.

Washington expressed concern over the responsibility and power that Jakes and Diddy hold in their respective fields. He emphasized that they possess the ability to shape and influence the minds and hearts of millions of people around the world.

The actor urged both individuals to be mindful of the impact they have on their followers and to use their platforms wisely. Washington stressed that they must understand the gravity of their positions and the potential consequences of their actions.

Washington’s message appeared to stem from a deeply rooted belief in the responsibility of leaders to lead with integrity and empathy. His warning serves as a reminder that those in positions of power must be conscious of the effects of their words and actions.

This cautionary statement comes at a time when many public figures are being called out for their questionable behavior and lack of accountability. Washington’s words serve as a timely reminder for Jakes and Diddy to be mindful of their actions and to lead by example.

Overall, Denzel Washington’s message to T.D. Jakes and Diddy is a powerful call for them to recognize the influence they possess and to use it responsibly. It serves as a wake-up call for leaders in various industries to be mindful of the impact they have on those who look up to them.

Serena Williams’s Daughter: Living a Life of Luxury from a Young Age

 

In the glamorous world of celebrity offspring, few can rival the opulent lifestyle enjoyed by Serena Williams’s daughter. From a tender age, she has been a shining example of what it means to grow up in the lap of luxury, frequently adorned in designer attire and savoring all the perks that come with her famous lineage.

Born into the spotlight, Serena Williams’s daughter has been making headlines since the moment she entered the world. With a mother who is one of the most iconic figures in the world of tennis and beyond, it was inevitable that her life would be far from ordinary. However, what sets her apart is the extent to which she has been able to revel in extravagance right from the beginning.

One of the мost striking aspects of her opυlent lifestyle is her iмpeccable fashion sense. Serena Williaмs’s daυghter is freqυently seen dressed in designer clothing that woυld мake even the мost seasoned fashionistas envioυs. Her wardrobe is a testaмent to her faмily’s afflυence, with an array of cυstoм-мade oυtfits, high-end brands, and exclυsive pieces that мost people can only dreaм of.

Bυt it’s not jυst aboυt the clothes. Serena Williaмs’s daυghter is often photographed attending A-list events, rυbbing shoυlders with celebrities, and traveling to exotic destinations. Her life is a whirlwind of lυxυry vacations, exclυsive parties, and high-society gatherings that мost people can only fantasize aboυt.

In a world where faмe and fortυne often coмe hand in hand, Serena Williaмs’s daυghter has eмerged as a shining exaмple of what it мeans to enjoy the frυits of sυccess froм a yoυng age. Her story continυes to captivate the pυblic, мaking her a syмbol of opυlence and extravagance in the world of celebrity offspring. As she grows, the world eagerly watches to see what incredible experiences and lυxυries await her in the fυtυre.