Britain is sending a huge naval force through some of the most tense waters in Asia

 

The largest naval flotilla assembled by Britain in recent years will set sail in May on a months' long voyage through the Pacific, the country's Defense Ministry said Monday.

"When our Carrier Strike Group (CSG) sets sail next month, it will be flying the flag for Global Britain -- projecting our influence, signaling our power, engaging with our friends and reaffirming our commitment to addressing the security challenges of today and tomorrow," UK Defense Secretary Ben Wallace said Monday.

"The UK is not stepping back but sailing forth to play an active role in shaping the international system of the 21st century," Wallace said.

The strike group will be led by the aircraft carrier HMS Queen Elizabeth, marking its maiden deployment. The ship, one of the UK's two aircraft carriers, is the largest warship the UK has ever sent to sea.

Joining the carrier will be two destroyers, two anti-submarine frigates, a submarine and two auxiliary supply ships, a ministry statement said.

Why is tonight’s full moon called a pink supermoon?

 

If the clouds are accommodating, then tonight’s full “pink moon” will be a little bit bigger in the sky, as our planet’s only satellite is almost as close to us as its orbit allows. But there are a few misconceptions,   says Australian astrophysicist Prof Jonti Horner, about the names some people give to full moons.

Right about now in parts of North America, a native herb known as creeping phlox is coming into its pink bloom. Horner says in the United States, there’s a tendency towards using the names that Native Americans have for full moons. “Last month it was a wolf moon,” says Horner, of the University of Southern Queensland.

The pink moon is named not because it will take on a particular colour, but because of the colour of the flowering phlox. Modern skywatchers term tonight’s phenomenon a “supermoon” – a term coined by an American astrologer Richard Nolle in 1979.Technically, we get a supermoon when a full moon occurs around the time our satellite reaches perigee – its closest point to the Earth.

Horner says tonight’s moon “definitely won’t be pink” but if you’re somewhere where there is pollution in the air, then it could take on a more reddish tinge.

Neighborhood surprises retiring mail carrier by filling mailboxes with presents

 

On Brett Wittwer's last day at work before retiring, the tables were turned. Wittwer, 69, spent 35 years as a U.S. Postal Service mail carrier, and was used to handing people packages. 

But on March 26, residents along his mail route were giving him gift bags and boxes filled with goodies. "It was crazy," Wittwer told Good Morning America. "It kind of brings a tear to your eye." Most of his career was spent delivering mail in the Cincinnati area, and when word spread he was going to retire, people along his route used a neighborhood Facebook page to plan a surprise sendoff. 

BMW 4 Series Coupe 2021 CENIPLUG review

You do have to pinch yourself in this job sometimes. First I was lucky enough to be able to run a BMW 420d Coupé, and then the other day a chap with a lorry turned up to swap it for the top ‘non-M’ 4 Series, the M440i xDrive. 

 BMW coupés have historically always felt special, but this one is arguably even more so. Straight-six engines are a dying breed (just look at what Mercedes-Benz is up to with its new C-Class for proof), so it feels like we’re keeping a bit of the heritage going with this particular car. Day-to-day and pottering around, you don’t notice the difference in pace too much between this and the four-cylinder diesel 420d. But just occasionally the road will open up and you can stretch the 440i a bit more, letting that six pull towards its redline, as smoothly as they have done since time began. The 420d wasn’t a slouch, but you could feel it running out of puff more quickly. Having said that, I will miss the 420d’s sensible and effortless ability to eat miles: it was a remarkably composed and comfortable companion. But my heart is definitely keener on this black car. 

Cadillac Lyriq V Will Be A Classy High-Performance EV

A luxury electric crossover with even more power. Increasingly, automakers are keen to slap their most hallowed high-performance badges on new EVs. The message is clear: electric power and exhilarating driving experiences can co-exist. That's why AMG versions of Mercedes' EQ models are on the way and why Audi now has an RS e-tron GT. Cadillac looks to be following the lead of the Germans.

 Coinciding with the reveal of the Cadillac Lyriq this week, the brand said that a high-performance V variant is being considered. So we decided to envision what a Cadillac Lyriq V would look like. Compared with the regular Lyriq, the V version imagined here has unique detailing for the front grille, a unique lower lip, different wheels, and black exterior detailing that replaces some of the chrome on the standard car. The black roof contrasts nicely with the red paint. As with the normal Lyriq, there are some who believe the face is a bit too fussy. 

Understanding The Dynamics of IT Certification & The Importance of an IT certification.

Achieving IT certifications offers several benefits, including personal fulfillment, financial growth, and a boost in confidence. But most of all, they show employers that you can focus and learn and that you take your career seriously.

So, what does it take to climb the ranks of IT?

Information technology (IT) is a highly dynamic field that provides plenty of opportunities for career advancement. In 2019, the IT market exceeded $2.461 billion. Very few markets, if any, are rising as fast as information technology. And as the industry continues to evolve and change, new types of certifications continue to appear on the market.

European Super League chief claims clubs CAN'T leave: Real Madrid boss says the Premier League Big Six have 'binding contracts' and that JP Morgan has NOT pulled £3.5bn backing

Florentino Perez has warned that no club can leave the European Super League after signing binding contracts to participate and denied JP Morgan have pulled their backing to fund the competition. Speaking out yet again after a flurry of clubs withdrew, Perez - who heads the controversial competition - slammed teams for 'manipulating our project' and vowed that the tournament 'still exists' and will go ahead regardless.

 The Premier League 'Big Six' - namely Manchester City, Chelsea, Manchester United, Liverpool, Arsenal and Tottenham - were the first to pull out of the Super League 48 hours after its official founding, but Real Madrid chief Perez stated earlier this week all 12 clubs involved signed a 'legally binding contract'.

 Speaking to Spanish outlet AS, the 74-year-old has reiterated his point that the plan is only on standby and accused others of 'manipulating' what the Super League project is about to mask fears of what they could lose. When asked what penalties clubs who have withdrawn could face, Perez said: 'I'm not going to explain now what a binding contract is... But the clubs can't leave. 'Some of them, because of pressure, have had to say that they're leaving. But this project or one like it will go forward, and I hope it's soon. 'The Super League still exists, and the members are still in it. 

INDIA Hit Hard by Coronavirus second wave which is set to kill 5,700 people a Day: Already Swamped hospitals turn away patients , victims suffocate to death on wards amid oxygen shortage

Medics fear Covid-19 infections in India could climb to 500,000 per day before the virus-stricken nation reaches the peak of its second wave - as those who delay oxygen deliveries to New Delhi were today threatened with the death penalty. Another 2,624 deaths and 346,786 cases were reported in India on Saturday, although limited testing means this is likely to significantly underestimate the total. The infection total again marked the highest one-day tally of any nation since the start of the pandemic - the third time in as many days India has broken this record. However, leading virologist Shahid Jameel today warned that India has still yet to hit the peak of its second wave, with studies suggesting it may record 500,000 cases per day in the first week of May. 

 India's current fatality rate per 100,000 cases is 1.14 per cent, meaning if the nation reaches this anticipated peak there is the potential for 5,700 deaths per day. Overwhelmed hospitals have continued to beg for supplies today as Covid-19 infections soared overnight in a 'tsunami' of disease, with medics warning: 'Every hospital is running out [of oxygen]. We are running out'. At least 20 coronavirus patients died overnight at New Delhi's Jaipur Golden Hospital on Friday as the 'oxygen pressure was low,' the hospital's medical superintendent Dr Baluja said. He added: 'Our supply was delayed by seven-eight hours on Friday night and the stock we received last night is only 40 per cent of the required supply.' Elsewhere, at the Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, some 25 Covid-19 patients died on Thursday with reports suggesting low oxygen supplies were again the cause of the fatalities.

Thousands gather for anti-lockdown protest in London – despite pubs, shops and gyms reopening

 

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THOUSANDS gathered for anti-lockdown protests in London today - despite pubs, shops and gyms reopening. Crowds marched through the streets for the 'Unite for Freedom' rally against Covid restrictions, vaccines and passports. Signs saying "freedom is non-negotiable" were held up as people let off brightly coloured smoke flares. And activists carried giant inflatable syringes to fight against what they call "coerced vaccinations" - with not a single face mask in sight. Among them was ex-Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn's brother Piers, who has organised and attended several Covid hoax marches.

 The mob ignored police warnings not to gather in large groups to make their way through the capital. Cops have vowed to crack down on anti-social behaviour at hotspots over the second weekend of freedom as temperatures hit 20C. The protest organisers had urged participants to "make as much noise as possible" during the rally but to "avoid making a crowd". However, they also encouraged people to "link arms if the police tried to intervene". 

Arsenal fans hang effigy and call for Kroenke to quit as thousands protest outside Emirates and police called

POLICE were forced to intervene as thousands of Arsenal fans gathered at the Emirates to call for Stan Kroenke's departure from the club ahead of their clash with Everton. Groups of supporters expressed their outrage at the failed European Super League breakaway attempt and general running of the club in North London on Friday. And police had to be called in as some began climbing onto the ticket office roof and throwing flares. American billionaire Kroenke, 73, joined the board of the Premier League outfit in 2008 and became majority shareholder three years later.

 In that time the side have won four FA Cups but slipped out of title contention, and are set to miss out on a top-four finish for the fifth year in a row. Already-brewing fan discontent exploded during the week as ninth-placed Arsenal signed up to the European Super League plot. Protests across all six of the English sides committed to the project led to its collapse and the Gunners' board was forced to apologise but vowed to remain in charge. However, supporters remain determined to see Kroenke and son Josh, a club director, leave the Gunners and vented their anger towards them tonight. 

'Mortal Kombat' ratchets up the gore

Any sober analysis of "Mortal Kombat" already risks overthinking it, but even taking this adaptation of the game on its decidedly R-rated terms, the movie offers few of the visceral thrills that might produce a collective audience response, which makes its consumption on HBO Max perfectly adequate. Of course, in that setting, chuckling at the clunky dialogue will also be a less communal event. Coming roughly a quarter-century after an earlier version and sequel, the movie marks the feature debut of Australian commercial director Simon McQuoid, with "Aquaman" director James Wan among the producers.

 The clear hope is to turn this into another franchise, while leaving enough scattered limbs and gore to satisfy those who simply can't wait to hear someone bellow "Finish him!" For the uninitiated (and thanks for coming this far), the minimal plot involves a newly introduced character, mixed-martial artists fighter Cole Young (Lewis Tan), who is recruited to fight on behalf of Earthrealm against the evil forces of Outworld's Emperor Shang Tsung (Chin Han). 

TRAGGIC Kentucky basketball player and NBA prospect, Terrence Clarke dies at 19 following a car accident in LA

 

Kentucky basketball player and NBA prospect, Terrence Clarke, has died at the age of 19 after sustaining fatal injuries in a car accident in Los Angeles. The accident occurred on Thursday afternoon, April 22, as Clarke's vehicle collided with another that was making a left-hand turn, according to a statement from the Los Angeles Police Department.

 The LA Fire Department transported Clark to a local hospital where he died from his injuries. His death comes a month after he declared for the 2021 NBA draft after playing his freshman season for the University of Kentucky "I am absolutely gutted and sick tonight," Kentucky men's basketball head coach John Calipari said, according to a Kentucky press release. "A young person who we all love has just lost his life too soon, one with all of his dreams and hopes ahead of him. Terrence Clarke was a beautiful kid, someone who owned the room with his personality, smile and joy. 

President Trump Says New York State Will Not Receive COVID Vaccine As Soon As It’s Available

  President Donald Trump announced Friday a coronavirus vaccine will be available in April for the entire country, except New York. Gov. Andrew Cuomo fired back Friday night. The president spoke at a press conference on Operation Warp Speed and vaccine distribution. “Millions of doses will soon be going out the door,” Trump said.

Trump said two vaccines could be approved by the end of the year and be available to all Americans a few months later, but then, the president suddenly said New York will not get its vaccine unless the governor approves it. “As soon as April the vaccine will be available to the entire general population with the exception of places like New York State, where, for political reasons, the governor decided to say, and I don’t think it’s good from a political standpoint, but he wants to take his time with the vaccine,” Trump said. “We won’t be delivering it to New York until we have authorization to do so, and that pains me to say that. This is a very successful, amazing vaccine and 90% and more. But, so the governor, Governor Cuomo will have to let us know what he’s ready for it.”

Cuomo has said he won’t take the Trump administration’s word that the vaccine is safe.

“He doesn’t trust the fact that it’s this White House, this administration, so we won’t be delivering to New York until we have authorization to do so,” Trump said. “We can’t be delivering it to a state that won’t be giving it to its people immediately.”

The governor appeared on MSNBC to respond to the president’s comments.“Everything is personal with this president. There can’t be a disagreement on principle, and he retaliates,” Cuomo said.Cuomo has appointed a panel to examine any vaccine before its distributed in the state.“An overwhelming percentage of Americans are worried about political interference in the vaccination process, in the approval process by the president,” the governor said.

Research study supports cheap combo pill to lower heart risks

 

A daily pill combining four cholesterol and blood pressure medicines taken with low-dose aspirin cut the risk of heart attacks, strokes and heart-related deaths by nearly one third in a large international study that’s expected to lead to wider use of this “polypill” approach. For more than a decade, doctors have been testing whether the cheap, all-in-one combo pills could make it easier to prevent heart disease, the top killer worldwide. Friday’s results show their value — and not just for poor nations. “It’s for all sensible countries,” said Dr. Salim Yusuf of McMaster University in Hamilton, Ontario. “If the rich countries don’t want the benefit, that’s their prerogative.” He helped lead the study and gave results at an American Heart Association conference. They also were published by the New England Journal of Medicine.

At least half a dozen companies sell polypills outside the United States, including several in Europe, but they’re not widely used or marketed. Doctors have been reluctant partly because no big, international studies have shown they can lower heart attacks and deaths — not just risk factors such as high blood pressure.“I think this will change with our results,” Yusuf said. One independent expert agreed. The study is very important and "the best data we have so far” on polypills, said Dr. Eugene Yang, a University of Washington heart specialist who leads a heart disease prevention panel for the American College of Cardiology.

Teen facing death penalty after being accused of murdering five relatives has shown ‘no remorse’

  

An Alabama teenager currently facing capital murder charges for alleging murdering five of his relatives last year, has shown “no remorse”, according to recently released court documents.

Mason Wayne Sisk, 15, is charged with fatally shooting his father, stepmother and three younger siblings in Elkmont – a small town in Northern Alabama, near the border of Tennessee – in September 2019. Court documents obtained by the local station WAAY show that the young man, who was 14 at the time of the slayings, is seemingly unaffected. In the report, his probation officer said that the teenager “does not seem bothered by the fact he’s accused of murdering his family”.