Science:
The Good: Russia To Protect Us From Space Debris
Earlier this week researchers at the Scientific and Industrial Corporation (a division of Russia’s space agency), submitted a proposal to the Russian Academy of Sciences for a laser cannon designed to clear debris in space. There is believed to be at least 170 million pieces of debris floating around earth which scientists believe could potentially compromise satellites if struck by an object not being tracked. Due to the overwhelming need for satellites for our weather information, mobile devices and televisions, NASA has warned officials for years of the growing issue. Nicholas Johnson, the chief scientist for Orbital Debris, commented on the growing collection of floating objects: “Any of these debris has the potential for seriously disrupting or terminating the mission of operational spacecraft in low Earth orbit.”
The laser being built would use a technique called “laser ablation” which uses heat energy to slowly evaporate objects. It is believed that the 3 meter wide telescope which will be the base of the laser is already being built.
The Bad: Reports Indicate Ice Continues To Melt As Sea Levels Rise
Over the past 2 decades researchers have warned citizens and government officials alike of the pending threat of climate change and how it’ll adversely affect the fresh water ice reserves around the world, most especially in Antartica. The latest study to be published shows that not only were researchers correct but the ice is melting faster than expected. Data from satellites shows that Antartica has lost approximately three trillion tons of ice between 1992 and 2017 with a alarming increase over the past 5 years that accounts for 40% of the total loss. Sea levels which are already causing issues in coastal cities like Miami and Brooklyn will continue to rise and could add 6 inches to current sea levels by the end of the century, leaving a pool of problems for the next generation. Andrew Shepherd, a professor of earth observation at the University of Leeds and the lead author of the released study said: “Around Brooklyn you get flooding once a year or so, but if you raise sea level by 15 centimeters (6 inches) then that’s going to happen 20 times a year.”
Antarctica isn’t the only place losing ice, Greenland has lost an estimated one trillion tons of ice just between 2011 and 2014 largely due to human emissions and the “greenhouse effect” which are heating the oceans waters.
Entertainment:
The Good: Robert DeNiro Fires At Trump During Tony Awards
This past Sunday at the annual Tony Award’s legendary actor Robert DeNiro received a standing ovation at the Radio City Music Hall after surprising everyone with a personal shout out to the President: “I’m going to say one thing, F— Trump…It’s no longer ‘Down with Trump.’ It’s f— Trump.” As ABC scrambled to bleep out the expletives from live television, the comments began to trend on social media as everyone braced for Trump’s response which was…typical.
Trump tweeted (then edited the tweet because of a grammatical error): “Robert De Niro, a very Low IQ individual, has received too many shots to the head by real boxers in movies. I watched him last night and truly believe he may be “punch-drunk.” I guess he doesn’t realize the economy is the best it’s ever been with employment being at an all time high, and many companies pouring back into our country. Wake up Punchy!”
In addition to dissenting on the President in front of the world, DeNiro personally apologized to Canada’s Prime Minister Justin Trudeau after the infamous G7 Summit meeting where Trump tweeted that Trudeau was “dishonest and weak”, even sparking a tariff battle with the long time North American ally.
The Bad: Anthony Bourdain Passes At 61
Last week foodies, writers, and service industry professionals around the world mourned the death of restaurant tour, traveler, author, storyteller and creator of the show “Parts Unknown”, Anthony Bourdain. Bourdain was found in his hotel room Friday morning unresponsive by a friend who called for medical attention. Physicians pronounced Bourdain dead and later confirmed the cause of death had been suicide. Bourdain was best known for his selfless dedication to his friends, family and his passions. Armed with an excellent taste for food, curious eyes and ears for culture, and a tremendous will for discovery, Bourdain took millions of viewers along his travels across the globe unearthing some of the most interesting restaurants, café’s, and pop ups. Aside from his professional career, Bourdain was an inspiration for many as he shared tales of tribulation through his early life and his battle with heroine addiction, a topic he was open about in an episode shedding light on America’s opioid crisis.
All of us here at EmceeNetwork want to give our deepest condolences to the Bourdain family, and share one of his quotes:
“If I’m an advocate for anything, it’s to move. As far as you can, as much as you can. Across the ocean, or simply across the river. Walk in someone else’s shoes or at least eat their food.”
– Anthony Bourdain
Politics:
The Good: Dominoes Side Steps Government & Fills Pot Holes
If you drive, ride a bike, or have spent any time in Massachusetts you’re probably familiar with the cringe that comes across your face when you hit a pothole in the middle of the road. If you’ve ever tried to call your local city hall to get a hole fixed you also know it’s easier to just do it yourself…which is exactly what Dominoes did. Using it’s own money Dominoes is taking charge in several cities around the U.S. filling potholes and leaving their signature logo behind. During a press release the popular pizza chain said potholes were “ruining great tasting pizza” and announced they’d be fixing potholes in selected cities. So far Dominoes has reached: Bartonville, Texas; Milford, Delaware; Athens, Georgia; and Burbank, California. It is unclear how many holes will be filled, however customers can nominate their city online at pavingforpizza.com
The Bad: Attorney General Relinquishes More Protections For Asylum Seekers
This week, Attorney General Jeff Sessions made an announcement regarding the status of domestic and gang violence victims seeking asylum in the United States. Sessions wrote: “An alien may suffer threats and violence in a foreign country for any number of reasons relating to her social, economic, family or other personal circumstances…Yet the asylum statute does not provide redress for all misfortune.”
Under the Obama administration persons claiming to need asylum because of these circumstances were granted provisional stay in the U.S. until their cases were reviewed. Sessions claims that once the provision was granted, immigrants claiming domestic or gang violence increased to 94,000 cases up from just 5,000 before the amendment. Now immigrants claiming violence must prove that the government (not a private entity) is acting against their well-being. Although Session’s decision is being met with a wave of criticism from immigrant rights groups, the courts hands seem to be tied. As the Attorney General, Sessions has the ability to use his veto power to overturn cases and laws. Ashley Tabaddor, head of the National Association of Immigration Judges commented on the new restrictions saying: The attorney general’s ability to “exercise veto power in our decision-making is an indication of why the court needs true independence” from the Justice Department.
Make sure to stay up to date on the week’s top stories here at EMCEE every week!
