Published 22 October 2012 Share close Share page Copy link About sharing Researchers in the US have been shocked to discover a beluga whale whose vocalisations were remarkably close to human speech. While dolphins have been taught to mimic the pattern and durations of sounds in human speech, no animal has spontaneously tried such mimicry. But researchers heard a nine-year-old whale named NOC make sounds octaves below normal, in clipped bursts. The researchers outline in Current Biology just how NOC did it. The first mystery, though, was figuring out where the sound was coming from. When a diver at the National Marine Mammal Foundation in California surfaced saying, "Who told me to get out?" the researchers there knew they had another example on their hands. The whales are known as "canaries of the sea" for their high-pitched chirps, but while a number of anecdotal … [Read more...] about Beluga whale ‘makes human-like sounds’
Lawyers making a murderer
Karachi makes it to list of worst places to live in, again
The Global Liveability Index released by the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) reveals the world’s best and worst places to live in 2022 and Karachi is among the top 10 worst places , once again. The index analysed and marked 172 cities for five factors: infrastructure, health care, education, culture, and entertainment. The most liveable cities in world were mostly in Europe and Canada due to good infrastructure and stability. The index, as quoted by CNBC , said that these cities provided good health care and multiple opportunities for entertainment. Austria’s city Vienna topped the list of top 10 places to live in the world. It achieved an overall rating of 95.1/100 where it scored a whopping 100 for education and infrastructure. Vienna held the top position in 2018 and 2019 as well. Three cities from Canada alone made it to the list of top 10. Following are the best places to live in 2022. 1. Vienna , Austria 2. Copenhagen, Denmark 3. Zurich, Switzerland 4. … [Read more...] about Karachi makes it to list of worst places to live in, again
Criticism over English speaker ‘apartheid’ post
Published 26 February 2021 Share close Share page Copy link About sharing An NHS body's assistant director has been criticised for comparing the treatment of non-Welsh speakers to "apartheid". James Moore, of Health Education and Improvement Wales (HEIW), said it was time to "stand up to oppressors". The comments were posted on social media in a discussion about plans to change a Carmarthen primary school from English to Welsh medium. Welsh language commissioner Aled Roberts said the remarks were "wrong". HEIW said it was "aware" of Mr Moore's comments. A spokesman said: "They were made in a personal capacity and in no way a professional one. "HEIW does not condone or endorse any of the comments made. "It would not be appropriate for us to comment on internal discussions with an individual employee." Nation Cymru said Mr Roberts said: "Making a comparison … [Read more...] about Criticism over English speaker ‘apartheid’ post
Scott’s Poetry Again
I CANNOT help taking fire at anything said in disparagement of Walter Scott. I feel that I have got from his writings, not only immense pleasure, but some good. He was a truly noble-hearted gentleman, a model of that class, and his character is impressed on all the works of his pen. A type, he seems to me, of social chivalry. In all his writings, too, there is the buoyancy of perfect health. In reading them you breathe the air of the Scotch hills. I can conceive no better mental febrifuge, no better antidote to depression, no more sovereign remedy for dull care. Scott was a hot Tory, perhaps a Jacobite, and his worship of monarchy in the person of George IV betrayed him into the one ridiculous action of his life. I have always been glad that he sat down upon the wineglass which he had put into his pocket to be kept as a relic because it had touched the sacred lips of the King. But his Toryism was not flunkyish. Nor was it narrow. It did not interfere in the slightest degree with the … [Read more...] about Scott’s Poetry Again
Ben Affleck, Jennifer Lopez spotted grabbing lunch days after romantic honeymoon
Ben Affleck and Jennifer Lopez were captured having lunch along with their kids in Santa Monica, Calif, following their romantic honeymoon in Europe. The lovebirds were even seen engaging in some PDA before they went back to their separate ways after grabbing lunch and getting treats from Dunkin. In one picture obtained by Page Six , the Marry Me actor, 52, lovingly scratched her hubby’s head during the family’s lunch at Huckleberry Café while his daughter Violet, 16, tried to have a conversation. Affleck, 49, donned a green shirt for the short outing along with blue jeans, whereas, JLo opted for an all-black gym outfit while her honey blonde tresses were tied in a sleek bun. The couple, who tied the knot in Las Vegas last month, were also accompanied by Affleck’s son Samuel, 10, and Lopez’s twins Emme and Maximilian, 14. Affleck and Lopez stayed apart for few days after their honeymoon as Affleck had to come back to the states to complete shoot of his upcoming movie … [Read more...] about Ben Affleck, Jennifer Lopez spotted grabbing lunch days after romantic honeymoon
Kim Kardashian’s family ‘sad’ over her split with Pete Davidson, ‘they’re surprised’
Kim Kardashian and Pete Davidson’s shocking breakup over the weekend has left the internet in utter shock. The breakup has not only been tough on Kim and Pete but the SKIMS founder’s family is also finding it hard to accept. As per the latest reports, the members of the Kardashian-Jenner clan, in particular, Kris Jenner and Khloé Kardashian "were getting really close with Pete and they’re definitely going to miss having him around all the time," an insider revealed. "Kourtney, Kylie and Kendall are really bummed about the split because they absolutely adore Pete,” the source added. “The family knows that Kim really cared about Pete and wanted to make things work. They’re definitely supportive of Kim and Pete’s decision to just be friends, but there’s still a part of them that’s sad about the whole situation,” the source concluded. An insider also noted that even Pete and Kim only dated for a little while, he got very close with the whole family, including Kim’s kids, in such … [Read more...] about Kim Kardashian’s family ‘sad’ over her split with Pete Davidson, ‘they’re surprised’
Ben Affleck lists his Californian home for $30 million after marrying Jennifer Lopez
Ben Affleck’s luxurious Pacific Palisades mansion is on the market for a whopping $30 million, a month after marrying Jennifer Lopez. The Gone Girl actor, 49, has listed the stunning property, including seven luxurious bedrooms, nine bathrooms, a gym, screening room and spa, for $29.995 million on Tuesday. He purchased the property back in 2018 for $19.2 million amount. At the time, Realtor.com described the mansion as 'an entertainer's dream.’ The decision to list his home came a month after the Argo star tied the knot with his new wife, 53, in Las Vegas. Furthermore, Affleck and J.Lo were spotted grabbing lunch along with their kids in Santa Monica, Calif, following their honeymoon in Europe. Affleck and the Hustlers star stayed apart for a few days after their honeymoon, “they actually believe that spending time apart from each other makes them stronger and it is perfect because when they are apart, they are making an extreme amount of money,” an insider told Hollywood … [Read more...] about Ben Affleck lists his Californian home for $30 million after marrying Jennifer Lopez
Justin Bieber addresses racism issue during Norway concert
Justin Bieber made headlines when he postponed his Justice World tour dates after the singer was diagnosed with Ramsay Hunt Syndrome. However, recently, the Baby hit-maker has resumed the tour with high spirits. During Norway concert on Sunday, the Peaches crooner took a moment to share his thoughts about the purpose of his new album Justice with his fans. Justin also shared a snippet of his speech he made at the concert on Instagram where he addressed racism issue. “So when we created the Justice album, we wanted to make an intentional moment. A moment of unity, a moment of acceptance, a moment of belonging. In this world, there’s a lot of division, and what justice is, is for us to all come together,” said the 28-year-old. He went to add, “We know that racism is evil. It’s wrong. But you and I, we get to be the difference-makers.” “We get to be the ones to stand with our brothers and sisters and make a change,” noted the Yummy singer. Justin also thanked … [Read more...] about Justin Bieber addresses racism issue during Norway concert
Victoria Beckham’s biggest fear is having a bad relation with first grandchild, claims source
Victoria Beckham opened up about her fears of “having a bad relationship with her first grandchild” amid Nicola Peltz feud. For the unversed, the Transformers actress tied the knot with the fashion designer’s eldest son Brooklyn in April. According to Mirror UK , the actress’ crying post about how her “heart is hurt” on Instagram sparked speculations that all is not well between her and former Spice Girls star. A source close to Victoria told outlet that Brooklyn’s mum wanted to “make it right” between her and Nicola. “Vic's biggest fear is not having a relationship with her first grandchild,” claimed the source. The source further added, “She doesn't really know what's happened between her and Nicola and clearly wants to make it right before the issue deepens even further.” Victoria feels like her worst nightmare is coming true amid the reality of Brooklyn's new life and fears the family is drifting apart,” added the source. … [Read more...] about Victoria Beckham’s biggest fear is having a bad relation with first grandchild, claims source
Will Smith’s ex Sheree Zampino recalls the moment he slapped Chris Rock: ‘I froze’
Will Smith’s ex-wife Sheree Zampino recalled the shocking moment when her former husband smacked Chris Rock during the Oscars 2022 over a joke he cracked on Jada Pinkett Smith. The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills star, 54, told Us Weekly that she “couldn’t make sense” of the King Richard actor’s headline making move. “It was one of those moments where I froze,” Zampino told the outlet. “The first thing you do is you try to make sense of it in the [moment].” “And when it doesn’t make sense in the moment … we didn’t even really have time. I didn’t even deal with it,” she added. Zampino, who was married to Smith, 53, for three years from 1992 to 1995, went on to say that even though she “couldn’t make sense of it” later on, she thinks the reunion of Smith and Rock would be a “powerful” moment. “When Chris and Will can come together and heal in a public way and extend forgiveness to one another?” Zampino said. “Do you know how many people that’s gonna help and set free? … [Read more...] about Will Smith’s ex Sheree Zampino recalls the moment he slapped Chris Rock: ‘I froze’