1 week agoNews TalkComments Off on 5 стильних образів на літо, які хочеться носити щодня
Після дощів та коливань температур, з приходом червня нарешті повернулося сонце, тому все, чого ти хочеш зараз – це максимально використати майбутні теплі дні. Це означає, що в найближчий період ти намагатимешся проводити якомога більше часу на вулиці та якомога менше вдома та в офісі. Відповідно, тобі знадобляться зручні комбінації одягу, які не будуть обмежувати […]
1 week agoNews TalkComments Off on My NASA scientist dad was convinced he found alien life on Mars – his evidence must be taken seriously
THE son of a NASA scientist who was convinced he found aliens on Mars is begging the space agency to search again.
American engineer Gilbert Levin was convinced until he died aged 97 that he had made the discovery while working the Viking Mars landers mission in 1976.
suppliedGilbert Levin – pictured top right, wearing the white helmet – worked for NASA[/caption]
NASAHe was a key part of the Viking Project which put landers on Mars[/caption]
NASA/JPL-CaltechThe probe sent back incredible pictures of the Martian surface[/caption]
gillevin.comGilbert took his sincere belief in life on Mars to his grave[/caption]
GettyCould there really be micro-organisms on Mars?[/caption]
Ron Levin, 67, is now continuing his dad’s work – and calling on NASA and SpaceX to re-run the experiment ahead of the first manned mission to the Red Planet, scheduled for the 2030s.
He fears that ignoring possible evidence of life on Mars could exposure astronauts to unknown contagions – and they could even bring them back to Earth.
Gilbert rocked the science community in 1976 when he claimed he’d found microbial life on Mars during the Viking Project mission.
But Levin’s theory was dismissed by NASA, who had contracted him to run tests on Martian soil.
He spent the rest of his life adamant he’d been the first man to discover aliens before his death in 2021 at the age of 97.
Just months before he died – he even wrote a column for the prestigous Scientific American explaining his theory and evidence.
Ron, also an engineer, told The Sun: “People are afraid of what would happen if there is life on Mars, and if humans were exposed to it.
“In theory, we could lose the entire Earth to an infection from a Martian organism, that’s the worst fear.
“The smart thing would be to send my dad’s new experiment back to Mars to check on it, see if it can repeat the result.”
He added: “I do believe, at a high level, NASA knows there is existent microbial life on Mars. Why they are withholding this fact I don’t know.”
During the 1976 missions, NASA landed two Viking landers on Mars.
Gilbert concluded the presence of radioactive gas he said showed signs of life.
But NASA ran separate experiments from Viking and determined the soil did not show signs of life.
Ron believes his dad made a key “political mistake” that prevented his findings being taken seriously.
AlamyMars is known as the Red Planet – and is a contender to have once hosted life[/caption]
suppliedRon Levin and his father Gilbert Levin, who was contracted by NASA[/caption]
Gilbert Levin’s theory about alien life on Mars was ‘dismissed’ by NASAsupplied
He added: “I think my dad made a political mistake in the beginning.
“He went before a press conference and he said he thought it probably looks like life. But the project manager of Viking who was there told my dad afterwards you should just say you discovered life.
“The American press doesn’t have the room for prevarication, you either believe in your statement or you don’t. I believed it.
“My father was more of a scientist and he wanted to check everything, and over the subsequent years, he did.
“He tested every hypothesis NASA could come up with. So I think that’s part of what happened, because really, it’s in the minds of the American public who paid for it.”
NASA's mission to Mars
NASA hopes to send astronauts to Mars as early as the 2030s.
The space company has been working to advance its technologies in a bid to send a human crew to the Red Planet.
It would take astronauts up to nine months to reach Mars – which even at its closest is 33.9 million miles away.
Astronauts could then spend up to 500 days on the planet’s surface before returning to Earth – which would take another nine months.
The crew would spend their time on the planet collecting data and assessing the planetary alignment that would allow the spacecraft to land and depart from Mars on the same orbit.
Last year, the agency completed a year-long simulated mission that saw four crew members out in a replica habitat in Houston, Texas.
They logged 378 days in the 1,700-square-foot, 3D-printed habitat called Mars Dune Alpha.
He added: “Additionally, there have been a lot of other thoughts that it violates some religious idea that life was formed on Earth and so on.
“And some people feel that it’s a cover up for bacteriological warfare.
“We might want to go get Martian organisms and see if they’re good for use on our enemies, and maybe that would be a reason for the government to keep it secret.”
Among those who believe Levin found aliens on Mars is Barry DeGregorio, an honorary research fellow at the Buckingham Centre for Astrobiology.
The Discovery on Vera Rubin Ridge, Trace Fossils on Mars author recently told The Sun of his belief NASA conceals evidence to boost publicity for its first manned mission scheduled for the 2030s.
Ron claims he has been in touch with SpaceX about running the experiment again but has been told to prepare it himself.
He added: “I met another engineering fellow who had contacts at SpaceX and she got us in to see SpaceX about the new experiment about two years ago. And they liked the experiment.
“And they said, we don’t really have money to pay for you, but if you would build it, we will give it a free ride to Mars on one of the starship launches coming up soon.
“And so we are looking for about $5million to build it and it was a great moment.”
Ron also questioned ambitions plans by billionaire Elon Musk to build a human colony on Mars through his SpaceX company.
Last year, Musk suggested humans could be living there in as little as four years and develop a self-sustaining city 16 years later.
But Ron believes this poses a severe danger without carrying out the kind of experiments his dad did first.
He added: “Mars is a very dangerous place, even without microorganisms. A colony on Mars depends on the perfect performance of equipment that was sent from Earth in order to provide water, build the oxygen environment and keep the pressure and never leak.
“In addition to all those things, you could also become infected with some Martian organism that’s communicable and die.
“It’s one of those things I can’t even put a percentage on, although I feel that’s a low percentage.”
1 week agoNews TalkComments Off on P Diddy Shouldn’t Expect Donald Trump to Pardon Him After What He Said About the US President In His Old Tweet
Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs is in serious legal trouble, and now he’s reportedly hoping Donald Trump might save him with a presidential pardon. The music mogul is facing serious federal charges for s*x trafficking, racketeering, and other crimes that could land him in prison for life. While Trump has a history of granting controversial pardons before, […]
This post belongs to FandomWire and first appeared on FandomWire
1 week agoNews TalkComments Off on Росіяни знайшли нового “ворога” замість США – опитування
Фото: Getty Images Більшість росіян водночас плекають надію на «нормалізацію» відносин з країнами Заходу Найбільш «недружньою» країною для громадян РФ вперше стала Німеччина, тоді ж як США зайняли тільки четверте місце. Більшість громадян Росії виступає за «налагодження» відносин із країнами Заходу. Про це свідчать опитування Левади-центру. Зокрема, такої позиції додержують практично 80% опитаних. Це на 28% росіян […]
1 week agoNews TalkComments Off on Чи можна працювати в ніч та як зменшити шкоду від нічних змін?
Лікар-ендокринолог пояснила, чим небезпечні нічні зміни та чому працювати у нічний час доби шкідливо для організму. В даному випадку ми не говоритимемо про «сови» і «жайворонки». Адже і ті, й інші здебільшого вночі таки сплять. З тією різницею, що одні люблять лягти пізніше і поспати довше, а інші прокидаються на світанку. Йдеться саме про повноцінні […]
1 week agoNews TalkComments Off on Full list of freebies and discounts you can claim in June worth up to £40,000 if you’re on PIP
MILLIONS of people claiming the personal independent payment (PIP) can get access to a range of freebies and discounts this month.
PIP is a payment that is given to people with a long-term illness, disability or mental health condition to help with their extra living costs.
GettyMillions of people who receive PIP can get freebies and discounts this month[/caption]
The payment is worth up to £187.45 a week and the money is paid once a month.
To claim it you need to be over the age of 16 but under the state pension age, which is currently 66.
You also need to have a health condition or disability that has caused difficulties with daily living, mobility or both for at least three months.
PIP is made up of two parts and whether you can claim one or both of these depends on how much your condition impacts you.
The daily living part is given to people who need help with everyday tasks.
The weekly rate for this is either £73.90 or £110.40.
Meanwhile, the mobility part is for people who need help getting around.
On this part the weekly rate is either £29.20 or £77.05 – and you could get both elements.
In addition to the benefit payments, if you claim PIP then you can also get a range of additional perks and discounts, such as a Blue Badge or capped water bills.
Here we reveal a full list of benefits you can claim this month.
Blue badge
If you receive PIP then you are automatically eligible for a blue badge if you either:
Scored eight points or more in the ‘moving around’ part of your PIP assessment.
Scored ten points in the ‘planning and following journeys’ section of your PIP assessment and were put in category ‘E’. This means your stress, anxiety or other mental health issues stop you from leaving the house.
You should be able to find this information on your PIP decision letter.
But you can still get a badge if you have long-term problems walking or going to places, including problems caused by stress, anxiety or other mental health issues.
What is PIP?
HOUSEHOLDS suffering from a long-term illness, disability or mental health condition can get extra help through personal independence payments (PIP).
The maximum you can receive from the Government benefit is £172.75 a week.
PIP is for those over 16 and under the state pension age, currently 66.
Crucially, you must also have a health condition or disability where you either have had difficulties with daily living or getting around – or both- for three months, and you expect these difficulties to continue for at least nine months (unless you’re terminally ill with less than 12 months to live).
If you are awarded the enhanced rate of the mobility component of PIP and have at least 12 months left on your current allowance, you may be able to join the Motability Scheme.
Through the scheme you can use your qualifying mobility allowance to lease a new vehicle.
The scheme will cover your insurance, servicing and breakdown.
For more information about joining the scheme and to explore the range of available vehicles, you can request an information pack from the Motability Scheme website.
Disabled Facilities Grant
You may be able to apply for a Disabled Facilities Grant if you are disabled and want to make changes to your home to suit your needs.
For example, you may want to build an extension or install ramps.
The exact amount you could get depends on where you live.
How to cut your bills
IF you're struggling financially, you might be able to cut the cost of your bills to help you get out of the red.
Council tax: You can apply for a council tax reduction on the Gov.uk website but you’ll need to meet certain criteria. Your bill could be cut by as much as 100 per cent if you’re on a low income or claim benefits. Carers who look after someone in the household for at least 35 hours a week are also exempt from paying.
Water: Households might be able to save money by getting a water meter but it all depends on how much you’re using. To check if it’s finacially worthwhile, use the Consumer Council for Water’s free ater meter calculator.
Rent: If you have the space available and your landlord or local authority says it’s ok to do so, you might want to consider getting a flatmate. Not only will you split the cost of the rent, but also the other bills.
Hire purchase: If you’re struggling to make your repayments on your hire purchase, you can usually end the contract by returning the goods. You will have to pay all the instalments due up to the time you end the agreement but this will limit the amount you owe. Contact Citizens Advice for free for more help with this.
Gas and electricty: MoneySavingExpert says families can save £330 on average by switching from Standard Variable Tariffs (SVTs) to a better rate. Use a comparison site such as MoneySuperMarket or Energyhelpline to see what deals are available.
Mortgage: If you get into debt with your mortgage payments, don’t wait for your lender to chase you. Work out what you can afford using the Citizens Advice budgeting tool so you can discuss your payment options moving forward with your mortgage provider.
Secured Loan: Your secured loan might be covered by the Consumer Credit Act and if it is, you may be able to apply for a Time Order. This is a special agreement by the courts allowing you more time to make payments. Secured loans not covered by the Consumer Credit Act include gas, electricity or water meters, payments that need to be written off in full, mortgages, credit union loans, loans from an employer and some short term trade agreements.
County Court Judgements: If you receive a County Court claim form talk to a free debt advice service straight away. This includes Citizens Advice (0808 800 9060), StepChange (0800 138 1111) and the National Debtline (0808 808 4000).
TV licence: Some households are eligible for a reduced fee or free TV Licence. Check here to see if you are entitled to a reduced or free rate.
If you live in England then you could get up to £30,000, while those who live in Wales could get £36,000 and up to £25,000 in Northern Ireland.
You will need to apply through your local council, which must give you a decision within six months.
Free prescriptions
If your disability means that you are eligible for PIP then you may also be able to get free NHS prescriptions.
Whether you are eligible will depend on your specific medical condition.
Certain illnesses such as epilepsy and diabetes automatically entitle you to free prescriptions.
To get them you will need to apply for a medical exemption certificate, which is a card that fits in your wallet.
To apply visit your doctor and request an FP92A form.
Your doctor should be able to help you with the process.
Disabled person’s railcard
People who receive PIP may be able to save a third on train travel with a Disabled Persons Railcard.
The card costs £20 for one year or £54 for three years.
On average it could save you up to £126 but the exact amount will depend on how often you travel by train.
To apply visit disabledpersons-railcard.co.uk.
You will need a copy of your award letter showing that you have received PIP in the past 12 months.
Water bills
Some water suppliers provide help for customers who receive certain benefits, such as PIP, through their WaterSure scheme.
To qualify you need to have a water meter and need to use a lot of water due to a medical condition.
The scheme works by capping your bills and does not impact your credit score.
The cap depends on where you live.
For example, Severn Trent will cap your fresh water bill at £321.23 a year, while for sewerage it is £234.66.
This means in total you would pay up to £555.89 a year.
Who is eligible for the scheme varies depending on your supplier, so check directly with them to see if you qualify.
Do you have a money problem that needs sorting? Get in touch by emailing money-sm@news.co.uk.
1 week agoNews TalkComments Off on Рідкісний американський спорткар 70-х простояв 37 років у гаражі
У США повернули до життя спортивне купе Plymouth GTX 1971 року. Рідкісна модель простояла в гаражі майже чотири десятиліття. Про це повідомляє сайт Autoevolution. Раритетний Plymouth GTX перестали експлуатувати в 1988 році. Авто з невеликим пробігом (31 тис. км) поставили в гараж, де він і простояв до нашого часу. Plymouth GTX покрився товстим шаром бруду […]
1 week agoNews TalkComments Off on Навіщо в курячий фарш додають томатний сік: секрет смачних котлет
Котлети, які ви збираєтесь готувати з курячого фаршу стануть значно смачніші, якщо додати до них додаткові інгредієнти. Томатний сік – це один із інгредієнтів для приготування котлет. Мало хто знає, але до котлет можна додавати не тільки батон, розмочений у молоці. Подробиці Відмінною заміною можуть стати томатна паста, вершкове масло, кабачки, терта картопля, сир, пластівці […]
Вера Вонг / © Associated Press Вера Вонг любить мати яскравий та епатажний вигляд, і попри те, що в 70-річному віці публічні люди намагаються обирати стриманіші луки, вона йде зовсім іншим шляхом: кожна поява модельєрки — це сукні з вирізами, декольте та довгими спідницями зі шлейфом. Вера Вонг / © Associated Press 5 червня вона прибула на церемонію вручення премії Fragrance Foundation Awards 2025, яка відбулася […]
Фото: Getty Images Більшість росіян водночас плекають надію на «нормалізацію» відносин з країнами Заходу Найбільш «недружньою» країною для громадян РФ вперше стала Німеччина, тоді ж як США зайняли тільки четверте місце. Більшість громадян Росії виступає за «налагодження» відносин із країнами Заходу. Про це свідчать опитування Левади-центру. Зокрема, такої позиції додержують практично 80% опитаних. Це на 28% росіян […]
Лікар-ендокринолог пояснила, чим небезпечні нічні зміни та чому працювати у нічний час доби шкідливо для організму. В даному випадку ми не говоритимемо про «сови» і «жайворонки». Адже і ті, й інші здебільшого вночі таки сплять. З тією різницею, що одні люблять лягти пізніше і поспати довше, а інші прокидаються на світанку. Йдеться саме про повноцінні […]
У США повернули до життя спортивне купе Plymouth GTX 1971 року. Рідкісна модель простояла в гаражі майже чотири десятиліття. Про це повідомляє сайт Autoevolution. Раритетний Plymouth GTX перестали експлуатувати в 1988 році. Авто з невеликим пробігом (31 тис. км) поставили в гараж, де він і простояв до нашого часу. Plymouth GTX покрився товстим шаром бруду […]
Котлети, які ви збираєтесь готувати з курячого фаршу стануть значно смачніші, якщо додати до них додаткові інгредієнти. Томатний сік – це один із інгредієнтів для приготування котлет. Мало хто знає, але до котлет можна додавати не тільки батон, розмочений у молоці. Подробиці Відмінною заміною можуть стати томатна паста, вершкове масло, кабачки, терта картопля, сир, пластівці […]