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https://phys.org/news/2021-11-pandemic-amazon-rainforest-clues.html The Amazon rainforest offers troubling clues: extracts: In the three decades since Darah Lady's widowed grandmother first arrived in this remote stretch of northern Brazil, clearing the jungle by hand to build a house for her 14 children, the family has pushed deeper and deeper into the Amazon. It has been driven by the frontier maxim that prosperity comes when nature succumbs to human dominion. Yet their growing outpost in northeastern Amazonas state—one of thousands of informal settlements throughout the world's largest rainforest—could imperil not only their children's future but also that of the entire planet. It's not just about trees. It's about viruses. More global pandemics like COVID-19 are on the way, scientists say, and the next one is likely to emerge from a community like Darah Lady's, where people are encroaching on the natural world and erasing the buffer between themselves and habitats that existed long before a shovel cut this earth. From palm oil cultivation in Malaysia to mining in Africa or cattle ranching in Brazil, as people demolish forest, they not only accelerate global warming but also dramatically increase their risk of exposure to disease. Lurking in mammals and birds are about 1.6 million viruses, some of which will be deadly when they leap to humans. The stakes turn catastrophic if a virus proves transmissible between people. That's what happened with COVID-19, which originated from close contact between humans and wild animals—whether it sprung from a natural setting or a laboratory. Scientists say that disease hot zones are multiplying from Africa to South America, and that deforestation has already triggered a rise in infectious disease. Zoologists have traced about a third of all known outbreaks around the world to rapid land use change, including Nipah virus, malaria and Lyme disease. The problem is worsened by warmer temperatures brought by climate change that allow disease-carrying insects to flourish. more at link................... :::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: A frightening scenario to say the least.

😄Atheism = belief is about as valid as science= religion😄

He's suggesting that someone may have a reason. I would like to here it...is it a valid reason? If someone can give me a valid reason, then I'll listen. Of course! I understand that some are so rooted in maintaining their position of power, that there could be mass shootings everyday and it still wouldn't change a thing. I also mentioned that people/voters get what they deserve, and that was misconstrued as getting shot or caught up in a mass shooting, rather then getting the politicians one elects, who are certainly responsible for the laws that allow this little punk to go free. Sometimes emotions can also put us on the right path. Australia's gun laws were implemented after our worst ever massacre in 1996 by an emotive Prime Minister, and the leader of a right wing party that I have never ever voted for, and given bypartisan support by both sides. Sometimes emotions= reason. Yes, that's my position for what its worth (nothing) and while certainly probably your own position and also that of Zapato, you two are in a better position to change things in your otherwise great country and our Ally. I don't know where you should or need to start, other then at the ballot box, but I don't believe that changing the status quo in your country is impossible, as it appears some seem to want me to believe. Excuse me while I offer my own thoughts...While Biden is a nice old chap, with his heart in the right place, imo and as an outsider, he appears too old for the job. But at least under him, the US is gaining back some of the respect it lost under Trump. Also again, on a more global scale, perhaps, just perhaps, this current noisy extreme right wing movement world wide, could very well be a balancing result being played out, by some of the nonsensical extreme left stuff being considered, not the least being political correctness and certain aspects of cancel culture and some associated disproportionate reactions. eg: In fact a personal example. My common banter with people and strangers I happen to meet up with consists of calling them mate or Love. The same common banter is always returned in spades, and I have witnessed it constantly on the TV show, "The Chase" the British version with Bradley Walsh. IMO again, if this apparent rise of extreme right wing politics and violence is to be limited or anulled, the middle ground (hopefully where I am) and the left, must use reason and thought and sensibility. Certainly not with a sledge hammer and extreme views of our own. Just my 2 cents worth. I'm sure you are wrong, and I'm also sure the world will in time rise above this philosophically inspired political nonsense, both left and right. But I also could be wrong.

A group this time from Canada who called themselves "The Diamonds and had two big hits in Australia with She say and Walkin Along...... They did have another that I near forgot...little darlin...........................

It would probably have our religious brothers claiming it is proof of God creating us and the universe around us, although I would ask the question answered this way by Elly's Father in "Contact" if we are alone, it seems like an aweful lot of wasted space. Me personally, surprised as I previously said, then go on about my daily life.

Gene Pitney does The Platters...............

Example of that in tonight's news with regards to further tightening and upgrading Australia's toughest maximum security prison, for the incorridgibles and worst crimes...... .....https://www.fairfieldchampion.com.au/story/7520608/goulburns-supermax-nsw-jail-expanded/ Australia's most secure prison has been given a multi-million dollar high-tech upgrade to keep NSW's most dangerous prisoners secure and isolated from other inmates. NSW Counter Terrorism and Corrections Minister Anthony Roberts said Goulburn's Supermax prison expansion was a $47 million investment in countering terrorism and violent extremism. https://www.9news.com.au/national/first-look-inside-new-goulburn-supermax-prison-upgrades-new-south-wales/4796326a-bee4-4ff3-9e45-84cdcd53835d The exercise yards are enclosed with mesh. to prevent drone drops. The upgrade includes a new walk through metal sector and other security management systems. Each prisoner is monitored by three guards and each cell has a private exercise yard to prevent interaction between inmates. more at link..................

Not much is accomplished anyway on any forums with any personal opinions and pushing of personal political philosophies. So why are we tooing and froing? My reasons? Sure! Guns kill...semi and automatic weapons kill far more efficiently...mass killings are more then capable with these weapons...That's sufficient reasons for the far greater percentage in my country to have them banned and/or under strict control, and as is the case in other countries, and consequently the reasons why the US have many more mass killings then other countries.Something I'm sure you don't desire. Wrong again. Give me a reason why any non military person should be able to have the right to own a semi or automatic weapon? I'm listening. That has never been your choice???😲 Well let me reword it more effectively...your sympathies lie more with perpetrators then mine ever do, in the majorty (not all) of cases, where mine are approaching zero in many cases.(not all but many) . No one's sympathy counts either way, other then the sympathies when a justice system needs to make a decision re a criminal and the danger he is to society... but we still express them. Again mine are that this little punk was found not guilty( according to prevailing justice) and imo that is a travesty...both the justice system and the little punk.

And like religion, the weak minded follow. I respect enormously many Americans as well as Australians...I don't idolise/adore them. Yes many just do not grow out of their childish adorations and/or beliefs. But to resort to evil as a result, is a personal choice, that this punk made. He was found not guilty...a travesty imo (yep which doesn't count) but which I'm expressing anyway. If he had of been found guilty, and locked up, he still would not have my sympathy. ( yep and again that doesn't count) and again, so what? I'm expressing that opinion whether you like it or not, as others have. I'm also not that interested with your sympathies lying with perpetrators, rather then vicitms, but that's your choice, which of course doesn't count anyway and makes no difference to the justice system.

We could never really come to that assessment, that's the crux of the matter...near infinite content, near infinite extent...we could never really know with any certainty.

With the near infinte number of stars and planets, and the near infinte extent of the universe, and the fact that the stuff of life is found everywhere we look, it is imo reasonable to assume that life has arose elsewhere, most probably basic fundamental life forms, some more advanced and maybe even to near our stage of evolution. In saying all that, as yet we do not have any evidence of life off this Earth. When we do find examples of ETL ( and some suggest that will be in a couple of decades), It may cause some consternation among highly religious people, but I suggest, it will just add to our encyclopedia mind of knowledge. If we are shown to be alone, I would be far more surprised. Time and distance are the two barriers to interplanetary contact.

Ahhh, OK its there legends that aren't dead...gotcha! But would they have been that legendary if not for Hollywood? genuine question btw. I understand the more heroic factors of Bowie and Boone and their bravery at the Alamo. Not to the extent of yours obviously, but yes to one example, Ned Kelly, rose to prominence for the reasons that he, his family having arrived from Ireland as convicts were originally grossly mistreated prior to turning Bushranger.....there are though various interpretations of the story and his rise to infamy. And yes there were numerous songs, one even by Johnny Cash. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2LH7FXf66KU Actually no, as kids in my days anyway, we sadly driven and lead by Hollywood, played cowboys and Indians...the American version. No argument at all about what the little punk was doing, or the other one wearing the horned head gear. I find it hard to raise sympathy for either though, rather sympathy for the shooting victims, and the invasion of American democracy by redneck criminals. "And we are going round in circles, because while certainly reasonable sensible gun laws may have prevented this, I still see no reason for any non military person ever owning a semi or automatic weapon, whether or not my thoughts had any bearing. I see those thoughts as valid. In fact that was echoed by a former Conservative Prime Minister of Australia ( that I never voted for) that re-enforced rightly our already tough laws...an example of a conservative being right in this case...https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gun_laws_of_Australia "Then Prime Minister John Howard frequently referred to the United States to explain his opposition to civilian firearms ownership and usage in Australia, stating that he did not want Australia to go "down the American path".[108][109][110] In one interview on Sydney radio station 2GB, Howard said, "We will find any means we can to further restrict them because I hate guns... ordinary citizens should not have weapons. We do not want the American disease imported into Australia."[111] In 1995 Howard, as opposition leader, had expressed a desire to introduce restrictive gun laws.[112] "I did not want Australia to go down the American path. There are some things about America I admire and there are some things I don't. And one of the things I don't admire about America is their... slavish love of guns. They're evil." :::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: His thoughts and the consequent laws had bypartisan support across the whole Australian parliment.

As has Australian Prime Minister

The world looked down on the Germans and the Japanese during WW2, just as they (the Germans and Japanese) looked down on the western Allies. Not sure if Americans still look down on Germans, but we certainly do not in Australia, and my trips to Japan have been incredibly revealing about essentially what I see as a beautiful people.

Not familiar with this seemingly strange event. The victim (Father of the vicitm) receiving death threats? can you link or relate the story? Sorry, I see it far from that. My position was that reasonable, sensible gun laws may have prevented this, whether or not it did have any bearing or not...obviously what I say at the opposite side of the world has no bearing. Your comparing your bias against a food, as having ( or not having) the same bearing? Sorry, I see that extreme to say the least. Except that reasonably sensibly made gun laws, may have prevented this happening, and by extension many other mass shootings in your country.

You mean they aren't dead yet? Yes I understand what you are trying to say, and appears in some long winded way, the same as I am saying. Worth noting also that we also had our own share of outlaws, some we called Bushrangers....Ned Kelly, who was hung after being caught and whose last words were, "such is life" another named Ben Hall https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bushranger We though didn't have Hollywood to give them the status that yours had.

Of course we both have opinions, but again your analogy/comparisons was poor...why not just compare US gun laws and Australia's gun laws, and whether one is advantagious over the other or not. Vegemite by the way is great for making gravy, as well as on a slice of toast. And it won't kill you. The full gist of what I said was......

Yes, that's exactly what I cannot understand...how and why such a judgement could ever align with the law. And worth noting, the strict gun laws in Australia were mostly due to an ex PM named John Howard, the former leader of the Liberal party here, and the equivalent of your Republican party no less. While comparing semi and automatic weapons with Vegemite is hardly sensible to say the least, people's opinions and actions at elections can and do change things. 80 to 90% of Aussies, both left and right of the political spectrum, support our gun laws and the continuing hardening of these laws. eg: the banning of importation in 2015 of the "Adler A110 lever-action shotgun" And that's incredibly wrong. I was referring to the politicians and law makers as being deserved of what you get after elections. No one elects being shot. Your comment on drugs and "bad boys" are a result of personal choice, and thankfully I have never taken drugs to ever make that overdose mistake, (other then alcohol, tea, coffee and kava) and while being no angel, respect all people as they deserve, and of either gender. And of course no one ever said Australia was perfect in the treament of its indigenous peoples, and on that I have commented in the past in appropriate threads. Perhaps you are misconstruing what I am saying. This isn't an America bashing exercise by me, simply comments on facts regarding your archaic gun laws, your archaic constitution, and the amount of far right rednecks that "seem" to control your nation at this time. Perhaps you missed my previous comments in this thread.

Mea culpa! Change the archaic constitution. The old west with Billy the Kid and Wyatt Earp is long dead and buried I would think. It's fairly emotive I suggest to the relatives of the two killed in this incident, and I see absolutely no reason for any non military personel to own any semi or automatic weapon. Well that says it all. A God fearing nation that allows ownership of semi and automatic weapons, and votes in these conservatives, deserve what they get. Yet, even the conservatives (at least a large percentage of them) in my country stand critical of your archaic 2nd amendment and your brand of conservatism.

The misconception is that electrons carry potential energy around a complete conducting loop, transferring their energy to the load. What say you? I found the following video on u tube that discusses the scenario re the transmission of electricity. It also involves a giant circuit, a battery and a light bulb. The circuit stretches 300,000 kms long returning to the light bulb 1 metre away, and the question being ( disregarding resitiance) how long before the light bulb lights up....5 seconds, 1 second, 2 seconds, or 1/c seconds, or none of these.... Anyway, the video explains it better then I......

My "not understanding" is with regards to why having/carrying guns at any demonstration is not in violation of any law. My "not understanding" is why any country can not see the crazy results in your constitution, that allows ownership of any semi or automatic weapon period, and the general laxity in your laws with any Tom Dick or Harry, being able to own a firearm for some fabricated reason involving 'self defence". My "not understanding" is why in the US with so many mass killings/massacres, that your democratic party, and non redneck Republicans, cannot stand up to your NRA and tell them its time for reasonable gun laws.

https://phys.org/news/2021-11-single-atom-dimer-electrocatalyst-green-hydrogen.html Two is better than one: Single-atom dimer electrocatalyst for green hydrogen production Representation models of a) nickel single-atom, b) cobalt single-atom, c) nickel-cobalt single-atom dimer (NiCO-SAD-NC), and d) nickel-cobalt heterogeneous nanoparticle catalysts. Credit: Institute for Basic Science (William I. Suh) The limited reservoir of fossils fuels and the ever-increasing threats of climate change have encouraged researchers to develop alternative technologies to produce eco-friendly fuels. Green hydrogen generated from the electrolysis of water using renewable electricity is considered a next-generation renewable energy source for the future. But in reality, the overwhelming majority of hydrogen fuel is obtained from the refining of fossils fuels due to the high cost of electrolysis. Currently, the efficiency of water electrolysis is limited and often requires high cell voltage due to the lack of efficient electrocatalysts for hydrogen evolution reactions. Noble metals such as platinum (Pt) are used as catalysts to improve hydrogen generation in both acidic/alkaline media. However, these noble metal catalysts are very expensive and show poor stability under long-term operation. Single-atom catalysts have advantages over their nanomaterial-based counterparts, achieving up to 100 percent atom utilization, whereas only the surface atoms of nanoparticles are available for reaction. However, due to the simplicity of the single-metal-atom center, carrying out further modification of the catalysts to perform complex multistep reactions is rather difficult. more at link...................... the paper: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-021-27145-3.pdf Moving beyond bimetallic-alloy to single-atom dimer atomic-interface for all-pH hydrogen evolution: Single-atom-catalysts (SACs) afford a fascinating activity with respect to other nanomaterials for hydrogen evolution reaction (HER), yet the simplicity of single-atom center limits its further modification and utilization. Obtaining bimetallic single-atom-dimer (SAD) structures can reform the electronic structure of SACs with added atomic-level synergistic effect, further improving HER kinetics beyond SACs. However, the synthesis and identification of such SAD structure remains conceptually challenging. Herein, systematic first-principle screening reveals that the synergistic interaction at the NiCo-SAD atomic interface can upshift the d-band center, thereby, facilitate rapid water-dissociation and optimal proton adsorption, accelerating alkaline/acidic HER kinetics. Inspired by theoretical predictions, we develop a facile strategy to obtain NiCo-SAD on N-doped carbon (NiCo-SAD-NC) via in-situ trapping of metal ions followed by pyrolysis with precisely controlled N-moieties. X-ray absorption spectroscopy indicates the emergence of Ni-Co coordination at the atomic-level. The obtained NiCo-SAD-NC exhibits exceptional pH-universal HER-activity, demanding only 54.7 and 61 mV overpotentials at −10 mA cm−2 in acidic and alkaline media, respectively. This work provides a facile synthetic strategy for SAD catalysts and sheds light on the fundamentals of structure-activity relationships for future applications.

I was directing that at our US friends, not particularly you btw. I'm really at a loss here to understand how anyone needs or should be able to bring any weapon to any demonstration, irrespective of intent, and irrespective if it is a semi automatic rifle or a small handgun that can be hidden. And I fail to understand the debate about the legalities and letter of the law regarding allowing such a scenario, that is so clear cut plainly wrong, at least in my country and probably others also.

Whatever...it's really not worth conversing with you, sadly.

Twice as old? Of course! thanks for clearing that stuff up for me. I was thinking of 1770 rather then 1901.