On Friday, June 09, night watchers will be gazing at the minimoon or Strawberry Moon.

June 09^th will be coming with a once-in-a-year cosmic event, namely the “Strawberry Moon”, also known as a “minimoon”. This means that, as opposed to the more commonly seen supermoons, Earth’s natural satellite will seem slightly smaller than normal.

June 09’s full moon is both the smallest and the lowest such event throughout the year. Besides appearing to be smaller and dimmer than a usual such event, it will also rise only about one-third of the way up in the sky.

The micro or minimoon occurs as the natural satellite is at apogee. This means that the moon reached the farthest point to Earth on its moon. Supermoons happen as the satellite is at its perigee. During such moments, the moon is at the closest point in its orbit to our planet.

For comparison, the moon is usually situated some 240,000 miles away from Earth. During its perigee, it gets to within about 220,000 miles of the planet. At the apogee, it distances itself to around 250,000 miles, all according to NASA.

The Strawberry Moon and its Name Source

June’s full moon is the only such event throughout the calendar year in which the Moon will appear smaller than normal. Besides its cosmic value, the phenomenon also received various names. Ancient or native people coined most of them.

For example, the Strawberry Moon title originates from the indigenous people of northeastern U.S. They chose this name as June also marks the period of the year in which wild strawberries ripen in their region. As this event differs according to location, this full moon is also known as the “Rose Moon”, for similar reasons.

According to the Old Farmer’s Almanac, it could also be called the “Honey Moon”. But this is because it may appear to have an amber tint.

The Strawberry Moon will reach its fullest phase on June 09, at 1309 GMT or 9:09 a.m. EDT. To make the most of this cosmic event, sky gazers should consult a moonrise and moonset calculator.

The moon will already be below the horizon for night watchers in continental U.S. during its peak period. But people in some parts of Alaska and early risers in Hawaii should be able to enjoy the minimoon to the full. Sky gazers in continental U.S. can best see this moon on the evening before and after it reaches its fullest phase. The next minimoon will be observable on June 27, 2018.

Image Source: Pixabay

The CDPH is asking state residents for help in reducing the mosquito populations.

The California Department of Public Health is asking state residents for help in reducing the mosquito populations. People can contribute by simply eliminating all standing water from around their homes or businesses. The CDPH issued an advisory on the matter this Monday.

CDPH is Trying to Fight Back Against A Potential Mosquito Increase

Dr. Karen Smith, a State Public Health Officer also released a statement on this subject. She pointed out that the rainy season will have a high influence on this year’s mosquito population numbers. Especially so when combined with the incoming temperature rise. This can lead to an increased mosquito activity.

“Removing water will help reduce overall mosquito numbers and protect family members and neighbors from mosquito bites and mosquito-borne diseases,” said Dr. Smith.

To try and prevent an increased mosquito activity, the CDPH issued an advisory asking for the public’s health. California state residents are urged to eliminate any standing water from around their houses and businesses. This will help as mosquitos can breed even in small quantities of water.

Residents should check for and eliminate water-filled containers. They should also clean, scrub, and maintain a clear water in bird baths and also pet watering dishes left outside. People should also dump the water left behind in the dishes of potted plants.

Also, residents should report if they note an unusually high number of mosquitos. They can do so by calling or going to their local vector control agency.

Dr. Smith urged for caution and prevention on the matter, as mosquitos can be the carriers of many diseases. Mosquito bites are the primary source of most Zika virus infections. But infected buzzers could also be carrying the West Nile virus, which can be transmitted to both humans and animals.

The CDPH website offers more information on mosquitoes, the diseases they carry, and the simple ways to try and prevent their population increase.

Image Source: Wikimedia

The United States Postal Services announced the release of the Total Eclipse Forever stamp.

Last week, the United States Postal Services announced the release of a new stamp. Called the Total Eclipse Forever, it will be released in honor of the August total solar eclipse. But the stamp in itself will be quite special as well. Based on its thermodynamic ink, this will be able to change its image. All thanks to some heat from the user’s thumb.

Total Eclipse Forever Will Become Available In June

In its press release, the U.S. Postal Services released details about its plans for the new stamp. At the same time, it also offered some details about its latest product. As the Services pointed out, this is a first-of-its-kind stamp.

All thanks to its image changing nature, enabled by the use of the thermochromic ink technology. This type of inks is vulnerable to prolonged exposure to UV light. As such, it should be kept out of direct sunlight “as much as possible”. This will help prolong its longevity and maintain its unique effect.

The first image in the Total Eclipse Forever Stamp shows a total solar eclipse. Customers can either press their thumb or fingers on it or rub the stamp. In doing so, they will unearth the second picture, showing the Moon.

Both of the used pictures were captured by Fred Espenak aka Mr. Eclipse, an astrophysicist. As the stamp cools down, it will also return to its original image. This was taken during the March 29^th, 2006 total solar eclipse, in Jalu, Libya.

The Total Eclipse Forever will be issued as a “Forever” stamp. As such, it will be equal in value to the First—Class Mail 1-ounce current price. The stamp will start being available on June 20^th, about two months before the much-anticipated eclipse. According to its press release, the Postal Services are also encouraging the public to spread the news about its latest stamp. Anyone can do so by using #EclipseStamps.

The Postal Service also said that “Tens of millions of people in the United States hope to view this rare event, which has not been seen on the U.S. mainland since 1979.”

Image Source: Flickr

Black Insomnia or the ‘strongest coffee in the world’ will start being available on the U.S. market.

Black Insomnia Coffee announced last week that it struck a deal with Amazon. This will make its ultra-caffeinated product available on the U.S. market. The company produces what is currently considered as the “world’s strongest coffee” or the Black Insomnia.

These coffee beans first became available last year, in South Africa. Now, they will start being available on the U.S. market as well. However, Black Insomnia comes with its set of warnings. This coffee features an impressive caffeine content, one which could potentially cause health problems.

Black Insomnia Coffee stated that it put these special beans to the test. They were analyzed scientifically, in order to attest its status as the “world’s strongest coffee”. These tests showed that Black Insomnia contains 702 milligrams of caffeine in every 12-ounce cup. A usual such portion contains about 150 milligrams. As it is, Black Insomnia’s caffeine content is also higher than Death Wish’s.

This latter is also a very strong coffee. Nonetheless, it comes with ‘only’ 660 milligrams of caffeine in a 12-ounce cup. The company also pointed out the following. There are, in fact, products with a higher caffeine content. However, these also reportedly contain additives, so the company does not consider them “pure coffee”.

Black Insomnia Comes With A #SLEEPINGISCHEATING Hashtag

The company stated that:

“Our beans may taste great, they may be smooth “with the flavours of nuts and caramel”, but if you can’t handle the kick, it may just not be for you.”

Due to its very high caffeine content, users should be careful before drinking this coffee, especially if they have health issues. As it, the company also stated that it is happy to offer its beverage to users that will not have problems after drinking it.

Image Source: Pexels

Three heavily-armed individual including one wearing a pig mask tried to rob the Rolex store from the Bellagio Casino on Saturday.

You know the saying ‘What happens in Vegas, staying in Vegas.’ Well, the recent Vegas happening is so out of this world, that it would have been a pity not to be shared with the rest of the world. According to the Las Vegas Police Department, a squad of police officers dressed in full tactical gear was dispatched on Saturday at the Bellagio Casino, after a called declared that he heard a couple of gunshots and saw a man wearing a pig mask and dragging around a sledgehammer.

Bellagio Incident – Police Report

According to the Las Vegas Police Department, on Saturday morning, an individual dialed 911 and told the operator that he heard a couple of gunshots. The authorities moved in and arrested three heavily armed suspects who broke into the Rolex store. LVMPD declared that the suspects were taken down without the use of firearms.

However, there’s more to this story than the official police report. Kira, a 21-year-old woman from California, and Chris, a 50-year-old professional poker player from the city of Las Vegas, were inside the Bellagio Casino when the robbery occurred.

What Really Happened?

According to Kira’s recollection of the events, as she was leaving one of the casino’s bathroom, she saw a robust man, dressed in black apparel, standing outside the luxury watches shop. The man was holding a sledgehammer in his left hand and a pistol in his right hand. Kira recalls hearing the individual shouting “Get Out! Get Out” and pointing his gun towards the people trying to get away.

Before fleeing, the 21-year-old woman managed to take a picture of the assailants who was, indeed, wearing an oversized pig mask and carrying a sledgehammer.

Meanwhile, in another part of the casino, Chris was just about to play another round of poker when he heard a couple of shots. The last thing he remembered was seeing people trying to escape from the casino.

According to the authorities, it would appear that the robbers’ show of force created mass hysteria and some of the casino’s clients were trampled during their escape. Fortunately, no one was injured during the robbery.

After a couple of minutes, the law enforcement officers arrived and took the individual into custody. It appears that at least three heavily-armed individuals were involved in the robbery of the Rolex shops and all of them wore masks to conceal their faces.

Image source: Wikipedia

Weather experts issued a warning for severe weather for Wednesday, March 1st. Hail will most likely mark the first day of spring for Alabama residents, forecasters predict.

Weather experts are growing ever more confident that Alabama residents will be forced to remain indoors on the first day of spring. However, the warnings don’t stop there. Meteorologists also announced the weather is going to take a turn for the worst on Monday and Tuesday, as well. Nevertheless, forecasters say March 1^st has the highest probabilities of severe weather.

Severe Weather Setting In

On Wednesday, weather experts predict a cold front moving into the state with storms breaking out ahead and along of it. This got most forecasters worried, as they could reach severe limits. Experts with the National Weather Service say that all forms of severe weather are possible, including hail, as the main concern, damaging gusts of wind, and even small tornadoes. Hence, NOAA’s Storm Prediction Center experts placed the state of Alabama under severe weather risk on Wednesday.

Most affected will be central and northern Alabama with numerous storms, high in intensity. At the same time, however, some central regions in the state will be spared the severe storms but will see, nonetheless, powerful gusts of wind and only minor storms scattered around. Ultimately, the rest of Alabama will see only low-intensity storms here and there.

Regions Affected

The weather is already taking a turn for the worst, say National Weather Service experts, as a few strong to severe storms are expected to hit Alabama on Monday, February 27^th. Hence, forecasters are keeping a close eye on gusts of wind exceeding 60 mph and the potential for hail associated with strong storms that could make an appearance in the evening. Meteorologists say that if any strong storms should form, they will do so mainly west of a line from Mobile to Evergreen to Camden. The storms predicted for Wednesday, however, will hit along the U.S. Highway 84 and move north.

The weather services warn Alabama residents about severe storms and say that a brief tornado can also make an appearance this week. Birmingham’s National Weather Service experts say the window for severe weather on March 1^st appears to be between noon and 10 p.m. Meteorologists added regions along and north of a line from Mount Chaha to Calera to Cuba will most likely be subjected to severe storms. After the weather settles, experts believe the rest of the week will be drier and more seasonable.

Image Source: Wikipedia

45-year-old former North Texas neurosurgeon was sentenced to life in prison after multiple patients suffered irreparable damage or even died as a result of failed surgeries.

In a stunning turn of events, a neurosurgeon from Dallas was sentenced to life behind bars for a number of botched high-risk surgeries that left two of his patients paralyzed for life and a couple others dead. According to the prosecution, 45-year-old Christopher Duntsch was found guilty of intentionally killing or maiming his patients. In the case against him, 35 former patients have testified against him. However, the defense argues nothing was intentional, but Duntsch was simply a lousy surgeon, unfit for the job.

Former Neurosurgeon’s Skills

Federal prosecutors say that the defendant was actually an underqualified neurosurgeon. Talking about the surgeries Duntsch had performed in the past, the prosecution says it looked more like a carpenter operating in a medical theater.

Investigators discovered that on multiple occasions, the neurosurgeon planted screws in the spines of several of his patients that shouldn’t have been inserted, to begin with. Moreover, the defendant severed a vital vein in another patient and forgot a sponge in yet another. His negligence, say authorities, cost two people their lives. A couple others have been confined to a wheelchair since their surgeries. However, investigators did not find sufficient evidence to suggest Duntsch suffered from any mental disorders.

Christopher Duntsch Sentencing

On Monday, February 13^th, the incompetent neurosurgeon was found guilty of the surgical blunders he stood accused of, conducted between July 2012 and June 2013. After just one hour of consulting, the jury unanimously decided Duntsch should receive life in prison for his deeds. Faith Johnson, Dallas County District Attorney praised the sentence saying the prosecution is feeling elated about the life sentence.

Patients’ Thoughts

Multiple patients have taken the stand against the neurosurgeon. Mary Efurd, 78, who is now confined to a wheelchair for the remainder of her life declared she put her whole faith in Duntsch back in 2012 when the surgery was conducted.

Kellie Martin died the same year because of health complication associated with the failed surgery. She left behind a daughter and a husband who say even though the sentencing does not bring Kellie back, at least justice has been served. Ultimately, multiple other former patients declared they were ecstatic with the neurosurgeon receiving life in prison.

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After being told he had to wait at least five years, Andy received the call about the face transplant only five months after signing up for the surgery.

Andy Sandness was only 21 years old when he tried to commit suicide almost ten years ago. Several days before Christmas, in 2006, overcome by negative emotions, the man grabbed a firearm from his closet, went outside, placed the gun under his chin, and pulled the trigger. Now, he says he instantly regretted that decision. When first responders arrived on the scene, they discovered the man without a face crying for help as he was repeatedly saying he wanted to live on.

Miraculously, Andy Sandness survived the suicide attempt. However, he was left without a face, as the bullet traveling through his skull shattered everything in its path. In the summer of 2016, a team of 60 surgeons, anesthesiologists, and nurses came together for a 56-hour-long surgery at the Mayo Clinic in an effort to give the man a new face. The face transplant – a first for the clinic – included the jaw, nose, chin, mouth, teeth, and cheeks and came from a donor roughly the same age as him who also tried to kill himself.

Andy Sandness’ Suicide Attempt

Only two days before Christmas, Andy couldn’t put up with his emotions any longer and decided to take his own life. A hunting enthusiast, he already had a permit and a rifle at home which he used in the attempted suicide. Luckily for him, though, the bullet missed his brain and he was able to survive the horrific incident. Emergency responders rushed him from his home in Newcastle Wyoming to the hospital. After being admitted to two health facilities and treated for his injuries over the course of several months, the man finally arrived at the Mayo Clinic.

Dr. Samir Mardini, a plastic surgeon assessed the damage and told his patient he would do everything is his power to reconstruct his face as best he could.

The Face Transplant

Initially, doctors expected the man would have to wait for at least five years to receive the rarest type of transplant there is. However, Andy received the call informing him a donor was found only five months after being placed on the waiting list.

The donor, Calen Ross, shot himself in the head and left behind an eight-month pregnant widow. At first, Lily, Ross’ widow was skeptical and said she didn’t want to see her dead husband’s face walking down the street should the transplant succeed. However, doctors worked around Andy’s own forehead and eyes and managed to give him his old appearance back.

Three months after the surgery, Andy says he is planning to become an electrician and hopefully marry and have a family of his own.

Image Source: Youtube

Law enforcement investigators are still investing the circumstances of Ku Klux Klan faction leader, Frank Ancona’s death with little to go on.

A family who went fishing for the weekend stumbled upon Frank Ancona’s lifeless body on Saturday, February 11^th, near Belgrade, Montana. The 51-year-old Leadwood resident was best known for his title of imperial wizard of the Traditionalist American Knights of the Ku Klux Klan. According to family members, the man had been missing for several days until his body was discovered near Big River.

Saturday night, Zach Jacobsen, Washington County Sheriff issued a statement saying an autopsy is underway. Coroners have not released any potential cause of death yet. In spite of the man’s reputation, the sheriff deemed the man’s passing as a senseless and tragic act of violence.

Frank Ancona’s Vanishing

On Friday, February 10^th, local law enforcement agencies have been alerted of Frank Ancona’s disappearance. His 2015 black Ford Fusion was discovered later by an employee working with the U.S. Forest Service on Forest Service property, near Potosi. By Saturday, deputies secured the area and requested assistance from the Missouri Highway Patrol.

Official Statements

Zach Jacobsen told reporters that two people were arrested in relation to the Ku Klux Klan faction leader’s disappearance. However, one of them was brought in on unrelated charges. The Washington County Sheriff added Frank Ancona’s family has been notified about his death.

According to local law enforcement officers, the man had not been seen since early Wednesday. William Dickey, Leadwood Police Chief told reporters that police officers learned about the 51-year-old’s mysterious disappearance from his employer.

The deceased’s wife told authorities that her husband received a call from work on that day requesting him to deliver some vehicle parts across the state. However, his employer told investigators the man was never sent on a delivery run.

Furthermore, investigators scouring around his house found a safe that had been forcibly opened, as if someone took a crowbar to it. William Dickey said that all the contents of the safe were missing, as well as several firearms owned by Frank Ancona. Malissa was questioned about a Facebook post she shared on the night of her husband’s disappearance, as she was looking for a roommate. However, law enforcement officers were told the man was planning to file for divorce and his wife was looking for a roommate to share the expenses with.

At this point, no details of the pending investigation have been released to the media.