A Montreal ice sculptor managed to prank several police officer with his ice replica of a DeLorean DMC-12.

Apart from trigger-happy criminals who would love nothing than to gun them down, the biggest threat to a police officer can be boredom, especially during night patrols. However, several police officers from the Canadian town of Montreal laughed at their life after discovering the latest creation of a famous ice sculpture.

Fake Snow-Covered Vehicle Found in the Middle of the Road

According to the officers on duty that night, a police car caught sight of a vehicle obstructing the road and called for backup. A quick peek showed what looked like a frozen in DeLorean DMC-12 abandoned smack in the middle of a snow-covered road.

Of course, the officers were just about to write off one thorny parking ticket to the owner of this vehicle, when they’ve decided to take a closer look. It didn’t take them long enough to figure out that there was no car lying under the car-shaped snow pile, but a cleverly crafted ice sculpture, which bore Simon Laprise’s fingerprints all over it.

Of course, the police officers had a great laugh over the fake vehicle and decided that this joke must be answered with another. And so, they left a fake parking ticket on the DeLorean’s windshield, took a couple of pictures, and left off.

The pics with the fake ticket and the fake DeLorean made by ice sculptor Laprise were posted on Facebook. As for the contents of the ticket, the officer wrote that this prank made their night a whole lot better.

Unfortunately, the ice sculpture disappeared the next day, probably plowed away by the city’s sanitation workers. However, the pictures are still out there to remind all officers on duty that night patrols don’t have to be dull.

As the winter is here to stay, we can expect more of Laprise’s works to pop up around the city.

Image source: Flickr

Investigators used Facebook selfie to tie Antoine to Gargol murder.

After two years of following false leads, the investigators managed to find the incriminating piece of evidence which link a Saskatoon woman to the Gargol murder. Cheyenne Antoine has been sentenced to 7 years in prison for the slaying of her 18-year-old friend Brittney Gargol. Prosecutors used a Facebook selfie posted by Antoine to convict her.

Gargol Murder Was on Standby for Two Years

For the past two years, the authorities have struggled to find the missing link in the murder case of Brittney Gargol, an 18-year-old woman from Saskatoon. Gargol was found unresponsive on Valley Road and pronounced dead at the scene.

An autopsy report revealed that the woman was hit by a car and strangled to death using a belt. Several days later, the authorities arrested 20-year-old Cheyenne Antoine, after the woman, in an advanced state of intoxication, confessed to a close friend that she killed Gargol, her best friend.

The woman initially charged with second-degree murder, told the investigators that on the night of the murder, she had a fallout with her best friend. Gargol’s parents confirm that both of them were all night drinking.

During her police interview, the woman told the investigators that her best friend left with an unknown individual to another location. However, the authorities managed to dismiss Antoine’s claims using the security footage retrieve from the bar, which supposedly was visited by the two women and the individual.

However, the investigation moved at a slow pace, as the authorities had no palpable evidence that Antoine was the author behind the Gargol murder. The solution will come after two years when the investigators took a closer look at Antoine’s Facebook posts.

One of the pictures depicting the two together was the last piece of the puzzle. According to the investigators, the pictures, which was taken earlier that day, shows Antoine wearing a belt, the same one that was found near Gargol’s body on the night of her murder.

The Saskatoon woman was sentenced to 7 years in prison after the initial one was changed from second-degree murder to manslaughter.

Image source: Wikipedia

The woman wasn’t aware bringing painkillers into Egypt counts as drug trafficking

A British woman is at risk of facing the death penalty, after she brought hundreds of painkillers in Egypt. On October 9^th, as she had just landed on the Hurghada International Airport, she was found carrying 290 tablets of tramadol and naproxen, which are incredibly powerful opioids. She said she brought the tablets for her Egyptian husband, who was suffering from severe back pain.

The woman brought opioid painkillers to Egypt, without being aware they’re illegal

Laura Plummer, aged 33, is in a long-distance relationship, and she was visiting her husband who lived in Egypt. She knew he was complaining of severe back pains, so she decided to help him and bring him some painkillers. Unknowingly, she made a huge mistake, as the customs police found 290 pills of powerful opioids in her suitcase.

Both her father and her brother said she wasn’t aware of what she was doing, and had no idea that it was illegal to transport such huge quantities of opioid painkillers. When she complained to a co-worker that her husband was in pain, this person recommended her the tablets. Moreover, she packed a few other items which are prohibited in Egypt, without being aware of it.

She might be subject to serious penalty

The painkillers the woman had brought to her husband were tramadol and naproxen. Tramadol is an incredibly powerful opioid, and might share some of its effects with heroin. It was first introduced in Egypt for the treatment of cancer patients, but it quickly became the most abused substance in the country. Now it’s widely used as a recreational drug, and even as an aphrodisiac.

At the moment, Plummer is in jail, sharing a cell with 25 other women. On November 9^th, she is to return to court for the third hearing in her case. She has been accused of drug trafficking, so she is at risk of facing serious penalty.
Image Source: Wikimedia Commons

John Dunsworth died peacefully after a short fight with a tough disease

John Dunsworth, the actor best known for his portrayal of Jim Lahey in the well-known comedy TV series Park Trailer Boys, passed away a few days ago at the age of 71. His daughter, Sarah Dunsworth, was the one who made the news public via an email. She asked for her family to be given some privacy, so that her father could be laid to rest surrounded by his loved ones.

John Dunsworth died after a short fight with an unexpected disease

John Dunsworth was born on April 12^th, 1946, in Bridgewater, Nova Scotia, Canada. He studied theatre at the University of Guelph, but dropped out in his fourth year. This didn’t stop him from starring in many productions, both on TV and radio and on the stage of the Neptune Theatre in Halifax.

The details on Dunsworth’s deaths were quite scarce, but his daughter’s message mentioned a short and unexpected illness which the man couldn’t cope with. However, his passing was peaceful, and he had his loved ones close in his last moments.

His friends and colleagues send their regrets on social media

Everyone who knew John Dunsworth took to social media to express their deepest regrets and condolences for the grieving family. Tom Arnold, an American comedian who knew Dunsworth well, called the deceased actor one of the most brilliant artists he had had the honor to collaborate with. His colleague from Trailer Park Boys, Mike Smith, was devastated to find out the news.

Even though Dunsworth was best known for his Jim Lahey role, he had quite a fruitful career in both film and TV starting with 1978. One of the other well-known roles of his is Dave Teagues from Haven. Also, he had quite a lot of activity in the local theatrical scene of Halifax, where he even founded the first alternative stage, Pier One Theatre.

pic.twitter.com/7H1KkEOsiR

— Sarah Dunsworth (@SarahDunsworth) October 16, 2017

Image Source: Flickr

Trump should take action against the IRGC in Iraq

The US offered support to Iraqi troops in the fight against ISIS and, later on, against the Kurdish fighters in Kirkuk. However, it appears the Iraqi didn’t only have US support, but also had a powerful ally in the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. If Trump doesn’t take a decision fast, and doesn’t intervene in this new Middle East crisis, the country might soon return into Islamic hands.

US offered support to Iraq against ISIS

In 2014, Iraq was invaded by ISIS, and its troops thrown away from the country. As soon as this happened, Kurdish fighters quickly intervened and occupied the northern city of Kirkuk. These fighters, called Peshmerga, managed to keep it safe from jihadist fighters and from other intruders. Meanwhile, the Iraqi army didn’t waste any time.

With the help of the US, the army of Iraq fought side by side with the Peshmerga, and rid the entire country of ISIS. Once this threat was gone, they turned against the Kurds, and freed Kirkuk in the name of national unity. However, it turns out we weren’t the only ones who helped the Iraqi. They also benefited from plenty of support from the Shiite militias.

It’s better to get involved in the newly simmering conflict

The bad thing with these militias is the fact that they are faithful to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps in Tehran. President Trump regards this organization as terrorist, but the ex-Iraq ambassador to the United States, Zalmay Khalilzad, thinks this was an undeniable victory for IRGC. Therefore, he urges the US to stay involved in the matter.

Khalilzad doesn’t think the purpose of the US should be to fight against the Kurds and their integrity. Iraq might have strongly opposed the Kurdish referendum for independence, but President Trump and his administration didn’t manifest too big of an interest in the matter. Therefore, Khalilzad thinks it’s time to get involved, and prevent Iraq from falling in the hands of Iran and the Islam-supporting Revolutionary Guard Corps.
Image Source: Wikimedia Commons

The still expanding phytoplankton blooms turned the waters of the Bosphorus Strait turquoise.

Over the past few days, the waters of the Bosphorus Strait have sported quite an unusual color. More commonly known for their dark blue tint, these waters are now turquoise. The change, which brought wonder to residents, received an explanation from scientists that attributed it to phytoplankton.

The Brightest Bosphorus Strait since 2012

The Bosphorus Strait is the natural division between Europe and the Turkish city of Istanbul. Connected to the Black Sea, the area’s waters usually have a dark hue. However, every year, their colors darkens or lightens thanks to the spring phytoplankton blooms.

However, this year, the bloom period extended and become much brighter than usual at it is still peaking even in June. NASA’s MODIS (Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer) captured some stunning images of the event.

“When conditions are right, phytoplankton populations can grow explosively, a phenomenon known as a bloom,” states NASA.

A statement from NASA also offered some further details on the most probable cause behind the water’s turning turquoise. Namely, the aerospace agency explained that phytoplankton are microscopic organisms capable of generating their own food. They can do so with help from dissolved nutrients and sunlight. Usually, these tiny organisms offer support for shellfish, fish, and other marine inhabitants.

NASA states that the observed milky coloration is most likely caused by a particular type of phytoplankton, the coccolithophore. The Emiliania huxleyi, one its species, can adapt and then thrive in any waters from the equator up to sub-Antarctic regions.

This particular type of coccolithophore is also white-calcium carbonate-platted. So a large quantity of its blooms can lead to the appearance of noted milky sheen. Ahmet Cemal Saydam, a professor at the Hacettepe University also points out to this being an ‘explosion’ of Emiliania huxleyi blooms.

He also points out that this could be beneficial for anchovies, which are a staple food in the city.

Image Source: Wikimedia

DRC health authorities are looking to try and stop a possible outspread of the Ebola virus.

Democratic Republic of Congo or DRC health authorities are stepping up their efforts in trying to prevent a possible outspread of the Ebola virus. They are doing so as the WHO declared that the country is facing an epidemic.

The latest reports from the organization show that the number of cases rose to 37 from the previous 29. Also, the WHO considers that a fourth person may have also died, besides the three suspected and/or confirmed cases.

DRC Health Authorities Will Expand their Epidemiological Surveillance

The World Health Organization (WHO) announced that the DRC was facing an outbreak on May 12^th, after the Congolese Ministry of Health confirmed the death of one of the confirmed Ebola patients.  Since April 22^nd, 37 suspected cases of an Ebola infection were reported.

Now, the local DRC health authorities will be extending their efforts in trying to stop a possible spreading. The first reported death occurred in the Likati health district, situated in the Aketi, Bas-Uélé province. This is a remote forested region, located about 1,400 kilometers to the N-E of Kinshasa, the capital city.

Families have been leaving the area in trying to escape an infection. But this is also raising concerns as they may be unknowingly and unwillingly carrying the Ebola virus.

So, DRC health authorities from North-Ubangi decided to expand their epidemiological surveillance. This will now include the Wapinda zone, situated some 2 kilometers from the Likati health district.

“The three health areas that constitute the epicentre of the disease are located within 2km of the Wapinda health district,” Davos Davene is quoted as saying.

The doctor is the head of the North Ubangi provincial division of health. Dr. Davene did confirm the finalization of a contingency plan at a provincial level. This will try and prevent the killer disease and its expansion.

The isolation of the Likati health district, as well as its low population density, have been contributing to the yet limited spread of the Ebola virus. The fact that the local population is almost entirely self-sufficient also influenced the outspread.

Still, health authorities have sent mobile laboratories in the region for quicker testing potentially affected people. They are also monitoring the 416 people to come into contact with the sufferers.

Image Source: Flickr

The Eta Aquariid meteor shower will peak this week on May 5 and 6.

Be sure to get up early and turn your gaze skyward this weekend. That’s when the annual Eta Aquariid meteor shower will be at its peak.
Usually visible to the human eye annually between April 19 and May 20, this year, the meteor shower started being visible on April 2o and will still be seen up until May 28. The best time to view the meteorites this year will be in the early morning hours of May 6, according to NASA.

This year, the best period to see the meteors will be in the early morning hours of May 6, according to NASA.
The Eta Aquariids are one of two meteor showers created by debris from Halley’s Comet. The source of this nighttime event come from the Aquarius constellation, from which they also take their name. The second meteor event produced by Halley’s pass is the Orionid Meteor Shower. This is expected to peak around Oct. 20 this year.

How to best view the Eta Aquariid

Meteor showers occur when dust grains passing through the Earth’s atmosphere are burned up. Where you live has a direct correlation on which way you should look to see the meteors.

Reside in the northern hemisphere? Look to the southern horizon. Those living in the southern hemisphere should look north. Folks living along the Gulf Coast of the United States and as far south as Miami will have the best view of this nighttime event.

To have the best perspective of the Eta Aquariids, head outside a couple of hours before dawn. Experts anticipate that viewers of this celestial show will be able to see as many as 30 meteors an hour streak in the sky.

For the best view, lie on the ground and look up at the sky. This will ensure a full panorama of the horizon and will also prevent you from having a sore neck.

This year’s Eta Aquariid event will not be marred by light from a bright moon. When the shower reaches its zenith, the moon should have already set. Still, take an hour or so off for watching the show. The human eye must first adapt before it can see and distinguish the meteorites against the sky.

Image Source: Flickr

According to the most recent reports, a mysterious illness continues claiming lives in Liberia.

According to a report released by the World Health Organization (WHO), a mysterious illness continues claiming lives in Liberia. Since April 23^rd, there have been 12 deaths and 22 cases of the illness. These include an unmentioned number of children. Three of the reported cases are still hospitalized in Sinoe County’s Francis Grant Hospital. Four people have been discharged.

Tarik Jasarevic, a WHO spokesperson, offered details about the state of the hospitalized people. He said they have stabilized and their state seems to be improving. Jasarevic also offered details about the current investigation into this mysterious illness.

Health officials are trying to determine and track down any potential active cases as they are also tracing contacts. At the same time, an epidemiological investigation is already underway. Specialists will be looking to establish the exact cause and source of this disease.

The WHO is currently consulting with the leaders of the affected local communities. It is also trying to mobilize people via social networks. WHO is encouraging and advising any person that feels sick to get checked at a hospital.

This Mysterious Illness Requires Special Measures

Jasarevic stated that, as the cause of the illness is still unknown, extra protective measures has to be taken in the hospitals treating these patients. These resemble those taken during the Ebola crisis, as hospital staff has to wear personal protective equipment and the patients are kept in isolation.

Health officials already tested the affected people for Ebola as well as the Lassa and yellow fever. However, these were all ruled out. The mysterious illness symptoms include confusion, headaches, vomiting and diarrhea.

Sorbor George, Liberia’s Ministry of Health Communication Director stated as follows.

“April 25, we got a call from the Sinoe County health team about a series of unexplained deaths. We are still not aware of what killed them.”

He then added that local authorities have sent samples to the Atlanta US Center for Disease Control and Prevention. Liberian health care authorities are conducting new tests and will also be relying on the help of the international community in determining the nature of this mysterious illness.

According to reports, most of those affected attended a funeral before falling ill. Still, authorities “don’t want to be specific” and are still looking for the exact cause. Evidence suggests exposure or ingestion to a contaminant as a possible cause, but authorities will keep an eye open for other possible reasons.

Image Source: Wikimedia

April 22nd marks the height of the annual Lyrid Meteor Shower, one of the brightest such shows.

 

This week marks the height of the annual Lyrid Meteor Shower, one of the brightest shows in our cosmic neighborhood. The Earth will be passing through the trail of a comet discovered in 1861. This latter’s remaining pieces will come shooting through the sky in what always promises to be a good show. Considering the fact that the moon will be a crescent, there will likely be little interference in areas with clear skies and away from cities.

How Best To View the Lyrid Meteor Shower

“It would be best to face towards the northern half of the sky with the moon at your back.” At least according to an AMS recommendation.