A research team consisting of archaeologists and a professional tattoo artist has finally unlocked the secrets encoded onto the skin of Ötzi The Iceman. Arguably the world’s most famous prehistoric corpse‚ Ötzi’s body was covered in tattoos‚ yet until now scientists were unsure how the markings were made on the old geezer’s skin.Thought to have lived and died around 5‚200 years ago‚ Ötzi and his tatts provide the only solid evidence for body inking during the European Copper Age. “Among his various attributes‚ the Iceman exhibits some of the world’s oldest preserved tattoos‚ consisting of sixty-one carbon pigment marks on his abdomen‚ lower back‚ lower legs‚ and left wrist‚” write the authors of the new study.Abstract and schematic in nature‚ these designs “consist of nineteen groups of parallel or intersecting linear marks… predominantly aligned to the long axis of the body.”First noticed by researchers shortly after Ötzi was discovered in a melting glacier in the Alps in 1991‚ these tattoos have sparked numerous theories‚ none of which had been corroborated until now. For instance‚ it has largely been assumed that the markings were made using an incision technique‚ whereby the skin is first cut before pigment is later rubbed in.Noting a lack of evidence to support this hypothesis‚ archaeologist Aaron Deter-Wolf from the Tennessee Division of Archaeology teamed up with tattoo artist Danny Riday in order to analyze the healing patterns of four ancient tattooing techniques. During these experiments‚ Riday repeatedly tattooed himself using eight different tools before comparing his new tatts to those on Ötzi’s skin.“Among these tests‚ an eyed bone needle was used for subdermal tattooing‚ the tip of an obsidian flake was used for puncture tattooing‚ and a separate obsidian flake was used for incising tattoos‚” write the study authors. “Single-point copper and bone awls were used for hand-poke puncture tattooing.”Documenting the characteristics of each type of tattoo as they healed over the next six months‚ the team noticed that “tattoos created with different tools and techniques exhibit distinctive physical traits.” For instance‚ “Incised tattoos exhibit firm‚ clear margins‚ and distinctive tailing at one or both ends of individual lines.”Contrary to the popular narrative‚ these incision hallmarks did not match the properties of Ötzi’s tattoos. Instead‚ the authors found that “the physical structure of the Iceman’s tattoos‚ including stippling‚ line widths‚ rounded ends‚ and diffusion of pigment along the edges are all strongly evocative of puncture tattooing using a single-point hand-poke tool.” A comparison of Riday's tattoos (A-F) to Otzi's (G).Image credit: Deter-Wolf et al./European Journal of Archaeology“Of the implements tested during our experimental study‚ the Iceman’s marks compare most favourably with tattoos created using a bone point or copper awl‚” they write.Seeking further validation for their findings in the archaeological record‚ the researchers explain that copper awls are among the most commonly identified artifacts from this period in European history‚ especially in the part of the Alps Ötzi called home. Traditionally‚ these have been interpreted as leatherworking or weaving implements. However‚ as Riday’s new body art demonstrates‚ these ancient tools may also have been used as prehistoric tattooing needles. The study is published in the European Journal of Archaeology.

Long legs‚ brown fur‚ big ears‚ and a bushy tail – the maned wolf (Chrysocyon brachyurus) looks remarkably like a fox‚ and you'd be forgiven for thinking it was a wolf as the name suggests. However‚ this remarkable creature is actually not closely related to either. So what exactly is a maned wolf‚ and what are they up to?What is a maned wolf?Maned wolves are the largest canid found in South America and the fourth largest canid in the world. They're the only member of the genus Chrysocyon‚ according to the Smithsonian National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute‚ making them a group all of their own. The maned wolf has long black legs‚ flowing red fur‚ and large ears. They get their name from a line of black fur that runs down their necks and backs. The scientific name Chrysocyon means “golden dog”. Where do maned wolves live?The IUCN lists the maned wolf as Near Threatened‚ with a population of 17‚000 spread across central South America from Brazil‚ into Paraguay‚ Argentina‚ Bolivia‚ and Peru. They occur in a range of habitats‚ including grasslands and savannahs‚ and are known to be adapted to each environmental area‚ writes BBC Science Focus. They are under a main threat of habitat loss due to deforestation‚ as well as illegal hunting and road deaths. How tall is a maned wolf?The maned wolf weighs around 20-25 kilograms (50 pounds) and is about 90-100 centimeters tall (3 feet) at the shoulder‚ writes the World Wildlife Fund. They even have a handy graphic comparing the maned wolf with the sizes of other more well-known animals. Maned wolves don't howl; instead‚ they make loud barking noises.Image credit: belizar/Shutterstock.comWhat does a maned wolf eat? Maned wolves are not fussy eaters‚ having an omnivorous diet of fruits‚ vegetables‚ and small mammals such as rodents‚ and sometimes insects. They eat small mammals like cuis‚ which are similar to wild guinea pigs‚ and will also take birds. They are also said to have a favorite food: the lobeira or “wolf's plant”‚ a tomato-like fruit. What noises does a maned wolf make?Unlike their wolf namesakes‚ they don’t howl; instead‚ they are said to communicate with loud roaring barks‚ which helps warn other maned wolves away from their mates. They are mostly solitary‚ but come together during the breeding season for around a month. 

Not all solar eclipses are equal – even if we’re ignoring partial and annual eclipses‚ some are more impressive sights than others. Part of the building excitement about next month’s North American eclipse is how much longer it will last than the 2017 equivalent‚ leading to questions like: when was the longest eclipse of all? And how long can an eclipse theoretically last?The longest total eclipses are not what they once were – you might even say they are a shadow of their former selves. Once‚ eclipses could be much longer‚ and no doubt more fearsome‚ events. That‚ however‚ was millions of years ago when the Moon was closer to the Earth.Even though the Moon hurried more quickly through its orbit back then‚ its extra apparent size meant it could block out the Sun even when it was not perfectly positioned in front. So if you want to go back to the days of the dinosaurs‚ there would have been some epic eclipses lasting longer than anything we get today.Unfortunately‚ we don’t think there were any Ceratosaurus clockmakers to time the event. Moreover‚ our models of the movements of the celestial bodies‚ while impressive‚ lose accuracy the further back you go. We don’t know exactly when eclipses occurred tens of thousands – let alone millions – of years ago‚ so we can’t specify the dates of particularly long eclipses.Therefore‚ any search for a record-breaker needs to be restricted to those someone measured‚ or at least were recorded as happening.The longest precise measurement of a total eclipse comes from June 20‚ 1955‚ when the Sun was completely blocked for 7 minutes and 8 seconds. This eclipse was visible from Sri Lanka and parts of Southeast Asia‚ although most places on the path would have seen a somewhat shorter event.There have been longer eclipses in history‚ but in 1955 we saw the longest totality (blue lines) humanity has had the capacity to measure.Image Credit: Fred Espenak‚ NASA/Goddard Space Flight Center‚ from eclipse.gsfc.nasa.govThat record won’t stand forever. In 2150‚ there will be an eclipse lasting 7 minutes and 14 seconds‚ so assuming we can keep civilization together until then it will become the longest by six seconds.The 2150 eclipse’s time in the Sun will be fairly short‚ however. Eighteen years later‚ an eclipse will last a whopping 7 minutes 26; one three seconds longer still will occur in 2186 at 7 minutes 29 seconds. As we’ll see below‚ that is almost as long as an eclipse can be these days. The late 22nd century really will be a golden era for eclipse chasers‚ although the path of totality for the first of these barely touches land. Humanity has probably witnessed eclipses longer than the one witnessed in 1955‚ however‚ even if we were not in a position to time them precisely. The oldest written record of an eclipse comes from the Chinese text the Shujing and is thought to refer to one on October 22‚ 2137 BCE‚ although Irish petroglyphs may refer to one 1‚200 years earlier on November 30‚ 3340 BCE.In that time there have been more than 20 that NASA has calculated exceeded the 1955 event. We don’t have records of all of them. For example‚ the eclipse of June 9‚ 1062‚ took place almost entirely over the Pacific Ocean‚ but according to modern calculations lasted 7 minutes and 20 seconds.Relying on calculations alone‚ however‚ we can say that the longest in that period was in 743 BCE when part of the Indian Ocean was in darkness for 7 minutes 28 seconds. No doubt people in the areas where the path of the eclipse touched land were staggered by it‚ but they lacked the technology to measure it.The length of an eclipse depends on the orbits of both the Earth and Moon‚ neither of which are perfectly circular. When the Earth is furthest from the Sun‚ our star takes up slightly less of the sky‚ and can therefore be entirely blocked for longer. Conversely‚ when the Moon is at its closest‚ it appears larger and can do more blocking. It also helps to be near the equator‚ to maximize the speed with which the Earth is turning the observer‚ slowing the relative speed of the Moon’s shadow. Eclipses are also longer when the Sun and Moon are almost directly above‚ rather than near the horizon.Taking all these into account‚ the maximum length for an eclipse under current conditions‚ is said to be 7 minutes 31 seconds‚ according to calculations made by Isabel Martin Lewis of the US Naval Academy. Given how perfectly the celestial objects have to align‚ however‚ it’s not surprising we’re not aware of anything that long. Indeed‚ it’s amazing the examples listed above got as close as they did.The factors Lewis identified help explain why next month’s eclipse‚ while far from a record‚ will be longer than most. The Earth’s distance from the Sun will be only slightly further than average‚ but the Moon will be only a day past perigee‚ or its nearest point to Earth. The path of totality starts quite close to the equator‚ although it ends quite far north‚ and for much of the way the Sun and Moon will be high in the sky. In other words: of the four factors‚ this eclipse scores well on two and middling on the others. Those factors combine to give a maximum totality of 4 minutes 28 seconds‚ to be witnessed in Mexico. By comparison‚ 2017 wasn’t more than 2 minutes 40 seconds anywhere.There are‚ of course‚ people who will try to extend eclipses by putting themselves in aircraft – even supersonic ones – to race the Moon’s shadow. Let us ignore such cheaters‚ however. If you’re that keen to keep the Moon between you and the Sun‚ join the Artemis Mission and do it properly.

A new study explores the motivations that lead some individuals to pursue polyamory‚ the practice of engaging in multiple consenting romantic and/or sexual relationships. According to the study‚ polyamorous individuals are largely driven by a desire for greater relatedness (connection with people)‚ autonomy‚ and a desire to have more of their needs met. The results fly in the face of stereotypes that regard polyamorous people as “commitment-phobes” or that their relationships are unsustainable.Consensual polyamory has become increasingly common in many countries. According to recent statistics‚ 4 to 5 percent of Americans practice this approach to relationships‚ while around 7 percent of British adults have been in at least one consensual polyamorous relationship during their lives.   Not only are more people choosing to practice this subset of non-monogamy‚ but there has also been a significant shift in attitudes as well. Increasingly‚ polyamorous individuals are receiving more positive representation in popular culture‚ both in film and TV shows‚ but also in literature and in video games. Equally‚ dating platforms like Tinder‚ Hinge‚ and OKCupid are including it as a legitimate option for people’s profiles.But despite these positive changes‚ polyamory is still regarded with suspicion and prejudice by many people who see it as a danger to society and accuse polyamorous people of being immoral‚ promiscuous‚ and hypersexual. And yet the new research pours considerable cold water on these beliefs.In the study‚ researchers explored the reasons why people choose this form of non-monogamy. They wanted to gain potential insight that may help support polyamorous individuals‚ especially those experiencing prejudice.“From a minority stress perspective”‚ the team wrote in their paper‚ “members of a stigmatized population often confront a range of negative experiences‚ such as discrimination and harassment‚ whose harmful effects contribute to physical and mental health disparities.”   Individuals suffering such stress may further internalize the stigma‚ increasing the risk “for negative physical and mental health outcome.”For this purpose‚ the team recruited participants through the “r/polyamory” forum on Reddit‚ which allowed them to work with people deeply engaged with polyamory and its associated experiences. Those who participated had to be over 18‚ reside in the US‚ and have been in or are currently involved in a consensual polyamorous relationship. This gave them a final sample of 63 participants.The participants provided information related to the motivations for adopting a polyamorous lifestyle by answering six open-ended questions. They were also asked to provide demographic information about their age‚ gender‚ sexual orientation‚ race/ethnicity‚ and household income.Finally‚ the participants were also encouraged to offer additional information about themselves‚ their experiences with polyamory‚ and/or feedback on the survey itself.Once the data was gathered‚ the researchers identified four main themes: values alignment‚ relationship factors‚ external stimuli‚ and sexuality.A significant number of participants identified a gravitational pull towards polyamory as it best fitted their underlying values or attitudes towards relationships. Some individuals said they were aware of these values from early childhood or adolescence‚ while others became aware of them later in life.This theme was further subdivided into subthemes‚ including those with a philosophical approach to relationships that emphasize authenticity‚ an explicit aversion to societal norms centering on monogamy as the status quo‚ and a transition from other forms of consensual non-monogamy as their needs evolved.The second theme focused on how unsatisfying relationship dynamics had contributed to some participants choosing to engage in polyamory. Some individuals referenced their own pervasive dissatisfaction‚ while others cited their partner's dissatisfaction with the existing relationship.The third theme‚ external stimuli‚ related to individuals who developed feelings towards someone outside of their primary relationship or who became interested in polyamory through the media‚ friends‚ or the community. These participants explained how an external interaction with polyamory – through people or a positive representation – challenged their beliefs about relationships and love.Finally‚ the fourth theme‚ sexuality‚ involved situations where individuals engaged with polyamory as a means to explore their own sexuality. Compared with the other themes‚ participants in this theme reported a closer association between polyamory and sex. This theme involved a range of sexual motivations that stemmed from an individual’s desire to have their sexual needs met or for their partners to do so.The study provides valuable insights into the nuances that underscore polyamory‚ but it has some limitations. Firstly‚ the data provided by participants was obtained from individuals who chose to participate‚ which may lead to self-selection bias. This is especially true as those who choose to discuss and share their relationship experiences on Reddit may have far more positive views of polyamory than those who do not.But despite this‚ the results challenge the common stereotypes held by people who see polyamory as built on immoral motivations and sexual desire. The situation is far more complex‚ and the motivations are far more diverse‚ including a need for greater autonomy and a feeling of connectedness.“The present findings counter existing stereotypes of polyamorous people as ‘commitment-phobes’ or polyamorous relationships as unsustainable”‚ the authors conclude.“Rather‚ participants described achieving significant personal and relationship growth through their pursuit of polyamory. Understanding the autonomy and relatedness motivations of individuals engaged in polyamory has the capacity to contribute to positive psychology interventions to combat internalized stigmas of individuals engaged in polyamory.”The study is published in Archives of Sexual Behavior.

In a story that feels like it’s straight out of a heartwarming movie‚ we meet Bojo‚ a tiny skunk with a big will to live. Just three days after coming into the world‚ he faced a harrowing adventure. Snatched from his nest by a crow‚ Bojo’s life took a dramatic turn‚ setting the stage for... The post Woman rescues tiniest 3-day-old baby from crow and jumps into action to help him appeared first on Animal Channel.

In the rolling hills of New England‚ there lives a Brown Swiss steer named Tommy‚ who’s anything but ordinary. Originating from the Alpine regions‚ Brown Swiss cattle are known for their impressive size‚ and Tommy is a towering example. His journey began when Fred‚ a farmer with a talent for nurturing calves‚ rescued him from... The post Four-year-old brown cow starts growing and doesn’t stop until he ‘breaks records’ appeared first on Animal Channel.

Members of the MRC-led Free Speech Alliance are urging the Senate to follow the House of Representatives' lead and vote on a bill forcing TikTok to divest itself from its communist Chinese government ties‚ or risk being banned from the U.S. In a letter to Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) and Senate RepublicanLeader Mitch McConnel (R-KY)‚ members of the Free Speech Alliance praised the House for passing The Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act and encouraged the Senate to follow suit. “We are pleased that the House has taken action and passed H.R. 7521 to protect the national security interests of Americans‚” the letter reads‚ later adding‚ “We write to urge you to schedule a floor vote on the companion bill as soon as possible.” The alliance began by noting that the bill “would prohibit TikTok from operating in the United States unless the Chinese Communist Party is divested of control.” The letter also highlighted the significance of this ultimatum. “Not only does the bill prevent the Chinese from operating surreptitiously in America‚ it still gives Americans the opportunity to use TikTok in the future in a manner where our privacy is protected and our sensitive data is shielded‚” the alliance wrote. Twenty-seven free speech advocates signed the letter to the U.S. Senate leadership. Included among the signees are the Media Research Center President Brent Bozell‚ Young America’s Foundation President Governor Scott Walker‚ Conservative Partnership Institute Chairman Sen. Jim DeMint‚ and American Principles Project President Terry Schilling.  Bozell explained his support for the bill. “It is absolutely correct and necessary for TikTok to divest itself of any control from the communist Chinese government in China if it wants to do business in the United States‚” Bozell said. “I support this bill. I support reining in TikTok. I support stopping the communist Chinese from influencing the United States subversively.” The House passed H.R. 7521 in a bipartisan landslide Wednesday with 352 representatives voting in favor and 65 opposed. The bill will now go to the Senate‚ where it must pass before having a chance of becoming law. Biden pledged to sign the bill if both houses of Congress pass it‚ despite his avid use of TikTok for his re-election campaign. Despite banning over 4 million federal employees from using the app on federal devices‚ Biden has now posted 71 TikTok videos to date. You can read the letter below:

MSNBC’s Joy Reid welcomed The Daily Beast columnist David Rothkopf to the Thursday edition of The ReidOut for a profoundly unserious discussion on Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu after Democratic Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer called for new Israeli elections under the guise that Netanyahu is no longer fit to lead the country. While‚ Netanyahu has never interfered in American elections like Schumer did‚ the hacktastic duo still blamed him for politicizing the U.S.-Israel alliance. During the conversation‚ Reid naturally had to set the stage by repeating Hamas propaganda‚ “And this is the largest number of children killed in all of the wars that are taking place across the globe combined at this point. I mean‚ the number of dead Palestinian children is so breathtaking‚ the U.N. can barely believe it.”     She also claimed‚ “But the other thing I think that's happened is you—it feels to me‚ you can tell me if I'm wrong‚ is that Benjamin Netanyahu has done more than any other Israeli prime minister to politicize Israel and politicize support for Israel‚ not that either—both parties‚ Democrats and Republicans‚ don't support Israel‚ but he's made it very political.” Reid’s evidence for this claim was extremely underwhelming. On Schumer’s speech‚ she recalled‚ “You saw Republicans come out and say one thing and Democrats come out and say another. He's kind of made his government sort of an adjunct of the Republican Party‚ no?” Republicans and Democrats having different takes is proof Netanyahu is at fault? That makes no sense. A neutral take would be that the two parties simply disagree. However‚ that would still be a false equivalence. Schumer didn’t just wrongly accuse Netanyahu of putting his personal interests before Israel's thereby ignoring Israel's unity on the current war‚ he also stuck his nose in Israel’s domestic business by calling for new elections. As many Republicans pointed out‚ Democrats routinely freak out about foreign interference in our politics‚ yet have no problem interfering in another country’s democracy‚ but for Rothkopf it is actually Republicans who are the hypocrites: Yeah‚ absolutely. In fact‚ when Mitch McConnell used the words grotesque hypocrisy‚ which is something he knows about‚ he was talking about a situation today that is exactly the same as what Netanyahu started to do nine years ago. Everybody must remember‚ Netanyahu came to the U.S.‚ addressed the Congress‚ did so around the Obama Administration‚ threw in with Trump‚ essentially made himself a MAGA surrogate before Trump and during the Trump Administration‚ and now McConnell is upset that people are politicizing this. This is nonsense. And his already decaying credibility was undermined further by saying that.  There is so much fake news in there. First‚ Netanyahu addressed Congress about a specific policy that has had disastrous consequences. Second‚ Netanyahu did not endorse Trump or anything like it. In 2016‚ he met with both Trump and Hillary Clinton like a responsible adult‚ and‚ in 2020‚ sidestepped opportunities to trash Joe Biden.  The Israeli equivalent of Schumer’s Democratic Party hasn’t held power in almost a quarter century. Electorally‚ it is pretty much a non-factor. Reid and Schumer could ask themselves why that is‚ but why would they do that when they need to win Michigan and want to feel good about themselves while being thousands of miles away from the dangers Israelis of all political stripes face every day? Here is a transcript for the March 14 show: MSNBC The ReidOut 3/14/2024 7:44 PM ET JOY REID: And this is the largest number of children killed in all of the wars that are taking place across the globe combined at this point. I mean‚ the number of dead Palestinian children is so breathtaking‚ the U.N. can barely believe it. But the other thing I think that's happened is you— it feels to me‚ you can tell me if I'm wrong‚ is that Benjamin Netanyahu has done more than any other Israeli prime minister to politicize Israel and politicize support for Israel‚ not that either— both parties‚ Democrats and Republicans‚ don't support Israel‚ but he's made it very political. You saw Republicans come out and say one thing and Democrats come out and say another. He's kind of made his government sort of an adjunct of the Republican Party‚ no?  DAVID ROTHKOPF: Yeah‚ absolutely. In fact‚ when Mitch McConnell used the words grotesque hypocrisy‚ which is something he knows about‚ he was talking about a situation today that is exactly the same as what Netanyahu started to do nine years ago. Everybody must remember‚ Netanyahu came to the U.S.‚ addressed the Congress‚ did so around the Obama Administration‚ threw in with Trump‚ essentially made himself a MAGA surrogate before Trump and during the Trump Administration‚ and now McConnell is upset that people are politicizing this. This is nonsense. And his already decaying credibility was undermined further by saying that. 

The left has a new goal: degrowth. We should “buy less stuff‚” forgive debts‚ grow our own food‚ etc. They say this will “build a more just and sustainable society” and “save the planet” from “climate chaos.” This idea is popular with capitalism-haters. One at a ChangeNow “eco conference” says‚ “A smaller‚ slower economy could also be a sweeter economy.” A sweeter economy? What nonsense. We already unintentionally experimented with “degrowth.” During the pandemic‚ frightened politicians closed businesses and ordered people to stay home. Growth stopped. “Did that save us?” asks Swedish author Johan Norberg in my new video. “No. It was a terrible tragedy. Sixty million people were thrown into extreme poverty.” Yet some “degrowth” activists call the pandemic a good thing. “Did a lot of environmental good‚” says one on Al Jazeera. “Pollution has been radically cut‚ emissions have plummeted‚” says another. It’s true. The pandemic did reduce carbon emissions. “But by no more than 6%!” says Norberg. “If we wanted to reduce global warming‚” he says‚ “We would need one pandemic every year. And that would be a terrible disaster for human life and health.” Sure would. Climate change may be a serious threat. But reducing global growth won’t help. It would make things worse. Growth and that much-hated capitalism are our only hope to create the wealth that may help us better adjust to climate change. Norberg points out‚ “If we didn’t have any economic growth since the 1950s‚ we would have slightly less global warming‚ but around half a million more people would die because of climate-related natural disasters. The risk of dying has declined by some 90%‚ and that’s not because we have fewer disasters. ... It’s because we’ve had economic growth. It means that we improve construction‚ improve early warning systems‚ improve health care ... we can deal with disasters in a better way.” Over time‚ even a little growth makes a huge beneficial difference. “If Sweden‚ my own country‚ had had just one percentage point lower economic growth per capita‚ then Sweden today would be as poor as Albania.” “What’s wrong with Albania?” I ask. “Albanians are a quarter as rich as Swedes‚” responds Norberg‚ “That shows in everything from life expectancy and child mortality to working conditions.” Albania’s growth was stunted by years of communism. Because of that‚ today Albanians risk their lives to try to reach capitalist countries. “That’s what you need to know about different economic and political systems‚” says Norberg. “Look at where the refugees go. They always go from more socialist economies to capitalist economies. People risk their lives to get to freedom and prosperity.” The no-growth advocates don’t acknowledge that. They despise capitalism‚ and don’t see its benefits. We invited more than a dozen of them to come on Stossel TV to explain the evils of capitalism and describe how degrowth is better. Not one would. I wish one would come to my studio to argue. I’d ask what he thinks about the claim Norberg makes in his newest book‚ “The Capitalist Manifesto.” He says‚ “The global free market will save the world.” “That’s grandiose‚” I tell Norberg. “But it is saving the world‚” he says. “Bit by bit‚ step by step. Every day over the past 20 years‚ more than 130‚000 people were lifted out of extreme poverty!” That means economic growth freed millions from stoop labor‚ from burning manure for heat‚ from lives where they die young. Not only did free markets release people from miserable poverty‚ when they did‚ they created conditions where people want to take care of the environment. It’s why capitalist countries are less polluted than socialist ones. Only when you aren’t worried about your next meal can you start thinking about preserving nature. On top of that‚ growth may give us the technology to reduce pollution and adjust to climate change. Degrowth would leave the world poor‚ miserable and polluted.

CNN’s Jake Tapper and Pamela Brown launched a smear campaign against New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers this week after it was revealed he was on Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s shortlist for VP; accusing him of believing the conspiracy theory that the Sandy Hook school shooting was fake. And when Rodgers denied their allegations‚ Tapper took to his show‚ The Lead on Thursday to falsely claim Rodgers was not only refusing to deny the allegations but was actively defending the conspiracy theory. Following the publishing of CNN’s hit piece‚ Rodgers released a statement saying: As I’m on the record saying in the past‚ what happened in Sandy Hook was an absolute tragedy. I am not and have never been of the opinion that the events did not take place. Again‚ I hope that we learn from this and other tragedies to identify the signs that will allow us to prevent unnecessary loss of life. My thoughts and prayers continue to remain with the families affected along with the entire Sandy Hook community.   As I’m on the record saying in the past‚ what happened in Sandy Hook was an absolute tragedy. I am not and have never been of the opinion that the events did not take place. Again‚ I hope that we learn from this and other tragedies to identify the signs that will allow us to… — Aaron Rodgers (@AaronRodgers12) March 14‚ 2024   Despite Rodgers clearly saying he had “never been of the opinion that the events did not take place‚” Tapper was intent on gaslighting his viewers and insisted that Rodgers was not denying the allegations he smeared him with; he even suggested Rodgers was not addressing their story at all. “Plus‚ speaking of dangerous conspiracy theories‚ New York Jet Aaron Rodgers is responding –kind of – to reporting that we broke here yesterday…” Tapper deceptively announced in a tease. “How could he possibly defend such a thing? We’ll tell you next.” Tapper repeatedly tried to cast doubt on Rodgers’ clear denials of their reporting throughout multiple teases over the course of his show’s two hours. “Plus‚ Aaron Rodgers responds kind of‚ kind of response to our reporting that in the past he has shared fake Sandy Hook conspiracy theories‚ including with our own Pamela Brown. What he had to say‚ that's coming up‚” he said.     When it finally was time to cover Rodgers’ response‚ Tapper admitted that politics was his motivation for targeting Rodgers now despite the alleged conservation with Brown happening 11 years ago. “Now these comments‚ of course‚ are troubling‚ but they're especially important because he's on Robert Kennedy Jr.’s shortlist for vice president. Normally‚ who cares what a quarterback says in private conversation?” he proclaimed. There was also a very small possibility that Tapper was also still salty over the Jets stomping his Philadelphia Eagles last year. In teeing up and analyzing Rodger’s response‚ Tapper blatantly lied that Rodgers was not denying the allegations: Now today‚ Aaron Rodgers is responding to our story kind of. He does not deny saying what we reported. He said‚ but he or a representative for him tweeted the following statement‚ quote‚ “As‚ I'm on the record saying in the past‚ what happened in Sandy Hook was an absolute tragedy. I am not and have never been of the opinion that the events did not take place. Again‚ I hope that we learned from this and other tragedies to identify the signs that would allow us to prevent unnecessary loss of life. My thoughts and prayers continue to remain with the families affected along with the entire Sandy Hook community‚” unquote. Again‚ if you read that statement‚ you Rodgers does not deny those comments that he made the Pamela Brown and to the other source. “This is where we are as a nation where we have actually as a subject for debate whether or not a vice presidential prospect thinks a massive shooting actually happened‚” Tapper bitterly vented. But that’s not true. In the hours following Tapper’s false reporting‚ Rodgers supporters and Tapper fact-checkers flooded the zone with evidence that blew up CNN’s Hail Mary attempt to damage the RFK Jr. campaign. For instance‚ there’s a picture of Rodgers with a Sandy Hook memorial sticker on his helmet just days after the school shooting while at an away game versus the Minnesota Vikings. Brown claimed Rodgers made the comments to her while at the 2013 Kentucky Derby. The derby was held on May 4 that year‚ but a Fox6 News Milwaukee report posted to YouTube two months later on July 11 showed Rodgers’ using similar language echoed in his denial: I hope that we can learn from this and look for the signs more and not ever have something like this happen‚ and keep this on our minds because these are things that affect all of us directly or indirectly. This needs to be something that we learn from.”     It’s worth noting that Tapper and Brown didn’t have stellar histories when it came to discerning claims made by sources. Back in October‚ Tapper defended the death toll numbers being provided by the Hamas Ministry of Health by insisting “there’s no reason to doubt” their claim that hundreds were killed by Israel intentionally bombing a hospital. Both the death toll number and the alleged source of the explosive turned out to be disinformation and Hamas was the perpetrator. Brown was one of three reporters who penned an explosive article in 2017 that claimed they had anonymous sources that claimed the FBI had a FISA warrant to wiretap then-Trump campaign manager Paul Manafort. That too turned out to be false. The transcript is below. Click "expand to read: CNN’s The Lead March 14‚ 2024 4:01:10 p.m. Eastern [Tease] (…) JAKE TAPPER: And‚ Rogers’s response. NFL quarterback Aaron Rodgers with a new post Twitter today‚ kind of alluding to the exclusive reporting we broke here on The Lead yesterday‚ that he had privately shared with the least two people we know of deranged conspiracy theories about the 2012 sandy hook school shooting not being real (…) 5:00:01 p.m. Eastern [Tease] TAPPER: Plus‚ speaking of dangerous conspiracy theories‚ New York Jet Aaron Rodgers is responding –kind of – to reporting that we broke here yesterday on The Lead with the NFL quarterback in the past has claimed in private conversation stations that the Sandy Hook massacre‚ in which 20 kids and six adults were viciously murdered was actually a government inside job‚ and the kids and the parents were all just actors. He said it to our own Pamela Brown‚ among others. How could he possibly defend such a thing? We’ll tell you next. (…) 5:09:49 p.m. Eastern [Tease] TAPPER: Plus‚ Aaron Rodgers responds kind of‚ kind of response to our reporting that in the past he has shared fake Sandy Hook conspiracy theories‚ including with our own Pamela Brown. What he had to say‚ that's coming up. (…) 5:31:32 p.m. Eastern TAPPER: In our politics lead‚ an update to the exclusive reporting we brought to you yesterday about one of RFK juniors‚ vice presidential prospects‚ Aaron Rodgers. You might remember we reported on the unhinged conspiracy theories that New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers has shared in private that the 2012 very real Sandy Hook school shooting was not real‚ that it was a fake‚ despite the fact that 20 children and six adults were murdered that day. Now these comments‚ of course‚ are troubling‚ but they're especially important because he's on Robert Kennedy Jr.’s shortlist for vice president. Normally‚ who cares what a quarterback says in private conversation? Yesterday‚ on his ESPN show‚ Pat MacAfee said that Rodgers was apparently at a retreat in Costa Rica taking the psychedelic drug Ayahuasca when the news broke about the – about the his being on the shortlist for vice president for RFK junior. Yesterday‚ here on The Lead‚ we reported that Aaron Rodgers had shared these frankly disturbing views about the Sandy Hook shooting not being real. He shared them 11 years ago with CNN's Pamela Brown. She was covering the Kentucky Derby for CNN in 2013 and met him there. CNN‚ I have also spoken to another person‚ one who would like to remain anonymous in order to avoid harassment‚ who also had a similar encounter with Aaron Rodgers; saying that Rodgers claimed that quote‚ “Sandy Hook never happened. All those children never existed. They're all actors‚” unquote. When asked about the grieving parents‚ whom I met and their grief is real. The source says that Rodgers said‚ quote‚ “They're all making it up. They're all actors‚” unquote. Now today‚ Aaron Rodgers is responding to our story kind of. He does not deny saying what we reported. He said‚ but he or a representative for him tweeted the following statement‚ quote‚ “As‚ I'm on the record saying in the past‚ what happened in Sandy Hook was an absolute tragedy. I am not and have never been of the opinion that the events did not take place. Again‚ I hope that we learned from this and other tragedies to identify the signs that would allow us to prevent unnecessary loss of life. My thoughts and prayers continue to remain with the families affected along with the entire Sandy Hook community‚” unquote. Again‚ if you read that statement‚ you Rodgers does not deny those comments that he made the Pamela Brown and to the other source. Last night on Fox‚ RFK junior was asked about Aaron Rodgers. [Cuts to video] ROBERT F. KENNEDY Jr. (D): I really like Aaron because our appeal to young people. [Transition] Aaron Rodgers is battle-tested. He’s stood up‚ he’s been hammered by the press. Stood up for things to be believed‚ and I like that part of his character. He's a critical thinker. [Cuts back to live] TAPPER: “Critical thinkers” is now‚ obviously what we're calling conspiracy theorists. Kennedy was not‚ in an interview‚ perhaps not surprisingly‚ they asked about the comments that we reported Aaron Rodgers made to Pamela Brown and someone else about Sandy Hook not having actually happened. Today‚ a spokesperson for RFK Jr.’s campaign did address those comments responding to CNN in a statement saying‚ quote‚ “Mr. Kennedy believes the Sandy Hook shooting was a horrific tragedy. The 20 children and six adults that died December 14‚ 2012 brought the entire country together and grief. Let us honor their memory.” This is where we are as a nation where we have actually as a subject for debate whether or not a vice presidential prospect thinks a massive shooting actually happened. Should RFK Jr. select Aaron Rodgers as his running mate again‚ somebody describes as a battle-tested critical thinker‚ it might cost him. Mediaite reporting that donors have voiced their discontent directly with the campaign pledging to withdraw their support from Kennedy if he chooses‚ Rodgers‚ in particular‚ RFK R. is expected to announce his pick on March 26th. (…)