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The Wire
a day ago
- Politics
- The Wire
The Story of Bholistan
The Feku regime has found an ingenious way of 'disappearing' people whose loyalties are uncertain, eerily reminding one of George Orwell's dystopian novel '1984'. 'Why, man, he doth bestride the narrow world like a Colossus, and we petty men walk under his huge legs and peep about to find ourselves dishonourable graves… The fault dear Brutus is not in our stars but in ourselves that we are underlings.' – From the play Julius Caesar, by Shakespeare My story is about Bholistan, a dystopian country eerily like ours, brimming with injustice and oppression. For a whole decade and more, that benighted land has been ruled by a Feku – cruel, mendacious, boorish and wrapped up in himself. He has wielded untrammelled power that he has used to tyrannise and bamboozle his people who have meekly submitted to his every command as he wrecks their world – values, kinship, institutions – for his own gain and that of his cohorts. The special intensive revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Maghda is the latest atrocity that the Feku has inflicted on his people. From being a vocal critic of the universal Uphaar identity card scheme before coming to power in 2014, calling it a 'political gimmick', he pushed the Uphaar Act through the legislature in 2016 and since then had made it mandatory for all kinds of purposes including filing of income tax returns, availing of government welfare schemes, getting a passport, opening a bank account, as identity for voting and what have you. But now the Feku and his factotums in the National Electoral Commission (NEC) have decided to pull the rug from under the people's feet. The long-suffering citizens, whose lives are being disrupted repeatedly on account of the Feku's hare-brained or mischievous schemes have been told that the Uphaar card is no longer proof of citizenship or date of birth. With the upcoming Maghda election in mind and with the obvious but unstated intent of excluding dadi-topiwalas and the marginalised from the electoral process, the NEC has completed the special intensive revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Maghda, but not before shockingly deciding that the Uphaar, voter ID and ration cards are not valid indicative documents for voter registration. Consequently, a huge swathe of the electorate has been disenfranchised. Out of 7.40 crore electors as many as 80 lakh have been denied the vote. A cute Labrador, though, was issued a residence certificate, thereby demonstrating the unbridled power of the NEC to cull and hand-pick the electorate. The Feku regime has indeed found an ingenious way of 'disappearing' people whose loyalties are uncertain, which reminds one of George Orwell's dystopian novel 1984, that described the Party's practice of making individuals who were inconvenient to disappear from society, history and memory, effectively turning them into 'unpersons'. It's surreal, the way the Feku has been trampling all over his country's constitution and the values that underpin it, even as the guardians of the constitution – the judiciary – hems and haws but then does his bidding. And his people are mute. Given the Feku's dodgy educational credentials, the rumour that he keeps a copy of Mein Kamph by his bedside is probably apocryphal. What is indubitable, though, is that he has somehow imbibed the Fuhrer's tips on how to propagate the Big Lie: 'The receptivity of the masses is very limited, their intelligence is small but their power of forgetting enormous…all effective propaganda must be limited to a few points and must harp on these in slogans.' The Great Dictator also commended the art of lying: 'Great liars are also great magicians.' The Feku has acted decisively on this advice. He is a past master at catchy sloganeering, simplistic and misleading. His theme song of solidarity, trust and cohesive progress is expressed in the slogan: sabka saath sabka vikas sabka vishwas! It is perhaps the Feku's most outrageous falsehood of all because the same individual has spearheaded the campaign of hate against the dadi-topiwalas. His sneering rhetoric of " humare paanch unke pachees", "kabristhan-shamshanghat", et al has been lethally effective in creating a deeply polarised society and reduced the minorities to second-class citizens. The media, the institutions of governance and even the citizenry have been doormats submitting to his every dangerous whim and fancy. Political observers still can't get over how he imperiously orchestrated the country-wide banging of thalis and lighting of candles to ward off the coronavirus. Never in human history have a satya, blind worship and rank stupidity been so all-pervasive and public! The Feku's flow of falsehoods is steady and endless. Sanguine in the belief that they will fall for anything he says, he has been lying to his teeth on matters big and small. In 2020, he declared Bholisthan open-defecation-free although even today, bare bottoms line the horizon at dawn and dusk in parts of the country's capital city, Indrahastha. He promised that by 2022, every family will have a pucca house despite knowing that it would take decades to fulfil this fanciful commitment. The gullible janta are duped into believing his chimerical Viksit Bholistan pipe dream centred around Yuva, Garib, Mahilayen and Anadatta! His mendacity, bad intent, complete absence of vision and monumental incompetence have left the country in a hole. Who can forget the suicidal demonetisation disaster that shaved a good 3% off the GDP and rendered millions unemployed; the enactment of the CAA and anti-conversion laws with the intent of to reducing the minority community to second class citizens; the catastrophic handling of the pandemic that killed more than 4 million of his people and yet had the Feku unblushingly claim credit for successfully handling the crisis; the flagrant falsification of statistical indicators of performance; the rigging of history; the mealy-mouthed obfuscation with regard to the Chinese illegal occupation of huge tracts of his country's land; the diminution in ethical standing of every institution, including the judiciary and the armed forces; the calamitous leadership during the recent three-day war codenamed Operation Vermilion against Dukhisthan that seriously compromised the safety and effectiveness of his armed forces and diminished the international standing of Bholistan; and to top it all, all elections are rigged, ensuring the Feku's reign in perpetuity! Thomas Jefferson, among others, had observed that people get the governments they deserve. The nature of a government depends on the civic engagement, values and political awareness of the citizens. Sadly, the most powerful segment of civil society, the key opinion makers of Bholisthan – the self-serving middle class and the corporates – have sold their souls to the regime, and along with their political benefactors, are fattening off the land. The rest, mainly the poor and the working class who have in the past unseated tyrants using the power of their vote, are now crippled by the machinations of the Feku and his minions. What's clear as day is that so long as Feku is around, Bholisthan can never recover its democratic essence or its humanity. But hope can spring from the most unexpected quarter. There are confirmed reports of a fierce internecine battle for power within the Feku's cabal that could bring him down. Amen to that! Mathew John is a former civil servant. 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Yahoo
30-07-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
There's a tree in California that's older than the Egyptian pyramids
BIG PINE, Calif. (FOX 5/KUSI) — Hidden high in the White Mountains of eastern California, a gnarled, weathered tree quietly holds a staggering secret — it's nearly 5,000 years old. Known as the Methuselah Tree, this Great Basin bristlecone pine (Pinus longaeva) is one of the oldest known living trees on Earth, having sprouted around 2830 BCE — over a century before the Egyptian pyramids rose from the sands. Nestled within the Inyo National Forest's Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest, the Methuselah Tree has long fascinated scientists, historians, and nature lovers alike. Its twisted trunk and timeworn branches are shaped by millennia of harsh winds, snow and sun, standing as a living witness to human history. Methuselah was once considered the oldest living non-clonal tree in the world — meaning it has survived as the same individual organism for nearly 5 millennia. Although other slightly older bristlecones have since been discovered, Methuselah remains one of the most iconic ancient trees on the planet. California State Parks rolls out new reservation upgrades to help campers find perfect site A tree older than civilization A tree's age is usually determined by counting its growth rings. Each year, a tree adds a new ring to its trunk, so the number of rings shows how old it is. Scientists don't have to cut the tree down to count the rings. Instead, they use a special tool to take a thin core sample from the trunk. To put the Methuselah Tree's age in perspective: It began growing centuries years before the Great Pyramid of Giza was built, and it was already over 3,000 years old when Julius Caesar ruled Rome. Despite its fame, the exact location of the Methuselah Tree is kept secret by the U.S. Forest Service to protect it from vandalism and foot traffic. Visitors to the Methuselah Grove can hike the area's scenic trails, which feature other bristlecone pines estimated to be thousands of years old. Why bristlecones live so long The Great Basin bristlecone pine thrives in extreme conditions where few other trees can survive — high altitudes, rocky soil, and low moisture. This tough environment actually contributes to the species' longevity. As explained by officials with U.S. Department of Agriculture, slow growth, dense wood, and natural resilience make bristlecones incredibly durable over time. Scientists continue to study the Methuselah Tree and its ancient relatives to gain insight into climate patterns, forest ecosystems, and tree aging. Hike to the world's largest wooden trestle bridge — it's in Southern California Trekking the Methuselah Trail For those seeking a walk through living history, the Methuselah Trail offers a rare, humbling encounter with the endurance of nature. Visitors can explore the area by hiking a 4.5-mile loop, considered moderate by popular hiking app AllTrails, that winds through the grove where many of these old trees grow. The trail and forest are open seasonally, typically from late spring through fall, depending on weather conditions. Be prepared for the high elevation — the trail sits at over 9,000 feet above sea level. It's recommended to bring plenty of water, wear sunscreen, and be aware of potential altitude effects. According to the U.S. Forest Service, the Methuselah Tree can technically be seen along this trail, but there is not a sign that points it out. Do you think you can spot it? As the world changes around us, the Methuselah Tree stands quietly on its windswept ridge, reminding us of nature's resilience — and the importance of preserving it for generations to come. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Solve the daily Crossword
New York Post
28-07-2025
- New York Post
This top tourist spot has a secret tunnel city, lost for over a century — visitors will soon be able to see it for the first time
A top travel destination has uncovered an ancient secret. A little-known network of subterranean passageways hidden beneath Rome's Capitoline Hill — holding clues to a long-ago chapter of the Eternal City's past — will reportedly soon open to visitors. 'No one has seen these caves and tunnels for more than a century,' archaeologist Ersilia D'Ambrosio said. Advertisement The subterranean passageways beneath Rome's Capitoline Hill are set to open to the public in late 2026 or early 2027. aerial-drone – This vast underground complex — covering 42,000 square feet — hides out beneath some of the city's top attractions, steps from the Roman Forum and the 2,000-year-old Teatro di Marcello. Known as the Grottino del Campidoglio, or Capitoline Grotto, these tunnels were once filled with life during the days of Julius Caesar. Advertisement Long before it was sealed off by Benito Mussolini in the 1920s, it served as a quarry, cistern, tavern, bomb shelter, and even a bustling subterranean marketplace during the 19th century. Now, thanks to a massive $2.8 million restoration project, the tunnels are set to reopen to the public in late 2026 or early 2027. Known as the Grottino del Campidoglio, or Capitoline Grotto, these tunnels were once filled with life during the days of Julius Caesar. Bernard Barroso – CNN was granted exclusive access earlier this month. Advertisement About 75 feet below ground, visitors found the cool, damp tunnels at a constant 55 degrees Fahrenheit —despite the sweltering 95-degree summer heat. At its deepest point, the grotto plunges almost 1,000 feet below the surface — deeper than most subway tunnels. @cnn CNN's Ben Wedeman was given an exclusive tour of ancient tunnels underneath Rome's Capitoline Hill. The tunnels, which archeologists say were once filled with ancient Roman shops and taverns, are set to open to the public in late 2026 or early 2027. #cnn #news #travel ♬ original sound – CNN – CNN 'This is an esoteric experience in many ways,' D'Ambrosio explained. Advertisement She noted that every day researchers are on site, new discoveries come to light, like marble foundations from the Temple of Jupiter, ancient animal tethering rings, or pots likely once filled with wine and olive oil. The Grottino's history spans millennia. From ancient stone quarries to medieval shelters and 19th-century taverns, the tunnels evolved alongside Rome. During World War II, parts were used as air raid shelters, complete with fortified doors and public bathrooms still marked 'gabinetto.' German writer Johann Wolfgang von Goethe is believed to have fallen in love with a tavern worker here in the 1780s, immortalizing the moment in his famed 'Italian Journey.' Despite the area above undergoing major renovations in recent decades — including the nearby Roman and Imperial Forums — these tunnels remained sealed. Now, thanks to modern technology, the passageways are finally safe for public exploration. Laser scanning, structural reinforcements, and radon gas ventilation systems are being installed to prepare for future tours. Specialized air filters and a guided-only entry system will ensure both visitor safety and preservation of the fragile complex. When it opens, the grotto will feature museum exhibits, artifacts recovered from previous digs, and possibly even pieces from the Capitoline Museum's personal archives. Disabled access and multilingual guided tours are also planned. Advertisement Above, the Capitoline Museums continue to dazzle with classical bronzes, marble statues, and Renaissance frescoes. But below, a new kind of museum is quietly being built — one where history is quite literally beneath your feet. 'The area has never before been opened to the public as it will be,' D'Ambrosio said.
The Hill
28-07-2025
- Science
- The Hill
The tree in California that's older than the Egyptian pyramids
BIG PINE, Calif. (KSWB/KUSI) — Hidden high in the White Mountains of eastern California, a gnarled, weathered tree quietly holds a staggering secret — it's nearly 5,000 years old. Known as the Methuselah Tree, this Great Basin bristlecone pine (Pinus longaeva) is one of the oldest known living trees on Earth, having sprouted around 2830 BCE — over a century before the Egyptian pyramids rose from the sands. Nestled within the Inyo National Forest 's Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest, the Methuselah Tree has long fascinated scientists, historians, and nature lovers alike. Its twisted trunk and timeworn branches are shaped by millennia of harsh winds, snow and sun, standing as a living witness to human history. Methuselah was once considered the oldest living non-clonal tree in the world — meaning it has survived as the same individual organism for nearly 5 millennia. Although other slightly older bristlecones have since been discovered, Methuselah remains one of the most iconic ancient trees on the planet. A tree older than civilization A tree's age is usually determined by counting its growth rings. Each year, a tree adds a new ring to its trunk, so the number of rings shows how old it is. Scientists don't have to cut the tree down to count the rings. Instead, they use a special tool to take a thin core sample from the trunk. To put the Methuselah Tree's age in perspective: It began growing centuries before the Great Pyramid of Giza was built, and it was already over 3,000 years old when Julius Caesar ruled Rome. Despite its fame, the exact location of the Methuselah Tree is kept secret by the U.S. Forest Service to protect it from vandalism and foot traffic. Visitors to the Methuselah Grove can hike the area's scenic trails, which feature other bristlecone pines estimated to be thousands of years old. Why bristlecones live so long The Great Basin bristlecone pine thrives in extreme conditions where few other trees can survive — high altitudes, rocky soil, and low moisture. This tough environment actually contributes to the species' longevity. As explained by officials with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, slow growth, dense wood, and natural resilience make bristlecones incredibly durable over time. Scientists continue to study the Methuselah Tree and its ancient relatives to gain insight into climate patterns, forest ecosystems, and tree aging. Trekking the Methuselah Trail For those seeking a walk through living history, the Methuselah Trail offers a rare, humbling encounter with the endurance of nature. Visitors can explore the area by hiking a 4.5-mile loop, considered moderate by popular hiking app AllTrails, that winds through the grove where many of these old trees grow. The trail and forest are open seasonally, typically from late spring through fall, depending on weather conditions. Be prepared for the high elevation — the trail sits at over 9,000 feet above sea level. It's recommended to bring plenty of water, wear sunscreen, and be aware of potential altitude effects. According to the U.S. Forest Service, the Methuselah Tree can technically be seen along this trail, but there is no sign that points it out. As the world changes around us, the Methuselah Tree stands quietly on its windswept ridge, reminding us of nature's resilience — and the importance of preserving it for generations to come.
Forbes
22-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Forbes
Today's NYT Strands Puzzle: Hints, Spangram And Answers For Wednesday, July 23rd
Today's NYT Strands hints and answers Looking for help with today's New York Times Strands puzzle? You've come to the right place. Whether you're stuck on a tricky clue, trying to spot the spangram, or just need a little nudge to get going, this daily guide offers hints, clues, and full answers to keep your streak alive. We'll walk you through the puzzle step by step without spoiling everything upfront—so you can solve at your own pace. Looking for Tuesday's Strands hints, spangram and answers? You can find them here: NYT Strands Tuesday, July 22nd Guide Odin's Day marks the very middle of the work week, so we're halfway there, folks! Halfway to the last weekend of July. Julius Caesar's month has about a week left, then Augustus Caesar takes center stage. But there's still plenty of summer left, and plenty of Strands puzzles to solve. Let's uncover some words! Strands is a daily word puzzle from The New York Times that challenges your vocabulary and pattern-recognition skills. Here's how it works: The Goal Find all the hidden theme words in the grid. Every puzzle has a theme, and the words you need to find will relate to it. Some themes are incredibly obvious, while others require more creative thinking. Generally you'll need to find between 5 to 9 words in total. FEATURED | Frase ByForbes™ Unscramble The Anagram To Reveal The Phrase Pinpoint By Linkedin Guess The Category Queens By Linkedin Crown Each Region Crossclimb By Linkedin Unlock A Trivia Ladder The Spangram One special word—called the spangram—will stretch across two or more sides of the grid and tie directly into the theme. It's key to unlocking the puzzle, tying together all the other words and reinforcing the daily theme. Finding Words Here's what a completed Strands puzzle looks like. The spangram is in yellow: Strands Helpful Hints Finishing the Puzzle Once you find all theme words—including the spangram—you win the game! Play today's puzzle right here. Spoilers ahead. Today's Strands Hints Read on for today's theme and some hints to help you uncover today's words. Before I reveal the answers, I'll give you the first two letters of each word to help you get started. Today's Theme: Chips in Hint: Once again, this does not have to do with poker. Clue: Think in terms of snacks. What might you put a chip (or crisp) in before taking a bite? Here are the first two letters of each word: Remember, spoilers ahead! What Are Today's Strands Answers? Today's spangram is: PARTYDIPS Here's the full list of words: Here's the completed Strands grid: Today's Strands I think the 'theme' today was slightly misleading. While I absolutely dip chips in SALSA, QUESO and GUACAMOLE, the other three words rarely go hand-in-hand with chips (or crisps for you UK readers). I might dip a bit of flatbread like a pita or naan into TZATZIKI or HUMMUS, and I imagine little cubes of bread when I think of FONDUE. But not chips. Oh well. How did you do on your Strands today? Let me know on Twitter and Facebook. Be sure to check out my blog for my daily Wordle guides as well as all my other writing about TV shows, streaming guides, movie reviews, video game coverage and much more. Thanks for stopping by!
