island

Artificial platforms to invade an island

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It is not necessary to go very far to find clues about the challenges that China has with Taiwan. In December, the island found an army of 53 airplanes and 90 Chinese ships In an unpublished exhibition. Days before, filtered documents showed that the nation has a plan with up to six options To invade the island through the beach and its ports. All this does nothing but confirm with the latest images. If things twist, everything is almost ready. Images and video. In the last 24 hours it has leaked A video and several images through of the Navalnews medium that have revealed the presence and deployment of new Chinese lifting barges (called in English Jack-Up Barges), used to build temporary docks that can extend in the sea and facilitate amphibious operations. No doubt, development is seen as part of China’s preparations for a Possible Taiwan invasionas well as a strategy to expand the use of maritime assets of civil appearance in support of the Navy of the Popular Liberation Army (PLAN). In fact, The video It shows three of these barges deployed in tandem on an unidentified beach, confirming China’s intention to integrate them into their military infrastructure. What we see. As we said, satellite snapshots From Guangzhou Shipyard International (GSI) On Longxue Island they have confirmed the departure of three of these barges, previously under construction, while three other remain in development. Analyst Tom Shugart, from the American Security Center (CNAS), identified this movement And he pointed out in his X account that vessels did not use the Automatic identification system (AIS), which suggests that China seeks to avoid its tracking or that, in effect, they are active plan. As we will see below, this behavior is similar to that of other double -use ships that have participated in Chinese military exercises and other nations. Aerial view of one of the artificial ports called Mulberry, built by the allies against Arromanches, Normandía (September 1944) Mulberry ports. The most striking of the design of these barges is their ability to join to form a single structure extended in the sea. They counted in media Like The War Zone that initially it was thought that they would work independently, but the new evidence shows that they are designed to operate together, creating a kind of floating dock of approximately 850 meters longallowing the transfer of loads from larger vessels in deeper waters. The truth is that this floating infrastructure model It is not new in military historysince he remembers and much The Mulberry ports used For the allies in it Normandy landing During World War II. With a notable difference, yes: the Chinese version It incorporates hydraulic supports that raise barge on water, providing stability even in adverse climatic conditions, which could guarantee a constant flow of loading, vehicles and troops without depending on traditional ports. Comparison with other infrastructure. The idea of ​​using floating docks with military purposes It is not exclusive from China. Recently, the United States Army implemented a similar system To expedite the delivery of humanitarian aid in Gaza (although a storm seriously damaged it), which demonstrated the vulnerability of this type of infrastructure in extreme climatic conditions. In contrast, the design of Chinese barges, with their elevators, offers greater resistance to the inclement weather and could be key to establishing a continuous logistics supply in an operation. However, these structures also have disadvantages. Being large and stationary once deployed, they become easy and high strategic value objectives, which suggests that its main use would be possibly after the initial assault, facilitating the arrival of reinforcements and supplies once the area has been insured. The role of the civil naval industry. The use of civil infrastructure for military purposes is a key tactic in China’s strategy. It is known, in fact, because It has been documented in the annual Pentagon report on Chinese military development. Although the plan has not invested in the amount of landing vessels that analysts believe necessary for a large -scale invasion of Taiwan, yes has reinforced its abilities with civil ships turned into military assistants, such as The so-called Roll-on/Roll-Off (Ro/ro) and other logistics platforms. More than one purpose. This commercial asset militarization trend is not only designed for a possible invasion of Taiwan, but also could be applied in Other strategic scenarios inside the Indo-Pacific. Of course, these resources could also be used in disaster response operations and humanitarian assistance as the United States already did, which allows China to project power under a “benevolent” appearance. Perspectives and geopolitics. It is the last of the legs to be treated after knowing some images that leave so few doubts. The development of these lifting barges and their potential use in An invasion of Taiwan They have generated concern among military analysts in the United States and their allies. In fact, previous reports indicated that Beijing could be in a position to launch a military operation against Taiwan By 2027although other more recent estimates have softened such prediction. Be that as it may, the general consensus seems to be the same: China remains committed to the reunification of Taiwan of a U other way, and if things get in the worst stage, they already have lists Some of the capacities necessary for the logistics of a large -scale “amphibious” invasion. Image | 笑脸男人, Imperial War Museums. In Xataka | China has a plan with six options if things “twist” with Taiwan. World War II advocates all In Xataka | Taiwan lives an unprecedented situation in three decades: there is an army of 53 planes and 90 Chinese ships in front of the island

In 1759 pirates bought a US island. Since then they speak such an English version of English that nobody understands them

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Languages ​​(and their dialects) are possibly one of The great wonders of our civilization. There are, for example, those Latinos in southern Florida who have been mixing English and Spanish for years creating a new language. Not far from there, but some centuries earlier, some pirates arrived to establish what was never seen in the United States: the Isabelino English. Centuries later they still do not understand them. Ocracoke’s language. The story told Recently the BBC. In the remote Ocracoke IslandNorth Carolina, survives a unique dialect in the United States: the Hoi Toidera mixture of Isabelino EnglishIrish and Scottish accents of the 18th century, and the slang of the pirates who invaded the island several centuries ago. This is the only variant of English in the United States that is not identified as American, a linguistic relic that has remained thanks to the geographical isolation of the island and its singular history. The pirates. Ocracoke, an island of 24.9 km square, was for centuries A pirate shelterEnglish and native sailors American Wocconwho interacted and created a community with their own cultural and linguistic collection. One of the most emblematic characters was William Howardex-pirata and old crew of the Barbanegra shipwho, after receiving a real pardon, bought the island in 1759 and helped establish a society that, in almost total isolation, preserved his own dialect. The isolation of the island not only influenced language, but also in the way of life. Until 1938, the enclave It had no electricityand the Ferry service did not begin until 1957. This allowed the community to remain largely oblivious to changes in the outside world, preserving its traditional way of life, its culture and its dialect. A language in danger. The story remembers In the case of Erromintxela In Spain. The Ocracoke dialect, the Hoi Toider, is easily recognizable for its characteristic phonetics. For example, the sound “I” is pronounced as “OI”, which transforms “High Tide” in “Hoi Toide”, origin of the name of the dialect. In addition, the vocabulary includes words and phrases inherited from the first British and Irish settlers, such as “Mommuck” (disturbing), “quamish” (dizzy) and “Pizer” (Porche). Plus: Many terms were brought from Europe, but others emerged inside the island, Like “Meehonkey”a hiding game inspired by the sound of the geese when flying. There is also “dingbatter”, a term that locals use to refer to strangers. The problem? That the arrival of television, internet and tourism accelerated that possible disappearance of the hoi toider. According to The linguist Dr. Walt Wolframless than half of the 676 current inhabitants of the island speak with the traditional accent, and within one or two generations could disappear completely. Live on your back to everything. Beyond the language, the Ocracoke community continues to keep a way of life Unique and self -sufficient. On the island there are no large supermarkets or commercial chains, so residents depend on small local stores, artisanal markets and fishing. Instead of cinemas, there are Outdoor theater groupsand many islanders still work as fishermen, carpenters and owners of small breweries. The scenario is so picturesque that one of the most emblematic culinary traditions It’s Fig Cakecreated in 1964 when an inhabitant replaced the dates of a cake with canned figs. Today, the cake is part of the local identity, and every August the Festival of the figwith pastry competitions, dances and traditional games such as Meehonkey. The Quid: Change or not. Of course, Ocracoke continues to attract new residents and touristswhich has generated a debate about the future of its cultural identity. Some fear that the arrival of outsiders dilute local customs, while others see growth as a natural evolution, similar to the diversity that the first settlers led to the island. Be that as it may, what seems clear is that the Ocracoke community remains an increasingly rare example of solidarity and tradition. Finally, people help each other and, although the dialect can disappear, the spirit of the island It remains intact. “Words can change, but the meaning behind them will remain the same”, The islanders assure. Meanwhile (and last), they will continue talking so English that the rest of the country does not understand them. Image | Nicolaas Baur, bobistraveling In Xataka | The Latinos of the south of Florida have been mixing English for years. And they have created a new dialect In Xataka | The most unknown language in Spain is in danger. The 500 gypsies who speak it just want them to leave them alone

A Venezuelan invented a city without law in the middle of an island. Now the millionaires who followed him do not know how to escape

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In recent history there are several examples of projects of private for profit that sought to redifing the concept of governance and economic development combining libertarian, neoliberal and corporatist principles in the same cocktail shaker. ShenzhenIn China, it began as a special economic zone in 1980 and grew from being a fishing village to a metropolis with a GDP of 482 billion dollars. And there we have Neom in Saudi Arabiaalthough it is about to see that this future is confirmed. In any case, none as prosperous. A radical experiment. Located on the island of Roatán, Honduras, Prospera It was conceived as A libertarian citywith an independent fiscal and regulatory structure Designed to attract investorstechnological entrepreneurs and defenders of the free market. Created by the Venezuelan Erick Brime, a former manager of Investment Funds, the community operates under its own legal code, minimum tax rates and a digital judicial system administered by Arizona’s retired judges. With a 1% corporate tax rate And without capital gains taxes, the enclave was presented as an alternative to the Honduran system, seeking to demonstrate that the free market economy and the minimum government intervention can generate prosperity. Millionaires to the race. As we said, since its foundation in 2017, the city attracted the interest of Silicon Valley investors. There, people like Brian Armstrong (CEO of Coinbase) and Peter Thiel, who saw in prosperous space for technological and financial innovation. The community also became a meeting point for Biohackers and cryptocurrency, organizing conferences with the motto “Make Death Optional” and facilitating the installation of biotechnology and nuclear energy companies. However, the ambition of the project soon crashed with the political and social reality of Honduras, triggering a crisis that now threatens to dismantle its existence. Millionaires who look so happy do not know how to get out. The collapse of the legal framework. Prospera’s existence was possible thanks to the Employment and Economic Development Law (Zedes), approved during the mandate of former president Juan Orlando Hernández. What happened? That Hernández was arrested and convicted in the United States for drug trafficking, and her successor, President Xiomara Castro, went on to qualify the project as a creation of a “narco-regime.” In 2024, the Supreme Court of Honduras declared unconstitutional the law of the Zedesquestioning the legality of Prospera. Given this threat, Brime sue Honduras for 11,000 million of dollars before an international arbitration tribunal, claiming that the revocation of its special status constitutes an illegal expropriation. At the same time, hundreds of thousands of dollars have been spent in Lobby in the United States Congress seeking to press the Government so that sanction Honduras if it does not protect investment Foreign in Prospera. The community is revealed. In addition, the problem for these “investors” was aggravated when the rejection of the central government of the “city” added local leaders and indigenous communities In Roatán. Moreover, the Crawfish Rock community, which borders Prospera, has denounced that the project represents A threat to its territory and way of life. Tensions about access to water and territorial expansion have resulted in clashes between prosperous employees and local residents. A regulatory paradise. If you wonder why so many millionaires came to Brime, the answer is in one of the most controversial prosperous aspects: Your self -regulation modelwhere companies can choose between regulations from 36 different countriesSo even create their own regulations, provided they hire civil liability insurance. Hence, it has become a refuge for high -tech and biomedicine sectors, including startups on extreme longevity and prohibited experimental therapies in the United States. Who is it? Bloomberg had A few days ago in a special about the city that among the companies that have established operations in Prospera Oklo stand outa startup backed by Sam Altman that develops small nuclear reactors, biotechnology companies, some dedicated to unregulated medical treatments, and a large amount of Investors in cryptocurrenciesattracted by the possibility of paying taxes with Bitcoin. In any case, and despite its success by attracting private capital, the lack of a clear tax framework has generated those Frictions with the local government. The mayor of Roatán, Ron McNab, has criticized that Prospera uses the island’s infrastructure Without paying municipal taxeswhich aggravates urban problems such as lack of roads, drainage and safety. Model expansion. As Prospera’s viability in Honduras has become more uncertain, Brime and businesswoman Magatte Wade have launched a new project: Africa prosperan attempt to replicate the model in African countries. Apparently, Sub -Saharan Africa is seen as a fertile land for this type of projects due to its rapid urban growth and high demand for private investment. Of course, Wade has emphasized that his intention is to avoid mistakes made in Honduras and work in collaboration with local governments. A libertarian utopia. Thus, which began as an experiment in self -government has evolved in A legal, political and social struggle With the Honduran government and the premises In “Weapons” against this invented city. While Brime and his allies press for the international recognition of Prospera, local resistance and government actions have turned their dream and that of investors into a nightmare with a figure to settle: 11,000 million dollars. The curious thing about this story is that, far from trying to put an end, Prospera’s fate could be replicated in other places and, if necessary, determine the future of other autonomous cities worldwide. If you manage to survive and give you the right, a precedent will sit for many other similar projects. If it fails, it will reinforce skepticism about The viability of these libertarian enclaves in countries with fragile political and economic contexts. What seems clear is that the confrontation between Prospera and Honduras is far from ending, exposing fundamental challenges of private cities: can a corporation replace a state? Or maybe the big question: how far does the right of a community come to self -govern? Image | Zaha Hadid In Xataka | How much money Elon Musk has: how the fortune of the man who plans … Read more

Telecinco crossed a deep audience crisis. Until the key on ‘The island of temptations’

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The hearings of ‘The island of temptations’ since The Montoya phenomenon He made his irruption on social networks have only grows, and have reached a climax in both narrative and spectators with this week’s galas. Although it will still be in the coming weeks with some gala of ‘What was …’ and the like, the last regrets in Montoya, Anita and Manuel, the tempting who generated a schism inside the couple has been the icing for this edition. “You have left me like a scolding.” It was alone One more of the many glorious phrases that the Infinite Andalusian Ingenio de Montoya. All immersed in a narrative that is hard to believe that he was not previously scripted due to his devastating sense of rhythm and his iconic Rancio melodrama characters (the hero who finds dignity, the liar who remains alone, The villain that punishes twice). Result: 16.7% quota and 2,103,000 spectators, the best Wednesday of this edition. The figures. They are not precisely nimios data: it exceeds 2.5 points and more than 300,000 viewers for the best audience that the program had had until now, three weeks ago. But above all, the most important thing: it exceeds the two daily titans and exceeds both global data and in strict coincidence of ‘El Hormiguero’ and ‘La Revuelta’. The motorcycle program had 13.7% of Share and 1,865,000 spectators, and well below, Broncano scored 11.1% and 1,519,000 spectators. Football again damages the latter again, since the Champions League in Movistar Plus+ made 8.6% and 1,139,000 spectators. The Telecinco respite. These figures suppose an oxygen ball for Telecinco, which remains the third option behind Antena 3 and 1. The triumph of ‘The island of temptations’ adds to other variables such as the final of ‘Big Brother’ and the Return from ‘Ana Rosa’ in the morningwhich makes Telecinco the option that goes up to January, with nine tenths. Of course, it came from playing background: its historical minimum in regular season (8.7%) and despite the rise, this February has been the worst in its history, with 9.6% on average. That is, certain notes of improvement are perceived, but the audiences remain abysmal. Ana Rosa as spearhead. Yesterday ‘Ana Rosa’ program, which returned in the morning after a dull evening stage in ‘afternoon’ (which curiously is working very decently in the afternoon without its alma mater) signed his best data since he returned to his original schedule: 15.2% of Share. In his strip, he led without possible competition, with almost two points of advantage, but could not stand up to Arús in his first two hours, which remains untouchable from 9 to 11 in the morning with 16.1% of Share. Even so, they are also good news for a Telecinco willing to grab any favorable data. Big Brother confirms the domain of the realities. For many headlines that monopolize its discussed final (which has made ‘tongo‘Be Trending topic in networks), ‘Big Brother Duo 3’ has both a confirmation that the formula is exhausted and that the realities They are almost the only resource of Telecinco to scratch respectable audiences (Share record -17.6% – with their end). With the failure of ‘Whoever falls falls‘, one of his great bets of this season, and the bass ratings of talents as ‘Next Level Chef’ (which You have to take over the strip of Late Night To give decent data per comparison), it is clear in which gender will continue to trust the channel. The future of the island. Now, Telecinco meets a reality that he had relegated to a secondary role obtaining his best audiences from the first auditions, so he undoubtedly has a very specific objective for the next edition: finding his next Montoya. Meanwhile, the new edition of ‘Survivors! The usual feedback of Telecinco programs, now at the service of responding to low chain audiences. Header | Mediaset In Xataka | ‘La Revuelta’ has made the issuance of lotteries at last something interesting. In return, a millionaire fine has been taken

Convert an abandoned island into a world weapons shipping base

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At the end of February, satellite images revealed something that had not been made public. Washington was Restoring the Base of the Pacific that launched atomic bombing over Japan, an action nothing trivial with which the United States prepared a “possible” scenario. Now, new images at another Pacific point reinforce the theory of American “rearmament.” An atoll turned into a kind of “Amazon” for the sending of artillery throughout the planet. Rocket position. The United States Space Force has given green light To the plans to reactivate Johnston Atolla remote island in the Pacific with a dark history of nuclear tests and storage of chemical weapons. The idea? Convert it instead of cargo transport tests by rocket under the program Rocket Cargo Vaguard. The project seeks to develop the ability to transport military supplies to any point on the planet in a matter of hours, using large -capacity rockets. In fact, the notification of intention (NOI) Published by the Department of the Air Force A few hours ago confirming the construction of two landing platforms on the island and planning up to 10 landing tests per year for four years. The tests are expected to begin as soon as this year, depending on the results of the ongoing environmental evaluation. Why this island. The analysis of the Air Force Department identified Johnston Atoll as The only adequate location For this type of tests. Other sites evaluatedlike Kwajalein Atoll, Midway Island and Wake Island, were discarded for various operational reasons. Johnston Atoll, on the other hand, was chosen by be a remote territoryunder the control of the United States government with maritime and aerial access, and for its ability to receive and store equipment transported by rocket. Plus: The island’s location makes it less vulnerable to extreme climatic events, a key concern after Kwajalein It would suffer severe damage Due to storms last year. The island from the image of NASA A dark past. We said it at the beginning. Johnston Atoll has a highly controversial military history. The enclave was used as Naval Reporting Baselanding floor and center of Nuclear, biological and chemical tests. Among the most notorious events are nuclear tests in the atmosphere between 1958 and 1975, including The Starfish Prime test In 1962, the largest nuclear explosion made in space. Also for the use of the island as Chemical and Biological Weapons Warehouseand as the center of its destruction until 2003, when it was finally abandoned by the United States Army after completing pollutant cleaning. Despite its current status as a National Wildlife Refuge and part of the National Marine Monument of the Pacific Islands, the satellite image reveals that the island continues to host abandoned military infrastructuresuch as a 2.7 km landing floor and other facilities that will be reused. A revolution for military logistics. It is the great proposal. The Rocket Cargo Vaguard program, led by the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFR), seeks to prove the viability of using commercial rockets for Global military supplies transport. From at least 2020the Pentagon has explored this technology with the idea of ​​reducing the delivery times of days or weeks just a few hours. The concept implies the use of reusable rockets to transport up to 100 tons of load Or even personnel to strategic locations in the world, using orbital or suborbital trajectories. Spacex and the potential use of Starship. And here a code name arises. One of the main candidates for the program is the Spacex starship, the rocket bigger and powerful ever built. In 2022, Spacex received A 102 million contract of dollars to provide flight data and technologies tests for the transport of load and humanitarian aid. However, to date, Starship tests They have been mixedwith multiple explosions during launch attempts. Despite this, the Pentagon has shown great interest in acquiring Spacex launching systems for sensitive and high -risk missions. General Philip Garrant, commander of the Space Systems Command, declared in November that the use of Starship for the Rocket Cargo program is One of the most logical optionsmainly due to its large load capacity and reusable design. Future perspectives and expansion. The approval of the environmental assessment next month could open the door in par, not only to evidence of Rocket Cargo Vaguardbut also to the total reactivation of Johnston Atoll as an landing center for other reusable space vehicles. In fact, we would say that it is almost insured if we take into account that there are practically no locations in the United States that can house rocket landing operations of this scale. No doubt, if the island ends up being approved, it could become A key strategic asset for the United States space force in the development of reusable spatial infrastructure. One, in addition, nothing trivial: a worldwide logistics and ultra -grape center to replenish artillery in records in the appearance of any modern conflict. Image | POT In Xataka | Satellite images leave no doubt: the US has restored the base of the Pacific that launched atomic bombardment over Japan In Xataka | The United States fears that China’s long -range missiles will reach Guam. So he just launched one himself

First it was a cut underwater cable. 24 hours later Taiwan has found a China Army in front of the island

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24 hours after the Taiwan authorities have stopped a ship manned by Chinese citizens under the suspicion of having cut a new cable Communications submarine, the island has encountered a surprising scene in front of its coasts: China has deployed an army and initiated real fire exercises. The tension intensifies. As explained by the island’s government, China carried out “shooting training” exercises In the waters near the southwest coast of Taiwan, in a maneuver that Taipei has described as “provocative and dangerous.” The exercises seem to be framed in a series of Chinese military maneuvers that, at least in the last three years, have included large -scale war drills. The Taiwanese Ministry of Defense reported that, shortly before 9 am, detected 32 Chinese military planes performing a joint exercise of preparation for combat along with 14 warships in the Taiwan Strait. The operation was carried out without prior notice and in an area Only 74 kilometers from the coastwhich represents a violation of international standards and a danger to navigation security and commercial flights in the region. Taiwan’s response. The Taiwanese government He condemned the maneuvers and displayed his own strength to monitor the situation. The cities of Kaohsiung and Pingtung, located in southwest Taiwan, host important naval and aerial bases, in addition to the largest port on the island, a key node in international maritime trade. According to Taipei, the recent Chinese military activity, including the one carried out in front of the coast of Australiashow that China is the biggest threat for the stability of the Taiwan Strait and the Indo-Pacific region. For its part, the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs avoided making direct comments on Taiwan’s complaints and just affirmed that the maneuvers were part of a scheduled shooting training. China reinforces its reunification speech. While the Chinese armed forces carried out these exercises, Wang Huning, the fourth leader in the hierarchy of the Communist Party, reiterated the official Beijing position on The “reunification” with Taiwan. During a meeting on issues related to the island, Wang stressed The need for China “Maintain the initiative and control over relations through the Taiwan Strait” and “advance without hesitation in the cause of the reunification of the homeland.” What did the neighbor say? Taiwan’s government responded by rejecting Beijing’s sovereignty statements and reaffirmed that only the Taiwanese people You can decide your future. To all this we must remember that President Lai Ching-Te, whom China considers a “separatist”, has reiterated his commitment to the defense of Taiwanese democracy. A day after cable cut. It We count yesterday. Frictions between Taiwan and China have not limited themselves to the military field. 24 hours before Chinese “simulation”, both parties exchanged accusations in relation to the Damage to an underwater cable of communications off the southwest coast of Taiwan. The Taiwanese authorities arrested a freighter with Chinese crew, the Hong Tai 58, registered in Togo, on suspicion of being involved in the incident. China, meanwhile, accused Taiwan of Manipulate the situation and launch accusations without conclusive evidence. Not just that. Taiwan has revealed in the last hours that the Hong Tai 58 was already part of A list of 52 boats Linked to China that the island’s security agencies consider a potential threat to telecommunications infrastructure. Looking back, it is the fifth case around failures/cuts/Sabotage of submarine cables registered in the region so far this year. So much so, that the Taiwan government has established a parallel with similar incidents occurred in the Baltic Sea After the Russian invasion of Ukraine. What seems clear is that the situation in the area, far from appeasing, has climbed the confrontation in a few days. China continues reinforcing its military presence In the region, while Taiwan and its allies, particularly the United States, observe with concern the increase in these maneuvers and the hardening of the forced reunification discourse. The combination of military pressure, sabotage of critical infrastructure and that growing belligerent rhetoric by Beijing points to an intimidation and wear strategy, one that raises the risk of an open conflict in the Taiwan Strait. Image | Naval Surface In Xataka | Taiwan lives an unprecedented situation in three decades: there is an army of 53 planes and 90 Chinese ships in front of the island In Xataka | Taiwan has just stopped a ship after cutting an underwater cable. The problem is that there are only Chinese citizens inside

For 15 years a strange circle under an island in Japan was an enigma. The author’s identity was a surprise

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If we go to the dictionary to be exact with the term, the verb “courtej” accompanies the following definition: try to get the love or favors of someone flattering him and looking for his company. Therefore, the finding that took place several decades ago was so surprising. Normally, when we talk about courting WE THINK HUMAN KEY. However, in the animal kingdom they exceed everything seen in our species when it comes to claim the attention of the other. The enigma of the circles. In 1995, a group of divers who were exploring the waters near Amami ōshima, Japan, Japan, They discovered strange circular formations In the seabed. It was surprising, since those structures were symmetric, with radial spikes and valleys, and with such a prominent geometric perfection that it aroused all kinds of speculation about their origin: were they facing a human creation, or was it due to some kind of unknown natural phenomenon , or maybe an unusual organism? The years passed, and it was not until 2011 that A team of scientists managed to solve the mystery. Not just that. They managed to “catch” the suspect repeating the lavish scene. To the surprise of the researchers, the protagonist was A tiny torquigener albomaculosusa small kind of balloon fish that, with a size of just 12 centimeters, seemed to be able to sculpt structures 16 times larger than their own body with a very specific purpose: seduce a couple for reproduction. The art of courtship under the sea. The year of the finding, the scientists recorded the process of creating these circles in the seabed, observing up to 10 reproductive events in two study areas. Each structure took between seven and nine days to complete and required extreme precision. The male balloon fish used its pectoral, anal and flows fins to dig and model the sand in a perfect radial pattern, alternating between rapid and strategic pauses movements To give texture to the formations. In addition, he decorated the peaks of his work with decorative elements such as shells and coral fragments, while the center of the circle was completely clear as we see in the images. Only when these final details were ready, The females began to approach to evaluate the design of the “artist”. The mating ritual. At this point, when a female was interested in the structure, The male stirred the fine sand of the center to attract his attention. If she decided to enter the circle, the male withdrew momentarily before swimming quickly towards her in a repetitive courtship dance. If the female was impressed, she put her eggs in the center of the circlemaking it a temporary nest. If that was already fascinating, shortly after it was revealed that the impressive structures were never reused, they were of only one use. After reproduction, males leave their creation and begin a new one from scratch, since the process of sculpting the circle consumes most of the finest and most adequate sand for reproduction. This apotheosic nest construction ritual, documented years later In the Big Pacific series of BBC Earth/PBS and narrated by Sir David AttenboroughHe has amazed biologists and spectators since then. Ephemeral art. No doubt, the complex work of the balloon fish is One of the most fascinating exhibitions of the animal kingdomcomparable to the elaborate dances of mating of birds or the constructions of some mammals. However, what makes these structures unique is that these are true underwater works of art, carefully designed and molded with geometric precision. In addition, its discovery also offered a new perspective on the evolution of courtship in vertebrates. Although humans tend to think about art and architecture as exclusively ours capacities, these seabl , all that, and surely something else, in the extraordinary work of a tiny creature. Image | H KAWASE et al (2017) FISHES, CC by 4.0 In Xataka | What science tells us about when a romantic relationship will be a success or complete failure In Xataka | We have lost track of one of the few mammals that put eggs. Now we have rediscovered it

A single island houses 70% of the US military bases in Japan. There is a weight reason for not to come out: China

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At the end of January, in the Japan islands closest to Taiwan, Many places began to evacuate the area. The action was part of a series of drills that have been intensified in the last two years preparing for “the worst”, understanding this as An armed conflict between China and Taiwan. In fact, the most important island of Okinawa prefecture has a fact that attests to tension in the area: there is no other place in Japan with such a number of soldiers in the United States, and they have been there since World War II. Okinawa: trapped between two powers. For more than a century, Okinawa has been a territory in disputemarked by the conflict between Japan, the United States and China. Its history, which goes from being an independent kingdom to become a battlefield and military baseit reflects the weight of geopolitical decisions about the lives of its inhabitants. The island was originally The kingdom of Ryukyuan independent state that maintained tax relations with both Imperial China and with the Japanese domain of Satsuma. However, in the 1870s, Japan attached the archipelagoestablishing its control over the island. During World War II, Okinawa was the stage of One of the bloodiest battlesused as a shield to prevent US troops from reaching the main islands of Japan. After the war, instead of being returned to Japanese sovereignty, Okinawa was under control of the United Statesbecoming a military strategic point. Already in 1972, after 27 years of American occupation, The island was finally returned to Japan. However, the US military presence never disappeared. In fact, Okinawa houses 70 % of US military bases in Japandespite representing only 0.6 % of the national territory. It is estimated that there are 80,000 Americans on the island, of which 30,000 are uniformed military. The “slow” withdrawn. This week had the New York Times that the departure of those thousands of American marines has already begun, more or less, although With a delay of more than 20 years Regarding the original calendar. Before Christmas, a 105 Marines contingent that would normally have been sent to the island He was redirected to the new Camp Blaz base in Guam. This small movement marked the first trimming of military personnel in Okinawa within the agreement between Washington and Tokyo to reduce that US military presence on the island that goes back to World War II. According to the pact, 9,000 marines (almost half of the troops on the island) should be relocated at some point. However, due to the construction of replacement bases, its exit could take more than a decade to complete. United States maneuvers on the island A discontent agreement. Negotiation for the reduction of military presence It began in 1995when the case of three American soldiers who raped an okinawense girl caused massive protests on the island. This led to the United States and Japan They will agree to relieve the military load on Okinawa. As? In essence, by closing The Fuutema Air Base and the construction of a new installation in the north of the island. The first plan, signed in 1996, established a period of five to seven years for relocation, but almost three decades of that agreement, the original base remains operational and the new landing track is still 12 years after being completed. Geopolitics: the brake on the reduction. In any case, the delay in the withdrawal of US troops is due, in large part, to the growing military presence of China in the region. Recently and As we countthe Japan Ministry of Defense reported that Four Chinese warships sailed between Okinawa and a nearby islandincreasing concern in Tokyo and Washington about security in the Western Pacific. The rise of China, together with the threat of North Korea and tensions in Taiwan, has changed strategic dynamics. In fact, the times told that many in Tokyo and Washington wonder If they should really reduce the presence of marines in Okinawaespecially when the island is within the range of Chinese missiles and would be a key point in any conflict in the region. China’s hat. Although historically Okinawa maintained commercial relations with China, Beijing’s current influence on the region is seen with concern for many Japanese. The tensions between China and Japan by the Senkaku/Diaoyu Islands They have fueled the fear that Okinawa can become a conflict point Between both countries. An uncertain future. For all this, and despite international pressure, the transfer of the Marines progress to slow pacealmost testimonial. Japan, meanwhile, has chosen to keep the status quoinvesting in the modernization of existing bases instead of accelerating relocation. In this regard, Camp Schwab, in the north of the island, will be the new home of the Marines relocated from Fuhenma. The construction includes an area of ​​land five times greater than the pentagon to house landing clues and hangars. It does not seem, therefore, that you think too much about an exit. For its part, Camp Fosterin the southern part of Okinawa, it is being remodeled with new barracks, schools and homes, consolidating the military presence in that area. Japan spends According to the New York Times1.5 billion dollars a year in the construction of new facilities, in addition to the 2.8 billion dollars already allocated to Camp Blaz base in Guamwhich, as we said, will house a part of the displaced marines of Okinawa. Yet, Pentagon still does not provide a clear calendar For relocation. And here we return to the exit box: in case of conflict in Asia, LTo Guam’s remoteness could represent a strategic problemsince the Marines would have to return to Japan crossing a combat zone. Thus, what is clear is that the island remains a key piece on the Indo-Pacific board, trapped between the strategic needs of the United States and Japan, and the own aspirations of autonomy of its population. Image | US Indo-Pacifi In Xataka | The Japan islands closest to Taiwan have begun to evacuate the area. They have been preparing … Read more

This strategic and tiny island has been disputed for 200 years. And the US and Canada still are not clear to whom it belongs to

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The recent one Donald Trump’s insistence on Annexar Canada as the 51st state He has given for reflections in the American political sphere. While the idea does not seem taken seriously in Washington and the Canadian government has made it clear that it has no interest in joining the United States, The New York Times performed an electoral code analysis of such a scenario revealing an unexpected consequence: the incorporation of Canada would guarantee a political advantage for the Democratic Party in future elections. Be that as it may, the only certain thing in this whole story is the eternal dispute over an islet between both nations. An island and its importance. WE TALK ABOUT MACHIAS SEAL ISLANDa small islet of 18 hectares located at the point of confluence between the Bay of Fundy and the Gulf of Maine, which represents the last territorial dispute between Canada and the United States. Although its rock size and geography are little or rather liable, its strategic value and the wealth of its waters They have maintained the latent conflict for more than two centuries. A lighthouse as a symbol of sovereignty. The history of the dispute goes back to the war of 1812when both the United States and Great Britain claimed the island and its surrounding waters due to their location on an important navigation route. In 1832, Great Britain built a lighthouse on the island To consolidate its control, and since then, Canada has maintained a permanent presence in the place through Farros that, in addition to its maritime signaling work, act as symbolic guardians of Canadian sovereignty. In this regard, Russell and Anthony Ross, Farros brothers, turn every 28 days to keep the lighthouse in operation. Isolated on the island, their work goes beyond surveillance: they receive visitors who arrive in summer and, in winter, they support the extreme climate of the Atlantic without the possibility of returning to the continent until its allocation ends. For them, the island is more than a territory in dispute: it is their temporary home and a symbol of a tradition that few still keep alive. Frailecillos on the island A sanctuary for wildlife. Despite its uncertain geopolitical status, Machias Seal Island is recognized as a sanctuary of sea birds. The reason? Thousands of Atlantic Frailecillos, Common Mergles, Arctic Charranes and Common Alcas nest there every summer, making it a reference point for scientists and bird observers. In fact, the Canadian Wild Life Service protects access to the island, allowing only the arrival of two daily tourist boats, One from Maine and Another from New Brunswickwith a limited quota of visitors. Scientists like Tony Diamonddirector of Atlantic Laboratory for Avian Research, have studied these colonies since 1995, highlighting the importance of the island’s ecosystem as a thermometer of the state of the ocean. Tourism under surveillance. To avoid major evils, the experience of tourists is rigorously controlled. So much so, that to avoid damage to nests, They must remain in wood cattleway and use small observation structures camouflaged in the landscape. Although getting to the island is not easy, most of Visitors consider the effort to be worth itsince it is one of the few places where you can see these frailecillos in their natural environment without disturbances. The dispute: Waters of the gray zone. Beyond the small islet, the true conflict between Canada and the United States is not on earth, but rather in the sea. The waters around Machias Seal Island They are known as the “Gray Zone”an area of ​​approximately 700 square kilometers where both countries claim fishing rights. Moreover, in the last decades, The growing lobster demand has turned the area into a crucial economic resource. The price of crustacean has tripled, reaching values ​​of up to 4 Canadian dollars for 400 grams, which has promoted the prosperity of fishing communities Like Grand Manan, in Canada. Live in the conflict. For many fishermen, The gray zone represents a constant income opportunityand although there are no formal agreements, they have developed a coexistence system based on mutual respect. Of course, not everything is harmony. As the lobster demand has continued to increase, The pressure on marine resources is increasing. Sector veterans warn that The overfishing could exhaust the lobster populationfollowing the same collapse pattern that affected the herring industry, background fish and scallops in the past. Uncertain future. Be that as it may, and despite the territorial dispute, so far Canada and the United States have avoided an open conflict about Machias Seal Island and the gray areamaintaining that fragile balance between the symbolic presence of Canada on the island and the joint fishing exploitation in its waters. Yet, The recent political and commercial tensions between the two countries They have generated uncertainty about the future of this enclave. In that sense, Trump’s latest statements have not helped. The inhabitants of the island, whether beareros, scientists or fishermen, continue with their lives at the same time that international policy follows its course. While the frailecillos continue to nest in the cliffs and lobster ships they slaughter in the gray area, the islet is maintained as a tiny point on the map, although not any one: one with a geopolitical, economic and ecological influence much larger than its size suggests. .Imagen | Melissa McMasters, Melissa McMasters In Xataka | The longest dispute is a 500 -year -old mystery. Spain still knows if tiny lands belong to Tenerife In Xataka | China has been claiming as its islands from Japan 130 years. So he has made a decision: surround them with buoys

‘The island of temptations’ overwhelming in February

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Finally, it has neither ‘Big Brother’ nor ‘First Dates’ nor, of course, ‘Next Level Chef’ the Mediaset bet that has planted that roller of audiences that are ‘El Hormiguero’ and ‘La Revuelta’. He has been an old acquaintance of the house (eighth year already) in the genre that I rent the most of Telecinco (the realitiesSubsection beaches and sand), and with the unexpected help of this year’s great television viral surprise: Montoya. The frightened of Montoya. Montoya’s attempt to enter the house where his girlfriend was with one of the seducers has gone around the world for his many comic elements: the overflowing passion of the contestant, the screams of Sandra Barneda asking him to return, the (possible) good Physical form of the camera that had to follow him … all that made a more than possible script scene but, fiction or not, it was exciting, which has generated Thousands of memes in everyone. We are left with Don Pico Patobut yesterday Whoopi Goldberg It was a trend in Spain Because in his morning debate program he had spoken with his Dyslate of Montoya. Good audiences. Before the final explosion of Montoya we talked that the program had not started with audiences especially high. Last week, when Montoya began to be a family name, the season had an average audience close to 16% of Share, similar to last year. But from there, he has not stopped climbing. Strategies in search of audience. The tactic that Mediaset has carried out is to chop its Monday program, first issuing an “express” edition that retains interest and competes with ‘El Hormiguero’ and ‘La Revuelta’. This past Monday was issued between 22.06 and 23.10 and reached 14.9% screen share, an absolutely unheard of Telecinco (‘Big Brother’, when it was issued in that section of coincidence, it stays at 6%) . ‘El Hormiguero’ got 14% of Share and ‘La Revuelta’ 15%, with which Montoya was only a tenth below Broncano. From that point of the night the audience of the reality He shot, reaching 21.4% and defeating their competitors: the talent culinary ‘bake off’ and the Turkish soap opera ‘Renacer’. 9 out of 10. Even before the global domination of the Montoya Meme, ‘The island of temptations’ already had a brand to show off: 9 of the 10 most viewed emissions in January belong to them. It is a space that usually dominate the afternoon snakes of La1, but Montoy Prime Timebut certainly explains the interest that this new edition has aroused. The audiences, child. Since ‘the revolt’ they have always made references to the war of audiences with ‘El Hormiguero’, not taking them too seriously (especially, because frivolizing about their value is also a form of attack to those who do value them), and This Tuesday was Lalachus the one that referred to the entrance of the new contender. Broncano finished the issue with a reference to one of the most ridiculously viral aspects of suffering from Montoya: “The battle of the decade, interrupted by a pussy in the neck.” Header | Mediaset In Xataka | Broncano, Giró and Buenafuente: the plan of the new director of TVE to put the war of audiences up

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