Latest news with #DeAgostini
New York Post
19-07-2025
- New York Post
Japan launches first-ever brown bear emergency after several people killed in attacks
A hunter vanished in Japan near a recent brown bear sighting — just 75 miles from a town that declared its first-ever bear emergency, fueling fears he was mauled in a chilling attack. The unidentified man was reported missing by a friend on Mt. Esan, located on the northern island of Hokkaido, according to The Guardian. Bloodstains were discovered nearby and a rifle, believed to belong to the missing man, was found on the side of a mountain road on Tuesday. Just three days prior, on July 12, a massive brown bear was spotted near the same road. Local authorities launched a month-long brown bear emergency that same day for the town of Fukushima, Hokkaido, about 75 miles from Mt. Esan, and deployed cops, firefighters and hunters around the clock in an effort to stamp out attacks. The declaration was issued immediately after newspaper delivery man Kenju Sato was killed by a bear, who repeatedly bitt he 52-year-old and dragged him over 100 yards. Ussuri brown bears in Hokkaido can reach over 9.5 feet and weigh more than 1,100 pounds. The Washington Post via Getty Images Multiple bear attacks were also recently reported on Honshu, the largest of the four main islands of Japan. An 81-year-old woman was killed by a black bear in the Iwate prefecture in northeast Japan on July 4. On Tuesday, two other elderly women, one in the northern Aomori prefecture and the other near Nara, were attacked in separate incidents. The increase in bear attacks have been attributed partly to the lack of food in their natural habitats. De Agostini via Getty Images Experts are blaming the increase in bear attacks partly on the animals' struggles to find food — acorns and beechnuts — in their natural habitat due to the climate crisis, which forces them to travel to residential areas. As a safety precaution, residents in the region are being urged not to leave food outside their homes to avoid attracting the bears. The government also eased its stringent hunting laws, permitting the emergency shooting of bears in populated zones. The Ussuri brown bears found in Hokkaido can reach over 9.5 feet and weigh more than 1,100 pounds.
Scotsman
16-07-2025
- Climate
- Scotsman
Sink hole at historic Scottish fort putting sea wall at risk of 'catastrophic collapse'
The damage is the result of coastal erosion on the Moray Firth Sign up to our daily newsletter – Regular news stories and round-ups from around Scotland direct to your inbox Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... A sea wall at a large 18th-century fortress in the Scottish Highlands is at risk of "catastrophic collapse' due to a sink hole. As reported by the BBC, the sink hole at the historic Fort George on the Moray Firth was revealed in a planning application for emergency works submitted by Historic Environment Scotland (HES) to Highland Council. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad The application stated: 'Without immediate intervention, there is a significant risk of catastrophic collapse of the sea wall and considerable loss of historic fabric.' It said a sink hole had opened in the ground behind a section of the sea wall to the north-east of the fort, known as the North Glacis. The Category A Listed Building was constructed following the 1745-46 Jacobite rising and is described as 'the finest example of 18th-century military engineering' in Britain. It is said to be among the best preserved of any major fortress across the country. The strategically located Fort George was built after the Battle of Culloden | De Agostini via Getty Images Nowadays, it serves as a base for the Black Watch. The proposed repairs involve filling the hole with concrete to stabilise the wall, as beach levels in the area continue to drop due to coastal erosion. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad A spokesperson for HES said: 'In line with other parts of Scotland, coastal erosion and lowering of beach levels is affecting the Moray Firth. 'This previously caused localised scouring (the erosion of soil) in the vicinity of the Place of Arms at Fort George, commonly known as the Dog Cemetery. 'Concrete underpinning works took place in late 2024 which allowed for our Stonemasons and Labourers to safely carry out localised repairs to the existing stone wall and associated landscaping.' 'A further area of localised scouring at the North Glacis sea wall has since been identified and a small area of the North Glacis has been fenced off and is being regularly monitored, whilst public access to Fort George remains unaffected. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'Remedial works are planned and full access will be reinstated on the North Glacis once these have been completed.' It said it will continue to monitor erosion at Fort George and other coastal sites. A report accompanying the planning application said the cultural significance of the sea wall was largely down to its survival as a unified boundary around the fort. It said the planned works represented the "minimum necessary' to support the wall and reduce risk of collapse. In the 18th century, the boundary walls housed accommodation for a 1,600-strong infantry garrison and a weapons store for 2,672 gunpowder barrels. They also housed a brew house and a chapel. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad While the barracks are still in use, much of the site is open to the public as a visitor attraction managed by HES. Earlier this year, three major projects were completed by Moray Council to tackle the issue of coastal erosion in the area. These included a 50cm shingle bank built in Kingston, between Lein Car Park on the west side of the village, and the main shingle ridge at the lagoon on the east side. Large boulders known as rock armour were also placed on Findhorn Road following significant erosion last year. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad
New York Post
14-07-2025
- Science
- New York Post
Archaeologists uncover multistory buildings in once-thriving city lost to time
Archaeologists recently uncovered multistory buildings from a lost Egyptian city in the Nile Delta, fostering new insights into urban life in antiquity. The ruins of the city – known in ancient times as Imet or Buto – are located at the site now called Tell el-Fara'in. The University of Manchester announced the discovery in a June 24 press release. Multiple excavations have taken place at the site in past decades, but the latest dig by British archaeologists revealed the presence of multiple multistory structures. 6 British archaeologists from the University of Manchester discover ancient city of Imet in Egypt's eastern Nile Delta, shedding lights on urban life in antiquity De Agostini via Getty Images The elevated dwellings were found thanks to a combination of remote sensing and satellite imagery technology, said the University of Manchester. The British archaeologists were joined by experts from the University of Sadat City in Cairo. The high-tech methods led researchers to notice clusters of 'ancient mudbricks' before the excavation began. The university reported, 'This approach led to the discovery of dense architectural remains, including substantial tower houses – multistory buildings supported by exceptionally thick foundation walls, which were designed to accommodate a growing population in an increasingly urbanized Delta region.' University of Manchester lecturer Nicky Nielsen helped lead the excavation. 6 A statue depicting two deities, discovered from the archaeological excavations in Buto De Agostini via Getty Images In a statement, he dated the structures to the Ptolemaic Period, which began around 332 B.C. and ended in 30 B.C. 'These tower houses are mainly found in the Nile Delta between the Late Period and the Roman era, and are rare elsewhere in Egypt,' the Egyptologist said. 'Their presence here shows that Imet was a thriving and densely built city with a complex urban infrastructure.' Archaeologists also uncovered the remains of granaries, or buildings for storing grain, as well as a ceremonial road tied to the cult of Wadjet, the Ancient Egyptian cobra goddess. 6 The excavations at Tell el-Fara'in are part of a joint Egyptian-British mission with the University of Sadat City in Cairo University of Manchester Animal enclosures were also observed during the excavation, as well as a series of additional buildings. 'Elsewhere, excavators found a large building with a limestone plaster floor and massive pillars dating to the mid-Ptolemaic Period,' the University of Manchester noted. 'This building was built across the processional road, which once connected to the temple of Wadjet – the city's patron deity,' the statement continued. 6 Multiple excavations have taken place at the site in past decades, but this latest dig by the University of Manchester crew revealed the presence of multiple multistory structures University of Manchester 'This ceremonial route appears to have fallen out of use by the mid-Ptolemaic period, offering insight into shifting religious landscapes in Ancient Egypt.' Smaller artifacts were also uncovered by archaeologists. 6 'Their presence here shows that Imet was a thriving and densely built city with a complex urban infrastructure,' said University of Manchester lecturer Nicky Nielsen, who helped lead the excavations University of Manchester Pictures from the excavation show an ushabti (a small funerary figurine), a stone slab depicting the god Harpocrates and a bronze sistrum, or rattle, of Hathor, the goddess of music and joy. The excavation will help advance understanding of 'the urban, religious and economic life of this city in the Nile Delta during the 4th century BC,' according to university officials. 6 Artifacts from the excavation site reflect a vibrant spiritual culture of the ancient Egyptian city University of Manchester 'This discovery opens new doors to our understanding of daily life, spirituality and urban planning in the Delta,' the statement concluded. 'Imet is emerging as a key site for rethinking the archaeology of Late Period Egypt.' Ancient Egypt has captivated archaeologists for centuries, and many finds from the millennia-old civilization are still being discovered today. In May, several tombs of high-ranking Ancient Egyptian officials were recently uncovered by local archaeologists, dating back to the era of the New Kingdom. A month earlier, a University of Pennsylvania professor spoke with Fox News Digital about unearthing the tomb of an unknown pharaoh near Abydos.
Forbes
28-05-2025
- Business
- Forbes
Father's Day Gift Guide 2025: The Best Bourbon's
Whiskey glasses on barrel in a whiskey distillery. De Agostini via Getty Images In the 115 years since it was founded, Father's Day has seen countless numbers of ho-hum gifts bestowed upon Dad in appreciation of an often thankless job. We all know the scene. Dad opens his gift and acts like the tie, hat, gardening tool, book, or other such item was just what he wanted. Everyone smiles, and Dad goes back to his routine, often setting his gift aside to be quickly forgotten. But it doesn't have to be like that. Instead, you can go against the norm and drop a fantastic bottle of bourbon into your father's lap this year. If he loves a good cocktail, it should bring a big smile to his face and provide many happy thoughts each time he enjoys it. Hopefully, he will even share a sip with you to show his appreciation for finally getting something he truly wanted. But where do you find a truly special bottle of bourbon? Look no further than the recently released Best In Class finalists at the 2025 San Francisco World Spirits Competition. As one of the world's most prestigious competitions, distillers send their best bottles to the event, hoping to Wow their judges. This year, the event singled out 35 bourbons from a field of over 500 bottles across eight separate categories; these are the crème of the crop. All are in the running to be named the World's Best Bourbon. But many of them are virtually impossible to lay your hands on-they are limited releases, experimental batches, and such. I scoured the list, and here are nine bottles that you can lay your hands on if you act quickly. All are reasonably priced, can be ordered online, and should blow your Dad's mind. If my kids are reading this, you know what I want. Hailing from Vail, Colorado, in the heart of the Rocky Mountains, the 10th Mountain Whiskey & Spirit Company pays homage to the soldiers of the legendary US Army division that was formed during World War II and trained nearby. Many of its veterans returned home to establish numerous ski areas in the US, including Vail. Their bourbon was named a finalist in the Small Batch Bourbon-Up to 5 Years category. The judges had this to say about it: Candied orange peels and brown sugar peaches on the nose, with chocolate-covered orange peels, white pepper, and vanilla on the palate—a big, bold finish. You can order one here. For decades, Old Grand Dad was a bottom-shelf straight bourbon that was overlooked and ignored. First bottled in 1882, it was a working man's whiskey known for its reliable burn upfront with a smooth finish. Although not particularly special, it was a solid sip that was often overshadowed by other flashier bourbons. All of that changed in 2024 when the brand released a limited edition 16-year-old version, which pays homage to its original recipe. The judges loved it and made it a finalist in the Straight Bourbon category. Here is what they said about it: Aromas of dust and leather lead to a palate rich with banana foster and cookies and cream. You can order one here. Every bourbon lover should have a bottle of 1792 under their roof; it's just that simple. First produced in 2002 by the Barton 1792 Distillery in Bardstown, Kentucky, it has been a perennial winner in all major spirits competitions and is loved by bourbon connoisseurs. The fact that it was named a finalist in the Best In Class Small Batch Bourbon (up to 5 Years) surprised no one, as it routinely lands there. What is surprising is that it is still affordably priced at around $32 after two decades, which is a rarity in today's market. The judges said this about it: Blueberries, vanilla, and minerality on the nose with a taste that is delicious, finishing with astringent black pepper and chocolate. You can order one here. If you are looking to treat Dad to a bottle that he has never heard of yet will love, then look no further. The Widow Jane Distillery in the Red Hook neighborhood of Brooklyn, New York, crafted this beautiful thirteen-year-old bourbon from Kentucky and Tennessee stocks. Proofed using pure limestone water from the famous Rosedale Mines one hundred miles north of the distillery to impart a distinctive minerality. It was named a finalist in the Small Batch Bourbon Aged 11 Years and Older category, and the judges called out its butterscotch and seasoned oak wood notes complemented by a long, sweet finish. You can order one here. Direct from the heart of Texas, Garrison Brothers Cask Strength Single Barrel Bourbon is a bold beauty that delivers with each sip of its undiluted, cask-strength liquid. Each barrel is hand-selected by their Master Distiller, Donnis Todd, due to its distinct flavors that were formed during the long summer days and cold winter nights in Hye, Texas, where it is distilled and aged. As the first bourbon distiller outside Kentucky and Tennessee, the team at Garrison Brothers knows what they are doing, so it shouldn't surprise anyone they were named a finalist in the Single Barrel Bourbon Whiskey-Up to 10 Years Category. The judges had this to say about it: Explosive aromas of brown sugar, caramel, and leather on the nose with a noticeable palate of orange zest, cherry syrup, and seasoned oak. You can order one here. Every so often, a distiller tries something off the beaten path, and it works. That is the case with this bourbon, made entirely from Jimmy Red corn —a rare heirloom variety known for its rich flavors —revived by High Wire Distilling in Charleston, South Carolina. Bottled from a single barrel to showcase the unique liquid each bottling can present, it can offer a slightly different flavor profile, making it the perfect bourbon to include in a vertical tasting. It was named a finalist in the Single Barrel Bourbon Whiskey-Up to 10 Years category. Here is what the judges had to say about it: Aromas of black cherries, oak, and cinnamon oatmeal with a palate of cherry syrup with crème de cassis, black pepper, and vanilla with a medium-length finish. You can order one here. If your Dad likes a sweeter and smoother bourbon, then this is the bottle you want to get him. As one of Heaven Hill's impressive Grain to Glass series of bourbons, it is designed to showcase the legendary distiller's small-batch craftsmanship by working with a unique corn seed varietal to produce a distinctive bourbon with each release. By featuring a higher wheat mashbill that was aged for over six years, they have created a whiskey that is wonderfully easy to sip. It was named a finalist in the Wheated Bourbon category, and the judges called out its rich and creamy palate with a long finish that featured molasses, brown sugar, dried fruit, nuts, and oak spices. You can order one here. Hailing from Michigan, the team behind Fox & Oden aims to honor and preserve the legacy of pre-prohibition whiskey blending and finishing. They do that by sourcing liquid from some of America's top distillers and then masterfully creating a liquid that blends old-world techniques with new-school ideas. The result is a lineup of bottles that have rapidly established themselves on the world competition stage. Their Double-Oaked Straight Bourbon Whiskey is made from a blend of 8-15-year-old bourbons that underwent secondary aging in new charred oak barrels and was named a finalist in the Special Barrel-Finished Bourbon Category. Here is what the judges had to say about it: Aromas of vanilla and seasoned oak that are followed by a candied sweetness with a long, sweet, and spicy finish. You can order one here. Over the last decade, bourbon drinkers have rediscovered rye, one of the oldest styles of whiskey made in the United States, which almost died out after Prohibition. Known for its distinctive spiciness and bold flavors, rye whiskeys have become a favorite of bartenders and can form the backbone of a great cocktail. This offering from Whiskey Tree, a relatively new distiller producing some exceptional spirits, features a high rye bill that has been double-oaked and bottled at 100-105 proof. It is also a finalist in the Special Barrel-Finished Category and offers a spicy punch. Here is what the judges had to say about it: Persistent spicy notes surround rich caramel, vanilla, and ripe apple aromas. The palate features flavors of caramel apple, rye toast, cinnamon, and black pepper, with a long, spicy finish. You can order one here. Follow here for the most up to date information about the ever changing beer, wine, and spirits industry.
Daily Mirror
11-05-2025
- Daily Mirror
EU country's £215 warning to tourists over odd Russia border offence
This stunning country has some pretty unusual laws which tourists need to be aware of (Image: De Agostini via Getty Images) Brits have been warned over a seemingly satire rule that could end up landing you in hot water. A melting pot of lush rugged mountains, glassy lakes, and red panelled lodges, Norway attracted a staggering 5.6 million international visitors last year. Less than two hours from the UK, the Scandinavian hotspot has long been popular with Brits - especially for more adventurous holidaymakers wanting to trek into the breathtaking fjjords and brave the freezing cold waters. However, the country has a rather strict policy that most people know nothing about. Last month, Mikhail Khodorkovsky, an exiled Russian businessman who reportedly now resides in London, shared a picture on X (formerly Twitter) of a handmade sign in Norway that warned tourists 'no peeing towards Russia'. It is believed the sign was hung up on the banks of the Jakobselva River, which separates Norway from Russia, back in August, 2021. READ MORE: World's £216m new tallest bridge slashes travel time from 2 hours to just 1 minute Content cannot be displayed without consent "Norway's border with Russia is the northernmost, the most stable part of the NATO-Russia frontier," Mikhail wrote. "The Norwegians want to keep it that way and recently have sharpened existing restrictions. You can get fined for touching [Russia], throwing stones at it, and now also peeing towards it." While it may sound like a belated April Fool's prank, Norway's border commissioner, Jens-Arne Høilund, reportedly confirmed the sign appeared in the Grense Jakobselv village four years ago. According to the Express, the politician explained that any 'offensive behaviour' at the border is categorically prohibited - and will result in a fine of 3,000 kroner (Around £215). Both Norway and Finland border Russia Want the latest travel news and cheapest holiday deals sent straight to your inbox? Sign up to our Travel Newsletter While having a pee isn't 'inherently offensive', Jens-Arne claimed it depends on the 'point of view' and where it is done. "It may seem harsh, but we enforce the border regulations without fail," said Jens-Arne. "Here it falls under the law prohibiting offensive behaviour at the border." Reports suggest the area is monitored by CCV, allowing police to take action if they think the rules have been breached. However, mystery still surrounds who actually constructed the sign. Police officials stated they didn't erect the warning themselves. However, the village is a popular resting point for tourists who have hired a rental car - and may be tempted to relieve themselves with nobody around. "It is set up in a place where tourists often stop, often the first stop after a long drive," Jens-Arne is cited as saying. "It is likely that some have fallen for the temptation to urinate in the area." The bizarre warning follows reports that a woman was fined a staggering €900 (Around £770) for reaching her hand across the stream. Four people were also allegedly detained after throwing small stones towards Russian land. Do you have a story to share? Email us at yourmirror@ for a chance to be featured.
