There are worst crimes than burning books, like never reading them

Arts & Culture, Books

Watch more of our videos on ShotsTV.com and on Freeview 262 or Freely 565Visit Shots! nowNational Libraries Week started on Monday October 7. ‘A reader lives a thousand lives before he dies. Those who never read live only one.’ These words were written by the author George R Martin who gave us the amazing ‘Game of Thrones’.Hearing that libraries are under increasing threat of extinction is fearsome. The old adage ‘use them or lose them’ has never been more pertinent.What has gone wrong when parents can’t introduce their children to what can be a magical lifetime of books?When I was a child, the Saturday afternoon routine for my sister and myself involved walking to Firth Park Library with our father to choose books for the week while mother had a bit of ‘me’ time.Children and parents visit the Firth Park library in 1980The children’s library was a place of total quiet. You could be chastised by the librarian for talking above a whisper. But we were very disciplined children, treated the books with respect and looked forward to graduating to the ‘big’ library.We enjoyed ice creams from the café in the Clock Tower next to the library and watching children sail boats in the boating lake. Up to the shops to buy bags of sweets, and spending Saturday evening sat by the fire reading our book.During the late 1950s many of us were devastated to hear that one of our pop idols Billy Fury visited Firth Park Library with his then girlfriend who was known theatrically as ‘Lady Lee’ and whose family lived at Page Hall. She eventually married Kenny Everett.There were few districts in Sheffield without a library. The beautiful Central Library was of Art Deco design, with those at Upperthorpe, Highfield and Burngreave of Florentine Renaissance style.My local library at Hillsborough which is a joy to visit was originally a ‘gentleman’s residence’. Originally called Hillsborough House, it was renamed Hillsborough Hall by John Rodgers a cutlery firm owner, passing eventually in 1865 to James Dixon, a well-known Sheffield silversmith, with streets around the area named after family members. The present and very beautiful walled garden dates back to that time with an amazing café in the stable block.But the important thing about libraries is the books.And, never put off until tomorrow the book you can read today!Continue Reading

U.S. Navy Demonstrates Game-Changing Underway Reload Technology That Could Redefine Naval Warfare

Technology

The U.S. Navy has achieved a significant breakthrough in maritime combat readiness by successfully demonstrating the Transferrable Reload At-sea Method (TRAM) on a warship in open waters for the first time.
This innovative technology allows warships to rearm their missile systems while at sea, drastically reducing downtime and enhancing operational effectiveness.
The historic demonstration took place on October 11th, off the coast of San Diego, where sailors aboard the Ticonderoga-class cruiser USS Chosin (CG 65) used the hydraulically-powered TRAM device to load an empty missile canister into the ship’s MK 41 vertical launching system (VLS).
The Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Chosin (CG 65) steams alongside the Lewis and Clark-class dry cargo ship USNS Washington Chambers (T-AKE 11) during an at-sea demonstration of the Transferrable Reload At-sea Method (TRAM) while underway in the Pacific Ocean Oct. 11, 2024. U.S. Navy Photo
The event marks the first time TRAM has been conducted at sea, marking a crucial step towards achieving a key strategic objective set by Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro to rearm warships while at sea.
“Today, we proved just how game-changing TRAM truly is—and what a powerful deterrent it will be to our competitors,” said Del Toro, who witnessed the demonstration firsthand. “This demonstration marks a key milestone on the path to perfecting this capability and fielding it for sustained operations at sea.”
Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro visits USNS Washington Chambers (T-AKE 11) during a demonstration of the Transferable Rearming Mechanism VLS Reloading At-Sea with the USS Chosin (CG-65), Oct. 11, 2024. U.S. Navy Photo
The breakthrough follows a successful land-based trial conducted in July at the Naval Surface Warfare Center, Port Hueneme Division (NSWC PHD) in California, where engineers developed the TRAM prototype. TRAM is designed to integrate into the underway replenishment (UNREP) process, allowing warships to reload while remaining in the combat zone.
During the at-sea demonstration, the USS Chosin connected to the USNS Washington Chambers (T-AKE 11), a Military Sealift Command dry cargo and ammunition ship. The supply vessel transferred the missile canister across cables to the cruiser, where the TRAM device then maneuvered the canister along a rail system, tilted it into a vertical position, and precisely lowered it into a VLS cell using its advanced cable and pulley mechanism.
Sailors onboard USS Chosin (CG-65) complete a demonstration of the Transferable Rearming Mechanism VLS Reloading At-Sea with the USNS Washington Chambers (T-AKE 11), Oct. 11, 2024. U.S. Navy Photo
The implications of this advancement are significant. Tim Barnard, director of the NAVSEA technology office, stressed the strategic advantage this capability provides. “Deploying TRAM into the Military Sealift Command logistics fleet would enable combatants to remain in theater while reloading their VLS missile launchers instead of having to travel long distances to a port, greatly expanding the volume and tempo of long-range fires—and the U.S. Navy’s advantage over adversaries,” he said.
The MK 41 VLS is a cornerstone of the U.S. Navy’s missile-launching capability, equipping destroyers, cruisers, and the future Constellation-class frigates with rapid-fire missile deployment.
The successful demonstration comes as U.S. Navy warships have spent much of the past year conducting hundreds of engagements against drones and missiles launched by the Iranian-backed Houthis in Yemen. 
Looking ahead, Secretary Del Toro stated that the Navy aims to begin fielding TRAM within two to three years.

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Eppendorf & Science Prize for Neurobiology 2024 Awarded to UCSF’s Laura Seeholzer

Science and Health

Award honors her breakthrough research uncovering the protective role of airway neuroendocrine cells in triggering critical reflexes against external threats, offering insights into aging and disease-related dysregulation.

The American scientist Laura Seeholzer, Ph.D., Postdoctoral Fellow at the University of California, San Francisco, USA, has won the 2024 Eppendorf & Science Prize for Neurobiology for her work on elucidating a role for airway neuroendocrine cells in responding to external threats.
“Laura Seeholzer’s essay brilliantly describes how she identified a group of laryngeal and tracheal neuroendocrine cells that protect our airways” explained Dr. Peter Stern, Senior Editor at the journal Science and Chairman of the Prize Jury. “Activation of these cells drives airway protective reflexes through interaction with airway-innervating sensory neurons.”
“Water ‘going down the wrong pipe’ or refluxing stomach acid into the airways are deeply uncomfortable experiences that elicit protective reflexes like coughing, gagging and swallowing, says Seeholzer. “We found that a rare cell type in the airway epithelium, called neuroendocrine (NE) cells, detect these noxious stimuli. Upon stimulation, tracheal and laryngeal NE cells release a specific type of neurotransmitter that activates nearby sensory neurons, which then drive protective reflexes like swallowing and coughing.” 
Laryngeal and tracheal NE cells are critical, previously overlooked cell populations that protect our airways. Seeholzer aims to understand whether NE cell dysregulation contributes to an increased likelihood of aspiration as people age or in diseases where critical airway reflexes are compromised.
“I want to thank Eppendorf and Science magazine for celebrating young trainees in neurobiology over the last two decades”, says Seeholzer. “I have always loved reading these essays and being selected as this year’s winner is one of the greatest surprises and honors of my fledgling career. I would also like to thank Dr. David Julius and my lab mates for creating an enthusiastic and supportive lab environment where it is a joy to go to work each day.”
Two finalists were also recognized. Rosemary Cater, Ph.D., Senior Research Fellow & Group Leader at the University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia,  for her work that reveals molecular details of how the essential nutrients choline and omega-3 fatty acids are transported into the brain, and Claudia Kathe, Ph.D., Assistant Professor at the University of Lausanne, Switzerland, for her work on elucidating the role of neuronal populations in the spinal cord in restoring motor function.
“Eppendorf and the journal Science are awarding this prestigious prize since 2002. Since it’s initiation, the Prize has acknowledged over 70 winners and finalists, who have gone on to become leading scientists in their field,” stated Axel Jahns, Ph.D., Vice President Corporate Citizenship & Governmental Affairs at Eppendorf SE. “Congratulations to the 2024 awardees on their amazing achievements.”

NMSU tops Louisiana Tech in double overtime thriller, 33-30

Technology

LAS CRUCES, New Mexico – The New Mexico State Aggies secured their first conference win of the season, and they did in dramatic fashion.

The Aggies defeated the Louisiana Tech Bulldogs in double overtime, 33-30.

The Bulldogs had a 24-17 lead with less than 2 minutes to go in the 4th quarter.

The Aggies would march down the field and cap off the drive with a touchdown to tie the game at 24.

Louisiana Tech still had time to set up a game winning field attempt with just three seconds left in the game, but the Aggies would block the field goal attempt to send the game into overtime.

After trading a pair of field goals in the first overtime, the Bulldogs would kick a field goal in the second overtime to go up 30-27.

However, the Aggies would secure the win with a touchdown in the second overtime courtesy of a 4 yard touchdown run by Mike Washington.

NMSU improves their overall record to 2-5, 1-3 in Conference USA.

They’ll have a bye next week and will return to action October 29 on the road against Florida International.

Scoring Summary:

First Quarter

0-0

Second Quarter

NMSU quarterback Parker Awad pass to TJ Pride for a 53 yard touchdown 7-0 NMSU

LA Tech quarterback Evan Bullock pass to Tru Edwards for a 7 yard touchdown 7-7

LA Tech running back Omiri Wiggins runs it in for a touchdown from 1-yard out 14-7 LA TECH

NMSU kicker Abraham Montano connects on a 48 yard field goal 14-10 LA Tech

Third Quarter

NMSU running back Brandon Nunez with a 7 yard run for a touchdown 17-14 NMSU

Fourth Quarter

LA Tech kicker Buck Buchanan connects on a 41 yard field goal 17-17

LA Tech quarterback Evan Bullock pass to Tru Edwards for a 15 yard touchdown 24-17 LA Tech

NMSU Brandon Nunez with a 4 yard run for a touchdown 24-24

First Overtime

NMSU kicker Abraham Montano connects on a 37-yard field goal 27-24 NMSU

LA Tech kicker Buck Buchanan connects on 37-yard field goal 27-27

Second Overtime

LA Tech kicker Buck Buchanan connects on 36-yard field goal 30-27 LA Tech

NMSU running back Mike Washington with a 4 yard run for a touchdown to secure the win 33-30 NMSU

UK inflation falls below 2% target for the first time since 2021 – business live

Business News

Newsflash: UK inflation has fallen below the country’s 2% target for the first time in three and a half year.In a milestone moment in the cost of living squeeze, the consumer prices index (CPI) fell to 1.7% in September, new data from the Office for National Statistics shows, down from 2.2% in August.This is the lowest reading for inflation since April 2021.That should cheer the Bank of England, after it hiked interest rates through 2022 and 2023 to fight rising prices, before making its first cut in August. This may mean a second cut in November.Investors had expected inflation to fall to 1.9%.An important reminder: This drop in inflation doesn’t mean prices are falling, simply rising at a slower rate compared to a year ago. The level of prices for many items is still much higher than before the inflation spike of 2022.Details to follow…The pound has dropped on the foreign exchange markets, after UK inflation dropped faster than expected in September.Sterling has lost half a cent against the US dollar, to $1.302, down from $1.307 before the CPI data hit the newswires.Cheaper petrol and flights helped push UK inflation down last month.But there was a pick-up in food inflation.ONS Chief Economist Grant Fitzner says:
“Inflation eased in September to its lowest annual rate in over three years. Lower airfares and petrol prices were the biggest driver for this month’s fall.
“These were partially offset by increases for food and non-alcoholic drinks, the first time that food price inflation has strengthened since early last year.
“Meanwhile the cost of raw materials for businesses fell again, driven by lower crude oil prices.”
Newsflash: UK inflation has fallen below the country’s 2% target for the first time in three and a half year.In a milestone moment in the cost of living squeeze, the consumer prices index (CPI) fell to 1.7% in September, new data from the Office for National Statistics shows, down from 2.2% in August.This is the lowest reading for inflation since April 2021.That should cheer the Bank of England, after it hiked interest rates through 2022 and 2023 to fight rising prices, before making its first cut in August. This may mean a second cut in November.Investors had expected inflation to fall to 1.9%.An important reminder: This drop in inflation doesn’t mean prices are falling, simply rising at a slower rate compared to a year ago. The level of prices for many items is still much higher than before the inflation spike of 2022.Details to follow…The cost of living squeeze is not abating for tenants, new data this morning shows.Rightmove reports that average advertised rents have hit new record levels in the last quarter.Its data shows that the average advertised rent for new properties outside of London hit a record of £1,344 per calendar month (pcm). That’s a 5.2% increase on a year ago.Within the capital, rents have also reached a new record, with an average of £2,694 pcm – a 2.5% rise compared to last year.A record proportion of former rental homes are currently on the market for sale, the property portal reports.Rightmove’s Tim Bannister says:
“While we’re seeing some signs of improvement in the market’s chronic levels of demand and supply imbalance helped by a slight increase in the number of available rental properties, affordability remains a key challenge for renters as prices continue to hit new records. Tenant competition has eased slightly from last year, but the market is still far from balanced.
“We are seeing some landlords choosing to exit the market with potential tax changes and stricter EPC regulations as additional factors in landlords’ decision-making. With rental supply under strain, incentivizing landlords to invest in energy-efficient upgrades or offering tax relief could help maintain rental supply and, ultimately, ease affordability pressures for tenants.”
Deutsche Bank predict UK inflation will drop to 1.8% in September, which will be a “cyclical low”, they say.The bad news for consumers is that Deutsche also believe “upward momentum” will likely gather pace, pushing inflation up again.Sanjay Raja, their chief UK economist, told clients:
The recent run of energy deflation will likely come to an end shortly. Indeed, pump prices are likely to reverse course in October, while dual fuel bills will see a hefty 10% rise.
The upcoming Autumn Budget also raises risks to short-term inflation, with alcohol and tobacco duty increases potentially in the offing. A 10-15% net increase in VAT is also expected for private school fees come Jan-25. And lastly, an unwind of the fuel duty cut also looks likely in March/April.
Good morning, and welcome to our rolling coverage of business, the financial markets and the world economy.Today could be an important day in the UK’s battle against rising prices.Economics predict that UK inflation fell in September, to around 1.9% – crucially below the Bank of England’s 2% inflation target, for the first since since April 2021.Such a fall would be a relief for the Bank of England, which has been trying to squeeze inflation out of the economy through higher interest rates, and could pave the way for a cut in borrowing costs in November.In August, inflation was recorded at 2.2%, and many in the City expect the rate of price rises slowed last month – further away from the peak of 11.1% in October 2022.Economists at Pantheon Macroeconomics have predicted a 1.9% reading for the month, driven by the sharp fall in motor fuel prices last month.Pantheon added that falling air travel fares are also likely to contribute to a dip in inflation, although these could be partially offset by higher domestic hotel prices.Investec analysts have suggested CPI could drop as low as 1.7%, largely driven by that “hefty” fall in fuel prices.We get the data at 7am…The agenda

7am BST: UK inflation report for September

9.30am BST: House price and rental costs data from the ONS

Noon BST: US weekly mortgage approvals

2pm BST: IMF to publish a chapter of its World Economic Outlook

Filming of Irreligious Movies in Hindu Temples Should Not Be Allowed

Arts & Culture, Film & TV

Important Observation by Kerala High Court!
Clarification Sought from Kerala Government and Cochin Devaswom Board!
Kerala High Court bans shooting in temples
Thiruvananthapuram (Kerala) – Temples are primarily places of worship, and they cannot be used as locations for filming irreligious movies, the Kerala High Court observed in an important ruling. The court has also sought an explanation from the Kerala Government and the Cochin Devaswom Board on how permission for filming was granted in the temple. This observation was made while hearing a petition challenging the permission given for filming at the Tripunithura Sree Poornathrayeesa Temple.
1. The petition raised concerns about the appropriateness of granting permission for filming irreligious movies within temple premises. The petitioners argued that such activities not only desecrate the sanctity of worship but also risk hurting the sentiments of devotees who visit these places for spiritual practices.
2. Highlighting the potential disrespect caused by commercial filming, the court reiterated the importance of maintaining the sanctity of religious sites.
3. The petition also pointed out specific incidents, including reports that some actors involved in the film were seen consuming alcohol and entering the temple premises wearing footwear during a festival season.

Editorial Perspective
These are the consequences of the government’s control over Hindu temples. Hindus across the country must unite, protest, and push the government to hand over temple management to devout Hindus.