A 15-year problem that has plagued corporate America is finally turning around

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March 18, 2024

HAITI RESCUE CHARTER FLIGHT CARRYING AMERICANS LANDS IN MIAMI AS GANG VIOLENCE ESCALATES

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The U.S. State Department confirmed Sunday that more than 30 American citizens landed safely in Miami, Florida, after being evacuated from Haiti amid ongoing gang violence in the country.

The passengers were flown on a government-chartered flight, which arrived at the Miami International Airport on Sunday afternoon after the U.S. Embassy in Port-au-Prince urged U.S. citizens earlier this month to leave Haiti “as soon as possible” as chaos continues to unfold.

While the State Department said more than 30 American citizens were evacuated on the charter flight, a U.S. official told Fox News earlier on Sunday the more precise number was 47.

“On Sunday, March 17, the Department of State facilitated the safe departure from Cap-Haïtien, Haiti of over 30 U.S. citizens on a U.S. government charter flight,” the State Department said in a statement. “These passengers are now safely in Miami, Florida, where U.S. government officials are assisting with next steps. We will continue to assist U.S. citizens as long as commercial options remain unavailable and the security environment permits us to do so.”

A man enters the U.S. embassy in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, Sunday, March 10, 2024. (AP Photo/Odelyn Joseph)

The flight took off from the city of Cap-Haïtien, about a five-and-a-half-hour drive north from the capital of Port-au-Prince, which is largely under the control of gangs.

Haiti’s main airport in Port-au-Prince remains closed following gang attacks that have escalated in recent weeks, pushing many people to the brink of famine. Government and aid agencies reported looting of aid supplies as the situation worsened.

The State Department announced Saturday it would offer limited charter flights for U.S. citizens from the less chaotic northern city of Cap-Haïtien. Officials said they could not provide ground transportation to Cap-Haïtien and U.S. citizens should consider the charter flights only if they think they can safely reach the Cap-Haïtien airport.

Americans taking the flights must sign a promissory bill agreeing to reimburse the government.

SENATE VOTES TO CONFIRM US AMBASSADOR TO HAITI AMID GANG ATTEMPT TO SEIZE POWER IN CARIBBEAN COUNTRY

“We encourage U.S. citizens still in Haiti who seek to depart to contact the Department of State using the crisis intake form on our website if they have not already done so,” the department said in its statement on Sunday. “We remain in contact with U.S. citizens in need of assistance in Haiti. We are examining options for departures out of Port-au-Prince and will inform U.S. citizens about them as soon as we are able to safely and securely arrange them.”

An armed member of the G9 and Family gang rolls a tire to burn at a roadblock in the Delmas 6 neighborhood of Port-au-Prince, Haiti, Monday, March 11, 2024. (AP Photo/Odelyn Joseph)

The State Department said it is aware of at least several hundred more U.S. citizens who remain stuck in Haiti.

Sunday’s rescue flight comes days after the State Department said there were no immediate plans to evacuate U.S. citizens, citing the many warnings cautioning against travel to Haiti over the last four years.

The U.S. military last week flew in additional forces to bolster security and evacuate non-essential personnel at the U.S. Embassy in Haiti, which is located in a neighborhood largely controlled by gangs.

Fox News’ Bradford Betz, Bryan Llenas and Gillian Turner and The Associated Press contributed to this report.

1,800-year-old artifact unearthed during routine construction ‘a complete mystery’

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March 18, 2024

MALAYSIA AIRLINES FLIGHT MYSTERY: FORMER NTSB INVESTIGATOR INTRODUCES NEW THEORY ABOUT MISSING PLANE

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A “pale object” that looked like a large, bland stone was unearthed by chance during a routine construction project in the United Kingdom.

Then the digger, Greg Crawley, saw a face. At the time, he had no idea that he had stumbled upon an 1,800-year-old artifact that dates to the first or second century.

After careful study and cleaning, experts said Crawley found the head of an ancient Roman sculpture. Two weeks later, a marble bust was found at the same construction site.

“I had a real shock as the digger bucket rolled over what I thought was a big stone to reveal a face,” Crawley said in a statement this month from the Burghley Estate. “When I picked it up, I realized it was a head of a statue. I couldn’t believe it when they told me it was a Roman marble statue. It was an amazing feeling to have found something so old and special, definitely my best ever discovery.”

During a construction project in England, Greg Crawley found a statue of the head of a Roman woman that experts say is about 1,800 years old. (Burghley Treasures)

The stone head was discovered last spring during work on a parking area at a centuries-old historical countryside landmark called the Burghley House, about 90 miles north of London.

Since then, the woman statue’s head and the pedestal have been cleaned and reattached. It’s now on display inside the historic building, the Burghley Estate.

“This type of adaptation was often carried out by Italian dealers in antiquities during the late 18th century to make excavated ancient fragments more attractive to aristocrats traveling in Italy on what was known as the Grand Tour,” the Estate said in a statement.

AMELIA EARHART PLANE CRASH: AIR FORCE VET IS ‘CERTAIN IMAGES ARE HISTORY’S MOST FASCINATING WRECK’

“It is believed that it was during one of the ninth Earl’s two tours to Italy in the 1760s, when he purchased many antiquities, that he brought the sculpture back to Burghley.”

That explains what it is, but how it ended up in the park where it was found and how long it’s been there remains “a complete mystery,” according to the Estate.

“Explanations range from a bungled burglary to someone simply discarding the statue and it later being covered by soil.”

A mysterious artifact that’s almost 2,000 years old was found in England during a routine construction project. (Burghley Treasures)

Both the head and pedestal were taken to Burghley’s curator before being sent to a professional conservator, who was able to “carefully clean” and consolidate the figure.

The find was also reported to the British Museum, which maintains a database of these types of discoveries.

‘UFO REVOLUTION’ DOCUSERIES SHOWS UAP FLYING OVER MILITARY BASE, ‘BLOWS UP DECADES OF CONSPIRACIES’: EXPERT

The Burghley Estate includes the historic Burghley House, vast farmland, woodland and a “significant property portfolio” that includes eight municipalities.

It’s centered in the town of Stamford in Lincolnshire and spreads to the outlying villages of Pilsgate, Barnack, Collyweston, Easton on the Hill, Barrowden, Wakerley and Morcott, its website says.

It was built by William Cecil in the 1500s “as a country home for the dynasty that he founded and as a demonstration of his wealth and power,” according to the historical overview on the site.

The Burghley Estate includes the historic Burghley House, vast farmland, woodland and a “significant property portfolio” that includes eight municipalities. (The Burghley Estate )

The Burghley House is still the home of Cecil’s descendants over 500 years later.

Miranda Rock and her family are the current residents. Rock, who works as the house director, looks after the house and collections on behalf of the Burghley House Preservation Trust, a charitable trust set up by her grandfather, the 6th Marquess of Exeter.

The estate displays a vast collection of Italian Old Master paintings, among other historic works of art, and acts as a venue for special events, such as weddings , and operates a number of hotels.

Health weekend roundup includes good-for-you foods, lives saved and a wild drug debate

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March 17, 2024

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Fox News Digital publishes an array of health pieces all week long to keep you in the know on key wellness topics: disease prevention, nutrition, medical research, health care and more. Personal stories of people and families overcoming great obstacles are featured as well.

As your Sunday continues, check out some of the top stories of the week in Health that you may have missed or have been meaning to check out.

These are just a few of what’s new, of course.

There are many more to see at http://www.foxnews/health.

Dive right in!

Yummy (and popular) foods can be healthy, too

Here’s how to enjoy the popular St. Patrick’s Day meal of corned beef and cabbage in the healthiest way possible, with a few easy and good-for-you tweaks. Nutritionists reveal the delicious details. Click here to get the story.

This St. Patrick’s Day dinner consists of lean corned beef with cabbage, carrots, and baby Yukon Gold potatoes — garnished with a shamrock made of baby spinach leaves. (iStock)

How one woman scored big for life

Actress Olivia Munn credits a breast cancer risk-assessment score for saving her life. The actress, 43, shared this week on social media that the score helped detect her breast cancer just months after she had a negative mammogram and tested negative on several genetic tests. Click here to get the story.

Olivia Munn, at age 43, has credited a breast cancer risk-assessment score for saving her life. (Instagram: Olivia Munn)

Is this risky business?

The Food & Drug Administration (FDA) continues to warn of risks connected to the use of kratom — yet some advocates claim there is “misinformation” surrounding the herbal drug. Here’s a deep dive into the heated issue. Click here to get the story.

Green kratom powder, capsule and beverage are shown. Medical examiners and coroners have found that kratom caused 1.5% to 1.7% of overdose deaths between Jan. 2020 and Dec. 2022. (iStock)

‘Revolutionary’ procedure still saving lives (and careers)

The procedure known as Tommy John surgery continues to save baseball careers 50 years after its debut. First performed in 1974, the groundbreaking operation repairs a ligament essential to pitchers for throwing. Here’s what to know. Click here to get the story.

New York Yankees pitcher Tommy John is shown delivering a pitch vs. the Kansas City Royals during a game at Yankee Stadium on July 9, 1988, in New York City. (Steve Crandall/Getty Images)

Twins had same surgery on same day

A pair of identical twins in New Jersey underwent matching heart surgeries after they were both diagnosed with Marfan syndrome. Fox News Digital spoke with them, along with their heart surgeon, about their dramatic medical drama. Click here to get the story.

Julio Delcid, left, and Pablo Delcid, right, underwent heart surgery on the same day, Jan. 5, 2024, by the same surgeon. (Pablo and Julio Delcid)

Scanned in the nick of time

Mary Ann Waldron, a healthy Arizona woman, decided to undergo an elective MRI full-body scan at a SimonMed Imaging facility in August 2023, never expecting to find anything serious. She was shocked when the scan detected a large aneurysm in her pancreas area — ultimately saving her life. Click here to get the story.

Mary Ann Waldron is feeling healthy today and is back to her regular routines. “This was a truly life-saving surgery,” she said of her experience. (Mary Ann Waldron/iStock)

Surprising reason for bad hangovers

Drinking too much is often a recipe for a morning-after disaster. But for long COVID patients, hangover symptoms might be much worse, according to research.

For more Health articles, visit foxnews.com/health.

A small study by Stanford University, published in the journal Cureus, examined alcohol sensitivity in four people with post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 (PASC), or long COVID. Click here to get the story.

Drinking too much is often a recipe for a morning-after disaster. But for patients who are suffering from long COVID, hangover symptoms might be much worse, according to new research. (iStock)

Melissa Rudy is health editor and a member of the lifestyle team at Fox News Digital. Story tips can be sent to melissa.rudy@fox.com.

How scammers use AI tools to file perfect-looking tax returns in your name

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March 17, 2024

CLICK TO GET KURT’S FREE CYBERGUY NEWSLETTER WITH SECURITY ALERTS, QUICK VIDEO TIPS, TECH REVIEWS AND EASY HOW-TO’S TO MAKE YOU SMARTER

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When you think of “tax fraud,” you probably think of people who find ways not to file their taxes honestly. But with the advancement of artificial intelligence, there’s a new type of tax fraud out there.

This one involves hackers using a form of identity hijacking to file a tax return in someone else’s name and get the refund sent to them.

The dark web is revealing that tax fraud is on the rise. Here’s what you need to look out for to avoid becoming a victim.

Post-it note on a tax form (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

What is AI-powered fraud and identity hijacking?

AI-powered fraud is when hackers utilize AI’s abilities to commit sophisticated acts of fraud. One type of AI-powered fraud is known as identity hijacking, which is when hackers not only steal someone’s identity but impersonate them in all sorts of ways. One example is through deepfakes, which can have scary consequences for more than just the person being impersonated.

WHAT IS ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI)?

Another is through AI tax fraud, which is when the hacker uses AI to take your sensitive information and use it to ultimately get your tax return sent to them.

But how exactly do they do this?

Laser scanner over a person’s face (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

MORE: DON’T FALL FOR THESE SNEAKY TAX SCAMS THAT ARE OUT TO STEAL YOUR IDENTITY AND MONEY

How fraudsters are using AI to commit tax fraud

This new type of tax fraud was reported by the CEO of LexisNexis Risk Solutions’ Government group, Haywood Talcove, a cybersecurity and data analysis company.

The acceleration of fraud through AI

Historically, tax fraud has involved the use of stolen Personally Identifiable Information (PII), which refers to data that can be used to identify you. It includes both sensitive and non-sensitive information.

Sensitive PII: Full name, Social Security number, driver’s license, mailing address, credit card details, passport information, financial records and medical history. Companies often use anonymization techniques to protect sensitive PII when sharing data.

Non-sensitive PII: Zip code, race, gender, date of birth and even information available on social media sites. While non-sensitive PII is less critical, it can still contribute to identifying you.

Thanks to AI, criminals can now more efficiently exploit stolen (PII) Personally Identifiable Information for fraudulent activities.

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The process: From PII theft to fake IDs

Hackers may acquire PII through various means, such as phishing scams or malware. This information is then used to create fraudulent IDs, complete with the victim’s details but the fraudster’s photograph.

Exploiting facial recognition for IRS access

With a fake ID in hand, fraudsters can bypass the IRS’s facial recognition security measures, allowing them to file tax returns in the victim’s name and redirect refunds to their accounts.

IRS documents (Luke Sharrett/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

The call for enhanced verification measures

Experts are urging government agencies to implement more robust verification processes, such as cross-referencing IDs with DMV records, to combat this sophisticated form of tax fraud.

MORE: WHY YOU SHOULD NEVER CARRY THESE THINGS IN YOUR WALLET

How to determine if someone filed a tax return in your name

When the IRS identifies issues with your tax return, it will send you a letter before issuing any refunds. This notification provides an opportunity for you to flag the initial return as fraudulent and proceed with filing normally.

The IRS employs systems to detect suspicious returns. However, if its algorithms fail to identify anomalies and process a fraudulent return, you won’t discover it until you attempt to file your own return and encounter rejection.

In most cases, the second option is more common. Taxpayers typically receive an e-file rejection notice, which indicates a problem. Unfortunately, these notifications lack specific details. Instead, they merely highlight an issue related to the Social Security number. If you haven’t accidentally transposed any digits, it’s likely that tax identity theft caused the rejection.

What happens after the scammer files a fake tax return in your name?

The primary consequence of a fake tax return is the theft of your tax refund. The scammer essentially impersonates you and diverts your rightful return into his bank account. But the trouble doesn’t stop there. When you try to file your legitimate return, the IRS system will likely reject it due to a duplicate filing. This throws you into a bureaucratic maze to resolve the issue and prove your identity.

Adding to the frustration, tax identity theft is a growing crime, and the IRS processes for resolving these situations are still evolving. This can mean extended delays and uncertainty while you straighten things out.

Scam written on tax documents (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

MORE: HOW IMPOSTERS ARE TRYING TO EXPLOIT YOUR GRIEF AND WALLET IN A NEW FUNERAL SCAM

6 ways to protect yourself from AI tax fraud

Again, since this is a relatively new scam, cybersecurity experts are still learning a lot about what it looks like and, therefore, how to mitigate it. However, now that you are aware it’s out there, here are six things you can do to keep yourself safe.

1. File your taxes as early as possible. If you beat them to it, they can’t commit the fraud.

2. Never share your personal information, especially your Social Security number or other PII information, on messaging apps or during a phone call with someone you don’t know. Many phishing attempts lead people to give this information away before they’ve even realized what has happened.

3. Use strong passwords and reset them often. Create strong passwords for your accounts and devices, and avoid using the same password for multiple online accounts. Consider using a password manager to securely store and generate complex passwords. It will help you to create unique and difficult-to-crack passwords that a hacker could never guess.

4. Use an identity theft protection service: Using an identity theft protection service can be a crucial step in safeguarding yourself against tax fraud. Identity theft companies can monitor personal information like your Social Security number, phone number and email address and alert you if it is being sold on the dark web or being used to open an account. They can also assist you in freezing your bank and credit card accounts to prevent further unauthorized use by criminals. See my tips and best picks on how to protect yourself from identity theft.

5. Don’t click on links or files when you don’t know what they are, even if they are from a trusted friend. That friend could have been hacked, and now someone is after you. The best way to protect yourself from clicking malicious links that install malware that may get access to your private information is to have antivirus protection installed on all your devices. This can also alert you of any phishing emails or ransomware scams. Get my picks for the best 2024 antivirus protection winners for your Windows, Mac, Android & iOS devices.

6. Do your best to make sure your sensitive data is not easy to find online. While no service promises to remove all your data from the internet, having a removal service is great if you want to constantly monitor and automate the process of removing your information from hundreds of sites continuously over a longer period of time. Check out my top picks for removal services here.

If you suspect you’ve been a victim of tax fraud, the official IRS website provides step-by-step guidance on how to handle the situation.

Kurt’s key takeaways

It’s no doubt scary to think about all the different ways hackers and scammers can take advantage of you. And because AI is making their work easier, it’s hard to keep up. What will they think of next? That’s why, here at CyberGuy, we do our best to keep you up to date on the latest hacking news, so you can stay one step ahead of the crooks.

Ask Kurt a question or let us know what stories you’d like us to cover

In light of the growing threat of AI-powered fraud, what additional security measures do you think the government should implement to safeguard your personal information? Let us know by writing us at Cyberguy.com/Contact

For more of my tech tips and security alerts, subscribe to my free CyberGuy Report Newsletter by heading to Cyberguy.com/Newsletter

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Playboy Model and Philadelphia Actress Michelina Kozhakova Returns to the World of Classical Music

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March 17, 2024

The former violist has played in top county orchestras, most notably the Philadelphia Youth Orchestra, and has played alongside members of the Philadelphia Orchestra in the now rededicated Marian Anderson Hall at the Kimmel Center in Philadelphia, PA.

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, March 17, 2024, – Former violist and now Playboy star Michelina Kozhakova has decided to return to the world of classical music. And this time, with a brand-new orchestra. Michelina has decided to play with the “Orchestra Concordia”, located in Wayne, PA.

The former violist has played in top county orchestras, most notably the Philadelphia Youth Orchestra, and has played alongside members of the Philadelphia Orchestra in the now rededicated Marian Anderson Hall at the Kimmel Center in Philadelphia, PA.

At 16 years old, Michelina traveled to Italy to perform viola by herself with the Youth Orchestra of Bucks County. She has performed for thousands of people all over the world, and was recognized as one of the best young violists in the Philadelphia community.

As to why she decided to leave the profession to begin with, Michelina stated that “The stakes were too high for a child performer. Although I loved the serious atmosphere and competition, it was straining on my mental health. I would have teachers that would highly scold me if one little thing was off. Think the movie, “Whiplash”. My training was like that.”

Unlike most violists, Michelina did not start off playing the violin. A natural-grown violist at seven years old, Michelina pursued the career all the way up until her time at conservatory at the Boyer College of Music in 2018.

During a recent press event, Michelina made these comments, “It’s been a long time coming. I’ve been prancing around the idea for a while now, but finally have come to the realization that music was the destination for me all along, no matter how hard I tried to fight it. I had a few bad experiences in conservatory that really put me down, so I decided to leave my passion behind.”

“But ever since that first day, all the way back to when I was seven years old, I’ve felt the same excitement and joy when I pick up my viola. It’s like the world stops, and all that matters is me and my instrument. It’s a form of meditative practice for me.”

She goes on to say, “I’m really excited to be starting the new venture with my old flame. It’s going to be a challenge getting up to the level of where I was at so many years ago, but I’m sure it’ll come with time and practice. Conservatory drained me, it was the final straw. I did not have a great experience at all. Maybe if I went somewhere else, or even took a gap year, things would be a lot different.”

After leaving conservatory and joining the acting and modeling world, Michelina began to pursue the respective crafts, gaining a higher level of confidence and falling in love with the professions. She joined an acting class in 2021, and absolutely fell in love with it. She blossomed in front of a group of people and started taking classes and lessons, and booked a few gigs. Then, she ventured into modeling a bit more when she applied to be a Playboy bunny. I didn’t know what it was, nor did I think that I’d get it, but here I am today, a Playboy bunny!”

Michelina intends to pursue her role as a Playboy model, as well as attend school for acting and the arts, alongside playing her viola. “I’ve just always been a creative. Before I could walk, I was drawing in my high chair as a baby. I always excelled in the arts growing up. That was where my focus was constantly at.”

“I’m so excited to share my variety of artistic ventures with you all!” She says. “I’m finally ready to begin living my life again after a terrible couple of years post-pandemic. I would love for anyone reading this to consider joining me and following my journey. Let’s see where this takes me!”

For more info on Michelina, please visit: www.michelinakozhakova.com

Follow her for more adventures on her Instagram @mickozh_
Playboy Page: www.playboy.com/michelina

Media Contact:

Michelina Kozhakova
Attn: Media Relations
Philadelphia, PA
484.501.1898
michelinakozhakova@gmail.com

Forget hands, Toyota’s hug-ready robot picks up with its entire body

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March 17, 2024

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In the world of robotics, we’ve often seen robots rely on their mechanical hands to pick up and manipulate objects.

But that approach doesn’t quite capture the full essence of how humans interact with the world, especially when dealing with hefty items.

Enter Toyota’s groundbreaking creation, the Punyo soft robot. Unlike its traditional counterparts, Punyo takes inspiration from our own human behavior.

Imagine a robot that doesn’t just use its hands but also incorporates its chest, hips and arms to handle objects — just like we do.

Punyo, the soft robot (Toyota Research Institute)

Punyo’s design

Punyo features a cute and approachable face reminiscent of Disney’s Baymax from Big Hero 6. But there’s more. Punyo appears to be wearing a cozy looking sweater, which serves a practical purpose. It’s highly hug-focused.

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Toyota’s Punyo soft robot (Toyota Research Institute)

MORE: THE CREEPY-EYED ROBOT THAT WANTS TO BE YOUR FRIEND AND TEACHER

The hug-focused sweater

The sweater-like covering is made from grippy materials that provide a squishy, compliant layer over Punyo’s hard metal skeleton. Embedded within the fabric are tactile sensors that allow Punyo to feel precisely what it’s hugging, whether it’s a person or an object.

Toyota’s Punyo soft robot at work (Toyota Research Institute)

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Punyo’s inflatable paws

Instead of traditional hands, Punyo has what Toyota calls “paws.” These aren’t your typical paws. They’re more like inflatable hooves. These paws have tiny dots printed on the inside. When the paw touches something, the dots distort, revealing the shape and force of contact. The clever camera captures this deformation, and the information is fed directly to the robot’s brain to help it grasp objects effectively.

The Punyo soft robot has human characteristics (Toyota Research Institute)

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Punyo’s softness in the arms

Punyo’s arms are arrays of air-filled bubbles, air tubes and pressure sensors that extend from shoulder to wrist. These bubbles can be individually pressure regulated, allowing for optimal stiffness based on the task at hand.

The Punyo soft robot lifts a box (Toyota Research Institute)

Training Punyo

Through teleoperation, Toyota Research Group roboticists have been training Punyo to handle various large objects. Some techniques include:

TOYOTA IS USING AI TO DESIGN BETTER CARS FASTER

The Punyo soft robot from Toyota (Toyota Research Institute)

The lean and lift: Punyo leans forward, hugs items to its ches and then leans back to lift them.

Heap it up: Punyo even has the ability to heap objects, making it versatile for different scenarios.

Creative carrying: Imagine slinging a water jug up onto Punyo’s shoulder, where it remains steady from above.

Kurt’s key takeaways

Punyo’s innovative design and emphasis on cuddling break new ground in soft robotics. Its gentle and precise grasp on large, awkward objects suggests exciting possibilities for robotic helpers in homes and other environments in the future.

Ask Kurt a question or let us know what stories you’d like us to cover

Would you feel comfortable having a robot like Punyo in your home or at your workplace? Why or why not? Let us know by writing us at Cyberguy.com/Contact

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St. Patrick’s Day: How green beer shed its poisonous past and became a tradition

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March 17, 2024

FACTS YOU MIGHT NOT KNOW ABOUT ST PATRICK’S DAY

St. Patrick’s Day is a worldwide celebration of Irish culture and religious traditions, marked by festivities and parties. In the United States, this includes lively parades and indulging in green beverages and cuisine.

Observing St. Patrick’s Day tradition isn’t about raising any beer, however, but enjoying a drink that has been specially dyed green.

While this practice is now commonplace, the history of green beer is more intriguing than most may think.

The technology responsible for turning beer green has evolved significantly since its inception.

Why do we drink green beer?

The tradition of drinking green beer was started by a man named Dr. Thomas Hayes Curtin in 1914, Irish Central reports.

Curtin, an Irish immigrant, worked professionally as a coroner in New York City at the time.

The technology responsible for turning beer green has evolved significantly since its inception. (iStock, courtesy of user shironosov)

As the story goes, he first unveiled his green beer at a Bronx social club. A witness reportedly said that when the beer was unveiled, everything at the club was decorated green and that Irish songs were sung.

The only thing that was not green, apparently, was the glass in which the beer was served.

At the time, the doctor would apparently only admit to adding a drop of “wash blue” to an unspecified amount of beer in order to turn it green.

It was eventually revealed that the “wash blue” was actually an iron powder solution used to wash laundry.

This substance was poisonous to humans.

St. Patrick’s Day has evolved into a global celebration, and Guinness plays a significant role in bringing people together.

Fortunately, technology has advanced far enough since that everyone can enjoy a green-colored beer without ingesting iron poison. Making green beer is as simple as putting several drops of green food coloring in a glass and then adding the beer, the Betty Crocker site says.

The cooking website cautions that it’s important to put the food coloring in the glass first to correctly color the brew.

Which famous beer is associated with St. Patrick’s Day?

In the realm of typical St. Patrick’s Day beverages, Guinness often takes the spotlight.

ST PATRICK’S DAY: THE BIGGEST PARTIES ACROSS UNITED STATES TO CELEBRATE LUCK OF THE IRISH

St. Patrick’s Day has evolved into a global celebration, and Guinness plays a significant role in bringing people together. Its availability worldwide allows people of all backgrounds to partake in the Irish festivities, even if just for a day.

A popular St. Patrick’s Day tradition is enjoying a drink that has been specially dyed green. (Mark Makela/Getty Images)

Guinness is merely one among an assortment of beers originating from Ireland and each deserves a moment of appreciation during this St. Patrick’s Day celebration.

As the familiar saying goes, “Sláinte!” — a heartfelt toast to health and happiness often accompanied by a satisfying sip of the iconic black and tan.

Why do we wear green on St. Patrick’s Day?

Green is the most recognizable color for St. Patrick’s Day festivities, most notably green clothing.

ST PATRICK’S DAY: THE HISTORY BEHIND THE HOLIDAY IN THE UNITED STATES

A major reason green is so prominent during this holiday originates from Ireland’s nickname, the Emerald Isle. The Irish national flag has a green stripe representing the Catholic heritage common on the island as well.

Legend has it that St. Patrick himself introduced Christianity’s Holy Trinity to the pagan Irish with the three leaves of a green shamrock (God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit).

Guinness is one of the most popular among Irish beer drinkers. However, it is much too dark to turn green and is often used with an Irish Car Bomb drink. This includes Irish cream, Irish liquor and a pint of stout, most often Guinness. (Leon Neal/AFP via Getty Images)

However, the wearing of green is based more on folktales than religious symbolism.

In Irish mythology, leprechauns are mischievous, small, bearded men dressed in top hats and coats who keep their pots of gold at the end of rainbows.

They are typically dressed in all green and will pinch anyone not wearing the color.

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According to legend, if you want to avoid getting pinched by a mystical elf, or your friends, you should wear green on March 17.

Are there side effects of drinking green beer?

The side effects of drinking green beer are the same as that of regular beer.

The green color commonly found in beer on St. Patrick’s Day is generally made up of harmless, plant-derived food coloring that has no discernible side effects on the consumer.

Thirteen million pints of the popular Irish dry stout brand Guinness are estimated to be consumed on St. Patrick’s Day annually. (Robertus Pudyanto/Getty Images)

However, the side effects from drinking beer overall include high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, liver disease and digestive issues, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

How much green beer is consumed on St. Patrick’s Day?

St. Patrick’s Day is considered one of the biggest beer consumption days of the year in the United States.

The exact number of green beers consumed each year is not known, but 13 million pints of the popular Irish dry stout brand Guinness are estimated to be consumed during the holiday festivities, according to Business Insider.

Michael Hollan and Phillip Nieto contributed reporting.

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Ukraine launches far-ranging drone attacks on the final day of Russia’s presidential vote

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March 17, 2024

Ukraine launched a new massive wave of drone attacks Sunday as Russians cast ballots on the final day of a presidential vote set to extend President Vladimir Putin‘s rule for another six years.

The Russian Defense Ministry reported downing 35 Ukrainian drones overnight, including four in the Moscow region.

Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin said a fifth drone, close to the capital’s Domodedovo airport, was later downed on Sunday morning. No casualties or damage were reported.

According to the Defense Ministry, another two drones were shot over the Kaluga region just south of the Russian capital and the Yaroslavl region northeast of Moscow.

The attacks on the Yaroslavl region, which is located about 800 kilometers (500 miles) from the Ukrainian border, were some of the farthest launched by Ukraine so far.

More Ukrainian drones were downed over the Belgorod, Kursk and Rostov regions that border Ukraine and the southern Krasnodar region, the Defense Ministry said.

Belgorod Gov. Vyacheslav Gladkov said the Ukrainian shelling killed a 16-year-old girl Sunday and injured her father.

A drone fell on a refinery in the Krasnodar region, sparking a blaze that was extinguished a few hours later, according to regional authorities. A worker at the refinery died of a heart attack, officials said.

Refineries and oil terminals have been key targets of Ukrainian drone attacks.

The attacks followed a series of other Ukrainian drone raids and other attacks over the past few days that Putin described as an attempt by Ukraine to frighten residents and derail Russia’s presidential election.

“Those enemy strikes haven’t been and won’t be left unpunished,” he vowed during Friday’s meeting of his Security Council. “I’m sure that our people, the people of Russia, will respond to that with even greater cohesion.”

Meanwhile, the Ukrainian military said that 14 Russian drones had been shot down over the Odesa region Sunday. The attack follows a Russian ballistic missile assault on the southern port city Friday, blasting homes and killing at least 21 people. A second missile then targeted first responders who arrived at the scene, officials said.

Russian forces also launched five S-300 anti-aircraft guided missiles at Ukrainian-controlled areas in the Kharkiv and Donetsk regions, as well as two X-59 guided missiles in the Chernihiv region, the Ukrainian airforce said.

As the war drags into a third year, Russian forces have made some slow and incremental gains along the front line, relying on their edge in firepower, while Ukraine has fought back with more drone attacks deep inside Russia and cross-border raids.

On Saturday, two people were killed and three others were wounded in the Ukrainian shelling of the Russian border city of Belgorod which has faced regular attacks.

The Russian military also claimed it thwarted another attempted cross-border incursion by Ukrainian “sabotage and reconnaissance groups” on Saturday.

The Russian Volunteer Corps — which includes Russians fighting alongside Ukrainian forces — released a video on social media Saturday alleging to have captured 25 Russian soldiers. The claim couldn’t be independently verified.

Cross-border attacks in the area have taken place sporadically since the war began and have been the subject of claims and counterclaims, as well as disinformation and propaganda.

Potentially fatal dog parasite found in part of Colorado River for first time

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March 17, 2024

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A parasite that can potentially kill dogs has been discovered for the first time in the Colorado River in Southern California, a study from University of California, Riverside said.

The parasite is called Heterobilharzia americana, which is a flatworm more commonly known as a liver fluke.

It had previously mainly been found in Texas and other Gulf states, has now spread west.

“Dogs can die from this infection, so we are hoping to raise public awareness that it’s there,” UC Riverside nematology professor Adler Dillman told the UC Riverside News. “If you’re swimming in the Colorado River with them, your pets are in peril.”

A parasite that can potentially kill dogs has been discovered for the first time in the Colorado River in Southern California, a study from University of California, Riverside said. (Mark Runnacles/Getty Images)

Researchers with the school headed to Blythe, California, on the border with Arizona, and collected and tested 2,000 snails on the banks of the Colorado River there after finding out several dogs infected by the parasite had all swum there.

The study said their findings suggest “a wider distribution [of the parasite] than previously reported. Our findings have implications for public health, veterinary medicine, and biodiversity conservation, contributing to developing effective control strategies to prevent the spread of this emerging infectious disease.”

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“In our study, we successfully confirmed the presence of Heterobilharzia americana for the first time along the shores of the Colorado River, infecting two species of snails, Galba humilis and Galba cubensis,” the study authors said. “This significant finding marks the westernmost record of this endemic North American schistosome in the U.S. The identification of the parasite in an area with a documented history of canine schistosomiasis emphasizes the persistence and potential expansion of this parasitic threat.”

Heterobilharzia americana is endemic to the Gulf Coast and South Atlantic region of North America, but has also been found in states such as Indiana, Tennessee, Oklahoma, Arkansas, and most recently, Utah.

Along with dogs, it can infect mammals such as raccoons, marsh rabbits, horses, nutria, bobcats, mountain lions and opossums, the study said.

Eleven dogs in three counties have been confirmed to have the disease and one has died, the UC Riverside News said. (iStock)

Once inside the skin, the parasite migrates into the lungs where it can cause hemorrhaging.

“It gets into the veins of the intestinal lining, and that’s where it develops into an adult and mates,” Dillman told the UC Riverside News. “The presence of the adults in the veins isn’t the problem. It’s the eggs that get into the lungs, spleen, liver, and heart. The immune system tries to deal with it, and hard clusters of immune cells called granulomas form. Eventually, the organ tissues stop functioning.”

Eleven dogs in three counties have been confirmed to have the disease, and one has died, the UC Riverside News said, adding that symptoms, including “loss of appetite, and eventually include vomiting, diarrhea, profound weight loss, and signs of liver disease,” can take months to show up.

“Treatment typically involves use of multiple medications and close monitoring of the dog by a veterinarian,” Emily Beeler, a veterinarian with the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, told the newspaper.