Analysis of a 2,000-year-old Egyptian Bes mug revealed a cocktail of psychedelic drugs, alcohol, and bodily fluids, challenging previous assumptions about its use. The concoction, identified through chemical and DNA analysis, included honey, nuts, and seeds, suggesting a ritualistic beverage. Researchers believe this mixture, with its psychotropic properties, was used in fertility rituals connected to the Bes Chambers at Saqqara, based on both the findings and ancient texts. This discovery sheds light on Greco-Roman-era magic rituals in Egypt.
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Comcast announced plans to spin off most of its cable networks, including USA, CNBC, and MSNBC, into a separate publicly traded company. This new entity will be independent, allowing it to adapt to the changing cable landscape while Comcast retains NBC broadcast network, NBC News, Peacock, and Bravo. The spin-off, expected to take approximately one year, is intended to position both companies for growth in a market increasingly dominated by streaming services. This restructuring reflects the declining cable television market and aims to improve investor appeal.
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Japan’s 2024 English proficiency ranking plummeted to a record low of 92nd out of 116 countries, marking a continued decline since 2011. This drop, based on EF Education First’s index using data from 2.1 million test-takers, reveals stagnant English skills among Japanese youth compared to global growth. The Netherlands led the rankings, highlighting a significant gap between Japan and other high-performing nations, particularly in Europe. The representative suggested that Japan’s relative decline may stem from a failure to keep pace with global improvements rather than an absolute decrease in proficiency.
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Alex Jones, facing the sale of his company Free Speech Systems, is suing the Sandy Hook parents and others involved in the sale, claiming the deal violates his rights. The lawsuit seeks to halt the sale to Global Tetrahedron, a parent company of *The Onion*, and demands the return of his assets, alleging impropriety in the bankruptcy proceedings. Jones’s complaint alleges the sale infringes on his free speech and misrepresents his ownership. His legal action is further complicated by the prior rulings against him and the involvement of the Texas Attorney General.
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Two women who claim former Rep. Matt Gaetz paid them for sex provided the House Ethics Committee with substantial evidence, including photos from a 2019 New York trip where Gaetz allegedly covered their travel and paid for sex. This evidence also included selfies allegedly sent by Gaetz and nude photos sent by the women, sometimes at his request. The women testified about these encounters and payments exceeding $10,000, with one woman stating she felt pressured to please Gaetz. Despite the Justice Department declining to file charges, the House committee’s investigation amassed extensive additional evidence from numerous witnesses.
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Logan Paul, a prominent social media influencer, faces renewed scrutiny regarding his cryptocurrency endorsements. Evidence suggests Paul promoted investments while secretly profiting from related anonymous wallets, resulting in significant price spikes and subsequent crashes. This follows allegations in a multi-million dollar lawsuit over his failed CryptoZoo project, where investors claim losses due to misrepresentations. Paul denies all wrongdoing, yet his actions raise concerns about his ethical obligations to his large and highly engaged fanbase.
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A US Food and Drug Administration inspection of Tom’s of Maine’s Sanford, Maine facility revealed significant violations, including the presence of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Ralstonia insidiosa bacteria in water used in manufacturing, and Paracoccus yeei bacteria in a batch of toothpaste. The FDA also cited poor facility maintenance, noting a “black mold-like substance” and powder residue near equipment. Tom’s of Maine responded that it is addressing the issues, has implemented additional safeguards, and maintains confidence in its products’ safety. The company is working with the FDA and investing in upgrades to its water system.
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An investigation into Clinton Community Schools head football coach Casey Randolph, encompassing 21 claims of misconduct, substantiated five allegations, including homophobic slurs and forcing a student to wrestle against medical advice. While many students and parents voiced strong support for Randolph at a school board meeting, citing his positive impact, others shared accounts of harmful behavior, expressing disappointment with the board’s decision to close the matter. The conflicting testimonies highlight a deeply divided community grappling with the consequences of the investigation’s findings.
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In response to a Bloomberg report, Google vehemently opposes a Department of Justice proposal to force the sale of Chrome browser, arguing it would negatively impact consumers and businesses. This proposed remedy, to be presented to Judge Amit Mehta, follows his August ruling that Google holds an online search monopoly. Further, Google objects to additional proposed measures concerning its AI practices, Android OS, and data usage. The company contends these actions would undermine American technological competitiveness.
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Private equity firm Blackstone has acquired a majority stake in Jersey Mike’s Subs for approximately $8 billion, marking the end of its independent run. Founder and CEO Peter Cancro will retain a significant equity stake and continue leading the company. This investment will fuel Jersey Mike’s expansion domestically and internationally, along with technological advancements. The deal follows Subway’s own sale to Roark Capital, making it the second-largest sandwich chain transaction in recent history.
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John Q. Hosedrinker