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Woman launches true crime podcast to find her father's killer

21 years ago, Madison McGhee's father was shot in cold blood. Madison was just six years old when her dad, John "JC" Cornelius McGhee, died, and was originally told he had passed away from a heart attack. However, when Madison was in high school, she began to ask questions about what really happened that night. "When I was 16 I had a weird feeling that something else was going on, so I asked my mum about a weird connection between my cousin and the death of my father," Madison told <a href="https://9now.nine.com.au/today/ice-cold-case-podcaster-hoping-to-solve-fathers-21-year-murder-mystery/a873da03-0198-4e34-b65c-cc3ced6e8cca" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Today Extra</a>. "And that's when my mum told me that there was another side of the story and that my dad had actually been murdered and it was a cold case, completely unsolved." Madison's father, who was a recovering drug addict and police informant, was shot in the head in the early hours of July 11th 2002 at his home in Ohio. His 16-year-old daughter and Madison's half-sister, Alyssa, was home at the time and found her father's body on the ground with a bullet hole in a nearby wall. Police investigated his death, but failed to find any evidence that could convict someone of his murder. After Madison discovered the real nature of her father's death, she began digging into the cold case and decided to try and solve the crime herself. In her efforts to find her father's killer, she launched a podcast called Ice Cold Case. "I started asking questions, diving into it and that's when I realised it was much more layered than even I could have imagined," she said. One line of theory by investigators was that JC's death was a home invasion gone wrong, but Madison said things just don't add up to support that. "When you dive into the police files, it's very clear that this is suspicious," she said. "A home invasion to my knowledge is usually very quick and something of value is stolen, but nothing was taken and this home invasion lasted for over 30 minutes. "It just seemed suspicious that someone would feel so comfortable to break into a house and stick around for that long and not steal anything at all - it feels like it was planned and very intentional." Madison admitted that is has been jarring looking into the death of her father, especially when no one has been held accountable, but she has put her own fears aside in the hopes of finding out what really happened. "I do feel a little uneasy putting myself out there in this very public way, but I just feel like justice for my dad is so much more important than worrying about my own safety if his killer is still out there," she said. "But I really want to find out what happened for him and for my own closure, so I have sort of pushed that to the side." Image credits: Today Extra

Legal

Life behind bars for serial killer nurse

British nurse Lucy Letby has been handed a life sentence for the murder of seven infants and the attempted murder of six others in a neonatal ward located in Chester, England. Justice James Goss, adhering to the strictest punishment allowed by British law, issued a whole-life order, ensuring that 33-year-old Letby would spend the remainder of her life incarcerated, as capital punishment is not applicable in the UK. In a trial that spanned ten months, Letby was found guilty of killing five male and two female infants and causing harm to other newborns within the neonatal unit of the Countess of Chester Hospital between June 2015 and June 2016. This conviction ranks her among the most prolific child serial killers in the UK's history. Despite her absence from the sentencing proceedings, Justice Goss emphasised the calculated nature of Letby's actions, stating, "There was premeditation, calculation and cunning." He further highlighted the malevolence and absence of remorse in her demeanour, emphasising that no mitigating factors were present. Prosecutors detailed Letby's disturbing actions during her tenure in the neonatal unit. As the hospital witnessed an alarming increase in unexplained infant deaths and health deteriorations, Letby was consistently on duty during these incidents. Prosecutors painted her as a constant, ominous presence when these infants experienced collapses or fatalities, using tactics that were difficult to detect. She even deceived colleagues into believing these incidents were normal. The anguish and outrage from the victims' families were palpable during the sentencing, compounded by Letby's absence from the proceedings, which is permitted under British legal protocol. The mother of a girl identified as Child I said in a statement read in court: "I don’t think we will ever get over the fact that our daughter was tortured till she had no fight left in her and everything she went through over her short life was deliberately done by someone who was supposed to protect her and help her come home where she belonged." Because of Letby's absence at the sentencing, calls for legal reform quickly emerged, urging that prisoners should be compelled to attend their sentencings. UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak expressed his government's intention to address this matter. Medical professionals raised concerns about Letby's behaviour as early as 2015, but their apprehensions were not heeded by management. Some argue that had these concerns been acted upon promptly, lives could have been saved. An independent inquiry will delve into the hospital's response to the alarming rise in deaths and the actions of the staff and management. In conclusion, British nurse Lucy Letby's life sentence for the murder of seven babies and the attempted murder of six others has sent shockwaves through the nation. Her calculated actions, lack of remorse, and absence from the sentencing have ignited discussions about legal reforms and the responsibility of institutions to heed early warning signs. Images: Cheshire Constabulary

Legal

13 homemade weed killers that work

Don’t want to use chemicals on your garden? You don't have to! Mix up these handy helpers in the kitchen. 1. Boiling water Homemade treatments don’t come much cheaper than this. Put the kettle on, boil a pot of water and then pour it straight over the weeds – just make sure to avoid any surrounding plants. This works especially for small weed coming up through the cracks in pavement or in brickwork. 2. White vinegar Is there anything white vinegar can’t do? You can use regular old kitchen vinegar or get the heavy duty stuff from gardening stores. Spray directly onto the leaves of the weeds and watch them fade away. 3. Salt Another kitchen staple that can do double duty in the garden. You can either sprinkle rock salt or basic table salt directly around garden beds where weeds usually appear or create a 3:1 solution of water and salt to spray onto the leaves. 4. Salt & vinegar Combine the two and you’ll get even better results! Mix a cup of table salt with a litre of vinegar, then brush directly onto the leaves of the weeds. It’ll kill anything it touches, so avoid other plants. 5. Vegetable oil For bulbous weeds, like onion weed and oxalis, you can inject vegetable oil into the ground surrounding the bulbs. The oil will coat the bulbs so they suffocate and will then rot into the soil. 6. Cornmeal This won't kill existing weeds but is great for preventing them from sprouting in the first place. Cornmeal is a pre-emergent, meaning it stops seeds from growing, so it’s best for using around established plants. 7. Clove or citrus oil Mix 15 to 20 drops of clove or citrus oil with a litre of water and spray or brush directly onto the leaves. This works best on small, actively growing seedlings rather than more established weeds. 8. Rubbing alcohol Grab that bottle of rubbing alcohol out of the bathroom cabinet and mix two tablespoons with a litre of water. Pour it into a spray bottle and spray directly onto the weeds. The alcohol removes moisture so the weeds will quickly dry out and die. 9. Baking soda Baking soda is sodium bicarbonate (essentially a salt), so increases the salinity of the ground to a point where the weeds cannot survive. Use around a teaspoon per weed to cover the entire plant, especially the stem. It’s also great for weeds in cracks. 10. Bleach This one couldn’t be simpler. Pour undiluted bleach straight over the top of mature weeds at the hottest part of the day, then let the sun do its work. You should be able to pull the dead weeds out the next day. Plus the bleach stays in the soil and prevents new growth. 11. Newspaper Rather than killing the weeds, you can smother them with leftover newspaper. Lay down at least four sheets (though the thicker the better) and the lack of sun means the weeds won’t be able to sprout. 12. Mulch Another one from the smothering camp, a good layer of mulch will keep your soil moist, healthy and weed-free. It also blocks out the sunshine weeds need to grow while leaving the surrounding plants untouched. Elbow grease Ok, so this isn’t actually something you put on the weeds, but it’s all you really need to get rid of most of them. Roll up your sleeves, put on some gloves and get pulling. Make sure you get the roots so they don’t grow straight back. Image: Unsplash / Josue Michel

Home & Garden

Attention plant killers: new research shows your plants could be silently screaming at you

If you’re like me, you’ve managed to kill even the hardiest of indoor plants (yes, despite a doctorate in plant biology). But imagine a world where your plants actually told you exactly when they needed watering. This thought, as it turns out, may not be so silly after all. You might be familiar with the growing body of work that <a href="https://theconversation.com/heard-it-on-the-grapevine-the-mysterious-chatter-of-plants-6292">provides evidence for</a> plants being able to sense sounds around them. Now, new research suggests they can also generate airborne sounds in response to stress (such as from drought, or being cut). A team led by experts at Tel Aviv University has shown tomato and tobacco plants, among others, not only make sounds, but do so loudly enough for other creatures to hear. Their findings, <a href="https://www.cell.com/cell/fulltext/S0092-8674(23)00262-3">published today</a> in the journal Cell, are helping us tune into the rich acoustic world of plants – one that plays out all round us, yet never quite within human earshot. <h2>Plants can listen, but now they can talk!</h2> Plants are “sessile” organisms. They can’t run away from stressors such as herbivores or drought. Instead, they’ve evolved complex biochemical responses and the ability to dynamically alter their growth (and regrow body parts) in response to environmental signals including light, gravity, temperature, touch, and volatile chemicals produced by surrounding organisms. These signals help them maximise their growth and reproductive success, prepare for and resist stress, and form mutually beneficial relationships with other organisms such as fungi and bacteria. In 2019, <a href="https://www.nationalgeographic.com/science/article/flowers-can-hear-bees-and-make-their-nectar-sweeter">researchers showed</a> the buzzing of bees can cause plants to produce sweeter nectar. Others <a href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/15592324.2017.1368938">have shown</a> white noise played to Arabidopsis, a flowering plant in the mustard family, can trigger a drought response. Now, a team led by Lilach Hadany, who also led the aforementioned bee-nectar study, has recorded airborne sounds produced by tomato and tobacco plants, and five other species (grapevine, henbit deadnettle, pincushion cactus, maize and wheat). These sounds were ultrasonic, in the range of 20-100 kilohertz, and therefore can’t be detected <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK10924/">by human ears</a>. <h2>Stressed plants chatter more</h2> To carry out their research, the team placed microphones 10cm from plant stems that were either exposed to drought (less than 5% soil moisture) or had been severed near the soil. They then compared the recorded sounds to those of unstressed plants, as well as empty pots, and found stressed plants emitted significantly more sounds than unstressed plants. In a cool addition to their paper, they also included a soundbite of a recording, downsampled to an audible range and sped up. The result is a distinguishable “pop” sound. The number of pops increased as drought stress increased (before starting to decline as the plant dried up). Moreover, the sounds could be detected from a distance of 3-5 metres – suggesting potential for long-range communication. <h2>But what actually causes these sounds?</h2> While this remains unconfirmed, the team’s findings suggest that “cavitation” may be at least partially responsible for the sounds. Cavitation is the process through which air bubbles expand and burst inside a plant’s water-conducting tissue, or “xylem”. This explanation makes sense if we consider that drought stress and cutting will both alter the water dynamics in a plant stem. Regardless of the mechanism, it seems the sounds produced by stressed plants were informative. Using machine learning algorithms, the researchers could distinguish not only which species produced the sound, but also what type of stress it was suffering from. It remains to be seen whether and how these sound signals might be involved in plant-to-plant communication or plant-to-environment communication. The research has so far failed to detect any sounds from the woody stems of woody species (which includes many tree species), although they could detect sounds from non-woody parts of a grapevine (a woody species). <h2>What could it mean for ecology, and us?</h2> It’s temping to speculate these airborne sounds could help plants communicate their stress more widely. Could this form of communication help plants, and perhaps wider ecosystems, adapt better to change? Or perhaps the sounds are used by other organisms to detect a plant’s health status. Moths, for example, hear within the ultrasonic range and lay their eggs on leaves, as the researchers point out. Then there’s the question of whether such findings could help with future food production. The <a href="https://www.agriculture.gov.au/sites/default/files/sitecollectiondocuments/abares/publications/Outlook2012FoodDemand2050.pdf">global demand</a> for food will only rise. Tailoring water use to target individual plants or sections of field making the most “noise” could help us more sustainably intensify production and minimise waste. For me personally, if someone could give a microphone to my neglected veggie patch and have the notifications sent to my phone, that would be much appreciated! Image credits: Getty Images This article originally appeared on <a href="https://theconversation.com/attention-plant-killers-new-research-shows-your-plants-could-be-silently-screaming-at-you-202833" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Conversation</a>.

Home & Garden

Study reveals the star sign most likely to be serial killers

Keep your friends close and your Taurus friends even closer as a new study has revealed they’re the most homicidal zodiac sign. The Mirror conducted a murder astrological sign analysis and found the majority of serial killers are born between April 20 to May 20, making them a Taurus. “[Taurus] are devoted, patient and hard-working, traits which can make for a great personality in someone who is stable and good-natured, and an evil manipulator in someone who is not,” the paper reads. Several murderers share the Taurus sign, including America’s first modern serial killer H.H Holmes, Canadian child-killer Karla Homolka and London Mail Bomber David Copeland. Those who share the Cancer star sign were found to be the least likely to be serial killers. However, it's clear that killing is not exclusive to Taurses - here is a list of notable serial killers according to each sign. Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Lee Boyd Malvo, Joel Rifkin, Luis Alfredo Garavito Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20): John Wayne Gacy, Aileen Wuornos Aries (March 21-April 19): Alexander Pichushkin, John Reginald Christie Taurus (April 20-May 20): H.H. Holmes, Michael Ryan, Albert Fish, David Copeland, Levi Bellfield, Robert Black, Steve Wright, Orville Lynn Majors Gemini (May 21-June 20): Jeffrey Dahmer, David Berkowitz, Ted Kaczynski Cancer (June 21-July 22): Robert Maudsley Leo (July 23-Aug. 22): Myra Hindley, Anatoly Onoprienko Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Ed Gein, Albert DeSalvo, Henry Lee Lucas Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Fred West, Beverley Allitt Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Moses Sithole, Robert Pickton, Fritz Haarman Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Ted Bundy, Dennis Nilsen, Rose West Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): John Allen Muhammad, Harold Shipman, Stephen Griffiths Treat your Taurus friends kindly, it’s not their fault they were born on such a “likely to be a serial killer” day! Image credit: Shutterstock

Mind

Year of the Rabbit: What 2023 has in store for you

The last time it was the Year of the Rabbit, astrologer Jen Ingress found a new home. Like a rabbit deciding on the perfect spot to create a burrow, she was faced with a barrage of options. “It was hard for me to decide – there were many pros and cons,” she says. “I’m not saying that the Rabbit is indecisive. It just may not be entirely obvious what is the right decision when making a choice, and you might have to do some thinking like I did.” That was 2011, and it was a year marked by decisions – something that will also characterise 2023’s Year of the Rabbit, which started when the Lunar New Year kicked off on the second new moon after the winter solstice. (This year, it fell on Sunday, January 22.) There will also be a need for grace when it comes to interactions with others. This is quite different than last year’s Tiger year. Think of it this way: “Tigers can take on anything and bring courage, a strong moral code and responsiveness,” says Ingress. “Whereas this year, we can anticipate more diplomacy or more cautious approaches on the world stage and for individuals.” But that’s not all: In Chinese astrology, there aren’t just 12 astrology signs but also five zodiac elements, and this year, that element is Water. It’s the first time there’s been a Water Rabbit in 60 years. So, what will 2023’s Year of the Water Rabbit hold for you? Let’s find out. <h3>Rabbit zodiac personality traits</h3> Rabbits are known for being cute, lovable and high-spirited (not to mention bouncy), but they’re also a bit enigmatic. After all, you can never really tell what they’re thinking because they don’t exhibit a variety of facial expressions. “Rabbits are well-liked, but they’re not that easy to read or transparent,” Ingress notes. “These individuals are socially graceful, charming and diplomatic, but they also need time to themselves.” A potential pitfall for Rabbit people is that like an actual rabbit, they will tend to seek an easy escape when put on the spot or might not want to face the reality of the situation. And that’s definitely something to keep in mind when entering an entire year represented by this animal. <h3>How 2023’s Year of the Rabbit will affect you</h3> In general, Rabbit years abound with creativity and an appreciation for the arts. You might feel yourself being pulled toward exploring museums, music festivals and performances. In social gatherings, the Year of the Rabbit will encourage more cordiality and social niceties. If disputes arise, diplomacy will win out. Chances are, you’ll also face many options, but like the rabbit’s burrow, you should have multiple exit points and not get too attached to specific decisions. “Rabbits always like having a plan B,” Ingress says. “So this is a year to have more than one plan B – and [to have] continued social interactions in order to reach a decision.” <h3>Water Element</h3> Now let’s turn to 2023’s zodiac element, water, which signifies travel and movement. While 2022 was also a water year, it was more of a flood. People were itching to get back out into the world after COVID restrictions were lifted, so there was movement in the form of travel. On another note, the Russian invasion of Ukraine forced people to seek refuge in other countries. The element of water paired with the Tiger sign made the year one that required quick reactions and strong responses in the face of upheaval. In comparison, the Year of the Water Rabbit will feel more like a small stream when it comes to going places and, more generally speaking, the movement in our lives. “This year will bring learning opportunities, an expansion of ambitions, more time reaching for goals and a general sense of curiosity,” says Ingress. However, because of the unpredictable nature of water, the world might still feel precarious in 2023. So it will be important to stay alert – be ready to manage surprises and get comfortable with uncertainty in your life and the world. <h3>Which signs will thrive in the Year of the Rabbit?</h3> The Chinese zodiac signs that will have a great year are those that are compatible with the Rabbit – namely, the Goat, Dog and Pig. Each of these signs will see a wealth of opportunities for growth in their careers, relationships or creative passions. That said, not all opportunities will pan out: Like in the rabbit’s race with the turtle, do not be deceived by appearances when it comes to decision making – what appears to be the best decision might not be so. Specifically, Dogs and Pigs might face difficult decisions in the workplace. For all these signs, it is important to stay calm this year, even when things seem to be going well. Of course, that’s usually easier said than done, though these animal signs are the best equipped to face that challenge – especially when in one another’s company. Pig and Rabbit are a perfect match for each other in terms of temperament and personality. Add Sheep and Dog into the mix and you’ve got yourself a party. “When they’re all together, they balance each other out,” says Ingress. People with these signs tend to have an easygoing way about them and are deeply compassionate, and both of those qualities jibe with the Rabbit. Sheep’s romanticism, Dog’s supportiveness and Pig’s relatability work well with Rabbit, and a gentle yet responsive energy will radiate from groups of friends with these signs. <h3>Which signs will have more difficulty in the Year of the Rabbit?</h3> Sorry, Dragons, Snakes, Roosters and Rats – you will clash with the Rabbit energy this year. Dragons are born leaders and enjoy conquering challenges, but an eagerness to achieve will not pan out in the slower-paced Rabbit year where decisions will have to be deliberated carefully and a person’s choices might have to be revisited. Snake is sometimes considered a small dragon, and similarly, their determination may prove challenging this year. Rooster is also tenacious and high-achieving, as an animal known for greeting the morning sun. Finally, the resourceful and quick-witted Rat may be able to adapt to the surprises the Year of the Rabbit brings, but their lack of courage may cause them to falter when plans change. But don’t worry – all is not lost for these signs in 2023. According to Ingress, a specific Chinese zodiac year won’t predict whether luck comes your way or doesn’t, but rather whether the year will be like a river that is “smooth flowing or one that is more choppy and therefore stressful, with multiple obstacles to face.” <h3>How will the other signs fare in the Year of the Rabbit?</h3> People born in Ox and Horse years generally won’t experience any extreme highs or lows in 2023. Ox’s determination and Horse’s energy should be able to handle what the year throws at them. But Tigers may face some ups and downs. Tiger’s enthusiasm and boldness may or may not work to their advantage when it comes to the surprises a Rabbit year brings. As for people with the Rabbit sign, things are a little less clear-cut. You may have heard that a person’s zodiac birth year (Ben Ming Nian) can be extremely unlucky. So, should Rabbits watch their backs this year? Not necessarily. Ingress notes that this idea comes from another Chinese belief that change will occur every 12 years, in the Jupiter cycle of a person’s life. “That change could be positive or negative,” she shares. “But there is a change.” <h3>Lucky times of the year for each sign</h3> What do the tides of the Water Rabbit hold this year? Scroll down and find your Chinese zodiac sign to learn which months in 2023 will be the most prosperous for you. <h3>Rat</h3> Birth years: 1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008, 2020 People born in the Year of the Rat will likely experience abundance throughout the Year of the Water Rabbit, because like Rabbits, Rats are able to form networks and connections. In May, Rats will feel appreciated by others, and next January, Rats will have an opportunity to grow their wealth. <h3>Ox</h3> Birth years: 1937, 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009, 2021 For those born in the Year of the Ox, December will be a lucky month. Ox people will feel a sense of balance throughout the year, without many highs or lows, though June and April may be trickier for them. <h3>Tiger</h3> Birth years: 1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998, 2010, 2022 March will be the luckiest month for those born in the Year of the Tiger. May, on the other hand, might be more challenging. Overall, Tiger people will find themselves more in the middle of the road in 2023, faring well but not experiencing extraordinary success. <h3>Rabbit</h3> Birth years: 1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, 2011 Get ready, Rabbits: Your lucky month is right around the corner! You’ll find increased luck in February, as well as in July. You might find yourself making less forward movement in April, June, September and December. Water Rabbits born in 1963 should be careful, as too much water elementally can be difficult to bear and cause stress. <h3>Dragon</h3> Birth years: 1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000, 2012 May and September will be fairly good months for Dragons, but they should be cautious in March, April, October and January. “The Dragon is struggling,” Ingress acknowledges. But, she adds, this should not be a cause for concern, because “in Buddhist tradition and the history of the Asian culture, there is a sobering tendency to acknowledge suffering more than success because successes are typically few and far between.” <h3>Snake</h3> Birth years: 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, 2013 Snake people may have a more trying year because their energy clashes with Rabbit energy, and they will have to deal with more conflicts throughout the year. April is their luckiest month of 2023, when they could attract more attention from colleagues or romantic interests. <h3>Horse</h3> Birth years: 1942, 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002, 2014 The outlook for Horses in 2023 is a steady one, but they should proceed with a bit more caution in March and January. In February, there will be opportunities to develop relationships, and November looks to be the month where they will find the most luck. Those born in the Year of the Metal Horse (the last one was in 1990) should be more cautious about impulsive decisions this year. <h3>Goat</h3> Birth years: 1931, 1943, 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003, 2015 Goat will find opportunities throughout the year but especially in March, June and November. Just be warned that October and next January may be less steady. Wood Goats, born in 1955 and 2015, will find this year to be one of growth. <h3>Monkey</h3> Birth years: 1932, 1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004, 2016 September will be an optimal month for Monkeys. On the other hand, they should be wary in May, July and November, as surprises from the Water Rabbit might lead them to make rash decisions. <h3>Rooster</h3> Birth years: 1933, 1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005, 2017 Rooster people might experience a turning point during the year when it comes to their health, career or finances. For the Rooster, April and August are shaping up to be months in which they will fare the best. September and December will pose more challenges for them. <h3>Dog</h3> Birth years: 1934, 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006, 2018 While Dogs will experience many opportunities throughout 2023, they won’t all culminate in success. November may change all that, as that’s this sign’s luckiest month this year. September is the one month when they might feel their career trajectory take a downward turn. <h3>Pig</h3> Birth years: 1935, 1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007, 2019 If Pigs focus their energy in March, July, August and October, their concentration should pay off. Born in 1935 or 1995? Those are the years of the Wood Pig, and people born then will be particularly lucky in 2023. Written by: Giannina Ong. This article first appeared in <a href="https://www.readersdigest.co.nz/culture/year-of-the-rabbit-what-2023-has-in-store-for-you" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Reader’s Digest</a>. Image: Getty

Caring

Astronomers have detected another ‘planet killer’ asteroid. Could we miss one coming our way?

If you surfed the web this morning, you may have seen news of the latest existential threat to humanity: a “planet killer” asteroid named 2022 AP7. Luckily for us 2022 AP7 “has no chance to hit the Earth currently”, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/science/2022/nov/01/huge-planet-killer-asteroid-discovered-and-its-heading-our-way">according</a> to Scott Sheppard at the Carnegie Institution for Science. He and his international team of colleagues <a href="https://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.3847/1538-3881/ac8cff/pdf">observed 2022 AP7</a> in a trio of “rather large” asteroids obscured by the Sun’s glare (the other two don’t pose a risk). 2022 AP7 orbits the Sun every five years, and currently crosses Earth’s orbit when Earth is on the other side of the Sun to it. Eventually its movement will sync with Earth’s and it will cross much closer by, but this will be centuries into the future. We simply don’t know enough about 2022 AP7 to precisely predict the danger it may pose centuries from now. At the same time, we suspect there could be other “planet killers” out there yet to be discovered. But how many? And what’s being done to find them? What makes a planet killer? Asteroid 2022 AP7 is the largest potentially hazardous asteroid (PHA) found in eight years, with a diameter between 1.1km and 2.3km. For context, an asteroid with a diameter more than 1km is enough to trigger a <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cretaceous%E2%80%93Paleogene_extinction_event">mass extinction event</a> on Earth. As well as having a diameter greater than 1km, an asteroid also needs to have an orbit that crosses Earth’s to be considered potentially dangerous. In the case of 2022 AP7, any threat is centuries down the track. The important point is it has been detected and can now be tracked. This is the best possible outcome. It is estimated we’ve already <a href="https://theconversation.com/in-a-world-first-nasas-dart-mission-is-about-to-smash-into-an-asteroid-what-will-we-learn-189391">discovered</a> about 95% of potentially hazardous asteroids, and that there are fewer than 1,000 of these. The work of Sheppard and colleagues highlights that hunting down the remaining 5% – some 50 asteroids – will be a massive effort. <figure class="align-center "><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/492923/original/file-20221102-25180-74aqvo.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/492923/original/file-20221102-25180-74aqvo.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=304&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/492923/original/file-20221102-25180-74aqvo.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=304&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/492923/original/file-20221102-25180-74aqvo.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=304&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/492923/original/file-20221102-25180-74aqvo.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=382&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/492923/original/file-20221102-25180-74aqvo.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=382&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/492923/original/file-20221102-25180-74aqvo.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=382&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" alt="" /><figcaption>Statistically, there’s less of a chance of a larger asteroid colliding with Earth compared to a smaller one. NASA</figcaption></figure> What constitutes a near miss? NASA <a href="https://www.jpl.nasa.gov/asteroid-watch">closely tracks</a> all known objects in the Solar System. But every now and again an object will catch us off guard. In 2021, we had a close call with an asteroid called <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2021_UA1">2021 UA1</a>. It came only a few thousand kilometres from Earth, over the Antarctic. In cosmic terms, this is uncomfortably close. However, 2021 UA1 was only two metres across, and therefore posed no substantial risk. There are likely hundreds of millions of objects of this size in our Solar System, and it’s not uncommon for them to impact Earth. In these cases, most of the object burns up in the atmosphere and creates a spectacular light show, with little risk to life. In 2019 another <a href="https://theconversation.com/an-asteroid-just-buzzed-past-earth-and-we-barely-noticed-in-time-120972">asteroid</a> with a 100m diameter passed Earth some 70,000km away. It was publicly announced mere hours before it flew past. While it wasn’t as close, it was of a much more concerning size. These near misses reiterate how important it is for us to speed up the search for near-Earth objects. Blind spots The reason we haven’t already found every object that could one day pass nearby Earth is largely because of observational blind spots, and the fact we can’t observe all parts of the sky all the time. To find 2022 AP7, Sheppard and colleagues used a telescope at twilight soon after the Sun had set. They had to do this because they were looking for asteroids in the vicinity of Venus and Earth. Venus is currently on the <a href="https://theskylive.com/where-is-venus">other side of the Sun</a> to Earth. Making observations close to the Sun is difficult. The Sun’s glare overwhelms the weak light reflected off small asteroids – presenting a blind spot. But just before and after sunset, there’s a small window in which the Sun’s glare no longer blocks the view. Right now there are only about 25 asteroids known to have well-determined orbits that lie entirely within Earth’s orbit. More are likely to be discovered, and these may contribute significantly to the missing 5% of potentially hazardous asteroids. The Near-Earth Object Surveyor A recent NASA mission spectacularly demonstrated that humans can purposefully change the trajectory of an asteroid. NASA’s DART (<a href="https://www.nasa.gov/planetarydefense/dart/dart-news">Double Asteroid Redirection Test</a>) mission collided a vending-machine-sized spacecraft into a 160m diameter minor-planet moon called Dimorphos. <figure class="align-center "><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/492925/original/file-20221102-28436-f16d5x.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/492925/original/file-20221102-28436-f16d5x.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=338&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/492925/original/file-20221102-28436-f16d5x.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=338&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/492925/original/file-20221102-28436-f16d5x.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=338&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/492925/original/file-20221102-28436-f16d5x.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=424&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/492925/original/file-20221102-28436-f16d5x.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=424&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/492925/original/file-20221102-28436-f16d5x.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=424&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" alt="" /><figcaption>The DART spacecraft successfully collided with Dimorphos, which itself was orbiting a larger asteroid named Didymos. NASA/Johns Hopkins APL/Steve Gribben</figcaption></figure> The collision altered Dimorphos’s 12-hour orbital period by more than 30 minutes, and was declared a resounding success. So it’s plausible for humans to redirect a hazardous asteroid if we find one. That said, we’d have to find it well in advance. Potentially hazardous asteroids are much larger than Dimorphos, so a bigger collision would be required with plenty of lead time. To do this, NASA has plans to survey for potentially hazardous objects using a telescope in space. Its <a href="https://www.jpl.nasa.gov/missions/near-earth-object-surveyor">Near-Earth Object (NEO) Surveyor</a>, scheduled to launch in 2026, will be able to survey the Solar System very efficiently – including within blind spots caused by the Sun. That’s because the glare we see while observing from Earth is caused by Earth’s atmosphere. But in space there’s no atmosphere to look through. <figure class="align-center "><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/492932/original/file-20221102-26-zoxo13.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/492932/original/file-20221102-26-zoxo13.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=363&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/492932/original/file-20221102-26-zoxo13.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=363&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/492932/original/file-20221102-26-zoxo13.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=363&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/492932/original/file-20221102-26-zoxo13.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=457&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/492932/original/file-20221102-26-zoxo13.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=457&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/492932/original/file-20221102-26-zoxo13.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=457&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" alt="" /><figcaption>The NEO Surveyor spacecraft won’t have the issue of observational blind spots when hunting for asteroids. NASA/JPL/University of Arizona</figcaption></figure> It’s very likely the Near-Earth Object Surveyor will reveal new objects, and help us characterise a large number of objects to greatly improve our understanding of threats. The key is to find as many objects as possible, categorise them, track the risks, and plan a redirection mission as much in advance as possible. The fact that all of these elements of planetary defence are now a reality is an amazing feat of science and engineering. It is the first time in human history we have these capabilities.<img style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important;" src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/193709/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /> Writen by Steven Tingay. Republished with permission from <a href="https://theconversation.com/astronomers-have-detected-another-planet-killer-asteroid-could-we-miss-one-coming-our-way-193709" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Conversation</a>. Image: DOE/FNAL/DECam/CTIO/NOIRLab/NSF/AURA/J. da Silva/Spaceengine

Technology

‘Gone Girl’ fans can get their fix on killer-themed cruise

For fans of the author Gillian Flynn, the mind behind the thrilling novel Gone Girl, this cruise is for you. Flynn’s award-winning book, about a woman faking her own murder to frame her husband, earned actors Ben Affleck and Rosamund Pike a string of accolades for their roles in the blockbuster adaptation. For those who can’t get enough of her stories, which include Sharp Objects and Dark Places, Flynn will be joining passengers on an eight-day cruise down the Danube River. “I am very excited about this,” Flynn told Today Extra. “Along the way I will be telling some stories and doing readings and answering questions about writing, anything about writing in general. “I’m always up to talk about books.” Flynn marked the ten-year anniversary of Gone Girl’s release in May, sharing with fans what a sequel could look like. “Today is the ten-year anniversary of Gone Girl. What am I thinking about?” she wrote on Instagram. “In Gone Girl chronology, Nick and Amy’s child would be close to 16 years old now. I keep wondering what a teenager raised by Amazing Amy would be like… and I’m chilled… in a good way.” Along with spending time with the acclaimed author, passengers on the cruise will be able to take part in various activities and day trips, as the cruise makes stops in Budapest, Visegrad, Vienna, Krems and Grein. The cruise, set to depart on September 15, will set passengers back $4,238 ($NZD 4,723) each and includes seven servings of breakfast and dinner, and six lunches. It is one of Avalon Waterways’ series of Storyteller cruises, with upcoming trips featuring comical novelist <a href="https://www.avalonwaterways.com/river-cruise/storybook-scenery-sarcasm-satire/WZA-T2/?season=2022" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Christopher Moore</a> and musical group <a href="https://www.avalonwaterways.com/river-cruise/active-discovery-on-the-rhine-with-sister-hazel-northbound/WWA-T2/?season=2022" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Sister Hazel</a>. To find out more about the killer cruise, head <a href="https://www.avalonwaterways.com.au/europe-river-cruises/active-discovery-on-the-danube-gillian-flynn-WBLT?season=2022" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here</a>. Images: @thegillianflynn (Instagram)

Cruising

Fresh heartache as Oatlands killer wins appeal

The drunk and drugged driver who ran over a group of children in Sydney’s north-west over two years ago has had his sentenced reduced on appeal. The Abdallah siblings Antony, Sienna and Angelina and their cousin Veronique Sakr died in February 2020 when Samuel Davidson ran them over on a footpath as they were walking to get ice cream. He pleaded guilty to the manslaughter of the four children, as well as a raft of other charges. He was sentenced to a maximum of 28 years in prison, with a non-parole period of 21 years. Following an appeal, the maximum sentence was reduced by eight years taking it to 20 years, with a non-parole period of 15 years. Making him eligible for parole in January 2035. At the time of his initial sentence, Judge James Bennett said Davidson’s dangerous and aggressive driving showed a complete lack of care and concern for the safety of others. “The magnitude of the tragedy extended to the unimaginable” said Judge Bennett. Image: Instagram

Legal

"He should never be released": Ben Fordham speaks out against killer's parole

The heartbroken parents whose teenage daughter was brutally killed by a 16-year-old boy have spoken about her killer potentially being released on parole. Tania Burgess was on her way home from school on the Central Coast on July 19, 2005 when a 16-year-old boy followed and stabbed her 48 times before running off. The school girl named her killer in her dying moments, who was then found and sentenced to 22 years in prison, with a non-parole period of 17 years. The sentence was appealed and reduced by four years. The killer, known only as DL because he was a minor at the time of the murder, has been eligible for parole since 2018 and this is his last chance of it being granted. Tania’s parents Mandy and Chris spoke to 2GB’s Ben Fordham saying DL’s release would be a “shock”. “It’s hard to comprehend that, first of all, DL has never really admitted any kind of remorse. And yet his time is up. He may be set free,” Mandy said. “He will never own the crime that he did. He virtually is unnamed as DL. (He’ll) just wipe 17 years off and start a new life, yet we lost our daughter.” Fordham said the community would “be in danger from this person” as Mandy reflected on what her daughter’s life may have been. “You can only dream what kind of life she might have had,” she continued. “She was such a beautiful, caring, loving teenager. She could have maybe become a nurse, or some kind of health community worker. It’s hard to say. She loved her ballet. She might have been a ballerina. “You can only let your imagination run really wild. But she was taken away from us. She was just a girl. She was just starting to bloom at 15. She was stolen. “I try to block out those horrible images of what we saw that day, and remember Tania for who she was. Not what we saw, not what he did, but for what she was at the time. She was a beautiful, loving, caring girl, just starting her life.” “The reality is that he should never be released,” Fordham responded. DL’s case has two options - either he is granted supervised parole, or he can walk free at the end of his sentence without supervision. Mandy said it would probably be better that DL be monitored to see what he’s like in public saying it would be “frightening” to know if he was out there not being supervised. Images: Nine News

Legal

Charlise Mutten's alleged killer facing fresh charges

The man accused of murdering nine-year-old schoolgirl Charlise Mutten earlier this year has been hit with new charges. Jason Stein was <a href="https://www.oversixty.co.nz/news/news/man-charged-with-murder-of-missing-9-year-old" target="_blank" rel="noopener">charged with the murder of his fiancé’s daughter</a> in January, after the little girl’s body was discovered in a barrel near the Colo River, about an hour from the Blue Mountains where she had disappeared from. After his arrest, police conducted a search in the bushland near Mt Wilson - the area where Charlise was last seen - and found two firearms and ammunition, which was seized and forensically examined. Police then visited Silverwater prison and arrested the 31-year-old, charging him with two counts of possessing an unregistered firearm, two for possessing an unauthorised firearm, possessing ammunition without a licence or permit, and aggravated break and enter in company. Mr Stein has also been charged with two counts of possessing child abuse material for unrelated matters. Meanwhile, investigations continue under Strike Force Buena, which was established to investigate Charlise’s disappearance. Images: 9News / Twitter

News

Oatlands killer appeals severity of sentence

The drug and alcohol-riddled driver who killed four children after crashing into them on their way to the local shops has launched an appeal to decrease the severity of his sentence. On Monday, Samuel Davidson appealed the minimum 21-year sentence he was given for the manslaughter of Veronique Sakr, 11, and her cousins, siblings Antony, 13, Angelina, 12, and Sienna Abdallah, 8, when they were struck by his car as they walked to get ice cream near Oatlands golf course in February 2020. When the accident occurred, Davidson was under the influence of drugs and alcohol, and driving erratically before he mounted the footpath and struck the group of children. Davidson pled guilty to a host of charges around the deaths in October 2020, and was sentenced in April 2021. Davidson had no criminal history before the accident, a point his barrister Stephen Odgers used in Monday’s appeal to argue that his sentence was unreasonable. He also argued that Davidson’s diagnosis of ADHD, which he said made him prone to reckless behaviour, was not properly considered by the sentencing judge. At the time he was sentenced, Davidson was 30 years old and is not set to be released until he is at least 51. “That is a crushing sentence,” Odgers said. The parents of the Abdallah children were not present at the appeal hearing, however Veronique’s mother Bridget Sakr was in attendance at the court. “Our sentence is for the rest of our lives. Our suffering is every day,” she said. Bridget Sakr’s husband David Mackenzie said on Monday that the sentence sent an important message. “There are no comparable cases to our case, sadly,” Mackenzie said. “That’s why our case is so important. Because it sets a benchmark.” Image credits: Instagram / 7News

News

Hunt for Easter Show killer taken over by homicide squad

The investigation into the violent Easter Show murder of teenager Uati Faletolu has escalated to the homicide squad, with dedicated investigators taking charge of the case . The 17-year-old was taking a break from working on one of the carnival rides at the Easter Show when he was targeted in the brawl that ended in the <a href="https://oversixty.com.au/finance/legal/easter-show-chaos-one-teen-dead-one-in-hospital-one-arrested" target="_blank" rel="noopener">stabbing</a> and his eventual death en route to the hospital around 8pm on Monday April 11th. Forensic examiners have investigated the scene but have yet to find significant clues leading them in the direction of the killer. The dedicated homicide detectives, working in partnership with local police, are now focusing on video of the violent incident, calling on witnesses to submit any evidence to Crime Stoppers. Homicide Squad boss Detective Superintendent Danny Doherty said investigators were working meticulously through hours of CCTV and other vision to identify those involved in the incident. “Of the vision we have already reviewed, we know there was a significant amount of people filming the incident, many of whom have not yet supplied the vision to police,” Det Supt Doherty said. “In our experience, it is likely that someone – or many people – has unknowingly captured a clear shot of something of relevance to the investigation.” He said investigators were often faced with silence as perpetrators or victims were often “misguided by loyalties or fear of retribution”. Friends of Mr Faletolu told police they believed the attackers were from the rival postcode of Mt Druitt (2770). Uati, 17, has since been linked to the Doonside gang known as 67 for its postcode 2767. Detectives have appealed to anyone who was in the carnival area at the time of the brawl and hasn’t yet spoken to police to come forward. Image credits: Instagram

News

Your weekly horoscope for March 28th 2022

With a new moon gracing our skies this week, it’s time to focus on new beginnings. The new moon in the sign of Aries is our chance to heal from past traumas and carry a sense of rebirth into our futures. ♈ Aries (March 21st - April 19th) Your urge for connection this week will be palpable, as you overcome your own insecurities to create lasting relationships. Don’t let yourself be held back by fear, and just take a chance. ♉ Taurus (April 20th - May 20th) Truly committing to your career will bring you a sense of reassurance, success and longevity this week. Don’t let other voices drown you out, as you speak your truth for all to hear. ♊ Gemini (May 21st - June 20th) Expand your interests this week by letting yourself be curious about what lies outside your comfort zone. Divulging your plans for the future will manifest them into reality. ♋ Cancer (June 21st - July 22nd) Take shared responsibilities seriously this week, as your relationships will flourish in a mutual understanding of the world. Your career will have a cosmic boost if you are open enough to receive it. ♌ Leo (July 23rd - August 22nd) Think outside your usual boundaries when looking for contentment this week, as you will find peace where you least expect it. Don’t conceal your talents and passions, as you could draw in unexpected opportunities. ♍ Virgo (August 23rd - September 22nd) Give your body and mind a little extra love this week, as indulging in self-care is vital to staying present. Trust your gut when it comes to letting people in, as deep down you know what's best. ♎ Libra (September 23rd - October 22nd) Your finances will receive an unexpected boost this week, giving you a lesson in self-control and indulgence. In order to get what you want, you need to be proactive. ♏ Scorpio (October 23rd - November 21st) Breaking away from routine will give you a sense of calm this week, as there is contentment to be found in chaos. Innovations will only take place if you take the time to collaborate. ♐ Sagittarius (November 22nd - December 21st) What you say and who you say it to could land you in trouble this week, so read the room before you speak your mind. Channel your energy into being productive, and don’t let the negative thoughts win. ♑ Capricorn (December 22nd - January 20th) Saving your money for something special and meaningful will bring more gratification than being impulsive. Don’t be surprised if you get hit with the urge to change up your daily routines. ♒ Aquarius (January 21st - February 18th) Staying in your lane this week will prove to be a fruitful venture, as you flourish in your niche. You will see your social calendar blossom, as you rely on others to escape. ♓ Pisces (February 19th - March 20th) Your charm and tenacity will be in your favour this week, as you find yourself succeeding in areas you never thought possible. Use this confidence selflessly, and use your voice to help others be heard. Image credits: Getty Images

Caring

Your weekly horoscope for March 22nd 2022

As Aries season begins, it's time to channel confidence, chaos and charisma. This fiery sign will help lead you into any situation with your head held high, and an unbeatable power for commanding a room. ♈ Aries (March 21st - April 19th) It’s your time to shine, as you feel fully alive in your capacity and determination. Your battle this week will push you to be the best version of yourself, giving you a chance to showcase your perseverance and bravery. ♉ Taurus (April 20th - May 20th) Breaking from your routine could cause a potentially anxious situation, so stick to the status quo this week. Do your research when faced with a situation that seems too good to be true, because sometimes it is. ♊ Gemini (May 21st - June 20th) Your emotions will feel rattled this week, making you feel extra jumpy about current affairs both in your personal life and around the globe. Don’t give away your power to someone who secretly wants you to fail. ♋ Cancer (June 21st - July 22nd) Keep your cool this week, as you will find yourself particularly susceptible to irritation. Make your opinions and ideals heard, as holding back will only open a door for someone else to succeed instead. ♌ Leo (July 23rd - August 22nd) Celebrate your achievements this week, as it's important to feel proud of the work you have accomplished. Success can look different to everyone, so bask in the glory of your hard work and don’t let others dim your sparkle. ♍ Virgo (August 23rd - September 22nd) An unexpected interference could impact how you run your life, depending on how you react. Be subtle in your approach this week, as disrupting the status quo could throw a major spanner in the works. ♎ Libra (September 23rd - October 22nd) Wearing your heart on your sleeve could come back to bite you this week, as people pleasing doesn’t always work out. Trust your intuition, as you realise who you can place your unwavering trust in. ♏ Scorpio (October 23rd - November 21st) Home could feel like a battle ground this week, as you work to be heard about your important relationships. When trying to get your point across, it is not always what you say but how you say it. ♐ Sagittarius (November 22nd - December 21st) Self care is of utmost important this week, as going a million miles an hour is not conducive to work-life balance. Exercise subtlety this week, as your passion could come across a little too brash. ♑ Capricorn (December 22nd - January 20th) The urge to splurge on unnecessary purchases this week will be palpable, and a brutal lesson in self control. Giving yourself a stern talking to will be the self-reflection you’ve been putting off. ♒ Aquarius (January 21st - February 18th) You will be feeling at odds with your home and family life this week, noticing how every annoyance seems like a big deal. Keep calm and carry on, and don’t sweat the small stuff. ♓ Pisces (February 19th - March 20th) Be wary of receding into a cocoon of contentment this week, as hiding away from real issues can only stunt your growth. Be confident and unapologetic in your feelings, and don’t let the negative self-talk win. Image credits: Getty Images

Caring

Your weekly horoscope for March 14th 2022

With a Full Moon in the sign of Virgo coming our way this week, it’s time to listen to your heart and speak your truth. Tuning in to your deepest desires will be a fruitful venture, as the power of the Full Moon works in mysterious ways to bring you what you need in troubled times. ♈ Aries (March 21st - April 19th) It’s time to reevaluate your work-life balance this week, as you seek to feel more fulfilled. Taking time for yourself is vital in succeeding at work, and sometimes taking a step back from professional duties can be good for your soul. ♉ Taurus (April 20th - May 20th) Armed with palpable luck and confidence, take a risk with a romantic prospect this week, as your self-expression will prove to be irresistible. Use your voice, take a leap, and enjoy the ride. ♊ Gemini (May 21st - June 20th) In order to clarify your goals, sometimes you need to put rationality aside and focus on what your heart wants. Letting yourself feel your passions and emotions is a critical step in professional and personal happiness. ♋ Cancer (June 21st - July 22nd) Reassessing your relationships will make you discover who truly deserves your time and energy. Cutting out toxicity is not a bad thing, but a need for survival. ♌ Leo (July 23rd - August 22nd) Take extra time to connect with friends this week, as your thirst for socialisation will prove to be unquenchable. Just remember to check in with yourself along the way, and recognise the need for quiet time. ♍ Virgo (August 23rd - September 22nd) Tapping into your intuition will have you feeling extra emotional and sensitive this week, but not to a disadvantage. Realising what you need to get through, and vocalising it, will pay off in spades. ♎ Libra (September 23rd - October 22nd) In order to manifest your fantasies into reality, you need to rest, recharge, and put things into perspective. Avoid making rash decisions, and preserve your energy for things worth fighting for. ♏ Scorpio (October 23rd - November 21st) When trying to get your point across, be aware of scaring people away by coming off too brash. Commanding the attention of a crowd is an art that needs to be perfected, even if you have to temporarily mask your ruthless bluntness. ♐ Sagittarius (November 22nd - December 21st) Reflect on how you can inject more excitement and adventure in your life, as our need for exploration becomes overwhelming. As your mundane routine has lived its course, making changes to your everyday life will make for a much more exciting day. ♑ Capricorn (December 22nd - January 20th) Avoid making unnecessary career choices this week, as your professionalism outweighs your restlessness. Consider making smaller steps in the right direction to be the best version of yourself, and realise things take time. ♒ Aquarius (January 21st - February 18th) Wearing your heart on your sleeve a bit more than usual will see your closest relationships blossom in this vulnerability. Taking a different approach to your finances will yield unexpectedly positive results. ♓ Pisces (February 19th - March 20th) A surge of personal power will have you striving to succeed this week, even when people try to undercut your wins. Focusing on your own journey and tuning out the noise will see you rising above the rest. Image credits: Getty Images

Caring

Your weekly horoscope for March 7th 2022

As the Sun aligns with Jupiter in a powerful union, the theme of the week is managing your energy wisely. These two planets radiate generosity and positivity, as well as devoting time to others. However, the fear of overdoing your compassion can be a great threat to your own energy and preservation. ♈ Aries (March 21st - April 19th) This week, rely on your instincts rather than logic to help get you through a difficult situation. Use your thoughts and imagination to get creative, and don’t fight the impulses to go a little crazy. ♉ Taurus (April 20th - May 20th) Talking things through to manifest them into reality can be a valuable tool in learning what you really want. Your career will be best served from you taking the side of the underdog this week, as being underestimated will work in your favour. ♊ Gemini (May 21st - June 20th) Stretch your boundaries this week, and don’t limit yourself to what you know or what is comfortable. Change will only come from exploring outside your bubble of contentment. ♋ Cancer (June 21st - July 22nd) Your natural instinct this week will be to go into overdrive and feel the need to play problem solver. Let yourself take a step back and consider if situations beyond your control are worth giving up your energy for. ♌ Leo (July 23rd - August 22nd) Details of a loose arrangement could come back to bite you if you don’t make your feelings crystal clear. Fighting the urge to be the centre of attention could see new opportunities in your relationships blossom, but only if you can be vulnerable with yourself. ♍ Virgo (August 23rd - September 22nd) If a relationship is needing reevaluation, talk to someone rather than about them, and don’t expect them to be a mind reader. Stand your ground in difficult situations, and resist the urge to be creative with the truth to get your own way. ♎ Libra (September 23rd - October 22nd) Check in with your health this week, and remember that wellness comes from all positive forms of self-care. Showing yourself kindness will reciprocate in the universe, and good things will come your way. ♏ Scorpio (October 23rd - November 21st) Don’t let yourself get overwhelmed with seemingly impossible tasks, but instead rely on those around you willing to help. Putting your energy into a talent or hobby that brings you joy will be time well spent, as you recharge in a creative way. ♐ Sagittarius (November 22nd - December 21st) Taking action towards an important change this week is the first step in realising your own power, and bettering yourself in the long run. Surrounding yourself with friends and family will give you the freedom to be unapologetically yourself. ♑ Capricorn (December 22nd - January 20th) The cosmos will grant you the power to initiate difficult family conversations this week, that could determine the future of your relationships. A digital detox could help you see the world more clearly, and put things into perspective. ♒ Aquarius (January 21st - February 18th) It's a good week to reevaluate your values, taking into account what means the most to you in the world. This self-reflection can be a valuable tool in dropping things that are weighing you down. ♓ Pisces (February 19th - March 20th) Your motivation will be to help those around you in need this week, giving in to your caring sensibilities. While your natural instinct is to step up and advocate for others, don’t forget to take the time and check in with yourself as well. Image credits: Getty Images

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Your weekly horoscope for February 28th 2022

With a new moon in the sign of Pisces on the horizon, this week is all about ambition, creativity and enthusiasm. This new beginning is your chance to invest your energy wisely into things that make you feel fulfilled and inspired, and stop letting negativity drag you down. ♈ Aries (March 21st - April 19th) Having a goal to strive for will keep you motivated and pushing ahead, even when times feel tough. Exercise your self-discipline and remember that not everything worth having comes easy. ♉ Taurus (April 20th - May 20th) Trying something new and outside your comfort zone will pay off in spades this week, as you open doors to new opportunities. Putting your energy into being creative will help you find new ways to express yourself. ♊ Gemini (May 21st - June 20th) In order to be productive and reach your goals, it’s important to rest and recharge. Take time for yourself this week, and remember that self-care is crucial to being able to soldier on and be the best version of yourself. ♋ Cancer (June 21st - July 22nd) This week, challenging your reserved nature by being assertive and fierce will see you gain the respect and admiration of your peers. Stand up for what you believe in, and don’t let others keep you from being true to yourself. ♌ Leo (July 23rd - August 22nd) Don’t push relationships that aren’t meant to be this week, as it will only hinder putting your energy into the right person. Deep down, you know when it feels right and when it’s time to let go. ♍ Virgo (August 23rd - September 22nd) As life seems tough and conflict seems rife, this week will challenge your problem solving skills. Think clearly and rationally, and remember to do what is best for yourself and those closest to you. ♎ Libra (September 23rd - October 22nd) Invest in your future this week, as financial gains are just around the corner if you know where to look for them. This life-long security could set you up for years to come, if you are willing to put in the work and make the calculated risk to see it all pay off. ♏ Scorpio (October 23rd - November 21st) Take the time to learn something new this week, whether it's a big life lesson or a small creative hobby. Investing in your education will help you see the world a little clearer, as knowledge is your greatest weapon. ♐ Sagittarius (November 22nd - December 21st) Getting a project or goal underway and fighting the urge to give up will be your greatest success this week. It's important to remember that hard work takes time, and if you are patient and motivated, a positive outcome is imminent. ♑ Capricorn (December 22nd - January 20th) Partake in a creative endeavour with a loved one this week, as sharing this new expression will see your relationships blossom. Using a different medium to divulge your emotions will open up a vulnerable and important conversation about the future. ♒ Aquarius (January 21st - February 18th) Realising that you can take something old and make it new again will be a valuable lesson this week. Instead of giving up on something, or someone, put in the time and effort to reevaluate your expectations and rejuvenate your life. ♓ Pisces (February 19th - March 20th) Challenge yourself this week by taking up a task or project that has always puzzled you. By pushing your creative limits to further understand your own boundaries, you will feel fulfilled in a new and exciting way. Image credits: Getty Images

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Your weekly horoscope for February 22nd 2022

As Pisces season ramps up in full force, this week is all about tuning into your emotions. The emotionally sensitive and aware water sign season will make you reevaluate the importance of your relationships, while also bringing out your inner empath. ♈ Aries (March 21st - April 19th) Your career will flourish this week, as long as you make the time to collaborate with people around you. You may think you overthink things or that you have overshared too soon, but your loved ones will appreciate your vulnerability. ♉ Taurus (April 20th - May 20th) Thinking big and passionately this week will pay off in spades, as you learn that your fears are the only obstacle to success. Tune in to the signals the universe is sending you, as everything happens with your best interests at heart. ♊ Gemini (May 21st - June 20th) Making a big leap in life will help you feel more secure in your life and finances, so invest in yourself and your future. Overcoming what you’re scared of will help you dive into a once in a lifetime situation. ♋ Cancer (June 21st - July 22nd) Embrace commitment in your relationships, as your partnerships will help bring out the best in you this week. Reflect on your own hesitations, and question what is making you reevaluate the comforts in your life. ♌ Leo (July 23rd - August 22nd) Contribution is key this week, as you learn you can still be a valuable team player without being the centre of attention. You will feel like your words and image are being misconstrued, making you jump to defend yourself. ♍ Virgo (August 23rd - September 22nd) Beware of sharing unrequited proclamations this week, as while your vulnerability will be appreciated, you run the risk of being misinterpreted. Let your hair down and have fun this week, and remember that giving up control isn’t always a bad thing. ♎ Libra (September 23rd - October 22nd) Improving your lifestyle choices this week will help you flourish in the long term, as you work to be the best version of yourself. Check in with your spending habits, and evaluate what can change instead of going into meltdown. ♏ Scorpio (October 23rd - November 21st) Passion and conviction will get you a long way this week, as you fight to be heard in a professional setting. Assess a situation using your intuition instead of logic, feeling out if you should dive into commitment with reckless abandon or not. ♐ Sagittarius (November 22nd - December 21st) Invest in yourself, your loved ones and your safe space this week, as you surround yourself with comforts. Consider going with the flow, instead of overthinking how things can go wrong. You may be pleasantly surprised. ♑ Capricorn (December 22nd - January 20th) Empathy and understanding will rule your week, as you become a shoulder for loved ones to lean on. Don’t close yourself off to the potential of a new experience or connection, as you work to overpower your instinct to recoil from emotional gestures. ♒ Aquarius (January 21st - February 18th) Despite your urge for independence, you will feel drawn to rely on others for support this week. Sit and relish in your emotions, although the discomfort is foreign, use this time to tune in to what you really want. ♓ Pisces (February 19th - March 20th) Collaborating with the right people will help to fulfil a lifelong dream this week, as you realise you can’t always do everything alone. Read the room and trust your instincts, as you know what’s best for you and your loved ones. Image credits: Getty Images

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Your weekly horoscope for February 14th 2022

With Wednesday’s full moon occurring in the sign of Leo, this week is all about courage, confidence and creativity.As the last days of Aquarius season are upon us, it’s time to be outspoken and candid as Pisces take their place in the spotlight for their powerful season. ♈ Aries (March 21st - April 19th)This week’s clarity will shed light on the importance of your close relationships, showing how much they need to be worked at and maintained. Despite feeling the Valentine’s Day pressure, step away from grand gestures and plan your moment wisely. ♉ Taurus (April 20th - May 20th)If you want something this week, only you can make it happen by toughening up your emotions. Lean on your friends, as this vulnerability could open doors for collaboration you never thought possible. ♊ Gemini (May 21st - June 20th)Use the chaotic power of the Leo full moon to try out those ideas that might seem a little too crazy to succeed, because the results may surprise you. Seeing your career in a more positive light will help you succeed at work, and fulfil the balance of success and freedom you’ve been searching for. ♋ Cancer (June 21st - July 22nd)If you’ve been waiting in the wings for your moment in the spotlight, it’s time to show them who’s boss this week. The urge to splurge will be strong this week, so keep a hold of your finances and don’t let the impulses win.♌ Leo (July 23rd - August 22nd)Your desire to be the centre of attention will be palpable this week, as the full moon thrusts you into centre stage. Take it in your stride, and don’t let arrogance take over your grace.♍ Virgo (August 23rd - September 22nd)You will yearn for more power and control in all aspects of your life this week, as you repel the idea of submission.A difficult situation will have you losing your head, where you would’ve otherwise stayed calm. Collect your thoughts and recalibrate your energy to get through the day. ♎ Libra (September 23rd - October 22nd)Negotiation and problem solving will be the key to healthy relationships this week, after a few rocky weeks in your communication sector. An unusual financial escapade will come your way, forcing you to focus on your own career journey. ♏ Scorpio (October 23rd - November 21st)Be bold and brave in your romantic gestures this week, as Valentine’s Day will bring out your inner hopeless romantic. Your natural creative flair will help solve a crisis at work, rather than letting the difficult situation spiral out of control. ♐ Sagittarius (November 22nd - December 21st)This week is your chance to decipher any messages that may have got lost in translation, as your communication skills will be on fire. Save your energy this week, as the Leo full moon has the power to match your fire with fire and make you feel burnt out. ♑ Capricorn (December 22nd - January 20th)This week’s full moon will give you the confidence and courage you need to put yourself out there and be the boss you know you can be.Usually reserved with your emotions, you will feel the pull to be open and vulnerable with loved ones and tell them how you really feel. ♒ Aquarius (January 21st - February 18th)Speaking your mind unapologetically will have you winning big this week, as people find themselves drawn to your convincing energy. Your emotions will feel heightened (in a good way), if you learn how to discern who you share your true self with. ♓ Pisces (February 19th - March 20th)Check in on your personal values this week, as you will feel tested by what you believe and what others try to sway you by. Celebrate the small wins, even if you haven’t quite hit your overall goals, as being kind to yourself will pay off in spades. Image credits: Getty Images

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Your weekly horoscope for February 14th 2022

News

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Catalogues

Travel

Health

Lifestyle

Finance

Entertainment

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Information

Keep up to date

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Woman launches true crime podcast to find her father's killer

Life behind bars ﻿for serial killer nurse

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Attention plant killers: new research shows your plants could be silently screaming at you

Study reveals the star sign most likely to be serial killers

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Your weekly horoscope for March 28th 2022

Your weekly horoscope for March 22nd 2022

Your weekly horoscope for March 14th 2022

Your weekly horoscope for March 7th 2022

Your weekly horoscope for February 28th 2022

Your weekly horoscope for February 22nd 2022

Your weekly horoscope for February 14th 2022

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