Britain, Taliban in Talks on 'Safe Passage Out of Afghanistan' for UK Nationals, Allied Afghans

Britain completed its troop withdrawal from Afghanistan on Saturday, evacuating 15,000 people in two weeks since the Taliban's takeover of Kabul. Still, London is facing strong criticism for reportedly leaving behind scores of Britons and Afghans who were eligible for relocation to the UK.

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Amber Ruffin reminds us, through song, that we still don't have police reform

Remember last year when Minneapolis police murdered George Floyd, sparking worldwide protests against racism and police brutality? Remember how people stood in solidarity and demanded police reform in order to prevent such events ever happening again? Remember how people thought that maybe, finally, something would change?

Well if your bubble of optimistic ignorance hasn't burst by now, The Amber Ruffin Show is here to drive a big ol' pin in it. Performing a literal song and dance about America's continued lack of police reform, Ruffin listed a number of other bills the U.S. Senate has gotten around to since Floyd was murdered — including one recognising National Police Week.

It sounds like a joke. It is not.

SEE ALSO: Thousands protest racism and police violence around the globe in solidarity with U.S.

To be fair, National Police Week is an annual event that has been recognised in the U.S. since the early '60s. Even so, continuing the tradition without clearly acknowledging the events of 2020 is remarkably tone deaf, and shows just how out of touch both the government and the police are with the community they allegedly aim to protect.

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'Possible Axis of China, Pakistan, and Taliban a Cause of Worry', Warns Ex-Indian Minister

The United Nations Security Council (UNSC), under the current presidency of India, on Monday adopted Resolution 2593. It coincided with the departure of the last US troops from Afghanistan late on 30 August. India assumed the presidency of the UNSC on 1 August for one month.

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Norway Sees Record COVID-19 Infection Rates Despite Vaccination Progress

Infection rates three times higher than previously envisaged have already put on hold Norway's reopening plans in order to boost vaccination rates. So far, Norway has managed to fully vaccinate 56.4 percent of its 5.3-million-strong population.

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Create engaging business videos with lifetime access to FlexClip's software

TL;DR: FlexClip Lifetime for Business is on sale for £107.89 as of Sept. 1, saving you 91% on list price.

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Learning to create stunning videos to promote your business doesn't require going back to school for a four-year degree. All you need is the right tools, like FlexClip for business, which is on sale for under £107.89 for a limited time.

FlexClip allows users to create and customise videos in as little as a few minutes. It gives you free rein to over 1,000 templates to choose from and millions of stock resources, including video clips, sound bites, animated elements, and even still stock images. And, of course, all the photos are high-resolution and all the music and videos are 100% royalty-free. 

But what really makes FlexClip great is the intuitive interface, which even allows total beginners to produce high-quality videos in less than an hour. You don't need any editing experience to be successful on this platform; all you need is a Windows, Mac, or Linux operating system to run it on. Its user-friendly design will help you through the rest.

FlexClip allows you to create videos that are up to 30 minutes long, and you can save multiple products online as you build them with 100GB of included cloud space. Take your videos to the next level by adding effects, unique voiceovers, and watermarks that are tailored to your business logo and other marketing materials. It makes sense why this program boasts 4.6 out of 5 stars on TrustPilot with over 700 reviews. It really is that easy to create dynamic video content to support your brand or business.

Lifetime access to FlexClip for business typically retails for £1,311, but you can slash hundreds of pounds off and snag a subscription for just £107.89 for a limited time.

Save 91% on FlexClip Lifetime for Business

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Doggo Evaluates Man's Catch, Feels Disgusted

It seems like this golden retriever harbours a grudge against fish for some reason.

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Is BoJo Gov't Ready to Tackle Potential Terror Threats From Afghanistan's Daesh-K & Other Jihadists?

Former Commander of the British Forces in Afghanistan Colonel Richard Kemp has raised a red flag, arguing that Britain is facing "the greatest danger from terrorism since [Daesh* was] at its height" following the withdrawal of US-NATO forces from the Central Asian state and the Taliban* takeover. Is the UK facing a new wave of jihadist terrorism?

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GOP Lawmaker Reportedly Missing After Threatening US Embassy Staff in Tajikistan

Last week, Reps. Seth Moulton (R-MA) and Peter Meijer (R-MI) took a secret, unadvised trip to Kabul, Afghanistan, to conduct what they referred to as oversight of evacuation efforts. The two lawmakers were among several Republicans and Democrats who urged Biden to extend the withdrawal past the 31 August deadline.

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Pregnant Women Suffer Severe COVID-19 Outcomes, With 17% Hospitalised, Fauci Says

WASHINGTON (Sputnik) - Pregnant women who contract COVID-19 face an elevated risk of life-threatening outcomes, with about 17 percent requiring hospitalisation, while few if any women vaccinated during pregnancy suffered severe adverse reactions, according to data from the past 18 months cited by Biden's coronavirus czar Anthony Fauci on Thursday.

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Simple Google Maps tips and tricks that everyone should know

We're know you're aware of Google Maps (you're on Mashable afterall). A free navigation tool available online and as an iOS and Android app, the service offers turn-by-turn walking, cycling, and driving directions to anywhere in the world, as well as public transport information. Google Maps is very easy to use if you want to quickly and easily generate a route map, but there's more to it, too: Under the hood it offers some pretty advanced functionality.

We're taking a look at some tips and tricks for Google Maps you might not know...

Add in stops to a navigation route

Credit: screengrab: google maps

The default setting for Google Maps' navigation functionality involves a start point and your destination, but it is possible to add in additional stops. This will not only offer you a smoother navigation experience, but will also give you a better idea of how long your total journey will take. To add in a stop to your next journey, enter your starting point and ultimate destination as normal, then tap on the three dots at the top right of your screen. This will bring up an options menu that includes the ability to "Add stop." You can add multiple stops.

Change your Google Maps vehicle icon

Credit: screengrab: google maps

It's possible in Google Maps to change the icon that shows your location. By default this is a blue arrow, but if you're in driving navigation mode, you can turn it into a more fun vehicle icon. Tap on the icon that shows your current location. You'll see three options you can change the standard icon to: a car, a pick-up truck, or an SUV.

Save the location of your parked car

Credit: screengrab: google maps

You can save your parking location so you remember where you left your car. Simply tap the icon that shows your location. Android users then need to tap "Save your parking," while for iOS it's "Set as parking location." Your parking location will be saved in Google Maps until you remove it.

Share your current location with others

Credit: screengrab: google maps

Google Maps allows you to share your current location with people for specific periods of time. If you share your location with a contact, they will have the ability to see your location icon moving in real time. To share your location, tap your profile icon on the top of your screen and choose "Location sharing." You'll now get options as to who to share your location with and for how long.

Download a map for offline use

Credit: screengrab: google maps

If you're heading somewhere where cell coverage might get patchy, it's a good idea to download your route plan for offline use. To do this, set up your navigation as you normally would, then tap the three dots menu at the top of your screen. Select "Download offline map." Now, if you run into difficulty with coverage, the map for the area you've selected will be available to you offline.

See your Google Maps history

Credit: screengrab: google maps

If you want to take a trip down memory lane, it's possible to view your entire Google Maps history as a timeline. Head to Google Maps' timeline website to view a map of all the places you’ve ever been.

Create a favorite locations Google Maps list

Credit: screengrab: google maps

It's possible within Google Maps to create very useful lists. This could be your favorite places, for example. To generate such a list, tap on the location you want to save and tap "Save." Now you have the ability to create a "New list" and give it a name. Add further locations to the same list by the same method.

Add labels to locations

Credit: screengrab: google maps

Google Maps makes it possible to add custom labels to locations, to which you can then navigate by entering the name of the label into the navigation search bar. This is very useful functionality to save specific places. Search for a location or do a long press on your phone's screen at the spot you want to save in order to generate a location pin. Now look for the options at the bottom of your screen and swipe to see the "Label" option.

Have fun with a Google Maps Easter egg

Credit: screengrab: google maps

Our final trick is a fun Easter egg that works on the desktop version of Google Maps. If you go to Area 51 in Nevada and drag Google Maps' little pegman icon onto the screen, he turns into a flying saucer!

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Watch as a recalled Chevy Bolt bursts into flames in a parking lot overnight

New footage of a burning Bolt EV added more fuel to Chevy's raging battery fire saga this week.

Early Monday morning, 20-year-old Jesus Damian's 2017 Bolt EV burst into flames while sitting in a parking lot near his apartment in Sacramento, California. The all-electric vehicle was unplugged and off when the fire broke out. The fireball comes after Chevy expanded its recall of Bolts to include every model year earlier this month. The initial recall in November occurred after several reports of battery fires. GM blames battery-maker LG for manufacturing defects.

A neighbor who witnessed fire crews putting out the flames sent over a quick video to Damian. The video was taken at 2 a.m. Monday. He was asleep in an apartment far from the lot, but nearby residents told him they "heard a loud boom and then cracking sounds and the huge flame," as he posted on Reddit. The cars parked around his Bolt, including a Maserati, a Chevy Cruze, and a Hyundai Elantra, were also damaged.

After posting photos of the destroyed car to Reddit, Damian wrote, "I more so [sic] made this post so people can understand and see that this is real and it is happening."

The owner said he has since been in touch with Chevy and his car insurance company and plans to sue GM. Chevy didn't immediately respond to Mashable's request for comment about the car fire.

"At this point it is a waiting game with everyone," Damian wrote in an email. He said he's feeling a lot of frustration and anger.

The fire, which likely started from the battery beneath the floor, left the car unrecognizable. The Chevy Bolt had about 36,000 miles on it and included the more-expensive Premier package from the first year Chevy started making the Bolt.

The 2017 Chevy Bolt when it was brand new. Credit: Jesus Damian

The Chevy Bolt after the battery fire. Credit: Jesus Damian

When Chevy added its entire Bolt line, including the 2022 EUV, its first all-electric car that you can drive hands free, to its recall in August, General Motors said it could cost as much as $1.8 billion.

At the time, GM had offered to replace all the battery cells in recalled cars, but that effort has been paused as the company worries that its battery supplier, LG, can't make "defect-free" products.

"We’re not going to start recall repairs or start building new Bolts until we’re confident LG will build defect-free products," GM spokesperson Dan Flores told the Detroit Free-Press just days ago.

Prior to notifying customers that they'd get new battery cells with better range and an eight-year warranty, GM only offered a software fix in June. But then cars that got the software fix continued to catch fire.

The factory where Bolts are made is temporarily shut down until at least Sept. 6 as GM investigates the specific cause of the battery problem leading to the car fires.

Before the fiery scene in Sacramento, GM advised Bolt owners to charge their batters only to 90 percent and not let the charge fall below 70 miles of range. That limits drivers used to at least 238 miles of range to 144 miles, or about 60 percent of capacity. The burned-out Bolt from this new video clocked in at 34 miles of charge when it exploded.

The automaker also suggested parking outside after charging and avoiding indoor parking overnight. Damian posted on Reddit that he normally charges at a Level 2 ChargePoint plug at the mall where he works and only "fills" it to 85 percent about every five days. Level 2 charging is among the most common. It's a step above plugging into a wall outlet and a step below so-called "fast-charging."

Bolt owners surveyed by EV battery health platform Recurrent were having a hard time complying with the fire prevention guidance. Recurrent found as many as 30 percent of 1,000 Chevy Bolt owners surveyed weren't following recall guidelines as of last week.

SEE ALSO: Chevy paid me $33,000 after it recalled my Bolt EV. Here's how I got my money back.

Although the 2017 car was part of the original recall, Damian performed the software fix and continued using the vehicle since he didn't have any indication that something was wrong before parking. On the morning of the fire, he wrote, "I woke up to my phone saying that my car needed attention from the myChevrolet app. I was walking to my car to go to work in the morning and found it like that."

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Rose McGowan Rips 'Lizard' Oprah Winfrey for Being 'Pals' With Harvey Weinstein, Fake MeToo Allyship

Back in 2017, Oprah Winfrey referred to the downfall of Harvey Weinstein as a "watershed moment" for individuals who have been the victim of sexual assault. However, many have questioned the extent of the media mogul's ties to the Hollywood producer, as many images have been circulated showing a rather cozy relationship between the two.

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US Navy Helicopter Crashes Off San Diego Coast, Military Says

Search and rescue operations are now underway. It is yet unclear exactly how many people were on board, but the aircraft usually operates with a crew of four, according to the Naval Air Systems Command.

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MacBooks aren't the only great laptops — and this list proves it

Not all laptops are created equal, and if you’re in the market for a new one, doing a solid bit of research beforehand is required. Even if you're not buying one yet, it'll make it that much easier for you to make a smart purchase once the shopping holidays roll around.

We all pretty much live our lives around our computers — from work in the morning to Netflix and Zoom calls with friends at night. While finding a new laptop can seem like a big task, that’s why we’re here (our top picks are all below — you’re welcome!). As is the case with any big tech purchase, there are a few basic things you’ll definitely want to consider before you look through our curated list. Of course, everyone’s got their own needs (gamers are going to be looking for a dazzling 4K display, for example), but it’s good for anyone to keep the following in mind:

How do I go about shopping for a new laptop?

Choosing a laptop is mostly dependent on what you'll be using it for. Beginner laptop owners need something user-friendly and straightforward, frequent travelers need something light with a long battery life, designers and gamers need top-notch 4K graphics and quick central processors, and everyone needs something that will last. Take stock of what you need and what you'd like your new computer to accomplish. Do you want to be able to zip between browser tabs at lightning speed? Do you want to able to run video games? Do you need to be able to switch from a laptop to a tablet at a moment's notice? Answering these questions will help you narrow down exactly what type of laptop you need, and in turn, what brands you should be directing your attention to.

What size laptop should I be looking for?

This will ultimately be decided by two factors: Personal preference and lifestyle. On the personal preference front, you really just need to figure out if you want a huge display, or something more portable that you can chuck into your backpack. Lifestyle is where practicality comes into play. If you travel often and usually have your computer on your person in some way, you're going to want to go with something more light and compact. On the other hand, if you're a huge movie buff or graphic designer who doesn't normally take their laptop on the road with them, spring for a 15-inch (or bigger) screen.

Keep an eye out for battery life

The whole point of a laptop is that it’s meant to be portable, so having a battery that keeps you ticking along for several hours without needing a recharge is pretty much a must. And there’s more to it than that, too: In terms of the larger-picture battery life, you’ll want to look for a battery that’s meant to last for charge after charge and (hopefully) one that you can replace once it does give out.

Be mindful of weight

The lighter, the better should be your motto when shopping for a laptop. If you have to carry your computer with you — whether it’s to summer classes or for travel — you don’t want something that’s going to make your back hurt by the end of the day. Luckily, laptops are lighter than ever these days, but it’s still worth keeping an eye on the ounces so you don’t wind up with a machine you have to lug around.

How much should I spend on a new laptop?

It's really going to come down to your budget.

While we’d all like an unlimited budget for tech purchases, realistically speaking you probably have a general range in mind for what you want to spend on this. If you rely on the machine day in and day out — and it’s not something you only occasionally spend time on — then getting the computer that’ll get the job done and is built to last is super-important. And while yes, the cost of the latest MacBook Pro might make some people balk, there are plenty of other players in the game these days that bring great-quality machines at less hair-raising prices, like Huawei and Lenovo.

You should think hard about what you're going to use your laptop for. If you need a device with lots of power under the hood and ample storage space, aim for something in the $800 and beyond range. If you're only using your laptop to edit the occasional Google Doc or Excel spreadsheet, then you can probably get away with spending below the $500 mark.

Is a cheaper laptop even worth it?

When it comes to tech in general, you really do get what you pay for. But, thanks to the bar-raising devices that have come out in the last few years, a cheap laptop can actually take you pretty far. It's all about knowing which one to select — depending on what you use your laptop for the most, staying stingy might be your best option. (Here are our favorite budget-friendly laptop models under $500, and the best under $300, for reference.)

We've put together a definitive guide (based on hours of research) to the best laptops on the market. We compare top brands that you probably have in mind like Apple, Dell, and Acer, as well as other huge players you may not have even seen coming like Huawei and Lenovo. Trust us, you're in good hands.

Now, read on for our top laptop picks for 2021.

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If your kid needs a new laptop, these are your best options

The learning experience is fundamentally different for kids now than it was even for today's 20-somethings — especially for elementary and middle schools. A lot of that change can be attributed to laptops.

The Covid-induced school closures that spanned 2020 cemented the cruciality of a kid having easy access to a laptop at home. Both teachers and parents were forced to make online learning work — and now that the groove has been found, a hybrid model may just be the future for some classrooms even after pandemic protections are a thing of the past.

Sheer convenience isn't the only reason for kids to have a laptop. The importance of access to email and virtual learning platforms like Blackboard while a kid's not at school can't be understated (and for a lot of kids, it's far less intimidating than talking to a teacher IRL.) Digital accessibility to school materials and other resources can cultivate a sense of autonomy and responsibility in students: The Speak Up Research Project for Digital Learning found that high schoolers who were assigned a laptop were more likely to take notes in class, do internet research, create documents to share, collaborate with their peers on projects, check their grades, and get reminders about due dates or tests.

Are first graders going to be taking notes or keeping track of their own test scores? Probably not. But as children move from elementary to middle to high school, computers are made a more integral part of the curriculum and assignments. Young kids can stay ahead of the curve by practicing those skills at home — it's like practicing reading with your preschooler or letting your 15-year-old practice driving in a parking lot. Easing them into the responsibility of keeping a device charged can work as preparation for a cell phone as well.

As schools continue to solidify laptop-based curricula, we expect retailers to make it easy for parents to buy their kids a laptop. Shoppers saw an emphasis on affordable laptops and Chromebooks in the early month of school shutdowns, and shopping holidays like Prime Day and Black Friday will likely keep student-friendly laptops at the top of the deals list — even if remote learning has fizzled out.

How to monitor your kid's computer activity without smothering them

Handing a laptop to your kid (and subsequently setting them loose on the internet) naturally comes with safety concerns. The already-huge screen time debate was forced into the spotlight when the coronavirus required schools to close, forcing caregivers to find a way to keep kids entertained and engaged all day, every day. Parents were told to not freak out about their kids staring at a screen while stuck at home, as the evidence connecting screen time and cognitive or behavior development is pretty meager. But if you're worried that too much freedom will result in kids landing on an inappropriate site or going into technology zombie mode, parental control software steps in to strike a healthy balance.

What's the difference between a Chromebook and a laptop?

A Chromebook is a laptop that operates almost solely on the internet. These laptops aren't inherently kids' laptops, but their low price point, cute and compact designs, and security features do make them a good option for iffy parents and kids who will be doing most of their work on a web browser (like playing on ABCmouse or typing on Google Docs).

Being locked into Chrome OS isn't as limiting as it sounds. Actually, it provides some freedoms that regular laptops can't. Because everything is automatically stored on Google Drive, your kid won't lose all of their work if they forget to save a document or if the Chromebook itself crashes. This also means that kids can access their slideshow or essay on any computer where they can log into their Google account.

Kids perusing the internet might sound like a virus waiting to happen. Every web page or Chrome app runs its own sandbox, essentially ensuring that other parts of the computer won't be compromised even if that page gets hacked or "infected."

However, malware has nothing on Chrome. Most hackers are aiming at Windows or Mac and ignore Google's OS (for now), making it highly unlikely for a Chromebook to get a virus. If something sketchy were to happen, the threat can be wiped out by closing the page or reverting to factory settings. Parents and teachers can get some peace of mind without constantly looking over their child's shoulder, and children can surf the web without feeling like they're being watched.

Laptops for younger kids versus older kids

Some criteria make sense for all ages. Young kids need something sturdy that can handle drops or bumps, and older kids need something that can handle being lugged in a backpack alongside heavy books. Long battery life makes everyone's life easier, too.

Processing power and storage will likely be your main deciding factors, and it all depends on what the kid will be doing on the laptop. Younger kids may do some light schoolwork, play games, or watch a movie, but there's no reason to pay for RAM over 4 GB to run a few apps for school or a fancy screen to play Overcooked! 2. Faster RAM and increased screen resolution will be important for high school or college students who need a device that can multitask with power-sucking apps like PhotoShop or software for a statistics course. Ample storage space is a must to house things like schoolwork and downloaded textbooks.

Here are the best laptops for kids in 2021:

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Report: Biden Advised Ghani to Portray Fight Against Taliban as Successful 'Whether True or Not'

A recently disclosed conversation has revealed that both the American president and fugitive Afghan leader were not expecting Kabul to fall so quickly to the Islamists, although intelligence made such warnings as the US was hastily evacuating its people from the country.

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15 incredible wildlife photos that show nature's quiet, striking, and brutal moments

A coalition of cheetahs crossing Kenya's dangerously raging Talek River. Bioluminescent mushrooms glowing bright green in far north Queensland, Australia. A deadly kitchen battle in Quito, Ecuador, between a tarantula and a tarantula hawk wasp.

Having been run for 57 years by the Natural History Museum in London, the Wildlife Photographer of the Year competition showcases exceptional nature photography from around the globe — and despite the obvious technical prowess of the photographers, it can be a challenging, unsettling, and often disturbing collection of images to look at, to be honest. Yet, as is typically the case in the natural world, they never fail to be hauntingly beautiful.

SEE ALSO: Stunning microscopic videos illuminate some of Earth’s deeply hidden mysteries

This year's competition saw over 50,000 entries across 95 countries. The overall winner will be announced on Oct. 12, and the annual exhibition of the photographs opens on Oct. 15 at the Natural History Museum itself. Here are 15 of the highly commended winners in categories such as animal portraits, behaviour, and underwater, to name a few, as well as images from younger photographers in their teens and under 10.

Fair warning, some of the images are not easy to view, containing some brutal moments.

"Storm fox" by Jonny Armstrong, U.S. Highly commended, Animal Portraits. Credit: Jonny Armstrong

"The fox was busy searching in the shallows for salmon carcasses — sockeye salmon that had died after spawning. At the water’s edge, Jonny was lying on his chest, aiming for a low, wide angle. The vixen was one of only two red foxes resident on the tiny island in Karluk Lake, on Alaska’s Kodiak Island, and she was surprisingly bold," reads the competition statement.

"Taking advantage of the window of deepening atmospheric light created by a storm rolling in, he was after a dramatic portrait. But working with a manual flash, he had to preset the power for a soft spotlight — just enough to bring out the texture of her coat at relatively close range. Now he was hoping she would come closer. As she did, his companion and fellow researcher raised up the diffused flash for him. It was just enough to pique her curiosity, giving Jonny his atmospheric portrait — studio-style — moments before the deluge of rain."

"The great swim" by Buddhilini de Soyza, Sri Lanka/Australia. Highly commended, Behaviour (Mammals). Credit: Buddhilini de Soyza

"When the Tano Bora coalition of male cheetahs leapt into the raging Talek River in Kenya’s Maasai Mara, Dilini feared they would not make it. Unseasonable, relentless rain (possibly linked to the changing climate) had, by January 2020, caused the worst flooding local elders had ever known. Cheetahs are strong (if not keen) swimmers, and with the prospect of more prey on the other side of the river, they were determined. Dilini followed them for hours from the opposite bank as they searched for a crossing point," reads the statement.

"'A couple of times the lead cheetah waded into the river, only to turn back,' says Dilini. Calmer stretches — perhaps with a greater risk of lurking crocodiles — were spurned. 'Suddenly, the leader jumped in,' she says. Three followed, and then finally the fifth. Dilini watched them being swept away by the torrents, faces grimacing. Against her expectations and much to her relief, all five made it."

"Net loss" by Audun Rikardsen, Norway. Highly commended, Oceans - The Bigger Picture. Credit: Audun Rikardsen

"In the wake of a fishing boat, a slick of dead and dying herrings covers the surface of the sea off the coast of Norway. The boat had caught too many fish, and when the encircling wall of the purse-seine net was closed and winched up, it broke, releasing tons of crushed and suffocated animals. Audun was on board a Norwegian coastguard vessel, on a project to satellite‑tag killer whales," reads the statement.

"For the Norwegian coastguard — responsible for surveillance of the fishing fleet — the spectacle of carnage and waste was effectively a crime scene. So Audun’s photographs became the visual evidence in a court case that resulted in a conviction and fine for the owner of the boat."

"Mushroom magic" by Juergen Freund, Germany/Australia. Highly commended, Plants and Fungi. Credit: Juergen Freund

"It was on a summer night, at full moon, after monsoon rain, that Juergen found the ghost fungus, on a dead tree in the rainforest near his home in Queensland, Australia. He needed a torch to keep to the track, but every few metres he would switch it off to scan the dark for the ghostly glow. His reward was this cluster of hand-sized fruiting bodies," reads the statement.

"Comparatively few species of fungi are known to make light in this way, through a chemical reaction: luciferin oxidizing in contact with the enzyme luciferase. But why the ghost fungus glows is a mystery. No spore‑dispersing insects seem to be attracted by the light, which is produced constantly and may just be a by-product of the fungi’s metabolism. Juergen crouched on the forest floor for at least 90 minutes to take eight five minute exposures — to capture the dim glow — at different focal points, which were merged (focus stacked), to create one sharp-focus image."

"Natural magnetism" by Jaime Culebras, Spain. Highly commended, Urban Wildlife. Credit:

"When Jaime spotted this tarantula hawk wasp dragging a tarantula across his kitchen floor, in Quito, Ecuador, he rushed to get his camera. By the time he got back, the giant wasp – nearly four centimetres long — was hoisting its victim up the side of the fridge," reads the statement.

"Tarantula hawks are said to have among the most painful stings on the planet, deadly when used on a spider. They actually feed on nectar and pollen, but the females also hunt tarantulas as food for their carnivorous larvae...Jaime waited for the colourful wasp to level with his fridge magnets, then framed his shot to include this passing addition to his collection."

"Deep feelers" by Laurent Ballesta, France. Highly commended, Underwater. Credit: Laurent Ballesta

"In deep water off the French Mediterranean coast, among cold-water black coral, Laurent came across a surreal sight — a vibrant community of thousands of narwhal shrimps. Their legs weren’t touching, but their exceptionally long, highly mobile outer antennae were. It appeared that each shrimp was in touch with its neighbours and that, potentially, signals were being sent across a far‑reaching network," reads the statement.

"Research suggests that such contact is central to the shrimps’ social behaviour, in pairing and competition. In such deep water (78 metres down — 256 feet), Laurent’s air supply included helium (to cut back on nitrogen absorbed), which enabled him to stay at depth longer, stalk the shrimps and compose an image at close quarters."

"Toxic design" by Gheorghe Popa, Romania. Highly commended, Natural Artistry. Credit: Gheorghe Popa

"This eye-catching detail of a small river in the Geamana Valley, within Romania’s Apuseni Mountains, took Gheorghe by surprise. Though he had been visiting the region for several years, using his drone to capture images of the valley’s ever‑changing patterns, he had never come across such a striking combination of colours and shapes. But these designs — perhaps made sharp by recent heavy rain — are the result of an ugly truth," reads the statement.

"In the late 1970s, more than 400 families living in Geamana were forced to leave to make way for waste flowing from the nearby Rosia Poieni mine — a mine exploiting one of the largest deposits of copper ore and gold in Europe. The picturesque valley became a ‘tailings pond’ filled with an acidic cocktail, containing pyrite (fool’s gold), iron and other heavy metals, laced with cyanide. These toxic materials have infiltrated the groundwater and threatened waterways more widely. The settlement was gradually engulfed with millions of tons of toxic waste."

"Lynx on the threshold" by Sergio Marijuán, Spain. Highly commended, Urban Wildlife. Credit: Sergio Marijuán

"A young Iberian lynx pauses in the doorway of the abandoned hayloft where it was raised, on a farm in eastern Sierra Morena, Spain. He will soon be leaving his mother's territory. Once widespread on the Iberian Peninsula of Spain and Portugal, by 2002 there were fewer than 100 lynx in Spain and none in Portugal. Their decline was driven by hunting, killing by farmers, habitat loss and loss of prey (they eat mainly rabbits)," reads the statement.

"Thanks to ongoing conservation efforts — reintroduction, rewilding, prey boosting and the creation of natural corridors and tunnels — Iberian lynx have escaped extinction and, though still endangered, are fully protected. Only recently, with numbers increasing, have they begun to take advantage of human environments. This individual is one of the latest in a family line to emerge from the old hayloft. After months of waiting, Sergio’s carefully-set camera trap finally gave him the picture he wanted."

"A caring hand" by Douglas Gimesy, Australia. Highly commended, Photojournalism. Credit: Douglas Gimesy

"After a feed of special formula milk, an orphaned grey-headed flying-fox pup lies on a ‘mumma roll’, sucking on a dummy and cradled in the hand of wildlife-carer Bev. She was three weeks old when she was found on the ground in Melbourne, Australia, and taken to a shelter," reads the statement.

"Grey‑headed flying-foxes, endemic to eastern Australia, are threatened by heat-stress events and destruction of their forest habitat — where they play a key role in seed dispersal and pollination. They also come into conflict with people, get caught in netting and on barbed wire and electrocuted on power lines. At eight weeks, the pup will be weaned onto fruit, then flowering eucalyptus. After a few months, she will join a crèche and build up flight fitness, before being moved next to Melbourne’s Yarra Bend bat colony, for eventual release into it."

"Up for grabs" by Jack Zhi, U.S. Highly commended, Behaviour: Birds Credit: Jack Zhi

"In southern California, USA, a juvenile white-tailed kite reaches to grab a live mouse from the clutches of its hovering father. A more experienced bird would have approached from behind (it’s easier to coordinate a mid-air transfer if you are both moving in the same direction), but this cinnamon streaked youngster had been flying for just two days and still had much to learn," the statement reads.

"To get the shot, Jack had to abandon his tripod, grab his camera and run. The result was the highlight of three years’ work — the action and the conditions came together perfectly. Meanwhile, the fledgling missed but then circled around and seized the mouse."

"Apollo landing" by Emelin Dupieux, France. Highly commended, 11-14 Years Credit: Emelin Dupieux

"As dusk starts to fall, an Apollo butterfly settles on an oxeye daisy. Emelin had long dreamed of photographing the Apollo, a large mountain butterfly with a wingspan up to 90 millimetres (31/2 inches) and now one of Europe’s threatened butterflies, at risk from the warming climate and extreme weather events," reads the statement.

"In summer, on holiday in the Haut-Jura Regional Nature Park, on the French‑Swiss border, Emelin found himself surrounded by alpine meadows full of butterflies, including Apollos...After numerous adjustments of settings and focus, Emelin finally achieved his emblematic image."

'Lockdown chicks' by Gagana Mendis Wickramasinghe, Sri Lanka. Highly commended, 10 years and under. Credit: Gagana Mendis Wickramasinghe

"Three rose-ringed parakeet chicks pop their heads out of the nest hole as their father returns with food. Watching was 10‑year-old Gagana, on the balcony of his parents’ bedroom, in Colombo, Sri Lanka. The hole was at eye level with the balcony, in a dead areca-nut palm in the backyard, which his parents had deliberately left standing to attract wildlife," reads the competition statement.

"In the spring of 2020, during the long days of the island-wide lockdown, Gagana and his older brother had hours of entertainment watching the parakeet family and experimenting with their cameras, sharing lenses and a tripod, always mindful that the slightest movement or noise would stop the chicks showing themselves."

'Raw moment' by Lara Jackson, UK. Highly commended, Animal Portraits. Credit: Lara Jackson

"Bright red blood dripped from her muzzle — oxygenated blood, indicating that her wildebeest meal was still alive. Perhaps being inexperienced, this young lioness had not made a clean kill and had begun eating the still struggling animal. Now, with a paw holding it down, she gave Lara an intense stare. More than 2 million wildebeest move through the north of Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park on their annual migration in search of greener grass, providing the Serengeti lions with a seasonal glut of food. Lara had spotted the lioness just as she pounced," reads the statement.

"Lions’ primary hunting strategy is stalking, but this one had just been resting in the long grass, when the wildebeest wandered by. 'She was already quite full,' says Lara, 'probably after feeding the night before, but she grabbed the opportunity for an easy meal.'"

"The nurturing wetland" by Rakesh Pulapa, India. Highly commended, Wetlands - The Bigger Picture. Credit: Rakesh Pulapa

"Houses on the edge of Kakinada city reach the estuary, buffered from the sea by the remains of a mangrove swamp. Development has already destroyed 90 percent of mangroves — salt-tolerant trees and shrubs — along this eastern coastal area of Andhra Pradesh, India," reads the statement.

"But mangroves are now recognized as vital for coastal life, human and non-human. Their roots trap organic matter, providing carbon storage, slow incoming tides, protect communities against storms and create nurseries for numerous fish and other species that fishing communities rely on. Flying his drone over the area, Rakesh could see the impact of human activities — pollution, plastic waste and mangrove clearance — but this picture seemed to sum up the protective, nurturing girdle that mangroves provide for such storm-prone tropical communities."

"The gripping end" by Wei Fu, Thailand. Highly commended, Behaviour: Amphibians and Reptiles. Credit: Wei Fu

"Clutched in the coils of a golden tree snake, a red-spotted tokay gecko stays clamped onto its attacker’s head in a last attempt at defence. Named for their to‑kay call, tokay geckos are large — up to 40 centimetres (16 inches) long — feisty and have powerful jaws. But they are also a favourite prey of the golden tree snake," reads the statement.

This snake, common in the lowland forests of South and Southeast Asia, also hunts lizards, amphibians, birds and even bats, and is one of five snakes that can ‘fly’, expanding its ribs and flattening its body to glide from branch to branch. Wei was photographing birds at a park near his home in Bangkok, Thailand, when his attention was caught by the loud croaking and hissing warnings of the gecko."

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The 10 best action movies on HBO Max for a little adrenaline bump

Want to shake off the doldrums of a long day with something bone-rattlingly exciting? You need an action movie stuffed with fantastic fights, stupendous stunts, calamitous chases, and climactic spectacle so bonkers it’ll blow your mind. Whether your interests lean to science-fiction, fantasy, cop-drama, disaster flicks, superheroes, heist thrillers, mythic monsters, family-friendly adventure, or R-rated violence, we’ve got you covered with a top-notch collection of awesome movies.

Here are the 10 best action movies on HBO Max.

1. The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring

J.R.R. Tolkien’s high-fantasy novel is brought to vivid life by Peter Jackson’s Lord of the Rings Trilogy, which began in 2001 with this widely acclaimed first chapter. In the mystical realm of Middle-earth, a humble Hobbit known as Frodo Baggins (Elijah Wood) takes on an epic quest to destroy a mighty token sought by a powerful sorcerer. Hunted by dark forces, Frodo finds strength in the fellowship that surrounds him. Noble elves, brooding warriors, churlish dwarves, wise wizards, and hungry Hobbits join in the battle to save their world in a celebrated film series that had audiences and critics in awe. Best yet, you can make a DIY movie marathon by adding The Two Towers and The Return of the King to your watch list.

How to watch: The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring is streaming on HBO Max.

2. Jurassic Park

Adapted from Michael Crichton’s science-gone-awry novel of the same name, Jurassic Park offers audiences an exhilarating — and sometimes terrifying — tour through an amusement park where dinosaurs roam and hunt. At first, this seems like a dream come true to paleontologist Dr. Alan Grant (Sam Neill) and paleobotanist Dr. Ellie Sattler (Laura Dern). But once the Tyrannosaurus rex gets loose, this walk in the park becomes a real nightmare. Director Steven Spielberg awed audiences not only with the Academy Award-winning visual effects that resurrected long-extinct dinos, but also with masterfully paced action sequences. Many of these are nail-biting escape scenes, with the human heroes fleeing the jaws and claws of apex predators. Thanks to captivating characters, life-or-death stakes, and clever girls, each was a showpiece that had critics and audiences roaring with excitement. Simply put, this 1993 blockbuster hasn’t aged a day.

How to watch: Jurassic Park is streaming on HBO Max.

3. The Matrix

Can you see the world inside the code? Credit: Warner Bros/Village Roadshow Pictures/Kobal/Shutterstock

It’s the 1999 action movie that changed the game. Keanu Reeves stars as Neo, a hacker who tumbles down a digital rabbit hole to discover the world he knows is a simulation. Joining forces with a band of rebels (that includes Laurence Fishburne and Carrie-Anne Moss), he seeks to topple the robot tyrants that have enslaved humanity. This quest leads to eye-popping fights, breath-snatching escapes, and mind-bending reveals. Writing and directing duo Lana and Lilly Wachowski blew critics and audiences away with their incredible vision. Their disturbing sci-fi dystopia is snugly wrapped in a captivating cyberpunk aesthetic that’s as cool as Reeves is in a long black trench coat. On top of all this, the Wachowskis presented their ground-breaking visual effect, “bullet time,” which slowed action down but gave a bevy of angles to make every hit land harder. You can keep the thrills going by completing the trilogy: The Matrix Reloaded and The Matrix Revolutions are also available on HBO Max.

How to watch: The Matrix is streaming on HBO Max.

4. Independence Day

When a devastating alien invasion hits Earth, it’s up to a motley crew of American heroes to save the day. Co-written and directed by Roland Emmerich, Independence Day follows a snarky satellite engineer (Jeff Goldblum), a scrappy single mom (Vivica A. Fox), a wacky Vietnam War vet (Randy Quaid), a cocky yet charismatic fighter-pilot (Will Smith), and a brave president (Bill Pullman) through a globe-rattling battle for the future of mankind. A series of stellar action set pieces deliver massive explosions, narrow escapes, breath-taking air battles, and a satisfying punch right in the face of an attacking extraterrestrial (“Welcome to Earth!”). As masterfully executed as it was ambitious, this 1996 film won praise from critics, an Academy Award for Best Visual Effects, and the love of audiences worldwide. Plus, it minted Will Smith as an action star and pushed a trend of big-budget disaster movies. However, few could compete with the jaw-dropping spectacle found in this holiday hit.

How to watch: Independence Day is streaming on HBO Max.

5. Rush Hour

In 1998, Hong-Kong-born Jackie Chan's star was still on the rise in the U.S. when he broke out in this mayhem-rich movie. Director/producer Brett Ratner thought Chan’s mastery of martial arts, audacious stunts, and comedic timing would make him a perfect match for a buddy comedy. Cultures clash hilariously in this smash hit, which co-stars a high-kicking Chan and high-energy comedian Chris Tucker as a couple of cops paired up to rescue the kidnapped daughter of a Chinese diplomat from a vicious crime lord. As packed with wise-cracking as it is butt-kicking, Rush Hour had audiences bursting with cheers and laughter, pushing both of its leads into the Hollywood firmament. If you can handle triple the fun, marathon this hit with its whiz-bang sequels, Rush Hour 2 and Rush Hour 3.

How to watch: Rush Hour is streaming on HBO Max.

6. Birds of Prey

HBO Max has a whole hub dedicated to DC adaptations, meaning you can enjoy everything from The Justice League to Constantine to a slew of Batman movies and animated offerings. Subscribers are spoiled for choice. But our pick for the movie most jam-packed with bonkers action is 2020’s Birds of Prey: And the Fantabulous Emancipation of One Harley Quinn. The Suicide Squad sidekick finally gets her solo outing, and director Cathy Yan dreamed up an incredible three-ring circus of action scenes, ranging from bone-snapping bar brawls to glitter-bombed prison breaks, a maniacal musical number, a car chase on roller skates, and a team-up showdown that is explosively awesome. Margot Robbie stars alongside Mary Elizabeth Winstead, Rosie Perez, Jurnee Smollett-Bell, and Ella Jay Basco in an R-rated superhero movie that’s audaciously violent, unapologetically sexy, and as wild fun as a Harley movie demands. (For bonus thrills, check out the TV-MA cartoon series Harley Quinn.)

How to watch: Birds of Prey is streaming on HBO Max.

7. Inception

There's a lot of layers to keep up with, but wild set pieces like this make it go down smooth. Credit: Warner Bros/Kobal/Shutterstock

Writer/director Christopher Nolan has elevated the action genre with sophisticated and spectacular films like Tenet and his Dark Knight Trilogy. However, his most inventive action movie (so far) has been the reality-bending heist flick Inception. Suited up and set to stun, Leonardo DiCaprio heads a crew of specially trained thieves, who scheme to commit corporate sabotage through a consciousness-invading technology. Simply put, they’re going to break into the dreams of a powerful heir to bend him to their will. That is, if the dream worlds around them don’t kill them first. Within this premise, Nolan created a metropolis that can fold into itself; a hotel that tumbles like a slinky; dark twists; tricky totems; and a finale that still has tongues wagging. Bringing bravado alongside DiCaprio is an all-star cast that includes Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Elliot Page, Tom Hardy, Ken Watanabe, Marion Cotillard, and Cillian Murphy.

How to watch: Inception is streaming on HBO Max.

8. Mad Max: Fury Road

This movie had no right to be this damn awesome. The fourth installment of a franchise that had been fallow for 30 years, Mad Max: Fury Road was plagued by production problems and rumors of tensions onset. Yet, upon its release in 2015, not only were audiences and critics blown away, but so was the Academy, awarding six Oscars as well as nominations for Best Picture and Best Director. Helmer George Miller turned the story of a post-apocalyptic loner (Tom Hardy) into an operatic epic, exploding with pulse-pounding car chases, frenzied escapes, jaw-dropping violence, and flame-throwing guitar solos. On top of all that exhilarating carnage, this outrageous sequel introduced Imperator Furiosa (Charlize Theron), a heroine so badass that she became iconic from her first sneer. Witness her.

How to watch: Mad Max: Fury Road is streaming on HBO Max beginning Sept. 9.

9. Speed

Pop quiz, hot shot: Which action headliner made our list twice? Yup. It’s Keanu Reeves, who is truly one of a kind. In this 1994 hit, the steely hunk stars as a headstrong LAPD officer who sets out to stop a mad bomber (a cackling Dennis Hopper) but ends up boarding a city bus trigged to explode. This hostage situation isn’t as simple as stopping the bus, because if the speed goes below 50 miles per hour: KABOOM! Bomb-busting has never been so intense. With jolting car chases, shocking collisions, frenetic pacing, and plenty of fire power, director Jan de Bont delivered top-notch suspense. But what gave this thrill ride extra excitement was the incredible chemistry between Reeves and his onscreen love interest, Sandra Bullock. Together, they made a team that stole our hearts — and revved our sex drive — on the way to saving the day.

How to watch: Speed is streaming on HBO Max.

10. The Mummy

We all scream for Brendan Fraser. Credit: hbo max

Remakes aren’t expected to be good, much less great. Nonetheless, this 1999 resurrection of a 1932 premise had moviegoers freshly exhilarated. A dashing Brendan Fraser stars as an American adventurer who finds relics, romance, and trouble in 1920s Egypt. Joining a beguiling Egyptologist (Rachel Weisz) and her troublemaking brother (John Hannah), he seeks to unearth the long-lost City of the Dead. But this intrepid trio will discover more than they dared dream — or fear — when their excavation awakens an ancient mummy of devastating power. Plagues of flesh-eating scarabs, sentient sand storms, and mystical monsters grant this adventure larger-than-life action sequences. If you want to continue to explore the treasures of this franchise, make a DIY double feature with 2001’s The Mummy Returns.

How to watch: The Mummy is streaming on HBO Max.

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How to use AirDrop (it's really easy)

Apple's AirDrop functionality on its Mac and iOS devices can be used, for free, to share and receive photos, documents, and more with other Apple devices that are physically nearby. It's a nifty, speedy option that saves you the need to message or email content, instead sending it wirelessly with a few taps of your mobile device or a few clicks on your Mac.

It's fairly straightforward to utilize. Here's a walkthrough if you're struggling to get your head around how it all works. (But also remember: AirDrop has its own privacy flaws.)

Getting started with Apple's AirDrop functionality

AirDrop uses Bluetooth and Wi-Fi to transmit the content you want to send (or receive), so you need to ensure that the person you're sending to is nearby and within Bluetooth and Wi-Fi range.

If the person you're sending to has their AirDrop settings set to receive from "Contacts Only," they need to have your Apple ID's email address or mobile number in a contact card for AirDrop to work.

Check that both you and the person you're sending to have Wi-Fi and Bluetooth turned on. If either of you have "Personal Hotspot" turned on, you need to turn it off.

If you aren't in the person's Contacts, they need to set their AirDrop receiving setting to "Everyone" in order to be able to receive the file from your device.

How to use AirDrop on an iPhone 11 or later

If you want to share from an iOS app, such as the native Photos app, you need to open the app and hit the share option, then tap the AirDrop option.

Hello, doggy. Please be Airdopped to my phone. Credit: screenshot: Apple

If the person that you want to share with also has an iPhone 11 (or later) model, position your iPhone in the direction of the other iPhone.Tap the profile picture of its user that you'll see at the top of the screen. If you see a red numbered badge on the AirDrop button, that means there are multiple devices nearby that you can share with. Tap the AirDrop button, then tap the user that you want to share with.

SEE ALSO: What to do if someone AirDrops you an unsolicited dick pic on public transport

If the person you're sharing with is in your iPhone's Contacts, you'll see a picture with their name. If they aren’t in your Contacts, you'll see just their name with no image.

How to use AirDrop on an iPhone XS or earlier, an iPad, or an iPod touch

Open the app you want to share from. Tap the Share option, then tap the AirDrop button.

Again, please AirDrop me dog photos. Credit: screenshot: apple

Tap on the name of the AirDrop user that you want to share with.As with iPhone 11, if the person you're sharing with is in your Contacts, you'll see an image with their name. If they aren’t in your Contacts, you'll see just their name.

How to accept an AirDrop share

When someone shares something with you using the AirDrop function, you'll get a notification on your phone with a preview of what they are sharing. You can tap "Accept" or "Decline.

Accept all dogs. Credit: screenshot: apple

If you AirDrop something to yourself, like a photo from your iPhone to your Mac, you won't see an option to Accept or Decline. It'll be automatically sent to your device as long as you're signed in with your Apple ID on both devices.

How to adjust your device's AirDrop settings

It's simple to change who can "see" your device and send you AirDrop content. Go to your iPhone's Settings menu, then open the "General" menu and tap on AirDrop.

From here you can change between "Receiving Off," "Contacts Only," and "Everyone." We'd recommend going for the "Contacts Only" option to protect yourself from spam or harmful content when out and about.

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New Orleans Imposes Curfew in Wake of Hurricane Ida to Stop Looting, Ensure Safety

WASHINGTON (Sputnik) - New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell said she has imposed a citywide curfew that is effective immediately in order to keep residents safe and to prevent looting amid a power outage that occurred as a result of Hurricane Ida.

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US Home Prices Hit Record Highs in June, But Fewer Were Buying or Selling Amid Pandemic

According to a new report by S&P Global, US home prices increased by an unprecedented 18.6% in June, making it the third month in a row of steep price hikes. However, foreclosures have also begun rising in recent months and are expected to increase until the end of the year in the wake of the federal moratorium expiring.

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Embattled Exec Producer Mike Richards Out at 'Jeopardy,' 'Wheel of Fortune' After Scandals Mount

Sony confirmed earlier this month that Mike Richards, executive producer of "Jeopardy!," would no longer host the trivia game show. Richards said in a statement that he was deciding to step down from the hosting gig after past cases of misconduct and clips from his own podcast became "too much of a distraction for our fans."

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Honolulu to Require Proof of Vaccination or Negative Covid Test for Most Indoor Activity

Earlier, New York City and San Francisco introduced a mandate requiring many indoor businesses to inquire about the vaccination status of customers.

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Norwegian Directorate of Education Wants to Stop Distribution of Bibles at Schools

Christian knowledge used to be taught in Norwegian state schools as a compulsory subject for members of Lutheran churches. In recent decades, however, this has been replaced by a subject that is compulsory for all pupils, where both Christianity, other religions, and secular worldviews are taught on an equal basis.

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UK Ready to Launch Fresh Strikes Against Daesh in Afghanistan, Air Force Chief Says

LONDON (Sputnik) - The British Air Force is ready to launch fresh airstrikes against the Daesh terrorist group (banned in Russia) in Afghanistan even after the United Kingdom and allies completed their withdrawal from the Central Asian country, Air Chief Marshal Mike Wigston told The Telegraph.

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