More than 1,200 new German words have been created during the Covid era, among them coronaangst (anxiety about the virus), coronafrisur (corona hairstyle) and maskentrottel (mask idiot who wears a face covering leaving the nose exposed). “I can’t think of anything, at least since the Second World War, that would have changed the vocabulary as drastically, and at the same time as quickly, as the corona pandemic,” said a linguistics professor.
Climate change ‘means days could get longer’
Days could last longer than 24 hours if the ice caps in the North and South Poles continue to melt, according to a scientist. Earth expert Mathieu Morlighem says the planet would eventually spin more slowly in the universe thanks to the increased sea levels at its axis. “So the Earth is going to spin at a slower rate. It's hard to quantify, but probably 10, 20 seconds longer for a day,” he added.
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Man bowls perfect game with father's ashes
An Illinois man has bowled a perfect, 300-score game of ten-pin bowling with a ball filled with his late father's ashes. John Hinkle said he and his brother decided to honour their avid bowler father by placing his ashes inside a ball. “I was talking to my brother and told him, ‘I’m shooting a 300 with this ball,’” said John. He said he had “goosebumps” and “chills’ afterwards. “He was there,” he said of his father.
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Nigeria confused by Trump invasion threatSpeed Read Trump has claimed the country is persecuting Christians
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Sanae Takaichi: Japan’s Iron Lady set to be the country’s first woman prime ministerIn the Spotlight Takaichi is a member of Japan’s conservative, nationalist Liberal Democratic Party
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Russia is ‘helping China’ prepare for an invasion of TaiwanIn the Spotlight Russia is reportedly allowing China access to military training
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Interpol arrests hundreds in Africa-wide sextortion crackdownIN THE SPOTLIGHT A series of stings disrupts major cybercrime operations as law enforcement estimates millions in losses from schemes designed to prey on lonely users
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China is silently expanding its influence in American citiesUnder the Radar New York City and San Francisco, among others, have reportedly been targeted
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How China uses 'dark fleets' to circumvent trade sanctionsThe Explainer The fleets are used to smuggle goods like oil and fish
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One year after mass protests, why are Kenyans taking to the streets again?today's big question More than 60 protesters died during demonstrations in 2024
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What happens if tensions between India and Pakistan boil over?TODAY'S BIG QUESTION As the two nuclear-armed neighbors rattle their sabers in the wake of a terrorist attack on the contested Kashmir region, experts worry that the worst might be yet to come
