Monthly Archives: August 2021

Democrats Using Big Tech To Control ‘Misinformation’ Is Totalitarian – The Federalist

Posted: August 14, 2021 at 12:39 am

Not so long ago, a Ministry of Information was an institution unique to socialist utopias, which required rigorous establishment and enforcement of official truth to maintain state power. As absurd as such an institution may have once seemed to us in the West, we are unfortunately seeing signs that it can indeed happen here.

On July 22, Sens. Amy Klobuchar and Ben Ray Lujan announced the Health Misinformation Act, proposing an exemption to Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act. The bill stipulates that [f]eatures that are built into technology platforms have contributed to the spread of misinformation and disinformation, with social media platforms incentivizing individuals to share content to get likes, comments, and other positive signals of engagement, which rewards engagement rather than accuracy.

The initiative came in the wake of statements by President Joe Biden and Press Secretary Jen Psaki, who have been less concrete (but certainly as belligerent) in intending to hold tech platforms accountable for the public proliferation of medical misinformation.

The bills announcement comes in the midst of the more general push to do something about Section 230. As the power of tech platforms to affect the spread of information has become undeniable, the struggle to control them by means of the lever of their exemption from legal liability under Section 230 has come into full swing.

What this particular bill would allow politicians to do, thanks to its limited and seemingly uncontroversial scope, is to question whether liability for tech platforms is a good idea. After all, medical information is a topic generally discussed in terms of hard data and science.

The interesting thing, however, is that weve already seen, in the past year, how a prohibition on medical misinformation might work. In consultation with the CDC and other health authorities, platforms like YouTube, Facebook, and LinkedIn have removed content or peppered informative links wherever their users dared to express their views on issues related to COVID-19 or vaccines.

Discussion of possible cures or treatments has been aggressively discouraged, as has been speculation about the viruss origins. The vaccine-as-panacea narrative has been dutifully pushed, and all skepticism as to vaccine safety or effectiveness suppressed until evidence of their collateral risk could be made to fit the narrative, procrustean-style.

Meanwhile, the party line on mask-wearing seems to change quarterly, as official recommendations shift from no-mask, to mask, and back again. Disputes about the role of aerosols in transmission, a theory now quietly accepted, went on mostly in the background.

In themselves, shifts in predominant belief among experts are not problematic. After all, science starts with admitting there is something we do not know, and our understanding may be revised repeatedly before we reach any level of certainty. What has not helped matters, however, is the all-too-human tendency to be invested in positions one has taken, which makes it difficult perhaps especially for authoritative experts to change ones view in light of new evidence.

In addition, and more troubling still, we have seen during this pandemic scientific experts consulted to decide on the acceptable bandwidth of online debate, experts who were, for example, professionally and financially invested in rejecting examination of their fellows in Wuhan. Given the dry run weve just had, it is difficult to believe Klobuchars bill has anything to do with furthering the discovery and proliferation of lifesaving medical information.

In times of fear and insecurity, the pull to appeal to authority might feel irresistible. But if we keep our wits about us, we will recall that we in the West have largely resisted this fallacious approach, both in science and politics, since the time the Catholic Church censored Galileo. (As if Socrates being forced to drink hemlock wasnt enough!)

Are we now ready to feign amnesia once again and to obediently accept a truth proclaimed from the top down? Or is intense debate and controversy ah, those uncomfortable disagreements that we experience in abundance in a pluralist society an integral component of the scientific mindset, and approach which has brought us unprecedented wellbeing?

Interestingly, Klobuchars bill calls out algorithms favoring engagement over accuracy. Here she echoes others who have complained about online platforms algorithmic manipulation and monetization of controversy. Todays polarized society demonstrates that accuracy is not the only casualty of these algorithms, which have so far escaped serious scrutiny.

In the case of actual rights violations and damages due to algorithms, the proper means of redress is litigation brought by private individuals, such as those brought by former President Donald Trump. The rest should be left to a free market to decide. Government officials telling private companies to censor disfavored viewpoints on vital issues is the stuff of totalitarian regimes, not of a free country built on the homage of reason.

Amy Peikoff is chief policy officer at Parler. Benjamin Chayes is a historian.

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Government moves to consult public on how to make Big Tech pay for news – National Post

Posted: at 12:39 am

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Having failed to find consensus from stakeholders, one critic says Ottawa is now using 'delay tactic' ahead of upcoming election call

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The Liberal government is asking for public input on how to force digital platforms to compensate Canadian news outlets, a move that comes as news industry representatives urge the government to move quickly on legislation.

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Daniel Bernhard, executive director of the advocacy group Friends of Canadian Broadcasting, criticized the new consultation as a delay tactic. I think that the government is trying to remind voters in the runup to an election that they are taking this issue seriously, he said.

Publishers in Canada and around the world have been calling for governments to force Big Tech to compensate them for news content shared on digital platforms, given plummeting advertising revenues that have moved to companies such as Google and Facebook. Those two companies now account for 80 per cent of digital advertising revenue in Canada, according to the Canadian Media Concentration Research Project.

While Heritage Minister Steven Guilbeault initially hoped to have legislation introduced in the House of Commons by June, the Parliamentary session ended without such a bill.

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Then on Aug. 3, the government launched a public consultation asking for feedback on what approach to take. Bernhard said its unfortunate that theyve resorted to these types of tricks to try to persuade Canadians theyre moving on an issue that theyre clearly not moving on.

It's unfortunate they've resorted to these types of tricks to try to persuade Canadians they're moving on an issue they're clearly not moving on

Daniel Bernhard

The new consultation follows a non-public consultation process in which the government reached out to such stakeholders as publishers and broadcasters, digital platforms and academics, as previously reported by the National Post. The government laid out two options the Australian model that imposes bargaining rules for publishers and online platforms, and a scheme similar to the one for broadcasters in which cable companies and other TV service providers must fund Canadian content.

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The responses it received were split, the government said in a discussion paper released as part of the new consultation. It said no consensus emerged about the preferred way for the Government to address this issue, and the responses received regarding the two revenue sharing models were polarized.

It noted stakeholders often favoured one model substantially over the other, but neither model was unanimously preferred by any stakeholder group. The government received 46 written submissions, including from platforms Google and Microsoft, while others, such as Facebook and Twitter, provided oral comments only.

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But both Bernhard and Paul Deegan, president of the publishers group News Media Canada, said there was a clear preference by the news industry for adapting Australias approach to Canada. Deegan said the groups members, large and small, believe that by far and away the best approach is collective negotiation.

That includes the idea of final offer arbitration, in which a panel makes a binding decision if negotiations between news organizations and digital platforms hit a deadlock.

Bernhard said the industry and citizens groups alike seem unified behind the Australian style model. He argued its the most ethical and least complicated, because it doesnt require the government to be doling out cash to journalists directly. Its very important that we avoid that outcome.

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The issues for Canadian publishers are urgent

Paul Deegan, News Media Canada

The second option would consist of an independent fund, into which digital platforms pay mandatory contributions, similar to the obligations that are currently in place for TV service providers like cable companies. Currently, TV providers pay at least five per cent of their revenues into funds used for the creation of Canadian content.

Those who were in favour of that model said it would be easier to access for smaller outlets, while they feared the negotiation option would further entrench established players, the consultation paper outlined. It said the government is also open to other approaches, or a combination of the two models. The deadline for submissions is Sept. 15.

While they have been waiting for government legislation, various publishers have been entering into voluntary deals with Google and Facebook, but both Bernhard and Deegan said such arrangements wont solve the issue.

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Publishers are now taking probably lopsided deals with Google and Facebook, because they have no other choice and they cant wait for regulation, Bernhard said. Deegan said the view among publishers, including those who have signed deals with the Big Tech companies, is unanimous that legislation is needed quickly.

Since Parliament isnt sitting over the summer, the earliest that could happen is in the fall. But given that an election is widely expected to be called soon, realistically youre looking either late 2021 or into early enough 2022 for legislation to be passed, Deegan said.

The issues for Canadian publishers are urgent, he said. The overall decline in ad revenues, compounded with the COVID-19 pandemic, has made advertising dollars even more scarce, Deegan added, and theres definitely a need for urgent action.

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This New Caribbean Private Island Retreat Lets You Get Away and Give Back – Robb Report

Posted: at 12:38 am

Together, the British Virgin Islands (BVI) are the Carribeans unofficial capital of privacy. The BVIs roster of five-star resorts is a whos who of seclusion, with many located on their own islands. Most famous is 74-acre Necker-bought by Richard Branson when he was still under 30, now with room for 40 guestsbut extreme-sports-loving visitors should rent out Eustatia instead, which has a water-sports center packed with toys, all under the supervision of instructor and professional kiteboarder Charlie Smith. Plus, from October, yachties can completely commander the nine-room Saba Rock next door, founded as a diving base in the 1960s before morphing into a hotel, while the eourmous Guana, at 850 acres, feels more like a private country for 35 guests.

Richard Branson spent more than two years rebuilding Necker Island, including the brand-new Bali Hi house, with its own pool right on the beach.Jonathan Cosh/Visual Eye

All of these resorts are reopening after a long stretch of being shuttered. Hurricane Irma laid waste to the area four years ago, ripping up most of its trees and destroying or severely damaging 85 percent of its buildings. While recovery was relatively swift, the pandemic then arrived with its own devastation. Now, finally, the BVI are back open, with the added bonus of a new arrival among these long-established resorts: the Aerial.

Sitting on 43-acre Buck Island, just southeast of Tortola, it was listed for $25 million after the previous owners death and snapped up by 33-year-old Britnie Turner. The Nashville-based entrepreneur and real-estate developer was smitten by the BVI from her first visit, with Branson, on a retreat to Necker. (Shes also signed up to be Virgin Galactic passenger number 800.) After Irmas wreckage, Turner immediately pitched in to assist the territory, even moving to the BVI for several months to help manage relief programs.

The Aerials unofficial penthouse has 360-degree views from the top of this turret.Aerial BVI

The new hotel is intended to support her mission for economic as well as emotional uplifthence, the Aerial. The purpose of this island was never for me to have an escape, somewhere to goof off on the water, she says. The point has always been to orchestrate as much good as possible. Travel specialist Miriam Omphroy from Embark Beyond, who has particular expertise in the BVI, singles out the Aerial from its peers. Its a paradise in paradise, a peaceful, healing place where you can reconnect with nature, and the chance to give back has a ripple effect on the local community, she says.

Turner thinks of the private island as a restorative retreat for up to 30 guests. (Buyouts start at $40,000 per night, with a three-night minimum.) The five residences, all rock walls and wide-planked wooden floors, are deliberately open to the breezes, bringing nature into the rooms. Unexpected details such as swings instead of seats and an in-house recording studio add a playful whimsy. These buildings are also positioned in a cluster, better to protect the countryside, as most of it is heavily forested. Turner is currently building a few stand-alone villas nearby, each of which can do double duty, either for spa treatments or as an oversize, ultra-private suite.

The central lodge features quirky details like this oversize hammock slung from the ceiling in the common area.Aerial BVI

The property is operated sustainably, with food sourced through the islands farms. Theres also a full roster of wellness programming, from red-light therapy to environmental healing. Nature changes people, Turner says. It makes you find that purpose, that meaning, the energy to be able to push through any obstacle. Guests are also encouraged to give back to the local community, whether by tagging turtles for conservation efforts or helping with reef cleanup. Theres even a petting zoo, with a twist: Every animal has been rescued, whether zebras once destined for a hunting ranch in Texas or ponies earmarked for a Mexican slaughterhouse. Its called Redemption Farm.

The Aerials pool deck is the perfect place for aperitifs.Aerial BVI

Turner hopes that the blueprint shes work-shopping on Buck Island can become a template to be repeated elsewhere. Indeed, shes already had inquiries. It wont be a copy-paste of this place, though, she says. I dont know a ton of millennials owning an island where you can heal, relax, be calm and also give back. Come on, thats everything.

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This New Caribbean Private Island Retreat Lets You Get Away and Give Back - Robb Report

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Book Your Island Vacation Without Leaving the US – Red Tricycle

Posted: at 12:38 am

Need something to look forward to? A reward for getting through another COVID summer? These island vacation rentals in the U.S. are available for booking and perfect for when you need to get away (and we mean REALLY get away). Want a private island all to yourself? Weve got it! An island with a walkable downtown? Yep, that too. Book your favorite spot and start dreaming about your next family vacation!

Kids spending too much time on personal devices and need to get back to nature? This is the place to put the outside world on hold and relax. You'll have the run of the island that includes water access for swimming and kayaking. Plus, guests staying 4 nights or longer will also have exclusive access to a separate on island cabin with 2 twin beds and one loft air mattress.

Sleeps: 6Cost: $343/nightOnline: airbnb.com

This two-bedroom cabin will be your home away from home in no time. The cabin sits high above the beach which is just a short drive away. Camano Island is home to two wonderful Washington State Parks: Cama Beach and Camano Island. Both are only a short drive from the cabin and have great hiking, beaches, The Center for Wooden Boats, a cafe, and more.

Sleeps: 4Cost: $130/nightOnline: airbnb.com

This sophisticated home is located in central Whidbey Island, just minutes from the beach, the Greenbank Farm and hiking trails. Enjoy the outdoor firepit for s'mores after you grill up your dinner.

Sleeps: 8Cost: $216/nightOnline: airbnb.com

While not necessarily a private island, this tiny beauty has a full kitchen, fenced yard and all the charm you are looking for when visiting Balboa Island. Spend your days at the old-school boardwalk where fried food reigns supreme.

Sleeps: 2Cost: $98/nightOnline: airbnb.com

Escape to Haven Island, a secluded Northwoods retreat located on your very own private 5-acre island on Lake Winter in the beautiful Northwoods of WI. Fill your days with swimming, fishing, grilling, boating, and kayaking, and your nights gathered around the campfire. The fully equipped chalet, with an open concept and vaulted ceilings, Wi-Fi, A/C, and satellite tv, can comfortably accommodate up to 14 people. Island rental includes a new 18 pontoon, kayaks, paddleboat and a canoe.

Sleeps: 14Cost: $699/nightOnline: airbnb.com

This quaint and semi-rustic family-built cabin is situated on a 13-acre private island on beautiful Lake Vermilion. Outside the cabin, you will find a dock, screen house, a bonfire pit, and trails to enjoy 13 private acres of woods that include birds, squirrels, chipmunks, flowers, plants, and deer.

Sleeps: 9Cost: $350/nightOnline: airbnb.com

Lakefront Cabin with decks facing three directions on Private Island on Juggler Lake complete with private old-growth forest to explore. Excellent fishing and exceptionally clean lake that is perfect for swimming. Forest is full of wildlife and perfect for hiking. Located near Itasca State Park.

Sleeps: 10Cost: $399/nightOnline: airbnb.com

Your whole crew will love the solitude that you'll find at this dog-friendly home on Katinka Lake. Katinka Lake is a 170-acre lake in Vilas County. Fish include Musky, Panfish, Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass and Walleye. Four acres of serenity for the family and dog with over 2,100 feet of frontage and long winding stone granite paths await you and your furry friends!

Sleeps: 16Cost: $990/nightOnline: airbnb.com

Little Cabin is on a small island on Annabessacook Lake in Maine. Enjoy pristine surroundings and a rustic, off-the-grid cedar log cabin. Take a blissful private adventureswimming, boating, fishing, birding, and relaxing by the fire. The owners will ferry you to the island, and offer a canoe and kayaks for your enjoyment.

Sleeps: 4Cost: $250/nightOnline: airbnb.com

This off-the-grid (no electricity) one-of-a-kind home is perched on a 14 acre, semi-private island 1/2 mile from shore on a Maine lake. The 900 sq. ft. octagonal home, built around a living Red Oak tree, is designed to make your stay comfortable, relaxing, and soothing. It has the sights & sounds of the best of Maine's natural beauty: fresh air, clean water, the nature of woods, and the sounds of loons on a quiet lake.

Sleeps: 4Cost: $250/nightOnline: airbnb.com

Beautiful beach house is 30 seconds to the gorgeous, private and quiet Madaket Beach. House has amazing panoramic views of the Atlantic. This amazing house has everything you need for the best relaxing Nantucket vacation. Newly renovated, 4 bedroom house has 4 levels with two decks, state of the art kitchen, cathedral ceiling with fireplace in the living room.

Sleeps: 8Cost: $1,100/nightOnline: airbnb.com

A 21 ft. Carolina Skiff will transport you to your own private island where you can enjoy the sunsets with friends.

Sleeps: 8Cost: $1,643/nightOnline: airbnb.com

A short boat ride from the Nags Head Causeway or Manteo waterfront will get you to your island paradised. Perfect for small families, you'll find waterways, marshes, 18+ small islands and a wildlife reserve for fishing, birding and sky watching.

Sleeps: 5Cost: $725/nightOnline: airbnb.com

Kate Loweth

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Traveling to the Maldives during Covid-19: What you need to know before you go – WTVA

Posted: at 12:38 am

If you're planning to travel to the Maldives here's what you'll need to know and expect if you want to visit during the Covid-19 pandemic.

The Maldives reopened borders to all travelers from all countries on July 15, 2020. The primary exception to this is the tightly packed capital city of Mal, which is off-limits to visitors as it has been the source of the majority of the country's coronavirus cases.

This is the couples' destination to end all others -- luxury hotels set on private islands, with rooms cantilevered over the water, just in case a walk to the beach is too much effort.

At present, the Maldives is open to visitors from all destinations, as long as they have proof of a negative Covid test taken no more than four days prior to their arrival.

Fully vaccinated travelers from the UK are currently subject to a four-day quarantine, while non-vaccinated UK travelers must quarantine for 14 days.

A temporary ban on travelers from South Asia was lifted on July 15.

The Maldives was one of the rare travel successes of 2020, and it looks like that trend is continuing for 2021, despite some setbacks.

The destination has launched a loyalty program that rewards regular visitors with points based on the frequency and duration of their trips. Those who rack up lots of points will be bumped up to various elite status levels that offer advantages including hotel discounts.

All arrivals must present a certificate of a negative PCR test carried out within the 72 hours prior to departure, clearly showing the name and address of the laboratory, as well as the date of the sample taken.

The result need to be attached to the Traveler Health Declaration form which must be submitted online within the 24 hours prior to arrival. Visitors are asked to download the national contact tracing app, TraceEkee, and use it during their journey.

These restrictions were temporarily dropped for fully vaccinated travelers earlier in the year, but have since been reintroduced.

All travelers arriving from the UK, including transiting passengers, must undergo a quarantine of either four days for those who are vaccinated, or 14 days for non vaccinated travelers.

Tourists are allowed to split stays between hotels. However, if you spend more than 48 hours in the Greater Mal area, you must take another PCR test before moving elsewhere.

Visitors who are not fully vaccinated are permitted to stay in guest accommodation in local islands provided that 60% of the population, including 90% of over-65s and 95% of tourism staff, are fully vaccinated.

The Maldives has reported a total of nearly 78,000 coronavirus cases and 222 deaths as of August 5.

While the figures remain relatively low for the most part, Covid-19 cases jumped from around 100 to over 1,500 in the space of a month, prompting a short-term ban on visitors from South Asia on May 13.

Although a record 2,194 cases were reported on May 20, the numbers have since decreased significantly, with 137 cases recorded on August 4.

The country began its roll-out of the India-made AstraZeneca Covishield vaccine on February 1. Hospitality workers were included in the first round of citizens to get vaccinated. Nearly 470,00 people in the Maldives had received their first dose of the vaccine as of May 28.

Dr. Abdulla Mausoom, the Maldivian Minister of Tourism, has confirmed that the Maldives is developing a "Visit, Vaccinate and Vacation" scheme named "3V" that would allow visitors to receive a Covid-19 vaccine on arrival.

The program won't go ahead until the country's entire population, estimated at just under 550,000, has been fully vaccinated.

As of August 5, over 600,000 people in the Maldives had been administered with two doses of a Covid-19 vaccination.

The Maldives are selling themselves as a destination offering a "normal" vacation, thanks to the isolation of most hotels and the fact that the vast majority of visitors stay in-resort rather than venture out.

This means that while locals are subject to restrictions, those going to and from the airport are exempt. Split stays between different hotels are allowed, if the hotels meet government requirements. Requests for split stays must be made to the Ministry of Tourism at least 48 hours before travel.

Expect also for your resort to have some rules -- especially a temperature check on arrival, and masks to be worn indoors. As most items in shops must be shipped to the Maldives, some things can get pricey -- you should bring things like masks and hand sanitizer with you to avoid spending while on the island chain.

imuga.immigration.gov.mv

Tourist board Covid-19 updates

Ministry of Health latest figures

Learn how wealthy Indians have been shut out of the Maldives due to the temporary ban on South Asian travelers, and why the destination is hoping to lure travelers with vaccines on arrival.

Wondering what it's like to visit right now? Read this piece, which details the pandemic vacation experience.

If you're planning your trip, check out our list of the best dining experiences. And meet the Maldives' "barefoot pilots." And if a travel bubble is what you want, you're in luck -- the Waldorf Astoria Maldives has just revealed its latest property, a Maldivian private island called Ithaafushi, available for a cool $80,000 a night.

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Stunning Irish island ranked among best in world – ahead of Bali, Ibiza and St Barts – Irish Post

Posted: at 12:38 am

THREE rocky isles located in the rugged west of Ireland have been named as some of the best in the world.

The Aran Islands have made a list of the Best Islands in the World, compiled by the editors at Big 7 Travel.

Using aggregated scores from previous media results, and contributions from the Big 7 Travel editorial team, the travel firm has published a list of the 50 most amazing islands to visit right now.

Its a diverse list, with tropical cays and Nordic bays, and islands fromMallorca to the Maldives getting special recognition.

And while it may not be tropical, or sun-drenched, it appears Ireland still holds its own when it comes to island envy.

The Aran Islands, located in the mouth of Galway Bay, place a very respectable number 15 on the list.

Theyre known for their ancient sites, with the largest island, Inishmore, home to the prehistoric fort of Dn Aonghasa, perched on top of a high cliff.

Inishmaanis the second largest island, while Inisheeris the smallest of the three.

These three remote islands off Irelands west coast are like stepping back into time, with a rural charm and stunning scenery that will take your breath away, Big 7 says.

Visitors can either walk around them or cycle the pretty road that are lined with hand built brick walls, they add.

Hear Gaeilge being spoken, enjoy fresh seafood and the simple things in life.

The sheer cliffs looking out into the Atlantic ocean and the famous local hospitality make these a must visit for anybody who loves Ireland.

Here is the full list of the Best 50 Islands in the World:

1 Lummi Island, Washington

Lummi Island yet feels lightyears away from the bustle of Seattle. Its a sleepy, scenic island with a thriving artist community, local and organic dining, and stunning vistas of the Salish Sea. Coming here is like going back into the past where life is a little bit slower and a lot more meaningful. Its an ideal place to get off the grid and enjoy seaside strolls, bicycle rides and a good book. After the past 18 months of the pandemic, this is the sort of place that heals you from the inside out. Fewer than 1,000 people live here full time, and for those that do were jealous.

2 Palawan, Phillipines

El Nido is a cluster of 45 islands just off the tip of Palawan, which is famous for its Secret Lagoon. Swim through a hole in the limestone rocks to enter a hidden bay with crystal clear water and soft sand. It feels untouched, with white sandy beaches and tropical jungle. As soon as you step foot onto here youll instantly agree its one of the best islands in the world.

3 Espiritu Santo, Vanuatu

Santo as locals call it is the largest of the 83 Vanuatu Islands. It still remains largely unspoilt, with powdery white sand and freshwater Blue Holes surrounded by natural rain forest. Youll fall in love with this place the moment you spot it from the plane. One of the worlds most picturesque islands, this spot has clear blue waters and sparkling sand. At Champagne Beach you will also find fresh fruit stalls, freshly prepared crab and lobster and cute beachside shacks.

4 Sommary, Norway

If you visit Sommary on a summers day, you would be forgiven for thinking you were somewhere in the Caribbean: theres coral beaches and turquoise ocean views. Its the famous Midnight Sun that makes it so special though. Sommary meaning Summer Island is an island inNorwaywhere the sun doesnt set for 69 days every summer, and is in constant darkness from November to January.

5 Korcula, Croatia

Korcula is one of the must-visit destinations on Croatias South Dalmatian coast. Its a little further out to get to than most of the other islands, so you can enjoy less crowds and a more laid-back feel. People call Korcula Town Little Dubrovnik because of its medieval squares, churches, palaces and houses, while the beaches and dense forest offer incredible scenery.

6 Fraser Island, Australia

This is a large island that is one of many similar stunning spots on Australias East Coast.

Fraser Island stretches over 123 kilometres in length and 22 kilometres at its widest point. Fun fact: its actually the largest sand island in the world. It is a must visit for anybody backpacking around this part of the world, with endless activities, wildlife and stunning natural scenery to see.

7 Pemba Island, Zanzibar

This is a remote island off the east coast of Africa, and probably as far away from civilisation you might ever find yourself. Pemba is Zanzibars most green and fertile isle, with exceptional diving sites and native wildlife. Most of Zanzibars cloves are grown here, so when the annual harvest runs from July to January, the scent of drying cloves lingers on every passing breeze.

8 Barbados

Barbados is one of those magical holiday destinations that everybody dreams about visiting; it instantly ticks so many boxes when you arrive. Nestled in the south of the Caribbean, it offers stunning beauty, a vibrant cultural scene and some of the best beaches and surfing in the Caribbean. Mainly though, it is the people that make Barbados what it is. Magical.

9 Flatey, Iceland

Have you ever visited some of the islands around Iceland? Flatey is one of them, and can now claim fame top spot among the best islands in the world. Theres beautifully kept old houses dotted along the island, but just two families stay here throughout the winter.

In a charming way, it feels very much like a movie set. And so it is. Many movies are set on the island, most notably The Honour of the House based on a short story by Nobel Prize winner Halldr Laxness. The tranquility at this island is unique time stands still.

10 Bora Bora, French Polynesia

When you think of bucket list destinations, the most ridiculously stunning Instagram travel snaps, or even desktop pictures, many of them come from Bora Bora. Its home to some of the clearest water in the world thanks to its shallow reefs, which are ideal for snorkelling and other water sports. It also happens to be home to some of the prettiest and most luxurious hotels and private villas in the world.

11 Rawa Island, Malaysia

Theres very few places quite as beautiful as Rawa IslandinMalaysia. Take a dip in the warm waters of the South China Sea. Enjoy the green scenery. Snorkel along the natural coral reef just metres from the shore. Its an easy drive and boat trip from Kuala Lumpur or Singapore, with a stay at the private island resort on the island essential for visiting. Rawa island boasts 100% coral cover and its house reef is naturally shallow, so its perfect for easy dives.

12 Azores, Portugal

The Azores, in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean, is an archipelago of nine islands that have recently been highlighted as an emerging tourist destination. Itsone of the largest whale sanctuaries in the world. Explore geysers, hot thermal waters and volcanic lakes, hopping from island to island. A top pick? The tiny island of Corvo has a broad, beautiful crater at its centre, and attracts many species of birds coming from both Europe and America.

13 Koh Tao, Thailand

This peaceful island in the Gulf of Thailand has plenty of sheltered bays, but Tanot is the most beautiful. Its uncrowded with warm, blue water and soft sand. Snorkelling is excellent here, with a great variety of coral and some fairly large fish that youll see as soon as you dip your toes into the water. While theres endless amazing Thai islands to take your pick from, Koh Tao ticks all the boxes.

14 Capri, Italy

This small island just off the coast of Naples is one of the gems of the Mediterranean Sea. You can stay on the island or do what most people do and take it all in on a day trip.

The steep cliffs along with the bustling port, friendly locals and some stunning food make this a paradise escape. There are very few people who dont fall in love with Capri the moment they set on the island.

15 The Aran Islands, Ireland

These three remote islands off Irelands west coast are like stepping back into time, with a rural charm and stunning scenery that will take your breath away. Visitors can either walk around them or cycle the pretty road that are lined with hand built brick walls. Hear Gaeilge being spoken, enjoy fresh seafood and the simple things in life. The sheer cliffs looking out into the Atlantic ocean and the famous local hospitality make these a must visit for anybody who loves Ireland.

16 Bali, Indonesia

The Indonesian island of Bali has long been a huge draw on the travel route, for everybody from surfers and backpackers through to honeymooners and luxury travellers.

Its the paradise island that has something for everybody. Theres terraced rice fields, pristine beaches, world-class surf spots and historical temples. Add in a buzzing food and drink scene and its easy to see why Bali is one of the best islands in the world.

17 Ibiza, Spain

While youll have your fair share of techno club photo ops, Ibiza is also one of the most beautiful Spanish islands, with a pretty Old Town and scenic beaches. Ibiza isnt all party, party, party the Old Town is actually a UNESCO Heritage Site.Its full of narrow streets and monuments and is classically charming. Cute wine bars line the streets near the harbour, and as you walk up into the hilly town you will have a spectacular view of the sea below.

18 Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia, Canasa

With incredible season, rich Aboriginal, Gaelic, and Acadian cultures, theres a reason Cape Breton Island is one of the worlds top island destinations. Its on thenorth-eastern tip of Nova Scotia on Canadas East Coast, You may want to check your brakes before heading to Cape Breton as the world-renowned Cabot Trail, with its dramatic coastal views, can be pretty steep. Its one of the best island drives youll do in your lifetime.

19 Corsica, France

Stunning rock structures that jut out of the clear blue waters are symbolic here, as well as the colourful old streets of Bastia and dolphin spotting. The beach at Palombaggia is one of Corsicas finest, with fine white sand. It faces gorgeous blue seas, and is lined with beautiful pine trees, with the Cerbicales islands in the distance.

20 Santorini, Greece

A trip to Greece isnt complete without Santorini the most well-known and oft-talked about island (for good reason) of them all. A volcanic explosion created the stunning cliffs of Santorini, which now feature two gorgeous cobblestoned towns Oia and Fira. Tourists love to take donkeys up and down the steep staircases, edging along the cliffs and snaking through the villages.

21 Havelock Island, Andaman Islands, India

There are 572 islands in the Andaman Islands, divided into five broad categories Great Andaman, Little Andaman, Ritchies Archipelago, East Volcano Islands, and Sentinel Islands. Havelock Island is a real standout, with its world-famous Radhanagar Beach. Havelock Island is a travellers paradise, with palm trees, white sandy beaches and a great mix of budget and luxury hotels.

22 Kauai, Hawaii

Kauai is sometimes calledthe Garden Island, which is anentirelyaccurate description. As the oldest island in Hawaii, its covered in lush greenery, with tropical rainforests, forking rivers and cascading waterfalls! Some parts of Kauai are only accessible by sea or air, giving you incredible views. Its the islands laid-back atmosphere and rich culture found in its small towns that makes it one of the best islands in the world.

23 Colonsay, Scotland

The Isle of Colonsay is the ideal destination for anyone seeking to get away from it all. Theres just 125 or so people who live here, making it a remote retreat. Theres unspoilt sandy beaches, dramatic cliffs and an amazing variety of flora and fauna. Local activities include agriculture, oyster-farming, arts, crafts, honey production, a brewery, accommodation for visitors, lobster-fishing, publishing and even a substantial bird sanctuary. On a clear day you can even glimpse the coast of Donegal in Ireland to the south-west.

24 Aitutaki, The Cook Islands

The Cook Islands are a little South Pacific Paradise thats only six hours from Sydney. Theres 15 islands to explore, but a must-see is Aitutaki. Its spectacularly beautiful, with a triangular-shaped reef surrounding a bright turquoise lagoon containing 15 small motus (islets). The crystal-clear water is home to an array of tropical fish and its pristine white-sand beaches are private and secluded. What more could you ask for from one of the best islands in the world?

25 Cebu, Philippines

Cebu Island is a tropical paradise in The Philippines; made up of Cebu Island and 167 other islands in the Visayas. Theres sugar-white beaches, clear emerald waters, hot springs and several jungle waterfalls. For an unforgettable experience, youll want to head to Oslob on the southern tip of Cebu. This is where you can go swimming with whale sharks! Be sure to try some TUBA, the coconut nectar wine which is best drunk fresh when it is still sweet.

26 The Maldives

Looking for paradise? Youll find it in theMaldives, a tropical nation in the Indian Ocean of more than 1,000 coral islands. Its home to some of the worlds most luxurious hotel resorts, with white sandy beaches, underwater villas and restaurants and bright blue waters.

27 Curaao

Curaao combines urban and outdoor life like no other island. There are over 35 spectacular beaches that are never too crowded. Time it right and you might just have a sandy stretch all to yourself. The island of Curacao is also one of the most colourful islands in the Caribbean. The Shcarloo neighbourhood and the street art youll find there, though, take this to a whole new level.

28 Rangitoto Island, New Zealand

Rangitoto is the youngest and largest of Aucklands 48 volcanic cones. You can hire a kayak and paddle out to Rangitoto Island, a dormant volcano not far from downtown Auckland (you can also get there by ferry). See the black lava caves on your way up to the summit and bring a torch to explore them with the kids; the views from the top are spectacular. A super day trip.

29 Sir Bani Yas Abu Dhabi, UAE

Admire flocks of flamingos hanging at the mangrove lagoon and walk on white-sand beaches at this man-made island near Abu Dhabi. What was once a deserted island is now home to luxury resorts and a safari-like reserve for 16,000 animals. Hop on a 44 jeep in the Arabian Wildlife Parkto catch sight of the parks cheetahs or giraffes. This is an island unlike any youll step foot on again.

30 Galpagos Islands, Ecuador

The wonderful country of Ecuador is famous for being home to the Amazon jungle, Andean highlands and the wildlife-rich Galpagos Islands. These biodiverse islands are home to unusual animal life such as the land iguana, the giant tortoise and the many types of finch that inspired Charles Darwins theory of evolution by natural selection following his visit in 1835. It goes without saying that atrip to the Galapagos Islands will be the journey of your lifetime.

31 Gozo, Malta

Gozois thought to be the legendaryCalypsos isle of Homers Odyssey. Folklore aside, its as if the whole island was created especially for Instagram.With its unique charm, gorgeous farmhouses and majestic sunsets youll get gorgeous snaps on the smaller Maltese island. Its a popular tourist destination, with Baroque churches and old stone farmhouses. Lets not forget the fact that Gozo also has some of the Mediterraneans best dive sites.

32 Pulau Tengah, Malaysia

Tengah Island is a privately owned island thats a slice of paradise that has to be seen to be believed. Stay at Batu Batu, a rustic island retreat set amongst coconut groves, rocky outcrops and fine sand beaches on the uninhabited island of Pulau Tengah. Those wanting to explore the coral kingdoms of the South China Sea can just don a snorkel and mask and step right off the beach.

33 Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands

Just a tiny speck in the middle of the Caribbean sea, the Cayman Islands are known all over the world. Seven Mile Beach is among the many reasons why Grand Cayman is considered an ideal tropical destination. With sparkling waters and coral sands its so perfect it almost doesnt look real.

34 Salt Spring Island, BC, Canada

This fascinating island is the jewel of the Southern Gulf Islands. With three regularferry crossings and great proximity to Victoria and the Cowichan Valley, this island getaway is easier to get to then most people think.

35 St Barts, Caribbean

The small French island of St Barts (Saint Barthlemy to give it its full name) in the Caribbean is one of the prettiest islands you will ever visit. With its beautiful beaches, world class resorts and stunning scenery, its the perfect getaway from the stress of big cities and 9-5 life.

36 Mont-Saint-Michel, France

This mystical place is one of the best islands in the world and never ceases to impress on first sight. Set in the mesmerising bay where Normandy and Brittany merge, the island is connected to the mainland by a causeway you can even book a special horse-drawn carriage. As well as the Benedictine Abbey (where nuns and monks still reside), theres charming restaurants and cafes to explore.

37 Laucala Island, Fiji

This jaw-dropping luxury private resort island in Fiji is on a tropical jungle section of land, with lush vegetation and wild growing coconuts as a natural backdrop to the white sandy coastline. Now, Laucala is a hot spot for celebrities such as Oprah and George Clooney. The resort has coral reefs, postcard-perfect beaches and dense rainforest.

38 La Digue, Seychelles

This tranquil island is a great place for wading into the shallow, warm waters of the Indian Ocean. You walk through the old LUnion Estate coconut plantation to access the beach, which has unusual boulders and shimmering sand. You may even spot a sea turtle swimming off the shore.

39 Jicaro, Nicaragua

Jicaro Island Lodge is a private island getaway just minutes from the colonial town of Granada. Theres spectacular views of the Mombacho Volcano across the lake and charming casitas to spend the night. Theyre raised up above the ground like a tree house. The nine casitas on the island all have lake views and are only a short walk from the pool, restaurant, and wellness centre.

40 Cozumel, Mexico

Cozumel is where the first rays of sunshine hit Mexico, making sunrises here unforgettable. The islands spectacular, dreamy landscapes and marine biodiversity have made it a popular place for divers and explorers. Theres also plenty of ecotourism activities such as zip wires, rappelling, kitesurfing, windsurfing, surfing, swimming with dolphins, snorkeling, fishing, golf, motorcycle rides, bicycles, canoes and kayaks.

41 Koh Rong Samloem, Cambodia

Koh Rong Samloem is a small tropical island in the Gulf of Siam, with picture perfect white sand beaches fringed by palm and casaurina trees. Its still a peaceful destination that has a laidback vibe and is relatively untouched. A highlight here is the amazing bio-luminescent plankton that makes the warm waters glow and sparkle at night.

42 Culebra, Puerto Rico

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Stunning Irish island ranked among best in world - ahead of Bali, Ibiza and St Barts - Irish Post

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This Greek Island May Be Its Most Beautiful (And You’ve Probably Never Heard of It) – Daily Beast

Posted: at 12:38 am

This is the latest selection for our series on underrated destinations, Its Still a Big World.

Having been born in Greece and lived all of my life here, one might think that I have seen most of this beautiful country. Yet, this is practically impossible. With around 100 inhabited islands (and more than double if we count the deserted islands which you can visit with your boat) and more than 15,000 km of coastline, Greece offers a huge variety of beaches and crystal clear waters. It would take me a lifetime if I were to visit a different place each summer.

Yet the islands in the Aegean Sea are usually the ones that attract most tourists, with Mykonos, Santorini, Paros, Rhodes, and Crete being featured in most travel publications. Greece however, is not just those fancy islands where celebrities usually choose to go. On the west side of the country, between Greece and Italy, and south of Albania, are the Ionian Islands, also known as the Seven Islands.

Though often neglected by international travel writers, they are considered the countrys hidden gems, with gorgeous blue waters, golden beaches and the greenest landscape which you will hardly find in other islands. Those are only a few good reasons to fall in love with them. And if we count the intense nightlife, the Ionians have nothing to be jealous of.

Ive been meaning to travel to the area for so long , but since I live in Athens traveling to the Aegean was always much easier. To visit one of the Ionian islands means that you can either take a flight or you have to drive across the country and then take the ferry to the island of your choice. Once you are there though, it would be wise to do some island hopping as there are daily boat cruises that can take you to all the nearby islands.

A few weeks ago, invited by close friend and local journalist Eleftheria Antypa, I had the chance to finally visit one of them for two days: Lefkada, the only one that is connected to the mainland by a long causeway and a floating bridge. This was my first trip outside of Athens after the long lockdown in Greece ended about two months ago and the timing to visit Lefkada could not have been better. According to official reports the Ionian Islands lead the vaccination rates against COVID-19 in the country and, as a half-vaccinated person in a country that not long ago reopened to travelers worldwide, I felt much safer. Especially now that the Delta variant is raging across the globe.

I hate driving long distances, so I took the early morning bus from Athens and almost five hours laterwith a couple of stops on the wayI was there. What struck me the most upon my arrival was the huge labyrinth-like marina at the town of Lefkada. It was full with hundreds of sailing boats of all sizes, so many I swear it was the most I have seen in my life gathered in one place. As I later found out, Lefkada has one of the longest and most modern marinas in the whole Balkans and that is why many prefer to sail there.

I was staying at the southern part of the island, so I had to take the local bus and literally cross the whole island, which took less than an hour, to reach Vasiliki, a small seaside village. It has an amazing view on the mountains of Ithaca, the beloved homeland of Odysseus, and Kefalonia, the biggest of the Seven Islands. Vasiliki is also considered a wind surfing heaven because of its ideal location and the winds that normally blow in the area. When I arrived, the weather was perfect for a swim in the sea, which was cold but refreshing after a long day.

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Despite being on an island, I decided to start exploring it from the inside out. One of the first places my friend Eleftheria suggested to visit were the waterfalls at Nydri, near her hometown. Be careful, the ground is very slippery she warned me. The first time I went there I almost did a split.

After a 20-minute drive from Vasiliki you will find yourself in an oasis. No matter how warm the weather is outside, the microclimate there is different and much cooler. You definitely need good shoes, because the pathway full of rocks leading up to the three waterfalls is indeed very slippery. You can swim under the waterfall as it creates a small lake, but be prepared as the water coming down from the hill is extremely cold even during the summer.

Despite the fact that I fell in love with the waterfalls, nothing can be compared with the islands beaches. The reason anyone goes to Lefkada is to swim in the crystal-clear waters of Porto Katsiki, Kathisma, Mylos, and Agiofyllito name just a few of the more than 15 beaches. However, Egremni is considered as the most beautiful beach in Greece. So, that was my plan for my second day on the island.

Not far from where I was staying is one of the most breathtaking places in the world: Egremni beach. In 2015 an earthquake damaged large parts of the beach, as the slopes over it collapsed, bringing down soil and huge rocks. Thankfully, this didnt take away of its beauty, as the beach was quickly restored, and in 2019, Egremni topped the Travel and Leisure list of the bluest waters in the world, leaving further down other tourist favorite destinations, such as the Maldives and the islands of Palawan and Samoa.

Being there is an experience of its own. Looking down from the hill the incredible blue water of the whole Ionian Sea lays right in front of your eyes. The sky and the sea become one; there is nothing to interrupt them in the horizon. Going there though, is a bit tricky. Once you park your car you have to walk for a bit less than a mile and then with the breath you have left, go down roughly 350 steps to the beach. You can also go by cruise boat, which is much easier, but you dont have the freedom to stay for as long as you like. Be prepared to have enough water and food with you for the time you stay, because there are no canteens, mini markets, or even a kiosk anywhere close. But once youre down there, it is totally worth the trouble.

On this side of the island, the side closer to Italy, you often tune in to Italian radio stations on the car, so, if youre not a big fan of the Italian music, you are going to have to bear it as Eros Ramazzotti or Raffaella Carra will definitely keep you company at some point on the way.

Wherever I traveled on the island, I saw quite a few tourists despite COVID, but it was nowhere near packed. Most of them though are wealthy Italians, as the neighboring country is only a couple of hours away with a sailing boat. Many of them have now bought property on the island, which allows them to travel anytime they like. The love of the Italians for the Ionian islands is not something new. Lefkada was the last to fall under the Venetian occupation during the 18th century, when it was renamed Santa Mavra. The Venetians stayed on the island for almost a century, something that is reflected in the architecture of several buildings, mostly in the old town of Lefkada. The Venetian architectural style is all over the Ionian islands, with Corfu being the greatest example of it.

What has always fascinated me, is a tiny small island just a few yards away from Nydri in Lefkada, called Skorpios. The small private island belonged to the Greek tycoon Aristotle Onassis, who bought it in 1963, reportedly for mere thousands. Onassis was one of the richest men in the world at his time and a famous heartthrob. He was connected with the Greek soprano Maria Callas and later married the widow of John F. Kennedy, Jacqueline, known to the Greeks as Jackie O (Onassis). Actually, the scandalous paparazzi photos of her being naked on the beach that took the media by storm in 1972 were taken on this exact island.

Today the island belongs to the Russian businessman Dmitry Rybolovlev and his eldest daughter Ekaterina after they bought it on a long-term lease in 2013. It has always been a dream to visit the island, but its impossible nowadays and I could only admire it from far away.

Ive been to Skorpios a couple of times Eleftheria told me. When the island belonged to the Onassis family, they used to allow people to visit one beach on it and swim there. Now that the Russians have it, you cant even go near the island with your boat.

So, I packed my stuff and my disappointment at not being able to feel rich for a day, and just before I hit the road again back to Athens, I treated myself with a mouthwatering shrimp spaghetti, cooked with just a zip of ouzo, enough to let the aroma of the anise-flavored Greek aperitif take me back to the seaside again. The only thing that I regret is not having enough time to do a trip to the rest of the Ionian islands. But now I have a good excuse to go back again soon.

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Prince Andrew’s Epstein entanglement is royal headache that could end monarchy, says expert – Mirror.co.uk

Posted: at 12:38 am

Buckingham Palace still hasn't learned its lesson - Prince Andrew should have been stripped of his HRH title and retired from public life a full decade ago, argues royal author Nigel Cawthorne

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Prince Andrew: Virginia Giuffre brings legal action against Duke

You could almost hear Buckingham Palace groan on Monday.

Finally, after the two-decade-long saga of Prince Andrews entanglement with Jeffrey Epstein, a lawsuit had landed in the New York court.

At 2pm, Virginia Giuffre's lawyers sued Prince Andrew, days before the state's statute of limitations passed.

Landing a punch on prince's reputation, she claimed in her court papers that Andrew forced her to engage in sex acts against her will.

Not only that, her court papers refer to her as a child as she was under the age of 18 at the time, according to the law in the US Virgin Islands, where Epstein owned a private island.

In the long history of the monarchy, this set a black precedent.

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How could Buckingham Palace, an institution with over a millennium of PR experience, let it come this far? Only Bertie, the future Edward VII and Andrews great-great-great grandfather, had ever come close to being cited legally in a sex case, and that was narrowly avoided when he was asked to give evidence in his lover's divorce hearing.

Over two decades, Buckingham Palace has got everything possible wrong. The alarm bells should have first sounded when Andrew and Ghislaine Maxwell flew on Epsteins private jet to Edinburgh.

Weeks earlier, the billionaire had been arrested on charges of underage sex activities in June 2006. Nothing happened. Worse still, Epstein was allowed to visit Windsor Castle as Andrew's guest at Princess Beatrices 18th birthday bash on July 19 that year. Ghislaine and Harvey Weinstein were his other invitees.

It was followed by a four-day Christmas visit to Epsteins New York mansion to watch a private release of The Kings Speech shortly after the financier's prison term ended in 2010.

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Andrew has always strenuously denied any wrongdoing, not least in his 2019 Newsnight interview - another clumsy shot in the foot so daft that almost seemed intentional. Courtiers should always have known that royalty and criminals do not mix.

Now, with a second victim poised to sue the prince before the August 13 deadline, the pigeons have come home to roost. The optics are now even worse.

This is hardly the end of the legal headache the prince is causing for the palace - rather it's likely to be the beginning of a long and extended chapter. Andrew is already an official part of the Epstein FBI investigation. Both then-president Trump and his Attorney General Barr endorsed a request to the UK for legal assistance in interviewing the prince.

This piece of legal equipment is usually reserved for terrorists and drug smugglers. To apply it to a royal is a first even in the USA since its War of Independence against Great Britain.

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The pressure on Boris Johnson's government to yield is mounting. Should the prince refuse to cooperate, he will never be able to enter the USA again without risking arrest as a material witness.

In a move that must be deeply worrying to the Palace, the Met Police is reviewing its previous decision not to investigate whether Epstein committed crimes in London, with Commissioner Cressida Dick stating yesterday "no-one is above the law".

In 2015, Virginia Giuffre lodged a formal complaint of being sex-trafficked by Epstein and Maxwell to London for Andrew's sexual gratification. Maxwell still owned the property and police were going to forensically exam it. Giuffre recalled, however, "the next thing I hear, just like the FBI, they were not allowed to pursue the investigation".

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That is likely to change as the lawsuit progresses through the courts.

Even now, the Palace has not learned its lesson. Prince Andrew is still a senior royal with his HRH title intact. One way of dialling down the heat would have been for the prince to retire completely from all royal duties and to hand back his title.

The palace should have done so already in 2011 when the Prince lost his unpaid position as Britains Trade Envoy. Instead, courtiers gave him a frontline position alongside Prince Charles.

The Habsburgs never forgot and never learned. The Windsors seem not far off.

*Nigel Cawthorne is the author of Prince Andrew: Epstein, Maxwell And The Palace

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This Is Why Quantum Mechanics Isn’t Enough To Explain The Universe – Forbes

Posted: at 12:37 am

Going to smaller and smaller distance scales reveals more fundamental views of nature, which means ... [+] if we can understand and describe the smallest scales, we can build our way to an understanding of the largest ones.

Of all the revolutionary ideas that science has entertained, perhaps the most bizarre and counterintuitive one is the notion of quantum mechanics. Previously, scientists had assumed that the Universe was deterministic, in the sense that the laws of physics would enable you to predict with perfect accuracy how any system would evolve into the future. We assumed that our reductionist approach to the Universe where we searched for the smallest constituents of reality and worked to understand their properties would lead us to the ultimate knowledge of things. If we could know what things were made of and could determine the rules that governed them, nothing, at least in principle, would be beyond our ability to predict.

This assumption was quickly shown not to be true when it comes to the quantum Universe. When you reduce whats real to its smallest components, you find that you can divide all forms of matter and energy into indivisible parts: quanta. However, these quanta no longer behaves in a deterministic fashion, but only in a probabilistic one. Even with that addition, however, another problem still remains: the effects that these quanta cause on one another. Our classical notions of fields and forces fail to capture the real effects of the quantum mechanical Universe, demonstrating the need for them to be somehow quantized, too. Quantum mechanics isnt sufficient to explain the Universe; for that, quantum field theory is needed. This is why.

Schematic animation of a continuous beam of light being dispersed by a prism. Note how the wave ... [+] nature of light is both consistent with and a deeper explanation of the fact that white light can be broken up into differing colors. However, radiation doesn't occur continuously at all wavelengths and frequencies, but is quantized into individual energy packets: photons.

Its possible to imagine a Universe where nothing at all was quantum, and where there was no need for anything beyond the physics of the mid-to-late 19th century. You could divide matter into smaller and smaller chunks as much as you like, with no limit. At no point would you ever encounter a fundamental, indivisible building block; you could reduce matter down into arbitrarily small pieces, and if you had a sharp or strong enough divider at your disposal, you could always break it down even further.

In the early 20th century, however, this idea was shown to be incompatible with reality. Radiation from heated objects doesnt get emitted at all frequencies, but rather is quantized into individual packets each containing a specific amount of energy. Electrons can only be ionized by light whose wavelength is shorter (or frequency is higher) than a certain threshold. And particles emitted in radioactive decays, when fired at a thin piece of gold foil, would occasionally ricochet back in the opposite direction, as though there were hard chunks of matter in there that those particles couldnt pass through.

If atoms had been made of continuous structures, then all the particles fired at a thin sheet of ... [+] gold would be expected to pass right through it. The fact that hard recoils were seen quite frequently, even causing some particles to bounce back from their original direction, helped illustrate that there was a hard, dense nucleus inherent to each atom.

The overwhelming conclusion was that matter and energy couldnt be continuous, but rather were divisible into discrete entities: quanta. The original idea of quantum physics was born with this realization that the Universe couldnt be entirely classical, but rather could be reduced into indivisible bits which appeared to play by their own, sometimes bizarre, rules. The more we experimented, the more of this unusual behavior we uncovered, including:

These discoveries didnt just pose philosophical problems, but physical ones as well. For example, theres an inherent uncertainty relationship between the position and the momentum of any quantum of matter or energy. The better you measure one, the more inherently uncertain the other one becomes. In other words, positions and momenta cant be considered to be solely a physical property of matter, but they must be treated as quantum mechanical operators, yielding only a probability distribution of outcomes.

Trajectories of a particle in a box (also called an infinite square well) in classical mechanics (A) ... [+] and quantum mechanics (B-F). In (A), the particle moves at constant velocity, bouncing back and forth. In (B-F), wavefunction solutions to the Time-Dependent Schrodinger Equation are shown for the same geometry and potential. The horizontal axis is position, the vertical axis is the real part (blue) or imaginary part (red) of the wavefunction. (B,C,D) are stationary states (energy eigenstates), which come from solutions to the Time-Independent Schrodinger Equation. (E,F) are non-stationary states, solutions to the Time-Dependent Schrodinger equation. Note that these solutions are not invariant under relativistic transformations; they are only valid in one particular frame of reference.

Why would this be a problem?

Because these two quantities, measurable at any instant in time that we so choose, have a time-dependence. The positions that you measure or the momenta that you infer a particle possesses will change and evolve with time.

That would be fine on its own, but then theres another concept that comes to us from special relativity: the notion of time is different for different observers, so the laws of physics that we apply to systems must remain relativistically invariant. After all, the laws of physics shouldnt change just because youre moving at a different speed, in a different direction, or are at a different location from where you were before.

As originally formulated, quantum physics was not a relativistically invariant theory; its predictions were different for different observers. It took years of developments before the first relativistically invariant version of quantum mechanics was discovered, which didnt happen until the late 1920s.

Different frames of reference, including different positions and motions, would see different laws ... [+] of physics (and would disagree on reality) if a theory is not relativistically invariant. The fact that we have a symmetry under 'boosts,' or velocity transformations, tells us we have a conserved quantity: linear momentum. This is much more difficult to comprehend when momentum isn't simply a quantity associated with a particle, but is rather a quantum mechanical operator.

If we thought the predictions of the original quantum physics were weird, with their indeterminism and fundamental uncertainties, a whole slew of novel predictions emerged from this relativistically invariant version. They included:

Later on, those negative energy states were identified with an equal-and-opposite set of quanta that were shown to exist: antimatter counterparts to the known particles. It was a great leap forward to have a relativistic equation that described the earliest known fundamental particles, such as the electron, positron, muon, and more.

However, it couldnt explain everything. Radioactive decay was still a mystery. The photon had the wrong particle properties, and this theory could explain electron-electron interactions but not photon-photon interactions. Clearly, a major component of the story was still missing.

Electrons exhibit wave properties as well as particle properties, and can be used to construct ... [+] images or probe particle sizes just as well as light can. Here, you can see the results of an experiment where electrons are fired one-at-a-time through a double-slit. Once enough electrons are fired, the interference pattern can clearly be seen.

Heres one way to think about it: imagine an electron traveling through a double slit. If you dont measure which slit the electron goes through and for these purposes, assume that we dont it behaves as a wave: part of it goes through both slits, and those two components interfere to produce a wave pattern. The electron is somehow interfering with itself along its journey, and we see the results of that interference when we detect the electrons at the end of the experiment. Even if we send those electrons one-at-a-time through the double slit, that interference property remains; its inherent to the quantum mechanical nature of this physical system.

Now ask yourself a question about that electron: what happens to its electric field as it goes through the slits?

Previously, quantum mechanics had replaced our notions of quantities like the position and momentum of particles which had previously been simply quantities with values with what we call quantum mechanical operators. These mathematical functions operate on quantum wavefunctions, and produce a probabilistic set of outcomes for what you might observe. When you make an observation, which really just means when you cause that quantum to interact with another quantum whose effects you then detect, you only recover a single value.

If you have a point charge and a metal conductor nearby, it's an exercise in classical physics alone ... [+] to calculate the electric field and its strength at every point in space. In quantum mechanics, we discuss how particles respond to that electric field, but the field itself is not quantized as well. This seems to be the biggest flaw in the formulation of quantum mechanics.

But what do you do when you have a quantum thats generating a field, and that quantum itself is behaving as a decentralized, non-localized wave? This is a very different scenario than what weve considered in either classical physics or in quantum physics so far. You cant simply treat the electric field generated by this wave-like, spread-out electron as coming from a single point, and obeying the classical laws of Maxwells equations. If you were to put another charged particle down, such as a second electron, it would have to respond to whatever weird sort of quantum-behavior this quantum wave was causing.

Normally, in our older, classical treatment, fields push on particles that are located at certain positions and change each particles momentum. But if the particles position and momentum are inherently uncertain, and if the particle(s) that generate the fields are themselves uncertain in position and momentum, then the fields themselves cannot be treated in this fashion: as though theyre some sort of static background that the quantum effects of the other particles are superimposed atop.

If we do, were short-changing ourselves, inherently missing out on the quantum-ness of the underlying fields.

Visualization of a quantum field theory calculation showing virtual particles in the quantum vacuum. ... [+] Whether space (or time) itself is discrete or continuous is not yet decided, as is the question of whether gravity is quantized at all, or particles, as we know them today, are fundamental or not. But if we hope for a fundamental theory of everything, it must include quantized fields.

This was the enormous advance of quantum field theory, which didnt just promote certain physical properties to being quantum operators, but promoted the fields themselves to being quantum operators. (This is also where the idea of second quantization comes from: because not just the matter and energy are quantized, but the fields as well.) All of a sudden, treating the fields as quantum mechanical operators enabled an enormous number of phenomena that had already been observed to finally be explained, including:

With quantum field theory, all of these phenomena now made sense, and many other related ones could now be predicted, including the very exciting modern disagreement between the experimental results for the muons magnetic moment and two different theoretical methods of calculating it: a non-perturbative one, which agrees with experiment, and a perturbative one, which doesnt.

The Muon g-2 electromagnet at Fermilab, ready to receive a beam of muon particles. This experiment ... [+] began in 2017 and continues to take data, having reduced the uncertainties in the experimental values significantly. Theoretically, we can compute the expected value perturbatively, through summing Feynman diagrams, getting a value that disagrees with the experimental results. The non-perturbative calculations, via Lattice QCD, seem to agree, however, deepening the puzzle.

One of the key things that comes along with quantum field theory that simply wouldnt exist in normal quantum mechanics is the potential to have field-field interactions, not just particle-particle or particle-field interactions. Most of us can accept that particles will interact with other particles, because were used to two things colliding with one another: a ball smashing against a wall is a particle-particle interaction. Most of us can also accept that particles and fields interact, like when you move a magnet close to a metallic object, the field attracts the metal.

Although it might defy your intuition, the quantum Universe doesnt really pay any mind to what our experience of the macroscopic Universe is. Its much less intuitive to think about field-field interactions, but physically, theyre just as important. Without it, you couldnt have:

When a nucleus experiences a double neutron decay, two electrons and two neutrinos get emitted ... [+] conventionally. If neutrinos obey this see-saw mechanism and are Majorana particles, neutrinoless double beta decay should be possible. Experiments are actively looking for this.

The Universe, at a fundamental level, isnt just made of quantized packets of matter and energy, but the fields that permeate the Universe are inherently quantum as well. Its why practically every physicist fully expects that, at some level, gravitation must be quantized as well. General Relativity, our current theory of gravity, functions in the same way that an old-style classical field does: it curves the backdrop of space, and then quantum interactions occur in that curved space. Without a quantized gravitational field, however, we can be certain were overlooking quantum gravitational effects that ought to exist, even if we arent certain of what all of them are.

In the end, weve learned that quantum mechanics is fundamentally flawed on its own. Thats not because of anything weird or spooky that it brought along with it, but because it wasnt quite weird enough to account for the physical phenomena that actually occur in reality. Particles do indeed have inherently quantum properties, but so do fields: all of them relativistically invariant. Even without a current quantum theory of gravity, its all but certain that every aspect of the Universe, particles and fields alike, are themselves quantum in nature. What that means for reality, exactly, is something were still trying to puzzle out.

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This Is Why Quantum Mechanics Isn't Enough To Explain The Universe - Forbes

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The Quantum Theory of Light Transformed Physics as We Know It – Interesting Engineering

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1905 is referred to as the "miracle year" by physicists. In that one year, Albert Einstein published four papers that laid the foundations of modern physics.

One of the major breakthroughs proposed by Einstein in 1905 was the quantum theory of light, which posited that light is made up of small particles, known as photons, and these quantum particles have the ability to show wave-like properties.

From laser technology to television screens, there are many inventions that would have never been possible without the knowledge imparted through Einstein's theory. It not only transformed the domain of quantum mechanics but also influenced various other branches of science.

Scientists began to explore the various properties of light from as early as the 17th century, in order to understand its behavior, motion, and origin of light and develop ways to use this knowledge.

Proposed by Sir Isaac Newton, this theory argued againstChristiaan Huygens' theory, which stated that light was made of waves, by suggesting that thegeometric nature of reflection and refraction of light could only be explainedif light were made up of particles. He referred to these particles as corpuscles. Newton proposed thatevery time light rays strike a surface, corpuscles are reflected back, andthat the density of a medium affects the velocity of light.

Contrary to Newton, Dutch Mathematician Christiaan Huygens argued that light is made up of waves that propagate in a perpendicular fashion with respect to the direction of light. He further explained that every point that a luminous disturbance meets turns into a source of the wave itself. A new wave is then determined by the sum of the secondary waves, that result from the disturbance. Huygens' principle was introduced in 1678 to explain the reflection and refraction caused by light rays.

Many years later, in 1801, British scientist Thomas Young conducted his 'double-slit experiment', which validated Huygens findings on the wave-like behavior of light.

In Youngs experiment, a beam of light from a single source was split into two beams, and the two beams were then recombined and superimposed onto a screen, resulting ina pattern of light and dark fringes onthe screen.Young concluded that the fringes resulted from the fact that when the beams recombined, their peaks and troughs were not in phase. When two peaks coincide they reinforce each other, and a line of light results; when a peak and a trough coincide they cancel each other, and a dark line results.

The formation of the resultant wave or interference pattern by the superimposition of two waves was referred to as interference.

The double-slit experiment produced evidence contrary to Newtons corpuscular theory, and it was the first practical proof of the wave theory of light. Thomas Young mentioned the experiment in Lecture 39 of his famous book A Course of Lectures on Natural Philosophy and the Mechanical Arts.

In the years that followed, French engineer August Fresnels findings on diffraction, the phenomena due to which light spreads when passed through a narrow aperture, also confirmed the relevance of the double-slit experiment.

James Clerk Maxwell formulated the theory that electric and magnetic fields propagate with the speed of light, and concluded that light is an electromagnetic (EM) wave. He also predicted the presence of the numerous EM waves that form the electromagnetic spectrum.

According to Maxwells wave theory of light:

= c/

where, = frequencyc = speed of light = wavelength

Later, in 1886, Heinrich Hertz built a spark-gas transmittercomposed of induction coil and a Leyden jar (a capacitor) to create electromagnetic waves, and a spark gap between two brass spheres to detect them. Using this apparatus, he detected radio waves (which also traveled at the speed of light). Hertzs experiment proved the existence of EM waves proposed by Maxwell.

In 1900, Max Planck postulated that energy of light is emitted in the form of small packets of energy called quanta; and that the energy of each quanta is directlyproportional to its frequency.Planck won the Nobel prize in 1918 for his work, which also set the stage for the development of quantum mechanics.

The notion that like matter, light also exists in the form of both particle and wave was further explained by Einstein and Louis De Broglie.

The emission of photoelectrons from a metal surface when light strikes the metal is called the photoelectric effect. The electrons released during this process are called photoelectrons and their emission is influenced by the frequency of the incident beam of light.

The photoelectric effect was first proposed in 1887 by Heinrich Hertz, who observed the occurrence of electric charge in a cathode ray tube when UV light hit the cathode. In 1897, physicist J.J. Thomson performed a cathode-ray tube experiment, which led to the discovery ofelectrons.Thomson also proposed the plum pudding model of the atom, in which negatively-charged electrons were embedded like raisins within a positively-charged "plum pudding".

The photoelectric effect was explained in detail by Albert Einstein in 1905, when he proposed that light is made of tiny particles called photons (previously called quanta), with the energy of a photon given as

E E = h (Plancks equation) orE = hc/

here,E = energy of a photonh = Plancks constant (6.626 10-34 m2 kg/s) = frequency of incident light = wavelength of lightc = speed of light in vacuum

The minimum amount of energy required by an electron to leave the metal surface is referred to as threshold energy, and the minimum value of frequency of light that is sufficient to cause the photoemission of an electron is called threshold frequency.

= hth

= hc/th

here, = threshold energyth = threshold frequencyth = threshold wavelength

The photoelectric effect follows the law of conservation of energy which states that energy can neither be created nor be destroyed. The energy of a photon is equal to the sum total of energy required to emit an electron and the kinetic energy of the emitted electron.

h= W + E

here,

h = Plank constant = frequency of the incident photon.W = work function (the minimum photon energy required to liberate an electron from a substance)E = maximum kinetic energy of ejected electrons (1/2 mv).

The photoelectric effect not only validated the particle nature of light but also strengthened the possibility of photons acting as a wave (since Einsteins equation involved both frequency and wavelength). In 1921, Albert Einstein was awarded Nobel Prize in Physics for his exceptional work on the photoelectric effect and the quantum theory of light.

De Broglie put forward the idea that light exhibits wave-like properties such as frequency and wavelength, and dual nature is not a special case but the fundamental nature of light energy.

He combined Einsteins special theory of relativity with Plancks equation for energy to reveal the wave nature of light in the year 1924.

E = mc2

E = h

mc2 = h

mc = h/c = p

here,p = momentum

Now, we know that frequency and wavelength share an inverse relationship, and

=c/f

p = h/

= h/p = h/mv

here, = De Broglie wavelengthv = velocity of particle

In his theory, De Broglie explained that = h/mv demonstrate the wave nature of particles. He came to the conclusion that if a wave can show particle behavior then a particle (photon) is also able to exhibit the properties of a wave.

More than 100 years have passed since the quantum theory of light got introduced to us, but even today this theory is so relevant that many modern-day discoveries and inventions are found to be based upon its underlying knowledge.

From cosmology to holograms, our understanding of light has changed the world in numerous ways.

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The Quantum Theory of Light Transformed Physics as We Know It - Interesting Engineering

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