Becci Ellis Aims to Break Her Own Speed Record on Two Wheels

Becci Ellis Aims to Break Her Own Speed Record on Two Wheels

The Fastest Woman on Two Wheels Plans to Shatter Her Own Guinness World Record as Motorsport Season Begins

Becci Ellis, the world’s fastest woman on two wheels, is preparing to attempt a new record-breaking speed and surpass her own Guinness World Record. The talented rider from Lincolnshire is gearing up for another thrilling challenge as the UK motorsport season kicks off with 50 unique events hosted by Straightliners.

Ellis, who achieved her current title in 2014 by accelerating from a standstill to 264.1 miles per hour on a conventional motorcycle, is now setting her sights on reaching a speed of 300 mph. She explained that after selling her previous bike, which had reached its speed limit, she and her team built a new motorcycle designed for even greater speeds. “If the conditions are right – the weather, road conditions – we believe it’s possible, and we’re going to try,” she said.

In addition to Ellis, 58-year-old engineer Graham Sykes will also be competing with his uniquely designed steam-powered motorcycle, the “Force of Nature Steam Rocket Bike.” Sykes, who designed the bike himself, invested £70,000 in its construction. Unlike conventional motorcycles, the steam bike runs entirely on steam, using 100 litres of water heated to 200°C to generate over 2,200 lbs of thrust. This allows the bike to accelerate to over 200 mph in just an eighth of a mile, with the potential to reach 230 mph.

Although there is no official record for a steam-powered motorcycle yet, Sykes is hopeful that his machine will break the existing steam car record of 148 mph. He plans to make a serious attempt at the record in September during one of the many motorsport events scheduled across various locations in the UK, including Yorkshire, Devon, and the Isle of Man.

Sykes expressed his confidence, stating, “As long as we don’t encounter any significant mechanical issues, we should be able to make a serious attempt.” Both Ellis and Sykes are poised to make history in the upcoming motorsport season.

Earth’s New ‘Trojan Asteroid’ May One Day Host Human Bases, Say Scientists

Earth’s New ‘Trojan Asteroid’ May One Day Host Human Bases, Say Scientists

‘2020 XL5’, the Second Earth Trojan, Could Offer a Future Space Destination for Humanity

Scientists have confirmed that Earth is now accompanied by a “Trojan asteroid” known as 2020 XL5, marking only the second such discovery. Researchers describe it as a particularly promising specimen, more significant than the first-ever Earth Trojan asteroid, 2010 TK7.

Trojan asteroids share the same orbit as their associated planet, remaining in stable positions either ahead of or behind the planet. These objects are commonly found around Jupiter and are named after characters from the Trojan War. However, until now, only one Earth Trojan had been definitively discovered.

The new object, identified on December 12, 2020, was initially suspected to be an Earth Trojan, but verifying its orbit proved difficult due to limited observations. Now, after extensive analysis combining archived data and new observations, scientists have confirmed that 2020 XL5 is indeed an Earth Trojan.

While its exact origin remains uncertain, it is believed that the asteroid could have originated from the asteroid belt and been displaced into its current orbit due to gravitational interactions with Jupiter. Its orbit is stable, and researchers predict that it will remain in its current position for approximately 4,000 years.

2020 XL5 is a larger and more accessible object compared to its predecessor, 2010 TK7, and its characteristics suggest it could become a valuable target for future space missions. In the distant future, researchers speculate that this asteroid might even be used for establishing human bases or installing scientific instruments, given its stable orbit and the relatively low fuel requirements for visiting it.

The findings, which are published in the study “Orbital stability analysis and photometric characterization of the second Earth Trojan asteroid 2020 XL5” in Nature Communications, open new possibilities for human exploration beyond Earth.

Egypt’s Carlos Queiroz to Miss AFCON Final Following Red Card in Semi-Final

Egypt’s Carlos Queiroz to Miss AFCON Final Following Red Card in Semi-Final

Egypt’s Manager Faces Suspension After Confrontation with Referee in Tense Match Against Cameroon

Carlos Queiroz, the Egypt national football team manager, will be absent from the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final against Senegal after being sent off during the semi-final against Cameroon.

Egypt triumphed over the tournament favourites in a dramatic penalty shootout after a tense and sluggish semi-final match, which ended in a draw. The victory has set up a highly anticipated final on Sunday, where Egypt, with seven AFCON titles, will face off against Senegal, who have never won the competition.

Queiroz, a seasoned international coach, was dismissed in the second half of the match following repeated confrontations with referee Bakary Gassama. The tension escalated when an incident occurred between Egypt’s Ramadan Sobhi and Cameroon’s Nouhou Tolo, which led Queiroz to call for Tolo’s red card.

The situation nearly led to Egypt’s assistant coach, Rodger De Sa, being sent off as well, though he was only issued a yellow card. Consequently, Queiroz will be unable to lead his team from the sidelines during the final, adding an additional layer of drama to an already heated match-up between two of Africa’s footballing giants.

The AFCON final will take on extra significance, with Egypt seeking to claim their eighth title, while Senegal aim for their first-ever victory.

India Announces Diplomatic Boycott of Winter Olympics Over China’s Choice of Torchbearer

India Announces Diplomatic Boycott of Winter Olympics Over China’s Choice of Torchbearer

Controversy Erupts as Chinese Soldier Involved in Galwan Clash Becomes Olympic Torchbearer

India has joined the growing list of countries announcing a diplomatic boycott of the Beijing Winter Olympics, following China’s controversial decision to include a soldier involved in the 2020 Galwan Valley clash as a torchbearer.

The Indian Ministry of External Affairs condemned China’s actions, labelling it “regrettable” that the Olympics had been politicised. An Indian official confirmed that India’s envoy would not attend the opening or closing ceremonies of the Games in protest.

The choice of regimental commander Qi Fabao, who led Chinese forces during the 2020 skirmish with Indian troops in Galwan Valley, has sparked outrage in India. Qi, who was injured during the conflict, was hailed by state-run media in China as a “hero” following the deadly clash, which resulted in at least 20 Indian and four Chinese soldiers’ deaths. For nearly eight months, China did not publicly acknowledge the extent of its casualties.

Qi participated in the Olympic torch relay on February 2, carrying the flame from renowned short-track speed skating champion Wang Meng. Qi’s appearance in the Winter Olympics has been met with harsh criticism in India, where many see it as a provocative move by China. Some commentators have suggested that China is using Qi as a symbol of its nationalist agenda.

Manish Tewari, a senior Congress party leader, tweeted about the choice of Qi as torchbearer, calling it a clear message from China. Similarly, Aadil Brar, a journalist and columnist, expressed concern over the glorification of Qi as a national hero, stating that India should not have supported the Olympics under such circumstances. Retired army officer Gaurav Arya labelled the Olympic flame as the “flame of shame,” highlighting the fact that China initially downplayed its own casualties.

Journalist Abhishek Bhalla also criticised China’s decision, noting that the country’s information warfare strategy continued with the selection of Qi as torchbearer.

This controversy comes amidst rising tensions at the India-China border, where both nations have stationed tens of thousands of troops. The conflict in Galwan Valley, in which both countries suffered casualties, remains a source of diplomatic friction.

US Senator Jim Risch condemned China for its choice, linking the decision to the broader issues of human rights abuses, including the treatment of Uyghur Muslims in Xinjiang. Similarly, investigative reports have questioned the official casualty figures from China, suggesting that the true number of Chinese military losses during the Galwan clash may have been much higher than previously acknowledged.

As the Winter Olympics approach, the diplomatic boycott by India further isolates China, while the debate continues over the international implications of the Games and the choices made by the host nation.

Downing Street Confirms Public Will Be Informed if Boris Johnson Receives Fine Over Partygate

Downing Street Confirms Public Will Be Informed if Boris Johnson Receives Fine Over Partygate

Number 10 Acknowledges Public Interest in Whether Prime Minister Faces Consequences for Lockdown Breach

Downing Street has stated that Boris Johnson will inform the public if he is fined for breaching coronavirus restrictions during a party at No 10.

Concerns had arisen that the Prime Minister might not be officially named if he received a fixed penalty notice, as police usually do not disclose the identities of individuals issued such fines. However, Number 10 has recognised the significant public interest surrounding the case.

The Metropolitan Police are investigating 12 gatherings at No 10 and Whitehall, including three attended by Johnson, to determine if the lockdown rules were violated. The Prime Minister’s official spokesperson confirmed that updates would be provided about Johnson’s situation, acknowledging the public’s interest.

Initially, Downing Street had suggested it was up to the police to decide whether to release the names of those involved in the alleged breaches, following the College of Policing guidelines that prevent the disclosure of people fined for out-of-court penalties.

However, the Prime Minister’s spokesperson noted, “We would always look to provide what updates we can on him, specifically.” When asked whether this meant Johnson’s potential fine would be disclosed, the spokesman answered, “Hypothetically, yes.”

Meanwhile, Tory MP Peter Aldous has publicly urged Johnson to resign, citing the best interests of the country, the Conservative Party, and the government. Aldous submitted a letter calling for a vote of no confidence after Johnson’s actions came under further scrutiny.

Deputy Prime Minister Dominic Raab defended Johnson, stating that the Prime Minister believed he had acted in good faith. When questioned whether Johnson should step down if he is fined, Raab responded, “Let’s wait and see… Allow the police to conduct their investigation.”

The Met Police is reviewing hundreds of documents and photographs related to the alleged lockdown breaches. Evidence was submitted by Sue Gray’s investigation team, which earlier reported “failures of leadership and judgment” within the government, though it did not assign blame to specific individuals.

Some MPs, including Tom Hunt, have condemned the details that have emerged, with Hunt stating that the Prime Minister must face accountability for the incident, despite still offering his support to Johnson for now.

Although the scandal has led to growing calls for Johnson to step down, including from Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer, Johnson’s position appears stable for the time being. He has pledged to publish a full report from Sue Gray once the police investigation is complete.

Michael Gove, a senior Tory minister, expressed his full support for Johnson, dismissing any need for a leadership contest.

Taylor Schilling Opens Up About Changing Perceptions of Piper Chapman in Orange is the New Black

Taylor Schilling Opens Up About Changing Perceptions of Piper Chapman in Orange is the New Black

Actress Reflects on the Shift from Audience Celebration to Resentment Towards Her Character

Taylor Schilling has shared her thoughts on the evolving reactions to her character, Piper Chapman, in Orange is the New Black, and the emotional impact it had on her.

The critically acclaimed prison drama, which aired from 2013 to 2019, featured Schilling as Piper, a privileged woman sentenced to prison for money laundering and conspiracy. The show also boasted a diverse ensemble cast, including Uzo Aduba, Danielle Brooks, and Samira Wiley.

At the start, creator Jenji Kohan described Piper as a “Trojan horse” to draw audiences in, noting that by following a white woman, the show could later expand to tell the stories of Black, Latina, older women, and other diverse characters.

However, as the series progressed, Schilling observed a shift in audience sentiment towards her character, which she admitted was difficult to handle. Reflecting on the change, Schilling revealed in an interview with The Independent that the growing resentment towards Piper hurt her personally. “In some ways, that was really hard,” she said. “I took it personally and I felt like I was no longer a part of the pack. I think Piper held the projection of a lot of white privilege for the collective that was invested in the show.”

Schilling acknowledged the importance of discussing privilege but found it challenging to be at the centre of such a conversation. She said, “It was so wonderful to be a part of, of course, then it was an interesting experience to observe the change from when we started. It really changed.”

By the time the final season aired, some outlets had labelled Piper the “most hated character of all time,” reflecting the widespread shift in perception. Schilling observed, “I definitely observed that feeling of celebration shifting into resentment of Piper. It’s a difficult thing to not personalise that. I started to feel like my job in that show was just as a space holder, to provide a steady middle so that other people could really shine.”

In the interview, Schilling also touched on her recent role as a queer porn star in Pam & Tommy, the Hulu series based on the infamous sex tape scandal involving Pamela Anderson and Tommy Lee.

Adele Set to Perform at the 2022 Brit Awards After Las Vegas Residency Cancellation

Adele Set to Perform at the 2022 Brit Awards After Las Vegas Residency Cancellation

Pop Superstar Announces Exciting Plans for the Brit Awards and Graham Norton Show Appearance

Adele has confirmed she will be performing live at the upcoming Brit Awards 2022, following her recent Las Vegas residency cancellation. The singer took to Instagram to share the exciting news, addressing reports that initially suggested she would be absent from the event.

In her post, the 33-year-old pop icon revealed that she would also be a guest on The Graham Norton Show during her time in London. She expressed her excitement, saying: “Hiya, so I’m really happy to say that I am performing at the Brits next week!! Anddddd I’ll also be popping in to see Graham for a chat on the couch while I’m in town too! I’m looking forward to it!”

Adele also sent her love from her boyfriend, sports agent Rich Paul, writing: “Oh, and Rich sends his love.”

This announcement comes after Adele’s emotional video last month, where she revealed the delay of her highly anticipated Las Vegas residency, Weekends with Adele. The residency, originally scheduled to start on January 21 at the Colosseum in Caesars Palace, was postponed due to COVID-related disruptions and production delays. In a heartfelt Instagram message, she shared: “I’m so sorry, but my show isn’t ready. We’ve been absolutely destroyed by delivery delays and Covid. Half my crew are down with Covid – they still are – and it’s been impossible to finish the show.”

Adele’s residency was meant to celebrate her chart-topping album 30, which featured the record-breaking single “Easy on Me.” Despite the setback, the artist remains active, with her Brit Awards performance now highly anticipated.

The 2022 Brit Awards will take place on February 8, live from The O2 Arena in London. Adele is nominated for three awards, including Best Album for 30 and Best Song for “Easy on Me.” She will be joined by other notable performers, including Ed Sheeran, Liam Gallagher, Dave, Little Simz, and Holly Humberstone, who is also set to perform following her Rising Star award win. The event will be hosted by comedian Mo Gilligan.