Latest news with #Aztec
Daily Mirror
16 hours ago
- Daily Mirror
Insanely beautiful 31C country popular with Brits named among most dangerous
Even tourist-riddled areas in this country are starting to be impacted by crime and violence, in a huge blow to UK tourists desperate for guaranteed sunshine and pristine beaches An increasingly popular tourist destination famed for its sugar-like beaches and turquoise waters has been ranked as one of the world's most dangerous countries. Lured in by huge all-inclusive resorts, a ubiquitously fascinating history, and scorching temperatures - Mexico has long been a beloved hotspot amongst UK holidaymakers. Sandwiched in between the US and Guatemala, the country witnessed a whopping 45.04 million international tourists last year, a 7.4 per cent spike compared to 2023. Whether you're a history buff dying to see the Aztec ruins, an adrenaline seeker wanting to dive with sharks, or a classic Brit wanting to chill on white sands with a good book and a margarita, there's no denying Mexico's mass appeal. But, is it actually a safe country to visit? "The drug war in Mexico is one of the most violent conflicts on the planet with cartel activity permeating through many levels of the Mexican economy and society," warns Global Guardian, who named Mexico as one of the most dangerous countries in the Americas - and in the world. "Cartel conflicts continue to drive violence across Mexico, including tourist areas previously less affected, such as Cancun, Tulum, and Puerto Vallarta. "The current criminal landscape in Mexico is driven largely by the battle between the Cartel de Jalisco Nueva Generación (CJNG) and the Sinaloa Cartel (CDS), though three other major transnational criminal organizations (TCOs) — Los Zetas, Gulf Cartel, and Juarez Cartel — all contribute to high levels of violence. The border regions along with Tierra Caliente, which includes parts of Michoacán, Guerrero, and Mexico states should be avoided, if possible." The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) currently advises against all but essential travel to parts of Mexico - including certain areas with the State of Baja California, State of Chihuahua, State of Sinaloa, State of Tamaulipas, State of Zacatecas, State of Colima, State of Jalisco, State of Michoacán, State of Guerrero, and State of Chiapas. This is not a blanket ban on the entirety of these areas, with exemptions for the city of Chihuahua, other municipalities, roads, and border crossings. Under its 'Safety and Security' page, the FCDO warns that street crime is a 'serious issue' in major cities and tourist resort areas. "Many Mexican and foreign businesses choose to hire private security," the body states. "You should: research your destination thoroughly, only travel during daylight hours when possible, monitor local media, and tell trusted contacts your travel plans." Pickpocketing and theft in Mexico are also common, while many criminals pose as police officers and try to fine or arrest you for no reason. In the past, these scams have heavily targeted travellers driving in rental cars. "Some genuine police officers have extorted money from tourists for alleged minor offences or traffic violations," the FCDO added. "If this happens do not hand over money or your passport, ask for a copy of the fine, which is payable later, ask for ID, and try to note the officer's name, badge number and patrol car number." Other warnings flagged by the FCDO include drink and food spiking, sexual assault, kidnapping, roadblocks, and unlicensed taxis assaulting passengers. While the Mexican government makes efforts to protect major tourist destinations including Cancun, Tulum, Cozumel, Los Cabos, and Playa del Carmen - criminals have still targeted Brits in these areas. "Rival criminal gangs have clashed in popular Cancun tourist destinations and surrounding areas," the FCDO explains. "Gangs have not targeted tourists, but violent incidents could affect anyone nearby. Since 2021, several shootings have affected tourists. Be very cautious after dark in downtown areas of Cancun, Tulum and Playa del Carmen. Stay in well-lit pedestrian streets and tourist zones. Follow advice from the local authorities and your tour operator."
Yahoo
a day ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Manny Pacquiao faces welterweight champ Mario Barrios, but his real challenge will be time
Filipino boxer Manny Pacquiao, left, and Mexican-American boxer Mario Barrios face off during the news conference ahead of their July 19 WBC welterweight title fight. (Patrick T. Fallon / AFP via Getty Images) Mauricio Sulaiman smiled as he recalled the call during which a boxing legend asked him to challenge current welterweight champion Mario Barrios. The president of the World Boxing Council (WBC) did not think about it for a moment and immediately got to work to fulfill the request of the legendary Manny Pacquiao. Advertisement One of the most iconic and respected figures in boxing history is back. "It was a positive call, I told him I wanted to challenge the champion one more time and that I can still fight. He was happy to hear that," Pacquiao told L.A. Times en Español. Manny Pacquiao speaks about his boxing comeback at a news conference in Los Angeles on June 3. (Greg Beacham / Associated Press) Sulaiman fulfilled "PacMan's" wish and his bout against "Aztec Warrior" Barrios will be on July 19 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. 'He called me and said, 'Help me fulfill my dream of retiring with the WBC, which was where I started at flyweight,'' Sulaiman said. 'Manny's relationship with the WBC is decades old, we've been in very good times and we've been in difficult times and now that he needs support, we are here for him.' Advertisement Born into poverty in the Philippines, Pacquiao became the only boxer to win world titles in eight different divisions, from flyweight to super welterweight. He defeated Oscar De La Hoya, Ricky Hatton, Miguel Cotto, Juan Manuel Marquez, Erik Morales and Marco Antonio Barrera. His explosive style, speed and charisma made him a global idol, especially in Asia and Latin America. In addition to being world champion in multiple bodies (WBC, WBA, WBO, WBO, IBF), he was recognized as 'Boxer of the Decade' by the Boxing Writers Assn. in 2010 and also developed a political career, becoming a senator in his country, which cemented his status as a national hero in the Philippines. During his career, Pacquiao has suffered eight losses and two draws, but his impressive 62 victories — 39 of them by knockout — earned him a place in the Boxing Hall of Fame. He is being inducted in Canastota, N.Y., on June 8. Read more: Rolando 'Rolly' Romero sends a message of peace to Ryan Garcia: 'Come closer to God' Advertisement The former champion has been welcomed by the boxing world with open arms, but with caution. Pacquiao claims his hand movements are just as quick as in his prime, but at 46, many doubt he is the same as before. In August 2021, Pacquiao lost a unanimous decision to Cuba's Yordenis Ugás in what was then his last fight before retirement. During the fight against Ugás, Pacquiao looked slow, unresponsive and in what seemed to be the twilight of his career. He said several issues caused his problems during the fight, among them, his political career, a lawsuit against him by his former promoter Paradigm Sports Management and muscle ailments that were further inflamed by a pre-fight massage. Pacquiao did say whether he will be around to face more of boxing's stars after his bout with Barrios. Advertisement "I'm still here, one at a time," Pacquiao said. "This is me, if there are changes in my fighting style, I have to listen to my body, my heart and if my mind is also there, then I will know if I'm done." Manny Pacquiao wears the champion's belt after defeating Brandon Rios during their WBO international welterweight title fight on Nov. 24, 2013, in Macau. (Vincent Yu / Associated Press) Since the announcement of his return, many have shown concern for what might happen to him in the ring against a younger and physically fit Barrios. "I appreciate that they are concerned, however, the only people I worry about is my family," Pacquiao said. "How I move, how I train, what kind of condition I'm in, they support me because they can still see the old Manny Pacquiao." Advertisement During his four-year absence from boxing, he was dedicated to his family and his country as a politician, but he said he remained active and in good physical condition, so he feels his return to the ring will not be difficult. 'At my home in the Philippines, I have my own training facility, with a gym, two basketball courts, everything — pickleball, badminton, table tennis,' Pacquiao said. 'Plus, I have a yard in the back of my house that's a kilometer long where I run.' Sixteen years separate Pacquiao and Barrios. Pacquiao made his professional debut in January 1995, Barrios was born just four months later. That bout will pit experience versus youth. Advertisement Read more: Jake Paul and Julio César Chávez Jr. question each other's skills ahead of Anaheim bout Barrios may have more elements in his favor, such as his height, as he stands 6-feet tall while Pacquiao is 5-foot-5. Barrios' reach is 71 inches, while Pacquiao's reach is 67 inches. 'I'm younger, I have youth on my side, he has the experience, but I have to go out there and use all that advantage, my height, my speed, my timing, if I do that I can come out on top.' Although the confirmation of the fight came as a surprise to many, Barrios was mentally prepared for the possibility. He knew that the return of a legend like Pacquiao was not an isolated rumor, but a latent option. Advertisement 'At first, I really couldn't believe it, but I had been told it could happen anytime in 2025,' recounted the San Antonio, Texas native, who has a record of 29 wins, two losses and one draw. "I thought the best thing to do was to be ready, in March I was told it could happen during the summer, then I felt it would definitely happen. He's a legend, he's achieved so much, but at the end of the day, he's a fighter who wants to take my title." Yordenis Ugas punches Manny Pacquiao during a welterweight championship boxing match on Aug. 21, 2021, in Las Vegas. (John Locher / Associated Press) Pacquiao could have chosen a more accessible opponent for his comeback, someone who would allow him to regain his rhythm and confidence. But he chose Barrios, a champion in his prime. 'I don't know if it's an insult or complement,' Barrios reflected. 'The type of fight he brings to the ring is a lot of action, I have to be smart, I shouldn't let him succeed.' Advertisement While he respects Pacquiao's legacy, Barrios is determined to impose his own stamp on a historic evening. He is known for the way he arrives in the ring, accompanied by traditional Aztec dancers, as well as his colorful attire that represents his indigenous roots. Barrios hopes to continue with his traditional entrance, but he said the occasion calls for something special. 'It's going to be a very similar entry, always bringing the ... ancestral strength," Barrios said. "... I'm going to have all that, but we're going to do something even bigger." This article first appeared in Spanish via L.A. Times en Español. Get the best, most interesting and strangest stories of the day from the L.A. sports scene and beyond from our newsletter The Sports Report. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
Los Angeles Times
a day ago
- Sport
- Los Angeles Times
Manny Pacquiao faces welterweight champ Mario Barrios, but his real challenge will be time
Mauricio Sulaiman smiled as he recalled the call during which a boxing legend asked him to challenge current welterweight champion Mario Barrios. The president of the World Boxing Council (WBC) did not think about it for a moment and immediately got to work to fulfill the request of the legendary Manny Pacquiao. One of the most iconic and respected figures in boxing history is back. 'It was a positive call, I told him I wanted to challenge the champion one more time and that I can still fight. He was happy to hear that,' Pacquiao told L.A. Times en Español. Sulaiman fulfilled 'PacMan's' wish and his bout against 'Aztec Warrior' Barrios will be on July 19 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. 'He called me and said, 'Help me fulfill my dream of retiring with the WBC, which was where I started at flyweight,'' Sulaiman said. 'Manny's relationship with the WBC is decades old, we've been in very good times and we've been in difficult times and now that he needs support, we are here for him.' Born into poverty in the Philippines, Pacquiao became the only boxer to win world titles in eight different divisions, from flyweight to super welterweight. He defeated Oscar De La Hoya, Ricky Hatton, Miguel Cotto, Juan Manuel Marquez, Erik Morales and Marco Antonio Barrera. His explosive style, speed and charisma made him a global idol, especially in Asia and Latin America. In addition to being world champion in multiple bodies (WBC, WBA, WBO, WBO, IBF), he was recognized as 'Boxer of the Decade' by the Boxing Writers Assn. in 2010 and also developed a political career, becoming a senator in his country, which cemented his status as a national hero in the Philippines. During his career, Pacquiao has suffered eight losses and two draws, but his impressive 62 victories — 39 of them by knockout — earned him a place in the Boxing Hall of Fame. He is being inducted in Canastota, N.Y., on June 8. The former champion has been welcomed by the boxing world with open arms, but with caution. Pacquiao claims his hand movements are just as quick as in his prime, but at 46, many doubt he is the same as before. In August 2021, Pacquiao lost a unanimous decision to Cuba's Yordenis Ugás in what was then his last fight before retirement. During the fight against Ugás, Pacquiao looked slow, unresponsive and in what seemed to be the twilight of his career. He said several issues caused his problems during the fight, among them, his political career, a lawsuit against him by his former promoter Paradigm Sports Management and muscle ailments that were further inflamed by a pre-fight massage. Pacquiao did say whether he will be around to face more of boxing's stars after his bout with Barrios. 'I'm still here, one at a time,' Pacquiao said. 'This is me, if there are changes in my fighting style, I have to listen to my body, my heart and if my mind is also there, then I will know if I'm done.' Since the announcement of his return, many have shown concern for what might happen to him in the ring against a younger and physically fit Barrios. 'I appreciate that they are concerned, however, the only people I worry about is my family,' Pacquiao said. 'How I move, how I train, what kind of condition I'm in, they support me because they can still see the old Manny Pacquiao.' During his four-year absence from boxing, he was dedicated to his family and his country as a politician, but he said he remained active and in good physical condition, so he feels his return to the ring will not be difficult. 'At my home in the Philippines, I have my own training facility, with a gym, two basketball courts, everything — pickleball, badminton, table tennis,' Pacquiao said. 'Plus, I have a yard in the back of my house that's a kilometer long where I run.' Sixteen years separate Pacquiao and Barrios. Pacquiao made his professional debut in January 1995, Barrios was born just four months later. That bout will pit experience versus youth. Barrios may have more elements in his favor, such as his height, as he stands 6-feet tall while Pacquiao is 5-foot-5. Barrios' reach is 71 inches, while Pacquiao's reach is 67 inches. 'I'm younger, I have youth on my side, he has the experience, but I have to go out there and use all that advantage, my height, my speed, my timing, if I do that I can come out on top.' Although the confirmation of the fight came as a surprise to many, Barrios was mentally prepared for the possibility. He knew that the return of a legend like Pacquiao was not an isolated rumor, but a latent option. 'At first, I really couldn't believe it, but I had been told it could happen anytime in 2025,' recounted the San Antonio, Texas native, who has a record of 29 wins, two losses and one draw. 'I thought the best thing to do was to be ready, in March I was told it could happen during the summer, then I felt it would definitely happen. He's a legend, he's achieved so much, but at the end of the day, he's a fighter who wants to take my title.' Pacquiao could have chosen a more accessible opponent for his comeback, someone who would allow him to regain his rhythm and confidence. But he chose Barrios, a champion in his prime. 'I don't know if it's an insult or complement,' Barrios reflected. 'The type of fight he brings to the ring is a lot of action, I have to be smart, I shouldn't let him succeed.' While he respects Pacquiao's legacy, Barrios is determined to impose his own stamp on a historic evening. He is known for the way he arrives in the ring, accompanied by traditional Aztec dancers, as well as his colorful attire that represents his indigenous roots. Barrios hopes to continue with his traditional entrance, but he said the occasion calls for something special. 'It's going to be a very similar entry, always bringing the ... ancestral strength,' Barrios said. '... I'm going to have all that, but we're going to do something even bigger.' This article first appeared in Spanish via L.A. Times en Español.
Pink Villa
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Pink Villa
A sneak peek into Shruti Haasan's Duplex Mumbai Home: Rustic corners to library wall
Unlike other celebrities, Shruti Haasan 's 15 crore Mumbai home is nothing short of a kaleidoscope. Every element in the nook and corner of her home reflects her personality, culture, and creativity. The daughter of the legendary actor Kamal Haasan has carved her path to success, and that's everything her duplex apartments in Andheri, Mumbai, emphasize. Through consistent hard work and unwavering determination, the 39-year-old Indian actress and singer left her rented home and moved to a luxurious two-bedroom duplex in 2012. Take a look at her safest abode perched in the city of dreams! Shruti Haasan's Mumbai Home is the Most Beautiful Abode Ever Shruti's home is the perfect blend of modern amenities, artistic touches, and boho aesthetics. Her living area is full of colors that bring comfortable seating options to life. The khatiya-style bench is one of Shruti's favorite corners of the room. Though she has spent the majority of her time overseas, her Mumbai duplex speaks volumes about her love for Indian culture, music, and artwork. What steals the show in her living room is the combination of intentionally unfinished concrete walls complementing the polished concrete flooring. The sofas, tables, boldly mismatched ottoman, and patterned cushions are harmoniously placed. The room also features a projector for binge-watching movies and web series. Shruti Haasan's Home Has a Pink Dining Area And a Green Kitchen Shurit Haasan's dining room is doused with elements in her favorite pink color. What defines the space even more is the Aztec print rug placed neatly right under the dining table. The mint green kitchen, on the other hand, exudes warmth and provides a refreshing atmosphere. Right from the layout to the color, everything in the kitchen complements the theme and decor story. Casual Sitting Area Constructed especially for jamming or relaxing, the casual sitting area of her home oozes heart-warming boho and easy-going vibes. With musical instruments like the guitar, bass, amplifier, and tanpura, the sitting area is nicely decorated. It is indeed the place for quick mood management. In addition, she has a spiritual nook dedicated to Lord Murugan, her deity, and a tarot deck where she carries out her readings. It is no news that Shruti is a music lover and enjoys producing in her personal space. She adores her piano and spends the majority of her time playing it. With musical notes and instruments, the room is delightful. Furthermore, the Salaar actress doesn't own a cabinet for her trophies. Instead, she prefers keeping them over her refrigerator. She truly appreciates her accolades rather than worshipping them. What's her favorite thing in the entire apartment? It's a simple 25-year-old photo frame of her father holding baby Shruti and her sister, Akshara. Additionally, the full-sized emo mannequin, Fiona, is her most loyal roommate. She guards the music corner consisting of a classic upright piano, a vintage boombox, rubber ducks (belonging to the unfiltered Shruti), and a customized songwriting diary gifted by Kamal Haasan. The Bedroom Emphasizing comfort and luxury at its best, Shruti's bedroom features mirrored wardrobes, warm light, and neat bedding that changes periodically. The exposed brick wall acting as a backdrop to the grey spiral staircase is a one-of-a-kind architectural detail. Overall, Shruti's home is a space of art, architectural brilliance, and ethnicity you can't stop swooning over. With books, vinyl records, global artwork, and cultural knick-knacks, her personal space speaks a lot about energy, history, and joy.
National Geographic
4 days ago
- Science
- National Geographic
Axolotl
Scientific Name: Ambystoma mexicanum Average Life Span In The Wild: 10 to 15 years Size relative to a teacup: According to legend, the axolotl is the Aztec god of fire and lightning, Xolotl, who disguised himself as a salamander to avoid being sacrificed. But these amphibians are impressive enough on their own. Axolotls (pronounced ACK-suh-LAH-tuhl) can regenerate lost limbs and have a life cycle that allows them to stay 'young' their whole lives, a phenomenon called neoteny. Their youthful traits include feathery gills sprouting from their heads like a mane, webbed feet, a dorsal fin that runs down the length of their body, and a tail. Though they keep these external gills, adults also have functional lungs and can breathe through their skin. And as if being forever-babies didn't make them cute enough, they wear a permanent Mona Lisa smile. A popular oddity These cute critters have long fascinated the public, even more so when they were first brought from Mexico to Paris in 1864. Europeans across the continent began breeding them. That began a robust pet trade in the animals, which breed easily in captivity. In the wild, they're mostly grayish-brown in color. Lighter colored specimens, especially those with white bodies and pink gills, are usually bred as pets. Yet in most countries, axolotls cannot be traded across international borders, partly because of poaching concerns. They're illegal to own in some parts of the United States for the same reason. Some are also concerned that they may escape captivity and interbreed with native salamanders. Thanks to their regenerative abilities, axolotls are a common research subject for biologists. They can regrow lost or damaged limbs, hearts, spinal cords, and even parts of their brains—all without permanent scarring. Since scarring prevents tissue from regenerating, finding out how and why axolotls don't scar could unlock human's ability to regenerate tissue. One study deciphered how the axolotl's molecules communicate to promote regeneration. A 2025 study may have cracked the code. A particular enzyme and gene work with retinoic acid to grow the right body part in the right spot. (Scientists may have found the key to amphibian regeneration.) Axolotl reproduction and behavior Axolotls are solitary creatures, but they reach sexual maturity at a year old. Their spawning season in the wild is in February. Males seek out females, possibly using pheromones, and perform a courtship 'hula' dance. He shakes his tail and lower body. She responds by nudging him with her snout. The male then deposits spermatophores, or sperm packets, on the lake floor, which the female picks up with her cloaca, a body cavity, and fertilizes her eggs. Females can lay up to a thousand eggs (though the average is about 300) on plant material or rocks, which protects them from predators. After two weeks, they hatch and, with no parental care, the larvae are off and swimming on their own. There's a theory for why axolotls don't change appearance as adults. Because their native lakes never dry up, as is the case for many other water bodies, axolotls didn't have to trade in their aquatic traits, such as a tadpole-like tail, for terrestrial ones, such as legs. (Axolotls and capybaras are TikTok famous—and that could be a problem.) Axolotl habitat and diet These lentic amphibians live and breed in Lake Xochimilco and Lake Chalco, located just south of Mexico City. During the day, axolotls hide from predators by burrowing in the mud or hanging out among aquatic plants. They become active at night, when their sweet little smiles quickly turn into vacuum cleaners. Axolotls suck in their prey, which includes crustaceans, mollusks, insect eggs, and small fish. They may also suck up gravel, which can help grind up the food in their belly. Conservation and threats An assessment by the International Union for the Conservation of Species found that only 50 to a thousand axolotls are left in the wild. And their numbers are dropping. They once inhabited the high-altitude lakes around Mexico City, but habitat degradation has limited them to a few inland canals in the area. Further habitat loss from tourism and residential housing development, in addition to agricultural and industrial pollution, have drastically reduced the axolotl population. So has the introduction of tilapia and other invasive fish species, which eat baby salamanders and compete with adults for food. The Mexican government, as well as many nonprofits, are trying to save Mexican axolotls, in part by restoring parts of their freshwater natural habitat and offering ecotourism for people to see the quirky salamanders in the wild. For instance, Luis Zambrano, a leading axolotl researcher at the National Autonomous University of Mexico, is working with scientists and farmers to create chinampas, floating islands made of water plants, logs, and lake mud that help filter the polluted water. Some travel companies offer tours of these gardens, whose proceeds support axolotl conservation efforts in the area. (Here's how farmers and scientists are saving the axolotl in Mexico City.) Fascinating facts about axolotls (Learn how Mexican nuns are helping to save axolotls.) See axolotls in the wild According to legend, this 'water monster' was a god who disguised himself as a salamander to avoid sacrifice. Nowadays, it is critically endangered in the wild because of the pollution and urban sprawl that threaten its habitat in the Mexican Basin. Is it OK to have an axolotl as a pet? You can legally own one from a reputable breeder, supplier, or rescue organization. Some states in America prohibit owning even legally obtained exotic pets or require a permit. Axolotls bred in captivity are typically pink or white, instead of brown. —World Wildlife Fund Why can't you touch axolotls? In general, you should not touch or handle axolotls unnecessarily. Their delicate skin is permeable, which means anything from natural oils to soap residue can cause harm. Additionally, their bodies are primarily made of cartilage, making them highly vulnerable to injury. —Environmental Literacy Council Do axolotls live in the U.S.? They are not native to the United States. They are endemic to southern Mexico City, in Xochimilco and Chalco Lakes. —The Natural History Museum U.K. Why did my axolotl turn into a salamander? It is extremely rare for wild axolotls to turn into salamanders. Environmental changes can cause a transformation and certain genetic traits can make some animals more prone to metamorphosis. In captivity, iodine or thyroid hormones can induce metamorphosis. However, doing so can cause stress and shorten the life of these fragile creatures, leading to ethical questions. Experts strongly discourage inducing metamorphosis. —Environmental Literacy Council Do axolotls have teeth? Yes, they have small, underdeveloped teeth. However, they eat by sucking in food. —PBS This story originally published on September 10, 2010. It was updated on June 17, 2025.
