Latest news with #Fridaythe13th
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First Post
a day ago
- Politics
- First Post
Months or years, how far has Israel pushed back Iran's nuclear programme with Operation Rising Lion?
As Iran-Israel war escalates, speculations surround over how far Operation Rising Lion has pushed Iran's nuclear programme, and will Trump get his nuclear deal with Tehran? read more June 13, 2025, turned out to be 'Friday the 13th' for Iran after Israel unleashed Operation Rising Lion , targeting the Persian nation's nuclear and military sites. The Israeli attack not only eliminated some of the top brass of the Iranian military, but it also pushed back Tehran's highly controversial Nuclear programme . Soon after the attack, Israel revealed for the first time Iran's secret and accelerating plan for the development of a nuclear weapon that could threaten Israel. It is pertinent to note that the country's Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, has been making accusations for years, even once presenting a cartoon of a bomb at the UN in 2012. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Israeli intelligence believed Iran was just weeks —or even days—away from assembling a nuclear bomb, with enough enriched uranium for up to 15 bombs and advanced missile capabilities. However, the country did not produce any evidence backing this claim. How far was Iran developing Nuclear weapons? Following Israel's assertion, the UN nuclear watchdog , which carries out inspections in Iran, noted that while it cannot guarantee Iran's nuclear programme is entirely peaceful, it has 'no credible indication' of an active, coordinated weapons programme either. Amid debates on the timeline, a US Intelligence assessment revealed that Iran was up to three years away from being able to produce a nuclear weapon, countering Israel's claim that Tehran was just a few weeks away from assembling an atomic weapon. The assessments are coming at a time when the Trump administration has been pushing for a nuclear deal with Iran. Both nations were conducting several rounds of talks regarding a deal before Israel launched strikes on Iranian territory. Many argued that the latest attack has reaffirmed Iran's ambition to develop nuclear weapons. How far the Israeli attacks pushed Iran's weapons program The Israeli operation targeted key nuclear facilities, missile factories, and air defences, and killed at least 14 of Iran's top nuclear scientists, severely disrupting the expertise needed to complete a bomb. Israel also destroyed critical documentation and computer backups from Iran's nuclear archive, further setting back the programme's progress. However, many argue that not much has happened with Iran's nuclear program. According to a report by CNN, US intelligence officials believe that Israeli airstrikes might have set back Iran's nuclear program by only a few months. Meanwhile, satellite images have shown significant damage to the Natanz nuclear site, which is touted as Iran's most significant nuclear enrichment facility. Apart from this, a nuclear research centre in Isfahan was also hit in the attack. Despite Iran's uranium stockpiles being stored at the heavily fortified Fordo facility , Israel claims its strikes and intelligence coups have set back Iran's ability to quickly weaponise its nuclear material. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The loss of senior scientists and destruction of records means Iran's successors will struggle to revive the programme at the same pace, according to Israeli officials. US intelligence sources told CNN that even after the strikes, Iran would need a maximum of up to three years to develop and deliver a nuclear warhead if it restarted its weapons programme now. Hence, it remains unclear how Iran would come out of this.
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
100 years ago, the battle for television raged
Television's broadcast debut in 1936 unfolded like a plot made for the medium itself—complete with bitter competition, intrigue, celebration, and devastating setbacks. The story reached its climax when a fire at London's Crystal Palace destroyed parts of television inventor John Logie Baird's research laboratory on November 30, 1936. The timing could not have been worse. Baird was locked in a high-stakes showdown with his deep-pocketed rival, Electric and Musical Industries (EMI), who had partnered with wireless pioneer Guglielmo Marconi and the American radio giant RCA-Victor. Long before that fateful November day, the television landscape was crowded with inventors competing for the title to the as-yet unproven but promising medium. Despite his eventual defeat, Baird deserves credit for achieving the first wireless transmission of a moving image, as Popular Science writer Newton Burke reported in June 1925. The discrepancy between Baird's early success and later failure came down to a classic confrontation between old and new tech: Where Baird succeeded with mechanical television systems, he struggled to master the new and more efficient electronic technology. Despite its mechanical design, Baird's primitive television system was revolutionary for its time. Though it consisted of unwieldy components too impractical for commercial success, Burke noted that it successfully 'transmitted the motions of a human face, winking and smiling, from one room of a laboratory to another, without the aid of photography or wires.' The transmitted image was so crude that Baird's photographic evidence resembled the white hockey mask favored by serial killer Jason Voorhees in Friday the 13th films. Yet Burke recognized its significance, writing, 'The fact remains that the outline of the face is plain, so are the shadows of the eye sockets and the shape of the open mouth.' Baird's achievement, while novel, built upon decades of previous work. His system incorporated ideas from Maurice LeBlanc, an engineer from France who published the first principles of television transmission systems in 1880's 'Etude sur la transmission électrique des impressions lumineuses,' or 'Study on the electrical transmission of light impressions.' LeBlanc's design was part of a six-volume engineering compilation devoted to the advent of electric lights, La Lumière Electrique, as reported by Popular Science in June 1882. Baird also drew from the work of German inventor Paul Nipkow, who had developed an 'electric telescope'—a pair of spinning discs capable of scanning still images and transmitting them through electric wires, which he patented in 1885. Meanwhile, Charles Jenkins, a Washington, D.C.-based contemporary, achieved the first synchronized video and audio transmission on June 13th, 1925, though his system only handled still pictures rather than motion. Understanding Baird's mechanical system helps explain both its breakthrough nature and ultimate limitations. His apparatus used a rapidly revolving disk equipped with lenses that focused light from the subject onto a selenium cell. This cell converted the light impulses into electrical signals suitable for radio transmission—crucial because radio waves were the only practical distribution medium available at the time. A synchronized receiving disk with a ground-glass screen then reconstructed the image. As Burke explained, 'The images received on his ground-glass screen are described as being made up of exceedingly fine lines of varying darkness.' However, the width of these lines and their flicker rate were constrained by the physical limitations of the mechanical apparatus—problems that would require electronic solutions to overcome. While Baird perfected his mechanical approach, gradually improving display resolution from 30 to 240 lines by 1936—today's displays are measured in pixels, 8K being the latest generation—other inventors pursued electronic television systems using cathode rays to scan and project images. This technological shift created one of the most bitter patent battles in broadcasting history. Philo Farnsworth, a farm boy from Utah, and Vladimir Zworykin, a Russian émigré who fled during the Russian Revolution, each claimed first rights. While Farnsworth was officially awarded the first electronic television system patent in 1930, Zworykin had filed the first U.S. patent in 1923. Their rivalry sparked a long and rancorous legal showdown between Farnsworth and RCA, who had hired Zworykin to build America's first broadcast television system, the National Broadcasting Company (NBC), which debuted at the 1939 New York World's Fair. In the years before NBC's American debut, the center of television development was London, where the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) sought to upgrade beyond Baird's crude broadcasts that had been running for nearly a decade. Recognizing an opportunity to accelerate progress, the BBC commissioned a head-to-head competition in 1936 between rival systems. Baird's team collaborated with Farnsworth to create a hybrid mechanical-electronic system, while EMI partnered with Marconi for transmission technology and RCA to leverage Zworykin's electronic innovations. (By then the patent dispute had been settled, with RCA paying royalties to Farnsworth.) Both teams would broadcast identical programming from London's Alexandra Palace, allowing direct comparison of their capabilities. Even before the Crystal Palace fire, Baird faced an uphill battle. His system couldn't match EMI's superior 405-line resolution or transmission range. The devastating fire that destroyed his laboratory equipment proved to be the final setback. Shortly afterward, Baird abandoned his television work altogether. John Logie Baird, the first person to wirelessly broadcast moving pictures, died in 1946 without any financial stake in what would become one of the 20th century's most profitable industries. His mechanical breakthrough had paved the way for the electronic systems that would dominate broadcasting, but the rapid pace of technological change left him behind.
Miami Herald
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Miami Herald
Chipotle offers a wild new deal, but only for some customers
Everyone has that one friend with a tattoo they regret getting in a moment of impulsiveness; some might even be that friend. Nonetheless, mistakes happen, whether they occurred in college or only a few days ago. Don't miss the move: Subscribe to TheStreet's free daily newsletter Friday the 13th is widely considered one of the unluckiest days by superstitious people. Although the exact meaning has changed over time, popular culture has capitalized on this day by releasing horror films and offering promotional deals on tattoos to contradict its meaning. Related: Chipotle CEO sounds alarm on concerning customer behavior To join in on the fun celebration, many restaurant chains and retailers offer limited-time deals to boost sales by taking advantage of the Friday the 13th buzz and reaching new audiences through brand awareness. Chipotle's (CMG) brown to-go paper bags are known for being covered in writing and designs that represent the brand. Luckily for the restaurant chain, fans made them go viral on social media a few years back. During the 2019 Super Bowl LIII halftime show, Adam Levine, the singer of Maroon 5, performed shirtless while covered in tattoos. Related: Chipotle CEO plans major change customers will cheer Netizens quickly compared the singer's tattoos to Chipotle's to-go bag designs on social media, turning this comparison into a famous meme known as "tatted like a Chipotle bag." Thanks to the virality of the incident, Chipotle decided to use this cultural reference and the Friday the 13th tattoo tradition to launch a creative marketing campaign and offer a value deal. In honor of Friday the 13th, Chipotle is launching its first-ever collection of temporary tattoos with 13 unique designs inspired by the restaurant chain's most iconic symbols. This limited-edition tattoo assortment features Chipotle's main ingredients, the classic black forks, recognizable water cups, and the slogan "Chipotle is my life." More Food News: Popular pizza chain adds experimental new menu item fans will lovePopular fast-food burger chain aims major comeback amid closuresMcDonald's brings back unexpected breakfast item after 6 years The new Chipotle temporary tattoos will be available on June 13 and given to consumers who order in-store at 13 select Chipotle locations from 3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. local time while supplies last. Here's the list of the 13 participating Chipotle stores: Atlanta: 3424 Piedmont Rd, Atlanta, GA 30305Austin: 801 Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78701Chicago: 316 N Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60601Columbus: 1726 N High St, Columbus, OH 43201Denver: 1644 E Evans Ave, Denver, CO 80210La Jolla: 8657 Villa La Jolla Dr Ste 209, La Jolla, CA 92037Las Vegas: 2540 S Decatur Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89102Los Angeles: 301 N Larchmont Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90004Miami: 891 South Miami Ave, Miami, FL 33130New York: 864 Broadway, New York, NY 10003Portland: 240 SW Yamhill St, Portland, OR 97204Philadelphia: 1000 S Broad St, Philadelphia, PA 19146San Francisco: 3251 20th Ave, San Francisco, CA 94132Scottsdale: 15425 N Scottsdale Rd, Scottsdale, AZ 85254 If your local Chipotle isn't one of the 13 locations, don't worry. The restaurant chain is making sure no customer is left behind by offering a buy-one-get-one-free (BOGO) deal nationwide. On June 13, all customers with a real, temporary, or drawn-on tattoo can take advantage of this BOGO offer from 3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. local time, as stated in the press release. Related: Veteran fund manager unveils eye-popping S&P 500 forecast The Arena Media Brands, LLC THESTREET is a registered trademark of TheStreet, Inc.
CTV News
6 days ago
- General
- CTV News
Does Friday the 13th give you the creeps?
Friday the 13th is believed by many folks to be unlucky. But where does that belief come from? It's Friday the 13th, and for many Canadians, that means being just a little on edge - avoiding black cats, skipping cracks in the sidewalks, or maybe even staying away from ladders. Whether you see it as just another day or a reason to be extra careful, Friday the 13th has earned a reputation as one of the most superstitious dates on the calendar. So, why all the fuss? The fear of the number 13 - called triskaidekaphobia - has deep roots. In many Western cultures, the number is seen as unlucky, so much so many hotels don't even have a 13th floor. Over the years, the day's spooky reputation has been fuelled by pop culture. The 1980 horror movie Friday the 13th, along with its many sequels, helped cement the idea that something bad might happen when the date rolls around. Jean-Francois Martel, author and host of the Weird Studies podcast, told CTV News in a Friday interview the date is linked to religious symbolism. 'It comes from the story of the bible, as we all know, Christ was crucified on a Friday,' he said. 'The number 13 is seen as unlucky for a bunch of reasons, one of them is that at the Last Supper... there were 13 guests, and in a lot of fairy tales you'll find that if there are 13 guests at a dinner it's always a bad thing, it's like one too many.' Still, there's no scientific proof the day is more dangerous than any other. For those who fear the date, take comfort in knowing that in 2025, there is only one Friday the 13th - today. However, next year, the ominous date falls on the calendar three times: in February, March and November.
Time of India
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Indiana Pacers vs Oklahoma City: ‘Friday the 13th' graphic horrifies fans during NBA Finals 2025 broadcast
Game 4 of the NBA Finals between the Indiana Pacers and Oklahoma City Thunder had fans locked in. The game was intense, but something unexpected stole the spotlight. Just minutes into the match, the live TV broadcast gave viewers a moment they will not forget. Viewers spooked by the sudden Friday the 13th graphic During the first quarter on ESPN's live feed, the screen suddenly glitched. The video froze for a second. Then, right before cutting out, a creepy 'Friday the 13th' graphic flashed across the screen. It looked like a horror movie jump scare, and it only lasted a moment before disappearing. Viewers were quick to react. Social media exploded with posts asking if others saw what they just did. 'Was that a Friday the 13th screen during the NBA Finals or am I losing it?' one person wrote. Someone else posted a screen recording and said their TV glitched and showed a scary bloody screen. ESPN FRIDAY THE 13TH GLITCH 💀 The timing of the incident made it even stranger. It was Friday the 13th and many were already joking about the superstitions linked to the date. But this took things to a whole new level. Some called it a real hack. Others thought it was a genius bit of marketing placed perfectly during the broadcast. Even on YouTube, where fans were watching the livestream, the chat filled with confusion and shock. Meanwhile, over on X, the post from a viewer showing the glitch went viral. However, ABC and ESPN have not said anything about what really happened. Have we been hacked? Live NBA Finals broadcast just glitched and had a Friday the 13th blip? Whether it was a technical error or something more planned, the creepy message quickly became the most talked about moment of the night. Instead of just the game, people everywhere were asking the same question, what just happened on live TV?
