AirPano VR Films (October 13, 2023) – A 360° aerial tour of Lake Elton, a highly saline lake, in the Volgograd oblast (province), near the Russian border with Kazakhstan. The lake occupies an area of 59 square miles (152 square km) and is only 1–2 feet (0.3–0.6 m) deep. It is 60 feet (18 m) below ocean level. Salt, extracted from the lake since the early 18th century, is used for the production of magnesium chloride. Other minerals are located nearby.
Tag Archives: Russia
The New York Times — Friday, October 13, 2023
Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza Worsens as Israel Prepares a Possible Invasion

As Israel retaliates for the Hamas assault last weekend and plans a potential ground attack, its airstrikes have left Gazans without power, water and medical care.
As Israel Prepares for War in Gaza, Debate Is Over How and How Long

The country’s new unity government agrees that Hamas must be destroyed so it can never attack Israel again, but there is little appetite for a reoccupation.
The Retired Israeli General Who Grabbed His Pistol and Took On Hamas
By rushing to confront the attackers himself, Israel Ziv has become a public symbol of Israel’s former military successes — and its failure this time.
Sam Bankman-Fried’s Closest Friends Become His Foes in Courtroom Clash
The FTX founder’s criminal trial has made clear just how much his inner circle has turned against him.
Previews: The Economist Magazine – Oct 14, 2023
The Economist Magazine (October 14, 2023): The latest issue features Israel’s Agony and its Retribution; America’s health-care rip-off; Technocrats vs Populists; The backlash against greenery; Rwanda wants to be Africa’s new cop on the beat; A corner of Italy that is forever China…
Will Israel’s agony and retribution end in chaos or stability?

Much depends on its offensive in Gaza—and its politicians and neighbours
Briefing
Hamas’s atrocities and Israel’s retaliation will change both sides for ever

The miscalculations of Israel’s and Gaza’s leaders are being laid bare
The New York Times — Thursday, October 12, 2023
Israel Forms Unity Government and Bombs Gaza in the Wake of Hamas Attack

Following the deadliest assault on Israel in half a century, the country is vowing to crush Hamas, and both sides are bracing for an escalating war.
How Israel’s Feared Security Services Failed to Stop Hamas’s Attack

Israel’s military and espionage services are considered among the world’s best, but on Saturday, operational and intelligence failures led to the worst breach of Israeli defenses in half a century.
A Texas Community Attracts Migrant Home Buyers, and Republican Ire
The development near Houston offers cheap land and unconventional financing to buyers, many of them undocumented immigrants. Gov. Greg Abbott has called for hearings.
Who Runs the Best U.S. Schools? It May Be the Defense Department.
Schools for children of military members achieve results rarely seen in public education.
The New York Times — Wednesday, Oct 11, 2023
Israel Retakes Towns Near Gaza as Its Military Readies Major Offensive

“The next step is to move forward, go on the offense,” an Israeli general said, as the country called up more reservists in response to devastating attacks by Palestinian gunmen who killed more than 900 people.
Washington Rallies Behind Israel, but a Lasting Consensus May Prove Elusive

Democrats and Republicans put aside an increasingly partisan divide over Israel to condemn the Hamas attack. But that support may be harder to maintain as Israel retaliates.
‘It’s Not a War or a Battlefield. It’s a Massacre.’
A Times reporter and photographer visited an Israeli village raided by Palestinian gunmen.
Nowhere to Hide in Gaza as Israeli Onslaught Continues
Residents and health authorities say that mosques, hospitals and schools are being targeted by airstrikes.
The New York Times — Tuesday, October 10, 2023
Views
Israel Orders ‘Complete Siege’ of Gaza and Hamas Threatens to Kill Hostages

Israel mobilized 300,000 reservists amid signs that it could be preparing for a major ground invasion of Gaza, and it bombed hundreds of sites, including mosques and a marketplace.
Attack Ends Israel’s Hope That Hamas Might Come to Embrace Stability

Israel had considered Hamas a terrorist organization but one that could play a useful role for Israel in the Gaza Strip, which the group controls. Now, senior Israeli officials say, Hamas must be crushed.
‘I Just Hope That They Are Alive’: How Hamas Abducted 150 Israelis
Palestinian militants kidnapped scores of Israelis in an unprecedented attack that took the Israeli-Palestinian conflict into unknown territory. Their relatives recount how they were captured.
Russia’s Economy Is Increasingly Structured Around Its War in Ukraine
The nation’s finances have proven resilient, despite punishing sanctions, giving it leeway to pump money into its military machine.
The New York Times — Monday, October 9, 2023
Hamas Attack Raises Questions Over an Israeli Intelligence Failure

American and Israeli officials said none of Israel’s intelligence services had specific warning that Hamas was preparing a sophisticated assault.
‘There Were Terrorists Inside’: How Hamas’s Attack on Israel Unfolded

Palestinian militants from Gaza raided Israel on Saturday, killing and abducting hundreds. Survivors have begun to recount the most complex attack on their territory in half a century.
A Shaken Israel Is Forced Back to Its Eternal Dilemma
The attack by Hamas forces Israel once again to confront the conflict that has haunted it since the creation of the modern state.
Fearing Third-Party Spoilers vs. Trump, Biden Allies Try to Squash Them
With Democrats worried that a third-party bid could throw a tight race to Donald Trump, President Biden’s top aides have blessed a broad offensive to starve such efforts of cash and ballot access.
The New York Times — Sunday, October 8, 2023
‘We Are at War,’ Netanyahu Says After Hamas Attacks Israel

Palestinian militants from Gaza launched an early-morning assault on southern Israel, invading towns and firing thousands of rockets. Israel retaliated with huge strikes on Gazan cities.
An Attack From Gaza and an Israeli Declaration of War. Now What?

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is being pressured to launch a full-scale invasion that Israeli leaders have been scrupulously avoiding since 2005.
‘The Children Were Terrified.’ Fear Grips Israel and Gaza
As Hamas launched a surprise attack on southern Israel, Israelis huddled in shelters and Gazans flocked to supermarkets, fearing the Israeli military response.
Migrant Crisis Tests New Yorkers Who Thought They Supported Immigration
As the city’s resources strain under the influx of thousands of migrants, New Yorkers are still resolutely in favor of welcoming newcomers. But for how long?
Saturday Morning: News And Stories From London
The New York Times — Saturday, October 7, 2023
Strong U.S. Job Growth Shows Economy Is Defying Challenges

Employers added 336,000 jobs in September, almost double what experts had forecast and the biggest gain since January. Markets welcomed the report.
How Biden’s Promises to Reverse Trump’s Immigration Policies Crumbled

President Biden has tried to contain a surge of migration by embracing, or at least tolerating, some of his predecessor’s approaches.
How Do Americans Feel About Politics? ‘Disgust Isn’t a Strong Enough Word’
Voters’ broad discontent with disarray in Washington transcends political parties, race, age and geography.
The N.Y.C. Subway Is No Longer Broke. Can It Buy Rider Happiness?
For as long as many New Yorkers can remember, the M.T.A. has needed more money. Now its budget is finally whole, and the pressure for good service is on.
