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Groundbreaking Discovery of Two Over 50-Year-Old Desktop Computers during House Clearance

Two incredible finds, comprising two ultra-rare Q1 computers – a pivotal piece in the history of computing technology – get uncovered after being buried under boxes and diplayed at Kingston University.

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Talk about a blast from the past! Two of the world’s first desktop computers dating back over 50 years are discovered during a house clearance in London. The chance discovery revealed two of only three surviving Q1 computers anywhere in the world. Although it is often now overlooked, the Q1 paved the way for the computers we have today when it was launched more than 50 years ago.

Staff from Just Clear, a waste firm, were clearing out a house in London when they discovered these incredible artefacts hidden beneath a stack of boxes. Mr O’Shea says that the team tried to search online for more information but were stumped until he reached out to a computer expert. However, after consulting our advisors and conducting research over time, we realized we had, in fact, uncovered two ultra-rare items, of which there are only three known in existence in the world today. Released in 1972, the Q1 is believed to be the first ever fully-integrated desktop computer powered by a single-chip microprocessor.

Now, instead of being recycled, these incredible relics of computer history will be displayed in an exhibition at Kingston University’s computer science department. Launched with Intel’s brand-new 8008 processor, the Q1 may have looked like a typewriter but was the first fully-integrated personal computer. With this revolutionary model leading the charge, other iconic brands such as IBM and Apple later came into the picture with their own innovations including the Model 5100 and the Apple 1 so commonly recognized today.

In many ways though, the Q1 clearly set the tone for subsequent developments. Exhibiting unique design aesthetics and high-quality build traits, it marked a milestone beyond its mere physical form. At £16,295 ($20,500) during its release in 1979, equivalent to $71,542 (£90,000) today, it was retailing at astronomical price points, particularly aimed towards the professional landscape rather than average consumers.

The weight of this significant historical contribution was reflected in Paul Neve’s sentiment, co-curating the exhibition: ‘There would be no PCs, no Macs, no Apple or Android phones without the Q1 Corporation.’ Taking a step further, Brendan O’Shea illustrated his honor in contributing to the celebration of vintage computing by bringing these storied devices to lights once again. He stated that “Our teams find all sorts of things while clearing houses on a daily basis, some with historical significance, but never did I imagine that we’d find something so important to the field of technology and the history of computing.”

The exhibition displays 60 different computers and gaming machines upholds the increasing appreciation for retro-tech artifacts among enthusiasts today. Furthermore, educational value extends even beyond the showcased pieces welcoming audiences ranging from hobbyists to scholars intrigued by the development saga of early home computing revolution. This event presents a golden opportunity for aspiring tech enthusiasts to witness firsthand how far modern-day electronics evolved from their forebears half a century ago.

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Israeli Forces Detain Over 7,000 Palestinians from West Bank Since October

Israeli occupation forces have detained over 7,000 Palestinians in the West Bank since October amidst their extensive aggression against Palestinians.

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The Israeli occupation forces have arrested nearly 7,060 Palestinians from the occupied West Bank since the start of the aggression on the Gaza Strip last October. This statistic is according to a joint statement released by the Palestinian Commission of Prisoners and Ex-Prisoners Affairs.

In addition to these figures, reports indicate that approximately 220 women are among the total number of detainees, along with more than 440 children. The shockingly high detention rates come amid international concern regarding human rights violations and forced disappearances.

According to the same findings, approximately 53 journalists were also arrested during this time period, with 36 still being held captive. These arrests coincide with allegations of brutal beatings, threats against the detainees and their families, home demolition, confiscation of vehicles and money, as well as destruction of civilian infrastructure.

Military operations included raids conducted at homes, military checkpoints, enforced surrenders under duress, hostage-taking situations, and field executions targeting family members of the detainees. Numerous individual cases were reported including those involving stripping naked, tortures, and extra-judicial killings. Disturbingly, it was reported that following the initial series of arrests, at least eight Palestinian inmates died due to torture while in Israeli prisons or camps.

This escalation of violence extends beyond incarceration statistics: by late January following the events in October, the overall count of detainees in occupation prisons exceeded 9,000, revealing numerous cases of administrative detentions totaling 3,484, including vulnerable groups such as children and women.

The forced displacement and dispossession of Palestinians extend past the mere act of detention, encompassing ongoing demolitions of homes which numbered to over 115 in just a few months. This has led to the displacement of around 700 people, where three hundred were children. Additionally massive infrastructure damage, including the severance of electricity lines and sewage pipelines, has made life even harder for those affected in places like Jenin camp – an area that’s long suffered poverty and unemployment issues.

Amidst all this tragedy, the continuing military attacks include air strikes in United Nations refugee camps sparking increased urgency for aid relief organizations who are left struggling after funding reduction from key countries elsewhere in response to alleged political causes.

Means of resistance such as the Freedom Theatre, which promotes cultural resilience, fearlessly engages with artistic innovation, but has repeatedly faced targeted vandalization and harassment from the hands of Israeli forces when exercising various forms of creative mediums as expression outlets.

Within the broader strife across the region, heightened attention was brought towards Jenin and surrounding regions. Nevertheless, real change remains elusive despite waves of global scrutiny and condemnations marking explicit breaches of international law and humanitarian standards committed by state actors without perceivable consequences.

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The Growing Threat of Space-Based Nuclear Weapons

An increasingly aggressive Russia, backed by China and North Korea, poses a grave threat to global satellite communications networks and could transform space into the battlefield of the 21st century.

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President Putin is enamored with super-weapons like hypersonic missiles, nuclear-armed cruise missiles, and torpedoes with unlimited range – indicative of Russia’s interest in advanced arms. Placing nuclear devices in orbit to target US satellite systems would be a game-changer.

This act would compel the US to bolster its space defenses, exacerbating an emerging arms race in space where countries like Russia, China, North Korea, and Iran are investing heavily in anti-satellite weapons.

Russia’s ambition for launching space-based nuclear weapons raises questions about legal implications and potential consequences. The United States’ vulnerabilities in defending its satellites against such attacks pose critical threats given that 90% of spacecraft are commercial, contributing to a $546 billion global space economy.

These developments echo similar strategies from the past when both the Soviet Union and the United States conducted high-altitude nuclear detonation (HAND) tests. The ramifications of these tests resulted in EMPs destroying one-third of all satellites then in low Earth orbit. Furthermore, Russia’s recent track record of violations of nuclear arms control agreements adds to the alarm over its pursuits of space-based weapons.

The seemingly secretive development of Russia’s alleged new space weapon prompted concerns over national security. Amid revealing fragmented information about this Russian capability, the intricate nature and potential scope of the threat remain uncertain.

Speculation suggests that Russia’s objective includes deploying a device intended to jam or disrupt signals sent to/ from satellites. Given the utility in uninterrupted suppression of electronic systems across vast areas, using nuclear-powered space platforms raises distressing possibilities.

In response to alarming intelligence reports concerning Russia’s pursuit of nuclear-powered space capabilities, discussions regarding countermeasures, sanctions, and increased military spending have gained traction among policymakers. Concern looms large that once operational, such weapons could breach international treaties while introducing a disruptive dynamic to modern warfare, particularly noting severe repercussions on global communication and surveillance satellites.

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Harry Kane’s Potential Return to Premier League

After an illustrious but potentially trophyless season at Bayern Munich, Harry Kane could be making a shock return to the Premier League with Manchester United or Chelsea.

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After an illustrious tenure at Tottenham, English football star Harry Kane made a record €100m transfer to Bayern Munich. Now, his future at the German club is under scrutiny after a potential trophyless season amidst sudden defeats in crucial matches.

Manchester United’s Interest:

The narrative takes a captivating turn as speculative moves back to the Premier League with long-term suitors Manchester United are now gathering pace. The team’s evolution and strategic moves signify a new dawn for Manchester United, marking it as a more attractive proposition than before.

A Shock Move by Chelsea:

Adding another twist to the story, Chelsea emerges as a surprise contender for bringing Harry Kane back to English football after hearing about his potential dissatisfaction at Bayern Munich during a seemingly tough season, hinting at a possible swift return to the Premier League.

Kane’s Future:

While Kane undeniably demonstrates prowess at Bayern Munich, he may consider his options due to the volatile nature of football careers. Nonetheless, his contract binding him until 2027 implies that any move will demand significant financial maneuvering on top of navigating through the remaining years of his deal with the Bundesliga giants.

Surprisingly, these rumors unfold amid speculation about other transfers and strategic changes within clubs like Chelsea, presenting another side of today’s football world where anything is possible if pursued even amidst unexpected twists of fate.

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