Today’s Big Story

Chinese ‘Dragon’ Fossil Found

Paleontologists have revealed a new, remarkably complete fossil from the Triassic period

What a find, considering we’ve just entered the Year of the Dragon in the Chinese zodiac. An international team of paleontologists has uncovered a complete fossil of an aquatic reptile that resembles a “Chinese dragon” because of its snake-like appearance and elongated neck. The fossil of the Dinocephalosaurus orientalis dates back 240 million years to the Triassic period and was actually found in the Guizhou Province of southern China.

The nearly 17-foot-long aquatic reptile features flippers and what scientists describe as an unusually long neck that stretched nearly eight feet (with 32 separate vertebrae). Which means it shockingly resembles the swirling snake-like dragons so often depicted in Chinese mythology. Dr. Nick Fraser, from National Museums Scotland, who was part of the international team that studied the fossil, told the BBC that this was the first time scientists had been able to see it in full. He described it as “a very strange animal.”

Contrary to what most people assume, the legendary Chinese dragon was usually not vengeful. Ancient Chinese people didn’t usually blame dragons for natural catastrophes and other disasters. Instead, they often saw dragons as benevolent, wise, and powerful.

While the species was first discovered in 2003, this first complete specimen's remains were found in Guizhou province in China—home to the discovery of several other species from the Triassic period (about 252 million to 201 million years ago) when Earth featured the single supercontinent of Pangea.

What’s Up With the Water?

Climate change is compounding scarcity and throwing the water cycle into chaos

Water is vital. And it’s everywhere. But is there enough, everywhere, at the right time? The natural cycle that shuttles Earth’s most vital resource around in an unending, life-giving loop is in trouble. According to NBC News, climate change has disrupted that cycle’s delicate balance, upsetting how water circulates between the ground, oceans and atmosphere.

The water cycle controls every aspect of Earth’s climate system, which means that as the climate changes, so too does nearly every step of water’s movement on the planet. In some places, the availability of water is becoming increasingly scarce, while in others, climate change is intensifying rainfall, floods and other extreme weather events. Last year, extreme precipitation hammered nearly every corner of the United States, from California to Vermont.

But down in Mexico City—one of the world’s biggest cities—they may actually be just months away from running out of water. CNN reports that years of abnormally low rainfall, longer dry periods and high temperatures have added stress to a water system already straining to cope with increased demand. In recent days, some Mexico City residents have protested in the streets to raise awareness of the shortages where, according to local authorities, water levels are at their lowest point in recorded history. Rising temperatures and low rainfall have left parts of the Mediterranean in a critical condition, as well. Experts are now warning that regular droughts could become “the new normal” for the region.

Haley’s Last Ditch Bid Hangs On

But conservative megadonors are no longer funding Haley’s campaign

The powerful and influential political network founded by the Koch brothers said Sunday that it's suspending funding for Republican presidential candidate Nikki Haley's campaign. The announcement comes on the heels of Haley's loss in her home state's Republican primary to former President Donald Trump.

That’s a pretty big deal, considering Americans for Prosperity Action has spent millions backing the former UN ambassador's campaign in an attempt to prevent Trump from clinching the Republican Party's presidential nomination. But AFP CEO Emily Seidel wrote in a memo to staff, obtained by Politico, that given “the challenges in the primary states ahead, we don't believe any outside group can make a material difference to widen her path to victory.” AFP will continue to endorse Haley, but it will focus its resources where it “can make the difference”— in key Senate and House races. Seidel said the past three elections had shown “what we can expect from voters who consistently rejected Donald Trump and his impact on the Republican party brand,” and expects this to “increase further” as Trump's criminal indictments progressed through the courts.

But Haley’s not giving up. In a statement, Haley's campaign called AFP an “ally in the fight for freedom and conservative government.” The campaign pointed to its fundraising in the 24 hour period following the South Carolina primary, saying they raised more than $1 million.

Is Travel Inflation-Proof?

New data shows that the prices for travel in January 2024 are down from last year

When you ask people about inflation, they’ll tell you that everything from food and cars to rent costs more—too much, in fact. But there’s one part of life that is not getting more expensive. According to NerdWallet’s new Travel Price Index the overall cost of travel is down 1% in January 2024 compared to the same time in 2023.

While the overall prices are only down by one point, certain sectors of the travel industry are down even more. The cost of car rentals in 2024 are down 14.1% compared to January 2023, and airfare is down 6.4%. Overall, airfare prices have dropped 3% compared to January 2020.

Of course, Thrillist points out that once you get to your destination, the cost of everything isn’t likely to be cheaper. The cost of entertainment is up 5.2%, dining out is up 5.1%, and hotels and motels are up 0.7%, compared to January 2023. Since 2020, the average price of hotels has dramatically increased, jumping more than 17% by January 2024. But looking ahead, it's likely we will continue to see this trend of lower travel costs continuing further into 2024. In data shared by Kayak, overall airfare prices are down by 3% for the month of March, compared to March 2023. And for April, prices are expected to be even lower. So let’s get outta town.

Increase Your Flexibility

An easy four-part plan to stretch yourself … literally

When it comes to physical goals, flexibility isn’t exactly at the top of the list, is it? No, it's usually about broader shoulders, bigger arms or shredded abs. And while those are great, if you can't easily touch your toes or struggle to put your shoes on in cramped environments, then you're overlooking a vital part of your health.

And even for active guys, neglecting your flexibility may be hindering results in the gym. Rigorous workouts combined with the back-breaking posture from the typical work grind can stifle strength gains and even prep you for an injury if you're not careful. The good news, according to experts, is that it's not difficult to improve your flexibility. You simply have to keep these guidelines in mind going forward. You'll be bending and twisting (not to mention lifting more and standing taller) in no time.

Give it your all.