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U.S. Seizure of Russian-Flagged Tanker Heightens Global Tensions

The ship, currently between Iceland and the British Isles, has been accused of breaking US sanctions and shipping Iranian oil. It has historically transported Venezuelan crude oil. The United States has seized a Russian‑flagged oil tanker linked to Venezuela after a prolonged pursuit across the Atlantic, marking one of the most assertive enforcement actions under Washington’s sanctions program. The vessel, previously known as Bella‑1 and later renamed Marinera , was intercepted after evading an earlier boarding attempt near Venezuelan waters. U.S. military aircraft and naval units tracked the ship for weeks as it traveled across the Atlantic, at times shadowed by Russian naval vessels. Officials say the tanker was part of a network used to transport sanctioned Venezuelan and Russian oil. Its capture underscores Washington’s efforts to disrupt what it describes as illicit energy shipments that help sustain both governments. The operation comes at a delicate geopolitical moment, wit...

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Marble Cake

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 tsp baking powder
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 cup milk
  • 2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 2 tbsp boiling water


Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch loaf pan.

2. In a medium bowl whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.

3. In a large bowl cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.

4. Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture alternately with the milk, beginning and ending with the flour mixture. Mix until just combined.

5. Divide the batter into two bowls. In a small bowl, mix the cocoa powder and boiling water until smooth, then add to one of the bowls of batter and mix until well combined.

6. Spoon the batters alternately into the prepared loaf pan. Use a knife or skewer to swirl the batters together to create a marbled effect.

7. Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

8. Let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then turn it out onto a wire rack to cool completely.


Enjoy your homemade marble cake! 

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