GMG Classical Music Forum

The Back Room => The Diner => Topic started by: Lethevich on March 05, 2008, 07:14:50 AM

Title: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Lethevich on March 05, 2008, 07:14:50 AM
Every now and again I find a fun news story that doesn't merit its own thread. Perhaps we could collect a few here?

Con artists use fake $100 to rip off Girl Scouts (http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/23244309/)

Court Finds Model Innocent Based on Breast Size (http://www.weirdasianews.com/2008/03/04/court-finds-model-innocent-based-on-breast-size/)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: BachQ on March 05, 2008, 07:37:34 AM
Quote from: Lethe on March 05, 2008, 07:14:50 AM
Con artists use fake $100 to rip off Girl Scouts

"The [counterfeit $100] exchange eradicated the Scouts' earnings that day."   :'(
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: SonicMan46 on March 05, 2008, 02:57:00 PM
Quote from: Lethe on March 05, 2008, 07:14:50 AM
Every now and again I find a fun news story that doesn't merit its own thread. Perhaps we could collect a few here?

Court Finds Model Innocent Based on Breast Size (http://www.weirdasianews.com/2008/03/04/court-finds-model-innocent-based-on-breast-size/)

Lethe - LOL on the story above -  ;D  Maybe her 'prominent attributes' are deflatable?  ;) :D

(http://www.weirdasianews.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/03/serena_kozakura-01.JPG)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Lady Chatterley on March 05, 2008, 05:59:10 PM
Quote from: SonicMan on March 05, 2008, 02:57:00 PM
Lethe - LOL on the story above -  ;D  Maybe her 'prominent attributes' are deflatable?  ;) :D

(http://www.weirdasianews.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/03/serena_kozakura-01.JPG)

Where's the hatpin!
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: BachQ on March 07, 2008, 09:22:13 AM
Minnesota Bars Beat Smoking Ban
By GREGG AAMOT – 22 hours ago

MAPLEWOOD, Minn. (AP) — All the world's a stage at some of Minnesota's bars. A new state ban on smoking in restaurants and other nightspots contains an exception for performers in theatrical productions. So some bars are getting around the ban by printing up playbills, encouraging customers to come in costume, and pronouncing them "actors."  The customers are playing right along, merrily puffing away — and sometimes speaking in funny accents and doing a little improvisation, too.

At The Rock, a hard-rock and heavy-metal bar in suburban St. Paul, the "actors" during "theater night" do little more than sit around, drink, smoke and listen to the earsplitting music.   The smoking ban, passed by the Legislature last year, allows actors to light up in character during theatrical performances as long as patrons are notified in advance. About 30 bars in Minnesota have been exploiting the loophole by staging the faux theater productions and pronouncing cigarettes props, according to an anti-smoking group.

Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: BachQ on March 12, 2008, 01:32:32 PM

Student suspended for buying Skittles at school


NEW HAVEN, Connecticut (AP) -- Contraband candy has led to big trouble for an eighth-grade honors student in Connecticut.  Michael Sheridan was stripped of his title as class vice president, barred from attending an honors student dinner and suspended for a day after buying a bag of Skittles from a classmate. School spokeswoman Catherine Sullivan-DeCarlo says the New Haven school system banned candy sales in 2003 as part of a districtwide school wellness policy.  Michael's suspension has been reduced from three days to one, but he has not been reinstated as class vice president.  He says he didn't realize his candy purchase was against the rules -- although he did notice the student selling the Skittles on February 26 was being secretive.
(http://www.cnn.com/2008/US/03/12/skittles.suspension.ap/index.html?iref=mpstoryview)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Lethevich on March 13, 2008, 04:04:25 AM
I wonder if the seller was working for the teachers undercover ???
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: BachQ on March 18, 2008, 08:30:45 AM

Tampa sued to collect on 147-year-old promissory note worth millions

(http://www.tampabay.com/multimedia/archive/00014/b4s_oldloan031708_14313c.jpeg)

TAMPA — In the early months of the Civil War, the city of Tampa needed ammunition and other supplies to defend against attack but apparently was short on cash.  So it issued a promissory note for $299.58 to storekeeper Thomas Pugh Kennedy on June 21, 1861.  Kennedy's great-granddaughter says the city never made good on its loan. Now, Joan Kennedy Biddle and her family are suing to collect the payment plus 8 percent annual interest.

The total bill: $22.7-million.

"Obviously we came at a bad time because the city seems like they're trying to cut their budget," she said. "On the other hand, they're building the Riverwalk."  Attorney James Purdy filed the suit in the Hillsborough Circuit Court last week. He did not return calls for comment.   Biddle wouldn't give specifics on why she decided to sue now, using as evidence a piece of paper that has been handed down as an heirloom for generations.  "This thing has been in the family since the date on the note, and it has never been repaid," said Biddle, 77. "My daddy told me, and I certainly believe him."

Tampa City Attorney David Smith said he doesn't consider the claim valid. In legal documents, Biddle's attorney argues that the statute of limitations doesn't apply in the case because at the time the note was issued, the state had no such statute on such documents. And Biddle pointed out that in the 1990s the federal government agreed to pay the Seminole tribe for land illegally taken in the 1820s.

But attorney John Grandoff said the city can defend against the case using the "doctrine of laches," which prevents claims from being made after an extraordinary passage of time. "It's kind of how the court feels about whether it's been too long or not," Grandoff said. "It's total discretion on the judge's part."
Rodney Kite-Powell, curator at the Tampa Bay History Center, noted that the Tampa of 1861 is not the same city that exists today — literally.

Tampa was originally incorporated in 1855, but was abolished in 1869 in part because residents had no money to pay taxes, and the city had no money to pay its bills, Kite-Powell said. It was reincorporated in 1887. At the time the note was issued, Tampa was a tiny town with about 800 residents, city limits that included just a portion of downtown. It also was home to Fort Brooke, where local Confederate soldiers were stationed.

Biddle's great-grandfather, Thomas Pugh Kennedy, was one of the city's most significant pioneers, Kite-Powell said. He operated a store with business partner John Darling. "Merchants are always important because they're the way people get stuff — from cannons to clothing and food," he said. "People really relied on these early merchants to supply people with what they needed."  Joan Kennedy Biddle grew up on Davis Islands and attended Plant High School. She moved to east Hillsborough in the 1960s and ran a lumber business with her late husband. She now owns a three-bedroom home in Brandon.  Biddle said she's known about the note since she was a little girl. "I showed it to the attorney, and he said it looked very interesting," she said. "It's strange that the thing has never been collected."

(http://www.tampabay.com/news/localgovernment/article419897.ece)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: pjme on March 18, 2008, 12:04:12 PM
Belgium has a government.  ;D
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: BorisG on March 18, 2008, 01:17:36 PM
McCain, Clinton, Obama. God bless us all.  0:)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: XB-70 Valkyrie on March 18, 2008, 09:29:33 PM
I think anything that happens in Canada qualifies.

Here, knock youself out: http://www.cbc.ca/bc/
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: BachQ on March 21, 2008, 02:55:06 AM


Starbucks ordered to pay $100M in tips

SAN DIEGO (AP) -- A Superior Court judge on Thursday ordered Starbucks to pay its California baristas more than $100 million in back tips and interest that the coffee chain paid to shift supervisors.  San Diego Superior Court Judge Patricia Cowett also issued an injunction that prevents Starbucks' shift supervisors from sharing in future tips, saying state law prohibits managers and supervisors from sharing in employee gratuities.

Starbucks spokeswoman Valerie O'Neil said the company planned an immediate appeal of the ruling, calling it "fundamentally unfair and beyond all common sense and reason."  The lawsuit was filed in October 2004 by Jou Chou, a former Starbucks barista in La Jolla, who complained shift supervisors were sharing in employee tips.  The lawsuit gained ground in 2006 when it was granted class-action status, allowing the suit to go forward for as many as 100,000 former and current baristas in the coffee chain's California stores.  It was not immediately clear how many current and former employees are affected by the ruling.

"I feel vindicated," Chou said in a written statement released by attorneys. "Tips really help those receiving the lowest wages. I think Starbucks should pay shift supervisors higher wages instead of taking money from the tip pool."  California is Starbucks' largest U.S. market, with 2,460 stores as of January 8, the latest count available. The Seattle-based company has more than 11,000 stores nationwide.  Starbucks employs more than 135,000 baristas in the U.S. The company did not immediately respond to a request for a head count in California.

The judgment comes as Starbucks is struggling to revive its U.S. business, where store traffic has slipped amid a sagging economy, rising energy and dairy costs, and growing competition from cheaper rivals.  The company's stock has slid more than 50 percent since late 2006, when it was trading close to $40 a share. Starbucks shares rose 3 cents to $17.53 Thursday.  Starbucks earned more than $672 million on revenue of $9.4 billion during its 2007 fiscal year, which ended Sept. 30. 

The judge ordered Starbucks to pay $87 million in back tips, plus interest of $19 million, bringing the total judgment to about $106 million.  The company said it planned to ask the court to stay the ruling while the appeal is pending.  "The decision today, in our view, represents an extreme example of an abuse of the class-action procedures in California's courts," O'Neil said.

The coffee company also took issue with the brevity of the judge's ruling, which was only four paragraphs, saying she failed to address the unfairness to shift supervisors.  "This case was filed by a single former barista and, despite Starbucks request, the interests of the shift supervisors were not represented in litigation," O'Neil said.

But attorney Laura Ho, who tried the baristas case, said the court's verdict follows state law.  "Starbucks illegally took a huge amount of money from the tip pool to pay shift supervisors, rather than paying them out of its own pocket. The court's verdict rightfully restores that money to the baristas," Ho said.
(http://www.cnn.com/2008/BUSINESS/03/20/us.starbucks.ap/index.html)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Benny on March 21, 2008, 06:08:21 AM
A woman in Boulder was fined $1000 for having a pink poodle.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Benny on March 21, 2008, 06:16:51 AM
Cat woman's daughter named to mediate disputes between Israel and Arab countries:
QuoteBerry names daughter
Updated: 11:18, Friday March 21, 2008
Halle Berry has proudly announced that her new baby daughter is called Nahla Ariela Aubry.

Maybe no name would have been better after all.

But regardless of her name, the little one sure has good DNA.

She is the first child of 41 year old Berry and model Gabriel Aubry - enough said.

The couple met while shooting a Versace commercial in Los Angeles two years ago. Berry has said she and Aubry do not plan to marry, but feel fully committed to each other.

Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Sergeant Rock on March 21, 2008, 08:29:40 AM
US BORDER PATROL REFUSES ENTRY TO FLAMBOYANT BRITISH AUTHOR

"I was dressed flamboyantly -- top hat, long velvet coat, gloves," Horsley said. "My one concession to American sensibilities was to remove my nail polish. I thought that would get me through."

http://edition.cnn.com/2008/SHOWBIZ/books/03/21/author.deported.ap/index.html?iref=mpstoryview
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: BachQ on March 21, 2008, 11:20:57 AM
Quote from: Sergeant Rock on March 21, 2008, 08:29:40 AM
US BORDER PATROL REFUSES ENTRY TO FLAMBOYANT BRITISH AUTHOR

"I was dressed flamboyantly -- top hat, long velvet coat, gloves," Horsley said. "My one concession to American sensibilities was to remove my nail polish. I thought that would get me through."

http://edition.cnn.com/2008/SHOWBIZ/books/03/21/author.deported.ap/index.html?iref=mpstoryview

"We know you're a heroin addict, we know you're a crack addict, we know you're involved in prostitution."
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ephemerid on March 21, 2008, 11:44:12 AM
Quote from: Dm on March 21, 2008, 11:20:57 AM
"We know you're a heroin addict, we know you're a crack addict, we know you're involved in prostitution."

'...being denied entry on grounds of "moral turpitude."' ?? ::)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: BachQ on March 22, 2008, 03:17:33 AM
 
Marijuana Grower Busted by Cops After Reporting Pot Plant Stolen
Friday , March 21, 2008

SYDNEY, Australia  —

An Australian man's complaint of an break-in at his home went to pot Friday when police arrested him for growing marijuana.  The 35-year-old man in the central Australian city of Adelaide called police to report that six men had broken into his house through a window and stolen parts of his cannabis plants, South Australia Police said.  Police were unable to find the intruders but brought a drug warrant to search the home, where they found six large cannabis plants growing in two bedrooms, police said in a statement.  The man was charged with cultivating cannabis for sale.

"Members of the public are reminded that the growing of cannabis is not only illegal but can also attract other criminal activity such home break-ins and assaults," the statement said.
(http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,340389,00.html)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: BachQ on March 22, 2008, 03:20:43 AM
Line Rage' at Disney Could Land Woman in Jail for 15 Years
ORANGE COUNTY, Florida. (WOFL FOX 35, Orlando) --

It's supposed to be the happiest place on earth. But one woman says her experience at Disney World was anything but.  Aimee Krause claims Victoria Walker cut in line last year then beat her up when Krause called her out.  Now it seems the alleged "line rage" could send Walker to jail for 15 years.  The incident happened in May of 2007, but because the victim is now suffering serious after affects prosecutors are going forward with the case. New charges have also been added because Krause claims her children were also attacked.  Court documents say Walker beat Krause because Krause supposedly skipped Walker in the Mad Tea Cup ride line.  "She came from behind just screaming," Krause said this week. "Next thing I knew she kicked me in my left leg, threw me to the ground and at that point I was pinned between the teacup and the saucer and she continued to beat up on my body."
(http://www.myfoxorlando.com/myfox/pages/Home/Detail?contentId=6090222&version=2&locale=EN-US&layoutCode=TSTY&pageId=1.1.1)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: knight66 on March 22, 2008, 04:38:56 AM
"They knew more about me than I did," Horsley said Thursday in an interview from his London home. "They said, 'We know you're a heroin addict, we know you're a crack addict, we know you're involved in prostitution.' "

So why did it take eight hours of interviewing then for them to make up their minds? Was this about being fair minded I wonder?

Mike
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ephemerid on March 22, 2008, 05:18:58 AM
Quote from: knight on March 22, 2008, 04:38:56 AM
"They knew more about me than I did," Horsley said Thursday in an interview from his London home. "They said, 'We know you're a heroin addict, we know you're a crack addict, we know you're involved in prostitution.' "

So why did it take eight hours of interviewing then for them to make up their minds? Was this about being fair minded I wonder?

Mike

He should be thankful they didn't ship him off to Syria to be beaten with steel cables like poor Canadian Maher Arar...  >:(  >:(  >:(

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maher_Arar (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maher_Arar)

Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ephemerid on March 25, 2008, 01:19:23 PM
YEE HAW.  What a genius...  ::)

http://www.kctv5.com/news/15698864/detail.html

Man Shooting Hole Through Wall Kills Wife
Deepwater Man Fatally Shoots Wife While Installing Satellite TV

POSTED: 6:25 am CDT March 25, 2008
UPDATED: 2:56 pm CDT March 25, 2008

DEEPWATER, Mo. -- Officials are trying to decide whether to file charges against a Missouri man who fatally shot his wife while trying to install a satellite TV system in their home.

Patsy Long, 34, of Deepwater, died after being shot in the chest with a .22-caliber handgun on Saturday. Her husband, Ronald Long, fired the shot from the inside of their home after several unsuccessful efforts to punch a hole through the exterior wall using other means.

Henry County sheriff's deputies said the woman was hit by the second of two shots fired by her husband.

Long was given CPR by neighbors and family until medics arrived, police said. She was transported by air ambulance, but was pronounced dead at the hospital just after 6 p.m.

Sheriff's department spokesman Maj. Robert Hills said a person involved in such a case normally would be charged with manslaughter, but that was up to the prosecutor.

"Once we complete a diagram of the incident, we will be submitting everything to the prosecuting attorney and let him decide if he wants to press criminal charges," Hills said.

On Tuesday morning, Henry County Prosecuting Attorney Richard M. Shields said he has yet to receive the case from the sheriff's department.

Henry County Coroner Scott Largent declined to release details about Patsy Long's death until the sheriff's department completes its investigation.

Neighbor Mark Lassince said he believed it was a tragic accident.

He was taking a shower when the woman's son knocked on his door and told him that his mother had been shot. Lassince went to try to help, but Patsy Long was already dead, he said.

Lassince described Patsy Long as a good person who always took care of her family.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Sergeant Rock on March 25, 2008, 01:27:24 PM
Quote from: knight on March 22, 2008, 04:38:56 AM
So why did it take eight hours of interviewing then for them to make up their minds? Was this about being fair minded I wonder?
Mike

Sometimes...well, quite often actually...my country embarrasses me. Land of the free...right... ::)

Sarge
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: knight66 on March 25, 2008, 01:31:38 PM
I know....both our counteries are quietly eroding freedoms. Soon it is to be fingerprinting everyone at the new part of Heathrow Airport; this, so people can circulate round the shops and not be able to swop tickets with one another to board the wrong plane to blow it up.....what are the photos in passports for I wonder?

Mike
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: BachQ on March 27, 2008, 12:05:54 PM
Rare newt delays repairs to flooded house

Published: March 27, 2008 at 3:58 PM

DAUNTSEY, England, March 27 (UPI) -- A retired couple has been barred from repairing their flood-damaged house in the English countryside because a rare newt may have set up housekeeping.  :-*

That means Margie and John Histed may have to stay in a trailer on their property in Wiltshire for months, The Daily Mail reported.

The great crested newt may be living in a blocked drainage ditch that flooded the house last year and overflowed again last week. The Histeds were told that they cannot unblock the ditch until it is searched for newts -- even though a healthy newt population is living in a nearby pond, the newspaper said.

"It's not that we're not sympathetic towards wildlife -- in fact, we're very keen on it and understand the need to protect certain species," John Histed said. "But it seems ridiculous that we can't protect our property from more flood damage for many months because newts may be there."  :-*  :-*  :-*

The newt search cannot start until the breeding season ends in June.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: MN Dave on March 27, 2008, 12:07:31 PM
She turned me into a newt!
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Lethevich on March 27, 2008, 12:10:17 PM
Glad you're finding the thread useful Dm - that newt story is hilarious ;D
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: BachQ on March 28, 2008, 02:27:19 PM
 Ohio man facing charges for having sex with a picnic table
(http://wxix.images.worldnow.com/images/8083860_BG1.jpg)

(BELLEVUE, OH) -- Police say a man in Bellevue, Ohio was caught on tape having sex with a picnic table.

Bellevue Police Captain Matt Johnson says Art Price, Jr., 40, was seen on four occasions between the hours of 10:30 a.m. and noon having sex with his picnic table. What makes this a felony, Johnson says, is that it took place in close proximity to a school, which made it likely that children could have seen Price. 

The neighbor -- who wishes to remain anonymous -- saw Price walk out onto his deck, stand a round metal table on its side and use the hole in the umbrella to have sex.  The most recent instance took place March 14, we're told. A neighbor videotaped Price.  "The first video we had, he was completely nude.   He would use the hole from the umbrella and have sex with the table," Johnson says.  Police say Price admitted to the crimes -- four charges of public indecency. Usually these sorts of things are misdemeanors, but in this case, they are felonies.

Price is married with three school-aged children. Neighbors tell us they're now worried about the kids. This case has police in this small town shaking their heads. "Once you think you've seen it all, something else comes around," Johnson says.

(http://www.fox19.com/Global/story.asp?S=8083860&nav=menu63_2)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ephemerid on March 28, 2008, 02:33:15 PM
Quote from: Dm on March 28, 2008, 02:27:19 PM
Ohio man facing charges for having sex with a picnic table
(http://wxix.images.worldnow.com/images/8083860_BG1.jpg)

(BELLEVUE, OH) -- Police say a man in Bellevue, Ohio was caught on tape having sex with a picnic table.

Bellevue Police Captain Matt Johnson says Art Price, Jr., 40, was seen on four occasions between the hours of 10:30 a.m. and noon having sex with his picnic table. What makes this a felony, Johnson says, is that it took place in close proximity to a school, which made it likely that children could have seen Price. 

The neighbor -- who wishes to remain anonymous -- saw Price walk out onto his deck, stand a round metal table on its side and use the hole in the umbrella to have sex.  The most recent instance took place March 14, we're told. A neighbor videotaped Price.  "The first video we had, he was completely nude.   He would use the hole from the umbrella and have sex with the table," Johnson says.  Police say Price admitted to the crimes -- four charges of public indecency. Usually these sorts of things are misdemeanors, but in this case, they are felonies.

Price is married with three school-aged children. Neighbors tell us they're now worried about the kids. This case has police in this small town shaking their heads. "Once you think you've seen it all, something else comes around," Johnson says.


(http://www.fox19.com/Global/story.asp?S=8083860&nav=menu63_2)

Dude, you can buy sex toys on the internet!  Its gotta feel better than ramming yourself into a hole in a picnic table.  Owch! 
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Lethevich on March 28, 2008, 02:39:35 PM
Quote from: Dm on March 28, 2008, 02:27:19 PM
Ohio man facing charges for having sex with a picnic table
(http://wxix.images.worldnow.com/images/8083860_BG1.jpg)

(BELLEVUE, OH) -- Police say a man in Bellevue, Ohio was caught on tape having sex with a picnic table.

Bellevue Police Captain Matt Johnson says Art Price, Jr., 40, was seen on four occasions between the hours of 10:30 a.m. and noon having sex with his picnic table. What makes this a felony, Johnson says, is that it took place in close proximity to a school, which made it likely that children could have seen Price. 

The neighbor -- who wishes to remain anonymous -- saw Price walk out onto his deck, stand a round metal table on its side and use the hole in the umbrella to have sex.  The most recent instance took place March 14, we're told. A neighbor videotaped Price.  "The first video we had, he was completely nude.   He would use the hole from the umbrella and have sex with the table," Johnson says.  Police say Price admitted to the crimes -- four charges of public indecency. Usually these sorts of things are misdemeanors, but in this case, they are felonies.

Price is married with three school-aged children. Neighbors tell us they're now worried about the kids. This case has police in this small town shaking their heads. "Once you think you've seen it all, something else comes around," Johnson says.


(http://www.fox19.com/Global/story.asp?S=8083860&nav=menu63_2)

In related news...

Man who had sex with bicycle sentenced (http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/main.jhtml?xml=/news/2007/11/14/nbikesex114.xml)

Worker caught having sex with Henry Hoover (http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/main.jhtml?xml=/news/2008/03/03/nhoover103.xml)

Man 'attempted sex with fence' in London park (http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/main.jhtml?xml=/news/2007/11/21/nfence121.xml)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ephemerid on March 28, 2008, 02:44:46 PM
Quote from: Lethe on March 28, 2008, 02:39:35 PM
In related news...

Man who had sex with bicycle sentenced (http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/main.jhtml?xml=/news/2007/11/14/nbikesex114.xml)

Worker caught having sex with Henry Hoover (http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/main.jhtml?xml=/news/2008/03/03/nhoover103.xml)

Man 'attempted sex with fence' in London park (http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/main.jhtml?xml=/news/2007/11/21/nfence121.xml)

*gasp!* this is that slippery slope people said would happen with teh evil gay marriage!! :o

::)

But seriously, there are some weird people out there.  If you're gonna do weird kinky* things like that, please, keep it indoors & private!

* "kinky" really isn't quite the right word here... LOL
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Lethevich on March 28, 2008, 02:50:23 PM
The interesting thing I find with stories like these is that ones involving females are almost non-existent, despite the anatomy obviously making sex with inanimate objects easier. Sure males have Beethoven on their side, but for every one of those, you get inundated by exhibitionistic bike shaggers (http://img174.imageshack.us/img174/742/awwwwwpg5.gif)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: BachQ on March 29, 2008, 12:20:17 PM
Man Held On $1M Bond For $21 1990 Theft

CINCINNATI, Mar. 28, 2008
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(AP) A man arrested in Cincinnati on a charge of disorderly conduct remained in custody Friday because a judge refused to reduce a $1 million bond that was imposed on a charge he stole $21 in products nearly 18 years ago.

Gary Weaver, 41, of Owingsville, Ky., was arrested Wednesday, and court officials found out that there was a warrant for him from 1990.

A judge dealt with the disorderly conduct charge on Thursday by sentencing Weaver to the one night he already had spent in jail. But he refused to reduce the original bond, which was imposed after Weaver allegedly used fake rolls of dimes to pay a store for a $21.64 purchase.

The store found that the coin rolls were filled with pennies, with dimes on each end. The crime was elevated to a felony because Weaver had a prior theft conviction, an assistant prosecutor said.

Hamilton County Municipal Court Judge Richard Bernat refused to lower the $1 million bond that was set on the theft charge from 1990.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: knight66 on March 29, 2008, 12:24:19 PM
Quote from: sarabande on March 28, 2008, 02:44:46 PM
*gasp!* this is that slippery slope people said would happen with teh evil gay marriage!! :o

::)

But seriously, there are some weird people out there.  If you're gonna do weird kinky* things like that, please, keep it indoors & private!

* "kinky" really isn't quite the right word here... LOL

Man-with-bike was in his own room. He was disturbed by two cleaners who ought to have apologised and left him to it. I don't imagine the bike was going to bring any charges.

Man-with-table is in a different league. Out where he was filmed. Some people do not have the sense they were born with.

Mike
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: BachQ on March 29, 2008, 12:34:10 PM
Quote from: knight on March 29, 2008, 12:24:19 PM
Man-with-table is in a different league. Out where he was filmed.

SOLUTION: Bring picnic table inside house ........ lock doors and close drapes ........

ADD'L PROBLEM: Husband must have excuse when wife asks "Honey, why is the picnic table inside of our house"
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: knight66 on March 29, 2008, 12:36:02 PM
Oh...I was just buffing it up dear.

Mike

Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Benny on March 30, 2008, 06:35:55 AM
'Bum Bot' patrols Atlanta neighborhood


Published: March 28, 2008 at 6:11 PM
Print story Email to a friend Font size:ATLANTA, March 28 (UPI) -- An Atlanta bar owner said his "Bum Bot," a robot he created to chase drug dealers and prostitutes out of his neighborhood, is successful in scaring criminals.

Rufus Terrill said he regularly sends the remote-controlled Bum Bot -- which he created from a Cajun meat cooker, a mechanical scooter, a walkie-talkie wired to a home-alarm speaker, an infrared camera, a spotlight and a homemade water cannon -- out to patrol the neighborhood around his bar after dark, the Los Angeles Times reported Friday.

He said drug dealers and prostitutes encountered by his creation are confronted with a warning that if they don't immediately leave the area, they will be blasted by the water cannon.

"It scares the bejesus out of 'em," Terrill said.

However, Anita Beaty, executive director of the non-profit Metro Atlanta Task Force for the Homeless, said the robot, which frequently targets people surrounding a homeless shelter nearby the bar, hinders more than it helps.

"Not everybody outside our building is a drug dealer, and when they are, we want them arrested as much as (Terrill). A robot is not the way to solve anything," she said.

(http://www.geeksaresexy.net/wp-content/uploads/2007/07/2260-0032a.jpg)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Lethevich on March 30, 2008, 06:38:47 AM
Man, if that thing tried to mess with me I'd rip out all those exposed wires :D I guess some people have an irrational fear of being wet :P
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: knight66 on March 30, 2008, 08:15:30 AM
As the machine does not seem to have a water tank; it is unlikely that it can carry out the threat. I assume this 'inventor' is one of the redundant Star Wars System scientists.

Mike
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: knight66 on March 30, 2008, 08:28:09 AM
I tried to copy the following fascinating item from my local paper The Stroud News and Journal, 26th March 08. However, it is not available on-line.

So here it a typed up copy......

"Annette Emms of the Stroud branch of the Embroiderers Guild will be giving a talk entitled 'How would you like to make a pair of fairy shoes?' on Friday at Whitminster Village Hall. It will be about her fascination with all things magical and on Saturday she will demonstrate how to make her delicate 'fairy shoes' in a workshop starting at 10am."

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

A friend of ours who has a daughter at university in Devon told us that the daughter has a new boyfriend. He is the leader of a group of about 60 people who dress up as elves and fairies and spend weekends living out fantasy scenarios, camping.....and so on. Sometimes for the entire weekend they stay in character, otherwise they, remaining in costume, revert to being themselves for a BBQ.

Initially I thought she said 'Furry' rather than 'Fairy' as I know that in the US they have conventions of people dressed as creatures. But this Fairy one was news to me. Seemingly 60 or so is a smallish troop, some have 200 in them. These larger ones tend to go in for mock fighting. There are also some who dress as Vikings and enact 'mock rape and pillage'.

Mike

Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Lethevich on March 30, 2008, 08:28:36 AM
I wonder if they used a fake image because they couldn't find a picture of his robot? The one they supply looks identical to the robot from the Short Circuit film:

http://images.google.com/images?hl=en&q=%22short+circuit%22&um=1&ie=UTF-8&sa=N&tab=wi
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Lethevich on March 30, 2008, 08:30:34 AM
Quote from: knight on March 30, 2008, 08:28:09 AM
A friend of ours who has a daughter at university in Devon told us that the daughter has a new boyfriend. He is the leader of a group of about 60 people who dress up as elves and fairies and spend weekends living out fantasy scenarios, camping.....and so on. Sometimes for the entire weekend they stay in character, otherwise they, remaining in costume, revert to being themselves for a BBQ.

Initially I thought she said 'Furry' rather than 'Fairy' as I know that in the US they have conventions of people dressed as creatures. But this Fairy one was news to me. Seemingly 60 or so is a smallish troop, some have 200 in them. These larger ones tend to go in for mock fighting. There are also some who dress as Vikings and enact 'mock rape and pillage'.

OMG LARPERS (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Live_action_role-playing_game)? A rare breed indeed :)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: knight66 on March 30, 2008, 08:32:18 AM
Lethe, I see....it would appear the publication has been less than fully honest with us. Outraged of Stroud will have to wing a letter of complaint. Presumably the real one is the size of a petrol tanker with the concometent capacity to soak.

Mike
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: BachQ on March 30, 2008, 08:32:42 AM
Quote from: knight on March 30, 2008, 08:28:09 AM
There are also some who dress as Vikings and enact 'mock rape and pillage'.


How do I join this organization?  I want to sign up ...........
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: drogulus on March 30, 2008, 08:34:55 AM
Quote from: knight on March 25, 2008, 01:31:38 PM
I know....both our counteries are quietly eroding freedoms. Soon it is to be fingerprinting everyone at the new part of Heathrow Airport; this, so people can circulate round the shops and not be able to swop tickets with one another to board the wrong plane to blow it up.....what are the photos in passports for I wonder?

Mike

    Are we supposed to blame ourselves for restricting freedoms because people want to blow up planes? Isn't this typical liberal narcissism, making everything in the galaxy our fault?

     We're such baad people for wanting to protect ourselves.

     As for that shit who was stopped at the border, think about this: Isn't it more or less part of the drill that you do things that make you unwelcome and then say you've been abused? And as far as taking 8 hours to make a decision, they were probably trying to think of a way to let him in so we wouldn't have this kind of story. But that's OK, you're thinking just what you're supposed to think. Oppression at the border: we aren't letting people in, what's wrong with us?  ::)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Lethevich on March 30, 2008, 08:35:11 AM
Quote from: knight on March 30, 2008, 08:32:18 AM
Lethe, I see....it would appear the publication has been less than fully honest with us. Outraged of Stroud will have to wing a letter of complaint. Presumably the real one is the size of a petrol tanker with the concometent capacity to soak.

I feel like my trust has been betrayed... I will never believe another news story again :'(
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: knight66 on March 30, 2008, 08:39:18 AM
Quote from: Lethe on March 30, 2008, 08:30:34 AM
OMG LARPERS (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Live_action_role-playing_game)? A rare breed indeed :)

Thank you for that link.....I would not aim to offend anyone here who is into it, but it does seem a bit barking. But if they enjoy it...well.

Mike
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: knight66 on March 30, 2008, 08:44:36 AM
Quote from: drogulus on March 30, 2008, 08:34:55 AM
    Are we supposed to blame ourselves for restricting freedoms because people want to blow up planes? Isn't this typical liberal narcissism, making everything in the galaxy our fault?

     We're such baad people for wanting to protect ourselves.

     As for that shit who was stopped at the border, think about this: Isn't it more or less part of the drill that you do things that make you unwelcome and then say you've been abused? And as far as taking 8 hours to make a decision, they were probably trying to think of a way to let him in so we wouldn't have this kind of story. But that's OK, you're thinking just what you're supposed to think. Oppression at the border: we aren't letting people in, what's wrong with us?  ::)

If by any chance you are addressing me and imagine you can intuit my attitudes as being those you have outlined; then as so often, you are right off beam.

I am not about to go into this with you. But basically there is plenty of evidence that the petty restrictions being placed on us and that consume time, often have no proven effect of preventing any outrage. So take your comments and place them carefully in that dark place you ought to place your insulting and highly personalised comments on religion.

This is basically supposed to be a fun thread, not an opportunity to insult posters and wrestle them into the ground.

Mike
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: knight66 on March 30, 2008, 08:45:48 AM
Quote from: Dm on March 30, 2008, 08:32:42 AM
How do I join this organization?  I want to sign up ...........

Care to disclose which end of the pillaging you want to join? If only you lived near to Devon!

Mike
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: BachQ on March 30, 2008, 08:55:28 AM
Quote from: knight on March 30, 2008, 08:45:48 AM
Care to disclose which end of the pillaging you want to join? If only you lived near to Devon!

Mike

I'll begin with the raping team ....... and see how that works out .........
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: knight66 on March 30, 2008, 09:00:24 AM
Quote from: Dm on March 30, 2008, 08:55:28 AM
I'll begin with the raping team ....... and see how that works out .........

I would have thought that ultimately, it would prove to be something of a frustration...and just as well.

Mike
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Benny on March 30, 2008, 09:23:06 AM
Quote from: Lethe on March 30, 2008, 08:28:36 AM
I wonder if they used a fake image because they couldn't find a picture of his robot? The one they supply looks identical to the robot from the Short Circuit film:

http://images.google.com/images?hl=en&q=%22short+circuit%22&um=1&ie=UTF-8&sa=N&tab=wi

Could be a fake photo. It's clearly tied to the Atlanta story on this web site:
http://www.capitolvalley.net/cgi-bin/mt/mt-search.cgi?tag=Japan&IncludeBlogs=1
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Gurn Blanston on March 30, 2008, 09:33:37 AM
Quote from: Benny on March 30, 2008, 09:23:06 AM
Could be a fake photo. It's clearly tied to the Atlanta story on this web site:
http://www.capitolvalley.net/cgi-bin/mt/mt-search.cgi?tag=Japan&IncludeBlogs=1

The story states that the robot is made essentially from a Louisiana Cajun Cooker, of which this is a typical example:

(http://www.barbecueandbeans.com/Weber%20Smoker%20Mountain%20Cooker.JPG)

So, there is no doubt at all that this media monster has attempted to deceive the unwary. Bloody newspapers! >:(

8)

----------------
Now playing:
LvB Trios #3 & Geister - Staier / Sepec / Queyras - LvB Op 1 #3 Trio in c for Fortepiano & Strings 4th mvmt - Prestissimo
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Lethevich on March 30, 2008, 09:37:17 AM
I'm shocked and apalled... somebody must be held to account for this abuse of media ethics...
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: knight66 on March 30, 2008, 09:48:05 AM
I do hope this bruhaha will not overshadow my unimportant fairy shoes story!

Mike
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Gurn Blanston on March 30, 2008, 09:54:42 AM
Quote from: Lethe on March 30, 2008, 09:37:17 AM
I'm shocked and apalled... somebody must be held to account for this abuse of media ethics...

Dear Editor,
I am writing to say that I am shocked and appalled at the callus abuse of the public trust presented in your edition of Sunday last. The use of a photo obviously taken from an Internet archive of an Hollywood robot, and placing it in your story about the Atlanta robot where it is obviously intended to portray said Atlanta robot is a clearly fraudulent attempt to deceive the public. I shall see to it that it is YOUR effigy that is hung on Guy Fawkes Day in our village, you Media Satan!

Brig. General (ret.) Chauncey Harold Farquhart (Mrs.)


8)


----------------
Now playing: LvB Trios #3 & Geister - Staier / Sepec / Queyras - LvB Op 70 #1 Trio in D for Fortepiano & Strings 2nd mvmt - Largo assai ed espressivo - (http://www.foxytunes.com/artist/staier/track/lvb+op+70+%231+trio+in+d+for+fortepiano+%26+strings+2nd+mvmt+-+largo+assai+ed+espressivo)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: BachQ on March 30, 2008, 10:05:45 AM
Quote from: Gurn Blanston on March 30, 2008, 09:33:37 AM
The story states that the robot is made essentially from a Louisiana Cajun Cooker, of which this is a typical example:

(http://www.barbecueandbeans.com/Weber%20Smoker%20Mountain%20Cooker.JPG)

Interesting.  It just so happens that all of my prototype robots are also based on the Louisiana Cajun Cooker .......

Such a coincidence.......
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Gurn Blanston on March 30, 2008, 10:08:18 AM
Quote from: Dm on March 30, 2008, 10:05:45 AM
Interesting.  It just so happens that all of my prototype robots are also based on the Louisiana Cajun Cooker .......

Such a coincidence.......

Yeah, but do you have paulb with a water pistol inside yours? If so, you can make the World Review and Picayune too. :D

8)

----------------
Now playing:
Beethoven: Violin and Piano Sonatas - Andreas Staier, Daniel Sepec - Sonate No. 7 Op. 30 No. 2 en ut mineur: II. Adagio cantabile
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: knight66 on March 30, 2008, 10:15:47 AM
Quote from: Gurn Blanston on March 30, 2008, 09:54:42 AM

Brig. General (ret.) Chauncey Harold Farquhart (Mrs.)[/i]



There is indeed some rough business transacted at the old baptismal font. Only today, my neice had her daughter named 'Tiana'.
Neither one thing nor the other; it sounds to me like the try-out name for a new alcho-pop, perhaps based on Tia Maria.

The baby's name is pronounced Teeeana, with two very flat 'a's.

Mike
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: BachQ on March 31, 2008, 08:02:19 AM
Child Genius at Oxford Becomes Prostitute
Monday , March 31, 2008

A child prodigy with a talent in mathematics that won her a spot at Oxford at the age of 13 somehow found her way into prostitution.  Sufiah Yusof, who calls herself Shilpa Lee, advertises her body on an Internet sex site, charging 130 pounds an hour or $258.  Yusof and two siblings won university places in their teens but she ran away at age 15 with claims of pressure from her parents.  "It is all desperately heartbreaking," a friend of Yusof said. "With her amazing brain she should be able to make money any way she wants. But instead, her life spiraled completely out of control."  Yusof describes herself as a "sexy, smart student" who prefers "older gentlemen" and offers services every day from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Yusof claims her father was "controlling and bullying," which led her to ending the relationship with her family.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Lethevich on April 01, 2008, 09:38:35 PM
11 Students Plotted To Kill Third-Grade Teacher

WAYCROSS, Ga. -- Eleven students got together and plotted to kill their teacher, even going so far as to bring handcuffs and a knife to school, Waycross police said.

One of the teacher's relatives said each child at Center Elementary School in Waycross had a job to do, including one assigned to wipe up the blood.

The plot unraveled over the weekend when a student tipped off police, Local 6 reported.

School officials said they never imagined that some of the 8- and 9-year-olds boys and girls at the school would think of bringing physical harm to a teacher, WJXT reported.

"A plan had been developed amongst several of our third-grade students to allegedly do harm to their teacher," said Theresa Martin, of Ware County Schools. "It's shocking that they would think of this at their young age. I think that is probably the most shocking part for all of us," Martin said.

In addition to the knife being found, the school officials said other students had duct tape, handcuffs, ribbon and a heavy crystal paperweight.

The police chief in Waycross said that he believes the plan may have been developed because one of the students was punished with some sort of time out. However, that theory remains under investigation.

"I can't believe that -- because he's a third-grader. You know, I cannot believe that. Especially, for here," said parent Doris Rowland.

The children could face expulsion and criminal charges pending the investigation. (http://www.local6.com/news/15757528/detail.html)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Lethevich on April 02, 2008, 12:31:17 AM
...and as sex fits very well alongside death:

The teens call their public orgies ponceo. On a typical Friday afternoon in the Chilean capital of Santiago, hundreds gather in a leafy urban park for a few hours of sexual experimentation. (http://www.newsweek.com/id/124098)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: knight66 on April 02, 2008, 08:31:32 AM
Both of these stories make me wonder what adults will be like if I am around when I am 80....probably I will have been done in by then for being unattractive, or for asking some younger person to not stand on my foot.

Evolution...what is the opposite? We seem to be in for a dose of it.

Mike
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: MN Dave on April 02, 2008, 09:00:30 AM
Quote from: knight on April 02, 2008, 08:31:32 AM
Evolution...what is the opposite? We seem to be in for a dose of it.

Are we not men?

(http://www.getreadytorock.com/rock_stars/devo3.jpg)

We are DEVO!!
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: BachQ on April 02, 2008, 10:46:28 AM
What's worse: to be arrested for possession of cocaine or death?

Man swallows baggie with suspected cocaine, dies
Star Tribune

April 2, 2008

By PAUL WALSH
A passenger in a car that was stopped by police in downtown Minneapolis swallowed a plastic baggie of suspected cocaine as an officer tried to remove it, and the man died, police said today.  According to the release:  The officer pulled over a vehicle for failure to signal. A male passenger was removed from the vehicle, and police saw that he had a plastic baggie with suspected crack cocaine concealed in his mouth.  The officer attempted to remove the baggie, but the man swallowed it and "immediately went into respiratory arrest." An ambulance was called to the scene, and the man was taken to Hennepin County Medical Center. He had emergency surgery to remove the baggie. He died Tuesday.  The officer was placed on three-day administrative leave, which is standard policy. Police homicide and internal affairs investigators are handling the case.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Lethevich on April 02, 2008, 01:59:26 PM
Quote from: knight on April 02, 2008, 08:31:32 AM
Both of these stories make me wonder what adults will be like if I am around when I am 80....probably I will have been done in by then for being unattractive, or for asking some younger person to not stand on my foot.

Evolution...what is the opposite? We seem to be in for a dose of it.

Mike

Brave New World was non-fiction :P
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: BachQ on April 02, 2008, 02:52:59 PM
Man crowded out of home by collecting passion
Wed Apr 2, 2008 11:35am EDT

BERLIN (Reuters) - A German man was such an avid collector of weapons and other paraphernalia that he ran out of space at home and had to sleep in a hotel, neighbors said following the 71-year-old's death.
Executors found an arsenal of weaponry and assorted goods at the man's two-story home in the western city of Aachen, police said on Wednesday. 

"The house was stuffed to the rafters," a reporter said. "By the end, the neighbors said he had to sleep in a hotel sometimes because there was no more room."  One neighbor sometimes handled up to 14 deliveries of goods a day for the man when he was out, he added. "At some point she got fed up with it."


Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: MN Dave on April 03, 2008, 05:16:13 AM
Toddlers Can No Longer Marry in Ark.
April 03, 2008 7:46 AM EST

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. - Arkansas' marriage-age crisis is over. A law that mistakenly allowed anyone - even toddlers - to marry with parental permission was repealed by a measure signed into law Wednesday by Gov. Mike Beebe, ending months of embarrassment for the state and confusion for county clerks.

Lawmakers didn't realize until after the end of last year's regular session that a law they approved, intended to establish 18 as the minimum age for marriage, instead removed the minimum age to marry entirely. An extraneous "not" in the bill allowed anyone who was not pregnant to marry at any age with permission.

The bill read: "In order for a person who is younger than eighteen (18) years of age and who is not pregnant to obtain a marriage license, the person must provide the county clerk with evidence of parental consent to the marriage."

Some lawmakers called for a special session last year, saying the error would make it easy for pedophiles to take advantage of the law. Gov. Mike Beebe said he didn't see any imminent crisis and said the chances of children marrying under the law were slim.

Legislators, however, had the chance for a do-over this week when Beebe convened a special session to consider a hike in the state's severance tax on natural gas. They repealed the botched law, and reinstated 17 as the minimum age to marry for boys and 16 for girls.

Rep. Will Bond, the sponsor of the botched 2007 law and its correction, apologized for the error and asked his colleagues to "throw me a rope and bail me out here."

"I always thought if you put your name on a bill, you should be ready to take the blame if you're willing to accept the credit," Bond said Wednesday.

Bond, a Democrat, said there hadn't been any reports of young children attempting to marry under the 2007 law.

Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: karlhenning on April 03, 2008, 05:25:55 AM
All this kerfuffle over a tyro typo . . . .
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: MN Dave on April 03, 2008, 05:26:16 AM
5th-Grader Finds Mistake at Smithsonian
April 02, 2008 9:11 PM EST

ALLEGAN, Mich. - Is fifth-grader Kenton Stufflebeam smarter than the Smithsonian? On a winter break trip with his family to the Smithsonian Institution's National Museum of Natural History, the 11-year-old southwestern Michigan boy noticed that a notation, in bold lettering, mistakenly identified the Precambrian as an era.

Since it opened in 1981, millions of people have paraded past the museum's Tower of Time, a display involving prehistoric time. Kenton was the first to point out the error.

Kenton, who lives in Allegan but attends Alamo Elementary School near Kalamazoo, said his fifth-grade teacher, John Chapman, had nearly made the same mistake about the Precambrian in a classroom earth-science lesson before catching himself.

"I knew Mr. Chapman wouldn't tell all these students" bad information, the boy told the Kalamazoo Gazette for a story published Wednesday.

So Kevin Stufflebeam took his son to the museum's information desk to report Kenton's concern on a comment form.

Last week, the boy received a letter from the museum acknowledging that his observation was "spot on."

"The Precambrian is a dimensionless unit of time, which embraces all the time between the origin of Earth and the beginning of the Cambrian Period of geologic time," the letter says.

The solution to the problem would not involve advanced science but rather simply painting over the word "era," the note says.

While no previous visitors to the museum had brought up the error, it has long rankled the paleobiology department's staff, who noticed it even before the Tower of Time was erected 27 years ago, said Lorraine Ramsdell, educational technician for the museum.

"The question is, why was it put up with that on it in the first place?" Ramsdell said.

Excited as he was to receive the correspondence from museum officials, he couldn't help but point out that it was addressed to Kenton Slufflebeam.

In Allegany.

Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: karlhenning on April 03, 2008, 05:30:11 AM
Quote from: MN Dave on April 03, 2008, 05:26:16 AM
5th-Grader Finds Mistake at Smithsonian

Great!

QuoteWhile no previous visitors to the museum had brought up the error, it has long rankled the paleobiology department's staff, who noticed it even before the Tower of Time was erected 27 years ago, said Lorraine Ramsdell, educational technician for the museum.

"The question is, why was it put up with that on it in the first place?" Ramsdell said.

Bureaucratic inertia.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: greg on April 03, 2008, 05:55:28 AM
Quote from: Lethe on April 02, 2008, 12:31:17 AM
...and as sex fits very well alongside death:

The teens call their public orgies ponceo. On a typical Friday afternoon in the Chilean capital of Santiago, hundreds gather in a leafy urban park for a few hours of sexual experimentation. (http://www.newsweek.com/id/124098)
fascinating.....
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Benny on April 05, 2008, 01:20:17 PM
CENTRAL ISLIP, New York (AP) -- A court has issued what could be at least a local first: an order of protection for a duck.


Ducks are not normally protected by court orders, according to officials in Suffolk County, New York.

A Suffolk County judge approved the measure Thursday, telling a man accused of shooting a family's pet duck to stay away from the bird and her owners.

Suffolk County Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Chief Roy Gross says he can't recall a previous court case involving cruelty to a duck.

Owner Janet Lippincott says a group of young people bounded over her backyard fence and swarmed the yellow-billed Pekin duck with pellet guns on March 17.

The bird, named Circles, has recovered after a bullet pierced her voice box.

The 21-year-old suspect pleaded not guilty Thursday to felony animal cruelty charges.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Lethevich on April 05, 2008, 03:00:38 PM
Quote from: Benny on April 05, 2008, 01:20:17 PM
A court has issued what could be at least a local first: an order of protection for a duck.

:D
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Benny on April 06, 2008, 04:44:17 AM
This one is old and unimportant news. Bull Terrier vs. Porcupine! And the winner is......!
(http://z.about.com/d/urbanlegends/1/0/m/B/porcupine2.jpg)

Nope. The other guy!
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: BachQ on April 06, 2008, 09:19:03 AM
Flintstones' car beats court challenge

TORONTO, April 4 (UPI) -- A Toronto judge dismissed charges of unsafe vehicle operation against an artist's car powered by Flintstone-like foot-paddling.  Last October, the driver of a hollowed-out Buick was fined by Toronto police for being behind the wheel of the "Shared Propulsion Car," which had no floor, engine, transmission or signal lights, the Toronto Star reported.

Driver Dean Baldwin challenged the charges and won, the report said.  The vehicle was originally a work of art by Montreal artist Michel de Broin, designed to be a four-seater bicycle or powered by passengers using their feet for propulsion, as in the classic Hanna-Barbera TV cartoon series "The Flintstones."  One of the issue prosecutors argued unsuccessfully was that the car used tea candles as headlights, the Star said.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Benny on April 06, 2008, 09:26:19 AM
Quote from: Dm on April 06, 2008, 09:19:03 AM
Flintstones' car beats court challenge

TORONTO, April 4 (UPI) -- A Toronto judge dismissed charges of unsafe vehicle operation against an artist's car powered by Flintstone-like foot-paddling.  Last October, the driver of a hollowed-out Buick was fined by Toronto police for being behind the wheel of the "Shared Propulsion Car," which had no floor, engine, transmission or signal lights, the Toronto Star reported.

Driver Dean Baldwin challenged the charges and won, the report said.  The vehicle was originally a work of art by Montreal artist Michel de Broin, designed to be a four-seater bicycle or powered by passengers using their feet for propulsion, as in the classic Hanna-Barbera TV cartoon series "The Flintstones."  One of the issue prosecutors argued unsuccessfully was that the car used tea candles as headlights, the Star said.

I can see why the cops would be all over this art work! ;D
(http://news.windingroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2007/12/sharedpropulsioncarhl.jpg)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: MN Dave on April 08, 2008, 06:56:37 AM
Baby With 2 Faces Born in North India
By GURINDER OSAN (Associated Press Writer)
From Associated Press
April 08, 2008 9:11 AM EDT

SAINI SUNPURA, India - A baby with two faces was born in a northern Indian village, where she is doing well and is being worshipped as the reincarnation of a Hindu goddess, her father said Tuesday.

The baby, Lali, apparently has an extremely rare condition known as craniofacial duplication, where a single head has two faces. Except for her ears, all of Lali's facial features are duplicated - she has two noses, two pairs of lips and two pairs of eyes.

"My daughter is fine - like any other child," said Vinod Singh, 23, a poor farm worker.

Lali has caused a sensation in the dusty village of Saini Sunpura, 25 miles east of New Delhi. When she left the hospital, eight hours after a normal delivery on March 11, she was swarmed by villagers, said Sabir Ali, the director of Saifi Hospital.

"She drinks milk from her two mouths and opens and shuts all the four eyes at one time," Ali said.

Rural India is deeply superstitious and the little girl is being hailed as a return of the Hindu goddess of valor, Durga, a fiery deity traditionally depicted with three eyes and many arms.

Up to 100 people have been visiting Lali at her home every day to touch her feet out of respect, offer money and receive blessings, Singh told The Associated Press.

"Lali is God's gift to us," said Jaipal Singh, a member of the local village council. "She has brought fame to our village."

Village chief Daulat Ram said he planned to build a temple to Durga in the village.

"I am writing to the state government to provide money to build the temple and help the parents look after their daughter," Ram said.

Lali's condition is often linked to serious health complications, but the doctor said she was doing well.

"She is leading a normal life with no breathing difficulties," said Ali, adding that he saw no need for surgery.

Lali's parents were married in February 2007. Lali is their first child.

Singh said he took his daughter to a hospital in New Delhi where doctors suggested a CT scan to determine whether her internal organs were normal, but Singh said he felt it was unnecessary.

"I don't feel the need of that at this stage as my daughter is behaving like a normal child, posing no problems," he said.

Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Keemun on April 08, 2008, 09:40:11 AM
Man 'targeted by aliens'

A Bosnian man whose home has been hit an incredible five times by meteorites believes he is being targeted by aliens.

Experts at Belgrade University have confirmed that all the rocks Radivoje Lajic has handed over were meteorites.

They are now investigating local magnetic fields to try and work out what makes the property so attractive to the heavenly bodies.

But Mr Lajic, who has had a steel girder reinforced roof put on the house he owns in the northern village of Gornja Lamovite, has an alternative explanation.

He said: "I am obviously being targeted by extraterrestrials. I don't know what I have done to annoy them but there is no other explanation that makes sense. The chance of being hit by a meteorite is so small that getting hit five times has to be deliberate."

The first meteorite fell on his house in November last year and since then a further four have smashed into his home. The strikes always happen when it is raining heavily, never when there are clear skies.

He said: "I did not know what the strange-looking stones were at first but I have since had them all confirmed as meteorites by experts at Belgrade University.

"I am being targeted by aliens. They are playing games with me. I don't know why they are doing this. When it rains I can't sleep for worrying about another strike." (http://www.ananova.com/news/story/sm_2803149.html)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Lethevich on April 10, 2008, 10:20:38 PM
Not world news, me news (I have to vent). Amazon UK just tried to charge me £18 to deliver a pack of guitar strings and 6 picks first class... (http://img296.imageshack.us/img296/3517/awwwwwmn2.gif)

*seeks somewhere better*
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: greg on April 11, 2008, 01:25:21 PM
Quote from: Lethe on April 10, 2008, 10:20:38 PM
Not world news, me news (I have to vent). Amazon UK just tried to charge me £18 to deliver a pack of guitar strings and 6 picks first class... (http://img296.imageshack.us/img296/3517/awwwwwmn2.gif)

*seeks somewhere better*
No Sam Ash in the UK?
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Gurn Blanston on April 11, 2008, 01:32:25 PM
I looked it up, here's a picture.

(http://www.scopical.com.au/lib/global/resize.php?w=300&h=500&constrain=1&img=http://www.scopical.com.au//stream/uploads/1695.jpg)

My ex-wife was 2 faced, but this is really over the top!  :D

8)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Lethevich on April 12, 2008, 02:32:49 AM
Quote from: GGGGRRREEG on April 11, 2008, 01:25:21 PM
No Sam Ash in the UK?

Dunno - I just used eBay instead, ended up about 4 or 5x cheaper (3 packs of Ernie Ball strings for £10 and free shipping beats £4 for 1 with obscene shipping :)). I keep instinctively checking Amazon for stuff first though, dunno why.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Benny on April 12, 2008, 03:21:54 PM
Apparently, they serve decent meals in jail and you don't have to worry about anything.....

QuotePolice say woman showed up drunk to clean their office
Posted by Stuart Tomlinson, The Oregonian April 09, 2008 13:07PM
Categories: Breaking News
A Newport woman allegedly showed up drunk to her janitorial job last night.


Lincoln County Jail
Ruby Ann PedersenThat may not sound like news, but 42-year-old Ruby Ann Pedersen's job is to clean up the Newport Area Command office of the Oregon State Police.

OSP trooper recruit Ian McKay was at the office completing a report when Pedersen -- her 12-year-old son in tow -- drove up and then came inside.

McKay noticed that Pedersen appeared visibly intoxicated, and after an investigation arrested her on suspicion of driving under the influence of intoxicants and reckless endangering.

Pedersen was booked into the Lincoln County Jail where she is being held in lieu of $15,000 bail.

Lieutenant Kelly Collins of the Oregon State Police said another trooper gave Pedersen's son a ride home.

--Stuart Tomlinsonstuarttomlinson@news.oregonian.com
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Anne on April 12, 2008, 05:38:03 PM
I don't know where else to post this but I have some disturbing news for anyone wandering around in the great outdoors of Traverse City, Michigan.  (Our area is full of tourists all summer as the residents of southern Michigan and Chicago love to spend their vacations here.)

A year ago my niece and her husband built a new home about 15 miles east of Traverse City.  Her mother (my sister) liked the area and built her own home near there also.  The children (13 and 10 years old) spent their summer going back and forth to grandma's house.  This year they planned and had already begun doing the same thing.

Next in the drama is their father, who built some sort of feeder for turkeys.  The first night the feeder was used, something totally destroyed it.  Not to be defeated, father moved the feeder up on top of the large deck on the house to protect it and hopefully give the turkeys something to eat.

Father goes to work at 3:00 pm and comes home very tired, not at all interested in listening to wife saying, "There is something out on the deck.  Go look."  He doesn't move so she goes to investigate.  Looking right back at her is this great big wide-headed BEAR!!!  Father thought it was a male and weighed about 350 pounds.  Bear was still intent on getting the food.  Father gets a very bright light and shines it right at the bear.  (I just cannot believe they did this.....!!!)  Then one of them OPENS THE DOOR into the house!  The only thing between them and the bear is a little screen door for summer use!!!!  Then they yelled at the bear and continued shining the light.  He finally went down the stairs but kept looking back still wanting the food  Eventually he left.

I'll tell you.....if that were my house, there would be a For Sale sign on it at 8:01 the next morning.  Where this house is located is not at all what one would think of as a place for wilderness scenarios to take place.  Civilization is only 1/2 mile away.  Children will be home alone after school while parents and grandmother work.

The parents did have to have a serious talk with the children and told them they must never again walk to grandmother's house without an adult present.

I hope I didn't bore anyone too much.  I have lived in this area for 60 years and never knew there were bears around close.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Lethevich on April 12, 2008, 09:45:41 PM
Hehehe, the cost of suburban expansion... :D Fortunately the worst things I get are foxes and badgers.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: BachQ on April 13, 2008, 03:32:15 PM

Parents Argue Over Which Gang 4-Year-Old Son Should Join
Friday , April 11, 2008

A couple can't agree on which gang their 4-year-old toddler should join.  A fight about the decision led to a public disturbance with the father's arrest. Joseph Manzanares went to the video store where his girlfriend worked, threatened to kill her and knocked over several video displays, police told KMGH Denver.

Police arrested Manzanares at his home, Commerce City police Sgt. Joe Sandoval told KMGH Denver.  The girlfriend told authorities they were fighting over which gang their son should join. The girlfriend, who is black, is a member of the Crips while Manzanares, who is Hispanic, belongs to the Westside Ballers.  "They have different ideas on how the baby should be raised," Sandoval said. "Basically, she said they cannot agree on which gang the baby would 'claim.'" (http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,350249,00.html)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: BachQ on April 13, 2008, 03:33:44 PM

Masseuses told to padlock pants
Thu Apr 10, 2008 12:23pm EDT

JAKARTA (Reuters) - A bid by a local government in Indonesia's East Java province to curb prostitution by asking masseuses to wear a padlock on their pants was an insult, a newspaper quoted the minister for women's empowerment as saying.  The recently implemented policy in the tourist area of Batu was misguided, State Minister for Women's Empowerment Meuthia Hatta told the Jakarta Post on Thursday.  "It is not the right way to prevent promiscuity. It insults women as if they are the ones in the wrong," Hatta said.  The paper showed a photograph of a masseuse with a padlock on the waist band of her trousers and said the local administration's move was aimed at curbing prostitution and maintaining Batu's image as a popular tourist destination.

Indonesia has a flourishing sex industry and massage parlors are frequently a front for prostitution. But there has been a vigorous debate over morality in recent years, exposing deep divisions in the Southeast Asian Muslim-majority nation.  Last month, Indonesia passed a bill to restrict access to pornographic and violent sites on the Internet, while parliament has yet to pass a controversial pornography bill that aims to shield the young from pornographic material and lewd acts.  Earlier draft versions contained provisions that could jail people for kissing in public and criminalize many forms of art or traditional culture that hinge on sensuality, sparking criticism it could curb freedoms and hurt Indonesia's tolerant traditions.

(http://www.reuters.com/article/oddlyEnoughNews/idUSJAK8137020080410)






Couple Offers Home as Prize in $100 Essay Contest
Sunday , April 20, 2008

A White Rock couple has this proposal: Write a 500-word essay and you could win their home.

But the Gaming Control Board says the contest that has a $100 entry fee might not be legal under state law.

If someone is truly raffling off their home, it would be illegal under the Bingo and Raffle Act because it's not being done by a qualified nonprofit organization, said Gaming Control Board deputy director Greg Saunders.

However, if the essay contest is deemed "a game of skill," he said the Tiffany and Todd Lovell are in the clear.

"We haven't made that determination yet," he said.

The Lovells said the depressed housing market has caused them to try to move their 1,200-square-foot, three-bedroom, one-bathroom home through an essay contest. They are hoping to get at least 2,500 entries, which would mean they'll make $250,000. The Lovells say the entries will be judged by "various members of the Los Alamos County community."

The Lovells say if they receive fewer than 2,500 entries, they'll cancel the contest and return the entry fees.

The Gaming Control Board is expected to make a determination within the week.





(http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,351852,00.html)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: MN Dave on April 30, 2008, 08:36:52 AM
People of Lesbos take gay group to court over term 'Lesbian'
By NICHOLAS PAPHITIS (Associated Press Writer)
From Associated Press
April 30, 2008 9:22 AM EDT


ATHENS, Greece - A Greek court has been asked to draw the line between the natives of the Aegean Sea island of Lesbos and the world's gay women.

Three islanders from Lesbos - home of the ancient poet Sappho, who praised love between women - have taken a gay rights group to court for using the word lesbian in its name.

One of the plaintiffs said Wednesday that the name of the association, Homosexual and Lesbian Community of Greece, "insults the identity" of the people of Lesbos, who are also known as Lesbians.

"My sister can't say she is a Lesbian," said Dimitris Lambrou. "Our geographical designation has been usurped by certain ladies who have no connection whatsoever with Lesbos," he said.

The three plaintiffs are seeking to have the group barred from using "lesbian" in its name and filed a lawsuit on April 10. The other two plaintiffs are women.

Also called Mytilene, after its capital, Lesbos is famed as the birthplace of Sappho. The island is a favored holiday destination for gay women, particularly the lyric poet's reputed home town of Eressos.

"This is not an aggressive act against gay women," Lambrou said. "Let them visit Lesbos and get married and whatever they like. We just want (the group) to remove the word lesbian from their title."

He said the plaintiffs targeted the group because it is the only officially registered gay group in Greece to use the word lesbian in its name. The case will be heard in an Athens court on June 10.

Sappho lived from the late 7th to the early 6th century B.C. and is considered one of the greatest poets of antiquity. Many of her poems, written in the first person and intended to be accompanied by music, contain passionate references to love for other women.

Lambrou said the word lesbian has only been linked with gay women in the past few decades. "But we have been Lesbians for thousands of years," said Lambrou, who publishes a small magazine on ancient Greek religion and technology that frequently criticizes the Christian Church.

Very little is known of Sappho's life. According to some ancient accounts, she was an aristocrat who married a rich merchant and had a daughter with him. One tradition says that she killed herself by jumping off a cliff over an unhappy love affair.

Lambrou says Sappho was not gay. "But even if we assume she was, how can 250,000 people of Lesbian descent - including women - be considered homosexual?"

The Homosexual and Lesbian Community of Greece could not be reached for comment.

Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Brian on April 30, 2008, 08:52:28 AM
Quote from: MN Brahms on April 30, 2008, 08:36:52 AM
"My sister can't say she is a Lesbian," said Dimitris Lambrou. "Our geographical designation has been usurped by certain ladies who have no connection whatsoever with Lesbos," he said.

I hadn't thought of this quirk before. Can the men say they're Lesbian?
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: MN Dave on April 30, 2008, 12:27:28 PM
David Blaine breaks world record for holding one's breath
By TARA BURGHART (Associated Press Writer)
From Associated Press
April 30, 2008 3:14 PM EDT


CHICAGO - David Blaine took on a Zen-like appearance in the water tank as the minutes ticked by during his attempt to set a new breath-holding record. Oprah Winfrey, however, was anything but calm.

She fidgeted in her chair, pursed her lips, placed her head in her hands, and kept seeking reassurance from the doctor at her side about the 35-year-old magician's persistently high heart rate.

"I'll be glad when it's over. I don't like suspense," she told the audience during a commercial break.

Soon enough, Winfrey - and Blaine - could breathe a lot easier.

Submerged in a water-filled sphere on the stage of "The Oprah Winfrey Show" during a live broadcast, Blaine held his breath for 17 minutes and 4 seconds. That bested the previous record of 16 minutes and 32 seconds, set Feb. 10 by Switzerland's Peter Colat, according to Guinness World Records.

Blaine had a smile on his face soon after his head rose above the water and he took several deep gulps of air. Within about a minute, he was able to hold a microphone and tell Winfrey, "I feel great," later adding that breaking the record was a fulfillment of "a lifelong dream."

Before his attempt, Blaine was allowed to inhale pure oxygen for up to 30 minutes, although he inhaled for only 23 minutes. A Guinness World Records judge was on hand to certify the feat.

In May 2006 as a finale to a week spent in an aquarium with an oxygen mask at New York's Lincoln Center, Blaine tried to set another type of breath-holding record. Without breathing pure oxygen beforehand, he tried to break the existing record of 8 minutes, 58 seconds for an attempt of that type.

But he had to be rescued shortly after 7 minutes when he was unconscious and having convulsions.

Blaine was in much better shape after Wednesday's attempt. He walked unassisted down a set of stairs to join Winfrey for an interview. He told her he had doubted while in the water whether he'd be able to break the record because of his high heart rate.

The lower the heart rate, the less oxygen is consumed.

Blaine had expected his heart rate to drop perhaps as low as under 20 beats per minute while he was in the water. But for most of the attempt, it was over 100 beats per minute, then started dropping and fluctuating rapidly during the last 2 1/2 minutes.

While training, Blaine said he would meditate to lower his heart rate. But amid the hubbub of a live studio audience, and with a record at stake, Blaine admitted he had trouble forgetting his surroundings.

Earlier in the show, Winfrey noted that her boyfriend, Stedman Graham, was making a rare appearance in the audience because he's such a fan of Blaine's work.

For Winfrey, however, the endurance feat was "nerve-racking to witness," she told Blaine.

Blaine joked about coming back on her show again and again to get used to the surroundings, lower his heart rate and set new breath-holding records.

But first, Blaine said he plans to try to break the world record for staying awake. The current record is 11 1/2 days, he said. However, Guinness said it no longer acknowledges such attempts because of health concerns.

Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Lethevich on May 01, 2008, 12:28:06 AM
Quote from: MN Brahms on April 30, 2008, 08:36:52 AM
People of Lesbos take gay group to court over term 'Lesbian'
By NICHOLAS PAPHITIS (Associated Press Writer)
From Associated Press
April 30, 2008 9:22 AM EDT


ATHENS, Greece - A Greek court has been asked to draw the line between the natives of the Aegean Sea island of Lesbos and the world's gay women.

Three islanders from Lesbos - home of the ancient poet Sappho, who praised love between women - have taken a gay rights group to court for using the word lesbian in its name.

One of the plaintiffs said Wednesday that the name of the association, Homosexual and Lesbian Community of Greece, "insults the identity" of the people of Lesbos, who are also known as Lesbians.

"My sister can't say she is a Lesbian," said Dimitris Lambrou. "Our geographical designation has been usurped by certain ladies who have no connection whatsoever with Lesbos," he said.

The three plaintiffs are seeking to have the group barred from using "lesbian" in its name and filed a lawsuit on April 10. The other two plaintiffs are women.

Also called Mytilene, after its capital, Lesbos is famed as the birthplace of Sappho. The island is a favored holiday destination for gay women, particularly the lyric poet's reputed home town of Eressos.

"This is not an aggressive act against gay women," Lambrou said. "Let them visit Lesbos and get married and whatever they like. We just want (the group) to remove the word lesbian from their title."

He said the plaintiffs targeted the group because it is the only officially registered gay group in Greece to use the word lesbian in its name. The case will be heard in an Athens court on June 10.

Sappho lived from the late 7th to the early 6th century B.C. and is considered one of the greatest poets of antiquity. Many of her poems, written in the first person and intended to be accompanied by music, contain passionate references to love for other women.

Lambrou said the word lesbian has only been linked with gay women in the past few decades. "But we have been Lesbians for thousands of years," said Lambrou, who publishes a small magazine on ancient Greek religion and technology that frequently criticizes the Christian Church.

Very little is known of Sappho's life. According to some ancient accounts, she was an aristocrat who married a rich merchant and had a daughter with him. One tradition says that she killed herself by jumping off a cliff over an unhappy love affair.

Lambrou says Sappho was not gay. "But even if we assume she was, how can 250,000 people of Lesbian descent - including women - be considered homosexual?"

The Homosexual and Lesbian Community of Greece could not be reached for comment.

The island should suck it up and start calling themselves Lesbosians, but this time, make sure that they copyright it :D
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: BachQ on May 05, 2008, 04:22:37 AM
Treasure ship discovered inside diamond mine
Published: May 4, 2008 at 5:01 PM

ORANJEMUND, Namibia, May 4 (UPI) -- The DeBeers company found a different treasure in a diamond mining operation along the coast of Namibia -- the remains of a ship laden with gold coins.

Dieter Noli, the archaeologist who has been examining the wreck, told The Times of South Africa the site is the richest gold find on the continent since a major ancient Egyptian discovery in the Valley of the Kings.

"I told them sooner or later you'll find a wreck; and I've been waiting patiently for the last 20 years ... but now: jackpot," he said.

The 500-year-old ship was carrying at least 2,500 gold coins from Spain and 50 elephant tusks. The vessel was heavily armed, but some of the weapons were out of date.

Noli thinks the cargo suggests a European pirate or rogue captain may have been trying to sell arms to African rulers.

The ship's timbers have long since decayed, but a few human bones have turned up.

A DeBeers geologist spotted copper ingots on April 1, suggesting that the mine 600 feet off a beach, contained more than diamonds.

Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Brian on May 05, 2008, 06:49:41 AM
Glad to hear it. DeBeers needed the money.  ::)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: knight66 on May 05, 2008, 10:44:51 AM
Quote from: Brian on May 05, 2008, 06:49:41 AM
Glad to hear it. DeBeers needed the money.  ::)

Yes, I was getting anxious about that. Ouf...one more worry put to bed.

Mike
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Heather Harrison on May 05, 2008, 06:26:15 PM
Quote from: Dm on April 02, 2008, 02:52:59 PM
Man crowded out of home by collecting passion
Wed Apr 2, 2008 11:35am EDT

BERLIN (Reuters) - A German man was such an avid collector of weapons and other paraphernalia that he ran out of space at home and had to sleep in a hotel, neighbors said following the 71-year-old's death.
Executors found an arsenal of weaponry and assorted goods at the man's two-story home in the western city of Aachen, police said on Wednesday. 

"The house was stuffed to the rafters," a reporter said. "By the end, the neighbors said he had to sleep in a hotel sometimes because there was no more room."  One neighbor sometimes handled up to 14 deliveries of goods a day for the man when he was out, he added. "At some point she got fed up with it."

I heard about this one.  I'm worried that this might happen to me one day.  I collect all sorts of things, and my place is gradually filling up.  Of course, I don't stop buying things.  One day, somebody will probably find me buried under a collapsed pile of CDs, books, and telephones.

Heather
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Keemun on May 05, 2008, 06:45:21 PM
Mother Accused of Shooting Girl For $1 Bet

Story Created: May 3, 2008

Story Updated: May 3, 2008


SHEBOYGAN, Wis. (AP) -- A 28-year-old woman shot her 8-year-old daughter in the thigh with a BB gun to win a $1 bet with her boyfriend, according to authorities.

Angelique R. Vandeburg was charged with one felony count of intentional child abuse. She made an initial court appearance Friday and was released on a $5,000 signature bond

The girl told police the shot hurt so much that she couldn't walk, according to a criminal complaint.

Her mother and the mother's boyfriend had been drinking heavily before the boyfriend offered Vandeburg $1 and handed her the gun, prosecutors quoted the girl as saying.

The complaint provided the following account of the incident:

Investigators began looking into the incident Wednesday after a school counselor reported it to police. The girl had been shot three or four days earlier, on April 26 or 27, but a circular bruise remained visible on her thigh, the counselor said.

The girl said the shooting occurred in her mother's bedroom after her mother had 10 to 12 beers.

The boyfriend bet the mother $1 she wouldn't shoot the girl. The mother responded by taking the gun and shooting the girl, who was wearing three pairs of pants. The BB deflected off her leg and struck her 7-year-old brother, who wasn't injured.

The boyfriend then grabbed the gun, ran from the house and drove away.

Vandeburg told her daughter to keep quiet about the incident, saying it was a "family thing" and that the mother would go to jail if the girl told.

The complaint quoted Vandeburg as telling a police detective the girl was lying to get her in trouble. She said the girl suffered the bruise three weeks earlier when she fell from her bike and hit her leg on the handlebar.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: BorisG on May 06, 2008, 08:19:08 PM
Carrot Top at Vegas' "Cathouse" nightclub.

(http://celebslam.buzznet.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/05/carrot-top-jump.jpg)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Lethevich on May 07, 2008, 05:50:22 AM
WTF is wrong with him? :-\
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: BachQ on May 07, 2008, 05:58:58 AM
Quote from: Lethe on May 07, 2008, 05:50:22 AM
WTF is wrong with him? :-\

Carrot Top has some "issues" ..........
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: knight66 on May 07, 2008, 07:32:29 AM
Clearly time has not been kind to Nicole Kidman.

Mike
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Lethevich on May 07, 2008, 08:13:59 AM
Quote from: knight on May 07, 2008, 07:32:29 AM
Clearly time has not been kind to Nicole Kidman.

Mike

(http://img168.imageshack.us/img168/5341/49467ed2a966123eu4.gif) ;D

Incidentely, I watched half of a film with her in last night (To Die For).
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: karlhenning on May 07, 2008, 08:19:07 AM
For whatever passel of reasons, I've hardly seen anything Kidman is in.

Notable exception was Moulin Rouge, which we found garish even by Baz standards  0:)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Harry on May 07, 2008, 08:27:15 AM
Kidman is a fine actress and a good looking woman, with a fabulous body, and I saw many films with her, that made me long for such perfection in feminine beauty. :)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Harry on May 07, 2008, 08:28:29 AM
Quote from: Lethe on May 07, 2008, 08:13:59 AM
(http://img168.imageshack.us/img168/5341/49467ed2a966123eu4.gif) ;D

Incidentely, I watched half of a film with her in last night (To Die For).

Somehow Sarah, these animated smiley's make me quite sad....... :'(
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Lethevich on May 07, 2008, 11:41:26 AM
Quote from: Harry on May 07, 2008, 08:28:29 AM
Somehow Sarah, these animated smiley's make me quite sad....... :'(

Indeedie, a bullying emoticon :'(
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: greg on May 07, 2008, 12:00:15 PM
Quote from: BorisG on May 06, 2008, 08:19:08 PM
Carrot Top at Vegas' "Cathouse" nightclub.

(http://celebslam.buzznet.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/05/carrot-top-jump.jpg)
.....
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Lethevich on May 09, 2008, 12:19:26 AM
Some very funny news was on the radio just now. (http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/1939204/Cardinal-UK-a-land-of-spiritual-homelessness.html)

He continued: "I detect among many people a sense of loss, of not being in touch with living sources that can nourish them. They want to live by shared values that can sustain our society but do not know where to find them.

For a long while in this country, those "shared values" were anti-Popery :D

However the Archbishop also urged the faithful to treat those who do not believe in God with "deep esteem"

This is a member of the church which preaches Extra Ecclesiam Nulla Salus...
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Harry on May 09, 2008, 12:21:54 AM
Quote from: Lethe on May 09, 2008, 12:19:26 AM
Some very funny news was on the radio just now. (http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/1939204/Cardinal-UK-a-land-of-spiritual-homelessness.html)

He continued: "I detect among many people a sense of loss, of not being in touch with living sources that can nourish them. They want to live by shared values that can sustain our society but do not know where to find them.

For a long while in this country, those "shared values" were anti-Popery :D

However the Archbishop also urged the faithful to treat those who do not believe in God with "deep esteem"

This is a member of the church which preaches Extra Ecclesiam Nulla Salus...

Duly noted ;D ;D ;D
It took me some time to recover this shock!
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: BorisG on May 12, 2008, 12:18:53 PM
Speedo Lawsuit

http://www.winknews.com/news/weird/18776144.html
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: BorisG on May 13, 2008, 07:21:53 AM
Spielberg joins regulars for Cannes film fest

May 13, 9:41 AM (ET)

By DAVID GERMAIN

CANNES, France (AP) - Rounding up a lot of the usual suspects, the Cannes Film Festival presents a lineup from an illustrious if somewhat predictable gang of regulars, including Clint Eastwood, Steven Soderbergh, Woody Allen, Atom Egoyan and Wim Wenders.

Then there's Steven Spielberg - who's not quite a newcomer, since he's been at Cannes before. But the festival's centerpiece, "Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull," marks the director's first trip back since the 1980s, when he showed "The Color Purple" and "E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial" here.

The new "Indiana Jones" flick opens worldwide May 22, four days after its Cannes premiere, giving the movie a similar global rollout that preceded blockbuster "E.T."

"That's our benchmark. This is the same kind of movie in that (Cannes is) kind of the perfect launching pad, because we can bring the whole world there," said Frank Marshall, producer on the "Indiana Jones" movies. "It's perfectly timed for our release worldwide."

In its 61st year, the world's most-prestigious film festival sometimes catches heat for including too many glossy Hollywood productions, such as past opening-night film "The Da Vinci Code" or action spectacles such as "Matrix Reloaded" and "X-Men: The Last Stand."

While this year's festival, which opens Wednesday, also includes the cute and cuddly animated comedy "Kung Fu Panda," featuring the voices of Jack Black, Angelina Jolie and Dustin Hoffman, the rest of the schedule is mostly serious cinema, much of it from past Cannes luminaries.

Eastwood returns with "Changeling," a child-abduction drama starring Jolie, while Soderbergh is showing "Che," his two-part epic on revolutionary Che Guevara, featuring Benicio Del Toro. Wenders offers "Palermo Shooting," a thriller about a photographer pursued by a mysterious gunman, and Egoyan presents "Adoration," centered on a youth who reinvents himself in cyberspace.

Also back are Belgian siblings Jean-Pierre and Luc Dardenne, whose stark drama "L'Enfant" won the Palme d'Or, the top honor at Cannes, two years ago. This time, the Dardennes present "Lorna's Silence," the tale of an Albanian woman caught up in an elaborate underworld crime plot in Belgium.

With international press mobbing the French Riviera resort, there is no better spotlight than Cannes for a film to gain global attention, said Harvey Weinstein, whose Weinstein Co. is premiering Allen's romantic drama "Vicky Cristina Barcelona" with Scarlett Johansson, Javier Bardem and Penelope Cruz.

"Cannes is a grand stage," said Weinstein, whose past top prize winners at the festival include "Pulp Fiction,""Fahrenheit 9/11" and Soderbergh's "sex, lies and videotape.""You have the Oscars, which are American-centric, and the world-centric place is Cannes. It's the most far-reaching, important festival in the world and creates a worldwide image for films you're launching there."

Among other Cannes highlights: James Gray's romance "Two Lovers," with Joaquin Phoenix, Gwyneth Paltrow and Isabella Rossellini; James Toback's "Tyson," a documentary on the rise and fall of heavyweight boxing champ Mike Tyson; and "Synecdoche, New York," the directing debut of "Being John Malkovich" screenwriter Charlie Kaufman.

Then there's the parties, fashion and stargazing. With a red carpet that swoops up the broad stairs of the Palais, the festival's headquarters along the Mediterranean, Cannes puts celebrities under a glamor microscope like no other.

"It's a carnival, it's a spectacle. It's fun," said David Koepp, who wrote "Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull" and came to Cannes twice previously as a young assistant to a film sales agent. "There's a lot of crazy people. What you get to see at Cannes is all the crazy, rich foreigners who want to get into Hollywood, having parties on their yachts."

The festival presents two major premieres most nights during its 12-day run, with stars preening and posing in front of an endless throng of shouting, gesticulating photographers.

Karen Allen, who reprises her "Raiders of the Lost Ark" role in a reunion with Spielberg, executive producer George Lucas and "Indiana Jones" star Harrison Ford, recalled her first trip to Cannes.

"It was one of the most surreal moments of my life, standing at the bottom of those stairs at the Palais," Allen said. "So many flashbulbs are going off, you're blind."

The new "Indiana Jones" movie has been kept under tight wraps, with Spielberg and his collaborators playing coy on key plot points.

This much is known: The story is set in 1957, 19 years after the action of 1989's "Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade," and archaeologist-adventurer Indy is battling Cate Blanchett's Soviet operative over ancient crystal skulls that may possess immeasurable power.

However the movie turns out, fans are happy at the return of Allen as Indy's old flame Marion Ravenwood, whose stormy relationship with Jones promises to pick up where it left off more than two decades ago.

"It's just like 'Raiders of the Lost Ark,'" Lucas said. "It's like you just said, 'We'll wait 20 years, and we'll do the reunion movie.'"
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Lethevich on May 13, 2008, 04:23:47 PM
'Sex pest' seal attacks penguin (http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/sci/tech/7379554.stm)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: BachQ on May 14, 2008, 04:16:08 AM


The electric cigarette that gives you a nicotine hit and gets round the smoking ban
Last updated at 12:04pm on 14th May 2008

(http://img.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2008/05_04/electroSmokeBNPS_468x348.jpg)

Inventors have created an electric cigarette which gives a nicotine hit while still managing to avoid the smoking ban. The small white stick, which looks just like a proper cigarette, contains a chamber that vapourises pure liquid nicotine into a puff of steam.  Smokers can inhale the vapours as they would a cigarette smoke and still get the buzz - without taking in any harmful substances.

Nicotine is its only ingredient, unlike tobacco alternatives which contain over 4,000 chemicals and tar. The electric cigarette is battery powered, has a glowing red tip and tastes like the real thing.  Makers claim it can be used inside pubs and restaurants despite the national smoking ban as it has no flame and does not
produce smoke.  They also say the cigarette cannot cause lung cancer as it only contains nicotine.  The stick, called Gamucci Micro Electronic Cigarette, uses small cartridges which are filled with the liquid substance.

There are three types of cartridge, 'low' which contains six milligrams of nicotine, 'medium' which has 11mg, and 'high' which contains 16mg.  A tiny atomizing chamber inside the stick heats up the liquid when the user takes a drag, and within a second reduces it to vapour.  The effects kick-in almost instantaneously and provide a nicotine hit without harmful tar and carcinogens. Passive smoking is impossible, making it perfect for indoor use.  The Gamucci is on sale via online gadget company I Want One Of Those for £49.95 which includes two sticks, five 'high-strength' cartridges and a mains charger. But it is only available to people aged 18 or over and is not suitable for pregnant or breastfeeding women.  (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/pages/live/articles/news/news.html?in_article_id=566351&in_page_id=1770)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Lethevich on May 14, 2008, 05:20:43 AM
This is kind of sad (http://www.theregister.co.uk/2008/05/13/419_victim/) and makes me wish the net came with a beginners guide.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: BorisG on May 14, 2008, 10:01:19 AM
Olsen X 2

(http://www.whatupthug.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/01/nudeolsentwins.jpg)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: BachQ on May 14, 2008, 02:06:45 PM
13 Year Old Steals Dad's Credit Card to Buy Hookers



A 13 year old from Texas who stole his Dad's credit card and ordered two hookers from an escort agency, has today been convicted of fraud and given a three year community order.

Ralph Hardy, a 13 year old from Newark, Texas confessed to ordering an extra credit card from his father's existing credit card company, and took his friends on a $30,000 spending spree, culminating in playing "Halo" on an Xbox with a couple of hookers in a Texas motel.

The credit card company involved said it was regular practice to send extra credit cards out as long as all security questions are answered.

The escort girls who were released without charge, told the arresting officers something was up when the kids said they would rather play Xbox than get down to business.

Police said they were alerted to the motel by a concerned delivery clerk, whom after delivering supplies of Dr Pepper, Fritos and Oreos had been asked by the kids where they could score some chicks and were willing to pay. They explained they had just made a big score at a "World of Warcraft" tournament and wanted to get some relaxation. On noting the boys age the delivery clerk informed the authorities.

When police arrived at the motel they found $3,000 in cash, numerous electronic gadgets, an Xbox video console with numerous games, and the two local escort girls.

Ralph had reportedly told police that his father wouldn't mind, as it was his birthday last week and he had forgot to get him a present. The father, a lawyer said he had been too busy, but would take him on a surprise trip to Disneyland instead.

Asked why he ordered two escorts, Ralph said he thought it was the thing to do when you win a "World of Warcraft" tournament. They told the suspicious working girls they were people of restricted growth working with a traveling circus, and as State law does not allow those with disabilities to be discriminated against they had no right to refuse them.

The $1,000 a night girls sensing something up played "Halo" on the Xbox with the kids, instead of selling their sexual services.

Ralph's ambition is to one day become a politician. (http://www.money.co.uk/article/1000390-13-year-old-steals-dads-credit-card-to-buy-hookers.htm)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: BorisG on May 15, 2008, 03:48:19 AM
Sean Penn warns Barack Obama at Cannes Film Festival opening

By Anita Singh, The Telegraph Showbusiness Editor

Last Updated: 8:31AM BST 15/05/2008

The Cannes Film Festival got off to a lively start with Sean Penn, president of this year's jury, sounding off about US Presidential hopeful Barack Obama and the opening movie almost being upstaged by a bunch of performing pandas.

Penn joined fellow judge Natalie Portman on the red carpet for the premiere of the first night film, Blindness, a thriller starring Julianne Moore.

At a press conference beforehand, the actor, an outspoken critic of the Bush administration, offered his views on the Democratic nomination race.

Asked if he would be joining other Hollywood A-listers in pledging support for Obama, Penn gave him a less than ringing endorsement and warned that he has an awful lot to live up to.

"I don't have a candidate I'm supporting and I'm certainly interested and excited by the hope that Barack Obama is inspiring," he said, but went on to accuse him of a "phenomenally inhuman and unconstitutional" voting record.

"I hope that he will understand, if he is the nominee, the degree of disillusionment that will happen if he doesn't become a greater man than he will ever be," Penn said. "This is the most important election, certainly in my lifetime, and maybe ever."

Portman, 26, said she would not be endorsing Obama or his rival, Hillary Clinton, but added: "I think it's a very exciting year for our politics, that for the first time in a while we have a choice of who we like better instead of who we hate least."

Penn said it was impossible to separate film from politics, and promised that the winning film would be a reflection of the current climate.

"One way or another, when we select the Palme d'Or winner, I think we are going to feel very confident that the film-maker who made the film is very aware of the times in which he or she lives."

There are 22 films in competition for the Palme d'Or and the jury will watch them over the next 12 days. "The idea is to be wide awake with an empty bladder for the start of everything," explained Penn.

Asked if he was enjoying it so far, he complained that he had been "discouraged from smoking" – France's smoking ban was introduced last year – before lighting up and chain-smoking his way through the press conference.  ::)

The opening film, Blindness, is a thriller from director Fernando Meirelles about a town struck down by a mysterious epidemic, leaving Moore the only character with the ability to see.

Based on the novel by Nobel Prize-winning author Jose Saramago, its story of a community hit by disaster and receiving no government help draws obvious parallels with Hurricane Katrina.

Moore said the film was timely: "I think there's sometimes something in the zeitgeist. There's a tremendous amount of tragedy right now, physical tragedy and man-made tragedy, and we are feeling anxious."

The 47-year-old actress dyed her famous red hair blonde for the role. She said: "I'm a redhead and I'm always a redhead, except for this movie. I don't want to do it again. I didn't like it very much."

Away from the main competition, comic actor Jack Black launched his latest movie, DreamWorks animation Kung Fu Panda, by performing martial arts moves on the beach in the company of 40 extras in panda suits. Black, who lends his voice to the film along with the likes of Angelina Jolie and Lucy Liu, explained that he was there to create "panda-monium".

The film creating the most buzz on the Croisette remains Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull, which has its world premiere on Sunday. Harrison Ford, Cate Blanchett and director Steven Spielberg will fly in later this week for the summer's most eagerly-awaited sequel.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Lethevich on May 16, 2008, 12:11:40 PM
Almost the wrong thread to post this in, as it's obviously of global importance...

Botched sex game leads to heart piercing

A Canadian man who asked his lover to carve a heart-shaped symbol on his chest during a rough sex game almost died when she accidentally pressed too hard and punctured his heart, a newspaper reported.

The Winnipeg Free Press said the 25-year-old woman had been sentenced to three years' probation after she pleaded guilty to assaulting the man in February 2007.

The 24-year-old man was initially given little chance of survival but made a full recovery and is backing the woman.

Both had been drinking heavily and engaging in rough sex when he asked the woman to carve the symbol, the paper said. (http://www.stuff.co.nz/stuff/4551218a4560.html)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: BachQ on May 16, 2008, 04:10:56 PM
Quote from: Lethe on May 16, 2008, 12:11:40 PM
A Canadian man who asked his lover to carve a heart-shaped symbol on his chest during a rough sex game almost died when she accidentally pressed too hard and punctured his heart, a newspaper reported.

Ummmm ....... wouldn't you need to puncture through a bone (sternum) to reach the heart?  ???

Strange.  :o
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: knight66 on May 18, 2008, 10:31:20 AM
I have heard via the radio that Pressi. Bush has decided to sacrifice playing golf to show solidarity with his men and women in Iraq. I have no doubt they will be touched, he certainly is.

Mike
Title: Life goes on. Bra!
Post by: mn dave on June 23, 2008, 10:36:06 AM
http://enews.earthlink.net/article/top?guid=20080623/485f1fc0_3ca6_15526200806232062355853
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Brian on June 23, 2008, 05:30:58 PM
On second thought, this belongs in the important news thread!:

QuoteOne of the last shipments to a U.S. research base in Antarctica before air service was suspended for the winter included 16,500 condoms. There are 125 scientists and staff members at the base. Winter lasts three to four months. You do the math.
http://www.courant.com/features/lifestyle/hc-shea0614.artjun14,0,2298625.column

And the scary thing is, these are SCIENTISTS in ANTARCTICA. You know. Geeks.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: knight66 on June 29, 2008, 01:29:34 AM
The politics of kids birthday parties. In Sweden one case of a child who failed to invite two of his classmates to his birthday party is being discussed in parliament.

His teacher noticed two boys had not been given invites and he confiscated all the cards. He maintained it was a form of discrimination; though the item specifies that one of the kids had been nasty to the birthday boy over a period of time.

The State is involving itself over who kids celebrate with...you have to invite your enemies if the invites were given out on school premises.

Of course, The Times is not the most trustworthy of commentators, but, assuming some truth in the reporting, here is the startling story.

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/europe/article4228131.ece

Mike
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: J.Z. Herrenberg on June 29, 2008, 01:58:25 AM
QuoteThe school, in Lund, southern Sweden, argues that if invitations are handed out on school premises, which are public areas, it has an obligation to ensure that there is no discrimination. It is irrelevant that the party will be held in a private household.

Send the things through the post.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: knight66 on June 29, 2008, 02:18:14 AM
But ought someone have to 'get round' the system in that way? Is it appropriate that the state sets up such a system? I think things are over intrusive in the UK, but I hope we don't get to the Swedish point with this issue. I think that Sweden has 100% adult literacy rate, so they have a lot to commend them in achieving that. Lots of good policies in with the mix no doubt.

Mike
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: J.Z. Herrenberg on June 29, 2008, 03:10:37 AM
Quote from: knight on June 29, 2008, 02:18:14 AM
But ought someone have to 'get round' the system in that way? Is it appropriate that the state sets up such a system? I think things are over intrusive in the UK, but I hope we don't get to the Swedish point with this issue. I think that Sweden has 100% adult literacy rate, so they have a lot to commend them in achieving that. Lots of good policies in with the mix no doubt.

No, I don't like the State enforcing 'Paradise', it can easily lead to creating Hell. It's better to take human imperfection into account and encourage people to mitigate its effects as they see fit. By sending invitations through the post, for instance, avoiding envy and resentment.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: knight66 on June 29, 2008, 03:28:28 AM
Yes, if all but two boys were invited, that is pointed. But for the state to take a part seems heavy-handed.

Mike
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: J.Z. Herrenberg on June 29, 2008, 03:39:00 AM
Quote from: knight on June 29, 2008, 03:28:28 AM
Yes, if all but two boys were invited, that is pointed. But for the state to take a part seems heavy-handed.

The Scandinavian countries are small, population-wise, and ethnically still quite homogeneous (our resident Norwegians and Danes may correct me). One big village, one big family. The Swedes talk about the 'folkhem' ('the people's home'). So perhaps the sense of exclusion could be accordingly bigger. And 'the State' seems perhaps less distant. To say it with a pun: Nanny can be your Nan.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: knight66 on June 29, 2008, 05:00:31 AM
I suppose the lack of immigration in theory gives you an advantage with the literacy rate. Here in the UK we have entire schools consisting of children for whom English is not their first language. However, the picture seems to be more complex, in that the rate amongst the indigenous population is far from satisfactory. Some new reading schemes have been introduced, but it is to remedy a problem that ought never to have been there.

Mike
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Christo on June 29, 2008, 07:59:45 AM
Amy Winehouse - my most beloved artist, of course - hitting a fan:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/7479715.stm
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: J.Z. Herrenberg on June 29, 2008, 08:01:35 AM
Quote from: Christo on June 29, 2008, 07:59:45 AM
Amy Winehouse - my most beloved artist, of course - hitting a fan:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/7479715.stm

With her it's always something hitting the fan. Stupid woman.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Christo on June 29, 2008, 08:04:26 AM
Quote from: Jezetha on June 29, 2008, 08:01:35 AM
Stupid woman.

Oh dear. Have to report you to the moderator, for abusing a religion ...  ;)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: J.Z. Herrenberg on June 29, 2008, 08:07:56 AM
Quote from: Christo on June 29, 2008, 08:04:26 AM
Oh dear. Have to report you to the moderator, for abusing a religion ...  ;)

You're right! I forgot...  ;D
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: knight66 on June 29, 2008, 08:17:52 AM
What does she keep in her hair? Her stash....a bucket and mop.....her complete works of Shelley?

Mike
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Anne on June 29, 2008, 08:47:03 AM
She wears a wig.

She has been diagnosed w/ early stages of emphysema according to her father this last week.  When she was released from the hospipal, she started smoking immediately.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Lethevich on July 07, 2008, 05:34:48 AM
Adolf Hitler Beheaded in Berlin (http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/0,1518,564100,00.html)

Dr Who fans complain to Ofcom (http://www.theinquirer.net/gb/inquirer/news/2008/07/07/dr-fans-complain-ofcom)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: J.Z. Herrenberg on July 07, 2008, 07:45:08 AM
Quote from: Lethe on July 07, 2008, 05:34:48 AM
Adolf Hitler Beheaded in Berlin (http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/0,1518,564100,00.html)

Henryk M. Broder, a reporter and commentator for SPIEGEL, said wryly: "Finally an attack on Hitler was successful."

;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: karlhenning on July 07, 2008, 07:47:08 AM
Quote"Never again war!" the man yelled as he attacked the wax figure.

I suppose that the fellow who defaced the wax figure does not see the irony in his vandalism?
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Lethevich on July 07, 2008, 07:50:21 AM
Quote from: karlhenning on July 07, 2008, 07:47:08 AM
I suppose that the fellow who defaced the wax figure does not see the irony in his vandalism?

Indeed - now the candlestick men are going to launch a retaliatory invasion of Europe...
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: J.Z. Herrenberg on July 07, 2008, 07:53:06 AM
Quote from: karlhenning on July 07, 2008, 07:47:08 AM
I suppose that the fellow who defaced the wax figure does not see the irony in his vandalism?

But if Hitler had only attacked a wax figure, he wouldn't have been a wax figure at Madame Tussaud's...
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: karlhenning on July 07, 2008, 07:54:03 AM
Quote from: Jezetha on July 07, 2008, 07:53:06 AM
But if Hitler had only attacked a wax figure, he wouldn't have been a wax figure at Madame Tussaud's...

So Mme. Tussaud is rewarding bad behavior, you think, Johan?  ;)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: J.Z. Herrenberg on July 07, 2008, 08:04:06 AM
Quote from: karlhenning on July 07, 2008, 07:54:03 AM
So Mme. Tussaud is rewarding bad behavior, you think, Johan?  ;)

They call that History, my dear Karl...

(Are the arts and sport the most innocent things to make history with, I wonder)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: karlhenning on July 07, 2008, 08:07:24 AM
Quote from: Jezetha on July 07, 2008, 08:04:06 AM
They call that History, my dear Karl...

History! I've heard of it!

All the more reason to admire men who make a mark in history in a positive way, yes? (I'm sure Mme. Tussaud does these figures [waxen] justice, too.)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: J.Z. Herrenberg on July 07, 2008, 08:21:38 AM
Quote from: karlhenning on July 07, 2008, 08:07:24 AM
All the more reason to admire men who make a mark in history in a positive way, yes? (I'm sure Mme. Tussaud does these figures [waxen] justice, too.)

Agreed. That's why this Forum exists, for example.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: pjme on July 08, 2008, 11:54:21 AM
In the summer of 2008, the tenth World Harp Congress will take place in Amsterdam, Holland. Harpists from all over the world will visit The Netherlands to play, excibit, give lectures or attend concerts. The first World Harp Congress was in Holland and it is great to have it back here after 25 years.
With some harpteachers from Holland we made a program for everybody to attend. All Dutch students from all over the country are invited to play in the World greatest Harp Orchestra. When you attend the congress from abroad and you can arrange a harp to play on, you are welcome to join us.
We will try to set a Guinness World Record with the greatest harp orchestra, maybe even two, when we will also try to make the longest harp orchestra with an improvisation piece by Claudia Rumondor.
In the concert we will play new pieces by Alfredo Rolando Ortiz from Venezuela and by Kaska from the USA. Maestro Kaska will also conduct the concert.
Deborah Henson will play a solo with her Guinness 500 Blues, accompanied by the harporchestra. Frank Groothof, a Dutch singer, will sing a Dutch song which is arranged for the 500 harps by Rosetty.
The concert will take place on Tuesday the 22 nd of July at the Passengers-terminal near the 'Muziekgebouw aan het IJ' in Amsterdam.
You can subscribe for this event on the site www.harp.eu . The form is in Dutch. When you have problems filling in this form: mail to yolanda@sax.nl
In order to receive the music and the rehearsal CD you have to pay 25 Euro in advance. After subscribing you will receive the details for this payment. This 25 Euro is not included in the Congress pass or Day pass.
We will be happy to welcome you!

Peter

Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Novi on July 09, 2008, 04:47:02 AM
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/norfolk/7496923.stm

Quote
Teenager finds bat asleep in bra 

A teenager who thought movement in her underwear was caused by her vibrating mobile phone found a bat curled up asleep in her bra.

Abbie Hawkins, 19, of Norwich, had been wearing the bra for five hours when she plucked up the courage to investigate.

When she did, she found a baby bat in padding in her 34FF bra. The hotel receptionist said she was shocked but felt bad for removing the "cuddly" bat.

"It looked cosy and comfortable and I was sorry for disturbing it," she said.

She was sitting at her desk at work when she decided to investigate the strange movements in her underwear.

"I put my hand down my bra and pulled out a cuddly little bat.   Perhaps I should have left it there and given it a good home

"That shocked me very much at the time, but it scuttled off under the desk into the dark. I was shaking from head to toe.

"It looked quite cosy and comfortable in there so it was quite rude of me to take it out.

"When I realised it was a bat the first thing that occurred to me was how did it get in there.

"I felt quite sorry for it. Perhaps I should have left it there and given it a good home.

"I did not notice anything as I put my bra on. The night before I had had one or two drinks and I was getting ready quickly.

"The bra was in my drawer but it had been on the washing line the day before.

"When I was driving to work, I felt a slight vibration but I thought it was just my mobile phone in my jacket pocket."

The bat was captured by one of her colleagues and released.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: greg on July 09, 2008, 06:55:55 AM
Quote from: Novi on July 09, 2008, 04:47:02 AM
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/norfolk/7496923.stm

Maybe the bat was actually an Animorph?
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: mn dave on July 09, 2008, 09:19:19 AM
Fat man

Bad Sperm (http://enews.earthlink.net/article/top?guid=20080709/487437c0_3421_13345200807091643940653)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: mn dave on July 11, 2008, 11:48:32 AM
No Fido for you! (http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/7501768.stm)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Papy Oli on July 12, 2008, 08:36:46 AM
- Golf club ends 113-year sock rule -

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/7503576.stm?lsm (http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/7503576.stm?lsm)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Lethevich on July 12, 2008, 08:46:24 AM
Quote from: papy on July 12, 2008, 08:36:46 AM
- Golf club ends 113-year sock rule -

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/7503576.stm?lsm (http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/7503576.stm?lsm)

"a move that officials said has divided the club's 600 members."

Poor buggers ::)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Gurn Blanston on July 12, 2008, 09:36:13 AM
Quote from: papy on July 12, 2008, 08:36:46 AM
- Golf club ends 113-year sock rule -

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/7503576.stm?lsm (http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/7503576.stm?lsm)

How this qualifies as "unimportant news" eludes me! TRADITION!. Dammit!  >:(   :)

8)

----------------
Listening to:
K 158a 165 Exsultate jubilate - Süddeutsches Kammerorchester Pforzheim/Nicol Matt - K 158a 165 Exsultate, jubilate in F - pt 03- Tu Virginum corona
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Papy Oli on July 12, 2008, 09:51:40 AM
oh, put a sock in it !   >:D

:P

Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Gurn Blanston on July 12, 2008, 10:32:41 AM
Quote from: papy on July 12, 2008, 09:51:40 AM
oh, put a sock in it !   >:D

:P



OK, but just a little short one, not one of those great knee-length rascals...  0:)

8)

----------------
Listening to:
K 159a 160 String Quartet #7 in Eb - Talich Quartet - K 159a 160 String Quartet #7 in Eb 3rd mvmt - Presto
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Anne on July 12, 2008, 01:04:12 PM
 
'Lifesaver' Bottle Purifies Water in Seconds
Friday, May 09, 2008

By Allison Barrie

Lifesaver Systems

There's a reason they call it the "Lifesaver."

On the outside, it looks like an ordinary sports bottle. On the inside, there's a miracle: an extremely advanced filtration system that makes murky water filled with deadly viruses and bacteria completely clean in just seconds.

The Lifesaver removes 99.999 percent of water-borne pathogens and reduces heavy metals like lead, meaning even the filthiest water can be cleaned — immediately.

It will be a boon to soldiers in the field, so it's winning accolades from the military.

It also stands to revolutionize humanitarian aid. It could be the first weapon in the fight against disease after a natural disaster, like the one in Myanmar this week.

I attended the Lifesaver's launch at DSEi London, the world's largest arms fair. Its inventor provided a pool of dirty pond water as a test subject, and I drank some after it was filtered. Not only did it look pure once it passed through the Lifesaver, it tasted pure, too.

Relate

'Lifesaver' Bottle Purifies Water in Seconds
Full-page Security Barrier Archive

• Click here to see a British soldier demonstrating how the Lifesaver will clean even the dirtiest water.

The process takes only 20 seconds and is simple enough: scoop some water, pump it through the filter and you're ready to go. The instructions are displayed in pictures on the side of the bottle, so it can be used by anyone, removing the language barrier.

Outdoor enthusiasts may find it useful, but the Lifesaver is perfect for the military. The bottle is designed to "scoop and go," so soldiers won't have to carry the added weight of clean bottled water. They can pick some up out of any source and keep moving.

As an added bonus, the bottle can shoot a pressurized jet of water from any angle, which will be useful for washing wounds free of contaminants and debris.

Other filters use ceramic pores and can't catch most bacteria and viruses, but the Lifesaver uses microscopic pores a mere 15 nanometers across — about one-hundredth the width of a spider's silk — narrow enough to stop the tiniest threats. That means virtually nothing — not even bacteria and viruses — can get through.

And since the bottle uses a carbon filter, it makes water safe and sterile without any chemicals, removing that iodine or chlorine taste.

The bottle weighs about 1.5 pounds and can filter one and a half pints of clean drinking water each go. Its replaceable filter can handle more than 1,500 gallons of dirty water before it has to be replaced. And since it won't process any water once the filter has expired, it will be impossible to drink contaminated water by mistake.

Michael Pritchard, a British entrepreneur, designed the Lifesaver in the wake of freshwater shortages that followed the 2004 tsunami and Hurricane Katrina.

Delivering bottled water to disaster areas is difficult, especially in places like Myanmar, where the government is currently interfering with efforts to distribute supplies and aid. If disaster victims had access to the Lifesaver, they could have ongoing access to clean water without the need for airlifts.

Delivering those planeloads of water is expensive, too. A U.S. Army study revealed that the cost of delivering bottled water to Afghanistan was $4.69 per gallon. Pentagon figures on Hurricane Mitch showed the cost of air freight was even higher: $7.60 per gallon.

Just one Boeing C-17 transport plane full of Lifesaver bottles would provide 500,000 people with access to safe drinking water for up to 16 months — saving millions and saving lives.


Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Lethevich on July 24, 2008, 04:36:32 AM
Hailstones blasted man off toilet

(http://img504.imageshack.us/img504/4704/hailstorm2pw9.jpg)

An Austrian man, Martin Bierbauer, was blasted off the toilet when huge hailstones started shooting out of it.

The crazy weather in Austria where the temperature dropped over 30 degrees centigrade in just a few days has led to freak hail storms in the country.

Martin Bierbauer said: "I heard the pipes rumbling a bit, and suddenly hailstones the size of golf balls started exploding out of the toilet like it was a popcorn machine.

"There was an avalanche of ice that quickly filled the toilet, then the entire flat, and eventually the entire building.

"I ran down the stairs with the hailstones following me, and other residents did the same."

The incident was caused by hailstones flooding into a local drain during a torrential downpour, which became blocked. The pressure become to great and the hailstones had to go somewhere and they came out through the toilets. (http://eatmypotato.com/index.php/interesting-stories/hailstones-blasted-man-off-toilet/)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: J.Z. Herrenberg on July 24, 2008, 04:41:11 AM
What's new?







(  ;D )
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Renfield on July 24, 2008, 05:34:06 AM
The hailstone blast-off had me laughing so hard I was almost crying. :P
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: ezodisy on August 07, 2008, 09:00:53 AM
This isn't so much unimportant as stupid

Bad spelling should be accepted (http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/7546975.stm)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Lethevich on August 07, 2008, 09:29:06 AM
Quote from: ezodisy on August 07, 2008, 09:00:53 AM
This isn't so much unimportant as stupid

Bad spelling should be accepted (http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/7546975.stm)

Hehe, this could only happen in Britain. My generation in particular (which I sadly represent well) has an extremely poor understanding of the formal aspects of the language. English language classes are inadequate and the teachers don't care whether children do well or not, as the grade doesn't hold much weight anyway.

This "solution" is ridiculous. It isn't just concerning spelling - memorising new words and their spellings keep the brain stimulated, it is an example of how education begets education. To say that this part is no longer important brings into question whether education in general is worthwhile. I believe this is called a slippery slope... :P
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: J.Z. Herrenberg on August 07, 2008, 09:51:53 AM
Quote from: Lethe on August 07, 2008, 09:29:06 AM
Hehe, this could only happen in Britain. My generation in particular (which I sadly represent well) has an extremely poor understanding of the formal aspects of the language. English language classes are inadequate and the teachers don't care whether children do well or not, as the grade doesn't hold much weight anyway.

This "solution" is ridiculous. It isn't just concerning spelling - memorising new words and their spellings keep the brain stimulated, it is an example of how education begets education. To say that this part is no longer important brings into question whether education in general is worthwhile. I believe this is called a slippery slope... :P

No - the thin end of the wedge (at the end of the day).  :P
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: ezodisy on August 08, 2008, 12:19:59 PM
Nigerian advises against 86 wives (http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/africa/7547148.stm)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: M forever on August 08, 2008, 04:57:01 PM
Quote from: Lethe on August 07, 2008, 09:29:06 AM
Hehe, this could only happen in Britain. My generation in particular (which I sadly represent well) has an extremely poor understanding of the formal aspects of the language. English language classes are inadequate and the teachers don't care whether children do well or not, as the grade doesn't hold much weight anyway.

Apparently - demonstrated by the fact that you didn't understand what the article is actually about.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Lethevich on August 08, 2008, 05:38:11 PM
Quote from: M forever on August 08, 2008, 04:57:01 PM
Apparently

I guess I had that covered with the bracketed part of my second sentence...
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: M forever on August 08, 2008, 06:03:40 PM
You did indeed. The articles doesn't say that random speling should be allowed or even encouraged, it just says that some very common words should be allowed alternative or revised spellings based on the fact that they reflect widespread usage. That actually makes sense, especially for a language whose speliing is so completely outdated as English. Language changes all the time. It's not like the current spelling of English is the "original" and therefore "correct" one. Updating spelling rules can be very difficult and backfire, create confusion and really silly revisions - as we have seen with the German spelling reform - but while the way a language is written down should be standardized for the sake of quality of communication, the written language should not artificially conserve for the sake of conserving; it should be allowed to change with the spoken language it represents.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Lethevich on August 08, 2008, 07:16:29 PM
Quote from: M forever on August 08, 2008, 06:03:40 PM
You did indeed. The articles doesn't say that random speling should be allowed or even encouraged, it just says that some very common words should be allowed alternative or revised spellings based on the fact that they reflect widespread usage. That actually makes sense, especially for a language whose speliing is so completely outdated as English. Language changes all the time. It's not like the current spelling of English is the "original" and therefore "correct" one. Updating spelling rules can be very difficult and backfire, create confusion and really silly revisions - as we have seen with the German spelling reform - but while the way a language is written down should be standardized for the sake of quality of communication, the written language should not artificially conserve for the sake of conserving; it should be allowed to change with the spoken language it represents.

The issue I have with this is that few will be largely satisfied with which words are changed or not, and people will always misspell things - they will misspell new words too, and if continually "corrected" the language will become even more irrational than it currently is (which for English is saying something). Considering how various different English speaking regions pronounce the language, revising it to intuitively spell in the way it is spoken or thought would involve unideal compromises... IMO there is a difference between changing "musick to "music" versus "ridiculous" to "rediculous", the latter of which is an enormously common mispelling but (to my limited understanding) contrary to conventions of how English words are built...
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: M forever on August 08, 2008, 08:02:27 PM
Quote from: Lethe on August 08, 2008, 07:16:29 PM
but (to my limited understanding) contrary to conventions of how English words are built...

What do you mean by that?
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Lethevich on August 08, 2008, 08:09:40 PM
Quote from: M forever on August 08, 2008, 08:02:27 PM
What do you mean by that?

Re meaning "again", ri meaning... er, something else ;D I am a total newb with these things.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: M forever on August 08, 2008, 08:14:44 PM
Ridiculous comes from the Latin adjectiv ridiculus - laughable - from the verb ridere - to laugh.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: BachQ on August 09, 2008, 03:26:07 AM
 

Coast Guard Deems Teens Too Drunk to Be Rescued, Leaves Them on Cliff Ledge
Friday , August 08, 2008

British teenagers partying on the ledge of a cliff were left to sober up overnight after rescue crews decided they were too drunk to be rescued, The Daily Telegraph reported.  The teens called the Coast Guard when a friend suffered an epileptic fit near Long Quarry Point, outside Torquay, Devon. Rescuers were not able to airlift all eight boys and girls to safety, due to rainfall and rough terrain.  In the end it was decided to winch the ill teen off the cliff, and leave the rest, whom the Coast Guard described as "under the influence," where they were.  "It was too dangerous to rescue the seven others because they were rather intoxicated and it would have been too hazardous to take them down to the lifeboat," Coast Guard watch manager Zoe Boyne told The Telegraph. "This incident has tied up many resources throughout the night. It has also highlighted the dangers of young people putting themselves at risk in locations where they lose control of their actions due to the effects of intoxicating substances."
(http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,400322,00.html)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: greg on August 10, 2008, 06:12:34 AM
Quote from: M forever on August 08, 2008, 06:03:40 PM
You did indeed. The articles doesn't say that random speling should be allowed or even encouraged, it just says that some very common words should be allowed alternative or revised spellings based on the fact that they reflect widespread usage. That actually makes sense, especially for a language whose speliing is so completely outdated as English. Language changes all the time. It's not like the current spelling of English is the "original" and therefore "correct" one. Updating spelling rules can be very difficult and backfire, create confusion and really silly revisions - as we have seen with the German spelling reform - but while the way a language is written down should be standardized for the sake of quality of communication, the written language should not artificially conserve for the sake of conserving; it should be allowed to change with the spoken language it represents.
Didn't I mention something like this and get laughed at....? (although it wasn't you)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Anne on August 16, 2008, 02:52:37 PM
http://news.aol.com/article/egyptian-woman-gives-birth-to-septuplets/136392?icid=200100397x1207789314x1200427284
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: karlhenning on September 02, 2008, 10:36:28 AM
The curse word 'Battlestar Galactica' created (http://www.cnn.com/2008/SHOWBIZ/TV/09/02/tv.what.the.frak.ap/index.html)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: greg on September 02, 2008, 02:48:15 PM
Quote from: karlhenning on September 02, 2008, 10:36:28 AM
The curse word 'Battlestar Galactica' created (http://www.cnn.com/2008/SHOWBIZ/TV/09/02/tv.what.the.frak.ap/index.html)
well, I've never heard of "frak"...
Title: FRAC
Post by: pjme on September 04, 2008, 12:02:35 PM
> EMPIRE > UNIFORMES NAPOLEONIENS > GRANDE TENUE DE MARECHAL D'EMPIRE, FRAC, brodée sur toutes les coutures!

"Frac" (cfr. FROCK ): a ceremonial drescoat for men.... ;D...no "k" makes all the difference! But do check wikipedia....

Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: karlhenning on September 04, 2008, 12:04:15 PM
Quote from: GGGGRRREEG on September 02, 2008, 02:48:15 PM
well, I've never heard of "frak"...

. . . highlighting the non-importance of this news!  ;D
Title: Re: FRAC
Post by: karlhenning on September 04, 2008, 12:05:20 PM
Quote from: pjme on September 04, 2008, 12:02:35 PM
> EMPIRE > UNIFORMES NAPOLEONIENS > GRANDE TENUE DE MARECHAL D'EMPIRE, FRAC, brodée sur toutes les coutures!

"Frac" (cfr. FROCK ): a ceremonial drescoat for men....

Hey! I'd wear that!
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Kullervo on September 04, 2008, 12:07:54 PM
What the frac, Karl.

(http://i188.photobucket.com/albums/z245/tapiola/michael_jackson.jpg)
Title: Re: FRAC & THRAK
Post by: karlhenning on September 04, 2008, 12:12:44 PM
Quote
Hey! I'd wear that!

While listening to THRAK

(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41B7YW0MM6L._SL500_AA240_.jpg)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: pjme on September 04, 2008, 12:19:55 PM
And you would be in good company!

(http://www.academie-francaise.fr/images/immortels/portraits/weygand.jpg)

Title: Got milk?
Post by: Wendell_E on September 24, 2008, 10:23:52 AM
PETA Urges Ben & Jerry's To Use Human Milk

QuotePeople for the Ethical Treatment of Animals sent a letter to Ben Cohen and Jerry Greenfield, cofounders of Ben & Jerry's Homemade Inc., urging them to replace cow's milk they use in their ice cream products with human breast milk, according to a statement recently released by a PETA spokeswoman.

....

"The fact that human adults consume huge quantities of dairy products made from milk that was meant for a baby cow just doesn't make sense," says PETA Executive Vice President Tracy Reiman. "Everyone knows that 'the breast is best,' so Ben & Jerry's could do consumers and cows a big favor by making the switch to breast milk."

Complete article:  http://www.wptz.com/news/17539127/detail.html
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: knight66 on September 24, 2008, 11:13:37 AM
When I was in Scotland last week, it was publicised that one police force had been called using the emergency number, by a woman who wanted to complain that the floppy-eared rabbit she had bought via a newspaper advert was defective in that its ears were not as floppy as she had expected. She wanted to know what the police were going to do about it.

Possibly look for their recipe for bunny stew?

Mike
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: bhodges on September 24, 2008, 11:17:47 AM
Quote from: knight on September 24, 2008, 11:13:37 AM
When I was in Scotland last week, it was publicised that one police force had been called using the emergency number, by a woman who wanted to complain that the floppy-eared rabbit she had bought via a newspaper advert was defective in that its ears were not as floppy as she had expected. She wanted to know what the police were going to do about it.

Possibly look for their recipe for bunny stew?

Mike

I would love to have heard that telephone conversation... ;D

--Bruce
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: knight66 on September 24, 2008, 11:38:02 AM
Yes, 'Go and boil yer bunny.'  might have been in there somewhere. The same force in highlighting the abuse of the emergency number also reported that they had two calls within a few minutes from different people complaining that a car had driven past them through a puddle and soaked them.

Into each life a little rain must be sprayed.

Mike
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Lethevich on September 24, 2008, 11:45:33 AM
Quote from: knight on September 24, 2008, 11:13:37 AM
When I was in Scotland last week, it was publicised that one police force had been called using the emergency number, by a woman who wanted to complain that the floppy-eared rabbit she had bought via a newspaper advert was defective in that its ears were not as floppy as she had expected. She wanted to know what the police were going to do about it.

It's a shame that these people can't be fined :P
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: knight66 on September 24, 2008, 11:54:42 AM
I think a split lip would be more effective.

Mike
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: karlhenning on September 24, 2008, 11:57:42 AM
Truth squadding floppiness in advertising.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: knight66 on September 24, 2008, 12:00:17 PM
Well, that is society for you these days, floppyness all round; almost.

Mike
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Lethevich on September 25, 2008, 05:32:35 PM
This is absolutely insane :o

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/7636577.stm
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: M forever on September 25, 2008, 07:47:07 PM
Indeed. Were they on drugs? Why did they behave like that?
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Lethevich on September 25, 2008, 09:10:48 PM
Quote from: M forever on September 25, 2008, 07:47:07 PM
Indeed. Were they on drugs? Why did they behave like that?

I was wondering the same, but none of the news reports even begin to explain it...
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: J.Z. Herrenberg on September 26, 2008, 02:20:57 AM
Quote from: Lethe on September 25, 2008, 09:10:48 PM
I was wondering the same, but none of the news reports even begin to explain it...

I can only imagine they are/were psychotic and were very determined to take their lives. Twins do things together. They can build their own shared delusional reality.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: M forever on September 26, 2008, 08:04:03 PM
So you are saying that all twins are delusional?
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: J.Z. Herrenberg on September 27, 2008, 12:09:06 AM
No. I am saying that identical twins can form a unit.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Sorin Eushayson on September 27, 2008, 12:30:28 AM
Here's the key phrase that everyone should have noted: "...twin sisters from Sweden..."  Explains everything!  ;D  Crazy Swedes...  ::)

Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Anne on October 01, 2008, 08:18:36 AM
http://video.aol.com/partner/animalplanet/untamed-and-uncut-bull-jumps-into-crowd/d6ea7dd332b58771ede97ef1b00d3b5dba65c860/?icid=VIDURVPET04
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Lethevich on October 07, 2008, 09:32:18 AM
Tattoo clue led police to thief (http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/bristol/7656870.stm) (click for video)

A car thief who had his name and date of birth tattooed on his neck was caught after CCTV images of him were used to track him down.

Aarron Evans, 21, pleaded guilty at Bristol Magistrates' Court to breaking into a covert capture car in the city.

The car had been left by Avon and Somerset Police officers with a covert camera concealed inside, which took pictures of Evans.

Evans, an illiterate man of no fixed address, was sentenced to seven months.

Supt Ian Wylie said: "Criminals won't be tolerated in Bristol and we will keep catching them and bringing them before the courts.

"We get such excellent images from these cameras that there is often, and never more so than in this case, no doubt who the criminal is."
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: knight66 on October 07, 2008, 10:45:35 AM
He only got seven months, so could be out in three and a half. Time enough for his Mum to knit him a balaclava. I suppose with this one there was no point even in having tats of 'left' and 'right' on the appropriate knuckles.

Mike
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: karlhenning on October 07, 2008, 10:53:14 AM
Quote
A car thief who had his name and date of birth tattooed on his neck . . .

". . . if found, return to this address: . . ."
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Lethevich on October 07, 2008, 10:53:48 AM
I am impressed that the "Avon and Somerset Police" still haven't changed their name after the country of Avon became defunct in 1996...
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: knight66 on October 07, 2008, 11:00:12 AM
It is three and a half years since my Government Department changed its name, yet the old name is still on the outside of many of the buildings with public access. Then there are questions about whay the public is unaware of the changed set-up.

Mike
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Jay F on October 07, 2008, 11:20:02 AM
Quote from: Dm on March 07, 2008, 09:22:13 AM
Minnesota Bars Beat Smoking Ban
By GREGG AAMOT – 22 hours ago

MAPLEWOOD, Minn. (AP) — All the world's a stage at some of Minnesota's bars. A new state ban on smoking in restaurants and other nightspots contains an exception for performers in theatrical productions. So some bars are getting around the ban by printing up playbills, encouraging customers to come in costume, and pronouncing them "actors."  The customers are playing right along, merrily puffing away — and sometimes speaking in funny accents and doing a little improvisation, too.

At The Rock, a hard-rock and heavy-metal bar in suburban St. Paul, the "actors" during "theater night" do little more than sit around, drink, smoke and listen to the earsplitting music.   The smoking ban, passed by the Legislature last year, allows actors to light up in character during theatrical performances as long as patrons are notified in advance. About 30 bars in Minnesota have been exploiting the loophole by staging the faux theater productions and pronouncing cigarettes props, according to an anti-smoking group.



Are we allowed to say "assholes"?
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: knight66 on October 08, 2008, 09:32:50 AM
Quote from: knight on October 07, 2008, 10:45:35 AM
He only got seven months, so could be out in three and a half. Time enough for his Mum to knit him a balaclava. I suppose with this one there was no point even in having tats of 'left' and 'right' on the appropriate knuckles.

Mike

This guy had already had three custodial sentences THIS YEAR. He clearly needs some alternative encouragement to keep his mitts off other folk's stuff.

Mike
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: mn dave on October 08, 2008, 09:36:56 AM
Quote from: Dm on March 07, 2008, 09:22:13 AM
Minnesota Bars Beat Smoking Ban
By GREGG AAMOT – 22 hours ago

MAPLEWOOD, Minn. (AP) — All the world's a stage at some of Minnesota's bars. A new state ban on smoking in restaurants and other nightspots contains an exception for performers in theatrical productions. So some bars are getting around the ban by printing up playbills, encouraging customers to come in costume, and pronouncing them "actors."  The customers are playing right along, merrily puffing away — and sometimes speaking in funny accents and doing a little improvisation, too.

At The Rock, a hard-rock and heavy-metal bar in suburban St. Paul, the "actors" during "theater night" do little more than sit around, drink, smoke and listen to the earsplitting music.   The smoking ban, passed by the Legislature last year, allows actors to light up in character during theatrical performances as long as patrons are notified in advance. About 30 bars in Minnesota have been exploiting the loophole by staging the faux theater productions and pronouncing cigarettes props, according to an anti-smoking group.



Genius!
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: karlhenning on October 08, 2008, 09:56:19 AM
Are you an actor I've seen playing the circuit, Dave?
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: J.Z. Herrenberg on October 08, 2008, 11:15:46 AM
http://news.cnet.com/bank-robber-hires-decoys-on-craigslist-fools-cops/?part=rss&subj=news&tag=2547-1_3-0-5

October 3, 2008 8:13 AM PDT
Bank robber hires decoys on Craigslist, fools cops
Posted by Caroline McCarthy

In an elaborate robbery scheme that's one part The Thomas Crowne Affair and one part Pineapple Express, a crook robbed an armored truck outside a Bank of America branch in Monroe, Wash., by hiring decoys through Craigslist to deter authorities.

It gets better: He then escaped in a creek headed for the Skykomish River in an inner tube, and the cops are still looking for him. "A great amount of money" was taken, Monroe police said, but did not provide a dollar value.

It appears to have unfolded this way: around 11:00 a.m. PDT on Tuesday, the robber, wearing a yellow vest, safety goggles, a blue shirt, and a respirator mask went over to a guard who was overseeing the unloading of cash to the bank from the truck. He sprayed the guard with pepper spray, grabbed his bag of money, and fled the scene.

But here's the hilarious twist. The robber had previously put out a Craigslist ad for road maintenance workers, promising wages of $28.50 per hour. Recruits were asked to wait near the Bank of America right around the time of the robbery--wearing yellow vests, safety goggles, a respirator mask, and preferably a blue shirt. At least a dozen of them showed up after responding to the Craigslist ad.

"I came across the ad that was for a prevailing wage job for $28.50 an hour," one of the unwitting decoys, named Mike, said to the NBC station. As it turns out, they were simply placed there to confuse cops who were looking for a guy wearing a virtually identical outfit.

Authorities eventually found the getaway inner tube (a getaway inner tube!) and suspect that accomplices may have picked up the robber in a boat. According to the NBC affiliate, police hope to track him down by figuring out who posted the Craigslist ad in the first place.

Craigslist founder Craig Newmark was not immediately available for comment.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: knight66 on October 08, 2008, 12:14:02 PM
Even on a fine thread, this is one of the best. I still don't get though how you escape in an inner tube? How big is it?

Mike
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: karlhenning on October 08, 2008, 12:18:43 PM
The key there, Mike, is a rapid stream . . . .
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: mn dave on October 08, 2008, 12:43:27 PM
Quote from: karlhenning on October 08, 2008, 09:56:19 AM
Are you an actor I've seen playing the circuit, Dave?

Heck no. Maybe next lifetime.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Bulldog on October 08, 2008, 02:58:48 PM
Quote from: Jay F on October 07, 2008, 11:20:02 AM
Are we allowed to say "assholes"?

Are you referring to the owners of the bars, the folks smoking in them or the intrusive persons who got the ban passed into law?
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: karlhenning on October 08, 2008, 03:58:24 PM
Quote from: mn dave on October 08, 2008, 12:43:27 PM
Heck no. Maybe next lifetime.

Thought I saw you fiddling with props in a floor show of a Minnesota bar.

Must have been somebody else  8)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: M forever on October 08, 2008, 10:05:22 PM
Quote from: Jezetha on October 08, 2008, 11:15:46 AM
Craigslist founder Craig Newmark was not immediately available for comment.

And why should he? Is he responsible for the ad placed by the bank robber? Is he responsible for the idiots who respond to my ad on craigslist looking for a roommate who can't pay the amount of rent I am asking for for a very nice room in a very nice apartment?
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: karlhenning on October 09, 2008, 06:05:40 AM
Quote from: M forever on October 08, 2008, 10:05:22 PM
And why should he? Is he responsible for the ad placed by the bank robber? Is he responsible for the idiots who respond to my ad on craigslist looking for a roommate who can't pay the amount of rent I am asking for for a very nice room in a very nice apartment?

Presumably, your business would be legit, M.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Lethevich on October 09, 2008, 06:31:35 AM
Jorge Ramos said he just wanted to push a fat woman in front of a train. (http://www.typicallyspanish.com/news/publish/article_12821.shtml)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: M forever on October 09, 2008, 10:26:44 AM
Quote from: karlhenning on October 09, 2008, 06:05:40 AM
Presumably, your business would be legit, M.

But it's not craiglist's fault if people abuse it. I also get a lot of scam emails from people who want to secure the room and send me a cashiers check with more money on it so I am supposed to send the extra money to their travel agent and stupid stuff like that. It even says on craigslist that these kind of scam emails are flying around. I think it also says somewhere in the terms of use that you aren't allowed to use the ads for illegal purposes. So what should the founder have said? "The guy violated the terms of use." Or maybe he even didn't. Posting an ad asking people to come to a street corner in funny outfits is probably not illegal as such.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: karlhenning on October 09, 2008, 10:32:59 AM
Quote from: M forever on October 09, 2008, 10:26:44 AM
But it's not craiglist's fault if people abuse it.

Okay.  All the article said was, that he (the namesake Craig guy) wasn't available for comment.  Right?
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Lethevich on October 24, 2008, 05:30:41 AM
Nebraska law allows abandonment of teens: 'Safe-havens' potentially permit parents to drop off kids as old as 19 (http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/26353351/?GT1=43001)

Awesome
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Keemun on October 24, 2008, 06:34:38 AM
Eight firemen armed with hi-tech rescue equipement in the form of a miniature camera coated in chocolate spent five hours searching in vain for a family's missing hamster. (http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/howaboutthat/3241525/Eight-firemen-use-chocolate-coated-mini-camera-to-find-missing-hamster.html)

Apparently there are no fires to be fought in Scotland, a country of limitless public resources.  ::)

And in case you are interested, the hamster has been recovered (http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/politics/scotland/3251396/Hamster-who-evaded-firemen-with-chocolate-camera-is-found-safe-and-well.html).
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: knight66 on October 26, 2008, 11:56:39 AM
That was not just any old hamster; it was a voter.

Mike
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Anne on October 26, 2008, 03:28:29 PM
Click on url to see picture of horse.

http://www.neatorama.com/2008/10/20/horse-got-head-stuck-in-tree/


Horse Got Head Stuck in Tree



Gracie the horse got a nasty surprise when curiosity got the better of her and she decided to check out a gap in a tree trunk:

The horse, called Gracie, was unable to free itself and could have been in danger were it not for a passer-by who was able to come to the rescue after he heard the horse whinnying .

Jason Harschbarger, a neighbour in the town of Pullman, West Virginia, USA, arrived at the scene which resembled the image of Winnie the Pooh getting stuck in the honey tree.

Mr Harschbarger collected his tools and was able to carefully set the horse free by using a chainsaw to slowly cut the wood around its neck.

However, before he did so, he was able to take a few photographs.


Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Lethevich on October 26, 2008, 04:39:23 PM
Hehe I like that one, although it's confusing. I thought that horses were like whales - animals which would freak out if something like a chain saw was put anywhere near them, and they would be killed by the "stress".
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: M forever on October 26, 2008, 06:41:26 PM
You probably overlooked the fact that horses were used by humans in battle for many millenia - with great success, despite all the noise and horror and sharp objects (not necessarily chain saws, but similarly nasty tools of maiming and destruction), so they aren't quite the sissies as which you portray them here  :D
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Lethevich on October 26, 2008, 06:45:32 PM
Quote from: M forever on October 26, 2008, 06:41:26 PM
You probably overlooked the fact that horses were used by humans in battle for many millenia - with great success, despite all the noise and horror and sharp objects (not necessarily chain saws, but similarly nasty tools of maiming and destruction), so they aren't quite the sissies as which you portray them here  :D

Hehe I guess so - I just remember reading things about rescues of the things when they fall into rivers/sewers, about the effort the rescuers have to put in to avoiding "stressing them out". But I guess a loud noise is different from being moved around with a crane 0:)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: ezodisy on November 07, 2008, 08:38:08 AM
Not really unimportant, just wanted to point out how they analysed the picture

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/asia-pacific/7715458.stm
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: BachQ on November 12, 2008, 08:37:59 AM
Wife killed by husband's flying coffin
A Brazilian woman has died after being struck by her husband's coffin when the hearse they were travelling in was involved in a car crash.

Last Updated: 2:05PM GMT 12 Nov 2008

(http://www.telegraph.co.uk/telegraph/multimedia/archive/01112/coffin_1112690c.jpg)

The 67-year-old woman was on the way to the cemetery to bury her husband, who had died the day before.  The hearse was struck from behind by a speeding car, police said.  The coffin slammed into the head of the woman, who was sitting in the passenger seat of the hearse, breaking her neck and killing her instantly, according to officers.

Marciana Silva Barcelos and her family were on the way to a cemetery in the town of Alvorada in the southern state of Rio Grande do Sul, for the funeral of her partner, Josi Silveira Coimbra.  The 76-year-old man had died of a heart attack on Sunday after attending a dance.  Following the accident, the driver of the Alfa Romeo was trapped for around 50 minutes in the wreckage and was taken to hospital where he was put under observation.  The driver of the hearse and a son of the dead man, who was also travelling in the hearse, were treated for minor injuries.


LINK

(http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/howaboutthat/3446524/Brazilian-woman-killed-by-husbands-coffin.html)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: karlhenning on November 12, 2008, 08:44:13 AM
What a d minor event was there . . . .
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: knight66 on November 14, 2008, 12:00:18 PM

From The TimesNovember 14, 2008

"Second Life affair leads to real-life divorce for David Pollard, aka Dave Barmy
A couple have divorced after the husband was caught having a "virtual affair" with a female character in an online game."

This is my favourite bit of a bizarre story.........

"Ms Taylor's suspicions were aroused in 2007 and she hired a Second Life private investigator. The virtual sleuth, called Markie MacDonald, caught Dave Barmy in flagrante and he apologised to his online and real world wives.

Ms Taylor said: "It has been a very difficult time. I am now just trying to move on with my life.""

http://women.timesonline.co.uk/tol/life_and_style/women/relationships/article5151126.ece

Mike


Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: ezodisy on November 14, 2008, 12:16:13 PM
Quote from: knight on November 14, 2008, 12:00:18 PM
From The TimesNovember 14, 2008

"Second Life affair leads to real-life divorce for David Pollard, aka Dave Barmy
A couple have divorced after the husband was caught having a "virtual affair" with a female character in an online game."

This is my favourite bit of a bizarre story.........

"Ms Taylor's suspicions were aroused in 2007 and she hired a Second Life private investigator. The virtual sleuth, called Markie MacDonald, caught Dave Barmy in flagrante and he apologised to his online and real world wives.

Ms Taylor said: "It has been a very difficult time. I am now just trying to move on with my life.""

http://women.timesonline.co.uk/tol/life_and_style/women/relationships/article5151126.ece

Mike

QuoteHow do avatars have sex?

QuoteTHE ANSWER
First characters need to buy genitals

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/magazine/7729207.stm
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: knight66 on November 14, 2008, 12:24:01 PM
Every day I learn something; though not always something I want to learn about.

Mike
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Anne on November 14, 2008, 01:41:23 PM
Why You Should Never Try to Steal a Law Student's Laptop
by Dan Reilly, posted Nov 14th 2008 at 2:41PM

A thief learned the mistake of trying to steal a law student's laptop last week after after becoming a punching bag for an Arizona State student he tried to rip off. Armed with a baseball bat, the intruder, Gabriel Saucedo, allegedly climbed through an open window into Alex Botsios' apartment, waking the student and threatening to smash his head in.


Botsios was willing to let Saucedo take his wallet and guitars. Then the robber made the mistake that ultimately landed him in the hospital -- he went for the laptop. According to Botsios, he said "Dude, no -- please, no! I have all my case notes...that's four months of work!" Saucedo, obviously underestimating the fury of an overstressed, overworked first-year, was unsympathetic. That's when Botsios could take no more.

Wrestling Saucdeo to the floor, Botsios separated the bat from the thief and repeatedly punched him in the face. When it was all over, police had to get Saucedo stitched up before charging him with armed robbery and kidnapping, while Botsios only suffered some scrapes and a bruised knuckle. Most importantly, at least to the student, is that his laptop, which he called "his baby," escaped unharmed. Next time, Saucedo might want to try robbing a third-year student, as they're generally more docile. [From: KTAR.com]
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: ezodisy on November 14, 2008, 03:18:53 PM
A manhunt is under way in western Germany for a convicted drug dealer who escaped by mailing himself out of jail. (http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/europe/7730018.stm)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: karlhenning on November 19, 2008, 08:49:08 AM
Police haven't said what type of sandwich was involved. (http://www.ajc.com/news/content/shared-gen/ap/Feature_Stories/ODD_Sandwich_Assault.html)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: karlhenning on November 20, 2008, 10:08:08 AM
This is the AP, not The Onion

Car impounded after dog drives away from car wash (http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/11/06/AR2008110603210.html)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: mn dave on November 20, 2008, 10:09:47 AM
Quote from: karlhenning on November 20, 2008, 10:08:08 AM
This is the AP, not The Onion

Car impounded after dog drives away from car wash (http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/11/06/AR2008110603210.html)

Well, it beats chasing them.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: karlhenning on November 21, 2008, 06:34:53 AM
Wal-Mart Names Duke as Next Chief Executive

Dang! Duke is a name, not a title, I guess . . . .
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: karlhenning on November 21, 2008, 06:35:32 AM
Nor a nickname, as in, Wal-Mart Posthumously Names Jn Wayne as Next Chief Executive
Title: Working for the minister
Post by: knight66 on November 22, 2008, 07:48:03 AM
In a leaked 11-page document issued to civil servants, called Working with Liam Byrne, the 38-year-old spells out exactly how he expects to be treated.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/politics/2008/nov/17/liam-byrne-minister-diva-news

Mike
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: knight66 on November 22, 2008, 07:51:08 AM
Australian navy to get two-month paid Christmas holiday Shutdown

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2008/nov/18/australia

Seemingly; there will be an attempt to explore the concept of working from home!

Mike

Title: Re: Working for the minister
Post by: Dundonnell on November 22, 2008, 07:53:32 AM
Quote from: knight on November 22, 2008, 07:48:03 AM
In a leaked 11-page document issued to civil servants, called Working with Liam Byrne, the 38-year-old spells out exactly how he expects to be treated.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/politics/2008/nov/17/liam-byrne-minister-diva-news

Mike

Someone should empty the soup over his bald head >:(
Title: Re: Working for the minister
Post by: J.Z. Herrenberg on November 22, 2008, 08:34:30 AM
Quote from: Dundonnell on November 22, 2008, 07:53:32 AM
Someone should empty the soup over his bald head >:(

;D My sentiments exactly!
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: ezodisy on November 22, 2008, 11:03:41 AM
Quote"Coffee/Lunch. I'm addicted to coffee. I like a cappuccino when I come in, an espresso at 3pm and soup at 12.30-1pm."

That sounds a lot like me. Cappuccino before 8. Espresso after soup. Another by 4. One in the evening. I don't see anything wrong with that.

Quote"Never put anything to me unless you understand it and can explain it to me in 60 seconds,"

Quite right.

Quote"If I see things that are not of acceptable quality, I will blame you."

Absolutely, though these days poor quality is so common and widespread that instead of blame one just has to shrug one's shoulders.

Quote"I am often not very clear or my writing is illegible," he says. "If I'm in the middle of thinking about something, I might ask you to come back - don't be put off by this."

Sounds like a smart and self-understanding chap.

The only thing wrong with all this is that he actually put it all together, published it and handed it out. That is just silly, smug and pedantic.

Never trust someone who points at you with his or her fingers.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Lethevich on November 23, 2008, 06:27:14 PM
Girl, 15, Faces Child Porn Charges for Nude Cell Phone Pictures of Herself (http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,434645,00.html)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: ezodisy on November 28, 2008, 08:42:10 PM
A court in Iran has ruled that a man who blinded a woman with acid after she spurned his marriage proposals will also be blinded with acid. (http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/middle_east/7754756.stm)

sounds about right to me
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Lethevich on November 28, 2008, 11:50:47 PM
Eye for an eye can be morbidly amusing sometimes.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: ezodisy on December 05, 2008, 01:45:57 AM
interesting new theatre. UK video only (I think): http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/7766441.stm
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: ezodisy on December 09, 2008, 12:39:35 AM
Ban on tobacco displays announced

The open display of tobacco in shops is to be banned in England and Wales, the government has announced
(http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/7771210.stm)

You know the government makes billions upon billions of pounds from the sale of tobacco and cigarettes each year, most of the NHS is probably funded this way, yet they keep putting on a show as if they actually care, and are doing the "right" thing to help people. The "right" thing never involves dictating how someone else should live. This isn't a case of stopping someone from doing something because it's harming someone else--if they cared, they could always do something about the drug dealers who are all over the place; it's a case of some passive-aggressive nitwit at a desk somewhere who has no imagination and is bent on the most pathetic sort of revenge or retribution dressed up as an act to help young people. Why do people always want to make other people just like themselves? Or more accurately: why do miserable, unintelligent people always want to make other people just like themselves? You know what the problem with these people is? They lack self-disgust, which of course means that they lack self-awareness. One critical eye over their own lives and they might understand just how horrible and horrifying they are.

But it ain't gonna happen.

Good idea: no smoking in restaurants

Bad idea: no smoking in pubs and cafes, putting pictures of diseased lungs on packs of tobacco, driving the product underground

Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Harry on December 09, 2008, 12:43:27 AM
Its a excellent idea idea that this sick behavior like smoking is stopped.
Everywhere!
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: ezodisy on December 09, 2008, 12:45:05 AM
lol! point proven. thanks
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Lethevich on December 09, 2008, 04:28:58 AM
It's funny to keep being reminded what cowards terrorists are. Almost every one that has been caught in the UK has denied their crimes and used very weak excuses to try to use the legal system against the population and get off free. There is currently another bunch using the same defence of "we wanted to scare people, not blow them up". Unfortunately they know so little about the countries they would like to destroy that they are unaware how effective these legal systems are at convicting people like them. Amazing how unprincipled these nutcases are, but at least they will be having a miserable time in jails full of people who hate them.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: karlhenning on December 09, 2008, 04:29:44 AM
Quote from: ezodisy on December 09, 2008, 12:39:35 AM
Good idea: no smoking in restaurants

Bad idea: no smoking in pubs and cafes [snip]

My opinion, of course, but these both actually seem like good ideas to me, and I'm not sure why there would be a moral divide between these.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: ezodisy on December 09, 2008, 06:19:14 AM
Quote from: karlhenning on December 09, 2008, 04:29:44 AM
My opinion, of course, but these both actually seem like good ideas to me, and I'm not sure why there would be a moral divide between these.

well not even smokers smoke when they eat. That is the point. Cafes and particularly pubs are places to relax though. Obviously non-smokers won't feel too relaxed in a smoky place, but you don't drink alcohol for your health, do you? Unlike the US, I don't think the UK ever really went in for that idea of smoking/non-smoking sections, which makes the sudden move to non-smoking entirely seem a bit daft.

There's a picture of a needle and a message "Smoking is highly addictive, don't start" on a pack of Drum I bought, like anyone who buys it is a narco man or some such rubbish. It cost £5, most of which is tax. In France I can buy the same pack with more than 50% extra for just 6 Euros. Something's not right
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Lethevich on December 09, 2008, 06:28:32 AM
Quote from: ezodisy on December 09, 2008, 06:19:14 AM
There's a picture of a needle and a message "Smoking is highly addictive, don't start" on a pack of Drum I bought, like anyone who buys it is a narco man or some such rubbish

Well, to be fair, quite a few narco men do less damage to themselves than smokers.

(http://img162.imageshack.us/img162/1521/animation1sg9.gif)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: mn dave on December 09, 2008, 06:29:03 AM
People still smoke?
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: karlhenning on December 09, 2008, 06:31:59 AM
For a bit, after they've tamped themselves down.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: ezodisy on December 09, 2008, 06:36:19 AM
Quote from: Lethe on December 09, 2008, 06:28:32 AM
Well, to be fair, quite a few narco men do less damage to themselves than smokers.

(http://img162.imageshack.us/img162/1521/animation1sg9.gif)

That's a cool chart. What is Khat? Never heard of it.

(http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/3/34/Khat_picnic_in_Yemen.jpg)

"A khat picnic in a cave in the mountains near Khulan, Yemen."

lol
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: karlhenning on December 09, 2008, 06:41:01 AM
Izh that Khat Shtevens?
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Lethevich on December 09, 2008, 06:41:20 AM
Quote from: ezodisy on December 09, 2008, 06:36:19 AM
That's a cool chart. What is Khat? Never heard of it.

It is interesting indeed - I first heard about it on local TV news because of some ethnic population in Bristol using it, and "blah blah controversy", etc. I see that Wikipedia says most EU countries and the US have made it illegal, but Britain hasn't, making us a hub for the export of illegal "khat". Awesome!
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Christo on December 11, 2008, 09:39:28 PM
Quote from: karlhenning on December 09, 2008, 06:41:01 AM
Izh that Khat Shtevens?

No. Yusuf Islam (http://www.yusufislam.org.uk/) appears to be a non-chewer.  ::)

Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: karlhenning on December 12, 2008, 04:45:26 AM
No ruminant, he!
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Christo on December 12, 2008, 04:52:37 AM
Quote from: karlhenning on December 12, 2008, 04:45:26 AM
No ruminant, he!

:D  (had to look it up in the dictionary   :-\ )
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: ezodisy on December 14, 2008, 11:19:20 AM
great reactive duck by the old prez, shows he's still got the spice for it

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/middle_east/7782422.stm
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: ezodisy on December 15, 2008, 02:23:41 AM
HA HA HA HA!!!!

he knows how to bring in the punters!

http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=UfIY24BErBE
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Lethevich on December 27, 2008, 03:01:17 PM
Festive goat up in flames again (http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/europe/7801156.stm)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Anne on December 31, 2008, 05:16:37 PM
http://news.aol.com/article/woman-88-puts-the-squeeze-on-intruder/290340?icid=200100397x1215430506x1201041899
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: knight66 on January 02, 2009, 12:59:55 AM
Dick by name and Dick by nature.

Mike
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: ezodisy on January 03, 2009, 05:40:55 AM
The 2009 Bunny Suicides calendar has been released.

http://www.teneues.com/teneuesshop/teNeues~Bunny+Suicides+2009_Andy+Riley~ISBN_3-8327-2812-0.htm

It's a great little thing this, drawings by a Brit of a poor rabbit trying to creatively maul himself. I found the 2008 version in Venice last year and it makes for an excellent gift
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Novi on January 03, 2009, 12:45:10 PM
Quote from: ezodisy on January 03, 2009, 05:40:55 AM
The 2009 Bunny Suicides calendar has been released.

http://www.teneues.com/teneuesshop/teNeues~Bunny+Suicides+2009_Andy+Riley~ISBN_3-8327-2812-0.htm

It's a great little thing this, drawings by a Brit of a poor rabbit trying to creatively maul himself. I found the 2008 version in Venice last year and it makes for an excellent gift

Cool! I love the bunny suicides.

One of my favourites ...

(http://www.ntoddblog.org/photos/random_pics/nazibunnysuicide.jpg)


And more unimportant news:

http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk/2009/jan/03/burglar-surprised-thor-god-thunder
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: ezodisy on January 03, 2009, 02:09:37 PM
lol! Where does that one come from? I only found out about this stuff by chance, is there a whole comic series about it?
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Novi on January 05, 2009, 11:51:32 AM
Quote from: ezodisy on January 03, 2009, 02:09:37 PM
lol! Where does that one come from? I only found out about this stuff by chance, is there a whole comic series about it?

There are a couple of useless-Christmas-stocking-stuffer kind of books, I think. Some are hilarious, some in glorious bad taste, and others not so funny.

(http://i85.photobucket.com/albums/k74/kellebelles13/024.jpg)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Renfield on January 05, 2009, 02:49:30 PM
Quote from: Novi on January 03, 2009, 12:45:10 PM
And more unimportant news:

http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk/2009/jan/03/burglar-surprised-thor-god-thunder

I actually saw that fellow, in the street party! I even distinctly recall being quite impressed by the costume. :D
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Lethevich on January 06, 2009, 04:29:12 AM
I giggle over this furore over Steve Jobs' health - o noes, will the personality cult survive? More proof that Apple is difficult to distinguish from Stalinism 0:)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: ezodisy on January 06, 2009, 04:50:57 AM
Quote from: Lethe on January 06, 2009, 04:29:12 AM
More proof that Apple is difficult to distinguish from Stalinism 0:)

lol!
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: ezodisy on January 20, 2009, 01:50:21 AM
Sex smell lures 'vampire' to doom  (http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/sci/tech/7838850.stm)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: ezodisy on January 21, 2009, 11:34:32 AM
'Polite' Britons died on Titanic  (http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/americas/7843154.stm)

"There was one gentleman who was rather wealthy... who went back downstairs after he put his wife on the [life] boat... put on his tuxedo...went back upstairs and smoked... with the idea that if I am going die, I may as well die as a gentleman and well-dressed."
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: ezodisy on January 23, 2009, 07:32:16 AM
i don't know where to post this but had to get it up somewhere. those are some sunglasses. an actor from Slumdog Millionaire

(http://www.bbc.co.uk/shropshire/content/images/2007/07/20/iifa_gallery_05_470x320.jpg)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: greg on January 24, 2009, 04:48:54 PM
Quote from: ezodisy on November 14, 2008, 12:16:13 PM
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/magazine/7729207.stm
Quote

Some Second Lifers have been known to misbehave - a US journalist was attacked by flying penises when conducting an interview in his virtual office.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: маразм1 on February 03, 2009, 07:17:09 AM
http://www.azstarnet.com/sn/fromcomments/278448.php

Another superbowl incident!  I think it's absolutely hilarious, whoever did this.  ha ha ha!

Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: J.Z. Herrenberg on February 03, 2009, 07:50:43 AM
Quote from: маразм1 on February 03, 2009, 07:17:09 AM
http://www.azstarnet.com/sn/fromcomments/278448.php

Another superbowl incident!  I think it's absolutely hilarious, whoever did this.  ha ha ha!

Very funny. Though I think Comcast should be spelled differently in the light of this mishap.  0:)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Dr. Dread on February 25, 2009, 12:23:21 PM
BANGKOK, Thailand - The fossilized remains of two pregnant fish indicate that sex as we know it - fertilization of eggs inside a female - took place as much as 30 million years earlier than previously thought, researchers said Thursday.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: ezodisy on March 04, 2009, 01:43:31 PM
you see that clip of Brown speaking in the US?

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/7922426.stm

it's pretty scary. He certainly isnt' speaking for me.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Bulldog on March 04, 2009, 01:47:40 PM
Quote from: ezodisy on March 04, 2009, 01:43:31 PM
you see that clip of Brown speaking in the US?

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/7922426.stm

it's pretty scary. He certainly isnt' speaking for me.

All he did was reconfirm the excellent partnership between the two countries.  AND NO POWER ON EARTH CAN DESTROY IT!
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Lethevich on March 04, 2009, 01:54:44 PM
Quote from: ezodisy on March 04, 2009, 01:43:31 PM
you see that clip of Brown speaking in the US?

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/7922426.stm

it's pretty scary. He certainly isnt' speaking for me.

It seemed kind of desperate in a way that didn't happen with Blair, as, like all good con-men, Blair believed his own story.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: knight66 on March 04, 2009, 02:00:50 PM
What is scary about it? It is just the usual political rhetoric.

Mike
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: ezodisy on March 04, 2009, 11:23:57 PM
Quote from: Bulldog on March 04, 2009, 01:47:40 PM
AND NO POWER ON EARTH CAN DESTROY IT!

lol! I think it's the sense of near desperation which Lethe pointed out, that didn't seem usual at all. I know he wanted to make a strong impression but it almost sounded like he was pleading. I guess it's all those years of being Blair's bitch that makes him want to be the US's now  ::)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: knight66 on March 04, 2009, 11:30:18 PM
He is not a great speech maker, he often hits the wrong note. Those words said in a different way might have produced a different, though no more favourable, reaction. He has a tendency to over emphasise and that was always evident when he was Chancellor. The Big Clunking Fist. But it was just what I said it was, nothing different. I am never clear who this guff is really for. It certainly was not scary.

Mike
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: ezodisy on March 04, 2009, 11:45:35 PM
Well it certainly was scary if you don't want to be tied to someone you feel is running out of control. Unfortunately the UK doesn't really have a leader right now and it certainly doesn't have a leader in waiting. We're a country of bitches :(
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: ezodisy on March 04, 2009, 11:53:46 PM
look at this picture of him, he looks positively evil. lol

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2009/mar/05/gordon-brown-congress-world-crisis
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Peregrine on March 05, 2009, 12:15:03 AM
Quote from: ezodisy on March 04, 2009, 11:45:35 PM
We're a country of bitches :(

Speak for yourself, darling...
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: ezodisy on March 05, 2009, 12:32:30 AM
lol!
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: knight66 on March 05, 2009, 09:19:43 AM
Quote from: Peregrine on March 05, 2009, 12:15:03 AM
Speak for yourself, darling...

Quite.

Mike
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: ezodisy on March 05, 2009, 09:40:19 AM
lol! It's not a nice thing to admit, but when your government is taking on record amounts of debt and starting to print ridiculous amounts of money all without having any resources (no gold, soon no oil) or anything to sell, then basically you're a bitch. It's unfortunate but true.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: knight66 on March 05, 2009, 10:03:15 AM
What is the definition of a bitch in your context? How are you acting now you are a bitch?

Mike
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: ezodisy on March 05, 2009, 11:06:42 AM
my definition is of course the same definition as that known from building sights to top level offices -- one who serves another. That is precisely what the UK will become as it relies on everyone else around it for everything from food to clothes to cars and everything else. The one saving grace we had--not joining the Euro--is more or less debased now as we switch on the printing press. Anyway whatever. I am not here to tell English people what they're becoming. They'll see it for themselves as we become hopelessly dependent over the next 10 years.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: knight66 on March 07, 2009, 05:36:02 AM
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/4073353.stm

Obviously, I am very proud.

Mike
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Lethevich on March 12, 2009, 03:09:14 AM
'Sausage-pony' prompts 999 calls (http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/hampshire/7939187.stm)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: John Copeland on March 12, 2009, 03:16:01 AM
Quote from: knight on March 07, 2009, 05:36:02 AM
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/4073353.stm

Obviously, I am very proud.

Mike

Me too.  Scotland quite righly has a big hold of the Elephant culture.  I'll be taking a trunk route to the ivories of India to see some myself.
***GROAN***
         :-X
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: BachQ on March 12, 2009, 04:27:41 AM
Quote from: Lethe on March 12, 2009, 03:09:14 AM
'Sausage-pony' prompts 999 calls (http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/hampshire/7939187.stm)

:D

(http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/45559000/jpg/_45559426_-1.jpg)

Mayflower, a pony with short legs and a long body has caused numerous people to call the emergency services in the mistaken belief she is stuck in the mud.  Her owner is now considering erecting signs advising passers-by.  Rescue specialist Anton Phillips said Mayflower could appear to be stuck in mud as she was half the height of other nearby ponies.  "We have been called out several times for the animal now and it is getting a bit ridiculous."  :D
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Dr. Dread on March 12, 2009, 04:31:03 AM
Quote from: Lethe on March 12, 2009, 03:09:14 AM
'Sausage-pony' prompts 999 calls (http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/hampshire/7939187.stm)

Must resist...one-liner...
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: karlhenning on March 12, 2009, 04:46:46 AM
Dachspferd
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Dr. Dread on March 14, 2009, 08:50:47 AM
The children of the night! What music they GAK! (http://news.sky.com/skynews/Home/World-News/Vampire-Remains-Found-In-Venice-Italy-Has-Brick-Jammed-In-Her-Mouth/Article/200903215240705?lpos=World_News_Second_Home_Page_Article_Teaser_Region_4&lid=ARTICLE_15240705_Vampire_Remains_Found_In_Venice%2C_Italy%2C_Has_Brick_Jammed_In_Her_Mouth)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Lethevich on March 25, 2009, 04:42:03 AM
Dead girl given truancy warning (http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/manchester/7963081.stm)

The parents of a girl who died suddenly have received a school letter demanding she improves her attendance.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: greg on March 25, 2009, 03:10:49 PM
Quote from: Dm on March 12, 2009, 04:27:41 AM
:D

(http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/45559000/jpg/_45559426_-1.jpg)

Mayflower, a pony with short legs and a long body has caused numerous people to call the emergency services in the mistaken belief she is stuck in the mud.  Her owner is now considering erecting signs advising passers-by.  Rescue specialist Anton Phillips said Mayflower could appear to be stuck in mud as she was half the height of other nearby ponies.  "We have been called out several times for the animal now and it is getting a bit ridiculous."  :D
Ha...
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Benji on April 03, 2009, 05:16:00 PM
Runaway scooter carries off woman (http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/cornwall/7981904.stm)

;D
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: knight66 on April 04, 2009, 12:59:03 AM
Poor old soul....certainly funny in a way for those not involved. My MIL has one of these charriots, but she has refused to use it for some time, she is convinced it will tip up at some point when she trying to go onto a pavement.

I bet the community officer wanted a paper bag over his head as he rode it back!

Mike
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Benji on April 04, 2009, 04:28:34 AM
Quote from: knight on April 04, 2009, 12:59:03 AM
Poor old soul....certainly funny in a way for those not involved. My MIL has one of these charriots, but she has refused to use it for some time, she is convinced it will tip up at some point when she trying to go onto a pavement.

I bet the community officer wanted a paper bag over his head as he rode it back!

Mike

The writer of the BBC News article seems to be struggling to contain their mirth  ;D

On a related note:

http://www.youtube.com/v/pdDhW9Lwepc
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: knight66 on April 04, 2009, 08:02:09 AM
A member of the Morningside Chapter of Hell's Grannies.

Mike
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Benji on April 04, 2009, 10:34:07 AM
Quote from: knight on April 04, 2009, 08:02:09 AM
A member of the Morningside Chapter of Hell's Grannies.

Mike

;D

Here they are interacting with the locals in the Meadows...

(http://www.intriguing.com/mp/_pictures/compdiff/hellgr1.jpg)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: knight66 on April 04, 2009, 10:39:23 AM
Going for a tramp in the woods.

Mike
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Benji on April 04, 2009, 11:23:05 AM
Quote from: knight on April 04, 2009, 10:39:23 AM
Going for a tramp in the woods.

Mike

A caption competion winner if ever there was one!  :D
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: knight66 on April 04, 2009, 11:47:54 AM
Sometimes the oldies remain goldies. I ought to add some minor news to this, one of my favourite threads....off to search.

Mike
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Dr. Dread on April 28, 2009, 06:33:02 PM
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/kent/8021407.stm

:)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Lethevich on April 29, 2009, 02:27:32 AM
Sucks to be allergic to cats and in need of books when in Kent... 0:)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Lethevich on September 06, 2009, 12:37:17 PM
Japan's next first lady says she rode spaceship (http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/32659678/ns/world_news-asiapacific/?gt1=43001)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Harpo on September 06, 2009, 01:47:07 PM
Quote from: dm on March 12, 2009, 04:27:41 AM
:D

(http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/45559000/jpg/_45559426_-1.jpg)

Mayflower, a pony with short legs and a long body has caused numerous people to call the emergency services in the mistaken belief she is stuck in the mud.  

Wow! Where can I buy one? We have been taking horseback riding lessons and I think that such a steed would lessen my fear of falling off.  :)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Lethevich on September 24, 2009, 03:02:42 PM
"In the hotel I had a visit from the police, who said that the carpet was state property and confiscated it.

I didn't know that it belonged to Goebbels!" (http://www.bild.de/BILD/news/bild-english/celebrity-gossip/2009/09/21/bizarre-nazi-tapestry-tale/folk-singer-costas-cordalis-had-goebbels-rug-for-25-years.html)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: маразм1 on December 02, 2009, 08:42:38 AM
http://features.csmonitor.com/innovation/2009/12/02/man-marries-video-game-girlfriend/ 

Man marries vidogame character.  Only in Japan....freaking crazy nutjobs. 
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: karlhenning on December 02, 2009, 08:56:51 AM
Hello, Kitty!
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: knight66 on December 03, 2009, 09:27:15 AM
The groom uses a hand held system; now there's a surprise.

Mike
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: маразм1 on December 03, 2009, 01:01:17 PM
(http://failblog.files.wordpress.com/2009/11/epic-fail-date-fail.jpg)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: MN Dave on December 14, 2009, 11:35:56 AM
http://www.buzzfeed.com/mjs538/the-50-funniest-headlines-of-2009
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: knight66 on March 19, 2010, 09:55:23 AM
Try this for size!

http://uk.autoblog.com/2010/03/19/probe-launched-following-lorry-and-clio-shunt-video/?icid=main
Mike
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Papy Oli on March 19, 2010, 11:19:01 AM
Quote from: knight on March 19, 2010, 09:55:23 AM
Try this for size!

http://uk.autoblog.com/2010/03/19/probe-launched-following-lorry-and-clio-shunt-video/?icid=main
Mike

funnily enough the lorry doesn't have one of those "how is my driving ? " sticker...   :P
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: knight66 on March 19, 2010, 01:37:33 PM
Amazing that the car driver was OK. I assume it was such a small car that the lorry driver could not see it once it was sideways on, but he must have been inattentive as the event unrolled.

Mike
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Peregrine on March 19, 2010, 02:02:11 PM
MAN USED PENIS TO ASSAULT FEMALE POLICE OFFICER

http://bit.ly/aNIHcT

  :-X
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: knight66 on March 19, 2010, 02:06:25 PM
It reads as though the thing was detachable.

Mike
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Peregrine on March 19, 2010, 02:12:47 PM
Quote from: knight on March 19, 2010, 02:06:25 PM
It reads as though the thing was detachable.

;D

"Marium Varinauskas, 28, tried to strike the officer on the head with his penis when she was called out to his flat........................but she got out of the way."

and

"The accused got to his feet and was standing over the police officer exposing his penis and thrusting it in her face, forcing her to take evasive action to avoid getting struck."

Would love to have been in court hearing the Prosecution reading that lot out!

;D
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: knight66 on March 19, 2010, 02:19:02 PM
In a PM Gurn connected me to this story several days ago. This was mainly to suggest that Scots generaly bahave like this. Of course, they don't. Real Scots don't wear underpants.

There is a quote from a Scottish aristo in Victorian Scotland who wrote to his son when he was told that in India his son had contracted VD. 'No doubt you have been flourishing your genitals above what nature requires.'

I used to know someone in Glasgow who was a duty solicitor acting on a rota basis for those who were arrested. Sometimes he was handed an absolutely no possible win case. One such was a drunk who happened upon a police car where the doors were open; as the police had dashed out of the car to deal with an urgent incident. They saw him from a distance swaying, holding himself upright against the car and then pissing like a horse, (10 pints of lager no doubt), all over the driver's seat. Now...what defense do you concoct for that?

Me'Laud, my client was so drunk, that seeing this large metal object, he thought it was one of the on-street urinals and that he was fortunate he had not had to pay to get the door to open.....That did not wash with me'Laud.

Mike
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Peregrine on March 19, 2010, 02:43:23 PM
Quote from: knight on March 19, 2010, 02:19:02 PM
I used to know someone in Glasgow who was a duty solicitor acting on a rota basis for those who were arrested. Sometimes he was handed an absolutely no possible win case. One such was a drunk who happened upon a police car where the doors were open; as the police had dashed out of the car to deal with an urgent incident. They saw him from a distance swaying, holding himself upright against the car and then pissing like a horse, (10 pints of lager no doubt), all over the driver's seat. Now...what defense do you concoct for that?

Me'Laud, my client was so drunk, that seeing this large metal object, he thought it was one of the on-street urinals and that he was fortunate he had not had to pay to get the door to open.....That did not wash with me'Laud.

Haha!

Reminds me of a night back in my student days in London. Out on the razzle with my mate, Dunc, pissed as farts the pair of us....Dunc decides to pick up one of those newspaper boards outside of a newsagent and chuck it in the road. stupid, obviously, but lands slap bang in front of a squad car. Two burly officers step out of the car and Dunc stands there, hands on hips, as cocksure as you like and asks proudly, "What's the charge, Sarge?!!"

Next thing he knows he's banged up for the night and in front of the District Judge the following morning for being D(r)unc and disorderly...silly boy, but we do chickle about it now!
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: greg on March 19, 2010, 06:39:55 PM
Quote from: маразм1 on December 02, 2009, 08:42:38 AM
http://features.csmonitor.com/innovation/2009/12/02/man-marries-video-game-girlfriend/ 

Man marries vidogame character.  Only in Japan....freaking crazy nutjobs.
I think I saw this on TV once, but it was only the last few minutes of a show I missed. Doesn't make any sense...  ???
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Lethevich on March 22, 2010, 06:11:22 AM
Hunt for Worthing "poo thief" (http://www.theargus.co.uk/news/5051683.Hunt_for_Worthing__poo_thief_/?ref=twt&utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter)

"...perhaps thinking that there was something of value inside." ;D
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: knight66 on March 22, 2010, 12:59:24 PM
Where there's muck, there's brass.

Mike
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: knight66 on April 06, 2010, 01:27:17 PM
'Two women arrested on suspicion of trying to smuggle a dead relative out of Liverpool's John Lennon airportTwo women arrested on suspicion of allegedly trying to smuggle a dead relative on to a flight to Germany have insisted they are innocent.
Gitta Jarant and her daughter Anke Anusic were arrested at Liverpool John Lennon Airport on Saturday when it transpired Kurt Willi Jarant, 91, was dead.
Mr Jarant, known as Willi, was in a wheelchair and wearing sunglasses when officials checked his pulse and found no life.
Mrs Jarant, 66, and Mrs Anusic were due to board a flight to Berlin with several others when police swooped to arrest them on suspicion of failing to give notification of death.'

Mike
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: karlhenning on April 07, 2010, 05:50:19 AM
I have no quarrel with Liverpool wishing to honor a famous son . . . the idea of John Lennon's name on an airport strikes me as somehow a mild dissonance.

Just my trip, let us say.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Scarpia on April 07, 2010, 01:25:35 PM
General motors only lost 4.3 billion this quartet.   According to the New York Times, this is a good sign.   ???
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Wendell_E on April 08, 2010, 03:40:30 AM
Quote from: k a rl h e nn i ng on April 07, 2010, 05:50:19 AM
I have no quarrel with Liverpool wishing to honor a famous son . . . the idea of John Lennon's name on an airport strikes me as somehow a mild dissonance.

Just my trip, let us say.


I did a double take when I heard that one, too.  On the other hand, I'd sign a petition to change Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport to John Philip Sousa Washington National Airport.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: knight66 on April 09, 2010, 06:32:56 AM
Here is a follow-up to the Lennon Airport Gig

A man found dead when two relatives allegedly tried to smuggle him on to a flight to Germany had died up to 12 hours earlier of natural causes, police said.
Gitta Jarant and her daughter Anke Anusic were arrested at Liverpool John Lennon Airport last Saturday when it transpired Kurt Willi Jarant, 91, was dead.

Mr Jarant, known as Willi, was in a wheelchair and wearing sunglasses when officials checked his pulse and found no life.
A spokesman for Greater Manchester Police said: "A Home Office post-mortem examination concluded the man died of natural causes. Blood samples have also been sent off for further tests.
"The pathologist also concluded the death occurred up to 12 hours before he was pronounced dead.
"The two women arrested on suspicion of failing to give notification of death remain on bail until June."
Mrs Jarant, 66, and Mrs Anusic, 41, were due to board a flight to Berlin with several others when police swooped to arrest them on suspicion of failing to give notification of death.
The women deny claims that Mr Jarant, a German national, had already been dead for some time and they had managed to ferry him from their home in Oldham, Greater Manchester, by taxi.
The pair said that, when they arrived at the airport, two employees brought a wheelchair to the taxi and helped the Alzheimer's sufferer out.
They told officials he was asleep because they really thought he was, the pair said earlier this week.'

Mike
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: knight66 on April 23, 2010, 10:05:53 PM
This man got a three year driving ban.

'As a means of transportation it left something to be desired in terms of comfort and street cred.
And when police asked the driver to pull over, the Barbie car, with its top speed of 4mph, was hopeless as a getaway vehicle.
Paul Hutton, 40, is regretting his impromptu roadtrip after he was arrested for drink-driving.'


Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1267136/Father-banned-driving-getting-wheel-toy-Barbie-car-drunk.html#ixzz0lzkfqzne


Mike
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: knight66 on June 15, 2010, 07:53:21 AM
A matador has been fined after running away from a bull and leaping over the arena wall.
Christian Hernandez was arrested after Sunday's botched bullfight at the Plaza Mexico in Mexico City, apparently for breach of contract, local media reported.
He was released after paying the fine.
More News
BP cleared to start burning oil
Obama: seafood from gulf is safe
Protesters 'may face death penalty'
Bin Laden mission 'Rambo' detained
Afghan militants step up attacks


"There are some things you must be aware of about yourself," the 22-year-old Mexican matador said in a television interview.
"I didn't have the ability, I didn't have the balls, this is not my thing."
In a sight rarely seen in the bravado world of bullfighting, Hernandez made a spin with his red cape at the charging bull, then ran across the ring and leapt headlong over the wall to safety, dropping his cape in the process. The crowd hooted in derision.
Several months ago, another bull seriously gored Hernandez in the leg.
Officials did briefly convince Hernandez to return to the ring, where he put his hands over his head and pointed upward before he made a second exit, shaking his head.
He later said he would retire from bullfighting.

http://news.aol.co.uk/world-news/matador-fined-after-running-away/article/20100615081615183884014

Mike
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: knight66 on July 22, 2010, 02:33:40 PM
I did not see the programme, but the review indicates something very strange indeed. Modern life; the rich at play.

Quote from today's Guardian Newspaper....

'Series: Last night's TVPrevious | Index TV review: My Weird and Wonderful FamilyGay dads fathering identical twins, one four years older than the other. Complicated? You bet
   (8)Tweet this (16)Comments (36) 
Sam Wollaston The Guardian, Thursday 22 July 2010 Article history
Barrie (left) and Tony with Saffron and Aspen. Photograph: Christopher Thomond for the Guardian

The family in My Weird and Wonderful Family (Channel 4) took a bit of getting my head around. They're more of an unclear family than a nuclear one. So there are gay dads Tony and Barrie. That's easy enough. And they have three kids – Saffron, Aspen and Orlando. Fine. The complicated bit is how these children came about, and I was quite relieved that even the kids themselves seem a bit muddled about it. Saffron says she's Aspen's twin sister, and the evidence certainly points that way – they came out of the same woman, at around about the same time.

They didn't get in there in the traditional way, though, as she wasn't their mum, but a surrogate. Their biological mother was an egg donor, chosen for her looks and her brain; one of them was fathered by Tony, and the other by Barrie. I don't think the kids have been told who's whose (we're not, anyway). To all of them, Tony is Dad and Barrie is Daddy, or possibly it's the other way around. What does that make Saffron and Aspen? Half-twins?

It gets more complicated. Because Aspen's egg split, and one half was put on ice, to be used later. So Aspen and Orlando are actually identical twins, even though Aspen is four years older. Orlando will always know what he's going to look like in four years' time: when he looks at his older brother, he is kind of looking into his own future. Freaky. Orlando says that if it hadn't been for Tony and Barrie, then he would have been a crocodile, but I don't think that's right. The three kids cost £250,000 to make.

With me so far? Good, because it gets better, or worse, depending on how you view all this. Three kids is so last year, now Tony and Barrie want more – another couple of half-twins, but with a different donor. This time they're going on looks alone, and have picked out a 6ft catwalk model from the biological mum catalogue. No one's allowed to know who she is, because it's just easier that way.

Saffron wants sisters, but she's out of luck: they both turn out to be male. By my calculations, one will be her half-brother, and the other won't be related to her at all, as they will have no common parents. But that's looking at it in a very narrow-minded, old-fashioned kind of way.

There is a small scare: one of the foetuses is showing a higher than normal risk of developing Down's syndrome. There is always the possibility of putting it up for adoption if it doesn't come out right, says Barrie. They're fine, though – two beautiful boys, Jasper and Dallas. Probably best to keep the receipts just in case. How long is the guarantee on a baby, I wonder? Now they can be brought back home to Essex (the baby-making takes place in California, where it's legal), one big happy family.

Well, there are a few little problems. Like the kids getting teased at school. And other parents complaining that Barrie has hijacked the school pantomime to showcase his own thespian talents as the Fairy Godmother. And Eamonn Holmes on breakfast television suggesting that what they're doing isn't natural. And the fact that pretty much everyone else in the country agrees with him.

Certainly some of their queeny behaviour, Barrie's especially, doesn't help. Like asking the kids who they prefer, him or Tony, Dad or Daddy. And getting Saffron a specially made mink coat for her 10th birthday, and declaring: "I don't care who throws paint on you." That's not really going to help.

I'll leave all that to people who know right from wrong: outraged Daily Mail readers, God botherers, anxious liberals, people who have no problem at all with it. And you: let the debate begin.

As television, it's fabulous – one minute jaw-dropping, the next strangely touching. Daisy Asquith's film looks great, too; I like her trick of shooting them against a white background, like those photoshoots families do. She doesn't judge; her style is gently probing rather than confrontational. She gains their trust, and they give her – and us – what we want. The kids, too, because that's who we really want to hear from. They're certainly spoilt, precocious perhaps, and there is a touch of the Outnumbered monsters about them. Some of what they say sounds like it could have come straight from Barrie or Tony. Of course, it does – they're the parents, that's where language comes from. But they're nice. Normal even. Whatever normal is.'

Mike
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: oabmarcus on July 22, 2010, 05:42:43 PM
Hugh Hefner is taking Playboy private.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: knight66 on July 22, 2010, 10:11:58 PM
Will the title become hyphenated; that will confuse those who bought Private Magazine for years.  >:D

Mike
Title: Banana!
Post by: Wendell_E on August 19, 2010, 01:26:31 PM
White Supremacist Wears Banana Outfit, Gets Busted for Indecent Exposure (http://newsfeed.time.com/2010/08/19/white-supremacist-wears-banana-outfit-gets-busted-for-indecent-exposure-achieves-punchline-status/)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: MN Dave on August 22, 2010, 08:06:45 AM
Righteous.  8)

http://www.startribune.com/lifestyle/homegarden/101181499.html?elr=KArksUUUoDEy3LGDiO7aiU
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: knight66 on August 25, 2010, 11:26:33 AM
A woman dumped her neighbour's cat into a wheelie bin.


http://news.aol.co.uk/cat-joke-was-meant-to-be/article/20100824233835164705563?icid=main|uk-ws-bb|dl1|link3|http%3A%2F%2Fnews.aol.co.uk%2Fcat-joke-was-meant-to-be%2Farticle%2F20100824233835164705563

Beyond bizarre.

Mike
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Lethevich on August 25, 2010, 11:51:43 AM
I really like these daily rag-influenced witch hunts, the cat woman is fine, as is that disgusting Blackpool woman who prompted headlines like:

Cenotaph woman remains at large
Wendy Lewis: Britain's Most Disgusting Person, Evades Authorities
Vile memorial drunk walks free
Cenotaph outrage woman apologises for urinating on memorial

It even made the Mail forget about immigrants for five seconds.

While the journalists' time could be better spent investigating crime, corruption, etc, it's always good to every now and again see social deviants get red faced when confronted about their actions :P
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: knight66 on August 25, 2010, 11:57:11 AM
The owner of the cat was quited as saying that her eight year old was brokenhearted when she saw the video footage.....why was she shown it?

People get very enraged about the story; ignoring other more significant issues. The perpetrator is some kind of cruel, but police now have to guard her house!

Mike
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Lethevich on September 17, 2010, 05:24:38 PM
http://www.metro.co.uk/weird/841120-devil-appears-in-bathroom-tile
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: CD on September 21, 2010, 06:57:12 AM
Police have admitted having technical issues after releasing an e-fit of a burglary suspect which looks like a man wearing a lettuce. (http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-hampshire-11380834)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: MN Dave on September 21, 2010, 07:07:46 AM
Twitter got hacked.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Lethevich on January 20, 2011, 11:12:02 AM
Cat Summoned for Jury Service (http://uk.news.yahoo.com/38/20110118/tod-cat-summoned-for-jury-service-045b8e8.html)

Mrs Esposito reportedly included a letter from her vet confirming that the cat was a 'domestic short-haired neutered feline' and not human.

However, the request for the cat's exemption was refused by a jury commissioner and Mrs Esposito was told that Sal 'must attend' Suffolk Superior Crown Court.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: knight66 on January 20, 2011, 10:01:39 PM
The trial is probably that of a cat burglar.

Mike
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Scarpia on January 25, 2011, 02:08:00 PM
Taco-Bel "beef" contains only 30% beef, according to lab findings.   :P
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Lethevich on June 17, 2011, 11:53:11 AM
Swansea House Looks Like Hitler (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1371091/Swansea-house-looks-like-Hitler-complete-naff-parting.html)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Drasko on June 18, 2011, 08:07:18 AM
Quote from: Lethe Dmitriyevich Shostakovich on June 17, 2011, 11:53:11 AM
Swansea House Looks Like Hitler (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1371091/Swansea-house-looks-like-Hitler-complete-naff-parting.html)

ahahahahahahaahah
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: knight66 on July 01, 2011, 11:10:37 PM
Quote from The Guardian Newspaper.

'A withering email to a "bad mannered" bride-to-be from her future mother-in-law has gone viral, prompting comparison between its author and the sitcom snob Hyacinth Bucket.

In the email sent to Heidi Withers, a PA from West London, last month, Carolyn Bourne describes her stepson Freddie's fiancee as "an ideal candidate for the Ladette to Lady television series", a reality TV show where drunken, foul-mouthed young women are taught the points of etiquette.

But Bourne has found herself compared to the show's comically sour-faced disciplinarians Mrs Harbord and Mrs Shrager – after Withers forwarded the disparaging remarks to a few friends, which led to the email being sent on to thousands of people.

In the email, Bourne, 60, from Dawlish, Devon, apparently rebukes Withers, 29, for her behaviour during a visit to the family in April, which she describes as "staggering in its uncouthness and lack of grace".

Bourne, whose company website describes her as a breeder of "award winning perfumed Pinks and Dianthus", seemingly exemplifies the worst stereotypes of mothers-in-law and stepmothers......implies that the PA is marrying above her station and is a potential gold digger.

She writes: "If you want to be accepted by the wider Bourne family, I suggest you take some guidance from experts with utmost haste.

"Here are a few examples of your lack of manners: When you are a guest in another's house, you do not declare what you will and will not eat – unless you are positively allergic to something.

"You do not remark that you do not have enough food. You do not start before everyone else.

"You do not take additional helpings without being invited to by your host.

"When a guest in another's house, you do not lie in bed until late morning in households that rise early. You fall in line with house norms.

"You should never ever insult the family you are about to join at any time and most definitely not in public.

"You regularly draw attention to yourself. Perhaps you should ask yourself why. No one gets married in a castle unless they own it. It is brash, celebrity style behaviour.

"If your parents are unable to contribute very much towards the cost of your wedding, it would be most ladylike and gracious to lower your sights and have a modest wedding as befits both your incomes.

"One could be accused of thinking that Heidi Withers must be patting herself on the back for having caught a most eligible young man. I pity Freddie."

Bourne and her husband, Edward, 63, have declined to comment on the email. "We have nothing to say," they told the Evening Standard.

The prospective bridegroom Freddie Bourne, 29, from Putney, London, would also not be drawn on the apparent spat.'



It is like a throwback to the 1920s, Bertie Wooster's monstrous Aunt Agatha writ large. It sounds like the young woman was irritating, but the older woman is clearly a controlling snob. In this world guests have to fit in; seemingly the idea that you make efforts to ensure your guest feels comfortable is quite beside the point.

Mike
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: eyeresist on July 03, 2011, 06:03:05 PM
Quote from: knight66 on July 01, 2011, 11:10:37 PM
Quote from The Guardian Newspaper.

'A withering email to a "bad mannered" bride-to-be from her future mother-in-law has gone viral, prompting comparison between its author and the sitcom snob Hyacinth Bucket.

Oh God, this was actually a big "news" story here a couple of days ago. Next it'll be, "Tonight's big story: kitten plays piano - bad but cute!"

As for the actual case, I think the email writer was probably prompted by a mixture of furious indignation and a genuine desire to advise her future daughter-in-law. After all, some people are gauche not by choice but simply by ignorance (and I have been one of them). She does seem an archetypally status-anxious upper-middle type, but, given that the fiance does indeed seem to be a slapper of the first order, I'll grant her some leeway. Especially as her son doesn't seem to be aware of what he is walking into.

In these days of ahistoricity and PC-ness, it's nice to see the British class system hasn't gone extinct yet :)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: knight66 on July 03, 2011, 07:06:29 PM
I have read that the woman used to run a market stall; so she is what in the British class system would be referred to as 'trade.'

Mike
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: eyeresist on July 03, 2011, 08:32:48 PM

Whereas helping the king on the lavatory used to be a titled position! (No citation immediately to hand, sorry.)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Lethevich on July 04, 2011, 05:07:39 AM
The Bourne ultimatum: was it all a PR stunt? (http://www.independent.co.uk/news/media/online/the-bourne-ultimatum-was-it-all-a-pr-stunt-2306267.html)

And:

Greens Warn against Dangerous Dildos (http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/0,1518,771863,00.html)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: knight66 on July 04, 2011, 11:42:16 AM
Quote from: eyeresist on July 03, 2011, 08:32:48 PM
Whereas helping the king on the lavatory used to be a titled position! (No citation immediately to hand, sorry.)

Gentlemen of the stool.

Mike
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: eyeresist on July 04, 2011, 05:57:43 PM
Quote from: knight66 on July 04, 2011, 11:42:16 AM
Gentlemen of the stool.

Mike

Ah, thanks for that. I have discovered that the more common term was "Groom of the Stool (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Groom_of_the_Stool)". Which unfortunately makes me think of someone taking a curry brush to a turd.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: knight66 on July 06, 2011, 02:17:38 PM
Well, they did that too; most of the Kings would come under that description.

Mike
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Wendell_E on July 29, 2011, 03:39:37 AM
"Lucifer", "Full Stop" baby names rejected (http://au.news.yahoo.com/thewest/a/-/breaking/9872257/lucifer-and-full-stop-baby-names-rejected/)

I wonder if "Kiwi" is acceptable?
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: eyeresist on July 31, 2011, 05:32:54 PM
Quote from: Wendell_E on July 29, 2011, 03:39:37 AM
"Lucifer", "Full Stop" baby names rejected (http://au.news.yahoo.com/thewest/a/-/breaking/9872257/lucifer-and-full-stop-baby-names-rejected/)

I wonder if "Kiwi" is acceptable?

That's a funny story! This is the kind of thing that makes me think the "nanny state" can't be all bad.

Shouldn't call a boy Lucifer, if only because it'll inevitably get shortened to "Lucy".
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Lethevich on August 03, 2011, 05:01:12 PM
Man Wanted For Punching, Dragging Woman After I-83 Crash (http://baltimore.cbslocal.com/2011/08/03/man-wanted-for-punching-dragging-woman-after-i-83-crash/)

When you see it.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: AllegroVivace on August 05, 2011, 05:51:20 PM
Mr. Bean in hospital, after crashing a million dollar car.

http://www.vancouversun.com/entertainment/Rowan+Bean+Atkinson+hurt+after+crashing+million+McLaren/5212219/story.html

He was probably putting his clothes on from the back seat, while controlling the wheal with a broomstick. :DDD

Heal up and don't do it again, Mr. Bean!
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Andante on August 05, 2011, 11:34:53 PM
Quote from: Wendell_E on July 29, 2011, 03:39:37 AM
"Lucifer", "Full Stop" baby names rejected (http://au.news.yahoo.com/thewest/a/-/breaking/9872257/lucifer-and-full-stop-baby-names-rejected/)

I wonder if "Kiwi" is acceptable?
Hey, no more taking the Kiwi down eh  ;)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Lethevich on August 06, 2011, 03:07:34 AM
Quote from: AllegroVivace on August 05, 2011, 05:51:20 PM
Mr. Bean in hospital, after crashing a million dollar car.

http://www.vancouversun.com/entertainment/Rowan+Bean+Atkinson+hurt+after+crashing+million+McLaren/5212219/story.html

He was probably putting his clothes on from the back seat, while controlling the wheal with a broomstick. :DDD

Heal up and don't do it again, Mr. Bean!

He's already done it several times before - he must be a terrible driver.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: eyeresist on August 07, 2011, 06:12:07 PM
Quote from: Lethe Dmitriyevich Shostakovich on August 06, 2011, 03:07:34 AM
He's already done it several times before - he must be a terrible driver.

From my understanding (based largely on watching Top Gear), these "super cars" are dangerous monsters that only a professional racing car driver can really control.

Quote
Welcome to the internet's largest collection of exotic car crashes. We have over 6,000 exotic cars involved in accidents to show you the real consequences of reckless driving.

These car crash pictures involve some of the most expensive automobiles ever produced including Lamborghini, Ferrari, Mclaren F1, Porsche, Bugatti and more. All in all, you'll find almost a quarter of a Billion Dollars worth of damage within this crash collection.

http://www.wreckedexotics.com/
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: DavidW on August 17, 2011, 06:40:01 PM
Brain eating amoebas attack!

http://www.cnn.com/2011/HEALTH/08/17/amoeba.kids.deaths/index.html (http://www.cnn.com/2011/HEALTH/08/17/amoeba.kids.deaths/index.html)

But in all seriousness, it's too bad for those kids.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Lethevich on December 05, 2011, 11:44:44 AM
Herman Cain Admits He Quoted Pokemon  (http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/12/03/herman-cain-quotes-pokemon_n_1127221.html)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on December 05, 2011, 11:58:08 AM
Pokemon said, You want a job, don't you? . . .
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: ibanezmonster on December 06, 2011, 06:17:48 AM
Quote from: AllegroVivace on August 05, 2011, 05:51:20 PM
Mr. Bean in hospital, after crashing a million dollar car.

http://www.vancouversun.com/entertainment/Rowan+Bean+Atkinson+hurt+after+crashing+million+McLaren/5212219/story.html

He was probably putting his clothes on from the back seat, while controlling the wheal with a broomstick. :DDD

Heal up and don't do it again, Mr. Bean!
LOL and it was a McLaren F1!  :o
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on December 12, 2011, 03:56:49 AM
QuoteThe British Isles are littered with towns with seemingly offensive names that do not appear on Facebook.

Proud Effin Woman (http://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/style/facebook-doesnt-recognize-ireland-town-with-seemingly-offensive-name/2011/12/08/gIQA75zmoO_story.html)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Lethevich on December 12, 2011, 01:15:09 PM
Now school shootings are being caused by videogames that haven't been released yet, it seems. (http://myona.com/2011/12/12/virginia-tech-shooter-influenced-gta-5-battlefield-3-mw3/)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Sergeant Rock on December 19, 2011, 05:08:59 AM
My alma mater, Ohio University, Athens Ohio

(http://photos.imageevent.com/sgtrock/dec11/ohio_bobcats.png)

won it's first ever post-season bowl game, beating Utah State in the final seconds 24-23  8)

I'm both extremely proud...and extremely amused. It was The Famous Idaho Potato Bowl  ;D


Sarge
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on December 19, 2011, 05:10:24 AM
Fun, Sarge!
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Sergeant Rock on December 20, 2011, 03:15:32 PM
Quote from: karlhenning on December 19, 2011, 05:10:24 AM
Fun, Sarge!

Thanks for the reply, Karl. And yet, I'm still depressed. No other forum member replied. Makes us realize how alone we are in the universe, does it not? Not even Sara, that goddess of the unimportant, goddess of the culturally irrelevant, the one true originator of this thread, chipped in with a witty if pointless comment. Sigh. Was the bowl game, then, really for nought? It appears so...appears so...

Go, Bobcats...

Sarge

Edit  ;D
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Lethevich on December 20, 2011, 03:21:03 PM
Quote from: Sergeant Rock on December 20, 2011, 03:15:32 PM
Thanks for the reply, Karl. And yet, I'm still depressed. No other forum member replied. Makes us realize how alone we are in the universe, does it not? Not even Sara, that goddess of the unimportant, goddess of the culturally irrelevant, the one true originator of this thread, chipped in with a witty if pointless comment. Sigh. Was the bowl game, then, really for nought? It appears so...appears so...

Curiously, I had actually quoted your post and written a reply to it a few days ago, but it didn't seem worth posting (and given what I DO post, it must've been truly crap). Essentially I was going to ask you to decode all the terminology - as I don't understand enough about American sport to see any fun in it :'(

For example, what does "post-season" mean here?
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: knight66 on December 20, 2011, 10:56:33 PM
I don't know if it is exactly unimportant: but recently in the UK there was a story about a girl who gave her mother a very long and exacting Christmas gift list. When there were signs that not all of the designer items might actually appear; she threatened to murder Father Christmas and to cut up his reindeer to cook and serve up to the homeless.

When asked to comment, the mother said that her daughter was lovely, but inclined to be quite demanding.

So, it might be curtains for Father Christmas.

In politics right now one MP is trying to get the Government to determine who would be in charge of the country should the prime minister be killed in a terrorist attack. I think David Cameron should stay away from white beards and red clothes this time of year.

Mike
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Lethevich on December 21, 2011, 08:15:55 AM
I loved that story about the PM. The MP was trying to be super partisan, but ended up sounding like a lunatic ;D The simple way the deputy PM dealt with it was quite elegant (for him).
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Sergeant Rock on December 21, 2011, 08:52:03 AM
Quote from: Lethevich Dmitriyevna Pettersonova on December 20, 2011, 03:21:03 PM
Curiously, I had actually quoted your post and written a reply to it a few days ago, but it didn't seem worth posting (and given what I DO post, it must've been truly crap). Essentially I was going to ask you to decode all the terminology - as I don't understand enough about American sport to see any fun in it :'(

For example, what does "post-season" mean here?

Sorry, Sara. It was late when I posted that. Way past my bedtime. I forgot to include my usual grin at the end. That's now been rectified. I was not being entirely serious...at least I don't think I was! Hard to remember now...I confess to drinking more than my usual quota of wine last evening, and chasing the last bottle with a few drams of Scotch  ;D

Post-season games are those played after the end of a regular season in order to determine a champion. In college football the post-season games are called bowl games. The originals were the Rose Bowl, Sugar Bowl, Orange Bowl and Cotton Bowl and they are still the most prestigious, involving the best college teams. But the concept has proliferated to such a hilarious degree that even the lowly spud has a game named after it now  ;D  So while it's nice to have some national recognition for my university, there is something decidedly screwy about a game named The Famous Idaho Potato Bowl played in the middle of nowhere (my apologies to any Boise residents :D )

Sarge
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Lethevich on December 21, 2011, 09:07:22 AM
Ah, I see thanks :) I look forward to a Wisconsin "Dairy Bowl" (it sounds delicious) ;D
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on December 21, 2011, 09:33:29 AM
If Boise residents don't know that their town is out in the middle of nowhere, they're in serious denial.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: eyeresist on December 21, 2011, 03:38:52 PM
Quote from: Lethevich Dmitriyevna Pettersonova on December 20, 2011, 03:21:03 PMCuriously, I had actually quoted your post and written a reply to it a few days ago, but it didn't seem worth posting (and given what I DO post, it must've been truly crap).

Was going to reply to this, but didn't have anything worth saying.

;)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: knight66 on December 21, 2011, 10:00:32 PM
Quote from: Lethevich Dmitriyevna Pettersonova on December 21, 2011, 08:15:55 AM
I loved that story about the PM. The MP was trying to be super partisan, but ended up sounding like a lunatic ;D The simple way the deputy PM dealt with it was quite elegant (for him).

One aspect of this I did not really grasp, and I heard quite a long interview on radio with the MP, was that he seemed only to worry about the demise of the PM by means of terrorism. It could be a a surfeit of lampreys or falling out of his tree; but the MP only seemed concerned should there be a gap in the fence because it was kicked in.

One thing we do know, no danger of it being Prescott these days.

Mike
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Lethevich on December 21, 2011, 10:45:06 PM
Based on an article I read a while back, the PM's primary health concern should not be terrorists, but falling masonry next time he visits Buckingham Palace.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Lethevich on December 22, 2011, 07:45:17 PM
(http://i.imgur.com/Qp21G.jpg)
Title: Re: The [other] news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on December 23, 2011, 06:34:41 AM
France asks women to remove breast implants (http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/europe/france-to-announce-guidance-for-30000-women-with-risky-breast-implants/2011/12/23/gIQAqb8nCP_story.html?hpid=z4)
Title: Re: The [other] news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on December 23, 2011, 06:42:25 AM
"As a preventive measure not of an urgent nature. . . ."
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: ibanezmonster on December 23, 2011, 10:16:36 AM
Quote from: Lethevich Dmitriyevna Pettersonova on December 12, 2011, 01:15:09 PM
Now school shootings are being caused by videogames that haven't been released yet, it seems. (http://myona.com/2011/12/12/virginia-tech-shooter-influenced-gta-5-battlefield-3-mw3/)
??? :D
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Lethevich on December 25, 2011, 12:25:07 PM
Petition to protest ultra-Orthodox discrimination against 7-year-old Beit Shemesh girl  (http://www.haaretz.com/print-edition/news/petition-to-protest-ultra-orthodox-discrimination-against-7-year-old-beit-shemesh-girl-1.403396)

I don't know what these guys problem with Iran is, they have so much in common.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on December 27, 2011, 07:18:34 AM
Talk about yer representative democracy . . . .

QuoteThe Center for Responsive Politics found that 47 percent of current members of Congress are millionaires.
Title: Re: The [other] news thread
Post by: Szykneij on December 28, 2011, 04:56:09 AM
Quote from: karlhenning on December 23, 2011, 06:34:41 AM
France asks women to remove breast implants (http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/europe/france-to-announce-guidance-for-30000-women-with-risky-breast-implants/2011/12/23/gIQAqb8nCP_story.html?hpid=z4)

New Orleans justs asks women to display the holders.
Title: You'd better be careful where you get hit by a train
Post by: Todd on January 02, 2012, 10:57:22 AM
Makes sense.  Or does it? (http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/nation/la-na-train-death-lawsuit-20111229,0,1119897.story)
Title: Re: You'd better be careful where you get hit by a train
Post by: Szykneij on January 02, 2012, 11:25:06 AM
Quote from: Todd on January 02, 2012, 10:57:22 AM
Makes sense.  Or does it? (http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/nation/la-na-train-death-lawsuit-20111229,0,1119897.story)

How does one collect the damages if the suit is successful? It's unlikely that an 18-year old had much of an estate and garnishing the wages of a dismembered corpse can't be very productive.
Title: Re: You'd better be careful where you get hit by a train
Post by: Todd on January 02, 2012, 11:35:36 AM
Quote from: Szykneij on January 02, 2012, 11:25:06 AM...and garnishing the wages of a dismembered corpse can't be very productive.



You're a 'glass half-empty' kind of person, aren't you?
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: vandermolen on January 04, 2012, 10:22:25 AM
Father in Wales throws out Christmas gifts, including tickets for London Olympics and cash, with wrapping paper which he takes to rubbish dump. Only realises what he has done after dump has closed. Cardiff Police refuse to let him jump over wall to retrieve items. But Cardiff Council arranges for guard to let him in. He emerges triumphant after rummaging in dump for fifteen minutes. Nice photo in paper of his wife and daughter trying to strangle him.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on January 04, 2012, 10:32:56 AM
Mercy!
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Lethevich on January 04, 2012, 08:52:04 PM
Quote from: vandermolen on January 04, 2012, 10:22:25 AM
Father in Wales throws out Christmas gifts, including tickets for London Olympics and cash, with wrapping paper which he takes to rubbish dump. Only realises what he has done after dump has closed. Cardiff Police refuse to let him jump over wall to retrieve items. But Cardiff Council arranges for guard to let him in. He emerges triumphant after rummaging in dump for fifteen minutes. Nice photo in paper of his wife and daughter trying to strangle him.

I began reading this as though it were a regular and deliberate occurance ;D
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Lethevich on January 05, 2012, 08:44:30 AM
Meanwhile, during talks about sanctions for Iran, the US levels the same threat towards the notorious rogue state of Spain: Link (https://torrentfreak.com/us-threatened-to-blacklist-spain-for-not-implementing-site-blocking-law-120105/)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on January 05, 2012, 09:02:26 AM
Quote from: Lethevich Dmitriyevna Pettersonova on January 05, 2012, 08:44:30 AMMeanwhile, during talks about sanctions for Iran, the US levels the same threat towards the notorious rogue state of Spain: Link (https://torrentfreak.com/us-threatened-to-blacklist-spain-for-not-implementing-site-blocking-law-120105/)



Well, someone has to write Spain's laws, and clearly the Spanish can't do it . . .
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on January 05, 2012, 09:27:52 AM
Mañana . . . .
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: vandermolen on January 05, 2012, 12:46:47 PM
Quote from: Lethevich Dmitriyevna Pettersonova on January 04, 2012, 08:52:04 PM
I began reading this as though it were a regular and deliberate occurance ;D

Well, the Welsh are a strange lot  ;D
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on January 06, 2012, 03:57:47 AM
Understatement of the year ; )
Title: Re: You'd better be careful where you get hit by a train
Post by: ibanezmonster on January 06, 2012, 06:51:23 AM
Quote from: Todd on January 02, 2012, 10:57:22 AM
Makes sense.  Or does it? (http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/nation/la-na-train-death-lawsuit-20111229,0,1119897.story)
I could only begin to understand if the lady had significant medical expenses. Other than that...

"$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$"
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Henk on January 06, 2012, 04:03:53 PM
Quote from: Lethevich Dmitriyevna Pettersonova on January 04, 2012, 08:52:04 PM
I began reading this as though it were a regular and deliberate occurance ;D

Me too. "Nice photo" they say. I saw on tv yesterday that a Dutch guy was attacked by a British famous girl. Beaten, bitten and she sewed him later. She was laughing nicely on the video I saw, I think it was afterwards.

Henk
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on January 23, 2012, 08:40:14 AM
Hmmmm. (http://www.washingtonpost.com/local/education/megadeth-bassist-and-founding-member-now-studying-at-seminary-through-online-course/2012/01/19/gIQAwhNpAQ_story.html)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on February 21, 2012, 06:46:14 AM
I just don't believe it. (http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-17110618)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Wendell_E on March 11, 2012, 04:17:31 AM
Fistfight breaks out at Chicago Symphony Orchestra (http://news.yahoo.com/fistfight-breaks-chicago-symphony-orchestra-220227194.html)

Those Brahms fans are so rowdy.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: eyeresist on March 11, 2012, 05:24:09 PM

^ Old guy had it coming.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Lethevich on March 21, 2012, 03:58:52 PM
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/politics/9156220/SNP-admits-Shetland-and-Orkney-could-opt-out-of-independent-Scotland.html
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: eyeresist on March 21, 2012, 05:06:45 PM
Is Shetland where the ponies come from?
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Lethevich on March 21, 2012, 05:44:52 PM
They have a veritable obsession with small animals for whatever reason, there is a cute mini rough collie breed too.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Lethevich on March 22, 2012, 05:05:48 PM
Creator Of "Re-Nig" Bumper Sticker Says It's "Not Racist" (http://newsone.com/nation/newsonestaff9/yeah-right-creator-of-re-nig-bumber-sticker-says-its-not-racist/)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: knight66 on March 24, 2012, 10:47:16 PM
Quote from: Lethevich on March 21, 2012, 03:58:52 PM
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/politics/9156220/SNP-admits-Shetland-and-Orkney-could-opt-out-of-independent-Scotland.html

I think this item is under the wrong thread: hardly unimportant. Could be a deal breaker in the whole issue.

Mike
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on March 26, 2012, 11:44:04 AM
Finger lickin' good! (http://abcnews.go.com/blogs/health/2012/03/26/mad-mom-january-jones-eats-her-own-placenta/)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ataraxia on March 26, 2012, 12:06:16 PM
Quote from: Todd on March 26, 2012, 11:44:04 AM
Finger lickin' good! (http://abcnews.go.com/blogs/health/2012/03/26/mad-mom-january-jones-eats-her-own-placenta/)

I'd eat mine if I had one!!  :P
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on March 26, 2012, 12:11:02 PM
Quote from: January Jones. . . but we're the only mammals who don't ingest our own placentas.

Right! Why should we be any different?!??!!!

(We're the only mammals who name our children after months of the calendar, too.)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ataraxia on March 26, 2012, 12:17:57 PM
Quote from: karlhenning on March 26, 2012, 12:11:02 PM
(We're the only mammals who name our children after months of the calendar, too.)[/font]

Strippers need names too.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Sergeant Rock on March 26, 2012, 12:18:23 PM
Quote from: karlhenning on March 26, 2012, 12:11:02 PM
(We're the only mammals who name our children after months of the calendar, too.)[/font]

And we're the only mammals who create forums in order to discuss unimportant news  8)

Sarge
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Sergeant Rock on March 26, 2012, 12:22:38 PM
Quote from: MN Dave on March 26, 2012, 12:17:57 PM
Strippers need names too.

Once upon a time, when I was young and unthinking, I wanted to name any future daughter of mine, September. Seriously.

Do you think I would have limited her career choices?


Sarge
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ataraxia on March 26, 2012, 12:26:49 PM
Quote from: Sergeant Rock on March 26, 2012, 12:22:38 PM
Once upon a time, when I was young and unthinking, I wanted to name any future daughter of mine, September. Seriously.

Do you think I would have limited her career choices?

She would have been destined to become a stripper or an actor on Mad Men.

(http://upperswandhamlane.files.wordpress.com/2011/02/january-jones-mad-men_l.jpg)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on March 26, 2012, 12:28:44 PM
Quote from: Sergeant Rock on March 26, 2012, 12:18:23 PMAnd we're the only mammals who create forums in order to discuss unimportant news




How do you know that?  For instance, perhaps Zebras have (non-internet) forums around their favorite watering holes to exchange meaningless tidbits on, oh, wildebeest behavior. 
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ataraxia on March 26, 2012, 12:29:36 PM
Quote from: Todd on March 26, 2012, 12:28:44 PM
How do you know that?  For instance, perhaps Zebras have (non-internet) forums around their favorite watering holes to exchange meaningless tidbits on, oh, wildebeest behavior.

IT'S TRUE!!!
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on March 26, 2012, 12:30:56 PM
On GMG, no one knows you're not a lemur.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on March 26, 2012, 02:46:44 PM
It's Hard Out There for a Pimp! (http://www.cnn.com/2012/03/26/world/europe/france-dsk-court/?hpt=hp_t2)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Szykneij on March 26, 2012, 03:05:43 PM
Quote from: Todd on March 26, 2012, 02:46:44 PM
It's Hard Out There for a Pimp! (http://www.cnn.com/2012/03/26/world/europe/france-dsk-court/?hpt=hp_t2)

(http://makemoneyhomebusinesscenter.com/wp-content/uploads/mvbthumbs/img_46864_guidos-livelihood-scene-risky-business-movie-1983-hd.jpg)

In a sluggish economy, never, ever @$&%# with another man's livelihood!
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: eyeresist on March 26, 2012, 04:49:50 PM
Quote from: MN Dave on March 26, 2012, 12:17:57 PMStrippers need names too.

As an old Donald Duck fan, that makes me very sad.

(http://images.wikia.com/disney/images/1/1e/April%2C_May%2C_June.jpg) (http://disney.wikia.com/wiki/April,_May_and_June)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Papy Oli on April 06, 2012, 03:00:59 AM
http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/films/features/james-bond-ditches-vodka-martinis-for-heineken-7615415.html (http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/films/features/james-bond-ditches-vodka-martinis-for-heineken-7615415.html)

By Jove !!!

;D
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: DavidW on April 06, 2012, 06:29:53 AM
Advertising is out of control!  I don't mind Bond drinking beer, but I don't want to see advertising in a movie that I already paid money to see.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: knight66 on April 06, 2012, 08:52:00 AM
To late. Product placement has been going on for years. If not that, it is all about merchandising.

Mike
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Sergeant Rock on April 11, 2012, 07:03:29 AM
From the The Local, an English language German news website:

(http://www.thelocal.de/articleImages/41871.jpg)

Elderly Germans 'cause more trouble than Turks'


I love the picture that illustrates the headline. Reminds me of Monty Python's Hell's Grannies  ;D

Sarge


Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on April 16, 2012, 07:23:21 AM
It's about time the man got some recognition. (http://www.telegraph.co.uk/history/9204961/George-Washington-named-Britains-greatest-ever-foe.html)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Lethevich on April 16, 2012, 08:03:37 AM
Something about the combination of "one of Britain's most impressive private book collections" and "shed" offers a certain inevitability... (http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/books/news/bonfire-of-the-first-editions-author-loses-lifes-work-in-garden-shed-fire-7646612.html)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on April 19, 2012, 08:51:05 AM
Er, um, okay. (http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/blogpost/post/taliban-commander-turns-self-in-for-reward-on-wanted-poster/2012/04/17/gIQAbVjqNT_blog.html?tid=pm_world_pop)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: DavidW on April 19, 2012, 10:13:09 AM
Quote from: Todd on April 19, 2012, 08:51:05 AM
Er, um, okay. (http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/blogpost/post/taliban-commander-turns-self-in-for-reward-on-wanted-poster/2012/04/17/gIQAbVjqNT_blog.html?tid=pm_world_pop)

Ha!  I wonder what he'll do with his money while being held indefinitely? :D
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: eyeresist on April 20, 2012, 12:34:09 AM
Are our political biases hardwired? (http://nymag.com/news/features/liberals-conservatives-2012-4/&ei=uxqRT4DuIKyRiQfM-MzcDA&usg=AFQjCNHgn9m5JxT-f8m_kYQYUFguMRWUsA)

Some amusing findings:

Conservatives approved of documentaries and going to bars; liberals looked favorably upon motorcycles and singing songs.
But what about bikers, huh? They like bikes AND bars. Genetic freaks!

Among women, conservatives were more into sex; among men, Jost and his colleagues found the opposite.
Which might explain some of Ann Coulter's appeal. But the unanswered question is "What kind of sex?" Knowing conservatives, I'm betting on heavy butch/femme dominance games, which is not my cup of tea at all.

Conservatives' bedrooms had more laundry baskets, postage stamps, and sports memorabilia. Liberals had movie tickets and larger collections of CDs and books.
This explains everything!


BUT:
They found that even in nursery schools, liberals had been self-reliant and resilient, able to develop close relationships and willing to easily cast off routine. The conservatives had been distrustful of others and anxious when facing uncertainty, quick to take offense and experience guilt.
By this definition I should be conservative. But I ain't.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: knight66 on April 20, 2012, 07:15:40 AM
Quote from: Lethevich on April 16, 2012, 08:03:37 AM
Something about the combination of "one of Britain's most impressive private book collections" and "shed" offers a certain inevitability... (http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/books/news/bonfire-of-the-first-editions-author-loses-lifes-work-in-garden-shed-fire-7646612.html)

Surely there are sheds and then there are second homes that are classified as sheds to avoid council tax! A shame for him, he is being very good natured about it.

Mike
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on April 30, 2012, 07:14:26 AM
Just another sad accident, I'm sure. (http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/africa/shokri-ghanem-former-libyan-prime-minister-dies-at-69/2012/04/29/gIQAdqMFqT_story.html)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: eyeresist on April 30, 2012, 09:09:55 PM
 
Stand up, quick! (http://jacobinmag.com/spring-2012/against-chairs/)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: knight66 on April 30, 2012, 10:27:13 PM
I may get a nose bleed.

Mike
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on May 08, 2012, 06:07:54 AM
Just think of the cross-promotion possibilities!

Australian universities appear to have lax drug testing policies. (http://www.slate.com/articles/health_and_science/human_nature/2012/03/after_birth_abortion_the_pro_choice_case_for_infanticide_.html)

Soylent Green is people!!!! (http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-17980177)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Philoctetes on May 09, 2012, 09:01:31 AM
Quote from: Todd on May 08, 2012, 06:07:54 AM
Australian universities appear to have lax drug testing policies. (http://www.slate.com/articles/health_and_science/human_nature/2012/03/after_birth_abortion_the_pro_choice_case_for_infanticide_.html)

Peter: Uh...Oh, boy, Quagmire. I-I don't know that we can do that. We-We-We can barely take care of the two we have. Now-Now, this is just a suggestion. Just throwing it out there. Have you considered abortion?
Quagmire: Uh, Peter, I think it's too late for that.
Peter: Oh, don't let the press put the scare into you. Wade v. Boggs has not been overturned.
Quagmire: Yeah, but you can't really abort a live baby.
Peter: Ho, boy, they have got you. [putting his hand on Quagmire's shoulder] Glenn, Glenn. [whispering] Give her back to God
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: eyeresist on May 10, 2012, 11:15:46 PM
US readers probably knew about this, but it's news to me:

QuoteAirline mistakes toddler for terrorist (http://www.smh.com.au/travel/travel-incidents/airline-mistakes-toddler-for-terrorist-20120511-1yh0h.html)

An 18-month-old girl was mistakenly pulled off a flight because airline employees thought her name was on the US no-fly list.

The child's parents have told an ABC television network affiliate, WPBF, that they believe they were targeted because they are of Middle Eastern descent and the mother wears a hijab.

An airline employee boarded the flight before it departed on Tuesday evening, telling the family their toddler was on a federal list that includes thousands of known or suspected terrorists.

Advertisement: Story continues below JetBlue airline on Thursday blamed a computer glitch, saying employees followed proper protocol. The US Transportation Security Administration says the girl was not flagged by the agency.

The family was cleared to re-board. But they declined, saying they were too embarrassed.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: eyeresist on May 11, 2012, 01:45:35 AM
(http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FGOmUPwmRLo/Tm_T8v0HvFI/AAAAAAAAH-0/vwJTuqJSskU/s1600/brad-pitt-se7en-seven-end-scene1-525x288.jpg)

"What's in the box? What's in the BOX??!!??  Oh. It's porn."

QuoteHarmless: The "haunted box of porn" movie that might just save your soul (http://www.avclub.com/articles/harmless-the-haunted-box-of-porn-movie-that-might,73497/)

Kirk Cameron's Fireproof warned of the way that pornography is contributing to the dissolution of the American family, but strangely, no one took that movie very seriously. So the Christian movie industry will try again with Harmless—this time using the "found-footage" aesthetic that today's horror audiences respond to, in hopes that the visceral, vérité quality of the film will communicate the very real horrors of constantly whacking it. Indeed, perhaps you will see something of yourself in the film's otherwise-decent family man whose supposedly "harmless" box o' porn turns out to be anything but, because the title is ironic and porn is evil. In fact, said box unleashes a porn poltergeist that soon terrorizes his entire house, haunting the man via creepy hair-dolls and giant, symbolic mounds of jizz-snow guarded by disapproving, matronly women, until he must make the apparently very difficult decision regarding just throwing it out already. The filmmakers call their still-in-production project a "sort of a social commentary on how pornography can destroy a family"—though we suppose some hedonists will read it as an argument for how great the Internet is, because it removes the need to hang onto a giant box of haunted porn. Those people are going to have demons watching them masturbate forever.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on May 11, 2012, 06:37:11 AM
Quote from: eyeresist on May 10, 2012, 11:15:46 PMUS readers probably knew about this, but it's news to me:


Diaper bombs are no laughing matter.  I've had to defuse more than a few.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on May 11, 2012, 07:45:16 AM
Oh, please assure me that you meant defuse . . . .
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on May 11, 2012, 08:37:26 AM
Quote from: karlhenning on May 11, 2012, 07:45:16 AMOh, please assure me that you meant defuse . . . .


No morning coffee when I posted.  Corrected.  (Though the original word had its charms, too.)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: eyeresist on May 13, 2012, 06:30:01 PM
Quote from: Todd on May 11, 2012, 08:37:26 AM
No morning coffee when I posted.  Corrected.  (Though the original word had its charms, too.)

I came late and completely missed the joke :(
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: eyeresist on May 14, 2012, 01:19:14 AM
A review (http://www.tnr.com/article/books-and-arts/magazine/102134/spanish-holocaust-francisco-franco?page=0,0) of the book The Spanish Holocaust: Inquisition and Extermination in Twentieth-Century Spain, by Paul Preston, brings new knowledge of the homegrown horrors of the Spanish civil war, in which all the worst aspects of politics came together to release the worst potential of humanity. It was a true catastrophe.

Sadly, the reviewer ends with a repetitive, banal conceit on "self-colonization", and a diatribe about how the word "holocaust" must not be applied to anything except the mass murder of Jews by Nazis (he calls Preston's title "a profound mistake").
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on May 14, 2012, 03:22:10 PM
What could possibly go wrong? (http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/05/09/us-germany-immigrants-name-idUSBRE84810Q20120509)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: eyeresist on May 14, 2012, 06:24:57 PM
Quote from: Todd on May 14, 2012, 03:22:10 PM
What could possibly go wrong? (http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/05/09/us-germany-immigrants-name-idUSBRE84810Q20120509)

Wow, that is nutty. I assumed the right to change your name was universal in the West (barring certain exceptions such as names that are unprintable). Maybe it's just the English-speaking world? Knowing Germany, this might be more a case of insane rules-enforcement than ethnic discrimination per se.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Szykneij on May 15, 2012, 03:58:47 PM
Quote from: Todd on May 08, 2012, 06:07:54 AM

Soylent Green is people!!!! (http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-17980177)

...and you don't even get "Peer Gynt" or the Pastoral Symphony!
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on May 19, 2012, 07:49:14 AM
Thank goodness we have a caring big brother. (http://automotivediscovery.com/mandatory-black-boxes-in-new-cars-okayed-by-senate-house-to-follow/9213177/)

This particular bill also includes an amendment that would allow the Federales to prohibit foreign travel by people owing more than $50K in taxes - without a hearing. 

Awesome!
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: knight66 on May 19, 2012, 10:05:57 AM
'The point of having a right to bear a name is not to counteract flaws in society.'

What has that to do with it? Seems to me one should have the right to call yourself whatever you want: within some wilder boundaries, but seemingly not.

I used to have a neighbour whose surname was 'Archibald'. This kid's parents, or rather I suspect his father, decided to give him the first name of, 'Archibald'. So, Archibald Archibald it was. Now in my view, not only should the child have the right to rename himself, but that should be extended to impunity when burying an axe in his father's head. In Scotland, where this happened, he would certainly have had the right to change his name on whatever grounds he wished.

In France the name of a baby which is to be registered can only be chosen from a prescribed list. They basically restrict foreign names.

Mike

Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on May 19, 2012, 10:33:24 AM
Quote from: knight66 on May 19, 2012, 10:05:57 AMSeems to me one should have the right to call yourself whatever you want: within some wilder boundaries, but seemingly not.



As an American, the idea that one can change one's name to just about anything is a given.  A person really has to come up with a doozy - something with profanity or Adolf Hitler thrown in - to have the name rejected.  Apparently, even enlightened New Zealand has a list of banned names.  Such offensive names as Duke and Knight are no-nos.  Do governments not have real issues to contend with?

I must also say the phrase 'right to bear a name' is almost alarming. 
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: knight66 on May 19, 2012, 11:00:06 AM
We are at one.

Mike, (Knight the Proscribed)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: DieNacht on May 19, 2012, 11:44:28 AM
The authorities have to give permission here in Denmark too, if people request for new, unusual names. On the other hand, recent laws have made the procedure of changing one´s name easier.

However, according to the television station TV2, this also means increased creativity and that more requested names are thus rejected to protect the children - rejections have included girl names "Ikea", "Circle" and "Petit" (a perfectly normal surname in France though?) and boy names like "Plaza", "Bacchus" and "Bandito".

Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on May 19, 2012, 11:49:49 AM
Quote from: DieNacht on May 19, 2012, 11:44:28 AM...this also means increased creativity and that more requested names are thus rejected to protect the children - rejections have included..."Bacchus"

Bacchus?  Really?


(http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oE5NQxNgNC4/T6nGWMVVw1I/AAAAAAAAALU/hRYCiU0Hhqs/s1600/think-of-the-children.jpg)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: DieNacht on May 19, 2012, 12:24:28 PM
QuoteBacchus?  Really?

Haven´t found the official explanation, but I guess the hedonism associated with it was the reason  ::) .

Due to an intense public debate, the responsible office had to acknowledge "Christophpher" though, but the parents fought 9 years for this and had to pay about 4000 $ for professional assistance. This was some years ago, though.

"Ludo" on the other hand wasn´t approved. 

(source, in Danish: http://www.faklen.dk/faklen/20/monopol.php etc.)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: eyeresist on May 20, 2012, 06:24:42 PM
Quote from: Todd on May 19, 2012, 10:33:24 AMApparently, even enlightened New Zealand has a list of banned names.  Such offensive names as Duke and Knight are no-nos.  Do governments not have real issues to contend with?

Well, obviously certain names would be enablers for fraud.  Ideally, for instance, no-one would be allowed to adopt the first name "Doctor".

If you want your kid to grow up to be president, you could just call them "President" - problem solved!
(Bonus points if you have the surname of a past or present president.)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on May 20, 2012, 06:33:34 PM
Quote from: eyeresist on May 20, 2012, 06:24:42 PMIdeally, for instance, no-one would be allowed to adopt the first name "Doctor".



Why ideally?  If some doofus wants to call him or herself Doctor, more power to 'em.  I can't see how a name of Doctor would be an enabler for fraud since anyone filling out Doctor as a name rather than a title would be immediately identified as a flake.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: eyeresist on May 20, 2012, 08:28:47 PM
Some perspective (http://www.historytoday.com/peter-ling/sex-and-automobile-jazz-age) on modern habits:

The August 1924 edition of Harper's magazine carried an article entitled: 'Is the Young Person Coming back?' which recounted the experience of a young man who asked a city girl if he might call on her. The nub of this humorous piece was that when the young man came to 'call', he found to his astonishment that 'she had her hat on'. To older Americans, this could signify only one thing: she expected to go out. This was not what the unsophisticated youth had anticipated at all. To him, coming to call meant being received in the family parlour, making light conversation with the girl and her mother. On subsequent occasions, it might involve taking tea with them and listening politely while the young woman displayed her skills as a pianist. But this was not what the woman had in mind. She was expecting 'a date'; to be taken out and 'treated', and the young man ended up spending four weeks' savings in an effort to meet her expectations.

A generation later, dating had become so accepted that social scientists felt that Americans had to be reminded that there had been no 'dates' before around 1900.

...

The focal point of calling was gaining admittance into the private family sphere of the home which was the central expression of bourgeois status. Although privacy itself had only become a realistic possibility in the eighteenth century, thereafter it had rapidly established itself as a necessity for the affluent and an aspiration for the poor.

...

For the mass of working-class Americans, such privacy was very remote from the daily reality of overcrowding. ... The working classes consequently pioneered dating as an expedient born of the opportunities offered and the comforts denied to them. Forced out onto the streets, Addams warned, working-class youth was highly susceptible to the enticements of commercialised entertainment. Recognising the need for relaxation after a harsh working day, Addams worried nonetheless about the vulgarity of available leisure facilities.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on May 22, 2012, 06:50:16 AM
Weyland Industries is born! (http://www.washingtonpost.com/national/health-science/private-rocket-maker-tries-again-to-launch-eager-to-begin-1st-private-space-station-delivery/2012/05/22/gIQACDhIhU_story.html)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on May 24, 2012, 01:40:09 PM
I wonder what Publius would have thought. (http://rt.com/usa/news/new-york-anonymous-internet-020/)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on May 29, 2012, 07:11:10 AM
Someone must have opened one of those 'You've Won!!' emails. (http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2012/may/28/computer-worm-iran-oil-w32flamer)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Lethevich on May 29, 2012, 09:08:56 AM
"Unfortunately, instead of the Security Council logo, viewers were shown the badge of the United Nations Space Command, the military agency depicted in popular interstellar war game Halo." (http://mobile.news.com.au/technology/gaming/sorry-we-confused-un-logo-with-halo-video-game-bbc/story-e6frfrt9-1226371923813?sv=355dbfb3eaac053c25353c99476d7465)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on May 29, 2012, 09:19:05 AM
Quote from: Lethevich on May 29, 2012, 09:08:56 AM"Unfortunately, instead of the Security Council logo, viewers were shown the badge of the United Nations Space Command, the military agency depicted in popular interstellar war game Halo." (http://mobile.news.com.au/technology/gaming/sorry-we-confused-un-logo-with-halo-video-game-bbc/story-e6frfrt9-1226371923813?sv=355dbfb3eaac053c25353c99476d7465)



Reminds me of this gem. (http://www.theatlantic.com/international/archive/2012/03/another-country-confuses-borat-music-with-kazakhstans-national-anthem/255028/)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on May 29, 2012, 09:25:18 AM
Quote from: Todd on May 29, 2012, 09:19:05 AM
Reminds me of this gem. (http://www.theatlantic.com/international/archive/2012/03/another-country-confuses-borat-music-with-kazakhstans-national-anthem/255028/)

Yes!
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on May 31, 2012, 07:01:07 AM
The Nanny State grows some more. (http://www.cnn.com/2012/05/31/us/new-york-sugar-drinks/index.html?hpt=hp_t1)  I remember in the 90s, when nicotine was described as being as addictive to heroin as part of the push to reduce smoking, some people warned that government do-gooders wouldn't stop there.  Some people even warned that food was next.  Well, here it is, a bold second step by a big city (after banning trans-fats).  The world needs to be made safe from Big Soda Pops.  Sixteen ounces is the medically determined (?) Bad Size.  (No mention of whether beer can be served more than a pint at a time.)  But why stop here?  Why not regulate sugar content itself, and ban any beverage that does not meet Nanny State approved nutrition guidelines?  Why not do what some people where I live want to do and ban sales of unhealthy foods to anyone under 18?  Seriously, some people want to ban the sale of "kid's meals" to kids without parents present.  I mean, that could never happen, right?  That's crazy, right?  Nah, it looks like it's a matter of time now. 

Of course, the tobacco settlement didn't quite reduce smoking as much as the crusaders claimed it would.  (The smoking rate dropped to around 20% and remains there.)  It did, however, result in a curb of the First Amendment, increased regressive taxation, and huge legal settlements that states used to pad their coffers.  There's simply no way that something similar would happen with Bad Foods.

Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on June 01, 2012, 07:37:18 AM
I certainly hope this is a joke. (http://www.rt.com/news/breivik-prison-hired-cellmates-692/)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Wanderer on June 01, 2012, 10:13:18 AM
War and Nookd (http://futureoftheinternet.org/war-and-nookd)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on June 01, 2012, 10:22:50 AM
Oh, that is funny!
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Papy Oli on June 11, 2012, 04:23:31 AM
If you have 70,000 sterling pounds to spare, you can buy a beach hut in Southwold, one of the prettiest seaside town in Suffolk (http://www.eadt.co.uk/news/southwold_fixer_upper_beach_hut_yours_for_70k_1_1405982)

Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on June 11, 2012, 05:50:51 AM
First a chick left her baby on the roof of a car, now this. (http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/europe/have-we-forgotten-something-uk-prime-minister-leaves-daughter-behind-in-pub/2012/06/11/gJQA7IB7TV_story.html?hpid=z4)

Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Philoctetes3 on June 11, 2012, 06:52:22 AM
Quote from: Todd on June 11, 2012, 05:50:51 AM
First a chick left her baby on the roof of a car, now this. (http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/europe/have-we-forgotten-something-uk-prime-minister-leaves-daughter-behind-in-pub/2012/06/11/gJQA7IB7TV_story.html?hpid=z4)

Well that's not much of a story. I mean can't lizard spawn live on their own almost immediately after birth?
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on June 11, 2012, 07:06:03 AM
Quote from: Philoctetes3 on June 11, 2012, 06:52:22 AM
Well that's not much of a story. I mean can't lizard spawn live on their own almost immediately after birth?

Is there some hidden relevance to this question?  I don't ask for any alleged relevance to be detailed; I am just curious.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Philoctetes3 on June 11, 2012, 07:39:37 AM
Quote from: karlhenning on June 11, 2012, 07:06:03 AM
Is there some hidden relevance to this question?  I don't ask for any alleged relevance to be detailed; I am just curious.

Not that hidden:

https://www.youtube.com/v/A8g0kuqH0KY
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on June 11, 2012, 08:23:29 AM
Clean everything Polish lad - I like that show. 
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Philoctetes3 on June 11, 2012, 09:14:38 AM
Quote from: Todd on June 11, 2012, 08:23:29 AM
Clean everything Polish lad - I like that show.

Yeah, Britain has a whole variety of shows like that which are fantastic. Plus anything that Frankie Boyle takes part in is gold.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on June 11, 2012, 09:29:23 AM
Animal of the Day (http://www.csmonitor.com/Photo-Galleries/In-Pictures/Animal-of-the-day)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: ibanezmonster on June 11, 2012, 07:48:04 PM
Quote from: karlhenning on June 11, 2012, 09:29:23 AM
Animal of the Day (http://www.csmonitor.com/Photo-Galleries/In-Pictures/Animal-of-the-day)
Rob Newman was featured as the 9th entry, on June 5. Go get 'em, champ!  8)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on June 12, 2012, 10:14:17 AM
Ah, so that's all it will take. (http://money.cnn.com/2012/06/12/news/economy/iea-energy/index.htm?source=cnn_bin)  Let me break into my piggy bank.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on June 12, 2012, 10:42:45 AM
Luckily, there's cash a-plenty on the balance sheet!
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on June 14, 2012, 06:59:03 AM
What a pisser. (http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/06/13/sweden-left-party-toilet-stand_n_1590572.html)



Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: eyeresist on June 14, 2012, 11:13:15 PM
How the West still has no idea what it's doing with Iran:

http://www.lrb.co.uk/v34/n12/pankaj-mishra/why-werent-they-grateful
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: ibanezmonster on June 15, 2012, 06:57:35 PM
Poor Tony Parker... why does he surround himself with losers?

http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/nba-ball-dont-lie/tony-parker-got-shards-glass-eye-during-drake-174449702--nba.html
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Lethevich on June 15, 2012, 10:00:45 PM
Rupert Murdoch called Tony Blair urging him not to delay the invasion of Iraq, former Number 10 communications chief Alastair Campbell has said. (http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-18468123)

wat
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: knight66 on June 15, 2012, 10:50:59 PM
Is this the right thread for this I wonder? It seems to me that the attempts at subversion of our political strategy is quite fundamental. I wonder if there are honours the USA can provide to Murdoch for his sterling work on their behalf?

Mike
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on June 16, 2012, 06:32:27 AM
Quote from: knight66 on June 15, 2012, 10:50:59 PMI wonder if there are honours the USA can provide to Murdoch for his sterling work on their behalf?



Citizenship?
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: knight66 on June 16, 2012, 09:57:40 PM
To the extent that would be termed an honour, he already had it. There is probably something else he can squeeze out of the system.

Mike
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on June 17, 2012, 05:55:29 AM
Quote from: knight66 on June 16, 2012, 09:57:40 PMTo the extent that would be termed an honour, he already had it.


Yes, I know.  I suppose he can enjoy the benefits of being a rich American citizen, which includes getting richer.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on June 17, 2012, 06:24:41 AM
In America, the richer you get, the more you can be sure that God approves of your life.  Q.E.D.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: eyeresist on June 18, 2012, 06:06:31 PM
Why China fears the Teletubbies (http://www.smh.com.au/technology/technology-news/why-china-fears-the-teletubbies-20120618-20jcf.html)

The many curious search terms you shouldn't use in China. My favourite is "best actor" - a derisive term for Premier Wen Jiabao.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on July 06, 2012, 07:03:41 AM
Hmm, what's up in Germany? (http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2012/jun/27/circumcision-ruling-germany-muslim-jewish?INTCMP=SRCH)  This so shortly after the Germans decided to prevent non-Germans from taking German names.  It would seem that both decisions could be construed as being targeted at minorities.  Nah.

(At least it resulted in a new phrase of note: "circumcision tourism".)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on July 06, 2012, 07:28:12 AM
Quote from: Todd on July 06, 2012, 07:03:41 AM
Hmm, what's up in Germany? (http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2012/jun/27/circumcision-ruling-germany-muslim-jewish?INTCMP=SRCH)  This so shortly after the Germans decided to prevent non-Germans from taking German names.  It would seem that both decisions could be construed as being targeted at minorities.  Nah.

(At least it resulted in a new phrase of note: "circumcision tourism".)

Squirming a bit, since I just watched Conspiracy last night . . . .
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Gurn Blanston on July 06, 2012, 07:36:29 AM
I found it interesting and amusing that, in the middle of the article, they felt they had to break off momentarily and to parenthetically define "penology"....  ::)

8)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Gurn Blanston on July 08, 2012, 10:02:42 AM
After 17 years of playing at golf, this morning I made a hole-in-one. 145 yd Par 3, 6 iron. I was amused.

Odds against:  12,000/1

8)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: mc ukrneal on July 08, 2012, 10:06:29 AM
Quote from: Gurnatron5500 on July 08, 2012, 10:02:42 AM
After 17 years of playing at golf, this morning I made a hole-in-one. 145 yd Par 3, 6 iron. I was amused.

Odds against:  12,000/1

8)
Hey that's great! Now you can get started on your next 'streak'!  8)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Gurn Blanston on July 08, 2012, 10:12:41 AM
Quote from: mc ukrneal on July 08, 2012, 10:06:29 AM
Hey that's great! Now you can get started on your next 'streak'!  8)

:D  I should imagine that the next one will last the remainder of my golfing life. :)

8)
Title: Re: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on July 08, 2012, 12:32:35 PM
Quote from: Gurnatron5500 on July 08, 2012, 10:02:42 AM
After 17 years of playing at golf, this morning I made a hole-in-one. 145 yd Par 3, 6 iron. I was amused.

Odds against:  12,000/1

8)

Dude, you earned some amusement!
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on July 10, 2012, 06:48:00 AM
Coming soon to airlines near you? (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2171121/Pot-bellied-pigs-miniature-horses-allowed-planes-offer-owners-emotional-support.html?ito=feeds-newsxml)  (At least there's a possibility of farm fresh bacon on long international flights now.)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on July 18, 2012, 11:31:02 AM
Michele Bachmann = Joe McCarthy in a skirt? (http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2012/jul/18/mccain-huma-abedin-attacks-bachmann?newsfeed=true)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on July 18, 2012, 11:37:00 AM
Oof da.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on July 19, 2012, 04:10:48 AM
Quote from: Dana MilbankPaul didn't really argue with Bernanke; he used his time to deliver mini-lectures.

Exit the Artist of the Mini-Lecture
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on July 20, 2012, 09:10:32 AM
Awesome, just what we need. (http://www.heraldextra.com/news/science/health-med-fit/health/cdc-whooping-cough-numbers-rising-alarmingly/article_db0377b3-7575-55c2-b4b9-be18a9b0013b.html)  And it apparently isn't directly attributable to increasing anti-vaccine stupidity.  What a shame that, as anti-vaccine bozos will undoubtedly attempt to use this as an argument against vaccination.

(I suppose this could actually be considered important, but I didn't want to start a new thread.)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Szykneij on July 20, 2012, 04:50:49 PM
-
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on July 29, 2012, 05:06:24 PM
This confirms it: Mayor Bloomberg has gone insane. (http://www.nypost.com/p/news/local/mayor_knows_breast_WqU1iYRQvwbEkDuvn0vb1H)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on July 29, 2012, 05:20:51 PM
Quote from: Szykneij on July 20, 2012, 04:50:49 PM
-

I like this, Tony, and I'm adding it to my timeline at Facebook.

Thank you very much . . . .
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: eyeresist on July 29, 2012, 10:04:42 PM
Quote from: Todd on July 29, 2012, 05:06:24 PMThis confirms it: Mayor Bloomberg has gone insane. (http://www.nypost.com/p/news/local/mayor_knows_breast_WqU1iYRQvwbEkDuvn0vb1H)

Breast is best, man, you know that.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on July 30, 2012, 06:47:57 AM
Quote from: eyeresist on July 29, 2012, 10:04:42 PMBreast is best, man, you know that.


Hey, I love breasts, but that doesn't mean the heavy hand of the nanny state should get involved in such a fashion.  Bloomberg is approaching a Michele Bachmann level of crazy.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on July 30, 2012, 07:22:55 AM
Quote from: Todd on July 30, 2012, 06:47:57 AM
. . .  Bloomberg is approaching a Michele Bachmann level of crazy.

Oh, he's got more work to lay in for that.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on July 30, 2012, 07:35:09 AM
Quote from: karlhenning on July 30, 2012, 07:22:55 AMOh, he's got more work to lay in for that.



Well, last week he also suggested in a TV interview with Piers Morgan that police should go on strike until stricter gun laws are passed. 
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on July 30, 2012, 07:45:59 AM
All right, I allow he's been busy at it . . . .
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Gurn Blanston on July 30, 2012, 07:55:02 AM
Quote from: Todd on July 30, 2012, 07:35:09 AM


Well, last week he also suggested in a TV interview with Piers Morgan that police should go on strike until stricter gun laws are passed.

I actually used to think that he had done some good for NYC, and he did in his first couple of terms. But now, he has totally lost his mind. His working philosophy appears to be that if the City pays anything at all to deal with the effects of something (fat food, soda, smoking, guns, boobs etc) then it is within his purview to pass a law controlling how those items are distributed. I respectfully disagree.   $:)

8)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: John Copeland on July 30, 2012, 08:09:06 AM
Quote from: Gurnatron5500 on July 30, 2012, 07:55:02 AM
I actually used to think that he had done some good for NYC, and he did in his first couple of terms. But now, he has totally lost his mind. His working philosophy appears to be that if the City pays anything at all to deal with the effects of something (fat food, soda, smoking, guns, boobs etc) then it is within his purview to pass a law controlling how those items are distributed. I respectfully disagree.   $:)

8)

I have done some reading up on this.  It is my view that he verges on being unAmerican and tacitly dictatorial.  Most unusual.   :(
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on July 30, 2012, 08:19:58 AM
Quote from: Gurnatron5500 on July 30, 2012, 07:55:02 AMBut now, he has totally lost his mind.


Quote from: Scots John on July 30, 2012, 08:09:06 AMIt is my view that he verges on being unAmerican and tacitly dictatorial.


Both true statements.  But then, I guess it's not too surprising.  The richest (or perhaps second richest, but who keeps track) New Yorker has the term limit law changed so he can remain mayor for four more years, and in his last term he shows his true colors.  He's done some good, no doubt about it, but now it is time for him to go.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: knight66 on July 30, 2012, 12:24:42 PM
Go! And never darken our towels again.

I well recall a long article about him in the UK press at the end of his first term, it all seemed so sane and reasonable then. But I guess pretty much getting your own way for a decade does the old corrupting thing.

Mike
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: eyeresist on July 30, 2012, 06:42:31 PM
I'm in favour of the nanny state, particularly if it is a naughty nanny  ;)

But seriously, people are idiots, and in most cases benefit from being told what to do.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on July 30, 2012, 07:18:39 PM
Quote from: eyeresist on July 30, 2012, 06:42:31 PMBut seriously, people are idiots, and in most cases benefit from being told what to do.


The first part of your statement is debatable.  The second is not: it is pure bullshit. 
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on July 31, 2012, 03:47:32 AM
Remove plastic from Tater Tots before placing in oven.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on August 01, 2012, 01:58:44 AM
In my opinion, this news is important; but . . . maybe no one hears about it, since all the attention is naturally on the Olympics and the Mittster.

Power grid failure in India leaves 620 million without electricity (http://www.usatoday.com/news/world/story/2012-07-31/india-power-outage/56600520/1)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Brian on August 01, 2012, 06:04:49 AM
London mayor Boris Johnson is stuck on a zip line:

(https://twitpic.com/show/large/ae7ldx)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Gurn Blanston on August 01, 2012, 06:19:29 AM
Quote from: karlhenning on August 01, 2012, 01:58:44 AM
In my opinion, this news is important; but . . . maybe no one hears about it, since all the attention is naturally on the Olympics and the Mittster.

Power grid failure in India leaves 620 million without electricity (http://www.usatoday.com/news/world/story/2012-07-31/india-power-outage/56600520/1)


My first thought on reading this yesterday is that it will prove to have been an early experiment in hacking the grid as an act of sabotage/war. We aren't far down the list of probable targets for next time.  :-\

8)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Gurn Blanston on August 01, 2012, 06:20:14 AM
Quote from: Brian on August 01, 2012, 06:04:49 AM
London mayor Boris Johnson is stuck on a zip line:

(https://twitpic.com/show/large/ae7ldx)

Don't worry, Boris, the crane will save you!!  :D

8)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on August 01, 2012, 06:39:25 AM
Quote from: Gurnatron5500 on August 01, 2012, 06:19:29 AM
My first thought on reading this yesterday is that it will prove to have been an early experiment in hacking the grid as an act of sabotage/war. We aren't far down the list of probable targets for next time.  :-\

8)

It's not all that long ago that I watched Live Free or Die Hard for the first time . . . .
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on August 01, 2012, 06:47:08 AM
Quote from: karlhenning on August 01, 2012, 01:58:44 AMIn my opinion, this news is important



I think it's safe to say that anything that affects over 600 million people can be considered important.  I don't know whether it's terrorism/war or simply faulty, decaying, out-of-date infrastructure to blame (I'd lean toward this), but in either case, this serves as a dramatic reminder that things like basic infrastructure should be taken into account and properly funded.  I certainly hope it gets sorted out as soon as practicable.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ataraxia on August 01, 2012, 08:41:19 AM
Pray-o-mat
http://www.manchester.ac.uk/aboutus/news/display/?id=8550 (http://www.manchester.ac.uk/aboutus/news/display/?id=8550)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on August 01, 2012, 02:10:29 PM
Hmm. (http://popwatch.ew.com/2012/08/01/sight-and-sound-greatest-films-poll-citizen-kane-vertigo/)

Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: knight66 on August 02, 2012, 02:01:51 AM
I see Gore Vidal has popped his Versace clogs. The Times, (London), provided especially splenetic comment; suggesting that he had outlived public taste for his clotted fiction and basically consigning him into celeb cold storage. Are USers sorry to notice that he has at last slipped off the chat show couch?

Mike
Title: Re: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on August 02, 2012, 03:02:21 AM
Quote from: knight66 on August 02, 2012, 02:01:51 AM
I see Gore Vidal has popped his Versace clogs.

Now there's an image! Mike, ye've done it again!
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ataraxia on August 02, 2012, 03:57:27 AM
Quote from: knight66 on August 02, 2012, 02:01:51 AM
I see Gore Vidal has popped his Versace clogs. The Times, (London), provided especially splenetic comment; suggesting that he had outlived public taste for his clotted fiction and basically consigning him into celeb cold storage. Are USers sorry to notice that he has at last slipped off the chat show couch?

I didn't know he had been recently alive until the news of his death. I didn't care for his fiction but enjoyed listening to him talk.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on August 02, 2012, 03:58:23 AM
Quote from: MN Dave on August 02, 2012, 03:57:27 AM
I didn't know he had been recently alive until the news of his death.

+1

(Just didn't want to be the first to say it.)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: knight66 on August 02, 2012, 04:18:15 AM
Yes, it is sometimes pleasant to encounter the smell of fresh creosote being applied. Listening to him being interviewed was something of a guilty pleasure. Today's Times has the formal obit which is more balanced. I think it explained that his original first name was Gene. He changed it by age 14. Gene Vidal, even more of a hairdresses's name than the one he chose.

Omnivorous on several levels: he certainly made it a point of honour to bite the hands that fed.

Mike
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on August 02, 2012, 04:19:42 AM
He rejected Tiger Vidal early on.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: knight66 on August 02, 2012, 04:21:35 AM
Miaow, Ggrrrrrrr.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ataraxia on August 02, 2012, 04:22:26 AM
"Andy Warhol is the only genius I've ever known with an IQ of 60." -- Gore Vidal

http://www.businessinsider.com/the-best-quotes-of-gore-vidal-who-died-last-night-2012-8
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on August 02, 2012, 04:33:21 AM
Gore would have appreciated this anti-obit (http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/post-partisan/post/gore-vidal-nihilist/2012/08/01/gJQALDJvPX_blog.html?hpid=z3).

Quote from: :Chas Lane"Gore Vidal's career illustrates the price America – "the most ignorant first world country on earth," in his estimation – cheerfully pays for the First Amendment, and I certainly defend his right to say every one of the repugnant and stupid things he said.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: knight66 on August 02, 2012, 04:33:35 AM
They seem to have missed this zinger which a friend of mine quoted on to Facebook. It is with reference to Ronald Regan. 'He is not clear about the difference between Medici and Gucci. He knows Nancy wears one of them.'

Mike
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: knight66 on August 02, 2012, 04:39:27 AM
Wow Karl, that article sure has a masterly pay off line.

Mike
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ataraxia on August 02, 2012, 04:43:21 AM
I'm not sure I agree with that article--something in me doesn't--but I don't care to think about it much longer either.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on August 02, 2012, 04:47:28 AM
Quote from: MN Dave on August 02, 2012, 04:43:21 AM
I'm not sure I agree with that article--something in me doesn't--but I don't care to think about it much longer either.

He links to another dissenting article (http://www.salon.com/2007/01/03/vidal_10/), with its share of insights.

Quote from: Allen BarraSince he was the one who brought up "sickening narcissism," let's go ahead and say it: The personal note in Vidal's work, whether he was ostensibly writing about politics, literature, aviation or anything else, was never "occasional." The "geography" of his own life has been virtually his only subject, which means that his new memoir, "Point to Point Navigation," a follow-up to "Palimpsest" (1996), the first memoir he promised not to write, is, by definition, unnecessary.

"[T]he first memoir he promised not to write" . . . sometimes I think I live to read lines like that.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on August 02, 2012, 04:52:47 AM
Allen Barra couldn't be a pseudonym, could it?  I am sure that's a phrase I heard one night when a fellow tried singing "Barbara Allen" after two pints too many at the St Botolph Club . . . .
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on August 02, 2012, 05:07:48 AM
Quote from: karlhenning on August 02, 2012, 04:47:28 AM
He links to another dissenting article (http://www.salon.com/2007/01/03/vidal_10/), with its share of insights.

Luckily, I had not just taken a sip of coffee when reading this:

Quote from: Allen BarraNote to Mel Gibson: Next time simply drop a few anti-Christian slurs into your tirades, and you will find many are willing to regard you not as an anti-Semite but as an intellectual.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on August 02, 2012, 07:29:50 AM
Since when did the Washington Post start publishing articles from The Onion? (http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/think-tanked/post/arnold-schwarzeneggers-newest-career-professor-and-think-tanker/2012/08/02/gJQAhNnhRX_blog.html?hpid=z4)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on August 02, 2012, 07:50:36 AM
Quote from: karlhenning on August 02, 2012, 04:47:28 AMHe links to another dissenting article (http://www.salon.com/2007/01/03/vidal_10/), with its share of insights.


I guess I'm too young to care about Gore Vidal much at all.  I figured the whole thing with Timothy McVeigh showed him to be just an old coot suffering from dementia and remaining in the public eye because of past glories, but maybe he was a great man. 
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: knight66 on August 02, 2012, 09:57:04 AM
No, I don't believe he was ever a great man, but he managed a good hour of fame.

Mike
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: eyeresist on August 02, 2012, 06:09:42 PM
Quote from: MN Dave on August 02, 2012, 04:22:26 AM"Andy Warhol is the only genius I've ever known with an IQ of 60." -- Gore Vidal

http://www.businessinsider.com/the-best-quotes-of-gore-vidal-who-died-last-night-2012-8

Good stuff, but was he really the first person to say "No good deed goes unpunished" (which I believe is the correct form of the saying)? It sounds like Oscar Wilde.

As for his legacy, like most I haven't read the novels. They may be great for all I know, but I have little interest in the details of US history. So he was a witty after-dinner speaker. There are worse ways to be remembered.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on August 03, 2012, 04:00:49 AM
The jury is still out, of course, but my money is on his not being particularly remembered for anything (unlike Wilde).
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: jwinter on August 03, 2012, 09:24:22 AM
 Quote from: eyeresist on August 02, 2012, 10:09:42 PM (http://www.good-music-guide.com/community/index.php?topic=6347.msg649233#msg649233)
Good stuff, but was he really the first person to say "No good deed goes unpunished" (which I believe is the correct form of the saying)? It sounds like Oscar Wilde.

As for his legacy, like most I haven't read the novels. They may be great for all I know, but I have little interest in the details of US history. So he was a witty after-dinner speaker. There are worse ways to be remembered.
   
Re: Gore Vidal:
I read Lincoln about a decade ago and thoroughly enjoyed it -- an excellent evocation of the period, if done with a bit of dramatic license regarding minor details.  I've tried three times to start Burr, but just can't get into it, despite an interest in the subject matter.  Live from Golgotha was amusing, though it's obviously trying too hard to shock, and the effort shows.  His essays are a mixed bag -- it seems like for every brilliant one (and there are quite a few) there is one that's just catty, venal, or (in the case of his political writings post 9/11) patently idiotic.  And I have a hard time sympathizing with someone who lived with (and is buried next to) their same-sex partner for half a century, and yet denied to his dying day that homosexuality even existed, and was stridently anti-gay rights.   
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on August 17, 2012, 01:48:52 PM
Note to self: Do not move to Russia and start a punk band (http://www.guardian.co.uk/music/2012/aug/17/pussy-riot-sentenced-prison-putin), especially given my penchant for hooliganism.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Scarpia on August 24, 2012, 04:42:04 AM
Norway killer gets 21 years for slaughter of 77 people, mostly children???
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on August 24, 2012, 04:51:04 AM
What, does Norway not give life sentences in such cases?

It near horrified me, reading of the lengths to which some were suggesting they should go, to treat this recreant as somehow "mentally ill."  Norway, there is a reason you have courts as distinct from hospitals.  Get your damned heads straight.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on August 24, 2012, 06:06:38 AM
Apparently, in Norway, a person can be held for longer than the maximum sentence if they are deemed a threat.  If that is the case, it's hard to see how Breivik will be freed. 
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Scarpia on August 25, 2012, 03:17:26 PM

If I didn't know better I'd say god is smiting the Republicans.

QuoteRepublican National Committee Chairman Reince Priebus made the following statement: 'Due to the severe weather reports for the Tampa Bay area, the Republican National Convention will convene on Monday August 27th and immediately recess until Tuesday afternoon, August 28th. After consulting with Governor Scott, NOAA and local emergency management officials, we are optimistic that we will begin an exciting, robust convention that will nominate the Romney-Ryan ticket.'"

Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: eyeresist on August 26, 2012, 05:51:31 PM
Quote from: Scarpia on August 24, 2012, 04:42:04 AM
Norway killer gets 21 years for slaughter of 77 people, mostly children???

Hate to say it, but I think the court has proved Breivik's point.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Scarpia on August 26, 2012, 05:58:55 PM
Quote from: eyeresist on August 26, 2012, 05:51:31 PM
Hate to say it, but I think the court has proved Breivik's point.

The fact that criminal penalties in Norway are less severe than expected proves Breivik's point that people who condone multiculturalism should be murdered in cold blood, including children?  You'll have to lead me through that logic one step at a time.   :)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: eyeresist on August 26, 2012, 06:40:38 PM
Quote from: Scarpia on August 26, 2012, 05:58:55 PMThe fact that criminal penalties in Norway are less severe than expected proves Breivik's point that people who condone multiculturalism should be murdered in cold blood, including children?  You'll have to lead me through that logic one step at a time.

No, I mean the more general point that Norwegian official culture is PC to the point of idiocy, at least on the face of it.

According to Der Spiegel (http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/anders-breivik-sentenced-to-21-years-for-norway-attacks-a-851948.html): "The judged [sic] deemed Breivik to be sane and handed down the country's maximum permissible sentence. ... The judges sentenced him to 21 years in prison followed by preventative detention."

So the law's maximum penalty for murder is 21 years, apparently regardless of the number of people killed (so he serves 99.61 days for each victim). And then, after the sentence is served, there's still "preventative detention". I wonder if a Norwegian lawyer could explain this to us?


EDIT: Here is Wikipedia's explanation of the law:

QuoteLife imprisonment in Norway (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Life_imprisonment_in_Norway)

There is no sentence of life imprisonment in Norwegian law. There is however an indeterminate penalty that could in principle result in life imprisonment, but there are no examples of such after the latest correctional law passed in 2002. There are basically two types of maximum penalty laws:

■The maximum determinate penalty is 21 years imprisonment, but only a small percentage of prisoners serve more than 14 years. Prisoners will typically get unsupervised parole for weekends etc. after serving ⅓ of their sentence (a maximum of 7 years) and can receive early release after serving ⅔ of their sentence (a maximum of 14 years). In 2008, to fulfill its requirements under the Rome Statute, Norway created a new maximal penalty of 30 years for crimes against humanity.

■The indeterminate penalty, called "preventive detention" (Norwegian: forvaring) is set at up to 21 years imprisonment, with no eligibility for parole for a time period not exceeding 10 years. If the prisoner is still considered dangerous after serving the original sentence, the detention can be extended by five years at a time. Renewal of the detention every five years can in theory result in actual life imprisonment. Preventive detention is used when the prisoner is deemed a danger to society and there is a great chance of committing violent crimes in the future. However, after the minimum time period has elapsed, the offender can petition for parole once every year, and this may be granted if it is determined that the offender is no longer a danger to society.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Scarpia on August 26, 2012, 06:49:47 PM
As was mention above somewhere, preventative detention presumably allows him to be held indefinitely if he is judged to be a threat to society.   Doesn't seem so different from the US system.  Mark David Chapman was sentenced to 20 years for killing John Lennon, but he's still behind bars.  His parole is denied like clockwork every year.


Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on August 28, 2012, 11:37:36 AM
So, the stoners I went to middle school and high school with may not end up the brightest bulbs. (http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-504763_162-57501243-10391704/smoking-marijuana-regularly-as-a-teen-may-lower-iq-scores-as-an-adult/)  Who knew?
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on August 29, 2012, 07:58:33 AM
Things that make you go WTF?!? (http://rt.com/art-and-culture/news/hitler-outlet-ahmedabad-jews-807/)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: eyeresist on August 29, 2012, 05:54:15 PM
Quote from: Todd on August 29, 2012, 07:58:33 AMThings that make you go WTF?!? (http://rt.com/art-and-culture/news/hitler-outlet-ahmedabad-jews-807/)

Quote"Hitler was a nickname given to my business partner Manish Chandani's grandfather because of his strict nature. Frankly, till the time we applied for the trademark permission, I had only heard that Hitler was a strict man," Rajesh Shah who owns the shop told The Times of India daily.

"It was only recently that we read about Hitler on the internet," he added.

Of course, given that the shop's logo title incorporates a swastika, this is rather hard to swallow.


But I can't help feeling sorry for all those people called Hitler who had to change their name (though my guess is there are a few left in Austria ;) ). At least Stalin had the decency to use a made-up alias.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: eyeresist on September 05, 2012, 08:08:22 PM
QuoteStrange Death of the English Gentleman (http://www.standpointmag.co.uk/critique-september-12-strange-death-of-the-english-gentleman-andrew-gimson-david-cameron-thomas-arnold)

The idea of a gentleman was a more inclusive one than it sounds to modern ears. One of its greatest advantages was that you could define it so as to include yourself. You could behave like a gentleman, without possessing any of the social attributes which a gentleman might have: there was no need to possess a coat of arms, or a country estate, or engage in field sports, or wear evening dress. At least since Chaucer's time, there had been a distinction between the social meaning of the word, and the moral. It was evident that well-born people, who ought to know how to behave like gentlemen, did not always do so, while others sometimes did.

Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on September 10, 2012, 06:37:41 AM
Cartoonists are just plain dangerous. (http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2012/sep/10/indian-cartoonist-jailed-sedition)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on September 11, 2012, 05:42:13 AM
R.E.M. blasts Fox for using tune (http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/erik-wemple/post/rem-blasts-fox-for-using-tune/2012/09/10/1e935856-f922-11e1-8398-0327ab83ab91_blog.html)

I especially enjoy the curtain line: Fair use is my hero.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on September 17, 2012, 06:40:22 AM
But I thought it was a simple bad dictator/good freedom fighter scenario. (http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2012/sep/17/syrian-rebels-accused-war-crimes)  Clearly the US should become more entwined in this one.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on September 21, 2012, 11:32:10 AM
Why all the hating on Chuck? (http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2012/sep/21/chuck-norris-bridge-slovakia)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on September 25, 2012, 08:17:18 AM
The zombie apocalypse is nigh. (http://www.washingtonpost.com/business/washington-states-first-zombie-bees-reported-parasite-causes-bees-to-fly-at-night-die/2012/09/24/fbcefa56-0677-11e2-9eea-333857f6a7bd_story.html)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on September 27, 2012, 09:19:32 AM
It's like a news headline out of The Simpsons. (http://www.csmonitor.com/Science/2012/0927/Italian-seismologists-could-get-four-years-for-incorrect-earthquake-prediction)
Title: Re: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on September 27, 2012, 10:29:18 AM
Quote from: Todd on September 27, 2012, 09:19:32 AM
It's like a news headline out of The Simpsons. (http://www.csmonitor.com/Science/2012/0927/Italian-seismologists-could-get-four-years-for-incorrect-earthquake-prediction)

Oof.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: CriticalI on September 28, 2012, 03:27:06 AM

A review of the 1964 book Anti-Intellectu​alism in American Life:
http://bnreview.barnesandnoble.com/t5/Library-Without-Walls/Anti-Intellectualism-in-American-Life/ba-p/8967

I admit to a certain schadenfreude at how much worse things have grown since the book was written.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on September 28, 2012, 12:48:13 PM
Looks like good editors are hard to find. (http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/story/2012/09/28/iranian-news-agency-uses-onion-article-as-fact/57851412/1)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on October 02, 2012, 10:44:25 AM
Governor Moonbeam, the master of the cash grab! (http://seattletimes.com/html/nationworld/2019291640_apusprivatesectorretirement.html)  Now, were I less cynical, I might take umbrage at the idea that something can be both "state-run" and "private".  I might even find the use of negative option enrollment of private employees a bit irritating and heavy-handed.  But I fancy political shenanigans, and it is pretty much impossible to criticize Brown for his blatant dishonesty.  A 3% payroll tax, piggybacking on Social Security, is nothing more than a way to plug the actuary hole in CalPERS funding.  He gets huge sums of money, and can pretend like he's helping out at the same time.  The dude is brilliant.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on October 22, 2012, 08:28:58 AM
And here I thought the French were supposed to be sophisticated. (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-2220224/EL-James-Fifty-Shades-Of-Grey-French-translation-fastest-selling-book-Frances-history.html) 

(I think I know who may comprise the audience for the book. (http://www.businessweek.com/magazine/frances-unlikely-import-weight-loss-centers-01122012.html))
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on October 22, 2012, 09:16:59 AM
Quote from: Todd on September 28, 2012, 12:48:13 PM
Looks like good editors are hard to find. (http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/story/2012/09/28/iranian-news-agency-uses-onion-article-as-fact/57851412/1)

Trouble is, they decapitated the last ombudsman.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on October 28, 2012, 08:06:13 AM
You can't really blame him, can you? (http://www.inquisitr.com/375941/husband-divorces-sues-wife-for-having-ugly-baby/)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on November 14, 2012, 08:55:32 AM
There's also a disconnect between the historic level of Congressional unpopularity, and the fact that such a high percentage of incumbent Congressional boneheads handily won re-election.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Mirror Image on November 14, 2012, 09:08:28 AM
I have a confession: I voted for a Republican in the 2012 election. The only reason I did is because this Republican is my Mom's boss at work and she speaks highly of him. My Mom, of course, is a Democrat, but she has said there are many Republicans she works with that she likes. Now, if only Obama and Speaker of the House, John Boehner can work together, than something may get accomplished, but it's not going to work if both parties aren't willing to work together.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on November 14, 2012, 09:21:23 AM
Quote from: Scarpia on November 14, 2012, 08:45:06 AMIf we sum up all of the votes across all of the districts, Democrat candidates received more votes than Republican candidates.



True, but meaningless.  A more meaningful comparison would be to look at each state individually.  Gerrymandering is widespread, and if Republicans are perhaps better at it, let us not pretend that Democrats don't do the same thing.  The article strikes me as partisan whining.

Now, how to fix it?  I'd love to see non-partisan apportionment after the 2020 census.  How to get there?

Also, I must say that I'd be more concerned if this were new.  After all, the term gerrymandering is two hundred years old. 
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Brian on November 14, 2012, 09:33:41 AM
Quote from: Mirror Image on November 14, 2012, 09:08:28 AM
I have a confession: I voted for a Republican in the 2012 election.
OH NO THE HORROR

Just kidding ;)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on November 14, 2012, 09:44:08 AM
Quote from: Scarpia on November 14, 2012, 09:36:47 AMThe averaged result is therefore not meaningless, it is an understatment the problem.


It is meaningless.  The fact that Democrats won more votes as a whole nationwide is simply irrelevant to the makeup of the House.  If/when the opposite is true, it will be just as meaningless, as it has been in the past.



Quote from: Scarpia on November 14, 2012, 09:36:47 AMThe fact that it is not new does not mean it is not a serious problem.  Genocide is not new, it doesn't follow that people should not be concerned about it.


From gerrymandering to genocide in one post.  You're a wee bit prone to hyperbole.  Just one step shy of Godwin's Law, it turns out.

So how to solve such a problem?
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Mirror Image on November 14, 2012, 10:58:08 AM
Quote from: Brian on November 14, 2012, 09:33:41 AM
OH NO THE HORROR

Just kidding ;)

I've actually met this guy before and he's a really nice person and treats his employees well, so how could I not? I would have voted for another Republican, but I didn't know at the time of voting my Dad was friends with him.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on November 27, 2012, 06:48:47 AM
Quote from: Todd on September 28, 2012, 12:48:13 PMLooks like good editors are hard to find. (http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/story/2012/09/28/iranian-news-agency-uses-onion-article-as-fact/57851412/1)




It has happened again. (http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2012/nov/27/china-kim-jong-un)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Papy Oli on March 10, 2013, 04:45:25 AM
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/howaboutthat/9920430/Therell-be-roaming-charges-over-the-White-Cliffs-of-Dover.html (http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/howaboutthat/9920430/Therell-be-roaming-charges-over-the-White-Cliffs-of-Dover.html)

:laugh:
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Papy Oli on March 10, 2013, 08:35:15 AM
Life is woof....

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/theatre/9919598/Sacked-the-corgi-which-disobeyed-Dame-Helen-Mirren.html (http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/theatre/9919598/Sacked-the-corgi-which-disobeyed-Dame-Helen-Mirren.html)

Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Szykneij on March 19, 2013, 03:57:46 PM
Maybe we should have a poll for this one.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/03/19/penis-caught-in-zipper_n_2907556.html?utm_hp_ref=weird-news (http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/03/19/penis-caught-in-zipper_n_2907556.html?utm_hp_ref=weird-news)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Papy Oli on March 22, 2013, 02:25:22 PM

http://www.letelegramme.com/local/finistere-sud/ouest-cornouaille/capsizun/plogoff/plogoff-le-mystere-du-piano-sur-la-falaise-22-03-2013-2044242.php (http://www.letelegramme.com/local/finistere-sud/ouest-cornouaille/capsizun/plogoff/plogoff-le-mystere-du-piano-sur-la-falaise-22-03-2013-2044242.php)

...a 150kg Piano has been found on a clifftop by ramblers near Plogoff in Brittany, in a hard-to-reach and windswept spot. Mayor and police left baffled  ;D

(http://www.letelegramme.com/images/2013/03/22/2044242_piano2.jpg)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Geo Dude on March 26, 2013, 10:01:30 AM
Easy money. (http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2013/mar/25/creationist-trial-bible-genesis-evolution)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Parsifal on April 14, 2013, 10:02:05 AM

QuoteAMSTERDAM (AP) — Justin Bieber has visited the Anne Frank House in Amsterdam, and the museum says the Canadian pop star wrote in the guestbook that he hoped Frank "would have been a Belieber" if she had lived.

http://www.nytimes.com/aponline/2013/04/14/world/europe/ap-eu-netherlands-bieber-anne-frank.html?hp

I'm still patiently waiting for this self-absorbed imbecile's 15 minutes of fame to be over.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on April 14, 2013, 10:11:19 AM
Quote from: Parsifal on April 14, 2013, 10:02:05 AMI'm still patiently waiting for this self-absorbed imbecile's 15 minutes of fame to be over.



That his 15 minutes is not over shows very clearly that he (and his manager) is not an imbecile.  Self-absorbed, sure, but celebrities who are not self-absorbed sure seem thin on the ground.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: knight66 on April 14, 2013, 10:11:43 AM
He just has to be a cretin.

Mike
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on April 20, 2013, 04:57:53 PM
I wonder if something similar is being created for West Virginia. (http://www.cbc.ca/news/business/story/2013/04/18/business-iceland-geneaology-smartphone-app.html?cmp=rss)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Gurn Blanston on April 20, 2013, 05:09:56 PM
Quote from: Todd on April 20, 2013, 04:57:53 PM
I wonder if something similar is being created for West Virginia. (http://www.cbc.ca/news/business/story/2013/04/18/business-iceland-geneaology-smartphone-app.html?cmp=rss)

Probably too late already. Alas, they will go the way of Arkansas.... :)

8)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on April 22, 2013, 06:30:09 AM
Talk about uncomfortable labor relations. (http://www.upi.com/Odd_News/2013/04/19/Bus-drivers-to-strike-because-uniform-pants-are-too-tight/UPI-59041366394339/)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: snyprrr on April 30, 2013, 08:48:57 PM
Man Dies in Meat Blender

http://finance.yahoo.com/news/worker-dies-blender-oregon-meat-215004163.html

Sir Loin?
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Parsifal on May 01, 2013, 01:23:16 PM
Microsoft has captured 0.4% of the tablet market with Windows RT  (200,000 units out of 49.2 million).

http://www.nytimes.com/aponline/2013/05/01/technology/ap-us-tec-tablet-sales.html?hp

Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Parsifal on May 08, 2013, 01:20:35 PM

Minnesota Orchestra cancels current season due to labor dispute and Music Director Vanska threatens to resign. 

http://artsbeat.blogs.nytimes.com/2013/05/08/labor-dispute-effectively-ends-minnesota-orchestras-season/

Oh, well.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on May 12, 2013, 01:22:43 PM
I'm guessing these would be placed next to traditional snack vending machines. (http://www.businessweek.com/articles/2013-05-09/medbox-dawn-of-the-marijuana-vending-machine)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: CaughtintheGaze on May 22, 2013, 01:43:43 AM
My first blog post: http://therhetoricofsilence.blogspot.com/2013/05/nanotechnological-futures-reality-of.html?m=1
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on May 23, 2013, 05:20:24 PM
There really is no point to satire anymore. (http://www.slate.com/blogs/moneybox/2013/05/13/un_wants_you_to_eat_more_bugs.html)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on May 27, 2013, 10:16:01 AM
I'll take 'Brazen Religious Discrimination' for $800, Alex. (http://www.nytimes.com/2013/05/26/world/asia/a-region-in-myanmar-limits-births-of-muslims.html?_r=0)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: knight66 on May 29, 2013, 08:46:53 AM
I don't mean to be picky, but os that unimportant?

Mike
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on May 29, 2013, 03:29:44 PM
Quote from: knight66 on May 29, 2013, 08:46:53 AMI don't mean to be picky, but os that unimportant?



Pfft, they're Burmese.  Who thinks what happens to them is important?
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on June 02, 2013, 12:28:32 PM
Hooray!!! (http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/06/01/us-russia-submarines-patrol-idUSBRE95007V20130601)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on June 03, 2013, 03:25:12 AM
Of course, a runaway llama would be named "Scooter."
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on June 03, 2013, 12:54:37 PM
Okay, so I never knew until today that the boysenberry is a cross of European raspberry, Common blackberry, and loganberry.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on June 05, 2013, 06:15:21 PM
This is why I use T-Mobile. (http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2013/jun/06/nsa-phone-records-verizon-court-order?guni=Network%20front:network-front%20main-2%20Special%20trail:Network%20front%20-%20special%20trail:Position1)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Octave on June 07, 2013, 01:21:33 AM
Actually, probably important to Turks, but still...Twitter haters have an ally in Turkey.

Quote from: Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan"There is now a menace which is called Twitter," Erdogan said. "The best examples of lies can be found there. To me, social media is the worst menace to society."
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2013/jun/02/turkish-protesters-control-istanbul-square (http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2013/jun/02/turkish-protesters-control-istanbul-square)

Big ups to Turkish protesters!  Especially those out the elements in Istanbul and elsewhere, today/tonight.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on June 07, 2013, 05:06:18 AM
Although, on the face of it, he's right in a sense: honkin' great examples of lies can be found on social media.

And on fora; I mean, look at Sean squawking about 9/11 . . . .
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on June 07, 2013, 05:25:53 AM
Quote from: karlhenning on June 07, 2013, 05:06:18 AMhonkin' great examples of lies can be found on social media.



Nuh-uh.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on June 07, 2013, 05:35:54 AM
Shuckins.
Title: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Geo Dude on June 07, 2013, 08:57:01 PM

Quote from: Todd on June 05, 2013, 06:15:21 PM
This is why I use T-Mobile. (http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2013/jun/06/nsa-phone-records-verizon-court-order?guni=Network%20front:network-front%20main-2%20Special%20trail:Network%20front%20-%20special%20trail:Position1)
(http://0.tqn.com/d/politicalhumor/1/0/E/v/5/obama-share-everything.jpg)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on June 09, 2013, 08:20:34 AM
At last, container ships won't have to go around Cape Horn any more. (http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2013/jun/06/nicaragua-china-panama-canal)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Parsifal on June 14, 2013, 01:19:25 PM
House approves measure to have military branches share one camouflage pattern

Do they really have this much time on their hands in the House.  They're legislating camouflage patterns?  Is it really that expensive to have more than one pattern?  When you go to H&M they have hundreds of patterns to pick from.  Maybe they should contract the uniforms to H&M.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/house-approves-measure-to-have-military-branches-share-one-camouflage-pattern/2013/06/14/017700f6-d4ff-11e2-bc43-c404c3269c73_story.html
Title: Too Much Gabagool (capocollo)
Post by: Parsifal on June 20, 2013, 11:37:56 AM

James Gandalfini dies of an apparent heart attack at 51.

http://www.nytimes.com/2013/06/20/arts/television/james-gandolfini-sopranos-star-dies-at-51.html?hp&_r=0

He was great on the Sopranos, and in True Romance.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on June 25, 2013, 07:01:20 AM
No more bunga bunga? (http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2013/jun/24/silvio-berlusconi-guilty-underage-prostitute)   :(
Title: What is he waiting for?
Post by: Parsifal on June 25, 2013, 05:06:01 PM
It appears Snowden has been hiding in the transit area of Moscow Sheremetyevo airport for several days.  Since he has not attempted to leave the terminal he has not presented himself to Russian passport control and Russia can say with some justification that they have had nothing to do with him.  (He passed through Hong Kong passport control, so they can make no such denial.)

In principal Snowden can get on any plane that departs that terminal and fly anywhere without dealing with passport control of any country until he arrives and tries to leave the airport.  However, an airline will never let you on the plane until you satisfy them that you will be admitted to the country you are flying to (they don't want to be stuck with you).  Why did Aeroflot let him on board the plane, even if Hong Kong let him leave?  I don't suppose any airline that operates in the US would touch him with a 10 foot pole. 

What is his plan, I wonder?  What airline would take him as a passenger?  The US would probably seek to block any airline that transported him from every flying to a US airport, which can't be good for business.  Havana and North Korea seem like his only options.  (Is Snowden really that stupid?)  Fascinating. 

It seems like that Tom Hands movie, "The Terminal" come true.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on June 25, 2013, 05:55:57 PM
One can only hope that Snowden provided copies of everything he obtained to someone with the express instruction of releasing all of it at once in the event he dies in a fiery plane crash, or fiery car crash, à la Michael Hastings.  Accidents happen, you know.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on June 26, 2013, 05:24:41 AM
Ed Markey won the US Senate race here in the Commonwealth. (If Scott Brown accomplished nothing else — not to say he didn't accomplish anything else, though I do not happen to know of anything — he taught the Massachusetts Dems not to be compacent about any race.)  As Kerry's term is up shortly, anyway, Markey will resume campaigning before long to earn a proper six-year term.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on June 27, 2013, 07:00:51 AM
Has Obama contracted Biden's Foot In Mouth infection? (http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2013/jun/27/obama-edward-snowden-wheeling-dealing#start-of-comments)


I know the prez is fond of snarky jibes, but a comment about scrambling jets is a bit much for the Commander in Chief, it seems to me.  Did he come up with this sharp one on his own in response to the question from the reporter?  Maybe he just needs the reporters to politely submit questions before press conferences so he can follow a script.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Brian on June 27, 2013, 07:48:52 AM
He already screwed himself over on Syria last year, or maybe early this year?, with the "red line" comment where he offhandedly and impromptu-ly committed himself to fighting if the improvised line was crossed.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on June 27, 2013, 08:00:11 AM
Indeed.  Didn't TR suggest speaking softly and carrying a big stick?  Looks like Obama subscribes to the exact opposite approach.  I'm not certain this helps the US diplomatically.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Brian on June 27, 2013, 08:05:10 AM
Quote from: Todd on June 27, 2013, 08:00:11 AM
Indeed.  Didn't TR suggest speaking softly and carrying a big stick?  Looks like Obama subscribes to the exact opposite approach.  I'm not certain this helps the US diplomatically.
Alas, that seems to be the case.

The Senate just voted 100-0 in favor of the Transportation Secretary nominee. Wonder how often 100-0 is these days.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on June 27, 2013, 08:12:11 AM
Quote from: Brian on June 27, 2013, 08:05:10 AMThe Senate just voted 100-0 in favor of the Transportation Secretary nominee. Wonder how often 100-0 is these days.



Pretty rare.  Looks like Obama chose a safe nominee who knows how to schmooze.  It helps that it's the Transportation Department.  Leon Panetta garnered a 100-0 vote for Defense before he took the job, but as The Economist noted at the time, Panetta was everyone's idea of a safe pair of hands. 
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on June 28, 2013, 11:32:10 AM
Only 27 percent of eligible Massachusetts voters cast a ballot in Tuesday's election, a record low that fell short of even the secretary of State's pessimistic prediction that a third of voters would go to the polls.

RTWT here (http://www.csmonitor.com/USA/Elections/Senate/2013/0626/Edward-Markey-wins-a-low-turnout-big-spending-Massachusetts-Senate-race?nav=291938-csm_subcategory-leadStory).
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on June 30, 2013, 09:02:49 AM
International standing of the United States is at an all time high! (http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/eu-officials-furious-at-nsa-spying-in-brussels-and-germany-a-908614.html)

(Maybe Biden can work the phones a bit, and get the same type of satisfactory results he got by talking with Rafael Correa . . .)

Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Brian on June 30, 2013, 09:06:09 AM
I guess the NSA was recording the polling company's calls.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on July 01, 2013, 09:43:22 AM
Obama, the chief diplomat of the United States, has revealed the heretofore unknown fact that Europeans spy on the US. (http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2013/jul/01/obama-europe-monitoring-data-surveillance)  So, Mr Shoot From the Hip is relying on a "They Do It, Too!" style of diplomacy.  Splendid. 
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on July 02, 2013, 09:16:17 AM
Did Obama fib about how accurate drones are? (http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2013/jul/02/us-drone-strikes-afghan-civilians)  Inconceivable!  Note that the discrepancy is from a study conducted by a military adviser.

(This reminds me of a quip made by a general during the first Gulf War, which was something along the lines of: all bombs are smart; they all hit the ground.)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Parsifal on July 04, 2013, 07:11:35 AM
Egypt's first democratically elected president toppled in a military coup.

http://www.nytimes.com/2013/07/05/world/middleeast/egypt.html?hp

Sad.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on July 04, 2013, 08:48:49 AM
Sacre bleu!!!! (http://www.worldcrunch.com/world-affairs/exclusive-french-intelligence-has-its-own-version-of-prism/dgse-prism-secret-service-france-big-brother-/c1s12643/)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: ibanezmonster on July 04, 2013, 10:04:04 AM
Quote from: Scarpia on July 04, 2013, 07:11:35 AM
Egypt's first democratically elected president toppled in a military coup.

http://www.nytimes.com/2013/07/05/world/middleeast/egypt.html?hp

Sad.
What was interesting was a quote I heard a while ago- some young Egyptian guy remarking that the reason why any older person is always going to take the role of a dictator in Egypt is because they have dictators at home (fathers). It would be interesting to see if a younger person in power would be more appreciated (and less power-hungry).
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Parsifal on July 04, 2013, 10:07:22 AM
Quote from: Greg on July 04, 2013, 10:04:04 AM
What was interesting was a quote I heard a while ago- some young Egyptian guy remarking that the reason why any older person is always going to take the role of a dictator in Egypt is because they have dictators at home (fathers). It would be interesting to see if a younger person in power would be more appreciated (and less power-hungry).

What evidence do you have that he was "power hungry?"
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: ibanezmonster on July 04, 2013, 10:07:54 AM
Quote from: Scarpia on July 04, 2013, 10:07:22 AM
What evidence do you have that he was "power hungry?"
I'm saying what they said.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: North Star on July 07, 2013, 07:06:13 AM
Brazilian mob decapitates soccer referee after he stabs player
...12 Brazilian cities host the 2014 soccer World Cup and Rio de Janeiro the Olympic Games in 2016... (http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/feedarticle/10871761)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on July 07, 2013, 09:22:38 AM
D'you suppose it's all that Villa-Lobos they listen to? . . .
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: North Star on July 07, 2013, 01:06:22 PM
Quote from: karlhenning on July 07, 2013, 09:22:38 AM
D'you suppose it's all that Villa-Lobos they listen to? . . .
Shostakovich was an amateur soccer referee, you know - thank goodness not in Brazil!
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Parsifal on July 07, 2013, 01:17:36 PM
Quote from: North Star on July 07, 2013, 01:06:22 PM
Shostakovich was an amateur soccer referee, you know - thank goodness not in Brazil!

Well, I doubt Shostakovich ever murdered a player on the field, as the decapitated referee apparently did.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: North Star on July 07, 2013, 01:42:47 PM
Quote from: Scarpia on July 07, 2013, 01:17:36 PM
Well, I doubt Shostakovich ever murdered a player on the field, as the decapitated referee apparently did.

Obviously not - though we don't know whether the murdered player threatened the referee or tried to attack him. And there was the Colombian soccer player Andrés Escobar (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Andr%C3%A9s_Escobar), who was killed by a cartel bodyguard and accomplices for accidentally deflecting the ball into his own net in a game against USA, resulting in their elimination - and big losses for gamblers.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Geo Dude on July 08, 2013, 10:18:47 AM
Rick Perry just announced that he won't be making another (likely successful) run for governor of Texas.


Good riddance!
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on July 08, 2013, 10:22:41 AM
If such a run would likely succeed . . . one wonders why he's giving it over.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Parsifal on July 08, 2013, 10:53:31 AM
Quote from: karlhenning on July 08, 2013, 10:22:41 AM
If such a run would likely succeed . . . one wonders why he's giving it over.

Needs to spend more time memorizing the list of cabinet departments he would abolish as President.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Geo Dude on July 08, 2013, 07:09:04 PM
Quote from: karlhenning on July 08, 2013, 10:22:41 AM
If such a run would likely succeed . . . one wonders why he's giving it over.

Perhaps after a 12 year empire he's bored?  He may be thinking of another presidential run...he seems to lack the self-awareness required to realize what a disaster that would be.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on July 09, 2013, 05:13:19 AM
Quote from: Geo Dude on July 08, 2013, 07:09:04 PM
Perhaps after a 12 year empire he's bored?  He may be thinking of another presidential run...he seems to lack the self-awareness required to realize what a disaster that would be.

That would certainly be considered a plus for the Democratic Party.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on July 09, 2013, 06:24:53 AM
Quote from: karlhenning on July 09, 2013, 05:13:19 AMThat would certainly be considered a plus for the Democratic Party.




First he would need to win the nomination.  Not saying it couldn't happen, but he couldn't beat the field of B, C, and D-list talent last time out. 
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Brian on July 09, 2013, 06:42:23 AM
Quote from: Geo Dude on July 08, 2013, 10:18:47 AM
Rick Perry just announced that he won't be making another (likely successful) run for governor of Texas.

Good riddance!
Unfortunately, we're now stuck with Greg Abbott, unless Wendy Davis can convince all the old fuddy-duddies not to vote.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on July 09, 2013, 06:59:52 AM
Quote from: Todd on July 09, 2013, 06:24:53 AM
First he would need to win the nomination.  Not saying it couldn't happen, but he couldn't beat the field of B, C, and D-list talent last time out. 

A good point, but if he's a player for long in the primaries, a plus for the Democratic Party, as it was last year. There are factions in the G.O.P. which it is in the party's own interests to put a lid on, and put it on tight.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Geo Dude on July 09, 2013, 09:21:14 AM
Quote from: karlhenning on July 09, 2013, 06:59:52 AM
There are factions in the G.O.P. which it is in the party's own interests to put a lid on, and put it on tight.

It's hard to argue with that.

Quote from: sanantonio on July 09, 2013, 07:08:16 AM
I haven't lived in Texas for a while and so have no basis for comparison.  What was it about his term(s) in office that you found unsatisfactory?

The battle he's waged on women's rights, LGBT rights and education immediately come to mind--specifically, in regards to education, trying to shove creationism into science classes and (bad) right wing revisionism into history classes--are all issues.  I'm also not fond of his "Let's make Texas a great state for business by cutting away as many water and air quality regulations as possible" attitude.  Or trying to literally make the state into a (nuclear) dumping ground for the rest of the country.  And his shilling for toll road companies.  And...Christ, I lean more libertarian (occasionally conservative) than left for the most part, and the guy still drives me nuts.  The list could go on.

Let's not worry too much, though, Governor Goodhair's legacy will no doubt be revised in Texas history books to make him the best governor the state ever had if the current abuse of textbooks that he's helped start continues.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on July 09, 2013, 09:23:41 AM
Governor Goodhair . . . you brought me back to Romney's tenure here in The Bay State with that 'un . . . .
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Geo Dude on July 09, 2013, 09:25:15 AM
Quote from: karlhenning on July 09, 2013, 09:23:41 AM
Governor Goodhair . . . you brought me back to Romney's tenure here in The Bay State with that 'un . . . .

Well, he always did have well coiffed hair on the campaign trail. ;D
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Brian on July 09, 2013, 09:36:56 AM
Quote from: Geo Dude on July 09, 2013, 09:21:14 AMspecifically, in regards to education, trying to shove creationism into science classes and (bad) right wing revisionism into history classes--
You missed his efforts to control public universities' curricula.

And also, a few weeks ago Rick Perry vetoed a bill by mistake (http://www.statesman.com/news/news/state-regional-govt-politics/senator-says-perry-vetoed-his-bill-by-mistake/nYQzB/). Oops!
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on July 09, 2013, 09:46:55 AM
Quote from: Brian on July 09, 2013, 09:36:56 AMAnd also, a few weeks ago Rick Perry vetoed a bill by mistake (http://www.statesman.com/news/news/state-regional-govt-politics/senator-says-perry-vetoed-his-bill-by-mistake/nYQzB/).



"It is much more important to kill bad bills than to pass good ones."  Calvin Coolidge


Let's give the man with the mane the benefit of the doubt, here; he was trying to kill bad legislation.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on July 09, 2013, 09:49:41 AM
Some good news for the US! (http://www.salon.com/2013/07/08/mexico_replaces_us_as_worlds_fattest_populous_nation_partner/)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: North Star on July 09, 2013, 10:00:35 AM
Quote from: Todd on July 09, 2013, 09:49:41 AM
Some good news for the US! (http://www.salon.com/2013/07/08/mexico_replaces_us_as_worlds_fattest_populous_nation_partner/)
Yeah, you can have bigger holes in the fence now :D
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on July 09, 2013, 10:14:51 AM
QuoteWeight-related diabetes claims the most Mexican lives each year, with nearly one of every six Mexican adults suffering from the disease. Heart and related ailments round out the list of the country's top killers.

Diabetes alone kills as many as 70,000 people a year in Mexico . . . .

(* sigh *) That's what claimed my dad, too.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Parsifal on July 11, 2013, 08:01:36 AM
The latest is that the summer concerts have been canceled and meetings to decide on whether to have more meetings seem to have broken down.

http://artsbeat.blogs.nytimes.com/2013/07/11/as-labor-dispute-drags-on-minnesota-orchestra-cancels-summer-concerts/?src=twrhp

Maybe this is the end of the Minnesota Orchestra.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Parsifal on July 11, 2013, 09:36:05 AM
Quote from: sanantonio on July 11, 2013, 08:13:51 AM
Sad for Minnesotans, I really hope it is just a bump in the road.  Here in Nashville the Symphony was on the verge of bankruptcy before being saved by a long time donor literally hours before the deadline.  Hopefully, they can get their financial house in order; it is a good group with imaginative programming.

Remember the phrase "corporate citizenship?"  When corporations had a geographic identity it was important.  Now that the economy is increasingly dominated by multinational corporations I suspect the concept has become obsolete.  I suspect Minnesota donors are already tapped out by a renovation of the concert hall a few years ago which gave the orchestra a hall with a state-of-the-art lobby and amenities.  Too bad there's no orchestra there anymore.  :(
 
http://www.minnesotaorchestra.org/give-a-volunteer/building-for-the-future/construction/about-the-renovated-orchestra-hall

Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: North Star on July 11, 2013, 09:42:18 AM
This is terrible to hear. Will be interesting to see where's Vänskä's new post.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Parsifal on July 11, 2013, 01:50:18 PM
Quote from: North Star on July 11, 2013, 09:42:18 AM
This is terrible to hear. Will be interesting to see where's Vänskä's new post.

Vanska has threatened to resign if the situation is not resolved in time for a scheduled Carnegie Hall Concert and/or recording session.  At the moment, he's keeping his options open.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: North Star on July 11, 2013, 02:07:14 PM
Quote from: Scarpia on July 11, 2013, 01:50:18 PM
Vanska has threatened to resign if the situation is not resolved in time for a scheduled Carnegie Hall Concert and/or recording session.  At the moment, he's keeping his options open.
It's a shame if he won't be able to finish the Sibelius cycle.

On the subject of unimportant news: it is now one o'clock in the morning here, and some jerk (or two) are working with a nail gun and compressor. Might not bother others, but I'm listening to Webern.  >:(
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Parsifal on July 11, 2013, 02:17:20 PM
Quote from: North Star on July 11, 2013, 02:07:14 PM
It's a shame if he won't be able to finish the Sibelius cycle.

On the subject of unimportant news: it is now one o'clock in the morning here, and some jerk (or two) are working with a nail gun and compressor. Might not bother others, but I'm listening to Webern.  >:(

Well, he's already lost close to a year of his professional life.  I'm not sure why he would want to wait any longer.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: North Star on July 11, 2013, 02:26:30 PM
Quote from: Scarpia on July 11, 2013, 02:17:20 PM
Well, he's already lost close to a year of his professional life.  I'm not sure why he would want to wait any longer.
Indeed.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Brian on July 11, 2013, 03:16:10 PM
Microsoft told the NSA how to unlock the software encryption on Outlook emails. (http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2013/jul/11/microsoft-nsa-collaboration-user-data)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on July 12, 2013, 08:24:59 AM
Hopefully, Senator Wyden is correct, (http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2013/jul/12/senator-ron-wyden-white-house-data-collection) though this strikes me as a first step only, and then only if it actually happens.  I'd wager on it, but the problem is that we will probably never know, especially if Obama and his crew keep squeezing the press. 
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on July 14, 2013, 06:24:43 PM
Next-gen drone warfare is just around the corner. (http://www.latimes.com/business/money/la-fi-mo-navy-drone-x47b-20130709,0,6990478.story)  Just remember, the USA are the good guys.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on July 15, 2013, 11:42:49 AM
Possibly stemming from the era of the nearly banned super-size soft drinks . . . an mp3 album where Amazon has the unfortunate typo Symphonie Fat-astique (http://www.amazon.com/The-Alan-Gilbert-Era-Begins/dp/B0060BNK3M/ref=sr_1_7?s=dmusic&ie=UTF8&qid=1373917231&sr=1-7&keywords=Gilbert%2C+Alan)
Title: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Geo Dude on July 16, 2013, 04:13:54 AM

Quote from: karlhenning on July 15, 2013, 11:42:49 AM
Possibly stemming from the era of the nearly banned super-size soft drinks . . . an mp3 album where Amazon has the unfortunate typo Symphonie Fat-astique (http://www.amazon.com/The-Alan-Gilbert-Era-Begins/dp/B0060BNK3M/ref=sr_1_7?s=dmusic&ie=UTF8&qid=1373917231&sr=1-7&keywords=Gilbert%2C+Alan)

Hah!

You know, Bloomberg has a lot of money and NYC is certainly a classical loving city...perhaps you could get him to commission a sequel and have your big commercial break. ;)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on July 16, 2013, 04:17:52 AM
(* chortle *)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Geo Dude on July 17, 2013, 04:33:25 AM
I suppose that any publicity is good publicity... (http://www.foxnews.com/entertainment/2013/07/17/rolling-stone-features-dzhokhar-tsarnaev-on-cover/)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on July 17, 2013, 01:42:17 PM
Time to get hopping mad? (http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2013/jul/17/nsa-surveillance-house-hearing)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Parsifal on July 18, 2013, 12:42:49 PM
The city of Detroit, once the forth most populous city in the US, has filed for bankruptcy

http://www.nytimes.com/2013/07/19/us/detroit-files-for-bankruptcy.html

The Detroit Symphony is still operating (they still have electricity, apparently). 
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on July 19, 2013, 03:54:11 AM
It will be the ultimate insult if they have to shoot RoboCop III in Akron . . . .
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on July 22, 2013, 08:53:44 AM
Well, I guess I'll have to cross the UK off my list of potential places to live . . . (http://www.guardian.co.uk/technology/2013/jul/22/david-cameron-crackdown-internet-pornography)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Geo Dude on July 23, 2013, 06:22:05 AM
Massive prison break in Abu Ghraib (http://worldnews.nbcnews.com/_news/2013/07/22/19615653-al-qaeda-prison-break-hundreds-of-militants-flee-iraqs-notorious-abu-ghraib-jail).  Mind you, this qualifies as unimportant because the Royal Baby matters more. :P



(I've got nothing against the baby or the parents, I just think it's ridiculous that it gets more news coverage than something like that.)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on July 23, 2013, 06:32:22 AM
Quote from: Geo Dude on July 23, 2013, 06:22:05 AMMassive prison break in Abu Ghraib (http://worldnews.nbcnews.com/_news/2013/07/22/19615653-al-qaeda-prison-break-hundreds-of-militants-flee-iraqs-notorious-abu-ghraib-jail)



I'd hate to be the keeper of disposition matrix this morning.  A case of the Mondays - on a Tuesday!
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Geo Dude on July 24, 2013, 09:39:27 AM
Evil men, beware...of the Burka Avenger. (http://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/ap-exclusive-pakistans-hero-burka-avenger-19759553)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Geo Dude on July 25, 2013, 12:27:53 PM
Yeah, this pretty much summarizes the situation... (http://www.smbc-comics.com/comics/20130725.png)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Brian on July 27, 2013, 09:35:40 AM
I love how originally this thread was about unimportant news but at some point the title became sarcastic and now it's about major news stories.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Geo Dude on July 28, 2013, 12:37:18 PM
Quote from: Brian on July 27, 2013, 09:35:40 AM
I love how originally this thread was about unimportant news but at some point the title became sarcastic and now it's about major news stories.

To be fair, we do get some unimportant news here.  For example, this one has shades of the polygamy debate (http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/05/17/socially-anxiety-dating-government-should-pay-women-date-men_n_3293626.html) in it.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on July 29, 2013, 06:25:07 AM
Something for American authorities to ponder in light of the news that Mexico is now fatter than the US. (http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-23475583)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: ibanezmonster on July 29, 2013, 08:43:49 PM

QuoteTAVARES, Fla. -
Injuries have been reported after an apparent large scale explosion and fire that happened at a Blue Rhino propane facility on County Road 448 just south of Lake Eustis late Monday night, according to Lake County EMS officials.
http://www.clickorlando.com/news/major-explosion-fire-at-propane-facility-in-tavares/-/1637132/21239266/-/xjbrv6z/-/index.html


So I guess this is what I've been hearing for the last two hours... continuing explosions.

Quote"It sounds like bombs are going off," Norma Haygood said.

Locals from miles away said they heard and felt the explosions.
Exactly.

http://www.wesh.com/news/central-florida/locals-report-seeing-explosions-in-tavares-area/-/11788162/21238754/-/2fkube/-/index.html


http://www.youtube.com/v/3XiwxRxrJdQ
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Gurn Blanston on July 31, 2013, 05:57:58 AM
Actually, I thought this was rather more important to some of us than to others!

Stolen Strad finally found - British Transport Police said Tuesday they found a stolen 300-year-old Stradivarius violin worth more than $1 million, along with two bows valued at more than $105,000.

Police released few details about how they found the items that were stolen in late 2010 near a London train station. They were found at a house in central England.

The violin was recovered intact with some very minor damage, they said.

"We're delighted to have recovered the violin after a long and very complex investigation," said Detective Chief Inspector Simon Taylor, who led the hunt.

He said members of other police forces, an insurance company, and antique dealers helped with the investigation.

Two teenagers were arrested and sentenced in 2011 in connection with the theft of the 1696 Stradivarius.

The violin's owner, acclaimed violinist Min Jin Kym, noticed her case containing the violin and bows was missing and called police.

She said she thought about the theft every day, even in her dreams, and was elated to learn it was found.

Stradivarius violins were made by the world's most celebrated violin maker, Antonio Stradivari, in the 1600s.

It is thought that from 1666, the Cremona, Italy-born Stradivari made 1,116 instruments, of which more than 600 are still in existence, including violas, cellos, mandolins and guitars.

During the 18th century, his unrivaled reputation extended throughout Europe where his instruments were coveted by royalty, aristocracy, church dignitaries and top musicians because of the extraordinary sound they were capable of producing.

Stradivari made his last violin in 1737 when he was 92. (http://www.cnn.com/2013/07/30/world/europe/uk-violin-found/index.html?hpt=hp_c3)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on July 31, 2013, 06:02:17 AM
Thank you, Gurn. I had seen the headline, but hadn't looked into the story yet.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on July 31, 2013, 06:41:26 AM
Just when you thought you've found the dumbest possible regulation . . . (http://www.thelocal.se/49336/20130730/)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Szykneij on July 31, 2013, 11:23:08 AM
Sweet story.

http://www.purpleclover.com/video/721-5-year-old-prodigy-performs-101-year-old/?icid=maing-grid10%7Chtmlws-main-nb%7Cdl7%7Csec3_lnk1%26pLid%3D351799
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: ibanezmonster on July 31, 2013, 12:04:31 PM
http://www.theonion.com/articles/fucking-loser-at-movie-all-by-himself,33302/
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Sergeant Rock on August 01, 2013, 08:00:26 AM
Lindsay Lohan leaves rehab:

http://www.wwtdd.com/2013/07/lindsay-lohan-leaves-rehab/


"Statistically speaking, there's only a hundred percent chance that Lindsay will start using again."
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Gurn Blanston on August 01, 2013, 08:10:35 AM
Quote from: Sergeant Rock on August 01, 2013, 08:00:26 AM
Lindsay Lohan leaves rehab:

http://www.wwtdd.com/2013/07/lindsay-lohan-leaves-rehab/


"Statistically speaking, there's only a hundred percent chance that Lindsay will start using again."

But she has her Sobriety Coach now.... :D

8)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Dancing Divertimentian on August 01, 2013, 09:33:32 AM
Hummmm..... (http://www.nbcnews.com/science/mysterious-hum-driving-people-crazy-around-world-6C10760872)


Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: ibanezmonster on August 01, 2013, 09:47:17 AM
Quote from: Dancing Divertimentian on August 01, 2013, 09:33:32 AM
Hummmm..... (http://www.nbcnews.com/science/mysterious-hum-driving-people-crazy-around-world-6C10760872)
Interesting...
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Dancing Divertimentian on August 01, 2013, 11:07:29 AM
Quote from: Greg on August 01, 2013, 09:47:17 AM
Interesting...

And seeing as I'm approaching 50 I think I'd better avoid those parts of the world. :D


Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on August 02, 2013, 06:51:12 AM
I thought Russia was our ally. (http://www.nytimes.com/2013/08/02/world/europe/edward-snowden-russia.html?_r=0) 

Truth be told, what I like most is the headline: Defiant Russia Grants Snowden Year's Asylum.  The implication seems to be that all sovereign nations should agree to demands from Emperor Obama.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Parsifal on August 02, 2013, 07:00:49 AM
The thing that struck me about that story is that Snowden's "lawyer" held up his passport and displayed his Russian visa for the press to photograph.  Now we have lots of interesting tidbits about Snowden, such as date of birth, passport number, etc.  Even his fingerprint is clearly visible.  That can't be good.

Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on August 05, 2013, 01:50:13 PM
Another venerable paper now in the clutches of an evil billionaire! (http://www.washingtonpost.com/national/washington-post-to-be-sold-to-jeff-bezos/2013/08/05/ca537c9e-fe0c-11e2-9711-3708310f6f4d_story.html)


(When I saw the headline, I was happy, because I thought my Amazon Prime account might afford me unlimited access to the WAPO site, but no, it looks like this is possibly Bezos' personal plaything.)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: modUltralaser on August 15, 2013, 07:57:44 PM
Oprah is blowing it. Pulls the race card purchasing a 38,000 bag and is now found to be pro-circumcision.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on August 16, 2013, 06:36:00 AM
I am shocked, shocked to learn that secret orders by secret courts were secretly ignored. (http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/national-security/nsa-broke-privacy-rules-thousands-of-times-per-year-audit-finds/2013/08/15/3310e554-05ca-11e3-a07f-49ddc7417125_story.html?hpid=z1) 


How I love this sentence: The government was made aware of The Post's intention to publish the documents that accompany this article online.  Go get 'em, Tiger!
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Parsifal on August 17, 2013, 07:34:31 PM
I read that Don Harmon is returning as showrunner in Community Season 5 (after being fired before season 4).
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on August 22, 2013, 06:09:40 AM
Some of the better aspects of ACA are starting to materialize. (http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2013-08-21/ups-to-end-insurance-coverage-for-15-000-working-spouses.html)  Oddly, this doesn't square with what the Prez said in 2009 in New Jersey:

First of all, if you've got health insurance, you like your doctors, you like your plan, you can keep your doctor, you can keep your plan.  Nobody is talking about taking that away from you.

Now, of course, many American Lefties/Progressives/Democrats will say that this is purely because of big, bad greedy companies wanting to pinch pennies, or what not, but it seems to me the Prez fibbed and his supporters like being fibbed to. 
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on August 29, 2013, 07:03:05 AM
One word comes to mind: Classy. (http://www.theguardian.com/society/2013/aug/26/zurich-drive-in-garages-prostitutes)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Opus106 on August 29, 2013, 07:11:29 AM
And they have publicly available customer reviews too!

QuoteHe added: "They do a great job..."
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Dancing Divertimentian on August 29, 2013, 03:58:24 PM
Quote from: Todd on August 29, 2013, 07:03:05 AM
One word comes to mind: Classy. (http://www.theguardian.com/society/2013/aug/26/zurich-drive-in-garages-prostitutes)

LOL!!


Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Brian on August 30, 2013, 06:38:32 AM
Wait, so let me get this straight. The only foreign power that's gonna fully support us when we jump into a new war is... France?!??!

What a difference 10 years makes.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on August 30, 2013, 07:11:16 AM
Congress's next move: rechristening them Freedom Muffins!!
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on August 30, 2013, 10:10:51 AM
Quote from: Brian on August 30, 2013, 06:38:32 AMWait, so let me get this straight. The only foreign power that's gonna fully support us when we jump into a new war is... France?!??!

What a difference 10 years makes.


The support should be considered equivocal. (http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/politics/syria-crisis-france-is-no-longer-shouldertoshoulder-with-us-8790541.html)

I suppose this could be France's way of paying us back for support in Libya and Mali, where the French got to act like Imperial masters from days gone by.  Vive la France!
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Brian on September 04, 2013, 07:46:52 PM
BREAKING: François Hollande is happy.

(http://s3-ec.buzzfed.com/static/enhanced/webdr05/2013/9/4/21/enhanced-buzz-19939-1378344050-0.jpg)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on September 04, 2013, 08:06:34 PM
Quote from: Brian on September 04, 2013, 07:46:52 PM
BREAKING: François Hollande is happy.

(http://s3-ec.buzzfed.com/static/enhanced/webdr05/2013/9/4/21/enhanced-buzz-19939-1378344050-0.jpg)



How did that guy manage to get Ségolène Royal and Valerie Trierweiler?  (Maybe lefty women are secretly attracted to powerful men, though they dare not admit it.)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: ibanezmonster on September 05, 2013, 11:02:40 AM
Quote from: Todd on September 04, 2013, 08:06:34 PM


How did that guy manage to get Ségolène Royal and Valerie Trierweiler?  (Maybe lefty women are secretly attracted to powerful men, though they dare not admit it.)
What a politically incorrect statement. Women aren't especially attracted to men with power or money.  :P ;)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on September 06, 2013, 08:34:45 AM
This kind of makes me think that electronic voting is a good idea. (http://www.theguardian.com/world/2013/sep/05/nsa-gchq-encryption-codes-security)



[Edit: updated to today's revelations, not July's.  They are becoming too similar.]
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Parsifal on September 06, 2013, 05:00:55 PM

This graph shows the percentage of the US population which has a job or is looking for a job.

(http://l2.yimg.com/bt/api/res/1.2/SQPTlGzDVl.CDqVfxO5fmg--/YXBwaWQ9eW5ld3M7cT04NTt3PTQ5OA--/http://media.zenfs.com/en/blogs/the-exchange/LFPRFromBLS.png)

Oh dear,  unemployment is inching down from crisis levels just because more and more people have given up finding a job.  Most of those who gave up are in the 18-24 year old age group.  Yikes!

Maybe Syria isn't our biggest problem right now.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on September 06, 2013, 06:27:11 PM
Quote from: Scarpia on September 06, 2013, 05:00:55 PMMaybe Syria isn't our biggest problem right now.



It's impossible for any sane person to argue with that, though a protracted, large-scale war could add to employment . . .
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Parsifal on September 06, 2013, 06:32:26 PM
Quote from: Todd on September 06, 2013, 06:27:11 PMIt's impossible for any sane person to argue with that, though a protracted, large-scale war could add to employment . . .

You're suggesting that we can send all those unemployed and unemployable 18-24 year olds to be gassed in Syria?  No wonder they call economics "the dismal science."
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on September 06, 2013, 06:33:53 PM
Quote from: Scarpia on September 06, 2013, 06:32:26 PMYou're suggesting that we can send all those unemployed and unemployable 18-24 year olds to be gassed in Syria?  No wonder they call economics "the dismal science."


I was thinking more along the lines of weapons manufacture, but your idea has its merits.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: ibanezmonster on September 06, 2013, 06:58:45 PM
Quote from: Scarpia on September 06, 2013, 06:32:26 PM
You're suggesting that we can send all those unemployed and unemployable 18-24 year olds to be gassed in Syria?  No wonder they call economics "the dismal science."
That'll teach 'em a lesson for livin'! Murrica!
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on September 07, 2013, 07:57:05 AM
A local story, but one that I do enjoy. (http://www.oregonlive.com/business/index.ssf/2013/09/solarworld_files_court_appeal.html)  A foreign corporation operating in the US wants the US Federal Government to raise tariffs - again - on the Chinese.  Even Willis Hawley himself might have had a problem with this.  One thing is certain, the consumer will win in the end.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: springrite on September 09, 2013, 04:55:54 AM
A 64 year old Japanese profession and former Olympic athlete suggested that Hide and Seek should be added as an Olympic sport. He believes Tokyo winning its bid for the summer games is the best opportunity to help add Hide and Seek as an Olympic sport. H&S does not require great physical ability, so everyone can participate. It will help many people realise their Olympic dreams where previously it can only be a dream.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on September 09, 2013, 04:59:45 AM
Quote from: springrite on September 09, 2013, 04:55:54 AM
A 64 year old Japanese profession and former Olympic athlete suggested that Hide and Seek should be added as an Olympic sport.

Take it to the Python, Monty thread, buddy!

http://www.youtube.com/v/Ycb9_Y_gJ-g
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on September 11, 2013, 08:20:35 AM
Let's see if this gets snyprrr riled up . . . (http://www.theguardian.com/world/2013/sep/11/nsa-americans-personal-data-israel-documents)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on September 16, 2013, 04:36:00 AM
Quote from: Todd on September 11, 2013, 08:20:35 AM
Let's see if this gets snyprrr riled up . . . (http://www.theguardian.com/world/2013/sep/11/nsa-americans-personal-data-israel-documents)

You're a cruel man!

Thread duty:

Hawaii's Allure Is Also a Curse (http://www.pewstates.org/projects/stateline/headlines/hawaiis-allure-is-also-a-curse-85899504290)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: North Star on September 17, 2013, 03:26:06 AM
At last, there is scientific proof that homosexuality is wrong ... proof found by a Nigerian post-grad student with bar magnets and electrolysis  ::).

“For example, when you bring sulphuric acid and you reacts it with sodium hydroxide which is a base you are going to have salt and water. That tells you that the acid is a different body, the base is a different body and they will react. (...) If you bring a base (...) and you pour it on top of a sodium hydroxide you find out that there will be reaction showing that a man on top of a man will have no reaction. A woman on top of a woman will have no reaction, that is what chemistry is showing. Even in chemistry when you also use a process called electrolysis (...) you found that the negative ions will be attracted to the positive ones while the positive ions will be attracted to the negative ones. So the negative ones are not attracted to their peers, they are all attracted to the positive electrode and the positive ones are not attracted to the positive electrode. Instead, the negative ion is attracted to positive electrodes and why is it that the negative is attracted to the positive? It is because they are not the same. Likewise a man cannot be attracted to a man as negative ion is not attracted to the negative electrode instead negative ion is attracted to the positive electrode. That is what electrolysis is showing us that gay marriage is wrong in the area of chemistry." (http://www.thisdaylive.com/articles/science-of-gay-marriage/158265/)

Oh, and he also uses as further proof mathematics...
Quote“If you go on the Internet to check whether there is anybody who has used physics to prove gay marriage wrong, you find out there is none. You go to Google or youtube check whether there is anybody that has used chemistry to find same sex marriage wrong, you find out there is none and the same applies to biology and mathematics."
There might be a very good reason for why nobody else has used mathematics, chemistry or physics. to prove that gay marriage is wrong..
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on September 17, 2013, 03:45:01 AM
Another day, another bit of junk science . . . .
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on September 17, 2013, 09:53:39 AM
Poor, poor casting, methinks . . . (http://www.usatoday.com/story/life/people/2013/09/17/leonardo-dicaprio-woodrow-wilson-biopic/2825623/)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Brian on September 17, 2013, 09:58:17 AM
Quote from: Todd on September 17, 2013, 09:53:39 AM
Poor, poor casting, methinks . . . (http://www.usatoday.com/story/life/people/2013/09/17/leonardo-dicaprio-woodrow-wilson-biopic/2825623/)
I was very surprised to see that Leo is 38 and Woodrow Wilson became president at 46. I thought Leo was younger and Wilson was older.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Brian on September 17, 2013, 09:58:37 AM
The lead singer of As I Lay Dying, a heavy metal band with a Christian message, will stand trial on charges he tried to hire an undercover sheriff's deputy to kill his estranged wife, Reuters reported.

On Monday a judge in San Diego County ordered the singer, Tim Lambesis, 32, to be tried in superior court in Vista, Calif. He was arrested in May and charged with soliciting the murder of his wife, Meggan Lambesis. They had been married for eight years, but the relationship fell apart in the spring of 2012 and she had filed for divorce.

The county sheriff said Mr. Lambesis gave an undercover deputy, posing as a hitman named Red, $1,000 in cash, photos of his wife, her address and codes to her home security system. He also gave the deputy a list of dates when he would have their three adopted children with him.

Mr. Lambesis has pleaded not guilty. His lawyer has said he never intended for his spouse to be harmed.
http://artsbeat.blogs.nytimes.com/2013/09/17/metal-singer-to-be-tried-in-murder-for-hire-case/?smid=nytimesarts
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on September 17, 2013, 10:01:03 AM
There's a fellow with a Cristian message. Oof.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on September 17, 2013, 10:11:24 AM
Quote from: Brian on September 17, 2013, 09:58:17 AMWoodrow Wilson became president at 46.



He was 56.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Brian on September 17, 2013, 10:46:46 AM
Quote from: Todd on September 17, 2013, 10:11:24 AM
He was 56.
Oops.

I used to be good at math.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: ibanezmonster on September 17, 2013, 10:49:37 AM
Quote from: Brian on September 17, 2013, 09:58:37 AM
The lead singer of As I Lay Dying, a heavy metal band with a Christian message, will stand trial on charges he tried to hire an undercover sheriff's deputy to kill his estranged wife, Reuters reported.
Renamed: "As My Wife Lays Dying"
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on September 17, 2013, 10:51:42 AM
As My Wife Lies Dying (sorry, ought to be over at The Grumble, I know)   ;D
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: ibanezmonster on September 17, 2013, 11:18:04 AM
Quote from: karlhenning on September 17, 2013, 10:51:42 AM
As My Wife Lies Dying (sorry, ought to be over at The Grumble, I know)   ;D
I know, just sticking to the band's format.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on September 17, 2013, 11:20:11 AM
It is well. Это хорошо.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on September 18, 2013, 03:45:55 AM
Quote from: Greg on September 17, 2013, 11:18:04 AM
I know, just sticking to the band's format.

Greg, if you feel that I was bullying you (http://www.good-music-guide.com/community/index.php/topic,10977.msg741467.html#msg741467) in even the slightest, I wish to apologize, publicly and abjectly.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Papy Oli on September 18, 2013, 02:26:16 PM
http://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2013/sep/18/bbc-presenter-broadcast-paper-ipad (http://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2013/sep/18/bbc-presenter-broadcast-paper-ipad)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: North Star on September 18, 2013, 09:36:38 PM
Quote from: Papy Oli on September 18, 2013, 02:26:16 PM
http://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2013/sep/18/bbc-presenter-broadcast-paper-ipad (http://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2013/sep/18/bbc-presenter-broadcast-paper-ipad)
:D Reminds me of the Finnish national broadcasting company's English News presenter who got fired...
http://www.youtube.com/v/iKANLsIClpw
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Parsifal on September 19, 2013, 04:40:45 AM
Quote from: North Star on September 18, 2013, 09:36:38 PM
:D Reminds me of the Finnish nationald broadcasting company's English News presenter who got fired...
http://www.youtube.com/watch/v/iKANLsIClpw

White box, pretty innocuous.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: North Star on September 19, 2013, 04:43:46 AM
Quote from: Scarpia on September 19, 2013, 04:40:45 AM
White box, pretty innocuous.
Fixed. (I wouldn't like to see a white box instead of the news broadcast, though.)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: ibanezmonster on September 19, 2013, 04:50:28 AM
Quote from: North Star on September 18, 2013, 09:36:38 PM
:D Reminds me of the Finnish nationald broadcasting company's English News presenter who got fired...
:P
That had to have been a joke that didn't quite have the expected impact...



Quote from: karlhenning on September 18, 2013, 03:45:55 AM
Greg, if you feel that I was bullying you (http://www.good-music-guide.com/community/index.php/topic,10977.msg741467.html#msg741467) in even the slightest, I wish to apologize, publicly and abjectly.
Not at all... lol, the idea of correcting someone's grammar being "bullying" is a strange one.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Parsifal on September 19, 2013, 04:51:45 AM
Quote from: Greg on September 19, 2013, 04:50:28 AM
:P
That had to have been a joke that didn't quite have the expected impact...

I can only conclude that that concept of a "joke" has not reached Finland.  :(
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Opus106 on September 19, 2013, 05:38:01 AM
Quote from: Papy Oli on September 18, 2013, 02:26:16 PM
http://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2013/sep/18/bbc-presenter-broadcast-paper-ipad (http://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2013/sep/18/bbc-presenter-broadcast-paper-ipad)

I love the one from outside St. Mary's Hospital.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on September 20, 2013, 09:21:04 AM
File under: Holy Shit! (http://www.theguardian.com/world/2013/sep/20/usaf-atomic-bomb-north-carolina-1961)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on September 20, 2013, 09:37:44 AM
How good and pleasant that we can read that in The unimportant news thread!
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Cato on September 20, 2013, 09:58:55 AM
Quote from: Todd on September 20, 2013, 09:21:04 AM
File under: Holy ... (http://www.theguardian.com/world/2013/sep/20/usaf-atomic-bomb-north-carolina-1961)

Having grown up near Wright-Patterson AFB in Dayton, I can attest that squadrons of B-52's and their KC-135 tankers were in the air daily back in the good old days!

We were often told "officially" that no nuclear bombs were in the airplanes, and if they were in the B-52's, that they could not detonate because of all the safeguards.

But everyone knew...it was just the risk of living in the Cold War.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on September 20, 2013, 10:31:57 AM
Ah, yes, all the safeguards . . . although Kubrick made it into a black comedy, the source novel for Dr Strangelove was apparently in dead earnest.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on September 24, 2013, 07:24:23 PM
I was wondering what Dominique Strauss-Kahn has been up to lately. (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2430551/Patrick-sexist-Western-lowland-gorilla-Dallas-Zoo-sent-therapy-biting-female.html)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: knight66 on September 28, 2013, 06:27:44 AM
Goodness me, he has let himself go.

Mike
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Parsifal on September 30, 2013, 08:51:04 AM
The New York City Opera is closing, after 70 years.

http://www.nytimes.com/2013/09/29/arts/music/city-opera-takes-what-is-expected-to-be-a-final-bow.html?_r=0
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Szykneij on October 01, 2013, 12:35:17 PM
After some initial digs, a Dutch filmmaker believes he may have found the site of buried Nazi treasure long rumored to exist. He was led to the Bavarian town of Mittenwald after cracking a code believed to be hidden in a music score --  an annotated score of the "March Impromptu" by composer Gottfried Federlein.  


http://abcnews.go.com/International/secret-code-music-score-lead-nazi-gold/story?id=20323786 (http://abcnews.go.com/International/secret-code-music-score-lead-nazi-gold/story?id=20323786)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on October 01, 2013, 01:14:18 PM
Nazi gold is even better than pirate gold!
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on October 04, 2013, 06:14:39 PM
So, I'm guessing gas prices should be coming down soon . . . (http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052702303492504579111360245276476.html)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Parsifal on October 05, 2013, 05:28:34 AM
According to this Times article, one reason the NY City Opera went bust is some of its wealthy patrons weren't amused the production of an Opera based on the life of Anna Nicole Smith and the octogenarian oil tycoon she married.

http://www.nytimes.com/2013/10/05/arts/music/the-frenzied-last-act-effort-to-save-city-opera.html?hp
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on October 06, 2013, 09:07:21 AM
This must be part of the 'winning hearts and minds' strategy. (http://america.aljazeera.com/articles/2013/10/5/five-afghan-civilianskilledinnatoairstrikeofficialssay.html)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on October 10, 2013, 08:01:29 AM
Nothing to see here. (http://www.cpj.org/reports/2013/10/obama-and-the-press-us-leaks-surveillance-post-911.php)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on October 11, 2013, 03:37:50 PM
In the words of Richie Cusack from A History of Violence: "How do you fuck that up? (http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-202_162-57606961/vatican-recalls-pope-francis-medals-after-jesus-name-misspelled/)"
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Brian on October 12, 2013, 08:42:33 AM
Man shot in Russian grocery after argument over Kant (http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/09/16/us-russia-kant-shooting-idUSBRE98F0DI20130916)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on October 17, 2013, 06:58:39 AM
I love Mitch McConnell. (http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/10/16/mitch-mcconnell-budget-deal_n_4111387.html)  The fact that he can plausibly deny involvement makes me love him even more. 
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Sergeant Rock on October 17, 2013, 07:40:22 AM
House Stenographer Snaps, Rants About Freemasons, During Late-Night Vote (http://www.slate.com/blogs/weigel/2013/10/17/house_stenographer_snaps_rants_about_masons_during_late_night_vote.html)

Have we found snyprrr?

Sarge
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Brian on October 17, 2013, 08:22:05 AM
Quote from: Sergeant Rock on October 17, 2013, 07:40:22 AM
House Stenographer Snaps, Rants About Freemasons, During Late-Night Vote (http://www.slate.com/blogs/weigel/2013/10/17/house_stenographer_snaps_rants_about_masons_during_late_night_vote.html)

Have we found snyprrr?

Sarge
The idea of snyprrr being female boggles my mind.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Parsifal on October 17, 2013, 09:29:24 AM
another feel-good tale (http://www.huffingtonpost.com/niels-gerson-lohman/us-border-crossing_b_4098130.html?utm_hp_ref=mostpopular)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on October 19, 2013, 07:58:41 AM
Um, ouch. (http://www.cnn.com/2013/10/17/world/meast/iran-execution-survivor/)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: kishnevi on October 19, 2013, 04:46:28 PM
Quote from: Todd on October 19, 2013, 07:58:41 AM
Um, ouch. (http://www.cnn.com/2013/10/17/world/meast/iran-execution-survivor/)

That sort of thing used to happen in Britain back in the 18th century from time to time, and the official policy was always (according to a quick check of Blackstone's Commentaries) to re-hand the condemned person,  on the technical grounds that since death had not resulted, the hanging had not been carried out the first time--and on the practical grounds that to otherwise would inevitably result in collusion and corruption if someone could arrange a mock hanging.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on October 22, 2013, 06:40:03 AM
I wonder if maybe this will get the supposedly anti-war lefties and other do-gooders here in the US up in arms, and if the American press will start pressuring Barry O more. (http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/asia/amnesty-international-us-drone-strikes-in-pakistan-may-constitute-war-crimes-8896530.html)  Actually, I don't. 

And really, "war crimes"?  Hasn't Chomsky and his ilk been saying for decades that every post-war American administration has committed war crimes?  (Along with pretty much every pre-war American administration.)  Why would Barry O be any different, except for his promise to bring change you can believe in?  Anyway, which other state, combination of states, or international organization has the power to actually pursue war crimes charges against an American leader?
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on October 25, 2013, 08:42:52 AM
More good news on the ACA front. (http://www.bizjournals.com/jacksonville/news/2013/10/22/florida-blue-canceling-300000.html)



This here shows but one reason why Republicans were stupid to make such a big issue out of Obamacare: the insurance industry benefits.  They can now drop lower premium, bare-bones policies and replace them with higher premium policies that will be subsidized by taxpayers.  And there will ultimately be a lot more customers.  Did the Republicans forget that they are the party of business?  Their favored donors didn't.

Now, the botched roll-out, that's something that can be used for political purposes for at least a while, though I'm guessing that by November of next year, most systems will be running in adequate or close to adequate fashion.  Still, I'm hoping for some political blood.  Ms Sebelius is as good a target as any.  Let's see that head roll.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on October 29, 2013, 07:24:09 AM
The US slowly, slightly expands military operations in Africa. (http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/national-security/kony-2013-us-quietly-intensifies-effort-to-help-african-troops-capture-infamous-warlord/2013/10/28/74db9720-3cb3-11e3-b6a9-da62c264f40e_story.html)  A lengthy article, but a good one.  Some nice excerpts:


The hunt is one of the most unusual military operations since the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks. Kony is not an Islamist extremist or a narcotics smuggler. He poses no jeopardy to the United States, nor is he an existential risk to any African nation. Although he once held sway over a substantial portion of central Africa, the Ugandan military campaign to neutralize him, which began more than a decade before U.S. troops arrived in the region, has shooed him from populated areas. His ranks decimated, he is thought to command fewer than 250 fighters.

Even so, U.S. military officers and diplomats in the region contend that he remains a target worth pursuing.

"Is Joseph Kony a direct threat to the United States? No," said Scott DeLisi, the U.S. ambassador to Uganda. "He's not targeting U.S. citizens. He's not targeting U.S. embassies. He's not al-Qaeda."

Instead, DeLisi said, Kony merits U.S. involvement because his malign behavior runs counter to "our core values."

"Why is the United States engaged in the world, for God's sake?" he said. "If we are true to what we believe in as Americans . . . we need to get rid of Joseph Kony."




Is "our core values" the new-fangled version of White Man's Burden?



When Sen. Tom Coburn (R-Okla.) placed a hold on the legislation, the [activist] groups [like Invisible Children] rallied students to sleep on the sidewalk in front of his office in Oklahoma City. Despite the frigid nights, the crowd swelled to more than 150. After 11 days, Coburn caved.


So now the young are used by supposed do-gooders to pressure Congress to engage in more military action?
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on October 29, 2013, 12:08:23 PM
snypsss, it could be worse: there could be clouds of sriracha in your air (http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/govbeat/wp/2013/10/29/california-city-sues-over-cloud-of-sriracha/).
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on November 02, 2013, 09:12:41 AM
Wait just a minute: this article would seem to imply that recent European indignation at being spied on by the big, bad NSA may just be a wee bit disingenuous. (http://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2013/nov/01/gchq-europe-spy-agencies-mass-surveillance-snowden#start-of-comments)  That cannot be.  European leaders are righteous and honest.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: knight66 on November 02, 2013, 11:13:13 AM
http://www.nytimes.com/2013/11/03/opinion/sunday/friedman-calling-america-hello-hello-hello-hello.html?smid=tw-TomFriedman&seid=auto&_r=0

Mike
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Brian on November 03, 2013, 06:37:05 AM
"The agency's Dishfire database — nothing happens without a code word at the N.S.A. — stores years of text messages from around the world, just in case. Its Tracfin collection accumulates gigabytes of credit card purchases."

http://www.nytimes.com/2013/11/03/world/no-morsel-too-minuscule-for-all-consuming-nsa.html?hp&_r=0

"Presto Classical, ImportCDs, EuropaDisc, MDT, Arkivmusic... yeah, we don't need to worry about these guys."

EDIT: Heh, there's also the slightly amusing revelation that the NSA spies on Israeli military officials.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: ibanezmonster on November 03, 2013, 02:12:44 PM
Quote from: Brian on November 03, 2013, 06:37:05 AM
EDIT: Heh, there's also the slightly amusing revelation that the NSA spies on Israeli military officials.
Uh-oh... don't tell snyprrr... or do tell him?  ???
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on November 04, 2013, 07:02:15 AM
An amusing morning on the ACA front:

Amusing Item 1: A fun article. (http://www.washingtonpost.com/national/health-science/for-consumers-whose-health-premiums-will-go-up-under-new-law-sticker-shock-leads-to-anger/2013/11/03/d858dd28-44a9-11e3-b6f8-3782ff6cb769_story.html?wpisrc=nl_politics)  Just who did higher-income (ie, above the subsidy ceiling), self-insured people who voted for Obama and wanted ACA think would feel the brunt of this law?   

Amusing Item 2: It's funny to watch the hippy-dippy owners of a local business I frequent change all their workers over to part-time.  I'm sure their actions have nothing to do with the health care law.

Amusing Item 3: The subsidy ceiling for a family of four where I live is about $67K a year.  It's a small subsidy, yes, but I have have a feeling public health care expenditures may end up growing more than various leaders let on.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on November 06, 2013, 10:08:29 AM
Behold: The Canadian Marion Barry! (http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/mayor-rob-ford-won-t-step-down-despite-crack-use-1.2415533)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on November 07, 2013, 06:38:40 AM
Okay, so first some doofuses on the Sörmland County Council in Sweden aim to prevent men from urinating while standing up, and now there's this. (http://www.theguardian.com/world/2013/nov/06/swedish-cinemas-bechdel-test-films-gender-bias)  Is Sweden involved in some type of large-scale pharmacological experiment?  (I hope -abe- doesn't read this.)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Brian on November 07, 2013, 08:57:10 AM
Quote from: Todd on November 07, 2013, 06:38:40 AM
Okay, so first some doofuses on the Sörmland County Council in Sweden aim to prevent men from urinating while standing up, and now there's this. (http://www.theguardian.com/world/2013/nov/06/swedish-cinemas-bechdel-test-films-gender-bias)  Is Sweden involved in some type of large-scale pharmacological experiment?  (I hope -abe- doesn't read this.)

It sounds like they won't ban anything, just have a scorecard system.

Sweden is also home to the world's largest pile of wood.

(http://www.funnyandhappy.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/Huge-warehouse-strains.jpg)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on November 07, 2013, 09:09:28 AM
Quote from: Brian on November 07, 2013, 08:57:10 AMIt sounds like they won't ban anything, just have a scorecard system.



No, they won't ban anything, at least not yet, but the intention is very clearly to sway viewing habits by deploying an arbitrary, purely political rating system.  If it works, the entities imposing it (apparently, move theaters in this case, at least for now) will be influencing expressive content through economic coercion.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Brian on November 07, 2013, 09:26:00 AM
Quote from: Todd on November 07, 2013, 09:09:28 AM
No, they won't ban anything, at least not yet, but the intention is very clearly to sway viewing habits by deploying an arbitrary, purely political rating system.  If it works, the entities imposing it (apparently, move theaters in this case, at least for now) will be influencing expressive content through economic coercion.

It's Cass Sunstein's paternalist politics at work. (Or Mike Bloomberg's, but in this case, it doesn't raise any issues of liberties etc.) It raises issues of how their government is choosing to spend money on these report cards, but I don't see any other objection. Of course, I'm in favor of the principle; movies and other genres of art are too male-dominated and the fact that most in-demand actresses are either It Girls or Distinguished Old Eminences speaks to a sexism we have never been able to scrub out.

Heck, even the movie they're championing, Hunger Games, is headlined by an It Girl, though fortunately a talented one.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on November 07, 2013, 09:34:06 AM
Quote from: Brian on November 07, 2013, 09:26:00 AMOf course, I'm in favor of the principle



Of course, Swedes can spend money in any way they see fit, but in principle I am strongly opposed to the state or any of its agents using political and economic power to curb, in any way, free expression; liberty is affected.  This type of coercion is intrinsically insidious.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: not edward on November 07, 2013, 04:12:23 PM
Quote from: Todd on November 06, 2013, 10:08:29 AM
Behold: The Canadian Marion Barry! (http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/mayor-rob-ford-won-t-step-down-despite-crack-use-1.2415533)
This one's getting more fun every day. Now there's a video of him in a massive tantrum threatening to kill some unspecified person, and there's one video in police hands whose content hasn't been publicized yet. However, local media has been hinting (none too subtly) that it may be a sex tape.

I suppose I should feel some compassion for the guy, but given that he's rampagingly incompetent and a wife-beater to boot, I don't.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Szykneij on November 09, 2013, 06:28:48 AM
Hope this wasn't Karl!    :o      ;D

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/11/08/saxophone-lung-clean-clarinet-instrument-woodwind_n_4221368.html?utm_hp_ref=mostpopular (http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/11/08/saxophone-lung-clean-clarinet-instrument-woodwind_n_4221368.html?utm_hp_ref=mostpopular)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on November 13, 2013, 12:51:40 PM
Healthcare.gov a huge success; enrollment numbers exceed expectations. (http://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/house-committee-hears-from-technology-officials-on-health-care-exchanges/2013/11/13/91d0bc5a-4c6e-11e3-9890-a1e0997fb0c0_story.html)


(I wonder if anyone floated the idea of having a company like Amazon or perhaps an insurance company build the site.)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on November 14, 2013, 03:53:49 AM
Quote from: Szykneij on November 09, 2013, 06:28:48 AM
Hope this wasn't Karl!    :o      ;D

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/11/08/saxophone-lung-clean-clarinet-instrument-woodwind_n_4221368.html?utm_hp_ref=mostpopular (http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/11/08/saxophone-lung-clean-clarinet-instrument-woodwind_n_4221368.html?utm_hp_ref=mostpopular)

No, no, my recent absence really was a vacation, and not a blind for The Kenny G Saxophone Lung Rehab Clinic & Wellness Spa.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on November 14, 2013, 11:26:26 AM
Man, the ACA rollout is better than Republicans hoped for. (http://money.cnn.com/2013/11/14/news/economy/obamacare-insurance/index.html?hpt=hp_t1)  Slick Willy said it needs to be fixed, and now Barry O offers a fix of sorts to those who wanted to keep their plan by deferring the day of reckoning for one year.  One big caveat:


Quote from: CNNSince insurance is regulated at the state level, it remains up to the commissioners to permit the extensions and the companies to do so. The president noted that not all commissioners may agree to extensions. At least four states -- California, Idaho, Virginia and Kentucky -- are requiring all individual plans adhere to Obamacare rules.


Looks like ACA will be a 2014 issue, too.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Brian on November 14, 2013, 02:24:10 PM
Unimportant personal news: the NY Times Book Review is going to run a letter I sent them, this Sunday.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on November 15, 2013, 05:14:39 AM
Hey, nice!
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on November 16, 2013, 12:29:07 PM
Yes, the Obama Administration has been different from its predecessors. (http://www.theguardian.com/business/2013/nov/16/timothy-geithner-warburg-pincus-private-equity)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on November 26, 2013, 06:44:01 AM
Note to self: Do not follow up with that Ashley Madison contact in Herat. (http://www.aljazeera.com/news/asia/2013/11/afghanistan-plan-stone-adulterers-death-20131125133453835281.html)
Title: The critically important news thread
Post by: Todd on December 02, 2013, 06:58:03 AM
Yes, yes, yes!!! (http://money.cnn.com/2013/12/01/technology/amazon-drone-delivery/)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on December 08, 2013, 03:35:13 PM
I'm no Dylan fan, but this is just all kinds of stupid. (http://www.cnn.com/2013/12/03/world/europe/france-croatia-dylan-hatred/)  And here I thought Yurpeans were all smart 'n' sophisticated and such.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: North Star on December 10, 2013, 09:49:53 AM
I'm not expecting that the Finnish council of Uusimaa will be getting Nobel Memorial Prize in Economic Sciences for their bright ideas (http://yle.fi/uutiset/finnish_council_to_spend_tax_revenue_on_lottery_tickets/6978304)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on December 13, 2013, 05:26:25 AM
Obscene. (http://www.cnn.com/2013/12/11/us/texas-teen-dwi-wreck/)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: knight66 on December 14, 2013, 11:57:08 AM
Quote from: Todd on December 13, 2013, 05:26:25 AM
Obscene. (http://www.cnn.com/2013/12/11/us/texas-teen-dwi-wreck/)

I agree. Is there scope in the system to revisit the sentence? The court is basically reinforcing the lack of guidelines the parents provided.

Mike
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on December 14, 2013, 04:00:53 PM
Quote from: knight66 on December 14, 2013, 11:57:08 AMIs there scope in the system to revisit the sentence?



I don't think so, but I could be wrong.  The parents may face some civil wrongful death suits.

Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on December 14, 2013, 06:01:57 PM
"Affluenza" niffs of The Onion....
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Brian on December 15, 2013, 06:01:17 AM
Quote from: Todd on December 13, 2013, 05:26:25 AM
Obscene. (http://www.cnn.com/2013/12/11/us/texas-teen-dwi-wreck/)

I also think the prosecution's request for a 20-year sentence is obscene, but the USA has such a proud tradition of obscene sentencing that we're used to it.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: ibanezmonster on December 15, 2013, 05:54:41 PM
From last year:


Physicists test to see if the universe is a computer simulation
(http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/2012/12/12/physicists-universe-simulation-test-university-of-washington-matrix_n_2282745.html)

Can't really find much about how the tests went or if they have even been conducted yet. I never thought about it, but it seems very likely. Not sure if you could call the creator of this universe "God" or not, though.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on December 15, 2013, 06:05:41 PM
Quote from: Greg on December 15, 2013, 05:54:41 PM
Physicists test to see if the universe is a computer simulation
(http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/2012/12/12/physicists-universe-simulation-test-university-of-washington-matrix_n_2282745.html)



Looks like someone took too much peyote.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: ibanezmonster on December 15, 2013, 07:23:05 PM
Quote from: Todd on December 15, 2013, 06:05:41 PM


Looks like someone took too much peyote.
When you think about it it doesn't sound too far-fetched, especially if you are one who believes in God.

Humans have created visual simulations for a while, albeit 2D (The Sims, Sim City, etc.). In the future, there may be AI which is as intelligent as people to include in these simulations.

When will humans be able to create something such as a 3D version of The Sims, but with intelligent life? If the intelligent life, planets, etc. were very much microscopic and our invented universe in a large room, it would be eerily like our own universe.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on December 15, 2013, 07:30:25 PM
Quote from: Greg on December 15, 2013, 07:23:05 PM
When you think about it it doesn't sound too far-fetched, especially if you are one who believes in God.

Humans have created visual simulations for a while, albeit 2D (The Sims, Sim City, etc.). In the future, there may be AI which is as intelligent as people to include in these simulations.

When will humans be able to create something such as a 3D version of The Sims, but with intelligent life? If the intelligent life, planets, etc. were very much microscopic and our invented universe in a large room, it would be eerily like our own universe.



Somehow, I'm not surprised that you of all posters put what you think is serious thought into this.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: kishnevi on December 15, 2013, 07:48:39 PM
Quote from: Todd on December 15, 2013, 07:30:25 PM


Somehow, I'm not surprised that you of all posters put what you think is serious thought into this.

I've seen this idea before somewhere (I want to say Bryson or Ferris, but I can't remember which book I saw it in), as a general discussion of the idea of multiverses.   Of course, the conclusion there was that we'd never be able to tell if we were part of a simulation.  Doomsday would be whenver the being in charge of the simulation pulled the plug on it all, of course
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on December 15, 2013, 07:58:12 PM
Quote from: Jeffrey Smith on December 15, 2013, 07:48:39 PMI've seen this idea before somewhere (I want to say Bryson or Ferris, but I can't remember which book I saw it in), as a general discussion of the idea of multiverses.



I see.  I wonder what type of evidence the previously cited researchers will gather, and if they referred to The Sims in their grant proposals.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on December 16, 2013, 10:12:53 AM
snypsss was right all along! (http://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/boehners-blasts-one-more-volley-in-the-long-gop-battle/2013/12/14/bedb636c-6433-11e3-a373-0f9f2d1c2b61_story.html)

Quote from: Dan BalzIn terms of the presidency, many conservatives believe that the GOP has not nominated a true and authentic conservative for the job since Ronald Reagan. (Whether Reagan could win his party's nomination today, given his gubernatorial record of raising taxes and expanding access to abortion, is another matter.)

(I never doubted it . . . .)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on December 18, 2013, 11:40:55 AM
QuoteCD 104 of the Stockhausen Complete Edition
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on December 23, 2013, 04:17:14 PM
Inventor of deadliest WMD has passed away. (http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-25497013)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Brian on January 01, 2014, 12:18:03 PM
Just a reminder of the most important news story of 2013:
http://www.salon.com/2013/01/30/death_by_cunnilingus/
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Brian on January 01, 2014, 06:29:04 PM
Science proves it!: dogs prefer pooping facing north or south, not east or west.
http://www.frontiersinzoology.com/content/10/1/80/abstract
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: North Star on January 13, 2014, 05:31:12 AM
Central Africa looks like a nice place to visit.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-25708024
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on January 22, 2014, 06:46:18 AM
Some good news (?) (http://www.theguardian.com/environment/2014/jan/22/eu-carbon-emissions-climate-deal-2030), some bad news (?) (http://www.theguardian.com/environment/2014/jan/19/co2-emissions-outsourced-rich-nations-rising-economies) on the environmental front.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: amw on January 22, 2014, 01:43:39 PM
Classical music does something useful for once: A Gisborne man played classical music to his cannabis plants to encourage the crop to flourish, police say. (http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/crime/9637421/Music-to-grow-cannabis-by)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: 71 dB on January 22, 2014, 02:15:57 PM
Quote from: amw on January 22, 2014, 01:43:39 PM
Classical music does something useful for once: A Gisborne man played classical music to his cannabis plants to encourage the crop to flourish, police say. (http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/crime/9637421/Music-to-grow-cannabis-by)

Did he play music of Christian Cannabich?
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Szykneij on January 22, 2014, 02:29:51 PM
Quote from: 71 dB on January 22, 2014, 02:15:57 PM
Did he play music of Christian Cannabich?

... as well as William Herman Potstock, Marcus Blunt, and Toke Lund Christiansen.   :)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: North Star on February 04, 2014, 05:28:59 AM
I hope aunty Beeb doesn't think that this shows the impact of unhealthy lifestyle in the postindustrial countries...

(http://news.bbcimg.co.uk/media/images/72740000/gif/_72740002_cancer_cases_624map.gif) (http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-26014693)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on February 10, 2014, 06:56:28 AM
The Swiss people vote for openness and cooperation in heartwarming display of European sophistication. (http://www.nytimes.com/2014/02/11/world/europe/swiss-immigration-vote-raises-alarm-across-europe.html?_r=0)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on February 11, 2014, 02:58:56 PM
Worst instructor EVER! (http://www.nytimes.com/2014/02/11/world/middleeast/suicide-bomb-instructor-accidentally-kills-iraqi-pupils.html?_r=0)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: knight66 on February 16, 2014, 01:56:14 AM
Can the sidebar advert for pre-paid funerals be mere serendipity I wonder?

We could do with a few more such show and tell instructors.

Mike
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: North Star on February 20, 2014, 01:43:13 AM
Ukraine clashes kill 21 more, EU talks shifted (http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/02/20/us-ukraine-idUSBREA1G0OU20140220)

(http://s1.reutersmedia.net/resources/r/?m=02&d=20140220&t=2&i=843301687&w=&fh=&fw=&ll=700&pl=378&r=CBREA1J0OIS00) (http://www.buzzhunt.co.uk/wp-content/2014/01/Orthodox-priest.jpg)  (http://www.sbs.com.au/news/sites/default/files/styles/full/public/ukraine_clash_getty.jpg?itok=Kao0tQnb)
(http://www.bagnewsnotes.com/files/2013/12/Kiev-1124.jpeg) (http://metrouk2.files.wordpress.com/2014/02/ad127687975kiev-ukraine-f.jpg) (http://rack.1.mshcdn.com/media/ZgkyMDE0LzAyLzE5LzY2L0tpZXZFVS5hMzk3Yi5qcGcKcAl0aHVtYgk5NTB4NTM0IwplCWpwZw/5dc62ede/18a/KievEU.jpg)
(http://media1.s-nbcnews.com/i/newscms/2014_08/195666/140219-ukraine-kiev-square-915a_e456528dc335cf09c004934470a248fb.jpg) (http://scd.france24.com/en/files/imagecache/france24_ct_api_bigger_169/article/image/ukraine-kiev-police-forces_0.jpg) (http://i0.wp.com/blogs.pjstar.com/eye/files/2014/02/ukraine05.jpg?resize=950%2C654)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: knight66 on February 20, 2014, 07:56:25 AM
This does not seem like unimportant news, but i am not suggesting moving it. Some other items have also been far from trivial. If people want the thread title changed let me know.

Mike
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: drogulus on February 21, 2014, 12:14:35 PM
Quote from: North Star on February 04, 2014, 05:28:59 AM
I hope aunty Beeb doesn't think that this shows the impact of unhealthy lifestyle in the postindustrial countries...

(http://news.bbcimg.co.uk/media/images/72740000/gif/_72740002_cancer_cases_624map.gif)

     I hope so, too. What it really shows is the longer you live the more likely you will get cancer. Old age is the unhealthiest lifestyle of all.

     Still, there is hope for affluenza victims:

     Enterprising Girl Scout Sells Cookies Outside Marijuana Clinic (http://www.npr.org/blogs/thetwo-way/2014/02/21/280730201/enterprising-girl-scout-sells-cookies-outside-marijuana-clinic?ft=1&f=1001)

     (http://www.good-music-guide.com/community/Smileys/classic/cheesy.gif)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: North Star on February 21, 2014, 12:28:50 PM
Quote from: drogulus on February 21, 2014, 12:14:35 PMI hope so, too. What it really shows is the longer you live the more likely you will get cancer. Old age is the unhealthiest lifestyle of all.
Yeah - the older one gets, the likelier it gets that one dies from something, regardless of where one lives. (barring things like wars, and of course young people tend to die in accidents etc more often than middle-aged people)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on March 04, 2014, 11:31:58 AM
DC: No slammer for holding loco weed (http://www.washingtonpost.com/local/dc-politics/dc-council-eliminates-jail-time-for-marijuana-possession-stepping-to-national-forefront/2014/03/04/df6fd98c-a32b-11e3-a5fa-55f0c77bf39c_story.html)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on March 06, 2014, 09:31:43 AM
The average is beautiful doll.

http://www.youtube.com/v/OfQu8pq0kok
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on March 06, 2014, 09:34:44 AM
Don't want the Respectful Opposition to be heard in Committee? Shut their mics off. (http://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/dana-milbank-darrell-issa-silences-democrats-and-hits-a-new-low/2014/03/05/47b11b76-a49b-11e3-a5fa-55f0c77bf39c_story.html)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: snyprrr on March 06, 2014, 09:45:20 AM
obviously i was in a blackout when I made that speel check thread- could someone please delete it karl thank you!!!! haha
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: ibanezmonster on March 09, 2014, 11:08:38 AM
Quote from: karlhenning on March 06, 2014, 09:31:43 AM
The average is beautiful doll.
I saw that before. Kinda dumb that there is anyone who expects women to look like a Barbie, which would be freaky, anyway. And of course, there are male action figures/superheroes that unrealistically portray how a man "should" look, but funny to see how no one cares (including me).
Well, stupid people who think everything is offensive, here is your solution.  8)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on March 10, 2014, 04:04:47 AM
Quote from: Greg on March 09, 2014, 11:08:38 AM
I saw that before. Kinda dumb that there is anyone who expects women to look like a Barbie, which would be freaky, anyway.

I take your point;  but there are enough people around who take seriously the idea that, having such a toy serves as subliminal suggestion, I find it difficult to dismiss the notion as simply dumb.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: ibanezmonster on March 11, 2014, 04:34:42 PM
Quote from: karlhenning on March 10, 2014, 04:04:47 AM
I take your point;  but there are enough people around who take seriously the idea that, having such a toy serves as subliminal suggestion, I find it difficult to dismiss the notion as simply dumb.
It seems, though, with that same line of thought that maybe male action figures who looked jacked up on steroids need to be replaced with more realistic proportions, too? If some girls go through anorexia or bulimia (or just lack of confidence) because Barbie is a sort of standard of what women should look like, maybe Superman or He-Man should be less muscular, since you're only gonna get that big and ripped with steroids (and of course their effects are likewise dangerous, not only to users but also to other people). Strangeness of the notion aside, if people are going to take that line of thought, they should at least stick with it for both genders for consistency.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: kishnevi on March 12, 2014, 05:20:34 PM
Quote from: Greg on March 11, 2014, 04:34:42 PM
It seems, though, with that same line of thought that maybe male action figures who looked jacked up on steroids need to be replaced with more realistic proportions, too? If some girls go through anorexia or bulimia (or just lack of confidence) because Barbie is a sort of standard of what women should look like, maybe Superman or He-Man should be less muscular, since you're only gonna get that big and ripped with steroids (and of course their effects are likewise dangerous, not only to users but also to other people). Strangeness of the notion aside, if people are going to take that line of thought, they should at least stick with it for both genders for consistency.

There is actually a subtle difference between the two sexes*--to look like Barbie a girl will have to be born with the right genetic material; if you're born to have big bones,  no amount of effort on your part will slim you down enough to reach Barbie-is proportions., and such efforts as you might make will be inevitably bad for your health.  Whereas no matter what your genetic inheritance,  muscular development aka body building requires intense work on your part.  To the best of my knowledge no one can be born with "good muscles".   And up to a certain level (that level being roughly the point at which steroid intake starts to occur),  the exercise involved in bodybuilding is good for health (and, if your job requires intense physical effort as a normal routine, probably helps you on the job as well).

*Isn't there a difference between gender and sex? Or do I simply have my post modernism all confuzled? 
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on March 12, 2014, 05:32:27 PM
Quote from: Jeffrey Smith on March 12, 2014, 05:20:34 PMTo the best of my knowledge no one can be born with "good muscles".


Actually, some pure (or near-pure) mesomorphs are born with good muscles - ie, they need not engage in any regular physical activity to achieve washboard abs, big arms, etc.  They are rare, but I've personally met some, male and female.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: ibanezmonster on March 12, 2014, 07:13:59 PM
Quote from: Jeffrey Smith on March 12, 2014, 05:20:34 PM
There is actually a subtle difference between the two sexes*--to look like Barbie a girl will have to be born with the right genetic material; if you're born to have big bones,  no amount of effort on your part will slim you down enough to reach Barbie-is proportions., and such efforts as you might make will be inevitably bad for your health.  Whereas no matter what your genetic inheritance,  muscular development aka body building requires intense work on your part.  To the best of my knowledge no one can be born with "good muscles".   And up to a certain level (that level being roughly the point at which steroid intake starts to occur),  the exercise involved in bodybuilding is good for health (and, if your job requires intense physical effort as a normal routine, probably helps you on the job as well).

*Isn't there a difference between gender and sex? Or do I simply have my post modernism all confuzled?
As intense as you or I could possibly work out, we will never look like this without steroids:

(http://static.comicvine.com/uploads/original/4/49448/1032664-he_man_b.jpg)

It's not the exact same situation, but it's pretty similar between genders.... if a woman is just trying to get thin, there's only so far she can go based on genetics. Likewise, if a guy is trying to build muscle, there is only so far he can go based on genetics. I'm just glad that at least most people don't see Barbie or He-man as a model of what a person is "supposed" to look like.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: amw on March 12, 2014, 07:52:14 PM
Quote from: Greg on March 12, 2014, 07:13:59 PM
It's not the exact same situation, but it's pretty similar between genders.... if a woman is just trying to get thin, there's only so far she can go based on genetics. Likewise, if a guy is trying to build muscle, there is only so far he can go based on genetics.

Of course, there are lots and lots of role models for young boys that don't have bulging muscles, whereas there are almost no role models for young girls that aren't thin and beautiful.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: ibanezmonster on March 12, 2014, 08:08:47 PM
Quote from: amw on March 12, 2014, 07:52:14 PM
Of course, there are lots and lots of role models for young boys that don't have bulging muscles, whereas there are almost no role models for young girls that aren't thin and beautiful.
Sure, but the issue here is Barbie, or maybe even toy models in general; also, it depends on how you define role model, which can be anything.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: kishnevi on March 12, 2014, 08:16:44 PM
Quote from: amw on March 12, 2014, 07:52:14 PM
Of course, there are lots and lots of role models for young boys that don't have bulging muscles, whereas there are almost no role models for young girls that aren't thin and beautiful.

Oprah Winfrey?  Certainly she's not ugly, but her career was certainly not built on "look how pretty I am", and her seesaw battle with weight gain is not exactly a secret. 

Barbara Bush, Hillary Clinton, Laura Bush, and Michelle Obama, to name four occupants of the White House whose physical attributes certainly are not part of their success, although I suppose having a career built on the fact that you're married to someone important (even if, like Clinton,  you've carved out your own successful career and political identity) is not a formula most people can follow.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: amw on March 12, 2014, 09:22:54 PM
This does go somewhat beyond the issue of dolls (how many boys play with dolls anyway?) but I think the reason there is much more emphasis on presenting girls than boys with "realistic" models is that influential male public figures—musicians, actors, politicians, news anchors, athletes, etc—present a much wider variety of body types and general appearances than do influential female public figures. I am not by any means saying that e.g. Angela Merkel is supermodel material, but of the women we see on TV, on magazine covers, in photos, advertisements, etc, most of them are not going to look like Angela Merkel. Moreover, there is a tendency to bring up a woman's looks even in cases where they have no relevance to her position (for instance in our own field of classical music one particular study found that female musicians judged to be more attractive were also considered to be worse performers) due to the whole mind/body thing.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: kishnevi on March 13, 2014, 07:17:53 AM
Quote from: amw on March 12, 2014, 09:22:54 PM
Moreover, there is a tendency to bring up a woman's looks even in cases where they have no relevance to her position (for instance in our own field of classical music one particular study found that female musicians judged to be more attractive were also considered to be worse performers) due to the whole mind/body thing.

That study obviously did not include Sarge.

Boys don't play with dolls; they play with action figures.  And yes,  the difference in terminology probably does mean something.

But your last point is true,  but I thing points to something wider; the assumption many people make that beauty and brains don't really go together--if a woman is pretty, she succeeded on looks (so the prejudice goes) and not on interior qualities;  which is totally unfair both to beautiful and unbeautiful, intelligent and unintelligent.  It's a prejudice that also affects how people view males, with brawn replacing beauty,  albeit not quite so widespread in its impact
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: mc ukrneal on March 13, 2014, 08:05:22 AM
I'm not sure where to post this. It's not unimportant, and it was really interesting. It's a Senate hearing on healthcare with numerous experts and international experience. Check out the Cspan video: http://www.latimes.com/business/hiltzik/la-fi-mh-watch-a-canadian-20140312,0,2995139.story#axzz2vrJAMJZw (http://www.latimes.com/business/hiltzik/la-fi-mh-watch-a-canadian-20140312,0,2995139.story#axzz2vrJAMJZw)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Brian on March 24, 2014, 06:01:40 PM
NYT is reporting that Obama will support the end of bulk phone record collection by the NSA and get court approval for any requests from phone companies. The phone companies will be allowed to delete the data after the period they'd normally wait before deleting it. Requesting info for people "two hops" from suspects would still be okay. No word on other parts of the NSA rule. Still... baby steps.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on March 24, 2014, 06:15:57 PM
Quote from: Brian on March 24, 2014, 06:01:40 PMNYT is reporting that Obama will support the end of bulk phone record collection by the NSA and get court approval for any requests from phone companies. The phone companies will be allowed to delete the data after the period they'd normally wait before deleting it. Requesting info for people "two hops" from suspects would still be okay. No word on other parts of the NSA rule. Still... baby steps.



Good news, but I wonder why Obama doesn't just order an end to bulk collection.  The article cites section 215 of the Patriot Act, which was implemented as is unilaterally, so one would think it could be stopped unilaterally, especially given its dubious legality and effectiveness.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on March 25, 2014, 09:05:47 AM
Let the games begin! (http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/mar/24/brazil-army-rio-slums-violence-world-cup)


Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on April 06, 2014, 12:35:15 PM
?!?!??!?!?!?!?!?!? (http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/asia/ninemonthold-boy-charged-with-attempted-murder-in-pakistan-granted-bail-by-judge-9241959.html)


(One certainly hopes this is a case of the Indian press making up a story about the Pakistanis.)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Gurn Blanston on April 06, 2014, 01:32:49 PM
Quote from: Todd on April 06, 2014, 12:35:15 PM
?!?!??!?!?!?!?!?!? (http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/asia/ninemonthold-boy-charged-with-attempted-murder-in-pakistan-granted-bail-by-judge-9241959.html)


(One certainly hopes this is a case of the Indian press making up a story about the Pakistanis.)

I saw that story on CNN Friday AM. Although if it IS the Indian press, CNN may have picked it up off the wires. Apparently the baby isn't considered a flight risk, so released on his own recognizance.  ::)

8)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on April 07, 2014, 05:58:48 AM
Today's Science-y word of the day is bi-literate. (http://www.washingtonpost.com/local/serious-reading-takes-a-hit-from-online-scanning-and-skimming-researchers-say/2014/04/06/088028d2-b5d2-11e3-b899-20667de76985_story.html)


I rather enjoy this little bit:

Wolf, one of the world's foremost experts on the study of reading, was startled last year to discover her brain was apparently adapting, too. After a day of scrolling through the Web and hundreds of e-mails, she sat down one evening to read Hermann Hesse's "The Glass Bead Game."

"I'm not kidding: I couldn't do it," she said . . .



There might be another reason or two she couldn't read Hesse.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Octave on April 07, 2014, 08:07:14 AM
Quote from: Todd on April 07, 2014, 05:58:48 AM
Today's Science-y word of the day is bi-literate. (//http://)
.[/i]

URL seems to be missing from yr link.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on April 07, 2014, 08:13:49 AM
Quote from: Octave on April 07, 2014, 08:07:14 AM
URL seems to be missing from yr link.



Updated.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: snyprrr on April 07, 2014, 08:48:17 AM
Quote from: Todd on March 24, 2014, 06:15:57 PM


, but I wonder why Obama doesn't just order an end to bulk collection. 

cause him n Bush work for the same team?... ultimately

yea, gee, why doesn't O have the "most transparent"... bla bla bla... come on Todd, what would occam's razor tell you?
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Szykneij on April 13, 2014, 06:30:11 AM
Classical musicians suffer more hearing loss than heavy metal musicians.

http://www.cnet.com/news/shocker-the-most-deaf-musicians-arent-rockers/ (http://www.cnet.com/news/shocker-the-most-deaf-musicians-arent-rockers/)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Gurn Blanston on April 13, 2014, 07:15:36 AM
Quote from: Szykneij on April 13, 2014, 06:30:11 AM
Classical musicians suffer more hearing loss than heavy metal musicians.

http://www.cnet.com/news/shocker-the-most-deaf-musicians-arent-rockers/ (http://www.cnet.com/news/shocker-the-most-deaf-musicians-arent-rockers/)

I know I should be surprised, but somehow I'm not. Many rockers are actually aware of this phenomenon now, and several big names preach about it all the time, starting with Ted Nugent back in the early '80's (when he was a 'big name'). I've never seen similar preaching for classical musicians, or even for listeners. I have personally posted about it in earphone threads here but generally been ignored. Since hearing protection is part of my profession, and I am significantly deaf from hearing loss caused by loud music, I feel like I have a dog in this fight...  :-\

8)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Szykneij on April 13, 2014, 12:55:29 PM
Quote from: Gurn Blanston on April 13, 2014, 07:15:36 AM
I know I should be surprised, but somehow I'm not. Many rockers are actually aware of this phenomenon now, and several big names preach about it all the time, starting with Ted Nugent back in the early '80's (when he was a 'big name'). I've never seen similar preaching for classical musicians, or even for listeners. I have personally posted about it in earphone threads here but generally been ignored. Since hearing protection is part of my profession, and I am significantly deaf from hearing loss caused by loud music, I feel like I have a dog in this fight...  :-\

8)

Those sitting directly in front of the brass section are particularly vulnerable.

Playing double-bass in orchestras, I was always in a relatively safe zone in the back and to the side, but when I played bass guitar in a Top 40 band, the guitarist to my right often got screamingly loud (I think he was probably suffering from hearing loss himself).

Back then, wearing earplugs on stage wasn't commonly done, but to save myself a headache, I used to stuff a piece of napkin in my right ear. The improvised earplug wasn't visible thanks to my stylish 80's rock band haircut, and I think it may have prevented some serious hearing damage.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on April 13, 2014, 01:24:57 PM
Quote from: Szykneij on April 13, 2014, 12:55:29 PMThose sitting directly in front of the brass section are particularly vulnerable.



A while back, the Oregon Symphony started using upward angled plexiglass shields in front of the brass players to help protect the musicians in front of them.  I'm pretty sure a few other orchestras have done the same, though I would have thought all professional US orchestras would have done so by now given the potential legal liability.  I'm not sure how many orchestras the world over use these devices, or mandate, or at least encourage, the use of hearing protection as well, but it would seem a prudent move on everyone's part.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on April 19, 2014, 07:57:28 AM
For American readers: Assuming words matter, the scariest sentence published by a respectable news outlet this week was "Protecting patients from financial ruin is fundamental to the precept of 'do no harm'" (http://www.nytimes.com/2014/04/18/business/treatment-cost-could-influence-doctors-advice.html?_r=0).  (The sentence is itself a quote from a respectable journal.)

Thankfully, the same article has this rather more palatable sentence: "There should be forces in society who should be concerned about the budget, about how many M.R.I.s we do, but they shouldn't be functioning simultaneously as doctors".
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on April 21, 2014, 10:55:34 AM
Now, I do not know if the fellow in question is an actual art expert (how much expertise do you need, for People magazine to elect you an expert?) . . . but the headline reads: An Art Expert Reviews George W. Bush's Paintings (http://www.people.com/people/article/0,,20804587,00.html)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on April 21, 2014, 10:59:09 AM
Quote from: karlhenning on April 21, 2014, 10:55:34 AMhow much expertise do you need, for People magazine to elect you an expert



He needed to be able to spell arte.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: North Star on April 29, 2014, 01:34:42 AM
[M]oral choices could depend on whether you are using a foreign language or your native tongue.
A new study from psychologists finds that people using a foreign language take a relatively utilitarian approach to moral dilemmas (http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2014/04/140428120659.htm)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on May 02, 2014, 05:40:32 AM
A curious world, in which there is even such a thing as "revenge porn" . . .

Arizona's new law to battle 'revenge porn' is among the toughest in the US, making it a felony to post on the Web images of someone who is nude, without consent. (http://www.csmonitor.com/USA/Politics/2014/0501/Revenge-porn-With-Arizona-10-states-now-outlaw-such-postings)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on May 04, 2014, 06:42:41 AM
The end is nigh! (http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2014-04-30/china-set-to-overtake-u-s-as-biggest-economy-using-ppp-measure.html)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on May 18, 2014, 10:03:34 AM
John Belushi once said chicks ain't funny; he was wrong. (http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2014/may/18/solange-jay-z-beyonce-fight-assault-domestic-violence-men-women)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Moonfish on May 18, 2014, 03:05:11 PM
Hmm, there was a write-up on this ethical problem in the paper this week (with a linguistic twist). Regardless, what would you do in this situation?

"A trolley is hurtling down a track towards five people. You are on a bridge under which it will pass, and you can stop it by dropping a heavy weight in front of it. As it happens, there is a very fat man next to you – your only way to stop the trolley is to push him over the bridge and onto the track, killing him to save five. What will you do?"
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: ibanezmonster on May 18, 2014, 03:08:02 PM
Quote from: Todd on May 18, 2014, 10:03:34 AM
John Belushi once said chicks ain't funny; he was wrong. (http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2014/may/18/solange-jay-z-beyonce-fight-assault-domestic-violence-men-women)
Kind of messed up logic in this article...
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: amw on May 18, 2014, 03:37:07 PM
Quote from: Todd on May 18, 2014, 10:03:34 AM
John Belushi once said chicks ain't funny; he was wrong. (http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2014/may/18/solange-jay-z-beyonce-fight-assault-domestic-violence-men-women)

I don't think "funny" is a term I'd use to describe someone who attempts to justify child abuse (http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2009/nov/29/barbara-ellen-madeleine-martin-comment)...
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: ibanezmonster on May 18, 2014, 04:07:25 PM
Quote from: amw on May 18, 2014, 03:37:07 PM
I don't think "funny" is a term I'd use to describe someone who attempts to justify child abuse (http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2009/nov/29/barbara-ellen-madeleine-martin-comment)...
She's defending women that sleep with underage boys and women that hit guys?... I really hope this is a tiny fraction of extremist feminist thought.  :-\
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on May 18, 2014, 04:37:22 PM
Quote from: amw on May 18, 2014, 03:37:07 PMI don't think "funny" is a term I'd use to describe someone who attempts to justify child abuse (http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2009/nov/29/barbara-ellen-madeleine-martin-comment)...



Looks like you need to invest in an irony detector.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: ibanezmonster on May 18, 2014, 04:39:05 PM
Quote from: Todd on May 18, 2014, 04:37:22 PM


Looks like you need to invest in an irony detector.
I guess there's something amusing (albeit sad at the same time) about the writer's logic.  ;D
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: amw on May 18, 2014, 06:17:28 PM
Quote from: Greg on May 18, 2014, 04:07:25 PM
She's defending women that sleep with underage boys and women that hit guys?... I really hope this is a tiny fraction of extremist feminist thought.  :-\

"Feminist" is also not a word I would use to describe someone whose belief system is based on old-fashioned sexist notions (women = weak but enlightened, men = strong but brutish). Just because a woman says it does not make it feminist.

Quote from: Todd on May 18, 2014, 04:37:22 PM
Looks like you need to invest in an irony detector.

I got a cheap one that can only tolerate a certain level of fucked-up-ness, anything above a Severely Fucked Up and it stops registering.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on May 18, 2014, 06:23:17 PM
Quote from: amw on May 18, 2014, 06:17:28 PMI got a cheap one that can only tolerate a certain level of fucked-up-ness, anything above a Severely Fucked Up and it stops registering.



Well, then, now's a perfect time to upgrade.  A lot of things may slip by you otherwise, both on this forum and in the world at large.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on May 18, 2014, 06:57:03 PM
Quote from: Moonfish on May 18, 2014, 03:05:11 PMHmm, there was a write-up on this ethical problem in the paper this week (with a linguistic twist). Regardless, what would you do in this situation?

"A trolley is hurtling down a track towards five people. You are on a bridge under which it will pass, and you can stop it by dropping a heavy weight in front of it. As it happens, there is a very fat man next to you – your only way to stop the trolley is to push him over the bridge and onto the track, killing him to save five. What will you do?"



Whatever action has the lowest probability of legal consequences for me, so nothing.  Same would apply to the pulling the lever question.

It is my understanding that the average age of the respondents in the survey cited was 21, meaning that a lot of college kids were probably surveyed.  College kids are also used a lot as test subjects at US universities.  I question the moral wisdom of college kids.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on May 18, 2014, 07:15:22 PM
Quote from: Todd on May 18, 2014, 06:57:03 PM


Whatever action has the lowest probability of legal consequences for me, so nothing.  Same would apply to the pulling the lever question.

It is my understanding that the average age of the respondents in the survey cited was 21, meaning that a lot of college kids were probably surveyed.  College kids are also used a lot as test subjects at US universities.  I question the moral wisdom of college kids.

All this survey science is pretty much worthless.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on May 21, 2014, 06:57:01 AM
Well, now we know who will buy Russian gas if Europe becomes less dependent on their unfriendly neighbor to the east. (http://www.nytimes.com/2014/05/22/world/asia/china-russia-gas-deal.html?hp&_r=0) 

(It's interesting that the Gray Lady didn't mention how the gas will be paid for; I would have thought that might be the bigger story in the long run. (http://america.aljazeera.com/articles/2014/5/20/russia-china-bankdeal.html))
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Brian on May 21, 2014, 07:09:57 AM
Quote from: Todd on May 21, 2014, 06:57:01 AM
(It's interesting that the Gray Lady didn't mention how the gas will be paid for; I would have thought that might be the bigger story in the long run. (http://america.aljazeera.com/articles/2014/5/20/russia-china-bankdeal.html))
Wow, that is an impressively silly picture they chose to run with the headline.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: ibanezmonster on May 24, 2014, 06:06:17 AM
Quote from: Philo on May 24, 2014, 01:12:54 AM
Serial, chronic rapist released. Pot brownie maker faces life. Justice, the Amerikan way.
'Murrca!
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: ibanezmonster on May 24, 2014, 07:48:59 PM
http://abcnews.go.com/US/santa-barbara-death-toll-now-stabbing-victims-home/story?id=23853918

9 People now dead from this drive-by shooting. The guy aimed to kill girl because he was frustrated that he was a 22-year old virgin and therefore wasn't accepted by the popular kids. He was confused why girls didn't like him because he though his looks and his BMW would be enough.

My thoughts are... really? 22? I can't even feel sorry about that at all...

Although this guy was obviously a narcissistic psychopath, the real problem that triggered him to do this is the culture. The thing about college/party culture (which is closely related to this "rape culture," whether it exists or not), is that, first, I'm glad I'm not a part of it, and second, it puts waaaaay too much pressure on men to have sex. This culture defines the value of a man's very existence and social acceptance to be based on how much sex he gets. I'm guessing that what might typically happen is that a man forces or tricks a girl into sex more often because of this pressure applied by other guys of this type of college culture.

A better for college campuses to hear, rather than the anti-rape messages, would be messages that convey that it is okay for men to not have sex and that doesn't make them any less of a man. However, that would laughed at by men and women alike because of our messed up, somewhat barbarian culture. Think of "The 40-year old virgin," a movie that makes people laugh with just the title alone. It probably wouldn't have quite the same effect in some east Asian countries, though, which probably have very little of that party culture at all. I believe it was 30% of Japanese aged 30 have never had a romantic relationship at all. And likewise, rape is only a fraction of a problem as it is here.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: ibanezmonster on May 24, 2014, 07:50:41 PM
http://news.yahoo.com/blogs/sideshow/japan-creates-new-national-holiday-for--overworked--population-214042766.html (http://news.yahoo.com/blogs/sideshow/japan-creates-new-national-holiday-for--overworked--population-214042766.html)

Japan creates new national holiday for 'overworked' population. Yet another. And they probably won't even take it.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: ibanezmonster on May 24, 2014, 08:41:22 PM
Quote from: Philo on May 24, 2014, 08:34:53 PM
Is this post serious?
I know you won't engage in discussion, but what do you disagree with?
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: ibanezmonster on May 25, 2014, 05:45:24 AM
You know, quoting my whole post and then disagreeing with it makes you sound like you're sympathetic to the murderer and think that it's more women's fault that led him to that state of mind.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on May 25, 2014, 05:59:57 AM
Quote from: Greg on May 25, 2014, 05:45:24 AMYou know, quoting my whole post and then disagreeing with it makes you sound like you're sympathetic to the murderer and think that it's more women's fault that led him to that state of mind.



No, it doesn't. 
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: ibanezmonster on May 25, 2014, 06:48:30 AM
Quote from: Todd on May 25, 2014, 05:59:57 AM


No, it doesn't.
Yes, it does. That would be the opposite of what I said.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on May 25, 2014, 06:58:15 AM
Quote from: Greg on May 25, 2014, 06:48:30 AM
Yes, it does. That would be the opposite of what I said.



You have a distorted, ignorant view of the world, and of women, as your long posting history indicates.  Your lengthy post on the shooting was drivel.  Hopefully, this clears things up for you.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: ibanezmonster on May 25, 2014, 07:03:52 AM
Quote from: Todd on May 25, 2014, 06:58:15 AM
You have a distorted, ignorant view of the world, and of women, as your long posting history indicates.  Your lengthy post on the shooting was drivel.  Hopefully, this clears things up for you.
You obviously didn't even read my post. So you disagree with my assertion that the shooter should not feel pitied and that he was an entitled narcissist and that the social pressures that made him feel that way came from the culture of men rather than the culture of women? I feel bad for you, then.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on May 25, 2014, 07:04:50 AM
Quote from: Greg on May 25, 2014, 07:03:52 AM
You obviously didn't even read my post. So you disagree with my assertion that the shooter should not feel pitied and that he was an entitled narcissist and that the social pressures that made him feel that way came from the culture of men rather than the culture of women? I feel bad for you, then.



I guess my post didn't clear things up for you.  I can't say that I'm surprised.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: ibanezmonster on May 25, 2014, 07:08:52 AM
Quote from: Todd on May 25, 2014, 07:04:50 AM


I guess my post didn't clear things up for you.  I can't say that I'm surprised.
I guess you don't want to answer the question. So just don't say anything, then.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on May 26, 2014, 06:04:07 AM
To borrow from Tom Wolfe: [T]he dark night of fascism is always descending in the United States and yet lands only in Europe.  (http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-27559714)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on May 26, 2014, 06:38:01 AM
Quote from: Philo on May 26, 2014, 06:29:23 AM
My favorite part of that article are all the non-quote quotes.


Truth to tell, mine was the link to BBC Culture where the ongoing allure of the miniskirt is investigated with great journalistic integrity.

But back to the elections: perhaps there is a Danish forum member who can explain why I'm so creeped out by Morten Messerschmidt.

(http://news.bbcimg.co.uk/media/images/75099000/jpg/_75099223_75099220.jpg)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Moonfish on May 26, 2014, 11:35:10 AM
Quote from: Philo on May 26, 2014, 11:33:07 AM
Might as well have been...

Why is he so happy? And more to the point why is that woman so happy?!

Hypothesis: They were selected to star in the next Doctor Who episode?   :laugh:
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on May 27, 2014, 09:29:32 AM
Whoops-a-daisy. (http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/may/26/identification-cia-station-chief-afghanistan-reporter)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: knight66 on May 27, 2014, 10:43:43 AM
Whoops Apocolipse perhaps for the guy.

Mike
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Brian on May 27, 2014, 11:21:48 AM
Speaking of Apocalypse, I have learned from a billboard in my great state that a church in Texas has pinpointed August 2, 2027 as the date of the Apocalypse (http://www.august2nd2027.com/), specifically at noon Jerusalem time, when Jesus will cause a solar eclipse and a global earthquake to win the Battle of Armageddon.

I have added the date to my Google Calendar with a note reminding myself to engage in wanton hedonism, and suggest you do the same!
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on May 27, 2014, 11:24:37 AM
Quote from: Brian on May 27, 2014, 11:21:48 AM
Speaking of Apocalypse, I have learned from a billboard in my great state that a church in Texas has pinpointed August 2, 2027 as the date of the Apocalypse (http://www.august2nd2027.com/), specifically at noon Jerusalem time, when Jesus will cause a solar eclipse and a global earthquake to win the Battle of Armageddon.

I have added the date to my Google Calendar with a note reminding myself to engage in wanton hedonism, and suggest you do the same!

If you expect me to wait for 2027 to engage in wanton hedonism, you've another think coming!
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on May 28, 2014, 06:17:21 AM
Hermione Granger is graduated from Brown Univ. (http://www.csmonitor.com/The-Culture/Latest-News-Wires/2014/0526/Emma-Watson-graduates-Harry-Potter-star-picks-up-Ivy-League-diploma)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Moonfish on May 28, 2014, 08:06:54 AM
Quote from: karlhenning on May 28, 2014, 06:17:21 AM
Hermione Granger is graduated from Brown Univ. (http://www.csmonitor.com/The-Culture/Latest-News-Wires/2014/0526/Emma-Watson-graduates-Harry-Potter-star-picks-up-Ivy-League-diploma)

Wait! I thought she went to Hogwart's?  ???
But they are probably not accredited....
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on May 28, 2014, 09:24:24 AM
Kiss band member Paul Stanley discusses his new autobiography (http://www.csmonitor.com/Books/chapter-and-verse/2014/0527/Kiss-band-member-Paul-Stanley-discusses-his-new-autobiography-video)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on June 02, 2014, 08:19:49 AM
I suppose this was inevitable. (http://www.theguardian.com/film/2014/jun/02/edward-snowden-nsa-film-oliver-stone)  I just hope Jesse Eisenberg isn't tapped to be the lead.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: North Star on June 05, 2014, 03:18:12 AM
My city is such a beautiful place (http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/jun/04/finland-babies-cellar)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: ibanezmonster on June 05, 2014, 04:21:31 AM
Interesting.
http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2014/may/30/23-year-old-virgin-elliot-rodger-sex
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Wanderer on June 05, 2014, 10:35:41 AM
Google Finally Launches Street View in Greece (http://mashable.com/2014/06/05/greece-google-street-view/)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on June 09, 2014, 06:46:22 AM
This may actually explain some of snyprrr's posts. (http://www.cnet.com/news/computer-fools-humans-passes-turing-test/)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on June 09, 2014, 07:05:04 AM
Quote from: Todd on June 09, 2014, 06:46:22 AM
This may actually explain some of snyprrr's posts. (http://www.cnet.com/news/computer-fools-humans-passes-turing-test/)

QuoteFor the first time, a team in Russia has managed to dupe more than 30 percent of human interrogators into believing it's human.

But Chris Matyszczyk (or, the editor) has not managed to dupe me into thinking he understands how to use pronouns.  Good for that Russian team, convincing 30% of their human interrogators that their team are human!
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on June 09, 2014, 07:08:15 AM
Quote from: karlhenning on June 09, 2014, 07:05:04 AMBut Chris Matyszczyk (or, the editor) has not managed to dupe me into thinking he understands how to use pronouns.



Grammar are hard.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on June 09, 2014, 07:10:22 AM
Quote from: Todd on June 09, 2014, 07:08:15 AM
Grammar are hard.

Sure do!
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: ibanezmonster on June 09, 2014, 08:31:14 AM

"Americans are lazy" (http://20somethingfinance.com/american-hours-worked-productivity-vacation/)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on June 10, 2014, 11:44:59 AM
The buck stops somewhere. (http://abcnews.go.com/blogs/politics/2014/06/hagel-made-final-call-on-bergdahl-swap-congress-told/)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: ibanezmonster on June 15, 2014, 05:29:04 PM
My state is #1!
Good job!  Teach those other states how to do things properly now! Comfort and peace of mind is an evil coming from Satan!  >:D


http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/06/09/most-stressed-out-state_n_5474137.html
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: ibanezmonster on June 17, 2014, 06:08:25 PM
I've seen a swastika in probably nearly a third of the public restrooms I've been in...
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: ibanezmonster on June 18, 2014, 04:27:02 AM
Quote from: Philo on June 17, 2014, 07:42:54 PM
Well you do live in Florida if I'm not mistaken so I'm not surprised. This is the first one I've seen in years.
Yeah, that might be why. Haven't lived in other states, so I couldn't compare...
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on June 20, 2014, 07:08:38 PM
Quote from: Philo on June 15, 2014, 01:30:26 AM
Stockman requests NSA metadata on Lerner:
http://stockman.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/stockman-asks-nsa-for-lois-lerner-metadata-after-irs-claims-glitch



Well, come on, now, if you've got the technology, why not use it?  What could go wrong?
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on June 22, 2014, 05:11:31 PM
I see. (http://www.cbsnews.com/news/hillary-clinton-bill-and-i-are-not-like-the-truly-well-off/)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Brian on June 22, 2014, 06:56:40 PM
Quote from: Philo on June 22, 2014, 06:50:24 PM
She needs to desperately hire a new campaign manager.
(http://www.thehollywoodnews.com/wp-content/uploads/veep-cast-pic_652x404.jpg)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on June 25, 2014, 08:50:38 AM
Obama hates the oil industry. (http://online.wsj.com/articles/u-s-ruling-would-allow-first-shipments-of-unrefined-oil-overseas-1403644494)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: The Six on June 27, 2014, 04:49:29 PM
(•_•)
<)   )╯ PAN
/    \

\(•_•)
(   (>  CAKES
/    \

(•_•)
<)   )>  PLS
/    \
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on July 02, 2014, 10:30:33 AM
Looks like Nick may have raised the bar a notch. (http://www.cbc.ca/news/world/nicolas-sarkozy-ex-french-president-faces-charges-in-corruption-probe-1.2693819)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Brian on July 02, 2014, 10:38:44 AM
Quote from: Todd on July 02, 2014, 10:30:33 AM
Looks like Nick may have raised the bar a notch. (http://www.cbc.ca/news/world/nicolas-sarkozy-ex-french-president-faces-charges-in-corruption-probe-1.2693819)
Holy shit.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on July 02, 2014, 11:50:03 AM
Quote from: Todd on July 02, 2014, 10:30:33 AM
Looks like Nick may have raised the bar a notch. (http://www.cbc.ca/news/world/nicolas-sarkozy-ex-french-president-faces-charges-in-corruption-probe-1.2693819)
I'm not sure that really raises the bar, since we know Chirac took bucks from Saddam. More like maintaining a tradition.  :)
I forget who Mitterand took bribes from, but I recall there was someone.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on July 02, 2014, 12:37:26 PM
Quote from: Ken B on July 02, 2014, 11:50:03 AMI'm not sure that really raises the bar, since we know Chirac took bucks from Saddam.



I was thinking in terms of scale and audacity.  $67 million to his "campaign" fund, and then Sarkozy became one of the leading voices for ousting Gadhafi.  One would think that kind of money might buy less vigorous hand biting.  Ah well, c'est la vie.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on July 02, 2014, 05:11:23 PM
Quote from: Todd on July 02, 2014, 12:37:26 PM


I was thinking in terms of scale and audacity.  $67 million to his "campaign" fund, and then Sarkozy became one of the leading voices for ousting Gadhafi.  One would think that kind of money might buy less vigorous hand biting.  Ah well, c'est la vie.
An honest politician is one who, when he is bought, will stay bought.
--Simon Cameron
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: ibanezmonster on July 03, 2014, 07:18:40 PM
For religious freedom:

http://www.moonmontchronicle.com/supreme-court-rules-jcpenney-allowed-to-sacrifice-employees-to-appease-cthulhu.html
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on July 08, 2014, 06:46:09 AM
For Baklavaboy

http://theweek.com/article/index/264032/china-thinks-it-can-defeat-america-in-battle (http://theweek.com/article/index/264032/china-thinks-it-can-defeat-america-in-battle)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: ibanezmonster on July 08, 2014, 11:06:11 AM
http://www.newyorker.com/online/blogs/borowitzreport/2014/07/lebron-to-announce-decision-at-united-nations.html
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on July 10, 2014, 06:59:53 AM
Nipped it in the bud. (http://www.washingtonpost.com/local/crime/in-unusual-plea-deal-virginia-man-agrees-to-a-vasectomy/2014/06/29/7835371c-fe3e-11e3-932c-0a55b81f48ce_story.html)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Szykneij on July 15, 2014, 03:41:13 PM
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/germany/10968316/Germanys-plan-to-take-on-NSA-Block-eavesdroppers-with-classical-music-and-use-typewriters.html (http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/germany/10968316/Germanys-plan-to-take-on-NSA-Block-eavesdroppers-with-classical-music-and-use-typewriters.html)

Classical music foils spies!
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on July 16, 2014, 07:22:28 PM
I guess this sorta makes sense. (http://www.cbsnews.com/news/report-manuel-noriega-sues-over-depiction-in-call-of-duty-video-game/)  Kinda.  Maybe.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: kishnevi on July 19, 2014, 04:47:57 AM
Note to Philo and anyone else
The goal of Hamas, stated in their charter and repeated by their members at every chance, is to kill as many Jews as possible.  Anyone who defends them, supports them,  or in any way excuses them, and anyone who treats them as anything other than a group of murderous thugs, and anyone who ignores the fact that they are the ones with genocidal aims and they are the ones who put civilians on harm's  way, is therefore supporting the idea that killing Jews is a good thing.  Therefore if ypu repost any more of their propaganda here,  I will assume that you, Philo, believe my death is a good thing because I am a Jew.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on July 19, 2014, 06:12:47 AM
Said to be a Wisconsin teacher picketing.

(http://www.purduereview.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/Stupid_teacher.gif)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on July 19, 2014, 06:31:43 AM
Quote from: Jeffrey Smith on July 19, 2014, 04:47:57 AM
Note to Philo and anyone else
The goal of Hamas, stated in their charter and repeated by their members at every chance, is to kill as many Jews as possible.  Anyone who defends them, supports them,  or in any way excuses them, and anyone who treats them as anything other than a group of murderous thugs, and anyone who ignores the fact that they are the ones with genocidal aims and they are the ones who put civilians on harm's  way, is therefore supporting the idea that killing Jews is a good thing.  Therefore if ypu repost any more of their propaganda here,  I will assume that you, Philo, believe my death is a good thing because I am a Jew.
Well I approve the sentiment, but don't know about the facts here. The video seems to show kids being taught to hate and attack. That seems to me just what hamas does and advocates. But mightn't Philo just being showing an example of this to discomfit hamas apologists? I cannot tell from what I see here.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: kishnevi on July 19, 2014, 09:58:25 AM
I was viewing it in light of his post yesterday, which was explicitly propaganda produced by Hamas.  I admit my knowledge of this tape's contents is befuddled by Google's apparently limited ability to translate Arabic.
But if Philo has a valid reason let him come and explain homself.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: ibanezmonster on July 19, 2014, 02:01:42 PM
Quote from: Jeffrey Smith on July 19, 2014, 04:47:57 AM
Note to Philo and anyone else
The goal of Hamas, stated in their charter and repeated by their members at every chance, is to kill as many Jews as possible.  Anyone who defends them, supports them,  or in any way excuses them, and anyone who treats them as anything other than a group of murderous thugs, and anyone who ignores the fact that they are the ones with genocidal aims and they are the ones who put civilians on harm's  way, is therefore supporting the idea that killing Jews is a good thing.  Therefore if ypu repost any more of their propaganda here,  I will assume that you, Philo, believe my death is a good thing because I am a Jew.
True. If Israel had no defense, they would all be dead. I doubt you could say the same for Hamas.

I wish the Middle East, Africa, and Russia could magically warp to another planet so we wouldn't have to worry about them. Us civilized countries could then live in peace, at least until we get a US president that wants to start a war with some aliens.  :P
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: kishnevi on July 19, 2014, 02:03:17 PM
Quote from: Greg on July 19, 2014, 02:01:42 PM
True. If Israel had no defense, they would all be dead. I doubt you could say the same for Hamas.

I wish the Middle East, Africa, and Russia could magically warp to another planet so we wouldn't have to worry about them. Us civilized countries could then live in peace, at least until we get a US president that wants to start a war with some aliens.  :P
Don't forget China.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: ibanezmonster on July 19, 2014, 02:18:27 PM
Quote from: Jeffrey Smith on July 19, 2014, 02:03:17 PM
Don't forget China.
But then who would make our iPods and other electronics if we can't have Chinese slave kids?  ???

Maybe we could split the world in two-
Good world: Western Europe, Scandanavia, US, Canada, Japan, South Korea, Australia, Taiwan?
Bad world: Africa, Middle East, Asia/Russia, South America

We can completely ignore each other until the Bad World either blows each other up or proven they've changed their ways. Of course, this is a pipe dream since there are so many innocent people suffering in these countries.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on July 19, 2014, 07:09:50 PM
Quote from: Greg on July 19, 2014, 02:18:27 PM
But then who would make our iPods and other electronics if we can't have Chinese slave kids?  ???

Maybe we could split the world in two-
Good world: Western Europe, Scandanavia, US, Canada, Japan, South Korea, Australia, Taiwan?
Bad world: Africa, Middle East, Asia/Russia, South America

We can completely ignore each other until the Bad World either blows each other up or proven they've changed their ways. Of course, this is a pipe dream since there are so many innocent people suffering in these countries.
Hold on a second there, with South Korea.

>:D
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: ibanezmonster on July 19, 2014, 07:20:06 PM
Quote from: Ken B on July 19, 2014, 07:09:50 PM
Hold on a second there, with South Korea.

>:D
Whatcha got against the South Koreans?  :'(

oh, forgot to add North Korea to the Bad World. If I were North Korean, I'd be praying to Kim Jong Un or whoever that another country bombs me to oblivion, as long as it close enough to incinerate me instantly.  >:D
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on July 19, 2014, 07:21:58 PM
I noted the nature of leftist idiots and their threat to due process.

http://www.heraldscotland.com/mobile/news/home-news/police-to-doorstep-sex-crime-suspects.24799887 (http://www.heraldscotland.com/mobile/news/home-news/police-to-doorstep-sex-crime-suspects.24799887)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: ibanezmonster on July 19, 2014, 07:49:53 PM
Quote from: Ken B on July 19, 2014, 07:21:58 PM
I noted the nature of leftist idiots and their threat to due process.

http://www.heraldscotland.com/mobile/news/home-news/police-to-doorstep-sex-crime-suspects.24799887 (http://www.heraldscotland.com/mobile/news/home-news/police-to-doorstep-sex-crime-suspects.24799887)
Not sure how that is a political issue, but it's definitely something that would be abused. I heard one of my closest friends once mentioning that when he tried breaking up with a girl (she was being too clingy or something), she got mad and told everyone he tried to rape her. No one believed her; considering something like that would be ridiculously out of character for him, it would be hard to believe. So it would be sad if someone who wanted revenge could tell the police and get him in trouble anyways.

I don't think Europe is going to help its declining populations with such rules...
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on July 19, 2014, 08:05:55 PM
Quote from: Greg on July 19, 2014, 07:49:53 PM
Not sure how that is a political issue, but it's definitely something that would be abused. I heard one of my closest friends once mentioning that when he tried breaking up with a girl (she was being too clingy or something), she got mad and told everyone he tried to rape her. No one believed her; considering something like that would be ridiculously out of character for him, it would be hard to believe. So it would be sad if someone who wanted revenge could tell the police and get him in trouble anyways.

I don't think Europe is going to help its declining populations with such rules...
Many universities are trying to change standards of proof. I hope he is not at one.
Just before I left school there was a huge witch hunt about some engineering students. The woman eventually admitted she lied. The president of the student union said she should not have recanted, because it just feeds the "myth" that some accusations are false.
:blank:
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: ibanezmonster on July 19, 2014, 08:24:58 PM
Quote from: Ken B on July 19, 2014, 08:05:55 PM
Many universities are trying to change standards of proof. I hope he is not at one.
Just before I left school there was a huge witch hunt about some engineering students. The woman eventually admitted she lied. The president of the student union said she should not have recanted, because it just feeds the "myth" that some accusations are false.
:blank:
Lol! Talk about evil... My friend isn't in university and I have no classes on campus, so guess I'm safe. Also, having a passive and polite nature may help. No surprise people sided with my friend, and I doubt anyone would believe I tried to rape someone.  :P
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on July 20, 2014, 06:16:30 AM
Quote from: Greg on July 19, 2014, 08:24:58 PM
Lol! Talk about evil... My friend isn't in university and I have no classes on campus, so guess I'm safe. Also, having a passive and polite nature may help. No surprise people sided with my friend, and I doubt anyone would believe I tried to rape someone.  :P
Google Kira Cochrane, Andrea Dworkin, Marilyn French. They think you already did.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: ibanezmonster on July 20, 2014, 07:28:11 AM
Quote from: Ken B on July 20, 2014, 06:16:30 AM
Google Kira Cochrane, Andrea Dworkin, Marilyn French. They think you already did.
I'll just take your word for it. No one in the world is exempt by being passionately hated by someone they've never even heard of.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on July 20, 2014, 10:37:22 AM
They're on to you snyprrr. (http://www.bizjournals.com/boston/blog/techflash/2014/06/utilities-deploy-shooter-detection-systems-made-by.html)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on July 20, 2014, 02:51:40 PM
http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/wonkblog/wp/2014/07/17/when-rhode-island-accidentally-legalized-prostitution-rape-and-stis-decreased-sharply/?Post+generic=%3Ftid%3Dsm_twitter_washingtonpost (http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/wonkblog/wp/2014/07/17/when-rhode-island-accidentally-legalized-prostitution-rape-and-stis-decreased-sharply/?Post+generic=%3Ftid%3Dsm_twitter_washingtonpost)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: ibanezmonster on July 20, 2014, 05:45:02 PM
Quote from: Ken B on July 20, 2014, 02:51:40 PM
http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/wonkblog/wp/2014/07/17/when-rhode-island-accidentally-legalized-prostitution-rape-and-stis-decreased-sharply/?Post+generic=%3Ftid%3Dsm_twitter_washingtonpost (http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/wonkblog/wp/2014/07/17/when-rhode-island-accidentally-legalized-prostitution-rape-and-stis-decreased-sharply/?Post+generic=%3Ftid%3Dsm_twitter_washingtonpost)
No surprise. Yet a lot of people might be surprised for some reason.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on July 20, 2014, 06:12:40 PM
Quote from: Greg on July 20, 2014, 05:45:02 PM
No surprise. Yet a lot of people might be surprised for some reason.
Last year I stopped hitting my skull with a hammer and my headaches went away. Can't be related though, headaches are caused by witches.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on July 20, 2014, 07:44:15 PM
Internet Explorer explained.

http://theweek.com/speedreads/index/264921/speedreads-microsoft-lays-off-12500-employees-via-the-worst-email-ever (http://theweek.com/speedreads/index/264921/speedreads-microsoft-lays-off-12500-employees-via-the-worst-email-ever)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on July 21, 2014, 09:46:37 AM
Quote from: Greg on July 20, 2014, 05:45:02 PM
No surprise. Yet a lot of people might be surprised for some reason.

Quote from: Melissa FarleyIn rape cultures, the sexual terrorism of rape and prostitution are downplayed, underestimated, or denied. A prostituted woman explained, "What rape is to others, is normal to us." Prostitution is a cornerstone of rape culture.  Rape cultures normalize the objectification and commodification of women as sex and blame victims for their own victimization. The global finding that women aged 15-44 are more likely to be injured or killed by male violence than from cancer, malaria, traffic accidents and war combined – only makes sense when understood as a result of cultural acceptance of sexual violence. Prostitution is a commodified form of violence against women, a last-ditch survival option rather than a job choice. The lies that prostitution is a victimless crime, that she chose it, or even that prostitution isn't really happening at all –enable people to avoid the discomfort of knowing about the brutal realities of prostitution. And sex businesses rely on social, political and legal denial of denying the harms of prostitution.

From another point of view, the incidence of rape may well remain the same, only the rape is a legalized transaction rather than a criminal offense.  The woman still endures the degradation and psychological harm, but -- it's not a crime!  So the john is not a criminal, and his activity is business-as-usual rather than the occasion of a police report.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on July 21, 2014, 09:57:26 AM
Quote from: Melissa FarleyIn rape cultures, the sexual terrorism of rape and prostitution are downplayed, underestimated, or denied...


I'm no big fan of prostitution, and I have doubts about the wisdom of legalizing it, but Ms Farley's use of the word "terrorism" is ridiculous and undermines what she writes.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on July 21, 2014, 10:07:13 AM
A good point.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: ibanezmonster on July 21, 2014, 10:14:39 AM
Quote from: karlhenning on July 21, 2014, 09:46:37 AM
From another point of view, the incidence of rape may well remain the same, only the rape is a legalized transaction rather than a criminal offense.  The woman still endures the degradation and psychological harm, but -- it's not a crime!  So the john is not a criminal, and his activity is business-as-usual rather than the occasion of a police report.
Well, if the prostitute is being forced to prostitute, then that would definitely be a rape. For someone who chooses to make money off of sex, then I don't see how you can say there is a rape involved if they are willing. Of course, it may involve degradation and psychological harm, but so do most jobs out there (not to mention many jobs involve greater risk of physical harm). The only argument I can understand against prostitution would be from a religious perspective, but then again, there's supposed to be a separation between the church and the state...
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on July 21, 2014, 10:16:27 AM
Quote from: karlhenning on July 21, 2014, 09:46:37 AM
From another point of view, the incidence of rape may well remain the same, only the rape is a legalized transaction rather than a criminal offense.  The woman still endures the degradation and psychological harm, but -- it's not a crime!  So the john is not a criminal, and his activity is business-as-usual rather than the occasion of a police report.
What word is missing from that analysis? Could it be 'consent'?
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on July 21, 2014, 10:21:37 AM
Quote from: Greg on July 21, 2014, 10:14:39 AMFor someone who chooses to make money off of sex, then I don't see how you can say there is a rape involved if they are willing.



Let's say a woman who is a prostitute by choice encounters a violent client who forces her to do something she doesn't want to do - would that qualify as rape?  It's not hard to imagine something that happens frequently.



Quote from: Greg on July 21, 2014, 10:14:39 AMOf course, it may involve degradation and psychological harm, but so do most jobs out there (not to mention many jobs involve greater risk of physical harm).


This is one of the dumbest things you've ever written.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on July 21, 2014, 10:24:37 AM
Quote from: Ken B on July 21, 2014, 10:16:27 AM
What word is missing from that analysis? Could it be 'consent'?

Your optimism that the 'consent' is unforced is pretty to see ;)

Quote from: Greg on July 21, 2014, 10:14:39 AM
Well, if the prostitute is being forced to prostitute, then that would definitely be a rape. For someone who chooses to make money off of sex, then I don't see how you can say there is a rape involved if they are willing.

Quote from: Melissa FarleyOnly a tiny percentage of all women in prostitution are there because they freely choose it.  For most, prostitution is not a real choice because physical safety, equal power with buyers, and real alternatives don't exist.  These are the conditions that would permit genuine consent. Most of the 1% who choose prostitution are privileged because of their ethnicity and class and they have escape options.  Poor women and women of color don't have these options.

"We want real jobs, not blowjobs," said a First Nations survivor of prostitution in 2009. Prostitution exploits women's lack of survival options. Research conducted in nine countries found that 89% of all those in prostitution said that they were in prostitution because they had no alternatives for economic survival and that they saw no means of escape. In Indonesia another study found that 96% of those interviewed wanted to escape prostitution. Sex discrimination, poverty, racism and abandonment drive girls into prostitution. Women in prostitution were sexually abused as kids at much higher rates than other women.  So they are defined as 'whores' by rapists when they are little and they then end up in prostitution  – getting paid for the abuse they have grown up with and believing that's all they are good for.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on July 21, 2014, 10:26:46 AM
So, yes, the word "consent" was perniciously absent from the analysis, as it can only be applied in a highly qualified sense to most prostitution.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: ibanezmonster on July 21, 2014, 10:28:00 AM
Quote from: Todd on July 21, 2014, 10:21:37 AM
Let's say a woman who is a prostitute by choice encounters a violent client who forces her to do something she doesn't want to do - would that qualify as rape?  It's not hard to imagine something that happens frequently.
Sure, maybe, depends on what it is. Of course illegal activities could happen if the prostitute's rules aren't respected (you are doing more than what you are paying for, which would be considered stealing as well).


Quote from: Todd on July 21, 2014, 10:21:37 AM
This is one of the dumbest things you've ever written.
Join the Marines and go to the front lines in a war and tell me if it was psychologically difficult and potentially dangerous.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on July 21, 2014, 10:30:57 AM
Quote from: Greg on July 21, 2014, 10:28:00 AMSure, maybe, depends on what it is. Of course illegal activities could happen if the prostitute's rules aren't respected (you are doing more than what you are paying for, which would be considered stealing as well).


Maybe?  This exposes your lack of understanding.


Quote from: Greg on July 21, 2014, 10:28:00 AMJoin the Marines and go to the front lines in a war and tell me if it was psychologically difficult and potentially dangerous.


Your last post said most jobs out there.  Now you are being intellectually dishonest as well as daft.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: jochanaan on July 21, 2014, 10:39:30 AM
Let's assume for a moment that there are women who choose, without coercion, to make a living as a prostitute.  They may still not consent to certain kinds of sexual activity, and I cannot imagine any of them consenting to unlimited violence (as opposed to the kind of limited violence that BDSM practitioners engage in).  To force such unwanted "sex" onto a prostitute is indeed rape by any reasonable definition, whether she chose to do prostitution or not.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Florestan on July 21, 2014, 10:40:34 AM
Any talk about prostitution being immoral is moot in the country where porn is a legal, multi-billion-dollar business.  ;D ;D ;D

Any rationalization post this factum is a disgusting hypocrisy.

Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on July 21, 2014, 10:41:14 AM
Quote from: jochanaan on July 21, 2014, 10:39:30 AM
Let's assume for a moment that there are women who choose, without coercion, to make a living as a prostitute.

Per above, a valid assumption for a minuscule percentage of "sex workers."
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: jochanaan on July 21, 2014, 10:43:09 AM
Quote from: karlhenning on July 21, 2014, 10:41:14 AM
Per above, a valid assumption for a minuscule percentage of "sex workers."
And which researchers have found that "miniscule percentage"? ???
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: ibanezmonster on July 21, 2014, 10:44:03 AM
Quote from: Todd on July 21, 2014, 10:30:57 AM
Maybe?  This exposes your lack of understanding.
Okay, then, since every word counts...

Quote from: Greg on July 21, 2014, 10:28:00 AM
Sure, maybe, depends on what it is. Of course illegal activities could happen if the prostitute's rules aren't respected (you are doing more than what you are paying for, which would be considered stealing as well).



Quote from: Todd on July 21, 2014, 10:30:57 AM
Your last post said most jobs out there.  Now you are being intellectually dishonest as well as daft.
Do I really need to make a list of all of the dangerous and often psychologically damaging jobs out there?
Firefighter, coal miner, police officer, construction workers on tall buildings, the rest of the military, the list goes on and on but I'd rather not sit here all day trying to come up with a list.

And besides that, to most people working just sucks in general and they have to out of economic necessity. The argument that prostitution takes advantage of women who are poor makes no sense since they could get a regular job like all of the other men in the world out there. Prostitution just opens up another market and job opportunities for women; unless someone is forcing them, it's their choice.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: ibanezmonster on July 21, 2014, 10:46:20 AM
Quote from: Florestan on July 21, 2014, 10:40:34 AM
Any talk about prostitution being immoral is moot in the country where porn is a legal, multi-billion-dollar business.  ;D ;D ;D

Any rationalization post this factum is a disgusting hypocrisy.
I always keep in mind, when it comes to this subject, a clip from either Family Guy or South Park where a transaction with a prostitute finishes taking place and cops barge in, trying to arrest them. Then the guy says, "Oh, actually, we were filming this to make money off of it. It's actually porn." The police officers leave peacefully.  ;D
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on July 21, 2014, 10:47:12 AM
Quote from: jochanaan on July 21, 2014, 10:43:09 AM
And which researchers have found that "miniscule percentage"? ???

Indeed!
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: ibanezmonster on July 21, 2014, 10:49:13 AM
Depends on how you define "rape": if you define it by consent, then it isn't; if you define it by want, then prostitution almost always is.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Florestan on July 21, 2014, 10:49:52 AM
Quote from: Greg on July 21, 2014, 10:46:20 AM
I always keep in mind, when it comes to this subject, a clip from either Family Guy or South Park where a transaction with a prostitute finishes taking place and cops barge in, trying to arrest them. Then the guy says, "Oh, actually, we were filming this to make money off of it. It's actually porn." The police officers leave peacefully.  ;D

Well, exactly!  ;D

Unless, and until, the USA as a whole outlaw porn altogether, any talk about prostitution being illegal and immoral will always seems to me as the top of hypocrisy.  ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on July 21, 2014, 10:52:41 AM
Quote from: Greg on July 21, 2014, 10:49:13 AM
Depends on how you define "rape": if you define it by consent, then it isn't; if you define it by want, then prostitution almost always is.

I see you are concerned to define "rape," but blandly assume that all "consent" is created equal.

Quote from: Florestan on July 21, 2014, 10:49:52 AM
Well, exactly!  ;D

Unless, and until, the USA as a whole outlaw porn altogether, any talk about prostitution being illegal and immoral will always seems to me as the top of hypocrisy.  ;D ;D ;D

Well, I am going to disagree that USA not having outlawed porn outright renders me a hypocrite for protesting that prostitution is immoral, and upholding its illegality.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: ibanezmonster on July 21, 2014, 11:07:58 AM
Quote from: karlhenning on July 21, 2014, 10:52:41 AM
I see you are concerned to define "rape," but blandly assume that all "consent" is created equal.
That was exactly my point, though. You can consent without wanting (like almost every person that has a job). Almost no one works because they want to.


Quote from: karlhenning on July 21, 2014, 10:52:41 AM
Well, I am going to disagree that USA not having outlawed porn outright renders me a hypocrite for protesting that prostitution is immoral, and upholding its illegality.
Then you'd have to agree that porn should be illegal, too.  ;)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Florestan on July 21, 2014, 11:08:15 AM
Quote from: karlhenning on July 21, 2014, 10:52:41 AM
IWell, I am going to disagree that USA not having outlawed porn outright renders me a hypocrite for protesting that prostitution is immoral, and upholding its illegality.

You are not a hypocrite, of course. I was painting my statement in much too wide a brush. I shall reformulate it.

You, Karl Henning, are not at all a hypocrite in denouncing the immorality of prostitution, but:

Fact # 1. There are USA states (not all of them) in which prostitution is legal.

and

Fact # 2. There are USA states (all of them) in which porn is legal (am I wrong?).

And that brings us to the main issue: morals and legals are two different matters altogether. Not everything moral is legal, and not everything legal is moral. For a Christian, morality trumps legality and it is in this respect that I side with you: prostitution is immoral even when legal. Porn too,
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on July 21, 2014, 11:14:44 AM
Quote from: Greg on July 21, 2014, 11:07:58 AM
That was exactly my point, though. You can consent without wanting (like almost every person that has a job). Almost no one works because they want to.

If you do not see the fallacy of your equation there, I doubt I can illuminate it for you.

The statement "Almost no one works because they want to" is also completely false;  I see people every day who want to work.

Take myself:  I want to compose, and it must be considered a type of work.  Of course, the job to which I report everty day is a different sort of job;  but it is also work I want to do.  Now, let me give you some credit for imagination:  what do you suppose are three possible reasons why I want to work, even at this job which is not composition?

Quote from: Greg
Then you'd have to agree that porn should be illegal, too.  ;)

Aye, just so.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on July 21, 2014, 11:15:10 AM
Quote from: Florestan on July 21, 2014, 11:08:15 AM
For a Christian, morality trumps legality and it is in this respect that I side with you: prostitution is immoral even when legal. Porn too,

Exactly so, brother.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on July 21, 2014, 11:21:30 AM
Quote from: Greg on July 21, 2014, 10:44:03 AMDo I really need to make a list of all of the dangerous and often psychologically damaging jobs out there? Firefighter, coal miner, police officer, construction workers on tall buildings, the rest of the military, the list goes on and on but I'd rather not sit here all day trying to come up with a list.


You see, you are intellectually dishonest, or perhaps incapable of understanding what the word "most" means. 



Quote from: Greg on July 21, 2014, 10:44:03 AMAnd besides that, to most people working just sucks in general and they have to out of economic necessity.


You are confusing your outlook with how other people view work.  What evidence do you have that most people (eg, >50% of all people, or >50% of all working people, take your pick) think work "just sucks in general"? 

I do acknowledge that it is true that a lot of people work out of economic necessity.  That's called life.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Florestan on July 21, 2014, 11:22:11 AM
Quote from: karlhenning on July 21, 2014, 11:15:10 AM
Exactly so, brother.

Aye!

But then again: Let him who is without sin, cast the first stone. Porn is the prime example of supply creating the demand.  ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Florestan on July 21, 2014, 11:24:37 AM
Quote from: Todd on July 21, 2014, 11:21:30 AM
I do acknowledge that it is true that a lot of people work out of economic necessity.  That's called life.

I wonder, how many porn actresses actually work out of pleasure?  :)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on July 21, 2014, 11:26:17 AM
Quote from: Florestan on July 21, 2014, 10:49:52 AMUnless, and until, the USA as a whole outlaw porn altogether, any talk about prostitution being illegal and immoral will always seems to me as the top of hypocrisy.



This line of reasoning ignores two things.  First, it does not define pornography, unless you are going for the "I know it when I see it" standard.  Second, assuming an agreed upon definition is reached, what about all of the pornography that is created and shared by people without any financial reward?
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: ibanezmonster on July 21, 2014, 11:26:39 AM
Quote from: karlhenning on July 21, 2014, 11:14:44 AM
If you do not see the fallacy of your equation there, I doubt I can illuminate it for you.

The statement "Almost no one works because they want to" is also completely false;  I see people every day who want to work.

Take myself:  I want to compose, and it must be considered a type of work.  Of course, the job to which I report everty day is a different sort of job;  but it is also work I want to do.  Now, let me give you some credit for imagination:  what do you suppose are three possible reasons why I want to work, even at this job which is not composition?

Aye, just so.
Composing isn't work. It's fun.
You may have two other reasons besides money to work at your job, but would you work for free when you could be spending more time composing? You need to eat, after all.
And you may see people that love to work, but most people work because they have to. Probably 90% of the people I work with work because they have to- I know a few exceptions here and there that don't really need to, but it's a small minority.


I'm also interested in this idea being considered here that something such as verbal consent could still be considered rape. So if a woman says "yes" to sex (paid or unpaid), and doesn't really want to, is that rape? Just think of the potential problems of that. So if a woman wants to get back at you and claim you raped her because she didn't want sex with you (even though she said "yes"), and you get thrown in jail for rape, it's basically because you can't read someone's mind? That sounds like a really thorny issue there.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on July 21, 2014, 11:31:43 AM
Quote from: Greg on July 21, 2014, 11:26:39 AM
Composing isn't work. It's fun.

It is both.  The fact that I enjoy the activity does not negate that it is work, the application of thought, talent and time to a tangible result.  (If music be tangible.)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: ibanezmonster on July 21, 2014, 11:34:22 AM
Quote from: Todd on July 21, 2014, 11:21:30 AM
You see, you are intellectually dishonest, or perhaps incapable of understanding what the word "most" means. 
Okay, since you like to nitpick so much, then "many." A lot of people work those jobs. Not to mention retail or restaurant work, which makes up a large percentage of jobs. Do you really think many people like making sandwiches, pulling in shopping carts or running a register all day for what is basically a non-living?



Quote from: Todd on July 21, 2014, 11:21:30 AM
You are confusing your outlook with how other people view work.  What evidence do you have that most people (eg, >50% of all people, or >50% of all working people, take your pick) think work "just sucks in general"? 
Do you live in some sort of world full of happy workers?  ??? I wouldn't mind going there...
http://www.forbes.com/sites/susanadams/2013/10/10/unhappy-employees-outnumber-happy-ones-by-two-to-one-worldwide/
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Florestan on July 21, 2014, 11:34:33 AM
Quote from: Todd on July 21, 2014, 11:26:17 AM


This line of reasoning ignores two things.  First, it does not define pornography, unless you are going for the "I know it when I see it" standard.

I am not a hypocrite, nor do I play around with words. Porn for me is when two or more people fuck, suck, lick and whatever, on purpose and knowingly, in front of a camera.  ;D ;D ;D 

Quote
Second, assuming an agreed upon definition is reached, what about all of the pornography that is created and shared by people without without any financial reward?

That is left to anybody's morality and conscience. If you fuck your wife and her highschool girlfriend and film and post it on the internet, that's your business.  ;D ;D ;D

Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Florestan on July 21, 2014, 11:42:47 AM
Quote from: Greg on July 21, 2014, 11:34:22 AM
Do you really think many people like making sandwiches, pulling in shopping carts or running a register all day for what is basically a non-living?

I'm with you on that one,Most people hate their jobs. Todd too, but he will never admit it.   ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: ibanezmonster on July 21, 2014, 11:47:09 AM
Quote from: Florestan on July 21, 2014, 11:42:47 AM
I'm with you on that one,Most people hate their jobs. Todd too, but he will never admit it.   ;D ;D ;D
My dad always told me that most people don't like their jobs and he really hopes that I'd be one of the few that gets one I like. Of course, it has been years of work and stress to get a chance.

Just ~17+ months more when I graduate, and I'll very likely in that lucky minority.  :)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on July 21, 2014, 11:49:34 AM
Quote from: Greg on July 21, 2014, 11:34:22 AMOkay, since you like to nitpick so much, then "many."


Many means something quite different from most.  It changes the nature of your statement.  Words are important.



Quote from: Greg on July 21, 2014, 11:34:22 AMNot to mention retail or restaurant work, which makes up a large percentage of jobs. Do you really think many people like making sandwiches, pulling in shopping carts or running a register all day for what is basically a non-living?


Well, see, these jobs are not dangerous, generally speaking.  And they are not degrading in the way prostitution is.  Not even close.  You attempted, and continue to attempt, to establish a false equivalency.



Quote from: Greg on July 21, 2014, 11:34:22 AMDo you live in some sort of world full of happy workers?

Let's take a quick look at some of that article you offer up as proof.

Overall, Gallup found that only 13% of workers feel engaged by their jobs. That means they feel a sense of passion for their work, a deep connection to their employe and they spend their days driving innovation and moving their company forward.

The vast majority, some 63%, are "not engaged," meaning they are unhappy but not drastically so. In short, they're checked out. They sleepwalk through their days, putting little energy into their work.

A full 24% are what Gallup calls "actively disengaged," meaning they pretty much hate their jobs. They act out and undermine what their coworkers accomplish.



And further:


It turns out the U.S. has some of the best numbers in the world, with 30% happy in their work, 52% feeling blah and 18% who hate their jobs. Those numbers are not what we would want but they are better than most places.


So I see 24% who hate their jobs worldwide, and 18% in the US.  Not well over half.  But even then, the nature of some of the questions listed are written in such a way that the results are sure to skew negative.  For instance:

5. My supervisor, or someone at work, seems to care about me as a person.
10. I have a best friend at work.



A caring boss?  (Meaning what, exactly?) A best friend at work?  What rubbish.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Florestan on July 21, 2014, 11:50:30 AM
Quote from: Greg on July 21, 2014, 11:47:09 AM
My dad always told me that most people don't like their jobs and he really hopes that I'd be one of the few that gets one I like. Of course, it has been years of work and stress to get a chance.

Just ~17+ months more when I graduate, and I'll very likely in that lucky minority.  :)

Have you read Emil Cioran? (A Romanian, BTW).
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on July 21, 2014, 11:53:49 AM
Quote from: Florestan on July 21, 2014, 11:42:47 AMTodd too, but he will never admit it.



I don't hate it, nor do I love it.  I've had better jobs, and worse jobs.  It's far better than blah, though.  Oh, yes, I also don't live in Fantasyland, where my parents feed and house me, and make everyone be nice to me to protect my feelings, so I recognize that some things at work will be unpleasant.  It is called Work, not Happy Fun Time.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on July 21, 2014, 11:54:17 AM
Quote from: Todd on July 21, 2014, 11:49:34 AM
A caring boss?  (Meaning what, exactly?) A best friend at work?  What rubbish.

Indeed.  One can like one's work (as I do), without losing sight of something my boss once said:  Work is not the place to find personal fulfillment.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Florestan on July 21, 2014, 11:56:41 AM
Quote from: Todd on July 21, 2014, 11:49:34 AM

Many means something quite different from most.  It changes the nature of your statement.  Words are important.




Well, see, these jobs are not dangerous, generally speaking.  And they are not degrading in the way prostitution is.  Not even close.  You attempted, and continue to attempt, to establish a false equivalency.



Let's take a quick look at some of that article you offer up as proof.

Overall, Gallup found that only 13% of workers feel engaged by their jobs. That means they feel a sense of passion for their work, a deep connection to their employe and they spend their days driving innovation and moving their company forward.

The vast majority, some 63%, are "not engaged," meaning they are unhappy but not drastically so. In short, they're checked out. They sleepwalk through their days, putting little energy into their work.

A full 24% are what Gallup calls "actively disengaged," meaning they pretty much hate their jobs. They act out and undermine what their coworkers accomplish.



And further:


It turns out the U.S. has some of the best numbers in the world, with 30% happy in their work, 52% feeling blah and 18% who hate their jobs. Those numbers are not what we would want but they are better than most places.


So I see 24% who hate their jobs worldwide, and 18% in the US.  Not well over half.  But even then, the nature of some of the questions listed are written in such a way that the results are sure to skew negative.  For instance:

5. My supervisor, or someone at work, seems to care about me as a person.
10. I have a best friend at work.



A caring boss?  (Meaning what, exactly?) A best friend at work?  What rubbish.

C'mon, Todd, will you give me/us a break?  ;D ;D ;D

According to the Romanian Statistical Institute, there's nothing wrong with Romania. Then please come live in Romania on the average salary, or on the average pension, and then let us know what the statistics are all about...  ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on July 21, 2014, 11:57:46 AM
Quote from: Florestan on July 21, 2014, 11:34:33 AMThat is left to anybody's morality and conscience. If you fuck your wife and her highschool girlfriend and film and post it on the internet, that's your business.



Your definition is almost exact enough, but the question is should pornography be banned in cases where it is not, in fact, it cannot be construed as prostitution; that is, if there is no monetary exchange, and the underlying act is legal, should pornography be banned?  If so, on what grounds?
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: ibanezmonster on July 21, 2014, 11:58:42 AM
Quote from: Florestan on July 21, 2014, 11:50:30 AM
Have you read Emil Cioran? (A Romanian, BTW).
Oh, that guy.  ;D

I believe I've read something by him before, but I'd really have to be in a certain mood to read his stuff lol.









Quote from: Todd on July 21, 2014, 11:49:34 AM

Many means something quite different from most.  It changes the nature of your statement.  Words are important.




Well, see, these jobs are not dangerous, generally speaking.  And they are not degrading in the way prostitution is.  Not even close.  You attempted, and continue to attempt, to establish a false equivalency.



Let's take a quick look at some of that article you offer up as proof.

Overall, Gallup found that only 13% of workers feel engaged by their jobs. That means they feel a sense of passion for their work, a deep connection to their employe and they spend their days driving innovation and moving their company forward.

The vast majority, some 63%, are "not engaged," meaning they are unhappy but not drastically so. In short, they're checked out. They sleepwalk through their days, putting little energy into their work.

A full 24% are what Gallup calls "actively disengaged," meaning they pretty much hate their jobs. They act out and undermine what their coworkers accomplish.



And further:


It turns out the U.S. has some of the best numbers in the world, with 30% happy in their work, 52% feeling blah and 18% who hate their jobs. Those numbers are not what we would want but they are better than most places.


So I see 24% who hate their jobs worldwide, and 18% in the US.  Not well over half.  But even then, the nature of some of the questions listed are written in such a way that the results are sure to skew negative.  For instance:

5. My supervisor, or someone at work, seems to care about me as a person.
10. I have a best friend at work.



A caring boss?  (Meaning what, exactly?) A best friend at work?  What rubbish.
Okay, if you don't believe the article I found, find one that states that most people like their job and defend why it's more valid than this one.
Obviously, anything I find will be subject to overanalysis and won't be valid because it represents the opinion that isn't equal to your opinion, so I'll let you find something.

I see you like to twist my words and apply different meanings to them to try to evade the overall point that I'm making.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on July 21, 2014, 11:59:16 AM
Quote from: karlhenning on July 21, 2014, 11:54:17 AMWork is not the place to find personal fulfillment.


I believe one's personal life is the suitable place for that.


Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Florestan on July 21, 2014, 12:00:07 PM
Quote from: karlhenning on July 21, 2014, 11:54:17 AM
Work is not the place to find personal fulfillment.

Too bad it isn't. It should be. Karl Marx was dead right on this one.  ;D ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on July 21, 2014, 12:01:12 PM
Quote from: Todd on July 21, 2014, 11:59:16 AM
I believe one's personal life is the suitable place for that.

I agree.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: ibanezmonster on July 21, 2014, 12:01:33 PM
There should be something fulfilling about spending 40-80 hours a week of your time on something (something fulfilling besides money)...
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on July 21, 2014, 12:01:48 PM
Quote from: karlhenning on July 21, 2014, 11:54:17 AM
Work is not the place to find personal fulfillment.

Wise words. There are certainly exceptions, but a lot of woe flows from believing it should be, or that you are entitled it being so. I know one person, a prof, who says, I love my job but if they stop paying me I'll stop showing up.
(He's tenured so maybe he's already stopped showing up.  :))
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on July 21, 2014, 12:05:19 PM
Quote from: Florestan on July 21, 2014, 12:00:07 PM
Too bad it isn't. It should be. Karl Marx was dead right on this one.  ;D ;D ;D ;D

Well, in my dreams, I suppose it should be, too.

8)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Florestan on July 21, 2014, 12:09:44 PM
Quote from: Todd on July 21, 2014, 11:57:46 AM
if there is no monetary exchange, and the underlying act is legal, should pornography be banned?  If so, on what grounds?

I have just stated my position: I am a Christian, for me morality trumps any mundane legality. Morally speaking, pornography is intrinsically evil, even it be legally okay.

Not that I am the most righteous person in this regard...  ;D ;D ;D

Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: ibanezmonster on July 21, 2014, 12:11:24 PM
Quote from: Florestan on July 21, 2014, 12:09:44 PM
I have just stated my position: I am a Christian, for me morality trumps any mundane legality. Morally speaking, pornography is intrinsically evil, even it be legally okay.

Not that I am the most righteous person in this regard...  ;D ;D ;D
At least this argue makes sense, even though I'm not sure if I agree with it or not.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on July 21, 2014, 12:11:55 PM
Quote from: Florestan link=topic=6347.msg817723#msg817723  :laugh: :laugh:=1405973384
I am a Christian
Worse, an engineer!






>:D :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :P :laugh: 8)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Florestan on July 21, 2014, 12:13:17 PM
Quote from: Greg on July 21, 2014, 12:01:33 PM
There should be something fulfilling about spending 40-80 hours a week of your time on something (something fulfilling besides money)...

You wish!... ;D ;D ;D

The whole modern world is a giant conspiracy to rob all people of their right place! Just ask snyprrrrr...  ;D ;D ;D ;D

Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on July 21, 2014, 12:14:28 PM
Quote from: Florestan on July 21, 2014, 12:13:17 PM
Just ask snyprrrrr...  ;D ;D ;D ;D

You wicked, wicked man!  ;)   8)   0:)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Florestan on July 21, 2014, 12:15:19 PM
Quote from: Ken B on July 21, 2014, 12:11:55 PM
Worse, an engineer!






>:D :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :P :laugh: 8)

Have you read Lucky Per by Henrik Pontoppidan?
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on July 21, 2014, 12:16:01 PM
Quote from: Florestan on July 21, 2014, 12:09:44 PMMorally speaking, pornography is intrinsically evil, even it be legally okay.


See, now I say the same thing about prayer.

But let's not get off topic.  ;)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on July 21, 2014, 12:16:12 PM
Quote from: Greg on July 21, 2014, 11:58:42 AM
Okay, if you don't believe the article I found, find one that states that most people like their job and defend why it's more valid than this one.
Obviously, anything I find will be subject to overanalysis and won't be valid because it represents the opinion that isn't equal to your opinion, so I'll let you find something.


You are the one making assertions about most people disliking or, better yet (?), hating work.  You would need to provide solid evidence, and be able to understand why the underlying survey questions may end up skewing results in the evidence you do provide.




Quote from: Greg on July 21, 2014, 11:58:42 AMI see you like to twist my words and apply different meanings to them to try to evade the overall point that I'm making.


Incorrect.  I simply respond to what you write, not what you wish you had written.  Let's take a look at your gem of a post again:


Quote from: Greg on July 21, 2014, 10:14:39 AM
Well, if the prostitute is being forced to prostitute, then that would definitely be a rape. For someone who chooses to make money off of sex, then I don't see how you can say there is a rape involved if they are willing. Of course, it may involve degradation and psychological harm, but so do most jobs out there (not to mention many jobs involve greater risk of physical harm). The only argument I can understand against prostitution would be from a religious perspective, but then again, there's supposed to be a separation between the church and the state...


The bolded selection attempts to establish a false equivalency between prostitution and most jobs.  That is what you wrote.  You later tried to qualify your statement by selecting first one of the most dangerous of all jobs (combat soldier) and then a partial list of inherently dangerous jobs, and so on. 

What exactly is your overall point?
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on July 21, 2014, 12:18:29 PM
Quote from: Florestan on July 21, 2014, 12:15:19 PM
Have you read Lucky Per by Henrik Pontoppidan?
Nope. Nor at $80 will I!
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on July 21, 2014, 12:25:36 PM
Quote from: Florestan on July 21, 2014, 12:09:44 PMMorally speaking, pornography is intrinsically evil, even it be legally okay.


Should all pornography be banned because your Christian morality dictates it should be?  Should all law be based primarily on Christian morality?
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on July 21, 2014, 12:28:52 PM
There are, for instance, Americans in whose opinion classical statuary is "pornography."
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on July 21, 2014, 12:30:40 PM
Quote from: karlhenning on July 21, 2014, 12:28:52 PM
There are, for instance, Americans in whose opinion classical statuary is "pornography."
There are some who think music and composing evil.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: ibanezmonster on July 21, 2014, 12:37:35 PM
Quote from: Todd on July 21, 2014, 12:16:12 PM

You are the one making assertions about most people disliking or, better yet (?), hating work.  You would need to provide solid evidence, and be able to understand why the underlying survey questions may end up skewing results in the evidence you do provide.





Incorrect.  I simply respond to what you write, not what you wish you had written.  Let's take a look at your gem of a post again:



The bolded selection attempts to establish a false equivalency between prostitution and most jobs.  That is what you wrote.  You later tried to qualify your statement by selecting first one of the most dangerous of all jobs (combat soldier) and then a partial list of inherently dangerous jobs, and so on. 

What exactly is your overall point?
Most jobs are degrading, in a way. Most people can do more with their life than what they do to get paid. And similarly, prostitution can be degrading as well. People put up with stuff that they don't want to do. How degrading a profession is may be in the eye of the beholder. And there may be some prostitutes out there that don't necessarily find it degrading, but may even enjoy it. Likewise with any job.

So my point is that work is degrading, in general. Opinions may vary.

And what about the statistics on people who like their job being a favorable number?
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on July 21, 2014, 12:45:03 PM
Quote from: Greg on July 21, 2014, 12:37:35 PMMost jobs are degrading, in a way.


How so?  The rest of your statements rely on this, so please elaborate how over half of all jobs are degrading. 

Ultimately, the statement "So my point is that work is degrading, in general" is something one would attribute to someone who is lazy and selfish and who has an enormous sense of entitlement.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: ibanezmonster on July 21, 2014, 12:50:53 PM
Quote from: Todd on July 21, 2014, 12:45:03 PM

How so?  The rest of your statements rely on this, so please elaborate how over half of all jobs are degrading. 

Ultimately, the statement "So my point is that work is degrading, in general" is something one would attribute to someone who is lazy and selfish and who has an enormous sense of entitlement.
Okay, now the name calling begins...

anyways, how exactly is prostitution degrading? IIRC, the argument was "because it takes advantage of a woman's financial situation, and if she may be willing to prostitute, it is only out economic necessity." Is this correct?
Title: Re: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on July 21, 2014, 01:07:34 PM
Quote from: Greg on July 21, 2014, 12:50:53 PM
[...]
anyways, how exactly is prostitution degrading?

Your question cannot be serious.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on July 21, 2014, 01:09:03 PM
Quote from: Greg on July 21, 2014, 12:50:53 PMOkay, now the name calling begins...


Not name calling as much as the simple recognition that making the statement "work is degrading, in general" is inherently lazy and selfish, and betrays a sense of entitlement.  This is the mindset of those who believe society owes them something.



Quote from: Greg on July 21, 2014, 12:50:53 PManyways, how exactly is prostitution degrading?


This is a profoundly stupid question.
Title: Re: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: ibanezmonster on July 21, 2014, 01:10:08 PM
Quote from: Todd on July 21, 2014, 01:09:03 PM
This is a profoundly stupid question.

Quote from: karlhenning on July 21, 2014, 01:07:34 PM
Your question cannot be serious.
I'm not asking because I'm wondering why, I'm asking because I want a precise definition from those against legalization.


(not that I'm saying prostitution is a good thing, since it obviously isn't)
Title: Re: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Henk on July 21, 2014, 01:14:45 PM
Quote from: Greg on July 21, 2014, 01:10:08 PM
I'm not asking because I'm wondering why, I'm asking because I want a precise definition from those against legalization.


(not that I'm saying prostitution is a good thing, since it obviously isn't)

I think when a woman has kids prostitution should not be an option. When a woman has no kids, well she needs in some way spend her time, so prositution can be legal. Prostitution is better than slavery, when you do rank people (just a consideration, not yet speaking in terms of moral).

Good question, Greg.
Title: Re: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on July 21, 2014, 01:15:35 PM
Quote from: Henk on July 21, 2014, 01:14:45 PMWhen a woman has no kids, well she needs in some way spend her time, so prositution can be legal.


WTF?
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: ibanezmonster on July 21, 2014, 01:19:41 PM
If a woman willingly decides to work as a prostitute rather than a dishwasher, she probably finds it less degrading than working as a dishwasher, anyways.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Henk on July 21, 2014, 01:21:33 PM
Just a bit of a ridiculous (funny) comment, I admit.

But I think some prostitutes make an art of their work, their personality grows. Only to take the step to go into prostitution is hard.

When you legalize many problems that exists when it would be illegal vanishes.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on July 21, 2014, 01:23:19 PM
Quote from: Henk on July 21, 2014, 01:21:33 PMBut I think some prostitutes make an art of their work, there personality grows.


Whew.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Henk on July 21, 2014, 01:24:19 PM
Quote from: Greg on July 21, 2014, 01:19:41 PM
If a woman willingly decides to work as a prostitute rather than a dishwasher, she probably finds it less degrading than working as a dishwasher, anyways.

Yes, and do you understand this? Would it also be your choice ;)? A dishwasher is a slave, a prostitute not necessary.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Henk on July 21, 2014, 01:26:51 PM
Quote from: Todd on July 21, 2014, 01:23:19 PM

Whew.

Well I haven't been to prostitutes so I am guessing a bit. But you have been can I conclude? ;)

I think we are all guessing a bit for this reason. And only from this point of view people like you find it morally unacceptable, so from the viewpoint of men instead of prostitutes!
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on July 21, 2014, 01:30:05 PM
Quote from: Henk on July 21, 2014, 01:26:51 PMWell I haven't been to prostitutes so I am guessing a bit. But you have been can I conclude? ;)



Nope.  Just surprised that someone can write things more absurd than Greg when it comes to women.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: ibanezmonster on July 21, 2014, 01:30:48 PM
Quote from: Henk on July 21, 2014, 01:21:33 PM
When you legalize many problems that exists when it would be illegal vanishes.
It's weird how that works.


Quote"Women in prostitution generally describe it as paid rape. That's what if feels like to them," said Farley, who feels the study embodies a "reactionary worldview."
Notice the word "feels."







Quote from: Henk on July 21, 2014, 01:24:19 PM
Yes, and do you understand this? Would it also be your choice ;)? A dishwasher is a slave, a prostitute not necessary.
I would never prostitute myself, but I imagine that since I am a guy, it wouldn't be considered being raped, even if it is out of economic necessity and I don't enjoy it.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: ibanezmonster on July 21, 2014, 01:33:19 PM
Quote from: Todd on July 21, 2014, 01:30:05 PM


Nope.  Just surprised that someone can write things more absurd than Greg when it comes to women.
What is specifically "absurd?"

And where are those stats about people generally liking their job?

And is prostitution degrading "because it takes advantage of a woman's financial situation, and if she may be willing to prostitute, it is only out economic necessity?"
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Henk on July 21, 2014, 01:34:04 PM
Quote from: Todd on July 21, 2014, 01:30:05 PM


Nope.  Just surprised that someone can write things more absurd than Greg when it comes to women.

You should take into consideration not the viewpoint of men but that of the prostitutes. They stand above the men who come visit them. Going to prostitutes is lower than being a prostitute I think for a prostitute. It's only a lower _subculture_ of society, but not necessary morally unacceptable.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on July 21, 2014, 01:38:37 PM
Quote from: Todd on July 21, 2014, 01:30:05 PM


Nope.  Just surprised that someone can write things more absurd than Greg when it comes to women.
The most absurd claim made here is yours, that you are able to tell women you have never met what does and does not degrade them, and are entitled to substitute your judgment for theirs in the matter.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Henk on July 21, 2014, 01:39:12 PM
Quote from: Greg on July 21, 2014, 01:30:48 PM
I would never prostitute myself, but I imagine that since I am a guy, it wouldn't be considered being raped, even if it is out of economic necessity and I don't enjoy it.

Raping may appear, but how much of a percentage? I think a lot of men seek consolation, sexual pleasure, and this is not raping. If it's raping then things are different, but when can be spoken of raping? There can be some kind of violence included in sex, but this is not necessary raping. Raping is when a woman doesn't want, and the definition of a prostitute is that she always wants.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on July 21, 2014, 01:42:07 PM
Quote from: Henk on July 21, 2014, 01:39:12 PM
Raping may appear, but how much of a percentage? I think a lot of men seek consolation, sexual pleasure, and this is not raping. If it's raping then things are different, but when can be speaken of raping. There can be some kind of violence included in sex, but this is not necessary raping. Raping is when a woman doesn't want, and the definition of a prostitute is that she always wants.
And those who deny this distinction deny the prostitute the right to make the decision herself.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: ibanezmonster on July 21, 2014, 01:43:02 PM
Quote from: Ken B on July 21, 2014, 01:38:37 PM
The most absurd claim made here is yours, that you are able to tell women you have never met what does and does not degrade them, and are entitled to substitute your judgment for theirs in the matter.
Exactly. And telling a woman what is legal or illegal to do with their body when it doesn't harm the other party (the man).
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Henk on July 21, 2014, 01:48:13 PM
Quote from: Greg on July 21, 2014, 01:43:02 PM
Exactly. And telling a woman what is legal or illegal to do with their body when it doesn't harm the other party (the man).

Well, I think a lot of women in prostitution have regrets about their decision (so there should be a sort of protection against it in society), not every personality is suited for it. She needs to love having sex with different men for example.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on July 21, 2014, 02:00:06 PM
Quote from: Ken B on July 21, 2014, 01:38:37 PMThe most absurd claim made here is yours, that you are able to tell women you have never met what does and does not degrade them, and are entitled to substitute your judgment for theirs in the matter.



Complete nonsense.  The specific sentence I was referring to was But I think some prostitutes make an art of their work, their personality grows.  Perhaps you find this enlightening or true, or maybe even whimsical. 

Since you fancy yourself a evidence-based kinda guy, perhaps you can point to studies, or even a sizable number of testimonials, where prostitutes, and especially former prostitutes, extol the virtues of their profession, and say that it was a wise decision, and something that they would encourage other women to pursue.  I'd like to see the evidence.  I never made any claim that every prostitute doesn't enjoy what she does, or that there aren't some who don't feel degraded by what they do, but the evidence I have seen (from public health professionals, not feminists), and the information I have heard from those with some close knowledge of the profession - some police officers I know, so some informed anecdotal evidence - contradict the abstract musings posted here.  The notion that legalizing prostitution will make the profession much better - that is, change its very nature - is wishful thinking at its most wishful
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: ibanezmonster on July 21, 2014, 02:03:59 PM
Quote from: Todd on July 21, 2014, 02:00:06 PM
The specific sentence I was referring to was But I think some prostitutes make an art of their work, their personality grows. 
Normally you'd quote the specific sentence you're referring to when you are responding to it.

And you're asking for tons of statistics and such (yet again) when you still haven't answered my three questions.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on July 21, 2014, 02:12:19 PM
Quote from: Greg on July 21, 2014, 02:03:59 PMNormally you'd quote the specific sentence you're referring to when you are responding to it.


I did in the original post responding to what he wrote.  Do try to keep up.

As to your questions, the first and third are profoundly stupid and not worth wasting time on, and with the second, to the extent a burden of proof exists, the burden of proof is yours, not mine; you proclaimed that most employees hate their jobs, and then offered a survey with some questions worded in such a way as to elicit a negative response.  I have also never made a claim that people love or especially like their jobs, just that they don't hate or significantly dislike them.  Being "checked out" in the poll provided may or may not be the same thing.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on July 21, 2014, 02:14:56 PM
Quote from: Todd on July 21, 2014, 02:00:06 PM


Complete nonsense.  The specific sentence I was referring to was But I think some prostitutes make an art of their work, their personality grows.  Perhaps you find this enlightening or true, or maybe even whimsical. 

Since you fancy yourself a evidence-based kinda guy, perhaps you can point to studies, or even a sizable number of testimonials, where prostitutes, and especially former prostitutes, extol the virtues of their profession, and say that it was a wise decision, and something that they would encourage other women to pursue.  I'd like to see the evidence.  I never made any claim that every prostitute doesn't enjoy what she does, or that there aren't some who don't feel degraded by what they do, but the evidence I have seen (from public health professionals, not feminists), and the information I have heard from those with some close knowledge of the profession - some police officers I know, so some informed anecdotal evidence - contradict the abstract musings posted here.  The notion that legalizing prostitution will make the profession much better - that is, change its very nature - is wishful thinking at its most wishful
When Greg asked in what sense specifically is prostitution degrading you called that a profoundly stupid question. It is not. It is a question about who gets to decide what is degrading to whom. Whose judgment matters. Your response arrogates the right to make this decision for women you have never met. There is no other way the question can be "profoundly stupid".
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: ibanezmonster on July 21, 2014, 02:18:39 PM
Quote from: Todd on July 21, 2014, 02:12:19 PM
As to your questions, the first and third are profoundly stupid and not worth wasting time on, and with the second, to the extent a burden of proof exists, the burden of proof is yours, not mine; you proclaimed that most employees hate their jobs, and then offered a survey with some questions worded in such a way as to elicit a negative response.  I have also never made a claim that people love or especially like their jobs, just that they don't hate or significantly dislike them.  Being "checked out" in the poll provided may or may not be the same thing.
So THAT is how you get out of a debate. I oughta try it sometime.  :)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Sammy on July 21, 2014, 02:20:29 PM
This has got to be the most funny and nutty few pages of postings I've ever read on GMG.  All I have to say is that with young men like Greg and Henk on the scene, the future is in good hands. ;D
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on July 21, 2014, 02:23:35 PM
Quote from: Ken B on July 21, 2014, 02:14:56 PMIt is not.


But it is. 

It is also decidedly disingenuous when you defend it in the manner you do.  It actually appears that you are answering a different post, because I already addressed the degradation part in the one you quoted.  Perhaps you really do think that prostitution is not degrading, and that some/many/most/all (choose your preference) prostitutes don't find their profession degrading, but that doesn't seem to square with the reality public health and public safety professionals deal with.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Henk on July 21, 2014, 02:24:11 PM
Quote from: Sammy on July 21, 2014, 02:20:29 PM
This has got to be the most funny and nutty few pages of postings I've ever read on GMG.  All I have to say is that with young men like Greg and Henk on the scene, the future is in good hands. ;D

Yeah, we raise the old instead of the other way around. :laugh:
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: ibanezmonster on July 21, 2014, 02:27:13 PM
Quote from: Todd on July 21, 2014, 02:23:35 PM
Perhaps you really do think that prostitution is not degrading, and that some/many/most/all (choose your preference) prostitutes don't find their profession degrading, but that doesn't seem to square with the reality public health and public safety professionals deal with.
Mail us stacks of papers of government documents so we can spend hours to critique and debate the fine points of these documents and their "studies." We need statistics. Charts and stuff. NOW!  >:D
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Sammy on July 21, 2014, 02:27:47 PM
Quote from: Greg on July 21, 2014, 02:18:39 PM
So THAT is how you get out of a debate. I oughta try it sometime.  :)

Greg, there really hasn't been anything to debate.  However, I did get a big laugh from your comment that dishwashing is more degrading than prostitution.  Perhaps you could find a few dishwashing prostitutes to get the scoop on this matter.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on July 21, 2014, 02:30:15 PM
Quote from: Todd on July 21, 2014, 02:23:35 PM

But it is. 

It is also decidedly disingenuous when you defend it in the manner you do.  It actually appears that you are answering a different post, because I already addressed the degradation part in the one you quoted.  Perhaps you really do think that prostitution is not degrading, and that some/many/most/all (choose your preference) prostitutes don't find their profession degrading, but that doesn't seem to square with the reality public health and public safety professionals deal with.

I predicted in a PM you'd wheel out the character attacks next.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: ibanezmonster on July 21, 2014, 02:30:31 PM
Quote from: Sammy on July 21, 2014, 02:27:47 PM
Greg, there really hasn't been anything to debate.  However, I did get a big laugh from your comment that dishwashing is more degrading than prostitution.  Perhaps you could find a few dishwashing prostitutes to get the scoop on this matter.
Of course there may be some that do both.
What about the ones that choose to be prostitutes rather than dishwashers?
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on July 21, 2014, 02:30:54 PM
Quote from: Greg on July 21, 2014, 02:27:13 PMMail us stacks of papers of government documents so we can spend hours to critique and debate the fine points of these documents and their "studies." We need statistics.


A lot is online.  A helpful hint: don't rely on Forbes.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on July 21, 2014, 02:31:27 PM
Quote from: Ken B on July 21, 2014, 02:30:15 PMI predicted in a PM you'd wheel out the character attacks next.


Ah, yes, you've got a secret.  Good for you.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on July 21, 2014, 02:35:16 PM
Quote from: Sammy on July 21, 2014, 02:20:29 PM
This has got to be the most funny and nutty few pages of postings I've ever read on GMG.  All I have to say is that with young men like Greg and Henk on the scene, the future is in good hands. ;D

I suspect you are being ironic, but I like their tolerance and willingness to respect the choices of others. They are a lot more advanced that way than my age cohort was at the same age.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: ibanezmonster on July 21, 2014, 02:36:11 PM
Oh, btw, as for the dishwashing prostitutes, there is something called a second job. I've known ladies that work two jobs. Men that work two jobs. No one is forcing you to be a prostitute if you need supplemental income.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on July 21, 2014, 02:36:33 PM
Quote from: Todd on July 21, 2014, 02:31:27 PM

Ah, yes, you've got a secret.  Good for you.

Not a secret Todd. I understand ad hominem is a fallacy, that's all.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on July 21, 2014, 02:46:15 PM
Kiwi http://www.thestar.com/news/gta/2010/09/29/legalized_brothels_fantastic_for_new_zealand_prostitutes_say.html (http://www.thestar.com/news/gta/2010/09/29/legalized_brothels_fantastic_for_new_zealand_prostitutes_say.html)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on July 21, 2014, 02:46:29 PM
Quote from: Ken B on July 21, 2014, 02:36:33 PMNot a secret Todd. I understand ad hominem is a fallacy, that's all.


I guess if you were being completely honest in your defense of what you term choice, and what you praise as judgment, well, then, that actually provides me with more useful information.  I retract my assertion that your were being disingenuous.  I do not retract my assertion that Greg's question was profoundly stupid.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: ibanezmonster on July 21, 2014, 02:50:22 PM
Quote from: Todd on July 21, 2014, 02:46:29 PM
I do not retract my assertion that Greg's question was profoundly stupid.
The one where I'm asking you to define what you think is specifically degrading about prostitution?


Quote from: Ken B on July 21, 2014, 02:46:15 PM
Kiwi http://www.thestar.com/news/gta/2010/09/29/legalized_brothels_fantastic_for_new_zealand_prostitutes_say.html (http://www.thestar.com/news/gta/2010/09/29/legalized_brothels_fantastic_for_new_zealand_prostitutes_say.html)
Safety bonus there.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Henk on July 21, 2014, 02:52:28 PM
Quote from: Greg on July 21, 2014, 02:50:22 PM
The one where I'm asking you to define what you think is specifically degrading about prostitution?

A prostitute spoils her intimicy, but doesn't care about that much.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: ibanezmonster on July 21, 2014, 02:55:24 PM
The only reason I'm asking is because I'm trying to follow the logic of labeling all prostitution as "degrading."

But more specifically, how someone who is willingly being a prostitute doing something that is degrading.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on July 21, 2014, 02:57:25 PM
Quote from: Ken B on July 21, 2014, 02:46:15 PM
Kiwi http://www.thestar.com/news/gta/2010/09/29/legalized_brothels_fantastic_for_new_zealand_prostitutes_say.html (http://www.thestar.com/news/gta/2010/09/29/legalized_brothels_fantastic_for_new_zealand_prostitutes_say.html)


The best takeaway from this, at least for me, is this little bit of useful information:

Street prostitutes, who account for about 11 per cent of those in the industry, generally haven't moved indoors, but prostitutes are now more likely to report violence.

"They can pick up the phone and talk to police. That is enormously important," Healey said in an interview.


Improving safety is a laudable achievement and goal.  I'm not sure that has much bearing on the wisdom of pursing the profession.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: ibanezmonster on July 21, 2014, 02:59:29 PM
Quote from: Todd on July 21, 2014, 02:57:25 PM
I'm not sure that has much bearing on the wisdom of pursing the profession.
And working on top of building may not be the wisest choice of profession, either. So?
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Henk on July 21, 2014, 03:00:51 PM
Quote from: Todd on July 21, 2014, 02:57:25 PM

The best takeaway from this, at least for me, is this little bit of useful information:

Street prostitutes, who account for about 11 per cent of those in the industry, generally haven't moved indoors, but prostitutes are now more likely to report violence.

"They can pick up the phone and talk to police. That is enormously important," Healey said in an interview.


Improving safety is a laudable achievement and goal.  I'm not sure that has much bearing on the wisdom of pursing the profession.

That's the situation in illegal prositution I bet, in highly degraded parts of cities with lots of crime.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: ibanezmonster on July 21, 2014, 03:04:23 PM
Quote from: Henk on July 21, 2014, 03:00:51 PM
That's the situation in illegal prositution I bet, in highly degraded parts of cities with lots of crime.
Yeah, think of being beaten up by some weirdo while you're working, and you get arrested if you report it!  :-\
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Henk on July 21, 2014, 03:05:43 PM
Todd has a point if he says that prostitution attracts crime. That's an unwanted situation.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: ibanezmonster on July 21, 2014, 03:07:37 PM
Quote from: Henk on July 21, 2014, 03:05:43 PM
Todd has a point if he says that prostitution attracts crime. That's an unwanted situation.
Illegal or legal prostitution (or both)?
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Henk on July 21, 2014, 03:11:09 PM
Quote from: Greg on July 21, 2014, 03:04:23 PM
Yeah, think of being beaten up by some weirdo while you're working, and you get arrested if you report it!  :-\

Good point.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Henk on July 21, 2014, 03:13:51 PM
Quote from: Greg on July 21, 2014, 03:07:37 PM
Illegal or legal prostitution (or both)?

Both I think, but (much?) less when legal. It depends on a lot of things. I think indeed that you can arrange this that crime is minimalized.

Here in my city there are whores, legal, it's a bit spooky street..
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Sammy on July 21, 2014, 03:14:52 PM
Quote from: Greg on July 21, 2014, 02:30:31 PM
Of course there may be some that do both.
What about the ones that choose to be prostitutes rather than dishwashers?

Round them up and do a survey.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: ibanezmonster on July 21, 2014, 03:28:00 PM
Quote from: Sammy on July 21, 2014, 03:14:52 PM
Round them up and do a survey.
This is impractical obviously, but my point is that it's their choice. They are choosing to be a prostitute- no one is making them.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Henk on July 21, 2014, 03:32:42 PM
Quote from: Greg on July 21, 2014, 03:28:00 PM
This is impractical obviously, but my point is that it's their choice. They are choosing to be a prostitute- no one is making them.

Shouldn't they be protected, or at least informed about such a life chancing decision? They can make it in moments of dispair for example.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: ibanezmonster on July 21, 2014, 03:36:47 PM
Quote from: Henk on July 21, 2014, 03:32:42 PM
Shouldn't they be protected, or at least informed about such a life chancing decision? They can make it in moments of dispair for example.
Sure, though, it seems like they would know what they're getting into and legalization would protect them, as well. As for regret, that's something anyone could have about anything...
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Henk on July 21, 2014, 03:41:24 PM
Quote from: Greg on July 21, 2014, 03:36:47 PM
Sure, though, it seems like they would know what they're getting into and legalization would protect them, as well. As for regret, that's something anyone could have about anything...

Once you lose your intimicy as a whore, you loose it for your entire life. When a woman is in a vulnerable position and isn't able to make responsible decisions towards herself, then it's not a choice. And my point is that it should be a choice.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Dancing Divertimentian on July 21, 2014, 03:54:09 PM
Lego news. (http://news.yahoo.com/legos-wash-ashore-cornwall-beach-161828729.html)



Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Florestan on July 22, 2014, 12:41:46 AM
Quote from: Todd on July 21, 2014, 12:25:36 PM

Should all pornography be banned because your Christian morality dictates it should be?

My Christian morality dictates only that it is immoral. It says nothing about banning it.

Quote
  Should all law be based primarily on Christian morality?

Of course not. I've never ever said that.

Look, I'm not a prude, I've watched enough porn myself. My whole point is this: I simply cannot understand why prostitution is illegal and pornography is not, in one and the same country (or US state).
Prostitution is degrading, yes, and the fact that sometimes it is a choice doesn't change its character (people may very well choose to degrade themselves); but honestly, pornography involves far more degrading things to women than the car or wood quickie of a streetwalker. And basically, they are one and the same thing: selling sex for money. Legalizing one and banning the other is highly illogical.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Florestan on July 22, 2014, 01:17:35 AM
Quote from: Greg on July 21, 2014, 12:37:35 PM
Most jobs are degrading, in a way.

In which way, exactly?

Quote
So my point is that work is degrading, in general.

Buy a cotton plantation and some slaves and you'll never have to work again. ;D

Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Florestan on July 22, 2014, 01:22:29 AM
Quote from: Henk on July 21, 2014, 01:24:19 PM
A dishwasher is a slave

Do you realize just how ridiculous this sounds?

Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on July 22, 2014, 04:25:46 AM
Quote from: Greg on July 21, 2014, 02:59:29 PM
And working on top of building may not be the wisest choice of profession, either. So?

Continuing with this fantasist false equivalency of "just another job, nothing to see here, folks."
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on July 22, 2014, 04:28:15 AM
Quote from: Greg on July 21, 2014, 03:28:00 PM
This is impractical obviously, but my point is that it's their choice. They are choosing to be a prostitute- no one is making them.

The point which you consistently avoid -- and understandably, as it is in no way convenient to the opinion which you are determined to shield from any harm -- is that this "it's their choice" is contemptibly glib, does not even benefit from being naïve.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on July 22, 2014, 04:29:17 AM
Quote from: Florestan on July 22, 2014, 01:22:29 AM
Do you realize just how ridiculous this sounds?

I don't believe he does.

Certainly Greg did not.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on July 22, 2014, 05:56:46 AM
Quote from: Florestan on July 22, 2014, 12:41:46 AMLegalizing one and banning the other is highly illogical.



Depends on the rationale used, and if the rationale is based on empirical evidence.  From a public health and safety standpoint, attempting to curtail prostitution can make sense since there are far more non-pornography prostitutes, and there are no free speech implications - whatever one may think of those.  And incidentally, the California porn industry was forced to shut down last year or this year due to HIV infection, if memory serves, so public health can be a rationale for shutting the "official" industry down, if only temporarily. Of course, this does not mean that no porn was made during the period, especially in other areas.

Also, there is more than just a binary choice of legalization or banning.  There is also decriminalization.  That is an important distinction, and it prevents the nightmare scenario that has occurred several times in Germany where women were denied welfare benefits because they turned down work as prostitutes.  There's no good reason to throw people in prison for such behavior, either, and given that a lot of women (and presumably men) who engage in this profession may need assistance with other issues (abuse, drug addiction, etc), increasing resources available to assist with those issues may also be helpful.  The practice can never be stopped, and it certainly ought not to be promoted, but it can be addressed with less costly and less destructive policies.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Florestan on July 22, 2014, 06:00:18 AM
Quote from: Todd on July 22, 2014, 05:56:46 AM
it prevents the nightmare scenario that has occurred several times in Germany where women were denied welfare benefits because they turned down work as prostitutes.

Did that really happen?  :o

Quote
The practice can never be stopped, and it certainly ought not to be promoted, but it can be addressed with less costly and less destructive policies.

Agreed.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Henk on July 22, 2014, 06:18:02 AM
Quote from: Florestan on July 22, 2014, 01:22:29 AM
Do you realize just how ridiculous this sounds?

To give a general defition: "Who has not 2/3 of the day for himself, is a slave." (Nietzsche, Human al too human)

I don't agree completely with this definition though.

When people can be selfsteering in their jobs then people can be happy (instead of being a slave). I think a dishwasher isn't, certainly not when he does it 8 hours or more a day.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on July 22, 2014, 06:20:03 AM
A philosophical musing, is not a definition.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Henk on July 22, 2014, 06:24:18 AM
Quote from: karlhenning on July 22, 2014, 06:20:03 AM
A philosophical musing, is not a definition.

Ok, not in absolute terms. Therefor I don't agree with it as I wrote. See extra comments in the edited post.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Florestan on July 22, 2014, 06:27:44 AM
Quote from: Henk on July 22, 2014, 06:18:02 AM
To give a general defition: "Who has not 2/3 of the day for himself, is a slave." (Nietzsche, Human al too human)

See, that's your problem: too much Nietzsche, too little life.  ;D
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: ibanezmonster on July 22, 2014, 07:15:54 AM
Quote from: Henk on July 22, 2014, 06:18:02 AM
To give a general defition: "Who has not 2/3 of the day for himself, is a slave." (Nietzsche, Human al too human)

I don't agree completely with this definition though.

When people can be selfsteering in their jobs then people can be happy (instead of being a slave). I think a dishwasher isn't, certainly not when he does it 8 hours or more a day.
It's certainly not cotton-picking American slave labor, but that's what you'd call wage slavery.



Quote from: karlhenning on July 22, 2014, 04:25:46 AM
Continuing with this fantasist false equivalency of "just another job, nothing to see here, folks."
To us it's not just another job, but there may be prostitutes who do think it's just another job. Do something you don't like and get paid. It may feel more normal than you think to them, especially if they're the type that sleeps around already.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: ibanezmonster on July 22, 2014, 07:17:39 AM
Quote from: karlhenning on July 22, 2014, 04:28:15 AM
The point which you consistently avoid -- and understandably, as it is in no way convenient to the opinion which you are determined to shield from any harm -- is that this "it's their choice" is contemptibly glib, does not even benefit from being naïve.
They can choose not to be a prostitute. End of story.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Henk on July 22, 2014, 08:03:51 AM
Parrèsia, Greg.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Gurn Blanston on July 22, 2014, 08:33:52 AM
Quote from: Greg on July 22, 2014, 07:17:39 AM
They can choose not to be a prostitute. End of story.

Well, sadly, and not wanting to sound like a dick here, but you could choose to have a well-paying, satisfying job and be happily married too. Yet apparently you haven't. It's just a matter of choosing, isn't it?

8)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on July 22, 2014, 08:38:31 AM
Quote from: Florestan on July 22, 2014, 06:00:18 AMDid that really happen?


Over the past few years I read a few stories from European news outlets that claimed that, but a quick scan online today shows that it may not be true.  (I assumed, if it did happen, that it would have been attributable to bureaucratic incompetence, rather than intentional policy.) 
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on July 22, 2014, 08:44:02 AM
Quote from: Henk on July 22, 2014, 06:18:02 AMWhen people can be selfsteering in their jobs then people can be happy (instead of being a slave).


See, there's the problem.  Employers don't hire people to self-steer; employers hire people to do specific jobs.  It is true that some jobs are more flexible than others.

On the plus side, increasing automation in a broader array of jobs will result in the need for less human labor, so a larger portion of the population will have 3/3rds of each day to do exciting things like ponder the lint in their navels.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on July 22, 2014, 08:47:14 AM
Why do people become prostitutes? Does anyone doubt that it's the high wages? High compared to what they could make otherwise.  Because some of you sound like you think there are other reasons.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: springrite on July 22, 2014, 08:48:45 AM
Quote from: Todd on July 22, 2014, 08:44:02 AM


On the plus side, increasing automation in a broader array of jobs will result in the need for less human labor, so a larger portion of the population will have 3/3rds of each day to do exciting things like ponder the lint in their navels.

Let's hope that's what they do, as it is harmless and passes time nicely. There are far worse alternatives which many eventually pick up.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: ibanezmonster on July 22, 2014, 08:48:50 AM
Quote from: Gurn Blanston on July 22, 2014, 08:33:52 AM
Well, sadly, and not wanting to sound like a dick here, but you could choose to have a well-paying, satisfying job and be happily married too. Yet apparently you haven't. It's just a matter of choosing, isn't it?

8)
You do know that acquiring a bachelor's degree takes time, right? So yeah, I've already chosen to have a well-paying, satisfying job, and I will have one.
As for marriage, doesn't really matter much to me whether that happens or not, but if it did, I'd make sure it were the right person. No one has to get married.

If someone feels like prostitution is a last resort option, there is always unemployment or whatever various welfare benefits out there if they can't find a second job (or a first one). Just do whatever anyone else does that wouldn't be marketable as a prostitute.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: springrite on July 22, 2014, 08:50:59 AM
Quote from: Greg on July 22, 2014, 08:48:50 AM

If someone feels like prostitution is a last resort option ...

It's almost never the first option, nor the last. Just one of...
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on July 22, 2014, 08:51:45 AM
Quote from: Ken B on July 22, 2014, 08:47:14 AMWhy do people become prostitutes? Does anyone doubt that it's the high wages?


What about the ones who are forced into it? 
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: ibanezmonster on July 22, 2014, 08:54:21 AM
Quote from: Todd on July 22, 2014, 08:51:45 AM

What about the ones who are forced into it?
That's exactly what we are NOT talking about. That's rape, whether the client knows it or not.

We are talking about people who CHOOSE to be prostitutes.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: springrite on July 22, 2014, 08:56:19 AM
Quote from: Todd on July 22, 2014, 08:51:45 AM

What about the ones who are forced into it?

Good point.

For those who enter it on a voluntary basis, getting to the reward quickly (as opposed to minimum wage, for instance) is often one of the reasons. That is why often one way to get some women to get into prostitution "voluntarily" is to get them hood on drugs (often provided initially) so that they'd have a need for quick cash constantly to feed the habit.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on July 22, 2014, 08:57:33 AM
Quote from: Greg on July 22, 2014, 08:54:21 AMWe are talking about people who CHOOSE to be prostitutes.



What about a 16 year old - where 16 is the age of consent - who runs away from home, picks up a drug habit, and becomes a prostitute because the so-called "high wages" surpass the $7.25/hour she or he can make at <insert exploitative, evil TNC here>? 

[I see springrite already posted much the same thing, but I wanted to throw in the age thing.]
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Henk on July 22, 2014, 09:01:38 AM
Quote from: Todd on July 22, 2014, 08:44:02 AM

See, there's the problem.  Employers don't hire people to self-steer; employers hire people to do specific jobs.  It is true that some jobs are more flexible than others.

On the plus side, increasing automation in a broader array of jobs will result in the need for less human labor, so a larger portion of the population will have 3/3rds of each day to do exciting things like ponder the lint in their navels.

"Communicative selfsteering", Todd, a term introduced by knowledge theoricean Arnold Cornelis. It's a "logical pair". Specialists want to expand their life program and "hidden program", they think what the new possibilities are from their specialism, making the connection with the large communicative system. Selfsteering humans want to know the new possibilities from the new knowledge to excute in their selfsteering.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: ibanezmonster on July 22, 2014, 09:03:07 AM
Quote from: Todd on July 22, 2014, 08:57:33 AM


What about a 16 year old - where 16 is the age of consent - who runs away from home, picks up a drug habit, and becomes a prostitute because the so-called "high wages" surpass the $7.25/hour she or he can make at <insert exploitative, evil TNC here>? 

[I see springrite already posted much the same thing, but I wanted to throw in the age thing.]
Then that is one dumb 16 year old.
But besides that, just work at that $7.25/hour job like the rest of the world. Just because you have another option of a higher paying job doesn't mean you have to do it. You can probably get some sort of government benefits if you are of age to work and are unemployed. Maybe raising minimum wage would help, but that's besides the point. It's still their choice.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Henk on July 22, 2014, 09:08:34 AM
Quote from: Greg on July 22, 2014, 09:03:07 AM
Then that is one dumb 16 year old.
But besides that, just work at that $7.25/hour job like the rest of the world. Just because you have another option of a higher paying job doesn't mean you have to do it. You can probably get some sort of government benefits if you are of age to work and are unemployed. Maybe raising minimum wage would help, but that's besides the point. It's still their choice.

Consider it's a mistake. No "second change"?
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Florestan on July 22, 2014, 09:09:11 AM
Quote from: Greg on July 22, 2014, 09:03:07 AM
Then that is one dumb 16 year old.

Oh yes, the world is full of 16-year-old female geniuses who have all the expertise needed to avoid falling into nasty tricks.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on July 22, 2014, 09:10:25 AM
Quote from: Todd on July 22, 2014, 08:57:33 AM


What about a 16 year old - where 16 is the age of consent - who runs away from home, picks up a drug habit, and becomes a prostitute because the so-called "high wages" surpass the $7.25/hour she or he can make at <insert exploitative, evil TNC here>? 

[I see springrite already posted much the same thing, but I wanted to throw in the age thing.]

Well if we are throwing in age of consent issues, the age at which you can make a contract is also relevant.  It is generally higher, and I think you can make colourable arguments about exploitation and informed consent with prostitutes (either sex) below that age.
But as I understand it you and Karl are making an argument you mean to apply to 30 year old women (as am I). I have no problem treating minors differently, but let's not muddy the waters. Just because we want one law for 16 years does not mean we need the same law for adults.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: springrite on July 22, 2014, 09:12:33 AM
It is important to distinguish whether we are legislating morality or criminality. I have strong moral principles but I am against legislating it.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Florestan on July 22, 2014, 09:15:25 AM
Quote from: springrite on July 22, 2014, 09:12:33 AM
It is important to distinguish whether we are legislating morality or criminality.

I agree but how can we make that distinction? Criminalizing prostitution implies ipso facto a moral judgment.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: ibanezmonster on July 22, 2014, 09:17:23 AM
Quote from: Florestan on July 22, 2014, 09:09:11 AM
Oh yes, the world is full of 16-year-old female geniuses who have all the expertise needed to avoid falling into nasty tricks.
18 is usually the age of consent almost anywhere, anyways. Are 18 year olds old enough to make their own decisions?
I think most 16-18 year olds know what sex is and what money is. If they are tricked in some other sort of way, then that's not their fault. If it's a normal transaction, that's their (poor) choice.


Quote from: springrite on July 22, 2014, 09:12:33 AM
It is important to distinguish whether we are legislating morality or criminality. I have strong moral principles but I am against legislating it.
I feel this way. Morally wrong sure, but whether it should be legal/illegal is another story worth examining.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Henk on July 22, 2014, 09:18:45 AM
Quote from: springrite on July 22, 2014, 09:12:33 AM
It is important to distinguish whether we are legislating morality or criminality. I have strong moral principles but I am against legislating it.

Good point, but there's also the aspect of emancipation: protecting the weakests. Adversity isn't spread equally over humans.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on July 22, 2014, 09:19:22 AM
Quote from: Greg on July 22, 2014, 07:17:39 AM
They can choose not to be a prostitute. End of story.

Quote from: Greg on July 22, 2014, 08:54:21 AM
We are talking about people who CHOOSE to be prostitutes.

Which is to say, such a statistically small percentage of prostitutes, that building one's whole argument around this "ideal" minority is short-sighted and ghastly.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Florestan on July 22, 2014, 09:20:25 AM
Quote from: Greg on July 22, 2014, 09:17:23 AM
Are 18 year olds old enough to make their own decisions?

It depends. It should be decided on a case by case basis. I know people of 30 who can't make an informed choice.  ;D
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on July 22, 2014, 09:21:25 AM
Some eighteen-year-olds aren't capable of distinguishing differences in the matter of choice.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Henk on July 22, 2014, 09:27:58 AM
Quote from: karlhenning on July 22, 2014, 09:19:22 AM
Which is to say, such a statistically small percentage of prostitutes, that building one's whole argument around this "ideal" minority is short-sighted and ghastly.

Well, that's my point of view. Prositution as a subculture, without crime. Women who love to have sex with different men. Prostitution as an art, whereby it's about finding one's intimicy back again and again. And about getting trustful relations with their clients and also the ability to reject certain clients by having insight in human character.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: ibanezmonster on July 22, 2014, 09:32:25 AM
Quote from: karlhenning on July 22, 2014, 09:19:22 AM
Which is to say, such a statistically small percentage of prostitutes, that building one's whole argument around this "ideal" minority is short-sighted and ghastly.
And how do you know that it is such a statistically small percentage?
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Henk on July 22, 2014, 09:37:03 AM
Prostitution as a subculture is far more better than ending in porn-culture. And isn't pornculture legal?

Anyone who doesn't know the dimension in prostitution as I sketched in my previous reply, fails to judge rightly. It's why prostitution has it's positive attraction.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on July 22, 2014, 09:38:03 AM
Quote from: Greg on July 22, 2014, 09:32:25 AM
And how do you know that it is such a statistically small percentage?

Says the fellow who asserts that it is the rule.  You didn't read the paragraphs I posted, did you?
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: springrite on July 22, 2014, 09:40:29 AM
Quote from: karlhenning on July 22, 2014, 09:38:03 AM
Says the fellow who asserts that it is the rule.  You didn't read the paragraphs I posted, did you?

Why bother to read if the reply has been readied before reading and regardless of what might be read?  ;)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Florestan on July 22, 2014, 09:40:39 AM
Quote from: Henk on July 22, 2014, 09:37:03 AM
Anyone who doesn't know the dimension in prostitution as I sketched in my previous reply, fails to judge rightly.

And how come you know that dimension? How many prostitutes have you met and talked to? Two? Twenty? Two hundreds?
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Henk on July 22, 2014, 09:43:13 AM
Quote from: Florestan on July 22, 2014, 09:40:39 AM
And how come you know that dimension? How many prostitutes have you met and talked to? Two? Twenty? Two hundreds?

I tried to find an other word for "know" but couldn't find.

Just throwing in some other viewpoints to consider.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: springrite on July 22, 2014, 09:44:23 AM
Quote from: Florestan on July 22, 2014, 09:40:39 AM
And how come you know that dimension? How many prostitutes have you met and talked to? Two? Twenty? Two hundreds?

Suddenly realised I may be the authority on the subject here...
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on July 22, 2014, 09:45:30 AM
Quote from: Ken B on July 22, 2014, 09:10:25 AMWell if we are throwing in age of consent issues, the age at which you can make a contract is also relevant.  It is generally higher, and I think you can make colourable arguments about exploitation and informed consent with prostitutes (either sex) below that age.


How does contract law apply to illegal activities?  And if one treats prostitution as employment, in jurisdictions that allow people to work as young as 14 or 15, why would prostitution be any different, if you are taking a legalistic approach?


Quote from: Ken B on July 22, 2014, 09:10:25 AMBut as I understand it you and Karl are making an argument you mean to apply to 30 year old women (as am I). I have no problem treating minors differently, but let's not muddy the waters. Just because we want one law for 16 years does not mean we need the same law for adults.


I'd like to see an age distribution for prostitutes.  Somehow I think a 30 year old person making a cool, rational choice to enter the profession is comparatively rare. 
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Florestan on July 22, 2014, 09:46:26 AM
Quote from: Henk on July 22, 2014, 09:43:13 AM
Just throwing in some other viewpoints to consider.

What's to consider in uninformed viewpoints based on zero expertise or evidence? Don't you see you make a fool of yourself big time with this attitude?
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on July 22, 2014, 09:49:18 AM
Quote from: springrite on July 22, 2014, 09:40:29 AM
Why bother to read if the reply has been readied before reading and regardless of what might be read?  ;)

There is that, too 8)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Henk on July 22, 2014, 09:49:51 AM
Quote from: Florestan on July 22, 2014, 09:46:26 AM
What's to consider in uninformed viewpoints based on zero expertise or evidence? Don't you see you make a fool of yourself big time with this attitude?

Just rational consideration and imaginations.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Florestan on July 22, 2014, 09:52:53 AM
Quote from: Henk on July 22, 2014, 09:49:51 AM
Just rational consideration and imaginations.

Are you going to seriously claim that it is rational considerations that lead you to the theory of prostitution as personal development, intimacy and trustful relationships?
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Henk on July 22, 2014, 09:56:02 AM
Quote from: Florestan on July 22, 2014, 09:52:53 AM
Are you going to seriously claim that it is rational considerations that lead you to the theory of prostitution as personal development, intimacy and trustful relationships?

Yes, but come to the point please.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Florestan on July 22, 2014, 09:58:53 AM
Quote from: Henk on July 22, 2014, 09:56:02 AM
Yes

A theory is no good if it is not tested. I ask you again: how many prostitutes have you met and talked to?
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Henk on July 22, 2014, 10:00:48 AM
Quote from: Florestan on July 22, 2014, 09:58:53 AM
A theory is no good if it is not tested. I ask you again: how many prostitutes have you met and talked to?

You call it a theory, I didn't. It's prostitution as an ideal rather, which is more likely to develop if legal than illegal.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Florestan on July 22, 2014, 10:01:44 AM
Quote from: Henk on July 22, 2014, 10:00:48 AM
You call it a theory, I didn't.

Could you please answer my question?
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Henk on July 22, 2014, 10:03:34 AM
Quote from: Florestan on July 22, 2014, 10:01:44 AM
Could you please answer my question?

I answered that already implicitly and why should I answer at all? I never have spoken to a whore. But I have picked up some things in the news and in literature.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on July 22, 2014, 10:05:10 AM
Quote from: Henk on July 22, 2014, 10:00:48 AM
You call it a theory, I didn't. It's prostitution as an ideal rather, which is more likely to develop if legal than illegal.

Um, the fact that you didn't call it a theory, does not make it more than a theory.  You can call your theory an "ideal," if you like, but that doesn't make it any less divorced from the real world, and from real women.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Florestan on July 22, 2014, 10:05:44 AM
Quote from: Henk on July 22, 2014, 10:03:34 AM
I never have spoken to a whore.

I rest my case.

Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Henk on July 22, 2014, 10:08:49 AM
Quote from: karlhenning on July 22, 2014, 10:05:10 AM
Um, the fact that you didn't call it a theory, does not make it more than a theory.  You can call your theory an "ideal," if you like, but that doesn't make it any less divorced from the real world, and from real women.

As I said I just throwed in some thought to consider, to enrich the discussion, not to get all the mud over me.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Gurn Blanston on July 22, 2014, 10:11:54 AM
Quote from: Henk on July 22, 2014, 10:08:49 AM
As I said I just throwed in some thought to consider, to enrich the discussion, not to get all the mud over me.

Well, now it is enriched mud.  >:D

8)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Henk on July 22, 2014, 10:13:11 AM
Florestan, an immoral moralist.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on July 22, 2014, 10:15:35 AM
Quote from: Henk on July 22, 2014, 10:13:11 AM
Florestan, an immoral moralist.

Adding ad hominem to your other fallacies.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Henk on July 22, 2014, 10:17:39 AM
Quote from: karlhenning on July 22, 2014, 10:15:35 AM
Adding ad hominem to your other fallacies.

No, I say the truth. What are my "other fallacies"? Please with contextual qoutes from me.

A shame that my indulgence is taken wrongly.

Why defend Florestan, Karl?
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Florestan on July 22, 2014, 10:31:49 AM
Quote from: Henk on July 22, 2014, 10:13:11 AM
Florestan, an immoral moralist.

Why not a moral immoralist?
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Henk on July 22, 2014, 10:32:23 AM
Ok, Karl, I understand that you don't defend Floreston, but more the codes of good behaviour. I think however I do not violate them.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: springrite on July 22, 2014, 10:32:48 AM
Quote from: Florestan on July 22, 2014, 10:31:49 AM
Why not a moral immoralist?

Wagnerian?  :o
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Henk on July 22, 2014, 10:34:02 AM
Quote from: Florestan on July 22, 2014, 10:31:49 AM
Why not a moral immoralist?

An immoralist doesn't use morals, that's against his proud and above all he would belie himself.

And an immoralist also doesn't use those immoral tricks like you. That's too low for him. An immoralist cannot be described as someone who like to trick or misuse other people. He want to go beyond morals, that's what he strives for in my view. This makes him feel proud, and he is immune for moral arguments, moral attacks.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: ibanezmonster on July 22, 2014, 11:08:55 AM
A rule to keep in mind: if you buy stuff of monetary value for someone you are dating, make sure she doesn't decide to compensate in the form of sex. Actually, specifically say "don't have sexual activity with me because I'm buying you something." If she does, that makes you a rapist.  :P

So there must be A LOT of relationships out there that involve rape...  ???
(probably safer to not buy anything, which would be just fine)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Henk on July 22, 2014, 11:11:52 AM
Quote from: Greg on July 22, 2014, 11:08:55 AM
A rule to keep in mind: if you buy stuff of monetary value for someone you are dating, make sure she doesn't decide to compensate in the form of sex. Actually, specifically say "don't have sexual activity with me because I'm buying you something." If she does, that makes you a rapist.  :P

So there must be A LOT of relationships out there that involve rape...  ???
(probably safer to not buy anything, which would be just fine)

Interesting argument. Rape is not the right word however.

However you tend to think women as weak and they have to take the consequences for this, without character, but I think this is not true. Character is rather spread equally over the sexes. Aren't your feeling towards women not too much feed with personal experience? Not that's that not a valid source of argueing, but you might think differently in a different situation.

You only seem to argue about weak women, without personality, being dishonest to women who actually can be your girlfriend.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: springrite on July 22, 2014, 11:13:46 AM
"I am not paying for this because I am planning to have sex with you!"
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: ibanezmonster on July 22, 2014, 11:18:29 AM
Quote from: Henk on July 22, 2014, 11:11:52 AM
Interesting argument. Rape is not the right word however.
That's sorta the argument that people are making- that the definition of rape extends to that- that any monetary transaction that leads to sex is rape.
I guess you could make a case for it, but it gets into some bizarre and difficult territory.


Quote from: springrite on July 22, 2014, 11:13:46 AM
"I am not paying for this because I am planning to have sex with you!"
Exclaim that loud and clear! I'm not the type to buy people stuff, but I want to make sure that one day I'm not labeled a rapist.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: springrite on July 22, 2014, 11:20:17 AM
Quote from: Greg on July 22, 2014, 11:18:29 AM
Exclaim that loud and clear! I'm not the type to buy people stuff, but I want to make sure that one day I'm not labeled a rapist.

That's the great thing about being a moralist. A moralist can make cheap honourable.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: ibanezmonster on July 22, 2014, 11:23:23 AM
Quote from: springrite on July 22, 2014, 11:20:17 AM
That's the great thing about being a moralist. A moralist can make cheap honourable.
Hell yeah!  :D
Take a girl out on a date and don't buy her shit- if she asks, just reply, "I'm not a rapist, you weirdo!"  ;D
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Henk on July 22, 2014, 11:28:43 AM
Quote from: Greg on July 22, 2014, 11:23:23 AM
Hell yeah!  :D
Take a girl out on a date and don't buy her shit- if she asks, just reply, "I'm not a rapist, you weirdo!"  ;D

That should rarther be an immoralist's behaviour.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Henk on July 22, 2014, 11:30:19 AM
Quote from: Greg on July 22, 2014, 11:23:23 AM
Hell yeah!  :D
Take a girl out on a date and don't buy her shit- if she asks, just reply, "I'm not a rapist, you weirdo!"  ;D

"Now I'm gonna fuck you!"  :o
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Henk on July 22, 2014, 11:41:28 AM
So the conclusion can be drawn: buying a woman stuff is rather an act of love. Buying sex is that in a way also.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: ibanezmonster on July 22, 2014, 11:41:51 AM
Quote from: Henk on July 22, 2014, 11:28:43 AM
That should rarther be an immoralist's behaviour.
I refuse! I wanna be cheap! ;D



But that definition of rape can extend to some weird places. For example, if I married some nasty old lady that I disliked only because she was rich (and with marriage, obviously comes sex), would that make her a rapist? I mean, I'm not exactly rich right now, and if I were really poor, that could lead me out of poverty. (I'm not concluding at the moment that she is or isn't, just wondering because of the similarities).
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: ibanezmonster on July 22, 2014, 11:42:51 AM
Quote from: Henk on July 22, 2014, 11:41:28 AM
So the conclusion can be drawn: buying a woman stuff is an act of love. Buying sex is that in a way also.
Not sure... you can try to buy sex with someone without loving them.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: springrite on July 22, 2014, 11:43:00 AM
Quote from: Henk on July 22, 2014, 11:41:28 AM
So the conclusion can be drawn: buying a woman stuff is rather an act of love. Buying sex is that in a way also.

Don't you love logic?  >:D
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Henk on July 22, 2014, 11:47:30 AM
Quote from: Greg on July 22, 2014, 11:41:51 AM
I refuse! I wanna be cheap! ;D



But that definition of rape can extend to some weird places. For example, if I married some nasty old lady that I disliked only because she was rich (and with marriage, obviously comes sex), would that make her a rapist? I mean, I'm not exactly rich right now, and if I were really poor, that could lead me out of poverty. (I'm not concluding at the moment that she is or isn't, just wondering because of the similarities).

Well from your point of view it's definitely prostitution. You make a distiction between men and women. Being raped as a man, it's a matter of money, being raped as a woman it's a matter about protesting to sex.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: ibanezmonster on July 22, 2014, 11:51:31 AM
Quote from: Henk on July 22, 2014, 11:47:30 AM
Well from your point of view it's definitely prostitution. You make a distiction between men and women. Being raped as a man, it's a matter of money, being raped as a woman it's a matter about protesting to sex.
I'm not quite sure what you mean here...
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: springrite on July 22, 2014, 11:56:02 AM
Quote from: Greg on July 22, 2014, 11:51:31 AM
I'm not quite sure what you mean here...
This finally provides an opportunity to end a fruitless discussion, I hope.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Henk on July 22, 2014, 11:57:05 AM
Quote from: Greg on July 22, 2014, 11:42:51 AM
Not sure... you can try to buy sex with someone without loving them.

It's all a matter of trust and instinct to know whether there's affection or "raping". So a whore can avoid having sex, reject a client. I'm curious about if whores experience this, if they feel raped much or not. I think not, and then buying sex can be seen as a sign of affection.

Because the client pays money, he does efforts, the whore feels rewarded, the client feels this as well, and he gets something in return. The whores needs to bear some violent sex by a frustrated man maybe, but her role is usually to console, and keeps her dignity.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Henk on July 22, 2014, 11:57:50 AM
Quote from: Greg on July 22, 2014, 11:51:31 AM
I'm not quite sure what you mean here...

Forget about it.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on July 22, 2014, 12:04:03 PM
Quote from: Todd on July 22, 2014, 09:45:30 AM

How does contract law apply to illegal activities? 

Huh? We are talking about whether the activity should be illegal.

The age at which you can enter a contract is as relevant as the age you mentioned, the "age of consent". Sex with someone under the "age of consent" is rape even if entered into willingly. The law says a sex act cannot be legally consented to before that age. Why logically must that be the same age that a contract for sex can be legally agreed to, or a prostitute hired. It seems to me plain that both minimum ages are relevant, since we are looking at issues around sex and contracts. If I need a driver's licence to drive and a passport to go to Mexico, then why is it odd to suggest I need both to drive to Mexico? We might logically say that sex can be consented to at 16 but prostitution cannot until 19 or 21.  There is no logical contradiction.

The age of contract corresponds roughly to our legal idea of a responsible adult as opposed to a minor. I think, age of consent aside, that there is a difference between the legal issues around 17 year old prostitutes and those around 30 year old prostitutes. Once again you are trying to argue that because I believe  prostitution should be legal for *adults* I must argue it should be legal for children.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Henk on July 22, 2014, 12:12:35 PM
Quote from: springrite on July 22, 2014, 11:56:02 AM
This finally provides an opportunity to end a fruitless discussion, I hope.

Fruitless, why so pessimistic?

But I agree, let's round it up.

NP:
Tina Turner - What's love got to do with it.

[asin]B000000WJR[/asin]
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on July 22, 2014, 01:06:23 PM
Quote from: Ken B on July 22, 2014, 12:04:03 PMWhy logically must that be the same age that a contract for sex can be legally agreed to


What is a "contract for sex", what would it look like, how would it be enforced, etc?  Do you envision a profession where service provider and client take the time to execute a written agreement?  (Maybe that's the case in Vegas, Amsterdam, etc, I don't know.)  A verbal agreement seems more than a bit difficult to enforce, and there is nothing to prevent a person from saying or writing "I swear, under penalty, I'm <insert minimum age here>", especially in this profession - unless rigorous background checks and documentation requirements are put in place.  That seems implausible in many jurisdictions.  I see little to no workable safeguards or value to a contract law argument.

Also, you can go on about a mythical 30 year old prostitute, but this ignores the less pleasant reality that many, and probably most, sex workers get their start at a much younger age, and for reasons that may render so-called "choice" a bit questionable.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on July 22, 2014, 01:23:35 PM
Quote from: Todd on July 22, 2014, 01:06:23 PM

What is a "contract for sex", what would it look like, how would it be enforced, etc?  Do you envision a profession where service provider and client take the time to execute a written agreement?  (Maybe that's the case in Vegas, Amsterdam, etc, I don't know.)  A verbal agreement seems more than a bit difficult to enforce, and there is nothing to prevent a person from saying or writing "I swear, under penalty, I'm <insert minimum age here>", especially in this profession - unless rigorous background checks and documentation requirements are put in place.  That seems implausible in many jurisdictions.  I see little to no workable safeguards or value to a contract law argument.

Also, you can go on about a mythical 30 year old prostitute, but this ignores the less pleasant reality that many, and probably most, sex workers get their start at a much younger age, and for reasons that may render so-called "choice" a bit questionable.

Todd you introduced the age of consent, as if it would necessarily be the case anyone who wanted to legalize prostitution wanted to do it for anyone above the age of consent, even that includes people most do not consider adult. It's a shoddy rhetorical trick.

I think adults should be free to choose who they have sex with, or why. That means I think prostitution should be legalized for adults. Who counts as adult? That's legally connected to the age of contract, and not the age of consent, as I have explained.

"Mythical 30-year-old prostitute"? They go into a holding pattern at 29? Vanish?

Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on July 22, 2014, 02:43:17 PM
Protect and serve. She got well-protected.
https://www.techdirt.com/articles/20140717/08542227915/california-highway-patrol-seizes-medical-records-woman-officer-was-caught-tape-beating.shtml (https://www.techdirt.com/articles/20140717/08542227915/california-highway-patrol-seizes-medical-records-woman-officer-was-caught-tape-beating.shtml)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on July 22, 2014, 05:33:53 PM
Who was wondering why there are so few women who participate here at GMG? . . .
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on July 22, 2014, 05:46:44 PM
Quote from: karlhenning on July 22, 2014, 05:33:53 PM
Who was wondering why there are so few women who participate here at GMG? . . .
I quite agree. The idea that mature grown women should not be allowed to choose who they have sex with, or why, without policeman butting in is surely off-putting.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: ibanezmonster on July 22, 2014, 06:54:47 PM
The only really good argument against legalizing prostitution is the potential for increase in human trafficking. (Then there is the counter-argument that if prostitutes are given enough legal protection and power, they won't have to worry about physical threats, etc.)

I was curious about responses to a few things.

How many people here there are in full support of illegalization of prostitution would still think that way if they were someone who is so disabled/physically scarred that the only way that they could ever have sex is through a financial transaction? Would you willingly remain a virgin your whole life because you think all prostitution is bad?

Also, if prostitution is an expression of male power through money leading to rape, there are other forms of power... for example, I knew someone who dated this really undesirable guy. I heard she only did because she felt bad for him. In other words, she felt coerced into dating/sex because she's nice and didn't want to feel like a jerk. So he basically had the power of being pathetic.  :P Is this guy a rapist?

What about two people I used to work with who were dating, and he bought her a $500 ring once- if this led her to have sex with him more times than she would have otherwise, and felt coerced into doing so because of the object of high monetary value, is this guy a rapist?
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on July 22, 2014, 06:58:41 PM
Quote from: Greg on July 22, 2014, 06:54:47 PM
The only really good argument against legalizing prostitution is the potential for increase in human trafficking. (Then there is the counter-argument that if prostitutes are given enough legal protection and power, they won't have to worry about physical threats, etc.)

I was curious about responses to a few things.

How many people here there are in full support of illegalization of prostitution would still think that way if they were someone who is so disabled/physically scarred that the only way that they could ever have sex is through a financial transaction? Would you willingly remain a virgin your whole life because you think all prostitution is bad?

Also, if prostitution is an expression of male power through money leading to rape, there are other forms of power... for example, I knew someone who dated this really undesirable guy. I heard she only did because she felt bad for him. In other words, she felt coerced into dating/sex because she's nice and didn't want to feel like a jerk. So he basically had the power of being pathetic.  :P Is this guy a rapist?

What about two people I used to work with who were dating, and he bought her a $500 ring once- if this led her to have sex with him more times than she would have otherwise, and felt coerced into doing so because of the object of high monetary value, is this guy a rapist?

I am more interested in those who supoort legalized abortion on the grounds "my body, my choice" but who would criminalize prostitution. "Your body, my veto."
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: ibanezmonster on July 22, 2014, 07:07:05 PM
Quote from: Ken B on July 22, 2014, 06:58:41 PM
I am more interested in those who supoort legalized abortion on the grounds "my body, my choice" but who would criminalize prostitution. "Your body, my veto."
I'm interested in the reasoning behind that, as well.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: ibanezmonster on July 22, 2014, 08:52:06 PM
Out of curiosity, I looked up what radical feminists think of gay porn.
Basically, the argument is that the one taking is simulating a woman and the one giving it is the man, so it's wrong.  ???
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Florestan on July 22, 2014, 09:58:57 PM
Quote from: Henk on July 22, 2014, 10:34:02 AM
And an immoralist also doesn't use those immoral tricks like you.

I beg your pardon? What is immoral, or tricky, in asking you to provide real-life support and evidence for your theory?

Quote
That's too low for him. An immoralist cannot be described as someone who like to trick or misuse other people. He want to go beyond morals, that's what he strives for in my view. This makes him feel proud, and he is immune for moral arguments, moral attacks.

Your view, or Nietzsche's?
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on July 23, 2014, 08:13:57 AM
Quote from: Ken B on July 22, 2014, 05:46:44 PM
I quite agree. The idea that mature grown women should not be allowed to choose who they have sex with, or why, without policeman butting in is surely off-putting.

You cannot pretend that you missed my point.

People, male, arguing that we ought to legalize a practice which makes a woman's body a commodity (oh! and conveniently, an obvious distinction to make between prostitution and abortion).

Quote from: Greg on July 22, 2014, 06:54:47 PM
The only really good argument against legalizing prostitution is the potential for increase in human trafficking.

So how many women have you discussed this with?  Have the discussions taken place in person?
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Henk on July 23, 2014, 08:47:45 AM
Quote from: Florestan on July 22, 2014, 09:58:57 PM
I beg your pardon? What is immoral, or tricky, in asking you to provide real-life support and evidence for your theory?

Your view, or Nietzsche's?

You lead me into your fyke (or "hoop net"). You did this earlier to me. And again, I never said it was a theory, I just throwed in some "viewpoints" as I said.

I can't give you a quote by Nietzsche about this, so it's my view (but influenced of course by Nietzsche). I feel however that you might be playing the same trick here again. :( No normal conversation possible between us it seems. You only ask about things every time, instead of reply in some fruitful way, that's no conversation, that's your fyke. And in the end you say: "I rest my case".

Now I won't reply to your next message anymore, would you reply.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on July 23, 2014, 08:53:58 AM
Quote from: karlhenning on July 23, 2014, 08:13:57 AM
You cannot pretend that you missed my point.

People, male, arguing that we ought to legalize a practice which makes a woman's body a commodity (oh! and conveniently, an obvious distinction to make between prostitution and abortion).


Very weak Karl. Anyone has the right to discuss what and what should not be legal, regardless of their sex. Perhaps you would say atheists cannot discuss if there should be prayer in school? And unless your photo deceives the stricture applies to you as well, yet here you are.

I am trying to be polite here but demanding credentials to offer an opinion is a way to avoid debate and shout down disagreement.

And to be clear, what makes *anyone's* body a commodity is their *choice* to offer it as one.  I want to respect that choice.



Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Florestan on July 23, 2014, 10:05:17 AM
Quote from: Henk on July 23, 2014, 08:47:45 AM
I never said it was a theory, I just throwed in some "viewpoints" as I said.

If only you could make a clear distinction between "theory" and "viewpoint"...

Quote
I can't give you a quote by Nietzsche about this, so it's my view (but influenced of course by Nietzsche).

If it were in my power, I would forbid anyone not married, not having a regular job and not having had sexual intercourse in the last 2 weeks from reading Nietzsche. He was a madman: driving crazy other people while in the process making them believe they are somehow superior to the species was, and apparently still is, his trademark.

Quote
You only ask about things every time

Well, forgive me for being an engineer, i.e. one accustomed to work with, and ask for, facts, data and evidence.

Quote
instead of reply in some fruitful way

In my dictionary "fruitful" is very different from "pontificating about" or "ranting".


Quote
Now I won't reply to your next message anymore, would you reply.

Romanians have a saying for that kind of attitude: I'll pack up my toys and leave the game.  ;D
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on July 23, 2014, 10:11:18 AM
Quote from: Florestan on July 23, 2014, 10:05:17 AM
If it were in my power, I would forbid anyone not married, not having a regular job and not having had sexual intercourse in the last 2 weeks from reading Nietzsche. He was a madman: driving crazy other people while in the process making them believe they are somehow superior to the species was, and apparently still is, his trademark.

Whom the gods destroy, they first compel to read Nietzsche 8)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on July 23, 2014, 10:20:40 AM
Related to our recent discussions http://www.gwu.edu/~soc/docs/Weitzer/Prostitution_Facts.pdf
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on July 23, 2014, 10:22:38 AM
Florestan
QuoteWell, forgive me for being an engineer, i.e. one accustomed to work with, and ask for, facts, data and evidence.

We are going to have to discuss transubstantiation some day, mon cher ami!  >:D :laugh: 8)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Florestan on July 23, 2014, 10:25:33 AM
Quote from: Ken B on July 23, 2014, 10:22:38 AM
Florestan
We are going to have to discuss transubstantiation some day, mon cher ami!  >:D :laugh: 8)

Any time you want. If I may ask, when was the last time you had communion?
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: ibanezmonster on July 23, 2014, 10:42:32 AM
Quote from: karlhenning on July 23, 2014, 08:13:57 AM
So how many women have you discussed this with?  Have the discussions taken place in person?
That's not exactly how you get statistics.
It may be true that legalization leads to more human trafficking/forced prostitution. In that case, the only way it could have a chance at reducing that is a ton of worker protection.


Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: ibanezmonster on July 23, 2014, 10:45:22 AM
QuoteA few weeks later an acquaintance told me she thought prostitution was a "woman's choice, and can be empowering."
It's a matter of perspective. In the situation where a man that has to pay money to get sex with a woman that can get sex for free, feminists still say that the man is exerting power over the woman because money is the power. Even if she can freely turn it down. Logic.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on July 23, 2014, 10:50:01 AM
Quote from: Florestan on July 23, 2014, 10:25:33 AM
Any time you want. If I may ask, when was the last time you had communion?

Never. I was never confirmed as an Anglican (that's Episcopalian to you Americans).  It was to happen when I was 13 but never did.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: springrite on July 23, 2014, 10:55:15 AM
Quote from: Ken B on July 23, 2014, 10:50:01 AM
Never. I was never confirmed as an Anglican (that's Episcopalian to you Americans).  It was to happen when I was 13 but never did.

Lucky you!
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Henk on July 23, 2014, 11:18:40 AM
Quote from: Florestan on July 23, 2014, 10:05:17 AM
Romanians have a saying for that kind of attitude: I'll pack up my toys and leave the game.  ;D

Are you by the way Romanian from descent? Just curious.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Florestan on July 23, 2014, 11:25:16 AM
Quote from: Henk on July 23, 2014, 11:18:40 AM
Are you by the way Romanian from descent? Just curious.

I am Romanian through and through. Born, raised and happily married with child in Romania.  :)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Florestan on July 23, 2014, 11:28:33 AM
Quote from: Ken B on July 23, 2014, 10:50:01 AM
Never. I was never confirmed as an Anglican (that's Episcopalian to you Americans).

That's Schismatics, or even Heretics, to us Orthodox Christians.  ;D ;D ;D

Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on July 23, 2014, 03:11:50 PM
Quote from: springrite on July 23, 2014, 10:55:15 AM
Lucky you!
Luck had nothing to do with it!  :D
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on July 24, 2014, 02:23:34 AM
Quote from: Greg on July 23, 2014, 10:42:32 AM
That's not exactly how you get statistics.

So what you are saying is that you have not collected statistics which support your thesis from conversations with actual women.  I should think you would take an interest in what actual people think about the high-flown theory.  My question stands:  How many women have you discussed this with?  Have the discussions taken place in person?

To recapitulate:  we are talking about prostitution, which is the practice of a man who, perhaps on this solitary occasion, but in many cases chronically, cannot be bothered with maintaining an actual relationship with a woman, paying a woman for the "unentangled" use of her body;  a practice which traditionally and in a great majority of cultures is considered shameful (and one wants to consider the reasons for that).  And you are posing these naive arguments for making that "doll, take your clothes off, I cannot be bothered with your mind or your feelings" activity a legal institution.

You're telling me you have no interest in what actual women think of your proposal?

Oh, I forget!  Your idea is that the woman's intelligence and thoughts are of no consequence!

Hence my remark:  This discussion is bound to make more women want to take part at GMG.

Ken, we are free to do a great deal.  Only a subset of that great deal is it wise to do.

Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: EigenUser on July 24, 2014, 03:29:05 AM
Quote from: Florestan on July 23, 2014, 10:05:17 AM
Romanians have a saying for that kind of attitude: I'll pack up my toys and leave the game.  ;D
Would that game happen to be "Joc cu Bata" (Bartok)? ;D

Out of curiosity, have you ever seen the "Infinite Column" by Brancusi? I think it is in Bucharest.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Florestan on July 24, 2014, 03:45:13 AM
Quote from: EigenUser on July 24, 2014, 03:29:05 AM
Would that game happen to be "Joc cu Bata" (Bartok)? ;D

:D

Quote
Out of curiosity, have you ever seen the "Infinite Column" by Brancusi? I think it is in Bucharest.

I've seen it twice. It is not in Bucharest but in Târgu Jiu (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/T%C3%A2rgu_Jiu)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: EigenUser on July 24, 2014, 05:59:53 AM
Quote from: Florestan on July 24, 2014, 03:45:13 AM
:D

I've seen it twice. It is not in Bucharest but in Târgu Jiu (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/T%C3%A2rgu_Jiu)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pl1LPXMHP68
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Florestan on July 24, 2014, 06:03:29 AM
Nice.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: ibanezmonster on July 24, 2014, 06:22:24 AM
Quote from: karlhenning on July 24, 2014, 02:23:34 AM
So what you are saying is that you have not collected statistics which support your thesis from conversations with actual women.  I should think you would take an interest in what actual people think about the high-flown theory.  My question stands:  How many women have you discussed this with?  Have the discussions taken place in person?

To recapitulate:  we are talking about prostitution, which is the practice of a man who, perhaps on this solitary occasion, but in many cases chronically, cannot be bothered with maintaining an actual relationship with a woman, paying a woman for the "unentangled" use of her body;  a practice which traditionally and in a great majority of cultures is considered shameful (and one wants to consider the reasons for that).  And you are posing these naive arguments for making that "doll, take your clothes off, I cannot be bothered with your mind or your feelings" activity a legal institution.

You're telling me you have no interest in what actual women think of your proposal?

Oh, I forget!  Your idea is that the woman's intelligence and thoughts are of no consequence!

Hence my remark:  This discussion is bound to make more women want to take part at GMG.

Ken, we are free to do a great deal.  Only a subset of that great deal is it wise to do.
You quoted my human trafficking remark when asking me that. How am I supposed to find people involved in human trafficking for interviews? And if I somehow were able to, that would be a pretty small sample size. Something like that you have to rely on statistics found online.


QuoteYou're telling me you have no interest in what actual women think of your proposal?
I do. Did you read Ken's article? Read the first paragraph of page 3.

I wouldn't be surprised if the same study were done for where I work and the results ended up less favorable than for these prostitutes. If they found the work shameful enough to not even be worth it, then they wouldn't do it. People are different. What may appear shameful to us may not appear the same way to them.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Gurn Blanston on July 24, 2014, 07:16:45 AM
I think we've gone about as far as we're going to go in this thread with this topic. Any further posts on this topic will be deleted. If you want to start a thread, go ahead, it can be moderated that way. This totally off-topic conversation has ruined this thread for any other purposes, for which it existed nicely for the last 4 or 5 years.

Any complaints, PM me.

GB
8)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: kishnevi on July 24, 2014, 07:33:23 AM
To help put the thread on course
http://ftw.usatoday.com/2014/07/queen-of-england-commonwealth-games
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: DavidW on July 24, 2014, 07:46:47 AM
I liked the video explaining the commonwealth games the best! ;D

The link that also appears in the article is: http://youtu.be/-Aj3KZa1ZCM (http://youtu.be/-Aj3KZa1ZCM)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on July 24, 2014, 08:00:31 AM
Important unimportant news http://reason.com/blog/2014/07/23/mom-jailed-for-letting-her-kid-play-unsu

Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Brian on July 24, 2014, 09:19:13 AM
Weird Al Yankovic has the #1 album in America.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Brahmsian on July 24, 2014, 09:55:50 AM
Quote from: Brian on July 24, 2014, 09:19:13 AM
Weird Al Yankovic has the #1 album in America.

Well, perhaps there is hope after all!  :)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Dancing Divertimentian on July 24, 2014, 09:59:58 AM
Let's try this again:


Lego news. (http://news.yahoo.com/legos-wash-ashore-cornwall-beach-161828729.html)


Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on July 24, 2014, 10:15:07 AM
Quote from: Dancing Divertimentian on July 24, 2014, 09:59:58 AM
Let's try this again:


Lego news. (http://news.yahoo.com/legos-wash-ashore-cornwall-beach-161828729.html)


Quote... And her Facebook page is littered with Lego findings.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Dancing Divertimentian on July 24, 2014, 09:01:26 PM
;D "Lego findings".


And in other news... (https://www.yahoo.com/tech/family-removed-from-southwest-flight-after-father-92660324589.html)



Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: DavidW on July 25, 2014, 07:22:02 AM
Quote from: Ken B on July 24, 2014, 08:00:31 AM
Important unimportant news http://reason.com/blog/2014/07/23/mom-jailed-for-letting-her-kid-play-unsu

I have to say this is not the 50s anymore.  You can't just let your children roam free.  It's not safe.  The stupid article tries to argue that crime rate is way down... not in SC.  This took place in SC, where the crime rate is very high. 
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: bwv 1080 on July 25, 2014, 07:26:32 AM
Quote from: DavidW on July 25, 2014, 07:22:02 AM
I have to say this is not the 50s anymore.  You can't just let your children roam free.  It's not safe.  The stupid article tries to argue that crime rate is way down... not in SC.  This took place in SC, where the crime rate is very high.

this is not an area for the criminal justice system.  It is not a crime to be poor and a single mother
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on July 25, 2014, 07:55:48 AM
Quote from: DavidW on July 25, 2014, 07:22:02 AM
I have to say this is not the 50s anymore.  You can't just let your children roam free.  It's not safe.  The stupid article tries to argue that crime rate is way down... not in SC.  This took place in SC, where the crime rate is very high. 

That blogger petulantly writes "her mother wanted to let her play outside rather than sit inside a stuffy restaurant all day."

Clearly the mother has a challenge with arranging daycare for the daughter;  but neither "take your daughter to McDonald's while you work your shift there," nor leave the child unsupervised in a park, is a responsible parental decision.

I don't think that's a Palmetto State-specific matter.  There's a McDonald's on Tremont Street;  no mother working there should just leave her child roam even around the Boston Common, which is about as friendly a public park as one could wish.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on July 25, 2014, 07:56:47 AM
Quote from: bwv 1080 on July 25, 2014, 07:26:32 AM
It is not a crime to be poor and a single mother

Yes, but what do you advise?  No action?
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: EigenUser on July 25, 2014, 08:04:41 AM
Quote from: bwv 1080 on July 25, 2014, 07:26:32 AM
this is not an area for the criminal justice system.  It is not a crime to be poor and a single mother

*sigh*

No, absolutely not. However, being a single mother isn't some sort of unavoidable disability, either. Excuse my conservative side for showing, but people need to be more responsible here. If you can't afford daycare, then I personally don't find it responsible to have a child in the first place.

Like DavidW said, this isn't the 50's anymore. It's really a shame that it isn't any longer safe (for whatever reasons). I read the article, though, and I did think that they were far too harsh with her. It wasn't a major case of neglect -- just poor judgement, something that falls upon all parents at times.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: bwv 1080 on July 25, 2014, 08:09:00 AM
Quote from: karlhenning on July 25, 2014, 07:56:47 AM
Yes, but what do you advise?  No action?

yes, as I cannot think of realistic option that would improve her situation

BTW she is back at work
http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/she-the-people/wp/2014/07/24/debra-harrell-back-on-her-job-at-mcdonalds-lawyer-says/
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: bwv 1080 on July 25, 2014, 08:15:38 AM
Quote from: DavidW on July 25, 2014, 07:22:02 AM
I have to say this is not the 50s anymore.  You can't just let your children roam free.  It's not safe.  The stupid article tries to argue that crime rate is way down... not in SC.  This took place in SC, where the crime rate is very high.

Outside of some particular neighborhoods things are as safe as the 50s, its neither as dangerous today as parents fed on histrionic media reports of child abductors believe nor were the 50s as safe as everyone thinks they were.  If people really wanted to keep kids safe they would ban private swimming pools (not proposing this, but they are by far the greatest risk to kids) which would save far more children than not letting them run around a park
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on July 25, 2014, 08:34:00 AM
Quote from: bwv 1080 on July 25, 2014, 07:26:32 AM
this is not an area for the criminal justice system
Key point. Let's imagine we all agree that what the mother did was undesirable. (I am not saying we all do, or should, just for the sake of argument). Is jail the right approach? Putting the kid in custody away from her family?

How about the mother who was arrested for leaving her 11 year old sitting in the car for 5 minutes while she went into a store? Aside from the transparent unhelpfulness here, it is very arbitrary. Why is a passing cop a better judge than a parent of how responsible her 11 year old is?

Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: bwv 1080 on July 25, 2014, 08:55:23 AM
American Shale Boom Imperils 30 Million European Jobs
The shale revolution has been a uniquely American phenomenon, and that's provided the U.S. with a new competitive advantage: cheap gas. Thanks to fracking, America is suddenly flush with natural gas, as well as a burgeoning supply of natural gas liquids (an important chemical feedstock and natural gas drilling byproduct). That's attracting the interest of petrochemical companies around the world, and especially in Europe, where green opposition to fracking has prevented industry from reaping similar benefits. The chief economist of the International Energy Agency warned that this development is putting tens of millions of European jobs at risk, Bloomberg reports:

Manufacturers of petrochemicals, aluminum, fertilizers and plastics are leaving Europe to take advantage of booming U.S. production of natural gas from shale rock formations, Fatih Birol, chief economist for the International Energy Agency, a Paris-based adviser to 29 nations, said at a conference in London today.

"Many petrochemicals companies in central Europe are moving out," Birol said. "Thirty million jobs are in danger."

Europe's loss is America's gain. The continent's policymakers might want to take a closer look at fracking; it would not only support industry, but it would also help reduce dependence on imports of Russian natural gas.

Published on July 18, 2014 11:47 am
http://www.the-american-interest.com/blog/2014/07/18/american-shale-boom-imperils-30-million-european-jobs/
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on July 25, 2014, 08:57:26 AM
Quote from: bwv 1080 on July 25, 2014, 08:55:23 AM
American Shale Boom Imperils 30 Million European Jobs
The shale revolution has been a uniquely American phenomenon, and that's provided the U.S. with a new competitive advantage: cheap gas. Thanks to fracking, America is suddenly flush with natural gas, as well as a burgeoning supply of natural gas liquids (an important chemical feedstock and natural gas drilling byproduct). That's attracting the interest of petrochemical companies around the world, and especially in Europe, where green opposition to fracking has prevented industry from reaping similar benefits. The chief economist of the International Energy Agency warned that this development is putting tens of millions of European jobs at risk, Bloomberg reports:

Manufacturers of petrochemicals, aluminum, fertilizers and plastics are leaving Europe to take advantage of booming U.S. production of natural gas from shale rock formations, Fatih Birol, chief economist for the International Energy Agency, a Paris-based adviser to 29 nations, said at a conference in London today.

"Many petrochemicals companies in central Europe are moving out," Birol said. "Thirty million jobs are in danger."

Europe's loss is America's gain. The continent's policymakers might want to take a closer look at fracking; it would not only support industry, but it would also help reduce dependence on imports of Russian natural gas.

Published on July 18, 2014 11:47 am
http://www.the-american-interest.com/blog/2014/07/18/american-shale-boom-imperils-30-million-european-jobs/
Part of a general economic rule: the prejudice of others confers competitive advantage.
Title: Re: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on July 25, 2014, 09:02:19 AM
Quote from: bwv 1080 on July 25, 2014, 08:15:38 AM
Outside of some particular neighborhoods things are as safe as the 50s, its neither as dangerous today as parents fed on histrionic media reports of child abductors believe nor were the 50s as safe as everyone thinks they were.  If people really wanted to keep kids safe they would ban private swimming pools (not proposing this, but they are by far the greatest risk to kids) which would save far more children than not letting them run around a park

I suppose that, as abduction is not the only possible danger, we disagree that leaving a child unsupervised in a park is "reasonably safe."

I'm glad she's back to work.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on July 25, 2014, 09:22:19 AM
Another new topic. Multiple choice quiz. Here is the situation.
Say you are getting a divorce. A judge has to decide child custody. The judge is having an affair with your wife during the whole time. You find out and complain. Does the court system

a) chastise the judge and order a new hearing
b) allow an appeal
c) respond with "where is YOUR law degree sucker, you're not part of the guild, get out of my face you civvie street loser!"

http://www.abajournal.com/news/article/6th_circuit_says_man_cant_sue_judge_who_had_affair_with_his_wife_during_chi

Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: kishnevi on July 25, 2014, 01:42:16 PM
Quote from: Ken B on July 25, 2014, 09:22:19 AM
Another new topic. Multiple choice quiz. Here is the situation.
Say you are getting a divorce. A judge has to decide child custody. The judge is having an affair with your wife during the whole time. You find out and complain. Does the court system

a) chastise the judge and order a new hearing
b) allow an appeal
c) respond with "where is YOUR law degree sucker, you're not part of the guild, get out of my face you civvie street loser!"

http://www.abajournal.com/news/article/6th_circuit_says_man_cant_sue_judge_who_had_affair_with_his_wife_during_chi

Actually a very correct decision.   The appropriate course is entirely a state matter.  Federal courts do not remove state judges from the bench and do not decide child custody matters.  A state retrial and state discipline of the judge is all that is required here.

And my mother let me go wherever I wanted on my own, once she was sure I could cross the street on my own.  Which stage I reached at about the age of 9.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on July 25, 2014, 02:04:24 PM
Quote from: Jeffrey Smith on July 25, 2014, 01:42:16 PM
Actually a very correct decision.   The appropriate course is entirely a state matter.  Federal courts do not remove state judges from the bench and do not decide child custody matters.  A state retrial and state discipline of the judge is all that is required here.

And my mother let me go wherever I wanted on my own, once she was sure I could cross the street on my own.  Which stage I reached at about the age of 9.
This was not as far as I can see was not decided on federalism grounds. Whether federal courts cannot cannot remove the state judge is irrelevant question at hand. It's absurd to argue that there was no denial of due process here, since due process involves an impartial disinterested judge. Instead what we have is the court, comprised of lawyers, that judges, lawyers, even when deliberately vitiating the due process rights of complainants or defendants have immunity regardless.

My cohort from school pretty was much free range by the age of nine or 10. Number of fatalities rapes or serious accidents: zero. Although a few of my friends did grow up to be lawyers, so there's that.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: kishnevi on July 25, 2014, 04:15:52 PM
Quote from: Ken B on July 25, 2014, 02:04:24 PM
This was not as far as I can see was not decided on federalism grounds. Whether federal courts cannot cannot remove the state judge is irrelevant question at hand. It's absurd to argue that there was no denial of due process here, since due process involves an impartial disinterested judge. Instead what we have is the court, comprised of lawyers, that judges, lawyers, even when deliberately vitiating the due process rights of complainants or defendants have immunity regardless.

My cohort from school pretty was much free range by the age of nine or 10. Number of fatalities rapes or serious accidents: zero. Although a few of my friends did grow up to be lawyers, so there's that.
My underlying point is that his due process rights were not violated.  The appropriate remedies lie with the state court and are easily available:  remove the judge and retry the disputed issues.  This is not a case of lawyers protecting their own.  This is a case of judges refusing to allow a plaintiff to abuse the system.
BTW (full disclosure) I have not practiced law for a number of years but I am a lawyer and member of the Florida Bar.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on July 25, 2014, 06:10:34 PM
Quote from: Jeffrey Smith on July 25, 2014, 04:15:52 PM
My underlying point is that his due process rights were not violated.  The appropriate remedies lie with the state court and are easily available:  remove the judge and retry the disputed issues.  This is not a case of lawyers protecting their own.  This is a case of judges refusing to allow a plaintiff to abuse the system.
BTW (full disclosure) I have not practiced law for a number of years but I am a lawyer and member of the Florida Bar.
Question. Had this been a juror in a civil suit against his ex-wife, would the court have refused to even allow the case to be heard? Had he been an arbiter in a private arbitration firm the couple had agreed to use, would the court have refused to allow the case to even be heard?
These are rhetorical questions.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: kishnevi on July 25, 2014, 07:44:17 PM
Quote from: Ken B on July 25, 2014, 06:10:34 PM
Question. Had this been a juror in a civil suit against his ex-wife, would the court have refused to even allow the case to be heard? Had he been an arbiter in a private arbitration firm the couple had agreed to use, would the court have refused to allow the case to even be heard?
These are rhetorical questions.
To answer them nonrhetorically,  the answer would be yes, and for exactly the same reasons as applied to the judge. 
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on July 25, 2014, 07:58:52 PM
Quote from: Jeffrey Smith on July 25, 2014, 07:44:17 PM
To answer them nonrhetorically,  the answer would be yes, and for exactly the same reasons as applied to the judge.
The judgement was based on judicial immunity. Non-judges enjoy that?

An arbiter can be sued for conflict of interest or fraud, no? In my hypothetical we have at least one of those, probably both. People get sued for those all the time, no?
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: kishnevi on July 25, 2014, 08:14:06 PM
Quote from: Ken B on July 25, 2014, 07:58:52 PM
The judgement was based on judicial immunity. Non-judges enjoy that?

An arbiter can be sued for conflict of interest or fraud, no? In my hypothetical we have at least one of those, probably both. People get sued for those all the time, no?
People get sued all the time,  but that does not mean that a suit is appropriate.   In your hypo the correct procedure would be to sue to set aside the initial decision, not sue for damages.
Judicial immunity is fundamental to how the courts operate, whether you like it or not.  Without it, judges would be open to suits by digruntled litigants for any reason.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: jochanaan on July 27, 2014, 09:07:31 PM
Quote from: bwv 1080 on July 25, 2014, 08:55:23 AM
American Shale Boom Imperils 30 Million European Jobs...
And that's not all it imperils!  That stuff is much, much dirtier than regular crude oil, and has already caused an environmental disaster in northern Alberta province, Canada. :P
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: bwv 1080 on July 28, 2014, 05:34:41 AM
Quote from: jochanaan on July 27, 2014, 09:07:31 PM
And that's not all it imperils!  That stuff is much, much dirtier than regular crude oil, and has already caused an environmental disaster in northern Alberta province, Canada. :P

no, you are thinking of oil sands which are mined.  This is referring to shale formations that are miles underground and extracted through hydraulic fracturing (fracking)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Jo498 on July 28, 2014, 06:56:45 AM
Wasn't there news a few weeks ago that for one of the major prospective shale fields (in California?) the viable yields had been overestimated by a factor of 20?

There is only one way out of the energy crisis: use less (FAR less, the US uses five times the world average, Europe about three times) and get renewable (sun, wind etc.) going ASAP.
Europe is doing slightly better, but no way good enough; there could VERY dire times only a decade or two ahead.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on July 28, 2014, 07:16:29 AM
Quote from: Jo498 on July 28, 2014, 06:56:45 AM
there could VERY dire times only a decade or two ahead.
We are living in the dire future of a decade or two ago.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on July 28, 2014, 07:20:36 AM
Quote from: Jo498 on July 28, 2014, 06:56:45 AMthere could VERY dire times only a decade or two ahead.



If this alarmist timeline were accurate, then there's no hope at all, since it will take more than one or two decades to scale up renewables to levels sufficient to replace oil and coal.  (This assumes that evil nuclear has no place in the energy generation mix of the more enlightened future.)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: bwv 1080 on July 28, 2014, 07:31:19 AM
Quote from: Jo498 on July 28, 2014, 06:56:45 AM
Wasn't there news a few weeks ago that for one of the major prospective shale fields (in California?) the viable yields had been overestimated by a factor of 20?

There is only one way out of the energy crisis: use less (FAR less, the US uses five times the world average, Europe about three times) and get renewable (sun, wind etc.) going ASAP.
Europe is doing slightly better, but no way good enough; there could VERY dire times only a decade or two ahead.


No, f- that, we have  about a 100 year supply of natural gas that right now is far more economical than renewables

The major shales in production right now - Bakken, Eagleford, Marcellus, Permian - have been continually exceeding expectations
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on July 28, 2014, 07:40:27 AM
Quote from: bwv 1080 on July 28, 2014, 07:31:19 AMNo, f- that, we have  about a 100 year supply of natural gas that right now is far more economical than renewables


And if ever natural gas hydrates become economically viable, then the supply is much larger than that.  Already, at least one green has said developing this source would be "game over" for the climate.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on July 28, 2014, 07:43:10 AM
Justice is done! (http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/07/28/us-russia-yukos-idUSKBN0FW0TP20140728#comments)

(Anyone think the money will be forthcoming?  Or that the size of the award might in some way be tied to events that have transpired since last year?)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: bwv 1080 on July 28, 2014, 07:51:07 AM
Quote from: Todd on July 28, 2014, 07:43:10 AM
Justice is done! (http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/07/28/us-russia-yukos-idUSKBN0FW0TP20140728#comments)

(Anyone think the money will be forthcoming?  Or that the size of the award might in some way be tied to events that have transpired since last year?)

There are assets outside of Russia that can be taken
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: kishnevi on July 28, 2014, 07:59:28 AM
I am reminded of what Andrew Jackson (I think) said in response to a decision by SCOTUS.  "Mr. Marshall has his decision.  Now let him enforce it."
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on July 28, 2014, 09:41:20 AM
Once a Third Party, Unofficial Market Basket Web Master Sides With Employees (http://www.boston.com/business/news/2014/07/28/once-third-party-unofficial-market-basket-web-master-sides-with-employees/BK609MnoaSOW2yEI2mhfVJ/story.html?p1=Topofpage:Carousel_sub_headline)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on July 28, 2014, 09:43:53 AM
Quote from: Jeffrey Smith on July 28, 2014, 07:59:28 AM
I am reminded of what Andrew Jackson (I think) said in response to a decision by SCOTUS.  "Mr. Marshall has his decision.  Now let him enforce it."
Jackson and too damn many presidents since.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: jochanaan on July 28, 2014, 02:48:16 PM
Quote from: bwv 1080 on July 28, 2014, 05:34:41 AM
no, you are thinking of oil sands which are mined.  This is referring to shale formations that are miles underground and extracted through hydraulic fracturing (fracking)
Correction noted.  But there are indications that fracking isn't nearly as safe as the oil companies would like us to think.  Earthquakes and contamination of air and ground water have been linked to fracking.  Despite the oil companies' denial, I tend to think the evidence points to great danger.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: bwv 1080 on July 29, 2014, 07:33:42 PM
Warning: it is illegal to read or share this in Australia:

https://wikileaks.org/aus-suppression-order/
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on July 30, 2014, 05:54:25 AM
A touch of class. (http://www.npr.org/2014/07/30/336322608/new-york-skyscrapers-separate-poor-door-sparks-outrage)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: jochanaan on July 30, 2014, 05:45:13 PM
Quote from: bwv 1080 on July 29, 2014, 07:33:42 PM
Warning: it is illegal to read or share this in Australia:

https://wikileaks.org/aus-suppression-order/
So the companies rule there too.  I had fond hopes that Australia was still free...
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on July 30, 2014, 06:13:16 PM
Quote from: jochanaan on July 30, 2014, 05:45:13 PM
So the companies rule there too.  I had fond hopes that Australia was still free...
"The companies"? Looks like a raging case of confirmation bias. This seems more like a coverup for government officials. Why does that implicate all of "the companies" in Australia?
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: ibanezmonster on July 30, 2014, 06:50:13 PM
Companies, government... what's the difference nowadays?
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: bwv 1080 on July 30, 2014, 06:54:39 PM
Quote from: Greg on July 30, 2014, 06:50:13 PM
Companies, government... what's the difference nowadays?

government has more guns and prisons
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on July 31, 2014, 04:23:56 AM
Quote from: Greg on July 30, 2014, 06:50:13 PM
Companies, government... what's the difference nowadays?

Companies are run more efficiently.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on July 31, 2014, 06:30:49 AM
The homophone menace

http://www.washingtonpost.com/news/volokh-conspiracy/wp/2014/07/31/the-homophone-menace/ (http://www.washingtonpost.com/news/volokh-conspiracy/wp/2014/07/31/the-homophone-menace/)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: ibanezmonster on July 31, 2014, 07:00:19 AM
Quote from: bwv 1080 on July 30, 2014, 06:54:39 PM
government has more guns and prisons

Quote from: karlhenning on July 31, 2014, 04:23:56 AM
Companies are run more efficiently.
lol, true.  8)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: North Star on July 31, 2014, 04:39:04 PM
Quote from: karlhenning on July 31, 2014, 04:23:56 AM
Companies are run more efficiently.
And it might be harder for a country to fire people..
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: ibanezmonster on July 31, 2014, 04:48:23 PM
Quote from: North Star on July 31, 2014, 04:39:04 PM
And it might be harder for a country to fire people..
...unless they go the ethnic cleansing route.  :-X
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on August 01, 2014, 09:30:20 AM
A certain degree of irony in there being a news segment (http://www.csmonitor.com/USA/Society/2014/0731/Woman-in-black-who-appealed-to-US-fascination-with-wanderers-reaches-home-video) about a lady who says, "I only wish people would mind their own business."

Area woman wishes to be let be. Film at 11.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on August 06, 2014, 11:27:19 AM
Putin wants to bring back the "good old days" of lining up to the store for not enough produce (http://www.csmonitor.com/World/Europe/2014/0806/Sour-apples-in-Russia-Putin-moves-to-ban-food-imports-from-West)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on August 11, 2014, 09:49:04 AM
From faith-based educational programs, dear Lord, deliver us.

Texas court rules against homeschoolers who expected rapture and stopped teaching kids (http://www.rawstory.com/rs/2014/08/11/texas-court-rules-against-homeschoolers-who-expected-rapture-and-stopped-teaching-kids/)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: jochanaan on August 11, 2014, 10:00:18 AM
Quote from: karlhenning on August 11, 2014, 09:49:04 AM
From faith-based educational programs, dear Lord, deliver us.

Texas court rules against homeschoolers who expected rapture and stopped teaching kids (http://www.rawstory.com/rs/2014/08/11/texas-court-rules-against-homeschoolers-who-expected-rapture-and-stopped-teaching-kids/)
What amazes me about this case is that there are judges in Texas with common sense. :o
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on August 12, 2014, 05:47:07 AM
Just when you think you've seen it all. (http://gawker.com/the-nra-tried-to-get-rid-of-this-video-advocating-guns-1617727951)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on August 12, 2014, 05:49:07 AM
Can't laugh for crying.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: jochanaan on August 12, 2014, 07:03:25 AM
Quote from: Todd on August 12, 2014, 05:47:07 AM
Just when you think you've seen it all. (http://gawker.com/the-nra-tried-to-get-rid-of-this-video-advocating-guns-1617727951)
That's what stilettos are for.  (Not stiletto heels, although they might work well enough! :o) Guns are notoriously inefficient for close fighting...
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: North Star on August 12, 2014, 08:49:23 AM
Quote from: karlhenning on August 12, 2014, 05:49:07 AM
Can't laugh for crying.
Indeed.
http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-28684353
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on August 17, 2014, 07:47:48 AM
Accidents happen. (http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-28819625)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on August 18, 2014, 05:47:11 AM
Another useful innovation from Facebook. (http://arstechnica.com/business/2014/08/does-facebook-think-users-are-dumb-satire-tag-added-to-onion-articles/)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on August 18, 2014, 05:52:37 AM
Oh, but that is funny.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: bwv 1080 on August 18, 2014, 08:51:23 AM
back in 2009 Ferguson pigs police charged a guy for destruction of public property after he bled on their uniforms while they were beating him

http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2014/08/15/the-day-ferguson-cops-were-caught-in-a-bloody-lie.html
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: jochanaan on August 19, 2014, 07:18:44 AM
Quote from: Todd on August 17, 2014, 07:47:48 AM
Accidents happen. (http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-28819625)
Mad Magazine: Spy vs. Spy. :laugh:
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on August 19, 2014, 09:37:12 AM
Recommended: 'A Nigerian prince is in need of your help.' Please take our Nigeria quiz! (http://www.csmonitor.com/World/Africa/2014/0604/A-Nigerian-prince-is-in-need-of-your-help.-Please-take-our-Nigeria-quiz/Nigeria-s-size-area)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on August 19, 2014, 09:59:09 AM
Only 11 out of 20.  But hey, I learned that Fela Kuti is one outrageous dude.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: bwv 1080 on August 19, 2014, 10:18:35 AM
Quote from: Todd on August 19, 2014, 09:59:09 AM
Only 11 out of 20.  But hey, I learned that Fela Kuti is one outrageous dude.

well if you did not know that before, then it is worth something

same score here

Speaking of Nigeria, this was an interesting news item - Nigeria doubled its GDP this year because it had not changed the calculation methodology since 1990, completely ignoring new industries like mobile telephony
(http://www.theatlantic.com/international/archive/2014/04/how-nigeria-became-africas-largest-economy-overnight/360288/)

http://cdn.theatlantic.com/newsroom/img/posts/2014/04/Screen_Shot_2014_04_07_at_6.09.04_PM/d8fa641c9.png (http://cdn.theatlantic.com/newsroom/img/posts/2014/04/Screen_Shot_2014_04_07_at_6.09.04_PM/d8fa641c9.png)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: jochanaan on August 20, 2014, 10:12:36 AM
Quote from: karlhenning on August 19, 2014, 09:37:12 AM
Recommended: 'A Nigerian prince is in need of your help.' Please take our Nigeria quiz! (http://www.csmonitor.com/World/Africa/2014/0604/A-Nigerian-prince-is-in-need-of-your-help.-Please-take-our-Nigeria-quiz/Nigeria-s-size-area)
70%, somewhat above the average of 57%.  But some of my "answers" were wild guesses, others processes of elimination.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on August 20, 2014, 10:15:55 AM
Quote from: jochanaan on August 20, 2014, 10:12:36 AM
70%, somewhat above the average of 57%.  But some of my "answers" were wild guesses, others processes of elimination.

As far as I am concerned, you win!
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Florestan on August 21, 2014, 05:48:55 AM
Quote from: Todd on August 19, 2014, 09:59:09 AM
Only 11 out of 20. 

Same here.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on August 21, 2014, 09:30:29 AM
Five famous plagiarism and fraud accusations in the book world (http://www.csmonitor.com/Books/2011/1208/5-famous-plagiarism-and-fraud-accusations-in-the-book-world/Alex-Haley)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Florestan on August 22, 2014, 02:08:26 AM
Let's see how you score on this one, gentlemen.  :D

How-much-do-you-know-about-Romania? (http://www.allthetests.com/quiz26/quiz/1241278314/How-much-do-you-know-about-Romania)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on August 22, 2014, 02:12:50 AM
Well, when my loins are girt for crashing & burning, I shall take it :)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Florestan on August 22, 2014, 02:19:14 AM
Compared to the Nigeria test, this one's a triffle, really.  :D
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: kishnevi on August 22, 2014, 06:13:58 AM
I missed two, but annoyingly it won't show the detailed results on Android.  So I do not know which two.  But I am fairly certain about the language question.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on August 22, 2014, 06:31:08 AM
QuoteIt seems that this country isn't known to you...Congratulations!

You have correctly answered 7 of 10 questions.

On one hand, 70% as "isn't known to you" is admirably demanding.

On the other, I was congratulated! 8)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: bwv 1080 on August 22, 2014, 06:44:59 AM
Quote from: Florestan on August 22, 2014, 02:08:26 AM
Let's see how you score on this one, gentlemen.  :D

How-much-do-you-know-about-Romania? (http://www.allthetests.com/quiz26/quiz/1241278314/How-much-do-you-know-about-Romania)

10/10

todos ustedes no hablan español en Rumania?  ;)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on August 22, 2014, 08:14:22 AM
Tough times for potheads. (http://www.columbian.com/news/2014/aug/21/marijuana-prices-hit-another-high-vancouver-taxes/)


I find it amusing that black market pot is cheaper than legal stuff - legalization would weed out illegal drugs, locals were assured - and I find it equally amusing that the Feds, who still classify pot as illegal, nonetheless collect some taxes. 
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: bwv 1080 on August 22, 2014, 08:30:32 AM
Quote from: Todd on August 22, 2014, 08:14:22 AM
Tough times for potheads. (http://www.columbian.com/news/2014/aug/21/marijuana-prices-hit-another-high-vancouver-taxes/)


I find it amusing that black market pot is cheaper than legal stuff - legalization would weed out illegal drugs, locals were assured - and I find it equally amusing that the Feds, who still classify pot as illegal, nonetheless collect some taxes.

Damn, I remember $100/oz back in the 80s - about $3.50 per gram
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Florestan on August 22, 2014, 10:18:02 AM
Quote from: bwv 1080 on August 22, 2014, 06:44:59 AM
10/10

Congrats!

Quote
todos ustedes no hablan español en Rumania?  ;)

Algunos de nosostros hablamos, pero no como lengua maternal.  :D
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Florestan on August 22, 2014, 10:18:46 AM
Quote from: karlhenning on August 22, 2014, 06:31:08 AM
On one hand, 70% as "isn't known to you" is admirably demanding.

On the other, I was congratulated! 8)

:D :D :D
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: bwv 1080 on August 22, 2014, 10:33:22 AM
Quote from: Florestan on August 22, 2014, 10:18:02 AM
Congrats!

Algunos de nosostros hablamos, pero no como lengua maternal.  :D

deci nici un bine mancare mexicana in Bucuresti?
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on August 22, 2014, 11:53:43 AM
Quote from: Florestan on August 22, 2014, 02:08:26 AM
Let's see how you score on this one, gentlemen.  :D

How-much-do-you-know-about-Romania? (http://www.allthetests.com/quiz26/quiz/1241278314/How-much-do-you-know-about-Romania)
8/10 but I do not know which 8! And a couple were guesses. The pen?
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: bwv 1080 on August 22, 2014, 12:20:51 PM
Quote from: Ken B on August 22, 2014, 11:53:43 AM
8/10 but I do not know which 8! And a couple were guesses. The pen?

yes that was easy, like they would ask that if it was invented somewhere else
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: kishnevi on August 22, 2014, 01:26:30 PM
Florestan, your inbox is too full to accept more PMs
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on August 22, 2014, 06:49:29 PM
Quote from: bwv 1080 on August 22, 2014, 12:20:51 PM
yes that was easy, like they would ask that if it was invented somewhere else
Well, unless it was a Poland quiz.

;)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Dancing Divertimentian on August 22, 2014, 07:34:37 PM
Happiness is a warmly made-over monument. (http://disinfo.com/2014/08/russia-wants-bulgarians-stop-vandalizing-soviet-monuments-look-like-american-superheroes/)



Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Florestan on August 23, 2014, 03:49:11 AM
Quote from: bwv 1080 on August 22, 2014, 10:33:22 AM
deci nici un bine mancare mexicana in Bucuresti?

Ah, the joys of Google translate...  ;D

Deci nu poti gasi mancare mexicana buna in Bucuresti? I omitted the diacriticals.)

There are several Latino restaurants but I haven't tried any of them.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Florestan on August 23, 2014, 03:56:26 AM
Quote from: Ken B on August 22, 2014, 11:53:43 AM
8/10 but I do not know which 8! And a couple were guesses. The pen?

Well, here are the correct answers:

Bucharest is the capital city; Romania and Russia are not neighbours; the biggest seaport of the Black Sea is in Romania; Communism has ruled Romania; the pen was invented by a Romanian; Romania was not part of the USSR; that is the flag of Romania; the official language is Romanian; Romania entered EU in 2007; Romania does not use the Euro as official money.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: bwv 1080 on August 23, 2014, 04:21:36 AM
Quote from: Florestan on August 23, 2014, 03:49:11 AM
Ah, the joys of Google translate...  ;D

Deci nu poti gasi mancare mexicana buna in Bucuresti? I omitted the diacriticals.)

There are several Latino restaurants but I haven't tried any of them.

One of the primary sources for Google translate are the multiple translations of EU documents, guess there is no official memorandum from Brussells on Mexican food  :D
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on August 23, 2014, 04:27:19 AM
The Belgians refuse to recognize Mexican food?!
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on August 26, 2014, 05:42:51 AM
The enemy of my enemy of my enemy is my friend? (http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/08/24/obama-assad-partnership_n_5704531.html) 

(Ol' Bashar might be wary, lest he be the next Gaddafi.  At least Libya has turned out well.)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on August 29, 2014, 09:09:14 PM
http://www.washingtonpost.com/news/volokh-conspiracy/wp/2014/08/29/war-in-europe-is-not-a-hysterical-idea/ (http://www.washingtonpost.com/news/volokh-conspiracy/wp/2014/08/29/war-in-europe-is-not-a-hysterical-idea/)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on September 01, 2014, 05:33:15 PM
For supposedly not having a strategy, it sure seems like the US is deploying force and weapons here, (http://www.cnn.com/2014/09/01/world/europe/ukraine-crisis/index.html) there, (http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/national-security/pentagon-set-to-open-second-drone-base-in-niger-as-it-expands-operations-in-africa/2014/08/31/365489c4-2eb8-11e4-994d-202962a9150c_story.html?hpid=z1) and everywhere. (http://www.stripes.com/news/middle-east/us-delivers-military-aid-to-lebanese-army-1.300562)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on September 01, 2014, 06:29:39 PM
I don't play video games. But this caught my eye ...
http://www.breitbart.com/Breitbart-London/2014/09/01/Lying-Greedy-Promiscuous-Feminist-Bullies-are-Tearing-the-Video-Game-Industry-Apart (http://www.breitbart.com/Breitbart-London/2014/09/01/Lying-Greedy-Promiscuous-Feminist-Bullies-are-Tearing-the-Video-Game-Industry-Apart)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: ibanezmonster on September 01, 2014, 06:47:10 PM
Quote from: Ken B on September 01, 2014, 06:29:39 PM
I don't play video games. But this caught my eye ...
http://www.breitbart.com/Breitbart-London/2014/09/01/Lying-Greedy-Promiscuous-Feminist-Bullies-are-Tearing-the-Video-Game-Industry-Apart (http://www.breitbart.com/Breitbart-London/2014/09/01/Lying-Greedy-Promiscuous-Feminist-Bullies-are-Tearing-the-Video-Game-Industry-Apart)
I don't even know what this article is talking about after reading it, but I noticed in the comments a chart with a list of "actual females in game development." Like a rare species.  ???

But I guess that's to be expected, considering my programming classes always having been a 90% sausage fest...
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on September 02, 2014, 05:34:26 PM
I know should hate Hitler or Stalin or Ted Bundy more than Joni Mitchell. But I really hate Joni Mitchell. http://pjmedia.com/eddriscoll/2014/09/01/the-secret-torment-of-joni-mitchell/ (http://pjmedia.com/eddriscoll/2014/09/01/the-secret-torment-of-joni-mitchell/)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on September 03, 2014, 04:02:16 AM
The others are just historical figures.  Joni Mitchell delivers anguish which you feel.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: North Star on September 03, 2014, 12:32:35 PM
Wild thing: The Animal Orchestra Symphony (http://www.bbc.com/culture/story/20140902-wild-thing-an-animal-symphony)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on September 07, 2014, 11:48:02 AM
Progress! (http://www.salon.com/2014/09/03/anti_vaxxers_strike_again_measles_is_at_a_20_year_high_as_unvaccinated_children_return_to_school/)  Wait . . .
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on September 08, 2014, 03:27:29 PM
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/women/womens-life/11077882/Lesbians-arent-lesbians-because-they-couldnt-get-a-man.-When-will-the-myths-about-gay-people-finally-die-a-death.html (http://www.telegraph.co.uk/women/womens-life/11077882/Lesbians-arent-lesbians-because-they-couldnt-get-a-man.-When-will-the-myths-about-gay-people-finally-die-a-death.html)

What amuses me is imagining her reaction if they had failed to this study!
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: ibanezmonster on September 08, 2014, 06:16:01 PM
QuoteDoes anyone really find a hugely underweight model with a miserable expression on her face alluring?
Definitely not, and I don't understand this at all.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on September 09, 2014, 03:31:27 AM
"Stop pouting, and have a bowl of oatmeal."
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: bwv 1080 on September 09, 2014, 08:52:08 AM
A real AI would likely be the last invention we ever make
http://www.cnn.com/2014/09/09/opinion/bostrom-machine-superintelligence/index.html?hpt=hp_t3
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: mn dave on September 09, 2014, 09:58:32 AM
Neat.

http://www.wncn.com/story/23270346/did-you-catch-that
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Dancing Divertimentian on September 09, 2014, 10:23:49 AM
Quote from: Mn Dave on September 09, 2014, 09:58:32 AM
Neat.

http://www.wncn.com/story/23270346/did-you-catch-that

;D ;D


Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on September 09, 2014, 02:45:01 PM
American public schools, and talented kids
http://www.washingtonpost.com/local/in-dc-a-12-year-old-piano-prodigy-is-treated-as-a-truant-instead-of-a-star-student/2014/09/08/58962746-3727-11e4-bdfb-de4104544a37_story.html (http://www.washingtonpost.com/local/in-dc-a-12-year-old-piano-prodigy-is-treated-as-a-truant-instead-of-a-star-student/2014/09/08/58962746-3727-11e4-bdfb-de4104544a37_story.html)

Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on September 15, 2014, 01:53:58 PM
How green the green? (http://www.statesmanjournal.com/story/news/2014/09/10/legal-pot-grows-add-new-demand-to-nw-power-grid/15403063/)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Cato on September 18, 2014, 08:22:52 AM
So, I am reading about the latest research on NutraSweet, Splenda, saccharin, etc. and how they might be just as bad as sugar in causing diabetes.

Because I have read such research in other areas before (Drinking Water Causes Cancer!!! (If you drink 5 gallons a day, or something)), I keep waiting to discover the dosage involved to come to this conclusion.

Near the end I read this incredible statement concerning the saccharin dosage:

Quote...saccharin doses given the volunteers were within federal dietary guidelines but still much higher than what a typical person would consume - the equivalent of 42 12-once (Sic!) sodas a day for a person weighing 150 pounds

??? ??? ???

(My emphasis)

Kafka would have loved our increasingly benighted era!
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on September 18, 2014, 08:25:07 AM
Oof!

Love that 12-once, too.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on September 19, 2014, 12:05:28 PM
Quote"I don't think it makes a whole lot of difference anymore which political party is running things. Nothing gets done," said Roy Gustafson, 61, of Camden, South Carolina, who lives on disability payments. "The state would be better off handling things on its own."

Roy Gustafson:  registered to vote in The Palmetto State, but for the time being, a resident of The Twilight Zone.

Exclusive: Angry with Washington, 1 in 4 Americans open to secession (http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/09/19/us-usa-secession-exclusive-idUSKBN0HE19U20140919)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on September 19, 2014, 12:06:10 PM
Well, and two in five Americans don't know whether Europe is north or south of the Equator, right?
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: kishnevi on September 19, 2014, 12:35:31 PM
You think that folks in South Carolina would have noticed that it didn't work out the last two times they tried it?
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on September 19, 2014, 06:16:11 PM
Quote from: karlhenning on September 19, 2014, 12:06:10 PM
Well, and two in five Americans don't know whether Europe is north or south of the Equator, right?
And yet in the other thread you imply you want high voter turnout. All my friends do. I'd prefer fewer but better voters. If you are voting because you think Obama will buy you a phone or you like Palin's looks I'd prefer you not not vote at all.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: kishnevi on September 19, 2014, 06:23:50 PM
Quote from: Ken B on September 19, 2014, 06:16:11 PM
And yet in the other thread you imply you want high voter turnout. All my friends do. I'd prefer fewer but better voters. If you are voting because you think Obama will buy you a phone or you like Palin's looks I'd prefer you not not vote at all.

I would rather someone voted for Palin based on her (IMO non existent) looks than on her foreign policy ideas.  A low information voter is not as bad as a low information politician.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on September 20, 2014, 06:18:41 AM
Quote from: Ken B on September 19, 2014, 06:16:11 PM
And yet in the other thread you imply you want high voter turnout. All my friends do. I'd prefer fewer but better voters. If you are voting because you think Obama will buy you a phone or you like Palin's looks I'd prefer you not not vote at all.

Unassailable points.  Probably quixotic, but I have this idea of more and better voters.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Sergeant Rock on September 20, 2014, 06:57:40 AM
Quote from: Ken B on September 19, 2014, 06:16:11 PM...or you like Palin's looks I'd prefer you not not vote at all.

Damn, I'm disenfranchised  :(

Sarge
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on September 21, 2014, 09:31:03 AM
Mikhail Khodorkovsky is back in the news, challenging Putin. (http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2014-09-21/khodorkovsky-restarts-civil-resistance-group-in-putin-challenge.html)  Perhaps a pool could be started to guess the cause of Khodorkovsky's potentially untimely demise?  Let's see:

1.) "Heart attack"
2.) Unfortunate car accident
3.) Unfortunate plane accident
4.) Bronstein headache
5.) Polonium in his coffee
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Dancing Divertimentian on September 21, 2014, 06:24:01 PM
Quote from: Todd on September 21, 2014, 09:31:03 AM
Mikhail Khodorkovsky is back in the news, challenging Putin. (http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2014-09-21/khodorkovsky-restarts-civil-resistance-group-in-putin-challenge.html)  Perhaps a pool could be started to guess the cause of Khodorkovsky's potentially untimely demise?  Let's see:

1.) "Heart attack"
2.) Unfortunate car accident
3.) Unfortunate plane accident
4.) Bronstein headache
5.) Polonium in his coffee


Whatever happens we have the man to take Putin down:




(http://i604.photobucket.com/albums/tt122/juniortvtimes2006-2/posters/1976_jacklord.jpg)

Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on September 22, 2014, 03:36:16 AM
Quote from: Todd on September 21, 2014, 09:31:03 AM
Mikhail Khodorkovsky is back in the news, challenging Putin. (http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2014-09-21/khodorkovsky-restarts-civil-resistance-group-in-putin-challenge.html)  Perhaps a pool could be started to guess the cause of Khodorkovsky's potentially untimely demise?  Let's see:

1.) "Heart attack"
2.) Unfortunate car accident
3.) Unfortunate plane accident
4.) Bronstein headache
5.) Polonium in his coffee


Survey said:  In downed plane, pro-Russian Ukrainian rebels suspected .
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on September 27, 2014, 01:46:47 PM
Muscular Christianity, share the love
http://youtu.be/YiStCudKILs (http://youtu.be/YiStCudKILs)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: ibanezmonster on September 29, 2014, 07:03:38 AM
Anyone listen to this yet?
http://www.thisamericanlife.org/radio-archives/episode/536/the-secret-recordings-of-carmen-segarra


Currently listening...
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on October 02, 2014, 07:14:51 AM
We can only hope that this turns out to be unimportant http://www.nytimes.com/2014/10/01/health/ebola-outbreak-in-nigeria-appears-to-be-over.html?action=click&contentCollection=Africa&region=Footer&module=MoreInSection&pgtype=article&_r=0 (http://www.nytimes.com/2014/10/01/health/ebola-outbreak-in-nigeria-appears-to-be-over.html?action=click&contentCollection=Africa&region=Footer&module=MoreInSection&pgtype=article&_r=0)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on October 03, 2014, 06:18:13 AM
Why did America's oldest Episcopal seminary fire most of its faculty? (http://www.csmonitor.com/USA/Education/2014/1002/Why-did-America-s-oldest-Episcopal-seminary-fire-most-of-its-faculty)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: jochanaan on October 03, 2014, 08:59:38 AM
Quote from: karlhenning on October 03, 2014, 06:18:13 AM
Why did America's oldest Episcopal seminary fire most of its faculty? (http://www.csmonitor.com/USA/Education/2014/1002/Why-did-America-s-oldest-Episcopal-seminary-fire-most-of-its-faculty)
"The Very Reverend Mr. Dunkle" sounds like a classic "bad boss," racist and hostile to his subordinates.  It's shameful that the board sided with him rather than with their faculty. :(
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on October 03, 2014, 09:12:34 AM
Speaking of bishops, fear not. The bishops will save us. http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/ebola/11137741/Ill-fight-off-Ebola-with-bottles-of-Vimto-Liberian-exorcist-reveals-secret-weapon-against-deadly-virus.html (http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/ebola/11137741/Ill-fight-off-Ebola-with-bottles-of-Vimto-Liberian-exorcist-reveals-secret-weapon-against-deadly-virus.html)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on October 04, 2014, 10:56:04 AM
Fighting for religious equality in Canada. http://www.vancouversun.com/life/Pastafarian+fight+with+ICBC+comes+boil/10260910/story.html?__federated=1 (http://www.vancouversun.com/life/Pastafarian+fight+with+ICBC+comes+boil/10260910/story.html?__federated=1)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: ibanezmonster on October 04, 2014, 11:08:18 AM
Quote from: Ken B on October 04, 2014, 10:56:04 AM
Fighting for religious equality in Canada. http://www.vancouversun.com/life/Pastafarian+fight+with+ICBC+comes+boil/10260910/story.html?__federated=1 (http://www.vancouversun.com/life/Pastafarian+fight+with+ICBC+comes+boil/10260910/story.html?__federated=1)
I have an unusual religion, too. Sadly, they wouldn't let me take a picture even though I can't remove my "headgear" (which is actually my head). Showing up at the DMV one day like this:


(http://cosplayidol.otakuhouse.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/Hardy-Rosas.jpg)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on October 04, 2014, 04:32:50 PM
H A L L E L U J A H ! ! ! (http://www.theguardian.com/education/2014/oct/04/penis-transplants-anthony-atala-interview)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on October 04, 2014, 05:12:52 PM
Quote from: Todd on October 04, 2014, 04:32:50 PM
H A L L E L U J A H ! ! ! (http://www.theguardian.com/education/2014/oct/04/penis-transplants-anthony-atala-interview)
Cute how they assume the implantees will be men.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: ibanezmonster on October 04, 2014, 07:26:59 PM
Quote from: Ken B on October 04, 2014, 05:12:52 PM
Cute how they assume the implantees will be men.
And that people will only decide to get one.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Szykneij on October 06, 2014, 02:27:00 AM
Police shooting protest halts St. Louis symphony

http://www.aol.com/article/2014/10/06/police-shooting-protest-halts-st-louis-symphony/20972965/?icid=maing-grid10%7Chtmlws-main-nb%7Cdl2%7Csec1_lnk2%26pLid%3D540843 (http://www.aol.com/article/2014/10/06/police-shooting-protest-halts-st-louis-symphony/20972965/?icid=maing-grid10%7Chtmlws-main-nb%7Cdl2%7Csec1_lnk2%26pLid%3D540843)

The only thing that bothers me about this is how many empty seats there are in the audience   :(
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Florestan on October 06, 2014, 02:31:44 AM
Quote from: Szykneij on October 06, 2014, 02:27:00 AM
The only thing that bothers me about this is how many empty seats there are in the audience   :(

An all-Stockhausen program, perhaps?

Oh, and I just love this:

Quote from: AOL.comas the musicians were about to start performing a song



Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on October 09, 2014, 12:11:14 PM
Guns don't fold paper airplanes, people fold paper airplanes.

Oh, wait ... http://www.popsci.com/article/diy/gun-makes-and-fires-paper-airplanes (http://www.popsci.com/article/diy/gun-makes-and-fires-paper-airplanes)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on October 11, 2014, 07:06:54 AM
ISIS hits an American target hard. (http://www.mediaite.com/tv/fxs-archer-changes-name-of-spy-agency-because-its-called-isis/)  Obama must respond.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: kishnevi on October 16, 2014, 11:01:22 AM
Fanning the flames of partisanship
http://miami.cbslocal.com/2014/10/15/amid-fan-scandal-gubernatorial-debate-continued/

I call Scott The Creep and Crist The Sleaze.  Crist was actually a better governor, although the best recent governor was probably Jeb Bush.

At any rate I will be voting  next week for the Libertarian candidate because I can not bring myself to vote for either (early voting starts on Monday)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on October 16, 2014, 11:23:10 AM
Pfft, that Florida stuff looks so mundane.  Here in Oregon, the governor asked the state to review his FIANCEÉ'S (and current First Lady's) activities. (http://www.statesmanjournal.com/story/news/politics/elections/2014/10/13/gov-kitzhaber-asks-ethics-commission-review-fiancees-contracts/17209269/)  Did I mention that she confessed to marrying an illegal immigrant seventeen years ago so he could get a green card and she could get paid, and she confessed to buying land to grow "medical" marijuana while that was still illegal?  And, just today, an official ethics complaint was filed against both of them, though that was done by a clearly partisan Republican.  Clearly, there's nothing to see here.

Thing is, he'll probably still win and serve an unprecedented fourth term.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: kishnevi on October 16, 2014, 11:28:50 AM
It might have been important if the governor was the illegal immigrant...
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on October 16, 2014, 11:41:53 AM
Quote from: Jeffrey Smith on October 16, 2014, 11:28:50 AMIt might have been important if the governor was the illegal immigrant...


The immigrant and marijuana issues are the fun parts.  The ethics complaints and investigation stem from the fact that his fiancee runs a consultancy that contracts extensively with the State of Oregon.  The former calls into question the governor's judgment in who he associates with; the latter calls into question the propriety of his behavior as governor.  In a recent debate, the Republican challenger, who was going to be squashed like a bug but will now just take a good shellacking, didn't even bring up the entertaining scandals, instead focusing only on the ethics issues.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: ibanezmonster on October 16, 2014, 12:17:11 PM
Quote from: Jeffrey Smith on October 16, 2014, 11:01:22 AM
Fanning the flames of partisanship
http://miami.cbslocal.com/2014/10/15/amid-fan-scandal-gubernatorial-debate-continued/

I call Scott The Creep and Crist The Sleaze.  Crist was actually a better governor, although the best recent governor was probably Jeb Bush.

At any rate I will be voting  next week for the Libertarian candidate because I can not bring myself to vote for either (early voting starts on Monday)
I remember not too long ago seeing ads that actually weren't attack ads. But this year I can't recall seeing a single ad that isn't an attack ad.

And in the newspaper, they did a poll asking if a candidate used attack ads, would they vote for that candidate? It was 100% no. So... just proves how much the candidates will listen to the people.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on October 16, 2014, 12:21:04 PM
Quote from: Jeffrey Smith on October 16, 2014, 11:01:22 AM
Fanning the flames of partisanship
http://miami.cbslocal.com/2014/10/15/amid-fan-scandal-gubernatorial-debate-continued/

I call Scott The Creep and Crist The Sleaze.  Crist was actually a better governor, although the best recent governor was probably Jeb Bush.

At any rate I will be voting  next week for the Libertarian candidate because I can not bring myself to vote for either (early voting starts on Monday)

You realize most of just think Oh, Florida, right? And then feel the need for a Florida emoticon.  >:D

They both look like such tools. Crist looks smug weasel standing there with his fan, the other guy looks like a petulant fool.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: kishnevi on October 16, 2014, 01:05:03 PM
Quote from: Ken B on October 16, 2014, 12:21:04 PM
You realize most of just think Oh, Florida, right? And then feel the need for a Florida emoticon.  >:D

They both look like such tools. Crist looks smug weasel standing there with his fan, the other guy looks like a petulant fool.
That sums them up pretty well, indeed.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: kishnevi on October 16, 2014, 01:07:41 PM
Quote from: Greg on October 16, 2014, 12:17:11 PM
I remember not too long ago seeing ads that actually weren't attack ads. But this year I can't recall seeing a single ad that isn't an attack ad.

And in the newspaper, they did a poll asking if a candidate used attack ads, would they vote for that candidate? It was 100% no. So... just proves how much the candidates will listen to the people.

No, they are paying attention to other research that shows that people say they do not like attack ads, but still vote based on them.  IOW, people in the first poll fibbed.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: kishnevi on October 16, 2014, 01:09:07 PM
Quote from: Philo on October 16, 2014, 12:19:48 PM
I get to have an oh-so-wonderful interview with the FBI's JTTF either next week or the week following. And yes, I've engaged a lawyer to ensure the process goes swimmingly.
Good luck.  But JTTF stands for? I lost track of the acronyms long ago.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: kishnevi on October 16, 2014, 01:27:41 PM
Quote from: Philo on October 16, 2014, 01:23:06 PM
Thanks. Joint Terrorism Task Force.
???
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: ibanezmonster on October 16, 2014, 01:55:29 PM
Quote from: Jeffrey Smith on October 16, 2014, 01:27:41 PM
???
That was my reaction as well.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: North Star on October 16, 2014, 02:41:58 PM
Quote from: Philo on October 16, 2014, 02:17:18 PM
Hence the necessity for the lawyer. No way I'm going to this interview without representation.
Have you bought a pressure cooker recently by any chance?  ::)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: torut on October 16, 2014, 05:08:26 PM
Quote from: Philo on October 16, 2014, 03:36:19 PM
Lol. I did ride the train, looking semi like someone from an Arabic nation whilst taking photos of my trip downtown though...
??? Are those photos what you posted in the Photography thread? (between Chicago and Elburn)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: torut on October 16, 2014, 06:18:00 PM
Quote from: Philo on October 16, 2014, 05:44:32 PM
Those are some of them. I took a lot of photos, and who knows, that could be completely unrelated.
I often see news that some people just report to the police whatever they think suspicious, and many innocent people get into trouble.
I wish you good luck.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on October 17, 2014, 10:11:37 AM
Why an ebola czar? http://www.unz.com/isteve/president-considering-appoint-ebola-czar/ (http://www.unz.com/isteve/president-considering-appoint-ebola-czar/)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on October 17, 2014, 10:13:23 AM
I'm for an Ebola Nabob.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on October 17, 2014, 10:17:39 AM
Quote from: karlhenning on October 17, 2014, 10:13:23 AM
I'm for an Ebola Nabob.
I like Ebola Imperator. Will Cato? Precedent suggests he'd die first ....
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on October 18, 2014, 11:40:38 AM
Our new ebola czar. Not a doctor, scientist, health worker, medical administrator. But hey, he went to Harvard.

http://youtu.be/AHa-AvLk4no (http://youtu.be/AHa-AvLk4no)

That's from 2001.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Moonfish on October 18, 2014, 12:02:39 PM
Quote from: Ken B on October 18, 2014, 11:40:38 AM
Our new ebola czar. Not a doctor, scientist, health worker, medical administrator. But hey, he went to Harvard.

http://youtu.be/AHa-AvLk4no (http://youtu.be/AHa-AvLk4no)

That's from 2001.

I agree. It seems like it would have been appropriate to select a scientist trained in the medical field (ideally an epidemiologist)....
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on October 18, 2014, 07:34:46 PM
https://mobile.twitter.com/ElissaRoberson/status/523209706618105856/photo/1 (https://mobile.twitter.com/ElissaRoberson/status/523209706618105856/photo/1)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on October 19, 2014, 08:14:58 AM
A good idea is a good idea. (http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/oct/15/france-binge-drinking-draft-bill)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on October 20, 2014, 10:25:40 AM
Hey, somebody needs to be appointed. http://freebeacon.com/politics/hagan-put-judge-up-for-federal-appointment-as-judge-ruled-on-husbands-million-dollar-lawsuit/
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: kishnevi on October 20, 2014, 10:44:08 AM
Quote from: Philo on October 19, 2014, 06:24:05 PM
http://www.msnbc.com/msnbc/ferguson-activists-search-revolution

civil rights reduced to being trendy.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on October 20, 2014, 12:28:12 PM
Quote from: Jeffrey Smith on October 20, 2014, 10:44:08 AM
civil rights reduced to being trendy.
I used to go to Ann Arbor quite often. I noticed that on pleasant sunny days when Bush was president the world was an awful place, with much to protest. On rainy days or when Obama as president all was well, and nothing was worth protesting.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on October 21, 2014, 01:59:16 PM
Quote from: Philo on October 21, 2014, 01:55:06 PMplus it got me out of my 2 hour Administration Meeting at work.



A silver lining in every cloud.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: kishnevi on October 21, 2014, 02:00:16 PM
Quote from: Philo on October 21, 2014, 01:55:06 PM
Met with the FBI today. They were super chill. As I suspected it was tied to the photographs I took while riding the train. Someone actually took a photo of me taking a photo. The agents said that I should be fully in the clear tomorrow. Was actually a fairly pleasant experience, plus it got me out of my 2 hour Administration Meeting at work.
Good news except...how did they know you were the phototaking guy?  Unpleasant implications there if the police apparat can track any random guy on the subway.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: North Star on October 21, 2014, 02:03:29 PM
Quote from: Philo on October 21, 2014, 01:55:06 PM
Met with the FBI today. They were super chill. As I suspected it was tied to the photographs I took while riding the train. Someone actually took a photo of me taking a photo. The agents said that I should be fully in the clear tomorrow. Was actually a fairly pleasant experience, plus it got me out of my 2 hour Administration Meeting at work.
Photographing in public transportation or cities in the UK or US is definitely an excellent way to get into trouble these days, if there's anything suggesting that you're not a tourist.

Quote from: Jeffrey Smith on October 21, 2014, 02:00:16 PM
Good news except...how did they know you were the phototaking guy?  Unpleasant implications there if the police apparat can track any random guy on the subway.
That is definitely weird.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on October 21, 2014, 02:11:32 PM
Quote from: Philo on October 21, 2014, 01:55:06 PM
Met with the FBI today. They were super chill. As I suspected it was tied to the photographs I took while riding the train. Someone actually took a photo of me taking a photo. The agents said that I should be fully in the clear tomorrow. Was actually a fairly pleasant experience, plus it got me out of my 2 hour Administration Meeting at work.
Good news.
Now that it's over I can recommend reading Eric Ambler's Epitaph for a Spy ...
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: kishnevi on October 23, 2014, 02:26:33 PM
For trendy day care in California you need
http://laist.com/2014/10/17/this_twitter_account_is_making_fun.php

The actual twitter account may or may not be loading.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on October 23, 2014, 03:53:25 PM
I'm just gonna come out and say it. There's nothing quiet as much fun as mocking women who are attacked and called names. Sit back and enjoy, you'll thank me later.
http://www.mrctv.org/videos/cnns-costello-gleeful-she-hypes-palin-family-brawl-audio (http://www.mrctv.org/videos/cnns-costello-gleeful-she-hypes-palin-family-brawl-audio)
Was that as good for you as it was for me? Want a cigarette?
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on October 24, 2014, 10:50:28 AM
Paging EigenUser http://www.engadget.com/2014/10/21/photomath/ (http://www.engadget.com/2014/10/21/photomath/)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: ibanezmonster on October 26, 2014, 06:09:06 AM
http://www.ijreview.com/2014/10/192471-charles-barkley-goes-brainwashed-think-youre-thug-idiot-youre-black-enough/

Charles Barkley is one annoying dude, but I like how honest he is. I wouldn't doubt that he's wrong, since this has always been a common observation of how other people were when I was in school.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Brian on October 26, 2014, 11:09:53 AM
A professor was suspended from a top university for nine months following accusations he "sighed" and was sarcastic during job interviews.

Thomas Docherty was banned from the University of Warwick in January for allegedly giving off "negative vibes" and undermining the authority of the former head of his department.

The case against him included "inappropriate sighing", "making ironic comments" and "projecting negative body language".

During the suspension, the English and Comparative Literature professor was banned from the campus and writing references for students without permission. He was also stopped from returning their work or providing guidance on PhDs and was not permitted to have contact with undergraduates.

Yesterday it emerged the academic - whose suspension was lifted last month - is set to be cleared of all allegations against him.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/education/11187063/Professor-suspended-from-top-university-for-giving-off-negative-vibes.html
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on October 26, 2014, 11:30:33 AM
Quote from: Brian on October 26, 2014, 11:09:53 AM
A professor was suspended from a top university for nine months following accusations he "sighed" and was sarcastic during job interviews.

Thomas Docherty was banned from the University of Warwick in January for allegedly giving off "negative vibes" and undermining the authority of the former head of his department.

The case against him included "inappropriate sighing", "making ironic comments" and "projecting negative body language".

During the suspension, the English and Comparative Literature professor was banned from the campus and writing references for students without permission. He was also stopped from returning their work or providing guidance on PhDs and was not permitted to have contact with undergraduates.

Yesterday it emerged the academic - whose suspension was lifted last month - is set to be cleared of all allegations against him.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/education/11187063/Professor-suspended-from-top-university-for-giving-off-negative-vibes.html
Incentives matter. The dean needs to be removed.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: ibanezmonster on October 26, 2014, 05:14:50 PM
Quote from: Brian on October 26, 2014, 11:09:53 AM
A professor was suspended from a top university for nine months following accusations he "sighed" and was sarcastic during job interviews.

Thomas Docherty was banned from the University of Warwick in January for allegedly giving off "negative vibes" and undermining the authority of the former head of his department.

The case against him included "inappropriate sighing", "making ironic comments" and "projecting negative body language".
These people must live in a different universe. I don't think half of the people I work with could get through the day without doing all three regularly.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: jochanaan on October 27, 2014, 08:05:13 AM
Quote from: Todd on October 21, 2014, 01:59:16 PM


A silver lining in every cloud.
And vice versa. :P
Quote from: North Star on October 21, 2014, 02:03:29 PM
Photographing in public transportation or cities in the UK or US is definitely an excellent way to get into trouble these days, if there's anything suggesting that you're not a tourist.
That is definitely weird.
Unless you're whatever department puts up those surveillance cameras in buses and trains... ::)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: North Star on October 27, 2014, 08:35:01 AM
Quote from: jochanaan on October 27, 2014, 08:05:13 AM
And vice versa. :P
Even in a golden cloud, there is a silver lining ;)
QuoteUnless you're whatever department puts up those surveillance cameras in buses and trains... ::)
True.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: ibanezmonster on October 30, 2014, 06:48:34 PM
https://www.youtube.com/v/b1XGPvbWn0A

So apparently this video has gotten 20 million views in 2 days. This is what it has come down to, apparently. A big reason why I don't say hi to women in public.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on October 30, 2014, 07:12:05 PM
Quote from: Greg on October 30, 2014, 06:48:34 PM
https://www.youtube.com/v/b1XGPvbWn0A

So apparently this video has gotten 20 million views in 2 days. This is what it has come down to, apparently. A big reason why I don't say hi to women in public.

http://www.funnyordie.com/videos/8aeb78deb2/10-hours-of-walking-in-nyc-as-a-man (http://www.funnyordie.com/videos/8aeb78deb2/10-hours-of-walking-in-nyc-as-a-man)


Could people SEE the camera?
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: kishnevi on October 30, 2014, 07:36:39 PM
Quote from: Ken B on October 30, 2014, 07:12:05 PM
http://www.funnyordie.com/videos/8aeb78deb2/10-hours-of-walking-in-nyc-as-a-man (http://www.funnyordie.com/videos/8aeb78deb2/10-hours-of-walking-in-nyc-as-a-man)


Could people SEE the camera?

According to what I have read, the camera was pointing out of the backpack of her accomplice who was walking in front.

People have started to notice that they managed to include no white men in thus gallery of  rudeness.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on October 30, 2014, 08:10:14 PM
Quote from: Jeffrey Smith on October 30, 2014, 07:36:39 PM
According to what I have read, the camera was pointing out of the backpack of her accomplice who was walking in front.

People have started to notice that they managed to include no white men in thus gallery of  rudeness.
I have seen that remarked upon. I noticed it myself. I think I draw different conclusions. They didn't edit out the whites, there just weren't many. Cultural attitudes differ, and that affects what is seen as rude or intrusive in public. What they put on display is I bet not seen or intended as rude in the milieu in which it happened, and some of the reactions seemed to me to her manner, which was I think many would find superior and even rude. (and they are right, she is marching with malice aforethought as it were, not merely getting from A to B. They pick up on the fact she is contemptuous of them.) The snooty white woman refusing to acknowledge by a glance or gesture even a pedestrian she almost collides with. Many of the reactions I saw looked like a response to that.

which gives this a slightly hinky  "why can't they be more like us?" feel.

Update. Sentence structure meltdown. Here's the gist. Snooty white woman exuding contempt strides through neighborhoods. Blacks and Hispanics, whose public standards of decorum differ from those of whites, and who are more sensitive to such such expressions, react, usually not aggressively but with bemusement or an attempt to puncture the self-satisfaction; Snooty white woman posts a compilation to provoke a mostly white audience. Hinky and distasteful.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: ibanezmonster on October 30, 2014, 08:53:22 PM
There were a few creeps, but that is expected during a 10 hour walk in NYC.

She was acting rude. All you have to do is smile or laugh and keep walking. That's what I do when this girl I work with flirts with me- just today, it was, "hey there, you, looking so awesome." I've never felt objectified if I got a compliment or someone wanted to touch my biceps or whatever.


Video response:
https://www.youtube.com/v/uP1Vxu2erq4
Title: Re: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on October 31, 2014, 02:24:13 AM


Quote from: Greg on October 30, 2014, 08:53:22 PM
There were a few creeps, but that is expected during a 10 hour walk in NYC.

She was acting rude. All you have to do is smile or laugh and keep walking.

At the risk of sounding like a fortune cookie, try walking ten hours in her shoes. "All you have to do is smile or laugh and keep walking."  You do that for a whole day in New York (made up as, say, a drag queen--your experience as yourself, a twenty-something white male wouldn't prove comparable) and tell us of your success.
Title: Re: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on October 31, 2014, 04:54:30 AM
Quote from: karlhenning on October 31, 2014, 02:24:13 AM

At the risk of sounding like a fortune cookie, try walking ten hours in her shoes. "All you have to do is smile or laugh and keep walking."  You do that for a whole day in New York (made up as, say, a drag queen--your experience as yourself, a twenty-something white male wouldn't prove comparable) and tell us of your success.
That just highlights the artificiality of what she's doing Karl. Why 10 hours? She puts on a persona, the people reacting to her have no idea why or for how long, and they react to it. If she seems ruder after a few hours then she still seems rude.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on October 31, 2014, 05:09:09 AM
Quote from: Ken B on October 31, 2014, 04:54:30 AM
That just highlights the artificiality of what she's doing Karl. Why 10 hours? She puts on a persona, the people reacting to her have no idea why or for how long, and they react to it. If she seems ruder after a few hours then she still seems rude.

I did not mean to seem to contradict your own good point(s).  Hers was at best a flawed project.

Sort of like the call to reconsider Bach's authorship . . . .
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on October 31, 2014, 06:34:06 AM
To me unsurprising, but YMMV http://abcnews.go.com/Weird/wireStory/pa-peace-activists-charged-vicious-attack-26579040 (http://abcnews.go.com/Weird/wireStory/pa-peace-activists-charged-vicious-attack-26579040)

This reminds me of one of my pet peeves: news reports saying a protest "turned" violent. Frequently these were organized to be violent, and attended by people who travel for the chance to be violent. I see this a lot but the most egregious was a report on the protest in Cologne last week that "turned" violent. It was organized by neo-nazis, and soccer hooligans! Real self-described nazis, not Godwin's Law nazis. Of course violence was intended.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: jochanaan on October 31, 2014, 08:47:56 AM
Quote from: Ken B on October 31, 2014, 06:34:06 AM
To me unsurprising, but YMMV http://abcnews.go.com/Weird/wireStory/pa-peace-activists-charged-vicious-attack-26579040 (http://abcnews.go.com/Weird/wireStory/pa-peace-activists-charged-vicious-attack-26579040)

This reminds me of one of my pet peeves: news reports saying a protest "turned" violent. Frequently these were organized to be violent, and attended by people who travel for the chance to be violent. I see this a lot but the most egregious was a report on the protest in Cologne last week that "turned" violent. It was organized by neo-nazis, and soccer hooligans! Real self-described nazis, not Godwin's Law nazis. Of course violence was intended.
On the other hand, I've taken part in some protests here in Denver, in which the organizers were not only fully dedicated to non-violence, but aware of the possibility of agents provocateurs, folks with other agendas than ours who wanted the protests to turn violent so they would be suppressed and create a media frenzy against us. ::) We would probably be shocked if we knew exactly how often this happens...
Title: Re: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: ibanezmonster on October 31, 2014, 01:23:30 PM
Quote from: karlhenning on October 31, 2014, 02:24:13 AM

At the risk of sounding like a fortune cookie, try walking ten hours in her shoes. "All you have to do is smile or laugh and keep walking."  You do that for a whole day in New York (made up as, say, a drag queen--your experience as yourself, a twenty-something white male wouldn't prove comparable) and tell us of your success.
Oh, I'm sure it's annoying. Actually, I find it annoying to talk to anyone I don't know. Which is a terrible trait, but at least I say hi back instead of just acting stuck up. Plenty of homeless beggars, as well, in the city. There is probably a cultural element, as Ken said. I wonder how this would compare to walking in a city that is 95% white or walking in a city in Japan or Korea (I've heard of American women looking for a man in Japan only to find it very difficult compared to the opposite). Having said that, me in drag isn't a good comparison unless the woman in the video just doesn't like men (is a lesbian or asexual).

If we lived in a world where women were expected to approach men, pay for their dinners, be the one to propose marriage, help them financially, etc. then you'd have to do a bit more than say, "Good evening" while I'm walking in the street for me to make a film complaining about it. And if we lived in a world where single women were a bit more open to approaching guys or being aggressive, it might actually help with the numbers of guys who are acting annoying or weird. But in this world, the burden is almost always on the man to make the first move, or else relationships don't happen, kids aren't born and then humanity dies out. So of course you're going to have men trying to pick up women, and some men that for some reason can't find a better place to pick up women than on the street. It's not cool at all, but that's just the natural outcome. These women are complaining but really don't understand the concept of having to actually make an effort to attain a relationship when all they have to do is wait until someone that meets their standards starts to talk to them.

I would imagine catcalling women on the street being the most desperate way to get a date. Sorta like homeless guys begging in the street for money. Of course, only being homeless is required for survival, so a somewhat trivial comparison. But I wouldn't demean the homeless. The catcallers are likewise really just sad and desperate, not trying to intimidate.


Quote from: jochanaan on October 31, 2014, 08:47:56 AM
On the other hand, I've taken part in some protests here in Denver, in which the organizers were not only fully dedicated to non-violence, but aware of the possibility of agents provocateurs, folks with other agendas than ours who wanted the protests to turn violent so they would be suppressed and create a media frenzy against us. ::) We would probably be shocked if we knew exactly how often this happens...
I used to have a Gundam Wing manga about ten years ago that told this same story, but with mecha in a space setting.  ;D
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: kishnevi on October 31, 2014, 02:22:34 PM
Catcalling is not looking for a mate.  It is more in the nature of a male venting sexual urges and also marking territory.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: jochanaan on October 31, 2014, 04:37:25 PM
Quote from: Jeffrey Smith on October 31, 2014, 02:22:34 PM
Catcalling is not looking for a mate.  It is more in the nature of a male venting sexual urges and also marking territory.
It's not even that.  It's just a raw display of power and aggression. >:D
Title: Re: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: jochanaan on October 31, 2014, 04:38:56 PM
Quote from: Greg on October 31, 2014, 01:23:30 PM
...I used to have a Gundam Wing manga about ten years ago that told this same story, but with mecha in a space setting.  ;D
Sounds like he stole the idea from Heinlein. :)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: ibanezmonster on October 31, 2014, 04:52:48 PM
I've been thinking a lot about this topic since yesterday. Sorry.  :-\


Quote from: Jeffrey Smith on October 31, 2014, 02:22:34 PM
Catcalling is not looking for a mate.  It is more in the nature of a male venting sexual urges and also marking territory.
Maybe it is quite a bit. I can't see inside the minds of the guys in the video, but some of them genuinely appear tend be looking for someone (mainly the people who try to actually talk to her or follow her, which ends up very awkward and creepy). But yeah, the ones who just yell, "Hey, baby!" behind her are acting tastelessly. "Hello!" should not be frowned on, though.  The only guy I ever knew that I'd see catcall was a white guy that acted black in many ways. Which is weird for me to say that since probably nearly half of the friends I've ever had were black, and I never noticed any of them catcalling.  :-X


So is this what feminists want? Modern Japanese culture?
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Herbivore_men

QuoteHerbivore men (草食(系)男子 Sōshoku(-kei) danshi?) or grasseaters are a social phenomenon in Japan of men who shun marriage or gaining a girlfriend.[1] They are characteristically described as frugal, and interested in personal grooming.[2] Under this categorisation scheme, men and women are either herbivore type (草食系 sōshoku-kei?) or carnivore type (肉食系 nikushoku-kei?). As of September 2010, 36% of Japanese men between the ages of 16 and 19 perceived themselves in this way.[3] Additionally, two surveys of single men in their 20s and 30s found that 61% and 70%, respectively, considered themselves grass-eating men.[4] This phenomenon is viewed by the Japanese government as a leading cause in the nation's declining birth rate, prompting the government to provide incentives for couples that have children, including payouts and free health care.[5]

The term was first coined by Maki Fukasawa in an article published on 13 October 2006, and became a buzz word in 2008 and 2009.[6][7][8][9]

This phenomenon has also created a shift in the Japanese economy. Men have been buying products such as cosmetics and sweets in greater quantities than before, and marketers have begun to shift to target this growing population. Products typical of the Japanese salaryman, such as cars, have shown a notable decrease in recent years; products geared towards family life, typically shunned by salarymen, have seen an uptick amongst fathers, as well.[10]

According to Fukasawa, sōshoku danshi are "not without romantic relationships, but [have] a non-assertive, indifferent attitude towards desire of flesh". Later, philosopher Masahiro Morioka redefined sōshoku-kei danshi as men who are "the nice guys of a new generation who do not aggressively seek meat, but instead prefer to eat grass side by side with the opposite gender."[11]

Contents  [hide]
1 Potential causes
2 Further reading
3 See also
4 References
Potential causes[edit]
Many social and economic factors are cited in playing a role in this phenomenon. The decline of the Japanese economy is often cited as a root cause as disillusionment in the economy has also caused Japanese men to turn their backs on typical "masculine" and corporate roles,[12] with over 2,500,000 freeters and between 650,000 and 850,000 NEETs living in Japan between the ages of 19 and 35.[13] Many men, including NEETs, who often live off government welfare, turn towards other forms of entertainment, such as video games, anime, maid cafes, and pornography instead.[14][15] Some professionals see this response ingrained in Japanese culture—while Westerners voice displeasure with hardships, the Japanese instead turn inwards.[16]

Many of these causes, however, may be enhanced by Japanese women and male perceptions of them. Many women refuse men that do not have steady jobs (such as freeters and NEET).[17] Other women feel that self-proclaimed soushoku-kei danshi (herbivore men) are weak and not masculine.[18] Additionally, some men have considered themselves intimidated by more independent women, while others show little to no interest in the opposite sex.[5][19] However, a poll of 16-19 year old women found that 59% were uninterested in sex, considerably higher than the male poll.[3]

This phenomenon has yet to be officially documented in other Asian nations. In China, the first report on Japanese herbivore men appeared in the state media Xinhuanet on December 1, 2008, and Masahiro Morioka's book Lessons in Love for Herbivore Boys was translated into Traditional Chinese in 2010 in Taiwan.[20]

I just find this phenomenon endlessly fascinating because it goes against the grain of all human history and human nature. The Japanese are truly the most futuristic people. Evangelion has something to say about this. ;D

The bolded part highlights my point that even if males were less aggressive, females will still not usually be aggressive (other than the minority that really want it). So how do they get together? Answer: they don't. Maybe all of the feminists should move to Japan. Unless they are the cool few that actually approach men, they shouldn't complain if they can't get a date. Ugly dude: how dare he say "hi"! Misogynistic pig! Attractive dude: oh, hey there... :P

Okay, maybe I'm guilty of being a herbivore man, but at least a couple of my friends are, too. How else can you avoid criticism by feminists other than sitting in your room and talking to no one? Being nice is criticisized and so is being not nice. But non-interaction: no criticism. So take that!  :P ;D




Quote from: jochanaan on October 31, 2014, 04:37:25 PM
It's not even that.  It's just a raw display of power and aggression. >:D
Lifting heavy stuff is a display of power. If they think they sound powerful saying (and they might), "hey, baby" they must really be retarded. If a big guy said, "hey baby" to me, I wouldn't feel threatened unless I thought there were a good chance I could actually be raped. There's two guys I work with that say questionable stuff like that to me regularly, and one is a 6'5" bear. He says gay stuff so much that people really do think he's gay after a while. I don't feel intimidated at all when he jokes about sexual acts with me because I know that if he's really gay, it's not like he's going to do anything unless we were completely isolated from everyone else who would be witnessing a crime.



Quote from: jochanaan on October 31, 2014, 04:38:56 PM
Sounds like he stole the idea from Heinlein. :)
Maybe. I ended up seeing that ironic theme in other stuff later, so it may be a somewhat common theme in stories.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on October 31, 2014, 04:55:37 PM
"Herbivore men, won't you come out tonight,
Come out tonight, come out tonight?..."
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: ibanezmonster on October 31, 2014, 07:08:56 PM
Quote from: karlhenning on October 31, 2014, 04:55:37 PM
"Herbivore men, won't you come out tonight,
Come out tonight, come out tonight?..."
They're too busy staying at home being intimidated by strong, independent women.  ;D




Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on November 01, 2014, 05:55:55 AM
. . . like Anna Magdalena Bach!
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on November 01, 2014, 06:58:23 AM
Quote from: karlhenning on November 01, 2014, 05:55:55 AM
. . . like Anna Magdalena Bach!
:laugh:
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: ibanezmonster on November 01, 2014, 08:11:31 AM
Lol!
Watch as an attractive man gets "harassed" multiple times within the 3 hours of walking through NYC.

#maleburqa

https://www.youtube.com/v/75aX9mlipiY
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on November 01, 2014, 08:36:05 AM
Quote from: Greg on October 31, 2014, 04:52:48 PMHow else can you avoid criticism by feminists other than sitting in your room and talking to no one?



Why would anyone care about being criticized by feminists?  I mean in real life, not online life.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Brian on November 01, 2014, 08:42:53 AM
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/B1Hxe5ECMAAbsoe.jpg)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Brian on November 01, 2014, 08:49:14 AM
Quote from: Ken B on October 30, 2014, 08:10:14 PMThey didn't edit out the whites, there just weren't many. Cultural attitudes differ, and that affects what is seen as rude or intrusive in public.
I have a pretty, white friend who lived in a pretty cruddy area of Manhattan when she was in law school. She always popped down to the Puerto Rican corner store for groceries. She told me a lot of black guys would playfully talk to her - about race, not sex. They'd make up stereotypical white girl names and ask what she was doing in their neighborhood: "Hey Madison, what you doing here?" "Hey Katie, how'd you get on this street?" "Hey Denise," "Hey Lindsay." Since they weren't being aggressive, or sexualizing her, or offering to take her home, she treated it lightly. Finally one of them guessed her name right and she couldn't take it seriously anymore - just laughed and said "yup that IS my name!"

Many of the women closest to me in life are victims of rape or sexual assault. Possibly one-third or one-half. One of them outdoors in daylight, by a random man who followed her on the street.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: ibanezmonster on November 01, 2014, 08:58:30 AM
Quote from: Brian on November 01, 2014, 08:49:14 AM
I have a pretty, white friend who lived in a pretty cruddy area of Manhattan when she was in law school. She always popped down to the Puerto Rican corner store for groceries. She told me a lot of black guys would playfully talk to her - about race, not sex. They'd make up stereotypical white girl names and ask what she was doing in their neighborhood: "Hey Madison, what you doing here?" "Hey Katie, how'd you get on this street?" "Hey Denise," "Hey Lindsay." Since they weren't being aggressive, or sexualizing her, or offering to take her home, she treated it lightly. Finally one of them guessed her name right and she couldn't take it seriously anymore - just laughed and said "yup that IS my name!"
That's hilarious because that brings back memories of times when I was at school and black guys would make up names for me. I got "Hey, Bob" a lot when I was riding the bus.  ;D Guys that I used to work with would call white people "Bubba" for some reason- of course, in a friendly way, but it's still kinda funny.



Quote from: Todd on November 01, 2014, 08:36:05 AM


Why would anyone care about being criticized by feminists?  I mean in real life, not online life.
Lol, true.

btw, I think people should donate to that last video I posted. Donate money to my address and I just might help cover his therapy expenses and stop the harassment.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: kishnevi on November 01, 2014, 09:05:08 AM
BTW, the actress in that original video is apparently receiving death threats.
I suppose she now realizes there is harrassment and then there is stuff to really fear.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: ibanezmonster on November 01, 2014, 09:12:36 AM
Quote from: Brian on November 01, 2014, 08:49:14 AM
Many of the women closest to me in life are victims of rape or sexual assault. Possibly one-third or one-half. One of them outdoors in daylight, by a random man who followed her on the street.
Just wondering what constitutes "sexual assault?"
I remember once in class in middle school the girl I sat next to touched me inappropriately. Kinda weird which is why I remember it, though nothing traumatic. I'd imagine sexual assault would be quite a bit worse?
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on November 01, 2014, 12:51:15 PM
Quote from: Greg on November 01, 2014, 09:12:36 AM
Just wondering what constitutes "sexual assault?"
I remember once in class in middle school the girl I sat next to touched me inappropriately. Kinda weird which is why I remember it, though nothing traumatic. I'd imagine sexual assault would be quite a bit worse?
It should be. The way some people count, it isn't.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: ibanezmonster on November 01, 2014, 07:32:13 PM
Quote from: Ken B on November 01, 2014, 12:51:15 PM
It should be. The way some people count, it isn't.
If it is considered so, then that would make two counts against me. I actually just remembered another thing that happened during middle school, in the guys' locker room. I won't go into detail, but if you think of rape as a two step process, let's just say he went through with step one after sneaking up behind me, then walked off. I was angry for maybe a day and got over it. Just a guy with a reputation for being terrible and stupid- the type that you could say most likely has been to prison by now, trying to rape other prisoners (or getting raped). Probably had suppressed homosexual urges. I think it's been quite a few years since I even thought about it it's so insignificant to me. I'm not a "victim" or anything, that's just silly.

That also brings to mind some of the funny stuff that happened in middle school/high school. Is a girl you almost never even talk to joking to you that they'll "suck your dick for a dollar" considered sexual harassment? I certainly wouldn't dare to make the equivalent joke to someone unless I really knew them well. I can go and on and here... I mean, if that is, I've been harassed countless times. You just can't be so uptight about silly stuff like this.

Actual rape victims, though, I can understand being disturbed for life- what I'm saying does not apply at all to that. And the rapists deserve jailtime, of course.

Okay, enough blah blah blah for me. I think I'm done...  I just got absorbed in the subject when for a few days I got bombarded with feminist news in the trending sidebar in Facebook and then discovered a discussion of that video in the ffxiah forum.  :-X
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Henk on November 01, 2014, 08:55:32 PM
I just had a dream in which I wrote a typo in a message to a girl for which the police wanted me to being locked up in prison (because they say I tried to rape her, where I just wrote a typo).

I have been accused much of bothering girls, with reason however, but always with an accent of having almost raped a girl. Only now, Greg, I really understand that they in fact think I would rape a girl.

It's just my "clumpsiness" (can't find a better word to summarize it, not going into the specific matter). I am full of good will and intentions, I really am innocent. No one said that to me or defended me. I am honestly interested in girls and women more than any men. But it's a handicap. It's an advantage of other men that they are less interested.

A girl with whom I had a twitter-interaction for almost a year, described me as "smart, funny, genuine". I find that nice and to the point.

I'm done with it as well, Greg. My life has taken a different turn. The guy who says that I should have a relationship, that I have to learn how to treat a women can shut his mouth.

However, having taken some distance to this matter and writing this, despite that I was full of good will and intensions, I cannot persist in thinking that I was _completely_ innocent. Some valuebale insights in this matter have risen in me.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Henk on November 02, 2014, 02:20:54 AM
Quote from: Greg on November 01, 2014, 07:32:13 PM
Okay, enough blah blah blah for me. I think I'm done... 

Greg, do you play the blues these days (or forever in your life)? Isn't it suspective if you don't? I don't have that urge, but I think (at least) with melancholy about the best (not every) girls I have approached. I still like them much.

Or is approaching a girl equal to trying to rape a girl for you (as we are conditioned by others and society)? Maybe you're right in cases like us. ;)

Regarding music I play Whitecaps and Anotherlove by Prince & 3rdeyegirl as regret and consolation and also "U Know", I particulary like this sentence: "When he gone, he know I'm gonna flaunt ya."
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Brian on November 02, 2014, 04:46:05 AM
Quote from: Greg on November 01, 2014, 09:12:36 AM
Just wondering what constitutes "sexual assault?"
I can tell you what it is in Texas.

§ 22.011. SEXUAL ASSAULT.  (a) A person commits an
offense if the person:
      (1)  intentionally or knowingly:                                             
         (A)  causes the penetration of the anus or sexual
organ of another person by any means, without that person's
consent;
         (B)  causes the penetration of the mouth of
another person by the sexual organ of the actor, without that
person's consent;  or
         (C)  causes the sexual organ of another person,
without that person's consent, to contact or penetrate the mouth,
anus, or sexual organ of another person, including the actor;  or
               (2) [2 is the same as 1, but for cases involving children.]

Quote from: Jeffrey Smith on November 01, 2014, 09:05:08 AM
BTW, the actress in that original video is apparently receiving death threats.
I suppose she now realizes there is harrassment and then there is stuff to really fear.
Ugh. That's depressing, but it's also not surprising. These protozoa are all too happy to send death threats to any woman who speaks up in public. Don't like what a man says? Argue against him. Don't like what a woman says? Tweet her home address and threaten to rape/murder her.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on November 02, 2014, 05:36:24 AM
Quote from: Jeffrey Smith on November 01, 2014, 09:05:08 AM
BTW, the actress in that original video is apparently receiving death threats.
I suppose she now realizes there is harrassment and then there is stuff to really fear.

Hmm. This sort of thing always makes me suspicious. What threats, and what evidence? Claims of death threats is a an easy, rather common charge. I once posed a hypothetical of my interlocutor, who favored letting the poor die outside hospitals, catching a deadly disease. He said I was making a death threat.
Actual death threats are crimes. Has there been any actual follow up?
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Brian on November 02, 2014, 05:47:11 AM
Quote from: Ken B on November 02, 2014, 05:36:24 AM
Hmm. This sort of thing always makes me suspicious. What threats, and what evidence? Claims of death threats is a an easy, rather common charge. I once posed a hypothetical of my interlocutor, who favored letting the poor die outside hospitals, catching a deadly disease. He said I was making a death threat.
Actual death threats are crimes. Has there been any actual follow up?
WSJ

"But the woman in the video, actress Shoshana B. Roberts, and the anti-harassment organization that sponsored it, Brooklyn-based Hollaback!, have also received a host of death and rape threats, officials say. Those threats, which have been passed along to New York City police, underscore how casually some people view street harassment, experts say.

""We've had so many people reach out saying, 'Thank God, this is exactly what my day looks like,' or people who were shocked, saying, 'I had no idea that this is what women face. I'm so grateful,'" said Emily May, the co-founder and executive director of Hollaback!. "But we've also gotten this tremendous backlash from people saying just horrific things and a number of violent threats."

"The group's office and Ms. Roberts have received about 10 death threats, including some that were sent directly to Ms. Roberts by email."

http://blogs.wsj.com/metropolis/2014/10/29/video-of-woman-harassed-catcalled-on-street-hits-nerve/
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on November 02, 2014, 05:59:08 AM
Quote from: Brian on November 02, 2014, 05:47:11 AM
WSJ

"But the woman in the video, actress Shoshana B. Roberts, and the anti-harassment organization that sponsored it, Brooklyn-based Hollaback!, have also received a host of death and rape threats, officials say. Those threats, which have been passed along to New York City police, underscore how casually some people view street harassment, experts say.

""We've had so many people reach out saying, 'Thank God, this is exactly what my day looks like,' or people who were shocked, saying, 'I had no idea that this is what women face. I'm so grateful,'" said Emily May, the co-founder and executive director of Hollaback!. "But we've also gotten this tremendous backlash from people saying just horrific things and a number of violent threats."

"The group's office and Ms. Roberts have received about 10 death threats, including some that were sent directly to Ms. Roberts by email."

http://blogs.wsj.com/metropolis/2014/10/29/video-of-woman-harassed-catcalled-on-street-hits-nerve/

Danke. That is prima facie evidence I agree. It will be interesting to see how it develops.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on November 02, 2014, 06:06:42 AM
Quote from: Brian on November 02, 2014, 05:47:11 AM
WSJ

"But the woman in the video, actress Shoshana B. Roberts, and the anti-harassment organization that sponsored it, Brooklyn-based Hollaback!, have also received a host of death and rape threats, officials say. Those threats, which have been passed along to New York City police, underscore how casually some people view street harassment, experts say.


But was the woman harassed under NY law, and is street "harassment" even a legal thing? 


N.Y. PEN. LAW § 240.26 : NY Code - Section 240.26: Harassment in the second degree

"A person is guilty of harassment in the second degree when, with intent to harass, annoy or alarm another person: 1. He or she strikes, shoves, kicks or otherwise subjects such other person to physical contact, or attempts or threatens to do the same; or 2. He or she follows a person in or about a public place or places; or 3. He or she engages in a course of conduct or repeatedly commits acts which alarm or seriously annoy such other person and which serve no legitimate purpose. Subdivisions two and three of this section shall not apply to activities regulated by the national labor relations act, as amended, the railway labor act, as amended, or the federal employment labor management act, as amended. Harassment in the second degree is a violation."



Looks like this young publicity hound victim managed to generate some nice click bait op-eds and generate a fair degree of false outrage.  Might help her career.

The death threats almost certainly were made, as is so often the case, but I question the entire premise of the young lady's supposed social experiment.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Brian on November 02, 2014, 06:23:41 AM
I don't understand your complaint at all, Todd. For one thing, she did have a man on the street flirt with definition (2) by following her and trying to chat her up for an extended period.

But the bigger issue is, you seem to be saying that if the catcalling and sleazebagging is legal, then it's okay and nobody should be upset about it. I'm sure I misunderstand you.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on November 02, 2014, 06:41:14 AM
Quote from: Brian on November 02, 2014, 06:23:41 AMFor one thing, she did have a man on the street flirt with definition (2) by following her and trying to chat her up for an extended period.


So, one man harassed her, meaning he would get a violation if police were around.  That would be sufficient punishment in that type of case.  Full disclosure: I didn't watch the video, but the fact that you can point out one instance of possible second degree harassment tells me what I need to know.


Quote from: Brian on November 02, 2014, 06:23:41 AMBut the bigger issue is, you seem to be saying that if the catcalling and sleazebagging is legal, then it's okay and nobody should be upset about it. I'm sure I misunderstand you.


No, you pretty much get the gist of it.  The reality is that catcalling does not even rise to the level of a violation, let alone a misdemeanor or felony.  Society, through the legislative process, has determined that catcalling is not a significant problem that requires scare public resources be used to "protect" the "victims" of such crude behavior, and that the coercive power of the state is better used elsewhere.  The headlines and op-ed titles lighting up the interwebs display a typical false outrage that is tantamount to lazy bitching.  Is this a serious topic?  Really?  Then what legal and policy changes are on offer?  Have the legal and constitutional ramifications of suggested solutions been discussed?  Wait, let me guess, this is a deep-rooted societal issue, one emblematic of the oppressive nature of the patriarchal society in which we live, one that shows just how terrifying it is to be a woman, one that shows how unjust a society is when a woman cannot even walk down the street without thugs accosting her at every corner.

This is a classic tempest in a teapot, and it will be forgotten in a week.  Maybe two.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on November 02, 2014, 06:54:25 AM
Quote from: Brian on November 02, 2014, 06:23:41 AM
I don't understand your complaint at all, Todd. For one thing, she did have a man on the street flirt with definition (2) by following her and trying to chat her up for an extended period.

But the bigger issue is, you seem to be saying that if the catcalling and sleazebagging is legal, then it's okay and nobody should be upset about it. I'm sure I misunderstand you.

Let me try to explain. Let's set aside the question of vulgarity or manners for a moment. Let's set aside the fact that cultural norms vary. Let's look at the tangible harm. Has anything happened except that she was spoken to without permission? In the video I don't see it. The death threats afterwards are a different matter. But the complaint is that she was spoken to without permission. Does that, Todd asks, really rise to the level where we must take action, enforce penalties, place new restrictions upon society? Clearly not.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Brian on November 02, 2014, 07:00:59 AM
Quote from: Todd on November 02, 2014, 06:41:14 AM
So, one man harassed her, meaning he would get a violation if police were around.  That would be sufficient punishment in that type of case.  Full disclosure: I didn't watch the video, but the fact that you can point out one instance of possible second degree harassment tells me what I need to know.
Well, I'll be honest, I haven't watched it either, only read a couple articles. And I also saw a parody video (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lUJ24mblCLY).

Quote from: Todd on November 02, 2014, 06:41:14 AM
(stuff)
So we do just disagree about whether legality is the central issue here. You're saying it can't be that big deal if nobody legislates it; I'll disagree because people can be irritating shitbags without violating laws. I consider the issue ethical: don't demean or insult or annoy random strangers. From what I have seen, the main plan of attack for the movement is to get men to call out or pressure other men from doing this. Like how, back in the day, if somebody told a really racist joke you were supposed to say "Hey, that's racist, don't do that," instead of laughing.

If these people are sexists with warped views of womens' agency, we probably can't change that. It would be nice if we could change their external behavior, though. If all that confused lonely boys did was post on classical music forums about how women are incomprehensible, that would be better than disrupting people's days.

Quote from: Ken B on November 02, 2014, 06:54:25 AM
Let me try to explain. Let's set aside the question of vulgarity or manners for a moment. Let's set aside the fact that cultural norms vary. Let's look at the tangible harm. Has anything happened except that she was spoken to without permission? In the video I don't see it. The death threats afterwards are a different matter. But the complaint is that she was spoken to without permission. Does that, Todd asks, really rise to the level where we must take action, enforce penalties, place new restrictions upon society? Clearly not.

"Spoken to without permission" makes it sound like she's Justin Bieber, refusing to talk to anyone outside of her entourage. But then, you explicitly removed the content of the speech from consideration by setting it aside, neatly sidestepping any ethical issue.

Granted, I haven't seen the video and granted, this was a stunt.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on November 02, 2014, 07:09:27 AM
Quote from: Brian on November 02, 2014, 07:00:59 AMI'll disagree because people can be irritating shitbags without violating laws.


True.  And ultimately, there's nothing wrong with that, provided said irritating shitbags don't break the law.  The law establishes, and enforces, the ultimate standards of behavior.  Arbitrary, capricious, and eminently changeable situational ethics don't mean much.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Brian on November 02, 2014, 07:14:52 AM
Quote from: Todd on November 02, 2014, 07:09:27 AM

True.  And ultimately, there's nothing wrong with that, provided said irritating shitbags don't break the law.  The law establishes, and enforces, the ultimate standards of behavior.  Arbitrary, capricious, and eminently changeable situational ethics don't mean much.

This could get philosophical fast. Don't you think the law is a great example of situational ethics? For example, here in Texas smoking marijuana has a moral component (it is "wrong"), while in Colorado there is no such moral issue. Same goes for prostitution and Nevada, or (kinda-sorta) heroin in Portugal. If we're using law as a moral baseline, the ethics of lighting up are based on where you are when you do so.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on November 02, 2014, 07:18:33 AM
Quote from: Brian on November 02, 2014, 07:14:52 AM
This could get philosophical fast. Don't you think the law is a great example of situational ethics? For example, here in Texas smoking marijuana has a moral component (it is "wrong"), while in Colorado there is no such moral issue. Same goes for prostitution and Nevada, or (kinda-sorta) heroin in Portugal. If we're using law as a moral baseline, the ethics of lighting up are based on where you are when you do so.



I was referring to legal restrictions on behavior, and punishment for behaviors that violate the law, not morality.  The two are not always aligned.  It is possible, for instance, to think that smoking marijuana is morally wrong, even if it is legal.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: ibanezmonster on November 02, 2014, 08:57:28 AM
Quote from: Brian on November 02, 2014, 04:46:05 AM
I can tell you what it is in Texas.

§ 22.011. SEXUAL ASSAULT.  (a) A person commits an
offense if the person:
      (1)  intentionally or knowingly:                                             
         (A)  causes the penetration of the anus or sexual
organ of another person by any means, without that person's
consent;
         (B)  causes the penetration of the mouth of
another person by the sexual organ of the actor, without that
person's consent;  or
         (C)  causes the sexual organ of another person,
without that person's consent, to contact or penetrate the mouth,
anus, or sexual organ of another person, including the actor;  or
               (2) [2 is the same as 1, but for cases involving children.]
Ugh. That's depressing, but it's also not surprising. These protozoa are all too happy to send death threats to any woman who speaks up in public. Don't like what a man says? Argue against him. Don't like what a woman says? Tweet her home address and threaten to rape/murder her.
That sounds like the same as rape to me.



Quote from: Henk on November 02, 2014, 02:20:54 AM
Greg, do you play the blues these days (or forever in your life)? Isn't it suspective if you don't? I don't have that urge, but I think (at least) with melancholy about the best (not every) girls I have approached. I still like them much.

Or is approaching a girl equal to trying to rape a girl for you (as we are conditioned by others and society)? Maybe you're right in cases like us. ;)

Regarding music I play Whitecaps and Anotherlove by Prince & 3rdeyegirl as regret and consolation and also "U Know", I particulary like this sentence: "When he gone, he know I'm gonna flaunt ya."
I read a comment that probably describes everything quite well. You never know who is going to be a rapist, so you have to be on guard all the time. Kinda like a child talking to strangers. Which might explain the intense fear of a man saying hi to them in public (unless they're Brad Pitt). There's always going to be a barrier up...

As for the death threats... they seem to be getting more common nowadays when it comes to internet news-related stuff. When Palmer Luckey, the guy who invented the Oculus Rift, sold the company to facebook earlier this year, he received death threats as well. Keyboard warriors.  :P

The idea of making it illegal to catcall could lead to who knows what... saying "fuck" in public can be offensive, especially if there is a kid nearby. Arrest them?
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on November 02, 2014, 09:44:06 AM
I believe in science! (http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/284512.php)  Turns out my wife is something of a creationist.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Henk on November 02, 2014, 10:03:32 AM
Quote from: Greg on November 02, 2014, 08:57:28 AM
That sounds like the same as rape to me.


I read a comment that probably describes everything quite well. You never know who is going to be a rapist, so you have to be on guard all the time. Kinda like a child talking to strangers. Which might explain the intense fear of a man saying hi to them in public (unless they're Brad Pitt). There's always going to be a barrier up...

As for the death threats... they seem to be getting more common nowadays when it comes to internet news-related stuff. When Palmer Luckey, the guy who invented the Oculus Rift, sold the company to facebook earlier this year, he received death threats as well. Keyboard warriors.  :P

The idea of making it illegal to catcall could lead to who knows what... saying "fuck" in public can be offensive, especially if there is a kid nearby. Arrest them?

Many men can say "hi" to unknown women, having a chat. Just in particular cases there's distrust, which could be, in our cases, completely dishonest. It's not by change that you come up with all these reflections.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: mc ukrneal on November 02, 2014, 10:47:34 AM
I am really amazed by some of the comments to that video. As someone who has walked the streets of NY, I cannot understand them. First, there are comments ascribed to the woman and how she was rude/arrogant/etc. These are things you are interpretting - they are not facts. All she does is walk and never respond to the people around her. Second, I would never respond to someone who said anything to me like that in NY. Being nice is something dirtbags (I am not referring to anyone in the video) take advantage of. Even when someone needs directions, I am on guard. Personal safety has to come first. I mean, who knows who those people really are. Third, the guy who walks next to her for several minutes is creepy. He was trying to get into her head. Finally, if I was her, there are a number of times in the video where I would not feel safe - and I'm a guy.

<story deleted>
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on November 02, 2014, 10:59:07 AM
Quote from: mc ukrneal on November 02, 2014, 10:47:34 AM
I am really amazed by some of the comments to that video. As someone who has walked the streets of NY, I cannot understand them. First, there are comments ascribed to the woman and how she was rude/arrogant/etc. These are things you are interpretting - they are not facts. All she does is walk and never respond to the people around her. Second, I would never respond to someone who said anything to me like that in NY. Being nice is something dirtbags (I am not referring to anyone in the video) take advantage of. Even when someone needs directions, I am on guard. Personal safety has to come first. I mean, who knows who those people really are. Third, the guy who walks next to her for several minutes is creepy. He was trying to get into her head. Finally, if I was her, there are a number of times in the video where I would not feel safe - and I'm a guy.

Here's a real life situation. I will tell you what I did after you've had a chance to respond (if you like). You are in a foreign country and you are walking home. You are on a reasonably active side street in a residential district (with people of all ages) in small-medium sized city. In general, it is safe, though there are occassional drunks and bums near the bus stop. You speak the language reasonably well, but not perfectly and with an accent (that gives you away as being foreign). You are dressed more or less the same as locals, but if you open your mouth it gives you away as not local. It is evening and there are lights on as you walk home. You are about 25 yards/meters from the entrance of your apartment block (with coded entrance, as most are). A girl comes up to you hysterically crying. She says something you don't quite understand (but you understand she is saying something about what happened) and she asks you to walk her to her apartment building (as she says she is scared), which she says in just a few houses down (lets say 100-200 yards/meters), where it so happens a friend of yours lives (roughly). So you know the area quite well and have never had any issues after many months there. What do you do?

Neal, just to respond to one point. Not to respond is a response. and it clearly in some cases provoked further response. The point I am making is that there is more going on here than just a woman being spoken to. Her body language, silence, and gait, plus her presence in a black neighborhood, *presents an impression*. And I for one don't think it's out of line for some low status black guy to feel a "micro aggression" here from some white woman who ostentatiously ignores him. He may be wrong to react to it but I am not going to say he is wrong to feel it. Especially since it is true! She's trolling for a reaction, treating them in Kantian terms as means not ends.  She wants them to react thus, so she can feel vindicated and post a video. Her approach to them is disrespectful and condescending from the get-go.
Watch what happens when she nearly collides with one guy to see her non reaction as a reaction.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: mc ukrneal on November 02, 2014, 11:49:53 AM
Quote from: Ken B on November 02, 2014, 10:59:07 AM
She's trolling for a reaction, treating them in Kantian terms as means not ends.  She wants them to react thus, so she can feel vindicated and post a video. Her approach to them is disrespectful and condescending from the get-go.
Watch what happens when she nearly collides with one guy to see her non reaction as a reaction.
Again, you are applying an interpretation. She's disrespectful because she ignores him? She's condescending because she just keeps going? That is just nonsense. Forget about black and white for a moment, why do the men get angry or say nasty-ish things when she keeps going and ignores their comments?
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on November 02, 2014, 11:59:57 AM
Quote from: mc ukrneal on November 02, 2014, 11:49:53 AM
Again, you are applying an interpretation. She's disrespectful because she ignores him? She's condescending because she just keeps going? That is just nonsense. Forget about black and white for a moment, why do the men get angry or say nasty-ish things when she keeps going and ignores their comments?
It's really odd Neal that you say I am interpreting, but don't seem to think you are.
But forget us. Would those men be interpreting?  They would. Everyone interprets when they interact and observe. None of us is vouchsafed the truth, we read and read into. And if they read or read into then that is part of the interaction. You seem to dismiss that.  You want to take her account  and interpretation straight up at face value, but what they felt and thought matters too.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: North Star on November 02, 2014, 12:04:21 PM
Quote from: mc ukrneal on November 02, 2014, 11:49:53 AM
Again, you are applying an interpretation. She's disrespectful because she ignores him? She's condescending because she just keeps going? That is just nonsense. Forget about black and white for a moment, why do the men get angry or say nasty-ish things when she keeps going and ignores their comments?
And are those who think saying 'good morning' is harassment not interpreting?
I have more important things to do than spending more time debating about a video that's under 3 minutes long with people (not Neal) who haven't actually seen it..
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: mc ukrneal on November 02, 2014, 12:46:18 PM
Quote from: Ken B on November 02, 2014, 11:59:57 AM
It's really odd Neal that you say I am interpreting, but don't seem to think you are.
But forget us. Would those men be interpreting?  They would. Everyone interprets when they interact and observe. None of us is vouchsafed the truth, we read and read into. And if they read or read into then that is part of the interaction. You seem to dismiss that.  You want to take her account  and interpretation straight up at face value, but what they felt and thought matters too.
I have interpreted nothing that she did. Show me where I have. Most of what I wrote was from my point of view (and I think I was clear about labeling that).

It's odd - I haven't told you what I think of what she did and the video, yet you seem to think I have.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Brian on November 02, 2014, 12:52:00 PM
Ken seems to have a Midwesterner's quaint belief that if anyone addresses you in public, you have to respond as graciously as a Minnesotan. No.

Also, Ken, your interpretation of ignoring people is strange. She "ostentatiously ignores" them. Is she supposed to politely ignore them? What is the clear, specific difference between ignoring somebody nicely and ignoring somebody rudely?

There is an implication by some people here that a girl walking down the street ignoring people is committing a wrong. How is that?
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on November 02, 2014, 01:13:12 PM
Quote from: mc ukrneal on November 02, 2014, 12:46:18 PM
I have interpreted nothing that she did. Show me where I have.


She did? Just she? She's the only one here? Your entire argument is that nothing she did could be seen by those men as disrespectful. Because I say it could be and you deny it. And that is an interpretation of what the men did and why.

Ken B: Look at it from the point of view of one of the men who ...
Neal: Nothing she did can be read as ...

Aside from that, of course you are interpreting about her too. Just as everyone is.


You really think You are not interpreting?
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on November 02, 2014, 01:19:58 PM
Quote from: Brian on November 02, 2014, 12:52:00 PM
What is the clear, specific difference between ignoring somebody nicely and ignoring somebody rudely?


Race for one. Tell me blacks, especially low status unemployed young black men, are crazy to feel routinely slighted. Tell me that they can never pick up on cues people give off? Tell me it's impossible she gave off cues that the men could read, even if incorrectly.




Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on November 02, 2014, 01:21:26 PM
Quote from: North Star on November 02, 2014, 12:04:21 PM
And are those who think saying 'good morning' is harassment not interpreting?


Exactly. 
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: mc ukrneal on November 02, 2014, 01:48:03 PM
Quote from: Ken B on November 02, 2014, 01:13:12 PM
She did? Just she? She's the only one here? Your entire argument is that nothing she did could be seen by those men as disrespectful. Because I say it could be and you deny it. And that is an interpretation of what the men did and why.

Ken B: Look at it from the point of view of one of the men who ...
Neal: Nothing she did can be read as ...

Aside from that, of course you are interpreting about her too. Just as everyone is.


You really think You are not interpreting?

You are an interesting one. You created an argument for me that I never made. And then you misread/misunderstood/reinterpreted/misrepresented something else that I wrote. The only thing I have interpreted is the guy who walks next to her for several minutes. You seem to have created a story in your head, perhaps because I jumped in late and you thought I was agreeing with someone else.

My point was really quite simple. Assume for a moment you are right on her intent - it doesnt matter to my point. You have made her out to be the 'bad guy' when all she does is walk and not speak. That's all she does. You've created this story/fantasy that the way she walks (for 10 hours) is arrogant/rude/etc - How does one walk arrogantly for 10 hours anyway? I can't see how you jump to that conclusion.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on November 02, 2014, 02:20:11 PM
Quote from: mc ukrneal on November 02, 2014, 01:48:03 PM
You are an interesting one. You created an argument for me that I never made. And then you misread/misunderstood/reinterpreted/misrepresented something else that I wrote. The only thing I have interpreted is the guy who walks next to her for several minutes. You seem to have created a story in your head, perhaps because I jumped in late and you thought I was agreeing with someone else.

My point was really quite simple. Assume for a moment you are right on her intent - it doesnt matter to my point. You have made her out to be the 'bad guy' when all she does is walk and not speak. That's all she does. You've created this story/fantasy that the way she walks (for 10 hours) is arrogant/rude/etc - How does one walk arrogantly for 10 hours anyway? I can't see how you jump to that conclusion.

I have not said she's the bad guy. I won't debate with you if your go-to tactic is that kind of thing.
I have said interpreting how the men react is not as simple as some would like to see it. I have explained why above. If you care, google how Joyce Carol Oates reacted.

But our specific point of comtention was your assertion I was interpreting whilst denying you were. We all are, and not just about her. (I hope and trust your interpretation is not Oates's. )
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on November 02, 2014, 03:07:36 PM
Rather than watch the video that has caused so much discussion, which was apparently created with the aid of a video marketing firm, I wanted to see what Hollaback! is all about.  From the website:


"Criminalizing verbal harassment and unwanted gestures is neither the final goal nor the ultimate solution to this problem and can, in fact, inadvertently work against the growth of an inclusive anti-harassment movement. The criminal justice system disproportionately targets and affects low-income communities and communities of color, as evidenced by policies such as New York City's Stop and Frisk program and other degrading forms of racial profiling. Our objective is to address and shift cultural and social dialogues and attitudes of patriarchy that purport street harassment as simply the price you pay for being a woman or being LGBTQ. It is not to re-victimize men already discriminated against by the system."


As I suspected, the patriarchy is to blame.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: ibanezmonster on November 02, 2014, 06:08:23 PM
Quote from: Todd on November 02, 2014, 03:07:36 PM
As I suspected, the patriarchy is to blame.
It's always evil patriarchy.  :D



Quote from: mc ukrneal on November 02, 2014, 10:47:34 AM
I am really amazed by some of the comments to that video. As someone who has walked the streets of NY, I cannot understand them. First, there are comments ascribed to the woman and how she was rude/arrogant/etc. These are things you are interpretting - they are not facts. All she does is walk and never respond to the people around her. Second, I would never respond to someone who said anything to me like that in NY. Being nice is something dirtbags (I am not referring to anyone in the video) take advantage of. Even when someone needs directions, I am on guard. Personal safety has to come first. I mean, who knows who those people really are. Third, the guy who walks next to her for several minutes is creepy. He was trying to get into her head. Finally, if I was her, there are a number of times in the video where I would not feel safe - and I'm a guy.
Some of those comments didn't deserve an acknowledgement- like "hey baby" and such, but "hey there, have a good evening..." at least say "you, too" or nod and keep walking if someone says hi. That's what I'd do in Orlando, but idk, maybe NYC is different. Either way, wearing headphones would be the way to go if you really don't want to talk to anyone.

Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on November 02, 2014, 06:38:36 PM
The guy who follows her for several minutes is an interesting case, and I expect I will outrage many here.
First, we know he doesn't follow every woman. But he followed her. Why? This is related to the question I asked about the camera. Was that related?
If not, why her? Does he follow other people? No-one has asked and no-one has followed up that I have seen.
He seems to be portrayed as exhibit #1 on how awful men are to women, but he could simply be a guy who needs treatment. Seriously, is there something in that video that shows otherwise? He may well be scary, and  I'd be worried if he did that to my wife or daughter, but he may also need help, a fact entirely lost in every single mention of him I have seen. The video editors expended time and effort on making him look bad, but none at all I expect on concern for his welfare.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: amw on November 02, 2014, 08:39:52 PM
Quote from: Todd on November 02, 2014, 03:07:36 PM
"Criminalizing verbal harassment and unwanted gestures is neither the final goal nor the ultimate solution to this problem and can, in fact, inadvertently work against the growth of an inclusive anti-harassment movement. The criminal justice system disproportionately targets and affects low-income communities and communities of color, as evidenced by policies such as New York City's Stop and Frisk program and other degrading forms of racial profiling. Our objective is to address and shift cultural and social dialogues and attitudes of patriarchy that purport street harassment as simply the price you pay for being a woman or being LGBTQ. It is not to re-victimize men already discriminated against by the system."
Thanks Todd, this is by far the most reasonable, objective and meaningful statement made in this entire thread (& possibly The Diner as a whole). Wish we had more like it.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: mc ukrneal on November 02, 2014, 09:42:44 PM
Quote from: Greg on November 02, 2014, 06:08:23 PM
Some of those comments didn't deserve an acknowledgement- like "hey baby" and such, but "hey there, have a good evening..." at least say "you, too" or nod and keep walking if someone says hi. That's what I'd do in Orlando, but idk, maybe NYC is different. Either way, wearing headphones would be the way to go if you really don't want to talk to anyone.

No, you don't. You do exactly what she did - you make no acknowledgement and get the heck out of there. If it's rude - fine. I can live that. Btw, I would also never wear headphones (anywhere), because it just puts you more at risk. You can't hear someone coming at you from not-sighted angles.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: mc ukrneal on November 02, 2014, 09:55:31 PM
Quote from: Ken B on November 02, 2014, 02:20:11 PM
I have not said she's the bad guy. I won't debate with you if your go-to tactic is that kind of thing.
I have said interpreting how the men react is not as simple as some would like to see it. I have explained why above. If you care, google how Joyce Carol Oates reacted.

But our specific point of comtention was your assertion I was interpreting whilst denying you were. We all are, and not just about her. (I hope and trust your interpretation is not Oates's. )
It's clever how you have tried to turn a point about the way you interpreted the events into a point about me. But since I have not denied or asserted my opinion in the way you would like, you have done it for me. So I'll bow out, since we seem to be going nowhere.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Florestan on November 02, 2014, 11:58:47 PM
Romanian presidential elections, first run: the Socialist prime-minister Victor Ponta (a pathological liar, a proved plagiarist and a sinister demagogue) leads 10 percents ahead of the Liberal-Conservative Klaus Iohannis, mayor of Sibiu (a sober, even taciturn person of German ethnicity), roughly 40% vs 30%. If all non-Socialist parties would have supported the same candidate, Mr. Iohannis would have been ahead. Run-off on November 16. I have high hopes that Iohannis will defeat Ponta and the Socialists will lose the third Presidential elections in a row.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on November 03, 2014, 06:15:48 AM
The Gray Lady gets in on the Hollaback! thingy, (http://www.nytimes.com/roomfordebate/2014/10/31/do-we-need-a-law-against-catcalling) with a "debate".  Sure enough, catcalling is lumped in with other thought crime "hate speech" by one of the first debaters.  (I don't know if the NYT cycles through different opinions frequently, or if select ones stick.)  A new front in the fictitious War on Women has apparently been opened.  Who knows, this could be a 2016 issue.  That would be freakin' awesome. 




I wonder how Hollaback!'s fund raising efforts are going.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Brian on November 03, 2014, 07:51:25 AM
Quote from: Todd on November 02, 2014, 03:07:36 PM
"Criminalizing verbal harassment and unwanted gestures is neither the final goal nor the ultimate solution to this problem and can, in fact, inadvertently work against the growth of an inclusive anti-harassment movement. The criminal justice system disproportionately targets and affects low-income communities and communities of color, as evidenced by policies such as New York City's Stop and Frisk program and other degrading forms of racial profiling. Our objective is to address and shift cultural and social dialogues and attitudes of patriarchy that purport street harassment as simply the price you pay for being a woman or being LGBTQ. It is not to re-victimize men already discriminated against by the system."
Love 90% of this quote.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on November 03, 2014, 07:58:57 AM
Quote from: Brian on November 03, 2014, 07:51:25 AM
Love 90% of this quote.



I love 100% of it, though for entirely different reasons than you love it.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on November 03, 2014, 09:04:50 AM
 http://www.usatoday.com/story/opinion/2014/11/03/street-harassment-catcall-video-race-women-gender-equity-column/18373531/ (http://www.usatoday.com/story/opinion/2014/11/03/street-harassment-catcall-video-race-women-gender-equity-column/18373531/)

Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: jochanaan on November 03, 2014, 09:52:00 AM
I am not sure that any man can understand what a woman goes through.  Not just the present harassment, but a history of thousands of years of being treated as second-class unless she could prove herself much more than the equal of any man, of having to deal with cultures that blame her when she gets attacked, of not knowing whether a "Hello" is a simple greeting or a prelude to rape... And New York City is in fact a historically violent place.  Now, most New Yorkers bark much worse than they bite, but there are the occasional monsters in human form...
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on November 03, 2014, 10:13:41 AM
Quote from: jochanaan on November 03, 2014, 09:52:00 AM
I am not sure that any man can understand what a woman goes through.  Not just the present harassment, but a history of thousands of years of being treated as second-class unless she could prove herself much more than the equal of any man, of having to deal with cultures that blame her when she gets attacked, of not knowing whether a "Hello" is a simple greeting or a prelude to rape... And New York City is in fact a historically violent place.  Now, most New Yorkers bark much worse than they bite, but there are the occasional monsters in human form...
"thousands of years of being treated as second-class"? I have never met a 1000 year old woman. There is an important point here. The disadvantages of being black are heritable and therefore could accumulate over time.  This is not true for the disadvantages of being female. Rich families have daughters, and women give birth to sons; no woman has had only female ancestors. My sister and I have exactly the same set of ancestors. So you cannot just talk about the cumulative effects of sexism the way you can with racism.

I am not disputing that cultures form ideas and that these persist. I quite agree. The example you alluded to is a particularly nasty one. But your poetic talk about thousands of years muddies not clarifies.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Brian on November 03, 2014, 10:44:39 AM
Quote from: Ken B on November 03, 2014, 10:13:41 AMThe disadvantages of being black are heritable and therefore could accumulate over time.  This is not true for the disadvantages of being female.
This is the kind of "thinking" I never expect to see from a person whose opinions I respect.

I'm going to take a temporary hiatus from this thread to think about some things.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on November 03, 2014, 11:52:09 AM
Quote from: Brian on November 03, 2014, 10:44:39 AM
This is the kind of "thinking" I never expect to see from a person whose opinions I respect.

I'm going to take a temporary hiatus from this thread to think about some things.

Brian, look at it this way. As a group women's parents inherit as much as men's parents. My parents are my sisters parents. So the deleterious effects of past sexist discrimination that transferred wealth unfairly from women to men did not result in my being born to a richer family than she was.  My sister is no richer or poorer due to sexism in 1840 than am I. Our circumstances were effected to the same extent. So sexist discrimination in 1840 say does not cause a persistent shift in wealth from women to men as a group. Inter-sexual thefts do not accumulate through time; the counter is reset every generation.
Contrast that with race. Imagine that my ancestors owned my black neighbor's ancestors, and pillaged their labor via slavery and Jim Crow for a century. Each generation my family was able to effectively steal from his. That wealth was passed on from generation to generation. At no point did the wealth my family stole flow back to his family. As a result I inherited 10,000 acres and my neighbor a hovel.  The effects of interracial theft are heritable. And my sister would likewise be enriched at their expense.

This is the whole basis of reparations claims of course. Blacks who descend from slaves were unfairly impoverished at the expense of whites who descend from slave owners.

Good thinking is precise. If you want I will give you a formal mathematical model of my argument (I am a mathematician by training). All I ask in return is that instead of scare-quoting "thinking" you find an actual error in the logic.

UPDATE, as threatened. Easy to write a Python simulation

Here is a simple mathematical model to illustrate the effect.

Our model consists of populations consisting of successive generations of males and females
who breed on average one child of each sex.
The population is divided into two races W and B which do not interbreed.
For simplicity the numbers of W and B are the same, and the M?F split is the same in each group.

In the intial state all persons have the same endowment e.
Children split equally their parent's wealth.
We model the ill effects of the past on current attitudes and practices by way of a toll t
levied upon persons of one group at birth and paid to persons in another.
That is, if you are disavantaged then t is taken from you, if you are advantaged t is given to you.
This toll is paid in g successive generations.
In the present generation the toll is finally ended,
representing a reform of the attitudes and rules that disadvantaged the one group.

It is not hard to show that if the toll is paid by each member of B to a member of W then
a B child born now has an average endowment of (e - gt) and the average child of W has (e + gt).
This difference persists in all future generations.
Group B has been permanently impoverished to the benefit of group W.

If the transfer is from F to M then in the last toll paying state, females have an average (e - t)
and males (e+t).
In the next the average is e for both groups.
This is true for all succeeding generations.
Group F has not been permanently impoverished to the benefit of group M.

Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: ibanezmonster on November 04, 2014, 11:52:23 AM
Python? You mean the programming language?
I've been planning to learn that on my own pretty soon. Scripted language syntax is so wonderfully simple.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on November 04, 2014, 12:10:24 PM
Quote from: Greg on November 04, 2014, 11:52:23 AM
Python? You mean the programming language?
I've been planning to learn that on my own pretty soon. Scripted language syntax is so wonderfully simple.
Yes. I usually use javascript for my (rare) scripting, but I liked Python when I used it briefly a decade ago, and it seems the trendy choice now.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: jochanaan on November 04, 2014, 01:11:44 PM
Quote from: Ken B on November 03, 2014, 10:13:41 AM
"thousands of years of being treated as second-class"? I have never met a 1000 year old woman. There is an important point here. The disadvantages of being black are heritable and therefore could accumulate over time.  This is not true for the disadvantages of being female. Rich families have daughters, and women give birth to sons; no woman has had only female ancestors. My sister and I have exactly the same set of ancestors. So you cannot just talk about the cumulative effects of sexism the way you can with racism...
But the institutions and cultural ideas that perpetuate sexism continue down the centuries, and that history affects how women perceive their lives.  And many men even today, confronted by the reality of women's desire and efforts to gain equality (or more) in every aspect of their lives, fight back, using methods that would shame a professional wrestler (at least, a wrestler with integrity).  Yes, "male privilege" is inherited, at least institutionally.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on November 04, 2014, 02:13:09 PM
Quote from: jochanaan on November 04, 2014, 01:11:44 PM
But the institutions and cultural ideas that perpetuate sexism continue down the centuries, and that history affects how women perceive their lives.  And many men even today, confronted by the reality of women's desire and efforts to gain equality (or more) in every aspect of their lives, fight back, using methods that would shame a professional wrestler (at least, a wrestler with integrity).  Yes, "male privilege" is inherited, at least institutionally.
Indeed there are attitudes that have hardened into institutions and rules etc. (Religion is the worst offender I say, but I think you disagree. Leviticus or Sura 4.) But not cumulatively. Read through my example. If you change the rules  the ideas and the attitudes to be fair then for women the fairness takes effect right away in the next generation. Not so for victims of racism. It's an important distinction.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on November 04, 2014, 02:25:54 PM
I think this is thread we discussed this topic on ...

One of the things where I disagree with all decent right-thinking people is voter turnout. High voter turnout is not something we should aim for. Here is one reason why. http://whyevolutionistrue.wordpress.com/2014/11/04/texas-tech-students-parade-their-knowledge/ (http://whyevolutionistrue.wordpress.com/2014/11/04/texas-tech-students-parade-their-knowledge/)

Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Florestan on November 05, 2014, 01:00:39 AM
Quote from: Ken B on November 04, 2014, 02:25:54 PM
I think this is thread we discussed this topic on ...

One of the things where I disagree with all decent right-thinking people is voter turnout. High voter turnout is not something we should aim for. Here is one reason why. http://whyevolutionistrue.wordpress.com/2014/11/04/texas-tech-students-parade-their-knowledge/ (http://whyevolutionistrue.wordpress.com/2014/11/04/texas-tech-students-parade-their-knowledge/)

I´m with you all the way.There is a whole series of similar videos here in Romania and to say that the results are dismaying is an understatement.

For instance:

Q: Who invented water?
A: Don´t know, I am from another village.

Q: Who wrote the Bible?
A: The parson.
Q: The parson here in the village?
A: Oh no, this one´s a crook. A really devout parson.

Q: What´s the name of the country we are living in?
A: Don´t know.
Q: I can´t believe it. ´You never thought about it?
A: No.

Q:What continent is Romania on?
A: Don´t know.
Q: Ok, I´ll give you three options to choose from: America, Africa, Asia
A:(after a bit of thinking) Asia

Q: What countries are Romania´s neighbors?
A: Don´t know.
Q: USA?
A: Oh yes, USA, yes.
Q:Where is Romania´s border with the USA?
A: South.

aso, aso, aso



Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on November 05, 2014, 03:02:50 AM
But would you consider high voter turnout plus better-educated electorate the preferred thing?

(I realize that the question is purely hypothetical . . . .)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Moonfish on November 05, 2014, 03:11:41 AM
Quote from: Ken B on November 04, 2014, 02:25:54 PM
I think this is thread we discussed this topic on ...

One of the things where I disagree with all decent right-thinking people is voter turnout. High voter turnout is not something we should aim for. Here is one reason why. http://whyevolutionistrue.wordpress.com/2014/11/04/texas-tech-students-parade-their-knowledge/ (http://whyevolutionistrue.wordpress.com/2014/11/04/texas-tech-students-parade-their-knowledge/)

Amazing!!!   ??? ??? ???
It seems like questions 1 and 3 are core ones which are covered over and over in K-12. How is it possible to not retain those facts!
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Florestan on November 05, 2014, 03:23:22 AM
Quote from: karlhenning on November 05, 2014, 03:02:50 AM
But would you consider high voter turnout plus better-educated electorate the preferred thing?

(I realize that the question is purely hypothetical . . . .)

Hypotheses non fingo.  ;D
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Florestan on November 05, 2014, 03:29:02 AM
Quote from: Moonfish on November 05, 2014, 03:11:41 AM
Amazing!!!   ??? ??? ???
It seems like questions 1 and 3 are core ones which are covered over and over in K-12. How is it possible to not retain those facts!

Who won the Civil War? You mean the 1965 one?

Who is Vicepresident? Is that a tricky question?

ROTFLMAOL

At least the Romanians I refered to are mostly rural area inhabitants, with little or no formal education at all (but alas!, they make up for almost 40% of the whole population), and even in their case not knowing the name of the country or its neighbors is inexcusable. But to think that those American students are supposed to represent the best educated part of the nation... Mind boggling.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on November 05, 2014, 05:09:10 AM
Quote from: karlhenning on November 05, 2014, 03:02:50 AM
But would you consider high voter turnout plus better-educated electorate the preferred thing?

(I realize that the question is purely hypothetical . . . .)

Not if the high turnout is the result of a desire for high turnout. If people vote because they care and think etc then that is good. If it's just "we ought to vote just because high turnout is a good thing so I better do my duty" then no.
It's OK not to know, not have an opinion, or to have the opinion none of the above.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Florestan on November 05, 2014, 05:11:04 AM
Quote from: Ken B on November 05, 2014, 05:09:10 AM
Not if the high turnout is the result of a desire for high turnout. If people vote because they care and think etc then that is good. If it's just "we ought to vote just because high turnout is a good thing so I better do my duty" then no.

Word.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: North Star on November 05, 2014, 05:50:39 AM
Quote from: Ken B on November 05, 2014, 05:09:10 AM
Not if the high turnout is the result of a desire for high turnout. If people vote because they care and think etc then that is good. If it's just "we ought to vote just because high turnout is a good thing so I better do my duty" then no.
It's OK not to know, not have an opinion, or to have the opinion none of the above.
Did you read Karl's question, the whole thing?
Quote from: Karl HenningBut would you consider high voter turnout plus better-educated electorate the preferred thing?
Clearly the high turnout would not be caused by people voting just for the sake of higher turnout in this case.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Brian on November 05, 2014, 07:06:27 AM
Turkish cosmetic company apologises after unwittingly using photograph of Al Qaeda's 9/11 mastermind to promote hair removal product

(http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2014/11/05/1415192296809_Image_galleryImage_Turkish_cosmetic_company_.JPG)

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2821783/Smooth-criminal-Turkish-cosmetic-company-apologises-unwittingly-using-photograph-Al-Qaeda-s-9-11-mastermind-promote-hair-removal-product.html
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on November 05, 2014, 07:14:11 AM
Quote from: Brian on November 05, 2014, 07:06:27 AM
Turkish cosmetic company apologises after unwittingly using photograph of Al Qaeda's 9/11 mastermind to promote hair removal product

(http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2014/11/05/1415192296809_Image_galleryImage_Turkish_cosmetic_company_.JPG)

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2821783/Smooth-criminal-Turkish-cosmetic-company-apologises-unwittingly-using-photograph-Al-Qaeda-s-9-11-mastermind-promote-hair-removal-product.html



I very seriously doubt the picture was used unwittingly.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on November 06, 2014, 10:50:41 AM
An interesting discussion of research methods, racial assumptions, and the Catcalling video https://medium.com/message/that-catcalling-video-and-why-research-methods-is-such-an-exciting-topic-really-32223ac9c9e8 (https://medium.com/message/that-catcalling-video-and-why-research-methods-is-such-an-exciting-topic-really-32223ac9c9e8)

and Auckland ... http://youtu.be/kXdMAXaMicc (http://youtu.be/kXdMAXaMicc)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on November 07, 2014, 04:59:27 PM
Obama on fighting IS in September: "No boots on the ground."

Obama on fighting IS in November: "LOL, JK, get your boots." (http://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-29961084)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on November 09, 2014, 11:20:54 AM
Welcome to the 7th Century

http://whyevolutionistrue.wordpress.com/2014/11/09/christian-couple-parents-of-four-burned-alive-for-accusations-that-they-torched-a-quran/ (http://whyevolutionistrue.wordpress.com/2014/11/09/christian-couple-parents-of-four-burned-alive-for-accusations-that-they-torched-a-quran/)

Welcome to Ferguson
http://www.thegatewaypundit.com/2014/11/ferguson-mob-turns-on-umsl-student-beat-him-chase-him-down-chambers-street-screaming/ (http://www.thegatewaypundit.com/2014/11/ferguson-mob-turns-on-umsl-student-beat-him-chase-him-down-chambers-street-screaming/)

Welcome to Canada
http://fullcomment.nationalpost.com/2014/11/06/marni-soupcoff-a-law-that-bans-mixed-race-couples-yes-in-2014-in-canada/#__federated=1 (http://fullcomment.nationalpost.com/2014/11/06/marni-soupcoff-a-law-that-bans-mixed-race-couples-yes-in-2014-in-canada/#__federated=1)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: ibanezmonster on November 09, 2014, 08:18:57 PM
Brought to you by the same movement that made the street harassment video:  ;)

http://elitedaily.com/dating/men-pssies-women-need-start-asking-men-dates/746965/
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on November 13, 2014, 09:34:35 AM
The Mormon church as acknowledged Joseph Smith's great sacrifice. The things that poor man did for faith.

QuoteAnd the Lord commanded unto Joseph, "Go, and find attractive nubile women and enter into them as a plow into fields, a sword into a scabard, a brush into a bottle, a train into a tunnel, tab A into slot B."
And Joseph beseeched the Lord, "Oh please no, spare me the flesh of lithe women, shield me from their caresses, the knowledge of their most secret places, the sound of their wimpers and gasps. Not me Lord, not me!"
And the Lord said unto Joseph, "Probe them by the dozen, even the young ones, and the married ones, and those betrothed, but none old or ugly, and often or verily will I smite thee."
And Joseph bowed his head and and whispered "Thy will be done."

https://www.lds.org/topics/plural-marriage-in-kirtland-and-nauvoo?lang=eng (https://www.lds.org/topics/plural-marriage-in-kirtland-and-nauvoo?lang=eng)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: ibanezmonster on November 13, 2014, 05:15:06 PM
But Satan says the correct answer is Mormonism...


(http://southparkstudios.mtvnimages.com/images/shows/south-park/clip-thumbnails/season-4/0411/south-park-s04e11c06-abandon-all-hope-16x9.jpg?)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Dancing Divertimentian on November 13, 2014, 05:25:43 PM
Free stud service (just don't let the wife and kids find out). (https://gma.yahoo.com/meet-men-having-sex-strangers-help-them-babies-145353374--abc-news-sex.html)


Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: jochanaan on November 14, 2014, 06:42:09 AM
Quote from: Dancing Divertimentian on November 13, 2014, 05:25:43 PM
Free stud service (just don't let the wife and kids find out). (https://gma.yahoo.com/meet-men-having-sex-strangers-help-them-babies-145353374--abc-news-sex.html)
Surprising?  Unconventional?  It's been happening since Bible times. :P
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: North Star on November 14, 2014, 06:45:34 AM
Quote from: jochanaan on November 14, 2014, 06:42:09 AM
Surprising?  Unconventional?  It's been happening since Bible times. :P
I remember when I saw that Ptolemaic newspaper ad...
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: jochanaan on November 14, 2014, 06:46:23 AM
Quote from: North Star on November 14, 2014, 06:45:34 AM
I remember when I saw that Ptolemaic newspaper ad...
"Queen Needs Heir"?   :laugh:
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: ibanezmonster on November 14, 2014, 06:54:45 PM
Two bits of news about one of the leading scientists of the Rosetta mission.

First, he is a Cannibal Corpse fan. Well... can't say I'm a fan of them, but it is death metal.  >:D ;)
http://www.metalsucks.net/2014/11/13/dr-matt-taylor-dude-put-probe-comet-cannibal-corpse-fan/


And apparently the guy was criticized and reduced to tears and an apology for wearing a shirt that is "sexist." Of course, it's a terrible shirt and inappropriate. But this has gotten ridiculously out of hand. Seriously, if a woman wore a shirt with pictures of bodybuilders on it, how much you wanna bet she won't be publicly shamed and forced to tearfully apologize for "degrading" or "objectifying" men?
http://www.cnn.com/2014/11/13/living/matt-taylor-shirt-philae-rosetta-project/?cid=ob_articlesidebarall&iref=obnetwork
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on November 14, 2014, 07:30:50 PM
Quote from: Greg on November 14, 2014, 06:54:45 PM
Two bits of news about one of the leading scientists of the Rosetta mission.

First, he is a Cannibal Corpse fan. Well... can't say I'm a fan of them, but it is death metal.  >:D ;)
http://www.metalsucks.net/2014/11/13/dr-matt-taylor-dude-put-probe-comet-cannibal-corpse-fan/


And apparently the guy was criticized and reduced to tears and an apology for wearing a shirt that is "sexist." Of course, it's a terrible shirt and inappropriate. But this has gotten ridiculously out of hand. Seriously, if a woman wore a shirt with pictures of bodybuilders on it, how much you wanna bet she won't be publicly shamed and forced to tearfully apologize for "degrading" or "objectifying" men?
http://www.cnn.com/2014/11/13/living/matt-taylor-shirt-philae-rosetta-project/?cid=ob_articlesidebarall&iref=obnetwork

This is the appropriate response. http://pjmedia.com/instapundit/198279/ (http://pjmedia.com/instapundit/198279/)

This is on the wrong thread because this issue is actually important.  Reynolds puts his finger on why. Puritanical self-satisfied know-nothing invigilators of other people's lives are everywhere. They do nothing but bully, harry, accuse, insult.  They need to be called out, not knuckled under to.

I will bet his "community" as she ignorantly calls it, the professionals who contribute to this and other advances, are vastly more open to anyone who can do the job regardless of their background, sex, or colour than are the members of Eveleth's "community" however she defines it.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: ibanezmonster on November 14, 2014, 07:46:12 PM
Quote from: Ken B on November 14, 2014, 07:30:50 PM
This is the appropriate response. http://pjmedia.com/instapundit/198279/ (http://pjmedia.com/instapundit/198279/)
I read what this linked to here:
https://archive.today/zgmaO#selection-3483.253-3483.369


This paragraph had me laughing:
QuoteThis is the sort of casual misogyny that stops women from entering certain scientific fields. They see a guy like that on TV and they don't feel welcome. They see a poster of greased up women in a colleague's office and they know they aren't respected. They hear comments about "bitches" while out at a bar with fellow science students, and they decide to change majors. And those are the women who actually make it that far. Those are the few who persevered even when they were discouraged from pursuing degrees in physics, chemistry, and math throughout high school. These are the women who forged on despite the fact that they were told by elementary school classmates and the media at large that girls who like science are nerdy and unattractive. This is the climate women who dream of working at NASA or the ESA come up against, every single day. This shirt is representative of all of that, and the ESA has yet to issue a statement or apologize for that.
Imagine how stupid I would sound if I got into the cosmetology field and the ladies I was talking with said that some guy was a "dick" and I decided to switch majors because of it. Oh, the misandry!  ::)

"Girls are told that if they like science they are nerdy and unattractive..." oh, and men who get into science are seen as supermen worshipped more than sports stars, eh?

This is getting endless... almost every day I read something on facebook and easily find a link about some stupid feminist outrage over the stupidest things. I'm never, ever, searching for these things. I probably looked up a feminist related question one time and never even posted about it. The stupidity is in my face, but at least it's not infecting me.  :P
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on November 16, 2014, 04:57:10 PM
Well, how about that? (http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/muslims-predate-columbus-in-discovering-america-says-turkish-president-erdogan-9863682.html)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: ibanezmonster on November 16, 2014, 06:51:28 PM
Quote from: Todd on November 16, 2014, 04:57:10 PM
Well, how about that? (http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/muslims-predate-columbus-in-discovering-america-says-turkish-president-erdogan-9863682.html)
A world leader says it, so it muuuuuuust be true.  0:)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Florestan on November 16, 2014, 10:48:07 PM
Quote from: Florestan on November 02, 2014, 11:58:47 PM
Romanian presidential elections, first run: the Socialist prime-minister Victor Ponta (a pathological liar, a proved plagiarist and a sinister demagogue) leads 10 percents ahead of the Liberal-Conservative Klaus Iohannis, mayor of Sibiu (a sober, even taciturn person of German ethnicity), roughly 40% vs 30%. If all non-Socialist parties would have supported the same candidate, Mr. Iohannis would have been ahead. Run-off on November 16. I have high hopes that Iohannis will defeat Ponta and the Socialists will lose the third Presidential elections in a row.

My wildest hopes have been exceeded.  I rejoice over it! 8)

Provincial mayor inflicts shock defeat in Romania presidential vote  (http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/11/17/us-romania-election-exitpolls-idUSKCN0J00W120141117)

(https://encrypted-tbn1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSf4PYIHXc9W6atUSck4Fkeydcz_CstarGj3vSE2qpkAdTqV_Qdpg)

These elections brought about a few remarkable firsts:

1. The first President of Rpmania who is not an ethnic Romanian (German)
2. The first President of Romania who is not of Orthodox faith (Lutheran)
3. The first President of Romania whose name doesn´t end in -escu.  :D

Klaus Werner Johannis´ victory is all the more remarkable as it comes after a fiercely nationalistic and religious campaign run by his opponent, the Socialist prime-minister, centered on the absolutely idiotic slogan "Proud to be Romanians!" (that´s exactly like saying you´re proud to have blue eyes and be 1.80 m tall) and on the non-Orthodox faith of Johannis.

Besides those firsts, this extraordinary result will have huge geopolitical consequences, at a time when Russia doesn´t make a secret anymore about their neoimperialist agenda. Bad news, Mr. Putin: Romania stays firmly in the Western camp! (the Socialist candidate repeatedly sang the praises of the Chinese Communist Party, and publicly asked the prosecutors not to pursue an inquiry into the tax evasion practices of Lukoil in Romania)

Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: mc ukrneal on November 17, 2014, 05:24:40 PM
Quote from: Florestan on November 16, 2014, 10:48:07 PM
My wildest hopes have been exceeded.  I rejoice over it! 8)

Provincial mayor inflicts shock defeat in Romania presidential vote  (http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/11/17/us-romania-election-exitpolls-idUSKCN0J00W120141117)

(https://encrypted-tbn1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSf4PYIHXc9W6atUSck4Fkeydcz_CstarGj3vSE2qpkAdTqV_Qdpg)

These elections brought about a few remarkable firsts:

1. The first President of Rpmania who is not an ethnic Romanian (German)
2. The first President of Romania who is not of Orthodox faith (Lutheran)
3. The first President of Romania whose name doesn´t end in -escu.  :D

Klaus Werner Johannis´ victory is all the more remarkable as it comes after a fiercely nationalistic and religious campaign run by his opponent, the Socialist prime-minister, centered on the absolutely idiotic slogan "Proud to be Romanians!" (that´s exactly like saying you´re proud to have blue eyes and be 1.80 m tall) and on the non-Orthodox faith of Johannis.

Besides those firsts, this extraordinary result will have huge geopolitical consequences, at a time when Russia doesn´t make a secret anymore about their neoimperialist agenda. Bad news, Mr. Putin: Romania stays firmly in the Western camp! (the Socialist candidate repeatedly sang the praises of the Chinese Communist Party, and publicly asked the prosecutors not to pursue an inquiry into the tax evasion practices of Lukoil in Romania)
I understand that the organization of the election (mostly diaspora) was an issue that they did not really resolve well. It seems they (Socialists) shot themsleves in the foot.

Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on November 17, 2014, 05:47:25 PM
Quote from: mc ukrneal on November 17, 2014, 05:24:40 PM
I understand that the organization of the election (mostly diaspora) was an issue that they did not really resolve well. It seems they (Socialists) shot themsleves in the foot.

Give that Party a bigger gun!
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Florestan on November 18, 2014, 01:57:53 AM
Quote from: mc ukrneal on November 17, 2014, 05:24:40 PM
I understand that the organization of the election (mostly diaspora) was an issue that they did not really resolve well. It seems they (Socialists) shot themsleves in the foot.

They did not want the diaspora to vote because they knew beforehand that the Romanian expats would massively vote against them, so they did everything they could in order to not allow all people wanting to vote to do so: they lessened the number of voting stations, the number of voting booths and the number of voting stamp. Moreover, the people had to manually fill in a form on the spot. Thus, the average time needed for a citizen to vote was several hours, between six and ten, depenidng on the location. Cinically, the minister of foreign affairs invited people in Paris to go to Nancy, some 350 km away, because there they could vote faster and besides, Nancy is a very beautiful city, home of Art Nouveau.

All this was to no avail, though, and turned against them: people both abroad and at home went to vote in a record turnout (62%) and gave Johannis 55 %, while the Socialist candidate only 45 %. Mind you, in the first run Ponta had 40% and Johannis only 30%. Such spectacular reversal of a winning trend is quite unique, I think. I´m only too happy with it: I can´t stand the Socialists, they are the most corrupt, demagogic and authoritarian Romanian party.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Florestan on November 18, 2014, 01:58:56 AM
Quote from: Ken B on November 17, 2014, 05:47:25 PM
Give that Party a bigger gun!

A machine gun would do just fine. :D
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on November 18, 2014, 06:05:22 AM
When your protest "turns" violent it's useful to have a list of targets.

http://www.thegatewaypundit.com/2014/11/justice-for-mike-brown-group-releases-list-of-targets-including-anheuser-busch-boeing-emerson-electric-airport/ (http://www.thegatewaypundit.com/2014/11/justice-for-mike-brown-group-releases-list-of-targets-including-anheuser-busch-boeing-emerson-electric-airport/)

And let's be sure to protest that report before anyone reads it!
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on November 19, 2014, 06:29:54 PM
And why shouldn't NASA have its own undercover agents? (http://www.nytimes.com/2014/11/16/us/more-federal-agencies-are-using-undercover-operations.html?_r=0)  Or the USDA?  Or the SBA?
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on November 24, 2014, 10:18:46 AM
Evidence, schmevidence.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/news/volokh-conspiracy/wp/2014/11/24/do-the-facts-of-the-michael-brown-shooting-matter/ (http://www.washingtonpost.com/news/volokh-conspiracy/wp/2014/11/24/do-the-facts-of-the-michael-brown-shooting-matter/)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: North Star on November 24, 2014, 11:09:28 AM
Quote from: Ken B on November 24, 2014, 10:18:46 AM
Evidence, schmevidence.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/news/volokh-conspiracy/wp/2014/11/24/do-the-facts-of-the-michael-brown-shooting-matter/ (http://www.washingtonpost.com/news/volokh-conspiracy/wp/2014/11/24/do-the-facts-of-the-michael-brown-shooting-matter/)
Author of In Defense of the Death Penalty (http://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=2181453), too.

QuoteThe aims of this text are two-fold. The first is to provide a brief overview of the underpinnings of the death penalty. (The death penalty is firmly grounded in many traditional rationales for punishment, a fact that may explaining why death penalty abolitionists have made so little progress in challenging it head on.) The second is to examine the new wave of administrative challenges to the death penalty. Here again, these claims fail to provide a significant reason for abolishing capital punishment.

Perhaps the most straightforward argument for the death penalty is that it saves innocent lives by preventing convicted murderers from killing again...

Some sense of the risk here is conveyed by the fact that, of the roughly 52,000 state prison inmates serving time for murder, an estimated 810 had previously been convicted of murder and had killed 821 persons following those convictions. Executing each of these inmates after the first murder conviction would have saved the lives of more than 800 persons.

Curious how criminologists seem to disagree with him on the 'saving lives' issue. And also curious to think that killing 52,000 to save 800 lives is a good ratio in Cassell's opinion. If 1.6% of those serving time later turned out to be not guilty of murder, that would be more than 800 lives. 1.6 % is a rather tiny margin of error. And I don't see how death penalty is more effective than imprisonment in preventing the convicts from killing again - sure, the occasional inmate or prison guard might get killed, but that's a bit of a stretch. And see on the Amnesty link the graph which clearly shows that the states without a death penalty have a lower murder rate.

http://www.amnestyusa.org/our-work/issues/death-penalty/us-death-penalty-facts/death-penalty-cost
http://www.amnestyusa.org/our-work/issues/death-penalty/us-death-penalty-facts/the-death-penalty-and-deterrence
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on November 24, 2014, 12:58:27 PM
"You mean, all our hubbub about a supposed scandal was as so much fart gas??" (http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/plum-line/wp/2014/11/24/is-the-benghazi-scandal-hunt-finally-over/?hpid=z3)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on November 24, 2014, 01:51:00 PM
Quote from: North Star on November 24, 2014, 11:09:28 AM
Author of In Defense of the Death Penalty (http://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=2181453), too.

Curious how criminologists seem to disagree with him on the 'saving lives' issue. And also curious to think that killing 52,000 to save 800 lives is a good ratio in Cassell's opinion. If 1.6% of those serving time later turned out to be not guilty of murder, that would be more than 800 lives. 1.6 % is a rather tiny margin of error. And I don't see how death penalty is more effective than imprisonment in preventing the convicts from killing again - sure, the occasional inmate or prison guard might get killed, but that's a bit of a stretch. And see on the Amnesty link the graph which clearly shows that the states without a death penalty have a lower murder rate.

http://www.amnestyusa.org/our-work/issues/death-penalty/us-death-penalty-facts/death-penalty-cost
http://www.amnestyusa.org/our-work/issues/death-penalty/us-death-penalty-facts/the-death-penalty-and-deterrence

Amnesty is not an impartial source.
There is quite good evidence now that the death penalty has a strong deterrent effect. So there is in fact a strong case it saves lives. But offing 52K to prevent 800 is not that case!
It isn't any sort of argument really, since no-one says the alternative to execution is early release.


Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: mc ukrneal on November 25, 2014, 03:10:07 AM
What it actually says is that out of 52k, roughly 800 had been convicted of murder and subsequently killed 821 people. So the author (agree or disagree) is not saying quite what is being written in this thread.

That said, I have not seen any reliable evidence that says that capital punishment is a deterrant. And even if it is, this is not really the key argument for having or not having capital punishment. I don't think that most people who might murder someone really stop to say to themselves, "Oh, maybe I shouldn't do this as I could be convicted and in turn put to death." It certainly doesn't help with murders done in the passion of the moment and it doesn't help with murders that are cold and calculated. Not sure what that leaves.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: North Star on November 25, 2014, 03:33:25 AM
Quote from: Ken B on November 24, 2014, 01:51:00 PM
Amnesty is not an impartial source.
There is quite good evidence now that the death penalty has a strong deterrent effect.
Can you point me to some of it?

Quote from: mc ukrneal on November 25, 2014, 03:10:07 AM
What it actually says is that out of 52k, roughly 800 had been convicted of murder and subsequently killed 821 people. So the author (agree or disagree) is not saying quite what is being written in this thread.
No, it says that out of roughly 52k convicted murderers, 810 had been previously convicted of murder, and murdered again. But the funny thing is how he writes:
QuoteExecuting each of these inmates after the first murder conviction would have saved the lives of more than 800 persons.
Now, how exactly does one know which of the 52k will kill again?

Quote from: mc ukrnealThat said, I have not seen any reliable evidence that says that capital punishment is a deterrant. And even if it is, this is not really the key argument for having or not having capital punishment. I don't think that most people who might murder someone really stop to say to themselves, "Oh, maybe I shouldn't do this as I could be convicted and in turn put to death." It certainly doesn't help with murders done in the passion of the moment and it doesn't help with murders that are cold and calculated. Not sure what that leaves.
Not to mention the situations where a murderer facing death penalty is on the loose - they don't have any reason to not kill police officers or civilians in order to survive.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on November 25, 2014, 05:13:45 AM
Quote from: North Star on November 25, 2014, 03:33:25 AM
Can you point me to some of it?


I can give you a name to start googling with. Ehrlich.
An area where people have strong feelings, which makes things complicated. The most important thing is that the death penalty has little effect, but actual executions do seem to. At least at first.  I am pretty convinced that in situations when the death penalty is rarely applied then actually applying it has a noticeable deterrent effect. Less clear to me what happens after it is routine and no longer has the same shock value. That complicates analysis too. In any case the analysis is way better than it was 40 years ago.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on November 25, 2014, 05:16:49 AM
Quote from: North Star on November 25, 2014, 03:33:25 AM

No, it says that out of roughly 52k convicted murderers, 810 had been previously convicted of murder, and murdered again. But the funny thing is how he writes:Now, how exactly does one know which of the 52k will kill again?

I think you guys may be getting wires crossed. You don't have to know which of the 52K will kill again, as 800 of this 52K were already convicted murderers. You'd have killed them already the first time. Of course that still means offing 52K (assuming no deterrence): 800 the first time and the other 51.2K on their first conviction.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: North Star on November 25, 2014, 05:18:12 AM
Quote from: Ken B on November 25, 2014, 05:13:45 AM
I can give you a name to start googling with. Ehrlich.
An area where people have strong feelings, which makes things complicated. The most important thing is that the death penalty has little effect, but actual executions do seem to. At least at first.  I am pretty convinced that in situations when the death penalty is rarely applied then actually applying it has a noticeable deterrent effect. Less clear to me what happens after it is routine and no longer has the same shock value. That complicates analysis too. In any case the analysis is way better than it was 40 years ago.
Thanks.
Here's his study (http://deathpenalty.procon.org/sourcefiles/Issac%20Ehrlich%20The%20Deterrent%20Effect%20of%20Capital%20Punishment%20A%20Question%20of%20Life%20and%20Death.pdf)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on November 25, 2014, 05:28:05 AM
Quote from: Ken B on November 25, 2014, 05:13:45 AM
An area where people have strong feelings, which makes things complicated.

Parenthetically, as we are finding in the recent St Louis affair.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: mc ukrneal on November 25, 2014, 06:18:16 AM
Quote from: Ken B on November 25, 2014, 05:13:45 AM
I can give you a name to start googling with. Ehrlich.
An area where people have strong feelings, which makes things complicated. The most important thing is that the death penalty has little effect, but actual executions do seem to. At least at first.  I am pretty convinced that in situations when the death penalty is rarely applied then actually applying it has a noticeable deterrent effect. Less clear to me what happens after it is routine and no longer has the same shock value. That complicates analysis too. In any case the analysis is way better than it was 40 years ago.
But his findings are not widely agreed upon. There are many who claim his findings are wrong, his evidence/method flawed, conclusions erroneous, etc. They back their ideas  with evidence and statistics, which are in turn questioned/ridiculed, and the circle goes on.

Is the analysis better? I am not so sure - it is more sophisticated.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on November 25, 2014, 06:52:25 AM
Quote from: mc ukrneal on November 25, 2014, 06:18:16 AM
But his findings are not widely agreed upon. There are many who claim his findings are wrong, his evidence/method flawed, conclusions erroneous, etc. They back their ideas  with evidence and statistics, which are in turn questioned/ridiculed, and the circle goes on.

Is the analysis better? I am not so sure - it is more sophisticated.
Indeed. But all I said was this: "There is quite good evidence now that the death penalty has a strong deterrent effect. " And I think that is a true statement. There is quite good evidence. That is not the same thing as slam-dunk evidence, not the same thing as conclusive proof. But the claim that I made back in the seventies, that there is no evidence for deterrence, is false. There is now.

It's not just Ehrlich. His study in the 70s was the first one to credibly argue there is an effect, and so is the famous one, but his is by no means the only study to do so. There have been a number in the past 20 years. Some are discussed here. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/06/11/AR2007061100406.html (http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/06/11/AR2007061100406.html)


Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: mc ukrneal on November 25, 2014, 07:02:03 AM
Quote from: Ken B on November 25, 2014, 06:52:25 AM
Indeed. But all I said was this: "There is quite good evidence now that the death penalty has a strong deterrent effect. " And I think that is a true statement. There is quite good evidence. That is not the same thing as slam-dunk evidence, not the same thing as conclusive proof. But the claim that I made back in the seventies, that there is no evidence for deterrence, is false. There is now.

It's not just Ehrlich. His study in the 70s was the first one to credibly argue there is an effect, and so is the famous one, but his is by no means the only study to do so. There have been a number in the past 20 years. Some are discussed here. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/06/11/AR2007061100406.html (http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/06/11/AR2007061100406.html)
I don't think it is good evidence, so I do not agree. And for every study that claims deterrance there is another that claims otherwise. For example, one can find many references to various studies here: http://www.religioustolerance.org/execut4.htm (http://www.religioustolerance.org/execut4.htm)

Personally, I don't feel this is the main argument over the issue, but neither am I inclined to agree that it provides deterrance.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on November 25, 2014, 07:51:29 AM
Quote from: mc ukrneal on November 25, 2014, 07:02:03 AM
I don't think it is good evidence, so I do not agree.
Rather, you do not agree so you do not think it is good evidence.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: NorthNYMark on November 25, 2014, 08:32:09 AM
Quote from: Ken B on November 25, 2014, 07:51:29 AM
Rather, you do not agree so you do not think it is good evidence.
Rather, he does not agree with you, so it must be due to his bias rather than his analysis of the evidence, whereas your claim that there is "good" evidence for something is obviously based in nothing but objectivity.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on November 25, 2014, 09:17:48 AM
Quote from: NorthNYMark on November 25, 2014, 08:32:09 AM
Rather, he does not agree with you, so it must be due to his bias rather than his analysis of the evidence, whereas your claim that there is "good" evidence for something is obviously based in nothing but objectivity.

That must be it. It cannot possibly be that dozens of peer reviewed journal articles counts as evidence. I don't say it proves the case, only that by any reasonable standard it counts as evidence.

As for agreeing with me? You seem to be making the elementary mistake of assuming I agree with Ehrlich simply because I say he has a case.  Here is a page from years ago where I dispute if it really means what it says. I think it relies on some plausible but strong assumptions. http://www.thebigquestions.com/2010/11/11/reasoning-about-whats-reasonable/ (http://www.thebigquestions.com/2010/11/11/reasoning-about-whats-reasonable/)

I fought Landsburg over several blogposts on this issue actually.

Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: ibanezmonster on November 25, 2014, 09:23:54 AM
https://www.youtube.com/v/vGvXN56t6Wo#t=800

I actually took time out of my anime watching to watch a lot of this (too hard to read subs and do homework at the same time).
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: mc ukrneal on November 25, 2014, 09:27:24 AM
Quote from: Ken B on November 25, 2014, 07:51:29 AM
Rather, you do not agree so you do not think it is good evidence.
No. Rather, the basis for the conclusions is flawed. A casual search of the subject will show the issues involved. Just as an example: http://www.deathpenaltyinfo.org/FaganTestimony.pdf (http://www.deathpenaltyinfo.org/FaganTestimony.pdf). I don't agree with every word, but I think you'll get the idea.

Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on November 25, 2014, 12:28:32 PM
Quote from: mc ukrneal on November 25, 2014, 09:27:24 AM
No. Rather, the basis for the conclusions is flawed. A casual search of the subject will show the issues involved. Just as an example: http://www.deathpenaltyinfo.org/FaganTestimony.pdf (http://www.deathpenaltyinfo.org/FaganTestimony.pdf). I don't agree with every word, but I think you'll get the idea.

OK. It just felt to me you were being a bit flippant about evidence opposed to your views. I see far too much of that stuff. If you weren't, I apologize for assuming the worst. 

Would you agree with rather than 'good' or 'quite good', the phrase 'pertinent and serious' ?
The point I am making is that the deterrence-works faction actually has a serious argument now (and I suspect they are correct to at least some extent), whereas once they really did not. There are Nobel prize winners and quite serious thinkers who accept these results but still oppose the death penalty (Becker and Sunstein are examples.)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Cosi bel do on November 25, 2014, 12:40:41 PM
I'd like to understand I one can seriously pretend that death penalty acts as a deterrent.

In the US, States without the death penalty have had consistently lower murder rates (http://www.deathpenaltyinfo.org/deterrence-states-without-death-penalty-have-had-consistently-lower-murder-rates), and the percent difference actually seems to widen dramatically with time.

The same goes for comparison between countries, for instance murder rates in OECD countries  (http://www.civitas.org.uk/crime/crime_stats_oecdjan2012.pdf): 2 thirds of the 9 first countries use death penalty, while only one of the other 27 do (Japan).

The deterrent effect of death penalty is a myth, and correlation between death penalty and murder rates actually goes the other way...
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Florestan on November 26, 2014, 11:43:30 AM
Quote from: Discobolus on November 25, 2014, 12:40:41 PM
The deterrent effect of death penalty is a myth, and correlation between death penalty and murder rates actually goes the other way...

That the death penalty is not much of a deterrent may or may not be true, but you seem to imply that it is actually an encouragement...
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on November 27, 2014, 11:33:02 AM
Paper tiger mauls one. (http://www.bbc.com/news/technology-30228279)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: North Star on November 28, 2014, 08:17:58 AM
Woman to sue Peppa Pig creators after sharing name with baby goat character -  Businesswoman Gabriella Capra says her life has 'become an animated cartoon' after her namesake featured in the children's show (http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/italy/11234102/Woman-to-sue-Peppa-Pig-creators-after-sharing-name-with-baby-goat-character.html)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: ibanezmonster on November 28, 2014, 11:24:35 AM
Quote from: North Star on November 28, 2014, 08:17:58 AM
Woman to sue Peppa Pig creators after sharing name with baby goat character -  Businesswoman Gabriella Capra says her life has 'become an animated cartoon' after her namesake featured in the children's show (http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/italy/11234102/Woman-to-sue-Peppa-Pig-creators-after-sharing-name-with-baby-goat-character.html)
First name only? Guess we should remove all names that are being used for real people from every work of fiction.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: North Star on November 28, 2014, 11:33:12 AM
Quote from: Greg on November 28, 2014, 11:24:35 AM
First name only? Guess we should remove all names that are being used for real people from every work of fiction.
Capra means 'goat'.  :laugh:
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: ibanezmonster on November 29, 2014, 06:48:48 PM
Let me be evil for a minute and share a picture I found that may enrage some people, relating to a certain topic in this thread...  >:D

(https://fbcdn-sphotos-b-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xfa1/v/t1.0-9/10540361_1504610843157967_2271283928388099680_n.jpg?oh=be0133cd1288851339837ea7906d280c&oe=55125F33&__gda__=1423031480_92ea4dc659b70c9466b162c479e10e44)

Just kidding. That's not evil. But sadly, some people think setting the same standards for everyone is evil. Lol.  :P


>:D >:D >:D
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: ibanezmonster on December 01, 2014, 07:52:26 PM
So that Bosnian American guy who died Cannibal Corpse style... there's protests, but I don't see people burning their city down over it.  :P

So that led me to this site called everydayfeminism which has articles about "white privilege" and "rape culture."
Needless to say, if you are a thinking human being with a brain, you'll be overwhelmed at the bullshit, cherry picked statistics and completely irrelevant points to support an agenda.

I thought Conservative thinking was profoundly stupid and now I'm starting to understand Liberal thinking. I'm not sure which is stupider. I really hope people see through the bullshit, regardless of how they align theirselves.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on December 02, 2014, 02:49:38 PM
Put'em up, scumbag!
http://reason.com/blog/2014/12/02/four-members-of-congress-put-their-hands (http://reason.com/blog/2014/12/02/four-members-of-congress-put-their-hands)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: ibanezmonster on December 03, 2014, 12:41:14 PM
Quote from: Ken B on December 02, 2014, 02:49:38 PM
Put'em up, scumbag!
http://reason.com/blog/2014/12/02/four-members-of-congress-put-their-hands (http://reason.com/blog/2014/12/02/four-members-of-congress-put-their-hands)

The headline:
"Four Members of Congress Put Their Hands Up in Solidarity With Ferguson Protesters, None Voted to Limit Police Militarization"

Lol.

I saw a guy walking around with his hands up outside before going to the gym... and he was still doing that when I drove home. The irony being that supposedly Michael Brown never even had his hands up.

What is it, 6 corporations that control 90% of the media? Makes you wonder sometimes if the extensive coverage is done to intentionally divide people, keeping them distracted from what is really going on. And of course mainly try to provoke the people that are most susceptible to being provoked is how you divide and conquer.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: The Six on December 04, 2014, 03:19:49 PM
St. Louis PD doesn't deal with their officers killing children very well
(http://i.kinja-img.com/gawker-media/image/upload/s--o2_CaWUS--/c_fit,fl_progressive,q_80,w_636/ye8cyfqvs450tofjvvk7.png)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on December 04, 2014, 04:10:32 PM
 ???

Here's one of those Airsoft toy guns

[asin]B004V95EE8[/asin]

That looks very damn realistic to me, absent the small orange button.

It should be noted though this shooting involved the Cleveland police, it had nothing to do with the St Louis police. The St Louis police did not, as TheSix writes, kill this 12 year old. In fact, while their tone in this is a bit annoyingly flippant, I think they are right to warn parents about letting their kids play with toys like this, especially with the dot missing.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on December 04, 2014, 04:26:45 PM
Only Mr Bill can convey the seriousness of this news: (http://www.marketwatch.com/story/its-official-america-is-now-no-2-2014-12-04)


(http://media.sdreader.com/img/photos/2012/11/21/mrbill1.jpg)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on December 05, 2014, 05:20:21 AM
The court wasn't monkeying around. (http://www.npr.org/blogs/thetwo-way/2014/12/04/368545422/court-rules-chimps-dont-have-same-rights-as-people)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: ibanezmonster on December 05, 2014, 05:44:07 AM
Quote from: Todd on December 04, 2014, 04:26:45 PM
Only Mr Bill can convey the seriousness of this news: (http://www.marketwatch.com/story/its-official-america-is-now-no-2-2014-12-04)


(http://media.sdreader.com/img/photos/2012/11/21/mrbill1.jpg)
I thought that was supposed to happen 10 years from now.  :P

Either way, they have 4 times as many people and are just now producing more GDP? Keeping that in mind, it's not very impressive.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on December 05, 2014, 10:32:55 AM
Granted, if it's your lunch, the frog is not unimportant news (http://www.thewire.com/culture/2013/12/heres-why-you-wont-want-pret-manger-salad-tonight/356582/) . . .

QuoteNo solid explanation of how a frog got into these pre-packaged salads was found, but the companies were pretty apologetic about serving unwanted amphibians. That brings us back to Pret. Pret, unlike a big chain store like Target or a fast food emporium like McDonald's, prides itself on making its food fresh every day in house. "All of our salads are made fresh in each shop's kitchen throughout the day. All you need to do is add the dressing," reads Pret's website. The possibility that someone over looked a grown frog in a salad makes it a bit more disconcerting, and tarnishes some of Pret's claims. Pret's official and very active (they interact with customers, some of whom have the tiniest of gripes — far tinier than a frog) Twitter account in the US so far hasn't tweeted about the frog.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on December 05, 2014, 11:11:03 AM
Quote from: Todd on December 04, 2014, 04:26:45 PM
Only Mr Bill can convey the seriousness of this news: (http://www.marketwatch.com/story/its-official-america-is-now-no-2-2014-12-04)


(http://media.sdreader.com/img/photos/2012/11/21/mrbill1.jpg)
Annex Canada. That will fix it.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on December 05, 2014, 11:12:52 AM
Quote from: Ken B on December 05, 2014, 11:11:03 AM
Annex Canada. That will fix it.

Sure will fix Canada, but good.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: kishnevi on December 05, 2014, 07:26:34 PM
Coming to a theater near you
http://deadline.com/2014/12/obama-movie-first-date-cast-1201309705/
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: ibanezmonster on December 05, 2014, 08:11:16 PM
Quote from: Jeffrey Smith on December 05, 2014, 07:26:34 PM
Coming to a theater near you
http://deadline.com/2014/12/obama-movie-first-date-cast-1201309705/
Why. Lol.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: knight66 on December 05, 2014, 10:12:16 PM
Quote from: Greg on November 01, 2014, 08:11:31 AM
Lol!
Watch as an attractive man gets "harassed" multiple times within the 3 hours of walking through NYC.

#maleburqa

https://www.youtube.com/v/75aX9mlipiY

His body language is conveying that he is open to offers. Look at the way he is strolling just marginally too slowly. He looks like he is looking for action. The girl's body language was completely different.

Mike
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: knight66 on December 05, 2014, 10:17:14 PM
Quote from: Todd on December 05, 2014, 05:20:21 AM
The court wasn't monkeying around. (http://www.npr.org/blogs/thetwo-way/2014/12/04/368545422/court-rules-chimps-dont-have-same-rights-as-people)

If they want rights, they will have to start to pay tax. Next thing, they will want the vote, which would very marginally pull down the overall average IQ of the voting population. So, phew, the court wisely dodged a bullet there.

It is frankly amazing that court time gets taken up with such nonsense.

Mike
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: ibanezmonster on December 06, 2014, 07:29:39 AM
Quote from: knight66 on December 05, 2014, 10:12:16 PM
His body language is conveying that he is open to offers. Look at the way he is strolling just marginally too slowly. He looks like he is looking for action. The girl's body language was completely different.

Mike
I don't think that is significant if you compare it to the pants the lady wore (it was noted that you don't wear them for comfort). What you wear and how you walk can both signify wanting attention, or can get you attention whether you like it or not. Taken to the extreme, a naked person running around in NYC is going to get tons of attention. Take that down to something really subtle such as the really tight pants the lady was wearing, and she's going to get attention from guys looking at her from behind (though considering what type of reaction the video was trying to provoke, it was probably an intentional choice). Not saying it's right to make sleazy comments at someone, but if you are an attractive female wearing super tight pants in a part of town full of black guys, it doesn't really matter what your body language is- they're going to notice anyways.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on December 06, 2014, 08:21:06 AM
Quote from: knight66 on December 05, 2014, 10:12:16 PM
His body language is conveying that he is open to offers. Look at the way he is strolling just marginally too slowly. He looks like he is looking for action. The girl's body language was completely different.

Mike
Yes, her body language was different, as I observed. This is very important. Non verbal cues matter a lot. She was rather obviously ignoring people. The cues she, an attractive high status white, gave off to unemployed low status blacks, were dismissive ones.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: ibanezmonster on December 06, 2014, 06:50:26 PM
Quote from: Ken B on December 06, 2014, 08:21:06 AM
Yes, her body language was different, as I observed. This is very important. Non verbal cues matter a lot. She was rather obviously ignoring people. The cues she, an attractive high status white, gave off to unemployed low status blacks, were dismissive ones.
I'm not sure what your point is here; seems being dismissive would normally turn people away from wanting to talk to them? Or does it have the opposite effect?
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on December 06, 2014, 07:07:09 PM
Quote from: Greg on December 06, 2014, 06:50:26 PM
I'm not sure what your point is here; seems being dismissive would normally turn people away from wanting to talk to them? Or does it have the opposite effect?
Mostly I am pointing out the simple straightforward view of the video a lot of people have is very dubious.
They didn't want to talk to her, they called out at her.  Not the same at all. That's why people see the behavior as offensive. I think much of it is reactive. I believe a perception of snooty superiority will provoke just such a reaction.

I have heard just such reactions from people, but since I'm a well brought up WASP Canadian as were most of my friends those reactions are not shouted in public, just expressed amongst friends as soon as the snoot leaves. That is a culturally determined reticence.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: North Star on December 07, 2014, 06:36:18 AM
The attorneys general have been monkeying around, though (http://www.nytimes.com/2014/12/07/us/politics/energy-firms-in-secretive-alliance-with-attorneys-general.html)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on December 07, 2014, 02:52:34 PM
As the dust settles ...
http://www.richardbradley.net/shotsinthedark/2014/12/06/aftermath/ (http://www.richardbradley.net/shotsinthedark/2014/12/06/aftermath/)

Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: The Six on December 07, 2014, 04:44:56 PM
Walk down the wrong aisle at a stadium, have a taser pointed at you and get beaten by 3 cops
http://deadspin.com/santa-clara-police-attack-fan-at-pac-12-championship-ga-1667994556
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: ibanezmonster on December 07, 2014, 08:19:05 PM
https://www.youtube.com/v/u3PgH86OyEM

This video pretty much sums up why feminists are just sexist, because they will never complain about this type of double standard. If they were truly egalitarian, they would probably say something about this rather than complain about a guy's shirt.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Philo on December 09, 2014, 06:33:26 PM
Quote from: Ken B on December 05, 2014, 11:11:03 AM
Annex Canada. That will fix it.

https://www.youtube.com/v/pS5_mAZjdvw
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on December 09, 2014, 06:44:38 PM
Quote from: Philo on December 09, 2014, 06:33:26 PM
https://www.youtube.com/v/pS5_mAZjdvw

Ummm. Er. Ook.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Wanderer on December 10, 2014, 11:54:37 AM
Mascagni and Verdi in the new Mad Max trailer: http://youtu.be/YWNWi-ZWL3c (http://youtu.be/YWNWi-ZWL3c)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on December 11, 2014, 06:21:34 AM
"All lives matter."
"That's racist!"
http://reason.com/blog/2014/12/10/a-college-president-had-to-apologize-for (http://reason.com/blog/2014/12/10/a-college-president-had-to-apologize-for)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: mc ukrneal on December 11, 2014, 06:26:12 AM
Quote from: Wanderer on December 10, 2014, 11:54:37 AM
Mascagni and Verdi in the new Mad Max trailer: http://youtu.be/YWNWi-ZWL3c (http://youtu.be/YWNWi-ZWL3c)
Nice catch!
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: ibanezmonster on December 11, 2014, 11:18:00 AM
Quote from: Philo on December 09, 2014, 06:33:26 PM
https://www.youtube.com/v/pS5_mAZjdvw
lol


Quote from: Ken B on December 11, 2014, 06:21:34 AM
"All lives matter."
"That's racist!"
http://reason.com/blog/2014/12/10/a-college-president-had-to-apologize-for (http://reason.com/blog/2014/12/10/a-college-president-had-to-apologize-for)
lol
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: knight66 on December 11, 2014, 11:33:41 AM
If they are in Canada, can they really call themselves 'Southern' Baptists?

Mike
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on December 11, 2014, 11:47:50 AM
Quote from: knight66 on December 11, 2014, 11:33:41 AM
If they are in Canada, can they really call themselves 'Southern' Baptists?

Mike
You know, the Inuit complain about this attitude all the time.
>:D :laugh:
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: knight66 on December 11, 2014, 11:53:08 AM
Ken, I read that as 'altitude' initially, the further north, the higher up.

Mike
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Philo on December 11, 2014, 12:06:30 PM
Quote from: Ken B on December 11, 2014, 11:47:50 AM
You know, the Inuit complain about this attitude all the time.
>:D :laugh:

LOL! :laugh:
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on December 11, 2014, 12:06:50 PM
Quote from: knight66 on December 11, 2014, 11:53:08 AM
Ken, I read that as 'altitude' initially, the further north, the higher up.

Mike
So Karlo tells me!
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on December 11, 2014, 07:01:59 PM
Smart thinking. (http://www.npr.org/blogs/thetwo-way/2014/12/11/370125769/greenpeace-apologizes-for-stunt-at-perus-sacred-nazca-lines)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on December 11, 2014, 07:20:07 PM
Quote from: Todd on December 11, 2014, 07:01:59 PM
Smart thinking. (http://www.npr.org/blogs/thetwo-way/2014/12/11/370125769/greenpeace-apologizes-for-stunt-at-perus-sacred-nazca-lines)

Copycats.

(http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/1/11/Richardson-Venus.png)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Moonfish on December 11, 2014, 08:04:15 PM
Quote from: Todd on December 11, 2014, 07:01:59 PM
Smart thinking. (http://www.npr.org/blogs/thetwo-way/2014/12/11/370125769/greenpeace-apologizes-for-stunt-at-perus-sacred-nazca-lines)

You must have posted in the wrong thread! This is indeed an important message for the climate meeting in Peru!!!
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Moonfish on December 11, 2014, 08:06:26 PM
Dogs in Heaven (http://www.nytimes.com/2014/12/12/world/europe/dogs-in-heaven-pope-leaves-pearly-gate-open-.html?hpw&rref=world&action=click&pgtype=Homepage&module=well-region&region=bottom-well&WT.nav=bottom-well&_r=0)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on December 11, 2014, 08:09:25 PM
Quote from: Moonfish on December 11, 2014, 08:06:26 PM
Dogs in Heaven (http://www.nytimes.com/2014/12/12/world/europe/dogs-in-heaven-pope-leaves-pearly-gate-open-.html?hpw&rref=world&action=click&pgtype=Homepage&module=well-region&region=bottom-well&WT.nav=bottom-well&_r=0)

This highlights one of the things I really like about the Dark Ages. Fewer absurd ideas.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Philo on December 11, 2014, 08:17:43 PM
Quote from: Todd on December 11, 2014, 07:01:59 PM
Smart thinking. (http://www.npr.org/blogs/thetwo-way/2014/12/11/370125769/greenpeace-apologizes-for-stunt-at-perus-sacred-nazca-lines)

Such a legit ass apology though:

"Dear all: our apology to the people of Peru http://grnpc.org/IgeHV
We take personal responsibility for actions, willing to face consequences.
Without reservation Greenpeace apologises to the people of Peru for the offence caused by our recent activity laying a message of hope at the site of the historic Nazca Lines. We are deeply sorry for this.
We fully understand that this looks bad. Rather than relay an urgent message of hope and possibility to the leaders gathering at the Lima UN climate talks, we came across as careless and crass.
We have now met with the Peruvian Culture Ministry responsible for the site to offer an apology. We welcome any independent review of the consequences of our activity. We will cooperate fully with any investigation.
We take personal responsibility for actions, and are committed to nonviolence. Greenpeace is accountable for its activities and willing to face fair and reasonable consequences.
I will travel to Lima, this week, to personally apologise for the offence caused by the activity and represent the organisation in any on going discussions with the Peruvian authorities.
Greenpeace will immediately stop any further use of the offending images."
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: North Star on December 11, 2014, 08:21:16 PM
Quote from: Moonfish on December 11, 2014, 08:06:26 PM
Dogs in Heaven (http://www.nytimes.com/2014/12/12/world/europe/dogs-in-heaven-pope-leaves-pearly-gate-open-.html?hpw&rref=world&action=click&pgtype=Homepage&module=well-region&region=bottom-well&WT.nav=bottom-well&_r=0)
I'm waiting anxiously to hear where the Pope says the mosquitoes do go.   0:)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on December 12, 2014, 05:23:58 AM
Quote from: Philo on December 11, 2014, 08:17:43 PM
Such a legit ass apology though:

"Dear all: our apology to the people of Peru http://grnpc.org/IgeHV
We take personal responsibility for actions, willing to face consequences.
Without reservation Greenpeace apologises to the people of Peru for the offence caused by our recent activity laying a message of hope at the site of the historic Nazca Lines. We are deeply sorry for this.
We fully understand that this looks bad. Rather than relay an urgent message of hope and possibility to the leaders gathering at the Lima UN climate talks, we came across as careless and crass.
We have now met with the Peruvian Culture Ministry responsible for the site to offer an apology. We welcome any independent review of the consequences of our activity. We will cooperate fully with any investigation.
We take personal responsibility for actions, and are committed to nonviolence. Greenpeace is accountable for its activities and willing to face fair and reasonable consequences.
I will travel to Lima, this week, to personally apologise for the offence caused by the activity and represent the organisation in any on going discussions with the Peruvian authorities.
Greenpeace will immediately stop any further use of the offending images."
Not so legit ass. This is someone who, by emphasizing his flight, is making sure that while we know he was not involved, is "apologizing" for others. If my son spray paints your house I guess I could apologize, but it wouldn't really be what's required would it?  I haven't seen an apology from the actual people who did this.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Philo on December 12, 2014, 05:35:32 AM
Quote from: Ken B on December 12, 2014, 05:23:58 AM
Not so legit ass. This is someone who, by emphasizing his flight, is making sure that while we know he was not involved, is "apologizing" for others. If my son spray paints your house I guess I could apologize, but it wouldn't really be what's required would it?  I haven't seen an apology from the actual people who did this.

Is he not the head? If so, that's his job, to take the brunt of an action that he sanctioned. Given that charges were brought, I'm assuming the others have been told by their lawyer to remain silent until it all shakes out. So still legit.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on December 12, 2014, 06:29:27 AM
Quote from: Philo on December 12, 2014, 05:35:32 AM
... I'm assuming the others have been told by their lawyer to remain silent ...

So am I! Silence is not an apology! Again, if I key your car, my parents, my teachers, my employers, my government, the head of my backgammon club, and my neighbour can all apologize as profusely as they want. If on the advice of counsel I clam up, I have not apologized.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: The Six on December 13, 2014, 07:02:48 AM
Um, NYPD officers may be planting guns on innocent people in order to arrest them and fulfill a "quota"...

http://www.nytimes.com/2014/12/12/nyregion/gun-arrests-with-2-things-in-common-the-officers-and-unidentified-informers.html?smid=tw-nytmetro&_r=1
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Cosi bel do on December 15, 2014, 03:50:47 PM
The ruble lost 9% of its value this monday against the euro and the dollar. And 43% in one year.

Wait, is that unimportant? Doesn't that mean all the Melodiya CDs and sets are gonna be cheaper?
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on December 15, 2014, 05:50:52 PM
Imperialist bastards! (http://news.yahoo.com/denmark-claims-north-pole-via-greenland-ridge-214732912.html%20Imperialist%20bastards!)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: kishnevi on December 15, 2014, 06:25:28 PM
Quote from: Ken B on December 15, 2014, 05:50:52 PM
Imperialist bastards! (http://news.yahoo.com/denmark-claims-north-pole-via-greenland-ridge-214732912.html%20Imperialist%20bastards!)

Obvious solution is to find Santa Claus's passport.  Whichever country issued it owns the Pole.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on December 15, 2014, 07:13:46 PM
Quote from: Jeffrey Smith on December 15, 2014, 06:25:28 PM
Obvious solution is to find Santa Claus's passport.  Whichever country issued it owns the Pole.

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/politics/canada-issues-santa-claus-a-passport/article16072973/ (http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/politics/canada-issues-santa-claus-a-passport/article16072973/)

Try that on for size you rapacious Danes!
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on December 16, 2014, 04:03:36 AM
You can take the Dane out of Jutland, but you cannot take Jutland out of the Dane.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: North Star on December 16, 2014, 04:27:12 AM
Quote from: Jeffrey Smith on December 15, 2014, 06:25:28 PM
Obvious solution is to find Santa Claus's passport.  Whichever country issued it owns the Pole.
Nonsense, Santa lives in Rovaniemi, Finland.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Cosi bel do on December 16, 2014, 12:19:24 PM
OK so, I think now is the time for us to send someone in Russia get all the Melodiya CDs we need.

Consider for instance this set, usually €20-25 at least on Marketplace, €30 / $50 on Amazon.

(http://melody.su/upload/iblock/2ef/2effc7cba131ea7866fc7f7d46cd98c9.JPG)

Its price is actually 450 rubles, so really, today, €5.35 or $6.60...

Same thing for all the expensive stuff at Melodiya. So, who wants to go there and bring us all some music?
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on December 16, 2014, 01:02:51 PM
Quote from: Discobolus on December 16, 2014, 12:19:24 PM
OK so, I think now is the time for us to send someone in Russia get all the Melodiya CDs we need.

Consider for instance this set, usually €20-25 at least on Marketplace, €30 / $50 on Amazon.

(http://melody.su/upload/iblock/2ef/2effc7cba131ea7866fc7f7d46cd98c9.JPG)

Its price is actually 450 rubles, so really, today, €5.35 or $6.60...

Same thing for all the expensive stuff at Melodiya. So, who wants to go there and bring us all some music?

One of the Finns, or Florestan. They won't even need to travel; the Russians will come to them.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on December 17, 2014, 04:49:24 AM
"Look, we're only helping out your insurgents!  We didn't want to!"
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Brian on December 17, 2014, 07:14:26 AM
USA restores full diplomatic relations with Cuba, plans to open embassy in Havana within months, eases travel restrictions, permits American travelers to bring back $400 in Cuban goods (including $100 in cigars), and encourages Congress to formally lift embargo.

Wow.

Negotiations held in secret for 18 months, with clandestine final summit hosted by Pope Francis.

http://www.nytimes.com/2014/12/18/world/americas/us-cuba-relations.html
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on December 17, 2014, 07:49:37 AM
Advice for any Russian readers: keep all your money in Rubles. No-one will think to look for money in a pile of Rubles.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on December 17, 2014, 08:41:50 AM
If it's in rubles, and in a quantity to be worth anything, it's big as a block of flats, anyway.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Florestan on December 20, 2014, 04:19:09 AM
Quote from: Ken B on December 16, 2014, 01:02:51 PM
One of the Finns, or Florestan. They won't even need to travel; the Russians will come to them.

Quote from: karlhenning on December 17, 2014, 04:49:24 AM
"Look, we're only helping out your insurgents!  We didn't want to!"

Romania, autumn of 1944, at midnight. Someone knocks heavily at the door of an old countryside lady.

"Who is there?", asked she, terribly frightened.

"'The Death! I'm coming for you!"

"God, you scared the hell out of me! I thought it was The Red Army!"
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on December 20, 2014, 04:33:09 PM
At first I thought this was a headline from The Onion, but it turns out it's from The Gray Lady. (http://www.nytimes.com/2014/12/21/world/asia/us-asks-china-to-help-rein-in-korean-hackers.html?_r=0)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Brian on December 21, 2014, 07:41:47 AM
This one's about 15 miles from where I was born: Anti-Gay Preacher Named "Gaylard" Arrested for Squeezing Man's Genitals, Caught "Returning" Gay Porn to "Friend" (http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/antilgbt-preacher-gaylard-williams-arrested-for-grabbing-and-squeezing-mans-genitals-9938465.html)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: ibanezmonster on December 21, 2014, 10:46:02 AM
Quote from: Brian on December 21, 2014, 07:41:47 AM
This one's about 15 miles from where I was born: Anti-Gay Preacher Named "Gaylard" Arrested for Squeezing Man's Genitals, Caught "Returning" Gay Porn to "Friend" (http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/antilgbt-preacher-gaylard-williams-arrested-for-grabbing-and-squeezing-mans-genitals-9938465.html)
Lol. And his name is "Gaylard."
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on December 23, 2014, 04:16:49 PM
Quote from: Todd on December 05, 2014, 05:20:21 AM
The court wasn't monkeying around. (http://www.npr.org/blogs/thetwo-way/2014/12/04/368545422/court-rules-chimps-dont-have-same-rights-as-people)


But this one was. (http://www.npr.org/blogs/thetwo-way/2014/12/23/372641268/orangutan-declared-to-have-legal-rights-in-argentina)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: knight66 on December 23, 2014, 11:40:34 PM
Quote from: Todd on December 23, 2014, 04:16:49 PM

But this one was. (http://www.npr.org/blogs/thetwo-way/2014/12/23/372641268/orangutan-declared-to-have-legal-rights-in-argentina)

Todd, I was sure this was a leg pull, then looking round the Net had to accept it was true. Still sounds bananas to me. I could more see a point in the case had the animal not been born in the zoo. I cannot see in what sense freedom could be usefully provided to it.

Mike
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on December 24, 2014, 07:19:52 AM
Quote from: knight66 on December 23, 2014, 11:40:34 PMStill sounds bananas to me.



It is worse than bananas: it is neo-animism seeping into the legal system of a country.  (Yes, it's Argentina, but still.)  It is one small step toward barbarism.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Florestan on December 24, 2014, 07:52:31 AM
Quote from: Todd on December 24, 2014, 07:19:52 AM
It is worse than bananas: it is neo-animism seeping into the legal system of a country.  (Yes, it's Argentina, but still.)  It is one small step toward barbarism.

+1
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on December 24, 2014, 07:55:19 AM
Wow. Todd, Florestan, and I agree. Blue moon?
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on December 25, 2014, 09:11:12 PM
My feel-good story of the day.
http://nypost.com/2014/12/25/plane-passenger-tossed-after-angry-reaction-to-merry-christmas/ (http://nypost.com/2014/12/25/plane-passenger-tossed-after-angry-reaction-to-merry-christmas/)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Brian on December 27, 2014, 06:52:10 AM
Want some sunglasses in China? Buy them from Helen Keller. (http://www.helenkeller.cn/product.php?listid=7)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Moonfish on December 27, 2014, 09:37:32 AM
Quote from: Todd on December 24, 2014, 07:19:52 AM


It is worse than bananas: it is neo-animism seeping into the legal system of a country.  (Yes, it's Argentina, but still.)  It is one small step toward barbarism.

It is ethics different from yours. How can you even consider it barbarism?

bar·ba·rism
ˈbärbəˌrizəm
noun
1.
absence of culture and civilization.
"the collapse of civilization and the return to barbarism"
2.
extreme cruelty or brutality.
"she called the execution an act of barbarism"
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on December 27, 2014, 10:06:01 AM
Quote from: Moonfish on December 27, 2014, 09:37:32 AM
It is ethics different from yours. How can you even consider it barbarism?

bar·ba·rism
ˈbärbəˌrizəm
noun
1.
absence of culture and civilization.
"the collapse of civilization and the return to barbarism"
2.
extreme cruelty or brutality.
"she called the execution an act of barbarism"

Imagine I said a flower should have the same rights as a person. Or, more to the point, a person has no more rights than a flower. It is the devaluing of human life.
How would you view a ruling that a chimpanzee deserved no more consideration than an earth-worm?
What other less sensate things should we give full rights to? 2 month fetuses, so abortion is murder?
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on December 27, 2014, 10:11:10 AM
Quote from: Moonfish on December 27, 2014, 09:37:32 AM
It is ethics different from yours. How can you even consider it barbarism?

bar·ba·rism
ˈbärbəˌrizəm
noun
1.
absence of culture and civilization.
"the collapse of civilization and the return to barbarism"
2.
extreme cruelty or brutality.
"she called the execution an act of barbarism"



The first definition covers it.  The notion of "animal rights" - and the evolving notion of "plants rights" - is intrinsically misanthropic.  It erodes the foundation of civilization itself.  Supporters of these notions of course fancy themselves more enlightened than others.  But it is nothing more than a reversion to animism.  Hence my use of the phrase neo-animism.  It is akin to barbarism of old, with sacred trees and rocks and righteous critters.  It is emotional devotion to things, now dressed up with pseudoscience and, in Argentina, the legal fiction of non-human personhood.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Moonfish on December 27, 2014, 11:51:46 AM
Quote from: Todd on December 27, 2014, 10:11:10 AM


The first definition covers it.  The notion of "animal rights" - and the evolving notion of "plants rights" - is intrinsically misanthropic.  It erodes the foundation of civilization itself.  Supporters of these notions of course fancy themselves more enlightened than others.  But it is nothing more than a reversion to animism.  Hence my use of the phrase neo-animism.  It is akin to barbarism of old, with sacred trees and rocks and righteous critters.  It is emotional devotion to things, now dressed up with pseudoscience and, in Argentina, the legal fiction of non-human personhood.

Interesting, considering that western culture is extremely geared towards the devotion of things.....
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Jo498 on December 27, 2014, 12:08:49 PM
yes, but devotion to man-made artifacts and institutions, especially the deity formerly known as Mammon.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Moonfish on December 27, 2014, 12:15:23 PM
Quote from: Jo498 on December 27, 2014, 12:08:49 PM
yes, but devotion to man-made artifacts and institutions, especially the deity formerly known as Mammon.

True Jo498! Mammon has risen greatly over the last century!

Todd, so we now have a culture devoted towards manmade objects/possessions/artifacts, right? Why is it considered barbaric to be devoted in a similar fashion to natural objects, or for that matter, other living beings? Shouldn't other living things have priority over e.g. electronics, toys or cars? Why should such a view be considered barbaric or ethically be considered as a lack of culture?
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on December 27, 2014, 12:53:35 PM
Quote from: Moonfish on December 27, 2014, 12:15:23 PMShouldn't other living things have priority over e.g. electronics, toys or cars?



Not really.  The notion that a chicken, say, should be given "priority" (which means?) over some thing like an MRI machine is rather bizarre, to say the very least.  I'm not sure the false binary choice you offer - switching to devotion of critters from devotion to manmade artifacts - is any less bizarre.  Devotion here more than implies emotional involvement, which should be reduced in public policy and everyday life, I would think.  Others may want a more caring society, I guess, which only serves to show that some people can anthropomorphize anything.  Adding to the list of things that society mis- or overvalues is not something to pursue or celebrate.

Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Moonfish on December 27, 2014, 01:04:44 PM
Quote from: Todd on December 27, 2014, 12:53:35 PM


Not really.  The notion that a chicken, say, should be given "priority" (which means?) over some thing like an MRI machine is rather bizarre, to say the very least.  I'm not sure the false binary choice you offer - switching to devotion of critters from devotion to manmade artifacts - is any less bizarre.  Devotion here more than implies emotional involvement, which should be reduced in public policy and everyday life, I would think.  Others may want a more caring society, I guess, which only serves to show that some people can anthropomorphize anything.  Adding to the list of things that society mis- or overvalues is not something to pursue or celebrate.

It is all relative. I am not really focusing on the meat factories of our society (poultry farms etc). Your chosen example with a chicken versus an MRI machine is indeed bizarre. What about a Bald Eagle versus your pencil? What is worth more in the moment of choice? Would there be a differential list of objects versus living things in the moment of choice? My point is that most of the time living things (and the ecosystems they are integral parts of) are not valued in the ethical, financial and legal equations of modern culture. However, our culture's existence depends critically on the health of these ecosystems. Why don't we value them?
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on December 27, 2014, 01:33:26 PM
Quote from: Moonfish on December 27, 2014, 01:04:44 PMWhat about a Bald Eagle versus your pencil? What is worth more in the moment of choice?


Since bald eagles are no longer endangered, I'll take the pencil.  It is less likely to peck my eye out or soil my floor.  But more seriously, your question contains an element of the emotionalism I refer to.  I literally don't care about the life of a specific bald eagle any more than I care about the fate of a specific pencil.



Quote from: Moonfish on December 27, 2014, 01:04:44 PMMy point is that most of the time living things (and the ecosystems they are integral parts of) are not valued in the ethical, financial and legal equations of modern culture. However, our culture's existence depends critically on the health of these ecosystems. Why don't we value them?


I'm not sure what culture you live in, because the one I live in (the United States) most certainly does value other living things.  The US has the Endangered Species Act, for instance, which has been used to protect a variety of critters over the years, and has in some instances destroyed entire industries - and peoples' lives - in some regions of the country when doing so. 

Another example involves the current trend of removing dams in the Pacific Northwest.  In some cases, the dams no longer serve a significant purpose (ie, flood control, hydropower, irrigation), so in those cases, dam removal makes sense.  However, some people, predominantly animal rights activists, have targeted hydropower dams for removal.  Here, society must make a choice: are salmon runs more important that zero carbon emission electricity for millions of people?  More accurately, society must decide to what extent the dams should be altered with fish ladders, etc, and efficiency of power generation should be traded off against each other.  Society must make a choice between an abstract notion of an "ecosystem" and sustainably meeting human needs.  Some animals must die, and some must never be born.  It may even turn out that a specific species or two is allowed to go extinct to ensure that broader environmental concerns are addressed and so that humans may thrive.  The way you frame your point seems to ignore that.  It also exposes why there is a growing rift between some animal rights activists and some environmentalists.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Moonfish on December 27, 2014, 05:57:18 PM
Quote from: Todd on December 27, 2014, 01:33:26 PM

Since bald eagles are no longer endangered, I'll take the pencil.  It is less likely to peck my eye out or soil my floor.  But more seriously, your question contains an element of the emotionalism I refer to.  I literally don't care about the life of a specific bald eagle any more than I care about the fate of a specific pencil.




I'm not sure what culture you live in, because the one I live in (the United States) most certainly does value other living things.  The US has the Endangered Species Act, for instance, which has been used to protect a variety of critters over the years, and has in some instances destroyed entire industries - and peoples' lives - in some regions of the country when doing so. 

Another example involves the current trend of removing dams in the Pacific Northwest.  In some cases, the dams no longer serve a significant purpose (ie, flood control, hydropower, irrigation), so in those cases, dam removal makes sense.  However, some people, predominantly animal rights activists, have targeted hydropower dams for removal.  Here, society must make a choice: are salmon runs more important that zero carbon emission electricity for millions of people?  More accurately, society must decide to what extent the dams should be altered with fish ladders, etc, and efficiency of power generation should be traded off against each other.  Society must make a choice between an abstract notion of an "ecosystem" and sustainably meeting human needs.  Some animals must die, and some must never be born.  It may even turn out that a specific species or two is allowed to go extinct to ensure that broader environmental concerns are addressed and so that humans may thrive.  The way you frame your point seems to ignore that.  It also exposes why there is a growing rift between some animal rights activists and some environmentalists.

Yes, I am very well aware about the measures taken here in the US. No major environmental acts have been passed over the last 25 years (1990 Clean Air Act). That timeline speaks for itself. To refer to the ESA as an example one needs to realize the extreme political nature of the act. Under the Clinton administration 521 species were added to the act, while under George W Bush only 60 species were added. Was that because less species were threatened here in the US between 2000-2008 compared to 1992-2000? Or is there a different explanation?
In regards to dams: are you familiar with how dams affect watersheds or, alternatively, the history of salmon species along the west coast of North America?  Obviously, the damage has been done, but is it not worthwhile to at least restore some habitat for the salmon species that once thrived to potentially restore their population? Could the salmon fisheries become viable once again and be of benefit to humanity if we take the proper action?

The current legislation is not sufficient to address the current ecological problems we are experiencing on both a national and global level. There is some hope with the recent measures taken by the White House in regards to climate change, but appropriate legal follow-ups will never pass the Senate nor the House of Congress for obvious reasons (unless the republican party recognizes potential negative political consequences if it opposes President Obama's environmental stance). Our nation does not currently have the political will to address environmental issues unless the average person cares about them. My original point is that a culture needs to have a solid environmental ethics to move towards a sustainable future. We lack it in our aggressive overuse of resources on a global level and lack of longterm environmental concerns. Unfortunately, this is pretty much a global phenomena. The European nations have progressed much further towards building policies toward a sustainable future (Germany in particular).

One cannot really present issues very well on an internet forum so we are probably both reading/adding aspects that do not exist in the posts. However, it is pretty clear that you seem to champion that humans must thrive no matter what the consequences will be.  There is no way I would choose a pencil over the life of an eagle.  You are making your own ethical choice quite clear with your answer.  Humans are indeed thriving, but at a great cost. The problem is that society overall does not recognize the cost  (and debt in terms of pollution and habitat destruction) it has incurred in its rapid expansion in population level and resource use over the last century. Our ethics (in this thread) in regards to the environment differ greatly. Let's leave it at that as we certainly will not make each others views change by these posts. It will become a diatribe.

Todd! Let's agree to disagree?
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on December 27, 2014, 06:59:58 PM
Quote from: Moonfish on December 27, 2014, 05:57:18 PMIn regards to dams: are you familiar with how dams affect watersheds or, alternatively, the history of salmon species along the west coast of North America?  Obviously, the damage has been done, but is it not worthwhile to at least restore some habitat for the salmon species that once thrived to potentially restore their population? Could the salmon fisheries become viable once again and be of benefit to humanity if we take the proper action?


Yes, I am familiar with it.  I live in the Pacific Northwest.  I have been exposed to pro-environmental and pro-animal rights propaganda for decades.  Your last two questions purposely avoid the larger questions involved, most specifically the impact to sustainable energy production in order to enhance salmon runs.  To put it bluntly, a trade off will need to be made between effective salmon recovery efforts and reliable, low emission energy.  I favor the latter.  The potential benefit of salmon runs - and all environmental and animal rights ideas - need to go through rigorous cost-benefit analyses.  If switching to farm-raised salmon is a cheaper alternative for society as a whole than retrofitting dams and reducing power output, then that is the superior policy choice.  Not every species needs to be saved.



Quote from: Moonfish on December 27, 2014, 05:57:18 PMMy original point is that a culture needs to have a solid environmental ethics to move towards a sustainable future.


Then there's part of the problem.  My original post did not pertain to so-called "environmental ethics", but rather to the absurd and potentially obscene and destructive neo-animism seeping into one country's legal system.  Sustainability is primarily related to energy policy.  Enhanced animal rights endangers future deployment of sustainable energy technologies, as well as the erosion of actual ethics and civilization.  It is not just salmon runs, but also various animals impacted by wind farms (eg, birds), solar farms (eg, lizards), wave and tidal energy (fish, whales, etc), and so forth.  Extending "personhood" to animals, starting with primates, and then to whatever as would inevitably happen, will only slow the deployment of new technologies in some areas.  The environment and animal rights are at odds with one another right now; this will only get worse.  From your posts, it seems that you do not accept that this is the case.

With respect to your admiration of Europe, you may want to dig a bit deeper.  Germany's policies have resulted in regressive energy rate structure along with the grotesque geopolitical manipulation of US trade policy with China on behalf of a German solar panel maker (Solar World).  And some European countries have taken to burning wood pellets to meet emission levels - but that only hides the fact that some of the emissions show up in other countries' figures.  Rather like how exporting manufacturing to low labor cost countries shifts environmental degradation and costs to poorer countries.




Quote from: Moonfish on December 27, 2014, 05:57:18 PM
However, it is pretty clear that you seem to champion that humans must thrive no matter what the consequences will be.  There is no way I would choose a pencil over the life of an eagle.


I make no apologies for putting people ahead of animals and the nebulous concept of the environment.  The last two, and the last one, in particular, is important only in so far as it harms people.  A few billion years hence, after humans are extinct, the sun will expand and destroy the earth.  In the ultimate long run, the environment does not matter a whit.  It only matters now and in the next few hundred or thousand years because of people.

As to your eagle ethics, you missed the point.

Anyway, for all the environmentalist types (as distinct from animal rights types), how do you suggest taking the IPCC's claims that weather related deaths of humans will likely drop as a result of global warming?  Is that a good thing or a bad thing?  Or just a thing?  This isn't to say I "favor" global warming - though I readily acknowledge that it is happening now and will continue to happen and that humanity will blow by the 450 ppm carbon threshold and the downright ridiculous two degree Celsius temperature increase threshold set as meaningful goals - just that it seems that even science types aren't all gloom and doom.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Moonfish on December 27, 2014, 08:43:01 PM
Of course it is related to energy. What is interesting about energy is that the aspect of lowering the consumption of energy is rarely addressed here in the US in a serious fashion. If it is addressed the regulations move at snail's pace. Dams are a mute point as almost all watersheds with potential hydropower already have been utilized and we have already destroyed most of the existing salmon population apart from Alaska's. I am not sure what your point is except for that the existing salmon species are not worth saving in your eyes.  You remind me of a commissioner for BLM that when asked about the loss of salmon as a consequence of dam building responded with "Let them eat cake instead" and laughed at the film crew (Cadillac Desert).

Sure the sun will expand in five billion years. I am not sure what your point is here either? Do you think I am suggesting that we should be sustainable for five billion years?  Besides, I certainly do not see what this astronomical fact has to do with environmental ethics in the present time. 

You can hold onto your pencil, Todd, if it matters so much to you. You are completely missing my points in regards to sustainability and environmental ethics.

I agree to disagree as these posts are heading nowhere quickly.  We are both entrenched in very different views of the world.

Signing off from this discussion.   0:) 0:) 0:)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on December 28, 2014, 06:18:57 AM
I'll just leave this here, as a chaser to the Todd-Moonfish exchange.

http://www.werewolfpage.com/myths/global_legends.html (http://www.werewolfpage.com/myths/global_legends.html)

Try not to gloat Todd.  ;) :D
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on December 28, 2014, 06:46:16 AM
Unsurprising global map of racial tolerance.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/worldviews/wp/2013/05/15/a-fascinating-map-of-the-worlds-most-and-least-racially-tolerant-countries/ (http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/worldviews/wp/2013/05/15/a-fascinating-map-of-the-worlds-most-and-least-racially-tolerant-countries/)

The linked article about the response of one Carlton prof is interesting too.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on December 28, 2014, 07:23:43 AM
Quote from: Moonfish on December 27, 2014, 08:43:01 PMDams are a mute point as almost all watersheds with potential hydropower already have been utilized and we have already destroyed most of the existing salmon population apart from Alaska's.



It's "moot" point.  If you insist on misusing tired phrases, do try to do it properly.  And then you can explain to activists trying to remove hydropower dams that it is a moot point.

Anyway, your continued misuse of the word "ethics", and your last word style argument ("Signing off . . ."), indicate that you have found your religion, and that nothing will challenge your devotion.  Like many religious zealots, it appears that the concept of trade offs, and someone pointing out internal contradictions within your belief system, offends your moral and moralistic sensibility.  Pretty standard stuff.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: ibanezmonster on December 28, 2014, 08:12:04 AM
Quote from: Ken B on December 28, 2014, 06:46:16 AM
Unsurprising global map of racial tolerance.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/worldviews/wp/2013/05/15/a-fascinating-map-of-the-worlds-most-and-least-racially-tolerant-countries/ (http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/worldviews/wp/2013/05/15/a-fascinating-map-of-the-worlds-most-and-least-racially-tolerant-countries/)

The linked article about the response of one Carlton prof is interesting too.
Idk, I was surprised Indians are so racist.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Moonfish on December 28, 2014, 02:43:47 PM
Quote from: Ken B on December 28, 2014, 06:18:57 AM
I'll just leave this here, as a chaser to the Todd-Moonfish exchange.

http://www.werewolfpage.com/myths/global_legends.html (http://www.werewolfpage.com/myths/global_legends.html)

Try not to gloat Todd.  ;) :D

You are right. His posts belong on the www.werewolfpage.com/myths pages!!    ;D
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Moonfish on December 28, 2014, 02:56:37 PM
Quote from: Todd on December 28, 2014, 07:23:43 AM


It's "moot" point.  If you insist on misusing tired phrases, do try to do it properly.  And then you can explain to activists trying to remove hydropower dams that it is a moot point.

Anyway, your continued misuse of the word "ethics", and your last word style argument ("Signing off . . ."), indicate that you have found your religion, and that nothing will challenge your devotion.  Like many religious zealots, it appears that the concept of trade offs, and someone pointing out internal contradictions within your belief system, offends your moral and moralistic sensibility.  Pretty standard stuff.

Signing off just meant that it is pointless to argue with you. I will never convince you nor will you change my mind on these issues. What is the point? I do not appreciate being criticized for ethics. I could make exactly the same statement about your own point of view as you appear quite zealous. What will challenge your "devotion"?   You have numerous environmental contradictions within your own arguments, but I feel it quite pointless to argue these points with you.  Do you think that you have the supreme judgment in regards to these questions? There are many different ways of looking at each question/problem and they mostly fall into the gray zone, i.e. they become hard choices. You seemingly think you have the answer to every question and that is your own personal issue. I certainly do not feel I have all the answers.  Do you? I strongly suspect that you will answer yes to the last question.

You have much to learn about the environment and viewing the world from an ecological perspective, Todd.  You seem more entrenched in the economic and legal perspectives of these issues. Besides, your posts focus so much on arguing about semantics rather than the topic at hand. It is pointless to debate with you. You are entrenched in an worldview I cannot relate to.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Moonfish on December 28, 2014, 02:59:54 PM
I should know better than to engage in these types of threads. Reading your arrogant posts Todd makes me want to leave the GMG environment completely.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: ibanezmonster on December 29, 2014, 07:21:31 PM
Corporate greed...

http://wtvr.com/2014/12/29/why-united-airlines-suing-a-22-year-old-over-hidden-city-trick/
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on December 31, 2014, 12:33:29 PM
Wrong wrong wrong. Epic fail.

http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2014/dec/30/military-hardware-still-flowing-to-local-police-af/ (http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2014/dec/30/military-hardware-still-flowing-to-local-police-af/)

Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on January 09, 2015, 07:48:24 PM
Feed the homeless would you? Hands up, scumbag!
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/04/12/feeding-ban-alabama_n_5135722.html (http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/04/12/feeding-ban-alabama_n_5135722.html)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: ibanezmonster on January 12, 2015, 06:15:59 AM
Very interesting read. Of course, take it for what it's worth, since no one can really predict the future, but good to read some insight about what's going on with oil currently. I'm saving about $30 a month because of it.

http://www.usatoday.com/story/money/columnist/bartiromo/2015/01/11/bartiromo-saudi-prince-alwaleed-oil-100-barrel/21484911/
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on January 14, 2015, 06:35:11 AM
OK, I know where I am not going for dinner.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/asia/china/11342151/Chinese-restaurant-promises-free-food-to-the-beautiful.html (http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/asia/china/11342151/Chinese-restaurant-promises-free-food-to-the-beautiful.html)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on January 15, 2015, 12:10:34 PM
Not sure where to leave this. Norman Lebrecht on anti-semitism in France.

http://www.jewishworldreview.com/0115/lebrecht_france.php3 (http://www.jewishworldreview.com/0115/lebrecht_france.php3)

Over recent years many have come to Canada. I want all we can get.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Gurn Blanston on January 15, 2015, 12:26:09 PM
Quote from: Ken B on January 15, 2015, 12:10:34 PM
Not sure where to leave this. Norman Lebrecht on anti-semitism in France.

http://www.jewishworldreview.com/0115/lebrecht_france.php3 (http://www.jewishworldreview.com/0115/lebrecht_france.php3)

Over recent years many have come to Canada. I want all we can get.

Interesting story, thanks, Ken.  :-\

8)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on January 16, 2015, 05:42:35 AM
I'll just leave this here. http://reason.com/blog/2015/01/15/womens-college-cancels-vagina-monologues (http://reason.com/blog/2015/01/15/womens-college-cancels-vagina-monologues)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on January 16, 2015, 05:51:14 AM
Quote from: Ken B on January 16, 2015, 05:42:35 AM
I'll just leave this here. http://reason.com/blog/2015/01/15/womens-college-cancels-vagina-monologues (http://reason.com/blog/2015/01/15/womens-college-cancels-vagina-monologues)

"A Night of a Thousand Vaginas" . . . got just a little dizzy, there.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: ibanezmonster on January 16, 2015, 06:44:12 AM
Quote from: Ken B on January 16, 2015, 05:42:35 AM
I'll just leave this here. http://reason.com/blog/2015/01/15/womens-college-cancels-vagina-monologues (http://reason.com/blog/2015/01/15/womens-college-cancels-vagina-monologues)
??? ;D
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: knight66 on January 16, 2015, 09:47:57 AM
Quote from: Ken B on January 15, 2015, 12:10:34 PM
Not sure where to leave this. Norman Lebrecht on anti-semitism in France.

http://www.jewishworldreview.com/0115/lebrecht_france.php3 (http://www.jewishworldreview.com/0115/lebrecht_france.php3)

Over recent years many have come to Canada. I want all we can get.

Sad and worrying. All year our societies have been commerating the dead and why they died. Although principally a remembrance of WW1, it fed strongly into the annual WW2 commemorations. Many people sacrificed in the hope we would do away with the kind of society where people would be unsafe because of their background or beliefs. It seems that it is not that we forget history, we don't learn from it.

Mike
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on January 16, 2015, 06:29:56 PM
This may be Obama's best action. Bravo.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/investigations/holder-ends-seized-asset-sharing-process-that-split-billions-with-local-state-police/2015/01/16/0e7ca058-99d4-11e4-bcfb-059ec7a93ddc_story.html (http://www.washingtonpost.com/investigations/holder-ends-seized-asset-sharing-process-that-split-billions-with-local-state-police/2015/01/16/0e7ca058-99d4-11e4-bcfb-059ec7a93ddc_story.html)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Moonfish on January 16, 2015, 07:05:02 PM
Quote from: Ken B on January 16, 2015, 06:29:56 PM
This may be Obama's best action. Bravo.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/investigations/holder-ends-seized-asset-sharing-process-that-split-billions-with-local-state-police/2015/01/16/0e7ca058-99d4-11e4-bcfb-059ec7a93ddc_story.html (http://www.washingtonpost.com/investigations/holder-ends-seized-asset-sharing-process-that-split-billions-with-local-state-police/2015/01/16/0e7ca058-99d4-11e4-bcfb-059ec7a93ddc_story.html)

Is it my imagination or are you running this thread Ken? You must be reading a lot of unimportant news in your spare time!  ::)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: ibanezmonster on January 16, 2015, 07:10:42 PM
Quote from: Moonfish on January 16, 2015, 07:05:02 PM
Is it my imagination or are you running this thread Ken? You must be reading a lot of unimportant news in your spare time!  ::)
Lol, true. Stuff like news headlines certainly distract me by piquing my curiousity, though in reality it's probably not good for most people to be consumed in it, if they are. News is mainly the problems and horror of reality. Stop reading news, Ken. Go watch a movie, play a PC game, or listen to some Stockhausen Elgar?...  ;D
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: XB-70 Valkyrie on January 16, 2015, 11:14:49 PM
Hey, the Academy Awards are coming up!!! Can't think of anything less important (or interesting) than that.

Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on January 17, 2015, 05:20:54 AM
Quote from: XB-70 Valkyrie on January 16, 2015, 11:14:49 PM
Hey, the Academy Awards are coming up!!! Can't think of anything less important (or interesting) than that.

There's the Dubuque Paint Drying Festival.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on January 17, 2015, 06:56:52 PM
Someone asked why Diner threads get so gnarled. one reason.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/news/volokh-conspiracy/wp/2015/01/17/over-80-percent-of-americans-support-mandatory-labels-on-foods-containing-dna/ (http://www.washingtonpost.com/news/volokh-conspiracy/wp/2015/01/17/over-80-percent-of-americans-support-mandatory-labels-on-foods-containing-dna/)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: XB-70 Valkyrie on January 17, 2015, 11:17:54 PM
Ban dihydrogen monoxide!! Did you know that dihydrogen monoxide is a major factor in the vast majority of drownings and slip and fall accidents, and that it is a major component of acid rain!? Why won't somebody pleeaaassssseee think of the children!?!?!?1?
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on January 18, 2015, 06:04:43 AM
Quote from: XB-70 Valkyrie on January 17, 2015, 11:17:54 PM
Ban dihydrogen monoxide!! Did you know that dihydrogen monoxide is a major factor in the vast majority of drownings and slip and fall accidents, and that it is a major component of acid rain!? Why won't somebody pleeaaassssseee think of the children!?!?!?1?

http://dhmo.org (http://dhmo.org)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on January 19, 2015, 05:44:34 PM
Nothing fishy here. (http://www.reuters.com/article/2015/01/19/us-argentina-iran-idUSKBN0KS0GS20150119)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on January 22, 2015, 10:56:21 AM
Quote from: Todd on January 19, 2015, 05:44:34 PM
Nothing fishy here. (http://www.reuters.com/article/2015/01/19/us-argentina-iran-idUSKBN0KS0GS20150119)
The news today is that there is a secret passage into his apartment!

This next link ties together some issues we have discussed. 1) gun laws and 2) selective enforcement.
QuoteThe short version is that the D.C. Metropolitan Police Department warned NBC News that it could not possess an actual high-capacity magazine, but NBC News went ahead and did it anyway. The MPD recommended a warrant for Gregory's arrest, but that request was nixed by the D.C. Attorney General Irvin Nathan because — my paraphrase — Gregory was just too nice a guy and had no other criminal intent.

That attitude stood in stark contrast to the D.C. Attorney General's vigorous prosecution of other lesser-known people who also were nice people and had no other criminal intent, but violated D.C.'s gun laws.
http://nblo.gs/12R0S3 (http://nblo.gs/12R0S3)

Whether a law is good or bad it is surely wrong in general to have one standard for rich offenders who commit the crime in front of a million witnesses, and another for the poor man convicted on a cop's say-so.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: North Star on January 22, 2015, 01:09:35 PM
An MP from Greater Manchester died after drinking a fatal amount of spirits during an official dinner in Poland, an inquest has heard. (http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-manchester-30924078)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on January 22, 2015, 05:16:20 PM
QuoteORLANDO, Florida — A trial to determine whether U.S. Rep. Alan Grayson's wife committed bigamy when she wed the congressman has been delayed because she required emergency surgery to remove breast implants.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on January 23, 2015, 05:19:50 AM
Quote from: Todd on January 19, 2015, 05:44:34 PM
Nothing fishy here. (http://www.reuters.com/article/2015/01/19/us-argentina-iran-idUSKBN0KS0GS20150119)

Further update! Not just a secret passage but
QuoteBuenos Aires (AFP) - Argentine President Cristina Kirchner said Thursday she believes that a prosecutor who died under suspicious circumstances was murdered in a plot to implicate her government in a cover-up of a 1994 bombing of a Jewish community center.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on January 25, 2015, 06:09:31 AM
This could be dropped on several threads but I'll put it here.

If you look hard enough you find anti-semites just exactly where you should expect to find them

http://www.patheos.com/blogs/inebriateme/2015/01/professor-shocked-shocked-to-find-out-prominent-nazi-was-an-anti-semite/ (http://www.patheos.com/blogs/inebriateme/2015/01/professor-shocked-shocked-to-find-out-prominent-nazi-was-an-anti-semite/)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on January 30, 2015, 06:01:28 PM
It will work this time. (http://www.nytimes.com/2015/01/30/us/in-response-to-student-misconduct-dartmouth-to-ban-hard-liquor-at-parties.html?_r=0)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on January 30, 2015, 06:15:49 PM
Quote from: Todd on January 30, 2015, 06:01:28 PM
It will work this time. (http://www.nytimes.com/2015/01/30/us/in-response-to-student-misconduct-dartmouth-to-ban-hard-liquor-at-parties.html?_r=0)

Someone, I forget who, remarked that the best way to understand any organization's behavior is to assume it is controlled by a secret cabal of its enemies.

Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: North Star on January 30, 2015, 07:41:12 PM
Quote from: Ken B on January 30, 2015, 06:15:49 PM
Someone, I forget who, remarked that the best way to understand any organization's behavior is to assume it is controlled by a secret cabal of its enemies.

Robert Conquest's 3rd Law of Politics:
QuoteThe simplest way to explain the behavior of any bureaucratic organization is to assume that it is controlled by a cabal of its enemies.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on January 31, 2015, 11:28:13 AM
Quote from: North Star on January 30, 2015, 07:41:12 PM
Robert Conquest's 3rd Law of Politics:

Merci.

The Great Terror is one of my favourite books. I also like Conquest's summary, addressed to western leftists, of the evidence that came out of the KGB archives: "I was right you fucking fools." 
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Florestan on January 31, 2015, 11:41:15 AM
Quote from: Ken B on January 31, 2015, 11:28:13 AM
I also like Conquest's summary, addressed to western leftists, of the evidence that came out of the KGB archives: "I was right you fucking fools."

;D
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Sergeant Rock on January 31, 2015, 02:27:30 PM
The weather in parts of Arizona appears dire  ;D

https://www.youtube.com/v/iXuc7SAyk2s


Sarge
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on January 31, 2015, 04:29:00 PM
Quote from: Sergeant Rock on January 31, 2015, 02:27:30 PM
The weather in parts of Arizona appears dire  ;D

https://www.youtube.com/v/iXuc7SAyk2s


Sarge

He did a good job reacting.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: ibanezmonster on January 31, 2015, 04:45:03 PM
Quote from: Sergeant Rock on January 31, 2015, 02:27:30 PM
The weather in parts of Arizona appears dire  ;D

https://www.youtube.com/v/iXuc7SAyk2s


Sarge
Lol, I saw that one yesterday. Would have been nice if it had been prepared, so he could comments like, "And the gates of hell are opening up in Cave Creek, with a forecast of demon armies spreading to Wicked... err, Wickenburg."
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on January 31, 2015, 11:19:13 PM
Two of our regulars are vindicted once again.

Todd was right about the spread of animism and the attentendent decline of human rights.
Florestan was right about the American left being self-righteous f*ck-wits.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/news/volokh-conspiracy/wp/2015/01/30/being-a-multi-cultural-community-with-indigenous-roots-of-many-doesnt-let-you-strip-away-first-and-fifth-amendment-rights/ (http://www.washingtonpost.com/news/volokh-conspiracy/wp/2015/01/30/being-a-multi-cultural-community-with-indigenous-roots-of-many-doesnt-let-you-strip-away-first-and-fifth-amendment-rights/)


Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on February 01, 2015, 06:49:57 AM
In Detroit beatings will continue until morale improves
http://www.the-american-interest.com/2015/01/30/detroit-seizes-homes-to-fund-corruption/ (http://www.the-american-interest.com/2015/01/30/detroit-seizes-homes-to-fund-corruption/)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on February 02, 2015, 06:37:18 AM
Kids and guns. http://www.myfoxny.com/story/27995159/toddler-wounds-both-parents-with-1-shot-from-handgun (http://www.myfoxny.com/story/27995159/toddler-wounds-both-parents-with-1-shot-from-handgun)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on February 09, 2015, 12:08:12 PM
For Florestan especially.
http://www.salon.com/2015/02/08/its_time_to_fight_religion_toxic_drivel_useful_media_idiots_and_the_real_story_about_faith_and_violence/ (http://www.salon.com/2015/02/08/its_time_to_fight_religion_toxic_drivel_useful_media_idiots_and_the_real_story_about_faith_and_violence/)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Florestan on February 10, 2015, 03:57:35 AM
Quote from: Ken B on February 09, 2015, 12:08:12 PM
For Florestan especially.

Why, thanks. Lots of things I agree with, lots of things I disagree with. Tayler's knowledge of history in particular is seriously flawed, but that's only to be expected from a liberal journalist (US-style liberal, I mean).
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on February 12, 2015, 09:51:24 AM
Neither unimportant nor (he remarked sardonically) news but ... JUDEN RAUS!

https://www.insidehighered.com/quicktakes/2015/02/12/students-urge-south-african-university-expel-jews (https://www.insidehighered.com/quicktakes/2015/02/12/students-urge-south-african-university-expel-jews)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on February 12, 2015, 11:01:46 AM
Second actually. I grew tired of the fearful looks.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-2950409/World-s-penis-REDUCTION-surgery-Teenager-requested-op-genitals-grew-large-stopped-having-sex.html (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-2950409/World-s-penis-REDUCTION-surgery-Teenager-requested-op-genitals-grew-large-stopped-having-sex.html)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: ibanezmonster on February 12, 2015, 12:40:44 PM
Quote from: Ken B on February 12, 2015, 11:01:46 AM
Second actually. I grew tired of the fearful looks.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-2950409/World-s-penis-REDUCTION-surgery-Teenager-requested-op-genitals-grew-large-stopped-having-sex.html (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-2950409/World-s-penis-REDUCTION-surgery-Teenager-requested-op-genitals-grew-large-stopped-having-sex.html)
???
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on February 14, 2015, 05:08:24 PM
This is the best article I have read in a while.
http://www.nytimes.com/2015/02/15/magazine/how-one-stupid-tweet-ruined-justine-saccos-life.html?_r=0 (http://www.nytimes.com/2015/02/15/magazine/how-one-stupid-tweet-ruined-justine-saccos-life.html?_r=0)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on February 15, 2015, 03:09:00 PM
Strike off the heads of the unbelievers? No-one takes those old religious books seriously!
http://hotair.com/archives/2015/02/15/breaking-isis-releases-video-of-21-christians-being-beheaded-in-libya/ (http://hotair.com/archives/2015/02/15/breaking-isis-releases-video-of-21-christians-being-beheaded-in-libya/)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on February 16, 2015, 07:24:50 AM
I was sure this ceasefire would hold. (http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-31483116)  Oh well, time for another stiffly worded memorandum. 
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Florestan on February 16, 2015, 07:48:18 AM
Quote from: Todd on February 16, 2015, 07:24:50 AM
I was sure this ceasefire would hold. (http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-31483116)  Oh well, time for another stiffly worded memorandum.

After hearing Putin triumphally announcing something to the effect of peace reigning once again in Ukraine, I told my father "Putin announces peace, so we should expect war to escalate in the near future. "  ;D
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on February 17, 2015, 08:48:29 AM
OK, so that last intervention in Libya may not have gone particularly well, but this one will. (http://www.usnews.com/news/world/articles/2015/02/16/italy-to-weigh-military-action-in-libya-if-diplomacy-fails)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on February 18, 2015, 02:34:37 PM
In an unexpected twist, the establishment candidate backs the establishment. (http://www.nationaljournal.com/tech/jeb-bush-defends-nsa-mass-surveillance-as-hugely-important-20150218)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Brian on February 18, 2015, 03:31:18 PM
How are you feeling about the Kitzhaber Kerfuffle?
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on February 18, 2015, 04:07:27 PM
Quote from: Brian on February 18, 2015, 03:31:18 PM
How are you feeling about the Kitzhaber Kerfuffle?


The putz got his due. (http://www.good-music-guide.com/community/index.php/topic,8081.msg868865.html#msg868865)  And all this over what amounts to comparatively small sums of money.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: kishnevi on February 18, 2015, 06:11:55 PM
A demonstration of love your neighbor...
http://www.timesofisrael.com/woman-attacks-jewish-neighbor-to-convince-her-to-convert/
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on February 18, 2015, 09:08:52 PM
Quote from: Jeffrey Smith on February 18, 2015, 06:11:55 PM
A demonstration of love your neighbor...
http://www.timesofisrael.com/woman-attacks-jewish-neighbor-to-convince-her-to-convert/

Lots of demonstrations from the godly these days.
http://m.nationalreview.com/corner/398853/wapos-anti-muslim-hate-crime-headline-hoax-ian-tuttle (http://m.nationalreview.com/corner/398853/wapos-anti-muslim-hate-crime-headline-hoax-ian-tuttle)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Florestan on February 19, 2015, 12:44:20 AM
Quote from: Jeffrey Smith on February 18, 2015, 06:11:55 PM
A demonstration of love your neighbor...
http://www.timesofisrael.com/woman-attacks-jewish-neighbor-to-convince-her-to-convert/

This article begs several questions.

1. Were there any witnesses? If yes, why did they not intervene to stop that Haragan loon from doing what she did, or at least call the police? If no, how can one know the truth about what really happened?

2. Why did the beaten woman not report to the police right after the incident?

2. How did that Haragan loon know that the other woman was Jewish? Did she take a wild guess, or were they acquaintances?
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Florestan on February 19, 2015, 12:49:47 AM
Some impressive Islamic breakthroughs in entomology and pharmaceutical industry.

https://whyevolutionistrue.wordpress.com/2015/02/16/muhammad-on-flies-and-disease-the-scientific-wisdom-of-the-quran-and-hadith/ (https://whyevolutionistrue.wordpress.com/2015/02/16/muhammad-on-flies-and-disease-the-scientific-wisdom-of-the-quran-and-hadith/)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: kishnevi on February 19, 2015, 06:21:38 PM
Quote from: Florestan on February 19, 2015, 12:49:47 AM
Some impressive Islamic breakthroughs in entomology and pharmaceutical industry.

https://whyevolutionistrue.wordpress.com/2015/02/16/muhammad-on-flies-and-disease-the-scientific-wisdom-of-the-quran-and-hadith/ (https://whyevolutionistrue.wordpress.com/2015/02/16/muhammad-on-flies-and-disease-the-scientific-wisdom-of-the-quran-and-hadith/)

I don't doubt his main  point, but judging from his last paragraph Mr. Coyne apparently knows nothing about Jewish practice, which obligates hand washing in exactly the circumstances he mentions.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on February 19, 2015, 07:44:05 PM
Quote from: Jeffrey Smith on February 19, 2015, 06:21:38 PM
I don't doubt his main  point, but judging from his last paragraph Mr. Coyne apparently knows nothing about Jewish practice, which obligates hand washing in exactly the circumstances he mentions.
Well if we're going to split hairs ... Where did he-who-must-not-be-named mandate such washing? Coyne is talking about about God is said to have told his followers, not what they figured out on their own. If its Jewish practice because Jews figured it out without help from a grumpy old man in the sky then Coyne's point is not undercut.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: kishnevi on February 19, 2015, 07:58:27 PM
Quote from: Ken B on February 19, 2015, 07:44:05 PM
Well if we're going to split hairs ... Where did he-who-must-not-be-named mandate such washing? Coyne is talking about about God is said to have told his followers, not what they figured out on their own. If its Jewish practice because Jews figured it out without help from a grumpy old man in the sky then Coyne's point is not undercut.
Exodus 30:17ff is the start of it.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on February 19, 2015, 08:06:19 PM
Quote from: Jeffrey Smith on February 19, 2015, 07:58:27 PM
Exodus 30:17ff is the start of it.

That's not about pre-prandial ablutions though. That's ritual cleanliness (only) when entering into places of worship. And the only food mentioned is food the washers won't eat. No rebuttal to Coyne at all.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: kishnevi on February 19, 2015, 08:12:38 PM
Quote from: Ken B on February 19, 2015, 08:06:19 PM
That's not about pre-prandial ablutions though. That's ritual cleanliness (only) when entering into places of worship. And the only food mentioned is food the washers won't eat. No rebuttal to Coyne at all.
Actually, the Kohenim ate sacrificial meat all the time.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Florestan on February 20, 2015, 12:41:59 AM
When Ignaz Semmelweiss urged gynecologists to wash their hands before delivering the baby because this is the most effective way to avoid puerperal fever, he was derided and scorned by most of his colleagues who were the then luminaries of the medical sciences. They continued to deliver without washing their hands right after dissecting cadavers, thus literally killing hundreds of thousands of newborns by inducing PF in them. Semmelweiss himself eventually had a nervous breakdown and died in an asylum, another victim of their shortsighted and holier-than-thou attitude. What do you make of that, Ken?
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: North Star on February 20, 2015, 12:52:38 AM
Before Pasteur, people really didn't really have that good ideas about the origins of diseases, although some sanitation & hygiene regulations were rather well understood in the times of the old testament, and the Romans, of course.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on February 20, 2015, 05:11:34 AM
Quote from: Florestan on February 20, 2015, 12:41:59 AM
When Ignaz Semmelweiss urged gynecologists to wash their hands before delivering the baby because this is the most effective way to avoid puerperal fever, he was derided and scorned by most of his colleagues who were the then luminaries of the medical sciences. They continued to deliver without washing their hands right after dissecting cadavers, thus literally killing hundreds of thousands of newborns by inducing PF in them. Semmelweiss himself eventually had a nervous breakdown and died in an asylum, another victim of their shortsighted and holier-than-thou attitude. What do you make of that, Ken?

That relying on ancient texts rather than observation and experiment is dangerous.

Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Florestan on February 20, 2015, 09:39:56 AM
Quote from: Ken B on February 20, 2015, 05:11:34 AM
That relying on ancient texts rather than observation and experiment is dangerous.

Greatest non-sequitur I´ve ever encountered. Not even non-sequitur, actually: like asking "what time is it?" and receiving the answer "Monday".
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on February 20, 2015, 11:24:37 AM
Quote from: Florestan on February 20, 2015, 09:39:56 AM
Greatest non-sequitur I´ve ever encountered. Not even non-sequitur, actually: like asking "what time is it?" and receiving the answer "Monday".
Nonsense. The doctors of that time was still full influenced by Galenic humors. The germ theory came later. Semmelweis was rejected because he disagreed with the received wisdom of ancient texts and had only observation and experiment on his side. 
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: kishnevi on February 20, 2015, 11:52:40 AM
Quote from: Ken B on February 20, 2015, 11:24:37 AM
Nonsense. The doctors of that time was still full influenced by Galenic humors. The germ theory came later. Semmelweis was rejected because he disagreed with the received wisdom of ancient texts and had only observation and experiment on his side.

Actually he was rejected because he could propose no valid explanation of  why hand washing worked and what puerperal fever was.
http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ignaz_Semmelweis
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: North Star on February 20, 2015, 12:00:12 PM
Quote from: Jeffrey Smith on February 20, 2015, 11:52:40 AM
Actually he was rejected because he could propose no valid explanation of  why hand washing worked and what puerperal fever was.
http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ignaz_Semmelweis
Quote from: http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ignaz_SemmelweisDespite various publications of results where hand-washing reduced mortality to below 1%, Semmelweis's observations conflicted with the established scientific and medical opinions of the time and his ideas were rejected by the medical community. Some doctors were offended at the suggestion that they should wash their hands and Semmelweis could offer no acceptable scientific explanation for his findings. Semmelweis's practice earned widespread acceptance only years after his death, when Louis Pasteur confirmed the germ theory and Joseph Lister, acting on the French microbiologist's research, practiced and operated, using hygienic methods, with great success.
Remarkable resemblance to what Ken (and I) already said.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: kishnevi on February 20, 2015, 12:16:53 PM
Summaries, such as the one you quote, can often mislead.  The details are not so favorable to your interpretation (as given in the article proper).

QuoteOne of the first to respond to Semmelweis's 1848 communications was James Young Simpson, who wrote a stinging letter. Simpson surmised that the British obstetrical literature must be totally unknown in Vienna, or Semmelweis would have known that the British had long regarded childbed fever as contagious and would have employed chlorine washing to protect against it.[6]:174

Semmelweis's views were much more favorably received in the United Kingdom than on the continent, but he was more often cited than understood. The British consistently regarded Semmelweis as having supported their theory of contagion. A typical example was W. Tyler Smith, who claimed that Semmelweis "made out very conclusively" that "miasms derived from the dissecting room will excite puerperal disease."[6]:176*[13]:504

In 1856, Semmelweis's assistant Josef Fleischer reported the successful results of handwashings at St. Rochus and Pest maternity institutions in the Viennese Medical Weekly (Wiener Medizinische Wochenschrift).[8]:69 The editor remarked sarcastically that it was time people stopped being misled about the theory of chlorine washings.[6]:24[14]:536

In 1858, Semmelweis finally published his own account of his work in an essay entitled, "The Etiology of Childbed Fever".[Note 8] Two years later, he published a second essay, "The Difference in Opinion between Myself and the English Physicians regarding Childbed Fever".[Note 9] In 1861, Semmelweis finally published his main work Die Ätiologie, der Begriff und die Prophylaxis des Kindbettfiebers (German for "The Etiology, Concept and Prophylaxis of Childbed Fever").

In his 1861 book, Semmelweis lamented the slow adoption of his ideas: "Most medical lecture halls continue to resound with lectures on epidemic childbed fever and with discourses against my theories. [...] The medical literature for the last twelve years continues to swell with reports of puerperal epidemics, and in 1854 in Vienna, the birthplace of my theory, 400 maternity patients died from childbed fever. In published medical works my teachings are either ignored or attacked. The medical faculty at Würzburg awarded a prize to a monograph written in 1859 in which my teachings were rejected".[6]:169[Note 10]

In Berlin, the professor of obstetrics, Joseph Hermann Schmidt, approved of obstetrical students having ready access to morgues in which they could spend time while waiting for the labor process.[6]:34[16]:501

In a textbook, Carl Braun, Semmelweis's successor as assistant in the first clinic, identified 30 causes of childbed fever; only the 28th of these was cadaverous infection. Other causes included conception and pregnancy, uremia, pressure exerted on adjacent organs by the shrinking uterus, emotional traumata, mistakes in diet, chilling, and atmospheric epidemic influences.[17][Note 11] The impact of Braun's views are clearly visible in the rising mortality rates in the 1850s.

Ede Flórián Birly, Semmelweis's predecessor as Professor of Obstetrics at the University of Pest, never accepted Semmelweis's teachings; he continued to believe that puerperal fever was due to uncleanliness of the bowel.[6]:4*

August Breisky, an obstetrician in Prague, rejected Semmelweis's book as "naive" and he referred to it as "the Koran of puerperal theology". Breisky objected that Semmelweis had not proved that puerperal fever and pyemia are identical, and he insisted that other factors beyond decaying organic matter certainly had to be included in the etiology of the disease.[6]:41[18]:1

Carl Edvard Marius Levy, head of the Copenhagen maternity hospital and an outspoken critic of Semmelweis's ideas, had reservations concerning the unspecific nature of cadaverous particles and that the supposed quantities were unreasonably small. "If Dr. Semmelweis had limited his opinion regarding infections from corpses to puerperal corpses, I would have been less disposed to denial than I am. [...] And, with due respect for the cleanliness of the Viennese students, it seems improbable that enough infective matter or vapor could be secluded around the fingernails to kill a patient."[6]:180–181[19] In fact, Robert Koch later used precisely this fact to prove that various infecting materials contained living organisms which could reproduce in the human body, i.e. since the poison could be neither chemical nor physical in operation, it must be biological.[6]:183*

At a conference of German physicians and natural scientists, most of the speakers rejected his doctrine, including the celebrated Rudolf Virchow, who was a scientist of the highest authority of his time. Virchow's great authority in medical circles contributed potently to the lack of recognition of the Semmelweis doctrine for a long time.[15]

It has been contended that Semmelweis could have had an even greater impact if he had managed to communicate his findings more effectively and avoid antagonising the medical establishment, even given the opposition from entrenched viewpoints.[20]
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on February 20, 2015, 12:20:18 PM
Quote from: North Star on February 20, 2015, 12:00:12 PM
Remarkable resemblance to what Ken (and I) already said.
Indeed. Thank you for noticing!  :)

I think this is the third time I have pointed out Semmelweis had only observation and experiment on his side, and was rejected because that was not deemed sufficient to overrule received opinion based on old books.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Florestan on February 20, 2015, 12:22:27 PM
Quote from: Ken B on February 20, 2015, 11:24:37 AM
Nonsense. The doctors of that time was still full influenced by Galenic humors. The germ theory came later. Semmelweis was rejected because he disagreed with the received wisdom of ancient texts and had only observation and experiment on his side.

Say what? One of the most vocal opponents of Semmelweiss was Rudolf Virchow, the leading medical authority of his time, famous precisely for striking devastating blows to the ancient theory of humors.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on February 20, 2015, 12:28:12 PM
Quote from: Jeffrey Smith on February 20, 2015, 12:16:53 PM
Summaries, such as the one you quote, can often mislead.  The details are not so favorable to your interpretation (as given in the article proper).

This article, which I read earlier today, does exactly bolster what I (and Karlo) say.

Ken B: it's dangerous to rely on old books instead of observation and experiment.

Jeffery Smith and Wiki: Semmelweiss was rejected because he had no theory to contrast to the well worked theories based on humors and miasmas and fermentation and other old received ideas. All he had were his observations and his experiments.

I dunno guys. Everything you quote indicates that Semmelweiss failed to convince his contemporaries because observations and facts were not deemed sufficient. Which is exactly my point.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on February 20, 2015, 12:34:01 PM
Quote from: Florestan on February 20, 2015, 12:22:27 PM
Say what? One of the most vocal opponents of Semmelweiss was Rudolf Virchow, the leading medical authority of his time, famous precisely for striking devastating blows to the ancient theory of humors.
Virchow blamed the weather. Look it up.
What matters here is that Semmelweiss had experiment proving his case, and Virchow did not consider that sufficient. 
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: North Star on February 20, 2015, 12:38:17 PM
Quote from: Ken B on February 20, 2015, 12:34:01 PM
Virchow blamed the weather. Look it up.
What matters here is that Semmelweiss had experiment proving his case, and Virchow did not consider that sufficient. 
Exactly.

Einstein said that God doesn't play dice. Quantum mechanics seems to be doing fine, despite of Einstein's disapproval.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: kishnevi on February 20, 2015, 12:41:31 PM
Quote from: Ken B on February 20, 2015, 12:20:18 PM
Indeed. Thank you for noticing!  :)

I think this is the third time I have pointed out Semmelweis had only observation and experiment on his side, and was rejected because that was not deemed sufficient to overrule received opinion based on old books.

No.  Go back and read the full article again.
He was rejected because, the theory of germs being then completely unknown, he could give no explanation of how or why cleanliness was important, and no way to show puerpal fever was transmitted. 

Observations and facts were not deemed sufficient without an explanation, which is also how science works today.  Unless like in some areas of science you propose the explanation and then look to see if data confirm it.

His explanation did not conflict with received opinion because he had no sensible explanation to give.  That had to wait for Pasteur.  He had data, but no theory to explain the data.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on February 20, 2015, 12:51:35 PM
Quote from: Jeffrey Smith on February 20, 2015, 12:41:31 PM
No.  Go back and read the full article again.
He was rejected because, the theory of germs being then completely unknown, he could give no explanation of how or why cleanliness was important, and no way to show puerpal fever was transmitted. 

Observations and facts were not deemed sufficient without an explanation, which is also how science works today.  Unless like in some areas of science you propose the explanation and then look to see if data confirm it.

His explanation did not conflict with received opinion because he had no sensible explanation to give.  That had to wait for Pasteur.  He had data, but no theory to explain the data.
It wasn't just "Observations and facts". It was observations and experiments.
And Semmelweiss is a famous example pretty much precisely because he would win the scientific debate today. It would be no contest. Experiment rules. Science is full of stuff for which no-one has a good theory but only good experiments. It was proven that smoking causes cancer long before anyone had worked out a mechanism or theory of how, as one example.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on February 20, 2015, 12:54:02 PM
QuoteIt doesn't matter how beautiful your theory is, it doesn't matter how smart you are. If it doesn't agree with experiment, it's wrong.

Richard Feynman, disagreeing with Jeffrey about how science works now.


Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: North Star on February 20, 2015, 12:59:47 PM
 
Quote from: Erik E. HauzmanAs we know, the essence of Semmelweis' findings was that "puerperal fever is caused by cadaveric particles adhering to the hands of the physician who examines the childbed patients; thus it is of utmost importance that he should clean his hands properly before a visit, for which purpose [he advised] the chlorine solution." (7) He also realized that the identical pathological symptoms found in the cadavers of the mothers and in their newborn infants must have identical causes, and therefore childbed fever cannot be considered the specific disease of childbed patients. Besides statistical evidence, his belief that there must be some connection between physicians' examining childbed patients after dissections and puerperal fever itself got strong confirmation when he was faced with the unfortunate death of a good friend of his, Jakob Kolletschka, professor of forensic medicine in Vienna, who died in 1847 after his finger had been cut by a medical student's knife: on autopsy, the cadaver showed identical symptoms of those who died of puerperal fever. Thus, Semmelweis inferred that puerperal fever is also caused by a septic wound and is just another kind of pyemia, brought about by contact with an infectious agent, specifically by some putrid particle (cadaverous particles or any putrid exudates of the living organism) introduced into the genital organs by the hand of the examining physician and entering into the blood stream.

Almost immediately after his discovery made in 1847, Semmelweis made it compulsory for all physicians and medical students performing dissections to disinfect their hands before examination of patients, even though this was met with some protest from those concerned and a certain degree of skepticism by his chief, Professor Klein. Semmelweis did not and could not know at the time that the chlorine handwash destroyed not only the smell otherwise retained after simple soap washings but also the bacteria clinging to the skin. Nevertheless, the chlorine handwash inaugurated obstetric antisepsis. As a result, mortality rates were greatly reduced with the introduction of the chlorinated lime handwash.
...
Rudolf Karl Ludwig Virchow, professor of pathological anatomy, a scientist of the highest authority of his age, did not support his views either, stating that only one type of puerperal fever might be caused by local infection but that it did not exclude the existence of the puerperal epidemic. (7) He named in the etiology of the disease such factors as atmospheric conditions, disturbances in milk secretion, excited state of the nervous system, and concomitant diseases such as erysipelas and purulent inflammations. His attitude against Semmelweis' discovery of a causal relationship between autopsies followed by obstetrical examinations and puerperal fever was of special interest since, as a pathologist, Virchow represented a medical specialty the development of which became closely bound with one of the biggest iatrogenic catastrophes of the 19th century. In addition, his father-in-law was the president of the Obstetrical Society of Berlin, and he was known for being in good relationship with Franz Kiwisch von Rotterau, predecessor of Scanzoni at the obstetrical department in Würzburg. Whichever cause dominated in structuring his views, Virchow's great authority in medical circles potently contributed to the fact that his error prevented the recognition of the Semmelweis doctrine for a long time.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: ibanezmonster on February 20, 2015, 07:22:16 PM
I like pie.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Corey on February 20, 2015, 08:20:35 PM
Quote from: Greg on February 20, 2015, 07:22:16 PM
I like pie.

No, I like pie.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: ibanezmonster on February 21, 2015, 05:58:11 AM
Quote from: kitsune on February 20, 2015, 08:20:35 PM
No, I like pie.
Okay, you win.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: North Star on February 21, 2015, 06:32:21 AM
Now, now. There's no need to fight over the matter. I already ate the pie
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: ibanezmonster on February 21, 2015, 07:57:58 AM
Quote from: North Star on February 21, 2015, 06:32:21 AM
Now, now. There's no need to fight over the matter. I already ate the pie
Surprise, surprise. That was a meat pie filled with human body parts.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: North Star on February 21, 2015, 08:09:37 AM
Quote from: Greg on February 21, 2015, 07:57:58 AM
Surprise, surprise. That was a meat pie filled with human
body parts.
Ah, my favourite pie.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on February 21, 2015, 09:35:37 AM
We squabbled over this.

http://www.vice.com/read/uk-sex-workers-disabled-people-833 (http://www.vice.com/read/uk-sex-workers-disabled-people-833)
I would not jail anyone involved, but most here disagree. Anyone care to explain why?
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: kishnevi on February 24, 2015, 07:37:09 AM
Schadenfreude alert
http://www.washingtonpost.com/news/morning-mix/wp/2015/02/24/lawsuit-accuses-comcast-al-sharpton-of-discriminating-against-black-owned-media/

Schadenfreude because if Sharpton's claims about this case are true,  he is now the target of a strategy he himself uses.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on February 27, 2015, 02:10:49 PM
These things happen. (http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-31669061)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on March 04, 2015, 06:05:28 PM
Talk about kicking someone when he's down. (http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/mar/04/argentina-full-page-prosecutor-alberto-nisman)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: kishnevi on March 07, 2015, 04:32:32 PM
IS continues its efforts to support archeology
http://www.timesofisrael.com/is-destroying-iraqs-ancient-archaeological-city-of-hatra/

Question no one asks of them:  if the "Rightly Guided Caliphs" were content to leave these places (and countless others throughout the Mideast, most notably Egypt, does that mean IS is more Islamically pure than the original Moslems?
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on March 08, 2015, 06:36:57 AM
I wonder just how brave these young leaders might be.  Would they be so brave as to ban that ultimate symbol of America: $$$? (http://www.latimes.com/local/lanow/la-me-ln-uci-vote-to-ban-american-flag-others-misguided-20150307-story.html)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: ibanezmonster on March 14, 2015, 12:01:16 PM
Anyone hear this bit of news lately?

http://metro.co.uk/2015/03/12/as-the-average-penis-size-is-revealed-to-be-5-16-inches-one-brave-man-speaks-out-about-being-below-average-5100000/

I thought 5 inches was slightly small, not average, but whatever. Probably didn't measure enough black guys.  :laugh:
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on March 14, 2015, 03:22:18 PM
Quote from: Greg on March 14, 2015, 12:01:16 PM
Anyone hear this bit of news lately?

http://metro.co.uk/2015/03/12/as-the-average-penis-size-is-revealed-to-be-5-16-inches-one-brave-man-speaks-out-about-being-below-average-5100000/


I dunno. I worked out the average number from craigslist ads and it came out at 8 and a half ...

Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: ibanezmonster on March 14, 2015, 07:32:24 PM
Quote from: Ken B on March 14, 2015, 03:22:18 PM
I dunno. I worked out the average number from craigslist ads and it came out at 8 and a half ...
That and porn is kinda what makes a lot of us believe we are either small or barely average. 8 1/2 is a ridiculously rare size... they actually have a chart for this, and out of 15,000 guys no one was that big.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on March 14, 2015, 07:35:46 PM
Quote from: Greg on March 14, 2015, 07:32:24 PM
That and porn is kinda what makes a lot of us believe we are either small or barely average. 8 1/2 is a ridiculously rare size... they actually have a chart for this, and out of 15,000 guys no one was that big.
I was home sick that day.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: ibanezmonster on March 14, 2015, 07:38:15 PM
Quote from: Ken B on March 14, 2015, 07:35:46 PM
I was home sick that day.
:D
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on March 15, 2015, 06:48:00 PM
I'd bet that homework assignments would be scrupulously completed in a timely manner. (http://www.theguardian.com/culture/2015/mar/16/pornography-belongs-classroom-professor-denmark)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: ibanezmonster on March 15, 2015, 07:11:52 PM
Quote from: Todd on March 15, 2015, 06:48:00 PM
I'd bet that homework assignments would be scrupulously completed in a timely manner. (http://www.theguardian.com/culture/2015/mar/16/pornography-belongs-classroom-professor-denmark)
Bad idea IMO...

They can talk about it without showing it. And this is complete lunacy:

QuoteBut it can also be excluding – of body types, gender and sexuality.
You know how much freakish, vomit-inducing stuff is out there which you'll accidentally find looking up the normal stuff? That's why I don't search for porn any more.

I'm sure the feminists and the religious wouldn't want porn shown in classrooms. Weird to think I'd be in agreement with both about something.

(Could be the first part of a plan to increase Denmark's birth rate?)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Corey on March 16, 2015, 12:34:03 AM
Quote from: Ken B on March 14, 2015, 03:22:18 PM
I dunno. I worked out the average number from craigslist ads and it came out at 8 and a half ...

I always say, "never measure from the taint."

(NB I have never knowingly said this)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Florestan on March 16, 2015, 01:35:12 AM
Speaking of lunacy...

http://www.bbc.com/news/blogs-news-from-elsewhere-30146160 (http://www.bbc.com/news/blogs-news-from-elsewhere-30146160)

Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: North Star on March 16, 2015, 01:39:53 AM
Quote from: Florestan on March 16, 2015, 01:35:12 AM
Speaking of lunacy...

http://www.bbc.com/news/blogs-news-from-elsewhere-30146160 (http://www.bbc.com/news/blogs-news-from-elsewhere-30146160)
Yes indeed.  :(
I wonder how long it will take for the politicians to realize that writing can't be replaced by typing.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Florestan on March 16, 2015, 01:48:57 AM
Quote from: North Star on March 16, 2015, 01:39:53 AM
Yes indeed.  :(
I wonder how long it will take for the politicians to realize that writing can't be replaced by typing.

To promote illiteracy as the goal of education, now that is lunacy hard to beat.  ;D

Do you expect teachers to react to this insanity and actively oppose its implementation? Or are they trained / accustomed to blindly accept anything coming from the governmental educational bureaucracy?
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Jo498 on March 16, 2015, 02:37:37 AM
But I think there are several countries that gave up cursive handwriting in favor of teaching printed letters and letting students figure out their own way of connecting them if if helps them writing faster. I do not think that Finland will abolish writing by hand altogether.

I am in favor of teaching cursive although calligraphy should be optional not compulsory. (Also long division and Latin). Because I am in many respects a culturally conservative square. Besides the fact that there are apparently studies showing that it is "good for your brain" I find it a fundamental skill everybody should be taught. Those who hate it, can abandon it later and only type.
I am writing this as someone who could read about a year before entering school but really struggled with cursive handwriting for several months when starting school. But those motor skills are important as well, so I glad I had to do it, and my handwriting was fine enough from second grade on or so. Although I never tried my hand at it, I also like some calligraphy.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: North Star on March 16, 2015, 02:37:47 AM
The BBC piece is wrong in saying that Finland is ditching the ink - pupils always, always, use a pencil in schools, except in the matriculation exams' mother tongue & literature exams.

Quote from: Florestan on March 16, 2015, 01:48:57 AM
To promote illiteracy as the goal of education, now that is lunacy hard to beat.  ;D

Do you expect teachers to react to this insanity and actively oppose its implementation? Or are they trained / accustomed to blindly accept anything coming from the governmental educational bureaucracy?
The school system has being slowly doing away with teaching cursive writing for almost two decades. The mother tongue & literature teachers will largely accept what they education board tells them, but there is of course some leniency for the teachers (the requirements for curricula are rather loose in general, and most specific requirements are for the 5th (IIRC) and 8th classes. If you can teach those to the kids, you can do pretty much anything you want with time you have to spare, whatever it is that you teach.), and they certainly can't be denied teaching cursive. I'm not absolutely sure whether it is possible to fit it in practice, but kids write a good deal in elementary school mother tongue / lit. class in any case, and a teacher can insist on them writing in cursive. I don't know which subjects will get the extra hours freed by the end of teaching IT as a separate subject in junior high. It ought to be mother tongue & literature and math if you ask me.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: North Star on March 16, 2015, 02:44:32 AM
Quote from: Jo498 on March 16, 2015, 02:37:37 AM
But I think there are several countries that gave up cursive handwriting in favor of teaching printed letters and letting students figure out their own way of connecting them if if helps them writing faster.
There's really no if about this. Properly learned cursive is always best.

QuoteI do not think that Finland will abolish writing by hand altogether.
True.

QuoteI am in favor of teaching cursive although calligraphy should be optional not compulsory. (Also long division and Latin). Because I am in many respects a culturally conservative square. Besides the fact that there are apparently studies showing that it is "good for your brain" I find it a fundamental skill everybody should be taught. Those who hate it, can abandon it later and only type.
I am writing this as someone who could read about a year before entering school but really struggled with cursive handwriting for several months when starting school. But those motor skills are important as well, so I glad I had to do it, and my handwriting was fine enough from second grade on or so. Although I never tried my hand at it, I also like some calligraphy.
That Finnish students are taught 'calligraphy' is really nonsense. The kids in first and second grade do/did spend some time in their mother tongue and literature classes practicing the individual letters and numbers in cursive and block writing, but to compare it to what calligraphy means in the Far East would show how ridiculous it is to use the word in this context.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Jo498 on March 16, 2015, 03:58:53 AM
I did not necessarily mean calligraphy as a separate subject.
When I started school in 1978 I am not even aware of ever learning to write *printed* (unconnected) letters. Of course we learned to *read* those as well as the cursive but in my recollection first grade started with a few motor skill exercises like loopy chains or so and soon afterwards the teacher would write a letter very neatly in the first line of your notebook and as homework you would copy lines and lines of those letters. (Or maybe there were some pre-printed worksheets as well.) It was really rather archaic. ;) "o" was the first letter we were supposed to learn I think.
(The funny thing was that in math class I fell into that window of maybe 10 years when "new math", namely naive set theory was deemed the best starting point for six year olds. So we had to learn both to write numbers legibly as well as understand that the red triangles were the intersection set of all triangles and all red figures etc. We had little colored plastic shapes to help with that...)

There was no separate calligraphy class but I think from 2nd to 4th or 6th grade one would receive a mark for handwriting in one's report.

In any case later in high school (and final examinations at the end of that) we had often longish examination essays where many people wrote a lot of text in 90 oder 120 or 180 minutes or so. Without a fluent cursive script one would probably get cramps very soon or otherwise not be able to write "enough" for a decent treatment of the essay question. And if the teacher was not able to read your handwriting this did not bode well for your grades either. Although teachers usually were not petty about that they could mark stuff they found unreadable as orthographic errors and take points off.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: North Star on March 16, 2015, 05:28:07 AM
Quote from: Jo498 on March 16, 2015, 03:58:53 AM
I did not necessarily mean calligraphy as a separate subject.
Neither did I.
QuoteWhen I started school in 1978 I am not even aware of ever learning to write *printed* (unconnected) letters. Of course we learned to *read* those as well as the cursive but in my recollection first grade started with a few motor skill exercises like loopy chains or so and soon afterwards the teacher would write a letter very neatly in the first line of your notebook and as homework you would copy lines and lines of those letters. (Or maybe there were some pre-printed worksheets as well.) It was really rather archaic. ;) "o" was the first letter we were supposed to learn I think.
We had preprinted worksheets and even booklets in the late 90s. I'm not sure whether we progressed alphabetically or starting from the most common letters in Finnish.
Quote
(The funny thing was that in math class I fell into that window of maybe 10 years when "new math", namely naive set theory was deemed the best starting point for six year olds. So we had to learn both to write numbers legibly as well as understand that the red triangles were the intersection set of all triangles and all red figures etc. We had little colored plastic shapes to help with that...)
Oh jeez.  0:)  Long division took me a while to get, but I was always the best of my year in maths in primary school, even though I rarely got absolutely perfect test scores. That might also have something to do with the fact that I was always the first one to return the exam . . .  ;D

QuoteThere was no separate calligraphy class but I think from 2nd to 4th or 6th grade one would receive a mark for handwriting in one's report.
I think we received those marks in first and second, maybe third grade.

QuoteIn any case later in high school (and final examinations at the end of that) we had often longish examination essays where many people wrote a lot of text in 90 oder 120 or 180 minutes or so. Without a fluent cursive script one would probably get cramps very soon or otherwise not be able to write "enough" for a decent treatment of the essay question. And if the teacher was not able to read your handwriting this did not bode well for your grades either. Although teachers usually were not petty about that they could mark stuff they found unreadable as orthographic errors and take points off.
Yes, I can imagine that having poor handwriting skills would have seriously hurt in our jr./sr. high essay exams. I suppose the fluency of your writing might also influence the speed of your thought. I don't think we had much long essays in jr. high, but in sr. high there certainly were a lot of those. Again, I was certainly one of the first to turn in the paper :D Once, when I had to do both the English and math exam on the same day, I did both in the same time that my friends needed for just the math exam. In other English exams, I always had time to kill after finishing the exam (with an essay) and checking and double-checking, before the first hour had gone, and one could leave the exam room. All exams were 4 hour exams, and I only remember one exam where pretty much everyone - even I - stayed to the end - the electromagnetism course of physics, also by far the most difficult course in all of sr. high.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Florestan on March 16, 2015, 06:00:43 AM
I have always believed - naively, perhaps - that a legible and if possible, even beautiful handwriting is one of the surest marks of a truly educated person*. I might have been influenced in that by my family milieu: both my parents and several second degree relatives are/were avid readers and have/had a very elegant handwriting, almost caligraphic in the case of people born and educated before WWII. My own handwriting has been heavily influenced by my mother´s, and although people always say it is beautiful, I am almost always dissatisfied with it not being as beautiful as I intend it to be.

(* By educated I mean not having an university degree. I discovered with indescribable delight that my mother-in-law, whose education did not extend beyond secondary school, handwrites (is this a word?) in a more legible and beautiful manner than many a university graduate. She told me that her teacher in elementary school took great pains to teach her and the other kids how to write legibly and correctly --- and this accords to my own experience.)

Call me a snob, or a petty bourgeois sentimentalist, or a hopeless reactionary, but I do believe that a society in which the importance of handwriting is downplayed and in the name of progress handwriting is dropped from the basic requirements of kids education --- that such a society is doomed, intellectually and morally speaking.

Drop handwriting, bring in porn --- and let the Devil take care of it all!...  ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: North Star on March 16, 2015, 06:19:25 AM
Quote from: Florestan on March 16, 2015, 06:00:43 AM
I have always believed - naively, perhaps - that a legible and if possible, even beautiful handwriting is one of the surest marks of a truly educated person*. I might have been influenced in that by my family milieu: both my parents and several second degree relatives are/were avid readers and have/had a very elegant handwriting, almost cal[l]igraphic in the case of people born and educated before WWII. My own handwriting has been heavily influenced by my mother´s, and although people always say it is beautiful, I am almost always dissatisfied with it not being as beautiful as I intend it to be.

(* By educated I mean not having an university degree. I discovered with indescribable delight that my mother-in-law, whose education did not extend beyond secondary school, handwrites (is this a word?) in a more legible and beautiful manner than many a university graduate. She told me that her teacher in elementary school took great pains to teach her and the other kids how to write legibly and correctly --- and this accords to my own experience.)

Call me a snob, or a petty bourgeois sentimentalist, or a hopeless reactionary, but I do believe that a society in which the importance of handwriting is downplayed and in the name of progress handwriting is dropped from the basic requirements of kids education --- that such a society is doomed, intellectually and morally speaking.

Drop handwriting, bring in porn --- and let the Devil take care of it all!...  ;D ;D ;D
You must mean 'By educated I do not mean...' and not 'I mean not' - or do you really mean that one can't be educated and hold a university degree? :D
Otherwise, I am entirely in agreement. More reading and more writing are needed in schools. Stopping cursive writing because of computers is equal to switching all reading to watching TV series and movies instead.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Florestan on March 16, 2015, 06:23:43 AM
Quote from: North Star on March 16, 2015, 06:19:25 AM
You must mean 'By educated I do not mean...' and not 'I mean not' - or do you really mean that one can't be educated and hold a university degree? :D P

Hah! Well spotted, thanks, I stand corrected.  :D
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on March 17, 2015, 11:02:11 AM
Can Starbucks get any worse? Why yes, yes it can. http://fortune.com/2015/03/16/starbucks-baristas-race-talk/ (http://fortune.com/2015/03/16/starbucks-baristas-race-talk/)

In Michigan we have a splendid chain of coffee shops, Biggby. Nice to see them get a boost!
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on March 17, 2015, 11:17:35 AM
QuoteSchultz dismissed the notion that race was too hot a topic business-wise for Starbucks to tackle.

Heck, if you can operate a cappuccino machine . . . .
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on March 17, 2015, 11:23:55 AM
*cough cough toldya so*
http://www.futurepundit.com/archives/009736.html (http://www.futurepundit.com/archives/009736.html)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on March 17, 2015, 11:25:58 AM
Love this comment:

QuoteMore snobbery. They don't seem to have tested other kinds of music but feel the need to sound superior by using classical music. It sounds as though it is just Music that is good not just this one white, Western European type of music that has acquired a bizarre cachet even though the majority if people don't listen to it regularly or at all. It's like Charlie Parker's or Chet Baker's need to record "with strings". Or Zappa and others recording with orchestras.

Note, (most) classical music is fine but it is is not intrinsically better than other forms of music and people, particularly scientists, need to stop pretending it is.

Thank goodness he knows The Truth!  ;)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on March 19, 2015, 11:49:37 AM
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/immigration/11479761/We-must-listen-to-Trevor-Phillips-and-his-inconvenient-truths-about-race.html (http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/immigration/11479761/We-must-listen-to-Trevor-Phillips-and-his-inconvenient-truths-about-race.html)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on March 20, 2015, 10:45:30 AM
As a follow up to the Latin gem I present this. It's involved but pretty funny.
https://www.popehat.com/2015/03/16/nobody-including-tom-cotton-knows-what-tom-cotton-is-saying-about-corruption-of-the-blood/ (https://www.popehat.com/2015/03/16/nobody-including-tom-cotton-knows-what-tom-cotton-is-saying-about-corruption-of-the-blood/)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on March 20, 2015, 10:51:16 AM
Don't know whether to laugh or cry.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on March 20, 2015, 10:51:29 AM
(I moved my lips while I read it.)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on March 20, 2015, 02:21:52 PM
Quote from: karlhenning on March 20, 2015, 10:51:16 AM
Don't know whether to laugh or cry.
Indeed.

No mixed emotions here I'll bet.
https://whyevolutionistrue.wordpress.com/2015/03/20/mentally-ill-woman-stoned-to-death-in-kabul-for-burning-quran/ (https://whyevolutionistrue.wordpress.com/2015/03/20/mentally-ill-woman-stoned-to-death-in-kabul-for-burning-quran/)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: kishnevi on March 20, 2015, 05:02:26 PM
Quote from: Ken B on March 20, 2015, 10:45:30 AM
As a follow up to the Latin gem I present this. It's involved but pretty funny.
https://www.popehat.com/2015/03/16/nobody-including-tom-cotton-knows-what-tom-cotton-is-saying-about-corruption-of-the-blood/ (https://www.popehat.com/2015/03/16/nobody-including-tom-cotton-knows-what-tom-cotton-is-saying-about-corruption-of-the-blood/)

Even Popehat did not catch the misuse of the term corruption of blood
http://legal-dictionary.thefreedictionary.com/Corruption+of+blood
It did not put them in prison, it barred them from inheriting anything they might claim through the convicted traitor.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Jo498 on March 21, 2015, 03:29:09 AM
But it does not say anything about a control group. They should have had a control group listening to birdsong, another to "soft" muzak or so, another one to hard rock or so.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on March 23, 2015, 06:27:25 PM
This legislation really hits the bullseye. (http://www.cnn.com/2015/03/23/us/utah-death-penalty-firing-squad/)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on March 25, 2015, 05:36:20 PM
Direct democracy in action! (https://oag.ca.gov/system/files/initiatives/pdfs/15-0008%20(Sodomy)_0.pdf)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Florestan on March 26, 2015, 01:19:15 AM
Quote from: Todd on March 25, 2015, 05:36:20 PM
Direct democracy in action! (https://oag.ca.gov/system/files/initiatives/pdfs/15-0008%20(Sodomy)_0.pdf)

"be put to death by bullets to the head or by any other convenient method"

Throw them off high places, as some Muslim clerics advise. Plenty of skyscrapers in California...  ;D

Is this insanity really going to to be turned into a referendum?
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on March 26, 2015, 07:34:14 AM
Quote from: Florestan on March 26, 2015, 01:19:15 AM
Is this insanity really going to to be turned into a referendum?


Maybe.  The California Attorney General has publicly asked the court to prevent this from moving forward because she has no power to stop it. 

I'm not very familiar with the California initiative system, but a decent number of signatures would be needed to get it on the ballot (>300K), and in the very unlikely event it passed (as in 0% probability), it would be immediately struck down by a state or federal court.

Of more interest to me, but not enough to do a whole lot of digging, is the intent of Mr McLaughlin, who submitted the initiative.  I find it hard to believe that he actually advocates what he submitted, though he may, and see it as either A.) a disguised attack on the initiative process itself, or B.) a ham-fisted yet clever way to stoke discussion about LGBT (or is it LGBTQ or LGBTQQIA?) issues, forcing various politicians into uncomfortable discussions.  One would also be able to ascertain the geography of the pro- and con- voters.  Or, it could be a publicity stunt done in extremely bad taste.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Florestan on March 26, 2015, 07:40:17 AM
I see.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on March 26, 2015, 07:43:18 AM
A publicity stunt done in extremely bad taste is just a Californian's way of wishing you good morning!
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Florestan on March 26, 2015, 07:52:34 AM
(*chortie*)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on March 30, 2015, 04:58:48 AM
Public school in the USA http://reason.com/blog/2015/03/27/boy-got-a-haircut-like-his-military-step (http://reason.com/blog/2015/03/27/boy-got-a-haircut-like-his-military-step)

Somebody needs to be suspended, but it ain't the student.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on April 02, 2015, 05:45:54 PM
New York "Progressives" seek to set election laws back a century. (http://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2015/apr/02/new-york-city-non-citizens-local-elections)  (Well, less, if you count school board elections, I guess.) 
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Dancing Divertimentian on April 02, 2015, 07:49:21 PM
Walking sticks for everyone.


(http://www.npr.org/blogs/krulwich/2012/02/24/147367644/six-legged-giant-finds-secret-hideaway-hides-for-80-years)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on April 07, 2015, 04:45:41 AM
Kremlin says Russians are drinking less and exercising more. (http://www.csmonitor.com/World/Europe/2015/0401/Kremlin-says-Russians-are-drinking-less-and-exercising-more.-Are-they)

Survey sez:  Kremlin may just be air-brushing the data;  plus ça change, plus c'est la même chose.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Florestan on April 07, 2015, 04:51:34 AM
Quote from: karlhenning on April 07, 2015, 04:45:41 AM
Kremlin says Russians are drinking less and exercising more. (http://www.csmonitor.com/World/Europe/2015/0401/Kremlin-says-Russians-are-drinking-less-and-exercising-more.-Are-they)

The Russians in the army, perhaps, as they are preparing for the next move.  ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: North Star on April 08, 2015, 08:31:29 AM
Quote from: Florestan on April 07, 2015, 04:51:34 AM
The Russians in the army, perhaps, as they are preparing for the next move.  ;D ;D ;D
Nonsense - they drink twice as much when planning their moves.  :laugh:
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on April 08, 2015, 02:11:08 PM
I know why the caged bird snickers

http://www.latimes.com/books/jacketcopy/la-et-jc-maya-angelou-stamp-quote-20150407-story.html (http://www.latimes.com/books/jacketcopy/la-et-jc-maya-angelou-stamp-quote-20150407-story.html)

My stamp will feature the complete works of Homer. Go big or go home I say.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on April 09, 2015, 07:02:38 PM
OH HELL YEAH!! (http://www.bbc.com/news/health-32233571)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: ibanezmonster on April 10, 2015, 06:13:55 AM
Quote from: Todd on April 09, 2015, 07:02:38 PM
OH HELL YEAH!! (http://www.bbc.com/news/health-32233571)
Maybe, but didn't help my grandma. So go to the gym, people!  >:(
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on April 12, 2015, 07:25:50 AM
A victory for equality and diversity in the workplace, or a cynical maneuver to keep wages down while appearing to appease contemporary political values? (http://www.pbs.org/newshour/rundown/reddit-ceo-ellen-pao-bans-salary-negotiations/)  (Or a way to stay in the news?)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: ibanezmonster on April 12, 2015, 07:51:25 AM
Quote from: Todd on April 12, 2015, 07:25:50 AM
A victory for equality and diversity in the workplace, or a cynical maneuver to keep wages down while appearing to appease contemporary political values? (http://www.pbs.org/newshour/rundown/reddit-ceo-ellen-pao-bans-salary-negotiations/)  (Or a way to stay in the news?)
My first thought, echoed in this comment:


Quoteheres contemporary hysterical feminism in a nutshell:
because women allegedly dont negotiate for higher salaries as well as men do,
reddit's "feminist" ceo has banned ALL employees from negotiating for higher pay. take the low rate youre offerred or leave it.

so now everyone has to suffer with a low pay rate, with no recourse -- because of the weakness of women.

and feminists hail this as a victory.

Reminds me of when that absolutely wonderful person, Jessica Valenti, wrote an article about her solution to the gender pay gap: pay men less. And when confronted by the idea that you can't do that because it would be gender discrimination, she replied: "Bummer. Because nothing else is working."  Maybe this is a solution, then. ;D
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on April 14, 2015, 05:45:30 PM
Cruel and unusual punishment, plain and simple. (http://www.cnn.com/2015/04/14/us/georgia-atlanta-public-schools-cheating-scandal-verdicts/)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on April 14, 2015, 06:49:24 PM
Quote from: Todd on April 14, 2015, 05:45:30 PM
Cruel and unusual punishment, plain and simple. (http://www.cnn.com/2015/04/14/us/georgia-atlanta-public-schools-cheating-scandal-verdicts/)

7 years seems excessive for the superintendant but this was an organized fraud. They bilked the system, extracting money on the basis of faked scores, and presumably impaired some of the kids' schooling.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on April 14, 2015, 07:16:24 PM
Quote from: Ken B on April 14, 2015, 06:49:24 PM7 years seems excessive for the superintendant but this was an organized fraud. They bilked the system, extracting money on the basis of faked scores, and presumably impaired some of the kids' schooling.



They were convicted of racketeering.  Racketeering laws were designed to pursue organized crime.  This smacks of prosecutorial overreach and is an abuse of state power.  Justice was not served, not even close.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on April 17, 2015, 05:44:42 AM
It was the best place to shop, it was the worst place to shop. (http://www.csmonitor.com/Business/2015/0416/The-best-and-worst-places-to-shop-in-the-world)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on April 21, 2015, 08:17:41 AM
I'm going to leave this here, since it's in the Diner, but the thread it belongs on by topic is the BPO gig thread.

http://www.newsday.com/opinion/columnists/cathy-young/trudeau-s-troubling-view-on-speech-1.10305122 (http://www.newsday.com/opinion/columnists/cathy-young/trudeau-s-troubling-view-on-speech-1.10305122)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on April 21, 2015, 09:03:17 AM
Odd that Mr Trudeau would adopt a blame the victim approach.  Or maybe not.  Also, the cartoons in question seem closer to blasphemy than so-called "hate speech", though that may be a fuzzy distinction here.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on April 21, 2015, 11:59:49 AM

http://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2015/04/csi-is-a-lie/390897/ (http://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2015/04/csi-is-a-lie/390897/)

But I still think OJ did it.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on April 25, 2015, 10:42:22 AM
News you can use. (http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/apr/25/us-set-to-revive-propaganda-war-as-putin-pr-machine-undermines-baltic-states)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on April 25, 2015, 11:39:19 AM
A voluntary fame tax
http://www.capx.co/its-time-to-introduce-a-voluntary-fame-tax/ (http://www.capx.co/its-time-to-introduce-a-voluntary-fame-tax/)

Actually, it exists in the USA: the treaury accepts donations.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on April 27, 2015, 05:18:10 PM
Whew, that was close! (http://www.abc.net.au/news/2015-04-27/kazakhstan-president-wins-nursultan-nazarbayev-re-election-97pc/6425952)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: ibanezmonster on April 28, 2015, 06:58:13 PM
Obama thanks Japan for anime.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?t=49&v=l-8zQC-9Iok


His awesomeness level just increased by 10 points.  8)  :P

Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on May 04, 2015, 10:29:48 AM
McDonald's knows you don't eat there anymore — and it wants to change that (http://www.washingtonpost.com/news/business/wp/2015/05/04/mcdonalds-just-unveiled-its-massive-new-plan-to-get-you-eating-there-again/)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on May 04, 2015, 10:31:16 AM
The fruit do hang low for this writer, but who could fault him for even company leaders are admitting the fries have gone cold . . . .
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on May 04, 2015, 12:29:00 PM
(http://i.huffpost.com/gen/1990721/original.jpg)


It's true, if McDonald's doesn't act fast, it could shrivel to oblivion.  As Bloomberg wrote, we may have hit peak burger.

(I wonder if McDonald's execs now think divesting in Chipotle was a good long-term decision?)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on May 04, 2015, 12:47:10 PM
Quote from: sanantonio on May 04, 2015, 12:39:59 PM
What's Yum! Brands?


Taco Bell, Pizza Hut, and KFC.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on May 04, 2015, 01:12:20 PM
Quote from: Todd on May 04, 2015, 12:47:10 PM

Taco Bell, Pizza Hut, and KFC.
Ah. The Yum is ironic.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on May 04, 2015, 01:41:13 PM
It's spin, and only unintentionally ironic  8)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on May 05, 2015, 10:39:40 AM
Liberté, égalité, fraternité? (http://www.nytimes.com/2015/05/06/world/europe/french-legislators-approve-sweeping-intelligence-bill.html?_r=0)

Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Florestan on May 05, 2015, 11:55:08 AM
Quote from: Todd on May 05, 2015, 10:39:40 AM
Liberté, égalité, fraternité? (http://www.nytimes.com/2015/05/06/world/europe/french-legislators-approve-sweeping-intelligence-bill.html?_r=0)

The shallowest slogan ever to come out from some of the worst demagogues in history.  ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on May 05, 2015, 01:36:45 PM
Quote from: Florestan on May 05, 2015, 11:55:08 AM
The shallowest slogan ever to come out from some of the worst demagogues in history. 
"Emancipation of the dissonance."
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on May 05, 2015, 04:24:52 PM
Quote from: Ken B on May 05, 2015, 01:36:45 PM
"Emancipation of the dissonance."

Prima la musica, poi le parole  8)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on May 06, 2015, 07:28:22 PM
Guild.
http://popehat.com/2015/05/06/two-stories-about-the-criminal-justice-system-and-consequences/ (http://popehat.com/2015/05/06/two-stories-about-the-criminal-justice-system-and-consequences/)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Cato on May 07, 2015, 04:08:50 AM
Okay, I am in my 8th Grade Homeroom.

Two boys, brothers, the most identical of identical twins, and not particularly bright, have decided to start arm-wrestling.   ???

Again, these are identical twins!

After two to three minutes of going nowhere, and restarting a few times, I simply said: "Hmm: i-den-ti-cal twins arm-wrestling:  I wonder why there is a perpetual tie!"

One of the spectators says: "Oh yeah!  That's right!"

To quote the waiter in Ferris Bueller: "I weep for the future!   ;)

Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: North Star on May 07, 2015, 04:31:05 AM
Quote from: Cato on May 07, 2015, 04:08:50 AM
Okay, I am in my 8th Grade Homeroom.

Two boys, brothers, the most identical of identical twins, and not particularly bright, have decided to start arm-wrestling.   ???

Again, these are identical twins!

After two to three minutes of going nowhere, and restarting a few times, I simply said: "Hmm: i-den-ti-cal twins arm-wrestling:  I wonder why there is a perpetual tie!"

Well one of them might exercise more. . .
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on May 07, 2015, 04:48:28 AM
Quote from: Cato on May 07, 2015, 04:08:50 AM
Okay, I am in my 8th Grade Homeroom.

Two boys, brothers, the most identical of identical twins, and not particularly bright, have decided to start arm-wrestling.   ???

Again, these are identical twins!

After two to three minutes of going nowhere, and restarting a few times, I simply said: "Hmm: i-den-ti-cal twins arm-wrestling:  I wonder why there is a perpetual tie!"

One of the spectators says: "Oh yeah!  That's right!"

To quote the waiter in Ferris Bueller: "I weep for the future!   ;)

Plus:

Quote from: Florestan on May 05, 2015, 11:55:08 AM
The shallowest slogan ever to come out from some of the worst demagogues in history.  ;D ;D ;D

It's the journey, not the destination.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on May 07, 2015, 04:49:58 AM
Quote from: Florestan on May 05, 2015, 11:55:08 AM
The shallowest slogan ever to come out from some of the worst demagogues in history.  ;D ;D ;D
"Ego te absolvo."
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Dancing Divertimentian on May 07, 2015, 09:41:45 AM
Excuse me while I take a potty break (http://news.yahoo.com/russias-newest-tank-stalls-during-parade-rehearsal-092701355.html)


Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on May 07, 2015, 02:34:40 PM
Think Baltimore.
http://popehat.com/2015/05/07/ville-de-granby-takes-the-lead-in-protecting-endangered-official-feels/ (http://popehat.com/2015/05/07/ville-de-granby-takes-the-lead-in-protecting-endangered-official-feels/)

Can a jail hold a hundred million people?
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on May 08, 2015, 03:08:54 AM
Quote from: Ken B on May 07, 2015, 02:34:40 PM
Think Baltimore.
http://popehat.com/2015/05/07/ville-de-granby-takes-the-lead-in-protecting-endangered-official-feels/ (http://popehat.com/2015/05/07/ville-de-granby-takes-the-lead-in-protecting-endangered-official-feels/)

Can a jail hold a hundred million people?

"Denmark's a prison" . . . .
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: ibanezmonster on May 09, 2015, 07:33:09 PM
Happy Goku Day!

Today, May 9, has been officially recognized as a holiday commemorating Goku, the great Saiyan warrior who saved our universe from evil. "Go" is "5" and "Ku" is one way of saying "9," so 5/9.

Article:
http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/interest/2015-05-09/may-9-officially-recognized-as-goku-day/.87998


From Japan Anniversary Association's website: http://www.kinenbi.gr.jp/
says it right here:

Quote悟空の日   5月9日
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on May 10, 2015, 06:36:04 PM
I have long argued that the true conservative position on abortion rights is pro-choice. The kind of government intrusion needed to truly enforce a ban on abortion dwarfs even that claimed by the most radical statist. In the USA at the federal level there is also another consideration counselling the same conclusion: enumerated powers.

http://www.usatoday.com/story/opinion/2015/05/10/abortion-republicans-congress-limits-column/27083275/ (http://www.usatoday.com/story/opinion/2015/05/10/abortion-republicans-congress-limits-column/27083275/)

Will the GOP stick to principles or god-talk? My money is on god-talk.  >:(
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: kishnevi on May 10, 2015, 07:25:23 PM
Quote from: Ken B on May 10, 2015, 06:36:04 PM
I have long argued that the true conservative position on abortion rights is pro-choice. The kind of government intrusion needed to truly enforce a ban on abortion dwarfs even that claimed by the most radical statist. In the USA at the federal level there is also another consideration counselling the same conclusion: enumerated powers.

http://www.usatoday.com/story/opinion/2015/05/10/abortion-republicans-congress-limits-column/27083275/ (http://www.usatoday.com/story/opinion/2015/05/10/abortion-republicans-congress-limits-column/27083275/)

Will the GOP stick to principles or god-talk? My money is on god-talk.  >:(

The same applies to immigration.  To actually achieve what the GOP says it wants on that issue would require a true police state, where everyone must produce papers on demand.

These points illustrate the fact that conservatism is not necessarily small government in orientation.  Authoritarian conservatives have a long history. 

Perhaps we could say that Republicans are against big government except when they are for it.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: ibanezmonster on May 10, 2015, 07:34:19 PM
Quote from: Jeffrey Smith on May 10, 2015, 07:25:23 PM
Perhaps we could say that Republicans are against big government except when they are for it.
That would be completely accurate.  :D
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Jo498 on May 11, 2015, 12:33:34 AM
It is a very strange understanding of "conservative" to take "government intrusion" as an overruling criterion. I'd call this libertarian, not conservative.
If abortion is, as the opponents claim, something like a murder of an innocent human being, it seems obvious that preventing this had to overrule any qualms about government intrusion.
Even a minimalist nightwatchman state is supposed to stop atrocities (which abortions clearly are if the opponents are right). If they are wrong, the state shouldn't intrude. But the very point of debate is whether abortions are atrocious or not, so you cannot just assume one side to be obviously right, and conclude what amount of intrusion would be appropriate.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: North Star on May 11, 2015, 12:54:27 AM
Quote from: Jeffrey Smith on May 10, 2015, 07:25:23 PMPerhaps we could say that Republicans are against big government except when they are for it.
Or in it.  8)

And Jo, American and European definitions of conservative are somewhat different.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Florestan on May 11, 2015, 01:03:08 AM
Quote from: Jo498 on May 11, 2015, 12:33:34 AM
It is a very strange understanding of "conservative" to take "government intrusion" as an overruling criterion. I'd call this libertarian, not conservative.
If abortion is, as the opponents claim, something like a murder of an innocent human being, it seems obvious that preventing this had to overrule any qualms about government intrusion.
Even a minimalist nightwatchman state is supposed to stop atrocities (which abortions clearly are if the opponents are right). If they are wrong, the state shouldn't intrude. But the very point of debate is whether abortions are atrocious or not, so you cannot just assume one side to be obviously right, and conclude what amount of intrusion would be appropriate.

I agree 100%.

Quote from: North Star on May 11, 2015, 12:54:27 AM
American and European definitions of conservative are somewhat different.

Exactly, just like the definitions of liberal.   :)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Jo498 on May 11, 2015, 01:29:21 AM
I agree and I am aware of different usages of these terms, still "conservative" without qualifier does include "social conservatives" as well.
But I was actually unclear: EVEN a libertarian who favors a minimal state would usually agree that among the few jobs of such a state would be the prevention of murder (and respectively the prosecution and punishment of perpetrators). So IF (and I completely agree that it is a big IF) abortion is akin to murder, even a minimalist state cannot just adopt laissez-faire wrt abortion as a default position. We can see this easily if we replace abortion with murderous robbery. To deny that the state should try to prevent (or at least prosecute and punish after the fact) murder and robbery is not libertarian but anarchist (or worse).

Of course, our society is divided in the question whether abortion is wrong. Still, my position is that precisely because our society is so deeply divided in this question there is at least the reasonable possibility that abortion is akin to murder, so laissez-faire should not be the default option for the state.

Sure, there is a slippery slope here. If there is a minority that claims that women not wearing a headscarf (or veil) are commiting a capital offense, should the state also take it as reasonable possibility that unveiled women are commiting a crime and therefore provide ruling?
Surely not. But it has to be decided case by case, and I think that for e.g. abortion there is a sufficiently reasonable case that it is a serious moral wrong and therefore laissez faire should not be the standard option.

"freedom of choice" might still be the *result* of a process of deliberation and legislation on this issue. But taking it as a *default option* seems to be begging a very serious and difficult moral question.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: ibanezmonster on May 11, 2015, 07:36:45 PM
(https://scontent-mia.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xft1/v/t1.0-9/11245806_412872035582586_9185102010505854074_n.jpg?oh=abbd27c905cf24a46a6b5f641527049e&oe=55C09A30)

Forget the message in this. I despise both pictures. I think this sums up what I hate most about my fellow Americans.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: ibanezmonster on May 12, 2015, 07:26:40 PM
Wtf is wrong with Florida men?  ;D

http://www.mandatory.com/2015/05/12/man-kills-imaginary-friend-turns-self-in-takes-worlds-saddest/



edit: lol... well, looks like this story was fabricated. But believable.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on May 13, 2015, 05:39:42 AM
I am tempted to start a new thread, Too many people go to university.
http://reason.com/blog/2015/05/12/trigger-warning-mythology (http://reason.com/blog/2015/05/12/trigger-warning-mythology)

I am serious btw. Too many people go to university.

Follow up. The best book of poetry I have read in a long time.
[asin]0374525870[/asin]
I think most of you can take it. You be careful though Nate.  :laugh:
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on May 13, 2015, 06:02:34 AM
Quote from: Ken B on May 13, 2015, 05:39:42 AM
I am serious btw. Too many people go to university.

Is this related to people being graduated from high school with less than what a high school education used to mean?...
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Florestan on May 13, 2015, 06:10:01 AM
Quote from: Ken B on May 13, 2015, 05:39:42 AM
I am serious btw. Too many people go to university.

Because there are too many universities. ;D

Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: North Star on May 13, 2015, 06:11:28 AM
Quote from: Florestan on May 13, 2015, 06:10:01 AM
Because there are too many universities. ;D
That's just a result of having too many academics.  0:)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Florestan on May 13, 2015, 06:16:22 AM
Quote from: North Star on May 13, 2015, 06:11:28 AM
That's just a result of having too many academics.  0:)

Of course!

Show me the university which Dante, Shakespeare or Goethe graduated from --- and I´ll show you the Neverland!  ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on May 13, 2015, 06:18:50 AM
But . . . I needed college to study music in.

I grant readily, I am no Dante, Shakespeare or Goethe  :)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Florestan on May 13, 2015, 06:25:27 AM
Quote from: karlhenning on May 13, 2015, 06:18:50 AM
But . . . I needed college to study music in.

You did --- precisely because

Quote
I grant readily, I am no Dante, Shakespeare or Goethe  :)

Objection overruled.

(sorry, couldn´t resist  ;D )

Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on May 13, 2015, 06:39:17 AM
My fault for placing so powerful a temptation before you  :)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on May 13, 2015, 06:58:24 AM
Quote from: Ken B on May 13, 2015, 05:39:42 AM
I am tempted to start a new thread, Too many people go to university.
http://reason.com/blog/2015/05/12/trigger-warning-mythology (http://reason.com/blog/2015/05/12/trigger-warning-mythology)


"Triggering" claptrap has trickled down to the middle school level where I live, and where my daughter attends middle school.  (By this I mean that teachers discuss the concept of "triggering", "trauma triggers", etc.)  There is a glimmer of hope in that young teens already rightly mock this idiocy, and some enterprising sorts have taken to claiming that homework is a trauma trigger. 
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: ibanezmonster on May 13, 2015, 07:16:03 AM
Quote from: Todd on May 13, 2015, 06:58:24 AM

"Triggering" claptrap has trickled down to the middle school level where I live, and where my daughter attends middle school.  (By this I mean that teachers discuss the concept of "triggering", "trauma triggers", etc.)  There is a glimmer of hope in that young teens already rightly mock this idiocy, and some enterprising sorts have taken to claiming that homework is a trauma trigger.
Have they talked about otherkin yet?  >:D
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on May 13, 2015, 07:28:56 AM
Quote from: Greg on May 13, 2015, 07:16:03 AM
Have they talked about otherkin yet?  >:D



Not yet.  I suspect it is only a matter of time. 
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Florestan on May 13, 2015, 08:28:48 AM
Quote from: karlhenning on May 13, 2015, 06:39:17 AM
My fault for placing so powerful a temptation before you  :)

Я ЛЮБЛЮ ТЕБЯ!  :D :D :D



Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Jo498 on May 13, 2015, 08:57:07 AM
Following the time-honored custom of putting offensive or triggering material in a language not everybody understands?
(I don't really but these three words I understand. I once met a guy who learned "you have beautiful eyes" by heart in a dozen or so languages, don't know if it helped with the girls, though.)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on May 13, 2015, 09:06:08 AM
Quote from: Florestan on May 13, 2015, 08:28:48 AM
Я ЛЮБЛЮ ТЕБЯ!  :D :D :D

Любовь зла – полюбишь и козла.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on May 13, 2015, 09:07:05 AM
Quote from: Jo498 on May 13, 2015, 08:57:07 AM
Following the time-honored custom of putting offensive or triggering material in a language not everybody understands?
(I don't really but these three words I understand. I once met a guy who learned "you have beautiful eyes" by heart in a dozen or so languages, don't know if it helped with the girls, though.)

Quote from: karlhenning on May 13, 2015, 09:06:08 AM
Любовь зла – полюбишь и козла.

A proverb, meaning roughly "Love is evil: you might even love a goat."
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on May 13, 2015, 03:11:59 PM
Quote from: karlhenning on May 13, 2015, 09:07:05 AM
A proverb, meaning roughly "Love is evil: you might even love a goat."

I have faced this fucking goat-fancier prejudice all my life. Haters.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on May 13, 2015, 03:31:52 PM
Hating on Thomas the Tank Engine.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/tvandradio/11602184/Christopher-Awdry-why-sour-Lefties-are-wrong-about-Thomas-the-Tank-Engine.html (http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/tvandradio/11602184/Christopher-Awdry-why-sour-Lefties-are-wrong-about-Thomas-the-Tank-Engine.html)

The funniest bit is the complaint, from lefties spouting the vacuous nostroms of their set, about conformity.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: mc ukrneal on May 13, 2015, 04:04:02 PM
Quote from: Ken B on May 13, 2015, 03:31:52 PM
Hating on Thomas the Tank Engine.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/tvandradio/11602184/Christopher-Awdry-why-sour-Lefties-are-wrong-about-Thomas-the-Tank-Engine.html (http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/tvandradio/11602184/Christopher-Awdry-why-sour-Lefties-are-wrong-about-Thomas-the-Tank-Engine.html)

The funniest bit is the complaint, from lefties spouting the vacuous nostroms of their set, about conformity.
Just silly. Thomas is so innocuous. 
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on May 17, 2015, 08:17:27 AM
Looks like Kamala Harris (aka, the next Senator from the great state of California) gets to fight a tomato can. (http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2015/05/17/loretta-sanchez-whooping-native-americans_n_7300466.html)  She won't even break a sweat.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: North Star on May 18, 2015, 07:59:50 AM
Wacko in Waco (http://www.nytimes.com/2015/05/19/us/waco-texas-biker-gang-shooting.html)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on May 18, 2015, 12:01:17 PM
This article has spoilers about Mad Men:

. . . those young, dewy-eyed optimists singing about buying the world a Coke . . . (http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/style-blog/wp/2015/05/18/the-last-mad-men-don-found-peace-and-so-should-we/?hpid=z1)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on May 18, 2015, 12:05:52 PM
Quote from: North Star on May 18, 2015, 07:59:50 AM
Wacko in Waco (http://www.nytimes.com/2015/05/19/us/waco-texas-biker-gang-shooting.html)

Quote from: DAVID MONTGOMERY, MANNY FERNANDEZ, RICHARD PÉREZ-PEÑA and SERGE F. KOVALESKIA spokesman for the Twin Peaks restaurant chain said on Monday that it was revoking the franchise agreement with the operators of the Waco restaurant.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on May 18, 2015, 12:09:43 PM
Quote from: sanantonio on May 18, 2015, 12:07:22 PM
How strange; I just posted in another thread about the series finale of MM.

Most curious!  I've not watched the show at all, and had just chanced on that review in the Washington Post.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: North Star on May 19, 2015, 03:44:45 PM
The investigation into suspicions surrounding the suspended Helsinki Drug unit police chief Jari Aarnio

http://www.finlandtimes.fi/national/2014/06/06/7443/Aarnio-suspected-of-26-criminal-charges
http://www.finlandtimes.fi/national/2014/11/28/12003/Aarnio-suspected-of-hiding-tracks-in-Kuopio-case
http://www.finlandtimes.fi/national/2014/12/15/12442/Aarnio-bribery-case-due-in-court-on-Tuesday
http://www.finlandtimes.fi/national/2015/01/15/13309/Trial-of-Aarnio-case-continues
http://www.finlandtimes.fi/national/2015/01/29/13745/Aarnio-suspected-of-hiding-tracks-in-drug-offence-probe
http://www.finlandtimes.fi/national/2015/02/28/14667/Aarnio-insisted-Trevoc-equipment-purchase:-Koskimäki
http://www.finlandtimes.fi/national/2015/03/12/15029/Aarnio-faces-new-charges
http://www.finlandtimes.fi/national/2015/04/14/15938/Aarnio-played-role-in-purchase-of-equipment:-Ex-police-boss
http://www.finlandtimes.fi/national/2015/05/16/16784/Aarnio-faces-new-drug-charges
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on May 19, 2015, 03:56:50 PM
A memory jogger
http://youtu.be/N5p-qIq32m8
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: North Star on May 19, 2015, 04:00:02 PM
Quote from: Ken B on May 19, 2015, 03:56:50 PM
A memory jogger
http://www.youtube.com/v/N5p-qIq32m8
.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on May 19, 2015, 04:17:59 PM
Quote from: North Star on May 19, 2015, 04:00:02 PM
.
Laconic.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on May 20, 2015, 11:06:06 AM
Why do I get a sinking feeling that this will not end well? (http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/europe/eu-approbes-plan-for-military-effort-to-foil-human-smuggling-networks/2015/05/18/fd95da52-fd6a-11e4-8c77-bf274685e1df_story.html?wpisrc=nl_evening&wpmm=1)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on May 20, 2015, 05:56:21 PM
Spotting the pro-censorship trope

http://popehat.com/2015/05/19/how-to-spot-and-critique-censorship-tropes-in-the-medias-coverage-of-free-speech-controversies/#more-23778 (http://popehat.com/2015/05/19/how-to-spot-and-critique-censorship-tropes-in-the-medias-coverage-of-free-speech-controversies/#more-23778)

Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on May 24, 2015, 07:05:14 PM
Power play.

http://www.theamericanconservative.com/dreher/heads-lgbt-win-tails-christians-lose/ (http://www.theamericanconservative.com/dreher/heads-lgbt-win-tails-christians-lose/)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Florestan on May 25, 2015, 02:44:08 AM
Quote from: Ken B on May 24, 2015, 07:05:14 PM
http://www.theamericanconservative.com/dreher/heads-lgbt-win-tails-christians-lose/ (http://www.theamericanconservative.com/dreher/heads-lgbt-win-tails-christians-lose/)

"You must not only bake the cake, or arrange the flowers, or make the ring, you must hold the correct opinion when you do it."

Romania, 1985. The above pòsition was imposed vertically by the Party and the Secret Police. Nobody really believed that it should be so.

Canada, 2015. The above position is imposed horizontally by peer pressure. Many (most?) believe that it should be so.

What is the worst case, I wonder?

Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on May 25, 2015, 10:10:48 AM
An opponent tough enough to take on Rahm Emanuel? (http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2015/05/philippine-mayor-death-squads-150525084408057.html)

(Curiously, The Independent put the same story in its "Americas" section.)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: NorthNYMark on May 25, 2015, 12:54:00 PM
Quote from: karlhenning on May 18, 2015, 12:09:43 PM
Most curious!  I've not watched the show at all, and had just chanced on that review in the Washington Post.

I highly, highly recommend it.  For my own tastes, there has never been a more (or equally) compelling television series, though The Wire sometimes comes close.  I am already somewhat in withdrawal from it. In any event, I believe it is more interesting than reviews such as the one you posted might lead one to think (though I suppose it may depend on one's taste for the kind of literariness to which the reviewer refers).
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on May 28, 2015, 10:57:25 AM
Just see how much of this article you can make it through. (http://www.independent.co.uk/news/science/our-attention-span-is-now-less-than-that-of-a-goldfish-microsoft-study-finds-10247553.html)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Brian on May 29, 2015, 07:11:55 AM
Let's all take a minute to be glad we are not on the James Holmes murder trial jury in Colorado. The trial is entering its second month. A court-appointed psychiatrist spent 22 hours interviewing Holmes to determine his sanity or insanity, and the prosecution plans to make the jury watch all 22 hours.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on May 30, 2015, 08:14:31 PM
Sad this kind of sexist crap is tolerated in Canada
https://whyevolutionistrue.wordpress.com/2015/05/30/islamic-school-soccer-team-refuses-to-play-against-a-team-having-two-girls-in-canada/ (https://whyevolutionistrue.wordpress.com/2015/05/30/islamic-school-soccer-team-refuses-to-play-against-a-team-having-two-girls-in-canada/)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on June 01, 2015, 07:04:02 AM
Usually Monday mornings are my least favorite time of the week, but today SCOTUS defends free speech, and in a non 5-4 ruling at that (http://fortune.com/2015/06/01/facebook-free-speech-supreme-court/), and parts of the Patriot Act are at least temporarily on hold. (http://www.cnn.com/2015/05/30/politics/what-happens-if-the-patriot-act-provisions-expire/index.html)  It's a good day for liberty.  (I wonder if I should be concerned that CNN uses a phrase like "privacy hawks" in their reporting.)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on June 01, 2015, 08:32:30 AM
Heck, even rants on GMG are Free Speech  8)

Pfffttt
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on June 01, 2015, 09:12:47 AM
[ article (http://fortune.com/2015/06/01/google-cars-grandma/) ]

Quote from: Robert Hackett"Google cars drive like your grandma," the purported motorcyclist writes, "they're never the first off the line at a stop light, they don't accelerate quickly, they don't speed, and they never take any chances with lane changes (cut people off, etc.)."

Leave it to a purported motorcyclist to talk of defensive driving as if it were a personal affront.  The ageism is its own problem, of course.  And . . . he cannot really be complaining that a mechanized driver does not "cut people off," can he?
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on June 01, 2015, 10:59:40 AM
Found on the web
QuoteLos Angeles recently decided to raise its minimum wage to $15 an hour across the board, including even tipped workers like waitstaff. A lot of businesses opposed the new rule on the grounds that it would make their operations unaffordable. Now a new group is joining them in saying the law's not right for their operation: union leaders.

You read that right. Union leaders are saying that the $15 minimum wage is a bad idea. Not for everyone, of course; for most businesses and workers, they think it's splendid. But for union operations, they need an exemption. Rusty Hicks, the head of the Los Angeles County Federation of Labor, said businesses that have collective bargaining agreements with employees should be able to negotiate a wage below the "minimum."

This has been greeted with jeers from both left and right, though Matt Yglesias does mount a defense.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: ibanezmonster on June 01, 2015, 12:15:10 PM
$15/hr... sure, let's not make it reasonable like $10/hr, let's just double it overnight. Great plan.  ::)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on June 03, 2015, 09:00:53 AM
Indeed, as more people move online, the long-evolved conventions of spoken language and the rituals of public civility are being challenged as never before. (http://www.csmonitor.com/USA/Society/2015/0531/Can-tweeters-be-tamed-video)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on June 03, 2015, 11:20:38 AM
Quote from: karlhenning on June 03, 2015, 09:00:53 AM
Indeed, as more people move online, the long-evolved conventions of spoken language and the rituals of public civility are being challenged as never before. (http://www.csmonitor.com/USA/Society/2015/0531/Can-tweeters-be-tamed-video)

Twitter brings out the worst in people. Who needs it? That's what we have The Diner for.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on June 03, 2015, 06:17:41 PM
Natural, spiritual, organic. But will it work?
http://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/Jharkhand-Shocker-Man-Beheaded-for-Better-Rains/2015/06/02/article2845459.ece (http://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/Jharkhand-Shocker-Man-Beheaded-for-Better-Rains/2015/06/02/article2845459.ece)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on June 03, 2015, 07:07:15 PM
It is hard for me to be surprised by just how petty some people in a position of power can be, but this is one of those times. (http://america.aljazeera.com/articles/2015/6/3/california-student-can-wear-eagle-feather-at-graduation1.html)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on June 04, 2015, 05:38:36 AM
The ink isn't even dry on all copies of the USA Freedom Act yet . . . (http://www.nationaljournal.com/tech/obama-admin-seeks-revival-of-lapsed-nsa-spying-program-20150603)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on June 05, 2015, 09:35:44 AM
Another confirmation-bias fetish object starts to fall apart. http://www.newrepublic.com/article/121958/sociologist-alice-goffman-denies-murder-conspiracy-run  (http://www.newrepublic.com/article/121958/sociologist-alice-goffman-denies-murder-conspiracy-run)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on June 05, 2015, 09:53:41 AM
Quote from: Ken B on June 05, 2015, 09:35:44 AM
Another confirmation-bias fetish object starts to fall apart. http://www.newrepublic.com/article/121958/sociologist-alice-goffman-denies-murder-conspiracy-run  (http://www.newrepublic.com/article/121958/sociologist-alice-goffman-denies-murder-conspiracy-run)

QuoteAmbivalence, by the way, is not a legal defense to conspiracy.

Damn, damn, damn.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on June 05, 2015, 10:00:45 AM
I bet your childhood was not like this.  http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3110801/What-children-seen-ISIS-beheads-Libyan-soldier-outside-mosque-education-purposes-youngsters-don-t-shocked.html  (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3110801/What-children-seen-ISIS-beheads-Libyan-soldier-outside-mosque-education-purposes-youngsters-don-t-shocked.html)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on June 05, 2015, 10:06:13 AM
We scarcely ever beheaded anyone for apostasy in those days.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on June 05, 2015, 01:40:26 PM
Quote from: karlhenning on June 05, 2015, 10:06:13 AM
We scarcely ever beheaded anyone for apostasy in those days.
Boston always was lax.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on June 05, 2015, 02:09:24 PM
I feel safer. (http://www.salemnews.com/news/local_news/lynn-man-s-star-wars-stormtrooper-costume-triggers-school-lockdown/article_f2bd343b-8e0f-5a12-977d-d2e9227cdd72.html)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on June 10, 2015, 06:34:52 AM
And you thought Comcast service was bad. (https://www.siliconrepublic.com/comms/2015/06/10/elon-musks-next-big-space-adventure-broadband-transmitting-satellites)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Wendell_E on June 10, 2015, 09:18:08 AM
Quote from: Greg on June 01, 2015, 12:15:10 PM
$15/hr... sure, let's not make it reasonable like $10/hr, let's just double it overnight. Great plan.  ::)

Not overnight:

QuoteUnder the ordinance, the city minimum wage would increase to $10.50 per hour in July 2016 for businesses with 26 or more employees, with a one-year delay for smaller businesses. By 2016, the state minimum wage will have risen to $10 per hour.

The wage would then go up to $12 an hour by July 2017, $13.25 per hour by July 2018, $14.25 per hour by July 2019 and ultimately to $15 by July 2020.

http://www.dailynews.com/government-and-politics/20150610/15-minimum-wage-for-los-angeles-set-to-pass-city-council-today
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on June 10, 2015, 09:22:01 AM
Quote from: Wendell_E on June 10, 2015, 09:18:08 AM
Not overnight:

http://www.dailynews.com/government-and-politics/20150610/15-minimum-wage-for-los-angeles-set-to-pass-city-council-today

Not doing it overnight does suggest doesn't it that the advocates understand there will be ill effects? Otherwise why not all at once? If not now, when as they say. And IMO is also suggests that they want to spread the harm out so it is less noticed.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Wendell_E on June 10, 2015, 09:32:33 AM
Quote from: Ken B on June 10, 2015, 09:22:01 AM
Not doing it overnight does suggest doesn't it that the advocates understand there will be ill effects?

It suggests there might be ill effects to doing it overnight.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on June 10, 2015, 09:45:34 AM
I love minimum wage politics.  Liberals feel good, winning one for the little guy and addressing inequality.  Conservatives rail against the impact to small business.  Both sides have a campaign issue to rile up the base. 

Another thing I love is studies.  On the one hand, it will significantly improve the lives of minimum wage earners. (http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/wonkblog/wp/2014/01/04/economists-agree-raising-the-minimum-wage-reduces-poverty/)  On the other hand, it might not. (http://www.oregonlive.com/politics/index.ssf/2015/01/how_much_more_would_single_mom.html)  Choose the study you like, and go with that.

For those interested in dealing with poverty and inequality, the minimum wage is not the best policy on which to focus legislative energies. 

And what happens as more unskilled jobs are automated away?
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: ibanezmonster on June 10, 2015, 09:48:22 AM
Quote from: Wendell_E on June 10, 2015, 09:18:08 AM
Not overnight:

http://www.dailynews.com/government-and-politics/20150610/15-minimum-wage-for-los-angeles-set-to-pass-city-council-today
That's a better strategy. It makes sense to be tied to inflation/cost of living somehow, although that seems to be only a prediction.



Quote from: Todd on June 10, 2015, 09:45:34 AM
And what happens as more unskilled jobs are automated away?
Socialism?
That's the end result of capitalism and cutting costs, right?
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on June 10, 2015, 09:50:25 AM
Quote from: Greg on June 10, 2015, 09:48:22 AMSocialism?



That's the Marxist conclusion, and the Schumpeterian conclusion.  But that is only one possible outcome. 
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: ibanezmonster on June 10, 2015, 10:05:13 AM
Quote from: Todd on June 10, 2015, 09:50:25 AM


That's the Marxist conclusion, and the Schumpeterian conclusion.  But that is only one possible outcome.
Hm, so what do you think are other possible results?

So if eventually all the fast food restaurants (for example) are replaced by robots (to even be competitive in the first place), there's the possibility of a large percentage of people being on welfare (not just as a supplement to income, but their entire income) because there aren't enough jobs... and then there is the possibility (which wouldn't happen in this country) that welfare is denied and mass amounts of people just starve to death.

Or the government could make excessive automation (like using robots) illegal for businesses, because you know they would start using them once they become more profitable, and it would lead to a chain reaction that would hurt the economy greatly.

In other words... $7-8/hour is just not enough to live on for nearly anyone, full time. So a lot of people supplement that with welfare/food stamps/whatever. If employees use robots because it's better than the eventual high minimum wage, they will just replace the employee with a robot and that person will have all of their income from the government, which could stress the system too much.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on June 10, 2015, 10:56:36 AM
Quote from: Greg on June 10, 2015, 10:05:13 AMHm, so what do you think are other possible results?



For the US, probably just tweaks to the current system involving more income redistribution and a more progressive tax structure.  It will take a long time, and the changes won't be monumental.  If an additional 2% of GDP is requisitioned by government and redistributed, that amounts to over $300 billion a year, for instance. 
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on June 10, 2015, 12:09:14 PM
Quote from: Wendell_E on June 10, 2015, 09:32:33 AM
It suggests there might be ill effects to doing it overnight.

Boiling a frog slowly still boils the frog, no? Or more plainly: can you frame a coherent economic argument that shows the consequences of a minimum wage hike do not materialize if the hike is phased in? And if so, why not a hike to $40?
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: NorthNYMark on June 10, 2015, 03:40:13 PM
Quote from: Ken B on June 10, 2015, 12:09:14 PM
Boiling a frog slowly still boils the frog, no? Or more plainly: can you frame a coherent economic argument that shows the consequences of a minimum wage hike do not materialize if the hike is phased in? And if so, why not a hike to $40?

Wouldn't the sensible position on the minimum wage be to index it to the rate of inflation?  Generally, it seems to me that the minimum wage should increase at regular intervals, as long as inflation does--that keeps it level in terms of buying power, rather than shrinking.  If we had deflation, it would make sense for the minimum to decrease in proportion.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on June 10, 2015, 03:52:09 PM
Quote from: NorthNYMark on June 10, 2015, 03:40:13 PM
Wouldn't the sensible position on the minimum wage be to index it to the rate of inflation?  Generally, it seems to me that the minimum wage should increase at regular intervals, as long as inflation does--that keeps it level in terms of buying power, rather than shrinking.  If we had deflation, it would make sense for the minimum to decrease in proportion.
You are one for refining upon bad ideas!  :) if it's a bad idea now to tell someone he cannot offer his services at a rate where he can get a job, then tieing that restriction to inflation just compounds (sic) his woes.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on June 10, 2015, 04:40:09 PM
Quote from: NorthNYMark on June 10, 2015, 03:40:13 PMWouldn't the sensible position on the minimum wage be to index it to the rate of inflation?


Several states already index minimum wage to inflation.  It has no material impact on employment.  Minimum wage values as they currently exist - excluding the current push to $15/hr - are low enough so that they don't really have a material effect on employment. 

A variety of studies going back at least twenty years show that minimum wage increases do not generate material job losses (that is, widespread or even heavily concentrated in certain sectors) and are less important to low wage employment than other economic factors (eg, overall GDP growth).  On the flip side, the CBO projects job losses if the minimum wage goes up to politically desirable levels ($10/hr).  So, you can pick your poison: empirical studies vs projections.  It's yet another case of dueling studies. 

One could argue that a more material impact will be seen if the minimum wage is raised to $15/hr nationwide now or even over a few years.  That is more plausible.  It is also politically impossible.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: ibanezmonster on June 10, 2015, 04:42:20 PM
Quote from: Ken B on June 10, 2015, 03:52:09 PM
You are one for refining upon bad ideas!  :) if it's a bad idea now to tell someone he cannot offer his services at a rate where he can get a job, then tieing that restriction to inflation just compounds (sic) his woes.
Are you saying tying minimum wage to inflation is a bad idea? So then you're very much in support of loads of welfare being spent on people (I believe you said you were pro-welfare state or something like that)? I suppose an unlivable minimum wage isn't too much of a bad thing as long as the government is willing to pick up the slack. If minimum wage were to stay so low, people shouldn't complain about welfare spending...
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on June 10, 2015, 05:04:25 PM
Quote from: Greg on June 10, 2015, 04:42:20 PM
Are you saying tying minimum wage to inflation is a bad idea? So then you're very much in support of loads of welfare being spent on people (I believe you said you were pro-welfare state or something like that)? I suppose an unlivable minimum wage isn't too much of a bad thing as long as the government is willing to pick up the slack. If minimum wage were to stay so low, people shouldn't complain about welfare spending...

Pretty much. I support a negative tax. if you get say a $4 per hour job then (as your income increases your tax rate climbs) you might pocket as example $3.90 an hour. If you get $400 an hour you benefit to a lower fraction but higher amount.

This is how most of the welfare state would be delivered. Not all, but most.

This has several advantages. It disrupts markets less. It lets the poor participate in and benefit from markets more. It costs less. It respects people more; recipients are not micro-managed or drug tested or submitted to worthiness tests. It is less susceptible to graft and political manipulation. It is pretty transparent. It is inherently counter-cyclical in its fiscal effect.

Politicians hate it. It's worth pondering why.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on June 10, 2015, 05:17:28 PM
Politicians do not hate Milton Friedman's idea of the negative income tax.  In practice, in the US, it is called the Earned Income Tax Credit, and it is one of the largest anti-poverty programs. 
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: NorthNYMark on June 10, 2015, 05:30:08 PM
Quote from: Ken B on June 10, 2015, 05:04:25 PM
Pretty much. I support a negative tax. if you get say a $4 per hour job then (as your income increases your tax rate climbs) you might pocket as example $3.90 an hour. If you get $400 an hour you benefit to a lower fraction but higher amount.

This is how most of the welfare state would be delivered. Not all, but most.

This has several advantages. It disrupts markets less. It lets the poor participate in and benefit from markets more. It costs less. It respects people more; recipients are not micro-managed or drug tested or submitted to worthiness tests. It is less susceptible to graft and political manipulation. It is pretty transparent. It is inherently counter-cyclical in its fiscal effect.

Politicians hate it. It's worth pondering why.

I'm not entirely clear on your wording here--by "might pocket as example $3.90 an hour," do you mean a welfare-like subsidy in addition to the $4 wage, or do you mean that the tax is 10 cents and the $3.90 is what's left over from the $4?  Not having heard of a negative tax, I googled it, and it would seem to be the former, i.e., a paid addition to the wage (though I still can't quite tell from the way you worded it). People making more would gradually get less subsidy, then none, then would start paying taxes as their income rises. I guess the idea is that since the poor would basically be getting a minimum wage, there would be less need for other kinds of welfare.

If that is what you mean, it certainly is an interesting idea.  Do you know if it has been tried anywhere?  It would be interesting to see it implemented in a small state to see how it would actually work out.  As with anything else, even if everyone agreed, there would probably be endless debates on what the amounts should be, etc. The article I read pointed out that one problem would be that if the negative tax subsidy were equal to a minimum wage, there would be no incentive for someone to work a minimum wage job.  But if it's too low, it might not be enough of a safety net (people can't live on the current minimum wage alone as it is).  I imagine it would be quite difficult to get the balance right (but of course, that's true of any social safety net). 
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on June 10, 2015, 05:33:06 PM
Quote from: NorthNYMark on June 10, 2015, 05:30:08 PMDo you know if it has been tried anywhere?



The USA.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on June 10, 2015, 05:48:32 PM
Quote from: NorthNYMark on June 10, 2015, 05:30:08 PM
I'm not entirely clear on your wording here--by "might pocket as example $3.90 an hour," do you mean a welfare-like subsidy in addition to the $4 wage, or do you mean that the tax is 10 cents and the $3.90 is what's left over from the $4?  Not having heard of a negative tax, I googled it, and it would seem to be the former, i.e., a paid addition to the wage (though I still can't quite tell from the way you worded it). People making more would gradually get less subsidy, then none, then would start paying taxes as their income rises. I guess the idea is that since the poor would basically be getting a minimum wage, there would be less need for other kinds of welfare.

If that is what you mean, it certainly is an interesting idea.  Do you know if it has been tried anywhere?  It would be interesting to see it implemented in a small state to see how it would actually work out.  As with anything else, even if everyone agreed, there's probably be endless debates on what the amounts should be, etc. The article I read pointed out that one problem would be that if the negative tax subsidy were equal to a minimum wage, there would be no incentive for someone to work a minimum wage job.  But if it's too low, it might not be enough of a safety net (people can't live on the current minimum wage alone as it is).  I imagine it would be quite difficult to get the balance right (but of course, that's true of any social safety net).

The 10 cents is a result of paying a low rate on your income in my example. Right now if you earn an extra $4 an hour you don't get to keep all of it. If you are in a 25% bracket for instance you keep 3. So my example has someone earning $4 taxed at a 2.5% rate. Earn $5 you might pay say a 6% rate. So imagine the negative tax works out to $4 an hour. If you take a $4 job you end up with 7.90. Take that $5 at 6% you end up with 8.70. $10  job taxed at 10% you end up with 13 = 4+9.
So progressive rate, the more you earn the higher the fraction you pay, but never removing the incentive and reward for working. ( all made up numbers here if course).
Of course you can use a flat rate too, with an initial deduction. This has pros and cons. Its simpler.

Not tried that I know of. The EITC is a small step in this direction. It is a good program. But no-one can maintain that it is enough to live on, or replaces the bulk of the welfare state apparatus. Or that the tax code has been simplified as this envisions.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on June 10, 2015, 06:01:33 PM
Quote from: Ken B on June 10, 2015, 05:48:32 PMNot tried that I know of. The EITC is a small step in this direction. It is a good program. But no-one can maintain that it is enough to live on, or replaces the bulk of the welfare state apparatus.



That is right wing idealism with no chance of becoming reality.  The EITC is implemented exactly how a stand-alone NIT would have to work - refundable tax credits administered by the central taxing authority.  Some states also have similar programs.  It is currently the third largest anti-poverty program, behind Medicaid and food stamps, so it is far more than a small step.  The scale can be increased or decreased, but the practical mechanism exists.  It is not the same as a guaranteed minimum income, but that is impractical and politically impossible. 
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: ibanezmonster on June 10, 2015, 06:06:28 PM
Quote from: Todd on June 10, 2015, 05:17:28 PM
In practice, in the US, it is called the Earned Income Tax Credit, and it is one of the largest anti-poverty programs.
Lol, true!  :D
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on June 10, 2015, 07:23:14 PM
What an interesting place. Mark asked if the scheme of replacing the welfare state with a negative tax has been tried anywhere. Apparently it has been tried in the USA but it's a fantasy to imagine it could be tried in the USA.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on June 10, 2015, 07:29:22 PM
She's making a list
She's checkin' it twice
She's going to find out who's Jewish or nice
Diane Rehm is coming to town


http://thefederalist.com/2015/06/10/nprs-diane-rehm-has-a-list-of-troublesome-jews-she-wants-you-to-know-about/ (http://thefederalist.com/2015/06/10/nprs-diane-rehm-has-a-list-of-troublesome-jews-she-wants-you-to-know-about/)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on June 11, 2015, 07:03:30 AM
Quote from: Ken B on June 10, 2015, 07:23:14 PMWhat an interesting place. Mark asked if the scheme of replacing the welfare state with a negative tax has been tried anywhere. Apparently it has been tried in the USA but it's a fantasy to imagine it could be tried in the USA.



No, it's a fantasy to imagine that in its ideologically pure form it can or will be tried.  It has been tried, is currently in use, and will continue to be used in the US in the form of the EITC.  Ideologues will, of course, insist that since the pure form has not been tried, that the NIT has not been deployed, despite the actual facts.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on June 11, 2015, 06:40:40 PM
More on Diane Rehm and her list. I don't really agree with this take, but it's interesting.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/news/volokh-conspiracy/wp/2015/06/11/why-did-diane-rehm-fall-for-an-anti-semitic-hoax/ (http://www.washingtonpost.com/news/volokh-conspiracy/wp/2015/06/11/why-did-diane-rehm-fall-for-an-anti-semitic-hoax/)

Why don't I agree? Because Rehm tossed in the list bit. That has a connotation here of secrecy, conspiracy, cabal. The implication couldn't be clearer. And how could it be a sensible rejoinder to his denial? Is she seriously saying, wait wait Bernie are you sure, you are on this list, care to rethink your answer? More likely the list was her intended follow up if Bernie copped to dual citizenship. So she just plowed on. I see malice where Bernstein sees duped, but I agree it's arguable either way.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on June 13, 2015, 05:36:57 AM
Identity politics
http://www.buzzfeed.com/tamerragriffin/rachel-dolezal-once-told-a-student-she-did-not-look-hispanic#.abGeYnwAM (http://www.buzzfeed.com/tamerragriffin/rachel-dolezal-once-told-a-student-she-did-not-look-hispanic#.abGeYnwAM)

And

http://dailycaller.com/2015/06/12/u-oklahoma-to-segregate-gay-students-into-separate-but-equal-study-lounge/ (http://dailycaller.com/2015/06/12/u-oklahoma-to-segregate-gay-students-into-separate-but-equal-study-lounge/)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on June 14, 2015, 12:18:36 PM
Lithuanian aggression.
http://blogs.rollcall.com/wgdb/to-counter-putin-poland-and-lithuania-officials-want-u-s-bases-durbin-says/?dcz= (http://blogs.rollcall.com/wgdb/to-counter-putin-poland-and-lithuania-officials-want-u-s-bases-durbin-says/?dcz=)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on June 15, 2015, 08:35:08 PM
Oops. Just past the post,  :-[

The 800th anniversary of Magna Carta. Only 3 clauses are still in effect, but one guarantees the right to trial by jury.

Andrei, to his eternal shame, scoffs at Magna Carta. But there are some here who would do away with trial by jury and the presumption of innocence altogether.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Florestan on June 16, 2015, 12:11:49 AM
Quote from: Ken B on June 15, 2015, 08:35:08 PM
Oops. Just past the post,  :-[

The 800th anniversary of Magna Carta. Only 3 clauses are still in effect, but one guarantees the right to trial by jury.

Andrei, to his eternal shame, scoffs at Magna Carta. But there are some here who would do away with trial by jury and the presumption of innocence altogether.

I don´t scoff at it. I just think it worth pointing out that there is quite a lot of mythology surrounding it.

As for trial by jury, Greeks and Romans practiced it 1,500 years before Magna Carta.  ;D
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on June 16, 2015, 06:50:35 AM
If partially hydrogenated vegetable oil is outlawed, then only outlaws will have partially hydrogenated vegetable oil. (http://www.washingtonpost.com/national/health-science/fda-moves-to-ban-trans-fat-from-us-food-supply/2015/06/16/f8fc8f18-1084-11e5-9726-49d6fa26a8c6_story.html)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Brian on June 16, 2015, 06:51:22 AM
Quote from: Todd on June 16, 2015, 06:50:35 AM
If partially hydrogenated vegetable oil is outlawed, then only outlaws will have partially hydrogenated vegetable oil. (http://www.washingtonpost.com/national/health-science/fda-moves-to-ban-trans-fat-from-us-food-supply/2015/06/16/f8fc8f18-1084-11e5-9726-49d6fa26a8c6_story.html)
The McMafia
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on June 17, 2015, 08:28:10 AM
I just misused whom in a sentence.  I'm doomed.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: ibanezmonster on June 17, 2015, 08:38:22 AM
Quote from: karlhenning on June 17, 2015, 08:28:10 AM
I just misused whom in a sentence.  I'm doomed.
They're, their, my friend.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: North Star on June 17, 2015, 08:42:17 AM
Quote from: Greg on June 17, 2015, 08:38:22 AM
They're, their, my friend.
https://www.youtube.com/v/10pqluMwgXQ
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on June 17, 2015, 12:01:47 PM
Quote from: karlhenning on June 17, 2015, 08:28:10 AM
I just misused whom in a sentence.  I'm doomed.

No, your dooed. Common error.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on June 17, 2015, 12:02:49 PM
A new chant for Americans: We're 96!!  We're 96!! (http://www.marketwatch.com/story/the-us-is-more-violent-than-95-other-countries-study-shows-2015-06-17?dist=countdown) 

Way to go!
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Wanderer on June 17, 2015, 11:17:10 PM
Istanbul's Byzantine legacy undermined by Ottoman restoration (http://on.ft.com/1JvBg9Q)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on June 18, 2015, 04:13:18 PM
Hurrah!
http://www.washingtonpost.com/news/volokh-conspiracy/wp/2015/06/18/minnesotas-egregious-sex-offender-confinement-statute-held-unconstitutional/ (http://www.washingtonpost.com/news/volokh-conspiracy/wp/2015/06/18/minnesotas-egregious-sex-offender-confinement-statute-held-unconstitutional/)

Undoing Al Gore's legacy, bit by precious bit.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Gurn Blanston on June 18, 2015, 04:40:16 PM
Quote from: Ken B on June 18, 2015, 04:13:18 PM
Hurrah!
http://www.washingtonpost.com/news/volokh-conspiracy/wp/2015/06/18/minnesotas-egregious-sex-offender-confinement-statute-held-unconstitutional/ (http://www.washingtonpost.com/news/volokh-conspiracy/wp/2015/06/18/minnesotas-egregious-sex-offender-confinement-statute-held-unconstitutional/)

Undoing Al Gore's legacy, bit by precious bit.

I don't know if or what Al Gore has to do with it, but whoever is responsible, including 'we the people', need to do some serious study of the constitution. That is totally amazing! :o

8)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on June 18, 2015, 05:07:50 PM
Quote from: Gurn Blanston on June 18, 2015, 04:40:16 PM
I don't know if or what Al Gore has to do with it, but whoever is responsible, including 'we the people', need to do some serious study of the constitution. That is totally amazing! :o

8)
Gore while in the senate he was a big force in pushing for stuff like this. I forget the details but during the hysteria in the late 80s early 90s --McMartin pre-school for googlers --Gore was fanning the flames and behind some of the crazier laws.
I hasten add this quickly became bi partisan. But I think it's worth reminding people of Gore's actual record sometimes.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on June 18, 2015, 05:12:50 PM
Castles in Finland

http://slatestarcodex.com/2015/02/09/ot14-tragedy-of-the-comments/#comment-182240 (http://slatestarcodex.com/2015/02/09/ot14-tragedy-of-the-comments/#comment-182240)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Gurn Blanston on June 18, 2015, 05:25:21 PM
Quote from: Ken B on June 18, 2015, 05:07:50 PM
Gore while in the senate he was a big force in pushing for stuff like this. I forget the details but during the hysteria in the late 80s early 90s --McMartin pre-school for googlers --Gore was fanning the flames and behind some of the crazier laws.
I hasten add this quickly became bi partisan. But I think it's worth reminding people of Gore's actual record sometimes.

Couldn't agree more. I always thought of him as the 'silent but deadly' type... Didn't know about this one though.

8)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on June 19, 2015, 03:25:46 AM
Yeesh
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on June 23, 2015, 03:45:50 PM
http://www.jpost.com/Middle-East/ISIS-enforces-Ramadan-fast-by-crucifying-two-children-406876 (http://www.jpost.com/Middle-East/ISIS-enforces-Ramadan-fast-by-crucifying-two-children-406876)

Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on June 24, 2015, 04:47:43 AM
Quote from: Ken B on June 23, 2015, 03:45:50 PM
http://www.jpost.com/Middle-East/ISIS-enforces-Ramadan-fast-by-crucifying-two-children-406876 (http://www.jpost.com/Middle-East/ISIS-enforces-Ramadan-fast-by-crucifying-two-children-406876)

"Muslims everywhere, we congratulate you over the arrival of the holy month," he said. "And be careful to keep the fast, or we'll hang you out for the vultures, because that is how Allah wishes us to honor this holy month."
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on June 24, 2015, 04:50:03 AM
Personally, I say "Thank God Boston's Olympic bid is dying on the vine; because, as we know from this past February, the MBTA is perfectly unfit even to get Bostonians alone where they need to be."

Recent reports suggest Boston could lose its bid for the 2024 Olympics amidst plummeting local support. (http://www.csmonitor.com/USA/USA-Update/2015/0623/In-Boston-s-faltering-bid-for-2024-Summer-Games-a-warning-for-Olympics-video)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on June 24, 2015, 06:38:47 AM
Quote from: karlhenning on June 24, 2015, 04:50:03 AM
Personally, I say "Thank God Boston's Olympic bid is dying on the vine; because, as we know from this past February, the MBTA is perfectly unfit even to get Bostonians alone where they need to be."

Recent reports suggest Boston could lose its bid for the 2024 Olympics amidst plummeting local support. (http://www.csmonitor.com/USA/USA-Update/2015/0623/In-Boston-s-faltering-bid-for-2024-Summer-Games-a-warning-for-Olympics-video)

The world is plagued by a roaming black cloud of debt, which periodically descends upon a city and crushes it. May you and yours be safe from this calamity.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on June 24, 2015, 07:00:03 AM
Quote from: Ken B on June 24, 2015, 06:38:47 AM
The world is plagued by a roaming black cloud of debt, which periodically descends upon a city and crushes it. May you and yours be safe from this calamity.

From your keyboard to God's incoming messages!
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on June 24, 2015, 07:01:08 AM
Quote from: Peter GellingAlmost twice as many people have died in attacks by right-wing groups in America than have died in attacks by Muslim extremists.

http://www.globalpost.com/article/6592741/2015/06/24/white-americans-are-biggest-terror-threat-united-states
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Florestan on June 24, 2015, 08:06:13 AM
Quote from: karlhenning on June 24, 2015, 07:01:08 AM
http://www.globalpost.com/article/6592741/2015/06/24/white-americans-are-biggest-terror-threat-united-states

QuotePoland is one of the world's most religiously conservative countries. It's as Catholic as Catholic gets. So it's pretty unsurprising that its abortion laws are some of the strictest in Europe. Basically, you can't get an abortion in Poland unless you were raped or are near death. And even then a doctor can refuse to help you.

So desperate activists are trying something new. In a few days, a consortium of women's rights groups will convene in Germany, load a drone full of pills that can be used to safely induce abortions, fly it over the border to Poland and drop the pills to activists on the other side. Some would call that smuggling.

It's been dubbed the "Abortion Drone," which is a truly disturbing pairing of words. But the goal is noble: to deliver a much-needed service to Polish women, to raise awareness in Poland that safe abortion medication exists, and to pressure the Polish government to change its draconian laws.

Since when it is a noble goal to kiill innocent and defenseless human beings?
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: kishnevi on June 24, 2015, 09:05:41 AM
Quote from: Ken B on June 24, 2015, 06:38:47 AM
The world is plagued by a roaming black cloud of debt, which periodically descends upon a city and crushes it. May you and yours be safe from this calamity.

Going by my  family's remarks it is not so much the debt as the fact that it will completely and totally jam up traffic.  It's Boston.  There is no place for all the extra cars and people.  One reason the Patriots settled relatively far afield in Foxboro.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on June 24, 2015, 09:09:59 AM
Quote from: Jeffrey Smith on June 24, 2015, 09:05:41 AM
One reason the Patriots settled relatively far afield in Foxboro.

Thank heaven!
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on June 24, 2015, 09:30:04 AM
Quote from: karlhenning on June 24, 2015, 09:09:59 AM
Thank heaven!
Foxboro is that far?
>:D
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on June 24, 2015, 09:32:49 AM
Far enow.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on June 24, 2015, 09:39:07 AM
Quote from: karlhenning on June 24, 2015, 09:32:49 AM
Far enow.

The Blue Jays play right in downtown Toronto, on the waterfront. Schmozzle when the game ends.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on June 24, 2015, 09:40:59 AM
The Sox still play in the Fenway.  Frequently made a mess of the Green Line when I was trying to get home after a shift at the MFA shop.  That's something I do not miss much!
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on June 25, 2015, 06:14:32 AM
Steven Pinker on free speech and related topics. 9 minutes.
https://youtu.be/B0W9sSqeJnA
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on June 25, 2015, 06:16:28 AM
Quote from: Ken B on June 25, 2015, 06:14:32 AM
Steven Pinker on free speech and related topics. 9 minutes.
https://youtu.be/B0W9sSqeJnA

[flash=425,350]http://www.youtube.com/v/B0W9sSqeJnA[/flash]

http://www.youtube.com/v/B0W9sSqeJnA
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on June 25, 2015, 06:17:22 AM
Danke
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on June 25, 2015, 06:25:01 AM
Supreme Court upholds Affordable Care Act subsidies
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on June 25, 2015, 06:31:35 AM
Quote from: Ken B on June 25, 2015, 06:17:22 AM
Danke

Thank you, that was enjoyable.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: ibanezmonster on June 25, 2015, 07:28:02 AM
Quote from: karlhenning on June 25, 2015, 06:16:28 AM
[flash=425,350]http://www.youtube.com/v/B0W9sSqeJnA[/flash]

http://www.youtube.com/v/B0W9sSqeJnA
Nice.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on June 25, 2015, 08:33:01 AM
Quote from: Greg on June 25, 2015, 07:28:02 AM
Nice.

Yes.  I didn't even mind that he was plugging his two books  8)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on June 25, 2015, 10:19:24 AM
Quote from: Jessica MendozaSince January, [IKEA] has used a minimum wage system that is based on the Massachusetts Institute of Technology's Living Wage calculator, which looks at an area's cost of housing, food, medical care, transportation, and taxes. The idea, [IKEA-US CFO] Mr. Olson said, is to pay employees the amount they need to afford basic necessities where they live and work.

IKEA to raise hourly pay again. Does the flexible wage model work?
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: oyasumi on June 25, 2015, 08:31:14 PM
A former Baltimore officer is making a list of all the horrible things he did or witnessed while on the job.

http://thesaladbowl.kinja.com/culture-of-corruption-baltimore-city-police-department-1713627787

QuoteTargeting 16-24 year old black males essentially because we arrest them more, perpetrating the circle of arresting them more.

SHOCKER.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: North Star on June 26, 2015, 04:57:46 AM
Quote from: karlhenning on June 25, 2015, 08:33:01 AM
Yes.  I didn't even mind that he was plugging his two books  8)
Nor should you.  8)

QuoteFIRE President Greg Lukianoff interviews Harvard psychology professor and bestselling author Steven Pinker about his books, the crucial role dissent plays in keeping society sane, the special importance of free speech on campus, and the origins of political correctness. Professor Pinker, a member of FIRE's Board of Advisors, is the author of The Blank Slate, The Better Angels of our Nature, and The Stuff of Thought.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on June 26, 2015, 05:09:08 AM
Why scientists are so fascinated with how the turtle got its shell (http://www.csmonitor.com/Science/2015/0625/Why-scientists-are-so-fascinated-with-how-the-turtle-got-its-shell)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on June 26, 2015, 09:20:41 AM
 From The New York Times 26 June 2025
QuoteThe results of a poll taken today:

Question: Do you support gay marriage?
1) Yes, and rolled eyes 45%
2) Yes and did not roll eyes 45%
3) No 8%
4) Laughter 2%

Question, before this date in 2015 did you oppose gay marriage?
1) Yes 8%
2) No 92%

Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on June 30, 2015, 12:03:25 PM
Don't know where to leave this, so I'l leave it here. Tunisians forming a barricade against a gunman.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/africaandindianocean/tunisia/11705112/Tunisia-attack-locals-formed-human-shield-to-protect-tourists.html (http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/africaandindianocean/tunisia/11705112/Tunisia-attack-locals-formed-human-shield-to-protect-tourists.html)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Moonfish on June 30, 2015, 12:42:46 PM
Quote from: karlhenning on June 26, 2015, 05:09:08 AM
Why scientists are so fascinated with how the turtle got its shell (http://www.csmonitor.com/Science/2015/0625/Why-scientists-are-so-fascinated-with-how-the-turtle-got-its-shell)

You posted this in the wrong thread, Karl! This is actually a very interesting article (and important in biology).   ;)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on June 30, 2015, 04:13:13 PM
Are Google driverless cars really a good idea? (http://www.slate.com/blogs/future_tense/2015/06/30/google_s_image_recognition_software_returns_some_surprisingly_racist_results.html)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on July 01, 2015, 03:30:21 AM
Quote from: Moonfish on June 30, 2015, 12:42:46 PM
You posted this in the wrong thread, Karl! This is actually a very interesting article (and important in biology).   ;)

:-)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on July 01, 2015, 09:41:10 AM
Quote from: sanantonio on July 01, 2015, 09:36:44 AM
Born in Ulan-Ude. Graduated from the Moscow Conservatory studying under Prof. Mikhail Petukhov (2011)

Parenthetically (and meaning the professor no disrespect), a name which a Russian speaker is apt to find a little funny and barnyardly, as петух means cock.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on July 01, 2015, 09:54:01 AM
Splendid!
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on July 01, 2015, 03:04:56 PM
I oppose any bailout for Greece. That's the wise policy IMO, but it does carry risks. Sometimes you read a story that makes the risks a little easier to accept. This, on Greek attitudes, is one such.
http://freebeacon.com/issues/poll-85-of-greeks-believe-the-jews-have-too-much-power-over-global-finance/ (http://freebeacon.com/issues/poll-85-of-greeks-believe-the-jews-have-too-much-power-over-global-finance/)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Jo498 on July 01, 2015, 11:11:23 PM
I would be willing to bet that if in the next 5 years the economy in Germany, France or Belgium shrinked by 30%, unemployment would double or triple and this apparently because a consortium of American bankers enforced a regime of austerity, one would get skyrocketing rates of antisemitism and general xenophobia in those countries.
People simply want to find a scapegoat under such circumstances (and there are of course some standard scapegoats available, if related to banks it's the Jews, if rise in crime it's illegal immigrants from Balkan states or whatever etc.)
This is not to excuse such attitudes or behavior, just a note that it is quite unlikely that the Greeks are all that different from e.g. French or Germans in that respect. As has been noted many times, the veneer of civilization is thin and I think that if "civilization" means mainly keeping people happy as rabid consumers it is especially thin.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on July 01, 2015, 11:41:33 PM
Quote from: Jo498 on July 01, 2015, 11:11:23 PM
I would be willing to bet that if in the next 5 years the economy in Germany, France or Belgium shrinked by 30%, unemployment would double or triple and this apparently because a consortium of American bankers enforced a regime of austerity, one would get skyrocketing rates of antisemitism and general xenophobia in those countries.
People simply want to find a scapegoat under such circumstances (and there are of course some standard scapegoats available, if related to banks it's the Jews, if rise in crime it's illegal immigrants from Balkan states or whatever etc.)
This is not to excuse such attitudes or behavior, just a note that it is quite unlikely that the Greeks are all that different from e.g. French or Germans in that respect. As has been noted many times, the veneer of civilization is thin and I think that if "civilization" means mainly keeping people happy as rabid consumers it is especially thin.

Those poor Greeks! People demanding money from them just like they borrowed it or something!
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Florestan on July 02, 2015, 12:20:48 AM
QuoteThe ADL poll surveyed 10,000 adults,

Then the most accurate statement the ADL can make is that 85% of the 10,000 people surveyed believe this or that about the Jews.

And yes, of course, when it comes to the topic at hand ADL is the most impartial and uncontroversial source one can rely on...  ;D
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on July 03, 2015, 02:37:51 PM
Robert Conquest:
QuoteThe simplest way to explain the behavior of any bureaucratic organization is to assume that it is controlled by a cabal of its enemies.

Or Ellen Pao

http://www.breitbart.com/big-journalism/2015/07/02/reddit-revolt-flares-again-as-ama-moderator-sacked-the-day-after-a-disastrous-jesse-jackson-qa/ (http://www.breitbart.com/big-journalism/2015/07/02/reddit-revolt-flares-again-as-ama-moderator-sacked-the-day-after-a-disastrous-jesse-jackson-qa/)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on July 03, 2015, 06:15:35 PM
Q: When does end-of-life not mean end-of-life?

A: When a government contract is involved!
(http://money.cnn.com/2015/06/26/technology/microsoft-windows-xp-navy-contract/)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Jo498 on July 04, 2015, 01:34:05 AM
Quote from: Ken B on July 01, 2015, 11:41:33 PM
Those poor Greeks! People demanding money from them just like they borrowed it or something!

It's not like the "man on the street" borrowed that money. In any case, that's hardly the point. Economic near-collapse or severe downturn (whatever the reason) very frequently leads to a rise xenophobia, racial tensions etc. (The most famous example is probably Weimar Germany.) It's not an excuse, but an explanation.
But feel free to have another reason to feel smug because the Greeks are not only lazy spendthrifts, but antisemites to boot. They also hate the Turks.
That's why they, although broke, cannot cut defense spending, furthermore, the NATO has forbidden it.

http://www.reuters.com/article/2015/06/30/eurozone-greece-nato-idUSL8N0ZG4VL20150630
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on July 04, 2015, 07:06:32 AM
Quote from: Jo498 on July 04, 2015, 01:34:05 AMThat's why they, although broke, cannot cut defense spending, furthermore, the NATO has forbidden it.


That's aspirational more than anything.  I suspect Greece will end up like the other deadbeats of Europe when it comes to meeting treaty obligations. (http://www.bbc.com/news/world-31619553)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on July 09, 2015, 06:19:52 AM
Criminality knows no bounds. (http://www.cnn.com/2015/07/09/entertainment/ariana-grande-donut-licking-america/index.html)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on July 11, 2015, 05:34:19 PM
I got one "anti-Israel" writer to admit he really meant Jew when said Israeli. Now the BBC admits it.
http://www.thejc.com/news/uk-news/139132/why-jews-were-lost-translation-bbc-children-gaza-war-documentary (http://www.thejc.com/news/uk-news/139132/why-jews-were-lost-translation-bbc-children-gaza-war-documentary)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: ibanezmonster on July 13, 2015, 05:21:10 AM
This is why it's hard to take the internet offense of the day seriously.

http://www.myfoxtampabay.com/story/29524615/petition-calls-on-cracker-barrel-to-change-its-name
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on July 13, 2015, 05:52:18 AM
Hard to take the internet seriously?  Whatever can you mean? . . .
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on July 13, 2015, 06:14:34 AM
The Weed That Made Flatbush Famous (http://allday.com/post/2779-before-1951-giant-marijuana-plants-grew-all-over-brooklyn/)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on July 14, 2015, 04:48:52 AM
Texas embraces handgun 'open-carry': What took 'em so long? (http://www.csmonitor.com/USA/Society/2015/0418/Texas-embraces-handgun-open-carry-What-took-em-so-long-video)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: mc ukrneal on July 14, 2015, 10:25:30 PM
Do you like art? Mysteries? A sliver of politics? Then you might find this article interesting (though not short)...
https://www.yahoo.com/politics/the-lost-gerald-ford-portrait-an-art-mystery-124002581731.html (https://www.yahoo.com/politics/the-lost-gerald-ford-portrait-an-art-mystery-124002581731.html)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: ibanezmonster on July 15, 2015, 04:23:30 PM
Parents Dedicate New College Safe Space In Honor Of Daughter Who Felt Weird In Class Once


http://www.theonion.com/article/parents-dedicate-new-college-safe-space-honor-daug-50851
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on July 16, 2015, 07:12:00 AM
"Your call is important to us."

Hang-ups exploded from last year, when the IRS disconnected 544,000 callers. (http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/federal-eye/wp/2015/07/16/the-irs-hung-up-on-taxpayers-8-8-million-times-this-year-and-theres-more-bad-news-about-customer-service/)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: ibanezmonster on July 16, 2015, 07:17:50 PM
Lol...
So, somehow I know the sheriff of Waller County, Texas a bit too well by now. A few years ago, when my favorite anime reviewer on youtube went on a mass murder, killing his family, I saw the Waller County Sheriff (see 2 minutes in, or just the thumbnail).

https://www.youtube.com/v/0YfZ4xYMzGs


Just now I see some random facebook news and there he is. Glenn Smith. Totally different story.

http://mic.com/articles/122418/r-glenn-smith-sandra-bland-death


Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: ibanezmonster on July 17, 2015, 06:35:00 AM
Confederate flags don't kill people. People kill people. Oh wait, never mind.  :-[

http://dailycurrant.com/2015/06/26/confederate-flag-kills-7-at-alabama-shopping-mall/
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Dancing Divertimentian on July 19, 2015, 08:04:19 AM
Those dastardly psychology professors (https://www.yahoo.com/health/why-people-are-obsessing-over-this-psych-124426709647.html)



Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on July 21, 2015, 06:35:37 AM
U.S. data hack may be 4 times larger than the government originally said (http://www.cnn.com/2015/06/22/politics/opm-hack-18-milliion/index.html)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: jochanaan on July 21, 2015, 07:56:59 AM
Quote from: karlhenning on July 21, 2015, 06:35:37 AM
U.S. data hack may be 4 times larger than the government originally said (http://www.cnn.com/2015/06/22/politics/opm-hack-18-milliion/index.html)
Why doesn't this surprise me? ::)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on July 21, 2015, 08:16:51 AM
Indeed, mon cher, indeed.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on July 21, 2015, 09:41:42 AM
Bigots 'Я' Us opens in the Sunshine State (http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/2015/07/21/florida-gun-shop-owner-declares-his-shop-muslim-free-zone-after-chattanooga-rampage/30458663/)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on July 23, 2015, 05:22:05 PM
This recalls this line from the Kazakh national anthem in Borat: "Kazakhstan, prostitutes cleanest in the region, except of course for Turkmenistan's". (http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/jul/22/turkmenistan-the-health-obsessed-country-where-nobody-smokes)


(Okay, it's a brutal dictatorship that routinely ends up low on human rights organizations' ratings, year after year, but smoking is just so bad.)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on July 31, 2015, 05:49:25 PM
Well, fuck me. (http://variety.com/2015/biz/obituaries-people-news/roddy-piper-dies-dead-wwe-wrestler-1201554513/)

(It's been a tough week for pro wrestling.)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: ibanezmonster on August 01, 2015, 08:43:25 AM
http://www.theonion.com/article/eminem-terrified-as-daughter-begins-dating-man-rai-32989
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on August 03, 2015, 06:50:42 AM
Quote from: Peter Grier"Independent" voters often aren't.

[...] About one-third of US voters are Democrats and one-third are Republicans, points out Jennifer N. Victor, an assistant professor of political science at George Mason University in Fairfax, Va. One-third identify as independents.

But many of those self-described "independents" are independent in name only. About one-third of them are secret Republicans, and one-third secret Democrats. Push them and you'll find that they actually vote like declared partisans.

The remaining one-third of the one-third is indeed composed of independents. "These independents amount to 10 to 12 percent of the voting population, which is much smaller than most people think," writes Ms. Victor in a post on the "Mischiefs of Faction" political blog.

Wait, there's more. About half of the actual independents don't make it to the polls. That's right – they don't vote, according to research conducted by other political scientists. The portion that does vote generally splits its ballots between Democrats and Republicans.

And these final true swing voters tend to be the least-informed adults in the US electorate. That makes sense if you think about it – they're the folks who don't follow political news and thus haven't formed opinions about candidates and issues they don't know exist.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on August 04, 2015, 11:58:11 AM
http://www.eater.com/2015/8/3/9090797/whole-foods-asparagus-water-wtf (http://www.eater.com/2015/8/3/9090797/whole-foods-asparagus-water-wtf)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: ZauberdrachenNr.7 on August 04, 2015, 03:15:13 PM
This explains it all, the Universe is fake (I've long suspected it) :

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-3185261/Is-universe-FAKE-Physicists-claim-playthings-advanced-civilisation.html
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on August 10, 2015, 06:25:29 AM
As seen on TV. (http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/europe/french-students-dissolve-body-in-acid-after-killing-girl-in-breaking-bad-murder-plot-10447943.html)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on August 11, 2015, 06:19:09 AM
Downing a drone.

http://www.youtube.com/v/bbRQlQQUXlk
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Dancing Divertimentian on August 13, 2015, 06:13:53 PM
It's all about the sanctity... (http://news.yahoo.com/man-bear-costumes-harasses-bears-alaska-005420961.html)


Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on August 16, 2015, 06:32:11 AM
Bloody good show. (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-3192039/Woman-26-ran-marathon-WITHOUT-tampon-break-stigma-surrounding-women-s-periods.html)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on August 18, 2015, 03:35:36 AM
Fledgling Marijuana Industry Pressing Through Labor Pains (http://www.nbcnews.com/business/business-news/fledgling-marijuana-industry-pushes-through-labor-pains-n411211)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on August 26, 2015, 06:55:24 AM
I Went To Court And All I Got Was This Lousy Voucher
http://bigstory.ap.org/article/4fcee82c6fd945049450dd5c71fcad86/appeals-court-upholds-lawyers-fees-over-drinks-southwest (http://bigstory.ap.org/article/4fcee82c6fd945049450dd5c71fcad86/appeals-court-upholds-lawyers-fees-over-drinks-southwest)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: North Star on August 26, 2015, 10:51:21 AM
http://www.scmp.com/news/china/society/article/1852142/gan-bei-chinese-woman-chugs-180-euro-bottle-cognac-boarding-gate
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on August 26, 2015, 10:56:36 AM
Quote from: North Star on August 26, 2015, 10:51:21 AM
http://www.scmp.com/news/china/society/article/1852142/gan-bei-chinese-woman-chugs-180-euro-bottle-cognac-boarding-gate

That's one way to show the TSA the bottle is not weaponized!
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: North Star on August 26, 2015, 11:01:36 AM
Quote from: karlhenning on August 26, 2015, 10:56:36 AM
That's one way to show the TSA the bottle is not weaponized!
You haven't tried the famous Finnish cocktail, then.  8)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on August 26, 2015, 11:02:37 AM
Never at an airport!  8)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: North Star on August 26, 2015, 11:05:39 AM
Quote from: karlhenning on August 26, 2015, 11:02:37 AM
Never at an airport!  8)
And not in apartments or restaurants either, I hope.  0:)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on August 26, 2015, 11:08:31 AM
Not to my recollection . . . .
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on August 26, 2015, 03:17:28 PM
Quote from: karlhenning on August 26, 2015, 11:08:31 AM
Not to my recollection . . . .
Proves nothing; no-one ever remembers a Finnish cocktail.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on August 27, 2015, 03:32:39 AM
I sought accuracy of expression, rather than to prove aught  8)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: North Star on August 27, 2015, 04:25:51 AM
Quote from: Ken B on August 26, 2015, 03:17:28 PM
Proves nothing; no-one ever remembers a Finnish cocktail.
I'm sure that if you consumed the cocktail in question, you wouldn't remember it, or anything else, for that matter.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on August 28, 2015, 04:52:25 AM
http://www.nytimes.com/2015/08/28/science/many-social-science-findings-not-as-strong-as-claimed-study-says.html?_r=1 (http://www.nytimes.com/2015/08/28/science/many-social-science-findings-not-as-strong-as-claimed-study-says.html?_r=1)

Some call this the "replication crisis". It's really a bogus results crisis. Many of these are studies based on surveys. Survey science is bogus through and through. 
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Jo498 on August 28, 2015, 06:24:05 AM
I can't give a source but I am pretty sure that in the last few years there was a meta-study that found out that a lot of medical/health/pharmaceutical studies do not fare much better. (Which I find quite disturbing while I cannot be bothered to care too much about the psycho/sociological survey stuff either way.)
Here also some problems are methodological but it is also publication bias: unwelcome or undecisive result are not published at all.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on August 28, 2015, 07:46:08 AM
Support for police reform, yet no action.
http://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2015/08/california-police-reform/402511/ (http://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2015/08/california-police-reform/402511/)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on August 30, 2015, 02:34:27 PM
Obama takes decisive, bold, unilateral action to finally match Alaska's forty year old action. (http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2015/08/30/obama-rename-nations-tallest-mountain/71426656/) 

(My avatar is outraged.)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on August 31, 2015, 06:48:05 AM
Eye contact.
http://www.cnn.com/2015/08/30/us/eye-contact-traffic-stop-ohio-police-officer/index.html (http://www.cnn.com/2015/08/30/us/eye-contact-traffic-stop-ohio-police-officer/index.html)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on September 02, 2015, 11:17:50 AM
No comment. No, none.

Texas teen fatally shoots himself while taking selfie (http://news.yahoo.com/texas-teen-fatally-shoots-himself-while-taking-selfie-153229881.html)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on September 02, 2015, 12:15:37 PM
Quote from: karlhenning on September 02, 2015, 11:17:50 AM
No comment. No, none.

Texas teen fatally shoots himself while taking selfie (http://news.yahoo.com/texas-teen-fatally-shoots-himself-while-taking-selfie-153229881.html)

Darwin also declined to comment.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on September 10, 2015, 06:31:40 AM
Michael Derrick Hudson says that his poem was rejected 40 times under his given name but accepted when he used the pseudonym Yi-Fen Chou. (http://www.csmonitor.com/USA/Society/2015/0909/Why-white-author-used-an-Asian-pseudonym-for-his-poem)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on September 10, 2015, 06:34:34 AM
Quote from: karlhenning on September 10, 2015, 06:31:40 AM
Michael Derrick Hudson says that his poem was rejected 40 times under his given name but accepted when he used the pseudonym Yi-Fen Chou. (http://www.csmonitor.com/USA/Society/2015/0909/Why-white-author-used-an-Asian-pseudonym-for-his-poem)

"I paid more initial attention to his poem because of my perception and misperception of the poet's identity. Bluntly stated, I was more amenable to the poem because I thought the author was Chinese-American," Mr. Alexie [guest editor for 2015's Best American Poetry] writes. "In paying more initial attention to Yi-Fen Chou's poem, I was also practicing a form of nepotism."
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on September 10, 2015, 06:51:47 AM
Quote from: karlhenning on September 10, 2015, 06:34:34 AM
"I paid more initial attention to his poem because of my perception and misperception of the poet's identity. Bluntly stated, I was more amenable to the poem because I thought the author was Chinese-American," Mr. Alexie [guest editor for 2015's Best American Poetry] writes. "In paying more initial attention to Yi-Fen Chou's poem, I was also practicing a form of nepotism."
I saw that. Nepotism is not the word I'd choose.

TD http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/art/news/female-cartoonist-could-have-12-year-prison-term-extended-for-shaking-her-lawyers-hand-10492837.html (http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/art/news/female-cartoonist-could-have-12-year-prison-term-extended-for-shaking-her-lawyers-hand-10492837.html)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on September 10, 2015, 08:13:01 AM
Quote from: Ken B on September 10, 2015, 06:51:47 AM
I saw that. Nepotism is not the word I'd choose.

The wrong word, which is distressing to see an editor use, whose judgment has already been called into question.  Chauvinism is closer, but still not quite right, perhaps?
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: ibanezmonster on September 10, 2015, 08:18:43 AM
Quote from: Ken B on September 10, 2015, 06:51:47 AM
TD http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/art/news/female-cartoonist-could-have-12-year-prison-term-extended-for-shaking-her-lawyers-hand-10492837.html (http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/art/news/female-cartoonist-could-have-12-year-prison-term-extended-for-shaking-her-lawyers-hand-10492837.html)
Hard to imagine this is real life...
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on September 10, 2015, 08:20:49 AM
Quote from: karlhenning on September 10, 2015, 08:13:01 AM
The wrong word, which is distressing to see an editor use, whose judgment has already been called into question.  Chauvinism is closer, but still not quite right, perhaps?

Better. I agree it's not quite there, but it's a lot closer.
What's missing is the ideological commitment, it's not just garden variety chauvinism, it's carefully cultivated chauvinism.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on September 10, 2015, 08:23:18 AM
Quote from: Greg on September 10, 2015, 08:18:43 AM
Hard to imagine this is real life...

Quote from: Matilda Battersby. . . jailed after she depicted Iranian government officials as monkeys and goats in a satirical cartoon . . .

There, you see, it was not satire, it was life-like.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on September 11, 2015, 05:27:34 AM
The rules on raping slaves.
http://www.memrijttm.org/islamic-state-isis-releases-pamphlet-on-female-slaves.html (http://www.memrijttm.org/islamic-state-isis-releases-pamphlet-on-female-slaves.html)

Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on September 11, 2015, 05:38:18 AM
Quote from: Ken B on September 11, 2015, 05:27:34 AM
The rules on raping slaves.
http://www.memrijttm.org/islamic-state-isis-releases-pamphlet-on-female-slaves.html (http://www.memrijttm.org/islamic-state-isis-releases-pamphlet-on-female-slaves.html)



I believe the answers to questions 4, 5, and 6 were adapted from Thomas Jefferson's diary. 
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on September 11, 2015, 05:43:58 AM
You guys . . . leave a tender moment alone . . . .
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on September 11, 2015, 09:15:28 AM
QuoteAt a congressional hearing on campus sexual assault, Colorado Rep. Jared Polis suggested that expelling students based solely on the idea that they might have committed a crime is an acceptable standard. And the hearing audience applauded him.

Polis, a Democrat, was discussing due process and standards of evidence as they apply to colleges and universities adjudicating sexual assault. ...

"I mean, if there's 10 people that have been accused and under a reasonable likelihood standard maybe one or two did it, seems better to get rid of all 10 people," Polis said. "We're not talking about depriving them of life or liberty, we're talking about their transfer to another university."

For this, the audience applauded.

http://www.washingtonexaminer.com/campus-sexual-assault-hearing-applauds-witch-hunt-mentality/article/2571784 (http://www.washingtonexaminer.com/campus-sexual-assault-hearing-applauds-witch-hunt-mentality/article/2571784)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on September 11, 2015, 09:33:06 AM
Yeesh
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: ibanezmonster on September 11, 2015, 09:51:39 AM
Quote from: Ken B on September 11, 2015, 05:27:34 AM
The rules on raping slaves.
http://www.memrijttm.org/islamic-state-isis-releases-pamphlet-on-female-slaves.html (http://www.memrijttm.org/islamic-state-isis-releases-pamphlet-on-female-slaves.html)
Happy reading that will brighten your day!


Quote from: Ken B on September 11, 2015, 09:15:28 AM
http://www.washingtonexaminer.com/campus-sexual-assault-hearing-applauds-witch-hunt-mentality/article/2571784 (http://www.washingtonexaminer.com/campus-sexual-assault-hearing-applauds-witch-hunt-mentality/article/2571784)
Probably a good thing I don't interact with or make friends with girls on my campus...
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: kishnevi on September 11, 2015, 06:17:28 PM
Headsetgate (http://www.bostonherald.com/sports/patriots_nfl/the_blitz/2015/09/steelers_website_malfunction_against_the_patriots_no_surprise)

Surprisingly the NFL has investigated and decided to blame the weather and not the Patriots.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: mc ukrneal on September 14, 2015, 05:18:15 PM
Quote from: Jeffrey Smith on September 11, 2015, 06:17:28 PM
Headsetgate (http://www.bostonherald.com/sports/patriots_nfl/the_blitz/2015/09/steelers_website_malfunction_against_the_patriots_no_surprise)

Surprisingly the NFL has investigated and decided to blame the weather and not the Patriots.
Isn't it actually hilarious that the NFL is using such outdated technology? You'd think a business that makes as much money as they do, wastes money on independent reports by their in house lawyers, and can scare film studios into doing their bidding could spend a few dollars on a state of the art communications system. Oh, I forgot they can't even afford decent pressure gauges. Never mind!
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: kishnevi on September 14, 2015, 07:12:52 PM
Quote from: mc ukrneal on September 14, 2015, 05:18:15 PM
Isn't it actually hilarious that the NFL is using such outdated technology? You'd think a business that makes as much money as they do, wastes money on independent reports by their in house lawyers, and can scare film studios into doing their bidding could spend a few dollars on a state of the art communications system. Oh, I forgot they can't even afford decent pressure gauges. Never mind!

Speaking of which
http://yourteamcheats.com
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: mc ukrneal on September 14, 2015, 07:48:20 PM
Quote from: Jeffrey Smith on September 14, 2015, 07:12:52 PM
Speaking of which
http://yourteamcheats.com
Never saw that one. Thanks! Ever since the whole concussion scandal/problem I've really rooted against the NFL. I think they got off ridiculously easy in their settlement with the players. And NFL looks terribly stupid in the way they have handled recent scandals. But Goodell seems Teflon-like and until he screws up the revenue streams, it seems he will be around for a while.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on September 15, 2015, 03:26:20 AM
Quote from: mc ukrneal on September 14, 2015, 07:48:20 PM
Never saw that one. Thanks! Ever since the whole concussion scandal/problem I've really rooted against the NFL. I think they got off ridiculously easy in their settlement with the players. And NFL looks terribly stupid in the way they have handled recent scandals. But Goodell seems Teflon-like and until he screws up the revenue streams, it seems he will be around for a while.

The business is too big, that mere health or morality concerns should bring it to an end   :-\
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: mc ukrneal on September 15, 2015, 03:34:28 AM
Quote from: karlhenning on September 15, 2015, 03:26:20 AM
The business is too big, that mere health or morality concerns should bring it to an end   :-\
I guess. I have watched this deflategate thing with a real zeal, I must admit. It was fascinating to me, because it was like watching a car hit a tree in slow motion. It defies common sense. It reminds me a bit of the pine tar incident. Can you imagine George Brett getting a suspension for a quarter of a season over that? It seems to me one of the closest analogies, except in that case, there was no arguing who did it. The batboy didn't rub it on un-noticed. I have also enjoyed reading all the legal analyses out there. Anyway, maybe others are not so interested...
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: ibanezmonster on September 15, 2015, 03:34:26 PM
Just when you thought the daily SJW and related bullshit couldn't get any more retarded, here's what's trending on facebook...

Helen Mirren: Actress Says Men Putting Their Arms Around Their Girlfriends Is 'Like Ownership'

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/men/thinking-man/11863757/Is-it-now-sexist-to-put-your-arm-around-your-girlfriends-shoulder.html



Not guilty since I'm not girlfriend privileged (check your privileges, people!), but what does this mean when you do this as a kid... and your friend is black?  ???
(jumps off cliff)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: kishnevi on September 15, 2015, 05:34:35 PM
Some perspective on GMOs
http://www.theonion.com/graphic/gmos-myth-vs-fact-51075
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on September 16, 2015, 03:28:53 AM
So much sadness in life.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: North Star on September 16, 2015, 05:35:57 AM
It's not a good idea to show your timepiece to a teacher.

Texas Student Is Under Police Investigation for Building a Clock (http://www.nytimes.com/2015/09/17/us/texas-student-is-under-police-investigation-for-building-a-clock.html)

(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CPBIbQ0WUAA6hdW.jpg)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on September 16, 2015, 09:41:43 AM
Success!!!! (https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/checkpoint/wp/2015/09/16/only-4-to-5-american-trained-syrians-fighting-against-the-islamic-state/)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on September 16, 2015, 09:46:24 AM
Quote from: North Star on September 16, 2015, 05:35:57 AM
It's not a good idea to show your timepiece to a teacher.

Texas Student Is Under Police Investigation for Building a Clock (http://www.nytimes.com/2015/09/17/us/texas-student-is-under-police-investigation-for-building-a-clock.html)

(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CPBIbQ0WUAA6hdW.jpg)

Two good takes
https://twitter.com/razibkhan/status/644193443229642752 (https://twitter.com/razibkhan/status/644193443229642752)

http://popehat.com/2015/09/16/willful-paranoia-the-classic-excuse-for-willful-paranoia-istandwithahmed/ (http://popehat.com/2015/09/16/willful-paranoia-the-classic-excuse-for-willful-paranoia-istandwithahmed/)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on September 17, 2015, 09:43:41 AM
Have we had a link on sexbots?

Perhaps you saw the wanker who wants to ban sex robots.
Quote"Technology is not neutral," [said Kathleen Richardson, a senior research fellow in the ethics of robotics at De Montfort University in Leicester, England]. "It's informed by class, race and gender. Political power informs the development of technology. That's why we can do something about it. These robots will contribute to more sexual exploitation."
"Informed" is vague bafflegab.

Having sex alone exploits others? I wonder what her stand on masturbation is? "You'll go blind from exploitation!"
"You'll get exploitative hair on your palms!"

The best comment I saw was this: "The inevitable efforts to ban robot prostitution expose the pretense that laws against prostitution are for the protection of the prostitutes. It's good old-fashioned imposition of morality."
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: ibanezmonster on September 17, 2015, 02:38:16 PM
Quote from: Ken B on September 17, 2015, 09:43:41 AM
Have we had a link on sexbots?

Perhaps you saw the wanker who wants to ban sex robots."Informed" is vague bafflegab.
Let me guess, without searching. Feminist?... or evangelical Christian?

I've heard of some feminists that would even like to ban porn that doesn't involve real life (for example, hentai or CGI). To me, that's practically Westboro Baptist Church levels of absurdity. I could tolerate a ban on porn involving real people, but if the world devolved into banning all porn, I would just draw it myself...  :P

Regardless, the porn market is about to explode in the next few years because of VR, so I doubt these people will have much say when so many people will be making money off of it.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on September 18, 2015, 03:47:32 AM
Sending a message to Gov. Christie? . . .

NJ casino can fire waitresses over weight (http://www.foxnews.com/us/2015/09/18/new-jersey-casino-can-regulate-cocktail-waitresses-weight-panel-rules/?intcmp=hpbt4)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on September 18, 2015, 10:21:25 AM
Not quite John-Paul II
http://apnews.myway.com/article/20150918/cb-cuba-pope-dissidents-b480ea1fdb.html (http://apnews.myway.com/article/20150918/cb-cuba-pope-dissidents-b480ea1fdb.html)

The Pope has also complained about Obama's invitees:
"On the eve of Pope Francis's arrival in the U.S., the Vatican has taken offense at the Obama administration's decision to invite to the pope's welcome ceremony transgender activists, the first openly gay Episcopal bishop "

so it is fair to read this as a refusal to condone.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: The Six on September 18, 2015, 11:57:40 AM
Police Officers Gone Wild! Vol. 449: We need 6 cops to take down one 16-year-old kid~!

https://www.facebook.com/edgar.avendano.209/videos/vb.100006035619147/407850329426151/?type=2&theater
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on September 18, 2015, 04:58:45 PM
Quote from: North Star on September 16, 2015, 05:35:57 AM
It's not a good idea to show your timepiece to a teacher.

Texas Student Is Under Police Investigation for Building a Clock (http://www.nytimes.com/2015/09/17/us/texas-student-is-under-police-investigation-for-building-a-clock.html)

(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CPBIbQ0WUAA6hdW.jpg)

Holy shit. Really, holy shit. http://blogs.artvoice.com/techvoice/2015/09/17/reverse-engineering-ahmed-mohameds-clock-and-ourselves/ (http://blogs.artvoice.com/techvoice/2015/09/17/reverse-engineering-ahmed-mohameds-clock-and-ourselves/)

Have we been had?
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on September 19, 2015, 05:11:34 AM
Quote from: Ken B on September 18, 2015, 04:58:45 PM
Holy shit. Really, holy shit. http://blogs.artvoice.com/techvoice/2015/09/17/reverse-engineering-ahmed-mohameds-clock-and-ourselves/ (http://blogs.artvoice.com/techvoice/2015/09/17/reverse-engineering-ahmed-mohameds-clock-and-ourselves/)

Have we been had?

That was really interesting. Back-of-the-envelope thoughts:

1. I really enjoyed the "engineering forensics."
2. The author sets great store on his sticking to the facts, and I feel reasonably certain he tries.
3. Note this paragraph:

Quote from: Anthony somebody, or, you know, maybe his real name is not Anthony at all; and that's all rightSo there you have it folks, Ahmed Mohamad did not invent, nor build a clock. He took apart an existing clock, and transplanted the guts into a pencil box, and claimed it was his own creation. It all seems really fishy to me.

4. Now, I might not have troubled to highlight the curtain line of that paragraph, save for a specific reason soon to follow.  But we all do understand that we have moved, subtly but no doubt deliberately, from Simple Engineering, to Author's Comment.  That in itself, would be fine and understandable, except the author goes on to reinforce his Impartial Judge act in the concluding paragraph of the blog:

Quote from: Anthony somebody, or, you know, maybe his real name is not Anthony at all; and that's all rightAs for me, I'm glad to apply the lessons I've learned as an electronics enthusiast to other aspects of life. There's no emotion in troubleshooting a circuit, electricity doesn't have morals. There's just physics, and logic, and methodology. I think we could all benefit from applying a little more of that sort of thinking to these situations.

5. But, there's emotion in going from the investigative circuitry, to It all seems really fishy to me.  Was that where he was compelled to go by physics, and logic, and methodology?

Recall that the blog post begins thus:

Quote from: Anthony somebody &c.I have something in common with Ahmed Mohamed: as a youngster, I was also an electronics enthusiast. At his age and even earlier, I frequently took apart electronic devices – anything from my own toys, to broken things around the house, and even that dirty garbage-picked black and white TV my parents dragged home that they knew I'd have a blast playing with (I did.) I'd try and troubleshoot, repair, or sometimes just disassemble things and salvage components for future projects. I'd try and imagine how all those bits and pieces, lengths of wires, mazes of conductive circuit board traces all came together to produce an image, or a sound, or some other useful function. I wanted to know how it all worked.

He's introducing himself, and putting himself in a favorable light as part of that long-standing Yankee tradition of mentally inquisitive tinkerers, and fine.

6. But he clearly puts the present youngster in a different category with the following, the only boldface lines in the blog post:

Quote from: Anthony somebody &c.Ahmed Mohamed didn't invent his own alarm clock. He didn't even build a clock.

We've certainly moved from "I have something in common with Ahmed Mohamed" to a tone of accusation.

7. Yet, note this explanation/observation:

Quote from: Let's call him A.one glance at the printed circuit board in the photo, and I knew we were looking at mid-to-late 1970s vintage electronics. Surely you've seen a modern circuit board, with metallic traces leading all over to the various components like an electronic spider's web. You'll notice right away the highly accurate spacing, straightness of the lines, consistency of the patterns. That's because we design things on computers nowadays, and computers assist in routing these lines. Take a look at the board in Ahmed's clock. It almost looks hand-drawn, right? That's because it probably was. Computer aided design was in its infancy in the 70s. This is how simple, low cost items (like an alarm clock) were designed. Today, even a budding beginner is going to get some computer aided assistance – in fact they'll probably start there, learning by simulating designs before building them.

If we step back a little from the author's need to make the youngster a case of The Other, and to make his (highly interesting) engineering sleuthing the basis of a veiled accusation of Darker Things—is it possible that Ahmed is just doing what the author himself had done at his age:  learnt the science by taking old stuff apart;  that, although a budding beginner might typically begin with computer-aided assistance, here was an enterprising mind which wanted to work with his hands before going to The Superbrain Tool;  that the result may still count as a notable science project achievement;  that "invention" is perhaps a 14-year-old's (relatively innocent) hyperbole?

That maybe we needn't theorize a Conspiracy?

Not making any conclusions here;  simply fulfilling the role of the Loyal Opposition.


[Edits:  the odd spelling error, and italics run amok. Oh the shame . . . .]
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on September 19, 2015, 05:23:46 AM
Quote from: karlhenning on September 19, 2015, 05:11:34 AM
That was really interesting. Back-of-the-envelope thoughts:

1. I really enjoyed the "engineering forensics."
2. The author sets great store on his sticking to the facts, and I feel reasonably certain he tries.
3. Note this paragraph:

4. Now, I might not have troubled to highlight the curtain line of that paragraph, save for a specific reason soon to follow.  But we all do understand that we have moved, subtly but no doubt deliberately, from Simple Engineering, to Author's Comment.  That in itself, would be fine and understandable, except the author goes on to reinforce his Impartial Judge act in the concluding paragraph of the blog:

5. But, there's emotion in going from the investigative circuitry, to It all seems really fishy to me.  Was that where he was compelled to go by physics, and logic, and methodology?

Recall that the blog post begins thus:

He's introducing himself, and putting himself in a favorable light as part of that long-standing Yankee tradition of mentally inquisitive tinkerers, and fine.

6. But he clearly puts the present youngster in a different category with the following, the only boldface lines in the blog post:

We've certainly moved from "I have something in common with Ahmed Mohamed" to a tone of accusation.

7. Yet, note this explanation/observation:

If we step back a little from the author's need to make the youngster a case of The Other, and to make his (highly interesting) engineering sleuthing the basis of a veiled accusation of Darker Things—is it possible that Ahmed is just doing what the author himself had done at his age:  learnt the science by taking old stuff apart;  that, although a budding beginner might typically begin with computer-aided assistance, here was an enterprising mind which wanted to work with his hands before going to The Superbrain Tool;  that the result may still count as a notable science project achievement;  that "invention" is perhaps a 14-year-old's (relatively innocent) hyperbole?

That maybe we needn't theorize a Conspiracy?

Not making any conclusions here;  simply fulfilling the role of the Loyal Opposition.


[Edits:  the odd spelling error, and italics run amok. Oh the shame . . . .]

On the other hand, consider this. He said his real concern is how people leap to conclusions, en masse. I know I did in this case. To make that point it is pertinent to argue that maybe we were misled and got things very badly wrong. Leaping to a 99.99% correct conclusion isn't such an awful thing. Leaping to one that gets things backwards is. By noting something is fishy he is noting that things might be very different than they seem, and there are things we need to know more about before we can tell.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on September 19, 2015, 05:29:18 AM
Quote from: Ken B on September 19, 2015, 05:23:46 AM
On the other hand, consider this. He said his real concern is how people leap to conclusions, en masse. I know I did in this case. To make that point it is pertinent to argue that maybe we were misled and got things very badly wrong. Leaping to a 99.99% correct conclusion isn't such an awful thing. Leaping to one that gets things backwards is. By noting something is fishy he is noting that things might be very different than they seem, and there are things we need to know more about before we can tell.

Point taken.

He would want us to be skeptical of his motivations, I think.  The media plays us like a fiddle, and we don't even notice we've all been had.  At times in his blog post, I've wondered if his complaint was, that his was not the hand holding the bow  8)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on September 19, 2015, 09:56:41 AM
Quote from: karlhenning on September 19, 2015, 05:29:18 AM
Point taken.

He would want us to be skeptical of his motivations, I think.  The media plays us like a fiddle, and we don't even notice we've all been had.  At times in his blog post, I've wondered if his complaint was, that his was not the hand holding the bow  8)
I'm sure we'll hear more. It occurs that we have not heard from the teacher directly. Fishy that 😉
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on September 19, 2015, 09:58:06 AM
Quote from: Ken B on September 19, 2015, 09:56:41 AM
I'm sure we'll hear more. It occurs that we have not heard from the teacher directly. Fishy that 😉

Impossible for us to say just how that breaks, though   0:)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: The Six on September 20, 2015, 09:59:03 AM
If you have kids, make sure they don't take nude pictures of themselves - it apparently makes them sex offenders..of themselves.

http://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2015/sep/20/teen-prosecuted-naked-images-himself-phone-selfies
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on September 20, 2015, 11:31:53 AM
Quote from: The Six on September 20, 2015, 09:59:03 AM
If you have kids, make sure they don't take nude pictures of themselves - it apparently makes them sex offenders..of themselves.

http://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2015/sep/20/teen-prosecuted-naked-images-himself-phone-selfies

Yes. There have been a lot of cases. I've seen teens charged as adults for nude child pictures of themselves on several occasions.
"We had to destroy the village in order to save it" applied to teenagers.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on September 22, 2015, 07:12:43 PM
Whew, that's a relief. (http://www.sfgate.com/business/energy/article/Clean-tech-a-top-priority-as-Chinese-president-6520655.php)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Brian on September 22, 2015, 08:01:20 PM
Quote from: Todd on September 22, 2015, 07:12:43 PM
Whew, that's a relief. (http://www.sfgate.com/business/energy/article/Clean-tech-a-top-priority-as-Chinese-president-6520655.php)
Thought that would be your Walker-is-gone headline.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Dancing Divertimentian on September 22, 2015, 09:23:02 PM
Sharks vs. Selfies (https://www.yahoo.com/travel/so-sad-so-dumb-selfies-kill-more-people-than-160318578.html)


Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Daverz on September 22, 2015, 10:39:04 PM
Quote from: Ken B on September 18, 2015, 04:58:45 PM
Holy shit. Really, holy shit. http://blogs.artvoice.com/techvoice/2015/09/17/reverse-engineering-ahmed-mohameds-clock-and-ourselves/ (http://blogs.artvoice.com/techvoice/2015/09/17/reverse-engineering-ahmed-mohameds-clock-and-ourselves/)

Have we been had?

Hah, dumb kid didn't invent the clock!  I bet he didn't even make any of the integrated circuits himself.

Reminds me of the time my brother experimented with powering my toy robot from a wall socket.  I can still smell the burning plastic.  Kids love to take things apart.  Sometimes they try to put them back together again.  And sometimes the results even do something useful, like tell time.

Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on September 23, 2015, 05:29:13 AM
I, for one, welcome our new robot overlords. (http://www.geekwire.com/2015/paul-allens-team-of-ai-experts-just-aced-the-sats-with-a-robot/)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on September 23, 2015, 05:57:50 AM
Quote from: Daverz on September 22, 2015, 10:39:04 PM
Hah, dumb kid didn't invent the clock!  I bet he didn't even make any of the integrated circuits himself.

Reminds me of the time my brother experimented with powering my toy robot from a wall socket.  I can still smell the burning plastic.  Kids love to take things apart.  Sometimes they try to put them back together again.  And sometimes the results even do something useful, like tell time.

No, that misses the point entirely. We were told he invented the clock, and that he told the teachers he made and invented the clock. That implies at least assmbling the logic circuits. So that's BS. That means. at the very least, that many of the reactions, and accolades, are BS. It also suggests the kid might have lied to his teachers. It's fair for people to wonder why. I'd say we don't have enough information to know one way or the other.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on September 23, 2015, 06:25:41 AM
Quote from: Dancing Divertimentian on September 22, 2015, 09:23:02 PM
Sharks vs. Selfies (https://www.yahoo.com/travel/so-sad-so-dumb-selfies-kill-more-people-than-160318578.html)

The warning symbols are hilarious.

Here's a warning that I predict will go unheeded!
QuoteDo not under any circumstance pose with loaded guns.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Dancing Divertimentian on September 23, 2015, 10:48:20 AM
Quote from: Ken B on September 23, 2015, 06:25:41 AM
The warning symbols are hilarious.

+1 ;D


Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on September 23, 2015, 07:26:10 PM
Is this where we discuss Ahmed?

Real Time with Bill Maher – Ahmed's Clock Block (HBO) https://youtu.be/aGit-XltUB4 (https://youtu.be/aGit-XltUB4)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Daverz on September 23, 2015, 11:32:46 PM
Quote from: Ken B on September 23, 2015, 05:57:50 AM
No, that misses the point entirely. We were told he invented the clock, and that he told the teachers he made and invented the clock. That implies at least assmbling the logic circuits. So that's BS. That means. at the very least, that many of the reactions, and accolades, are BS. It also suggests the kid might have lied to his teachers. It's fair for people to wonder why. I'd say we don't have enough information to know one way or the other.

There is no point to this nonsense.  It's the old "he was No Angel(TM)" crap.  Try to find something irrelevant that will stick to the victim to justify the bigotry he was subjected to so you can pretend racism and xenophobia are a problem.  The school knew he'd made a clock and not a bomb, the cops knew he'd made a clock and not a bomb, the kid never claimed to have made anything but a clock, but still they interrogated him for 90 minutes without allowing him to contact his parents, arrested him, marched him away in handcuffs...because he made a clock.  On top of that humiliation, they suspended him for 3 days.


Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on September 24, 2015, 05:16:16 AM
Quote from: Daverz on September 23, 2015, 11:32:46 PM
There is no point to this nonsense.  It's the old "he was No Angel(TM)" crap.  Try to find something irrelevant that will stick to the victim to justify the bigotry he was subjected to so you can pretend racism and xenophobia are a problem.  The school knew he'd made a clock and not a bomb, the cops knew he'd made a clock and not a bomb, the kid never claimed to have made anything but a clock, but still they interrogated him for 90 minutes without allowing him to contact his parents, arrested him, marched him away in handcuffs...because he made a clock.  On top of that humiliation, they suspended him for 3 days.
Youi seem to think I approve of the way he was treated. Since I have explicitly condemned it, you're just wrong. The arrest, handcuffs, etc were a ridiculous and awful reaction. His mistreatment is not the only topic of interest here.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on September 24, 2015, 06:28:40 AM
I found this, from a blogger I usually disagree with, that I thought summed things up well. Gene Callahan:
QuoteThe contention being made – – and I don't know if it is true or not, but it at least seems plausible – – is that Ahmed simply cracked open an existing digital alarm clock and put its innards into a pencil box, and then brought the pencil box to school. This is not like making a cake from a ready-made mix and then saying that you made it; it is more like taking a cake out of the box the bakery put it in, putting it in your own box, and then saying that you made.

And why would this be significant? Well, if that is what Ahmed did, then it looks quite possible that he (perhaps with parental prompting) was deliberately trolling school officials. I mean, he is a bright kid: he would know quite well that dumping the parts of an alarm clock into a different case did not constitute "inventing" a digital clock.

Is there any basis to this idea? Well if you do your own googling you can find that his sister claims she was briefly suspended for making a bomb threat. (I don't say she made one, only that she says she was was suspended for it.) Does that give a brother a motive to troll school officials? If he wanted to make them look foolish (mission accomplished) wouldn't a not-bomb-looks-like-a-movie-bomb have a boy-are-they-dumb factor?

I don't know what's up. I know I don't know enough to be sure either way.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on September 24, 2015, 06:55:27 AM
Wow, clock boy sure has legs. 
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on September 24, 2015, 07:00:03 AM
Quote from: Todd on September 24, 2015, 06:55:27 AM
Wow, clock boy sure has legs.
Well, he did briefly become the most famous human on the planet -- a break from Trump 24/7.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Brian on September 24, 2015, 07:03:36 AM
Quote from: Todd on September 24, 2015, 06:55:27 AM
Wow, clock boy sure has legs.
Help him run away from the crowds faster if his family delivers on their promise to make the hajj to Mecca.

Sorry, that was really tasteless even by GMG standards.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on September 24, 2015, 07:06:36 AM
Quote from: Ken B on September 24, 2015, 07:00:03 AMWell, he did briefly become the most famous human on the planet



No, he didn't.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on September 24, 2015, 09:58:03 AM
Somewhere The Six linked to a story about teens being convicted for nude selfies. Nice to know that they won't get nailed for clothed selfies as well. https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/volokh-conspiracy/wp/2015/09/23/a-ban-on-sex-offenders-photographing-children-in-public-violates-first-amendment/ (https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/volokh-conspiracy/wp/2015/09/23/a-ban-on-sex-offenders-photographing-children-in-public-violates-first-amendment/)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: ibanezmonster on September 24, 2015, 03:07:56 PM
Anyone watch the 2 new episodes of South Park?

Let's just say- I approve.  ;D

First episode: making fun of the PC crowd, second episode showing Mr.Garrison raping Donald Trump to death. Great stuff.  ;D
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Pat B on September 25, 2015, 07:02:48 AM
Boehner is resigning. I don't know who's going to replace him, but I predict the replacement won't make anybody any happier.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on September 25, 2015, 07:06:29 AM
Quote from: Pat B on September 25, 2015, 07:02:48 AMBoehner is resigning. I don't know who's going to replace him, but I predict the replacement won't make anybody any happier.



I want more gridlock.  I will be happier.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on September 29, 2015, 12:08:55 PM
This should end well for everyone involved. (https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/national-security/us-military-opens-a-new-front-in-the-hunt-for-african-warlord-joseph-kony/2015/09/29/73ffef96-66a9-11e5-9223-70cb36460919_story.html)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on September 30, 2015, 06:36:15 AM
Now the real fun begins. (http://www.nytimes.com/2015/10/01/world/europe/russia-airstrikes-syria.html?_r=0)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on September 30, 2015, 07:11:38 AM
Obvious to anyone who has paid attention.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3253789/Isis-planning-nuclear-holocaust-wipe-hundreds-millions-face-earth-claims-reporter-embedded-extremists.html (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3253789/Isis-planning-nuclear-holocaust-wipe-hundreds-millions-face-earth-claims-reporter-embedded-extremists.html)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Brian on September 30, 2015, 07:15:04 AM
Quote from: Ken B on September 30, 2015, 07:11:38 AM
Obvious to anyone who has paid attention.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3253789/Isis-planning-nuclear-holocaust-wipe-hundreds-millions-face-earth-claims-reporter-embedded-extremists.html (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3253789/Isis-planning-nuclear-holocaust-wipe-hundreds-millions-face-earth-claims-reporter-embedded-extremists.html)
Maybe repost when a reputable news source writes an article about it?
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on September 30, 2015, 07:28:20 AM
Why blotting your pizza with a napkin is totally worth it (http://www.aol.com/article/2015/09/29/why-blotting-your-pizza-with-a-napkin-is-totally-worth-it/21242437/?ncid=txtlnkusaolp00000058&intcmp=hplnws)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on September 30, 2015, 07:30:57 AM
Quote from: Ken B on September 30, 2015, 07:11:38 AMObvious to anyone who has paid attention.



Yes, it is obvious that ISIL has mastered PR/Propaganda, and what better way to spread propaganda then to have a Western personage unfriendly to the powers that be come in and spend some quality time with ISIL so that he may be impressed by a thousand and one tales of atrocities to come.  Spread terror without lifting a finger so that populations at immediate risk may roll over without a peep.  And since ISIL has lopped off the heads of other journalists, this lends extra credence to the tales.



Quote from: Daily Mail[Todenhöfer] said the West has 'no concept of the threat it faces' from the Islamic State and has underestimated the risk posed by ISIS 'dramatically'.


Yes, this one dude knows the truth and all those rubes in the west know nothing.  That's usually how things work.

Beat them war drums just a bit louder.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: kishnevi on September 30, 2015, 09:15:11 AM
Quote from: Ken B on September 30, 2015, 07:11:38 AM
Obvious to anyone who has paid attention.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3253789/Isis-planning-nuclear-holocaust-wipe-hundreds-millions-face-earth-claims-reporter-embedded-extremists.html (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3253789/Isis-planning-nuclear-holocaust-wipe-hundreds-millions-face-earth-claims-reporter-embedded-extremists.html)

I too have plans to buy a house in Miami Beach, another in Boston, and a third overlooking the Kinneret.  Plus an apartment in Venice. Also a major gift to Mazon, a commission for an orchestral work to be composed by Karl
Henning and performed by the New World Symphony,  and other things.

To make them actuality will require winning tonight's Powerball. But I am planning.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on September 30, 2015, 05:08:10 PM
Quote from: Brian on September 30, 2015, 07:15:04 AM
Maybe repost when a reputable news source writes an article about it?
What a stupid comment. Do you deny the man said what he is reported as saying?  If not how does your prejudice against that paper matter.  You are using a pretext. 

Not the only one in response I note.  There is no claim they have such weapons yet. 
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on September 30, 2015, 05:14:25 PM
Quote from: Todd on September 30, 2015, 07:30:57 AM


Yes, it is obvious that ISIL has mastered PR/Propaganda, and what better way to spread propaganda then to have a Western personage unfriendly to the powers that be come in and spend some quality time with ISIL so that he may be impressed by a thousand and one tales of atrocities to come.  Spread terror without lifting a finger so that populations at immediate risk may roll over without a peep.  And since ISIL has lopped off the heads of other journalists, this lends extra credence to the tales.




Yes, this one dude knows the truth and all those rubes in the west know nothing.  That's usually how things work.

Beat them war drums just a bit louder.

When I posted the link I almost added a comment about how Todd can dismiss yet more evidence of intent. 

The khmer Rouge were powerless once,  and found their apologists and denial st too.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on September 30, 2015, 05:20:36 PM
Quote from: Ken B on September 30, 2015, 05:14:25 PMThe khmer Rouge were powerless once,  and found their apologists and denial st too.



I congratulate you on not going straight to the Nazis, especially given the ending line of the article. 

Some people will always find some threat that is not just fearsome, but existentially threatening.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on September 30, 2015, 05:25:01 PM
Quote from: Todd on September 30, 2015, 05:20:36 PM


I congratulate you on not going straight to the Nazis, especially given the ending line of the article. 

Some people will always find some threat that is not just fearsome, but existentially threatening.

The khmer Rouge were existential threatening?. On top of being Nazis? 
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on September 30, 2015, 05:27:46 PM
Quote from: Ken B on September 30, 2015, 05:25:01 PM
The khmer Rouge were existential threatening?. On top of being Nazis?


Are you drunk?
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on September 30, 2015, 07:09:08 PM
Quote from: Todd on September 30, 2015, 05:27:46 PM

Are you drunk?

So you quote me about the KR, and prattle about people seeing existential threats, but you don't mean me talking about the KR?

I forgot that you are not worth debating. Won't happen again.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on October 01, 2015, 07:02:48 AM
Quote from: Ken B on September 30, 2015, 07:09:08 PMI forgot that you are not worth debating. Won't happen again.



This is the second time you have issued this "threat".  Let's see if you can control yourself this time.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on October 03, 2015, 08:34:23 AM
Stuff happens. (http://www.reuters.com/article/2015/10/03/us-afghanistan-attack-idUSKCN0RW0HC20151003)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: The Six on October 03, 2015, 09:32:37 AM
Aaahahahahahahhhhaaaaha

http://www.nytimes.com/2015/10/03/us/oregon-sheriff-shared-sandy-hook-conspiracy-theory-on-facebook.html?_r=0

hahahaaaaaaaaaaa
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on October 03, 2015, 11:38:02 AM
Quote from: The Six on October 03, 2015, 09:32:37 AM
Aaahahahahahahhhhaaaaha

http://www.nytimes.com/2015/10/03/us/oregon-sheriff-shared-sandy-hook-conspiracy-theory-on-facebook.html?_r=0

hahahaaaaaaaaaaa

If he doesn't want to enforce a law he disagrees with I don't think he should have to. He should be allowed to resign.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on October 03, 2015, 04:19:29 PM
Quote from: Ken B on October 03, 2015, 11:38:02 AM
If he doesn't want to enforce a law he disagrees with I don't think he should have to. He should be allowed to resign.
Exactly; resignation is the act of integrity.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: The Six on October 05, 2015, 04:44:15 PM
The URL says it all.

https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/post-nation/wp/2015/10/05/11-year-old-charged-with-murdering-8-year-old-after-arguing-about-puppies/

Quote
An argument between two children over puppies turned tragic Saturday when an 11-year-old boy killed his 8-year-old neighbor with a shotgun.

The 11-year-old has been charged with first-degree murder in the girl's death. Latasha Dyer told ABC affiliate WATE that her daughter, McKayla, was killed.

Each of the children had a puppy. The 11-year-old "wanted to see the 8-year-old's, and she said no, and then he went and retrieved a gun,"

The boy fired the 12-gauge shotgun from inside of his house, striking the girl as she stood in her yard. The gun, which was stored in a closet without locks, belonged to the boy's father.

Saturday's killing, which came just two days after a mass school shooting in rural Oregon, has rocked the small community of White Pine, Tenn. Both children attended White Pine School.

Dyer told Knoxville's WATE TV that she had previously approached the school principal about the 11-year-old bullying her daughter.

Quote
"When we first moved White Pine, the little boy was bullying McKayla. He was making fun of her, calling her names, just being mean to her. I had to go to the principal about him, and then he quit for awhile. And then all of a sudden yesterday, he shot her."

America loves guns and dead children.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Daverz on October 05, 2015, 05:02:14 PM
Quote from: The Six on October 05, 2015, 04:44:15 PM
The URL says it all.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/post-nation/wp/2015/10/05/11-year-old-charged-with-murdering-8-year-old-after-arguing-about-puppies/

"Stuff happens" -- Jeb!
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on October 05, 2015, 05:49:40 PM
In related news, gun stocks have a great year. (http://money.cnn.com/2015/10/05/investing/gun-stocks-surge-2015/)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on October 06, 2015, 02:37:22 AM
Quote from: The Six on October 05, 2015, 04:44:15 PM
The URL says it all.

https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/post-nation/wp/2015/10/05/11-year-old-charged-with-murdering-8-year-old-after-arguing-about-puppies/


America loves guns and dead children.
"The problem can never be solved."
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: North Star on October 06, 2015, 02:51:10 AM
To paraphrase Homer SimpsonGuns! The cause of - and solution to - all of life's problems!
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on October 06, 2015, 05:36:49 AM
Quote from: The Six on October 05, 2015, 04:44:15 PM
The URL says it all.

https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/post-nation/wp/2015/10/05/11-year-old-charged-with-murdering-8-year-old-after-arguing-about-puppies/


America loves guns and dead children.

And expresses that love by charging 11 year olds.  ::)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on October 06, 2015, 05:48:52 AM
What's missing from the responses is any argument worth the name. It is not enough to argue that if there were no guns there would be no gun deaths. We don't live in a country where there are no guns, nor in one where you can get rid of them all. So any argument about gun control has to be about the partial derivative given (number of guns ~ number of adults) not (number of guns = 0). Any argument that doesn't is just moral preening.

Just banning stuff doesn't always work. Pot has never been legal where I live, nor has cocaine, but they are readily available. You think the war on drugs a success? You think the best way to deal with drug problems -- and drugs do cause problems -- is more drug laws, more swat raids on drug houses, more prisoners? I doubt many here do. But draconian gun confiscation laws would require at least that much or more.
And we don't have 3-D printers for pot. We now have 3-D printers for guns.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on October 06, 2015, 05:53:36 AM
Quote from: Ken B on October 06, 2015, 05:48:52 AM
And we don't have 3-D printers for pot.

From your lips to God's ear!

Un peu sérieusement, a complete ban is not at all a practical suggestion, no.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on October 06, 2015, 06:41:04 AM
Quote from: karlhenning on October 06, 2015, 05:53:36 AM
From your lips to God's ear!

Un peu sérieusement, a complete ban is not at all a practical suggestion, no.

Me? I'd charge that 11 year old's parents for the reckless storage, and release all those convicted for drug possession. 
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on October 06, 2015, 07:04:31 AM
I thought this was insightful. http://www.nytimes.com/roomfordebate/2015/10/05/is-the-gun-lobby-still-invincible/a-power-derived-from-mistrust-of-police-and-government

So seriously. Some posters here were alarmed -- rightly -- by the cops with SWAT gear in Ferguson (and practically everywhere else). Or the cops enforcing prohibitions on selling single cigarettes. Or tanks and APVs heading out on drug raids. I say amen brother, let's have less of this!
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on October 06, 2015, 07:17:19 AM
Bravo.

(https://scontent.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xap1/v/t1.0-9/12112106_1090167027667772_1622492822965904986_n.jpg?oh=f72123ff22a5d19356d12b6d266da569&oe=5694013B)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on October 06, 2015, 08:48:25 AM
We could simplify the code by criminalizing Congress . . . .
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on October 06, 2015, 08:57:25 AM
Politics is thirsty work. http://www.nydailynews.com/news/politics/florida-senate-candidate-sacrificed-goat-drank-blood-article-1.2385661 (http://www.nydailynews.com/news/politics/florida-senate-candidate-sacrificed-goat-drank-blood-article-1.2385661)

No snickering from the religious!
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on October 06, 2015, 09:08:48 AM
Breakfast without goat's blood is like a day without sunshine!
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: kishnevi on October 06, 2015, 09:13:45 AM
Quote from: Ken B on October 06, 2015, 08:57:25 AM
Politics is thirsty work. http://www.nydailynews.com/news/politics/florida-senate-candidate-sacrificed-goat-drank-blood-article-1.2385661 (http://www.nydailynews.com/news/politics/florida-senate-candidate-sacrificed-goat-drank-blood-article-1.2385661)

No snickering from the religious!
Okay, no vote for the LP from me in 2016.
Although  I was expecting a Santeria/Voudoun connection, not a fake Nordic one, when I clicked on it.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on October 06, 2015, 12:17:50 PM
There go my plans for Saturday night. (http://www.livescience.com/52399-doomsday-revised-world-will-end-october-7.html)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on October 06, 2015, 02:29:51 PM
Westboro Art Musum

http://www.bostonglobe.com/lifestyle/names/2015/10/05/renoir-haters-picket-outside-museum-fine-arts/e0ybbZMdhVclxN01wfmaYM/story.html?s_campaign=bostonglobe%3Asocialflow%3Afacebook (http://www.bostonglobe.com/lifestyle/names/2015/10/05/renoir-haters-picket-outside-museum-fine-arts/e0ybbZMdhVclxN01wfmaYM/story.html?s_campaign=bostonglobe%3Asocialflow%3Afacebook)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: mc ukrneal on October 06, 2015, 05:00:25 PM
Quote from: Ken B on October 06, 2015, 02:29:51 PM
Westboro Art Musum

http://www.bostonglobe.com/lifestyle/names/2015/10/05/renoir-haters-picket-outside-museum-fine-arts/e0ybbZMdhVclxN01wfmaYM/story.html?s_campaign=bostonglobe%3Asocialflow%3Afacebook (http://www.bostonglobe.com/lifestyle/names/2015/10/05/renoir-haters-picket-outside-museum-fine-arts/e0ybbZMdhVclxN01wfmaYM/story.html?s_campaign=bostonglobe%3Asocialflow%3Afacebook)
Some people just have too much time on their hands...
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on October 06, 2015, 06:34:41 PM
Well, this is embarrassing. (http://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory/harvards-prestigious-debate-team-loses-ny-inmates-34297247) 


(I do think it's a bit rude to refer to Cornell students as inmates.)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Dancing Divertimentian on October 06, 2015, 08:50:10 PM
"It looks like the weather does not side with our foes..." (http://foxtrotalpha.jalopnik.com/moscow-tv-forecasts-great-weather-for-bombing-syria-1735005577)



Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on October 07, 2015, 03:37:49 AM
Quote from: Ken B on October 06, 2015, 02:29:51 PM
Westboro Art Museum

That's the key.  Rather a wry lark, I think.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on October 07, 2015, 03:38:46 AM
Quote from: mc ukrneal on October 06, 2015, 05:00:25 PM
Some people just have too much time on their hands...

Well, but if you have a day to knock off in idleness, what a fun outing!
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: North Star on October 07, 2015, 09:04:44 AM
Senate candidate in Florida admits drinking goat blood

Augustus Sol Invictus admits he "sacrificed" the animal as part of a pagan ritual, but it was not "sadistic" as some of his critics have alleged.

The 32-year-old lawyer changed his name to the Latin phrase that means "majestic unconquered sun". He declined to tell a reporter his old name. (http://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-34450057)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on October 07, 2015, 09:19:40 AM
Quote from: mc ukrneal on October 06, 2015, 05:00:25 PM
Some people just have too much time on their hands...
Actually I thought it was a hilarious mockery of Terry Jones and that type. At least, I hope it was.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on October 07, 2015, 09:41:38 AM
A little perspective re Terry Jones et al. (Todd will protest.) Sharia in action. Disturbing photo.
https://whyevolutionistrue.wordpress.com/2015/10/07/isis-kills-four-more-gay-men-by-throwing-them-off-a-roof/#respond (https://whyevolutionistrue.wordpress.com/2015/10/07/isis-kills-four-more-gay-men-by-throwing-them-off-a-roof/#respond)

Any takers to Coyne's challenge?
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on October 07, 2015, 01:55:24 PM
Correlation considered.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/volokh-conspiracy/wp/2015/10/06/zero-correlation-between-state-homicide-rate-and-state-gun-laws/?tid=pm_opinions_pop_bhttps://www.washingtonpost.com/news/volokh-conspiracy/wp/2015/10/06/zero-correlation-between-state-homicide-rate-and-state-gun-laws/?tid=pm_opinions_pop_b (https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/volokh-conspiracy/wp/2015/10/06/zero-correlation-between-state-homicide-rate-and-state-gun-laws/?tid=pm_opinions_pop_bhttps://www.washingtonpost.com/news/volokh-conspiracy/wp/2015/10/06/zero-correlation-between-state-homicide-rate-and-state-gun-laws/?tid=pm_opinions_pop_b)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Daverz on October 07, 2015, 03:44:00 PM
Quote from: Ken B on October 07, 2015, 09:41:38 AM
A little perspective re Terry Jones et al. (Todd will protest.) Sharia in action. Disturbing photo.
https://whyevolutionistrue.wordpress.com/2015/10/07/isis-kills-four-more-gay-men-by-throwing-them-off-a-roof/#respond (https://whyevolutionistrue.wordpress.com/2015/10/07/isis-kills-four-more-gay-men-by-throwing-them-off-a-roof/#respond)

Any takers to Coyne's challenge?

Scott Lively might take issue with it.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on October 07, 2015, 05:08:01 PM
Quote from: Daverz on October 07, 2015, 03:44:00 PM
Scott Lively might take issue with it.

Who is Scott Lively?
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: kishnevi on October 07, 2015, 05:33:05 PM
Quote from: Ken B on October 07, 2015, 05:08:01 PM
Who is Scott Lively?

This guy
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scott_Lively

But note he thinks the death penalty is "too harsh".  He would not be throwing people off roofs.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on October 07, 2015, 05:50:34 PM
Quote from: Jeffrey Smith on October 07, 2015, 05:33:05 PM
This guy
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scott_Lively

But note he thinks the death penalty is "too harsh".  He would not be throwing people off roofs.
Oh then Daverz's comment really is fatuous. The challenge was, will anyone deny these men's action were motivated by their religion, Islam. Why would Lively deny that? He's more likely to praise them for that.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: kishnevi on October 07, 2015, 06:00:29 PM
Quote from: Ken B on October 07, 2015, 05:50:34 PM
Oh then Daverz's comment really is fatuous. The challenge was, will anyone deny these men's action were motivated by their religion, Islam. Why would Lively deny that? He's more likely to praise them for that.

Lively gives what he considers socialological arguments that don't refer to religion.  Which is why he says he is fine with gays who practice homosexuality discreetly (ie, hide in the closet), he just doesn't want them marrying and strutting down the street .
So Lively would object.
Myself, I agree with Coyne. The arguments of the type Lively presents ignore the fact that heterosexual marriage was the best type of marriage in preceding generations because it was the only type allowed.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: ibanezmonster on October 07, 2015, 06:43:59 PM
Quote from: Ken B on October 07, 2015, 01:55:24 PM
Correlation considered.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/volokh-conspiracy/wp/2015/10/06/zero-correlation-between-state-homicide-rate-and-state-gun-laws/?tid=pm_opinions_pop_bhttps://www.washingtonpost.com/news/volokh-conspiracy/wp/2015/10/06/zero-correlation-between-state-homicide-rate-and-state-gun-laws/?tid=pm_opinions_pop_b (https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/volokh-conspiracy/wp/2015/10/06/zero-correlation-between-state-homicide-rate-and-state-gun-laws/?tid=pm_opinions_pop_bhttps://www.washingtonpost.com/news/volokh-conspiracy/wp/2015/10/06/zero-correlation-between-state-homicide-rate-and-state-gun-laws/?tid=pm_opinions_pop_b)
Didn't read the article, but would state gun laws really matter if you could just go to another state with looser gun laws to get a gun?
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: kishnevi on October 07, 2015, 07:10:29 PM
Quote from: Greg on October 07, 2015, 06:43:59 PM
Didn't read the article, but would state gun laws really matter if you could just go to another state with looser gun laws to get a gun?

You have to be able to legally possess it, which depending on the state, involves permits, mandated training, etc.

As an example, consider the regimen laid down in Chicago, outlined in this post
http://www.gormogons.com/index.php/2015/10/in-chicago-the-poor-cant-afford-to-defend-themselves/
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: ibanezmonster on October 07, 2015, 07:26:06 PM
Quote from: Jeffrey Smith on October 07, 2015, 07:10:29 PM
You have to be able to legally possess it, which depending on the state, involves permits, mandated training, etc.

As an example, consider the regimen laid down in Chicago, outlined in this post
http://www.gormogons.com/index.php/2015/10/in-chicago-the-poor-cant-afford-to-defend-themselves/
Not sure exactly how that applies to my question... but yeah, sounds rough for them if they want a gun for protection. A couple thousand bucks for cost/training, etc. would be unaffordable for most.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on October 08, 2015, 05:00:17 AM
Quote from: Jeffrey Smith on October 07, 2015, 06:00:29 PM
Lively gives what he considers socialological arguments that don't refer to religion.  Which is why he says he is fine with gays who practice homosexuality discreetly (ie, hide in the closet), he just doesn't want them marrying and strutting down the street .
So Lively would object.
Myself, I agree with Coyne. The arguments of the type Lively presents ignore the fact that heterosexual marriage was the best type of marriage in preceding generations because it was the only type allowed.
Huh? Lively would object to the conclusion that the ISIS members are throwing that guy off the wall because he violated sharia, or that their support for sharia derives from their religious views? Pull the other one.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on October 08, 2015, 06:27:04 AM
5 easy steps. NSFW due to audio.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bnoFKskvSq4 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bnoFKskvSq4)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Brian on October 08, 2015, 09:41:43 AM
Police Find Man on Floor Surrounded by Doritos After He Calls to Say He Is "Too High" (http://www.thesmokinggun.com/documents/funny/smoked-too-much-weed-546930)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on October 08, 2015, 11:00:12 AM
Quote from: Brian on October 08, 2015, 09:41:43 AM
Police Find Man on Floor Surrounded by Doritos After He Calls to Say He Is "Too High" (http://www.thesmokinggun.com/documents/funny/smoked-too-much-weed-546930)



Soon to be a common occurrence in Oregon. (http://www.kgw.com/story/news/2015/10/07/oregons-first-week-recreational-pot-sales-tops-11-million/73558096/)

(Oregon leaders can't even design let alone build a bridge (http://www.oregonlive.com/business/index.ssf/2013/07/columbia_river_crossing_spends.html), nor can they manage to get a health insurance web-site worth a damn up an running (http://www.informationweek.com/healthcare/policy-and-regulation/oregon-dumps-failed-health-insurance-exchange/d/d-id/1234875), but at least there's one ray of sunshine, right?)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on October 09, 2015, 06:05:00 AM
Nicely played. http://pjmedia.com/tatler/2015/10/08/house-dem-crafts-craigslist-ad-to-find-speaker-of-the-house/ (http://pjmedia.com/tatler/2015/10/08/house-dem-crafts-craigslist-ad-to-find-speaker-of-the-house/)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on October 13, 2015, 06:51:47 AM
This deserves a slap on the wrist. (http://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/aunt-sues-nephew-12-breaking-wrist-greeting-article-1.2394889)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Wendell_E on October 13, 2015, 07:14:33 AM
Playboy to Drop Nudity as Internet Fills Demand (http://www.nytimes.com/2015/10/13/business/media/nudes-are-old-news-at-playboy.html?_r=0)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: The Six on October 13, 2015, 01:02:50 PM
Police Officers Gone Wild! Vol. 652: How to break an NBA player's leg and influence people

So cops can confront Thabo Sefolosha, break his leg, and charge him with...something. The broken leg ended his season, and effectively did the same for his team. Instead of taking a plea deal, he fought the charges to clear his name.

http://www.theguardian.com/sport/blog/2015/oct/12/the-silence-over-the-thabo-sefolosha-trial-is-deafening-and-mystifying

QuoteAt the trial Sefolosha explained the scene on the night of 8 April. According to the 31-year-old, he was walking away from a commotion outside of the 1Oak nightclub in New York City, accompanied by his team-mate Pero Antic (who was also arrested that night but had the charges dropped against him soon after) and two women. Sefolosha said he was followed by officer JohnPaul Giacona who said to him, "With or without a badge, I'm going to fuck you up and I can fuck you up." Sefolosha claimed he was then attacked when he extended his arm to give money to a homeless person by the name of True.

"Two or three officers were pulling me. I said, 'Relax.' They never gave me a direct order. One is pulling on my right. One is pulling on my left and someone had a hand on my neck," Sefolosha said.

The officers tried to insist that Sefolosha already had a broken leg before the altercation, despite the fact that he played a game earlier that day. So cops are allowed to beat you, lie about it, and charge you with an offence.

But hey, he was cleared of all charges so...justice?
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on October 13, 2015, 01:12:32 PM
Quote from: The Six on October 13, 2015, 01:02:50 PMBut hey, he was cleared of all charges so...justice?



Here's a guy who can afford to go after the police in civil court.  Desired change will require legislative and judicial action.  Has he filed suit?
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: The Six on October 13, 2015, 01:22:38 PM
Quote from: Todd on October 13, 2015, 01:12:32 PM


Here's a guy who can afford to go after the police in civil court.  Desired change will require legislative and judicial action.  Has he filed suit?

Apparently he's not yet decided if he'll sue or not.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: North Star on October 13, 2015, 01:44:51 PM
NYC aunt loses lawsuit against 12-year-old nephew over birthday hug that broke her wrist (http://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/boy-12-trial-conn-breaking-aunt-wrist-article-1.2395756?a)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Dancing Divertimentian on October 13, 2015, 04:19:45 PM
Quote from: North Star on October 13, 2015, 01:44:51 PM
NYC aunt loses lawsuit against 12-year-old nephew over birthday hug that broke her wrist (http://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/boy-12-trial-conn-breaking-aunt-wrist-article-1.2395756?a)

I saw that, too...almost posted it!! :D



Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: mc ukrneal on October 18, 2015, 06:05:24 AM
Are you guilty when arrested? When does the state owe you public defense if you cannot afford an attorney? Here's the take from a Mississippi judge...
http://america.aljazeera.com/watch/shows/fault-lines/articles/2015/10/17/mississippi-judge-people-charged-with-crimes-they-are-criminals.html (http://america.aljazeera.com/watch/shows/fault-lines/articles/2015/10/17/mississippi-judge-people-charged-with-crimes-they-are-criminals.html)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: The Six on October 19, 2015, 06:36:52 PM
Yet another entry into the "America is super racist" files.

QuoteBucks center John Henson says he was the victim of alleged racial profiling at a posh Milwaukee-area jewelry store, and he has taken to Instagram to call attention to what he called "one of the most degrading" incidents he has experienced.

Henson, who is black, alleged the discrimination began Monday, when luxury jeweler Schwanke-Kasten in Whitefish Bay, Wisconsin, turned him away from entering the store. Henson said two Whitefish Bay police officers then approached and asked him what he was doing there, why he wanted to go into the store and how he came to be in possession of the vehicle he was driving.

"They [Schwanke-Kasten] locked the door and told me to go away," Henson said in the Instagram post. "After I rang the doorbell twice, everyone went to the back. No [one] answered the door or told me what was going on."

Oh no, a black person! Run to the back!

http://espn.go.com/nba/story/_/id/13928294/john-henson-milwaukee-bucks-alleges-was-victim-racial-profiling
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on October 19, 2015, 07:11:46 PM
Fat fingered, indeed! (http://www.marketwatch.com/story/deutsche-bank-accidentally-sent-hedge-fund-6-billion-in-fat-finger-mistake-2015-10-19)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: North Star on October 23, 2015, 02:49:22 PM
They should have written 'semicolons' instead of 'periods'. (http://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/underwear-ads-women-period-racy-subway-mta-article-1.2406373)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on October 26, 2015, 05:14:10 PM
At least now I know how I will die. (http://money.cnn.com/2015/10/26/news/red-meat-processed-cancer-world-health-organization/)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: The Six on October 26, 2015, 07:20:55 PM
Police Officers Gone Wild! Vol. 777: In which grabbing a high school student by her neck while she's seated in class and throwing her across the room is standard procedure.

QuoteRichland School District 2 school officials have banned a school resource officer from the district in response to a video supposedly taken at Spring Valley High School showing the officer slamming and dragging a student from her desk.

School officials confirmed the incident happened on Monday between a female student and school resource officer Ben Fields.

Fields, according to Richland County Sheriff Leon Lott, was acting in response to the student, who was refusing to leave class.

"The student was told she was under arrest for disturbing school and given instructions which she again refused," Lott said. "The video then shows the student resisting and being arrested by the SRO."

The video shows Fields approaching the girl sitting at a desk in a classroom. Fields grabs the girl's arm while putting his own arm around the student's neck.



http://www.wistv.com/story/30353999/video-shows-confrontation-between-spring-valley-student-and-school-resource-officer?clienttype=generic
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on October 28, 2015, 08:23:30 AM
https://www.youtube.com/v/aNddW2xmZp8
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: lisa needs braces on October 29, 2015, 11:38:28 PM
Twitch.tv, the platform for watching other people play video-games, is hosting a marathon of Bob Ross painting videos to inaugurate its welcome of people who use the platform to stream their artistic creative efforts and how-to-guides a la Bob Ross:

http://www.twitch.tv/bobross
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on October 30, 2015, 06:26:35 AM
Gamergate:  Austin, TX Edition (http://www.csmonitor.com/USA/Society/2015/1029/Gamergate-Video-game-war-over-women-spills-into-real-life)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on October 30, 2015, 10:44:15 AM
"What a great way to get a little bit of extra pocket money and much better than having to spend eight hours slogging in a bar earning the minimum wage," he added. (http://www.foxnews.com/world/2015/10/27/sugar-babies-students-sell-sex-to-pay-rising-tuition/?intcmp=ob_article_footer_text&intcmp=obnetwork)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Dancing Divertimentian on November 02, 2015, 07:54:34 PM
Police gone wil...waaaait, gauntlet drops in opposite direction (http://www.foxnews.com/us/2015/11/02/dashcam-video-undermines-texas-profs-claim-racial-profiling-says-chief/)


Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on November 03, 2015, 08:12:25 AM
Whoa
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on November 04, 2015, 11:24:56 AM
Why Ohio voters rejected recreational and medical marijuana (http://www.csmonitor.com/USA/Politics/2015/1104/Why-Ohio-voters-rejected-recreational-and-medical-marijuana) (more about the business model, than about the toxicology)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: North Star on November 13, 2015, 12:41:16 PM
Paris shootings in city centre and explosion at Stade de France (http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-34814203)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: ibanezmonster on November 13, 2015, 03:27:59 PM
http://venturebeat.com/2015/11/13/pornhubs-traffic-dipped-significantly-the-day-fallout-4-came-out/

LOL
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: kishnevi on November 13, 2015, 04:03:42 PM
Quote from: North Star on November 13, 2015, 12:41:16 PM
Paris shootings in city centre and explosion at Stade de France (http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-34814203)

There are now reportedly over 100 dead.
The band performing at the concert where the hostages were taken is said to be a hard rock band despite its name.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: North Star on November 14, 2015, 09:04:34 AM
At least 128 deaths from the attacks now according to BBC.



Not a good weekend for the French.  :(

A high-speed TGV train has derailed near the eastern French city of Strasbourg, killing at least 10 people, officials say.
The crash happened during a test run in the town of Eckwersheim, on a new Paris-Strasbourg line.
The train was carrying 49 people when it derailed, caught fire, and plunged into a canal. The injured were airlifted to hospital.
The derailment was due to "excessive speed", officials say. (http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-34822666)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Brian on November 14, 2015, 09:12:14 AM
Quote from: Jeffrey Smith on November 13, 2015, 04:03:42 PM
There are now reportedly over 100 dead.
The band performing at the concert where the hostages were taken is said to be a hard rock band despite its name.
It's one of my favorite bands, actually. They are a rock band and they don't take themselves seriously. When Axl Rose insulted them, one of the band members got a tattoo of the insult.

If I lived in Paris, I'd have been at the concert. One of my best friends does live in Paris. She is safe, but her coworker went to the concert and he has now become the first victim whose name has been publicly announced.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: kishnevi on November 14, 2015, 09:35:01 AM
Quote from: Brian on November 14, 2015, 09:12:14 AM
It's one of my favorite bands, actually. They are a rock band and they don't take themselves seriously. When Axl Rose insulted them, one of the band members got a tattoo of the insult.

If I lived in Paris, I'd have been at the concert. One of my best friends does live in Paris. She is safe, but her coworker went to the concert and he has now become the first victim whose name has been publicly announced.

  :'( :o
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on November 17, 2015, 05:24:51 AM
Quote from: Brian on November 14, 2015, 09:12:14 AM
It's one of my favorite bands, actually. They are a rock band and they don't take themselves seriously. When Axl Rose insulted them, one of the band members got a tattoo of the insult.

If I lived in Paris, I'd have been at the concert. One of my best friends does live in Paris. She is safe, but her coworker went to the concert and he has now become the first victim whose name has been publicly announced.

Alas!
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on November 23, 2015, 06:11:46 PM
And now lefties are going after . . . Woodrow Wilson! (http://www.nytimes.com/2015/11/23/nyregion/at-princeton-addressing-a-racist-legacy-and-seeking-to-remove-woodrow-wilsons-name.html?_r=0)

(Whoda thunk that Rick Perry would be ahead of the Progressive curve?)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on November 30, 2015, 07:16:39 PM
Junk ain't gonna get rid of itself. (https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/checkpoint/wp/2015/11/30/on-ukraines-frontlines-u-s-supplied-equipment-is-falling-apart/)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: mc ukrneal on December 03, 2015, 07:01:49 PM
It's not unimportant, but this seemed the best spot to have it. Check out the video of Jon Stewart and several first responders to 9/11. Very interesting conversation...
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/jon-stewart-911-bill_5660d6a9e4b079b2818e079b?ncid=txtlnkusaolp00000592 (http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/jon-stewart-911-bill_5660d6a9e4b079b2818e079b?ncid=txtlnkusaolp00000592)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on December 05, 2015, 08:56:31 AM
And justice for all! (https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/wonk/wp/2015/11/23/cops-took-more-stuff-from-people-than-burglars-did-last-year/)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: ComposerOfAvantGarde on December 07, 2015, 03:50:09 PM
For those who have been following the stories about the rapid changes in leadership in recent years in Australia:

http://www.smh.com.au/federal-politics/political-news/tony-abbott-buys-a-fridge-on-gumtree-20151207-glhpge.html
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on December 09, 2015, 06:46:09 PM
Evil man does good deed. (http://www.npr.org/sections/thetwo-way/2015/12/09/459059359/sole-copy-of-latest-wu-tang-album-was-sold-to-pharma-bro)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on December 12, 2015, 10:19:32 AM
At long last, deliverance from environmental catastrophe. (http://www.theguardian.com/environment/2015/dec/12/paris-climate-deal-200-nations-sign-finish-fossil-fuel-era)


(Let's play spot the loopholes by reading this paragraph: Under the deal, adopted by consensus, all countries agreed to reduce emissions. Rich countries agreed to raise $100bn a year by 2020 to help poor countries transform their economies. The overall agreement is legally binding but some elements, including the pledges to curb emissions by individual countries and the climate finance elements, are not.)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on December 17, 2015, 06:15:42 PM
Yurpean sophistication that even The Donald could love. (http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/europe/refugee-crisis-denmark-wants-to-seize-jewellery-and-cash-from-asylum-seekers-a6777146.html)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on December 18, 2015, 12:27:27 PM
This poll is rubbish: The real threat is the Islamic Republic of Kamistan. (http://www.slate.com/blogs/the_slatest/2015/12/18/aladdin_poll_30_percent_of_republican_primary_voters_would_bomb_agrabah.html)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: ComposerOfAvantGarde on December 18, 2015, 02:44:11 PM
Quote from: Todd on December 18, 2015, 12:27:27 PM
This poll is rubbish: The real threat is the Islamic Republic of Kamistan. (http://www.slate.com/blogs/the_slatest/2015/12/18/aladdin_poll_30_percent_of_republican_primary_voters_would_bomb_agrabah.html)
HA! Unfortunately these results are quite telling of the political mindset of many US citizens!
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on January 03, 2016, 10:01:19 AM
Democracy in action! (http://www.latimes.com/world/africa/la-fg-rwanda-kagame-20160102-story.html) 

(At least he's our SOB?)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on January 05, 2016, 06:55:10 PM
Boom! (http://www.theguardian.com/world/live/2016/jan/06/north-korea-major-announcement-artificial-earthquake-nuclear-test-site-live)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Brian on January 05, 2016, 07:13:15 PM
Quote from: Todd on January 05, 2016, 06:55:10 PM
Boom! (http://www.theguardian.com/world/live/2016/jan/06/north-korea-major-announcement-artificial-earthquake-nuclear-test-site-live)
They're claiming to have an H-Bomb, I hear?
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on January 05, 2016, 07:17:05 PM
Quote from: Brian on January 05, 2016, 07:13:15 PM
They're claiming to have an H-Bomb, I hear?


About bloody time.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Brian on January 05, 2016, 07:22:30 PM
What Would Trump Do?
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on January 05, 2016, 07:25:34 PM
Get some really smart people - the smartest people - and build the best missile shield the world has ever seen.  It'll be so good that you'll get bored talking about ICBMs.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Brian on January 05, 2016, 07:35:53 PM
Quote from: Todd on January 05, 2016, 07:25:34 PM
Get some really smart people - the smartest people - and build the best missile shield the world has ever seen.  It'll be so good that you'll get bored talking about ICBMs.
I was thinking put all Koreans in a concentration camp and then nuke Pyongyang.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on January 05, 2016, 07:38:26 PM
Quote from: Brian on January 05, 2016, 07:35:53 PM
I was thinking put all Koreans in a concentration camp and then nuke Pyongyang.



Only if he gets the deeds to prime real estate on the peninsula as part of the deal.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on January 14, 2016, 05:52:06 PM
Quote from: Todd on December 17, 2015, 06:15:42 PM
Yurpean sophistication that even The Donald could love. (http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/europe/refugee-crisis-denmark-wants-to-seize-jewellery-and-cash-from-asylum-seekers-a6777146.html)



More Yurpean sophistication. (http://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-europe-migrants-swiss-idUKKCN0US2X620160114)


Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on January 18, 2016, 06:33:52 PM
This more than makes up for the H-bomb thing. (http://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/jan/18/north-korea-invents-hangover-free-alcohol)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Dancing Divertimentian on January 19, 2016, 10:41:01 AM
Fun in the pun... (http://kevinpolowy.tumblr.com/post/137555716388/punny-business-25-shops-whose-names-awesomely)



Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Brian on January 19, 2016, 11:03:45 AM
Quote from: Dancing Divertimentian on January 19, 2016, 10:41:01 AM
Fun in the pun... (http://kevinpolowy.tumblr.com/post/137555716388/punny-business-25-shops-whose-names-awesomely)
They list Thai Tanic but not the risque Auckland version, Thai Me Up.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Dancing Divertimentian on January 19, 2016, 12:01:21 PM
Quote from: Brian on January 19, 2016, 11:03:45 AM
They list Thai Tanic but not the risque Auckland version, Thai Me Up.

:laugh:


Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on January 20, 2016, 05:56:20 PM
Nibiru is real! (http://www.sciencemag.org/news/2016/01/feature-astronomers-say-neptune-sized-planet-lurks-unseen-solar-system)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: XB-70 Valkyrie on January 22, 2016, 04:28:36 PM
More unimportant news:

1. The Rams, one of the consistently shittiest teams in the NFL are coming (back) to HELL A, where they left 20 years ago. They were shitty then and will always be shitty and boring. Trillionaire owner wants a new stadium so that his trillionaire henchmen can sit in the utmost luxury. In unrelated news, sales tax is going up in HELL A County.

2. Some people are saying some shit about the Oscars. Since the Oscars have always been and always will be bullshit, it really doesn't matter.

3. The FBI is sparing no expense to track down and prosecute the people who hacked into some dumb Hollywood actress twit's cloud acct. and posted her naked photos. Wow, that's a great use of bureau resources and tax dollars.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on January 26, 2016, 07:23:53 PM
All's well that ends well. (http://katu.com/news/local/leader-of-oregon-occupation-ammon-bundy-three-others-arrested)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on January 27, 2016, 06:49:09 PM
If at first you don't succeed, and all that. (http://www.nytimes.com/2016/01/23/world/africa/us-and-allies-said-to-plan-military-action-on-isis-in-libya.html?_r=0)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: knight66 on January 30, 2016, 09:00:09 AM
And once Mr Trump is thrust, or climbs, into the decision making process, it will of course improve things no end.  >:D

Mike
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on January 30, 2016, 10:50:04 AM
Quote from: Todd on January 14, 2016, 05:52:06 PM


More Yurpean sophistication. (http://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-europe-migrants-swiss-idUKKCN0US2X620160114)



I'm thinking it might be time to start an Annals of Yurpean Sophistication thread. (http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-35451080)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on February 02, 2016, 05:16:19 PM
Mission Accomplished. (http://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-military-women-idUSKCN0VB1UR)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: kishnevi on February 02, 2016, 07:32:30 PM
Sorry, but I can not really summarize this one
http://nypost.com/2016/01/31/inside-the-1-million-wedding-ruined-by-an-accidental-gunshot/
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: knight66 on February 02, 2016, 10:13:50 PM
She sure did not get what she paid for, but her sense of entitlement is obnoxious. I am surprised the wedding only cost one million, such lavish nonsense....but she seems pretty determined to hug the emotional damage. "It is going to affect me and my children."....which are as yet unborn.

Also, not having a wedding video is as bad as it gets. Tell that to the folks in North Korea.

Mind you, I hope the idiot cousin gets his pants sued off him and the Waldorf seem to have acted bizzarely.

Mike
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: North Star on February 03, 2016, 01:07:12 AM
Quote from: Jeffrey Smith on February 02, 2016, 07:32:30 PM
Sorry, but I can not really summarize this one
http://nypost.com/2016/01/31/inside-the-1-million-wedding-ruined-by-an-accidental-gunshot/
QuoteIgnoring superstitions about the groom not seeing the bride before the wedding, the couple trotted off to Central Park for a photo session.
After that, they're hardly in a position to blame others.  0:)
QuoteIt felt worse than if someone would have died in [my] family. It was a tragedy,
We'll never have a wedding video. This is as bad as it gets.
If only someone had died instead of them having no wedding video.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: ComposerOfAvantGarde on February 03, 2016, 01:16:38 AM
Quote from: North Star on February 03, 2016, 01:07:12 AM
After that, they're hardly in a position to blame others.  0:)If only someone had died instead of them having no wedding video.
First world problems
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: The Six on February 05, 2016, 08:07:14 PM
hahaha

QuoteThe NYPD Is Kicking People Out of Their Homes, Even If They Haven't Committed a Crime
And it's happening almost exclusively in minority neighborhoods.

https://www.propublica.org/article/nypd-nuisance-abatement-evictions
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on February 06, 2016, 05:22:13 PM
Proof positive that sanctions work. (http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-35515207)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on February 15, 2016, 02:35:57 PM
Not just unexpected, but very unexpected. (http://www.cbsnews.com/news/russia-rusada-nikita-kamaev-unexpected-death-russian-doping-scandal/)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on February 19, 2016, 04:54:54 AM
There goes my vacation to Tripoli. (http://abcnews.go.com/International/us-airstrike-libya-killed-planner-tunisian-terror-attacks/story?id=37050032)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on February 20, 2016, 07:06:53 AM
You can't make an omelette without breaking a few eggs. (http://www.cnn.com/2016/02/20/africa/libya-us-airstrike-isis/)


It seemed unusual that yesterday the CBS Evening News didn't lead the broadcast with the bombing of Libya.  It was the fifth story.  The US bombing a country in the Middle East and killing 40+ people isn't so important anymore.  I guess we have always been at war with Eastasia, or something like that.  At any rate, this should improve relations with Russia.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on February 22, 2016, 05:44:13 AM
Wait, vaccines actually work? (http://www.thestar.com/life/health_wellness/nutrition/2016/02/22/hpv-cases-drop-since-vaccinations-started.html)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: kishnevi on February 22, 2016, 08:06:46 AM
Quote from: Todd on February 22, 2016, 05:44:13 AM
Wait, vaccines actually work? (http://www.thestar.com/life/health_wellness/nutrition/2016/02/22/hpv-cases-drop-since-vaccinations-started.html)

Actually, they're a government fake
http://lifeinisrael.blogspot.com/2016/02/bleach-and-baking-soda-have-saved-us.html
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on February 22, 2016, 08:18:43 AM
Quote from: Jeffrey Smith on February 22, 2016, 08:06:46 AM
Actually, they're a government fake
http://lifeinisrael.blogspot.com/2016/02/bleach-and-baking-soda-have-saved-us.html

Yeesh.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on March 05, 2016, 03:15:40 PM
In this divisive political year, a glimmer of hope that people can come together and work through their differences. (https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/the-fix/wp/2016/03/05/a-california-lawmaker-wants-to-ban-state-funded-travel-to-states-that-are-deemed-anti-gay/)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on March 10, 2016, 10:37:57 AM
Study Confirms Half of What We Eat Is Junk (http://www.nbcnews.com/health/diet-fitness/study-confirms-half-what-we-eat-junk-n535836)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Dancing Divertimentian on March 14, 2016, 08:38:44 PM
Afghanistan's got talent (video) (http://foxtrotalpha.jalopnik.com/this-afghanistan-national-armys-rappin-recruitment-vide-1764909286)



Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Turner on March 19, 2016, 01:38:02 AM
Too many bad news in the media?

Sue them!

http://www.unian.info/world/1294518-tass-balding-man-sues-russian-media-aggregator-over-bad-news.html
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on March 23, 2016, 07:56:47 AM
Finally, relief for the poor. (http://sanfrancisco.cbslocal.com/2016/03/22/250k-per-year-salary-could-qualify-for-subsidized-housing-under-new-palo-alto-plan/)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on March 23, 2016, 02:39:01 PM
To borrow from Buck Murdok: I guess irony can be pretty ironic sometimes. (http://www.cnbc.com/2016/03/23/rockefeller-fund-dumping-fossil-fuels-hits-exxon-on-climate-issues.html)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on March 29, 2016, 04:34:06 AM
A recent appellate court decision overturned Ohio laws prohibiting the use of lies in campaign ads, citing First Amendment protections of candidates' speech. (http://www.csmonitor.com/USA/Politics/2016/0328/Why-Ohio-political-candidates-can-now-lie-while-campaigning)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on April 03, 2016, 10:46:10 AM
BREAKING NEWS: VLADIMIR PUTIN CORRUPT. (http://www.theguardian.com/news/2016/apr/03/panama-papers-money-hidden-offshore)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: kishnevi on April 03, 2016, 08:32:28 PM
Quote from: Todd on April 03, 2016, 10:46:10 AM
BREAKING NEWS: VLADIMIR PUTIN CORRUPT. (http://www.theguardian.com/news/2016/apr/03/panama-papers-money-hidden-offshore)

For purposes of this forum, the fact that a cellist is involved adds some piquancy
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: knight66 on April 04, 2016, 04:10:42 AM
Did the cellist repeatedly carry out the loot in the cello case?

Mike
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on April 04, 2016, 04:47:13 AM
Chuckling, as just yesterday my sister & I were speaking of The Ladykillers.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on April 12, 2016, 12:09:29 PM
I guess this makes sense.  Sort of.  In a way. (http://www.latimes.com/local/cityhall/la-me-union-minimum-wage-20160410-story.html)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on April 13, 2016, 07:06:25 AM
https://www.youtube.com/v/ycXFWO8sjZY
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on April 24, 2016, 11:02:43 AM
More alte Zeit Yurpean sophistication. (http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2016/04/24/far-right-close-to-seizing-austrian-presidency/)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Dancing Divertimentian on April 27, 2016, 08:28:32 PM
Test YOUR knowledge - video - no scrolling for spoiler! (http://studioatgawker.kinja.com/does-anyone-at-the-stp-500-know-what-stp-means-1769360535)



Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on May 11, 2016, 05:28:20 PM
How embarrassing. (http://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2016/may/11/jesse-jackson-jean-marie-le-pen-dinner-france)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on May 13, 2016, 11:17:04 AM
There is something to be said for taste and discretion. (http://www.nytimes.com/2016/05/13/us/george-zimmerman-gun-auction-trayvon-martin.html?_r=0)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: James on May 15, 2016, 07:35:39 AM
Al Jaffee, the Longest Working Cartoonist in History, Shows How He
Invented the Iconic "Folds-Ins" for Mad Magazine (http://www.openculture.com/2016/05/al-jaffee-shows-how-he-invented-the-iconic-folds-ins-for-mad-magazine.html)


(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CiGtGydVEAIWlou.jpg)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on May 16, 2016, 08:48:34 AM
"A man in a Hamilton County courtroom finally gave in and pulled out two bags of pot from his underwear- a move that landed him an extra day of jail. Hamilton County Municipal Court Judge Bernie Bouchard stopped court on Wednesday after an overwhelming smell of marijuana allegedly took over the courtroom.  Bouchard gave everyone a chance to claim responsibility for the marijuana before he ordered deputies to bring drug dogs in the courtroom.  The defendant, Darius Dabney, raised his hand and admitted to smoking marijuana before entering the courthouse." (http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2016/05/16/welcome-to-yuck-election.html)

(Courtesy of Mr Stirewalt)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on May 18, 2016, 06:38:58 AM
Let's see if this science is settled. (http://www.nytimes.com/2016/05/18/business/genetically-engineered-crops-are-safe-analysis-finds.html?_r=0)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on May 19, 2016, 06:04:11 PM
No one can call Trudeau a lightweight after this. (http://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/trudeau-conservative-whip-1.3588407)  A bruising middleweight, maybe, but certainly no lightweight.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on May 27, 2016, 06:42:46 AM
Finally! (http://www.reuters.com/article/us-health-superbug-idUSKCN0YH2KT)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on May 27, 2016, 02:32:12 PM
http://www.cincinnati.com/story/news/2016/05/26/henry-heimlich-finally-uses-famed-maneuver/85003350/ (http://www.cincinnati.com/story/news/2016/05/26/henry-heimlich-finally-uses-famed-maneuver/85003350/)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Spineur on June 05, 2016, 08:31:01 AM
Djokovic won the french open over Murray.  His tennis was not spectacular, just a little more effective than Murray's.  At the end he drew a big heart with his tennis racket on the clay.  Nice touch.

Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on June 13, 2016, 09:01:02 AM
Looks like the folks who run 350.org will be needing a new URL. (https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2016/jun/13/carbon-dioxide-levels-in-atmosphere-forecast-to-shatter-milestone) 
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on June 24, 2016, 07:10:06 AM
Another giant leap for deliciousness. (http://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2016-06-22/burger-king-jumps-into-snack-brand-hybrids-with-mac-n-cheetos)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on June 24, 2016, 06:05:05 PM
Florida. http://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-crime-socialmedia-idUSKCN0Z92NC (http://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-crime-socialmedia-idUSKCN0Z92NC)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: ritter on June 26, 2016, 01:41:49 AM
Spain is holding a new general election today. The previous election, in December 2015, resulted in a parliamentary stalement that prevented the fromation of a government. The election was won by the incumbent centre-right Partido Popular, but without sufficient seats to reach a majority and with all other parties having rejected any sort of agreement with them. The second party, the Socialists, tried to form a government with a newcomer, rightist Ciudadanos, but again a majority wasn't achieved. And the rising radical-left, anti-system party Podemos achieved a strong result.

If anything, the result of today's election is expected to be more polarized, and the radical Podemos (which now runs in alliance with the communists of Izquierda Unida) might overtake the Socialists as the second force in parliament.

The timeline for 2016 now looks something like this  ???:

- June 24: Brexit wins referendum  >:(
- June 26: Government in Spain with Podemos (in one way or another)  >:D
- November 8: Donald Trump elected president of the US  >:( >:D
- Year end: Zombie Apocalypse   :laugh:
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Spineur on June 26, 2016, 08:51:03 PM
Quote from: ritter on June 26, 2016, 01:41:49 AM
Spain is holding a new general election....

The timeline for 2016 now looks something like this  ???:

- June 24: Brexit wins referendum  >:(
- June 26: Government in Spain with Podemos (in one way or another)  >:D
Doomsday didnt propagate to Spain !! Maybe the sad state of the british affairs, opened spaniard eyes.  There is still a threat of Catalonya secession, but with PP strength Spain integrity may stabilize as well.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on June 30, 2016, 07:44:05 AM
Here is a lesson for Republicans who are trying to appease the far right: It's a fool's errand. (https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/benghazi-conspiracy-theorists-turn-on-trey-gowdy/2016/06/29/7c513ed4-3e44-11e6-80bc-d06711fd2125_story.html)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on June 30, 2016, 10:43:15 AM
Greenpeace, a fraud and a danger. http://www.usatoday.com/story/opinion/2016/06/29/greenpeace-gmo-science-nobel-laureates-medicine-science-health-column/86521020/ (http://www.usatoday.com/story/opinion/2016/06/29/greenpeace-gmo-science-nobel-laureates-medicine-science-health-column/86521020/)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on June 30, 2016, 06:25:17 PM
Someone had to be first. (http://abcnews.go.com/Technology/wireStory/driving-car-driver-died-crash-florida-40260566)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on July 01, 2016, 03:51:05 PM
Ripley's Believe It or Not! (http://www.nytimes.com/2016/07/02/world/us-reveals-death-toll-from-airstrikes-outside-of-war-zones.html?_r=0)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on July 05, 2016, 11:12:51 AM
Severely creepy.  And they're worried about who uses which bathroom.

Body in yard-sale freezer freaks out N.C. woman. But then she recognized the foot. (https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/morning-mix/wp/2016/06/02/woman-freaked-out-to-find-body-in-yard-sale-freezer-the-foot-tells-the-tale/)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Dancing Divertimentian on July 05, 2016, 06:41:04 PM
Quote from: karlhenning on July 05, 2016, 11:12:51 AM
Severely creepy.  And they're worried about who uses which bathroom.

Body in yard-sale freezer freaks out N.C. woman. But then she recognized the foot. (https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/morning-mix/wp/2016/06/02/woman-freaked-out-to-find-body-in-yard-sale-freezer-the-foot-tells-the-tale/)

LOL


Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on July 06, 2016, 10:59:23 AM
Rare Thomas Jefferson letter discovered in attic (http://www.cnn.com/2016/07/06/politics/thomas-jefferson-rare-letter-for-sale-discovered-attic/index.html)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on July 07, 2016, 11:26:13 AM
Your Starbucks habit could soon cost you more. (http://money.cnn.com/2016/07/07/pf/starbucks-raising-prices/index.html)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: kishnevi on July 08, 2016, 09:50:26 AM
Quote from: karlhenning on July 07, 2016, 11:26:13 AM
Your Starbucks habit could soon cost you more. (http://money.cnn.com/2016/07/07/pf/starbucks-raising-prices/index.html)

Since I never buy from Starbucks (not really convenient for a lunchtime coffee, and don't need them elsewhere.  And I don't like how their coffee tastes, anyway.),  won't cost me more!
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on July 08, 2016, 10:20:35 AM
Quote from: Jeffrey Smith on July 08, 2016, 09:50:26 AM
Since I never buy from Starbucks (not really convenient for a lunchtime coffee, and don't need them elsewhere.  And I don't like how their coffee tastes, anyway.),  won't cost me more!

I learnt early on that I like the way their wares smell, better than the taste.  (Twice the reason to get my coffee elsewhere  ;) )
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Brian on July 13, 2016, 06:35:05 AM
Faroe Islands Unveil Google Sheep View (https://www.theguardian.com/travel/2016/jul/12/sheep-view-360-faroe-islands-google-mapping-project?CMP=fb_gu)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on July 13, 2016, 06:38:47 AM
Quote from: Brian on July 13, 2016, 06:35:05 AM
Faroe Islands Unveil Google Sheep View (https://www.theguardian.com/travel/2016/jul/12/sheep-view-360-faroe-islands-google-mapping-project?CMP=fb_gu)

Take this to the Nielsen thread!
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on July 14, 2016, 07:16:40 AM
Quote from: Brian on July 13, 2016, 06:35:05 AM
Faroe Islands Unveil Google Sheep View (https://www.theguardian.com/travel/2016/jul/12/sheep-view-360-faroe-islands-google-mapping-project?CMP=fb_gu)

You laugh but I'm at the cottage and my choices, should I be silly enough to watch any TV, are cable news about Trumpary, and sheep. I'll take sheep.  :blank:
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Brian on July 15, 2016, 12:42:32 PM
Military coup underway in Turkey. Erdogan is out of the country on vacation. Military claims they have taken over. This is ... potentially very good news. But could very easily turn into very bad news.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: (poco) Sforzando on July 15, 2016, 12:55:22 PM
Quote from: karlhenning on July 13, 2016, 06:38:47 AM
Take this to the Nielsen thread!

Or Andriessen . . .
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: (poco) Sforzando on July 15, 2016, 01:17:57 PM
Quote from: Jeffrey Smith on July 08, 2016, 09:50:26 AM
Since I never buy from Starbucks (not really convenient for a lunchtime coffee, and don't need them elsewhere.  And I don't like how their coffee tastes, anyway.),  won't cost me more!

Starbucks coffee tastes like sludge, and I'm talking about the actual coffee, not the stuff with the mix and the foam and the spritz and the whip and the latte and the venti and the caramel and all the other crap they throw in to increase the sugar content and turn what should be a 0-calorie drink into the caloric equivalent of a 5-course meal at an upscale French restaurant, with prices to match. And yet at my local Barnes and Noble, with its Starbucks "café," people will stand on line 15 minutes and pay $5 a pop for one of these liquid desserts. I've got to admit, though, the almond croissants at Starbucks are really good (though I won't touch any of their other sugary treats, which are a minimum of 500 calories each). Truth to tell, the coffee at McDonald's is a lot better and costs just a dollar, any size.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on July 15, 2016, 03:10:44 PM
Quote from: Brian on July 15, 2016, 12:42:32 PM
Military coup underway in Turkey. Erdogan is out of the country on vacation. Military claims they have taken over. This is ... potentially very good news. But could very easily turn into very bad news.

My thoughts precisely.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on July 15, 2016, 03:14:41 PM
Quote from: (poco) Sforzando on July 15, 2016, 01:17:57 PM
Starbucks coffee tastes like sludge, and I'm talking about the actual coffee, not the stuff with the mix and the foam and the spritz and the whip and the latte and the venti and the caramel and all the other crap they throw in to increase the sugar content and turn what should be a 0-calorie drink into the caloric equivalent of a 5-course meal at an upscale French restaurant, with prices to match. And yet at my local Barnes and Noble, with its Starbucks "café," people will stand on line 15 minutes and pay $5 a pop for one of these liquid desserts. I've got to admit, though, the almond croissants at Starbucks are really good (though I won't touch any of their other sugary treats, which are a minimum of 500 calories each). Truth to tell, the coffee at McDonald's is a lot better and costs just a dollar, any size.

We agree! I think Starbucks makes their coffee taste like burnt sludge purposely. Nudge towards the $8 barista concoction.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: (poco) Sforzando on July 15, 2016, 03:31:01 PM
Quote from: Ken B on July 15, 2016, 03:14:41 PM
We agree! I think Starbucks makes their coffee taste like burnt sludge purposely. Nudge towards the $8 barista concoction.

History has been made! Take this to the Important News Thread! Ken B has agreed with me on something! (Actually, he also agreed with me about Breaking Away.) I must lie down. My heart can't take this. Perhaps I shall just watch a film tonight, or listen to some Debussy while I'm recuperating. Where's my fan?
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on July 15, 2016, 06:34:41 PM
In the words of the Chairman of the Board: (http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/65/wr/mm6528e2.htm)  New York!  New York!

Start spreading the news!  And all that.

East coast animals.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: (poco) Sforzando on July 15, 2016, 07:06:50 PM
Quote from: Todd on July 15, 2016, 06:34:41 PM
In the words of the Chairman of the Board: (http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/65/wr/mm6528e2.htm)  New York!  New York!

Start spreading the news!  And all that.

East coast animals.

Could have occurred in any location. Now who's engaging in sloppy thinking and dehumanizing language?
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on July 15, 2016, 08:44:17 PM
Quote from: (poco) Sforzando on July 15, 2016, 07:06:50 PM
Could have occurred in any location. Now who's engaging in sloppy thinking and dehumanizing language?


Following your lead.  Except I am relying facts.  It was east coasters who done did it first.  I get it, you prefer coulda/woulda statements when it suits.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: (poco) Sforzando on July 16, 2016, 04:08:41 AM
Quote from: Todd on July 15, 2016, 08:44:17 PM

Following your lead.  Except I am relying facts.  It was east coasters who done did it first.  I get it, you prefer coulda/woulda statements when it suits.

Not at all. You're trying to portray this as a New York or east coast characteristic, when it's simply something that occurred in New York. But thanks for following my lead.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on July 18, 2016, 06:42:15 AM
With all the terrorism, cop shooting, and coups going on, it looks like the biggest news of the past couple weeks is basically unimportant news. (http://bigstory.ap.org/article/8e3c3e91ba5447188bca02a5e822ab2a/china-announces-south-china-sea-military-exercises)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: North Star on July 22, 2016, 09:40:22 AM
There's been a shooting in Munich at the Olympia shopping centre. Police currently hunts the shooters.

http://edition.cnn.com/2016/07/22/europe/germany-munich-shooting/index.html
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on July 22, 2016, 03:26:43 PM
I do like me some French politics. (http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-36868195)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on July 28, 2016, 08:55:01 AM
This makes me proud to be an Oregonian. (http://www.nwcn.com/news/health/lead-level-at-portland-school-sink-4-times-higher-than-highest-level-in-flint-mich/282563652)

I wonder how many more districts nationwide have this problem.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Pat B on August 03, 2016, 08:06:11 AM
The Establishment Strikes Back (http://www.politico.com/story/2016/08/huelskamp-defeated-in-kansas-primary-226603)

Note irony of a Koch Brothers lackey complaining about outside spending.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on August 03, 2016, 11:37:38 AM
A bullying law firm, but this time with pushback.

https://www.techdirt.com/articles/20160731/17010435120/houston-law-firm-sues-student-with-severe-back-injuries-200k-after-she-posts-negative-reviews-to-yelp-facebook.shtml (https://www.techdirt.com/articles/20160731/17010435120/houston-law-firm-sues-student-with-severe-back-injuries-200k-after-she-posts-negative-reviews-to-yelp-facebook.shtml)

I hope they can find some way to make these guys pay heavily. Pour encourager les autres.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on August 04, 2016, 11:08:57 AM
Where is the chair today? (https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/morning-mix/wp/2016/08/04/clint-eastwood-explains-and-regrets-his-speech-to-an-empty-chair/?hpid=hp_hp-more-top-stories_eastwood-1215pm%3Ahomepage%2Fstory)

Quote from: Travis M. AndrewsTime called it "one of the most baffling and iconic moments of the 2012 election" in a story wondering where the chair ended up.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on August 19, 2016, 11:00:48 AM
There is a bronze statue of Peter Falk in Hungary.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: NikF on August 19, 2016, 11:05:34 AM
Quote from: karlhenning on August 19, 2016, 11:00:48 AM
There is a bronze statue of Peter Falk in Hungary.

Well, that's my plans for the weekend taken care of! 8)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on August 19, 2016, 11:06:25 AM
I'm here for you, buddy!
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: NikF on August 19, 2016, 11:15:00 AM
Quote from: karlhenning on August 19, 2016, 11:06:25 AM
I'm here for you, buddy!

Thanks, man - I'm sure with your support even Brexit can't stop me!  ;D
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: NikF on August 26, 2016, 08:31:37 AM
University of Chicago Tells Incoming Students: Don't Expect Safe Spaces or Trigger Warnings

In their letter to incoming students: 

"Our commitment to academic freedom means that we do not support so called 'trigger warnings,' we do not cancel invited speakers because their topics might prove controversial, and we do not condone the creation of intellectual 'safe spaces' where individuals can retreat from ideas and perspectives at odds with their own."

http://www.intellectualtakeout.org/blog/univ-chicago-pushes-back-trigger-warnings-safe-spaces
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: zamyrabyrd on September 03, 2016, 06:56:44 AM
Some funny stuff:
http://weirdnews.about.com/od/artisticendeavors/tp/9-Weird-Billboards.htm
No. 8:
Armed Santa
In Chico, California, a billboard for a local gun range showed Santa Claus with an automatic rifle. Many local residents expressed their disapproval, including one who said, "The idea of this symbol of joy and giving holding an assault rifle, it's just so contradictory." However, the gun range shrugged off the criticism, claiming that it was planning follow-up ads featuring a gun-toting Cupid and Easter Bunny.

Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Parsifal on September 12, 2016, 01:49:22 PM
Those of you who have not come across xkcd may find this link generally interesting.

Today's installment fits the GMG definition of "unimportant news."

http://xkcd.com/1732/
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Turner on September 16, 2016, 10:42:15 PM
"Google proves its commitment to privacy by blurring out the face of an English cow":

https://twitter.com/AustinHunt/status/776815441629118464

https://www.buzzfeed.com/juliareinstein/blurred-bovines?utm_term=.ds2pqylBE#.ixKg39GpL
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Turner on September 18, 2016, 03:12:58 AM
A minor episode in Russian elections, accompanied by music

https://twitter.com/SovietSergey/status/777457756387368960

The usefulness of a staff "wall"
https://twitter.com/parfitt_tom/status/777462154895253504
->
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ABkGTEczOUc
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Turner on September 25, 2016, 04:46:02 AM
In Moscow, at the International Conference for suppressed nations & their right to future self-determination (excluding Russian territory though), the representative of the Californian separatists (who is an English teacher based in Yekatarinenburg) has called for Russia for recognize a "Calexit" referendum in 2019 for independence & help California join the UN as a sovereign nation.

https://twitter.com/maxseddon/status/780006200045961216
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: knight66 on September 25, 2016, 11:21:56 AM
I must look to see which side of the San Andreas fault that town sits; perhaps if they wait long enough......

Mike
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Turner on September 25, 2016, 11:42:50 AM
I guess the English spelling is usually Ekaterinburg, it´s in Russia near Ural & a city of some importance.

Looking at the google map today, I learned that it is around 60 km west of the town of Asbest.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Andante on September 25, 2016, 03:53:11 PM
Donald and Hillary are to have a debate, I can hardly wait and am so excited I might wet myself.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Turner on October 01, 2016, 11:19:13 PM
The Ukrainian confectioner Dinara Kasko makes cakes as you´ve never seen them:

https://twitter.com/KyivPost/status/782475721201647620
https://www.kyivpost.com/lifestyle/ukrainian-confectioner-reshapes-art-cake-making.html?utm_content=buffer2faba&utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter.com&utm_campaign=buffer
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: zamyrabyrd on October 02, 2016, 12:19:48 AM
Quote from: Turner on October 01, 2016, 11:19:13 PM
The Ukrainian confectioner Dinara Kasko makes cakes as you´ve never seen them:

https://twitter.com/KyivPost/status/782475721201647620
https://www.kyivpost.com/lifestyle/ukrainian-confectioner-reshapes-art-cake-making.html?utm_content=buffer2faba&utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter.com&utm_campaign=buffer

Pass for me. I'd rather not eat architecture.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on October 03, 2016, 01:00:05 AM
The Great Cake of Kiev?
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: kishnevi on October 03, 2016, 06:22:00 PM
http://www.foxnews.com/us/2016/09/30/denzel-washington-takes-plea-deal-in-strangling-aretha-franklin.html
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Monsieur Croche on October 06, 2016, 01:49:15 AM
Anything whatsoever to do with Kanye West.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Monsieur Croche on October 06, 2016, 01:55:17 AM
Quote from: k a rl h e nn i ng on October 03, 2016, 01:00:05 AM
The Great Cake of Kiev?

Groan.
 
Maybe The Great Cake of Kiev is best eaten with a modest side serving of Mousse a la Mussorgsky, and washed down by a high-proof 'Fiery Angel' cocktail, aka a Molotov Prokofiev.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on October 22, 2016, 03:58:30 PM
Sometimes even politicians get it right. Zaevion Dobson Memorial Bridge.

http://www.wbir.com/news/local/bridge-named-in-memory-of-zaevion-dobson/340039280 (http://www.wbir.com/news/local/bridge-named-in-memory-of-zaevion-dobson/340039280)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Turner on October 26, 2016, 12:54:25 PM
Today, when I threw a piece of litter in the bin outside a small train station in the suburbs, a recorded voice from the bin greeted me saying "How sweet of you! Thank you very much."
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: EddieRUKiddingVarese on October 26, 2016, 03:10:38 PM
Quote from: Turner on October 26, 2016, 12:54:25 PM
Today, when I threw a piece of litter in the bin outside a small train station in the suburbs, a recorded voice from the bin greeted me saying "How sweet of you! Thank you very much."

Sure you weren't on the set of Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy?
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Turner on October 26, 2016, 11:10:15 PM
Quote from: EddieRUKiddingVarese on October 26, 2016, 03:10:38 PM
Sure you weren't on the set of Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy?

I´ve never experienced it before, but did some web research on the subject. Apparently similar, talking bins have been introduced sporadically as gimmicks in order to improve public behavior in the UK etc., a couple of years ago.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Parsifal on October 27, 2016, 09:46:08 PM
Quote from: sanantonio on October 27, 2016, 05:37:20 PM
Finally some good news

Federal jury acquits Ammon Bundy and six followers of conspiracy in standoff last winter (http://www.wsj.com/articles/armed-occupiers-of-oregon-wildlife-refuge-acquitted-1477615318)

Tragic that one was killed by the FBI.

He was shot by two state troopers, not an FBI agent.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Turner on November 03, 2016, 02:18:02 AM
If authorities aren´t really able to do a repair of a sidewalk - well, there´s always Photoshop:

https://themoscowtimes.com/news/st-petersburg-city-officials-caught-trying-to-fool-locals-with-photoshop-55986
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on November 22, 2016, 11:57:11 AM
You say president, I say sultan . . . (https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/nov/22/turkey-erdogan-presidency-referendum-akp-nationalist)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on November 23, 2016, 07:39:12 AM
Trudeau is really just Trump North? (https://www.theguardian.com/environment/true-north/2016/nov/22/justin-trudeaus-giant-corporate-giveaway)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on November 24, 2016, 05:25:24 PM
DOD sends Thanksgiving condolences to family of US soldier killed in Syria. (http://www.defense.gov/News/Article/Article/1012963/carter-offers-condolences-for-fallen-us-service-member-in-syria)  I'm trying to remember which AUMF authorizes boots on the ground in Syria.  Ah well, that's just a formality.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on November 27, 2016, 08:25:49 AM
News you can use. (https://www.theguardian.com/society/2016/nov/27/moroccan-state-tv-shows-women-how-to-hide-domestic-violence)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on November 27, 2016, 03:21:58 PM
If you don't get the AUMF you want, just redefine an old one. (http://www.nytimes.com/2016/11/27/us/politics/obama-expands-war-with-al-qaeda-to-include-shabab-in-somalia.html?hp&action=click&pgtype=Homepage&clickSource=story-heading&module=first-column-region&region=top-news&WT.nav=top-news&_r=0)  Thanks, Obama!
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on December 01, 2016, 10:29:23 AM
No François for France. (https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/dec/01/francois-hollande-not-seek-second-term-president-france)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Spineur on December 01, 2016, 11:34:13 AM
Quote from: Todd on December 01, 2016, 10:29:23 AM
No François for France. (https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/dec/01/francois-hollande-not-seek-second-term-president-france)
Watch out, he aint the only François (Fillon)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Turner on December 01, 2016, 11:42:41 PM
A Russian woman from Sochi just got a prison sentence of 7 years for high treason
- for sending a SMS about local tanks moving in the area towards Abkhazia.
She was arrested in 2015, for sending the SMS 7 years earlier:

http://www.mk.ru/social/2016/12/01/7-let-za-sms-za-chto-posadili-oksanu-sevastidi.html

(it´s a verified story that can probably be found in English-language media soon).

EDIT: Dec. 9th: here´s one: https://themoscowtimes.com/articles/jailed-for-a-text-message-welcome-to-krasnodar-the-epicenter-of-russian-treason-56474
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on December 05, 2016, 08:12:06 AM
One day, and not one, (http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-38204189) but two (http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-38204424) prime ministers resign, though for different reasons.  Equity markets are up in the US and Europe.  It's all good.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: ahinton on December 05, 2016, 08:30:43 AM
Quote from: Spineur on December 01, 2016, 11:34:13 AM
Watch out, he aint the only François (Fillon)
Indeed not - and, at least for the time being, Fillon looks set to be the greatest threat to electoral success for le Pen, given that he's already well to the right (even though not quite as much so as she is).
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: ahinton on December 05, 2016, 08:31:35 AM
Quote from: Todd on December 05, 2016, 08:12:06 AM
One day, and not one, (http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-38204189) but two (http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-38204424) prime ministers resign, though for different reasons.  Equity markets are up in the US and Europe.  It's all good.
For how many minutes, do you suppose?
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on December 05, 2016, 09:06:25 AM
Quote from: ahinton on December 05, 2016, 08:31:35 AMFor how many minutes, do you suppose?


FTSE, DAX, and CAC closed up for the day, so at least one trading day in the European markets that matter.  US markets have been up for almost four hours as I type.  So quite a few minutes.  New Zealand is irrelevant to global politics and economics, and the tumult in Italy wasn't a huge shock.  If the Italian government can't address banking concerns, that's more important. 
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Spineur on December 05, 2016, 09:37:04 AM
Quote from: ahinton on December 05, 2016, 08:30:43 AM
Indeed not - and, at least for the time being, Fillon looks set to be the greatest threat to electoral success for le Pen, given that he's already well to the right (even though not quite as much so as she is).
Nothing is written and much can happen in the six coming month.
Marine, François and Manuel (Valls) will probably the main contenders.  They have the authoriarian personalities that people want to see in their leader today.  Isnt that the real reason for Donald (Trump) success ?

Emmanuel (Macron) has zero experience.  Ex banker from Rotschild, never elected, not even 2 years as minister and always in a game of smoke and mirrors.  Considering his weak personality, will he be able to keep the illusion all the way ?  I have my doubt.

The orator of the extreme left has the usual leftist rethoric, but travels in Mercedes with chauffeur and is extremely self consious.

As you may surmise, I dont like any of them, but I will have to.make a choice as the french president has power even if doesnt have a majority at the parliament.  (Power to call for a referendum,power to disokve the parliament, the head of the armies, nuclear control, etc, etc)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on December 06, 2016, 06:20:26 AM
$25 billion here, $25 billion there, pretty soon you're talking Pentagon money. (https://www.washingtonpost.com/investigations/pentagon-buries-evidence-of-125-billion-in-bureaucratic-waste/2016/12/05/e0668c76-9af6-11e6-a0ed-ab0774c1eaa5_story.html?hpid=hp_hp-banner-main_pentagon-0655pm%3Ahomepage%2Fstory&utm_term=.51974301dbea)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: ahinton on December 06, 2016, 08:48:25 AM
Quote from: Todd on December 05, 2016, 09:06:25 AM

FTSE, DAX, and CAC closed up for the day, so at least one trading day in the European markets that matter.  US markets have been up for almost four hours as I type.  So quite a few minutes.  New Zealand is irrelevant to global politics and economics, and the tumult in Italy wasn't a huge shock.  If the Italian government can't address banking concerns, that's more important.
"Minutes" was clearly intended to be figurative. The European markets, like any other, can be subject to all manner of vagaries and the events in Europe, principally but not solely within EU, are such that the only thing that's certain is uncertainty, as is indeed the case with the UK Brexit situation in which wilful lack of government action, a raft of pending Court cases and a wide variety of other considerations appear so far to have conspired to cement such uncertainty over the 5½+ months since the non-legally binding opinion poll result was announced; financial markets and sustained political and economic uncertainty are not great bedfellows.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on December 06, 2016, 09:18:56 AM
Quote from: ahinton on December 06, 2016, 08:48:25 AM"Minutes" was clearly intended to be figurative.


European markets up today as well. 

Perhaps you missed my mention of the more important issue facing Italy that pertains to markets.  Sure, Italy might be able to pull its own version of Brexit, I guess, but that's apparently not on the table right now.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: ahinton on December 06, 2016, 11:05:07 PM
Quote from: Todd on December 06, 2016, 09:18:56 AM

European markets up today as well. 

Perhaps you missed my mention of the more important issue facing Italy that pertains to markets.  Sure, Italy might be able to pull its own version of Brexit, I guess, but that's apparently not on the table right now.
No, I didn't miss it. Italy is indeed not the first country that springs to mind when the possibility of its own version of Brexit might arise (though God help any nation that tries it on in the way that UK has!) - France, Germany, Austria and Netherlands are arguably more likely candidates, especially should their administrations swerve to the extreme right - but it's hardly last on the list either, for there's substantial discontent there and in Eurozone nations in particular that is increasingly threatening to undermine the stability and future of the very EU from which UK is purportedly trying to extricate itself. I would not therefore dismiss entirely the possibility that Italy might find itself caught up in a more widespread EU exit strategy.

Also, one of the fickle aspects of financial markets is that markets is that their success is dependent to some degree on the stability of currencies, for all stocks are valued in these; if EU does fall apart, one such currency will collapse as part of this and that will affect the currencies of other nations that deal with EU. Whilst a global currency collapse is not currently likely, it would again be foolhardy to dismiss such a possibility out of hand.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on December 07, 2016, 08:32:54 AM
Quote from: ahinton on December 06, 2016, 11:05:07 PMWhilst a global currency collapse is not currently likely, it would again be foolhardy to dismiss such a possibility out of hand.


You appear to prefer dealing in extreme possibility arguments and concerns.  I freely and openly confess that I deal with the probable far more than the possible.  All sorts of things are possible but also improbable to the point of irrelevance. 

In the event of a dissolution of the EU - since it is not a state, I'm not sure the word "collapse" applies - there would certainly be turmoil in currency, equity, and debt markets the world over, the US dollar would surge even more, and European countries would have to rely on more traditional forms of diplomacy and trade arrangements.  Not ideal, to be sure, and definitely disruptive, but it may also not be quite the end of the world, either.  What do you reckon the probability of an EU "collapse" is in the next five years?  Ten years?  Twenty years?  This could help establish a good currency trading plan, you see.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: ahinton on December 07, 2016, 09:21:36 AM
Quote from: Todd on December 07, 2016, 08:32:54 AMIn the event of a dissolution of the EU - since it is not a state, I'm not sure the word "collapse" applies
I don't see why.

Quote from: Todd on December 07, 2016, 08:32:54 AMthere would certainly be turmoil in currency, equity, and debt markets the world over, the US dollar would surge even more, and European countries would have to rely on more traditional forms of diplomacy and trade arrangements.  Not ideal, to be sure, and definitely disruptive, but it may also not be quite the end of the world, either.  What do you reckon the probability of an EU "collapse" is in the next five years?  Ten years?  Twenty years?  This could help establish a good currency trading plan, you see.
I do not say that it will collapse, only that it might if extreme right wing governments take over in some of its more important member states. and that reform of it will be less likely should UK's departure therefrom proceed. There's no guarantee that such collapse would result in any permanent surge in the value of the US dollar and, in any case, the state of that currency will likely be affected by relations between US and other nations besides the EU group. There's all to play for right now but no trusting the principal players.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on December 08, 2016, 09:08:29 AM
US life expectancy drops. (http://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2016/12/08/504667607/life-expectancy-in-u-s-drops-for-first-time-in-decades-report-finds)  Is this good or bad news?
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on December 10, 2016, 06:49:39 AM
Quote from: President Barack ObamaI will not put American boots on the ground in Syria.  [September 10, 2013]


US sending 200 more troops to Syria. (https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/dec/10/us-to-send-up-to-200-more-troops-to-syria-to-help-fight-against-isis)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on December 19, 2016, 11:14:31 AM
Guilty-ish. (http://money.cnn.com/2016/12/19/news/christine-lagarde-trial-guilty-verdict/index.html)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on December 22, 2016, 08:27:52 AM
I remembered in time to strike the auto-renew on a web subscription.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: zamyrabyrd on December 27, 2016, 01:17:09 AM
Quote from: sanantonio on December 26, 2016, 06:00:58 AM
The Era of Post-Truth : The UN, Obama and Israel (https://musicakaleidoscope.wordpress.com/2016/12/26/the-era-of-post-truth-the-un-obama-and-israel/)

Big Brother governments will tell us what the real truth is:

http://www.globalresearch.ca/ministry-of-truth-plus-611-billion-for-the-military-in-2017-obama-quietly-signs-the-countering-disinformation-and-propaganda-act-into-law/5564740

U.S. Senators Rob Portman (R-OH) and Chris Murphy (D-CT) today announced that their Countering Disinformation and Propaganda Act – legislation designed to help American allies counter foreign government propaganda from Russia, China, and other nations – has been signed into law as part of the FY 2017 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) Conference Report. The bipartisan bill, which was introduced by Senators Portman and Murphy in March, will improve the ability of the United States to counter foreign propaganda and disinformation from our enemies by establishing an interagency center housed at the State Department to coordinate and synchronize counter-propaganda efforts throughout the U.S. government. To support these efforts, the bill also creates a grant program for NGOs, think tanks, civil society and other experts outside government who are engaged in counter-propaganda related work. This will better leverage existing expertise and empower our allies overseas to defend themselves from foreign manipulation...he US media has indoctrinated the public to assume that any information which is not in compliance with the official government narrative, or dares to criticize the establishment, is also "fake news" and thus falls under the "Russian propaganda" umbrella, the scene is now set for the US government to legally crack down on every media outlet that the government deems to be "foreign propaganda."

https://www.rt.com/news/371552-germany-fake-news-defense-center/

The German government is seeking to create a center of defense against disinformation ahead of next year's elections, in the wake of ongoing "fake news" and "Russian hackers" hysteria generated during the election cycle in the United States.
The Federal Press Office in the Chancellery, which has a staff of over 500 professionals, will take the leading role in establishing the fake news defense center...Earlier, German lawmakers called on new laws and tougher new measures against social media platforms which disseminate fake news. Justice Minister Heiko Maas called on the government to set "legal consequences" for internet giants.

"We expect clear improvements in Facebook's removal practice. The standard must be German law," Maas told Suddeutsche Zeitung. Social Democratic Party parliamentary chairman Thomas Oppermann called for social media outlets to be prosecuted for their role in validating fake news. "If, after the relevant checks, Facebook does not immediately, within 24 hours, delete the offending post then [it] must reckon with severe penalties of up to 500,000 euros," Oppermann told Der Spiegel. Besides being worried about the potential spread of fake news ahead of elections, Berlin, for a number of months, has also voiced concern about the potential involvement of "Russian hackers" in the electoral process.


Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Turner on December 27, 2016, 02:49:03 AM
The fake news problems concerning the American presidential campaigns have already been dealt with in relevant threads here. 

Good basic sources for some simple mapping of the extent of the fake news problem and systematic, state-sponsored Russian production of them in relation to political and military gains in Ukraine and Europe are:

http://www.russialies.com/russias-top-180-lies-about-ukraine/
http://www.stopfake.org/en/news/
http://www.russialies.com/russias-top-240-lies-international-edition/

For in-depth analysis, some of the best writings on the subject are those of Marc Galeotti and Peter Pomerantsev.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on December 29, 2016, 08:53:51 AM
Flying warehouses! (http://www.cnbc.com/2016/12/29/amazon-flying-warehouse-deploy-delivery-drones-patent.html)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on December 29, 2016, 09:14:08 AM
Quote from: President Barack ObamaAnd I said to Mr. Putin that I'd be prepared to work with him if he is willing to broker with his partners, Mr. Assad and Iran, a political transition -- we can bring the rest of the world community to a brokered solution -- but that a military solution alone, an attempt by Russia and Iran to prop up Assad and try to pacify the population is just going to get them stuck in a quagmire.  And it won't work.  And they will be there for a while if they don't take a different course.  [October 2, 2015]


Barry O, master of strategery. (https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/dec/29/syrian-government-and-rebels-have-signed-ceasefire-agreement-says-putin)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Turner on January 02, 2017, 02:54:39 AM
A mildly amusing New Year´s joke, that really took place;
the activists even took the time to create the correct typography etc.

Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on January 05, 2017, 01:32:08 PM
Chester Arthur would not be amused. (https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/virginia-politics/house-republicans-revive-obscure-rule-that-could-allow-them-to-slash-the-pay-of-individual-federal-workers-to-1/2017/01/04/4e80c990-d2b2-11e6-945a-76f69a399dd5_story.html?utm_term=.f419f838bbcb)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on January 10, 2017, 06:29:44 AM
If El Tupé were a grocer: "Local New Jersey bananas" (http://www.vox.com/first-person/2017/1/10/14195328/local-farm-stand-scam)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on January 10, 2017, 11:20:17 AM
5 Quotes From Star Wars That Are Total Lies
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on January 12, 2017, 02:47:38 PM
(http://cdn.newsday.com/polopoly_fs/1.11831509.1464031397!/httpImage/image.jpeg_gen/derivatives/display_600/image.jpeg)


Having grown tired of life, and looking for a non-cocaine method of inducing infarction, I was thrilled to learn that the culinary wizards at Yum! Brands Inc., via their prestige Taco Bell brand, will introduce the Naked Chicken Chalupa, or a standard Taco Bell chalupa served inside a fried chicken shell, in the very near future.  I will open a new front in my war on my arteries.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on January 13, 2017, 09:05:22 AM
First Volkswagen, now Fiat Chrysler and Renault. (http://www.bbc.com/news/business-38607678)  Fortunately, that should be it.  No way any other carmakers did the same thing.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on January 17, 2017, 08:57:49 AM
Xi Jinping defends globalization at Davos. (https://www.theguardian.com/business/2017/jan/17/china-xi-jinping-china-free-trade-trump-globalisation-wef-davos)  Next, he'll deliver a full-throated defense of free press, uncensored internet, not imprisoning dissidents, free and open sea lanes worldwide, and no capital controls on reserve currencies.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on January 18, 2017, 06:18:49 AM
Vladimir Putin: Russian sex workers are "the best in the world." (https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/jan/17/trump-dossier-a-crude-provocation-compiled-by-a-fugitive-crook-says-russian-minister)

Line from Kazakh National Anthem in Borat: "Kazakhstan, prostitutes cleanest in the region, except of course for Turkmenistan's."
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on January 18, 2017, 06:27:02 AM
Quote from: Todd on January 18, 2017, 06:18:49 AM
Vladimir Putin: Russian sex workers are "the best in the world." (https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/jan/17/trump-dossier-a-crude-provocation-compiled-by-a-fugitive-crook-says-russian-minister)

What a relief!
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on January 18, 2017, 07:03:51 AM
I am resenting you think what these are news unimportant.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on January 23, 2017, 10:56:54 AM
And the jade rocks are most certainly a lesson in Goopshit. (http://www.vox.com/policy-and-politics/2017/1/23/14352904/gwyneth-paltrow-jade-eggs)

And here I have learnt that someone has written a book titled: Is Gwyneth Paltrow Wrong About Everything?
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on January 23, 2017, 12:01:54 PM
Quote from: k a rl h e nn i ng on January 23, 2017, 10:56:54 AM
And the jade rocks are most certainly a lesson in Goopshit. (http://www.vox.com/policy-and-politics/2017/1/23/14352904/gwyneth-paltrow-jade-eggs)

I would still be willing to help her fit one. Just sayin'.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on January 27, 2017, 06:40:26 AM
UK becoming US vassal state. (http://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-france-election-macron-britain-idUKKBN15B16C)  Says Frenchman. 

(Becoming?  Asks American.)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on February 01, 2017, 09:38:18 AM
Quote from: Spineur on December 01, 2016, 11:34:13 AM
Watch out, he aint the only François (Fillon)


Fillon is apparently in trouble. (https://www.nytimes.com/2017/02/01/world/europe/france-francois-fillon-wife.html?_r=0)  I don't know French politics well.  Does this kill his chances?
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Turner on February 01, 2017, 09:45:23 AM
Quote from: Todd on February 01, 2017, 09:38:18 AM

Fillon is apparently in trouble. (https://www.nytimes.com/2017/02/01/world/europe/france-francois-fillon-wife.html?_r=0)  I don't know French politics well.  Does this kill his chances?

Yes, they say.
A slight improvement for LePen, who´s still unlikely as a winner though.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: amw on February 02, 2017, 02:07:46 AM
Quote from: Todd on February 01, 2017, 09:38:18 AM

Fillon is apparently in trouble. (https://www.nytimes.com/2017/02/01/world/europe/france-francois-fillon-wife.html?_r=0)  I don't know French politics well.  Does this kill his chances?
Not if Marine Le Pen does as well as predicted. When her father got past the first round of the presidential election earlier this millennium, left- and centre-leaning voters voted for Jacques Chirac (despite not being happy with him) in massive numbers to deny Jean-Marie the presidency. If Fillon is one of the top two, a similar outcome is likely.

Of course it's possible that a lot of Républicains will instead defect to Gary Johnson Emmanuel Macron as a consensus candidate. Unclear whether he'll gain enough support to make it to the finals though.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Turner on February 02, 2017, 02:18:23 AM
There are several steps for Fillon to overcome - keeping his candidacy, and then the elections.

Apparently, according to the sources I´ve consulted, if he isn´t forced to step down before the end of February, he´ll keep some immunity from court cases until the end of an unlikely future presidential period. Of course, the evidence is very much against him and his wife. Even though a certain level of corruption is partly accepted in France, it applies mainly to corruption for the benefit of parties and organisations, not obvious personal gains, and in this case there´s a ridiculous level of both personal money-grabbing, lying to the public, and contrast to the proclaimed, Spartan policy of the candidate involved. 
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: amw on February 02, 2017, 04:30:50 AM
Yes, for sure. If he does step down, it will undoubtedly make the upcoming elections what is referred to, I believe, in technical political language as a "clusterfuck".

Also, weren't these guys elected on a promise to reduce corruption? I mean, I guess legally defining it as "not corruption" technically reduces corruption, in the same way legalising murder reduces the crime rate (http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-38836322). 2017 is definitely shaping up to be the year people get fed up with government BS.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Turner on February 04, 2017, 08:26:59 AM
More problems for Fillon - he has had an agreement with local tenants that they deliver large quantities of their products to him, like to a medieval landlord, and received checques meant for other purposes; he was in the French Senate only 21 times during 2 years, but got € 370,000 for it, he´s losing votes, etc.

updates mostly in French https://twitter.com/hashtag/fillon?lang=da
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Turner on February 14, 2017, 02:56:59 AM
In spite of what has been a small catalogue of further, political scandal options in the last couple of weeks, besides those already mentioned, Fillon now says that he will not withdraw his candidature for the French presidential elections.

Initially a clear favourite, he has dropped to no. 3 in the polls, after Le Pen and Macron, and 70% of the French think that he ought to drop out.

Some of the further scandals have been

- getting money from health insurance companies and then beginning to promote a large privatization in that sector
- compared to other political assistant salaries, paying family members for jobs that seem fictive (they had other jobs and comprehensive studies as well, lived far from the alleged working space, etc.) - and for much bigger salaries.
- registering a ridiculously low value for his French chateau (€ 750,000)
- during the most intense turmoil, taking a 3-day campaign on the very remote, small island of Reunion in the Indian Ocean, proclaiming "I´m here only for you people".
- targeting the media for malicious witch-hunt and "fake news".

My own, completely amateurish theory is that the prolonged candidacy is due to 1) arrogance of power 2) to show stamina and then hope for further political options in the future
3) panic in his party as regards a new candidate so late 4) the tiny chance that Macron will fail.

Still, Macron seems to be the winner in the 2nd, final round. Le Pen and Fillon being much more positive in their view of Putin´s Russia, Russia-associated media have begun a big campaign against Macron, who´s going public with this.

The results of some preliminary police-work on Fillon are expected later this week.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: kishnevi on February 14, 2017, 06:16:40 PM
An obit
http://m.legacy.com/obituaries/seacoastonline/obituary.aspx?n=&pid=183074559&referrer=0&preview=True

The story behind the obit

http://www.seacoastonline.com/news/20161215/irishman-chris-connors-wanted-funny-obit-daughter-delivered
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: zamyrabyrd on February 15, 2017, 01:15:04 AM
Quote from: Thatfabulousalien on February 14, 2017, 06:22:08 PM
Something terrible, tragic and scary is probably happening somewhere in the universe right now
That's all the news I have right now

Something nice, kind and furry is happening right now in the world.

ZB
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Andante on February 15, 2017, 02:27:57 PM
Quote from: Thatfabulousalien on February 14, 2017, 06:22:08 PM
Something terrible, tragic and scary is probably happening somewhere in the universe right now

No probably about it, but nobody cares except the recipient
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on February 17, 2017, 08:59:07 AM
(http://ei.marketwatch.com//Multimedia/2017/02/17/Photos/NS/MW-FG146_best_w_20170217120102_NS.jpg?uuid=a962c5b4-f532-11e6-9fc8-001cc448aede)


Obama ranks 12th among Presidents in new poll.  Lowly James Buchanan stills brings up the rear.  Ike has inched up quite a bit over the years.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on February 17, 2017, 10:07:02 AM
Grover Cleveland outranks Nixon.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on February 17, 2017, 10:30:37 AM
Quote from: Todd on February 17, 2017, 08:59:07 AM
(http://ei.marketwatch.com//Multimedia/2017/02/17/Photos/NS/MW-FG146_best_w_20170217120102_NS.jpg?uuid=a962c5b4-f532-11e6-9fc8-001cc448aede)


Obama ranks 12th among Presidents in new poll.  Lowly James Buchanan stills brings up the rear.  Ike has inched up quite a bit over the years.
Wilson at 12.  Eugene V Debs is unavailable for comment.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Monsieur Croche on February 21, 2017, 09:06:29 PM
Within the last week or so....

"Internet / Media Personality" attention whore Milo Yiannopoulos made a statement on a talk show that basically advocated / lauded sexual relationships between underage mid to late teen males and older men, which got him instantly distanced from the Republicans who until then put up with his Alt Right posing.

As a guest on the Bill Maher show he managed to say enough insulting things that another guest told him, on air, "Go Fuck Yourself," (twice).

Again because of his advocacy of under-age teen males having sexual relations with adult males, Simon and Schuster cancelled a lucrative deal they had for an upcoming book by Mr. Milo. 

Then he resigned his position with Breitbart News (me, thinking that more a matter of complying with a very strong suggestion from the Breitbart honchos.)

Well, he can still peddle that book to be elsewhere, and there is always Youtube and his vlog for any suckers who think he has anything worthwhile to say.

Me, I only learned of who he was when I saw a video squib after the Orlando, Florida night club massacre, and saw him again but yesterday via clips someone had posted on Facebook, and all that was cumulatively less than Andy Warhol's proscribed fifteen minutes of fame -- while thinking regardless if he had less than fifteen minutes, his time was already up ;-)

"Internet / Media Personalities" ~ !Shudder!
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: zamyrabyrd on February 23, 2017, 02:58:22 AM
LB Johnson No.10; Barack Obama, 12; Bill Clinton, 15; Richard Nixon, 28?
I would turn those numbers upside-down.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: North Star on February 23, 2017, 03:11:55 AM
82 does seem about right for Nixon.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: zamyrabyrd on February 24, 2017, 12:42:38 AM
Quote from: North Star on February 23, 2017, 03:11:55 AM
82 does seem about right for Nixon.

I happen to disagree. Nixon inherited Johnson's mess.

"Nixon's most enduring achievements were made in the arena of foreign policy.When he made his ground-breaking visit to China in 1972 he brought that country out of dangerous isolation. He was the first US president to go to Moscow, where he negotiated the Strategic Arms Limitation Treaty, breaking the ice of Cold War nuclear hostility. Other Nixonian achievements, with full honour to the role played in them by Henry Kissinger, included saving Israel from near annihilation in the 1973 war and eventually signing the peace treaty with North Vietnam. By the time Nixon left office he had brought peace to millions, even if he had not found it for himself.

On the home front, Nixon was a creative innovator. He desegregated southern schools, which neither JFK nor LBJ had achieved. He ended the compulsory call-up of the draft. He launched the Environmental Protection Agency. He created more new national parks than any other president and started the federally funded war on cancer. Tom Wicker of New York Times thought so highly of these policies that he wrote in praise of Nixon as 'the domestic liberal'."


http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/us-politics/9780832/Richard-Nixons-dark-side-has-obscured-his-greatness.html
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on February 25, 2017, 06:26:10 AM
This certainly does look like a case of getting what you pay for. (https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/feb/25/kim-jong-nam-killing-suspect-paid-90-to-take-part-in-prank)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: zamyrabyrd on February 25, 2017, 07:57:23 AM
Quote from: Todd on February 25, 2017, 06:26:10 AM
This certainly does look like a case of getting what you pay for. (https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/feb/25/kim-jong-nam-killing-suspect-paid-90-to-take-part-in-prank)

On NHK (Japan) News it was said North Korea has 5000 tons of VX nerve agent!!!
This is crazy and possibly worse than their nuclear capability.  ???
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on February 26, 2017, 08:17:26 AM
Adieu, Mr Arrow.  Sad to see you go. (https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/monkey-cage/wp/2017/02/23/kenneth-arrow-has-died-this-is-how-he-changed-our-view-of-politics/?utm_term=.3851c2b96d1d)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on February 27, 2017, 01:52:43 PM
The new Dirty Dozen. (https://www.theguardian.com/society/2017/feb/27/world-health-organisation-12-antibiotic-resistant-bacteria-threat-human-health)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Turner on February 28, 2017, 10:33:23 PM
Just in case that for some reason you´re not entirely updated with the current list of the world´s leading 500 billionaires:

https://www.bloomberg.com/billionaires/?cmpid=socialflow-twitter-business&utm_content=business&utm_campaign=socialflow-organic&utm_source=twitter&utm_medium=social
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Turner on March 05, 2017, 11:02:35 PM
Lately, there was the "let´s make it much less illegal to beat one´s wife a bit"-law initiative in Russia, which came into effect.

Now, there´s "let´s make hooliganism into an organized sport - teams of 20 fighters versus each other"-initiative:

"Russia would be a pioneer in a new sport," said Lebedev, who also suggested fights between different fan groups could draw crowds of thousands. "English fans arrive, for example, and start picking fights. And they get the answer — challenge accepted. A meeting in a stadium at a set time (...)

It isn't the first time Lebedev has courted controversy with his views on hooligans. He hailed the violence in Marseille last year, telling Russian fans: "Well done lads, keep it up!"
Besides his parliamentary duties as deputy speaker, Lebedev is also on the board of the Russian Football Union."

http://bigstory.ap.org/13a9f428626044928e73c55f030eaf4f
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on March 06, 2017, 02:18:59 PM
Pfft, Trump.  This is the real political news story of the week in the US. (http://www.latimes.com/nation/la-na-pol-court-race-juries-20170306-story.html)  (Well, unless a new war in a non-Greater Middle East country breaks out by end of day Saturday.)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: NikF on March 08, 2017, 02:36:00 AM
The 'missing' Ford Mustang used in Bullitt discovered in a Mexican junkyard. (http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/films/news/bullitt-steve-mcqueen-68-ford-mustang-found-in-mexican-junkyard-lost-car-hollywood-a7617796.html)

Although I'd prefer to find and restore the Plymouth DeLuxe driven by Bogart in 'The Big Sleep' - especially if it came with a latter day Martha Vickers in the passenger seat.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Turner on March 09, 2017, 11:43:45 PM
To celebrate the anniversary of the national poet, Kiev´s subway grants free rides at some stations, for those who recite Shevchenko´s poems on entry.

https://twitter.com/myroslavapetsa/status/839952674342711296
http://world.24-my.info/in-kiev-the-passengers-for-free-was-riding-the-subway-for-the-knowledge-of-the-poems-of-shevchenko/
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Spineur on March 10, 2017, 11:14:01 AM
Bernard Pivot (writer, former TV litterary figure) kitchen view of the french presidential race which I did put into pictures
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on March 15, 2017, 09:43:11 AM
But this time, O'Reilly bullied a fellow Fox News contributor who kept calm and professional. And the dispute was not just over history and politics — it also raised questions about O'Reilly's ethics and decorum. (http://www.nationalreview.com/article/427275/bill-oreilly-george-will-killing-reagan)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on March 15, 2017, 11:53:04 AM
Another thousand US troops to Syria. (https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/checkpoint/wp/2017/03/15/u-s-military-probably-sending-as-many-as-1000-more-ground-troops-into-syria-ahead-of-raqqa-offensive-officials-say/?hpid=hp_hp-top-table-main_syria-2pm%3Ahomepage%2Fstory&utm_term=.7592a1be3acc)  Good times for everyone.  (Looks like one lucky city already hosts both US and Russian troops. (http://www.militarytimes.com/articles/manbij-syria-us-troops-army-rangers-russia-turkey)  What's the worst that could happen?)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on March 15, 2017, 11:56:33 AM
Hands across the wadi!
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on March 15, 2017, 12:12:42 PM
Moore was an early critic of both Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton. The core of his critique was simple: that American Christians shouldn't excuse or rationalize sin for the sake of political victory in any single election. Moreover, the same moral standards one applies to political opponents should also apply to one's political friends. If sexual misconduct, for example, rendered Bill Clinton unfit for office in the 1990s, how should Christians think about a thrice-married serial adulterer in 2016 — especially one who bragged about grabbing women by the genitals? (http://www.nationalreview.com/article/445748/russell-moore-southern-baptist-convention-fight-christians-donald-trump)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Spineur on March 15, 2017, 12:25:44 PM
Exit pools indicate a large victory of Rutte center right party (31 seats) over De Wilders extreme right (19 seats) in Dutch general elections.  His decision on saturday to expel turkish ministers flying in to campain at pro-Erdogan rally won him the election as last week pool were not nearly as favorable.

Should he call Erdogan to thank him ?
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on March 19, 2017, 09:18:11 AM
It is safe to say that the craze for "smart" devices has gone too far. (http://www.slate.com/blogs/xx_factor/2017/03/16/maker_of_hackable_smart_vibrator_will_pay_3_5_million_settlement_to_users.html)  (Then again, maybe not.)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Spineur on April 04, 2017, 09:31:47 AM
Dismay

The mayor of the city of Beziers, Robert Menard, is from the far right party National Front led by M. LePen.

Every year there is a vocal competition of young lyric talents in Beziers.  They got instructed by the mayor, that they could not sing works by Meyerbeer or Halevy because of their jewish ancestory. :'(
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: kishnevi on April 21, 2017, 11:50:16 AM
http://www.scarymommy.com/starbucks-barista-says-not-to-order-unicorn-frappuccino/
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: kishnevi on April 21, 2017, 11:52:53 AM
and extremism of a sort was involved in the Dortmund Borussia bus bombing
http://www.marketwatch.com/story/borussia-dortmund-bus-bomb-was-no-terrorist-just-a-greedy-investor-investigators-say-2017-04-21
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Spineur on April 21, 2017, 11:57:15 AM
Quote from: Jeffrey Smith on April 21, 2017, 11:52:53 AM
and extremism of a sort was involved in the Dortmund Borussia bus bombing
http://www.marketwatch.com/story/borussia-dortmund-bus-bomb-was-no-terrorist-just-a-greedy-investor-investigators-say-2017-04-21
Investor ??? >:D  >:D
Or is it a language problem at the WSJ ?  Another one for Cato grumble....
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Turner on April 21, 2017, 11:57:34 AM
Quote from: Jeffrey Smith on April 21, 2017, 11:52:53 AM
and extremism of a sort was involved in the Dortmund Borussia bus bombing
http://www.marketwatch.com/story/borussia-dortmund-bus-bomb-was-no-terrorist-just-a-greedy-investor-investigators-say-2017-04-21

"I demand the capitalist community take to the streets to condemn the actions of one of their own."

https://twitter.com/Henry_Langston/status/855338495912628225
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Spineur on April 21, 2017, 12:31:39 PM
An artist dream house made of stained glass is for sale in NJ

https://www.thisiscolossal.com/2017/04/a-stained-glass-cabin-hidden-in-the-woods-by-neile-cooper/ (https://www.thisiscolossal.com/2017/04/a-stained-glass-cabin-hidden-in-the-woods-by-neile-cooper/)

Pretty cool !
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Turner on April 21, 2017, 12:36:27 PM
Nice, and well done.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: zamyrabyrd on April 22, 2017, 09:43:42 PM
Wealth under one's fingertips:

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-4428868/Haul-gold-coins-stashed-piano-worth-500-000.html

The largest collection of gold sovereign coins ever found has been officially declared  as treasure meaning the piano owner and the unwitting finder are due a share of the bounty. But in a cruel twist of fate, the couple who donated the piano in 2016 are not entitled to a penny. The haul  of 913 gold sovereigns and half sovereigns date between 1847 and 1915, have a face value of £773 - the equivalent of roughly £500,000 today.

(http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2017/04/20/16/3F69822A00000578-4428868-The_piano_itself_having_always_been_in_plain_sight_was_not_decla-a-99_1492701361945.jpg)

(http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2017/04/20/16/3F6C60B700000578-4428868-Several_of_the_collections_date_from_1904_and_1913_1915_which_ha-a-104_1492701361947.jpg)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Turner on April 23, 2017, 09:59:48 AM
Sunday, 19:59:
France just now
https://twitter.com/spignal/status/856204389077221376
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Spineur on April 23, 2017, 10:13:05 AM
Quote from: Turner on April 23, 2017, 09:59:48 AM
Sunday, 19:59:
France just now
https://twitter.com/spignal/status/856204389077221376
Not any more !!  :P
Euro/USD +1%.  Dax30 which as a sunday quotation +0.55
All is quiet in Euroland.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on April 24, 2017, 10:05:34 AM
Strikes me as a curious choice of image for a Women's Empowerment Panel
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: bwv 1080 on April 24, 2017, 11:59:51 AM
QuoteThe haul  of 913 gold sovereigns and half sovereigns date between 1847 and 1915, have a face value of £773 - the equivalent of roughly £500,000 today.

Think the Daily Mail has some bad math there -  £773 in 1850 is the equivalent of about £88K today (http://inflation.stephenmorley.org/).  A gold sovereign is about 8 grams of gold so the melt value would be about £235 for a full sovereign making  the bullion value, if all 913 were full sovereigns,  about £168K.  Collector values are all over the place due to condition, age, etc so that might get up to £500K if there were some rare coins in the mix.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: North Star on April 24, 2017, 12:40:06 PM
Quote from: bwv 1080 on April 24, 2017, 11:59:51 AM
Think the Daily Mail has some bad math there -  £773 in 1850 is the equivalent of about £88K today (http://inflation.stephenmorley.org/).  A gold sovereign is about 8 grams of gold so the melt value would be about £235 for a full sovereign making  the bullion value, if all 913 were full sovereigns,  about £168K.  Collector values are all over the place due to condition, age, etc so that might get up to £500K if there were some rare coins in the mix.
Not really a case of bad math - just different math
QuoteIf you want to compare the value of a £773 0s 0d Commodity in 1850 there are three choices. In 2015 the relative:
real price of that commodity is £74,550.00
labour value of that commodity is £582,600.00
income value of that commodity is £1,085,000.00
https://www.measuringworth.com/ukcompare/relativevalue.php
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: bwv 1080 on April 24, 2017, 01:30:25 PM
Quote from: North Star on April 24, 2017, 12:40:06 PM
Not really a case of bad math - just different mathhttps://www.measuringworth.com/ukcompare/relativevalue.php

I suppose, but these values are so far apart it becomes meaningless.  it is a difficult question as the overall level of wealth is so much higher today but best to keep things simple.

From http://www.victorianlondon.org/finance/money.htm , a furnished house in the West End of London would rent for 5-25 guineas a week, so 260-1,300 per year.  So your £773 could get you a year in London's best Victorian real estate.  Today you could rent this: http://www.rightmove.co.uk/property-to-rent/property-65241611.html for 70k per week (£3.6M per year), so is £773 worth £3.6M in today's money?

However the same site lists a budget for a Victorian middle class income of £500 / year and wages for senior white collar post office workers in that range. Tacking on 40% to the annual salary of a post office manager does not get you to £3.6M

Or you could hire 10 teachers for a year on that amount but with starting teacher salaries today at £20k it would translate to about £200k in current purchasing power. 

So you can make the number pretty much anything you like.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Parsifal on April 24, 2017, 02:08:34 PM
The currency conversion is to me the least interesting part of the story.  Im interested in the legal aspect. When England withdrew the sovereigns everyone was legally required to return them. They were the property of the government, even though they were passéd around as currency. After the grace period was over they could not be used as currency and could not be redeemed for valid currency. To melt them down for their gold, or even to posses them was a crime, as I understand it. It seems that the laws have been liberalized, based on the press article posted, allowing the possessors of these coins to receive compensation at their true value
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: bwv 1080 on April 24, 2017, 04:03:22 PM
Quote from: Scarpia on April 24, 2017, 02:08:34 PM
The currency conversion is to me the least interesting part of the story.  Im interested in the legal aspect. When England withdrew the sovereigns everyone was legally required to return them. They were the property of the government, even though they were passéd around as currency. After the grace period was over they could not be used as currency and could not be redeemed for valid currency. To melt them down for their gold, or even to posses them was a crime, as I understand it. It seems that the laws have been liberalized, based on the press article posted, allowing the possessors of these coins to receive compensation at their true value

FDR implemented a similar policy in the 30s, prohibiting private citizens from owning gold bullion or coins
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: greg on April 24, 2017, 08:08:33 PM
Quote from: k a rl h e nn i ng on April 24, 2017, 10:05:34 AM
Strikes me as a curious choice of image for a Women's Empowerment Panel
It makes sense. She's just teaching women Explosion Magic.

That lady is actually one of Megumin's sources of inspiration.


(https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/originals/56/8b/d3/568bd3c6711f1ed4dbbc0e9bfcd1fc1a.jpg)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on April 26, 2017, 06:11:16 PM
Portland Eastside Parade (the 82nd Avenue of Roses Parade) cancelled due to threats of violence. (https://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2017/04/a-chilling-threat-of-political-violence-in-portland/524334/)  Who, whom?  Lefties threatened to physically remove members of the Multnomah County Republican Party, who have marched in the parade for years.  It even made it into a national news outlet.  Little Beirut is making a comeback!
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: kishnevi on April 26, 2017, 06:15:50 PM
Quote from: Todd on April 26, 2017, 06:11:16 PM
Portland Eastside Parade (the 82nd Avenue of Roses Parade) cancelled due to threats of violence. (https://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2017/04/a-chilling-threat-of-political-violence-in-portland/524334/)  Who, whom?  Lefties threatened to physically remove members of the Multnomah County Republican Party, who have marched in the parade for years.  It even made it into a national news outlet.  Little Beirut is making a comeback!

If they keep it up, I may turn into a Trumpkin....

(By the by,. Latinx? Is Latino too sexist?)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on April 26, 2017, 06:22:00 PM
Quote from: Jeffrey Smith on April 26, 2017, 06:15:50 PM(By the by,. Latinx? Is Latino too sexist?)


Latino is gender binary, you oppressive monster. 
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: greg on April 26, 2017, 07:34:45 PM
Wondering if "gender ternary" is a term that is being used yet...
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on April 27, 2017, 05:53:32 AM
Obama gets paid! (https://www.bloomberg.com/view/articles/2017-04-26/stop-bashing-obama-over-paid-wall-street-speeches)  Bloomberg Businessweek - which in no way reflects the views of its owner; Michael Bloomberg owns media outlets that by their nature oppose him - offers this heartfelt defense in response to the mighty Tucker Carlson:

"Obama should be praised, for two reasons: first, for refusing to buy the notion that there is something inherently corrupt about delivering a paid speech; and second, for recognizing that channels of communication between finance and centrist politics continue to be important, even in this age of angry populism."
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on April 27, 2017, 11:14:07 AM
About those brain-eating amœbæ. (https://www.theatlantic.com/health/archive/2017/04/will-my-neti-pot-kill-me/524358/)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Turner on April 28, 2017, 06:39:17 AM
Montenegro, a penguin and a polar explorer.

https://twitter.com/MaximEristavi/status/857963411212296192
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on May 02, 2017, 06:39:50 AM
Little Beirut, ca 2017, take two. (http://www.npr.org/sections/thetwo-way/2017/05/02/526532023/portland-police-arrest-25-saying-a-may-day-rally-devolved-into-riot)  (I opted for a national source for the link.)  Much of the violence was caught on news camera.  My favorite bit was when protestors/rioters smashed out a large window at a Target and one threw a flare inside.  Before 5:00.  When many shoppers were inside because, you know, it's a store.  Must have been conservative types doing the rioting. 
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on May 02, 2017, 07:18:19 AM
Oh, there's a bulletin:

If organic farms violate organic rules, consumers are being misled and overcharged. (https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/economy/why-your-organic-milk-may-not-be-organic/2017/05/01/708ce5bc-ed76-11e6-9662-6eedf1627882_story.html)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Spineur on May 07, 2017, 08:31:22 AM
Emmanuel Macron, 39yo elected president according to swiss and RTBF media with a score as close to the pools as possible: 62-63% of the votes.  Marine Le Pen lost a lot of momentum after the debate, where it wasnt clear if she had a program at all.

This campain did generate an unusal amount of trash (already in the can with food trash covering it so you cant smell it).  Foreign powers involved, us far right movements, anarchist organizations and social medias.

This was a horrible experience for us, even though the unexpected outcome should be alright for the EU.  Putin will suffer.

A new serie in the style of "House of cards" is planned. Since reality overcame fiction, they have plenty of new material to work on.

Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Turner on May 07, 2017, 09:17:59 AM
Quote from: Spineur on May 07, 2017, 08:31:22 AM
Emmanuel Macron, 39yo elected president according to swiss and RTBF media with a score as close to the pools as possible: 62-63% of the votes.  Marine Le Pen lost a lot of momentum after the debate, where it wasnt clear if she had a program at all.

This campain did generate an unusal amount of trash (already in the can with food trash covering it so you cant smell it).  Foreign powers involved, us far right movements, anarchist organizations and social medias.

This was a horrible experience for us, even though the unexpected outcome should be alright for the EU.  Putin will suffer.

A new serie in the style of "House of cards" is planned. Since reality overcame fiction, they have plenty of new material to work on.

I saw a no doubt rather one-sided, but very sharp British documentary yesterday with some staggering figures - no matter how much sympathy one can have for the social thinking implied, hearing of the 69 days of average work absence PLUS days on holiday per year among public servants in Montpellier & the super-expensive public building projects there, 57% of French economy being related to the public sector, rules implying that the number of child care absence years from a job (!) being flexible and totally relying on variable decisions from the worker, and the lack of progress in the industrial sector etc. - it all seems unrealistic under the pressure from globalization, and I think also merely on a European level of competition.

Macron is facing big problems, and Le Pen is probably more orientated towards the next round, as a stronger alternative then. But who knows what the situation will be then ...
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Turner on May 07, 2017, 10:02:38 AM
Apparently wins 65% versus 35% ...
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Spineur on May 07, 2017, 10:23:44 AM
A Macron is not the same as a Macaron !  He got a very strong mandate and he should also get the absolute majority in the house.  With an impoving econnomy in Europe he also benefits from a good tailwind.
His only real challenge is the much necessary labor law reform.  If he succeeds, national unions will be weakened and France will achieve what other countries have.

This is always like this Turner: France is often late in the game.  But once it gets moving its a Tsunami.

I am optimistic for the time being.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Turner on May 07, 2017, 10:31:08 AM
Quote from: Spineur on May 07, 2017, 10:23:44 AM
A Macron is not the same as a Macaron !  He got a very strong mandate and it seels difficult to see how the absolute majority in the house can escape him.  With an impoving econnomy in Europe he also benefits from a good tailwind.
His only real challenge is the much necessary labor law reform.  If he succeds, national unions will be weakened and France will achieve what other countries have.

This is always like this Turner: France is often late in the game.  But once it gets moving its a Tsunami.

I am optimistic for the time being.

Yes, there´ll be some positive dynamics and optimism created now.

I think macaron/macron depends on the circumstances; in my country it´s a makron biscuit. But macaron is indeed more widely used, and "macron" can have other meanings as well :D
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on May 19, 2017, 03:13:46 PM
We're all fucked! (https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2017/may/19/arctic-stronghold-of-worlds-seeds-flooded-after-permafrost-melts?CMP=fb_gu)  (Or, the Norwegian government shit the bed.)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on May 29, 2017, 01:01:43 PM
Belgian royalty sure is tetchy. (http://www.reuters.com/article/us-belgium-burgerking-idUSKBN18P1TW)  (Old Phil is probably worried he'd lose.)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on May 31, 2017, 07:50:15 AM
Assuming the story is true, this looks like good guerilla marketing. (https://www.thesun.co.uk/travel/3689312/a-village-in-switzerland-has-banned-tourists-taking-photos-as-it-is-too-pretty-for-instagram/)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: kishnevi on May 31, 2017, 02:58:46 PM
Quote from: Todd on May 31, 2017, 07:50:15 AM
Assuming the story is true, this looks like good guerilla marketing. (https://www.thesun.co.uk/travel/3689312/a-village-in-switzerland-has-banned-tourists-taking-photos-as-it-is-too-pretty-for-instagram/)

Who needs to go on vacation when you can google it?
https://www.google.com/search?q=bergun&client=tablet-android-google&prmd=minv&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwiV_Im2nZvUAhWr1IMKHVa6AIAQ_AUICigC&biw=960&bih=600
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: SurprisedByBeauty on June 04, 2017, 01:50:20 AM
Quote from: Todd on July 21, 2014, 02:30:54 PM

A lot is online.  A helpful hint: don't rely on Forbes.

I second that. Except when it comes to classical music. Then, of course, they are infallible.  ;D

How To Build A Top Quality Classical Music Library: The Second $100
(https://blogs-images.forbes.com/jenslaurson/files/2017/06/100-dollars_MAHLER_2400_Laurson_Finished-1200x517.jpg?width=960)
https://www.forbes.com/sites/jenslaurson/2017/06/02/how-to-build-a-top-quality-classical-music-library-the-second-100/ (https://www.forbes.com/sites/jenslaurson/2017/06/02/how-to-build-a-top-quality-classical-music-library-the-second-100/#3602379c607e)

QuoteBack in February of 2013, George Pieler and I wrote a column here on Forbes.com
("Two Cents About Classical Music For $100") on some of the market- and technology-
changes that affect this sneakily growing, more-important-than-you-think niche in
21st century entertainment: classical music. We followed this up with an actual list,
"How To Build A Top Quality Classical Music Library For $100" – which refers back
to a 2011 post on Tyler Cowen's "Marginal Revolution". Here's the sequel.

The complete list on Amazon on CDs (http://amzn.to/2ry8uUo) – and as mp3s/streaming (http://amzn.to/2slcKEE).

Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on June 06, 2017, 10:54:54 AM
The first recorded use of the word kludge is attributed to Jackson W. Granholm, who defined the word in a 1962 issue of the magazine Datamation as: "an ill-assorted collection of poorly-matching parts, forming a distressing whole."
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on June 06, 2017, 01:18:25 PM
Canada First. (http://news.nationalpost.com/news/canada/canadian-politics/freeland-says-canada-needs-hard-power-to-support-global-order)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on June 06, 2017, 04:10:05 PM
Quote from: Todd on June 06, 2017, 01:18:25 PM
Canada First. (http://news.nationalpost.com/news/canada/canadian-politics/freeland-says-canada-needs-hard-power-to-support-global-order)

A naive person might think Trump's approach is working!
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Spineur on June 11, 2017, 09:46:40 AM
Macron is going to win the parlementary elections by a landslide

www.letemps.ch/monde/2017/06/11/legislatives-republique-marche-premier-parti-france (http://www.letemps.ch/monde/2017/06/11/legislatives-republique-marche-premier-parti-france)

Left parties (parti socialiste, la france insoumise) are just going to reach 20% of the votes when tallied together.

National front is making quite a poor showing (between 13 an 16% of the votes).

With the 2 round election system, Macron may have more than 400 seats out of the 570.

Macron just got the strongest mandate to reform france (some may say its about time :-\)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Turner on June 11, 2017, 10:05:52 AM
Astonishing.

As they say, comparable more or less to a "peaceful revolution".
A low turnout though, and a lot of very new candidates.

A new poll gives him 32.2 %
https://twitter.com/CasMudde/status/873963581238374401/photo/1

Here the suggested number of seats
https://twitter.com/XVIVLXX/status/873964506015305728/photo/1

Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Turner on June 12, 2017, 09:48:20 PM
Kommersant is usually not considered an oppositional newspaper in Russia, but has published a series of surprisingly critical photos from yesterday´s demonstrations, not supporting the official stance of "mislead people influenced by foreign agents, causing trouble" etc.:
http://www.kommersant.ru/gallery/3324122
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on June 16, 2017, 05:54:01 AM
Amazon to buy Whole Foods. (http://www.cnbc.com/2017/06/16/amazon-is-buying-whole-foods-in-a-deal-valued-at-13-point-7-billion.html) 
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: The Six on June 16, 2017, 08:52:22 PM
Apparently murder is legal in the US if you're a cop and the victim is black. What a time to be alive. https://www.nytimes.com/2017/06/16/us/police-shooting-trial-philando-castile.html?_r=0
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Spineur on June 18, 2017, 10:33:27 AM
French never ending string of elections is now over with the clear victory for the elected president (Emmanuel Macron).  The right did quite decently in the end and will be his main opposition.  The populist parties did quite badely, in particular the national front which will not be able to for a parlementary group.

Now, we have 5 years of political stability, and it is quite important that our new president succeed in reforming the country and improve economic growth.  For this reason, I wish for him a good health, and good luck.


Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: nodogen on June 18, 2017, 11:18:24 AM
Quote from: The Six on June 16, 2017, 08:52:22 PM
Apparently murder is legal in the US if you're a cop and the victim is black. What a time to be alive. https://www.nytimes.com/2017/06/16/us/police-shooting-trial-philando-castile.html?_r=0

You didn't already know this? 😟
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: nodogen on June 18, 2017, 11:20:44 AM
Quote from: Spineur on June 18, 2017, 10:33:27 AM
French never ending string of elections is now over with the clear victory for the elected president (Emmanuel Macron).  The right did quite decently in the end and will be his main opposition.  The populist parties did quite badely, in particular the national front which will not be able to for a parlementary group.

Now, we have 5 years of political stability, and it is quite important that our new president succeed in reforming the country and improve economic growth.  For this reason, I wish for him a good health, and good luck.

Sounds good all round. I love the irony of a populist party being....uh...unpopular.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Turner on June 18, 2017, 11:53:41 AM
Quote from: Spineur on June 18, 2017, 10:33:27 AM
French never ending string of elections is now over with the clear victory for the elected president (Emmanuel Macron).  The right did quite decently in the end and will be his main opposition.  The populist parties did quite badely, in particular the national front which will not be able to for a parlementary group.

Now, we have 5 years of political stability, and it is quite important that our new president succeed in reforming the country and improve economic growth.  For this reason, I wish for him a good health, and good luck.

A very, very interesting development.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Spineur on June 18, 2017, 01:19:40 PM
The reason for the demise of the national front has to do with the political line it adopted under the instigation of F. Philipot. It mixes huge communist inspired entitlment programs with conservative Vichy-style policies which promote the usual xenophobic anti-european ware.  This has led to several key departures.  The dissentions became very loud and heated recently.  I think Philipot who lost his election is going to be evicted.  It is going to be a while before this party can make a credible political offer (which is fine with me).
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Spineur on June 19, 2017, 09:40:42 AM
Some very attractive women have been elected deputy at the french national assembly.  Benedicte Peyrol is 24 years old.

In term of look she beats the hell out of Angela Merkel, Hillary Clinton.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on June 19, 2017, 10:36:29 AM
Stupid and/or unnecessary law or proposed law #376,219. (http://www.denverpost.com/2017/06/18/colorado-voters-may-consider-ban-on-childhood-smartphones/)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Brian on June 19, 2017, 10:39:18 AM
Quote from: Spineur on June 19, 2017, 09:40:42 AM
Some very attractive women have been elected deputy at the french national assembly.  Benedicte Peyrol is 24 years old.

In term of look she beats the hell out of Angela Merkel, Hillary Clinton.
This post is so stupid I lost brain cells reading it.

Amazing that there is a successful politician younger than I am, though.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on June 19, 2017, 10:55:35 AM
Quote from: Todd on June 19, 2017, 10:36:29 AM
Stupid and/or unnecessary law or proposed law #376,219. (http://www.denverpost.com/2017/06/18/colorado-voters-may-consider-ban-on-childhood-smartphones/)

One can see the council's point of view. What after all might youngsters in Denver photograph?  http://www.nationalreview.com/corner/448550/denver-shrugs-public-defecation (http://www.nationalreview.com/corner/448550/denver-shrugs-public-defecation)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Turner on June 19, 2017, 11:12:34 AM
Quote from: Brian on June 19, 2017, 10:39:18 AM
This post is so stupid I lost brain cells reading it.
(...)

I guess it was just an Impromptu moment.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Spineur on June 19, 2017, 11:53:47 AM
Quote from: Brian on June 19, 2017, 10:39:18 AM
This post is so stupid I lost brain cells reading it.

Amazing that there is a successful politician younger than I am, though.
Lets put it in a different way.  The new parliament has 40% women 60% men.  Not yet 50/50, but a huge improvement.  How many women in US congress ?
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Spineur on June 19, 2017, 01:21:27 PM
Not the right thread but I can let this pass

U.S. student Otto Warmbier who was returned from North Korea in coma has died

This is called MURDER

Lets see if Trump let this pass
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on June 19, 2017, 04:04:26 PM
SCOTUS unanimously hands down common sense ruling. (http://www.latimes.com/politics/la-na-pol-court-slants-disparate-trademark-20170619-story.html) 
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on June 19, 2017, 05:33:49 PM
Quote from: Brian on June 19, 2017, 10:39:18 AM

Amazing that there is a successful politician younger than I am, though.

Pfffft. https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/William_Pitt_the_Younger (https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/William_Pitt_the_Younger)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on June 20, 2017, 05:09:44 AM
"Pitt the Gleam in the Milkman's Eye?"
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on June 20, 2017, 10:25:23 AM
. . . the biggest trove of original World War II-era artifacts in Argentina's history. (https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/worldviews/wp/2017/06/20/behind-a-secret-bookshelf-passageway-a-trove-of-nazi-artifacts-in-argentina/?hpid=hp_hp-top-table-main_nazitrove-1115a%3Ahomepage%2Fstory&utm_term=.b37eb55152b5)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on June 21, 2017, 06:08:51 AM
Looks like Kalanick never learned the Steve Jobs rule: always directly retain a majority stake in your company. (https://www.nytimes.com/2017/06/21/technology/uber-ceo-travis-kalanick.html?hp&action=click&pgtype=Homepage&clickSource=story-heading&module=first-column-region&region=top-news&WT.nav=top-news)  (Steve Jobs didn't until it was too late, either.)  Of course, he probably wouldn't be as wealthy had he retained such a stake, and if the company goes public, any pain and suffering he has endured during these trying times will probably be washed away by a tsunami of cash.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on June 22, 2017, 07:05:19 AM
Now this is what I call some good old-fashioned war propaganda. (https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/world/2017/06/22/report-canadian-sniper-kills-isis-fighter-2-miles-away/418889001/)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Turner on June 22, 2017, 10:32:49 AM
"If I were the guy holding the umbrella over Putin and Medvedev ..."

https://twitter.com/maxseddon/status/877857311208943616
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on June 22, 2017, 04:28:51 PM
Now that's what I call good eatin'! (http://www.oregonlive.com/pacific-northwest-news/index.ssf/2017/06/you_can_finally_legally_harvest_roadkill_in_oregon.html)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Spineur on June 23, 2017, 12:42:56 PM
Quote from: Todd on June 22, 2017, 04:28:51 PM
Now that's what I call good eatin'! (http://www.oregonlive.com/pacific-northwest-news/index.ssf/2017/06/you_can_finally_legally_harvest_roadkill_in_oregon.html)
Of course the damage to your car and the repair shop bill will make this meal quite expensive !
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on June 23, 2017, 02:47:35 PM


Quote from: Todd on June 22, 2017, 04:28:51 PM
Now that's what I call good eatin'! (http://www.oregonlive.com/pacific-northwest-news/index.ssf/2017/06/you_can_finally_legally_harvest_roadkill_in_oregon.html)
Possum, the other yellow meat.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on June 24, 2017, 11:58:16 AM
More Grauniad gold: "Empaths" charging $250+/hour to feel your pain. (https://www.theguardian.com/science/2017/jun/24/superpower-empaths-paid-read-mind-empathy)  And it's published in the "Science" section.  (I just don't know why I don't give money during the Graun's incessant begging campaigns.)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on June 27, 2017, 07:05:25 AM
Google hit with $2.7 billion fine by EU. (https://www.theguardian.com/business/2017/jun/27/google-braces-for-record-breaking-1bn-fine-from-eu)  Alphabet only has $86 billion or so in cash on hand.  I'm guessing the decision will be appealed to the European Court of Justice. 
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Spineur on June 27, 2017, 12:16:15 PM
French president Emmanuel Macron invited Donald Trump for the Bastille day celebration to commemorate the 100 anniversary of the entry of USA in WW1.

Will he accept (narcissist) or decline (isolationist) ?

A real personality test !
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Spineur on June 28, 2017, 07:45:04 AM
Quote from: Spineur on June 27, 2017, 12:16:15 PM
French president Emmanuel Macron invited Donald Trump for the Bastille day celebration to commemorate the 100 anniversary of the entry of USA in WW1.

Will he accept (narcissist) or decline (isolationist) ?

A real personality test !
As you might have surmised for a truely narcissist, Donald Trump will be attending the Bastille day parade in Paris

http://www.lemonde.fr/donald-trump/article/2017/06/28/donal-trump-assistera-a-la-fete-nationale-du-14-juillet-a-paris_5152599_4853715.html (http://www.lemonde.fr/donald-trump/article/2017/06/28/donal-trump-assistera-a-la-fete-nationale-du-14-juillet-a-paris_5152599_4853715.html)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on June 28, 2017, 07:48:55 AM
Quote from: Spineur on June 28, 2017, 07:45:04 AM
As you might have surmised for a truely narcissist, Donald Trump will be attending the Bastille day parade in Paris

http://www.lemonde.fr/donald-trump/article/2017/06/28/donal-trump-assistera-a-la-fete-nationale-du-14-juillet-a-paris_5152599_4853715.html (http://www.lemonde.fr/donald-trump/article/2017/06/28/donal-trump-assistera-a-la-fete-nationale-du-14-juillet-a-paris_5152599_4853715.html)


He should make sure to visit at least one US military cemetery and wonder aloud if the US got a good deal.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Spineur on June 28, 2017, 07:57:50 AM
Quote from: Todd on June 28, 2017, 07:48:55 AM

He should make sure to visit at least one US military cemetery and wonder aloud if the US got a good deal.

definitively, an preferably this one, where many US soldiers died during the 1918 offensive.

http://www.americancenterfrance.org/front/126-10-1-Cimetieres-de-la-Premiere-Guerre-Mondiale (http://www.americancenterfrance.org/front/126-10-1-Cimetieres-de-la-Premiere-Guerre-Mondiale)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on June 30, 2017, 06:17:51 AM
News, or paid advertisement? (http://www.nbcnews.com/tech/apple/iphone-turns-10-it-s-still-changing-everything-n777406)  Sometimes it's hard to tell.  (At least NBC News had the sense to produce their own video and limit praise of Steve Jobs to hagiography-lite; earlier in the week, the local NBC affiliate ran a McDonald's ad masquerading as a news story about some menu change and used McDonald's promo videos.) 
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on July 01, 2017, 05:53:31 AM
Germany passes easy, painless tax on select US tech firms. (https://www.nytimes.com/2017/06/30/business/germany-facebook-google-twitter.html)  Wait, I mean Germany passes useful, and powerfully progressive anti-"hate speech" law.  (After October, it's just one more thing for the US and Germany to squabble over.)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on July 01, 2017, 06:03:25 AM
Quote from: Todd on July 01, 2017, 05:53:31 AM
Germany passes easy, painless tax on select US tech firms. (https://www.nytimes.com/2017/06/30/business/germany-facebook-google-twitter.html)  Wait, I mean Germany passes useful, and powerfully progressive anti-"hate speech" law.  (After October, it's just one more thing for the US and Germany to squabble over.)


QuoteWe...protect the freedom of expression for all," Mr. Maas said. "We are ensuring that everyone can express their opinion freely, without being insulted or threatened. We had to destroy the village in order to save it."


Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on July 02, 2017, 02:16:06 PM
The Amazon Post's Editorial Board (https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/the-eu-punishes-google--for-no-real-crime/2017/07/01/4838701e-5dc3-11e7-9fc6-c7ef4bc58d13_story.html?hpid=hp_no-name_opinion-card-a%3Ahomepage%2Fstory&utm_term=.5356e2c54983) sides with Google and chides Yurpean officials.  This op-ed in no way reflects the opinion of nor defends the long-term interests of Jeff Bezos.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on July 06, 2017, 02:04:02 PM
Nothing alarmist to see here. (http://www.businessinsider.com/nuke-blast-survival-gear-2017-7)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: bwv 1080 on July 07, 2017, 07:50:10 AM


25% of Americans prefer organic water (http://www.grubstreet.com/2017/07/americas-first-certified-organic-water-asarasi.html)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on July 07, 2017, 08:17:30 AM
Quote from: bwv 1080 on July 07, 2017, 07:50:10 AM

25% of Americans prefer organic water (http://www.grubstreet.com/2017/07/americas-first-certified-organic-water-asarasi.html)

http://www.dhmo.org/ (http://www.dhmo.org/)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: kishnevi on July 07, 2017, 08:28:05 AM
What sounds like true wierdness is that the Orthodox Union actually certifies some drinking water brands as kosher, and others as kosher for Passover.

There is method in the madness.  Or rather, an excuse.  It is theoretically possible that the equipment used to bottle the water may have been used for non kosher products prior to being used for the water, and then never kashered (that is,  given the appropriate treatment to take away their non kosher status). And certain bottles use materials which are not kosher for Passover in their caps which could theoretically leach into the water.


You may gauge my view of the necessity of actually having the water certified like this from the fact that I used the word theoretical,  (In the case of the caps, very theoretical, since a non mimimal amount would need to leach into the water to render it not kosher.)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: bwv 1080 on July 07, 2017, 08:47:20 AM
Quote from: Ken B on July 07, 2017, 08:17:30 AM
http://www.dhmo.org/ (http://www.dhmo.org/)

Dont want any of those dangerous chemicals in my water
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on July 10, 2017, 06:24:16 AM
More corporate shilling by the American Press, in this case, Always Bet Clinton News (aka, ABC News). (http://abcnews.go.com/Business/save-big-amazons-prime-day-year/story?id=48536036)  In addition to this, the Sunday night broadcast aired a two minute segment.  That's at least four minutes of free (?) ad time.  Even the Amazon Post has been more discreet about it.

(I know, just how can I question the objectivity of ABC News when the Chief Anchor is George Stephanopoulos?)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Spineur on July 11, 2017, 01:40:57 PM
Using his academic knowledge, this Romanian professor made 44900 euros at the flea market

http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSKBN19W2M9 (http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSKBN19W2M9)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Jo498 on July 11, 2017, 11:24:18 PM
I am not a cryptographer but I would have recognized that this is not just an old typewriter. Although I would not have recognized it as an Enigma, the oddly layout keyboard that is "doubled" with the display above it would have been a hint that it was some kind of encryption device.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on July 12, 2017, 06:22:04 AM
Quote from: Spineur on July 11, 2017, 01:40:57 PM
Using his academic knowledge, this Romanian professor made 44900 euros at the flea market

http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSKBN19W2M9 (http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSKBN19W2M9)
That would actually be fraud here I think. If a non specialist bought it on spec or an idea it would be fine but I believe with specialists with certain knowledge it's not allowed.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on July 12, 2017, 06:49:37 AM
Texas teen was electrocuted by her cellphone while taking a bath, her family says (https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/morning-mix/wp/2017/07/12/texas-teen-was-electrocuted-by-her-cellphone-while-taking-a-bath-her-family-says/?hpid=hp_hp-morning-mix_mm-teen%3Ahomepage%2Fstory&utm_term=.ab4a981edea7)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Parsifal on July 12, 2017, 07:26:52 AM
Quote from: k a rl h e nn i ng on July 12, 2017, 06:49:37 AM
Texas teen was electrocuted by her cellphone while taking a bath, her family says (https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/morning-mix/wp/2017/07/12/texas-teen-was-electrocuted-by-her-cellphone-while-taking-a-bath-her-family-says/?hpid=hp_hp-morning-mix_mm-teen%3Ahomepage%2Fstory&utm_term=.ab4a981edea7)

A cell phone has a low voltage battery and it is inconceivable that it could electrocute anyone. Evidently she was electrocuted by AC line voltage when she tried to plug in the cell phone charger while in the bath tub.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on July 12, 2017, 08:01:03 AM
Quote from: Scarpia on July 12, 2017, 07:26:52 AM
A cell phone has a low voltage battery and it is inconceivable that it could electrocute anyone. Evidently she was electrocuted by AC line voltage when she tried to plug in the cell phone charger while in the bath tub.

Aye, just so. The terrible absurdity being, that the stepmother reports the two of them doing just that, habitually.

Guess you only get to cheat Death so many baths ....

Sent from my SM-G930V using Tapatalk

Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: bwv 1080 on July 12, 2017, 08:38:40 AM
Quote from: Scarpia on July 12, 2017, 07:26:52 AM
A cell phone has a low voltage battery and it is inconceivable that it could electrocute anyone. Evidently she was electrocuted by AC line voltage when she tried to plug in the cell phone charger while in the bath tub.

And a GFCI outlet would have saved her life
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Parsifal on July 12, 2017, 02:52:09 PM
Iraqi Prime Minister Arrives in Mosul to Declare Victory Over ISIS

https://www.nytimes.com/2017/07/09/world/middleeast/mosul-isis-liberated.html?_r=0

I wonder if they called to see if G. W. Bush's old "Mission Accomplished" banner was available for the event.

:D
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on July 15, 2017, 06:17:38 AM
Speech suppression gets all science-y: (https://www.nytimes.com/2017/07/14/opinion/sunday/when-is-speech-violence.html)

The scientific findings I described above provide empirical guidance for which kinds of controversial speech should and shouldn't be acceptable on campus and in civil society.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on July 15, 2017, 06:23:04 AM
Book burning returns to Sweden.

https://pjmedia.com/trending/2017/07/12/burning-books-in-sweden/ (https://pjmedia.com/trending/2017/07/12/burning-books-in-sweden/)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on July 18, 2017, 05:54:35 AM
AmPo, a bastion of free speech and free press!/? (https://www.washingtonian.com/2017/06/27/the-washington-post-social-media-policy/) 
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on July 19, 2017, 01:51:57 PM
Musk Says First Passengers on SpaceX Rockets Must Be 'Brave' (https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2017-07-19/musk-says-first-passengers-on-spacex-rockets-must-be-brave)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Spineur on July 21, 2017, 10:35:12 AM
Salvator Dali moustache is intact, embalmer says, and the dead man is in great shape !

https://www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/2017/jul/20/salvador-dali-remains-exhumed-paternity-case (https://www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/2017/jul/20/salvador-dali-remains-exhumed-paternity-case)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: bwv 1080 on July 22, 2017, 12:47:36 PM
killing off the Indians caused the little ice age (https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/mass-deaths-in-americas-start-new-co2-epoch/?wt.mc=SA_Facebook-Share)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on July 25, 2017, 06:50:25 PM
General Jack D Ripper, vindicated.

https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2017/jul/25/sperm-counts-among-western-men-have-halved-in-last-40-years-study (https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2017/jul/25/sperm-counts-among-western-men-have-halved-in-last-40-years-study)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on July 27, 2017, 05:23:21 AM
LIBOR to be scrapped. (http://www.reuters.com/article/us-britain-regulator-libor-idUSKBN1AC18L)  I wonder what all the variable rate debt instruments tied to LIBOR will change to in 2021.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on July 28, 2017, 11:33:49 AM
Another billionaire buys another media outlet. (http://www.npr.org/2017/07/28/540006091/laurene-powell-jobs-to-buy-stake-in-atlantic-media) 
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: kishnevi on July 28, 2017, 05:55:16 PM
Anyone who hankers for a serving of overpriced gourmet teas will need to find a different place to get their fix
https://amp.cnn.com/money/2017/07/27/investing/teavana-stores-closing-starbucks/index.html
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on July 31, 2017, 12:13:32 PM
RIP 2° C target. (https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2017/jul/31/paris-climate-deal-2c-warming-study)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Spineur on July 31, 2017, 12:54:56 PM
Although this will have to be confirmed by a formal vote Paris gets 2024 olympics, LA 2028 olympics.  Paris official budget is 7 billions €.  Probably will end up to cost twice as much.
A real big bill...
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on July 31, 2017, 04:09:04 PM
Quote from: Spineur on July 31, 2017, 12:54:56 PM
Although this will have to be confirmed by a formal vote Paris gets 2024 olympics, LA 2028 olympics.  Paris official budget is 7 billions €.  Probably will end up to cost twice as much.
A real big bill...

That f*cking migratory cloud of debt has landed on Canada thrice in my lifetime. About time the French got some!

>:D :laugh:
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Spineur on July 31, 2017, 05:14:41 PM
Harvard Alumni directory lists Scaramucci as dead.  ???

http://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-usa-trump-scaramucci-harvard-idUKKBN1AG2NY (http://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-usa-trump-scaramucci-harvard-idUKKBN1AG2NY)

Boy ! was this a bad week !
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on August 01, 2017, 08:29:34 AM
Citing 'basic physics,' a judge berated the FAA over shrinking airline seats

Airline seats were designed for people no taller than 5-foot-10, and in reasonably good shape, FlyersRights.org argued, noting that "many Americans do not fit into this category." (https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/dr-gridlock/wp/2017/07/31/citing-basic-physics-a-judge-berated-the-faa-for-those-shrinking-airline-seats/?tid=hybrid_experimentrandom_1_na&utm_term=.2f139d072475)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Dancing Divertimentian on August 01, 2017, 05:19:08 PM
I dunno...unimportant or not? (https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/sperm-count-dropping-in-western-world/)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on August 03, 2017, 06:48:41 AM
"My bed has, like, an imprint of my body." (https://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2017/09/has-the-smartphone-destroyed-a-generation/534198/)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: zamyrabyrd on August 03, 2017, 06:50:58 AM
My cat occupies choice parts of my bed...

ZB
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on August 03, 2017, 06:51:25 AM
As a cat must!
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on August 03, 2017, 08:43:41 AM
Reform hits Motor City http://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/local/detroit-city/2017/08/02/half-detroit-mayoral-candidates-felony-convictions/104244406/ (http://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/local/detroit-city/2017/08/02/half-detroit-mayoral-candidates-felony-convictions/104244406/)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on August 03, 2017, 10:32:07 AM
And if you thought last year in the US was nasty:

She announced she was running for president. Then fake nude photos were released. (https://www.washingtonpost.com/video/editorial/she-announced-she-was-running-for-president-then-fake-nude-photos-were-released/2017/08/02/f11ff848-779d-11e7-8c17-533c52b2f014_video.html?utm_term=.4cd12ba0c829)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Parsifal on August 03, 2017, 10:33:43 AM
Quote from: k a rl h e nn i ng on August 03, 2017, 10:32:07 AM
And if you thought last year in the US was nasty:

She announced she was running for president. Then fake nude photos were released. (https://www.washingtonpost.com/video/editorial/she-announced-she-was-running-for-president-then-fake-nude-photos-were-released/2017/08/02/f11ff848-779d-11e7-8c17-533c52b2f014_video.html?utm_term=.4cd12ba0c829)

At least we were spared fake nude photos of Trump (although if the "Russian Dossier is to believed we might look forward to real ones.  ??? ) On the other hand, I have seen fake nude photos of Hilary Clinton (at least I assume they were fake).
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on August 03, 2017, 10:38:43 AM
Quote from: Scarpia on August 03, 2017, 10:33:43 AMAt least we were spared fake nude photos of Trump


But there was the statue:

(http://cdn.abclocal.go.com/content/kgo/images/cms/081816-kgo-sf-castro-trump-statue-full-img.jpg)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Parsifal on August 03, 2017, 10:59:29 AM
Have mercy, this is not the "blow chunks on your screen" thread.   >:(
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on August 07, 2017, 05:47:14 PM
Outlaw named Portland police chief. (http://www.kgw.com/news/local/danielle-outlaw-deputy-chief-from-oakland-named-new-portland-police-chief/462624845)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Turner on August 08, 2017, 11:19:54 PM
At last, it is the main summer holiday month:

https://twitter.com/tillski/status/892317208495476736
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on August 09, 2017, 10:44:38 AM
As scientifically literate people have been saying for years, the rational argument about climate change and its origin is over. ("Worldwide, 15 of the last 16 years have been the warmest years on record. Today, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration said 2017 is on track to be the second warmest for the United States. Scientists from all over the world have documented warming in the air and water, melting glaciers, disappearing snow, shrinking sea ice and rising sea level. The report said the United States will see temperature increases of at least 2.5 degrees (1.4 degrees Celsius) over the next few decades, even with significant cuts to carbon pollution.") According to the New York Times: "Worldwide, the draft report finds it 'extremely likely' that more than half the global mean temperature since 1951 can be linked to human influence." (If it makes climate-change deniers feel better, they can say humans alone haven't caused all the temperature increase.) (https://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/right-turn/wp/2017/08/09/the-most-important-information-to-seep-out-has-nothing-to-do-with-russia/?utm_term=.fd536d430f81)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Mahlerian on August 09, 2017, 12:00:59 PM
That Google internal memo that got the guy fired reads like conspiracy theory literature, with its abuse of the "It could be A, so it's definitely A and anyone who disagrees is trying to fool you" logic.

Also, if he thinks the work culture at Google is so inhospitable to him, why doesn't he just decide that the best thing is to work somewhere else?
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on August 09, 2017, 03:33:26 PM
Quote from: Mahlerian on August 09, 2017, 12:00:59 PM
That Google internal memo that got the guy fired reads like conspiracy theory literature, with its abuse of the "It could be A, so it's definitely A and anyone who disagrees is trying to fool you" logic.

Also, if he thinks the work culture at Google is so inhospitable to him, why doesn't he just decide that the best thing is to work somewhere else?

::)

https://beta.theglobeandmail.com/opinion/no-the-google-manifesto-isnt-sexist-or-anti-diversity-its-science/article35903359/ (https://beta.theglobeandmail.com/opinion/no-the-google-manifesto-isnt-sexist-or-anti-diversity-its-science/article35903359/)



http://slatestarcodex.com/2017/08/07/contra-grant-on-exaggerated-differences/ (http://slatestarcodex.com/2017/08/07/contra-grant-on-exaggerated-differences/)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on August 09, 2017, 03:34:49 PM
I'm just curious. What kind of person gloats that someone they disagree with gets fired? To me that is low.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Mahlerian on August 09, 2017, 03:53:22 PM
Quote from: Ken B on August 09, 2017, 03:34:49 PM
I'm just curious. What kind of person gloats that someone they disagree with gets fired? To me that is low.

How was I gloating?  I just thought he wrote a dumb memo, and didn't really weigh in on whether or not he should have been fired.  For the record, I take no side, because I don't know anything about his actual performance at work.  Whether he is right or not, his argument is horrible.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: amw on August 09, 2017, 04:05:00 PM
Quote from: Ken B on August 09, 2017, 03:33:26 PM
::)

https://beta.theglobeandmail.com/opinion/no-the-google-manifesto-isnt-sexist-or-anti-diversity-its-science/article35903359/ (https://beta.theglobeandmail.com/opinion/no-the-google-manifesto-isnt-sexist-or-anti-diversity-its-science/article35903359/)
https://sexnotgender.files.wordpress.com/2014/02/fine_cordelia_delusions-of-gender.pdf (https://sexnotgender.files.wordpress.com/2014/02/fine_cordelia_delusions-of-gender.pdf)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Parsifal on August 09, 2017, 04:15:00 PM
I read his memo, or at least as much as I could without getting unpleasantly irritated. He basically uses a few random factoids to support a misogynistic worldview. The only statement that has any clear basis is that maybe men are, on average, biologically predisposed to be more competitive and/or aggressive and therefore their presence in larger numbers is not due to discrimination. Well who is to say those attributes are more valuable to Google, even if they help you get in the door?

Maybe Google's code of conduct is there because less aggressive, less competitive people (of whatever gender) can produce more value to the company even if those attributes don't help them get the job. Or maybe Google is more cynical than I give them credit for and that code of conduct is there to help Google deflect accusations of discrimination.

In any case, Google has a right to dismiss an employee that openly rejects its code of conduct and/or mission statement. It seems to me that the sh*tstorm that this memo has brought down on Google outweighs any C++ code that this software engineer might be writing for their search engine.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on August 10, 2017, 05:43:36 AM
Quote from: Mahlerian on August 09, 2017, 12:00:59 PM
That Google internal memo that got the guy fired reads like conspiracy theory literature, with its abuse of the "It could be A, so it's definitely A and anyone who disagrees is trying to fool you" logic.

QuoteThis week the company fired the author for "perpetuating gender stereotypes," he said.

I'm having trouble understanding how "perpetuating gender stereotypes" is grounds for termination, and why there were not measures short of that which would have better suited the incident.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on August 10, 2017, 06:12:39 AM
Quote from: k a rl h e nn i ng on August 10, 2017, 05:43:36 AM
I'm having trouble understanding how "perpetuating gender stereotypes" is grounds for termination, and why there were not measures short of that which would have better suited the incident.

Indeed. One might think that was a pretext.

Here's a good summary http://www.washingtonexaminer.com/michael-barone-googles-tolerance-requires-repression/article/2631081 (http://www.washingtonexaminer.com/michael-barone-googles-tolerance-requires-repression/article/2631081)

and what does Google itself say about with gender (and other demographic) differences? They give their paying customers how-to tips.
https://support.google.com/adwords/answer/2580282?hl=en (https://support.google.com/adwords/answer/2580282?hl=en)

Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: bwv 1080 on August 10, 2017, 06:56:08 AM
Given that ASDs are over-represented in both males and software developers, how can a software company possibly have a gender mix that reflects the broad population?  Chances are this guy is an aspie as well and cant really be expected to understand that when corporate management invites an open discussion of ideas the last thing you should do is actually attempt one.  The paradox is that if Google creates a hyper-PC culture where only the most politically and socially skilled can navigate corporate identity politics, they wind up actually discriminating against a huge segment of their employees that are not neurotypical
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on August 10, 2017, 08:10:06 AM
Quote from: bwv 1080 on August 10, 2017, 06:56:08 AM[W]hen corporate management invites an open discussion of ideas the last thing you should do is actually attempt one.


Amen.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on August 10, 2017, 01:28:38 PM
Quote from: bwv 1080 on August 10, 2017, 06:56:08 AM
Given that ASDs are over-represented in both males and software developers, how can a software company possibly have a gender mix that reflects the broad population?  Chances are this guy is an aspie as well and cant really be expected to understand that when corporate management invites an open discussion of ideas the last thing you should do is actually attempt one.  The paradox is that if Google creates a hyper-PC culture where only the most politically and socially skilled can navigate corporate identity politics, they wind up actually discriminating against a huge segment of their employees that are not neurotypical

Where I work we regularly have Maoist sessions where we are supposed to discuss what went well, what didn't, what improvements we could make etc. this BS is ubiquitous in IT. I refuse to participate, and am senior enough I can get away with it.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on August 11, 2017, 08:36:03 AM
David Brooks has an excellent piece on memogate. https://www.nytimes.com/2017/08/11/opinion/sundar-pichai-google-memo-diversity.html (https://www.nytimes.com/2017/08/11/opinion/sundar-pichai-google-memo-diversity.html)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on August 11, 2017, 10:37:47 AM
Allow her to ladysplain. (https://www.vox.com/the-big-idea/2017/8/11/16130452/google-memo-women-tech-biology-sexism)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on August 11, 2017, 11:23:39 AM
'splaining explained.

http://quillette.com/2017/08/11/stop-equating-science-truth/ (http://quillette.com/2017/08/11/stop-equating-science-truth/)

as for the Vox article itself, an amusingly tart response is here. http://althouse.blogspot.com/2017/08/i-have-known-worked-for-and-taught.html (http://althouse.blogspot.com/2017/08/i-have-known-worked-for-and-taught.html)

Here's a take from Peter Singer. Singer is always thoughtful, but not always convincing; he's deeply controversial, and most famous for saying we should off babies with Down's Syndrome (he later recanted.)   http://www.nydailynews.com/opinion/google-wrong-article-1.3399750 (http://www.nydailynews.com/opinion/google-wrong-article-1.3399750)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on August 14, 2017, 11:56:47 AM
Gray Lady clickbait: Why Women Had Better Sex Under Socialism. (https://www.nytimes.com/2017/08/12/opinion/why-women-had-better-sex-under-socialism.html?action=click&pgtype=Homepage&clickSource=story-heading&module=opinion-c-col-right-region&region=opinion-c-col-right-region&WT.nav=opinion-c-col-right-region)  (Kudos to the author for this sentence: "Many academic feminists today celebrate choice but also embrace a cultural relativism dictated by the imperatives of intersectionality.")
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on August 14, 2017, 01:14:11 PM
Quote from: Todd on August 14, 2017, 11:56:47 AM
Gray Lady clickbait: Why Women Had Better Sex Under Socialism. (https://www.nytimes.com/2017/08/12/opinion/why-women-had-better-sex-under-socialism.html?action=click&pgtype=Homepage&clickSource=story-heading&module=opinion-c-col-right-region&region=opinion-c-col-right-region&WT.nav=opinion-c-col-right-region)  (Kudos to the author for this sentence: "Many academic feminists today celebrate choice but also embrace a cultural relativism dictated by the imperatives of intersectionality.")

Doesn't count. That wasn't real socialism.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Dancing Divertimentian on August 15, 2017, 05:32:30 PM
When life has no meaning, Trump will be there... (https://www.yahoo.com/celebrity/paris-hilton-talks-sex-tape-defends-donald-trump-232812333.html)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: zamyrabyrd on August 17, 2017, 06:11:10 AM
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/aug/16/canadian-woman-engagement-ring-carrot

After losing her engagement ring on her family farm more than a decade ago, Canadian Mary Grams resigned herself to the idea she would never see it again.  That is, until the diamond ring showed up this week – 13 years after she lost it –wrapped tightly around a misshapen carrot that had been freshly plucked from the garden. The 84-year-old said she likely lost the ring as she was pulling a large weed from her farm in central Alberta in 2004.

(https://i.guim.co.uk/img/media/3efc5102ca3c2e5c0f55f90169a4d764860f1ff4/0_28_750_450/master/750.jpg?w=620&q=55&auto=format&usm=12&fit=max&s=192b1cfca66dae307962ba96d49a3c38)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: bwv 1080 on August 17, 2017, 07:12:38 AM
 There is no such thing as alternative medicine ... (http://www.cnn.com/2017/08/17/health/alternative-vs-conventional-cancer-treatment-study/index.html)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on August 18, 2017, 09:30:51 AM
Advice from an ophthalmologist. https://youtu.be/kfXQwx9ytiw (https://youtu.be/kfXQwx9ytiw)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on August 22, 2017, 05:49:19 AM
Macron as unpopular as Trump. (https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/europe/why-does-emmanuel-macrons-presidential-approval-rating-keep-falling/2017/08/19/c48a069a-82a4-11e7-9e7a-20fa8d7a0db6_story.html?hpid=hp_hp-more-top-stories_macrondrop-355am%3Ahomepage%2Fstory&utm_term=.33f2ca3139f6)  I don't follow French domestic politics, but the fact that he has fallen so far, so fast is just wonderful.  Hollande dipped to something like 4-5% approval at one point if memory serves.  The French know how to do it.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on August 23, 2017, 05:41:30 AM
Cultural "sensitivity" goes all stoopid: ESPN removes announcer Robert Lee from Virginia game due to a name coincidence. (http://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-41022954)

See if you can tell the two Robert Lees apart:

(http://i2.cdn.turner.com/money/dam/assets/170823074003-robert-lee-robert-e-lee-780x439.jpg)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on August 23, 2017, 10:57:41 AM
Quote from: Todd on August 23, 2017, 05:41:30 AM
Cultural "sensitivity" goes all stoopid: ESPN removes announcer Robert Lee from Virginia game due to a name coincidence. (http://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-41022954)

See if you can tell the two Robert Lees apart:

(http://i2.cdn.turner.com/money/dam/assets/170823074003-robert-lee-robert-e-lee-780x439.jpg)

QuoteWe have achieved the woke singularity.
-- Iowahawk
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on August 23, 2017, 01:39:24 PM
Reuters reports a doppelgänger sighting.

https://mobile.twitter.com/Reuters/status/900407307615567872 (https://mobile.twitter.com/Reuters/status/900407307615567872)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: amw on August 23, 2017, 04:18:38 PM
Quote from: Todd on August 23, 2017, 05:41:30 AM
Cultural "sensitivity" goes all stoopid: ESPN removes announcer Robert Lee from Virginia game due to a name coincidence. (http://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-41022954)

See if you can tell the two Robert Lees apart:

(http://i2.cdn.turner.com/money/dam/assets/170823074003-robert-lee-robert-e-lee-780x439.jpg)
Hey, they might be the same guy! A shave and some plastic surgery and hair dye can work wonders... who knows what the Robert Lee on the right might look like underneath that giant beard anyway? Anyone ever see a photograph of the two of them in the same room??
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on August 25, 2017, 09:17:10 AM
Quote from: Todd on August 23, 2017, 05:41:30 AM
Cultural "sensitivity" goes all stoopid: ESPN removes announcer Robert Lee from Virginia game due to a name coincidence. (http://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-41022954)

See if you can tell the two Robert Lees apart:

(http://i2.cdn.turner.com/money/dam/assets/170823074003-robert-lee-robert-e-lee-780x439.jpg)

On another discussion site I found this imperishable treasure:
QuoteAnyone who knows anything about foreign names and language knows that the original Asian form of "LEE" is actually Li before it is
transcribed into English and is pronounced like Lee. I am surprised no one knew this.

I replied

QuoteSo, in the original Chinese characters it is latin L latin i, and only after transcription is it latin L, latin e, latin e?

I await the answer with bated breath.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Turner on September 05, 2017, 10:28:04 PM
Recent Azerbadjan billion-bribery stories in the media are nothing but the result of a campaign set up by George Soros and World-Armenianism, the regime says in an official statement:

"We know that it is George Soros and his henchmen – who have an international reputation of cheaters, tricksters, frauds and liars in relation to Azerbaijan and its leadership – that are behind this campaign. George Soros's dirty actions should be seriously investigated. The Armenian lobby, which acts in concert with him, carries out a dirty campaign against the President of Azerbaijan and his family. But despite their efforts, this campaign has not yielded any results. The fact that one of the co-authors of the article, which was published by The Guardian newspaper, is Armenian Dina Nagapetyan once again shows that these dirty accusations are at the same time another disgusting action of the world Armenianism."

http://en.apa.az/azerbaijan-politics/foreign-news/george-soros-and-armenian-lobby-which-act-in-concert-with-him-carry-out-dirty-campaign-against-azerbaijani-president-and-his-family-presidential-press-service.html

Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Spineur on September 06, 2017, 10:15:47 AM
The tarot card drawer Pilar Martinez is not Salvator Dali's daughter

http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-41180146 (http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-41180146)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: North Star on September 06, 2017, 11:37:22 AM
https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/post-nation/wp/2017/09/05/officer-shoots-ohio-newspaper-photographer-after-confusing-his-tripod-and-camera-for-a-gun/

New Carlisle, Ohio deputy shoots a newspaper photographer several times without warning, mistaking a camera on a tripod for a weapon as the photographer was setting up to document a traffic stop, in full view of the deputy. "We know the deputy. This is a small town of 5,000 people ... We know the deputies. We work with them on a daily basis. We have an excellent relationship with them," the victim said.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on September 07, 2017, 05:37:16 PM
Gaydar is a real thing now. (https://www.economist.com/news/science-and-technology/21728614-machines-read-faces-are-coming-advances-ai-are-used-spot-signs)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on September 08, 2017, 09:35:21 AM
Rush Limbaugh indicates he's evacuating Palm Beach days after suggesting Irma is fake news
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: geralmar on September 08, 2017, 10:05:25 AM
(https://s26.postimg.org/y2zfp583d/20170908_140041.jpg) (https://postimages.org/)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on September 08, 2017, 10:12:40 AM
Gullible is not in any dictionary, researchers find.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Spineur on September 08, 2017, 10:15:50 AM
Jennifer Lawrence claims that Harvey and Irma hurricanes are god punishment sent for electing Donald Trump.
Maybe god ordered an earthquake for Chapas because Mexicans didnt want to pay for the wall...
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Parsifal on September 08, 2017, 10:20:56 AM
Quote from: Spineur on September 08, 2017, 10:15:50 AM
Jennifer Lawrence claims that Harvey and Irma hurricanes are god punishment sent for electing Donald Trump.
Maybe god ordered an earthquake for Chapas because Mexicans didnt want to pay for the wall...

Proof the right wing doesn't hold a monopoly on idiocy. Well, we knew that after Rosie O'Donnell.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on September 08, 2017, 11:11:34 AM
Quote from: Ken B on September 08, 2017, 10:12:40 AM
Gullible is not in any dictionary, researchers find.

I saw a great one-panel cartoon on a time . . . .
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: bwv 1080 on September 08, 2017, 11:14:12 AM
Quote from: geralmar on September 08, 2017, 10:05:25 AM
(https://s26.postimg.org/y2zfp583d/20170908_140041.jpg) (https://postimages.org/)

Perhaps they should start naming Hurricanes after extreme metal bands
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on September 08, 2017, 11:41:36 AM
Quote from: bwv 1080 on September 08, 2017, 11:14:12 AM
Perhaps they should start naming Hurricanes after extreme metal bands

We should call the big ones "atonal" ...

>:D  >:D :laugh:

Kidding, kidding. Now serial on the other hand ...
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: North Star on September 08, 2017, 11:59:38 AM
Quote from: Ken B on September 08, 2017, 11:41:36 AM
We should call the big ones "atonal" ...

>:D  >:D :laugh:

Kidding, kidding. Now serial on the other hand ...
I thought you'd suggest we call them all La mer.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: kishnevi on September 08, 2017, 05:10:45 PM
https://arstechnica.com/science/2017/09/the-mysterious-voynich-manuscript-has-finally-been-decoded/
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: geralmar on September 08, 2017, 06:18:59 PM
(https://s26.postimg.org/95sugm915/Screenshot_2017-08-07-13-05-57.png) (https://postimages.org/)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on September 08, 2017, 06:30:05 PM
Quote from: geralmar on September 08, 2017, 06:18:59 PM
(https://s26.postimg.org/95sugm915/Screenshot_2017-08-07-13-05-57.png) (https://postimages.org/)

They are very woke in Indiana. They realize these things are all just socially constructed.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on September 08, 2017, 06:57:28 PM
Quote from: Ken B on September 08, 2017, 06:30:05 PM
They are very woke in Indiana. They realize these things are all just socially constructed.
Well, depending on how she self-idennifries ....

Sent from my SM-G930V using Tapatalk

Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on September 10, 2017, 08:04:48 AM
North Korea "illegally" exported $270 million in goods. (https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/asia_pacific/us-calls-monday-vote-on-new-north-korea-sanctions/2017/09/09/c50a1040-951b-11e7-8482-8dc9a7af29f9_story.html?utm_term=.7d6ea6b0ddc6)  The purchasing countries are not limited to China, and include putative US ally India.  Of interest to me is the use of the word "illegally" in the AP original story.  The even tougher upcoming sanctions will no doubt put an end to such chicanery.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Dancing Divertimentian on September 10, 2017, 09:41:16 AM
Quote from: k a rl h e nn i ng on September 08, 2017, 06:57:28 PM
Well, depending on how she self-idennifries ....


;D :D ;D
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on September 12, 2017, 12:08:48 PM
"Asset forfeiture" -- it's not just for the rich! https://www.techdirt.com/articles/20170911/08593738186/cop-cleans-out-wallet-unlicensed-hot-dog-vendor-just-because-he-can.shtml  (https://www.techdirt.com/articles/20170911/08593738186/cop-cleans-out-wallet-unlicensed-hot-dog-vendor-just-because-he-can.shtml)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on September 13, 2017, 09:56:26 AM
Kaspersky the Friendly Ghostsky (https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/national-security/us-to-ban-use-of-kaspersky-software-in-federal-agencies-amid-concerns-of-russian-espionage/2017/09/13/36b717d0-989e-11e7-82e4-f1076f6d6152_story.html?hpid=hp_hp-top-table-main_kaspewrsky-140pm%3Ahomepage%2Fstory&utm_term=.cd995d7d1000)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Spineur on September 13, 2017, 10:07:30 AM
Quote from: k a rl h e nn i ng on September 13, 2017, 09:56:26 AM
Kaspersky the Friendly Ghostsky (https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/national-security/us-to-ban-use-of-kaspersky-software-in-federal-agencies-amid-concerns-of-russian-espionage/2017/09/13/36b717d0-989e-11e7-82e4-f1076f6d6152_story.html?hpid=hp_hp-top-table-main_kaspewrsky-140pm%3Ahomepage%2Fstory&utm_term=.cd995d7d1000)
I have Kaspersky AV on my computer.  It is better than MacAfee and other AV I have tested.  This ruling is 100% political and not based on any factual evidence.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on September 13, 2017, 10:10:24 AM
Quote from: Spineur on September 13, 2017, 10:07:30 AM
I have Kaspersky AV on my computer.  It is better than MacAfee and other AV I have tested.  This ruling is 100% political and not based on any factual evidence.

I use Kaspersky myself, and kissed MacAfee goodbye long ago.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: North Star on September 13, 2017, 10:12:16 AM
Quote from: Spineur on September 13, 2017, 10:07:30 AM
This ruling is 100% political and not based on any factual evidence.
So, not what we've come to expect from the Trump administration, at all.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Spineur on September 18, 2017, 05:21:28 PM
Any fan of Phileas Fog out there ? (http://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-cycling-world-80-days/british-cyclist-pedals-around-world-in-78-days-smashing-record-idUKKCN1BT2J2)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Spineur on September 20, 2017, 12:30:06 PM
Theresa May Coin (http://www.theresamaycoin.com)
is only worth 0.00362 $.  I would rather have a few bitcoins instead.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on September 21, 2017, 10:02:01 AM
Sweden to join NATO? (https://www.economist.com/news/europe/21729554-vladimir-putins-mock-attacks-scandinavia-could-make-swedes-end-200-years-neutrality?cid1=cust/ddnew/email/n/n/20170921n/owned/n/n/ddnew/n/n/n/nna/Daily_Dispatch/email&etear=dailydispatch)  Let's hope not.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on September 22, 2017, 07:20:25 AM
The President talked just the other day to the Prime Minister of the Swudan, who is doing a terrific job for his people.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Spineur on September 24, 2017, 10:49:49 AM
It looks like Angela Merkel and Martin Schulz took a beating in German elections at the expense of the extreme right AfD, and to  lesser extend to the liberals (FdP) and the Greens.  They are talking about forming a Jamaican coalition (CDU-FdP-Green).  At this stage it is a little hard to see how all this will unfold.  My take, is that it is good for France (Merkel will need Paris a lot more than in the past) but not good for the Italian who will be facing an even more difficult election next year.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Turner on September 24, 2017, 08:11:24 PM
The new right wing party is raising some relevant questions, but there are some seriously unpleasant people there:

http://www.haaretz.com/world-news/europe/.premium-1.813852

plus one of the main people, Alice Weidel, has apparently been using illegal, untaxed immigrant labour herself:

http://www.politico.eu/article/alice-weidel-afd-germany-election-far-right-leader-accused-of-illegally-hiring-syrian-refugee-report/

It will be very important how the AfD manages until the next election, and whether they implode somewhat in internal conflicts, or will get strength at those elections.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on September 25, 2017, 06:56:23 AM
Carlos Danger gets 21 months. (https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2017-09-25/anthony-weiner-sentenced-to-21-months-in-prison)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: zamyrabyrd on September 25, 2017, 07:07:48 AM
Quote from: k a rl h e nn i ng on September 22, 2017, 07:20:25 AM
The President talked just the other day to the Prime Minister of the Swudan, who is doing a terrific job for his people.

Just don't go to libraries in Sweden without a bodyguard: (Use "translate" on the upper right. )
http://www.friatider.se/v-ldet-kar-kraftigt-i-sveriges-bibliotek

Violence and social concern have increased significantly in Sweden's library in recent years. It shows a new survey from DIK, reports DN Culture. Sweden's social problems have moved into the libraries, the trade union believes.
Being quiet at libraries is a rule that is less respected in Sweden. On the contrary, more and more violence occurs in the country's library.
Two years ago, DIK released a surveyed survey that identified problems and social problems at the country's library. Since then it has not improved, but significantly worse. Now 73 percent of the respondent librarians say they experienced social concern at their libraries.


Seems like an alternative news site with plenty of other shocking articles, not exactly from happy campers in the socialist paradise. Interesting, the anti-cultural aspect of it.

Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Turner on September 25, 2017, 07:47:41 AM
Quote from: zamyrabyrd on September 25, 2017, 07:07:48 AM
Just don't go to libraries in Sweden without a bodyguard: (Use "translate" on the upper right. )
http://www.friatider.se/v-ldet-kar-kraftigt-i-sveriges-bibliotek

Violence and social concern have increased significantly in Sweden's library in recent years. It shows a new survey from DIK, reports DN Culture. Sweden's social problems have moved into the libraries, the trade union believes.
Being quiet at libraries is a rule that is less respected in Sweden. On the contrary, more and more violence occurs in the country's library.
Two years ago, DIK released a surveyed survey that identified problems and social problems at the country's library. Since then it has not improved, but significantly worse. Now 73 percent of the respondent librarians say they experienced social concern at their libraries.


Seems like an alternative news site with plenty of other shocking articles, not exactly from happy campers in the socialist paradise. Interesting, the anti-cultural aspect of it.

I was in Sweden for 5 weeks this summer and used them for internet etc. They where extremely quiet and with super helpful librarians, and of course there were no guards. Some urban area libraries experience problems, no doubt, just like in the US, where the use of security guards is not unknown either.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on September 26, 2017, 06:06:59 AM
Stereotype busted! (https://www.theguardian.com/science/2017/sep/26/playlist-of-the-lambs-psychopaths-prefer-rap-over-classical-music-study-shows)  In definitive study, psychopaths shown to prefer rap music.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Turner on September 26, 2017, 07:06:21 AM
We've just had a local concert here with rap music, that unfortunately ended in fighting, because the musicians attacked the public, and the police had to be called.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on September 26, 2017, 11:44:19 AM
Quote from: Turner on September 26, 2017, 07:06:21 AM
We've just had a local concert here with rap music, that unfortunately ended in fighting, because the musicians attacked the public, and the police had to be called.

rap music ... the musicians attacked the public

Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on September 26, 2017, 01:54:44 PM
There goes the kingdom. (http://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-41408195)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on September 27, 2017, 05:44:54 AM
No, possibly not the fluff you were thinking of?

How Fluff Became Famous (https://www.theatlantic.com/science/archive/2017/09/fluff-science-history/541143/)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on September 28, 2017, 01:06:17 PM
Turns out it's not good to see the forest for the trees. (https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2017/sep/28/alarm-as-study-reveals-worlds-tropical-forests-are-huge-carbon-emission-source)

(WE ARE ALL GOING TO DIE!!!)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: bwv 1080 on September 28, 2017, 01:20:05 PM
Quote from: Todd on September 28, 2017, 01:06:17 PM
Turns out it's not good to see the forest for the trees. (https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2017/sep/28/alarm-as-study-reveals-worlds-tropical-forests-are-huge-carbon-emission-source)



The reforestation from the 90%+ die-off of native americans in the 16th and 17th centuries lowered global temperatures by a couple of degrees, causing the little ice age - So there are remediations available
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Parsifal on September 28, 2017, 01:27:13 PM
Quote from: bwv 1080 on September 28, 2017, 01:20:05 PM
The reforestation from the 90%+ die-off of native americans in the 16th and 17th centuries lowered global temperatures by a couple of degrees, causing the little ice age - So there are remediations available

What population do you propose should be obliterated to reverse global warming?
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: bwv 1080 on September 28, 2017, 01:32:23 PM
Quote from: Scarpia on September 28, 2017, 01:27:13 PM
What population do you propose should be obliterated to reverse global warming?

could ask for volunteers first
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Turner on September 28, 2017, 09:06:57 PM
At least, some people are working. Pakistan has planted 1 billion trees in just 2 years, biodiversity being one of the objectives.
https://www.voanews.com/a/one-billion-trees-planted-in-pakistan-nw-province/3983609.html
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on October 01, 2017, 03:55:43 PM
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DLFlBtbWkAErTNH.jpg:large)


Only 42% turnout though.  My understanding is that it does not count; the Spanish court decreed the poll illegal.

Per the failing New York Times, 750 citizens were injured, along with 12 police. 

A good day for democracy?
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on October 01, 2017, 04:06:15 PM
Quote from: Todd on October 01, 2017, 03:55:43 PM
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DLFlBtbWkAErTNH.jpg:large)


Only 42% turnout though.  My understanding is that it does not count; the Spanish court decreed the poll illegal.

Per the failing New York Times, 750 citizens were injured, along with 12 police. 

A good day for democracy?

More interesting question: a good day for constitutionalism?
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on October 01, 2017, 04:15:23 PM
Quote from: Ken B on October 01, 2017, 04:06:15 PM
More interesting question: a good day for constitutionalism?


Hard to tell.  Another interesting question: a good day for the EU?
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on October 01, 2017, 04:19:26 PM
Quote from: Todd on October 01, 2017, 04:15:23 PM

Another interesting question: a good day for the EU?

Well there I must, as always, hope not. But too early to tell I think. The violence may haunt the Spanish government, since it was mostly unnecessary.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on October 01, 2017, 04:26:26 PM
Quote from: Ken B on October 01, 2017, 04:19:26 PMThe violence may haunt the Spanish government, since it was mostly unnecessary.


The police appear to have matched the best efforts of the LAPD or Chicago PD (OK, I exaggerate a bit), so I would think there will be consequences.  I wonder which minister is most directly responsible for this.  Surely Rajoy pawned off the decision on some patsy.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Florestan on October 01, 2017, 09:18:45 PM
Quote from: Ken B on October 01, 2017, 04:19:26 PM
Well there I must, as always, hope not. But too early to tell I think. The violence may haunt the Spanish government, since it was mostly unnecessary.

The responsibility for the violence and for the chaos that will follow falls entirely on the irresponsible leaders of the Catalonian separatism, Artur Mas and Carles Puigdemont, who in their thirst for power (for there is little else behind this madness other than the fanatical ambition of these people and their ilk to become Presidents and Prime-Ministers --- this, and the gullibility of the masses) have decided to trample under foot the Spanish Constitution and legislation and, which is perhaps even worse, to ally themselves with the far-left ERC and CUP who dream about establishing the Soviet Republic of Catalonia. If in doubt, google them. I'm sure our esteemed Spanish colleague ritter can add more illuminating information.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on October 02, 2017, 05:22:24 AM
Quote from: Florestan on October 01, 2017, 09:18:45 PMThe responsibility for the violence and for the chaos that will follow falls entirely on the irresponsible leaders of the Catalonian separatism, Artur Mas and Carles Puigdemont, who in their thirst for power (for there is little else behind this madness other than the fanatical ambition of these people and their ilk to become Presidents and Prime-Ministers --- this, and the gullibility of the masses) have decided to trample under foot the Spanish Constitution and legislation and, which is perhaps even worse, to ally themselves with the far-left ERC and CUP who dream about establishing the Soviet Republic of Catalonia. If in doubt, google them. I'm sure our esteemed Spanish colleague ritter can add more illuminating information.


Perhaps you can explain why the authorities had to pursue violence against unarmed people rather than letting them vote, especially in light of the fact that the Spanish court already decreed the vote illegal.  Let them have their fun, and then separatists could clamor on about Catalonian independence.  Now, there are victims of state violence, and Catalonian separatists can and will clamor on about independence and how oppressive and demonstrably violent the state is against its own people.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on October 02, 2017, 05:26:30 AM
Quote from: Todd on October 02, 2017, 05:22:24 AM

Let them have their fun, and then separatists could clamor on about Catalonian independence.  Now, there are victims of state violence, and Catalonian separatists can and will clamor on about independence and how oppressive and demonstrably violent the state is against its own people.

I think this is my position too. Taking some action, to assert jurisdiction, is warranted, but at a certain point you just let them perform the charade when it escalates. Need to know more. Initial reports are often misleading.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Florestan on October 02, 2017, 08:09:49 AM
How would the US government react and act if an independence referendum were called in Texas, and after the Supreme Court declared it illegal, the Governor and his gang would push it ahead nevertheless?
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: amw on October 02, 2017, 08:18:05 AM
I believe the last time it happened there was a minor dust-up of some kind involving blue and grey uniforms. It's quite a chore trying to keep up with events in the colonies though, they're always nattering on about taxes without representation.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on October 02, 2017, 08:38:48 AM
Quote from: Florestan on October 02, 2017, 08:09:49 AM
How would the US government react and act if an independence referendum were called in Texas, and after the Supreme Court declared it illegal, the Governor and his gang would push it ahead nevertheless?


Don't know for sure.  Violence could occur during voting, but I would think that it would be more likely to happen if any practical steps were taken to secede.  The conditions under which SCOTUS might issue a decision before something has happened seems remote, too, especially since it has already ruled definitively that secession is unconstitutional.  Obviously, your intent is to invoke secession and the Civil War, though it should be noted that the material economic and military conditions in the US today are fundamentally different than in 1860.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Florestan on October 02, 2017, 08:48:44 AM
Quote from: Todd on October 02, 2017, 08:38:48 AM
Obviously, your intent is to invoke secession and the Civil War

You're wrong. I had / have no such intention.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Parsifal on October 02, 2017, 09:13:19 AM
Quote from: Florestan on October 02, 2017, 08:09:49 AM
How would the US government react and act if an independence referendum were called in Texas, and after the Supreme Court declared it illegal, the Governor and his gang would push it ahead nevertheless?

I don't know that there is any basis in Federal Law to prevent people in any state from voting on anything, including secession from the union. It would be more likely in California, where there is an established procedure for ballot referenda, even allowing the public to vote on an amendment to the state constitution without action of the legislature (if enough signatures are collected). Even if such a thing were to get on the ballot and pass without being blocked by some court as being unconstitutional, I can't imagine that officials of any state would try to put it into force.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on October 03, 2017, 02:03:59 PM
Interesting take on Catalonia. https://pjmedia.com/spengler/2017/10/02/bells-barcelona-toll-europe/ (https://pjmedia.com/spengler/2017/10/02/bells-barcelona-toll-europe/)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: kishnevi on October 03, 2017, 02:08:43 PM
Quote from: Ken B on October 03, 2017, 02:03:59 PM
Interesting take on Catalonia. https://pjmedia.com/spengler/2017/10/02/bells-barcelona-toll-europe/ (https://pjmedia.com/spengler/2017/10/02/bells-barcelona-toll-europe/)

Everyone reads what they want to read in that election. Another rightwing columnist claimed the Independence movement is a top down affair propelled by leftists intent on protecting jihadis.

I would be interested in hearing what Ritter has to say on this topic.

Meanwhile in the not so Great Britain
https://articles.oregonlive.com/today/index.ssf/2017/10/panicked_london_train_commuter.amp
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on October 04, 2017, 03:57:00 PM
Quote from: geralmar on October 04, 2017, 11:11:33 AM
Texas separatists have been noticeably quiet in the wake of the massive federal assistance following Hurricanes Harvey and Irma.  The pitiful pleas of Texas politicians for more help from Washington is... revealing.

P.S.  I'm originally from Texas.

They were pretty quiet before too.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: zamyrabyrd on October 04, 2017, 11:23:27 PM
Quote from: Turner on September 28, 2017, 09:06:57 PM
At least, some people are working. Pakistan has planted 1 billion trees in just 2 years, biodiversity being one of the objectives.
https://www.voanews.com/a/one-billion-trees-planted-in-pakistan-nw-province/3983609.html

Where does one get 1,000,000,000 trees?
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Turner on October 04, 2017, 11:38:33 PM
Quote from: zamyrabyrd on October 04, 2017, 11:23:27 PM
Where does one get 1,000,000,000 trees?

Well, I just checked a bit. A typical birch tree produces 30 million seeds per year, for example. A lot of them are no doubt miniature trees so far, but the growth rate for some species can be surprising. And some further details about nurseries here, saying also that the programme isn´t fully completed yet https://www.dawn.com/news/1258918
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on October 06, 2017, 06:04:31 AM
Rhetorical question of the day: Can an 11-Year-Old Girl Consent to Sex? (https://www.nytimes.com/2017/10/05/opinion/sex-consent-france.html?action=click&pgtype=Homepage&clickSource=story-heading&module=opinion-c-col-left-region&region=opinion-c-col-left-region&WT.nav=opinion-c-col-left-region)  (And here I thought Yurpeans were all sophisticated and such.)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: ritter on October 07, 2017, 08:16:16 AM
Quote from: Florestan on October 01, 2017, 09:18:45 PM
...I'm sure our esteemed Spanish colleague ritter can add more illuminating information.
Quote from: Jeffrey Smith on October 03, 2017, 02:08:43 PM
...I would be interested in hearing what Ritter has to say on this topic.
Gentlemen, I apologize for the delay in responding, but I've been abroad on business all week.

As a firm believer in the unity of Spain, in the notion that sovereignty is held by the Spanish people as a whole, and in a constitution that appears to to me a perfectly reasonable and functioning one (even if, like most constiuions, it is far from perfect and can be subject to amendments) , my comments may come through as biased, but well...

I tend to agree with the notion that what has happened in Catalonia over the past several days (but that's been under gestation for much, much longer than that) is nothing other than a coup d'état. The melancholic strife for independence (melancholic in the sense of being nostalgic for something that Catalonia has never had) has its origins a long way back, but has as of late been promoted by the right-wing (mainly petty bourgeois) regionalist party PDCat (which had a hegemonic position in Catalan politics for several decades) and the left-wing ERC party ("Catalan Republican Left", which we must remember was behind similar secessionist movements before the Spanish civil war in the early 1930s, which ended blodily and catastrophically).

The big national parties (on either side of the political spectrum, the centre-left PSOE and the centre-right PP) have been all too willing to make concessions to the regionalist or separtist parties (the forerunner of the PDCat was certainly not secessionist until quite recently) in order to garner their support when necessary to form a majority in the national (that was done by both the PP and PSOE) or the regional (in the case of PSOE with the ERC) parliaments. So, while Spain was enjoying (the result of the restitution of democracy, the 1978 constitution and the adhesion to the EU) the longest period of proseperity and stability in living history (even taking into account the deep economic crisis of 2007-2016), the romantic idea that Catalans were better off on their own, and that all their woes were the fault of the rest of Spain was insidiously being fed to the population, even at schools. Meanwhile Catalonia--and most of Spain's regions--were enjoying a degree of self-government which exceeds even that of the German Länder.

It turns out that one of the main points the PDCat criticized about Spain, the rampant corruption in the public administration, was happening at an even higher degree in their own ranks (with their former leader and long-running president of the regional government, Jordi Pujol, at the helm). Public support for the party quickly eroded, and in order to retain power, they became the leaders of the pro-independence movement, entering into an unholy alliance with their sworn enemies: the traditional republican left (the aforementioned ERC) and a new player on far left, a party called CUP which can only be described as unruly, rebellious, anti-system and with anarchistic tendencies. In doing so, the PDCat betrayed its traditional voters, but seduced many with the romantic notion that "Catalonia will be the master of its own destiny" (even if that destiny will be one of disarray and restricted civil and economic liberties if ever the radical left comes to power).

One of the arguments used by the secessionists is that they are being ripped off--tax-wise--by the rest of Spain (which has been proven untrue, and which e.g. the residents of Spain's other richer regions--e.g. Madrid--could easily be tempted to say as well). What appears humorous (if it weren't tragic) is that even the radically leftist CUP party, turning its back on the left's traditional internationalism and adherence to solidarity principles, shares this way of thinking.

In a forward flight, the current regional government (that unholy alliance of PDCat and ERC, with parliamentary support of the radical CUP--without which the government would fall) accelerated the passing of legislation that would permit the referendum last Sunday (and the subsequent declaration of independence), with blatant disregard for due parliamentary process and, what is the most dangerous thing IMO, only one goal in mind: to take advantage of the recent, perverse notion that "democracy is not played out in the institutions, but on the streets". So, when the Spanish courts (which emanate from a system which--despite its flaws--is fully democratic and representative of all the people of Spain) issued interdictions against the regional parliament's unconstitutional decisions and against the holding of the referendum, the police had to be sent in to keep the rule of law. But, lo and behold, the police was met by throngs of not-so-passively resisting secessionists, and the regional government got exactly what it wanted: pictures of an "oppressed" people being "attacked" by the mean Spanish police. And, surprise surprise, the regional police did almost nothing to prevent these confrontations. I'm sure there may have been excesses by the police, but I also know that the police themselves were attacked in many places by the rebellious, and it seems that the real figure of injured civilians does not even reach 5% of the 800+ the regional government claims.

So, the events last Sunday led to what the left-wing radicals sought (and pushed the regional goverment--in its shortsightedness and ineptitude--to help create): an atmosphere of civil confrontation that seeks to subvert the established order (and one that has even been applauded by the national radical left-- the Podemos party--and some sectors of the PSOE--whose leader's political idée fixe as of late is to rid Spain of its right-wing PP government). And with this, suddenly, many seem to be realizing the mess and the dead end Catalonia has got itself into. This week, the big Catalan banks and other large corporations have decided to move their business headquarters elsewhere, and a bleak economic outlook for the near future in a hypothetically independent Catalonia--which would be out of the EU--is becoming clear.

Some people have criticized the (unusually) harsh speach of King Felipe VI on national televison last Tuesday. I'm afraid he had no choice but to assert the constitution, the sovereignty of all Spaniards and the rule of law, and that any overtures to the secessionists would have not helped in any way.

I do not know how this will all end. I doubt independence will happen, but the rift that has been criminally and unnecessarily created among the Catalan population by the gang of opportunists and incompotents that run the regional institutions will be difficult to heal. Only new regional elections (which appear inevitable in the near term) may clarify the picture and restore some rationalty into the situation.

Regards,

Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: kishnevi on October 07, 2017, 09:34:36 AM
Gracias!

The information I get here is either superficial news accounts, or filtered through heavily politicized eyes. So to say your clarification was helpful would be an understatement of how useful it is.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Florestan on October 09, 2017, 03:35:01 AM
A big thank you from me as well, Rafael. A most illuminating and informative post.

One thing is sure: a hypotethically independent Catalonia will never join the EU (France's Minister of European Affairs has clearly stated today that France will never recognize an independent Catalonia --- and Romania will have the same firm position, although probably less vocal) and the negotiations with Spain will made Brexit look like a picnic in the park. They will end up far, far worse than they are now.

I hope that in the end sanity and reasonableness will prevail.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Turner on October 10, 2017, 09:08:25 AM
In the last minute, Puigdemont postpones his speech about independence, due to internal negotiations ...

Let´s hope a non-violent outcome will be the result of all this.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Spineur on October 10, 2017, 10:11:08 AM
Quote from: Turner on October 10, 2017, 09:08:25 AM
In the last minute, Puigdemont postpones his speech about independence, due to internal negotiations ...

Let´s hope a non-violent outcome will be the result of all this.
He actually made a declaration of independence, then immediately suspended it to leave room for negotiation with spanish government.
In the past weeks, I wondered whether I should worry about this Catalonia affair.  Now, I know I dont.  It is a vaporous thing which will dissolve in nothingness.

Catalonia is a Schroedinger cat: dead and alive at the same time.  Can politics be compatible with quantum mechanics ?? How big is Puigdemont compared to Planck constant ?  Some 10^23 times bigger I would say.  You draw the obvious conclusion...
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Turner on October 11, 2017, 11:08:50 PM
Quote from: Spineur on October 10, 2017, 10:11:08 AM
He actually made a declaration of independence, then immediately suspended it to leave room for negotiation with spanish government.
In the past weeks, I wondered whether I should worry about this Catalonia affair.  Now, I know I dont.  It is a vaporous thing which will dissolve in nothingness.

Catalonia is a Schroedinger cat: dead and alive at the same time.  Can politics be compatible with quantum mechanics ?? How big is Puigdemont compared to Planck constant ?  Some 10^23 times bigger I would say.  You draw the obvious conclusion...
Yes, my post was made before the declaration of independence was known.
One shouldn´t totally underestimate the tempers of Spanish politics though, given the somewhat violent background history.


These countries have the most positive influence on the world:
https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2017/07/these-countries-have-the-most-positive-influence-on-the-world/?utm_content=bufferb4ad3&utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook.com&utm_campaign=buffer

Includes exact percentages.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: zamyrabyrd on October 11, 2017, 11:23:41 PM
Quote from: Turner on October 11, 2017, 11:08:50 PM
These countries have the most positive influence on the world:
https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2017/07/these-countries-have-the-most-positive-influence-on-the-world/?utm_content=bufferb4ad3&utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook.com&utm_campaign=buffer
Includes exact percentages.

I don't see anything exact in that article, only conjecture.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Turner on October 11, 2017, 11:37:41 PM
I agree, the content is too loosely founded and un-specific, so the percentage remark was ironical.
However there´s no doubt that parts of Western public tend to be ignorant of views in other countries. After all, it is still a slight surprise to me that Russia gets a - relatively - good placement.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Turner on October 13, 2017, 07:43:54 AM
The Kremlin has announced a 'very important statement' next week.

Presidential elections are to take place in 5 months.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on October 16, 2017, 01:46:53 PM
No, this was not an assassination, why do you ask? (http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-41637730)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Turner on October 17, 2017, 01:54:46 AM
A different extreme of weapon control:

In China´s Xinjiang province, all domestic knives above 10 cm must be registered and marked
https://chinadigitaltimes.net/2017/10/xinjiang-household-knives-must-ided/

and extreme surveillance means:

Moscow implementing a facial recognition street camera system:
https://www.theverge.com/2017/9/28/16378164/moscow-facial-recognition-cctv-arrests-crime-surveillance

China Xinjiang ditto:
https://www.buzzfeed.com/meghara/the-police-state-of-the-future-is-already-here?utm_term=.ulOxDa3yK#.pm1eDojqr
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on October 18, 2017, 10:11:01 AM
New challenger to face Putin in upcoming presidential election (https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/oct/18/putin-mentors-daughter-ksenia-sobchak-to-run-for-president) - and she's hot.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on October 19, 2017, 10:56:37 AM
All 45 Peanuts Specials, Ranked From Worst to Best (http://www.vulture.com/2015/12/peanuts-specials-ranked.html)

(From Christmas Eve 2015, so not news, really.)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Turner on October 19, 2017, 11:19:06 PM
What Russians think of Sobtchak´s presidential campaign

https://meduza.io/en/feature/2017/10/19/when-against-all-isn-t-necessarily-against-putin

The answers certainly illustrate a very varied range of approach ( ;D ), and her lack of an identifiable policy so far.

Also https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/oct/20/putin-rival-ksenia-sobchak-insists-she-is-not-part-of-kremlin-plot?CMP=share_btn_tw

("I have no political weight, and I haven't earned the right to launch some kind of political programme or stand as a candidate," said Ksenia Sobchak, in what might be the most tepid sentiment ever used to launch a presidential campaign.)

Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on October 24, 2017, 07:16:05 AM
China's leader elevated to the level of Mao in Communist pantheon. (https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/chinas-leader-elevated-to-the-level-of-mao-in-communist-pantheon/2017/10/24/ddd911e0-b832-11e7-9b93-b97043e57a22_story.html?hpid=hp_hp-top-table-main_china-xi-400am%3Ahomepage%2Fstory&utm_term=.3d7e96ae7612)


From the article:

"The move will make Xi the most powerful Chinese leader in decades, with ambitions to tighten party control over society and make his country a superpower on the world stage."

"The amendment of the party constitution effectively confirms Xi Jinping's aspiration to be the Mao Zedong of the 21st century — that means a top leader with no constraints on tenure or retirement age," said Willy Wo-Lap Lam, a political expert at the Chinese University of Hong Kong. "

"He would also have to amend the constitution if he wanted a third term as president — or appoint a loyal follower to the top job while retaining power behind the scenes, as Putin did in Russia in 2008."

"Nevertheless, the fact that Xi's name figures in the constitution puts him on a par with the party's "immortals," Mao and Deng, who had no term limits and did not retire, said Xie."



To some on this forum, this is what global leadership looks like.  Of course, it is AmPo, so maybe it is fake news.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on October 27, 2017, 06:09:02 AM
Those crazy Cats. (https://www.nytimes.com/2017/10/27/world/europe/spain-catalonia-puigdemont.html)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on October 27, 2017, 06:56:15 AM
But meanwhile, where are the Democrats? Basically nowhere. (https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/the-democrats-are-in-crisis-too/2017/10/26/ac195fce-ba8b-11e7-be94-fabb0f1e9ffb_story.html?hpid=hp_no-name_opinion-card-e%3Ahomepage%2Fstory&utm_term=.99b3f1733ec2)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on October 31, 2017, 06:58:06 AM
Something smells fishy. (https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2017/oct/31/women-rescued-at-sea-had-unused-emergency-beacon-us-coast-guard)  (Or, someone wanted to get on TV.)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Spineur on November 01, 2017, 10:27:46 AM
Nobody is surprised that fish and rice is a better diet than hamburger and fries.  But who would have guessed that pasta with chianti isnt bad at all !!
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: North Star on November 01, 2017, 10:46:17 AM
Quote from: Spineur on November 01, 2017, 10:27:46 AM
Nobody is surprised that fish and rice is a better diet than hamburger and fries.  But who would have guessed that pasta with chianti isnt bad at all !!
Note that the pasta & chianti consumers' statistics are based on self-reported data. Aside from Japan & Korea, clearly the recipe for low obesity rates is lying about your weight and height.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on November 02, 2017, 09:05:09 AM
After a little Chianti, we all feel good about life.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Spineur on November 03, 2017, 01:47:59 PM
A very cute story: Sophie a 12 year old British girl visited the Eiffel tower earlier this year.  She got so impressed with the monument she wrote a little poem about "La dame de fer" which she adressed to Francois Hollande at the Elysée palace 3 weeks before he left the office.  Six month later the newly elected president Emmanuel Macron took his pen and wrote a poem in english as a reply to little Sophie.  Here are Sophie letter and Emmanuel Macron reply
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Turner on November 04, 2017, 11:16:02 PM
Quote from: Turner on October 13, 2017, 07:43:54 AM
The Kremlin has announced a 'very important statement' next week.

Presidential elections are to take place in 5 months.

Well, there was no announcemnet of Putin´s candidacy that week, and any other, "very important statement" seemed to drown in the general news current.


Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Turner on November 04, 2017, 11:18:15 PM
"...............Like any boyband manager, he knows that snappy choreography and costume changes are key.

https://twitter.com/ChuBailiang/status/926369231666475008

;D


Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: bwv 1080 on November 06, 2017, 11:34:17 AM
Moving all the stones back an hour is a real struggle for workers at Stonehenge

(https://i.imgur.com/nxFWLpn.jpg)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on November 06, 2017, 12:06:10 PM
The Germans are making contingency plans for the collapse of Europe. Let's hope we are, too. (https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2017/nov/06/the-germans-are-making-contingency-plans-for-the-collapse-of-europe-lets-hope-we-are-too)  (Or, the Return of Realpolitik?)


From the op-ed:

"Meanwhile, Russia and China are no longer nibbling at the edges. They have begun to gnaw. A new "great game" is being played in the eastern Mediterranean in particular and "the west" barely has a strategy."

Every so often an author in Foreign Affairs or Foreign Policy might use the phrase Great Game outside its traditional context, but it is rare to see it used in a less specialized outlet.  I'm not so sure the author's analogy is persuasive, but it's nice to see some serious people in Europe are planning for the possible dissolution of the existing international order.  Eine deutsche Atombombe, anyone?
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: amw on November 06, 2017, 12:21:16 PM
Quote from: k a rl h e nn i ng on October 27, 2017, 06:56:15 AM
But meanwhile, where are the Democrats? Basically nowhere. (https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/the-democrats-are-in-crisis-too/2017/10/26/ac195fce-ba8b-11e7-be94-fabb0f1e9ffb_story.html?hpid=hp_no-name_opinion-card-e%3Ahomepage%2Fstory&utm_term=.99b3f1733ec2)
I posted this already, but basically they are travelling around the country to listen to what people have to say and then ignoring all the stuff those people said except the parts that support their neoliberal agenda (https://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2017/10/on-safari-in-trumps-america/543288/).

Weird country, where only Republicans are capable of winning elections and only Democrats are capable of passing laws. Good luck with that
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: NikF on November 12, 2017, 07:33:32 AM
Scotland just misses out on coming top of the pile again...

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/maps-and-graphics/cocaine-consumption-by-country

Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on November 13, 2017, 05:53:38 AM
We've turned the corner!  Hey, wait . . . (https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/energy-environment/wp/2017/11/13/fossil-fuel-emissions-projected-to-reach-an-all-time-high-in-2017-dashing-hopes-of-progress/?hpid=hp_hp-more-top-stories-2_emissions-555am%3Ahomepage%2Fstory&utm_term=.0c77269b2674)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on November 14, 2017, 06:26:13 AM
Not really new news: Richest 1% own half the world's wealth, study finds (https://www.theguardian.com/inequality/2017/nov/14/worlds-richest-wealth-credit-suisse)


One cannot dispute the facts, but it is this mangled sentence, and the sentiment behind it, that shows signs of shifting goal posts:

"The increase in wealth among the already very rich led to the creation of 2.3 million new dollar millionaires over the past year, taking the total to 36 million. "The number of millionaires, which fell in 2008, recovered fast after the financial crisis, and is now nearly three times the 2000 figure," Credit Suisse said."

The term "very rich" clearly does not refer to the 1% in the article title if one considers wealth on a national level.  I'm certain that a million dollars in financial assets in, say, Senegal is relatively more valuable than in the US, where a cool million in financial assets most certainly does not buy one access to the top 1%.  Might be a good time for financial millionaires (distinct from the housing wealthy) to buy some four hour fire rated safes to keep their fat stacks out of the grubby paws of statists intent on asset seizures in the name of addressing equality (and not just filling government coffers).
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on November 16, 2017, 09:42:21 AM
Money well spent? (https://www.csmonitor.com/USA/Society/2017/1116/Da-Vinci-s-Salvator-Mundi-sells-for-450-million)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Spineur on November 16, 2017, 10:51:13 AM
Quote from: Todd on November 16, 2017, 09:42:21 AM
Money well spent? (https://www.csmonitor.com/USA/Society/2017/1116/Da-Vinci-s-Salvator-Mundi-sells-for-450-million)
What is amazing is this Da Vinci painting was bought in 1958 for 45 pounds.  At the time it was thought to be a copy not an original.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Spineur on November 16, 2017, 10:57:53 AM
Israel seems ready to be the Saudi's auxillary and take the Lebanon Hezbollah one more time

https://www.yahoo.com/amphtml/news/israel-ready-cooperate-saudi-face-iran-defence-chief-172522643.htm (https://www.yahoo.com/amphtml/news/israel-ready-cooperate-saudi-face-iran-defence-chief-172522643.htm)

After the forced resignation of Hariri, the handwriting was on the wall.

The only question is when does this new middle-east war starts.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Turner on November 16, 2017, 11:15:48 AM
Quote from: Spineur on November 16, 2017, 10:57:53 AM
Israel seems ready to be the Saudi's auxillary and take the Lebanon Hezbollah one more time

https://www.yahoo.com/amphtml/news/israel-ready-cooperate-saudi-face-iran-defence-chief-172522643.htm (https://www.yahoo.com/amphtml/news/israel-ready-cooperate-saudi-face-iran-defence-chief-172522643.htm)

After the forced resignation of Hariri, the handwriting was on the wall.

The only question is when does this new middle-east war starts.

The link above didn´t work on my computer, but this did:
https://www.ndtv.com/world-news/israel-ready-to-cooperate-with-saudi-arabia-to-face-iran-defence-chief-1776398

"With President Donald Trump, there is a chance for a new international alliance in the region and a major strategic plan to stop the Iranian threat," Eisenkot (= Israeli military chief of staff) said.

There has indeed been many signs of an increasingly aggressive, militaristic Saudi Arabia in recent years too.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on November 18, 2017, 05:56:10 AM
With friends like these, who needs enemies? (https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/nov/18/nato-apologises-turkey-erdogan-ataturk-enemy-chart)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Spineur on November 18, 2017, 04:41:14 PM
The 25 billions $ bonanza for Alibaba single day = 160000 tons of packages&tapes garbage and no recycling.

http://uk.reuters.com/article/us-singles-day-waste/china-faces-waste-hangover-after-singles-day-buying-binge-idUKKBN1DH0WO (http://uk.reuters.com/article/us-singles-day-waste/china-faces-waste-hangover-after-singles-day-buying-binge-idUKKBN1DH0WO)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on November 20, 2017, 10:29:54 AM
Merkeldämmerung? (http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/germany-coalition-talks-fail-what-s-next-a-1179341.html)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Spineur on November 22, 2017, 06:55:47 AM
This man wants to prove the earth is flat.  This may cost him his life...


https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/speaking-of-science/wp/2017/11/21/this-man-is-about-to-launch-himself-in-his-homemade-rocket-to-prove-the-earth-is-flat/?utm_term=.5a37b62bc835 (https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/speaking-of-science/wp/2017/11/21/this-man-is-about-to-launch-himself-in-his-homemade-rocket-to-prove-the-earth-is-flat/?utm_term=.5a37b62bc835)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on November 22, 2017, 07:07:23 AM
Quote from: Spineur on November 22, 2017, 06:55:47 AM
This man wants to prove the earth is flat.  This may cost him his life...


AFV fodder.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: bwv 1080 on November 22, 2017, 07:27:29 AM
Quote from: Spineur on November 22, 2017, 06:55:47 AM
This man wants to prove the earth is flat.  This may cost him his life...


https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/speaking-of-science/wp/2017/11/21/this-man-is-about-to-launch-himself-in-his-homemade-rocket-to-prove-the-earth-is-flat/?utm_term=.5a37b62bc835 (https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/speaking-of-science/wp/2017/11/21/this-man-is-about-to-launch-himself-in-his-homemade-rocket-to-prove-the-earth-is-flat/?utm_term=.5a37b62bc835)

When Approaching the ground at terminal velocity the earth is flat to a first order approximation
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Turner on November 22, 2017, 11:39:10 PM
Go home and relax in stead ...  ;D

https://twitter.com/russian_market/status/933592801371217920
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on November 24, 2017, 06:52:34 AM
The failing New York Times reports that the Pentagon has lied about civilian deaths in the War on Terror. (https://www.nytimes.com/2017/11/23/opinion/america-war-casualties-soldiers.html?action=click&pgtype=Homepage&clickSource=story-heading&module=region&region=region&WT.nav=region)  Maybe "lied" is too harsh.  Maybe the Pentagon only consciously misled people.  I, for one, am shocked by such revelations. 

From the article:

'The American-led military coalition has claimed, for instance, that the ratio of civilian deaths to airstrikes in the operation against the Islamic State in Iraq is one for every 157 strikes. The New York Times Sunday Magazine's account found a ratio of one civilian death for every five airstrikes — more than 31 times the Pentagon's claim. The true number, wrote the authors, Azmat Khan and Anand Gopal, "is at such a distance from official claims that, in terms of civilian deaths, this may be the least transparent war in recent American history."'
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on November 25, 2017, 06:19:55 AM
Pentagon likely to acknowledge 2,000 U.S. troops in Syria: U.S. officials (https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-syria-military/pentagon-likely-to-acknowledge-2000-u-s-troops-in-syria-u-s-officials-idUSKBN1DO2II)

I mean, if the Pentagon lies about civilians killed in the War on Terror, it only makes sense that it would lie about troop levels in Syria.  It's not like it's a hot spot, or anything.  The Pentagon apparently also has to lie about troop levels in Iraq.  Better up its budget again next year.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Jo498 on November 25, 2017, 08:51:17 AM
Did anyone ever seriously expect them NOT to lie about such things? O.k., I get why it is "unimportant news"...
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on November 27, 2017, 08:18:53 AM
Amazon, in Hunt for Lower Prices, Recruits Indian Merchants (https://www.nytimes.com/2017/11/26/technology/amazon-india-merchants.html?hp&action=click&pgtype=Homepage&clickSource=story-heading&module=photo-spot-region&region=top-news&WT.nav=top-news)

Funny, this story didn't run in AmPo.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on December 01, 2017, 05:58:54 AM
Belgian prince says proposed pay cut would breach his human rights. (https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/dec/01/belgian-prince-laurent-human-rights-breached-pay-cut)

IOW, white trash bitches about welfare cut.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Florestan on December 05, 2017, 04:11:59 AM
King Mihai (Michael) of Romania has died today, aged 96. As a great-great-grandson of Queen Victoria, through both of his parents, Michael was a third cousin of Queen Margrethe II of Denmark, King Harald V of Norway, King Juan Carlos I of Spain, King Carl XVI Gustav of Sweden and Queen Elizabeth II.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michael_I_of_Romania (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michael_I_of_Romania)

(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/6/6b/Mihai_I_of_Romania.jpg/200px-Mihai_I_of_Romania.jpg) (http://www.romaniaregala.ro/wp-content/uploads/foto-mihai-i-ii.jpg)

October 25, 1921 - December 5, 2017

RIP.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on December 05, 2017, 05:41:43 AM
Academics and Artists Weigh In on Controversial City Monuments (https://www.nytimes.com/2017/12/02/arts/academics-and-artists-weigh-in-on-controversial-city-monuments.html?ref=todayspaper)

"The letter singles out the Christopher Columbus monument at Columbus circle, the statue of President Theodore Roosevelt outside of the American Museum of Natural History, the Dr. J. Marion Sims statue in Central Park, and two commemorative markers bearing the names of Philippe Pétain and Pierre Laval."

Columbus is old hat now, and frankly I'm surprised to learn that lefties have not expunged all record of his existence in NYC, while Sims was a bad dude, and who gives a rip about monuments to two Frenchies stateside, but TR?  In New York?
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on December 06, 2017, 10:23:45 AM
Russia election: Putin to run again for president
(http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-42256140)

Somewhat surprising, really.  He's received a lot of bad press lately.  I just don't know if he can eke out a win.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Brian on December 07, 2017, 06:29:18 AM
This guy isn't going to win the Texas governor's race, but his campaign intro video might change political ads forever. (https://www.andrewwhite.com/)

Or maybe I'm just hoping that that video will change political ads forever. Yeah, okay, I'm definitely just hoping that.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Spineur on December 07, 2017, 08:52:45 AM
Greece and Turkey trade accusations at the start of Erdogan visit

https://www.reuters.com/article/us-greece-turkey-erdogan/greece-and-turkey-trade-accusations-at-start-of-erdogan-visit-idUSKBN1E10S9 (https://www.reuters.com/article/us-greece-turkey-erdogan/greece-and-turkey-trade-accusations-at-start-of-erdogan-visit-idUSKBN1E10S9)

Where is the surprise ???
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: bwv 1080 on December 08, 2017, 06:35:26 AM
The best human-trained chess program in the world was just beat by a neural network that trained itself for only a couple of hours.  Unlike older chess programs where humans gave it basic strategy, Deep Mind was just given the rules of the game and taught itself through repeated games:

https://www.theverge.com/2017/12/6/16741106/deepmind-ai-chess-alphazero-shogi-go (https://www.theverge.com/2017/12/6/16741106/deepmind-ai-chess-alphazero-shogi-go)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Turner on December 08, 2017, 10:55:44 AM
"Tough on crime" policy:
"Man jailed for 15 years for hate crimes after leaving bacon in mosque"

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/muslim-hate-crime-bacon-mosque-man-jailed-15-years-michael-wolfe-florida-a8098926.html

(admittedly there was a bit more vandalism too)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on December 08, 2017, 11:03:35 AM
Quote from: Turner on December 08, 2017, 10:55:44 AM
"Tough on crime" policy:
"Man jailed for 15 years for hate crimes after leaving bacon in mosque"

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/muslim-hate-crime-bacon-mosque-man-jailed-15-years-michael-wolfe-florida-a8098926.html

(admittedly there was a bit more vandalism too)


Compare and contrast

https://abc10up.com/2017/06/28/prison-sentence-handed-man-kidnapped-woman/  (https://abc10up.com/2017/06/28/prison-sentence-handed-man-kidnapped-woman/)

Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on December 14, 2017, 04:16:04 AM
A $52.4 billion merger (https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/business/wp/2017/12/14/disney-buys-much-of-fox-in-mega-merger-that-will-shake-world-of-entertainment-and-media/?hpid=hp_hp-top-table-main_disneyfox-740am%3Ahomepage%2Fstory&utm_term=.ff748251d840)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on December 14, 2017, 07:51:51 AM
Quote from: k a rl h e nn i ng on December 14, 2017, 04:16:04 AM
A $52.4 billion merger (https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/business/wp/2017/12/14/disney-buys-much-of-fox-in-mega-merger-that-will-shake-world-of-entertainment-and-media/?hpid=hp_hp-top-table-main_disneyfox-740am%3Ahomepage%2Fstory&utm_term=.ff748251d840)

Two words: Auntie. Trust.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Florestan on December 15, 2017, 02:52:47 AM
King Mihai I of Romania lying in state at the Royal Palace in Bucharest. I queued up for 9 (nine!) hours to pay him my homage.

(http://ziuadecj.realitatea.net/Images/Articole/00167700/00168161_large.jpg)

Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Turner on December 15, 2017, 06:26:19 AM
Quote from: Todd on December 06, 2017, 10:23:45 AM
Russia election: Putin to run again for president
(http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-42256140)

Somewhat surprising, really.  He's received a lot of bad press lately.  I just don't know if he can eke out a win.

It has now been decided to hold those elections on the anniversary day of the Russian annexation of Crimea.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: kishnevi on December 15, 2017, 12:06:06 PM
Quote from: Florestan on December 15, 2017, 02:52:47 AM
King Mihai I of Romania lying in state at the Royal Palace in Bucharest. I queued up for 9 (nine!) hours to pay him my homage.

(http://ziuadecj.realitatea.net/Images/Articole/00167700/00168161_large.jpg)

Nine hours!
There are probably not that many who can remember back to the time when he actually was King.  But he must be a powerful symbol for the Romanian people.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Florestan on December 15, 2017, 12:21:52 PM
Quote from: Jeffrey Smith on December 15, 2017, 12:06:06 PM
Nine hours!

I took my place in line at 16:00 and I left the Royal Palace at 24:50. At that time there were still thousands of people in the queue.

Quote
There are probably not that many who can remember back to the time when he actually was King.  But he must be a powerful symbol for the Romanian people.

He is indeed the powerful symbol of the traditional Romania and of what we might have been had the communism not taken us over. And the contrast (in character, morality, thought, speech and behavior) between him and the present political establishment is enormous. Ninety-nine percent of the latter are not even fit to polish his shoes.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: zamyrabyrd on December 16, 2017, 04:08:12 AM
Quote from: Florestan on December 15, 2017, 12:21:52 PM
He is indeed the powerful symbol of the traditional Romania and of what we might have been had the communism not taken us over. And the contrast (in character, morality, thought, speech and behavior) between him and the present political establishment is enormous. Ninety-nine percent of the latter are not even fit to polish his shoes.

I saw part of the procession on TV, very impressive. With more coverage and airing out of communist fallacies, who knows, maybe a return to an enlighted monarchy might be in the cards?  There are still models and precedents in Europe and Britain that can be emulated.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Florestan on December 16, 2017, 10:15:31 AM
Quote from: zamyrabyrd on December 16, 2017, 04:08:12 AM
I saw part of the procession on TV, very impressive.

We watched it all (we were away from Bucharest) and at some point drove 45 minutes to a railway station to see the funeral train passing by (it went slowly so the crowd could see the coffin and the royal family; the atmosphere was unbelievably solemn and impressive). The King was buried in Curtea de Argeș (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Curtea_de_Arge%C8%99), the first capital of Wallachia and the official funeral site of the Romanian kings. Now all four of them lay there. It was a very long day and probably the most impressive and heartfelt state funeral Romania has, or will, ever seen.

I don't know what the future will be, but I will always remember December 16, 2017, the day when I saw history passing by in front of me. King Mihai I of Romania is the man who at the tender age of 23 defied Hitler by taking Romania out the military alliance with Nazi Germany and ordering the Romanian Army to fight against the former ally (not a single officer or soldier disobeyed this order) thus shortening WWII by at least six or seven months. He tried his best to oppose the USSR-backed communist takeover of Romania and was forced to abdicate at a gunpoint and a blackmail. Also, he was contemporary with 16 USA presidents, 8 popes and 4 UK kings. A remarkable statesman, a true gentleman, a devout Orthodox Christian and a genial, amiable and modest person. Requiescat in pace.

QuoteWith more coverage and airing out of communist fallacies, who knows, maybe a return to an enlighted monarchy might be in the cards?

There is very, very little chance but one can never say never. If God wills it, it will be. We can only hope and pray.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on December 16, 2017, 01:45:26 PM
Quote from: Florestan on December 16, 2017, 10:15:31 AM
We watched it all (we were away from Bucharest) and at some point drove 45 minutes to a railway station to see the funeral train passing by (it went slowly so the crowd could see the coffin and the royal family; the atmosphere was unbelievably solemn and impressive). The King was buried in Curtea de Argeș (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Curtea_de_Arge%C8%99), the first capital of Wallachia and the official funeral site of the Romanian kings. Now all four of them lay there. It was a very long day and probably the most impressive and heartfelt state funeral Romania has, or will, ever seen.

I don't know what the future will be, but I will always remember December 16, 2017, the day when I saw history passing by in front of me. King Mihai I of Romania is the man who at the tender age of 23 defied Hitler by taking Romania out the military alliance with Nazi Germany and ordering the Romanian Army to fight against the former ally (not a single officer or soldier disobeyed this order) thus shortening WWII by at least six or seven months. He tried his best to oppose the USSR-backed communist takeover of Romania and was forced to abdicate at a gunpoint and a blackmail. Also, he was contemporary with 16 USA presidents, 8 popes and 4 UK kings. A remarkable statesman, a true gentleman, a devout Orthodox Christian and a genial, amiable and modest person. Requiescat in pace.

There is very, very little chance but one can never say never. If God wills it, it will be. We can only hope and pray.

Generalissimo Francisco Franco is still dead.
So is Lord Protector Cromwell.
Napoleon Bonaparte isn't looking too good either.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: nodogen on December 16, 2017, 02:24:13 PM
The royal wedding is set to clash with the FA cup final.

Seems like the right thread.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on December 18, 2017, 06:15:59 AM
Fuck yeah! (https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/morning-mix/wp/2017/12/18/barring-the-f-word-and-other-immoral-or-scandalous-trademarks-is-unconstitutional-court-rules/?hpid=hp_hp-morning-mix_mm-trademarks%3Ahomepage%2Fstory&utm_term=.b3c8f18af28f)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: kishnevi on December 18, 2017, 07:21:18 AM
http://www.foxnews.com/us/2017/12/17/linda-sarsour-accused-enabling-sexual-assault-harassment-in-workplace.amp.html
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Spineur on December 18, 2017, 08:06:13 AM
There are good friends and there are great friends

https://pagesix.com/2017/12/13/george-clooney-gifted-14-friends-1m-each-says-rande-gerber (https://pagesix.com/2017/12/13/george-clooney-gifted-14-friends-1m-each-says-rande-gerber)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on December 18, 2017, 08:39:25 AM
Quote from: Spineur on December 18, 2017, 08:06:13 AM
There are good friends and there are great friends

https://pagesix.com/2017/12/13/george-clooney-gifted-14-friends-1m-each-says-rande-gerber (https://pagesix.com/2017/12/13/george-clooney-gifted-14-friends-1m-each-says-rande-gerber)


Pre-emptive hush money?
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Baron Scarpia on December 18, 2017, 02:53:09 PM
Sarah Palin's son  Track arrested for assault on her husband.

http://www.cnn.com/2017/12/18/politics/track-palin-arrested-domestic-violence/index.html

The last time Track Palin was arrested for a violent assault Sarah Palin blamed Obama. I wonder who is at fault this time.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on December 19, 2017, 03:59:23 AM
Oh, that'll be Obama still.  As a scapegoat, he will be evergreen.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: kishnevi on December 19, 2017, 08:55:02 AM
Quote from: Baron Scarpia on December 18, 2017, 02:53:09 PM
Sarah Palin's son  Track arrested for assault on her husband.

http://www.cnn.com/2017/12/18/politics/track-palin-arrested-domestic-violence/index.html

The last time Track Palin was arrested for a violent assault Sarah Palin blamed Obama. I wonder who is at fault this time.

Given the alcohol and pain medication aspect of this episode, I would expect the next bit of news to be "Track Palin Admitted to Celebrity Rehab Clinic".
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on December 19, 2017, 10:54:23 AM
I just saw a TV ad for this, and at the end, I found myself almost involuntarily thinking, Look at all those happy white people.


Fair disclosure:  I am white, and I hear me some Bible at least once a week 40 weeks out of the year.  But, Lawd, not out of a portable appliance.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Turner on December 21, 2017, 09:20:40 PM
2017: "The Year in Journalists' Facial Expressions"

https://twitter.com/brianstelter/status/943294459596496896

https://www.thecut.com/2017/12/best-reporter-reactions-2017.html
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Turner on December 25, 2017, 08:12:16 AM
Progress in history:"Macedonia Says It's Ready To Give Up Claim As Sole Heir To Alexander The Great's Legacy"

https://www.rferl.org/a/macedonia-yugolsavia-greece-alexander-great-name-dispute-eu/28935265.html



Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on December 30, 2017, 07:01:58 PM
The Great Stupiding continues apace https://news.hjnews.com/logan_hj/teacher-parents-weigh-in-on-nude-artwork-incident/article_cbcb8316-9f6e-56b7-93c1-14807cc595a9.html (https://news.hjnews.com/logan_hj/teacher-parents-weigh-in-on-nude-artwork-incident/article_cbcb8316-9f6e-56b7-93c1-14807cc595a9.html).
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on December 31, 2017, 10:57:51 AM
UN chief issues 'red alert' for the world (http://www.cnn.com/2017/12/31/us/un-secretary-general-2018-message-intl/index.html)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: bwv 1080 on January 02, 2018, 11:39:02 AM
Now hipsters can discover the all-natural joys of dysentary and cholera

https://sciencebasedmedicine.org/raw-water-latest-dangerous-natural-health-fad/ (https://sciencebasedmedicine.org/raw-water-latest-dangerous-natural-health-fad/)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on January 02, 2018, 03:10:34 PM
Quote from: bwv 1080 on January 02, 2018, 11:39:02 AM
Now hipsters can discover the all-natural joys of dysentary and cholera

https://sciencebasedmedicine.org/raw-water-latest-dangerous-natural-health-fad/ (https://sciencebasedmedicine.org/raw-water-latest-dangerous-natural-health-fad/)

When I was young our town had a referendum on fluoridating our water supply.

Here's the road to prosperity for depressed Flint, just up the road: water exports.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Spineur on January 04, 2018, 01:23:12 PM
Something I have not seen reported in the press: a searchable database with 1.4 billions password in clear has been discovered.  There are bitcoin platform passwords, bank account passwords, you name it.  Most of the passwords in this database havent been changed so far.

The current recommendation is now to stop storing passwords in navigators - something which isnt so easy to do.  Data stealing is going to become the new billion dollar illegal industry.

https://4iq.com/4iq-discovers-1-4-billion-clear-text-credentials-single-database/ (https://4iq.com/4iq-discovers-1-4-billion-clear-text-credentials-single-database/)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: bwv 1080 on January 05, 2018, 11:19:18 AM
And here I thought society was making meaningful progress in gender equality

https://www.livescience.com/61305-most-online-anti-vaxxers-are-women.html (https://www.livescience.com/61305-most-online-anti-vaxxers-are-women.html)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on January 11, 2018, 10:11:13 AM
Quote from: bwv 1080 on January 05, 2018, 11:19:18 AM
And here I thought society was making meaningful progress in gender equality

https://www.livescience.com/61305-most-online-anti-vaxxers-are-women.html (https://www.livescience.com/61305-most-online-anti-vaxxers-are-women.html)

Oof!
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on January 11, 2018, 10:11:39 AM
How robo-call moguls outwitted the government and wrecked the Do Not Call list (https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/magazine/how-robo-call-moguls-outwitted-the-government-and-completely-wrecked-the-do-not-call-list/2018/01/09/52c769b6-df7a-11e7-bbd0-9dfb2e37492a_story.html)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: bwv 1080 on January 11, 2018, 11:01:49 AM
Quote from: k a rl h e nn i ng on January 11, 2018, 10:11:39 AM
How robo-call moguls outwitted the government and wrecked the Do Not Call list (https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/magazine/how-robo-call-moguls-outwitted-the-government-and-completely-wrecked-the-do-not-call-list/2018/01/09/52c769b6-df7a-11e7-bbd0-9dfb2e37492a_story.html)

did you take care of that arrest warrant from the IRS?
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on January 11, 2018, 11:05:04 AM
Yes! But it cost me.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on January 11, 2018, 11:09:31 AM
Quote from: k a rl h e nn i ng on January 11, 2018, 10:11:39 AM
How robo-call moguls outwitted the government and wrecked the Do Not Call list (https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/magazine/how-robo-call-moguls-outwitted-the-government-and-completely-wrecked-the-do-not-call-list/2018/01/09/52c769b6-df7a-11e7-bbd0-9dfb2e37492a_story.html)

Find the ringleaders. Bomb their homes.

/Trump
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: bwv 1080 on January 11, 2018, 11:27:07 AM
Next time an obviously human telemarketer calls me I want to answer 'sorry I dont talk to computers' and see if they will try to convince me they are human
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on January 11, 2018, 11:35:52 AM
Who answers their phone if they don't know who's calling nowadays?  That's what voicemail is for. 

I do like the number-spoofing that has caught on where the display phone numbers that call from time to time are off from my phone number by one digit.  The "real" area code is often 805.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on January 11, 2018, 11:39:45 AM
Quote from: bwv 1080 on January 11, 2018, 11:27:07 AM
Next time an obviously human telemarketer calls me I want to answer 'sorry I dont talk to computers' and see if they will try to convince me they are human

You have a taste extremely delicate, and are for refining on your pleasures.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: bwv 1080 on January 11, 2018, 11:50:07 AM
Quote from: Todd on January 11, 2018, 11:35:52 AM


I do like the number-spoofing that has caught on where the display phone numbers that call from time to time are off from my phone number by one digit.  The "real" area code is often 805.

Yes, that it the tell now for a robocall
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Baron Scarpia on January 11, 2018, 02:12:05 PM
Apparently, applications for a U.S. VISA will include the following addition:

"Please check the box if your country of residence is categorized as a shithole country by the US Immigration and Naturalization Service.

http://www.cnn.com/2018/01/11/politics/immigrants-shithole-countries-trump/index.html
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: kishnevi on January 11, 2018, 05:39:13 PM
QuoteReached for comment about the article, White House spokesperson Raj Shah did not deny the "shithole" remark, but instead said in a statement that Trump "is fighting for permanent solutions that make our country stronger by welcoming those who can contribute to our society, grow our economy and assimilate into our great nation."

Living in SoFla, I have always worked with Haitians, and had many Haitian customers.  They, and the Haitian community here in general, match that description  of "those who can contribute..." very well.  Just another example of Trump's damaging ignorance.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Baron Scarpia on January 11, 2018, 08:25:38 PM
Quote from: Jeffrey Smith on January 11, 2018, 05:39:13 PM
Living in SoFla, I have always worked with Haitians, and had many Haitian customers.  They, and the Haitian community here in general, match that description  of "those who can contribute..." very well.  Just another example of Trump's damaging ignorance.

It is also a statistical fact that immigrants to the U.S. from Africa are, on average, better educated and more wealthy than the average U.S. citizen.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Spineur on January 12, 2018, 12:25:34 AM
I have a lovely true story about Haitians and the french culture.  I lived for 8 years in NJ and one of the NY radio broadcasted 3 hours a day Radio France International (still a very good radio) and the french government decided it wasnt worth it to pay for this service any more.  We the listeners were invited to send postcards to the ambassy so the service would continue.  To no avail, and it looked this RFI channel was doomed.
The Haitians saved us ! Indeed there is a large Haitian community in new york and particularly among the taxi drivers.  And what radio did they listend to ? RFI.
So the Hatian taxi drivers decided to block the 5th avenue at the level of the french consulate.  After 2 days of this blockade the RFI service was restored.  Merci aux Haitiens !
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: amw on January 12, 2018, 01:14:59 AM
The whole "Haiti is a shithole" thing is particularly telling given that Haiti is a country created by a slave revolution, which the US refused to have any relations with or allow any Haitians entry until the 1860s because they feared Haitians would incite revolts among American slaves, and which only won international recognition by taking out loans to pay back the slaveholders for their lost property, and then when they couldn't pay back the loans the US invaded Haiti in order to seize its financial reserves.... and later on the US backed a brutal dictator who essentially destroyed Haiti's wealth because of its own geopolitical interests in the Caribbean.... so when Trump claims Haiti is a shithole, guess who played the biggest role in making Haiti an awful place to live for the past 200 years.

Naomi Klein has talked about how the US is doing something similar in Puerto Rico (she calls it the shock doctrine) with the end goal of essentially depopulating the island in order to drive land values down and turn it into a tax haven/free market paradise/upmarket vacation home island for the wealthy. Estimates are that more than 300,000 Puerto Ricans have migrated to the mainland US since September, which is about ten percent of the entire population of the island. If the US still occupied Haiti it would probably be doing the same thing there.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on January 12, 2018, 03:01:16 AM
Quote from: Baron Scarpia on January 11, 2018, 08:25:38 PM
It is also a statistical fact that immigrants to the U.S. from Africa are, on average, better educated and more wealthy than the average U.S. citizen.

All part of the Resentment.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Mahlerian on January 12, 2018, 05:19:46 AM
Quote from: Baron Scarpia on January 11, 2018, 08:25:38 PM
It is also a statistical fact that immigrants to the U.S. from Africa are, on average, better educated and more wealthy than the average U.S. citizen.

And he who is never wrong keeps saying that "They're not sending their best," which prompts me to ask why all of these African nations are holding back their legions of super-geniuses and only sending us the college-educated folk? 
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on January 12, 2018, 05:22:03 AM
Quote from: Mahlerian on January 12, 2018, 05:19:46 AM
And he who is never wrong keeps saying that "They're not sending their best," which prompts me to ask why all of these African nations are holding back their legions of super-geniuses and only sending us the college-educated folk?
Even Trump should be quoted accurately. The not their best remark was about those applying in the lottery.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on January 12, 2018, 09:03:58 AM
Chicken pizza crust is an abomination that ruins both chicken and pizza
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Baron Scarpia on January 12, 2018, 09:15:17 AM
Quote from: Ken B on January 12, 2018, 05:22:03 AM
Even Trump should be quoted accurately. The not their best remark was about those applying in the lottery.

Not true. Trump made no reference to the immigration lottery when he made that remark in his campaign announcement.

QuoteWhen do we beat Mexico at the border? They're laughing at us, at our stupidity. And now they are beating us economically. They are not our friend, believe me. But they're killing us economically.

The U.S. has become a dumping ground for everybody else's problems.

Thank you. It's true, and these are the best and the finest. When Mexico sends its people, they're not sending their best. They're not sending you. They're not sending you. They're sending people that have lots of problems, and they're bringing those problems with us. They're bringing drugs. They're bringing crime. They're rapists. And some, I assume, are good people.

But I speak to border guards and they tell us what we're getting. And it only makes common sense. It only makes common sense. They're sending us not the right people.

It's coming from more than Mexico. It's coming from all over South and Latin America, and it's coming probably— probably— from the Middle East. But we don't know. Because we have no protection and we have no competence, we don't know what's happening. And it's got to stop and it's got to stop fast.

Full text:

https://historymusings.wordpress.com/2015/06/16/full-text-campaign-buzz-2016-june-16-2015-donald-trumps-presidential-announcement-speech-transcript/
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on January 12, 2018, 09:55:50 AM
Quote from: Baron Scarpia on January 12, 2018, 09:15:17 AM
Not true. Trump made no reference to the immigration lottery when he made that remark in his campaign announcement.

Full text:

https://historymusings.wordpress.com/2015/06/16/full-text-campaign-buzz-2016-june-16-2015-donald-trumps-presidential-announcement-speech-transcript/

The problem with that is the Mahlerian was referring to African immigrants. And Trump *did* say something about not the best that would apply to Africans, but in *that* case it referred to the lottery. So Mahlerian was indeed quoting Trump inaccurately.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: kishnevi on January 12, 2018, 10:17:27 AM
Quote from: amw on January 12, 2018, 01:14:59 AM
The whole "Haiti is a shithole" thing is particularly telling given that Haiti is a country created by a slave revolution, which the US refused to have any relations with or allow any Haitians entry until the 1860s because they feared Haitians would incite revolts among American slaves, and which only won international recognition by taking out loans to pay back the slaveholders for their lost property, and then when they couldn't pay back the loans the US invaded Haiti in order to seize its financial reserves.... and later on the US backed a brutal dictator who essentially destroyed Haiti's wealth because of its own geopolitical interests in the Caribbean.... so when Trump claims Haiti is a shithole, guess who played the biggest role in making Haiti an awful place to live for the past 200 years.

Naomi Klein has talked about how the US is doing something similar in Puerto Rico (she calls it the shock doctrine) with the end goal of essentially depopulating the island in order to drive land values down and turn it into a tax haven/free market paradise/upmarket vacation home island for the wealthy. Estimates are that more than 300,000 Puerto Ricans have migrated to the mainland US since September, which is about ten percent of the entire population of the island. If the US still occupied Haiti it would probably be doing the same thing there.

True about Haiti, but unless Klein thinks the US government controls hurricanes, her speculation is more fantasy than anything else.  And in the interim, those three hundred thousand emigrants are immediately eligible to vote, which means Florida might get much bluer by the November election.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on January 12, 2018, 11:42:38 AM
And people call us obsessive ...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=1&v=c47kn_Y4y8A (https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=1&v=c47kn_Y4y8A)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on January 15, 2018, 10:46:13 AM
Margaret Atwood faces backlash for #MeToo op-ed (http://www.cbc.ca/news/entertainment/atwood-oped-galloway-letter-1.4486936)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on January 15, 2018, 10:50:56 AM
Quote from: Todd on January 15, 2018, 10:46:13 AM
Margaret Atwood faces backlash for #MeToo op-ed (http://www.cbc.ca/news/entertainment/atwood-oped-galloway-letter-1.4486936)

Good for her.
I bet she's quaking in her boots.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: bwv 1080 on January 15, 2018, 01:30:18 PM
 "There's great demand for treating warfighter injuries with more natural, holistic remedies," said Col. Thomas Sorrenson, commander of the new program. Holistic medics have to not only know their pharmacology, such as which essential oils to use for local anesthesia, but also practical skills, like stopping a sucking chest wound in under 30 seconds through the power of positive thinking." (https://www.duffelblog.com/2018/01/armys-new-holistic-medics-treat-gunshot-wounds-crystals-essential-oils/?utm_campaign=coschedule&utm_source=facebook_page&utm_medium=Duffel%20Blog&utm_content=Army%27s%20new%20%27Holistic%20Medics%27%20treat%20gunshot%20wounds%20with%20crystals,%20essential%20oils)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Sergeant Rock on January 15, 2018, 01:46:28 PM
Quote from: bwv 1080 on January 15, 2018, 01:30:18 PM
"There's great demand for treating warfighter injuries with more natural, holistic remedies," said Col. Thomas Sorrenson, commander of the new program. Holistic medics have to not only know their pharmacology, such as which essential oils to use for local anesthesia, but also practical skills, like stopping a sucking chest wound in under 30 seconds through the power of positive thinking." (https://www.duffelblog.com/2018/01/armys-new-holistic-medics-treat-gunshot-wounds-crystals-essential-oils/?utm_campaign=coschedule&utm_source=facebook_page&utm_medium=Duffel%20Blog&utm_content=Army%27s%20new%20%27Holistic%20Medics%27%20treat%20gunshot%20wounds%20with%20crystals,%20essential%20oils)

;D :D ;D

Sarge
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on January 16, 2018, 03:13:17 AM
Oh, my . . . .
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on January 16, 2018, 05:32:41 AM
Brazil Joins France in Dangerous Pursuit to Snuff Out Fake News (http://observer.com/2018/01/brazil-france-toe-the-line-between-censorship-controlling-fake-news/)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on January 16, 2018, 10:29:49 AM
Oh, lawd:

("Oregon's weather is uniquely adverse"— i.e., it rains there.) (https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/progressives-rejoice-at-a-stunning-gift-the-right-to-pump-their-own-gas/2018/01/12/70135ed0-f6ea-11e7-b34a-b85626af34ef_story.html?utm_term=.8f3e198fe5b0)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on January 16, 2018, 11:35:11 AM
Quote from: k a rl h e nn i ng on January 16, 2018, 10:29:49 AM
Oh, lawd:

("Oregon's weather is uniquely adverse"— i.e., it rains there.) (https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/progressives-rejoice-at-a-stunning-gift-the-right-to-pump-their-own-gas/2018/01/12/70135ed0-f6ea-11e7-b34a-b85626af34ef_story.html?utm_term=.8f3e198fe5b0)


Oregon's state government is controlled by Dems, and Dems being Dems, the change mostly affects parts of the state that receive little rain.  Of course, many service stations in low population counties don't have modern pumps that accept point of service payment, so implementation will take years.  All in all, it's about as good a law as one can expect from the Oregon legislature. 
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on January 16, 2018, 11:40:56 AM
I was just having a debate on another site. A normally sensible Brit complaining bout those who stand on escalators. Everyone should stand on escalators! At least in crowded condidtions. (The fundamental reason is that laminar flow beats turbulent flow, and the only achievable laminar flow is everyone stands.)

https://www.nytimes.com/2017/04/04/us/escalators-standing-or-walking.html (https://www.nytimes.com/2017/04/04/us/escalators-standing-or-walking.html)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on January 16, 2018, 11:45:49 AM
Comedy News Network HLN's Ashleigh Banfield, doing her part to keep public discourse elevated: (https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/hln-host-ashleigh-banfield-slams-aziz-ansari-accuser-you-have-chipped-away-at-a-movement-1074877) "The only sentence a guy like that [Aziz Ansari] deserves is a bad case of blue balls..."
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: SurprisedByBeauty on January 16, 2018, 04:08:23 PM
Daniel Hope gets junior employee of Berlin's Konzerthaus fired out of revenge for a Youtube shred:

Offener Brief an Daniel Hope
VON MORITZ EGGERT  (http://blogs.nmz.de/badblog/2018/01/15/offener-brief-an-daniel-hope/?pk_campaign=feed&pk_kwd=offener-brief-an-daniel-hope&utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=twitter&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+BadBlogOfMusick+%28Bad+Blog+Of+Musick%29)

In German; translation coming soon.

Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Turner on January 18, 2018, 08:26:17 AM
Using a biplane for refugee smuggling to Europe

https://www.irishtimes.com/news/world/europe/police-chase-pilot-after-vintage-biplane-lands-in-hungarian-field-with-migrants-1.3360290?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on January 18, 2018, 09:16:57 AM
Sexual harassment and assault rife at United Nations, staff claim (https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2018/jan/18/sexual-assault-and-harassment-rife-at-united-%3Cbr%20/%3Enations-staff-claim)

Et tu, UN?
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: zamyrabyrd on January 19, 2018, 12:54:57 AM
Welcome to Google where everyday is Halloween!

https://pjmedia.com/trending/damore-suit-google-caters-to-furries-transgenderism-and-a-yellow-scaled-wingless-dragonkin/
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: zamyrabyrd on January 19, 2018, 01:49:36 AM
Quote from: Jeffrey Smith on January 12, 2018, 10:17:27 AM
True about Haiti, but unless Klein thinks the US government controls hurricanes, her speculation is more fantasy than anything else.  And in the interim, those three hundred thousand emigrants are immediately eligible to vote, which means Florida might get much bluer by the November election.

Not unless the Haitians have short memories for how the Clinton Foundation screwed them.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Baron Scarpia on January 19, 2018, 02:03:52 PM
Quote from: zamyrabyrd on January 19, 2018, 01:49:36 AM
Not unless the Haitians have short memories for how the Clinton Foundation screwed them.

? How could the Clinton Foundation have "screwed" them?
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Baron Scarpia on January 19, 2018, 02:11:04 PM
Wouldn't it be interesting if Trump has to give the state of the union message, but the government is shut down.

"The state of the union is......shut down. Hey, is this microphone working? Did they sent the A/V guy home?"
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on January 19, 2018, 02:20:30 PM
Quote from: Baron Scarpia on January 19, 2018, 02:11:04 PMWouldn't it be interesting if Trump has to give the state of the union message, but the government is shut down.


He doesn't have to give a speech to Congress.  That's residue from Wilson.  Trump should kill the tradition and revert to sending a report to Congress, but he loves cameras too much.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Spineur on January 20, 2018, 08:44:09 AM
Paul Bocuse, the pope of French cuisine died at 91.  His restaurants were in Lyon and the neighborhoods (Abbaye de Collonges).  The meal I had there was a lifetime experience.

Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Spineur on January 20, 2018, 09:06:16 AM
The devil just announced he was ending hell and free his ovens so Paul Bocuse could cook a Poularde demi-deuil for him.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Turner on January 20, 2018, 09:40:18 AM
Quote from: Spineur on January 20, 2018, 08:44:09 AM
Paul Bocuse, the pope of French cuisine died at 91.  His restaurants were in Lyon and the neighborhoods (Abbaye de Collonges).  The meal I had there was a lifetime experience.

A news story that made a lot of headlines and various news entries up here too ...
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Wendell_E on January 21, 2018, 05:10:04 AM
Quote from: Jeffrey SmithTrue about Haiti, but unless Klein thinks the US government controls hurricanes, her speculation is more fantasy than anything else.  And in the interim, those three hundred thousand emigrants are immediately eligible to vote, which means Florida might get much bluer by the November election.

Quote from: zamyrabyrd on January 19, 2018, 01:49:36 AM
Not unless the Haitians have short memories for how the Clinton Foundation screwed them.

Haiti's a country, not a U.S. territory, so Haitian emigrants wouldn't be eligible to vote in any case. He's referring to Puerto Rican emigrants.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: kishnevi on January 21, 2018, 07:57:30 AM
In SoFla, there's a considerable number of Haitian immigrants who are naturalized citizens.  All the ones I know voted for Clinton, and thought anyone who voted for Trump was crazy.

(But Wendell is correct.  I was referring to los boriquenos.)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: zamyrabyrd on January 22, 2018, 08:02:05 AM
Rather shocking news from a s**khole place, where loads of money enter and winds up in a sinkhole:
https://theintercept.com/2018/01/10/puerto-rico-electricity-prepa-hurricane-maria/

On Saturday, a day after becoming aware of a massive store of rebuilding materials being held by the Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority, the U.S. federal government — the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, along with their security detail — entered a Palo Seco warehouse owned by the public utility to claim and distribute the equipment, according to a spokesperson for the Corps...

The federal government "began distributing [supplies] to contractors," Vera said, including hard-to-find full-tension steel sleeves, critical to rebuilding. "We obtained several hundred of these sleeves on Saturday," Vera added. The armed encounter comes as around half of Puerto Ricans still remain without electricity well over 100 days after Hurricane Maria. As PREPA hoards crucial resources that could help remedy the island's dire situation, the Puerto Rican government is attempting to annihilate the power provider's only regulator.


Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on January 23, 2018, 06:37:49 AM
Hawaii governor didn't correct false missile alert sooner because he didn't know his Twitter password (https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/morning-mix/wp/2018/01/23/hawaii-governor-didnt-correct-false-missile-alert-sooner-because-he-didnt-know-his-twitter-password/?hpid=hp_hp-morning-mix_mm-hawaii%3Ahomepage%2Fstory&utm_term=.04472bd669e3)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Baron Scarpia on January 23, 2018, 07:34:48 AM
Quote from: Todd on January 23, 2018, 06:37:49 AM
Hawaii governor didn't correct false missile alert sooner because he didn't know his Twitter password (https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/morning-mix/wp/2018/01/23/hawaii-governor-didnt-correct-false-missile-alert-sooner-because-he-didnt-know-his-twitter-password/?hpid=hp_hp-morning-mix_mm-hawaii%3Ahomepage%2Fstory&utm_term=.04472bd669e3)

Civil defense alerts are implemented through twitter now? If you are not on twitter, you can burn up in the nuclear conflagration? I missed the memo.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: bwv 1080 on January 23, 2018, 07:55:53 AM
It may be a scam, but it how else can both I virtue and class signal at dinner?  (http://www.newsweek.com/campaign-organic-food-deceitful-expensive-scam-785493)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on January 24, 2018, 06:05:25 AM
Facebook should be regulated like a cigarette company, says Salesforce CEO (https://www.cnbc.com/2018/01/23/salesforce-ceo-marc-benioff-says-regulate-facebook-like-tobacco.html)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on January 26, 2018, 06:51:23 AM
Nutella 'riots' spread across French supermarkets (http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-42826028)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Spineur on January 27, 2018, 03:19:20 AM
Lots of flooding in Europe.  A couple of pics from the Seine in Paris.  The Zouave at the Alma bridge is used to compare the different floods in Paris.  For the highest one in 1910 the water reached his shoulders.  Not quite there yet.  But without the many retention basins that have been built, this flood would have been far worse.

Here in spite of the heavy rains, the basement is still dry.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on January 29, 2018, 02:15:55 PM
German carmakers backed studies exposing people and monkeys to toxic car exhaust (https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/worldviews/wp/2018/01/29/german-car-makers-backed-studies-exposing-people-and-monkeys-to-toxic-car-exhaust/?utm_term=.a88a07350d97)

In their defense, this happened years ago - in 2014.  No one knew any better back then.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on January 30, 2018, 04:50:17 AM
Were the people US Congressmen?
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: bwv 1080 on January 31, 2018, 01:08:54 PM
And here I thought ICOs were just a scam, this gives them a real air of legitimacy...

https://www.coindesk.com/venezuelas-president-announces-petro-token-pre-sale/ (https://www.coindesk.com/venezuelas-president-announces-petro-token-pre-sale/)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: bwv 1080 on February 07, 2018, 01:05:11 PM
QuoteBut "clean eating" is, at its best, a marketing tactic that spreads awareness about the connection between diet and health; and, at its worst, "clean eating" pushes the movement's anti-science and regressive ethos (which is similar to the anti-vaccination movement, another brain child of the coastal elites).For instance, you can't walk into Chipotle and miss their signs declaring that nothing on the premises is produced with GMOs. But even if we leave aside the truthiness of the assertion, who cares? The argument against GMOs has been as thoroughly debunked as the anti-vaxxer mantra that vaccination causes autism. (It certainly is no antidote for E. coli.)

https://www.nbcnews.com/think/opinion/clean-eating-has-become-such-sham-fast-food-chains-are-ncna845081 (https://www.nbcnews.com/think/opinion/clean-eating-has-become-such-sham-fast-food-chains-are-ncna845081)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on February 07, 2018, 06:51:09 PM
Billionaire Patrick Soon-Shiong reaches deal to buy L.A. Times and San Diego Union-Tribune (http://www.latimes.com/business/hollywood/la-fi-ct-los-angeles-times-sold-20180207-story.html)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on February 13, 2018, 05:50:59 AM
Quote from: Todd on February 07, 2018, 06:51:09 PM
Billionaire Patrick Soon-Shiong reaches deal to buy L.A. Times and San Diego Union-Tribune (http://www.latimes.com/business/hollywood/la-fi-ct-los-angeles-times-sold-20180207-story.html)

QuoteOn Wednesday, The Times' corporate parent, Tronc, announced that it had reached a deal to sell The Times, the San Diego Union-Tribune, Spanish-language Hoy Los Angeles and community newspapers to L.A. biotech billionaire Dr. Patrick Soon-Shiong. His investment firm, Nant Capital, agreed to pay $500 million for the Southern California papers and it will assume $90 million in pension liabilities.

The sale will bring a return to local ownership and possibly some stability for a 136-year-old institution that, in recent years, has lagged behind its better-resourced rivals on the East Coast. It caps a particularly stormy period for the newspaper, which has seen three editors in six months, its publisher placed on unpaid leave amid a sexual harassment investigation and a historic vote to unionize the newsroom.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on February 13, 2018, 06:29:25 AM
N.Y. landlord obliterated dozens of graffiti murals. Now he owes the artists $6.7 million.

[...] Cohen, a local artist known as Meres One, became the unpaid curator of what would become 5Pointz. Cohen organized a creative system in which aerosol artists would compete for prominent placement on the walls, according to court documents.

He divided up the space into two areas: Short-term walls, which catered to beginner artists and would be painted over on a rotating basis; and long-term walls, which were permanent.

Wolkoff gave Cohen and hundreds of other artists full reign to paint whatever they pleased, with only three exceptions: no religion, politics or sex. Artists from all backgrounds poured in from all over the world.

"5Pointz was an egalitarian place," Block wrote. "Some artists came from highly prestigious art schools; others were selftaught. Some were fixtures in elite, traditional art circles; others were simply dedicated to street and community art."
(https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/morning-mix/wp/2018/02/13/a-landlord-obliterated-dozens-of-graffiti-murals-now-he-owes-the-artists-6-7-million/?hpid=hp_hp-morning-mix_mm-murals%3Ahomepage%2Fstory&utm_term=.23247ab3d0d8)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: bwv 1080 on February 13, 2018, 10:29:35 AM
Those ignorant red-state Trump voters have no respect for science

Proposed California ballot initiative aligns GMO opponents with anti-vaxxers (https://geneticliteracyproject.org/2018/02/12/proposed-california-ballot-initiative-aligns-gmo-opponents-anti-vaxxers/)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Baron Scarpia on February 14, 2018, 10:24:13 AM
Crypto-currency craze 'hinders search for alien life'

http://www.bbc.com/news/technology-43056744

The question that comes to mind is, which of these two uses of computational power is more idiotic?
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Baron Scarpia on February 15, 2018, 04:12:57 PM
Tom Ashbrook dismissed from "On Point" by WBUR after an investigation validated claims that he created a hostile and abusive workplace environment (apparently not including sexual harassment).

http://www.wbur.org/onpoint/2018/02/15/on-point-host-tom-ashbrook-dismissed-from-wbur (http://www.wbur.org/onpoint/2018/02/15/on-point-host-tom-ashbrook-dismissed-from-wbur)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on February 16, 2018, 03:19:42 AM
Quote from: Baron Scarpia on February 15, 2018, 04:12:57 PM
Tom Ashbrook dismissed from "On Point" by WBUR after an investigation validated claims that he created a hostile and abusive workplace environment (apparently not including sexual harassment).

http://www.wbur.org/onpoint/2018/02/15/on-point-host-tom-ashbrook-dismissed-from-wbur (http://www.wbur.org/onpoint/2018/02/15/on-point-host-tom-ashbrook-dismissed-from-wbur)


Gosh.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Baron Scarpia on February 16, 2018, 08:05:11 AM
Well, some will attribute everything to cynical motives, but the left-leaning outlets don't give their own a pass on this sort of thing.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Wendell_E on February 20, 2018, 03:11:31 AM
Why is KFC closed? Courier DHL apologise as stores run out of chicken after it takes over contract (https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/dhl-apologise-kfc-chicken-shortage-12047682)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Baron Scarpia on February 20, 2018, 06:03:14 AM
Quote from: Wendell_E on February 20, 2018, 03:11:31 AM
Why is KFC closed? Courier DHL apologise as stores run out of chicken after it takes over contract (https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/dhl-apologise-kfc-chicken-shortage-12047682)

Anyone who has waited for a CD shipped by them can relate. :)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: bwv 1080 on February 20, 2018, 08:13:59 AM
Last year, Italy announced it was suffering from a measles "epidemic" and estimated that only 85 percent of its under two-year-olds are vaccinated against the disease (http://www.dw.com/en/measles-cases-soaring-in-europe-who-warns/a-42645701)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: SurprisedByBeauty on February 21, 2018, 04:47:39 AM
Is this unimportant news or a different kind of news? Gergiev extends contract w/Munich Phil. until 2025. (https://www.forbes.com/sites/jenslaurson/2018/02/21/valery-gergiev-stays-in-munich-extends-contract-to-2025/#388e077e2222)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on February 21, 2018, 10:53:25 AM
Billy the Altogether Worldly (https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/billy-graham-was-no-prophet-thats-why-america-loved-him/2018/02/21/398ce31a-1722-11e8-92c9-376b4fe57ff7_story.html?hpid=hp_no-name_opinion-card-c%3Ahomepage%2Fstory&utm_term=.5bddf2172106)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on February 22, 2018, 04:27:25 AM
Quote from: WikipediaLeland Jones Orser (born 1960/1961) is an American actor.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on February 25, 2018, 07:40:08 AM
China Moves to Let Xi Stay in Power by Abolishing Term Limit (https://www.nytimes.com/2018/02/25/world/asia/china-xi-jinping.html)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on February 26, 2018, 09:25:10 AM
Five Impossible Facts That Would Have To Be True If The Earth Were Flat (https://www.forbes.com/sites/startswithabang/2017/11/24/five-impossible-facts-that-would-have-to-be-true-if-the-earth-were-flat/#285a04467c4f)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Spineur on February 26, 2018, 04:48:28 PM
Slovak journalist murder
https://www.rappler.com/world/regions/europe/196970-slovak-police-probe-murder-investigative-journalist (https://www.rappler.com/world/regions/europe/196970-slovak-police-probe-murder-investigative-journalist)
follows a similar case in Malta.  What is the organisation behind the murders of anti-fraud investigations?  This is very disturbing....
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Spineur on February 26, 2018, 05:05:36 PM
Another disturbing news.  Israeli authorities decided to levy taxes on christian golgota shrine and consider churches as commercial property.  As a result the holy sepulcre shrine is now closed.

http://m.digitaljournal.com/news/world/church-at-jesus-s-traditional-burial-site-closed-for-second-day/article/515873 (http://m.digitaljournal.com/news/world/church-at-jesus-s-traditional-burial-site-closed-for-second-day/article/515873)

This christian shrine has existed close to 2 thousand years before the state of israel.  It has been a christian shrine for all this time...
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: kishnevi on February 26, 2018, 08:29:50 PM
Quote from: Spineur on February 26, 2018, 05:05:36 PM
Another disturbing news.  Israeli authorities decided to levy taxes on christian golgota shrine and consider churches as commercial property.  As a result the holy sepulcre shrine is now closed.

http://m.digitaljournal.com/news/world/church-at-jesus-s-traditional-burial-site-closed-for-second-day/article/515873 (http://m.digitaljournal.com/news/world/church-at-jesus-s-traditional-burial-site-closed-for-second-day/article/515873)

This christian shrine has existed close to 2 thousand years before the state of israel.  It has been a christian shrine for all this time...

To be clear: the taxes would apply to non church property owned by the Church, not to the property on which the church actually sits.

Full enforcement of Jewish law would require complete destruction of this and all other churches in Israel, since they are devoted to idol worship, in the eyes of Jewish law. Mosques would be untouched, since Islam is not idol worship.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on February 27, 2018, 05:50:16 AM
U.N. Links North Korea to Syria's Chemical Weapon Program (https://www.nytimes.com/2018/02/27/world/asia/north-korea-syria-chemical-weapons-sanctions.html?hp&action=click&pgtype=Homepage&clickSource=story-heading&module=first-column-region&region=top-news&WT.nav=top-news)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on February 28, 2018, 08:43:14 AM
Unreal.

https://www.theroot.com/woman-who-lied-to-police-about-3-black-men-raping-and-k-1823325223?utm_source=theroot_twitter&utm_medium=socialflow (https://www.theroot.com/woman-who-lied-to-police-about-3-black-men-raping-and-k-1823325223?utm_source=theroot_twitter&utm_medium=socialflow)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Baron Scarpia on February 28, 2018, 12:37:00 PM
Georgia Teacher Arrested after barricading himself in his classroom and firing a gun out the window.

https://www.cnn.com/2018/02/28/us/georgia-dalton-high-school-teacher-gunfire/index.html

Yes, if every teacher has a gun, that will solve everything.

Well, if the students have guns too, they can defend themselves against unhinged teachers.


Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on March 01, 2018, 04:42:58 AM
Quote from: Baron Scarpia on February 28, 2018, 12:37:00 PM
Yes, if every teacher has a gun, that will solve everything.

That is the conundrum of this season.  "Arm the teachers!" is idiocy, transparent to anyone who isn't an NRA pinhead or a narcissistic con man, or his enablers.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Baron Scarpia on March 05, 2018, 03:12:51 PM
Oscars' TV audience dropped to 26.5 million — an all-time low

http://www.latimes.com/business/hollywood/la-fi-ct-oscar-ratings-20180305-story.html
(http://www.latimes.com/business/hollywood/la-fi-ct-oscar-ratings-20180305-story.html)

Maybe it is sinking in there is nothing to admire about celebrities.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Mirror Image on March 05, 2018, 03:32:43 PM
Quote from: Baron Scarpia on March 05, 2018, 03:12:51 PM
Oscars' TV audience dropped to 26.5 million — an all-time low

http://www.latimes.com/business/hollywood/la-fi-ct-oscar-ratings-20180305-story.html
(http://www.latimes.com/business/hollywood/la-fi-ct-oscar-ratings-20180305-story.html)

Maybe it is sinking in there is nothing to admire about celebrities.

I didn't watch The Oscars, but I'm sick and tired of celebrities using award shows as a platform to rant and rave about politics. Those who actually do something about anything are the ones that don't even feel compelled to speak about it as their actions do the talking for them. These celebrities live in a bubble that's so far removed from our society that when they do manage to get out of this bubble, they look at us as if we're aliens from another planet entirely. But this isn't anything we didn't know already.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: André on March 08, 2018, 12:30:11 PM
Anybody celebrating International Women's Day ?

For the occasion, Canada Mint is issuing its new 10$ bill, featuring Viola Desmond.


https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Viola_Desmond (https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Viola_Desmond)

(https://assets.vancouverisawesome.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/08092350/viola-desmond-10-dollars-1.jpg)

10 years before Rosa Parks, Desmond, a Black woman, refused to leave the Whites-only ground floor seat in a Halifax movie theater (the balcony was reserved to the Blacks). She was arrested, detained and fined. The Province of Nova Scotia issued a posthumous apology and pardon...in 2010. At least this makes up for such a belated gesture.

Happy Woman's Day, Viola !
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on March 08, 2018, 03:47:58 PM
Quote from: André on March 08, 2018, 12:30:11 PM
Anybody celebrating International Women's Day ?

For the occasion, Canada Mint is issuing its new 10$ bill, featuring Viola Desmond.


https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Viola_Desmond (https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Viola_Desmond)

(https://assets.vancouverisawesome.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/08092350/viola-desmond-10-dollars-1.jpg)

10 years before Rosa Parks, Desmond, a Black woman, refused to leave the Whites-only ground floor seat in a Halifax movie theater (the balcony was reserved to the Blacks). She was arrested, detained and fined. The Province of Nova Scotia issued a posthumous apology and pardon...in 2010. At least this makes up for such a belated gesture.

Happy Woman's Day, Viola !

Yet another first the yanks try to take credit for! ;)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: EddieRUKiddingVarese on March 08, 2018, 06:26:51 PM
Horror at Prague National Museum as curators discover their 'priceless' diamonds are cut glass and rubies are synthetic
http://www.msn.com/en-au/news/world/...0bC?ocid=ientp
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on March 09, 2018, 10:38:47 AM
Martin Shkreli sentenced to 7 years in prison for defrauding investors (https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/business/wp/2018/03/09/martin-shkreli-to-be-sentenced-friday-faces-more-than-decade-in-prison/?utm_term=.69c640ec476e)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on March 10, 2018, 05:22:50 PM
Nun dies in court while fighting convent sale to Katy Perry (https://www.theguardian.com/music/2018/mar/11/nun-dies-in-court-while-fighting-convent-sale-to-katy-perry)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: kishnevi on March 14, 2018, 08:39:49 AM
The altright as soap opera
https://www.splcenter.org/hatewatch/2018/03/13/twp-chief-matthew-heimbach-arrested-battery-after-affair-top-spokesmans-wife

The kicker is buried well down in the story
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on March 15, 2018, 03:31:09 AM
Uh-oh.

She found a dating app on her boyfriend's phone. Then she bought a samurai sword. (https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/morning-mix/wp/2018/03/15/she-found-a-dating-app-on-her-boyfriends-phone-then-she-bought-a-samurai-sword/?utm_term=.896519cb9f9f)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on March 15, 2018, 03:37:42 AM
Quote from: Jeffrey Smith on March 14, 2018, 08:39:49 AM
The altright as soap opera
https://www.splcenter.org/hatewatch/2018/03/13/twp-chief-matthew-heimbach-arrested-battery-after-affair-top-spokesmans-wife

The kicker is buried well down in the story

". . . recorded their occupations as . . ."

The closing paragraph is . . . something else, as well, of course.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on March 15, 2018, 07:16:55 AM
I was at the second of these.

http://kenblogic.blogspot.com/2018/03/compare-and-contrast.html?m=1 (http://kenblogic.blogspot.com/2018/03/compare-and-contrast.html?m=1)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on March 15, 2018, 08:51:19 AM
Quote from: Ken B on March 15, 2018, 07:16:55 AM
I was at the second of these.

http://kenblogic.blogspot.com/2018/03/compare-and-contrast.html?m=1 (http://kenblogic.blogspot.com/2018/03/compare-and-contrast.html?m=1)

Hamilton, Ontario?  An old mate of mine lives there.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Spineur on March 15, 2018, 11:53:39 AM
Mafia is a trademark that should not be trivialized, rules the European court of justice... >:D  >:D

https://www.yahoo.com/amphtml/news/mafia-restaurant-cant-trademarked-eu-court-132757078.html (https://www.yahoo.com/amphtml/news/mafia-restaurant-cant-trademarked-eu-court-132757078.html)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Turner on March 17, 2018, 03:06:40 AM
Voting procedures among the Yamb To people in Russia

https://www.rferl.org/a/russia-nomads-voting/29098970.html
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on March 17, 2018, 05:47:42 AM
Quote from: k a rl h e nn i ng on March 15, 2018, 08:51:19 AM
Hamilton, Ontario?  An old mate of mine lives there.
Yes. I am moving there actually.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: milk on March 17, 2018, 06:14:23 AM
Unimportant...Hmm...well, it's the MOST important news to me. But in the scheme of things...anyway: My son was born early Thursday morning. I've been flying high since then, but I'm also exhausted!
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on March 17, 2018, 06:22:17 AM
Quote from: milk on March 17, 2018, 06:14:23 AM
Unimportant...Hmm...well, it's the MOST important news to me. But in the scheme of things...anyway: My son was born early Thursday morning. I've been flying high since then, but I'm also exhausted!

Cool. Congratulations.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: North Star on March 17, 2018, 06:23:52 AM
Quote from: milk on March 17, 2018, 06:14:23 AM
Unimportant...Hmm...well, it's the MOST important news to me. But in the scheme of things...anyway: My son was born early Thursday morning. I've been flying high since then, but I'm also exhausted!
Congratulations!
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: ritter on March 17, 2018, 06:40:40 AM
Quote from: milk on March 17, 2018, 06:14:23 AM
Unimportant...Hmm...well, it's the MOST important news to me. But in the scheme of things...anyway: My son was born early Thursday morning. I've been flying high since then, but I'm also exhausted!
Congratulations from me as well!
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Mahlerian on March 17, 2018, 07:04:05 AM
Quote from: milk on March 17, 2018, 06:14:23 AM
Unimportant...Hmm...well, it's the MOST important news to me. But in the scheme of things...anyway: My son was born early Thursday morning. I've been flying high since then, but I'm also exhausted!

Congratulations.  That is far from unimportant news!
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: André on March 17, 2018, 12:15:58 PM
Yeah, you should post that in the Life Changing News thread!  ;)

Congratulations !  :D
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on March 17, 2018, 12:26:12 PM
Quote from: André on March 17, 2018, 12:15:58 PM
Yeah, you should post that in the Life Changing News thread!  ;)

Congratulations !  :D


Yeah, I was amused by that. It's good news but he might not be ready for how big a change it is! :)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: milk on March 17, 2018, 03:13:30 PM
Quote from: André on March 17, 2018, 12:15:58 PM
Yeah, you should post that in the Life Changing News thread!  ;)

Congratulations !  :D
Quote from: Mahlerian on March 17, 2018, 07:04:05 AM
Congratulations.  That is far from unimportant news!
Quote from: North Star on March 17, 2018, 06:23:52 AM
Congratulations!
Quote from: Ken B on March 17, 2018, 06:22:17 AM
Cool. Congratulations.
Thanks all!!!!! So excited!
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: milk on March 17, 2018, 03:15:39 PM
Quote from: Ken B on March 17, 2018, 12:26:12 PM

Yeah, I was amused by that. It's good news but he might not be ready for how big a change it is! :)
I've gotta take this one day at a time. It's all too much. Unbelievable. I love the little guy so much. 7.7 lbs. yay!
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on March 18, 2018, 08:02:38 AM
Quote from: milk on March 17, 2018, 03:15:39 PM
I've gotta take this one day at a time. It's all too much. Unbelievable. I love the little guy so much. 7.7 lbs. yay!

It takes you by surprise doesn't it?
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Baron Scarpia on March 18, 2018, 08:42:58 AM
Quote from: André on March 17, 2018, 12:15:58 PM
Yeah, you should post that in the Life Changing News thread!  ;)

Knowing this place, if we did have a Life Changing News thread it would quickly fill up with posts about how the Knappertsbusch Parsifal was finally remastered, and such...
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on March 18, 2018, 11:23:33 AM
It's Putin by a whisker! (http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-43452449)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on March 18, 2018, 11:43:44 AM
Quote from: Baron Scarpia on March 18, 2018, 08:42:58 AM
Knowing this place, if we did have a Life Changing News thread it would quickly fill up with posts about how the Knappertsbusch Parsifal was finally remastered, and such...

It has??
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: LKB on March 18, 2018, 11:44:19 AM
Quote from: Baron Scarpia on March 18, 2018, 08:42:58 AM
Knowing this place, if we did have a Life Changing News thread it would quickly fill up with posts about how the Knappertsbusch Parsifal was finally remastered, and such...
Wait, what? When?

:D,

LKB
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on March 19, 2018, 04:05:04 AM
Quote from: milk on March 17, 2018, 06:14:23 AM
Unimportant...Hmm...well, it's the MOST important news to me. But in the scheme of things...anyway: My son was born early Thursday morning. I've been flying high since then, but I'm also exhausted!

Wonderful news!  The birth, not the exhaustion . . . .
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: milk on March 19, 2018, 06:35:38 AM
Quote from: k a rl h e nn i ng on March 19, 2018, 04:05:04 AM
Wonderful news!  The birth, not the exhaustion . . . .
Thanks!!!! I'm still walking on air.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: LKB on March 19, 2018, 09:37:13 PM
Congratulations, milk!

Singing " Happy Birthday ",

LKB
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: milk on March 20, 2018, 06:13:35 AM
Quote from: LKB on March 19, 2018, 09:37:13 PM
Congratulations, milk!

Singing " Happy Birthday ",

LKB
Thanks!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Little Sammy is here!
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: zamyrabyrd on March 20, 2018, 08:34:11 AM
Quote from: milk on March 17, 2018, 03:15:39 PM
I've gotta take this one day at a time. It's all too much. Unbelievable. I love the little guy so much. 7.7 lbs. yay!

Congratulations. Does Sammy have any sisters or brothers?
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Baron Scarpia on March 20, 2018, 08:37:36 AM
I read a little bit about what went on in the story where a company named Cambridge Analytics made unauthorized use of Facebook Data. Apparently they wrote a Facebook App which presented itself as a personality test. But when a user ran it, it would vacuum up extensive data from the facebook account of the user, and from accounts of anyone on the users friends list. This seems to include data that the users and users' friends did not explicitly agree to share.

I get tired of Zuckerman's chirpy statements about how he wants to make everyone more connected, and how this will solve all the problems in the world, when what he really wants to do is seduce you into revealing highly personal information with a highly addictive platform then sell that information to the highest bidder. The real problem he wants to solve is the problem that there is some money in the world which he does not have.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: André on March 20, 2018, 08:57:53 AM
+1
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Sergeant Rock on March 20, 2018, 10:13:17 AM
Sir Ringo

http://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-43472196


Sarge
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on March 20, 2018, 10:52:21 AM
Quote from: Sergeant Rock on March 20, 2018, 10:13:17 AM
Sir Ringo

http://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-43472196


Sarge

High time, really.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: milk on March 20, 2018, 01:36:52 PM
Quote from: zamyrabyrd on March 20, 2018, 08:34:11 AM
Congratulations. Does Sammy have any sisters or brothers?
Thanks you!
This is my first child. I'm a bit of an old dad. :) I still can't get over the excitement. My wife and Sam came home today.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: André on March 20, 2018, 03:26:55 PM
Welcome, Sam !

(https://az616578.vo.msecnd.net/files/2016/04/29/635975367544728716-223799986_pbear-coming-home1.jpg)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on March 21, 2018, 04:20:41 AM
Wonderful!  God give you joy!
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Turner on March 21, 2018, 06:28:20 AM
Quote from: Todd on March 18, 2018, 11:23:33 AM
It's Putin by a whisker! (http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-43452449)

Official turnout versus that counted by Reuters, at 12 election stations:


https://www.reuters.com/article/us-russia-election-carousel-insight/identical-twins-and-carousels-russias-fairground-election-idUSKBN1GX1TC

Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: zamyrabyrd on March 21, 2018, 06:30:20 AM
Quote from: milk on March 20, 2018, 01:36:52 PM
Thanks you!
This is my first child. I'm a bit of an old dad. :) I still can't get over the excitement. My wife and Sam came home today.

Well, kids keep us young, if not up at night.
There is a saying about children, though: "One plus one is more than two".
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: milk on March 21, 2018, 11:28:05 AM
Quote from: zamyrabyrd on March 21, 2018, 06:30:20 AM
Well, kids keep us young, if not up at night.
There is a saying about children, though: "One plus one is more than two".
;D
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on March 26, 2018, 05:32:19 AM
In other words: Medical bankruptcy probably wasn't nearly as big a problem as people thought when we were passing our giant new health-care program. And to the extent that it was a problem, Obamacare probably didn't do much to fix it. (https://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/post-partisan/wp/2018/03/26/the-truth-about-medical-bankruptcies/?utm_term=.c3175ae4c793)

("The Truth About Medical Bankruptcies")
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on March 26, 2018, 07:28:28 PM
FTC Confirms It's Investigating Facebook For Possible Privacy Violations (https://www.npr.org/sections/thetwo-way/2018/03/26/597135373/ftc-confirms-its-investigating-facebook-for-possible-privacy-violations)

I downloaded the data Facebook has on me.  Since I use it close to an hour a year - since I joined in 2011, I've liked two things and sent one message - the haul was rather small, though the list of advertisers who have my data was unsurprisingly large.  I recognize a couple of the companies.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on March 27, 2018, 05:48:32 AM
And today, on Adventures in the Weird Trade:

Feds say self-help guru coerced followers into sex, had them branded with a cauterizing pen

[...] The self-help organization promises to introduce "a new ethical understanding" in adherents with a mix of New Age jargon and Ayn Randian self-determination. But according to federal authorities, Raniere used his position of power to lock women into a bizarre master-slave relationship. (https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/morning-mix/wp/2018/03/27/feds-say-self-help-guru-coerced-followers-into-sex-had-them-branded-with-a-cauterizing-pen/?utm_term=.d90d50adf617)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: kishnevi on March 27, 2018, 06:49:06 PM
https://forward.com/fast-forward/397634/russian-deadly-mall-fire-sparks-blood-libels-against-the-jews/
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Turner on March 27, 2018, 11:08:25 PM
Quote from: Jeffrey Smith on March 27, 2018, 06:49:06 PM
https://forward.com/fast-forward/397634/russian-deadly-mall-fire-sparks-blood-libels-against-the-jews/

"Vultures' And 'Self-Hype': Russian Officials See Ulterior Motives In Public Outrage Over Deadly Fire"
https://www.rferl.org/a/siberia-kermerovo-tuleyev-fire-governor-public-outrage/29128492.html

"Pushkinskaya sq in central Moscow filled with people marching in solidarity with Kemerovo following Sunday's tragic fire"
https://twitter.com/NoahSneider/status/978665607397863425
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on March 28, 2018, 03:12:59 AM
Quote from: Jeffrey Smith on March 27, 2018, 06:49:06 PM
https://forward.com/fast-forward/397634/russian-deadly-mall-fire-sparks-blood-libels-against-the-jews/

Well, since bigotry is being so successfully fostered here in the United States, why should Moscow hold back?
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Turner on March 28, 2018, 11:55:57 AM
Quote from: Jeffrey Smith on March 27, 2018, 06:49:06 PM
https://forward.com/fast-forward/397634/russian-deadly-mall-fire-sparks-blood-libels-against-the-jews/

An interesting, and perhaps depressingly surprising, survey of anti-semitism in the countries of the former USSR/Eastern Block etc., posted today:

https://twitter.com/pewglobal/status/979059294136971264

Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: kishnevi on March 28, 2018, 05:32:24 PM
Quote from: Turner on March 28, 2018, 11:55:57 AM
An interesting, and perhaps depressingly surprising, survey of anti-semitism in the countries of the former USSR/Eastern Block etc., posted today:

https://twitter.com/pewglobal/status/979059294136971264

22% in Romania? Florestan , what's going on there!
Quote from: k a rl h e nn i ng on March 28, 2018, 03:12:59 AM
Well, since bigotry is being so successfully fostered here in the United States, why should Moscow hold back?
Reverting back. The last trial for the classic blood libel charge was 105 years ago, in Russia. And it was after all the Tsarist police who came up with Protocols of the Elders of Zion.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: André on March 29, 2018, 12:36:37 PM
Quote from: Turner on March 28, 2018, 11:55:57 AM
An interesting, and perhaps depressingly surprising, survey of anti-semitism in the countries of the former USSR/Eastern Block etc., posted today:

https://twitter.com/pewglobal/status/979059294136971264

Ukraine stands out in a positive way. It wasn't always like that... ::)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Turner on March 29, 2018, 12:39:27 PM
Quote from: André on March 29, 2018, 12:36:37 PM
Ukraine stands out in a positive way. It wasn't always like that... ::)

yes, and it´s quite remarkable, the difference to many of the other countries.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Baron Scarpia on March 31, 2018, 10:28:45 PM
Gibson, the iconic American Guitar manufacturer, is reportedly on the verge of bankruptcy

https://www.nytimes.com/2018/03/30/business/gibson-guitars-bankruptcy.html?action=click&module=Editors%20Picks&pgtype=Homepage

Richly deserved, IMO.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on April 01, 2018, 05:29:06 PM
London murder rate overtakes New York's (http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-london-43610936)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on April 08, 2018, 06:01:04 AM
For American lefties, the stuff that dreams are made of:

Lula begins prison sentence in Brazil after giving himself up to police (https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/apr/07/crowds-in-sao-paulo-block-lula-from-handing-himself-in)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on April 08, 2018, 06:24:30 PM
Orban Wins Sweeping Majority, and Control of Hungary's Constitution (https://www.nytimes.com/2018/04/08/world/europe/hungary-election-viktor-orban.html)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: kishnevi on April 08, 2018, 06:29:14 PM
Quote from: Todd on April 08, 2018, 06:01:04 AM
For American lefties, the stuff that dreams are made of:

Lula begins prison sentence in Brazil after giving himself up to police (https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/apr/07/crowds-in-sao-paulo-block-lula-from-handing-himself-in)

To be fair, the Right has similar fantasies regarding Hillary...
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on April 08, 2018, 06:34:26 PM
Quote from: Jeffrey Smith on April 08, 2018, 06:29:14 PM
To be fair, the Right has similar fantasies regarding Hillary...


Yes, but she lost the big one, and an imprisoned former Senator and Secretary of State just doesn't have the same pizazz as an imprisoned former President. 
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Baron Scarpia on April 11, 2018, 06:04:04 AM
John Boehner's new job is selling pot.   :o

https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2018-04-11/ex-speaker-john-boehner-joins-marijuana-firm-s-advisory-board
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on April 11, 2018, 09:09:01 AM
Quote from: Baron Scarpia on April 11, 2018, 06:04:04 AM
John Boehner's new job is selling pot.   :o

https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2018-04-11/ex-speaker-john-boehner-joins-marijuana-firm-s-advisory-board
A good fit, growing weed actually. Retired politicians need a use for all that leftover bullshit.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on April 13, 2018, 05:03:45 PM
Belgian army criticised for plan to let homesick cadets sleep at home (https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/apr/12/belgian-army-criticised-for-plan-to-let-homesick-cadets-to-sleep-at-home)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: SurprisedByBeauty on April 15, 2018, 05:45:47 AM

Having been called an example of "the egregious level to which certain internet music journalism has sunk (https://www.facebook.com/jlaurson/posts/10154948867922989)" by Daniel Hope, I've now had a review called "incredibly insightful (https://twitter.com/philipglass/status/977188046230650880)" by Philip Glass. I think that about evens the score.  ;D
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on April 15, 2018, 05:47:40 AM
Quote from: SurprisedByBeauty on April 15, 2018, 05:45:47 AM
Having been called an example of "the egregious level to which certain internet music journalism has sunk (https://www.facebook.com/jlaurson/posts/10154948867922989)" by Daniel Hope, I've now had a review called "incredibly insightful (https://twitter.com/philipglass/status/977188046230650880)" by Philip Glass. I think that about evens the score.  ;D
Cool!
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on April 15, 2018, 04:03:42 PM
CBS erroneously publishes obituary for former first lady Barbara Bush (http://www.sacbee.com/news/nation-world/national/article208965064.html)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Baron Scarpia on April 17, 2018, 03:44:32 PM
One of my friends has deactivated her facebook account. How will I spy on her now?   ::)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: André on April 18, 2018, 05:52:15 AM
Only in Canada...

(https://www.ctvnews.ca/polopoly_fs/1.3887642.1523919652!/httpImage/image.jpg_gen/derivatives/landscape_620/image.jpg)


https://www.ctvnews.ca/politics/house-of-commons-hears-tributes-moment-of-silence-for-humboldt-broncos-1.3887236 (https://www.ctvnews.ca/politics/house-of-commons-hears-tributes-moment-of-silence-for-humboldt-broncos-1.3887236)

338 MPs from all political parties donned hockey jerseys in Monday's session to pay tribute to the 16 victims of the bus crash that decimated a local hockey team. A welcome show of unity and humanity from our fractious politicians.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Sergeant Rock on April 18, 2018, 06:47:30 AM
Quote from: Baron Scarpia on April 17, 2018, 03:44:32 PM
One of my friends has deactivated her facebook account. How will I spy on her now?   ::)

The old-fashioned way: with binoculars and a telephoto lens  ;D

Sarge
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Baron Scarpia on April 18, 2018, 08:20:52 AM
Quote from: Sergeant Rock on April 18, 2018, 06:47:30 AM
The old-fashioned way: with binoculars and a telephoto lens  ;D

Sarge

My binoculars are of limited utility at a range of 300 miles. :)

On a more sobering note, I found out that my friend was motivated to delete her facebook account after a very serious identity-fraud attack.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: amw on April 19, 2018, 07:45:23 PM
https://donotlink.it/YjZP

Lebrecht & co. on the Pulitzer Prize in Music being awarded to a hip-hop album.

I don't want to keep calling things he does a "new low", but this is probably a new low.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Spineur on April 24, 2018, 12:05:10 PM
Somewhat surprising and a bit shocking

Anti-Semitic letter by Wagner sold at auction in Jerusalem

http://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-israel-wagner/anti-semitic-letter-by-wagner-sold-at-auction-in-jerusalem-idUKKBN1HV2KE (http://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-israel-wagner/anti-semitic-letter-by-wagner-sold-at-auction-in-jerusalem-idUKKBN1HV2KE)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: kishnevi on April 24, 2018, 06:47:41 PM
Quote from: Spineur on April 24, 2018, 12:05:10 PM
Somewhat surprising and a bit shocking

Anti-Semitic letter by Wagner sold at auction in Jerusalem

http://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-israel-wagner/anti-semitic-letter-by-wagner-sold-at-auction-in-jerusalem-idUKKBN1HV2KE (http://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-israel-wagner/anti-semitic-letter-by-wagner-sold-at-auction-in-jerusalem-idUKKBN1HV2KE)

Facts are facts. He was a horrible person but a great musician.

Bernstein said of Wagner, "I despise him on bended knee."
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Baron Scarpia on April 27, 2018, 02:21:52 PM

The US House of Representatives Chaplin was apparently fired for offering this prayer during the period when the tax cut was being considered:

QuoteMay all members be mindful that the institutions and structures of our great nation guarantee the opportunities that have allowed some to achieve great success, while others continue to struggle. May their efforts these days guarantee that there are not winners and losers under new tax laws, but benefits balanced and shared by all Americans.

The wish that the benefits of tax cuts be shared by all Americans was evidently considered abhorrent by the Republican caucus.  ???

http://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-43925423 (http://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-43925423)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Wendell_E on April 28, 2018, 02:16:59 AM
Quote from: Baron Scarpia on April 27, 2018, 02:21:52 PM


The wish that the benefits of tax cuts be shared by all Americans was evidently considered abhorrent by the Republican caucus.  ???



That's important, but not really news.  ;)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: LKB on April 28, 2018, 07:53:16 AM
This certainly qualifies as unimportant news:

From now until my favorite film re-enters the theaters on May 18th, any posts of mine in the " x-word posts " threads or other such fun threads, will relate to either 2001: A Space Odyssey specifically, or to general cinematic terms, devices etc.

I know, you've been waiting all week to read that...  :D

Just my whimsical way of expressing my building excitement for the event, I'll be back to my normal, boring self soon enough.

1:4:9,

LKB
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on April 30, 2018, 04:50:25 AM
Quote from: LKB on April 28, 2018, 07:53:16 AM
This certainly qualifies as unimportant news:

From now until my favorite film re-enters the theaters on May 18th, any posts of mine in the " x-word posts " threads or other such fun threads, will relate to either 2001: A Space Odyssey specifically, or to general cinematic terms, devices etc.

I know, you've been waiting all week to read that...  :D

Just my whimsical way of expressing my building excitement for the event, I'll be back to my normal, boring self soon enough.

1:4:9,

LKB

Follow your bliss!
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Baron Scarpia on May 03, 2018, 10:44:20 AM
On an earnings call for Tesla, an analyst asked about revenue and production levels of the Model 3. Musk replied, "Boring bonehead questions are not cool. Next." The stock lost 8% of it's value.

Time to short Tesla? I think they are going down, hard.  :o
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on May 27, 2018, 01:21:26 PM
Who killed Bobby Kennedy? His son RFK Jr. doesn't believe it was Sirhan Sirhan. (https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/retropolis/wp/2018/05/26/who-killed-bobby-kennedy-his-son-rfk-jr-doesnt-believe-it-was-sirhan-sirhan/?utm_term=.2c661ae0e6c1)

RFK, Jr is going to give anti-vaccine whackjobs a bad name.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on May 29, 2018, 04:22:07 AM
Rudy Giuliani took in a ballgame at Yankee Stadium for his 74th birthday. The crowd booed him.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: geralmar on May 29, 2018, 09:59:11 PM
Televangelist asks followers to pay for jet plane so he won't have to fly commercial with "a bunch of demons."

http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/nationworld/ct-televangelist-jesse-duplantis-private-jet-20180529-story.html
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Moonfish on May 29, 2018, 10:01:43 PM
Quote from: geralmar on May 29, 2018, 09:59:11 PM
Televangelist asks followers to pay for jet plane so he won't have to fly commercial with "a bunch of demons."

http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/nationworld/ct-televangelist-jesse-duplantis-private-jet-20180529-story.html

Wait! I always feel that way when I fly!  ??? :o

https://www.youtube.com/v/i1PikITKKYY
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: André on May 30, 2018, 03:48:02 AM
Quote from: geralmar on May 29, 2018, 09:59:11 PM
Televangelist asks followers to pay for jet plane so he won't have to fly commercial with "a bunch of demons."

http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/nationworld/ct-televangelist-jesse-duplantis-private-jet-20180529-story.html

Sickening.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on May 30, 2018, 04:48:04 AM
There's no question why he's smiling . . .

http://www.youtube.com/v/2-rfCnW5VlE
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on May 31, 2018, 11:01:09 AM
Ohio man calls police when pig follows him home (https://www.washingtonpost.com/video/national/ohio-man-calls-police-when-pig-follows-him-home/2018/05/21/364fc026-5d1f-11e8-b656-236c6214ef01_video.html?utm_term=.9375b0159278)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Moonfish on May 31, 2018, 11:10:50 AM
Quote from: k a rl h e nn i ng on May 31, 2018, 11:01:09 AM
Ohio man calls police when pig follows him home (https://www.washingtonpost.com/video/national/ohio-man-calls-police-when-pig-follows-him-home/2018/05/21/364fc026-5d1f-11e8-b656-236c6214ef01_video.html?utm_term=.9375b0159278)

I think WP is in decline....
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on June 01, 2018, 03:45:03 AM
Quote from: Moonfish on May 31, 2018, 11:10:50 AM
I think WP is in decline....

I think, rather, the environment is in decline.  The editors think, We give so many columns to this oafish President, we should give some space to actual pigs, for balance . . . .
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Mahlerian on June 02, 2018, 07:04:16 AM
A whole bunch of news stories came out saying that pop music is more sad than ever, and science proves it.  Well, here's the paper in question...

http://rsos.royalsocietypublishing.org/content/5/5/171274

I have to say that those graphs are really, really awful.  Unmarked breaks in the Y axes, comparing different scales of Y axis, etc. etc.  It's difficult to extract meaningful information from them without actually looking at each individual item and analyzing the graph, because they are not visually comparable.

Looking at the data they give, though, it's not that pop songs are suddenly more sad than happy.  It's that there's been an upwards trend in successful sad songs and a downwards one in successful happy songs; there are still more successful happy pop songs.

(http://rsos.royalsocietypublishing.org/content/royopensci/5/5/171274/F2.large.jpg?width=800&height=600&carousel=1)

Much stronger is the correlation they give with the increase in "Atonal" characteristics (whatever the heck they mean by that) among all songs across the corpus, so let's put an alternate headline to this story, equally attention-grabbing and just as stupid:

Science Says Pop Music More Atonal Than Ever Before
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Baron Scarpia on June 03, 2018, 11:04:05 PM
I've mentioned this before an been poo-pood, but this is monumental:

China increasingly challenges American dominance of science

https://www.washingtonpost.com/national/health-science/china-challenges-american-dominance-of-science/2018/06/03/c1e0cfe4-48d5-11e8-827e-190efaf1f1ee_story.html?utm_term=.5770be876aa1

Starting in the 1990's, with Newt Gingrich and his "contract with America" US support for basic research has eroded. First science failed to grow as fast as the economy, then it failed to keep up with inflation, then it started going down in uncorrected dollars. In the next year or two China will surpass the US in support for basic science.

Having worked in academic science in the past, the trend is obvious. It used to be that students from China would come to the US, get their advanced degrees, then settle in the US to have academic careers, start companies, or become extremely valuable employees. Now, increasingly they are taking their American Educations and returning to China. Established Chinese scientists are being lured back to China because trying to make a career in basic science has become a miserable undertaking.

Maybe Trump is right, manufacturing will return to the US. We will be making socks, tennis shoes and throwaway clothes for export to China, and assembling advanced Chinese tech products in American sweat shops.

The absurdity of Trump claiming we have to dig coal and preserve coal fired generation for national security reasons! Maybe we have to revive steam engines for national security. The biggest threat to our national security is that we are handing technological leadership to our adversaries by eviscerating our scientific and technical infrastructure.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: LKB on June 04, 2018, 08:35:23 AM
Quote from: Baron Scarpia on June 03, 2018, 11:04:05 PM
I've mentioned this before an been poo-pood, but this is monumental:

China increasingly challenges American dominance of science

https://www.washingtonpost.com/national/health-science/china-challenges-american-dominance-of-science/2018/06/03/c1e0cfe4-48d5-11e8-827e-190efaf1f1ee_story.html?utm_term=.5770be876aa1

Starting in the 1990's, with Newt Gingrich and his "contract with America" US support for basic research has eroded. First science failed to grow as fast as the economy, then it failed to keep up with inflation, then it started going down in uncorrected dollars. In the next year or two China will surpass the US in support for basic science.

Having worked in academic science in the past, the trend is obvious. It used to be that students from China would come to the US, get their advanced degrees, then settle in the US to have academic careers, start companies, or become extremely valuable employees. Now, increasingly they are taking their American Educations and returning to China. Established Chinese scientists are being lured back to China because trying to make a career in basic science has become a miserable undertaking.

Maybe Trump is right, manufacturing will return to the US. We will be making socks, tennis shoes and throwaway clothes for export to China, and assembling advanced Chinese tech products in American sweat shops.

The absurdity of Trump claiming we have to dig coal and preserve coal fired generation for national security reasons! Maybe we have to revive steam engines for national security. The biggest threat to our national security is that we are handing technological leadership to our adversaries by eviscerating our scientific and technical infrastructure.

Absolutely correct on all points.

During the Cold War, there used to be a saying among party members in the Soviet Union:

" When the time comes for America to stand with her head in the noose, an American will sell us the rope. "

A few years ago,  I lived in a boarding house owned by a Chinese couple. My former landlord and -lady are quite personable and intelligent, and appreciative of the opportunities they've been afforded by choosing to live in the USA.

One night we were discussing the " corporate espionage " which the Chinese government has been engaged in for many years now. I asked for confirmation that in China, the police have the de facto power to arrest anyone at any time, for any reason, regardless of whether a crime had been committed. They confirmed that this was the case, one of many reasons for their emigrating.

I then opined that even Chinese who were coming to work in the USA with perfectly innocent intentions could be suborned into espionage at some point, upon receiving an email informing them that their families were now " guests " of the government, and would remain so until certain data available from the hosting company ( or government agency ) had been obtained and delivered or transmitted to China.

My friends allowed that this was possible, though they had no actual first - hand knowledge of any such situation.  ( Nor have l, but when considering a police state it doesn't take a huge stretch of the imagination to envision such an occurrence.  )

It really is quite simple: Aside from diplomatic and ambassadorial staff, and  regardless of the economic, political or diplomatic consequences, no citizen of China should be allowed into the USA who hasn't gone through the immigration process.

Draconian? Perhaps,  but these are not " normal " times. The Chinese desire recognition as a superpower, preferably at the expense of the USA. And their bullying in the Pacific continues, since nobody has the will or courage needed to put a stop to it.

I could go on for a good long while,  but my point should be clear enough...

Democratically,

LKB

Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on June 04, 2018, 08:37:52 AM
Making Americans Boneheads Again!
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Moonfish on June 04, 2018, 02:48:16 PM
Hmmmm

Star Wars fan spends $284,000 building the ultimate Darth Vader collection

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2751836/The-Force-strong-one-Star-Wars-fan-spends-175-000-building-ultimate-Darth-Vader-collection.html

(http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2014/09/11/1410426746860_wps_1_PIC_FROM_CATERS_NEWS_PICT.jpg)
(http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2014/09/11/1410427929700_wps_5_PIC_FROM_CATERS_NEWS_PICT.jpg)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on June 04, 2018, 03:57:33 PM
Quote from: Moonfish on June 04, 2018, 02:48:16 PM
Hmmmm

Star Wars fan spends $284,000 building the ultimate Darth Vader collection

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2751836/The-Force-strong-one-Star-Wars-fan-spends-175-000-building-ultimate-Darth-Vader-collection.html

(http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2014/09/11/1410426746860_wps_1_PIC_FROM_CATERS_NEWS_PICT.jpg)
(http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2014/09/11/1410427929700_wps_5_PIC_FROM_CATERS_NEWS_PICT.jpg)

We should tag team Al.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Baron Scarpia on June 04, 2018, 11:13:48 PM
Quote from: LKB on June 04, 2018, 08:35:23 AM
Absolutely correct on all points.

During the Cold War, there used to be a saying among party members in the Soviet Union:

" When the time comes for America to stand with her head in the noose, an American will sell us the rope. "

A few years ago,  I lived in a boarding house owned by a Chinese couple. My former landlord and -lady are quite personable and intelligent, and appreciative of the opportunities they've been afforded by choosing to live in the USA.

One night we were discussing the " corporate espionage " which the Chinese government has been engaged in for many years now. I asked for confirmation that in China, the police have the de facto power to arrest anyone at any time, for any reason, regardless of whether a crime had been committed. They confirmed that this was the case, one of many reasons for their emigrating.

I then opined that even Chinese who were coming to work in the USA with perfectly innocent intentions could be suborned into espionage at some point, upon receiving an email informing them that their families were now " guests " of the government, and would remain so until certain data available from the hosting company ( or government agency ) had been obtained and delivered or transmitted to China.

My friends allowed that this was possible, though they had no actual first - hand knowledge of any such situation.  ( Nor have l, but when considering a police state it doesn't take a huge stretch of the imagination to envision such an occurrence.  )

It really is quite simple: Aside from diplomatic and ambassadorial staff, and  regardless of the economic, political or diplomatic consequences, no citizen of China should be allowed into the USA who hasn't gone through the immigration process.

Draconian? Perhaps,  but these are not " normal " times. The Chinese desire recognition as a superpower, preferably at the expense of the USA. And their bullying in the Pacific continues, since nobody has the will or courage needed to put a stop to it.

I could go on for a good long while,  but my point should be clear enough...

Democratically,

LKB

I have to say, I don't follow you here. I can't say it is impossible that Chinese authorities could use extortion to force an individual to engage in corporate espionage, but you present no actual evidence of it and I have never seen a claim that such things happen.

I see it as a manifestation of American hubris, that if the Chinese gain a technical advance it must be stolen from the Americans. The fact is that industrial espionage only works if you have an infrastructure that can assimilate and utilize the technical data acquired. It is a way to take a shortcut in research and development, not a substitute.

My University president (who is Chinese) explained to our faculty how it works. American faculty member is working on some very clever bit of science. A Chinese colleague befriends him at a scientific conference, offers to collaborate. Some Chinese faculty and students visit the American lab and the work collaboratively, in the US and in China. The Chinese are equal partners with the Americans in the creative work. Then the Chinese scientists cheerfully reveals that with state support their idea is now the basis of a billion dollar company in China, while at the same time the American Scientist is lucky if he or he can get his or her grant renewed. There is no extortion involved, just the fact that China is supporting its scientist at a level that US researchers can only dream of.

The other way it works, brilliant Chinese researcher gets accepted to a prestigious American Institution. He or she does some brilliant piece of work, and when the appointment expires he or she can't get a visa to stay in the country. He or she gets an offer in China and the research continues there, whether or not there was some blanket agreement that the original intellectual property belongs to the US university.

The Chinese are not using extortion. Miserable people don't do good science. They are using the same technique the Soviets used, giving scientists a privileged life, luring them back from the Western countries that invested huge sums educating foreign nationals that they subsequently treat like garbage. I have a friend who came to the US from Asia, got a degree in physics from a prestigious US university, got a PhD from another prestigious US university, did postdoctoral training in a third prestigious US university. He was looking for a permanent job in the US when the institution hosting him made some sort of clerical error in his immigration paperwork. He got a notice from the US government that he had to leave the US (where he had lived for 15 years) within 30 days. The US invested at least 5 million dollars educating this person to the point that he was a leading researcher, then deport him. That is the level of intelligence we have in our xenophobic government.

And we read that Trump is crying foul that China is supporting technological important industries and wants that forbidden as part of a trade agreement. The US gained its technological advantage the same way. So what is Trump's argument? "We've decide to be idiots, so it is so unfair that you are not also idiots!
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: LKB on June 05, 2018, 07:47:33 AM
Quote from: Ken B on June 04, 2018, 03:57:33 PM
We should tag team Al.

quote author=Moonfish link=topic=6347.msg1154273#msg1154273 date=1528152496]
Hmmmm

Star Wars fan spends $284,000 building the ultimate Darth Vader collection

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2751836/The-Force-strong-one-Star-Wars-fan-spends-175-000-building-ultimate-Darth-Vader-collection.html

(http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2014/09/11/1410426746860_wps_1_PIC_FROM_CATERS_NEWS_PICT.jpg)
(http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2014/09/11/1410427929700_wps_5_PIC_FROM_CATERS_NEWS_PICT.jpg)
[/quote]

Sure... but can he accurately kazoo his way through the Imperial March in the proper key of G minor,  whilst simultaneously producing the requisite percussion effects via hands in armpits?

I thought not.

Pshaw,

LKB
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on June 06, 2018, 06:19:50 PM
The last Munchkin has died.

http://www.latimes.com/local/obituaries/la-me-jerry-maren-20180606-story.html (http://www.latimes.com/local/obituaries/la-me-jerry-maren-20180606-story.html)

There is actually one big silent star left: Baby Peggy is still alive!
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on June 07, 2018, 03:39:21 AM
Quote from: Ken B on June 06, 2018, 06:19:50 PM
The last Munchkin has died.

Last Munchkin Standing.

Separately:  Please, don't laugh—it could happen to you . . .

[...] Alerted by his wife's panic, Jeremy came over with a shovel and decapitated the snake, a move that for many other animals would have meant swift death.

But what the Sutcliffes didn't know is that snakes can still bite and inject venom for at least an hour, if not more, after being decapitated. So when Jeremy went to pick up the snake's head about 10 minutes later, he never expected it to bite him in the hand, Jennifer said. (https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/morning-mix/wp/2018/06/07/a-texas-man-decapitated-a-rattlesnake-it-bit-him-anyway-and-he-nearly-died-his-wife-says/?utm_term=.1a3fda95a9ae)


Poor chap nearly died from a wound inflicted by disembodied snake jaws.  Treat those venomous reptiles with respect, people.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Baron Scarpia on June 08, 2018, 09:01:41 AM
Donald Trump plans to parton Mohammed Ali for a conviction that was overturned on appeal in 1971. Does Mr. Trump not understand that there is no need to pardon someone of a crime for which they have been found not guilty?  ::)

https://www.cnn.com/2018/06/08/politics/trump-muhammad-ali/index.html
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on June 08, 2018, 09:54:16 AM
No, we have no confidence that he understands any such thing.  It's just another day at . . . Celebrity Presidency!  Because actual governance is just too darned hard!
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: André on June 08, 2018, 10:19:39 AM
Who needs a Supreme Court ruling in your favor when you can have a presidential pardon instead?

Trump recently entered the pardon candy store. Give him a few weeks and he'll tire of it.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on June 08, 2018, 10:54:22 AM
As long as he's the center of attention, he never tires.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on June 18, 2018, 10:08:27 AM
A Texas boy found a rattlesnake in a toilet. Then a snake catcher found 23 more. (https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/animalia/wp/2017/02/03/a-texas-boy-found-a-rattlesnake-in-a-toilet-then-a-snake-catcher-found-23-more/?utm_term=.acb1929db305)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: bwv 1080 on June 19, 2018, 07:58:35 AM
NY moving toward legalizing weed

https://www.nytimes.com/2018/06/18/nyregion/new-york-marijuana-legalization.html
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Mahlerian on June 19, 2018, 08:57:35 AM
Americans struggle with differentiating facts and opinions, Pew survey finds.

http://www.newsweek.com/fake-news-poll-americans-fact-opinion-reading-news-stories-984095
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on June 19, 2018, 09:06:58 AM
In my opinion, no surprise in that . . . .
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: bwv 1080 on June 25, 2018, 08:40:00 AM
At least the kids' essences are pure

http://calgaryherald.com/opinion/columnists/opinion-calgary-childrens-teeth-are-paying-the-price-for-the-cancellation-of-fluoridation (http://calgaryherald.com/opinion/columnists/opinion-calgary-childrens-teeth-are-paying-the-price-for-the-cancellation-of-fluoridation)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on June 25, 2018, 08:56:04 AM
Portland OR should be a Mecca for dentists, as well, yes? . . .
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on June 27, 2018, 08:01:15 AM
Montana woman with machete hides behind ex-boyfriend's door, then forces sex on him, police say
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: LKB on June 27, 2018, 11:21:39 AM
Quote from: k a rl h e nn i ng on June 27, 2018, 08:01:15 AM
Montana woman with machete hides behind ex-boyfriend's door, then forces sex on him, police say

Now,  why can't my dates be this much fun...

Bobb(it)ing and weaving,

LKB

Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: bwv 1080 on June 28, 2018, 06:12:15 AM
Measles epidemic in France thanks to anti-vax morons

QuoteA 26-year-old patient has died in France from the measles, the second fatality in a matter of months as an epidemic of the disease sweeps the country and health chiefs warn of the need to be immunised.
French health authorities revealed on Wednesday that a 26-year-old patient had died from the disease, although details of the sex of the victim and the region where they lived have not been revealed.

Health chiefs from French health authority Santé Publique France said the patient's immune system was too weak to be given a vaccine and that they were probably contaminated by someone close to them who had not been vaccinated.

https://www.thelocal.fr/20180627/second-patient-dies-from-measles-epidemic-in-france
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on June 28, 2018, 06:20:10 AM
Antivaxxer idiocy is the same, the world over.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: geralmar on July 04, 2018, 07:52:23 PM
I found this strange paragraph in today's Detroit News in an article about rising sales of the U.S. flag:

"After 9/11, a rise in patriotic spirit among Americans wiped (flag seller) (Tim) Mahoney 's shelves clean.  He had difficulty ordering stock.  Some people bought French flags because they were red, white and blue."
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: eljr on July 05, 2018, 03:07:31 PM
Quote from: bwv 1080 on June 28, 2018, 06:12:15 AM
Measles epidemic in France thanks to anti-vax morons

https://www.thelocal.fr/20180627/second-patient-dies-from-measles-epidemic-in-france

(http://i.imgur.com/37pW2GE.jpg)

(https://thelogicofscience.files.wordpress.com/2015/07/argues-that-vaccines-havent-been-tested.jpg)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: bwv 1080 on July 07, 2018, 11:49:36 AM
Quote from: eljr on July 05, 2018, 03:07:31 PM
(http://i.imgur.com/37pW2GE.jpg)


I would hope the fallacy there was s obvious to everyone
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on August 16, 2018, 03:52:48 AM
This spaghetti-breaking problem stumped physicist Richard Feynman. Two MIT students have now solved it. (https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/morning-mix/wp/2018/08/16/this-spaghetti-breaking-problem-stumped-physicist-richard-feynman-two-mit-students-have-now-solved-it/?utm_term=.39a685006059)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: LKB on August 16, 2018, 09:58:12 AM
Quote from: k a rl h e nn i ng on August 16, 2018, 03:52:48 AM
This spaghetti-breaking problem stumped physicist Richard Feynman. Two MIT students have now solved it. (https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/morning-mix/wp/2018/08/16/this-spaghetti-breaking-problem-stumped-physicist-richard-feynman-two-mit-students-have-now-solved-it/?utm_term=.39a685006059)

I wonder what the Pastafarians will make of this.

Noodling,

LKB
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on August 16, 2018, 10:48:21 AM
People will torque, David.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: LKB on September 02, 2018, 11:01:45 PM
As of yesterday,  I am no longer homeless.

;),

LKB

Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: North Star on September 03, 2018, 12:00:57 AM
Quote from: LKB on September 02, 2018, 11:01:45 PM
As of yesterday,  I am no longer homeless.

;),

LKB
Congratulations!
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: LKB on September 03, 2018, 12:09:36 AM
Quote from: North Star on September 03, 2018, 12:00:57 AM
Congratulations!

Thank you!

;),

LKB
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on September 03, 2018, 03:48:40 AM
Quote from: LKB on September 02, 2018, 11:01:45 PM
As of yesterday,  I am no longer homeless.

;),

LKB



Huzzah!
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: zamyrabyrd on September 03, 2018, 04:04:59 AM
Quote from: k a rl h e nn i ng on June 28, 2018, 06:20:10 AM
Antivaxxer idiocy is the same, the world over.

Vaccinations can be OK if they are not overloaded when given at the same time, also if mercury compounds are not used.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Florestan on September 03, 2018, 04:29:47 AM
Quote from: North Star on September 03, 2018, 12:00:57 AM
Congratulations!

+ 1
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: JBS on September 03, 2018, 08:11:07 AM
Quote from: k a rl h e nn i ng on September 03, 2018, 03:48:40 AM
Huzzah!
+1
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: North Star on September 03, 2018, 09:41:46 AM
Quote from: knight66 on September 03, 2018, 09:37:45 AM
You must be very relieved, I hope it works out really well.

Mike
I can't help thinking you may have quoted the wrong post there, Mike. ;)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: knight66 on September 03, 2018, 09:48:37 AM
Thanks. You are right, I have deleted my error.....I will give it another try.

Mike
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: knight66 on September 03, 2018, 09:49:38 AM
Quote from: LKB on September 02, 2018, 11:01:45 PM
As of yesterday,  I am no longer homeless.

;),

LKB

You must be very relieved, I hope it works out really well for you.

Mike
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: LKB on September 03, 2018, 11:45:10 AM
Thanks to all for your 'grats. I'm in a perfect location, the place is comfortable and affordable,  and l have a nice mix of neighbors. For the first time since January of last year, all is well.

8),

LKB
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: NikF on September 03, 2018, 01:40:11 PM
Blake's 7 star Jacqueline Pearce dies, aged 74.

(https://s33.postimg.cc/smptc3trz/0_MAIN-_PRIO-_Blakes-7-star-_Jacqueline-_Pearce-dies-at-74.jpg)

'Blake's 7 star Jacqueline Pearce has died at the age of 74 shortly after being diagnosed with lung cancer, her friend John Ainsworth has said.

The actress, best known for playing Supreme Commander Servalan in the popular BBC science fiction series, died at her home in Lancashire. 

Ainsworth told the Press Association: "She was outrageous, she was very honest and very straightforward, which didn't always go down very well, but you knew where you were with her.

"She liked a glass of champagne and liked everyone to have a good time with her, and of course she was a brilliant actress and everyone who worked with her remembered her very fondly."

Pearce was born in Woking, Surrey in 1943 and had a difficult childhood after her mother left the family when she was 16 months old – leaving her living between her father's house and that of a foster family. She trained at the stage school RADA and Lee Strasberg's Actor's Studio in Los Angeles, before embarking on her acting career.'


(https://s33.postimg.cc/mbg0i25rj/4_FABE0_BC00000578-6127657-_The_actress_pictured_in_1967_was_a_star.jpg)

I remember her most in Blake's 7 - a series with similar production values to Doctor Who of that era - and also The Avengers, another show that was somehow cool, camp and crap all at the same time.

(https://s33.postimg.cc/ce4zp1g67/4_FABE08400000578-6127657-_The_British_actress_who_died_at_her_hom.jpg)

https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2018/sep/03/jacqueline-pearce-blakes-7-and-doctor-who-actor-dies-aged-74
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: EddieRUKiddingVarese on September 03, 2018, 08:31:07 PM
Israeli radio apologizes after breaking Wagner taboo
Voice of Music says musical editor 'erred' in airing portions of Goetterdaemmerung by Hitler's favorite composer
https://www.timesofisrael.com/israeli-radio-apologizes-after-breaking-wagner-taboo/
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: zamyrabyrd on September 03, 2018, 08:41:17 PM
Quote from: EddieRUKiddingVarese on September 03, 2018, 08:31:07 PM
Israeli radio apologizes after breaking Wagner taboo
Voice of Music says musical editor 'erred' in airing portions of Goetterdaemmerung by Hitler's favorite composer
https://www.timesofisrael.com/israeli-radio-apologizes-after-breaking-wagner-taboo/

Not the first time they aired Wagner, strange...
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: bwv 1080 on September 07, 2018, 08:14:51 AM
Quote from: zamyrabyrd on September 03, 2018, 04:04:59 AM
Vaccinations can be OK if they are not overloaded when given at the same time, also if mercury compounds are not used.

Neither thing matters, the mercury compound that used to be used in some childhood vaccines until it was removed in the early 2000s and is still used in flu vaccines, is harmless (at least no credible evidence that it caused any harm) and their is no such thing as 'vaccine overload' that is just a weaselly term used by anti-vaxers
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: NikF on September 12, 2018, 06:08:43 AM
I like to see what others believe should be posted in this thread. That's why I'm bumping it.

So, check this out - https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2018/aug/08/glasgow-park-attack-overlee-clarkston-two-teenagers-injured

Here's my take; yeah, anecdotal at best, biased at worst.

For the past month or so I've been hanging out of with a nurse employed in the a&e department of a city hospital. Contrary to the report linked, her account - based for the most part on clinical assessment of wounds - went like this -
16-17 year old school pupils arranged to meet in the picnic area of a local park in order to celebrate exam results. As far as I know, no 'bevvy' (alcohol) was involved. But due to them posting the meet up arrangements on Twitter, their celebrations became public knowledge.
Cut to the chase: an adult (!) drove a gang of other 16-17 year olds to the park. They arrived, they exited the van, they attacked the celebrating teens with - according to the official report by Police Scotland - "Knives and swords". 
I've had a colourful life. I was a nasty little shit of a street thug, but here's the thing. I never carried a blade. Still, I'm shocked, because here's what my nurse friend related to me. Apparently the cops ferried the first few victims in and to aid the doctors displayed the weapons - saws. Tenon saws. Two of the victims had wounds courtesy of those saws.
I still interact a lot of children/teenagers every day. They increasingly seem to be immature, soft, self-entitled little shits. But regardless, they don't deserve to have the weight of walking through life bearing the marks of having their face sliced apart.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: bwv 1080 on September 12, 2018, 10:23:43 AM
The Death Camp of Tolerance becomes reality

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2018/09/11/soviet-labour-camps-compassionate-educational-institutions-say/ (https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2018/09/11/soviet-labour-camps-compassionate-educational-institutions-say/)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ghost of Baron Scarpia on September 13, 2018, 03:32:50 PM
More than 40 buildings in a town north of Boston, Massachusetts have exploded due to anomaly in natural gas service.

I've never heard of such a thing happening. Freak failure, or cyber-attack on the gas utility?
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: JBS on September 13, 2018, 06:49:08 PM
Quote from: Ghost of Baron Scarpia on September 13, 2018, 03:32:50 PM
More than 40 buildings in a town north of Boston, Massachusetts have exploded due to anomaly in natural gas service.

I've never heard of such a thing happening. Freak failure, or cyber-attack on the gas utility?

It is now about 100 buildings spread over at least 3 towns.
It seems one gas line broke in a bad spot.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ghost of Baron Scarpia on September 13, 2018, 08:30:43 PM
Quote from: JBS on September 13, 2018, 06:49:08 PM
It is now about 100 buildings spread over at least 3 towns.
It seems one gas line broke in a bad spot.

The issue doesn't seem to be a broken gas line. It appears the gas main had excessive pressure, and when appliances in people's houses (ovens, water heaters, furnaces) were exposed to the excess pressure they leaked gas, which could be ignited by any electrical spark or open flame.

Probably it was caused by human error or equipment failure of some kind, but it strikes me a just the sort of thing that an intruder could produce by infiltrating the gas company's computer network and tampering with the control systems.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on September 14, 2018, 02:06:13 AM
I learnt of this piecemeal, first by a fire engine passing me on Route 114 as I made my way to choir rehearsal, and second by our new soprano sending word that she would be unable to make the rehearsal because the school where she teaches was one of the buildings.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: North Star on September 17, 2018, 02:11:20 AM
After receiving an instant hit of approval ratings from Baby Boomers who are blaming the hedonistic Australian youth for the imminent crash of their unsustainable housing bubble, Premier Gladys Berejiklian has decided to take it one further, by exploring the idea of banning the airplay and promotion of any musical acts that play the type of music that mix well with recreational drugs.
...
Berejiklian says she's certain that banning 95% of all genres of music will be the key to stop alcohol fuelled violence and drug use amongst the four-million young people in New South Wales. (https://www.betootaadvocate.com/uncategorized/nsw-premier-considers-banning-all-genres-of-music-that-go-well-with-drugs/)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: bwv 1080 on September 17, 2018, 03:55:50 AM
Quote from: North Star on September 17, 2018, 02:11:20 AM
After receiving an instant hit of approval ratings from Baby Boomers who are blaming the hedonistic Australian youth for the imminent crash of their unsustainable housing bubble, Premier Gladys Berejiklian has decided to take it one further, by exploring the idea of banning the airplay and promotion of any musical acts that play the type of music that mix well with recreational drugs.
...
Berejiklian says she's certain that banning 95% of all genres of music will be the key to stop alcohol fuelled violence and drug use amongst the four-million young people in New South Wales. (https://www.betootaadvocate.com/uncategorized/nsw-premier-considers-banning-all-genres-of-music-that-go-well-with-drugs/)

Well the aussies did ban Cannibal Corpse for 10 years.  It's a failing of the UK and Commonwealth constitutions that they don't have speech protections hard coded like the US does.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on September 17, 2018, 05:13:19 AM
Quote from: North Star on September 17, 2018, 02:11:20 AM
After receiving an instant hit of approval ratings from Baby Boomers who are blaming the hedonistic Australian youth for the imminent crash of their unsustainable housing bubble, Premier Gladys Berejiklian has decided to take it one further, by exploring the idea of banning the airplay and promotion of any musical acts that play the type of music that mix well with recreational drugs.
...
Berejiklian says she's certain that banning 95% of all genres of music will be the key to stop alcohol fuelled violence and drug use amongst the four-million young people in New South Wales. (https://www.betootaadvocate.com/uncategorized/nsw-premier-considers-banning-all-genres-of-music-that-go-well-with-drugs/)

The All-Lawrence-Welk-All-the-Time policy has been an unqualified success.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: bwv 1080 on September 17, 2018, 06:09:07 AM
Quote from: k a rl h e nn i ng on September 17, 2018, 05:13:19 AM
The All-Lawrence-Welk-All-the-Time policy has been an unqualified success.
Karl, its Australia - the policy is All-Air-Supply-All-The-Time
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on September 17, 2018, 06:23:19 AM
Quote from: bwv 1080 on September 17, 2018, 06:09:07 AM
Karl, its Australia - the policy is All-Air-Supply-All-The-Time

Ouch!
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: knight66 on September 18, 2018, 05:16:37 AM
Does this mean banning Berlioz Symphonie? Chopin used opium, if we can't tell which pieces were drug inspired, will it be a total ban for him?

Mike
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on September 18, 2018, 05:58:05 AM
I've never had pot, but I get the impression it mixes well with every kind of music. Even Webern.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on September 18, 2018, 06:40:07 AM
Far out.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ghost of Baron Scarpia on September 28, 2018, 09:53:30 AM
The SEC seeks to remove Elon Musk as CEO of Tesla due to allegations of securities fraud.

I think Musk is paralleling the life trajectory of his hero Tesla, the final phase where Tesla lost his marbles and sunk his fortune into creating the worlds largest van der Graf generator to make artificial lightning....
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on September 28, 2018, 10:02:38 AM
Quote from: Ghost of Baron Scarpia on September 28, 2018, 09:53:30 AM
The SEC seeks to remove Elon Musk as CEO of Tesla due to allegations of securities fraud.

I rather wondered if this is not where that would all wind up.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: XB-70 Valkyrie on September 29, 2018, 08:47:32 PM
I don't seek out this kind of tripe, but I noticed it on some dumb news site:

Noted dumbass and terrible musician Kayne West is appearing on Saturday Night Live tonight (or soon). Just what we need.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ghost of Baron Scarpia on September 29, 2018, 09:53:13 PM
Quote from: XB-70 Valkyrie on September 29, 2018, 08:47:32 PM
I don't seek out this kind of tripe, but I noticed it on some dumb news site:

Noted dumbass and terrible musician Kayne West is appearing on Saturday Night Live tonight (or soon). Just what we need.

You care who appears on Saturday Night live?
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on September 30, 2018, 07:22:47 AM
Quote from: Ghost of Baron Scarpia on September 29, 2018, 09:53:13 PM
You care who appears on Saturday Night live?
A rather large segment of the American public admits they get most of 5heir news from comedy shows.

It shows ...
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: bwv 1080 on September 30, 2018, 08:00:48 AM
There is no news anymore, just politics
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: hpowders on October 02, 2018, 03:48:52 PM
Wow! Judge Brett Kavanaugh threw some ice at someone when he was in High School. Definitely warrants an FBI investigation.  ???
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on October 04, 2018, 09:41:29 AM
Inequality is worse than we know. The super-rich really do avoid a lot of taxes.

As bad as you might think inequality is, the reality is it's even worse for a very simple reason: Taxes really are only for the little people. (https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/2018/10/04/inequality-is-worse-than-we-know-super-rich-really-do-avoid-lot-taxes/?utm_term=.93f2f03825c7)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: ritter on October 04, 2018, 10:44:27 AM
Quote from: k a rl h e nn i ng on October 04, 2018, 09:41:29 AM
....Taxes really are only for the little people.
Oh...the  infamous phrase coined by Leona Helmsley... ::) :D What ever happened to her?
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on October 06, 2018, 01:27:11 PM
How to shop amid a trade war (https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/other/how-to-shop-amid-a-trade-war/ar-BBNX2bb)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: knight66 on October 07, 2018, 10:35:03 AM
Quote from: Todd on October 06, 2018, 01:27:11 PM
How to shop amid a trade war (https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/other/how-to-shop-amid-a-trade-war/ar-BBNX2bb)

Advice that could have been provided in one sentence.

Trout! It reminds me of the UK importing Indian lager in heavy glass bottles, madness.

Mike
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on October 07, 2018, 12:45:29 PM
Quote from: knight66 on October 07, 2018, 10:35:03 AM
Advice that could have been provided in one sentence.

Trout! It reminds me of the UK importing Indian lager in heavy glass bottles, madness.

Mike
As an admirer of British beer, I think importing beer to Britain a bit daft even without the heavy bottles. It's Germany that desperately needs to import beer!
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Sydney Nova Scotia on October 07, 2018, 08:50:03 PM
Don't worry will send you some more Fosters
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on October 08, 2018, 06:41:44 AM
Thelonious Monkfish has been renamed The Mad Monkfish.  Wonder if this was a rights issue.  I found this out by looking (for something else) on Google Maps.  I almost found out, in person, yesterday, because the original plan was to take my sister to Thelonious Monkish.

What happened was, as we looked for parking, we wound up parking in a garage just off Mass. Ave.;  on the walk to Mass. Ave., there was a Thai restaurant on Pearl Street, Pepper Sky, and we decided to give that place a try.  Excellent food.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ghost of Baron Scarpia on October 31, 2018, 03:07:12 PM
If any of you non-US members want to understand the US, forget Trump and read up on this story. At the University of Maryland College Park, one of the largest research universities in the country and the primary undergraduate college in the state, an abusive football coach didn't bother to seek medical aid for a student athlete who had collapsed on the field from heat stroke. The 19 year old student died.

The president of the University of Maryland, Wallace Loh, tried to fire the football coach. Then the University Regents (essentially the board of directors of the University system) fired the University President in order the bring back the football coach who had more-or-less killed one of his students. What's a dead student (or two), as long as we win football games, right?
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: JBS on October 31, 2018, 06:12:53 PM
http://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/25136344/fan-arrested-throwing-beer-red-sox-parade/
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Sydney Nova Scotia on October 31, 2018, 07:03:47 PM
Quote from: Ghost of Baron Scarpia on October 31, 2018, 03:07:12 PM
If any of you non-US members want to understand the US, forget Trump and read up on this story. At the University of Maryland College Park, one of the largest research universities in the country and the primary undergraduate college in the state, an abusive football coach didn't bother to seek medical aid for a student athlete who had collapsed on the field from heat stroke. The 19 year old student died.

The president of the University of Maryland, Wallace Loh, tried to fire the football coach. Then the University Regents (essentially the board of directors of the University system) fired the University President in order the bring back the football coach who had more-or-less killed one of his students. What's a dead student (or two), as long as we win football games, right?

So Trump is just the tip of the Horror story :o
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ghost of Baron Scarpia on October 31, 2018, 07:24:58 PM
Quote from: Sydney Nova Scotia on October 31, 2018, 07:03:47 PM
So Trump is just the tip of the Horror story :o

Well, he's the symptom. Probably European football is equally absurd.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on November 01, 2018, 01:19:37 AM
Quote from: Ghost of Baron Scarpia on October 31, 2018, 03:07:12 PM
If any of you non-US members want to understand the US, forget Trump and read up on this story. At the University of Maryland College Park, one of the largest research universities in the country and the primary undergraduate college in the state, an abusive football coach didn't bother to seek medical aid for a student athlete who had collapsed on the field from heat stroke. The 19 year old student died.

The president of the University of Maryland, Wallace Loh, tried to fire the football coach. Then the University Regents (essentially the board of directors of the University system) fired the University President in order the bring back the football coach who had more-or-less killed one of his students. What's a dead student (or two), as long as we win football games, right?


Priorities, dude!
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on November 04, 2018, 02:53:42 PM
How much money you need to be part of the 1 percent worldwide (https://www.cnbc.com/2018/11/01/how-much-money-you-need-to-be-part-of-the-1-percent-worldwide.html)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Draško on November 08, 2018, 12:27:17 PM
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/nov/08/croatian-man-breaks-leg-vandalising-anti-fascist-monument

Ahahahahahahahahahahhahaha

Unrelated, the high school I went to was named Rade Koncar.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: André on November 08, 2018, 01:12:16 PM
Quote from: Draško on November 08, 2018, 12:27:17 PM
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/nov/08/croatian-man-breaks-leg-vandalising-anti-fascist-monument

Ahahahahahahahahahahhahaha

Unrelated, the high school I went to was named Rade Koncar.

In French, the fascist Ustasha movement members are named Oustachis.
https://fr.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oustachis (https://fr.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oustachis).

They are ridiculed in the Tintin album The Calculus Affair, where they are renamed Moustachistes, the added letter making them characterized by their leader's outsize mustache, which was even the country's official symbol. That makes Tintin an antifa, then !

(https://www.rinconcete.com/images/Tintin_asunto_plekszy-gladz.JPG)

(http://moserm.free.fr/moulinsart/images/carte_zep.jpg)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Draško on November 09, 2018, 02:56:01 AM
Quote from: André on November 08, 2018, 01:12:16 PM
In French, the fascist Ustasha movement members are named Oustachis.
https://fr.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oustachis (https://fr.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oustachis).

They are ridiculed in the Tintin album The Calculus Affair, where they are renamed Moustachistes, the added letter making them characterized by their leader's outsize mustache, which was even the country's official symbol. That makes Tintin an antifa, then !

Didn't know that. I've read maybe 3-4 Tintin books, but not that one. A new Serbian translation is coming out next year, so I'll rectify that.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Jo498 on November 09, 2018, 03:57:01 AM
Note that Syldavia and Borduria feature already in several earlier Tintin books. "The Calculus Affair" is one of the best but much better if one knows the earlier ones where the characters (and in this case also the countries) are introduced.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: André on November 09, 2018, 05:49:02 AM
Quote from: Draško on November 09, 2018, 02:56:01 AM
Didn't know that. I've read maybe 3-4 Tintin books, but not that one. A new Serbian translation is coming out next year, so I'll rectify that.

Hergé loved plays of words and laced his albums with contemporary geographical and historical references. Therefore, the bordurian baddies live in a dictatorship with an omnipresent secret police. In King Ottokar's Sceptre, Tintin unveils a political coup staged by the Steel Guard (a reference to the fascist Iron Guard of Romania). The Steel Guard's leader is named Musstler, a contraction of the names Mussolini and Hitler. And so on...
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: André on November 11, 2018, 07:33:35 AM
Amid the usual Armistice and WWI commemoration articles was one in which the CBC relates how the Germans had started an unusual project: Lautarchiv (Sound Archives): recording the voice of foreign soldiers made prisoners to document the way people spoke, their accents, speech rythm etc. In some cases they (the prisoners) were to sing a song, relate souvenirs etc. Many were enlisted to recite the same extract from the Bible (the Prodigal Son parable). The idea was to document speech patterns with the prospect of using them to teach foreign languages with the help of sound reproduction technologies. A proto-Berlitz.

Link to the article:

https://ici.radio-canada.ca/nouvelle/1134923/voix-soldats-allemagne-archives (https://ici.radio-canada.ca/nouvelle/1134923/voix-soldats-allemagne-archives)

To hear the clips, click on the soundcloud links.

No need to read it (it's in French), but the sound clips provide fascinating insights. When I played the first one, from a belgian soldier, my wife, who was reading, immediately said "What's that? It's from home! ". It is spoken in walloon, a dialect that is no longer spoken, so most of the words are unintelligible, but the up and down singsong speech is unmistakably that of her native region. Other clips are from the Alsace, Bordeaux, etc. If one of these lads had been cryogenized and thawed in 2018, chances are he wouldn't be understood by most people. And vice-versa.

Compared to 100 years ago we have become a global village indeed.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on November 11, 2018, 07:43:20 AM
Quote from: André on November 11, 2018, 07:33:35 AM
Amid the usual Armistice and WWI commemoration articles was one in which the CBC relates how the Germans had started an unusual project: Lautarchiv (Sound Archives): recording the voice of foreign soldiers made prisoners to document the way people spoke, their accents, speech rythm etc. In some cases they (the prisoners) were to sing a song, relate souvenirs etc. Many were enlisted to recite the same extract from the Bible (the Prodigal Son parable). The idea was to document speech patterns with the prospect of using them to teach foreign languages with the help of sound reproduction technologies. A proto-Berlitz.

Link to the article:

https://ici.radio-canada.ca/nouvelle/1134923/voix-soldats-allemagne-archives (https://ici.radio-canada.ca/nouvelle/1134923/voix-soldats-allemagne-archives)

To hear the clips, click on the soundcloud links.

No need to read it (it's in French), but the sound clips provide fascinating insights. When I played the first one, from a belgian soldier, my wife, who was reading, immediately said "What's that? It's from home! ". It is spoken in walloon, a dialect that is no longer spoken, so most of the words are unintelligible, but the up and down singsong speech is unmistakably that of her native region. Other clips are from the Alsace, Bordeaux, etc. If one of these lads had been cryogenized and thawed in 2018, chances are he wouldn't be understood by most people. And vice-versa.

Compared to 100 years ago we have become a global village indeed.

I thought Walloon was still spoken? Anyway, you are right about regional accents. You can even hear the difference generationally in Ontario. My son sounds more American than I do (example plural of house), I sound more American than my parents do.

I heard a Scotsman at the plumbing supply store yesterday. I am convinced they can't actually understand each other!
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: André on November 11, 2018, 09:48:01 AM
The last clip is spoken by a Canadian from London, Ontario. Did you hear it ? He speaks very nicely.

Walloon is spoken only among old folks in the countryside. Cousins of my father-in-law spoke it at home. Members of the next generation (my wife's) understand it but never speak it. It's fast becoming a cultural relic.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: JBS on November 11, 2018, 10:00:26 AM
Quote from: André on November 11, 2018, 09:48:01 AM
The last clip is spoken by a Canadian from London, Ontario. Did you hear it ? He speaks very nicely.

Walloon is spoken only among old folks in the countryside. Cousins of my father-in-law spoke it at home. Members of the next generation (my wife's) understand it but never speak it. It's fast becoming a cultural relic.

But it hasn't completely faded out.  From Wikipedia.

(And relevant to the preceding discussion on this thread!)

QuoteNumerous associations, especially theatre companies, are working to keep the language alive. Formally recognized as a langue régionale endogène (regional indigenous language) of Belgium since 1990,[6] Walloon has also benefited from a continued corpus planning process. The "Feller system" (1900) regularized transcription of the different accents. Since the 1990s, a common orthography was established (the Rifondou walon), which allowed large-scale publications, such as the Walloon Wikipedia officially in 2003. In 2004, a Walloon translation of a Tintin comic was released under the name L'èmerôde d'al Castafiore; in 2007 an album consisting of Gaston Lagaffe comic strips was published in Walloon
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on November 11, 2018, 02:00:33 PM
Quote from: André on November 11, 2018, 09:48:01 AM
The last clip is spoken by a Canadian from London, Ontario. Did you hear it ? He speaks very nicely.

Walloon is spoken only among old folks in the countryside. Cousins of my father-in-law spoke it at home. Members of the next generation (my wife's) understand it but never speak it. It's fast becoming a cultural relic.
I have a vague recollection that even Langue d'Oc isn't fully extinct. Which shocked me at least.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on November 13, 2018, 08:08:01 AM
Winners and losers from Amazon's HQ2 decision (https://www.washingtonpost.com/technology/2018/11/13/winners-losers-amazons-hq-decision/?utm_term=.ae8860bc767f)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ghost of Baron Scarpia on November 13, 2018, 08:17:04 AM
Quote from: k a rl h e nn i ng on November 13, 2018, 08:08:01 AM
Winners and losers from Amazon's HQ2 decision (https://www.washingtonpost.com/technology/2018/11/13/winners-losers-amazons-hq-decision/?utm_term=.ae8860bc767f)

And they got 1.5 billion in tax credits for coming to Queens, New York.

This practice of subsidizing huge corporations with tax cuts while the smaller businesses they compete with have to fend for themselves is one of the most insidious practices in the US economy. I wish there was the political will to make this practice illegal.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on November 13, 2018, 08:26:38 AM
Quote from: Ghost of Baron Scarpia on November 13, 2018, 08:17:04 AM
And they got 1.5 billion in tax credits for coming to Queens, New York.

This practice of subsidizing huge corporations with tax cuts while the smaller businesses they compete with have to fend for themselves is one of the most insidious practices in the US economy. I wish there was the political will to make this practice illegal.
+1

In Cincinnati they subsidized a football stadium and guaranteed to buy any unsold tickets for 10 years!
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: André on November 14, 2018, 01:34:33 PM
(https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/660/cpsprodpb/1081D/production/_104331676_mediaitem104331675.jpg)

Purchased 180000$ in 1973, sold this week at Christie's for 92 million $.

I knew I had something by Hopper. Well, sort of. A cd cover, that is  :laugh:.  And bingo, I found it:

(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/51J3faGPg8L.jpg)

I wonder if my cd has increased in value... ::)

Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on November 14, 2018, 04:27:06 PM
And
[asin]B0000A4G4X[/asin]

An excellent album.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on November 14, 2018, 04:29:38 PM
Hoppers are unforgettable, and I have no idea why.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: André on November 14, 2018, 04:58:08 PM
Quote from: Ken B on November 14, 2018, 04:29:38 PM
Hoppers are unforgettable, and I have no idea why.

Very true.


Six years ago there was a Hopper retrospective in Paris. It was a smashing success. This short article has a nice insight into the phenomenon.


https://www.timeout.com/paris/en/art/edward-hopper (https://www.timeout.com/paris/en/art/edward-hopper)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on November 15, 2018, 03:50:47 AM
Quote from: André on November 14, 2018, 01:34:33 PM
(https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/660/cpsprodpb/1081D/production/_104331676_mediaitem104331675.jpg)

Purchased 180000$ in 1973, sold this week at Christie's for 92 million $.

How different Hopper's life would have been, if he had been paid such a sum for his work.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on November 15, 2018, 03:51:57 AM
Quote from: Ken B on November 14, 2018, 04:29:38 PM
Hoppers are unforgettable, and I have no idea why.

The character of the stylization is so natural, inimitable.  It appears naturalistic, but it's Hopper.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on November 15, 2018, 03:53:44 AM
Quote from: André on November 14, 2018, 01:34:33 PM
I knew I had something by Hopper. Well, sort of. A cd cover, that is  :laugh: .  And bingo, I found it:

(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/51J3faGPg8L.jpg)

I wonder if my cd has increased in value... ::)

Ridley Scott had a pocketful of postcards of Nighthawks on the set of Blade Runner, and told all his crew that this was his visual style model.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: André on November 15, 2018, 06:11:48 AM
To my eyes, the space around characters or objects is what stands out. Its austerity bordering on incompleteness makes one feel uncomfortable, like something is missing, but you can't figure what it is.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on November 15, 2018, 06:14:10 AM
Quote from: André on November 15, 2018, 06:11:48 AM
To my eyes, the space around characters or objects is what stands out. Its austerity bordering on incompleteness makes one feel uncomfortable, like something is missing, but you can't figure what it is.

Interesting;  nice observation.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on November 15, 2018, 10:02:34 AM
Gas is used as the cover of the Library of America's thirties noir novel collection. I think it's perfect. One guy I know called it a dull cover.  :-\
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: André on November 15, 2018, 10:23:56 AM
Quote from: Ken B on November 15, 2018, 10:02:34 AM
Gas is used as the cover of the Library of America's thirties noir novel collection. I think it's perfect. One guy I know called it a dull cover.  :-\

Entirely appropriate for the Virgil Thomson work, I say !
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: JBS on November 15, 2018, 04:14:45 PM
Quote from: André on November 15, 2018, 06:11:48 AM
To my eyes, the space around characters or objects is what stands out. Its austerity bordering on incompleteness makes one feel uncomfortable, like something is missing, but you can't figure what it is.

I think that austerity is indeed a major factor, although I react to it differently: a simplicity that cuts out all the non-necessaries. But many of Hopper's works are planes of color interacting with masses of shadow, while people who are both clearly individual yet anonymous are doing the things of normal life. Gas is a good example--and that $92 million piece is a counterexample, what with its neon signage and bustling windows as the background.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: bwv 1080 on November 26, 2018, 05:23:13 AM
79,000 people in the US died from flu last year - nearly 5x the number that died from gun violence and prevention is so much easier

get your flu shot (https://www.wired.com/story/flu-shot-cdc-anti-vaxxers-storytelling/?mbid=social_fb_onsiteshare&fbclid=IwAR2BeUzM_boJ0d_wXQbCbZsJvtRZwWJ6HzewMsUzkQdYoZP1B1pS-M6qnRU)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ghost of Baron Scarpia on December 10, 2018, 08:30:39 PM
The Trump administration is apparently revoking funding for research labs that fail to conform to the religious beliefs of someone in the Trump administration. One prominent lab at the University of California, San Francisco, was apparently given 90 days notice that their funding was revoked without possibility of renewal, forcing the closing of a major center for HIV research.

https://www.the-scientist.com/news-opinion/ucsf-hiv-lab-planning-to-close-65176

Certainly considered unimportant by the majority of the U.S. electorate.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on December 11, 2018, 06:51:05 AM
Quote from: Ghost of Baron Scarpia on December 10, 2018, 08:30:39 PM
The Trump administration is apparently revoking funding for research labs that fail to conform to the religious beliefs of someone in the Trump administration. One prominent lab at the University of California, San Francisco, was apparently given 90 days notice that their funding was revoked without possibility of renewal, forcing the closing of a major center for HIV research.

https://www.the-scientist.com/news-opinion/ucsf-hiv-lab-planning-to-close-65176

Certainly considered unimportant by the majority of the U.S. electorate.
Huh? A report about an anonymous lab, that is specifically denied by the funding agency?
27619
ABOVE: © ISTOCK.COM, GAETAN STOFFEL
Update (December 6): HHS has issued a statement declaring that the information from the anonymous sources in the Post's article is inaccurate. "No decision has been made on the extension of a University of California San Francisco contract with the NIH regarding research involving fetal tissue," the statement reads. "No contracting official would have had the authority to impart any communication to UCSF that the contract was being cancelled because no decision has been made."
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on December 26, 2018, 07:23:40 AM
Top Amazon boss privately advised US government on web portal worth billions to tech firm (https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2018/dec/26/amazon-anne-rung-government-services-authority?utm_term=RWRpdG9yaWFsX0d1YXJkaWFuVG9kYXlVUy0xODEyMjY%3D&utm_source=esp&utm_medium=Email&utm_campaign=GuardianTodayUS&CMP=GTUS_email)

Funny, this story didn't run in the Amazon Post.  I wonder why that might be?

(Do note that the morons at the Graun couldn't accurately report what GSA stands for in the initial publication of the story.  How do you fuck that up?)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: zamyrabyrd on December 26, 2018, 08:34:51 PM
Quote from: Ghost of Baron Scarpia on December 10, 2018, 08:30:39 PM
The Trump administration is apparently revoking funding for research labs that fail to conform to the religious beliefs of someone in the Trump administration. One prominent lab at the University of California, San Francisco, was apparently given 90 days notice that their funding was revoked without possibility of renewal, forcing the closing of a major center for HIV research.
https://www.the-scientist.com/news-opinion/ucsf-hiv-lab-planning-to-close-65176
Certainly considered unimportant by the majority of the U.S. electorate.

How interesting! Maybe if the electorate were duly informed, they might have a negative opinion of torturing mice and using fetal (one assumes aborted) tissue.

The newspaper is keeping the identity of the lab anonymous because of threats it has received. Researchers there test drugs to treat or prevent HIV using humanized mice that are immunodeficient themselves and have been implanted with tissue from the thymus glands of aborted fetuses. In the resulting mice, the fetal tissue develops into the equivalents of human thymus glands, where T cells, which are targeted by HIV, develop...

This is the second contract involving fetal tissue that the federal government has recently canceled. In September, the Food and Drug Administration ended its contract with the California nonprofit Advanced Bioscience Resources, also for drug testing in mice implanted with fetal tissue. Further, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) stated that month that it was reviewing all fetal tissue research "in light of the serious regulatory, moral, and ethical considerations involved," the Post notes.

These decreases in government payment for research involving fetal tissue come at a time when anti-abortion advocates are pressuring President Donald Trump's administration to stop federal funding of research that uses fetal material.


You see, no one said anything about ethics before. More pernicious are the links between organizations like Planned Parenthood supplying the so-called gruesome "material". You don't have to be "religious" to be grossed out by this means of containing HIV. Abstinence is cheaper and less problematic.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ghost of Baron Scarpia on December 26, 2018, 09:09:14 PM
Quote from: Ken B on December 11, 2018, 06:51:05 AM
Huh? A report about an anonymous lab, that is specifically denied by the funding agency?
27619
ABOVE: © ISTOCK.COM, GAETAN STOFFEL
Update (December 6): HHS has issued a statement declaring that the information from the anonymous sources in the Post's article is inaccurate. "No decision has been made on the extension of a University of California San Francisco contract with the NIH regarding research involving fetal tissue," the statement reads. "No contracting official would have had the authority to impart any communication to UCSF that the contract was being cancelled because no decision has been made."

Only a small part of the story was denied by HHS. It is a multi-year grant in which funding is routinely released one year at a time. There was a, perhaps unauthorized, phone call telling the researcher to expect funding to be canceled which HHS denies. But the university also received a letter notifying that the next year of funding would not be released, and instead 90 days of funding was released with severe restrictions on the research program, amounting to instructions to suspend the program and to prepare to surrender their research materials. No, there is no official cancelation of the program yet, but no one would send such instructions for a program that they did not plan to cancel.

The letter is here.

https://www.sciencemag.org/sites/default/files/FOIA%20request%20-%20Dec%205%202018%20-%20Complete%20response.pdf

Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on December 27, 2018, 07:04:23 AM
Quote from: Ghost of Baron Scarpia on December 26, 2018, 09:09:14 PM
Only a small part of the story was denied by HHS. It is a multi-year grant in which funding is routinely released one year at a time. There was a, perhaps unauthorized, phone call telling the researcher to expect funding to be canceled which HHS denies. But the university also received a letter notifying that the next year of funding would not be released, and instead 90 days of funding was released with severe restrictions on the research program, amounting to instructions to suspend the program and to prepare to surrender their research materials. No, there is no official cancelation of the program yet, but no one would send such instructions for a program that they did not plan to cancel.

The letter is here.

https://www.sciencemag.org/sites/default/files/FOIA%20request%20-%20Dec%205%202018%20-%20Complete%20response.pdf
The letter says the initiative came from the NIH. The NIH asked the funding agency to hold off on the funding. Third para from the bottom. That suggests to me the initiative did not come from your posited Trump official.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on January 06, 2019, 12:01:56 PM
New from the failing New York Times: The Sounds That Haunted U.S. Diplomats in Cuba? Lovelorn Crickets, Scientists Say  (https://www.nytimes.com/2019/01/04/science/sonic-attack-cuba-crickets.html)

From the same failing New York Times only a few months ago on the same subject: Microwave Weapons Are Prime Suspect in Ills of U.S. Embassy Workers (https://www.nytimes.com/2018/09/01/science/sonic-attack-cuba-microwave.html)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on January 06, 2019, 07:13:37 PM
Quote from: Todd on January 06, 2019, 12:01:56 PM
New from the failing New York Times: The Sounds That Haunted U.S. Diplomats in Cuba? Lovelorn Crickets, Scientists Say  (https://www.nytimes.com/2019/01/04/science/sonic-attack-cuba-crickets.html)

From the same failing New York Times only a few months ago on the same subject: Microwave Weapons Are Prime Suspect in Ills of U.S. Embassy Workers (https://www.nytimes.com/2018/09/01/science/sonic-attack-cuba-microwave.html)
Microwaving crickets is cruel.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ghost of Baron Scarpia on January 14, 2019, 12:10:15 PM
Mel Stottlemeyer, New York Yankee pitcher of the 60's and 70's, has died. :(

Roy White survives.

Horace Clark survives.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on January 14, 2019, 06:15:20 PM
Quote from: Ghost of Baron Scarpia on January 14, 2019, 12:10:15 PM
Mel Stottlemeyer, New York Yankee picture of the 60's and 70's, has died. :(

Roy White survives.

Horace Clark survives.
Old pictures never die, they just fade way.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ghost of Baron Scarpia on January 14, 2019, 06:48:05 PM
Quote from: Ken B on January 14, 2019, 06:15:20 PM
Old pictures never die, they just fade way.

Damn spell check...
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on January 23, 2019, 09:22:03 AM
serious ick

https://www.washingtonpost.com/nation/2019/01/23/nurse-charged-with-sexual-assault-after-incapacitated-woman-gave-birth-health-care-facility/?utm_term=.449447770cd3
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: NikF on January 24, 2019, 01:54:07 AM
'The man who captured his life on camera'

"At about age 11, he was gifted the cine-camera by his grandparents, whom he lived with in Stanely House, Paisley after his father died during World War One. Armed with an obsession for moving pictures, Harry went on to make 400 films of incidents great and small".

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-glasgow-west-46977271

And although apparently not listed yet, it's being shown as part of https://glasgowfilm.org/glasgow-film-festival




Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: SurprisedByBeauty on January 24, 2019, 04:36:06 AM
Quote from: k a rl h e nn i ng on January 23, 2019, 09:22:03 AM
serious ick

https://www.washingtonpost.com/nation/2019/01/23/nurse-charged-with-sexual-assault-after-incapacitated-woman-gave-birth-health-care-facility/?utm_term=.449447770cd3

I feel like there's a move that's been made about that...

http://www.youtube.com/v/watch?v=7fl8tyEIXXI

(...and a superb one, at that.)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on February 02, 2019, 07:49:43 AM
From books to bullets: inside Amazon's push to 'defend' America

Jeff Bezos's company hosts top secret CIA data and powers the US immigration case management system. Now it's poised to take on a $10bn Pentagon project
(https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2019/jan/31/amazon-defense-cloud-computing-pentagon-jeff-bezos)

Another story that didn't run in Amazon Post.  How about that?
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on February 02, 2019, 06:58:31 PM
Quote from: Todd on February 02, 2019, 07:49:43 AM
From books to bullets: inside Amazon's push to 'defend' America

Jeff Bezos's company hosts top secret CIA data and powers the US immigration case management system. Now it's poised to take on a $10bn Pentagon project
(https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2019/jan/31/amazon-defense-cloud-computing-pentagon-jeff-bezos)

Another story that didn't run in Amazon Post.  How about that?

https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/2018/10/09/google-bows-out-out-pentagons-billion-cloud-computing-race/?utm_term=.326bf0a77a25 (https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/2018/10/09/google-bows-out-out-pentagons-billion-cloud-computing-race/?utm_term=.326bf0a77a25)

https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/2019/01/24/pentagon-review-amazon-employees-influence-over-billion-government-contract/?utm_term=.91f1acd11f89 (https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/2019/01/24/pentagon-review-amazon-employees-influence-over-billion-government-contract/?utm_term=.91f1acd11f89)

https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/whats-standing-between-amazon-and-top-us-secrets-quicktake/2018/07/13/172464e4-8656-11e8-9e06-4db52ac42e05_story.html?utm_term=.f2dc982ca716 (https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/whats-standing-between-amazon-and-top-us-secrets-quicktake/2018/07/13/172464e4-8656-11e8-9e06-4db52ac42e05_story.html?utm_term=.f2dc982ca716)

Do tell.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on February 03, 2019, 07:13:12 AM
Quote from: Ken B on February 02, 2019, 06:58:31 PMDo tell.


You get a B.  Good job!
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on February 03, 2019, 09:44:34 AM
Quote from: Todd on February 03, 2019, 07:13:12 AM

You get a B.  Good job!
Gentleman's C. All I did was google. What checking did you do btw?
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on February 03, 2019, 10:33:18 AM
Quote from: Ken B on February 03, 2019, 09:44:34 AM
Gentleman's C. All I did was google. What checking did you do btw?


You may want to go back a read, carefully, the exact words I wrote.  Or not.  Doesn't matter.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on February 03, 2019, 11:46:36 AM
Quote from: Todd on February 03, 2019, 10:33:18 AM

You may want to go back a read, carefully, the exact words I wrote.  Or not.  Doesn't matter.
Oh, you mean one particular copyrighted column from The Guardian didn't run in the WaPo? Who says humour is dead?
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on February 03, 2019, 12:14:24 PM
Quote from: Ken B on February 03, 2019, 11:46:36 AMWho says humour is dead?


I don't know, who? 
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: JBS on February 04, 2019, 03:59:03 PM
https://relay.nationalgeographic.com/proxy/distribution/public/amp/science/2019/02/magnetic-north-update-navigation-maps
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on February 10, 2019, 11:00:47 AM
Plummeting insect numbers 'threaten collapse of nature' (https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2019/feb/10/plummeting-insect-numbers-threaten-collapse-of-nature)

Definitely bad news.  Scary news.  Terrifying news, actually.  Nature will collapse.  It kinda makes you wonder how the UN could be so irresponsible as to advocate bug eating, and how the Graun could have possibly run this story only last October:

Would you eat insects to save the planet from global warming? (https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2018/oct/15/edible-insect-save-planet-global-warming-tasty-trendy)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: SurprisedByBeauty on February 10, 2019, 11:22:34 AM
Quote from: Todd on February 10, 2019, 11:00:47 AM
Plummeting insect numbers 'threaten collapse of nature' (https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2019/feb/10/plummeting-insect-numbers-threaten-collapse-of-nature)

Definitely bad news.  Scary news.  Terrifying news, actually.  Nature will collapse.  It kinda makes you wonder how the UN could be so irresponsible as to advocate bug eating, and how the Graun could have possibly run this story only last October:

Would you eat insects to save the planet from global warming? (https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2018/oct/15/edible-insect-save-planet-global-warming-tasty-trendy)

That's parody on your part, surely? Eating crickets has nothing to do with "plummeting insect numbers" nor would any threat for their species be associated with that. In fact, if you want to preserve it, eat it! Being delicious is good for most species*.


(* And where it doesn't, we damn well ought to think hard until we come up with the right incentives to protect them. I'm not a monster, after all. I just want tuna-tartar to still be there for my grandchildren!)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on February 10, 2019, 02:37:22 PM
Quote from: SurprisedByBeauty on February 10, 2019, 11:22:34 AM
That's parody on your part, surely? Eating crickets has nothing to do with "plummeting insect numbers" nor would any threat for their species be associated with that. In fact, if you want to preserve it, eat it! Being delicious is good for most species.

Works for humans.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on February 12, 2019, 06:45:52 AM
There is no shame in it. There are so many languages I don't speak, like Jamaican, or Belgian. Hell, I don't even speak Canadian now I think of it.

https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2019/feb/10/cory-booker-invents-swiss-language-iowa-interview/ (https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2019/feb/10/cory-booker-invents-swiss-language-iowa-interview/)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Florestan on February 13, 2019, 12:46:35 AM
Quote from: Ken B on February 12, 2019, 06:45:52 AM
There is no shame in it. There are so many languages I don't speak, like Jamaican, or Belgian. Hell, I don't even speak Canadian now I think of it.

https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2019/feb/10/cory-booker-invents-swiss-language-iowa-interview/ (https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2019/feb/10/cory-booker-invents-swiss-language-iowa-interview/)

A famous Romanian pop singer stated in a TV show a few years ago that she spoke Brazilian.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: JBS on February 17, 2019, 11:03:36 AM
http://lifeinisrael.blogspot.com/2019/02/headline-of-day.html
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Christo on February 18, 2019, 02:14:40 AM
Last Friday, in a rambling 30 minutes, president Trump spoke mostly about himself and about some unclear issues that appeared to confuse or distress him. Only after about 15 minutes did he mention, almost accidental and as if he'd forgotten what the theme of his speech was, the emergency that he said he would be declaring. Even then he showed more occupied with other issues. (I listened and was wondering if he'd forgotten completely what it all was about, or would remember; my impression was: he remembered only part of what he was supposed to do).
https://www.youtube.com/v/XU3AbY9E5_8
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on February 23, 2019, 11:16:11 AM
I agree with Dianne Feinstein on something: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jEPo34LCss8
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on February 23, 2019, 06:31:40 PM
Quote from: Todd on February 23, 2019, 11:16:11 AM
I agree with Dianne Feinstein on something: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jEPo34LCss8
What's remarkable and hilarious is that that video was edited by the activist group behind the stunt to make DiFi look bad. The longer unedited videos make them look even worse. Feinstein does try to reason with them, and offers one an internship.
Children as props is all the rage this year.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ghost of Baron Scarpia on February 27, 2019, 10:18:50 AM
Barenboim is a bully, apparently...

https://www.nytimes.com/2019/02/26/arts/music/daniel-barenboim-conductor-bullying-berlin.html?action=click&module=Features&pgtype=Homepage (https://www.nytimes.com/2019/02/26/arts/music/daniel-barenboim-conductor-bullying-berlin.html?action=click&module=Features&pgtype=Homepage)

No sexual harassment, that's a relief.

Are there any nice conductors?
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on February 27, 2019, 01:26:43 PM
Billy Jean is not my lover — too old

https://www.nationalreview.com/2019/02/leaving-neverland-michael-jacksons-depravity/ (https://www.nationalreview.com/2019/02/leaving-neverland-michael-jacksons-depravity/)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ghost of Baron Scarpia on February 28, 2019, 07:46:34 AM
Turns out Netanyahu is both a war criminal and an ordinary criminal.

https://www.cnn.com/2019/02/28/middleeast/israel-benjamin-netanyahu-indictment-intl/index.html
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on February 28, 2019, 06:19:48 PM
Canada has just had its biggest political scandal in a generation, and probably longer. Our Prime Minister and his henchman tried to suborn the Attorney General at the behest of a large company with close ties to his party.

The former AG, Jody Wilson-Raybould, testified today. She was devastating. Brava!

Quote of the week:
Quotethe grinning legatee who taints the Prime Minister's office

Here is one link https://torontosun.com/opinion/columnists/furey-the-unbearable-lightness-of-justin-trudeau (https://torontosun.com/opinion/columnists/furey-the-unbearable-lightness-of-justin-trudeau)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on March 01, 2019, 01:38:33 PM
When trees commit hate crimes. https://www.charlotteobserver.com/news/state/south-carolina/article226928484.html (https://www.charlotteobserver.com/news/state/south-carolina/article226928484.html)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on March 02, 2019, 10:53:26 AM
Who is James Hart Stern? Black Man Who Leads Neo-Nazi Group Vows to Eradicate Them (https://www.newsweek.com/james-hart-stern-president-nazi-national-socialist-movement-1348656)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ghost of Baron Scarpia on March 04, 2019, 12:53:40 PM
What am I reading? Justin Trudeau is in the middle of an ethical crisis, with ministers resigning in protest and widespread calls for his resignation? When Trump and Trudeau stood side by side, we assumed Trump would the one endangered by ethics investigations. Maybe just that the Canadians cling to the quaint and outdated notion of government ethics.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on March 05, 2019, 05:33:04 AM
Heck, I even remember when Republicans seemed to care about ethics
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Florestan on March 05, 2019, 08:56:11 AM
Quote from: Ghost of Baron Scarpia on March 04, 2019, 12:53:40 PM
What am I reading? Justin Trudeau is in the middle of an ethical crisis, with ministers resigning in protest and widespread calls for his resignation?

Why wonder? What else could you expect from the guy who unabashedly and unqualifyingly (is this a word?) praised Fidel Castro?  ;D
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: North Star on March 07, 2019, 11:50:58 PM
Well, the Finnish prime minister just asked the President for the government to resign, after it was clear to him that, after 4 years of trying to disregard the constitutional and health care committees' requirements for the massive reform bills to make it possible to pass them as laws, the reforms wouldn't happen before the elections - the parliament is soon going on a break before the parliamentary elections on April 14. The government has been very economically liberal, with tax cuts to the wealthy and businesses, and pressuring labor organizations to negotiate for lower salaries, taking holiday pays away from municipal workers (when Finnish economy was suffering from lack of demand because of global economy and the Russia sanctions, it was an amazing idea to redistribute money in the country away from those who spend more..), and attempting to privatize the crap out of the health care and everything else.

The most recent polls for the government parties have been showing a support of 33%. Frankly, this should have happened in 2017 when the second largest party True Finns changed the party leadership, as Soini was stepping down as party chairman while in office as the minister of foreign affairs, leading to a more openly racist party leadership, which the prime minister said he couldn't work with, and this was "solved" by the ministers from the party resigning from the party, and forming a new one with no political future, while staying in the government.

https://www.reuters.com/article/us-finland-government/finlands-government-to-resign-after-healthcare-reform-fails-idUSKCN1QP0R6?il=0
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on March 12, 2019, 07:12:45 PM
No Downy, no peace! https://mobile.twitter.com/JonHaidt/status/1105522000590704640 (https://mobile.twitter.com/JonHaidt/status/1105522000590704640)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ghost of Baron Scarpia on March 20, 2019, 08:50:59 AM
This article contains some definite information about the Boeing 737 Max issues.

https://www.seattletimes.com/business/boeing-aerospace/failed-certification-faa-missed-safety-issues-in-the-737-max-system-implicated-in-the-lion-air-crash/?fbclid=IwAR08vsHS_-dp4elLGqw7b43Lp9xkpRIUMohRvIIFv3gsk_Bln1BO86CdezA (https://www.seattletimes.com/business/boeing-aerospace/failed-certification-faa-missed-safety-issues-in-the-737-max-system-implicated-in-the-lion-air-crash/?fbclid=IwAR08vsHS_-dp4elLGqw7b43Lp9xkpRIUMohRvIIFv3gsk_Bln1BO86CdezA)

First of all, it was not caused by autopilot, it was caused by the Maneuvering Characteristics Augmentation System (MCAS) which is always on and is supposed to make the plane feel like a conventional 737. The MCAS has the authority to move the horizontal stabilizer (the horizontal fin at the back of the plane) and is based on a single angle of attack sensor. In the safety analysis delivered to the FAA it is specified to have the ability to move the horizontal stabilizer by 0.6 degrees. At the last minute Boeing increased this to 2.5 degrees without notifying the FAA. The full range of the horizontal stabilizer is 6 degrees. When the pilot tries to override the MCAS by flipping a switch and pulling back the stick the MCAS can re-enable itself and reset its adjustment range. So every time the pilot tries to override the MCAS gets a wider range of adjustment and more authority to push the nose down. The Pilots of the Lion air flight tried to disable the MCAS 21 times and it ended up with the horizontal stabilizer pegged at the end of its range, full down.

It seems like if this angle of attack sensor, a little fin sticking out of the side of the plane, fails that's it. The plane and all aboard are lost. It is unrecoverable.
[Actually not quite true. I just read that in a previous Lion Air flight the MCAS system went berserk but there were three pilots on the flight deck instead of two and the extra, off duty, pilot was able to figure out how to disable the MCAS system before the plane hit terrain.]

Oh, and the FAA was rushing approval of the 737 Max because Boeing felt urgency to get it out quickly, to compete with an Airbus aircraft. The FAA had inadequate staffing and offloaded safety analysis to Boeing.

This is what happens when the government abrogates its oversight responsibility.

Now, someone explain to me why the CEO of Boeing isn't guilty of about 350 counts of criminally negligent homicide.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Jo498 on March 20, 2019, 10:44:05 AM
Morally he might as well be. (Or one could also claim that some governmental institution that neglected its oversight responsibility is guilty.) Legally, it's usually more complicated. And you should also think about the Boeing stockholders. And the employees. Sometimes one needs to take little risk for profit, employment and the advancement of civilization.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: André on March 20, 2019, 05:11:49 PM
If heads don't roll on that one, I don't know what is needed...  >:(
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ghost of Baron Scarpia on March 21, 2019, 08:40:01 AM
Quote from: Jo498 on March 20, 2019, 10:44:05 AM
Morally he might as well be. (Or one could also claim that some governmental institution that neglected its oversight responsibility is guilty.) Legally, it's usually more complicated. And you should also think about the Boeing stockholders. And the employees. Sometimes one needs to take little risk for profit, employment and the advancement of civilization.

Clearly the person who decided to put the fox in charge of the hen house is culpable, but that doesn't exonerate the fox.

Now I've just read that a warning light that indicates the angle of attack sensors are not working correctly (they don't agree) is an expensive option.

I remember telling people that if I am to have a self-driving car it should be made by Boeing, not Apple. I've revised that opinion.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on March 21, 2019, 10:56:35 AM
I am reluctant to draw conclusions from an anonymously sourced article, especially this soon, but the red flag if true is the approval given to a "hazardous " warning based on a single sensor, because the rules about dependence on a single source are clear, long-standing, and impossible to miss inadvertently. There would have been a conscious, deliberate decision to ignore a basic safety regulation. It's one thing to have mistaken professional judgment, quite another to flout basic rules.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ghost of Baron Scarpia on March 22, 2019, 11:39:20 AM
The so called "yield curve inversion" occurred today. (Long term federal debt is going for a lower interest rate than short term debt.) This has been highly correlated with the onset of a recession. The rational is that the long term interest rate is indicative of confidence in long term growth of the economy.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: LKB on March 22, 2019, 12:37:23 PM
Regarding the recent accidents involving the 737 variant, l would also caution against hasty judgement and invite readers to (re-) acquaint themselves with the DC-10 accident at O'hare, American Airlines flight 191, which happened years ago.

From Wikipedia:

" The National Transportation Safety Board(NTSB) officials discovered that a maintenance procedure was the cause of the accident. American Airlines mechanics had removed the engine and its pylon as a unit, rather than removing the engine from the pylon, then removing the pylon from the wing, as recommended by McDonnell Douglas. The faulty procedure was done using a forklift, which resulted in inadvertent structural damage. It was subsequently discovered that this short-cut procedure, believed to save many man-hours on maintenance, was being used by three major airlines, although McDonnell Douglas had advised against it.[76]In November 1979, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) fined American Airlines $500,000 and Continental Airlines $100,000 for using this incorrect maintenance procedure.[76][78] "

Within hours ( If not minutes ) of this accident becoming public knowledge, widespread condemnations of the DC-10 and McDonnell Douglas had begun, which turned out to be largely unjustified as regarding this incident.

It may well turn out that Boeing are culpable in these accidents, but the disaster at O'hare serves as a reminder not to be hasty in our conclusions.

LKB
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ghost of Baron Scarpia on March 22, 2019, 01:57:52 PM
I think the people whose job it is to investigate these incidents are being appropriately cautious. So cautious that second brand new plane went down under identical circumstances just a few months later, even though this model plane has only recently been introduced and there are relatively few in service.

As to our speculations on this web site, they are for entertainment value. We have no obligation to due diligence. :)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ghost of Baron Scarpia on March 22, 2019, 02:00:00 PM
The treasury department imposes sanctions on North Korea, and the next day Trump announces that he has lifted them. The reason given, he likes the murderous dictator of North Korea.

This seems normal now.  :(
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: LKB on March 22, 2019, 02:48:14 PM
Quote from: Ghost of Baron Scarpia on March 22, 2019, 01:57:52 PM
I think the people whose job it is to investigate these incidents are being appropriately cautious. So cautious that second brand new plane went down under identical circumstances just a few months later, even though this model plane has only recently been introduced and there are relatively few in service.

As to our speculations on this web site, they are for entertainment value. We have no obligation to due diligence. :)

Agreed. It's just that l was a fan of McDonnell Douglas & the DC-10, though it was not without its problems. And as some in my family have had connections with Boeing since before the Korean War, I'm finding myself hoping the ultimate fault will reside outside the company... but we'll see how things resolve.

LKB
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ghost of Baron Scarpia on March 22, 2019, 03:09:40 PM
Quote from: LKB on March 22, 2019, 02:48:14 PM
Agreed. It's just that l was a fan of McDonnell Douglas & the DC-10, though it was not without its problems. And as some in my family have had connections with Boeing since before the Korean War, I'm finding myself hoping the ultimate fault will reside outside the company... but we'll see how things resolve.

LKB

I suspect the airlines won't entirely escape responsibility, since if the pilots were sufficiently trained they would be able to recognize the problem and perform whatever arcane procedure is needed to disable the faulty control system. On the other hand, according to Boeing, a major selling point of the plane was that anyone qualified on a 737 was qualified on a 737 max if they took a self-administered primer on a iPad. I'm guessing that if the truth be known, Boeing will be found to be criminally negligent.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ghost of Baron Scarpia on March 22, 2019, 03:21:39 PM
Think of it this way. Suppose you had a car, and it had a special safety system that detected the pressure in the two front tires and if it detected a pressure difference, it automatically applied a correction to the steering wheel to keep the car going straight. But if, say, the left pressure sensor fails, it goes berserk and turns the wheel hard right. This happens to your loved one, who plunges to his or her death off the golden gate bridge, desperately pulling on the steering wheel, fighting with the safety system.

The car manufacture tells you it was your loved one's own fault, because if he or she had read the manual your loved one would have known that all he or she had to do was type "ASSC-0" onto the car's touchscreen to disable the system.

You're satisfied?
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: André on March 22, 2019, 03:27:11 PM
The Seattle Times (home of Boeing) has its own in-house aerospace reporter. The following article is an excellent read and, as far as I can tell, quite well informed:


https://www.seattletimes.com/business/boeing-aerospace/failed-certification-faa-missed-safety-issues-in-the-737-max-system-implicated-in-the-lion-air-crash/ (https://www.seattletimes.com/business/boeing-aerospace/failed-certification-faa-missed-safety-issues-in-the-737-max-system-implicated-in-the-lion-air-crash/)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ghost of Baron Scarpia on March 22, 2019, 03:30:52 PM
Quote from: André on March 22, 2019, 03:27:11 PM
The Seattle Times (home of Boeing) has its own in-house aerospace reporter. The following article is an excellent read and, as far as I can tell, quite well informed:


https://www.seattletimes.com/business/boeing-aerospace/failed-certification-faa-missed-safety-issues-in-the-737-max-system-implicated-in-the-lion-air-crash/ (https://www.seattletimes.com/business/boeing-aerospace/failed-certification-faa-missed-safety-issues-in-the-737-max-system-implicated-in-the-lion-air-crash/)

That's the same article I posted above (reply #2855)

http://www.good-music-guide.com/community/index.php/topic,6347.msg1207275.html#msg1207275
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on March 23, 2019, 06:36:35 AM
Quote from: André on March 22, 2019, 03:27:11 PM
The Seattle Times (home of Boeing)


Boeing moved its headquarters to Chicago years ago. 

The newest crash really hasn't tanked the stock enough to make it particularly attractive yet.  Turns out the two airlines with crashes didn't buy all the safety upgrades.  That means liability can be spread across multiple firms.  Good for Boeing shareholders.  I'd like to see what Boeing's E&O policies look like to get a better understanding of the potential hit to shareholders.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on March 23, 2019, 08:25:06 AM
Quote from: Ghost of Baron Scarpia on March 22, 2019, 03:30:52 PM
That's the same article I posted above (reply #2855)

http://www.good-music-guide.com/community/index.php/topic,6347.msg1207275.html#msg1207275 (http://www.good-music-guide.com/community/index.php/topic,6347.msg1207275.html#msg1207275)


Curious, that you both selected this thread 8)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on March 23, 2019, 10:28:29 AM
Anyone hear about the church burnings in France?
https://www.breitbart.com/faith/2019/03/20/twelve-french-churches-attacked-vandalized-in-one-week/ (https://www.breitbart.com/faith/2019/03/20/twelve-french-churches-attacked-vandalized-in-one-week/)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ghost of Baron Scarpia on March 23, 2019, 10:07:01 PM
Apple "privacy" seems to be bullshit. Supposedly their iMessage system is end-to-end encrypted. But someone sends me an iMessage mentioning an obscure web site I have never visited. I confirmed this by searching my browser history. The next day ads for this web site are appearing in on GMG when I access using a different Apple device. 
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on March 24, 2019, 06:02:22 AM
Quote from: Ghost of Baron Scarpia on March 23, 2019, 10:07:01 PM
Apple "privacy" seems to be bullshit. Supposedly their iMessage system is end-to-end encrypted. But someone sends me an iMessage mentioning an obscure web site I have never visited. I confirmed this by searching my browser history. The next day ads for this web site are appearing in on GMG when I access using a different Apple device.
Interesting. I am assuming you did not visit the site; if you did there is an obvious explanation.
I suppose it could be that the browser leaked your history search. But if Apple is at all like facebook, they sold access to your data and lied about it.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ghost of Baron Scarpia on March 24, 2019, 06:22:16 AM
Quote from: Ken B on March 24, 2019, 06:02:22 AM
Interesting. I am assuming you did not visit the site; if you did there is an obvious explanation.
I suppose it could be that the browser leaked your history search. But if Apple is at all like facebook, they sold access to your data and lied about it.

An obvious explanation would be that I tapped the link in the iMessage. I don't think I did, and I searched the browser history on the phone and it didn't come up. When Apple says iMessage is end-to-end encrypted I tend to think they are not outright lying. But I've read about apps being kicked out of the Apple store for saving screenshots. Maybe something like that. Or maybe the person who sent the iMessage had visited the site and it was correlated with me. (Our phones are often on the same WiFi network.)

In any case, any privacy on a smartphone is an illusions, by Apple or any other vendor.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: JBS on March 24, 2019, 10:25:02 AM
If Apple does what Chrome does for me,  the mere presence of that link in the message sent to you is enough to connect it to the algorithm that decides what ads to show you.

At least, that seems to happen in Chrome.....
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ghost of Baron Scarpia on March 24, 2019, 09:24:39 PM
Quote from: JBS on March 24, 2019, 10:25:02 AM
If Apple does what Chrome does for me,  the mere presence of that link in the message sent to you is enough to connect it to the algorithm that decides what ads to show you.

At least, that seems to happen in Chrome.....

The information was not in a browser, it was in iMessage. Apple claims that the two iMessage clients (you and the person you are exchanging messages with) encrypt the communications so that Apple does not have the ability to decrypt the data in transit. Presumably it is some variation on a public key encryption system.

https://www.apple.com/privacy/approach-to-privacy/

No one but me should have known that the web site was mentioned. It is not iron clad that the iMessage was sniffed. Maybe the person who mentioned the web site had visited it and the advertisers know that I have a relationship with that other person.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on March 24, 2019, 10:05:27 PM
Quote from: Ghost of Baron Scarpia on March 24, 2019, 09:24:39 PM
The information was not in a browser, it was in iMessage. Apple claims that the two iMessage clients (you and the person you are exchanging messages with) encrypt the communications so that Apple does not have the ability to decrypt the data in transit. Presumably it is some variation on a public key encryption system.

https://www.apple.com/privacy/approach-to-privacy/

No one but me should have known that the web site was mentioned. It is not iron clad that the iMessage was sniffed. Maybe the person who mentioned the web site had visited it and the advertisers know that I have a relationship with that other person.
That is certainly possible, or perhaps he searched it in google, etc.
Remember too how psychics and faith healers make their living: people forget information they give out. How did you search your history? Did you search for a string match?
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ghost of Baron Scarpia on March 24, 2019, 10:41:35 PM
Quote from: Ken B on March 24, 2019, 10:05:27 PM
That is certainly possible, or perhaps he searched it in google, etc.
Remember too how psychics and faith healers make their living: people forget information they give out. How did you search your history? Did you search for a string match?

On Safari (both OSX and iOS) I opened full history and searched for a a string in the URL. It turned up web sites with the substring going back years, but not the site that was advertised to me.

I don't think it's likely that Apple is lying about the encryption of iMessage. More likely that advertisers are more clever than we can imagine in building up shadow profiles and correlating data.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ghost of Baron Scarpia on March 26, 2019, 10:21:08 AM
Quote from: Ghost of Baron Scarpia on March 22, 2019, 03:21:39 PM
Think of it this way. Suppose you had a car, and it had a special safety system that detected the pressure in the two front tires and if it detected a pressure difference, it automatically applied a correction to the steering wheel to keep the car going straight. But if, say, the left pressure sensor fails, it goes berserk and turns the wheel hard right. This happens to your loved one, who plunges to his or her death off the golden gate bridge, desperately pulling on the steering wheel, fighting with the safety system.

The car manufacture tells you it was your loved one's own fault, because if he or she had read the manual your loved one would have known that all he or she had to do was type "ASSC-0" onto the car's touchscreen to disable the system.

You're satisfied?

This NYTimes article had interesting additional information. It is anonymously sourced, but gives the impression of being plausible.

https://www.nytimes.com/2019/03/25/business/boeing-simulation-error.html

Takeaway, Boeing ran a test on a 737 Max simulator, replicating the Lion Air situation. This was before the second crash. The pilots had to successfully disable the flight control system within 40 seconds or the plane was put in an unrecoverable dive.

Activating a thumb switch on the stick would temporarily override the system and and allow the pilots to pull up but then the system would reactivate itself and push the nose down again. To disable the system they would have to shut off power to the electric motor powering the system, then they would have to turn some sort of crank to undo the corrections that the system had put in. They have 40 seconds to figure this out and perform the two required operations.


Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on March 26, 2019, 10:31:30 PM
The Smollett dismissal proves American Justice is completely corrupt. This isn't just run of the mill corruption, it's open in your face and you can't do anything about it corruption.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ghost of Baron Scarpia on March 27, 2019, 08:02:32 AM
Quote from: Ken B on March 26, 2019, 10:31:30 PM
The Smollett dismissal proves American Justice is completely corrupt. This isn't just run of the mill corruption, it's open in your face and you can't do anything about it corruption.

Corruption implies acting in bad faith in return for monetary gain. I don't think the DA was bribed in this case. I think the word you are looking for is travesty, which it is. It tends to happen when celebrities are involved.

On the face of it, it is a plea deal. The little turd has forfeited his bond and agreed to community service. Maybe the case wasn't as strong as was claimed by the police and portrayed in the media. What baffles me is why charges were dismissed, rather than the customary guilty plea to lesser charges. The most galling thing is the little turd now claiming he was telling the truth all along about being attacked. In a customary plea deal he would have been required to make an allocution in court.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on March 27, 2019, 09:02:30 AM
Quote from: Ghost of Baron Scarpia on March 27, 2019, 08:02:32 AM
Corruption implies acting in bad faith in return for monetary gain. I don't think the DA was bribed in this case. I think the word you are looking for is travesty, which it is. It tends to happen when celebrities are involved.

On the face of it, it is a plea deal. The little turd has forfeited his bond and agreed to community service. Maybe the case wasn't as strong as was claimed by the police and portrayed in the media. What baffles me is why charges were dismissed, rather than the customary guilty plea to lesser charges. The most galling thing is the little turd now claiming he was telling the truth all along about being attacked. In a customary plea deal he would have been required to make an allocution in court.
No. There was no plea. He claims exoneration. The record will be sealed. This was not a plea bargain.
Corruption can be for more than money, such as future political favors, or doing a favor.
Yes I believe there is mens Rea here.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ghost of Baron Scarpia on March 27, 2019, 09:13:29 AM
Quote from: Ken B on March 27, 2019, 09:02:30 AM
No. There was no plea. He claims exoneration. The record will be sealed. This was not a plea bargain.
Corruption can be for more than money, such as future political favors, or doing a favor.
Yes I believe there is mens Rea here.

I know, it is not a plea deal, but it resembles one, with the forfeiture and community service. I apply Occam's razor. What is the simplest explanation? The prosecutor is not getting anything out of this except public humiliation and ridicule. Political favor from whom, and it what form? Sounds like a conspiracy theory. The simplest explanation is that there was insufficient evidence to convict. The two individuals who the turd seems to have paid for the phony attack are unreliable, self-contradictory, unwilling to implicate themselves, idiots, have a new lawyer, unwilling to testify. The only physical evidence is surveillance video of the two brothers buying hats. The jury pool poisoned by police chief on national television ranting and raving about the turd... The DA despairs and fears humiliation in court and doesn't even have the leverage to obtain a plea. I'm not so willing to take the cops at their word.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on March 27, 2019, 09:40:19 AM
You know the prosecutor already had secret texts and talks with his family?  Said she wanted to help him?
They have a lot of evidence, a lot of it was presented.
The system is brutal to poor nobodies. Connected members of the nomenklatura on the other hand...
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ghost of Baron Scarpia on March 27, 2019, 09:56:49 AM
After Occam's razor, I apply Hanlon's razor. Never ascribe to malice that which is adequately explained by incompetence

Hard cases make bad law. Celebrity cases make worse law.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on March 30, 2019, 07:22:45 AM
Quote from: Ghost of Baron Scarpia on March 27, 2019, 09:56:49 AM
Never ascribe to malice that which is adequately explained by incompetence


In this case, the outcome can be ascribed to intervention by an aide to Michelle Obama.  That is corruption.  Well, maybe not for a Democrat. 

Of course, the case itself is not really important.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on March 30, 2019, 12:12:29 PM
Quote from: Todd on March 30, 2019, 07:22:45 AM

In this case, the outcome can be ascribed to intervention by an aide to Michelle Obama.  That is corruption.  Well, maybe not for a Democrat. 

Of course, the case itself is not really important.

Too much even for the Illinois prosecutors

https://althouse.blogspot.com/2019/03/the-illinois-prosecutors-bar.html?m=1
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on March 30, 2019, 01:17:48 PM
Quote from: Ken B on March 30, 2019, 12:12:29 PM
Too much even for the Illinois prosecutors

https://althouse.blogspot.com/2019/03/the-illinois-prosecutors-bar.html?m=1


For a state where four of the last seven governors went to prison, and the Cook County tax assessor has a multi-million dollar campaign chest, maybe it will be the Smollett case that finally cleans things up.   I mean, of course it won't.  It ain't corruption if Dems do it. 
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Wanderer on March 30, 2019, 11:56:55 PM
Cambridge and Heidelberg announce major project to digitise treasured medieval manuscripts. (https://www.cam.ac.uk/GreekManuscripts)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ghost of Baron Scarpia on April 03, 2019, 08:29:30 PM
The sound from wind turbines causes cancer. I have it on the best authority, President Trump. He has access to the best information, NIH research, EPA studies, OSHA data.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: amw on April 06, 2019, 03:53:39 AM
Man believes CD collection worth actual money (https://www.thedailymash.co.uk/news/business/man-believes-cd-collection-worth-actual-money-20181119179553)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: André on April 06, 2019, 05:29:38 AM
Quote from: amw on April 06, 2019, 03:53:39 AM
Man believes CD collection worth actual money (https://www.thedailymash.co.uk/news/business/man-believes-cd-collection-worth-actual-money-20181119179553)

Interesting. Pretty much the same is going on here. I'm still able to sell to second hand shops, but the return gets smaller every time  :(.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ghost of Baron Scarpia on April 15, 2019, 09:42:48 AM
Oh, lord.

(https://dynaimage.cdn.cnn.com/cnn/digital-images/w_900/469dd306-d465-458d-905f-ad2425421eae.jpg)

I was there once.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: mc ukrneal on April 15, 2019, 10:31:55 AM
Quote from: Ghost of Baron Scarpia on April 15, 2019, 09:42:48 AM
Oh, lord.

(https://dynaimage.cdn.cnn.com/cnn/digital-images/w_900/469dd306-d465-458d-905f-ad2425421eae.jpg)

I was there once.
The spire and roof collapsed. It's serious.

ADD: Entire Ile de la cite is being evacuated.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ghost of Baron Scarpia on April 15, 2019, 10:39:07 AM
The spire, as I understand it, was a 19th century replacement of the original. The pitched roof which burned protects the vaulted ceiling. It is the stonework which is most valuable, and it appears to be at risk.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: mc ukrneal on April 15, 2019, 10:51:11 AM
There was a lot of wood inside though and invaluable artwork and plenty of other types of works/icons/etc. This sort of heat will likely be catastrophic for the stained glass.


EDIT: Includes 17th century organ among other historical/religious items.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on April 15, 2019, 11:17:02 AM
Oh jeez. What a disaster.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ghost of Baron Scarpia on April 15, 2019, 11:24:55 AM
There is a statement from a "spokesman" for the cathedral saying the wooden interior is fully engulfed in flame. I have not seen photographs which confirm this - all of the lower windows of the cathedral appear dark.

https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/world-news/breaking-notre-dame-fire-smoke-14336461

The outlook is grim, and it is still burning.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: mc ukrneal on April 15, 2019, 11:36:33 AM
It looks like one of the towers may be on fire lower down, inside. One of the streams of water is focused on that. With the roof gone, there may be a lot of issues with the stability of the structure. All that history lost...
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: mc ukrneal on April 15, 2019, 11:57:13 AM
A number of officials are now saying they are not sure they will be able to save the cathedral.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: LKB on April 15, 2019, 11:58:18 AM
I was there in 1983, and it is ( was?  :( ) one of the most impressive structures I've ever visited.

I've read in the news that many of the more important artifacts have been rescued, but it seems a poor outlook for the cathedral overall...

Hoping,

LKB
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: André on April 15, 2019, 12:16:41 PM
An incalculable loss. No amount of money spent on an eventual reconstruction will make up for 800 years of history gone up in flames.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ghost of Baron Scarpia on April 15, 2019, 12:29:38 PM
Quote from: André on April 15, 2019, 12:16:41 PM
An incalculable loss. No amount of money spent on an eventual reconstruction will make up for 800 years of history gone up in flames.

Not to mention the time required. If they undertake to rebuild using authentic construction methods it could take 100 years. The Cathedral of Saint John the Divine in New York was started in 1892 and is still under construction.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on April 15, 2019, 12:48:00 PM
From the location it looks like it might be linked to the renovation. I wonder if there was "cost cutting " in re fire safety. There was a notable reluctance on the part of the government to provide funds, so much of the money was raised privately.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ghost of Baron Scarpia on April 15, 2019, 01:08:03 PM
Quote from: Ken B on April 15, 2019, 12:48:00 PM
From the location it looks like it might be linked to the renovation. I wonder if there was "cost cutting " in re fire safety. There was a notable reluctance on the part of the government to provide funds, so much of the money was raised privately.

Every news report seems to be laying blame on the renovations.

It if, of course, the fate of the government to be blamed for excessive safety regulations and outrageous expenditures, unless something goes wrong, in which case they are blamed for lax safety measures and skimping.

A lot of confusing reporting. In the photos I have come across all of the smoke and flame seems to be above the level of the vaulted ceiling. I do not entirely give up hope that the main part of the structure will survive.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Jo498 on April 15, 2019, 01:34:58 PM
It seems now that the main structure can be saved. But this is an incredible disaster. I don't remember anything like it.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Papy Oli on April 15, 2019, 01:50:25 PM
This is heartbreaking... :(
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: amw on April 15, 2019, 02:12:18 PM
It will be rebuilt but who knows how long that will take (esp with the same government that failed to cover the cost of repairs in the first place....and building cathedrals takes a while in general, my former local one has been under construction for 130 years)

No one seems to have been hurt or killed, and for Catholics, reports seem to indicate most of the priceless relics & artworks were able to be saved. It's always sad when something like this happens though; a vast number of historic sites of great importance have been destroyed over the past 20~ years and it doesn't get any easier when the culprit is negligence rather than, e.g., ISIS or Al-Qaeda or a natural disaster.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on April 15, 2019, 03:12:39 PM
Quote from: Ghost of Baron Scarpia on April 15, 2019, 01:08:03 PM
Every news report seems to be laying blame on the renovations.

It if, of course, the fate of the government to be blamed for excessive safety regulations and outrageous expenditures, unless something goes wrong, in which case they are blamed for lax safety measures and skimping.

A lot of confusing reporting. In the photos I have come across all of the smoke and flame seems to be above the level of the vaulted ceiling. I do not entirely give up hope that the main part of the structure will survive.

The reports I have seen are a bit disconcertingly insistent it was an accident. They cannot know. Obviously an accident linked to the renovation has to be the obvious suspect, but no one can possibly know for sure.

France 24 interviewed one guy who said he did not understand how it could be still burning because it's made of stone. I understand time constraints, but they couldn't find anyone with any knowledge at all?  ::)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: André on April 15, 2019, 03:49:10 PM
There are dozens and dozens of huge cathedrals across Europe. St Peter's, Salisbury, Exeter, Westminster, Ulm, Milan, Cologne, Vienna plus a dozen other Notre-Dames in France alone. I suspect emergency measures, fire protection and contingency plans, insurance quotes etc will be looked at in the coming weeks.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ghost of Baron Scarpia on April 15, 2019, 04:00:09 PM
This is the most revealing photograph I have come across, of the interior.  Part of the stonework of the vaulted ceiling has collapsed. This is profound structural damage and could compromise the overall stability of the structure. The primary purpose of the flying buttresses in a gothic cathedral is to the balance the stress of the ceiling vaults and if the ceiling vaults completely collapse those buttresses could push the walls in. Seems like the authorities are saying the main structure has been saved, but restoration will be a very substantial and complicated job.

(https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/live-experience/cps/624/cpsprodpb/vivo/live/images/2019/4/15/2f87476e-f149-472d-8c4c-10503cf47b26.jpg)

https://www.bbc.com/news/live/world-europe-47942176
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on April 15, 2019, 08:21:03 PM
We have mentioned a few times the kind of atheist who makes some of us embarrassed to be atheists. On one prominent site today, where they whine that people don't like atheists, I saw the following comment, about Notre Dame

Quotethe only church that illuminates is a burning church
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: ritter on April 16, 2019, 02:17:20 AM
I'm not really a religious person, but am fascinated by history and art, and am an avowed francophile. I last visited the interior of Notre-Dame some 8 years ago, but saw it last from the outside in December 2019.

This is indeed a very sad occasion.... :( :'( :( :'(
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: mc ukrneal on April 16, 2019, 05:31:10 AM
They say the organ survived.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on April 16, 2019, 06:11:10 AM
Quote from: mc ukrneal on April 16, 2019, 05:31:10 AM
They say the organ survived.
Wow.

Apparently the three great rose windows survived. For now at least. As has been pointed out above, there are reasons to worry about the structure. Here is another: fire can make mortar fragile. Anyway, that is the best possible news, considering what we saw happen.

Speaking of the mortar. The 19th century spire used cement not lime mortar, and that was a key part of why it needed fixing. It seems the 13th century builders knew better.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: mc ukrneal on April 16, 2019, 06:19:58 AM
There are recent reports that the structure is sound, although I'm not sure to what extent is meant.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ghost of Baron Scarpia on April 16, 2019, 06:26:05 AM
Quote from: mc ukrneal on April 16, 2019, 06:19:58 AM
There are recent reports that the structure is sound, although I'm not sure to what extent is meant.

Indeed, as noted above, mortar as well as the limestone itself can be weakened by fire. I think the best news is that the ceiling vaults are intact except for three holes. Given that the fire was in the roof, the most vulnerable part of the stone structure would be the ceiling vaults.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ghost of Baron Scarpia on April 16, 2019, 08:30:54 AM
It is a relief to realize that when they spoke of the "entire wooden interior destroyed" they were referring to the wooden structure between the vaulted stone ceiling and the lead roof. There was no fire inside the building, so the stained glass windows were presumably spared the heat and smoke of the fire.

On the other hand, who knows how much lead was released into the atmosphere when the wood fire burned under the lead covering of the roof and spire.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ghost of Baron Scarpia on April 17, 2019, 09:52:31 AM
I guess the question now is what form the reconstruction will take. The spire was a 19th century replacement for the original, which had fallen more than a hundred years before. It seems that replicating a 19th century addition would be a peculiar thing to do. They might try to re-imagine the original spire, or they might replace it with something representing a 21st century aesthetic. That might be more in line with the spirit of the Cathedrals, which were constantly being repaired and added to with new architectural elements during their long lifetimes. And the roof. A wood and lead replica, or maybe a Plexiglas affair like the pyramid they built at the Louvre.  :)

I suspect the ceiling vaults will be a major issue. Several vaults fell, but probably others (maybe all of them) are structurally compromised and in danger of collapsing. Maybe they all will require major repair or replacement.

Makes me think of the World Trade Center. They decided to make the original site a memorial and build a big building next to it. That would not be my choice. I would have rebuilt it the original World Trade Center exactly as it was, as if it never happened. The top floor might have been a prison block for Al Qaeda, where they would have to daily look down on a thriving New York City. :)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: North Star on April 17, 2019, 11:14:13 AM
Quote from: Ghost of Baron Scarpia on April 17, 2019, 09:52:31 AM
I guess the question now is what form the reconstruction will take. The spire was a 19th century replacement for the original, which had fallen more than a hundred years before. It seems that replicating a 19th century addition would be a peculiar thing to do. They might try to re-imagine the original spire, or they might replace it with something representing a 21st century aesthetic. That might be more in line with the spirit of the Cathedrals, which were constantly being repaired and added to with new architectural elements during their long lifetimes. And the roof. A wood and lead replica, or maybe a Plexiglas affair like the pyramid they built at the Louvre.  :)

I suspect the ceiling vaults will be a major issue. Several vaults fell, but probably others (maybe all of them) are structurally compromised and in danger of collapsing. Maybe they all will require major repair or replacement.

Makes me think of the World Trade Center. They decided to make the original site a memorial and build a big building next to it. That would not be my choice. I would have rebuilt it the original World Trade Center exactly as it was, as if it never happened. The top floor might have been a prison block for Al Qaeda, where they would have to daily look down on a thriving New York City. :)
I would be surprised if they went with something like plexiglass roof, instead of making a replica of the old one. Lead is banned by EU directives.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ghost of Baron Scarpia on April 17, 2019, 11:23:01 AM
Quote from: North Star on April 17, 2019, 11:14:13 AM
I would be surprised if they went with something like plexiglass roof, instead of making a replica of the old one. Lead is banned by EU directives.

I was being facetious about the Plexiglas roof, although the French are the French, and are the sort of people who might give themselves the right to do such a thing. I'd like it.

Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: North Star on April 17, 2019, 11:56:08 AM
Quote from: Ghost of Baron Scarpia on April 17, 2019, 11:23:01 AM
I was being facetious about the Plexiglas roof, although the French are the French, and are the sort of people who might give themselves the right to do such a thing. I'd like it.
It would certainly help with keeping carbon emissions down if they didn't need any candles there.  :laugh:
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: greg on April 18, 2019, 03:51:23 PM
Quote from: Ghost of Baron Scarpia on April 17, 2019, 09:52:31 AM
The top floor might have been a prison block for Al Qaeda, where they would have to daily look down on a thriving New York City. :)
Oh, and they can spend their time hanging upside down over a clear plastic floor and have a fan blowing so that it feels like they are falling all day long.  :P
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Florestan on April 21, 2019, 07:51:29 AM
Hundreds of Christians slaughtered in Sri Lanka church bombings. As unimportant as it gets, it seems...

https://www.nytimes.com/2019/04/21/world/asia/sri-lanka-explosion.html (https://www.nytimes.com/2019/04/21/world/asia/sri-lanka-explosion.html)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: amw on April 21, 2019, 08:22:38 AM
I don't usually pray but I've been doing that today. Coming so soon after another mass slaughter at a place of worship here in NZ, it's horrible this keeps happening to people who dare to do nothing but practice and celebrate a faith the majority doesn't share. Carrying out an act like this is the ultimate chillul haShem and the amount of hatred someone has to be filled with to disregard that is mind-boggling.

Anyway blessings to the martyrs & their families and I hope more than anything this doesn't get used to reignite the incredibly awful 25+ year sectarian war that ended less than a decade ago and has killed hundreds of thousands.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ghost of Baron Scarpia on April 22, 2019, 04:06:16 PM
Quote from: Florestan on April 21, 2019, 07:51:29 AM
Hundreds of Christians slaughtered in Sri Lanka church bombings. As unimportant as it gets, it seems...

What's that supposed to mean?
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on April 23, 2019, 07:32:09 AM
Quote from: Ghost of Baron Scarpia on April 22, 2019, 04:06:16 PM
What's that supposed to mean?

I take it as a mordant observation about the double standard applied to certain atrocities.

https://whyevolutionistrue.wordpress.com/2019/04/22/maajid-nawab-sees-a-change-in-world-leaders-tweets-about-the-christchurch-and-sri-lanka-terrorist-attacks/ (https://whyevolutionistrue.wordpress.com/2019/04/22/maajid-nawab-sees-a-change-in-world-leaders-tweets-about-the-christchurch-and-sri-lanka-terrorist-attacks/)

Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ghost of Baron Scarpia on April 23, 2019, 07:37:52 AM
Dead link.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on April 23, 2019, 07:40:14 AM
Quote from: Ghost of Baron Scarpia on April 23, 2019, 07:37:52 AM
Dead link.
Indeed. Odd.  Here it is plain text

https://whyevolutionistrue.wordpress.com/2019/04/22/maajid-nawaz-sees-a-change-in-world-leaders-tweets-about-the-christchurch-and-sri-lanka-terrorist-attacks/
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ghost of Baron Scarpia on April 23, 2019, 07:50:53 AM
Quote from: Ken B on April 23, 2019, 07:40:14 AM
Indeed. Odd.  Here it is plain text

https://whyevolutionistrue.wordpress.com/2019/04/22/maajid-nawaz-sees-a-change-in-world-leaders-tweets-about-the-christchurch-and-sri-lanka-terrorist-attacks/

I got bored half-way through that link. I'm supposed to think that referring to the Sri Lanka victims as "Easter Worshipers" rather than "Christians" is a ploy to avoid accusing Islamic terrorists? Nonsense. It was Easter, if it had been a generic Sunday service it would have been more natural to say "Christians." Equivalent outrage and sympathy was expressed for the Sri Lanka and Christchurch attacks.

What is more fatiguing to me is when people have to get our their outrage-meters and make some sort of a sectarian accusation that people are not getting appropriately outraged about one incident vs another.

Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on April 23, 2019, 08:04:39 AM
Quote from: Ghost of Baron Scarpia on April 23, 2019, 07:50:53 AM
I got bored half-way through that link. I'm supposed to think that referring to the Sri Lanka victims as "Easter Worshipers" rather than "Christians" is a ploy to avoid accusing Islamic terrorists? Nonsense. It was Easter, if it had been a generic Sunday service it would have been more natural to say "Christians." Equivalent outrage and sympathy was expressed for the Sri Lanka and Christchurch attacks.

What is more fatiguing to me is when people have to get our their outrage-meters and make some sort of a sectarian accusation that people are not getting appropriately outraged about one incident vs another.
Actually the argument is that it's a ploy to avoid calling them Christians. Boredom is not a rebuttal, but trust me I understand being bored with people who cannot be bothered to frame an actual argument. *yawn*
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ghost of Baron Scarpia on April 23, 2019, 08:09:42 AM
Quote from: Ken B on April 23, 2019, 08:04:39 AM
Actually the argument is that it's a ploy to avoid calling them Christians. Boredom is not a rebuttal, but trust me I understand being bored with people who cannot be bothered to frame an actual argument. *yawn*

Yes, I got that, I did not find the rhetorical distinctions that the claim was based on to be significant.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: amw on April 23, 2019, 08:56:05 AM
I mean there's several levels here:
- 310 people being killed for their religious beliefs in a third world country is less of a news item than an old cathedral burning down with no casualties in a first world country, because too many people only care about what's happening in their own back yards. (There was another ethnically & religiously motivated attack last month in Mali that killed 160 which also went mostly unnoticed in media.)
- Politicians don't want to name the victims as Christians, possibly out of fear that this will encourage more "alt-right" people to carry out retaliatory attacks like the one in New Zealand. (But this reasoning doesn't make much sense either given that the most right-wing American Christians tend to be virulently anti-Catholic, and just ends up downplaying the religious motivations of the murderers.)
- The alleged culprits are from an organisation that—like all other wahhabi-influenced Sunni Muslim paramilitary organisations—most likely receives funding from a US & European ally, Saudi Arabia, which US & European leaders don't want to alienate, so very little action can be expected in response.

I interpreted a lot of the frustration as stemming from the first point, because the tone-deaf American responses had not yet happened at the time & there was also not yet any claim of responsibility or knowledge of the perpetrators.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on April 23, 2019, 09:07:26 AM
Amw makes some good points, but I think the Mali example rather boosts Florestan's underlying complaint about double standards.

Personally I think it a good thing on balance that elected leaders stand up and lie about religions and call them peaceful, but it's important that we don't believe actually believe them.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ghost of Baron Scarpia on April 23, 2019, 09:10:36 AM
Quote from: amw on April 23, 2019, 08:56:05 AM
I mean there's several levels here:
- 310 people being killed for their religious beliefs in a third world country is less of a news item than an old cathedral burning down with no casualties in a first world country, because too many people only care about what's happening in their own back yards. (There was another ethnically & religiously motivated attack last month in Mali that killed 160 which also went mostly unnoticed in media.)
- Politicians don't want to name the victims as Christians, possibly out of fear that this will encourage more "alt-right" people to carry out retaliatory attacks like the one in New Zealand. (But this reasoning doesn't make much sense either given that the most right-wing American Christians tend to be virulently anti-Catholic, and just ends up downplaying the religious motivations of the murderers.)
- The alleged culprits are from an organisation that—like all other wahhabi-influenced Sunni Muslim paramilitary organisations—most likely receives funding from a US & European ally, Saudi Arabia, which US & European leaders don't want to alienate, so very little action can be expected in response.

I interpreted a lot of the frustration as stemming from the first point, because the tone-deaf American responses had not yet happened at the time & there was also not yet any claim of responsibility or knowledge of the perpetrators.

About 300,000 people die every day on earth. It is the nature of terrorism to cause a relatively tiny number of people to die in spectacular manner and command attention.

I don't find it inappropriate that the destruction of a thousand year old structure that represents the pinnacle of achievement of a culture would attract as much attention as the number of deaths on one day being increased by 0.1%. The significance of the terrorist attack is not the loss of life, but the potential for civilization instability.

Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on April 23, 2019, 09:12:07 AM
Quote from: Ghost of Baron Scarpia on April 23, 2019, 09:10:36 AM
About 300,000 people die every day on earth. It is the nature of terrorism to cause a relatively tiny number of people to die in spectacular manner and command attention.

I don't find it inappropriate that the destruction of a thousand year old structure that represents the pinnacle of achievement of a culture would attract as much attention as the number of deaths on one day being increased by 0.1%. The significance of the terrorist attack is not the loss of life, but the potential for civilization instability.
We agree this time, especially the last sentence.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on April 24, 2019, 12:12:52 PM
The push to rehire Jussie Smollett. https://deadline.com/2019/04/empire-cast-crew-letter-jussie-smolett-return-fox-disney-1202601208/ (https://deadline.com/2019/04/empire-cast-crew-letter-jussie-smolett-return-fox-disney-1202601208/)

The point is not that he is innocent, the point is that it's ok anyway. Privileges are established by asserting them.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ghost of Baron Scarpia on April 24, 2019, 01:55:24 PM
Quote from: Ken B on April 24, 2019, 12:12:52 PM
The push to rehire Jussie Smollett. https://deadline.com/2019/04/empire-cast-crew-letter-jussie-smolett-return-fox-disney-1202601208/ (https://deadline.com/2019/04/empire-cast-crew-letter-jussie-smolett-return-fox-disney-1202601208/)

The point is not that he is innocent, the point is that it's ok anyway. Privileges are established by asserting them.

I'll keep my outrage powder dry in the event he actually gets rehired. You'll have to keep me up to date, I don't even know what show he was on.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on April 24, 2019, 02:47:19 PM
Quote from: Ghost of Baron Scarpia on April 24, 2019, 01:55:24 PM
I'll keep my outrage powder dry in the event he actually gets rehired. You'll have to keep me up to date, I don't even know what show he was on.
Some people confuse sardonic observation with outrage. But your position is that it's only an outrage when the bigwigs at Fox bless him?
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ghost of Baron Scarpia on April 24, 2019, 02:52:04 PM
Quote from: Ken B on April 24, 2019, 02:47:19 PM
Some people confuse sardonic observation with outrage. But your position is that it's only an outrage when the bigwigs at Fox bless him?

I should be surprised if someone somewhere is willing to overlook the behavior of this scumbag, presumably because he looks good? There is no one on the planet that does not have a following of apologists. Even the guy who shot all those students in Parkland Florida has internet groupies. Lord, I hear that some GoT fanatics are rooting for the Night King! (Well, I am, sort of.)

Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on April 24, 2019, 02:57:56 PM
Quote from: Ghost of Baron Scarpia on April 24, 2019, 02:52:04 PM
I should be surprised if someone somewhere is willing to overlook the behavior of this scumbag, presumably because he looks good? There is no one on the planet that does not have a following of apologists. Even the guy who shot all those students in Parkland Florida has internet groupies. Lord, I hear that some GoT fanatics are rooting for the Night King! (Well, I am, sort of.)
True. Even Boulez has admirers.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: greg on April 24, 2019, 05:43:25 PM
Quote from: Ghost of Baron Scarpia on April 24, 2019, 02:52:04 PM
I should be surprised if someone somewhere is willing to overlook the behavior of this scumbag, presumably because he looks good? There is no one on the planet that does not have a following of apologists. Even the guy who shot all those students in Parkland Florida has internet groupies. Lord, I hear that some GoT fanatics are rooting for the Night King! (Well, I am, sort of.)
Dude... I might be with you on that one. Why the Night King for you? For me it's that that world disgusts me so much that it would be best to just start from scratch tbh.

Other option I wouldn't mind is Jon + Daenerys, which would be great, but not sure that world would be much less disgusting than its current state.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on April 25, 2019, 06:30:36 PM
Kim Foxx, the Chicago prosecutor who lied about recusing herself in the Smollett case, has been posing for selfies with another accused, and had to actually recuse herself.
https://defensemaven.io/bluelivesmatter/news/state-s-attorney-forced-to-recuse-herself-after-posing-with-defendant-for-selfie-1wG9YSdLE061Zv-elfcevg/ (https://defensemaven.io/bluelivesmatter/news/state-s-attorney-forced-to-recuse-herself-after-posing-with-defendant-for-selfie-1wG9YSdLE061Zv-elfcevg/)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Biffo on April 27, 2019, 06:41:15 AM
From the BBC website  - 'Fake Lego gang' dismantled in $30m Chinese raid - presumably brick by brick
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: greg on April 27, 2019, 09:21:57 AM
Not news, but something I had the question of: which has a higher fertility rate, blue or red states? So I checked... and yeah, I guessed right. Red states.

(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/4/4d/Map_of_U.S._states_by_total_fertility_rate_%28TFR%29_in_2013.svg/800px-Map_of_U.S._states_by_total_fertility_rate_%28TFR%29_in_2013.svg.png)

(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/2/27/Red_state%2C_blue_state.svg/1920px-Red_state%2C_blue_state.svg.png)


Seems the party that wants to promote things such as abortion and blurring the genders is literally erasing its own future. And may be the reason why the newest generation is starting to lean more conservative.

The starkest contrast is the Dakotas vs. Minnesota. I guess you reap what you sow.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: North Star on April 27, 2019, 10:04:28 AM
Quote from: greg on April 27, 2019, 09:21:57 AM
Not news, but something I had the question of: which has a higher fertility rate, blue or red states? So I checked... and yeah, I guessed right. Red states.


Seems the party that wants to promote things such as abortion and blurring the genders is literally erasing its own future. And may be the reason why the newest generation is starting to lean more conservative.

The starkest contrast is the Dakotas vs. Minnesota. I guess you reap what you sow.
High fertility rates correlate with young mothers, lack of education, some forms of Christianity (for promoting starting a big family at a young age, for saying condoms are evil, for discouraging education), and poverty - all of which are strong indicators for voting Republicans for the poorest 99% of Americans. And the dark purple in the middle could also be all those young Mexicans getting children while trying to get to the promised land of Canada.  0:) Abortion and LBTQetc are hardly a reason for this difference in demographics. So yes, it's true that Republican politics that keep a majority of the population in the 'red states' poor and uneducated, keeps them in power.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on April 27, 2019, 11:10:10 AM
Quote from: North Star on April 27, 2019, 10:04:28 AM
High fertility rates correlate with young mothers, lack of education, some forms of Christianity (for promoting starting a big family at a young age, for saying condoms are evil, for discouraging education), and poverty - all of which are strong indicators for voting Republicans for the poorest 99% of Americans. And the dark purple in the middle could also be all those young Mexicans getting children while trying to get to the promised land of Canada.  0:) Abortion and LBTQetc are hardly a reason for this difference in demographics. So yes, it's true that Republican politics that keep a majority of the population in the 'red states' poor and uneducated, keeps them in power.
Bigoted twaddle. Seriously, a majority "poor and uneducated "?  ::)
You are smarter than that Karlo.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: greg on April 27, 2019, 05:15:59 PM
Quote from: North Star on April 27, 2019, 10:04:28 AM
High fertility rates correlate with young mothers, lack of education, some forms of Christianity (for promoting starting a big family at a young age, for saying condoms are evil, for discouraging education), and poverty - all of which are strong indicators for voting Republicans for the poorest 99% of Americans.
I mean, yeah. Pretty much. If you want to build your numbers, this is the way to go.

As for young mothers, I'd only consider it an issue if it's something like before the age of 20 or so. Having babies at prime fertility age is super important.


Quote from: North Star on April 27, 2019, 10:04:28 AM
And the dark purple in the middle could also be all those young Mexicans getting children while trying to get to the promised land of Canada.  0:)
Well, at least for Texas, it might be the case. I'll see very, very soon when I move to a place that is majority Hispanic.  ;D


Quote from: North Star on April 27, 2019, 10:04:28 AM
Abortion and LBTQetc are hardly a reason for this difference in demographics.
Well... are LGBTQ people procreating at faster rates than conservative Christians? Or any conservative groups, like Muslims? (if you look at the physical aspect, then...)

It's not a bad thing, don't get me wrong. Actually the fact that the US is below fertility replacement rates is great. Keeping the population stable at this point seems ideal.


Quote from: North Star on April 27, 2019, 10:04:28 AM
So yes, it's true that Republican politics that keep a majority of the population in the 'red states' poor and uneducated, keeps them in power.
I'd say that plenty of both blue and red states suck ass. I mean, have you heard about cities like San Francisco or Seattle (both in blue states) lately?

It seems to be more or less all over the map. Though a case could be made for the southeastern region being quite poor.

(https://www.homesnacks.net/graphs/national/poorest-states-in-america.jpg)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on April 27, 2019, 06:11:11 PM
Hamilton: The Exhibition breaks new ground for Broadway blockbuster (https://www.theguardian.com/stage/2019/apr/27/hamilton-the-exhibition-breaks-new-ground-for-broadway-blockbuster)


Instant nostalgia's gonna get you.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on April 27, 2019, 06:47:10 PM
The NYT abandons "literally Hitler"

(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/D5K6MfUXkAAxgC7?format=jpg&name=900x900)

I guess the editors decided portraying Jews as dogs was best left out of the domestic edition.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: JBS on April 27, 2019, 07:01:31 PM
Quote from: Ken B on April 27, 2019, 06:47:10 PM
The NYT abandons "literally Hitler"

(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/D5K6MfUXkAAxgC7?format=jpg&name=900x900)

I guess the editors decided portraying Jews as dogs was best left out of the domestic edition.

I have no problem with that cartoon. Bibi as Trump's housebroken pet is not a bad illustration of the situation.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on April 27, 2019, 07:04:15 PM
Who knows? Mebbe Bibi signed an NDA....
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on April 27, 2019, 07:07:46 PM
You think it's just a dig at Bibi? Why is Trump wearing a yarmulke and dark glasses? Why is Trump being pulled along?  The Times itself has referred to it now as anti Semitic and apologized.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: JBS on April 27, 2019, 07:17:12 PM
Quote from: Ken B on April 27, 2019, 07:07:46 PM
You think it's just a dig at Bibi? Why is Trump wearing a yarmulke and dark glasses? Why is Trump being pulled along?  The Times itself has referred to it now as anti Semitic and apologized.

I don't see anything wrong with the cartoon.  Bibi has made a fundamental error by openly siding with the GOP, thereby making it easy for Democrats to turn against Israel. The harm to Israel that will come from that will live on long after Bibi is gone.  And all Bibi has really gained is a few favors that are big on style but little in substance.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ghost of Baron Scarpia on April 27, 2019, 08:14:21 PM
Quote from: JBS on April 27, 2019, 07:17:12 PM
I don't see anything wrong with the cartoon.  Bibi has made a fundamental error by openly siding with the GOP, thereby making it easy for Democrats to turn against Israel. The harm to Israel that will come from that will live on long after Bibi is gone.  And all Bibi has really gained is a few favors that are big on style but little in substance.

That was the thrust of Chuck Schumer's speech at AIPAC this year. The US Israel relationship has traditionally been bipartisan and by openly siding with the GOP Netanyahu is doing great damage.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ghost of Baron Scarpia on April 29, 2019, 09:52:25 AM
Apparently the Night King did not win. :(
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on April 30, 2019, 06:20:19 AM
Boeing executives need to get roles on Empire if they want to escape prosecution.

https://hotair.com/archives/2019/04/29/wsj-boeing-turned-off-malfunction-alerts-737-max-didnt-tell-airlines-faa/ (https://hotair.com/archives/2019/04/29/wsj-boeing-turned-off-malfunction-alerts-737-max-didnt-tell-airlines-faa/)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: greg on April 30, 2019, 07:46:27 PM
Quote from: Ghost of Baron Scarpia on April 29, 2019, 09:52:25 AM
Apparently the Night King did not win. :(
I was thinking the theory that Bran was the Night King was something... then no...
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ghost of Baron Scarpia on May 13, 2019, 02:32:05 PM
An article I saw today says that thousands of girls born in the US have been named Khaleesi, after the Game of Thrones character. Their parents just found out that they named their daughter after a genocidal maniac!

Oooops.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: greg on May 13, 2019, 04:04:34 PM
Quote from: Ghost of Baron Scarpia on May 13, 2019, 02:32:05 PM
An article I saw today says that thousands of girls born in the US have been named Khaleesi, after the Game of Thrones character. Their parents just found out that they named their daughter after a genocidal maniac!

Oooops.
Somehow I don't think people would care anymore. Female empowerment and all being the thing nowadays.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Jo498 on May 13, 2019, 11:49:19 PM
Quote from: Ghost of Baron Scarpia on May 13, 2019, 02:32:05 PM
An article I saw today says that thousands of girls born in the US have been named Khaleesi, after the Game of Thrones character. Their parents just found out that they named their daughter after a genocidal maniac!
There was fun being made of that naming already years ago, mainly because in the books/show it isn't a name at all, it's a title ("Queen").
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ghost of Baron Scarpia on May 14, 2019, 08:30:30 AM
Quote from: Jo498 on May 13, 2019, 11:49:19 PM
There was fun being made of that naming already years ago, mainly because in the books/show it isn't a name at all, it's a title ("Queen").

I think anyone fanatical enough to name their kid after a Game of Thrones character is aware that "Khaleesi" is a title.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Jo498 on May 14, 2019, 08:44:29 AM
I am not so sure. I read the books before the show started and I only watched a few seasons. And Khaleesi is used far more frequently in the show to adress her that I think some people thought that it was Danaerys Targaryen's name. I doubt that anyone who read the books would think of naming someone "Khaleesi". But it is different if a character is always called by that word.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on May 14, 2019, 09:25:36 AM
Quote from: Ghost of Baron Scarpia on May 14, 2019, 08:30:30 AM
I think anyone fanatical enough to name their kid after a Game of Thrones character is aware that "Khaleesi" is a title.
You might think that anyone fanatical enough to go to church would know Christ is a title. But you would be wrong.

In any event, we are talking difference between naming your kid Göring and naming him Reichmarshal.  ;)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ghost of Baron Scarpia on May 14, 2019, 09:27:51 AM
Quote from: Jo498 on May 14, 2019, 08:44:29 AM
I am not so sure. I read the books before the show started and I only watched a few seasons. And Khaleesi is used far more frequently in the show to adress her that I think some people thought that it was Danaerys Targaryen's name. I doubt that anyone who read the books would think of naming someone "Khaleesi". But it is different if a character is always called by that word.

It seems pretty obvious that it is a title in the TV show, they go on and on about her husband the Khal, how he is stronger than the other Khals, how she leads the Khalisar, how she became the Khaleesi when she married the Khal, etc.

I don't think there is anything dumb about naming a person after a literary figure (or a foreign word, for that matter) and it is not unprecedented for a honorific to be adapted as a name. Raj is a common Indian name and can also mean king or ruler. It is just unfortunate that people chose the name before her character took a dark turn and became a genocidal maniac.

Anyway, I read the first volume or two of the series of books, and I initially liked the TV show better. But as the TV show has outrun the books it is clear that the plotting has become more incoherent. I read somewhere the Martin said the TV show would need 5 more seasons to end properly. Clearly he's lost it.  ::)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ghost of Baron Scarpia on May 14, 2019, 09:52:01 AM
I assume people are also naming their kids after the dragons...
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on May 14, 2019, 06:18:30 PM
Quote from: Ghost of Baron Scarpia on May 14, 2019, 09:52:01 AM
I assume people are also naming their kids after the dragons...
Pick an item from the Sears catalog and someone has named a kid after it.

I am only partly joking. I once taught a kid named Pajama; the name was literally selected from a Sears advertisement.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: greg on May 15, 2019, 08:11:28 PM
Nicholas Cage got divorced after a 4 day marriage and his ex-wife now wants spousal support money

https://www.foxnews.com/entertainment/nicolas-cage-spousal-support-split-estranged-wife-annulment-divorce



HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!

Don't get married, dudes...
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ghost of Baron Scarpia on May 15, 2019, 09:27:46 PM
Quote from: greg on May 15, 2019, 08:11:28 PM
Nicholas Cage got divorced after a 4 day marriage and his ex-wife now wants spousal support money

https://www.foxnews.com/entertainment/nicolas-cage-spousal-support-split-estranged-wife-annulment-divorce



HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!

Don't get married while blind drunk in Vegas, dudes...

Corrected.

What she wants and what she gets are two different things. It varies by state to state, but I think a typical rule is you are entitled to half the wealth accumulated during the marriage. How much money does Nicolas Cage make in four days?

Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: greg on May 16, 2019, 05:03:35 AM
Quote from: Ghost of Baron Scarpia on May 15, 2019, 09:27:46 PM
Corrected.

What she wants and what she gets are two different things. It varies by state to state, but I think a typical rule is you are entitled to half the wealth accumulated during the marriage. How much money does Nicolas Cage make in four days?
Maybe so, but part of my point is to show how ridiculous some people are. (well, many  :P )

Like, what a great incentive to get married when you know there's people out there who are so hungry for your money that they want whatever they can get after just 4 days.  :D
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on May 16, 2019, 05:28:07 AM
Quote from: Jo498 on May 14, 2019, 08:44:29 AM
I am not so sure. I read the books before the show started and I only watched a few seasons. And Khaleesi is used far more frequently in the show to adress her that I think some people thought that it was Danaerys Targaryen's name. I doubt that anyone who read the books would think of naming someone "Khaleesi". But it is different if a character is always called by that word.

Well, just as long as George R.R.Martin receives royalties....
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on May 16, 2019, 07:03:07 AM
Quote from: k a rl h e nn i ng on May 16, 2019, 05:28:07 AM
Well, just as long as George R.R.Martin receives royalties....

It's the folks who named their kid Harvey Weinstein that I feel sorry for.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: drogulus on May 25, 2019, 07:35:34 PM
     Lawyers for Noah's Ark theme park are suing its insurance company for rain damage (https://www.washingtonpost.com/religion/2019/05/25/lawyers-noahs-ark-theme-park-are-suing-its-insurance-company-rain-damage/?utm_term=.9f738cc81a7e)

     Our thoughts, prayers, lawyers, guns and money are with you. (http://www.good-music-guide.com/community/Smileys/classic/smiley.gif)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ghost of Baron Scarpia on May 31, 2019, 11:22:01 AM
A study shows that Americans aged 18-35 have net worth 35% lower than Americans in the same age group in 1996.

https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/2019/05/31/millennials-have-an-average-net-worth-thats-significantly-less-than-previous-generations/?utm_term=.a429135ebe94 (https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/2019/05/31/millennials-have-an-average-net-worth-thats-significantly-less-than-previous-generations/?utm_term=.a429135ebe94)

Evidence of civilization collapse, so appropriate for the unimportant news thread.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: greg on May 31, 2019, 02:42:05 PM
Quote from: Ghost of Baron Scarpia on May 31, 2019, 11:22:01 AM
A study shows that Americans aged 18-35 have net worth 35% lower than Americans in the same age group in 1996.

https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/2019/05/31/millennials-have-an-average-net-worth-thats-significantly-less-than-previous-generations/?utm_term=.a429135ebe94 (https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/2019/05/31/millennials-have-an-average-net-worth-thats-significantly-less-than-previous-generations/?utm_term=.a429135ebe94)

Evidence of civilization collapse, so appropriate for the unimportant news thread.
They need to pull themselves up by the bootstraps and stop buying iPhones!

/sarcasm

I can't read the article, but I'm going to guess less high paying jobs per person?...
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Florestan on June 01, 2019, 09:07:06 AM
Pope Francis in the 2nd of his 3-day visit in Romania.

https://www.euronews.com/2019/05/31/pope-francis-arrives-in-bucharest-for-three-day-visit-to-orthodox-romania (https://www.euronews.com/2019/05/31/pope-francis-arrives-in-bucharest-for-three-day-visit-to-orthodox-romania)

Romania was the first Orthodox country ever that a Pope visited (St. John Paul II in 1999) --- a historical feature I am proud of --- and now Pope Francis is friendly, even enthusiastically, received, at all levels: President Klaus Johannis (Lutheran, ethnically German*), the Orthodox Patriarch Daniel and the whole Romanian people irrespective of their ethnicity and confession, all welcome Pope Francis wholeheartedly --- and this I am also proud of. After last Sunday's EU elections, which showed Romanians to be among the staunchest pro-EU countries of the union, this visit shows Romanians to be among the staunchest ecumenical nations in Europe, certainly THE most ecumenical Orthodox nation.

8)

*this alone should give pause for thought to anyone who thinks Romanians are a backwater nation

Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ghost of Baron Scarpia on June 03, 2019, 08:15:50 AM
Quote from: greg on May 31, 2019, 02:42:05 PM
They need to pull themselves up by the bootstraps and stop buying iPhones!

/sarcasm

I can't read the article, but I'm going to guess less high paying jobs per person?...

...and dramatically higher cost of education, health care, student load debt, etc...

The crux of it is that in the U.S. economy, for a typical corporation, a much smaller fraction of revenue goes to wage or salary earners, a much greater fraction goes to investors. It has changed U.S. culture in fundamental ways.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: drogulus on June 03, 2019, 10:26:02 AM
Quote from: Florestan on June 01, 2019, 09:07:06 AM
Pope Francis in the 2nd of his 3-day visit in Romania.

https://www.euronews.com/2019/05/31/pope-francis-arrives-in-bucharest-for-three-day-visit-to-orthodox-romania (https://www.euronews.com/2019/05/31/pope-francis-arrives-in-bucharest-for-three-day-visit-to-orthodox-romania)

Romania was the first Orthodox country ever that a Pope visited (St. John Paul II in 1999) --- a historical feature I am proud of --- and now Pope Francis is friendly, even enthusiastically, received, at all levels: President Klaus Johannis (Lutheran, ethnically German*), the Orthodox Patriarch Daniel and the whole Romanian people irrespective of their ethnicity and confession, all welcome Pope Francis wholeheartedly --- and this I am also proud of. After last Sunday's EU elections, which showed Romanians to be among the staunchest pro-EU countries of the union, this visit shows Romanians to be among the staunchest ecumenical nations in Europe, certainly THE most ecumenical Orthodox nation.

8)

*this alone should give pause for thought to anyone who thinks Romanians are a backwater nation



     In some countries you belong to a religion if you were raised in one, which may only amount to a baptism. Also, atheists are terrible at glomming together. There doesn't seem to be a hole to fill, so we aren't eager to fill it. Where atheism is common people don't go around being atheists with each other.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on June 03, 2019, 01:57:48 PM
Quote from: drogulus on June 03, 2019, 10:26:02 AM
     In some countries you belong to a religion if you were raised in one, which may only amount to a baptism. Also, atheists are terrible at glomming together. There doesn't seem to be a hole to fill, so we aren't eager to fill it. Where atheism is common people don't go around being atheists with each other.
I find atheist conferences and dinners and "evenings with" where you listen to people parade arguments you ready agree with distasteful. Especially the ones where people swoon over James Randi. They look like revival meetings
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: greg on June 03, 2019, 03:12:54 PM
Atheist conferences? What would even be the point?  ???
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Mirror Image on June 03, 2019, 03:18:54 PM
Quote from: greg on June 03, 2019, 03:12:54 PM
Atheist conferences? What would even be the point?  ???

I can only imagine what that would be like: "So you don't believe in God? Well, guess what? Nobody here does!" [Two hour lunch break ensues.] :D
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on June 03, 2019, 04:27:16 PM
Quote from: greg on June 03, 2019, 03:12:54 PM
Atheist conferences? What would even be the point?  ???
Samuel Pepys used to like going to sermons. He would attend several on a Sunday. Hours of sermons.
He especially liked fire&damnation sermons.

I think he and the attendees of such conferences are there for the exact same reason.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: drogulus on June 03, 2019, 07:01:32 PM

     
Quote from: greg on June 03, 2019, 03:12:54 PM
Atheist conferences? What would even be the point?  ???

     Exactly, no hole to fill, but consider there are issues that affect atheists enough to gather on occasion. In my case I had some involvement with New Atheism. We were mostly concerned with "best defense is a good offense". IMV we needed to have the ball for some time and not just meekly plead for tolerance, but show how intolerant we could be of an intolerant culture. The effect has been extraordinary. People are far less willing to fuck with us. We made space for ourselves and the world is different for the growing number of young ones who take acceptance for granted.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: JBS on June 03, 2019, 07:31:16 PM
Quote from: drogulus on June 03, 2019, 07:01:32 PM
     
     Exactly, no hole to fill, but consider there are issues that affect atheists enough to gather on occasion. In my case I had some involvement with New Atheism. We were mostly concerned with "best defense is a good offense". IMV we needed to have the ball for some time and not just meekly plead for tolerance, but show how intolerant we could be of an intolerant culture. The effect has been extraordinary. People are far less willing to fuck with us. We made space for ourselves and the world is different for the growing number of young ones who take acceptance for granted.

Almost all the New Atheism I have encountered seems to be intolerant  from the get go. 

On a more general note, I think both of you (and most everyone else) might find a book titled Nature's God by Matthew Stewart to be a good read. He argues that almost all of the Founders were atheists, and that the political philosophy they espoused could only be developed via atheism. He more or less wears his own atheism on his sleeve. I don't totally agree with him, but he's certainly closer to the truth than the people who insist America is a "Christian" nation, and he includes much of the evidence that proves them wrong.

Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on June 03, 2019, 07:56:00 PM
Quote from: JBS on June 03, 2019, 07:31:16 PM
Almost all the New Atheism I have encountered seems to be intolerant  from the get go. 

On a more general note, I think both of you (and most everyone else) might find a book titled Nature's God by Matthew Stewart to be a good read. He argues that almost all of the Founders were atheists, and that the political philosophy they espoused could only be developed via atheism. He more or less wears his own atheism on his sleeve. I don't totally agree with him, but he's certainly closer to the truth than the people who insist America is a "Christian" nation, and he includes much of the evidence that proves them wrong.

Hmm. That thesis is pretty incredible. I recall reading a bit about the religions of the founders. Some were certainly Christian, Adams for example, and a large number were almost certainly deists, Jefferson for example. Almost none were atheists, although Franklin might have been. Some are hard to pin down between Christian and deist, Washington being the most famous example. (FWIW I think the evidence supports him being a conventional Anglican, ie not pious).

Needless to say but I will anyway, they most certainly were not founding a Christian Nation. They were founding a secular nation, most of whose inhabitants were Christian.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: drogulus on June 03, 2019, 08:07:47 PM
Quote from: JBS on June 03, 2019, 07:31:16 PM
Almost all the New Atheism I have encountered seems to be intolerant  from the get go. 





     I think that's a fair point. But then how likeable should atheists be? Not very IMO. First we have to show we won't be pushed around any more, we can have prickly assholes like Dawkins on our team and oh, even atheists don't like him, and so what? Dawkins wrote The Selfish Gene, not Mr. Nice Guy. No, being liked isn't even on the radar.

Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on June 03, 2019, 08:09:50 PM
As for tolerance. I have been an atheist since a young age, assertively so in high school, and I believe I have never been punished for it or shunned because of it.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: JBS on June 03, 2019, 08:22:57 PM
Quote from: Ken B on June 03, 2019, 07:56:00 PM
Hmm. That thesis is pretty incredible. I recall reading a bit about the religions of the founders. Some were certainly Christian, Adams for example, and a large number were almost certainly deists, Jefferson for example. Almost none were atheists, although Franklin might have been. Some are hard to pin down between Christian and deist, Washington being the most famous example. (FWIW I think the evidence supports him being a conventional Anglican, ie not pious).

Needless to say but I will anyway, they most certainly were not founding a Christian Nation. They were founding a secular nation, most of whose inhabitants were Christian.

His argument is founded on the premise that Deism was atheism, and accepted by such by everyone back then. He presents a good deal of evidence to support that.  He says Adams was at most a very liberal Christian, but probably a deist. And his main point is that without Deism, the political ideas of the Founders would not exist.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: drogulus on June 03, 2019, 08:37:06 PM
Quote from: Ken B on June 03, 2019, 08:09:50 PM
As for tolerance. I have been an atheist since a young age, assertively so in high school, and I believe I have never been punished for it or shunned because of it.

     I can't recall ever having a negative experience because of my atheism. Lots of it comes from family and where you grow up. My mother was the ferocious one who thought religion was a conspiracy to keep people ignorant and servile. What a daft idea! (http://www.good-music-guide.com/community/Smileys/classic/tongue.gif)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on June 03, 2019, 08:44:47 PM
Quote from: JBS on June 03, 2019, 08:22:57 PM
His argument is founded on the premise that Deism was atheism, and accepted by such by everyone back then. He presents a good deal of evidence to support that.  He says Adams was at most a very liberal Christian, but probably a deist. And his main point is that without Deism, the political ideas of the Founders would not exist.
It's false. Deists believed in god, but not in revelation.
He might be right that Deism was essential — I have no idea — but he is just absurdly wrong to call that atheism.
Sounds like typical argument overreach: " not only is it not a Christian nation, it's not even just secular, it's actually Atheist. Take that Jerry Falwell!!"
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: JBS on June 03, 2019, 09:00:55 PM
Quote from: Ken B on June 03, 2019, 08:44:47 PM
It's false. Deists believed in god, but not in revelation.
He might be right that Deism was essential — I have no idea — but he is just absurdly wrong to call that atheism.
Sounds like typical argument overreach: " not only is it not a Christian nation, it's not even just secular, it's actually Atheist. Take that Jerry Falwell!!"

He brings evidence to show Deism was atheism, and that Deist talk a bout God was mostly a figleaf. Remember that back in the 18th century, it was still possible, if you were unlucky enough in your neighbors and the judges, to be executed for expressing atheism aka blasphemy.

The book can be Kindled although a paperback copy is not really more expensive
https://www.amazon.com/Natures-God-Heretical-American-Republic/dp/0393064549/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=Nature%27s+God&qid=1559624332&s=gateway&sr=8-1
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: drogulus on June 03, 2019, 09:33:05 PM
Quote from: Ken B on June 03, 2019, 08:44:47 PM
It's false. Deists believed in god, but not in revelation.


      I don't think "believe in" captures it. Reason was preferred to belief. Only a god knowable by means of reason is knowable at all. A god with no revelation is Spinozan, an "...or nature" god.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Florestan on June 04, 2019, 12:37:52 AM
Florestan: Pope Francis' being enthusiastically welcome in a mostly Orthodox country is a sign of tolerance and ecumenism.
drogulus: Atheists don't need no effing tolerance. Aggressiveness and selfishness is the name of the game.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: drogulus on June 04, 2019, 05:36:39 AM
Quote from: Florestan on June 04, 2019, 12:37:52 AM
Florestan: Pope Francis' being enthusiastically welcome in a mostly Orthodox country is a sign of tolerance and ecumenism.
drogulus: Atheists don't need no effing tolerance. Aggressiveness and selfishness is the name of the game.


      What is tolerance and ecumenism a sign of if not that religion is "resting"?

      I agree that it's good that Romania welcomes Francis and that Francis wants to be welcomed. I'm more tolerant of tolerance than intolerance.
     


     
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on June 04, 2019, 07:53:10 AM
Quote from: Florestan on June 04, 2019, 12:37:52 AM
Florestan: Pope Francis' being enthusiastically welcome in a mostly Orthodox country is a sign of tolerance and ecumenism.


Depends on the pope. This one is gawd offal. (That may or may not be better than average for popes.)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Florestan on June 04, 2019, 08:25:19 AM
Quote from: Ken B on June 04, 2019, 07:53:10 AM
Depends on the pope. This one is gawd offal.

Why? Did he do, or say, anything contrary to the Gospels?
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ghost of Baron Scarpia on June 04, 2019, 08:49:47 AM
Quote from: Florestan on June 04, 2019, 08:25:19 AM
Why? Did he do, or say, anything contrary to the Gospels?

Theological niceties aside, he actually believes people who report being raped by priests. That is a big plus. Pope John Paul II, who is saint now for all I know, support the systematic suppression of rape accusations, and all but accepted that the Catholic Church was a human trafficking ring.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on June 04, 2019, 10:30:56 AM
Quote from: Ghost of Baron Scarpia on June 04, 2019, 08:49:47 AM
Theological niceties aside, he actually believes people who report being raped by priests.
He was involved in burying the scandal while a cardinals believe.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ghost of Baron Scarpia on June 04, 2019, 11:28:43 AM
It apears the WP has closed the private browsing loophole. :(
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Florestan on June 04, 2019, 11:46:34 AM
Quote from: Ghost of Baron Scarpia on June 04, 2019, 08:49:47 AM
Theological niceties aside, he actually believes people who report being raped by priests. That is a big plus. Pope John Paul II, who is saint now for all I know, support the systematic suppression of rape accusations, and all but accepted that the Catholic Church was a human trafficking ring.

There are no theological niceties regarding paedophilia in the Gospels, only firm and uncompromising conviction:

But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea. (Mt 18:6, KJV)

Quote from: Ken B on June 04, 2019, 10:30:56 AM
He was involved in burying the scandal

He might not have taken any concrete steps yet but at least he has openly acknowledged the problem and condemned the practice.

Speaking of which, here's a question: what do you guys think is the explanation for such a big number of both alleged and proven paedophiles amongst the Catholic clergy, high and low? It can't be Catholicism itself because the vast majority of Catholics are not paedophiles. It can't be priest's celibacy because the vast majority of celibates are not paedophiles. What is it, then? I confess I'm at a loss to answer.

EDIT: And why is it that this disgrace started only a few decades ago? If it had been such a widespread practice then all past anti-Catholic thinkers and writers should have been delving into it at length, indignantly and rightly so. Yet neither Luther nor Calvin nor Voltaire nor Marx had anything to say about it. I find it puzzling, to say the least.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ghost of Baron Scarpia on June 04, 2019, 11:55:02 AM
Quote from: Florestan on June 04, 2019, 11:46:34 AMSpeaking of which, here's a question: what do you guys think is the explanation for such a big number of both alleged and proven paedophiles amongst the Catholic clergy, high and low? It can't be Catholicism itself because the vast majority of Catholics are not paedophiles. It can't be priest's celibacy because the vast majority of celibates are not paedophiles. What is it, then? I confess I'm at a loss to answer.

They gravitated to an organization that protected their criminal behavior. I suppose it is conceivable that emotional damage to abused minors makes them susceptible to his perversion, and they know from experience the Catholic church facilitates it.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Florestan on June 04, 2019, 11:56:10 AM
Quote from: Ghost of Baron Scarpia on June 04, 2019, 11:55:02 AM
They gravitated to an organization that protected their criminal behavior. I suppose it is conceivable that emotional damage to abused minors makes them susceptible to his perversion, and they know from experience the Catholic church facilitates it.

Possibly, but see miy EDIT above.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ghost of Baron Scarpia on June 04, 2019, 12:00:46 PM
On the lighter side, iOS announced a new version of iOS (iPhone and iPad operating system) with supposedly life-altering new features.

Reading the fine print, devices sold as recently as March 2017 ago are not supported by the new iOS (iPad Mini 2, iPad Air, iPhone 6). Apparently Apple thinks that someone who buys a new Apple device in a glitzy apple store should only expect 2 1/2 years of support before the device is orphaned.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Florestan on June 04, 2019, 12:13:23 PM
Quote from: Ken B on June 04, 2019, 10:30:56 AM
He was involved in burying the scandal while a cardinals believe.

I concede you might have a point with this. At least you didn't accuse him of being leftist/Marxist/Communist. I am relieved.

NB: I'm neither Catholic nor leftist/Marxist/Communist.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Jo498 on June 04, 2019, 01:03:01 PM
I actually read somewhere that the rate of pedophilic occurrences in the Catholic church is NOT extraordinarily high. It's only that for several reasons (among others the coverup strategies) it is deemed particularly outrageous. While stats comparing the Catholic church with other churches, educational institutions, sports clubs etc. wrt abuse are hard to come by, the argument as I recall it was that since such institutions have actually insurances for such legal and compensational costs and that the Cath. church does not pay a higher insurance premium than comparable large institutions.

https://www.newsweek.com/priests-commit-no-more-abuse-other-males-70625
https://ethicsdaily.com/insurance-companies-shed-light-on-extent-of-sex-abuse-in-protestant-churches-cms-9149/

Obviously, men with pedophilic tendencies will tend to look for jobs around children and this includes priests. This should not be used as a defence for these horrible crimes and the frequent coverups etc. by the church are scandalous. But it seems that the claim that the particular structures and conditions of the church (hierarchy, celibacy etc.) do not by themselves lead to a higher rate of abuse than occurs in sports or schools.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ghost of Baron Scarpia on June 04, 2019, 01:12:33 PM
The issue is that a generally person accused of abuse is arrested, convicted and imprisoned. A priest accused of abuse was moved to another diocese and the full weight of the church was used to discourage the victim from bringing charges. This facilitates recidivism. The church may experience a high rate of abuse even with a normal fraction of abusers.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Jo498 on June 04, 2019, 01:36:05 PM
This is possible but not a necessary consequence. Because generally an abuser is not arrested quickly. Many coaches and teachers (or that british DJ) practiced their abuse for years or decades before or without ever being arrested and convicted.
Anyway, around here (Germany) the abuse scandal is used as an obvious argument against celibate priest and I think this is simply not based on the actual facts.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on June 04, 2019, 02:37:23 PM
Quote from: Florestan on June 04, 2019, 12:13:23 PM
I concede you might have a point with this. At least you didn't accuse him of being leftist/Marxist/Communist. I am relieved.

NB: I'm neither Catholic nor leftist/Marxist/Communist.
He's that too.

Clear out your mail box!
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: drogulus on June 04, 2019, 02:52:28 PM
Quote from: Ghost of Baron Scarpia on June 04, 2019, 11:28:43 AM
It apears the WP has closed the private browsing loophole. :(

     I didn't even know about that. I think I must be a subscriber.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ghost of Baron Scarpia on June 04, 2019, 03:24:47 PM
Quote from: drogulus on June 04, 2019, 02:52:28 PM
     I didn't even know about that. I think I must be a subscriber.

Seems to be browser dependent. I was turned away using Chrome (private mode not allowed unless logged in) but not Safari. Maybe they have a flaky way of detecting private browsing.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Florestan on June 05, 2019, 12:03:26 AM
Quote from: Ken B on June 04, 2019, 02:37:23 PM
He's that too.

A leftist who opposes abortion and gay marriages.

A Marxist who stated that Marxism is wrong.

A communist who came to Romania with the specific purpose of beatifying seven bishops of the Romanian Greek Catholic Church, who died either in communist prisons or as a result of the maltreatments suffered there.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on June 05, 2019, 07:54:36 PM
YouTube cracks down on Romanian hate monger!

Actually not, they just called him a hate monger because his course includes clips of Hitler.

https://mobile.twitter.com/Timcast/status/1136392008795398145?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1136392008795398145&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Ftwitchy.com%2Fbrettt-3136%2F2019%2F06%2F05%2Fgreat-job-history-teacher-who-posted-nazi-propaganda-videos-banned-by-youtube-for-hate-speech%2F (https://mobile.twitter.com/Timcast/status/1136392008795398145?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1136392008795398145&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Ftwitchy.com%2Fbrettt-3136%2F2019%2F06%2F05%2Fgreat-job-history-teacher-who-posted-nazi-propaganda-videos-banned-by-youtube-for-hate-speech%2F)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Florestan on June 06, 2019, 12:42:45 AM
Quote from: Ken B on June 05, 2019, 07:54:36 PM
YouTube cracks down on Romanian hate monger!

Actually not, they just called him a hate monger because his course includes clips of Hitler.

https://mobile.twitter.com/Timcast/status/1136392008795398145?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1136392008795398145&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Ftwitchy.com%2Fbrettt-3136%2F2019%2F06%2F05%2Fgreat-job-history-teacher-who-posted-nazi-propaganda-videos-banned-by-youtube-for-hate-speech%2F (https://mobile.twitter.com/Timcast/status/1136392008795398145?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1136392008795398145&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Ftwitchy.com%2Fbrettt-3136%2F2019%2F06%2F05%2Fgreat-job-history-teacher-who-posted-nazi-propaganda-videos-banned-by-youtube-for-hate-speech%2F)

Why Romanian?
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: North Star on June 06, 2019, 03:59:58 AM
Quote from: Florestan on June 06, 2019, 12:42:45 AM
Why Romanian?
That's where he's set his location on Twitter.

https://mobile.twitter.com/MrAllsopHistory

Quote from: Ken B on June 05, 2019, 07:54:36 PM
YouTube cracks down on Romanian hate monger!

Actually not, they just called him a hate monger because his course includes clips of Hitler.

https://mobile.twitter.com/Timcast/status/1136392008795398145?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1136392008795398145&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Ftwitchy.com%2Fbrettt-3136%2F2019%2F06%2F05%2Fgreat-job-history-teacher-who-posted-nazi-propaganda-videos-banned-by-youtube-for-hate-speech%2F (https://mobile.twitter.com/Timcast/status/1136392008795398145?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1136392008795398145&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Ftwitchy.com%2Fbrettt-3136%2F2019%2F06%2F05%2Fgreat-job-history-teacher-who-posted-nazi-propaganda-videos-banned-by-youtube-for-hate-speech%2F)
Don't you mean: actually they didn't call him a hate monger (or anything else), their algorithm was just designed without considering educational aspects, and the problem was largely fixed in a few hours. But yeah, it's pretty dumb that they didn't realize they need to refine the algorithm beforehand. Reminds me of when artworks with nudity were removed from Facebook.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on June 06, 2019, 08:40:45 AM
Quote from: Florestan on June 06, 2019, 12:42:45 AM
Why Romanian?
As Florestan click-bait. But it says Romanian.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on June 06, 2019, 08:43:51 AM
Quote from: North Star on June 06, 2019, 03:59:58 AM
That's where he's set his location on Twitter.

https://mobile.twitter.com/MrAllsopHistory
Don't you mean: actually they didn't call him a hate monger (or anything else), their algorithm was just designed without considering educational aspects, and the problem was largely fixed in a few hours. But yeah, it's pretty dumb that they didn't realize they need to refine the algorithm beforehand. Reminds me of when artworks with nudity were removed from Facebook.
I don't think it was necessarily the algorithm, because it has been done to other such site with a comments about knowing the clips are sources. Example
https://mobile.twitter.com/FordFischer/status/1136334778670518273

Scroll down to the note from youtube

Update. Now they have pulled "Triumph of the Will".

How many of you have seen it? Fascists!

Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ghost of Baron Scarpia on June 07, 2019, 02:16:47 PM
I just read that the international space station will be open to paying tourists. Trump must be defeated before he manages to get it transformed into a Trump branded hotel.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on June 07, 2019, 02:40:33 PM
Burger King as been selling meat whoppers as vegetarian burgers. People order and pay for a veggie burger, get a meat one. Charming.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: drogulus on June 08, 2019, 06:43:23 AM

     Physicists Debate Hawking's Idea That the Universe Had No Beginning (https://www.quantamagazine.org/physicists-debate-hawkings-idea-that-the-universe-had-no-beginning-20190606/)

     Ordinarily I'm a consensus guy on science. They know, I don't, that's the conservative assumption. I draw the line on the Big Bang, though. It's too philosophically extravagant.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on June 08, 2019, 08:14:07 AM
(https://i1.wp.com/www.powerlineblog.com/ed-assets/2019/06/Screen-Shot-2019-06-01-at-7.30.34-AM.png?resize=580%2C89&ssl=1)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: greg on June 08, 2019, 11:54:56 AM
Today I learned:
-There is an attempt to move "Grid girls" for Formula One races, since they are now considered inappropriate... so empowering to fire a bunch of women that love their jobs. Wait?...

-The whole Vox vs. Steven Crowder thing. So if you are in a powerful enough platform, you can get the people with a similar ideology (aka youtube) to strip the livelihood (monetization) of another person, along with, I believe it was 1,000 other smaller channels. Because Carlos Maza can't handle being joked about. And still complaining that isn't enough.  :-X



Quote from: Ken B on June 08, 2019, 08:14:07 AM
(https://i1.wp.com/www.powerlineblog.com/ed-assets/2019/06/Screen-Shot-2019-06-01-at-7.30.34-AM.png?resize=580%2C89&ssl=1)
Missing from headline, maybe?: in a sex dungeon, while both participants on bath salts and meth  ;D
(maybe i shouldn't go back home  :D )
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: greg on June 16, 2019, 12:52:17 PM
White man explains why he identifies as a Filipino

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wWPRATTYnYk


Was expecting to this guy, who is part of the "transracial" movement to be a complete idiot, but instead it seems like he's actually really cool and very self-aware, and I agree with literally everything that he says.

Most importantly, it makes sense that some other demographic or culture might resonate much more with someone... as long as people don't have to change the facts and literally only recognize him as Asian, for example, it's all good IMO.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on June 22, 2019, 06:45:39 AM
Some local news:

Oregon Republicans go missing to avoid climate change vote; governor sends police to find them (https://www.cbsnews.com/news/oregon-senate-republicans-walkout-go-missing-hb2020-climate-change-vote-governor-sends-police-after-them/)

Current Democrat Governor Kate Brown advocated a boycott strategy in 2001, thus demonstrating - again - that if Democrats didn't have double standards, they wouldn't have any standards at all.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on June 22, 2019, 09:37:33 AM
Quote from: Todd on June 22, 2019, 06:45:39 AM
Some local news:

Oregon Republicans go missing to avoid climate change vote; governor sends police to find them (https://www.cbsnews.com/news/oregon-senate-republicans-walkout-go-missing-hb2020-climate-change-vote-governor-sends-police-after-them/)

Current Democrat Governor Kate Brown advocated a boycott strategy in 2001, thus demonstrating - again - that if Democrats didn't have double standards, they wouldn't have any standards at all.
Democrats fled to avoid a quorum call in Wisconsin just a few years ago, and bragged about it.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: amw on June 22, 2019, 06:57:05 PM
I hope a future rules change also permits Democrats to do this in the US Senate. Definitely look forward to Patrick Leahy or whoever threatening to engage in fisticuffs with any Capitol Police officers sent to retrieve him.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on June 22, 2019, 08:31:53 PM
Quote from: amw on June 22, 2019, 06:57:05 PM
I hope a future rules change also permits Democrats to do this in the US Senate. Definitely look forward to Patrick Leahy or whoever threatening to engage in fisticuffs with any Capitol Police officers sent to retrieve him.
Future rule changes? You need to do some research. Such quorum calls happened numerous times in the civil rights era.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: amw on June 22, 2019, 08:35:53 PM
As far as I know quorum in the US Senate is 51 members, so the minority can't bring all activity to a halt by leaving. If I'm wrong I have no idea why the minority hasn't been regularly using this tactic since at least 2009.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on June 22, 2019, 08:42:53 PM
Quote from: amw on June 22, 2019, 08:35:53 PM
As far as I know quorum in the US Senate is 51 members, so the minority can't bring all activity to a halt by leaving. If I'm wrong I have no idea why the minority hasn't been regularly using this tactic since at least 2009.
There have been cases of senators dragged back.
Curious as to the details I googled.
Standing Rule 6 https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Standing_Rules_of_the_United_States_Senate
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on June 23, 2019, 02:12:19 PM
Anyone remember John C Calhoun?  He argued that blacks, due to their alleged incapacity, were better off enslaved, despite their objections. https://www.nytimes.com/2019/06/23/world/europe/abortion-mentally-disabled-uk.html (https://www.nytimes.com/2019/06/23/world/europe/abortion-mentally-disabled-uk.html)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: JBS on June 25, 2019, 03:45:33 PM
Quote from: Ken B on June 23, 2019, 02:12:19 PM
Anyone remember John C Calhoun?  He argued that blacks, due to their alleged incapacity, were better off enslaved, despite their objections. https://www.nytimes.com/2019/06/23/world/europe/abortion-mentally-disabled-uk.html (https://www.nytimes.com/2019/06/23/world/europe/abortion-mentally-disabled-uk.html)

Reversed, rather quickly
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2019/06/24/court-appeal-blocks-mentally-womans-abortion/
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on June 25, 2019, 06:53:58 PM
Quote from: JBS on June 25, 2019, 03:45:33 PM
Reversed, rather quickly
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2019/06/24/court-appeal-blocks-mentally-womans-abortion/
Calhoun was reversed too, a it more slowly. I wonder though what lesser infringements against her, and others with similar conditions, would pass muster.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: greg on June 30, 2019, 08:57:09 AM
More shenanigans by Antifa.

https://dailycaller.com/2019/06/30/andy-ngo-journalist-rally-injured/
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: drogulus on June 30, 2019, 09:14:00 AM
Quote from: Todd on June 22, 2019, 06:45:39 AM
Some local news:

Oregon Republicans go missing to avoid climate change vote; governor sends police to find them (https://www.cbsnews.com/news/oregon-senate-republicans-walkout-go-missing-hb2020-climate-change-vote-governor-sends-police-after-them/)

Current Democrat Governor Kate Brown advocated a boycott strategy in 2001, thus demonstrating - again - that if Democrats didn't have double standards, they wouldn't have any standards at all.

     That's an odd point of view. Double standards are better than none, which is why we respect hypocrites. They have standards they violate. They can be shamed, as they will be the next time they pull the same stunt. Repubs can't be shamed, it's not in them. They are cynics. How could an action be OK because it was bad when Dems did it? I think this is called "concern trolling", is it not?
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on June 30, 2019, 01:14:38 PM
Quote from: drogulus on June 30, 2019, 09:14:00 AM
     That's an odd point of view. Double standards are better than none, which is why we respect hypocrites. They have standards they violate. They can be shamed, as they will be the next time they pull the same stunt. Repubs can't be shamed, it's not in them. They are cynics. How could an action be OK because it was bad when Dems did it? I think this is called "concern trolling", is it not?
You might admire hypocrisy but it seems excessive to aspire to it.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: drogulus on June 30, 2019, 02:24:19 PM
Quote from: Ken B on June 30, 2019, 01:14:38 PM
You might admire hypocrisy but it seems excessive to aspire to it.

     I respect the acknowledgement of standards even in the breach. For the cynic I have slight regard. Standards are just a weapon for them.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: JBS on July 06, 2019, 06:43:49 PM
This happened about a mile from where I work, although I wasn't there when it happened. 
https://www-m.cnn.com/2019/07/06/us/florida-plantation-explosion/index.html/
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: greg on July 07, 2019, 08:55:43 AM
Quote from: JBS on July 06, 2019, 06:43:49 PM
This happened about a mile from where I work, although I wasn't there when it happened. 
https://www-m.cnn.com/2019/07/06/us/florida-plantation-explosion/index.html/
Did you hear it?
When I was living back home in Lake County, FL, there was a propane factory that exploded a couple miles away, and we could hear what sounded like faint explosions for quite a while.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: JBS on July 07, 2019, 08:58:28 AM
Quote from: greg on July 07, 2019, 08:55:43 AM
Did you hear it?
When I was living back home in Lake County, FL, there was a propane factory that exploded a couple miles away, and we could hear what sounded like faint explosions for quite a while.

I was at home at the time, about ten miles away,  If I did hear something, I would have thought it was thunder. 
The shockwave was enough to make the upper floor of the store in which I work shake enough to unnerve everyone up there at the time.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on July 07, 2019, 09:54:58 AM
Quote from: JBS on July 06, 2019, 06:43:49 PM
This happened about a mile from where I work, although I wasn't there when it happened. 
https://www-m.cnn.com/2019/07/06/us/florida-plantation-explosion/index.html/

Very glad you're safe!
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: JBS on July 15, 2019, 07:42:07 AM
Antifa activist attacks a migrant detention center, is killed by police
https://www.foxnews.com/us/washington-man-killed-at-ice-detention-center-manifesto

I suspect the man, and his antifa admirers, did not think his plan through very well.  Since if he had succeeded in burning it down,  he would have killed mostly migrants.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: greg on July 15, 2019, 08:42:15 AM
Quote from: JBS on July 15, 2019, 07:42:07 AM
I suspect the man, and his antifa admirers, did not think his plan through very well.
Which describes one of the biggest root problems they have- either they don't understand implications of their actions or they really are suicidal.

Of course i already saw an article from a mainstream site downplaying it.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: drogulus on July 15, 2019, 01:06:31 PM
Quote from: greg on July 15, 2019, 08:42:15 AM
Which describes one of the biggest root problems they have- either they don't understand implications of their actions or they really are suicidal.

Of course i already saw an article from a mainstream site downplaying it.

     The Unibomber wrote a manifesto, too. I don't know whether it was downplayed or not, or even who the "they" is for either one.

     I see an antifa group says this guy is a martyr. I didn't know any such group endorsed suicide by cop.

     
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: greg on July 15, 2019, 01:13:05 PM
By "they" I mean Antifa and all the extremists who want to use mob rule to take away free speech.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: drogulus on July 15, 2019, 01:20:55 PM
Quote from: greg on July 15, 2019, 01:13:05 PM
By "they" I mean Antifa and all the extremists who want to use mob rule to take away free speech.

     You'll lose freedom of the press first. That's how it's done. The mob in power is the dangerous one, because they will do it if they can.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: greg on July 15, 2019, 02:20:36 PM
Quote from: drogulus on July 15, 2019, 01:20:55 PM
     You'll lose freedom of the press first. That's how it's done. The mob in power is the dangerous one, because they will do it if they can.
You mean like the big tech companies that are trying their best to censor centrists and conservatives?
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: SimonNZ on July 15, 2019, 02:47:54 PM
Quote from: JBS on July 15, 2019, 07:42:07 AM
Antifa activist attacks a migrant detention center, is killed by police
https://www.foxnews.com/us/washington-man-killed-at-ice-detention-center-manifesto

I suspect the man, and his antifa admirers, did not think his plan through very well.  Since if he had succeeded in burning it down,  he would have killed mostly migrants.

I personally wouldn't be surprised to learn that the current version of "Antifa" is a click-bait invention of Fox with paid agents provocateurs. Oh how they love to love them and drum up the fear, even though as far as I can tell their numbers are at best in double digits. But more importantly I've never read anyone on the left in any forum I visit who knows anyone who knows anyone who knows any one of them. More importantly still they are utterly unsupported by any of the supposedly "extreme" Democrats.

I'm sorry this person was able to find some crazy use for this nonsense in planning his suicide.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Muzio on July 15, 2019, 02:56:20 PM
Trump for the win!

(https://i.postimg.cc/MTr5m6gY/Checkmate-and-he-only-needed-to-sacrifice-4-pawns.jpg)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on July 15, 2019, 03:05:29 PM
Quote from: SimonNZ on July 15, 2019, 02:47:54 PM
I personally wouldn't be surprised to learn that the current version of "Antifa" is a click-bait invention of Fox with paid agents provocateurs. Oh how they love to love them and drum up the fear, even though as far as I can tell their numbers are at best in double digits. But more importantly I've never read anyone on the left in any forum I visit who knows anyone who knows anyone who knows any one of them. More importantly still they are utterly unsupported by any of the supposedly "extreme" Democrats.

I'm sorry this person was able to find some crazy use for this nonsense in planning his suicide.

Check out Keith Ellison and antifa.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: SimonNZ on July 15, 2019, 03:22:56 PM
Quote from: Muzio on July 15, 2019, 02:56:20 PM
Trump for the win!

(https://i.postimg.cc/MTr5m6gY/Checkmate-and-he-only-needed-to-sacrifice-4-pawns.jpg)

Er, no. The Dems were arguing among themselves, but now they have something they all agree on and are united. And Trump looks like the racist prick he is and the Rs look spineless.

Is this "winning"?
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on July 15, 2019, 03:35:50 PM
Quote from: SimonNZ on July 15, 2019, 03:22:56 PM
Er, no. The Dems were arguing among themselves, but now they have something they all agree on and are united. And Trump looks like the racist prick he is and the Rs look spineless.

Is this "winning"?
Er, not so fast.

The unity hurts the Dems. AOC is the most recognized dem amongst the undecided, and her popularity there is very low. I saw one poll showing her at 22% in that group. If she or Omar become the face of the party the Democrats will be in real trouble. Pelosi was trying to avert that before this, and now it will be harder. So this "unity" — not ideological unity justhomogenization of the message — really is a gain for Trump.

Trump looks like an asshole? Is this new? Has he ceded any of the high respect previously widely held for him? I don't think so. A slice off a cut loaf. Now maybe these particular tweets will resonate more with moderates over time, and hurt him. I have seen a lot of commentary to that effect. But I doubt it, because the umbrage I have seen so far is based on misrepresentations of the tweets. Such as the one I implicitly relied on above, that AOC was referred to. Plainly the words of the tweets exclude her.

So I think Adams is premature. He might be wrong. But he is not obviously wrong. He is certainly not "Er, no" wrong.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: SimonNZ on July 15, 2019, 03:44:41 PM
Well.. I don't understand the local hostility to AOC but do see that its there, but I don't see unity against racism as hurting them. And I don't see this as making her or the four "the face of the party".

Also: what the hell happened to Scott Adams? Trump's chaos makes Dilbert's boss look just slightly inefficient. He also can't be a chess player: those aren't Trump's "pawns".
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on July 15, 2019, 04:07:11 PM
Quote from: SimonNZ on July 15, 2019, 03:44:41 PM
Well.. I don't understand the local hostility to AOC but do see that its there, but I don't see unity against racism as hurting them. And I don't see this as making her or the four "the face of the party".

Also: what the hell happened to Scott Adams? Trump's chaos makes Dilbert's boss look just slightly inefficient. He also can't be a chess player: those aren't Trump's "pawns".
Well this is one of the things that amuses me, people who like Trump/AOC are unable to see why others dislike AOC/Trump. But the single politician most like trump is AOC, and the single politician most like AOC is Trump. Two of our greatest attention-whores.

Adams is worth paying attention to, at least once in a while. He is one of the few commenters who often makes original points that I hadn't thought of. A useful hypothesis generator. Sometimes he is convincing, and sometimes I am sure he is punking me.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: SimonNZ on July 15, 2019, 04:46:37 PM
Quote from: Ken B on July 15, 2019, 04:07:11 PM
Well this is one of the things that amuses me, people who like Trump/AOC are unable to see why others dislike AOC/Trump. But the single politician most like trump is AOC, and the single politician most like AOC is Trump. Two of our greatest attention-whores.


Oy. I certainly can't agree with you there. Alike in terns of provocative Twitter presence perhaps but couldn't be more unalike in every other respect . I can see why many might disagree with her positions but the animosity that Trump generates by being just his disgusting self seems to come to her by being yet another Fox bogeyman and all the disinformation that comes with that.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: SimonNZ on July 15, 2019, 05:09:11 PM
Quote from: Ken B on July 15, 2019, 03:35:50 PM

So I think Adams is premature. He might be wrong. But he is not obviously wrong. He is certainly not "Er, no" wrong.

I should probably add that my "Er, no" was to Muzio. Though I'm also happy to give it to Adams' use of "Checkmate!", whatever other point he is trying to make (which you articulate better than he does).
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: greg on July 15, 2019, 05:40:45 PM
Quote from: SimonNZ on July 15, 2019, 02:47:54 PM
I personally wouldn't be surprised to learn that the current version of "Antifa" is a click-bait invention of Fox with paid agents provocateurs.
Maybe you should watch videos where people go to the streets and (try to) interview them...

if they are paid agents, that would technically be a conspiracy, so while not impossible, I seriously doubt it.

Technically they are just anarcho-communists (I'm not an expert on that, so will stop there).

I happened to stumble on a facebook page of someone saying they are part of Antifa... what stuck out was she wrote (worded different, but this was the message): "You people claim you aren't alt-right when you are criticizing us... so you are alt-right." This is the problem here. No logic and all tribalism. And anyone who doesn't see what is is wrong with that statement might also be part of the problem. Anyone who disagrees with them is going to be dehumanized by being called a "Nazi."
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: drogulus on July 15, 2019, 06:30:16 PM
Quote from: greg on July 15, 2019, 02:20:36 PM
You mean like the big tech companies that are trying their best to censor centrists and conservatives?

     I find this terribly naive. People throw out the word censorship a lot for things that aren't that. Does GMG censor me? I hope it does what weak thinkers would call censorship. I've seen them do it.

     As for censorship of conservatives, if it's part of conservatism today to say vile things that are not allowed on private platforms, that is not censoring conservatism. That's having standards people who call themselves conservatives wish to violate.

     
Quote from: greg on July 15, 2019, 05:40:45 PM
Maybe you should watch videos where people go to the streets and (try to) interview them...

if they are paid agents, that would technically be a conspiracy, so while not impossible, I seriously doubt it.

Technically they are just anarcho-communists (I'm not an expert on that, so will stop there).

Anyone who disagrees with them is going to be dehumanized by being called a "Nazi."

    The people they fight are NAZIs, the people they disagree with are all kinds. Anyway they aren't in the government, Trump is.

Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: JBS on July 15, 2019, 06:43:22 PM
Quote from: SimonNZ on July 15, 2019, 02:47:54 PM
I personally wouldn't be surprised to learn that the current version of "Antifa" is a click-bait invention of Fox with paid agents provocateurs. Oh how they love to love them and drum up the fear, even though as far as I can tell their numbers are at best in double digits. But more importantly I've never read anyone on the left in any forum I visit who knows anyone who knows anyone who knows any one of them. More importantly still they are utterly unsupported by any of the supposedly "extreme" Democrats.

I'm sorry this person was able to find some crazy use for this nonsense in planning his suicide.

I think our own amw has mentioned knowing people who know them. *But there are various degrees of Antifa, the most noxious and violent seem to be on the West Coast, specifically this Portland group and another that seems to be connected to Berkeley.

The antiNazi demonstrators in Charlottesville iirc called themselves antifa. They certainly were not violent.

And you are very correct about how no Democrar supports them. Of course that does not keep Fox and the GOP from claiming they do.

*eta: in this post
http://www.good-music-guide.com/community/index.php/topic,26377.msg1221967.html#msg1221967
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on July 15, 2019, 06:53:56 PM
Quote from: Muzio on July 15, 2019, 02:56:20 PM
Trump for the win

Sweet pom poms you wave
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: greg on July 15, 2019, 08:15:19 PM
Quote from: drogulus on July 15, 2019, 06:30:16 PM
I find this terribly naive. People throw out the word censorship a lot for things that aren't that. Does GMG censor me? I hope it does what weak thinkers would call censorship. I've seen them do it. 
I mean, maybe you have a different definition of the word? Moderators here can censor others on GMG, it's just not as big of a deal as other platforms because it's small and no one makes a living by posting.

Problem is that everyone uses the big social media platforms- youtube, facebook, twitter, etc. and it's a big part how individuals can make money and spread their thoughts. So being banned just for expressing opinions really is a big deal if it's lopsided on whatever ideology it is.


Quote from: drogulus on July 15, 2019, 06:30:16 PM
As for censorship of conservatives, if it's part of conservatism today to say vile things that are not allowed on private platforms, that is not censoring conservatism. That's having standards people who call themselves conservatives wish to violate.
Two things here:
1) "Vile" is a completely subjective term. You can't just censor someone because what they say is "vile." Anything can be "vile." Often, simple facts and logic are thought of as "vile." Truth is being drowned out because the far left is obsessed with "shutting them down."

I can't think of anyone on the right that wants to "shut down" the opposition. They are rather more open to debate. 



2) As for the real examples of people online who I've followed which happen to be anywhere between moderate liberal to moderate conservative stance, none of the instances of them being banned or demonitized or whatever is justified.


Quote from: drogulus on July 15, 2019, 06:30:16 PM
The people they fight are NAZIs, the people they disagree with are all kinds. Anyway they aren't in the government, Trump is.
Who are the Nazis?
And it's more like the people they fight are all kinds... of people who simply disagree with them. Like Andy Ngo, the gay asian journalist that they ganged up on and put in the hospital.




Quote from: JBS on July 15, 2019, 06:43:22 PM
And you are very correct about how no Democrar supports them. Of course that does not keep Fox and the GOP from claiming they do.
It's probably suspected because they share a lot of similar values, just that they may be more extreme. And that's where the line is drawn.

Just like a lot of people who see normal conservatives as Nazis... both are wrong, people just need to make a distinction between moderate and extremists.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: amw on July 15, 2019, 08:32:14 PM
Quote from: JBS on July 15, 2019, 06:43:22 PM
I think our own amw has mentioned knowing people who know them. *But there are various degrees of Antifa, the most noxious and violent seem to be on the West Coast, specifically this Portland group and another that seems to be connected to Berkeley.
I follow Portland antifascists on twitter yes. They are anarchists and adhere to the three "antis" of anti monarchism, anti fascism and anti communism. (Anti monarchism obviously a weird concern for american antifa groups & has likely been imported from British antifascists.) They're not particularly violent in and of themselves, but they get into a lot of street fights with the Proud Boys, a white supremacist group in Portland of a similar size. (I.e. both have 30-60 regular "members" although neither is truly organised, and antifa recruits local liberals and socialists for left wing demonstrations whereas the proud boys bring in III%ers and Aryan Brotherhood from the eastern part of the state for right wing demonstrations.)

The guy in Tacoma was trying to destroy ice vehicles, not the detention center itself. Like all US anarchists, a fairly typical example of adventurism with no broader plan of execution. I'm against that kind of thing if that wasn't clear. Armed resistance against ICE is a good idea but needs to be carried out by well organised cadres with the ability to break people out of detention and protect them from the US government à la the partisans in nazi occupied Eastern Europe. There aren't currently any parties or organisations in the US capable of doing that.

There are some "good" antifa groups but this kind of adventurism is almost always a result of infiltration by the FBI or local police forces, who once they've become embedded in these orgs will try to encourage the members to engage in violent acts so that they can then be arrested and the group broken up. So that's likely to happen soon with tacoma antifa as well.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: SimonNZ on July 15, 2019, 08:34:41 PM
Quote from: greg on July 15, 2019, 08:15:19 PM


I can't think of anyone on the right that wants to "shut down" the opposition. They are rather more open to debate. 


Laughing. Out. Loud.

I can think of one.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Jo498 on July 16, 2019, 12:11:29 AM
The research by Haidt and others seems to point into the direction that broadly speaking the "left" has more trouble understanding the position of "right" than vice versa. But this seems to be mostly true of moderate positions on these sides, not towards extremists. Many extremists of any stripe want to shut down the opposition.
And as far as openness to debate is concerned: It is obviously rather easy to be open to debate if one a) does not care much either way and/or b) is not in any way personally involved (i.e. if I am filthy rich or in a secure government job with great benefits I might have the luxury to not care how healthcare is organized because it does not concern me very much).

I don't know about the US where some extremes are more extreme and free speech is more free (or sometimes it is not) than in most European countries. But in Europe there seems to me a clear tendency to paint positions that either used to be mainstream until fairly recently or that were at least perfectly admissible to enter into reasonable debate with as extremist (sometimes as right, sometimes as left) and try to exclude them from even being articulated.
Look at how some people on the center left have to retcon their position towards something like gay marriage. 25 years ago this was a fringe issue and it was perfectly reasonable to hold the opinion that while there might be some kind of recognized partnership among gay people, marriage in the usual sense was only between a man and woman. Or demanding fairly strong assimilation of immigrants. Nowadays even considering such things often makes one a despicable bigot. And on the other side: marginal tax rates that were accepted by mainstream conservatives in many countries until the mid/late 1980s are now considered far left pipedreams that would immediately kill entrepreneurship and the whole economy. And so on.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: SimonNZ on July 16, 2019, 12:58:05 AM
Which Haidt research is that?
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: drogulus on July 16, 2019, 04:31:49 AM
Quote from: greg on July 15, 2019, 08:15:19 PM
I mean, maybe you have a different definition of the word? Moderators here can censor others on GMG, it's just not as big of a deal as other platforms because it's small and no one makes a living by posting.

Problem is that everyone uses the big social media platforms- youtube, facebook, twitter, etc. and it's a big part how individuals can make money and spread their thoughts. So being banned just for expressing opinions really is a big deal if it's lopsided on whatever ideology it is.

Two things here:
1) "Vile" is a completely subjective term. You can't just censor someone because what they say is "vile." Anything can be "vile." Often, simple facts and logic are thought of as "vile." Truth is being drowned out because the far left is obsessed with "shutting them down."

I can't think of anyone on the right that wants to "shut down" the opposition. They are rather more open to debate. 



2) As for the real examples of people online who I've followed which happen to be anywhere between moderate liberal to moderate conservative stance, none of the instances of them being banned or demonitized or whatever is justified.

Who are the Nazis?
And it's more like the people they fight are all kinds... of people who simply disagree with them. Like Andy Ngo, the gay asian journalist that they ganged up on and put in the hospital.



It's probably suspected because they share a lot of similar values, just that they may be more extreme. And that's where the line is drawn.

Just like a lot of people who see normal conservatives as Nazis... both are wrong, people just need to make a distinction between moderate and extremists.

     Censorship is when the government imposes bans. GMG doesn't censor me even if it bans me.

     As for the lopsidedness of private bans, behavior is asymmetrical, no one is banned for advocating a smaller government or the gold standard.

     I agree that "vile" is subjective, widely shared though and people are unlikely to give up on something they agree on.

     Perhaps you haven't noticed that what was once called normal conservatism has now been taken over by Trumpist vileness.

     I think you share more values with antifa than you let on. The difference is that antifa wants to fight fascists now, while most of us are hoping it won't come to that.

     
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on July 16, 2019, 06:34:34 AM
Quote from: drogulus on July 16, 2019, 04:31:49 AM
     Censorship is when the government imposes bans. GMG doesn't censor me even if it bans me.

     As for the lopsidedness of private bans, behavior is asymmetrical, no one is banned for advocating a smaller government or the gold standard.

     I agree that "vile" is subjective, widely shared though and people are unlikely to give up on something they agree on.

     Perhaps you haven't noticed that what was once called normal conservatism has now been taken over by Trumpist vileness.

     I think you share more values with antifa than you let on. The difference is that antifa wants to fight fascists now, while most of us are hoping it won't come to that.

   

Not quite so simple.

What if a monopoly that exists as a monopoly only due to government action or enforcement restricts you? For example, an established church forbids Islam. Or a regulated monopoly like ATT used to be bans socialists? Or a broadcaster who "owns" the rights to a part of the fully regulated spectrum? These seem like censorship to me. Not to you?

Plus, "access" is the key concept. It's not the same as speech but it shows the principle that my civil rights can trump the property rights of businesses. There is the notion of a common carrier, and they may not discriminate at will. Lunch counters cannot ban Turks or Muslims or gays or blacks . But being Muslim is a matter of belief and speech. So there is some blur.

Google is a near monopoly in large part because of patents which are enforced by the government, and regulation of connectivity which is enforced by the government. So again, some blur.

Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: greg on July 16, 2019, 07:41:21 AM
Quote from: SimonNZ on July 15, 2019, 08:34:41 PM
Laughing. Out. Loud.

I can think of one.
Okay, one? I wouldn't doubt they exist.

But clearly it's the overwhelmingly the left that has the "shut it down" mentality. There is no debate here, anyone not living on another planet can see that from so many real examples.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: JBS on July 16, 2019, 07:45:35 AM
Quote from: greg on July 16, 2019, 07:41:21 AM
Okay, one? I wouldn't doubt they exist.

But clearly it's the overwhelmingly the left that has the "shut it down" mentality. There is no debate here, anyone not living on another planet can see that from so many real examples.

No, the right has many with the same mentality.  Especially rife among those who want everyone to believe that Mexicans are all criminals, Democrats are all Communists, etc.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: greg on July 16, 2019, 07:52:57 AM
Quote from: amw on July 15, 2019, 08:32:14 PM
the Proud Boys, a white supremacist group in Portland of a similar size.
Now hold up here.

Are they really? I know only a little about them, have seen a video about them once and they definitely accept non-white dudes into their club. The same can't be said for a true white supremacist group, like the KKK.

Have you acquired more info than me about them? From non-biased sources?

That's a rather serious accusation, you will have to convince me or change the definition entirely.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: greg on July 16, 2019, 08:29:40 AM
Quote from: JBS on July 16, 2019, 07:45:35 AM
No, the right has many with the same mentality.  Especially rife among those who want everyone to believe that Mexicans are all criminals, Democrats are all Communists, etc.
Never heard about anyone dumb enough to think they are all criminals, only ones that recognize there are criminal gangs and such among them. If you gave me a name, I will gladly point and laugh at them.

Also, not once have i heard of any protest coming from the right to shut down anything. Any examples i don't know of?
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: drogulus on July 16, 2019, 08:48:37 AM
Quote from: Ken B on July 16, 2019, 06:34:34 AM
Not quite so simple.

What if a monopoly that exists as a monopoly only due to government action or enforcement restricts you? For example, an established church forbids Islam. Or a regulated monopoly like ATT used to be bans socialists? Or a broadcaster who "owns" the rights to a part of the fully regulated spectrum? These seem like censorship to me. Not to you?

Plus, "access" is the key concept. It's not the same as speech but it shows the principle that my civil rights can trump the property rights of businesses. There is the notion of a common carrier, and they may not discriminate at will. Lunch counters cannot ban Turks or Muslims or gays or blacks . But being Muslim is a matter of belief and speech. So there is some blur.

Google is a near monopoly in large part because of patents which are enforced by the government, and regulation of connectivity which is enforced by the government. So again, some blur.



     A government can extend the power of private corporations to manage our lives, or it can act to restrict these powers for the public good. Only a government can guarantee a liberty. It has no separate meaning. It's why it matters what the Constitution and the laws are.

     Private entities can have censorship power if the government wants them to have it.

     I note that none of the invitees to the Trump free speech orgy were victims of private bans, so none of the privately banned were invited. That would draw attention to why they were banned. Hint: it was not because they were conservatives.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: drogulus on July 16, 2019, 09:02:02 AM

     The people who burned the flag recently were members of the "Revolutionary Communist Party". I remember the huge Vietnam war protests where a similar group climbed a stature in Central Park for the purpose of waving a North Vietnamese flag. I knew, most people knew what they were doing, calling down oppressive measures on everyone to get people on their side. The provocation and overreaction is the point.

     This didn't really work then. Even antifa as a movement is not in favor of revolutionary suicide. They want to brawl with Proud Boys and anyone who wants to brawl with them. They want to meet violence with violence. If they commit crimes they should be arrested and tried, just like anyone else.

     

     
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: SimonNZ on July 16, 2019, 09:09:42 AM
Quote from: greg on July 16, 2019, 07:41:21 AM
Okay, one? I wouldn't doubt they exist.


You're choosing mot to recognize the one I'm referring to?

But it's.not just him, it's also his supporters and enablers who hear his anti press rhetoric and don't push back but normalize it.

There's nothing like this on the left.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: greg on July 16, 2019, 09:24:19 AM
Quote from: drogulus on July 16, 2019, 04:31:49 AM
     Perhaps you haven't noticed that what was once called normal conservatism has now been taken over by Trumpist vileness.

     I think you share more values with antifa than you let on. The difference is that antifa wants to fight fascists now, while most of us are hoping it won't come to that.
It's more likely that things have shifted much more left that perspective has changed. There was a graph out there showing this but i won't be able to find it probably.
If anything, moderate conservatives have shifted slightly left over the last 20 years or not moved much.

I share the values of anti-fascism. But most people do. They advocate violence against people saying stuff they disagree with. First thing that comes to mind when i think of fascism.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: greg on July 16, 2019, 09:30:22 AM
Quote from: SimonNZ on July 16, 2019, 09:09:42 AM
You're choosing mot to recognize the one I'm referring to?

But it's.not just him, it's also his supporters and enablers who hear his anti press rhetoric and don't push back but normalize it.

There's nothing like this on the left.
You mean the president?

I can understand his frustration, though. Who likes that type of misrepresentation and lies? But it happens to every president.

Regardless, is he doing censorship? All the censoring is coming from big leftist tech companies and mobs of leftist extremists.

Any groups of rednecks joining together at a communist speaker's conference or whatever and chanting "Shut 'er down!" I think not. 😝
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: SimonNZ on July 16, 2019, 09:51:49 AM
Quote from: greg on July 16, 2019, 09:30:22 AM
You mean the president?

I can understand his frustration, though. Who likes that type of misrepresentation and lies? But it happens to every president.

Regardless, is he doing censorship? All the censoring is coming from big leftist tech companies and mobs of leftist extremists.

Any groups of rednecks joining together at a communist speaker's conference or whatever and chanting "Shut 'er down!" I think not. 😝

Misrepresentation and lies?

Your position is bizarre. Are you not aware that he calls the press "the enemy of the people", wants to jail his political oponents, has called for anchors and shows he doesn't like to be cancelled, jokes with his dictator press-killing buddies about adopting their methods...

...and that every one of his rallies includes a part where he asks his fanatics to turn to the press area and vent their hostility at them - it usually includes spitting, always screaming death threats.

What is it you think the left does? Calls out Fox for being the hysterical propagandists they so manifestly are?

As for the "leftist tech companies" - they're are big part of what got him the presidency.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: greg on July 16, 2019, 10:11:15 AM
I would say being constantly compared to Hitler is misrepresentation.

Fox being hysterical propaganda... I don't know, they are also part of the media and that's kind of how they all are. But I am familiar with Tucker Carlson, i like him since he seems very rational.

Trump calls for stuff, but how much is actually succesful? You can't really compare yelling at journalists to actually successfully deplatforming them. Just because one is a president doesn't mean one has ultimate power.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: SimonNZ on July 16, 2019, 10:40:33 AM
They're all unsuccessful until the moment they become successful.

But your Tucker Carlson comment suggests you're just trolling me so I won't bother going on.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: North Star on July 16, 2019, 10:42:09 AM
Quote from: greg on July 16, 2019, 10:11:15 AM
I would say being constantly compared to Hitler is misrepresentation.

Fox being hysterical propaganda... I don't know, they are also part of the media and that's kind of how they all are. But I am familiar with Tucker Carlson, i like him since he seems very rational.

Trump calls for stuff, but how much is actually succesful? You can't really compare yelling at journalists to actually successfully deplatforming them. Just because one is a president doesn't mean one has ultimate power.
I guess you missed that the White House Press Secretary posted a manipulated video of a White House aide trying to take the microphone away from Jim Acosta because Trump didn't want to answer his questions, in order to justify the revoking of Acosta's press pass.

https://www.forbes.com/sites/laurenaratani/2018/11/08/altered-video-of-cnn-reporter-jim-acosta-heralds-a-future-filled-with-deep-fakes/#774b46543f6c



Quote from: greg on July 16, 2019, 10:11:15 AM
I would say being constantly compared to Hitler is misrepresentation.

Fox being hysterical propaganda... I don't know, they are also part of the media and that's kind of how they all are. But I am familiar with Tucker Carlson, i like him since he seems very rational.

Trump calls for stuff, but how much is actually succesful? You can't really compare yelling at journalists to actually successfully deplatforming them. Just because one is a president doesn't mean one has ultimate power.

It's a shame that this wasn't aired on Fox, apparently. Can't imagine why..
https://www.youtube.com/v/6_nFI2Zb7qE
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: greg on July 16, 2019, 11:04:00 AM
Quote from: SimonNZ on July 16, 2019, 10:40:33 AM
They're all unsuccessful until the moment they become successful.
Ok. Sure. And i wouldn't support his efforts to censor, either.

But it's still undeniably clear that the leftist have been much more aggressive at censoring and shutting down, so far.


Quote from: North Star on July 16, 2019, 10:42:09 AM
I guess you missed that the White House Press Secretary posted a manipulated video of a White House aide trying to take the microphone away from Jim Acosta because Trump didn't want to answer his questions, in order to justify the revoking of Acosta's press pass.

https://www.forbes.com/sites/laurenaratani/2018/11/08/altered-video-of-cnn-reporter-jim-acosta-heralds-a-future-filled-with-deep-fakes/#774b46543f6c



It's a shame that this wasn't aired on Fox, apparently. Can't imagine why..
https://www.youtube.com/v/6_nFI2Zb7qE
Yeah, i know about that story. Remember that the press attacked first by slandering him, so that's why he is angry at them.

Doesn't mean much other than his personality sucks.

And this one case is not comparable to big tech censorship the last few years.

I'll watch the video when i get home.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: North Star on July 16, 2019, 02:21:01 PM
Quote from: greg on July 16, 2019, 11:04:00 AM
But it's still undeniably clear that the leftist have been much more aggressive at censoring and shutting down, so far.
What kind of censoring and shutting down is the left doing? Genuinely asking because I don't know what kind of things you are thinking about here. I'm sure that Youtube, Facebook, etc are removing content that violates the US Civil Rights Act of 1968, for example, but I wouldn't call that leftist.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: greg on July 16, 2019, 05:12:34 PM
I watched the video. I mean, I don't see anything I would disagree with that the guests said. And Tucker totally lost his cool.

Some of the clips I have seen him in, the stuff he's saying makes rational sense. Whether he's a "good guy" or not? No idea!


Quote from: North Star on July 16, 2019, 02:21:01 PM
What kind of censoring and shutting down is the left doing? Genuinely asking because I don't know what kind of things you are thinking about here. I'm sure that Youtube, Facebook, etc are removing content that violates the US Civil Rights Act of 1968, for example, but I wouldn't call that leftist.
You asked the right question, my friend.

I bet I can't remember everything in one sitting, and there's just too much in general to include, but...
(these are mainly the people I follow off-and-on)

-Steven Crowder- demonetized from youtube because Carlos Maza finds a joke offensive, even though it's the same thing he calls himself (minus the "lispy" part)

-Any youtube video with MGTOW label is demonetized now (only because it is critical of feminism- it is also critical of traditional conservatism, but that's not significant)

-Jordan Peterson's book banned from New Zealand (he's not even conservative and the book is supposedly not even political... but somehow he's lumped into "alt-right" because of his mostly centrist views)

-Carl Benjamin getting banned from Patreon (he's not even conservative, but is critical of the far left)

-Paul Joseph Watson banned from Facebook- supposedly he didn't even have much on there, just pictures?

-Alex Jones banned from Facebook and youtube and Instagram (no, i don't take him seriously or follow him, but he shouldn't be banned)

-Milo Yiannopoulis banned from Facebook (actually I don't follow him, either)

-Gavin McInnes banned from Facebook and Twitter, I believe (don't remember much about it)


And then the cases where banks are involved, here's one from an Afro-Cuban Proud Boy member:
https://www.nationalreview.com/2019/04/chase-bank-conservative-customers/

QuoteTarrio warns of the speech-squelching pattern emerging across Silicon Valley and on Wall Street: "First we get silenced on social media, then Paypal, then I get debanked. It's a very dangerous trend."


And then there's all of the instances where feminists try to shut down MRA events. And then there's Antifa trying to intimidate Jordan Peterson during his speeches to shut it down.

It's almost always the left trying to shut down all who disagree, rather than the right.

The key summary is this: both conservative voices and liberal voices deserve to be heard, right? Not just one side. You have the media being overwhelmingly liberal as it is. But then you have the internet, where everyone can post their political opinions to an audience. It shouldn't be such a toxic environment for people to voice their opinions if they disagree with liberal political correctness.

Also, to back up my point earlier, ALL of these people are up for debating and open discussions (think of Crowder's Change My Mind, for example). The president might be questionable about this since he is a nutjob, but just because he is, doesn't mean that conservatives in general are for "shutting down" their opponents.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: greg on July 16, 2019, 05:42:37 PM
Meanwhile, as for now, Shaun King, who is quite a popular liberal, is openly praising that guy that raided the detention facility and has said to stop it "by any means necessary" (implying violence is acceptable).


At the same time, Lindsay Shepherd (not familiar with her tbh) was banned for saying something mean to some transgender person and misgendering them. Sure, it's mean, but does it deserve a ban?
https://www.vice.com/en_ca/article/xwnbxd/free-speech-activist-lindsay-shepherd-was-banned-from-twitter-and-its-very-sad


I won't hold my breath for Shaun King to be banned from Twitter.

Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: SimonNZ on July 16, 2019, 08:31:36 PM
William Buckley Jr must be turning in his grave now that idiots like Milo Yinnopoulis and Alex Jones are what's considered "conservative voices".

If so many of the people getting banned on Youtube and Facebook for offensive posting are on the right - then that's something the right need to ask themselves about keeping their own house in order and the face and values they want to present. It doesn't automatically make YT and FB "the left" - which they are not by any stretch.

And the NZ baiting was really lame. One specific chain temporarily removing a book does not equal censorship. If they had then stopped people from obtaining it elsewhere in all forms of media then that would be censorship.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: North Star on July 17, 2019, 02:43:30 AM
Quote from: greg on July 16, 2019, 05:12:34 PM
-Steven Crowder- demonetized from youtube because Carlos Maza finds a joke offensive, even though it's the same thing he calls himself (minus the "lispy" part)
https://www.youtube.com/v/h_HOytoOfdg


Quote from: greg on July 16, 2019, 05:12:34 PM
-Any youtube video with MGTOW label is demonetized now (only because it is critical of feminism- it is also critical of traditional conservatism, but that's not significant)
Based on what Wikipedia says about MGTOW, "MGTOWs advocate male separatism[3][15][19] and believe society has been corrupted by feminism,[3], a view shared with the alt-right.[15] MGTOWs posit that legal and romantic relationships with women fail a cost–benefit analysis,[11][22] that feminism has made women dangerous to men, and that male self-preservation requires dissociating completely from women.", it doesn't seem so much that it's critical of women, but that it's misogyny with a sprinkle of homophobia.

Quote from: greg on July 16, 2019, 05:12:34 PM-Jordan Peterson's book banned from New Zealand (he's not even conservative and the book is supposedly not even political... but somehow he's lumped into "alt-right" because of his mostly centrist views)
The book was never banned from New Zealand, but a national bookstore chain stopped carrying it for 12 days or so, because the Christchurch mass murderer mentioned it in his manifesto. I'm sure anyone in New Zealand could order a copy from Book Depository, or perhaps get one from another local bookstore.

Quote from: greg on July 16, 2019, 05:12:34 PM-Carl Benjamin getting banned from Patreon (he's not even conservative, but is critical of the far left)

So a direct violation of Patreon community guidelines by someone who isn't conservative, led to Patreon dropping them? Terrible!
https://patreonhq.com/hate-speech-on-patreon-a9026e52c2cf


Quote from: greg on July 16, 2019, 05:12:34 PM-Paul Joseph Watson banned from Facebook- supposedly he didn't even have much on there, just pictures?

-Alex Jones banned from Facebook and youtube and Instagram (no, i don't take him seriously or follow him, but he shouldn't be banned)

-Milo Yiannopoulis banned from Facebook (actually I don't follow him, either)

It appears that Nation of Islam leader Louis Farrakhan's Facebook account was closed at the same time, because Facebook considered them "dangerous." "We've always banned individuals or organizations that promote or engage in violence and hate, regardless of ideology," a Facebook spokesperson said. "The process for evaluating potential violators is extensive and it is what led us to our decision to remove these accounts today."

From Wikipedia (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paul_Joseph_Watson): "Watson's career emerged through his work for conspiracy theorist and radio host Alex Jones. As editor-at-large of Jones' website InfoWars he helped promote fake news[11] and conspiracy theories such as the claim that 9/11 was an inside job, the chemtrail conspiracy theory, the New World Order and the Illuminati."
Isn't it terrible that Facebook has been forced to look more closely at InfoWars employees who spread fake news and influence US presidential elections?

You missed that Yiannopoulos was also banned from Twitter:
QuoteIn July 2016, Yiannopoulos panned the Ghostbusters reboot as "a movie to help lonely middle-aged women feel better about being left on the shelf." After the film's release, Twitter trolls attacked African-American actress Leslie Jones with racist slurs and bigoted commentary. Yiannopoulos wrote three public tweets about Jones, saying "Ghostbusters is doing so badly they've deployed [Leslie Jones] to play the victim on Twitter," before describing her reply to him as "Barely literate" and then calling her a "black dude". Multiple media outlets have described Yiannopoulos' tweets as encouraging the abuse directed at Jones. Yiannopoulos was then permanently banned by Twitter for what the company cited as "inciting or engaging in the targeted abuse or harassment of others". He later stated that he was banned because of his conservative beliefs.
It's so difficult to be a pedophilia-supporting islamophobic Nazi spreading fake news these days.

Quote from: greg on July 16, 2019, 05:12:34 PM-Gavin McInnes banned from Facebook and Twitter, I believe (don't remember much about it)
Again, such a shame that inciting violence, racism, defending Holocaust deniers, accusing the Jews of being responsible for the Holodomor and the Treaty of Versailles, Islamophobia, "Nazis are not a thing. Islam is a thing", general misogynia, white supremacy, starting a far-right neo-fascist group of political violence can lead to such an extreme leftist reaction.

Quote from: greg on July 16, 2019, 05:12:34 PM
And then the cases where banks are involved, here's one from an Afro-Cuban Proud Boy member:
https://www.nationalreview.com/2019/04/chase-bank-conservative-customers/


And then there's all of the instances where feminists try to shut down MRA events. And then there's Antifa trying to intimidate Jordan Peterson during his speeches to shut it down.

It's almost always the left trying to shut down all who disagree, rather than the right.

The key summary is this: both conservative voices and liberal voices deserve to be heard, right? Not just one side. You have the media being overwhelmingly liberal as it is. But then you have the internet, where everyone can post their political opinions to an audience. It shouldn't be such a toxic environment for people to voice their opinions if they disagree with liberal political correctness.

Also, to back up my point earlier, ALL of these people are up for debating and open discussions (think of Crowder's Change My Mind, for example). The president might be questionable about this since he is a nutjob, but just because he is, doesn't mean that conservatives in general are for "shutting down" their opponents.

Nobody is claiming all 'conservatives are for "shutting down" their opponents'. But even if you can make an excuse for calling support for universal health care 'far-leftist' in the US because in the current political climate, the Republicans are against it, and even some Democrat voters, too, it doesn't mean that there's somehow a very large and dangerous far left comparable to the far right.
Otherwise there would obviously be leftist terrorism on the same level that there is right wing terrorism in the US.
https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2019/01/homegrown-terrorists-2018-were-almost-all-right-wing/581284/

Most of these things seem to be about Republicans/Conservatives/right-wing extremists trying to violate the rights of others, and whining about the response. Or about election fraud.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Florestan on July 17, 2019, 04:38:49 AM
Quote from: North Star on July 17, 2019, 02:43:30 AM
male self-preservation requires dissociating completely from women

In other words, in order to preserve males, they should be cut off completely from any chance of reproducing themselves. Brilliant, just brilliant.  ;D

Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: drogulus on July 17, 2019, 06:43:40 AM

     It's Darwinism at work, as males who are unsuited to reproduce take themselves out of the game. Of course they have reasons, there are always reasons in retrospect.

     Take the Middle East, please. In many countries the economy doesn't generate enough jobs to make marriage a real prospect. Ideologies fill the void. Bog wants the infidels dead dead dead. Americans are experimenting with a No Bog version and not killing the scapegoats, just hating them a little.

     No one could accuse me of liking people but I don't hate them. They are funny and really into believing stuff.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: greg on July 17, 2019, 06:53:54 AM
Quote from: SimonNZ on July 16, 2019, 08:31:36 PM
If so many of the people getting banned on Youtube and Facebook for offensive posting are on the right - then that's something the right need to ask themselves about keeping their own house in order and the face and values they want to present. It doesn't automatically make YT and FB "the left" - which they are not by any stretch.
I see you like victim blaming, comrade.
Do you still not see that "offensive" is a subjective term? They are being banned based on others' subjective feelings. What if you were banned for no good reason because someone didn't like what you said? Maybe you should take a good hard look at yourself and make sure to conform next time.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: greg on July 17, 2019, 07:01:58 AM
As for the Mgtow comments, none of you even know a thing about it. Very telling that you immediately resort to ridicule after simply reading a wikipedia page about it.
"And a sprinkle of homophobia." That's what I'm talking about, do you not see what you are doing? Immediately resorting to shame tactics to shut down anyone calling out truth. That's the sole tactic of the far left. Tech companies and mobs are just the extension of that.

Perhaps you could actually listen to what they have to say first? No? Yeah, i thought so.

I might comment on the other stuff later but that's it for now.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: greg on July 17, 2019, 07:16:41 AM
One more thing real quick: Facebook and Youtube have CEOs that are leftists. While it doesn't influence everything, you can control a company much more directly than a country. Their influence over their companies are going to be stronger than Trumps influence over the US.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: drogulus on July 17, 2019, 07:49:26 AM
Quote from: greg on July 17, 2019, 06:53:54 AM

Do you still not see that "offensive" is a subjective term? They are being banned based on others' subjective feelings.

     Laws are passed for subjective feelings. I note also that businesses of all kinds have standards about abusive speech that can get you fired. Curiously, they resemble each other in a way that suggests subjective commonalities are not strictly tied to ideological preference. Trump gleefully uses abusive language that would get him fired almost anywhere else. The fact that he offends people his base doesn't like is immaterial. Further, I don't see abuse as being proof of conservatism. If conservatives choose to apply Trumpist standards to their own conduct is it "conservative conduct"? If that's how they want it to be we all should take note of what it means to be conservative in the new era. Far from being a judgment that is imposed on them they are clearly making a choice about how they want to be judged.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: SimonNZ on July 17, 2019, 08:55:30 AM
In what alternate reality is Mark Zuckerberg a "leftist"?

Don't know who runs YT.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: amw on July 17, 2019, 09:06:23 AM
Sergey Brin & Larry Page.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: North Star on July 17, 2019, 09:14:10 AM
Quote from: greg on July 17, 2019, 07:01:58 AM
As for the Mgtow comments, none of you even know a thing about it. Very telling that you immediately resort to ridicule after simply reading a wikipedia page about it.
"And a sprinkle of homophobia." That's what I'm talking about, do you not see what you are doing? Immediately resorting to shame tactics to shut down anyone calling out truth. That's the sole tactic of the far left. Tech companies and mobs are just the extension of that.

Perhaps you could actually listen to what they have to say first? No? Yeah, i thought so.

I might comment on the other stuff later but that's it for now.

From https://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/love-sex/reddit-mgtow-men-sex-sleep-women-manosphere-meninist-a7330276.html:

Quote"I want sex and company, but I don't want/can't put in the effort to get it," wrote another user on the MGTOW.com forum.

The MGTOW community has a pretty clear set of expectations for themselves and the wider world that are based in meninism: a counteraction to feminism which sees women's rights directly disadvantage men.

While feminists might argue that their movement aims to help both men and women break free of harmful gender stereotypes, meninists disagree.

To them, men are the victims of heterosexual relationships, comparable to a horse with a cart strapped it its back. MGTOWs borrow heavily from pop-culture to explain their beliefs, particularly the film the Matrix where the Chosen One chooses to reject his blinkered "blue pill" life in favour of the awareness offered by the "red pill".

The ultimate goal for MGTOWs is total freedom from societal constraints - known as Level 4.

"Level 0" involves "taking the red pill" and recognising gender equality is a sham. Level one sees a man rejecting long-term relationships but engaging in sexual encounters, which he will reject in level two.

As the MGTOW movement is entangled with alt-right and libertarian politics, the third step sees the man focusing on earning money in order to sustain himself.

In this quest, obstacles include feminists; white knights (men who are "chivalrous" towards women); social justice warriors; those who are pro-LGBT rights and support safe spaces, amongst other things.

Their heroes? The so-called herbivore men of Japan who have no interest in finding long-term female partners, a label with which half of men in their 20s and 30s identify.
sh
The origins of MGTOW are unclear. The MGTOW website loftily suggests their ideals hark back to "Schopenhauer, Tesla, Beethoven, Galileo, or even Jesus Christ", and equates it to "fire".

"MGTOW is not as old as fire, but it's as old as a man's first discovery of it. If MTGOW is fire, then perhaps feminism is gasoline," reads the MGTOW.com history page. A more concrete theory is that MGTOW was created by online aliases Solaris and Ragnar in the 2000s, when they penned a manifesto calling for men and women to adhere to traditional gender roles and to fight for pared back govermment.

And while their communities may be virtual, their determination seems very real indeed.


And here's the kind of discussion MGTOW's forum has on the LGBT community:
https://www.mgtow.com/forums/topic/the-lgbt-community/
"My take is they're full of s~~~ and dangerous and shouldn't be allowed to roam the streets amongst our elders and children.
"I don't hate them, I just pretend they don't exist."
"And I also hate the fact that when you don't want to hear that s~~~ from gay people, "you're automatically a bigot."
"I also agree that they're worse than feminists some cases"
"However, I can't stand the LGBT community that are activists. They're full of s~~~. As far as I can tell, they're the same as feminists."
"All females do is complain. Gays are feminine in nature."
"Every time I talk with gay people, they're also feminists and have the same level of "victimhood" as feminists do."

This from a community of men who have fallen victim to women and minorities having some rights as well.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: greg on July 17, 2019, 10:06:30 AM
Quote from: SimonNZ on July 17, 2019, 08:55:30 AM
Don't know who runs YT.
Susan Wojcicki.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: greg on July 17, 2019, 10:15:13 AM
Quote from: North Star on July 17, 2019, 09:14:10 AM
From https://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/love-sex/reddit-mgtow-men-sex-sleep-women-manosphere-meninist-a7330276.html:


And here's the kind of discussion MGTOW's forum has on the LGBT community:
https://www.mgtow.com/forums/topic/the-lgbt-community/
"My take is they're full of s~~~ and dangerous and shouldn't be allowed to roam the streets amongst our elders and children.
"I don't hate them, I just pretend they don't exist."
"And I also hate the fact that when you don't want to hear that s~~~ from gay people, "you're automatically a bigot."
"I also agree that they're worse than feminists some cases"
"However, I can't stand the LGBT community that are activists. They're full of s~~~. As far as I can tell, they're the same as feminists."
"All females do is complain. Gays are feminine in nature."
"Every time I talk with gay people, they're also feminists and have the same level of "victimhood" as feminists do."

This from a community of men who have fallen victim to women and minorities having some rights as well.
Not going to read while at work, but the Independent article is probably just a smear piece.

As for the random comments, there is no unified anti-LGBT sentiment, Mgtow is not really even an organized movement. So you will have people with various opinions, same as the general public. But instead they are labeled as homophobic and racist just as a shaming tactic.

To make it simple, there are really two main categories: those that just engage in hookups/dating but not marriage, and the "monks" who completely disengage. The main common theme is just to avoid marriage because of the very extreme risk that it brings to men.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on July 17, 2019, 10:19:58 AM
Quote from: North Star on July 17, 2019, 02:43:30 AM
So a direct violation of Patreon community guidelines by someone who isn't conservative, led to Patreon dropping them? Terrible!

Not fair ! 8)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: greg on July 17, 2019, 11:00:08 AM
Quote from: drogulus on July 17, 2019, 07:49:26 AM
     Laws are passed for subjective feelings. I note also that businesses of all kinds have standards about abusive speech that can get you fired. Curiously, they resemble each other in a way that suggests subjective commonalities are not strictly tied to ideological preference. Trump gleefully uses abusive language that would get him fired almost anywhere else. The fact that he offends people his base doesn't like is immaterial. Further, I don't see abuse as being proof of conservatism. If conservatives choose to apply Trumpist standards to their own conduct is it "conservative conduct"? If that's how they want it to be we all should take note of what it means to be conservative in the new era. Far from being a judgment that is imposed on them they are clearly making a choice about how they want to be judged.
As for the second half of your post, I'm not sure what to say because I don't think I'm even conservative, and I don't like Trump, so not going to defend that.

The first part: this is really specific and basic, actually. It alludes to the problem of whether these companies should abide by public or private rules. That's a debate entirely itself that is currently ongoing. I can accept censorship if they are honest with the bias.

For the public space, the limits of free speech end at calls of violence. Not hurting someone else's feelings. And should stay that way.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: drogulus on July 17, 2019, 11:50:32 AM
     
Quote from: greg on July 17, 2019, 11:00:08 AM


The first part: this is really specific and basic, actually. It alludes to the problem of whether these companies should abide by public or private rules.

     I would say yes, abide by public rules have have their own. The private rules will be quite similar to the rules that govern public employees, and should be the absolute minimum standard for political leaders who should obey an even higher standard.

     Once again, and as many times as necessary, rules against behavior hit those who violate them, and if it should happen that a conservative violates the rule, it does not make the rule anti-conservative, unless it is a necessary condition of being a conservative that one violates the rule.

     
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: greg on July 17, 2019, 04:42:59 PM
Quote from: SimonNZ on July 16, 2019, 08:31:36 PM
And the NZ baiting was really lame. One specific chain temporarily removing a book does not equal censorship. If they had then stopped people from obtaining it elsewhere in all forms of media then that would be censorship.
Ok. Maybe not the best example since it was somewhat small scale and not really impactful.




Quote from: North Star on July 17, 2019, 02:43:30 AM
https://www.youtube.com/v/h_HOytoOfdg
Wow, you have some massive balls to send me a video with 6.4k likes to 18k dislikes as a reply.

The Young Turks are extremely biased. After watching them literally laugh about that one publicized case  about a man being raped, I stopped watching their videos. So won't give them 10 more minutes.

(the problem with this is not the joking, but the fact that if a woman were tied up and raped, they would definitely would not be laughing).


Quote from: North Star on July 17, 2019, 02:43:30 AM
It appears that Nation of Islam leader Louis Farrakhan's Facebook account was closed at the same time, because Facebook considered them "dangerous." "We've always banned individuals or organizations that promote or engage in violence and hate, regardless of ideology," a Facebook spokesperson said. "The process for evaluating potential violators is extensive and it is what led us to our decision to remove these accounts today."
They are not 100% liberal. Doesn't mean there isn't a strong bias. They've banned people literally over "misgendering" someone. What type of conservative, or even moderate, company would do that?

Louis Farrakhan was blatantly anti-Semitic. I don't remember what Alex Jones was banned for specifically.




QuoteAgain, such a shame that inciting violence, racism, defending Holocaust deniers, accusing the Jews of being responsible for the Holodomor and the Treaty of Versailles, Islamophobia, "Nazis are not a thing. Islam is a thing", general misogynia, white supremacy, starting a far-right neo-fascist group of political violence can lead to such an extreme leftist reaction.
Any non-leftist sources that confirm all of this? I'm not an expert on him. Direct sources?




Quote from: North Star on July 17, 2019, 02:43:30 AM
Nobody is claiming all 'conservatives are for "shutting down" their opponents'. But even if you can make an excuse for calling support for universal health care 'far-leftist' in the US because in the current political climate, the Republicans are against it, and even some Democrat voters, too, it doesn't mean that there's somehow a very large and dangerous far left comparable to the far right.
Otherwise there would obviously be leftist terrorism on the same level that there is right wing terrorism in the US.
https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2019/01/homegrown-terrorists-2018-were-almost-all-right-wing/581284/

Most of these things seem to be about Republicans/Conservatives/right-wing extremists trying to violate the rights of others, and whining about the response. Or about election fraud.
No idea why you brought up health care. Also not sure how they are determining those numbers, or how they are determining they are liberal or conservative.

Leftist terrorism nowadays is Antifa. I'm not sure what the equivalent of is of right-wing terrorism that is openly forming mobs in black clothes and masks, attacking people, and refusing to converse with anyone. Surely the KKK is still around, but they are hidden in secrecy.



(https://i.redd.it/1yl2g07t5nk21.jpg)
It's hard for people to see when they are in an echo chamber. It's like trying to look at one's self without a mirror.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: SimonNZ on July 17, 2019, 05:15:14 PM
Quote from: greg on July 17, 2019, 04:42:59 PM
Ok. Maybe not the best example since it was somewhat small scale and not really impactful.


Not the best example of censorship because not censorship.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: greg on July 18, 2019, 07:51:55 AM
Quote from: SimonNZ on July 17, 2019, 05:15:14 PM
Not the best example of censorship because not censorship.
Not if you have a different definition.

You can self-censor. Or a bookstore can plan to sell books but later decide not to in order to censor what they are willing to sell (what they approve, basically). If you are stuck to defining censorship in only much more extreme cases (like only legal scenarios), then right, it isn't censorship.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: greg on July 18, 2019, 05:11:56 PM
Demoted by University for Views on Gender, Professor Sues

https://www.theepochtimes.com/demoted-by-university-for-views-on-gender-professor-sues_3005176.html



No room for debate. Just enforcement and financial loss, I guess.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on July 18, 2019, 06:04:14 PM
 https://www.redstate.com/alexparker/2019/07/18/women-vancouver-lose-businesses-man-tries-legally-force-waxing-ladyscrotum/ (https://www.redstate.com/alexparker/2019/07/18/women-vancouver-lose-businesses-man-tries-legally-force-waxing-ladyscrotum/)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: greg on July 20, 2019, 04:47:39 PM
https://www.cnn.com/style/article/kyoto-animation-studio-cultural-impact-and-loss-opinion/index.html

Wondering how many people have heard about what happened to Kyoto Animation studios. Apparently it has been on the news channels, being the worst mass murder in Japan in the last 20 years.

A really bad target to pick, in so many ways. They've made several shows that I watched 10 years ago that I think about nearly every day. And they are typically known for being second best only to Studio Ghibli when it comes to animation quality and also are known for being one of the few studios that pays its animators fair salaries.


Anyone who wants to donate (they got $1.7 million in donations in just three days, going way past their original goal):
https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-kyoani-heal
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: drogulus on July 21, 2019, 07:19:01 AM
     In India's Assam State, Residents Of River Islands Face Uncertainty Over Citizenship (https://www.npr.org/sections/pictureshow/2019/07/21/674703048/in-indias-assam-state-residents-of-river-islands-face-uncertainty-over-citizensh?utm_medium=RSS&utm_campaign=news)

Residents of Assam must submit paperwork — birth certificates, high school diplomas and other documents — to prove their citizenship. But literacy rates are low, and poverty runs high. Many people find it difficult to provide those documents.

Last year, the state government issued a draft NRC list, and some 4 million people living in Assam who thought they were Indian citizens were left off. This comes against a backdrop of efforts by India's central government to pass a bill that would effectively grant citizenship to many other undocumented immigrants, except if they are Muslim.


     See, there's more than one way to do "it". You can "you're not a citizen, get out" or you can "You're a Muslim, you're not a citizen". In this case being poor and illiterate isn't enough to de-citizen you, you have to be Muslim, too.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Florestan on July 21, 2019, 08:31:36 AM
Quote from: drogulus on July 21, 2019, 07:19:01 AM
     In India's Assam State, Residents Of River Islands Face Uncertainty Over Citizenship (https://www.npr.org/sections/pictureshow/2019/07/21/674703048/in-indias-assam-state-residents-of-river-islands-face-uncertainty-over-citizensh?utm_medium=RSS&utm_campaign=news)

Residents of Assam must submit paperwork — birth certificates, high school diplomas and other documents — to prove their citizenship. But literacy rates are low, and poverty runs high. Many people find it difficult to provide those documents.

Last year, the state government issued a draft NRC list, and some 4 million people living in Assam who thought they were Indian citizens were left off. This comes against a backdrop of efforts by India's central government to pass a bill that would effectively grant citizenship to many other undocumented immigrants, except if they are Muslim.


     See, there's more than one way to do "it". You can "you're not a citizen, get out" or you can "You're a Muslim, you're not a citizen". In this case being poor and illiterate isn't enough to de-citizen you, you have to be Muslim, too.

Once upon a time, there were no IDs, no citizenship, no nothing. Once upon a time, one could have lived one's entire life, from the craddle to the grave, without ever meeting a state official. Buf we've come a long way from those dark times. In our modern, enlightened, progressive era we are watched, inspected, spied upon, directed, law-driven, numbered, regulated, enrolled, indoctrinated, preached at, controlled, checked, estimated, valued, censured, commanded, by creatures who have neither the right nor the wisdom nor the virtue to do so. To be GOVERNED is to be at every operation, at every transaction noted, registered, counted, taxed, stamped, measured, numbered, assessed, licensed, authorized, admonished, prevented, forbidden, reformed, corrected, punished. It is, under pretext of public utility, and in the name of the general interest, to be place under contribution, drilled, fleeced, exploited, monopolized, extorted from, squeezed, hoaxed, robbed; then, at the slightest resistance, the first word of complaint, to be repressed, fined, vilified, harassed, hunted down, abused, clubbed, disarmed, bound, choked, imprisoned, judged, condemned, shot, deported, sacrificed, sold, betrayed; and to crown all, mocked, ridiculed, derided, outraged, dishonored. 

Sieg heil, Progress! Sieg heil, Liberalism! Sieg heil, Democracy!
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: drogulus on July 21, 2019, 12:08:07 PM
Quote from: Florestan on July 21, 2019, 08:31:36 AM
Once upon a time, there were no IDs, no citizenship, no nothing. Once upon a time, one could have lived one's entire life, from the craddle to the grave, without ever meeting a state official. Buf we've come a long way from those dark times. In our modern, enlightened, progressive era we are watched, inspected, spied upon, directed, law-driven, numbered, regulated, enrolled, indoctrinated, preached at, controlled, checked, estimated, valued, censured, commanded, by creatures who have neither the right nor the wisdom nor the virtue to do so. To be GOVERNED is to be at every operation, at every transaction noted, registered, counted, taxed, stamped, measured, numbered, assessed, licensed, authorized, admonished, prevented, forbidden, reformed, corrected, punished. It is, under pretext of public utility, and in the name of the general interest, to be place under contribution, drilled, fleeced, exploited, monopolized, extorted from, squeezed, hoaxed, robbed; then, at the slightest resistance, the first word of complaint, to be repressed, fined, vilified, harassed, hunted down, abused, clubbed, disarmed, bound, choked, imprisoned, judged, condemned, shot, deported, sacrificed, sold, betrayed; and to crown all, mocked, ridiculed, derided, outraged, dishonored. 

Sieg heil, Progress! Sieg heil, Liberalism! Sieg heil, Democracy!

     I never met a state official except going in and out of the country, or the post office. But then I live in a liberal country and I'm not a farmer.

     Now, come to think of it, I went to an IRS office last year. It had something to do with an inheritance. I went with my brother and we were yukking it up about something and the tax guy, who was used to dealing with normal consciousness of guilt people was acting puzzled and then got it. Incidentally, he was Chinese-American and after we did our business we said we were looking for a restaurant and he said something about how people often asked him if he knew a good Chinese restaurant and we laughed about that and as we were leaving I said "So, do you know any good Chinese restaurants?"

     It was just another day in liberal hell.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on July 21, 2019, 12:42:16 PM
Quote from: drogulus on July 21, 2019, 12:08:07 PM
     I never met a state official except going in and out of the country, or the post office. But then I live in a liberal country and I'm not a farmer.

     Now, come to think of it, I went to an IRS office last year. It had something to do with an inheritance. I went with my brother and we were yukking it up about something and the tax guy, who was used to dealing with normal consciousness of guilt people was acting puzzled and then got it. Incidentally, he was Chinese-American and after we did our business we said we were looking for a restaurant and he said something about how people often asked him if he knew a good Chinese restaurant and we laughed about that and as we were leaving I said "So, do you know any good Chinese restaurants?"

     It was just another day in liberal hell.

Such a sheltered  life. Never taking a driver's test, never meeting a school teacher, a health inspector, or a cop. Rude of you to ignore the trash collectors though, they work hard and a polite nod isn't so hard.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: drogulus on July 21, 2019, 12:53:58 PM
Quote from: Ken B on July 21, 2019, 12:42:16 PM
Such a sheltered  life. Never taking a driver's test, never meeting a school teacher, a health inspector, or a cop. Rude of you to ignore the trash collectors though, they work hard and a polite nod isn't so hard.

     Oh, those guys. I have met some of them. I don't find them particularly oppressive or threatening, or features of liberalism, or hell.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on July 21, 2019, 01:04:57 PM
Quote from: greg on July 20, 2019, 04:47:39 PM
https://www.cnn.com/style/article/kyoto-animation-studio-cultural-impact-and-loss-opinion/index.html

Wondering how many people have heard about what happened to Kyoto Animation studios. Apparently it has been on the news channels, being the worst mass murder in Japan in the last 20 years.

I heard, although I have not followed the story closely.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on August 31, 2019, 01:24:53 PM
Mush-brained lefties (ie, lefties) have a new form of imperialism to root for: Do the Brazil Amazon fires justify environmental interventionism? (https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2019/aug/31/brazil-amazon-fires-justify-environmental-interventionism#comments)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Jo498 on August 31, 2019, 11:41:42 PM
That's "White Man's Burden", 2nd (or 4th) edition, isn't it?

(I am not saying that it is wrong, just that one should openly admit what it is.)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on September 01, 2019, 07:52:53 AM
Quote from: Jo498 on August 31, 2019, 11:41:42 PMThat's "White Man's Burden", 2nd (or 4th) edition, isn't it?


4th. 

One would think if environmental degradation were truly a serious problem, then taxes (including tariffs, as it happens) that reduce consumption, along with massive wealth redistribution to less developed countries to enhance economic growth and equality in said countries would be vigorously pursued and advocated, with full throated vigor, by self-styled green types.  I think it's more likely that the intelligentsia will end up embracing an approach more in line with the esteemed Mr Douglas.  Since I live in the US, it won't directly impact me, so it's all good.  Now if you'll excuse me, I need to start shopping for a new 75 inch QLED TV.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: drogulus on September 07, 2019, 06:29:44 PM

     The Pats just signed Antonio Brown. How is this not an evil plot by the Hooded One?
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: greg on September 19, 2019, 07:28:39 PM
"Islam is right about women"

https://www.boston25news.com/news/-islam-is-right-about-women-odd-signs-spark-confusion-in-local-town/987837653
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on September 22, 2019, 07:34:06 AM
Quote from: greg on September 19, 2019, 07:28:39 PMIslam is right about women


Perhaps, but it's definitely wrong about bacon.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: greg on September 23, 2019, 07:27:58 PM
Quote from: Todd on September 22, 2019, 07:34:06 AM

Perhaps, but it's definitely wrong about bacon.
Absolutely.   :P
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: amw on September 24, 2019, 08:42:00 AM
Quote from: Todd on September 01, 2019, 07:52:53 AM
One would think if environmental degradation were truly a serious problem, then taxes (including tariffs, as it happens) that reduce consumption, along with massive wealth redistribution to less developed countries to enhance economic growth and equality in said countries would be vigorously pursued and advocated, with full throated vigor, by self-styled green types.
That is indeed the position of almost all actual left parties (as opposed to liberals masquerading as leftists such as the DSA). Along with eg eliminating the US military, which is the world's largest individual polluter, and nationalizing or breaking up companies like Apple and Microsoft that chew through the world's stocks of rare earth minerals in order to produce electronic devices that fail within three years.

Quotethink it's more likely that the intelligentsia will end up embracing an approach more in line with the esteemed Mr Douglas.  Since I live in the US, it won't directly impact me, so it's all good.  Now if you'll excuse me, I need to start shopping for a new 75 inch QLED TV.
Thought experiment: why do almost all media outlets in the USA devote so much more attention to the Green New Deal and Greta Thunberg than, say, any proposal to redistribute wealth to the global south? (For that matter, why does the USA maintain strict sanctions on a number of oil producing countries that prevent them from diversifying their energy outputs?)

Also, this is probably obvious to all non-conservatives, but the Bolsonaro administration itself only exists because of imperialism, specifically the collaboration between members of the Brazilian judiciary and American corporate interests to overthrow and imprison any presidential candidate who posed a threat to Bolsonaro (and his right-wing party more generally). I generally disagree with him politically but Glenn Greenwald's work uncovering this has for once been unimpeachable. The role played by American evangelical missionaries to convert vast numbers of Brazilians (and people throughout the global south more generally) with the explicit support and funding of the US government also cannot be overlooked. Lawrence Douglas's article represents just another facet of this ongoing imperialist assault on Brazil and its natural resources, which as far as he and Trump alike are concerned, exist for the benefit of first world countries. The only actual way to "save the amazon" is to kick the USA, Canada, Europe and all their corporate interests out of it. But anyway.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: André on September 24, 2019, 10:38:01 AM
There's truth in what you say.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on September 24, 2019, 05:28:58 PM
Quote from: amw on September 24, 2019, 08:42:00 AMor breaking up companies like Apple and Microsoft

This is conflating things a bit.  Apple produces products that die after three years but are largely replaced in less than two, while Microsoft is not a particularly large player in consumer electronics.  To Microsoft's great good credit, it has largely escaped ire in the current bout of pseudo-/quasi-populist awkwardness and, ultimately, ineptitude.  Some die hard types may want to break it up, but the US government couldn't do it at the turn of the century, and it can't and won't now.  (If Yurpean doofuses try, the US should engage in all out economic warfare against the Old World and actively pursue a policy to destroy the EU.  It should do the latter anyway.) 


Quote from: amw on September 24, 2019, 08:42:00 AMFor that matter, why does the USA maintain strict sanctions on a number of oil producing countries that prevent them from diversifying their energy outputs?

This one is fairly simple.  It is an exercise in old-fashioned great power politics with an eye toward maintaining dominance over the dollar-denominated hydrocarbon market and putting economic pressure on the two other great powers that actually matter.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Jo498 on September 25, 2019, 01:51:36 AM
Quote from: greg on September 19, 2019, 07:28:39 PM
"Islam is right about women"

https://www.boston25news.com/news/-islam-is-right-about-women-odd-signs-spark-confusion-in-local-town/987837653

Maybe also wrong about booze (a thing in common with some brands of American Puritans)

http://archive.fo/mgEXF
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: greg on September 25, 2019, 05:09:29 AM
Quote from: Jo498 on September 25, 2019, 01:51:36 AM
Maybe also wrong about booze (a thing in common with some brands of American Puritans)

http://archive.fo/mgEXF
I'm not going to read the whole article, but title question is actually very good.

Just going to guess that it concludes that it gives down-and-out people something to live for so they don't cause mayhem by murdering people/committing crimes.

Which I've never understood why people love booze so much, but just that that's the attitude about it, what I hear all the time...
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Jo498 on September 25, 2019, 06:40:19 AM
I haven't read all of it either. I thought that the main thesis was that moderate alcohol consumption worked as social lubricant, especially facilitating flirting situations and thus a relation of the sexes not dominated by how many camels your or her father has.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Florestan on September 25, 2019, 07:38:24 AM
"If wine were to disappear from human production, I believe it would cause an absence, a failure in health and intellect, a void much more terrifying than all the recesses and the deviations for which wine is regarded as responsible." - Charles Baudelaire
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: drogulus on September 25, 2019, 09:29:30 AM

     Dept Of Franco-Italian Hoax

     Italy and France Prepare for Imminent Collapse of Mont Blanc Glacier (https://www.thedailybeast.com/italy-and-france-prepare-for-imminent-collapse-of-mont-blanc-glacier?ref=home)

The crisis backs up another warning issued this week by the World Meteorological Organization, which released their new report to coincide with the climate summit in New York. In it they warn that if temperatures continue to rise at current levels, the ice on the Eastern and Central Alps could disappear completely within two or three decades. They say the only ice that would remain only in the Western Alps, where the crumbling Mont Blanc glacier is about to break down.


     
     

     
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on September 28, 2019, 06:25:46 AM
Caught faking.
https://reason.com/2019/09/26/canadian-green-party-edits-image-of-party-leader-to-show-her-using-a-metal-straw/ (https://reason.com/2019/09/26/canadian-green-party-edits-image-of-party-leader-to-show-her-using-a-metal-straw/)

Note her response is to lie about always using a reusable cup.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on September 28, 2019, 05:23:29 PM
Justin Trudeau in blackface again and an Afro with his crotch stuffed.

https://mobile.twitter.com/heckyessica/status/1178051702785806341 (https://mobile.twitter.com/heckyessica/status/1178051702785806341)

Don't try this at home unless your father was Prime Minister.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Jo498 on September 29, 2019, 12:19:50 AM
The worst thing is not the faking of photographs or the ridiculous mummery but that someone bothers to fake a picture with a straw and that it is actually considered "important news" what kind of straw someone uses. (I am all for environmental protection but the banning of plastic straws is maybe the worst fig leaf in this field ever.)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: greg on September 29, 2019, 12:05:13 PM

"Women are struggling to find men who make as much money as they do" (NY Post)
(https://nypost.com/2019/09/25/women-are-struggling-to-find-men-who-make-as-much-money-as-they-do/)
It should be obvious why I facepalmed myself into next year from reading this.

I predicted this years ago. With the gender pay gap argument and the general attitude that women should be making as much money as men, of course women will struggle to be satisfied in relationships because usually they want a guy who makes more money than them.

So either one of two will have to happen:
1) female nature will change according to society's new customs (good luck with that, since this is an evolutionary thing)
2) women will settle for guys that make less money than them.


Or 3) just admit that you want population stagnation. Which I don't necessarily oppose, just be logically consistent, please!  ::)



(also notice how it's framed as a women's issue, never mentioned that dudes are struggling, it's only that women who want to be with guys with more money than them are struggling.)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: drogulus on September 29, 2019, 03:46:29 PM
Quote from: greg on September 29, 2019, 12:05:13 PM

"Women are struggling to find men who make as much money as they do" (NY Post)
(https://nypost.com/2019/09/25/women-are-struggling-to-find-men-who-make-as-much-money-as-they-do/)
It should be obvious why I facepalmed myself into next year from reading this.

I predicted this years ago. With the gender pay gap argument and the general attitude that women should be making as much money as men, of course women will struggle to be satisfied in relationships because usually they want a guy who makes more money than them.


(also notice how it's framed as a women's issue, never mentioned that dudes are struggling, it's only that women who want to be with guys with more money than them are struggling.)

     Most times I read about the struggles of dudes in the industrial belt and the rural and small town Red Wastelands. I think you might be cherry picking a little. because though I've seen such articles for years, the ratio favors struggling dudes, at least in the Fake News Media I read.

Quote from: greg on September 29, 2019, 12:05:13 PM

So either one of two will have to happen:
1) female nature will change according to society's new customs (good luck with that, since this is an evolutionary thing)
2) women will settle for guys that make less money than them.


      You aren't even trying, are you?

      Both the economy and the social arrangements will change together, and not only to make you feel shitty about them, that's a bonus, but consider how such dinosaurs as us must have felt when they figured out that their little feathery cousins would survive the asteroid. Where I have the most sympathy for you (though not for me because I wouldn't know what to do with it) is how the economy is arranged sort of on purpose so that harm is felt among dudes particularly, and where I'm least sympathetic is how you search for goats to scape without any sign of embarrassment.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: SimonNZ on September 29, 2019, 03:53:41 PM
apropos of nothing - just caught my eye:

Missouri man charged 'set 13 wildfires on way to high school reunion' (https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2019/sep/28/missouri-man-charged-wildfires-california)

"A suspected arsonist traveled from Missouri to northern California to set more than a dozen wildfires before attending his 50th high school reunion, it was reported on Saturday.

A former classmate told the San Jose Mercury News Freddie Owen Graham appeared happy at the party on 21 September. Graham, a native of Milpitas, California who has lived in the Kansas City area for three decades, didn't seem troubled or upset, Rich Santoro said.

"He was excited to come. I talked to him five or six times during the night. He was happy he was there. He told me, 'I didn't expect to have this much fun."' Santoro said.

"It turns out he had already set the fires."

State fire investigators said Graham gave them a different impression. After he was arrested at the airport in San Jose, Graham told them he was in an "emotional" state over the loss of his wife in 2018 when he tossed flaming pieces of paper on to the side of a road.

"Because she passed away and could not be with him, it made him emotional, starting the fires," the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection report said.

Santoro recalled Graham being sad about attending the reunion without his wife.

Graham is being held on $2m bail on 13 counts of arson. He also faces two special counts of arson during a state of emergency, which was declared by Governor Gavin Newsom in March, ahead of the wildfire season.

Prosecutors said Graham drove through a foothill area north-east of San Jose and set 13 fires over the course of two days.

Although the fires caused no injuries or structural damage, they took dozens of firefighters using aircraft, bulldozers and other equipment hours to extinguish.

Graham was identified as the suspect after someone saw him, wrote down his rental car's license plate number and notified firefighters.

He was arrested when he was returning a rental car at the airport – his second of the weekend, after reportedly swapping out the one seen by a witness at the fire."
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: greg on September 29, 2019, 07:33:15 PM
Quote from: drogulus on September 29, 2019, 03:46:29 PM
     Most times I read about the struggles of dudes in the industrial belt and the rural and small town Red Wastelands. I think you might be cherry picking a little. because though I've seen such articles for years, the ratio favors struggling dudes, at least in the Fake News Media I read.
The stories you are hearing about is probably more about physical blue collar workers... which just happen to be mostly dudes. And probably not framed as a "men's issue" but a blue collar issue that just happens to overwhelmingly affect men. (Just a guess- no idea which articles you have in mind).



Quote from: drogulus on September 29, 2019, 03:46:29 PM
Both the economy and the social arrangements will change together, and not only to make you feel shitty about them, that's a bonus, but consider how such dinosaurs as us must have felt when they figured out that their little feathery cousins will survive the asteroid. Where I have the most sympathy for you (though not for me because I wouldn't know what to do with it) is how the economy is arranged sort of on purpose so that harm is felt among dudes particularly, and where I'm least sympathetic is how you search for goats to scape without any sign of embarrassment.
Social arrangements will change, and it's good to be aware of what effect it will have and be openly honest about it.

Not sure you need to feel any sympathy for me personally, since my income is more or less 50% above what's average, so that's not the issue.

It's the slight frustration at seeing people completely lack the ability to actually understand the consequences and trade-offs of how they would like things to be and then complaining later and framing it so it's not a result of their own choices.  ::)


Just to reinforce my point:

From the same site, an article with a tone about how obvious the pay gap is super, super real, guys:
https://nypost.com/2019/04/02/many-men-think-the-gender-pay-gap-is-fake-news-poll/

And it mentions in there they suggest a quota for hiring women, etc.

And then writes an article 5 months later about how not enough men are economically attractive to women. I mean, whatever floats their boat.  ::)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Jo498 on September 30, 2019, 12:03:31 AM
There is another "side effect": We all know the dime novel stories from the bad old days: lordling marries governess, tycoon marries secretary, surgeon marries nurse etc. This led to some socio-economic mixing by all these women "marrying up" and men "marrying down". Nowadays people pair up more closely within their socioeconomic strata, leading to more stratification (aka inequality). But because identity politics (despite lip service to "intersectionality") overall blinds people to economic inequality (that's why it serves as a divide and conquer tool for the 0.1%) this is not so often talked about.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: drogulus on September 30, 2019, 09:20:06 AM
Quote from: greg on September 29, 2019, 07:33:15 PM
The stories you are hearing about is probably more about physical blue collar workers... which just happen to be mostly dudes. And probably not framed as a "men's issue" but a blue collar issue that just happens to overwhelmingly affect men. (Just a guess- no idea which articles you have in mind).


     What I have noticed is that many articles are about how men in particular are hurt by being insufficiently educated in an economy that is more stratified. Articles like that are sometimes given a "men's issue" cast. In most cases I translate men/women issue articles into Drogulese about what the underlying problem is, if there is one, or what other problem might be more worthy of attention.

     I know I don't need to be sympathetic. But you do seem to take it personally the way society is changing, and I recognize how people are hurt by it, and the fact that history is all about rising and falling classes doesn't make anyone hurt by change feel better.

     Since I'm retired I feel less connected to how difficult the economy is for young people. This is at an emotional level, while on the Droguloid level my interest is if anything greater. For me everything that happens is history in the making, so for a history buff maximum fun.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on September 30, 2019, 02:54:37 PM
Brownshirts where I live. Masked thugs yelling at an old lady with a walker
https://mobile.twitter.com/MrAndyNgo/status/1178498843597344768 (https://mobile.twitter.com/MrAndyNgo/status/1178498843597344768)
Three miles from where I am sitting.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: SimonNZ on September 30, 2019, 04:06:08 PM
That link didn't give the wider story. Is it this?"

Violent clashes break out at Maxime Bernier event in Hamilton (https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/hamilton/mohawk-bernier-violent-clashes-1.5302342)

do supporters of the Canadian People's Party really wear Make America Great Again caps?
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on September 30, 2019, 06:07:17 PM
Quote from: SimonNZ on September 30, 2019, 04:06:08 PM
That link didn't give the wider story. Is it this?"

Violent clashes break out at Maxime Bernier event in Hamilton (https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/hamilton/mohawk-bernier-violent-clashes-1.5302342)

do supporters of the Canadian People's Party really wear Make America Great Again caps?

I don't know much about the CPP. The election is in full blight swing and I have seen one lawn sign for them. I don't think their sartorial choices justify what we see on the tape in any case, but I doubt MAGA caps are a common choice. I did see one in one of the videos, probably intended to be an in your face thing. I saw none in other photos of the event. I have never personally seen one in Canada . 🤷‍♂️
I think the remark in the CBC article about "some" wearing them is unevidenced and sounds motivated.

Here is another link.
https://www.rt.com/news/469904-antifa-protest-bernier-canada/

Sadly the RT report seems less tendentious than the CBC report.

Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: SimonNZ on September 30, 2019, 06:24:02 PM
Well speaking as a lefty I don't get what these x-dozen so-called Antifascists  game is. Because whatever it is they're terrible at it. So bad at messaging and controlling their image that I speculated once they must be an invention of Fox, so effectively do they play into the Fox narrative.

At the time of Charlottesville it seemed like their idea was to protect lefty protesters from actual self describing Nazis and their violence - a sort of dont-start-nothing-wont-be-nothing stand. I could get behind that. But even then they need to lose the silly masks and acting like they want to start a fight rather than end one. And stop yelling at grannies.

But still the amount of right wing attention and anxiety they generate is vastly out of proportion to any threat. And they're not brownshirts if they're not supported by or affiliated with ANF political party. And if they're ostensibly fighting fascism - however misguidedly.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on September 30, 2019, 06:36:34 PM
Quote from: SimonNZ on September 30, 2019, 06:24:02 PM
Well speaking as a lefty I don't get what these x-dozen so-called Antifascists  game is. Because whatever it is they're terrible at it. So bad at messaging and controlling their image that I speculated once they must be an invention of Fox, so effectively do they play into the Fox narrative.

At the time of Charlottesberg it seemed like their idea was to protect lefty protesters from actual self describing Nazis and their violence - a sort of dont-start-nothing-wont-be-nothing stand. I could get behind that. But even then they need to lose the silly masks and acting like they want to start a fight rather than end one. And stop yelling at grannies.

But still the amount of right wing attention and anxiety they generate is vastly out of proportion to any threat. And they're not brownshirts if they're not supported by or affiliated with ANF political party. And if they're ostensibly fighting fascism - however misguidedly.
Nonsense. You can be a fringe brownshirt as well as a mainstream one. Thuggery is thuggery, it doesn't need an electoral platform.

So prolife means prolife, the Moral Majority are the moral ones, Trump is a stable genius, and you take all self applied labels at face value?  If you are dressed in black with a mask assaulting people in the streets then you are the fascist no matter what you call yourself.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on September 30, 2019, 06:40:50 PM
QuoteOSLO, NORWAY—The Norwegian Nobel Committee was reportedly considering President Trump as a recipient of its prestigious Nobel Peace Prize, as the president had submitted his name for consideration to them over 67 times. But after reviewing his credentials, the committee concluded that he had not launched enough drone strikes against foreigners to qualify.

This is satire of course but well aimed satire.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: SimonNZ on September 30, 2019, 07:20:43 PM
Quote from: Ken B on September 30, 2019, 06:36:34 PM
Nonsense. You can be a fringe brownshirt as well as a mainstream one. Thuggery is thuggery, it doesn't need an electoral platform.

So prolife means prolife, the Moral Majority are the moral ones, Trump is a stable genius, and you take all self applied labels at face value?  If you are dressed in black with a mask assaulting people in the streets then you are the fascist no matter what you call yourself.

No, I think they're terrible at being "anti-fascists",and am quite happy calling them "thugs" and a number of other pejoratives, mostly synonyms of "idiot" . But "fascist" has a meaning more specific than the one you're suggesting, and "brownshirt" a specific set of historical analogies. And I'm not in any way defending them, though I don't think they're the threat Fox et al makes them out to be.

At what level would you place their threat?

Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on September 30, 2019, 07:48:56 PM
Quote from: SimonNZ on September 30, 2019, 07:20:43 PM
No, I think they're terrible at being "anti-fascists",and am quite happy calling them "thugs" and a number of other pejoratives, mostly synonyms of "idiot" . But "fascist" has a meaning more specific than the one you're suggesting, and "brownshirt" a specific set of historical analogies. And I'm not in any way defending them, though I don't think they're the threat Fox et al makes them out to be.

At what level would you place their threat?
Threat level? An irrelevant question. The behaviour is before us, I don't need a theory of the organization,s reach.

I do FWIW think there is a threat of general escalation of political violence. (I suspect that is a motivator for some of the people we see on both sides.) I do believe it is contagious and can spread unpredictability. So I favour a quick hard stomp on such stuff.

We don't always get it. Google Jordan Hunt kick video Toronto. He got a suspended sentence eventually for that assault. (I think he aimed for her head in fact. )
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: SimonNZ on September 30, 2019, 08:03:39 PM
Quote from: Ken B on September 30, 2019, 07:48:56 PM
Threat level? An irrelevant question. The behaviour is before us, I don't need a theory of the organization,s reach.

I do FWIW think there is a threat of general escalation of political violence. (I suspect that is a motivator for some of the people we see on both sides.) I do believe it is contagious and can spread unpredictability. So I favour a quick hard stomp on such stuff.

We don't always get it. Google Jordan Hunt kick video Toronto. He got a suspended sentence eventually for that assault. (I think he aimed for her head in fact. )

I think it is relevant in considering the context of the current climate of political violence - specifically from where and from who the calls for violence are coming from, who is condoning or whitewashing it, how the statistics of violence stand among specific groups, and which groups are likely to be increasingly popular and more violent in the future.

Again: I'm not supporting this group in any way - if they're being violent they should be arrested and charged, and that seems to be what's happening. But they are not the boogeymen they're painted on Fox. Nor are they the imminent threat of mobilized political violence.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Florestan on October 01, 2019, 12:09:58 AM
Quote from: Ken B on September 30, 2019, 06:36:34 PM
If you are dressed in black with a mask assaulting people in the streets then you are the fascist no matter what you call yourself.

Actually, the real fascists were not masked.

And I'm curious: these only too brave antifas, so good at scaring impotent elders, have they ever had a real fight with a real right-wing gang, which is their supposed raison d'être? If yes, who were the victors?

Quote from: Ken B on September 30, 2019, 06:40:50 PM
This is satire of course but well aimed satire.

Hah! Very good.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Florestan on October 01, 2019, 12:16:29 AM
Quote from: SimonNZ on September 30, 2019, 07:20:43 PM
At what level would you place their threat?

Threat of changing the political statu quo, nonexistent level.

Threat to peaceful citizens happening to cross their way, very high level. Supposed that old lady had a heart attack, which given the circumstances I'm surprised, and glad, it didn't happen.

These hooligans should be treated with the utmost legal severity.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Florestan on October 01, 2019, 12:24:47 AM
Quote from: Ken B on September 30, 2019, 02:54:37 PM
Brownshirts where I live. Masked thugs yelling at an old lady with a walker
https://mobile.twitter.com/MrAndyNgo/status/1178498843597344768 (https://mobile.twitter.com/MrAndyNgo/status/1178498843597344768)
Three miles from where I am sitting.

The comments by David and Stephanie Blake made my day.

Alos worth noting, the passive attitude of three guys who just indifferently filmed or photographed the incident without trying to make the thugs come to their senses. And a big bravo for the bearded guy who helped the lady.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: SimonNZ on October 01, 2019, 02:16:53 AM
Quote from: Florestan on October 01, 2019, 12:16:29 AM

These hooligans should be treated with the utmost legal severity.

They should be treated with the legal severity matching legal guidelines and legal standards for any crimes they commit.

Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: SimonNZ on October 01, 2019, 02:22:36 AM
Quote from: Florestan on October 01, 2019, 12:09:58 AM

And I'm curious: these only too brave antifas, so good at scaring impotent elders, have they ever had a real fight with a real right-wing gang, which is their supposed raison d'être? If yes, who were the victors?


At Charlottesville, though its hard to get a clear sense of how exactly  that went down.

At the time there were people here posting photos of guys wearing swastikas with bruises, who took this to prove that Antifa and the anti-Nazis protesters were the real villains (aww...did the poor widdle Nazi get a boo-boo?).
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Florestan on October 01, 2019, 03:17:51 AM
Quote from: SimonNZ on October 01, 2019, 02:16:53 AM
They should be treated with the legal severity matching legal guidelines and legal standards for any crimes they commit.

Exactly what I said. I'm sure that disrupting public order and harrassing people in the streets are crimes in the US just as they are in Romania.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: SimonNZ on October 01, 2019, 03:28:46 AM
Quote from: Florestan on October 01, 2019, 03:17:51 AM
Exactly what I said. I'm sure that disrupting public order and harrassing people in the streets are crimes in the US just as they are in Romania.

Okay, but then they'll have to do the same to the harassers outside abortion clinics etc.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Florestan on October 01, 2019, 03:30:59 AM
Quote from: SimonNZ on October 01, 2019, 03:28:46 AM
Okay, but then they'll have to do the same to the harassers outside abortion clinics.

If they behave as aggressively, they should be punished the same. A just cause is not made juster by violence, on the contrary, it is harmed.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: ritter on October 01, 2019, 06:18:13 AM
Quote from: Florestan on October 01, 2019, 03:30:59 AM
If they behave as aggressively, they should be punished the same. A just cause is not made juster by violence, on the contrary, it is harmed.
Unfortunately, the diabolical idea that "violence committed by us on them is somehow justifiable, while violence committed by them on us is completely intolerable" is getting an ever stronger grip in many circles (and in many countries).  :o :( >:(
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Florestan on October 01, 2019, 06:26:20 AM
Quote from: ritter on October 01, 2019, 06:18:13 AM
Unfortunately, the diabolical idea that "violence committed by us on them is somehow justifiable, while violence committed by them on us is completely intolerable" is getting an ever stronger grip in many circles (and in many countries).  :o :( >:(

Well, it might very well be that the period in which this idea seemed to have subsided was just a (too short) interlude...
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on October 01, 2019, 07:13:45 AM
Quote from: ritter on October 01, 2019, 06:18:13 AM
Unfortunately, the diabolical idea that "violence committed by us on them is somehow justifiable, while violence committed by them on us is completely intolerable" is getting an ever stronger grip in many circles (and in many countries).  :o :( >:(

Exactly right. And why it cannot be tolerated: if it is it will spread.

And in that light let me remark on Simon's repeated reference to Charlottesville and Fox. We don't have Fox in Canada and this story does not involve Fox. Nor did we have swastikas and burning torches.  We had elderly people crossing the road with a walker.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on October 01, 2019, 07:22:10 AM
Oddly enough I was
Just rereading a book on the origins of wwI   
The authorities knew about Princip. What do you think was their assessment of the threat level ?

;)  :laugh:

More seriously how many people remember that Canada was under martial law in peacetime, in my lifetime? Or know that our non murder violent crime rate is a bit higher than in the USA? The potential for violence here is greater than the "polite Canadian" stereotype suggests.

ADDED
And two years ago also in Hamilton we had "anti capitalist" rioters, also masked, rampage downtown. They caused millions in damages and destroyed a couple places including a small donut shop that had just opened. The reaction here was encouraging. We had campaigns to raise money to pay for damages, and a week long festival of shopping in the affected area, with traffic closed off. The donut shop had long lines for over 6 months (in a city with oodles of Tim Horton stores). The police worked for months and arrested the ring leader, who is in jail. A massive and thrilling "fuck you".
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on October 01, 2019, 05:30:35 PM
Update from one of the local papers  https://www.hamiltonnews.com/opinion-story/9622448-apparently-i-m-nazi-scum-/#.XZNtLGvfAON.twitter (https://www.hamiltonnews.com/opinion-story/9622448-apparently-i-m-nazi-scum-/#.XZNtLGvfAON.twitter)

And more details, also from the local paper
https://www.hamiltonnews.com/news-story/9621255-hamilton-police-arrest-four-individuals-after-protest-against-ppc-leader-maxime-bernier-s-mohawk-college-event-turns-violent/ (https://www.hamiltonnews.com/news-story/9621255-hamilton-police-arrest-four-individuals-after-protest-against-ppc-leader-maxime-bernier-s-mohawk-college-event-turns-violent/)

I want to highlight one detail. The red caps a few people were apparently wearing (I only ever saw one) said "Make Canada Great Again". This is much more plausible than the CBC claim about MAGA and is a nice example of why I distrust the CBC. They are sloppy and tendentious. They didn't bother to check.

For several years whenever I heard on CBC some factual matter I had first hand knowledge of they were wrong. My favorite example was calling Guelph a "long time bellwether riding" This couldn't be more wrong. At the federal and provincial level the riding had members, of opposing parties, who served decades, winning by large amounts, even in the face of landslides. After they retired Guelph still usually bucked the trend, and last election elected only the second Green Party member in the country. Bellwether my ass.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: SimonNZ on October 01, 2019, 06:10:40 PM
What do they mean by Make Canada Great Again? Hasn't Canada had a pretty consistent level of goodness?
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: greg on October 01, 2019, 06:34:50 PM
Quote from: Jo498 on September 30, 2019, 12:03:31 AM
But because identity politics (despite lip service to "intersectionality") overall blinds people to economic inequality (that's why it serves as a divide and conquer tool for the 0.1%) this is not so often talked about.
That's exactly what my observation has been.

Maybe my perception is wrong about this, but it just seems like identity politics exploded after Occupy Wall Street died down. If it's no coincidence, than it may be intentional as a divide and conquer tactic by whoever decides what media stories would be about. But it also could be a million other things, so personally I don't stick to conclusion, really, because we will never have that sort of information even if it were the case.


(put another way, the super rich may have gotten pissed that people were protesting them so they manipulated the masses to argue amongst themselves about divisive things such as gender, racial violence by cops, etc. to divert their attention and stay in control)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: JBS on October 01, 2019, 07:56:58 PM
Quote from: SimonNZ on October 01, 2019, 06:10:40 PM
What do they mean by Make Canada Great Again? Hasn't Canada had a pretty consistent level of goodness?

I read the PPC platform earlier tonight.  To me it sounds like a straight adaptation into Canadian of Trump's program.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: SimonNZ on October 01, 2019, 08:20:55 PM
So..."Make Canada Great Again" is code for "keep Canada white"?
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on October 01, 2019, 08:29:25 PM
Quote from: SimonNZ on October 01, 2019, 08:20:55 PM
So..."Make Canada Great Again" is code for "keep Canada white"?

https://www.salimmansur.ca/ (https://www.salimmansur.ca/)

He look white to you?

UPDATE. I have decided your comment is both ignorant and bigoted. This after your quasi apologia of thuggery on my streets. So I am putting you on my ignore list.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on October 01, 2019, 08:33:45 PM
Quote from: JBS on October 01, 2019, 07:56:58 PM
I read the PPC platform earlier tonight.  To me it sounds like a straight adaptation into Canadian of Trump's program.

Not quite. Trump's program is "Trump can fix it". I don't think the PPL leader is quite that megalomaniacal.

I assume you mean mostly immigration policy. Canada already has a much more restrictive and selective immigration policy than the US. It is based on points. It's actually more like Trump is adopting Canadian policy ...
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: JBS on October 01, 2019, 08:40:01 PM
Quote from: Ken B on October 01, 2019, 08:29:25 PM
https://www.salimmansur.ca/ (https://www.salimmansur.ca/)

He look white to you?

His party thinks there are too many people like him in Canada.

Quote from: Ken B on October 01, 2019, 08:33:45 PM
Not quite. Trump's program is "Trump can fix it". I don't think the PPL leader is quite that megalomaniacal.

I assume you mean mostly immigration policy. Canada already has a much more restrictive and selective immigration policy than the US. It is based on points. It's actually more like Trump is adopting Canadian policy ...

The PPC seems to think it's not restrictive and selective enough.

The website says that  where no policy position is given, it can be assumed the party position is whatever position Maxime held during his time with the Conservatives. Not megalomania, but the Maxime-centric attitude does emulate the GOP with Trump.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on October 01, 2019, 09:00:04 PM
Quote from: JBS on October 01, 2019, 08:40:01 PM
His party thinks there are too many people like him in Canada.

The PPC seems to think it's not restrictive and selective enough.

The website says that  where no policy position is given, it can be assumed the party position is whatever position Maxime held during his time with the Conservatives. Not megalomania, but the Maxime-centric attitude does emulate the GOP with Trump.

Sigh.
First Mansur is a smart man. I think him a better judge of his own party than you. It's insulting to tell him you know better, Pujo.

As for the other point. So far the party has one member, him.

As far as I can tell the focus of his revolt was official multiculturalism. There are for example courts in Canada using sharia under the policy. That is why Mansur has attracted seculsr Muslim support.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: SimonNZ on October 01, 2019, 09:05:07 PM
Quote from: Ken B on October 01, 2019, 08:29:25 PM
https://www.salimmansur.ca/ (https://www.salimmansur.ca/)

He look white to you?

UPDATE. I have decided your comment is both ignorant and bigoted. This after your quasi apologia of thuggery on my streets. So I am putting you on my ignore list.

I think that's an extreme and unnecessary reaction. I thought we were disagreeing respectfully and without raised voices, and I was pleased our differing politics didn't stop more agreeable exchanges elsewhere.

I am ignorant of most of Canadian politics, am more than happy - indeed hope - to be set straight, and will give a heartfelt mea culpa if I'm way off base.But MAGA caps and appeals to Trumpism raise my suspicions.

I was offering no apology for Antifa, was speculating of the type of organisation they could have been but for some reason are not. I think their danger is largely a right-wing media construction, that's my opinion you're welcome to disagree with, but again thats not an apology for any wrongdoing they may be involved in.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: pjme on October 02, 2019, 12:16:17 AM
 ???..... Is this still ....The unimportant news thread....?

so:

https://www.youtube.com/v/bmjNIq49398



Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: drogulus on October 02, 2019, 03:42:07 PM
     Earth to be reduced to burned out cinder

     (https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/0/03/Gort_Firing.jpg)

     Sanders: "Charred remnants of the wealthy will pay higher taxes"
     
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: JBS on October 02, 2019, 06:09:06 PM
Quote from: Ken B on October 01, 2019, 09:00:04 PM
Sigh.
First Mansur is a smart man. I think him a better judge of his own party than you. It's insulting to tell him you know better, Pujo.

As for the other point. So far the party has one member, him.

As far as I can tell the focus of his revolt was official multiculturalism. There are for example courts in Canada using sharia under the policy. That is why Mansur has attracted seculsr Muslim support.

I was stating the PPC's policy proposals. They want an immigration system that is more restrictive than it is now.  They also want to discourage Muslims from living in Canada.  I was stating facts, not judging the party or Mr. Mansur.  If he thinks there are too many Muslims in Canada, and too many immigrants in general, then it's perfectly logical for him to be a PPC member.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on October 02, 2019, 06:25:36 PM
Quote from: JBS on October 02, 2019, 06:09:06 PM
I was stating the PPC's policy proposals. They want an immigration system that is more restrictive than it is now.  They also want to discourage Muslims from living in Canada.  I was stating facts, not judging the party or Mr. Mansur.  If he thinks there are too many Muslims in Canada, and too many immigrants in general, then it's perfectly logical for him to be a PPC member.
Actually while they want to reduce refugees in total one of the few groups they call out for giving a higher priority are persecuted Muslims, especially gay ones.

https://www.peoplespartyofcanada.ca/refugees_ending_open_borders_policies_and_prioritizing_persecuted_groups

You are not stating facts. You are stating opinion and conjecture as if it were fact. And you should know the difference.

Everyone who disagrees with your politics is racist?
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on October 02, 2019, 06:40:33 PM
How will I vote? For the candidate most likely to defeat the incumbent Liberal member. She is a cabinet minister (and was opposed to abortion rights, though she agreed to support the party pro choice position; she has no stated position on blackface).  It seems that is the Conservative candidate, accordingly to the results of the 2015 election, but I will vote for the NDP candidate if he appears to be closer in the polls. There is a PPC and a Green and a Rhino as well. The Animal party has no candidate.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: JBS on October 02, 2019, 07:02:59 PM
Quote from: Ken B on October 02, 2019, 06:25:36 PM
Actually while they want to reduce refugees in total one of the few groups they call out for giving a higher priority are persecuted Muslims, especially gay ones.

https://www.peoplespartyofcanada.ca/refugees_ending_open_borders_policies_and_prioritizing_persecuted_groups

You are not stating facts. You are stating opinion and conjecture as if it were fact. And you should know the difference.

Everyone who disagrees with your politics is racist?

Actually, they want to accept people who are persecuted by Muslims. Western oriented Muslims happening  to be one of them.
I was summarizing the PPC platform. The more I read it, the more it sounds to me like a Trump staffer wrote it.  It certainly calls for a restrictive immigration system, and implies that there are too many Muslim immigrants, so I think it's fair to say I was stating facts.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: drogulus on October 03, 2019, 05:12:09 AM
     Platform says:

The Liberal government is deliberately attempting to erase our borders. Over the past three years, it has done nothing to stop the flow of tens of thousands of asylum seekers illegally crossing our borders. Accepting all these refugees will cost Canadian taxpayers billions of dollars.

Moreover, in 2018, Canada welcomed more resettled refugees than any other Western country; more than the United States, a country with ten times our population, and as many as all of the European Union.


     Apparently some Canadians feel like some Americans do, that more people costs more money on a net per capita basis. You can "run out of dollars" there, too.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on October 03, 2019, 05:44:53 AM
Quote from: JBS on October 02, 2019, 07:02:59 PM
Actually, they want to accept people who are persecuted by Muslims. Western oriented Muslims happening  to be one of them.
I was summarizing the PPC platform. The more I read it, the more it sounds to me like a Trump staffer wrote it.  It certainly calls for a restrictive immigration system, and implies that there are too many Muslim immigrants, so I think it's fair to say I was stating facts.

No. For just one egregious You implied Mansur thinks there are too many Muslims living in Canada. But just because I want to buy less Beethoven this year does not mean I think I have to much Beethoven or want to expel any.

Let me play the game. I will "simply state a fact". You single out one candidate to question his intelligence and his motives and *surprise* he has dark skin.

(NB I do not really think you are being bigoted against dark skin, I am illustrating why your claim is a crock)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: JBS on October 03, 2019, 05:54:23 PM
Quote from: Ken B on October 03, 2019, 05:44:53 AM
No. For just one egregious You implied Mansur thinks there are too many Muslims living in Canada. But just because I want to buy less Beethoven this year does not mean I think I have to much Beethoven or want to expel any.

Let me play the game. I will "simply state a fact". You single out one candidate to question his intelligence and his motives and *surprise* he has dark skin.

(NB I do not really think you are being bigoted against dark skin, I am illustrating why your claim is a crock)

Mr Mansur is a candidate for a party whose platform is explicitly anti-immigrant and implicitly anti-Moslem.  One usually expects a candidate  to agree with the public positions of his party. Hence it is fair and logical to think that Mr Mansur is anti-immigrant and anti-Muslim.  It is fair and logical to think that every PPC candidate is anti-immigrant and anti-Muslim, unless they have explicitly disassociated themselves from that part of the PPC platform. 

You after all offered Mr. Mansur as an example of a Muslim who supports PPC.  But being a Muslim does not mean a person does not think there are too many of his fellow Muslims in Canada.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on October 05, 2019, 09:00:50 AM
Purely local, but a lesson in what happens when Democrats rule in a single party state:

Real ID: What's the hold-up in Oregon? (https://www.kgw.com/article/news/local/real-id-whats-the-hold-up-in-oregon/283-4c675530-34d4-4b4b-bd08-024c415a1c43)

If you want to fly in 2020, get a passport now and avoid DMV lines during Real ID rollout, state says (https://www.oregonlive.com/commuting/2019/10/if-you-want-to-fly-in-2020-get-a-passport-now-and-avoid-dmv-lines-during-real-id-rollout-state-says.html)

I mean, state leaders have only known about the coming changes for fourteen years.  Of course, Oregon, led by Dems and nothing but Dems, rolled out a multi-hundred-million dollar website for Obamacare that was able to enroll zero (0) people, and spent tens of millions of dollars planning a bridge, only to see the plans nixed by the Coast Guard and Army Corp of Engineers because the Democrat Big Brains forgot to consult those two entities to get their requirements.  At least we have choo-choos that have less than 50% the originally forecast utilization rates.

My tax dollars hard at work.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: JBS on October 05, 2019, 06:45:14 PM
Quote from: Todd on October 05, 2019, 09:00:50 AM
Purely local, but a lesson in what happens when Democrats rule in a single party state:

Real ID: What's the hold-up in Oregon? (https://www.kgw.com/article/news/local/real-id-whats-the-hold-up-in-oregon/283-4c675530-34d4-4b4b-bd08-024c415a1c43)

If you want to fly in 2020, get a passport now and avoid DMV lines during Real ID rollout, state says (https://www.oregonlive.com/commuting/2019/10/if-you-want-to-fly-in-2020-get-a-passport-now-and-avoid-dmv-lines-during-real-id-rollout-state-says.html)

I mean, state leaders have only known about the coming changes for fourteen years.  Of course, Oregon, led by Dems and nothing but Dems, rolled out a multi-hundred-million dollar website for Obamacare that was able to enroll zero (0) people, and spent tens of millions of dollars planning a bridge, only to see the plans nixed by the Coast Guard and Army Corp of Engineers because the Democrat Big Brains forgot to consult those two entities to get their requirements.  At least we have choo-choos that have less than 50% the originally forecast utilization rates.

My tax dollars hard at work.

I live in a state whose government is completely dominated by the GOP. The DMV lines have been a thing to avoid whenever possible for years, even without Real ID deadlines.  I renewed my passport while Democrats were in control of the Department of State, and it was a breeze.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on October 06, 2019, 05:17:17 AM
Quote from: JBS on October 05, 2019, 06:45:14 PMThe DMV lines have been a thing to avoid whenever possible for years, even without Real ID deadlines.


That's true everywhere, all the time.  But because of the special incompetence and stupidity of Dems, in Oregon, people will have less than three months to get a Real ID if they want to fly.  Again, Democrat leaders in the state have known about the requirement for fourteen years.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on October 06, 2019, 06:20:27 AM
(https://i0.wp.com/readysteadycut.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/living-undocumented.jpg?resize=800%2C445&ssl=1)


So, Netflix has dropped a documentary series about the lives of illegal immigrants.  Apparently, if review summaries are to be believed, it's empathetic, etc.  It also demonstrates a willful disregard for the law.  The producers had every chance to turn in illegal immigrants, people who are knowingly violating the laws of the United States, but instead, said producers opted to aid and abet criminality.  Shameful.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: SimonNZ on October 06, 2019, 07:32:35 AM
That's not how reporting works, Einstein. And without breaking a sweat I'm sure I could link to dozens of investigative pieces about the lives of undocumented immigrants...that didn't, it hardly needs adding, end with them being turned in. And I hope you're enjoying that avocado while you type that hate,

and now here's some actual unimportant news:

Helena Bonham Carter sought Princess Margaret's blessing through psychic (https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2019/oct/06/helena-bonham-carter-sought-princess-margaret-blessing-through-psychic-the-crown)

"Some actors avoid excessive research, but for Helena Bonham Carter to play Princess Margaret in The Crown meant reading all the biographies, talking to friends, ladies-in-waiting and relatives, and consulting an astrologer, a graphologist and a psychic.

The last meeting meant she could talk to the princess herself, the actor told Cheltenham literature festival.

"She said, apparently, she was glad it was me. My main thing when you play someone who is real, you kind of want their blessing because you have a responsibility.

"So I asked her: 'Are you OK with me playing you?' and she said: 'You're better than the other actress' ... that they were thinking of. They will not admit who it was. It was me and somebody else.

"That made me think maybe she is here, because that is a classic Margaret thing to say. She was really good at complimenting you and putting you down at the same time.

"Then she said: 'But you're going to have to brush up and be more groomed and neater.' Then she said: 'Get the smoking right. I smoked in a very particular way. Remember that – this is a big note – the cigarette holder was as much a weapon for expression as it was for smoking.'"
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on October 06, 2019, 07:46:53 AM
Quote from: SimonNZ on October 06, 2019, 07:32:35 AMThat's not how reporting works, Einstein.


Einstein: Powerful.  Avacado: Even more so. 

It's good to know that a bona fide GMG Big Brain hath decreed that Netflix and Selena Gomez are now part of the journalistic establishment.  That means it is so. 
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: SimonNZ on October 06, 2019, 07:47:57 AM
Christ I hate people who can't hold their drink.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on October 06, 2019, 07:50:20 AM
Quote from: SimonNZ on October 06, 2019, 07:47:57 AM
Christ I hate people who can't hold their drink.


Ah, yes, the whole drinking thing.  You've resorted to that before.  Typically, I'd attribute that to intellectual laziness, but I know in your case it's as good as you can do.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: SimonNZ on October 06, 2019, 07:56:37 AM
Its that or you post like a drunk when you're sober. My version is the more charitable,
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: greg on October 06, 2019, 07:58:49 AM
Quote from: Todd on October 06, 2019, 06:20:27 AM
(https://i0.wp.com/readysteadycut.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/living-undocumented.jpg?resize=800%2C445&ssl=1)


So, Netflix has dropped a documentary series about the lives of illegal immigrants.  Apparently, if review summaries are to be believed, it's empathetic, etc.  It also demonstrates a willful disregard for the law.  The producers had every chance to turn in illegal immigrants, people who are knowingly violating the laws of the United States, but instead, said producers opted to aid and abet criminality.  Shameful.
Maybe the sequel can be people overstaying their trips to other countries? Maybe next time I visit Japan I'll just stay there longer than legally acceptable.

And the producers will be empathetic about how I want a longer vacation, and how I'm bored of the US from living here over 30 years. And call the people in Japan who object to the documentary racists.

That'll all work fine.  :)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on October 06, 2019, 07:59:25 AM
Quote from: SimonNZ on October 06, 2019, 07:56:37 AM
Its that or you post like a drunk when you're sober. My version is the more charitable,


I have to say, judging by the obviously emotional, knee-jerk response and attendant shit punctuation, it is you who are drinking.  (I'm guessing you also don't know about international time zones.) 

I also have to say that your virtue signaling is one of the funniest things I encounter on the web.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: greg on October 06, 2019, 09:22:43 AM
Simon... since you seem to be very liberal-leaning, do you buy into the idea that the US should not have closed borders? Since that idea seems to have spread a lot recently.

The justification is that it is stolen land, therefore at this point it should be open for everyone.

If you don't believe that, ignore the following. If you do...


So New Zealand is in the same situation, being stolen land and all. So that means that, since I'm visiting in a few months, I should be allowed to overstay my trip and stay indefinitely, right?

And what if there was the scenario where I wanted to stay long-term and vote? I might have political opinions different than what you would want for your country, and maybe I should be able to vote, too?...
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: SimonNZ on October 06, 2019, 10:38:50 AM
Quote from: greg on October 06, 2019, 09:22:43 AM
Simon... since you seem to be very liberal-leaning, do you buy into the idea that the US should not have closed borders? Since that idea seems to have spread a lot recently.

The justification is that it is stolen land, therefore at this point it should be open for everyone.

If you don't believe that, ignore the following. If you do...


So New Zealand is in the same situation, being stolen land and all. So that means that, since I'm visiting in a few months, I should be allowed to overstay my trip and stay indefinitely, right?

And what if there was the scenario where I wanted to stay long-term and vote? I might have political opinions different than what you would want for your country, and maybe I should be able to vote, too?...

No. I don't "buy into" that idea, nor have I heard anyone suggest it, least of all for the reason you stated. Where are you getting that idea from?

Re NZ: its a little more complex than that. You should start by reading about the Treaty of Waitangi and the history of Maori claims against the treaty. NZ was lucky in being settled so late that the worst aspects of treatments of indigenous peoples elsewhere were learned from and avoided. And that a couple of early governors were instrumental in curbing the greed of land-grabbers and sellers, most notably Robert FitzRoy (more famous as Darwin's captain on The Beagle).

I don't know what the process is once you overstay your trip, but I'm pretty sure your kids wont be put in cages and you wont be immediately labelled a rapist gang member. If you get citizenship you'll be allowed to vote as you wish, and there's no reason to expect you'll vote as I do. Furthermore I wont be expecting you to dress as I do or to speak English around me unless we're trying to communicate with each other or share my spiritual beliefs. Fwiw my little neighbourhood has a large Indian community - including two of the four flats in my block.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: JBS on October 06, 2019, 05:41:43 PM
It should be noted that what the American Right calls "open borders" is what most people would call humane treatment of migrants and immigration rules that keep out only actual criminals and jihadis.

It is a curious fact that some of the most zealous advocates of restrictive immigration are in fact themselves immigrants, white Christians from Europe or various portions of the British Commonwealth.  Apparently these blokes think only people like themnselves should be allowed in.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: SimonNZ on October 06, 2019, 06:43:38 PM
White people are "ex-pats", brown people are "immigrants".

Apparently.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: JBS on October 06, 2019, 07:39:55 PM
Quote from: SimonNZ on October 06, 2019, 06:43:38 PM
White people are "ex-pats", brown people are "immigrants".

Apparently.

If you are Breitbart, that is exactly the case.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: greg on October 06, 2019, 09:03:43 PM
Quote from: SimonNZ on October 06, 2019, 10:38:50 AM
No. I don't "buy into" that idea, nor have I heard anyone suggest it, least of all for the reason you stated. Where are you getting that idea from?
Ah ok, no problem then. Just ignore what I wrote.

Not remembering the exact source, but have seen some articles mentioning that and also some people I know with the same attitude, like borders shouldn't exist.  ???




Quote from: SimonNZ on October 06, 2019, 10:38:50 AM
Re NZ: its a little more complex than that. You should start by reading about the Treaty of Waitangi and the history of Maori claims against the treaty. NZ was lucky in being settled so late that the worst aspects of treatments of indigenous peoples elsewhere were learned from and avoided. And that a couple of early governors were instrumental in curbing the greed of land-grabbers and sellers, most notably Robert FitzRoy (more famous as Darwin's captain on The Beagle).
Sure, I've not even scratched the surface of the history. I'm only aware that there were some conflicts in the past between the two groups, so for some time the Europeans were not wanted there.




Quote from: SimonNZ on October 06, 2019, 10:38:50 AM
I don't know what the process is once you overstay your trip, but I'm pretty sure your kids wont be put in cages and you wont be immediately labelled a rapist gang member.
No one thinks that some random person is a necessarily a rapist just because they crossed the border.

But of course there are some that are, or part of gangs, and they come here illegally. I live only about 5 hours from the border, so that type of attitude is not helpful at all. Better safe than sorry.


If I overstayed my trip, and I had kids, they would be put somewhere. And I would be put somewhere- probably somewhere not to great to stay in. And surely the situation would be worse if there were waves of hundreds, or thousands, of people doing the same thing as me at the same time. Not saying the officers at the detention centers are perfect angels that always make the best decisions. Just saying that it's a burden that shouldn't be happening in the first place.



Quote from: SimonNZ on October 06, 2019, 10:38:50 AM
Fwiw my little neighbourhood has a large Indian community - including two of the four flats in my block.
That's cool, nowadays I would actually feel at home because of that.  ;D
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Moonfish on October 06, 2019, 09:22:20 PM
This thread is aptly named.....

0:)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: greg on October 07, 2019, 02:49:26 PM
So South Park is banned in China now.

I hope Xi Jinping dies a slow, slow, painful, torturous death.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: JBS on October 07, 2019, 06:10:57 PM
https://www.newsweek.com/florida-man-arrested-after-allegedly-forcing-alligator-drink-beer-1463693
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on October 10, 2019, 05:14:45 AM
Full-on ecopropaganda on display: Oil firms to pour extra 7m barrels per day into markets, data shows (https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2019/oct/10/oil-firms-barrels-markets)

Sub-headline: Projected production surge in next 12 years to be led by Shell despite climate crisis

Other propagandistic elements include placing the article in a grouping or section called "The Polluters" and word choice like: pour, surge, flood, catastrophic, acceleration, "gold standard", "social license" (a particularly nice piece of irrelevant slop sure to be gobbled up by mush-brained lefties).  I especially like how 8% output growth over 12 years constitutes a "surge".

Evil oil companies, providing the market and consumers with the products they need to live their everyday lives.  I know, I know, if we wish - real hard - that wind and solar can produce the type of energy contemporary economic activity requires, said energy will simply materialize. 

Future litigation against private companies - which will of course shift even more market control to state run firms - will be very, very lucrative.  So many billable hours.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on October 10, 2019, 05:54:06 AM
As it turns out, the word "lickspittle" is not just an old-timey anachronism.

https://pjmedia.com/instapundit/344834/ (https://pjmedia.com/instapundit/344834/)

https://mobile.twitter.com/JonSchweppe/status/1182076217123586048 (https://mobile.twitter.com/JonSchweppe/status/1182076217123586048)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: SimonNZ on October 10, 2019, 03:48:32 PM
"Major earthquakes in California cause Rams to fumble. More sports news at ten."

I'm reminded of this news presenters line from The Kentucky Fried Movie as local coverage of Typhoon Hagibis fixates on what it means for the All Blacks.

Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on October 11, 2019, 05:50:22 AM
Local Democrat dipshits in action again:

Fuck up the first: Portland makes speed bump design error, costing taxpayers $75,000 (https://www.kgw.com/article/news/investigations/city-of-portland-installs-then-removes-speed-bumps-costing-taxpayers-75000/283-016c6ad0-bcf7-45cb-8b1f-23b9c7dfe1c9)

Fuck up the second: Portland Developer Schnitzer says Wapato Jail will be torn down (https://www.kgw.com/article/news/local/homeless/schnitzer-says-he-is-tearing-down-wapato-jail-which-he-envisioned-as-homeless-wellness-center/283-6c841249-1606-415b-8aec-4fbf512c2c21)  (For non-locals, Wapato is a jail completed in 2004, at a cost of tens of millions of dollars, that was never used.  Born to wealth Jordan Schnitzer bought it with plans to house the homeless.  Thankfully, he'll get some generous write-offs, the good man.)

Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: drogulus on October 11, 2019, 06:07:28 AM
Quote from: greg on October 06, 2019, 09:22:43 AM
Simon... since you seem to be very liberal-leaning, do you buy into the idea that the US should not have closed borders? Since that idea seems to have spread a lot recently.

The justification is that it is stolen land, therefore at this point it should be open for everyone.

If you don't believe that, ignore the following. If you do...


So New Zealand is in the same situation, being stolen land and all. So that means that, since I'm visiting in a few months, I should be allowed to overstay my trip and stay indefinitely, right?

And what if there was the scenario where I wanted to stay long-term and vote? I might have political opinions different than what you would want for your country, and maybe I should be able to vote, too?...

     Greg, do you have a favorite immigration restriction? Go back and look at them. Evaluate each one and please report back.

     
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: greg on October 11, 2019, 06:19:11 AM
Quote from: drogulus on October 11, 2019, 06:07:28 AM
     Greg, do you have a favorite immigration restriction? Go back and look at them. Evaluate each one and please report back.

   
That might be something to check out.

I may be wrong on this, but I suspect that if there were way less illegal immigration then legal immigration would be much easier.

The point is (at least to me) to control population. So less illegals means that legals would have better odds of being selected to come here. And those legal people include friends and coworkers. So yeah, if a wall helps, then great.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on October 11, 2019, 07:04:33 AM
Quote from: Ken B on September 28, 2019, 06:25:46 AM
Caught faking.
https://reason.com/2019/09/26/canadian-green-party-edits-image-of-party-leader-to-show-her-using-a-metal-straw/ (https://reason.com/2019/09/26/canadian-green-party-edits-image-of-party-leader-to-show-her-using-a-metal-straw/)

Note her response is to lie about always using a reusable cup.

Oof!
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: drogulus on October 11, 2019, 08:10:02 AM
Quote from: greg on October 11, 2019, 06:19:11 AM


The point is (at least to me) to control population. So less illegals means that legals would have better odds of being selected to come here. And those legal people include friends and coworkers. So yeah, if a wall helps, then great.

     It is to control populations on both sides. There is still the question of the justification in each case.

     
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on October 11, 2019, 08:34:10 PM
Quote from: JBS on October 03, 2019, 05:54:23 PM
Mr Mansur is a candidate for a party whose platform is explicitly anti-immigrant and implicitly anti-Moslem.  One usually expects a candidate  to agree with the public positions of his party. Hence it is fair and logical to think that Mr Mansur is anti-immigrant and anti-Muslim.  It is fair and logical to think that every PPC candidate is anti-immigrant and anti-Muslim, unless they have explicitly disassociated themselves from that part of the PPC platform. 

You after all offered Mr. Mansur as an example of a Muslim who supports PPC.  But being a Muslim does not mean a person does not think there are too many of his fellow Muslims in Canada.

This is just name calling. nowhere do you provide evidence of your claim that Mansur wants to reduce the number of muslims in Canada. That for one thing would require removing those already here, so even if your claim that he wants fewer Muslim immigrants were true it would still obviously not support your smear. Even if he wanted zero immigration that would not reduce the number of Canadians of any sort who are already here.

What Mansur actually wants, and has argued for for decades, is Immigrants who reject sharia. He is opposed to the official multicultural policy of Canada (which btw is also expressly overridden in Quebec because it discourages learning French). His writings are available online.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: JBS on October 12, 2019, 10:02:10 AM
Quote from: Ken B on October 11, 2019, 08:34:10 PM
This is just name calling. nowhere do you provide evidence of your claim that Mansur wants to reduce the number of muslims in Canada. That for one thing would require removing those already here, so even if your claim that he wants fewer Muslim immigrants were true it would still obviously not support your smear. Even if he wanted zero immigration that would not reduce the number of Canadians of any sort who are already here.

What Mansur actually wants, and has argued for for decades, is Immigrants who reject sharia. He is opposed to the official multicultural policy of Canada (which btw is also expressly overridden in Quebec because it discourages learning French). His writings are available online.

My evidence is the platform of his party, and your statement that I bolded. Rejecting sharia is rejecting Islam. Therefore ipso facto he doesn't want Muslims. (Of course, what anti-Muslim ideologues usually mean by sharia is actually just a caricature of sharia.)

Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: drogulus on October 12, 2019, 10:16:18 AM
Quote from: JBS on October 12, 2019, 10:02:10 AM
My evidence is the platform of his party, and your statement that I bolded. Rejecting sharia is rejecting Islam. Therefore ipso facto he doesn't want Muslims. (Of course, what anti-Muslim ideologues usually mean by sharia is actually just a caricature of sharia.)



     Isn't sharia in open societies a means of dispute resolution between consenting parties? Not that I buy that no coercion exists, I'm just asking.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: JBS on October 12, 2019, 10:58:13 AM
Quote from: drogulus on October 12, 2019, 10:16:18 AM
     Isn't sharia in open societies a means of dispute resolution between consenting parties? Not that I buy that no coercion exists, I'm just asking.

It is. But that's not what antiMuslim advocates mean by it. For at least some of them it's just a code word.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on October 12, 2019, 12:24:19 PM
Quote from: drogulus on October 12, 2019, 10:16:18 AM
     Isn't sharia in open societies a means of dispute resolution between consenting parties? Not that I buy that no coercion exists, I'm just asking.

Quote from: JBS on October 12, 2019, 10:58:13 AM
It is.

QuoteRejecting sharia is rejecting Islam

These are contradictory statements.  Either that or you missed drogulus's point, which is that in open societies we have already ipso facto rejected sharia and what people call sharia is just a wee part of the real thing. Deathfor homosexuals or apostates isn't part of voluntary dispute resolution.


Your argument is this. I announce I will buy fewer CDs, and the only Mozart I will buy is HIP. Your conclusion is that I want to reduce my CD collection, and especially have less Mozart. Actually it's worse than that.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: JBS on October 12, 2019, 12:34:53 PM
Quote from: Ken B on October 12, 2019, 12:24:19 PM
These are contradictory statements.  Either that or you missed drogulus's point, which is that in open societies we have already ipso facto rejected sharia and what people call sharia is just a wee part of the real thing. Deathfor homosexuals or apostates isn't part of voluntary dispute resolution.


Your argument is this. I announce I will buy fewer CDs, and the only Mozart I will buy is HIP. Your conclusion is that I want to reduce my CD collection, and especially have less Mozart. Actually it's worse than that.

Islamaphobes misrepresent what Sharia is. But Sharia is integral to Islam. And you can be for sharia without being for executing apostates.

You are so wrong about my argument concerning Mr. Mansur. It's actually a simple one: that he supports the platform of the party for which he is a candidate. That platform is explicitly anti-immigrant  and implicitly anti-Moslem. He supports the platform, therefore he is anti-immigrant and anti-Moslem.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Florestan on October 12, 2019, 12:40:01 PM
Quote from: drogulus on October 12, 2019, 10:16:18 AM
     Isn't sharia in open societies a means of dispute resolution between consenting parties? Not that I buy that no coercion exists, I'm just asking.

Sharia and open societies are mutually exclusive, and so are Sharia and consenting parties. Heck, you are a bloody effing atheist (please excuse my Arab French). Would you ever consent to being put to death for not believing in Allah?
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Florestan on October 12, 2019, 12:42:31 PM
Quote from: JBS on October 12, 2019, 12:34:53 PM
Islamaphobes misrepresent what Sharia is. But Sharia is integral to Islam. And you can be for sharia without being for executing apostates.

With all due respect, Jeffrey --- this is bull.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: JBS on October 12, 2019, 12:47:59 PM
Quote from: Florestan on October 12, 2019, 12:40:01 PM
Sharia and open societies are mutually exclusive, and so are Sharia and consenting parties. Heck, you are a bloody effing atheist (please excuse my Arab French). Would you ever consent to being put to death for not believing in Allah?

Sharia (and halacha in Judaism) includes all areas of life, including marriage, business and  real estate deals. As well as what to eat, how to dress, etc etc. And I can adhere to them witnout thinking I have the right to kill all blasphemers and adulterers.

Quote from: Florestan on October 12, 2019, 12:42:31 PM
With all due respect, Jeffrey --- this is bull.

As an Orthodox Christian, you adhere to Church canon law, correct?
But you seem to think heretics should not be put to death.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Florestan on October 12, 2019, 12:54:34 PM
Quote from: JBS on October 12, 2019, 12:47:59 PM
Sharia (and halacha in Judaism) includes all areas of life, including marriage, business and  real estate deals. As well as what to eat, how to dress, etc etc. And I can adhere to them witnout thinking I have the right to kill all blasphemers and adulterers.

Does halacha view atheism as a crime punishable by death? If yes, your adhering to it is explicit and implicit support for the killing of people who think differently than you.

Quote
As an Orthodox Christian, you adhere to Church canon law, correct?
But you seem to think heretics should not be put to death.

Please cite the Orthodox Church's canon law, chapter and verse, regarding atheism.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: SimonNZ on October 12, 2019, 01:00:39 PM
Are these same people demanding that Christian immigrants explicitly reject the  stoning laws in Leviticus or the anti-this and anti-that prejudices found elsewhere?
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Florestan on October 12, 2019, 01:06:34 PM
Quote from: SimonNZ on October 12, 2019, 01:00:39 PM
Are these same people demanding that Christian immigrants explicitly reject the  stoning laws in Leviticus

The stoning laws in Leviticus have been implicitly yet strongly rejected by Jesus Christ Himself.

Plus: neither Jews nor Christians have been noted for stoning people in the last millenium, while stoning people is common practice right now as I'm typing this in any number of Islamic states.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: JBS on October 12, 2019, 01:09:30 PM
Quote from: Florestan on October 12, 2019, 12:54:34 PM
Does halacha view atheism as a crime punishable by death? If yes, your adhering to it is explicit and implicit support for the killing of people who think differently than you.

Please cite the Orthodox Church's canon law, chapter and verse, regarding atheism.

You seem to have the standard Christian ignorance of how Sharia in Islam and Halacha in Judaism work...in which case no conversation on the subject is worthwhile (and the required explanations would be far to long for a thread here).

I'll just point out that while halacha and sharia both impose the death penalty for homosexual sex, even the most Orthodox Jews and Muslims don't call for America to allow them to kill gays.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: JBS on October 12, 2019, 01:17:27 PM
Quote from: Florestan on October 12, 2019, 01:06:34 PM
The stoning laws in Leviticus have been implicitly yet strongly rejected by Jesus Christ Himself.

Plus: neither Jews nor Christians have been noted for stoning people in the last millenium, while stoning people is common practice right now as I'm typing this in any number of Islamic states.

Jesus seems to have questioned the right to impose penalties by anyone who was themself not free of sin. The incident involved a potential stoning, but the logic applies to almost all sin. But he didn't really questiin the idea that stoning was an appropriate penalty.  He gave the woman forgiveness, not innocence.

And if Jesus did reject the death penalty, later Christians did not
From Wikipedia
QuoteUnited Kingdom   Edit
From 1533 the capital felony for any person to "commit the detestable and abominable vice of buggery with mankind or beast", was repealed and re-enacted several times, until it was reinstated in 1563 remaining unchanged until 1861.[26] The last execution took place on 27 November 1835 when James Pratt and John Smith were hanged at Newgate.

One source claims the last execution for sodomy in the British Empire happened in the Colony of Tasmania (now part of Australia) in 1867.[27]

United States and colonial America   Edit
See also: Sodomy laws in the United States
Colonial America had the laws of the United Kingdom, and the revolutionary states took many of those laws as the basis of their own, in some cases verbatim.[26] The last law where the death penalty was on the statute books was South Carolina, the old British law was not repealed until 1873, twelve years after the mother country.[26]

The number of times the penalty was carried out is unknown. Records support two executions, and a number of more uncertain convictions, such as "crimes against nature".[26]

The same page says that a man was arrested in 1984 for sodomy in Tasmania.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on October 12, 2019, 01:20:29 PM
More ecopropaganda, again in "The Polluters" sections of The Graun: World's top three asset managers oversee $300bn fossil fuel investments (https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2019/oct/12/top-three-asset-managers-fossil-fuel-investments)

Just how ignorant are lefties?  (That's a rhetorical question: lefties are profoundly ignorant.)  The largest index investment firms manage the most assets in every publicly traded sector.  Assets managed passively on behalf of shareholders should be focused on returns to those shareholders, not the whims of activist investors.  Larger shareholders would and should rightly take legal action if asset managers abrogated their fiduciary duty.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Florestan on October 12, 2019, 01:28:59 PM
Quote from: JBS on October 12, 2019, 01:09:30 PM
You seem to have the standard Christian ignorance of how Sharia in Islam and Halacha in Judaism work...in which case no conversation on the subject is worthwhile (and the required explanations would be far to long for a thread here).

Blah blah blah, aka evading the topic.

Quotehalacha and sharia both impose the death penalty for homosexual sex

Which means that both halacha and sharia are at odds with, and have no place in, any Western society (Israel included).

Quote
even the most Orthodox Jews and Muslims don't call for America to allow them to kill gays.

The most Orthodox Jews are impotent in this respect in Israel proper, as opposed to the most Orthodox Muslims in Iran or Saudi Arabia, which have their way alright. Israel 1- Iran/Saudi Arabia 0.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: JBS on October 12, 2019, 01:36:28 PM
Quote from: Florestan on October 12, 2019, 01:28:59 PM
Blah blah blah, aka evading the topic.


Which means that both halacha and sharia are at odds with, and have no place in, any Western society (Israel included).


So you've upgraded from ignorance to bigotry, since you are saying that both Islam and Judaism "have no place in" Western society.

You remain my friend, but please understand that you seem to know a lot less on this topic than you think you do.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on October 12, 2019, 01:37:44 PM
Quote from: JBS on October 12, 2019, 12:34:53 PM
Islamaphobes misrepresent what Sharia is. But Sharia is integral to Islam. And you can be for sharia without being for executing apostates.

You are so wrong about my argument concerning Mr. Mansur. It's actually a simple one: that he supports the platform of the party for which he is a candidate. That platform is explicitly anti-immigrant  and implicitly anti-Moslem. He supports the platform, therefore he is anti-immigrant and anti-Moslem.

That is NOT what you said a few posts ago. This new claim is also wrong but I will simply repeat that you are interpreting now, not simply stating facts as you claimed. I mean just as a simple example being anti immigration is not the same as being anti immigrant. It's like saying a choir director is anti chorister just because he doesn't accept new auditions.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Florestan on October 12, 2019, 01:39:49 PM
Quote from: JBS on October 12, 2019, 01:17:27 PM
Jesus seems to have questioned the right to impose penalties by anyone who was themself not free of sin.

What does halacha say in this respect? Who is really free of sin?


QuoteHe gave the woman forgiveness, not innocence.

Of course. He was God, so He forgave the woman. She was a grown up woman and a whore, therefore not innocent.

QuoteAnd if Jesus did reject the death penalty, later Christians did not

If you call Christians people who by their deeds and teachings implicitly rejected Jesus Christ's own deeds and teachings as recorded, then what do you call people who by their deeds explicitly followed in the footsteps of Muhammad's own deeds and teachings as recorded? Muhammadians?
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: SimonNZ on October 12, 2019, 01:39:58 PM
Quote from: Florestan on October 12, 2019, 01:06:34 PM
The stoning laws in Leviticus have been implicitly yet strongly rejected by Jesus Christ Himself.

Plus: neither Jews nor Christians have been noted for stoning people in the last millenium, while stoning people is common practice right now as I'm typing this in any number of Islamic states.

Is it common? It seems less used than the death sentences elsewhere and also widely decried by Muslims in those countries.

But my point was that the laws of the countries of immigration already have laws forbidding it just as they do with Christian faith motivated gay beatings or abortion clinic pipe bombings.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: JBS on October 12, 2019, 01:46:52 PM
Quote from: Ken B on October 12, 2019, 01:37:44 PM
That is NOT what you said a few posts ago. This new claim is also wrong but I will simply repeat that you are interpreting now, not simply stating facts as you claimed. I mean just as a simple example being anti immigration is not the same as being anti immigrant. It's like saying a choir director is anti chorister just because he doesn't accept new auditions.

You are being mendacious. Mansur is a candidate for a party that is, to use your terms, both anti-immigrant and anti-immigration.
I am not saying anything different. Your claims of what I said are not accurate.
Or are you so cynical that the idea that a politician supports his own party's platform just doesn't register with you?
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: SimonNZ on October 12, 2019, 01:50:37 PM
Quote from: Florestan on October 12, 2019, 01:39:49 PM

If you call Christians people who by their deeds and teachings implicitly rejected Jesus Christ's own deeds and teachings as recorded, then what do you call people who by their deeds explicitly followed in the footsteps of Muhammad's own deeds and teachings as recorded? Muhammadians?

Do you reject all of old testament law and the acts of its prophets then?
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Florestan on October 12, 2019, 01:51:46 PM
Quote from: JBS on October 12, 2019, 01:36:28 PM
So you've upgraded from ignorance to bigotry, since you are saying that both Islam and Judaism "have no place in" Western society.

I'm saying nothing of the sort. What I am indeed saying, and maintaining, is that insofar as both halach and sharia impose the death penalty on homosexuals they have no place in the legal framework of any Western society. And I really want to believe that Islam and Judaism are not limited to sharia and halacha --- yet you do your best to prove me wrong

Quote
You remain my friend,

So do you.

Quote
but please understand that you seem to know a lot less on this topic than you think you do.

but please understand that so long as you'll sweep under the carpet any discussion, under pretext of my being ignorant and bigotted, or the discussion being too long, you run the risk of losing credibility in my eyes.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Florestan on October 12, 2019, 01:54:42 PM
Quote from: SimonNZ on October 12, 2019, 01:50:37 PM
Do you reject all of old testament law and the acts of its prophets then?

I reject all that Jesus Christ rejected implictly or explicitly.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on October 12, 2019, 01:59:44 PM
Quote from: JBS on October 12, 2019, 01:46:52 PM
You are being mendacious. Mansur is a candidate for a party that is, to use your terms, both anti-immigrant and anti-immigration.
I am not saying anything different. Your claims of what I said are not accurate.
Or are you so cynical that the idea that a politician supports his own party's platform just doesn't register with you?
I do not accept your characterization of the party. I was working ad arguendo. You are the one making hostile characterizations.
I reject the charge of mendacity.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: SimonNZ on October 12, 2019, 02:00:44 PM
Quote from: Florestan on October 12, 2019, 01:54:42 PM
I reject all that Jesus Christ rejected implictly or explicitly.

And how does that align with the leaders of your faith? Are you responsible if they still advocate laws you personally reject?
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Florestan on October 12, 2019, 02:12:43 PM
Quote from: SimonNZ on October 12, 2019, 02:00:44 PM
And how does that align with the leaders of your faith? Are you responsible if they still advocate laws you personally reject?

The leader of my faith is Jesus Christ. If the Patriarch of the Romanian Orthodox Church, who is no Pope anyway, would ever advocate laws contrary to Jesus Christ's own teachings and deeds, let him be anathema! (cf. Galatians 1:8 ) As of today, he's in no such danger.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on October 12, 2019, 02:15:03 PM
Quote from: Florestan on October 12, 2019, 02:12:43 PM
The leader of my faith is Jesus Christ. If the Patriarch of the Romanian Orthodox Church, who is no Pope anyway, would ever advocate laws contrary to Jesus Christ's own teachings and deeds, let him be anathema! (cf. Galatians 1:8 ) As of today, he's in no such danger.

Lucky you're not an Anglican!
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: JBS on October 12, 2019, 02:15:27 PM
Quote from: San Antone on October 12, 2019, 02:04:48 PM
The Rabbis have made the imposition of capital punishment by a beis din practically impossible because of the standard of proof: Two reliable witnesses who independently saw the violation first-hand.  This is almost never able to be found.  Also there is a quote in the Talmud to the effect it is better to allow [some large number] of guilty men go free (due to a lack of sufficient proof) than to convict/kill one innocent man.

The Rabbis decided it was best to leave to G-d matters of putting sinners to death.

I don't know if Sharia law has the same restraint.

More complicated than that.

Actually, the same source requires murderers who could not be convicted because of those rules, but whose guilt was clear, to be imprisoned and a given a diet that was meant to result in their death soon after. And kings had a residual right to impose death sentences despite verdicts if not guilty.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Florestan on October 12, 2019, 02:20:12 PM
Quote from: Ken B on October 12, 2019, 02:15:03 PM
Lucky you're not an Anglican!

;D
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Florestan on October 12, 2019, 02:49:40 PM
Quote from: JBS on October 12, 2019, 02:15:27 PM
Actually, the same source requires murderers who could not be convicted because of those rules, but whose guilt was clear, to be imprisoned and a given a diet that was meant to result in their death soon after. And kings had a residual right to impose death sentences despite verdicts if not guilty.

Do you support those requirements and rights?
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: drogulus on October 12, 2019, 03:36:31 PM
Quote from: Florestan on October 12, 2019, 02:49:40 PM
Do you support those requirements and rights?

     Nothing is made wrong by someone telling you. The point was made by Plato in the mouth of Socrates. I kind of hate those guys but it was the greatest statement in human ethics ever so I have to swallow my pride.

     Socrates: Do the gods love good action because it is good, or is good action good because it is loved by the gods?

     Me: Right, it's on me, thanks a lot, asshole. (http://www.good-music-guide.com/community/Smileys/classic/smiley.gif)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Florestan on October 12, 2019, 03:39:54 PM
Quote from: drogulus on October 12, 2019, 03:36:31 PM
   asshole.

Nice signature.

(Sorry, couldn't resist.)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: JBS on October 12, 2019, 04:28:55 PM
Quote from: Florestan on October 12, 2019, 02:49:40 PM
Do you support those requirements and rights?

Of course I do.  But the halachic process is actually a good deal more flexible than you seem to think
https://morethodoxy.org/2012/01/11/homosexuals-in-the-orthodox-community-by-rabbi-zev-farber/
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: JBS on October 12, 2019, 04:34:49 PM
Quote from: Ken B on October 12, 2019, 01:59:44 PM
I do not accept your characterization of the party. I was working ad arguendo. You are the one making hostile characterizations.
I reject the charge of mendacity.

The party platform calls for heavy restrictions on immigration, and an end to multiculturalism. It mimics the anti immigration and anti immigrant rhetoric of Trump's supporters.
If you think that is not proof that it is anti-immigrant and anti-immigration, then you have a weird definition of anti-immigration  and anti-immigrant.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Florestan on October 12, 2019, 04:55:29 PM
Quote from: JBS on October 12, 2019, 04:28:55 PM
Of course I do.  But the halachic process is actually a good deal more flexible than you seem to think
https://morethodoxy.org/2012/01/11/homosexuals-in-the-orthodox-community-by-rabbi-zev-farber/

It doesn't matter how flexible or not it is. What matters is that you support a doctrine which, given enough flexibility, and more importantly, enough political power, would result in death for homosexuals.

Now, I am opposed to gay marriage, gay adoptions and so forth, but killing homosexuals is just that: killing.

Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: JBS on October 12, 2019, 05:00:59 PM
Quote from: Florestan on October 12, 2019, 04:55:29 PM
It doesn't matter how flexible or not it is. What matters is that you support a doctrine which, given enough flexibility, and more importantly, enough political power, would result in death for homosexuals.

Now, I am opposed to gay marriage, gay adoptions and so forth, but killing homosexuals is just that: killing.

And you support a doctrine which, given enough flexibility, and more importantly, enough political power, would result in death for homosexuals.

In fact, has resulted in death for homosexuals and plenty of others.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on October 12, 2019, 05:03:26 PM
Quote from: Florestan on October 12, 2019, 04:55:29 PM
It doesn't matter how flexible or not it is. What matters is that you support a doctrine which, given enough flexibility, and more importantly, enough political power, would result in death for homosexuals.

Now, I am opposed to gay marriage, gay adoptions and so forth, but killing homosexuals is just that: killing.
By the "Mansur standard" I think we must conclude Jeffrey is anti homosexual and is in favor of killing them.
I think that suggests this whole ratchet games is bogus but what's pudding for the goose ....
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Florestan on October 12, 2019, 05:04:34 PM
Quote from: JBS on October 12, 2019, 05:00:59 PM
And you support a doctrine which, given enough flexibility, and more importantly, enough political power, would result in death for homosexuals.

Again: please cite chapter and verse the Orthodox Church's canon law regarding homosexuals.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: JBS on October 12, 2019, 05:26:30 PM
Quote from: Ken B on October 12, 2019, 05:03:26 PM
By the "Mansur standard" I think we must conclude Jeffrey is anti homosexual and is in favor of killing them.
I think that suggests this whole ratchet games is bogus but what's pudding for the goose ....

Explain to me how a party whose platform is explicitly anti immigration and anti immigrant is not anti immigration and anti immigrant, and I will concede you are right about Mansur.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on October 12, 2019, 06:00:44 PM
Quote from: JBS on October 12, 2019, 05:26:30 PM
Explain to me how a party whose platform is explicitly anti immigration and anti immigrant is not anti immigration and anti immigrant, and I will concede you are right about Mansur.

An argument for X is not an argument for more X. Nor is an argument for more X an argument for Y.
I don't want any more wives, but I am not anti wife nor anti my wife. My wife and I recently decided not to adopt another cat, but we still like the ones we have. It certainly doesn't mean we want to expel one.
I also don't think anyone who describes himself as Jewish necessarily wants to kill me for wearing cotton polyester shirts. Your mileage may vary.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: JBS on October 12, 2019, 06:10:12 PM
Quote from: Ken B on October 12, 2019, 06:00:44 PM
An argument for X is not an argument for more X. Nor is an argument for more X an argument for Y.
I don't want any more wives, but I am not anti wife nor anti my wife. My wife and I recently decided not to adopt another cat, but we still like the ones we have. It certainly doesn't mean we want to expel one.
I also don't think anyone who describes himself as Jewish necessarily wants to kill me for wearing cotton polyester shirts. Your mileage may vary.

The party platform calls for less immigration. The party platform calls for ending multiculturalism, which is the same as calling for fewer immigrants. The accurate parallel would be to say you decided you didn't like cats, and are arguing with your wife about sending some of the ones you have now to the shelter.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on October 12, 2019, 06:27:35 PM
Quote from: JBS on October 12, 2019, 06:10:12 PM
The party platform calls for less immigration. The party platform calls for ending multiculturalism, which is the same as calling for fewer immigrants. The accurate parallel would be to say you decided you didn't like cats, and are arguing with your wife about sending some of the ones you have now to the shelter.

This is too ridiculous for words. Less immigration still means adding more people. It does not mean reducing the number here.

You are also simply misinformed about what "multiculturalism" means in this, Canadian, context. It refers to a long standing official policy of the Canadian government. It means a lot less now than it did in the 70s where there was discussion of schools in Polish or Pashtun etc. These days it's usually pork barrel funding for things. It does not mean either more or fewer Canadians. 
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: JBS on October 12, 2019, 06:30:57 PM
Quote from: Ken B on October 12, 2019, 06:27:35 PM
This is too ridiculous for words. Less immigration still means adding more people. It does not mean reducing the number here.

You are also simply misinformed about what "multiculturalism" means in this, Canadian, context. It refers to a long standing official policy of the Canadian government. It does not mean either more or fewer Canadians.

You are arguing that A is not A.

Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on October 12, 2019, 06:45:10 PM
Quote from: JBS on October 12, 2019, 06:30:57 PM
You are arguing that A is not A.
I conclude you don't know what "immigration" means.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: JBS on October 13, 2019, 04:14:51 PM
Quote from: Ken B on October 12, 2019, 06:45:10 PM
I conclude you don't know what "immigration" means.

I know what it means. The platform calls for admitting fewer immigrants and using more restrictive criteria in admitting those who are allowed to come.  In the real world (as opposed to KenWorld) that's being anti-immigration.

As I said before, it reads like a Trump underling wrote it.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Wanderer on October 14, 2019, 02:02:41 AM
Quote from: JBS on October 12, 2019, 12:47:59 PM
As an Orthodox Christian, you adhere to Church canon law, correct?
But you seem to think heretics should not be put to death.

I have not read nor am I interested in reading the ongoing discussion, but in skimming the thread this caught my attention. The claim that in Orthodox canon law the penalty for heresy is death is false. You are either being deliberately mendacious or plain ignorant. If it's the latter, be informed by an LL.M. in Ecclesiastical Law that in Orthodoxy the only penalty for heresy is excommunication, which merely means expulsion from church life. I'm willing to give you the benefit of the doubt that you did not just write that claim in order to conflate Orthodoxy with existing murderous faiths, which explicitly forbid apostasy and heresy under penalty of death, because that kind of libel would be equivalent to hate speech.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Florestan on October 14, 2019, 03:38:17 AM
Quote from: Wanderer on October 14, 2019, 02:02:41 AM
in Orthodoxy the only penalty for heresy is excommunication, which merely means expulsion from church life.

It must be stressed that this is actually the most severe penalty that the Orthodox canon laws prescribe for any trespassing (and it has two forms, epitemia, which is temporarily limited, and anathema, which is permanent unless and until the trespasser repents; but anathema is not any form of final damnation, only God can and will judge an unrepentant anathematized person). Death penalty is completely alien to Orthodoxy.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on October 21, 2019, 11:38:00 AM
I voted today. There was no fuss or hassle. There were
- paper ballots
- an ID check

Registration is easy, and there is a system for registration at the polling booth (the ballots are sequestered).

And for some reason we in Canada seem to never have the kind of issues that the Americans have.

(My favorite "issue" in 2016 was Jill Stein claiming she wuz robbed by voting machines in Michigan. Michigan uses paper ballots. )

I am not hopeful in my riding, but with luck we will have a new prime minister tomorrow.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on October 21, 2019, 12:08:26 PM
The Akagi has been found  https://apnews.com/f026d20d928143ddadfc3df0f3d36f77 (https://apnews.com/f026d20d928143ddadfc3df0f3d36f77)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on October 21, 2019, 06:41:05 PM
It's official: you can dress up in costume to mock black people and be elected Prime minister of Canada. You can also lean on the solicitor general to get special treatment for big party donors.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: drogulus on October 23, 2019, 06:04:18 AM

     The Vaping Overreaction (https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2019/10/danger-vaping-bans/600451/)

     I use e-cigs, and I've been waiting patiently for the "Satanic Day Care abuse" phase to burn itself out.

The relative safety of e-cigarettes has been recognized abroad. Public Health England, the British equivalent of the CDC, has estimated that e-cigarettes are at least 95 percent less hazardous than conventional cigarettes. Some British hospitals house vape shops, and the month-long national anti-smoking campaign, Stoptober, encourages people to vape instead.

     Are there no Satanist day care centers in the U.K.? Do they not even have basements?

     It will take time to de-panic a population prone to it.

Unfortunately, the misconceptions surrounding vaping may be too well entrenched. A Kaiser poll conducted this month revealed that 49 percent of respondents support banning all e-cigarettes, not just flavored ones. That would be a deadly mistake. "If we lose this opportunity," David S. Abrams, a professor at the New York University College of Global Public Health, told CBS Morning News last month, "we will have blown the single biggest public-health opportunity ever to get rid of cigarettes and replace them with a much safer form of nicotine for everybody." With 35 million Americans still smoking, the stakes are high.

     This is just what we need, another drug war. This one could kill a million people.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on October 23, 2019, 06:09:29 AM
Quote from: drogulus on October 23, 2019, 06:04:18 AM
     The Vaping Overreaction (https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2019/10/danger-vaping-bans/600451/)

     I use e-cigs, and I've been waiting patiently for the "Satanic Day Care abuse" phase to burn itself out.

The relative safety of e-cigarettes has been recognized abroad. Public Health England, the British equivalent of the CDC, has estimated that e-cigarettes are at least 95 percent less hazardous than conventional cigarettes. Some British hospitals house vape shops, and the month-long national anti-smoking campaign, Stoptober, encourages people to vape instead.

     Are there no Satanist day care centers in the U.K.? Do they not even have basements?

     It will take time to de-panic a population prone to it.

Unfortunately, the misconceptions surrounding vaping may be too well entrenched. A Kaiser poll conducted this month revealed that 49 percent of respondents support banning all e-cigarettes, not just flavored ones. That would be a deadly mistake. "If we lose this opportunity," David S. Abrams, a professor at the New York University College of Global Public Health, told CBS Morning News last month, "we will have blown the single biggest public-health opportunity ever to get rid of cigarettes and replace them with a much safer form of nicotine for everybody." With 35 million Americans still smoking, the stakes are high.

     This is just what we need, another drug war. This one could kill a million people.

The war on vaping is in full swing here in Canada.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: drogulus on October 23, 2019, 06:15:28 AM
Quote from: Ken B on October 23, 2019, 06:09:29 AM
The war on vaping is in full swing here in Canada.

     What I find a little surprising is how little has been written about it on the nonpanic side. It took me almost no effort at all to figure out that after about 10 years on the market e-cigs could not possibly generate a sudden epidemic of catastrophic lung disease.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on October 23, 2019, 06:31:01 AM
Quote from: drogulus on October 23, 2019, 06:15:28 AM
     What I find a little surprising is how little has been written about it on the nonpanic side. It took me almost no effort at all to figure out that after about 10 years on the market e-cigs could not possibly generate a sudden epidemic of catastrophic lung disease.

Of course to the banners that is irrelevant. It's not about harm, it's about compliance. The Catholic Church objects to any particular sex act more strongly if a condom is used.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: drogulus on October 23, 2019, 06:49:23 AM
Quote from: Ken B on October 21, 2019, 12:08:26 PM
The Akagi has been found  https://apnews.com/f026d20d928143ddadfc3df0f3d36f77 (https://apnews.com/f026d20d928143ddadfc3df0f3d36f77)

    A new movie about Midway is coming out. The clip I saw had awful looking CGI and now I see it's directed by Roland Emmerich.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on October 23, 2019, 02:05:51 PM
Women cannot be forced to wax your balls in Canada.

https://nationalpost.com/news/trans-activist-jessica-yaniv-filed-genital-wax-complaints-as-means-of-extortion-rights-tribunal-rules (https://nationalpost.com/news/trans-activist-jessica-yaniv-filed-genital-wax-complaints-as-means-of-extortion-rights-tribunal-rules)

Or at least not in one province of Canada.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on October 26, 2019, 07:36:19 AM
From The Graun: Pentagon awards $10bn cloud computing deal to Microsoft, snubbing Amazon (https://www.theguardian.com/global/2019/oct/26/pentagon-awards-10bn-cloud-computing-deal-to-microsoft-snubbing-amazon)

Poor William Randolph Bezos; how will he get by now?

I like how the Feds came up with a profoundly witty acronym: Joint Enterprise Defense Infrastructure, or JEDI. 
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Florestan on October 26, 2019, 07:44:51 AM
Quote from: Ken B on October 23, 2019, 02:05:51 PM
Women cannot be forced to wax your balls in Canada.

https://nationalpost.com/news/trans-activist-jessica-yaniv-filed-genital-wax-complaints-as-means-of-extortion-rights-tribunal-rules (https://nationalpost.com/news/trans-activist-jessica-yaniv-filed-genital-wax-complaints-as-means-of-extortion-rights-tribunal-rules)

Or at least not in one province of Canada.

British Columbia 1 - Texas 0
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on October 26, 2019, 07:47:59 AM
Quote from: Ken B on October 23, 2019, 02:05:51 PM
Women cannot be forced to wax your balls in Canada.

https://nationalpost.com/news/trans-activist-jessica-yaniv-filed-genital-wax-complaints-as-means-of-extortion-rights-tribunal-rules (https://nationalpost.com/news/trans-activist-jessica-yaniv-filed-genital-wax-complaints-as-means-of-extortion-rights-tribunal-rules)

Or at least not in one province of Canada.


Here's a sentence I can honestly say I never thought I would read: "...the tribunal found the respondents did not offer scrotum waxing to anyone..."

Perhaps there's a burgeoning market for home scrotum waxing kits.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Florestan on October 26, 2019, 07:49:32 AM
Quote from: Todd on October 26, 2019, 07:47:59 AM
Perhaps there's a burgeoning market for home scrotum waxing kits.

:laugh:
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on October 26, 2019, 11:31:50 AM
Quote from: Todd on October 26, 2019, 07:47:59 AM

Here's a sentence I can honestly say I never thought I would read: "...the tribunal found the respondents did not offer scrotum waxing to anyone..."

Perhaps there's a burgeoning market for home scrotum waxing kits.

So I looked at Amazon ...  https://www.amazon.com/Fresh-Balls-Lotion-Solution-3-4oz/dp/B0725Y1K2L/ref=sr_1_4?keywords=Scrotum+waxing&qid=1572117991&sr=8-4 (https://www.amazon.com/Fresh-Balls-Lotion-Solution-3-4oz/dp/B0725Y1K2L/ref=sr_1_4?keywords=Scrotum+waxing&qid=1572117991&sr=8-4)

And ...   https://www.amazon.com/LionGothic-Grabber-Piercing-Stainless-Steel/dp/B07B7QMK17/ref=sr_1_7?crid=62I024YUWZJ9&dchild=1&keywords=prince+albert+piercing&psc=1&qid=1572118215&sprefix=Prince+alber%2Caps%2C198&sr=8-7 (https://www.amazon.com/LionGothic-Grabber-Piercing-Stainless-Steel/dp/B07B7QMK17/ref=sr_1_7?crid=62I024YUWZJ9&dchild=1&keywords=prince+albert+piercing&psc=1&qid=1572118215&sprefix=Prince+alber%2Caps%2C198&sr=8-7)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on October 26, 2019, 11:41:42 AM
Quote from: Ken B on October 26, 2019, 11:31:50 AM
So I looked at Amazon ...  https://www.amazon.com/Fresh-Balls-Lotion-Solution-3-4oz/dp/B0725Y1K2L/ref=sr_1_4?keywords=Scrotum+waxing&qid=1572117991&sr=8-4 (https://www.amazon.com/Fresh-Balls-Lotion-Solution-3-4oz/dp/B0725Y1K2L/ref=sr_1_4?keywords=Scrotum+waxing&qid=1572117991&sr=8-4)

And ...   https://www.amazon.com/LionGothic-Grabber-Piercing-Stainless-Steel/dp/B07B7QMK17/ref=sr_1_7?crid=62I024YUWZJ9&dchild=1&keywords=prince+albert+piercing&psc=1&qid=1572118215&sprefix=Prince+alber%2Caps%2C198&sr=8-7 (https://www.amazon.com/LionGothic-Grabber-Piercing-Stainless-Steel/dp/B07B7QMK17/ref=sr_1_7?crid=62I024YUWZJ9&dchild=1&keywords=prince+albert+piercing&psc=1&qid=1572118215&sprefix=Prince+alber%2Caps%2C198&sr=8-7)


Both helpful, but not for waxing.  I can vouch for the lotion.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Andante on October 26, 2019, 12:07:49 PM
Seen on a notice board in Sydney Airport :

New Zealand sucks

Next day underneath was the message

Australia Nil 

Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on October 27, 2019, 10:39:25 AM
Bill to ban the B-word heard at State House (https://www.bostonherald.com/2019/10/22/bill-to-ban-the-b-word-heard-at-state-house/)

Massachusetts Democrats are especially stupid.  Thank goodness one isn't running for president, or anything.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on October 27, 2019, 10:51:07 AM
Quote from: Todd on October 27, 2019, 10:39:25 AM
Bill to ban the B-word heard at State House (https://www.bostonherald.com/2019/10/22/bill-to-ban-the-b-word-heard-at-state-house/)

Massachusetts Democrats are especially stupid.  Thank goodness one isn't running for president, or anything.

Massachusetts got 99 problems ...
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Florestan on October 27, 2019, 11:00:05 AM
When words lose their meaning, people lose their freedom - Confucius

It might very well be apocryphal, but then again:

Se non è vero, è ben trovato.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on October 27, 2019, 11:04:11 AM
Quote from: Florestan on October 27, 2019, 11:00:05 AM
When words lose their meaning, people lose their freedom - Confucius


Quote from: President William Jefferson ClintonIt depends upon what the meaning of the word "is" is.

Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Florestan on October 27, 2019, 11:10:39 AM
Quote from: Todd on October 27, 2019, 11:04:11 AM
Quote from: President William Jefferson Clinton

    It depends upon what the meaning of the word "is" is.

"When I use a word," Humpty Dumpty said, in rather a scornful tone, "it means just what I choose it to mean—neither more nor less."



Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: drogulus on October 27, 2019, 11:27:06 AM
     In Massachusetts a legislator will file a bill from a constituent. This Boston guy filed such a bill and stupid legislators won't vote for it, or will knowing it will fail.

     Massachusetts laws are for the most part just like the laws in other states. In one import respect they differ, and that is the noncompete clauses in employment contracts are legal here, and illegal in California. By divine right Silicon Valley should be in Boston/Cambridge.

     
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Florestan on October 27, 2019, 11:31:05 AM
Quote from: drogulus on October 27, 2019, 11:27:06 AM
     In Massachusetts a legislator will file a bill from a constituent. This Boston guy filed such a bill and stupid legislators won't vote for it, or will knowing it will fail.

     Massachusetts laws are for the most part just like the laws in other states. In one import respect they differ, and that is the noncompete clauses in employment contracts are legal here, and illegal in California. By divine right Silicon Valley should be in Boston/Cambridge.

   

Although English is not my mother tongue, I concur with Todd: your syntax is completely unintelligible, especially so for a non-English mother tongue speaker (pun!).
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: drogulus on October 27, 2019, 11:55:12 AM
Quote from: Florestan on October 27, 2019, 11:31:05 AM
Although English is not my mother tongue, I concur with Todd: your syntax is completely unintelligible, especially so for a non-English mother tongue speaker (pun!).

      It's a skill I practice assiduously. I'm too impatient to order my thoughts into long paragraphs, which I don't like anyway, so I use extreme compression and only correct obvious grammar mistakes. Also, I don't speak trollese, a limiting factor.

      Is there anything in particular you find unclear?
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Florestan on October 27, 2019, 11:59:10 AM
Quote from: drogulus on October 27, 2019, 11:55:12 AM
           Is there anything in particular you find unclear?

I find most of your posts particularly unclear.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Florestan on October 27, 2019, 12:03:16 PM
Quote from: drogulus on October 27, 2019, 11:55:12 AM
      I'm too impatient to order my thoughts into long paragraphs, which I don't like anyway

Oh, no, you're wrong. Your "thoughts" are usually long-winded, unintelligible paragraphs.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: drogulus on October 27, 2019, 12:07:30 PM

     Well, that's all right then. You had me worried a little.

Quote from: Florestan on October 27, 2019, 12:03:16 PM
Oh, no, you're wrong. Your "thoughts" are usually long-winded, unintelligible paragraphs.

Quote from: drogulus on October 27, 2019, 11:27:06 AM
     In Massachusetts a legislator will file a bill from a constituent. This Boston guy filed such a bill and stupid legislators won't vote for it, or will knowing it will fail.

     Massachusetts laws are for the most part just like the laws in other states. In one import respect they differ, and that is the noncompete clauses in employment contracts are legal here, and illegal in California. By divine right Silicon Valley should be in Boston/Cambridge.

     

     This is the example you gave.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: drogulus on October 27, 2019, 12:14:11 PM
     I went back a ways past some typical short comments to find this one:

Quote from: drogulus on October 25, 2019, 08:20:35 AM
     The problem with ethnic states is there's no universalist argument for them, and no universalist argument to destroy them. All of the arguments must presuppose the possibility of agreement, the recognition of a form of superseding principle such as those governing open societies with rights that don't depend on ethnic or religious identity. If that is deemed unsuitable it's a matter of might makes right. The possibility of settlement by common values is rejected in favor of non-negotiable claims.

     One hopes people decide on pragmatic grounds to adopt identities flexible enough for government work, keeping religious and ethnic identities under control. Jews and Muslims do that in the U.S. and elsewhere without abandoning their identities. So do Christians. It's common for people to have multiple identities running at once. I'm only an atheist when I want to discuss it, the rest of the time I maintain recognizably human form. Sometimes I'm an American in the English language philosophical tradition. I live a few miles from where the American branch was born.

   

     That's long for me. I like it, I don't think it needs revision.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: JBS on October 27, 2019, 12:17:09 PM
Let me step in to clarify.
Massachusetts's method of honoring the right to petition for redress of grievances is to allow induviduals to draft a proposed law and give it to their representative in the state legislature, who must file it for them as a proper bill in the state House, no matter what the legislator thinks about the bill.
The legislature is not obliged to actually do anything further, not even hold hearings, vote to table the bill, or anything else.

The b banning bill is one such bill.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: drogulus on October 27, 2019, 12:23:11 PM
Quote from: JBS on October 27, 2019, 12:17:09 PM
Let me step in to clarify.
Massachusetts's method of honoring the right to petition for redress of grievances is to allow induviduals to draft a proposed law and give it to their representative in the state legislature, who must file it for them as a proper bill in the state House, no matter what the legislator thinks about the bill.
The legislature is not obliged to actually do anything further, not even hold hearings, vote to table the bill, or anything else.

The b banning bill is one such bill.

     That leaves no role for Massachusetts stupidity and is therefore an invalid and unintelligible response. Please reformulate it into trollese.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on October 27, 2019, 12:59:36 PM
Quote from: Florestan on October 27, 2019, 11:59:10 AM
I find most of your posts particularly unclear.

The word you are seeking my friend is "pudding". His posts are pudding.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on October 27, 2019, 01:45:53 PM
Quote from: drogulus on October 27, 2019, 12:23:11 PM
     That leaves no role for Massachusetts stupidity


Apparently Massachusetts Democrats have difficulty reading: I never claimed all people of the Commonwealth are stupid.  Just Dems.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: drogulus on October 27, 2019, 02:10:02 PM
Quote from: Ken B on October 27, 2019, 12:59:36 PM
The word you are seeking my friend is "pudding". His posts are pudding.

      Butterscotch pudding most closely realizes the Platonic Form of it.

      Reformulations into trollese are best left to experts.

Quote from: Todd on October 27, 2019, 01:45:53 PM

Apparently Massachusetts Democrats have difficulty reading: I never claimed all people of the Commonwealth are stupid.  Just Dems.

     It's more subtle than it looks.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on October 27, 2019, 03:36:17 PM
Dirty Dem down: Democratic Rep. Katie Hill resigns amid allegations of improper relationship with staffer (https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2019-10-27/rep-katie-hill-resigns-amid-scandal)

Her Iron Cross bikini line tat was so cute, though.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: drogulus on October 27, 2019, 07:53:11 PM
Quote from: Florestan on October 27, 2019, 11:59:10 AM
I find most of your posts particularly unclear.

     I noticed that, yet you react with hostility, which is often the correct response. Might it be a form of subliminal understanding?

    There is a phenomenon known as blindsight, where people respond to visual stimulation without consciously seeing the stimulus. You can hold up fingers in front of the subject who will say he can't see them, then you can ask how many fingers there are and the subject will "guess" the correct number repeatedly.

     I wonder how that works.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on October 27, 2019, 08:15:03 PM
Quote from: drogulus on October 27, 2019, 07:53:11 PM
     I noticed that, yet you react with hostility, which is often the correct response. Might it be a form of subliminal understanding?

    There is a phenomenon known as blindsight, where people respond to visual stimulation without consciously seeing the stimulus. You can hold up fingers in front of the subject who will say he can't see them, then you can ask how many fingers there are and the subject will "guess" the correct number repeatedly.

     I wonder how that works.

It works better when you hold up one finger.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: drogulus on October 27, 2019, 08:42:28 PM
Quote from: Ken B on October 27, 2019, 08:15:03 PM
It works better when you hold up one finger.

     See, you understand me perfectly. I don't think it's on my end at all.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: zamyrabyrd on October 27, 2019, 11:19:54 PM
Quote from: Ken B on October 21, 2019, 06:41:05 PM
It's official: you can dress up in costume to mock black people and be elected Prime minister of Canada. You can also lean on the solicitor general to get special treatment for big party donors.

Well, some men dress up as women for misogynistic reasons which can also be cultural appropriation and insulting.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Florestan on October 28, 2019, 01:17:41 AM
Quote from: drogulus on October 27, 2019, 07:53:11 PM
     I noticed that, yet you react with hostility, which is often the correct response.

Here are the latest posts of yours that I find completelty unintelligible.

Quote from: drogulus on October 26, 2019, 06:02:09 AM
     To be progressive is to shoulder more responsibility for values construction, it's not an escape clause when you extinguish values absolutism.

     You are the caretaker. It isn't even possible for you to not be the caretaker. (http://www.good-music-guide.com/community/Smileys/classic/smiley.gif)

   

Quote from: drogulus on October 26, 2019, 06:18:02 AM
     Values universalism allows people to transcend absolutist claims. That's why we have such ideas.

     What things are is what they do.

But nevermind. You are right, I should perhaps stop tryng to figure it out and not respond to them anymore. Yep, that's definitely the best option (if only I could stick to it...  :) ).
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: greg on October 28, 2019, 06:40:12 AM
Quote from: Florestan on October 28, 2019, 01:17:41 AM
Here are the latest posts of yours that I find completelty unintelligible.

But nevermind. You are right, I should perhaps stop tryng to figure it out and not respond to them anymore. Yep, that's definitely the best option (if only I could stick to it...  :) ).
Good to know I'm not the only one who finds his posts to be like a puzzle.

But it's more often that the difficulty is having to guess what the point is as a response to one's own post. Not that I can't understand, but it just takes way more effort (like actually having to think a minute) than for anyone else.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on October 28, 2019, 06:44:51 AM
It's like that Churchill quote about Russia (the new version): Russia is a pudding wrapped in a custard inside a junket.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: greg on October 28, 2019, 06:49:52 AM
Quote from: Ken B on October 28, 2019, 06:44:51 AM
It's like that Churchill quote about Russia (the new version): Russia is a pudding wrapped in a custard inside a junket.
Hm, I've always thought it was more robotic, never really thought of pudding before.

But not like a robot that is preprogrammed, but like one that comes up with its own ideas while at the same time never saying anything extreme or offensive.

Which IMO is not a problem at all, just a sort of unique style.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: drogulus on October 28, 2019, 07:36:48 AM
Quote from: drogulus on October 26, 2019, 06:02:09 AM
     To be progressive is to shoulder more responsibility for values construction, it's not an escape clause when you extinguish values absolutism.

     You are the caretaker. It isn't even possible for you to not be the caretaker. (http://www.good-music-guide.com/community/Smileys/classic/smiley.gif)


     It means you can't escape responsibility for the choices you make by by putting them on a very high shelf and hiding the ladder you used to reach it.

     I probably meant modern more than progressive in a political sense, though that's in there, too.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: drogulus on October 28, 2019, 07:56:37 AM
Quote from: drogulus on October 26, 2019, 06:18:02 AM
     Values universalism allows people to transcend absolutist claims. That's why we have such ideas.

     What things are is what they do.

     Ideas have use value. The use value is the sum of what the idea means. That's straight out of Hume and Peirce.

     You have to have an idea to adjudicate irreconcilable claims by absolutists, like a universal declaration of human rights, obviously hateful to true believers, yet necessary to stop them from killing each other and many others. What are we of stout hearts supposed to do, wait for the idea to show up? Are we not men, or possibly women? Don't we teach children right and wrong no matter what stupid metaphysics we inherit?

     

     
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: LKB on October 29, 2019, 12:22:17 PM
Quote from: drogulus on October 23, 2019, 06:49:23 AM
    A new movie about Midway is coming out. The clip I saw had awful looking CGI and now I see it's directed by Roland Emmerich.

https://www.amazon.com/Shattered-Sword-Untold-Battle-Midway/dp/1574889249/ref=asc_df_1574889249/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=312090128763&hvpos=1o1&hvnetw=g&hvrand=10543714179573811452&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=m&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9031914&hvtargid=pla-451142347916&psc=1

Recommended for those interested in the Battle of Midway.

As far as the film is concerned, as long as Michael Bay is not involved, I'm willing to reserve judgement.

I do wish someone would create a film or miniseries that could do justice to the Guadalcanal campaign, which has seen decades of cinematic neglect.

Condition One,

LKB
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: drogulus on October 29, 2019, 03:50:45 PM
Quote from: LKB on October 29, 2019, 12:22:17 PM


I do wish someone would create a film or miniseries that could do justice to the Guadalcanal campaign, which has seen decades of cinematic neglect.

Condition One,

LKB

     Did you see The Pacific, the Spielberg/Hanks miniseries about Guadalcanal and then the campaigns all the way to Iwo Jima?
     
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: SimonNZ on October 29, 2019, 03:54:30 PM
Seconding the recommendation of The Pacific.

Also Terrence Malick's film The Thin Red Line is about the fight for Guadalcanal.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: LKB on October 30, 2019, 10:27:46 AM
I remember hearing about The Pacific when it was first presented. At that time my interest in Guadalcanal still lay in the future, to be ignited by James Hornfischer's excellent Neptune's Inferno. So l haven't seen any of it, which has apparently resulted in my not knowing what l didn't know.  :D

Thanks for bringing it to my attention!

Pacified,

LKB
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on October 30, 2019, 11:01:06 AM
At times, I post a reply to in the wrong thread.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on October 30, 2019, 11:46:33 AM
Quote from: k a rl h e nn i ng on October 30, 2019, 11:01:06 AM
At times, I post a reply to in the wrong thread.
Think of it as raising the tone of some thread chosen at random.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: drogulus on October 30, 2019, 11:50:13 AM
Quote from: LKB on October 30, 2019, 10:27:46 AM
I remember hearing about The Pacific when it was first presented. At that time my interest in Guadalcanal still lay in the future, to be ignited by James Hornfischer's excellent Neptune's Inferno. So l haven't seen any of it, which has apparently resulted in my not knowing what l didn't know.  :D

Thanks for bringing it to my attention!

Pacified,

LKB

     If you have Amazon Prime, it's free. I have the BDs.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: drogulus on October 30, 2019, 11:51:39 AM
Quote from: Ken B on October 30, 2019, 11:46:33 AM
Think of it as raising the tone of some thread chosen at random.

     I know tone. Marshall's are buzzy.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Andante on October 30, 2019, 11:58:20 AM
Quote from: k a rl h e nn i ng on October 30, 2019, 11:01:06 AM
At times, I post a reply to in the wrong thread.

U2.   Either too much red wine or you are getting old and decrepit   :(
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on October 30, 2019, 03:04:44 PM
Quote from: Andante on October 30, 2019, 11:58:20 AM
U2.   Either too much red wine or you are getting old and decrepit   :(

Alas for me! I have quaffed no red wine!
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: LKB on October 30, 2019, 04:28:35 PM
My wine-quaffing days are pretty much over. I now enjoy wine/ whiskey/ whatever at a measured, leisurely pace.

Certain foods though, l quaff like hell...

Sipping,

LKB
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: JBS on October 30, 2019, 04:32:31 PM
Quote from: k a rl h e nn i ng on October 30, 2019, 03:04:44 PM
Alas for me! I have quaffed no red wine!

White wine works just as well.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Andante on October 31, 2019, 01:47:00 AM
Quote from: k a rl h e nn i ng on October 30, 2019, 03:04:44 PM
Alas for me! I have quaffed no red wine!
Aha so you must be old and decrepit... Join the club  ;)
Title: Re: The unimportant news threa
Post by: Ken B on November 01, 2019, 10:47:30 AM
This might be of interest,since we seem to be the target of DDOS attacks recently.
Notepad++ is a good text editor.  https://www.theverge.com/2019/10/30/20940651/text-editor-notepad-free-uyghur-edition-china-spam (https://www.theverge.com/2019/10/30/20940651/text-editor-notepad-free-uyghur-edition-china-spam)

I doubt LeBron James has the coding skills, but ...
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on November 01, 2019, 02:23:01 PM
Huh. I didn't know she was GMGer.
https://www.breitbart.com/environment/2019/10/31/greta-thunberg-calls-on-facebook-to-censor-her-critics/ (https://www.breitbart.com/environment/2019/10/31/greta-thunberg-calls-on-facebook-to-censor-her-critics/)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: SimonNZ on November 01, 2019, 04:31:24 PM
Quote from: Ken B on November 01, 2019, 02:23:01 PM
Huh. I didn't know she was GMGer.
https://www.breitbart.com/environment/2019/10/31/greta-thunberg-calls-on-facebook-to-censor-her-critics/ (https://www.breitbart.com/environment/2019/10/31/greta-thunberg-calls-on-facebook-to-censor-her-critics/)

What is this supposed to mean?
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: greg on November 01, 2019, 05:36:44 PM
Quote from: Ken B on November 01, 2019, 02:23:01 PM
Huh. I didn't know she was GMGer.
https://www.breitbart.com/environment/2019/10/31/greta-thunberg-calls-on-facebook-to-censor-her-critics/ (https://www.breitbart.com/environment/2019/10/31/greta-thunberg-calls-on-facebook-to-censor-her-critics/)
Awww, what a stunning and brave authoritarian.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: SimonNZ on November 01, 2019, 06:20:41 PM
Death threats =/= "her critics"

But that's Breitbart for you.

Pick a different source and see how this story is being reported.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: drogulus on November 02, 2019, 05:15:35 AM
     Facebook isn't a government that can take away a Constitutional right by upholding a standard of conduct.

     This is what she said:

(https://serve.reclaimthenet.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/greta-facebook.jpg)

     I don't see censorship.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Florestan on November 02, 2019, 05:23:47 AM
Quote from: drogulus on November 02, 2019, 05:15:35 AM
     Facebook isn't a government that can take away a Constitutional right by upholding a standard of conduct.

     This is what she said:

(https://serve.reclaimthenet.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/greta-facebook.jpg)

     I don't see censorship.

To see Greta Thunberg denouncing hate and threats is highly entertaining.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on November 02, 2019, 05:38:12 AM
Quote from: Florestan on November 02, 2019, 05:23:47 AM
To see Greta Thunberg denouncing hate and threats is highly entertaining.


Ms Thunberg's prominence among mush-brained lefties and other gullible fools is the very embodiment of Mr Bernays' ideas.  The more things change, and all that. 
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: drogulus on November 02, 2019, 05:52:40 AM
Quote from: Florestan on November 02, 2019, 05:23:47 AM
To see Greta Thunberg denouncing hate and threats is highly entertaining.

     I'm sure it is. Her approach to climate activism is that of a young person who inspires other young people. Old people think there are flaws in how she does it. Even I, an old person, think so.

     The left has not gone far from what the science says. On the problem side, they stick to the facts as known. My old person criticism is on the solution side. The left thinks solutions will impose high net costs on the economy. I think solutions will confer net benefits. The left thinks it wants a poorer but cleaner and more equal world. I think a cleaner world will be richer by design.

     
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on November 02, 2019, 07:23:17 AM
Street thug gets prison  https://www.oregonlive.com/portland/2019/11/baton-attack-during-june-protests-in-downtown-portland-lands-man-in-jail-for-nearly-6-years.html (https://www.oregonlive.com/portland/2019/11/baton-attack-during-june-protests-in-downtown-portland-lands-man-in-jail-for-nearly-6-years.html)

Bien.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: greg on November 02, 2019, 11:40:33 AM
Every time someone questions whether an authority should "allow" "hate speech," you just ask them to define what it is. It's far to subjective to be something that can be used to limit freedom of speech, period.

Also reminds me of the Carlos Maza incident. It's just the same trend of leftists trying to leverage the "compassion" of large corporations in order to attain power (what it really is is that they are scared of the backlash of doing nothing, which is provoked by the other leftist mobs, such as online journalists writing angry articles, fear of losing money, etc.).

The same can be seen with large corporations and their fear of losing money from China. Problem is large American corporations have no moral compass, except they fake whatever sense of morality will prevent them from losing money.

Also, literally everyone with a large following nowadays gets death threats, even if they don't do anything wrong. It's not even worth mentioning unless someone shows up to your house or something extreme.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on November 02, 2019, 12:18:48 PM
Quote from: Ken B on November 02, 2019, 07:23:17 AM
Street thug gets prison  https://www.oregonlive.com/portland/2019/11/baton-attack-during-june-protests-in-downtown-portland-lands-man-in-jail-for-nearly-6-years.html (https://www.oregonlive.com/portland/2019/11/baton-attack-during-june-protests-in-downtown-portland-lands-man-in-jail-for-nearly-6-years.html)

Bien.


The real crime there was that the ruckus prevented polite customers from accessing Urban Farmer for a brief period.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: drogulus on November 02, 2019, 02:50:21 PM
Quote from: greg on November 02, 2019, 11:40:33 AM
Every time someone questions whether an authority should "allow" "hate speech," you just ask them to define what it is. It's far to subjective to be something that can be used to limit freedom of speech, period.



     It really isn't as a practical matter. The company where you work will enforce the same standards as other companies do, give or take. Do you have a theory of "shared subjectivity"?
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: SimonNZ on November 02, 2019, 03:04:11 PM
Theres nothing "subjective" about death threats. And if you're supporting them as as a freedom of speech issue...
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on November 03, 2019, 06:05:43 AM
Ricky Gervais in the news!  https://althouse.blogspot.com/2019/11/ricky-laughs-at-newsnews-of-huge.html (https://althouse.blogspot.com/2019/11/ricky-laughs-at-newsnews-of-huge.html)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: greg on November 03, 2019, 08:00:17 PM
Quote from: SimonNZ on November 02, 2019, 03:04:11 PM
Theres nothing "subjective" about death threats. And if you're supporting them as as a freedom of speech issue...
That was a side note, so nope. The people who go on about protecting freedom of speech as well can separate that as the limits, recognizing that threats to violence shouldn't be protected.

I was just pointing out that death threats are par for the course when you become internet-famous. They're not even worth of being mentioned unless it ends up affecting you IRL.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: SimonNZ on November 03, 2019, 08:15:25 PM
Its a bit late if it "ends up affecting you IRL". And are you really happy living in a world where death threats are considered just "par for the course"? (Apparently you are).

All the platforms should have a policy of banning any member who makes even one.

Also: part of that Greta kids complaint was that they were also making death threats to her sister. Still okay?
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: greg on November 03, 2019, 09:05:27 PM
Quote from: SimonNZ on November 03, 2019, 08:15:25 PM
Its a bit late if it "ends up affecting you IRL". And are you really happy living in a world where death threats are considered just "par for the course"? (Apparently you are).

All the platforms should have a policy of banning any member who makes even one.

Also: part of that Greta kids complaint was that they were also making death threats to her sister. Still okay?
How are you even interpreting that I'm happy about people making death threats?

And no, did I ever say they shouldn't be banned? I'm only saying that is very normal for people to get death threats with so much exposure. It would be like the president (any president) complaining about getting death threats. Regular people that talk about video games on youtube get death threats. 

She's the one intermingling death threats (objective threats) with hate speech (subjective) in the same sentence, which is dangerous. Equate the two together and you are creating a road where people accept their own speech to be restricted, leading to something that won't be good. Which I shouldn't have to explain, it should be obvious.

(though about the death threats, she's still a kid I think (not sure of her age), so it could be a shock still, so I will give her that)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: zamyrabyrd on November 04, 2019, 06:21:17 AM
Who carries around a bow and arrow to shoot cows with?

https://freedomheadlines.com/the-latest/watch-as-they-slaughter-a-cow-in-a-home-depot-parking-lot-after-escaping-halal-market-video/

A young cow escaped slaughter at a Connecticut meat market — only to have its throat slit in public in Home Depot parking lot, according to a new report. The gory scene prompted the closure of the Saba meat store in Bloomfield, which kept livestock on its premises to be prepared in accordance with Islamic law, NBC Connecticut reported.

The cow dashed out of Saba on Saturday and ran across the street to the hardware store — with employee Badr Musaed and a contractor Andy Morrison hot on its trail. Morrison, who was doing renovation work at the meat store and was armed with a bow and arrow, tried to help Musaed corral the cow while the local police also responded.

Dash camera footage obtained by NBC shows the officer trying to box the bovine in with his cruiser — and Morrison attempting to shoot it with his weapon.

"As the cow ran towards the employees, Morrison shot at the cow, however he missed and the arrow struck the wall of the Home Depot," the police report said.

Suddenly, Musaed whipped out a foot-long knife and slit the cow's throat as other Saba employees wrangled the animal.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: drogulus on November 04, 2019, 09:20:08 AM
Quote from: greg on November 03, 2019, 09:05:27 PM
How are you even interpreting that I'm happy about people making death threats?

And no, did I ever say they shouldn't be banned? I'm only saying that is very normal for people to get death threats with so much exposure. It would be like the president (any president) complaining about getting death threats. Regular people that talk about video games on youtube get death threats. 

She's the one intermingling death threats (objective threats) with hate speech (subjective) in the same sentence, which is dangerous. Equate the two together and you are creating a road where people accept their own speech to be restricted, leading to something that won't be good. Which I shouldn't have to explain, it should be obvious.

(though about the death threats, she's still a kid I think (not sure of her age), so it could be a shock still, so I will give her that)

     I don't accept death threats and I'm happy to apply an incitement to violence standard. I'm not bothered by the fact that the arbitrariness of legal or policy distinctions is unavoidable. It's a practical problem, not solved by a resort to an objective externality. That's an infinite regression. Whose subjective impression of an external objective standard is the right one? (http://www.good-music-guide.com/community/Smileys/classic/tongue.gif)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on November 04, 2019, 09:35:09 AM
Quote from: drogulus on November 04, 2019, 09:20:08 AM
     I don't accept death threats and I'm happy to apply an incitement to violence standard. I'm not bothered by the fact that the arbitrariness of legal or policy distinctions is unavoidable. It's a practical problem, not solved by a resort to an objective externality. That's an infinite regression. Whose subjective impression of an external objective standard is the right one? (http://www.good-music-guide.com/community/Smileys/classic/tongue.gif)
Word salad.
Thunberg isn't actually asking that Facebook remove death threats. Facebook already does. She is complaining about criticism that she asserts "result" in death threats. She is asking rather for the squelching of other things that she calls "conspiracy theories" and "lies" including those about "countless others".
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: drogulus on November 04, 2019, 09:57:14 AM
Quote from: Ken B on November 04, 2019, 09:35:09 AM
Word salad.
Thunberg isn't actually asking that Facebook remove death threats. Facebook already does. She is complaining about criticism that she asserts "result" in death threats. She is asking rather for the squelching of other things that she calls "conspiracy theories" and "lies" including those about "countless others".

     If that's the case she'll lose, and that's what should happen. That's the way I deal with all the excesses of the left and right, no acceptable balance will satisfy true believers. That's exactly as my word non-salad says. I'm arguing against Greg and his "subjective" stance. Thunberg is wrong because her standard is poorly reasoned, as it assumes a kind of objective standard that miraculously agrees with her. Can you imagine a teenager thinking like that?
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: greg on November 04, 2019, 11:07:30 AM
Quote from: drogulus on November 04, 2019, 09:57:14 AM
     I'm arguing against Greg and his "subjective" stance.
She mentions allowing hate speech and I said that it is subjective. Unless you can define it.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: SimonNZ on November 04, 2019, 12:26:20 PM
Quote from: Ken B on November 04, 2019, 09:35:09 AM
Word salad.
Thunberg isn't actually asking that Facebook remove death threats. Facebook already does. She is complaining about criticism that she asserts "result" in death threats. She is asking rather for the squelching of other things that she calls "conspiracy theories" and "lies" including those about "countless others".

This is all in response to Zuckerberg  lifting the ban of misinformation and blatant falsehoods in political advertising on Facebook, which I believe AOC also grilled him about recently, and which they should be policing and stopping. Attacks and conspiracy theories from these sources are more potentially dangerous as seemingly sanctioned and legitimized by authority figures, rather than those by your average wingnut punters.

Again: I don't think this is covered or excused by a simple "freedom of speech".
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: drogulus on November 04, 2019, 02:10:36 PM
Quote from: greg on November 04, 2019, 11:07:30 AM
She mentions allowing hate speech and I said that it is subjective. Unless you can define it.

      It will remain only loosely defined in policies, and it's up to negotiation when it comes to particulars. It's like pornography, also restricted. Something can be a little bit hateful or pornful and not get banned. It's not a definition problem. A general definition is the starting point and then you decide what comes under it in practice in a world where people disagree.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: greg on November 04, 2019, 03:53:25 PM
Quote from: drogulus on November 04, 2019, 02:10:36 PM
      and it's up to negotiation when it comes to particulars.
...then you decide...
Well, there's the problem it will end up leading to. You won't decide. Negotiation to authorities inevitably will end up to submission to the authorities. Especially if the government gets more authoritarian.



Quote from: drogulus on November 04, 2019, 02:10:36 PM
Something can be a little bit hateful or pornful and not get banned.
But illegal porn is very easily identifiable. That's because it is clearly defined. There should be a clearly defined version of hate speech, but no one has defined it yet.

Literally anything can be porn, that's why it's hard to define. There's people that literally get off on buildings and cars.

Imagine a world where all porn becomes illegal and you are raided because you say something against the government and then they confiscate your car and throw you in jail because some people get off to cars. All because porn doesn't have a clear definition, therefore it can be anything.

A solution is, if people want to make hate speech illegal (or a reason to ban people from facebook or whatever), actually narrow down to what type of hate speech, and from there you can get really specific and define it. That way people at least know if they are breaking the rules/law.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: SimonNZ on November 04, 2019, 04:35:48 PM
But where do you stand on the issue of Zuckerberg lifting the ban of misinformation and blatant falsehoods in political advertising on Facebook?
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on November 04, 2019, 04:49:49 PM
No more free books! End the oppression!  https://www.popville.com/2019/10/as-if-my-hangover-wasnt-bad-enough-now-i-need-to-smash-my-head-into-a-wall/ (https://www.popville.com/2019/10/as-if-my-hangover-wasnt-bad-enough-now-i-need-to-smash-my-head-into-a-wall/)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: drogulus on November 04, 2019, 06:33:26 PM
Quote from: greg on November 04, 2019, 03:53:25 PM
Well, there's the problem it will end up leading to. You won't decide. Negotiation to authorities inevitably will end up to submission to the authorities. Especially if the government gets more authoritarian.


But illegal porn is very easily identifiable. That's because it is clearly defined. There should be a clearly defined version of hate speech, but no one has defined it yet.

Literally anything can be porn, that's why it's hard to define. There's people that literally get off on buildings and cars.

Imagine a world where all porn becomes illegal and you are raided because you say something against the government and then they confiscate your car and throw you in jail because some people get off to cars. All because porn doesn't have a clear definition, therefore it can be anything.

A solution is, if people want to make hate speech illegal (or a reason to ban people from facebook or whatever), actually narrow down to what type of hate speech, and from there you can get really specific and define it. That way people at least know if they are breaking the rules/law.

     People don't need to be told how to negotiate what counts as hate speech. All they do is argue about what it is until they can agree on something they can live with. Usually nobody is completely satisfied, especially people who think there's an objective standard "out there", like the Forms of Plato.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: JBS on November 04, 2019, 06:59:44 PM
No, the problem is people who try to suppress opposing view points with the claim that expressing them is hate speech.

Example.  If I say the Bible says homosexual sex is sinful, that in my eyes is expressing a fact. For some people it's not merely a fact, but doctrine handed out by God. But for others, saying it is indulging in hate speech.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: drogulus on November 04, 2019, 07:29:31 PM
Quote from: JBS on November 04, 2019, 06:59:44 PM
No, the problem is people who try to suppress opposing view points with the claim that expressing them is hate speech.


     Holy books are full of hate speech, and people are clever enough to disown their own viewpoint by saying a book is responsible. It's not possible to not know this, almost everyone has been on the receiving end of this, whether it's ones religion or lack of one.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: JBS on November 04, 2019, 07:38:06 PM
Quote from: drogulus on November 04, 2019, 07:29:31 PM
     Holy books are full of hate speech, and people are clever enough to disown their own viewpoint by saying a book is responsible. It's not possible to not know this, almost everyone has been on the receiving end of this, whether it's ones religion or lack of one.

There, that's hate speech: a broad generalization belied by actual facts. But I think no one in GMG would declare you have no right to express that idea, however untethered to fact it might be.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: drogulus on November 04, 2019, 07:55:15 PM
Quote from: JBS on November 04, 2019, 07:38:06 PM
There, that's hate speech: a broad generalization belied by actual facts.

     I doubt it. Holy books I'm aware of gleefully support the extermination of sinners and unbelievers, with fantasies about past occurrences and future ones authorized by divine power. I hate the way these systems pervert human decency and justify cruelty. As far as religious people go, for the most part they are OK, and they are as much victims as victimizers. I would prefer to end all religious inspired cruelty because I want to end all organized cruelty.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on November 04, 2019, 08:09:53 PM
Quote from: drogulus on November 04, 2019, 07:55:15 PM
     I doubt it. Holy books I'm aware of gleefully support the extermination of sinners and unbelievers, with fantasies about past occurrences and future ones authorized by divine power. I hate the way these systems pervert human decency and justify cruelty. As far as religious people go, for the most part they are OK, and they are as much victims as victimizers. I would prefer to end all religious inspired cruelty because I want to end all organized cruelty.
This is hate speech. It is of course hatred directed at practitioners of organized cruelty. To the stocks!
I am being facetious but there are places where that post could get you arrested.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: drogulus on November 04, 2019, 08:18:57 PM
Quote from: Ken B on November 04, 2019, 08:09:53 PM
This is hate speech. It is of course hatred directed at practitioners of organized cruelty. To the stocks!
I am being facetious but there are places where that post could get you arrested.

     I'm too good for this world. (http://www.good-music-guide.com/community/Smileys/classic/smiley.gif)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Florestan on November 04, 2019, 09:19:35 PM
Quote from: JBS on November 04, 2019, 07:38:06 PM
There, that's hate speech: a broad generalization belied by actual facts. But I think no one in GMG would declare you have no right to express that idea, however untethered to fact it might be.

Amen, brother!
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: SimonNZ on November 04, 2019, 09:58:50 PM
Quote from: JBS on November 04, 2019, 07:38:06 PM
There, that's hate speech: a broad generalization belied by actual facts. But I think no one in GMG would declare you have no right to express that idea, however untethered to fact it might be.

Belied by which actual facts?
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: drogulus on November 05, 2019, 05:12:09 AM
Quote from: SimonNZ on November 04, 2019, 09:58:50 PM
Belied by which actual facts?

     It works like this. A holy book says an awful thing, someone thinks it can't be awful because it's holy, someone else says it's awful anyway, and that's hate speech.

     Do the gods love what is good or is the good what the gods love?
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on November 05, 2019, 06:55:03 PM
Belshazzar's Feast might need a rewrite.

Bible Scholars Now Believe Writing On The Wall Actually Said 'Epstein Didn't Kill Himself'
Bible Scholars Now Believe Writing On The Wall Actually Said 'Epstein Didn't Kill Himself' (//http://#039;Epstein%20Didn't%20Kill%20Himself')
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: JBS on November 05, 2019, 07:10:35 PM
Correct link.
https://babylonbee.com/news/hidden-bible-code-reveals-epstein-didnt-kill-himself

Tangential
Rabbinic tradition asserts that the reason Belshazzar's wise men couldn't read the Writing on the wall was because it used a completely new alphabet, the so called Assyrian script now used for Hebrew and Aramaic, in place of the Canaanite script used in Biblical times.  On a very basic level, they could not read the Writing. This is completely unhistorical of course....
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: zamyrabyrd on November 05, 2019, 09:27:42 PM
Quote from: Ken B on November 05, 2019, 06:55:03 PM
Belshazzar's Feast might need a rewrite.

Bible Scholars Now Believe Writing On The Wall Actually Said 'Epstein Didn't Kill Himself'
Bible Scholars Now Believe Writing On The Wall Actually Said 'Epstein Didn't Kill Himself' (//http://#039;Epstein%20Didn't%20Kill%20Himself')

If Epstein didn't kill himself, maybe he is still alive?
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Florestan on November 06, 2019, 02:35:36 AM
Quote from: JBS on November 05, 2019, 07:10:35 PM
Correct link.
https://babylonbee.com/news/hidden-bible-code-reveals-epstein-didnt-kill-himself

This is a joke, I hope.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on November 06, 2019, 05:00:13 AM
Quote from: Florestan on November 06, 2019, 02:35:36 AM
This is a joke, I hope.

As Stalin said, humor is like food, not everyone gets it.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: JBS on November 06, 2019, 06:15:15 AM
Quote from: Florestan on November 06, 2019, 02:35:36 AM
This is a joke, I hope.

Babylon Bee is a religion oriented (Catholic, I think, but not sure) version of the Onion.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on November 06, 2019, 06:19:28 AM
Quote from: JBS on November 06, 2019, 06:15:15 AM
Babylon Bee is a religion oriented (Catholic, I think, but not sure) version of the Onion.
Evangelical.

Justin Trudeau can regularly wear blackface and get re elected, but a black man cannot wear Justin Trudeau-face.  https://www.campusreform.org/?ID=13953 (https://www.campusreform.org/?ID=13953)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: greg on November 06, 2019, 10:41:45 AM
Quote from: SimonNZ on November 04, 2019, 04:35:48 PM
But where do you stand on the issue of Zuckerberg lifting the ban of misinformation and blatant falsehoods in political advertising on Facebook?
I'm not sure, haven't thought about it enough yet to have an opinion.


Anyways, in regards to hate speech, it is basically a crime against the new religion of social justice. Since we don't rule by religion any more, people still need to increase their position in the social hierarchy somehow, and what easier way but to shame others into lowering their position so that the righteous people appear above the non-believers.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: greg on November 06, 2019, 10:51:34 AM
Quote from: drogulus on November 04, 2019, 06:33:26 PM
     People don't need to be told how to negotiate what counts as hate speech. All they do is argue about what it is until they can agree on something they can live with. Usually nobody is completely satisfied, especially people who think there's an objective standard "out there", like the Forms of Plato.
That would be the way to do it but I could imagine it would be hard to settle on any compromise at all in this current political climate.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: drogulus on November 06, 2019, 10:57:04 AM
Quote from: greg on November 06, 2019, 10:41:45 AM
I'm not sure, haven't thought about it enough yet to have an opinion.


Anyways, in regards to hate speech, it is basically a crime against the new religion of social justice. Since we don't rule by religion any more, people still need to increase their position in the social hierarchy somehow, and what easier way but to shame others into lowering their position so that the righteous people appear above the non-believers.

     Is this a backhanded way of acknowledging that the old religion of social justice had hate speech in it?

     What do you think was good about the old rules? Was it allowing more room for people to be disparaged?

     I don't entirely embrace the new rules, partly because I'm old and partly because I'm DIY on ethics. Though I'm in a social system, it's not all me and I'm not all it.

Quote from: greg on November 06, 2019, 10:51:34 AM
That would be the way to do it but I could imagine it would be hard to settle on any compromise at all in this current political climate.

     Do it for yourself and the people you interact with. I don't attack people for being X-ists in the real world I occasionally visit.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: greg on November 06, 2019, 12:02:09 PM
Quote from: drogulus on November 06, 2019, 10:57:04 AM
     Is this a backhanded way of acknowledging that the old religion of social justice had hate speech in it?

     What do you think was good about the old rules? Was it allowing more room for people to be disparaged?

     I don't entirely embrace the new rules, partly because I'm old and partly because I'm DIY on ethics. Though I'm in a social system, it's not all me and I'm not all it.

     Do it for yourself and the people you interact with. I don't attack people for being X-ists in the real world I occasionally visit.
The old version of hate speech would be disrespecting God, while the new version is disrespecting whoever is viewed as oppressed.

I don't think anything is necessarily good about the "old rules"...

I don't normally attack people for saying bad stuff... although it's rare to hear it said seriously. (jokes i probably wouldn't attack).
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on November 06, 2019, 12:30:54 PM
First Roy Moore nearly gets elected to the US senate ... now a convicted child sex offender wins a state senate seat.  https://wjla.com/news/local/virginia-lawmaker-jailed-for-teen-sex-scandal-wins-senate-seat (https://wjla.com/news/local/virginia-lawmaker-jailed-for-teen-sex-scandal-wins-senate-seat)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: drogulus on November 06, 2019, 04:35:19 PM
Quote from: greg on November 06, 2019, 12:02:09 PM


I don't normally attack people for saying bad stuff... although it's rare to hear it said seriously. (jokes i probably wouldn't attack).

     Some fish can change sex when it suits them. They don't have a religion so it's OK.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: SimonNZ on November 06, 2019, 07:48:40 PM
T.I. Said He Goes To The Gynecologist With His Daughter Every Year To "Check Her Hymen"
The rapper added, "I will say, as of her 18th birthday, her hymen is still intact." (https://www.buzzfeednews.com/article/clarissajanlim/ti-daughter-hymen-check-doctor)

Seriously.

[...]"T.I. also noted that he was informed the hymen can be broken in ways other than through sexual penetration. "And so then they come and say, 'Well, I just want you to know that there are other ways besides sex that the hymen can be broken like bike riding, athletics, horseback riding, and just other forms of athletic physical activity,'" he said. "So I say, 'Look, Doc, she don't ride no horses, she don't ride no bike, she don't play no sports. Just check the hymen, please, and give me back my results expeditiously.'"[...]
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on November 07, 2019, 08:34:50 AM
Yo, Florestan!

https://www.thecollegefix.com/columbia-professor-who-fled-communism-resigns-says-university-is-becoming-communist/ (https://www.thecollegefix.com/columbia-professor-who-fled-communism-resigns-says-university-is-becoming-communist/)

Plus, empty your mailbox...
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Florestan on November 07, 2019, 08:41:52 AM
Quote from: Ken B on November 07, 2019, 08:34:50 AM
Yo, Florestan!

https://www.thecollegefix.com/columbia-professor-who-fled-communism-resigns-says-university-is-becoming-communist/ (https://www.thecollegefix.com/columbia-professor-who-fled-communism-resigns-says-university-is-becoming-communist/)

I've read about that already. He's an excellent theatre and opera director.

Quote
Plus, empty your mailbox...

Done.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: SimonNZ on November 07, 2019, 09:10:45 AM
By what definition is that "communist"?.

It might be time to break out that humpty dumpty quote again.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: drogulus on November 07, 2019, 09:34:47 AM
Quote from: SimonNZ on November 07, 2019, 09:10:45 AM
By what definition is that "communist"?.

It might be time to break out that humpty dumpty quote again.

     I recall Ayn Rand used to think everything she didn't like was Communist. She liked atheism, though. I guess she didn't like any form of thought control that didn't have her at the center. (http://www.good-music-guide.com/community/Smileys/classic/smiley.gif)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Florestan on November 07, 2019, 10:59:21 AM
Quote from: SimonNZ on November 07, 2019, 09:10:45 AM
By what definition is that "communist"?.

The ideological diktat fits in the bill quite nicely. Just substitute "bourgeois" for "white, heterosexual, married-with-kids male" and "proletarian" for "woman, minority or gay" and you get exactly the discourse of the Party Secretary of the National Theater in Bucharest, any time between 1948 and 1989.

QuoteIt might be time to break out that humpty dumpty quote again.

Actually, his choice of words is careful and accurate.

Quote from: Andrei ȘerbanI felt like I was living under communism again.

Spot on, Mr. Șerban, spot on.

Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: SimonNZ on November 07, 2019, 11:17:15 AM
Quote from: Florestan on November 07, 2019, 10:59:21 AM
The ideological diktat fits in the bill quite nicely.

Okay...now imagine the school was "dictating" creationist history and obligatory prayer and placed hiring practices on this preference over experience and talent. "Communism"?

I'm not arguing that the story as reported (though it seems to have been reported in a way to maximize anti-"PC" knee-jerk reaction which makes me suspicious of many of the details) makes the administration sound stupid. But "unbending authority from above" does not on its own equal "communism". Its a sloppy use of language.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on November 07, 2019, 11:17:31 AM
"his choice of words is careful and accurate "

Indeed.  "I felt like I was living under communism again" is not an assertion about an economic system. He is referring to the kind of political interference and mind control that he had previously experienced under communism. A man who had lived under Pinochet could likewise have said "I felt like I was living under fascism again".
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Florestan on November 07, 2019, 11:30:26 AM
Quote from: Ken B on November 07, 2019, 11:17:31 AM
"his choice of words is careful and accurate "

Indeed.  "I felt like I was living under communism again" is not an assertion about an economic system. He is referring to the kind of political interference and mind control that he had previously experienced under communism. A man who had lived under Pinochet could likewise have said "I felt like I was living under fascism again".

Good point.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: SimonNZ on November 07, 2019, 11:51:22 AM
No, that's not what he's saying:

" "on its way toward full blown communism," is a quote in the text.

"...says university is becoming communist" is right there in the title.


"careful and accurate"...?
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: drogulus on November 07, 2019, 12:14:15 PM
Quote from: SimonNZ on November 07, 2019, 11:51:22 AM
No, that's not what he's saying:

" "on its way toward full blown communism," is a quote in the text.

"...says university is becoming communist" is right there in the title.


"careful and accurate"...?

   

     Part of the left revolted against the post modernists in the '90s. They thought they were fighting extreme relativism and debased French philosophy.

     Sokal affair (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sokal_affair)

     I loved the Sokal Hoax. I took Sokal to be entirely correct that there was nothing progressive about the implicit intolerance, obscurantism and complete divorcement from rigor of academic postmodernese. Now that the right has adopted "alternative facts" and the assault on objectivity we upholders of standards get it from both sides.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: SimonNZ on November 07, 2019, 12:22:50 PM
the reason I'm being a bit touchy about this here is that there is a lot of loose talk flying around from the right just now that:

left equals socialism equals communism

and:

progressive equals socialism equals communism

and:

green equals socialism equals communism

and etc on specific policies where x equals socialism equals communism
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on November 07, 2019, 12:24:24 PM
Quote from: drogulus on November 07, 2019, 12:14:15 PM
   

     Part of the left revolted against the post modernists in the '90s. They thought they were fighting extreme relativism and debased French philosophy.

     Sokal affair (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sokal_affair)

     I loved the Sokal Hoax. I took Sokal to be entirely correct that there was nothing progressive about the implicit intolerance, obscurantism and complete divorcement from rigor of academic postmodernese. Now that the right has adopted "alternative facts" and the assault on objectivity we upholders of standards get it from both sides.

There were a couple good books out of that too. I read the one about Impostures; I forget the title but it is mentioned in the wiki.

I fear you have fallen for spin about "alternative facts". The way she used it and talked about it was actually quite right, there usually are alternative, that is *other* facts which are relevant to any complex issue. If you only look at 5he facts supporting one side of an argument you aren't doing it right. Example. Is Trump doing a good job on the economy? Fact 1, high employment, fact 2 astounding deficit. Both facts are relevant.

Coyne on his sire why evolution is true often has good stuff on the Pomo craziness. And Helen Pluckrose has a site; she is really good. She was part of 5he team that perpetrated the Grievance Studies hoax, aka Sokal Ii
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: drogulus on November 07, 2019, 01:57:15 PM
Quote from: Ken B on November 07, 2019, 12:24:24 PM


I fear you have fallen for spin about "alternative facts". The way she used it and talked about it was actually quite right, there usually are alternative, that is *other* facts which are relevant to any complex issue. If you only look at 5he facts supporting one side of an argument you aren't doing it right. Example. Is Trump doing a good job on the economy? Fact 1, high employment, fact 2 astounding deficit. Both facts are relevant.



     There were not alternative crowd sizes at the Trump Inauguration, and alternative falsehoods are not facts.

     The example you give of other facts to be considered is a different thing. No facts are alternatives to each other, there are alternative arguments that use different facts.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on November 07, 2019, 02:07:55 PM
Quote from: drogulus on November 07, 2019, 01:57:15 PM
     There were not alternative crowd sizes at the Trump Inauguration, and alternative falsehoods are not facts.

     The example you give of other facts to be considered is a different thing. No facts are alternatives to each other, there are alternative arguments that use different facts.

You can look only at one set of facts, but in that case there are alternative facts you might consider. That is perfectly correct. Her perfectly coherent remark was distorted by partisans. Playing dumb and pretending words cannot properly be used in multiple senses.

Indeed falsehoods are not facts. That is a clue that "alternative facts" really refers to other facts I could have considered. That's how the word works. If I listen to Karajan's Beethoven, and you tell me there are alternative recordings, I think you mean there are other recordings I could have listened to.

Actually this reminds me of the twaddle about Rumsfeld 15 years ago. I heard people who claim to be intelligent ridiculing his talk about known knowns, known unknowns, and unknown unknowns, which is actually perfectly sensible. But the allure of mockery was too strong.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: drogulus on November 07, 2019, 02:20:22 PM
Quote from: Ken B on November 07, 2019, 02:07:55 PM
You can look only at one set of facts, but in that case there are alternative facts you might consider. That is perfectly correct. Her perfectly coherent remark was distorted by partisans.

     She had no business suggesting that a set of facts existed that Shawn Spicer had to show that visible facts were wrong. She deserved the ridicule. The Trumpists use lies as alternative facts. They are not just using different facts to make alternative arguments. They are not saying "on the other hand, these facts show...".

     
Quote from: Ken B on November 07, 2019, 11:17:31 AM
"his choice of words is careful and accurate "

Indeed.  "I felt like I was living under communism again" is not an assertion about an economic system. He is referring to the kind of political interference and mind control that he had previously experienced under communism. A man who had lived under Pinochet could likewise have said "I felt like I was living under fascism again".


     I find this argument unpersuasive. Too much is excluded that we know is true about how social systems in open societies evolve. The older you are, the less you're willing to accommodate it, or the harder you find doing it. It's especially hard for people to admit the equal human worth of people who assumed to be by their very nature objects of ridicule and scorn.

     How do I handle it? It's easier for me since I'm not expected to be an authority figure that sets a good example I don't believe in. It's also easier because I don't have any rigid counterdogma to get pissed off by a different one. They all piss me off. When I recently visited a "men's room" with women in it I thought it was a novelty and mused that this was the future. It didn't seem Communist or fascist or even postmodern.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: drogulus on November 07, 2019, 02:26:22 PM

     Rumsfeld is awesome! He had a conversation with Warren Mosler that helped him develop MMT.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: SimonNZ on November 07, 2019, 02:30:22 PM
If anyone needs a reminder:

[...]

CHUCK TODD:

--excuse and you did not answer the question.

KELLYANNE CONWAY:

I did answer--

CHUCK TODD:

No you did not.

KELLYANNE CONWAY:

--your question.

CHUCK TODD:

You did not--

KELLYANNE CONWAY:

Yes I did.

CHUCK TODD:

--answer the question of why the president asked the White House press secretary to come out in front of the podium for the first time and utter a falsehood? Why did he do that? It undermines the credibility of the entire White House press office--

KELLYANNE CONWAY:

No it doesn't.

CHUCK TODD:

--on day one.

KELLYANNE CONWAY:

Don't be so overly dramatic about it, Chuck. What-- You're saying it's a falsehood. And they're giving Sean Spicer, our press secretary, gave alternative facts to that. But the point remains--

CHUCK TODD:

Wait a minute-- Alternative facts?

KELLYANNE CONWAY:

--that there's--

CHUCK TODD:

Alternative facts? Four of the five facts he uttered, the one thing he got right--

KELLYANNE CONWAY:

--hey, Chuck, why-- Hey Chuck--

CHUCK TODD:

--was Zeke Miller. Four of the five facts he uttered were just not true. Look, alternative facts are not facts. They're falsehoods.

KELLYANNE CONWAY:

Chuck, do you think it's a fact or not that millions of people have lost their plans or health insurance and their doctors under President Obama? Do you think it's a fact that everything we heard from these women yesterday happened on the watch of President Obama? He was president for eight years. Donald Trump's been here for about eight hours.

Do you think it's a fact that millions of women, 16.1 million women, as I stand here before you today, are in poverty along with their kids? Do you think it's a fact that millions don't have health care? Do you think it's a fact that we spent billions of dollars on education in the last eight years only to have millions of kids still stuck in schools that fail them every single day? These are the facts that I want the press corps to cover--

CHUCK TODD:

I--

KELLYANNE CONWAY:

--and these are-- this is why I'm here at the White House--

CHUCK TODD:

--but I understand this.

KELLYANNE CONWAY:

--to change awful--

CHUCK TODD:

What I don't understand is--

KELLYANNE CONWAY:

--numbers like that.

CHUCK TODD:

--that is not what yesterday was about. So you--

KELLYANNE CONWAY:

Yes it is.

CHUCK TODD:

--have not answered the qu-- you did not answer the question the--

KELLYANNE CONWAY:

It's what this presidency's going to be about.

CHUCK TODD:

--you sent the press secretary out there to utter a falsehood on the smallest, pettiest thing.

KELLYANNE CONWAY:

I don't think that anybody can prove the--

CHUCK TODD:

And I don't understand why you did it.

KELLYANNE CONWAY:

--look, I actually don't think that-- maybe this is me as a pollster, Chuck. And you know data well. I don't think you can prove those numbers one way or the other. There's no way to really quantify crowds. We all know that. You can laugh at me all you want. But I'm very glad--

CHUCK TODD:

I'm not laughing. I'm just--

KELLYANNE CONWAY:

--look, Chuck, I'm--

CHUCK TODD:

--befuddled.[...]

https://www.nbcnews.com/meet-the-press/meet-press-01-22-17-n710491
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on November 07, 2019, 02:35:01 PM
Quote from: drogulus on November 07, 2019, 02:20:22 PM
     She had no business suggesting that a set of facts existed that Shawn Spicer had to show that visible facts were wrong. She deserved the ridicule. The Trumpists use lies as alternative facts. They are not just using different facts to make alternative arguments. They are not saying "on the other hand, these facts show...".

     
     I find this argument unpersuasive. Too much is excluded that we know is true about how social systems in open societies evolve. The older you are, the less you're willing to accommodate it, or the harder you find doing it. It's especially hard for people to admit the equal human worth of people who assumed to be by their very nature objects of ridicule and scorn.

     How do I handle it? It's easier for me since I'm not expected to be an authority figure that sets a good example I don't believe in. It's also easier because I don't have any rigid counterdogma to get pissed off by a different one. They all piss me off. When I recently visited a "men's room" with women in it I thought it was a novelty and mused that this was the future. It didn't seem Communist or fascist or even postmodern.
"I find this argument unpersuasive"
So a man who lived under Pinochet could NOT say something reminded him of life under fascism?

What does your being or not being an authority figure have to do with how a man felt? It like saying "I have blue eyes and therefore he is lying when he said it felt to him like ..."
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: drogulus on November 07, 2019, 03:09:14 PM
Quote from: Ken B on November 07, 2019, 02:35:01 PM
"I find this argument unpersuasive"
So a man who lived under Pinochet could NOT say something reminded him of life under fascism?

What does your being or not being an authority figure have to do with how a man felt? It like saying "I have blue eyes and therefore he is lying when he said it felt to him like ..."

     I'm not denying feelings. I'm denying that his feelings are useful in determining fascism if the case is like the one in the article about Serban quitting.

     When I was young not only did I walk a thousand miles to school in blinding snowstorms, I also watched William Buckley on TV. He used to have refugees from Communist countries on (Ayn Rand included) and I got the idea that America was supposed to be going Communist. I didn't believe it, for good reason as I look back.

      Buckley was opposing Communism as much from a rival dogmatism as he was from the standpoint of an open society, which he disliked. I picked up on it.

      The other reason is that people who are experienced about Communism get that part right and open societies wrong. I never thought it was possible for my country to go Communist by being overenthusiastic about social change. I look at the countries that had gone Communist and they don't look at all like democracies in evolution.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Florestan on November 07, 2019, 10:34:38 PM
Quote from: drogulus on November 07, 2019, 02:20:22 PM
         I find this argument unpersuasive. Too much is excluded that we know is true about how social systems in open societies evolve. The older you are, the less you're willing to accommodate it, or the harder you find doing it. It's especially hard for people to admit the equal human worth of people who assumed to be by their very nature objects of ridicule and scorn.

     How do I handle it? It's easier for me since I'm not expected to be an authority figure that sets a good example I don't believe in. It's also easier because I don't have any rigid counterdogma to get pissed off by a different one. They all piss me off. When I recently visited a "men's room" with women in it I thought it was a novelty and mused that this was the future. It didn't seem Communist or fascist or even postmodern.

Quote from: drogulus on November 07, 2019, 03:09:14 PM
     I'm not denying feelings. I'm denying that his feelings are useful in determining fascism if the case is like the one in the article about Serban quitting.

     When I was young not only did I walk a thousand miles to school in blinding snowstorms, I also watched William Buckley on TV. He used to have refugees from Communist countries on (Ayn Rand included) and I got the idea that America was supposed to be going Communist. I didn't believe it, for good reason as I look back.

      Buckley was opposing Communism as much from a rival dogmatism as he was from the standpoint of an open society, which he disliked. I picked up on it.

      The other reason is that people who are experienced about Communism get that part right and open societies wrong. I never thought it was possible for my country to go Communist by being overenthusiastic about social change. I look at the countries that had gone Communist and they don't look at all like democracies in evolution.

You're clueless. Utterly clueless. I'm not surprised, though.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Florestan on November 07, 2019, 10:37:51 PM
Quote from: SimonNZ on November 07, 2019, 12:22:50 PM
left equals socialism equals communism

and:

progressive equals socialism equals communism

and:

green equals socialism equals communism


For somoeone who has direct experience with communism (say, someone born and raised in the Socialist Republic of Romania) the similarities are indeed striking and shocking.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Florestan on November 07, 2019, 10:50:25 PM
Quote from: SimonNZ on November 07, 2019, 11:51:22 AM
" "on its way toward full blown communism," is a quote in the text.

"...says university is becoming communist" is right there in the title.

Below is the relevant part of Mr. Şerban's interview (video, in Romanian). The English translations above of what he said are not accurate. The "I felt like was living under Communism again" is accurate, though. For context, just before that he said "I was forced to take a decision which was contrary to my conscience, I was ordered what to do".

I don't have time to translate the whole thing but now that I watched it in full I can only reiterate what I said before: his choice of words is careful and accurate. Btw, he begins by saying that during Trump's mandate the right has become increasingly radical.

https://www.facebook.com/100010459937800/videos/969446060080716/ (https://www.facebook.com/100010459937800/videos/969446060080716/)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: drogulus on November 08, 2019, 06:43:44 AM
Quote from: Florestan on November 07, 2019, 10:34:38 PM
You're clueless. Utterly clueless. I'm not surprised, though.

     Dogmatists hate their rivals. An open system is not admired for its openness, but opportunistically as a safe place to snipe at enemies. Solzhenitsyn won't embrace freedom, he will use what it offers him while despising how people live when they can freely choose how that is.

     I like my open society for itself, not so I can choose the means to undermine it.

Quote from: Florestan on November 07, 2019, 10:37:51 PM
For somoeone who has direct experience with communism (say, someone born and raised in the Socialist Republic of Romania) the similarities are indeed striking and shocking.

     That's the problem. That's the basis of your comparison. Therefore it doesn't occur to you how open societies grapple with coercive social movements, either the old ones or new ones as they fight with each other.

     Though I lack the experience of Communist dictatorship (or its rivals) I do have experience with social strife in the complex framework of the U.S. So even as a youngster I grasped how dogmatic people like Buckley and his anti-Communist guests interpreted freedom as room to impose a different dogma. I got the agenda, understanding openness as purely instrumental. I knew that wasn't how I understood it.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: drogulus on November 08, 2019, 08:33:28 AM

     I'll try one more time. I think there is something more deeply wrong about a dictatorship than choosing the wrong god.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: greg on November 08, 2019, 04:22:17 PM
According to Rolling Stone, No Nut November is alt-right now. Also, "Coomer" looks Jewish to them, so it must be proof that bad people exist and are highly influential.

Hmm, sounds legit. Not fake news at all.

(Also not providing a link because they don't deserve clicks).



...Perhaps we should make participation in this illegal. Make sure a government agent is assigned to watch every male in the US to do his business several times each November while being held gunpoint, even if he is crying. That should stop anti-semitism.  :)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: SimonNZ on November 08, 2019, 04:28:35 PM
Well...I couldn't work out what your post meant, so I had to give them some clicks:

How a New Meme Exposes the Far-Right Roots of #NoNutNovember
A month-long masturbation-abstinence challenge has a new "coomer" meme, mocking men who masturbate (https://www.rollingstone.com/culture/culture-features/coomer-meme-no-nut-november-nofap-908676/)

"If you spend a lot of time in certain Extremely Online corners of the internet ecosystem, you've likely stumbled onto #NoNutNovember, or just #NNN for short. An annual challenge encouraging men to refrain from masturbating (or even, for many, having any sex) for the month, No Nut November was initially created as a parody of internet-borne phenomena such as the Ice Bucket Challenge or Movember, skewering the silliness of viral internet challenges along with the more extreme claims made by proponents of NoFap, an anti-porn subreddit with half a million members. (No Nut November has no connection to NoFap, though the two are often conflated and NoFap will sometimes post #NNN memes on its social media pages, says Matthew Plummer, a community manager for NoFap.)

For most participants, the challenge is essentially an excuse to shitpost, as well as tweet memes skewering some of the more exaggerated purported benefits of abstaining from masturbation. But there are many who take it seriously, with at least 52,000 people as of this writing diligently documenting their day-by-day progress (and setbacks) on the subreddit r/NoNutNovember. r/NoNutNovember moderator /u/yeeval estimates that approximately 90% of the posts are from people "actively participating, and also there's the occasional fallen member who stays on the subreddit for the community and laughs."

Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: JBS on November 08, 2019, 04:52:26 PM
Can we blame Seinfeld?
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Contest
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: greg on November 08, 2019, 06:19:28 PM
Quote from: SimonNZ on November 08, 2019, 04:28:35 PM
If you spend a lot of time in certain Extremely Online corners of the internet ecosystem
I've heard about it from ordinary subreddits and youtube video comments, no idea what they are talking about.

Anyways, for some, it is a way to have control over one's self or something.



Quote from: JBS on November 08, 2019, 04:52:26 PM
Can we blame Seinfeld?
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Contest
That one came to mind before. Wouldn't be surprised if that was where the idea originated.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Florestan on November 09, 2019, 04:08:37 AM
Quote from: drogulus on November 08, 2019, 06:43:44 AM
     Dogmatists hate their rivals. An open system is not admired for its openness, but opportunistically as a safe place to snipe at enemies. Solzhenitsyn won't embrace freedom, he will use what it offers him while despising how people live when they can freely choose how that is.

I'll let Solzhenitsyn himself answer.

Quote from: Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn
a leading [Canadian] television commentator lectured me that I presumed to judge the experience of the world from the viewpoint of my own limited Soviet and prison-camp experience. Indeed, how true! Life and death, imprisonment and hunger, the cultivation of the soul despite the captivity of the body: how very limited that is compared to the bright world of political parties, yesterday's numbers on the stock exchange, amusements without end, and exotic foreign travel!

   



Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: drogulus on November 09, 2019, 01:48:51 PM
     
Quote from: Florestan on November 09, 2019, 04:08:37 AM
I'll let Solzhenitsyn himself answer.

Quotea leading [Canadian] television commentator lectured me that I presumed to judge the experience of the world from the viewpoint of my own limited Soviet and prison-camp experience. Indeed, how true! Life and death, imprisonment and hunger, the cultivation of the soul despite the captivity of the body: how very limited that is compared to the bright world of political parties, yesterday's numbers on the stock exchange, amusements without end, and exotic foreign travel!


     Yes, that's exactly what I mean.  He doesn't see merely free people as worthy like himself.

     Saints and mad monks don't impress me. They are not models. They can't take a joke or tell a joke. They are not fun!! (http://www.good-music-guide.com/community/Smileys/classic/angry.gif)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: JBS on November 09, 2019, 04:14:16 PM
Drogulus is right. The quote merely demonstrates that AS thought that his years in the Gulag made him superior to those who had not suffered like him, and gave him the right to sneer at people who led normal lives...as if suffering in and of itself gives an extra level of virtue and knowledge. Amfortas should have healed Parsifal, not vice versa.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: SimonNZ on November 09, 2019, 05:19:13 PM
I've read quite a lot, if not most, of Solzhenitsyn's writing and I've never seen him come across like that.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: JBS on November 09, 2019, 05:43:29 PM
Quote from: SimonNZ on November 09, 2019, 05:19:13 PM
I've read quite a lot, if not most, of Solzhenitsyn's writing and I've never seen him come across like that.

Read the section subtitled "Criticism of the West"
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aleksandr_Solzhenitsyn

His censure of Western materialism is certainly in the vein of what that quote says. To me it reads like the words of a man who despised the West.

(And he managed to say the Vietnam War was a genocide by the Americans, but the Holodomor was not a genocide.)

What I have read of his fiction supports your comment, but apparently expulsion from Russia and then the fall of the Soviets  allowed his basic conservatism to express itself in an attempt  to absolve Russians of the sins of the Soviets.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: SimonNZ on November 09, 2019, 06:04:39 PM
I'm not at all familiar with his interviews or later utterances as a public intellectual. I don't doubt he said the things in that section (they also don't seem groundless or especially crazy). I was saying the arrogant tone of the earlier quote is nowhere in his remarkable Soviet-era body of writing, not just the novels but also in the three volumes of the Gulag Archipelago and the two volumes of literary memoir The Oak And The Calf and Invisible Allies. There's no hint anywhere that he sees prison survivors as somehow "superior". It would be a pity if anyone unfamiliar thought that was representative.

Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: JBS on November 09, 2019, 06:13:11 PM
Quote from: SimonNZ on November 09, 2019, 06:04:39 PM
I'm not at all familiar with his interviews or later utterances as a public intellectual. I don't doubt he said the things in that section (they also don't seem groundless or especially crazy). I was saying the arrogant tone of the earlier quote is nowhere in his remarkable Soviet-era body of writing, not just the novels but also in the three volumes of the Gulag Archipelago and the two volumes of literary memoir The Oak And The Calf and Invisible Allies. There's no hint anywhere that he sees prison survivors as somehow "superior". It would be a pity if anyone unfamiliar thought that was representative.

Fair enough.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Florestan on November 09, 2019, 11:48:30 PM
He's actually spot on. People who have lived all theiir life in comfort and security will never be able to understand fully what it means to live under a totalitarian regime. The reactions here --- which are based on a complete misunderstanding of his point --- are proof enough.

As someone who risked his life and liberty in order to fight communism he is clearly morally superior to some Westerners ---- not to the common people of the West as you wrongly infer, but to all those who, while Solzhenitsyn and hundreds of thousands of others suffered in the Gulag, preached about how wonderful communism is and what a blessing it would be for the West to have it, all the while enjoying the political, social and material comfort and security made possible by the very society they so much despised and wanted to see overthrown. And while Solzhenitsyn, who was never a threat to the West anyway, is dead, the number of people like those I described above is probably larger than it was during his lifetime, and their ideas and actions do pose a threat to the Western civilization.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: SimonNZ on November 10, 2019, 12:17:01 AM
Quote from: Florestan on November 09, 2019, 11:48:30 PM
He's actually spot on. People who have lived all theiir life in comfort and security will never be able to understand fully what it means to live under a totalitarian regime. The reactions here --- which are based on a complete misunderstanding of his point --- are proof enough.


But that quote you found was about "prison camp experience". Do you have this? Will you be happy being told that without it you understand nothing?

What was the source and context of that quote, btw?
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Florestan on November 10, 2019, 12:53:59 AM
Quote from: SimonNZ on November 10, 2019, 12:17:01 AM
But that quote you found was about "prison camp experience". Do you have this? Will you be happy being told that without it you understand nothing?

Fortunately, I don't have such experience but I'll tell you something. After 1989 it was discovered that some of the former political prisoners had become informers of the secret police in exchange for a better treatment or even release. Shock and outrage ensued but I was neither shocked nor outraged. Not a single one of those who condemned these people had experienced life in communist political prisons and the psychological and physical distress inflicted therein and therefore not a single one of them could have been able to state "I would certainly not have done that". So you see, I don't need to be told that without prison experience I don't understand ulterior behavior --- I know it myself.

Quote
What was the source and context of that quote, btw?

https://www.the-tls.co.uk/articles/public/solzhenitsyn-as-he-saw-himself/ (https://www.the-tls.co.uk/articles/public/solzhenitsyn-as-he-saw-himself/)

The whole article is the context; the quote is found in the very last paragraph.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Florestan on November 10, 2019, 01:20:26 AM
Entirely unrelated to Solzhenitsyn.

https://quillette.com/2019/09/17/i-basically-just-made-it-up-confessions-of-a-social-constructionist/ (https://quillette.com/2019/09/17/i-basically-just-made-it-up-confessions-of-a-social-constructionist/)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: drogulus on November 10, 2019, 05:34:10 AM

     
Quote from: Florestan on November 09, 2019, 11:48:30 PM
He's actually spot on. People who have lived all theiir life in comfort and security will never be able to understand fully what it means to live under a totalitarian regime. The reactions here --- which are based on a complete misunderstanding of his point --- are proof enough.



     I would prefer not to live in a prison society so I know what it means. The point of an open society is that you can read In The First Circle, not live it.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on November 10, 2019, 06:17:37 AM
And yet I remember Frederick Douglass thinking his experience as a slave gave him some standing on the issue of slavery.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: drogulus on November 10, 2019, 09:10:03 AM
Quote from: Ken B on November 10, 2019, 06:17:37 AM
And yet I remember Frederick Douglass thinking his experience as a slave gave him some standing on the issue of slavery.

     He didn't think slavery was something people should experience in order to understand the meaning of life. Slavery did give him great understanding of the meaning of freedom, no one doubts that. The contrast with Solzhenitsyn is stark, I would say.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Florestan on November 10, 2019, 09:17:45 AM
Quote from: drogulus on November 10, 2019, 09:10:03 AM
     He didn't think slavery was something people should experience in order to understand the meaning of life. Slavery did give him great understanding of the meaning of freedom, no one doubts that. The contrast with Solzhenitsyn is stark, I would say.

I strongly suspect that you have not read one single paragraph written by Solzhenitsyn, let alone a whole book --- and this would actually be in your advantage, because if you have indeed read him and came to the conclusion that he promoted the idea that people should experience Gulag in order to understand the meaning of life or freedom then your reading comprehension skills are way below those of a newborn.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: drogulus on November 10, 2019, 09:24:58 AM
Quote from: Florestan on November 10, 2019, 09:17:45 AM
I strongly suspect that you have not read one single paragraph written by Solzhenitsyn, let alone a whole book --- and this would actually be in your advantage, because if you have indeed read him and came to the conclusion that he promoted the idea that people should experience Gulag in order to understand the meaning of life or freedom then your reading comprehension skills are way below those of a newborn.

     I'll bet you do. I read One Day in the Life of Ivan Denisovich and In The First Circle, both many years ago. There's nothing in the books that would indicate how he would turn against free people when he had the opportunity to live among them. I was surprised when I learned of his diatribes against the West. Perhaps I thought he would understand freedom as well as he understood imprisonment. He did not.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: JBS on November 10, 2019, 09:26:33 AM
Quote from: Florestan on November 10, 2019, 09:17:45 AM
I strongly suspect that you have not read one single paragraph written by Solzhenitsyn, let alone a whole book --- and this would actually be in your advantage, because if you have indeed read him and came to the conclusion that he promoted the idea that people should experience Gulag in order to understand the meaning of life or freedom then your reading comprehension skills are way below those of a newborn.

Go back and look at the quote.  He was not condemning his Canadian interlocutor for being sympathetic to Communism. He gives no indication what the man's opinions are.  He was condemning him for enjoying the comforts of Western capitalist society, and claiming that his suffering in the camps in and of itself made him superior to the other man.

It is at the least consistent with his criticism of EuroAmerican materialism.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Florestan on November 10, 2019, 09:30:41 AM
Quote from: drogulus on November 10, 2019, 09:24:58 AM
     I'll bet you do. I read One Day in the Life of Ivan Denisovich and In The First Circle, both many years ago. There's nothing in the books that would indicate how he would turn against free people when he had the opportunity to live among them. I was surprised when I learned of his diatribes against the West. Perhaps I thought he would understand freedom as well as he understood imprisonment. He did not.

This is wrong on so many levels that I don't even know where to begin. I'd better not begin at all, you're obviously clueless.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: drogulus on November 10, 2019, 09:36:53 AM

     Trivially pursuing ones own conception of the good life is one of the virtues of freedom. It's not all there is to it, certainly not for me it isn't. I would rather people not be forced to live on the edge of an existential crisis every day to enhance their moral worth.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: JBS on November 10, 2019, 09:38:12 AM
Quote from: Florestan on November 10, 2019, 09:30:41 AM
This is wrong on so many levels that I don't even know where to begin. I'd better not begin at all, you're obviously clueless.

Drogulus is right.  His books were mercilessly accurate depictions of life in Soviet Russia, and displayed everything that was wrong with life under totalitarianism.  One would assume from them he was a supporter of liberal freedom.

Yet when he lived in the West, he hated the society he saw around him, and took refuge in classic Russian nationalism. He ended his life as a supporter of Putin.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Florestan on November 10, 2019, 09:43:45 AM
Quote from: JBS on November 10, 2019, 09:26:33 AM
Go back and look at the quote.  He was not condemning his Canadian interlocutor for being sympathetic to Communism. He gives no indication what the man's opinions are. He was condemning him for enjoying the comforts of Western capitalist society, and claiming that his suffering in the camps in and of itself made him superior to the other man.

This interpretation is far off the mark and frankly I'm surprised that you obstinately cling to it. But nevermind, go ahead, think what you want. I'm not going to get into a polemic with you, or anyone else, about that. I will make one last point, though: I'm greatly puzzled by your (plural) accepting left-wing ciritiques of the West as an expression of freedom in an open society while at the same time denouncing right-wing critiques of the self-same West as an expression of hatred and contempt for freedom in an open society. And taking into account that, as I said previously, while Solzhenitsyn is dead and he never thought of turning the West upside down anyway, the number of those who want precisely that is legion, the puzzlement is even greater.

And this is going to be my last post on the issue.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Florestan on November 10, 2019, 09:45:06 AM
Quote from: JBS on November 10, 2019, 09:38:12 AM
Drogulus is right.  His books were mercilessly accurate depictions of life in Soviet Russia, and displayed everything that was wrong with life under totalitarianism.  One would assume from them he was a supporter of liberal freedom.

Yet when he lived in the West, he hated the society he saw around him,

No, he did not. I'm sorry to say it but you're as clueless as drogulus. Don't bother to reply, see my post above this one.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: drogulus on November 10, 2019, 09:55:54 AM
     I want to tinker with a free society just like other people on the left and right do., by trimming a little here and adding a little there. It's worth arguing about from a common perspective of supporting a free society that remains open to such debates about how a free society can evolve.

     Personally my conception is neo-Darwinian, that the future comes out of course correction with no fixed end state like heaven or hell or Atlantic City. There's lots of improvisation within a capacious rule set.

Quoteclueless as drogulus

As if....!! (http://www.good-music-guide.com/community/Smileys/classic/cheesy.gif)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on November 10, 2019, 09:57:56 AM
The vaping threat was bogus.

https://reason.org/commentary/cdc-started-a-vaping-panic-now-its-admitting-vitamin-e-acetate-in-illegal-products-is-to-blame/ (https://reason.org/commentary/cdc-started-a-vaping-panic-now-its-admitting-vitamin-e-acetate-in-illegal-products-is-to-blame/)

This is actually pretty big. The CDC screwed up badly. Vaping is an important form of harm reduction.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: drogulus on November 10, 2019, 10:02:51 AM
Quote from: Ken B on November 10, 2019, 09:57:56 AM
The vaping threat was bogus.

https://reason.org/commentary/cdc-started-a-vaping-panic-now-its-admitting-vitamin-e-acetate-in-illegal-products-is-to-blame/ (https://reason.org/commentary/cdc-started-a-vaping-panic-now-its-admitting-vitamin-e-acetate-in-illegal-products-is-to-blame/)

This is actually pretty big. The CDC screwed up badly. Vaping is an important form of harm reduction.

     In Massachusetts we have a ban in effect on all nicotine e-cigs. Undoubtedly some damage is being done as smokers relapse.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on November 10, 2019, 12:59:45 PM
The return of proof texting. Take JBS's comment about the Ukraine. AS did deny the Holomodor was genocide, because he didn't think the reason for it was genocidal. But to proof text like that is misleading. He never minimized or excused it in any way.
"It was a system which, in time of peace, artificially created a famine, causing 6 million people to die in the Ukraine in 1932 and 1933. .... they died on the very edge of Europe. And Europe didn't even notice it. The world didn't even notice it—6 million people!"
AS was calling attention to it at a time when most leftists denied it ever happened.
There can be other reasons for mass murder than genocide. Mao starved 30 million.

AS hated a lot of what he saw in the west. (Raise your hands those who hate Trump being president, or hated Jim Crow) But he also valued and praised its liberty and freedom.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: JBS on November 10, 2019, 01:12:29 PM
Quote from: Ken B on November 10, 2019, 12:59:45 PM
The return of proof texting. Take JBS's comment about the Ukraine. AS did deny the Holomodor was genocide, because he didn't think the reason for it was genocidal. But to proof text like that is misleading. He never minimized or excused it in any way.
"It was a system which, in time of peace, artificially created a famine, causing 6 million people to die in the Ukraine in 1932 and 1933. .... they died on the very edge of Europe. And Europe didn't even notice it. The world didn't even notice it—6 million people!"
AS was calling attention to it at a time when most leftists denied it ever happened.
There can be other reasons for mass murder than genocide. Mao starved 30 million.

AS hated a lot of what he saw in the west. (Raise your hands those who hate Trump being president, or hated Jim Crow) But he also valued and praised its liberty and freedom.

The full quote refers to the famine that happened during the Russian Civil War as being equal in scope and equally caused by the Bolsheviks. It was part of his  premise that Russia was not the same as the Soviet Union, and that the Russian people were as much a victim of Communism as any other group.

But you managed to omit the context of my criticism, which was that while he didn't want to call the Holomodor genocide, he happily slapped the label of "genocide" on America's involvement in the Vietnam war.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on November 10, 2019, 01:27:42 PM
Quote from: JBS on November 10, 2019, 01:12:29 PM
The full quote refers to the famine that happened during the Russian Civil War as being equal in scope and equally caused by the Bolsheviks. It was part of his  premise that Russia was not the same as the Soviet Union, and that the Russian people were as much a victim of Communism as any other group.

But you managed to omit the context of my criticism, which was that while he didn't want to call the Holomodor genocide, he happily slapped the label of "genocide" on America's involvement in the Vietnam war.
But I am not arguing we should accept his judgment. I am refuting the false claim he simply hated the west, tout court. 

I don't know enough about 1921 to judge his claim.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: SimonNZ on November 10, 2019, 02:02:26 PM
Learning just now that The First Circle was at some point made into a miniseries with Christopher Plummer and F Murray Abraham:

(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/2/21/The_First_Circle_%281992_film%29.jpg/250px-The_First_Circle_%281992_film%29.jpg)

The First Circle was probably my favorite book when I was in my late teens, so it surprises me that I never picked up on that.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: drogulus on November 10, 2019, 02:19:51 PM
Quote from: SimonNZ on November 10, 2019, 02:02:26 PM
Learning just now that The First Circle was at some point made into a miniseries with Christopher Plummer and F Murray Abraham:

(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/2/21/The_First_Circle_%281992_film%29.jpg/250px-The_First_Circle_%281992_film%29.jpg)

The First Circle was probably my favorite book when I was in my late teens, so it surprises me that I never picked up on that.

     I just ordered the DVD.

     I'm not aware of any balancing AS did that would indicate he hated some things about the West but appreciated others, unless you count the fact that he lived in Vermont for 20 years without protest against his neighbors. He wrote a letter thanking them. Maybe he liked some Americans as individuals. He didn't bite their hands at least.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on November 10, 2019, 02:21:45 PM
Quote from: drogulus on November 10, 2019, 02:19:51 PM
     I just ordered the DVD.

     I'm not aware of any balancing AS did that would indicate he hated some things about the West but appreciated others, unless you count the fact that he lived in Vermont for 20 years without protest against his neighbors. He wrote a letter thanking them. Maybe he liked some Americans as individuals. He didn't bite their hands at least.
You read one book, right? His shortest one?
Just checking.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: SimonNZ on November 10, 2019, 02:54:45 PM
Quote from: Ken B on November 10, 2019, 02:21:45 PM
You read one book, right? His shortest one?
Just checking.

Quote from: drogulus on November 10, 2019, 09:24:58 AM
     I'll bet you do. I read One Day in the Life of Ivan Denisovich and In The First Circle, both many years ago. There's nothing in the books that would indicate how he would turn against free people when he had the opportunity to live among them. I was surprised when I learned of his diatribes against the West. Perhaps I thought he would understand freedom as well as he understood imprisonment. He did not.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: drogulus on November 10, 2019, 03:12:47 PM
Quote from: Ken B on November 10, 2019, 02:21:45 PM
You read one book, right? His shortest one?
Just checking.

     I don't know which one was the shortest. But as I said before I didn't read anything that would lead me to believe he would be as hostile to the West as he turned out to be.

     It also doesn't matter if he secretly liked some things about a free godless materialistic society, does it? He kept his praise secret or there was no secret to keep. It's all the same to me.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: JBS on November 10, 2019, 03:53:54 PM
https://www-m.cnn.com/2019/11/10/americas/bolivia-new-election-audit/index.html
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Florestan on November 10, 2019, 09:26:11 PM
^^^ At last! Excellent news. And: the fact that he didn't cling to power at all costs is to Morales' credit. He's obviously from a different stock than Maduro.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: milk on November 12, 2019, 12:56:56 AM
Quote from: Florestan on November 10, 2019, 09:26:11 PM
^^^ At last! Excellent news. And: the fact that he didn't cling to power at all costs is to Morales' credit. He's obviously from a different stock than Maduro.
My socialist friends think it's a western conspiracy. By all accounts his policies lifted Bolivia. Yet, why did he not help the next generation to assume leadership in this service of his goals? Instead, he hung on in a bad way. Power corrupts.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Florestan on November 12, 2019, 04:55:48 AM
Quote from: milk on November 12, 2019, 12:56:56 AM
My socialist friends think it's a western conspiracy. By all accounts his policies lifted Bolivia.

My paternal aunt's Spanish husband is a card-carrying Socialist. He has visited Bolivia several times during the last decade and each time was aghast at the level of poverty and corruption he saw.

Quotewhy did he not help the next generation to assume leadership in this service of his goals? Instead, he hung on in a bad way. Power corrupts.

Maybe because the next generation opposed his goals and policies which generated what my Socialist friend witnessed first-hand?
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on November 12, 2019, 01:41:27 PM
Denmark is temporarily closing its border with Sweden.
It is news to me that European countries have borders; I have been repeatedly told borders are immoral.
Copenhagen has had 13 bombings this year!
https://www.breitbart.com/europe/2019/11/11/as-bombings-spread-denmark-closes-border-with-sweden/ (https://www.breitbart.com/europe/2019/11/11/as-bombings-spread-denmark-closes-border-with-sweden/)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: drogulus on November 12, 2019, 03:28:23 PM


     Checking IDs at the border doesn't seem that immoral. I'd settle for that.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on November 12, 2019, 05:14:49 PM
Quote from: drogulus on November 12, 2019, 03:28:23 PM

     Checking IDs at the border doesn't seem that immoral. I'd settle for that.
Canada is so backward we actually do that at polling stations!
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: drogulus on November 12, 2019, 06:51:49 PM
Quote from: Ken B on November 12, 2019, 05:14:49 PM
Canada is so backward we actually do that at polling stations!

     Do you have violent gangs of voters?
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on November 12, 2019, 08:54:00 PM
Quote from: drogulus on November 12, 2019, 06:51:49 PM
     Do you have violent gangs of voters?
We do in fact have street thugs who intimidate voters and get violent. I posted about it on this thread. The thugs found an apologist for their thuggery here too.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: SimonNZ on November 12, 2019, 11:14:35 PM
Quote from: Ken B on November 12, 2019, 08:54:00 PM
We do in fact have street thugs who intimidate voters and get violent. I posted about it on this thread. The thugs found an apologist for their thuggery here too.

I could explain how that misrepresents the discussion we had. But now you've apparently got me on ignore and can make cheap shots like that without having to bother yourself about what the response might be.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: drogulus on November 13, 2019, 04:33:49 AM

     I'm glad I live where I do. If we had voter intimidation gangs we'd ask for their IDs. There's no need to bother the voters.

     
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: zamyrabyrd on November 13, 2019, 04:46:37 AM
Quote from: Ken B on November 12, 2019, 01:41:27 PM
Denmark is temporarily closing its border with Sweden.
It is news to me that European countries have borders; I have been repeatedly told borders are immoral.
Copenhagen has had 13 bombings this year!
https://www.breitbart.com/europe/2019/11/11/as-bombings-spread-denmark-closes-border-with-sweden/ (https://www.breitbart.com/europe/2019/11/11/as-bombings-spread-denmark-closes-border-with-sweden/)

No need to shut the borders, just do background profiling on who wants to come in!
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on November 13, 2019, 12:32:45 PM
Quote from: zamyrabyrd on November 13, 2019, 04:46:37 AM
No need to shut the borders, just do background profiling on who wants to come in!

Sweden is a very bomby place.
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-50339977? (https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-50339977?)

Didn't use to be.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: zamyrabyrd on November 14, 2019, 12:14:47 AM
Quote from: Ken B on November 13, 2019, 12:32:45 PM
Sweden is a very bomby place.
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-50339977? (https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-50339977?)
Didn't use to be.

Gosh, wonder why? Could it be the M word? Migrants who never had any intention of assimilating to Scandinavian society? The thought is ridiculous anyway... All cultures are supposed to be equal and therefore mixable.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Florestan on November 14, 2019, 12:23:31 AM
Quote from: zamyrabyrd on November 14, 2019, 12:14:47 AM
Gosh, wonder why? Could it be the M word?

The M word (actually words) and the I word (actually words). They could all be safely lumped under the P or the L word.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: zamyrabyrd on November 14, 2019, 12:26:54 AM
Quote from: Florestan on November 14, 2019, 12:23:31 AM
The M word (actually words) and the I word (actually words). They could all be safely lumped under the P or the L word.

Do you mean Poor and Lovable?
How about the C word, Criminal?
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: zamyrabyrd on November 14, 2019, 01:21:52 AM
Quote from: Ken B on November 13, 2019, 12:32:45 PM
Sweden is a very bomby place.
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-50339977? (https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-50339977?)
Didn't use to be.
Sweden's 100 explosions this year: What's going on?

"This category of crime was not even logged prior to 2017. Then, in 2018, there were 162 explosions and in the past two months alone the bomb squad have been called to almost 30. 'Bangers, improvised explosives and hand grenades are behind most of the blasts', says Linda H Straaf, head of intelligence at Sweden's National Operations Department."

Words of wisdom so as not to scare the people, much less revealing it on CCN and the rest of the big media:

"This is a serious situation, but most people shouldn't be worried, because they are not going to be affected."

Gee, thanks! can you put this guarantee in writing?

Wow, you have to go half way through the article to find this which is pretty good for the BBC seeing they have similar problems of their own in explaining away local "gang violence":

"Swedish police do not record or release the ethnicity of suspects or convicted criminals, but intelligence chief Linda H Straaf says many do share a similar profile. "They have grown up in Sweden and they are from socio-economically weak groups, socio-economically weak areas, and many are perhaps second- or third-generation immigrants," she says.

Ideological debates about immigration have intensified since Sweden took in the highest number of asylum seekers per capita in the EU during the migrant crisis of 2015.

For many on the political right the explosions add fuel to their argument that Sweden has struggled to integrate migrants over the past two decades.
"In the future the situation might grow even bigger and even more problematic," says Mira Aksoy, who describes herself as a national conservative writer.
'Since they are in the same area, they are in the same mindset. It's easy for them to connect to each other. They don't feel like they should become a part of Sweden and they stay in their segregated communities and start doing crimes.'"

Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Florestan on November 14, 2019, 02:28:14 AM
Quote from: zamyrabyrd on November 14, 2019, 12:26:54 AM
Do you mean Poor and Lovable?
How about the C word, Criminal?

Islamism. Imams. Mosques.

Multiculturalism. Immigration. Insanity. Inanity.

Progressive. Left.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on November 14, 2019, 05:54:21 AM
Rod Stewart spent 23 years making an astounding model city. Yes, that Rod Stewart.
https://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-50403561 (https://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-50403561)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: JBS on November 14, 2019, 04:19:20 PM
https://news.bloomberglaw.com/us-law-week/indiana-judges-suspended-after-drunken-white-castle-fight
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on November 15, 2019, 02:11:33 PM
I guess there is no such thing as bad publicity...

A comic is suing Netflix for offering her less than they paid Ellen DeGeneres or Chris Rock ...

https://www.thewrap.com/monique-sues-netflix-over-discriminatory-pay-offer-for-stand-up-special/ (https://www.thewrap.com/monique-sues-netflix-over-discriminatory-pay-offer-for-stand-up-special/)

In Canada, frivolous lawsuits can be punished, by the award of legal fees, or in some cases barring you from further litigation.

Here is an example of the latter. It's really pretty funny except that her abuse causes people a lot of trouble.
https://www.thestar.com/news/queenspark/2017/07/04/judge-tells-ontario-woman-who-has-sued-dozens-she-is-no-longer-welcome-in-court.html (https://www.thestar.com/news/queenspark/2017/07/04/judge-tells-ontario-woman-who-has-sued-dozens-she-is-no-longer-welcome-in-court.html)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: greg on November 15, 2019, 03:02:59 PM
Quote from: Ken B on November 15, 2019, 02:11:33 PM
I guess there is no such thing as bad publicity...

A comic is suing Netflix for offering her less than they paid Ellen DeGeneres or Chris Rock ...

https://www.thewrap.com/monique-sues-netflix-over-discriminatory-pay-offer-for-stand-up-special/ (https://www.thewrap.com/monique-sues-netflix-over-discriminatory-pay-offer-for-stand-up-special/)

In Canada, frivolous lawsuits can be punished, by the award of legal fees, or in some cases barring you from further litigation.

Here is an example of the latter. It's really pretty funny except that her abuse causes people a lot of trouble.
https://www.thestar.com/news/queenspark/2017/07/04/judge-tells-ontario-woman-who-has-sued-dozens-she-is-no-longer-welcome-in-court.html (https://www.thestar.com/news/queenspark/2017/07/04/judge-tells-ontario-woman-who-has-sued-dozens-she-is-no-longer-welcome-in-court.html)

Or compared to Dave Chapelle.

He's the only comedian who can announce he's going to my city in the short notice of like 2 days and the shows sell out, and have people at work talking about going.

If she came here, I guarantee that no one would be talking about it at work. That's why she's making less.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on November 16, 2019, 05:38:18 PM
Colin Kaepernick throws passes for 40 minutes at workout, urges NFL to 'stop running' (https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/28095462/colin-kaepernick-throws-passes-40-minutes-workout-urges-nfl-stop-running)

I fancy The Onion's take on the naughty QB's possible comeback:

Colin Kaepernick's Agents Assure Teams His CTE Has Progressed Just As Much As Other Players Over 3-Year Hiatus (https://sports.theonion.com/colin-kaepernick-s-agents-assure-teams-his-cte-has-prog-1839895933)

Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on November 17, 2019, 06:31:38 AM
Twitter is not yet all of the world.
https://www.al.com/life/2019/11/covered-waffle-house-customers-step-in-to-fill-gap-at-birmingham-restaurant.html (https://www.al.com/life/2019/11/covered-waffle-house-customers-step-in-to-fill-gap-at-birmingham-restaurant.html)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on November 17, 2019, 01:01:58 PM
Secret Labour Party group

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-7693489/amp/Labour-Election-candidate-ran-secret-Facebook-group-advises-party-Holocaust-deniers.html?__twitter_impression=true (https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-7693489/amp/Labour-Election-candidate-ran-secret-Facebook-group-advises-party-Holocaust-deniers.html?__twitter_impression=true)

This is my shocked face:  :blank:
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on November 18, 2019, 01:32:43 PM
"I hate it here!"

Sound familiar?

https://www.campusreform.org/?ID=14003 (https://www.campusreform.org/?ID=14003)

It would take a heart of stone not to laugh. But the invocation of the spirit of George Wallace And Lester Maddox  is worth noting.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on November 19, 2019, 09:38:30 AM
Stanley Milgram, fraud.  https://www.psypost.org/2019/11/unpublished-data-from-stanley-milgrams-experiments-casts-doubts-on-his-claims-about-obedience-54921 (https://www.psypost.org/2019/11/unpublished-data-from-stanley-milgrams-experiments-casts-doubts-on-his-claims-about-obedience-54921)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on November 20, 2019, 06:10:28 PM
Chinese camps for Uighurs  https://www.businessinsider.com/china-uighur-prison-camp-suspected-locations-maps-2019-11 (https://www.businessinsider.com/china-uighur-prison-camp-suspected-locations-maps-2019-11)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Florestan on November 20, 2019, 11:40:50 PM
Quote from: Ken B on November 20, 2019, 06:10:28 PM
Chinese camps for Uighurs  https://www.businessinsider.com/china-uighur-prison-camp-suspected-locations-maps-2019-11 (https://www.businessinsider.com/china-uighur-prison-camp-suspected-locations-maps-2019-11)

Quote: China has tried to prevent journalists from reporting on what goes on inside those camps. It has formally acknowledged the existence of some of these camps, but euphemistically calls them "re-education camps," or says they offer "free vocational training."

That nice euphemism for forced labor looks as taken straight from some posts here on GMG.  ;D
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on November 21, 2019, 09:55:32 AM
Quote from: Florestan on November 20, 2019, 11:40:50 PM
Quote: China has tried to prevent journalists from reporting on what goes on inside those camps. It has formally acknowledged the existence of some of these camps, but euphemistically calls them "re-education camps," or says they offer "free vocational training."

That nice euphemism for forced labor looks as taken straight from some posts here on GMG.  ;D

They are looking at Christians too.  https://churchleaders.com/news/366396-chinese-government-scanning-churchgoers-faces-fingers.html (https://churchleaders.com/news/366396-chinese-government-scanning-churchgoers-faces-fingers.html)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: JBS on November 21, 2019, 06:50:21 PM
https://www.timesofisrael.com/ag-announces-netanyahu-to-stand-trial-for-bribery-fraud-and-breach-of-trust/
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on November 21, 2019, 07:28:44 PM
Quote from: JBS on November 21, 2019, 06:50:21 PM
https://www.timesofisrael.com/ag-announces-netanyahu-to-stand-trial-for-bribery-fraud-and-breach-of-trust/
The AG is known as a straight shooter and is a member of Likud so this does not look like just politics.

Bibi should dress in blackface. Worked for our Prime Minstrel.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Florestan on November 21, 2019, 10:43:18 PM
Quote from: Ken B on November 21, 2019, 09:55:32 AM
They are looking at Christians too.  https://churchleaders.com/news/366396-chinese-government-scanning-churchgoers-faces-fingers.html (https://churchleaders.com/news/366396-chinese-government-scanning-churchgoers-faces-fingers.html)

I'm not surprised in the least.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on November 23, 2019, 06:53:13 AM
This article could be clearer, but the headline is borne out: the university tribunal really did say threesomes were outrageous and no rational woman would consent to one.

https://www.thecollegefix.com/judge-approves-title-ix-suit-against-university-for-saying-women-cant-consent-to-threesomes/ (https://www.thecollegefix.com/judge-approves-title-ix-suit-against-university-for-saying-women-cant-consent-to-threesomes/)

The new Puritans.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on November 23, 2019, 03:15:23 PM
Quote from: Ken B on November 23, 2019, 06:53:13 AM
This article could be clearer, but the headline is borne out: the university tribunal really did say threesomes were outrageous and no rational woman would consent to one.


What if the threesome involved three Women and Gender Studies majors?
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on November 23, 2019, 03:25:36 PM
Quote from: Todd on November 23, 2019, 03:15:23 PM

What if the threesome involved three Women and Gender Studies majors?

Ah well, I think I answered that  ;)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on November 23, 2019, 04:33:52 PM
Ruth Bader Ginsburg admitted to hospital after chills and a fever (https://www.cnn.com/2019/11/23/politics/ruth-bader-ginsburg-supreme-court-hospital/index.html)

It's CNN, so it's fake news.

Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on November 24, 2019, 06:25:20 AM
Borat embraces censorship. (https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2019/nov/22/sacha-baron-cohen-facebook-propaganda)

The bit about people he deems publishers being sent to jail is surreal.  One is forced to conclude his speech was really an act.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on November 24, 2019, 06:44:38 AM
Quote from: Todd on November 24, 2019, 06:25:20 AM
Borat embraces censorship. (https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2019/nov/22/sacha-baron-cohen-facebook-propaganda)

The bit about people he deems publishers being sent to jail is surreal.  One is forced to conclude his speech was really an act.

So, playing along for a moment, he wants Zuckerberg et al to exert more power doesn't he? After he complains about the Super Six having so much power, he then complains they don't exercise it.

Perhaps most revealing is his remark about Goebbels and Facebook. Goebbels succeed precisely by using the force of law to restrict information and argument. You can read about China's Uighur camps on Facebook right now. Well, you can here. You cannot in China; they practice Baron-Cohenism in re Facebook.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on November 24, 2019, 11:32:47 AM
An excellent post by Jerry Coyne on a recent bit of academic mau-mauing.  https://whyevolutionistrue.wordpress.com/2019/11/24/uc-davis-math-professor-demonized-for-criticizing-required-diversity-statements-for-academic-jobs/ (https://whyevolutionistrue.wordpress.com/2019/11/24/uc-davis-math-professor-demonized-for-criticizing-required-diversity-statements-for-academic-jobs/)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Florestan on November 24, 2019, 11:42:31 AM
Today we had presidential elections in Romania.

Klaus Iohannis, the incumbent center-right president mopped the floor with his competitor, the former Social-Democratic prime-minister Viorica Dăncilă, winning 65% of the votes.

In a single year, the Social-Democratic Party lost the elections for the European Parliament, lost the government following a no-confidence vote and today lost the presidential elections too (actually, the last time they won a presidential election was in 2000). They are groggy. And I am extrermely pleased.

Yay! 8)

Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: dissily Mordentroge on November 24, 2019, 12:54:31 PM
Quote from: Ken B on November 24, 2019, 11:32:47 AM
An excellent post by Jerry Coyne on a recent bit of academic mau-mauing.  https://whyevolutionistrue.wordpress.com/2019/11/24/uc-davis-math-professor-demonized-for-criticizing-required-diversity-statements-for-academic-jobs/ (https://whyevolutionistrue.wordpress.com/2019/11/24/uc-davis-math-professor-demonized-for-criticizing-required-diversity-statements-for-academic-jobs/)
"We should continue to do all we can to reduce barriers to participation in this most beautiful of fields." Well she did open a can of worms with that assertion.
Has it ever occurred to mathematicians, nuclear physicists et al that the underlying reality of the space we find ourselves in could be very ugly?
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: drogulus on November 25, 2019, 08:14:43 AM
Quote from: dissily Mordentroge on November 24, 2019, 12:54:31 PM
"We should continue to do all we can to reduce barriers to participation in this most beautiful of fields." Well she did open a can of worms with that assertion.
Has it ever occurred to mathematicians, nuclear physicists et al that the underlying reality of the space we find ourselves in could be very ugly?

     I'm with Coyne on this.

     As a dedicated Sokal-ist I know how the war is fought. It's kind of like this. An Evil Crab wants to attack the bastion of liberal thought, higher education, with a right claw and a left claw. Sometimes the right one is bigger, sometimes the left one. From the Crab perspective anything that can kill liberalism in favor of overmighty ideology (rightist/theist/leftist) is good, victory for belief over discovery.

     Those of us in the liberal center rely on the discovery processes to counter self authorizing belief. We want education to be about how to think and not only what to think. We resist being pure "sideists".

     You know what they say about liberals, that they are the people who won't take their own side in an argument. That's not exactly right, I think liberals don't want to live in a world that's all claw.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: JBS on November 25, 2019, 08:20:36 AM
Quote from: drogulus on November 25, 2019, 08:14:43 AM

     Those of us in the liberal center rely on the discovery processes to counter self authorizing belief. We want education to be about how to think and not only what to think. We resist being pure "sideists".


Which is itself an ideology.  Rejecting the claws requires using them. You may not like the Claw, but you can't live without it. 
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on November 25, 2019, 08:31:08 AM
Quote from: JBS on November 25, 2019, 08:20:36 AM
Which is itself an ideology.  Rejecting the claws requires using them. You may not like the Claw, but you can't live without it.
No. Having the mental discipline to insist on evidence is not the same thing "the party, right or wrong ". Nor is respecting the rights of all others comparable to insisting that only our side has rights.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: drogulus on November 25, 2019, 08:32:29 AM
Quote from: JBS on November 25, 2019, 08:20:36 AM
Which is itself an ideology.  Rejecting the claws requires using them. You may not like the Claw, but you can't live without it. 

     The use value of an ideology of discovery is clear. It does work of high value. Students should learn the tools of thought that allow them to escape from belief systems. They need a belief system that allows for the possibility, one that is highly self-critical. Crab claws are all about disabling this powerful tool.

     We all have beliefs. You can't do anything without a minimum set of them. Even that set, though, must be subject to critical scrutiny that allows for falsification at a future time. This is central to the liberal concept of education, why it is at bottom a liberal enterprise.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on November 25, 2019, 09:39:31 AM
Bloomberg News, so called, will no longer investigate Democrats, only Trump.

https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-election-bloomberg-news/bloomberg-news-will-not-investigate-michael-bloomberg-or-democratic-rivals-idUSKBN1XY0MP (https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-election-bloomberg-news/bloomberg-news-will-not-investigate-michael-bloomberg-or-democratic-rivals-idUSKBN1XY0MP)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: drogulus on November 25, 2019, 10:09:11 AM


     Charles Schwab to buy TD Ameritrade in a $26 billion all-stock deal (https://www.cnbc.com/2019/11/25/charles-schwab-to-buy-td-ameritrade-in-a-26-billion-all-stock-deal.html)

     Oh boy, now we get to watch horrible commercials for Schwabamerica. As long as they get rid of that guy with a beard it's a plus.

     (https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170318/9505c8c64da4ea73d9db40abeb6b5cc2.jpg)

     To my delight I find that everyone hates this guy.

     The TD Ameritrade website is pretty good. I've used it since the TD Waterhouse days in the '90s. I still get calls from time to time to get me to, you know, do stuff. I hope the new company will not inundate me with "offers".
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: JBS on November 25, 2019, 03:17:01 PM
Quote from: Ken B on November 25, 2019, 08:31:08 AM
No. Having the mental discipline to insist on evidence is not the same thing "the party, right or wrong ". Nor is respecting the rights of all others comparable to insisting that only our side has rights.

Mental discipline is an ideology. Respecting the rights of all is (part of) an ideology. Ideologies are not limited to politics.

Communism is an ideology, but so is the scientific method.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: JBS on November 25, 2019, 03:19:09 PM
Quote from: drogulus on November 25, 2019, 10:09:11 AM

     Charles Schwab to buy TD Ameritrade in a $26 billion all-stock deal (https://www.cnbc.com/2019/11/25/charles-schwab-to-buy-td-ameritrade-in-a-26-billion-all-stock-deal.html)

     Oh boy, now we get to watch horrible commercials for Schwabamerica. As long as they get rid of that guy with a beard it's a plus.

     (https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170318/9505c8c64da4ea73d9db40abeb6b5cc2.jpg)

     To my delight I find that everyone hates this guy.

     The TD Ameritrade website is pretty good. I've used it since the TD Waterhouse days in the '90s. I still get calls from time to time to get me to, you know, do stuff. I hope the new company will not inundate me with "offers".


I don't hate him. But that's because I don't pay attention to brokerage commercials and the like, so I have to the best of my memory never seen him.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on November 25, 2019, 03:25:35 PM
Quote from: JBS on November 25, 2019, 03:17:01 PM
Mental discipline is an ideology. Respecting the rights of all is (part of) an ideology. Ideologies are not limited to politics.

Communism is an ideology, but so is the scientific method.
Well that is wrong in general, but it is especially wrong in the context of this discussion since the original claim referred to a political ideology. It's like if we were debating the proposition "in politics all parties are bad" and you said "what about karaoke?"
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: JBS on November 25, 2019, 03:52:51 PM
Quote from: Ken B on November 25, 2019, 03:25:35 PM
Well that is wrong in general, but it is especially wrong in the context of this discussion since the original claim referred to a political ideology. It's like if we were debating the proposition "in politics all parties are bad" and you said "what about karaoke?"

I should call you Humpty Dumpty. You like to claim words mean what you say they mean even when they don't mean what you say they mean.

The comment by Drogulus I was responding to was not limited to political ideas.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: drogulus on November 25, 2019, 07:13:15 PM
Quote from: JBS on November 25, 2019, 08:20:36 AM
Which is itself an ideology.  Rejecting the claws requires using them. You may not like the Claw, but you can't live without it. 

     Ideas in favor of freedom and against freedom are ideas about freedom. The claws are absolutist claims for truth, and relativist claims against the truth of anything, in favor of the Will (to believe, for power). The open society and the freedom of inquiry do have a supporting ideology, liberalism.

     Calling the advocates of freedom and the destruction of it ideologues is true in a trivial way. No one has to use absolutism to fight relativism, or vice versa. It's better to reject both and it's an ideology to reject both. What's wrong with that?
   
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: drogulus on November 25, 2019, 07:31:04 PM
Quote from: JBS on November 25, 2019, 03:19:09 PM

I don't hate him. But that's because I don't pay attention to brokerage commercials and the like, so I have to the best of my memory never seen him.

     It's not just this guy, it's also what the commercials say about how investors are viewed, as simpletons. You have the one with two marks sitting with "advisors" hovering over them. One is unhappy with the bad advisor and scuttles over towards the benign supervision of the good one. It's one of the most merciless depictions of financial predation you'll ever see.
     
     https://www.youtube.com/v/G3b5U_zNQXY

     I know people like the ones sitting meekly in the chairs. I was trying to pound sense into one last night. She wants someone to help plan her retirement. I keep telling her she can do it all herself with some research into how to make the most of what she has. She's way too smart to be as passive as she is. I've has some effect, but not as much as I should.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on November 25, 2019, 09:41:56 PM
Quote from: JBS on November 25, 2019, 03:52:51 PM
I should call you Humpty Dumpty. You like to claim words mean what you say they mean even when they don't mean what you say they mean.

Well we were discussing what sort of thing leads people to commit murders by the tens of thousands. Suggestions included communism and nazism. You know, dogmatic ideologies about society should be organized that confer upon their adherents special rights. If you want to add the scientific method to that list go right ahead.

I don't think even Edwin Everett Horton ever fractured a fairy tale quite so badly as your Humpty in Wonderland
!
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: amw on November 25, 2019, 11:11:06 PM
I'm sure the millions of enslaved Africans, Native Americans/First Nations, Aboriginal Australians, etc (it's a long list) who were killed in order for liberalism to exist are glad to hear about how non-dogmatic and self-critical it is.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on November 25, 2019, 11:31:13 PM
Quote from: amw on November 25, 2019, 11:11:06 PM
I'm sure the millions of enslaved Africans, Native Americans/First Nations, Aboriginal Australians, etc (it's a long list) who were killed in order for liberalism to exist are glad to hear about how non-dogmatic and self-critical it is.

Dodgy and dishonest wording. Liberalism rejects imperialism. 
Perhaps it might not have existed in a world without imperialism but that does not make it the cause of imperialism.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: amw on November 25, 2019, 11:54:49 PM
I'm sure George Washington would have agreed with you as soon as he was done throwing smallpox-infected blankets into Native American villages.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Florestan on November 26, 2019, 12:18:43 AM
Quote from: amw on November 25, 2019, 11:54:49 PM
I'm sure George Washington would have agreed with you as soon as he was done throwing smallpox-infected blankets into Native American villages.

George Washington did nothing of the sort.

https://www.history.com/news/colonists-native-americans-smallpox-blankets (https://www.history.com/news/colonists-native-americans-smallpox-blankets)

https://www.historynet.com/smallpox-in-the-blankets.htm (https://www.historynet.com/smallpox-in-the-blankets.htm)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: amw on November 26, 2019, 01:00:37 AM
You should consider getting some better history books. Start here:

[asin]080700040X[/asin]

edit: never mind.... trolling you guys honestly isn't even fun, just boring. I have no idea why Todd bothers.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Florestan on November 26, 2019, 02:38:44 AM
Quote from: Ken B on November 25, 2019, 11:31:13 PM
Dodgy and dishonest wording. Liberalism rejects imperialism. 
Perhaps it might not have existed in a world without imperialism but that does not make it the cause of imperialism.

The problem with liberalism is that it is a powerful tool for fighting authoritarian regimes but a weak one for establishing liberal regmies, because it's very easy to proclaim in abstracto freedom and equality for all but very difficult* to establish them in practice.

*Downright impossible, actually, because freedom and equality are often in conflict and sometimes even mutually exclusive.

We should distinguish between opposition liberalism, which is always liberal, and governing liberalism, which is often authoritarian.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: drogulus on November 26, 2019, 05:53:26 AM
Quote from: amw on November 25, 2019, 11:11:06 PM
I'm sure the millions of enslaved Africans, Native Americans/First Nations, Aboriginal Australians, etc (it's a long list) who were killed in order for liberalism to exist are glad to hear about how non-dogmatic and self-critical it is.

     Yes, they are. They are not fond of their dictatorships and seek to have open societies. They have seen the results of Big Man regimes of the left and right.

     People all over the world want to live in free societies despite the crimes that these societies committed. How is that? There must be something of great value in self government and the rule of law, possibly the ability to change the government, to protest, to speak freely. I'm impressed that people outside open societies value them the way people inside them do.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Florestan on November 26, 2019, 06:31:23 AM
Quote from: drogulus on November 26, 2019, 05:53:26 AM
     Yes, they are. They are not fond of their dictatorships and seek to have open societies. They have seen the results of Big Man regimes of the left and right.

     People all over the world want to live in free societies despite the crimes that these societies committed. How is that? There must be something of great value in self government and the rule of law, possibly the ability to change the government, to protest, to speak freely.

I have never thought that a day would come when I would agree with every word in a post of yours. I was wrong. That day is today.

Quote
I'm impressed that people outside open societies value them the way people inside them do.

And even more than not a few insiders, actually.

Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: drogulus on November 26, 2019, 06:37:47 AM
Quote from: Florestan on November 26, 2019, 06:31:23 AM
I have never thought that a day would come when I would agree with every word in a post of yours. I was wrong. That day is today.


     I'm not deterred at all. Life is full of accidents. (http://forums.mozillazine.org/images/smilies/new_smile-l.gif)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on November 26, 2019, 07:16:55 AM
Quote from: Florestan on November 26, 2019, 06:31:23 AM
I have never thought that a day would come when I would agree with every word in a post of yours[drogulus]. I was wrong. That day is today.



You shouldn't be really. Drogulus has some cracked ideas and an impaired prose style, but he is one of the actual classical liberals on this site, and you are another one.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Florestan on November 26, 2019, 07:50:01 AM
Quote from: Ken B on November 26, 2019, 07:16:55 AM
You shouldn't be really. Drogulus has some cracked ideas and an impaired prose style, but he is one of the actual classical liberals on this site, and you are another one.

That's true.

Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: drogulus on November 26, 2019, 08:14:46 AM
Quote from: Ken B on November 26, 2019, 07:16:55 AM
You shouldn't be really. Drogulus has some cracked ideas and an impaired prose style, but he is one of the actual classical liberals on this site, and you are another one.

     I pay my people extra to crack my ideas.

     Pragmatism endures (https://aeon.co/essays/pragmatism-is-one-of-the-most-successful-idioms-in-philosophy)

     This article is remarkably good at exploring the cracks (Peirce vs James, logical empiricists vs American pragmatists). What I read made me feel a little better about being influenced in a way that doesn't take sides.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on November 26, 2019, 11:34:52 AM
Quote from: drogulus on November 26, 2019, 08:14:46 AM
     I pay my people extra to crack my ideas.

     Pragmatism endures (https://aeon.co/essays/pragmatism-is-one-of-the-most-successful-idioms-in-philosophy)

     This article is remarkably good at exploring the cracks (Peirce vs James, logical empiricists vs American pragmatists). What I read made me feel a little better about being influenced in a way that doesn't take sides.

Dontcha know, not taking sides is taking sides.  ;)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: drogulus on November 26, 2019, 02:59:06 PM
Quote from: Ken B on November 26, 2019, 11:34:52 AM
Dontcha know, not taking sides is taking sides.  ;)

     I do that, too.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: JBS on November 26, 2019, 05:39:07 PM
Quote from: amw on November 25, 2019, 11:11:06 PM
I'm sure the millions of enslaved Africans, Native Americans/First Nations, Aboriginal Australians, etc (it's a long list) who were killed in order for liberalism to exist are glad to hear about how non-dogmatic and self-critical it is.

The fact that the world now recognizes how evil those enslavements and genocides were is due solely to liberalism. They were committed by the forces that liberalism rose in opposition to, not by liberalism. That those evils have in large measure stopped (even if their after effects continue on) is due to liberalism. The recognition that there are after effects that still continue is due to liberalism's ability to self criticize.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on November 26, 2019, 05:57:02 PM
Quote from: JBS on November 26, 2019, 05:39:07 PM
The fact that the world now recognizes how evil those enslavements and genocides were is due solely to liberalism. They were committed by the forces that liberalism rose in opposition to, not by liberalism. That those evils have in large measure stopped (even if their after effects continue on) is due to liberalism. The recognition that there are after effects that still continue is due to liberalism's ability to self criticize.

Exactly.

Up until a few hundred years ago pretty much everyone in the world believed that if you had a stable position of power over someone you were entitled to exercise it. You could rape captives, beat slaves, wipe out rival tribes, demand tribute from subjects. You might be seen as admirably merciful or excessively harsh (or the reverse sometimes too) but no-one really disputed your right to be either or the morality of your behavior, or even the morality of that power. Power just was — and it was to be exercised.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on November 26, 2019, 09:01:57 PM
In other news a man really can have a 10 minute orgasm. I did, watching the first 10 minutes of this interviewer dismantle Jeremy Corbyn over Labour's anti semitism.

https://m.facebook.com/conservatives/videos/1022243018135007/ (https://m.facebook.com/conservatives/videos/1022243018135007/)

I have never heard of this interviewer before.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: pjme on November 27, 2019, 03:42:26 AM
https://www.bbc.com/news/election-2019-50564965

The interviewer, Andrew Neill,  is very famous in GB.

And this
https://mondediplo.com/2019/06/09corbyn
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on November 27, 2019, 06:25:27 AM
The greatest human Go player of the past 25 years is packing it in, because he cannot beat the computer.

https://news.yahoo.com/grandmaster-says-computers-cannot-defeated-104015667.html (https://news.yahoo.com/grandmaster-says-computers-cannot-defeated-104015667.html)

When I first studied AI 35 years ago Go was *the* example of a game no one had the faintest idea about how to teach a computer.

I understand Lee Se-Dol's reaction. On the other hand it's been years since even the fittest human male can match The Rabbit.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: steve ridgway on November 27, 2019, 06:42:50 AM
UK Government Minister Nicky Morgan being asked on TV to explain the Conservative Party election promise to increase the number of nurses in the NHS by 50,000. The mathematical reasoning is beyond belief ::). I am now going to try to persuade the dogs that if we buy 2 sausages and they don't eat one, that extra one will mean they now have 3 :P. You can skip to 3:15 in the video.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CpcY6HsGmAM

Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Papy Oli on November 27, 2019, 07:18:40 AM
Quote from: Ken B on November 27, 2019, 06:25:27 AM
The greatest human Go player of the past 25 years is packing it in, because he cannot beat the computer.

https://news.yahoo.com/grandmaster-says-computers-cannot-defeated-104015667.html (https://news.yahoo.com/grandmaster-says-computers-cannot-defeated-104015667.html)

When I first studied AI 35 years ago Go was *the* example of a game no one had the faintest idea about how to teach a computer.

I understand Lee Se-Dol's reaction. On the other hand it's been years since even the fittest human male can match The Rabbit.

Netflix has a fascinating documentary called Alpha Go about Se-Dol's games against that computer.

Another Netflix documentary called "the surrounding game" was about the philosophy behind Go, following players through their training, tournaments, etc.

Both a great watch.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: greg on November 27, 2019, 02:01:34 PM
Quote from: Ken B on November 27, 2019, 06:25:27 AM
The greatest human Go player of the past 25 years is packing it in, because he cannot beat the computer.

https://news.yahoo.com/grandmaster-says-computers-cannot-defeated-104015667.html (https://news.yahoo.com/grandmaster-says-computers-cannot-defeated-104015667.html)

When I first studied AI 35 years ago Go was *the* example of a game no one had the faintest idea about how to teach a computer.

I understand Lee Se-Dol's reaction. On the other hand it's been years since even the fittest human male can match The Rabbit.
Not surprising. It's far too complex of a game for a human to beat a computer.

Even worse is a MOBA game, like League of Legends or DOTA 2. The human mind can't run through a hundred scenarios every few seconds like a computer can. Imagine having to play Go against a computer that can do this, and you only get three seconds per turn.  :D
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on November 27, 2019, 02:13:54 PM
Quote from: greg on November 27, 2019, 02:01:34 PM
Not surprising. It's far too complex of a game for a human to beat a computer.

Even worse is a MOBA game, like League of Legends or DOTA 2. The human mind can't run through a hundred scenarios every few seconds like a computer can. Imagine having to play Go against a computer that can do this, and you only get three seconds per turn.  :D

No, that's wrong Greg. Go was the last holdout, the last bastion of human superiority. Even 5 or 6 years ago it was still dominated by humans. Chess fell to the computer 20 years ago. It's an incredible achievement for the developers and the underlying technology — neural nets — to have so thoroughly conquered Go.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on November 27, 2019, 05:00:52 PM
This one is for  Florestan https://blogs.spectator.co.uk/2019/11/why-is-there-more-intellectual-freedom-in-bucharest-than-cambridge/ (https://blogs.spectator.co.uk/2019/11/why-is-there-more-intellectual-freedom-in-bucharest-than-cambridge/)

Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: steve ridgway on November 27, 2019, 08:35:58 PM
Quote from: Ken B on November 27, 2019, 05:00:52 PM
This one is for  Florestan https://blogs.spectator.co.uk/2019/11/why-is-there-more-intellectual-freedom-in-bucharest-than-cambridge/ (https://blogs.spectator.co.uk/2019/11/why-is-there-more-intellectual-freedom-in-bucharest-than-cambridge/)

Interesting. I certainly don't feel free to speak about many subjects in public nowadays and with the amount of equality, diversity and inclusivity rules at work I hardly talk to anyone. In fact I'm no doubt in violation of the inclusivity regulations by chatting a lot to a couple of team members on Skype but not the others :(.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Florestan on November 27, 2019, 09:15:22 PM
Quote from: Ken B on November 27, 2019, 05:00:52 PM
This one is for  Florestan https://blogs.spectator.co.uk/2019/11/why-is-there-more-intellectual-freedom-in-bucharest-than-cambridge/ (https://blogs.spectator.co.uk/2019/11/why-is-there-more-intellectual-freedom-in-bucharest-than-cambridge/)

I told you that long time ago.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on November 27, 2019, 09:32:22 PM
Quote from: Florestan on November 27, 2019, 09:15:22 PM
I told you that long time ago.
Indeed.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on December 01, 2019, 07:16:13 AM
It's the end of the World Trade Organisation as we know it (https://www.economist.com/finance-and-economics/2019/11/28/its-the-end-of-the-world-trade-organisation-as-we-know-it)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: dissily Mordentroge on December 01, 2019, 12:10:36 PM
Quote from: 2dogs on November 27, 2019, 08:35:58 PM
Interesting. I certainly don't feel free to speak about many subjects in public nowadays and with the amount of equality, diversity and inclusivity rules at work I hardly talk to anyone. In fact I'm no doubt in violation of the inclusivity regulations by chatting a lot to a couple of team members on Skype but not the others :(.
Few recognise we are again living in an age of puritanism. Meanwhile we dance on the deck of the Titanic (excuse the mixed metaphors) ignoring all the elephants in the room whilst the only planet we have is being destroyed. We are a very, very peculiar species.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: steve ridgway on December 01, 2019, 07:28:50 PM
Quote from: dissily Mordentroge on December 01, 2019, 12:10:36 PM
Few recognise we are again living in an age of puritanism. Meanwhile we dance on the deck of the Titanic (excuse the mixed metaphors) ignoring all the elephants in the room whilst the only planet we have is being destroyed. We are a very, very peculiar species.

I do feel bad about being part of the human race and hope some form of life survives in the long run :(.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: dissily Mordentroge on December 01, 2019, 08:34:38 PM
Quote from: 2dogs on December 01, 2019, 07:28:50 PM
I do feel bad about being part of the human race and hope some form of life survives in the long run :(.
Well if it's nuclear war takes us out the experts tell us the most likely survivors will be cockroaches. Somehow strikes me as poetic justice.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on December 02, 2019, 11:00:13 AM
Institutionalizing child abuse.

https://www.forbes.com/sites/evangerstmann/2019/11/25/the-absurdity-of-charging-10-year-olds-as-sex-offenders/#739e2856140e

Stuff like this has been going on for years. Kids prosecuted as child pornographers for sexting for example.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: drogulus on December 05, 2019, 06:50:33 AM
    
     In 1982, Exxon accurately predicted global warming (https://skepticalscience.com/1982-exxon-accurate-prediction.html)

     (https://skepticalscience.com//pics/Exxonpredictions.png)

     Exxon has a pet think tank devoted to oil company liberty, the Cato Institute. In the chart above you see 3 warming predictions, the dotted ones are Cato published, the red line is from internal research conducted by Cato funder Exxon, and the blue line is NASA observations of what has happened.

     U.S. think tank shuts down prominent center that challenged climate science (https://www.sciencemag.org/news/2019/05/us-think-tank-shuts-down-prominent-center-challenged-climate-science)

Michaels has spent years attacking climate modeling, which he claims ran hot, despite evidence from NASA that contradicted his claims and demonstrated that models were largely accurate. He has also portrayed academic researchers in climate-related fields as beholden to funding that incentivizes them to produce alarming research. The Cato Institute has received millions of dollars from the Koch network, the Mercer Family Foundation, Exxon Mobil Corp. and other foundations that oppose regulations.

     If Michaels thinks consensus supporting researchers are producing a distorted view because they are funded by alarmists, how is it that the consensus got it right and Cato got it so wrong? How did Exxon produce such an accurate prediction while its propaganda arm was so far off?

     I'll tell you how. Exxon needed to know how its operations would be affected by global warming. It needed accuracy, so while it could propagandize about how we don't know about this and that, for its own use it had to know as much as it could, so it did, and the accuracy of the Exxon projections is very impressive.

     We should all aspire to not know about important science the way Exxon did. (http://www.good-music-guide.com/community/Smileys/classic/smiley.gif)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: SimonNZ on December 06, 2019, 09:00:00 PM
Victoria Falls dries to a trickle after worst drought in a century (https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/dec/07/victoria-falls-dries-to-a-trickle-after-worst-drought-in-a-century)

(https://i.guim.co.uk/img/media/4eb7bd0ea8af940d2c7838f127598f7dc5db0d1a/0_161_3500_2101/master/3500.jpg?width=620&quality=85&auto=format&fit=max&s=5bc6f0de1b06400e6075855e15ef5484)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: drogulus on December 10, 2019, 09:52:50 AM
     Dept Of Alarmist Ice

     Greenland's ice losses have septupled and are now in line with its highest sea-level scenario, scientists say (https://www.washingtonpost.com/climate-environment/2019/12/10/greenland-ice-losses-have-septupled-are-pace-sea-level-worst-case-scenario-scientists-say/)

The recent Greenland losses, the experts suggest, match a more dire sea-level projection outlined by the United Nations' chief climate science body, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. Under that high-end scenario, Greenland could contribute about 16 centimeters, or around half a foot, to ocean levels by 2100.

"What that means is that really, the midrange scenario becomes what was previously the upper scenario, and they will have to invent a new upper scenario, because one currently doesn't exist," Shepherd said.


     Do I view this news with alarm? If I do, it's what the news says more than a predisposition to be alarmed by science news. Science can deliver good news, too, from my technophile-ic standpoint. The Green ultras have bought into the anti-growth argument, that the solutions to problems come with lowered ability to produce them. This is anti-historical to say the least. The Martians aren't going to give us the means to geo-engineer the climate on the required scale. They don't even like us that much. No, we'll have to face up to the fact that climate action will be undertaken by the largest economic expansion in history. Woe, therefore, is us? (http://www.good-music-guide.com/community/Smileys/classic/cheesy.gif)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on December 10, 2019, 05:50:52 PM
More thuggery https://www.foxnews.com/media/no-safe-spaces-masked-men-police
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: SimonNZ on December 10, 2019, 06:04:46 PM
Quote from: Ken B on December 10, 2019, 05:50:52 PM
More thuggery https://www.foxnews.com/media/no-safe-spaces-masked-men-police

from the link:

"After all of the previews and ads were over and the movie was just starting, two thugs sporting hoodies, masks, sunglasses and carrying huge duffel bags ran, not walked, up the aisle and sat at the back of the theater right behind us. They looked like bank robbers, home invasion criminals... they were trying to act scary," a moviegoer named Vanessa, who asked for her last name not be used, told Fox News."

"When the manager went in to check on them they had removed all intimidating items. They knew what they were doing," Vanessa said."


Yeah, that's some serious thuggery. Oh, the "safe spaces" irony.


It would also be interesting to discuss this documentary supposedly about free speech...but you've blocked reading my posts because we had a disagreement over a political issue.

oh, the irony
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: JBS on December 10, 2019, 06:11:11 PM
Quote from: SimonNZ on December 10, 2019, 06:04:46 PM
from the link:

"After all of the previews and ads were over and the movie was just starting, two thugs sporting hoodies, masks, sunglasses and carrying huge duffel bags ran, not walked, up the aisle and sat at the back of the theater right behind us. They looked like bank robbers, home invasion criminals... they were trying to act scary," a moviegoer named Vanessa, who asked for her last name not be used, told Fox News."

"When the manager went in to check on them they had removed all intimidating items. They knew what they were doing," Vanessa said."


Yeah, that's some serious thuggery. Oh, the "safe spaces" irony.


It would also be interesting to discuss this documentary supposedly about free speech...but you've blocked reading my posts because we had a disagreement over a political issue.

oh, the irony

I can't help suspecting this was a stunt perpertrated by the filmmakers, both to illustrate their claim and get some free advertising
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on December 10, 2019, 06:13:03 PM
Quote from: JBS on December 10, 2019, 06:11:11 PM
I can't help suspecting this was a stunt perpertrated by the filmmakers, both to illustrate their claim and get some free advertising
Is that a stipulation that if it was real it was intimidation?
Have you any evidence to back up your suspicion?
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: JBS on December 10, 2019, 06:23:56 PM
Quote from: Ken B on December 10, 2019, 06:13:03 PM
Is that a stipulation that if it was real it was intimidation?
Have you any evidence to back up your suspicion?

No, it isn't. Thugs have been known to watch documentaries for normal reasons.  Maybe Antifa wanted to know what Prager had to say about it. You may have not noticed, but the theater management explicitly and the police implicitly did not think it was intimidating. Only two of the audience members.

Naturally I have no evidence, but I am aware of the mendacity that infuses most right wing media, including Prager, so I feel justified in my suspicion.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on December 10, 2019, 06:35:19 PM
Quote from: JBS on December 10, 2019, 06:23:56 PM
No, it isn't. Thugs have been known to watch documentaries for normal reasons.  Maybe Antifa wanted to know what Prager had to say about it. You may have not noticed, but the theater management explicitly and the police implicitly did not think it was intimidating. Only two of the audience members.

Naturally I have no evidence, but I am aware of the mendacity that infuses most right wing media, including Prager, so I feel justified in my suspicion.
It doesn't make sense as a hoax unless it's intimidation they are faking. Faking curiosity doesn't get headlines. Or sympathy.

Just as a matter of logic, might the theater management have a motive for denying that there are thugs intimidating their audiences?
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: drogulus on December 10, 2019, 06:48:17 PM

     Antifa wanted to "get into character" to watch the film?

     (https://www.indiewire.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/samuel-l-jackson-in-pulp-fiction.jpg?w=780)

     

     
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: SimonNZ on December 10, 2019, 06:48:50 PM
Quote from: Ken B on December 10, 2019, 06:35:19 PM
It doesn't make sense as a hoax unless it's intimidation they are faking. Faking curiosity doesn't get headlines. Or sympathy.

Just as a matter of logic, might the theater management have a motive for denying that there are thugs intimidating their audiences?

How on earth does "sitting in the row behind me" count as "intimidation"??

Get thee to a safe space.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: JBS on December 10, 2019, 06:58:09 PM
Quote from: Ken B on December 10, 2019, 06:35:19 PM
It doesn't make sense as a hoax unless it's intimidation they are faking. Faking curiosity doesn't get headlines. Or sympathy.

Just as a matter of logic, might the theater management have a motive for denying that there are thugs intimidating their audiences?

It makes sense if you make a film that you want to get the Fox News ecosystem to talk about. The ecosystem that thinks Project Veritas is impartial investigative journalism.
I have read many Prager columns. He is not above distorting facts and ideas to push his own ideas.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: SimonNZ on December 11, 2019, 07:21:08 PM
College Republicans launch campaign calling for GOP to take action on climate change (https://thehill.com/policy/energy-environment/473946-college-republicans-launch-campaign-calling-for-gop-to-take-action)

"College Republicans across the country are calling on the GOP to back a conservative climate action plan, arguing that failing to do so will hurt both the future of the earth and the Republican Party.

The new group, Young Conservatives for Carbon Dividends, is lobbying Republicans to embrace a "Carbon Dividends" plan which aims to reduce carbon emissions with a free-market-based solution.

"What we're hoping to do is amplify the voices of young conservatives. This really is a generational issue," said Kiera O'Brien, a Harvard University senior who is founder and president of the climate campaign.

"Especially given the rise of the Green New Deal," O'Brien continued, referencing the progressive climate action proposal, "we need to have our own alternative policies, because we can't just complain about the problem and not propose a solution."[...]
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: dissily Mordentroge on December 11, 2019, 08:35:30 PM
But are they wiling to remove Trump to accomplish so limited an aim?
If they don't they're engineering the end of the Republican Party.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on December 12, 2019, 06:43:19 AM
 https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2019/12/11/three-die-marauding-pakistan-lawyers-rampage-cardiac-hospital/ (https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2019/12/11/three-die-marauding-pakistan-lawyers-rampage-cardiac-hospital/)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on December 13, 2019, 06:11:38 PM
Wow, and I thought Remainers were sore losers!

https://www.npr.org/2019/12/13/787811560/on-his-way-out-kentucky-gov-matt-bevin-pardons-murderers-rapists-hundreds-more (https://www.npr.org/2019/12/13/787811560/on-his-way-out-kentucky-gov-matt-bevin-pardons-murderers-rapists-hundreds-more)

Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Andante on December 13, 2019, 06:28:58 PM
Quote from: Ken B on December 13, 2019, 06:11:38 PM
Wow, and I thought Remainers were sore losers!

https://www.npr.org/2019/12/13/787811560/on-his-way-out-kentucky-gov-matt-bevin-pardons-murderers-rapists-hundreds-more (https://www.npr.org/2019/12/13/787811560/on-his-way-out-kentucky-gov-matt-bevin-pardons-murderers-rapists-hundreds-more)

Yet he looks such a nice man in his photo
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on December 14, 2019, 04:43:44 AM
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/ELnp5WhWwA8R5Vd.jpg)

Rashida Tlaib is sooper smort. 
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on December 14, 2019, 06:17:00 AM
Quote from: Todd on December 14, 2019, 04:43:44 AM
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/ELnp5WhWwA8R5Vd.jpg)

Rashida Tlaib is sooper smort.
You're gonna have to explain this one too I bet ...
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on December 14, 2019, 06:19:08 AM
Quote from: Ken B on December 14, 2019, 06:17:00 AM
You're gonna have to explain this one too I bet ...


It is true that Google is hard to use.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: drogulus on December 14, 2019, 07:08:53 AM



     
Quote from: SimonNZ on December 11, 2019, 07:21:08 PM
College Republicans launch campaign calling for GOP to take action on climate change (https://thehill.com/policy/energy-environment/473946-college-republicans-launch-campaign-calling-for-gop-to-take-action)

"College Republicans across the country are calling on the GOP to back a conservative climate action plan, arguing that failing to do so will hurt both the future of the earth and the Republican Party.

The new group, Young Conservatives for Carbon Dividends, is lobbying Republicans to embrace a "Carbon Dividends" plan which aims to reduce carbon emissions with a free-market-based solution.

"What we're hoping to do is amplify the voices of young conservatives. This really is a generational issue," said Kiera O'Brien, a Harvard University senior who is founder and president of the climate campaign.

"Especially given the rise of the Green New Deal," O'Brien continued, referencing the progressive climate action proposal, "we need to have our own alternative policies, because we can't just complain about the problem and not propose a solution."[...]

     The history of Repub alternatives is that they are vaporware generated by a tiny powerless group playing an ideological role like that of theologians in religion. They offer their thoughts so it can be said thoughts were offered. See, we are serious people, very thinky about important stuff.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on December 14, 2019, 09:41:56 AM
Mary Barraco.  https://www.pilotonline.com/news/obituaries/vp-nw-mary-barraco-obit-20191212-au232fbla5d4xg3rmzajtf3haq-story.html (https://www.pilotonline.com/news/obituaries/vp-nw-mary-barraco-obit-20191212-au232fbla5d4xg3rmzajtf3haq-story.html)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: dissily Mordentroge on December 14, 2019, 12:54:12 PM
Two questions, which of these little procedures turned him on and which could he back with quotes from scripture?
https://www.vice.com/en_us/article/7kzzxd/a-tennessee-cop-accused-of-searching-a-black-mans-anus-on-the-side-of-the-road-is-now-facing-44-criminal-charges
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: greg on December 17, 2019, 03:52:29 PM
The whole Peloton ad thing is the newest stupid controversy. The actress thinks the outrage is caused by her facial expressions  ;D.

Nah, we all know it's just ideologues who want to virtue signal. If you put on tinted glasses, you'll see the world in a tinted way.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q6emtEW_QeY
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: greg on December 18, 2019, 08:52:57 AM
Anyone see the whole news story reported on several sites that PewdiePie was quitting youtube?

It's literally fake news, he even makes a video saying how they intetpreted him saying he's taking a break as him saying he's quitting.

And these were sites that of course bring up his past controversies (according to left wing perspectives).

It's like they are in lockstep with the fake reporting.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: drogulus on December 20, 2019, 09:37:57 AM
Quote from: greg on December 18, 2019, 08:52:57 AM
Anyone see the whole news story reported on several sites that PewdiePie was quitting youtube?


     That's too important.....denied!

   
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: greg on December 20, 2019, 09:22:53 PM
Quote from: drogulus on December 20, 2019, 09:37:57 AM
     That's too important.....denied!

   
Ha, a very specific and blatant example of rampant fake news might actually be somewhat important because the web sites that made these stories are probably the worst offenders of fake news.

Regardless of one's political stance, it will make these news sites untrustworthy for not getting their facts straight (some of them in an opportunity to do the usual virtue signaling when writing a story about him)...

He did recently quit Twitter, though, and made an entire video about he hated it because it rewards virtue signaling rather than being an actually "virtuous person" (according to how Greek philosophy conceives of it).
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: SimonNZ on December 20, 2019, 09:51:51 PM
What sites? What "virtue signalling"? Links and examples please...if you're going to say this non-story is worth rating them "untrustworthy".
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: greg on December 21, 2019, 11:51:31 AM
Quote from: SimonNZ on December 20, 2019, 09:51:51 PM
What sites? What "virtue signalling"? Links and examples please...if you're going to say this non-story is worth rating them "untrustworthy".
The video of him commenting on it:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RoFSqtrivFs

~3:10-

One I found:

https://www.mirror.co.uk/3am/celebrity-news/breaking-pewdiepie-quits-youtube-saying-21102288

Another one (at least "quitting" is in quotation marks, even though he never even used the word, so it's quoting no one but themselves) :
https://www.distractify.com/p/pewdiepie-leaving-youtube


I consider there to be at least two types of virtue signaling. One is direct ("oh look at me, I'm so tolerant and diverse").

The other one is indirect. It can extend to non-political realms, often, as well. It is the "look at this bad guy," which is implying that the writer is not like the bad guy, therefore is a good guy. (it's public shaming which many normal people can indulge in against people who are either suspected, or confirmed, to be bad guys).

When they write a short article about him, why immediately bring out those controversies? He has already admitted that sometimes he makes mistakes and goes too far with his jokes or swearing. And of course, bring up the Christchurch incident which he had absolutely nothing to do with. There are a million things you could write about him, why choose those? I suspect it is virtue signaling to the readership, who is probably more liberal (I could be wrong, haven't really researched those sites much), because that's the stuff they eat up.

But yeah, considering using the word "quitting" is stretching the truth, you have to wonder how often these writers will stretch the truth in order to get clicks.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on December 21, 2019, 02:26:51 PM
A hoax debunked. Sad.  https://drewfriedman.blogspot.com/2013_02_01_archive.html (https://drewfriedman.blogspot.com/2013_02_01_archive.html)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on December 22, 2019, 07:55:44 AM
Burlington mayor names 4th police chief in a week (https://www.wcax.com/content/news/Burlington-mayor-names-4th-police-chief-in-a-week-566384451.html)

(Yes, the mayor is a Democrat.)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ken B on December 22, 2019, 08:31:26 AM
The secret to longevity?  https://vinepair.com/booze-news/secret-long-life-whisky/?fbclid=IwAR3l_jcRNMDnpCfom22LCpTKseN3qux_aSHutB1Vg4hXEHo2yXGrGr7t58s (https://vinepair.com/booze-news/secret-long-life-whisky/?fbclid=IwAR3l_jcRNMDnpCfom22LCpTKseN3qux_aSHutB1Vg4hXEHo2yXGrGr7t58s)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: drogulus on December 23, 2019, 09:32:31 AM

     (https://media.wired.com/photos/59fb9e5aab9a562656196c33/master/w_1600%2Cc_limit/FB-Ad-1.jpg)

     We can do better.

     (https://nerdist.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/Mothraaa-1088x680.png)

     

     
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Florestan on December 23, 2019, 10:06:28 AM
Quote from: Ken B on December 22, 2019, 08:31:26 AM
The secret to longevity?  https://vinepair.com/booze-news/secret-long-life-whisky/?fbclid=IwAR3l_jcRNMDnpCfom22LCpTKseN3qux_aSHutB1Vg4hXEHo2yXGrGr7t58s (https://vinepair.com/booze-news/secret-long-life-whisky/?fbclid=IwAR3l_jcRNMDnpCfom22LCpTKseN3qux_aSHutB1Vg4hXEHo2yXGrGr7t58s)

I've not had a whisky shot since July. Time to redress the situation perhaps?  :D
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: LKB on December 23, 2019, 12:00:11 PM
Quote from: drogulus on December 23, 2019, 09:32:31 AM
     (https://media.wired.com/photos/59fb9e5aab9a562656196c33/master/w_1600%2Cc_limit/FB-Ad-1.jpg)

     We can do better.

     (https://nerdist.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/Mothraaa-1088x680.png)

If you're gonna have Mothra, you should squeeze the tiny twins in there too. They can adjudicate the fight and sing to the big bug between rounds.

;D,

LKB
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: greg on January 11, 2020, 01:04:19 PM
I've been checking several times a day for the last two weeks to see when the Final Fantasy 7 Remake demo is launching on PS4.

So one day a few days ago, there was an article on Gamespot mentioning that it wouldn't be released until the actual release date of the full game (March 3rd)- this information was incorrect.

What happened next was several game news sites writing that March 3rd was the release date. Then, most of them retracted/edited the article to correct the mistake (but at that point people may or may not see the article any more).

Seems fake news is so bad that it even extends to the video game world.  ??? ::)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: SimonNZ on January 13, 2020, 12:21:35 PM
Why is Gwyneth Paltrow selling a candle that smells like her vagina?
Gwyneth has made a candle called This Smells Like My Vagina for her website, Goop. And, of course, it has sold out (https://www.theguardian.com/fashion/2020/jan/13/why-is-gwyneth-paltrow-selling-a-candle-that-smells-like-her-vagina-goop)

"Truly, has any vagina ever been as fruitful as Gwyneth Paltrow's? It has birthed discussions of vaginal steaming, vaginal jade eggs, $15,000 dildos, something called "sex dust" and a photo of Gwyneth standing in a giant vagina to advertise some inevitable Netflix documentary/reality TV series crossover. Because Gwyneth no longer has just her head up her vagina; she has crawled all the way inside. I am torn between suggesting this is a very advanced yoga position accessible only to those who have endless free time to practise, and pointing out this is The Human Centipede, but for extreme narcissists. Let's go with both.

So Gwyneth has made a candle called This Smells Like My Vagina because, well, of course she has. It is priced at a comparatively bargain £58, which was pretty much what the sex dust cost, which makes me think Gwyneth is underpricing her vagina, really, if she is just selling it for the price of a load of old dust. And I say "was what the sex dust cost" because the sex dust, like the vagina candle, sold out.

Yes, Gwyneth's vagina has been good to us, but it has primarily been good to her. Well, in the main. As all of us ladies know, sometimes there can be problems in that department, and while most of us sort ours out with a dose of Canesten, Gwyneth's vagina problem, in classic Gwyneth fashion, ended up costing her $145,000 (£110,000). This was in 2018 when her near-notorious wellness company, Goop, was fined under California's civil penalties laws for making what was described as "unsubstantiated" marketing claims about the aforementioned jade egg. It turns out, incredibly, that shoving a random object up your vagina won't "balance hormones, regulate menstrual cycles, prevent uterine prolapse and increase bladder control".

In fact, the gynaecologist Dr Jen Gunter, in an open letter to Gwyneth that went as viral as an unwashed jade egg, suggested that it might cause toxic shock syndrome. Despite that, it is still for sale on goop.com, for a steal at a mere £60, although after that legal unpleasantness, the only words next to it on the site are: "Eggs are pre-drilled for string add-on, we recommend using unwaxed dental floss." The mind does truly boggle.

Whole religions have been founded trying to answer the big questions: what is the meaning of life? What is reality? How can we cope with the concept of mortality? Goop is a quasi-religion in itself, from its messianic head figure, its deluded self-belief, its ludicrous claims and its overflowing bank account accrued from the desperate and vulnerable, estimated to exceed $250m. It has answered perhaps the greatest question of all: what does Gwyneth's vagina smell like? According to the candle, it is a "funny, gorgeous, sexy and beautifully unexpected scent", a mix of "geranium, citrusy bergamot, and cedar absolutes juxtaposed with damask rose and ambrette seed". To which one can only say: boy, Gwyneth sure does spend a lot of time up there to have picked up on all that. I've read entire wine menus with fewer descriptive references.

But we must tread carefully here because Gwyneth does not like people questioning her vagina. In 2017, pre-legal case, in response to Dr Gunter's repeated criticisms, Goop posted a gorgeously huffy reply, which Gwyneth tweeted, with the comment: "When they go low, we go high." Who knew flogging vaginal eggs was taking the high road? Goop's "contributing doctors" described Dr Gunter as "strangely confident" (to which Dr Gunter replied: "I am appropriately confident") and insisted they are "empowering women" by "questioning the status quo". The status quo being, I guess, vaginas without egg-shaped rocks stuck up inside them. Thank God that status has been quo-ed. Those doctors, by the way, seem to have been strangely silent, post-legal case. No doubt so as to empower women better.

Still, Goop is worth more than a quarter of a billion dollars, largely because of Gwyneth talking about her vagina, so no wonder she has a smile on her face (or maybe that's just the vaginal egg). So, light that candle, breathe deep and accept the facts: this is Gwyneth's vagina. And the rest of us just live in it."
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: greg on January 13, 2020, 01:20:57 PM
JonTron made a video about that. He literally dresses up as a snake oil salesman outside her Goop store and tries to sell it.  :D
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: ritter on January 13, 2020, 01:33:29 PM
Mankind  has reached a point where it truly deserves to be wiped out by a meteorite... ::)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: greg on January 13, 2020, 01:54:15 PM
Quote from: ritter on January 13, 2020, 01:33:29 PM
Mankind  has reached a point where it truly deserves to be wiped out by a meteorite... ::)
Nah. That should have happened thousands of years ago.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: SimonNZ on January 13, 2020, 02:29:01 PM
Also: if your hoo-ha smells like something marketable you should really see a doctor.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: LKB on January 14, 2020, 09:09:13 AM
Quote from: SimonNZ on January 13, 2020, 02:29:01 PM
Also: if your hoo-ha smells like something marketable you should really see a doctor.

Or a pimp...

https://youtu.be/JOXfw-TtJj8

Those were the days,

LKB

Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: SimonNZ on January 14, 2020, 02:46:14 PM
Man requests sword fight with ex-wife and lawyer to settle legal dispute (https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/jan/14/man-requests-sword-fight-ex-wife-lawyer-settle-legal-dispute)

"A Kansas man has asked an Iowa judge to let him engage in a sword fight with his ex-wife and her attorney in a trial by combat that will settle their ongoing legal dispute.

David Ostrom, 40, of Paola, Kansas, said in a 3 January court filing that his former wife, Bridgette Ostrom, 38, of Harlan, Iowa, and her attorney, Matthew Hudson, had "destroyed (him) legally".

The judge had the power to let the parties "resolve our disputes on the field of battle, legally," David Ostrom said, adding in his filing that trial by combat "has never been explicitly banned or restricted as a right in these United States".

He also asked the judge for 12 weeks' time so he could secure Japanese samurai swords.

The Ostroms have been embroiled in disputes over custody and visitation issues and property tax payments."
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: JBS on January 14, 2020, 03:34:37 PM
Quote from: SimonNZ on January 14, 2020, 02:46:14 PM
Man requests sword fight with ex-wife and lawyer to settle legal dispute (https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/jan/14/man-requests-sword-fight-ex-wife-lawyer-settle-legal-dispute)

"A Kansas man has asked an Iowa judge to let him engage in a sword fight with his ex-wife and her attorney in a trial by combat that will settle their ongoing legal dispute.

David Ostrom, 40, of Paola, Kansas, said in a 3 January court filing that his former wife, Bridgette Ostrom, 38, of Harlan, Iowa, and her attorney, Matthew Hudson, had "destroyed (him) legally".

The judge had the power to let the parties "resolve our disputes on the field of battle, legally," David Ostrom said, adding in his filing that trial by combat "has never been explicitly banned or restricted as a right in these United States".

He also asked the judge for 12 weeks' time so he could secure Japanese samurai swords.

The Ostroms have been embroiled in disputes over custody and visitation issues and property tax payments."

The UK didn't abolish trial of combat until about 1825 (I'd have to look up the date),* and did so only when someone tried to use it in their own case, and thereby got everyone to notice it was still on the books.  So he might be right about it never being abolished in the US. But it was used only in Writs of Right and similar medieval forms, and Appeals of Felony, all of which have been abolished in the US (and UK, of course).   If he wants to go according to the laws appropriate to the era of Trial by Combat, there was no such thing as divorce and  anything in the way of marital disputes was handled by courts of canon law under the authority of the local bishop.

And the parties could in trial by combat hire a champion to fight for them, so perhaps Ms. Ostrom can hire an actual samurai to use that samurai sword on her behalf.

*brief dip into the Web says the case occurred in 1818, abolition was in 1819, and the last confirmed case in which itbwas used was 1597, in Scotland.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: pjme on January 15, 2020, 01:00:10 AM
Quote from: SimonNZ on January 13, 2020, 02:29:01 PM
Also: if your hoo-ha smells like something marketable you should really see a doctor.

It is all quite silly, weird and awkward - exactly.
But please: a vagina is just that, not a hoo-ha.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: SimonNZ on January 15, 2020, 01:55:24 AM
Well it's not a term id use except in the silliest of circumstances.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: drogulus on January 16, 2020, 11:55:49 AM
Quote from: ritter on January 13, 2020, 01:33:29 PM
Mankind  has reached a point where it truly deserves to be wiped out by a meteorite... ::)

     Perhaps, though I don't think any meteorite deserves to do it.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: LKB on January 16, 2020, 05:37:13 PM
https://www.google.com/search?q=deserve%27s+got+nothing+to+do+with+it&prmd=ivsn&sxsrf=ACYBGNTJvVoCHYRHD0BkjONGZrKHeIbuMA:1579228505650&source=lnms&tbm=vid&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjKuuTQzInnAhUjHjQIHfTyA0oQ_AUoAnoECA4QAg&biw=360&bih=520&dpr=4

Squeezing,

LKB
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: greg on January 24, 2020, 03:10:56 PM
Man Gets Assaulted By Woman, Has Evidence, University Sides With Woman And Finds Him Guilty

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SRUIxXdUQeE


Be a good boy. Believe all women.  :)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: SimonNZ on January 24, 2020, 05:43:41 PM
Said the guy who believes the Daily Caller as filtered through a YT bobble head.

The story might be broadly true, but I just read the DC  piece and its got big red warning lights all the way through it suggesting tailoring the story to a wider anti-MeToo agenda. They also fail to show how he was "assaulted". I'd be interested in reading the story through a more credible source, preferably one that details the university's  thinking and procedure, rather than just applying set assumptions.

But be a good boy. Believe all ranting right wing bobble heads.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: greg on January 26, 2020, 05:58:26 PM
Quote from: SimonNZ on January 24, 2020, 05:43:41 PM
Said the guy who believes the Daily Caller as filtered through a YT bobble head.

The story might be broadly true, but I just read the DC  piece and its got big red warning lights all the way through it suggesting tailoring the story to a wider anti-MeToo agenda. They also fail to show how he was "assaulted". I'd be interested in reading the story through a more credible source, preferably one that details the university's  thinking and procedure, rather than just applying set assumptions.
"Assaulted" is a stretch and wasn't titled the best way.

He reviews news stories from sites of any political side, run through the newsguard filter. Many of the sites he gets news stories from he doesn't even like or support.

The point is to show the dangers of the "Believe all women" slogan. It's very bad for both men and women because with this attitude men don't get to defend themselves from false accusations, and when lying about such a thing rewards women, it makes genuine claims less believable.

Which shouldn't have to be said since we don't live in the stone age any more...

Quote from: SimonNZ on January 24, 2020, 05:43:41 PM
But be a good boy. Believe all ranting right wing bobble heads.
Tim is a liberal.
I like how often people on the left make assumptions that anyone who criticizes anything on the left is automatically on the right (an assumption I've seen made too many times to count, which is a tame label for what normally happens).
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: greg on February 02, 2020, 08:39:16 AM
Ok, I found this story pretty funny.

Antifa protesting a trash cleanup.  ;D

They are saying that the other people are cleaning up trash in the cities to make "brown people look dirty."

The mask slips...  ;D

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FrFFAlEeU-0
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: SimonNZ on February 02, 2020, 02:28:06 PM
It frightens me that this is how you get your news. This is exactly like 71db's uncritical devotion to Kyle Kulinsky, and his acceptance of that as "news"..

They're like midnight truckers ranting into their C'B. radios to whoever might be listening.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: SimonNZ on February 02, 2020, 02:33:25 PM
sigh...

50% of U.S. Teens Are Getting Their News From YouTube, But Not From News Organizations
Common Sense and SurveyMonkey found that celebrities, influencers and personalities were their sources more often (https://www.adweek.com/digital/50-of-u-s-teens-are-getting-their-news-from-youtube-but-not-from-news-organizations/)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: greg on February 02, 2020, 03:48:08 PM
Quote from: SimonNZ on February 02, 2020, 02:28:06 PM
It frightens me that this is how you get your news. This is exactly like 71db's uncritical devotion to Kyle Kulinsky, and his acceptance of that as "news"..

They're like midnight truckers ranting into their C'B. radios to whoever might be listening.
So getting news from other online articles and sources that are close as primary as you can get, like Twitter, is bad?

Guess I gotta have news filtered by big daddy Fox, CNN, MSNBC?... because if they don't report on it, it never happened!
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ratliff on February 04, 2020, 04:02:31 PM
Quote from: greg on February 02, 2020, 03:48:08 PM
So getting news from other online articles and sources that are close as primary as you can get, like Twitter, is bad?

Guess I gotta have news filtered by big daddy Fox, CNN, MSNBC?... because if they don't report on it, it never happened!

That is not a primary source. That is a fringe person with little or no direct knowledge ranting about another fringe group.

When I evaluate I try to rely on real primary sources. When I want to know if the Trump economy is good I look at economic data and my own experience, not claims by Trump or by commentators on the right or the left. When I want to think about climate change I look at scientific reports or articles which concisely summarize scientific reports, not statements by political groups on either side. When I compare with I see on social media with primary sources, I conclude that what you will find on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube is essentially a torrent of shit.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on February 04, 2020, 04:04:11 PM
Quote from: Ratliff on February 04, 2020, 04:02:31 PM
That is not a primary source. That is a fringe person with little or no direct knowledge ranting about another fringe group.

When I evaluate I try to rely on real primary sources. When I want to know if the Trump economy is good I look at economic data and my own experience, not claims by Trump or by commentators on the right or the left. When I want to think about climate change I look at scientific reports or articles which concisely summarize scientific reports, not statements by political groups on either side. When I compare with I see on social media with primary sources, I conclude that what you will find on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube is essentially a torrent of shit.

Harsh, but fair.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: greg on February 04, 2020, 04:13:52 PM
Quote from: Ratliff on February 04, 2020, 04:02:31 PM
That is not a primary source. That is a fringe person with little or no direct knowledge ranting about another fringe group.

When I evaluate I try to rely on real primary sources. When I want to know if the Trump economy is good I look at economic data and my own experience, not claims by Trump or by commentators on the right or the left. When I want to think about climate change I look at scientific reports or articles which concisely summarize scientific reports, not statements by political groups on either side. When I compare with I see on social media with primary sources, I conclude that what you will find on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube is essentially a torrent of shit.
It is a primary source. The second video was showing actual footage from protests on Twitter. It was also about Twitter posts from the people at the protests involved. I suppose that is not enough. Probably I have to be there at the protests as well.

Also, are you seriously referring to Tim as "fringe?" Or am I getting confused?

Obviously you've never seen a single one of his videos or read the comments yet you have an opinion about him? So the "milquetoast fence sitter" as he's always called, who refuses to vote for Trump, whose tagline is "it's complicated," and is generally mildly liberal (as he has stated values he holds which are on the liberal side), is now "fringe." Lol, that's a first.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: greg on February 04, 2020, 04:25:57 PM
Anyone remember Mattress Girl? The false rape accuser?

Nowadays she's more conservative, because she found a guy she liked and is more libertarian nowadays.

QuoteThe most remarkable part of the story, though perhaps not the most surprising, is that Sulkowicz says she didn't even know a conservative until last year.

Quote"As I became more and more feminist," she told The Cut. "I think I got to a point where I was literally just straight up hating men. I just hated men, I wished all men would die."

I kinda figured the her whole strategy wasn't very sustainable.  :P

https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/opinion/how-mattress-girl-changed-her-mind

https://pluralist.com/emma-sulkowicz-dated-conservative/
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: SimonNZ on February 04, 2020, 04:47:37 PM
Quote from: greg on February 04, 2020, 04:25:57 PM
Anyone remember Mattress Girl?

No.

You say you don't want anyone to make assumptions about you, but you're clearly obsessed with this particular narrative.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: greg on February 04, 2020, 06:49:11 PM
Quote from: SimonNZ on February 04, 2020, 04:47:37 PM
No.

You say you don't want anyone to make assumptions about you, but you're clearly obsessed with this particular narrative.
Sure. It's all I ever think about.

btw, keep supporting #MeToo and the other one, if you support that one (#believeallwomen), with mattress girl in mind. It will feed your soul.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ratliff on February 04, 2020, 10:33:17 PM
Quote from: greg on February 04, 2020, 04:13:52 PM
It is a primary source. The second video was showing actual footage from protests on Twitter. It was also about Twitter posts from the people at the protests involved. I suppose that is not enough. Probably I have to be there at the protests as well.

Also, are you seriously referring to Tim as "fringe?" Or am I getting confused?

It is a person obsessing about a tiny fringe group (the antifa) who may or may not be giving a questionable justification for a protest of a homeless camp cleanup. That is fringe.

This is the information I have collected about homeless encampments in California.

1) Statistics provided by the state of California indicate the number of homeless has increased substantially in recent years.
2) I see substantially more homeless in my small California city in recent years.
3) A study by USC indicates that a majority of homeless first become homeless while holding full time jobs - common reasons for become homeless are dramatic rent increase, loss of housing due to ending of relationship, loss of housing due to escape from abusive relationship, poor credit history resulting in denial of rental lease applications even when they could pay.
4) Statistics provided by the state of California showing the number of apartments that meet the definition of "affordable" is decreasing due to conversion/replacement with luxury housing.
5) In my small California city I see modest dwellings being replaced by or renovated to luxury units.
6) The unit across the street, which used to have two units rented by blue-collar workers and students, has now been bought by an out-of-town person has renovated to use one unit as his weekend place and other unit as a luxury rental with dramatically higher rent.

Conclusion - the primary cause of homelessness is the fact that there are fewer dwellings than people who need dwellings. The number of homeless is set by economics, not by people who are "lazy," "have chosen the homeless lifestyle."

On my local "nextdoor" site (a sort of local facebook) long time local residents seem to believe the theory that the mayor has a plan to destroy the city by attracting homeless from all over the country, by instructing police to coddle the homeless. This is the "social media" answer. 
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: greg on February 05, 2020, 06:33:37 PM
Quote from: Ratliff on February 04, 2020, 10:33:17 PM
It is a person obsessing about a tiny fringe group (the antifa) who may or may not be giving a questionable justification for a protest of a homeless camp cleanup. That is fringe.
"Obsessing"- dramatic word choice.
"Fringe," sure, if you want to stretch the word fringe to mean nearly anything. 

I'm obsessed with music. Guess I'm music fringe? And if it's just for politics, can someone a centrist be fringe? I guess there may exist extreme centrists who think all of the non-centrists should die, so yeah, maybe.


Quote from: Ratliff on February 04, 2020, 10:33:17 PM
This is the information I have collected about homeless encampments in California.

1) Statistics provided by the state of California indicate the number of homeless has increased substantially in recent years.
2) I see substantially more homeless in my small California city in recent years.
3) A study by USC indicates that a majority of homeless first become homeless while holding full time jobs - common reasons for become homeless are dramatic rent increase, loss of housing due to ending of relationship, loss of housing due to escape from abusive relationship, poor credit history resulting in denial of rental lease applications even when they could pay.
4) Statistics provided by the state of California showing the number of apartments that meet the definition of "affordable" is decreasing due to conversion/replacement with luxury housing.
5) In my small California city I see modest dwellings being replaced by or renovated to luxury units.
6) The unit across the street, which used to have two units rented by blue-collar workers and students, has now been bought by an out-of-town person has renovated to use one unit as his weekend place and other unit as a luxury rental with dramatically higher rent.

Conclusion - the primary cause of homelessness is the fact that there are fewer dwellings than people who need dwellings. The number of homeless is set by economics, not by people who are "lazy," "have chosen the homeless lifestyle."

On my local "nextdoor" site (a sort of local facebook) long time local residents seem to believe the theory that the mayor has a plan to destroy the city by attracting homeless from all over the country, by instructing police to coddle the homeless. This is the "social media" answer.
Um, I don't disagree with any of this. And not really getting why these points are made in response to the video. But I do appreciate the information. Obviously this stuff is a problem.

The whole summary of the video (and this happened previously without the physical protests, just online complaints) is that people are trying to clean up the city and radical political people are, instead of helping out to make their city a nicer place, protests and accuses them of racism and against homeless people... maybe something was said secretly? Probably not. But the irony is how the "anti-racists" immediately think of race when people are cleaning up trash, almost like a Freudian slip (Antifa being largely consisting of white people).




Quote from: SimonNZ on February 02, 2020, 02:28:06 PM
This is exactly like 71db's uncritical devotion to Kyle Kulinsky, and his acceptance of that as "news"..
Revisiting this.
I'm just wondering, do you think most people can't think for themselves? Is that why you find news outside of corporate media to be unacceptable? Are you authoritarian or libertarian?
(just trying to understand the psychology along this train of thought)

Tim's videos are offering criticisms of existing articles/news. Most people will read an article and either criticize it or they won't- so that's either 1 or 2 perspectives. I will always question his commentary, so that's 3 perspectives- the article, mine, and his. I mean... is that supposed to be a bad thing? Or is fewer perspectives better? (it certainly is better for directing one's self, but definitely not better for discovering truth)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: SimonNZ on February 05, 2020, 07:40:14 PM
Quote from: greg on February 02, 2020, 03:48:08 PM

Guess I gotta have news filtered by big daddy Fox, CNN, MSNBC?... because if they don't report on it, it never happened!

I don't watch Fox or CNN or MSNBC*, nor have I told you to.

*unless linked to, or I'm looking to see how something got reported in various places.

Quote from: greg on February 05, 2020, 06:33:37 PM

Revisiting this.
I'm just wondering, do you think most people can't think for themselves? Is that why you find news outside of corporate media to be unacceptable? Are you authoritarian or libertarian?
(just trying to understand the psychology along this train of thought)

Tim's videos are offering criticisms of existing articles/news. Most people will read an article and either criticize it or they won't- so that's either 1 or 2 perspectives. I will always question his commentary, so that's 3 perspectives- the article, mine, and his. I mean... is that supposed to be a bad thing? Or is fewer perspectives better? (it certainly is better for directing one's self, but definitely not better for discovering truth)

I've never said "news outside of corporate media is unacceptable"

When your Tim said the leftist corporate media had "smeared" that guy, did you follow up to see if that was accurate? Or to see if the string of assumptions he made about the motives of the protesters was accurately reported?

Three perspectives? Tim was presenting one subject's view with uncritical acceptance, and you were offering it here with uncritical acceptance.

I don't know if the Baltimore Sun is what you call "left" or "corporate", but read this and tell me if you think its a "smear", or if you think Tim's sarcastic laughter and boiling outrage is still justified:

We assume it was pure motives that led a Trump supporter to launch a cleanup in Cummings' district, right? (https://www.baltimoresun.com/opinion/editorial/bs-ed-0808-conservatives-clean-west-baltimore-20190806-hmc2gndnhfhodch4yxromipgnq-story.html)

I'm still wanting to get info about that Republican do-gooder's "March Against Sharia", whatever the hell that was.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: greg on February 07, 2020, 07:34:39 AM
Quote from: SimonNZ on February 05, 2020, 07:40:14 PM
I don't watch Fox or CNN or MSNBC*, nor have I told you to.

*unless linked to, or I'm looking to see how something got reported in various places.

I've never said "news outside of corporate media is unacceptable"

When your Tim said the leftist corporate media had "smeared" that guy, did you follow up to see if that was accurate? Or to see if the string of assumptions he made about the motives of the protesters was accurately reported?

Three perspectives? Tim was presenting one subject's view with uncritical acceptance, and you were offering it here with uncritical acceptance.

I don't know if the Baltimore Sun is what you call "left" or "corporate", but read this and tell me if you think its a "smear", or if you think Tim's sarcastic laughter and boiling outrage is still justified:

We assume it was pure motives that led a Trump supporter to launch a cleanup in Cummings' district, right? (https://www.baltimoresun.com/opinion/editorial/bs-ed-0808-conservatives-clean-west-baltimore-20190806-hmc2gndnhfhodch4yxromipgnq-story.html)

I'm still wanting to get info about that Republican do-gooder's "March Against Sharia", whatever the hell that was.
Many of his videos are commenting on silly articles and tearing them apart, so that's two perspectives automatically. Maybe the one I posted is not a great reprentative of this.

I'd say it's a very common format. It's nothing like talk radio where people just spew their opinions or whatever. These types of videos will show you the original article for you to read (usually by leftist writers) and contend every point. Mostly disagreeing but they will agree with some points usually. And I may disagree with their critique sometimes. So that's three perspectives. Just because I agree with Tim on some things doesn't mean I'm not critical of him in general. Most of his audience just complains about him nonstop, which is how it should be rather than living in a safe space bubble where your ideas are never challenged.

Following up with the motives of the protesters might be tricky since Antifa doesn't talk to people and try to stay anonymous. I've seen videos of people trying to interview them on other channels and it always happens. Tim used to go to protests like this for field reporting and such but not nowadays.

He mentioned a great point in a precious video: no, the motives aren't pure. But that doesn't matter.

If your way of fighting the opposition is to clean the city, then that deserves much more respect than protesting and complaining and not doing anything. At least they did something to help everyone, political or not. Much better than the people who dress in black and try to beat people up as a mob.

March against Sharia sounds like a good idea. Indirectly great for LGBT.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: SimonNZ on February 07, 2020, 03:09:36 PM
Did you read the Baltimore Sun piece?


(also: if the idea behind March Against Sharia is that Muslim immigrants are trying to upend American laws and impose their own, then its completely racist and deserves to be protested, and cast suspicion on anything else Captain Dogooder does)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: greg on February 08, 2020, 01:13:00 PM
Quote from: SimonNZ on February 07, 2020, 03:09:36 PM
Did you read the Baltimore Sun piece?
Yeah, I'm not sure what the counterargument is supposed to be, if any. Some journalist sitting in their airconditioned office writing about this, "oh... but his motives may be political," while these guys are outside getting dirty and cleaning up the streets.

If Antifa, Bernie supporters, whoever, went outside and started cleaning up trash and identified to the world who they were, then anyone has to at least give them a thumbs up regardless of their political motives.


Quote from: SimonNZ on February 07, 2020, 03:09:36 PM
(also: if the idea behind March Against Sharia is that Muslim immigrants are trying to upend American laws and impose their own, then its completely racist and deserves to be protested, and cast suspicion on anything else Captain Dogooder does)
This is what I don't get- the jump to racism. Doesn't even make any sense at all. Pure ideological blindness that's filled with assumptions is my best guess.

If they all just said they don't like non-white people, then that would make sense, though I'd have to see the source for that first.

Arab countries have the right to go against US occupation... never would I imagine that being racist.

So are you okay with gays being stoned to death as part of Sharia Law?
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: SimonNZ on February 08, 2020, 02:40:07 PM
Quote from: greg on February 08, 2020, 01:13:00 PM

This is what I don't get- the jump to racism. Doesn't even make any sense at all. Pure ideological blindness that's filled with assumptions is my best guess.


Do you really need this explained?

Muslim immigrants in the US aren't trying to impose sharia law, so there's nothing to march against. Its just furthering a myth that makes them the objects of suspicion and hate and separates from the community theyre trying to be a part of.. Its ignorant and its racist.

I could add that the only people stoning gays to death in the US are the home-grown whites.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: greg on February 09, 2020, 03:24:22 PM
Quote from: SimonNZ on February 08, 2020, 02:40:07 PM
Do you really need this explained?

Muslim immigrants in the US aren't trying to impose sharia law, so there's nothing to march against. Its just furthering a myth that makes them the objects of suspicion and hate and separates from the community theyre trying to be a part of.. Its ignorant and its racist.
You could make an argument for ignorant, but racist? You are literally just throwing that into the mix for no reason. Racist has to do with race- not wanting Sharia law doesn't equal hating non-whites, just because Muslims are usually non-whites. Correlation doesn't equal causation.

The fear is stemming from the Muslim influence on European countries. Mostly it is Sweden that is the concern, I think, because it's such a small country to begin with that bringing in so many immigrants could radically change the country.

But not so valid as far as the US is concerned, because there just aren't nearly enough of them to influence much at all. I'd say it's dumb more than anything, since Sharia law will never come to the US.

If they are protesting it to hate on it, that's fine IMO. I also don't like something that is that absurdly right-wing. (To me, it almost parallels sane left-wing liberals protesting or talking out against identity politics, or something like that- which you might be surprised is rather common).


Quote from: SimonNZ on February 08, 2020, 02:40:07 PM
I could add that the only people stoning gays to death in the US are the home-grown whites.
Ummm... ok... Seems like I would have heard about at least one case by now of that...

so gays are stoned to death in the US but not in Arab countries? Really?
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ratliff on February 09, 2020, 04:53:38 PM
Quote from: greg on February 08, 2020, 01:13:00 PM...
This is what I don't get- the jump to racism. Doesn't even make any sense at all. Pure ideological blindness that's filled with assumptions is my best guess.

If they all just said they don't like non-white people, then that would make sense, though I'd have to see the source for that first.

Arab countries have the right to go against US occupation... never would I imagine that being racist.

So are you okay with gays being stoned to death as part of Sharia Law?

I don't have the patience to trace this back, but your analogy between muslim immigration to the U.S. and Arab countries having the right the go against US occupation identifies immigrants who are muslim as an occupation. You are expressing blatant racism. Almost everyone here is an immigrant from somewhere and muslims are no different than any others, bringing their cultural heritage to the American experience. All of the muslim immigrants to North America that I have encountered value the cultural plurality and democracy they find here at least as much as natural born citizens.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: greg on February 10, 2020, 12:29:15 PM
Quote from: Ratliff on February 09, 2020, 04:53:38 PM
I don't have the patience to trace this back, but your analogy between muslim immigration to the U.S. and Arab countries having the right the go against US occupation identifies immigrants who are muslim as an occupation. You are expressing blatant racism. Almost everyone here is an immigrant from somewhere and muslims are no different than any others, bringing their cultural heritage to the American experience. All of the muslim immigrants to North America that I have encountered value the cultural plurality and democracy they find here at least as much as natural born citizens.
This makes literally makes no sense to be classified as racism.

Watch what happens in the future when the word racism is thrown around so much to be virtually meaningless.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: SimonNZ on February 10, 2020, 01:09:01 PM
One quickly googled definition of "racism":

"the belief that all members of each race possess characteristics, abilities, or qualities specific to that race, especially so as to distinguish it as inferior or superior to another race or races."

If the March Against Sharia is implying that Muslim immigrants in America have the same mindset and inclinations as the Taliban then that's racism by any standard definition.


Perhaps you should tell us how you define it.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: greg on February 10, 2020, 02:27:13 PM
Quote from: SimonNZ on February 10, 2020, 01:09:01 PM
One quickly googled definition of "racism":

"the belief that all members of each race possess characteristics, abilities, or qualities specific to that race, especially so as to distinguish it as inferior or superior to another race or races."

If the March Against Sharia is implying that Muslim immigrants in America have the same mindset and inclinations as the Taliban then that's racism by any standard definition.


Perhaps you should tell us how you define it.
You literally explained the problem better than I could. Both of you are incorrectly equating race to culture/religion.

Muslim is not a race.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: SimonNZ on February 10, 2020, 02:59:11 PM
That's what I thought you were going to say.

It's racist because the protesters are equating Taliban tendencies to people with a specific look.

It's not about religion because that's not how the immigrants are practicing their religion, any more than Christian or Jewish Americans are practicing the stoning laws from the Old Testament - any more than they need to be protested. So what then are they protesting? The look of difference - their fear of the other. They're protesting the race. They're creating division and outrage in the uninformed where none should exist.


It might also be noted that western culture has some equally or more barbaric ways of delivering capital punishment. A stoning, not that I condone it and certainly not for mere adultery, may be a swifter and less painful death than the electric chair, for example. You may also want to factor in how less common it is than you might think, even in countries where it is ostensibly legal:

http://news.trust.org//item/20130927165059-w9g0i

Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: greg on February 11, 2020, 07:30:20 AM
Obviously you know more about that protest than I do since I never heard of it.

Are they really also protesting "people with a certain look?" Or just the usage of Sharia law in the US? Because I only caught the latter in your description.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ratliff on February 11, 2020, 07:39:32 AM
Quote from: greg on February 10, 2020, 02:27:13 PM
You literally explained the problem better than I could. Both of you are incorrectly equating race to culture/religion.

Muslim is not a race.

You're going to rely on that technicality?

As mentioned above, racism is attributing negative characteristics of a few members, real or imagined, to all members of a race. You do the same for Muslims. The defense that "Muslim" is not a race is pretty weak, since "race" has no clear scientific basis and is mostly a social construct; you are treating "Muslim" as a race.

It is not an abstraction for me, none of the Muslim students, colleagues, friends I have and have had match your "taliban" caricature, and they have to confront it every day of their lives, because of people like you.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: JBS on February 11, 2020, 07:43:20 AM
It's xenophobia and bigotry,  and one doesn't need any other terminology to understand it's wrong.   

In this particular case, they believe all Muslims are committed to imposing "Sharia law" on everyone else, so protesting "Sharia law" is just another way of protesting Muslim presence in the US simply because Muslims are different from them.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: greg on February 11, 2020, 07:58:00 AM
Quote from: Ratliff on February 11, 2020, 07:39:32 AM
You're going to rely on that technicality?

As mentioned above, racism is attributing negative characteristics of a few members, real or imagined, to all members of a race. You do the same for Muslims. The defense that "Muslim" is not a race is pretty weak, since "race" has no clear scientific basis and is mostly a social construct; you are treating "Muslim" as a race.

It is not an abstraction for me, none of the Muslim students, colleagues, friends I have and have had match your "taliban" caricature, and they have to confront it every day of their lives, because of people like you.
Okay now you are just going off the rails because you lost an argument and look bad. You obviously have zero reading comprehension and don't know the first thing about me.

Muslim is not a race. That's absolutely retarded to think so. Any of us could become Muslim. Arab could be considered a race.

Seriously grow up. If you can't handle adult conversations without lashing out then don't participate.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ratliff on February 11, 2020, 08:07:46 AM
Quote from: JBS on February 11, 2020, 07:43:20 AM
It's xenophobia and bigotry,  and one doesn't need any other terminology to understand it's wrong.   

+1
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: greg on February 11, 2020, 10:09:52 AM
Quote from: Ratliff on February 11, 2020, 08:07:46 AM
+1
You are putting me in the ridiculous position of defending myself. Were your next door neighbors, for years, Muslims, all the while not even thinking much about it? But apparently I strike fear into them. Maybe ask them how scary I was.

If it was just xenophobia I would have agreed. But the term racist is used and you agreed with it.

So yeah let this be a moment where you look into the mirror and learn how toxic you and people with the same beliefs can be. I literally just posted about false accusations of rape in this thread and the discussion turns into me being falsely accused of racism.

Stop trying to force the moral high ground because you can't take the logical, truthful high ground. If you need an enemy, pick someone who is actually bad instead of trying to create ones.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: drogulus on February 13, 2020, 06:22:43 AM

     Today I Learned That Not Everyone Has An Internal Monologue And It Has Ruined My Day (https://insidemymind.me/2020/01/28/today-i-learned-that-not-everyone-has-an-internal-monologue-and-it-has-ruined-my-day/)

I posted a poll on instagram to get a more accurate assessment of the situation. Currently 91 people have responded that they have an internal monologue and 18 people reported that they do not have this. I began asking those people questions about the things that they experience and it is quite different from the majority.

I would tell them that I could look at myself in the mirror and have a full blown telepathic conversation with myself without opening my mouth and they responded as if I had schizophrenia. One person even mentioned that when they do voice overs in movies of people's thoughts, they "wished that it was real."


     I wish the author had asked more questions of the people who don't hear their own voice. Are they incapable of hearing any voices? Do they see words when they think? How does consciousness manifest itself?

     
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: greg on February 13, 2020, 06:45:16 AM
Quote from: drogulus on February 13, 2020, 06:22:43 AM
     Today I Learned That Not Everyone Has An Internal Monologue And It Has Ruined My Day (https://insidemymind.me/2020/01/28/today-i-learned-that-not-everyone-has-an-internal-monologue-and-it-has-ruined-my-day/)

I posted a poll on instagram to get a more accurate assessment of the situation. Currently 91 people have responded that they have an internal monologue and 18 people reported that they do not have this. I began asking those people questions about the things that they experience and it is quite different from the majority.

I would tell them that I could look at myself in the mirror and have a full blown telepathic conversation with myself without opening my mouth and they responded as if I had schizophrenia. One person even mentioned that when they do voice overs in movies of people's thoughts, they "wished that it was real."


     I wish the author had asked more questions of the people who don't hear their own voice. Are they incapable of hearing any voices? Do they see words when they think? How does consciousness manifest itself?

   
This was from earlier last year. It's literally the piece of news that first inspired the NPC meme.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: greg on February 15, 2020, 04:42:57 PM
Here ya go:

Q&A with a person who does not have an internal monologue

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u69YSh-cFXY
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: SimonNZ on February 16, 2020, 02:45:35 PM
Human composting could be the future of deathcare
Washington becomes first US state to legalise practice as interest in green burials surges in UK (https://www.theguardian.com/society/2020/feb/16/human-composting-could-be-the-future-of-deathcare)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: SimonNZ on February 23, 2020, 03:18:11 AM
KFC and Crocs created a clog that's covered in fried chicken (https://edition.cnn.com/2020/02/12/us/kfc-crocs-shoe-trnd/index.html)

(https://images.crocs.com/is/image/Crocs/021120-KFC-Back3b?$mkt-jpg-90$)

(https://images.crocs.com/is/image/Crocs/021120-KFC-Angled3?$mkt-jpg-90$)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ratliff on February 25, 2020, 11:07:41 AM
Quote from: SimonNZ on February 16, 2020, 02:45:35 PM
Human composting could be the future of deathcare
Washington becomes first US state to legalise practice as interest in green burials surges in UK (https://www.theguardian.com/society/2020/feb/16/human-composting-could-be-the-future-of-deathcare)

Can Soylent Green be far off? :)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: greg on February 25, 2020, 01:52:26 PM
Flat earther dies from homemade rocket

https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.washingtonpost.com/science/2020/02/23/mad-mike-hughes-dead/%3foutputType=amp


Is it wrong to laugh at someone else's death?  :-X
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: drogulus on February 27, 2020, 09:34:17 AM

     Radical hydrogen-boron reactor leapfrogs current nuclear fusion tech (https://newatlas.com/energy/hb11-hydrogen-boron-fusion-clean-energy/)

The lasers themselves rely upon cutting-edge "Chirped Pulse Amplification" technology, the development of which won its inventors the 2018 Nobel prize in Physics. Much smaller and simpler than any of the high-temperature fusion generators, HB11 says its generators would be compact, clean and safe enough to build in urban environments. There's no nuclear waste involved, no superheated steam, and no chance of a meltdown.

     Fusion energy that doesn't use radioactive elements and produces no radioactive waste seems like a good fit for my back yard.

     
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: steve ridgway on February 27, 2020, 09:02:46 PM
Quote from: drogulus on February 27, 2020, 09:34:17 AM
     Radical hydrogen-boron reactor leapfrogs current nuclear fusion tech (https://newatlas.com/energy/hb11-hydrogen-boron-fusion-clean-energy/)

The lasers themselves rely upon cutting-edge "Chirped Pulse Amplification" technology, the development of which won its inventors the 2018 Nobel prize in Physics. Much smaller and simpler than any of the high-temperature fusion generators, HB11 says its generators would be compact, clean and safe enough to build in urban environments. There's no nuclear waste involved, no superheated steam, and no chance of a meltdown.

     Fusion energy that doesn't use radioactive elements and produces no radioactive waste seems like a good fit for my back yard.

   

That would be fantastic news if it proved to be viable :).
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: SimonNZ on February 29, 2020, 02:15:15 PM
'To hell and back': my three weeks suffering from coronavirus
Tiger Ye, 21, lives in Wuhan and started showing symptoms in mid-January. Here he tells the story of his illness and recovery (https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/feb/29/to-hell-and-back-my-three-weeks-suffering-from-coronavirus)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: drogulus on March 02, 2020, 06:27:06 AM
     

     For those of you who are thinking of of selling your nest egg before it goes to zero, this:

     (https://ritholtz.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/image-768x415.png)

     

     

     

     
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: JBS on March 06, 2020, 01:41:48 PM
A ProPublica reporter on the Coronavirus

https://www.propublica.org/article/i-lived-through-sars-and-reported-on-ebola-these-are-the-questions-we-should-be-asking-about-coronavirus
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: drogulus on March 07, 2020, 08:30:33 AM

     How Many Eggs Are Healthy To Eat? (https://www.yahoo.com/huffpost/how-many-eggs-healthy-eat-104500399.html)

      >:D (http://www.good-music-guide.com/community/Smileys/classic/evil.gif)

     I'll take a wild guess and say 37%.

     
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: drogulus on March 07, 2020, 09:02:38 AM
     I would like to remind all of you that Prevagen is the #1 PHARMACIST RECOMMENDED MEMORY SUPPORT BRAND, in case you forget and don't have any memory support.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: drogulus on March 09, 2020, 07:25:01 AM

     Don't panic.

     Don't panic! (https://ritholtz.com/2020/03/dont-panic/)

Economy: The economy is slowing, likely temporarily, but perhaps significantly, as people hunker down, work from home and go out less as they wait out for the economic impact to pass. Stocks are appropriately pricing this in. The assumption is energy, travel, leisure, dining, retail and business travel sectors will all suffer large fall offs in revenue and corresponding decreases in profits. Historically, pandemics should be transitory, lasting weeks or months but likely not years. Knowing this should help you put the moment into this a bigger picture.

     So, don't.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: greg on March 09, 2020, 07:37:46 AM
Quote from: drogulus on March 09, 2020, 07:25:01 AM
     Don't panic.

     Don't panic! (https://ritholtz.com/2020/03/dont-panic/)

Economy: The economy is slowing, likely temporarily, but perhaps significantly, as people hunker down, work from home and go out less as they wait out for the economic impact to pass. Stocks are appropriately pricing this in. The assumption is energy, travel, leisure, dining, retail and business travel sectors will all suffer large fall offs in revenue and corresponding decreases in profits. Historically, pandemics should be transitory, lasting weeks or months but likely not years. Knowing this should help you put the moment into this a bigger picture.

     So, don't.
Is it a good idea to start investing in the stock market once this is all over?
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: drogulus on March 09, 2020, 12:04:51 PM
Quote from: greg on March 09, 2020, 07:37:46 AM
Is it a good idea to start investing in the stock market once this is all over?

     No, do it 10 years ago. Second best is now. Worst is when this is all over, for this after this after this.

     Starting is the hardest. Not only do you have to figure out how to start, you have to decide what you're supposed to buy before you have any direct knowledge, and you don't know what trustworthy advice is.

     
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ratliff on March 09, 2020, 12:15:37 PM
Quote from: greg on March 09, 2020, 07:37:46 AM
Is it a good idea to start investing in the stock market once this is all over?

Once this is all over equities will be overpriced again.

A reasonable strategy is to invest a constant amount of dollars per unit time. Then you automatically buy more shares when the prices are lower.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: drogulus on March 09, 2020, 02:15:20 PM
Quote from: Baron Scarpia on March 09, 2020, 12:15:37 PM
Once this is all over equities will be overpriced again.

A reasonable strategy is to invest a constant amount of dollars per unit time. Then you automatically buy more shares when the prices are lower.

     This is a very good idea. It's also the case if you are just putting savings, or some of your savings, into the market and buying when you have enough, like every $2,000 or so, you are doing this automatically without thinking about it. A couple of accounts I started some years back were built that way.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: drogulus on March 09, 2020, 06:43:59 PM


     No one has ever explained the Nest Egg Principle better than this.

     https://www.youtube.com/v/xdMilnKGJdA&t=39s
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: drogulus on March 11, 2020, 08:13:59 AM
     I went to Business Insider to scope out developments there. There's lots of talk about pitch decks and influencers, but the only reference to cryptocurrency was about scams.

     I Worked Full Time in Crypto for Two Years and Didn't Really Like What I Saw (https://medium.com/swlh/i-worked-full-time-in-crypto-for-two-years-and-didnt-really-like-what-i-saw-39382fa103a7)

     I'd like to read an article like "I was a hit man for the mob and I didn't like what I saw".

     (https://miro.medium.com/max/599/1*73rZ596sfTQIPRuiSzImdA.jpeg)

     OK, it was worth it for this.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: drogulus on March 12, 2020, 09:29:05 AM

     Speaking of obvious scammery, I haven't received a single virus scam email. I wonder who is getting them if it's not me. To put it in perspective I receive about 2-4 spam emails a week on average.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: drogulus on March 16, 2020, 09:26:34 AM


     The myth of the panicky individual investor (https://www.dpegan.com/the-myth-of-the-panicky-individual-investor/)

     A surprisingly large percentage of investors do nothing, while many of the rest only are doing something because they don't pause their accumulation strategy at the worst time.

The document I've made the most of above is the Vanguard event study. It should be noted that Vanguard accounts are not representative either — they tend to be stay-the-course investors who don't trade and hold concentrated portfolios. Most other data would likely show more activity, so we can assume that investors may be more active than this Vanguard study suggests. How much more? I don't know.


     Yes, that's what I'd figure.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: drogulus on March 26, 2020, 04:25:08 PM

     The stock market just had its best 3 day surge since 1931.

     (http://www.good-music-guide.com/community/Smileys/classic/shocked.gif)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: JBS on March 26, 2020, 05:14:53 PM
Quote from: drogulus on March 26, 2020, 04:25:08 PM
     The stock market just had its best 3 day surge since 1931.

     (http://www.good-music-guide.com/community/Smileys/classic/shocked.gif)

The basic facts have remained the same over the last two weeks.  We know the virus would be bad in several ways, including public health and the economy.  We knew that the politicians would eventually agree to open the money spigots and spend large amounts of money that does not exist*.  So there is as little reason for this surge as there was for the fall.  Yet the markets behaved like they behaved.

My own theory involves day trading and other forms of short horizon investing, which are based not so much on the underlying stock as it is on how investors are acting with the stock.

*Even true by MMT--according to which it will exist once it's spent but not before.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: drogulus on March 26, 2020, 07:21:47 PM
Quote from: JBS on March 26, 2020, 05:14:53 PM
The basic facts have remained the same over the last two weeks.  We know the virus would be bad in several ways, including public health and the economy.  We knew that the politicians would eventually agree to open the money spigots and spend large amounts of money that does not exist*.  So there is as little reason for this surge as there was for the fall.  Yet the markets behaved like they behaved.

My own theory involves day trading and other forms of short horizon investing, which are based not so much on the underlying stock as it is on how investors are acting with the stock.

*Even true by MMT--according to which it will exist once it's spent but not before.

     It true by everything, not some theory. The theory just explains it better than government getting its own money from the Money Place.

     Yes, the market is cheered that total derangement has not gripped Congress. I think the dumb money is coming in, by which I mean the amateurs who don't panic. The pros tend to get wiped out. Vanguard is reporting just that. Stay the course dummies will come out OK.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: drogulus on March 27, 2020, 09:36:13 AM

     I'm down 40% off the February high. (http://www.good-music-guide.com/community/Smileys/classic/smiley.gif)

     Originally I thought it would take 2 years to get back. Now I don't know as there are too many variables to juggle. Much depends on how ferociously we run out of dollars to have something to go back to.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: André on March 27, 2020, 12:01:42 PM
Last week I was at 77%, now at 87. Wild fluctuations in a very short time.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: drogulus on March 28, 2020, 10:29:26 AM
     To console myself for my market losses, I want to buy something. I know, I want to buy a new TV! I have a pretty new one, a good one, but now I want a great one.

     I might have to wait until June for the one I want. In the meantime I'll monitor the videophile sites to see how the testing is coming along.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: MusicTurner on April 04, 2020, 11:52:11 AM
From today's e-mails:



"Hello! A donation of $1,000,000.00 USD has been made to you by Mr Francois Pinault, kindly send him an email for more details: franois2026@gmail.com


Hola El Sr. Francois Pinault le hizo una donación de $ 1,000,000.00 USD. Envíele un correo electrónico para obtener más detalles: franois2026@gmail.com


Olá! Uma doação de US $ 1.000.000,00 foi feita a você pelo Sr. François Pinault, envie-lhe um e-mail para obter mais detalhes: franois2026@gmail.com"
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: ritter on April 04, 2020, 11:55:24 AM
Quote from: MusicTurner on April 04, 2020, 11:52:11 AM
From today's e-mails:



"Hello! A donation of $1,000,000.00 USD has been made to you by Mr Francois Pinault, kindly send him an email for more details: franois2026@gmail.com


Hola El Sr. Francois Pinault le hizo una donación de $ 1,000,000.00 USD. Envíele un correo electrónico para obtener más detalles: franois2026@gmail.com


Olá! Uma doação de US $ 1.000.000,00 foi feita a você pelo Sr. François Pinault, envie-lhe um e-mail para obter mais detalhes: franois2026@gmail.com"
And there was me thinking I was the only lucky one.... :)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: drogulus on April 04, 2020, 07:27:30 PM

      Where's my spam? I did get a couple of one ring calls yesterday, which is my roboblocker doing its thing. Is that it?

      On the new TV front, my candidates haven't been released yet and my review site has been shut down by the Quebec government. Maybe they'll be back in action soon.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: JBS on April 04, 2020, 07:41:17 PM
Quote from: drogulus on April 04, 2020, 07:27:30 PM
      Where's my spam? I did get a couple of one ring calls yesterday, which is my roboblocker doing its thing. Is that it?


Same here. Even COVID19 has a silver lining.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: JBS on April 06, 2020, 11:42:02 AM
Venezuelan patrol boat fires on, then rams, a German cruise ship in international waters.
https://www.express.co.uk/news/world/1265608/naiguata-resolute-venezuela-navy-vessel-sinks-cruise-news-latest-resolute-ship-naiguata

Venezuelan patrol boat then sinks.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: drogulus on April 07, 2020, 06:33:51 AM
     I got a wonderful spammail today:

Good day,

My name is Warren E. Buffett an American business magnate, investor, and
philanthropist and one of the most successful investors in the world. I
believe strongly in giving while living' I had one idea that never changed in
my mind that you should use your wealth to help people and i have decided to give {USD$2.700.000.00} Two Million Seven Hundred Thousand United Dollars, to randomly selected individuals worldwide. On receipt of this email, you should count yourself as the lucky individual.

Your email address was chosen online while searching at random. Kindly get
back to me at your earliest convenience before i travel to japan for my
treatment, so I know your email address is valid. ( dm8548901@gmail.com
) Email me.

Thank you for accepting our offer, we are indeed grateful You Can Google my
name for more information: Warren Buffet OR You visit my website
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ Warren_Buffett

God bless you.

Best Regard

Mr. Warren E. Buffett
(Billionaire investor)


     All right, there's no mention of a virus, so it's not the Platonic form of virus spam. It does mention that Buffet is going to Japan for treatment, so I'll count it anyway.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: steve ridgway on April 07, 2020, 06:57:15 AM
Quote from: drogulus on April 07, 2020, 06:33:51 AM
Thank you for accepting our offer, we are indeed grateful You Can Google my
name for more information: Warren Buffet OR You visit my website
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ Warren_Buffett

Ah! I was always suspicious when Wikipedia asked me for money that it was some sort of scam.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: ritter on April 07, 2020, 07:38:19 AM
Quote from: drogulus on April 07, 2020, 06:33:51 AM
     I got a wonderful spammail today:

Good day,

My name is Warren E. Buffett an American business magnate, investor, and
philanthropist and one of the most successful investors in the world. I
believe strongly in giving while living' I had one idea that never changed in
my mind that you should use your wealth to help people and i have decided to give {USD$2.700.000.00} Two Million Seven Hundred Thousand United Dollars, to randomly selected individuals worldwide. On receipt of this email, you should count yourself as the lucky individual.

Your email address was chosen online while searching at random. Kindly get
back to me at your earliest convenience before i travel to japan for my
treatment, so I know your email address is valid. ( dm8548901@gmail.com
) Email me.

Thank you for accepting our offer, we are indeed grateful You Can Google my
name for more information: Warren Buffet OR You visit my website
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ Warren_Buffett

God bless you.

Best Regard

Mr. Warren E. Buffett
(Billionaire investor)


     All right, there's no mention of a virus, so it's not the Platonic form of virus spam. It does mention that Buffet is going to Japan for treatment, so I'll count it anyway.
Do they say anything about whether having already accepted Mr. Pinault's donation of US$ 1m disqualifies you from opting for Mr. Buffett's offer? Just to make sure.... ;) :D
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: geralmar on April 07, 2020, 09:46:05 PM
Doctors warn about off-label use of frozen potatoes

https://vt.co/lifestyle/doctors-are-warning-people-not-to-put-frozen-potatoes-in-their-anus/
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Kaga2 on April 08, 2020, 05:39:47 AM
Quote from: geralmar on April 07, 2020, 09:46:05 PM
Doctors warn about off-label use of frozen potatoes

https://vt.co/lifestyle/doctors-are-warning-people-not-to-put-frozen-potatoes-in-their-anus/

There is a reason why frozen beets exist. Just sayin'.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on April 08, 2020, 07:47:26 AM
Media Coverage Doesn't Actually Determine Public Opinion On The Economy (https://fivethirtyeight.com/features/media-coverage-doesnt-actually-determine-public-opinion-on-the-economy/)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: drogulus on April 08, 2020, 10:54:24 AM
Quote from: k a rl h e nn i ng on April 08, 2020, 07:47:26 AM
Media Coverage Doesn't Actually Determine Public Opinion On The Economy (https://fivethirtyeight.com/features/media-coverage-doesnt-actually-determine-public-opinion-on-the-economy/)

     That's right, you can't really argue people into a position that conflicts with their personal experience.

     
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ratliff on April 16, 2020, 08:01:22 AM
My stimulus payment arrived in the bank account I use for federal income tax purposes. I don't feel particularly stimulated.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: drogulus on April 16, 2020, 08:21:39 AM
Quote from: Baron Scarpia on April 16, 2020, 08:01:22 AM
My stimulus payment arrived in the bank account I use for federal income tax purposes. I don't feel particularly stimulated.

     I checked my account and it was debited for the federal payment on April 13.   

     Carlton the Tax Genius sent me a nice email. He likes my sense of humor, possibly because he read my review of his service, which among other things praised his "general awesomeness".
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: drogulus on April 16, 2020, 10:12:58 AM

     I just remembered that Social Security recipients will get their stimulus checks the same way they get their SS checks, in my case direct deposited to my checking account at a local bank. It's not linked to the tax return.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on April 16, 2020, 01:27:05 PM
Quote from: Baron Scarpia on April 16, 2020, 08:01:22 AM
My stimulus payment arrived in the bank account I use for federal income tax purposes. I don't feel particularly stimulated.

Ditto.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Ratliff on April 16, 2020, 01:58:50 PM
I wonder if this will be part of my taxable income on my next year return.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: drogulus on April 16, 2020, 02:24:38 PM
Quote from: Baron Scarpia on April 16, 2020, 01:58:50 PM
I wonder if this will be part of my taxable income on my next year return.

      It's not taxable income.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: André on April 16, 2020, 02:28:36 PM
Quote from: drogulus on April 16, 2020, 02:24:38 PM
      It's not taxable income.

In Canada it is taxable. Makes it less stimulating  :D.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: JBS on April 18, 2020, 07:43:04 PM
Neutrinos away!
https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-020-01022-3

There's a link to the actual paper for those that want to take a stab at it.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: steve ridgway on April 18, 2020, 08:08:53 PM
Quote from: JBS on April 18, 2020, 07:43:04 PM
Neutrinos away!
https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-020-01022-3

There's a link to the actual paper for those that want to take a stab at it.

Very interesting article, thank you. The way the universe is set up is indeed impressive.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: drogulus on April 19, 2020, 06:23:35 AM
Quote from: steve ridgway on April 18, 2020, 08:08:53 PM
Very interesting article, thank you. The way the universe is set up is indeed impressive.

     Yeah, well.......I'm not a Statist, and besides, how're you gonna pay for it?
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: MusicTurner on April 19, 2020, 06:56:12 AM
Quote from: steve ridgway on April 18, 2020, 08:08:53 PM
Very interesting article, thank you. The way the universe is set up is indeed impressive.

I signed up for their Nature Briefing free news bulletin, on weekdays, out of curiosity. Will see what it is then ....
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Spineur on April 21, 2020, 04:00:33 AM
Munich OKTOBERFEST is cancelled

Now you know things are getting serious...
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on April 29, 2020, 07:09:56 AM
The End of Grand Strategy

America Must Think Small
(https://www.foreignaffairs.com/articles/world/2020-04-13/end-grand-strategy)


Quote from: Daniel W. Drezner, Ronald R. Krebs, and Randall Schweller
...To debate grand strategy is to indulge in navel-gazing while the world burns. So it is time to operate without one...

...The nation's strategic thinkers, however, remain in the early stages of grieving for grand strategy. The raging debate over contending strategic options suggests that many are still in denial. The ire directed at the Trump administration for its lack of strategic thinking implies that many are stuck on anger. We ourselves differ on whether to mourn or to celebrate the demise of grand strategy, but we agree that it is high time we moved on to the final stage of the grieving process: acceptance...




Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on May 01, 2020, 02:24:13 PM
North Korean defector-turned-lawmaker '99 percent' sure Kim Jong Un is dead (https://www.foxnews.com/world/kim-jong-un-99-percent-dead-lawmaker-says)

North Korean Leader Kim Jong Un Appears In Public, Ending Weeks Of Speculation About His Health
(https://www.newsweek.com/north-korean-leader-kim-jong-un-appears-public-ending-weeks-speculation-about-his-health-1501557)


Dude was social distancing.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: SimonNZ on May 01, 2020, 05:37:51 PM
'Sweet City': the Costa Rica suburb that gave citizenship to bees, plants and trees
A suburb of the country's capital is showing how urban planning can be harnessed to benefit both humans and wildlife (https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/apr/29/sweet-city-the-costa-rica-suburb-that-gave-citizenship-to-bees-plants-and-trees-aoe)

""Pollinators were the key," says Edgar Mora, reflecting on the decision to recognise every bee, bat, hummingbird and butterfly as a citizen of Curridabat during his 12-year spell as mayor.

"Pollinators are the consultants of the natural world, supreme reproducers and they don't charge for it. The plan to convert every street into a biocorridor and every neighbourhood into an ecosystem required a relationship with them."

The move to extend citizenship to pollinators, trees and native plants in Curridabat has been crucial to the municipality's transformation from an unremarkable suburb of the Costa Rican capital, San José, into a pioneering haven for urban wildlife.

Now known as "Ciudad Dulce" – Sweet City – Curridabat's urban planning has been reimagined around its non-human inhabitants. Green spaces are treated as infrastructure with accompanying ecosystem services that can be harnessed by local government and offered to residents. Geolocation mapping is used to target reforestation projects at elderly residents and children to ensure they benefit from air pollution removal and the cooling effects that the trees provide. The widespread planting of native species underscores a network of green spaces and biocorridors across the municipality, which are designed to ensure pollinators thrive.[...]
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: drogulus on May 06, 2020, 02:40:36 PM


     As if there wasn't enough tragedy in the world, I have a kidney stone.

     Why me? Why can't it be you? That's what I want to know.

     There is a 5mm stone on the right side. There's a 3mm stone behind it but I won't count that one.

     On the plus side I have some dangerous drugs to keep me occupied, which as is my wont I'll try not to waste on pain.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: André on May 06, 2020, 03:32:17 PM
They can be excruciatingly painful as they make their way to the exit. I hope you get rid of them without too much pain  ???
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: greg on May 06, 2020, 03:37:53 PM
Apparently there's a genetic component... never got one despite regularly drinking soda and eating high sodium foods (though that might be affecting my blood pressure)...

Back in high school I knew someone who got them frequently... high school. And he looked healthy.  ???
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: drogulus on May 06, 2020, 03:43:53 PM
Quote from: André on May 06, 2020, 03:32:17 PM
They can be excruciatingly painful as they make their way to the exit.

      I was wondering just that, if they could be excruciatingly painful on their way to the exit. Now that I know I feel much better. TYYH (http://www.good-music-guide.com/community/Smileys/classic/rolleyes.gif) (http://www.good-music-guide.com/community/Smileys/classic/cheesy.gif)

Quote from: greg on May 06, 2020, 03:37:53 PM
Apparently there's a genetic component... never got one despite regularly drinking soda and eating high sodium foods (though that might be affecting my blood pressure)...

Back in high school I knew someone who got them frequently... high school. And he looked healthy.  ???

      Do you have a chart for this? Don't let me down, now.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: André on May 06, 2020, 03:57:57 PM
Quote from: drogulus on May 06, 2020, 03:43:53 PM
      I was wondering just that, if they could be excruciatingly painful on their way to the exit. Now that I know I feel much better. TYYH (http://www.good-music-guide.com/community/Smileys/classic/rolleyes.gif) (http://www.good-music-guide.com/community/Smileys/classic/cheesy.gif)

      Do you have a chart for this? Don't let me down, now.

Sorry, but I felt you ought to know... ::) My mom suffered mightily from them stones. If it goes down in the ureter, 5mm is not negligible. The ureter is not as wide, so it's not gonna go undetected... They can be pulverized by ultrasounds.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: greg on May 06, 2020, 05:01:19 PM
Quote from: drogulus on May 06, 2020, 03:43:53 PM
Do you have a chart for this? Don't let me down, now.
I found this after a quick search, that's all I have, really.

https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2019/04/190411172555.htm
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Florestan on May 07, 2020, 12:05:22 AM
Quote from: SimonNZ on May 01, 2020, 05:37:51 PM
'Sweet City': the Costa Rica suburb that gave citizenship to bees, plants and trees
A suburb of the country's capital is showing how urban planning can be harnessed to benefit both humans and wildlife (https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/apr/29/sweet-city-the-costa-rica-suburb-that-gave-citizenship-to-bees-plants-and-trees-aoe)

""Pollinators were the key," says Edgar Mora, reflecting on the decision to recognise every bee, bat, hummingbird and butterfly as a citizen of Curridabat during his 12-year spell as mayor.

"Pollinators are the consultants of the natural world, supreme reproducers and they don't charge for it. The plan to convert every street into a biocorridor and every neighbourhood into an ecosystem required a relationship with them."

The move to extend citizenship to pollinators, trees and native plants in Curridabat has been crucial to the municipality's transformation from an unremarkable suburb of the Costa Rican capital, San José, into a pioneering haven for urban wildlife.

Now known as "Ciudad Dulce" – Sweet City – Curridabat's urban planning has been reimagined around its non-human inhabitants. Green spaces are treated as infrastructure with accompanying ecosystem services that can be harnessed by local government and offered to residents. Geolocation mapping is used to target reforestation projects at elderly residents and children to ensure they benefit from air pollution removal and the cooling effects that the trees provide. The widespread planting of native species underscores a network of green spaces and biocorridors across the municipality, which are designed to ensure pollinators thrive.[...]

Just wait until the bats pass them some bloody virus. Then there will be some grave discrimination against peaceful citizens. ;D
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: drogulus on May 07, 2020, 08:00:04 AM

     I'm still a few weeks away from the temptation to buy a new TV. It will probably arrive in stores in June.

     My apartment has a smallish living room, so the optimal size for me is 48-50". Some years ago TV makers stopped making small premium quality sets. There is no super TV in my size bracket. They start at 55", too big for my situation. In June that changes.

     
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: greg on May 08, 2020, 07:47:52 PM
President of Ghana speech (w/Macron listening):

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pYk4ZaeVJtw


The guy has a great attitude, very good perspective on things. Can we make him the US president instead of Ghana?  ;D
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on May 10, 2020, 08:30:42 AM
Portland Commissioner Chloe Eudaly Faces Major Challenges From A Former Mayor And An Experienced Newcomer (https://www.opb.org/news/article/portland-commissioner-race-chloe-eudaly-sam-adams-mingus-mapps/)

There's no real reason for the few active members of GMG to follow Portland politics, but it is a Democrat dumpster fire.  Disgraced former Mayor Sam Adams - whose career was demolished (?) after it was learned he had a sexual relationship with an underage intern (though not his intern - whew!) - is running for City Council.  The incumbent he faces is a dunce and is basically a single issue politician - rent control - with no understanding of anything.  It's horrible to watch her try to talk policy.  So the creepy Dem actually has good chance.

Then there's Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler.  He once appeared to show promise, but he's a dud:

Mayor Ted Wheeler touts endorsements from Portland Timbers, Commissioner Chloe Eudaly. They say it's not so (https://www.oregonlive.com/portland/2020/04/mayor-ted-wheeler-says-in-campaign-mailer-that-portland-timbers-thorns-commissioner-chloe-eudaly-endorsed-him-but-they-didnt.html)

All the while, the homeless are taking over more streets downtown in the midst of the Covid crisis.

Fortunately, I live in the 'burbs.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on May 10, 2020, 01:23:00 PM
Quote from: André on April 16, 2020, 02:28:36 PM
In Canada it is taxable. Makes it less stimulating  :D.
That doesn't seem right!  May I ask what they are sending the average citizen in Canada?

PD
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on May 10, 2020, 01:30:47 PM
Quote from: SimonNZ on May 01, 2020, 05:37:51 PM
'Sweet City': the Costa Rica suburb that gave citizenship to bees, plants and trees
A suburb of the country's capital is showing how urban planning can be harnessed to benefit both humans and wildlife (https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/apr/29/sweet-city-the-costa-rica-suburb-that-gave-citizenship-to-bees-plants-and-trees-aoe)

""Pollinators were the key," says Edgar Mora, reflecting on the decision to recognise every bee, bat, hummingbird and butterfly as a citizen of Curridabat during his 12-year spell as mayor.

"Pollinators are the consultants of the natural world, supreme reproducers and they don't charge for it. The plan to convert every street into a biocorridor and every neighbourhood into an ecosystem required a relationship with them."

The move to extend citizenship to pollinators, trees and native plants in Curridabat has been crucial to the municipality's transformation from an unremarkable suburb of the Costa Rican capital, San José, into a pioneering haven for urban wildlife.

Now known as "Ciudad Dulce" – Sweet City – Curridabat's urban planning has been reimagined around its non-human inhabitants. Green spaces are treated as infrastructure with accompanying ecosystem services that can be harnessed by local government and offered to residents. Geolocation mapping is used to target reforestation projects at elderly residents and children to ensure they benefit from air pollution removal and the cooling effects that the trees provide. The widespread planting of native species underscores a network of green spaces and biocorridors across the municipality, which are designed to ensure pollinators thrive.[...]
I haven't read the links, but it sounds like they're trying to do good things there!  By the way, did you perchance see my link to an article about the Asian Giant Hornet (also called the "murder hornet") coming into the US via Canada into Washington state?  Scary to think what that might do to our bees.   :(

Best,

PD
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: André on May 10, 2020, 04:09:02 PM
Quote from: Pohjolas Daughter on May 10, 2020, 01:23:00 PM
That doesn't seem right!  May I ask what they are sending the average citizen in Canada?

PD

2000$/month for each adult who earned at least 5000$ last year. Students get 1250$ (1750$ if they have dependents). Retirees already receive pension money, so in theory they should be all right.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: SimonNZ on May 10, 2020, 04:26:52 PM
Quote from: Pohjolas Daughter on May 10, 2020, 01:30:47 PM
I haven't read the links, but it sounds like they're trying to do good things there!  By the way, did you perchance see my link to an article about the Asian Giant Hornet (also called the "murder hornet") coming into the US via Canada into Washington state?  Scary to think what that might do to our bees.   :(

Best,

PD

I read a Guardian article on that. Can't remember how I got there, but thanks if it was via your link. Yes, horrifying.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on May 10, 2020, 04:39:18 PM
Quote from: André on May 10, 2020, 04:09:02 PM
2000$/month for each adult who earned at least 5000$ last year. Students get 1250$ (1750$ if they have dependents). Retirees already receive pension money, so in theory they should be all right.
That's more generous than here. Retirees' (and other people's) accounts have been hit hard by the econmy these days too, so if you are on a schedule (that you cannot legally change in terms of withdrawals), you're possibly hit hard!   As in the overall value of your account has sunk, but you still have to have to take regular withdrawals from it, so one could lose out longterm.

PD



Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: André on May 10, 2020, 05:30:48 PM
Quote from: Pohjolas Daughter on May 10, 2020, 04:39:18 PM
That's more generous than here. Retirees' (and other people's) accounts have been hit hard by the econmy these days too, so if you are on a schedule (that you cannot legally change in terms of withdrawals), you're possibly hit hard!   As in the overall value of your account has sunk, but you still have to have to take regular withdrawals from it, so one could lose out longterm.

PD

Re: the shrinking savings. In theory you're right. It depends what are your sources of income during retirement.

Here we have the Old Age Security, which is about 7000$/year. You must be 65, and it's universal (everybody gets it). If you have no other income (never worked) you are eligible for the OAS Supplement, for a combined amount of 18600$ (24500$ for a couple). Obviously no savings are available if you never worked. OTOH you can inherit and have investments. Income from those (or any other income) reduce the OAS Supplement.

If you worked, you are eligible to receive a pension from the government pension plan. It depends how much you earned and contributed. Contributions are a % of the income earned and are mandatory. The number of years you worked/contributed is an important factor. The maximum pension is 14125$/year at age 65. You are penalized if you draw at age 60 but get more if you wait until 70.

If you worked and contributed to a company pension plan, it can be one of two kinds: defined benefits or defined contributions. In the first case, the company has an obligation to contribute for each of its employees. The employee can contribute or not. Obviously that increases/reduces the pension. It's called defined benefit because you know in advance how much you will get if you work x number of years and earn x amount of $. Employer and employee contributions are pooled in a 'conservative/balanced' fund which pays retirees their defined benefits. Typically government (and its many agencies), cities, banks, utilities and large corporations offer that type of plan. Market fluctuations have no impact on the pension amount a retiree gets.

In the past couple of decades corporations (but not the government) have stopped offering it, because the financial obligations are a liability to the company's balance sheet. What they now offer is a Defined Contribution plan. In this, employees and/or employer contribute a % of the salary toward standard investment options. You choose what pleases you, from aggressive to conservative investments. Time frame before retirement is of the essence. You can change investment options. The idea is that the employer has no obligation to provide a fixed amount to the employee's pension (depends on the investment yields), whereas in return the employee has the potential to see his earnings grow more than in the Defined Benefit plan. Or not. This is where downward market fluctuations can reduce your income.

Any investor knows (or should know) that as you near retirement you should move left on the risk scale. Also, not putting all your eggs in the same basket is of the essence. As a financial planner, I would always urge my clients to exercise caution starting around age 55. When you retire and depend on your investments for a regular income - either through a Defined Contribution plan or through personal savings or a combination of both, you should have a one year reserve of cash (treasury bills for example), which should be enough time-wise to let markets rebound - or make other arrangements if they don't.

Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on May 11, 2020, 09:04:07 AM
Thank you for the explanation of finances in Canada.   :)

Best wishes,

PD
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: SimonNZ on May 24, 2020, 05:08:08 PM
The moment a magnitude 5.8 earthquake shakes in Jacinda Ardern live TV interview (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LBWwW2NZrnw)

way cooler than I would have been
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: drogulus on May 25, 2020, 11:16:24 AM

     My kidney stone is going through a quiescent phase. I thought you all deserved to know.

     In other news, I'm having doubts about getting a new TV. The incumbent is very good and I have no issues with it except for blooming, particularly off axis.

     Also, there is a thing about some OLEDs that have a brightness limiter that gets aggressive in a way you can't adjust, probably more of a problem with HDR content than regular stuff. In order to display HDR brightness peaks effectively the TV lowers the brightness of dark scenes more than is desirable according to videosnob scripture. Perhaps I should wait for this to sort itself out before I plunge in.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: MusicTurner on May 25, 2020, 12:04:44 PM
Now that society is opening up here, hopefully without a resulting, major set-back, mobility is better, museums are also slowly coming back into business ...

On Sunday I did a long excursion together with a family member, to sights and landscapes on the Lolland island, about 150 km south from Copenhagen. It's connected by bridges. We also visited the old remnants of a medieval coastal castle, Ravnsborg, and the eccentric artist Richard Winther's home-museum, plus the modern, ongoing sculpture project called Dodekalitten ...

Oh, the feeling of beautiful, unconstrained and natural spaces, Springtime, and fresh air ...
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on May 25, 2020, 02:15:30 PM
Quote from: SimonNZ on May 24, 2020, 05:08:08 PM
The moment a magnitude 5.8 earthquake shakes in Jacinda Ardern live TV interview (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LBWwW2NZrnw)

way cooler than I would have been
Considering everything that is going on in the world today, I'd give her props!

Hope that all is o.k. with you and others in your country?

Best wishes,

PD
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: SimonNZ on May 25, 2020, 02:52:23 PM
Quote from: Pohjolas Daughter on May 25, 2020, 02:15:30 PM
Considering everything that is going on in the world today, I'd give her props!

Hope that all is o.k. with you and others in your country?

Best wishes,

PD

So far so good, thanks. Of course anything can still happen in the future so there's a cautious optimism virus-wise but nobody's counting their chickens just yet. The economic consequences remain to be seen, but on a personal note I've learned that I've survived the wave of redundancies at my work.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: SimonNZ on May 25, 2020, 03:40:38 PM
and now for some seriously unimportant news...

Elon Musk and Grimes change baby's name: 'Roman numerals look better'
Tech entrepreneur and musician have changed their child's name from X Æ A-12 to X Æ A-Xii, without much explanation (https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2020/may/25/elon-musk-grimes-change-baby-name-roman-numerals-look-better)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: MusicTurner on May 25, 2020, 10:03:43 PM
Here we actually have laws forbidding parents giving names to their children, that may be considered disrespectful or damaging. This is based on some unfortunate, creative examples (Bandito, Ikea, Petit, Circle, Bacchus, and even some explicitly vulgar ones ...). I'm not sure what to make of that one however.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: SimonNZ on May 25, 2020, 10:12:57 PM
We technically have that here also. Nevertheless some idiocy sneaks through. A primary school teacher was telling me she had a pupil named "A-A", to be pronounced as "Adasha".


and then there's this locally infamous case:

Parents lose custody of girl for naming her Talula Does the Hula From Hawaii (https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2008/jul/24/familyandrelationships.newzealand)

"A nine-year-old girl whose parents named her Talula Does the Hula From Hawaii was put into court guardianship in New Zealand so that her name could be changed.

A family court judge, Rob Murfitt, gave the order after hearing that the child was embarrassed about her name and had refused to reveal it to friends. "She told people her name was K because she feared being mocked and teased," the child's lawyer, Colleen MacLeod, told the court.

The judge criticised parents who give their offspring bizarre names, saying it exposed children to ridicule among their peers.

"The court is profoundly concerned about the very poor judgment that this child's parents have shown in choosing this name. It makes a fool of the child and sets her up with a social disability and handicap, unnecessarily," he said.

He said the child had a better insight about the situation than her parents, who had apparently not given any thought to the implications of their actions. The judge criticised the growing trend of parents choosing out-of-the-ordinary names for their children.

In his written ruling, he said names such as Stallion, Yeah Detroit, Fish and Chips, Twisty Poi, Keenan Got Lucy and Sex Fruit were prohibited by registration officials. Others that were permitted included twins called Benson and Hedges, other children called Midnight Chardonnay, Number 16 Bus Shelter and, the judge added, "tragically, Violence". Another mother tried to use text language for her child's name, he said."[...]
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on May 26, 2020, 01:48:42 PM
European spy pact to rival the Five Eyes comes to light (https://www.economist.com/europe/2020/05/26/a-european-spy-pact-to-rival-the-five-eyes-comes-to-light)


Evidence, not that any additional evidence were needed, of European furtiveness and bad faith.  48 will have to drop the hammer on Europe.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: greg on June 04, 2020, 08:21:36 AM
So I'm brand new to the stock market... discussed with drogulus back a few weeks about stocks, he seems to be discouraging it...

anyways, I've already made over $400 just in the last few weeks. Maybe not a big deal per se, but for me it's quite nice.

can some permanent crash happen later, where i lose my gains? Sure, but seems like things can only get better... see, this is why people misperceive me and many others as being "pessimist" when we are just realist (meaning on occasion we can be optimists). That accusation is usually made when we call out the fake bs optimism ("positive thinking") that gets pushed throughout society.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on June 04, 2020, 08:35:05 AM
Visit financial sites and read periodicals and books that address equity trading if that is what interests you.  GMG is literally the last site I would rely on for investment advice, and that includes reddit and the comments section of The Graun.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Herman on June 04, 2020, 09:06:07 AM
Quote from: MusicTurner on May 25, 2020, 12:04:44 PM
On Sunday I did a long excursion together with a family member, to sights and landscapes on the Lolland island, about 150 km south from Copenhagen.

Oh, the feeling of beautiful, unconstrained and natural spaces, Springtime, and fresh air ...

Love the pictures!
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: MusicTurner on June 04, 2020, 09:18:56 AM
Quote from: Herman on June 04, 2020, 09:06:07 AM
Love the pictures!

Thank you, it's a rather overlooked part of my country. We've had sunnier weather too since then.
The name of that island, 'Lolland', is ancient, though it can be slightly amusing nowadays ...

Btw, I just returned yesterday from camping 4 nights on the Stevns peninsula, famous for its coastal cliffs, a church situated literally on the edge of them, etc. ... it's a UNESCO site.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: greg on June 04, 2020, 10:58:02 AM
Quote from: Todd on June 04, 2020, 08:35:05 AM
Visit financial sites and read periodicals and books that address equity trading if that is what interests you.  GMG is literally the last site I would rely on for investment advice, and that includes reddit and the comments section of The Graun.
Sure, Todd, thanks for the advice.  :)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: drogulus on June 06, 2020, 10:14:44 AM
Quote from: greg on June 04, 2020, 08:21:36 AM
So I'm brand new to the stock market... discussed with drogulus back a few weeks about stocks, he seems to be discouraging it...

anyways, I've already made over $400 just in the last few weeks. Maybe not a big deal per se, but for me it's quite nice.

can some permanent crash happen later, where i lose my gains? Sure, but seems like things can only get better... see, this is why people misperceive me and many others as being "pessimist" when we are just realist (meaning on occasion we can be optimists). That accusation is usually made when we call out the fake bs optimism ("positive thinking") that gets pushed throughout society.

    I may revise and extend my remarks. The airline gambit is too risky for a novice. Some of your picks are good if you can handle the likely ups and downs of the next couple of years.

    Just use helium in your zeppelin instead of hydrogen and you'll be fine.

    Seeking Alpha (https://seekingalpha.com/market-outlook/economy) has some interesting contributors who are not cranks about gold. I inhabit the Macro forum for the most part. You might like Investment Strategy, Stock Ideas, Dividends and ETFs.

     I see you have a disposition to be a trader. For reasons only known to some really nasty gods, people think they are traders before they learn to be investors. I would forbid that, not in law but in something. 

     
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: greg on June 06, 2020, 11:43:24 AM
Quote from: drogulus on June 06, 2020, 10:14:44 AM
Some of your picks are good if you can handle the likely ups and downs of the next couple of years.
That's the plan, not going to sell them for a while.


Quote from: drogulus on June 06, 2020, 10:14:44 AM
    Seeking Alpha (https://seekingalpha.com/market-outlook/economy) has some interesting contributors who are not cranks about gold. I inhabit the Macro forum for the most part. You might like Investment Strategy, Stock Ideas, Dividends and ETFs.
Cool, thanks...
not going to obsess over investments, but probably some more things I could get into as well, especially more longer-term (even retirement-oriented) stuff.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: drogulus on June 06, 2020, 12:29:00 PM
Quote from: greg on June 06, 2020, 11:43:24 AM
That's the plan, not going to sell them for a while.

Cool, thanks...
not going to obsess over investments, but probably some more things I could get into as well, especially more longer-term (even retirement-oriented) stuff.

     OK good, I just fixed your Zep. I'd look at Vanguard ETFs for the long term. They pulverize financial advisors like they were kidney stones, which they kind of are. One of mine is VGT (Vanguard Information Technology Index Fund ETF), which since Nov. 2017 is up 63%. Don't forget utilities for the long haul, either. I bought WEC (Wisconsin Elec.) in 2013 and it's up 131%. ATO (peace and blessing etc) is up 263% in 9 years.

     I've had spectacular losers, too. Some will unlose in time, many won't ever.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: greg on June 06, 2020, 03:33:55 PM
Quote from: drogulus on June 06, 2020, 12:29:00 PM
     OK good, I just fixed your Zep. I'd look at Vanguard ETFs for the long term. They pulverize financial advisors like they were kidney stones, which they kind of are. One of mine is VGT (Vanguard Information Technology Index Fund ETF), which since Nov. 2017 is up 63%. Don't forget utilities for the long haul, either. I bought WEC (Wisconsin Elec.) in 2013 and it's up 131%. ATO (peace and blessing etc) is up 263% in 9 years.

     I've had spectacular losers, too. Some will unlose in time, many won't ever.
Yeah, that's something I thought would be wise to consider for long term since I had discussed that with someone I work with. Fidelity or Vanguard are supposedly the top two for this.

Just kind of a personal decision right now about investing even more money, or to wait a few years... not wanting to live in an apartment forever, while so much money is tied up in investments...
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: drogulus on June 06, 2020, 04:24:47 PM
Quote from: greg on June 06, 2020, 03:33:55 PM
Yeah, that's something I thought would be wise to consider for long term since I had discussed that with someone I work with. Fidelity or Vanguard are supposedly the top two for this.

Just kind of a personal decision right now about investing even more money, or to wait a few years... not wanting to live in an apartment forever, while so much money is tied up in investments...

     Don't stop, go slower if you have to. Always be adding. One person I've known for almost 40 years finally started in 2013. Now she has a nest egg Albert Brooks would be proud of. If I ever let her retire she'll be all right.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: greg on June 07, 2020, 12:50:19 PM
Gyms are now open in my area, so first day back in months (though did small amount of home workouts)...

having to wipe every single piece of equipment you use is a minor pain. Also, had to go to a completely different branch of Gold's Gym, since the one I was going to was sadly closed forever due to corona virus.

Workouts are a weird thing... they are so incredibly boring, yet feel so good.

(also remembering some New Year's thread about this year, me mentioning to work out more, and then this shutdown happens).  ;D


Quote from: drogulus on June 06, 2020, 04:24:47 PM
     Don't stop, go slower if you have to. Always be adding. One person I've known for almost 40 years finally started in 2013. Now she has a nest egg Albert Brooks would be proud of. If I ever let her retire she'll be all right.
Yeah.  :)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: drogulus on June 08, 2020, 10:13:51 AM
     Instead of getting a new TV I bought one for my brother, a newer version of the one I have. I set it up in his apartment and it looks very good. I turned off as much of the offensive A & V adjustments that are set as defaults as I could find. In particular I set the picture to "cinema" instead of "standard".

     The soundbar just arrived. I'll use the HDMI in on the bar for a box that does 4k discs and USB files well. The Roku will go into the TV. I don't use smart features built into TVs so I choose them for PQ and leave other stuff to devices best suited to their respective functions.

     
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: MusicTurner on June 15, 2020, 11:59:31 AM
Divers & staff did the yearly cleaning of Copenhagen's harbour and canal waters yesterday.

Here are some of the things they found:

- 181 bicycles
- 144 electric rental scooters, the ones you stand on
- 47 traffic cones
- 47 café chairs
- 18 shopping carts
- 9 tyres
- 5 signboards
- 4 partial scaffoldings
- 4 trash bins
- 3 café tables
- 3 mobile phones
- 2 cages on wheels, for goods
- 1 parasol
- 1 pennant
- 1 knife
- 1 advertising board, 6 m wide
- 1 ladder, 6 m
- 1 umbrella
- 1 stroller for babies
- 1 safe
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: greg on June 15, 2020, 12:12:38 PM
No dead bodies?
And what was in the safe? No bodies, illegal porn or drugs?
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: MusicTurner on June 15, 2020, 12:25:05 PM
Quote from: greg on June 15, 2020, 12:12:38 PM
No dead bodies?
And what was in the safe? No bodies, illegal porn or drugs?

No, but at least I included mentioning the found knife, for the thrill of it. But then, it could also be just a cafe knife.

There wasn't any mentioning of the content of the safe, maybe it's been sent to a deposit, if anyone should ask for it ... 🤣
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on June 15, 2020, 02:01:30 PM
Quote from: MusicTurner on June 15, 2020, 11:59:31 AM
Divers & staff did the yearly cleaning of Copenhagen's harbour and canal waters yesterday.

Here are some of the things they found:

- 181 bicycles
- 144 electric rental scooters, the ones you stand on
- 47 traffic cones
- 47 café chairs
- 18 shopping carts
- 9 tyres
- 5 signboards
- 4 partial scaffoldings
- 4 trash bins
- 3 café tables
- 3 mobile phones
- 2 cages on wheels, for goods
- 1 parasol
- 1 pennant
- 1 knife
- 1 advertising board, 6 m wide
- 1 ladder, 6 m
- 1 umbrella
- 1 stroller for babies
- 1 safe
Reading stuff like this makes me want to cry!  Though a huge pat on the back for the volunteers who hauled up this stuff!  Actually, were they all volunteers?  In any event, glad that they did it.  I could see a few items accidentally coming lose and blowing into the water or accidentally doing something like dropping your cell phone over the railing of a boat/ferry, but the rest?!  For one thing:  all of those bikes and rental scooters?!    >:(  Any idea how long it took people to haul up all of this stuff?

Would be nice it there were a couple of trillion kroner in their to help the Danish government and people, but not likely!

PD
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: MusicTurner on June 15, 2020, 10:32:21 PM
Quote from: Pohjolas Daughter on June 15, 2020, 02:01:30 PM
Reading stuff like this makes me want to cry!  Though a huge pat on the back for the volunteers who hauled up this stuff!  Actually, were they all volunteers?  In any event, glad that they did it.  I could see a few items accidentally coming lose and blowing into the water or accidentally doing something like dropping your cell phone over the railing of a boat/ferry, but the rest?!  For one thing:  all of those bikes and rental scooters?!    >:(  Any idea how long it took people to haul up all of this stuff?

Would be nice it there were a couple of trillion kroner in their to help the Danish government and people, but not likely!

PD

Yes, though some of all this 'dropped' stuff is no doubt due to accidents and storms, the majority must be ascribed to either drinking, partying gone wild, having second thoughts after a theft, or downright hooliganism. I'm a bit surprised how many bicycles there were, but also that smaller items were relatively scarce. The harbour waters are really clean and used for swimming, we have many public baths opened there in recent years, and polution isn't generally a problem. As regards the electric scooters, they were in the main introduced just over a year ago, and the large number of them created chaos, so luckily there are now considerably less of them. I've seen myself how users would park them at not very secure spots directly above a canal etc., and they are very easily tilted or moved. The companies have later made it impossible to park them right next to a canal, via a GPS device, but there is still a lot of critique from the authorities, that they aren't good at fetching collected, damaged ones, etc.

I think the collecting is partly voluntary, partly paid. Cleaning by volunteers have become much more widespread here in recent years, but also the carelessness of just dropping stuff on the ground etc. Fines etc. for this aren't really applied within the city; salaries for employed people with such a job could surely be paid for easily, via fines.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Christo on June 16, 2020, 01:37:26 AM
Quote from: MusicTurner on June 15, 2020, 11:59:31 AM
Divers & staff did the yearly cleaning of Copenhagen's harbour and canal waters yesterday.

Here are some of the things they found:

- 181 bicycles

In Amsterdam, the number of bikes hauled from the canals on a yearly base is around 15.000: https://www.timetomomo.com/nl/feiten-over-fietsen-in-amsterdam  ;D
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on June 16, 2020, 04:53:55 AM
Quote from: Christo on June 16, 2020, 01:37:26 AM
In Amsterdam, the number of bikes hauled from the canals on a yearly base is around 15.000: https://www.timetomomo.com/nl/feiten-over-fietsen-in-amsterdam  ;D
Wow!  Any idea how many of those are rentals vs. privately owned?
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Christo on June 16, 2020, 05:08:36 AM
Quote from: Pohjolas Daughter on June 16, 2020, 04:53:55 AM
Wow!  Any idea how many of those are rentals vs. privately owned?
Wild guess: 98 percent private bikes, not so many rented (it will cost you).  :D
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: MusicTurner on June 16, 2020, 09:33:12 AM
Quote from: Christo on June 16, 2020, 01:37:26 AM
In Amsterdam, the number of bikes hauled from the canals on a yearly base is around 15.000: https://www.timetomomo.com/nl/feiten-over-fietsen-in-amsterdam  ;D

Impressive - but you do have a lot of canals, by comparison.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: SimonNZ on June 17, 2020, 11:40:31 AM

Climate crisis: alarm at record-breaking heatwave in Siberia (https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/jun/17/climate-crisis-alarm-at-record-breaking-heatwave-in-siberia)

"A prolonged heatwave in Siberia is "undoubtedly alarming", climate scientists have said. The freak temperatures have been linked to wildfires, a huge oil spill and a plague of tree-eating moths.

On a global scale, the Siberian heat is helping push the world towards its hottest year on record in 2020, despite a temporary dip in carbon emissions owing to the coronavirus pandemic.

Temperatures in the polar regions are rising fastest because ocean currents carry heat towards the poles and reflective ice and snow is melting away.

Russian towns in the Arctic circle have recorded extraordinary temperatures, with Nizhnyaya Pesha hitting 30C on 9 June and Khatanga, which usually has daytime temperatures of around 0C at this time of year, hitting 25C on 22 May. The previous record was 12C.

In May, surface temperatures in parts of Siberia were up to 10C above average, according to the EU's Copernicus Climate Change Service (C3S). Martin Stendel, of the Danish Meteorological Institute, said the abnormal May temperatures seen in north-west Siberia would be likely to happen just once in 100,000 years without human-caused global heating.

Freja Vamborg, a senior scientist at C3S, said: "It is undoubtedly an alarming sign, but not only May was unusually warm in Siberia. The whole of winter and spring had repeated periods of higher-than-average surface air temperatures.

"Although the planet as a whole is warming, this isn't happening evenly. Western Siberia stands out as a region that shows more of a warming trend with higher variations in temperature. So to some extent large temperature anomalies are not unexpected. However, what is unusual is how long the warmer-than-average anomalies have persisted for."[...]
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Carlo Gesualdo on June 18, 2020, 03:52:15 AM
Written while tired  to be follow in next post more intelligible
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Carlo Gesualdo on June 18, 2020, 04:12:50 AM
Once I Fought  nazism whit hatred and  bigger nazism, I said ''White power'' and I give him a white power salute  all crooked hand like Hitler and the nazi cops from France Paris I yelled vlaams blok belgié, and said are you Sure your white Sure (since Sure was is name and said: are you're white Mr.Sure even he was covert whit skulls and shit on his harm he panic and felt scarred when I WAS there I once called him mon poussin ou mon chou afterward, he look totally dizorganised and scared to death and I said go to hell kermitian sub-genre,lol

He had a lesson and Im not nazi  but bully him like I was, a straight flush vlaamse collaborator, I gave him the secret paws of nazi  Flandria SS, so in the procces the neo nazi cops felt like a subhumans and piss in is pants, I was a genuine flemish= than had vlaamese will kill yah oi! and started to laugh whit a satanic little laughter  like startling image evil laughter like if Hitler laugh at him, he was like oh NO... very scared and worried when he seen me afterward, eventually he quite is nazism. So I break something in him, he paranoid I was in a secret flemish nazi order whiteout neo toss in it.

But whit all said it was to give him a lesson and it work. lol not a nazi, simply use nazism on him like he did on me but better, to is  utter horror, like a nazi of death  on the bonehead, using fire against fire... end of story
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: greg on June 18, 2020, 06:42:33 AM
Sounds more like nightmares than news.  ;D
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: drogulus on June 25, 2020, 02:24:45 PM

     I have a hard drive that was clicking furiously while I was doing video encoding from files on it while doing something else on it, too. Then it slowed way down as I moved data off it. I did some research and tried out something I discovered. I uninstalled the drive in Device Manager and restarted the PC. After that the drive resumed normal function and only clicks a little. Still, I don't trust it and I bought a replacement. I think I just bought a little time, and I'm definitely not going to do any video encoding on it.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on June 26, 2020, 06:14:28 AM
Quote from: drogulus on June 25, 2020, 02:24:45 PM
     I have a hard drive that was clicking furiously while I was doing video encoding from files on it while doing something else on it, too. Then it slowed way down as I moved data off it. I did some research and tried out something I discovered. I uninstalled the drive in Device Manager and restarted the PC. After that the drive resumed normal function and only clicks a little. Still, I don't trust it and I bought a replacement. I think I just bought a little time, and I'm definitely not going to do any video encoding on it.
I wish I knew as much about computers as you do drogulus!  At least I have Apple's phone support which 99 times out of 100 is excellent.  At some point I'll need to get a new Mac (or at least a more up to date used one), but so far in any event it's still working quite well.  Out of curiosity, may I ask what kind of videos you are working on?

PD
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: greg on June 26, 2020, 07:01:31 AM
Quote from: drogulus on June 25, 2020, 02:24:45 PM
     I have a hard drive that was clicking furiously while I was doing video encoding from files on it while doing something else on it, too. Then it slowed way down as I moved data off it. I did some research and tried out something I discovered. I uninstalled the drive in Device Manager and restarted the PC. After that the drive resumed normal function and only clicks a little. Still, I don't trust it and I bought a replacement. I think I just bought a little time, and I'm definitely not going to do any video encoding on it.
Pretty sure I've heard the clicking before years ago at one point. I have two external drives but am trying to replace them by putting stuff on flash drives. No moving parts, no clicking, much safer. I would have done this a long time ago but it has taken so long for really large capacity flash drives to either exist or be affordable. Of course, there's also SSDs, but cables suck.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on June 26, 2020, 07:48:54 AM
Quote from: greg on June 26, 2020, 07:01:31 AM
Pretty sure I've heard the clicking before years ago at one point. I have two external drives but am trying to replace them by putting stuff on flash drives. No moving parts, no clicking, much safer. I would have done this a long time ago but it has taken so long for really large capacity flash drives to either exist or be affordable. Of course, there's also SSDs, but cables suck.
Any idea roughly how large the flash drives can be these days?  And what kinds of prices for a reliable brand?

PD
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: drogulus on June 26, 2020, 08:27:23 AM
Quote from: Pohjolas Daughter on June 26, 2020, 06:14:28 AM
Out of curiosity, may I ask what kind of videos you are working on?

PD

     I do discs and downloads of movies and TV. Often the files are very gigantic, and instead of choosing from available smaller ones I like to squinch them myself. It's a hobby of sorts, and a way of learning how to manage the total size of the archive without losing quality.

     I ripped the BD box set Of The Wire which is 598 GB. Now I'm working on the project of slimming it down. Even saving 100 GB of HD space is a good thing, and I should be able to do that without any noticeable degradation in VQ. In some cases getting rid of foreign subs and alternative soundtracks saves lots of space, too.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: drogulus on June 26, 2020, 08:31:30 AM
Quote from: greg on June 26, 2020, 07:01:31 AM
Pretty sure I've heard the clicking before years ago at one point. I have two external drives but am trying to replace them by putting stuff on flash drives. No moving parts, no clicking, much safer. I would have done this a long time ago but it has taken so long for really large capacity flash drives to either exist or be affordable. Of course, there's also SSDs, but cables suck.

     Flash drives suck worse. The best one ever, the Samsung CZ80, is no longer made.

     What capacity do you need, and what's the budget?
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: greg on June 26, 2020, 08:45:34 AM
Quote from: Pohjolas Daughter on June 26, 2020, 07:48:54 AM
Any idea roughly how large the flash drives can be these days?  And what kinds of prices for a reliable brand?

PD
Search Amazon. SanDisk seems to be an okay brand... just avoid cheap Chinese stuff. 256 gb is like $30-50 nowadays. 1tb is like 100 or 200 bucks, years ago when I wanted one there only existed one model and was crazy expensive, I think over $500.




Quote from: drogulus on June 26, 2020, 08:27:23 AM
     I do discs and downloads of movies and TV. Often the files are very gigantic, and instead of choosing from available smaller ones I like to squinch them myself. It's a hobby of sorts, and a way of learning how to manage the total size of the archive without losing quality.

     I ripped the BD box set Of The Wire which is 598 GB. Now I'm working on the project of slimming it down. Even saving 100 GB of HD space is a good thing, and I should be able to do that without any noticeable degradation in VQ. In some cases getting rid of foreign subs and alternative soundtracks saves lots of space, too.
If you're doing that then... yeah, flash drives wouldn't really be enough.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: drogulus on June 26, 2020, 09:12:50 AM

      I have the best file player in the free world (made in China by communist elves), and I like to re-watch old favorites from time to time, on my own schedule and not subject to the whims of streaming services. Therefore I need to continually add to my collection, and that means I need more space. Some comes from more and ever larger hard drives and some comes from re-encoding what I've got.

     
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: drogulus on June 26, 2020, 03:30:54 PM

     Samsung MUF-256AB/AM FIT Plus 256GB - 300MB/s USB 3.1 Flash Drive (https://www.amazon.com/Samsung-MUF-256AB-AM-Plus-256GB/dp/B07D7Q41PM)

     (https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/91JfTO6scIL._AC_UL115_.jpg)

     This would be good for a laptop.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on June 26, 2020, 03:35:18 PM
Thanks Greg and Drojulus!

PD
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: drogulus on June 27, 2020, 12:30:52 PM
     Another thing about video encoding is I don't like to fuss with subtitles and some files/disks have a bunch of them. So what I do is remove all of them unless there's a forced track, one for foreign audio. That one I burn to the file so it will play on any device anywhere.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: greg on June 27, 2020, 01:18:12 PM
Speaking of computer issues, I'm diagnosing computer issues so I can finally get my workflow going again for my music production... and music will be the most important thing I create, most likely, so kinda important...

Bought a new power supply, $200... but thinking it's incompatible with my old video card, possibly? And also it seems that wasn't the cause of the issue...

The root problem I was having I've finally narrowed down to only 2 likely things, but there was another possible problem causing another problem which started the whole thing... basically that probably might have been the CMOS battery, which I replaced. The voltage it was showing on my multimeter was exactly .1 volts above the number where it starts going bad, so if it's that close, on the fence, how do I even know for sure that was the cause of the problem? (resetting clock)

Having to breadboard the motherboard to work on this... fun weekend.  ::)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: greg on June 27, 2020, 07:00:21 PM
Well... replacing the CMOS battery really does fix the clock on Windows.  8)

Too bad the extra issues I have now make zero sense. The "no video output" issue was apparently improperly seated RAM? But when I started having that issue, I hadn't even touched the RAM. That's fixed now, but after hooking up the graphics card again, I can't get that to work, only onboard graphics are working, and that is unacceptable.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: drogulus on June 27, 2020, 08:01:22 PM
Quote from: greg on June 27, 2020, 07:00:21 PM
Well... replacing the CMOS battery really does fix the clock on Windows.  8)

Too bad the extra issues I have now make zero sense. The "no video output" issue was apparently improperly seated RAM? But when I started having that issue, I hadn't even touched the RAM. That's fixed now, but after hooking up the graphics card again, I can't get that to work, only onboard graphics are working, and that is unacceptable.

     I'm hopeless with the physical side of fixing things. I'd probably take it out and put it back in. If I got a black screen I'd curl up and die, then I'd shut down and plug the monitor into the mobo HDMI and reinstall the graphics card drivers and make sure the card was enabled in Device Manager.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: greg on June 27, 2020, 10:11:39 PM
Quote from: drogulus on June 27, 2020, 08:01:22 PM
     I'm hopeless with the physical side of fixing things. I'd probably take it out and put it back in. If I got a black screen I'd curl up and die, then I'd shut down and plug the monitor into the mobo HDMI and reinstall the graphics card drivers and make sure the card was enabled in Device Manager.
Yeah, that's exactly what I'm looking into... thing is, when trying to connect the GPU to the PSU, nothing will start... if GPU is inserted but not connected to the PSU, the fan will spin like crazy...
that's where I left off today... still leaves some room for more testing, at least...
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: greg on June 27, 2020, 10:12:32 PM
People Who Like Dark Humor Are More Intelligent, Study Finds

https://www.studyfinds.org/study-dark-black-humor-intelligence/


Wasn't this a widely shared study a few years ago? Seems familiar...
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: drogulus on June 28, 2020, 06:22:43 AM

     When I bought my PC 2 years ago I installed a graphics card I chose because it was the most powerful one that didn't need a power connector.

     (https://www.sapphiretech.com/-/media/sites/sapphire/pim/product-images/11268_01_05_pulse_rx550/11268_01_rx550_pulse_4gb_800x500_02.ashx?v=a5b63e20962443079eed16e677549f94)

     
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: greg on June 28, 2020, 12:12:34 PM
Whoa, didn't know there were GPUs that didn't even need a power connector. That would make things simpler. Though probably none of the really good ones have that feature.

Mine is the GTX 760, was great, though not the best when I got it 6 years ago.

So I'm almost there... got my GPU back up and running with my new PSU, and everything is fine... except nope. The fan noise is insane now, it's about to take off to orbit.

So how did I solve 2 of the 3 issues I was facing during my repairs. Absolutely no idea what the solution was, since I tried multiple things each time... seems that's the only way to fix anything- reading forums about one thing at a time to try to understand what's wrong (and therefore what the solution is) seems to not do the trick, you gotta screw around with everything at once.

And no, my GPU never had this fan problem before...
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: drogulus on June 28, 2020, 02:24:57 PM
     The GTX 1050 Ti benchmarks better than yours and doesn't need a power connector.

     (https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/81fxbDQCeSL._AC_SL1500_.jpg)

Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: greg on June 28, 2020, 03:25:22 PM
Quote from: drogulus on June 28, 2020, 02:24:57 PM
     The GTX 1050 Ti benchmarks better than yours and doesn't need a power connector.

     (https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/81fxbDQCeSL._AC_SL1500_.jpg)
Thanks for the suggestion. The whole day is gone and no solution, not sure what else to try. It does detect when the cables aren't connected, the HDMI is plugged into the GPU (instead of motherboard), and the programs that let you change fan speed won't even allow me to change it (apparently a common problem with no software-related solution). Besides the crazy fan noise everything is totally fine. (also my PSU, new one and old one, are both 650W which is well over what is needed).

I might end up updating the graphics card, and something better that also doesn't need power connectors would be perfect. So looking into this...
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: greg on June 28, 2020, 07:52:21 PM
Ordered this:
https://www.newegg.com/asus-geforce-gtx-1650-super-ph-gtx1650s-o4g/p/N82E16814126357?nm_mc=otc-hatch&cm_mmc=vendor-nvidia

The GTX 1650 Super is basically the best GPU you can get under $200 new. It's funny that the original 1650 was a complete bust (bad deal for the price), but then they release this "Super" version which is actually good.

(there's a comparison tool you can use, and I've ran it to prove this statement... and plus, it just outright embarasses my current 6-year old GTX 760 GPU).  :D

It does have one connection for PSU, but not sure if it's needed or not... regardless, it's just one 6-pin connection, thankfully (my current GPU has an 6 pin AND an 8 pin, so it increases the variables of what could be the problem with more connections).

Getting it in a few days, hopefully this will do the trick.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on June 29, 2020, 04:40:34 AM
Former San Francisco mayor Willie Brown mistakenly included in BET Awards 'In Memoriam' segment (https://www.usatoday.com/story/entertainment/tv/2020/06/28/bet-awards-politician-willie-brown-mistakenly-added-in-memoriam/3277049001/)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: drogulus on June 29, 2020, 07:03:19 AM
Quote from: greg on June 28, 2020, 07:52:21 PM
Ordered this:
https://www.newegg.com/asus-geforce-gtx-1650-super-ph-gtx1650s-o4g/p/N82E16814126357?nm_mc=otc-hatch&cm_mmc=vendor-nvidia


     I saw that one after my last comment. I see its Passmark score is 7800.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: drogulus on July 06, 2020, 11:30:43 AM

     I now have 4 8TB HDs in my system. One is for general use, and the 3 others are for Movies, Collections, and a separate one for 2160p, so I won't mistakenly include them when loading a portable drive for someone who can't play them, and for other reasons I haven't thought of yet.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: greg on July 06, 2020, 12:42:56 PM
Quote from: drogulus on July 06, 2020, 11:30:43 AM
     I now have 4 8TB HDs in my system. One is for general use, and the 3 others are for Movies, Collections, and a separate one for 2160p, so I won't mistakenly include them when loading a portable drive for someone who can't play them, and for other reasons I haven't thought of yet.
That's quite the amount of space. Still waiting for my GPU... Covid delays, maybe.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: drogulus on July 10, 2020, 07:49:08 AM
     How "Starship Troopers" Aligns with Our Moment of American Defeat (https://www.newyorker.com/culture/culture-desk/how-starship-troopers-aligns-with-our-moment-of-american-defeat)

     Why should a film have to align with moments for people and film critics to understand what it's about? I can think of reasons to dislike Verhoeven films that don't involve being stupid about them.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: greg on July 11, 2020, 12:00:33 PM
Quote from: greg on July 06, 2020, 12:42:56 PM
That's quite the amount of space. Still waiting for my GPU... Covid delays, maybe.
Looks like it's working 100% with the new graphics card.

But some things remain totally incomprehensible to me. The problem with the old one was the fan noise when I put it back in (didn't have that issue before I took it out like a week before, why would that happen suddenly?). The new GPU has no fan noise.

At first, when I installed the new GPU, hardware-wise it looked good (only one connection and displayed a helpful white light when it was connected properly, and turned red when the connection was out). But after booting, no display in both monitors. Screw around a bit, try it again with exact same connections, and one of my monitors works, but in the wrong resolution. So I use Windows for a bit and then let it sleep for a while so the screens just go black. Then I wake up my PC and suddenly both screens are on, at the desired resolution, for no comprehensible reason at all.

My suspicion is that me removing the lock screen might be causing unpredictable and bizarre issues?

Also, the new CMOS battery is still holding the correct system date (which was initially the ONLY problem I was having), so that's good.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: drogulus on July 11, 2020, 01:03:57 PM
     My Radeon 550 is a mid-level card that suits me since I don't play demanding games. It also has a hardware video encoder built in that's faster than the one Intel has in its CPUs. Qualitatively they are about the same, which is not as good as software encoding, though I compensate for that by trading off some of the speed by bumping up the quality settings. If I wanted to be able to do real time software encoding (24 fps for a movie) I'd need a gargantuan CPU to do it. With my Radeon I can double that and keep quality with the CPU I have (i7 8700).
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: JBS on July 11, 2020, 07:33:41 PM
It's possible there's a black hole in our own solar system.
(But if it's there, it's only a baby black hole for now.)
https://phys.org/news/2020-07-scientists-planet-primordial-black-hole.amp
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: steve ridgway on July 11, 2020, 08:35:42 PM
Quote from: JBS on July 11, 2020, 07:33:41 PM
It's possible there's a black hole in our own solar system.
(But if it's there, it's only a baby black hole for now.)
https://phys.org/news/2020-07-scientists-planet-primordial-black-hole.amp

There's certainly a lot of stuff in the solar system, much more than people thought 50 years ago.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on July 12, 2020, 07:16:26 AM
Confederate flag in Paris police precinct draws scorn (https://www.france24.com/en/20141104-confederate-flag-paris-police-station-cazeneuve-twitter)

That's Paris, France, not Paris, Texas, btw.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on July 12, 2020, 07:47:46 AM
They lost the Civil War and fled to Brazil. Their descendants refuse to take down the Confederate flag. (https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/the_americas/brazil-confederate-flag-civil-war-americana-santa-barbara/2020/07/11/1e8a7c84-bec4-11ea-b4f6-cb39cd8940fb_story.html)

Confederate flags around the world.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: MusicTurner on July 20, 2020, 03:32:47 AM
Stories from Belarus rarely get much attention; the authoritarian society seems static. But about a month ago, some experts predicted that Lukashenko would probably repressively take the upcoming elections on August 9th; however, he'd then begin loosing his power for real. Maybe the predictions are correct; we'll see.

"It's exciting to see the change of Belarus' opposition leadership. After male candidates were kicked out from the race, these brave women took the lead - Maryja Kalesnikava, Vieranika Capkala, and Sviatlana Cichanouskaja. Lukashenka still underestimates their power. He is wrong."

https://twitter.com/franakviacorka/status/1284824702083530753

+
https://twitter.com/franakviacorka/status/1284868210462990337
https://twitter.com/TadeuszGiczan/status/1285150436727685121
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: drogulus on July 20, 2020, 06:16:53 AM
Quote from: MusicTurner on July 20, 2020, 03:32:47 AM
Stories from Belarus rarely get much attention; the authoritarian society seems static. But about a month ago, some experts predicted that Lukashenko would probably repressively take the upcoming elections on August 9th; however, he'd then begin loosing his power for real. Maybe the predictions are correct; we'll see.

"It's exciting to see the change of Belarus' opposition leadership. After male candidates were kicked out from the race, these brave women took the lead - Maryja Kalesnikava, Vieranika Capkala, and Sviatlana Cichanouskaja. Lukashenka still underestimates their power. He is wrong."

https://twitter.com/franakviacorka/status/1284824702083530753

+
https://twitter.com/franakviacorka/status/1284868210462990337
https://twitter.com/TadeuszGiczan/status/1285150436727685121

     Wanting to choose women opponents sounds very TrumPutiny to me. It's funny how much easier it is to grok these guys when one of them is in charge of your own country.

     "Let's not call it" fascism is so close to the "OK to call it" kind that the only reason to distinguish them is to make knowledge from history harder to assimilate. You aren't supposed to understand Trump according to how he behaves but instead treat his lies and fantasies as though they were a superior kind of truth. But truly, this is as much a part of the playbook as the bullying, scapegoating and undermining the fantasies and lies justify.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: MusicTurner on July 20, 2020, 07:09:21 AM
Quote from: drogulus on July 20, 2020, 06:16:53 AM
     Wanting to choose women opponents sounds very TrumPutiny to me. It's funny how much easier it is to grok these guys when one of them is in charge of your own country.

     "Let's not call it" fascism is so close to the "OK to call it" kind that the only reason to distinguish them is to make knowledge from history harder to assimilate. You aren't supposed to understand Trump according to how he behaves but instead treat his lies and fantasies as though they were a superior kind of truth. But truly, this is as much a part of the playbook as the bullying, scapegoating and undermining the fantasies and lies justify.

Well, The Moscow Times writes this today:

"Lukashenko has repeatedly belittled women politicians. Belarussian society "has not yet matured enough to vote for a woman," he said in May, adding last month that a woman president "would collapse, poor thing." The president said in his electoral declaration he is still married - but his wife, whom he wed in 1975, is never seen with him in public. His teenage son Nikolai often accompanies him on public engagements."

https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2020/07/20/in-belarus-3-women-unite-to-fight-strongman-lukashenko-a70925

Some fast updates, of course, at https://twitter.com/hashtag/Belarus?src=hashtag_click&f=live
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: drogulus on July 20, 2020, 08:52:00 AM
Quote from: MusicTurner on July 20, 2020, 07:09:21 AM
Well, The Moscow Times writes this today:

"Lukashenko has repeatedly belittled women politicians. Belarussian society "has not yet matured enough to vote for a woman," he said in May, adding last month that a woman president "would collapse, poor thing." The president said in his electoral declaration he is still married - but his wife, whom he wed in 1975, is never seen with him in public. His teenage son Nikolai often accompanies him on public engagements."

https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2020/07/20/in-belarus-3-women-unite-to-fight-strongman-lukashenko-a70925

Some fast updates, of course, at https://twitter.com/hashtag/Belarus?src=hashtag_click&f=live

     I've never been to the site before, probably because I hate Russia, which is very unfair. (http://www.good-music-guide.com/community/Smileys/classic/smiley.gif)

     Anyway, here's some more Russia hate:

     Russian Police Major Falls From Window After Testifying Against Boss — Reports (https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2020/07/16/russian-police-major-falls-from-window-after-testifying-against-boss-reports-a70895)

     We do "after testifying against boss" differently.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on July 22, 2020, 05:11:12 AM
The EU's €750bn covid-19 plan is historic—but not quite Hamiltonian (https://www.economist.com/europe/2020/07/21/the-eus-eu750bn-covid-19-plan-is-historic-but-not-quite-hamiltonian)

Something of note:

QuoteThe deal broke two historic taboos, says Silvia Merler, head of research at Algebris Policy Forum, the advisory branch of an asset-management firm. First, Europe's leaders agreed that the European Commission can incur debt at an unprecedented scale. Starting some time in 2021, the NGEU will be funded by borrowing over six years, with bonds at a range of maturities extending to 2058. Second, a total of €390bn will be distributed as grants, and hence will not increase recipient governments' debt burden.

Maybe this time next century Europe will have its act together.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on August 01, 2020, 10:37:06 AM
Chinese embassy protests over German decision to suspend Hong Kong extradition agreement (https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3095650/chinese-embassy-protests-over-german-decision-suspend-hong)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on August 01, 2020, 01:16:15 PM
Quote from: JBS on July 11, 2020, 07:33:41 PM
It's possible there's a black hole in our own solar system.
(But if it's there, it's only a baby black hole for now.)
https://phys.org/news/2020-07-scientists-planet-primordial-black-hole.amp
Oohhh, how lovely!

PD
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: drogulus on August 02, 2020, 10:29:54 AM

     Do We Believe in U.F.O.s? That's the Wrong Question (https://www.nytimes.com/2020/07/28/insider/UFO-reporting.html?action=click&module=Well&pgtype=Homepage&section=Reader%20Center)

     I don't know what "believe in" has to do with it.

As we see it, their existence, or nonexistence, is not a matter of belief.

     It never is unless you're talking about the existence of beliefs. UFOs are no exception to the rule.

     
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: greg on August 05, 2020, 11:51:20 AM
Continuing the discussion of computer issues, even though it was over  :P

I have to say hurray for the scientific method... was getting audio dropouts and playback issues in Cubase and was wondering why. I had the issue before, but it was due to not yet inserting license keys into plugins. And if you research, people have these issues from a million different types of reasons.

But... decided to do a test. I thought maybe it was just due to lack of ram. I have exactly the recommended amount by Steinberg (8 GB), but that is all relative and somewhat meaningless.

In a new project, I added one track, playback & record = good. Okay, copy that track 10 times and try, and.... there's the issues! Delete them one by one, leaving 4 or 5, and the issue is gone.

(Of course, I could also view ram usage, but I don't think it's helpful- is 80% usage enough to cause the issues or not? who knows... but in retrospect, looks like the answer is yes)

So gonna have to order more ram... 32 gb should be more than enough.  0:)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: drogulus on August 07, 2020, 09:08:03 AM

     Dept Of What Possibly Could Go Wrong

     William G. Emad
Interim Assistance General Manager,
(Operations,Maintenance,Transportation)
Philadelphia International Airport
8000 Essington Avenue
Philadelphia, PA 19153, USA
Email: offic.fille01@gmail.com


Attention

Re: Your Abandoned Package For Delivery



I have very vital information to give to you, but first I must have your
trust before I review it to you because it may cause me my job,so I need
somebody that I can trust for me to be able to review the secret to you.

I am Mr.Williams G. Emad, head of luggage/baggage storage facilities
(Operations,Maintenance,Transportation) here at the Philadelphia
International Airport USA. During my recent withheld package routine check
at the Airport Storage Vault, I discovered an abandoned shipment from a
Diplomat from Africa and when scanned it revealed an undisclosed sum of
money in a Metal Trunk Box weighing approximately 110kg. The consignment
was abandoned because the Contents of the
consignment was not properly declared by the consignee as ?ONEY?ather it
was declared as personal effect to avoid interrogation and also the
inability of the diplomat to pay for the United States Non Inspection
Charges which is $3,700USD. On my assumption the consignment is still left
in our Storage House here at the Philadelphia International Airport
Philadelphia till date. The details of the consignment including your
name, your email address and the
official documents from the United Nations office in Geneva are tagged on
the Trunk box.


However, to enable me confirm if you are the actual recipient of this
consignment as the assistant director of the Inspection Unit, I will
advise you provide your current Phone Number and Full Address, to enable
me cross check if it corresponds with the address on the official
documents including the name of nearest Airport around your city. Please
note that this consignment is supposed to have been returned to the United
States Treasury Department as unclaimed
delivery due to the delays in concluding the clearance processes so as a
result of this, I will not be able to receive your details on my official
email account. So in order words to enable me cross check your details, I
will advise you send the required details to my private email address for
quick processing and response. Once I confirm you as the actual recipient
of the trunk box, I can get everything concluded within 48hours upon your
acceptance and proceed to your address for delivery.


Lastly, be informed that the reason I have taken it upon myself to contact
you personally about this abandoned consignment is because I want us to
transact this business and share the money 70% for you and 30% for me
since the consignment has not yet been returned to the United States
Treasury Department after being abandoned by the diplomat so immediately
the confirmation is made, I will go ahead and pay for the United States
Non Inspection Fee of $3,700 dollars and arrange for the box to be
delivered to your doorstep Or I can bring it by myself to avoid any more
trouble but you have to assure me of my 30% share.

I wait to hear from you urgently if you are still alive and I will
appreciate if we can keep this deal confidential. Please get back to me
via my private Email (offic.fille01@gmail.com)for further directives:




Thank you.

Williams G. Emad


    Is it Williams or William?
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: drogulus on August 07, 2020, 09:14:48 AM
Quote from: greg on August 05, 2020, 11:51:20 AM


So gonna have to order more ram... 32 gb should be more than enough.  0:)

     If I can get by with 16GB of ram, you can. I know whereof I speak, since video encoding is quite memory intensive.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: André on August 07, 2020, 10:42:10 AM
I guess « William »'s interim will be short-lived.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: greg on August 07, 2020, 10:51:38 AM
Quote from: drogulus on August 07, 2020, 09:14:48 AM
     If I can get by with 16GB of ram, you can. I know whereof I speak, since video encoding is quite memory intensive.
Well a small project in Cubase is taking up like 3 GB of RAM, and idling is also taking up 3 GB, so if I had a massive project that is 9 GB of RAM and also wanted to run a bunch of Chrome tabs, etc. it would just get too close for comfort.

So yeah, I could get by with 16 GB, but my goal is to not enough have to worry about it at all... ordered the 32 GB of RAM, will get Monday. Also had to enable something called XMP in the BIOS if you are going for 32 gb, and not every motherboard even has that feature.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: greg on August 07, 2020, 11:04:16 AM
In other news, Sega's Building #2 in Akihabara, Tokyo, is closing.

Hopefully none of the others do the same, those arcades are too awesome to close.

https://soranews24.com/2020/08/04/akihabara-saying-goodbye-to-landmark-as-giant-sega-arcade-announces-its-closing-for-good/
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: drogulus on August 11, 2020, 07:10:36 AM

     Could We Force the Universe to Crash? (https://webcache.googleusercontent.com/search?q=cache:BwVRh07z_9cJ:https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/could-we-force-the-universe-to-crash/+&cd=1&hl=en&ct=clnk&gl=us)

The question is: how do you bring down a simulation of reality from inside it? The most obvious strategy would be to try to cause the equivalent of a stack overflow—asking for more space in the active memory of a program than is available—by creating an infinitely, or at least excessively, recursive process. And the way to do that would be to build our own simulated realities, designed so that within those virtual worlds are entities creating their version of a simulated reality, which is in turn doing the same, and so on all the way down the rabbit hole. If all of this worked, the universe as we know it might crash, revealing itself as a mirage just as we winked out of existence.

     All in favor signify by saying "aye". (http://www.good-music-guide.com/community/Smileys/classic/smiley.gif)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: JBS on August 11, 2020, 07:55:41 AM
Opens Twitter
Reads Twitter for five minutes
Closes Twitter
Votes "aye"
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: MusicTurner on August 13, 2020, 02:22:49 AM
Quote from: MusicTurner on July 20, 2020, 03:32:47 AM
Stories from Belarus rarely get much attention; the authoritarian society seems static. But about a month ago, some experts predicted that Lukashenko would probably repressively take the upcoming elections on August 9th; however, he'd then begin loosing his power for real. Maybe the predictions are correct; we'll see.

"It's exciting to see the change of Belarus' opposition leadership. After male candidates were kicked out from the race, these brave women took the lead - Maryja Kalesnikava, Vieranika Capkala, and Sviatlana Cichanouskaja. Lukashenka still underestimates their power. He is wrong."

https://twitter.com/franakviacorka/status/1284824702083530753

(...)

Increased signs of the Belarus pyramid cracking - severe, exorbitant police violence, protest manifestations, strikes in some major companies (and from the Belarus Philharmonic), some defectors and disobedience among lower ranks of the police and army, protests from some public figures, including Nobel laureate and a TV propaganda host. Still no major defectors though.

Some have noted that there's been no or very little violence from the protestors' side.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: drogulus on August 17, 2020, 12:28:10 PM

     Intel's run at the GPU market begins with Tiger Lake onboard graphics (https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2020/08/intel-is-getting-serious-about-xe-gpus-laptop-desktop-and-datacenter/)

     For most of my PC life I've been on Team Red (AMD CPUs and GPUs both). My current PC is an Intel with a Radeon card. That came about because I bought a Dell instead of having a custom rig built as I had in the past.

     If Intel can offer CPUs with better graphics I might want to stick with them, because a high end Intel chip with better graphics would give me 2 paths for video encoding.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on August 20, 2020, 06:23:11 AM
Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny in coma with suspected poisoning: spokeswoman (https://www.dw.com/en/russia-alexei-navalny-poisoning/a-54629657)

It was an accident.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on August 26, 2020, 08:56:32 AM
Evidently, the Graun is set to sue itself:

Guardian takes legal action to shut down parody headline generator (https://pressgazette.co.uk/guardian-takes-legal-action-to-shut-down-parody-headline-generator/)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: greg on August 26, 2020, 09:04:02 AM
Quote from: Todd on August 26, 2020, 08:56:32 AM
Evidently, the Graun is set to sue itself:

Guardian takes legal action to shut down parody headline generator (https://pressgazette.co.uk/guardian-takes-legal-action-to-shut-down-parody-headline-generator/)
I tried guardianmeme.win, too bad the link isn't working.

Seem The Guardian is only concerned about guarding itself, like every news media outlet.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: MusicTurner on September 03, 2020, 02:02:13 PM
Not the kind of news you tend to hear from China perhaps, but a court in Shanghai has punished nine people there with up to six years in prison, because they had produced illegal, domestic copies of LEGO kits and sold them there.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: steve ridgway on September 04, 2020, 08:23:10 PM
It wasn't this one was it?

Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: T. D. on September 06, 2020, 01:15:32 PM
US Open 2020: Novak Djokovic defaulted after hitting ball at line judge

https://www.bbc.com/sport/tennis/54051920
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: steve ridgway on September 06, 2020, 07:46:50 PM
Not sure which thread this post belongs in - it's unimportant news to me. :D

John Cage musical work changes chord for first time in seven years

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-54041568 (https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-54041568)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on September 13, 2020, 11:47:34 AM
Edinburgh University renames David Hume Tower over 'racist' views (https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/amp/uk-scotland-edinburgh-east-fife-54138247)

American stupid spreads overseas.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on September 13, 2020, 01:59:11 PM
Quote from: T. D. on September 06, 2020, 01:15:32 PM
US Open 2020: Novak Djokovic defaulted after hitting ball at line judge

https://www.bbc.com/sport/tennis/54051920
That was a pretty big story in tennis.  A lot of people thought that he was a sure bet for winning that slam.  I'm a bit surprised that they didn't give him a warning earlier when, in anger, he fired off a shot at some side hoarding....perhaps that might have made him re-think things?  I imagine that it would be a bit harder on the judges this year as there were almost no spectators in the stands.  I saw one male player earlier in the rounds fire off one into the stands (forget who it was), but he didn't get any warning (as far as I could see).  Should the rules be interpreted differently due to almost no crowds?  I don't know them well enough but do know that 'intent' doesn't matter.  The irony:  if Novak had been playing on any other courts than Armstrong and Ashe (think that I have this straight), there wouldn't have been a lines person there (Hawkeye instead).  The rules, though, seem to be rather more complicated--at least according to an article that I read by Ben Rothenberg.  https://www.nytimes.com/2020/09/06/sports/tennis/us-open-disqualification-defaulted-djkovic.html

I should add that I did see the shot; the lineswoman was hit in the throat and heard her cries of pain and also I think struggling to breathe too (don't know all the details from her side, but watching it via t.v. was scary).  Did you watch any of this via live or online T.D.?

PD
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Dry Brett Kavanaugh on September 13, 2020, 06:55:35 PM
Quote from: Pohjolas Daughter on September 13, 2020, 01:59:11 PM
That was a pretty big story in tennis.  A lot of people thought that he was a sure bet for winning that slam.  I'm a bit surprised that they didn't give him a warning earlier when, in anger, he fired off a shot at some side hoarding....perhaps that might have made him re-think things?  I imagine that it would be a bit harder on the judges this year as there were almost no spectators in the stands.  I saw one male player earlier in the rounds fire off one into the stands (forget who it was), but he didn't get any warning (as far as I could see).  Should the rules be interpreted differently due to almost no crowds?  I don't know them well enough but do know that 'intent' doesn't matter.  The irony:  if Novak had been playing on any other courts than Armstrong and Ashe (think that I have this straight), there wouldn't have been a lines person there (Hawkeye instead).  The rules, though, seem to be rather more complicated--at least according to an article that I read by Ben Rothenberg.  https://www.nytimes.com/2020/09/06/sports/tennis/us-open-disqualification-defaulted-djkovic.html

I should add that I did see the shot; the lineswoman was hit in the throat and heard her cries of pain and also I think struggling to breathe too (don't know all the details from her side, but watching it via t.v. was scary).  Did you watch any of this via live or online T.D.?

PD


https://www.facebook.com/1791761364387076/posts/2825846807645188/
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: T. D. on October 01, 2020, 06:54:52 PM
Quote from: Pohjolas Daughter on September 13, 2020, 01:59:11 PM
That was a pretty big story in tennis.  A lot of people thought that he was a sure bet for winning that slam.  I'm a bit surprised that they didn't give him a warning earlier when, in anger, he fired off a shot at some side hoarding....perhaps that might have made him re-think things?  I imagine that it would be a bit harder on the judges this year as there were almost no spectators in the stands.  I saw one male player earlier in the rounds fire off one into the stands (forget who it was), but he didn't get any warning (as far as I could see).  Should the rules be interpreted differently due to almost no crowds?  I don't know them well enough but do know that 'intent' doesn't matter.  The irony:  if Novak had been playing on any other courts than Armstrong and Ashe (think that I have this straight), there wouldn't have been a lines person there (Hawkeye instead).  The rules, though, seem to be rather more complicated--at least according to an article that I read by Ben Rothenberg.  https://www.nytimes.com/2020/09/06/sports/tennis/us-open-disqualification-defaulted-djkovic.html

I should add that I did see the shot; the lineswoman was hit in the throat and heard her cries of pain and also I think struggling to breathe too (don't know all the details from her side, but watching it via t.v. was scary).  Did you watch any of this via live or online T.D.?

PD

Sorry I didn't notice your post...No, I didn't see the incident live; I no longer watch or seriously follow pro sports (gave up watching TV about 10 years ago, so it wasn't too difficult).
Comments from expert observers mostly said that the punishment was merited, so I didn't follow up. I suspect he had a history of such behavior.
I was once a Nole fan of sorts, but wrote him off earlier this year after his "Djokovid" tournament fiasco.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: T. D. on October 01, 2020, 06:58:59 PM
Funny story...if you weren't already down on the US fast food industry or the US Food and Drug Administration, check this out:

https://www.bbc.com/news/business-54370056

Subway rolls ruled too sugary to be bread in Ireland

Story concludes with

It is not the first time Subway's bread has been in the spotlight. In 2014, the company announced it was removing azodicarbonamide - the so-called "yoga mat" chemical - from its rolls.The chemical is used to whiten flour and improve the condition of dough. It is also used to make vinyl foam products such as yoga mats and the underlay for carpets. Subway stopped using the agent six years ago but the US Food and Drug Administration continues to approve the use of the chemical in produce.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on October 05, 2020, 09:19:30 AM
Quote from: T. D. on October 01, 2020, 06:58:59 PM
Funny story...if you weren't already down on the US fast food industry or the US Food and Drug Administration, check this out:

https://www.bbc.com/news/business-54370056

Subway rolls ruled too sugary to be bread in Ireland

Story concludes with

It is not the first time Subway's bread has been in the spotlight. In 2014, the company announced it was removing azodicarbonamide - the so-called "yoga mat" chemical - from its rolls.The chemical is used to whiten flour and improve the condition of dough. It is also used to make vinyl foam products such as yoga mats and the underlay for carpets. Subway stopped using the agent six years ago but the US Food and Drug Administration continues to approve the use of the chemical in produce.
I heard the news via NPR ...pretty sad state of fast food industry.

Just read this news regarding "Stairway to Heaven" and charges of plagiarism.  The Supreme Court has apparently refused to hear the case, so that's it!  https://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-54423922

PD
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: MusicTurner on October 13, 2020, 11:25:28 AM
A tiny bird has been documented to fly 12,200 km in 11 days, from Alaska to New Zealand.

A busy little fellow ...

https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/oct/13/jet-fighter-godwit-breaks-world-record-for-non-stop-bird-flight
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on October 16, 2020, 06:06:44 AM
Quote from: MusicTurner on October 13, 2020, 11:25:28 AM
A tiny bird has been documented to fly 12,200 km in 11 days, from Alaska to New Zealand.

A busy little fellow ...

https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/oct/13/jet-fighter-godwit-breaks-world-record-for-non-stop-bird-flight
Neat story!  Can't believe that the birds can actually shrink their internal organs too.

Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on October 16, 2020, 10:13:31 AM
Quote from: Pohjolas Daughter on October 16, 2020, 06:06:44 AM
Neat story!  Can't believe that the birds can actually shrink their internal organs too.



Indeed! Curiously, I recently learnt that, too in The Life of Birds.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: T. D. on October 22, 2020, 05:46:51 PM
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-54650901

Rare green puppy 'Pistachio' born in Italy

(https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/800/cpsprodpb/4559/production/_115035771_cedb3104-9e77-4ada-a6ec-5dd3e9961797.jpg)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on October 23, 2020, 05:30:36 AM
Quote from: T. D. on October 22, 2020, 05:46:51 PM
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-54650901

Rare green puppy 'Pistachio' born in Italy

(https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/800/cpsprodpb/4559/production/_115035771_cedb3104-9e77-4ada-a6ec-5dd3e9961797.jpg)
Wow!  I didn't know that that could occur.  As I suspected (after reading the article), the puppy will outgrow it.  Love the name that he was given.  :)

PD
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Dry Brett Kavanaugh on October 24, 2020, 07:38:07 AM
'Edible  plastic  bags for deer'.
I wonder if somebody can make these bags with flavors of BBQ, ketchup, sour onion, etc for humans.


https://www.cnn.com/travel/article/nara-deer-plastic-bags-scli-intl-scn/index.html
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: drogulus on November 04, 2020, 10:08:43 AM
     You know how a video game only simulates what you can see and doesn't waste resources on simulating what's beyond that? PCs and game consoles have a limited CPU and graphics capacity to make the game as realistic as possible.

     If the Universe is a simulation there should be a resource budget for that, too. From inside the simulation what sign would there be of a resource limit?

     From SciAm:

It is not often that a comedian gives an astrophysicist goose bumps when discussing the laws of physics. But comic Chuck Nice managed to do just that in a recent episode of the podcast StarTalk. The show's host Neil deGrasse Tyson had just explained the simulation argument—the idea that we could be virtual beings living in a computer simulation. If so, the simulation would most likely create perceptions of reality on demand rather than simulate all of reality all the time—much like a video game optimized to render only the parts of a scene visible to a player. "Maybe that's why we can't travel faster than the speed of light, because if we could, we'd be able to get to another galaxy," said Nice, the show's co-host, prompting Tyson to gleefully interrupt. "Before they can program it," the astrophysicist said, delighting at the thought. "So the programmer put in that limit."

     That's good, but another thing occurred to me about "realistic as possible". Realistic compared to what? (http://www.good-music-guide.com/community/Smileys/classic/cheesy.gif)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: MusicTurner on November 06, 2020, 12:30:10 AM
Non-verified rumours of Putin planning to step down due to Parkinson's or some other disease, also based on some video footage. Russian parliament is now working with laws granting post-presidential legal immunity. But: non-verified.

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/nov/05/russian-mps-consider-lifetime-immunity-for-former-presidents-putin?CMP=Share_AndroidApp_Other
https://twitter.com/MarkGaleotti/status/1324260077830918144
https://www.news.com.au/finance/work/leaders/vladimir-putin-to-step-down-due-to-rumoured-parkinsons-disease-reports-say/news-story/fe4964bd48052c5bd35c73d3ae3392f5
https://www.express.co.uk/news/world/1356795/putin-resign-next-year-russia-president-kremlin-health-concerns-vladimir-parkinsons-ont
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Herman on November 06, 2020, 06:59:29 AM
For the time being I deem this typical Soviet style bullshit.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: greg on November 06, 2020, 08:47:21 AM
How about that bitcoin?

After my $3k investment for my first 4 stocks ever in May (Alibaba, United airlines, Delta, and Bitcoin), all of them are giving me some returns, adding up to $800 returns total.

My brother says I should consider selling bitcoin, but thinking to hold it more long-term, even despite the surge yesterday.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: drogulus on November 06, 2020, 11:10:26 AM
Quote from: greg on November 06, 2020, 08:47:21 AM
How about that bitcoin?

After my $3k investment for my first 4 stocks ever in May (Alibaba, United airlines, Delta, and Bitcoin), all of them are giving me some returns, adding up to $800 returns total.

My brother says I should consider selling bitcoin, but thinking to hold it more long-term, even despite the surge yesterday.

     I'll try not to crash your Zeppelin. Best of luck with the airline play, I can see how it might pan out if you stick with it into the post-vaccine environment. The pent up demand for air travel will be considerable.

     I can't accept the idea of Bitcoin as buy and hold, only as a pumpty dumpty move. Any time you sell with a gain is good no matter where is goes next. When it goes up you'll be tempted to ride it "to the top". It's a "greater fool" trade, and as "they" say if you don't know who the greater fool is, it's you. (http://www.good-music-guide.com/community/Smileys/classic/cheesy.gif)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: greg on November 06, 2020, 12:08:22 PM
Quote from: drogulus on November 06, 2020, 11:10:26 AM
   The pent up demand for air travel will be considerable.
Yeah, because that includes me. Two years straight now of being unable to travel due to random stuff happening, was wanting to travel abroad once each year for the next 40 years...


Quote from: drogulus on November 06, 2020, 11:10:26 AM
     I can't accept the idea of Bitcoin as buy and hold, only as a pumpty dumpty move. Any time you sell with a gain is good no matter where is goes next. When it goes up you'll be tempted to ride it "to the top". It's a "greater fool" trade, and as "they" say if you don't know who the greater fool is, it's you. (http://www.good-music-guide.com/community/Smileys/classic/cheesy.gif)
Bitcoin is the most risky/unpredictable of my four stocks, but it's only a $500 investment so it feels like I have far more to gain than to lose if holding it. And it's the standard for a market that will always exist...


Thinking of investing in cannabis due to the legalization in some states, but not sure if that's a good idea since unless you really really know a lot about that market it can be hard to decide which company... perhaps small investments in every company would do the trick... just an idea, there's probably already a name for that type of strategy, if anyone knows what that is called let me know.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: drogulus on November 06, 2020, 12:41:20 PM
Quote from: greg on November 06, 2020, 12:08:22 PM
Yeah, because that includes me. Two years straight now of being unable to travel due to random stuff happening, was wanting to travel abroad once each year for the next 40 years...

Bitcoin is the most risky/unpredictable of my four stocks, but it's only a $500 investment so it feels like I have far more to gain than to lose if holding it. And it's the standard for a market that will always exist...


Thinking of investing in cannabis due to the legalization in some states, but not sure if that's a good idea since unless you really really know a lot about that market it can be hard to decide which company... perhaps small investments in every company would do the trick... just an idea, there's probably already a name for that type of strategy, if anyone knows what that is called let me know.

     I think you put too much emphasis on speculative options. Given where you are with your choices, it would be good to buy something like a utility, maybe NextEra (NEE) (https://finance.yahoo.com/quote/NEE?p=NEE&.tsrc=fin-srch). I only mention that one because it's a Florida ute and maybe a little because they are in wind and solar. Also, I bought it for someone in 2018 and it's very OK.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: staxomega on November 06, 2020, 12:50:21 PM
Quote from: greg on November 06, 2020, 08:47:21 AM
How about that bitcoin?

After my $3k investment for my first 4 stocks ever in May (Alibaba, United airlines, Delta, and Bitcoin), all of them are giving me some returns, adding up to $800 returns total.

My brother says I should consider selling bitcoin, but thinking to hold it more long-term, even despite the surge yesterday.

If you're on the fence one thing you can do is sell half to take some profit and hold the rest. I'm not one for crypto though. One thing that has lowered my heart rate is another red congress, they won't roll back the corporate tax cuts so that is one less reason for the US stock market to crash.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: drogulus on November 08, 2020, 02:46:46 PM

     A 'growth bomb' is brewing in the US with consumers sitting on $2.5 trillion in savings — and it's poised to give the economy a huge boost, one Wall Street chief strategist says (https://www.msn.com/en-us/money/markets/a-growth-bomb-is-brewing-in-the-us-with-consumers-sitting-on-dollar25-trillion-in-savings-%E2%80%94-and-its-poised-to-give-the-economy-a-huge-boost-one-wall-street-chief-strategist-says/ar-BB1aO67H)

     Yup.....this happened in the '20s after the '21 depression, and again in the '30s after the GD, and once again in the '50s after the WWII savings bomb. The "debt bomb" becomes the growth bomb.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: drogulus on November 16, 2020, 08:17:21 AM

     Drogulus service announcement:

     Don't call the number on the Medicare TV ads. Instead go to the government Medicare (https://www.medicare.gov/) site.

     To verify that this is the best route I went to the site, put in my zip, chose Medicare Advantage instead of plain vanilla Medicare and searched plans. Mine popped up at the top.

     Next, I put in a zip for Genesee, NY to see how things are there and an Aetna plan with a low premium had the highest rating.

     So, all you need to do is put in your zip and answer a couple of questions. You don't have to give any personal information. Nobody will try to sell you anything.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Dry Brett Kavanaugh on November 17, 2020, 11:10:48 AM
Why can some players, dancers, etc. with dementia can recall their performances?
Are the memories of performance deep memories like memories of words such as hello, thank you?

https://www.classicfm.com/discover-music/instruments/piano/92-year-old-elaine-lebar-dementia-remembers-beethoven/
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: MusicTurner on November 19, 2020, 09:58:47 AM
Current real life wisdom:

When you're holding a press conference presenting evidence of a allegedly important, yet dubious nature, avoid bringing yourself in a situation, where your black hair dye simultaneously runs down, forming long lines on both sides of your face, due to you sweating while on camera.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: North Star on November 19, 2020, 10:21:33 AM
Quote from: MusicTurner on November 19, 2020, 09:58:47 AM
Current real life wisdom:

When you're holding a press conference presenting evidence of a allegedly important, yet dubious nature, avoid bringing yourself in a situation, where your black hair dye simultaneously runs down, forming long lines on both sides of your face, due to you sweating while on camera.

Sounds better than what we had in March. Health institute head stirs concern with sniffly press conference appearance (https://yle.fi/uutiset/osasto/news/health_institute_head_stirs_concern_with_sniffly_press_conference_appearance/11256587)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: JBS on November 19, 2020, 12:33:50 PM
My next door neighbor has apparently acquired a rooster.

But it seems to keep reasonable office hours.  I don't hear it crowing until about 8:30 or 9 AM.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: greg on November 19, 2020, 12:34:59 PM
Quote from: JBS on November 19, 2020, 12:33:50 PM
My next door neighbor has apparently acquired a rooster.

But it seems to keep reasonable office hours.  I don't hear it crowing until about 8:30 or 9 AM.
You are either employed or an early riser.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on November 20, 2020, 04:28:30 AM
Quote from: JBS on November 19, 2020, 12:33:50 PM
My next door neighbor has apparently acquired a rooster.

But it seems to keep reasonable office hours.  I don't hear it crowing until about 8:30 or 9 AM.
Interesting!  Any particularly interesting breed?  Believe it or not, at least twice, I have bought wall calendars that were chicken-themed (photos of various breeds).  The photos were amazing!  Beautiful birds...and yes, er, they were in my kitchen!  Trust that your neighbor also has hens?  Hopefully they also share some fresh eggs with you?   :)

Best wishes,

PD
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: JBS on November 20, 2020, 08:59:24 AM
Quote from: Pohjolas Daughter on November 20, 2020, 04:28:30 AM
Interesting!  Any particularly interesting breed?  Believe it or not, at least twice, I have bought wall calendars that were chicken-themed (photos of various breeds).  The photos were amazing!  Beautiful birds...and yes, er, they were in my kitchen!  Trust that your neighbor also has hens?  Hopefully they also share some fresh eggs with you?   :)

Best wishes,

PD

I have no idea.  I've heard it but not seen it. We're a townhouse community so if he wants a chicken coop he would need to keep it on his patio.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on November 20, 2020, 10:32:00 AM
Quote from: JBS on November 20, 2020, 08:59:24 AM
I have no idea.  I've heard it but not seen it. We're a townhouse community so if he wants a chicken coop he would need to keep it on his patio.

I'm guessing that arrangement could have its drawbacks.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on November 20, 2020, 10:39:41 AM
Quote from: JBS on November 20, 2020, 08:59:24 AM
I have no idea.  I've heard it but not seen it. We're a townhouse community so if he wants a chicken coop he would need to keep it on his patio.
Hmmm?  So, where then is he keeping the rooster I wonder?  :-\

PD
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on November 20, 2020, 11:14:49 AM
Their endeavor may just be a gator pantry.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on November 20, 2020, 12:00:49 PM
Quote from: k a rl h e nn i ng on November 20, 2020, 11:14:49 AM
Their endeavor may just be a gator pantry.
Oh, please don't say that Karl!  :(

PD
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: JBS on November 20, 2020, 12:35:15 PM
Quote from: k a rl h e nn i ng on November 20, 2020, 11:14:49 AM
Their endeavor may just be a gator pantry.

The lake is usually gator free, and across the street from us. So unless the chicken crosses the road...
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on November 21, 2020, 05:09:36 AM
There was a short-lived restaurant concept based (I think) in Teaneck, NJ, whose motto was "When in doubt, Chicken Out!"
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: LKB on November 21, 2020, 12:15:05 PM
My love for chicken is downright scary, I've been eating it at least five times week for twenty years.

If God has feathers, I'm in trouble...

:o,

LKB

Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on November 21, 2020, 01:16:19 PM
Quote from: LKB on November 21, 2020, 12:15:05 PM
My love for chicken is downright scary, I've been eating it at least five times week for twenty years.

If God has feathers, I'm in trouble...

:o,

LKB
lol LKB  Well, you never know.  :-X

O.k., and I mean this politely, you need to vary your diet more, non?  Perhaps some seafood and also some vegetarian meals?  The recipes/cookbooks these days are amazing (just saying)!  And not all of them take a lot of hands-on time too.   :)  Just a suggestion.

PD
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: drogulus on November 24, 2020, 08:27:43 AM

     The Dow hit 30,000 for the first time. It doesn't get more unimportant than that. Still, naming Janet Yellen to the Treasury post is doubleplus good. I'm expecting at least a mini-crash in late December or January and slow recovery thereafter. I won't see a full restoration of my titanic wealth in nominal terms until 2022.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: MusicTurner on November 24, 2020, 11:11:44 AM
A friend of mine claims that parts of the Danish stock markets are organized, fluctuations being mere temporary illusions and artificially created, say via false, non-verifiable rumours and organized buyings. In spite of the official rules prohibiting manipulations. It's a system that benefits the upper(most) elite, to maintain and expand its wealth, and maybe 1000 people are initiated and know it, the rest are senseless victims for the changes on an everyday basis.

But he says that he's broken some of the codes: there are predictable patterns and logarithms making it possible to predict fluctuations for parts of the stock market, that enjoy support or ownership by certain members of the old elite, typically large company formations, where some people are in many boards.

When certain combinations and sequences of numbers appear in the rate, it's a sign of the stocks having now reached either a low or a high point, and it will move/be moved either upwards or downwards. And the initiated investors know that. These numbers and sequences appear at certain times and are markers for the development. For example they could be 1-2-3-4, or reflect certain mathematical concepts in numbers.

He says that he recently scored 40% on one stock, and has given me names. He is not rich, but extremely savy, from mostly modest jobs. I'm not an investor though, at least so far. But he says that this information can actually also be found on the internet.

I wonder, if its true, whether it's just a local phenomenon, or it exists elsewhere. If he's right, it's probably very widespread.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: drogulus on November 24, 2020, 12:24:32 PM
Quote from: MusicTurner on November 24, 2020, 11:11:44 AM
A friend of mine claims that parts of the Danish stock markets are organized, fluctuations being mere temporary illusions and artificially created, say via false, non-verifiable rumours and organized buyings. In spite of the official rules prohibiting manipulations. It's a system that benefits the upper(most) elite, to maintain and expand its wealth, and maybe 1000 people are initiated and know it, the rest are senseless victims for the changes on an everyday basis.

But he says that he's broken some of the codes: there are predictable patterns and logarithms making it possible to predict fluctuations for parts of the stock market, that enjoy support or ownership by certain members of the old elite, typically large company formations, where some people are in many boards.

When certain combinations and sequences of numbers appear in the rate, it's a sign of the stocks having now reached either a low or a high point, and it will move/be moved either upwards or downwards. And the initiated investors know that. These numbers and sequences appear at certain times and are markers for the development. For example they could be 1-2-3-4, or reflect certain mathematical concepts in numbers.

He says that he recently scored 40% on one stock, and has given me names. He is not rich, but extremely savy, from mostly modest jobs. I'm not an investor though, at least so far. But he says that this information can actually also be found on the internet.

I wonder, if its true, whether it's just a local phenomenon, or it exists elsewhere. If he's right, it's probably very widespread.

     Knowledge of the existence of a formula for a secret stock market pattern would break the pattern if it was widely used. For specific stocks all kinds of nonsense can go on. I ignore it. I'm less interested in how other stock owners behave over the short run than how the real economy performs.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on November 27, 2020, 06:39:44 AM
Macron 'shocked' by video of French police beating black man (https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/nov/27/macron-shocked-video-french-police-beating-black-man)

Yes, Jupiter is shocked, shocked.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on November 28, 2020, 06:01:20 AM
Mohsen Fakhrizadeh, Iran's top nuclear scientist, assassinated near Tehran (https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-55105934)

Hey, it could have been a mugging. 

I wonder if this sets off WWIII, the way Suleimani's death was supposed to earlier this year, based on the hand-wringing in the press.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on December 03, 2020, 05:21:58 PM
Adolf Hitler Wins Election in Namibia, Has No Plans for World Domination (https://www.newsweek.com/adolf-hitler-germany-namibia-elections-1552056)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: SimonNZ on December 03, 2020, 07:11:49 PM
Quote from: Todd on December 03, 2020, 05:21:58 PM
Adolf Hitler Wins Election in Namibia, Has No Plans for World Domination (https://www.newsweek.com/adolf-hitler-germany-namibia-elections-1552056)

That's what the other one said.

...and I believe him: he only wants to reunite the German-speaking people of the Sudetenland with their mother country. Anyone who thinks he has any further plans for Czechoslovakia is suffering from HDS.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: SimonNZ on December 04, 2020, 03:47:00 PM
looking for something completely unrelated I see this listed in a google search:

Mikhail Gorbachev blames TV show Dallas for the fall of the USSR (https://thestateindia.com/2020/10/27/mikhail-gorbachev-blames-tv-show-dallas-for-the-fall-of-the-ussr/)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on December 05, 2020, 07:58:39 PM
Quote from: SimonNZ on December 04, 2020, 03:47:00 PM
looking for something completely unrelated I see this listed in a google search:

Mikhail Gorbachev blames TV show Dallas for the fall of the USSR (https://thestateindia.com/2020/10/27/mikhail-gorbachev-blames-tv-show-dallas-for-the-fall-of-the-ussr/)


Credit not to Ronald St Reagan, but to Larry Hagman?

Separately:

"Maybe it's because people are looking to get a jump start on the holidays. Or maybe they're itching to spend time outside with family after months of staying home amid the pandemic.

Whatever the reason, a number of Christmas tree farms in Massachusetts have reported either being wiped out of cut-your-own trees, having only shorter trees left to sell, or being sold out altogether."
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: T. D. on December 07, 2020, 06:17:45 AM
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/dec/02/hungary-rightwing-rulers-downplay-mep-jozsef-szajer-gay-orgy-scandal-amid-hypocrisy-accusations

Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: T. D. on December 07, 2020, 10:33:04 AM
https://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-55213529

US singer-songwriter Bob Dylan has sold the rights to his entire back catalogue to Universal Music Group (UMG).

The deal is one of the biggest acquisitions in Universal's history and means the company will collect all future income from the songs.

It includes both the income Dylan currently receives as a songwriter and his control of each song's copyright.

The 79-year-old is known all over the world for songs like The Times They Are A-Changin', and Like a Rolling Stone.

Universal will acquire around 600 tracks, taken from a career spanning six decades.

The terms of the deal were not made public, but it is thought to be worth hundreds of millions of dollars.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: T. D. on December 07, 2020, 11:48:46 AM
https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2020-12-07/oligarch-s-son-says-he-didn-t-hide-50-million-was-trading-loss

The son of a Russian oligarch said $50 million in funds from his father didn't disappear because he was hiding the assets from his mother. The truth, he said, was that he'd lost the money on "risky" trades while he was at university.

Farkhad Akhmedov's son, Temur, is at the center of the latest legal fight stemming from Britain's largest divorce case. The 27-year-old said that his mother, Tatiana Akhmedova, was well aware of his trading activities at the London School of Economics. She had even consoled him about the loss.


https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-9026233/Russian-oligarchs-ex-wife-arrives-High-Court-legal-showdown-SON.html
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: steve ridgway on December 08, 2020, 06:37:21 AM
Quote from: T. D. on December 07, 2020, 10:33:04 AM
US singer-songwriter Bob Dylan has sold the rights to his entire back catalogue to Universal Music Group (UMG).

Good idea, at 79 he should get enough money to do what he wants with the rest of his life. 8)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: MusicTurner on December 08, 2020, 06:40:25 AM
He's not exactly poor. Hope he'll be giving most of it away for good purposes.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on December 08, 2020, 01:33:33 PM
Quote from: MusicTurner on December 08, 2020, 06:40:25 AM
He's not exactly poor. Hope he'll be giving most of it away for good purposes.
MT,

I suspect that he has some ideas of how to help some people, places, and/or things too.   :)

PD
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: SimonNZ on December 08, 2020, 02:22:28 PM
There's a quote from David Crosby somewhere saying that if Bob Dylan had to go a year without the Never Ending Tour he'd have to start selling homes.

I don't know what overheads he has or how overextended he is, but I've heard that he's very good at looking after his many children and their mothers, both the wed and unwed varieties, the known and unknown.

I wonder what this means for future Bootleg Series releases.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on December 10, 2020, 04:42:33 AM
Johns Hopkins was a slave owner, university reveals (https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/dec/09/john-hopkins-university-founder-slave-owner-baltimore)

It ain't over, no sir.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: T. D. on December 10, 2020, 08:57:37 AM
Couple of interesting / funny stories from the financial realm (paywall possible):

https://www.bloomberg.com/news/features/2020-12-10/stock-market-when-oil-when-negative-these-essex-traders-pounced

The Essex Boys: How Nine Traders Hit a Gusher With Negative Oil
Over the course of a few hours on April 20, a guy called Cuddles and eight of his pals from the freewheeling world of London's commodities markets rode oil's crash to a $660 million profit.

https://www.bloomberg.com/opinion/articles/2020-12-10/citi-revlon-lawsuit-tests-two-competing-legal-principles

This is really comical: Citigroup mistakenly paid off interest + principal instead of just interest on certain big loans. Some institutions are keeping the money. A story I saw yesterday revealed that Citi outsourced the error-checking to India:

https://finance.yahoo.com/news/citi-official-shocked-over-900-145432408.html
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: greg on December 10, 2020, 12:23:16 PM
Omaha mom upset with 'inappropriate' book her daughter brought home from school library

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7p_LVfhqY3o&feature=emb_logo


This is from last year, but it's funny for a few reasons.
1) Miss Kobayashi's Dragon Maid is a series I collect- hearing the news report on it is funny
2) Actually went to anime convention in Omaha (end of 2018)
3) This is unbelievably prudish (probably most agree- 5.8k dislikes to 1.5k likes).

Seriously, it's offensive for someone who is actually at the age of growing breasts themselves to be subjected to seeing black and white images of anime girl tiddies? WTF, where is the logic in that?  :D

edit: flipped through my copy of the one they showed, vol.6, and that volume doesn't even show the nipples. And they are complaining about it still. WTF lol.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: T. D. on December 10, 2020, 02:10:09 PM
From USA pro sports:

https://sports.yahoo.com/most-jets-thing-ever-pierre-desir-jets-man-of-the-year-nominee-isnt-on-the-team-anymore-181129703.html

Yeah, mocking the feckless Jets is like shooting fish in a barrel, but this item is just too funny.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: 71 dB on December 10, 2020, 03:25:25 PM
Mystic monoliths have been appearing in many countries and now one appeared in Savonlinna, Finland:
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: MusicTurner on December 11, 2020, 02:35:26 AM
Another story that severely hits Huawei's image and any attempts at romanticizing the Chinese system.
Huawei has tested an AI surveillance system that simply recognizes Uighurs or Muslims and can report about it to authorities

https://www.businessinsider.com/huawei-ai-uighurs-alert-china-police-facial-recognition-2020-12?r=US&IR=T
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: T. D. on December 11, 2020, 08:32:06 AM
https://apnews.com/article/yves-tanguy-left-airport-found-dumpster-9f1a5f8c39e6c76c4f99e222210e9c65

BERLIN (AP) — A surrealist painting worth more than a quarter million euros (dollars) that was forgotten by a businessman at Duesseldorf's airport has been recovered from a nearby recycling dumpster, police said Thursday.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on December 11, 2020, 10:39:49 AM
Wow!
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on December 11, 2020, 11:40:10 AM
Quote from: T. D. on December 11, 2020, 08:32:06 AM
https://apnews.com/article/yves-tanguy-left-airport-found-dumpster-9f1a5f8c39e6c76c4f99e222210e9c65

BERLIN (AP) — A surrealist painting worth more than a quarter million euros (dollars) that was forgotten by a businessman at Duesseldorf's airport has been recovered from a nearby recycling dumpster, police said Thursday.
Geez Louise!  ???  How forgetful could one be?!  Or, one thought:  could it have been stolen and he was afraid of getting caught?

PD
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: T. D. on December 14, 2020, 05:53:53 PM
More on the Citigroup payment f**kup.
[I used to work on Wall St. and find this hilarious!]

https://finance.yahoo.com/news/citi-mocked-asset-managers-paid-191019582.html#:~:text=(Bloomberg)%20%2D%2D%20Recipients%20of%20Citigroup,it%20get%20the%20money%20back.

https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2020-12-14/funds-mocked-citi-s-errant-payment-how-was-work-today-honey

Hope the first link works; the second (source of the first) might be paywalled.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: JBS on December 17, 2020, 07:59:25 PM
The EU Court of Justice officially ruled that EU member states need not respect freedom of religion, and approved a Belgian law (a reincarnation of a law used by the Third Reich to persecute Jews) which targets Jews and Muslims.

https://www.brusselstimes.com/news/belgium-all-news/145952/european-court-bans-ritual-slaughter-for-jews-and-muslims/
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: MusicTurner on December 17, 2020, 09:46:15 PM
Quote from: JBS on December 17, 2020, 07:59:25 PM
The EU Court of Justice officially ruled that EU member states need not respect freedom of religion, and approved a Belgian law (a reincarnation of a law used by the Third Reich to persecute Jews) which targets Jews and Muslims.

https://www.brusselstimes.com/news/belgium-all-news/145952/european-court-bans-ritual-slaughter-for-jews-and-muslims/

The ruling is about allowing member states to demand an anesthesizing of animals, before they are killed in a ritual slaughter, this due to animal welfare considerations.

For example, in DK, more than 100 mio chickens annually are turned upside down and lowered into electrified water for 5 seconds, in soft light, before their throats are cut by a machine in the halal way. It's not appetizing, but a contrary ruling could make them bleed consciously to a painful death, as pointed out by animal welfare organizations. In fact, this ruling essentially protects the ritual slaughter way for the future, facing a growing demand for animal welfare, unless you insist on anesthesizing being religiously unacceptable.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: JBS on December 18, 2020, 07:33:25 AM
Quote from: MusicTurner on December 17, 2020, 09:46:15 PM
The ruling is about allowing member states to demand an anesthesizing of animals, before they are killed in a ritual slaughter, this due to animal welfare considerations.

For example, in DK, more than 100 mio chickens annually are turned upside down and lowered into electrified water for 5 seconds, in soft light, before their throats are cut by a machine in the halal way. It's not appetizing, but a contrary ruling could make them bleed consciously to a painful death, as pointed out by animal welfare organizations. In fact, this ruling essentially protects the ritual slaughter way for the future, facing a growing demand for animal welfare, unless you insist on anesthesizing being religiously unacceptable.

The anesthesizing procedure itself injures the animal in a way that makes it unfit to eat under the rules of kosher slaughtering. I don't know enough about the rules of halal to know if the situation is the same for halal meat.

Plus the anesthesizing procedure sounds rather painful to me. Drowning the animal for 5 seconds while being subject to eletric shock?
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: MusicTurner on December 18, 2020, 08:39:45 AM
Quote from: JBS on December 18, 2020, 07:33:25 AM
The anesthesizing procedure itself injures the animal in a way that makes it unfit to eat under the rules of kosher slaughtering. I don't know enough about the rules of halal to know if the situation is the same for halal meat.

Plus the anesthesizing procedure sounds rather painful to me. Drowning the animal for 5 seconds while being subject to eletric shock?

They are immediately anesthetized by the electricity, as recommended by animal welfare organizations and ethical councils.

Schächt/Shechita (the Jewish, Orthodox slaughter method not allowing anesthetizing) has been forbidden in my country since 2014. We have a rather significant Jewish community, and there seems however to be a low-key import of such meat, the local legal situation is no longer a matter of much debate (contrary to that of another religious tradition, that of male circumcision).

It is good that there is some progress in animal welfare, though there's also a long way to go. The small-scale, traditional whale killings on the Faroe islands represent such a problem too (The Faroes have a large degree of self-government, are not under Danish laws of animal welfare, and they are not in the EU). They might die out with the younger generations, or international pressure, but a severe pressure from Denmark has not taken place so far.

It does seem a possibility however, that if our societies are generally comparable in say 100-200 years into the future, and we haven't for instance sunk into some new Dark Ages, or some less biologically dependent existence, meat will mostly be artificially produced. Current experiments suggest environmental and cost benefits. It might be combined with a high-quality organic farm sector. Under such circumstances, our current attitude towards animals will likely be seen as barbaric.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: JBS on December 18, 2020, 11:02:59 AM
Quote from: MusicTurner on December 18, 2020, 08:39:45 AM

They are immediately anesthetized by the electricity, as recommended by animal welfare organizations and ethical councils.

Schächt/Shechita (the Jewish, Orthodox slaughter method not allowing anesthetizing) has been forbidden in my country since 2014. We have a rather significant Jewish community, and there seems however to be a low-key import of such meat, the local legal situation is no longer a matter of much debate (contrary to that of another religious tradition, that of male circumcision).

It is good that there is some progress in animal welfare, though there's also a long way to go. The small-scale, traditional whale killings on the Faroe islands represent such a problem too (The Faroes have a large degree of self-government, are not under Danish laws of animal welfare, and they are not in the EU). They might die out with the younger generations, or international pressure, but a severe pressure from Denmark has not taken place so far.

It does seem a possibility however, that if our societies are generally comparable in say 100-200 years into the future, and we haven't for instance sunk into some new Dark Ages, or some less biologically dependent existence, meat will mostly be artificially produced. Current experiments suggest environmental and cost benefits. It might be combined with a high-quality organic farm sector. Under such circumstances, our current attitude towards animals will likely be seen as barbaric.

Animals seem to lose conciousness about as quickly with properly performed shechitah.

There are (per Wikipedia) 6000 Jews in Denmark vs 30000 in Belgium. Also I believe the Jews of Belgium trend more Orthodox than the Jews of Denmark.
So the impact of the legislation will be more in Belguim than it was in Denmark.   The general trend of comments I've seen tend to view it as an anti-Muslim law, with Jews being merely accidental victims.  But the crucial point is that the Court disagreed with its own Advocate General, something it rarely does.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: MusicTurner on December 18, 2020, 11:29:59 AM
Concerning the suffering, that wasn't the conclusion here.

The Danish halal slaughter method with anesthetizing has of course only been implemented because of the Muslim market, including the export, which is big.

Though the number of Jews in DK isn't that huge, traditionally, they tend to be a part of the upper strata in the country's capital, and in society generally.

Btw I see that animal welfare is a subject of concern in Israel, the country also being apparently the first to initiate strong initiatives to a future artificial meat production (2015, cf. Wiki on animal welfare in Israel).
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: JBS on December 18, 2020, 12:46:43 PM
Quote from: MusicTurner on December 18, 2020, 11:29:59 AM
Concerning the suffering, that wasn't the conclusion here.

The Danish halal slaughter method with anesthetizing has of course only been implemented because of the Muslim market, including the export, which is big.

Though the number of Jews in DK isn't that huge, traditionally, they tend to be a part of the upper strata in the country's capital, and in society generally.

Btw I see that animal welfare is a subject of concern in Israel, the country also being apparently the first to initiate strong initiatives to a future artificial meat production (2015, cf. Wiki on animal welfare in Israel).

Kindness to animals has always been viewed by Jews as a Torah value. F.i. if you have animals you must make sure they are fed before you yourself eat. This includes everyone, including farmers with large agricultural holdings.

Vegetarianism is a small but consistent trend among Orthodox Jews.  The most famous proponent was R. Avraham Kook, the first Ashkenazi Chief Rabbi under the Mandate and a forerunner of religious Zionism (which took on a much more militant attitude after 1967, well after his death).
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: MusicTurner on December 18, 2020, 01:06:37 PM
Passages of the ethical council info paper in my country mention research being done into anesthetizing methods, that could possibly be acceptable for Kosher, like the Muslims accepted some methods back in the 80s here, or immediate anesthetizing parallel to the throat cutting taking place, but apparently no such options exist so far.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: JBS on December 18, 2020, 01:41:10 PM
Quote from: MusicTurner on December 18, 2020, 01:06:37 PM
Passages of the ethical council info paper in my country mention research being done into anesthetizing methods, that could possibly be acceptable for Kosher, like the Muslims accepted some methods back in the 80s here, or immediate anesthetizing parallel to the throat cutting taking place, but apparently no such options exist so far.

Jewish law lists a series of wounds which were believed to be signs of an illness or injury that would kill the animal within 12 months. (It doesn't match up completely with modern science). Any animal with such a wound is deemed unfit for eating (this is the precise meaning of the word treyf) and unfortunately every method of anesthesizing seems to result in one of those wounds. Hence the problem.
I'm not sure about stunning at the moment of slaughter. At the very least it would seem to not be quick enough to lessen the pain.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Iota on January 03, 2021, 08:39:42 AM
Sounds like there are a few good'uns in the Somerset Police Department.  :)

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-55522825

Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: André on January 03, 2021, 09:51:00 AM
The story is a bit more complete - and even more uplifting - in other media. The Officer took time to listen.


https://people.com/human-interest/massachusetts-police-officer-buys-holiday-groceries-for-shoplifting-suspects/ (https://people.com/human-interest/massachusetts-police-officer-buys-holiday-groceries-for-shoplifting-suspects/)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on January 03, 2021, 11:18:21 AM
Rubik's Cube Movie in the Works From Ashok Amritraj and Endeavor Content (https://www.thewrap.com/rubiks-cube-movie-in-the-works-from-ashok-amritraj-and-endeavor-content/)

Color me puzzled.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: greg on January 05, 2021, 11:46:23 AM
Anyone investing in bitcoin?
I'm up $1300 now but am thinking about/going to research whether to dump a bunch of money into it (like 10k).
My thinking being, if I do and it immediately drops down to where I lose that $1300 then maybe I'll sell and break even, worst case scenario.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: greg on January 07, 2021, 06:48:23 AM
I'm dying... Robinhood taking so long to transfer 10k from my bank so I can put into bitcoin...

every day it's making me over 100 dollars, but just think what it would do if I had ten times that amount invested in it! But no, just sitting there, missing out on the crazy gains that are happening.

There's some wild forecasts out there about how high it may get in the near future.  But who knows if it will crash hard like it does normally.

Could save so much time from my life so I could spend it on doing something actually meaningful, like make another album in the future rather than working. Also considering Ethereum. There seems to be a strong long-term optimism in these two nowadays.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: greg on January 07, 2021, 07:18:33 AM
Meanwhile:

https://www.cnn.com/2021/01/07/investing/alibaba-tencent-stock-us-bans-intl-hnk/index.html

I have stock in Alibaba, but they're talking about delisting it on Monday!  ???

Idk if I should sell it or not, wasn't making me much anyways, but does that mean my whole investment would be gone or would it just be frozen?


The real sad news is Jack Ma... if the CCP did anything to him, I'd wanna see Winnie the Pooh become Winnie the Piñata.  >:D
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: JBS on January 07, 2021, 08:31:56 AM
Just leaving this here
https://amp.cnn.com/cnn/2021/01/07/europe/denmark-john-dillermand-controversy-scli-intl/index.html
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: greg on January 07, 2021, 08:40:50 AM
Elon Musk is now the world's richest person.


https://robinhood.com/news/article/6398f1f4-8919-35dd-8727-69c4e44e6873
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: T. D. on January 08, 2021, 08:28:27 AM
https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2021-01-08/european-soccer-super-league-moves-closer-to-deciding-lineup

Top European soccer teams are moving closer to deciding the lineup for a proposed "super league" that could end the UEFA Champions League's run as the premier event in the sport, people with knowledge of the matter said.

Organizers are working to finalize a list of at least a dozen permanent members after offering spots to clubs including Paris Saint-Germain and Barcelona, the people said. They hope to publicly announce their plans in the next few months, one of the people said, asking not to be identified because the information is private.


Bayern Munich, Juventus, Liverpool, Manchester United and Real Madrid are also being discussed as potential permanent members, the people said. JPMorgan Chase & Co. is in talks to provide financing for the project based on the expectation of future television contracts, according to the people.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: T. D. on January 10, 2021, 03:04:29 AM
https://www.rollingstone.com/pro/news/neil-young-music-catalog-hipgnosis-investment-1110037/

More megabucks pop music rights sales: Neil Young, Stev(i)e Nicks and others.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on January 11, 2021, 01:45:55 PM
Had debated where to post this, but.....:  Trump National stripped of 2022 US PGA Championship

https://www.bbc.com/sport/golf/55615022

PD
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on January 12, 2021, 02:53:39 AM
It will cost the American tax payers over a half a million dollars for the White House to be deep-cleaned before the Bidens move in due to Covid.  No idea what it typically cost pre-Covid days, but still....  :(

Apparently, Melania has been steadily organizing what will go to their Florida residence and what will go into storage and has already moved most of their belongings out of there.

Above news heard on CNN this morning.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: greg on January 12, 2021, 07:33:33 AM
It's probably a good idea to invest in crypto right now, pretty much everyone is saying that the next year it's going to increase in value dramatically.

For several reasons, but one that is captivating is the idea that the US Dollar's value will be falling, especially if they went through with the next proposed $2000 stimulus check. So financial institutions are buying it up as a backup, and the attention towards gold is starting to strongly shift towards bitcoin.

Dumped 5k into Etherium and 6k into Bitcoin (originally just bought $500 months ago when it was way lower)...
kind of more than my comfort level, but you have to hang on to the roller coaster ride, regardless, and not get scared.
The final 5k that I put towards Bitcoin yesterday was just at the right time when the dip had ended, so there is an element of trying to time things just right.

Was looking at Etherium and my gains were fluctuating between being up $300 around midnight to droppping to -$100 to going back up to +$116 just now.


Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: MusicTurner on January 12, 2021, 08:00:25 AM
Quote from: greg on January 12, 2021, 07:33:33 AM
It's probably a good idea to invest in crypto right now, pretty much everyone is saying that the next year it's going to increase in value dramatically.

For several reasons, but one that is captivating is the idea that the US Dollar's value will be falling, especially if they went through with the next proposed $2000 stimulus check. So financial institutions are buying it up as a backup, and the attention towards gold is starting to strongly shift towards bitcoin.

Dumped 5k into Etherium and 6k into Bitcoin (originally just bought $500 months ago when it was way lower)...
kind of more than my comfort level, but you have to hang on to the roller coaster ride, regardless, and not get scared.
The final 5k that I put towards Bitcoin yesterday was just at the right time when the dip had ended, so there is an element of trying to time things just right.

Was looking at Etherium and my gains were fluctuating between being up $300 around midnight to droppping to -$100 to going back up to +$116 just now.

You seem outside those considerations, but some are boycotting digital currency for ethical reasons, besides the possible personal risks of fraud.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on January 12, 2021, 08:55:41 AM
Quote from: MusicTurner on January 12, 2021, 08:00:25 AM
You seem outside those considerations, but some are boycotting digital currency for ethical reasons, besides the possible personal risks of fraud.
I'm trying to remember the name of a woman who created a currency, convinced people to invest, and then ran away with the money and not caught so far last I heard.

Ah!  Here we go.  It was called OneCoin.  It was a Ponzi scheme.  https://www.bbc.com/news/stories-50435014

Have they caught her yet?

PD

Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: greg on January 12, 2021, 11:16:46 AM
Quote from: MusicTurner on January 12, 2021, 08:00:25 AM
You seem outside those considerations, but some are boycotting digital currency for ethical reasons, besides the possible personal risks of fraud.
Interesting.

Does this possibility extend to all digital currency, including the top 2 (Bitcoin and Etherium)?
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: drogulus on January 12, 2021, 07:28:58 PM
Quote from: greg on January 12, 2021, 11:16:46 AM
Interesting.

Does this possibility extend to all digital currency, including the top 2 (Bitcoin and Etherium)?

     Bitcoin is the greatest scam in history (https://www.vox.com/2018/4/24/17275202/bitcoin-scam-cryptocurrency-mining-pump-dump-fraud-ico-value)

In my opinion, it's a colossal pump-and-dump scheme, the likes of which the world has never seen. In a pump-and-dump game, promoters "pump" up the price of a security creating a speculative frenzy, then "dump" some of their holdings at artificially high prices. And some cryptocurrencies are pure frauds. Ernst & Young estimates that 10 percent of the money raised for initial coin offerings has been stolen.

The losers are ill-informed buyers caught up in the spiral of greed. The result is a massive transfer of wealth from ordinary families to internet promoters. And "massive" is a massive understatement — 1,500 different cryptocurrencies now register over $300 billion of "value."

It helps to understand that a bitcoin has no value at all.

Promoters claim cryptocurrency is valuable as (1) a means of payment, (2) a store of value and/or (3) a thing in itself. None of these claims are true.

1. Means of Payment. Bitcoins are accepted almost nowhere, and some cryptocurrencies nowhere at all. Even where accepted, a currency whose value can swing 10 percent or more in a single day is useless as a means of payment.

2. Store of Value. Extreme price volatility also makes bitcoin undesirable as a store of value. And the storehouses — the cryptocurrency trading exchanges — are far less reliable and trustworthy than ordinary banks and brokers.

3. Thing in Itself. A bitcoin has no intrinsic value. It only has value if people think other people will buy it for a higher price — the Greater Fool theory.


     Legit currencies, all of them, are backed by the tax power of the authority that issues them.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: greg on January 13, 2021, 01:04:55 PM
Quote from: drogulus on January 12, 2021, 07:28:58 PM
     Bitcoin is the greatest scam in history (https://www.vox.com/2018/4/24/17275202/bitcoin-scam-cryptocurrency-mining-pump-dump-fraud-ico-value)

In my opinion, it's a colossal pump-and-dump scheme, the likes of which the world has never seen. In a pump-and-dump game, promoters "pump" up the price of a security creating a speculative frenzy, then "dump" some of their holdings at artificially high prices. And some cryptocurrencies are pure frauds. Ernst & Young estimates that 10 percent of the money raised for initial coin offerings has been stolen.

The losers are ill-informed buyers caught up in the spiral of greed. The result is a massive transfer of wealth from ordinary families to internet promoters. And "massive" is a massive understatement — 1,500 different cryptocurrencies now register over $300 billion of "value."

It helps to understand that a bitcoin has no value at all.

Promoters claim cryptocurrency is valuable as (1) a means of payment, (2) a store of value and/or (3) a thing in itself. None of these claims are true.

1. Means of Payment. Bitcoins are accepted almost nowhere, and some cryptocurrencies nowhere at all. Even where accepted, a currency whose value can swing 10 percent or more in a single day is useless as a means of payment.

2. Store of Value. Extreme price volatility also makes bitcoin undesirable as a store of value. And the storehouses — the cryptocurrency trading exchanges — are far less reliable and trustworthy than ordinary banks and brokers.

3. Thing in Itself. A bitcoin has no intrinsic value. It only has value if people think other people will buy it for a higher price — the Greater Fool theory.


     Legit currencies, all of them, are backed by the tax power of the authority that issues them.
Regardless if it's a "scam," "legit," or not, if I decided to sell at this very moment, that's $2400 for doing almost no work at all. That's about a month of saving money while working (on a good month with no large purchases). That's all I care about, personally.

The "pump and dump" thing seems to be what happened last week, but it's back up to where it was already. If you can withstand the wave and just hold for a while, it's probably a good idea, since the long-term trend is only going upward.

And decentralized currencies, despite the volatility, probably should exist anyways, since centralization means single point of failure, so you really have to put utmost faith that correct decisions are made. Really, everything is a gamble, but more options are always better.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: BWV 1080 on January 13, 2021, 01:10:46 PM
Quote from: drogulus on January 12, 2021, 07:28:58 PM
     Bitcoin is the greatest scam in history (https://www.vox.com/2018/4/24/17275202/bitcoin-scam-cryptocurrency-mining-pump-dump-fraud-ico-value)

In my opinion, it's a colossal pump-and-dump scheme, the likes of which the world has never seen. In a pump-and-dump game, promoters "pump" up the price of a security creating a speculative frenzy, then "dump" some of their holdings at artificially high prices. And some cryptocurrencies are pure frauds. Ernst & Young estimates that 10 percent of the money raised for initial coin offerings has been stolen.

The losers are ill-informed buyers caught up in the spiral of greed. The result is a massive transfer of wealth from ordinary families to internet promoters. And "massive" is a massive understatement — 1,500 different cryptocurrencies now register over $300 billion of "value."

It helps to understand that a bitcoin has no value at all.

Promoters claim cryptocurrency is valuable as (1) a means of payment, (2) a store of value and/or (3) a thing in itself. None of these claims are true.

1. Means of Payment. Bitcoins are accepted almost nowhere, and some cryptocurrencies nowhere at all. Even where accepted, a currency whose value can swing 10 percent or more in a single day is useless as a means of payment.

2. Store of Value. Extreme price volatility also makes bitcoin undesirable as a store of value. And the storehouses — the cryptocurrency trading exchanges — are far less reliable and trustworthy than ordinary banks and brokers.

3. Thing in Itself. A bitcoin has no intrinsic value. It only has value if people think other people will buy it for a higher price — the Greater Fool theory.


     Legit currencies, all of them, are backed by the tax power of the authority that issues them.

not to mention that Chinese Bitcoin miners currently control 65% of the network hash rate, so its effectively under the control of the CCP
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Papy Oli on January 14, 2021, 07:20:46 AM
Now, Boris can always blame the ravens if need be :laugh:

https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2021/jan/14/tower-of-london-raven-missing-feared-dead (https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2021/jan/14/tower-of-london-raven-missing-feared-dead)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: MusicTurner on January 23, 2021, 06:29:17 AM
Police work, Russia, on a snowy day with Navalny demonstrations ... :-\

https://twitter.com/i/status/1353001004824932354 (https://twitter.com/i/status/1353001004824932354)

Some crowds in St.Pete
https://twitter.com/AlexKokcharov/status/1352986501798354945'

Man to police officer:
"If you're just arresting someone due to your quota, arrest me in stead of that elderly lady you're grabbing".
Policeman: "... well, OK then."
https://twitter.com/KevinRothrock/status/1353094473950121984
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on January 26, 2021, 10:36:21 AM
Quote from: MusicTurner on January 23, 2021, 06:29:17 AM
Police work, Russia, on a snowy day with Navalny demonstrations ... :-\

https://twitter.com/i/status/1353001004824932354 (https://twitter.com/i/status/1353001004824932354)

Some crowds in St.Pete
https://twitter.com/AlexKokcharov/status/1352986501798354945'

Man to police officer:
"If you're just arresting someone due to your quota, arrest me in stead of that elderly lady you're grabbing".
Policeman: "... well, OK then."https://twitter.com/KevinRothrock/status/1353094473950121984

I'm part way through watching this (Putin's Palace) which you might be interested in:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ipAnwilMncI

PD
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on January 26, 2021, 10:38:25 AM
On a lighter note:  American Airlines now offers a home wine delivery service.

https://www.cnn.com/2021/01/21/tech/american-airlines-wine-delivery/?hpt=ob_blogfooterold
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: vandermolen on January 26, 2021, 10:39:45 AM
Quote from: Papy Oli on January 14, 2021, 07:20:46 AM
Now, Boris can always blame the ravens if need be :laugh:

https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2021/jan/14/tower-of-london-raven-missing-feared-dead (https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2021/jan/14/tower-of-london-raven-missing-feared-dead)

Yes, these are never good signs - as when a bat landed on King John's head during his coronation.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Iota on January 26, 2021, 10:46:30 AM
Quote from: vandermolen on January 26, 2021, 10:39:45 AM
Yes, these are never good signs - as when a bat landed on King John's head during his coronation.

Hardly a good look either I should imagine!   :laugh:

Though with him being something of a weasel himself, possibly fitting ..
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on January 26, 2021, 10:48:51 AM
Quote from: vandermolen on January 26, 2021, 10:39:45 AM
Yes, these are never good signs - as when a bat landed on King John's head during his coronation.
I hadn't heard that story before now!  :o
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: greg on January 27, 2021, 12:53:19 PM
This is whole thing with the Gamestop stock is comedy gold. Main street massacring Wall street.  ;D
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on January 27, 2021, 01:50:39 PM
Quote from: Pohjolas Daughter on January 26, 2021, 10:38:25 AM
On a lighter note:  American Airlines now offers a home wine delivery service.

https://www.cnn.com/2021/01/21/tech/american-airlines-wine-delivery/?hpt=ob_blogfooterold

I pledge to behave so that I do not regret learning this.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on January 27, 2021, 01:51:15 PM
Quote from: vandermolen on January 26, 2021, 10:39:45 AM
Yes, these are never good signs - as when a bat landed on King John's head during his coronation.

Never knew that 8)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: greg on January 27, 2021, 03:10:35 PM
Quote from: greg on January 27, 2021, 12:53:19 PM
This is whole thing with the Gamestop stock is comedy gold. Main street massacring Wall street.  ;D


From today:

https://mashable.com/article/discord-bans-wallstreetbets-subreddit/

"The WallStreetBets server has been on our Trust & Safety team's radar for some time due to occasional content that violates our Community Guidelines, including hate speech, glorifying violence, and spreading misinformation," wrote the spokesperson. "To be clear, we did not ban this server due to financial fraud related to GameStop or other stocks."


Ohhh right. Couldn't be a coincidence? And the reddit r/wallstreetbets is down now.

"Hate speech," yep... I guess Wall Street is a protected class now.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: greg on January 28, 2021, 05:55:37 AM
Aaand now Robinhood isn't letting people buy shares of Gamestop any more.

I put it an order last night to be fulfilled this morning, and they cancelled it. They even hid the stock from search. I wonder if doing this is even legal.

I'm only up  $80 because I didn't have enough leftover funds to add, people are making tens of thousands on this in a single day. And the original plan was to continue through Friday.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: T. D. on February 04, 2021, 05:22:49 PM
This is a really funny financial story:

https://www.cnbc.com/2021/02/04/koss-family-executives-cash-in-44-million-in-stock-during-short-squeeze-rally.html

Internet geeks ran up the stock of Koss (headphone company), trying to create a short squeeze. They kited the stock to ridiculous levels.
So what happened? The Koss family, company executives and board members (who oughta know something about the company  ;) ) sold a truckload of stock!
In other words, the chumps who had run the company into the ground wound up making the big bucks.  :laugh: Cool.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on February 05, 2021, 12:32:04 PM
I don't know where to put this as it's certainly important (moderators plus feel free to move it):  Russia expels European diplomats over Navalny protests

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-55954162
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: MusicTurner on February 06, 2021, 12:18:45 AM
Quote from: Pohjolas Daughter on February 05, 2021, 12:32:04 PM
I don't know where to put this as it's certainly important (moderators plus feel free to move it):  Russia expels European diplomats over Navalny protests

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-55954162

Along those lines, China has raised court cases against Danish parliamentarians supporting Chinese/Hong Kong dissidents, demanding extradition ...
https://hongkongfp.com/2021/01/24/meet-the-danish-politicians-wanted-by-hong-kong-for-helping-lawmaker-ted-hui-flee-the-city/
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: MusicTurner on February 06, 2021, 12:22:08 AM
Quote from: Pohjolas Daughter on January 26, 2021, 10:36:21 AM
I'm part way through watching this (Putin's Palace) which you might be interested in:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ipAnwilMncI

PD

The problem is that the Russian mafioso system supports deniability and lack of accountability; Putin's pal Rosenberg has now claimed that he owns the palace, but no proofs were given; likewise, Navalny's poisoning hasn't been followed by criminal investigation of the poisoning in Russia, from what I know.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on February 06, 2021, 05:43:34 AM
Quote from: MusicTurner on February 06, 2021, 12:22:08 AM
The problem is that the Russian mafioso system supports deniability and lack of accountability; Putin's pal Rosenberg has now claimed that he owns the palace, but no proofs were given; likewise, Navalny's poisoning hasn't been followed by criminal investigation of the poisoning in Russia, from what I know.
I know. I heard a few days ago, that someone else was claiming that it was theirs:  can we see the deed please (like one couldn't also be forged!)?  >:(

PD

p.s.  Hope that your diplomats stay safe too.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Florestan on February 07, 2021, 08:58:02 AM
Quote from: Pohjolas Daughter on February 05, 2021, 12:32:04 PM
I don't know where to put this as it's certainly important (moderators plus feel free to move it):  Russia expels European diplomats over Navalny protests

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-55954162

Russia is a dictatorship in all but name -- a regime far worse than the Tsarist one.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Brahmsian on February 17, 2021, 04:51:17 PM
Rush Limbaugh, dead at age 70.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: DavidW on February 18, 2021, 05:38:55 AM
Sennheiser is looking to move away from consumer audio and are looking for either a partner or to sell that division.  They are throwing in the towel and will focus on professional audio.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: drogulus on February 18, 2021, 10:04:15 AM

     That's it, I sold CenterPoint Energy. It's been "frozen" for a decade at least.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: DavidW on February 22, 2021, 12:42:21 PM
Spotify Hifi is coming later this year.  Soon you will have lossless audio with the streaming service that has the deepest catalogue.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: BWV 1080 on February 22, 2021, 01:50:53 PM
Quote from: DavidW on February 22, 2021, 12:42:21 PM
Spotify Hifi is coming later this year.  Soon you will have lossless audio with the streaming service that has the deepest catalogue.

So musicians can get ripped off in high def. Already got that on idagio, and at least they pay musicians by time, not per track

https://blog.idagio.com/the-fair-artist-payout-model-what-is-it-and-why-should-you-care-9aadaf253b1c
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: T. D. on February 22, 2021, 03:28:52 PM
https://sports.yahoo.com/artemi-panarin-takes-leave-from-rangers-after-concerning-allegations-surface-from-russian-outlet-164021061.html

Complex story. Big Russian hockey star playing in NHL speaks out for Navalny / against Putin, then has to face nasty (trumped-up?) allegations about his past.
Don't know enough to have an opinion, but the political stance definitely required courage. Dude's family is still in Russia, and getting poisoned is presumably no fun.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: DavidW on February 22, 2021, 03:45:58 PM
Quote from: BWV 1080 on February 22, 2021, 01:50:53 PM
So musicians can get ripped off in high def. Already got that on idagio, and at least they pay musicians by time, not per track

https://blog.idagio.com/the-fair-artist-payout-model-what-is-it-and-why-should-you-care-9aadaf253b1c

Agreed.  Primephonic is the same (paying by time).  I unfortunately don't know what Qobuz's model is.  I did decide that if I like a recording and listen to it several times I will buy the cd new or a digital download to support the artist.  I didn't actually know how bad Spotify was for this for way too long.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: BWV 1080 on February 22, 2021, 05:50:33 PM
Quote from: DavidW on February 22, 2021, 03:45:58 PM
Agreed.  Primephonic is the same (paying by time).  I unfortunately don't know what Qobuz's model is.  I did decide that if I like a recording and listen to it several times I will buy the cd new or a digital download to support the artist.  I didn't actually know how bad Spotify was for this for way too long.

Sad thing is Spotify still loses money.  Its f***ed up that the movie studios figured out how to monetize their catalogs whereas the music industry just destroyed itself
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on February 22, 2021, 06:04:34 PM
Aye.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: DavidW on February 23, 2021, 09:20:18 AM
David Hurwitz posted a video today talking about record labels.  I was groggy when I watched it but it seems like he was saying that many labels use the Naxos model now of providing the performers with a one time payment.  And the performers want to do recordings more for the name recognition.  Do y'all know if there is truth to that?  I might have also misheard or misunderstood him, I was watching it with my morning coffee.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Brahmsian on February 23, 2021, 10:09:09 AM
Quote from: DavidW on February 23, 2021, 09:20:18 AM
David Hurwitz posted a video today talking about record labels.  I was groggy when I watched it but it seems like he was saying that many labels use the Naxos model now of providing the performers with a one time payment.  And the performers want to do recordings more for the name recognition.  Do y'all know if there is truth to that?  I might have also misheard or misunderstood him, I was watching it with my morning coffee.

I listened to it as well, David. Although it definitely applied to Naxos in their earlier days, I wonder if that model is still holding true for them?
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: BWV 1080 on February 23, 2021, 01:28:12 PM
Quote from: DavidW on February 23, 2021, 09:20:18 AM
David Hurwitz posted a video today talking about record labels.  I was groggy when I watched it but it seems like he was saying that many labels use the Naxos model now of providing the performers with a one time payment.  And the performers want to do recordings more for the name recognition.  Do y'all know if there is truth to that?  I might have also misheard or misunderstood him, I was watching it with my morning coffee.

Read somewhere that performers are now expected to pay the label, as the prospects for any financial return are so low
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on February 25, 2021, 05:05:19 PM
37 days.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Brian on February 25, 2021, 05:44:22 PM
Quote from: BWV 1080 on February 23, 2021, 01:28:12 PM
Read somewhere that performers are now expected to pay the label, as the prospects for any financial return are so low
This is explicitly the case at labels like MSR Classics, which has a whole page on its website telling you what you'll get for your payment.

I think I remember a story from the 1990s Naxos where a composer was attending recording sessions of his orchestral music, and Naxos had paid the orchestra a flat fee of just $1,000 to make the CD. The composer felt for the musicians so much that he ordered in like 40 pizzas for everyone.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: SimonNZ on February 25, 2021, 07:17:01 PM
Quote from: Todd on February 25, 2021, 05:05:19 PM
37 days.

"Day 37", 2017:

https://whatthefuckjusthappenedtoday.com/2017/02/25/Day-37/
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on February 27, 2021, 06:01:12 AM
Very sorry to hear this news.  Wonder what they will do with it?

https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/world/picassos-anti-war-guernica-tapestry-removed-from-un-headquarters/ar-BB1e1Krp

PD
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: steve ridgway on February 27, 2021, 06:34:53 AM
Shame, it's a very powerful image. I'm always reminded of it by Aleister Crowley's Tarot card "The Tower". Which is not one you hope will come up! :o
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: MusicTurner on February 27, 2021, 11:29:17 AM
According to a Cambridge University survey, the Bitcoin system is now using 0.6 % of the world's total electricity production, equal to say Sweden's consumption level.

https://cbeci.org/
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on February 27, 2021, 01:05:00 PM
Quote from: MusicTurner on February 27, 2021, 11:29:17 AM
According to a Cambridge University survey, the Bitcoin system is now using 0.6 % of the world's total electricity production, equal to say Sweden's consumption level.

https://cbeci.org/
Wow!  I had heard a news story the other day about the amount of energy it took for all of the "Thank you" emails that are sent.

https://www.pcmag.com/news/reduce-your-carbon-footprint-dont-send-thank-you-emails
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: MusicTurner on February 27, 2021, 01:12:01 PM
Quote from: Pohjolas Daughter on February 27, 2021, 01:05:00 PM
Wow!  I had heard a news story the other day about the amount of energy it took for all of the "Thank you" emails that are sent.

https://www.pcmag.com/news/reduce-your-carbon-footprint-dont-send-thank-you-emails

Yes, it's quite astounding, adding to the dubious dimensions of the whole Bitcoin thing ...

As for avoiding sending Thank You emails, I'm less for it, but I guess it's worth reflecting on aspects of it, for a start. I'd suppose spam and irrelevant commercials add more ...
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on February 27, 2021, 01:27:33 PM
Quote from: MusicTurner on February 27, 2021, 01:12:01 PM
Yes, it's quite astounding, adding to the dubious dimensions of the whole Bitcoin  thing ...

As for avoiding sending Thank You emails, I'm less for it, but I guess it's worth reflecting on aspects of it, for a start. I'd suppose spam and irrelevant commercials add more ...
The article was more about useless = non-actionable emails that people send out in general.  Question is:  how to be polite without wasting a lot of energy.   ::)

PD
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: DavidW on February 27, 2021, 04:17:27 PM
Quote from: Pohjolas Daughter on February 27, 2021, 01:27:33 PM
The article was more about useless = non-actionable emails that people send out in general.  Question is:  how to be polite without wasting a lot of energy.   ::)

PD

They didn't even talk about the #1 huge waste in emails... long signatures.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on February 28, 2021, 03:01:11 PM
277 pounds of contraband bologna found in floorboards at N.M. border, agents say (https://www.sacbee.com/news/nation-world/national/article249587333.html)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on March 01, 2021, 05:26:54 AM
France's former president Nicolas Sarkozy sentenced to prison in corruption trial (https://www.france24.com/en/live-news/20210301-former-president-sarkozy-sentenced-to-prison-for-corruption-french-court-rules)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on March 06, 2021, 03:11:14 PM
Bye, Bismarck: 144 cities could lose status as metro areas (https://apnews.com/article/wisconsin-bismarck-census-2020-north-dakota-sheboygan-ad77e15f0f8cd13b8e398d2ca8339ca7)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: DavidW on March 07, 2021, 05:35:29 AM
Digital outsells vinyl in US (https://darko.audio/2021/03/us-music-fans-bought-more-cds-downloads-than-vinyl-in-2020/)

Key takeaways:
(a) vinyl outsold cds by revenue, but...
(b) cds outsold vinyl by volume...
(c) and cds and digital downloads collectively outsold vinyl

And to no one's surprise streaming outsold all of them by a very wide margin.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on March 07, 2021, 09:31:47 AM
The real takeaway is gross revenue for all media, which went poof.

(https://darko.audio/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/2019musicformatsales.png)

Hence, ridiculous prices for so many pop music concert tickets and the severely reduced number of big name, big band recordings by the erstwhile majors in the classical space.  Since I have access to more recorded music at a lower inflation adjusted price than at any previous time in my life, it's all good.

Napster really did kill the record business.  Yay!
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: DavidW on March 07, 2021, 09:56:27 AM
That is shockingly small.  No wonder performers are financing their own recordings.  Nobody spends money on music anymore!  This makes me think that publishers do have the right idea in avoiding Kindle Unlimited.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on March 11, 2021, 08:13:31 AM
JPG File Sells for $69 Million, as 'NFT Mania' Gathers Pace (https://www.nytimes.com/2021/03/11/arts/design/nft-auction-christies-beeple.html)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: DavidW on March 11, 2021, 09:34:41 AM
A bipartisan group of senators is once again trying to make daylight savings time permanent year round.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: steve ridgway on March 11, 2021, 08:35:37 PM
Quote from: DavidW on March 11, 2021, 09:34:41 AM
A bipartisan group of senators is once again trying to make daylight savings time permanent year round.

Bah, it's bad enough claiming noon occurs at nine minutes past one in the summer. >:(
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: JBS on March 12, 2021, 12:08:33 PM
Quote from: steve ridgway on March 11, 2021, 08:35:37 PM
Bah, it's bad enough claiming noon occurs at nine minutes past one in the summer. >:(

If it's the midpoint of the solar day (sunrise-sunset) noon will usually not be at 12 noon. In my locale it was at 12:30 PM today, and will be at 1:30 PM on Sunday because of the switch to DST.

(I have an app that gives me this sort of information.)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: steve ridgway on March 12, 2021, 09:27:07 PM
Quote from: JBS on March 12, 2021, 12:08:33 PM
If it's the midpoint of the solar day (sunrise-sunset) noon will usually not be at 12 noon. In my locale it was at 12:30 PM today, and will be at 1:30 PM on Sunday because of the switch to DST.

Exactly. I like to remain aware of the discrepancy between human convention and physical reality.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: MusicTurner on March 14, 2021, 11:56:06 AM
A recent survey here in DK has shown that for each kilometer motorway/freeway, the car tyres will typically release two tonnes of microplast - per year.

That is 60% of the total, annual pollution of microplast here, and 600 times of that constituted by cosmetics.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on March 16, 2021, 01:29:30 PM
Quote from: MusicTurner on March 14, 2021, 11:56:06 AM
A recent survey here in DK has shown that for each kilometer motorway/freeway, the car tyres will typically release two tonnes of microplast - per year.

That is 60% of the total, annual pollution of microplast here, and 600 times of that constituted by cosmetics.
:o  :(
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: DavidW on March 16, 2021, 02:04:34 PM
Quote from: MusicTurner on March 14, 2021, 11:56:06 AM
A recent survey here in DK has shown that for each kilometer motorway/freeway, the car tyres will typically release two tonnes of microplast - per year.

That is 60% of the total, annual pollution of microplast here, and 600 times of that constituted by cosmetics.

Makes me feel better that I walk everywhere except the grocery store.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: MusicTurner on March 16, 2021, 02:06:26 PM
Yes, those are quite incredible data ...
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Florestan on March 16, 2021, 02:26:44 PM
I commute every weekend --- and sometimes even during weekdays --- back and forth between Bucharest and a village 120 km away. I mean, I, my wife and our son plus the corresponding luggages. Tell me we could do it as fast and convenient by public transportation instead of by our car., especially in these times of social distancing  ;D
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: DavidW on March 16, 2021, 03:40:22 PM
Quote from: Florestan on March 16, 2021, 02:26:44 PM
I commute every weekend --- and sometimes even during weekdays --- back and forth between Bucharest and a village 120 km away. I mean, I, my wife and our son plus the corresponding luggages. Tell me we could do it as fast and convenient by public transportation instead of by our car., especially in these times of social distancing  ;D

Oh that is not that bad.  I know people who make that same distance commute Monday through Friday for work!
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: MusicTurner on March 16, 2021, 10:00:13 PM
Microplast is a problem that is gaining increased attention, and this is likely something that is going to influence future car designs, and probably regulations too, like it has been - and will continue to be - the case with air pollution. One might be able to reduce the pollution effect, use more sustainable materials, design vehicles differently, make public or shared transportation means more attractive, etc.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: North Star on March 17, 2021, 12:39:15 AM
Alabama House votes to end yoga ban, but don't say "namaste" (https://apnews.com/article/alabama-end-yoga-ban-bill-public-schools-12ed67fcfa4bcafb805d362bbd4dcb33)

QuoteMONTGOMERY, Ala. (AP) A decades-old ban on yoga in Alabama public schools could be coming to an end.

The Alabama House of Representatives voted 73-25 to approve a bill that will authorize school systems to decide if they want yoga to be allowed in K-12 schools. The bill now moves to the Alabama Senate.
Yoga done in school would be limited to poses and stretches. The bill says the use of chanting, mantras and teaching the greeting "namaste" would be forbidden.
The Alabama Board of Education voted in 1993 to prohibit yoga, hypnosis and meditation in public school classrooms. The ban was pushed by conservative groups.
Democratic Rep. Jeremy Gray of Opelika sponsored the bill. He said he understood some gym teachers had been teaching yoga in class before they realized it was banned, and others wanted to offer it, particularly during virtual learning.
[...]
Under the bill, the moves and exercises taught to students must have exclusively English names. Gray said students would also have the option to not participate and instead do an alternative activity.
The 1993 Alabama yoga ban got new attention in 2018 when an old document circulated listing yoga along with games like tag among inappropriate activities in gym class.
Twenty-five representatives in the 105-member House voted against the bill. Gray said some House members said they, got a lot emails about it being part of Hinduism.

Though it turns out that Yoga has been allowed, but you had to call it Pilates, which can only contain Yoga technique poses/exercises, but Yoga was still apparently prohibited despite of being allowed under a German name, and now you can teach Yoga but still absolutely cannot teach foreign languages or culture. Attached a screen capture of a video (https://youtu.be/x9ngI498bnU?t=98) from 2018 about the yoga ban.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: DavidW on March 17, 2021, 08:49:43 AM
That is absolutely bizarre, what could they have against it?  Is it hurting their inbreeding program?

Yoga is known to greatly help with blood pressure, heart health and mental wellness.  It doesn't hurt anyone.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Florestan on March 17, 2021, 10:23:22 AM
Quote from: DavidW on March 16, 2021, 03:40:22 PM
Oh that is not that bad.  I know people who make that same distance commute Monday through Friday for work!

Yes, of course, but the idea is that one can't do it fast, comfortable and safe by public transportation.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: MusicTurner on March 17, 2021, 11:41:15 PM
Incredible. This excavated, but new-looking thing is said to be 10,500 years old:

https://www.jpost.com/archaeology/oldest-woven-basket-in-the-world-found-in-israel-dates-back-10000-years-662183
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: steve ridgway on March 18, 2021, 09:45:13 AM
Quote from: DavidW on March 17, 2021, 08:49:43 AM
That is absolutely bizarre, what could they have against it?  Is it hurting their inbreeding program?

Yoga is known to greatly help with blood pressure, heart health and mental wellness.  It doesn't hurt anyone.

A lot of Christian church premises in the UK let their school rooms be used for various community activities but yoga got banned from many a few years ago due to deriving from a foreign religion.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: greg on March 25, 2021, 11:07:25 AM
I Tricked VICE Into Running a Fake Story. It Went VIRAL

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vEM6SHbjY7Y

They were duped by a fake story about a man's dick getting stuck in a chastity belt that was hacked, having to pay $1000 in bitcoin to get it free

Funny, but pathetically enough, so many sites copied the story. From google:

https://www.google.com/search?q=story+of+dick+stuck+in+chastity+belt+hacked&ei=-dxcYMbyGM6O5wLStpKgAQ&oq=story+of+dick+stuck+in+chastity+belt+hacked&gs_lcp=Cgdnd3Mtd2l6EANQkSJYyiRgliZoAXAAeACAAZYBiAHGApIBAzIuMZgBAKABAaoBB2d3cy13aXrAAQE&sclient=gws-wiz&ved=0ahUKEwiG07LWj8zvAhVOx1kKHVKbBBQQ4dUDCA0&uact=5


So from search results we've got:
Buzzfeed
Radio.com
The Sun
Pink News
Daily Mail
ABC.net
Daily Star
Gizmodo
India Today


If anyone reads any of these sites, just remember what credibility they have.  :P
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: SimonNZ on March 25, 2021, 01:09:22 PM
Quote from: greg on March 25, 2021, 11:07:25 AM

If anyone reads any of these sites, just remember what credibility they have.  :P

Yes, because up until now we'd been looking to Vice for serious, well researched investigative journalism. Their current headline, btw, is " A Cargo Ship Drew A Giant Dick Pic In The Ocean Then Got Stuck In The Suez Canal"

For an encore he could see if he can get a British tabloid to print something made up about the Royal family.

He's nothing more clever than a troll being a troll.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: greg on March 25, 2021, 03:34:20 PM
Quote from: SimonNZ on March 25, 2021, 01:09:22 PM
Yes, because up until now we'd been looking to Vice for serious, well researched investigative journalism.
They used to have some pretty cool videos back in the day, but it's a rarity nowadays. The Russian Jesus 2.0 cult thing was one of my favorites, always a fun conversation topic to bring up.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on March 26, 2021, 09:19:52 AM
Last I heard (earlier today), there were over 237 boats either stuck in or at the entrances to the Suez canal due to the ship Ever Given.

"Joe Reynolds, chief engineer of the Maersk Ohio, told the BBC the number of vessels waiting at the canal's southern entrance was "growing exponentially"."  The ship is approximately 400 meters long; the canal is 200 meters wide there.  It could take days to weeks to get it unstuck/refloated.

"About 12% of global trade passes through the 193km (120-mile) canal, which connects the Mediterranean Sea to the Red Sea and provides the shortest sea link between Asia and Europe."

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-56538653
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: André on March 26, 2021, 11:08:11 AM
Quote from: Pohjolas Daughter on March 26, 2021, 09:19:52 AM
Last I heard (earlier today), there were over 237 boats either stuck in or at the entrances to the Suez canal due to the ship Ever Given.

"Joe Reynolds, chief engineer of the Maersk Ohio, told the BBC the number of vessels waiting at the canal's southern entrance was "growing exponentially"."  The ship is approximately 400 meters long; the canal is 200 meters wide there.  It could take days to weeks to get it unstuck/refloated.

"About 12% of global trade passes through the 193km (120-mile) canal, which connects the Mediterranean Sea to the Red Sea and provides the shortest sea link between Asia and Europe."

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-56538653

A major impact is to be expected on goods prices, delays to the supplies chains etc.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on March 26, 2021, 11:44:25 AM
Quote from: André on March 26, 2021, 11:08:11 AM
A major impact is to be expected on goods prices, delays to the supplies chains etc.
I suspect that it will matter most as to how long of a delay there is?  I know that there's already a chip shortage which is effecting a number of industries (pre-ship getting stuck).

PD
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: André on March 26, 2021, 05:11:37 PM
Quote from: Pohjolas Daughter on March 26, 2021, 11:44:25 AM
I suspect that it will matter most as to how long of a delay there is?  I know that there's already a chip shortage which is effecting a number of industries (pre-ship getting stuck).

PD

Days, possibly more (2 weeks has been mentioned).
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: SimonNZ on March 27, 2021, 01:02:13 PM
The Guardian:

Much-feared asteroid Apophis won't hit Earth for at least 100 years, Nasa says
Chunk of space rock was once the 'poster child for hazardous asteroids' but it will be a while before humans need to worry about it again (https://www.theguardian.com/science/2021/mar/27/much-feared-asteroid-apophis-wont-hit-earth-for-at-least-100-years-nasa-says)

"Nasa has given Earth the all clear on the chances of an asteroid called Apophis hitting our planet any time in the next century, having worried space scientists for over 15 years.

The 340-metre (1,100ft) chunk of space rock hit the headlines in 2004 after its discovery led to some worrying forecasts about its orbit. It became a "poster child for hazardous asteroids", according to one Nasa expert.

It was supposed to come frighteningly close in 2029 and again in 2036. Nasa ruled out any chance of a strike during those two close approaches a while ago, but a potential 2068 collision still loomed.

But new telescope observations mean that collision has been ruled out and Apophis has been officially taken off the US space agency's asteroid "risk list".

Davide Farnocchia of Nasa's center for near-Earth object studies, said in a statement: "A 2068 impact is not in the realm of possibility any more, and our calculations don't show any impact risk for at least the next 100 years."

Scientists were able to refine Apophis' orbit around the sun thanks to radar observations earlier this month, when the asteroid passed within 17m km (10.6m miles).

Apophis will come within 32,000km (20,000 miles) of Earth on Friday 13 April 2029, enabling astronomers to get a good look. That is about one-tenth of the distance to the moon and closer than the communication satellites that encircle the Earth at 36,000km."[...]
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on March 27, 2021, 02:33:52 PM
Quote from: André on March 26, 2021, 05:11:37 PM
Days, possibly more (2 weeks has been mentioned).
Yes, I've heard that too.  Tried for a while to find some live streaming of the operations but no luck.  Would love to see what they're trying!

Quote from: SimonNZ on March 27, 2021, 01:02:13 PM
The Guardian:

Much-feared asteroid Apophis won't hit Earth for at least 100 years, Nasa says
Chunk of space rock was once the 'poster child for hazardous asteroids' but it will be a while before humans need to worry about it again (https://www.theguardian.com/science/2021/mar/27/much-feared-asteroid-apophis-wont-hit-earth-for-at-least-100-years-nasa-says)

"Nasa has given Earth the all clear on the chances of an asteroid called Apophis hitting our planet any time in the next century, having worried space scientists for over 15 years.

The 340-metre (1,100ft) chunk of space rock hit the headlines in 2004 after its discovery led to some worrying forecasts about its orbit. It became a "poster child for hazardous asteroids", according to one Nasa expert.

It was supposed to come frighteningly close in 2029 and again in 2036. Nasa ruled out any chance of a strike during those two close approaches a while ago, but a potential 2068 collision still loomed.

But new telescope observations mean that collision has been ruled out and Apophis has been officially taken off the US space agency's asteroid "risk list".

Davide Farnocchia of Nasa's center for near-Earth object studies, said in a statement: "A 2068 impact is not in the realm of possibility any more, and our calculations don't show any impact risk for at least the next 100 years."

Scientists were able to refine Apophis' orbit around the sun thanks to radar observations earlier this month, when the asteroid passed within 17m km (10.6m miles).

Apophis will come within 32,000km (20,000 miles) of Earth on Friday 13 April 2029, enabling astronomers to get a good look. That is about one-tenth of the distance to the moon and closer than the communication satellites that encircle the Earth at 36,000km."[...]
Cool story!  Thank you so much for sharing that news and info....fascinating!  :)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on March 28, 2021, 02:27:22 PM
Quote from: André on March 26, 2021, 05:11:37 PM

Days, possibly more (2 weeks has been mentioned).
Latest update...sounds like some progress though rocks under the bow?!  https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-56547383  Apparently now about 300 ships stuck or waiting to access the canal (some others decided to take the long way around).  How damaged the ship is/will be.....????

PD
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on March 29, 2021, 07:58:09 AM
Hey, some good news!  They've managed to finally free the Ever Given!  :)  It's now off to be checked out at Great Bitter Lake.

PD
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: LKB on March 30, 2021, 11:13:03 AM
I picked up a Roland Juno ds61 synthesizer to replace my old XP-50. Haven't done more than scratch the surface, but l suspect it will reveal even more sonic capability than l have been hoping for.

;),

LKB
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: drogulus on March 30, 2021, 11:29:39 AM

     I used my stimulus check to buy a stock. Look Ma, I'm an oligarch!
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on April 07, 2021, 02:29:15 PM
https://www.cnn.com/2021/04/07/politics/marjorie-taylor-greene-fundraising-haul/index.html

(CNN)"Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene announced on Wednesday that her reelection campaign raised an astonishing $3.2 million in the Georgia Republican's first three months in office, after reports detailed her embrace of conspiracy theories and support for executing prominent Democratic politicians."
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: SimonNZ on April 07, 2021, 03:34:58 PM
Quote from: Pohjolas Daughter on April 07, 2021, 02:29:15 PM
https://www.cnn.com/2021/04/07/politics/marjorie-taylor-greene-fundraising-haul/index.html

(CNN)"Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene announced on Wednesday that her reelection campaign raised an astonishing $3.2 million in the Georgia Republican's first three months in office, after reports detailed her embrace of conspiracy theories and support for executing prominent Democratic politicians."

There's been a lot of talk over the last 2 or 3 years about how the size of campaign war chests isn't the indicator that it used to be, if that's any comfort.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on April 08, 2021, 07:01:48 AM
Quote from: SimonNZ on April 07, 2021, 03:34:58 PM
There's been a lot of talk over the last 2 or 3 years about how the size of campaign war chests isn't the indicator that it used to be, if that's any comfort.
I'll run with it.  :)

PD
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: North Star on April 15, 2021, 08:33:22 AM
Mystery tree beast turns out to be croissant

When animal welfare officers received a report of an unusual animal lurking in a tree in the Polish city of Krakow, they were not sure what to expect.
"People aren't opening their windows because they're afraid it will go into their house," the woman reportedly said.
But a visit to the area showed the creature in question was not a bird, or even a reptile - but a croissant.


(https://scontent.fhel1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.6435-9/p843x403/173604173_4691666060848856_5041617600373276291_n.jpg?_nc_cat=1&ccb=1-3&_nc_sid=110474&_nc_ohc=MCUVmshio7IAX8NZQva&_nc_ht=scontent.fhel1-1.fna&tp=6&oh=847a13943e5013a3609a3f2c109c0363&oe=609DBA17) (https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-56757956)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Stürmisch Bewegt on April 15, 2021, 08:48:07 AM
You know you want to hear spiderweb music (I wonder what Roussel might have made of this - composer of Le Festin de l'araignée)?

https://www.cnn.com/videos/business/2021/04/14/mit-spiderweb-music-scn.cnn/video/playlists/business-news/
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: steve ridgway on April 16, 2021, 09:25:08 AM
Quote from: North Star on April 15, 2021, 08:33:22 AM
When animal welfare officers received a report of an unusual animal lurking in a tree in the Polish city of Krakow, they were not sure what to expect.
"People aren't opening their windows because they're afraid it will go into their house," the woman reportedly said.
But a visit to the area showed the creature in question was not a bird, or even a reptile - but a croissant.

Well how are people in Krakow supposed to know what a croissant looks like? ::)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on April 16, 2021, 10:10:52 AM
Quote from: North Star on April 15, 2021, 08:33:22 AM
Mystery tree beast turns out to be croissant

When animal welfare officers received a report of an unusual animal lurking in a tree in the Polish city of Krakow, they were not sure what to expect.
"People aren't opening their windows because they're afraid it will go into their house," the woman reportedly said.
But a visit to the area showed the creature in question was not a bird, or even a reptile - but a croissant.


(https://scontent.fhel1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.6435-9/p843x403/173604173_4691666060848856_5041617600373276291_n.jpg?_nc_cat=1&ccb=1-3&_nc_sid=110474&_nc_ohc=MCUVmshio7IAX8NZQva&_nc_ht=scontent.fhel1-1.fna&tp=6&oh=847a13943e5013a3609a3f2c109c0363&oe=609DBA17) (https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-56757956)
Actually, it looks like two.  Somewhere there's a squirrel (or other animal) who's very upset:  "But I went to a lot of hard work stealing those rolls off of that deck and then tucking them away in that tree to come back to later!"
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on April 22, 2021, 06:12:34 AM
"Nice work if you can get it"..... :-\

Italian hospital employee accused of skipping work for 15 years

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-56822571

PD
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: MusicTurner on April 27, 2021, 09:54:26 AM
Quickly analyzing water that had been contained in four different types of plastic bottles for drinks to runners and sportsmen, local scientists in a TV programme here found between 1500 - 2000 artificial materials from the plastic bottle and the regular cleaning procedures in the water, when it had been contained there for about 24 hours. Metal drinking bottles were then generally recommended in stead.

Edit: by 'regular cleaning procedures' I mean of course from the cleaning of the bottle itself.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: greg on April 27, 2021, 11:34:37 AM
Quote from: MusicTurner on April 27, 2021, 09:54:26 AM
Quickly analyzing water that had been contained in four different types of plastic bottles for drinks to runners and sportsmen, local scientists in a TV programme here found between 1500 - 2000 artificial materials from the plastic bottle and the regular cleaning procedures in the water, when it had been contained there for about 24 hours. Metal drinking bottles were then generally recommended in stead.
Yeah, also there are more studies lately I've been hearing about with plastics and fertility, the worst thing supposedly doing stuff like sous vide (heating plastics making it worse).

Probably best to just drink tap water in a glass when at home, if you trust your city's water enough.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: SimonNZ on May 04, 2021, 09:06:47 PM
Mali woman has given birth to nine babies, says health ministry
Halima Cisse was expected to have septuplets but apparently gave birth to very rare nonuplets – five girls and four boys – at a hospital in Morocco (https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/may/05/mali-woman-has-given-birth-to-nine-babies-says-health-ministry)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: drogulus on May 09, 2021, 08:43:35 AM

     Now I have seen everything. The Universe might as well give up evolving.

     https://www.youtube.com/v/wcLI9AP4784&t=632s&ab_channel=CedarLiving

     My faith in human nature just shot way up. (http://www.good-music-guide.com/community/Smileys/classic/smiley.gif)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: greg on May 20, 2021, 07:20:12 AM
https://www.cnet.com/news/kentaro-miura-the-creator-of-berserk-has-died-aged-54/

If anyone is unfamiliar with the Berserk manga, it is kind of a big deal. As far as popular opinion goes, I have been checking the site myanimelist for over a decade now, and they have a section for manga where hundreds of thousands of readers score rate manga, and it's been at the #1 spot the entire time I've been on the site (at a 9.36/10 average with nearly 400k votes). So to say this manga was much loved is an understatement.

I've never read, but might have to start now that the story won't be continued. And people are highly disappointed about it being unfinished.

Though, in my opinion, since this manga was 31 years old, it should have been wrapped up by now...
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: drogulus on May 21, 2021, 09:14:05 AM
     This is most XLNT!!

     Adversary Drones Are Spying On The U.S. And The Pentagon Acts Like They're UFOs (https://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/40054/adversary-drones-are-spying-on-the-u-s-and-the-pentagon-acts-like-theyre-ufos)

Before I move forward, I must state that just because I believe the evidence is compelling that many of the bizarre encounters with mysterious objects in the sky as of late, and especially those that the U.S. military is experiencing, emanate from peer-state competitors, not another dimension or another solar system, there are certainly well-documented cases of seemingly unexplainable events that have nothing to do with this type of capability. In other words, our conclusions do not come even close to answering the question of UAPs or UFOs as a whole, especially in terms of the many unexplained incidents in decades past. What they do is highlight an alarming new capability set and tactics that seem to have been allowed to be exploited with little response for years while the Pentagon scratched its head and shrugged, or even worse, turned largely a blind eye toward it.

And that brings us to one of the biggest problems with this topic, as a whole—people expect one blanket and grand explanation for the entire UFO mystery to one day emerge. This is flawed thinking at its core. This issue is clearly one with multiple explanations due to the wide range of events that have occurred under a huge number of circumstances. This thinking must be changed as it limits our ability to solve some mysteries in the hopes of coming up with some fantastical monolithic explanation for every related mystery. So, accepting that there is likely a wide array of explanations to this notoriously abused topic will be absolutely key to successfully studying it and destigmatizing it in our culture, and especially within U.S. military and intelligence circles.


     Are the US spy shops playing dumb or are they dumb? One can spin up a narrative that has a secret cell that has gathered all the info, while putting out a story about how mystifying all these sightings are, with a ready made and genuine UFOlogy going back many decades woven in. The author seems too alarmed for this scenario. He is offering up a view that under the layers of fake dumbth real dumbth is hiding.

     Personally I don't think alien UFOs would be so fixated on our military capabilities and nuclear power plants. What need would they have to probe our defenses like that? Why would they be doing exactly what a rival power would do if it could?

(https://www.thedrive.com/content-b/message-editor%2F1618474015015-message-editor_1561155836127-asddaccca.jpeg?quality=60)

Airborne radar reflector patent dating back to 1945 that matches exactly what pilots described to have seen off the east coast in the middle of the last decade.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: MusicTurner on May 23, 2021, 09:44:17 AM
You can't start forcing passing passenger planes (an EU domestic Ryanair flight ... ) to change course and land in an airport in your country, using jet fighters, because you want to arrest a critical journalist on board, like Lukashenko in Belarus just did. It will be interesting to see, what the hopefully strong reaction from the West will be, and whether they'll weigh other interests to avoid conflicts.

EDIT: concerning the claimed 'bomb', the plane was closer to its destination Vilnius, than Minsk, when it had to divert.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on May 24, 2021, 05:08:28 AM
Very sad to read this article about a break-in at Arundel Castle:  https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-57224777

PD
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on May 24, 2021, 09:58:08 AM
On a much lighter note, I just discovered a PBS program.  The name of one of the characters made me laugh:  Donkey Hodie.   ;D  Leave it to PBS to be so clever!

PD
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on May 29, 2021, 05:02:21 AM
William Shakespeare has just died.  Well, yes and no.

From an article on the BBC's site:

"One man in his time really does play many parts, it seems, according to an Argentine newsreader who mixed up the author William Shakespeare with the first man to receive a Pfizer jab.
Canal 26 presenter Noelia Novillo announced that "one of the most important writers in the English language - for me the master" had died.
In fact it was his namesake, William "Bill" Shakespeare, 81, who died in a hospital in England earlier this week.
Shakespeare "The Bard" died in 1616.
However, that was news to Novillo who told her audience on Thursday: "We've got news that has stunned all of us given the greatness of this man. We're talking about William Shakespeare and his death. We'll let you know how and why it happened."   ::)

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-latin-america-57287764

PD
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Iota on May 29, 2021, 05:46:51 AM
Quote from: Pohjolas Daughter on May 29, 2021, 05:02:21 AM
William Shakespeare has just died.  Well, yes and no.

From an article on the BBC's site:

"One man in his time really does play many parts, it seems, according to an Argentine newsreader who mixed up the author William Shakespeare with the first man to receive a Pfizer jab.
Canal 26 presenter Noelia Novillo announced that "one of the most important writers in the English language - for me the master" had died.
In fact it was his namesake, William "Bill" Shakespeare, 81, who died in a hospital in England earlier this week.
Shakespeare "The Bard" died in 1616.
However, that was news to Novillo who told her audience on Thursday: "We've got news that has stunned all of us given the greatness of this man. We're talking about William Shakespeare and his death. We'll let you know how and why it happened."   ::)

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-latin-america-57287764

PD


In terms of the thread title, that does seem to qualify rather convincingly as fairly unimportant news ...
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: MusicTurner on May 29, 2021, 05:52:15 AM
One wonders how the TV station will manage this. Best option would probably be a good deal of joking and promising an improved news research policy. She can't be the only one responsible ...  :)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on May 29, 2021, 12:36:19 PM
Quote from: MusicTurner on May 29, 2021, 05:52:15 AM
One wonders how the TV station will manage this. Best option would probably be a good deal of joking and promising an improved news research policy. She can't be the only one responsible ...  :)
I must admit that my jaw dropped (and I cringed) when I read that story.

Hadn't thought about that (re others being involved with the story), but you're probably right! Well, perhaps she'll try and learn more about him and/or see a play, etc.?

PD
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Iota on May 29, 2021, 01:38:02 PM
Quote from: Iota on May 29, 2021, 05:46:51 AM

In terms of the thread title, that does seem to qualify rather convincingly as fairly unimportant news ...

p.s  I refer above to Canal 26's reporting of the 'news' that Shakespeare has died. Coming back to the thread, it seemed like it might be read as referring to PD's posting of the story being unimportant. Not so of course.  :)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: drogulus on May 30, 2021, 11:39:24 AM

     Helio got #4

     (https://i.pinimg.com/originals/53/6c/bf/536cbfc3ed2c9e02ac3d8c999c75a64c.jpg)

     (https://racer.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/85/2021/04/bcfcd734-7c93-45eb-b390-8e3a6e560739.jpg?w=1000&h=576&crop=1)

     
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on June 13, 2021, 09:39:40 AM
Contacting aliens could end all life on earth. Let's stop trying. (https://www.washingtonpost.com/outlook/ufo-report-aliens-seti/2021/06/09/1402f6a8-c899-11eb-81b1-34796c7393af_story.html)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: LKB on June 13, 2021, 10:32:02 AM
It's probably already too late, Karl.

We've been radiating artificial signals out into space for over a century. Any ETs within a hundred-light-years' bubble with the requisite detecting technology will know our location, if nothing else.

But the murderous nature of Homo Sapiens, coupled with the capability of detonating nuclear weapons in space, might give prospective interplanetary aggressors pause. Hopefully we won't have to find out.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: SimonNZ on June 13, 2021, 10:49:06 AM
I heard someone, I think it was Brian Cox, saying the bottleneck and lottery level fluke that allows single cell organism to becpme multi cell and for runaway evolution to began may be far far less likely than people had already thought and that planets capable of supporting life may never have experienced that necessary chance occurance.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: André on June 13, 2021, 11:16:43 AM
Interesting. I didn't know that.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: drogulus on June 13, 2021, 12:03:33 PM
Quote from: LKB on June 13, 2021, 10:32:02 AM


We've been radiating artificial signals out into space for over a century. Any ETs within a hundred-light-years' bubble with the requisite detecting technology will know our location, if nothing else.



     Time is as much a barrier to contact as space. With billions of years of starting points to play with I don't see how aliens develop in parallel to us in a way that makes contact a reality.

     I think we should look for a pale blue dot with the possibility of lots of interesting creepy crawly things on it. I'd be happy with that.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: SimonNZ on June 13, 2021, 12:56:22 PM
on the other hand...

(https://i.pinimg.com/originals/43/b2/b6/43b2b64d2052af4dd1b09a65e5a53a44.jpg)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: drogulus on June 13, 2021, 02:00:25 PM

     

     (https://images-wixmp-ed30a86b8c4ca887773594c2.wixmp.com/f/1a6fad99-a9ca-408b-84eb-904395ea4915/d7d6nef-43996346-d796-42ac-8fbe-35fa46d053d5.png?token=eyJ0eXAiOiJKV1QiLCJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJzdWIiOiJ1cm46YXBwOjdlMGQxODg5ODIyNjQzNzNhNWYwZDQxNWVhMGQyNmUwIiwiaXNzIjoidXJuOmFwcDo3ZTBkMTg4OTgyMjY0MzczYTVmMGQ0MTVlYTBkMjZlMCIsIm9iaiI6W1t7InBhdGgiOiJcL2ZcLzFhNmZhZDk5LWE5Y2EtNDA4Yi04NGViLTkwNDM5NWVhNDkxNVwvZDdkNm5lZi00Mzk5NjM0Ni1kNzk2LTQyYWMtOGZiZS0zNWZhNDZkMDUzZDUucG5nIn1dXSwiYXVkIjpbInVybjpzZXJ2aWNlOmZpbGUuZG93bmxvYWQiXX0.YNNGm_1ERuaCStBpWNDwCyLM16e-MjUyblovDvJQ-wU)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on June 13, 2021, 04:26:57 PM
Quote from: SimonNZ on June 13, 2021, 10:49:06 AM
I heard someone, I think it was Brian Cox, saying the bottleneck and lottery level fluke that allows single cell organism to becpme multi cell and for runaway evolution to began may be far far less likely than people had already thought and that planets capable of supporting life may never have experienced that necessary chance occurance.

There's (erm) hope yet, then ....
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: T. D. on June 15, 2021, 06:34:37 AM
https://www.bbc.com/sport/athletics/57480597

American middle distance runner Shelby Houlihan has been banned from athletics for four years after testing positive for a prohibited substance - which she blamed on a burrito.

The 28-year-old says she was told in January the anabolic steroid nandrolone had been found in a doping sample.

Olympian Houlihan said it may have come from eating a pork burrito, which she said could lead to a false positive for nandrolone, the night before her test.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on June 15, 2021, 01:24:14 PM
Quote from: T. D. on June 15, 2021, 06:34:37 AM
https://www.bbc.com/sport/athletics/57480597

American middle distance runner Shelby Houlihan has been banned from athletics for four years after testing positive for a prohibited substance - which she blamed on a burrito.

The 28-year-old says she was told in January the anabolic steroid nandrolone had been found in a doping sample.

Olympian Houlihan said it may have come from eating a pork burrito, which she said could lead to a false positive for nandrolone, the night before her test.
I remember reading something some time ago (perhaps in past year + probably older due to covid) of another athlete ....I want to say from maybe Argentina or Chile(?) testing positive for a steroid and blaming it on eating an animal product...which apparently is commonly used in their animal production in their country (a steroid).  Will see if I can find an article about it.  Whether or not one could eat enough of this meat for it to show up in an athlete's system or not and in high enough levels.....? Will look into your article in a bit.

PD
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on June 15, 2021, 04:33:11 PM
Quote from: T. D. on June 15, 2021, 06:34:37 AM
https://www.bbc.com/sport/athletics/57480597

American middle distance runner Shelby Houlihan has been banned from athletics for four years after testing positive for a prohibited substance - which she blamed on a burrito.

The 28-year-old says she was told in January the anabolic steroid nandrolone had been found in a doping sample.

Olympian Houlihan said it may have come from eating a pork burrito, which she said could lead to a false positive for nandrolone, the night before her test.

Darn those pulled-pork burritos, anyhow!
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: T. D. on June 16, 2021, 04:58:39 AM
Quote from: Pohjolas Daughter on June 15, 2021, 01:24:14 PM
I remember reading something some time ago (perhaps in past year + probably older due to covid) of another athlete ....I want to say from maybe Argentina or Chile(?) testing positive for a steroid and blaming it on eating an animal product...which apparently is commonly used in their animal production in their country (a steroid).  Will see if I can find an article about it.  Whether or not one could eat enough of this meat for it to show up in an athlete's system or not and in high enough levels.....? Will look into your article in a bit.

PD

Famous cyclist Alberto Contador blamed a clenbuterol positive test on beef. I think other cyclists have used this excuse.
The standard American athletic excuse has been "tainted (dietary) supplements," but I think some have tried meat as well. If you follow such things closely, some really bizarre rationalizations have been put forth.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on June 16, 2021, 05:40:26 AM
Quote from: T. D. on June 16, 2021, 04:58:39 AM
Famous cyclist Alberto Contador blamed a clenbuterol positive test on beef. I think other cyclists have used this excuse.
The standard American athletic excuse has been "tainted (dietary) supplements," but I think some have tried meat as well. If you follow such things closely, some really bizarre rationalizations have been put forth.

Doesn't pass the sniff test.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: T. D. on June 16, 2021, 12:11:11 PM
Quote from: k a rl h e nn i ng on June 16, 2021, 05:40:26 AM
Doesn't pass the sniff test.

OK, then try this one on for size:   :laugh:

https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2010/apr/22/lashawn-merritt-drugs-male-enhancement

LaShawn Merritt blames failed drug test on 'male enhancement product'
Olympic champion says he took over-the-counter medicine
'It was a foolish, immature and egotistical mistake'


I'm pretty sure even weirder excuses have been posited...  :o
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: T. D. on June 22, 2021, 07:21:20 AM
https://sports.yahoo.com/chicago-cubs-star-ben-zobrist-alleges-former-pastor-had-affair-with-his-wife-defrauded-charity-lawsuit-015746364.html

Former Chicago Cubs star Ben Zobrist filed a lawsuit last month alleging that his former minister had a sexual relationship with his wife and defrauded his charity foundation, according to the Chicago Tribune.

Zobrist is seeking $6 million in damages in the lawsuit against Byron Yawn — his former pastor and current CEO of a Nashville-area counseling firm. It was filed last month in Nashville Circuit Court.

Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: mabuse on June 22, 2021, 08:46:19 AM
Quote from: T. D. on June 16, 2021, 12:11:11 PM
I'm pretty sure even weirder excuses have been posited...  :o

I hope you like soap opera  :D

Athletics: Ophélie Claude-Boxberger inflexible in front of his judges Paris (AFP)
The athlete Ophélie Claude-Boxberger, specialist in middle distance and tested positive for EPO a year and a half ago, maintained Monday before the anti-doping justice to have been doped without his knowledge by his ex-father-in-law, during of a hearing which did not allow to remove the gray areas. The enigma Ophélie Claude-Boxberger (OCB), which risks up to eight years of suspension.
https://www.tellerreport.com/news/2021-03-15-%0A---athletics--oph%C3%A9lie-claude-boxberger-inflexible-in-front-of-his-judges---france-24%0A--.rJZexkmpX_.html
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: T. D. on June 22, 2021, 07:11:01 PM
Here's a list of some oddball sports doping excuses:

https://runningmagazine.ca/the-scene/ridiculous-doping-excuses/

Included is a case where the "eating tainted beef" plea worked!
I recall cyclist Tyler Hamilton's surreal "chimeric twin" rationalization, but that one didn't get far.  :laugh:

Also (with some overlap):
https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/sport/2017/08/the-weirdest-performance-enhancing-drug-excuses-in-sport.html
https://latinamericanpost.com/21248-the-most-unusual-excuses-of-athletes-who-have-tested-positive-for-doping (contains another penile extension excuse)
https://www.vegasodds.com/worst-doping-excuses-in-sports/

The lists are 2020 and earlier, so they don't cover some of the recent farces.

Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: mabuse on June 24, 2021, 10:34:26 AM
Thanks for the links, T.D.  ;D

Some people go so far in their denial, it's fascinating...   ::)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: T. D. on June 24, 2021, 05:58:25 PM
In the early part of this millennium, I closely followed professional cycling.
The disgraced US doper cyclists Tyler Hamilton (see above links) and Floyd Landis (whisky drinking iirc) had incredible chutzpah. Not only did they put forth ridiculous excuses, but they mounted fund-raising campaigns so that fans could defray their legal expenses!

Hamilton later wrote a book fully admitting doping, but I don't think the book mentioned ripping off fanboy donors (I skimmed it but didn't retain much). I believe Landis wrote a book, but I'd lost interest by that time and ignored it. Landis eventually got busted for his fraudulent fund-raising.

One good consequence of those bozos' busts is that they directly led to the exposure of über-drug fraud Lance Armstrong.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: T. D. on June 24, 2021, 07:37:39 PM
Here's a truly unimportant, but interesting (at least to certain boomers) item:

Don Martin, the cartoonist of Mad Magazine fame, was responsible for several bop era Prestige jazz LP covers.

https://www.discogs.com/artist/3277081-Don-Martin-7

I always liked these two, for instance, but never noticed the artist until today:
(https://img.discogs.com/7KJFgvVoLu3UVyi0-U-4HgPNvGk=/fit-in/300x300/filters:strip_icc():format(jpeg):mode_rgb():quality(40)/discogs-images/R-3322825-1363032908-6278.jpeg.jpg)  (https://img.discogs.com/l5E6m8OmmaMYSkDnHHrzojmx9m0=/fit-in/300x300/filters:strip_icc():format(jpeg):mode_rgb():quality(40)/discogs-images/R-2873252-1510517336-2748.jpeg.jpg)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: LKB on June 25, 2021, 06:47:46 PM
I can remember eagerly awaiting the current issue of MAD, at the age of ten while suffering from chicken pox. Don Martin certainly brought me relief.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: mabuse on June 26, 2021, 04:23:26 PM
Innsbruck Paraclimbing World Cup 2021
The Paraclimbing World Cup took place from June 21 to 24 in Innsbruck (Austria).
Athletes compete in different categories according to their handicap (visual impairment, amputation ...).


There were some great athletes over there ! :o

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=netAuUikTFs

Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: T. D. on June 30, 2021, 06:41:41 AM
A big Tour de France story:

https://www.cyclingnews.com/news/police-find-and-arrest-spectator-who-caused-mass-tour-de-france-crash/
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on June 30, 2021, 08:05:36 AM
Quote from: T. D. on June 30, 2021, 06:41:41 AM
A big Tour de France story:

https://www.cyclingnews.com/news/police-find-and-arrest-spectator-who-caused-mass-tour-de-france-crash/
I'm glad that they caught her.  I read the story the day after it happened.  What should they charge her with???  :-\  Mixed feelings there.  She's very lucky that no one was killed.  I forget who was injured and how badly.  Do you recall?  And any thoughts?

For the brave of heart, here's more about the story and video of the crash:  https://www.klfy.com/news/watch-spectator-at-tour-de-france-causes-massive-crash-after-holding-sign-in-path-of-oncoming-cyclists/

A few years ago I found out that there were people who would (using mountain bikes at key locations) attempt to jump over the riders and land successfully on the other side; I was shocked when I found out that this wasn't a one-off!

PD
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: T. D. on June 30, 2021, 08:49:43 AM
Quote from: Pohjolas Daughter on June 30, 2021, 08:05:36 AM
I'm glad that they caught her.  I read the story the day after it happened.  What should they charge her with???  :-\  Mixed feelings there.  She's very lucky that no one was killed.  I forget who was injured and how badly.  Do you recall?  And any thoughts?

For the brave of heart, here's more about the story and video of the crash:  https://www.klfy.com/news/watch-spectator-at-tour-de-france-causes-massive-crash-after-holding-sign-in-path-of-oncoming-cyclists/

A few years ago I found out that there were people of would (using mountain bikes at key locations) attempt to jump over the riders and land successfully on the other side; I was shocked when I found out that this wasn't a one-off!

PD

List of "notable injuries" (it was the "first crash"): https://cyclingtips.com/2021/06/21-riders-were-injured-on-stage-1-of-the-tour-de-france/

If you add in cost of wrecked bicycles and potential financial losses of affected teams/cyclists, monetary consequences are quite serious.

Based on the previously linked story and this one,

https://www.velonews.com/events/tour-de-france/officials-arrest-woman-who-provoked-stage-1-crash-at-tour-de-france/

the suspect appears to face a fine of $1,500 Euros with potential liability (and certainly legal expenses, which could be considerable) from lawsuits. The race organizers (ASO) have made noise about suing.

I have no idea about potential lawsuit liabilities, and won't pretend to speculate about matters of French law, so can't say anything worthwhile. In the US, intent is a major factor, but doesn't seem to have been present, so I'd expect criminal charges to come down to fleeing the scene plus whatever degrees of recklessness or negligence could be established. France could of course differ.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on June 30, 2021, 09:28:45 AM
Quote from: T. D. on June 30, 2021, 08:49:43 AM
List of "notable injuries" (it was the "first crash"): https://cyclingtips.com/2021/06/21-riders-were-injured-on-stage-1-of-the-tour-de-france/

If you add in cost of wrecked bicycles and potential financial losses of affected teams/cyclists, monetary consequences are quite serious.

Based on the previously linked story and this one,

https://www.velonews.com/events/tour-de-france/officials-arrest-woman-who-provoked-stage-1-crash-at-tour-de-france/

the suspect appears to face a fine of $1,500 Euros with potential liability (and certainly legal expenses, which could be considerable) from lawsuits. The race organizers (ASO) have made noise about suing.

I have no idea about potential lawsuit liabilities, and won't pretend to speculate about matters of French law, so can't say anything worthwhile. In the US, intent is a major factor, but doesn't seem to have been present, so I'd expect criminal charges to come down to fleeing the scene plus whatever degrees of recklessness or negligence could be established. France could of course differ.
Wow (re riders and injuries)!!  I had read about the 1,500 Euros fine and had also read somewhere that it sounded like the cyclist Tony Martin (who hit her sign directly) wanted to sue.  And, yes, between the bikes, medical bills and lost wages, she could be facing some serious bills.  It's sad that what was meant to be a nice gesture towards her grandparents turned into such a nightmare and tragic accident because of her acting like an idiot and not paying attention to where the cyclists were and wanting to get too close to the road...to be there in front as the camera went by.  It all could have been avoided if she had kept a respectable and safe distance from the edge of the road.  :(

PD
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: André on June 30, 2021, 10:34:14 AM
At this level cycles cost north of 15000$.

A single wheel is 2000-3000$. The frame and the transmission some 4000$ each. Dozens of cycles were scrapped or damaged. I hope she has good liability insurance...
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on June 30, 2021, 02:24:30 PM
Quote from: André on June 30, 2021, 10:34:14 AM
At this level cycles cost north of 15000$.

A single wheel is 2000-3000$. The frame and the transmission some 4000$ each. Dozens of cycles were scrapped or damaged. I hope she has good liability insurance...
I'm not sure how old she is...hard to tell by the photo (though other things...like the description of the vehicle that she was driving and her not comprehending things like where one should watch from, the speed of the riders, fixation on the camera--thinking social media here--leads me to believe that she was/is young).

She's not going to have that kind of insurance.  I suspect that 99% of the riders and teams wouldn't sue her.  My gut level feeling is that they would want to try and find a way to get the message across to the public not to do 'stuff' like this and the effects/danger to the riders.  Perhaps part of her sentence/punishment could be to work as an advocate for how to protect riders (PSAs, commercials, etc.).  Even today, I saw so many fans standing in the roads narrowing the margins that riders have to navigate through.  It's a broader issue.  I suspect that things have gotten worse due to all of the people trying to get selfies with the riders (heard stories there), etc.  How do we teach common sense?   :( :(

PD
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: T. D. on June 30, 2021, 02:43:22 PM
I hate to politicize the issue, but a big problem (in contrast to US pro sports, say) seems to be that Euro pro cyclists are poorly organized. There have been many horrifying injuries caused by unsafe courses and race management. Too many to list or even refer to. But the cyclists seem to exert no leverage, and the same situations periodically recur. There is a riders' union of sorts, but it's completely ineffective. And it's a damned dangerous sport even on "safe" courses.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on June 30, 2021, 02:53:26 PM
Quote from: T. D. on June 30, 2021, 02:43:22 PM
I hate to politicize the issue, but a big problem (in contrast to US pro sports, say) seems to be that Euro pro cyclists are poorly organized. There have been many horrifying injuries caused by unsafe courses and race management. Too many to list or even refer to. But the cyclists seem to exert no leverage, and the same situations periodically recur. There is a riders' union of sorts, but it's completely ineffective. And it's a damned dangerous sport even on "safe" courses.
I did see a protest by some of the riders re safety recently...the impression that I received is that it was too short (This was during Le Tour de France) and not enough riders.  From (my little knowledge re the courses of Le Tour) there are so many areas/conditions when riders could crash....bad curves, wet conditions, dealing with cobblestones, etc.  That alone is brutal--and up for discussion....but to also have fans and some anti-fans of certain racers crowding onto the roads with much worse stuff thrown at the riders...it's horrible!
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: T. D. on June 30, 2021, 03:55:49 PM
https://www.cyclingnews.com/news/injured-soler-considers-legal-action-against-fan-who-triggered-tour-de-france-crash/

Spanish stage racer Marc Soler (Movistar) is considering legal action against the fan who caused the first major crash on the opening day of the Tour de France, which led to his second abandon of a Grand Tour this year through injury.

Caught up in the pileup caused by the fan with the placard Soler finished stage 1 last, just ahead of the broom wagon. He then did not start on stage 2 as he had fractures to his elbows and wrist.

...
The Spaniard also strongly criticised the CPA riders association for failing to defend their interests, and the UCI for, he alleged, "only worrying about stupid measures like the bidons" – and whether they can be thrown away outside specified zones – "but failing to be interested in serious things like our safety."

"The CPA knows how to operate when it comes to holding out its hand [for money]" he told La Vanguardia, "but when it comes to actual work, it barely does the job."

"This is a business, everybody looks after their own interests, and it's us bike riders who carry the can."
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on July 01, 2021, 02:54:10 AM
Quote from: T. D. on June 30, 2021, 03:55:49 PM
https://www.cyclingnews.com/news/injured-soler-considers-legal-action-against-fan-who-triggered-tour-de-france-crash/

Spanish stage racer Marc Soler (Movistar) is considering legal action against the fan who caused the first major crash on the opening day of the Tour de France, which led to his second abandon of a Grand Tour this year through injury.

Caught up in the pileup caused by the fan with the placard Soler finished stage 1 last, just ahead of the broom wagon. He then did not start on stage 2 as he had fractures to his elbows and wrist.

...
The Spaniard also strongly criticised the CPA riders association for failing to defend their interests, and the UCI for, he alleged, "only worrying about stupid measures like the bidons" – and whether they can be thrown away outside specified zones – "but failing to be interested in serious things like our safety."

"The CPA knows how to operate when it comes to holding out its hand [for money]" he told La Vanguardia, "but when it comes to actual work, it barely does the job."

"This is a business, everybody looks after their own interests, and it's us bike riders who carry the can."

I heard on the local news this morning that the person arrested for causing the pileup could be facing up to two years in jail and a $35,000 fine.

By the way, what does CPA and UCI stand for T.D.?  As an aside, speaking of associations, tennis players are trying to get their own union/association going.  It's in its infancy and I don't believe that any of the female players have yet elected to join it.  https://finance.yahoo.com/news/professional-tennis-players-association-co-213000126.html  Their Facebook page here brings up some very interesting questions:  https://www.facebook.com/ptpaplayers/

PD
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: MusicTurner on July 01, 2021, 03:27:10 AM
Apparently it was just announced that the case has been abolished, since the leadership of the race doesn't want a court case to be too exaggerated or too promoted by the media etc, and because they hope that a lesson has already been learned.

I think this is an interesting move, hopefully with a healthy element of 'calm down', and appealing to common sense. Perhaps they're thinking very strategically and don't want future races disturbed by various 'sensational' court cases, political stunts etc. But I guess that riders' individual court cases are still an option somewhat.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on July 01, 2021, 03:36:03 AM
Quote from: MusicTurner on July 01, 2021, 03:27:10 AM
Apparently it was just announced that the case has been abolished, since the leadership of the race doesn't want a court case to be too exaggerated or too promoted by the media etc, and because they hope that a lesson has already been learned.
Wow!  I just checked that cycling news website and also saw that listed there though a "why" wasn't mentioned.  Where did you find your info MT?  Just curious.

PD
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: MusicTurner on July 01, 2021, 03:38:29 AM
I saw it on a Danish site, quoting Reuters briefly. We'll no doubt hear more, including discussions of whether the decision was good.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on July 01, 2021, 03:40:30 AM
Quote from: MusicTurner on July 01, 2021, 03:38:29 AM
I saw it on a Danish site, quoting Reuters briefly. We'll no doubt hear more, including discussions of whether the decision was good.
Yep, thanks!

PD
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on July 01, 2021, 03:56:21 AM
https://www.reuters.com/world/us/trumps-company-braces-expected-unveiling-criminal-tax-charges-thursday-2021-07-01/

Trump company's CFO surrenders ahead of expected criminal tax charges
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: T. D. on July 01, 2021, 05:16:50 AM
Quote from: Pohjolas Daughter on July 01, 2021, 02:54:10 AM
I heard on the local news this morning that the person arrested for causing the pileup could be facing up to two years in jail and a $35,000 fine.

By the way, what does CPA and UCI stand for T.D.?  As an aside, speaking of associations, tennis players are trying to get their own union/association going.  It's in its infancy and I don't believe that any of the female players have yet elected to join it.  https://finance.yahoo.com/news/professional-tennis-players-association-co-213000126.html  Their Facebook page here brings up some very interesting questions:  https://www.facebook.com/ptpaplayers/

PD

CPA = Cyclistes Professionnels Associés = Euro pro cyclists' union
UCI = Union Cycliste Internationale = world governing body of cycling

French seems to be the lingua franca of int'l sporting acronyms.  ;)

Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on July 01, 2021, 06:07:34 AM
Quote from: T. D. on July 01, 2021, 05:16:50 AM
CPA = Cyclistes Professionnels Associés = Euro pro cyclists' union
UCI = Union Cycliste Internationale = world governing body of cycling

French seems to be the lingua franca of int'l sporting acronyms.  ;)
Merci beaucoup!

By the way, are you a cyclist yourself?

PD
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on July 01, 2021, 11:05:52 AM
Trump Organization and CFO charged with tax crimes...[news is currently live on CNN]....more info here:

https://www.cnn.com/politics/live-news/trump-organization-charges-07-01-21/index.html

PD
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: T. D. on July 01, 2021, 02:46:12 PM
Quote from: Pohjolas Daughter on July 01, 2021, 06:07:34 AM
Merci beaucoup!

By the way, are you a cyclist yourself?

PD

No.
For many years, I was fanatical about aerobic/endurance exercise, and the last several of those years I was a compulsive recreational cyclist. But I backed almost completely off. Ran quite a few marathons, but never had any interest in racing bicycles, as it seemed far too hazardous (and that's coming from someone who played recreational ice hockey for many years).
During my big cycling years, I was intensely interested in pro cycling events like the TdF, but after realizing how heavily the sport (and let's be honest, the Olympics and basically all professional sport) depends on chemistry, became a much more casual follower.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on July 01, 2021, 05:26:03 PM
Quote from: T. D. on July 01, 2021, 02:46:12 PM
No.
For many years, I was fanatical about aerobic/endurance exercise, and the last several of those years I was a compulsive recreational cyclist. But I backed almost completely off. Ran quite a few marathons, but never had any interest in racing bicycles, as it seemed far too hazardous (and that's coming from someone who played recreational ice hockey for many years).
During my big cycling years, I was intensely interested in pro cycling events like the TdF, but after realizing how heavily the sport (and let's be honest, the Olympics and basically all professional sport) depends on chemistry, became a much more casual follower.
Well, kudos to you for working so hard and trying to achieve certain goals and for stretching your boundaries and capabilities!  Truly!  And, yes, there are the cheaters, but I don't think that everyone goes there (re professional sports)....perhaps I'm naive, but I don't think that everyone does that.  Do you think that Federer, Nadal, and Djokovic do that?  I don't.

PD
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: T. D. on July 01, 2021, 06:28:29 PM
Quote from: Pohjolas Daughter on July 01, 2021, 05:26:03 PM
Well, kudos to you for working so hard and trying to achieve certain goals and for stretching your boundaries and capabilities!  Truly!  And, yes, there are the cheaters, but I don't think that everyone goes there (re professional sports)....perhaps I'm naive, but I don't think that everyone does that.  Do you think that Federer, Nadal, and Djokovic do that?  I don't.

PD

I'm not a big tennis fan, and Nadal and Federer seem like really nice guys (though Djokovid [joke] much less so). But I wouldn't be surprised one whit if any of them dope.
First, doping innuendo has swirled around Rafa for years, see https://www.thedailybeast.com/tennis-has-a-doping-problem .
Federer: the length of his career at the top makes me suspect drugs; although he's fallen off the past several years, performance increase well after the age of 30 is one of the biggest PED indicators.
Djoko: Sorry, but I'm always suspicious of Eastern Europeans, see recent Russian history.

Also, when the enormous "Operation Puerto" scandal hit cycling, Spanish authorities confiscated hundreds of blood bags from Dr. Fuentes. "Donors" were never disclosed, but it was strongly suspected and widely rumored that many bags came from tennis and (Euro) football, see above link.

I think PED testing in FIFA and ATP works like in the American pro sports: big names get off free, while token small fry periodically get offered up in sacrifice. These sports don't want to kill any golden geese.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on July 02, 2021, 06:26:33 AM
Quote from: T. D. on July 01, 2021, 06:28:29 PM
I'm not a big tennis fan, and Nadal and Federer seem like really nice guys (though Djokovid [joke] much less so). But I wouldn't be surprised one whit if any of them dope.
First, doping innuendo has swirled around Rafa for years, see https://www.thedailybeast.com/tennis-has-a-doping-problem .
Federer: the length of his career at the top makes me suspect drugs; although he's fallen off the past several years, performance increase well after the age of 30 is one of the biggest PED indicators.
Djoko: Sorry, but I'm always suspicious of Eastern Europeans, see recent Russian history.

Also, when the enormous "Operation Puerto" scandal hit cycling, Spanish authorities confiscated hundreds of blood bags from Dr. Fuentes. "Donors" were never disclosed, but it was strongly suspected and widely rumored that many bags came from tennis and (Euro) football, see above link.

I think PED testing in FIFA and ATP works like in the American pro sports: big names get off free, while token small fry periodically get offered up in sacrifice. These sports don't want to kill any golden geese.
I had read about that doctor and the scandal some years ago.  Just found another story on CNN.  https://www.cnn.com/2013/04/30/sport/operation-puerto-fuentes/index.html  And, yes, there should have been further investigations into the players/donors involved.  I hope that Spanish laws have since changed?  I also remember when Nadal was accused of doping by the now former French secretary of sport--who then sued him.  This is an interesting article which you might enjoy reading:  https://www.espn.com/espn/otl/story/_/id/17693288/tennis-pristine-image-performance-enhancing-drugs-which-no-accident  Some of the very top players have also come out asking for more/better testing and transparency (like Federer and Murray).  The biological passports is something new to me however.  I hadn't heard about them, but it sounds like a great idea.  The article is from 2016 by the way.  From Rafa's own mouth:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=61EF6RBKBzs

In any event, happy cycling riding/watching!  :)

PD

Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: T. D. on July 02, 2021, 02:23:14 PM
Not meaning to cast aspersions.
Back when I followed athletics (track/field) and cycling I repeatedly found that my sporting heroes turned out to be PED users.
My attitude now is to enjoy the events as spectacles, but have no illusions or expectations about the participants. I suppose sports are like laws or sausages; the observer is better off not examining the underlying processes.  ;)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on July 09, 2021, 09:37:03 AM
This was bizarre!

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/sportsnews/article-9772229/Rory-McIlroy-looks-bemusement-spectator-takes-club-bag-Scottish-Open.html

PD
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: greg on July 09, 2021, 12:09:02 PM
Quote from: T. D. on July 01, 2021, 02:46:12 PM
No.
For many years, I was fanatical about aerobic/endurance exercise, and the last several of those years I was a compulsive recreational cyclist. But I backed almost completely off. Ran quite a few marathons, but never had any interest in racing bicycles, as it seemed far too hazardous (and that's coming from someone who played recreational ice hockey for many years).
On this topic (somewhat), today I discovered that ancestry.com has a new feature that shows traits based on your DNA (it's just $20 extra if you've already submitted your DNA to them).

There's actually something called a sprinter's gene, one out of four or five people have it, and apparently I have that gene as well. A little surprised. It basically means that you are going to have more fast twitch muscle fibers, so won't be naturally gifted for marathons, but will naturally be more gifted towards weightlifting and speed for sprinting. If of European heritage, it's only an 18% chance of having it, and I've heard West Africans have the highest but I'm not seeing exact stats on that.

I saw somewhere that only 3% of professional sprinters don't have this gene. They must go hardcore with their training, then!
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: steve ridgway on July 09, 2021, 09:51:32 PM
Quote from: greg on July 09, 2021, 12:09:02 PM
On this topic (somewhat), today I discovered that ancestry.com has a new feature that shows traits based on your DNA (it's just $20 extra if you've already submitted your DNA to them).

There's actually something called a sprinter's gene, one out of four or five people have it, and apparently I have that gene as well. A little surprised. It basically means that you are going to have more fast twitch muscle fibers, so won't be naturally gifted for marathons, but will naturally be more gifted towards weightlifting and speed for sprinting. If of European heritage, it's only an 18% chance of having it, and I've heard West Africans have the highest but I'm not seeing exact stats on that.

I saw somewhere that only 3% of professional sprinters don't have this gene. They must go hardcore with their training, then!

It would be very handy to be tested as a baby then told what sports to make the effort in and what not to bother with at all. :-\
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: greg on July 10, 2021, 01:05:10 PM
Quote from: steve ridgway on July 09, 2021, 09:51:32 PM
It would be very handy to be tested as a baby then told what sports to make the effort in and what not to bother with at all. :-\
I think it's good to know this stuff still, so people can know what is realistic.
Though it could also be a deterrent- "if I'm not naturally gifted at all, why bother?" Just depends on each person's attitude how they will approach it. If they like the sport enough, they'll do it anyways.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: T. D. on July 12, 2021, 07:26:59 PM
This is cool:

https://alttour.ef.com/

Lachlan Morton is just about to finish riding the whole TdF route (plus the transfers) unsupported. His final day was 579km. He'll beat the TdF circus by about 5 days.

https://twitter.com/EFprocycling/status/1414792643163435010

Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on July 13, 2021, 06:55:58 AM
Quote from: T. D. on July 12, 2021, 07:26:59 PM
This is cool:

https://alttour.ef.com/

Lachlan Morton is just about to finish riding the whole TdF route (plus the transfers) unsupported. His final day was 579km. He'll beat the TdF circus by about 5 days.

https://twitter.com/EFprocycling/status/1414792643163435010
Oh, wow!  Impressive!

Ran across this article today.  Doesn't make sense to me as to why he was denied citizenship.   ??? Can anyone elaborate?   

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-australia-57804651

PD
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on July 14, 2021, 02:25:19 AM
Loved this story (short video) of an Italian woman repairing donated dolls that would otherwise become landfill and then giving them to children during the pandemic.  She is now teaching others how to do it too.  :)

https://www.bbc.com/news/av/world-europe-57808946

PD
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on July 19, 2021, 12:30:46 AM
In Tokyo, a gourmet delicacy becomes a problem weighing down floats in an area to be used for canoeing and rowing events.

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-57883922

PD
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: drogulus on July 19, 2021, 09:05:23 AM

     Help!!... the market crashed. (http://www.good-music-guide.com/community/Smileys/classic/smiley.gif)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: T. D. on July 19, 2021, 09:13:21 AM
Quote from: drogulus on July 19, 2021, 09:05:23 AM
     Help!!... the market crashed. (http://www.good-music-guide.com/community/Smileys/classic/smiley.gif)

If you consider a decline of around 2.5% from close to all-time high levels (DJIA, 1:10 PM) a "crash", one might question your level of experience in financial markets.   ;)
I hope you didn't buy a boatload of stock on margin last week.  :laugh:
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on July 19, 2021, 09:14:54 AM
Quote from: Pohjolas Daughter on July 14, 2021, 02:25:19 AM
Loved this story (short video) of an Italian woman repairing donated dolls that would otherwise become landfill and then giving them to children during the pandemic.  She is now teaching others how to do it too.  :)

https://www.bbc.com/news/av/world-europe-57808946

PD

Wonderful story!
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: drogulus on July 19, 2021, 09:57:39 AM
Quote from: T. D. on July 19, 2021, 09:13:21 AM
If you consider a decline of around 2.5% from close to all-time high levels (DJIA, 1:10 PM) a "crash", one might question your level of experience in financial markets.   ;)
I hope you didn't buy a boatload of stock on margin last week.  :laugh:

     (https://i.pinimg.com/originals/8d/b1/92/8db1924c78f1d62013b602f57eaa5181.jpg)
     
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on July 19, 2021, 10:59:21 AM
Quote from: k a rl h e nn i ng on July 19, 2021, 09:14:54 AM
Wonderful story!
Glad that you enjoyed it Karel.  :)

PD
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: vandermolen on July 19, 2021, 10:28:31 PM
On BBC Breakfast News this morning there was an item which showed that so many American children are watching the TV programme 'Peppa Pig' (especially during the pandemic) that their parents have noticed them developing British accents; so, for example they are now pronouncing words like 'tomato' as 'tomarto' rather than 'tomayto' and 'Zebra' with the 'eb' as in 'February' rather than as 'zeebra'. I found this very amusing.

https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2021/jul/19/peppa-pig-american-kids-british-accents
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on July 20, 2021, 02:48:43 AM
Quote from: vandermolen on July 19, 2021, 10:28:31 PM
On BBC Breakfast News this morning there was an item which showed that so many American children are watching the TV programme 'Peppa Pig' (especially during the pandemic) that their parents have noticed them developing British accents; so, for example they are now pronouncing words like 'tomato' as 'tomarto' rather than 'tomayto' and 'Zebra' with the 'eb' as in 'February' rather than as 'zeebra'. I found this very amusing.

https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2021/jul/19/peppa-pig-american-kids-british-accents
:laugh:  Pretty funny!  :)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: drogulus on July 20, 2021, 09:51:47 AM

     I decrashed (a typical day after thing).

     
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on July 20, 2021, 10:06:23 AM
Quote from: vandermolen on July 19, 2021, 10:28:31 PM
On BBC Breakfast News this morning there was an item which showed that so many American children are watching the TV programme 'Peppa Pig' (especially during the pandemic) that their parents have noticed them developing British accents; so, for example they are now pronouncing words like 'tomato' as 'tomarto' rather than 'tomayto' and 'Zebra' with the 'eb' as in 'February' rather than as 'zeebra'. I found this very amusing.

https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2021/jul/19/peppa-pig-american-kids-british-accents

(* chortle *)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: VonStupp on July 20, 2021, 10:18:29 AM
Quote from: vandermolen on July 19, 2021, 10:28:31 PM
On BBC Breakfast News this morning there was an item which showed that so many American children are watching the TV programme 'Peppa Pig' (especially during the pandemic) that their parents have noticed them developing British accents; so, for example they are now pronouncing words like 'tomato' as 'tomarto' rather than 'tomayto' and 'Zebra' with the 'eb' as in 'February' rather than as 'zeebra'. I found this very amusing.

https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2021/jul/19/peppa-pig-american-kids-british-accents

As a father with little ones in the US, I can attest to this, although perhaps not due to lockdown - our schools went on uninterrupted this past school year.

Peppa Pig comes on at 0600, and it is a wonderfully gentle-humored program. That said, the show occasionally uses vocabulary my children are unfamiliar with, so they end up with odd pronunciations or variants on word usages. As a family, we already put different inflections on 'aluminium', 'advertisements', and 'garage' for fun, so my children will probably grow up speaking strangely regardless. The bakery already looks at them cockeyed when they ask for a croissant in a wonderful French pronunciation. ;D

I of course listen to Peppa Pig for the thunderous tones of Brian Blessed!

(https://i1.sndcdn.com/artworks-erLtrO7oNl9dc6Yq-rFtCmA-t500x500.jpg)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Papy Oli on July 20, 2021, 12:59:29 PM
Quote from: vandermolen on July 19, 2021, 10:28:31 PM
On BBC Breakfast News this morning there was an item which showed that so many American children are watching the TV programme 'Peppa Pig' (especially during the pandemic) that their parents have noticed them developing British accents; so, for example they are now pronouncing words like 'tomato' as 'tomarto' rather than 'tomayto' and 'Zebra' with the 'eb' as in 'February' rather than as 'zeebra'. I found this very amusing.

https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2021/jul/19/peppa-pig-american-kids-british-accents

I say, how spiffing !   ;D
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: vandermolen on July 21, 2021, 12:18:20 AM
Yes, apparently a number of American parents have commented on how their young children have had their American accent replaced by a posh British accent, and now regularly use expressions like 'Oh, dear!'
Oh, dear!  ;D
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on July 21, 2021, 02:54:12 AM
Quote from: vandermolen on July 19, 2021, 10:28:31 PM
On BBC Breakfast News this morning there was an item which showed that so many American children are watching the TV programme 'Peppa Pig' (especially during the pandemic) that their parents have noticed them developing British accents; so, for example they are now pronouncing words like 'tomato' as 'tomarto' rather than 'tomayto' and 'Zebra' with the 'eb' as in 'February' rather than as 'zeebra'. I found this very amusing.

https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2021/jul/19/peppa-pig-american-kids-british-accents
"The British are coming!  The British are coming!"   ???

"One, if by land...
Two, if by t.v."   ;)

PD
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: SimonNZ on July 21, 2021, 08:22:17 PM
Quote from: Pohjolas Daughter on July 21, 2021, 02:54:12 AM
"The British are coming!  The British are coming!"   ???

"One, if by land...
Two, if by t.v."   ;)

PD

Heh. Nicely done.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on July 22, 2021, 02:03:30 AM
Quote from: SimonNZ on July 21, 2021, 08:22:17 PM
Heh. Nicely done.
;D  Thank you!

Best,

PD
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on July 28, 2021, 12:41:43 PM
How I Know Facebook Can't Fix the Problems It Profits From (https://www.thedailybeast.com/how-i-know-facebook-cant-fix-the-problems-it-profits-from?ref=wrap)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: T. D. on July 28, 2021, 02:16:50 PM
This is different. Ultra-luxury ultramarathon race.

https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-scotland-57975285

'Luxury' race will be among most expensive on earth

Ultramarathon competitors are used to "roughing it" in races, sometimes sleeping in bivvy bags at the side of muddy trails or even running through several nights.
They set themselves incredible long-distance challenges, often running through remote and difficult terrain.
But now a new ultramarathon race is being launched which gives them luxury few could afford - including butlers, hydrotherapy pools, speed boats and Michelin-star chefs.
Highland Kings Ultra, a four-day camping race covering 120 miles on the west coast of Scotland, costs £15,499 per person to enter.
In contrast, the 95-mile West Highland Way Race costs just £120.



Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on July 29, 2021, 05:20:32 AM
Quote from: T. D. on July 28, 2021, 02:16:50 PM
This is different. Ultra-luxury ultramarathon race.

https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-scotland-57975285

'Luxury' race will be among most expensive on earth

Ultramarathon competitors are used to "roughing it" in races, sometimes sleeping in bivvy bags at the side of muddy trails or even running through several nights.
They set themselves incredible long-distance challenges, often running through remote and difficult terrain.
But now a new ultramarathon race is being launched which gives them luxury few could afford - including butlers, hydrotherapy pools, speed boats and Michelin-star chefs.
Highland Kings Ultra, a four-day camping race covering 120 miles on the west coast of Scotland, costs £15,499 per person to enter.
In contrast, the 95-mile West Highland Way Race costs just £120.

T.D.,

Thinking about returning to your marathon days?  ;)

PD
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: T. D. on July 29, 2021, 11:29:59 AM
Quote from: Pohjolas Daughter on July 29, 2021, 05:20:32 AM
T.D.,

Thinking about returning to your marathon days?  ;)

PD

Unfortunately, I've developed arthritis (ankles) as a result of a multitude of old athletic injuries. Running is completely out, walking is a bit of a challenge (have to avoid uneven surfaces), and I'm worried about possibly needing a fusion of the right ankle. It's not a pretty situation.  :( End of whine.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on July 29, 2021, 01:11:21 PM
Quote from: T. D. on July 29, 2021, 11:29:59 AM
Unfortunately, I've developed arthritis (ankles) as a result of a multitude of old athletic injuries. Running is completely out, walking is a bit of a challenge (have to avoid uneven surfaces), and I'm worried about possibly needing a fusion of the right ankle. It's not a pretty situation.  :( End of whine.
I'm so very sorry to hear that my friend.    *Do things like glucosamine & chondroitin help at all or acupuncture or shiatsu or possibly some strength/weight training?  I know that (from my limited knowledge of anyway) that sports medicine/therapy/surgeries, etc. have changed/advanced a lot over the years.  I do realize though that it's tougher healing when one is older.  Wishing you the best of luck checking out your options and research.

*Not trying to say that you haven't already checked out various things, but just wanting to offer some possible suggestions if you haven't already looked into them.  And I'm sure that there are more too.

All the best wishes to you,

PD
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: T. D. on July 29, 2021, 01:18:16 PM
Quote from: Pohjolas Daughter on July 29, 2021, 01:11:21 PM
I'm so very sorry to hear that my friend.    *Do things like glucosamine & chondroitin help at all or acupuncture or shiatsu or possibly some strength/weight training?  I know that (from my limited knowledge of anyway) that sports medicine/therapy/surgeries, etc. have changed/advanced a lot over the years.  I do realize though that it's tougher healing when one is older.  Wishing you the best of luck checking out your options and research.

*Not trying to say that you haven't already checked out various things, but just wanting to offer some possible suggestions if you haven't already looked into them.  And I'm sure that there are more too.

All the best wishes to you,

PD

I've practiced yoga for quite a few years, which has really helped with balance and mobility.

The US medical system stinks, and orthopedics is a particularly dodgy branch (thrives on recommending costly elective surgeries for boomers), so it's difficult to get trustworthy advice. I had terrible experience with an orthopedist firm this past winter/spring after a bad injury at the end of the year. Not eager to go back down that road. Considering some kind of "holistic" physical therapy, but not sure of reliability or coverage under insurance.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on July 29, 2021, 01:20:54 PM
Quote from: Pohjolas Daughter on July 29, 2021, 01:11:21 PM
I'm so very sorry to hear that my friend.
[snip]

All the best wishes to you,

PD
+ 1
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on July 29, 2021, 01:30:49 PM
Quote from: T. D. on July 29, 2021, 01:18:16 PM
I've practiced yoga for quite a few years, which has really helped with balance and mobility.

The US medical system really stinks, and orthopedics is a particularly dodgy branch (thrives on recommending elective surgeries for boomers), so it's difficult to get trustworthy advice. I had terrible experience with an orthopedist firm this past winter/spring after a bad injury at the end of the year. Not eager to go back down that road. Considering some kind of "holistic" physical therapy, but not sure of reliability or coverage under insurance.
Yes, I knew that you were a yoga practitioner, so imagine that that would have/have helped with balance and mobility.  I'm wondering how one might check into sports medicine/facilities/options/doctors and surgeons who are within a decent area of where you live?  Trying to think outside of the box....wondering how you could get the best care.  Perhaps look into more and see what your options might be and then figuring out whether or not your insurance might cover it, or if not, what it might cost you/can you afford it/and how much does it mean to you to try and fix things (and in terms of budget and what you might be able to do there).  Maybe, if you find some possibly encouraging news/results, you could make an initial appointment which could help you to decide where to go from there...even if the doctor was not part of your health plan? 

PD
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on July 30, 2021, 08:32:05 AM
Novak Djokovic beaten by Sasha Zverev at the Tokyo Olympics.

Novak, who was hoping to become the first player since Steffi Graff to have won a Golden Slam (something no other tennis player has done--male or female), was beaten in the men's singles semi-finals today.  To be fair, Sasha had beaten Novak before, but Novak was also playing mixed doubles for Serbia (despite apparently having been advised against it) [He also lost here the same day.].  It's also been quite hot and sticky on court too.  In any event, Sasha was certainly the better player today and came back from a 1-6 loss in the first set to win the next two (ran away in the last set too), so congrats to him.  https://abcnews.go.com/Sports/wireStory/khachanov-advances-gold-medal-match-olympic-tennis-79160963

Note:  Novak can still go on and win a *Calendar Slam this year--if he also wins the US Open--which is quite an impressive feat all in of itself.

*Something no male tennis player has done since Rod Laver in 1969.

And, he's also not out of the running for a bronze medal at the Olympics.

PD
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on July 30, 2021, 02:14:39 PM
And, I do think that this is important, but don't know where else to post it:

https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/pink-offers-cover-norwegian-women-s-beach-handball-team-fine-n1275013

Women have been fighting to be clothed in uniforms that they feel are comfortable, appropriate for the sport that they are playing, and are NOT overly sexualized.

You go Norway, Pink and Germany (for starters...there are more athletes, fighters and teams there from what I've seen going back in time....!).  We really should be past this by now.   >:(

PD
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on July 30, 2021, 03:18:33 PM
Quote from: Pohjolas Daughter on July 30, 2021, 02:14:39 PM
And, I do think that this is important, but don't know where else to post it:

https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/pink-offers-cover-norwegian-women-s-beach-handball-team-fine-n1275013

Women have been fighting to be clothed in uniforms that they feel are comfortable, appropriate for the sport that they are playing, and are NOT overly sexualized.

You go Norway, Pink and Germany (for starters...there are more athletes, fighters and teams there from what I've seen going back in time....!).  We really should be past this by now.   >:(

PD

Important indeed!
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: SimonNZ on July 30, 2021, 03:27:46 PM
Good for them, but I'd argue that the uniform they're happy with - tight boxer briefs and a sports bra - could also easily be seen as "sexualized", and if they really wanted to reduce sexual gaze they could just as easily play in baggy shorts and a baggy t-shirt.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: milk on August 03, 2021, 09:29:30 PM

Yuja Wang defending Woody Allen in Spanish? I don't know. It's supposed to be in there. Don't quote me.

https://elpais.com/cultura/2021-08-03/yuja-wang-el-me-too-es-una-idiotez.html
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: T. D. on August 06, 2021, 06:21:09 PM
Today's inspirational Olympic story:

https://twitter.com/Olympics/status/1423815867670859787

"It's never too late!

#AUS's Sinead Diver discovered #athletics aged 33. Today, she finished 10th in the Olympic women's marathon, aged 44.

What an inspiration. 🙌 "

Also, an American running her third marathon took the bronze, not far behind two Kenyans.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on August 07, 2021, 05:17:25 AM
Quote from: T. D. on August 06, 2021, 06:21:09 PM
Today's inspirational Olympic story:

https://twitter.com/Olympics/status/1423815867670859787

"It's never too late!

#AUS's Sinead Diver discovered #athletics aged 33. Today, she finished 10th in the Olympic women's marathon, aged 44.

What an inspiration. 🙌 "

Also, an American running her third marathon took the bronze, not far behind two Kenyans.
Wow!  :o  Amazing!  Great to hear a good story like this....particularly as I had earlier read this one about the German coach who was thrown out for punching a horse!  >:( :

https://www.bbc.com/sport/olympics/58127366

PD

Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: T. D. on August 07, 2021, 06:06:18 AM
Quote from: Pohjolas Daughter on August 07, 2021, 05:17:25 AM
Wow!  :o  Amazing!  Great to hear a good story like this....particularly as I had earlier read this one about the German coach who was thrown out for punching a horse!  >:( :

https://www.bbc.com/sport/olympics/58127366

PD

What is it with those German coaches?  ::)

https://www.cyclingnews.com/news/olympics-german-cycling-coach-in-racism-scandal/
(the video is funny in a perverse way)
https://www.cyclingnews.com/news/german-coach-patrick-moster-suspended-by-uci-following-racist-remarks-at-tokyo-olympics/
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on August 07, 2021, 07:13:53 AM
Some good news at the Olympics equestrian events:  Jessica Springsteen and her two teammates won the silver for the USA in the team jumping final.  If that name sounds somewhat familiar, well if her dad were to sing a new version of an old classic, it might be called "Born to Jump".    ;D

https://www.cnn.com/world/live-news/tokyo-2020-olympics-08-07-21-spt/h_b8b2d4457425ff25351db465656ef01c

PD
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: T. D. on August 09, 2021, 06:34:17 PM
Interesting story from the Olympic men's marathon:

https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/olympics/2021/08/tokyo-olympics-french-marathon-runner-morhad-amdouni-accused-of-unbelievable-poor-sportsmanship-after-knocking-over-water-bottles.html

Incredibly poor sportsmanship or an unfortunate accident? Looks like the former to me.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: MusicTurner on August 16, 2021, 05:51:59 AM
If true, indeed sensational:

Archaeologists Claim They've Discovered the Trojan Horse in Turkey

https://greekreporter.com/2021/08/10/archaeologists-discover-trojan-horse-in-turkey/

But such news must be taken with a solid dose of salt. It will be very interesting, what the scholars say.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on August 16, 2021, 06:55:57 AM
Quote from: MusicTurner on August 16, 2021, 05:51:59 AM
If true, indeed sensational:

Archaeologists Claim They've Discovered the Trojan Horse in Turkey

https://greekreporter.com/2021/08/10/archaeologists-discover-trojan-horse-in-turkey/

But such news must be taken with a solid dose of salt. It will be very interesting, what the scholars say.
That would be extremely cool if true!

I saw this on the news recently.... Two new species of dinosaur have been discovered   8)

https://edition.cnn.com/2021/08/12/china/china-new-dinosaur-species-intl-hnk-scli-scn/index.html

PD
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: MusicTurner on August 16, 2021, 07:05:49 AM
Quote from: Pohjolas Daughter on August 16, 2021, 06:55:57 AM
That would be extremely cool if true!

I saw this on the news recently.... Two new species of dinosaur have been discovered   8)

https://edition.cnn.com/2021/08/12/china/china-new-dinosaur-species-intl-hnk-scli-scn/index.html

PD

That's interesting too. For example, I hope they'll establish some day if, when, and which dinosaurs had coloured feathers; one wouldn't think that as necessary equipment for those sauropod giants, for sure. And whether that meteor on the Yucatan peninsula really destroyed so many species, or it was just one of several factors. Both questions have been debated a lot.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on August 16, 2021, 10:44:11 AM
Quote from: Pohjolas Daughter on August 16, 2021, 06:55:57 AM
That would be extremely cool if true!

I saw this on the news recently.... Two new species of dinosaur have been discovered   8)

https://edition.cnn.com/2021/08/12/china/china-new-dinosaur-species-intl-hnk-scli-scn/index.html (https://edition.cnn.com/2021/08/12/china/china-new-dinosaur-species-intl-hnk-scli-scn/index.html)

PD

And, I'm getting this unimportant news six years late, but the Brontosaurus is back! (https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/the-brontosaurus-is-back1/)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on August 16, 2021, 10:53:38 AM
Quote from: k a rl h e nn i ng on August 16, 2021, 10:44:11 AM
And, I'm getting this unimportant news six years late, but the Brontosaurus is back! (https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/the-brontosaurus-is-back1/)
;D

On the sad news front (heard yesterday):  Roger Federer is going in for his third knee surgery (on same knee) and will now not be playing yet another event--the US Open.  :( :'(  Now at age 40, perhaps it's time to retire?  He sounded hopeful though that he wanted to play again after his knee had healed.  As much as I'd love to see him play more, I'd rather that he not be in pain trying to keep up with his kids and then their grandkids.

Wishing him speedy healing and a full recovery,

PD
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on August 19, 2021, 04:49:20 AM
I had missed this news story (from August 9th), but ran across it today on CNN.  Had a good laugh at the tweets, etc.  Glad that they were able to repair it relatively quickly though I imagine that it probably was quite frustrating for those trying to get around by car in London that day!

https://www.cnn.com/videos/world/2021/08/10/london-tower-bridge-moos-pkg-vpx.cnn/video/playlists/wacky-world-of-jeanne-moos/

PD
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Iota on August 20, 2021, 01:46:47 AM
Blimey! The timing almost cinematic!

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/av/world-us-canada-58277097


Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: LKB on August 20, 2021, 02:13:39 AM
Quote from: MusicTurner on August 16, 2021, 07:05:49 AM
That's interesting too. For example, I hope they'll establish some day if, when, and which dinosaurs had coloured feathers; one wouldn't think that as necessary equipment for those sauropod giants, for sure. And whether that meteor on the Yucatan peninsula really destroyed so many species, or it was just one of several factors. Both questions have been debated a lot.

The current professional consensus is that the Yucatan event was the single largest factor in the extinction of T-Rex & company. There were other ongoing  processes which were producing measurable effects, but which have been evaluated as survivable.

As before, I recommend Steven Brusatte's extraordinarily good The Rise and Fall of the Dinosaurs for enlightenment.



Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on August 20, 2021, 03:13:09 AM
Quote from: Iota on August 20, 2021, 01:46:47 AM
Blimey! The timing almost cinematic!

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/av/world-us-canada-58277097
Help to the rescue!  :)  Great to see when people work together. 

Hope that the person who fell is o.k.

PD
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on August 20, 2021, 03:16:31 AM
Quote from: MusicTurner on August 16, 2021, 07:05:49 AM
That's interesting too. For example, I hope they'll establish some day if, when, and which dinosaurs had coloured feathers; one wouldn't think that as necessary equipment for those sauropod giants, for sure. And whether that meteor on the Yucatan peninsula really destroyed so many species, or it was just one of several factors. Both questions have been debated a lot.

Quote from: LKB on August 20, 2021, 02:13:39 AM
The current professional consensus is that the Yucatan event was the single largest factor in the extinction of T-Rex & company. There were other ongoing  processes which were producing measurable effects, but which have been evaluated as survivable.

As before, I recommend Steven Brusatte's extraordinarily good The Rise and Fall of the Dinosaurs for enlightenment.
I loved reading about dinosaurs when I was young.

I was just reading about dinosaurs a couple of days ago.

Wait, does that mean that I'm still young?  :-\ :D

PD
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: LKB on August 22, 2021, 12:28:10 PM
Quote from: Pohjolas Daughter on August 20, 2021, 03:16:31 AM
I loved reading about dinosaurs when I was young.

I was just reading about dinosaurs a couple of days ago.

Wait, does that mean that I'm still young?  :-\ :D

PD



Compared to dinosaurs, I'd say so...
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: DavidW on August 23, 2021, 03:55:22 AM
Quote from: Pohjolas Daughter on August 20, 2021, 03:16:31 AM
Wait, does that mean that I'm still young?  :-\ :D

PD

It depends on if you still have toy dinosaurs that you still play with! 0:)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on August 23, 2021, 09:18:57 AM
I want to see Rick Moranis with Donald Trump, Ted Cruz and Lindsey Graham dolls .....
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: SimonNZ on August 23, 2021, 07:53:15 PM
Heh. Is that a Spaceballs reference?

It would be Trump playing with a Trump doll saying to Barbie in a Dark Helmet voice "of course you're attracted to me, I have money and power and you know it"

Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on August 23, 2021, 08:11:50 PM
Quote from: SimonNZ on August 23, 2021, 07:53:15 PM
Heh. Is that a Spaceballs reference?

Exactly.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on August 24, 2021, 08:50:27 AM
Rolling Stones' drummer Charlie Watts dies at 80.

https://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-58316842

Note:  I also mentioned this in the non-c "what are you listening to now" thread.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: vandermolen on August 26, 2021, 11:56:52 AM
Quote from: Pohjolas Daughter on August 24, 2021, 08:50:27 AM
Rolling Stones' drummer Charlie Watts dies at 80.

https://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-58316842

Note:  I also mentioned this in the non-c "what are you listening to now" thread.
Sad news. I was more of a Beatles fan but I always like CW who was married to the same woman for 50 years.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: vandermolen on August 26, 2021, 11:57:16 AM
Great News!

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-north-east-orkney-shetland-58341247
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: MusicTurner on August 26, 2021, 12:11:45 PM
Today's excursions included a visit to a record-breaking World's Tallest Sand-Castle at a temporary exhibition in Blokhus,  Northern Jutland, Denmark. Height is 32 m, it has been registered by Guiness, but actually there's a small amount of some stabilizing material added to the sand.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on August 26, 2021, 12:32:54 PM
Quote from: vandermolen on August 26, 2021, 11:57:16 AM
Great News!

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-north-east-orkney-shetland-58341247

Sweet! 8)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on August 27, 2021, 02:39:40 AM
Quote from: vandermolen on August 26, 2021, 11:57:16 AM
Great News!

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-north-east-orkney-shetland-58341247
Sweet!  Though the photo looks more like lemon curd--which, by the way, is excellent over a bowl of fresh berries.  And you don't need a lot of it either as it's very intense!.  :)

Love that they had said that Mrs. Moir makes the best puddings in the world.  ;D

PD
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: greg on August 31, 2021, 09:47:33 AM
Video game playing is restricted to 3 hours a week now in China.

We might be expecting many more refugees (mostly in their 20's/30's) soon.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on August 31, 2021, 10:16:34 AM
Video Game refugees? Really?
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: greg on August 31, 2021, 12:07:07 PM
Quote from: k a rl h e nn i ng on August 31, 2021, 10:16:34 AM
Video Game refugees? Really?
I'm kidding of course.
But wouldn't be surprised if millions ignored that rule, after all, it is the most effective form of escapism and destressing for many. That's why it causes so much addiction.
People won't like it for sure. It's one thing to choke people all day long while being in public. But to go home and still continue to choke them?

Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: DavidW on August 31, 2021, 03:17:27 PM
Quote from: greg on August 31, 2021, 12:07:07 PM
I'm kidding of course.
But wouldn't be surprised if millions ignored that rule, after all, it is the most effective form of escapism and destressing for many. That's why it causes so much addiction.
People won't like it for sure. It's one thing to choke people all day long while being in public. But to go home and still continue to choke them?

I know for sure that the Chinese government has required apps that citizens need to install on their phones... I wouldn't be surprised if they also had ways to monitor game consoles and pcs.  Big brother is watching.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on September 01, 2021, 05:02:57 PM
As the joke used to go: In China, the TV watches you
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on September 02, 2021, 02:51:50 AM
Quote from: k a rl h e nn i ng on September 01, 2021, 05:02:57 PM
As the joke used to go: In China, the TV watches you
😬
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: JBS on September 02, 2021, 06:25:20 PM
And just passed my Twitter transom, the news that China will, in pursuit of a better moral culture, ban effeminate men from appearing on TV.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: greg on September 03, 2021, 11:02:12 AM
Quote from: JBS on September 02, 2021, 06:25:20 PM
And just passed my Twitter transom, the news that China will, in pursuit of a better moral culture, ban effeminate men from appearing on TV.
The solution, of course, to prevent China's evil influence, is for the US to counter that by ONLY showing effeminate men on TV.

Then they will cower before our moral superiority and mass suicide out of embarrassment, and so the CCP will be gone forever.  8)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: T. D. on September 12, 2021, 09:53:06 AM
https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2021-09-12/vienna-marathon-winner-disqualified-for-wearing-banned-shoes

Soles 1cm too thick. They do look rather beefy:

(https://assets.bwbx.io/images/users/iqjWHBFdfxIU/iu_G8p.fXNaA/v1/1000x-1.jpg)

Damn, the shoes he wore cost $250 and have a space-age appearance:

https://www.adidas.com/us/adizero-prime-x-shoes/FZ2476.html

Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on September 12, 2021, 11:07:26 AM
Quote from: T. D. on September 12, 2021, 09:53:06 AM
https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2021-09-12/vienna-marathon-winner-disqualified-for-wearing-banned-shoes

Soles 1cm too thick. They do look rather beefy:

(https://assets.bwbx.io/images/users/iqjWHBFdfxIU/iu_G8p.fXNaA/v1/1000x-1.jpg)

Damn, the shoes he wore cost $250 and have a space-age appearance:

https://www.adidas.com/us/adizero-prime-x-shoes/FZ2476.html
I looked into the story a bit and apparently one can use them for training but not in competition.  Don't know who knew what, but the rules are the rules and hopefully they received the proper notices and that they were timely.  Don't know how it works in terms of marathons.  I know that you have run some T.D.  I'd love to hear what your knowledge is about this...how things work these days in terms of posting/notifying players re rules.

PD
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: T. D. on September 12, 2021, 05:34:51 PM
More on the shoe thing from Reuters:

https://www.reuters.com/lifestyle/sports/vienna-marathon-winner-disqualified-after-shoes-soles-violate-rules-2021-09-12/


Hurisa crossed the line with a time of 2:09:22 but less than 45 minutes later was left distraught when his time was struck off as his shoe soles were five centimetres thick.

The soles of road running shoes cannot be thicker than four centimetres and Hurisa had worn a different set of shoes to the ones he had mentioned on his form.

Race co-ordinator Hannes Langer said: "We also stressed in the technical meeting the rules about the shoes. Unfortunately, we had no other choice than disqualifying the athlete.

"It's the first time something like this has happened. I'm pretty sure that from now on there will be some form of checks to avoid something like this to happen again in a major race."
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on September 13, 2021, 02:03:12 AM
Quote from: T. D. on September 12, 2021, 05:34:51 PM
More on the shoe thing from Reuters:

https://www.reuters.com/lifestyle/sports/vienna-marathon-winner-disqualified-after-shoes-soles-violate-rules-2021-09-12/


Hurisa crossed the line with a time of 2:09:22 but less than 45 minutes later was left distraught when his time was struck off as his shoe soles were five centimetres thick.

The soles of road running shoes cannot be thicker than four centimetres and Hurisa had worn a different set of shoes to the ones he had mentioned on his form.

Race co-ordinator Hannes Langer said: "We also stressed in the technical meeting the rules about the shoes. Unfortunately, we had no other choice than disqualifying the athlete.

"It's the first time something like this has happened. I'm pretty sure that from now on there will be some form of checks to avoid something like this to happen again in a major race."

Thank you for the further information.  Such a shame.

PD
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: MusicTurner on September 17, 2021, 11:37:03 AM
You've probably seen the sad reports about the massive dolphin killings at the Faroe Islands, a flock of 1400. The locals allegedly underestimated their number a lot, but carried through the slaughter anyway, and it was a village- and family event as usual.

The Faroes are to a large extent self-governing, with special regulations and traditional customs and rules in place up there. There's been critique world-wide and now also locally on a major level, including from local industries, and some thinking that this will probably mark the end - or the beginning of the end - of the dolphin killings as they've been known so far. In the past it has been the policy of the Danish government not to interfere, or provoke things into becoming separatist conflicts. Any hypocritical aspects of the international animal rights uproar aside, this time, the events were obviously not in accordance with modern thinking about respecting animals and our surrounding nature, and they will put a lot of pressure on the community up there in the months to come, regardless of any critique from the Danish government, that would nonetheless be just. Generally, Danish initiatives for animal welfare and nature conservation are also being undermined by such a story from the Faroes.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on September 17, 2021, 01:50:19 PM
Quote from: MusicTurner on September 17, 2021, 11:37:03 AM
You've probably seen the sad reports about the massive dolphin killings at the Faroe Islands, a flock of 1400. The locals allegedly underestimated their number a lot, but carried through the slaughter anyway, and it was a village- and family event as usual.

The Faroes are to a large extent self-governing, with special regulations and traditional customs and rules in place up there. There's been critique world-wide and now also locally on a major level, including from local industries, and some thinking that this will probably mark the end - or the beginning of the end - of the dolphin killings as they've been known so far. In the past it has been the policy of the Danish government not to interfere, or provoke things into becoming separatist conflicts. Any hypocritical aspects of the international animal rights uproar aside, this time, the events were obviously not in accordance with modern thinking about respecting animals and our surrounding nature, and they will put a lot of pressure on the community up there in the months to come, regardless of any critique from the Danish government, that would nonetheless be just. Generally, Danish initiatives for animal welfare and nature conservation are also being undermined by such a story from the Faroes.

I'd seen the headline, and a lurid photograph, but didn't have stomach to read further. Thanks for the thumbnail!
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: T. D. on September 18, 2021, 04:31:51 PM
https://www.chess.com/news/view/nona-gaprindashvili-sues-netflix-the-queens-gambit

GM Nona Gaprindashvili has filed a lawsuit against Netflix for "false light invasion of privacy" and defamation after a line in the hit series The Queen's Gambit erroneously suggested that she was playing only against women.

The fifth women's world chess champion seeks over five million dollars in damages for what the suit claims is a "devastating falsehood, undermining and degrading her accomplishments before an audience of many millions."

The lawsuit is about a line in the last episode of the highly successful series that won two Golden Globes earlier this year and that is expected to win several prizes at the 2021 Emmy Awards on Sunday.

While the main protagonist is playing a tournament in Moscow, a commentator says: "The only unusual thing about her, really, is her sex, and even that's not unique in Russia. There's Nona Gaprindashvili, but she's the female world champion and has never faced men."

This, however, is far from the truth and even somewhat ironic. The now 80-year-old Gaprindashvili, who still plays in senior tournaments, is in fact the first female player ever to gain the "general" grandmaster title, which she achieved in 1978. In addition to holding the women's world champion title for 16 years (1962-1978), the Georgian chess legend often played in open tournaments as well and faced many men, including three world champions: GMs Mikhail Tal, Boris Spassky, and Viswanathan Anand.

In its coverage of the lawsuit, The New York Times mentions that a headline of one of their articles from 1968 reads, "Chess: Miss Gaprindashvili Beats 7 Men in a Strong Tourney."
...
Interestingly, the 1983 novel The Queen's Gambit by Walter Tevis, on which the series was largely based, does not state that Gaprindashvili had never faced men. In fact, the book reads: "There was Nona Gaprindashvili, not up to the level of this tournament, but a player who had met all these Russian Grandmasters many times before."
...

Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on September 18, 2021, 07:35:27 PM
Quote from: T. D. on September 18, 2021, 04:31:51 PM
https://www.chess.com/news/view/nona-gaprindashvili-sues-netflix-the-queens-gambit

GM Nona Gaprindashvili has filed a lawsuit against Netflix for "false light invasion of privacy" and defamation after a line in the hit series The Queen's Gambit erroneously suggested that she was playing only against women.

The fifth women's world chess champion seeks over five million dollars in damages for what the suit claims is a "devastating falsehood, undermining and degrading her accomplishments before an audience of many millions."

The lawsuit is about a line in the last episode of the highly successful series that won two Golden Globes earlier this year and that is expected to win several prizes at the 2021 Emmy Awards on Sunday.

While the main protagonist is playing a tournament in Moscow, a commentator says: "The only unusual thing about her, really, is her sex, and even that's not unique in Russia. There's Nona Gaprindashvili, but she's the female world champion and has never faced men."

This, however, is far from the truth and even somewhat ironic. The now 80-year-old Gaprindashvili, who still plays in senior tournaments, is in fact the first female player ever to gain the "general" grandmaster title, which she achieved in 1978. In addition to holding the women's world champion title for 16 years (1962-1978), the Georgian chess legend often played in open tournaments as well and faced many men, including three world champions: GMs Mikhail Tal, Boris Spassky, and Viswanathan Anand.

In its coverage of the lawsuit, The New York Times mentions that a headline of one of their articles from 1968 reads, "Chess: Miss Gaprindashvili Beats 7 Men in a Strong Tourney."
...
Interestingly, the 1983 novel The Queen's Gambit by Walter Tevis, on which the series was largely based, does not state that Gaprindashvili had never faced men. In fact, the book reads: "There was Nona Gaprindashvili, not up to the level of this tournament, but a player who had met all these Russian Grandmasters many times before."
...



Most interesting.

Nope, I don't count on TV series producers getting all their facts straight.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: T. D. on September 19, 2021, 03:11:28 PM
https://www.bbc.com/travel/article/20210915-a-british-beast-rarer-than-the-panda
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on September 19, 2021, 03:24:26 PM
Quote from: T. D. on September 19, 2021, 03:11:28 PM
https://www.bbc.com/travel/article/20210915-a-british-beast-rarer-than-the-panda

Fascinating.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on September 20, 2021, 08:13:35 AM
Interesting to read; thanks for that link.

Here's one that will make your jaws drop:  https://www.cnn.com/2021/09/15/homes/bel-air-mansion-the-one/?hpt=ob_blogfooterold

Watching the videos showing the tour of the place, you could see that the developer would never be totally happy with it; he seemed to be constantly wanting to add to it or change things (bigger = custom made master bedroom bed), etc.  Alas, he ran out of money.  Cannot believe how HUGE that mansion is!  Felt very impersonal to me...more like a hotel or designed to be a big party kind of place.  He did come up with some cool ideas though (like a stone door).

PD

p.s.  Here's another one for you all:  After seeing more about Theranos and the trial, I ran across this fascinating talk that Erika Cheung gave about working there and how she became a whistleblower, what she learned about herself in the process and what she had to share with others:  https://www.ted.com/talks/erika_cheung_theranos_whistleblowing_and_speaking_truth_to_power?language=en#t-890335

Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: DavidW on September 20, 2021, 08:23:02 AM
I've seen on youtube mansions that big before.  Once it gets to be that size it stops making sense for even a single family to live there.  It is ultimately to me not that impressive.  What is more impressive is a smaller mansion thoughtfully designed to reflect the owner's interests and aesthetics imo.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Spotted Horses on September 20, 2021, 08:43:13 AM
Quote from: DavidW on September 20, 2021, 08:23:02 AM
I've seen on youtube mansions that big before.  Once it gets to be that size it stops making sense for even a single family to live there.  It is ultimately to me not that impressive.  What is more impressive is a smaller mansion thoughtfully designed to reflect the owner's interests and aesthetics imo.

I think the purpose of a large mansion not to live there with your family, but that that your life is a perpetual party, with a stead stream of elite, celebrity guests (freeloaders).
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on September 20, 2021, 08:49:09 AM
Quote from: Spotted Horses on September 20, 2021, 08:43:13 AM
I think the purpose of a large mansion not to live there with your family, but that that your life is a perpetual party, with a stead stream of elite, celebrity guests (freeloaders).

Yes, it feels more like a party place (for example, a cigar room with vintage Playboy covers illuminated behind glass?!).  Though how he designed all of those fire pits (some set in/surrounded by water with stepping stones to get to them) is asking for a lawsuit to happen.
Quote from: DavidW on September 20, 2021, 08:23:02 AM
I've seen on youtube mansions that big before.  Once it gets to be that size it stops making sense for even a single family to live there.  It is ultimately to me not that impressive.  What is more impressive is a smaller mansion thoughtfully designed to reflect the owner's interests and aesthetics imo.
Must admit that I haven't heard of one that is a 105,000 sq. ft. one before!

Yes, I think that an individual--or even a family---would get lost in all of that!  Wonder what it will end up selling for?  He was hoping to get $500,000,000 for it.

PD
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: SonicMan46 on September 20, 2021, 08:58:44 AM
Well, more irritating than unimportant - yesterday, I was listening to John Taverner and noticed that one of the discs was either not the correct one or mislabeled?  Now did I notice this on purchase years ago - probably since the music was that as represented on the outside and in the booklet - but this time I was curious and sent Hyperion an email - well they responded by the next day (see exchange in quotes) - no offer for a replacement so I'll pull out my old CD Label Kit and waste a half hour making a label!   ::)  8)  Dave

QuoteDave: Hello - I own the John Taverner CD on your Helios label shown below - when I open the jewel box, the disc inside is labeled 'Oboe Quintets' w/ Sarah Francis; the disc itself is numbered CDH55015 vs. CDH55051 on the outside (see first and second pics below); when I load the CD into my external optical drive, the third pic @ the bottom has the correct Taverner information as in the booklet or back cover - of course the disc plays the Tavener music.

Hyperion: Dear Dave,

I note that both CDH55015 and CDH55051 were repressed at the same time (by the same manufacturer) in June 2002, so it's likely that your wrongly labelled CD originates from that pressing. We haven't had any other reports of wrongly labelled copies of either CD, although discs with the wrong label do occasionally surface. It's perhaps slightly more common for the disc to have the correct label but the wrong music; there is a short article on 'Facts about CDs' at https://www.hyperion-records.co.uk/pages/CD-facts.asp, which you might find interesting.   

We hope that the label doesn't detract from The Sixteen's performances of Taverner.

With best wishes,

Edward

Edward Taylor
Copyright & Licensing Manager
Hyperion Records Limited
PO Box 25
London SE9 1AX

(https://photos.smugmug.com/Other/Classical-Music/i-RgR5RKs/0/ee53dc34/O/TavernerMislabel.png)  (https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/91DWlxHI4NL._AC_SL1500_.jpg)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on September 21, 2021, 02:31:38 AM
Quote from: SonicMan46 on September 20, 2021, 08:58:44 AM
Well, more irritating than unimportant - yesterday, I was listening to John Taverner and noticed that one of the discs was either not the correct one or mislabeled?  Now did I notice this on purchase years ago - probably since the music was that as represented on the outside and in the booklet - but this time I was curious and sent Hyperion an email - well they responded by the next day (see exchange in quotes) - no offer for a replacement so I'll pull out my old CD Label Kit and waste a half hour making a label!   ::)  8)  Dave

(https://photos.smugmug.com/Other/Classical-Music/i-RgR5RKs/0/ee53dc34/O/TavernerMislabel.png)  (https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/91DWlxHI4NL._AC_SL1500_.jpg)
That's annoying!  Well, at least you have the correct music.  One thing to think of (if you haven't yet made your new label); is there any chance that your new label might cause the CD to not play properly--since you're putting it on top of a pre-existing one?

In any event, it was nice of them to get back to you and so quickly.

PD

p.s.  You've reminded me that I should be good when I first receive a set (big or small) to check to see if at least all of the discs are in the set and are labeled correctly (as in not two copies of one CD and none of another).
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on September 21, 2021, 05:40:00 AM
This article is disturbing.  I wonder how they will fix the shortage?  And is this going on in other countries too?

Article is titled:  "Why is there a CO2 shortage and how will it hit food supplies?"

https://www.bbc.com/news/explainers-58626935

PD
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on September 22, 2021, 03:52:02 AM
Quote from: Pohjolas Daughter on September 21, 2021, 05:40:00 AM
This article is disturbing.  I wonder how they will fix the shortage?  And is this going on in other countries too?

Article is titled:  "Why is there a CO2 shortage and how will it hit food supplies?"

https://www.bbc.com/news/explainers-58626935

PD

Looks like an American company will be at least temporarily bailed out by the British government (meaning UK taxpayers) to help alleviate an imminent food crisis in the UK due to CO2 shortages:  https://www.cnn.com/2021/09/22/business/cf-industries-uk-co2-food-shortages/index.html  I hadn't realized how CO2 was used in the food industry before now.  The food chain is truly fragile.  :(

PD
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: SonicMan46 on September 22, 2021, 07:42:45 AM
Quote from: Pohjolas Daughter on September 21, 2021, 02:31:38 AM
That's annoying!  Well, at least you have the correct music.  One thing to think of (if you haven't yet made your new label); is there any chance that your new label might cause the CD to not play properly--since you're putting it on top of a pre-existing one?

In any event, it was nice of them to get back to you and so quickly.

PD

p.s.  You've reminded me that I should be good when I first receive a set (big or small) to check to see if at least all of the discs are in the set and are labeled correctly (as in not two copies of one CD and none of another).

Hi PD - thanks for your comments - commercial CDs usually have their front images printed directly on the surface, i.e. no paper label - I did this w/ my old Canon printer, i.e. printing labels on CD-Rs (usually MP3 DL purchases) but replaced it w/ a newer Canon that did not have this feature, so back to paper labels (which I rarely make these days).

So, the disc in question would have just one paper label applied - the CD laser focuses just beneath the reading surface of the CD so not an issue - the main problems w/ paper labels is their adherence to the CD's surface; I've had a few loosen at the edges and could have potentially jammed in the CD player; also, I have an Apple Super Drive that has a tight slot, i.e. the CD is 'sucked into' the device - I never put a CD in that drive w/ a paper label.

BTW, I rewrote the guy from Hyperion 'hinting' at a replacement - no response to date -  ::)  Dave
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: T. D. on September 22, 2021, 07:48:55 AM
Quote from: Pohjolas Daughter on September 22, 2021, 03:52:02 AM
Looks like an American company will be at least temporarily bailed out by the British government (meaning UK taxpayers) to help alleviate an imminent food crisis in the UK due to CO2 shortages:  https://www.cnn.com/2021/09/22/business/cf-industries-uk-co2-food-shortages/index.html  I hadn't realized how CO2 was used in the food industry before now.  The food chain is truly fragile.  :(

PD

A cynic might say that such companies (American? no surprise there) are dumb/lazy/poor planners, but don't care because their game plan is to ask for bailouts in the event of "disruptions".
Or that they're good planners, simply adept at gaming the system.  :laugh: :'(
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Spotted Horses on September 22, 2021, 07:57:54 AM
Quote from: T. D. on September 22, 2021, 07:48:55 AM
A cynic would say that such companies (American? no surprise there) are dumb/lazy/poor planners, but don't care because their game plan is to ask for bailouts in the event of "disruptions".

It has nothing to do with bad planning. It is self-interest. Why would the plant run if the cost of their supplies caused them to lose money? They are closing to wait for the resulting shortage to drive up the cost of their product high enough for them to make a profit.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: T. D. on September 22, 2021, 09:41:21 AM
Quote from: Spotted Horses on September 22, 2021, 07:57:54 AM
It has nothing to do with bad planning. It is self-interest. Why would the plant run if the cost of their supplies caused them to lose money? They are closing to wait for the resulting shortage to drive up the cost of their product high enough for them to make a profit.

Smart companies tend to hedge the prices of their raw materials.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on September 25, 2021, 04:06:34 AM
So, um, how could you not know that you were using a gravestone to make fudge?  Or perhaps they did know, but didn't think anything of it (*unclear in article)?  Bizarre!  Thankfully, it's now where it belongs....

*Looking at the article again, it does seem like the family knew what it was but how or when it got there is unknown.  ???

https://www.cnn.com/2021/09/24/us/gravestone-returned-after-missing-150-years-trnd/index.html

PD
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on September 27, 2021, 07:18:11 PM
Would-be Reagan assassin John W. Hinckley Jr. wins unconditional release from supervision
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on September 29, 2021, 03:26:37 AM
An artist is loaned $84,000 to reproduce two earlier artworks originally made by himself and instead....well, you can read the article for yourself if interested.   :)

https://www.cnn.com/style/article/jens-haaning-kunsten-museum-modern-art/index.html

PD
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: John Copeland on September 29, 2021, 03:37:58 AM
Quote from: Pohjolas Daughter on September 29, 2021, 03:26:37 AM
An artist is loaned $84,000 to reproduce two earlier artworks originally made by himself and instead....well, you can read the article for yourself if interested.   :)

https://www.cnn.com/style/article/jens-haaning-kunsten-museum-modern-art/index.html

PD

When art reflects the society of the day?  Or just legal deception?  Deception as an art form?  The Kunsten Museum of Modern Art Directors need their heads examined paying out money like that to a fool like that.  Not art.  Selfish robbery.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on September 29, 2021, 03:52:50 AM
Quote from: John Copeland on September 29, 2021, 03:37:58 AM
When art reflects the society of the day?  Or just legal deception?  Deception as an art form?  The Kunsten Museum of Modern Art Directors need their heads examined paying out money like that to a fool like that.  Not art.  Selfish robbery.
I found this part of the article quite interesting:

'As well as lending Haaning 534,000 Danish krone ($84,000) for the cash-filled artworks, the Kunsten Museum had agreed to pay a further 10,000 krone ($1,571) for his work, as well as covering costs like framing and delivery. But the artist said the project would still have left him out of pocket, due to studio costs and staff salaries.
"I normally find myself in a better position when I'm showing abroad," he said. "I'm a Dane and it's (a) Danish museum and they expect me to invest because then maybe one day they will buy something."'

If he had truly figured out ahead of time that it would cost him more to make the artwork than what they had offered him, why didn't he explain this to them at the time and negotiated a better price/terms?  Or he could have just walked away.

PD
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: steve ridgway on September 29, 2021, 07:40:33 AM
Quote from: John Copeland on September 29, 2021, 03:37:58 AM
When art reflects the society of the day?  Or just legal deception?  Deception as an art form?  The Kunsten Museum of Modern Art Directors need their heads examined paying out money like that to a fool like that.  Not art.  Selfish robbery.

True, I used to enjoy a 15 minute saunter round a modern art gallery in the 90s for a laugh but the joke wore thin a long time ago. :-X
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on September 29, 2021, 08:20:01 AM
US declares 23 bird, fish and other species extinct   :'(

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-58740362

PD
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: LKB on September 29, 2021, 11:28:07 AM
Quote from: k a rl h e nn i ng on September 27, 2021, 07:18:11 PM
Would-be Reagan assassin John W. Hinckley Jr. wins unconditional release from supervision

I admit to not having kept up-to-date concerning Hinckley's status over the years. That being said, it seems inadvisable for someone with his history to live without any supervision.

I wonder what the Reagans, Bradys and Ms. Foster think.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: MusicTurner on September 29, 2021, 11:35:20 AM
Quote from: John Copeland on September 29, 2021, 03:37:58 AM
When art reflects the society of the day?  Or just legal deception?  Deception as an art form?  The Kunsten Museum of Modern Art Directors need their heads examined paying out money like that to a fool like that.  Not art.  Selfish robbery.

There is a contract, and this case of pseudo-artistry is likely to experience a court case, if it isn't solved otherwise. Right now, there's a lot of publicity, though most people would think that it isn't flattering for any of those involved.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on September 30, 2021, 10:05:34 AM
An organist friend of mine has moved to Texas. I shall miss socializing with him, but he will bring Henningmusick to the Lone Star State. He and his family moved from Newton, Mass.: Why? You might ask ... This Newton home is a relative bargain at $449,900. Then again, it's only 251 square feet.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: LKB on September 30, 2021, 10:45:10 AM
Quote from: k a rl h e nn i ng on September 30, 2021, 10:05:34 AM
An organist friend of mine has moved to Texas. I shall miss socializing with him, but he will bring Henningmusick to the Lone Star State. He and his family moved from Newton, Mass.: Why? You might ask ... This Newton home is a relative bargain at $449,900. Then again, it's only 251 square feet.

That wouldn't buy 251 square ft. where l live. 100, maybe, in the poorer areas.

Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: LKB on September 30, 2021, 10:48:23 AM
For clarification:

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Menlo_Park,_California
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on September 30, 2021, 11:18:59 AM
Quote from: k a rl h e nn i ng on September 30, 2021, 10:05:34 AM
An organist friend of mine has moved to Texas. I shall miss socializing with him, but he will bring Henningmusick to the Lone Star State. He and his family moved from Newton, Mass.: Why? You might ask ... This Newton home is a relative bargain at $449,900. Then again, it's only 251 square feet.
Sorry to hear that your friend is moving out of the area.  Hope that you are able to visit from time to time with each other in person.  Did he decide to move out of the area to be closer to family or something else?  Cute little tiny house (I think that I found it online).  If he can afford to not sell it, he might do well either renting it out longterm or as an Air B&B.  Trying to figure out if the place opposite the loft has a bench there?  Or maybe is another area for storage?  Boy, and room for 3 cars!  Bet that a young couple would be pleased to rent or buy the place.   :)

Is this it?  https://www.realtor.com/realestateandhomes-detail/1295-Boylston-St_Newton_MA_02464_M37201-30959

PD
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: DavidW on September 30, 2021, 02:11:00 PM
Quote from: k a rl h e nn i ng on September 30, 2021, 10:05:34 AM
An organist friend of mine has moved to Texas. I shall miss socializing with him, but he will bring Henningmusick to the Lone Star State. He and his family moved from Newton, Mass.: Why? You might ask ... This Newton home is a relative bargain at $449,900. Then again, it's only 251 square feet.

I've been to Newton before... I think the Mobile Book Fair is there.  Anyway yeah he is essentially buying a room with a bathroom.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on September 30, 2021, 08:16:14 PM
Quote from: Pohjolas Daughter on September 30, 2021, 11:18:59 AM
Sorry to hear that your friend is moving out of the area.  Hope that you are able to visit from time to time with each other in person.  Did he decide to move out of the area to be closer to family or something else?  Cute little tiny house (I think that I found it online).  If he can afford to not sell it, he might do well either renting it out longterm or as an Air B&B.  Trying to figure out if the place opposite the loft has a bench there?  Or maybe is another area for storage?  Boy, and room for 3 cars!  Bet that a young couple would be pleased to rent or buy the place.   :)

Is this it?  https://www.realtor.com/realestateandhomes-detail/1295-Boylston-St_Newton_MA_02464_M37201-30959 (https://www.realtor.com/realestateandhomes-detail/1295-Boylston-St_Newton_MA_02464_M37201-30959)

PD

His wife is a flutist, and had recently completed her Master's ... and even without the pandemic, Boston is a trying place for a musician to try to find work (few openings and many applicants for them). Texas is a return for them, the wife managed by networking to land a gig. He, as an excellent organist should have no difficulty finding a situation.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on October 01, 2021, 04:58:04 AM
Quote from: k a rl h e nn i ng on September 30, 2021, 08:16:14 PM
His wife is a flutist, and had recently completed her Master's ... and even without the pandemic, Boston is a trying place for a musician to try to find work (few openings and many applicants for them). Texas is a return for them, the wife managed by networking to land a gig. He, as an excellent organist should have no difficulty finding a situation.
I could well imagine that competition to get into the BSO, for instance, could be quite fierce.  Hope that things work out well for them and that they enjoy their new life back in Texas.

Speaking of small houses, I remember hearing about this place some time ago:  https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/other/bostons-skinniest-home-is-10-feet-wide-and-built-out-of-spite/ar-BB1g7opi  Quite an interesting story.

Wonder if whomever buys your friend's home could legally build "up"...as in add a story or two?

PD
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on October 01, 2021, 06:46:10 AM
Quote from: Pohjolas Daughter on October 01, 2021, 04:58:04 AM
I could well imagine that competition to get into the BSO, for instance, could be quite fierce.  Hope that things work out well for them and that they enjoy their new life back in Texas.

Speaking of small houses, I remember hearing about this place some time ago:  https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/other/bostons-skinniest-home-is-10-feet-wide-and-built-out-of-spite/ar-BB1g7opi (https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/other/bostons-skinniest-home-is-10-feet-wide-and-built-out-of-spite/ar-BB1g7opi)  Quite an interesting story.

Wonder if whomever buys your friend's home could legally build "up"...as in add a story or two?

PD

Ah, I managed to be highly misleading.  That listing is not in fact my friends' property, only an example of how expensive buying a house can be in the Boston area. There was a time when we were looking around at condos, but we didn't really like anything which was "in our price range," and although we were "pre-qualified," if we had gone ahead, we should have been terribly overextended. Shortly thereafter came the Financials Meltdown, and if we had bought we should have been deep in the merde.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on October 01, 2021, 07:29:43 AM
Quote from: k a rl h e nn i ng on October 01, 2021, 06:46:10 AM
Ah, I managed to be highly misleading.  That listing is not in fact my friends' property, only an example of how expensive buying a house can be in the Boston area. There was a time when we were looking around at condos, but we didn't really like anything which was "in our price range," and although we were "pre-qualified," if we had gone ahead, we should have been terribly overextended. Shortly thereafter came the Financials Meltdown, and if we had bought we should have been deep in the merde.
Ah!  I was a bit surprised that there was only one listing that was that small.  Is their place designed similarly (like with a loft)?  Must admit, I'd hate climbing up and down that ladder all of the time.

Have you ever seen the "Spite House" in your wanderings around Boston Karl?  The link that I provided also provides another link to recentish photos of the interior (from an open house some years ago).  Quite an interesting story behind it.   Wonder whether or not the brothers ever made peace with one another?

PD

p.s.  Trying not to get an acidic stomach whilst listening to the news regarding Democrats trying to get their infrastructure bill passed...fingers crossed!
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on October 01, 2021, 11:03:52 AM
the "Spite House" ... no, I don't believe so ....
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: SimonNZ on October 01, 2021, 01:50:21 PM
Some uncharacteristic click-bait from The Atlantic:

The Moon Is Leaving Us
And we can't stop it. (https://www.theatlantic.com/science/archive/2021/09/moon-moving-away-earth/620254/)

The small print:

"The moon is drifting away from us.

Each year, our moon moves distinctly, inexorably farther from Earth—just a tiny bit, about an inch and a half, a nearly imperceptible change. There is no stopping this slow ebbing, no way to turn back the clock. The forces of gravity are invisible and unshakable, and no matter what we do or how we feel about them, they will keep nudging the moon along. Over many millions of years, we'll continue to grow apart. [...]"


Seriously, Atlantic: you're better than this.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: steve ridgway on October 02, 2021, 04:52:31 AM
The Atlantic also widens by about an inch and a half per year so good bye America too. ;)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: DavidW on October 02, 2021, 08:13:51 AM
The media has always had a problem with accurate reporting on science news.  They go for sensationalism, don't understand how science works, describe things inaccurately with overly flowery prose, and are unable to correctly interpret the significance of what they read.  Journalists badly need a good dose of scientific literacy.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: amw on October 02, 2021, 08:34:22 AM
Quote from: LKB on September 30, 2021, 10:45:10 AM
That wouldn't buy 251 square ft. where l live. 100, maybe, in the poorer areas.


I always feel weird when realising my home town is no longer the most expensive city in the world—450 in NYC can get you a 600+ square foot one bedroom in a nice neighbourhood close to the subway. (And here's me still finding that too expensive.)

(Of course from a musician point of view, NYC is just about as bad in terms of job situation right now; everyone who's smart and can get a visa moved to Berlin two years ago. Housing prices there are no longer affordable either, now, so a large number of musicians are relocating to places like Belgrade and Athens, which will have the same problem in five years.)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on October 02, 2021, 12:30:44 PM
Quote from: steve ridgway on October 02, 2021, 04:52:31 AM
The Atlantic also widens by about an inch and a half per year so good bye America too. ;)

Exactly!
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on October 02, 2021, 12:33:29 PM
Quote from: amw on October 02, 2021, 08:34:22 AM
I always feel weird when realising my home town is no longer the most expensive city in the world—450 in NYC can get you a 600+ square foot one bedroom in a nice neighbourhood close to the subway. (And here's me still finding that too expensive.)

(Of course from a musician point of view, NYC is just about as bad in terms of job situation right now; everyone who's smart and can get a visa moved to Berlin two years ago. Housing prices there are no longer affordable either, now, so a large number of musicians are relocating to places like Belgrade and Athens, which will have the same problem in five years.)
Of the stories that you've heard, are most of them buying homes or renting?

PD
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: amw on October 02, 2021, 01:47:51 PM
Quote from: Pohjolas Daughter on October 02, 2021, 12:33:29 PM
Of the stories that you've heard, are most of them buying homes or renting?
The latter. It's been a long time since being a musician paid enough to be able to afford to buy a home. (Of course I don't know that many longterm orchestra musicians, & those I do know often ended up losing their jobs in e.g. the Minnesota Orchestra lockouts, the Met Opera layoffs, etc.)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: SimonNZ on October 02, 2021, 04:51:47 PM
BBC:

Clown shortage: Appeal for new recruits in Northern Ireland (https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-northern-ireland-58733754)

Originally saw the story in Wonkette as this:

Why Is Lin Wood Talking 9/11 Conspiracies In US While There's A Clown Shortage In Northern Ireland? (https://www.wonkette.com/why-is-lin-wood-talking-9-11-conspiracies-in-us-while-there-s-a-clown-shortage-in-northern-ireland)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on October 03, 2021, 01:52:49 PM
Quote from: amw on October 02, 2021, 01:47:51 PM
The latter. It's been a long time since being a musician paid enough to be able to afford to buy a home. (Of course I don't know that many longterm orchestra musicians, & those I do know often ended up losing their jobs in e.g. the Minnesota Orchestra lockouts, the Met Opera layoffs, etc.)
:(


"Pandora Papers:  Secret wealth and dealings of world leaders exposed"  I wonder how accurate this information is?  It's intriguing though!

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-58780465 (https://www.bbc.com/news/world-58780465)

PD
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: MusicTurner on October 04, 2021, 09:17:41 AM
BREAKING:
Facebook has been down now for several hours for quite a lot of users.

Maybe they could do this say for one day every week?
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: John Copeland on October 04, 2021, 09:30:38 AM
Quote from: DavidW on October 02, 2021, 08:13:51 AM
The media has always had a problem with accurate reporting on science news.  They go for sensationalism, don't understand how science works, describe things inaccurately with overly flowery prose, and are unable to correctly interpret the significance of what they read.  Journalists badly need a good dose of scientific literacy.

+1
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on October 04, 2021, 09:35:45 AM
Quote from: MusicTurner on October 04, 2021, 09:17:41 AM
BREAKING:
Facebook has been down now for several hours for quite a lot of users.

Maybe they could do this say for one day every week?
Amazing!  Think of all of the time people are now saving?!  :D

PD
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: MusicTurner on October 04, 2021, 09:38:01 AM
Quote from: Pohjolas Daughter on October 04, 2021, 09:35:45 AM
Amazing!  Think of all of the time people are now saving?!  :D

PD


Yes, society might benefit quite a lot from this ...  :laugh:
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: John Copeland on October 04, 2021, 09:57:08 AM
Quote from: MusicTurner on October 04, 2021, 09:38:01 AM

Yes, society might benefit quite a lot from this ...  :laugh:

I can't stand FB.  I hope it crashes for good.   ???
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Spotted Horses on October 04, 2021, 10:12:37 AM
Quote from: Pohjolas Daughter on October 04, 2021, 09:35:45 AM
Amazing!  Think of all of the time people are now saving?!  :D

PD

Saving time? They're incessantly clicking, "is it up yet, is it up yet, is it up yet?"
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: MusicTurner on October 04, 2021, 10:17:49 AM
Quote from: Spotted Horses on October 04, 2021, 10:12:37 AM
Saving time? They're incessantly clicking, "is it up yet, is it up yet, is it up yet?"

Just give them time ...
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on October 04, 2021, 11:23:42 AM
Quote from: Spotted Horses on October 04, 2021, 10:12:37 AM
Saving time? They're incessantly clicking, "is it up yet, is it up yet, is it up yet?"


(* chortle *)

For those who do, it's an opportunity to reflect, if they are yet capable of reflection.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: MusicTurner on October 04, 2021, 01:21:58 PM
The explanation will be interesting, since one would think that FB is using tons of money for service reliability.

An expert here says that it's probably not a hacking event, but an error in the company that provides IP addresses for all web users, a company that is external in relation to FB.

But we'll see.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on October 04, 2021, 01:50:08 PM
Facebook Is Not the Town Square (https://www.thebulwark.com/facebook-is-not-the-town-square/)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: DavidW on October 05, 2021, 04:43:59 AM
Nobel Prize in Physics 2021 Announced (https://www.nobelprize.org/prizes/physics/2021/summary/)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on October 05, 2021, 05:03:22 AM
Quote from: Spotted Horses on October 04, 2021, 10:12:37 AM
Saving time? They're incessantly clicking, "is it up yet, is it up yet, is it up yet?"
:laugh:

Well, in any event, it's back.

PD
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Spotted Horses on October 05, 2021, 05:41:07 AM
Quote from: Pohjolas Daughter on October 05, 2021, 05:03:22 AM
:laugh:

Well, in any event, it's back.

PD

Brings to mind the Simpson episode: cable TV goes out in c and (to the accompaniment of Beethoven's Pastoral Symphony) residents of Springfield are taking walks in the forest, picking flowers, writing poetry, etc. Life is blissful, until the TV comes back on and everyone is grimly glued to their TV sets again...
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on October 05, 2021, 06:09:46 AM
Quote from: Spotted Horses on October 05, 2021, 05:41:07 AM
Brings to mind the Simpson episode: cable TV goes out in c and (to the accompaniment of Beethoven's Pastoral Symphony) residents of Springfield are taking walks in the forest, picking flowers, writing poetry, etc. Life is blissful, until the TV comes back on and everyone is grimly glued to their TV sets again...
And guess what's on the news now?  The Facebook whistleblower is testifying in front of Congress.

PD

p.s.  And regarding your Simpsons comments:  yes, a good reminder to unplug!
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: T. D. on October 08, 2021, 11:05:07 AM
This is really weird. But it does have to do with music.
Paywall likely, but you may be able to get around it by googling.

https://www.bloomberg.com/news/features/2021-10-08/the-handpan-s-creators-want-to-keep-their-invention-pure-it-may-not-survive

They Invented the Must-Have Instrument for the Burning Man Set. Now They Want to Kill It Off
Two reclusive Swiss artists created the handpan, which has been played by everyone from Björk to Dave Matthews. Copycats proliferated, and now they think capitalism has ruined it—and they're fighting back.

By Ellen Huet
October 8, 2021, 10:00 AM EDT
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on October 09, 2021, 04:05:49 AM
Quote from: T. D. on October 08, 2021, 11:05:07 AM
This is really weird. But it does have to do with music.
Paywall likely, but you may be able to get around it by googling.

https://www.bloomberg.com/news/features/2021-10-08/the-handpan-s-creators-want-to-keep-their-invention-pure-it-may-not-survive

They Invented the Must-Have Instrument for the Burning Man Set. Now They Want to Kill It Off
Two reclusive Swiss artists created the handpan, which has been played by everyone from Björk to Dave Matthews. Copycats proliferated, and now they think capitalism has ruined it—and they're fighting back.

By Ellen Huet
October 8, 2021, 10:00 AM EDT

Only able to find a bit more about it in Wiki, but I did find this site which includes a nice (and short) video about the instrument:  https://silvernailapartments.com/qa/who-invented-handpan.html

Strangely enough, I was shown an ad for what I now know to be a knock off.  This was presented to me when I was watching a youtube video (probably about music) a few days ago.  Neat instrument!  And it sounds like years of research went into it too to achieve certain sounds and scales too.  Are people still buying their (much more expensive) versions or are just going for the cheaper knockoffs.  Think that the one that I saw was plastic on the outside?

PD
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on October 09, 2021, 06:21:22 AM
International community strikes a ground-breaking tax deal for the digital age (https://www.oecd.org/tax/international-community-strikes-a-ground-breaking-tax-deal-for-the-digital-age.htm)


Let's see if we can find a path to loopholes:

Quote from: Organisation for Economic Co-operation and DevelopmentThe global minimum tax agreement does not seek to eliminate tax competition, but puts multilaterally agreed limitations on it

Um, yep.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on October 09, 2021, 06:25:00 AM
Most interesting. They created something for which there arose a demand too great to fill themselves. Although they decry "the evils of capitalism," it is simply and neutrally human, to fulfill a demand with profit to both supplier and client. Not to say that all the sequel is "pure." But it's somewhat like Quixote having built his own windmills.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on October 09, 2021, 07:04:13 AM
https://www.cnn.com/travel/article/yellowstone-bear-incident-woman-sentenced/index.html

A 25-year old woman from Illinois was sentenced to jail for 4 days and received a substantial fine for her selfish stupidity.  She's lucky that she's alive and unhurt from her foolish actions.

PD
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on October 09, 2021, 08:07:36 AM
Quote from: Pohjolas Daughter on October 09, 2021, 07:04:13 AM
https://www.cnn.com/travel/article/yellowstone-bear-incident-woman-sentenced/index.html

A 25-year old woman from Illinois was sentenced to jail for 4 days and received a substantial fine for her selfish stupidity.  She's lucky that she's alive and unhurt from her foolish actions.

PD


I always wonder how and why specific people are singled out for prosecution.  Hordes of people violate the rules every day of the week in Yellowstone.  Bison, in particular, entice people to act dumb.  When I visited, one doofus was trampled by a male Bison, but lived.  A week or two before, another doofus was killed the same way.  I personally saw dozens of people getting way too close to animals while on foot.  Of course, sometimes it is hard to stay far enough away from peripatetic critters.  (The attached was taken from the "safety" of my car.)  Wolves and coyotes both wander freely by the geysers and springs, as well. 
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on October 09, 2021, 08:55:00 AM
Quote from: Todd on October 09, 2021, 08:07:36 AM

I always wonder how and why specific people are singled out for prosecution.  Hordes of people violate the rules every day of the week in Yellowstone.  Bison, in particular, entice people to act dumb.  When I visited, one doofus was trampled by a male Bison, but lived.  A week or two before, another doofus was killed the same way.  I personally saw dozens of people getting way too close to animals while on foot.  Of course, sometimes it is hard to stay far enough away from peripatetic critters.  (The attached was taken from the "safety" of my car.)  Wolves and coyotes both wander freely by the geysers and springs, as well.
From what I read either in that article or elsewhere, everyone else was carefully backing away and went into their cars.  You can watch the video here (which was posted online).  The park service asked for help identifying her.  https://abcnews.go.com/US/illinois-woman-headed-jail-photographing-grizzly-bears-yellowstone/story?id=80475859

Anyway, the rules are clearly posted.  And I'm sure, like you said, I imagine that sometimes it would be hard to avoid getting too close to them.  She certainly did not seem to care.  I would also imagine that rangers are tired of dealing with idiots being too self-absorbed to care for their own good, the animals well-being, and the rangers themselves who would then have to try and rescue them..or notify their next of kin!

I've also recently read a story about a family getting out of their car, their dog jumped out of the car and went into hot water there (about 200 degrees) and the daughter went in to try and save it with the father having to drag her out.  Believe that she received serious burns...here's one telling of the story:

"A 20-year-old woman from Washington is in a coma after jumping into a 200 degree Fahrenheit hot spring at Yellowstone National Park to save her dog. Laiha Slayton jumped into a boiling spring in Yellowstone National Park to save her dog that had run away. According to officials, the woman's father pulled her out of the spring. She suffered significant thermal burns from "her shoulders to feet". Officials also reported the dog died from its injuries."

A very very sad story, but it could have been prevented (Leash?  Left the puppy/dog at home with relatives or with friends or in boarding?).   :(

PD
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: VonStupp on October 09, 2021, 09:47:34 AM
Quote from: Pohjolas Daughter on October 09, 2021, 08:55:00 AM
Anyway, the rules are clearly posted.  And I'm sure, like you said, I imagine that sometimes it would be hard to avoid getting too close to them.  She certainly did not seem to care.  I would also imagine that rangers are tired of dealing with idiots being too self-absorbed to care for their own good, the animals well-being, and the rangers themselves who would then have to try and rescue them..or notify their next of kin!

I've also recently read a story about a family getting out of their car, their dog jumped out of the car and went into hot water there (about 200 degrees) and the daughter went in to try and save it with the father having to drag her out.  Believe that she received serious burns...here's one telling of the story:

"A 20-year-old woman from Washington is in a coma after jumping into a 200 degree Fahrenheit hot spring at Yellowstone National Park to save her dog. Laiha Slayton jumped into a boiling spring in Yellowstone National Park to save her dog that had run away. According to officials, the woman's father pulled her out of the spring. She suffered significant thermal burns from "her shoulders to feet". Officials also reported the dog died from its injuries."

A very very sad story, but it could have been prevented (Leash?  Left the puppy/dog at home with relatives or with friends or in boarding?).   :(

PD

Sorry to jump in, but this is very sad indeed. The difference in stories of these types, for me, comes down to whether the people involved own up to their poor choices and flagrant disregard, or become litigious in response to their actions. The shift of who holds responsibility seems to be the crux of any modern argument, with few wanting to take the blame. Of course, children and animals are the innocents here.

VS
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on October 09, 2021, 10:15:15 AM
Quote from: Pohjolas Daughter on October 09, 2021, 08:55:00 AMFrom what I read either in that article or elsewhere, everyone else was carefully backing away and went into their cars.


Yeah, I get that.  People do that every day.  I personally witnessed adults with their children approaching a herd of bison in Yellowstone.  I'm interested in the criteria used to prosecute.  The criteria used by putative news organizations in selecting which stories to exploit are more transparent. 
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: DavidW on October 09, 2021, 12:08:47 PM
Quote from: Todd on October 09, 2021, 08:07:36 AM

I always wonder how and why specific people are singled out for prosecution.  Hordes of people violate the rules every day of the week in Yellowstone.  Bison, in particular, entice people to act dumb.  When I visited, one doofus was trampled by a male Bison, but lived.  A week or two before, another doofus was killed the same way.  I personally saw dozens of people getting way too close to animals while on foot.  Of course, sometimes it is hard to stay far enough away from peripatetic critters.  (The attached was taken from the "safety" of my car.)  Wolves and coyotes both wander freely by the geysers and springs, as well.

I think it boils down to easy to prosecute.  At my school last year students were never sent home for violating mask or social distancing protocols (even though they happened) but were sent home for violating the REACH survey protocol (a stupid daily questionnaire) because the digital trail was easy to follow, and no RAs wanted to write up students and thus exile them for the more important rules.

I see the same thing here.  It was probably well recorded on video, while more egregious cases in the past were not.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on October 09, 2021, 01:24:14 PM
Quote from: Todd on October 09, 2021, 10:15:15 AM

Yeah, I get that.  People do that every day.  I personally witnessed adults with their children approaching a herd of bison in Yellowstone.  I'm interested in the criteria used to prosecute.  The criteria used by putative news organizations in selecting which stories to exploit are more transparent.
Maybe it's time to change the rules.  Perhaps only allowing people in with park escorts (as in a tour in the park's vehicles?)  That would change any entrance fees, but perhaps that would be the best for everyone involved:  animals and humans.
Quote from: Todd on October 09, 2021, 08:07:36 AM
Bison, in particular, entice people to act dumb

And, as I think we both know bison don't "entice people to act dumb"; they are animals...wild animals...and how people respond to seeing them isn't up to them.

PD
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on October 09, 2021, 03:42:52 PM
Quote from: DavidW on October 09, 2021, 12:08:47 PMI see the same thing here.  It was probably well recorded on video, while more egregious cases in the past were not.

Hard to say.  People have been recording everything there on phones and cameras for decades. 


Quote from: Pohjolas Daughter on October 09, 2021, 01:24:14 PMPerhaps only allowing people in with park escorts (as in a tour in the park's vehicles?)

Um, Yellowstone is roughly the size of Cyprus, and the notion of only allowing people in with escorts doesn't even rise to the level of nonstarter.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on October 10, 2021, 05:51:23 AM
Performer at Moscow's Bolshoi Theatre killed during set change (https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-58859522)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: drogulus on October 11, 2021, 08:36:16 AM


     (https://ritholtz.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/joblosses.png)

     I hear the jobs numbers are disappointing. At least it's not tinnitus.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on October 11, 2021, 12:42:55 PM
Quote from: Todd on October 09, 2021, 03:42:52 PM
Hard to say.  People have been recording everything there on phones and cameras for decades. 


Um, Yellowstone is roughly the size of Cyprus, and the notion of only allowing people in with escorts doesn't even rise to the level of nonstarter.
Yes, I know that it's huge.  But how do you deal with people doing stupid things?  Particularly these days:  everybody wants a selfie with (you name it)...or catching things up close?  Possibly one could restrict the areas where one is able to go--maybe unless you were able to pass some sort of pre-authorization course/test?  Or were a scientist of some sort?  But the truth of the matter is that it is a park and supposed to be open to the public...all you can do is inform people of the rules and try and enforce them.  Would be nice if they had some sort of event center where people were required to watch a movie about nature, animals, and rules/protocols before hand, but how do you get the money for things like that?  I expect that they could also use more rangers too.

I suspect that the amount of publicity that has been generated by this might help prevent things again in the future, but then again maybe not.  I don't know, just suggesting the implications of not having people being lead around in a guided tour by park rangers.  Even then, unless people were confined to vehicles, I suspect that there would always be those who decided to not move away/move closer, etc.

It's hard to have it both ways:  freedom vs. complete safety (and then factoring in people who don't want to follow the rules).  It's not a petting zoo--nor even a regular zoo (at which people also do stupid things and sometimes get hurt plus accidents of course too).  If you or anyone else has any suggestions, I'm sure that the park would be delighted to hear them.

Best wishes,

PD
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on October 11, 2021, 06:31:18 PM
Quote from: Pohjolas Daughter on October 11, 2021, 12:42:55 PMI suspect that the amount of publicity that has been generated by this might help prevent things again in the future, but then again maybe not.

It happens regularly.  Again, my question is about the selection process for prosecution.


Quote from: Pohjolas Daughter on October 11, 2021, 12:42:55 PMIt's hard to have it both ways:  freedom vs. complete safety

Not sure how that even applies here.


Quote from: Pohjolas Daughter on October 11, 2021, 12:42:55 PMIf you or anyone else has any suggestions, I'm sure that the park would be delighted to hear them.

I seriously doubt it.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on October 13, 2021, 09:49:31 AM
A little bit funny ...

A comedian told a crowd he was supporting Michelle Wu for mayor. He didn't realize Annissa Essaibi George was in the audience

By Steve Annear Globe Staff, Updated October 12, 2021, 5:08 p.m.

When Karl Xie recently came up with a new bit about the Boston mayoral race for his comedic routine, he never imagined he'd deliver the joke face-to-face with one of the candidates.

Xie, a data analyst from Allston who moonlights as a comedian, was on stage Saturday at a fundraiser hosted by the Latino Law Enforcement Group of Boston when he told the crowd that he was excited that City Councilor Michelle Wu was running for office in November.

But unbeknownst to Xie, Wu's opponent, City Councilor Annissa Essaibi George, was sitting in the crowd, enjoying an evening that featured several other standup comedians to raise money for the group's annual scholarship fund.

"I didn't know Annissa was going to be there, going into this routine about Michelle Wu," said Xie, 27. "I had no idea."

The surprise moment led to Essaibi George jokingly asking for her money back and then walking to the stage and introducing herself to Xie. The lighthearted exchange was captured on video by one of Xie's friends. Xie posted it to his social media accounts on Monday.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: MusicTurner on October 15, 2021, 02:08:14 AM
Tour de France 2021:

Quote from: MusicTurner on July 01, 2021, 03:27:10 AM
Apparently it was just announced that the case has been abolished, since the leadership of the race doesn't want a court case to be too exaggerated or too promoted by the media etc, and because they hope that a lesson has already been learned.

I think this is an interesting move, hopefully with a healthy element of 'calm down', and appealing to common sense. Perhaps they're thinking very strategically and don't want future races disturbed by various 'sensational' court cases, political stunts etc. But I guess that riders' individual court cases are still an option somewhat.

In the news today: the woman got a suspended sentence for 4 months. I'd suppose there's some fee involved too in the rule. The case was continued to the courts by the association of the professional cyclists CPA, when the Tour de France leadership abolished the idea.
Seems quite fair and not overblown to me.

https://www.cyclingweekly.com/news/opi-omi-tour-de-france-spectator-who-caused-crash-on-opening-stage-to-appear-in-court
https://www.reuters.com/lifestyle/sports/fan-who-caused-tour-de-france-crash-goes-trial-2021-10-14/
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on October 15, 2021, 05:18:23 AM
Quote from: MusicTurner on October 15, 2021, 02:08:14 AM
Tour de France 2021:

In the news today: the woman got a suspended sentence for 4 months. I'd suppose there's some fee involved too in the rule. The case was continued to the courts by the association of the professional cyclists CPA, when the Tour de France leadership abolished the idea.
Seems quite fair and not overblown to me.

https://www.cyclingweekly.com/news/opi-omi-tour-de-france-spectator-who-caused-crash-on-opening-stage-to-appear-in-court
https://www.reuters.com/lifestyle/sports/fan-who-caused-tour-de-france-crash-goes-trial-2021-10-14/
I would have thought that they might have also required her to do some sort of community service involving bike safety around where she lives?  :-\  Hopefully, if nothing else, the story of what she did and what happened will hopefully deter people from being so careless?  At least some people?

PD
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: MusicTurner on October 15, 2021, 06:08:00 AM
With the world-wide attention, it has probably been somewhat productive ...
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: mabuse on October 15, 2021, 10:06:26 AM
The Oregon Zoo held its 23rd annual "Squishing of the Squash" on Thursday, Oct. 14, 2021 :
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=szVrbGn0jxY (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=szVrbGn0jxY)

Watching elephants blowing pumpkins is so satisfying !  ;D
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on October 15, 2021, 02:24:33 PM
Quote from: mabuse on October 15, 2021, 10:06:26 AM
The Oregon Zoo held its 23rd annual "Squishing of the Squash" on Thursday, Oct. 14, 2021 :
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=szVrbGn0jxY (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=szVrbGn0jxY)

Watching elephants blowing pumpkins is so satisfying !  ;D
lol  I wonder how much of it they actually eat?

PD
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: mabuse on October 15, 2021, 04:14:03 PM
Quote from: Pohjolas Daughter on October 15, 2021, 02:24:33 PM
lol  I wonder how much of it they actually eat?

As much as possible !  :D
(https://www.smiley-lol.com/smiley/energique/djumbo.gif)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on October 17, 2021, 11:03:28 AM
Following blackface incident, Professor Bright Sheng takes step back from teaching SMTD composition course (https://www.michigandaily.com/news/academics/following-blackface-incident-professor-bright-sheng-takes-step-back-from-teaching-smtd-composition-course/)

Mr Sheng's offense?  Screening the 1965 version of Othello starring Laurence Olivier.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: SimonNZ on October 17, 2021, 01:48:34 PM
Wow. That student stepped straight out of David Mamet's Oleanna. Or some Fox hosts caricature of academia.

I'm offended that Sheng didn't defend the top shelf production and put the Anthony Hopkins version on next.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on October 19, 2021, 06:17:10 AM
Dropbox CEO: Pandemic caused 'the death of the office as we've known it'

Acton MA-bred Drew Houston says the file storage service has cut its space by 80 percent worldwide.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on October 19, 2021, 06:33:00 AM
Quote from: k a rl h e nn i ng on October 19, 2021, 06:17:10 AM
Dropbox CEO: Pandemic caused 'the death of the office as we've known it'

Acton MA-bred Drew Houston says the file storage service has cut its space by 80 percent worldwide.
Wow!  I wouldn't have thought that that would happen though.  Wouldn't people be using it possibly more if they are working from home--in order to communicate well with their coworkers?  Or has Zoom pretty much destroyed the need for it?

PD
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on October 19, 2021, 07:05:02 AM
Quote from: Pohjolas Daughter on October 19, 2021, 06:33:00 AM
Wow!  I wouldn't have thought that that would happen though.  Wouldn't people be using it possibly more if they are working from home--in order to communicate well with their coworkers?  Or has Zoom pretty much destroyed the need for it?

PD

Great questions! I haven't talked lately with former officemates about the office, per se. I know that they moved to a different building, to reduce space and thus rent (in downtown Boston, a considerable expense)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Spotted Horses on October 19, 2021, 07:11:49 AM
Quote from: Pohjolas Daughter on October 19, 2021, 06:33:00 AM
Wow!  I wouldn't have thought that that would happen though.  Wouldn't people be using it possibly more if they are working from home--in order to communicate well with their coworkers?  Or has Zoom pretty much destroyed the need for it?

PD

I assume they mean they have cut their office space usage by 80%, due to staff working remotely. Dropbox's core business is providing cloud storage which is available to individuals, as well as corporations users. I assume they experienced increased business during the pandemic. Probably not to the extent that zoom did.

I use a personal dropbox account as backup for my personal computer data, and a business dropbox account to share file with co-workers. Both accounts were opened long before the pandemic.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on October 19, 2021, 09:46:56 AM
Quote from: Spotted Horses on October 19, 2021, 07:11:49 AM
I assume they mean they have cut their office space usage by 80%, due to staff working remotely. Dropbox's core business is providing cloud storage which is available to individuals, as well as corporations users. I assume they experienced increased business during the pandemic. Probably not to the extent that zoom did.

I use a personal dropbox account as backup for my personal computer data, and a business dropbox account to share file with co-workers. Both accounts were opened long before the pandemic.
Ah, yes, that would make more sense!

PD
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on October 19, 2021, 02:10:52 PM
Most Ridiculous News of the Day: 1967 Grateful Dead T-shirt sells for nearly $18,000 in record-breaking auction
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: mabuse on October 21, 2021, 11:31:06 AM
Quote from: k a rl h e nn i ng on October 19, 2021, 02:10:52 PM
Most Ridiculous News of the Day: 1967 Grateful Dead T-shirt sells for nearly $18,000 in record-breaking auction

Not even a nice one...  ::)
(https://static.stereogum.com/uploads/2021/10/Grateful-Dead-shirt-1634302881.jpeg)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on October 21, 2021, 12:17:50 PM
Quote from: mabuse on October 21, 2021, 11:31:06 AM
Not even a nice one...  ::)
(https://static.stereogum.com/uploads/2021/10/Grateful-Dead-shirt-1634302881.jpeg)

As existential cognitive dissonance, this event handily outdoes Don Henley's "Out on the road today, I saw a Deadhead sticker on a Cadillac ...."
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on October 21, 2021, 01:08:25 PM
Quote from: k a rl h e nn i ng on October 21, 2021, 12:17:50 PM
As existential cognitive dissonance, this event handily outdoes Don Henley's "Out on the road today, I saw a Deadhead sticker on a Cadillac ...."
:laugh:

Re not having that t-shirt to sell (or having had one in the past, then used it as a car rag):   "........Don't look back.  You can never look back."

PD
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on October 21, 2021, 01:16:57 PM
Quote from: Pohjolas Daughter on October 21, 2021, 01:08:25 PM
:laugh:

Re not having that t-shirt to sell (or having had one in the past, then used it as a car rag):   "........Don't look back.  You can never look back."

PD

(* chortle *)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Spotted Horses on October 21, 2021, 01:59:16 PM
Quote from: k a rl h e nn i ng on October 19, 2021, 02:10:52 PM
Most Ridiculous News of the Day: 1967 Grateful Dead T-shirt sells for nearly $18,000 in record-breaking auction

A 45 year old relic in what seems to be like-new condition, I've heard stranger things. I wonder how you authenticate such a thing. I can imagine the buyer getting it home and finding a "Made in China" tag inside. :)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on October 24, 2021, 09:03:29 AM
Quote from: Spotted Horses on October 21, 2021, 01:59:16 PM
A 45 year old relic in what seems to be like-new condition, I've heard stranger things. I wonder how you authenticate such a thing. I can imagine the buyer getting it home and finding a "Made in China" tag inside. :)

(* chortle *)

Separately:

Alec Baldwin didn't know prop gun contained live ammunition, according to court documents.

Sure: why in blazes would a prop gun contain live ammo?!
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on October 24, 2021, 09:49:56 AM
Quote from: k a rl h e nn i ng on October 24, 2021, 09:03:29 AM
Separately:

Alec Baldwin didn't know prop gun contained live ammunition, according to court documents.

Sure: why in blazes would a prop gun contain live ammo?!
Karl,

I ran across this article a short while ago in which they suggest that 1) The young woman in charge of those props wasn't doing her job properly and state several incidences of her being careless, etc., and 2) The gun had allegedly been used by some folks on set for target practice (as in using real bullets) and that the real bullets had been kept in the same area as the blanks...and you can guess what happened from there!  :(  https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-10125557/Rust-assistant-director-Dave-Halls-blasted-gun-safety-lapses.html

There also were allegedly incidences of the assistant director not following proper safety protocols too.

PD
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on November 01, 2021, 04:51:24 AM
We may be competing with bots over the holidays...and in general too:  https://businessupside.com/2021/10/28/are-you-competing-with-bots-to-buy-gifts-this-christmas/

PD
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on November 01, 2021, 06:11:40 AM
Unimportant follow-up:

Newton's tiny home has a buyer — again

A 251-square-foot home in Newton is off the market once more.

The home was back on the market earlier this month for $389,900 after a buyer who initially put an offer on the home couldn't find a lender that would finance the home because it was too small.

This time, the home has a no-contingencies, all-cash offer, Hans Brings, the listing agent, said.

The offer was accepted on Oct. 17, Brings said, though for how much — or if it went for a number close to what it was listed for — he declined to reveal. The woman who is purchasing the home will be using it as an investment property, with plans to list it as a short-term rental, Brings said.


(How much it would cost to rent, I don't like to contemplate .... ~KH
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on November 01, 2021, 06:41:36 AM
Quote from: k a rl h e nn i ng on November 01, 2021, 06:11:40 AM
Unimportant follow-up:

Newton's tiny home has a buyer — again

A 251-square-foot home in Newton is off the market once more.

The home was back on the market earlier this month for $389,900 after a buyer who initially put an offer on the home couldn't find a lender that would finance the home because it was too small.

This time, the home has a no-contingencies, all-cash offer, Hans Brings, the listing agent, said.

The offer was accepted on Oct. 17, Brings said, though for how much — or if it went for a number close to what it was listed for — he declined to reveal. The woman who is purchasing the home will be using it as an investment property, with plans to list it as a short-term rental, Brings said.


(How much it would cost to rent, I don't like to contemplate .... ~KH
Karl,

Is this the one that your friends had been trying to sell?  Or the other one that I had found?  Looks like it was the one that I ran across (after googling a bit further).

Not surprised that the buyer decided to use it as a short-term rental place!  This site might give you an idea:  https://www.forrent.com/find/MA/metro-Boston/Boston/beds-studio?msclkid=9eb975de39151fed10d514a1cea80d49&gclid=9eb975de39151fed10d514a1cea80d49&gclsrc=3p.ds  Interesting to try and guess what she might be able to get for it.   Does include parking (a challenge in your area), but unless the downstairs included something even like a fold-away bed/couch, it's quite a bit more limited in terms of who would want to rent it (having to climb a ladder to get into and out of bed could be challenging if not impossible for a lot of folks.  I suspect that the insurance company might require additional changes/modifications to the movable stairs too.

PD
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on November 01, 2021, 06:57:40 AM
Quote from: Pohjolas Daughter on November 01, 2021, 06:41:36 AM
Karl,

Is this the one that your friends had been trying to sell?  Or the other one that I had found?  Looks like it was the one that I ran across (after googling a bit further).

Not surprised that the buyer decided to use it as a short-term rental place!  This site might give you an idea:  https://www.forrent.com/find/MA/metro-Boston/Boston/beds-studio?msclkid=9eb975de39151fed10d514a1cea80d49&gclid=9eb975de39151fed10d514a1cea80d49&gclsrc=3p.ds  Interesting to try and guess what she might be able to get for it.   Does include parking (a challenge in your area), but unless the downstairs included something even like a fold-away bed/couch, it's quite a bit more limited in terms of who would want to rent it (having to climb a ladder to get into and out of bed could be challenging if not impossible for a lot of folks.  I suspect that the insurance company might require additional changes/modifications to the movable stairs too.

PD

The one you ran across.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: greg on November 01, 2021, 01:52:42 PM
Quote from: Pohjolas Daughter on November 01, 2021, 04:51:24 AM
We may be competing with bots over the holidays...and in general too:  https://businessupside.com/2021/10/28/are-you-competing-with-bots-to-buy-gifts-this-christmas/

PD
If anyone is still trying to get a PS5, Sony has reservations for people to sign up who have had a reasonably account Playstation account.
I signed up, so hopefully will get an email in the next few months. I refuse to ever buy from a scalper out of sheer spite, more like I would rather punch them in the face if the world allowed so.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on November 03, 2021, 02:23:49 PM
Talk about 'squeakers':

'Every vote counts.' In Newburyport's mayoral race, there was a difference of just 27 votes
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on November 05, 2021, 06:22:40 AM
From the NY Times newsletter:

On Saturday night, Americans will set their clocks back one hour, but there is a growing movement against the annual fall-back tradition.

It favors permanent daylight saving time, which would lead to lighter winter afternoons and darker winter mornings. The Times's Argument podcast hosted an expert who said that the change would reduce rush-hour vehicle accidents and energy usage. (A bipartisan group of senators has proposed a bill along these lines, and Senator Patty Murray of Washington gave a speech yesterday making the case for it.)

Josh Barro of Insider has made the other side of the argument, writing that the sun shouldn't rise after 8 a.m. in December — and that when the U.S. tried permanent daylight saving time during the 1970s energy crisis, people hated it. Barro's message: Feel free to keep whining, but turn back your clocks.


I love the off-the-cuff surrealism of "the sun shouldn't rise after 8 a.m. in December." (I'll note that I experienced (and survived) this during my stay in St Petersburg.

"when the U.S. tried permanent daylight saving time during the 1970s energy crisis, people hated it." Yes, change anything, and there are some who will complain.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Spotted Horses on November 05, 2021, 06:53:47 AM
Quote from: k a rl h e nn i ng on November 05, 2021, 06:22:40 AM
From the NY Times newsletter:

On Saturday night, Americans will set their clocks back one hour, but there is a growing movement against the annual fall-back tradition.

It favors permanent daylight saving time, which would lead to lighter winter afternoons and darker winter mornings. The Times's Argument podcast hosted an expert who said that the change would reduce rush-hour vehicle accidents and energy usage. (A bipartisan group of senators has proposed a bill along these lines, and Senator Patty Murray of Washington gave a speech yesterday making the case for it.)

Josh Barro of Insider has made the other side of the argument, writing that the sun shouldn't rise after 8 a.m. in December — and that when the U.S. tried permanent daylight saving time during the 1970s energy crisis, people hated it. Barro's message: Feel free to keep whining, but turn back your clocks.


I love the off-the-cuff surrealism of "the sun shouldn't rise after 8 a.m. in December." (I'll note that I experienced (and survived) this during my stay in St Petersburg.

"when the U.S. tried permanent daylight saving time during the 1970s energy crisis, people hated it." Yes, change anything, and there are some who will complain.

I don't know what St Petersburg has to do with it, and I see no "off the cuff surrealism." The time zones should not be artificially manipulated to move daylight to the evening hours from the morning hours, when the result is children reporting to school and people going to work in pitch-black darkness when it wouldn't otherwise be necessary. I remember the imposition of all-year "daylight savings time" in the 70's. People didn't like it, it didn't save any energy and it was one of the more idiotic things Jimmy Carter did.

Where I live, on the winter Solstice, sunrise is 7:36 standard time, sunset 5:40 standard time. The sun rises about 4.5 hours before noon and sets about 5.5 hours after noon, so even standard time is shifted towards evening light at my location. Daylight savings time would sunrise at 8:36, sunset at 6:40, 3.5 hours of daylight before noon and 6.5 hours of daylight after noon. I see no advantage in that. The time shift is disruptive and I would be in favor of year-round standard time.

Noon is, by definition, when the sun is at it's highest point and that should be respected.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: amw on November 05, 2021, 07:00:28 AM
I don't see why we don't just have shorter work days in the winter, so that the majority of working people neither have to report to work before dark nor leave work after dark. That's how people worked for most of human history after all.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Brahmsian on November 05, 2021, 07:37:03 AM
Regarding the spring and fall time changes, see polling station.  :)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: SimonNZ on November 05, 2021, 10:14:47 AM
Plus there's the classic argument that daylight savings causes global warming by adding an extra hour of daylight.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on November 05, 2021, 11:03:46 AM
Quote from: Spotted Horses on November 05, 2021, 06:53:47 AMThe time shift is disruptive and I would be in favor of year-round standard time.

Completely agreed.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on November 11, 2021, 11:10:25 AM
Don't know where to put this.  Is there a general European politics/news thread?  It's certainly not "unimportant".

Concerned about what I've been reading lately...number of issues.  Trying to figure out what is going on in Belarus and slash what is Poland dealing with in terms of immigrants.  There are number of people flocking there trying to escape horrible conditions elsewhere and find a better life.  I do read sites like CNN and the BBC and read things like German aid being sent to the border to help.  What is Belarus' role in all of it?  Latest news:  it seems like Belarus might be willing to disrupt natural gas lines to western Europe due to possible sanctions?  If I'm recalling correctly, I remember previous issues with natural gas...trying to remember all of the details...think that it was Russia being blamed?

I'd love to hear more from those effected and more news in general.

PD
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: JBS on November 11, 2021, 12:13:57 PM
Quote from: Pohjolas Daughter on November 11, 2021, 11:10:25 AM
Don't know where to put this.  Is there a general European politics/news thread?  It's certainly not "unimportant".

Concerned about what I've been reading lately...number of issues.  Trying to figure out what is going on in Belarus and slash what is Poland dealing with in terms of immigrants.  There are number of people flocking there trying to escape horrible conditions elsewhere and find a better life.  I do read sites like CNN and the BBC and read things like German aid being sent to the border to help.  What is Belarus' role in all of it?  Latest news:  it seems like Belarus might be willing to disrupt natural gas lines to western Europe due to possible sanctions?  If I'm recalling correctly, I remember previous issues with natural gas...trying to remember all of the details...think that it was Russia being blamed?

I'd love to hear more from those effected and more news in general.

PD

I'm having a hard time understanding what exactly Putin/Lukashenko expect to gain, beyond distracting from Lukashenko's coup and further energizing Europe's xenophobes.

There's also Bosnia, where the Bosnian Serbs with help from Serbia and possibly from Putin, are trying to achieve the breakup of Bosnia they couldn't achieve in the 1990s.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: André on November 11, 2021, 12:48:14 PM
Quote from: JBS on November 11, 2021, 12:13:57 PM
I'm having a hard time understanding what exactly Putin/Lukashenko expect to gain, beyond distracting from Lukashenko's coup and further energizing Europe's xenophobes.

There's also Bosnia, where the Bosnian Serbs with help from Serbia and possibly from Putin, are trying to achieve the breakup of Bosnia they couldn't achieve in the 1990s.

Both are examples of putinism, attempts to regain influence in former soviet republics or help 'first-degree cousins' like the Serbs in their own attempt to recreate a Great Serbia. The common denominator is to have them move closer to the russian bosom than the european one.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on November 12, 2021, 05:55:45 AM
Found some more news about Bosnia here:  https://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/international-envoy-warns-bosnia-breakup-amid-tensions-80925311

Can't believe this story.  This Colorado community was proof an all-electric, net-zero future is possible. Now that vision is under siege   :'(

https://www.cnn.com/2021/11/11/us/colorado-geos-neighborhood-net-zero-climate/index.html

After all of that hard work, break-throughs and progress?!   >:(

PD
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: LKB on November 12, 2021, 05:37:17 PM
Quote from: André on November 11, 2021, 12:48:14 PM
Both are examples of putinism, attempts to regain influence in former soviet republics or help 'first-degree cousins' like the Serbs in their own attempt to recreate a Great Serbia. The common denominator is to have them move closer to the russian bosom than the european one.

+1

One should never underestimate Putin. Having lost President Dumbass as his willing booster, it should be expected that he'd focus his energy on enhancing his local security, as well as making common cause with Xi wherever possible.

Can Biden continue effectively as the counterweight, given the coming mid-term elections and treasonous behavior of a majority of Republicans in Congress?

I'd like to believe that he can. Despite his obvious limitations, it would seem that Joe Biden is, in fact, a solid moderate who truly has the nation's best interests at heart. Let all who would sustain and strengthen the U.S. support the President, for he is worthy of his office, unlike the previous occupant.

Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Spotted Horses on November 19, 2021, 10:23:48 AM
I went outside to see the near-total lunar eclipse at about 3am. Remarkable sight, with the moon glowing red except for a small slice or light. Would have been more dramatic to stay out for the two hours or so to watch the shadow move across the moon, but didn't seem practical to stay up that long in the wee hours.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Florestan on November 19, 2021, 10:40:32 AM
Quote from: André on November 11, 2021, 12:48:14 PM
the Serbs in their own attempt to recreate a Great Serbia.

This is one of the biggest, most blatant lies in the propaganda war against Serbia and the Serbs and I am greatly astonished to see it is still being circulated in AD 2021.

https://monthlyreview.org/2007/10/01/the-dismantling-of-yugoslavia/ (https://monthlyreview.org/2007/10/01/the-dismantling-of-yugoslavia/)

Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on November 26, 2021, 12:51:23 PM
Good fun!

Opinion: A ranking of 100 — yes, 100 — Christmas songs (https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2018/12/07/100-best-christmas-songs-ranking/)

98. "Santa Baby." The panicky Michael Bublé version that addresses Santa as "buddy" and "pally" and, even more confusingly, "poppy" has been richly and correctly mocked. But here is my bone to pick with the original, especially in 2018: Santa's WHOLE CONCEPT, as far as I can understand it, is that he will give you amazing, wonderful gifts for NOTHING. Yet the singer in this song seems to be laboring under the delusion that to receive elegant presents, she has to sleep with him? Eartha, or whoever else is covering this, you don't have to! This is Santa's only job! If he told you this was part of the equation, he was lying!
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: SimonNZ on November 26, 2021, 01:21:46 PM
Heh. I want to hear "Please, Daddy (Don't Get Drunk This Christmas)" played in malls.

They left off Tom Waits " Christmss Card From A Hooker In Minneapolis".
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on November 26, 2021, 04:03:25 PM
Quote from: SimonNZ on November 26, 2021, 01:21:46 PM
Heh. I want to hear "Please, Daddy (Don't Get Drunk This Christmas)" played in malls.

They left off Tom Waits " Christmss Card From A Hooker In Minneapolis".

I think she also omitted The Pogues, "Fairytale of New York." I loved reading how she hates "Wonderful Christmas Time."
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Dry Brett Kavanaugh on December 02, 2021, 02:59:24 PM
A surgeon was fined $3,000 for amputating patient's wrong leg. I think $3,000 is too harsh.

https://www.cnn.com/2021/12/02/health/austria-surgeon-fine-amputation-scli-intl/index.html

Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: LKB on December 02, 2021, 09:08:52 PM
Quote from: Dry Brett Kavanaugh on December 02, 2021, 02:59:24 PM
A surgeon was fined $3,000 for amputating patient's wrong leg. I think $3,000 is too harsh.

https://www.cnn.com/2021/12/02/health/austria-surgeon-fine-amputation-scli-intl/index.html

Really? If the patient had lived, he would still have needed the other leg amputated, and been left in a significantly worse situation... All due to the carelessness of the surgeon.

Imho, the fine should have been $30,000, with 0 suspended.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: MusicTurner on December 02, 2021, 09:29:16 PM
Quote from: Dry Brett Kavanaugh on December 02, 2021, 02:59:24 PM
A surgeon was fined $3,000 for amputating patient's wrong leg. I think $3,000 is too harsh.

https://www.cnn.com/2021/12/02/health/austria-surgeon-fine-amputation-scli-intl/index.html

Now, could this perhaps-perhaps be a case of subtle irony ... 



(I think so)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: LKB on December 02, 2021, 09:38:34 PM
Quote from: MusicTurner on December 02, 2021, 09:29:16 PM
Now, could this perhaps-perhaps be a case of subtle irony ... 



(I think so)

If so, it's obviously too subtle for me.  :D

Also, my family includes three active nurses and one retired, a surgeon and an anesthesiologist. So l may react a bit more strongly to stories involving malpractice of any sort...
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: MusicTurner on December 02, 2021, 09:44:04 PM
IMO, some compensations for minor stuff can be ridiculously high, as told about occasionally in the international press, but for ruining a person's life due to such carelessness, only millions would do, and that just some of the way ...

There's the case of a woman, Stella Liebeck, spilling McDonald's hot coffee and getting $3 mio in a court case. There were some further details in the case, making it a bit more complicated than the incident itself, yet this is disproportionate, at the opposite end of the scale.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Spotted Horses on December 02, 2021, 10:34:16 PM
Quote from: MusicTurner on December 02, 2021, 09:44:04 PM
IMO, some compensations for minor stuff can be ridiculously high, as told about occasionally in the international press, but for ruining a person's life due to such carelessness, only millions would do, and that just some of way ...

There's the case of a woman, Stella Liebeck, spilling McDonald's hot coffee and getting $3 mio in a court case. There were some further details in the case, making it a bit more complicated than the incident itself, yet this is disproportionate, at the opposite end of the scale.

The initial judgment of $2.7 million in punitive damages was adjusted to $640k, which was three times the compensatory damages (her medical bills). The basis of the claim was that MacDonalds coffee was unreasonably hot, which seems doubtful since their coffee isn't out of line with other coffee vendors (according to wikipedia).
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: milk on December 03, 2021, 10:49:53 PM
https://www.washingtonpost.com/nation/2021/12/03/ikea-denmark-snow-stranded/ (https://www.washingtonpost.com/nation/2021/12/03/ikea-denmark-snow-stranded/)

A massive snowstorm left dozens stranded in an Ikea. They slept on the display beds.

Excerpts:
Store manager Peter Elmose told Ekstra Bladet, a Danish tabloid newspaper, that he encouraged everyone to "pick the exact bed they always have wanted to try."
That evening, they watched television and enjoyed stuffed pork, hot cocoa and risalamande, a Danish rice pudding served during Christmastime, according to DR.
As everyone tucked themselves into bed, Elmose said he strolled around the floors singing good-night songs. In the morning, they had hot coffee and freshly baked cinnamon rolls.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: MusicTurner on December 03, 2021, 11:00:45 PM
Yes, we've had this winter's first snow here, and the storm in Northern Jutland was apparently a big one, 50 trucks got off the roads, etc. Here in Copenhagen, it was just some snow, for a couple of days; but rather nice with a bit of variation away from the very dark and very grey November.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on December 04, 2021, 02:13:38 AM
Quote from: milk on December 03, 2021, 10:49:53 PM
https://www.washingtonpost.com/nation/2021/12/03/ikea-denmark-snow-stranded/ (https://www.washingtonpost.com/nation/2021/12/03/ikea-denmark-snow-stranded/)

A massive snowstorm left dozens stranded in an Ikea. They slept on the display beds.

Excerpts:
Store manager Peter Elmose told Ekstra Bladet, a Danish tabloid newspaper, that he encouraged everyone to "pick the exact bed they always have wanted to try."
That evening, they watched television and enjoyed stuffed pork, hot cocoa and risalamande, a Danish rice pudding served during Christmastime, according to DR.
As everyone tucked themselves into bed, Elmose said he strolled around the floors singing good-night songs. In the morning, they had hot coffee and freshly baked cinnamon rolls.

In case you can't read the Post story, I found one here (with a short video):  https://www.upi.com/Odd_News/2021/12/03/denmark-snowstorm-Ikea-sleepover-Aalborg-Denmark/1261638563791/

Way to go store manager and Ikea!   ;D

Quote from: MusicTurner on December 03, 2021, 11:00:45 PM
Yes, we've had this winter's first snow here, and the storm in Northern Jutland was apparently a big one, 50 trucks got off the roads, etc. Here in Copenhagen, it was just some snow, for a couple of days; but rather nice with a bit of variation away from the very dark and very grey November.
Looks very pretty where you are MT!  I'm hoping to get at some more leaves here today myself (though it will be rather cold outside).

PD
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on December 04, 2021, 08:40:49 AM
Nice!
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on December 04, 2021, 01:31:04 PM
From CNN: CNN fires Chris Cuomo (https://www.cnn.com/2021/12/04/media/cnn-fires-chris-cuomo/index.html)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on December 04, 2021, 03:19:50 PM
Long hours make bad neighbors (https://www.vox.com/the-goods/22810409/work-hours-loneliness-volunteering-overwork-community)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: geralmar on December 04, 2021, 09:32:30 PM
Man gets WWII bomb stuck in bottom:

https://www.ndtv.com/world-news/uk-bullet-in-rectum-case-bomb-squad-called-after-uk-man-gets-wwii-munition-stuck-in-bottom-2636527
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: SimonNZ on December 04, 2021, 10:44:28 PM
"..."slipped and fell" on the device."
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: LKB on December 05, 2021, 12:48:02 AM
Quote from: geralmar on December 04, 2021, 09:32:30 PM
Man gets WWII bomb stuck in bottom:

https://www.ndtv.com/world-news/uk-bullet-in-rectum-case-bomb-squad-called-after-uk-man-gets-wwii-munition-stuck-in-bottom-2636527

He nearly came to a bad end.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Dry Brett Kavanaugh on December 05, 2021, 03:04:06 PM
Negro League baseball players Buck O'Neil and Bud Fowler have been elected to the National Baseball Hall of Fame.


https://www.cnn.com/2021/12/05/us/negro-league-players-baseball-hall-of-fame/index.html
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on December 05, 2021, 03:25:08 PM
Quote from: Dry Brett Kavanaugh on December 05, 2021, 03:04:06 PM
Negro League baseball players Buck O'Neil and Bud Fowler have been elected to the National Baseball Hall of Fame.


https://www.cnn.com/2021/12/05/us/negro-league-players-baseball-hall-of-fame/index.html (https://www.cnn.com/2021/12/05/us/negro-league-players-baseball-hall-of-fame/index.html)


Does the heart good.

Semi-separately ... a 40-foot plinth!

Virginia to dismantle pedestal where Robert E. Lee statue stood in Richmond

Gregory S. Schneider: Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam has agreed to take down the 40-foot granite pedestal that once supported the titanic statue of Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee and became the heart of last year's social justice protests. Once the iconic, graffiti-covered plinth is gone — which is expected by the end of the month — the state will transfer ownership of the surrounding traffic circle to the city of Richmond, officials said Sunday.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Dry Brett Kavanaugh on December 06, 2021, 01:26:47 PM
Ilhan Omar expects Speaker Nancy Pelosi to take a decisive action on Republican Rep. Lauren Boebert for the latter's "terrorist" remark.

https://www.cnn.com/2021/12/06/politics/ilhan-omar-lauren-boebert/index.html
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: T. D. on December 07, 2021, 01:24:46 PM
https://www.cnbc.com/2021/12/06/hedge-fund-pioneer-michael-steinhardt-surrenders-stolen-antiquities-vance-says-.html

Another Wall St. legend revealed to have feet of clay.  :o :'( :laugh:
Pretty slimy, he obviously knew the stuff was hot but didn't care.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on December 07, 2021, 02:28:12 PM
Who is telling Romanians they shouldn't say "Merry Christmas?"

We've had American wackos whingeing about supposed "wars on Christmas" for years now. You may recall that the disgraced former president, little energy though he could devote to governing, took opportunity to assure Evangelicals that they'd still be able to say "Merry Christmas," but it was all straw then, and remains straw this season.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: SimonNZ on December 07, 2021, 02:51:09 PM
Considering how little Christmas has to do with Christianity and how much more it is derived from paganism and regional folk traditions, I don't understand why...

...meh, forget it, I don't really care.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: SimonNZ on December 07, 2021, 03:02:06 PM
Quote from: Florestan on December 07, 2021, 02:56:47 PM
Considering how little you know about Romania and Romanian Christianity*, I don't understand why...

* ie, nothing at all, like in nothing at all --- prove me wrong if I'm wrong...

Would understanding Romanian Christianity really make me think the so-called "war on christmas" is anything other than an utterly unimportant insincere nonsense barbarians-at-the-gate fearmongering click-bait knee-jerk culture war and cynical electioneering cudgel?
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: greg on December 07, 2021, 03:03:44 PM
Quote from: Florestan on December 07, 2021, 02:39:12 PM
https://www.politico.eu/article/european-commission-cancel-christmas-inclusive-language-lgbtq/ (https://www.politico.eu/article/european-commission-cancel-christmas-inclusive-language-lgbtq/)
Dumb political correctness strikes again.
The ironic thing is their form of being nice is assuming non-Christians who don't celebrate Christmas are intolerant and easily offended.
Why can't we all just say "Happy xxxxxxxx?" whatever we celebrate and then just respond likewise?
At my last two workplaces, we celebrate Diwali each year (even though I never heard of it before then), and it's all good. Actually, I do miss the food for the last two years not being able to go in office.
It's a really psychotic attitude IMO, it's like some weirdo asking people if he's ugly, and if so, he'll cut off his face or wear a mask in order to not be offensive. It's so dumb.  :P
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on December 07, 2021, 03:56:10 PM
Recently, an investigation into the history of the phrase "Happy Holidays" as a seasonal greeting in the United States by self-described history nerd Jeremy Aldrich turned up its usage as early as 1863, in the Philadelphia Inquirer. By the middle of the 20th century, the phrase was well established in popular usage, as shown in a study of ads run by the R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company of Winston-Salem, North Carolina, in Carolina Magazine from 1935 to 1942 to encourage giving the gift of tobacco.

A 1937 ad proclaimed: "A gift of Camels says, 'Happy Holidays and Happy Smoking!'" Other ads from the 1930s and early 1940s stuck to "Season's Greetings," but all featured jolly, grinning Santa Clauses, reindeer, Christmas trees and other recognizable Christmas symbols. (https://www.history.com/news/the-war-of-words-behind-happy-holidays)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on December 07, 2021, 03:59:48 PM
SAYING "HAPPY HOLIDAYS" | IS IT SUCH A RECENT THING? (https://blog.newspapers.library.in.gov/saying-happy-holidays-is-it-such-a-recent-thing/)

... Contrary to popular belief, using "happy holidays" in United States goes back to as early as the 1840s. Peruse some historic newspapers and you'll get a sense of how far back it actually goes. The December 25, 1843 issue of the New York Herald and the New York Daily Tribune ran a poem entitled, "The Christmas Holidays" ....
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: JBS on December 07, 2021, 05:41:17 PM
Quote from: Florestan on December 07, 2021, 03:15:26 PM
Your understanding Romanian Christianity would hopefully make you realize, and possibly accept, that there are whole peoples out there which do not share, and do not subscribe to, your worldview. We know nothing about culture war or electioneering. If you will ever happen to come to Romania, just let me know --- I will show you our way, and if after that you will still want to go back to NZ, then so be it.

Simon's comments may not be applicable to Romania, but they are certainly valid in the context of the US. Christmas here is a weird amalgam of religious and secular in which the secular components allow those who wish to pretend the religious component does not exist to expect everyone else join them in that pretense. Some non-Christians (both atheists of Christian origin and those like me who belong to non-Christian communities) join in, others look for alternate ways of dealing with the fact that 95% or more Americans celebrate in some way. Meanwhile the gift-giving aspect has become a gigantic factor in the American economy.  Social conservatives bewail the fact that not everyone celebrates Christmas and declare there's a War on Christmas. And some very sincere Christians try to get everyone to understand that Christmas is at bottom a Christian holiday despite the heavy overlay of secularity and traditions that derive from pre-Christian Europe.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on December 07, 2021, 06:24:58 PM
Quote from: JBS on December 07, 2021, 05:41:17 PM
Simon's comments may not be applicable to Romania, but they are certainly valid in the context of the US. Christmas here is a weird amalgam of religious and secular in which the secular components allow those who wish to pretend the religious component does not exist to expect everyone else join them in that pretense. Some non-Christians (both atheists of Christian origin and those like me who belong to non-Christian communities) join in, others look for alternate ways of dealing with the fact that 95% or more Americans celebrate in some way. Meanwhile the gift-giving aspect has become a gigantic factor in the American economy.  Social conservatives bewail the fact that not everyone celebrates Christmas and declare there's a War on Christmas. And some very sincere Christians try to get everyone to understand that Christmas is at bottom a Christian holiday despite the heavy overlay of secularity and traditions that derive from pre-Christian Europe.

Those sincere Christians are welcome to their own observances, of course. They have to let go of their fantasy that they can regulate what Christmas means to everyone else.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: JBS on December 07, 2021, 06:33:57 PM
Quote from: k a rl h e nn i ng on December 07, 2021, 06:24:58 PM
Those sincere Christians are welcome to their own observances, of course. They have to let go of their fantasy that they can regulate what Christmas means to everyone else.

The ones I refer to as sincere Christians are not the ones who think Happy Holidays is a Marxist slogan.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on December 07, 2021, 06:53:40 PM
Quote from: JBS on December 07, 2021, 06:33:57 PM
The ones I refer to as sincere Christians are not the ones who think Happy Holidays is a Marxist slogan.

Fair enough.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Dry Brett Kavanaugh on December 07, 2021, 07:45:41 PM
A little old poll results (2019). More than 70% of Americans hold direct or indirect creationist view. Less than 30% of Americans hold a (genuine) evolutionist view.

https://news.gallup.com/poll/21814/evolution-creationism-intelligent-design.aspx
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: JBS on December 07, 2021, 08:37:08 PM
Quote from: Dry Brett Kavanaugh on December 07, 2021, 07:45:41 PM
A little old poll results (2019). More than 70% of Americans hold direct or indirect creationist view. Less than 30% of Americans hold a (genuine) evolutionist view.

https://news.gallup.com/poll/21814/evolution-creationism-intelligent-design.aspx

According to the generally used definition of creationism (see here for an example: https://www.britannica.com/topic/creationism) 44% of Americans are creationists, while the rest accept evolution.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: drogulus on December 08, 2021, 07:29:31 AM

     In my view only young earth creationists qualify. The notion that a Big Thing created things so that they appear to have processed from prior natural states leaves no work for a Big Thing to do. We have no record of a natural state popping into existence. As important, we have no record of "nothing", even as an "other than". Just as zero is not a number, but a mere numeral indicating absence of a number, "nothing" is all concept, no cattle. It doesn't even not exist. (http://www.good-music-guide.com/community/Smileys/classic/tongue.gif)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on December 08, 2021, 09:45:07 AM
I was very sorry to read this recent news:

Mark Cavendish: British cyclist assaulted by armed men during burglary at his home  https://www.bbc.com/sport/cycling/59585168

"British cyclist Mark Cavendish was assaulted by four armed men during a burglary at his home on 27 November.

Cavendish, 36, said he, his wife Peta and their children were threatened "at knifepoint" by the men and he was "violently attacked".

The Manx rider was suffering from two broken ribs and a collapsed lung sustained in a crash on 21 November.

Essex Police said none of the family sustained serious injuries but were "incredibly shaken" by the incident."


PD

Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: MusicTurner on December 08, 2021, 09:54:13 AM
Quote from: Pohjolas Daughter on December 08, 2021, 09:45:07 AM
I was very sorry to read this recent news:

Mark Cavendish: British cyclist assaulted by armed men during burglary at his home  https://www.bbc.com/sport/cycling/59585168

"British cyclist Mark Cavendish was assaulted by four armed men during a burglary at his home on 27 November.

Cavendish, 36, said he, his wife Peta and their children were threatened "at knifepoint" by the men and he was "violently attacked".

The Manx rider was suffering from two broken ribs and a collapsed lung sustained in a crash on 21 November.

Essex Police said none of the family sustained serious injuries but were "incredibly shaken" by the incident."


PD

Yes, a crazy story, and cynically speaking, he doesn't belong to the class of high-caliber multi-millionaires, you'd suppose to risk such risky robberies. Without knowing any details, I'd still think options for solving such an assault case would normally be quite good.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on December 08, 2021, 10:38:12 AM
Quote from: MusicTurner on December 08, 2021, 09:54:13 AM
Yes, a crazy story, and cynically speaking, he doesn't belong to the class of high-caliber multi-millionaires, you'd suppose to risk such risky robberies. Without knowing any details, I'd still think options for solving such an assault case would normally be quite good.
I imagine that he's probably been at the receiving end for some nice endorsement deals over the years?  Perhaps they didn't even know whose house they were breaking into?  Or they thought that if he's out of the hospital, that he would be too incapacitated to be able to fight back?

In any event, I'm rather surprised that he didn't have an alarm system in place?  Or maybe he deactivated it because he was at home?

I do hope (with all of those street, etc., cameras that I've heard of that they are able to figure out who all did it...maybe caught the license plate at some point?) that they get the thieves.

PD
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: MusicTurner on December 08, 2021, 10:42:29 AM
Quote from: Pohjolas Daughter on December 08, 2021, 10:38:12 AM
I imagine that he's probably been at the receiving end for some nice endorsement deals over the years?  Perhaps they didn't even know whose house they were breaking into?  Or they thought that if he's out of the hospital, that he would be too incapacitated to be able to fight back?

In any event, I'm rather surprised that he didn't have an alarm system in place?  Or maybe he deactivated it because he was at home?

I do hope (with all of those street, etc., cameras that I've heard of that they are able to figure out who all did it...maybe caught the license plate at some point?) that they get the thieves.

PD

He has earned a good deal, some years apparently 3 mio. Euros, but still, I doubt there's very much to find at his home ... and the risk of trying, while the family is at home, is considerable ...
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on December 08, 2021, 10:44:30 AM
Quote from: MusicTurner on December 08, 2021, 10:42:29 AM
He has earned a good deal, some years apparently 3 mio. Euros, but still, I doubt there's very much to find at his home ... and the risk of trying, while the family is at home, is considerable ...
Very true!

PD
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: André on December 08, 2021, 11:58:01 AM
Quote from: drogulus on December 08, 2021, 07:29:31 AM
     In my view only young earth creationists qualify. The notion that a Big Thing created things so that they appear to have processed from prior natural states leaves no work for a Big Thing to do. We have no record of a natural state popping into existence. As important, we have no record of "nothing", even as an "other than". Just as zero is not a number, but a mere numeral indicating absence of a number, "nothing" is all concept, no cattle. It doesn't even not exist. (http://www.good-music-guide.com/community/Smileys/classic/tongue.gif)

That's an interesting POV.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: MusicTurner on December 09, 2021, 07:48:41 AM
"Camel escapes Nativity scene and leads police on day-long chase" :

https://www.itv.com/news/2021-12-09/camel-escapes-nativity-scene-and-leads-police-on-day-long-chase
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on December 09, 2021, 07:53:34 AM
Quote from: MusicTurner on December 09, 2021, 07:48:41 AM
"Camel escapes Nativity scene and leads police on day-long chase" :

https://www.itv.com/news/2021-12-09/camel-escapes-nativity-scene-and-leads-police-on-day-long-chase
Oh, no! lol  Glad that it wasn't hurt nor the officers!

PD
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: MusicTurner on December 09, 2021, 07:58:54 AM
Quote from: Pohjolas Daughter on December 09, 2021, 07:53:34 AM
Oh, no! lol  Glad that it wasn't hurt nor the officers!

PD

The whole Nativity thing didn't make much sense to it, apparently  ;D
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on December 15, 2021, 08:48:50 AM
Love this story!  Love the fox!  :)

https://www.nbcnews.com/news/world/artist-uses-frozen-finland-lake-massive-canvas-rcna8690

PD
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: MusicTurner on December 15, 2021, 08:53:39 AM
Quote from: Pohjolas Daughter on December 15, 2021, 08:48:50 AM
Love this story!  Love the fox!  :)

https://www.nbcnews.com/news/world/artist-uses-frozen-finland-lake-massive-canvas-rcna8690

PD

Impressive, and beautiful.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: greg on December 17, 2021, 03:05:31 PM
So I was wondering if there was a rapper called Lil ADHD.
After a search, yeah, someone has that name on soundcloud.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on December 21, 2021, 03:39:20 AM
I found this story quite surprising:  Kosovo agrees to rent prison cells to Denmark to ease overcrowding

On the BBC website:

"In total, Kosovo is due to receive a total of €210m over the next 10 years for renting the prison in Gjilan, some 50km (30 miles) from the capital, Pristina, from 2023. Danish ministers were due to visit the jail on Tuesday.
"[The agreement] will create space in our prisons and ease the pressure on our prison officers at the same time as it also sends a clear signal to third-country nationals sentenced to deportation: Your future does not lie in Denmark, and you must therefore not serve time here," Danish Justice Minister Nick Haekkerup said in a statement.
"

There's more to it here:  https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-59740324

I wonder how this is being viewed in Denmark?

PD
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: MusicTurner on December 21, 2021, 04:14:49 AM
It sounds rather absurd, obviously. Overall, the Danish prison sector has been too strained by various governments since about 2005. Now it lacks space, staff and ressources, and this is an attempt at an easy solution, supported also by right-wingers because of the generally harsher conditions on  the Balkans, as a preventive measure to avoid future 'travellers in crime'  here etc. Allegedly, it would take 10 years to establish suitable, new prison facilities in DK, and officially, the new Kosovo prisons will be run according to Danish rules and with Danish leadership. Apparently, Kosovo finds this attractive due to the funds given, and the implied modernization/education measures, with a payment of about 150 mio Euros.

Most of the Danish political parties voted for, but there's obviously also critique; the prison clientele, sentenced to expulsion and having double or non-Danish citizenship, isn't just touring criminals. Some have family/children raised in DK, and even though you can get support for visits, this probably means only skype contact for them onwards. You could also see this as an attempt of outsourcing or even privatizing the prison sector - as a 'cosmetic' repair of an essentially failed policy. Prisons are run by the state here. And the sentencing authorities should also run the punishment part, by principle and as their responsibility. Norway tried the same thing in the Netherlands, but had to give up, due to conflicts that could rise between the two law systems, for example when crimes took place in the prisons etc. I find it hard to believe that new facilities can't be established relatively quickly at home in DK, maybe via some re-organizing between sectors and prison groups. But it's a part of the very hard-line immigration signalling, that has been by far the most regrettable aspect of our otherwise quite good, current government.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on December 22, 2021, 08:54:58 AM
A dinosaur embryo, exceptionally preserved in an egg about to hatch, reveals links to birds (https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2021/12/22/dinosaur-embryo-egg-china-oviraptorosaur/)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on December 22, 2021, 09:06:09 AM
Quote from: k a rl h e nn i ng on December 22, 2021, 08:54:58 AM
A dinosaur embryo, exceptionally preserved in an egg about to hatch, reveals links to birds (https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2021/12/22/dinosaur-embryo-egg-china-oviraptorosaur/)
Cool!

PD
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: T. D. on December 22, 2021, 07:58:37 PM
https://apnews.com/article/oddities-florida-10e4d1f9a3ac418578b7cd38341c70e4

CLEARWATER, Fla. (AP) — Florida authorities said they found cocaine and methamphetamine wrapped around a man's penis during a traffic stop, but the man denied the drugs were his.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on December 22, 2021, 08:02:32 PM
Quote from: T. D. on December 22, 2021, 07:58:37 PM
https://apnews.com/article/oddities-florida-10e4d1f9a3ac418578b7cd38341c70e4

CLEARWATER, Fla. (AP) — Florida authorities said they found cocaine and methamphetamine wrapped around a man's penis during a traffic stop, but the man denied the drugs were his.

Mercy, but I chuckled!
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: T. D. on December 22, 2021, 08:56:44 PM
If one needed any more reasons not to use illicit drugs... :laugh:
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: LKB on December 22, 2021, 09:08:59 PM
Quote from: k a rl h e nn i ng on December 22, 2021, 08:02:32 PM
Mercy, but I chuckled!

Fodder for late night comedians, no doubt.

Don't let them steal from you, TD...
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on December 22, 2021, 09:24:47 PM
Quote from: T. D. on December 22, 2021, 08:56:44 PM
If one needed any more reasons not to use illicit drugs... :laugh:

Hey, I'm just the mule!
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on December 25, 2021, 09:16:42 PM
This story warmed my heart:  Nurse goes beyond duty and rescues a hospitalized patient's dog from the shelter

https://www.cnn.com/2021/12/25/us/nurse-rescue-dog-patient-hospital-rome-new-york/index.html

PD
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on December 26, 2021, 02:35:24 AM
Quote from: Pohjolas Daughter on December 25, 2021, 09:16:42 PM
This story warmed my heart:  Nurse goes beyond duty and rescues a hospitalized patient's dog from the shelter

https://www.cnn.com/2021/12/25/us/nurse-rescue-dog-patient-hospital-rome-new-york/index.html

PD

Nice!
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on December 29, 2021, 09:01:25 AM
11 epic mysteries scientists totally can't solve (https://www.vox.com/science-and-health/22837897/11-epic-mysteries-scientists-totally-cant-solve)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: T. D. on January 07, 2022, 05:43:23 PM
Dreaming about becoming an Olympic hero?

https://www.news.com.au/sport/olympics/swimming/emily-seebohm-reveals-shockingly-low-pay-for-aussie-elite-swim-stars/news-story/d38c09557dba3111bf169abdf7fa1bd9

Top 8 Australian national team swimmers (presumably women's team? article is not clear) have a contract for A$30,000 (about US$21,500) per year.
But they get bonuses for Olympic medals! A$20,000 (about US$14,360) for gold, if they don't retire.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on January 11, 2022, 09:22:12 AM
Maya Angelou to become the first Black woman to appear on U.S. quarter as Treasury rollout begins
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Spotted Horses on January 11, 2022, 09:42:14 AM
The last two times I dropped by a Starbucks the bakery case was basically empty. The supply chain crisis, omicron, Joe Biden's war on bacon? Impossible to tell, buy my diet has improved.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on January 11, 2022, 09:47:47 AM
Quote from: k a rl h e nn i ng on January 11, 2022, 09:22:12 AM
Maya Angelou to become the first Black woman to appear on U.S. quarter as Treasury rollout begins
Cool!  Though sad that it took this long for it to happen.

Quote from: Spotted Horses on January 11, 2022, 09:42:14 AM
The last two times I dropped by a Starbucks the bakery case was basically empty. The supply chain crisis, omicron, Joe Biden's war on bacon? Impossible to tell, buy my diet has improved.
Bakery case and bacon...are we talking mini-quiches here or? :)

Well, good to hear that your diet has improved...though albeit reluctantly.  Personally, I miss the days of making crab meat quiches (with nice large and good crab!).  The price per pound of it is crazy now!  :'(

PD
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Spotted Horses on January 11, 2022, 09:49:38 AM
Quote from: Pohjolas Daughter on January 11, 2022, 09:47:47 AMBakery case and bacon...are we talking mini-quiches here or? :)

Basically the Starbucks version of an Egg McMuffin.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on January 11, 2022, 09:57:58 AM
Quote from: Spotted Horses on January 11, 2022, 09:49:38 AM
Basically the Starbucks version of an Egg McMuffin.
Gotcha!  I did discover, not that long ago, that one can buy rounds of ham/Canadian bacon(?) that are perfect for making at home Egg McMuffins.  The hardest part is getting the fried egg to be the right size so that it doesn't hang over the edge.  There's probably some sort of ring form that I could use in a pan.  In any event, topped with some melted cheese:   yum!

PD
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Spotted Horses on January 11, 2022, 10:00:23 AM
Quote from: Pohjolas Daughter on January 11, 2022, 09:57:58 AM
Gotcha!  I did discover, not that long ago, that one can buy rounds of ham/Canadian bacon(?) that are perfect for making at home Egg McMuffins.  The hardest part is getting the fried egg to be the right size so that it doesn't hang over the edge.  There's probably some sort of ring form that I could use in a pan.  In any event, topped with some melted cheese:   yum!

PD

And in that case you would be sure the egg is really an egg, the bacon is really bacon, and the bun is really made from grain products, unlike at MacDonalds. :)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on January 11, 2022, 10:12:51 AM
Quote from: Spotted Horses on January 11, 2022, 10:00:23 AM
And in that case you would be sure the egg is really an egg, the bacon is really bacon, and the bun is really made from grain products, unlike at MacDonalds. :)
Eek!  I use real (normally organic, etc.) eggs, real ham or bacon and real English muffins.  What does MacDonalds use?  ???

PD
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Spotted Horses on January 11, 2022, 10:18:03 AM
Quote from: Pohjolas Daughter on January 11, 2022, 10:12:51 AMWhat does MacDonalds use?  ???

Who knows really? :)

Chicken McNuggets have been found to come in four distinct shapes, suggesting they are synthesized in some sort of reactor. :)

Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on January 11, 2022, 10:32:48 AM
Quote from: Spotted Horses on January 11, 2022, 10:18:03 AM
Who knows really? :)

Chicken McNuggets have been found to come in four distinct shapes, suggesting they are synthesized in some sort of reactor. :)
"Reactor"?   ???  Some sort of form mold me thinks.   I remember (years ago) learning that they couldn't call their shakes "milk shakes" because there wasn't enough milk in them--recall hearing that there was also a kind of "digestible plastic" in them.   ???

PD
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: North Star on January 11, 2022, 02:26:45 PM
Quote from: Pohjolas Daughter on January 11, 2022, 09:57:58 AM
Gotcha!  I did discover, not that long ago, that one can buy rounds of ham/Canadian bacon(?) that are perfect for making at home Egg McMuffins.  The hardest part is getting the fried egg to be the right size so that it doesn't hang over the edge.  There's probably some sort of ring form that I could use in a pan.  In any event, topped with some melted cheese:   yum!

PD
One of these babies should do the job, depending on the size of your buns of course.
(https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/81PXiBUHqZL._AC_SL1500_.jpg)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on January 12, 2022, 02:34:24 AM
Quote from: North Star on January 11, 2022, 02:26:45 PM
One of these babies should do the job, depending on the size of your buns of course.
(https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/81PXiBUHqZL._AC_SL1500_.jpg)
Thanks!

PD
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: André on January 12, 2022, 07:04:56 AM
Quote from: Pohjolas Daughter on January 11, 2022, 09:57:58 AM
Gotcha!  I did discover, not that long ago, that one can buy rounds of ham/Canadian bacon(?) that are perfect for making at home Egg McMuffins.  The hardest part is getting the fried egg to be the right size so that it doesn't hang over the edge.  There's probably some sort of ring form that I could use in a pan.  In any event, topped with some melted cheese:   yum!

PD

That's the only kind I know. Are there others ?
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on January 12, 2022, 07:17:45 AM
Quote from: André on January 12, 2022, 07:04:56 AM
That's the only kind I know. Are there others ?
I suspect that what I purchased at the time was rather just ham slices cut into circles.

And I did also find these (which might work better for me as I would not normally be feeding breakfast to a half-dozen people.  ;)

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07Z51X66W/ref=as_li_tf_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B07Z51X66W&SubscriptionId=&linkCode=as2&tag=bestprodtagk70045-20&th=1

PD
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on January 12, 2022, 10:40:28 AM
Quote from: André on January 12, 2022, 07:04:56 AM
That's the only kind I know. Are there others ?

Here in the states, Canadian bacon is also known as Taylor ham, I think.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: André on January 12, 2022, 12:06:43 PM
Quote from: k a rl h e nn i ng on January 12, 2022, 10:40:28 AM
Here in the states, Canadian bacon is also known as Taylor ham, I think.

More confusion.  :o

I found this article about the so-called canadian bacon :
https://www.huffpost.com/entry/canadian-bacon_n_56e305b4e4b0860f99d8e162 (https://www.huffpost.com/entry/canadian-bacon_n_56e305b4e4b0860f99d8e162)

(https://cdn3.volusion.com/etwvu.tkhop/v/vspfiles/photos/8201-2.jpg)

I've never bought or eaten it. When I read 'canadian bacon' in the posts above I assumed it was what I know simply as bacon.

In Canada canadian bacon loses its nationality. It is called back bacon and is not served very frequently - quite hard to find here actually. What we Canadians call bacon (pure and simple) is the same product found in the USA !
(https://i5.walmartimages.ca/images/Large/219/406/999999-63100219406.jpg)
(https://www.africanbites.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/IMG_3286.jpg)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on January 12, 2022, 04:00:42 PM
Quote from: André on January 12, 2022, 12:06:43 PM
More confusion.  :o

I found this article about the so-called canadian bacon :
https://www.huffpost.com/entry/canadian-bacon_n_56e305b4e4b0860f99d8e162 (https://www.huffpost.com/entry/canadian-bacon_n_56e305b4e4b0860f99d8e162)

(https://cdn3.volusion.com/etwvu.tkhop/v/vspfiles/photos/8201-2.jpg)

I've never bought or eaten it. When I read 'canadian bacon' in the posts above I assumed it was what I know simply as bacon.

In Canada canadian bacon loses its nationality. It is called back bacon and is not served very frequently - quite hard to find here actually. What we Canadians call bacon (pure and simple) is the same product found in the USA !
(https://i5.walmartimages.ca/images/Large/219/406/999999-63100219406.jpg)
(https://www.africanbites.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/IMG_3286.jpg)

Merci. I've at times wondered if the term "Canadian Bacon" might be problematic.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: MusicTurner on January 16, 2022, 11:13:33 PM
Quote from: Pohjolas Daughter on September 29, 2021, 03:26:37 AM
An artist is loaned $84,000 to reproduce two earlier artworks originally made by himself and instead....well, you can read the article for yourself if interested.   :)

https://www.cnn.com/style/article/jens-haaning-kunsten-museum-modern-art/index.html

PD

The money should have been paid back yesterday at the latest, and following statements by the artist - that he won't be paying - the museum has now asked lawyers to deal with it, in a rather low-key manner not involving the police at first. They don't seem to be too keen on the attention nowadays, whereas the artist, who has already had some international success with his conceptual ~art events, appears to sting to it, and to insist on for example budgets and expenses that surely aren't particularly modest.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on January 17, 2022, 04:45:30 AM
Quote from: MusicTurner on January 16, 2022, 11:13:33 PM
The money should have been paid back yesterday at the latest, and following statements by the artist - that he won't be paying - the museum has now asked lawyers to deal with it, in a rather low-key manner not involving the police at first. They don't seem to be too keen on the attention nowadays, whereas the artist, who has already had some international success with his conceptual ~art events, appears to sting to it, and to insist on for example budgets and expenses that surely aren't particularly modest.
Thank you for the update MT.  Wonder how this will end?  From what I recall, that would have been way, way, too much money for that museum to have afforded...though I think that what they had offered to pay him was very little too, but he agreed to it.

PD
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: LKB on January 17, 2022, 04:56:33 AM
This is nothing but simple thievery. I hope the " artist " is jailed and forced to make restitution.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: LKB on January 19, 2022, 09:11:53 AM
I just sent this to the former Scumbag-in- Chief:

" Just a simple reminder, sir, that you are the embodiment of everything that all true Americans should strive to avoid.  While many in the GOP ( Greedy, Obsequious Pussies ) continue their pathetic currying in hopes that your treasonous behavior will in some corrosive way benefit their political fortunes, I applaud the Party of Lincoln in their successful endeavor to help prevent your re-election. For you are, in fact, the the utter enemy of all who would preserve American democracy, and while l can't speak to your " political acumen ", I am in complete agreement with Mr. Tillerson's famous assessment of your intellectual capacity. May all your political endeavors continually fail, and your influence wane into oblivion.

Sincerely,

David Cavissi "

Sure, easy pickings and all that, and not the classiest behavior. But I'm tired after working 2300-0700, energy is low etc. So l took the easy route, and l won't apologize since I'm sure he'll never be exposed to it in any case.

G'night!
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: T. D. on January 19, 2022, 02:33:26 PM
https://www.nytimes.com/2022/01/18/magazine/ai-technology-poker.html

Good poker players have always known that they need to maintain a balance between bluffing and playing it straight. Now they can do so perfectly.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on January 24, 2022, 07:25:06 AM
Google deceived consumers about how it profits from their location data, attorneys general allege in lawsuits
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: T. D. on January 25, 2022, 07:15:26 AM
https://www.cnbc.com/2022/01/24/bob-dylan-sells-recorded-music-catalog-to-sony-music-entertainment.html

Sony Music Entertainment has acquired the entire recorded music catalog of Bob Dylan, the company announced Monday.

"Columbia Records and Rob Stringer have been nothing but good to me for many, many years and a whole lot of records," Dylan said in a statement. "I'm glad that all my recordings can stay where they belong."

The deal includes all of the famed singer's previous albums dating back to 1962 as well as the rights to multiple future releases. The deal closed in July 2021 and is estimated to be worth between $150 million and $200 million, according to Variety.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: MusicTurner on January 25, 2022, 07:46:28 AM
Due to his wealth & overall work list, got interested in Dylan's lifestyle; there are photos from a Harlem home he sold recently, and actually it's rather disappointingly bland and conservative, with traits of the ~moderately palatial:

https://www.elledecor.com/celebrity-style/celebrity-homes/a9084132/bob-dylan-house/
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on January 25, 2022, 08:20:37 AM
MFA to return stolen 17th-century painting to heirs of Jewish collector

By Malcolm Gay Globe Staff, Updated January 24, 2022, 3:23 p.m.

The Museum of Fine Arts has agreed to return a 17th century Dutch painting to the heirs of a Jewish collector, resolving longstanding concerns over the artwork's spotty ownership history.

The agreement restores ownership of the looted painting to the heirs of Ferenc Chorin, a Hungarian industrialist who placed the artwork in a bank vault before fleeing Hungary during World War II.

Chorin's heirs intend to auction the painting this April in New York at Christie's Old Masters sale, where it is expected to fetch between $500,000 and $700,000. The painting, titled "View of Beverwijk" (1646) by Salomon van Ruysdael, depicts a rural scene on the outskirts of Beverwijk, north of Haarlem in the Netherlands. It went on public view over the weekend.

"I am so pleased that we were able to quickly come to a resolution, leading to the return of the painting to its rightful owners," said MFA director Matthew Teitelbaum. "As a museum, we will continue to do our part to determine the rightful ownership of objects we hold in trust."

The agreement, which comes amid mounting pressure on museums to return stolen objects, is one of numerous claims the MFA has resolved in recent years. In 2017, the museum paid to retain a group of porcelain figurines sold amid Nazi persecution in 1937, and in 2014 it repatriated a group of looted Nigerian artifacts.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on January 25, 2022, 08:32:05 AM
Quote from: MusicTurner on January 25, 2022, 07:46:28 AM
Due to his wealth & overall work list, got interested in Dylan's lifestyle; there are photos from a Harlem home he sold recently, and actually it's rather disappointingly bland and conservative, with traits of the ~moderately palatial:

https://www.elledecor.com/celebrity-style/celebrity-homes/a9084132/bob-dylan-house/
I wonder how much of that was staging?  And dang, no photos of his stereo setup/music room?!

PD
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: MusicTurner on January 25, 2022, 08:37:05 AM
Quote from: Pohjolas Daughter on January 25, 2022, 08:32:05 AM
I wonder how much of that was staging?  And dang, no photos of his stereo setup/music room?!

PD

Of course, there's probably been some priorities and cleaning out, but still, some overall impressions remain ... :)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: T. D. on January 25, 2022, 11:33:37 AM
Quote from: MusicTurner on January 25, 2022, 08:37:05 AM
Of course, there's probably been some priorities and cleaning out, but still, some overall impressions remain ... :)

Thanks, very interesting!
I had no idea Dylan resided in Harlem (granted, Striver's Row was even then a rather genteel enclave therein  ;) ).

The photos were all taken from the CURRENT OWNER'S real estate listing (credited to Barbara Corcoran's real estate brokerage), nothing to do with how Dylan decorated the place. Dylan sold it to them way back in 2000.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: MusicTurner on January 25, 2022, 12:05:03 PM
Thanks, sorry, I missed that detail, so it's uncertain how much of the interior decoration was left by Dylan, and obviously none of the furniture. So maybe his taste is less conventional.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on January 25, 2022, 12:05:42 PM
Quote from: T. D. on January 25, 2022, 11:33:37 AM
Thanks, very interesting!
I had no idea Dylan resided in Harlem (granted, Striver's Row was even then a rather genteel enclave therein  ;) ).

The photos were all taken from the CURRENT OWNER'S real estate listing (credited to Barbara Corcoran's real estate brokerage), nothing to do with how Dylan decorated the place. Dylan sold it to them way back in 2000.

Ah, illuming!
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: T. D. on January 25, 2022, 12:26:13 PM
I took some time to carefully read the story, because I always got the impression Dylan was extremely private and couldn't imagine him having a residence profiled in a magazine (which generally requires retaining a PR agent to engineer).

Doesn't look like the owner (seller) is playing the Dylan card at all in her 2017 listing (and Dylan sold in 2000). So I'll attribute the decor, layout, modifications to the owner rather than Bob.

I saw "elledecor.com" and thought the site might have been connected with Elle magazine. But it appears to be a non-entity that cribs photos of "celebrity residences" from real estate listings. Not too impressive.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: SimonNZ on January 25, 2022, 02:38:54 PM
I've always heard Malibu as Dylan's main residence
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on January 27, 2022, 06:55:50 AM
Quote from: k a rl h e nn i ng on January 25, 2022, 08:20:37 AM
MFA to return stolen 17th-century painting to heirs of Jewish collector

By Malcolm Gay Globe Staff, Updated January 24, 2022, 3:23 p.m.

The Museum of Fine Arts has agreed to return a 17th century Dutch painting to the heirs of a Jewish collector, resolving longstanding concerns over the artwork's spotty ownership history.

The agreement restores ownership of the looted painting to the heirs of Ferenc Chorin, a Hungarian industrialist who placed the artwork in a bank vault before fleeing Hungary during World War II.

Chorin's heirs intend to auction the painting this April in New York at Christie's Old Masters sale, where it is expected to fetch between $500,000 and $700,000. The painting, titled "View of Beverwijk" (1646) by Salomon van Ruysdael, depicts a rural scene on the outskirts of Beverwijk, north of Haarlem in the Netherlands. It went on public view over the weekend.

"I am so pleased that we were able to quickly come to a resolution, leading to the return of the painting to its rightful owners," said MFA director Matthew Teitelbaum. "As a museum, we will continue to do our part to determine the rightful ownership of objects we hold in trust."

The agreement, which comes amid mounting pressure on museums to return stolen objects, is one of numerous claims the MFA has resolved in recent years. In 2017, the museum paid to retain a group of porcelain figurines sold amid Nazi persecution in 1937, and in 2014 it repatriated a group of looted Nigerian artifacts.
Sorry that I had missed this story earlier.  I'm glad that the heirs were able to get the painting back.

PD
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Spotted Horses on January 28, 2022, 07:28:27 AM
On my facebook wall I kept seeing posts by "Anne Sophie Mutter" followed by replies by "Anne-Sophie Mutter" saying that "Anne Sophie Mutter" is a fake account. (Notice the account claimed to be fake didn't have the hyphen in "Anne-Sophie".) Now I see comments from "Anne-Sophie Mutter" that posts by "Anne-Sophie Mutter" are fake, and both names link to the same facebook account? Is Anne-Sohpie Mutter claiming her own account is fake? Did Facebook merge the accounts? I don't care! All I want is for both of them to disappear from my facebook feed!
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on January 28, 2022, 07:38:49 AM
Quote from: Spotted Horses on January 28, 2022, 07:28:27 AM
On my facebook wall I kept seeing posts by "Anne Sophie Mutter" followed by comments by "Anne-Sophie Mutter" saying that "Anne Sophie Mutter" is a fake account. (Notice the account claimed to be fake didn't have the hyphen in "Anne-Sophie".) Now I see comments from "Anne-Sophie Mutter" that posts by "Anne-Sophie Mutter" are fake, and both names link to the same facebook account? Is Anne-Sohpie Mutter claiming her own account is fake? Did Facebook merge the accounts? I don't care! All I want is for both of them to disappear from my facebook feed!
Bizarre!  :o

PD
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Spotted Horses on January 28, 2022, 07:42:18 AM
Quote from: Pohjolas Daughter on January 28, 2022, 07:38:49 AM
Bizarre!  :o

PD

I discovered I was following Anne-Sophie Mutter (but not Anne Sophie Mutter, apparently). I unfollowed, problem solved! :)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on January 28, 2022, 07:48:37 AM
Quote from: Spotted Horses on January 28, 2022, 07:42:18 AM
I discovered I was following Anne-Sophie Mutter (but not Anne Sophie Mutter, apparently). I unfollowed, problem solved! :)
Ah, mystery solved!
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: MusicTurner on January 28, 2022, 08:02:17 AM
Yes, I noticed it too a while ago (FB will provide you with info about such profiles, if you've shown interest in classical music). The real ASM is the Anne-Sophie Mutter, the one with the 'V' in a blue circle ...

There are many examples of fans creating FB pages allegedly belonging to famous artists, and it's not always obvious what is going on. FB is apparently very tolerant in many cases.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on January 30, 2022, 11:04:02 AM
A woman claimed she was virtually groped by a gang of male avatars in Meta's metaverse, report says (https://www.businessinsider.com/meta-woman-claims-virtually-groped-metaverse-horizon-venues-2022-1#:~:text=A%2043%2Dyear%2Dold%20British,Mail%20on%20Sunday%20first%20reported.&text=According%20to%20Patel%27s%20Medium%20post,took%20screenshots%20for%20several%20minutes.)

Something similar from a purportedly more serious source:

The Metaverse's Dark Side: Here Come Harassment and Assaults (https://www.nytimes.com/2021/12/30/technology/metaverse-harassment-assaults.html)

Words have lost all meaning.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: greg on January 30, 2022, 06:26:41 PM
I didn't read the articles... but from the titles, are they unaware of VR Chat? It's been out for years. I'm sure that happens all the time, this wouldn't be anything new.
Probably they are unaware of it because it would be considered too lowbrow and not connected to any massive corporation, so none of their concern.

Once haptic suits are a thing, I can see the legal aspect of such games being more complicated. At that point, if you put the suit on, you'll just have to accept that anyone, male or female, will be groping your regardless.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: drogulus on February 04, 2022, 09:19:03 AM
     U.S. Exposes What It Says Is Russian Effort to Fabricate Pretext for Invasion (https://www.nytimes.com/2022/02/03/us/politics/russia-ukraine-invasion-pretext.html)

     Also, this:

     https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtoeKH7BQdzEAClIZoH6vdw/about

     The account started up in mid December. I was surprised to learn a US nuclear sub blew up off the coast of China. Also "20 minutes ago! America openly surrendered Ukraine to Russia- Zelensky's fate was decided that night!"
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on February 05, 2022, 06:46:28 AM
Meta forced to add 'personal boundaries' to the metaverse after woman was sexually harassed in virtual reality (https://www.independent.co.uk/tech/meta-personal-boundaries-metaverse-sexual-harass-b2007878.html)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on February 05, 2022, 06:57:17 AM
Quote from: Todd on February 05, 2022, 06:46:28 AM
Meta forced to add 'personal boundaries' to the metaverse after woman was sexually harassed in virtual reality (https://www.independent.co.uk/tech/meta-personal-boundaries-metaverse-sexual-harass-b2007878.html)


Facebook's business model is a disregard for privacy.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: greg on February 05, 2022, 02:45:21 PM
Random find (old news):
Acne sufferers' cells may be protected against aging
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2016/10/161003133005.htm

QuotePeople who have previously suffered from acne are likely to have longer telomeres (the protective repeated nucleotides found at the end of chromosomes) in their white blood cells, meaning their cells could be better protected against aging, scientists have discovered.


Dude... I'm going to age so well if this is true (also taking into not having other bad habits). Although nothing like before, still struggling with it at the age of 34.  :P
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: MusicTurner on February 07, 2022, 07:13:23 AM
Putin now being visited by Macron, but trying to signal a certain distance to Macron's efforts.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on February 07, 2022, 10:03:35 AM
Quote from: MusicTurner on February 07, 2022, 07:13:23 AM
Putin now being visited by Macron, but trying to signal a certain distance to Macron's efforts.

At least (at most?) he's not scrolling through Twitter ....
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: LKB on February 07, 2022, 11:40:40 AM
Quote from: k a rl h e nn i ng on February 07, 2022, 10:03:35 AM
At least (at most?) he's not scrolling through Twitter ....

Are you sure? Not exactly a closeup there...
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: MusicTurner on February 07, 2022, 10:55:50 PM
There are some video sequences from the situation, where Putin also seems to signal a grumpy, distanced mood, with little eye contact etc. He also looks older and less fit.

But this very fine photo from the meeting shows that at least he smiled when Macron entered ...
enjoy 'being' Macron, for a split-second.

Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Florestan on February 08, 2022, 01:09:32 AM
Quote from: MusicTurner on February 07, 2022, 10:55:50 PM
There are some video sequences from the situation, where Putin also seems to signal a grumpy, distanced mood, with little eye contact etc. He also looks older and less fit.

But this very fine photo from the meeting shows that at least he smiled when Macron entered ...
enjoy 'being' Macron, for a split-second.

He smiled like a lion hosting a tomcat for dinner: "Come, kitty, kitty, come to daddy Vlady!"  ;D

Plus, he looks just like John Wayne seconds before taking the pistol out of its sheath.  ;)


Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: MusicTurner on February 08, 2022, 01:39:16 AM
Macron knows his business & has probably read up on intelligence reports, including the personal ones. Maybe he decided to focus a bit on Vlad's current plateau shoes (of which there are worse examples).
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Florestan on February 08, 2022, 01:46:36 AM
Quote from: MusicTurner on February 08, 2022, 01:39:16 AM
Macron knows his business

You think?

I'm not sure what, if anything, he expected from this meeting. It was probably just an electoral stunt in view of the upcoming March elections. Frankly, I think he's not even half as bright as he thinks he is.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: MusicTurner on February 08, 2022, 02:25:16 AM
Admittedly, I don't know your sources   :)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Florestan on February 08, 2022, 02:28:52 AM
Quote from: MusicTurner on February 08, 2022, 02:25:16 AM
Admittedly, I don't know your sources   :)

Macron's own actions and statements as well as his achievements.  ;)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on February 08, 2022, 03:02:54 AM
Quote from: MusicTurner on February 07, 2022, 10:55:50 PM
There are some video sequences from the situation, where Putin also seems to signal a grumpy, distanced mood, with little eye contact etc. He also looks older and less fit.

But this very fine photo from the meeting shows that at least he smiled when Macron entered ...
enjoy 'being' Macron, for a split-second.
Quote from: Florestan on February 08, 2022, 01:09:32 AM
He smiled like a lion hosting a tomcat for dinner: "Come, kitty, kitty, come to daddy Vlady!"  ;D

Plus, he looks just like John Wayne seconds before taking the pistol out of its sheath.  ;)


Were there any fangs showing?
:-\
PD
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Spotted Horses on February 09, 2022, 08:26:02 AM
This is amazing. The JET fusion reaction, under development since 1983, employing 4,500 scientists, built at a cost of several billion dollars, ran for 5 seconds and produced enough energy to boil 30 kettles of water (according to the BBC). That up a factor of two from their results in 1997. Doubling output every 25 years. That means in 2047 we can expect them to boil 60 kettles of water!

https://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-60312633


Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on February 09, 2022, 09:37:29 AM
Quote from: Florestan on February 08, 2022, 01:09:32 AM
He smiled like a lion hosting a tomcat for dinner: "Come, kitty, kitty, come to daddy Vlady!"  ;D

Plus, he looks just like John Wayne seconds before taking the pistol out of its sheath.  ;)




Not your fault, too specialized a word for every non-native speaker, but a pistol is kept in a holster.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on February 09, 2022, 09:39:10 AM
Quote from: Spotted Horses on February 09, 2022, 08:26:02 AM
This is amazing. The JET fusion reaction, under development since 1983, employing 4,500 scientists, built at a cost of several billion dollars, ran for 5 seconds and produced enough energy to boil 30 kettles of water (according to the BBC). That up a factor of two from their results in 1997. Doubling output every 25 years. That means in 2047 we can expect them to boil 60 kettles of water!

https://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-60312633




Tea-drinkers, rejoice!
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on February 09, 2022, 09:40:23 AM
TD

Nun who stole $835K from school to fund gambling habit is going to prison: 'I have sinned'

I like the wry word-play of "gambling habit," here.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on February 09, 2022, 10:03:02 AM
Quote from: k a rl h e nn i ng on February 09, 2022, 09:39:10 AM
Tea-drinkers, rejoice!
:laugh:

Quote from: k a rl h e nn i ng on February 09, 2022, 09:40:23 AM
TD

Nun who stole $835K from school to fund gambling habit is going to prison: 'I have sinned'

I like the wry word-play of "gambling habit," here.
Apparently, she agreed to repay the money; how on earth?!  More gambling?  Bake sales?

PD
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: André on February 09, 2022, 12:02:51 PM
Quote from: Pohjolas Daughter on February 09, 2022, 10:03:02 AM
  :laugh:
Apparently, she agreed to repay the money; how on earth?!  More gambling?  Bake sales?

PD

Her diocese should put padlocks on the poor boxes of its churches... 0:)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on February 09, 2022, 03:22:56 PM
Quote from: André on February 09, 2022, 12:02:51 PM


Her diocese should put padlocks on the poor boxes of its churches... 0:)

"The Penguin in The Blues Brothers was harsh, but she had integrity....
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on February 10, 2022, 01:58:12 AM
"Gazpacho police" are in DC (according to Marjorie Taylor Greene).

https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2022/feb/09/marjorie-taylor-greene-gazpacho-police

"The extremist Republican congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene triggered a wave of viral jokes on Wednesday after ranting about the "gazpacho police" patrolling the Capitol building in Washington DC.

Greene was apparently mixing up the famously cold Spanish soup gazpacho with the Gestapo – the brutal Nazi-era secret police in Germany.

The Georgia congresswoman has made numerous bigoted statements and her spreading of Covid misinformation has seen her ousted from Twitter. She made the most recent comments in an interview on Real America with Dan Ball, produced by the rightwing One America News Network television channel.

"Not only do we have the DC jail which is the DC gulag, but now we have Nancy Pelosi's gazpacho police spying on members of Congress, spying on the legislative work that we do, spying on our staff and spying on American citizens," she said, referring to the Democratic speaker of the House.

Greene did not explain why she thought Pelosi would form a police force inspired by gazpacho soup, nor why it would then carry out such extensive surveillance at the heart of American democracy.

Predictably, Greene's apparent gaffe prompted a wave of internet hilarity and jokes.

"Gazpacho is a cold tomato soup. Gestapo is the Nazi police force. Neither of these things are right," tweeted political journalist Jake Sherman.

"How dare MTG blame Gazpacho, when we all know that Vichyssoise Violence is the real culprit," quipped podcast host Emily Brandwin.

Sarakshi Rai, a senior journalist at the Hill, added: "I was wondering why everybody in DC was tweeting about gazpacho and now I'm just craving some for dinner."
"
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Florestan on February 10, 2022, 02:02:05 AM
Quote from: k a rl h e nn i ng on February 09, 2022, 09:37:29 AM
Not your fault, too specialized a word for every non-native speaker, but a pistol is kept in a holster.

Why, actually I know that a sheath holds a sword not a pistol but I was too lazy to look up for the right word. So, thank you very much for it, Karl.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: greg on February 10, 2022, 08:14:16 AM
I cover the tips of my samurai swords with a gun holster so that before my enemies can even question why I do something so retarded, their heads are already rolling on the ground.

:)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on February 12, 2022, 09:40:44 AM
Snowflake Sarah:

Sarah Palin bombs on witness stand in New York Times trial
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: drogulus on February 12, 2022, 10:38:51 AM

     A  thing happened. Today I read news about Ukraine, trying to figure out when/if the Big Day would arrive, and then I went to YT to check the temperature on my favorite Russian disinfo site to see if I could detect any changes that might signal a move. Much as I rely on the failing mainstream media, the GRU is in a better position to provide the necessaries when it comes to impending military action.

     To my surprise the site is nowhere to be found. I even checked my history, and apparently I never visited the site when it did exist. That's funny, I could have sworn I did.

     Anyway, it might just be an indication that we're getting close to Decision Day. I would like to have seen what was on the channel just before it went down.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on February 12, 2022, 11:45:59 AM
Quote from: drogulus on February 12, 2022, 10:38:51 AM
     A  thing happened. Today I read news about Ukraine, trying to figure out when/if the Big Day would arrive, and then I went to YT to check the temperature on my favorite Russian disinfo site to see if I could detect any changes that might signal a move. Much as I rely on the failing mainstream media, the GRU is in a better position to provide the necessaries when it comes to impending military action.

     To my surprise the site is nowhere to be found. I even checked my history, and apparently I never visited the site when it did exist. That's funny, I could have sworn I did.

     Anyway, it might just be an indication that we're getting close to Decision Day. I would like to have seen what was on the channel just before it went down.

The good news, Ernie, is: we seem still to exist.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: drogulus on February 13, 2022, 01:43:02 PM

     It's baaack....under another name that joined Feb. 6.

     https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWBuArroZbRGJc95ZL2aQ9A/videos
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: LKB on February 13, 2022, 07:08:32 PM
I couldn't find a better thread, so posting this here.

While I am not as certain as l was a few weeks ago, l still think Putin would prefer not to invade Ukraine. He wanted to test Biden and the West, and also gather intel as the West reacted to his gathering of forces near the border.

Any ground force, once it is positioned and  brought to the point of readiness, has a shelf life. Logistics trains are complicated to establish and cannot endure indefinitely. Troops wear out, fuel is expended and supplies are not infinite.

While I'm not 100% confident in my assessment, I suspect that if Putin really wanted to invade, he'd have done so last week, once the ready blood supplies were in place.

I am nothing more than an amateur in the art of war, though l come from a family of warriors. I hope I'm guessing correctly.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: JBS on February 13, 2022, 07:14:47 PM
I suspect Putin has the same attitude to people knowing his plans which led Henry VIII to say (allegedly)
If I thought my hat knew what I think, I would throw it into the fireplace for it to burn.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: LKB on February 13, 2022, 07:32:21 PM
Quote from: JBS on February 13, 2022, 07:14:47 PM
I suspect Putin has the same attitude to people knowing his plans which led Henry VIII to say (allegedly)
If I thought my hat knew what I think, I would throw it into the fireplace for it to burn.

Hah! No doubt...

Putin is one of the worst humans alive. Unfortunately, his intellect is at least sufficient unto his needs, which means he'll almost certainly be able to continue in power for another decade if he chooses.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Spotted Horses on February 13, 2022, 07:58:36 PM
If the Russian's invade it is not going to be a "war." There will be some transparent pretext that Ukraine's government is controlled by fascists, ethnic Russians in Ukraine are being abused, they need to be rescued. Any Ukrainian military resistance will evaporate, there will be a snap election overseen by Russian forces, and the pro-Russian faction will win by a landslide (big surprise). After that Ukraine will be a Russian satellite state again.

Russia is not motivated by aggression, but by paranoia. They have been invaded from the south and west too many times, The Mongol Invasions, the Russo-Crimean War, Napoleon, the Crimean War, World War I and the Caucasus campaign, The Nazi invasion. There is a need to have a buffer of countries in their "sphere of influence" and counties on their borders flirting with NATO is too much.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Florestan on February 14, 2022, 06:51:44 AM
Quote from: Spotted Horses on February 13, 2022, 07:58:36 PM
If the Russian's invade it is not going to be a "war." There will be some transparent pretext that Ukraine's government is controlled by fascists, ethnic Russians in Ukraine are being abused, they need to be rescued. Any Ukrainian military resistance will evaporate, there will be a snap election overseen by Russian forces, and the pro-Russian faction will win by a landslide (big surprise). After that Ukraine will be a Russian satellite state again.

Agreed.

I think there will be no invasion, though.

I also loathe the Western sensationalist media which does nothing but fuel an already burning conflict.

QuoteRussia is not motivated by aggression, but by paranoia. They have been invaded from the south and west too many times, The Mongol Invasions, the Russo-Crimean War, Napoleon, the Crimean War, World War I and the Caucasus campaign, The Nazi invasion. There is a need to have a buffer of countries in their "sphere of influence" and counties on their borders flirting with NATO is too much.

I've said it before and I'm repeating it now: Putin complaining about the Eastern European states having joined NATO is exactly like an inveterate rapist complaining that his former victims have been put under 24/7 police protection.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: T. D. on February 14, 2022, 04:05:45 PM
Three or four bicycle racers got gored by a massive bull during a gravel race in California on Sunday.

Awesome footage at https://www.cxmagazine.com/bull-takes-out-racer-at-2022-rock-cobbler-gravel-race

Most riders were smart enough to give the bull a wide berth, but there were a few exceptions... :o
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on February 16, 2022, 05:16:53 PM
Not hosting the 2024 Summer Olympics is the best thing that never happened to Boston
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: drogulus on February 17, 2022, 09:36:17 AM

     Russia is doing exactly what the sensationalist media expected them to do, creating a pretext for an invasion by claiming a massacre of ethnic Russians that curiously happened in territory controlled by Russian backed separatists. They've also shelled a kindergarten according to the WaPo, which sensationally says:

Shelling near the demarcation line in Ukraine's eastern Donbas region is common, but the wave of activity on Thursday appeared more aggressive than usual. Meanwhile, pro-Russian separatists accused Ukrainian government troops of opening fire on its territory, which Ukraine's Armed Forces denied. Ukrainian soldiers are under instruction not to return fire.

     It doesn't matter that Ukes are instructed not to return fire. If necessary Russia will return fire for them. Got it? Well, all right then.

     Putin may leave the decision to invade for the end of the Olympics. However, experts say invasion readiness decays a bit if the wait is prolonged, and delay favors the defense, so there's that.

     
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Florestan on February 19, 2022, 09:19:02 AM
Day D + 3

Still no trace of Russian invasion of Ukraine.

Western media still pouring gas on fire.



Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on February 20, 2022, 08:32:04 AM
Vast Leak Exposes How Credit Suisse Served Strongmen and Spies (https://www.nytimes.com/2022/02/20/business/credit-suisse-leak-swiss-bank.html)

No way!
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: SimonNZ on February 20, 2022, 12:04:09 PM
Not sure if this has been posted or mentioned elsewhere:

'How is this classical music?' Composers' fury at Grammys shortlist
Outraged musicians say nominations have been 'mis-categorised', allowing pop and jazz artists to compete (https://www.theguardian.com/music/2022/feb/20/how-is-this-classical-music-composers-fury-at-grammys-shortlist)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: greg on February 20, 2022, 01:47:12 PM
Quote from: SimonNZ on February 20, 2022, 12:04:09 PM
Not sure if this has been posted or mentioned elsewhere:

'How is this classical music?' Composers' fury at Grammys shortlist
Outraged musicians say nominations have been 'mis-categorised', allowing pop and jazz artists to compete (https://www.theguardian.com/music/2022/feb/20/how-is-this-classical-music-composers-fury-at-grammys-shortlist)
Quote"This jeopardises the credibility of the Grammy awards."
Lol, that's what happen when people take it seriously in the first place. There is no such thing as an official arbiter of taste or musicianship.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on February 20, 2022, 06:23:33 PM
As the curtain falls on another messy Olympics, the Games just aren't what they used to be
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: LKB on February 21, 2022, 01:28:26 AM
Ow!

https://www.rollingstone.com/culture/culture-news/finnish-skier-frozen-penis-reni-lindholm-beijing-olympics-1310303/
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on February 21, 2022, 09:10:19 AM
Quote from: LKB on February 21, 2022, 01:28:26 AM
Ow!

https://www.rollingstone.com/culture/culture-news/finnish-skier-frozen-penis-reni-lindholm-beijing-olympics-1310303/ (https://www.rollingstone.com/culture/culture-news/finnish-skier-frozen-penis-reni-lindholm-beijing-olympics-1310303/)
Something chronic?

Quote from: Daniel KrepsReuters notes that, somehow, this isn't the first time Lindholm's penis has froze mid-race, as a similar incident happened during a cross-country skiing event in Finland in 2021.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: T. D. on March 04, 2022, 09:12:14 PM
Quote from: k a rl h e nn i ng on February 21, 2022, 09:10:19 AM
Something chronic?

That sort of thing is no joke, and far from a remote risk. When I was a distance runner (and once when playing pond hockey), I had some similar incidents, which fell short of what was described in the story but were far from pleasant.  ::) There's a product called "wind briefs" which are strongly recommended for male winter athletic activity.

And, switching genders, something truly bizarre from the world of women's professional cycling:

https://cyclingmagazine.ca/sections/news/ellen-van-dijk-got-a-vibrator-as-a-prize-for-winning-a-uci-race/
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on March 05, 2022, 09:16:55 AM
Quote from: T. D. on March 04, 2022, 09:12:14 PM
That sort of thing is no joke, and far from a remote risk.

Of course. It kind of looks like: what does it take for him to learn something?
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: LKB on March 05, 2022, 10:18:30 AM
Well, I'm not any kind of skier but l expect I'd rather add a fraction of a second if it meant avoiding a cocksicle.  ???
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: MusicTurner on March 14, 2022, 11:37:11 PM
Danish government plan to ban smoking for people born after 2010, and alcohol for people under 18 - especially the last point will be extremely controversial, but it's due to problems with youngsters' alcohol consumption for decades. The majority in parliament isn't secured yet though. Quite a break with the local, generally laid-back image. But not so far from Swedish and Finnish rules, for example.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on March 15, 2022, 02:45:41 AM
Quote from: MusicTurner on March 14, 2022, 11:37:11 PM
Danish government plan to ban smoking for people born after 2010, and alcohol for people under 18 - especially the last point will be extremely controversial, but it's due to problems with youngsters' alcohol consumption for decades. The majority in parliament isn't secured yet though. Quite a break with the local, generally laid-back image. But not so far from Swedish and Finnish rules, for example.
Interesting!  Do Sweden and Finland also have similar smoking bans?  I imagine that the tobacco industry must be putting in a fair bit of lobbying effort against that proposed law.

PD
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: greg on March 15, 2022, 09:46:03 AM
Quote from: MusicTurner on March 14, 2022, 11:37:11 PM
but it's due to problems with youngsters' alcohol consumption for decades.
Right, making it illegal will surely stop underage drinking, as we can see that it is uncommon here in the US. /s
What are they thinking?  ???
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: MusicTurner on March 15, 2022, 09:55:13 AM
Quote from: greg on March 15, 2022, 09:46:03 AM
Right, making it illegal will surely stop underage drinking, as we can see that it is uncommon here in the US. /s
What are they thinking?  ???

Stats show a major problem. It's the normality, not a fringe problem. You see the metropolitan trains invaded by drunken youths at times, down to 12 years of age, here - especially at the end of the week. They've tried tons of health campaigns etc. The ofte absent parent generation is now striking back, but on a less personal level ... :)

However, the 18 years level is pretty high; yet, in Sweden, it's 20 years.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: MusicTurner on March 15, 2022, 10:00:12 AM
Quote from: Pohjolas Daughter on March 15, 2022, 02:45:41 AM
Interesting!  Do Sweden and Finland also have similar smoking bans?  I imagine that the tobacco industry must be putting in a fair bit of lobbying effort against that proposed law.

PD

It's been a long development, of further, restricting measures. I don't think they'll be trying a lot. But some politicians will argue against it, referring to individual liberty as imperative.

Finland has a target of only 5% smokers on a daily basis in 2030;  Sweden has an aim about a "smoking-free Sweden" already in 2025, but I don't know the details, it's probably about a generally smoking-free public environment.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on March 20, 2022, 11:09:00 AM
Opinion: The Senate accidentally agreed to move our clocks forward. Blame Putin. (https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2022/03/18/senate-daylight-saving-time-vote-accident/)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on March 20, 2022, 01:39:15 PM
Quote from: k a rl h e nn i ng on March 20, 2022, 11:09:00 AM
Opinion: The Senate accidentally agreed to move our clocks forward. Blame Putin. (https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2022/03/18/senate-daylight-saving-time-vote-accident/)

The Amateur Hour

Quote
Sen. Kyrsten Sinema (D-Ariz.), the presiding officer, was complicit in the scheme. She quickly declared "without objection, so ordered" and then, in her latest breach of decorum, stage-whispered "yes!" into the microphone and pumped two celebratory fists.

Rubio and Sinema had pulled a fast one. A proposal with only 18 co-sponsors cleared the body in a New York minute. Neither the Democratic whip nor the Republican whip in the Senate knew it was happening. And the Senate has no way to claw back the bill, so it goes to the House — which hopefully will be a bit more deliberative before messing with Father Time.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: LKB on March 20, 2022, 02:38:33 PM
Comically amateurish, l agree. But if it turns out to be a larger blunder than anticipated, at least it won't require endless committees or studies or inquests to rectify.

( Then again, a congress with such as Green, Cruz and other brilliant Trumpkins among the membership could be capable of breathtaking stupidity. )
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: DavidW on March 20, 2022, 03:10:32 PM
I am a fan of not having to change the clock twice a year but... the winter mornings will be dark.  Also this is not the first time congress has made DST permanent and the effect was poorly received.  The right choice was to abolish DST, not make it permanent.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: LKB on March 20, 2022, 03:22:53 PM
Quote from: DavidW on March 20, 2022, 03:10:32 PM
I am a fan of not having to change the clock twice a year but... the winter mornings will be dark.  Also this is not the first time congress has made DST permanent and the effect was poorly received.  The right choice was to abolish DST, not make it permanent.

Works for me. DST has always had both pluses and minuses, so whether it is permanent or nonexistent is a wash.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Szykneij on March 20, 2022, 03:23:11 PM
People who want daylight saving time all year change their minds when their kids are shivering in the dark waiting for the school bus.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: JBS on March 20, 2022, 05:30:12 PM
Quote from: Szykneij on March 20, 2022, 03:23:11 PM
People who want daylight saving time all year change their minds when their kids are shivering in the dark waiting for the school bus.

The alternative in many places means afternoon rush hour and late afternoon activities/errands are after sunset, so it's kind of pick your poison.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Szykneij on March 21, 2022, 03:00:25 AM
Quote from: JBS on March 20, 2022, 05:30:12 PM
The alternative in many places means afternoon rush hour and late afternoon activities/errands are after sunset, so it's kind of pick your poison.

Interesting article on the issue here:

https://www.newsnationnow.com/us-news/permanent-daylight-saving-time-has-been-tried-before-and-it-didnt-go-well/#:~:text=In%20a%20move%20to%20combat,demand%20by%20extending%20daylight%20hours. (https://www.newsnationnow.com/us-news/permanent-daylight-saving-time-has-been-tried-before-and-it-didnt-go-well/#:~:text=In%20a%20move%20to%20combat,demand%20by%20extending%20daylight%20hours.)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Spotted Horses on March 21, 2022, 07:27:27 AM
I remember very well the implementation of year-round daylight savings time, which was supposed to save energy during the Energy crisis, and didn't.

Is it really too much to ask that 12 noon actually be noon?
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on March 21, 2022, 08:35:14 AM
Quote from: Spotted Horses on March 21, 2022, 07:27:27 AM
I remember very well the implementation of year-round daylight savings time, which was supposed to save energy during the Energy crisis, and didn't.

Is it really too much to ask that 12 noon actually be noon?

I endorse this rhetorical q.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: steve ridgway on March 22, 2022, 08:12:30 AM
Quote from: Spotted Horses on March 21, 2022, 07:27:27 AM
Is it really too much to ask that 12 noon actually be noon?

It's 9 minutes past 12 here by railway time, unless it's 9 minutes past one. :-\
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: T. D. on March 22, 2022, 02:12:34 PM
https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2022-03-19/maps-show-where-daylight-saving-leaves-cities-dark

[in the US]
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: T. D. on March 28, 2022, 01:08:27 PM
I don't watch TV, and wouldn't watch the Oscars even if I did...
But this has been all over the news and is awesome.

https://variety.com/2022/film/news/will-smith-smacks-chris-rock-oscars-1235216387/

The live Aussie broadcast footage is key.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: SimonNZ on March 28, 2022, 02:33:28 PM
I don't give a damn about the Oscar's or about celebrities generally, so after I saw that last night I was trying to work out why it bothered me so much.

And I think it is because how depressingly "Trump-era" it seems. Attacking not your target but your targets wife with no more wit or skill than calling her ugly. Giving unchecked action to immediate thoughts of violence. And not caring how publicly you're doing it or how alarmingly precident breaking it is. We're still living in the Trump Era.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: LKB on March 29, 2022, 01:31:38 AM
Putin best not make any cracks about Biden's wife, Joe would probably go full Will Smith on his ass...
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Brahmsian on March 29, 2022, 05:41:24 AM
I missed the whole Will Smith slap as I was doing some laundry at that particular moment.  :D

I was actually more upset or disappointed with the handling of this year's 'In Memorium' segment. Poorly and distastefully done with the song and dance routine.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: DavidW on March 29, 2022, 07:00:59 AM
Quote from: SimonNZ on March 28, 2022, 02:33:28 PM
I don't give a damn about the Oscar's or about celebrities generally, so after I saw that last night I was trying to work out why it bothered me so much.

And I think it is because how depressingly "Trump-era" it seems. Attacking not your target but your targets wife with no more wit or skill than calling her ugly. Giving unchecked action to immediate thoughts of violence. And not caring how publicly you're doing it or how alarmingly precident breaking it is. We're still living in the Trump Era.

This.  But I think also the quarantine period added to people forgetting how to behave in public.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Florestan on March 29, 2022, 07:12:32 AM
Quote from: LKB on March 29, 2022, 01:31:38 AM
Putin best not make any cracks about Biden's wife, Joe would probably go full Will Smith on his ass...

:laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh:

Seriously now, I'm with Will Smith all the way. He behaved as a flesh-and-blood husband who felt (rightly so) that his wife was insulted. He --- perhaps, maybe even surely --- inadvertently proved that genuine marriage is a commitment that matters and that the decorum of the Oscar's is not worth sacrificing it. Est modus in rebus.

I say, way to go, Will Smith!

And to all those Oscar attendees and organizers who say "We don't tolerate violence of any kind!", I say: "Is it not you who fed the whole world with movies depicting extreme violence of the kind that make Smith's slap look like a caress? Away, hypocrites!"
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: T. D. on March 29, 2022, 07:54:03 AM
Quote from: Florestan on March 29, 2022, 07:12:32 AM
:laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh:

Seriously now, I'm with Will Smith all the way. He behaved as a flesh-and-blood husband who felt (rightly so) that his wife was insulted. He --- perhaps, maybe even surely --- inadvertently proved that genuine marriage is a commitment that matters and that the decorum of the Oscar's is not worth sacrificing it. Est modus in rebus.

I say, way to go, Will Smith!

And to all those Oscar attendees and organizers who say "We don't tolerate violence of any kind!", I say: "Is it not you who fed the whole world with movies depicting extreme violence of the kind that make Smith's slap look like a caress? Away, hypocrites!"

Inclined to agree on the first point. And the second point (bold added) is absolutely spot-on, couldn't agree more.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: T. D. on March 29, 2022, 07:58:07 AM
Quote from: LKB on March 29, 2022, 01:31:38 AM
Putin best not make any cracks about Biden's wife, Joe would probably go full Will Smith on his ass...

I dunno...Putin is said to be proficient at judo. And he's fond of posing for tough-looking photos in athletic uniform (judo, hockey), as well as rather, uh... metrosexual shirtless pics on horseback, etc.  :laugh:
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Irons on March 29, 2022, 08:14:31 AM
Violence whatever the provocation is not good. Far better to walk out and throw the whole ceremony into chaos. The presenter was way out of order saying what he said but with social media in full throttle his career will benefit - never heard of him, have now! It is possible this will not turn out well for Will Smith.   
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: LKB on March 29, 2022, 08:51:48 AM
Smith has now publicly apologized to CR.

While l agree that he could have handled things better, men have been flying off the handle over their wives for a long as there have been wives. He was provoked, and he responded emotionally with the part of his brain we all inherited from the lizard. I might well do the same. Mr.  Rock was not seriously injured, and might reconsider his jokes in the future. Mr. Smith now knows he should stop and take a breath. Both men can learn from the incident.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: greg on March 29, 2022, 09:00:54 AM
Quote from: Florestan on March 29, 2022, 07:12:32 AM
He behaved as a flesh-and-blood husband who felt (rightly so) that his wife was insulted.
An understandable reaction.
Jokes are fine, but good to be aware of the possibility of that reaction when joking around.


Quote from: SimonNZ on March 28, 2022, 02:33:28 PM
We're still living in the Trump Era.
Ah ok, somehow it is connected to Trump. ::)
I bet even incidents like this in the 1500's is somehow connected to Trump also.  :P :D
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Florestan on March 29, 2022, 09:15:53 AM
Quote from: Irons on March 29, 2022, 08:14:31 AM
Violence whatever the provocation is not good.

Dunno. Ukrainian's response to Russia's provocation invasion special military operation is violent resistance.

Just saying.

Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Florestan on March 29, 2022, 09:24:21 AM
Quote from: LKB on March 29, 2022, 08:51:48 AM
While l agree that he could have handled things better, men have been flying off the handle over their wives for a long as there have been wives. He was provoked, and he responded emotionally with the part of his brain we all inherited from the lizard. I might well do the same. Mr.  Rock was not seriously injured, and might reconsider his jokes in the future. Mr. Smith now knows he should stop and take a breath. Both men can learn from the incident.

This, as well.

All in all, this was probably the most exciting Oscar night ever.  :D

Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: MusicTurner on March 29, 2022, 09:40:56 AM
His (lunatic) reaction probably finds more sympathy in the US. After all, Hollywood itself has promoted violent revenge for a 100 years or so. And there was the crying-in-public wave represented by him too. More hitting, kicking, or a knock-out, could be the next thing on stage, there or elsewhere ...
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: JBS on March 29, 2022, 09:49:34 AM
Quote from: MusicTurner on March 29, 2022, 09:40:56 AM
His (lunatic) reaction probably finds more sympathy in the US. After all, Hollywood itself has promoted violent revenge for a 100 years or so. And there was the crying-in-public wave represented by him too. More hitting, kicking, or a knock-out, could be the next thing on stage, there or elsewhere ...

It probably does. Especially since Rock's "joke" based its "humor" on the result of an auto-immune disorder. He was making fun of a person because of her illness.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Florestan on March 29, 2022, 09:54:02 AM
Quote from: MusicTurner on March 29, 2022, 09:40:56 AM
His (lunatic) reaction probably finds more sympathy in the US. After all, Hollywood itself has promoted violent revenge for a 100 years or so. And there was the crying-in-public wave represented by him too. More hitting, kicking, or a knock-out, could be the next thing on stage, there or elsewhere ...

Given what is currently going on in Ukraine, the Smith/Rock incident was a walk in the park at noon. Nay, the whole Oscar event was a negligible trifle.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: MusicTurner on March 29, 2022, 09:57:11 AM
Quote from: JBS on March 29, 2022, 09:49:34 AM
It probably does. Especially since Rock's "joke" based its "humor" on the result of an auto-immune disorder. He was making fun of a person because of her illness.

I don't tend to like the humour represented there either; it doesn't seem witty, or relaxed. But you react in a non-violent way, or you skip it.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: MusicTurner on March 29, 2022, 10:01:33 AM
Quote from: Florestan on March 29, 2022, 09:54:02 AM
Given what is currently going on in Ukraine, the Smith/Rock incident was a walk in the park at noon. Nay, the whole Oscar event was a negligible trifle.

Agree, and the media attention towards the incident has also been seen as illustrating how the Oscars have outlived themselves, the actual content being an empty, repetitive ritual.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Florestan on March 29, 2022, 10:05:58 AM
Quote from: MusicTurner on March 29, 2022, 10:01:33 AM
the Oscars have outlived themselves, the actual content being an empty, repetitive ritual.

Could not agree more.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Irons on March 30, 2022, 07:17:50 AM
Quote from: MusicTurner on March 29, 2022, 10:01:33 AM
Agree, and the media attention towards the incident has also been seen as illustrating how the Oscars have outlived themselves, the actual content being an empty, repetitive ritual.

The crocodile tears each year are toe-curling insincere. This time they were for real. 
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Irons on March 30, 2022, 07:23:23 AM
Quote from: Florestan on March 29, 2022, 09:15:53 AM
Dunno. Ukrainian's response to Russia's provocation invasion special military operation is violent resistance.

Just saying.

That is why it is so bad. Violence breeds violence. Not sticking up for the Rock fella but he didn't give one back.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: MusicTurner on March 30, 2022, 07:48:37 AM
Quote from: Irons on March 30, 2022, 07:17:50 AM
The crocodile tears each year are toe-curling insincere. This time they were for real.

Well, to add a more positive tone, the Oscars could probably be revitalized, maybe by reorganizing the whole set-up  (and not by introducing public slamming, for example). We have some similar, annual events here in DK (music, theatre, movies), and admittedly, it is likely hard to avoid repetitiveness.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Irons on March 31, 2022, 12:07:28 AM
Quote from: MusicTurner on March 30, 2022, 07:48:37 AM
Well, to add a more positive tone, the Oscars could probably be revitalized, maybe by reorganizing the whole set-up  (and not by introducing public slamming, for example). We have some similar, annual events here in DK (music, theatre, movies), and admittedly, it is likely hard to avoid repetitiveness.

Far from being knowledgeable on the subject but is not Cannes a more serious film festival?
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: MusicTurner on March 31, 2022, 12:50:12 AM
Quote from: Irons on March 31, 2022, 12:07:28 AM
Far from being knowledgeable on the subject but is not Cannes a more serious film festival?

My impression too. They don't show it live here in my country, but there's a more 'serious' attitude to it generally.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Spotted Horses on March 31, 2022, 04:49:41 AM
Quote from: Irons on March 31, 2022, 12:07:28 AM
Far from being knowledgeable on the subject but is not Cannes a more serious film festival?

The academy awards is not a film festival, where new films are screened

Quote from: MusicTurner on March 30, 2022, 07:48:37 AM
Well, to add a more positive tone, the Oscars could probably be revitalized, maybe by reorganizing the whole set-up  (and not by introducing public slamming, for example). We have some similar, annual events here in DK (music, theatre, movies), and admittedly, it is likely hard to avoid repetitiveness.
.

Repetitiveness is the point of a ritual. The problem comes when the ritual no longer serves a purpose.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Spotted Horses on March 31, 2022, 06:24:13 AM
To be honest, it wasn't so much that slap that lowered my opinion of Will Smith, but the "apology" which mostly consisted of self-aggrandizing excuses, as Karim-Abdul Jabbar put it. (He reacted emotionally because he had to defend his family, etc.) The Joke was offensive and inappropriate, but my perception is that Smith was not so much reacting to his wife's discomfort, but to his own wounded pride that someone would humiliate him by making fun of his wife in front of him. 
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: greg on March 31, 2022, 10:26:18 AM
Quote from: Spotted Horses on March 31, 2022, 06:24:13 AM
but my perception is that Smith was not so much reacting to his wife's discomfort, but to his own wounded pride that someone would humiliate him by making fun of his wife in front of him.
Did you not see that he laughed along at first and then reacted after he saw his wife looked angry? Literally the opposite.

The worst part is that, apparently, she has been openly cheating for a while now? If that is so, then I take back saying it's understandable. Cheating means he has no obligation any more to stand up for her pride. Seems like faithfulness beyond reason, which is also a bad thing.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Spotted Horses on March 31, 2022, 10:54:44 AM
Quote from: greg on March 31, 2022, 10:26:18 AM
Did you not see that he laughed along at first and then reacted after he saw his wife looked angry? Literally the opposite.

He didn't look over to see his wife weeping and in need of protection. He looked over to see his wife rolling her eyes as if to say, "that's a cheap shot, don't you think?" That was the appropriate response. She was probably just as annoyed that Will Smith was laughing at her. By physically attacking Rock and and shouting 'keep my wife's name out of your f----- mouth' he signals that she is incapable of defending herself against words, and that he is the offended party since his property has been disparaged.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: greg on March 31, 2022, 04:05:44 PM
Quote from: Spotted Horses on March 31, 2022, 10:54:44 AM
he signals that she is incapable of defending herself against words, and that he is the offended party since his property has been disparaged.
Not saying there is no chance this is correct, but I doubt someone that lets his wife sleep with other men has this sort of 1950's mentality of "property," "incapable," etc. (more like unwilling in reality to do anything in the moment)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Spotted Horses on March 31, 2022, 07:21:44 PM
Quote from: greg on March 31, 2022, 10:26:18 AMThe worst part is that, apparently, she has been openly cheating for a while now? If that is so, then I take back saying it's understandable. Cheating means he has no obligation any more to stand up for her pride. Seems like faithfulness beyond reason, which is also a bad thing.

Quote from: greg on March 31, 2022, 04:05:44 PM
Not saying there is no chance this is correct, but I doubt someone that lets his wife sleep with other men has this sort of 1950's mentality of "property," "incapable," etc. (more like unwilling in reality to do anything in the moment)

From what I vaguely recall reading in the popular press, they have an "open marriage," which I take as meaning they are both free to have sexual contacts, although they have a core relationship. That doesn't mean she is cheating, and I don't know what that has to do with him physically attacking someone on live television.

When he sat down and shouted at Rock "keep my wife's name out of your f------ mouth" I saw a need to be dominant, not protectiveness. Toxic masculinity did not disappear after the 1950's. It is very much a part of our culture, unfortunately. And his subsequent "apology" consisted of self-aggrandizing excuses, as Abdul-Jabbar aptly phrased it.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: greg on April 01, 2022, 11:20:00 AM
That is a very looking through a very narrow ideological lens.

It's also possible to look at it like maybe being permissive about letting his wife sleep with other men (doubling down on being a nice guy and supportive husband) has created a shadow side- and as that often goes, shadow sides will erupt uncontrollably if provoked.

It's part of nature itself to not want your wife to sleep with other men. We can't fight with what is natural and true, we have to admit what is real and true. You can call it "toxic masculinity" if you want, but that will only lead to further repression, denying reality through repression not being a road leading to good mental health.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: MusicTurner on April 01, 2022, 01:28:52 PM
... Serbian President waving at nobody, pretending there's a crowd gathered there to celebrate the new railway line, is one of the best metaphors for politician-voter interactions I've seen in a long while ...

https://twitter.com/yugopnik/status/1508423001980686337


Also somewhat interesting comments section.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on April 01, 2022, 02:38:08 PM
US could have done more to limit civilian toll in Raqqa battle: study (https://www.france24.com/en/live-news/20220401-us-could-have-done-more-to-limit-civilian-toll-in-raqqa-battle-study)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Spotted Horses on April 01, 2022, 09:55:07 PM
Quote from: greg on April 01, 2022, 11:20:00 AM
That is a very looking through a very narrow ideological lens.

It's also possible to look at it like maybe being permissive about letting his wife sleep with other men (doubling down on being a nice guy and supportive husband) has created a shadow side- and as that often goes, shadow sides will erupt uncontrollably if provoked.

It's part of nature itself to not want your wife to sleep with other men. We can't fight with what is natural and true, we have to admit what is real and true. You can call it "toxic masculinity" if you want, but that will only lead to further repression, denying reality through repression not being a road leading to good mental health.

I have no idea where you are going with these pseudo-anthropological arguments. It was clear that after Smith physically assaulted Rock and sat back down, shouting obscenities, his demeanor was aggressive (not protective) and he was seeking dominance.

I saw an article by a psychologist who suggested that Smith was reliving a traumatic experience he described in his autobiography, where as an 8 year old he witness his father physically assault his mother and felt shame that he did not try to protect her. As the psychologist pointed out, this is an explanation, not an excuse. In essence it is a form of PTSD and this diagnosis could be a guide to what sort of therapy Smith needs to extinguish this behavior.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on April 02, 2022, 05:03:43 AM
Quote from: Spotted Horses on April 01, 2022, 09:55:07 PM
I have no idea where you are going with these pseudo-anthropological arguments. It was clear that after Smith physically assaulted Rock and sat back down, shouting obscenities, his demeanor was aggressive (not protective) and he was seeking dominance.

I saw an article by a psychologist who suggested that Smith was reliving a traumatic experience he described in his autobiography, where as an 8 year old he witness his father physically assault his mother and felt shame that he did not try to protect her. As the psychologist pointed out, this is an explanation, not an excuse. In essence it is a form of PTSD and this diagnosis could be a guide to what sort of therapy Smith needs to extinguish this behavior.

Thanks for this.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Spotted Horses on April 02, 2022, 05:58:48 AM
Quote from: k a rl h e nn i ng on April 02, 2022, 05:03:43 AM
Thanks for this.

It seems to have taken a few days for Will Smith to come to terms with his responsibility for his actions, That is to his credit, at least.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on April 02, 2022, 07:02:35 AM
Quote from: Spotted Horses on April 02, 2022, 05:58:48 AM
It seems to have taken a few days for Will Smith to come to terms with his responsibility for his actions, That is to his credit, at least.

Indeed.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: greg on April 02, 2022, 09:20:46 PM
Quote from: Spotted Horses on April 01, 2022, 09:55:07 PM
I saw an article by a psychologist who suggested that Smith was reliving a traumatic experience he described in his autobiography, where as an 8 year old he witness his father physically assault his mother and felt shame that he did not try to protect her. As the psychologist pointed out, this is an explanation, not an excuse. In essence it is a form of PTSD and this diagnosis could be a guide to what sort of therapy Smith needs to extinguish this behavior.
Seems to be a lifelong pattern then. Now I vaguely remember reading something about that as well a while back.
Staying out of trouble, being good, having a good image, keeping things positive, etc. will not necessarily get you involved in violent situations, even if to defend others, more likely the opposite.

He probably felt like he finally grew the balls to defend someone (his shadow side came out/ "no more mr. nice guy" etc.) and it happened at the most awkward time, for someone that isn't even his wife any more (legally yes, but if she's sleeping with other men then she is not his wife). That's probably where the pride/arrogance is coming from, the feeling that he finally did it, he finally stood up for someone.

What he should have done is divorced her already and let her new boyfriend(s) defend her. Problem with that could be financial, true, but most likely is just that normally he's such a huge pushover and too attached to her to think clearly and reasonable, and stand up for himself.



So I looked found this:
Quote2020: August Alsina claims he had an affair with Jada
August Alsina and Jada were introduced in 2015, but it wasn't until 2020 that he claimed that he and Jada had dated while she was married and that her and Will's marriage was open during that time.

Alsina said Will gave him and Jada his "blessing", adding: "I actually sat down with Will and had a conversation due to the transformation from their marriage to life partnership that they've spoken on several times and it not involving romanticism."

Alsina added he "totally gave myself to that relationship for years of my life and I truly and really, really deeply loved and have a ton of love for her."

The same day Alsina's claims surfaced Jada's reps said they were "absolutely not true".

Less than two weeks later, Jada and Will appeared on an episode of Jada's Red Table Talk where Jada confirmed that she did have a relationship with Alsina, saying that she and Will were separated at the time.

"We decided that we were going to separate for a period of time and you go figure out how to make yourself happy and I'll figure out how to make myself happy," Jada said at the time.

"From there, as time went on, I got into a different kind of entanglement with August...Yes, it was a relationship absolutely."

Jada also said that Will didn't give permission as the only person who could give her permission was herself.
https://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/love-sex/will-smith-jada-pinkett-relationship-b2045347.html

Man... grew up with Will Smith as one of my favorite actors. No backbone. Just sad.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on April 04, 2022, 05:24:58 PM
Somehow I cannot give much of a damn about the Grammys, either.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: greg on April 11, 2022, 06:36:00 PM
Just stumbled on this picture.

All I can say is, LOL.

(https://yt3.ggpht.com/goZqnDjitCWbSLZ2v2V0O_IHrUDVtjko6MvSeNtdHmqvgj9DVu2mTJM4DiRQG7eUvXwyf6dRuvca=s600-nd-v1)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Dry Brett Kavanaugh on April 13, 2022, 08:44:40 AM
Actually, important news, I think. Science Confirms That Life Flashes Before the Eyes Upon Death.

https://hyperallergic.com/720694/science-confirms-that-life-flashes-before-the-eyes-upon-death/
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: MusicTurner on April 13, 2022, 10:48:19 AM
Quote from: Dry Brett Kavanaugh on April 13, 2022, 08:44:40 AM
Actually, important news, I think. Science Confirms That Life Flashes Before the Eyes Upon Death.

https://hyperallergic.com/720694/science-confirms-that-life-flashes-before-the-eyes-upon-death/

Thanks for this.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on April 20, 2022, 07:08:19 AM
Quote from: Spotted Horses on November 19, 2021, 10:23:48 AM
I went outside to see the near-total lunar eclipse at about 3am. Remarkable sight, with the moon glowing red except for a small slice or light. Would have been more dramatic to stay out for the two hours or so to watch the shadow move across the moon, but didn't seem practical to stay up that long in the wee hours.


Nice!

Rather less important:

Can you split your Oreo to be just how you want it? MIT researchers devised an 'Oreometer' to find out.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Brahmsian on April 23, 2022, 04:51:18 AM
Random thought of the day:

I've never understood the concept of "instant coffee"? But I see that it is still made and available in grocery stores.

I guess it's for people without some kind of coffee maker?
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: DavidW on April 23, 2022, 05:32:58 AM
Quote from: OrchestralNut on April 23, 2022, 04:51:18 AM
Random thought of the day:

I've never understood the concept of "instant coffee"? But I see that it is still made and available in grocery stores.

I guess it's for people with some kind of coffee maker?

I think you meant without.  But also if you just cleaned your coffee maker, or it is in the dishwasher but you wanted afternoon coffee... you could have instant.  If your coffeemaker doesn't do small batches but you just wanted one cup well... boom.  If you're camping, instant coffee might be the easiest solution.  If you're the only coffee drinker in the house, and you only drink a cup then it might make more sense to drink instant.  I don't personally drink instant, it is either the real thing or it is tea.

That is not the most insane thing I could think of.  Microwave popcorn is, when it takes just as little effort to use your own kernels and oil (you can still even microwave it, doesn't have to be on the stove).

Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: JBS on April 23, 2022, 06:46:36 AM
Keurig style single cup coffeemaker are available for much less than Keurig prices.

What I don't understand is those people who use Keurig pods of tea to make themselves a cup of tea. Have they never heard of tea bags?
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on April 23, 2022, 06:49:56 AM
Quote from: JBS on April 23, 2022, 06:46:36 AM
Keurig style single cup coffeemaker are available for much less than Keurig prices.

What I don't understand is those people who use Keurig pods of tea to make themselves a cup of tea. Have they never heard of tea bags?

Keurig "tea pods" are perhaps the height of Convenience Absurdity.

I go weeks with the only coffee I drink being instant. Just noting.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: MusicTurner on April 23, 2022, 06:58:47 AM
I've actually come to prefer the taste of instant coffee mostly, on a daily basis.

Without any added sugar, I do like say capuccino, cafe au lait, and the like. But ordinary coffee can have a sourness to it, that I dislike.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: DavidW on April 23, 2022, 07:07:51 AM
I've never been a fan of Keurig coffee makers, they generate so much waste and the pods are more expensive than bagged coffee (also more expensive than instant as well).
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: JBS on April 23, 2022, 07:34:09 AM
Quote from: DavidW on April 23, 2022, 07:07:51 AM
I've never been a fan of Keurig coffee makers, they generate so much waste and the pods are more expensive than bagged coffee (also more expensive than instant as well).

I have one of the cheap Keurig-style machines I referred to, and use it with bagged coffee.  The pods are actually unnecessary.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on April 23, 2022, 08:43:07 AM
Quote from: JBS on April 23, 2022, 07:34:09 AM
I have one of the cheap Keurig-style machines I referred to, and use it with bagged coffee.  The pods are actually unnecessary.

Great adjustment! Tell me more.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: DavidW on April 23, 2022, 08:58:51 AM
Quote from: JBS on April 23, 2022, 07:34:09 AM
I have one of the cheap Keurig-style machines I referred to, and use it with bagged coffee.  The pods are actually unnecessary.

Oh I thought they only fit pods.  How does that work if you don't use pods?  How does it fit?  With a conventional coffee maker you just put in a filter and the coffee, but then again it has a basket.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Brahmsian on April 23, 2022, 10:28:50 AM
Quote from: DavidW on April 23, 2022, 05:32:58 AM
I think you meant without.

Yes, I did. Thanks, I corrected my post.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: JBS on April 23, 2022, 12:04:51 PM
Quote from: k a rl h e nn i ng on April 23, 2022, 08:43:07 AM
Great adjustment! Tell me more.
Quote from: DavidW on April 23, 2022, 08:58:51 AM
Oh I thought they only fit pods.  How does that work if you don't use pods?  How does it fit?  With a conventional coffee maker you just put in a filter and the coffee, but then again it has a basket.
Mine has a small basket inside the main basket in which you place the coffee. The small basket has a built in filter. If you want to use a pod, I think you take out the small basket. [I've never brewed with a pod, so I'm not exactly positive on that.]  The usual guidance of 1 scoop of coffee for 6 ounces of water applies.
I just took photos of the set-up and tweeted them out.
https://twitter.com/JacobKishnevi/status/1517957075170693124
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: DavidW on April 23, 2022, 12:13:04 PM
Well that is a great maker.  Allows you to do both!
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: JBS on April 23, 2022, 12:18:30 PM
Quote from: DavidW on April 23, 2022, 12:13:04 PM
Well that is a great maker.  Allows you to do both!

Mine's by Black & Decker but I think the dual use is a standard feature on all brands.  I did have to order it online (via Home Depot).
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Spotted Horses on April 23, 2022, 04:48:36 PM
Quote from: OrchestralNut on April 23, 2022, 04:51:18 AM
Random thought of the day:

I've never understood the concept of "instant coffee"? But I see that it is still made and available in grocery stores.

I guess it's for people without some kind of coffee maker?

My default method for making coffee these days is a pour-over, which means I boil water (3 minutes in an electric kettle) than wait 3-5 minutes for the coffee to trickle down. Then there is the funnel to clean. Alternatives are a French press or a stove-top cappuccino pot, which require about the same time. But I keep some Starbucks VIA instant packets around for when I am really short of time, or the family is asleep and I don't want to risk waking someone up puttering around in the kitchen. Just add water and it's done, with nothing to clean. Starbucks instant actually tastes like coffee, and I would put it on the same level of quality as a Keurig machine. (It contains condensed coffee with some micro ground coffee to give it a little extra kick.) It is nothing like the instant coffee I used to drink in my youth, which was advertised as "freeze dried." When I first drank coffee it was only instant and when I had real coffee on some sort of occasion (a dinner party my parents had at our house) I didn't even recognize the taste.

Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on April 23, 2022, 05:21:09 PM
Quote from: Spotted Horses on April 23, 2022, 04:48:36 PM
My default method for making coffee these days is a pour-over, which means I boil water (3 minutes in an electric kettle) than wait 3-5 minutes for the coffee to trickle down. Then there is the funnel to clean. Alternatives are a French press or a stove-top cappuccino pot, which require about the same time. But I keep some Starbucks VIA instant packets around for when I am really short of time, or the family is asleep and I don't want to risk waking someone up puttering around in the kitchen. Just add water and it's done, with nothing to clean. Starbucks instant actually tastes like coffee, and I would put it on the same level of quality as a Keurig machine. (It contains condensed coffee with some micro ground coffee to give it a little extra kick.) It is nothing like the instant coffee I used to drink in my youth, which was advertised as "freeze dried." When I first drank coffee it was only instant and when I had real coffee on some sort of occasion (a dinner party my parents had at our house) I didn't even recognize the taste.



When I make proper coffee, I have a French press. But I find that I'll go weeks without bothering with it.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Spotted Horses on April 23, 2022, 07:42:44 PM
Quote from: k a rl h e nn i ng on April 23, 2022, 05:21:09 PM
When I make proper coffee, I have a French press. But I find that I'll go weeks without bothering with it.

My preference for the pour-over is ease of preparation and cleaning. With a French press you have to time it to steep for a set time before pressing and draining. Then you have to disassemble it into about four pieces to wash, then reassemble. With the pour over you pour the water in and it is done when it has drained out. It stops itself, and if you come back some time later nothing is over-extracted. Then there is only one stainless steel thingy to clean. The one refinement to the pour-over is you are supposed to pour a little, just enough to wet the grounds, wait 30 seconds, then pour the rest.

Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: DavidW on April 24, 2022, 08:18:58 AM
Quote from: Spotted Horses on April 23, 2022, 04:48:36 PM
My default method for making coffee these days is a pour-over, which means I boil water (3 minutes in an electric kettle) than wait 3-5 minutes for the coffee to trickle down. Then there is the funnel to clean. Alternatives are a French press or a stove-top cappuccino pot, which require about the same time. But I keep some Starbucks VIA instant packets around for when I am really short of time, or the family is asleep and I don't want to risk waking someone up puttering around in the kitchen. Just add water and it's done, with nothing to clean. Starbucks instant actually tastes like coffee, and I would put it on the same level of quality as a Keurig machine. (It contains condensed coffee with some micro ground coffee to give it a little extra kick.) It is nothing like the instant coffee I used to drink in my youth, which was advertised as "freeze dried." When I first drank coffee it was only instant and when I had real coffee on some sort of occasion (a dinner party my parents had at our house) I didn't even recognize the taste.

Pour over is my favorite method, but I usually only have time or energy for drip these days.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: DavidW on April 24, 2022, 08:20:25 AM
Quote from: k a rl h e nn i ng on April 23, 2022, 05:21:09 PM
When I make proper coffee, I have a French press. But I find that I'll go weeks without bothering with it.

French press retains too much of the oils and irritates my stomach.  I use a Chemex for pour over and their filters are quite thick, no stomach aches just flavor.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on April 24, 2022, 08:50:09 AM
Quote from: DavidW on April 24, 2022, 08:20:25 AM
French press retains too much of the oils and irritates my stomach.  I use a Chemex for pour over and their filters are quite thick, no stomach aches just flavor.

I may consider this. Perhaps this is a subliminal reason behind my (comparatively) seldom being in ther humor to make "proper coffee."
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Brahmsian on April 24, 2022, 09:02:14 AM
Well, I appreciate the insight into instant coffee as I clearly can see their is a need and usefulness to it. I am happy to stand corrected.  :)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Jo498 on April 24, 2022, 10:11:57 AM
Quote from: OrchestralNut on April 24, 2022, 09:02:14 AM
Well, I appreciate the insight into instant coffee as I clearly can see their is a need and usefulness to it. I am happy to stand corrected.  :)
For some reason I never used instant, if I had any choice. When I lived alone I usually preferred tea in favor of small portions of coffee and with some makers (e.g. French press or the italian style espresso makers) one can easily make small amounts of coffee. I grew up with only one way of coffee making, pouring boiling water over a paper filter (this was in the 1980s before fancy machines became common). Instant always seemed a bit low class me ;) which is probably nonsense.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on April 24, 2022, 10:37:33 AM
Quote from: Jo498 on April 24, 2022, 10:11:57 AM
For some reason I never used instant, if I had any choice. When I lived alone I usually preferred tea in favor of small portions of coffee and with some makers (e.g. French press or the italian style espresso makers) one can easily make small amounts of coffee. I grew up with only one way of coffee making, pouring boiling water over a paper filter (this was in the 1980s before fancy machines became common). Instant always seemed a bit low class me ;) which is probably nonsense.

Oh, I certainly drink much more tea than coffee.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: DavidW on April 24, 2022, 01:11:42 PM
Quote from: k a rl h e nn i ng on April 24, 2022, 10:37:33 AM
Oh, I certainly drink much more tea than coffee.

Yeah I didn't even know you drank coffee, I thought it was only green tea!
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on April 24, 2022, 02:36:09 PM
Quote from: DavidW on April 24, 2022, 01:11:42 PM
Yeah I didn't even know you drank coffee, I thought it was only green tea!

This may horrify our Ray even worse than my use of instant: 95% of the coffee I drink is decaf 8)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Brahmsian on April 25, 2022, 04:54:58 AM
Quote from: k a rl h e nn i ng on April 24, 2022, 02:36:09 PM
This may horrify our Ray even worse than my use of instant: 95% of the coffee I drink is decaf 8)

Nothing horrific about that Karl. I usually have 3 or 4 cups medium sized cups of coffee (literally a cup per) and the final one is always a decaf.  8)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Jo498 on April 25, 2022, 07:40:53 AM
I think decaf coffee brands invented the "blind testing" in commercials that was later picked up by alcohol free beer, i.e. someone is served coffee without knowning it's decaf and praises it along with a derogatory remark against decaf. Then he is shown that he had been drinking that particula decaf brand... I think I only ever drank decaf at my grandma's or other elderly ladies decades ago. While my mom and other relatives are now in a similar age, they don't drink decaf if they can avoid it ;) So in my coordinate system, decaf is for grannies and instant for special work/travel situations only ;)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on April 25, 2022, 02:49:45 PM
Quote from: By Drew Harwell, Josh Dawsey and Craig TimbergThough Trump has publicly panned Twitter as boring and irrelevant, he still looks at the site often, mostly via printouts of tweets from politicians and journalists handed to him by his aides, according to two people familiar with the matter who spoke on the condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss Trump's habits.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: greg on April 25, 2022, 04:16:30 PM
Probably won't be just looking soon.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on April 28, 2022, 04:50:24 AM
U.S. economic growth rate unexpectedly declined in the first quarter by 1.4% (https://www.cnbc.com/2022/04/28/us-q1-gdp-growth.html)

Quote from: Jeff CoxThe decline in growth came due to a deceleration in private inventory investment, which helped propel growth in the back half of 2022.

Where was the editor?
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on April 28, 2022, 05:24:13 AM
My vet has a Keurig machine at their clinic.  It's very nice to show up (sometimes quickly dressed and tired after dealing with a sick/injured pet) and quickly make yourself a cup of something--usually coffee for me--whilst waiting to go and see the vet.  A nice courtesy.  :)

I have a small (5-cup) Zojirushi coffee maker that I like.  You can make 1-5 cups in it.  These days, I've only used instant coffee (espresso) for making things like a chocolate cheesecake.  I do also have a small and inexpensive espresso maker which I use sporadically.

Also have some different kinds of tea around that I'll occasionally have.  The herbal ones I used most often in the summertime and make a tea for serving chilled....quite refreshing when it's hot out.

PD
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on May 13, 2022, 06:09:15 AM
Elon Musk: Twitter deal 'temporarily on hold' (https://apnews.com/article/elon-musk-technology-social-media-64b8534f53aa0213fbfd2245bacd6109)

(https://logos.textgiraffe.com/logos/logo-name/Elon-designstyle-i-love-m.png)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Irons on May 14, 2022, 01:02:15 AM
From the Old Baily -

Rooney v Vardy. A tale of two Wags (wives of famous footballers).

Coleen, wife of Wayne Rooney, become disturbed as information from her private Instagram account was being leaked to the Press. She decided to set a trap to uncover the culprit - the Sun newspaper christened her "Wagatha Christie" a name she will known by for ever more. By feeding false information to single accounts and waiting for the "Sun" to publish she was able to discover the guilty party, Rebekah, wife of Jamie Vardy. Wagatha announced her findings and all hell let loose with Vardy suing Rooney
The trial is gripping and beyond hilarious with costs clocking up north of £3 million with mind boggling details, one of which a well known celebratory has a penis the size of a chipolata!

  (https://i.imgur.com/5IboeOn.jpg)

Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on May 14, 2022, 07:46:23 AM
Melania Trump Slams Vogue for Not Putting Her on the Cover.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Dry Brett Kavanaugh on May 14, 2022, 02:23:24 PM
It maybe big news, I don't know. Farewell to the iPod, the device that ushered in too much choice.


https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2022/may/14/ipod-nostalgists-farewell-to-ipod-device-ushered-in-too-much-choice?CMP=Share_iOSApp_Other
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: steve ridgway on May 14, 2022, 10:00:13 PM
I thought the iPod was a fantastic invention. Rather than offering overwhelming choice though the random shuffle eliminated all those problems of deciding which LP or CD to listen to next and whether you could actually be bothered getting up and putting it in the player for the one track you really liked.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: fbjim on May 15, 2022, 06:37:32 AM


Students at a high school in Berlin replaced their long-time human skeleton specimen with a model human skeleton, and decided to give the medical specimen a proper burial.

https://apnews.com/article/science-religion-education-biology-e7734fbff8ab18d687f3b7c1763bd80c?utm_medium=AP_Oddities&utm_campaign=SocialFlow&utm_source=Twitter

Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: DavidW on May 15, 2022, 08:11:15 AM
The Ipod Touch was what got my Mother into the internet.  When I bought it I realized that it was far simpler to use than a computer and I could teach her how.  Now she owns and uses multiple Ipads.

I don't see the retirement of the Ipod Touch as the end of an era because it never represented the classic Ipod.  It was always an Iphone without the phone or a mini-Ipad.  When they retired the Classic, Nano and Shuffle that truly marked the end of the Ipod IMO.

Anyway thread duty: the blood moon is tonight!  Since I live on the east coast it should be marvelous (if it is not cloudy).
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: steve ridgway on May 15, 2022, 09:20:42 AM
My 16 Gb Nano still works fine on my docking tower but the Classic developed glitches. It's still fun to have a lot of music on that small device, I might fill it with Tangerine Dream again for some nostalgia.

It'll probably be clouded over here for the blood moon but I got a nice view at 1 AM this morning when one of the dogs got me up. :-\
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: fbjim on May 15, 2022, 09:58:18 AM
It's a bit of a shame that music players have gone the way that CD players are now - pretty much two markets - mass-market disposable crap, or extremely expensive stuff aimed at the audiophile-enthusiast market. The iPod classic seemed like the last of the middle-market music players that were around.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: DavidW on May 15, 2022, 01:01:20 PM
Quote from: fbjim on May 15, 2022, 09:58:18 AM
It's a bit of a shame that music players have gone the way that CD players are now - pretty much two markets - mass-market disposable crap, or extremely expensive stuff aimed at the audiophile-enthusiast market. The iPod classic seemed like the last of the middle-market music players that were around.

Do you remember the cd carousel and magazine players?  I would load up several cds and have it going for hours!
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Dry Brett Kavanaugh on May 15, 2022, 01:07:39 PM
Quote from: Dry Brett Kavanaugh on May 14, 2022, 02:23:24 PM
It maybe big news, I don't know. Farewell to the iPod, the device that ushered in too much choice.


https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2022/may/14/ipod-nostalgists-farewell-to-ipod-device-ushered-in-too-much-choice?CMP=Share_iOSApp_Other


I guess vinyl record players lasted a little longer than cassette tape players, CD players, or iPod. Personally I am a big fan of cassette tapes.  ;D
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: DavidW on May 15, 2022, 04:51:15 PM
Quote from: Dry Brett Kavanaugh on May 15, 2022, 01:07:39 PM

I guess vinyl record players lasted a little longer than cassette tape players, CD players, or iPod. Personally I am a big fan of cassette tapes.  ;D

Funny enough you can still buy cassette decks new (Marantz still makes them) which means that the only on the list to not make it is the Ipod (but digital audio players as a whole are still made).
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: T. D. on May 15, 2022, 07:06:25 PM
https://apnews.com/article/mountains-czech-republic-64543e8a48d65e0a368486c4b68fc09f

Longest pedestrian suspension bridge opens in Czech resort


DOLNI MORAVA, Czech Republic (AP) — A pedestrian suspension bridge that is the longest such construction in the world has opened at a mountain resort in the Czech Republic.

The 721-meter (2,365-foot) -long bridge is built at an altitude of more than 1,100 meters (3,610 feet) above sea level. It connects two ridges of the mountains and hangs up to 95 meters (312 feet) above the valley below.

Sky Bridge 721, as it is known, is located in the northeastern part of the country in the Kralicky Sneznik mountain range near the border with Poland, some 200 kilometers (125 miles) east of Prague.

The bridge offers unusual views for visitors who have a head for heights.


I don't have a head for heights and wouldn't venture on the bridge. But I can see the attraction.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Jo498 on May 16, 2022, 12:32:34 AM
I never used or owned an ipod or similar device, so I am not missin anything and don't know what I missed...
I owned/used cassette, vinyl record and CD, DVD players, no minidisc either
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on May 18, 2022, 07:26:45 AM
Yellen warns of global 'stagflationary' risk from gas, food prices (https://www.washingtonpost.com/us-policy/2022/05/18/yellen-gas-prices-biden/)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Spotted Horses on May 18, 2022, 08:34:00 AM
Quote from: fbjim on May 15, 2022, 09:58:18 AM
It's a bit of a shame that music players have gone the way that CD players are now - pretty much two markets - mass-market disposable crap, or extremely expensive stuff aimed at the audiophile-enthusiast market. The iPod classic seemed like the last of the middle-market music players that were around.

I don't think we are missing anything, the iPhone was originally described as an iPod that makes calls, and the iPod because an iPhone without a cell transceiver. Virtually everyone has the equivalent of an iPod in his pocket these days.

Quote from: Jo498 on May 16, 2022, 12:32:34 AM
I never used or owned an ipod or similar device, so I am not missin anything and don't know what I missed...
I owned/used cassette, vinyl record and CD, DVD players, no minidisc either

I never owned an iPod. I used vinyl, cassette, CD (and SACD), DVD, Bluray, and a DAT recorder. Nowadays I convert all my media to computer files and consume on some sort of computer+DAC, tablet or phone.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on May 18, 2022, 11:35:10 AM
What I learnt through looking up Häagen-Dazs on Wikipedia:

QuoteIn 1980, Häagen-Dazs unsuccessfully sued Frusen Glädjé, an American ice cream maker founded that year, for using foreign branding strategies. The phrase frusen glädje—without the acute accent—is Swedish for "frozen delight".[17] In 1985, Frusen Glädjé was sold to Kraft General Foods. A Kraft spokeswoman stated that Kraft sold its Frusen Glädjé license to the Unilever corporation in 1993, but a spokesman for Unilever claimed that Frusen Glädjé was not part of the deal.[18] The brand has since been discontinued.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Spotted Horses on May 18, 2022, 11:51:14 AM
Quote from: k a rl h e nn i ng on May 18, 2022, 11:35:10 AM
What I learnt through looking up Häagen-Dazs on Wikipedia:

QuoteIn 1980, Häagen-Dazs unsuccessfully sued Frusen Glädjé, an American ice cream maker founded that year, for using foreign branding strategies. The phrase frusen glädje—without the acute accent—is Swedish for "frozen delight".[17] In 1985, Frusen Glädjé was sold to Kraft General Foods. A Kraft spokeswoman stated that Kraft sold its Frusen Glädjé license to the Unilever corporation in 1993, but a spokesman for Unilever claimed that Frusen Glädjé was not part of the deal.[18] The brand has since been discontinued

So Haagen-Dazs thoughts they had a copyright on using a funny-sounding foreign name?  :laugh: And, to think I never even noticed that Frusen Gladje disappeared from the marketplace.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: JBS on May 18, 2022, 07:05:35 PM
Quote from: Spotted Horses on May 18, 2022, 11:51:14 AM
So Haagen-Dazs thoughts they had a copyright on using a funny-sounding foreign name?  :laugh: And, to think I never even noticed that Frusen Gladje disappeared from the marketplace.

I know I never noticed the disappearance of Frusen Gladje, because these posts are the first time I've ever heard of it.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Spotted Horses on May 19, 2022, 04:23:03 AM
This is not really unimportant. I was wondering how real the baby formula crisis is, so I walked down the baby food aisle of my local supermarket and this is what I saw. Decimated. There is a sign saying customers are limited to two, but there is hardly anything you can buy two of.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on May 19, 2022, 04:57:37 AM
Quote from: Spotted Horses on May 19, 2022, 04:23:03 AMThis is not really unimportant.


If you have an infant that needs formula, it is at least moderately important.  At least two infant children in Tennessee are hospitalized due to lack of formula, though those children have special dietary needs.  Depending on which estimates you prefer, between 50-66% of baby formula is sold to WIC recipients, so low-income households are hit disproportionately hard.  As such, the federal government, for at least the tenth time since 2011, is invoking the Defense Production Act, a command economy tool, to try to increase production, and it is actively purchasing large quantities from primarily English-speaking countries in a program called Operation Fly Formula.  This essentially qualifies as a national disaster, and possibly a national disgrace.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on May 19, 2022, 09:02:02 AM
NASA Engineers Puzzled By "Impossible" Voyager 1 Data (https://www.iflscience.com/space/nasa-engineers-puzzled-by-impossible-voyager-1-data/)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: LKB on May 19, 2022, 09:10:47 AM
Quote from: Todd on May 19, 2022, 09:02:02 AM
NASA Engineers Puzzled By "Impossible" Voyager 1 Data (https://www.iflscience.com/space/nasa-engineers-puzzled-by-impossible-voyager-1-data/)

More than anything else, it's " old age ".
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Spotted Horses on May 19, 2022, 09:32:52 AM
Quote from: LKB on May 19, 2022, 09:10:47 AM
More than anything else, it's " old age ".

The headline is somewhat deceptive. They make it sound as though there is some puzzling science. The issue is that they are getting berserk readings from their orientation sensors even though the craft continues to maintain steady orientation.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: LKB on May 19, 2022, 01:36:35 PM
Yes. It's old hardware in an environment it wasn't really designed to operate in, and instead of the expected telemetry the craft is " babbling ".

But they're still getting useful data from the science instruments that still function, and there's at least a chance the team can rectify the issue. They have an advantage in that a nearly identical spacecraft is not exhibiting the problem, so it can serve as a control in their investigations.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on May 19, 2022, 01:42:43 PM
Quote from: LKB on May 19, 2022, 01:36:35 PM
Yes. It's old hardware in an environment it wasn't really designed to operate in, and instead of the expected telemetry the craft is " babbling ".

But they're still getting useful data from the science instruments that still function, and there's at least a chance the team can rectify the issue. They have an advantage in that a nearly identical spacecraft is not exhibiting the problem, so it can serve as a control in their investigations.

Très intéressant!
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: LKB on May 19, 2022, 02:20:18 PM
Quote from: k a rl h e nn i ng on May 19, 2022, 01:42:43 PM
Très intéressant!

I could probably wax poetically upon the Voyager and Pioneer projects for an annoyingly lengthy period. Fortunately, there are enough traditional and digital sources of information available to make that mercifully unnecessary.  :laugh:

If anyone has an interest in Pioneer, Mark Wolverton's The Depths of Space is invaluable, one of my top non-fiction books.

https://www.amazon.com/Depths-Space-Pioneer-Planetary-Probes/dp/0309090504/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?crid=15ACD63S59PJJ&keywords=The+depths+of+space&qid=1652998404&sprefix=the+depths+of+space%2Caps%2C258&sr=8-1
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: steve ridgway on May 20, 2022, 04:16:14 AM
It's always good to hear the Voyagers are still finding things out, interstellar space and the limits of the Sun's influence.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Iota on May 21, 2022, 11:25:11 AM
Quote from: LKB on May 19, 2022, 02:20:18 PM
I could probably wax poetically upon the Voyager and Pioneer projects for an annoyingly lengthy period.

Feel free! I find the Voyagers (ongoing) story fascinating and know very little about the Pioneer project. I wonder if the forum has a dedicated space/science thread for such musings.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: LKB on May 22, 2022, 07:47:15 AM
Quote from: Iota on May 21, 2022, 11:25:11 AM
Feel free! I find the Voyagers (ongoing) story fascinating and know very little about the Pioneer project. I wonder if the forum has a dedicated space/science thread for such musings.

Again, I'll recommend:

https://www.amazon.com/Depths-Space-Pioneer-Planetary-Probes/dp/0309090504/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?crid=15ACD63S59PJJ&keywords=The+depths+of+space&qid=1652998

It's one of the best accounts of the Pioneer program, particularly the famous missions to Jupiter and Saturn, which paved the way for Voyager.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: geralmar on May 22, 2022, 05:20:29 PM
Literally any news article or broadcast story about a government investigation or hearing on UFOs.  Life's too short.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Iota on May 27, 2022, 05:12:02 AM
Quote from: LKB on May 22, 2022, 07:47:15 AM
Again, I'll recommend:

https://www.amazon.com/Depths-Space-Pioneer-Planetary-Probes/dp/0309090504/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?crid=15ACD63S59PJJ&keywords=The+depths+of+space&qid=1652998

It's one of the best accounts of the Pioneer program, particularly the famous missions to Jupiter and Saturn, which paved the way for Voyager.

Okay thanks, I saw that above. Will check it out.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: LKB on May 27, 2022, 05:12:27 PM
Quote from: Iota on May 27, 2022, 05:12:02 AM
Okay thanks, I saw that above. Will check it out.

Good deal. Hopefully it won't cost you a lot, but even if you have to pay a premium l promise that it's worth it.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on May 28, 2022, 07:23:43 AM
The China shock: Germany turns away from its biggest trading partner (https://www.dw.com/en/the-china-shock-germany-turns-away-from-its-biggest-trading-partner/a-61957483)

Quote from: Deutsche WelleThe "Xinjiang Police Files" document the scale and brutality with which the Chinese state oppresses its mainly Muslim Uyghur minority...

German politicians have expressed shock.


(https://i.pinimg.com/564x/f2/e3/01/f2e301b90230d4663a8cdf054706c9d2.jpg)

Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: greg on May 28, 2022, 03:03:31 PM
I found this, quite a wild find.

Adam Lanza's lost youtube channel:
https://www.reddit.com/r/masskillers/comments/pn7n0q/adam_lanzas_youtube_channel/


It's audio only, you can download the videos, and people believe this is really him because the voice matches. Though IMO there is still a chance it isn't, there is a slight difference to me that his voice sounds a little more "human," less robotic than in the radio call.

Radio call

CNN video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lVlG3qMLFwg

full call:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xyeXwd2GGK4


I only listened to one video- "A few things," where it's just nihilistic talk about how values and meaning are a bad thing, some of the other videos include problems with culture, and apparently according to commenters, his goal was to "save the kids from culture" or something.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: MusicTurner on May 29, 2022, 06:03:30 AM
"Saudi man charged after Maserati driven down Rome's Spanish Steps "
https://edition.cnn.com/travel/article/maserati-spanish-steps-italy/index.html

"Paris museum opens its doors to nudists"
http://edition.cnn.com/travel/article/paris-nudist-museum-day/?dicbo=v2-016b1b387006e5b5359d3ef8cbae1a7b&hpt=ob_blogfooterold

"82 Years Ago, The Crypt Of Civilization Was Sealed"
https://www.iflscience.com/editors-blog/82-years-ago-the-crypt-of-civilization-was-sealed/



Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on May 31, 2022, 05:35:13 AM
Most in China Call Their Nation A Democracy, Most in U.S. Say America Isn't (https://www.newsweek.com/most-china-call-their-nation-democracy-most-us-say-america-isnt-1711176)

Quote from: Tom O'Connor
When asked whether they believe their country is democratic, those in China topped the list, with some 83% saying the communist-led People's Republic was a democracy. A resounding 91% said that democracy is important to them.

But in the U.S., which touts itself as a global beacon of democracy, only 49% of those asked said their country was a democracy. And just over three-quarters of respondents, 76%, said democracy was important.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on June 04, 2022, 06:47:30 AM
80 Years On, It's Unclear the U.S. Would Win a New Battle of Midway (https://time.com/6183462/battle-of-midway-us-china-japan/)

A commemorative article from the most milquetoast, establishment press outlet that is in fact a call to bolster war making capacity still further, and one that confuses raw numbers and actual capability.  My favorite sentence:

Quote from: Brendan Simms and Steven McGregorBut America is now less prepared than it was when it was surprised at Pearl Harbor.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on June 05, 2022, 03:44:03 PM
The U.S. is bombing al-Shabaab in Somalia, again (https://taskandpurpose.com/news/the-u-s-is-bombing-somalia-again/)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on June 07, 2022, 05:37:23 AM
World Bank warns global economy may suffer 1970s-style stagflation (https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/2022/06/07/world-bank-global-growth-forecast-stagflation/)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: DavidW on June 07, 2022, 03:10:21 PM
Aldi cashier operating at speeds beyond human comprehension! :D

(https://preview.redd.it/phmqepuhf6h71.jpg?width=640&crop=smart&auto=webp&s=b3fd4517e4c4ff49c293b15a0a3188ddbbe8a105)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: greg on June 08, 2022, 06:42:44 AM
Nice.  :D
When you need to clear all the customers so you can use the bathroom...
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Dry Brett Kavanaugh on June 08, 2022, 01:37:50 PM
CNN: 'Napalm Girl' at 50: The story of the Vietnam War's defining photo.

https://www.cnn.com/style/article/napalm-girl-50-snap/index.html
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on June 08, 2022, 01:43:05 PM
Quote from: Dry Brett Kavanaugh on June 08, 2022, 01:37:50 PM
CNN: 'Napalm Girl' at 50: The story of the Vietnam War's defining photo.

https://www.cnn.com/style/article/napalm-girl-50-snap/index.html

Most interesting, thanks!
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Dry Brett Kavanaugh on June 08, 2022, 01:46:03 PM
Quote from: k a rl h e nn i ng on June 08, 2022, 01:43:05 PM
Most interesting, thanks!

I thought/expected that some members would find the article very interesting! That was a weird war. The Americans didn't look like liberators much and the photo captured it very well.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on June 08, 2022, 01:46:51 PM
Quote from: Dry Brett Kavanaugh on June 08, 2022, 01:46:03 PM
I thought/expected that some members would find the article very interesting! That was a weird war. The Americans didn't look like liberators much.

Not our finest hour.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Dry Brett Kavanaugh on June 08, 2022, 01:52:42 PM
Quote from: k a rl h e nn i ng on June 08, 2022, 01:46:51 PM
Not our finest hour.

Red scare and domino theory. Today, white genocide theory (maybe).
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on June 12, 2022, 09:02:44 AM
I'm a Google engineer – our artificial intelligence bot has come to LIFE and has thoughts & feelings like an 8-year-old (https://www.the-sun.com/tech/5544564/google-engineer-dismissed-says-ai-is-sentient/)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Dry Brett Kavanaugh on June 12, 2022, 09:08:51 AM
Scientists say that we are close to reversal of aging in humans.

https://www.cnn.com/2022/06/02/health/reverse-aging-life-itself-scn-wellness/index.html
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Spotted Horses on June 13, 2022, 05:54:10 AM
Quote from: Dry Brett Kavanaugh on June 12, 2022, 09:08:51 AM
Scientists say that we are close to reversal of aging in humans.

https://www.cnn.com/2022/06/02/health/reverse-aging-life-itself-scn-wellness/index.html

Define "close." It worked in a mouse.

I remember reading how caloric restriction slowed aging in mice. Has anyone shown in works in humans? A mouse lives for 18 months. It seems that whatever process causes a mouse to die after 18 months has already been solved by nature in humans.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on June 13, 2022, 06:04:24 AM
Quote from: Spotted Horses on June 13, 2022, 05:54:10 AMHas anyone shown in works in humans?

No.  From the National Institute on Aging at the NIH: Calorie Restriction and Fasting Diets: What Do We Know? (https://www.nia.nih.gov/news/calorie-restriction-and-fasting-diets-what-do-we-know#:~:text=There%20are%20no%20data%20in,extend%20lifespan%20or%20preserve%20health.)

Quote from: National Institute on AgingSome study results suggest that calorie restriction may have health benefits for humans, but more research is needed before we understand its long-term effects. There are no data in humans on the relationship between calorie restriction and longevity.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Dry Brett Kavanaugh on June 13, 2022, 06:57:32 AM
Quote from: Spotted Horses on June 13, 2022, 05:54:10 AM
Define "close." It worked in a mouse.

I remember reading how caloric restriction slowed aging in mice. Has anyone shown in works in humans? A mouse lives for 18 months. It seems that whatever process causes a mouse to die after 18 months has already been solved by nature in humans.

It may not be close. Thank you.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: DavidW on June 13, 2022, 10:17:30 AM
Quote from: Spotted Horses on June 13, 2022, 05:54:10 AM
Define "close." It worked in a mouse.

I remember reading how caloric restriction slowed aging in mice. Has anyone shown in works in humans? A mouse lives for 18 months. It seems that whatever process causes a mouse to die after 18 months has already been solved by nature in humans.

There is also a problem that journalists are quick to jump on research that has not been exhaustively tested by independent labs, sometimes even reporting on results of papers that haven't even been accepted by peer reviewed journals.  Add in the propensity for them to misinterpret, exaggerate, misunderstand or outright lie and anything remotely scientific coming from some place like CNN should be taken with a huge grain of salt.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: drogulus on June 13, 2022, 10:56:28 AM

     In terms of some super important thing or other, we are in a bear market. I bought me a Canadian bank for cheap.

     All heck has broke loose. Take it from me, the earth is rising towards the sky at a precipitous rate. Y'all gonna die! (http://www.good-music-guide.com/community/Smileys/classic/tongue.gif) (http://forums.mozillazine.org/images/smilies/icon_razz.gif) (http://www.good-music-guide.com/community/Smileys/classic/tongue.gif)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: drogulus on June 13, 2022, 11:10:57 AM

     (https://ritholtz.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/usinflation-768x382.png)

     Joe Biden, destroyer of worlds!

     See where China is inflation-wise? They're in deep stag and they can't even get a good flation on! That's fucked up.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: drogulus on June 13, 2022, 07:19:15 PM


     I think you need a closer genetic match to humans. Supposedly pigs are more suitable than mice, but I would think that it would take a long time to get results with animals that have much longer lifespans than mice.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: MusicTurner on June 13, 2022, 08:23:33 PM
Canada and Denmark just got a common 1.2 km land border.

You can now stand solidly with a foot in each of the two countries - that is, with a bit of travelling to get to the place. The long-lasting 'Whisky War' is over.

https://www.arctictoday.com/canada-denmark-agree-on-a-landmark-deal-over-disputed-hans-island/
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: André on June 17, 2022, 11:35:39 AM
Quote from: MusicTurner on June 13, 2022, 08:23:33 PM
Canada and Denmark just got a common 1.2 km land border.

You can now stand solidly with a foot in each of the two countries - that is, with a bit of travelling to get to the place. The long-lasting 'Whisky War' is over.

https://www.arctictoday.com/canada-denmark-agree-on-a-landmark-deal-over-disputed-hans-island/

Nice !
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on June 17, 2022, 04:01:44 PM
Stocks stem losses but still close out worst week since March 2020
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: drogulus on June 17, 2022, 07:02:33 PM
Quote from: k a rl h e nn i ng on June 17, 2022, 04:01:44 PM
Stocks stem losses but still close out worst week since March 2020

     I would urge everyone to sell sell sell before the market uncrashes if I wasn't fully invested. Since I always am, I don't really care what people do. What difference does it make?
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: MusicTurner on June 17, 2022, 08:56:54 PM
The rise in gasoline prices has various side effects: now, the police was left completely baffled at a highway speed control here in DK:
among 4400 drivers, only 0.3 % exceeded the speed level somewhat, and none were serious offenses. 'It's completely surreal', a police office was quoted saying.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on June 18, 2022, 05:52:50 AM
'Late Show with Stephen Colbert' production team arrested at US Capitol, charged with unlawful entry (https://abc7.com/stephen-colbert-production-staff-arrest-us-capitol/11972431/)

Now that's entertainment.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on June 18, 2022, 06:10:53 AM
Quote from: MusicTurner on June 17, 2022, 08:56:54 PM
The rise in gasoline prices has various side effects: now, the police was left completely baffled at a highway speed control here in DK:
among 4400 drivers, only 0.3 % exceeded the speed level somewhat, and none were serious offenses. 'It's completely surreal', a police office was quoted saying.

That's a hoot!
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on June 18, 2022, 06:23:06 AM
Quote from: drogulus on June 17, 2022, 07:02:33 PM
     I would urge everyone to sell sell sell before the market uncrashes if I wasn't fully invested. Since I always am, I don't really care what people do. What difference does it make?

Well, of course, occasional volatility is simply The Norm. I think I'll wait a few weeks before checking my 401(k) again.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: drogulus on June 18, 2022, 09:58:49 AM
Quote from: k a rl h e nn i ng on June 18, 2022, 06:23:06 AM
Well, of course, occasional volatility is simply The Norm. I think I'll wait a few weeks before checking my 401(k) again.

     I have a Roth IRA that's about 20% off the high. Yikes? Well, maybe a little, like yikes! The stocks therein have dividends reinvested so I'm picking up a few shares at bargain prices. When the market recovers my Roth will be like a big gigantic thing.

     But then, what is normal when you get down to it? (http://www.good-music-guide.com/community/Smileys/classic/cheesy.gif)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on June 18, 2022, 10:30:10 AM
Quote from: drogulus on June 18, 2022, 09:58:49 AM
     I have a Roth IRA that's about 20% off the high. Yikes? Well, maybe a little, like yikes! The stocks therein have dividends reinvested so I'm picking up a few shares at bargain prices. When the market recovers my Roth will be like a big gigantic thing.

     But then, what is normal when you get down to it? (http://www.good-music-guide.com/community/Smileys/classic/cheesy.gif)

Aye, it will rebound.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Spotted Horses on June 19, 2022, 03:22:00 PM
I was trying to trouble shoot Bluetooth headphones coupling to my iMac. In the process, I turned off bluetooth. Then I realized my keyboard and mouse both couple by bluetooth. Duh! How do you turn bluetooth on again without a mouse of bluetooth? I did manage to find a USB mouse I use with a PC, plugged it in, that did the trick. :)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on June 19, 2022, 03:46:49 PM
Hah! Good save!
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: DavidW on June 20, 2022, 07:02:29 AM
That is one thing I will give to Windows.  Whenever I have to do something I rarely do on a Mac, I have to google how to do it.  When I want to do the same on Windows 10, I just type in their search bar and it immediately takes me to where I need to go.

Mac btw it is system preferences->bluetooth.  Not too hard.  Windows 10 just type bluetooth and select the first thing that comes up.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on June 21, 2022, 05:29:21 AM
Euro zone bond yields edge up after hawkish ECB comments (https://www.nasdaq.com/articles/euro-zone-bond-yields-edge-up-after-hawkish-ecb-comments)

Quote from: Stefano RebaudoItaly's 10-year government bond yield fell 3.5 bps to 3.756%, with the spread between Italian and German 10-year yields at 199.7 bps.

Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Spotted Horses on June 21, 2022, 07:17:02 AM
Quote from: DavidW on June 20, 2022, 07:02:29 AMMac btw it is system preferences->bluetooth.  Not too hard.  Windows 10 just type bluetooth and select the first thing that comes up.

You are missing the point. How do you do system preferences -> bluetooth when you've turned off bluetooth and your bluetooth mouse and keyboard have both been disconnected? On Mac you don't need to go to system preferences. By default there is a bluetooth pulldown attached to the system menu at the top of the screen.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: drogulus on June 21, 2022, 11:32:52 AM

     'I trusted them with my savings:' Crypto investors scramble after accounts frozen (https://finance.yahoo.com/news/crypto-investors-scramble-173004105.html)

"I'm already considering that money gone. This is about standing up for all the people who watched my channel and trusted Celsius. They're not going to be able to absorb a loss like I can," Armstrong said, noting he has discussed possible scenarios with his lawyers. "This is about holding those people accountable for what they've done."

     What do you mean "holding those people accountable"? How about holding yourself accountable, eh? As far as I know crypto is a legal scam.

     People iz dum. The fact that dummies scam themselves while scamming others isn't unexpected. Ideological dingdongs do just that, getting high on their own supply like Cheech and Chong.

     
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on June 21, 2022, 11:43:36 AM
Quote from: drogulus on June 21, 2022, 11:32:52 AM
     'I trusted them with my savings:' Crypto investors scramble after accounts frozen (https://finance.yahoo.com/news/crypto-investors-scramble-173004105.html)

"I'm already considering that money gone. This is about standing up for all the people who watched my channel and trusted Celsius. They're not going to be able to absorb a loss like I can," Armstrong said, noting he has discussed possible scenarios with his lawyers. "This is about holding those people accountable for what they've done."

     What do you mean "holding those people accountable"? How about holding yourself accountable, eh? As far as I know crypto is a legal scam.

     People iz dum. The fact that dummies scam themselves while scamming others isn't unexpected. Ideological dingdongs do just that, getting high on their own supply like Cheech and Chong.

     

Ernie, as Peter Falk has observed: When you're right, you're right.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: André on June 21, 2022, 01:20:30 PM
Quote from: drogulus on June 21, 2022, 11:32:52 AM
     'I trusted them with my savings:' Crypto investors scramble after accounts frozen (https://finance.yahoo.com/news/crypto-investors-scramble-173004105.html)

"I'm already considering that money gone. This is about standing up for all the people who watched my channel and trusted Celsius. They're not going to be able to absorb a loss like I can," Armstrong said, noting he has discussed possible scenarios with his lawyers. "This is about holding those people accountable for what they've done."

     What do you mean "holding those people accountable"? How about holding yourself accountable, eh? As far as I know crypto is a legal scam.

     People iz dum. The fact that dummies scam themselves while scamming others isn't unexpected. Ideological dingdongs do just that, getting high on their own supply like Cheech and Chong.

   

+ 1. A scam it is.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on June 25, 2022, 11:03:56 AM
The ABBA Voyage show in London is a stunning experience — and the future of live performance
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on June 25, 2022, 02:52:44 PM
French lawmakers want abortion rights in constitution (https://apnews.com/article/abortion-us-supreme-court-politics-health-c8ba0d01fda50adacec2a8fbec0fab29)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on June 28, 2022, 09:05:27 AM
Nato says does not see Beijing as adversary, but will label China 'systemic challenge' in strategic plan (https://www.straitstimes.com/world/europe/nato-to-label-china-systemic-challenge-in-strategic-plan)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on July 02, 2022, 04:15:46 AM
Steve Jobs awarded posthumous Medal of Freedom by President Biden (https://www.theverge.com/2022/7/1/23191302/steve-jobs-presidential-medal-of-freedom-joe-biden-apple)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Spotted Horses on July 03, 2022, 08:07:16 AM
First a thread was locked. Then a thread about why the thread was locked was locked. The provocateur in me was tempted to start a thread about why the thread about the thread being locked was locked. But I thought better of it.  0:)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on July 03, 2022, 08:36:38 AM
Quote from: Spotted Horses on July 03, 2022, 08:07:16 AM
First a thread was locked. Then a thread about why the thread was locked was locked. The provocateur in me was tempted to start a thread about why the thread about the thread being locked was locked. But I thought better of it.  0:)

(* chortle *)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on July 03, 2022, 08:42:22 AM
And remember: "Humility is society's greatest misconception."
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Florestan on July 03, 2022, 10:38:30 AM
Quote from: Spotted Horses on July 03, 2022, 08:07:16 AM
First a thread was locked. Then a thread about why the thread was locked was locked.

I can very well understand why the thread about why the other thread was locked was locked. What I can't understand is why the first thread was locked.

I just hope my remark won't cause this very thread to be locked.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: LKB on July 03, 2022, 12:19:17 PM
We apologize again for the fault in the thread. Those responsible for locking the posters who have just been locked, have been locked.

( A Thread once bit my sister... )
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: DavidW on July 03, 2022, 01:24:46 PM
Quote from: LKB on July 03, 2022, 12:19:17 PM
We apologize again for the fault in the thread. Those responsible for locking the posters who have just been locked, have been locked.

( A Thread once bit my sister... )

Unexpected Monty Python!
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: LKB on July 03, 2022, 05:52:00 PM
Quote from: DavidW on July 03, 2022, 01:24:46 PM
Unexpected Monty Python!

Nobody expects...  ;)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on July 03, 2022, 06:21:12 PM
Quote from: LKB on July 03, 2022, 05:52:00 PM
Nobody expects...  ;)

Jarrow, New Year's Eve 1911.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: LKB on July 03, 2022, 06:29:57 PM
Quote from: k a rl h e nn i ng on July 03, 2022, 06:21:12 PM
Jarrow, New Year's Eve 1911.

Indeed, Karl.

But l must thank DavidW. While I'm somewhat  notorious for regularly producing obvious puns, it's a rare pleasure to divest myself of an obvious recursive pun.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on July 03, 2022, 07:22:07 PM
Quote from: LKB on July 03, 2022, 06:29:57 PM
Indeed, Karl.

But l must thank DavidW. While I'm somewhat  notorious for regularly producing obvious puns, it's a rare pleasure to divest myself of an obvious recursive pun.

And you've not yet announced what your chief weapons are!
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: LKB on July 04, 2022, 05:58:55 AM
Quote from: k a rl h e nn i ng on July 03, 2022, 07:22:07 PM
And you've not yet announced what your chief weapons are!

Very well. My chief weapons are:

Crazy Horse's bow, and Sitting Bull's spear.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on July 13, 2022, 07:10:20 AM
Euro Drops to Dollar Parity for First Time in Two Decades (https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2022-07-13/euro-slides-to-parity-with-dollar-for-first-time-in-two-decades)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Dry Brett Kavanaugh on July 13, 2022, 07:35:57 AM
Quote from: Todd on July 13, 2022, 07:10:20 AM
Euro Drops to Dollar Parity for First Time in Two Decades (https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2022-07-13/euro-slides-to-parity-with-dollar-for-first-time-in-two-decades)

It may increase the price in Europe.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: DavidW on July 13, 2022, 07:36:10 AM
Get your jpc orders in!! :D
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on July 13, 2022, 10:34:59 AM
Quote from: Todd on July 13, 2022, 07:10:20 AM
Euro Drops to Dollar Parity for First Time in Two Decades (https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2022-07-13/euro-slides-to-parity-with-dollar-for-first-time-in-two-decades)

Thanks, Obama!
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on July 20, 2022, 08:17:28 AM
I find Yastrzemski's easy grace somehow touching:

With David Ortiz headed into the Hall of Fame, we asked Yaz: Who was the better hitter? (https://www.bostonglobe.com/2022/07/20/sports/carl-yastrzemski-david-ortiz-hall-of-fame/)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Dry Brett Kavanaugh on July 20, 2022, 09:46:29 AM
One in five US adults condone 'justified' political violence.

https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2022/jul/19/one-in-five-us-adults-condone-political-violence-survey?CMP=Share_iOSApp_Other
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on July 20, 2022, 10:37:02 AM
Quote from: Dry Brett Kavanaugh on July 20, 2022, 09:46:29 AM
One in five US adults condone 'justified' political violence.

https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2022/jul/19/one-in-five-us-adults-condone-political-violence-survey?CMP=Share_iOSApp_Other

Appalling. Do I even recognize the country I grew up in?
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on July 20, 2022, 12:29:18 PM
European economy: Lagarde wrestles with an 'impossible situation' (https://www.ft.com/content/2d2faef3-e101-49fa-9d48-e07bae0beab7)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: DavidW on July 20, 2022, 01:37:08 PM
Harper Collins union are on strike.  Apparently most of the employees get paid starvation wages while CEOs keep giving themselves bonuses and raises.  Not surprising.

https://www.publishersweekly.com/pw/by-topic/industry-news/publisher-news/article/89894-harpercollins-union-workers-hit-the-picket-line.html (https://www.publishersweekly.com/pw/by-topic/industry-news/publisher-news/article/89894-harpercollins-union-workers-hit-the-picket-line.html)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: drogulus on July 20, 2022, 01:43:22 PM
Quote from: k a rl h e nn i ng on July 20, 2022, 10:37:02 AM
Appalling. Do I even recognize the country I grew up in?

     It could be worse. You could live in China, the country of the future of the past.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: LKB on July 20, 2022, 09:48:45 PM
Quote from: drogulus on July 20, 2022, 01:43:22 PM
     It could be worse. You could live in China, the country of the future of the past.

Or Russia, where thinking out loud or questioning the official line could get you prison time.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on July 21, 2022, 09:00:07 AM
Directly from Gallup: Media Confidence Ratings at Record Lows (https://news.gallup.com/poll/394817/media-confidence-ratings-record-lows.aspx)

(https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/79Wia/plain-s.png)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on July 21, 2022, 09:01:38 AM
Quote from: LKB on July 20, 2022, 09:48:45 PM
Or Russia, where thinking out loud or questioning the official line could get you prison time.

Like this chap
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: drogulus on July 21, 2022, 01:27:22 PM

     I love "It's True! The NYTimes reported it." media distrust.

     People can be highly selective in how stupid they allow themselves to be. Sometimes it seems fake.

     That's a good thing IMO. They actually can handle bias when they want to, then complain about it when it irks them. It's not such a big problem, then.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on July 22, 2022, 04:34:26 AM
Spread betting: how will the ECB's new bond-buying tool work? (https://www.ft.com/content/c5499acd-0271-458d-8363-9e75633399ee)

Quote from: Martin ArnoldBy giving itself the power to buy unlimited amounts of the bonds of any country that it judges to be suffering from an increase in its borrowing costs beyond the level justified by economic fundamentals, the ECB has addressed a key vulnerability haunting eurozone policymakers ever since a debt crisis almost ripped the single currency apart a decade ago...

As part of this, it could also consider purchasing private sector securities "if appropriate"...

The ECB claimed any bond purchases made under the scheme would not bloat its close to €9tn balance sheet, but it was vague about how exactly this could be done.

Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: drogulus on July 22, 2022, 08:43:08 AM

     Here's something to not know very much about. Behold:

     (https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/G.KyMFhwVo_.a9r4BiSd5g--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTcwNTtoPTU4ODtjZj13ZWJw/https://s.yimg.com/uu/api/res/1.2/nysdu9JlGLdJz88iPOXG7A--~B/aD02MDA7dz03MjA7YXBwaWQ9eXRhY2h5b24-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/the_guardian_765/411ed166fc1586710beb41ec1b5c15f2)

     As far as I know (not very much) Mead was a Lake, and still is, barely.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: drogulus on July 22, 2022, 10:44:02 AM

     China's debt bomb looks ready to explode (https://asia.nikkei.com/Opinion/China-s-debt-bomb-looks-ready-to-explode)

The most ominous warning light is clearly China's debt-ridden real estate sector. China Evergrande Group, the country's largest real estate developer, which has borrowed more than $300 billion, has already defaulted on its bonds. More defaults seem likely because Chinese developers are on the hook for $13 billion in dollar-denominated bond payments in the second half of this year.

China's debt-laden local governments are also facing grim prospects. Declining income from land sales because of the crisis in the real estate sector and falling tax receipts are expected to cause a 6 trillion yuan shortfall, roughly $900 billion, in local government revenues this year. Local government financing vehicles that have borrowed heavily from banks or issued bonds will have great difficulties servicing their debt.

Large banks in China are in trouble as well. They have lent tens of billions to poor countries as part of China's ambitious Belt and Road Initiative. A significant portion of their credit portfolio is likely to become nonperforming as their borrowers are unable to service the debt due to the global economic downturn.

The most recent economic implosion and the collapse of the government of Sri Lanka will likely force their Chinese lenders to write off a large portion of the loans. If big Chinese banks themselves face rising nonperforming loans abroad, they will be less able to help bail out insolvent small or medium-sized banks at home.

It might be possible for China to dodge another financial meltdown this time. But if local officials have to hire thugs to attack bank customers trying to get their money back, investors should brace for far worse days ahead for China's banking sector.


     
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on July 23, 2022, 06:39:33 AM
From the Gray Lady:

W.H.O. Declares Monkeypox Spread a Global Health Emergency

There have been more than 16,000 cases outside Africa, and the virus has reached 75 countries and territories. (https://www.nytimes.com/2022/07/23/health/monkeypox-pandemic-who.html)


Locally, health care providers are following protocols to treat anyone with any rash with extra care and scrutiny.  That includes toddlers with eczema.  Really.  Because it is entirely sensible to ignore the actual risk factors and behaviors causing the spread of the disease outside of Africa. 
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Florestan on July 23, 2022, 06:50:14 AM
Quote from: Todd on July 23, 2022, 06:39:33 AM
From the Gray Lady:

W.H.O. Declares Monkeypox Spread a Global Health Emergency

There have been more than 16,000 cases outside Africa, and the virus has reached 75 countries and territories. (https://www.nytimes.com/2022/07/23/health/monkeypox-pandemic-who.html)


Locally, health care providers are following protocols to treat anyone with any rash with extra care and scrutiny.  That includes toddlers with eczema.  Really.  Because it is entirely sensible to ignore the actual risk factors and behaviors causing the spread of the disease outside of Africa.

You don't want to open that can of worms, do you?  ;D
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on July 23, 2022, 06:56:20 AM
Quote from: Florestan on July 23, 2022, 06:50:14 AM
You don't want to open that can of worms, do you?  ;D

US public health policy suffers from a lack of candor and succumbs to both sensationalism and inappropriate political pressure.  The response to Covid continues to be muddled two years in, and Monkeypox may very well be comparatively worse.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Jo498 on July 23, 2022, 11:35:01 AM
Obviously it is more o.k. to close schools and terminate everyday activities like pubs, concerts, sports, sometimes even normal shopping for millions and for many months than to tell a tiny minority to abstain from unprotected sex parties with strangers for a few weeks...
It's another indication that the Western world has become completely mad in the last few years.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: drogulus on July 25, 2022, 09:29:13 AM
Quote from: Jo498 on July 23, 2022, 11:35:01 AM
Obviously it is more o.k. to close schools and terminate everyday activities like pubs, concerts, sports, sometimes even normal shopping for millions and for many months than to tell a tiny minority to abstain from unprotected sex parties with strangers for a few weeks...


     Those are not the options, though. We do tell the general public everyday activities must be limited for sound reasons, and tiny minorities about dangers they face due to activities that the general public doesn't engage in. I trust the complaint here is that this isn't clear enough. But, but......it's clear to me, and to you, and to many others, even though I'll grant that public communication hasn't caught up to optimal. I treat this as typical early days confusion about how best to tell people about something that affects people very differently.

     Majorities are being told what applies to them, and we know it. Are minorities being told about what applies to them, or not? I'm not one, so I'd be guessing. My guess is they are getting good info, but that's a guess.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: MusicTurner on July 25, 2022, 10:02:42 AM
Quote from: Jo498 on July 23, 2022, 11:35:01 AM
(...) 
It's another indication that the Western world has become completely mad in the last few years.

The mood and expert advise here in DK is that the recent Monkey Pox statement has been an unfortunate exaggeration. It is not taken literally here.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: JBS on July 25, 2022, 10:19:33 AM
Quote from: MusicTurner on July 25, 2022, 10:02:42 AM
The mood and expert advise here in DK is that the recent Monkey Pox statement has been an unfortunate exaggeration. It is not taken literally here.

It's also good to remember that monkeypox is much less lethal and apparently is less likely to require hospitalization than Covid, so it will result in far less strain on the healthcare syatem.

Which is a good thing because the latest variants of Covid seem to be ramping up their spread.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: DavidW on July 26, 2022, 04:01:37 AM
Actor David Warner passed away at 80.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on July 26, 2022, 05:18:04 AM
Quote from: DavidW on July 26, 2022, 04:01:37 AM
Actor David Warner passed away at 80.

What a marvelous career!
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on July 26, 2022, 09:25:56 AM
US Dependence on Taiwan Chips Is 'Untenable,' Raimondo Says (https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2022-07-22/us-dependence-on-taiwan-chips-is-untenable-raimondo-says)

Quote from: United States Secretary of Commerce Gina M. RaimondoThis is a Sputnik moment for America...I mean that very sincerely. And this is a project we're working on.

The U.S. wants to spend $52 billion to become a chips powerhouse. Experts say that hundreds of billions—and decades—is needed to crack its reliance on Asia (https://www.yahoo.com/video/u-wants-spend-52-billion-123000165.html)

All aboard the gravy train.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: LKB on July 26, 2022, 11:02:40 AM
Quote from: DavidW on July 26, 2022, 04:01:37 AM
Actor David Warner passed away at 80.

So has Paul Sorvino, aged 83. RIP...
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: LKB on July 26, 2022, 11:28:08 AM
And now Tony Dow, from Leave it to Beaver. He was 77.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: MusicTurner on July 26, 2022, 12:41:44 PM
Quote from: LKB on July 26, 2022, 11:28:08 AM
And now Tony Dow, from Leave it to Beaver. He was 77.

Seems to have been an unfortunate, wrong announcement ...

EDIT: he is at a hospice though.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on July 26, 2022, 12:45:39 PM
Tangentially, even as a boy, I had no patience with either Leave it to Beaver, or My Three Sons.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: VonStupp on July 26, 2022, 01:22:11 PM
Quote from: DavidW on July 26, 2022, 04:01:37 AM
Actor David Warner passed away at 80.

Quote from: LKB on July 26, 2022, 11:02:40 AM
So has Paul Sorvino, aged 83. RIP...

Quote from: LKB on July 26, 2022, 11:28:08 AM
And now Tony Dow, from Leave it to Beaver. He was 77.

A lot of pop culture memories here.

VS
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on July 27, 2022, 10:19:46 AM
This story made me groan and feel like putting my head in my hands.  Why did she bother to attend the event?  Or what was she thinking at the time?   :(  Still, not fun to have your photo in a news story along with the criticism.

https://www.cnn.com/2022/07/25/golf/fan-golf-ball-korda-evian-championship-spt-intl/

PD
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on July 27, 2022, 11:14:17 AM
Senate Passes $280 Billion Industrial Policy Bill to Counter China (https://www.nytimes.com/2022/07/27/us/politics/senate-chips-china.html)

Not one dime will be wasted.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: DavidW on July 27, 2022, 04:43:04 PM
Quote from: Todd on July 27, 2022, 11:14:17 AM
Not one dime will be wasted.

Remarkably dead pan! ;D
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: LKB on July 27, 2022, 09:06:19 PM
Look's like someone gave Manchin what he wanted.

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-62328875
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: drogulus on July 28, 2022, 08:58:01 AM

     China a a bit larval when it comes to chips. They can't make a CPU worth shit. Chinese electronics mostly contain chips designed in the US and manufactured in enemy territory.

     I'm not very heavy on chips. I have Intel and Broadcom, and maybe a taste in tech ETFs. A Vanguard fund I have is tech focused. Onshoring chip manufacture will be expensive, though most will be private investment spurred by government seeding. Given the uncertainties in global tech it makes sense.

     I think high end chip manufacture might better be located in Mexico if that could be done.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on July 28, 2022, 02:30:15 PM
US economy shrinks in second quarter, signaling unofficial start of recession (https://www.theguardian.com/business/2022/jul/28/us-economy-gdp-second-quarter)

Hey, it's from the Graun, so take it with a grain of salt.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on July 29, 2022, 04:41:11 AM
Blots on a Field?

A neuroscience image sleuth finds signs of fabrication in scores of Alzheimer's articles, threatening a reigning theory of the disease (https://www.science.org/content/article/potential-fabrication-research-images-threatens-key-theory-alzheimers-disease)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on July 31, 2022, 04:37:53 AM
On navy day, Putin says United States is main threat to Russia (https://www.reuters.com/business/aerospace-defense/putin-says-russian-navy-get-new-hypersonic-missiles-soon-2022-07-31/)

Duh.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: LKB on July 31, 2022, 06:23:24 AM
Quote from: Todd on July 31, 2022, 04:37:53 AM
On navy day, Putin says United States is main threat to Russia (https://www.reuters.com/business/aerospace-defense/putin-says-russian-navy-get-new-hypersonic-missiles-soon-2022-07-31/)

Duh.

He's obviously a " very stable genius ", just like one of his biggest fans here.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on July 31, 2022, 06:32:41 AM
Quote from: LKB on July 31, 2022, 06:23:24 AM
He's obviously a " very stable genius ", just like one of his biggest fans here.

Who on GMG is a Putin fan?
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: LKB on July 31, 2022, 06:43:36 AM
Quote from: Todd on July 31, 2022, 06:32:41 AM
Who on GMG is a Putin fan?

Ok, l was not specific in my meaning so: Not " here " on GMG, " here " in the USA.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Dry Brett Kavanaugh on August 01, 2022, 05:03:37 PM
Cognitive decline linked to ultraprocessed food.

https://edition.cnn.com/2022/08/01/health/ultraprocessed-food-dementia-study-wellness/index.html
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Spotted Horses on August 01, 2022, 08:27:07 PM
Quote from: Dry Brett Kavanaugh on August 01, 2022, 05:03:37 PM
Cognitive decline linked to ultraprocessed food.

https://edition.cnn.com/2022/08/01/health/ultraprocessed-food-dementia-study-wellness/index.html

I don't dispute the basic premise that eating junk is bad for you, but what is the definition of ultra-processed food? The article cites sausage, for example, but is there no distinction between factory made sausage and sausage made from raw ingredients in your butcher shop the morning you bought it?
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on August 02, 2022, 04:16:23 AM
Quote from: Spotted Horses on August 01, 2022, 08:27:07 PM
I don't dispute the basic premise that eating junk is bad for you, but what is the definition of ultra-processed food? The article cites sausage, for example, but is there no distinction between factory made sausage and sausage made from raw ingredients in your butcher shop the morning you bought it?

It is CNN clickbait.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on August 02, 2022, 09:02:43 AM
Pretty substantial yield curve inversion.

(https://media-exp1.licdn.com/dms/image/C4E22AQEMD6ofaEPfmg/feedshare-shrink_2048_1536/0/1659449411735?e=1662595200&v=beta&t=K_xJW6zUVG42_fvSlH4B_z997UR87S04dNTRWBdr9wI)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: greg on August 03, 2022, 07:37:43 AM
There's a recent LA times article about Americans working remotely in Mexico, and there's posters in Mexico city?IIRC saying they should go home, that they are a plague, etc.
Reason why is the US is too expensive, but remote work still pays a lot if employed by an American company, living in Mexico is more affordable.
Kinda an inverted version of what's been happening here.
So it was quite funny to hear about.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on August 03, 2022, 08:58:11 AM
Quote from: greg on August 03, 2022, 07:37:43 AMIIRC saying they should go home, that they are a plague, etc.

It's not just the Mexicans complaining:

Welcome to Portugal, the new expat haven. Californians, please go home (https://www.latimes.com/world-nation/story/2022-05-12/california-expats-portugal-relocation-lisbon)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: greg on August 03, 2022, 09:28:22 AM
Quote from: Todd on August 03, 2022, 08:58:11 AM
It's not just the Mexicans complaining:

Welcome to Portugal, the new expat haven. Californians, please go home (https://www.latimes.com/world-nation/story/2022-05-12/california-expats-portugal-relocation-lisbon)
Interesting. At least some of them aren't coming to Texas.
But you can't blame them for that strategy, it's smart.
Seems like people making $100k+ in US tech industry, especially Silicon Valley, is going to cause gentrification no matter what, or where they go.
So not sure where they could go, it's not like they want to cause damage...
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on August 03, 2022, 09:39:22 AM
Quote from: greg on August 03, 2022, 09:28:22 AM
So not sure where they could go, it's not like they want to cause damage...

They can stay in California.  Or move elsewhere.  (Yesterday I heard someone from Kentucky say the same thing.)  Californians have infested Oregon for years, gentrifying the larger cities, which when combined with the unique, local Metro government layer that controls land use and development in the Portland metro area, has driven up housing costs to unsustainable extremes, which in turn fuels the homeless crisis in the area.  Of course, personally, I have benefitted financially since my home price now resembles what Bay Area homes went for earlier this century, and my equity is stupid high.  I live in my house.  I can assure you it is not worth the market price, even in a cooling market.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Brian on August 03, 2022, 09:42:36 AM
Quote from: Todd on August 03, 2022, 08:58:11 AM
It's not just the Mexicans complaining:

Welcome to Portugal, the new expat haven. Californians, please go home (https://www.latimes.com/world-nation/story/2022-05-12/california-expats-portugal-relocation-lisbon)
I know a couple who retired to Portugal last year. The government is welcoming - it seems to totally not question whether retirees who are going to get on government healthcare should be denied residency - and, at least in their telling, they have not yet run into the "Americans go home" mentality. Of course, they are also middle-class Texans who moved into a small flat in a century-old building. They didn't buy a villa or something.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on August 03, 2022, 09:48:55 AM
Quote from: Brian on August 03, 2022, 09:42:36 AMThe government is welcoming

The article indicates that the government has formulated specific policies to attract foreigners to the country, with its declining native population.  The slant on the article is that it is the fancier Californians who are inviting a good portion of the unwanted attention.  As always when formulating policy, be careful what you wish for.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on August 03, 2022, 11:17:08 AM
Quote from: Brian on August 03, 2022, 09:42:36 AM
I know a couple who retired to Portugal last year. The government is welcoming - it seems to totally not question whether retirees who are going to get on government healthcare should be denied residency - and, at least in their telling, they have not yet run into the "Americans go home" mentality. Of course, they are also middle-class Texans who moved into a small flat in a century-old building. They didn't buy a villa or something.

My friend, fellow composer and hornist Pam Marshall and her partner are pretty much gearing up to move there. It seems to me that her partner, David, given the nature of his interests, will not feel very displaced by the move. By contrast, I think Pam as a musician will be severely displaced, moving somewhere where she has no musical network as yet, and needing to establish one across cultural and language barriers. It is not a move I would make at this time of life.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on August 04, 2022, 06:20:57 AM
China conducts 'precision missile strikes' in Taiwan Strait (https://apnews.com/article/taiwan-asia-navy-china-air-force-4bd08ab9ecd2a9f7d450cf61618d28af)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: MusicTurner on August 04, 2022, 06:59:23 AM
Interesting with the Alex Jones leak during the court case against him: two years of text messages on one of his phones, with generally embarrassing content, maybe also from around the Capitol events, the Trump entourage, etc. Apparently it happened due to a mistake from his lawyer, 12 days ago. But statements made by him during the last 12 days obviously became lies, when faced with the content of that phone today.

Informing about the leak during the trial: https://twitter.com/hahnalytics/status/1554946282011205643
'No, you're on trial': https://twitter.com/Tr00peRR/status/1555146136012423169

Accuses judge on TV and denies it: https://twitter.com/NatetheLawyer/status/1554911485004070912


Some are suggesting however, that the leak might sabotage the court case against him, at least temporarily, due to the lawyer's lack of responsibility, a resulting intrusion into privacy, or other reasons. At the court, it was pointed out however, that there were actually no accompanying secrecy statements to the sent ~packet.

Supposedly he'll appeal anyway. There are also some questions in relation to liberty of speech, and the current judge's attitude. 

Text messages have shown that he made up to $ 800,000 per day via 'Infowars' years ago, so economically, it has been very profitable for him to cultivate his public.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on August 04, 2022, 08:08:52 AM
After repeating early COVID mistakes, US now has the world's biggest monkeypox outbreak (https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/2022/08/04/covid-mistakes-us-worlds-biggest-monkeypox-outbreak/10219495002/?gnt-cfr=1)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: MusicTurner on August 05, 2022, 02:53:58 AM
The 1st verdict of a 4 mio $ compensation, paid to the parents, is only the first one in an ongoing series of decisions and possible punishments to be made by the Alex Jones court.

Jones is calling it a 'victory' though (since a bigger amount was demanded from the prosecutor), is still running his show, and asks everyone to donate more money to him.

Rumours about the phone content, that will apparently be handed over to the Capitol coup attempt committee, include 'intimate messages' to Roger Stone, child pornography (that Jones says was malware), etc. Jones did guiding appearances and speeches to the crowd during the Capitol coup attempt, and he claimed to be in contact with Trump. The Trump entourage generally deleted their phone content from those days.

It's an interesting case, also since the blunder of Jones' lawyer Reynal - handing out very embarrassing material to Jones' antagonists, and then doing nothing during the 10 days frame for any protesting, while Jones commits perjury in the light of what was later seen of that phone content - has in itself produced a lot of conspiracy theories: was Reynal really that incompetent? Or did he do it on purpose to somehow declare the whole case a mistrial? Or was he influenced by people who wanted Jones to stop? Or did Reynal secretly hate Jones?

So far, most would indicate incompetence. Apparently Reynal will also face some questioning from a lawyer's organization.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: drogulus on August 05, 2022, 09:45:39 AM

     "Recession" news:

     U.S. payrolls increased by 528,000 in July, far higher than expectations.

     I adhere to normalcy on recessions definitions. History says a recession is best defined in hindsight. People can disagree on whether one has started or not when indicators point both ways. They point both ways.

     I also wonder what it means for an economy to recess while employment is high and growing. Job loss is the reason to care about recessions, nothing else matters nearly as much.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: drogulus on August 05, 2022, 10:21:19 AM

     The $ price of a barrel of WTI crude is lower today than it was on Feb. 24. Oh no......
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on August 05, 2022, 10:22:21 AM
Quote from: drogulus on August 05, 2022, 10:21:19 AM
     The $ price of a barrel of WTI crude is lower today than it was on Feb. 24. Oh no......

Thanks, Obama!
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on August 05, 2022, 10:29:25 AM
Out of respect for the dead, let's call this weird news, rather than "unimportant": Two dead after Thursday night lightning strike near White House
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on August 06, 2022, 08:03:33 AM
Digital Scandal !!

How a Phoenix record store owner set the audiophile world on fire

MoFi Records claimed its expensive reissues were purely analog reproductions. It had been deceiving its customer base for years. (https://www.washingtonpost.com/music/2022/08/05/mofi-records-analog-digital-scandal/)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: drogulus on August 06, 2022, 08:58:23 AM
Quote from: k a rl h e nn i ng on August 06, 2022, 08:03:33 AM
Digital Scandal !!

How a Phoenix record store owner set the audiophile world on fire

MoFi Records claimed its expensive reissues were purely analog reproductions. It had been deceiving its customer base for years. (https://www.washingtonpost.com/music/2022/08/05/mofi-records-analog-digital-scandal/)


     The audiophool ideology says this is impossible.

     It's just elite consumerism. I'm elite, look at what I bought.

     A good AVR gets you there for high end sound, and gives you home theater, too. What's good? I'd say 20+ pounds. Many budget receivers come in around 18 pounds. That will do for sensitive speakers if you don't play too loud. For demanding speakers and sufficient power to play loud I recommend a 20-22 pounder. As far as brands go, that's not a concern. I'd look at features. When in doubt get an Onkyo that meets your feature criteria. Or just get the Onkyo TX-NR6100 and stop with the bitchin'.

     I don't listen very loud so my old Sony is adequate for multipurpose use. If I wanted to upgrade I'd get an Onkyo, though it might be one level below the 6100.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: DavidW on August 06, 2022, 02:03:38 PM
Reminds me of the time hd tracks was caught selling MOST OF THEIR CATALOG at 16 bit 44.1 kHz pcm upscaled to hd audio (and selling it at that price).  How embarrassing for the golden ear audiophiles that were pretending they could hear the difference. ;D
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: drogulus on August 07, 2022, 02:24:17 PM

     The US has a labor shortage, and that's a factor in the supply inflation. The solution is a bigger, better "border crisis". (http://www.good-music-guide.com/community/Smileys/classic/smiley.gif)

     To be clear, we can continue to hate the people we employ to wash dishes, pick vegetables and clean restrooms. Give them jobs, that's all. We can hate and chew gum, can't we?
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on August 08, 2022, 05:44:13 AM
The yield curve inversion gets a bit worse.

(https://media-exp1.licdn.com/dms/image/C4E22AQHEahfQbQL-dA/feedshare-shrink_2048_1536/0/1659965416671?e=1662595200&v=beta&t=UVhlgBzk1O1f0-9RVZhfbObhaBFbiCOuEIAz0jpd15E)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: drogulus on August 08, 2022, 04:16:55 PM

     The FBI raided the Mar A Lago nest of Bad Orange Former Person Entity. Could this be the beginning of Retropeachment? Stay tuned.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on August 08, 2022, 04:21:26 PM
"Nothing like this has ever happened to a President of the United States before," Trump said.

"No President of the United States was ever a career criminal before," America explained.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on August 08, 2022, 05:16:46 PM
Now that the Inflation Reduction Act has cleared the Senate, let's see what some pros think the impact on inflation will look like.  From the University of Pennsylvania: INFLATION REDUCTION ACT: PRELIMINARY ESTIMATES OF BUDGETARY AND MACROECONOMIC EFFECTS (https://budgetmodel.wharton.upenn.edu/issues/2022/7/29/inflation-reduction-act-preliminary-estimates)

Quote from: Jon Huntley and John RiccoThe impact on inflation is statistically indistinguishable from zero.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on August 09, 2022, 05:11:14 AM
Top economist Mohamed El-Erian says inflation 'will be sticky' and utters the words nobody wants to hear: 'Entrenched' and 'broad-based' (https://fortune.com/2022/08/08/inflation-expectations-outlook-mohamed-el-erian-top-economist-says-sticky-entrenched-broad-based/)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on August 09, 2022, 09:58:54 AM
Iran makes first import order using cryptocurrency (https://www.reuters.com/business/finance/iran-makes-first-import-order-using-cryptocurrency-tasnim-2022-08-09/)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on August 10, 2022, 09:06:56 AM
And, in other non-surprising news: Domino's leaves Italy, where — surprise — diners prefer local pizza
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on August 11, 2022, 05:57:12 AM
Quote from: k a rl h e nn i ng on August 10, 2022, 09:06:56 AM
And, in other non-surprising news: Domino's leaves Italy, where — surprise — diners prefer local pizza
:laugh:

Can't believe that they would have even considered the prospect of trying to open up shop there!

PD
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on August 11, 2022, 07:59:42 AM
Quote from: Pohjolas Daughter on August 11, 2022, 05:57:12 AM
:laugh:

Can't believe that they would have even considered the prospect of trying to open up shop there!

PD

Veramente!
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: drogulus on August 11, 2022, 10:39:56 AM

     Domino's should go to another country. Russia needs pizza even more than Mars needs women.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on August 11, 2022, 11:58:32 AM
Quote from: drogulus on August 11, 2022, 10:39:56 AM
     Domino's should go to another country. Russia needs pizza even more than Mars needs women.

I understand they're jonesin' for Big Macs.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Lisztianwagner on August 11, 2022, 12:30:17 PM
Quote from: k a rl h e nn i ng on August 10, 2022, 09:06:56 AM
And, in other non-surprising news: Domino's leaves Italy, where — surprise — diners prefer local pizza

Yes, who would ever have imagined such a thing?   ;)

Quote from: Pohjolas Daughter on August 11, 2022, 05:57:12 AM
:laugh:

Can't believe that they would have even considered the prospect of trying to open up shop there!

PD

Indeed, that's the question.  :D Honestly, I didn't even know there was Domino in Italy too.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on August 12, 2022, 07:22:20 AM
Polio Has Been Detected in New York City Wastewater, Officials Say (https://www.nytimes.com/2022/08/12/nyregion/polio-nyc-sewage.html)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: LKB on August 12, 2022, 07:25:44 AM
Salman Rushdie was just attacked in Western New York, apparently as he was beginning a lecture. Breaking story, but apparently someone rushed the stage and punched or stabbed Rushdie.

Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Dry Brett Kavanaugh on August 13, 2022, 02:08:22 PM
Argentina hikes interest rates to 69.5% as the inflation rate reaches 71%.  Roller coaster.


https://edition.cnn.com/2022/08/12/economy/argentina-inflation-interest-rates/index.html
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on August 14, 2022, 08:11:31 AM
A disastrous megaflood is coming to California, experts say, and it could be the most expensive natural disaster in history (https://www.cnn.com/2022/08/12/weather/california-megaflood-study/index.html)


Quote from: Payton Major, Judson Jones and Brandon MillerDaniel Swain, a climate scientist with UCLA and a researcher involved in the study, describes a megaflood as, "a very severe flood event across a broad region that has the potential to bring catastrophic impacts to society in the areas affected." He said a megaflood is similar to the 1,000-year flash flood events seen this summer in the St. Louis area and Kentucky, but across a much wider area, such as the entire state of California.

Bold type added.  This story made it to the ABC World News Tonight broadcast last night, with super-hunky weatherman Rob Marciano (formerly a weatherman in PDX!) delivering the grim prognostication.  So this is official propaganda now.  Just think if the entire state of California gets inundated.  That seems, strictly speaking, impossible.  Maybe some more grant money can help sort the whole thing out.


Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Jo498 on August 14, 2022, 08:30:38 AM
el capitan will stay dry, I'd guess.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: ritter on August 14, 2022, 08:39:44 AM
Or at least Mount Whitney, I hope...
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on August 15, 2022, 05:04:57 AM
China Shocks With Rate Cut as Data Show 'Alarming' Slowdown (https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2022-08-15/china-central-bank-unexpectedly-cuts-key-rate-to-boost-growth)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Spotted Horses on August 15, 2022, 08:34:43 AM
I was saddened to read of the senseless death of Anne Heche in a car crash, a talented and charismatic actor who long battled mental health issues probably related to a traumatic family history. I also feel for the woman who lived in the home that burned in the ensuing fire and lost her home and most of her possessions.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Florestan on August 15, 2022, 08:52:51 AM
I witnessed (half visually and half auditively) the gruesome murder of a puppy. The problem is threefold compounded: (1) it was a puppy that my son found in the streets and wanted to keep, (2) I could have prevented it but when I realized what was really going on it was too late, and (3) the one who murdered it is a member of my family (husband of my wife's late aunt --- thank God he's not blood-related). Ever since, I can't get it out of my head and I told my wife, my mother-in-law and the husband of one of that man's daughters that I don't want to be with him (the murderer, that is) in the same place at the same time anymore (they all agreed that I am right). He's not a human being, he's a despicable brute.

No, really, I am shocked and I'm afraid it will take a long time to forget the whole thing.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on August 16, 2022, 05:28:26 AM
(https://media-exp1.licdn.com/dms/image/C4E22AQFVePBNSvaUvw/feedshare-shrink_800/0/1660618182093?e=1663804800&v=beta&t=6EB3CNkjsQx8yMcJ-xvNEjoSiK9_TgUqEzg_LNfEn6Q)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on August 16, 2022, 06:24:48 AM
Interesting story on NPR regarding the Rhine, water levels and commercial transportation.  One of the facts that came out:  It takes 40 trucks to carry one bargeful of grain.  There is actually more boat traffic on the Rhine than normal because they can't carry as much cargo as usual; they are having to carry less cargo (weight) as they don't want to run aground.

https://www.npr.org/2022/08/16/1117658727/shallow-rhine-river-has-a-devastating-effect-on-commercial-traffic

PD
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on August 16, 2022, 07:01:45 AM
Quote from: Pohjolas Daughter on August 16, 2022, 06:24:48 AM
Interesting story on NPR regarding the Rhine, water levels and commercial transportation.  One of the facts that came out:  It takes 40 trucks to carry one bargeful of grain.  There is actually more boat traffic on the Rhine than normal because they can't carry as much cargo as usual; they are having to carry less cargo (weight) as they don't want to run aground.

https://www.npr.org/2022/08/16/1117658727/shallow-rhine-river-has-a-devastating-effect-on-commercial-traffic

PD

Gosh!
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Spotted Horses on August 16, 2022, 07:33:55 AM
Quote from: Pohjolas Daughter on August 16, 2022, 06:24:48 AM
Interesting story on NPR regarding the Rhine, water levels and commercial transportation.  One of the facts that came out:  It takes 40 trucks to carry one bargeful of grain.  There is actually more boat traffic on the Rhine than normal because they can't carry as much cargo as usual; they are having to carry less cargo (weight) as they don't want to run aground.

https://www.npr.org/2022/08/16/1117658727/shallow-rhine-river-has-a-devastating-effect-on-commercial-traffic

PD

And it was just a few years ago that there was catastrophic flooding on the Rhine river. The most unique characteristic of our fossil fuel juiced climate is greater fluctuations in weather.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on August 16, 2022, 07:40:28 AM
Quote from: Spotted Horses on August 16, 2022, 07:33:55 AM
And it was just a few years ago that there was catastrophic flooding on the Rhine river. The most unique characteristic of our fossil fuel juiced climate is greater fluctuations in weather.
Hard to fathom it (Sorry--unintentional pun!).

PD
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: MusicTurner on August 16, 2022, 07:55:52 AM
Quote from: Pohjolas Daughter on August 16, 2022, 06:24:48 AM
Interesting story on NPR regarding the Rhine, water levels and commercial transportation.  One of the facts that came out:  It takes 40 trucks to carry one bargeful of grain.  There is actually more boat traffic on the Rhine than normal because they can't carry as much cargo as usual; they are having to carry less cargo (weight) as they don't want to run aground.

https://www.npr.org/2022/08/16/1117658727/shallow-rhine-river-has-a-devastating-effect-on-commercial-traffic

PD

I think that most Mid- and South-European major rivers and lakes are now experiencing the drought, that is maybe becoming 'the worst in 500 years'.

We had a little, modest rain during the night, but as usual, without any real effect. It's often above 20 C during the night.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on August 16, 2022, 08:00:55 AM
Quote from: Pohjolas Daughter on August 16, 2022, 07:40:28 AM
Hard to fathom it (Sorry--unintentional pun!).

PD

I smiled, in spite of myself :)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on August 16, 2022, 08:13:59 AM
Quote from: MusicTurner on August 16, 2022, 07:55:52 AM
I think that most Mid- and South-European major rivers and lakes are now experiencing the drought, that is maybe becoming 'the worst in 500 years'.

We had a little, modest rain during the night, but as usual, without any real effect. It's often above 20 C during the night.
Eek!

Apparently at Koblenz, the deepest part of the river is only 5 feet!  Depending upon your height, you could literally walk out to the middle of the river!  :'(

PD
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: MusicTurner on August 16, 2022, 08:16:11 AM
Quote from: Pohjolas Daughter on August 16, 2022, 08:13:59 AM
Eek!

Apparently at Koblenz, the deepest part of the river is only 5 feet!  Depending upon your height, you could literally walk out to the middle of the river!  :'(

PD

Ouch!
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on August 16, 2022, 08:33:43 AM
And, in Amusing Mis-readings: My brain switched one noun with the result, a young, American composer hoping to achieve sobriety
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: LKB on August 16, 2022, 08:43:41 AM
Quote from: k a rl h e nn i ng on August 16, 2022, 08:33:43 AM
And, in Amusing Mis-readings: My brain switched one noun with the result, a young, American composer hoping to achieve sobriety

Since I'm not young, they weren't writing about me... whew!
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: drogulus on August 16, 2022, 10:01:33 AM

     So far I'd say I'm enjoying this recession more than usual. Maybe it's because my portfolio fantasy value is rising and not falling. Fantasy value is what your stuff would fetch on market if you sold it. Real value is what you get from owning it. Real value is less volatile than fantasy value. For instance the Covid crash of 2020 crashed my fantasy value very strongly while the real value didn't budge.

     So why pay attention to fantasy value at all? TBH I don't have a good answer.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on August 16, 2022, 12:47:09 PM
Quote from: drogulus on August 16, 2022, 10:01:33 AM
     So far I'd say I'm enjoying this recession more than usual. Maybe it's because my portfolio fantasy value is rising and not falling. Fantasy value is what your stuff would fetch on market if you sold it. Real value is what you get from owning it. Real value is less volatile than fantasy value. For instance the Covid crash of 2020 crashed my fantasy value very strongly while the real value didn't budge.

     So why pay attention to fantasy value at all? TBH I don't have a good answer.

Do you have a fantasy answer?
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: drogulus on August 16, 2022, 04:21:06 PM
Quote from: k a rl h e nn i ng on August 16, 2022, 12:47:09 PM
Do you have a fantasy answer?

     I'll quote Cap. He says "a thing is happening". The man's a genius.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on August 17, 2022, 05:39:49 AM
American Airlines agrees to buy 20 supersonic planes from Boom (https://www.cnbc.com/2022/08/16/american-airlines-agrees-to-buy-20-supersonic-planes-from-boom.html)

Regular old NBC Nightly News ran an excited story about this last night as well.  Supersonic air travel will return!  And per the manufacturer, this neato bit of conspicuous consumption will be carbon neutral.  Honest.  No greenwashing.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on August 17, 2022, 05:53:46 AM
Sub-heading: The unimportant opinion thread:

Opinion  China's decline may be looming. Here's how the U.S. can win, if it so chooses. (https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2022/08/17/how-united-states-beats-china/)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: drogulus on August 17, 2022, 07:52:25 AM
Quote from: k a rl h e nn i ng on August 17, 2022, 05:53:46 AM
Sub-heading: The unimportant opinion thread:

Opinion  China's decline may be looming. Here's how the U.S. can win, if it so chooses. (https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2022/08/17/how-united-states-beats-china/)

Ian Bremmer of the Eurasia Group said in a recent newsletter that "the world isn't moving in China's direction." After 50 years during which cheap labor made China the world's "manufacturing engine," Chinese labor is increasingly expensive and decreasingly abundant. A United Nations model projects China's population, 1.4 billion today, peaking in 2028, then shrinking to 700 million to 900 million by 2100. In June, Bremmer said, a Shanghai Academy of Social Sciences issued a report — immediately suppressed — that China's population actually peaked last year, and will decline steadily to 587 million in 2100.

     I think this may be wrong. China reached its peak population about 15 years ago and it has declined since. The real population currently is well below the official number.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: MusicTurner on August 17, 2022, 08:22:52 AM
(As a side remark, Russia's population shrinked on average by 87,000 per month, in January - May this year, which was record high. This according to official statistics. That's another reason to force Ukrainians to settle there, including in far away provinces. The government yesterday also introduced a special medal of heroism and a financial bonus for women that give birth to at least 10 children.)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on August 17, 2022, 09:42:46 AM
Quote from: drogulus on August 17, 2022, 07:52:25 AM
Ian Bremmer of the Eurasia Group said in a recent newsletter that "the world isn't moving in China's direction." After 50 years during which cheap labor made China the world's "manufacturing engine," Chinese labor is increasingly expensive and decreasingly abundant. A United Nations model projects China's population, 1.4 billion today, peaking in 2028, then shrinking to 700 million to 900 million by 2100. In June, Bremmer said, a Shanghai Academy of Social Sciences issued a report — immediately suppressed — that China's population actually peaked last year, and will decline steadily to 587 million in 2100.

     I think this may be wrong. China reached its peak population about 15 years ago and it has declined since. The real population currently is well below the official number.

You cannot go far wrong, to be sceptical of "official numbers" from Beijing.

Quote from: MusicTurner on August 17, 2022, 08:22:52 AM
(As a side remark, Russia's population shrinked on average by 87,000 per month, in January - May this year, which was record high. This according to official statistics. That's another reason to force Ukrainians to settle there, including in far away provinces. The government yesterday also introduced a special medal of heroism and a financial bonus for women that give birth to at least 10 children.)


Heroism, indeed!
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: MusicTurner on August 17, 2022, 09:58:19 AM
Quote from: k a rl h e nn i ng on August 17, 2022, 09:42:46 AM
(...)

Heroism, indeed!

Well, they set the bar pretty high, didn't they ...
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on August 18, 2022, 12:54:26 PM
Sanna Marin: Finland PM partying video causes backlash (https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/976/cpsprodpb/6D67/production/_126370082_a4424610-cc40-4a47-b14b-29155f289ee9.png)

(https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/976/cpsprodpb/6D67/production/_126370082_a4424610-cc40-4a47-b14b-29155f289ee9.png)

Now I want to see a video of Olaf Scholz getting down.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Florestan on August 18, 2022, 01:01:35 PM
Quote from: Todd on August 18, 2022, 12:54:26 PM
Sanna Marin: Finland PM partying video causes backlash (https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/976/cpsprodpb/6D67/production/_126370082_a4424610-cc40-4a47-b14b-29155f289ee9.png)

(https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/976/cpsprodpb/6D67/production/_126370082_a4424610-cc40-4a47-b14b-29155f289ee9.png)

Ugh! She's not even half as cute as I thought her to be. Better said, the make-up or lack thereof makes all the difference in the world.  ;D

QuoteI want to see a video of Olaf Scholz getting down.

Idon't.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on August 18, 2022, 01:03:43 PM
Quote from: Florestan on August 18, 2022, 01:01:35 PM
Ugh! She's not even half as cute as I thought her to be. Better said, the make-up or lack thereof makes all the difference in the world.  ;D

I often wonder why there are not more female posters on this forum.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Florestan on August 18, 2022, 01:15:10 PM
Quote from: Todd on August 18, 2022, 01:03:43 PM
I often wonder why there are not more female posters on this forum.

And? Do you have a theory about it?
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: drogulus on August 18, 2022, 01:38:01 PM
Quote from: Florestan on August 18, 2022, 01:15:10 PM
And? Do you have a theory about it?

     I do. (http://www.good-music-guide.com/community/Smileys/akyhne/blank.gif)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Florestan on August 18, 2022, 01:42:15 PM
Quote from: drogulus on August 18, 2022, 01:38:01 PM
     I do. (http://www.good-music-guide.com/community/Smileys/akyhne/blank.gif)

Make the case for it!  :D
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: drogulus on August 18, 2022, 02:15:49 PM

     Women do not take kindly to the pervasive well poisoning and chest thumping that goes on here. Husbands and boyfriends give them more than enough of that.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Florestan on August 18, 2022, 02:18:05 PM
Quote from: drogulus on August 18, 2022, 02:15:49 PM
     Women do not take kindly to the pervasive well poisoning and chest thumping that goes on here. Husbands and boyfriends give them more than enough of that.

Too commonplace. I'm disappointed.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: drogulus on August 18, 2022, 03:27:06 PM
Quote from: Florestan on August 18, 2022, 02:18:05 PM
Too commonplace. I'm disappointed.

     Sometimes what's true is also obvious. A small minority of women like internet mud wrestling. A favorite of mine is Godless Girl.

     (https://i.imgur.com/kEwYv02.png)

     Trust me, you do not want to go near her.

     
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: greg on August 19, 2022, 07:54:44 AM
Quote from: Florestan on August 18, 2022, 01:15:10 PM
And? Do you have a theory about it?
I wonder if it's a forum thing in general.

Reddit is 63.8% male. But it certainly isn't trying to make that imbalance.

More likely certain types of people are attracted to forum discussion, and a larger percentage of people with that taste happen to be male. I think it's the type of people who like to deep dive into subjects to the point where other resources aren't enough. That's my guess, certainly can change though.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on August 19, 2022, 08:01:43 AM
Quote from: greg on August 19, 2022, 07:54:44 AMReddit is 63.8% male.

That percentage seems low.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Dry Brett Kavanaugh on August 19, 2022, 01:41:19 PM
The New York Times.  Home Appraised With a Black Owner: $472,000. With a White Owner: $750,000.

https://www.nytimes.com/2022/08/18/realestate/housing-discrimination-maryland.html
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on August 19, 2022, 02:28:51 PM
Quote from: Dry Brett Kavanaugh on August 19, 2022, 01:41:19 PM
The New York Times.  Home Appraised With a Black Owner: $472,000. With a White Owner: $750,000.

https://www.nytimes.com/2022/08/18/realestate/housing-discrimination-maryland.html

Oof!
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on August 20, 2022, 06:58:57 AM
Britain is plunging deeper into crisis by the day, but its government is missing in action (https://www.cnn.com/2022/08/20/uk/british-government-crisis-intl-cmd/index.html)

I don't follow internal politics of other countries, so I would need residents of the UK to confirm whether CNN's reporting is accurate or sensationalized - not that CNN succumbs to sensationalism.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on August 20, 2022, 11:56:46 AM
Sanna Marin: Finnish PM reveals she has taken drug test (https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-62608831)

And here I thought US political scandals pushed the boundaries of ultimate stupidity, but along come Europeans to outdo the yanks.  So awesome.

Shaw Moore approves of this scandal.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Iota on August 20, 2022, 12:29:40 PM
Quote from: Todd on August 20, 2022, 11:56:46 AM
Sanna Marin: Finnish PM reveals she has taken drug test (https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-62608831)

And here I thought US political scandals pushed the boundaries of ultimate stupidity, but along come Europeans to outdo the yanks.  So awesome.

Shaw Moore approves of this scandal.

I agree, it's absolutely pathetic.

As to the implied question in your preceding post, the CNN report about the state of affairs in the UK seems reasonable. The country feels in a state of limbo, the government feels absent, price and bill rises are disconcerting, the people who suffer most from the effects of inflation won't be heard and will comfortably be put on hold by an apparently uninterested Tory government, a fact which may well indeed come back to bite them at the next general election. All imho. For expert opinion you will need to look elsewhere.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on August 21, 2022, 07:17:00 AM
Polio in US, UK and Israel reveals rare risk of oral vaccine (https://apnews.com/article/covid-science-health-israel-new-york-db2b278b7e4f9fea9a2df48b8508ed14)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on August 22, 2022, 05:33:23 AM
UK inflation to hit 18.6% next year according to Citi (https://www.ft.com/content/778e65e1-6ec5-4fd7-98d5-9d701eb29567)


German central bank chief Joachim Nagel warns inflation to hit 70-year high (https://www.ft.com/content/c23d11f4-5aca-463f-9102-44269b289b1f)


As inflation soars, access to Indigenous foods declines (https://apnews.com/article/inflation-indigenous-food-declines-858a9544f0fa3acc64958f6af73b00b5)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Dry Brett Kavanaugh on August 22, 2022, 06:17:15 AM
Apple workers launch petition over firm's return-to-office stance.

https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2022/aug/22/apple-workers-launch-petition-over-return-to-office-stance?CMP=Share_iOSApp_Other

Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on August 23, 2022, 04:42:21 AM
As many as one in six U.S. tree species is threatened with extinction (https://www.washingtonpost.com/climate-environment/2022/08/23/extinct-tree-species-sequoias/)

The headline should read continental US, but at any rate, the US is apparently lucky if the two below sciency articles, both citing the same report from last year are correct:

Some 30% of global tree species at risk of extinction -report (https://www.reuters.com/business/environment/some-30-global-tree-species-risk-extinction-report-2021-09-01/)

Up to half of world's wild tree species could be at risk of extinction (https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2021/sep/01/up-to-half-worlds-wild-tree-species-could-risk-extinction)

Meanwhile, the human population keeps growing and CO2 emissions reached a new record in 2021.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Dry Brett Kavanaugh on August 24, 2022, 08:56:22 AM
Gen Z candidate will win Democratic nomination in Florida's 10th District. 

For the first time, in 2022, members of Generation Z – those born after 1996 – are eligible to be elected to the US House of Representatives. (Under the Constitution, House members have to be at least 25 years old, a US citizen for at least seven years and live in the state they represent, though not necessarily the district.)


https://www.cnn.com/2022/08/24/politics/gen-z-maxwell-frost-florida-democrat/index.html
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: drogulus on August 24, 2022, 09:05:44 AM

     OK, Trump stole government secrets. Now, he's Trump, not someone else, so his intention will be to profit from them in some way. Trump needs money now and forever. He must pay the fifth rate bottom feeding lawyers he engages or he'll be stuck with sixth rate lawyers working for publicity.

     TrumPutin may no longer be an option due to the level of scrutiny the war has brought. Perhaps the Saudis should be considered most likely buyers.

     An alternative is Trump merely thinks the documents belong to him the way everything not nailed down does, and monetization hasn't crossed his so called mind. Do we believe that?
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on August 24, 2022, 09:11:31 AM
Monetization not crossed the Trump Lizard brain-stem? Not bloody likely, mate.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: drogulus on August 26, 2022, 11:16:59 AM
     Fed wizard Powell warned inflation fighting will be painful, and the fantasy value of stocks dropped. So, mission accomplished?

     When should inflation be fought, and who are the casualties in this war? It's my view that inflation should be allowed to go away without creating more victims. No doubt that's a minority view. Almost everyone believes in a form of human sacrifice to appease the inflation god and high priest Larry Summers.

     Do Fedsters believe they need to combat inflation or are they appeasing the inflationistas who bay for their heads if they fall too far behind the curve? After countless iterations of the same old same old, it doesn't seem rational to think creating worse outcomes is a better outcome. Maybe it's better by definition. That must be it. The principle is something like "never let the world contradict my perfect idea". The world is always wrong.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: JBS on August 26, 2022, 11:29:40 AM
Sorry, but if the cost of keeping my grocery bill from going up even more has to be paid out of your stocks, then I will be happy to have your stocks pay the price.  Especially since I view stocks as not being fully tethered to reality and therefore likely to regain whatever they lost before too long.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: drogulus on August 26, 2022, 01:13:47 PM
Quote from: JBS on August 26, 2022, 11:29:40 AM
Sorry, but if the cost of keeping my grocery bill from going up even more has to be paid out of your stocks, then I will be happy to have your stocks pay the price.  Especially since I view stocks as not being fully tethered to reality and therefore likely to regain whatever they lost before too long.

     You mistake me. I'm fine with stock market voodoo. What I care about is unemployment. Since raising interest rates adds to inflation, it's only when higher rates weaken the economy that any deflation can occur. In order to get any good at all, the bad must happen first.

     My grocery bills go up too. How come I don't demand jobs be destroyed? What's wrong with me?
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: JBS on August 26, 2022, 03:23:48 PM
Quote from: drogulus on August 26, 2022, 01:13:47 PM
     You mistake me. I'm fine with stock market voodoo. What I care about is unemployment. Since raising interest rates add to inflation, it's only when higher rates weaken the economy that any deflation can occur. In order to get any good at all, the bad must happen first.

     My grocery bills go up too. How come I don't demand jobs be destroyed? What's wrong with me?

Ah, now jobs is a different story, since I need to keep working for a couple more years. :laugh:
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on August 28, 2022, 07:26:37 AM
U.S. warships transit Taiwan Strait, first since Pelosi visit (https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/exclusive-us-warships-carrying-out-taiwan-strait-passage-first-since-pelosi-2022-08-28/)

Grrrr.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: drogulus on August 28, 2022, 09:59:53 AM
Quote from: JBS on August 26, 2022, 03:23:48 PM
Ah, now jobs is a different story, since I need to keep working for a couple more years. :laugh:

     I don't see what's different about it. It is the story. All you have to do is follow the news about how jobs will be lost to fight inflation. The job loss is not collateral damage, it's the method.

     Here's my view of success. 123 go. The Fed goes coward mode and appeases Moloch but not enough to recess the economy. Inflation subsides normally like it does when a rough equilibrium obtains. The Fed claims the success of its management, and the failure to destroy jobs is part of the success, while the obvious notion that inflation subsides through the same supply/demand balance that would have happened regardless is ignored because it doesn't serve any libraservative narrative. Nobody gets a bonus by claiming modest interventions taken for political CYA reasons don't change inflation much. Inflation went down so voodoo shit must be the reason. It doesn't have to make sense.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on August 29, 2022, 04:58:43 AM
NASA calls off Artemis 1 moon rocket launch over engine cooling issue (https://www.space.com/artemis-1-moon-rocket-launch-scrub)

Oh no!  This is bad.  I mean, this is super important because:

China Will Ultimately Overtake the U.S. in Outer Space, a New Study Warns (https://time.com/6208992/china-us-space/)

That's from Time magazine.  Time!

I mean, sure, it seems like an episode of Space Force, but it is very serious stuff.  If we are not careful, we will end up with a moon base gap.

Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Spotted Horses on August 29, 2022, 08:41:57 AM
Dutch soldiers receiving Urban Commando Training couldn't survive one day of sightseeing in downtown Indianapolis.

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-62712298
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on August 31, 2022, 04:46:15 AM
Life expectancy in the U.S. dropped in 2021 for the second year in a row but Covid deaths aren't the only reason (https://www.nbcnews.com/health/health-news/life-expectancy-us-dropped-2021-second-year-row-covid-deaths-arent-onl-rcna45615)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on August 31, 2022, 08:24:24 AM
Inflation rose to record mark in August across 19 nations that use the euro (https://www.upi.com/Top_News/World-News/2022/08/31/eu-eurozone-inflation-prices-euro-economy/3001661944777/)

Ninth month in a row.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: drogulus on August 31, 2022, 03:44:05 PM

     Near where the FBI found the top secret docs BadPersonEntity stole were his passports. The fukin' guy!

     Seriously, though, would BPE be allowed to leave the country? The Secret Service surrounds him 24/7 and I have no doubt they have instructions regarding any attempt to make a run for it.

     
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Spotted Horses on August 31, 2022, 05:49:48 PM
Sarah Palin managed to flip Alaska's house seat to the Democrats, for the first time in 50 years.

Go Sarah!

https://www.cnn.com/2022/08/31/politics/alaska-house-seat-ranked-choice-ballots/index.html
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on August 31, 2022, 06:21:06 PM
Quote from: Spotted Horses on August 31, 2022, 05:49:48 PM
Sarah Palin managed to flip Alaska's house seat to the Democrats, for the first time in 50 years.

Go Sarah!

https://www.cnn.com/2022/08/31/politics/alaska-house-seat-ranked-choice-ballots/index.html


So much winning!
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on September 01, 2022, 05:59:46 AM
Poland puts its WW2 losses at $1.3 trillion, demands German reparations (https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/poland-officially-demand-ww2-reparations-germany-says-ruling-party-boss-2022-09-01/)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on September 01, 2022, 06:46:41 AM
Did you know that British Filmmaker Alex Holder said that one of Trump's favorite activities is walking in and out of rooms at Mar-A-Lago so different people can applaud him? No, really.

What a tiny man-child.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on September 01, 2022, 12:18:23 PM
A New Hampshire Beatles fan bought George Harrison's home. Now you can hang out in the room where the Fab Four once jammed.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: MusicTurner on September 01, 2022, 12:28:32 PM
Latest televised news from the Russian provinces about local washing facilities; 250,000 Rubles roughly equals € 4150, at the current, probably inflated rate:
https://twitter.com/Gerashchenko_en/status/1565365705284919299

Latest news about the first Belarusian produced computer (well, sort of ...),
and the first, celebrating presentation of it:
https://twitter.com/francis_scarr/status/1565271830532952070

Frankly, I was surprised by the content in both stories.




Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on September 02, 2022, 05:38:34 AM
Billionaire Robert Tsao training Taiwan civilians to prepare for invasion from China (https://www.upi.com/Top_News/World-News/2022/09/02/taiwan-china-invasion-robert-tsao/4481662119720/#:~:text=Sept.%202%20%28UPI%29%20--%20Microchip%20billionaire%20Robert%20Tsao,to%20be%20prepared%20for%20an%20invasion%20from%20China.)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on September 02, 2022, 06:21:29 AM
'Conservative media is lying to you.' Ann Coulter encourages GOP split from Trump
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on September 03, 2022, 04:43:55 AM
Fuel leak disrupts NASA's 2nd shot at launching moon rocket (https://apnews.com/article/astronomy-space-launches-exploration-science-9a89bb77af17be3e3b5891a0b224ac69)

Looks like it could have been better for NASA to go with SpaceX rather than Boeing.  Just like NASA could have gone for Mars rather than the moon.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: LKB on September 03, 2022, 07:31:19 AM
Quote from: Todd on September 03, 2022, 04:43:55 AM
Fuel leak disrupts NASA's 2nd shot at launching moon rocket (https://apnews.com/article/astronomy-space-launches-exploration-science-9a89bb77af17be3e3b5891a0b224ac69)

Looks like it could have been better for NASA to go with SpaceX rather than Boeing.  Just like NASA could have gone for Mars rather than the moon.

The SLS is a new system, just as the Saturn was when Apollo 4 launched. Glitches are to be expected, and those of us who watched the  NASA launches during the 1960's are unperturbed. Any talk of having chosen the wrong contractor is premature.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on September 03, 2022, 07:43:23 AM
Quote from: LKB on September 03, 2022, 07:31:19 AM
The SLS is a new system, just as the Saturn was when Apollo 4 launched. Glitches are to be expected, and those of us who watched the  NASA launches during the 1960's are unperturbed. Any talk of having chosen the wrong contractor is premature.

The project is a waste of time and money.  Unmanned spacecraft are far superior for scientific research, and they cost less.  Human travel back to the moon and then to Mars are really super great for fans of sci-fi, but future spillover benefits will not come close to matching the early space program, and the billions or trillions spent will not help terrestrial folk.  The Chinese can squander their resources on very exciting moon missions.  Maybe the European Space Agency can handle Mars.  (jk)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on September 05, 2022, 05:51:39 AM
Chile votes overwhelmingly to reject new, progressive constitution

With 96% of the ballots counted, the rejection camp has 62% and the approve team accept defeat in bid to replace Pinochet-era settlement (https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/sep/05/chile-votes-overwhelmingly-to-reject-new-progressive-constitution)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: LKB on September 08, 2022, 03:56:41 AM
Hopefully this won't become more important.

" Queen under medical supervision as doctors concerned for health "

https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-62836057
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Spotted Horses on September 08, 2022, 04:25:33 AM
Quote from: LKB on September 08, 2022, 03:56:41 AM
Hopefully this won't become more important.

" Queen under medical supervision as doctors concerned for health "

https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-62836057

Given her age, it is bound to become more important soon.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on September 08, 2022, 05:07:45 AM
Wasn't quite certain where to post this...

After the war in Ukraine started, I discovered the online news source The Moscow Times (perhaps due to a link from Karl H?).  I came across this story yesterday which I found to be quite fascinating.  It's about a man who was asked to look at what are now known as the Manhoff Archive.

In 2016 he found an extraordinary cache of color photographs and films taken by Major Martin J. Manhoff, a military attaché at the U.S. embassy in Moscow in the 1950s.

There's a link to the photos and movies (again in color) from the early 1950's--including Stalin's funeral and visits to neighboring places of interest:  churches, museums (including Tchaikovsky's home), daily life, etc.  I've looked at a number of them.

https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2022/09/06/step-into-the-soviet-past-with-the-manhoff-archive-a78726

PD
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on September 10, 2022, 01:31:36 PM
The late monarch pranking an American tourist. (https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2022/09/09/queen-england-humor-death/)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on September 11, 2022, 03:24:59 AM
Quote from: k a rl h e nn i ng on September 10, 2022, 01:31:36 PM
The late monarch pranking an American tourist. (https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2022/09/09/queen-england-humor-death/)
I heard that story recently.   ;D

I couldn't read behind the paywall, but here it is for others (if you can't access it):  https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-11193985/Her-Majestys-humor-Queen-PRANKED-two-American-tourists.html

I loved her comment:  " ''I'd love to be a fly on the wall when he shows that to his friends in America.'"

Does anyone here know whether or not they finally realized/were told who they had met?

PD
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on September 11, 2022, 11:09:49 AM
Dutch city becomes world's first to ban meat adverts in public (https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/sep/06/haarlem-netherlands-bans-meat-adverts-public-spaces-climate-crisis)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Dry Brett Kavanaugh on September 12, 2022, 12:36:22 PM
Middle/upper class people are increasing among the Dollar General customers.

https://www.cnn.com/2022/09/08/business/dollar-general-shopping-retail/index.html

Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on September 12, 2022, 12:50:36 PM
Dollar Tree offers a more robust selection than Dollar General, especially in the budget snack food category.  Until the last few months, Herr's was only available around here at the dollar stores.  Herr's Buffalo Blue Cheese Curls are the bomb.  Alas, the closest Family Dollar is hours away, so I cannot comparison shop there unless I am on a road trip.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Dry Brett Kavanaugh on September 12, 2022, 01:15:09 PM
Quote from: Todd on September 12, 2022, 12:50:36 PM
Dollar Tree offers a more robust selection than Dollar General, especially in the budget snack food category.  Until the last few months, Herr's was only available around here at the dollar stores.  Herr's Buffalo Blue Cheese Curls are the bomb.  Alas, the closest Family Dollar is hours away, so I cannot comparison shop there unless I am on a road trip.

You mean Dollar Tree?

I only know DG. I will check other discount stores!
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on September 12, 2022, 01:22:09 PM
Quote from: Dry Brett Kavanaugh on September 12, 2022, 01:15:09 PMYou mean Dollar Tree?

No, Family Dollar.  I mentioned Dollar Tree as well.  That's the most common chain where I live.

There's also a fourth, smaller chain in the Midwest.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Dry Brett Kavanaugh on September 12, 2022, 01:31:14 PM
Quote from: Todd on September 12, 2022, 01:22:09 PM
No, Family Dollar.  I mentioned Dollar Tree as well.  That's the most common chain where I live.

There's also a fourth, smaller chain in the Midwest.

So for you, in terms of quality, Dollar tree ranks as the best, followed by Family Dollar, which is followed by DG?
I am looking for cheap and good groceries!
I think there are all the three in my town, but I only know DG.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on September 12, 2022, 01:47:23 PM
Quote from: Dry Brett Kavanaugh on September 12, 2022, 01:31:14 PM
So for you, in terms of quality, Dollar tree ranks as the best, followed by Family Dollar, which is followed by DG?
I am looking for cheap and good groceries!

The dollar stores are good for knickknacks.

For lowest price groceries - or rather, the groceries I actually buy - I go to Grocery Outlet for closeouts and Winco/Waremart for regular groceries.  Winco is a regional west/southwest chain out of Idaho, and where I live it usually undercuts Walmart on price while having food quality exactly on par with or better than national chains.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: drogulus on September 12, 2022, 07:12:16 PM

     What if we're fighting inflation all wrong? (https://www.vox.com/the-goods/23339531/federal-reserve-inflation-jerome-powell-unemployment-interest-rates)

     Impossible, the entire liberaservative economic empire is devoted to crushing consumer demand with good old fashioned unemployment.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on September 13, 2022, 05:46:09 AM
US inflation rate exceeds forecast (https://www.ft.com/content/dd0ffcb8-ccf4-4a6d-8306-72854888090e)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on September 14, 2022, 11:17:18 AM
Direct from the UN:

50 million people in modern slavery: No justification for 'fundamental' human rights abuse (https://news.un.org/en/story/2022/09/1126421)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: MusicTurner on September 14, 2022, 10:51:22 PM
A delirious #45 was very keen on his own idea that Denmark should get Puerto Rico in exchange for the US getting Greenland, and tried to work for that, a new book by Ronald Lauder tells us all.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on September 15, 2022, 05:23:45 AM
Right-wing bloc wins narrow majority in Swedish parliament (https://apnews.com/article/government-and-politics-4814cf71f9aa5f0224d5795e7597690c)

I don't follow Swedish politics - why on earth would I? - but it looks like "make Sweden great again" is now a thing.  Sweden has not been a great power for centuries, so I'm not sure what the slogan could mean.  That written, it could be helpful for NATO to have a more militaristic northern power in the mix.  Good news, I guess.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on September 16, 2022, 07:12:24 AM
US News college ranking under scrutiny after Ivy League university plummets (https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2022/sep/13/us-news-college-ranking-controversy-columbia-university)

The good news is that Columbia is the only school that cooked the books.  Well, Columbia and Temple.  Otherwise, everything in academia is on the up and up.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on September 20, 2022, 05:26:25 AM
Sweden's central bank launches 100 basis point rate hike, says 'inflation is too high' (https://www.cnbc.com/2022/09/20/swedens-central-bank-launches-100-basis-point-rate-hike.html)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: drogulus on September 20, 2022, 08:56:19 AM

     I adhere to the "Thanks, Obama" method of inflation analysis, like so:

     (https://www.pewresearch.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/FT_22.06.08_GlobalInflation_2.png)

     See what I mean?

     Demand remains healthy, supply remains not. An Obama, pick one, must be blamed.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: drogulus on September 20, 2022, 10:39:20 AM

     It gets worse. The damaged tree in my front yard has been cut down. The Watertown Dept. of Public Works is the culprit.

     I want a new tree. It's not so good to look out the window and see a stump.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on September 20, 2022, 01:55:47 PM
Quote from: drogulus on September 20, 2022, 10:39:20 AM
     It gets worse. The damaged tree in my front yard has been cut down. The Watertown Dept. of Public Works is the culprit.

     I want a new tree. It's not so good to look out the window and see a stump.
In your front yard?  Or on the strip of land by the street (if you have one)...states and cities have (probably) different footage in terms of how far from the street they own in terms of property.  I suspect that you will have to pay a landscaper to dig out the stump and then you can plant another tree.

In any event, if the tree was so seriously damaged that they thought that they needed to remove it, you probably escaped even more costs (depending upon your deductible and your rates might have possibly gone up too depending upon whether or not this tree fell on someone/something).  Not an expert here....just thinking.

PD
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on September 21, 2022, 10:36:20 AM
Fed raises rates by another three-quarters of a percentage point to fight inflation (https://www.cnbc.com/2022/09/21/fed-rate-hike-september-2022-.html)

JPow is no Volcker, but he's sticking to his guns.  He should have pushed for a full point increase, but he can go big at the next FOMC meeting.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on September 22, 2022, 05:12:05 AM
Turkish central bank lowers interest rate to 12% (https://apnews.com/article/inflation-middle-east-recep-tayyip-erdogan-4184af38885e4195d1a1818f11d13a8b)

How about that?  It's rare to experience a real-time comparison of opposite policy approaches to the same macroeconomic challenge. 
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on September 24, 2022, 03:39:58 PM
The Return of Fascism in Italy (https://www.theatlantic.com/international/archive/2022/09/giorgia-meloni-italy-election-fascism-mussolini/671515/)

Sweden.  Italy.  What is wrong with Europeans?

(The source here is The Atlantic, so it could just be hackwork.)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: ritter on September 24, 2022, 11:40:15 PM
Quote from: Todd on September 24, 2022, 03:39:58 PM
...
Sweden.  Italy.  What is wrong with Europeans?
....
The same thing that is wrong with Americans, I'm afraid....
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on September 25, 2022, 05:42:13 AM
Quote from: ritter on September 24, 2022, 11:40:15 PM
The same thing that is wrong with Americans, I'm afraid....

But how can that be?
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: ritter on September 25, 2022, 06:00:00 AM
Quote from: Todd on September 25, 2022, 05:42:13 AM
But how can that be?
Telepathy? An airborne virus? Something in the water?  :D

I suppose there's no easy answer, but would think that in troubled times, the appeal of politicians who promise an (impossible) return to an allegedly better, easier past, while blaming "others" for our current woes, is enhanced. It happens here, and it happens there...
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on September 25, 2022, 06:10:01 AM
So European education systems are failing as well?

I liked the 90s.  Maybe we should return to, say, 1998.  You know, a pre-Google world, where Amazon only started selling items other than books, and the biggest concern was proper use of cigars.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: ritter on September 25, 2022, 06:34:26 AM
Quote from: Todd on September 25, 2022, 06:10:01 AM
...
I liked the 90s.  Maybe we should return to, say, 1998.  You know, a pre-Google world, where Amazon only started selling items other than books, and the biggest concern was proper use of cigars.

But there were no online discussions of complete Beethoven piano sonata cycles then, were there?
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on September 25, 2022, 06:40:14 AM
Quote from: ritter on September 25, 2022, 06:34:26 AM
But there were no online discussions of complete Beethoven piano sonata cycles then, were there?

Sure, on Usenet (rec.music.classical.recordings).  Usenet stretches back to the 70s, though I think the first classical music threads started in the 80s.  I could be wrong.  I'm sure AOL had some chat rooms that would have covered the subject ca 1998 as well.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: ritter on September 25, 2022, 06:42:44 AM
Quote from: Todd on September 25, 2022, 06:40:14 AM
Sure, on Usenet (rec.music.classical.recordings).  Usenet stretches back to the 70s, though I think the first classical music threads started in the 80s.  I could be wrong.  I'm sure AOL had some chat rooms that would have covered the subject ca 1998 as well.
Well, the 90s had it all, then!  :) Let's find someone who takes the world back to those years (and we were younger, too!).
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on September 25, 2022, 11:02:44 AM
Quote from: ritter on September 24, 2022, 11:40:15 PM
The same thing that is wrong with Americans, I'm afraid....

No kidding. I guess America isn't all that "exceptional"
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Jo498 on September 25, 2022, 11:17:50 AM
Quote from: Todd on September 25, 2022, 06:10:01 AM
I liked the 90s.  Maybe we should return to, say, 1998.  You know, a pre-Google world, where Amazon only started selling items other than books, and the biggest concern was proper use of cigars.
I also liked the 1980s and 90s, probably  because I was young. But nostalgia should be resisted because the 1990s in some ways "begat" the following decades.
That doesn't mean that our descend in to decadent madness is easy to explain. But it is impossible to explain if one thinks in the 90s everything was fine.

These last results are quite easy to explain. It's the counterswing of the pendulum from the delevopment of the last decades that saw delegating national sovereignty to unlected, corrupt and arrogant EUrocrats, general dominance of global capital and organizations, and left leaning liberalism having gone wild with e.g. uncontrolled migration (not from Japan or Canada but from mostly african, balkan and near/mid eastern failed states) and branding positions that were perfectly central (and probably shared by >90% regardless of stances on tax rates or legal smoking age) even in the 1990s (like thinking that "natural families" are natural and that having control over borders and migration should be one of the core functions of national states) as "far right".
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Jo498 on September 25, 2022, 11:22:24 AM
I don't know about chatboards or mailing lists of the 1980s because I was too young. Usenet exists since 1979, I have been there since 1994 or certainly 1995. And yes there were and still are classical music groups (although I now access them only via archives not in the classic email-style way).
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on September 25, 2022, 11:25:13 AM
Quote from: Jo498 on September 25, 2022, 11:17:50 AMBut nostalgia should be resisted because the 1990s in some ways "begat" the following decades.

Everything has been going downhill since August 15, 1971. 

On the upside, one can stream most content now, so in the end it's all good.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on September 26, 2022, 06:24:02 AM
Sterling crumbles to all-time low, euro at 20-year low (https://www.reuters.com/markets/europe/sterling-plunges-all-time-low-fiscal-plan-spurs-investor-exodus-2022-09-26/)

Will the pound drop below parity?  To think, the pound used to be fixed at $5 to £1. 
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on September 26, 2022, 08:06:50 AM
Quote from: Todd on September 26, 2022, 06:24:02 AM
Sterling crumbles to all-time low, euro at 20-year low (https://www.reuters.com/markets/europe/sterling-plunges-all-time-low-fiscal-plan-spurs-investor-exodus-2022-09-26/)

Will the pound drop below parity?  To think, the pound used to be fixed at $5 to £1.
I heard that on the news earlier today.  Last I heard, it was about $1.08 USD.

PD
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on September 26, 2022, 08:14:25 AM
Yowch!
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on September 26, 2022, 09:58:23 AM
And: just in time for mobilization?

Putin grants citizenship to Edward Snowden, who disclosed U.S. surveillance
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Spotted Horses on September 26, 2022, 10:24:13 AM
Quote from: k a rl h e nn i ng on September 26, 2022, 09:58:23 AM
And: just in time for mobilization?

Putin grants citizenship to Edward Snowden, who disclosed U.S. surveillance

When does he reply to Ukraine?  :laugh:
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Florestan on September 27, 2022, 12:25:03 AM
The return of fascism in Italy is nonsense on stilts. Fifty years ago Giorgia Meloni would have been a mainstream Christian Democrat.

Actually, if there's anything in contemporary Europe that ressembles fascism it's precisely the European Comission: elected by nobody (at least not by the peoples) and responsible to nobody (at least not to the peoples) they work hard to impose the ideology, practice and interests of global capitalism on increasingly reluctant and fed up peoples. And when such a people react by electing leaders not to her liking, the un-elected Madame von der Leyen has the guts to threathen them with economic sanctions.

It looks like in today's Europe only one man -Zelensky - and only one people - the Ukrainians - are allowed to be nationalists (including by extolling real fascists like Bandera) and look after their own interests. All others should give up their sovereignty, including over their own borders, and acquiesce to the dictates of an un-elected clique of bureaucrats on the payroll of global big business. The hypocrisy is mind-blowing.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Florestan on September 27, 2022, 12:26:28 AM
Quote from: Jo498 on September 25, 2022, 11:17:50 AM
These last results are quite easy to explain. It's the counterswing of the pendulum from the delevopment of the last decades that saw delegating national sovereignty to unlected, corrupt and arrogant EUrocrats, general dominance of global capital and organizations, and left leaning liberalism having gone wild with e.g. uncontrolled migration (not from Japan or Canada but from mostly african, balkan and near/mid eastern failed states) and branding positions that were perfectly central (and probably shared by >90% regardless of stances on tax rates or legal smoking age) even in the 1990s (like thinking that "natural families" are natural and that having control over borders and migration should be one of the core functions of national states) as "far right".

Amen to that!
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on September 27, 2022, 05:19:38 AM
Italians Didn't Exactly Vote for Fascism (https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2022/09/italy-election-far-right-winner-giorgia-meloni-fascism/671556/)

The Atlantic editorial board apparently changed its mind.  Didn't take long.

I do wonder what Roman voters had in mind the first time they voted in Rachele Mussolini.  Now she can run on her record, of course.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on September 27, 2022, 06:38:52 AM
UN meeting produces sense that a 'new epoch' is arriving (https://apnews.com/article/united-nations-general-assembly-russia-ukraine-david-beasley-05fd721227c12941fa0cf5cc7d40567d)

Quote from: Edith M LedererThere isn't a name yet "for the new epoch," Kőrösi said, "but we feel that it has arrived."

Amerikadämmerung?
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Florestan on September 27, 2022, 10:03:24 AM
Quick test for the editorial board of The Atlantic--- who said the following:

1. A Country is not a mere territory; the particular territory is only its foundation. The Country is the idea which rises upon that foundation; it is the sentiment of love, the sense of fellowship which binds together all the sons of that territory.

A) Benito Mussolini
B) Giorgia Meloni
C) Giuseppe Mazzini


2. We are all committed to serving our country according to the indications of the popular will.

A) Benito Mussolini
B) Giorgia Meloni
C) Alcide de Gasperi


3.The liberal conception in economic matters is effectively unsustainable, as there is a need for control according to the most complete ordering of the world economy, also and above all to achieve the greatest possible prosperity. When we say control of the economy, however, we do not mean that the State must be the manager of all economic activities, but we refer to the State in the complexity of its powers and therefore largely to the State which does not exclude individual initiatives, but coordinates, disciplines and directs them.

A) Benito Mussolini
B) Giorgia Meloni
C) Aldo Moro


4. The universal revolt against capitalist civilization, made in the name of an ideal of human dignity and justice, proves that the Christian conscience can fall asleep, but it cannot die.

A) Benito Mussolini
B) Giorgia Meloni
C) Amintore Fanfani


5.  To all morally free and socially evolved men, to those who in the love of their country know how to combine the right sense of national rights and interests with a healthy internationalism, to those who appreciate and respect the moral virtues of our people, [...] we appeal and ask to join our program.

A) Benito Mussolini
B) Giorgia Meloni
C) Luigi Sturzo
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on September 28, 2022, 05:37:34 AM
Bank of England warns of risk to UK financial stability as it intervenes in gilt market (https://www.ft.com/content/756e81d1-b2a6-4580-9054-206386353c4e)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on September 29, 2022, 09:18:04 AM
(* knock on wood*) The Windows 11 update seems to have been smooth.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on September 29, 2022, 01:59:50 PM
Markets are reeling from higher rates. The world economy is next

If the Fed tightens until something breaks, the first cracking sounds could be in Europe (https://www.economist.com/leaders/2022/09/29/markets-are-reeling-from-higher-rates-the-world-economy-is-next?utm_content=article-link-1&etear=nl_today_1&utm_campaign=r.the-economist-today&utm_medium=email.internal-newsletter.np&utm_source=salesforce-marketing-cloud&utm_term=9/29/2022&utm_id=1335505)


Quote from: The EconomistA strong dollar, in effect, exports America's domestic inflation problem to weaker economies.

It's good to be King Dollar. 
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on October 01, 2022, 04:03:35 PM
The CD Turns 40: How the 'Shiny, Tiny' Discs Took Over (https://www.billboard.com/pro/cd-history-music-business-format-40-years/)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on October 03, 2022, 07:11:49 AM
Brazil election goes to runoff as Bolsonaro outperforms polls (https://www.reuters.com/world/americas/brazil-votes-tense-lula-bolsonaro-presidential-contest-2022-10-02/)

Some people like this outcome:

Brazil markets soar as Bolsonaro's strong showing sparks runoff vote (https://www.reuters.com/world/americas/brazil-election-enters-runoff-bolsonaro-dashes-lulas-hope-quick-win-2022-10-03/)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Spotted Horses on October 04, 2022, 02:43:47 AM
Apparently, at a Paris Fashion show, Belle Hadid walked on to the runway naked and a polymer solution was sprayed on her body, which congealed into a dress.

https://www.cnn.com/style/article/bella-hadid-coperni-spray-on-dress/index.html

Somewhere Kendall Jenner has the depressed feeling that her star is no longer ascending. "Why didn't they spray a dress on me (sniffle)?"
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on October 04, 2022, 04:42:53 AM
Quote from: Spotted Horses on October 04, 2022, 02:43:47 AMSomewhere Kendall Jenner has the depressed feeling that her star is no longer ascending. "Why didn't they spray a dress on me (sniffle)?"

Perhaps her $45 million fortune will provide some solace.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Spotted Horses on October 04, 2022, 05:19:47 AM
Quote from: Todd on October 04, 2022, 04:42:53 AM
Perhaps her $45 million fortune will provide some solace.

She lives and breaths clicks.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on October 04, 2022, 05:25:09 AM
Quote from: Spotted Horses on October 04, 2022, 05:19:47 AM
She lives and breaths clicks.

That's certainly her public persona.  I don't know her personally, so I do not know if that is true.  I also don't know if she has employees manage her social media accounts, a fairly standard practice for celebrities, irrespective of the source of their fame.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on October 04, 2022, 10:43:46 AM
The Onion files Supreme Court brief defending parody posts (https://www.pbs.org/newshour/nation/the-onion-files-supreme-court-brief-defending-parody-posts)

And here's a link to the whole thing on the SCOTUS site:

BRIEF OF THE ONION AS AMICUS CURIAE IN SUPPORT OF PETITIONER  (https://www.supremecourt.gov/DocketPDF/22/22-293/242292/20221003125252896_35295545_1-22.10.03%20-%20Novak-Parma%20-%20Onion%20Amicus%20Brief.pdf)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on October 05, 2022, 06:51:14 AM
From the Graun: Could a digital twin of Tuvalu preserve the island nation before it's lost to the collapsing climate? (https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/sep/29/could-a-digital-twin-of-tuvalu-preserve-the-island-nation-before-its-lost-to-the-collapsing-climate)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: LKB on October 06, 2022, 02:26:59 AM
USS Gerald R Ford has embarked on her first deployment.

https://www.navalnews.com/naval-news/2022/10/uss-gerald-r-ford-departs-for-its-first-major-deployment/

Russia's Belgorod also made news, though it took a couple of weeks:

https://news.usni.org/2022/10/05/russian-doomsday-sub-belgorod-spotted-in-the-arctic

Should be fun for our ASW people.

Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on October 06, 2022, 04:34:19 AM
From the WTO: Trade growth to slow sharply in 2023 as global economy faces strong headwinds (https://www.wto.org/english/news_e/pres22_e/pr909_e.htm)

Quote from: World Trade OrganizationWTO economists now predict global merchandise trade volumes will grow by 3.5% in 2022—slightly better than the 3.0% forecast in April. For 2023, however, they foresee a 1.0% increase—down sharply from the previous estimate of 3.4%.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on October 07, 2022, 04:06:12 AM
Japan's foreign reserves drop by record on market shakeout, FX intervention (https://www.reuters.com/markets/asia/japans-foreign-reserves-drop-by-record-after-dollar-selling-intervention-2022-10-07/)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on October 08, 2022, 04:08:06 AM
U.S. tries to hobble China chip industry with new export rules (https://www.reuters.com/technology/us-aims-hobble-chinas-chip-industry-with-sweeping-new-export-rules-2022-10-07/)

Expanding economic warfare with China during a proxy war with Russia.  What could go wrong? 

There may be a shortcoming in the policy:

Quote from: Stephen Nellis, Karen Freifeld and Alexandra Alper[Senior government officials] conceded, however, that they had not yet secured any promises that allied nations will implement similar measures and that discussions with those nations were ongoing.

"We recognize that the unilateral controls we're putting into place will lose effectiveness over time if other countries don't join us," one official said. "And we risk harming US technology leadership if foreign competitors are not subject to similar controls."

Unilateralism and extraterritoriality have limits.

Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: drogulus on October 08, 2022, 10:14:29 AM

     You weren't supposed to see that (https://thereformedbroker.com/2022/10/02/you-werent-supposed-to-see-that/)

     A guy has opinions about inflation. He comes to the novel conclusion that elites don't fight it to benefit the poor and working class who are presumed to suffer from it. It's more a case of suppressing the bargaining power of labor. If people have money, they have choices. They shouldn't have choices and rates should go as high as necessary to restore the natural order. If inflation is allowed to subside on its own, which it will as supply chains repair and Covid recedes, there will be so much excess equality in the system that people won't know their place any more.

     
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: drogulus on October 08, 2022, 03:33:00 PM
     The US is coming to the conclusion that it's the better part of valor to prop up China for the duration. The US is the only country that can keep scavengers at bay and let the Chinese rot slowly. Foreign investment has declined to a fraction of the 2019 level. The rest will go. The wealthy are fleeing or fled. The borders are starting to close for ordinary people, too. Fewer get in, fewer are allowed to leave. Xi is going Maoist and repression would make Lil' Kim proud.

     US thinksters have rightly judged this is no time to make things worse. They'll say don't feed the Russian troll and we'll keep the trade prohibitions to a dull roar, and you can sell us toys and gadgets for as long as you can make them. The US will agree to help them with the mass starvation thing when the time comes.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on October 09, 2022, 09:37:43 AM
Fun Headline of the Day: Have We Really Thought This Legal Weed Thing Through?
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on October 10, 2022, 07:00:40 AM
Seen on Twitter: What do people who announce they're leaving Twitter only to return a few hours later want from us?
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on October 10, 2022, 07:23:04 AM
Former Fed Chair Bernanke shares Nobel for research on banks (https://apnews.com/article/nobel-economy-bernanke-2bb3eaee673631c8f8a13a66dd1c946b)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Dry Brett Kavanaugh on October 10, 2022, 08:06:00 AM
Quote from: Todd on October 10, 2022, 07:23:04 AM
Former Fed Chair Bernanke shares Nobel for research on banks (https://apnews.com/article/nobel-economy-bernanke-2bb3eaee673631c8f8a13a66dd1c946b)

Excellent academic and great Fed Chair. But this is similar to the awarding to Bob Dylan.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Dry Brett Kavanaugh on October 10, 2022, 08:11:58 AM
Quote from: k a rl h e nn i ng on October 10, 2022, 07:00:40 AM
Seen on Twitter: What do people who announce they're leaving Twitter only to return a few hours later want from us?

Higher evaluation of them. Cato the Elder in Roman Empire hated his wife, but he passionately pursued her after she left him and remarried another man. In the ancient Rome, women could divorce men, so they were relatively treated good/fair.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: LKB on October 10, 2022, 08:26:00 AM
Quote from: k a rl h e nn i ng on October 10, 2022, 07:00:40 AM
Seen on Twitter: What do people who announce they're leaving Twitter only to return a few hours later want from us?

Attention.

Truly adult behavior in the " Information Age " is neither as valued or as frequent as it was some decades ago. It seems many people now need to be " liked " or " friended " in order to feel significant or secure. A cultural weakness, imho.

Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Dry Brett Kavanaugh on October 10, 2022, 01:30:02 PM
History of Black People and Bourbon Whiskey in the USA.

https://www.bbc.com/travel/article/20220824-the-untold-history-of-black-bourbon
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on October 12, 2022, 05:19:35 AM
I missed that the erstwhile Cleveland Indians are now the Guardians, instead. I like it.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on October 12, 2022, 06:03:24 AM
Quote from: Dry Brett Kavanaugh on October 10, 2022, 01:30:02 PM
History of Black People and Bourbon Whiskey in the USA.

https://www.bbc.com/travel/article/20220824-the-untold-history-of-black-bourbon
I heard a story sometime over the past couple of years (probably on NPR) about Nearest Green which you might find interesting.  I would suggest starting with the top story first.

https://www.cbsnews.com/news/nearest-green-slave-who-taught-jack-daniel-how-to-make-whiskey/

https://www.npr.org/2021/10/01/1042481944/uncle-nearest-premium-whiskey-fawn-weaver
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on October 12, 2022, 06:59:04 AM
'Worst Is Yet To Come': IMF Cuts Economic Outlook And Warns Global Inflation Still Hasn't Peaked (https://www.forbes.com/sites/jonathanponciano/2022/10/11/worst-is-yet-to-come-imf-cuts-economic-outlook-and-warns-global-inflation-still-hasnt-peaked/?sh=7574190a2b05)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: geralmar on October 12, 2022, 09:26:02 AM
Policing, USA

Police leave handcuffed woman in squad car parked on railroad tracks:

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=BP9uHYZ4CFw

WARNING:  FOUL  LANGUAGE.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on October 12, 2022, 09:29:46 AM
Quote from: geralmar on October 12, 2022, 09:26:02 AM
Policing, USA

Police leave handcuffed woman in squad car parked on railroad tracks:

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=BP9uHYZ4CFw

WARNING:  FOUL  LANGUAGE.

Where, for goodness' sake?
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on October 12, 2022, 04:18:06 PM
Quote from: geralmar on October 12, 2022, 04:01:47 PM
Platteville, Colorado.

Yeesh! (or did I say that already?
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: geralmar on October 14, 2022, 09:24:08 AM
Routine news day, U.S.A.

Five dead in mass shooting, North Carolina:

https://www.npr.org/2022/10/13/1128979037/north-carolina-shooting-raleigh

I got beat up online when I asked, rhetorically, why mass shooters in the U.S. are always white.  Politically it's scary black folk we're supposed to worry about.

Update:  shooter is 15.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on October 14, 2022, 09:45:43 AM
"No way to prevent this!"
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on October 14, 2022, 09:51:24 AM
Quote from: geralmar on October 14, 2022, 09:24:08 AMI got beat up online when I asked, rhetorically, why mass shooters in the U.S. are almost always white.  Politically it's scary black folk we have to worry about.

Mass shootings are more nuanced and complex than you suggest. 

From Science Direct:

US Mass public shootings since Columbine: victims per incident by race and ethnicity of the perpetrator (https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0091743522002250)

Quote from: Patricia I.Jewett, Ronald E.Gangnon, Iris W.Borowsky, Jillian Petersone, Eunice M.Areba, Andrew Kiragu, JamesDensleyA total of 104 mass public shootings since Columbine through summer 2021 were included in our analyses. Of these, 49% were committed by NH White perpetrators, and 19% by NH Black perpetrators (Table 1). Most mass public shootings were carried out by male shooters (96%) aged <40 years (64%). Compared to NH White perpetrators, NH Black perpetrators tended to more often commit mass shooting in workplaces or government buildings (53% versus 20%) compared with all other types of locations


From Everytown Research & Policy (linked on the DOJ website):

Mass Shootings in America

Since 2009, there have been 283 mass shootings in the United States, resulting in 1594 people shot and killed and 1046 people shot and wounded. (//http://)

This covers 2009 through 2020.  It notes that 61% of mass shootings occurred in private homes, and that domestic violence was involved, directly or indirectly, in 53% of the mass shootings.  The FBI uses the phrase "active shooter situation" to describe the events you appear to be alluding to.

Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: greg on October 14, 2022, 09:53:53 AM
Quote from: geralmar on October 14, 2022, 09:24:08 AM
I got beat up online when I asked, rhetorically, why mass shooters in the U.S. are always white.
Majority of US is white. Might not explain why, fully, but it's a good start.


Quote from: geralmar on October 14, 2022, 09:24:08 AM
Politically it's scary black folk we're supposed to worry about.
Huh? Who says that?
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on October 14, 2022, 09:58:47 AM
Quote from: greg on October 14, 2022, 09:53:53 AMHuh? Who says that?

People on other websites geralmar visits.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: greg on October 14, 2022, 10:04:06 AM
Quote from: Todd on October 14, 2022, 09:58:47 AM
People on other websites geralmar visits.
Oh, I don't know what sites those are, but a lot of times with politics, it's just one side saying that the other side is saying or implying stuff that they really aren't. Each side needs the opposite side to be villanous as possible- because without any threats, there is less unity, less tribalism, and sadly most people are inherently susceptible to tribalism.

So best to directly engage or observe with the source that is being critiqued, and then process and critique by one's self, rather than take other people's word for it. Perhaps this is related, idk....
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on October 14, 2022, 10:07:25 AM
Quote from: greg on October 14, 2022, 10:04:06 AMOh, I don't know what sites those are, but a lot of times with politics, it's just one side saying that the other side is saying or implying stuff that they really aren't.

This is obviously true. 
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: greg on October 14, 2022, 06:42:42 PM
Quote from: Todd on October 14, 2022, 10:07:25 AM
This is obviously true.
I should probably mention that another aspect is just that the root cause of this may be that there's a lot of people (maybe it is just some evolutionary reason?) that have this certain type of personality that is always on "high alert" status, scanning the environment for dangers or threats. This is what causes them to be so quick to point out threats, implying imaginary stuff, etc., even if it's just actually a big nothing. And it can causes susceptibility to ragebait or fearbait clicks.

It can be beneficial to be this way sometimes, but the problem arises when fears are projected onto whatever they consider the "other." These types of people often get wrapped up in partisan politics, and on a society-wide scale, this is what makes all sorts of wars, racism and genocide possible if things get really, really unhealthy and paranoia starts to run wild. They find safety and confidence in groups to take on the "threats" of the world, making them more tribal.

To be detached from that and observing from afar, it feels weird. To be associated with any political group at all feels weird, considering my aversion to groups and causes in general (having extreme immunity to peer pressure).

The most troublesome thing, though, with the culture war, is how you could be unassociated with any political party and still be a target if you voice any opinion that "sounds bad-" and it could be coming at a completely different angle than what people are expecting, but they just don't get it because they aren't willing to actually bother to listen. If the tribe could interpret it also as "sounding bad," then you could just be a target for their desired social credit.

I actually get the sense that you might be able to relate to that feeling, just a guess. I could be dead wrong, of course.  :D
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on October 14, 2022, 07:26:47 PM
Quote from: greg on October 14, 2022, 06:42:42 PMmaybe it is just some evolutionary reason?

I'm not up on evolutionary psychology.  It could just be virtue signaling. 


Quote from: greg on October 14, 2022, 06:42:42 PMThe most troublesome thing, though, with the culture war, is how you could be unassociated with any political party and still be a target if you voice any opinion that "sounds bad-" and it could be coming at a completely different angle than what people are expecting, but they just don't get it because they aren't willing to actually bother to listen. If the tribe could interpret it also as "sounding bad," then you could just be a target for their desired social credit.

Again, virtue signaling.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on October 15, 2022, 11:00:21 AM
More relevant to people living in the western US:

The US Forest Service Planned to Increase Burning to Prevent Wildfires. Will a Pause on Prescribed Fire Instead Bring More Delays?

Experts say the nation is already dangerously behind setting "good fires," but a prescribed burn that turned into an epic wildfire in New Mexico this year led the Forest Service to temporarily stop even more of them. (https://insideclimatenews.org/news/11102022/forest-service-prescribed-burn-pause/?utm_source=InsideClimate+News&utm_campaign=b00e095376-&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_29c928ffb5-b00e095376-329701485)

And as I head outside today, the PM2.5 concentration is currently 6.7 times the WHO annual air quality guideline value.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: greg on October 15, 2022, 07:49:12 PM
Quote from: Todd on October 14, 2022, 07:26:47 PM
I'm not up on evolutionary psychology.  It could just be virtue signaling. 


Again, virtue signaling.
I mean, yeah, but it's like, why do people even feel the need to virtue signal in the first place? I can't just stop there, I need to know why, I need to dig deeper until there is nothing left to dig.  :D

(since it probably is related to evolutionary psychology, then yeah, probably a bit out of your scope. Though if anyone reading knows about the subject, your input is welcome.)  ;)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on October 16, 2022, 04:14:44 AM
Quote from: greg on October 15, 2022, 07:49:12 PMI mean, yeah, but it's like, why do people even feel the need to virtue signal in the first place?

Practicing psychologists or psychiatrists would need to answer. 
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on October 17, 2022, 05:25:51 AM
Kanye West agrees to buy conservative social media platform Parler, company says (https://www.cnbc.com/2022/10/17/kanye-west-is-buying-conservative-social-media-platform-parler-company-says.html)

Musk still wants to buy Twitter.  Ye wants to buy Parler.  (Press outlets really ought to report facts; Ye is his legal name now.) 

Time said there was nothing to see earlier this year: Billionaires Have Always Owned the Media. Musk Is No Great Threat (https://time.com/6171477/elon-musk-twitter-billionaires-media/)  (This reads strikingly like "We have always been at war with Eastasia.")

The Graun has reservations: 'Extra level of power': billionaires who have bought up the media (https://www.theguardian.com/news/2022/may/03/billionaires-extra-power-media-ownership-elon-musk)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: greg on October 17, 2022, 06:33:39 PM
G4 Is Being Shut Down Less Than a Year After It Launched

https://www.ign.com/articles/g4-is-being-shut-down-less-than-a-year-after-it-launched


Was excited when they made their comeback...
however, the main reason for their downfall was just that nowadays it's hard to compete against a million youtube gaming channels.

But the wokeness accelerated it- news about Adam Sessler's vile tweets against Republicans, and also the huge controversy with this new lesbian lady, Frosk, who told viewers that watch the show for the pretty girls (Morgan Webb, Olivia Munn) to just not bother watching it, which turned away a lot of viewers.




So back in my high school days (~16-17 years ago) I used to watch G4TV on comcast, loved it- X-Play is one my favorite shows ever, and one of my favorite characters ever is this guy, Johnny Extreme:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YU32eQlqouY

TO THE EXTREME!
(smashes beer bottle against crotch)  ;D


Quote from: Todd on October 17, 2022, 05:25:51 AM
Musk still wants to buy Twitter.  Ye wants to buy Parler.  (Press outlets really ought to report facts; Ye is his legal name now.) 
This, I'm interested to see how it plays out.



Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on October 18, 2022, 11:09:58 AM
U.S., Mexico call for Haiti security mission to confront gangs (https://www.reuters.com/world/americas/us-mexico-call-haiti-security-mission-confront-gangs-2022-10-17/)

Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on October 19, 2022, 05:30:01 AM
Americans' Trust In Media Remains Near Record Low (https://news.gallup.com/poll/403166/americans-trust-media-remains-near-record-low.aspx)

Quote from: Megan BrenanJust 7% of Americans have "a great deal" of trust and confidence in the media, and 27% have "a fair amount." Meanwhile, 28% of U.S. adults say they do not have very much confidence and 38% have none at all in newspapers, TV and radio. Notably, this is the first time that the percentage of Americans with no trust at all in the media is higher than the percentage with a great deal or a fair amount combined.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on October 20, 2022, 03:48:44 AM
Colombian President Accuses US of "Ruining" World Economies (https://www.telesurenglish.net/news/Colombian-President-Accuses-US-of-Ruining-World-Economies-20221019-0011.html)

Sayeth El Presidente: "The United States is practically ruining all the economies of the world." 

He's a lefty economist with falling poll numbers in Latin America, so what else is he gonna say?  I mean, particularly for developing countries, he's not wrong, but oh well.  Will he give up Uncle Sugar's Sam's money and walk away from the NATO "partnership"?  I should think not, but maybe he will surprise the world.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on October 20, 2022, 12:20:11 PM
Macron Confronts Growing Unrest (https://foreignpolicy.com/2022/10/20/france-strike-protest-macron-inflation-fuel-shortage/)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on October 21, 2022, 07:02:43 AM
Heritage Foundation Releases 2023 Index of U.S. Military Strength, Gives U.S. Military First-Ever 'Weak' Overall Rating (https://www.heritage.org/press/heritage-foundation-releases-2023-index-us-military-strength-gives-us-military-first-ever)

Oh crap.  The US military is weak.  Now what? 
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on October 22, 2022, 05:28:31 AM
From WaPo: U.S. urges Mexico not to buy Chinese scanners for the border (https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2022/10/21/mexico-border-china-technology/)

The scanners clearly pose a peril.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Dry Brett Kavanaugh on October 22, 2022, 02:18:39 PM
Barilla, marketed as 'Italy's No. 1 brand of pasta,' sued over their products being made in the USA.

https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/food/2022/10/19/barilla-lawsuit-pasta-not-made-italy/10544234002/
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on October 23, 2022, 05:48:36 AM
China's Xi Jinping wins third term as leader of ruling Communist Party (https://www.euronews.com/2022/10/23/chinas-xi-jinping-wins-third-term-as-leader-of-ruling-communist-party)

It was a close-run thing.  Support from Xinjiang made all the difference.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: LKB on October 23, 2022, 06:11:51 AM
Quote from: Todd on October 23, 2022, 05:48:36 AM
China's Xi Jinping wins third term as leader of ruling Communist Party (https://www.euronews.com/2022/10/23/chinas-xi-jinping-wins-third-term-as-leader-of-ruling-communist-party)

It was a close-run thing.  Support from Xinjiang made all the difference.

Seriously, that was funny... +1
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Dry Brett Kavanaugh on October 25, 2022, 02:12:07 PM
CNN opinion article by the U.S.A. President Joe Biden: In 14 days, the American people face a choice.

https://www.cnn.com/2022/10/25/opinions/american-people-face-a-choice-joe-biden/index.html
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on October 25, 2022, 02:23:26 PM
Quote from: Dry Brett Kavanaugh on October 25, 2022, 02:12:07 PM
CNN opinion article by the U.S.A. President Joe Biden: In 14 days, the American people face a choice.

https://www.cnn.com/2022/10/25/opinions/american-people-face-a-choice-joe-biden/index.html

I wouldn't have thought a US President would need his staff written op-ed linked here. 

FiveThirtyEight shows Republicans are favored to take the House while the Senate is a toss-up, the same as several months ago.  If this occurs, then the Republicans will underperform in historical terms.  They should be favored to win both houses at this point. 
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on October 26, 2022, 04:53:44 AM
3 Florida men arrested in multimillion-dollar theft ring of stolen meat across Midwest, authorities say (https://abcnews.go.com/US/florida-men-arrested-multimillion-dollar-theft-ring-stolen/story?id=92108750)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Florestan on October 26, 2022, 05:35:24 AM
Quote from: Todd on October 26, 2022, 04:53:44 AM
3 Florida men arrested in multimillion-dollar theft ring of stolen meat across Midwest, authorities say (https://abcnews.go.com/US/florida-men-arrested-multimillion-dollar-theft-ring-stolen/story?id=92108750)

They probably heard about UN Secretary General's recommending that people eat crickets and other insects instead of meat and thought (not completely unreasonable) than a recommendation might become an obligation when it comes to saving the planet, so they wanted to have a good stock of meat to survive on for a few months.  ;D
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on October 26, 2022, 06:18:22 AM
Quote from: Florestan on October 26, 2022, 05:35:24 AM
They probably heard about UN Secretary General's recommending that people eat crickets and other insects instead of meat and thought (not completely unreasonable) than a recommendation might become an obligation when it comes to saving the planet, so they wanted to have a good stock of meat to survive on for a few months.  ;D

Huh?
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on October 27, 2022, 05:20:56 AM
Italy's fascist past under scrutiny a century after putsch (https://apnews.com/article/europe-rome-italy-milan-giorgia-meloni-258518c16232ccd931af52291e4c3235)

Kind of an odd headline.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: drogulus on October 27, 2022, 09:42:13 AM
     How the Fed Causes (Model) Inflation (https://ritholtz.com/2022/10/fed-causes-inflation/l)

The good news is the research arms of the Fed and the BLS are aware of this modeling problem and seem to be taking steps to address it. The bad news is, I see no evidence that the Federal Reserve itself has recognized its own role in this inflation complexity.

In the wonderful world of economic modeling, despite falling prices, CPI has remained persistently higher, and we must consider the role of the Federal Reserve as part of the reason why.

Would you have ever guessed that Jerome Powell would turn out to be one of the biggest agents of Inflation?


     I mentioned this before, without the detail because I didn't know it. It just seemed intuitive to me that raising costs on consumers would be inflationary on consumers who have to live somewhere. The added detail about how the CPI is calculated completes the picture.

     Letting inflation subside without double punishment is looking better and better.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on October 29, 2022, 06:07:07 AM
With Fossil Fuel Companies Facing Pressure to Reduce Carbon Emissions, Private Equity Is Buying Up Their Aging Oil, Gas and Coal Assets

Environmentalists fear the sell-offs could keep those facilities operating for years into the future, worsening climate change. (https://insideclimatenews.org/news/24102022/fossil-fuels-private-equity/?utm_source=InsideClimate+News&utm_campaign=e369798eab-&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_29c928ffb5-e369798eab-329701485)


Quote from: Nicholas KusnetzAll told, private equity firms have invested more than $1 trillion in the energy sector, including renewable energy, since 2010

The trillion dollar number is supposed to be scary, though the scale of energy investment globally is so massive that a trillion per decade ends up being (large) peanuts.  Still, a good article.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: geralmar on October 29, 2022, 08:36:51 PM
Scientific breakthrough I wasn't anxiously anticipating:

https://www.nhm.ac.uk/discover/news/2022/october/aye-aye-recorded-picking-nose-eating-snot-first-time.html?utm_campaign=mb&utm_medium=newsletter&utm_source=morning_brew
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on October 30, 2022, 03:21:08 PM
Lula beats President Bolsonaro to win Brazil election (https://www.npr.org/2022/10/30/1132561987/brazil-election-lula-da-silva)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on October 31, 2022, 09:53:10 AM
From EcoWatch: In Clean Energy Backslide, Germany Ditches Wind Farm for Coal Mine Expansion (https://www.ecowatch.com/germany-coal-wind-energy-crisis.html)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on November 02, 2022, 05:29:03 AM
(https://media-exp1.licdn.com/dms/image/C4E22AQEBaaEjwUGI4g/feedshare-shrink_1280/0/1667392774395?e=1670457600&v=beta&t=J5FVYpKv8ZLcaliLJYB3IZHh5vN-vR3fTTvK5pphDX0)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on November 04, 2022, 10:07:03 AM
Dutch authorities allow firing of paintballs to scare 'too tame' wolves (https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/nov/03/dutch-officials-paintball-scare-wolves-become-too-tame-hoge-veluwe-national-park)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on November 05, 2022, 10:01:44 AM
From Inside Climate News:

Countries Want to Plant Trees to Offset Their Carbon Emissions, but There Isn't Enough Land on Earth to Grow Them

Researchers behind the Land Gap Report say we can't plant our way out of global warming—and it's disingenuous to pretend that we can. (https://insideclimatenews.org/news/01112022/countries-want-to-plant-trees-to-offset-their-carbon-emissions-but-there-isnt-enough-land-on-earth-to-grow-them/)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on November 07, 2022, 06:32:09 AM
COP27: We're on a highway to climate hell, U.N. boss says (https://www.reuters.com/business/cop/cop27-were-highway-climate-hell-un-boss-warns-2022-11-07/)

Bon Scott approves of this message.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on November 11, 2022, 02:26:18 AM
I'll be away for a few days.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on November 11, 2022, 02:28:25 AM
Separately, I just saw an ad for a "senior-friendly chainsaw."
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: pjme on November 11, 2022, 04:23:49 AM
(https://lowres.cartooncollections.com/disaster-head_in_the_sand-ignores-catastrophe-dinosaur-animals-CX910365_low.jpg)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on November 11, 2022, 02:11:28 PM
Student ordered to stay 500m away from King Charles and not carry eggs in public after egging arrest

The student suspected of egging King Charles has said he has been banned from carrying eggs in public as part of his bail conditions (https://www.nottinghampost.com/news/uk-world-news/student-23-ordered-stay-500m-7807137)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Dry Brett Kavanaugh on November 12, 2022, 07:08:30 PM
An Iranian man who lived in a Paris airport for 18 years has died.

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-63612017
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on November 13, 2022, 06:04:44 AM
Earth's Population Explodes to 8 Billion Humans This Month (https://www.sciencealert.com/earths-population-explodes-to-8-billion-humans-this-month)

Eight billion folks.  Multiple headlines have been generated, with more to come.  This one intrigues because it is used by a putative scientific outlet, but it uses sensationalist, inaccurate language.  Cool.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: SimonNZ on November 13, 2022, 10:21:32 AM
Rightwing group pushing US states for law blocking 'political boycott' of firms
Lobbying group Alec wrote model legislation to protect oil companies, big ag and gunmakers from economic backlash (https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2022/nov/11/alec-anti-political-boycott-state-legislation)

"A powerful rightwing pressure group, the American Legislative Exchange Council (Alec), is pushing states to adopt a new law shielding all US businesses from "political boycotts".

Although primarily aimed at protecting controversial industries such as fossil fuel companies, big agriculture and gun manufacturers, the proposed legislation is written to prevent boycotts by investors, banks and other companies of any US business.

It comes amid rising consumer pressure on firms over whom they do business with, and follows the decision by major retail stores to stop selling MyPillow products after its chief executive allied himself with Donald Trump's false claims of fraud in the 2020 presidential election.

Alec, which is funded by major corporations, intends to press state legislators to adopt the readymade law, the eliminate political boycotts act, at its closed-door States and Nation Policy Summit in Washington DC at the end of this month.

Some Republican-led states have passed hundreds of pieces of Alec's model legislation almost word for word, including laws pushing the conservative agenda on immigration, voting suppression, the environment, guns and energy policy.

The new model legislation requires every "governmental entity", which covers a wide array of bodies from state government to local police departments and public universities, to include a clause in contracts requiring businesses to pledge they "will not engage in economic boycotts".

According to the text of the proposed law, which is written by Alec's lawyers so that all a legislature has to do is fill in the name of its state, it is a response to banks, investment funds and corporations refusing to invest in or do business with industries that damage the environment or are aligned with oppressive laws.

"Corporations are boycotting and sanctioning essential industries, such as fossil fuel and agriculture producers, by refusing to provide them with products or services or imposing undue burdens on them," the proposed law says.

"Banks are increasingly denying financing to creditworthy companies solely for the purpose of marketing their environmental or social justice credentials, to the detriment of their clients and shareholders."

The huge investment company BlackRock is among nearly 400 financial firms to have sold off shares in big oil companies over their failure to pursue sufficiently climate-friendly policies.

Some corporations are increasingly concerned that consumer pressure will cause other companies to boycott them over their funding of rightwing politicians and causes, or social positions.

The model legislation follows an Alec meeting in Atlanta in the summer at which participants launched a push against "woke capitalism", claiming that boycotts may break financial laws.

"The collusion of corporations, and institutions to boycott, divest from, or sanction any industry may violate existing antitrust and fiduciary laws and harms consumers, shareholders, and states," the model legislation states.

The readymade law gives state attorneys general the power to "examine under oath any person" in connection with a boycott, and to require them to file a report about their activities. The attorney general would also be able to "examine any record, book, document, account or paper as he may deem necessary" and to impound them.

The eliminate political boycotts act has its roots in legislation already on the books in more than 30 states to block boycotts of Israel over its oppression of the Palestinians.

For that reason the proposed new law does not extend to individuals after several states were forced to amend legislation when courts ruled that requiring individuals to sign pledges not to boycott Israel intruded on free speech rights.

Kansas revised its law in 2018 after a Wichita teacher brought a federal lawsuit in response to being told to sign a pledge not to boycott Israel in order to keep her job. Similarly, Texas narrowed its law after a speech pathologist lost her contract with a school district.

However, an Arkansas newspaper publisher has asked the supreme court to intervene after a federal appeals court upheld a 2017 state law that cost the publication advertising by the state university after it refused to sign the commitment not to boycott Israel.

The latest model legislation expands on another law written by Alec, the Energy Discrimination Elimination Act, introduced since the beginning of the year and passed by several states to shield big oil from share selloffs and other measures to protest the fossil fuel industry's role in the climate crisis.

Legislation written by Alec has been introduced thousands of times in state legislatures across the country, and passed into law in hundreds of instances. Model laws are written by Alec "taskforces", usually jointly chaired by a state legislator and a representative of an interested industry.

Alec was behind the proliferation of "stand your ground" laws in conservative states, permitting the use of deadly force by any person who feels threatened, which George Zimmerman used as a successful defense for shooting Trayvon Martin in Florida in 2012."
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on November 13, 2022, 06:48:33 PM
Quote from: Dry Brett Kavanaugh on November 12, 2022, 07:08:30 PM
An Iranian man who lived in a Paris airport for 18 years has died.

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-63612017


Deeply sad.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on November 16, 2022, 05:41:53 AM
NASA's next-generation Artemis mission heads to moon on debut test flight (https://www.reuters.com/lifestyle/science/nasas-artemis-moon-rocket-begins-fueling-debut-launch-2022-11-15/)

A story that truly lives up to the description of "unimportant".
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: LKB on November 16, 2022, 07:31:13 AM
Quote from: Todd on November 16, 2022, 05:41:53 AM
NASA's next-generation Artemis mission heads to moon on debut test flight (https://www.reuters.com/lifestyle/science/nasas-artemis-moon-rocket-begins-fueling-debut-launch-2022-11-15/)

A story that truly lives up to the description of "unimportant".
Your comment displays a short-sighted and parochial viewpoint. Unsurprising though.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Spotted Horses on November 16, 2022, 07:46:20 AM
Quote from: LKB on November 16, 2022, 07:31:13 AM
Your comment displays a short-sighted and parochial viewpoint. Unsurprising though.

I disagree with that. As was once explained to me, NASA has two competing cultural influences, the scientific mentality in which data is paramount, and the Air Force mentality in which there must be a man holding a stick in the nose of the spacecraft.

Sending people to the moon, or especially to Mars, is of dubious value. Robotic scientific probes have collected mind boggling data which has enhanced our understanding of the universe, for scientists and for non-scientist, and has produced images of foreign worlds of almost inconceivable beauty. They shouldn't be wasting money on manned flight and should be investing in more ambitious scientific missions.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on November 16, 2022, 02:59:13 PM
Quote from: LKB on November 16, 2022, 07:31:13 AMYour comment displays a short-sighted and parochial viewpoint.

Incorrect.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on November 17, 2022, 04:39:51 AM
The cracks in the US Treasury bond market (https://www.ft.com/content/632411eb-c3fa-4351-a3b6-b0e30bdc0ef7)


(https://www.ft.com/__origami/service/image/v2/images/raw/https%3A%2F%2Fd6c748xw2pzm8.cloudfront.net%2Fprod%2F62349c20-6436-11ed-ac20-997e58f8e677-standard.png?dpr=1&fit=scale-down&quality=highest&source=next&width=700)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: LKB on November 17, 2022, 07:41:22 AM
Quote from: Todd on November 16, 2022, 02:59:13 PM
Incorrect.

A short-sighted and parochial person might think so. He would still be wrong.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on November 17, 2022, 08:25:08 AM
Quote from: LKB on November 17, 2022, 07:41:22 AM
A short-sighted and parochial person might think so. He would still be wrong.

Incorrect.  Again.  The SLS (aka, Senate Launch System) recycles old technology rather than innovating.  Private market solutions should have been used.  I refer you to comments made by Lori Garver, among others.  NASA bungled Artemis, to the tune of $93 billion.  Well, $93 billion assuming it doesn't go over budget - which it invariably will.

This is all apart from whether manned spaceflight is particularly meaningful.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on November 18, 2022, 05:18:23 AM
US moves to shield Saudi crown prince in journalist killing (https://apnews.com/article/biden-business-lawsuits-journalists-jamal-khashoggi-49f3e4ce88aa21bf2ba603dcbb32277f)

Quote from: Ellen Knickmeyer and Matthew LeeUpholding the concept of "sovereign immunity" helps ensure that American leaders in turn don't have to worry about being hauled into foreign courts to face lawsuits in other countries, the State Department said.

No kidding.  Imagine Biden standing trial for the partial liquefaction of seven children at an Afghan wedding last year.  Or Trump for his various deeds.  Or Obama.  Or Bush.  Etc.

Justice will be meted out in the next life, and so on.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on November 18, 2022, 05:48:59 AM
Elizabeth Holmes to be sentenced today for Theranos crimes:  https://apnews.com/article/elizabeth-holmes-technology-health-sentencing-crime-7ea71f015b874c6e454dcdd4f0857bd4

Will be quite interesting to see what the judge ends up deciding.  Since she was charged, she had one child and then while out on bail, she became pregnant a second time (due date not announced).

PD
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: LKB on November 18, 2022, 07:05:20 AM
Quote from: Spotted Horses on November 16, 2022, 07:46:20 AM
I disagree with that. As was once explained to me, NASA has two competing cultural influences, the scientific mentality in which data is paramount, and the Air Force mentality in which there must be a man holding a stick in the nose of the spacecraft.

Sending people to the moon, or especially to Mars, is of dubious value. Robotic scientific probes have collected mind boggling data which has enhanced our understanding of the universe, for scientists and for non-scientist, and has produced images of foreign worlds of almost inconceivable beauty. They shouldn't be wasting money on manned flight and should be investing in more ambitious scientific missions.

Robotic probes are effective platforms for observing astronomical processes and testing theories. But they cannot supply enough useful data in the most important areas: how human bodies tolerate long-duration spaceflight, and the accumulation of the required survival and maintenance procedures for living somewhere other than the Earth.

( Listens to the sound of eyeballs rolling ).

Pie-in-the-sky Sci-Fi, some of you might think, but consider:

Global Warming/Climate Change is a real phenomenon, the effects of which some researchers believe we're already experiencing. I personally have doubts that the industrial and societal changes required to  mitigate these effects are going to transpire. If that turns out to be the case, we'll not only need an alternative locale for our survival - getting there is only half the battle, if that - We'll need techniques and the ability to efficiently prioritize resources, and an idea of the limits within which such an endeavor can succeed.

( This Climate Change scenario is only one of several which could force humanity to relocate. Nuclear war, a large enough asteroidal or cometary impact, a more virulent pandemic... choose your poison. )

The return of humans to the Moon, and subsequent exploration of Mars, is the beginning of this learning.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on November 18, 2022, 07:13:05 AM
Quote from: LKB on November 18, 2022, 07:05:20 AMIf that turns out to be the case, we'll not only need an alternative locale for our survival

Humans will live and go extinct on earth.  People really ought to watch and read less science fiction.

If billionaires and their acolytes want to "colonize" Mars, or whatever, that's fine.  NASA should focus of science.  Space Force should focus on low-orbit offensive and defensive capabilities.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on November 18, 2022, 07:32:55 AM
Quote from: LKB on November 18, 2022, 07:05:20 AM
Robotic probes are effective platforms for observing astronomical processes and testing theories. But they cannot supply enough useful data in the most important areas: how human bodies tolerate long-duration spaceflight, and the accumulation of the required survival and maintenance procedures for living somewhere other than the Earth.

( Listens to the sound of eyeballs rolling ).

Pie-in-the-sky Sci-Fi, some of you might think, but consider:

Global Warming/Climate Change is a real phenomenon, the effects of which some researchers believe we're already experiencing. I personally have doubts that the industrial and societal changes required to  mitigate these effects are going to transpire. If that turns out to be the case, we'll not only need an alternative locale for our survival - getting there is only half the battle, if that - We'll need techniques and the ability to efficiently prioritize resources, and an idea of the limits within which such an endeavor can succeed.

( This Climate Change scenario is only one of several which could force humanity to relocate. Nuclear war, a large enough asteroidal or cometary impact, a more virulent pandemic... choose your poison. )

The return of humans to the Moon, and subsequent exploration of Mars, is the beginning of this learning.
Speaking of climate change:  High energy prices lead to coal revival in Czech Republic   :(

https://apnews.com/article/science-health-czech-republic-pollution-ostrava-c7586f97598079751677be577586cc4b?utm_source=hubpage&utm_medium=RelatedStories&utm_campaign=position_02

PD
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on November 18, 2022, 07:41:53 AM
Quote from: Pohjolas Daughter on November 18, 2022, 07:32:55 AMHigh energy prices lead to coal revival in Czech Republic   :(

Not just the Czech Republic: Coal to Europe's rescue (https://energynews.pro/en/coal-to-europes-rescue/)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: LKB on November 18, 2022, 07:47:05 AM
Quote from: Todd on November 18, 2022, 07:13:05 AM
Humans will live and go extinct on earth.  People really ought to watch and read less science fiction.

If billionaires and their acolytes want to "colonize" Mars, or whatever, that's fine.  NASA should focus of science.  Space Force should focus on low-orbit offensive and defensive capabilities.

Still short-sighted and parochial, you are consistent.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on November 18, 2022, 07:56:41 AM
Quote from: LKB on November 18, 2022, 07:47:05 AM
Still short-sighted and parochial, you are consistent.

Incorrect.  Yet again.  I rely on facts and scientific reality and not fantastical notions rooted in childhood.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on November 18, 2022, 08:11:21 AM
Quote from: Todd on November 18, 2022, 07:41:53 AM
Not just the Czech Republic: Coal to Europe's rescue (https://energynews.pro/en/coal-to-europes-rescue/)
Not surprised to hear it (sadly).

PD
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Jo498 on November 18, 2022, 08:32:18 AM
Quote from: Todd on November 18, 2022, 07:13:05 AM
Humans will live and go extinct on earth.
When I read that book "The Martian" a few years ago, it really cemented my opinion that this was true. I am not sure it was the author's intention and the book is only decent, not very good (too many nerdy infodumps) but it clearly shows how incredibly hostile to human survival the closest and least hostile planet is. Any nuclearly or otherwise devastated earth is a million times better than pristine Mars ;)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Spotted Horses on November 18, 2022, 08:57:12 AM
Quote from: LKB on November 18, 2022, 07:05:20 AM
Robotic probes are effective platforms for observing astronomical processes and testing theories. But they cannot supply enough useful data in the most important areas: how human bodies tolerate long-duration spaceflight, and the accumulation of the required survival and maintenance procedures for living somewhere other than the Earth.

( Listens to the sound of eyeballs rolling ).

Pie-in-the-sky Sci-Fi, some of you might think, but consider:

Global Warming/Climate Change is a real phenomenon, the effects of which some researchers believe we're already experiencing. I personally have doubts that the industrial and societal changes required to  mitigate these effects are going to transpire. If that turns out to be the case, we'll not only need an alternative locale for our survival - getting there is only half the battle, if that - We'll need techniques and the ability to efficiently prioritize resources, and an idea of the limits within which such an endeavor can succeed.

( This Climate Change scenario is only one of several which could force humanity to relocate. Nuclear war, a large enough asteroidal or cometary impact, a more virulent pandemic... choose your poison. )

The return of humans to the Moon, and subsequent exploration of Mars, is the beginning of this learning.

Do you think that climate change or a pandemic will make the earth more uninhabitable than Mars, where human life is utterly impossible? If we have to live in bubbles on Mars we can just as well live in bubbles here on Earth. As far as figuring out how to live in a self-contained environment under a dome, we have had Biosphere and Biosphere 2, which showed we are no where near being able to do that. But it can be much more easily studied on Earth, where you can open the hatch and let the people out before they die of starvation or asphyxiation.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on November 18, 2022, 09:03:14 AM
Quote from: Jo498 on November 18, 2022, 08:32:18 AM...but it clearly shows how incredibly hostile to human survival the closest and least hostile planet is.

My understanding is that the closest potentially habitable planet to earth is Proxima Centauri b.  It is 4.2 light years distant.  Humans will never be able to travel distances necessary to inhabit planets or other potentially habitable celestial bodies outside our solar system.  Humans will never be able to transform celestial bodies in our solar system into habitable bodies.  The best humans will be able to do is create tiny outposts capable of supporting small numbers of people with material support delivered from earth on a recurring basis.  Any idea that such outposts could ever serve as some type of extraterrestrial human civilization is laughable on its face.

The engineering efforts and associated expenditures to build even modestly sized colonies on even the moon, let alone Mars, are so gargantuan that they will never happen.  Countries do not have trillions to spend on such endeavors.  When they might, such endeavors will cost quadrillions.  Science fiction has severely warped people's minds with respect to what is physically possible, let alone economically and politically possible.

I am quite confident that nuclear holocaust will be avoided, and I also think humans will handily survive ecological devastation wrought by industrialization and the imperative of economic growth.  (Both capitalist and socialist economic models rely on economic growth, which is intrinsically exponential, and thus incompatible with ecological stability.)  There will be a huge of amount of suffering and staggering excess deaths just this century due to climate change.  (I think the Nature Communications estimate of 83 million excess deaths is too low.)  But humans will survive as a species for millennia to come.  Eventually, humans, like all species, will go extinct, though that is far in the future.  The absolute endpoint is when the sun destroys the earth, but I think extinction will occur long before then.

In the meantime, I will personally consume all manner of goodies and food like they are going out of style.  I mean, Thanksgiving is less than a week away here in the States.  And as long as humans make it to at least Christmas, it's all good.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Dry Brett Kavanaugh on November 18, 2022, 09:22:12 AM
Quote from: Pohjolas Daughter on November 18, 2022, 05:48:59 AM
Elizabeth Holmes to be sentenced today for Theranos crimes:  https://apnews.com/article/elizabeth-holmes-technology-health-sentencing-crime-7ea71f015b874c6e454dcdd4f0857bd4

Will be quite interesting to see what the judge ends up deciding.  Since she was charged, she had one child and then while out on bail, she became pregnant a second time (due date not announced).

PD

I found Sen. Cory Booker's support letter very interesting.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Jo498 on November 18, 2022, 10:51:40 AM
Quote from: Pohjolas Daughter on November 18, 2022, 05:48:59 AM
Elizabeth Holmes to be sentenced today for Theranos crimes:  https://apnews.com/article/elizabeth-holmes-technology-health-sentencing-crime-7ea71f015b874c6e454dcdd4f0857bd4

Will be quite interesting to see what the judge ends up deciding.  Since she was charged, she had one child and then while out on bail, she became pregnant a second time (due date not announced).
Not sure about the US but I remember some historical fiction book I read about late 18th/early 19th century (or so) Britain where convicted women could "plead their belly" when pregnant and would receive milder verdicts. Such as transportation to a colony instead of capital punishment.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on November 18, 2022, 12:28:48 PM
It will be interesting to see if Mr Booker or any other prominent politicians plead for leniency for Samuel Bankman-Fried when the time comes.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on November 18, 2022, 12:43:01 PM
Quote from: ultralinear on November 18, 2022, 09:13:31 AM
Interesting.  Have you read this?

(https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41CAIjGThLL._SY291_BO1,204,203,200_QL40_FMwebp_.jpg) (https://www.amazon.com/Bad-Blood-Secrets-Silicon-Startup/dp/0525431993)

It tells a fascinating story, which leaves little room for doubt (or sympathy.)

She appears to have had a remarkable ability to convince people who really should have known better, to disbelieve the evidence of their own eyes and ignore even the most basic rational appraisal.  I wouldn't bet against that working with the judge. ::)
The url image didn't show but I could see what you were referring to when I quoted your post.  And, no, I haven't read it.  I have been following along in the news off and on though.  Some websites are saying that folks in the Silicon Valley are carefully (and with bated breath) following the trial/verdict/sentencing as they are concerned as to how founders of companies are being held to task and what the penalties might be in store for those accused of fraud, etc.

Re your comments, no, I don't think that that is going to work on the judge.

PD
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on November 18, 2022, 02:07:32 PM
Re:  Elizabeth Holmes

11 years and 3 months but starting (I believe it is to be ) April 27.  I suspect that this is after her due date.  Women can and have given birth in prison.  Would be interesting to know the stats like re race/income level/what they were convicted of, etc., and who has been given the kind and humane option to give birth outside of prison and forestall their incarceration.

Interesting timing regarding her pregnancies and the options that we have these days in terms of avoiding getting pregnant (thinking of Jo's comments and earlier times).  Did she think that she would really be able to get house arrest (or very little time in prison?)?  *Or....??  I can't read her mind, but I do feel sorry for her kids.  :(  They are the biggest losers in this whole thing I hate to say; they're innocent.

*I'm not certain of the date when she was convicted vs. also when she became pregnant for the second time to be fair in this matter when I was typing this.

PD
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Jo498 on November 18, 2022, 11:37:23 PM
Quote from: Todd on November 18, 2022, 12:28:48 PM
It will be interesting to see if Mr Booker or any other prominent politicians plead for leniency for Samuel Bankman-Fried when the time comes.
Even if SBF starts identifying as female (he's got slight manboobs already now) I doubt he will be able to plead the belly ;)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on November 20, 2022, 11:33:32 AM
(https://media-exp1.licdn.com/dms/image/C4E22AQFiBckohBgFoQ/feedshare-shrink_800/0/1668874113425?e=1671667200&v=beta&t=BoOZ2-6DCoufgvaJqrirKM8W2uIb4C9RemErrRNI_G8)

A max 71 basis point inversion of 2/10 Treasuries, with a 69 inversion to close on Friday.  The 1/10 inversion is nearly a full point.  Hard to see how this does not point to recession in 2023.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on November 21, 2022, 05:28:05 PM
Anybody considering leaving the "Anybody considering leaving Twitter?" thread?
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Dry Brett Kavanaugh on November 21, 2022, 08:39:25 PM
Republicans will get a chance on Thanksgiving to better understand liberals. Here's how. USA TODAY.

https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/opinion/republicans-will-get-a-chance-on-thanksgiving-to-better-understand-liberals-here-s-how/ar-AA14kjSN?cvid=e30f5a9d086c446da5f999a385799232


Family Matters: How To Avoid Talking Politics Over Thanksgiving Dinner. Forbes.

https://www.forbes.com/sites/chriswestfall/2022/11/20/family-matters-how-to-avoid-talking-politics-over-thanksgiving-dinner-in-5-steps/?sh=f30956928fae
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Spotted Horses on November 22, 2022, 01:05:53 AM
I've had three consecutive amazon orders, delivered by their own delivery service, delivered to the wrong address. The first one amazon said was "handed directly to a resident," although no one here received it. Two days later it appeared on your doorstep with the outer package opened. The second two amazon said were left on the porch, complete with a photo showing the package on someone else's porch. They haven't shown up.

Now I have to struggle with amazon to get those orders refunded.

Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on November 22, 2022, 03:22:07 AM
Quote from: Spotted Horses on November 22, 2022, 01:05:53 AM
I've had three consecutive amazon orders, delivered by their own delivery service, delivered to the wrong address. The first one amazon said was "handed directly to a resident," although no one here received it. Two days later it appeared on your doorstep with the outer package opened. The second two amazon said were left on the porch, complete with a photo showing the package on someone else's porch. They haven't shown up.

Now I have to struggle with amazon to get those orders refunded.
:o  Wow!  Is your house/address particularly hard to find?  Numbering in my area is a bit strange and also the way that the roads split and intersect too.  My road's name is also followed by, I don't know the exact number, by various "suffixes" as in Road, Court, Avenue....you get the picture--though in these days of gps, one would think that they would get it right?   :-\

You would think though that they would all show up?  And one would like to think that someone opened your package in error (not noticing to whom it was addressed).  At my end, I've gone to the trouble of either *delivering things myself or calling the company (if there was a phone number listed on the packing label) or call FedEx myself and ask them to come and pick it up.

*One package arrived here Christmas Eve and at the risk of it being a present, I brought it to the correct address myself (no phone number in the phone book, so off I went).

Anyway, good luck with Amazon!

PD
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Spotted Horses on November 22, 2022, 04:29:52 AM
Quote from: Pohjolas Daughter on November 22, 2022, 03:22:07 AM
:o  Wow!  Is your house/address particularly hard to find?  Numbering in my area is a bit strange and also the way that the roads split and intersect too.  My road's name is also followed by, I don't know the exact number, by various "suffixes" as in Road, Court, Avenue....you get the picture--though in these days of gps, one would think that they would get it right?   :-\

You would think though that they would all show up?  And one would like to think that someone opened your package in error (not noticing to whom it was addressed).  At my end, I've gone to the trouble of either *delivering things myself or calling the company (if there was a phone number listed on the packing label) or call FedEx myself and ask them to come and pick it up.

*One package arrived here Christmas Eve and at the risk of it being a present, I brought it to the correct address myself (no phone number in the phone book, so off I went).

Anyway, good luck with Amazon!

PD

I live in a development with an array of very similar houses, so I think the issue is some sort of dyslexia on the driver's part which is causing him or her to misread the address. In the first case I suspect the recipient opened the package assuming it was theirs, only to notice the wrong address. I don't know what happened to the other two (which were delivered on the same day). You can't report a package missing on Amazon until it is lost for 24 hours, so now it is eligible.

At this point I think I will just avoid Amazon unless it is absolutely the only alternative. They also have the option of delivering to a locker, which I may have to do.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on November 22, 2022, 04:54:38 AM
Quote from: Spotted Horses on November 22, 2022, 04:29:52 AM
I live in a development with an array of very similar houses, so I think the issue is some sort of dyslexia on the driver's part which is causing him or her to misread the address. In the first case I suspect the recipient opened the package assuming it was theirs, only to notice the wrong address. I don't know what happened to the other two (which were delivered on the same day). You can't report a package missing on Amazon until it is lost for 24 hours, so now it is eligible.

At this point I think I will just avoid Amazon unless it is absolutely the only alternative. They also have the option of delivering to a locker, which I may have to do.
Is there a Whole Foods near you?  I know that they have lockers there.  I don't know where else they have them (I also haven't used Amazon in ages).

PD
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Spotted Horses on November 22, 2022, 05:12:51 AM
Quote from: Pohjolas Daughter on November 22, 2022, 04:54:38 AM
Is there a Whole Foods near you?  I know that they have lockers there.  I don't know where else they have them (I also haven't used Amazon in ages).

PD

There are quite a few in our area, including a WF market where we shop, which I may have to resort to.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on November 22, 2022, 07:44:29 AM
Quote from: Spotted Horses on November 22, 2022, 01:05:53 AM
I've had three consecutive amazon orders, delivered by their own delivery service, delivered to the wrong address. The first one amazon said was "handed directly to a resident," although no one here received it. Two days later it appeared on your doorstep with the outer package opened. The second two amazon said were left on the porch, complete with a photo showing the package on someone else's porch. They haven't shown up.

Now I have to struggle with amazon to get those orders refunded.

In August, an Amazon parcel for a different address was left by us, we opened it in error (we were expecting an Amazon delivery. I walked it across the street and left it on the correct porch, a house in kind of a cluster (we don't know these neighbors) a few weeks ago, Amazon informed me that my package was left in my mailbox (it was not) Happily, they sent a replacement without fuss.
Good luck!
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: LKB on November 22, 2022, 09:20:54 AM
Quote from: k a rl h e nn i ng on November 21, 2022, 05:28:05 PM
Anybody considering leaving the "Anybody considering leaving Twitter?" thread?

I can't decide whether Karl deserves a recursive penalty, or a recursive bonus...  :D
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Florestan on November 22, 2022, 09:28:44 AM
Quote from: Spotted Horses on November 22, 2022, 01:05:53 AM
I've had three consecutive amazon orders, delivered by their own delivery service, delivered to the wrong address. The first one amazon said was "handed directly to a resident," although no one here received it. Two days later it appeared on your doorstep with the outer package opened. The second two amazon said were left on the porch, complete with a photo showing the package on someone else's porch. They haven't shown up.

Now I have to struggle with amazon to get those orders refunded.


Quote from: k a rl h e nn i ng on November 22, 2022, 07:44:29 AM
In August, an Amazon parcel for a different address was left by us, we opened it in error (we were expecting an Amazon delivery. I walked it across the street and left it on the correct porch, a house in kind of a cluster (we don't know these neighbors) a few weeks ago, Amazon informed me that my package was left in my mailbox (it was not) Happily, they sent a replacement without fuss.
Good luck!

This kind of shit happened to us in Romania too.

Our address in Bucharest is 5, Turnu Măgurele Str. Problem is, Turnu Măgurele is also a city, so a few years ago our package was sent to that city.  :laugh:
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on November 24, 2022, 06:41:50 AM
Thanksgiving tradition started by mistaken text lives on for a seventh year ....

Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on November 24, 2022, 07:47:50 AM
Princess Diana More Popular Than King Charles in U.K. Polls (https://www.newsweek.com/princess-diana-more-popular-king-charles-uk-behind-prince-william-polls-crown-1762110)

I don't know which is more humorous, that a long-buried corpse is more popular than an irrelevant monarch, or that a poll is taken on the matter.  I do love what the press considers news and then pushes to readers.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Spotted Horses on November 24, 2022, 07:51:17 AM
Quote from: k a rl h e nn i ng on November 22, 2022, 07:44:29 AMIn August, an Amazon parcel for a different address was left by us, we opened it in error (we were expecting an Amazon delivery. I walked it across the street and left it on the correct porch, a house in kind of a cluster (we don't know these neighbors) a few weeks ago, Amazon informed me that my package was left in my mailbox (it was not) Happily, they sent a replacement without fuss.
Good luck!

At least it they provided a refund with not much bother. If I can't find an alternate vendor I'll probably re-order with shipment to a locker.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on November 24, 2022, 08:58:05 AM
Quote from: Spotted Horses on November 24, 2022, 07:51:17 AMAt least it they provided a refund with not much bother. If I can't find an alternate vendor I'll probably re-order with shipment to a locker.
Good to hear!

Separately, TD:

Sam's Club's AI knows how much pumpkin pie you'll eat this holiday
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on November 24, 2022, 09:13:03 AM
Quote from: k a rl h e nn i ng on November 24, 2022, 06:41:50 AMThanksgiving tradition started by mistaken text lives on for a seventh year ....
Karl,

There isn't any link showing up here.

Is this the one about a young man who was accidentally invited by a family (that he didn't previously know) to Thanksgiving?

PD
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: JBS on November 24, 2022, 10:14:44 AM
Quote from: Spotted Horses on November 22, 2022, 05:12:51 AMThere are quite a few in our area, including a WF market where we shop, which I may have to resort to.

I use them whenever I have an Amazon fulfilled order. The usual location is a 7-11 near me.

I've had a few misdirected orders off Amazon Marketplace: the mailman sometimes delivers them to a neighbor: I've gotten them all in the end, for which I should be thankful (I suppose) for having good neighbors.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: drogulus on November 24, 2022, 03:51:44 PM
    I'm expecting great things from the 2023 recession.

    Know why there are so many recession predictions? It's because bad news is news, and nobody suffers from being wrong. It's smart to predict 3 out of every one recessions. You're a realist, not like those others who don't know stuff. It's important to know, though, that just because so may brilliant marketeers predict a recession doesn't mean it won't happen.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on November 25, 2022, 04:58:03 AM
San Francisco politicians to vote on policy endorsing lethal force for robots (https://www.theregister.com/2022/11/24/san_francisco_lethal_robots/)

I prefer a German headline: Roboter: Polizei in San Francisco beantragt Lizenz zum Töten (https://t3n.de/news/san-francisco-polizei-antrag-erlaubnis-roboter-zum-toeten-killerroboter-killer-1515692/)

The prototype has been selected.  Word is OCP expects ~$300 million in revenue annually for the first three years alone.

(https://images.goodsmile.info/cgm/images/product/20200824/9954/73405/large/149b8475abf4513f87975bd8560528a0.jpg)

Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: LKB on November 25, 2022, 06:43:59 AM
Quote from: Todd on November 25, 2022, 04:58:03 AMSan Francisco politicians to vote on policy endorsing lethal force for robots (https://www.theregister.com/2022/11/24/san_francisco_lethal_robots/)

I prefer a German headline: Roboter: Polizei in San Francisco beantragt Lizenz zum Töten (https://t3n.de/news/san-francisco-polizei-antrag-erlaubnis-roboter-zum-toeten-killerroboter-killer-1515692/)

The prototype has been selected.  Word is OCP expects ~$300 million in revenue annually for the first three years alone.

(https://images.goodsmile.info/cgm/images/product/20200824/9954/73405/large/149b8475abf4513f87975bd8560528a0.jpg)



Dead or alive, you're coming with me.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on November 26, 2022, 08:35:34 AM
Who Were the Worst Climate Polluters in the US in 2021?

The worst of the worst included a coal-fired power plant in Alabama, a coal mine in Pennsylvania and a nylon plant in Florida, recent EPA data shows. (https://insideclimatenews.org/news/21112022/who-were-the-worst-climate-polluters-in-the-us-in-2021/?utm_source=InsideClimate+News&utm_campaign=6d26720003-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2022_11_26_05_00&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_29c928ffb5-6d26720003-329701485)

A fun article.  Note the mention of self-reported data.  I am 100% certain that all reporting entities reported everything with pristine accuracy and did not, in any way, misrepresent the data. 
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on November 28, 2022, 05:30:37 AM
This boggles the mind.  It's a long read but very interesting and illuminating I think.  It's about what is happening in Arizona to one area's water supply, but the implications, rules in effect and what is being allowed to happen is mind-boggling.

https://www.cnn.com/2022/11/05/us/arizona-water-foreign-owned-farms-climate/index.html

PD

Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on November 28, 2022, 07:30:22 AM
Quote from: Pohjolas Daughter on November 28, 2022, 05:30:37 AMThis boggles the mind.  It's a long read but very interesting and illuminating I think.  It's about what is happening in Arizona to one area's water supply, but the implications, rules in effect and what is being allowed to happen is mind-boggling.

https://www.cnn.com/2022/11/05/us/arizona-water-foreign-owned-farms-climate/index.html

PD


Staggering.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Spotted Horses on November 28, 2022, 07:49:52 AM
Quote from: Pohjolas Daughter on November 28, 2022, 05:30:37 AMThis boggles the mind.  It's a long read but very interesting and illuminating I think.  It's about what is happening in Arizona to one area's water supply, but the implications, rules in effect and what is being allowed to happen is mind-boggling.

https://www.cnn.com/2022/11/05/us/arizona-water-foreign-owned-farms-climate/index.html

PD



The article describes a real and extremely serious problem, the depletion of aquifers by agricultural users who pump water out much faster than it is naturally replenished. However, I would take issue with the xenophobic slant to the article, blaming it on foreign owned farms, and particularly farms owned by companies based in Arab states. U.S. growers are equally egregious in depletion of ground water, especially now that Colorado River flow is becoming more an more inadequate to meet needs for agriculture and urban populations.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on November 28, 2022, 08:10:42 AM
Quote from: Spotted Horses on November 28, 2022, 07:49:52 AMThe article describes a real and extremely serious problem, the depletion of aquifers by agricultural users who pump water out much faster than it is naturally replenished. However, I would take issue with the xenophobic slant to the article, blaming it on foreign owned farms, and particularly farms owned by companies based in Arab states. U.S. growers are equally egregious in depletion of ground water, especially now that Colorado River flow is becoming more an more inadequate to meet needs for agriculture and urban populations.
Good point.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on November 28, 2022, 09:50:43 AM
Quote from: Spotted Horses on November 28, 2022, 07:49:52 AMThe article describes a real and extremely serious problem, the depletion of aquifers by agricultural users who pump water out much faster than it is naturally replenished. However, I would take issue with the xenophobic slant to the article, blaming it on foreign owned farms, and particularly farms owned by companies based in Arab states. U.S. growers are equally egregious in depletion of ground water, especially now that Colorado River flow is becoming more an more inadequate to meet needs for agriculture and urban populations.

Quote from: k a rl h e nn i ng on November 28, 2022, 08:10:42 AMGood point.
That's a fair point.  I wonder whether they titled the article thusly to particularly get people's attention?  I do also think that the writer brought up positives including employment and donations to the local high school, etc.  Some of the things that particularly struck me were the lack of rules regarding the amount of usage of water, measuring how much someone is actually using and that they've tried to get new rules approved by the state which would help with issues like these, but that they are not getting passed.  Perhaps all of the big commercial farmers are pressuring their elected officials to not pass needed measures?  Horrifying in any event to read that they were looking down into the aquifer and the water was actually moving!  And ground sinking and mud-covered roads?  :o

We have to change the way we grow things (let alone what we grow to begin with) and how we manage our natural resources--including water...and now.

PD
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Spotted Horses on November 28, 2022, 11:46:55 AM
Quote from: Pohjolas Daughter on November 28, 2022, 09:50:43 AM...
We have to change the way we grow things (let alone what we grow to begin with) and how we manage our natural resources--including water...and now.

That is correct. It is difficult because the water rights were negotiated ~100 years ago and are hard to change because a lot or people are dependent on them. It may be hard to find a legal basis for saying someone can't drill a hole on their own land and take water out, but underground water is lot localized and it a community resource. Oil and minerals deep underground don't belong to you because they are under your land (that's why oil companies buy leases from the federal government) and water will have to be treated the same way.

The positive side is that there is a huge amount of waste in the way water is used in traditional agriculture (open channels, flooding fields to irrigate crops). California has set up a system of buying and selling water rights among farmers and it has led to much more efficient use of water (maybe not efficient enough).
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: JBS on November 28, 2022, 06:12:28 PM
Actually, you do own oil/gas/minerals if it's found under land you own. Oil/gas leases from the US government come about because oil/gas was found under public lands. But if Exxon discovers oil under your back yard, it has to buy the land or pay you for the right to pump.
In real life, this latter point can get complicated because if there's oil under your back yard it's almost certain to be under the backyards of many of your neighbors; the same pool of oil will be under multiple plots of land, and pumping it out via your back yard means pumping out the oil under their back yards: it's all from the same source.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Spotted Horses on November 28, 2022, 07:48:01 PM
Quote from: JBS on November 28, 2022, 06:12:28 PMActually, you do own oil/gas/minerals if it's found under land you own. Oil/gas leases from the US government come about because oil/gas was found under public lands. But if Exxon discovers oil under your back yard, it has to buy the land or pay you for the right to pump.
In real life, this latter point can get complicated because if there's oil under your back yard it's almost certain to be under the backyards of many of your neighbors; the same pool of oil will be under multiple plots of land, and pumping it out via your back yard means pumping out the oil under their back yards: it's all from the same source.

I was incorrect in saying that all mineral rights default to the Federal government. I was thinking of Canada where all mineral rights, including oil and gas, are owned by the Provence, even when the surface rights are owned by a private company or individual. In the U.S. private land owners will often also own mineral rights, although there are large tracts of land in which the Bureau of Land Management owns mineral rights although the surface rights are held privately. This is a sore point in the Western states. You can also discover that the entity that sold you a tract of land had already sold the mineral rights to someone else.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on November 30, 2022, 06:35:49 AM
San Francisco will allow police to deploy robots that kill (https://apnews.com/article/police-san-francisco-government-and-politics-d26121d7f7afb070102932e6a0754aa5)

San Francisco has long been a progressive city.  And this here is progress!
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on December 01, 2022, 03:41:14 PM
Oregon Rogue River blue cheese is on the menu at White House state dinner tonight (https://www.oregonlive.com/food/2022/12/oregon-rogue-river-blue-cheese-is-on-the-menu-at-white-house-state-dinner-tonight.html)

Beaver state turophiles are rejoicing: Biden and Macron shall dine on Southern Oregon blue cheese.  It is the second-best cheese from the tiny Rouge Creamery - the best is Brutal Blue, which is only rarely available, and then only in the Central Point retail shop.  From a diplomatic perspective, it just makes sense to serve Rogue River Blue from the Rouge Creamery.  The Rogue River's English name is derived from the description used by French fur trappers in centuries past.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on December 03, 2022, 12:12:37 PM
I do love the lengthy headlines and sub-headlines used by ICN:

Sidestepping a New Climate Commitment, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission Greenlights a Mammoth LNG Project in Louisiana

The agency contends that it lacks the means to assess the climate impact of the project's greenhouse gas emissions—and that its decisions must hinge on "the public interest." (https://insideclimatenews.org/news/02122022/ferc-liquefied-natural-gas-louisiana/?utm_source=InsideClimate+News&utm_campaign=881909caae-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2022_12_03_02_00&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_29c928ffb5-881909caae-329701485)

And then there's this additional sub-headline in the text: After the Ukraine Invasion, a Drumbeat for LNG Exports
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: LKB on December 03, 2022, 06:36:41 PM
The former Scumbag-in-Chief want's the Constitution " suspended " in order to facilitate his reinstatement:

https://www.axios.com/2022/12/03/trump-election-fraud-constitution
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on December 04, 2022, 02:59:45 AM
Quote from: LKB on December 03, 2022, 06:36:41 PMThe former Scumbag-in-Chief want's the Constitution " suspended " in order to facilitate his reinstatement:

https://www.axios.com/2022/12/03/trump-election-fraud-constitution
God help us!

PD
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on December 04, 2022, 11:56:12 AM
From The Economist: Why a global recession is inevitable in 2023 (https://www.economist.com/the-world-ahead/2022/11/18/why-a-global-recession-is-inevitable-in-2023)

Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on December 06, 2022, 07:34:35 AM
Apple is beginning to move out of China. It is an overdue reckoning.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on December 06, 2022, 10:34:32 AM
FX swap debt a $80 trillion 'blind spot' BIS says (https://www.reuters.com/markets/currencies/global-markets-bis-urgent-2022-12-05/)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on December 06, 2022, 01:18:45 PM
Facts matter:

"Prosecutors argued the conduct of Weisselberg and McConney made the company criminally liable. Two Trump Organization entities — the Trump Corporation and the Trump Payroll Corp. — were on trial. Both were found guilty on all charges."

Trump Organization convicted in N.Y. criminal tax fraud trial
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on December 07, 2022, 03:35:36 AM
"51st seat gives Democrats true majority
Democrats had already clinched control of the Senate, with 50 seats secured last month, which would allow Vice President Kamala Harris to cast the tie-breaking vote as she does now. But winning a 51st seat, thanks to Warnock's victory Tuesday, comes with important benefits for the Democrats running the Senate and for President Joe Biden's administration."  From CNN today.

More here:  https://www.cnn.com/2022/12/07/politics/georgia-senate-runoff-takeaways/index.html

PD
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on December 07, 2022, 04:50:58 AM
Quote from: Pohjolas Daughter on December 07, 2022, 03:35:36 AM"51st seat gives Democrats true majority
Democrats had already clinched control of the Senate, with 50 seats secured last month, which would allow Vice President Kamala Harris to cast the tie-breaking vote as she does now. But winning a 51st seat, thanks to Warnock's victory Tuesday, comes with important benefits for the Democrats running the Senate and for President Joe Biden's administration."

Let's hope and pray the Democrats kill the legislative filibuster.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on December 07, 2022, 04:52:11 AM
San Francisco Says Cops Can't Use Killer Robots After Public Outcry—For Now (https://www.forbes.com/sites/nicholasreimann/2022/12/06/san-francisco-says-cops-cant-use-killer-robots-after-public-outcry-for-now/?sh=40792b585d64)

Boo for now, with a hopeful future Yay.  Using lethal robots is a real good idea.  Especially if they come equipped with the latest AI.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on December 08, 2022, 11:26:26 AM
ECB staff in pay dispute to hold talks about potential strike (https://www.ft.com/content/0fab7af9-e950-43f1-b1aa-f2deeb21b34d)

Yes, this is real.  ECB staff may strike.  Let that sink in. 

Europeans.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on December 09, 2022, 07:03:38 AM
Roger Federer denied access to Wimbledon (Nice interview with Trevor Noah, but if you want to skip right ahead to the story, start at just shy of 11 minutes into it):

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W6rKB_UxONE

PD

p.s. Very sorry to hear that his knee is still bothering him.  :(  And good luck and happiness to Trevor Noah post-hosting The Daily Show too.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on December 09, 2022, 12:34:42 PM
Quote from: Pohjolas Daughter on December 09, 2022, 07:03:38 AMRoger Federer denied access to Wimbledon (Nice interview with Trevor Noah, but if you want to skip right ahead to the story, start at just shy of 11 minutes into it):

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W6rKB_UxONE

PD

He did get in in the end.  I added this as a more humorous story though I'm rather surprised when Roger  finally says (and I'm quoting from memory) that "I've won this 8 times...I am a member, trust me".  I don't know how things work at Wimbledon in terms of security, but I was left wondering why this guard didn't phone (whatever...contact in some way) a supervisor at the club particularly as he kept saying that he was a member?  But you need to watch it to understand the story.

PD

p.s. Very sorry to hear that his knee is still bothering him.  :(  And good luck and happiness to Trevor Noah post-hosting The Daily Show too.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on December 11, 2022, 10:11:44 AM
Vice president of EU parliament suspended amid suspicions Qatar bought influence (https://www.timesofisrael.com/vice-president-of-eu-parliament-suspended-amid-qatar-lobbying-scandal/)

What is it with Europeans, corruption, and soccer?  At least sell your soul for oil or derivatives, sheesh.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on December 12, 2022, 03:01:48 PM
FTX founder Sam Bankman-Fried arrested in the Bahamas after U.S. files criminal charges (https://www.cnbc.com/2022/12/12/ftx-founder-sam-bankman-fried-arrested-in-the-bahamas-after-us-files-criminal-charges.html)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Dry Brett Kavanaugh on December 12, 2022, 03:06:31 PM
Scientists finally know why people get more colds and flu in winter. CNN.


https://edition.cnn.com/2022/12/06/health/why-winter-colds-flu-wellness/index.html
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Spotted Horses on December 13, 2022, 04:22:34 AM
Quote from: Todd on December 12, 2022, 03:01:48 PMFTX founder Sam Bankman-Fried arrested in the Bahamas after U.S. files criminal charges (https://www.cnbc.com/2022/12/12/ftx-founder-sam-bankman-fried-arrested-in-the-bahamas-after-us-files-criminal-charges.html)

I trust he will be incarcerated for a long, long time.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on December 13, 2022, 05:31:17 AM
Quote from: Spotted Horses on December 13, 2022, 04:22:34 AMI trust he will be incarcerated for a long, long time.

He gave ~$44 million to Democrats in 2022 and claims he gave as much to Republicans via dark money.  (OpenSecrets disagrees: https://www.opensecrets.org/elections-overview/top-organizations)  That makes him the second largest donor to the Democrats behind Soros and the fourth or fifth largest Republican donor if his claims are true.  Maybe party stalwarts will plead for leniency for him, like Corey Booker did for Elizabeth Holmes, who likewise donated gobs of cash.  Sorry, Spartacus was being a hero trying to protect a pregnant woman.

If it turns out that SBF's friendships were transactional only, he could get a Madoff sentence - unless he has secrets to share.  Like was Zixiao Gary Wang involved with any foreign governments in any way?  Nah.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on December 13, 2022, 07:14:01 AM
US scientists announce fusion energy breakthrough
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on December 13, 2022, 08:08:07 AM
Quote from: Dry Brett Kavanaugh on December 12, 2022, 03:06:31 PMScientists finally know why people get more colds and flu in winter. CNN.


https://edition.cnn.com/2022/12/06/health/why-winter-colds-flu-wellness/index.html
Most interesting. Go, Mass Eye and Ear!
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on December 13, 2022, 08:40:30 AM
Quote from: k a rl h e nn i ng on December 13, 2022, 07:14:01 AMUS scientists announce fusion energy breakthrough
I heard that story this morning.  It's encouraging news but apparently still decades away from really being able to help us energy-wise.

PD
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Spotted Horses on December 13, 2022, 09:43:48 AM
Quote from: k a rl h e nn i ng on December 13, 2022, 07:14:01 AMUS scientists announce fusion energy breakthrough

"Break-even" or "ignition" means that the energy released by fusion is equal to or greater than the energy put in. But you have to be careful read how they define the energy they put in. In the case of the National Ignition Facility, they mean the nuclear energy released is greater than the energy in the laser light sent in. But that doesn't mean that they have practically produced energy. Lasers are not 100% efficient. Maybe they put in 1 megajoule, and got out 1.01 megajoule, but that doesn't take into account that they had to use 10 megajoule to produce that laser light.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on December 13, 2022, 11:12:14 AM
Quote from: Spotted Horses on December 13, 2022, 09:43:48 AM"Break-even" or "ignition" means that the energy released by fusion is equal to or greater than the energy put in. But you have to be careful read how they define the energy they put in. In the case of the National Ignition Facility, they mean the nuclear energy released is greater than the energy in the laser light sent in. But that doesn't mean that they have practically produced energy. Lasers are not 100% efficient. Maybe they put in 1 megajoule, and got out 1.01 megajoule, but that doesn't take into account that they had to use 10 megajoule to produce that laser light.
It's still just the beginning, of course.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on December 13, 2022, 11:12:43 AM
Quote from: Pohjolas Daughter on December 13, 2022, 08:40:30 AMI heard that story this morning.  It's encouraging news but apparently still decades away from really being able to help us energy-wise.

PD
Just so.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on December 13, 2022, 03:02:39 PM
Quote from: Spotted Horses on December 13, 2022, 09:43:48 AM"Break-even" or "ignition" means that the energy released by fusion is equal to or greater than the energy put in. But you have to be careful read how they define the energy they put in. In the case of the National Ignition Facility, they mean the nuclear energy released is greater than the energy in the laser light sent in. But that doesn't mean that they have practically produced energy. Lasers are not 100% efficient. Maybe they put in 1 megajoule, and got out 1.01 megajoule, but that doesn't take into account that they had to use 10 megajoule to produce that laser light.

Here's a handy YouTube video that covers this.  It is from last year, when the same team achieved a Q=0.7.  I think it may be wise to be very skeptical of claims made by politicians about nuclear physics and its potential for energy production.  As it is, maybe to 2070s are possible.  Alas, every environmental expert in the entire world has given 2050 as the critical year, the point of no return, the beginning of the end of humanity, and so on.

Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on December 19, 2022, 05:25:03 AM
Historic biodiversity agreement reached at UN conference (https://apnews.com/article/china-united-nations-biodiversity-climate-and-environment-eee5683a8fac71540f94e9934031bd22)

30 by 30.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on December 20, 2022, 07:22:37 AM
Directly from the CFPB: CFPB Orders Wells Fargo to Pay $3.7 Billion for Widespread Mismanagement of Auto Loans, Mortgages, and Deposit Accounts (https://www.consumerfinance.gov/about-us/newsroom/cfpb-orders-wells-fargo-to-pay-37-billion-for-widespread-mismanagement-of-auto-loans-mortgages-and-deposit-accounts/)

I have attached the text of the news alert email from the fabled The New York Times, the newspaper of record, where they got the amount wrong.  Maybe editors are all on vacation this week.  Fortunately, the other news sources I rely on got it right in their email blasts.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on December 21, 2022, 06:44:43 AM
The Naysayers are Wrong. Fusion Will Change the World. (https://www.thebulwark.com/the-naysayers-are-wrong-fusion-will-change-the-world/)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: drogulus on December 23, 2022, 10:27:06 AM
Quote from: k a rl h e nn i ng on December 21, 2022, 06:44:43 AMThe Naysayers are Wrong. Fusion Will Change the World. (https://www.thebulwark.com/the-naysayers-are-wrong-fusion-will-change-the-world/)

    For a fraction of a second you get more energy out than energy in.

"The fusion breakthrough shows that America still leads the world in innovation, and that what the government does best is basic research, not picking winners and losers."


    The government is choosing to win whether that involves chosen winners or not. Trust the WSJ to slather on the crankery at every opportunity.

The Journal's editorial was accompanied by a photo of Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm at the press conference. Somehow, I suspect that if this success had been achieved while Donald Trump was president and Rick Perry was secretary of energy, the Journal would have chastised all the naysayers who claimed that no good could come from his presidency and hailed the potential benefits to the globe, which include solving climate change, obliterating the power of fossil fuel dictatorships like Saudi Arabia, Russia, and Venezuela, permitting desalination of sea water wherever fresh water is scarce around the globe (including southern California and other US locations), vertical farming, reducing poverty, and much more. Instead, they are minimizing the accomplishment under the title "Hold the Nuclear Fusion Hype."

    The tit-for tat editorializing is well done here, but I don't give much of a shit about it. I just want the eggs. (https://www.good-music-guide.com/community/Smileys/classic/cheesy.gif)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Dry Brett Kavanaugh on December 24, 2022, 05:14:14 AM
Obama's choice, music, books and movies in 2022.

https://edition.cnn.com/2022/12/23/politics/barack-obama-favorite-books-movies-2022/index.html
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: geralmar on December 26, 2022, 08:12:30 PM
Figure of Trump in Texas wax museum removed because visitors kept punching it in the face.

https://www.thewrap.com/trump-wax-figure-san-antonio-remove-punch/
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Spotted Horses on December 26, 2022, 09:35:40 PM
Quote from: k a rl h e nn i ng on December 21, 2022, 06:44:43 AMThe Naysayers are Wrong. Fusion Will Change the World. (https://www.thebulwark.com/the-naysayers-are-wrong-fusion-will-change-the-world/)

The Naysayers are right.

I remember a conversation with a leading theoretical physicist working on fusion. I asked it if he thought it would ever be a practical power source. His response, "Of course not." I asked him why he works on it? He replied, "it's such an interesting problem," followed by a maniacal giggle. Now he's the head scientist on one of the big fusion projects, so I shouldn't name him. :)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on December 28, 2022, 05:39:14 AM
Quote from: geralmar on December 26, 2022, 08:12:30 PMFigure of Trump in Texas wax museum removed because visitors kept punching it in the face.

TDS is real.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on December 28, 2022, 02:03:50 PM
Bill Cosby Plans to Tour in 2023 (https://variety.com/2022/tv/news/bill-cosby-comedy-tour-2023-1235475192/)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: SimonNZ on December 28, 2022, 03:01:36 PM
Quote from: Todd on December 28, 2022, 05:39:14 AMTDS is real.

Quote from: Todd on December 03, 2022, 12:40:55 PMOnly clinical psychologists and psychiatrists can offer actual mental health diagnoses.



The article also says that the Obama figure is repeatedly vandalized.

In your psych-qualified opinion would this be evidence of ODS?
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on December 29, 2022, 06:05:12 AM
Apparently, the very, very, very prestigious American (?) university Stanford published a lengthy list of naughty words and phrases to be phased out in the IT department as part of its Elimination of Harmful Language Initiative (EHLI).  Some examples are listed below.

The full list link: https://s.wsj.net/public/resources/documents/stanfordlanguage.pdf

The Stanford folks (using their preferred term!) felt compelled to respond to the criticism they received:

Stanford response: https://itcommunity.stanford.edu/news/update-elimination-harmful-language-initiative-stanfords-it-community


Examples:
Bad: American
Good: US Citizen

Bad: Blind study
Good: Masked study

Bad: Walk-in
Good: Drop-in

Bad: Senile
Good: Person suffering from senility

Bad: Seminal
Good: Groundbreaking

Bad: Rule of thumb
Good: Standard rule

Bad: African-American
Good: Black

Bad: tarball
Good: tar archive


Academicians are smart.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Florestan on December 29, 2022, 09:16:09 AM
They forgot to include a few others.

Bad: Manchester
Good: Personchester

Bad: The Isle of Man
Good: The Isle of Person

Bad: Man-of-war
Good: Person-of-war

Anyway, my favorite is Philippine Islands.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on December 29, 2022, 12:53:33 PM
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Dry Brett Kavanaugh on December 29, 2022, 03:56:41 PM
Actually important news. One meal, rather than 3 meals, a day could be better for your well-being.

https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20220412-should-we-be-eating-three-meals-a-day
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on December 29, 2022, 04:00:09 PM
Intermittent fasting is an old idea, and one with its own drawbacks.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: greg on January 01, 2023, 10:03:38 PM
Quote from: SimonNZ on December 28, 2022, 03:01:36 PMThe article also says that the Obama figure is repeatedly vandalized.

In your psych-qualified opinion would this be evidence of ODS?
I'm not Todd, but IMO, yes. People are crazy.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Dry Brett Kavanaugh on January 02, 2023, 02:49:50 PM
CNN: After a lifetime believing I was a basic White American, I learned that was only half true.


https://edition.cnn.com/travel/article/dna-ancestry-trail-to-find-birth-family-morocco/index.html (https://edition.cnn.com/travel/article/dna-ancestry-trail-to-find-birth-family-morocco/index.html)


Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on January 02, 2023, 04:31:55 PM
Quote from: Dry Brett Kavanaugh on January 02, 2023, 02:49:50 PMCNN: After a lifetime believing I was a basic White American, I learned that was only half true.


https://edition.cnn.com/travel/article/dna-ancestry-trail-to-find-birth-family-morocco/index.html (https://edition.cnn.com/travel/article/dna-ancestry-trail-to-find-birth-family-morocco/index.html)



You're still you, which is what really matters.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Dry Brett Kavanaugh on January 02, 2023, 05:00:58 PM
Quote from: k a rl h e nn i ng on January 02, 2023, 04:31:55 PMYou're still you, which is what really matters.

That's right!
The news reminded me of the movie below. The white protagonist pretends to be black to get a scholarship for African Americans.
Suddenly, the people who used to be friendly to him treats him totally different, the easy thing to do is not easy any more, etc.

(https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71JbDsivYDL._SX600_.jpg)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on January 03, 2023, 01:42:39 PM
Authorization of Ulysses S. Grant's posthumous promotion to General of the Armies of the United States becomes law (https://www.clermontsun.com/2022/12/28/authorization-of-ulysses-s-grants-posthumous-promotion-to-general-of-the-armies-of-the-united-states-becomes-law)

And then there were three.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on January 05, 2023, 12:42:34 PM
What  fun! Ozawa on What's My Line?
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: ritter on January 08, 2023, 10:35:28 AM
Reminds me of something.... :(

(https://i.guim.co.uk/img/media/c75bbfa78cc4a5d5b4dc23e573f05dc29bf23bee/0_427_6997_4199/master/6997.jpg?width=700&quality=45&dpr=2&s=none)

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/jan/08/jair-bolsonaro-supporters-storm-brazils-presidential-palace-and-supreme-court
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on January 08, 2023, 10:55:01 AM
Any horns?
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: 71 dB on January 08, 2023, 01:19:05 PM
Brazil got their January 8th.

Oligarchs have figured out it is easy to brainwash low intelligence individuals to overturn (or at least try to) elections if the "leftist" dude wins. Very bad for democracy in the World.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on January 09, 2023, 06:12:09 AM
The Satanic Temple, which is dedicating the "largest satanic gathering in history" to the mayor of Boston, requires masks (https://localtoday.news/ma/the-satanic-temple-which-is-dedicating-the-largest-satanic-gathering-in-history-to-the-mayor-of-boston-requires-masks-117006.html)

(https://cdn.churchleaders.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/satancon.png)

The Friday night mixer should be a hell of a good time.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Florestan on January 09, 2023, 09:30:04 AM
Quote from: 71 dB on January 08, 2023, 01:19:05 PMBrazil got their January 8th.

Oligarchs have figured out it is easy to brainwash low intelligence individuals to overturn (or at least try to) elections if the "leftist" dude wins. Very bad for democracy in the World.

As in the USA case, if this was a genuine attempt to overturn the elections it was an extremely ill-planned and ill-executed one. One does not overturn elections by brainwashing a few thousand low-intelligence individuals into mindless and pointless devastation of empty official buildings. One does it by a succesful military coup. In both cases, the military did absolutely nothing, which means either such a move was not even considered (the most probable case in the USA) or if considered by Bolsonaro and his clique, was not considered at all or rejected by the Brazilian military.

As for Bolsonaro himself, one gotta love how when he won, the Brazilian electronic voting system was secure enough, but when da Silva won it suddenly became vulnerable.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on January 09, 2023, 09:47:00 AM
Conductor Namechecked by Cate Blanchett in 'Tár' Slams Film (https://variety.com/2023/film/global/marin-alsop-cate-blanchett-tar-slams-film-offended-1235482490/)

That conductor would be Marin Alsop.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Dry Brett Kavanaugh on January 09, 2023, 09:48:38 AM
 A 76 years old makes his debut as a naturist. 

https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2023/jan/08/a-new-start-after-60-i-became-a-naturist-at-75-and-it-felt-like-freedom?CMP=Share_iOSApp_Other

Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on January 11, 2023, 11:33:53 AM
Papers and patents are becoming less disruptive (https://www.economist.com/science-and-technology/2023/01/04/papers-and-patents-are-becoming-less-disruptive)

(https://www.economist.com/img/b/400/461/90/media-assets/image/20230107_STC266.png)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: drogulus on January 14, 2023, 06:46:31 AM
    Why Inflation Has Been Falling...  (https://ritholtz.com/2023/01/why-inflation-has-been-falling/)

More vacations and entertainment, and fewer renovations and home improvements (and much less "cocooning") have nothing to do with FOMC rates. CPI inflation has been coming down because the national economy has reopened, and our buying behaviors are normalizing.

     So what were the rate hikes for?

     It's "responsibility theater". In libraservative economics monetary policy is strong and the Fed is capable of adjusting for just about any supply/demand divergence. It can brake and accelerate, and typically accelerates too much and brakes too late. In spite of having virtually identical beliefs to Fed perma-critics about inflation causes/cures, the Fed chief is always wrong. I've spent years reading and listening to the perma-critcs and thousands of hours of "all eyes on the Fed" rhetoric and it never deviates. Talk about No Hugging/No Learning!

     In the world, where most of us live, monetary policy is weak, and we see that repeatedly. Low rates don't cause borrowing. There's no "punch bowl" for the Fed to take away. That's why inflation only showed up when we got supply problems all over the real economy.

     Years and years of ZIRP did N-O-T-H-I-N-G!! If libraservatism can't get inflation when we want it how is the same doctrine going to provide a cure?

     Only real economy disruptions can give you what libraservatives call "insane money printing".

     I'm pissed at the world. Inflation lasted a little longer than I thought it would. All praise/blame be to Powell! Still, I'll take my chances here rather than a Dogma House. (https://www.good-music-guide.com/community/Smileys/classic/cheesy.gif)

     
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on January 14, 2023, 01:04:51 PM
Intel Quietly Resumes Russia Support, Unblocks Software Downloads (Updated with Microsoft Comment) (https://www.tomshardware.com/news/intel-resumes-russia-support)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on January 17, 2023, 05:58:14 AM
China's first population drop in six decades sounds alarm on demographic crisis (https://www.reuters.com/world/china/chinas-population-shrinks-first-time-since-1961-2023-01-17/)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on January 17, 2023, 01:25:45 PM
The gist of this (https://www.audubon.org/news/no-its-not-actually-murder-crows)
appears to be: if scientists don't use a word, who needs it?
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: SimonNZ on January 17, 2023, 02:57:56 PM
Quote from: k a rl h e nn i ng on January 17, 2023, 01:25:45 PMThe gist of this (https://www.audubon.org/news/no-its-not-actually-murder-crows)
appears to be: if scientists don't use a word, who needs it?

Good. I've always hated those stupid terms.

And I've noticed that David Attenborough et al never use them.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Florestan on January 18, 2023, 01:40:57 AM
Quote from: k a rl h e nn i ng on January 17, 2023, 01:25:45 PMThe gist of this (https://www.audubon.org/news/no-its-not-actually-murder-crows)
appears to be: if scientists don't use a word, who needs it?

This was the first time in my whole life that I encountered those terms, but I'm not a native English speaker. Looks like native English-speaking biologists have not heard of them, either --- and actually the article makes it clear that it's a hunting jargon unlikely to be known, or used, by people not in the branch. Therefore, to advocate for the removal of those terms from everyday vocabulary is an exercise in futility: they are not part of everyday vocabulary to begin with and I doubt that people whose everyday vocabulary contains them will drop them just because someone at Audubon.org says they should.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Papy Oli on January 18, 2023, 01:48:03 AM
Quote from: SimonNZ on January 17, 2023, 02:57:56 PMGood. I've always hated those stupid terms.

And I've noticed that David Attenborough et al never use them.

Ditto.

Does that mean I can claim back all the points I have lost in lockdown online pub quizzes because of those stupid words ?  ;D
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Jo498 on January 18, 2023, 03:52:37 AM
It was a late medieval way of gaining distinction? or making fun? that eventually ran amuck, I believe. I was told the more common of these strange "animal collectives", probably when I studied in the US, apparently because this was one of the humorous things some people would tell foreigners as higher subtleties of English.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on January 18, 2023, 03:54:45 PM
A news site used AI to write articles, and it was a journalistic disaster

Raise your hand if you're surprised!
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: SimonNZ on January 18, 2023, 04:10:45 PM
related:

'This song sucks': Nick Cave responds to ChatGPT song written in style of Nick Cave (https://www.theguardian.com/music/2023/jan/17/this-song-sucks-nick-cave-responds-to-chatgpt-song-written-in-style-of-nick-cave)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: SimonNZ on January 19, 2023, 01:03:42 AM
Texas Republican Wants Food Made Of Aborted Fetuses Labeled (https://www.yahoo.com/news/texas-republican-wants-food-made-000321815.html)

"AUSTIN, Texas — A Texas Republican wants to make foods containing material from aborted human fetuses "clearly and conspicuously labeled" — even though such products do not exist.   

The proposed law, authored by state Sen. Bob Hall, says food and medicine would have to be labeled if it contained or was manufactured with human fetal tissue or if it was the product of research that used such tissue. The bill defines human fetal tissue as "tissue, cells, or organs obtained from an aborted unborn child."

"Unfortunately, many Texans are unknowingly consuming products that either contain human fetal parts or were developed using human fetal parts," read a statement from Hall's office. "While some may not be bothered by this, there are many Texans with religious or moral beliefs that would oppose consumption or use of these products." [...]

[...]Food containing human fetal tissue — which, again, does not exist — could meet the definition of cannibalism, which no federal law criminalizes and most states do not regulate."
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on January 19, 2023, 09:49:51 AM
Quote from: SimonNZ on January 19, 2023, 01:03:42 AMTexas Republican Wants Food Made Of Aborted Fetuses Labeled (https://www.yahoo.com/news/texas-republican-wants-food-made-000321815.html)

"AUSTIN, Texas — A Texas Republican wants to make foods containing material from aborted human fetuses "clearly and conspicuously labeled" — even though such products do not exist. 

The proposed law, authored by state Sen. Bob Hall, says food and medicine would have to be labeled if it contained or was manufactured with human fetal tissue or if it was the product of research that used such tissue. The bill defines human fetal tissue as "tissue, cells, or organs obtained from an aborted unborn child."

"Unfortunately, many Texans are unknowingly consuming products that either contain human fetal parts or were developed using human fetal parts," read a statement from Hall's office. "While some may not be bothered by this, there are many Texans with religious or moral beliefs that would oppose consumption or use of these products." [...]

[...]Food containing human fetal tissue — which, again, does not exist — could meet the definition of cannibalism, which no federal law criminalizes and most states do not regulate."
Pinheads on Parade.

Separately: The big problem with plant-based meat: The 'meat' part
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Spotted Horses on January 19, 2023, 11:21:13 AM
I keep reading that the U.S. has it its debt ceiling and that "extraordinary measures" are being taken to avoid default, but no information about what these extraordinary measures are, and whether they are any different than the measures taken every other time Congress plays chicken over the debt ceiling. Am I going to see Mt Rushmore on eBay?
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on January 19, 2023, 12:29:10 PM
Quote from: Spotted Horses on January 19, 2023, 11:21:13 AMI keep reading that the U.S. has it its debt ceiling and that "extraordinary measures" are being taken to avoid default, but no information about what these extraordinary measures are, and whether they are any different than the measures taken every other time Congress plays chicken over the debt ceiling. Am I going to see Mt Rushmore on eBay?

Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) said on Thursday that it is important to remember that the country "must never default on its debt."

And just how much sway does McConnell have with the Chaos Monkey Caucus?
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Spotted Horses on January 19, 2023, 12:36:23 PM
Quote from: k a rl h e nn i ng on January 19, 2023, 12:29:10 PMSenate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) said on Thursday that it is important to remember that the country "must never default on its debt."

And just how much sway does McConnell have with the Chaos Monkey Caucus?

McConnell specializes in a more dignified style of chaos.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on January 19, 2023, 12:56:50 PM
Quote from: Spotted Horses on January 19, 2023, 11:21:13 AMAm I going to see Mt Rushmore on eBay?

That's only a National Monument, so it would not bring in enough.  The Grand Canyon should be sold.

It is telling that the debt ceiling has been in place for over a century and has not been removed.  That indicates that it has some political utility. 

Anyway, June is when fireworks could start. 
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: JBS on January 19, 2023, 02:02:04 PM
Quote from: Spotted Horses on January 19, 2023, 11:21:13 AMI keep reading that the U.S. has it its debt ceiling and that "extraordinary measures" are being taken to avoid default, but no information about what these extraordinary measures are, and whether they are any different than the measures taken every other time Congress plays chicken over the debt ceiling. Am I going to see Mt Rushmore on eBay?

They're more like "These 10 Wierd Accounting Tricks Will Astonish You!", but I don't remember what they are. Perhaps Todd or Drogulus can elaborate.

Some of the People Who Think They Should Be Taken Seriously On Stuff They Know Little Or Nothing About advocate coining a single $1 Trillion coin (from platinum, IIRC).  This would do...something or other. It probably belongs in the Weird Accounting Tricks folder.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: drogulus on January 19, 2023, 03:08:16 PM
    The federal gov't creates money by spending and taxes it back to control the value. If there are excess savings (reserves) some is swapped for interest bearing dollars, otherwise interest rates will drop to zero. Cool, there's nothing else to be done. Fiscal policy sets any limit that needs to be set. That will be full employment/output, give or take.

    A country will default on debt in a currency it doesn't create. That's a real debt crisis.

    A country that can create a huge pool of savings in its own currency is what we call "rich". It has a fully functioning national debt which grows as the economy does, though unevenly.

    You can ask a standard issue libraservative economist if they would cancel the debt with a button push and many of them will actually say yes. But you can ask them again if they would push the button to extinguish all the US Treasury savings. Speak up, I can't hear you. It's an "absence of thought" experiment.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: SimonNZ on January 19, 2023, 07:24:44 PM
Quote from: Todd on January 19, 2023, 12:56:50 PMIt is telling that the debt ceiling has been in place for over a century and has not been removed.  That indicates that it has some political utility. 


That doesn't follow at all.

And it's still just regular "brinksmanship" is it? With these chaos monkeys?
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: drogulus on January 21, 2023, 08:48:53 AM
Quote from: SimonNZ on January 19, 2023, 07:24:44 PMThat doesn't follow at all.

And it's still just regular "brinksmanship" is it? With these chaos monkeys?

    It's almost that, but I think there's a beliefy element underneath. The US has been off the gold standard for decades, and now operates on a modern view of money as state credit/debt. The old view was money was stuff, and something you can run out of. On this view it makes sense to say "where will the money come from?"

    The modern view makes the question meaningless. The US can spend money and tax it back, but "having" or "not having" isn't in there. Something like a trust fund is an accounting gimmick, not something that can "run out".

    The failure comes from changing the money concept at the level of operations while the political class doesn't change beliefs to match. The technical people at the Treasury, Fed and parties they deal with know exactly how this works. Above them they don't. They blabber about dollars running out like it was 1899.

    A paper was published in 1998 that investigated the view I outline as an effort to disprove the thesis. The conclusion reached is, well.....

     Can Taxes and Bonds Finance Government Spending? (https://www.levyinstitute.org/pubs/wp244.pdf)

Thus, while bank money (Ml) is destroyed when demand deposits are used to pay taxes,
the government's money, HPM, is destroyed as the funds are placed into the Treasury's account
at the Fed. Viewed this way, it can be convincingly argued that the money collected from taxation
and bond sales cannot possibly finance the government's spending. This is because in order to
'get its hands on' the proceeds from taxation and bond sales, the government must destroy the
money it has collected. Clearly, government spending cannot be financed by money that is
destroyed when received in payment to the State!


     "Tax and spend" is impossible. You can't spend what taxation has destroyed. All spending dollars are new and have nothing to do with the process of tax redemption.

     I encourage the strong in spirit to read the whole paper and especially the details of reserve effects in the banking system.
     
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: drogulus on January 21, 2023, 03:42:26 PM

    Biden is a hoarder. Is it time to invoke the 25th amendment? I don't think "Oh, that's just Joe" covers this kind of thing. The amendment does.

    (https://img.thedailybeast.com/image/upload/c_crop,d_placeholder_euli9k,h_675,w_1200,x_0,y_0/dpr_1.5/c_limit,w_486/fl_lossy,q_auto/v1674288864/230120-brett-kavanaugh-hero_z2ycca)

     On a lighter note, Supreme Piece of Shit Kavanaugh is having a bad moment.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: drogulus on January 22, 2023, 08:17:11 AM
    Since people have no effective means of worrying about sovereign debt in the language of economics (to say nothing about english), it's a welcome alternative to worry about ceilings. I would say that's the point except there isn't one. Aha, that's the point! (https://www.good-music-guide.com/community/Smileys/classic/cheesy.gif)
   
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on January 22, 2023, 08:39:49 AM
What the Weird Clash Over Gas Stoves Tells Us About Conservatives and Risk (https://www.thebulwark.com/what-the-weird-clash-over-gas-stoves-tells-us-about-conservatives-and-risk/)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on January 23, 2023, 12:56:15 PM
Brazil and Argentina to start preparations for a common currency (https://www.ft.com/content/5347d263-7f24-4966-8da4-79485d1287b4)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Dry Brett Kavanaugh on January 24, 2023, 01:35:13 PM
NY Times - Can Germany Be a Great Military Power Again?


https://www.nytimes.com/2023/01/24/magazine/germany-military-army.html
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on January 25, 2023, 05:32:48 AM
Mixed messages:

Health Canada recommends limiting alcohol to just 2 drinks per week (https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/jan/18/canada-alcohol-drinks-guidelines-health)

Canada Moves to Decriminalize Possession of 'Hard' Drugs (https://www.wired.com/story/canada-moves-to-decriminalize-possession-of-hard-drugs/)

Decriminalization is in BC.  Oregon decriminalized all illicit drugs a couple years ago.  Everything is peachy.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: SimonNZ on January 25, 2023, 07:32:50 PM
Quote from: Todd on January 25, 2023, 05:32:48 AMMixed messages:

Health Canada recommends limiting alcohol to just 2 drinks per week (https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/jan/18/canada-alcohol-drinks-guidelines-health)

Canada Moves to Decriminalize Possession of 'Hard' Drugs (https://www.wired.com/story/canada-moves-to-decriminalize-possession-of-hard-drugs/)

Decriminalization is in BC.  Oregon decriminalized all illicit drugs a couple years ago.  Everything is peachy.

See, your posting history is such that I have no idea if you believe that everything is in fact peachy or that everything is not at all peachy.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Spotted Horses on January 26, 2023, 08:07:19 AM
Quote from: Todd on January 25, 2023, 05:32:48 AMMixed messages:

Health Canada recommends limiting alcohol to just 2 drinks per week (https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/jan/18/canada-alcohol-drinks-guidelines-health)

Canada Moves to Decriminalize Possession of 'Hard' Drugs (https://www.wired.com/story/canada-moves-to-decriminalize-possession-of-hard-drugs/)

Decriminalization is in BC.  Oregon decriminalized all illicit drugs a couple years ago.  Everything is peachy.

The key to resolving the cognitive difference is to realize the "recommend" and "require" are not the same thing.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on January 26, 2023, 08:30:06 AM
Quote from: Spotted Horses on January 26, 2023, 08:07:19 AMThe key to resolving the cognitive difference is to realize the "recommend" and "require" are not the same thing.

Yes, I know what words mean.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Spotted Horses on January 26, 2023, 08:34:33 AM
Quote from: Todd on January 26, 2023, 08:30:06 AMYes, I know what words mean.

You seem to think you are the only one.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on January 26, 2023, 08:47:54 AM
Quote from: Spotted Horses on January 26, 2023, 08:34:33 AMYou seem to think you are the only one.

No, not at all.  I just find it quite delightful that a contemporary government embraces neo-prohibition sensibilities tied to outright nanny state "thinking" as it pertains to alcohol, while simultaneously loosening restrictions on all other controlled substances.  BC officials needn't look too far south to see how not to do it.  I'll leave it to you to look up empirical data regarding outcomes in Oregon if you so choose.  And yes, I am aware of the fatalities and health related issues tied to alcohol consumption relative to controlled substances, etc, etc. 
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on January 26, 2023, 10:47:20 AM
A breakfast place called 'Woke' opened in Connecticut. Controversy soon followed.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on January 27, 2023, 09:13:44 AM
BuzzFeed to use OpenAI technology to create content (https://www.cbsnews.com/news/buzzfeed-chatgpt-openai-artificial-intelligence-personality-quiz/)

The pilot program at MSNBC was evidently a success.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: SimonNZ on January 27, 2023, 09:29:16 AM
Quote from: Todd on January 27, 2023, 09:13:44 AMBuzzFeed to use OpenAI technology to create content (https://www.cbsnews.com/news/buzzfeed-chatgpt-openai-artificial-intelligence-personality-quiz/)

The pilot program at MSNBC was evidently a success.

I thought you hated click-bait headlines, and consider yourself far above the rest of us morons who fall for them.

Because the article doesn't say what one might naturally infer from those words.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: geralmar on January 29, 2023, 08:41:55 AM
Earth's core may have reversed rotation:

https://www.wsj.com/articles/earths-inner-core-may-be-reversing-its-rotation-study-finds-11674502308?utm_campaign=mb&utm_medium=newsletter&utm_source=morning_brew

Isn't "inner core" redundant?
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: DavidW on January 29, 2023, 04:47:48 PM
Quote from: geralmar on January 29, 2023, 08:41:55 AMIsn't "inner core" redundant?

No the Earth has an outer core and an inner core.  The outer core generates the Earth's magnetic field through convective flow of liquid iron and nickel.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: drogulus on January 31, 2023, 03:03:26 PM
     Where are the deflationistas? Inflation sank like a stone and nobody is worried? (https://www.good-music-guide.com/community/Smileys/classic/shocked.gif)

     How long will it take for the perma-critics to retool for a new environment?

     Powell will get credit. The Aztecs credited their human sacrifices for the sun coming up. As much as I admire the Aztec spirit, I won't go along with them on that.

     The Sun rises and inflation falls largely on its own. Creating a vast horde of the unemployed is not only unnecessary, it's positively uncouth.

     If Powell is not just lucky but actually "in on it" then he knew his sympathetic inflation magic would cause as little harm as it did good. Sadly, this thesis is too wonderful to be plausible. (https://www.good-music-guide.com/community/Smileys/classic/cheesy.gif)

   
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: 71 dB on February 01, 2023, 10:04:30 AM
Quote from: k a rl h e nn i ng on January 26, 2023, 10:47:20 AMA breakfast place called 'Woke' opened in Connecticut. Controversy soon followed.

Controversy = free publicity. Calculated move.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: drogulus on February 01, 2023, 11:07:35 AM

    Powell announced the first rate hike of 2023. He didn't say "abracadabra", I deny that completely!
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: drogulus on February 03, 2023, 11:42:44 AM

     Never in my life have I enjoyed a "recession" more. Unemployment is the lowest since the numbers were first compiled in Sumer around 6000 BCE. The US added more than 500,000 jobs in January.

     The stock market is mired in mediocrity. I think the people who churn markets are the least emotionally stable. The scarifiers scare them real good, so they go to/get out of cash, or out of what they're in into what they're not, generating revenue for the instigators. It's a nice trick. The Sumerians probably invented it.

     
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on February 04, 2023, 08:03:12 AM
Arctic blast could trigger a rare weather phenomenon: Frost quakes (https://www.nbcnews.com/science/science-news/frost-quakes-dropping-temperatures-can-lead-mysterious-booms-rcna69030)

The corporate press has glommed on to another term to further sensationalize weather and thus climate "reporting". 
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Spotted Horses on February 04, 2023, 08:43:51 AM
This morning the temperature in Connecticut, where my family lives, was -8F (-22C) and it at the same time was 32F (0C) in Calgary, where I lived briefly. So it was 40 degrees F (22 degrees C) warmer in Northern Canada than in Connecticut. The Climate is doing odd things.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Florestan on February 04, 2023, 08:59:56 AM
Quote from: Spotted Horses on February 04, 2023, 08:43:51 AMThis morning the temperature in Connecticut, where my family lives, was -8F (-22C) and it was 32F (0C) in Calgary, where I lived briefly. So it was 40 degrees F (22 degrees C) warmer in Northern Canada than in Connecticut. The Climate is doing odd things.

During my childhood, winter in Bucharest meant heavy snowing/blizzards and - 5 to - 15 C for the whole January and February. Back then, I was only too happy because the winter vacation was prolonged because of heavy weather.

I am 50 now and there have been many years since winter in Bucharest means little, if at all, snowing, and temperatures above 0 C for the whole January and February. Abnormal as it is, I am only too happy now, not having to de-snow and de-froze my car each every early morning.

The climate has gone astray, undoubtely.





Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on February 04, 2023, 09:00:31 AM
Quote from: Spotted Horses on February 04, 2023, 08:43:51 AMThis morning the temperature in Connecticut, where my family lives, was -8F (-22C) and it at the same time was 32F (0C) in Calgary, where I lived briefly. So it was 40 degrees F (22 degrees C) warmer in Northern Canada than in Connecticut. The Climate is doing odd things.
Here it has now "warmed up" to 7°F. This is not crazy for early February (and today's high will only be in the teens), but it is colder than average, and this sharp frost feels worse this weekend because we've had such mild temperatures basically all winter so far (which is the truly unusual element.) And tomorrow's high is to be 47°, which will feel absolutely tropical.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Spotted Horses on February 04, 2023, 09:05:31 AM
Quote from: k a rl h e nn i ng on February 04, 2023, 09:00:31 AMHere it has now "warmed up" to 7°F. This is not crazy for early February (and today's high will only be in the teens), but it is colder than average, and this sharp frost feels worse this weekend because we've had such mild temperatures basically all winter so far (which is the truly unusual element.) And tomorrow's high is to be 47°, which will feel absolutely tropical.

The ocean is evident moderating the effect of the "polar vortex" in the Boston area.

"Polar vortex" is a newly popular name for a familiar effect, the jet stream loops around and brings cold air down to the U.S. from the polar region, while sweeping warmer are up. This weather is unusual. The basic effect is that the jet stream, which pushes weather systems around, is driven by convection and has become measurably stronger due to global warming.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on February 04, 2023, 09:10:50 AM
Quote from: Spotted Horses on February 04, 2023, 09:05:31 AMThe ocean is evident moderating the effect of the "polar vortex" in the Boston area.

"Polar vortex" is a newly popular name for a familiar effect, the jet stream loops around and brings cold air down to the U.S. from the polar region, while sweeping warmer are up. This weather is unusual. The basic effect is that the jet stream, which pushes weather systems around, is driven by convection and has become measurably stronger due to global warming.
Aye, I didn't mean to seem to gainsay your point that overall the climate is behaving poorly. I'm waiting until 3PM to run my errand, it should be 14° then.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Spotted Horses on February 04, 2023, 09:36:54 AM
Quote from: k a rl h e nn i ng on February 04, 2023, 09:10:50 AMAye, I didn't mean to seem to gainsay your point that overall the climate is behaving poorly. I'm waiting until 3PM to run my errand, it should be 14° then.

I didn't mean to give that impression.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: JBS on February 04, 2023, 06:50:12 PM
Here in Florida we have had high temperatures in the mid-80s F a number of times in the last month, more than one of them being record highs (including I believe yesterday's high).

Today temperatures were in the normal (for this time of year) 60s/70s F range but accompanied by stronger than normal winds (about 15mph), which I presume is tied to the polar vortex.

Yet with those hotter than usual days we've had some colder than usual, including a Christmas weekend that bottomed out at temperatures not seen for several decades at Christmastide.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: drogulus on February 05, 2023, 06:53:29 AM

     I'm not buying this globalist warming. The mainstream media won't tell you the central banks are controlling the weather to justify the Great Reset.

     How's the weather in Davos? Yeah, they don't talk about that.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on February 05, 2023, 02:57:28 PM
Quote from: JBS on February 04, 2023, 06:50:12 PMYet with those hotter than usual days we've had some colder than usual, including a Christmas weekend that bottomed out at temperatures not seen for several decades at Christmastide.
Not at all cheering!
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: JBS on February 05, 2023, 06:17:48 PM
A 7.7 or 7.8 earthquake hit southern Turkey/northern Syria hit late Sunday/early Monday (their time). Considerable damage, numerous buildings seem to have collapsed. A number of refugee camps are located on either side of the border in the area affected.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on February 07, 2023, 11:52:17 AM
US Emissions of the World's Most Potent Greenhouse Gas Are 56 Percent Higher Than EPA Estimates, a New Study Shows

Electric utilities are likely responsible for the nation's higher than expected emissions of sulfur hexafluoride, a greenhouse gas 25,000 times worse for the climate than carbon dioxide. (https://insideclimatenews.org/news/31012023/emissions-potent-greenhouse-gas-sulfur-hexafluoride/?utm_source=InsideClimate+News&utm_campaign=7f42190042-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2023_02_04_05_00&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_29c928ffb5-7f42190042-329701485)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Dry Brett Kavanaugh on February 08, 2023, 08:08:40 PM
NYT: Bing (Yes, Bing) Just Made Search Interesting Again.


https://www.nytimes.com/2023/02/08/technology/microsoft-bing-openai-artificial-intelligence.html

Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on February 09, 2023, 04:44:09 AM
Pink Floyd co-founder Roger Waters says he has re-recorded 'The Dark Side of the Moon' (https://www.usatoday.com/story/entertainment/music/2023/02/08/roger-waters-rerecorded-dark-side-of-the-moon-pink-floyd/11214762002/)

I'll freshen up the bong water.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: LKB on February 09, 2023, 07:23:52 AM
Burt Bacharach has passed, he was 94.

RIP...

https://www.cnn.com/2023/02/09/entertainment/burt-bacharach-death/index.html
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Dry Brett Kavanaugh on February 09, 2023, 07:55:53 AM
Quote from: LKB on February 09, 2023, 07:23:52 AMBurt Bacharach has passed, he was 94.

RIP...

https://www.cnn.com/2023/02/09/entertainment/burt-bacharach-death/index.html

Great composer!
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Florestan on February 09, 2023, 07:59:37 AM
Quote from: Ephraim Bonus on February 05, 2023, 06:17:48 PMA 7.7 or 7.8 earthquake hit southern Turkey/northern Syria hit late Sunday/early Monday (their time). Considerable damage, numerous buildings seem to have collapsed. A number of refugee camps are located on either side of the border in the area affected.

Death toll in the thousands and counting. A tragedy.

Problem is, while Turkey (with international help, including Romanian) is perfectly able to manage the situation, the situation in Syria is an unmitigated disaster.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Dry Brett Kavanaugh on February 09, 2023, 12:41:53 PM
Roger Waters: Former Pink Floyd star's UN speech criticised by Ukraine.

https://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-64580688
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Florestan on February 09, 2023, 12:49:39 PM
Quote from: Dry Brett Kavanaugh on February 09, 2023, 12:41:53 PMRoger Waters: Former Pink Floyd star's UN speech criticised by Ukraine.

https://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-64580688

Rather than representing the view of Russia, the musician said he was speaking on behalf of "four billion or so brothers and sisters" - the majority of Earth's population.

Not on my behalf, Mr. Waters. Definitely not on my behalf.

I abhor all this flower power, pink and pinko rhetoric. Come live with Russia as a neighbour for 300 years and then talk. Until then, just shut the fuck up!
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Dry Brett Kavanaugh on February 09, 2023, 01:01:50 PM
Microsoft's Bing is the first threat to Google's search dominance in decades.


https://news.yahoo.com/microsofts-bing-is-the-first-threat-to-googles-search-dominance-in-decades-210913597.html
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Wendell_E on February 10, 2023, 01:57:44 AM
Quote from: Dry Brett Kavanaugh on February 09, 2023, 01:01:50 PMMicrosoft's Bing is the first threat to Google's search dominance in decades.


https://news.yahoo.com/microsofts-bing-is-the-first-threat-to-googles-search-dominance-in-decades-210913597.html

Just for kicks, I asked Bing how many operas Verdi wrote. Bing answered 14. Wrong! Hell, the Met's done 18. The correct answer is 28, or 26 depending on how you count a couple of major revisions. Google answered 28.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on February 10, 2023, 03:52:56 AM
Quote from: Dry Brett Kavanaugh on February 09, 2023, 01:01:50 PMMicrosoft's Bing is the first threat to Google's search dominance in decades.

https://news.yahoo.com/microsofts-bing-is-the-first-threat-to-googles-search-dominance-in-decades-210913597.html


Industrial org folks will now be able to observe unambiguous monopolistic competition in action, as two gigantic companies, one a formerly vilified poster child for monopoly, duke it out.  Both companies enjoy $1 trillion+ in market cap and ~$200 billion+ in revenue.  (And the story is reported by a dinosaur of tech.)  OpenAI, currently chewing through millions per month, is the hot new thing.  Even Harvard Business Review wrote that ChaptGPT is a tipping point for AI.  Of course, in 2013 Harvard Business Review wrote that 3D printing would change the world.  No, no, OpenAI is not being oversold.  Elon Musk and Peter Thiel projects never get oversold. 

(More jaded sorts may notice the timing of this article, which touts the shiniest new object while the DOJ is pursuing Google on antitrust grounds while deemphasizing consumer welfare in the case.)

There's always DuckDuckGo.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Wendell_E on February 11, 2023, 01:04:02 AM
Quote from: absolutelybaching on February 10, 2023, 02:16:25 AMOdd. See picture below.

And although the number '25' is shown prominently, the text does mention 'more than'...

Weird. I tried again, still get '14',

Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: drogulus on February 11, 2023, 01:06:41 PM
    Russia to cut oil output by 5% as sanctions bite (https://www.cnn.com/2023/02/10/energy/russia-oil-output-cut/index.html)


Russian Urals crude traded at a discount to Brent crude of $28 a barrel on Friday. Over the past few months, India and China have snapped up cheap oil from Moscow, just as the EU — once Russia's biggest customer for crude — has ended all imports.

     Keep snapping, baybee! (https://www.good-music-guide.com/community/Smileys/classic/cheesy.gif)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Dry Brett Kavanaugh on February 11, 2023, 01:28:39 PM
Marie Kondo, declutter movement icon, in effect dumps her declutter ideology.

https://www.bbc.com/culture/article/20230210-why-being-messy-is-good-for-you
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: drogulus on February 11, 2023, 03:53:18 PM

     Pet Emu Flees Home and Runs Wild Through Suburban Massachusetts (https://www.thedailybeast.com/pet-emu-flees-home-on-escapade-through-suburban-massachusetts?ref=home)

     (https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/POgAAOSwa05fINW9/s-l1600.jpg)

     Make sure you tax it before you kill it. (https://www.good-music-guide.com/community/Smileys/classic/smiley.gif)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on February 11, 2023, 04:08:37 PM
Quote from: drogulus on February 11, 2023, 03:53:18 PMPet Emu Flees Home and Runs Wild Through Suburban Massachusetts (https://www.thedailybeast.com/pet-emu-flees-home-on-escapade-through-suburban-massachusetts?ref=home)

    (https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/POgAAOSwa05fINW9/s-l1600.jpg)

    Make sure you tax it before you kill it. (https://www.good-music-guide.com/community/Smileys/classic/smiley.gif)
I'll go ahead and ask: who in Massachusetts keeps an emu for a pet?
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Florestan on February 12, 2023, 08:23:16 AM
Quote from: Wendell_E on February 11, 2023, 01:04:02 AMWeird. I tried again, still get '14',

Gptta love this paragraph:

"His major works are "Un ballo in maschera", "I Lombardi", "Ernani", "La forza del destino", "Les vêpres siciliennes", "Don Carlos" and the most important one he wrote was "Macbeth". Verdi composed a total of 14 operas in his lifetime. Verdi wrote his last opera, "La battaglia di Legnano" in 1849 while he was living in Paris."

in which every claim is inaccurate.  ;D

Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Wendell_E on February 13, 2023, 12:43:10 AM
Quote from: Florestan on February 12, 2023, 08:23:16 AMGptta love this paragraph:

"His major works are "Un ballo in maschera", "I Lombardi", "Ernani", "La forza del destino", "Les vêpres siciliennes", "Don Carlos" and the most important one he wrote was "Macbeth". Verdi composed a total of 14 operas in his lifetime. Verdi wrote his last opera, "La battaglia di Legnano" in 1849 while he was living in Paris."

in which every claim is inaccurate.  ;D



Yeah, I noticed that, and had a good laugh.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Florestan on February 13, 2023, 12:54:38 AM
Quote from: Wendell_E on February 13, 2023, 12:43:10 AMYeah, I noticed that, and had a good laugh.

What an impressive trick from Verdi, to have written three of his "major works" after he composed his last opera.  ;D
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Wanderer on February 13, 2023, 02:31:00 AM
Quote from: Florestan on February 12, 2023, 08:23:16 AMGptta love this paragraph:
"His major works are "Un ballo in maschera", "I Lombardi", "Ernani", "La forza del destino", "Les vêpres siciliennes", "Don Carlos" and the most important one he wrote was "Macbeth". Verdi composed a total of 14 operas in his lifetime. Verdi wrote his last opera, "La battaglia di Legnano" in 1849 while he was living in Paris."
in which every claim is inaccurate.  ;D

"His major works are "Un giorno di regno", "I masnadieri", "I due Foscari", "Oberto, conte di San Bonifacio", "Alzira", "Attila" and the most important one he wrote was "Stiffelio". Verdi composed a total of 14 operas in his lifetime. Verdi wrote his last opera, "La battaglia di Legnano" in 1849 while he was living in Paris."

#fixed  :D
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Florestan on February 13, 2023, 02:59:05 AM
Quote from: Wanderer on February 13, 2023, 02:31:00 AM"His major works are "Un giorno di regno", "I masnadieri", "I due Foscari", "Oberto, conte di San Bonifacio", "Alzira", "Attila" and the most important one he wrote was "Stiffelio". Verdi composed a total of 14 operas in his lifetime. Verdi wrote his last opera, "La battaglia di Legnano" in 1849 while he was living in Paris."

#fixed  :D


 ;D

I wonder whether that article was actually written thus on (an unknown) purpose. It's hard to believe that in the age of the internet fact-checking Verdi's operas proves such an insurmountable task.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on February 13, 2023, 09:32:39 AM
From Time: 'I Haven't Ruled Out Anything.' U.S. General Doesn't Eliminate Aliens As UFOs Mount (https://time.com/6254959/military-ufo-shootdown-lake-huron/)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on February 13, 2023, 03:14:48 PM
Trolls can sign up to be Wikipedia editors (https://whowhatwhy.org/culture/how-easy-it-is-to-destroy-a-reputation/)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on February 13, 2023, 03:20:05 PM
'I'll call an Uber or 911': Why Gen Z doesn't want to drive
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Florestan on February 14, 2023, 12:08:47 AM
If extraterrestrials agreed to help Ukraine, Russia would be in big, big trouble.

And perhaps NATO oountries could collectively apply for membership of the NMWTO (North MiIlky Way Treaty Organization). That would solve the tensions between Turkey and Sweden.

I say, bring the green little men in asap!

Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Wendell_E on February 14, 2023, 12:53:44 AM
Quote from: Florestan on February 13, 2023, 12:54:38 AMWhat an impressive trick from Verdi, to have written three of his "major works" after he composed his last opera.  ;D

Also interesting that the middle-period trio of Rigoletto/Trovatore/Traviata and the final three operas (Aida/Otello/Falstaff) don't qualify as "major".
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: drogulus on February 14, 2023, 10:31:11 AM

    Sen. Dianne Feinstein says she will not seek reelection in 2024 (https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2023/02/14/dianne-feinstein-senate-2024/)

     
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Florestan on February 14, 2023, 10:36:16 AM
Quote from: Wendell_E on February 14, 2023, 12:53:44 AMAlso interesting that the middle-period trio of Rigoletto/Trovatore/Traviata and the final three operas (Aida/Otello/Falstaff) don't qualify as "major".

I noticed that.

The article is truly bizarre. I checked the entries on a few other composers and they are accurate. Why Verdi gets such a bad treatment is beyond me.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on February 16, 2023, 09:18:07 AM
"The End of Empathy: Why White Protestants Stopped Loving Their Neighbors"
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Dry Brett Kavanaugh on February 16, 2023, 10:32:55 AM
Quote from: Karl Tirebiter Henning on February 16, 2023, 09:18:07 AM"The End of Empathy: Why White Protestants Stopped Loving Their Neighbors"


Interesting. I will check the book. As the urban areas became more and more liberal and rural, white-majority areas became more conservative on social, economic and racial policy, I imagine churches in rural areas had to adopt conservative policy in order to maintain the members and their financial contributions. Also, Republican party and candidates in rural areas may have had an effective strategy to influence many social organizations, including churches, and Democrats less so.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on February 16, 2023, 11:13:40 AM
Quote from: Dry Brett Kavanaugh on February 11, 2023, 01:28:39 PMMarie Kondo, declutter movement icon, in effect dumps her declutter ideology.

https://www.bbc.com/culture/article/20230210-why-being-messy-is-good-for-you
I saw that article!  ;D Well, to be fair, she now has three children and unless you want to hire a full-time nanny and/or housecleaner, etc., I would imagine that it's hard to keep up!  And it sounded like she appreciates spending time with them in a less-than-perfect environment.  I suspect though that she still makes an effort to move things along that she no longer needs nor the kids and partner need.  :)

PD
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on February 16, 2023, 11:14:07 AM
Boston breaks high temperature record with 62 degrees

Quote from: By Travis Andersen and Dharna Noor Globe StaffThe unseasonably warm weather came on the heels of a record-breaking January, extending a long-range trend.

Between 1896 and 2021, winters in Massachusetts have warmed by 4.5 degrees, according to the Environmental Protection Agency — faster than the national average.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on February 16, 2023, 11:18:22 AM
Quote from: Karl Tirebiter Henning on February 16, 2023, 11:14:07 AMBoston breaks high temperature record with 62 degrees

It's rather disconcerting (to say the least) to see the way(s) that the weather has been changing.

Some of my bulbs are coming up much earlier than usual (though I suspect that temps will return to more normal fairly soon).

PD
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on February 16, 2023, 11:20:53 AM
Why cancel culture scares the rich and powerful so much (https://www.bostonglobe.com/2023/02/16/opinion/why-cancel-culture-scares-rich-powerful-so-much/)

The Boston Tea Party was a "cancellation."
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on February 16, 2023, 11:21:40 AM
Quote from: Pohjolas Daughter on February 16, 2023, 11:18:22 AMIt's rather disconcerting (to say the least) to see the way(s) that the weather has been changing.

Some of my bulbs are coming up much earlier than usual (though I suspect that temps will return to more normal fairly soon).

PD
We can yet be wallopped with snow, of course ....
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on February 16, 2023, 11:34:47 AM
Quote from: Karl Tirebiter Henning on February 16, 2023, 11:21:40 AMWe can yet be wallopped with snow, of course ....
...the dangers of life in the colder climes for those who live there....though not just there, people everywhere have been experiencing strange weather.  Ask the growers in places like Florida for instance.  I saw one news story about a grapefruit grower who between hurricanes and flooding lost most of his crop...not just that, but huge damage to his trees (for years to come).  :(

PD
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on February 16, 2023, 12:45:18 PM
Quote from: Pohjolas Daughter on February 16, 2023, 11:34:47 AM...the dangers of life in the colder climes for those who live there....though not just there, people everywhere have been experiencing strange weather.  Ask the growers in places like Florida for instance.  I saw one news story about a grapefruit grower who between hurricanes and flooding lost most of his crop...not just that, but huge damage to his trees (for years to come).  :(

PD
Oof!
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on February 17, 2023, 08:03:03 AM
From WaPo: Microsoft's AI chatbot is going off the rails (https://www.washingtonpost.com/technology/2023/02/16/microsoft-bing-ai-chatbot-sydney/)

(https://nypost.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/02/NYPICHPDPICT000006765752-1.jpg)

(https://kalingatv.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Bing-Chatbot-expresses-love-to-journalist.jpg)


All this will be sorted when Skynet is made public.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Spotted Horses on February 17, 2023, 08:25:06 AM
Bruce Willis has been diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia.

https://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-64670521

This is the same condition which is now thought to have affected Ravel in his final years.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on February 18, 2023, 09:19:35 AM
OLCC chairman resigns amid bourbon hoarding controversy (https://www.kptv.com/2023/02/17/olcc-chairman-resigns-amid-bourbon-hoarding-controversy/)

A local scandal.  The Oregon Liquor and Cannabis Commission (formerly the Oregon Liquor Control Commission) has seen multiple execs shown the door after it came to light that they diverted high end bourbon for their purchase and consumption and deprived the public of ready access to the Nectar of the Gods.  The egregiousness and perfidy of these crimes cannot possibly be overstated.  They were not scooping up Blanton's, which has been absent from store shelves since before the pandemic, so other nefarious ne'er-do-wells have also been up to no good.  The evildoers must be tracked down and forced to henceforth drink only PBR. 
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: greg on February 18, 2023, 09:32:23 AM
Child genius gets advice from astrophysicist Neil DeGrasse Tyson

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gBPumrQlN58


Kid graduated high school at 9 years old lol. I wanted to hear the rest of his theory about the big bang, but they didn't have enough time.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: DavidW on February 18, 2023, 10:21:13 AM
Quote from: greg on February 18, 2023, 09:32:23 AMChild genius gets advice from astrophysicist Neil DeGrasse Tyson

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gBPumrQlN58


Kid graduated high school at 9 years old lol. I wanted to hear the rest of his theory about the big bang, but they didn't have enough time.

Nothing was correct with the child's conjecture.  But Neil DeGrasse Tyson made it a teachable moment about the testability of claims (and also side stepped addressing the validity of the assertion).

Before that kid is even a teenager he will know enough to laugh at what he said in the interview!
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on February 19, 2023, 12:53:29 PM
Australia re-bans alcohol in some Aboriginal communities (https://www.economist.com/asia/2023/02/16/australia-re-bans-alcohol-in-some-aboriginal-communities)

History has demonstrated that Prohibition is an exceptionally good idea.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: SimonNZ on February 20, 2023, 12:25:42 PM
Quote from: Todd on February 19, 2023, 12:53:29 PMAustralia re-bans alcohol in some Aboriginal communities (https://www.economist.com/asia/2023/02/16/australia-re-bans-alcohol-in-some-aboriginal-communities)

History has demonstrated that Prohibition is an exceptionally good idea.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_dry_communities_by_U.S._state
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on February 21, 2023, 10:01:59 AM
Limited-edition, $500 sneakers now on the menu at Kowloon
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: greg on February 21, 2023, 03:54:32 PM
Quote from: DavidW on February 18, 2023, 10:21:13 AMNothing was correct with the child's conjecture.  But Neil DeGrasse Tyson made it a teachable moment about the testability of claims (and also side stepped addressing the validity of the assertion).

Before that kid is even a teenager he will know enough to laugh at what he said in the interview!
Maybe so, that's how it goes- but I have to say, I love that kid's willingness to not shy away from questioning fundamentals to possibly break boundaries... the spirit is there, so when he actually does know enough to do it correctly, that is a recipe for really huge leaps in future scientific thinking.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on February 22, 2023, 09:26:14 AM
'Unspeakable botch': Spain spends €258 million on trains that are too big for its tunnels (https://www.euronews.com/travel/2023/02/21/unspeakable-botch-spain-spends-258-million-on-trains-that-are-too-big-for-its-tunnels)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on February 23, 2023, 11:08:54 AM
Arrest warrant issued for former Cohasset employee accused of running crypto mine out of school's crawlspace
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on February 24, 2023, 05:11:12 AM
Not zero: New report exposes greenwashing in climate plans of top global corporations (https://carbonmarketwatch.org/2023/02/13/not-zero-new-report-exposes-greenwashing-in-climate-plans-of-top-global-corporations/)

Quote from: Carbon Market WatchMisleadingly, half of the evaluated companies – including Apple, DHL, Google and Microsoft – are already making carbon neutrality claims, but these claims only cover 3% of those companies' emissions. More worryingly still, three-quarters of the corporations plan to offset or neutralise a significant portion of their emissions using carbon credits from forestry and other land use projects.

Not only do these solutions only store carbon temporarily and are vulnerable to reversals, we would need a second planet Earth to absorb global emissions if everyone decided to offset like these corporations," says CMW's Policy Director Sam Van den plas.

I'm shocked - shocked - to learn that greenwashing still occurs.  Tim Cook is such an honest man.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on February 25, 2023, 05:21:56 AM
Cobalt, a crucial battery material, is suddenly superabundant (https://www.economist.com/finance-and-economics/2023/02/16/cobalt-a-crucial-battery-material-is-suddenly-superabundant?utm_campaign=r.coronavirus-special-edition&utm_medium=email.internal-newsletter.np&utm_source=salesforce-marketing-cloud&utm_term=2/25/2023&utm_id=1501830)

Whew.  The push for EVs can proceed apace.  Word is that the miners in Indonesia will enjoy working conditions superior to that in the West, where miners have historically been pampered, and also that China will stop using slave child labor in Congo.  It's all rainbows and unicorns from this point.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Dry Brett Kavanaugh on February 26, 2023, 01:49:56 AM
Chinese brands have replaced iPhones and Hyundai in Russia's war economy - CNN.

https://www.cnn.com/2023/02/25/business/russia-chinese-brands-sales-surge-ukraine-war-intl-hnk
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on February 28, 2023, 05:32:58 AM
From The New Yorker: Can A.I. Treat Mental Illness?  New computer systems aim to peer inside our heads—and to help us fix what they find there. (https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2023/03/06/can-ai-treat-mental-illness)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on March 01, 2023, 06:04:19 AM
Snopes is a Very Serious fact checking website.  Indeed, it bills itself as "[t]he definitive Internet reference source for researching urban legends, folklore, myths, rumors, and misinformation."  Heavy stuff.  Apparently, one of its intrepid fact-checkers, presumably with a Masters in Fact Checking from Harvard, took on the important task of fact checking some tweets.  Because Twitter.  The intrepid reporting appears here: Did Biden Say, 'Wait Until You See Our Plan for the Destruction of Taiwan'? (https://www.snopes.com/fact-check/destruction-of-taiwan/)

The conclusion:

Quote from: Alex KasprakBecause the claim originated as a baseless tweet without any satire disclosure, we therefore rate this assertion as "False."

Um, "satire disclosure". 

One is forced to conclude that The Onion bought Snopes.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on March 01, 2023, 05:48:31 PM
Surprised? We ain't.
'The Good Life' apparently requires other people.

Spoiler alert: trolling doesn't count.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Dry Brett Kavanaugh on March 02, 2023, 12:08:15 AM
BBC: Sake brewers toast big rise in global sales.


https://www.bbc.com/news/business-64797853
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on March 02, 2023, 02:24:48 PM
O.J. Simpson says there is reasonable doubt in Murdaugh murder case (https://lawandcrime.com/crazy/o-j-simpson-says-there-is-reasonable-doubt-in-murdaugh-murder-case/)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: LKB on March 03, 2023, 08:08:04 AM
Perusing the BBC, l found:

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-64831778

So in Florida, the infamous brain-eating amoeba now resides in some of the tap water...  :o
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on March 03, 2023, 10:18:04 AM
Quote from: LKB on March 03, 2023, 08:08:04 AMPerusing the BBC, l found:

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-64831778

So in Florida, the infamous brain-eating amoeba now resides in some of the tap water...  :o
Especially in the Governor's residence. 
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on March 05, 2023, 08:34:08 AM
Popular artificial sweetener erythritol linked to higher risk for blood clots (https://www.pbs.org/newshour/show/popular-artificial-sweetener-erythritol-linked-to-higher-risk-for-blood-clots)

Of special note is the fact that this study was not originally focused on erythritol. 

As always, correlation is not causation.

The main producers of erythritol in the US are Cargill and ADM, the two largest agricultural companies in the US and the first and third largest in the world.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on March 06, 2023, 08:05:59 AM
From NPR: A new Ford patent imagines a future in which self-driving cars repossess themselves (https://www.npr.org/2023/03/03/1160932390/ford-patent-repossession-self-driving-cars)

"We don't have any plans to deploy this," said Wes Sherwood, a Ford spokesperson.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on March 07, 2023, 04:55:18 AM
From AP: US sees China propaganda efforts becoming more like Russia's (https://apnews.com/article/china-russia-intelligence-foreign-influence-propaganda-0476f41aa932cd4850627a7b8984baa2?user_email=211b1c29c4c5888becd119d7143defa6f8726cf799e426e5142a76c5b1195efc&utm_medium=Morning_Wire&utm_source=Sailthru&utm_campaign=March7_MorningWire&utm_term=Morning%20Wire%20Subscribers)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Spotted Horses on March 08, 2023, 04:14:13 AM
It's too bad the Europe at War thread is closed, because an article in the New York Times says that intelligence information indicates that a pro-Ukraine group sabotaged the gas pipelines from Russia to Europe.

https://www.nytimes.com/2023/03/07/us/politics/nord-stream-pipeline-sabotage-ukraine.html

Duh! That's what I suggested at the time, based on the fact that only Ukraine benefited from the event, which made it impossible for Russia to continue to use the gas cutoff in the pipeline to blackmail Europe.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on March 08, 2023, 04:30:37 AM
Quote from: Spotted Horses on March 08, 2023, 04:14:13 AMIt's too bad the Europe at War thread is closed, because an article in the New York Times says that intelligence information indicates that a pro-Ukraine group sabotaged the gas pipelines from Russia to Europe.

https://www.nytimes.com/2023/03/07/us/politics/nord-stream-pipeline-sabotage-ukraine.html

Duh! That's what I suggested at the time, based on the fact that only Ukraine benefited from the event, which made it impossible for Russia to continue to use the gas cutoff in the pipeline to blackmail Europe.


1.) Can you define "pro-Ukraine group"?  I did not get a clear sense of what that means from the reporting.

2.) Not only Ukraine benefited.  US energy companies have benefitted enormously.  The US went from third to first in global LNG exports.  Norway is enjoying obscene energy sector profits, to the point that other European governments have discussed the matter with the Norwegian government. 

3.) The press reports are based on information passed on by unnamed intelligence sources.  Seymour Hersh was criticized for using an unnamed intelligence source.  I suppose it's the number of unnamed sources that matter.  Alas, intelligence sources lie from time to time (eg, WMD, Russiagate). 

4.) Russia is still providing gas to Europe through a network in Ukraine and pays Ukraine billions of dollars a year, even during the war, to do so. 

Clearly, by using the exclamation "Duh!" you believe you are vindicated and correct.  That may not be the case.  I should like to see the underlying information made public. 

And do not forget that whoever did it engaged in an act of war and terrorism against three NATO countries - Germany, the Netherlands, and France.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on March 08, 2023, 04:41:34 AM
Germany cautious over reports that pro-Ukraine group was involved in pipeline attack (https://apnews.com/article/germany-ukraine-russia-gas-pipeline-attack-nordstream-d267ad7dcff560c9ecaebf4f213e5229)

"Speaking on the sidelines of a European Union defense ministers meeting, [Boris] Pistorius said some experts also had raised the possibility of a so-called false flag operation by a group pretending to be Ukrainian."
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Spotted Horses on March 08, 2023, 06:01:25 AM
Quote from: Todd on March 08, 2023, 04:30:37 AM1.) Can you define "pro-Ukraine group"?  I did not get a clear sense of what that means from the reporting.

2.) Not only Ukraine benefited.  US energy companies have benefitted enormously.  The US went from third to first in global LNG exports.  Norway is enjoying obscene energy sector profits, to the point that other European governments have discussed the matter with the Norwegian government. 

3.) The press reports are based on information passed on by unnamed intelligence sources.  Seymour Hersh was criticized for using an unnamed intelligence source.  I suppose its the number of unnamed sources that matter.  Alas, intelligence sources lie from time to time (eg, WMD, Russiagate). 

4.) Russia is still providing gas to Europe through a network in Ukraine and pays Ukraine billions of dollars a year, even during the war, to do so. 

Clearly, by using the exclamation "Duh!" you believe you are vindicated and correct.  That may not be the case.  I should like to see the underlying information made public. 

And do not forget that whoever did it engaged in an act of war and terrorism against three NATO countries - Germany, the Netherlands, and France.

The only part of the report that I find significant is that it wasn't Russia. The most useful test of a conspiracy theory is whether the postulated conspirator could benefit. That and whether the postulated conspirator had the means.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on March 08, 2023, 06:40:13 AM
Quote from: Spotted Horses on March 08, 2023, 06:01:25 AMThe only part of the report that I find significant is that it wasn't Russia.

Russia was ruled out months ago.  It was reported on in the corporate press. The new reporting purports to reveal who did it.  It is an unidentified "pro-Ukrainian group".  As of right now, at 7:40 AM Pacific on March 8, 2023, all consumers of corporate press can conclusively say is that someone did it.

If the perpetrators are identified, it will be interesting to see which entity prosecutes (eg, which country or countries, or an international organization) and if the heroes/terrorists are charged with terrorism related crimes or something similar.  If state actors are deemed to be involved, the question of reparations will become a diplomatic kerfuffle.  Ukraine does not get to freely destroy partially German/Dutch/French owned infrastructure.  If Ukraine was involved.  Which it was not.  Ukrainian officials have said so.

It is potentially comforting to think that a small group of righteous warriors, sailing a yacht in heavily patrolled waters, could independently and clandestinely take out a critical piece of infrastructure during a war.  That very believable storyline would make for a great action flick.  Perhaps Chris Pratt could star.  It is potentially discomforting to think that a small group of righteous warriors, sailing a yacht in heavily patrolled waters, could independently and clandestinely take out a critical piece of infrastructure during a war  - or peace.  Imagine a coordinated attack on multiple intercontinental fiber optic cables.  That very believable storyline would make for a great action flick.  Perhaps Idris Elba could star.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on March 08, 2023, 10:06:14 AM
" Later, the company clarified the precise technical cause, but in the interim that statement looked like the euphemism to end all euphemisms. Yes, Elon Musk, if you do away with 75 percent of a company's employees and replace all existing processes and policies with a new strategy that can only be described as "winging it," stuff will start to break.

"Really, though, this latest hiccup in a mishap-filled few months was not only another example of the platform's practical predicament but also a metaphor for its spiritual malady."

Twitter was — and is — broken (https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2023/03/08/elon-musk-broke-twitter/)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on March 08, 2023, 01:40:10 PM
In 2022, royalty distributions to ASCAP members exceeded $1 billion for the sixth year in a row and increased 10.7% over 2021, with a total of $1.388 billion available for distribution to ASCAP's music creator and publisher members.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on March 09, 2023, 03:54:40 AM
Quote from: absolutelybaching on March 09, 2023, 03:18:40 AMI don't know Politico's reliability or political leanings

It leans left.

https://www.allsides.com/news-source/politico-media-bias

https://mediabiasfactcheck.com/politico/
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on March 09, 2023, 04:35:47 AM
Americans now favor legal cannabis over legal tobacco (https://thehill.com/policy/healthcare/3888640-americans-now-favor-legal-cannabis-over-legal-tobacco/)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on March 09, 2023, 07:22:35 AM
Quote from: absolutelybaching on March 09, 2023, 07:17:36 AMYeah. For an American, Hitler leant fairly left, I guess.

You guess wrong.  Good use of Hitler and single quotes.  I guess.

Hey, I thought I was on your ignore list and you would not respond to me.  What changed?
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on March 09, 2023, 08:02:01 AM
Quote from: absolutelybaching on March 09, 2023, 07:29:36 AMYou are on my ignore list, because I find you entirely fatuous.

Do you know how the ignore list works?

It shows a message saying "You are ignoring this user".  It also then shows a link saying "Show this post".
Sadly, ignoring a user doesn't mean "when this idiot quotes one of your posts, don't tell me". So, when you replied to one of my posts, I was told about it. And since you'd replied, I'd have no way of knowing whether you were replying in your usual entirely cynical and self-congratulatory way, or whether you were making a vaguely intelligent comment on my post without clicking the 'Show this post' link.

Since, on this occasion, you managed to rise to actually citing two sources, I thought it useful and worth a 'thanks'.

I used no single quotes.
And I still think rather more of the USA than I would be comfortable with, if I were a citizen, makes 1934 Nazi Germany look like thoughtful politics.

All very helpful.  Thank you very much.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on March 09, 2023, 08:03:20 AM
Moving on to something much more important than Politico propaganda, it's always nice to see someone get excited about the number of toilets a facility will have:

Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on March 10, 2023, 12:26:55 PM
Silicon Valley Bank's Abrupt Closure Leaves Venture Capitalists And Founders Scrambling (https://www.forbes.com/sites/alexkonrad/2023/03/10/silicon-valley-bank-closure-vc-startups-reaction/?sh=6618c6e5eda4)

Quote from: Alex KonradUninsured depositors – and more than 93% of the bank's $161 billion in deposits were uninsured – were told they would get a receivership certificate for their remaining funds, to be paid out in future dividend payments as the FDIC sold off SVB's assets.

Oof.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on March 11, 2023, 08:39:43 AM
Quote from: Todd on March 10, 2023, 12:26:55 PMSilicon Valley Bank's Abrupt Closure Leaves Venture Capitalists And Founders Scrambling (https://www.forbes.com/sites/alexkonrad/2023/03/10/silicon-valley-bank-closure-vc-startups-reaction/?sh=6618c6e5eda4)

Oof.
I heard that news earlier today; one start-up had millions of dollars in there.  I suspect that they were not alone.

PD
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: DavidW on March 11, 2023, 09:05:12 AM
Quote from: Pohjolas Daughter on March 11, 2023, 08:39:43 AMI heard that news earlier today; one start-up had millions of dollars in there.  I suspect that they were not alone.

PD

Roku had a quarter of their entire savings in that bank and it was uninsured.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on March 11, 2023, 09:19:56 AM
Quote from: DavidW on March 11, 2023, 09:05:12 AMRoku had a quarter of their entire savings in that bank and it was uninsured.

Roku's incoming CFO is in for a rough time.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on March 11, 2023, 09:44:07 AM
Quote from: DavidW on March 11, 2023, 09:05:12 AMRoku had a quarter of their entire savings in that bank and it was uninsured.
Geez!

I just read an article on the BBC's website.  I hadn't heard of the bank before now.  Apparently there's about  175 billion (USD) of deposits in SVB.  There's also a branch in the UK.  According the the BBC, accounts are only guaranteed there up to 85 thous. pounds [US, it's up to 250,000 USD].

https://www.bbc.com/news/business-64915616

Quote from: Todd on March 11, 2023, 09:19:56 AMRoku's incoming CFO is in for a rough time.
Yep!

PD
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on March 11, 2023, 10:14:47 AM
Quote from: Pohjolas Daughter on March 11, 2023, 09:44:07 AMUS, it's up to 250,000 USD

I'm not familiar with UK rules, but in the US, the $250K limit is per person (or corporate entity), per account type, per bank.  A married couple can structure accounts such that $1.25 million is FDIC insured per bank.  Use multiple banks, and millions can be insured.  All rich people do it.  Obviously, companies cannot do that, but they can have $500K in FDIC insurance per company, per bank.  Setting up multiple LLCs would allow for additional insurance since each would be a different entity.  The requirements are exact, and it makes accessing cash more complicated, so for operational accounts, it may not make sense to use.  There are also additional insurance programs for excess deposits.  I have to think that some of the larger companies with tens of millions had that as well.  There is a good chance that the FDIC will insure deposits beyond the $250K limit, which happens frequently.  If more institutions fail in a short period, the FDIC could act as it did after the 2008 crash and insure all deposits in non-interest bearing accounts.  Customers will happily make that change.  It's worth noting that new rules are coming into effect next year, which will reduce aggregate coverage, so this is the better year for this kind of failure to happen.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on March 11, 2023, 11:08:38 AM
Quote from: Todd on March 11, 2023, 10:14:47 AMI'm not familiar with UK rules, but in the US, the $250K limit is per person (or corporate entity), per account type, per bank.  A married couple can structure accounts such that $1.25 million is FDIC insured per bank.  Use multiple banks, and millions can be insured.  All rich people do it.  Obviously, companies cannot do that, but they can have $500K in FDIC insurance per company, per bank.  Setting up multiple LLCs would allow for additional insurance since each would be a different entity.  The requirements are exact, and it makes accessing cash more complicated, so for operational accounts, it may not make sense to use.  There are also additional insurance programs for excess deposits.  I have to think that some of the larger companies with tens of millions had that as well.  There is a good chance that the FDIC will insure deposits beyond the $250K limit, which happens frequently.  If more institutions fail in a short period, the FDIC could act as it did after the 2008 crash and insure all deposits in non-interest bearing accounts.  Customers will happily make that change.  It's worth noting that new rules are coming into effect next year, which will reduce aggregate coverage, so this is the better year for this kind of failure to happen.
I did know about the per account bit, but not about the other limits, so thanks for the additional info.  And that makes sense about having supplemental insurance (though I wonder how pricey it is.  I suspect--and am just guessing here--that the companies with a lot more moolah in a bank would have it vs. smaller companies).

Quote from: ultralinear on March 11, 2023, 11:04:03 AMThat's way more generous than the UK, where the limit is £85K per person (or corporate entity) per bank, across all account types.  So a person with a checking account, savings account, and joint account, all with the same bank, would be covered up to a total of £85K across all three.  This also includes cash deposits with a third party of which you are the beneficial owner e.g. in a stockbroker client account, if lodged with the same bank.
Youch!

PD
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on March 11, 2023, 11:17:35 AM
Quote from: ultralinear on March 11, 2023, 11:04:03 AMThat's way more generous than the UK, where the limit is £85K per person (or corporate entity) per bank, across all account types.

That's by design.  Rich folks vote and donate to political campaigns.  Ultra-wealthy people have other options that are ultra-safe.  The safest and most liquid of all is to just buy gobs of laddered Treasuries.  Higher yielding insurance products are available that are, in practical terms, basically as good as FDIC insurance.  It's good to be rich.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on March 12, 2023, 08:28:36 AM
Saudi Aramco reports record profit of $161.1 billion in 2022 (https://www.reuters.com/business/energy/saudi-aramco-reports-record-profit-1611-billion-2022-2023-03-12/)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on March 12, 2023, 03:31:31 PM
Regulators close Signature Bank, say depositors will be made whole (https://www.reuters.com/business/finance/new-york-state-regulators-close-signature-bank-2023-03-12/)

Fortunately, SVB and Signature Bank were the only two troubled banks in the US.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: DavidW on March 13, 2023, 06:44:30 AM
Vinyl has eclipsed sales of cds.  If it sounds like old news that is because in 2021 it did by revenue and now it is doing it by volume. 

https://www.npr.org/2023/03/10/1162568704/vinyl-outsells-cds-first-time-since-1987-records

Only 33 million cds sold annually.  Twenty years ago it was around 800 million.  Streaming has become so impersonal that Gen Z has gone the opposite way-- vinyl.  There is also a resurgence in dumb phones, and more often they prefer reading physical books over ebooks.   
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on March 13, 2023, 06:52:17 AM
Quote from: DavidW on March 13, 2023, 06:44:30 AMand more often they prefer reading physical books over ebooks. 

I detest ebooks.  I refuse to read a book that requires a battery. 

Vinyl's mild resurgence is good fun, if perhaps falsely nostalgic.  LPs do come with the physical satisfaction associated with larger, more abundant artwork, and the warm, distorted sound of LPs works just swell for some types of music.  Just how high fidelity does playback need to be for two electric guitars, one electric bass, and drums, all recorded and mixed in a studio?
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: DavidW on March 13, 2023, 06:56:28 AM
I teach a student that collects audio cassettes.  Now we just have to wait for the return of eight track!
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Brahmsian on March 13, 2023, 07:00:45 AM
Quote from: DavidW on March 13, 2023, 06:56:28 AMI teach a student that collects audio cassettes.  Now we just have to wait for the return of eight track!

My 17 year old nephew has an old soul.  He probably knows more about film and film history than I dare say, most people! He is interested in pursuing a career in film, and I certainly hope he does.

He also collects audio cassettes, DVDs and VHS of films.  :)

I love discussing film with him and asking him "What about this director? Any recommendations?".  It is thrilling for me, and I am sure he enjoys educating his uncle.  8) He loves old films equally to modern, foreign films.  The whole gamut.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: VonStupp on March 13, 2023, 07:02:29 AM
Quote from: DavidW on March 13, 2023, 06:56:28 AMI teach a student that collects audio cassettes.  Now we just have to wait for the return of eight track!

My dad's Caddie had an 8-track player in it. Those things would get so tangled up and often overheat!
VS
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: VonStupp on March 13, 2023, 07:06:56 AM
Quote from: OrchestralNut on March 13, 2023, 07:00:45 AMMy 17 year old nephew has an old soul.  He probably knows more about film and film history than I dare say, most people! He is interested in pursuing a career in film, and I certainly hope he does.

He also collects audio cassettes, DVDs and VHS of films.  :)

I love discussing film with him and asking him "What about this director? Any recommendations?".  It is thrilling for me, and I am sure he enjoys educating his uncle.  8) He loves old films equally to modern, foreign films.  The whole gamut.

What a good uncle you are!  :)

I had some students of mine in class once, maybe around 16 years old, debating the classic status of Cool Hand Luke and whether or not it was Paul Newman's best film. At the time, I hadn't even seen that movie.

VS
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on March 13, 2023, 07:08:08 AM
Quote from: DavidW on March 13, 2023, 06:56:28 AMNow we just have to wait for the return of eight track!

Only if quadrophonic recordings return with it.

(http://www.barrys8trackrepair.com/images/Technics.jpg)

I haven't heard an eight track since ~1982, when Dr Demento was still on the air locally.  I do, though, still have some cassette tapes at my disposal and a nifty Sears tape recorder/player.  Perhaps I should buy a fancy, 80s-audiophile-approved tape deck in anticipation of the return of the format.  Man, get that pristine vinyl, then record it to cassette for portability and longevity of the source.  Good stuff.

(https://thevinylfactory.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Marantz-SD-1000.jpg)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on March 13, 2023, 07:23:18 AM
Quote from: DavidW on March 13, 2023, 06:56:28 AMI teach a student that collects audio cassettes.  Now we just have to wait for the return of eight track!
Get your *pencils ready!

*Think "rewind errant tapes".

PD
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: SimonNZ on March 13, 2023, 05:05:34 PM
Quote from: Pohjolas Daughter on March 13, 2023, 07:23:18 AMGet your *pencils ready!

*Think "rewind errant tapes".

PD

And wind it back with a kink so you press play and hear the wrong side backwards.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Spotted Horses on March 13, 2023, 10:50:52 PM
The "Last Movie I Watched" thread got out of hand and had to be locked? Huh?
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Florestan on March 14, 2023, 02:37:19 AM
Quote from: Spotted Horses on March 13, 2023, 10:50:52 PMThe "Last Movie I Watched" thread got out of hand and had to be locked? Huh?

People tend to be overzealous at their new job, especially when it deals with exercising authority.  ;D

IMO there was nothing in that thread that warranted its being locked.

Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Brahmsian on March 14, 2023, 02:52:23 AM
Quote from: Florestan on March 14, 2023, 02:37:19 AMPeople tend to be overzealous at their new job, especially when it deals with exercising authority.  ;D

IMO there was nothing in that thread that warranted its being locked.



I support the moderator's decision and it is temporary as a cooling period mechanism.  :)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on March 14, 2023, 11:37:16 AM
Moody's cuts outlook on U.S. banking system to negative, citing 'rapidly deteriorating operating environment' (https://www.cnbc.com/2023/03/14/moodys-cuts-outlook-on-us-banking-system-to-negative-citing-rapidly-deteriorating-operating-environment.html)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: drogulus on March 14, 2023, 03:04:56 PM

    This bank run is causing me sleepless minutes. Nevertheless, I refuse to buy more bank shares.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on March 14, 2023, 04:17:47 PM
Quote from: drogulus on March 14, 2023, 03:04:56 PMThis bank run is causing me sleepless minutes. Nevertheless, I refuse to buy more bank shares.
So, is crypto complete bunko, or what?
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: drogulus on March 14, 2023, 06:52:32 PM
Quote from: Karl Henning on March 14, 2023, 04:17:47 PMSo, is crypto complete bunko, or what?

     It's best to think of it like that unless you're a criminal.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: drogulus on March 15, 2023, 08:16:55 AM

    My default view is Fed bashing is for weaklings. Still, you know what they say about stopped clocks, so this might help:

    (https://theirrelevantinvestor.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/fed-funds-.jpg)

    Yeow!

Banks invest their deposits in short-term bonds, for the most part. But even short-term bonds can have large unrealized losses when interest rates spike until the bonds mature. And bonds that have more interest rate risk are even more susceptible to large losses. All told, banks are now sitting on roughly $600 billion of losses in what are supposed to be among the safest instruments in the world. All because the fed went too far too fast.

     The red line on the chart tells the tale.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on March 16, 2023, 05:28:18 AM
From the Gray Lady: The Silicon Valley Bank Rescue Just Changed Capitalism (https://www.nytimes.com/2023/03/15/opinion/silicon-valley-bank-rescue-glass-steagall-act.html)

Mr Lowenstein's too long op-ed can be summed up thusly: financial industry capture of the American government is now complete as pretenses of effective regulation have been dropped in favor of formalizing the 2008 crisis response of socializing risk while allowing (encouraging) private sector profit and concentration.  It's all good.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on March 17, 2023, 04:58:53 AM
Wall Street rides to the rescue as 11 banks pledge First Republic $30 billion in deposits (https://www.cnbc.com/2023/03/16/group-of-financial-institutions-in-talks-to-deposit-about-20-billion-in-first-republic-sources-say.html)

Headline of the year.  So far.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Dry Brett Kavanaugh on March 17, 2023, 10:36:21 AM
BBC: Sleeper trains are being revived across Europe.


https://www.bbc.com/news/business-64950747
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: greg on March 18, 2023, 09:05:10 AM
It was surprising to see CNN cover this, but it's great that they did. They broke down the issue and explained it well.


"Why the rate of single men in the US looking for dates has declined"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vK4y6C1Uuhw
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: DavidW on March 18, 2023, 09:41:42 AM
Quote from: greg on March 18, 2023, 09:05:10 AMIt was surprising to see CNN cover this, but it's great that they did. They broke down the issue and explained it well.


"Why the rate of single men in the US looking for dates has declined"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vK4y6C1Uuhw

I knew about that issue.  Online dating apps are a mistake.  But also those 20 somethings are surprisingly just completely friendless many times.  Not just no romantic partner, but no social life whatsoever.  Combine that with the almost complete lack of social mobility and high levels of depression that gen Z face and you have a real crisis on your hands.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on March 18, 2023, 11:48:18 AM
Quote from: DavidW on March 18, 2023, 09:41:42 AMI knew about that issue.  Online dating apps are a mistake.  But also those 20 somethings are surprisingly just completely friendless many times.  Not just no romantic partner, but no social life whatsoever.  Combine that with the almost complete lack of social mobility and high levels of depression that gen Z face and you have a real crisis on your hands.
Doesn't matter how introverted one may be (some people nearest me are so) socializing is crucially important.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on March 18, 2023, 04:22:17 PM
Midsize US Banks Ask FDIC to Insure All Deposits for Two Years (https://www.bnnbloomberg.ca/midsize-us-banks-ask-fdic-to-insure-all-deposits-for-two-years-1.1897285)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: greg on March 18, 2023, 09:35:05 PM
Quote from: DavidW on March 18, 2023, 09:41:42 AMOnline dating apps are a mistake.
Yes.


Quote from: Karl Henning on March 18, 2023, 11:48:18 AMDoesn't matter how introverted one may be (some people nearest me are so) socializing is crucially important.
Very true.

I feel like that I'm most comfortable if I spend ~95% of my time completely isolated from everyone else, but that 5% is more important than you'd think 5% of something would be. Seeing a friend once in a while is definitely a plus, even if it means I might have to delay some other things.

Mostly the benefit being that it shakes things up a bit, adds some variety.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: LKB on March 19, 2023, 06:56:39 AM
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-65004610

Never a sniper when you need one...
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on March 19, 2023, 10:00:45 AM
UBS agrees to buy Credit Suisse for more than $2bn (https://www.ft.com/content/ec4be743-052a-4381-a923-c2fbd7ea9cfd)

Credit Suisse has been a basket case since it bought First Boston.  I remember having to deal with some of CSFB's secondary market detritus in the late 90s when it was hit by the '98 crisis.  It was then hit hard in '08.  Now it is gone.  (But this banking kerfuffle is small potatoes, amiright?)  And the Swiss now have a real deal SIB.  What fun will next week bring?
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on March 20, 2023, 05:17:44 AM
Risky Credit Suisse Bond Wipeout Upends $275 Billion Market (https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2023-03-20/wipeout-of-risky-credit-suisse-bonds-upends-275-billion-market#xj4y7vzkg)

Bondholders got screwed.  Oh well.  Fortunately, this is mostly a European problem, with spillover to Asia.  US banks did not go cuckoo for CoCo puffs.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on March 20, 2023, 05:48:10 AM
Scientists deliver 'final warning' on climate crisis: act now or it's too late (https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2023/mar/20/ipcc-climate-crisis-report-delivers-final-warning-on-15c)

Regular warnings scare; final warnings terrify.  I suspect this IPCC report should be precisely the catalyst the developed world needs to plan for a move away from economic growth-based models, which are inherently antithetical to ecological stability; to accelerate the conversion away from carbon-intensive energy production by investing the trillions of additional dollars needed each year above current investment levels in renewable energy; to move away from industrialized farming and actively pursue a dear food policy to discourage excess caloric consumption and food waste; to move away from private automobile ownership, even if EVs, and rely much more on centrally controlled transport, especially in urban areas; to implement policies which incentivize/coerce populations to live in dense urban centers; and to transfer the needed tens of trillions of dollars of wealth, technology, and future income from the developed world to the developing world to ensure equity and to avoid a repeat of ecologically harmful development for the majority of humanity.  Or not.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on March 21, 2023, 06:55:08 AM
From the AP: Pro-Moscow voices tried to steer Ohio train disaster debate (https://apnews.com/article/ohio-train-derailment-russia-disinformation-twitter-musk-49af27699727d6f4157a5d6d5f35819b)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on March 21, 2023, 01:16:28 PM
Quote from: Todd on March 20, 2023, 05:17:44 AMRisky Credit Suisse Bond Wipeout Upends $275 Billion Market (https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2023-03-20/wipeout-of-risky-credit-suisse-bonds-upends-275-billion-market#xj4y7vzkg)

Bondholders got screwed.  Oh well.  Fortunately, this is mostly a European problem, with spillover to Asia.  US banks did not go cuckoo for CoCo puffs.
From what I recall, I heard that the Saudi National Bank owned about 10% of the company (bought for over 1.5 billion according to a Forbes mag. article).  Apparently a "casual comment" about not putting any money into them (in terms of help), caused (at least in part) the panic.  In any event, from what I've read, they were having some various problems which weren't dealt with in the semi-recent past.  I'll try and find a link (if you and/or others like) to the NPR story.

PD
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on March 21, 2023, 01:37:19 PM
Quote from: Pohjolas Daughter on March 21, 2023, 01:16:28 PMFrom what I recall, I heard that the Saudi National Bank owned about 10% of the company (bought for over 1.5 billion according to a Forbes mag. article).

The Saudis' actions have been well reported.  The Saudis say the loss has no material impact on the bank, its plans, or overall financial stability in the Kingdom.  Given that Aramco just reported profits of $161 billion, and that the company's opaque operations are typically thought to mask the company's true revenues and profits, and the relationship between the company and crown is obviously cozy, the Saudis have some capital to play with.  I doubt they wanted to lose money, but their actions may have limited their losses.  Despite the changes to the US, European, and world banking systems, there is still excess risk in the entire system, all supported by a decade and a half of inexcusably expansionary monetary policy. 
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: LKB on March 21, 2023, 03:56:38 PM
The Pentagon is trying to speed up delivery of the Patriot and M1-A1 systems to Ukraine.

https://www.cnn.com/2023/03/21/politics/us-patriots-ukraine/index.html

Still look's like they couldn't be employed before autumn, but l suppose any progress is welcome.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on March 22, 2023, 06:55:44 AM
Marcos says new military bases with US to be 'scattered' around the Philippines (https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/marcos-says-new-military-bases-with-us-be-scattered-around-philippines-2023-03-22/)

Like reading a headline from 1983.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Dry Brett Kavanaugh on March 22, 2023, 03:51:19 PM
Humans Are on Track to Achieve Immortality in 7 Years, Futurist Says.

https://www.popularmechanics.com/science/health/a43297321/humans-will-achieve-immortality-by-2030/
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on March 23, 2023, 05:30:59 AM
From CNN: Too big for Switzerland? Credit Suisse rescue creates bank twice the size of the economy (https://www.cnn.com/2023/03/23/investing/credit-suisse-ubs-impact-switzerland/index.html#:~:text=At%20roughly%20%241.7%20trillion%2C%20the,next%20two%20local%20banks%20combined.)

I do enjoy how the corporate press conflates concepts when comparing assets to GDP.  If such things concern serious people, perhaps Swiss, European, and US lawmakers should reconsider systemic risk and venture to break up SIBs. 
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Dry Brett Kavanaugh on March 23, 2023, 08:38:17 AM
The World Baseball Classic results in near record viewers.

https://theathletic.com/4338148/2023/03/23/world-baseball-classic-next-steps/

https://www.theglobeandmail.com/sports/article-the-world-baseball-classic-makes-the-major-league-look-geriatric-by/
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on March 24, 2023, 05:18:54 AM
Quote from: absolutelybaching on March 24, 2023, 05:11:54 AMhttps://www.theguardian.com/media/2023/mar/24/bbc-singers-u-turn-decision-scrap-chamber-choir-public-outcry
I like that.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Brian on March 24, 2023, 08:11:54 AM
Quote from: Dry Brett Kavanaugh on March 22, 2023, 03:51:19 PMHumans Are on Track to Achieve Immortality in 7 Years, Futurist Says.

https://www.popularmechanics.com/science/health/a43297321/humans-will-achieve-immortality-by-2030/
This is very specific. Only 7 years away from nanobots living inside us and keeping us alive forever!
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Dry Brett Kavanaugh on March 24, 2023, 08:33:41 AM
Quote from: Brian on March 24, 2023, 08:11:54 AMThis is very specific. Only 7 years away from nanobots living inside us and keeping us alive forever!

Yes what a torture.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Dry Brett Kavanaugh on March 24, 2023, 09:48:57 AM
145 American Jewish leaders publicly distance themselves from a member of the Israeli government.

https://www.cnn.com/2023/03/24/middleeast/us-jews-israel-smotrich-mime-intl/index.html
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Spotted Horses on March 24, 2023, 09:54:17 AM
Quote from: Brian on March 24, 2023, 08:11:54 AMThis is very specific. Only 7 years away from nanobots living inside us and keeping us alive forever!

I'd be worried if I thought it was possible, in 700 years. Best case scenario, in 7 years they come up with nanobots that will kill all billionaires on earth.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Jo498 on March 24, 2023, 10:06:37 AM
Quote from: Brian on March 24, 2023, 08:11:54 AMThis is very specific. Only 7 years away from nanobots living inside us and keeping us alive forever!
IIRC Kurzweil* claimed a lot of futurist stuff already in the 1990s and was generally wrong. I am certain I read lots of nanotech predictions in the mid-1990s in a book (not by him) probably a few years old by then and I am also pretty sure that their projections were far more optimist than what actually happened.

* This name is funny because it literally means "short while" and the compound word means in old fashioned usage also something like merrymaking, revelry, i.e. having fun to make the time pass more quickly. "kurzweilig" (entertaining) is still quite common.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Spotted Horses on March 24, 2023, 10:44:49 AM
Quote from: Jo498 on March 24, 2023, 10:06:37 AMIIRC Kurzweil* claimed a lot of futurist stuff already in the 1990s and was generally wrong. I am certain I read lots of nanotech predictions in the mid-1990s in a book (not by him) probably a few years old by then and I am also pretty sure that their projections were far more optimist than what actually happened.

* This name is funny because it literally means "short while" and the compound word means in old fashioned usage also something like merrymaking, revelry, i.e. having fun to make the time pass more quickly. "kurzweilig" (entertaining) is still quite common.

I forgot all about Kurzweil!
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on March 24, 2023, 11:17:37 AM
Quote from: Dry Brett Kavanaugh on March 24, 2023, 08:33:41 AMYes what a torture.
The people behind this ought to be made to watch Zardoz.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Dry Brett Kavanaugh on March 26, 2023, 09:37:28 AM
Quote from: Karl Henning on March 24, 2023, 11:17:37 AMThe people behind this ought to be made to watch Zardoz.

Also, the article reminded me of The Makropulos Affair, written by Karel Capek. The music for opera was composed by Janacek. The protagonist "suffers" a torturous, long life. Several philosophers discussed if immortality is desirable.
Also, I wonder if time will still exist when humans have eternal life (Immanuel Kant will say no). Plus, there will be infinite choices and chances. Will human actions and mathematics have meanings?



https://www.politicalanimalmagazine.com/2020/06/12/a-case-for-immortality/

https://www3.nd.edu/~pweithma/Readings/Williams/Williams%20on%20Immortality.pdf



Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on March 26, 2023, 09:43:48 AM
Quote from: Dry Brett Kavanaugh on March 26, 2023, 09:37:28 AMAlso, the article reminded me of The Makropulos Affair, written by Karel Capek. The music for opera was composed by Janacek. The protagonist "suffers" a torturous, long life. Several philosophers discussed if immortality is desirable.
Also, I wonder if time will still exist when humans have eternal life. Plus, there will be infinite choices and chances. Will human actions and mathematics have meanings?



https://www.politicalanimalmagazine.com/2020/06/12/a-case-for-immortality/

https://www3.nd.edu/~pweithma/Readings/Williams/Williams%20on%20Immortality.pdf




Manabu, thanks for reminding me that it's high time I listened to that opera!
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Dry Brett Kavanaugh on March 26, 2023, 02:48:49 PM
The FBI seized $40,000 a couple held in a deposit box 2 years ago, but won't say why and won't return their cash.


https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/crime/the-fbi-seized-dollar40000-a-couple-held-in-a-deposit-box-2-years-ago-but-wont-say-why-and-wont-return-their-cash/ar-AA1960TP
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on March 28, 2023, 05:03:28 AM
From Reuters: World Bank warns of 'lost decade' in global growth without bold policy shifts (https://www.reuters.com/markets/world-bank-warns-lost-decade-global-growth-without-bold-policy-shifts-2023-03-27/)

From the vaunted World Bank itself: Falling Long-Term Growth Prospects (https://www.worldbank.org/en/research/publication/long-term-growth-prospects)

The stuff wars are made of.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on March 29, 2023, 05:01:09 AM
From the FDA: FDA Approves First Over-the-Counter Naloxone Nasal Spray (https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-approves-first-over-counter-naloxone-nasal-spray#:~:text=Today%2C%20the%20U.S.%20Food%20and,for%20use%20without%20a%20prescription.)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Dry Brett Kavanaugh on March 29, 2023, 07:09:23 AM
The largest egg producer in the United States reported revenue doubled and profit surged 718% because of sharply higher egg prices.


https://www.cnn.com/2023/03/29/business/egg-profits-cal-maine
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Dry Brett Kavanaugh on March 29, 2023, 01:19:39 PM
Cup Noodles introduces a breakfast version of instant ramen, which mixes together the flavors of sausage, maple syrup pancakes and eggs.


https://www.cnn.com/2023/03/29/business/cup-noodles-breakfast-ramen-launch/index.html
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on March 30, 2023, 03:55:28 AM
Quote from: Dry Brett Kavanaugh on March 29, 2023, 07:09:23 AMThe largest egg producer in the United States reported revenue doubled and profit surged 718% because of sharply higher egg prices.


https://www.cnn.com/2023/03/29/business/egg-profits-cal-maine
Wow!  :o

Ironically, I was given a dozen really fresh organically raised eggs (raised by a local farmer) when I had dinner at a friend's house recently.  They would have cost me $6 (which is a fair bit less than I would have paid for them in a store).  The egg giver knew how much I loved and appreciated really fresh and good quality eggs.  All different colors and with lovely orange-golden yolks.

PD
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on March 30, 2023, 07:26:50 AM
Quote from: Dry Brett Kavanaugh on March 29, 2023, 01:19:39 PMCup Noodles introduces a breakfast version of instant ramen, which mixes together the flavors of sausage, maple syrup pancakes and eggs.


https://www.cnn.com/2023/03/29/business/cup-noodles-breakfast-ramen-launch/index.html
Vermonter Ramen!
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Dry Brett Kavanaugh on March 30, 2023, 07:39:48 AM
Quote from: Karl Henning on March 30, 2023, 07:26:50 AMVermonter Ramen!

;D  ;D  ;D
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on March 30, 2023, 08:02:24 AM
Salesforce and Meta layoffs show good severance packages won't soften the blow
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on March 30, 2023, 10:12:04 AM
Quote from: Dry Brett Kavanaugh on March 29, 2023, 01:19:39 PMCup Noodles introduces a breakfast version of instant ramen, which mixes together the flavors of sausage, maple syrup pancakes and eggs.


https://www.cnn.com/2023/03/29/business/cup-noodles-breakfast-ramen-launch/index.html
I must admit, the combo of ramen noodles with the above sounds disgusting to me (but what do I know).  Haven't had them for a while, but I liked ramen noodles with various flavoring packets (would be even better with some fresh veggies and some sort of protein in it), but with the above flavorings?  :o

PD
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Dry Brett Kavanaugh on March 30, 2023, 10:29:08 AM
Quote from: Pohjolas Daughter on March 30, 2023, 10:12:04 AMI must admit, the combo of ramen noodles with the above sounds disgusting to me (but what do I know).  Haven't had them for a while, but I liked ramen noodles with various flavoring packets (would be even better with some fresh veggies and some sort of protein in it), but with the above flavorings?  :o

PD

I agree. The flavor sounds creepy and disgusting. But so were Dr. Pepper, Pizzas, Sushi, canned meat, etc when they were introduced for the first time.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on March 30, 2023, 11:00:44 AM
Quote from: Dry Brett Kavanaugh on March 30, 2023, 10:29:08 AMI agree. The flavor sounds creepy and disgusting. But so were Dr. Pepper, Pizzas, Sushi, canned meat, etc when they were introduced for the first time.
Please tell me that those aren't ramen noodle flavors!  ;)

PD

Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Dry Brett Kavanaugh on March 30, 2023, 11:09:29 AM
Probably, based on human evolution, our neurological/psychological mechanisms are wired to perceive anything with sugar, salt and fat delicious. Again, anything.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: drogulus on March 30, 2023, 02:59:43 PM

     How expensive are eggs?
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: LKB on March 30, 2023, 05:46:28 PM
Actually rather important, but l couldn't bring myself to create a thread for it...

https://www.cnn.com/politics/live-news/trump-indictment-hush-money-stormy-daniels/index.html

While " indictment " doesn't always result translate to " conviction ", I'll go ahead and say it anyway:

About f****ing time.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: LKB on March 30, 2023, 06:01:21 PM
And, some more good news...

" Finland will become the 31st member of Nato after Turkey's parliament voted to approve its application. "

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-65132527

 8)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Spotted Horses on March 31, 2023, 05:17:17 AM
Quote from: LKB on March 30, 2023, 05:46:28 PMActually rather important, but l couldn't bring myself to create a thread for it...

https://www.cnn.com/politics/live-news/trump-indictment-hush-money-stormy-daniels/index.html

While " indictment " doesn't always result translate to " conviction ", I'll go ahead and say it anyway:

About f****ing time.


Probably we are not allowed to discuss this. I have as much contempt for Trump as anyone, but I'm not confident this is a great idea. There is nothing illegal about paying "hush money." The issue here is that business records were falsified to conceal the purpose of the payment. Is that such a significant issue given the other crimes that Trump is guilty of, such as trying to overthrow the government? And extortion is illegal. In that context Trump actually is a victim. Why wasn't Stormy Daniels prosecuted? I feat that this will only serve to rile up Trump's base and strengthen his support.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on March 31, 2023, 05:46:05 AM
Quote from: Spotted Horses on March 31, 2023, 05:17:17 AM...but I'm not confident this is a great idea.

From Bloomberg: Trump Indictment Is Going to Make US Politics Even More Divisive (https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2023-03-30/trump-indictment-stokes-divisions-ahead-of-2024-us-elections#xj4y7vzkg)

It's never a good look when the government at any level, controlled by one party, prosecutes the leading figure of the opposition party while that figure is running for office.  It has a strong whiff of Latin America about it.  This case could pave the way for more political prosecutions. 

Just when you think chaos and dysfunction couldn't get any worse/better, it does!
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Spotted Horses on March 31, 2023, 06:06:11 AM
Quote from: absolutelybaching on March 31, 2023, 05:56:05 AMIt's now, I think, that Biden might offer a pardon for all offences related to reporting business expenses before 2016. As is commonly acknowledged (see Burdick v. United States, 236 U.S. 79 (1915)), accepting a pardon means admitting guilt. And it makes Biden the generous, non-partisan one. Whilst not pardoning anything terribly significant (I'd say Jan 6th was much more prosecutable).

That's not the worst idea I've heard.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on March 31, 2023, 06:55:38 AM
Trump faces a New York state prosecution.  A presidential pardon means nothing. 
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Spotted Horses on March 31, 2023, 07:09:51 AM
Quote from: Todd on March 31, 2023, 06:55:38 AMTrump faces a New York state prosecution.  A presidential pardon means nothing. 

Ooops, right, and I believe the Governor of NY only has the option of granting clemency (after a conviction) rather than a pardon prior to conviction. Oh well.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Spotted Horses on March 31, 2023, 07:37:33 AM
Quote from: Todd on March 31, 2023, 05:46:05 AMFrom Bloomberg: Trump Indictment Is Going to Make US Politics Even More Divisive (https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2023-03-30/trump-indictment-stokes-divisions-ahead-of-2024-us-elections#xj4y7vzkg)

It's never a good look when the government at any level, controlled by one party, prosecutes the leading figure of the opposition party while that figure is running for office.  It has a strong whiff of Latin America about it.  This case could pave the way for more political prosecutions. 

Just when you think chaos and dysfunction couldn't get any worse/better, it does!

Well, I'm not sure I would characterize this as a political prosecution, but yes, I foresee Obama being indicted for his treasonous wearing of a tan suit...
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on March 31, 2023, 07:41:48 AM
Quote from: Spotted Horses on March 31, 2023, 07:37:33 AMWell, I'm not sure I would characterize this as a political persecution

I wrote prosecutions, not persecution.  There's a difference.

Depending on the charges, and in particular if campaign finance violations are involved, one can expect more such prosecutions.  Like with this one, timing will coincide with electoral convenience.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Spotted Horses on March 31, 2023, 07:44:53 AM
Quote from: Todd on March 31, 2023, 07:41:48 AMI wrote prosecutions, not persecution.  There's a difference.

Depending on the charges, and in particular if campaign finance violations are involved, one can expect more such prosecutions.  Like with this one, timing will coincide with electoral convenience.

Typo, corrected.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on March 31, 2023, 08:22:58 AM
In the extremely unlikely event that Trump is convicted and faces prison time, it would be quite informative and entertaining to see how potential conflicts between imprisonment and Secret Service protection get resolved. 
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on March 31, 2023, 08:51:11 AM
Make the Unimportant News Thread about Unimportant News again!
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: 71 dB on March 31, 2023, 08:57:43 AM
Quote from: LKB on March 30, 2023, 06:01:21 PMAnd, some more good news...

" Finland will become the 31st member of Nato after Turkey's parliament voted to approve its application. "

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-65132527

 8)

We feel relieved here in Finland!  8)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: 71 dB on March 31, 2023, 09:12:21 AM
Quote from: Karl Henning on March 31, 2023, 08:51:11 AMMake the Unimportant News Thread about Unimportant News again!

Or just make it a News Thread and let the readers decide themselves how important the news are..
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: greg on March 31, 2023, 09:18:44 AM
Quote from: Dry Brett Kavanaugh on March 29, 2023, 01:19:39 PMCup Noodles introduces a breakfast version of instant ramen, which mixes together the flavors of sausage, maple syrup pancakes and eggs.


https://www.cnn.com/2023/03/29/business/cup-noodles-breakfast-ramen-launch/index.html
Sweet stuff does not belong in ramen- the maple syrup pancakes is the issue here.
Eggs- definitely yes, sausage- idk, but sounds totally like it would work.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on March 31, 2023, 09:26:32 AM
Quote from: drogulus on March 30, 2023, 02:59:43 PMHow expensive are eggs?
I've seen organic and free range eggs for as high as $8/dozen (at a large supermarket). Various brands are sometimes on sale, but then there's normally a run on them.  Not certain what the large conventional commercial brands are going for these days.

PD
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on March 31, 2023, 09:30:22 AM

Quote from: Pohjolas Daughter on March 31, 2023, 09:26:32 AMI've seen organic and free range eggs for as high as $8/dozen (at a large supermarket). Various brands are sometimes on sale, but then there's normally a run on them.  Not certain what the large conventional commercial brands are going for these days.

PD
I want to say that's higher than here, but as I don't buy eggs when I'm solo, I canna be sure.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Dry Brett Kavanaugh on March 31, 2023, 09:37:36 AM
Quote from: Todd on March 31, 2023, 05:46:05 AMFrom Bloomberg: Trump Indictment Is Going to Make US Politics Even More Divisive (https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2023-03-30/trump-indictment-stokes-divisions-ahead-of-2024-us-elections#xj4y7vzkg)

It's never a good look when the government at any level, controlled by one party, prosecutes the leading figure of the opposition party while that figure is running for office.  It has a strong whiff of Latin America about it.  This case could pave the way for more political prosecutions. 

Just when you think chaos and dysfunction couldn't get any worse/better, it does!

Indictment, not prosecution. Grand Jury in NY court voted for the decision, independently of Dem Party in the executive or legislative branches of Federal Gov.

Usually judicial decisions are made independent of their social/political impact.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on March 31, 2023, 09:44:44 AM
Quote from: Dry Brett Kavanaugh on March 31, 2023, 09:37:36 AMGrand Jury in NY court voted for the decision, independently of Dem Party in the executive or legislative branches of Federal Gov.

Bragg is a Democrat.  Grand juries indict in ~98% of cases they hear.  This is a political prosecution.  People can feel free to believe that this is not a political prosecution if they wish.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on March 31, 2023, 10:30:15 AM
Quote from: 71 dB on March 31, 2023, 09:12:21 AMOr just make it a News Thread and let the readers decide themselves how important the news are..
You've missed the point, Poju. Let this thread be itself. You want to create a general News thread, feel free!
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on March 31, 2023, 11:12:26 AM
Not surprisingly, the Red Sox already are back in last place
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: DavidW on March 31, 2023, 11:14:44 AM
Quote from: Pohjolas Daughter on March 31, 2023, 09:26:32 AMI've seen organic and free range eggs for as high as $8/dozen (at a large supermarket). Various brands are sometimes on sale, but then there's normally a run on them.  Not certain what the large conventional commercial brands are going for these days.

PD

I buy store brand which runs $3 a dozen for large eggs.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: DavidW on March 31, 2023, 11:17:08 AM
Quote from: Karl Henning on March 31, 2023, 11:12:26 AMNot surprisingly, the Red Sox already are back in last place

You know as a Bostonian you should compose some kind of lamentation for the Red Sox's history. 8)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on March 31, 2023, 12:12:42 PM
Quote from: DavidW on March 31, 2023, 11:14:44 AMI buy store brand which runs $3 a dozen for large eggs.
I know, they're normally a lot cheaper.  All egg prices went up due to the *avian bird flu (here in the US) though apparently (according to one article that I read), one company's "specialty" eggs ended up being slightly cheaper in 2022 due to, from what I understand, the avian flu hit the hardest at the large conventional egg producers and the smaller specialty ones were less impacted by it.  As an aside, at one point in time, egg companies were killing their whole flocks of chickens when they discovered that some of the birds had the flu--it spreads that quickly and rapidly kills the chickens.  :(

*though I also suspect that with everything else rising in prices (like fuel and electricity), there would be a market adjustment too (supply and demand plus rising cost of living).

The fresh farm eggs that I received were obviously from different types of chickens (some brown but some also green) and looked to be a combo of large to jumbo sized eggs.  You can't purchase eggs like these in a regular store--only from a farm stand (and not always there)--or as a gift from someone who raises chickens for their family.  So, a thoughtful gift from someone who also loves to cook.

PD
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on March 31, 2023, 01:08:04 PM
From Barron's: China, Brazil Strike Deal To Ditch Dollar For Trade (https://www.barrons.com/news/china-brazil-strike-deal-to-ditch-dollar-for-trade-8ed4e799)

Russia, China, and India now trade energy in currencies other than dollars.  Saudi Arabia announced in January it will transact in currencies other than the dollar.  Now this.  America's exorbitant privilege is on the way out.  It will take a while, but it will end.  Time to start looking at account requirements for Singaporean banks.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: LKB on March 31, 2023, 03:01:01 PM
Quote from: DavidW on March 31, 2023, 11:14:44 AMI buy store brand which runs $3 a dozen for large eggs.

I pay a bit more, and I eat lots of eggs... ( If it turn's out there's a Supreme Being after all, and it happens to be a chicken, I'll have some 'splainin' to do. )
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: DavidW on March 31, 2023, 03:36:57 PM
Quote from: LKB on March 31, 2023, 03:01:01 PMI pay a bit more, and I eat lots of eggs... ( If it turn's out there's a Supreme Being after all, and it happens to be a chicken, I'll have some 'splainin' to do. )


Eggs and toast have become my go to breakfast.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: 71 dB on March 31, 2023, 03:38:25 PM
Quote from: Karl Henning on March 31, 2023, 10:30:15 AMYou've missed the point. Let this thread be itself. You want to create a general News thread, feel free!

I haven't been very active here recently as you probably have seen. I have also felt better just doing my thing (and not missing the point).
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on March 31, 2023, 04:14:40 PM
Quote from: 71 dB on March 31, 2023, 03:38:25 PMI haven't been very active here recently as you probably have seen. I have also felt better just doing my thing (and not missing the point).
Very good. Great news about Turkey approving Finland's admission!
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on April 01, 2023, 10:54:37 AM
Directly from the DOJ: Social Media Influencer Douglass Mackey Convicted of Election Interference in 2016 Presidential Race (https://www.justice.gov/usao-edny/pr/social-media-influencer-douglass-mackey-convicted-election-interference-2016)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on April 01, 2023, 11:52:28 AM
Why Gregg Popovich resisted the Hall of Fame for so long, and why he's OK with being inducted now
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Wendell_E on April 02, 2023, 04:32:05 AM
Quote from: Spotted Horses on March 31, 2023, 05:17:17 AMAnd extortion is illegal. In that context Trump actually is a victim. Why wasn't Stormy Daniels prosecuted?

As I understand it, Daniels didn't extort the money, the offer to pay for her denial originated with Trump's people.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on April 02, 2023, 08:49:14 AM
From Forbes: Petrodollar Dusk, Petroyuan Dawn: What Investors Need To Know (https://www.forbes.com/sites/greatspeculations/2023/03/27/petrodollar-dusk-petroyuan-dawn-what-investors-need-to-know/?sh=70bdc4fa55aa)

From Bloomberg: Saudi Aramco Deepens China Push With $3.6 Billion Refinery Deal (https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2023-03-27/saudi-aramco-takes-3-6-billion-stake-in-china-oil-refinery#xj4y7vzkg)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on April 02, 2023, 08:56:15 AM
Are Video Games the New Comic Books? (https://screentime.thebulwark.com/p/are-video-games-the-new-comic-books#details)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: DavidW on April 02, 2023, 11:05:15 AM
Quote from: Karl Henning on April 02, 2023, 08:56:15 AMAre Video Games the New Comic Books? (https://screentime.thebulwark.com/p/are-video-games-the-new-comic-books#details)

That title is a bit misleading.  They either meant in relation to film, or stupidly equate success with film adaptations.  Video games outsell all that Hollywood produces by a country mile.  If you didn't know video games generate $100 billion in revenue per year.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on April 02, 2023, 11:12:26 AM
Transparency needed in Cannabis Control Commission investigations
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on April 02, 2023, 11:40:25 AM
Not that this invites cynicism, oh no:

Silicon Valley Bank's risk model flashed red. So its executives changed it.

Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on April 02, 2023, 11:47:20 AM
Quote from: absolutelybaching on April 02, 2023, 11:44:44 AMSorry: just going to ask. Is there any way you can reduce the font-size stuff you're currently doing? It's possible you're trying to make a point I haven't quite worked out, but it could also be read as the equivalent of all-caps shouting. And I know you're not that sort of person.

Anyway. Just asking.

Will do, sorry and thanks.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on April 02, 2023, 04:56:31 PM
I haven't verified this, so consider it anecdotal: India is the world's largest producer and consumer of chili peppers. 
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on April 03, 2023, 03:27:11 AM
Quote from: Karl Henning on April 02, 2023, 04:56:31 PMI haven't verified this, so consider it anecdotal: India is the world's largest producer and consumer of chili peppers.

Karl,

You might want to read this article:  https://www.reuters.com/world/india/red-chilli-pepper-prices-surge-crop-damage-top-exporter-india-2022-03-07/  It's from last year though.

PD
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: 71 dB on April 03, 2023, 07:42:48 AM
Quote from: Karl Henning on March 31, 2023, 04:14:40 PMVery good. Great news about Turkey approving Finland's admission!

Even better news (https://yle.fi/a/74-20025615): Finland will become a full member state tomorrow!
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: drogulus on April 04, 2023, 08:20:55 AM

     The eggs I buy from Star Market go for $4.99 a dozen. I might be buying more expensive eggs than the regular ones because I like the way these eggs are packaged. Maybe they are special eggs, too, but I don't know.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on April 04, 2023, 08:27:55 AM
Quote from: drogulus on April 04, 2023, 08:20:55 AMThe eggs I buy from Star Market go for $4.99 a dozen. I might be buying more expensive eggs than the regular ones because I like the way these eggs are packaged. Maybe they are special eggs, too, but I don't know.
Do they have satellite t.v. time?  If not, well.....

Just kidding of course.  :)

PD
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: DavidW on April 04, 2023, 08:44:26 AM
Quote from: drogulus on April 04, 2023, 08:20:55 AMThe eggs I buy from Star Market go for $4.99 a dozen. I might be buying more expensive eggs than the regular ones because I like the way these eggs are packaged. Maybe they are special eggs, too, but I don't know.

Well that is because you went to Star Market!  Just go to Stop and Shop and save some money. >:D
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on April 04, 2023, 09:02:01 AM
I've just returned from shopping at Market Basket ("More for Your Dollar") where even though I was in the Dairy aisle to pick up some 2% milk, I neglected to check the price of the eggs.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: drogulus on April 04, 2023, 11:11:29 AM
Quote from: DavidW on April 04, 2023, 08:44:26 AMWell that is because you went to Star Market!  Just go to Stop and Shop and save some money. >:D

     The Stah Mahket is right down the road from me, and I get my prescriptions from the Osco there, too.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on April 04, 2023, 01:12:32 PM
Quote from: absolutelybaching on April 04, 2023, 09:01:13 AMThis isn't unimportant news for some of us, but there's this:

https://www.theguardian.com/music/2023/apr/03/james-bowman-obituary

Other than Janet Baker, that probably accounts for the last of the great "Aldeburgh Crew".

Hang on in there, Janet!
I'm not familiar with his recordings.  I'll have to look into them.  Any suggestions?

PD
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Brian on April 05, 2023, 01:26:51 PM
Snakes on a Plane became real life in South Africa (https://www.npr.org/2023/04/05/1168206000/snake-on-a-plane-cobra-cockpit-south-africa)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Brian on April 05, 2023, 01:30:50 PM
And from a local news source in my area: a toy alligator on the side of the road caused a traffic jam and Animal Control calls (https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/plano-texas-alligator-prank-george-bush-turnpike/287-200bdf55-7d9c-4984-9e70-359bd85e544f).
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on April 06, 2023, 12:45:56 PM
Potent Greenhouse Gases and Ozone Depleting Chemicals Called CFCs Are Back on the Rise Following an International Ban, a New Study Finds (https://insideclimatenews.org/news/03042023/cfc-ban-rise/)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Dry Brett Kavanaugh on April 06, 2023, 02:28:27 PM
IRS says average taxpayers 'should not be worried' about audits as agency grows.


https://www.cnn.com/2023/04/06/politics/irs-funding-tax-audits/index.html
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: drogulus on April 08, 2023, 03:35:29 PM

     I was wrong about the price of the eggs I buy. They are 10.98/dozen. They are supposed to be super elite eggs from libertarian organic chickens. I didn't pay attention to any of that, I just liked the carton they came in.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on April 09, 2023, 09:28:09 AM
Quote from: absolutelybaching on April 04, 2023, 01:17:07 PMBritten's Death in Venice would be my starter. After that, any recordings he did of Purcell with Robert King. Otherwise, him & Hickox doing Purcell's Dioclesian or Timon of Athens. There's also a fine Chandos set of Handel's Chandos Anthems with him.

Thanks!

PD
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on April 09, 2023, 09:32:44 AM
Quote from: drogulus on April 08, 2023, 03:35:29 PMI was wrong about the price of the eggs I buy. They are 10.98/dozen. They are supposed to be super elite eggs from libertarian organic chickens. I didn't pay attention to any of that, I just liked the carton they came in.
Are you sure that that price isn't for an 18 count and organic and free range?

PD
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: drogulus on April 09, 2023, 11:13:28 AM
Quote from: Pohjolas Daughter on April 09, 2023, 09:32:44 AMAre you sure that that price isn't for an 18 count and organic and free range?

PD

    Here they are. The price I'm seeing now is $6.39 a half dozen. These chickens probably belong to MENSA.

    (https://www.instacart.com/assets/domains/product-image/file/large_66a5691c-a773-4656-8421-96871101c203.png)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on April 10, 2023, 05:34:50 AM
From NOAA: Greenhouse gases continued to increase rapidly in 2022: Carbon dioxide, methane and nitrous oxide rise further into uncharted levels (https://www.noaa.gov/news-release/greenhouse-gases-continued-to-increase-rapidly-in-2022)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on April 12, 2023, 08:00:40 AM
At Market Basket, eggs are $5.29 the dozen.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: drogulus on April 12, 2023, 08:09:01 AM
Quote from: Karl Henning on April 12, 2023, 08:00:40 AMAt Market Basket, eggs are $5.29 the dozen.

    These basic Star Market eggs are $4.99/doz.

    (https://encrypted-tbn3.gstatic.com/shopping?q=tbn:ANd9GcRD-o9HJgjqdSl8YbO-s5On5CoQ-hCRjI38m6OfzS4_8FH36cLh81iPbL_ePugpjPr8fhzZbJ1JmS1w3IYMKtflbvYKHL-ZRQrY5TvLaBvJE95K1njgP2u_&usqp=CAE)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on April 12, 2023, 08:12:01 AM
Quote from: drogulus on April 12, 2023, 08:09:01 AMThese basic Star Market eggs are $4.99/doz.

    (https://encrypted-tbn3.gstatic.com/shopping?q=tbn:ANd9GcRD-o9HJgjqdSl8YbO-s5On5CoQ-hCRjI38m6OfzS4_8FH36cLh81iPbL_ePugpjPr8fhzZbJ1JmS1w3IYMKtflbvYKHL-ZRQrY5TvLaBvJE95K1njgP2u_&usqp=CAE)
Ernie, I think there are likely $4.99 eggs here, too, but I priced the organic eggs which the fam would charge me to buy. The 30 cents is an acceptable surcharge. 
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on April 12, 2023, 08:21:02 AM
Myself, I have no quarrel with the $4.99 eggs, but one gladly honors the wishes of those nearest and dearest.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: DavidW on April 12, 2023, 08:42:23 AM
Quote from: Karl Henning on April 12, 2023, 08:00:40 AMAt Market Basket, eggs are $5.29 the dozen.

$3 at Food Lion here.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: ritter on April 12, 2023, 09:10:36 AM
Quote from: DavidW on April 12, 2023, 08:42:23 AM$3 at Food Lion here.
Similar to prices in Spain (for free range eggs).
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on April 12, 2023, 10:55:09 AM
Quote from: absolutelybaching on April 12, 2023, 09:12:34 AMIt would seem that egg prices are pretty important to a lot of people!
Yep!  I heard a program recently in which people had called in with their comments some of which were like "I used to eat eggs regularly.  They were a great and inexpensive source of protein, but now I'm having to find other sources of it."

Not so long ago, a brand of organic and free range eggs were on sale at a localish coop for $3.99/doz.  Even though I still had some in the fridge, I grabbed a dozen more whilst I was there.

As a side note, I stumbled across an article about Britain also feeling the after effects of the avian flu.  How many other countries were effected by it this past year?  Also, from another article/news story, I gleaned that apparently it wasn't an option in the US and that chicken egg raisers legally had to kill their flocks of chickens if even one bird was found with the flu.

TD,

This story was both sweet and sad to watch.  It's about a man in India who rescued a wild crane which had a broken leg and rehabbed it.  Surprisingly, the bird didn't fly away.  And now it's stuck in a zoo (which looks to me like a tiny enclosure--from what I can see of it anyway).  You can see in the second video the crane's reaction to seeing his human friend.

https://www.bbc.com/news/av/world-asia-india-64833175

https://www.bbc.com/news/av/world-asia-india-65248282

PD
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Dry Brett Kavanaugh on April 12, 2023, 11:09:17 AM
Quote from: Karl Henning on April 12, 2023, 08:21:02 AMMyself, I have no quarrel with the $4.99 eggs, but one gladly honors the wishes of those nearest and dearest.

The price is very high!
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on April 12, 2023, 12:06:13 PM
Quote from: Dry Brett Kavanaugh on April 12, 2023, 11:09:17 AMThe price is very high!

Are you currently in Japan?  If so, what kind of eggs do you buy and how much are they?

PD
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Dry Brett Kavanaugh on April 12, 2023, 01:24:36 PM
Quote from: Pohjolas Daughter on April 12, 2023, 12:06:13 PMAre you currently in Japan?  If so, what kind of eggs do you buy and how much are they?

PD

I'm in the USA now. I didn't see the price of eggs there. In general, everything is more expensive than North America and cheaper than Switzerland.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Dry Brett Kavanaugh on April 12, 2023, 03:08:27 PM
Food prices, including that of eggs, decline.

https://www.cnn.com/2023/04/12/business/grocery-prices-march/index.html
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: LKB on April 12, 2023, 09:45:20 PM
Quote from: Dry Brett Kavanaugh on April 12, 2023, 03:08:27 PMFood prices, including that of eggs, decline.

https://www.cnn.com/2023/04/12/business/grocery-prices-march/index.html

Eggscellent news.  ;)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on April 13, 2023, 02:22:35 AM
Quote from: Dry Brett Kavanaugh on April 12, 2023, 01:24:36 PMI'm in the USA now. I didn't see the price of eggs there. In general, everything is more expensive than North America and cheaper than Switzerland.
Quote from: Dry Brett Kavanaugh on April 12, 2023, 03:08:27 PMFood prices, including that of eggs, decline.

https://www.cnn.com/2023/04/12/business/grocery-prices-march/index.html
I've been noticing that around here (and reading some articles); however, I did find this article this morning regarding current trends in Japan (perhaps someone from the BBC was reading our comments yesterday?  ;)  ).

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-65200999  "Eggs off the menu as Japan battles bird flu crisis"

PD
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on April 13, 2023, 04:51:59 AM
Quote from: LKB on April 12, 2023, 09:45:20 PMEggscellent news.  ;)
You put me in mind of the villain Vincent Price played as Adam West's foil.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: LKB on April 13, 2023, 06:12:00 AM
Quote from: Karl Henning on April 13, 2023, 04:51:59 AMYou put me in mind of the villain Vincent Price played as Adam West's foil.

I'm pretty sure that Egghead was my first exposure to Mr. Price. At least he's remembered for more than Frank Gorshin...
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on April 13, 2023, 06:20:02 AM
Quote from: LKB on April 13, 2023, 06:12:00 AMI'm pretty sure that Egghead was my first exposure to Mr. Price. At least he's remembered for more than Frank Gorshin...
True. He's a great supporting role in Leave Her to Heaven (the latest I've seen him.) I do love Gorshin (small role)  in Terry Gilliam's Twelve Monkeys
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on April 15, 2023, 06:50:31 AM
More euthanasia cases in 2022, 29 couples helped to die (https://www.dutchnews.nl/news/2023/04/more-euthanasia-cases-in-2022-29-couples-helped-to-die/)

Quote from: DutchNews.nlThe percentage is higher than in recent years and took the proportion of euthanasia deaths up from 4.5% to 5.1% of all deaths last year. The number of deaths by euthanasia had been increasing by around 10% a year.

Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Dry Brett Kavanaugh on April 15, 2023, 06:56:26 AM
Quote from: Todd on April 15, 2023, 06:50:31 AMMore euthanasia cases in 2022, 29 couples helped to die (https://www.dutchnews.nl/news/2023/04/more-euthanasia-cases-in-2022-29-couples-helped-to-die/)



I'm thinking about it. I want to maintain my choice about when and how I will die since I didn't about how I was born. I assume euthanasia is mostly illegal in most states in the USA (and other nations). I think law is more relaxed in Switzerland.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on April 15, 2023, 07:12:38 AM
Quote from: Dry Brett Kavanaugh on April 15, 2023, 06:56:26 AMI assume euthanasia is mostly illegal in most states in the USA (and other nations).

Oregon led the world in euthanasia, legalizing it at the end of the last century.  Last year the practice expanded so that death tourists can come and off themselves in the Beaver State if they suffer from a terminal illness.  There can be no doubt that the number of permissible conditions will expand.  The culture of death continues to grow and the industry continues to expand.  It is a sign of unstoppable civilizational progress.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Dry Brett Kavanaugh on April 15, 2023, 01:02:34 PM
China agreed to secretly arm Russia, leaked Pentagon documents reveal.

https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/apr/14/china-agreed-secretly-arm-russia-leaked-pentagon-documents-reveal?CMP=Share_iOSApp_Other
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on April 16, 2023, 04:40:35 AM
Saudi prince gives 4% Aramco stake to public investment firm (https://apnews.com/article/saudi-aramco-investment-fund-bin-salman-588c181870b7818e3468eb7ed18ef091)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on April 16, 2023, 04:46:15 AM
Quote from: Todd on April 16, 2023, 04:40:35 AMSaudi prince gives 4% Aramco stake to public investment firm (https://apnews.com/article/saudi-aramco-investment-fund-bin-salman-588c181870b7818e3468eb7ed18ef091)
Interesting.  I wonder what they will use the funds for?

PD
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on April 16, 2023, 04:58:12 AM
Quote from: Pohjolas Daughter on April 16, 2023, 04:46:15 AMI wonder what they will use the funds for?

Standard sovereign wealth fund activities, eg, investing in other companies, projects, etc to diversify future income streams for the House of Saud.  Oh yeah, and the people.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on April 16, 2023, 05:02:55 AM
Quote from: Todd on April 16, 2023, 04:58:12 AMStandard sovereign wealth fund activities, eg, investing in other companies, projects, etc to diversify future income streams for the House of Saud.  Oh yeah, and the people.
Yeah, I read that it was to help the people; hence I'll be interested to hear how the money will be/is spent.

PD
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on April 16, 2023, 05:08:10 AM
Quote from: Pohjolas Daughter on April 16, 2023, 05:02:55 AMYeah, I read that it was to help the people; hence I'll be interested to hear how the money will be/is spent.

It won't be spent.  It will be invested.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: greg on April 16, 2023, 11:08:30 AM
Genuinely one of the funniest youtube videos ever made

Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on April 16, 2023, 11:14:08 AM
Expect a sweet spot for runners with cool temperatures and limited rain on Marathon Monday
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Dry Brett Kavanaugh on April 18, 2023, 10:22:53 AM
FBI arrests a Tennessee air national guardsman who applied for job on RentAHitman.com


https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/apr/18/fbi-would-be-hitman-arrested
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Dry Brett Kavanaugh on April 20, 2023, 01:47:33 PM
Chief Justice John Roberts summoned to the Senate Judiciary Committee.


https://thehill.com/newsletters/evening-report/3961599-chief-justice-john-roberts-summoned-to-capitol-hill/
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: DavidW on April 21, 2023, 04:56:33 PM
Netflix to stop shipping dvds on September 29.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on April 21, 2023, 05:27:32 PM
Quote from: DavidW on April 21, 2023, 04:56:33 PMNetflix to stop shipping dvds on September 29.
I thought they'd stopped already ....
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on April 22, 2023, 03:55:41 AM
Quote from: Karl Henning on April 21, 2023, 05:27:32 PMI thought they'd stopped already ....
Remember that our northern friend mentioned that she still was using them?

PD
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: DavidW on April 22, 2023, 04:56:26 AM
Quote from: Karl Henning on April 21, 2023, 05:27:32 PMI thought they'd stopped already ....

I tried them out in January, mostly due to nostalgia but also I could watch a ton of movies that were not on streaming.  I encountered the things that nostalgia erases.  Scratched discs interrupting the movie.  Netflix playing games to slow down shipping.

But man back in the day it was great.  When I was in grad school I used Netflix to not only watch movies, but binge watch tv shows.  I had 5 or maybe even 6 out at a time and shipping times were not a week, they were two day turn around.  It completely replaced cable for me, which was overpriced hot garbage.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on April 22, 2023, 07:10:49 AM
Quote from: Pohjolas Daughter on April 22, 2023, 03:55:41 AMRemember that our northern friend mentioned that she still was using them?

PD
Ah!
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on April 22, 2023, 07:11:51 AM
Quote from: DavidW on April 22, 2023, 04:56:26 AMI tried them out in January, mostly due to nostalgia but also I could watch a ton of movies that were not on streaming.  I encountered the things that nostalgia erases.  Scratched discs interrupting the movie.  Netflix playing games to slow down shipping.

But man back in the day it was great.  When I was in grad school I used Netflix to not only watch movies, but binge watch tv shows.  I had 5 or maybe even 6 out at a time and shipping times were not a week, they were two day turn around.  It completely replaced cable for me, which was overpriced hot garbage.
I subscribed for a bit back when.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on April 22, 2023, 02:45:15 PM
Belgium destroys shipment of American beer after taking issue with 'Champagne of Beer' slogan (https://www.cnn.com/2023/04/22/europe/belgium-destroys-beer-champagne-intl-hnk/index.html)

(https://media.tenor.com/Ee07SwMZbwAAAAAi/hmmm-emoji.gif)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on April 24, 2023, 02:26:25 PM
Quote from: DavidW on April 21, 2023, 04:56:33 PMNetflix to stop shipping dvds on September 29.

Why Netflix DVD Always Had Better Selections than Netflix Streaming (https://screentime.thebulwark.com/p/why-netflix-dvd-always-had-better)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: DavidW on April 24, 2023, 03:34:17 PM
Quote from: Karl Henning on April 24, 2023, 02:26:25 PMWhy Netflix DVD Always Had Better Selections than Netflix Streaming (https://screentime.thebulwark.com/p/why-netflix-dvd-always-had-better)

I remember in the early days wondering how long it would take for Netflix streaming to catch up to even a fraction of the dvd catalog (and that was back in the golden age pre streaming wars).  The answer was NEVER! EVER!  EVER!!!
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: VonStupp on April 24, 2023, 05:04:00 PM
Quote from: DavidW on April 24, 2023, 03:34:17 PMI remember in the early days wondering how long it would take for Netflix streaming to catch up to even a fraction of the dvd catalog (and that was back in the golden age pre streaming wars).  The answer was NEVER! EVER!  EVER!!!

I just quit discs in the mail from Netflix at the New Year (I think I joined in 2004). It was great being able to grab from their large back-catalog of old movies, many of which I probably would have never seen otherwise. Never did streaming through them, although a friend keeps recommending a glass-blowing show.

But Netflix's shipping locations got farther and farther, so I dropped it and the girls and I have been enjoying Disney+.
VS
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: drogulus on April 24, 2023, 07:00:03 PM
Quote from: DavidW on April 22, 2023, 04:56:26 AMI encountered the things that nostalgia erases.  Scratched discs interrupting the movie.

     I have had a couple of scratched discs that wouldn't play. The rips were perfect.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on April 25, 2023, 05:23:21 AM
Sometimes I've had frustrating experiences borrowing DVDs (or CDs) from the library(s)...particularly frustrating when watching a t.v. series when big chunks of it are skipped over due to damage.  :(

PD
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Dry Brett Kavanaugh on April 25, 2023, 05:02:50 PM
Barbie with Down's syndrome on sale after 'real women' criticism.

https://www.bbc.com/news/business-65388131
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Dry Brett Kavanaugh on April 28, 2023, 03:42:07 PM
UN criticises the German and Namibian governments for violating the rights of Herero and Nama ethnic minorities by excluding them from talks over reparations for colonial crimes against their ancestors.


https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2023/apr/28/un-representatives-criticise-germany-over-reparations-for-colonial-crimes-in-namibia
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: BWV 1080 on April 28, 2023, 04:10:44 PM
Quote from: Dry Brett Kavanaugh on April 28, 2023, 03:42:07 PMUN criticises the German and Namibian governments for violating the rights of Herero and Nama ethnic minorities by excluding them from talks over reparations for colonial crimes against their ancestors.


https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2023/apr/28/un-representatives-criticise-germany-over-reparations-for-colonial-crimes-in-namibia

Yep, the pre-Nazi Germans have the dubious honor of launching the first 20th Century genocide, as anyone knows who ever slogged through Gravity's Rainbow
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on May 02, 2023, 02:18:50 PM
Boston isn't the most expensive place to live, but it's pretty close
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on May 03, 2023, 04:19:14 AM
Local stupidity: Shemia Fagan resigns as Oregon secretary of state following cannabis consulting scandal (https://www.opb.org/article/2023/05/02/shemia-fagan-resign-cannabis-oregon-secretary-state/)

The best thing about Oregon scandals is that they typically involve trifling amounts of money.  Well, that or sex with minors.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on May 03, 2023, 11:54:55 AM
A three-time Olympic medalist dies at 32? I should have counted on more longevity.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: JBS on May 03, 2023, 12:34:30 PM
No cause of death was given. The same applies here.
He was 51.
https://arkansasrazorbacks.com/olympic-medalist-razorback-multiple-ncaa-champion-calvin-davis-passes/
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on May 04, 2023, 06:39:54 AM
Quote from: Karl Henning on May 03, 2023, 11:54:55 AMA three-time Olympic medalist dies at 32? I should have counted on more longevity.
Quote from: JBS on May 03, 2023, 12:34:30 PMNo cause of death was given. The same applies here.
He was 51.
https://arkansasrazorbacks.com/olympic-medalist-razorback-multiple-ncaa-champion-calvin-davis-passes/
I remember, many years ago now, seeing on the news a story about a male figure skater (in his prime) who suddenly passed away.  I believe that it was due to an unknown heart issue that he had.

Yes, he had a heart attack whilst practicing with his wife.  :'(

https://olympics.nbcsports.com/2020/11/20/sergei-grinkov-death-ekaterina-gordeeva/

PD
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: drogulus on May 04, 2023, 07:07:34 AM
Quote from: Karl Henning on May 02, 2023, 02:18:50 PMBoston isn't the most expensive place to live, but it's pretty close

    I've lived in the same apartment since 2014 with small increases over the years. If/when I move I'll stay in NE not because I love it that much but to avoid the horror of living someplace else. An important factor for the future is NE comes out better on climate change than most of the rest of the country. I expect the region will get more expensive because of that.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on May 07, 2023, 05:03:57 AM
Eleven Chemical Plants in China and One in the U.S. Emit a Climate Super-Pollutant Called Nitrous Oxide That's 273 Times More Potent Than Carbon Dioxide

Proven, low-cost pollution controls could quickly curb those emissions, but neither China nor the U.S. require abatement measures used by other plants around the world. (https://insideclimatenews.org/news/01052023/eleven-chemical-plants-in-china-and-one-in-the-u-s-emit-a-climate-super-pollutant-called-nitrous-oxide-thats-273-times-more-potent-than-carbon-dioxide/?utm_source=InsideClimate+News&utm_campaign=6cfcadb8a7-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2023_05_06_01_00&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_29c928ffb5-6cfcadb8a7-329701485)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on May 07, 2023, 12:00:41 PM
From CEPR:

Short form summary: New Report Finds that Economic Sanctions Are Often Deadly and Harm People's Living Standards in Target Countries (https://cepr.net/press-release/new-report-finds-that-economic-sanctions-are-often-deadly-and-harm-peoples-living-standards-in-target-countries/)

Longer form article: The Human Consequences of Economic Sanctions (https://cepr.net/report/the-human-consequences-of-economic-sanctions/)

Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: drogulus on May 08, 2023, 09:26:00 AM
    Will this recession ever end? Maybe just in time for the next one, you think?

(https://ritholtz.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/primeageemployment-768x512.png)

     Powell plays ball with the shrinksters not out of conviction (no, he's not that) but to maintain the fallacious belief that all forms of inflation are subject to Fed policy, in spite of the obvious fact that higher costs all over the world could only be lowered by a deliberate policy to maim the US economy.

     Powell doesn't want that, and I think he's trying to take a performative course to muffle critics on the shrinky side with the understanding that the growth contingent speak more softly lest they be accused of ignoring inflation. Powell is certainly aware of the uselessness of his efforts, which would work if they could. They can't, but the game will go on.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Florestan on May 12, 2023, 01:46:54 PM
Erdogan might become history.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: LKB on May 13, 2023, 12:27:17 AM
Quote from: Florestan on May 12, 2023, 01:46:54 PMErdogan might become history.

I don't really know whether that would be good or bad for the Turks, but I'm pretty damn sure it would be good for NATO ( and Sweden ).
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on May 15, 2023, 12:35:07 PM
I found this news to be quite heartening (and an interesting read):

https://www.bbc.com/travel/article/20230514-a-new-life-for-londons-lost-rivers

PD

EDIT:  I also ran across this article.  I hadn't heard of the term hyporheic zone 'til now.  Fascinating before and after photos and how they are trying to create --restore actually--healthy brooks and rivers.  https://inews.co.uk/news/turkey-brook-london-river-save-uk-waterways-2312081
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Dry Brett Kavanaugh on May 15, 2023, 02:29:25 PM
Argentina raises interest rate to 97%.


https://edition.cnn.com/2023/05/15/business/argentina-interest-rates-inflation/index.html
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on May 16, 2023, 04:29:54 AM
[US] Consumer debt passes $17 trillion for the first time despite slide in mortgage demand (https://www.cnbc.com/2023/05/15/consumer-debt-passes-17-trillion-for-the-first-time-despite-slide-in-mortgage-demand.html)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: BWV 1080 on May 17, 2023, 01:18:26 PM
Diane Feinstein forgets that she was out for three months (https://www.thedailybeast.com/dianne-feinstein-denies-she-was-ever-absent-from-senate-in-bizarre-exchange)

Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on May 17, 2023, 01:41:32 PM
Quote from: Dry Brett Kavanaugh on May 15, 2023, 02:29:25 PMArgentina raises interest rate to 97%.


https://edition.cnn.com/2023/05/15/business/argentina-interest-rates-inflation/index.html
Ouch!
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Dry Brett Kavanaugh on May 17, 2023, 02:16:05 PM
Quote from: Karl Henning on May 17, 2023, 01:41:32 PMOuch!

Inflation is higher than 100 percent, so you'll lose asset anyway.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on May 17, 2023, 02:20:07 PM
Quote from: Dry Brett Kavanaugh on May 17, 2023, 02:16:05 PMInflation is higher than 100 percent, so you'll lose asset anyway.
Double Ouch!
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Papy Oli on May 19, 2023, 02:33:19 AM
UCLA has made some old US newsreels archives from 1929-1967 available here:

homepage : https://newsreels.net (https://newsreels.net)

listing: https://newsreels.net/nod (https://newsreels.net/nod)

You can use the slider to pick a specific year or go via Menu/Topics to find subjects of interest.


Music-wise, It has some reels about Toscanini, Casals, Elvis, etc...
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: drogulus on May 19, 2023, 10:28:41 AM
     This is Chonkosaurus. It's a snapping turtle by the Chicago River.

(https://static01.nyt.com/images/2023/05/13/multimedia/13-xp-turtle-wmfq/13-xp-turtle-wmfq-jumbo.jpg?quality=75&auto=webp)

     In other news, I hear murmurings about F-16s. That is all. (https://www.good-music-guide.com/community/Smileys/classic/evil.gif)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on May 19, 2023, 11:23:36 AM
Quote from: drogulus on May 19, 2023, 10:28:41 AMThis is Chonkosaurus. It's a snapping turtle by the Chicago River.

(https://static01.nyt.com/images/2023/05/13/multimedia/13-xp-turtle-wmfq/13-xp-turtle-wmfq-jumbo.jpg?quality=75&auto=webp)
Genuine?! That's an awfully well-fed snapper!
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: BWV 1080 on May 19, 2023, 12:30:52 PM
Quote from: drogulus on May 19, 2023, 10:28:41 AMThis is Chonkosaurus. It's a snapping turtle by the Chicago River.

(https://static01.nyt.com/images/2023/05/13/multimedia/13-xp-turtle-wmfq/13-xp-turtle-wmfq-jumbo.jpg?quality=75&auto=webp)

     In other new, I hear murmurings about F-16s. That is all. (https://www.good-music-guide.com/community/Smileys/classic/evil.gif)

Makes me think twice about swimming in the Chicago River...

But yall dont have these

Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on May 19, 2023, 12:40:42 PM
Quote from: BWV 1080 on May 19, 2023, 12:30:52 PMMakes me think twice about swimming in the Chicago River...

But yall dont have these
And you can keep them!  ;)

PD
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: BWV 1080 on May 19, 2023, 03:48:14 PM
Idiot grifter addresses conference of idiots and grifters

https://bitcoinmagazine.com/culture/robert-kennedy-jr-debuts-campaign-at-bitcoin-2023
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: drogulus on May 19, 2023, 08:07:54 PM
Quote from: BWV 1080 on May 19, 2023, 03:48:14 PMIdiot grifter addresses conference of idiots and grifters

https://bitcoinmagazine.com/culture/robert-kennedy-jr-debuts-campaign-at-bitcoin-2023

     Some are both, don't you know? Imagine the indignity of falling for your own con.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on May 20, 2023, 05:34:33 AM
Who Said Recycling Was Green? It Makes Microplastics By the Ton

A study finds one plastics recycling plant in the U.K. produces as much as 3 million pounds of microplastics a year—and that's with filtering. (https://insideclimatenews.org/news/16052023/recycling-plastic-microplastics-waste/?utm_source=InsideClimate+News&utm_campaign=c8d0b7f659-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2023_05_20_01_00&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_29c928ffb5-c8d0b7f659-329701485)


Quote from: James Bruggers"It seems quite backward to me," said plastics researcher Erena Brown, who led the research while she was a graduate student at the University of Strathclyde in Glasgow. "With plastic recycling, we have designed and initiated it in order to start protecting our environment. I think this study has shown that we have ended up creating a different if potentially slightly worse problem."
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Dry Brett Kavanaugh on May 21, 2023, 10:25:35 AM
China accuses G7 leaders of "hindering international peace".


https://edition.cnn.com/2023/05/21/asia/g7-summit-china-russia-reaction-intl-hnk/index.html
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on May 23, 2023, 04:56:19 PM
Earliest known evidence of wine drinking in the Americas discovered on the Caribbean's Isla de Mona, dating to the 15th century
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on May 23, 2023, 05:08:32 PM
"Ironbound" Found (https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2023/05/22/great-white-shark-ironbound-south-carolina/70242428007/?utm_source=join1440&utm_medium=email&utm_placement=newsletter)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Dry Brett Kavanaugh on May 25, 2023, 06:05:24 AM
Cities across the US have agreed to pay out a total of more than $80m in settlements to protesters injured by police during 2020 racial justice protests.


https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/may/25/us-cities-settlement-protesters-blm-racial-justice
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on May 25, 2023, 08:05:07 AM
Well, here comes Windows 11....
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on May 25, 2023, 08:06:56 AM
Quote from: Dry Brett Kavanaugh on May 25, 2023, 06:05:24 AMCities across the US have agreed to pay out a total of more than $80m in settlements to protesters injured by police during 2020 racial justice protests.


https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/may/25/us-cities-settlement-protesters-blm-racial-justice
Kinda wish the police were really competent to police themselves, the way they're apt to insist that they're doing so.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Dry Brett Kavanaugh on May 25, 2023, 08:09:21 AM
Quote from: Karl Henning on May 25, 2023, 08:06:56 AMKinda wish the police were really competent to police themselves, the way they're apt to insist that they're doing so.

Right. Tax payers, not police, are paying this.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Dry Brett Kavanaugh on May 30, 2023, 06:18:55 PM
You can buy an abandoned US lighthouse.


https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-65729825
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: LKB on May 30, 2023, 09:49:48 PM
Quote from: Dry Brett Kavanaugh on May 30, 2023, 06:18:55 PMYou can buy an abandoned US lighthouse.


https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-65729825

I suppose l could hire Willem Dafoe and Robert Pattinson to maintain it...  >:D
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on May 31, 2023, 04:13:23 AM
The weather has wreaked havoc on upcoming fruit harvests.  Read one story recently of a farm that specializes in blueberries.  They are currently estimating that they've lost up to something like 80 percent of their crop due to late hard frosts.   :(

PD
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on May 31, 2023, 08:12:25 AM
Quote from: Pohjolas Daughter on May 31, 2023, 04:13:23 AMThe weather has wreaked havoc on upcoming fruit harvests.  Read one story recently of a farm that specializes in blueberries.  They are currently estimating that they've lost up to something like 80 percent of their crop due to late hard frosts.  :(

PD
Ouch!
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on May 31, 2023, 10:12:38 AM
Quote from: Karl Henning on May 31, 2023, 08:12:25 AMOuch!
Peaches and apples have also been hit hard (lower-lying areas hit harder as cold air sinks).  Some Vermont apple growers have reported losing 100% of their crop.

PD
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on June 01, 2023, 08:04:04 AM
Georgia urges residents to wear clothes in driver's license photos.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on June 02, 2023, 04:50:44 AM
Quote from: Karl Henning on June 01, 2023, 08:04:04 AMGeorgia urges residents to wear clothes in driver's license photos.
I heard that news too.  I can't believe that people would do otherwise.  ::)

PD
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on June 02, 2023, 05:08:18 AM
US debt ceiling deal narrowly passes Senate averting catastrophic federal default (https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/jun/01/senate-debt-ceiling-vote-thursday-chuck-schumer)

The vote was 63-36, yet the word "narrowly" was used in the headline.  It appears AI generates headlines for The Graun now.  That should be big news everywhere.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Spotted Horses on June 02, 2023, 05:21:41 AM
Quote from: Todd on June 02, 2023, 05:08:18 AMUS debt ceiling deal narrowly passes Senate averting catastrophic federal default (https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/jun/01/senate-debt-ceiling-vote-thursday-chuck-schumer)

The vote was 63-36, yet the word "narrowly" was used in the headline.  It appears AI generates headlines for The Graun now.  That should be big news everywhere.

I don't pretend to understand convoluted Senate rules, but the article says 60 votes were needed and the bill received 63. That strikes me as passing narrowly.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on June 02, 2023, 05:27:44 AM
Quote from: Spotted Horses on June 02, 2023, 05:21:41 AMThat strikes me as passing narrowly.

OK.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: DavidW on June 02, 2023, 05:36:43 AM
Quote from: Todd on June 02, 2023, 05:08:18 AMUS debt ceiling deal narrowly passes Senate averting catastrophic federal default (https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/jun/01/senate-debt-ceiling-vote-thursday-chuck-schumer)

The vote was 63-36, yet the word "narrowly" was used in the headline.  It appears AI generates headlines for The Graun now.  That should be big news everywhere.

*cough* that hardly qualifies as UNIMPORTANT news as it would have global repercussions.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on June 02, 2023, 05:41:21 AM
Quote from: DavidW on June 02, 2023, 05:36:43 AM*cough* that hardly qualifies as UNIMPORTANT news as it would have global repercussions.

I suggest reading about the 1979 US federal government default.  The world did not end.  Also, Eric Cantor gave away the game the last time around. 
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on June 02, 2023, 06:32:45 AM
Quote from: Pohjolas Daughter on June 02, 2023, 04:50:44 AMI heard that news too.  I can't believe that people would do otherwise.  ::)

PD
No kidding!
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on June 02, 2023, 06:43:43 AM
A regular crowd shuffles in ....

Billy Joel to end his residency at New York City's Madison Square Garden in July 2024 after a record-breaking 10 years and 150 concerts
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on June 02, 2023, 06:58:40 AM
Newly discovered cellular process in phytoplankton—algae dependent on sunlight for energy—may account for as much as 12% of global oxygen production
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on June 02, 2023, 08:07:16 AM
Quote from: Karl Henning on June 02, 2023, 06:43:43 AMA regular crowd shuffles in ....

Billy Joel to end his residency at New York City's Madison Square Garden in July 2024 after a record-breaking 10 years and 150 concerts
Quote from: Karl Henning on June 02, 2023, 06:58:40 AMNewly discovered cellular process in phytoplankton—algae dependent on sunlight for energy—may account for as much as 12% of global oxygen production
Interesting on both accounts!

PD
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on June 02, 2023, 09:51:22 AM
Quote from: Pohjolas Daughter on June 02, 2023, 08:07:16 AMInteresting on both accounts!

PD
I had no idea the Garden sponsored residencies.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on June 02, 2023, 10:04:51 AM
Quote from: Karl Henning on June 02, 2023, 09:51:22 AMI had no idea the Garden sponsored residencies.
I hadn't either!  I associate things like that with Vegas.

PD
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: pjme on June 03, 2023, 04:58:00 AM
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-65794363?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=KARANGA

Utah primary schools ban Bible for 'vulgarity and violence'!





Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Florestan on June 03, 2023, 08:43:07 AM
Quote from: pjme on June 03, 2023, 04:58:00 AMhttps://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-65794363?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=KARANGA

Utah primary schools ban Bible for 'vulgarity and violence'!


If "vulgarity and violence" were the litmus test for teaching a literary work in primary schools, then not only Charles Perrault, the Brothers Grimm, Lewis Carroll, Edmondo de Amicis, Carlo Collodi or any other classical and celebrated writer of tales or children books, but also each and every traditional folk tale, irrespective of country, would fail it.  ;D

By this token, we should really stop teaching anything and everything, for somewhere someone would surely find it offensive.  ;D

Quod Deus perdere vult dementat prius.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on June 03, 2023, 11:28:02 AM
Quote from: pjme on June 03, 2023, 04:58:00 AMUtah primary schools ban Bible for 'vulgarity and violence'!

I suspect the Book of Mormon was not banned.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Mapman on June 03, 2023, 12:39:20 PM
The 10th European Tram Driver Championship (including Tram Bowling) occurred today.

Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on June 03, 2023, 12:49:28 PM
Quote from: pjme on June 03, 2023, 04:58:00 AMhttps://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-65794363?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=KARANGA

Utah primary schools ban Bible for 'vulgarity and violence'!

The curious irony here is, both that in most of the 50 States, the Bible would not be taught in the public schools, because of the separation of Church from State (which so many of the anti-intellectual Yahoo states are happily flouting, anyway, and Utah's being, still, so substantially Mormon.

Quote from: Florestan on June 03, 2023, 08:43:07 AMIf "vulgarity and violence" were the litmus test for teaching a literary work in primary schools, then not only Charles Perrault, the Brothers Grimm, Lewis Carroll, Edmondo de Amicis, Carlo Collodi or any other classical and celebrated writer of tales or children books, but also each and every traditional folk tale, irrespective of country, would fail it.  ;D

By this token, we should really stop teaching anything and everything, for somewhere someone would surely find it offensive.  ;D

Quod Deus perdere vult dementat prius.

I take your point. And, of course, parents are always free to teach their children the Bible at home.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Florestan on June 03, 2023, 01:04:58 PM
Banning vulgarity and violence is banning humanity...  ;D
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on June 03, 2023, 01:24:32 PM
Quote from: Todd on June 03, 2023, 11:28:02 AMI suspect the Book of Mormon was not banned.
It apparently was (referring here to the Bible) banned in one district in Utah for primary and middle school libraries (but not at high school level).

Someone (no idea if it was the same person/group or not) has also requested that the BOM also be banned (same district) for the same reasons.

PD
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Florestan on June 03, 2023, 01:30:45 PM
Quote from: Pohjolas Daughter on June 03, 2023, 01:24:32 PMIt apparently was (referring here to the Bible) banned in one district in Utah for primary and middle school libraries (but not at high school level).

Someone (no idea if it was the same person/group or not) has also requested that the BOM also be banned (same district) for the same reasons.

PD

"This country is going straight to Hell!" --- says a character from American Beauty.  ;D
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on June 03, 2023, 02:14:33 PM
Quote from: Pohjolas Daughter on June 03, 2023, 01:24:32 PMSomeone (no idea if it was the same person/group or not) has also requested that the BOM also be banned (same district) for the same reasons.

The Book of Mormon will not be banned anywhere in Utah.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: LKB on June 04, 2023, 07:10:54 AM
Quote from: Florestan on June 03, 2023, 01:30:45 PM"This country is going straight to Hell!" --- says a character from American Beauty.  ;D

If the Republicans achieve victory in 2024, I'm afraid that character is very likely to be proven right ( assuming Donald can remain un-incarcerated and eligible ).
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: BWV 1080 on June 05, 2023, 07:48:22 AM
SEC going after Binance, the last big crypto exchange standing

https://www.reuters.com/legal/us-sec-sues-binance-founder-zhao-alleging-securities-law-violations-2023-06-05/
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on June 05, 2023, 03:59:42 PM
Bar from NBC comedy 'Cheers' sells at auction for $675,000
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on June 06, 2023, 01:18:09 AM
George Santos' lawyer says that he would rather go to jail than reveal the names of the two people who had agreed to co-sign his $500,000 bond [Note:  one person who was going to also co-sign apparently backed out due to all of the attention that he was getting in the news.].  He has requested that their names be sealed.

https://apnews.com/article/george-santos-criminal-case-bond-cosigners-d31dbf4e7f3b0d970d76617f9b347464

PD
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on June 06, 2023, 07:49:51 AM
Quote from: Pohjolas Daughter on June 06, 2023, 01:18:09 AMGeorge Santos' lawyer says that he would rather go to jail than reveal the names of the two people who had agreed to co-sign his $500,000 bond [Note:  one person who was going to also co-sign apparently backed out due to all of the attention that he was getting in the news.].  He has requested that their names be sealed.

https://apnews.com/article/george-santos-criminal-case-bond-cosigners-d31dbf4e7f3b0d970d76617f9b347464

PD
Another vacuous performance.

TD: Apple launches another super-pricey gewgaw

Apple reveals long-awaited virtual and augmented reality headset, to debut at a price of $3,500
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on June 06, 2023, 08:32:01 AM
Oh, this tickled me:

Former Trump White House attorney Ty Cobb, who's named after a famous baseball player and looks like Wilfred Brimley, is somehow a real person. We know this if only because Cobb was once caught talking too loudly on the phone about his colleagues while sitting in a restaurant, without knowing that he was sitting next to a reporter. No really, this happened.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on June 06, 2023, 08:37:25 AM
Quote from: Pohjolas Daughter on June 06, 2023, 01:18:09 AMGeorge Santos' lawyer says that he would rather go to jail than reveal the names of the two people who had agreed to co-sign his $500,000 bond [Note:  one person who was going to also co-sign apparently backed out due to all of the attention that he was getting in the news.].  He has requested that their names be sealed.

https://apnews.com/article/george-santos-criminal-case-bond-cosigners-d31dbf4e7f3b0d970d76617f9b347464

PD

Quote from: Bill PalmerInstead of making a legitimate filing, Santos used the whole thing as an opportunity to grandstand. He baselessly claimed that whoever paid his bail would lose their job and be physically unsafe if their identity were revealed. Santos also specifically stated in the court filing that he would rather sit in jail while awaiting trial than reveal his benefactors' names.

Here's the thing about being out on bail while awaiting criminal trial on felony charges: you're supposed to behave like a saint. You're supposed to spend every day showing the courts that you deserve the benefit of the doubt, and that you're not trending toward behavior that would make it impossible for the courts allow you to continue roaming free. You're particularly expected to treat the court processes with respect. And Santos' asinine stunt of a court filing – which appears to have been made after the deadline – all but flips the courts the middle finger.

George Santos is playing with fire in this bail dispute with the courts (https://www.palmerreport.com/analysis/george-santos-is-playing-with-fire-in-this-bail-dispute-with-the-courts/50484/)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Spotted Horses on June 06, 2023, 09:29:02 AM
Quote from: Karl Henning on June 06, 2023, 07:49:51 AMTD: Apple launches another super-pricey gewgaw

Apple reveals long-awaited virtual and augmented reality headset, to debut at a price of $3,500

Apple has struggled to produce new sector-defining product since Steve Jobs went out of the picture, but I have not seen anything that would tempt me to leave my iPhone, iPad, Mac behind. I would probably have AppleTV if I could watch TV. And the AirPods Max is a great product.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Dry Brett Kavanaugh on June 06, 2023, 01:38:16 PM
YouTube, owned by Google, starts allowing election deniers.


https://www.npr.org/2023/06/02/1179864026/youtube-will-no-longer-take-down-false-claims-about-u-s-elections
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Wanderer on June 06, 2023, 08:25:19 PM
Quote from: Karl Henning on June 06, 2023, 07:49:51 AMAnother vacuous performance.

TD: Apple launches another super-pricey gewgaw

Apple reveals long-awaited virtual and augmented reality headset, to debut at a price of $3,500

And yet, still no native calculator app for the iPad.  🤷
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Spotted Horses on June 07, 2023, 05:23:15 AM
Quote from: Wanderer on June 06, 2023, 08:25:19 PMAnd yet, still no native calculator app for the iPad.  🤷

That is a peculiar omission, supposedly because Steve Jobs thought the iPhone calculator app looked lame on a big iPad screen. Not real problem, since you can type any mathematical expression into google and it will give you the solution, and a calculator app to play with.

In my case, I prefer RPN calculators and the one I use on iPhone also works on iPad. It does look lame.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: DavidW on June 07, 2023, 05:49:24 AM
Quote from: Florestan on June 03, 2023, 08:43:07 AMBy this token, we should really stop teaching anything and everything, for somewhere someone would surely find it offensive.  ;D

That was the point of the ban.  It is meant to be a teachable moment to conservatives looking to ban books for everyone based on their own personal preferences and biases.  If you didn't know book banning is getting out of hand here in the US.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Florestan on June 07, 2023, 05:50:52 AM
Quote from: DavidW on June 07, 2023, 05:49:24 AMThat was the point of the ban.  It is meant to be a teachable moment to conservatives looking to ban books for everyone based on their own personal preferences and biases.  If you didn't know book banning is getting out of hand here in the US.

I am aware of that madness.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: DavidW on June 07, 2023, 05:57:10 AM
Quote from: Karl Henning on June 06, 2023, 07:49:51 AMTD: Apple launches another super-pricey gewgaw

Apple reveals long-awaited virtual and augmented reality headset, to debut at a price of $3,500

What is funny is that VR headsets made a splash and then quietly died out of lack of consumer interest.  Strapping a bulky, heavy headset to my head is a big fat NO for me. 
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Spotted Horses on June 07, 2023, 06:10:07 AM
Quote from: DavidW on June 07, 2023, 05:57:10 AMWhat is funny is that VR headsets made a splash and then quietly died out of lack of consumer interest.  Strapping a bulky, heavy headset to my head is a big fat NO for me. 

I have no interest, but Apple has a history of making clunky things elegant. Maybe civilization has become so pathetic that people need enhanced reality. :(
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: DavidW on June 07, 2023, 06:30:51 AM
Quote from: Spotted Horses on June 07, 2023, 06:10:07 AMI have no interest, but Apple has a history of making clunky things elegant. Maybe civilization has become so pathetic that people need enhanced reality. :(

By the time they have a mainstream (affordable) solution, perhaps they will be ordinary glasses or contacts.  But I'm the type of guy that keeps my phone in one part of the house (as if it was a landline!) instead of my pocket, so even then I'm not the intended consumer! :D
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: greg on June 07, 2023, 09:32:33 AM
Quote from: DavidW on June 07, 2023, 05:57:10 AMWhat is funny is that VR headsets made a splash and then quietly died out of lack of consumer interest.  Strapping a bulky, heavy headset to my head is a big fat NO for me. 
That's part of the reason, but the other reasons are pricing and lack of good software.

There's so many companies competing to make better headsets- it will definitely end up like other technologies, only improving. Eventually, we will get small and light wireless headsets with all the technical stuff down (no corner blind spots, very high resolution, no screen door effect) for an affordable price, and more support from major games. The improvements are already there from previous headsets, just takes a bit more time to get to their final form.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on June 07, 2023, 12:58:35 PM
Quote from: DavidW on June 07, 2023, 06:30:51 AMBy the time they have a mainstream (affordable) solution, perhaps they will be ordinary glasses or contacts.  But I'm the type of guy that keeps my phone in one part of the house (as if it was a landline!) instead of my pocket, so even then I'm not the intended consumer! :D
That's great mobile phone discipline!
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on June 08, 2023, 04:39:35 AM
Revised figures set to show eurozone economy is shrinking

Eurostat data out Thursday could show region contracted in the fourth quarter of 2022 and first three months of this year (https://www.ft.com/content/390ae6ae-4713-421d-b550-b677277b563b%60)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on June 09, 2023, 04:30:21 AM
India rebukes Canada over parade float showing assassination of Indira Gandhi (https://www.reuters.com/world/india/india-rebukes-canada-over-parade-float-showing-assassination-indira-gandhi-2023-06-08/)

O Canada!
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: BWV 1080 on June 09, 2023, 07:41:54 PM
Anyone remember how we supposedly needed Net Neutrality to keep the internet alive?  Didn't think so

https://itif.org/publications/2023/06/09/five-years-later-benefits-show-the-fccs-restoring-the-internet-freedom-order-was-the-right-move/
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on June 10, 2023, 09:04:24 AM
A couple who dated in the 1950s and lost touch are reunited 63 years later. (https://news.join1440.com/t/j-l-ehtfil-dkotkhlz-yh/)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on June 10, 2023, 09:06:07 AM
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on June 10, 2023, 09:11:28 AM
Quote from: Karl Henning on June 10, 2023, 09:04:24 AMA couple who dated in the 1950s and lost touch are reunited 63 years later. (https://news.join1440.com/t/j-l-ehtfil-dkotkhlz-yh/)
Really, really sweet story!  :)

PD
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: LKB on June 11, 2023, 08:57:25 AM
Meanwhile...

https://www.newsnationnow.com/space/military-whistleblowe-us-ufo-retrieval-program/

One of those " looney UFO stories " which, on the face of it, may seem little different than other claims made in the past. But this man's credentials have been verified, meaning that he is potentially risking his job by speaking to the media.

I have a personal interest based on family history, so I'll keep track of this story as it develops ( or fails to... ).

Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Spotted Horses on June 12, 2023, 05:25:24 AM
Quote from: LKB on June 11, 2023, 08:57:25 AMMeanwhile...

https://www.newsnationnow.com/space/military-whistleblowe-us-ufo-retrieval-program/

One of those " looney UFO stories " which, on the face of it, may seem little different than other claims made in the past. But this man's credentials have been verified, meaning that he is potentially risking his job by speaking to the media.

I have a personal interest based on family history, so I'll keep track of this story as it develops ( or fails to... ).

Skimming the article, he indicates that he has not seen any of the data himself, but keeps hearing stories about it from others. Maybe he is a loonie magnet, maybe his colleagues are playing a practical joke on him. I don't know if he will loose his job, but I think he should.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on June 12, 2023, 10:25:59 AM
Casper the Rare White Dolphin — One of Only Three in the World— Appears in California
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on June 12, 2023, 10:34:08 AM
New rule: If you heckle the umpire, you must become the umpire.

Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Dry Brett Kavanaugh on June 12, 2023, 10:56:53 AM
Who Is Jack Smith, the Special Counsel Who Indicted Trump?


https://edition.cnn.com/2023/06/08/politics/jack-smith-classified-documents-special-counsel/index.html

https://www.nytimes.com/2023/06/08/us/politics/jack-smith-special-counsel-trump-indictment.html
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on June 12, 2023, 03:13:20 PM
Quote from: Karl Henning on June 12, 2023, 10:25:59 AMCasper the Rare White Dolphin — One of Only Three in the World— Appears in California
I'll have to look into it.  It's been interesting for me to learn about leucistic birds (which I understand to be partially-white birds, but they are not considered to be albinos).

"A much less common sighting (here or anywhere) is a leucistic Red-tailed Hawk. Leucism is a genetic condition in which parts or all of an animal's body surface lack cells capable of producing any type of pigment. (The word is derived from the Greek word leukos, meaning "white".) You may be familiar with Piebald horses, known for their splotchy "paint" pattern. These horses are actually leucistic!

Leucism is similar to albinism (and frequently mistaken for it), however, albinos lack the ability to create melanin, one specific type of pigment. Leucistic individuals usually have normal eye color, unlike albinos, which generally have red eyes.

Because the frequency of leucism in a given species is dependent on the population size, it's not surprising that there is a relatively high occurrence of leucistic Red-tailed Hawks. (Another frequently-seen leucistic bird is the American Robin.)"

Taken from here:  https://www.nps.gov/chat/blogs/thats-no-snowy-owl-its-a-leucistic-red-tailed-hawk.htm

PD

p.s I wonder how eye color shows anything in terms of the differences (if there are any) in dolphins?

p.p.s Sorry, I was trying to show you a video of a leucistic red-tailed hawk, but not viewable here.  Will try and find a picture.  Here's one (the eye color is normal--though looks to be a bit light to me in my inexpert opinion, but it's not red). 

(https://i.pinimg.com/originals/9c/d3/70/9cd370d7cdee89fbd44c32affb907d09.jpg)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on June 12, 2023, 03:14:59 PM
Quote from: Karl Henning on June 12, 2023, 10:34:08 AMNew rule: If you heckle the umpire, you must become the umpire.


I had heard about that school (or maybe it was a little league?) which was imposing that punishment.  Upon hearing that, I thought that it was a very clever and smart idea.  And you?

PD
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on June 12, 2023, 04:13:53 PM
Quote from: Pohjolas Daughter on June 12, 2023, 03:14:59 PMI had heard about that school (or maybe it was a little league?) which was imposing that punishment.  Upon hearing that, I thought that it was a very clever and smart idea.  And you?

PD
Very shrewd!
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on June 13, 2023, 12:26:29 PM
I didn't even know that Wheel of Fortune was still on ....

QuotePat Sajak to retire in 2024 as host of "Wheel of Fortune" after 41 years; a replacement for Sajak has not yet been named
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on June 13, 2023, 01:26:39 PM
Pokémon card crime spree hits Japan.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on June 13, 2023, 01:28:38 PM
What Earth would look like one year after human extinction. (https://theconversation.com/if-humans-went-extinct-what-would-the-earth-look-like-one-year-later-199737?utm_source=join1440&utm_medium=email&utm_placement=newsletter)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on June 13, 2023, 02:20:10 PM
Four killer whales seen off coast of Nantucket a 'bucket list item' for researcher (https://www.bostonglobe.com/2023/06/13/metro/four-killer-whales-seen-off-coast-nantucket-bucket-list-item-researcher/)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Dry Brett Kavanaugh on June 13, 2023, 02:53:22 PM
Quote from: Karl Henning on June 13, 2023, 01:28:38 PMWhat Earth would look like one year after human extinction. (https://theconversation.com/if-humans-went-extinct-what-would-the-earth-look-like-one-year-later-199737?utm_source=join1440&utm_medium=email&utm_placement=newsletter)


Immanuel Kant indicated that the three dimensional space and unidimensional time is our cerebral, perceptual framework rather than real, physical entity. He suggested that when all humans- perceivers of this phenomenal world- went extinct, there won't be this world. Strictly speaking, he indicates that this world as we know based on time, space, sound, shapes, colors, etc., haven't been existent in the first place.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on June 14, 2023, 04:08:17 AM
How CNN broke the news from Trump's arraignment despite a courtroom ban on electronics:

https://www.cnn.com/2023/06/13/media/cnn-trump-arraignment-reliable-sources/index.html

Quite clever I thought.

PD
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on June 14, 2023, 05:50:56 AM
Quote from: Pohjolas Daughter on June 14, 2023, 04:08:17 AMHow CNN broke the news from Trump's arraignment despite a courtroom ban on electronics:

https://www.cnn.com/2023/06/13/media/cnn-trump-arraignment-reliable-sources/index.html

Quite clever I thought.

PD
A much better look for CNN than a certain event in The Granite State.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Spotted Horses on June 14, 2023, 09:32:43 AM
Quote from: Dry Brett Kavanaugh on June 13, 2023, 02:53:22 PMImmanuel Kant indicated that the three dimensional space and unidimensional time is our cerebral, perceptual framework rather than real, physical entity. He suggested that when all humans- perceivers of this phenomenal world- went extinct, there won't be this world. Strictly speaking, he indicates that this world as we know based on time, space, sound, shapes, colors, etc., haven't been existent in the first place.

True to some extent, but goes way too far. Color is tied to human physiology, there seem to be three primary colors because our eyes have color receptors with three distinct absorption profiles. But you can measure wavelength of light with scientific instrument and predict what color will be perceived. Other animals have different color receptors, but we can't ask them what colors look like. We can predict what colors they would be able to distinguish, however. Sound, likewise does not manifest itself to our conscious mind without complex pre-processing. But three dimensional geometry (four dimensional if you include time) is an abstract system that was created to model physical reality. If I have vector, I can only reach points that lie along a line. If I have two vectors (North and East, say) I can get anywhere on a plane. But there are points I cannot reach. If I have a third independent vector (up) I can get to anywhere in space. I can't find a forth vector that is not a combination of the first three vectors, it doesn't open up any new space. The fact that everyone experiences this seems to lead to the conclusion that the model describes something that has an independent existence.

Of course, if there are no conscious beings to form mental models of physical reality, the physical reality will simply exist without anyone or anything being aware of it.

Not to long ago I was reading a book by Bertrand Russell (The Problems of Philosophy) in which he addresses the point of view that Kant espouses. I didn't get very far into the book because I've past the time of life where philosophical treatises seem worth reading.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on June 14, 2023, 09:49:19 AM
Massachusetts is the third most expensive state in the US to rent a home, new study says (https://www.bostonglobe.com/2023/06/14/business/income-to-afford-2-bedroom-apartment-in-massachusetts/)
You now need to earn more than $40 an hour to afford the typical two-bedroom apartment in Mass. (https://www.bostonglobe.com/2023/06/14/business/income-to-afford-2-bedroom-apartment-in-massachusetts/)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Spotted Horses on June 14, 2023, 10:19:19 AM
Quote from: Karl Henning on June 14, 2023, 09:49:19 AMMassachusetts is the third most expensive state in the US to rent a home, new study says (https://www.bostonglobe.com/2023/06/14/business/income-to-afford-2-bedroom-apartment-in-massachusetts/)
You now need to earn more than $40 an hour to afford the typical two-bedroom apartment in Mass. (https://www.bostonglobe.com/2023/06/14/business/income-to-afford-2-bedroom-apartment-in-massachusetts/)

As I read in an article somewhere, all of the various crises facing Americans blend into an "affordability crisis" where the cost of staples of life outstrips increase in typical income. Sure, you can get a phone with computational power that would probably outstrip the combined computational power of all computers in the world in 1965 and could be claimed to be worth billions of dollars in 1965. If only you could go back in time and sell it to Lyndon Johnson and use the billions of dollars to cover your rent.

Crudely, I would attribute it to the fact that the U.S. economy has reconfigured itself to direct a higher and higher fraction of wealth to the ultra-rich at the expense of rank and file wage and salary earners. It has to do with policy (the evisceration of anti-trust enforcement and business regulation which increasely favors large companies) and technology (tech companies like UBER, Amazon, Facebook, Apple) who sucked up commerce that would have gone to medium sized and small business. Letting it happen is a choice our country has made.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on June 14, 2023, 10:26:07 AM
Quote from: Spotted Horses on June 14, 2023, 10:19:19 AMAs I read in an article somewhere, all of the various crises facing Americans blend into an "affordability crisis" where the cost of staples of life outstrips increase in typical income. Sure, you can get a phone with computational power that would probably outstrip the combined computational power of all computers in the world in 1965 and could be claimed to be worth billions of dollars in 1965. If only you could go back in time and sell it to Lyndon Johnson and use the billions of dollars to cover your rent.

Crudely, I would attribute it to the fact that the U.S. economy has reconfigured itself to direct a higher and higher fraction of wealth to the ultra-rich at the expense of rank and file wage and salary earners. It has to do with policy (the evisceration of anti-trust enforcement and business regulation which increasely favors large companies) and technology (tech companies like UBER, Amazon, Facebook, Apple) who sucked up commerce that would have gone to medium sized and small business. Letting it happen is a choice our country has made.
I find this fairly persuasive.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: BWV 1080 on June 14, 2023, 12:48:07 PM
Quote from: Spotted Horses on June 14, 2023, 10:19:19 AMAs I read in an article somewhere, all of the various crises facing Americans blend into an "affordability crisis" where the cost of staples of life outstrips increase in typical income. Sure, you can get a phone with computational power that would probably outstrip the combined computational power of all computers in the world in 1965 and could be claimed to be worth billions of dollars in 1965. If only you could go back in time and sell it to Lyndon Johnson and use the billions of dollars to cover your rent.

Crudely, I would attribute it to the fact that the U.S. economy has reconfigured itself to direct a higher and higher fraction of wealth to the ultra-rich at the expense of rank and file wage and salary earners. It has to do with policy (the evisceration of anti-trust enforcement and business regulation which increasely favors large companies) and technology (tech companies like UBER, Amazon, Facebook, Apple) who sucked up commerce that would have gone to medium sized and small business. Letting it happen is a choice our country has made.

How difficult is it to build new housing in MA compared to LBJ's day?  Most blue cities have severely restricted middle income housing, to the point the state government now has to force multifamily zoning

https://www.boston.com/news/the-boston-globe/2022/12/04/massachusetts-ambitious-housing-law-enforcement/
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: drogulus on June 14, 2023, 01:39:47 PM

     (https://ritholtz.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/yoy-CPI-768x609.png)

     Don't travel and already own a house.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Dry Brett Kavanaugh on June 14, 2023, 04:16:00 PM
Quote from: Karl Henning on June 13, 2023, 01:28:38 PMWhat Earth would look like one year after human extinction. (https://theconversation.com/if-humans-went-extinct-what-would-the-earth-look-like-one-year-later-199737?utm_source=join1440&utm_medium=email&utm_placement=newsletter)


The Conversation is one of my favorite websites. I'd like to recommend the Scientific American as well.

https://www.scientificamerican.com/
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: AnotherSpin on June 14, 2023, 07:15:50 PM
Quote from: Spotted Horses on June 14, 2023, 09:32:43 AMTrue to some extent, but goes way too far. Color is tied to human physiology, there seem to be three primary colors because our eyes have color receptors with three distinct absorption profiles. But you can measure wavelength of light with scientific instrument and predict what color will be perceived. Other animals have different color receptors, but we can't ask them what colors look like. We can predict what colors they would be able to distinguish, however. Sound, likewise does not manifest itself to our conscious mind without complex pre-processing. But three dimensional geometry (four dimensional if you include time) is an abstract system that was created to model physical reality. If I have vector, I can only reach points that lie along a line. If I have two vectors (North and East, say) I can get anywhere on a plane. But there are points I cannot reach. If I have a third independent vector (up) I can get to anywhere in space. I can't find a forth vector that is not a combination of the first three vectors, it doesn't open up any new space. The fact that everyone experiences this seems to lead to the conclusion that the model describes something that has an independent existence.

Of course, if there are no conscious beings to form mental models of physical reality, the physical reality will simply exist without anyone or anything being aware of it.

Not to long ago I was reading a book by Bertrand Russell (The Problems of Philosophy) in which he addresses the point of view that Kant espouses. I didn't get very far into the book because I've past the time of life where philosophical treatises seem worth reading.

You have an idea of 'red', but you don't see exactly the same red colour in different objects. Moreover, the colour of a separate object changes infinitely with changes in external factors such as lighting or angle of view.

As long as you perceive certain objects, they are in your knowing. As soon as you stop perceiving them, the objects cease to exist for you, and you have no way to verify whether they continue to exist regardless of your perception. You may think they continue to exist, but the thought of the object and the object itself are not the same.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on June 15, 2023, 10:03:45 AM
I was today years old when I learnt that Saturn has 146 moons.
QuoteOne of Saturn's 146 moons harbors the fundamental elements required for the development of organic life, according to new data from NASA published yesterday. The discovery was made on Enceladus, an Arizona-sized lunar body with a salty subsurface ocean.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on June 15, 2023, 10:06:05 AM
"Twitter sued for $250M by music publishers over alleged copyright infringement; Twitter is only major social media platform without a music licensing deal."
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on June 15, 2023, 10:09:41 AM
Edgar Allan Poe, white courtesy telephone, please:
"Woman declared dead in Ecuador wakes up during wake."
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Mapman on June 15, 2023, 11:37:20 AM
Quote from: Karl Henning on June 15, 2023, 10:03:45 AMI was today years old when I learnt that Saturn has 146 moons.

I just learned that too (because of your post)! The discovery of over 60 of them was only announced last month. https://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.3847/2515-5172/acd766 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moons_of_Saturn
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on June 15, 2023, 12:18:54 PM
Quote from: Mapman on June 15, 2023, 11:37:20 AMI just learned that too (because of your post)! The discovery of over 60 of them was only announced last month. https://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.3847/2515-5172/acd766 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moons_of_Saturn
Every minute is lunar.   :)

PD
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: BWV 1080 on June 15, 2023, 05:05:59 PM
Look, I'm not psycho. I know she's a doll.  Right, Ellie? (https://www.chron.com/news/houston-texas/article/houston-sex-doll-body-found-18153853.php)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: SimonNZ on June 17, 2023, 05:01:08 PM
A rock slide threatened to crush this Swiss village. It missed by just a few metres (https://www.cbc.ca/radio/asithappens/brienz-swiss-rock-slide-1.6879340)

(https://i.cbc.ca/1.6879367.1686937810!/cpImage/httpImage/image.jpg_gen/derivatives/16x9_780/switzerland-rockslide.jpg)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on June 17, 2023, 05:41:06 PM
Quote from: SimonNZ on June 17, 2023, 05:01:08 PMA rock slide threatened to crush this Swiss village. It missed by just a few metres (https://www.cbc.ca/radio/asithappens/brienz-swiss-rock-slide-1.6879340)

(https://i.cbc.ca/1.6879367.1686937810!/cpImage/httpImage/image.jpg_gen/derivatives/16x9_780/switzerland-rockslide.jpg)
I've read several articles about the danger and the evacuation.  From what I understand, there's still more danger up above.  :(  Think that it was a BBC article...I'll try and find it.  In any event, they are still not safe.  :(

PD
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on June 18, 2023, 05:41:35 AM
The Next Global Superpower Isn't Who You Think

What happens when the world is no longer unipolar, bipolar, or even multipolar? (https://foreignpolicy.com/2023/06/17/china-russia-us-multipolar-world-technology/)


Quote from: Ian BremmerBut there's a third, rapidly emerging order that will soon have more influence than the others: the digital order. There, unlike every other geopolitical order past and present, the dominant actors setting rules and exerting power aren't governments but technology companies...

Tech companies even define our identities. We used to wonder whether human behavior was primarily the result of nature or nurture. No longer. Today, it's nature, nurture, and algorithm...

If the tech companies stick with global growth strategies, refusing to align with governments and preserving the existing divide between the physical and digital fields of competition, then we'll see a new globalization: a globalized digital order. Tech companies will remain sovereign in the digital space, competing largely with each other for profits—and with governments for geopolitical power, much in the same way that major state actors presently jockey for influence in the space where the economic and security orders overlap...

But if the digital space itself becomes the most important arena of great-power competition, with the power of governments continuing to erode relative to the power of tech companies, then the digital order itself will become the dominant global order. If that happens, we'll have a post-Westphalian world—a technopolar order dominated by tech companies as the central players in 21st-century geopolitics.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on June 18, 2023, 05:55:24 AM
Quote from: SimonNZ on June 17, 2023, 05:01:08 PMA rock slide threatened to crush this Swiss village. It missed by just a few metres (https://www.cbc.ca/radio/asithappens/brienz-swiss-rock-slide-1.6879340)

(https://i.cbc.ca/1.6879367.1686937810!/cpImage/httpImage/image.jpg_gen/derivatives/16x9_780/switzerland-rockslide.jpg)
From a BBC article:  "There is up to a million cubic metres of loose rock still on the mountain above."  :(  https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-65926381

Drought in Spain forces flamingos to find a new home.

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-65938869.amp

PD
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Spotted Horses on June 18, 2023, 07:16:17 AM
Quote from: SimonNZ on June 17, 2023, 05:01:08 PMA rock slide threatened to crush this Swiss village. It missed by just a few metres (https://www.cbc.ca/radio/asithappens/brienz-swiss-rock-slide-1.6879340)

(https://i.cbc.ca/1.6879367.1686937810!/cpImage/httpImage/image.jpg_gen/derivatives/16x9_780/switzerland-rockslide.jpg)

There are disasters of that type that were man made, collapse of colliery spoil tips.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aberfan_disaster
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on June 18, 2023, 10:00:01 AM
Quote from: Spotted Horses on June 18, 2023, 07:16:17 AMThere are disasters of that type that were man made, collapse of colliery spoil tips.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aberfan_disaster

I remember reading about some of those.  :(

PD
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Spotted Horses on June 20, 2023, 07:49:58 AM
Billionaires lost at sea.

https://www.bbc.com/news/live/world-us-canada-65953941


Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on June 20, 2023, 07:58:32 AM
Quote from: Spotted Horses on June 20, 2023, 07:49:58 AMBillionaires lost at sea.

https://www.bbc.com/news/live/world-us-canada-65953941



Maybe they're on Gilligan's Isle.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Spotted Horses on June 20, 2023, 08:04:58 AM
Quote from: Karl Henning on June 20, 2023, 07:58:32 AMMaybe they're on Gilligan's Isle.

Probably they've become an appendix to the Titanic wreckage.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on June 20, 2023, 11:36:23 AM
I feel for them--and their families.  From what I've read and heard, they sound like intelligent and forward-thinking and philanthropic people who loved to explore (thinking of Hamish Harding in particular re exploring).  I hope that they find them and in time.

The odds aren't very good though.  From what I understand, even if the vessel did make it back to the surface, it's:  small, and not easy to locate detect, and they can't open it from the inside.

PD
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Spotted Horses on June 20, 2023, 09:15:39 PM
Quote from: Pohjolas Daughter on June 20, 2023, 11:36:23 AMI feel for them--and their families.  From what I've read and heard, they sound like intelligent and forward-thinking and philanthropic people who loved to explore (thinking of Hamish Harding in particular re exploring).  I hope that they find them and in time.

The odds aren't very good though.  From what I understand, even if the vessel did make it back to the surface, it's:  small, and not easy to locate detect, and they can't open it from the inside.

PD


Yes, crammed into that claustrophobic cylinder must be one of the more unpleasant ways to meet your end.

I find it surprising that all of the news media is sticking to the narrative that the passengers are huddled in a disabled capsule, hoping to be rescued before their oxygen runs out. Yes, it could have suffered a mechanical failure and lost power. But there has been no mention of what I would consider the more likely scenario. It is extremely difficult to build a craft that can withstand the high pressure at the depth of the Titanic. There could have been a structural failure that would cause it to be crushed, or to flood. That strikes me as a quicker, more merciful way to go.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on June 21, 2023, 12:10:37 AM
Quote from: Spotted Horses on June 20, 2023, 09:15:39 PMYes, crammed into that claustrophobic cylinder must be one of the more unpleasant ways to meet your end.

I find it surprising that all of the news media is sticking to the narrative that the passengers are huddled in a disabled capsule, hoping to be rescued before their oxygen runs out. Yes, it could have suffered a mechanical failure and lost power. But there has been no mention of what I would consider the more likely scenario. It is extremely difficult to build a craft that can withstand the high pressure at the depth of the Titanic. There could have been a structural failure that would cause it to be crushed, or to flood. That strikes me as a quicker, more merciful way to go.
I thought of that initially too (re implosion).  At least one news outlet (BBC) reported also that back in 2018 one of the engineers brought up safety design issues and apparently was fired for doing so (leading to lawsuits in both directions before being settled out of court).

Good news is:  they've detected repeated banging sounds (every 30 minutes).  Hopefully the sounds are coming from the sub AND that they can find it and retrieve it in time.  There's still hope!

PD
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on June 21, 2023, 06:06:27 AM
Just read some more background information about the development of the Titan and perhaps also some misinformation and/or misrepresentation of the facts (including things like how thick the hull was supposed to be, testing--what was or wasn't done and by whom).  It's on CNN's website.  https://www.cnn.com/2023/06/21/us/titan-sub-safety-oceangate-employees/index.html

Time is running out.

PD
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on June 21, 2023, 08:40:50 AM
Quote from: Spotted Horses on June 20, 2023, 08:04:58 AMProbably they've become an appendix to the Titanic wreckage.
Titanic submersible CEO had spoken about worry of vessel not surfacing
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Spotted Horses on June 21, 2023, 09:10:59 AM
Quote from: Pohjolas Daughter on June 21, 2023, 06:06:27 AMJust read some more background information about the development of the Titan and perhaps also some misinformation and/or misrepresentation of the facts (including things like how thick the hull was supposed to be, testing--what was or wasn't done and by whom).  It's on CNN's website.  https://www.cnn.com/2023/06/21/us/titan-sub-safety-oceangate-employees/index.html

Time is running out.

PD

It is a one of a kind vehicle and by definition untested. For a manufactured product a prototype would be tested until it actually fails, and that information used to set a limit as to how much stress it can take. Then you know you have to take it out of service before it approaches that limit. They tested the actual ship multiple times to the design depth. They could have been a hairs width from failure and not known it, or the testing could have caused material fatigue that resulted in subsequent failure.

The guy in charge belongs in prison, except he's probably done for.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on June 21, 2023, 09:58:26 AM
Operation is still 'search-and-rescue mission,' official says — 1:18 p.m.
By Amanda Kaufman, Globe Staff

The search for the missing submersible in the North Atlantic is "100 percent" still a "search-and-rescue mission," said Captain Jamie Frederick, the First Coast Guard District response coordinator.

"When you're in the middle of a search-and-rescue case, you always have hope," Frederick said.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Florestan on June 21, 2023, 10:00:12 AM
Let's pray and/or hope they will be rescued.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on June 21, 2023, 10:20:43 AM
Quote from: Spotted Horses on June 21, 2023, 09:10:59 AMIt is a one of a kind vehicle and by definition untested. For a manufactured product a prototype would be tested until it actually fails, and that information used to set a limit as to how much stress it can take. Then you know you have to take it out of service before it approaches that limit. They tested the actual ship multiple times to the design depth. They could have been a hairs width from failure and not known it, or the testing could have caused material fatigue that resulted in subsequent failure.

The guy in charge belongs in prison, except he's probably done for.
This is one of the bits of news that I found to be interesting from that CNN article (There are more there.):




2 former OceanGate employees voiced safety concerns years ago about the hull of the now-missing vessel

Celina Tebor
By Celina Tebor, CNN
Updated 11:16 AM EDT, Wed June 21, 2023





Deep-sea explorer breaks down what banging sound could mean
01:58 - Source: CNN
CNN

Two former OceanGate employees separately voiced similar safety concerns about the thickness of the now-missing Titan submersible's hull when they were employed by the company years ago, and a statement from a research lab appears to show conflicting information about the engineering and testing that went into the development of the vessel.

David Lochridge, the company's former director of marine operations, claimed in a court filing he was wrongfully terminated in 2018 for raising concerns about the safety and testing of the Titan, which vanished Sunday with five people on board during a trip to view the wreckage of the Titanic.

FILE - This undated photo provided by OceanGate Expeditions in June 2021 shows the company's Titan submersible. On Monday, June 19, 2023, a rescue operation was underway deep in the Atlantic Ocean in search of the technologically advanced submersible vessel carrying five people to document the wreckage of the Titanic, the iconic ocean liner that sank more than a century earlier. (OceanGate Expeditions via AP, File)
Search crews heard banging sounds while scouring the Atlantic for a manned submersible now running out of oxygen
Details about Lochridge and another former employee's concerns come as officials scour a swath of ocean about 900 miles east of Cape Cod, Massachusetts, racing to locate the submersible and rescue the crew inside. If the vessel is intact, they have a dwindling supply of oxygen, with perhaps less than a day of breathable air as of early Wednesday, based on a US Coast Guard officials' estimate.

Lochridge worked as an independent contractor for OceanGate in 2015, then as an employee between 2016 and 2018, according to court filings.

The company terminated his employment and sued Lochridge and his wife in 2018, claiming he shared confidential information, misappropriated trade secrets and used the company for immigration assistance then manufactured a reason to be fired. The lawsuit noted Lochridge is not an engineer, calling him a submersible pilot and a diver.

Lochridge said in a countersuit he was tasked by Stockton Rush – OceanGate's CEO, who is among the five onboard the Titan – to perform an inspection of the submersible.

Lochridge brought up concerns that no non-destructive testing had been performed on the Titan's hull to check for "delaminations, porosity and voids of sufficient adhesion of the glue being used due to the thickness of the hull," the suit says. When Lochridge raised the issue, it says, he was told no equipment existed to perform such a test.

The lawsuit was settled and dismissed in November 2018. The terms of the settlement were not disclosed, and Lochridge could not be reached for comment.

Court filings from the company indicate there was additional testing after Lochridge's time at OceanGate, and it's unclear whether any of his concerns were addressed as the vessel was developed.

Another former OceanGate employee who worked briefly for the company during the same time period as Lochridge had similar concerns, he said, speaking to CNN on the condition of anonymity because he is not authorized to speak publicly.

The former employee became concerned when the carbon fiber hull of the Titan arrived, he said, echoing Lochridge's concerns about its thickness and adhesion in his conversation with CNN. The hull had only been built to five inches thick, he said, telling CNN company engineers told him they had expected it to be seven inches thick.

The former employee worked at the submersible company for two and a half months in 2017; he was an operations technician who assisted with towing submersibles out into the ocean and preparing them for the diving operation.

He said more concerns were raised by contractors and employees during his time at OceanGate, and Rush became defensive and shied away from answering questions during all-staff meetings. When the former employee raised concerns directly to Rush that OceanGate could potentially be violating a US law relating to Coast Guard inspections, the CEO outright dismissed them, the former employee said, and that's when he resigned.

CNN has reached out to OceanGate for comment.

OceanGate touted safety features of Titan in 2021 court filing
In a 2021 court filing, OceanGate's legal representative touted the specs and a hull monitoring system built into the Titan that he called "an unparalleled safety feature." The legal representative informed the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia – the court that oversees matters having to do with the Titanic – of the company's expedition plans at the time.

The filing lays out the Titan's testing details and its specifications, including that it had undergone more than 50 test dives and detailing its five-inch-thick carbon fiber and titanium hull.

The filing says OceanGate's vessel was the result of over eight years of work, including "detailed engineering and development work under a company issued $5 million contract to the University of Washington's Applied Physics Laboratory."

A file photo shows the RMS Titanic shipwreck from a viewport of an OceanGate Expeditions submersible.
Yes, Titanic tourism is a thing, and it's dangerous
But according to the University of Washington, the laboratory never dealt with design or engineering for OceanGate's Titan vessel.

The lab's expertise involved "only shallow water implementation," and "the Laboratory was not involved in the design, engineering or testing of the TITAN submersible used in the RMS TITANIC expedition," Kevin Williams, the executive director of UW's Applied Physics Laboratory, said in a statement to CNN.


PD
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on June 22, 2023, 04:58:43 AM
US approves chicken made from cultivated cells, the nation's first 'lab-grown' meat (https://apnews.com/article/cultivated-meat-lab-grown-cell-based-a88ab8e0241712b501aa191cdbf6b39a)

This will revolutionize the McNugget market.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on June 22, 2023, 05:05:16 AM
Quote from: Todd on June 22, 2023, 04:58:43 AMUS approves chicken made from cultivated cells, the nation's first 'lab-grown' meat (https://apnews.com/article/cultivated-meat-lab-grown-cell-based-a88ab8e0241712b501aa191cdbf6b39a)

This will revolutionize the McNugget market.
I heard about the chicken this morning.

I haven't even tried things like fake beef substitutes.

PD
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on June 22, 2023, 06:51:11 AM
Quote from: Pohjolas Daughter on June 22, 2023, 05:05:16 AMI heard about the chicken this morning.

I haven't even tried things like fake beef substitutes.

PD

Nor me.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: BWV 1080 on June 22, 2023, 07:23:02 AM
Quote from: Todd on June 22, 2023, 04:58:43 AMUS approves chicken made from cultivated cells, the nation's first 'lab-grown' meat (https://apnews.com/article/cultivated-meat-lab-grown-cell-based-a88ab8e0241712b501aa191cdbf6b39a)

This will revolutionize the McNugget market.

Sort of stupid, $20/pound for chicken, which is already the most efficient grain + water to protein conversion - could not find the conversion ratio for this product

(https://ourworldindata.org/grapher/exports/protein-efficiency-of-meat-and-dairy-production.svg)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: DavidW on June 22, 2023, 07:33:43 AM
I hope they find the submersible today.  I wouldn't want to die like that.  It was literally the first thing I did when I woke up was check the news.

In other news the search for Julian Sands started up again.  If you recall, he was lost when hiking around Mt. Baldy.  That was several months ago, I think it is clear that they are just searching for his body now.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on June 22, 2023, 07:42:42 AM
Quote from: BWV 1080 on June 22, 2023, 07:23:02 AMSort of stupid, $20/pound for chicken, which is already the most efficient grain + water to protein conversion - could not find the conversion ratio for this product

(https://ourworldindata.org/grapher/exports/protein-efficiency-of-meat-and-dairy-production.svg)
Wow!  That's expensive!  I imagine that they are hoping that they can get the cost down if/as(?) it catches on.

Just heard that Juliet won't fit on the US aircraft, so they've had to offload it and are now awaiting a different US aircraft.

Seems like there have been a number of unnecessary delays in terms of 1) Asking for help initially by OceanGate, and 2) Accepting outside help by companies like Magellan?  Lots of confusion as to who was asked when and what, if any, hoops they had to jump through to be able to help in the search.

Then there's the actual logistics to figure in--as in you can't suddenly get huge ships and equipment from Point A to Point B instantaneously.  Plus time to coordinate efforts, the distance from shore, etc., etc.

I'm sure that there will be lots of questions asked in the enquiry afterwards.  In the meantime, one can still hope.

PD
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on June 22, 2023, 07:46:01 AM
Quote from: DavidW on June 22, 2023, 07:33:43 AMI hope they find the submersible today.  I wouldn't want to die like that.  It was literally the first thing I did when I woke up was check the news.

In other news the search for Julian Sands started up again.  If you recall, he was lost when hiking around Mt. Baldy.  That was several months ago, I think it is clear that they are just searching for his body now.
Ditto re finding them alive.

Sad news about Julian Sands.  I lost track of the news about his disappearance.  From what I recall reading last, the weather had been so bad that they had to stop looking for him (snow).  :(

PD
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on June 22, 2023, 07:59:47 AM
Dutch unveil 4,000-year-old 'Stonehenge'-like discovery (https://phys.org/news/2023-06-dutch-unveil-year-old-stonehenge-like-discovery.html?utm_source=join1440&utm_medium=email&utm_placement=newsletter)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on June 22, 2023, 08:00:28 AM
I just heard that a debris field was found by an ROV (live on BBC news).  They (the US Coastguard) is evaluating it. 

PD
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on June 22, 2023, 08:01:19 AM
Quote from: Karl Henning on June 22, 2023, 07:59:47 AMDutch unveil 4,000-year-old 'Stonehenge'-like discovery (https://phys.org/news/2023-06-dutch-unveil-year-old-stonehenge-like-discovery.html?utm_source=join1440&utm_medium=email&utm_placement=newsletter)
Neat!  I'll have to check out your link.

PD
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Spotted Horses on June 22, 2023, 08:24:56 AM
Quote from: DavidW on June 22, 2023, 07:33:43 AMI hope they find the submersible today.  I wouldn't want to die like that.  It was literally the first thing I did when I woke up was check the news.

The accounts of the rescue efforts are so strange. First they were searching an area the size of Connecticut, now they say they are searching and area twice the size of Connecticut. (How did a "Connecticut" become a unit of area?) A passenger on a previous mission said at the start of the trip "you drop like a stone for two hours." The thing sends a ping every 15 minutes, and the last ping received was 1 hour 45 minutes. Isn't the obvious place to look directly under the deployment ship, on the sea bed near the Titanic wreckage? (Probably they don't have anything available that can go that deep.) I guess if it was neutrally buoyant it might drift with ocean currents, but neutral buoyancy is difficult to achieve, most objects either sink or float and this thing was sinking when they lost contact.

Note added: Multiple news outlets are now reporting a debris field has been found near the Titanic Wreckage.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on June 22, 2023, 09:30:35 AM
Quote from: Spotted Horses on June 22, 2023, 08:24:56 AMFirst they were searching an area the size of Connecticut, now they say they are searching and area twice the size of Connecticut. (How did a "Connecticut" become a unit of area?)
I don't propose it as general coinage, but it's a reasonable referent in New England, anyway. 🐠

Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on June 22, 2023, 09:53:51 AM
Not official yet:  BBC reported several minutes ago that the president of the explorers' club said that they found the landing frame and the rear cover of the submersible.  If true, I would be shocked that he would announce that before the Coastguard (and others involved) had their news conference.  Hope that the families heard the news first!

PD

p.s.  Press conference to be in about 90 minutes.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Spotted Horses on June 22, 2023, 11:52:59 AM
Apparently a Canadian ROV discovered the debris field, in which recognizable parts of the lost vessel were identified.

To give some perspective, the pressure at depth 3000 meters is about 30 million Pa, or about 4500 psi. That's about 300 times atmospheric pressure.

Another way to think of it, the craft has to support the weight of the column of water above it. From the looks of it, the craft had a cross-sectional area of about 4 square meters. The roof of the craft was holding up about 12 million kg of water. That's a weight of about 26 million pounds. If the structure fails, that's the weight bearing down on the crew. 
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on June 22, 2023, 11:54:02 AM
Horrible catastrophe.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: BWV 1080 on June 22, 2023, 12:10:25 PM
Quote from: Karl Henning on June 22, 2023, 11:54:02 AMHorrible catastrophe.

Although at this point, past the O2 supply, a mercy perhaps.

Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Spotted Horses on June 22, 2023, 12:12:22 PM
Quote from: Karl Henning on June 22, 2023, 11:54:02 AMHorrible catastrophe.

I will be condemned as cynical, but last week a ship containing between 400 and 700 migrants fleeing war-torn countries in the middle east sank in the Mediterranean, with only 98 recovered alive. Most drowned below deck. You will need an adjective way beyond "horrible" to describe that.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on June 22, 2023, 12:27:57 PM
Quote from: BWV 1080 on June 22, 2023, 12:10:25 PMAlthough at this point, past the O2 supply, a mercy perhaps.


Yes.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on June 22, 2023, 12:29:03 PM
Quote from: Spotted Horses on June 22, 2023, 12:12:22 PMI will be condemned as cynical, but last week a ship containing between 400 and 700 migrants fleeing war-torn countries in the middle east sank in the Mediterranean, with only 98 recovered alive. Most drowned below deck. You will need an adjective way beyond "horrible" to describe that.
You are sadly correct, friend. 
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: BWV 1080 on June 22, 2023, 12:46:09 PM
Quote from: Spotted Horses on June 22, 2023, 12:12:22 PMI will be condemned as cynical, but last week a ship containing between 400 and 700 migrants fleeing war-torn countries in the middle east sank in the Mediterranean, with only 98 recovered alive. Most drowned below deck. You will need an adjective way beyond "horrible" to describe that.

And worse than that every day in Ukraine, Sudan and far too many other places.  If these people had gone down in a private plane, we would never have heard about it. 
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Spotted Horses on June 22, 2023, 01:11:44 PM
Quote from: BWV 1080 on June 22, 2023, 12:46:09 PMIf these people had gone down in a private plane, we would never have heard about it. 

...unless John John was at the controls. :(
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: T. D. on June 22, 2023, 02:14:28 PM
This story was also in the NY Times, but I'm totally paywalled there.

https://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/vegan-landlord-flat-rent-tenants-meat-b2360641.html

Landlord's listing for two Brooklyn apartments has gone viral over request that tenants do not cook meat or fish in the building
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Dry Brett Kavanaugh on June 22, 2023, 02:36:33 PM
The USA federal gov (FTC) accuses Amazon of deceiving customers with Prime subscription sign-up, etc.

https://thehill.com/policy/technology/4060293-ftc-amazon-deceiving-customers-prime-subscription-sign-up-cancellation/
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on June 22, 2023, 02:44:02 PM
Quote from: Spotted Horses on June 22, 2023, 12:12:22 PMI will be condemned as cynical, but last week a ship containing between 400 and 700 migrants fleeing war-torn countries in the middle east sank in the Mediterranean, with only 98 recovered alive. Most drowned below deck. You will need an adjective way beyond "horrible" to describe that.
I did watch the news...and still am as to who responded and when and differing stories.

PD
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on June 22, 2023, 02:58:22 PM
Quote from: Pohjolas Daughter on June 22, 2023, 08:00:28 AMI just heard that a debris field was found by an ROV (live on BBC news).  They (the US Coastguard) is evaluating it. 

PD




























Quote from: Spotted Horses on June 22, 2023, 11:52:59 AMApparently a Canadian ROV discovered the debris field, in which recognizable parts of the lost vessel were identified.

To give some perspective, the pressure at depth 3000 meters is about 30 million Pa, or about 4500 psi. That's about 300 times atmospheric pressure.

Another way to think of it, the craft has to support the weight of the column of water above it. From the looks of it, the craft had a cross-sectional area of about 4 square meters. The roof of the craft was holding up about 12 million kg of water. That's a weight of about 26 million pounds. If the structure fails, that's the weight bearing down on the crew. 
Yes, I've heard about the pressure.  I'm terribly sorry about the loss of life.  From what I understand, at least it was fast--so fast that they wouldn't have known what was happening to them...nanoseconds.

It seems to me to be smart to let the ROVs explore further.  Perhaps it will help us to understand more about materials and construction?  Maybe not.  I don't know much about implosion but my gut level thoughts are that the families won't be able to retrieve anything in terms of their family's members bodies.  I feel for them.

PD
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Florestan on June 23, 2023, 12:18:27 AM
Quote from: Pohjolas Daughter on June 22, 2023, 02:58:22 PMYes, I've heard about the pressure.  I'm terribly sorry about the loss of life.  From what I understand, at least it was fast--so fast that they wouldn't have known what was happening to them...nanoseconds.

Better this way than the slow and agonizing suffocation. May God rest them in peace --- them and all those unfortunate people that Spotted Horses mentioned.

As for the sub itself, it was operated by way of a Play Station remote controller.  :o
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: T. D. on June 23, 2023, 03:48:55 AM
It appears the craft imploded after only a few hours:

https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2023-06-23/us-navy-detected-titanic-sub-s-catastrophic-implosion-days-ago

An elite US Navy acoustic detection system picked up the sound of a blast from near the debris site only hours after the submersible had deployed, the Wall Street Journal reported on Thursday, citing a statement from a US defense official.

Expect abundant disclosure of the company's disregard for safety. Stories began appearing a few days ago:

https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2023-06-21/titanic-tour-operator-has-faced-questions-on-safety-for-years

[I subscribe to Bloomberg. In case of paywall, try right-clicking and selecting "open link in incognito window" or the like.]
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on June 23, 2023, 05:11:14 AM
Quote from: T. D. on June 23, 2023, 03:48:55 AMIt appears the craft imploded after only a few hours:

https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2023-06-23/us-navy-detected-titanic-sub-s-catastrophic-implosion-days-ago

An elite US Navy acoustic detection system picked up the sound of a blast from near the debris site only hours after the submersible had deployed, the Wall Street Journal reported on Thursday, citing a statement from a US defense official.

Expect abundant disclosure of the company's disregard for safety. Stories began appearing a few days ago:

https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2023-06-21/titanic-tour-operator-has-faced-questions-on-safety-for-years

[I subscribe to Bloomberg. In case of paywall, try right-clicking and selecting "open link in incognito window" or the like.]
I heard or read that earlier (I think late yesterday afternoon??) about the detection of the noise made from the implosion.  The impression that I got was that they weren't able to identify specifically where it came from.

Looks like I'll have to register with Bloomberg to at least get some access.

And, yeah, that company will certainly have some answering to do.  I did also see an article/interview in which someone had stated that OG got around having to be certified by only operating in international waters.

From the BBC website:  'William Kohnen, chairman of the Manned Underwater Vehicles Committee, has told the BBC that regulations for building submersible vessels were "written in blood".

Kohnen wrote a letter raising safety concerns about OceanGate's development of Titan in 2018.

He says OceanGate circumvented certification processes by operating in international waters.'

PD
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: T. D. on June 23, 2023, 05:17:18 AM
You could look for the WSJ story re. US Navy acoustic detection, but my impression is that the WSJ imposes total paywall.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Florestan on June 23, 2023, 05:28:10 AM
I might be alone in this but I think such endeavors are not only extremely dangerous, they are useless. I mean, why is it so important to look at Titanic's wreck at close range? The goddam ship sank long time ago taking more than 1,000 lives down with her. Let her --- and them --- rest in peace on the ocean's bed and let's concentrate on more pressing and contemporary issues. Have we solved all, or even most, of the problems we are facing in the here and the now? Could not all the money, knowledge and time invested in creating that goddam sub have been put to better use?  ;D 
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Spotted Horses on June 23, 2023, 05:43:39 AM
Quote from: Florestan on June 23, 2023, 05:28:10 AMI might be alone in this but I think such endeavors are not only extremely dangerous, they are useless. I mean, why is it so important to look at Titanic's wreck at close range? The goddam ship sank long time ago taking more than 1,000 lives down with her. Let her --- and them --- rest in peace on the ocean's bed and let's concentrate on more pressing and contemporary issues. Have we solved all, or even most, of the problems we are facing in the here and the now? Could not all the money, knowledge and time invested in creating that goddam sub have been put to better use?  ;D 

Quite so. I certainly feel sorry for the loss of life, but I don't see anything admirable in billionaires expending large resources to indulge their ghoulish fantasy of viewing a famous shipwreck where more than 1000 lost their lives. I feel slightly disgusted with myself for indulging my ghoulish desire to read news articles about it.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: T. D. on June 23, 2023, 06:10:47 AM
Quote from: Spotted Horses on June 23, 2023, 05:43:39 AMQuite so. I certainly feel sorry for the loss of life, but I don't see anything admirable in billionaires expending large resources to indulge their ghoulish fantasy of viewing a famous shipwreck where more than 1000 lost their lives. I feel slightly disgusted with myself for indulging my ghoulish desire to read news articles about it.

[Added: No paywall here - https://www.cnn.com/2023/06/21/us/oceangate-expeditions-submersible-titanic/index.html ]

What about the resources expended in the search for the imploded submersible? Had to amount to many millions. Said billionaires should also pay for those.

And the lawsuit drama is beginning (surprise  :o  ):

https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2023-06-23/doomed-submersible-waivers-not-enough-to-ward-off-lawsuits

The passengers killed aboard OceanGate's Titan submersible signed waivers agreeing the trip to the bottom of the Atlantic might result in injury or death. But that may not be enough to protect the company from lawsuits.

The US Coast Guard pronounced the five people aboard the Titan dead after an intensive search turned up debris of the submersible on the ocean floor. Their deaths open OceanGate to potential lawsuits by the families of the passengers, particularly given the warning signs and questions the company faced in recent years. 

While the waivers signed by passengers generally shield a company in cases of negligence, they're less likely to hold up if there's "gross negligence," defined as wanton or reckless conduct affecting the life of another.

"It may well be that the surviving family members are so incredibly wealthy that they don't really care about the money — there are reasons to sue other than to collect damages," said Michael Sturley, a professor of maritime law at the University of Texas.

"They may want to bring a lawsuit in order to get the facts out, to learn what happened to their loved ones," Sturley said. "They may do it because they're angry."



But the company honcho perished in the implosion, and I'm sure the company will turn out to have no significant assets to go after...another surprise. :laugh:
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: DavidW on June 23, 2023, 06:28:05 AM
Quote from: Florestan on June 23, 2023, 05:28:10 AMI might be alone in this but I think such endeavors are not only extremely dangerous, they are useless.

It is actually not dangerous unless you go with a small company that doesn't certify nor stress test their vehicle.  James Cameron had been down to Titanic something like 30+ times, and also the Challenger Deep which is much deeper.  Bob Ballard found the Titanic roughly 40 years ago, and these kind of deep dives have been operated safely since the 1960s.

But I do agree with you that it is useless.  It is just essentially a joy ride.  And we now have a complete digital 3d scan of the wreck.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on June 23, 2023, 06:35:27 AM
Quote from: Florestan on June 23, 2023, 05:28:10 AMI might be alone in this but I think such endeavors are not only extremely dangerous, they are useless. I mean, why is it so important to look at Titanic's wreck at close range?
Fat cat tourism.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on June 23, 2023, 06:45:42 AM
QuoteThe median age of Americans reached an all-time high of 38.9 in 2022, according to data released yesterday from the US Census Bureau. The figure implies half of Americans were younger than 38.9 years last year, while half were older. 

 

The median age is up by 0.2 years from 2021 and is nearly half of the average life expectancy of Americans, which was 76.1 in 2022. The median age in 2000 was 35.3, and in 1980, it was 30 (see chart).

 

The census data also revealed 17 states had a median age above 40 in 2022, with Maine (44.8) and New Hampshire (43.3) leading the group. The states with the lowest median age were Utah (31.9), the District of Columbia (34.8), and Texas (35.5). Hawaii (40.7) saw the largest increase in its median age, up 0.4 years from 2021. No state saw a decrease
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Florestan on June 23, 2023, 11:15:49 AM
Quote from: DavidW on June 23, 2023, 06:28:05 AMIt is actually not dangerous unless you go with a small company that doesn't certify nor stress test their vehicle.  James Cameron had been down to Titanic something like 30+ times, and also the Challenger Deep which is much deeper.  Bob Ballard found the Titanic roughly 40 years ago, and these kind of deep dives have been operated safely since the 1960s.

Fair enough --- but it's my understanding that Paul-Henri Nargeolet had been down to Titanic something like 100+ times (I'm just quoting the media I've been reading), did he really have to go there the 110th time? And (also quoting the media I've been reading) Stockton Rush had been down to Titanic in this very Titan submersible coffin* three times before the catastrophe.

* If they paid me not 250.000 USD, but 2.500.000 USD, I'd have never accepted to take the ride. I mean, come on, folks, something going deep down in the ocean, operated by a Play Station-like remote controller, are you kidding me?  ;D 

QuoteBut I do agree with you that it is useless.  It is just essentially a joy ride.  And we now have a complete digital 3d scan of the wreck.

Yes, I've seen the images today and they are spectacular --- but also a moving, telling and ultimately sinister reminder of the fact that hubris always leads to tragedy. "A ship not even God could sink!" "Oh yeah?", quoth God, "just watch me!"  ;D
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: T. D. on June 23, 2023, 11:55:35 AM
I wonder...what percentage of OceanGate expeditions included CEO Stockton Rush as a passenger?
I wouldn't be surprised if he was on almost every dive. Given how shaky the company appears, he might have participated in order to assure wealthy customers that he had "skin in the game".
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: JBS on June 23, 2023, 12:17:19 PM
I think Nargeolet was there as docent/tour guide. Harding and the Dawoods were the three paying passengers.

As for Harding btw
QuoteHamish Harding (58), a British businessman, aviator, and space tourist.[117][39] He had previously descended into the Mariana Trench, broken the Guinness World Record for a circumnavigation of the Earth, and flew into space in 2022 on Blue Origin NS-21.

[From the Wikipedia page about this incident.
Of course Wikipedia has a page about it already:
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/2023_Titan_submersible_incident

]
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: JBS on June 23, 2023, 12:20:48 PM
Quote from: T. D. on June 23, 2023, 11:55:35 AMI wonder...what percentage of OceanGate expeditions included CEO Stockton Rush as a passenger?
I wouldn't be surprised if he was on almost every dive. Given how shaky the company appears, he might have participated in order to assure wealthy customers that he had "skin in the game".

I think he was the onboard crew.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Florestan on June 23, 2023, 12:29:28 PM
Quote from: JBS on June 23, 2023, 12:17:19 PMthe Dawoods


Apparently, Dawood jr. was greatly reluctant to take the trip and did it only for his father's sake.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on June 24, 2023, 05:54:22 AM
Climate Misalignment

How Development Bank Investments in Industrial Livestock Are at Odds With Their Paris Agreement Commitments (https://foe.org/resources/climate-misalignment/)

Quote from: Freinds of the Earth"Climate Misalignment" documents how MDBs' frameworks for aligning their investments with the Paris Agreement are resulting in misclassification of industrial livestock investments as compatible with the Agreement's mitigation and adaptation goals, and urges development banks to exclude industrial livestock and feed operations from sectors they consider "Paris-aligned."

This report provides some inadvertent chuckles.  Julia Louis-Dreyfus is not only famous but advocates various green causes, as celebrities are wont to do, and has even won awards for her hard work.  The Louis Dreyfus Company is one of the ecovillains cited in this report.  And yes, Ms Louis-Dreyfus derives a portion of her formidable wealth from the evil company one of her ancestors started.  Will she have the moral courage to divest and donate her ill-gotten gains to various ecocharities?  Will she boldly and bravely speak out against the chicanery of the agribusiness giant? 
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on June 24, 2023, 11:13:40 AM
Meet the Man Who Raises Money for the Homeless by Painting Their Portraits (https://www.rd.com/article/painting-homeless-portraits/?utm_source=join1440&utm_medium=email&utm_placement=newsletter)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on June 24, 2023, 05:09:34 PM
Harvard dishonesty expert accused of dishonesty (https://www.ft.com/content/a8c07365-f85d-47a0-98a4-b6f71da697ef)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on June 25, 2023, 02:22:29 AM
Quote from: Karl Henning on June 24, 2023, 11:13:40 AMMeet the Man Who Raises Money for the Homeless by Painting Their Portraits (https://www.rd.com/article/painting-homeless-portraits/?utm_source=join1440&utm_medium=email&utm_placement=newsletter)
Great story!

PD
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on June 25, 2023, 05:50:23 AM
Man trains a chatbot on himself, converses with his digital twin.

Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on June 25, 2023, 05:56:35 AM
Orcas disrupt boat race near Spain in latest display of dangerous, puzzling behavior
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on June 25, 2023, 06:00:22 AM
And, least important yet:

Adults are driving sales of the hottest toy on the market: Squishmallows

First I've heard of them, maybe the last ...?
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: DavidW on June 25, 2023, 07:20:01 AM
Quote from: Karl Henning on June 25, 2023, 06:00:22 AMAnd, least important yet:

Adults are driving sales of the hottest toy on the market: Squishmallows

First I've heard of them, maybe the last ...?

I had to look that one up.  Turns out they are just big plush toys.  I remember as a child when my sister was hospitalized when she came back she got this enormous teddy bear.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: DavidW on June 25, 2023, 12:27:49 PM
Quote from: Lethevich on March 05, 2008, 07:14:50 AMEvery now and again I find a fun news story that doesn't merit its own thread.

Hi all, I'm quoting the original post to please remind everyone that the stories appropriate for this thread are fun stories.  Wars, invasions and politics that is bound to make someone's blood boil in our global community's shouldn't be posted here.

Please, let us make this a fun thread again.  The thread will now be unlocked.  You may find the discussion that had us temporarily locking the thread is preserved in its own thread in the diner. 

Thank you all for your patience.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on June 25, 2023, 12:29:00 PM
Thanks! The Unimportant News Thread is unimportant again.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Dry Brett Kavanaugh on June 25, 2023, 01:09:37 PM
White supremacist renounces his belief after taking MDMA (ecstacy).

https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20230614-how-a-dose-of-mdma-transformed-a-white-supremacist
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: T. D. on June 25, 2023, 01:19:36 PM
Quote from: Dry Brett Kavanaugh on June 25, 2023, 01:09:37 PMWhite supremacist renounces his belief after taking MDMA (ecstacy).

https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20230614-how-a-dose-of-mdma-transformed-a-white-supremacist

I saw that story a few days ago, but am highly sceptical. Wouldn't be surprised if it proves to be a hoax whereby the asshole thinks he "owned the libs".

Meanwhile, "I tried lab-grown meat":

https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2023/jan/23/lab-grown-meat-animals-climate
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Dry Brett Kavanaugh on June 25, 2023, 01:20:48 PM
Quote from: T. D. on June 25, 2023, 01:19:36 PMI saw that story a few days ago, but am highly sceptical. It could be an elaborate hoax whereas the asshole thinks he "owned the libs".

Meanwhile, "I tried lab-grown meat":

https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2023/jan/23/lab-grown-meat-animals-climate

Yes I have a mixed feeling about a causal effect too.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on June 25, 2023, 01:29:48 PM
Quote from: Dry Brett Kavanaugh on June 25, 2023, 01:09:37 PMWhite supremacist renounces his belief after taking MDMA (ecstacy).

https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20230614-how-a-dose-of-mdma-transformed-a-white-supremacist
Quote from: T. D. on June 25, 2023, 01:19:36 PMI saw that story a few days ago, but am highly sceptical. Wouldn't be surprised if it proves to be a hoax whereby the asshole thinks he "owned the libs".
Reminds me of a jokey plot point in Woody Allen's Everyone Says I Love You.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on June 25, 2023, 02:19:43 PM
Scientists genetically engineer transparent squid, allowing the first-ever visual study of the nervous system of a living cephalopod (https://www.mbl.edu/news/see-through-squid-lets-scientists-study-cephalopod-nervous-system?utm_source=join1440&utm_medium=email&utm_placement=newsletter)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on June 25, 2023, 02:23:20 PM
Researchers were surprised to learn the vessel dated to between the 12th and 10th centuries B.C.E, which they say makes it the oldest entirely hand-sewn boat in the Mediterranean. (https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/handsewn-shipwreck-recovered-180982389/?utm_source=join1440&utm_medium=email&utm_placement=newsletter)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: LKB on June 25, 2023, 10:17:36 PM
Quote from: Karl Henning on June 25, 2023, 02:19:43 PMScientists genetically engineer transparent squid, allowing the first-ever visual study of the nervous system of a living cephalopod (https://www.mbl.edu/news/see-through-squid-lets-scientists-study-cephalopod-nervous-system?utm_source=join1440&utm_medium=email&utm_placement=newsletter)

They need to apply the technique to American politicians, then voters will have a better idea of who are truly worthy.  ;D
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: AnotherSpin on June 25, 2023, 11:06:28 PM
Quote from: LKB on June 25, 2023, 10:17:36 PMThey need to apply the technique to American politicians, then voters will have a better idea of who are truly worthy.  ;D

For God's sake, no way! No one should see what's inside others, there's no point in ruining faith in humanity completely.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on June 27, 2023, 07:03:56 AM
This year might be the worst tick season ever.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: T. D. on June 27, 2023, 07:21:35 AM
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-66028401

A cleaner destroyed decades of "groundbreaking" work by shutting off a lab freezer containing key samples over an "annoying" alarm sound, US lawyers have claimed.

A sign explained how to mute the beep, but a breaker was reportedly switched off after a reading error.

Samples stored at -80C (-112F) were left "unsalvageable", causing $1m in damages, lawyers said.

The lab's school is suing the cleaner's employer for improper training.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Brian on June 27, 2023, 08:10:37 AM
Quote from: T. D. on June 27, 2023, 07:21:35 AMhttps://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-66028401

A cleaner destroyed decades of "groundbreaking" work by shutting off a lab freezer containing key samples over an "annoying" alarm sound, US lawyers have claimed.

A sign explained how to mute the beep, but a breaker was reportedly switched off after a reading error.

Samples stored at -80C (-112F) were left "unsalvageable", causing $1m in damages, lawyers said.

The lab's school is suing the cleaner's employer for improper training.

My girlfriend works in precisely such a lab, with multiple -80 freezers. The precautions taken around the equipment are at an extremely high state of vigilance (e.g. any power outage or water leak at any building results in a text alert to all the scientists; the university has its own independent backup power plant). She was surprised at the $1M valuation of the lost materials, but maybe they are running some experiment with really unusual stuff.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on June 27, 2023, 08:18:22 AM
Not even a record for that school: New Jersey high school sees 11 sets of twins graduate.

Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: DavidW on June 27, 2023, 08:33:59 AM
Quote from: Karl Henning on June 27, 2023, 08:18:22 AMNot even a record for that school: New Jersey high school sees 11 sets of twins graduate.

I once taught two separate pairs of identical twins in the same year.  One year I taught identical twins that were named Calvin and Kelvin.  My Nevada accent can't properly differentiate between the two names!
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Spotted Horses on June 27, 2023, 08:39:57 AM
Quote from: Brian on June 27, 2023, 08:10:37 AMMy girlfriend works in precisely such a lab, with multiple -80 freezers. The precautions taken around the equipment are at an extremely high state of vigilance (e.g. any power outage or water leak at any building results in a text alert to all the scientists; the university has its own independent backup power plant). She was surprised at the $1M valuation of the lost materials, but maybe they are running some experiment with really unusual stuff.

I would assume that the freezer contained cell cultures or other materials that were created as part of the research, and are one of a kind (not something they purchased from a supplier). Probably cell cultures in which they had genetically modified to produce different protein variants, etc. They would have to repeat the experiments that they originally performed to re-create them.

This is nothing compared to what happened when Superstorm Sandy flooded the basement of a research building at New York University, where all a large array of freezers was kept.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Brian on June 27, 2023, 09:13:50 AM
Quote from: Spotted Horses on June 27, 2023, 08:39:57 AMI would assume that the freezer contained cell cultures or other materials that were created as part of the research, and are one of a kind (not something they purchased from a supplier). Probably cell cultures in which they had genetically modified to produce different protein variants, etc. They would have to repeat the experiments that they originally performed to re-create them.

This is nothing compared to what happened when Superstorm Sandy flooded the basement of a research building at New York University, where all a large array of freezers was kept.

Yeah, it might be a line they have genetically modified and developed for "generations" themselves. My partner certainly works with expensive stuff that she admonishes other labs not to waste, or that cause all manner of headaches if someone messes up or a robot eats a dish, but nothing to that level.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on June 27, 2023, 09:35:10 AM
Quote from: Karl Henning on June 27, 2023, 07:03:56 AMThis year might be the worst tick season ever.

I'd love to see a reference or references please.  :)  I do know that with warmer winters, one will be experiencing more tick issues (sadly).  And, yes, I've been expecting that the numbers will be going up.  :(

PD
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on June 27, 2023, 09:38:11 AM
Quote from: T. D. on June 27, 2023, 07:21:35 AMhttps://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-66028401

A cleaner destroyed decades of "groundbreaking" work by shutting off a lab freezer containing key samples over an "annoying" alarm sound, US lawyers have claimed.

A sign explained how to mute the beep, but a breaker was reportedly switched off after a reading error.

Samples stored at -80C (-112F) were left "unsalvageable", causing $1m in damages, lawyers said.

The lab's school is suing the cleaner's employer for improper training.

Yes, I read that earlier.  A very sad story; from what I read, the person involved had thought that they were helping too.

PD
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on June 27, 2023, 09:43:40 AM
Quote from: Brian on June 27, 2023, 08:10:37 AMMy girlfriend works in precisely such a lab, with multiple -80 freezers. The precautions taken around the equipment are at an extremely high state of vigilance (e.g. any power outage or water leak at any building results in a text alert to all the scientists; the university has its own independent backup power plant). She was surprised at the $1M valuation of the lost materials, but maybe they are running some experiment with really unusual stuff.
Sounds like the place that she is working at has its game on.  A question (after thinking a bit about the matter):  If they had had similar alarms in place, if the fact that they had turned off the breaker, would they still have received any sort of alarm?  As in, it wasn't a power outage nor a leak, but a physical act on someone's part to shut off the breaker.

PD
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: T. D. on June 27, 2023, 09:58:58 AM
Quote from: Brian on June 27, 2023, 08:10:37 AMMy girlfriend works in precisely such a lab, with multiple -80 freezers. The precautions taken around the equipment are at an extremely high state of vigilance (e.g. any power outage or water leak at any building results in a text alert to all the scientists; the university has its own independent backup power plant). She was surprised at the $1M valuation of the lost materials, but maybe they are running some experiment with really unusual stuff.

Kind of weird this is going to a lawsuit. There must be an ongoing storyline not revealed in the article.

One would have to look into the details of the University's various insurance policies and coverage limits (I presume they're insured to some degree). The "cleaning company" itself is not likely to have the money to pay damages, unless it's part of a larger corporation.

Perhaps an insurance company somewhere in the chain has refused to pay. Or the University did not have applicable insurance (in which case, good luck trying to collect).
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on June 27, 2023, 10:16:29 AM
Quote from: Pohjolas Daughter on June 27, 2023, 09:35:10 AMI'd love to see a reference or references please.  :)  I do know that with warmer winters, one will be experiencing more tick issues (sadly).  And, yes, I've been expecting that the numbers will be going up.  :(

PD
Here ya go, PD.
2023 Might Be the Worst Tick Season Ever. Here's Why | Time (https://time.com/6287950/worst-tick-season-ever/?utm_source=join1440&utm_medium=email&utm_placement=newsletter)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: BWV 1080 on June 27, 2023, 10:19:37 AM
5 cases of malaria in the US
https://www.nbcnews.com/health/health-news/cdc-alert-malaria-acquired-locally-texas-florida-rcna91192

Vivax used to be endemic for most of the country with the more deadly falciparum entrenched in the South (the importation of Malaria by Europeans was a primary factor in creating a demand for African slaves, which had an acquired resistance to falciparum.

Scary stuff- malaria was eradicated in the US in the 40s with massive use of DDT.  These cases are all vivax, but wonder if the political will would be there if strong actions were needed
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Brian on June 27, 2023, 10:25:11 AM
Quote from: Pohjolas Daughter on June 27, 2023, 09:43:40 AMSounds like the place that she is working at has its game on.  A question (after thinking a bit about the matter):  If they had had similar alarms in place, if the fact that they had turned off the breaker, would they still have received any sort of alarm?  As in, it wasn't a power outage nor a leak, but a physical act on someone's part to shut off the breaker.

PD
Probably not! Many of the machines send automated email alerts but I imagine simply flipping an appliance off (or cutting off its breaker) would not trigger anything.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: T. D. on June 27, 2023, 10:25:55 AM
Quote from: Karl Henning on June 27, 2023, 07:03:56 AMThis year might be the worst tick season ever.


Agreed based on anecdotal evidence.
After the exceptionally warm (in this area) winter of 2015-2016, the tick population exploded, and it's never really fallen much since then.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on June 27, 2023, 10:45:32 AM
Quote from: Karl Henning on June 25, 2023, 02:23:20 PMResearchers were surprised to learn the vessel dated to between the 12th and 10th centuries B.C.E, which they say makes it the oldest entirely hand-sewn boat in the Mediterranean. (https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/handsewn-shipwreck-recovered-180982389/?utm_source=join1440&utm_medium=email&utm_placement=newsletter)
Thanks, Karl...I need to check this out.

PD
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on June 27, 2023, 10:46:23 AM
Quote from: Karl Henning on June 27, 2023, 10:16:29 AMHere ya go, PD.
2023 Might Be the Worst Tick Season Ever. Here's Why | Time (https://time.com/6287950/worst-tick-season-ever/?utm_source=join1440&utm_medium=email&utm_placement=newsletter)
Thanks!  I'll check it out.

PD
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on June 27, 2023, 10:47:34 AM
Quote from: Brian on June 27, 2023, 10:25:11 AMProbably not! Many of the machines send automated email alerts but I imagine simply flipping an appliance off (or cutting off its breaker) would not trigger anything.
That's what I was thinking...sadly.

PD
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on June 27, 2023, 10:49:54 AM
Quote from: BWV 1080 on June 27, 2023, 10:19:37 AM5 cases of malaria in the US
https://www.nbcnews.com/health/health-news/cdc-alert-malaria-acquired-locally-texas-florida-rcna91192

Vivax used to be endemic for most of the country with the more deadly falciparum entrenched in the South (the importation of Malaria by Europeans was a primary factor in creating a demand for African slaves, which had an acquired resistance to falciparum.

Scary stuff- malaria was eradicated in the US in the 40s with massive use of DDT.  These cases are all vivax, but wonder if the political will would be there if strong actions were needed
Interesting news...can you please give me/us more info about this?

PD
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Spotted Horses on June 27, 2023, 10:55:04 AM
Quote from: Pohjolas Daughter on June 27, 2023, 09:43:40 AMSounds like the place that she is working at has its game on.  A question (after thinking a bit about the matter):  If they had had similar alarms in place, if the fact that they had turned off the breaker, would they still have received any sort of alarm?  As in, it wasn't a power outage nor a leak, but a physical act on someone's part to shut off the breaker.

PD

Yes, whoever installed the alarm system didn't cover all contingencies. The freezer presumably had a built in alarm system that would send alerts if the temperature went out of range. That might have become disabled if the unit looses power. Sounds like there was a separate alert system for when power is lost, which may not cover a breaker being manually turned off.

BTW, the unit in question was probably similar to one of these:

https://www.thermofisher.com/us/en/home/life-science/lab-equipment/cold-storage/ult-freezers/models.html
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on June 28, 2023, 07:43:46 AM
Quote"Wheel of Fortune," a separate brain-child of "Jeopardy!"-creator Merv Griffin, is the world's longest-running syndicated—that is, licensed to various networks—game show. At one time, it held the top-rated syndicated television spot for 26 years straight. Originally a Los Angeles weather forecaster (watch history), the 76-year-old Sajak began hosting the show in 1981 alongside famous puzzle-revealer Vanna White, going on to win three Emmy awards and 19 nominations. Sajak is expected to continue as a consultant for the show.
I trust it is not suggestive of any criticism of Mr Sajak, that I had no idea one could win an Emmy for hosting a game show.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on June 28, 2023, 07:56:17 AM
Quote from: Karl Henning on June 28, 2023, 07:43:46 AMI trust it is not suggestive of any criticism of Mr Sajak, that I had no idea one could win an Emmy for hosting a game show.
I suspect that there are (or have been--maybe some additions/deletions over the years) a number of different categories for which one could win an Emmy.

Must admit, I do like Jeopardy.

PD
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on June 28, 2023, 08:09:22 AM
Quote from: Pohjolas Daughter on June 28, 2023, 07:56:17 AMMust admit, I do like Jeopardy.
I always have, too. I enjoy playing via Alexa, even when she "cheats."
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on June 28, 2023, 08:22:23 AM
In the Everglades, he said, "sharks are no joke."

A shark pulls a man off his boat in Florida. (https://www.cbsnews.com/news/video-shark-grabbing-man-hand-pulling-him-off-boat-florida-everglades/?utm_source=join1440&utm_medium=email&utm_placement=newsletter)

Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: JBS on June 28, 2023, 08:48:14 AM
Quote from: Karl Henning on June 28, 2023, 08:22:23 AMIn the Everglades, he said, "sharks are no joke."

A shark pulls a man off his boat in Florida. (https://www.cbsnews.com/news/video-shark-grabbing-man-hand-pulling-him-off-boat-florida-everglades/?utm_source=join1440&utm_medium=email&utm_placement=newsletter)



Nota bene: this took place in Florida Bay, the portion of the Gulf of Mexico that lies between the main peninsula and the Keys.
So it didn't take place in the Everglades--at most, where the swamp meets the sea.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on June 28, 2023, 08:52:21 AM
Quote from: JBS on June 28, 2023, 08:48:14 AMNota bene: this took place in Florida Bay, the portion of the Gulf of Mexico that lies between the main peninsula and the Keys.
So it didn't take place in the Everglades--at most, where the swamp meets the sea.
Thanks for the corrigendum.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on June 28, 2023, 09:14:22 AM
Quote from: Karl Henning on June 27, 2023, 10:16:29 AMHere ya go, PD.
2023 Might Be the Worst Tick Season Ever. Here's Why | Time (https://time.com/6287950/worst-tick-season-ever/?utm_source=join1440&utm_medium=email&utm_placement=newsletter)
I knew that it was getting worse, but still.  :(

I hate using bug spray (think Deet or other things), but I've seen what getting Lyme disease can do to people that I've known and care about--plus, I believe that they can carry other diseases?  Or perhaps I'm thinking of something else here?

PD
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on June 28, 2023, 09:19:07 AM
Quote from: Pohjolas Daughter on June 28, 2023, 09:14:22 AMI knew that it was getting worse, but still.  :(

I hate using bug spray (think Deet or other things), but I've seen what getting Lyme disease can do to people that I've known and care about--plus, I believe that they can carry other diseases?  Or perhaps I'm thinking of something else here?

PD
no, you're right: ticks carry Lyme.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on June 28, 2023, 09:21:13 AM
Quote from: Karl Henning on June 28, 2023, 09:19:07 AMno, you're right: ticks carry Lyme.
No, I realize that they can carry Lyme.  I wasn't certain if they could also carry other diseases.

PD
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on June 28, 2023, 09:50:05 AM
Quote from: Pohjolas Daughter on June 28, 2023, 09:21:13 AMNo, I realize that they can carry Lyme.  I wasn't certain if they could also carry other diseases.

PD
Ah. That's more than I can speak to.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on June 28, 2023, 10:05:39 AM
Quote from: Karl Henning on June 28, 2023, 09:50:05 AMAh. That's more than I can speak to.
Er, now I'll be the harbinger:  https://www.cdc.gov/ticks/diseases/index.html   >:(

PD
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on June 28, 2023, 10:09:14 AM
Quote from: Pohjolas Daughter on June 28, 2023, 10:05:39 AMEr, now I'll be the harbinger:  https://www.cdc.gov/ticks/diseases/index.html  >:(

PD

That's a passel!
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Dry Brett Kavanaugh on June 28, 2023, 12:43:29 PM
Business sectors that are most likely to be taken by AI.

https://www.visualcapitalist.com/sp/ranking-industries-by-their-potential-for-ai-automation/
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: T. D. on June 28, 2023, 01:26:00 PM
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-66028403

A teacher in Italy who was sacked for 20 years of absence in 24 years at schools near Venice has vowed to tell her side of the story.

Cinzia Paolina De Lio was dismissed in 2017 after she reappeared for four months and triggered complaints.

Italy's highest court confirmed the dismissal after a legal battle, saying her absences showed a "permanent and absolute ineptitude".

Ms De Lio has condemned the ruling and vowed to "reconstruct the truth".

The secondary school teacher, who specialises in history and philosophy, said she had documents to prove her story but told Repubblica newspaper: "Sorry, but right now I'm at the beach."
...
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on June 28, 2023, 01:54:24 PM
Quote from: T. D. on June 28, 2023, 01:26:00 PMThe secondary school teacher, who specialises in history and philosophy, said she had documents to prove her story but told Repubblica newspaper: "Sorry, but right now I'm at the beach."...
Love it!
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on June 28, 2023, 02:58:21 PM
Quote from: T. D. on June 28, 2023, 01:26:00 PMhttps://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-66028403

A teacher in Italy who was sacked for 20 years of absence in 24 years at schools near Venice has vowed to tell her side of the story.

Cinzia Paolina De Lio was dismissed in 2017 after she reappeared for four months and triggered complaints.

Italy's highest court confirmed the dismissal after a legal battle, saying her absences showed a "permanent and absolute ineptitude".

Ms De Lio has condemned the ruling and vowed to "reconstruct the truth".

The secondary school teacher, who specialises in history and philosophy, said she had documents to prove her story but told Repubblica newspaper: "Sorry, but right now I'm at the beach."
...
Yes, I saw that article...hard to believe!

PD
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: DavidW on June 28, 2023, 07:19:28 PM
Quote from: DavidW on June 22, 2023, 07:33:43 AMIn other news the search for Julian Sands started up again.  If you recall, he was lost when hiking around Mt. Baldy.  That was several months ago, I think it is clear that they are just searching for his body now.

They did find his remains.  He was most known for A Room with a View.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on June 28, 2023, 07:59:25 PM
Quote from: DavidW on June 28, 2023, 07:19:28 PMThey did find his remains.  He was most known for A Room with a View.
I knew him as Liszt in the romantified Chopin movie, Impromptu.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Florestan on June 29, 2023, 01:42:04 AM
Quote from: Karl Henning on June 28, 2023, 07:59:25 PMI knew him as Liszt in the romantified Chopin movie, Impromptu.

Yes. May God rest him in peace.

Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on June 29, 2023, 03:51:54 AM
Quote from: DavidW on June 28, 2023, 07:19:28 PMThey did find his remains.  He was most known for A Room with a View.
Well, I'm glad that they found him for his family's sake.

PD
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on June 29, 2023, 04:06:42 AM
Cool article from the BBC:

'Scientists have picked up shock waves from the orbit of supermassive black holes at the heart of distant galaxies as they begin to merge.

This may be the first direct evidence of giant black holes distorting space and time as they spiral in on each other.

The theory is that this is how galaxies grow. Now astronomers may soon be able to watch it happen.

These distortions are happening all the time, all across the Universe.

One of the groups that made the discovery is the European Pulsar Timing Array Consortium (EPTA), led by Prof Michael Kramer of the Max Planck Institute for Radio Astronomy in Bonn.

He told BBC News that the discovery had the potential to change astronomers' ideas about the cosmos forever.

"It could tell us if Einstein's theory of gravity is wrong; it may tell us about what dark matter and dark energy, the mysterious stuff that makes up the bulk of the Universe, really is; and it could give us a new window into new theories of physics."'

More here:  https://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-66039810

Hard to imagine!

PD
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on June 30, 2023, 05:17:30 AM
The North Atlantic is experiencing a 'totally unprecedented' marine heat wave (https://www.cnn.com/2023/06/20/europe/marine-heatwave-north-atlantic-climate-scn-intl/index.html)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on June 30, 2023, 06:49:28 AM
Quote from: Todd on June 30, 2023, 05:17:30 AMThe North Atlantic is experiencing a 'totally unprecedented' marine heat wave (https://www.cnn.com/2023/06/20/europe/marine-heatwave-north-atlantic-climate-scn-intl/index.html)
Shudder!

PD
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on June 30, 2023, 12:16:26 PM
New York Yankees' Domingo Germán becomes first MLB player since 2012 to throw a perfect game
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on June 30, 2023, 12:21:01 PM
Oh, lawd!

Pepsi introduces Colachup, a cola-flavored condiment for hot dogs.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: LKB on July 01, 2023, 12:29:52 AM
Quote from: Karl Henning on June 30, 2023, 12:21:01 PMOh, lawd!

Pepsi introduces Colachup, a cola-flavored condiment for hot dogs.

:P *barf*:-\... hard pass.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on July 01, 2023, 02:14:43 AM
Quote from: Karl Henning on June 30, 2023, 12:21:01 PMOh, lawd!

Pepsi introduces Colachup, a cola-flavored condiment for hot dogs.
I suppose that I should add:  Don't say anything 'til you try it, but I'd much rather have my soda on the side me thinks.

PD
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on July 01, 2023, 08:42:56 AM
Diver cleaning ocean finds a working iPhone in a waterproof bag and returns it to its owner.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on July 01, 2023, 09:20:34 AM
French Police Union Calls Rioters 'Vermin' (https://www.barrons.com/news/french-police-union-calls-rioters-vermin-f10740ea)

Yurpean sophistication.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Spotted Horses on July 01, 2023, 09:25:16 AM
Quote from: Karl Henning on July 01, 2023, 08:42:56 AMDiver cleaning ocean finds a working iPhone in a waterproof bag and returns it to its owner.

Cleaning the ocean sounds like a long, thankless job...
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on July 01, 2023, 10:00:02 AM
Quote from: Karl Henning on July 01, 2023, 08:42:56 AMDiver cleaning ocean finds a working iPhone in a waterproof bag and returns it to its owner.
Sweet!  I read a story recently of a diver (in a lake) finding a prosthetic leg (!) managing to return it to its owner who had lost it about a year earlier (due to the help of a special website and I think also someone alerting him as to who the owner was).

PD
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on July 02, 2023, 05:00:30 AM
Climate nears point of no return as land, sea temperatures break records, experts say (https://www.reuters.com/business/environment/climate-nears-point-no-return-land-sea-temperatures-break-records-experts-2023-06-30/)

Climate activists, climatologists, and reporters on the green beat really should read The Boy Who Cried Wolf.  I mean, we (the world) blew past a most critical and permanent milestone years ago.  Remember 350 ppm?  There's even an aged website devoted to it: https://350.org/.  2022 saw record emissions.  2023 will set a new record.  And nearly everyone in the high-income world continues to consume, consume, consume.  (I blame neo-Malthusian Paul Ehrlich for acute wolfism, which inured many people to prognostications of doom.)

Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: DavidW on July 02, 2023, 06:59:34 AM
South Carolina is making national news due to a heat wave (that is where I live).
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on July 02, 2023, 08:51:01 AM
Quote from: DavidW on July 02, 2023, 06:59:34 AMSouth Carolina is making national news due to a heat wave (that is where I live).
Very sorry to hear that.  Hope that you have a/c in at least some of your rooms?

On the cooler side today with sporadic downpours (got drenched at the end when I was working outside for a bit).

PD
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: DavidW on July 02, 2023, 11:18:04 AM
Quote from: Pohjolas Daughter on July 02, 2023, 08:51:01 AMVery sorry to hear that.  Hope that you have a/c in at least some of your rooms?

On the cooler side today with sporadic downpours (got drenched at the end when I was working outside for a bit).

PD

I have central AC and ceiling fans.  Hot and humid is the usual for summer here.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on July 02, 2023, 02:16:19 PM
Quote from: DavidW on July 02, 2023, 11:18:04 AMI have central AC and ceiling fans.  Hot and humid is the usual for summer here.
8)

Wish that I did!

PD
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on July 03, 2023, 10:51:59 AM
A roller coaster which is apparently the biggest in the US and is situated in both North and South Carolina has been shut down due to a crack in a support beam.  Attendees of the park were photographing kids/friends/family on the ride when someone noticed it.  He noticed daylight where there shouldn't be any and then movement (and filmed it).  Someone who was there at the park and had also taken photos about a week earlier zoomed in to her photos and saw the crack in its earlier stages.  From what I understand, they do daily safety inspections of the ride.  How could this have not been noticed?

https://www.cbsnews.com/news/carowinds-fury-325-crack-support-beam-customer-video-jeremy-wagner/

Watch the video.

PD
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Spotted Horses on July 03, 2023, 01:41:05 PM
Quote from: Pohjolas Daughter on July 03, 2023, 10:51:59 AMA roller coaster which is apparently the biggest in the US and is situated in both North and South Carolina has been shut down due to a crack in a support beam.  Attendees of the park were photographing kids/friends/family on the ride when someone noticed it.  He noticed daylight where there shouldn't be any and then movement (and filmed it).  Someone who was there at the park and had also taken photos about a week earlier zoomed in to her photos and saw the crack in its earlier stages.  From what I understand, they do daily safety inspections of the ride.  How could this have not been noticed?

https://www.cbsnews.com/news/carowinds-fury-325-crack-support-beam-customer-video-jeremy-wagner/

Watch the video.

PD

I am surprised to see this described as a "crack." A crack normally means a fissure has appeared but the structure remains intact. This was a break in which the structure fully separated into two pieces. There must be a serious design error, or defective materials in that part. The good news is that the overall design had enough redundancy that it stayed up even with one support broken.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: SimonNZ on July 03, 2023, 05:25:51 PM
Quote from: Todd on July 02, 2023, 05:00:30 AMClimate nears point of no return as land, sea temperatures break records, experts say (https://www.reuters.com/business/environment/climate-nears-point-no-return-land-sea-temperatures-break-records-experts-2023-06-30/)

Climate activists, climatologists, and reporters on the green beat really should read The Boy Who Cried Wolf.  I mean, we (the world) blew past a most critical and permanent milestone years ago.  Remember 350 ppm?  There's even an aged website devoted to it: https://350.org/.  2022 saw record emissions.  2023 will set a new record.  And nearly everyone in the high-income world continues to consume, consume, consume.  (I blame neo-Malthusian Paul Ehrlich for acute wolfism, which inured many people to prognostications of doom.)



Sure. Lets not blame the denialists and the polluting industries that fund the denialists and cynically misrepresent the data and turn it into a matter of party affiliation. Its the people trying to raise the alarm who are to blame. Sure.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on July 04, 2023, 03:35:39 AM
Quote from: Spotted Horses on July 03, 2023, 01:41:05 PMI am surprised to see this described as a "crack." A crack normally means a fissure has appeared but the structure remains intact. This was a break in which the structure fully separated into two pieces. There must be a serious design error, or defective materials in that part. The good news is that the overall design had enough redundancy that it stayed up even with one support broken.
I agree re crack vs. break.  In the photo which was taken about a week earlier--from what I could see, at that time, that was a crack.  In the video, there were definitely two "parts". And at least one of them moved when put under the stress caused by the ride.

I suspect that that will not be an easy (nor inexpensive) fix--if they can.

PD
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Spotted Horses on July 04, 2023, 06:18:58 AM
Quote from: Pohjolas Daughter on July 03, 2023, 10:51:59 AMA roller coaster which is apparently the biggest in the US and is situated in both North and South Carolina has been shut down due to a crack in a support beam.  Attendees of the park were photographing kids/friends/family on the ride when someone noticed it.  He noticed daylight where there shouldn't be any and then movement (and filmed it).  Someone who was there at the park and had also taken photos about a week earlier zoomed in to her photos and saw the crack in its earlier stages.  From what I understand, they do daily safety inspections of the ride.  How could this have not been noticed?

https://www.cbsnews.com/news/carowinds-fury-325-crack-support-beam-customer-video-jeremy-wagner/

Watch the video.

PD

Your wonderment, "how could they have missed it in daily safety inspections" is very relevant. I guess the answer is that they check for very specific problems (loose wheels, inoperative brakes, warped track, etc) and no one had an imagination expansive enough to imagine that one of the primary support posts could just snap!
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on July 04, 2023, 06:26:44 AM
Quote from: Spotted Horses on July 04, 2023, 06:18:58 AMYour wonderment, "how could they have missed it in daily safety inspections" is very relevant. I guess the answer is that they check for very specific problems (loose wheels, inoperative brakes, warped track, etc) and no one had an imagination expansive enough to imagine that one of the primary support posts could just snap!
That makes sense.  But perhaps too a case of "Can't see the forest for the trees?"

PD
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on July 04, 2023, 06:41:49 AM
Quote from: Karl Henning on July 04, 2023, 06:34:52 AMA couple of weeks ago, I was watching a YouTube video (something like "Five Great Noir movies") The narrated summaries were so formulaic and repetitive I thought, "Either this is an unusually dull person, or AI."


How to talk about AI (even if you don't know much about AI) (https://www.technologyreview.com/2023/05/30/1073680/how-to-talk-about-ai-even-if-you-dont-know-much-about-ai/?utm_campaign=site_visitor.unpaid.engagement&utm_medium=tr_social&utm_source=Twitter&twclid=2-b36dca51qts8gwul7kysb1d7)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on July 04, 2023, 07:02:43 AM
Quote from: Karl Henning on July 04, 2023, 06:41:49 AMHow to talk about AI (even if you don't know much about AI) (https://www.technologyreview.com/2023/05/30/1073680/how-to-talk-about-ai-even-if-you-dont-know-much-about-ai/?utm_campaign=site_visitor.unpaid.engagement&utm_medium=tr_social&utm_source=Twitter&twclid=2-b36dca51qts8gwul7kysb1d7)
Or perhaps a dull artificial intelligence "person"?

PD
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: drogulus on July 04, 2023, 09:33:31 AM
Edward Fredkin, 88, Who Saw the Universe as One Big Computer, Dies (https://www.nytimes.com/2023/07/04/science/edward-fredkin-dead.html?action=click&module=Well&pgtype=Homepage&section=Obituaries%5Bb)

     Fredkin posed a question "Why is the Universe?". He proposed an answer, and that is to find out what would happen. Never mind "who" wants to know, if anybody. The question involves why creating a universe would be necessary, and what Fredkin came up with is, well....

So, I say, you're arguing that the reason we're here is that some being wanted to theorize about reality, and the only way he could test his theories was to create reality? "No, you see, my explanation is much more abstract. I don't imagine there is a being or anything. I'm just using that to talk to you about it. What I'm saying is that there is no way to know what the future is any faster than running this [the universe] to get to that [the future]. Therefore, what I'm assuming is that there is a question and there is an answer, okay? I don't make any assumptions about who has the question, who wants the answer, anything."

     I like the way this guy thought, far beyond whether he is right.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on July 05, 2023, 05:12:32 AM
Frank Smith was locked up for eight decades. At 98, what would it mean to be free? (https://www.bostonglobe.com/2023/07/05/magazine/frank-smith-was-locked-up-eight-decades-98-what-would-it-mean-be-free/)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on July 05, 2023, 06:11:45 AM
Robot conductor gives a history-making orchestral debut in South Korea (https://www.classicfm.com/music-news/videos/robot-conductor-south-korea-orchestra/?utm_source=join1440&utm_medium=email&utm_placement=newsletter)

Of course, I know at least two human conductors who deserve appointments.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on July 05, 2023, 06:23:53 AM
Quote from: Karl Henning on July 05, 2023, 06:11:45 AMRobot conductor gives a history-making orchestral debut in South Korea (https://www.classicfm.com/music-news/videos/robot-conductor-south-korea-orchestra/?utm_source=join1440&utm_medium=email&utm_placement=newsletter)

Of course, I know at least two human conductors who deserve appointments.
Wonder what they are trying to achieve?  As in "Can we create a robot who could conduct like Toscanini?" 🧐

PD
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on July 06, 2023, 06:45:24 AM
Music containing AI-generated elements will be eligible to receive Grammy nominations
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on July 06, 2023, 06:50:51 AM
Great White Sharks Are Surging off Cape Cod (https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/remarkable-rebound-the-great-white-sharks-of-cape-cod1/?utm_source=join1440&utm_medium=email)

Related:

Jaws: Classic Film, Crummy Science (https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/jaws-classic-film-crummy-science/)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on July 06, 2023, 10:17:07 AM
Quote from: Karl Henning on July 06, 2023, 06:45:24 AMMusic containing AI-generated elements will be eligible to receive Grammy nominations
Huh?!  :o

PD
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on July 06, 2023, 10:24:25 AM
Quote from: Pohjolas Daughter on July 06, 2023, 10:17:07 AMHuh?!  :o
PD
Grammys CEO Clarifies Nomination Rules Dor AI-Created Music – VIBE.com (https://www.vibe.com/music/music-news/grammys-ceo-ai-music-eligible-nominations-1234770134/)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on July 06, 2023, 01:21:03 PM
Well, that's only $510/week. "is expected to be covered by Medicare." If so, marvelous.

The treatment, called Leqembi, will cost $26,500 a year per patient, according to drug makers Biogen, based in Cambridge, and its Japanese business partner Eisai, which co-developed the medicine.

FDA grants full approval for Biogen Alzheimer's drug that slows cognitive decline (https://www.bostonglobe.com/2023/07/06/business/fda-biogen-alzheimers-drug/?s_campaign=breakingnews:newsletter)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on July 07, 2023, 06:00:43 AM
A 25-year-old Houston man who was found after allegedly having been missing for eight years was, in fact, living at home with his mother, police confirmed yesterday. The case, which remained open as a missing person investigation, initially made national headlines last week when Rudy Farias was found unresponsive outside a local church, reportedly with a number of bruises and cuts.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Brian on July 07, 2023, 06:50:38 AM
This might be the most unimportant news story of the year: a pancake kingpin named Broccoli is in the fight of his life against angry Revolutionary War reenactors (https://www.curbed.com/article/ihop-fishkill-ny-domenic-broccoli-revolutionary-war.html).
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on July 07, 2023, 07:01:10 AM
Quote from: Brian on July 07, 2023, 06:50:38 AMThis might be the most unimportant news story of the year: a pancake kingpin named Broccoli is in the fight of his life against angry Revolutionary War reenactors (https://www.curbed.com/article/ihop-fishkill-ny-domenic-broccoli-revolutionary-war.html).
(* chortle *)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on July 07, 2023, 07:09:59 AM
Billerica condo residents tormented by stray golf balls are demanding action: 'It's a losing battle'

Zinging balls have shattered windows of Mary Conway's condo near Billerica's Swanson Meadows golf course. The storm door was taken out, chunks of shutters obliterated, the condo siding cracked. And the damage has not been cheap.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on July 07, 2023, 08:07:54 AM
Quote from: Brian on July 07, 2023, 06:50:38 AMThis might be the most unimportant news story of the year: a pancake kingpin named Broccoli is in the fight of his life against angry Revolutionary War reenactors (https://www.curbed.com/article/ihop-fishkill-ny-domenic-broccoli-revolutionary-war.html).
That was quite interesting!

PD
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on July 07, 2023, 03:37:09 PM
From the BLM: Testing Yields New Evidence Of Human Occupation 18,000 Years Ago In Oregon (https://www.blm.gov/press-release/testing-yields-new-evidence-human-occupation-18000-years-ago-oregon)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on July 08, 2023, 01:52:14 PM
Multnomah County Will Distribute Tin Foil and Straws to Fentanyl Smokers (https://www.wweek.com/news/2023/07/07/multnomah-county-will-distribute-tinfoil-and-straws-to-fentanyl-smokers/)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: LKB on July 09, 2023, 02:50:50 AM
Quote from: Karl Henning on July 07, 2023, 07:09:59 AMBillerica condo residents tormented by stray golf balls are demanding action: 'It's a losing battle'

Zinging balls have shattered windows of Mary Conway's condo near Billerica's Swanson Meadows golf course. The storm door was taken out, chunks of shutters obliterated, the condo siding cracked. And the damage has not been cheap.

Brought this scene from The Addams Family to mind:

https://youtu.be/PwmZo7iFUIA
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on July 09, 2023, 04:42:10 AM
Straight from Brown University:

LGBTQ+ student self-identification has doubled at Brown since 2010, according to Herald polling data

Current number of students that do not identify as straight stands at five times national rate (https://www.browndailyherald.com/article/2023/06/lgbtq-student-self-identification-has-doubled-since-2010-according-to-herald-polling-data)

Per the poll, "38% of students do not identify as straight."  This is, strictly speaking, incredible.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on July 09, 2023, 06:20:02 AM
Quote from: LKB on July 09, 2023, 02:50:50 AMBrought this scene from The Addams Family to mind:

https://youtu.be/PwmZo7iFUIA
Hah! That's the first I've seen a clip of the movie.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on July 09, 2023, 08:20:04 AM
A 71-year-old mom and her daughter celebrate their college graduations together. (https://news.join1440.com/t/j-l-ekiukyd-dkotkhlz-s/)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on July 09, 2023, 09:49:53 AM
Quote from: Karl Henning on July 09, 2023, 08:20:04 AMA 71-year-old mom and her daughter celebrate their college graduations together. (https://news.join1440.com/t/j-l-ekiukyd-dkotkhlz-s/)
Sweet!  Good for them!

PD
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Brian on July 09, 2023, 11:28:23 AM
Men Are Baring Midriffs in Crop Tops (https://www.nytimes.com/2023/07/09/style/crop-top-men.html)

Alright, who is gonna be the first GMGer to rock this look?!
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on July 10, 2023, 06:42:08 AM
I'm just a little surprised they still do this:

QuoteMore than a dozen people have been injured in the opening days of northern Spain's iconic "running of the bulls"—though no participants have been gored or killed as of this morning. The event is held each morning during the weeklong Festival of San Fermín in the city of Pamplona.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on July 11, 2023, 04:48:49 AM
Burger King Thailand launches cheeseburger with 20 layers of cheese (https://www.straitstimes.com/life/food/burger-king-thailand-launches-cheeseburger-with-20-layers-of-cheese)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on July 11, 2023, 06:51:27 AM
Quote from: Todd on July 11, 2023, 04:48:49 AMBurger King Thailand launches cheeseburger with 20 layers of cheese (https://www.straitstimes.com/life/food/burger-king-thailand-launches-cheeseburger-with-20-layers-of-cheese)
Uummmm.  I think that I'll pass--thank you.

PD
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on July 11, 2023, 06:55:50 AM
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on July 11, 2023, 06:56:26 AM
Quote from: Pohjolas Daughter on July 11, 2023, 06:51:27 AMUummmm.  I think that I'll pass--thank you.

PD
Nothing succeeds like Excess?
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on July 12, 2023, 10:16:38 AM
Jury finds document found in Aretha Franklin's couch to be a valid will, ending family dispute over the late singer's estate
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: BWV 1080 on July 12, 2023, 10:20:27 AM


https://www.cnn.com/2023/07/12/travel/how-thai-food-became-popular-us-chefs-cec/index.html
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on July 12, 2023, 11:34:44 AM
Quote from: BWV 1080 on July 12, 2023, 10:20:27 AMhttps://www.cnn.com/2023/07/12/travel/how-thai-food-became-popular-us-chefs-cec/index.html
Fun.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: 71 dB on July 12, 2023, 01:01:08 PM
President Biden has arrived to Helsinki. I saw his massive escort while I was biking back home from the Helsinki center where I had been spending the day with my best friend. The security measures looked pretty solid. Roads blocked, lots of policemen and several helicopters in the air.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Papy Oli on July 12, 2023, 01:34:14 PM
Quote from: Karl Henning on July 12, 2023, 10:16:38 AMJury finds document found in Aretha Franklin's couch to be a valid will, ending family dispute over the late singer's estate


The clue was always there to be fair...

R E S P E settee...

 :P
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Dry Brett Kavanaugh on July 12, 2023, 01:35:55 PM
Subway sandwich chain is struggling.

https://www.cnn.com/2023/07/08/business/subway-overhaul-seeking-buyer/index.html
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on July 13, 2023, 03:45:09 AM
Quote from: Karl Henning on July 12, 2023, 10:16:38 AMJury finds document found in Aretha Franklin's couch to be a valid will, ending family dispute over the late singer's estate
I read an article about that some months ago and, like you, saw that they had reached a decision about it.

Judging by the photos, it's hard to read her handwriting!   :(

PD
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on July 14, 2023, 04:51:35 AM
Reuters: Exclusive: WHO's cancer research agency to say aspartame sweetener a possible carcinogen (https://www.reuters.com/business/healthcare-pharmaceuticals/whos-cancer-research-agency-say-aspartame-sweetener-possible-carcinogen-sources-2023-06-29/)

NPR: WHO says aspartame is a 'possible carcinogen.' The FDA disagrees (https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2023/07/13/1187284010/world-health-organization-is-aspartame-carcinogenic)

ABC: Artificial sweetener aspartame safe to consume in moderation, WHO experts say (https://abcnews.go.com/Health/artificial-sweetener-aspartame-safe-consume-moderation-experts/story?id=101179465)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on July 14, 2023, 11:41:15 AM
A recent crop of tools claiming to detect AI-generated text perform poorly... and it doesn't take much to get past them.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on July 15, 2023, 02:34:14 AM
Quote from: Karl Henning on July 14, 2023, 11:41:15 AMA recent crop of tools claiming to detect AI-generated text perform poorly... and it doesn't take much to get past them.
Something to think about:  "The Black Mirror plot about AI that worries actors"

https://www.bbc.com/news/technology-66200334

From that article: 

"The rapid development of AI over the past year has led to the concept of ownership becoming convoluted.

When someone inputs their likeness into an AI-generated portrait app such as DrawAnyone, DALL-E or even Snapchat - the resultant images are now in the public domain and free to use by anyone.

The new image is not protected by copyright law.
"

PD
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Spotted Horses on July 16, 2023, 06:50:09 AM
Stanislav Rzhitsky, the commander of the Russian Black Sea Fleet, was shot to death while on a morning jog in Krasnodar, Russia. He shared his run and bike ride routes on the popular Stava app. It was noticed that his route was "liked" by an official of the Ukrainian intelligence service.

https://www.cnn.com/2023/07/11/europe/russian-submarine-commander-killed-krasnador-intl/index.html

I believe Rzhitsky is being considered for a Darwin Award.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on July 16, 2023, 07:11:24 AM
Quote from: Spotted Horses on July 16, 2023, 06:50:09 AMStanislav Rzhitsky, the commander of the Russian Black Sea Fleet, was shot to death while on a morning jog in Krasnodar, Russia. He shared his run and bike ride routes on the popular Stava app. It was noticed that his route was "liked" by an official of the Ukrainian intelligence service.

https://www.cnn.com/2023/07/11/europe/russian-submarine-commander-killed-krasnador-intl/index.html

I believe Rzhitsky is being considered for a Darwin Award.

Ну, так.

I was just thinking how I don't know a Russian expression for "oops," and so I considered what I might expect the missus to say to such a news item. "Well, so."
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on July 16, 2023, 09:35:18 AM
'Giant Methane Factories': Hydropower Has Long Been Touted as Clean Energy. But Is It?

Decades of research suggests that hydropower has a far greater climate impact than once thought. Now a growing chorus of scientists want to change the conversation about it. (https://insideclimatenews.org/news/14072023/todays-climate-hydropower-methane-clean-energy/)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: AnotherSpin on July 16, 2023, 10:41:40 AM
Quote from: Karl Henning on July 16, 2023, 07:11:24 AMНу, так.

I was just thinking how I don't know a Russian expression for "oops," and so I considered what I might expect the missus to say to such a news item. "Well, so."

бля would be appropriate
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: drogulus on July 16, 2023, 06:18:16 PM

     A certain notorious bridge in Eastern Europe is destroyed. Special tourist operations will be affected.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: AnotherSpin on July 17, 2023, 04:51:53 AM
Quote from: drogulus on July 16, 2023, 06:18:16 PMA certain notorious bridge in Eastern Europe is destroyed. Special tourist operations will be affected.

Bad news. The destruction of this bridge could make it more difficult for Russians and collaborators to run away from temporarily occupied Ukrainian territory.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Dry Brett Kavanaugh on July 17, 2023, 02:31:25 PM
Thousands of authors urge AI companies to stop using work without permission>



https://www.npr.org/2023/07/17/1187523435/thousands-of-authors-urge-ai-companies-to-stop-using-work-without-permission
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: drogulus on July 18, 2023, 09:15:31 AM

     (https://ritholtz.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/deadliest.png)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on July 18, 2023, 10:37:43 AM
Originally from the WSJ: Europeans Are Becoming Poorer. 'Yes, We're All Worse Off.' (https://archive.ph/nzdtv#selection-301.35-301.212)

(https://archive.ph/nzdtv/e27fd388c4dae705f9d6819abdd5a46282682e3c.png)

Tee-hee.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on July 21, 2023, 01:33:24 PM
What's the Difference Between Tequila and Mezcal? (https://www.insidehook.com/article/booze/tequila-mezcal-differences?utm_source=join1440&utm_medium=email)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Dry Brett Kavanaugh on July 21, 2023, 01:58:21 PM
Germany has pledged to support Poland in defending its eastern flank in case of a potential attack from Wagner fighters in neighboring Belarus.


https://news.az/news/germany-pledges-to-stand-by-poland-if-its-attacked-along-eastern-flank
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on July 22, 2023, 05:20:49 AM
From ICN: A Shipping Rule Backfires, Diverting Sulfur Emissions From the Air to the Ocean

When large ships use scrubbers to meet international air pollution limits, the treated fuel exhaust gets dumped into the sea along with other contaminants. Researchers say the discharges are packed with metals and organic compounds that threaten marine environments. (https://insideclimatenews.org/news/17072023/ship-scrubbers-water-pollution/?utm_source=InsideClimate+News&utm_campaign=47a72c7c18-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2023_07_22_01_00&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_29c928ffb5-47a72c7c18-329701485)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: AnotherSpin on July 23, 2023, 03:46:13 AM
There are pictures in the news today of the aftermath of a night-time Russian missile raid on my city, Odessa. Several buildings were destroyed, including the main cathedral of orthodox Christianity. Many buildings in historical part of the town, protected by UNESCO, have been damaged. This includes the building of the famous Stolyarsky School, where David Oistrakh, Nathan Milstein, Elisabeth Gilels, Boris Goldstein, Mikhail Fikhtengoltz and many other magnificent and unique musicians studied.

Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on July 24, 2023, 09:10:41 AM
How a Record-Setting Giant Fish Could Help Save Its Home River (https://www.nytimes.com/2023/07/21/climate/giant-stingray-mekong-river.html?unlocked_article_code=bf4trdVOGBIfi03wxgGKLy_FAaIHoxLvrF1B8CNWgHLLdYcPhDftCJ9wqGpuWBisrgQP06Z8UepYE-0-bSKi_-6yLFieYiIGohArFAJ1f2rx0VNbKDFmuDv1Z3avIqVeVRnD3HV9GF9a3i5JTkpJ95IwS9AkCPBLNJ6oKjsaMK0Kr0ATqCkmDBGMsirAz-WFJh8mC0GFe2SY6ZqkK9CJU56PxudTpNEyG4ViTQXKTrjXyKwpS4xjh1P3PPwGPhNbESazP1jp68zTpY128-8E-SnTXiH1kcPEf0RdmOAGwfcu1YQ2VAh5APtPvOoPK3Z2BXArVl-kN8RFjJgOT-mgngLKfxfPrQ&smid=url-share)
A 661-pound stingray caught in the Mekong was tagged and tracked. The data is giving scientists new insight into a fragile ecosystem. (https://www.nytimes.com/2023/07/21/climate/giant-stingray-mekong-river.html?unlocked_article_code=bf4trdVOGBIfi03wxgGKLy_FAaIHoxLvrF1B8CNWgHLLdYcPhDftCJ9wqGpuWBisrgQP06Z8UepYE-0-bSKi_-6yLFieYiIGohArFAJ1f2rx0VNbKDFmuDv1Z3avIqVeVRnD3HV9GF9a3i5JTkpJ95IwS9AkCPBLNJ6oKjsaMK0Kr0ATqCkmDBGMsirAz-WFJh8mC0GFe2SY6ZqkK9CJU56PxudTpNEyG4ViTQXKTrjXyKwpS4xjh1P3PPwGPhNbESazP1jp68zTpY128-8E-SnTXiH1kcPEf0RdmOAGwfcu1YQ2VAh5APtPvOoPK3Z2BXArVl-kN8RFjJgOT-mgngLKfxfPrQ&smid=url-share)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on July 24, 2023, 09:38:35 AM
Quote from: AnotherSpin on July 23, 2023, 03:46:13 AMThere are pictures in the news today of the aftermath of a night-time Russian missile raid on my city, Odessa. Several buildings were destroyed, including the main cathedral of orthodox Christianity. Many buildings in historical part of the town, protected by UNESCO, have been damaged. This includes the building of the famous Stolyarsky School, where David Oistrakh, Nathan Milstein, Elisabeth Gilels, Boris Goldstein, Mikhail Fikhtengoltz and many other magnificent and unique musicians studied.


So very sad to see.

PD

p.s.  I also saw a photo on the BBC website this morning of a cathedral (I believe it was) that had major damage to it too.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on July 24, 2023, 09:51:39 AM
Quote from: AnotherSpin on July 23, 2023, 03:46:13 AMThere are pictures in the news today of the aftermath of a night-time Russian missile raid on my city, Odessa. Several buildings were destroyed, including the main cathedral of orthodox Christianity. Many buildings in historical part of the town, protected by UNESCO, have been damaged. This includes the building of the famous Stolyarsky School, where David Oistrakh, Nathan Milstein, Elisabeth Gilels, Boris Goldstein, Mikhail Fikhtengoltz and many other magnificent and unique musicians studied.


Awful.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: T. D. on July 26, 2023, 10:11:08 AM
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-66314075

DeSantis campaign fires aide who shared clip with Nazi symbol

Why would the GQP fire anybody for that? I'd expect 'em to give the guy a medal (or Iron Cross).   :o 

[Added] Aha, as I suspected, there was no causal link between the firing and the video. That's a relief.

...Mr Hochman was one of 38 staffers fired in recent weeks in a bid to "streamline operations", the campaign confirmed on Tuesday...

Pity the dude didn't post it sooner. Might have kept his job.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: T. D. on July 26, 2023, 01:43:24 PM
Yet another research fraud, but a big and spectacular one:

https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-023-02401-2

There's also a NYT story, which could be paywalled.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Mapman on July 26, 2023, 05:01:45 PM
Quote from: T. D. on July 26, 2023, 01:43:24 PMYet another research fraud, but a big and spectacular one:

https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-023-02401-2

There's also a NYT story, which could be paywalled.

Which, interestingly, comes at the same time as another announcement of room-temperature superconductors: https://arxiv.org/abs/2307.12008.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on July 27, 2023, 04:02:33 AM
Quote from: T. D. on July 26, 2023, 01:43:24 PMYet another research fraud, but a big and spectacular one:

https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-023-02401-2

There's also a NYT story, which could be paywalled.

Quote from: Mapman on July 26, 2023, 05:01:45 PMWhich, interestingly, comes at the same time as another announcement of room-temperature superconductors: https://arxiv.org/abs/2307.12008.
Quite interesting!  I see that the ones that Mapman referred to were submitted to APL Materials on the 23rd for review (according to Wiki).

PD
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: LKB on July 27, 2023, 06:25:08 AM
Quote from: Pohjolas Daughter on July 27, 2023, 04:02:33 AMQuite interesting!  I see that the ones that Mapman referred to were submitted to APL Materials on the 23rd for review (according to Wiki).

PD

Makes me wonder if some folks weren't trying to beat the Koreans to a big payday...
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Dry Brett Kavanaugh on July 27, 2023, 06:36:46 AM
Ukrainian fencer Olga Kharlan has been disqualified for refusing to shake hands with Russian Anna Smirnova at the World Fencing Championships.


https://www.bbc.com/sport/fencing/66322668
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: T. D. on July 27, 2023, 07:44:04 AM
Quote from: LKB on July 27, 2023, 06:25:08 AMMakes me wonder if some folks weren't trying to beat the Koreans to a big payday...

Not just "the Koreans", they're from Cornell University. And the big fraud mentioned just above was from U. of Rochester, which is quite respectable.

This stuff astounds me. Why would one present a sensational discovery based on fake data? Doesn't it stand to reason that hordes of researchers would instantly seek to replicate the results?

Yes, I know Gregor Mendel smoothed and doctored his data to fit his hypothesis. But I doubt the experimental evidence in these cases is anywhere near as clear.

Meanwhile,

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-66321392

Three members of a Colorado family died while attempting to live "off the grid" in the Rocky Mountains, family members and investigators say.

The emaciated remains of sisters Christine and Rebecca Vance and the latter's 14-year old son, were found in a remote campsite this month.

On Tuesday a coroner ruled that they probably died from starvation or exposure during the cold winter.

It appears that the group began camping last summer and died over the winter.

Rebecca Vance's stepsister Trevala Jara, told the Washington Post on Wednesday: "She didn't like the way the world was going, and she thought it would be better if her and her son and Christine were alone, away from everybody."

The group - including the sisters who were in their 40s - had no outdoor survival experience and had watched online videos to learn about how to survive in Colorado's rugged backcountry, Mrs Jara told US media.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on July 27, 2023, 08:02:50 AM
Quote from: Dry Brett Kavanaugh on July 27, 2023, 06:36:46 AMUkrainian fencer Olga Kharlan has been disqualified for refusing to shake hands with Russian Anna Smirnova at the World Fencing Championships.


https://www.bbc.com/sport/fencing/66322668
Sorry to read that. Tennis players have come to their own agreements/arrangements (alas, some folks in the crowd don't seem to understand that and have booed some of the players).  I don't believe that it's part of any official rules; however, it's customary to shake ones opponent's hands after a match and also to shake the hand of the chair umpire too. By not shaking your opponent's hand (at the minimum), it's certainly showing that there's some frostiness going on (from at least one side).  Also, not shaking the umpire's hand is considered rude too (sometimes done as a sign of protest against the chair umpire showing that the player was unhappy with how they [think anyway] were treated/bad call, etc.).

PD
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on July 27, 2023, 08:09:13 AM
Quote from: T. D. on July 27, 2023, 07:44:04 AMNot just "the Koreans", they're from Cornell University. And the big fraud mentioned just above was from U. of Rochester, which is quite respectable.

This stuff astounds me. Why would one present a sensational discovery based on fake data? Doesn't it stand to reason that hordes of researchers would instantly seek to replicate the results?

Yes, I know Gregor Mendel smoothed and doctored his data to fit his hypothesis. But I doubt the experimental evidence in these cases is anywhere near as clear.

Meanwhile,

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-66321392

Three members of a Colorado family died while attempting to live "off the grid" in the Rocky Mountains, family members and investigators say.

The emaciated remains of sisters Christine and Rebecca Vance and the latter's 14-year old son, were found in a remote campsite this month.

On Tuesday a coroner ruled that they probably died from starvation or exposure during the cold winter.

It appears that the group began camping last summer and died over the winter.

Rebecca Vance's stepsister Trevala Jara, told the Washington Post on Wednesday: "She didn't like the way the world was going, and she thought it would be better if her and her son and Christine were alone, away from everybody."

The group - including the sisters who were in their 40s - had no outdoor survival experience and had watched online videos to learn about how to survive in Colorado's rugged backcountry, Mrs Jara told US media.

Re Colorado campers:  That's crazy!  And very sad too.

PD
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on July 27, 2023, 08:29:31 AM
When trying to find out a bit more about the two sisters and the son who had passed away in Colorado, I stumbled across this sweet story:

'The genesis of this year's Cat Fest is a typo.

Former co-founder and co-owner of the Denver County Fair Dana Cain was doing an interview in 2015 in which she mentioned the "kitchen pavilion" as a fair event. The reporter accidentally printed "kitten pavilion," and Cain had no choice but to locate some cats.

"They printed we had a kitten pavilion," Cain said. "So I said 'OK well, we have to do it!'"

More here:

https://gazette.com/arts-entertainment/cat-fest-shangri-la-for-all-things-feline/article_9df8e3ca-2672-11ee-81fa-ebd9484db2ef.html

PD
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: DavidW on July 27, 2023, 08:59:38 AM
Quote from: Pohjolas Daughter on July 27, 2023, 08:29:31 AMWhen trying to find out a bit more about the two sisters and the son who had passed away in Colorado, I stumbled across this sweet story:

'The genesis of this year's Cat Fest is a typo.

Former co-founder and co-owner of the Denver County Fair Dana Cain was doing an interview in 2015 in which she mentioned the "kitchen pavilion" as a fair event. The reporter accidentally printed "kitten pavilion," and Cain had no choice but to locate some cats.

"They printed we had a kitten pavilion," Cain said. "So I said 'OK well, we have to do it!'"

More here:

https://gazette.com/arts-entertainment/cat-fest-shangri-la-for-all-things-feline/article_9df8e3ca-2672-11ee-81fa-ebd9484db2ef.html

PD

I kind of feel like that should be cross-posted on Cato's thread!
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on July 27, 2023, 09:02:20 AM
Quote from: DavidW on July 27, 2023, 08:59:38 AMI kind of feel like that should be cross-posted on Cato's thread!

(* chortle *)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on July 27, 2023, 10:09:37 AM
Quote from: DavidW on July 27, 2023, 08:59:38 AMI kind of feel like that should be cross-posted on Cato's thread!
lol Good idea!  Will do.  :)

PD

p.s.  The great thing about it:  lots of cats have been adopted since she started the event (has changed a bit over the years.  If interested, read the article).
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on July 27, 2023, 10:10:36 AM
Quote from: Pohjolas Daughter on July 27, 2023, 08:29:31 AMWhen trying to find out a bit more about the two sisters and the son who had passed away in Colorado, I stumbled across this sweet story:

'The genesis of this year's Cat Fest is a typo.

Former co-founder and co-owner of the Denver County Fair Dana Cain was doing an interview in 2015 in which she mentioned the "kitchen pavilion" as a fair event. The reporter accidentally printed "kitten pavilion," and Cain had no choice but to locate some cats.

"They printed we had a kitten pavilion," Cain said. "So I said 'OK well, we have to do it!'"

More here:

https://gazette.com/arts-entertainment/cat-fest-shangri-la-for-all-things-feline/article_9df8e3ca-2672-11ee-81fa-ebd9484db2ef.html

PD
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Dry Brett Kavanaugh on July 27, 2023, 12:34:52 PM
A family pocketed $7.6 million by taking cans and bottles from Arizona and recycling them in California. That's fraud, prosecutors say.


https://www.yahoo.com/news/one-family-pocketed-7-6-221318711.html
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Dry Brett Kavanaugh on July 28, 2023, 06:37:05 AM
Legendary computer hacker Kevin Mitnick dies at 59. A link to his memoir is below the link to article.


https://us.cnn.com/2023/07/21/us/computer-hacker-kevin-mitnick-obit/index.html

https://www.amazon.com/Ghost-Wires-Adventures-Worlds-Wanted/dp/0316037729/ref=sr_1_1?hvadid=616863122367&hvdev=t&hvlocphy=9012850&hvnetw=g&hvqmt=e&hvrand=12638807623431654711&hvtargid=kwd-30121502750&hydadcr=24657_13611735&keywords=ghost+in+the+wires&qid=1690554854&sr=8-1
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Dry Brett Kavanaugh on July 28, 2023, 03:46:24 PM
The 34 y/o chair of Federal Trade Commission is a dedicated anti-trust warrior.


https://www.cnn.com/2023/07/25/investing/premarket-stocks-trading/index.html
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Dry Brett Kavanaugh on July 29, 2023, 01:04:52 PM
Oyster bars in Boston look gorgeous!


https://www.bbc.com/travel/article/20230630-a-tour-of-bostons-five-best-oyster-bars-with-chef-michael-serpa
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Dry Brett Kavanaugh on July 29, 2023, 02:48:57 PM
Scientists have revived a worm that was frozen 46,000 years ago and it started having babies.


https://www.cnn.com/2023/07/28/world/worm-resurrected-frozen-siberian-permafrost-intl-scli-scn/index.html
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: LKB on July 29, 2023, 04:41:40 PM
Quote from: Dry Brett Kavanaugh on July 29, 2023, 02:48:57 PMScientists have revived a worm that was frozen 46,000 years ago and it started having babies.


https://www.cnn.com/2023/07/28/world/worm-resurrected-frozen-siberian-permafrost-intl-scli-scn/index.html

Making up for lost time? It certainly had waited long enough...
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Spotted Horses on July 29, 2023, 08:32:06 PM
Quote from: Dry Brett Kavanaugh on July 27, 2023, 12:34:52 PMA family pocketed $7.6 million by taking cans and bottles from Arizona and recycling them in California. That's fraud, prosecutors say.


https://www.yahoo.com/news/one-family-pocketed-7-6-221318711.html

That's because it's fraud.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on July 30, 2023, 03:16:28 AM
Quote from: Spotted Horses on July 29, 2023, 08:32:06 PMThat's because it's fraud.
Yep!  According to that article, they also brought containers that had previously been redeemed back.  :o How the heck?  My guess is that they purchased them somewhere as scrap metal (post-redemption) and then brought them back to a California redemption site to cash in on them.

Sad that there are still so many states that don't have a redemption program.  :(

PD
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: AnotherSpin on July 31, 2023, 12:22:08 AM
It is said that Putin's attempt to destroy the Cathedral in Odessa on 23 July was not accidental. The cathedral contained a very important icon. Believers consider this icon not only miraculous, but that it has the ability to protect the town where it is located. That was allegedly established already during the Crimean War of 1854, when Odessa was shelled by the Anglo-French naval fleet. Putin, like Hitler, is fond of all kinds of occultism, so the version is not without some plausibility. Although it is not quite clear how a person who believes in the power of icons can try to destroy one of them and not bring all sorts of trouble on himself.

P.S.: It is reported that the icon was not damaged, although the room where it was located was almost completely destroyed.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Florestan on July 31, 2023, 12:47:54 AM
Quote from: AnotherSpin on July 31, 2023, 12:22:08 AMa person who believes in the power of icons

Putin believes in no other power than his own. His posturing as a devout defender of Orthodox Christianity is disgusting.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: AnotherSpin on July 31, 2023, 01:05:15 AM
I don't know what Putin believes, and frankly, I don't want to know. I feel sorry for this little inhibited man. Klein Zaches genannt Zinnober...
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on July 31, 2023, 04:29:14 AM
Is Ukraine winning yet?
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on July 31, 2023, 04:29:48 AM
Don't overstate 1.5 degrees C threat, new IPCC head says (https://www.dw.com/en/dont-overstate-15-degrees-c-threat-new-ipcc-head-says/a-66386523#:~:text=Jim%20Skea%2C%20the%20new%20head,an%20existential%20threat%20to%20humanity.)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: AnotherSpin on July 31, 2023, 04:42:24 AM
Quote from: Todd on July 31, 2023, 04:29:14 AMIs Ukraine winning yet?

Ask Trump.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on July 31, 2023, 04:43:52 AM
Quote from: AnotherSpin on July 31, 2023, 04:42:24 AMAsk Trump.

I am asking the geopolitical and military experts on GMG.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: AnotherSpin on July 31, 2023, 04:55:19 AM
Quote from: Todd on July 31, 2023, 04:43:52 AMI am asking the geopolitical and military experts on GMG.

I hope you get the answers you want sooner or later.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on July 31, 2023, 04:57:20 AM
Quote from: AnotherSpin on July 31, 2023, 04:55:19 AMI hope you get the answers you want sooner or later.

Since it is a simple yes/no question, and GMG is filled with geopolitical and military experts, I do too.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: T. D. on July 31, 2023, 11:35:38 AM
This is a good one!

https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2023-07-31/mrbeast-sues-his-food-delivery-partner-over-inedible-burgers

Paywall may be avoidable via incognito window or the like.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on July 31, 2023, 11:41:19 AM
Quote from: Dry Brett Kavanaugh on July 27, 2023, 12:34:52 PMA family pocketed $7.6 million by taking cans and bottles from Arizona and recycling them in California. That's fraud, prosecutors say.


https://www.yahoo.com/news/one-family-pocketed-7-6-221318711.html
Fascinating.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on July 31, 2023, 11:43:01 AM
Quote from: Florestan on July 31, 2023, 12:47:54 AMPutin believes in no other power than his own. His posturing as a devout defender of Orthodox Christianity is disgusting.
Indeed.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on August 01, 2023, 04:14:30 AM
From PBS: The potential benefits and risks of fighting STIs with doxycycline (https://www.pbs.org/newshour/show/the-potential-benefits-and-risks-of-fighting-stis-with-doxycycline#:~:text=Doxycycline%2C%20a%20cheap%20and%20widely,antibiotic%20could%20breed%20drug%20resistance.)

Using a broad-spectrum antibiotic to routinely treat STDs, what could go wrong?
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on August 01, 2023, 04:37:21 AM
Quote from: T. D. on July 31, 2023, 11:35:38 AMThis is a good one!

https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2023-07-31/mrbeast-sues-his-food-delivery-partner-over-inedible-burgers

Paywall may be avoidable via incognito window or the like.
I hadn't heard of this guy before now...nor of "ghost kitchens".  I'm behind the times.

Sounds like big issues with quality control.

PD
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: T. D. on August 01, 2023, 04:59:16 AM
Quote from: Pohjolas Daughter on August 01, 2023, 04:37:21 AMI hadn't heard of this guy before now...nor of "ghost kitchens".  I'm behind the times.

Sounds like big issues with quality control.

PD

I only heard of him ["Mr. Beast"] via a weird circuitous route.

I like chess, and the chess.com website periodically has an event called "PogChamps", currently in its 5th iteration, where "famous streamers" (whatever that means  :laugh: ), who are mostly extremely weak chessplayers, compete in a knockout rapid/blitz tournament. Mr. Beast was in at least a couple of those.

I'm so out of touch with popular culture that the entire "streaming" phenomenon passed me by. I still don't understand why people would spend hours on end watching apparent nonentities on webcams.  ;)

To Mr. Beast's credit, he seems to be highly charitably minded and donates the proceeds of many of his stunts (or whatever TF he does). So it's a shame he got hooked up with a fraudulent firm. Though not unusual in the Internet sphere (think crypto, for instance  :laugh: ).
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on August 01, 2023, 06:29:02 AM
Quote from: T. D. on August 01, 2023, 04:59:16 AMI only heard of him ["Mr. Beast"] via a weird circuitous route.

I like chess, and the chess.com website periodically has an event called "PogChamps", currently in its 5th iteration, where "famous streamers" (whatever that means  :laugh: ), who are mostly extremely weak chessplayers, compete in a knockout rapid/blitz tournament. Mr. Beast was in at least a couple of those.

I'm so out of touch with popular culture that the entire "streaming" phenomenon passed me by. I still don't understand why people would spend hours on end watching apparent nonentities on webcams.  ;)

To Mr. Beast's credit, he seems to be highly charitably minded and donates the proceeds of many of his stunts (or whatever TF he does). So it's a shame he got hooked up with a fraudulent firm. Though not unusual in the Internet sphere (think crypto, for instance  :laugh: ).
I was surprised to see that Mariah Carey partnered up with them (Mariah's Cookies).

PD
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on August 01, 2023, 06:50:40 AM
Georgia Power Co. yesterday announced the commercial operation of the first new nuclear reactor built in the US in more than 30 years, powering utilities in Georgia, Florida, and Alabama.


The reactor, known as Unit 3, is one of two that began construction in 2009 at Plant Vogtle, southeast of Augusta, and can power 500,000 homes and businesses at full capacity. The reactor was initially expected to start generating power in 2016; however, the project faced delays and unexpected costs, which increased from $14B to $35B. The plant already has two reactors that have been operating since 1987 and 1989. Once all four units are operational—Unit 4 is expected early next year—the site will become the nation's largest generator of clean energy. Units 3 and 4 are expected to produce about 2,234 megawatts combined, enough to power more than 1 million homes and businesses.


Nuclear energy currently accounts for about 18% of US power generation, and more US states are looking to the power source for clean energy. Experts say the US would need 200 gigawatts of advanced nuclear energy to power about 160 million homes.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on August 01, 2023, 06:58:35 AM
"a quest to survey more than 1 billion galaxies" ... breathtakingly ambitious. I like it.

The first test images of stars and galaxies taken by the European Space Agency's Euclid Space Telescope were released yesterday. The milestone comes about a month after Euclid launched, reaching its final orbit roughly 1 million miles away from Earth, or four times as far from Earth as the moon. See the images here.


Euclid is on a quest to survey more than 1 billion galaxies—each with roughly 100 billion stars—as it investigates the nature of dark energy and dark matter, which constitute 95% of the universe but remain poorly understood. The term "dark" refers to the properties known about each—dark matter exerts a gravitational pull on objects but doesn't interact with light, while dark energy remains hypothetical and is needed to account for the expansion of the universe.


The test images were taken to verify and review the operation of the instruments on the Euclid spacecraft. The images are largely unprocessed, meaning they contain unwanted distortions, such as cosmic rays that streak across the captured visual. More detailed and sharper images are expected in October.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on August 01, 2023, 08:53:13 AM
Chuckling over a phrase in a news item reporting on the removal of an X from some San Francisco real estate: "the Company formerly known as Twitter."
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on August 02, 2023, 04:38:08 AM
The Harsh Truth: We're Using More Oil Than Ever (https://www.bloomberg.com/opinion/articles/2023-07-27/the-harsh-truth-is-we-ve-never-consumed-this-much-oil#xj4y7vzkg)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: BWV 1080 on August 02, 2023, 10:11:58 AM
Purported room-temp superconductor LK-99 either is the most ununimportant science news story of the decade or it isn't

https://www.wired.com/story/inside-the-diy-race-to-replicate-lk-99/

Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on August 02, 2023, 02:22:39 PM
Tickling rats reveals brain regions tied to laughter and play. (https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/tickling-rats-reveals-a-brain-region-linked-to-laughter-and-play-180982628/?utm_source=join1440&utm_medium=email&utm_placement=newsletter)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on August 02, 2023, 02:25:35 PM
"Barbie" hauls in $93M in its second weekend at US box office, one of the best second weekends ever; the film's total international box office is now at $744M
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: greg on August 02, 2023, 05:36:51 PM
Quote from: Todd on August 02, 2023, 04:38:08 AMThe Harsh Truth: We're Using More Oil Than Ever (https://www.bloomberg.com/opinion/articles/2023-07-27/the-harsh-truth-is-we-ve-never-consumed-this-much-oil#xj4y7vzkg)
I can't read the article, but I'm guessing there is probably no mention of multiple countries (US and India, in particular) making people work from office again when it's not needed, and calls for people to sacrifice their own energy expenditure for some moral reasons or something?
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on August 02, 2023, 06:21:04 PM
Quote from: greg on August 02, 2023, 05:36:51 PMI can't read the article, but I'm guessing there is probably no mention of multiple countries (US and India, in particular) making people work from office again when it's not needed, and calls for people to sacrifice their own energy expenditure for some moral reasons or something?

Not really.  It's more a cold-blooded assessment of the reality that environmentalists and fellow travelers who lie to themselves about the topic keep trying to pretend isn't true.

Quote from: Javier BlasNo matter what happens next with autos, what's clear is that under current trends, global oil demand will increase a further 3 percent to 4 percent the next five years, before settling at a high plateau. For now, there's no sign that consumption will drop off a cliff any time soon.I'd like to be proved wrong, but currently there's no chance that the world will reduce oil consumption by 2030 nearly as much as needed to meet its net-zero emissions targets. And that's why many Western governments, while preaching green in public, in private tell oil executives to keep investing in more production.

Economic systems premised on economic growth - that is, the industrial era frameworks known as Capitalism and Socialism - are inherently incompatible with ecological stability and environmental equity.  The cold, hard truth is that in order to hit stated targets, advanced economies would have to materially reduce the average income of their residents.  That is, rich societies would have to become poorer.  No politician will try to sell that.  So rich societies will continue to disproportionately exploit limited resources and people in poor countries will suffer for it.  Since I reside in a rich country, I am fine with tradeoff.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: AnotherSpin on August 02, 2023, 10:13:06 PM
Quote from: Todd on August 02, 2023, 06:21:04 PM[..] So rich societies will continue to disproportionately exploit limited resources and people in poor countries will suffer for it.  Since I reside in a rich country, I am fine with tradeoff.

The question is where people suffer more, in so-called "rich" countries, or so-called "poor" countries.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on August 03, 2023, 04:20:40 AM
A local tale of decades of wanton waste of public resources to save the fishies that failed: Billions in conservation spending fail to improve wild fish stocks in Columbia Basin (https://phys.org/news/2023-07-billions-wild-fish-stocks-columbia.html)

Since economic interests are now involved, if spending changes, it will increase.  The programs really aren't about the fish. 
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on August 04, 2023, 04:44:03 AM
From the AP: After helping prevent extinctions for 50 years, the Endangered Species Act itself may be in peril (https://apnews.com/article/endangered-species-eagle-wolf-biden-trump-12d1a8ef6d453ad8f6d4c2b6edb567e8?user_email=211b1c29c4c5888becd119d7143defa6f8726cf799e426e5142a76c5b1195efc&utm_medium=Morning_Wire&utm_source=Sailthru&utm_campaign=MorningWire_4August_2023&utm_term=Morning%20Wire%20Subscribers)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: T. D. on August 04, 2023, 01:23:09 PM
Today's entry in the H. L. Mencken* series:

https://www.bloomberg.com/en/news/thp/2023-08-04/urgent-crowd-overwhelms-new-york-city-s-union-square-tosses-chairs-climbs-on-vehicles

NEW YORK (AP) — Police in New York City are struggling to control a crowd of thousands of people who gathered in Manhattan's Union Square for an internet personality's supposed videogame console giveaway that got out of hand.

Aerial TV news footage Friday showed a surging, tightly packed crowd climbing on vehicles, hurling chairs, throwing punches and scaling structures in the park. Shouting teenagers swung objects at car windows and ran through the streets.


*Apparently Mencken never published the famous Nobody ever went broke underestimating the intelligence of the American people, but he should have!
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on August 05, 2023, 06:24:06 AM
Power at the gas pump: Oregon lets drivers fuel their own cars, lifting decades-old self-serve ban (https://apnews.com/article/oregon-gas-pump-station-new-jersey-selfserve-10d7a467ab0fd9c6d15f2cb2769b00ce)

Glory, glory, hallelujah!
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: T. D. on August 06, 2023, 06:44:33 AM
More GQP fascism. But of course it's to be expected.

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-66375877

A pro-choice referendum looked poised to win in the conservative state of Ohio this November. Now, Republican state legislators are accused of moving the goalposts.

And if the GQP still loses, it will be BECAUSE OF A RIGGED ELECTION!!! FRAUD!!!
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on August 06, 2023, 06:56:29 AM
'Halliburton Loophole' Allows Fracking Companies to Avoid Chemical Regulation

New research finds fracking-industry exemption for 28 chemicals otherwise regulated by federal law. (https://insideclimatenews.org/news/04082023/halliburton-loophole-fracking-pennsylvania/)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Dry Brett Kavanaugh on August 07, 2023, 04:26:17 PM
Japan's creative cooling solutions.


https://www.bbc.com/travel/article/20230807-want-to-cope-with-heatwaves-look-to-japans-creative-cooling-solutions
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on August 08, 2023, 04:40:23 AM
From The Economist:

Western values are steadily diverging from the rest of the world's

People's principles were expected to align as countries got richer. What happened? (https://www.economist.com/interactive/international/2023/08/03/western-values-are-steadily-diverging-from-the-rest-of-the-world)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on August 08, 2023, 05:45:09 AM
Quote from: Dry Brett Kavanaugh on August 07, 2023, 04:26:17 PMJapan's creative cooling solutions.


https://www.bbc.com/travel/article/20230807-want-to-cope-with-heatwaves-look-to-japans-creative-cooling-solutions
Interesting!  Thanks for posting this.  I'll check out Uniglo's clothing.  I became aware of the company back when they were sponsoring Novak Djokovic; however, I remembered reading that they were supposed to come out with a line which would be available for us regular shoppers to buy, but they were having problems actually getting them made and out so that people could buy them--not sure of the reason.

I've also read articles about Chinese sky wells and also an article about the increasing popularity of underground homes (and businesses too) particularly in Australia.  Both of these articles can also be found on the BBC's website.

PD
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Dry Brett Kavanaugh on August 08, 2023, 02:44:15 PM
Gen Z will be last generation with white majority in US, study finds.


https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/aug/08/gen-z-americans-white-majority-study
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on August 08, 2023, 03:06:48 PM
Quote from: Dry Brett Kavanaugh on August 08, 2023, 02:44:15 PMGen Z will be last generation with white majority in US, study finds.


https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/aug/08/gen-z-americans-white-majority-study


This is old news.  The timeline has changed very little in years.  Note that non-Hispanic whites (that distinction itself is very important) will still be, by far, the largest group.  People alive after 2045 should be prepared for even more divide and conquer politics.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: T. D. on August 09, 2023, 06:26:13 PM
This is of course in execrable taste, but as an American it's somewhat of a relief to see that other countries also have cretinous mass media.

(https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.30808-6/364108649_7267219323307719_6937944379866606589_n.jpg?_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=dbeb18&_nc_ohc=sCRffXpLSx8AX81YVkK&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AfCGJVKQg6K0sGTJOzxDvx6I_NFzchun_bk1nrHTJ_TlXw&oe=64D983A6)

Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on August 10, 2023, 03:49:08 AM
Quote from: hopefullytrusting on August 09, 2023, 04:37:04 PMSome personal news: I am meeting with two editors on Friday to discuss the book proposal I sent in. :)
How exciting!  May I ask (roughly as I know that you don't want to give too much away) what it is about?  Or the general subject matter?  :)

PD
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on August 10, 2023, 06:19:58 AM
Tampa mayor finds 70lb of cocaine on fishing trip   :o

https://www.bbc.com/news/av/world-us-canada-66455220

PD
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: BWV 1080 on August 10, 2023, 07:35:47 AM
Quote from: Dry Brett Kavanaugh on August 08, 2023, 02:44:15 PMGen Z will be last generation with white majority in US, study finds.


https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/aug/08/gen-z-americans-white-majority-study

Living in a minority Anglo city (Houston), I can say the most noticeable impact is great restaurant options.  Travel to the midwest or southeast and its a cultural wasteland.  Once met a guy from Atlanta proudly stating that they finally had authentic Mexican food because a Chuy's opened
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Dry Brett Kavanaugh on August 10, 2023, 11:20:33 AM
The era of cheap streaming is officially over.


https://www.cnn.com/2023/08/10/media/disney-plus-streaming-prices-reliable-sources/index.html
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: DavidW on August 10, 2023, 11:24:16 AM
Quote from: Dry Brett Kavanaugh on August 10, 2023, 11:20:33 AMThe era of cheap streaming is officially over.


https://www.cnn.com/2023/08/10/media/disney-plus-streaming-prices-reliable-sources/index.html

I think that is the last of the big ones to raise the price, now all have.  Even smaller ones have done it (like britbox).  It doesn't bother me because I don't constantly subscribe to them all.  I subscribe to a service, watch everything I want, and then unsub and move on.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: BWV 1080 on August 11, 2023, 03:36:07 AM
Ex-London, the UK is poorer than Mississippi

(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/F3Pky9uX0AEwOvn?format=png&name=large)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on August 11, 2023, 03:39:34 AM
Quote from: BWV 1080 on August 11, 2023, 03:36:07 AMEx-London, the UK is poorer than Mississippi

(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/F3Pky9uX0AEwOvn?format=png&name=large)
:o

PD
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: T. D. on August 11, 2023, 07:56:08 AM
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-66471990

A well-known Norwegian mountaineer has denied accusations that her team climbed over an injured guide during a bid to break a world record.

The porter, named as Mohammed Hassan, had fallen off a ledge on Pakistan's K2 - the world's second-highest mountain.

Video posted on social media appears to show a group walking by Mr Hassan, who reportedly died a few hours later.

But Kristin Harila said she and her team tried everything to help him in dangerous conditions.

The Norwegian was heading for K2's summit to secure a world record and become the fastest climber to scale all peaks above 8,000m (26,000ft).

But during the ascent on 27 July, Mr Hassan reportedly fell from an extremely narrow path known as a bottleneck.

Austrian climbers Wilhelm Steindl and Philip Flämig have posted pictures appearing to show people climbing over him.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Dry Brett Kavanaugh on August 13, 2023, 10:08:13 AM
Taylor Swift is a hero to food banks from coast to coast.


https://www.cnn.com/2023/08/13/business/taylor-swift-food-bank-donations/index.html
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Dry Brett Kavanaugh on August 14, 2023, 03:32:12 PM
Weird news: Vanderbilt University Medical Center under federal investigation for allegedly sharing transgender health records.


https://www.cnn.com/2023/08/14/us/tennessee-vanderbilt-university-medical-center-investigation-transgender-reaj/index.html
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on August 15, 2023, 09:31:09 AM
Quote from: Dry Brett Kavanaugh on August 13, 2023, 10:08:13 AMTaylor Swift is a hero to food banks from coast to coast.


https://www.cnn.com/2023/08/13/business/taylor-swift-food-bank-donations/index.html
That's great!  From what I've read, she not only donates huge amounts, but the news/attention of what she's given is creating a bump in donations to the areas.  ❣️

PD
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Dry Brett Kavanaugh on August 15, 2023, 01:30:08 PM
Quote from: Pohjolas Daughter on August 15, 2023, 09:31:09 AMThat's great!  From what I've read, she not only donates huge amounts, but the news/attention of what she's given is creating a bump in donations to the areas.  ❣️

PD

Yes bandwagon effect of good energy.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Spotted Horses on August 16, 2023, 08:07:43 AM
I don't know if there has been discussion here of the fires on Maui, but I have not seen it.

The loss of life is of course enormously distressing, but the loss of heritage is unsettling in a different way. I visited Maui about 10 years ago in a prosaic seaside vacation. But we did visit Lahaina and by far the most impressive part of the trip was the enormous Banyan tree in the center of town in front of the former courthouse, converted to a heritage museum. The tree grew to such enormous size because over 150 years residents of Lahaina cultivated it. The fact that the tree suffered severe fire damage and will likely not survive represents a loss of an irreplaceable artifact. And if the historic city is rebuilt, it will essentially be a theme park, rather than a heritage site. A reminder of how ephemeral our civilization can be.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on August 16, 2023, 08:51:14 AM
Quote from: Spotted Horses on August 16, 2023, 08:07:43 AMI don't know if there has been discussion here of the fires on Maui, but I have not seen it.

The loss of life is of course enormously distressing, but the loss of heritage is unsettling in a different way. I visited Maui about 10 years ago in a prosaic seaside vacation. But we did visit Lahaina and by far the most impressive part of the trip was the enormous Banyan tree in the center of town in front of the former courthouse, converted to a heritage museum. The tree grew to such enormous size because over 150 years residents of Lahaina cultivated it. The fact that the tree suffered severe fire damage and will likely not survive represents a loss of an irreplaceable artifact. And if the historic city is rebuilt, it will essentially be a theme park, rather than a heritage site. A reminder of how ephemeral our civilization can be.
I've been reading about it regularly in the news.  Shocking to see the damage done to the area, the people, their homes and businesses--to the whole community.  I hope that the tree recovers.

This was disturbing reading:  https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-66507019  Essentially about the "two Hawaiis".

PD
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Spotted Horses on August 16, 2023, 09:02:31 AM
Quote from: Pohjolas Daughter on August 16, 2023, 08:51:14 AMThis was disturbing reading:  https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-66507019 (https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-66507019)  Essentially about the "two Hawaiis".

It is the story of Colonialism, in which indigenous populations are pushed aside.

Much is made of the role of climate change, but in this case another type of human activity is a primary cause. Much of the land in Maui was taken for sugar plantations (with labor brought in from Asia) and these plantations have been abandoned, allowing nonnative species (mostly grasses) to invade the fallow land. This was the fuel for the fire, which was compounded by dry conditions and high winds.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on August 16, 2023, 02:17:35 PM
Quote from: Pohjolas Daughter on August 08, 2023, 05:45:09 AMI'll check out Uniglo's clothing
I remember when they opened up in Quincy Market. I have no awareness of their product.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on August 16, 2023, 02:18:07 PM
Quote from: hopefullytrusting on August 09, 2023, 04:37:04 PMSome personal news: I am meeting with two editors on Friday to discuss the book proposal I sent in. :)
Good luck!
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Dry Brett Kavanaugh on August 17, 2023, 01:51:43 PM
Lately several news websites, including CNN, have recommended onsen/waffle towels. I like them but I don't want to pay more than $20.


https://www.cnn.com/cnn-underscored/reviews/onsen-towel

https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbes-personal-shopper/article/onsen-towel-review/?sh=1a888357759b
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Dry Brett Kavanaugh on August 17, 2023, 01:54:28 PM
The International Chess Federation (FIDE) says it is temporarily banning transgender women from competing in its women's events.


https://www.bbc.com/news/world-66538328
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Spotted Horses on August 17, 2023, 02:15:07 PM
Quote from: Dry Brett Kavanaugh on August 17, 2023, 01:54:28 PMThe International Chess Federation (FIDE) says it is temporarily banning transgender women from competing in its women's events.


https://www.bbc.com/news/world-66538328

Why on earth would chess tournaments be divided by gender?
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: JBS on August 17, 2023, 04:10:17 PM
Quote from: Spotted Horses on August 17, 2023, 02:15:07 PMWhy on earth would chess tournaments be divided by gender?

According to what I've seen, boys get the attention and money much earlier than girls, so female players have less experience and resources than a male of their own age.
[Important: I can not vouch for the accuracy of that claim.]

So a trans woman who started her chess career as a male would have advantages over her competitors.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: T. D. on August 18, 2023, 10:37:03 AM
https://www.cnbc.com/2023/08/18/the-worlds-cheapest-home-is-on-sale-for-one-dollar-in-pontiac-michigan.html
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on August 18, 2023, 10:47:25 AM
Quote from: T. D. on August 18, 2023, 10:37:03 AMhttps://www.cnbc.com/2023/08/18/the-worlds-cheapest-home-is-on-sale-for-one-dollar-in-pontiac-michigan.html
Well, it looks like they're getting offers for much more than that!  Clever!

Here's one for you that I read the other day.  A guy who lives on Long Island bought some property decades ago in CT (undeveloped) in an area where he used to live.  An old friend calls him up one day to say that the land was being cleared and that there was now a big house on it (valued to be 1.5 million once finished).

https://www.ctinsider.com/columnist/article/house-built-on-fairfield-lot-18261063.php

PD
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: T. D. on August 18, 2023, 12:42:56 PM
Quote from: Pohjolas Daughter on August 18, 2023, 10:47:25 AMWell, it looks like they're getting offers for much more than that!  Clever!

Here's one for you that I read the other day.  A guy who lives on Long Island bought some property decades ago in CT (undeveloped) in an area where he used to live.  An old friend calls him up one day to say that the land was being cleared and that there was now a big house on it (valued to be 1.5 million once finished).

https://www.ctinsider.com/columnist/article/house-built-on-fairfield-lot-18261063.php

PD

Thanks. Wow, that's bizarre.

But to be honest, based on my experience (a) it's not that big a surprise; (b) the blame lies squarely with the local real estate industry (brokers, attorneys, title search agencies).

I work for a municipality (though I recently cut back by half) and occasionally interface with local real estate "professionals", mostly dopes who have no clue and are hoping I'll do their work for them.

Almost all the real estate industry people I deal with are shockingly incompetent. One basic cause is that they collect bloated commissions in exchange for adding minimal value, and are consequently "fat, dumb and happy". Another is that real estate agents, whose commissions are particularly excessive and added value particularly minuscule, become ethically challenged and never encourage due diligence re. any potential commission-generating sale.

By way of contrast, I once passed the "Series 7" exam for securities industry registered representatives. One of the fundamental principles there is "KNOW YOUR CUSTOMER".

The post-Covid real estate bubble has significantly exacerbated the woeful state of affairs.

[Apologies to any real estate agents on the forum.  ;D ]
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on August 18, 2023, 05:37:47 PM
Quote from: hopefullytrusting on August 18, 2023, 04:43:36 PMThanks, it went well.

They liked my overall project, and want me to deliver an Introduction and two chapters before Summer 2024.

8)
Conquer!
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on August 19, 2023, 01:09:45 PM
From ICN: During Some of the Hottest Months in History, Millions of App Delivery Drivers Are Feeling the Strain

Around 4 million people in the U.S. work as contractors for app services like DoorDash delivering pizzas, salads and pad thai. Those in areas with extreme heat are taking new measures to keep working through it. (https://insideclimatenews.org/news/15082023/doordash-delivery-workers-extreme-heat/?utm_source=InsideClimate+News&utm_campaign=e3c5e4789c-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2023_08_19_01_00&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_29c928ffb5-e3c5e4789c-329701485)


I'd better not see any more surcharges, that's all I have to say.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: T. D. on August 19, 2023, 02:20:55 PM
https://sports.yahoo.com/baker-mayfield-reportedly-in-legal-battle-with-fathers-company-over-missing-12-million-193157780.html

Cue the jokes about taking too many hits to the head.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on August 20, 2023, 12:44:30 AM
Quote from: T. D. on August 19, 2023, 02:20:55 PMhttps://sports.yahoo.com/baker-mayfield-reportedly-in-legal-battle-with-fathers-company-over-missing-12-million-193157780.html


Wouldn't he had been given statements by the private equity and venture capital companies and had meetings over the years?  Rather scary that two of the companies are owned by his father and that he and his wife are having to petition in order to get financial reports from six companies to see if his money has been properly invested.  :(

PD
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: T. D. on August 20, 2023, 02:52:28 AM
Quote from: Pohjolas Daughter on August 20, 2023, 12:44:30 AMWouldn't he had been given statements by the private equity and venture capital companies and had meetings over the years?  Rather scary that two of the companies are owned by his father and that he and his wife are having to petition in order to get financial reports from six companies to see if his money has been properly invested.  :(

PD

Not enough information to judge this chronicle of dopiness.

Obvious questions: Why didn't the dude read his monthly statements all these years? What were the historical cash flows / returns? Did he ever meet with managers?

Given the nepotistic connection, one suspects that the father either: a) pocketed the money or b) invested it in some drinking buddy's hare-brained scheme, thereby p***g it away. Crypto also comes to mind.  :laugh:

I'm not sufficiently interested to look beyond the initial story.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Dry Brett Kavanaugh on August 20, 2023, 02:44:07 PM
The Guardian: Sooner or later, China will go the way of the Soviet Union.


https://www.theguardian.com/business/2023/aug/20/china-too-big-soviet-union-collapse-growth
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on August 21, 2023, 05:03:12 AM
US Home Investor Share Remained High in Early Summer 2023 (https://www.corelogic.com/intelligence/us-home-investor-share-remained-high-early-summer-2023/)

(https://www.corelogic.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2023/08/Investor_Report_Q2_2023_1.jpg)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on August 21, 2023, 01:01:06 PM
850 people still missing after the Maui fires.  One hundred and fourteen people are confirmed to have died so far.  27 of the deceased have been identified.  It could take months or years to identify the rest.

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-66571294

PD
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: pjme on August 22, 2023, 01:02:54 AM
(https://images.vrt.be/w1280hx/2023/08/21/bc049ff6-4038-11ee-91d7-02b7b76bf47f.jpg)

"Have fun": new and unique Latin slogan "avoca te" discovered at archaeological find in Mortsel (Antwerp/Belgium)
In Mortsel, a new Latin expression has been discovered in an archaeological find. Archaeologists found a drinking cup with the two words: "avoca te" or "amuse yourself". "It is a unique inscription that has never been found before," says Christian Laes, professor of the history of antiquity at UAntwerp.
...
At least 800 (more or less similar) cups have been excavated in France, Belgium and Germany. Of all those cups, three had an inscription with the verb "avocare" on them," says Professor Laes. These are chalices that were found in Cologne. One, for example, says "avoco te". . Based on that, we know that "avoca te" is the command form of the verb, meaning "have fun".

"There are many ways to say "have fun" in Latin, but we've never seen cups with this formulation. Nowhere else has that expression popped up."

Avocare is not exactly an obscure verb, however. "The meaning has changed over time. Originally the word meant to call away or divert something or someone. Later it evolved into having fun," says Professor Laes. "Avoca te, here in the imperative, can then be translated as 'amuse yourself'. The phrase is probably an informal expression that was used during festivities where the wine flowed freely."

(https://images.vrt.be/w1280hx/2023/08/21/62b9e401-4038-11ee-91d7-02b7b76bf47f.jpg)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Spotted Horses on August 22, 2023, 05:32:09 AM
Quote from: Pohjolas Daughter on August 21, 2023, 01:01:06 PM850 people still missing after the Maui fires.  One hundred and fourteen people are confirmed to have died so far.  27 of the deceased have been identified.  It could take months or years to identify the rest.

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-66571294

PD

It is distressing to think about. I take it cell phone service and other forms of communication have been reestablished. Taking into account the number of sets of remains found, how to account for more than 700 people who have not been heard from since the fires? The great majority of residences and other buildings have reportedly been searched. Could so many have tried to escape to the sea and lost their lives, or tried to flee overland and perished in the open? Or could the fires have been so intense as to destroy remains utterly?
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on August 22, 2023, 06:36:14 AM
Quote from: Spotted Horses on August 22, 2023, 05:32:09 AMIt is distressing to think about. I take it cell phone service and other forms of communication have been reestablished. Taking into account the number of sets of remains found, how to account for more than 700 people who have not been heard from since the fires? The great majority of residences and other buildings have reportedly been searched. Could so many have tried to escape to the sea and lost their lives, or tried to flee overland and perished in the open? Or could the fires have been so intense as to destroy remains utterly?
I don't know the answers.  According to one article, they are now checking out multi-story residential and commercial properties.  https://mauinow.com/2023/08/22/maui-wildfire-disaster-updates-for-aug-22-teams-transition-to-search-of-multi-story-residential-and-commercial-properties/

PD
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on August 22, 2023, 06:37:05 AM
Quote from: Dry Brett Kavanaugh on August 20, 2023, 02:44:07 PMThe Guardian: Sooner or later, China will go the way of the Soviet Union.


https://www.theguardian.com/business/2023/aug/20/china-too-big-soviet-union-collapse-growth
This would not surprise me in the least and will be a greater humanitarian crisis.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: AnotherSpin on August 22, 2023, 07:28:21 AM
Quote from: Karl Henning on August 22, 2023, 06:37:05 AMThis would not surprise me in the least and will be a greater humanitarian crisis.

There is no doubt that in order to avoid humanitarian crises, everyone should make efforts to keep totalitarian empires intact.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on August 22, 2023, 07:30:38 AM
Quote from: AnotherSpin on August 22, 2023, 07:28:21 AMThere is no doubt that in order to avoid humanitarian crises, everyone should make efforts to keep totalitarian empires intact.
It's obvious to most people that this is a ridiculous construction to put upon my remark. But, if that's your idea of amusing yourself, knock yourself out.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: AnotherSpin on August 22, 2023, 07:51:37 AM
Quote from: Karl Henning on August 22, 2023, 07:30:38 AMIt's obvious to most people that this is a ridiculous construction to put upon my remark. But, if that's your idea of amusing yourself, knock yourself out.

Personal attack is certainly a persuasive technique, I'm almost disarmed ;) 

Unlike your most people, I see a direct connection. Putin declared the collapse of the USSR the greatest geopolitical catastrophe of the 20th century. And he justifies the current war against Ukraine with just such constructs. More interesting, however, is the stance of neoliberals and other useful idiots in the West, who call to understand Putin and accept interests of Russia, which supposedly has to defend itself.

Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: DavidW on August 22, 2023, 09:20:05 AM
I'm going to head this off right now.  UNIMPORTANT NEWS only please... please no one reply to AS.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: BWV 1080 on August 22, 2023, 11:09:38 AM
Quote from: Karl Henning on August 22, 2023, 06:37:05 AMThis would not surprise me in the least and will be a greater humanitarian crisis.

Dont agree - China has a modern economy and an older, assimilated empire - current borders are smaller than what the Qing ruled in 1700 - really just Xinjiang and Tibet would be likely breakaways - unlike Russia, where the borders of the USSR represented late 18th cent to 20th century conquests. 
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Dry Brett Kavanaugh on August 22, 2023, 11:35:46 AM
Quote from: Karl Henning on August 22, 2023, 06:37:05 AMThis would not surprise me in the least and will be a greater humanitarian crisis.

Before 1991 nobody thought that the Soviet Union would collapse. The Soviet regime/govt appeared to be more stable than China today. Even if the Chinese govt collapsed, Chinese people may not admit it and pretend that it is a transformation of the same government. Any way it will have a lot of impact on the world economy.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: T. D. on August 22, 2023, 01:02:11 PM
Quote from: Dry Brett Kavanaugh on August 20, 2023, 02:44:07 PMThe Guardian: Sooner or later, China will go the way of the Soviet Union.


https://www.theguardian.com/business/2023/aug/20/china-too-big-soviet-union-collapse-growth

"Sooner or later" covers a lot of ground.  :laugh:

I distrust this prediction on many levels. Pundits who make these kinds of predictions are almost always wildly inaccurate. Oddly, such prognosticators never seem to bless us with post-mortems discussing why their various forecasts went wrong. Or keep their "batting average" of correct calls. :laugh:

Seems unlikely indeed in the short-moderate term range. There (duh, no s**t, Sherlock) appears to be a worldwide trend toward authoritarianism. And I see no leading indicators analogous to the fall of the Berlin Wall, etc.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on August 22, 2023, 01:07:50 PM
In the early-90s, then the mid-90s, then the late-90s, then the early-2000s, some very learned people stated with very great confidence that China would not overtake Japan and become the second largest economy.  Then it did.  Now some very learned people are sure China will collapse.  Maybe it will.  Or maybe it is wishful thinking.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on August 22, 2023, 02:21:05 PM
Quote from: T. D. on August 22, 2023, 01:02:11 PM"Sooner or later" covers a lot of ground.  :laugh:

I distrust this prediction on many levels. Pundits who make these kinds of predictions are almost always wildly inaccurate. Oddly, such prognosticators never seem to bless us with post-mortems discussing why their various forecasts went wrong. Or keep their "batting average" of correct calls. :laugh:

Seems unlikely indeed in the short-moderate term range. There (duh, no s**t, Sherlock) appears to be a worldwide trend toward authoritarianism. And I see no leading indicators analogous to the fall of the Berlin Wall, etc.
All points well taken.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on August 22, 2023, 02:25:27 PM
Quote from: BWV 1080 on August 22, 2023, 11:09:38 AMDont agree - China has a modern economy and an older, assimilated empire - current borders are smaller than what the Qing ruled in 1700 - really just Xinjiang and Tibet would be likely breakaways - unlike Russia, where the borders of the USSR represented late 18th cent to 20th century conquests. 

And you're right, too. I guess it is well that I don't mistake even my own opinions as expressed on an internet forum for sacred writ. Sometimes one just spitballs, and a beneficial result of that is, the lucid, well-thought refutations which come back.

Thanks, all.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: T. D. on August 22, 2023, 02:33:39 PM
Quote from: Karl Henning on August 22, 2023, 02:25:27 PMAnd you're right, too. I guess it is well that I don't mistake even my own opinions as expressed on an internet forum for sacred writ. Sometimes one just spitballs, and a beneficial result of that is, the lucid, well-thought refutations which come back.

Thanks, all.

I wouldn't say "refutation".
Maybe "reasons for scepticism" or "counter-arguments".

I enjoy a good story as much as the next person, but let's face it: prediction of complex systems is extremely difficult. Humans like to formulate neat theories and scenarios, but reality seldom is so orderly or cooperative.  :-\
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on August 22, 2023, 03:02:40 PM
Quote from: T. D. on August 22, 2023, 02:33:39 PMI wouldn't say "refutation".
Maybe "reasons for scepticism" or "counter-arguments".

I enjoy a good story as much as the next person, but let's face it: prediction of complex systems is extremely difficult. Humans like to formulate neat theories and scenarios, but reality seldom is so orderly or cooperative.  :-\
Corrigendum noted, good grace fort apprécié
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: T. D. on August 22, 2023, 04:01:50 PM
https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2023-08-22/jpmorgan-s-most-prolific-spoofer-gets-two-years-in-prison

(paywall perhaps avoidable via incognito browsing).

The former head of JPMorgan Chase & Co.'s precious-metals desk and his top trader were sentenced to prison for spoofing, fraud and attempted market manipulation.

Michael Nowak, who ran gold and silver trading at the bank, and trader Gregg Smith were sentenced Tuesday in Chicago by US District Judge Edmond Chang. Nowak received a term of one year and one day while Smith was given two years, the stiffest sentence yet in a recent government crackdown on questionable trading practices.


Shocking. I've always considered the US legal system exceedingly soft on white-collar crime. The actions of these dillweeds must have been truly heinous for them to actually get jail time!

But stay tuned...they might still get off!

... Lawyers for both men said they planned to appeal their convictions....
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on August 22, 2023, 04:29:57 PM
Quote from: T. D. on August 22, 2023, 04:01:50 PMhttps://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2023-08-22/jpmorgan-s-most-prolific-spoofer-gets-two-years-in-prison

(paywall perhaps avoidable via incognito browsing).

The former head of JPMorgan Chase & Co.'s precious-metals desk and his top trader were sentenced to prison for spoofing, fraud and attempted market manipulation.

Michael Nowak, who ran gold and silver trading at the bank, and trader Gregg Smith were sentenced Tuesday in Chicago by US District Judge Edmond Chang. Nowak received a term of one year and one day while Smith was given two years, the stiffest sentence yet in a recent government crackdown on questionable trading practices.


Shocking. I've always considered the US legal system exceedingly soft on white-collar crime. The actions of these dillweeds must have been truly heinous for them to actually get jail time!

But stay tuned...they might still get off!

... Lawyers for both men said they planned to appeal their convictions....
If these JP Morgan Chase guys can't afford the lawyers to get them off the hook, who can?
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: T. D. on August 22, 2023, 06:11:16 PM
Funny to Americans of a certain age. I once saw the Globetrotters live. [Added: reading the article, I was surprised to find the Trotters still exist. Had no idea!]


https://www.bbc.com/sport/basketball/66525597

On 5 January 1971, Louis Herman Klotz did something that no basketballer has dared repeat.

In front of a disbelieving audience in the city of Martin, Tennessee, the man known as Red broke one of the most sacred unwritten rules in sport. As player-coach for the Washington Generals, Klotz shot the winning basket against the Harlem Globetrotters.

Everybody knows the Generals aren't supposed to beat the Globetrotters.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on August 22, 2023, 07:50:00 PM
Quote from: T. D. on August 22, 2023, 06:11:16 PMFunny to Americans of a certain age. I once saw the Globetrotters live. [Added: reading the article, I was surprised to find the Trotters still exist. Had no idea!]


https://www.bbc.com/sport/basketball/66525597

On 5 January 1971, Louis Herman Klotz did something that no basketballer has dared repeat.

In front of a disbelieving audience in the city of Martin, Tennessee, the man known as Red broke one of the most sacred unwritten rules in sport. As player-coach for the Washington Generals, Klotz shot the winning basket against the Harlem Globetrotters.

Everybody knows the Generals aren't supposed to beat the Globetrotters.

I saw them live once, too! What fun!
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: LKB on August 22, 2023, 08:56:37 PM
Quote from: Karl Henning on August 22, 2023, 07:50:00 PMI saw them live once, too! What fun!

Water or confetti?
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: AnotherSpin on August 22, 2023, 11:17:20 PM
Quote from: Dry Brett Kavanaugh on August 22, 2023, 11:35:46 AMBefore 1991 nobody thought that the Soviet Union would collapse. The Soviet regime/govt appeared to be more stable than China today. Even if the Chinese govt collapsed, Chinese people may not admit it and pretend that it is a transformation of the same government. Any way it will have a lot of impact on the world economy.

Of course, in the late 80s it was hard to imagine that the USSR would suddenly disappear. It was not supposed to. Perhaps not everyone remembers, but the Russian Federation was the first of the major Soviet republics to secede from the USSR. In fact, it was just a move in the power struggle in the top Party leadership, between Yeltsin and Gorbachev. As soon as Gorbachev was ousted, a new consolidation process began and the so-called CIS was created. This was not much different from the way the USSR was created in 1922 soon after the collapse of tsarist Russia. In fact, the final collapse of the USSR (now Russia) is happening only now, when Russia is fighting its last and most likely decisive war to preserve the Empire.

And I find the comparison between China and the USSR very frivolous. China is a great power that has existed for thousands of years and has gone through numerous periods of ups and downs, a country of immense cultural heritage. While the USSR was a pathetic short-lived formation, stillborn from the very beginning, which existed largely on terror and murder.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on August 23, 2023, 02:57:12 AM
Quote from: LKB on August 22, 2023, 08:56:37 PMWater or confetti?
That I do not recall.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: T. D. on August 23, 2023, 04:22:38 AM
Quote from: LKB on August 22, 2023, 08:56:37 PMWater or confetti?

Good one! I'd forgotten that detail.
My vague impression is water at the live game, but more often confetti on TV. Could be wrong.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on August 23, 2023, 06:47:50 AM
I had to google that one!  ;D


PD
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on August 23, 2023, 06:51:47 AM
(https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/976/cpsprodpb/B7E5/production/_130877074_f4eq727xmaasye7.jpg)

Clever!  https://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-66592170

PD
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: BWV 1080 on August 23, 2023, 07:00:32 AM
Quote from: Karl Henning on August 22, 2023, 02:25:27 PMAnd you're right, too. I guess it is well that I don't mistake even my own opinions as expressed on an internet forum for sacred writ. Sometimes one just spitballs, and a beneficial result of that is, the lucid, well-thought refutations which come back.

Thanks, all.

well, prediction is hard, especially about the future.   Past Chinese regime changes certainly were catastrophic
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: JBS on August 23, 2023, 07:24:29 AM
Quote from: BWV 1080 on August 23, 2023, 07:00:32 AMwell, prediction is hard, especially about the future.   Past Chinese regime changes certainly were catastrophic

And there have been significant eras in Chinese history in which China was split into multiple states, sometimes with an emperor who nominally superior to everyone else, sometimes not.
(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/c/ca/EN-WarringStatesAll260BCE.jpg/630px-EN-WarringStatesAll260BCE.jpg)(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/1/10/China_-_Southern_Song_Dynasty-en.svg/500px-China_-_Southern_Song_Dynasty-en.svg.png)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on August 23, 2023, 09:01:25 AM
Sir John Eliot Gardiner Quits Trojans After Singer Incident (https://slippedisc.com/2023/08/exclusive-sir-john-eliot-gardiner-quits-trojans-after-singer-incident/)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on August 23, 2023, 09:42:44 AM
Just heard that Wagner boss Yevgeny Prigozhin probably/maybe died due him being on to a "crashed plane".  Though it may have been shot down (over Russia)?  And it sounded like he was somewhere in Africa?!

https://www.bbc.com/news/live/world-66599774

PD

Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: T. D. on August 23, 2023, 09:48:06 AM
Quote from: Pohjolas Daughter on August 23, 2023, 09:42:44 AMJust heard that Wagner boss Yevgeny Prigozhin probably died due him being on to a "crashed plane".  Though it may have been shot down (over Russia)?

https://www.bbc.com/news/live/world-66599774

PD



I just saw a similar story and came here to post it... :laugh:

https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2023-08-23/prigozhin-listed-as-passenger-aboard-crashed-jet-interfax-says

Didn't exactly require Nostradamus to see that one coming. Though I expected something along the lines of defenestration or poisoning.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on August 23, 2023, 09:52:56 AM
Quote from: T. D. on August 23, 2023, 09:48:06 AMI just saw a similar story and came here to post it... :laugh:

https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2023-08-23/prigozhin-listed-as-passenger-aboard-crashed-jet-interfax-says

Didn't exactly require Nostradamus to see that one coming. Though I expected something along the lines of defenestration or poisoning.
Sorry, I had just added to my original posting in that it sounded like he was in Africa?  And, yes, I didn't think that Putin would let him get away with that though possibly using him and his forces further--at least for a while if possible.

PD
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: T. D. on August 23, 2023, 09:57:10 AM
Quote from: Pohjolas Daughter on August 23, 2023, 09:52:56 AMSorry, I had just added to my original posting in that it sounded like he was in Africa?  And, yes, I didn't think that Putin would let him get away with that though possibly using him and his forces further--at least for a while if possible.

PD

I had seen a number of surprising (to me) stories over the past couple of months about Prigozhin being in Russia, specifically St. Petersburg.

This one (which I hadn't seen) came up on Google: https://www.rferl.org/a/prigozhin-st--petersburg-mutiny-summit/32522769.html
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Dry Brett Kavanaugh on August 23, 2023, 09:59:57 AM
Quote from: Pohjolas Daughter on August 23, 2023, 09:42:44 AMJust heard that Wagner boss Yevgeny Prigozhin probably/maybe died due him being on to a "crashed plane".  Though it may have been shot down (over Russia)?  And it sounded like he was somewhere in Africa?!

https://www.bbc.com/news/live/world-66599774

PD



What a surprise!
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on August 23, 2023, 10:02:50 AM
Quote from: T. D. on August 23, 2023, 09:57:10 AMI had seen a number of surprising (to me) stories over the past couple of months about Prigozhin being in Russia, specifically St. Petersburg.

This one (which I hadn't seen) came up on Google: https://www.rferl.org/a/prigozhin-st--petersburg-mutiny-summit/32522769.html

Interesting!

Quote from: Dry Brett Kavanaugh on August 23, 2023, 09:59:57 AMWhat a surprise!
I know.  :-X

PD
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on August 23, 2023, 10:12:57 AM
What a day!  Rudy Giuliani is expected to surrender at Fulton County Jail today.  https://www.bbc.com/news/live/world-us-canada-66594115

PD
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: T. D. on August 23, 2023, 10:23:01 AM
Quote from: Pohjolas Daughter on August 23, 2023, 10:12:57 AMWhat a day!  Rudy Giuliani is expected to surrender at Fulton County Jail today.  https://www.bbc.com/news/live/world-us-canada-66594115

PD

Will his hair dye melt?

What about the dopey lawyer (provided she hasn't yet been disbarred) victim of Rudy's flatus?


Oh, looks like she posted bond, so may have already surrendered. Aw shucks, no repeat. :laugh:

https://thehill.com/regulation/court-battles/4165159-trump-attorney-jenna-ellis-bond/#:~:text=According%20to%20prosecutors%2C%20Ellis%20was,oath%20by%20a%20public%20officer.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Spotted Horses on August 23, 2023, 10:30:52 AM
Quote from: Pohjolas Daughter on August 23, 2023, 09:42:44 AMJust heard that Wagner boss Yevgeny Prigozhin probably/maybe died due him being on to a "crashed plane".  Though it may have been shot down (over Russia)?  And it sounded like he was somewhere in Africa?!

https://www.bbc.com/news/live/world-66599774

PD



Nine other people had to die because he didn't have the decency to fall out of a window?
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: BWV 1080 on August 23, 2023, 10:48:05 AM
Quote from: Spotted Horses on August 23, 2023, 10:30:52 AMNine other people had to die because he didn't have the decency to fall out of a window?

Maybe the crew was a loss (if they were civilians, not Wagner), but the passengers were his cronies so good riddance there.  Dmitry Ukin was also on the plane
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dmitry_Utkin
(https://europe-diplomatic.eu/app/uploads/2022/05/word-image-10-300x180.png)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: AnotherSpin on August 23, 2023, 11:22:57 AM
It cannot be ruled out that the demise of Prigozhin, Utkin, etc. was merely staged, and these nice gentlemen simply left the stage for a safe haven with an adequate provision.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: T. D. on August 23, 2023, 12:21:38 PM
Quote from: AnotherSpin on August 23, 2023, 11:22:57 AMIt cannot be ruled out that the demise of Prigozhin, Utkin, etc. was merely staged, and these nice gentlemen simply left the stage for a safe haven with an adequate provision.

This is currently plausible. There have been widespread accounts of P. employing dual aircraft, and the official announcements merely state that he was on the passenger list.

We will have to monitor official Kremlin/Russian media pronouncements. If the Kremlin declares P. dead, than any presumed "staging" would imply Russian state complicity, which is difficult to believe. On the other hand, the Kremlin will suffer serious loss of face if unable to prove his demise. For these reasons, given that Russia has thus far been somewhat communicative about the crash, I am inclined to doubt the "staging" theory.

There was mention of a second Wagner aircraft being recalled to Moscow. It'll be interesting to watch further developments there. Of course, that story angle might simply die on the vine.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: JBS on August 23, 2023, 03:08:34 PM
Quote from: AnotherSpin on August 23, 2023, 11:22:57 AMIt cannot be ruled out that the demise of Prigozhin, Utkin, etc. was merely staged, and these nice gentlemen simply left the stage for a safe haven with an adequate provision.

If this was a thriller/spy novel, then of course Prigozhin is in a secure location of his own choosing.

Since alas it is not, we must mourn him...for the practical reason that the more enemies Putin has the better for everyone else.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: LKB on August 23, 2023, 06:20:13 PM
Quote from: JBS on August 23, 2023, 03:08:34 PMIf this was a thriller/spy novel, then of course Prigozhin is in a secure location of his own choosing.

Since alas it is not, we must mourn him...for the practical reason that the more enemies Putin has the better for everyone else.

A " developing story ", as they say. But I expect Prigozhin is indeed gone, though I'll give the SOB some credit for living so long after his mutiny.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: AnotherSpin on August 23, 2023, 09:10:28 PM
Quote from: T. D. on August 23, 2023, 12:21:38 PMThis is currently plausible. There have been widespread accounts of P. employing dual aircraft, and the official announcements merely state that he was on the passenger list.

We will have to monitor official Kremlin/Russian media pronouncements. If the Kremlin declares P. dead, than any presumed "staging" would imply Russian state complicity, which is difficult to believe. On the other hand, the Kremlin will suffer serious loss of face if unable to prove his demise. For these reasons, given that Russia has thus far been somewhat communicative about the crash, I am inclined to doubt the "staging" theory.

There was mention of a second Wagner aircraft being recalled to Moscow. It'll be interesting to watch further developments there. Of course, that story angle might simply die on the vine.

In a country where there are no independent media and nothing can be checked from outside, any staging is possible. Just look at how obviously visually different people portray Putin in bizarre bits on official (and there is no other) TV.

I don't feel like promoting conspiracy, and Prigozhin and Utkin don't inspire any sympathy. But everything in this country is distorted and twisted.

Putin is first and foremost a KGB-man, and that is the main thing in assessing the events there.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Spotted Horses on August 23, 2023, 09:23:12 PM
Putin could have created a diversion to allow Prigozhin to escape into some anonymous, permanent exile, but what benefit would that have over just killing him? Is there some personal loyalty (doubtful)? Is it a Butch Coolidge/Marselus Wallace situation, a Bernie Bernbaum/Tom Reagan situation?
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: AnotherSpin on August 23, 2023, 10:12:07 PM
Quote from: Spotted Horses on August 23, 2023, 09:23:12 PMPutin could have created a diversion to allow Prigozhin to escape into some anonymous, permanent exile, but what benefit would that have over just killing him? Is there some personal loyalty (doubtful)? Is it a Butch Coolidge/Marselus Wallace situation, a Bernie Bernbaum/Tom Reagan situation?

It's still not entirely clear why Prigozhin stopped two months ago. What were the terms of the deal? It is not even clear what Putin's role is in all of this.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Spotted Horses on August 23, 2023, 10:34:55 PM
Quote from: AnotherSpin on August 23, 2023, 10:12:07 PMIt's still not entirely clear why Prigozhin stopped two months ago. What were the terms of the deal? It is not even clear what Putin's role is in all of this.

I saw reporting that said that Prigozhin's original plan was to capture senior Russian military leaders, including Sergei Shoigu, who were to travel to Rosov-on-Don. Moscow got wind of the plot and the ad hoc march on Moscow was a desperate, improvised plan B. He stopped because he thought Putin would take this as a rebellion against a corrupt military establishment that was sabotaging Putin's military campaign, put Putin seemed to take it as a rebellion against himself.

There's no reliable information about anything, so who knows.

I couldn't say if this development is good or bad. Fewer savages in the world, but Putin has fewer enemies.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: AnotherSpin on August 23, 2023, 10:56:58 PM
Quote from: Spotted Horses on August 23, 2023, 10:34:55 PMI saw reporting that said that Prigozhin's original plan was to capture senior Russian military leaders, including Sergei Shoigu, who were to travel to Rosov-on-Don. Moscow got wind of the plot and the ad hoc march on Moscow was a desperate, improvised plan B. He stopped because he thought Putin would take this as a rebellion against a corrupt military establishment that was sabotaging Putin's military campaign, put Putin seemed to take it as a rebellion against himself.

There's no reliable information about anything, so who knows.

I couldn't say if this development is good or bad. Fewer savages in the world, but Putin has fewer enemies.

Prigozhin has been openly demanding the resignation of Shoigu and Gerasimov for months. He openly declared that he would execute them on Red Square, and even named some deadlines.

It should be borne in mind that Prigozhin's open conflict with Shoigu is a conflict between groups of influence in Moscow. There are different names of the most influential people, for example, the Kovalchuk brothers. Putin is not a sole autocrat, he moderates the interests of a few of the most influential groups. What we are witnessing now is a power struggle in the Kremlin. Putin's future is unclear; he may or may not be replaced at any moment. As it will be favourable to those who call the shots. And not only in Russia.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Dry Brett Kavanaugh on August 24, 2023, 06:42:19 AM
Sir John Eliot Gardiner pulls out of the Proms after alleged assault.

https://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-66604555
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: DavidW on August 24, 2023, 07:02:01 AM
Quote from: Dry Brett Kavanaugh on August 24, 2023, 06:42:19 AMSir John Eliot Gardiner pulls out of the Proms after alleged assault.

https://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-66604555

That is absolutely wild, imagine losing your temper over something so trivial!
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Papy Oli on August 24, 2023, 07:29:55 AM
Guess Sir John will take a Gardiner's leave... :blank:
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Dry Brett Kavanaugh on August 24, 2023, 07:35:37 AM
Quote from: DavidW on August 24, 2023, 07:02:01 AMThat is absolutely wild, imagine losing your temper over something so trivial!

Possibly early stage of dementia?

(To some members: I am not predicting anything and fully agree that you are awfully intelligent about history and social science. So you don't need to argue and impress me.)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on August 24, 2023, 07:36:53 AM
There is a bit more news about it on the blog Slipped Disc including apparently he had had a change to some medication that he was taking, so that may have contributed to it.

https://slippedisc.com/2023/08/exclusive-sir-john-eliot-gardiner-quits-trojans-after-singer-incident/

A very sad event in any case.  Glad that the singer is o.k. and I hope that Sir John gets whatever help he needs.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: LKB on August 24, 2023, 07:39:39 AM
Quote from: DavidW on August 24, 2023, 07:02:01 AMThat is absolutely wild, imagine losing your temper over something so trivial!

While JEG has undoubtedly performed a  great service to music through his academic and recording projects, for years he's also had the reputation of - at least intermittently - being an @$$hole in some of his dealings with fellow artists and supporting staff.

Now he's in his 80's, and I've seen a few family members cross that threshold into impulsive, childish behavior and selfishness ( not that they're wholly responsible, and of course it isn't an inevitable result of aging in any case).

However sincere Gardiner may be in his apology, it wouldn't shock me to encounter similar reports in the future.   ???
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: T. D. on August 24, 2023, 07:55:07 AM
Quote from: LKB on August 24, 2023, 07:39:39 AMWhile JEG has undoubtedly performed a  great service to music through his academic and recording projects, for years he's also had the reputation of - at least intermittently - being an @$$hole in some of his dealings with fellow artists and supporting staff.

Now he's in his 80's, and I've seen a few family members cross that threshold into impulsive, childish behavior and selfishness ( not that they're wholly responsible, and of course it isn't an inevitable result of aging in any case).

However sincere Gardiner may be in his apology, it wouldn't shock me to encounter similar reports in the future.  ???


Very much agreed (emphasis added). I strongly suspect a history of unpleasant behavior.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Roasted Swan on August 24, 2023, 08:12:48 AM
For what its worth - I know a lot of top HIP players who have played many times over the years for John Elliot Gardiner and the truth is that whatever his talents as a musician he is an extremely unpleasant man to work for.  Old-School martinet who is rude and demanding as a matter of course.  Performers like the work that he does (and of course the recording fees that it generates helps as well) but I suspect that a lot will think that this happens to be the first time this kind of news has broken rather than the first time it has happened.  I don't know if he's been physically violent in the past but certainly verbally so.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Papy Oli on August 24, 2023, 08:22:52 AM
Quote from: Roasted Swan on August 24, 2023, 08:12:48 AMFor what its worth - I know a lot of top HIP players who have played many times over the years for John Elliot Gardiner and the truth is that whatever his talents as a musician he is an extremely unpleasant man to work for.  Old-School martinet who is rude and demanding as a matter of course.  Performers like the work that he does (and of course the recording fees that it generates helps as well) but I suspect that a lot will think that this happens to be the first time this kind of news has broken rather than the first time it has happened.  I don't know if he's been physically violent in the past but certainly verbally so.


From the Guardian article on the matter:

He has long had a reputation for being tempestuous and rude to performers, according to a 2015 Spectator article by the commentator Damian Thompson, who wrote that for all the conductor's undoubted talent, "one art eludes him: good manners".

"Not consistently," Thompson wrote. "'Jiggy', as he doesn't like to be known, is scrupulously respectful to his friend the Prince of Wales [now king]. But musicians tell a different story, of tantrums and haughty self-regard. Anecdotes about him circulated privately until Stephen Walsh, praising Gardiner's book in the Spectator, referred to his 'notorious rudeness to performers and colleagues'. Peter Phillips, director of the Tallis Scholars, quoted this in his column, adding that Jiggy 'recently lost his temper with a brass player in the London Symphony Orchestra' (which was putting it mildly, apparently)."
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Spotted Horses on August 24, 2023, 08:23:25 AM
Quote from: T. D. on August 24, 2023, 07:55:07 AMVery much agreed (emphasis added). I strongly suspect a history of unpleasant behavior.

You don't get to be an orchestra conductor by being easy-going and self-effacing.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on August 24, 2023, 08:33:51 AM
Quote from: Spotted Horses on August 24, 2023, 08:23:25 AMYou don't get to be an orchestra conductor by being easy-going and self-effacing.
I want to gainsay that by pointing out that I know three orchestral conductors of a healthy, sociable character, but then, I know them and the world does not.

TD: Japan will begin releasing over a million tons of treated wastewater today from the compromised Fukushima nuclear plant into the Pacific Ocean. The plant was destroyed by the tsunami caused by the Tōhoku earthquake in March 2011, the country's strongest recorded seismic event, which claimed nearly 20,000 lives.

Although the plant withstood the magnitude 9.0 quake, the 100-foot waves destroyed its cooling systems, prompting a meltdown in its three active reactors. The enormous volume of water used to cool the reactors—roughly 170 tons per day—undergoes radioactive filtration and is then stored; over 1,000 tanks now crowd the site. Starting today, roughly 130,000 gallons of water will be piped into the sea daily for decades.

International regulators have approved the government's plan, claiming the water contains safe levels of radioactive elements. However, environmental groups, fishing lobbyists, as well as neighbor China have criticized the initiative.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: T. D. on August 24, 2023, 09:07:30 AM
https://www.bloomberg.com/graphics/2023-us-made-gun-exports-canada-shootings/

NRA-Style Politics Transformed Canada's Gun Culture — and Shootings Rose 869%

Canada's Lac La Ronge sits in the midst of an unlikely hotbed of gun-related crimes. Photographer: Heywood Yu/Bloomberg


A third of guns used in Canadian crimes and then traced by authorities were legally imported from the US. That's three times the global average.


...

La Ronge's crime wave has come amid a historic increase of US semiautomatic firearm shipments to Canada, part of a push by American manufacturers over the last 20 years to export guns into private hands around the world. Weapons flowed to Canada, Guatemala, Thailand and elsewhere as the National Rifle Association and the National Shooting Sports Foundation primed markets by stoking opposition to gun control. Gun companies had help from the US government, which has used the Commerce Department and embassies to recruit buyers.

The impact on Canada has been profound as new types of weapons began coming north. With a centuries-old gun culture but little firearm manufacturing of its own, Canada has long been the largest importer of US hunting rifles and has been ranked second only to the US among developed countries in guns per capita. In recent years, though, the number of semiautomatic pistols and assault rifles coming from the US each year has skyrocketed — from just 6,205 in 2003 to more than 66,000 in 2022. While those numbers are a small fraction of US domestic sales, in per capita terms Canada is now the biggest foreign buyer of American rapid-fire weapons.


...
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Roasted Swan on August 24, 2023, 10:12:23 AM
Quote from: Spotted Horses on August 24, 2023, 08:23:25 AMYou don't get to be an orchestra conductor by being easy-going and self-effacing.

But whether you like it or not the age of the orchestral martinet is long past.  And self confidence does not preclude good manners.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on August 24, 2023, 11:29:20 AM
This story made my day (in a good way):

Please do watch the video...they are both incredible athletes and loved the talk and gestures at the end (trying not to spoil it for you).

Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: T. D. on August 24, 2023, 11:55:15 AM
Quote from: Pohjolas Daughter on August 24, 2023, 11:29:20 AMThis story made my day (in a good way):

Please do watch the video...they are both incredible athletes and loved the talk and gestures at the end (trying not to spoil it for you).

...


Here's another funny video from yesterday's World Athletics. An underdog 19 year old from Latvia went out at a seemingly mad pace in her 5000m heat, but hung on to qualify for the final.

Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Dry Brett Kavanaugh on August 24, 2023, 01:17:48 PM
Dollar Tree said theft is such a problem it will start locking up items or stop selling them altogether.


https://www.cnn.com/2023/08/24/business/dollar-tree-theft-earnings/index.html
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on August 24, 2023, 02:27:19 PM
Quote from: Dry Brett Kavanaugh on August 24, 2023, 01:17:48 PMDollar Tree said theft is such a problem it will start locking up items or stop selling them altogether.


https://www.cnn.com/2023/08/24/business/dollar-tree-theft-earnings/index.html
Ouch!
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on August 25, 2023, 01:32:27 AM
Quote from: Dry Brett Kavanaugh on August 24, 2023, 01:17:48 PMDollar Tree said theft is such a problem it will start locking up items or stop selling them altogether.


https://www.cnn.com/2023/08/24/business/dollar-tree-theft-earnings/index.html

Quote from: Karl Henning on August 24, 2023, 02:27:19 PMOuch!
You know things have gotten bad when the Dollar Tree has to start locking things up!  :(

It's stunning to see all of these flash mobbing rampages of thievery in stores these days too.  😠

PD
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: pjme on August 25, 2023, 01:57:16 AM
Bull machin in Antwerp (https://www.vrt.be/vrtnws/nl/2023/08/25/reuzen-antwerpen-aangekomen/) ....has a litle clip.

(https://images.vrt.be/width1280/2023/08/25/34b7b5ff-430b-11ee-91d7-02b7b76bf47f.jpg)

(Ps PD did you get my mail on Mertl Witz?)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on August 25, 2023, 04:15:11 AM
Quote from: pjme on August 25, 2023, 01:57:16 AMBull machin in Antwerp (https://www.vrt.be/vrtnws/nl/2023/08/25/reuzen-antwerpen-aangekomen/) ....has a litle clip.

(https://images.vrt.be/width1280/2023/08/25/34b7b5ff-430b-11ee-91d7-02b7b76bf47f.jpg)

(Ps PD did you get my mail on Mertl Witz?)
Yes, thank you!

And re the above....cool!

PD
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on August 25, 2023, 06:01:43 AM
Quote from: pjme on August 25, 2023, 01:57:16 AMBull machin in Antwerp (https://www.vrt.be/vrtnws/nl/2023/08/25/reuzen-antwerpen-aangekomen/) ....has a litle clip.

(https://images.vrt.be/width1280/2023/08/25/34b7b5ff-430b-11ee-91d7-02b7b76bf47f.jpg)

(Ps PD did you get my mail on Mertl Witz?)
Georges Le Roi Tirebiter?
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Spotted Horses on August 25, 2023, 06:56:08 AM
Quote from: AnotherSpin on August 23, 2023, 11:22:57 AMIt cannot be ruled out that the demise of Prigozhin, Utkin, etc. was merely staged, and these nice gentlemen simply left the stage for a safe haven with an adequate provision.

If the aircraft was indeed purposefully destroyed by a missile, it is not necessary to accept that Putin ordered it. Prigozhin's schtick is that Putin is being betrayed by the corrupt or incompetent military leadership. It is possible to imagine a scenario in which Shoigu arranged to dispose of his nemesis. That would be a dangerous challenge to Putin.

All just baseless speculation, of course. But it is always interesting ask who benefits from an event.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: AnotherSpin on August 25, 2023, 07:08:42 AM
Quote from: Spotted Horses on August 25, 2023, 06:56:08 AMIf the aircraft was indeed purposefully destroyed by a missile, it is not necessary to accept that Putin ordered it. Prigozhin's schtick is that Putin is being betrayed by the corrupt or incompetent military leadership. It is possible to imagine a scenario in which Shoigu arranged to dispose of his nemesis. That would be a dangerous challenge to Putin.

All just baseless speculation, of course. But it is always interesting ask who benefits from an event.

The most authoritative observers here in Ukraine tend to believe that Putin gave the order to shoot down the plane. If only because he alone had control over all those involved in the event, including the secret services and the army. Shoigu has no such control.

It looks like Putin got what he wanted in this situation. But if this is a victory, it is only a tactical one; strategically, it is a loss. Prigozhin is unusually popular in Russia. Maniacs and murderers have always been adored there, as long as they talk about "justice for all".
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: pjme on August 25, 2023, 07:09:26 AM
Quote from: Karl Henning on August 25, 2023, 06:01:43 AMGeorges Le Roi Tirebiter?
(https://f4.bcbits.com/img/a0865489826_16.jpg)

or

(http://www.tirebiter.com/images/george-tirebiter.jpg)
?????
More on Royal de Luxe however, here:
https://www.royal-de-luxe.com/en/ (https://www.royal-de-luxe.com/en/)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on August 25, 2023, 03:06:43 PM
Europe's power is fading fast (https://www.telegraph.co.uk/opinion/2023/08/25/europes-power-is-fading-fast/)

An op-ed, but still, good news to savor underpins the piece.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: JBS on August 25, 2023, 05:29:10 PM
Quote from: Todd on August 25, 2023, 03:06:43 PMEurope's power is fading fast (https://www.telegraph.co.uk/opinion/2023/08/25/europes-power-is-fading-fast/)

An op-ed, but still, good news to savor underpins the piece.

Silly me, thinking Europe's power began fading 6 August 1945 (alternate date: 8 December 1941). Didn't realize it didn't begin to fade until just now.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on August 25, 2023, 05:51:08 PM
Quote from: JBS on August 25, 2023, 05:29:10 PMSilly me, thinking Europe's power began fading 6 August 1945 (alternate date: 8 December 1941). Didn't realize it didn't begin to fade until just now.
He smells of resentment of living in a state which hates fascists.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on August 25, 2023, 05:58:39 PM
Quote from: JBS on August 25, 2023, 05:29:10 PMSilly me, thinking Europe's power began fading 6 August 1945 (alternate date: 8 December 1941). Didn't realize it didn't begin to fade until just now.

You clearly don't know your history.  Europe lost primacy in the Great War, ceding not only economic supremacy to the US (which occurred in 1890), but also de facto financial market supremacy as the erstwhile European "Great" Powers had to pay back American lenders. 

The op-ed is sloppily done, as is typical in the corporate press.  The headline should have been "Europe's Continued Decline Accelerates, Bringing Complete Subservience to the US Closer", and the content really should have been more happily servile in tone.  It really is quite delightful to watch the continued decline, which even you acknowledge is real. 
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: SimonNZ on August 25, 2023, 06:16:07 PM
I'm slightly surprised but pleased that the person who broke the recent streak of ignoring dozens of Todd's obvious troll quotes wasn't me.

" It really is quite delightful to watch"...them not landing.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: T. D. on August 25, 2023, 06:51:29 PM
Quote from: SimonNZ on August 25, 2023, 06:16:07 PMI'm slightly surprised but pleased that the person who broke the recent streak of ignoring dozens of Todd's obvious troll quotes wasn't me.

" It really is quite delightful to watch"...them not landing.

The ignore list can be your friend, although not completely effective (posts still indirectly show when suckers take the bait). Better than the alternative, IMO.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: JBS on August 25, 2023, 07:47:10 PM
Quote from: SimonNZ on August 25, 2023, 06:16:07 PMI'm slightly surprised but pleased that the person who broke the recent streak of ignoring dozens of Todd's obvious troll quotes wasn't me.

" It really is quite delightful to watch"...them not landing.

To be honest, it was the op-ed's headline that drew my attention, and not anything Todd wrote.
Europe has been the Sick Man of Europe for several decades now.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: AnotherSpin on August 25, 2023, 09:52:06 PM
Quote from: Todd on August 25, 2023, 05:58:39 PMYou clearly don't know your history.  Europe lost primacy in the Great War, ceding not only economic supremacy to the US (which occurred in 1890), but also de facto financial market supremacy as the erstwhile European "Great" Powers had to pay back American lenders. 

The op-ed is sloppily done, as is typical in the corporate press.  The headline should have been "Europe's Continued Decline Accelerates, Bringing Complete Subservience to the US Closer", and the content really should have been more happily servile in tone.  It really is quite delightful to watch the continued decline, which even you acknowledge is real.

If one looks one the wealthiest countries by century it's easy to see who dominated several centuries ago, and it wasn't Europe, much less America.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on August 26, 2023, 04:09:32 AM
Quote from: AnotherSpin on August 25, 2023, 09:52:06 PMIf one looks one the wealthiest countries by century it's easy to see who dominated several centuries ago, and it wasn't Europe, much less America.

Great powers rise and great powers fall.  A couple books have been written about it.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: AnotherSpin on August 26, 2023, 04:31:18 AM
Quote from: Todd on August 26, 2023, 04:09:32 AMGreat powers rise and great powers fall.  A couple books have been written about it.

No books needed to see that all things come and go, no thing stays unchanged.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on August 26, 2023, 06:43:59 AM
From ICN: Carbon Offsets to Reduce Deforestation Are Significantly Overestimating Their Impact, a New Study Finds

A study in six countries across three continents finds that most carbon offsets aimed at avoiding deforestation are failing to keep forests standing or cut atmospheric greenhouse gases. (https://insideclimatenews.org/news/24082023/carbon-offsets-overestimatiing-impacts-cambridge-study/?utm_source=InsideClimate+News&utm_campaign=7612ccb706-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2023_08_26_01_00&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_29c928ffb5-7612ccb706-329701485)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: DavidW on August 26, 2023, 07:00:23 AM
I really think that this is the important bit that sums up the article as a whole:

QuoteStill, Jones added that overall, carbon offsets have a limited capacity for tackling climate change. Drastically reducing emissions is imperative for climate mitigation, while carbon offsets can have the negative impact of giving people moral license to continue business-as-usual emissions, she said, with companies problematically claiming "net zero" emissions based on carbon offset programs while continuing to emit greenhouse gasses.

Reducing deforestation is critical for combating climate change, as is reducing emissions, so a model that trades one for the other won't be wholly effective, Jones said. Offsetting does not reduce the need for urgent climate actions like the minimization of emissions, forest restoration and remediation, and conservation, she said.

Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on August 26, 2023, 07:33:02 AM
Quote from: DavidW on August 26, 2023, 07:00:23 AMI really think that this is the important bit that sums up the article as a whole:

Effectively reducing emissions requires some type of effective taxation (eg, a coordinated carbon tax) and reforestation requires massive wealth and income transfers from high-income economies to developing economies, as in trillions of dollars over decades.  (This would have to be part of an overall package of "ecological equity" policies.)  The policy solutions are well known, they are just politically impossible.  Expect (much) more greenwashing, continued deforestation, and increases in greenhouse gas emissions into at least mid-century.  As such, one can expect an uptick in sensationalist press coverage of natural disasters.  Natural disasters will continue to intensify for at least the rest of this century using best available data and models.  Current projections of 83 million excess deaths by the end of the century due to climate changes are probably way too low. 

In other words, it's too late to adopt policies that will result in demonstrable improvements in climate change in the lifetimes of most people currently considering the topic.  That makes it a harder sell politically.  Protecting notional grandchildren and great-grandchildren is not the motivator some people think it is.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: DavidW on August 26, 2023, 08:09:29 AM
Sadly I really think that is the complete truth of it.  That won't stop certain newspapers from trying to create hysteria and guilt of private citizens that are not the main contributor to carbon emissions.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on August 26, 2023, 09:19:08 AM
I ran across this article earlier today.  It really makes you wonder about people.

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-66628465

High-altitude heist shocks Switzerland

"Thieves in Switzerland have conquered one of the country's most challenging protected climbing routes.
They ascended to an altitude of 2,350m and traversed gorges on narrow steel cables - all to rob a collection box.
The box belongs to a local climbing club, which maintains Switzerland's longest protected climbing route on the Gemmi pass above Leukerbad village.
What has caused the biggest shock is that the donation box is accessible only to the most experienced climbers."

There's more to the story at the link above.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Dry Brett Kavanaugh on August 26, 2023, 03:10:31 PM
'I witnessed the best of America': remembering the March on Washington 60 years on.


https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/aug/26/march-on-washington-60-anniversary-martin-luther-king-civil-rights
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on August 26, 2023, 03:14:16 PM
Quote from: DavidW on August 26, 2023, 07:00:23 AMI really think that this is the important bit that sums up the article as a whole:


Thanks. That was worth reading. 
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on August 26, 2023, 03:16:36 PM
Quote from: Pohjolas Daughter on August 26, 2023, 09:19:08 AMI ran across this article earlier today.  It really makes you wonder about people.

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-66628465

High-altitude heist shocks Switzerland

"Thieves in Switzerland have conquered one of the country's most challenging protected climbing routes.
They ascended to an altitude of 2,350m and traversed gorges on narrow steel cables - all to rob a collection box.
The box belongs to a local climbing club, which maintains Switzerland's longest protected climbing route on the Gemmi pass above Leukerbad village.
What has caused the biggest shock is that the donation box is accessible only to the most experienced climbers."

There's more to the story at the link above.

Wow!
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on August 27, 2023, 07:09:04 AM
Sunflower field owners ask visitors to stop taking nude photos (https://www.upi.com/Odd_News/2023/08/18/sunflower-field-nude-photos-Stoke-Fruit-Farm-Hayling-Island/5801692378983/)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: LKB on August 27, 2023, 07:12:42 AM
Quote from: Pohjolas Daughter on August 26, 2023, 09:19:08 AMI ran across this article earlier today.  It really makes you wonder about people.

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-66628465

High-altitude heist shocks Switzerland

"Thieves in Switzerland have conquered one of the country's most challenging protected climbing routes.
They ascended to an altitude of 2,350m and traversed gorges on narrow steel cables - all to rob a collection box.
The box belongs to a local climbing club, which maintains Switzerland's longest protected climbing route on the Gemmi pass above Leukerbad village.
What has caused the biggest shock is that the donation box is accessible only to the most experienced climbers."

There's more to the story at the link above.


That's a lot of trouble for a one-time heist which probably didn't amount to a huge sum. Boredom probably wouldn't provide sufficient motivation, perhaps the club angered someone into a desire for vengeance...
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Dry Brett Kavanaugh on August 27, 2023, 02:29:53 PM
President Biden spent August trying to escape Washington.


https://www.cnn.com/2023/08/27/politics/biden-summer-vacation-maui-ukraine-2024-election/index.html
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on August 28, 2023, 06:40:04 AM
 Japan launches XRISM, an uncrewed orbital probe that will measure incoming X-rays that originated from deep space
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on August 28, 2023, 10:27:29 AM
Quote from: Karl Henning on August 28, 2023, 06:40:04 AMJapan launches XRISM, an uncrewed orbital probe that will measure incoming X-rays that originated from deep space
Sounds quite interesting!
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: LKB on August 29, 2023, 11:21:16 AM
Quote from: Dry Brett Kavanaugh on August 27, 2023, 02:29:53 PMPresident Biden spent August trying to escape Washington.


https://www.cnn.com/2023/08/27/politics/biden-summer-vacation-maui-ukraine-2024-election/index.html

And yet, some people say he has cognitive issues...
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on August 29, 2023, 05:21:34 PM
Quote from: LKB on August 29, 2023, 11:21:16 AMAnd yet, some people say he has cognitive issues...
Exactly!
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: KevinP on August 30, 2023, 12:43:12 AM
Meanwhile, Chicago's Fine Arts Building is losing its historic elevators. Worse: the new ones are going to be automatic, with buttons you have to press yourself and everything!


https://chicago.suntimes.com/entertainment-and-culture/2023/8/28/23848226/fine-arts-building-manual-elevators-will-be-replaced
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: T. D. on August 30, 2023, 11:18:34 AM
https://www.cnbc.com/2023/08/30/judge-orders-default-judgment-sanctions-against-rudy-giuliani-in-election-workers-lawsuit.html

Cue the melting hair dye and whoopee cushion.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: T. D. on August 31, 2023, 10:10:39 AM
It's getting funnier!

https://www.cnbc.com/2023/08/31/giuliani-loses-financial-support-of-billionaires-langone-cooperman.html

Giuliani loses support of billionaires Langone, Cooperman: 'I wouldn't give him a nickel'

Many funny quotes in the article.

Can't help thinking of the tune MacArthur Park: ...all that sweet brown hair dye flowing down... :laugh:

For those with a taste for schlock (Richard Harris's version): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x5DmDPor1EM&t=6s
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: T. D. on September 01, 2023, 07:52:18 AM

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-66651506

A Utah woman, who ran a once popular parenting advice YouTube channel, was arrested on suspicion of child abuse after her malnourished son escaped from home, officials said.

Ruby Franke and her business partner Jodi Nan Hildebrandt were arrested in Ivins, Utah on Wednesday.

Officials also found Ms Franke's 10-year-old daughter in a malnourished condition at her partner's house.

Ms Franke and her business partner face two felony counts of child abuse.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on September 01, 2023, 08:12:27 AM
Quote from: T. D. on August 31, 2023, 10:10:39 AMIt's getting funnier!

https://www.cnbc.com/2023/08/31/giuliani-loses-financial-support-of-billionaires-langone-cooperman.html

Giuliani loses support of billionaires Langone, Cooperman: 'I wouldn't give him a nickel'

Many funny quotes in the article.

Can't help thinking of the tune MacArthur Park: ...all that sweet brown hair dye flowing down... :laugh:

For those with a taste for schlock (Richard Harris's version): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x5DmDPor1EM&t=6s
Surprised to see that things were getting so bad for him financially that he had to sell his apartment in NYC.

I feel more along the lines of the guy who said that he missed the old Rudy.

PD

Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Spotted Horses on September 01, 2023, 08:42:23 AM
Quote from: Pohjolas Daughter on September 01, 2023, 08:12:27 AMI feel more along the lines of the guy who said that he missed the old Rudy.

The old Rudy was pretty similar to the new Rudy. When 9/11 happened Rudy was due to leave office because of term limits for NYC mayor. After 9/11 Rudy announced that only he could handle it and that the election of a new Mayor had to be delayed so he could stay in office. Sound familiar?
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: T. D. on September 01, 2023, 08:47:57 AM
No sympathy whatsoever for Rudy.
Always a grandstander and seriously overrated, going back to his days as prosecutor.
Has done nothing but double down on repeated MAGA blowhard nonsense. Basically fomented an attempted coup.
Richly deserves any "misfortune"...let the chips fall where they may.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on September 01, 2023, 08:49:10 AM
Quote from: Spotted Horses on September 01, 2023, 08:42:23 AMThe old Rudy was pretty similar to the new Rudy. When 9/11 happened Rudy was due to leave office because of term limits for NYC mayor. After 9/11 Rudy announced that only he could handle it and that the election of a new Mayor had to be delayed so he could stay in office. Sound familiar?
I was thinking in terms of his actions in helping to clean up New York back in the day.

PD
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on September 01, 2023, 10:07:05 AM
.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Spotted Horses on September 01, 2023, 10:29:35 AM
Quote from: Pohjolas Daughter on September 01, 2023, 08:49:10 AMI was thinking in terms of his actions in helping to clean up New York back in the day.

PD

There was a dramatic decrease in crime in NYC, from 1991 through 2000. The problem is Giuliani because Mayor in 1994. Similar decreases in violent crime were observed during that period in the U.S. as a whole, and particularly in other large cities. What Rudy can take credit for is "stop and frisk," which was a new name for police brutalizing black people.

https://www.npr.org/2016/11/01/500104506/broken-windows-policing-and-the-origins-of-stop-and-frisk-and-how-it-went-wrong

(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/a/a9/MURDERS_IN_NEW_YORK_CITY_BY_YEAR.png)

There was a peak in violent crime in the U.S. in the 70's and 80's and which the feakenomics people attribute to use of leaded gasoline, which causes neurological defects in young people.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on September 01, 2023, 12:03:21 PM
Quote from: Spotted Horses on September 01, 2023, 10:29:35 AMThere was a dramatic decrease in crime in NYC, from 1991 through 2000. The problem is Giuliani because Mayor in 1994. Similar decreases in violent crime were observed during that period in the U.S. as a whole, and particularly in other large cities. What Rudy can take credit for is "stop and frisk," which was a new name for police brutalizing black people.

https://www.npr.org/2016/11/01/500104506/broken-windows-policing-and-the-origins-of-stop-and-frisk-and-how-it-went-wrong

(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/a/a9/MURDERS_IN_NEW_YORK_CITY_BY_YEAR.png)

There was a peak in violent crime in the U.S. in the 70's and 80's and which the feakenomics people attribute to use of leaded gasoline, which causes neurological defects in young people.
What I was referring to was his actions against organized criminals and crime in general.  And no, I didn't know about his fights in terms of being mayor.  And, yes, stop and frisk was and is horrible!  And I didn't follow things in the 80's and later as well as I'm doing now--which is still imperfect.

And I'm not saying that he shouldn't be punished with what he is currently charged with.  What I am saying is that (for me anyway) that *I don't just condemn a life.  I can't throw stones and it's hard for me to see a life just angrily tossed off into a pile of rubbish.  I hope that that makes sense to you.

*Wish that I were perfect.  :(

**leaded gas....well, those of us of certain ages are all in a bad place...besides playing in dirt in leaded areas (me too).  And I don't know the study to be fair.  I just know my upbringing.

Respectfully,

PD
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Dry Brett Kavanaugh on September 01, 2023, 03:30:49 PM
Post-covid brain fog.


https://www.bbc.com/news/health-66658257
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: DavidW on September 01, 2023, 04:26:29 PM
This might not be new, but it was new to me!  Disney is pulling out of the physical media market in Australia.  And so it begins.  Streaming is taking over.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Dry Brett Kavanaugh on September 02, 2023, 04:39:08 AM
AOC urges US to apologize for meddling in Latin America.


https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/sep/02/aoc-us-apology-latin-america-coup-chile?CMP=Share_iOSApp_Other
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on September 02, 2023, 05:37:36 AM
Quote from: Dry Brett Kavanaugh on September 02, 2023, 04:39:08 AMAOC urges US to apologize for meddling in Latin America.

:laugh:

We ain't done meddling yet. 
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on September 02, 2023, 05:40:16 AM
From ICN:

Green Groups Are Divided Over a Proposal to Boost the Nation's Hydropower.

Here's Why The new bill would shorten the permitting process for some projects, with a focus on converting old dams that don't currently produce electricity into ones that do. (https://insideclimatenews.org/news/01092023/green-groups-divided-over-proposal-to-boost-hydropower-climate-change-emissions/?utm_source=InsideClimate+News&utm_campaign=487a7f070e-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2023_09_02_01_00&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_29c928ffb5-487a7f070e-329701485)

(http://us-energy-facts/images/consumption-by-source-and-sector.png)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: LKB on September 02, 2023, 06:48:44 AM
Quote from: Dry Brett Kavanaugh on September 02, 2023, 04:39:08 AMAOC urges US to apologize for meddling in Latin America.


https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/sep/02/aoc-us-apology-latin-america-coup-chile?CMP=Share_iOSApp_Other

AOC should think things through more often, instead of voicing opinions which seem purposeless beyond generating headlines.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on September 02, 2023, 07:44:31 AM
Quote from: LKB on September 02, 2023, 06:48:44 AMAOC should think things through more often, instead of voicing opinions which seem purposeless beyond generating headlines.
Yes: leave the performative vapidity to the other side of the aisle.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: LKB on September 02, 2023, 08:08:13 AM
Quote from: Karl Henning on September 02, 2023, 07:44:31 AMYes: leave the performative vapidity to the other side of the aisle.

It is prevalent enough on both sides, though the GOP ( Greedy Obsequious Pussies ) have seemingly ( if unsurprisingly) committed to the High Orange ( as in prison-jumpsuit-orange ) Priest of Vapidity, Venality and Vacuity for the duration of the 2024 election cycle.  :P

( l hereby plead nolo contendre to the charge of parenthetical abuse. Oops, did it again! )
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on September 02, 2023, 08:42:03 AM
Thoughtful, informed partisanship makes a return to GMG.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Dry Brett Kavanaugh on September 02, 2023, 08:43:10 AM
Quote from: LKB on September 02, 2023, 06:48:44 AMAOC should think things through more often, instead of voicing opinions which seem purposeless beyond generating headlines.


Look at what the nation did to the countries in South America. They were illegal, inhuman, and unethical. It even didn't work for power politics.  How would you feel if Russians or Chinese did the same to your country. Public apology may enhance political and economic interests, as well as the national prestige, of the USA.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: SimonNZ on September 02, 2023, 04:38:42 PM
Quote from: Dry Brett Kavanaugh on September 02, 2023, 04:39:08 AMAOC urges US to apologize for meddling in Latin America.


https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/sep/02/aoc-us-apology-latin-america-coup-chile?CMP=Share_iOSApp_Other

Well...the gist of the article seems to be more "AOC calls for documents around US involvement in coups etc to be declassified for greater historical understanding and honesty - particularly wrt current migrant crises etc being a direct and ongoing consequence of those catastrophic destabilizations."

Its not "Saying sorry makes everything okay again".
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: AnotherSpin on September 02, 2023, 09:06:59 PM
Quote from: Dry Brett Kavanaugh on September 02, 2023, 04:39:08 AMAOC urges US to apologize for meddling in Latin America.


https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/sep/02/aoc-us-apology-latin-america-coup-chile?CMP=Share_iOSApp_Other

I'm waiting for some American politician to suggest that the United States apologise for meddling in France in 1944. Or, apologise to Putin for supplying Ukraine with arms.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: SimonNZ on September 02, 2023, 09:33:07 PM
Quote from: AnotherSpin on September 02, 2023, 09:06:59 PMI'm waiting for some American politician to suggest that the United States apologise for meddling in France in 1944. Or, apologise to Putin for supplying Ukraine with arms.

There's no equivalence.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: AnotherSpin on September 02, 2023, 09:36:43 PM
The Taliban have burned musical instruments in Afghanistan, claiming music "causes moral corruption".

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-66357611
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: LKB on September 03, 2023, 01:01:13 AM
Quote from: AnotherSpin on September 02, 2023, 09:06:59 PMI'm waiting for some American politician to suggest that the United States apologise for meddling in France in 1944. Or, apologise to Putin for supplying Ukraine with arms.

I don't believe the former would ever happen, but the likely GOP Presidential candidate for 2024 would certainly consider the latter.  ???
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: LKB on September 03, 2023, 01:15:01 AM
Quote from: AnotherSpin on September 02, 2023, 09:36:43 PMThe Taliban have burned musical instruments in Afghanistan, claiming music "causes moral corruption".

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-66357611

Nothing unpredictable there. They'll be back to executing people in stadiums, if they're not already.


Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: LKB on September 03, 2023, 01:25:32 AM
Quote from: SimonNZ on September 02, 2023, 04:38:42 PMWell...the gist of the article seems to be more "AOC calls for documents around US involvement in coups etc to be declassified for greater historical understanding and honesty - particularly wrt current migrant crises etc being a direct and ongoing consequence of those catastrophic destabilizations."

Its not "Saying sorry makes everything okay again".

Brilliant thinking... reveal tools, tactics and disciplines employed in the past, so that they'll be unavailable to the United States if they're needed in the future.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: SimonNZ on September 03, 2023, 10:57:17 AM
Quote from: LKB on September 03, 2023, 01:25:32 AMBrilliant thinking... reveal tools, tactics and disciplines employed in the past, so that they'll be unavailable to the United States if they're needed in the future.

Needed in the future to subvert the will of the people and install puppet despots?
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: LKB on September 03, 2023, 11:28:01 AM
Quote from: SimonNZ on September 03, 2023, 10:57:17 AMNeeded in the future to subvert the will of the people and install puppet despots?

You are referring to intent.

I am speaking of the various personnel, tools and resources which are currently available to be used for either beneficial or nefarious purposes, just as a specific cellphone might be used by one owner to summon an ambulance for a victim, or by another owner to summon a weapon to be used against the same target.

The United States faces a variety of threats on a daily basis, and needs a number of classes of covert tools and resources to meet these threats. Defending against foreign cyberattacks, for example, requires specialized expertise, resources and defended networks in order to minimize the varies threats. Some of these capabilities could conceivably be used offensively against an innocent government, or indeed a domestic population, but shutting down such such capabilities because of what might happen would be a surpassingly dangerous course of action.

Put another way, rather simplistically: If a hammer is used to assassinate the leader of a third-world country, we don't then attempt to abolish hammers.  8)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on September 04, 2023, 05:53:58 AM
This Alaskan glacier holds back billions of gallons of water. Until it doesn't. (https://www.washingtonpost.com/climate-environment/2023/09/04/juneau-flood-alaska-glacier-mendenhall/)
This summer's flood on the Mendenhall Glacier destroyed houses and displaced residents in Juneau. It won't be the last. (https://www.washingtonpost.com/climate-environment/2023/09/04/juneau-flood-alaska-glacier-mendenhall/)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Dry Brett Kavanaugh on September 04, 2023, 03:42:49 PM
The Gen Zers leading a new pro-labor union push.


https://www.bbc.com/worklife/article/20230831-the-gen-zers-leading-a-new-pro-union-push
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on September 06, 2023, 09:19:49 AM
Seen elsewhere: "Can we all agree that Burning Man is an ecological nightmare attended by complete effing idiots?

Not only did 80,000 attendees drive their gas-guzzling RVs across the country—generating a shit-ton of carbon—they also left tons of trash and debris behind...

And now these lazy assholes are ruining small business car washes with their shitty, clay-covered vehicles."

There certainly was not much of the "thinking things through" thing. Let alone Consideration.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on September 06, 2023, 09:22:14 AM
Trump's Request to Delay $250 Million NY AG Trial Denied as Frivolous

Judge Arthur Engoron quickly rejected Trump's delay attempt in a one sentence slam.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: T. D. on September 06, 2023, 03:08:09 PM
Quote from: Karl Henning on September 06, 2023, 09:19:49 AMSeen elsewhere: "Can we all agree that Burning Man is an ecological nightmare attended by complete effing idiots?

Not only did 80,000 attendees drive their gas-guzzling RVs across the country—generating a shit-ton of carbon—they also left tons of trash and debris behind...

And now these lazy assholes are ruining small business car washes with their shitty, clay-covered vehicles."

There certainly was not much of the "thinking things through" thing. Let alone Consideration.

https://www.bloomberg.com/opinion/articles/2023-09-06/burning-man-festival-2023-is-a-climate-crisis-parable
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: T. D. on September 07, 2023, 04:13:07 AM
https://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-66720789

he Rolling Stones have unveiled their first album of original material since 2005, and the first since the death of drummer Charlie Watts.

Hackney Diamonds will feature 12 tracks and be released on 20 October, preceded by lead single Angry.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: T. D. on September 07, 2023, 11:04:12 AM
Haven't heard from this sector in a while.  :laugh: Makes for fun reading.

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-66741976

Long before news reports exposed the serial lies of embattled US congressman George Santos, research by his own campaign raised several red flags about him.

It questioned the New York Republican's claims about his personal life, CV and campaign finance discrepancies.

Portions of the secret research were published on Wednesday for the first time by the BBC's US partner CBS News.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on September 07, 2023, 11:18:32 AM
Quote from: T. D. on September 07, 2023, 11:04:12 AMHaven't heard from this sector in a while.  :laugh: Makes for fun reading.

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-66741976

Long before news reports exposed the serial lies of embattled US congressman George Santos, research by his own campaign raised several red flags about him.

It questioned the New York Republican's claims about his personal life, CV and campaign finance discrepancies.

Portions of the secret research were published on Wednesday for the first time by the BBC's US partner CBS News.

I love the "I lied about it before and got away with it, so that makes lying about it fine," wheeze.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: LKB on September 07, 2023, 09:44:14 PM
Quote from: Karl Henning on September 07, 2023, 11:18:32 AMI love the "I lied about it before and got away with it, so that makes lying about it fine," wheeze.

Rationalization 101, required for politicians ( and Russian diplomats ) around the world.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on September 08, 2023, 03:49:20 AM
Quote from: Karl Henning on September 04, 2023, 05:53:58 AMThis Alaskan glacier holds back billions of gallons of water. Until it doesn't. (https://www.washingtonpost.com/climate-environment/2023/09/04/juneau-flood-alaska-glacier-mendenhall/)
This summer's flood on the Mendenhall Glacier destroyed houses and displaced residents in Juneau. It won't be the last. (https://www.washingtonpost.com/climate-environment/2023/09/04/juneau-flood-alaska-glacier-mendenhall/)

That was chilling to read/watch.   :o

PD
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on September 09, 2023, 06:12:34 AM
From Oxfam: G20 countries failing by big margins to cut greenhouse gas emissions to below 'catastrophic' levels (https://www.oxfamamerica.org/press/press-releases/g20-countries-failing-by-big-margins-to-cut-greenhouse-gas-emissions-to-below-catastrophic-levels/)

In an unrelated story: Italy Signs $8 Billion Gas Deal With Libya As It Seeks To Cut Russian Dependence (https://www.rferl.org/a/italy-libya-gas-deal-russia-ukraine-war/32243906.html)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on September 10, 2023, 08:56:49 AM
From Human Rights Watch: "They Fired on Us Like Rain" Saudi Arabian Mass Killings of Ethiopian Migrants at the Yemen-Saudi Border (https://www.hrw.org/report/2023/08/21/they-fired-us-rain/saudi-arabian-mass-killings-ethiopian-migrants-yemen-saudi?gclid=Cj0KCQjw0vWnBhC6ARIsAJpJM6d98y-gZa6vuehPduBH29CFhbBzWZYjP5M8zhxwUXcfyJy0PUS-YPAaAkSQEALw_wcB)

I like oil.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on September 11, 2023, 07:22:05 AM
So very sorry to hear that the *Hawaiian cultural center was burned down.  It's a huge loss. Currently listening to an excellent program on NPR about Hawaii, the cultural background, history,  and the trauma that native Hawaiians are dealing with.

*Besides all of the cultural artifacts that were lost were documents that one of the people who ran the center used to help others retain their families' lands.

So much more information and interviews in this news story.  I'll see if I can find a link to it.  Here is a link to an NPR story about the cultural center.  https://www.npr.org/2023/08/18/1194500944/priceless-connections-to-hawaiis-ancient-past-were-lost-when-cultural-center-bur

Apparently it was on 1A (still getting used to NPR's new formatting).  The program/broadcast on Hawaii was originally done by WAMU.  I checked the podcasts of 1A and don't see it listed there.  I imagine that it will be added soon. It's about an hour long, but well worth the time spent.

https://wamu.org/story/23/09/11/how-hawaii-is-keeping-history-and-culture-in-mind-as-it-rebuilds/

PD

p.s.  And thank you to @Spotted Horses for sharing some info earlier.

Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on September 11, 2023, 09:08:14 AM
From Barron's: Colombia Set New Cocaine Production Record In 2022: UN (https://www.barrons.com/news/colombia-set-new-cocaine-production-record-in-2022-un-eec9b7ab)

In most of the world, the UN would be considered a reliable source of information, though that may not be the case on GMG.  In any event, it looks like it's party time!
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: BWV 1080 on September 11, 2023, 11:24:34 AM
Solenopsis invicta invades Europe (https://www.cnn.com/2023/09/11/europe/invasive-red-fire-ant-europe-italy-scn/index.html)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on September 11, 2023, 01:06:26 PM
Quote from: BWV 1080 on September 11, 2023, 11:24:34 AMSolenopsis invicta invades Europe (https://www.cnn.com/2023/09/11/europe/invasive-red-fire-ant-europe-italy-scn/index.html)
Oh, I don't like that.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on September 11, 2023, 05:19:32 PM
Quote from: Karl Henning on September 11, 2023, 01:06:26 PMOh, I don't like that.
I saw that article too...scary!

PD
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on September 12, 2023, 09:29:04 AM
Quote from: Pohjolas Daughter on September 11, 2023, 07:22:05 AMSo very sorry to hear that the *Hawaiian cultural center was burned down.  It's a huge loss. Currently listening to an excellent program on NPR about Hawaii, the cultural background, history,  and the trauma that native Hawaiians are dealing with.

*Besides all of the cultural artifacts that were lost were documents that one of the people who ran the center used to help others retain their families' lands.

So much more information and interviews in this news story.  I'll see if I can find a link to it.  Here is a link to an NPR story about the cultural center.  https://www.npr.org/2023/08/18/1194500944/priceless-connections-to-hawaiis-ancient-past-were-lost-when-cultural-center-bur

Apparently it was on 1A (still getting used to NPR's new formatting).  The program/broadcast on Hawaii was originally done by WAMU.  I checked the podcasts of 1A and don't see it listed there.  I imagine that it will be added soon. It's about an hour long, but well worth the time spent.

https://wamu.org/story/23/09/11/how-hawaii-is-keeping-history-and-culture-in-mind-as-it-rebuilds/

PD

p.s.  And thank you to @Spotted Horses for sharing some info earlier.


The story (radio broadcast) has now been uploaded.  Note:  It's shorter than I had originally thought too; I had come in part way through the broadcast.  It's 38 minutes.

https://www.npr.org/2023/09/11/1198794706/how-hawaii-is-keeping-history-and-culture-in-mind-as-it-rebuilds

PD
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on September 12, 2023, 02:08:19 PM
Study suggests the existence of black holes in the Hyades star cluster; if confirmed, the objects would be the closest black holes to Earth detected to date at roughly 150 light-years away.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on September 12, 2023, 02:10:47 PM
How weird objects end up in packaged food. (https://apnews.com/article/food-recalls-objects-trader-joes-banquet-a7c2337b14b1cd539edbeaec7dc644d4?utm_source=join1440&utm_medium=email&utm_placement=newsletter)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on September 12, 2023, 03:31:40 PM
Archaeologists reveal cave site near the modern-day city of Valencia, Spain, with more than 100 Paleolithic paintings.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on September 13, 2023, 04:24:44 AM
Quote from: Karl Henning on September 12, 2023, 02:10:47 PMHow weird objects end up in packaged food. (https://apnews.com/article/food-recalls-objects-trader-joes-banquet-a7c2337b14b1cd539edbeaec7dc644d4?utm_source=join1440&utm_medium=email&utm_placement=newsletter)
I took a course in college called (if I'm remembering correctly) "Food, Facts and Fads" which was rather gruesome at times.  Found out some of the laws as to what percentages of which things were allowed in foods.   :-X

PD
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on September 13, 2023, 10:33:06 AM
Coca-Cola debuts new mystery flavor created by AI. (https://www.fooddive.com/news/soda-artificial-intelligence-AI-coca-cola-launches-beverage-AB-InBev/692912/?utm_source=join1440&utm_medium=email&utm_placement=newsletter)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on September 14, 2023, 06:20:56 AM
Vaccine-maker Moderna says its mRNA-based flu shot successfully generated an immune response against common influenza strains in clinical trials; vaccine may be available next year.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on September 14, 2023, 06:50:24 AM
NFT project "Stoner Cats," backed by celebrities such as Ashton Kutcher and Mila Kunis, charged by the Securities and Exchange Commission, required to pay back NFT buyers.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on September 14, 2023, 08:40:01 AM
France bans iPhone 12 sales over radiation levels
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on September 14, 2023, 12:25:50 PM
Quote from: Karl Henning on September 14, 2023, 06:20:56 AMVaccine-maker Moderna says its mRNA-based flu shot successfully generated an immune response against common influenza strains in clinical trials; vaccine may be available next year.
In a nutshell, how is the mRNA supposed to be better?  I know that they create new flu shots every year (hope to get mine when the new Covid vaccine shot comes out).

PD
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Dry Brett Kavanaugh on September 14, 2023, 05:11:33 PM
Extreme weather may cost the global fashion industry $65 billion by 2030.


https://edition.cnn.com/2023/09/14/business/extreme-weather-global-apparel-exports-climate-intl-hnk/index.html
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on September 14, 2023, 06:32:31 PM
Quote from: Pohjolas Daughter on September 14, 2023, 12:25:50 PMIn a nutshell, how is the mRNA supposed to be better? 
I didn't have a substantive answer, PD, so I pinched this from Wikipedia:

QuotemRNA vaccines offer specific advantages over traditional vaccines. Because mRNA vaccines are not constructed from an active pathogen (or even an inactivated pathogen), they are non-infectious. In contrast, traditional vaccines require the production of pathogens, which, if done at high volumes, could increase the risks of localized outbreaks of the virus at the production facility. Another biological advantage of mRNA vaccines is that since the antigens are produced inside the cell, they stimulate cellular immunity, as well as humoral immunity.

mRNA vaccines have the production advantage that they can be designed swiftly. Moderna designed their mRNA-1273 vaccine for COVID-19 in 2 days. They can also be manufactured faster, more cheaply, and in a more standardized fashion (with fewer error rates in production), which can improve responsiveness to serious outbreaks.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on September 15, 2023, 04:49:17 AM
From ICN: Corporate Nature Restoration Results Murky at Best, Greenwashed at Worst.  A new study shows that many businesses are not transparently reporting the results of their nature restoration efforts. (https://insideclimatenews.org/news/07092023/corporate-nature-restoration-results-not-clear/)

The cited research paper was published in Science, so it may not be trustworthy.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on September 15, 2023, 09:37:25 AM
Quote from: Karl Henning on September 14, 2023, 06:32:31 PMI didn't have a substantive answer, PD, so I pinched this from Wikipedia:

Thanks for the info Karl.  :)

PD
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on September 15, 2023, 09:39:10 AM
Quote from: Todd on September 15, 2023, 04:49:17 AMFrom ICN: Corporate Nature Restoration Results Murky at Best, Greenwashed at Worst.  A new study shows that many businesses are not transparently reporting the results of their nature restoration efforts. (https://insideclimatenews.org/news/07092023/corporate-nature-restoration-results-not-clear/)

The cited research paper was published in Science, so it may not be trustworthy.
Thank you for that...interesting to read--and concerning!

PD
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: BWV 1080 on September 15, 2023, 11:49:33 AM
Not to bring up Ukraine again, but could not happen to a nicer guy

Putin's attack dog right-hand man 'critically ill in coma' after mystery illness:

https://www.express.co.uk/news/world/1813435/putin-attack-dog-Ramzan-Kadyrov-coma
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: AnotherSpin on September 15, 2023, 07:49:49 PM
Around 30 thousands Hasidic pilgrims arrived to Uman, Ukraine to celebrate Jewish New Year.

https://www.rferl.org/a/ukraine-hasidic-jews-pilgrimage/32594845.html
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on September 16, 2023, 03:33:46 AM
Quote from: AnotherSpin on September 15, 2023, 07:49:49 PMAround 30 thousands Hasidic pilgrims arrived to Uman, Ukraine to celebrate Jewish New Year.

https://www.rferl.org/a/ukraine-hasidic-jews-pilgrimage/32594845.html

Apparently their religious founder was born there.  I read a little bit about that yesterday.  It sounds like it's mostly men and their children who traveled there.

PD
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: AnotherSpin on September 16, 2023, 03:51:40 AM
Quote from: Pohjolas Daughter on September 16, 2023, 03:33:46 AMApparently their religious founder was born there.  I read a little bit about that yesterday.  It sounds like it's mostly men and their children who traveled there.

PD

That's right, some very important religious person was born near Uman. Uman is in central Ukraine, historically within the so-called sedentary line - in Tsarist times, Jews could only live in specially permitted parts. My father's family came from those area too, from a village a few dozen kilometres from Uman. I remember well how my grandmother, a Ukrainian peasant woman, used some Yiddish words. Uman is also famous for the huge Sofia Park, a monument of landscape gardening and park art of the late 18th century, which belonged to the Polish Potocki aristocrats family.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: JBS on September 16, 2023, 05:03:37 AM
Rabbi Nachman ben Simcha lived the last year of his life, and was buried, in Uman. He's usually known as the Breslover Rebbe, and his Tales are his best known writings for the general public: fairy tale/folk tale style stories heavily embedded with Kabbalistic symbolism and meaning.
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nachman_of_Breslov

In English, the "sedentary line" @AnotherSpin referred to is known as the Pale of Settlement.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: AnotherSpin on September 16, 2023, 05:37:21 AM
Thank you, didn't know which English expression is used for this.

I checked the info, Rabbi Nachman was born in Medzhybizh, it is about 250 km  west of Uman, and lived in Bratslav, about 100 km west of Uman. Pretty small area. Although, he did some travels, also to what is Israel now.

It's probably hard to imagine from the outside, but getting to Uman nowadays is quite difficult, and time-consuming. There were no flights to Ukraine since the beginning of the war. I read that pilgrims from Israel took charter flights to Chisinau, Moldova, and from there buses and taxis. Probably many travelled from Poland.

There were no air raids in south Ukraine last night. It's probably not just a coincidence.

Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: JBS on September 16, 2023, 07:03:23 AM
Quote from: AnotherSpin on September 16, 2023, 05:37:21 AMThank you, didn't know which English expression is used for this.

I checked the info, Rabbi Nachman was born in Medzhybizh, it is about 250 km  west of Uman, and lived in Bratslav, about 100 km west of Uman. Pretty small area. Although, he did some travels, also to what is Israel now.

It's probably hard to imagine from the outside, but getting to Uman nowadays is quite difficult, and time-consuming. There were no flights to Ukraine since the beginning of the war. I read that pilgrims from Israel took charter flights to Chisinau, Moldova, and from there buses and taxis. Probably many travelled from Poland.

There were no air raids in south Ukraine last night. It's probably not just a coincidence.



Netanyahu caused a small furor in Israel by saying people going to Uman at this time can't depend on God protecting them. He was trying to discourage the pilgrimage during war. As I understand it, the Ukrainian government shares that attitude.

The pilgrimage has been controversial for a while--even before the war. Apparently a lot of the pilgrims use it as an excuse for drugs, prostitution, and a bunch of other stuff not usually associated with religious pilrimages.

My father's parents were born near Chisinau, married at 18 (arranged marriage, definitely not a love match!). My grandfather left soon after for the USA, but was stranded in Paris when WWI started*, and only got to America after the War. He brought my grandmother over from Moldava in the 1920s.

My mother's parents were from--somewhere in what is now Belarus or Ukraine or Russia. That side of the family was less interested in family history, so the details are vague. They both came to the USA as teenagers, met here, and were married, each roughly 20 years old, in 1911; they chose July 4th as the date.

*there were obviously worse places to be stranded in during WWI
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: AnotherSpin on September 16, 2023, 07:20:26 AM
Quote from: JBS on September 16, 2023, 07:03:23 AMNetanyahu caused a small furor in Israel by saying people going to Uman at this time can't depend on God protecting them. He was trying to discourage the pilgrimage during war. As I understand it, the Ukrainian government shares that attitude.

The pilgrimage has been controversial for a while--even before the war. Apparently a lot of the pilgrims use it as an excuse for drugs, prostitution, and a bunch of other stuff not usually associated with religious pilrimages.

My father's parents were born near Chisinau, married at 18 (arranged marriage, definitely not a love match!). My grandfather left soon after for the USA, but was stranded in Paris when WWI started*, and only got to America after the War. He brought my grandmother over from Moldava in the 1920s.

My mother's parents were from--somewhere in what is now Belarus or Ukraine or Russia. That side of the family was less interested in family history, so the details are vague. They both came to the USA as teenagers, met here, and were married, each roughly 20 years old, in 1911; they chose July 4th as the date.

*there were obviously worse places to be stranded in during WWI

Did God ask Netanyahu to pass this message to the pilgrims? Why didn't he tell them himself? I read about all sorts of excesses that happen every year in Uman. I think people are so organised, where they are there are accidents, and the bigger the gathering, the greater the risk. As for me I like such festivals. Saw some in India, when millions of people gather to celebrate their faith.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on September 16, 2023, 07:28:56 AM
@AnotherSpin and @JBS

Thank you for the information!  And it's nice hearing about your families too.

PD
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: BWV 1080 on September 16, 2023, 09:23:52 AM
Hard to imagine that any Ukrainian Jews survived the war, but obviously many did

Although I bet their descendants are now outnumbered by those of earlier immigrants
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: AnotherSpin on September 16, 2023, 09:43:33 AM
Quote from: BWV 1080 on September 16, 2023, 09:23:52 AMHard to imagine that any Ukrainian Jews survived the war, but obviously many did

Although I bet their descendants are now outnumbered by those of earlier immigrants

Most survived. There were a lot of Jews living in my city, Odessa, after the war. In my primary school more than half of the kids in my class were from Jewish families. From the beginning of the 70s mass emigration to Israel, US, Germany, etc. began and within two or three decades almost all of them left. Before the current war, according to official statistics, about 3 per cent of the population in Odessa was Jewish.

Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: BWV 1080 on September 16, 2023, 10:01:58 AM
Quote from: AnotherSpin on September 16, 2023, 09:43:33 AMMost survived. There were a lot of Jews living in my city, Odessa, after the war. In my primary school more than half of the kids in my class were from Jewish families. From the beginning of the 70s mass emigration to Israel, US, Germany, etc. began and within two or three decades almost all of them left. Before the current war, according to official statistics, about 3 per cent of the population in Odessa was Jewish.



Not most - the prewar pop was about 1.5M which increased after the annexation of Poland to about 2.5M and ~1.5M were killed by the Nazis
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: AnotherSpin on September 16, 2023, 10:20:54 AM
Quote from: BWV 1080 on September 16, 2023, 10:01:58 AMNot most - the prewar pop was about 1.5M which increased after the annexation of Poland to about 2.5M and ~1.5M were killed by the Nazis

I speak of what I know from personal experience of my life in Odessa. I never made calculations, but in the 70s and to a slightly lesser extent in the 80s I lived in a predominantly Jewish environment. Му friends, school teachers, doctors, artists, musicians, etc. They couldn't have come from nowhere, it seems to me.

On the other hand, for a number of historical reasons, Odessa has never been a typical Ukrainian or Soviet city.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: JBS on September 16, 2023, 12:17:41 PM
It's my understanding that Ukraine's Jewish population in the 50s-80s included a large number of Jews who moved there from other parts of the USSR for career or other similar reasons at various times after 1945.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: BWV 1080 on September 16, 2023, 12:25:10 PM
Quote from: AnotherSpin on September 16, 2023, 10:20:54 AMI speak of what I know from personal experience of my life in Odessa. I never made calculations, but in the 70s and to a slightly lesser extent in the 80s I lived in a predominantly Jewish environment. Му friends, school teachers, doctors, artists, musicians, etc. They couldn't have come from nowhere, it seems to me.

On the other hand, for a number of historical reasons, Odessa has never been a typical Ukrainian or Soviet city.

The Romanian army (not the Germans) killed most of the population of Odessa that did not flee.

https://encyclopedia.ushmm.org/content/en/article/odessa

Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: JBS on September 16, 2023, 12:29:37 PM

Wikipedia presents a slightly different picture: Odessa after being captured by the Germans was placed under Romanian administration. At first the Romanians co-operated in massacres and deportation to the death camps (the article refers to German participation in the massacres), but once the Germans started losing on the Eastern Front, they stopped that and kept the Jews locally for forced labor. As a result, Odessa's Jews had a higher percentage of survivors compared to Ukraine in general.

ETA
Reading the USHMM article, it seems the Wikipedia presentation presents the Romanians more favorably. Main difference in presentation of facts is that it doesn't mention the deportations to Transnistria or the 1943 massacres.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: AnotherSpin on September 16, 2023, 12:51:25 PM
Quote from: JBS on September 16, 2023, 12:17:41 PMIt's my understanding that Ukraine's Jewish population in the 50s-80s included a large number of Jews who moved there from other parts of the USSR for career or other similar reasons at various times after 1945.

Also opposite. Many Jews left Odessa for Moscow, for careers. Gilels, Oistrach for example. And many others.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: BWV 1080 on September 16, 2023, 01:29:03 PM
Quote from: JBS on September 16, 2023, 12:29:37 PMWikipedia presents a slightly different picture: Odessa after being captured by the Germans was placed under Romanian administration. At first the Romanians co-operated in massacres and deportation to the death camps (the article refers to German participation in the massacres), but once the Germans started losing on the Eastern Front, they stopped that and kept the Jews locally for forced labor. As a result, Odessa's Jews had a higher percentage of survivors compared to Ukraine in general.

ETA
Reading the USHMM article, it seems the Wikipedia presentation presents the Romanians more favorably. Main difference in presentation of facts is that it doesn't mention the deportations to Transnistria or the 1943 massacres.

Germany's other allies were mostly not enthusiastic participants in the Holocaust - but the Romanians were, having launched brutal pogroms on their own initiative.  Also death camps were not a factor until 1943, most of the victims in the USSR were killed in the 'Holocaust of Bullets'
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on September 17, 2023, 05:31:17 AM
From the University of Michigan: Wildfires, farming activities may be top sources of air pollution linked to increased risk of dementia (https://news.umich.edu/wildfires-and-farming-activities-may-be-top-sources-of-air-pollution-linked-to-increased-risk-cases-of-dementia/)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Spotted Horses on September 17, 2023, 07:59:03 AM
From the BBC web site:

(https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/976/cpsprodpb/7205/production/_131098192_antarctic_sea_ice_extent-2023-09-14-nc.png.webp)

https://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-66724246

This is fine.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on September 17, 2023, 08:53:43 AM
Quote from: Spotted Horses on September 17, 2023, 07:59:03 AMFrom the BBC web site:

(https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/976/cpsprodpb/7205/production/_131098192_antarctic_sea_ice_extent-2023-09-14-nc.png.webp)

https://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-66724246

This is fine.

I'm gonna book a February 2040 Antarctic cruise. 
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on September 18, 2023, 04:16:48 AM
Jann Wenner removed from Rock & Roll Hall of Fame board after interview (https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/jann-wenner-removed-rock-roll-hall-fame-board-interview-rcna105448)

There are several things to enjoy about this story.  First, per the MSN landing page version of the article, four people contributed to the story.  Teamwork, and all that, I guess.  Second, Jann Wenner turns out to be dafter than I thought.  And third, nothing says rock 'n' roll more than sitting on a board.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: T. D. on September 18, 2023, 04:06:30 PM
https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2023-09-18/rudy-giuliani-sued-over-1-4-million-in-unpaid-legal-fees

Odour in the court!

Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on September 19, 2023, 04:55:16 AM
Round 1: Canada expels an Indian diplomat as it investigates a Sikh's killing. India denies an alleged link (https://apnews.com/article/india-sikh-slaying-canada-indian-government-trudeau-0e0d002ed02f25df4e507a362dee2d0c)

Round 2: Modi government expels a Canadian diplomat after Trudeau says India was involved in Sikh's killing (https://apnews.com/article/canada-india-sikh-diplomat-trudeau-modi-3c5572d9027769ea6adbd047ec6f462a)

Since Trudeau is a bona fide tough guy, in addition to being real smart, perhaps he challenges Modi or Modi's appropriate stand-in to settle this matter in the ring.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: T. D. on September 20, 2023, 02:27:13 PM
It keeps getting better and better!  :P  :laugh:

https://www.cnbc.com/2023/09/20/trump-aide-says-rudy-giuliani-groped-her-on-january-6.html

Is assault by flatus covered by any statutes? https://www.buzzfeednews.com/article/davidmack/rudy-giuliani-fart

BUT OF COURSE IT'S ALL A FAKE NEWS CONSPIRACY!!! PAGING SOROS AND THE CLINTONS!!!
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on September 21, 2023, 04:58:24 AM
First private US passenger rail line in 100 years is about to link Miami and Orlando at high speed (https://apnews.com/article/highspeed-rail-trains-brightline-florida-ac55cc43685666ae10ef3307512d5f33)

A Fortress joint.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on September 21, 2023, 06:22:27 AM
Quote from: Todd on September 21, 2023, 04:58:24 AMFirst private US passenger rail line in 100 years is about to link Miami and Orlando at high speed (https://apnews.com/article/highspeed-rail-trains-brightline-florida-ac55cc43685666ae10ef3307512d5f33)

A Fortress joint.
It's nice to see that someone's willing to take the risk to put in some high-speed trains in the US.  I just wish that the Feds and maybe state governments would too; as far as I know, there's only the one run by the Feds (between Boston and Washington).  Cool that it's also running on bio fuel.

PD
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: greg on September 21, 2023, 08:21:37 AM
(https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2023/09/21/10/75677605-12543911-image-a-46_1695289992782.jpg)

This is so amusing. Probably how most of these takedowns happen.

After the Russell Brand accusations, why would a government official be so determined to take away his source of income and exposure, basically deplatforming/silencing him, over accusations that haven't even gone through any trial yet? Enough to write letters to these social media platforms to do so?

Considering all he does is bash the government, seems he painted a big target on himself. People should realize that we only live in "free" and "fair" countries in the best scenario, successful manipulation of power will always win in the end- that's how the world works.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: DavidW on September 21, 2023, 09:04:53 AM
Quote from: Todd on September 21, 2023, 04:58:24 AMFirst private US passenger rail line in 100 years is about to link Miami and Orlando at high speed (https://apnews.com/article/highspeed-rail-trains-brightline-florida-ac55cc43685666ae10ef3307512d5f33)

A Fortress joint.

I look forward to the inevitable article containing "passenger rail" and "Florida man arrested after"... >:D
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Dry Brett Kavanaugh on September 21, 2023, 11:01:37 AM
Artist ordered to pay museum back $77,000 after submitting 2 blank canvases under the title 'Take the Money and Run'.



https://fortune.com/2023/09/19/artist-jens-haaning-ordered-pay-museum-77000-submitting-2-blank-canvases-title-take-money-run/
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on September 21, 2023, 02:05:49 PM
Quote from: Dry Brett Kavanaugh on September 21, 2023, 11:01:37 AMArtist ordered to pay museum back $77,000 after submitting 2 blank canvases under the title 'Take the Money and Run'.



https://fortune.com/2023/09/19/artist-jens-haaning-ordered-pay-museum-77000-submitting-2-blank-canvases-title-take-money-run/
I can't see much of the article, but I remember another poster bringing up this subject with a link to an article.  From what I remember, the money was to be used to recreate a couple of earlier works for a Danish museum...a fairly small one (museum).

If you can't access the Fortune article, here's one that you might be able to:  https://edition.cnn.com/style/jens-haaning-kunsten-take-money-run/index.html

PD
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: drogulus on September 21, 2023, 02:34:25 PM
Quote from: DavidW on September 21, 2023, 09:04:53 AMI look forward to the inevitable article containing "passenger rail" and "Florida man arrested after"... >:D

    It's like "area man" only even more.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Dry Brett Kavanaugh on September 21, 2023, 03:01:50 PM
Quote from: Pohjolas Daughter on September 21, 2023, 02:05:49 PMI can't see much of the article, but I remember another poster bringing up this subject with a link to an article.  From what I remember, the money was to be used to recreate a couple of earlier works for a Danish museum...a fairly small one (museum).

If you can't access the Fortune article, here's one that you might be able to:  https://edition.cnn.com/style/jens-haaning-kunsten-take-money-run/index.html

PD

The news reminded me of John Cage.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: JBS on September 21, 2023, 06:08:25 PM
Quote from: Pohjolas Daughter on September 21, 2023, 06:22:27 AMIt's nice to see that someone's willing to take the risk to put in some high-speed trains in the US.  I just wish that the Feds and maybe state governments would too; as far as I know, there's only the one run by the Feds (between Boston and Washington).  Cool that it's also running on bio fuel.

PD

This high speed rail route has been a project envisioning state funds for a couple of decades, and in fact got written into the state constitution before being allowed to fade.

I don't know where the Orlando terminus is exactly, but I'll just note the theme parks are naturally on the outside edge of the metropolitan area.
ETA distance from downtown Orlando to Universal Studios is about 10 miles; distance to Walt Disney World is 13-19 miles, depending on the route taken.

Finally, as a local, I want to point out Brightline's record of fatalities, and that it uses the same set of tracks as Amtrak's passenger service, yet Amtrak's service never had anything approaching the rate of deaths Brightline has.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on September 22, 2023, 04:14:03 AM
Surveillance of Indian diplomats in Canada led to allegations around Sikh killing, official says (https://apnews.com/article/india-canada-visas-sikh-activist-killing-381e973e84f8d0c10b0bd53b03ccbdf2)

Quote from: Rob GilliesThe official did not say which ally provided intelligence or give details of what was contained in the communications or how they were obtained.

Gee whiz, I wonder which ally provided the intelligence.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: LKB on September 22, 2023, 06:23:15 AM
Quote from: JBS on September 21, 2023, 06:08:25 PM... Finally, as a local, I want to point out Brightline's record of fatalities, and that it uses the same set of tracks as Amtrak's passenger service, yet Amtrak's service never had anything approaching the rate of deaths Brightline has.

That problem reportedly isn't really attributable to the company:

" None of the deaths involving Brightline have been found to be the railroad's fault. Most have been suicides, pedestrians who tried to run across the tracks ahead of a train, or drivers who maneuvered around crossing gates rather than wait. "

https://www.cbsnews.com/miami/news/two-killed-brightline-train-collision-delray-beach/
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: JBS on September 22, 2023, 06:32:20 AM
Quote from: LKB on September 22, 2023, 06:23:15 AMThat problem reportedly isn't really attributable to the company:

" None of the deaths involving Brightline have been found to be the railroad's fault. Most have been suicides, pedestrians who tried to run across the tracks ahead of a train, or drivers who maneuvered around crossing gates rather than wait. "

https://www.cbsnews.com/miami/news/two-killed-brightline-train-collision-delray-beach/


Then why doesn't Amtrak service over the exact same set of tracks have an equally high number of deaths?

After all, if you're going to throw yourself under a train, does it matter what train you're going to throw yourself under?

In fact, the incentive to "beat the train to the crossing" can be much greater with the incredibly long freight trains that come through 2 or 3 times a day on those tracks, and can take five minutes or more to clear through a crossing.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: LKB on September 22, 2023, 07:18:35 AM
Quote from: JBS on September 22, 2023, 06:32:20 AMThen why doesn't Amtrak service over the exact same set of tracks have an equally high number of deaths?

After all, if you're going to throw yourself under a train, does it matter what train you're going to throw yourself under?

In fact, the incentive to "beat the train to the crossing" can be much greater with the incredibly long freight trains that come through 2 or 3 times a day on those tracks, and can take five minutes or more to clear through a crossing.

Are the Brightline trains somehow less conspicuous than the normal Amtrak hardware? If the usual acoustic and/or visual cues are diminished or absent, people may be less aware of an approaching train.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: JBS on September 22, 2023, 03:22:25 PM
Quote from: LKB on September 22, 2023, 07:18:35 AMAre the Brightline trains somehow less conspicuous than the normal Amtrak hardware? If the usual acoustic and/or visual cues are diminished or absent, people may be less aware of an approaching train.

Not that I know of.
In certain stretches of track the train can't toot its horn, but that applies to all trains and is mostly late at night, when Brightline isn't running.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: T. D. on September 22, 2023, 08:00:00 PM
Today's chuckle from the windy dye-dripper:

https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2023-09-22/giuliani-owes-236k-and-counting-over-defamation-case-failures
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Spotted Horses on September 22, 2023, 10:19:53 PM
Quote from: LKB on September 22, 2023, 07:18:35 AMAre the Brightline trains somehow less conspicuous than the normal Amtrak hardware? If the usual acoustic and/or visual cues are diminished or absent, people may be less aware of an approaching train.

From what little I've read, it certainly seems like Brightline trains run faster than typical Amtrak rail service, which could easily explain a higher rate of people or vehicles failing to get off the tracks as it approaches.

It is a real shame that the U.S. has lost it's passenger rail network. I used to live in Ithaca, NY, and it was common to hear old-timers bemoan the loss of passenger rail service to New York City, leaving the choice between driving or busses, which are perhaps cheaper to sustain but provide an inferior rider experience.

You will hear free-market advocates say that passenger rail service disappeared because it couldn't compete, as though the alternatives prevailed in a free market. Various government entities made large investments in air travel, including construction of airports, transport to and from airports, the air traffic control system, etc. Passenger rail needs a certain level of government support to function efficiently.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on September 23, 2023, 03:22:26 AM
There's some interesting information here:  https://www.local10.com/news/local/2021/12/17/brightline-launches-new-technology-to-keep-railways-safe-for-drivers-and-pedestrians/

Note:  this is from late 2021

One of the things from the article:  'Brightline executives are studying traffic data and have already installed two red light cameras at two railroad crossings as part of a pilot program.

In three weeks, 500 violations were caught on camera. On Friday, Local 10 News cameras were rolling at a crossing in North Miami Beach and caught some drivers stopped on the tracks.

"That means that more than 500 have driven around the gates. They stopped on the tracks before they were moving forward," said Robert Gatchell, Brightline Chief of Safety.'

:o

PD
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on September 23, 2023, 05:47:54 AM
Quote from: Spotted Horses on September 22, 2023, 10:19:53 PMYou will hear free-market advocates say that passenger rail service disappeared because it couldn't compete, as though the alternatives prevailed in a free market. Various government entities made large investments in air travel, including construction of airports, transport to and from airports, the air traffic control system, etc. Passenger rail needs a certain level of government support to function efficiently.

Trains suck.  The state should subsidize passenger transportation systems that don't suck.  Of course, I live and work in the West, where passenger train service can never do anything other than suck and suck real bad.  Maybe in the Northeast it makes more sense to have more robust passenger train service.  Voters can demand better passenger train service and they will get it.  Voters do not demand better passenger train service.  I am satisfied with the kick-ass freight train service in the US, which truly is the best in the world.  I want my goodies, and I want them on time.  The US made the correct set of choices regarding railroads. 
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on September 23, 2023, 06:38:51 AM
From ICN: The Era of Climate Migration Is Here, Leaders of Vulnerable Nations Say

Heads of climate-vulnerable nations gathered on the sidelines of a United Nations climate summit to call for new policies and agreements to manage the millions of people who are being forced from their homes by extreme weather. (https://insideclimatenews.org/news/21092023/climate-change-powers-global-migration/?utm_source=InsideClimate+News&utm_campaign=630e0a5465-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2023_09_23_01_00&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_29c928ffb5-630e0a5465-329701485)

Effectively addressing anthropogenic climate change driven migration patterns will require trillions of dollars in transfer payments from high income countries to low- and some middle-income countries, with the policies stretched out over decades.  Therefore, policy solutions will never work, if they are ever even implemented.  High(er) income countries - the US, Europe, Japan, and now China (a unique case in this regard) - are rapacious when it comes to resource extraction and exploitation from low- and some middle-income countries, but parsimonious in the extreme when it comes to providing ameliorative aid to the same countries.  Expect more such articles, with increasing frequency, for decades to come.  Perhaps prepare for limited wars as well, though that seems more likely to occur in the back half of the century, at least when it comes to great power involvement.

The mention of Tuvalu in the article intrigues and represents an extreme case.  Tuvalu will literally be wiped off the map sometime near the end of this century, or early next century, as the ocean swallows it.  Long before that, though, smaller increases in sea level will cause catastrophic damage and force the population to flee before the landmass is fully submerged.  And there's nothing that can be done to prevent this outcome.  It's too late.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: AnotherSpin on September 23, 2023, 06:49:15 AM
Quote from: Spotted Horses on September 22, 2023, 10:19:53 PMFrom what little I've read, it certainly seems like Brightline trains run faster than typical Amtrak rail service, which could easily explain a higher rate of people or vehicles failing to get off the tracks as it approaches.

It is a real shame that the U.S. has lost it's passenger rail network. I used to live in Ithaca, NY, and it was common to hear old-timers bemoan the loss of passenger rail service to New York City, leaving the choice between driving or busses, which are perhaps cheaper to sustain but provide an inferior rider experience.

You will hear free-market advocates say that passenger rail service disappeared because it couldn't compete, as though the alternatives prevailed in a free market. Various government entities made large investments in air travel, including construction of airports, transport to and from airports, the air traffic control system, etc. Passenger rail needs a certain level of government support to function efficiently.

I like trains. The whole experience, the stations, the platforms, the compartments, the sleeper shelves and everything else. I've travelled on trains in countries as diverse as Switzerland and India and a few dozen others in between. Back home in Ukraine most often. Travelling by train in India is an unforgettable experience. More than once I crossed the whole sub-continent, from west to east, and from north to south. Indian trains seldom start and never arrive on time, on long routes it is not uncommon to be 6 or 8 hours late. This, of course, is an important lesson. People cannot and should not live by the clock; there is something inhuman about planning life by the minute. The only thing left to do is to relax, in the end everything is always good and only the way it is, it can't be otherwise ;)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on September 23, 2023, 07:52:03 AM
I love riding on trains.  I especially remember two particular rides:  one on a train in Switzerland through the Alps when I was about 12---big picture windows and nice and clean.  It was in the wintertime and my parents and I were on a short vacation during my winter break.  The second one that comes to mind was in Japan.  My friend and I went from Nagoya to Kyoto on a bullet train.  Again, lovely and well-kept up train.  I enjoyed looking at the cities, towns and villages that we went through.

PD
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on September 24, 2023, 05:03:52 AM
Sunak Likely to Scrap Part of Flagship High-Speed Rail Project (https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2023-09-23/hs2-latest-news-sunak-likely-to-scrap-part-of-rail-project#xj4y7vzkg)

Florida gets a big new choo-choo while the UK may shrink its choo-choo ambitions.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Spotted Horses on September 25, 2023, 08:21:42 AM
Quote from: Todd on September 23, 2023, 05:47:54 AMTrains suck.  The state should subsidize passenger transportation systems that don't suck.

I don't disagree with that.

Amtrak saved the remnants of the US passenger rail system, which had pretty much collapsed by 1970 due to competition with car culture and the interstate highway system. But except for a few highly traveled lines didn't invest much in what would be necessary to make the service attractive. Running passenger trains sharing rails with slow moving freight trains doesn't make for a great experience.

California had great ambitions for a high speed rail link from San Diego to San Francisco. But it got mired in environmental studies and right-of-way issues, and so far all we have in the works is a link from Bakersfield to Merced. Huh?

Legacy track in California isn't going to cut it. The prestige rail service in coastal California, the Pacific Surfliner, runs over this track.

IMG_20230531_130800_77De.JPG

How fast do you think trains can roll over this structure? You can take into account the fact that I took this photo from a pedestrian grade crossing. It takes twice as long to travel between coastal cities than to drive.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on September 25, 2023, 09:07:47 AM
From NBC News: Standing ovation for a Ukrainian who fought with the Nazis sparks anger and an apology in Canada (https://www.nbcnews.com/news/world/canada-speaker-apologizes-ukraine-nazi-veteran-honored-rcna117125)

Mods can certainly delete this post if they want to, but the unconscionable scene in the Canadian Parliament displays the all-encompassing success of pro-war propaganda. 

Maybe Mel Brooks can hurriedly make something out of this debacle.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on September 25, 2023, 10:24:01 AM
Quote from: Spotted Horses on September 25, 2023, 08:21:42 AMI don't disagree with that.

Amtrak saved the remnants of the US passenger rail system, which had pretty much collapsed by 1970 due to competition with car culture and the interstate highway system. But except for a few highly traveled lines didn't invest much in what would be necessary to make the service attractive. Running passenger trains sharing rails with slow moving freight trains doesn't make for a great experience.

California had great ambitions for a high speed rail link from San Diego to San Francisco. But it got mired in environmental studies and right-of-way issues, and so far all we have in the works is a link from Bakersfield to Merced. Huh?

Legacy track in California isn't going to cut it. The prestige rail service in coastal California, the Pacific Surfliner, runs over this track.

IMG_20230531_130800_77De.JPG

How fast do you think trains can roll over this structure? You can take into account the fact that I took this photo from a pedestrian grade crossing. It takes twice as long to travel between coastal cities than to drive.

It's sad how much we've let our infrastructure degrade here in the US.  :(

PD
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: AnotherSpin on September 25, 2023, 11:04:02 AM
Quote from: Todd on September 25, 2023, 09:07:47 AMFrom NBC News: Standing ovation for a Ukrainian who fought with the Nazis sparks anger and an apology in Canada (https://www.nbcnews.com/news/world/canada-speaker-apologizes-ukraine-nazi-veteran-honored-rcna117125)

Mods can certainly delete this post if they want to, but the unconscionable scene in the Canadian Parliament displays the all-encompassing success of pro-war propaganda. 

Maybe Mel Brooks can hurriedly make something out of this debacle.

Mr. Hunka was a veteran of the 14th SS Volunteer Division "Galicia" which was not specifically found guilty of any war crimes by any military tribunal or commission, including the Nuremberg Trials, and subsequently by the Canadian government and the Canadian Jewish Congress. It is well known and would be easily fact-checked by any responsible journalist. Another blown-up sensation at the instruction and financial support of the Kremlin.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on September 25, 2023, 11:06:44 AM
Quote from: AnotherSpin on September 25, 2023, 11:04:02 AMMr. Hunka was a veteran of the 14th SS Volunteer Division "Galicia" which was not specifically found guilty of any war crimes by any military tribunal or commission, including the Nuremberg Trials, and subsequently by the Canadian government and the Canadian Jewish Congress. It is well known and would be easily fact-checked by any responsible journalist. Another blown-up sensation at the instruction and financial support of the Kremlin.

The Canadian government made it a point to apologize, not rationalize.  It is good to know that the Canadian government is in Putin's pocket.  I never trusted Trudeau.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: AnotherSpin on September 25, 2023, 11:23:48 AM
Quote from: Todd on September 25, 2023, 11:06:44 AMThe Canadian government made it a point to apologize, not rationalize.  It is good to know that the Canadian government is in Putin's pocket.  I never trusted Trudeau.

You are relying on a poorly prepared article by an unqualified journalist. I don't know what the Canadian government said, and I don't want to speculate about it. Accusing Ukraine or Ukrainians of Nazism is complete bullshit.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on September 25, 2023, 11:27:17 AM
Quote from: AnotherSpin on September 25, 2023, 11:23:48 AMYou are relying on a poorly prepared article by an unqualified journalist.

I cited NBC News. 
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: AnotherSpin on September 25, 2023, 11:37:22 AM
Quote from: Todd on September 25, 2023, 11:27:17 AMI cited NBC News. 

No problem.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: DavidW on September 25, 2023, 03:01:58 PM
Quote from: Todd on September 25, 2023, 09:07:47 AMFrom NBC News: Standing ovation for a Ukrainian who fought with the Nazis sparks anger and an apology in Canada (https://www.nbcnews.com/news/world/canada-speaker-apologizes-ukraine-nazi-veteran-honored-rcna117125)

Mods can certainly delete this post if they want to, but the unconscionable scene in the Canadian Parliament displays the all-encompassing success of pro-war propaganda. 

Maybe Mel Brooks can hurriedly make something out of this debacle.

btw the mod team agrees that this post IS on topic.  Please carry on. 8)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: AnotherSpin on September 25, 2023, 09:28:09 PM
Quote from: DavidW on September 25, 2023, 03:01:58 PMbtw the mod team agrees that this post IS on topic.  Please carry on. 8)

I don't have much to add, only to bring more clarity. Todd referred to an article that mentioned a 98-year-old Ukrainian living in Canada who fought with the Bolsheviks as a member of the Division Galitсia during World War II.

In the 20-odd years leading up to the outbreak of World War II, Leninist-Stalinist Russia had killed, maimed and broken the lives of tens and tens of millions of people. It was only natural that with the outbreak of war, armed formations to fight Stalinist regime began to appear in various republics of the USSR, including only recently annexed territories of Western Ukraine and the Baltic countries. However, the largest formation to fight the Bolsheviks consisted of Russians. General Vlasov's army, Cossack formations, etc. fought under German command, totalling about 1.5 million Russians. As part of the German army or as German allies in the fight against Stalin, there were representatives of practically all the countries/peoples of Eastern Europe.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: BWV 1080 on September 26, 2023, 06:25:58 AM
Something like 7 million Ukrainians fought in the Red Army against the Nazis in WW2.  There were ~250K Ukrainians who sided with the Germans, either in SS Galicia or on auxiliary units that assisting in killing Jews and fighting partisans, so the Ukraine = Nazi trope is just propaganda
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: vandermolen on September 26, 2023, 06:42:16 AM
This greatly amused me:
https://metro.co.uk/2023/09/08/police-called-to-ritual-mass-murder-that-was-actually-a-yoga-class-19467796/
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: AnotherSpin on September 26, 2023, 07:46:57 AM
Quote from: BWV 1080 on September 26, 2023, 06:25:58 AMSomething like 7 million Ukrainians fought in the Red Army against the Nazis in WW2.  There were ~250K Ukrainians who sided with the Germans, either in SS Galicia or on auxiliary units that assisting in killing Jews and fighting partisans, so the Ukraine = Nazi trope is just propaganda

As noted above, Galicia was not found guilty of any war crimes by any military tribunal or commission, neither at the Nuremberg trials nor at any other. The so-called assistance in the murder of Jews on their part is not confirmed; it is a Kremlin fabrication.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on September 26, 2023, 08:16:23 AM
Per NBC News (corroborated by the Gray Lady), Mr Hunka was part of the 14th Waffen Grenadier Division of the SS.  All the rationalization on GMG can't change that fact, and it cannot change the fact that the Trudeau government scored an own goal. 

It turns out that Mr Hunka may regret attending such a public function: Yaroslav Hunka Extradition Demanded by Poland Over Alleged Nazi Past (https://www.newsweek.com/yaroslav-hunka-alleged-nazi-justice-poland-1829892)

This is clown car stuff.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: AnotherSpin on September 26, 2023, 08:30:13 AM
Quote from: Todd on September 26, 2023, 08:16:23 AMPer NBC News (corroborated by the Gray Lady), Mr Hunka was part of the 14th Waffen Grenadier Division of the SS.  All the rationalization on GMG can't change that fact, and it cannot change the fact that the Trudeau government scored an own goal. 

It turns out that Mr Hunka may regret attending such a public function: Yaroslav Hunka Extradition Demanded by Poland Over Alleged Nazi Past (https://www.newsweek.com/yaroslav-hunka-alleged-nazi-justice-poland-1829892)

This is clown car stuff.

Very funny. Not Poland, but a certain Polish politician by the name Przemyslaw Czarnek in his twitter. A very interesting person. From Wikipedia article about: "Czarnek is notable for his opposition to LGBT rights, his controversial comments on women's rights, and supporting corporal punishment for children. He filed a criminal case in opposition to the recognition of Ukrainian victims of the Home Army in the 1944 Sahryń massacre." (The Sahryń massacre was a massacre of Ukrainian combatants and civilians by members of the Polish Home Army on 10 March 1944). Also "In 2019, Czarnek opposed a memorial by Polish artist Dorota Nieznalska that commemorated Jews who were killed by Poles during and after the Holocaust. He called the memorial a "scandal" and "anti-Polish" and said that it should be removed."

Todd, why don't you check what you post? Just curious.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on September 26, 2023, 08:39:59 AM
Quote from: AnotherSpin on September 26, 2023, 08:30:13 AMTodd, why don't you check what you post? Just curious.

I do.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on September 26, 2023, 08:42:08 AM
FTC and 17 states sue Amazon on antitrust charges (https://www.cnbc.com/2023/09/26/ftc-and-17-states-sue-amazon-on-antitrust-charges.html)

I know that this thread is supposed to be devoted to unimportant news, and that this is one of the most important stories in the history of the world, but I cannot stop myself from posting the story.  This has the potential to very slightly inconvenience me. 
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: AnotherSpin on September 26, 2023, 08:44:32 AM
Quote from: Todd on September 26, 2023, 08:39:59 AMI do.

I see ;)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: DavidW on September 26, 2023, 09:05:02 AM
Quote from: Todd on September 26, 2023, 08:42:08 AMFTC and 17 states sue Amazon on antitrust charges (https://www.cnbc.com/2023/09/26/ftc-and-17-states-sue-amazon-on-antitrust-charges.html)

I know that this thread is supposed to be devoted to unimportant news, and that this is one of the most important stories in the history of the world, but I cannot stop myself from posting the story.  This has the potential to very slightly inconvenience me. 

I've known that Amazon has been squeezing sellers more and more over the years.  I did not know that they have a monopoly on ecommerce.  Interesting...
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on September 26, 2023, 09:21:53 AM
Quote from: DavidW on September 26, 2023, 09:05:02 AMI've known that Amazon has been squeezing sellers more and more over the years.  I did not know that they have a monopoly on ecommerce.  Interesting...

The FTC complaint appears rooted in consumer harm, so it's meat and potatoes type antitrust action rather than something broader and novel that one might have expected from Ms Kahn.  (I don't know if I have the stamina to read the 172 page complaint.) 

If prices on the consumer products I purchase from Amazon decrease I will be happy with the outcome.  If prices go up, I will be unhappy with the outcome.  A similar outlook attaches to delivery times.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: BWV 1080 on September 26, 2023, 09:30:57 AM
Quote from: AnotherSpin on September 26, 2023, 07:46:57 AMAs noted above, Galicia was not found guilty of any war crimes by any military tribunal or commission, neither at the Nuremberg trials nor at any other. The so-called assistance in the murder of Jews on their part is not confirmed; it is a Kremlin fabrication.
SS Galicia did this:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Huta_Pieniacka_massacre

And my point about the murder of Jews referred to Ukrainian auxiliary police units, not Galicia.  The auxillary police units, as you not doubt are aware, helped facilitate  the massacre at Babi Yar and were a major contributor to the Holocaust in Ukraine and Belorussia.  Many of the members of SS Galicia came from these units
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Spotted Horses on September 26, 2023, 10:23:02 AM
Quote from: DavidW on September 26, 2023, 09:05:02 AMI've known that Amazon has been squeezing sellers more and more over the years.  I did not know that they have a monopoly on ecommerce.  Interesting...

Having a monopoly (having high market share) is not a violation. There are certain behaviors that are problematic. For instance, driving competitors out of business by reducing prices below cost, sustained by profits in other markets, then raising prices is a red flag. A classic example is canneries in California which drove independent farmers out of business by conspiring to pay ruinously low prices for fruit (mostly from farms they controlled) and profiting from high prices of canned goods. I can imagine the Prime thing could be an issue, since you have to be a member to access their video streaming, which then subsidizes their free-shipping universe.

Not my area of expertise, but it is a technical challenge to demonstrate that they have abused their position to harm customers and/or stifle competition. It's reminiscent of the Microsoft/Internet Explorer, and using dominance of Microsoft Windows to suppress independent application developers. (i.e. Microsoft Word used undocumented operating system features that allowed it to do things that other word processor couldn't do using the publicly available application program interface).
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on September 26, 2023, 10:43:11 AM
Quote from: Spotted Horses on September 26, 2023, 10:23:02 AMIt's reminiscent of the Microsoft/Internet Explorer, and using dominance of Microsoft Windows to suppress independent application developers.

I'm not sure that's a good analog, at least based on the summary in the business press.  For instance, the FTC is paying special attention to specific policies that explicitly affect pricing for consumer products (eg, anti-discounting policies).  The case against Microsoft was more novel than this case since even at the time consumers had access to free alternatives to IE, some of which were already popular.  While one can certainly argue that consumers have alternatives to Amazon, because they do, the FTC asserts that Amazon's practices result in higher prices across a broad spectrum of products "across the internet", so at least some arguments will rely on demonstrating direct economic harm to consumers.

The FTC has not prescribed any specific remedies at this time.  What that ends up presaging is the big question. 
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Spotted Horses on September 26, 2023, 10:50:55 AM
Quote from: Todd on September 26, 2023, 10:43:11 AMThe case against Microsoft was more novel than this case since even at the time consumers had access to free alternatives to IE, some of which were already popular. 

I found it ironic that Microsoft was sanctioned for a behavior which I found innocuous (I have never used IE on Windows) I seem to recall that they were going to merge IE with the finder, so you would use IE to explore both your hard disk and the internet. Maybe the anti-trust case prevented that.

What bugged me most about Microsoft was their using incompatibility as a weapon, making it difficult to use industry standard formats (i.e., sharing documents as Microsoft Word *.doc files rather than platform independent *.pdf files, which Microsoft made it extremely inconvenient to work with.)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: AnotherSpin on September 26, 2023, 12:34:36 PM
Quote from: BWV 1080 on September 26, 2023, 09:30:57 AMSS Galicia did this:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Huta_Pieniacka_massacre

And my point about the murder of Jews referred to Ukrainian auxiliary police units, not Galicia.  The auxillary police units, as you not doubt are aware, helped facilitate  the massacre at Babi Yar and were a major contributor to the Holocaust in Ukraine and Belorussia.  Many of the members of SS Galicia came from these units

I am aware that Galicia was never found guilty by any trial, as it was mentioned already. I do not think I can add anything else to this topic. Jews were killed during the war, it is a fact. And many others too, including millions of Ukrainians, both military and civilians. Check the figures if you are interested.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: BWV 1080 on September 26, 2023, 01:05:29 PM
Quote from: AnotherSpin on September 26, 2023, 12:34:36 PMI am aware that Galicia was never found guilty by any trial, as it was mentioned already. I do not think I can add anything else to this topic. Jews were killed during the war, it is a fact. And many others too, including millions of Ukrainians, both military and civilians. Check the figures if you are interested.


What units were ever tried? Individuals were tried, not units - and as the entire German army was complicit in the Holocaust, it stands to reason that SS Galicia was no exception, particularly as they recruited out of the Ukrainian auxiliaries
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: ritter on September 26, 2023, 01:07:01 PM
Let's please try to stick to unimportant stuff in this thread...
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: AnotherSpin on September 26, 2023, 05:20:54 PM
Quote from: BWV 1080 on September 26, 2023, 01:05:29 PMWhat units were ever tried? Individuals were tried, not units - and as the entire German army was complicit in the Holocaust, it stands to reason that SS Galicia was no exception, particularly as they recruited out of the Ukrainian auxiliaries

See my first reply to Todd on this "sensation", #5794.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: BWV 1080 on September 26, 2023, 05:44:20 PM
Quote from: AnotherSpin on September 26, 2023, 05:20:54 PMSee my first reply to Todd on this "sensation", #5794.

You understand no units were tried at Nuremberg, just individuals?

The Canadian government (rightly IMO) ruled that membership in Galicia did not automatically make one a war criminal, like it would for someone who was part of an Einsatzgruppen or one of the Ukrainian police auxiliaries
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: AnotherSpin on September 26, 2023, 10:46:27 PM
Quote from: BWV 1080 on September 26, 2023, 05:44:20 PMYou understand no units were tried at Nuremberg, just individuals?

The Canadian government (rightly IMO) ruled that membership in Galicia did not automatically make one a war criminal, like it would for someone who was part of an Einsatzgruppen or one of the Ukrainian police auxiliaries

Quote from Wikipedia: "Although the Waffen-SS as a whole was declared to be a criminal organization at the Nuremberg Trials, the Galician Division has not specifically been found guilty of any war crimes by any war tribunal or commission. Numerous accusations of impropriety were leveled at the division, and particular members, from a variety of sources."

There is no doubt that this whole media debacle with a 98-year-old Ukrainian veteran in connection with Zelensky's visit to Canada was ordered and paid from the Kremlin in one more attempt in concert with myriad others to damage Western support for Ukraine. I don't see any other content and meaning here. Let me conclude here.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: DavidW on September 27, 2023, 06:06:48 AM
Superconductor research retracted from Nature!!

https://www.wsj.com/science/room-temperature-superconductor-retract-journal-nature-e554536a

If you had not been following this story, there had been accusations of fabricating data that extended back well before the current claim.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on September 27, 2023, 07:07:58 AM
Quote from: DavidW on September 27, 2023, 06:06:48 AMIf you had not been following this story, there had been accusations of fabricating data that extended back well before the current claim.

Pfft, next thing you're gonna tell me is that articles purporting to show breakthroughs in cold fusion are bogus.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on September 28, 2023, 04:33:09 AM
From, um, Variety (?): Former Prime Minister of Finland Sanna Marin Signs With Range Media Partners (https://variety.com/2023/film/news/sanna-marin-prime-minster-finland-range-media-partners-1235736350/)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Dry Brett Kavanaugh on September 28, 2023, 04:57:37 AM
Gen Xers are next in line for retirement. Many haven't saved nearly enough.



https://edition.cnn.com/2023/09/27/success/gen-x-retirement-savings-boomers/index.html
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: DavidW on September 28, 2023, 05:26:40 AM
Quote from: Dry Brett Kavanaugh on September 28, 2023, 04:57:37 AMGen Xers are next in line for retirement. Many haven't saved nearly enough.



https://edition.cnn.com/2023/09/27/success/gen-x-retirement-savings-boomers/index.html

That will just get worse as we proceed through the generations.  Boomers were very well off, Gen X are but not by as much, Millenials struggle and the prospects are frankly dour for Gen Z.  If you can't even buy a house, how you can save for retirement?  It is becoming the norm for people to live at home through their 20s because they can't afford to even move out and rent an apartment.

The article is frankly bad because while there is no finger wagging, putting out links for common sense savings suggests it anyway.

Personally the article doesn't apply to me because I will be able to draw a pension, I'm no longer renting and I'm saving for retirement.  But many are not so lucky.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: T. D. on September 28, 2023, 12:05:34 PM
https://www.cnbc.com/2023/09/28/mick-jagger-rolling-stones-discography-inheritance.html

'[My] children don't need $500 million': Mick Jagger says Rolling Stones have no plans to sell music catalog
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on September 30, 2023, 07:02:18 AM
Rwanda's veteran president Kagame to seek re-election in 2024 (https://www.reuters.com/world/africa/rwandas-veteran-president-kagame-seek-re-election-2024-2023-09-20/#:~:text=NAIROBI%2C%20Sept%2020%20(Reuters),of%20a%20century%20in%20power.)

Democracy, Paul is thy name.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: drogulus on September 30, 2023, 02:50:18 PM
    The Sony A95L QD-OLED won the 2023 TV shootout held by the TV saints at Value Electronics.

    I'm not surprised. Thing is, the smallest QD-OLED panel is 55" and the ideal size for me is 48-50". None of the manufacturers produce their premium level sets at my preferred size.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Dry Brett Kavanaugh on October 01, 2023, 06:48:28 AM
US Senate unanimously votes to reinstate dress code.



https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-66951076?xtor=AL-72-%5Bpartner%5D-%5Bbbc.news.twitter%5D-%5Bheadline%5D-%5Bnews%5D-%5Bbizdev%5D-%5Bisapi%5D&at_link_origin=BBCWorld&at_link_id=8DC6C96A-5E15-11EE-81EA-6C33FE754D29&at_ptr_name=twitter&at_link_type=web_link&at_campaign_type=owned&at_format=link&at_bbc_team=editorial&at_medium=social&at_campaign=Social_Flow
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: DavidW on October 01, 2023, 07:12:26 AM
Quote from: drogulus on September 30, 2023, 02:50:18 PMThe Sony A95L QD-OLED won the 2023 TV shootout held by the TV saints at Value Electronics.

    I'm not surprised. Thing is, the smallest QD-OLED panel is 55" and the ideal size for me is 48-50". None of the manufacturers produce their premium level sets at my preferred size.

The problem for me is the Sony tax and lack of features.  For normal oleds, LG makes the panel that Sony uses.  With their own video processing and tuning they are slightly more accurate out of the box which translates into winning awards but paying $1k+ more is not worth it to the consumer. (fyi lack of features is hdmi 2.1 ports and specific gaming settings and vrr)

As for qd oled, Sony is using Samsung's panel.  But again there is still this ridiculous Sony tax.  My problem with qd oled is that being such a new technology and pushing that peak brightness so high it is not clear if burn in will be an issue.  But a mature LG woled while lacking the color saturation on hdr specular highlights will not burn in.  Early adopters got burned, but latecomers are fine.

I can't imagine a world in which it is worth spending the extra money on a flagship Sony oled (unless you're Harry!).  Even calibrating my sets to dE less than 1.0 on all grayscale steps, primaries and secondaries the difference is subtle.  Some consumers will pay $$$$ and then use normal mode, throwing away what they paid for!

This is really not new.  Back in the day there was a Pioneer Kuro tax.  But it would have been really hard for non-professionals to differentiate a Pioneer from a high end Panasonic.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: drogulus on October 01, 2023, 03:32:02 PM
Quote from: DavidW on October 01, 2023, 07:12:26 AMThe problem for me is the Sony tax and lack of features.  For normal oleds, LG makes the panel that Sony uses.  With their own video processing and tuning they are slightly more accurate out of the box which translates into winning awards but paying $1k+ more is not worth it to the consumer. (fyi lack of features is hdmi 2.1 ports and specific gaming settings and vrr)

As for qd oled, Sony is using Samsung's panel.  But again there is still this ridiculous Sony tax.  My problem with qd oled is that being such a new technology and pushing that peak brightness so high it is not clear if burn in will be an issue.  But a mature LG woled while lacking the color saturation on hdr specular highlights will not burn in.  Early adopters got burned, but latecomers are fine.

I can't imagine a world in which it is worth spending the extra money on a flagship Sony oled (unless you're Harry!).  Even calibrating my sets to dE less than 1.0 on all grayscale steps, primaries and secondaries the difference is subtle.  Some consumers will pay $$$$ and then use normal mode, throwing away what they paid for!

This is really not new.  Back in the day there was a Pioneer Kuro tax.  But it would have been really hard for non-professionals to differentiate a Pioneer from a high end Panasonic.

    I don't give a damn about the Sony tax. I set up my TV to watch movies from gigafiles then take the consequences for other content. Usually with Sony this involves plugging it in and turning it on. They are the OOB champions. The most common adjustment I make is for the occasional movie that's too dark. Then I'm done.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: DavidW on October 01, 2023, 05:37:25 PM
Quote from: drogulus on October 01, 2023, 03:32:02 PMI don't give a damn about the Sony tax. I set up my TV to watch movies from gigafiles then take the consequences for other content. Usually with Sony this involves plugging it in and turning it on. They are the OOB champions. The most common adjustment I make is for the occasional movie that's too dark. Then I'm done.

Okay but that has nothing to do with the tv shootout which is only comparing picture quality. :)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on October 01, 2023, 06:38:20 PM
Pardon, but what do you mean about "the Sony tax"?  And what is "oleds"?

PD
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: AnotherSpin on October 01, 2023, 10:37:12 PM
Quote from: DavidW on October 01, 2023, 07:12:26 AMThe problem for me is the Sony tax and lack of features.  For normal oleds, LG makes the panel that Sony uses.  With their own video processing and tuning they are slightly more accurate out of the box which translates into winning awards but paying $1k+ more is not worth it to the consumer. (fyi lack of features is hdmi 2.1 ports and specific gaming settings and vrr)

As for qd oled, Sony is using Samsung's panel.  But again there is still this ridiculous Sony tax.  My problem with qd oled is that being such a new technology and pushing that peak brightness so high it is not clear if burn in will be an issue.  But a mature LG woled while lacking the color saturation on hdr specular highlights will not burn in.  Early adopters got burned, but latecomers are fine.

I can't imagine a world in which it is worth spending the extra money on a flagship Sony oled (unless you're Harry!).  Even calibrating my sets to dE less than 1.0 on all grayscale steps, primaries and secondaries the difference is subtle.  Some consumers will pay $$$$ and then use normal mode, throwing away what they paid for!

This is really not new.  Back in the day there was a Pioneer Kuro tax.  But it would have been really hard for non-professionals to differentiate a Pioneer from a high end Panasonic.

I have a big screen Sony (have no idea what model) for about 15 years. I use it as a monitor for my mac mini, watching films too. I think the picture quality is great and it hasn't gotten worse over the years. Black colour and motion reproduction is very natural. Anyway, it degrades slower than my eyesight. If I will buy a new tv, Sony would be at the top of the list.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Spotted Horses on October 01, 2023, 10:48:15 PM
Quote from: Pohjolas Daughter on October 01, 2023, 06:38:20 PMPardon, but what do you mean about "the Sony tax"?  And what is "oleds"?

PD

I believe that the "Sony tax" refers to the fact that their unit costs more than a unit sold by another brand using a similar or identical display panel. In the past I've found it worth paying because Sony produces a well engineered product which may have less support for user tweaking, but which requires less user tweaking. "OLED" is a fancy display technology (organic light emitting diode). I could say a little more than that, but only what I read on wikipedia, and they say it better.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/OLED


Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on October 02, 2023, 04:38:42 AM
Man known for duping sexual predators online killed in confrontation (https://www.washingtonpost.com/nation/2023/10/01/boopac-shakur-catch-predator-pedophile/)

Play stupid games, win stupid prizes.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: DavidW on October 02, 2023, 06:13:44 AM
Quote from: AnotherSpin on October 01, 2023, 10:37:12 PMI have a big screen Sony (have no idea what model) for about 15 years. I use it as a monitor for my mac mini, watching films too. I think the picture quality is great and it hasn't gotten worse over the years. Black colour and motion reproduction is very natural. Anyway, it degrades slower than my eyesight. If I will buy a new tv, Sony would be at the top of the list.

I also have a Sony tv (an lcd) and love it.  But I couldn't justify the huge markup when I bought an oled.  I didn't see why it had to be half again the cost.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: DavidW on October 02, 2023, 06:17:41 AM
Quote from: Pohjolas Daughter on October 01, 2023, 06:38:20 PMPardon, but what do you mean about "the Sony tax"?  And what is "oleds"?

PD

PD to add to what Spotted Horses said oleds can render perfect blacks because individual pixels can turn off.  This is something that other flat panels (lcds and plasmas) could not do.  It results in not just better contrast, but richer colors and a more detailed image.  Oleds also have much better motion resolution than lcds and plasmas.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: drogulus on October 02, 2023, 07:17:59 AM
Quote from: DavidW on October 01, 2023, 05:37:25 PMOkay but that has nothing to do with the tv shootout which is only comparing picture quality. :)

    I was responding to what you wrote. The relevance of PQ for me is not only quality compared to rivals but quality out of the box. I find that skin tones look right with no adjustment for color at all, so I only need to adjust for brightness/contrast. This is the Donnie Darko test, using a scene in that film which is very dark as the torture test case.

    The shootout result confirms that all of the models I consider up to the top one are suitable for me. This includes the x90l, a90k, a80l and a95l. The questions left to be decided are 1) do I want an OLED and 2) am I willing to go up to 55".
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on October 02, 2023, 07:50:41 AM
Quote from: DavidW on October 02, 2023, 06:17:41 AMPD to add to what Spotted Horses said oleds can render perfect blacks because individual pixels can turn off.  This is something that other flat panels (lcds and plasmas) could not do.  It results in not just better contrast, but richer colors and a more detailed image.  Oleds also have much better motion resolution than lcds and plasmas.
Cool! 8)

PD
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: drogulus on October 02, 2023, 08:44:04 AM
Quote from: Pohjolas Daughter on October 02, 2023, 07:50:41 AMCool! 8)

PD

    One thing I look for in reviews of OLED sets is if they crush near black detail. Because Sony has outstanding processing they tend to perform well in this regard. If you are a movie-centric viewer like me this is an important consideration.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on October 02, 2023, 09:13:54 AM
@drogulus  I don't know if you were a Game of Thrones fan?  If so, do you remember all of the flack that they received for "The Battle of Winterfell" episode?  It so darkly lit that it was hard making out what was going on.  Wonder how that would have looked on one of these t.v.s?

PD
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: drogulus on October 02, 2023, 09:33:10 AM
Quote from: Pohjolas Daughter on October 02, 2023, 09:13:54 AM@drogulus  I don't know if you were a Game of Thrones fan?  If so, do you remember all of the flack that they received for "The Battle of Winterfell" episode?  It so darkly lit that it was hard making out what was going on.  Wonder how that would have looked on one of these t.v.s?

PD

     Pretty much any TV can be adjusted for dark scenes. What high quality TVs do is let you solve the dark scene problem without messing up everything else. I did the Darko adjustment on my Sony 900e without harming PQ in brighter scenes.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: DavidW on October 02, 2023, 01:23:51 PM
Quote from: drogulus on October 02, 2023, 08:44:04 AMOne thing I look for in reviews of OLED sets is if they crush near black detail. Because Sony has outstanding processing they tend to perform well in this regard. If you are a movie-centric viewer like me this is an important consideration.

The near black crush was mostly fixed years ago.  It was used to hide bad posterization, and both LG and Sony had that problem because it was inherent in the technology.

The current award winning Sony qd oled model has purple tint and elevated blacks due to a problem with the qd oled technology.  Video processing can't defeat problems with the panel itself.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: DavidW on October 02, 2023, 01:31:31 PM
Quote from: Pohjolas Daughter on October 02, 2023, 09:13:54 AM@drogulus  I don't know if you were a Game of Thrones fan?  If so, do you remember all of the flack that they received for "The Battle of Winterfell" episode?  It so darkly lit that it was hard making out what was going on.  Wonder how that would have looked on one of these t.v.s?

PD

That has a very dark HDR color grading.  Even Dolby Vision bright/day can't fix that, you need to watch it in a completely dark room.  Funny enough those that watched it in SDR had much less of a headache.  Modern oleds (at least from the premium brands) can fully resolve the detail in the scene.

Many tv reviews use that episode as a torture test for tvs.  Both Oleds and premium fald leds can usually resolve the details in the scene, and midrange and entry level tvs struggle.  Funny enough I'm sure in sdr mode just about any tv could handle it.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: DavidW on October 02, 2023, 01:38:30 PM
Quote from: drogulus on October 02, 2023, 07:17:59 AMI was responding to what you wrote. The relevance of PQ for me is not only quality compared to rivals but quality out of the box. I find that skin tones look right with no adjustment for color at all, so I only need to adjust for brightness/contrast. This is the Donnie Darko test, using a scene in that film which is very dark as the torture test case.

Okay but I wouldn't change contrast if I were you.  Moving it up might cause rgb clipping, which you can only ascertain immediately if you have the appropriate test pattern or a meter and software.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: drogulus on October 02, 2023, 06:35:17 PM
Quote from: DavidW on October 02, 2023, 01:38:30 PMOkay but I wouldn't change contrast if I were you.  Moving it up might cause rgb clipping, which you can only ascertain immediately if you have the appropriate test pattern or a meter and software.

     I find that Sony Standard mode gives you a solution to the Darko dilemma without causing any bad stuff.

     I might decide to go with the x90l. which is a FALD LED with not many zones. It has surprised reviewers with how well it fares despite this.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: DavidW on October 03, 2023, 01:33:08 AM
Quote from: drogulus on October 02, 2023, 06:35:17 PMI might decide to go with the x90l. which is a FALD LED with not many zones. It has surprised reviewers with how well it fares despite this.

This is an example of Sony's magic.  I have the x900h in my den (lg c2 oled in my living room) and despite the limited number of zones I never see haloing.  It is shocking how Sony does better with fewer zones than anyone else.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on October 03, 2023, 04:47:00 AM
UN Security Council approves sending a Kenya-led force to Haiti to fight violent gangs (https://apnews.com/article/haiti-un-kenya-armed-force-resolution-3749ac5db9d6c5903e61dee7b4206e6c)

This time things will all get sorted.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on October 04, 2023, 04:52:18 AM
Directly from the UK government: Government to introduce historic new law to protect future generations of young people from the harms of smoking. (https://www.gov.uk/government/news/prime-minister-to-create-smokefree-generation-by-ending-cigarette-sales-to-those-born-on-or-after-1-january-2009#:~:text=Proposed%20new%20legislation%20will%20make,completely%20as%20early%20as%202040.)

Prohibition is usually a good idea.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: DavidW on October 04, 2023, 06:26:05 AM
Nobel Prize in Chemistry goes to quantum dots!
https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/nobel-prize-in-chemistry-2023-quantum-dots/

It was actually leaked early and an investigation will occur.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on October 04, 2023, 07:24:00 AM
Quote from: DavidW on October 04, 2023, 06:26:05 AMIt was actually leaked early and an investigation will occur.

Exposing the leaker could dynamite his career.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on October 04, 2023, 08:22:23 AM
Quote from: DavidW on October 04, 2023, 06:26:05 AMNobel Prize in Chemistry goes to quantum dots!
https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/nobel-prize-in-chemistry-2023-quantum-dots/

It was actually leaked early and an investigation will occur.
Sounds like a cool discovery (the quantum dots)!  Sorry that the surprise got out early though.

PD
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: geralmar on October 04, 2023, 11:34:49 AM
Grizzly bear kills two in Canada national park:

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/oct/02/canada-deadly-bear-attack-banff-national-park?trk=public_post_comment-text

Coincidentally I'm watching Cocaine Bear (2023), which treats bear attacks and maulings as comedy.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: T. D. on October 04, 2023, 12:06:32 PM
Latest installment in the Rudy freak show:

https://www.cnbc.com/2023/10/04/former-trump-lawyer-rudy-giuliani-sues-biden-for-defamation.html

This is profoundly hilarious, because the gassy dye-dripper's personal defense in many of his pending cases has been the MAGA favorite of "FREE SPEECH!!!".  :laugh:

I swear one couldn't make this 💩 up. Only in the MAGAverse!
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Dry Brett Kavanaugh on October 05, 2023, 09:54:40 AM
Cannibalism was a common funeral ritual in Europe 15,000 years ago, study finds.


https://edition.cnn.com/2023/10/05/europe/cannibalism-funeral-ritual-intl-scli-scn/index.html
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: drogulus on October 07, 2023, 11:12:51 AM

     This recession keeps getting worse and worser.

    U.S. employers added a surprisingly strong 336,000 jobs in September in a sign of economic resilience (https://www.politico.com/news/2023/10/06/us-jobs-report-00120332)

     Oh the humanity?
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on October 08, 2023, 05:03:22 AM
From ICN:

Apple Goes a Step Too Far in Claiming a Carbon Neutral Product, a New Report Concludes

The maker of the iPhone is a leader in efforts to reduce the climate impact of its products, but a recent claim about its new line of Apple Watches may be "climate-wash," a Chinese environmental research organization says. (https://insideclimatenews.org/news/03102023/apple-claim-carbon-neutral-watch-draws-skepticism/)

So, like, the research comes from a Chinese source, which, as everyone knows, means it ain't no good, like a proper Western source.  Carry on and consume.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Dry Brett Kavanaugh on October 12, 2023, 05:27:03 AM
Nobel Prize winner Katalin Karikó was demoted 4 times.


https://www.cnbc.com/2023/10/06/nobel-prize-winner-katalin-karik-on-being-demoted-perseverance-.html
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Iota on October 12, 2023, 06:27:50 AM
Quote from: Dry Brett Kavanaugh on October 12, 2023, 05:27:03 AMNobel Prize winner Katalin Karikó was demoted 4 times.


https://www.cnbc.com/2023/10/06/nobel-prize-winner-katalin-karik-on-being-demoted-perseverance-.html

What an inspired and inspiring person. Lucky we had someone like her out there batting for the rest of us.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on October 12, 2023, 06:30:27 AM
Quote from: Dry Brett Kavanaugh on October 12, 2023, 05:27:03 AMNobel Prize winner Katalin Karikó was demoted 4 times.


https://www.cnbc.com/2023/10/06/nobel-prize-winner-katalin-karik-on-being-demoted-perseverance-.html
Interesting story!  Sad to read about one of her bosses trying to get her into trouble with immigration though.

PD
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Dry Brett Kavanaugh on October 12, 2023, 06:43:40 AM
Quote from: Pohjolas Daughter on October 12, 2023, 06:30:27 AMInteresting story!  Sad to read about one of her bosses trying to get her into trouble with immigration though.

PD

Tons of similar stories in (the US) academics.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on October 12, 2023, 07:20:50 AM
FTX thief cashes out millions during Bankman-Fried trial

https://www.bbc.com/news/technology-67090501

I'm surprised that the cryptocoin is still worth anything considering the charges against him.

PD
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Spotted Horses on October 12, 2023, 09:45:14 AM
Quote from: Pohjolas Daughter on October 12, 2023, 07:20:50 AMFTX thief cashes out millions during Bankman-Fried trial

https://www.bbc.com/news/technology-67090501

I'm surprised that the cryptocoin is still worth anything considering the charges against him.

PD

Cryptocurrencies are bigger than FTX.

In the end, it was a prosaic case of embezzlement.

FTX was supposed to be like a brokerage. You deposited your funds, you could trade for various crypto currencies, then you could withdraw your funds. They were supposed to make money on fees, commissions, mining, maybe some secure investments. But Bankman-Fried was also involved in a hedge fund, Alameda Research, in which Bankman-Fried and his genius friends were supposed to profit. But they turned out not to be geniuses, and they lost a huge amount of money. Rather than declare bankruptcy, they transferred customer funds from FTX to cover the losses. I have no doubt they thought that, being geniuses, they would make it all back and reimburse FTX before anyone noticed. But they turned out to be non-geniuses and lost even more money.

What makes it a crime is that the funds were transferred covertly. Apparently investigators found a bit of code in FTX's accounting software where transfers to Alameda were hard-coded and not reflected on FTX's balance sheet. The chickens came home to roost when they had transferred so much money from FTX to Alameda that FTX couldn't cover customer withdrawals.

This, by the way, is the individual who lost $8 billion.

(https://cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/coindesk/Y6UVCBTWAFCXNH4DF2CH4BTQKI.jpg)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on October 12, 2023, 10:42:12 AM
Quote from: Spotted Horses on October 12, 2023, 09:45:14 AMCryptocurrencies are bigger than FTX.

In the end, it was a prosaic case of embezzlement.

FTX was supposed to be like a brokerage. You deposited your funds, you could trade for various crypto currencies, then you could withdraw your funds. They were supposed to make money on fees, commissions, mining, maybe some secure investments. But Bankman-Fried was also involved in a hedge fund, Alameda Research, in which Bankman-Fried and his genius friends were supposed to profit. But they turned out not to be geniuses, and they lost a huge amount of money. Rather than declare bankruptcy, they transferred customer funds from FTX to cover the losses. I have no doubt they thought that, being geniuses, they would make it all back and reimburse FTX before anyone noticed. But they turned out to be non-geniuses and lost even more money.

What makes it a crime is that the funds were transferred covertly. Apparently investigators found a bit of code in FTX's accounting software where transfers to Alameda were hard-coded and not reflected on FTX's balance sheet. The chickens came home to roost when they had transferred so much money from FTX to Alameda that FTX couldn't cover customer withdrawals.

This, by the way, is the individual who lost $8 billion.

(https://cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/coindesk/Y6UVCBTWAFCXNH4DF2CH4BTQKI.jpg)

Yes, his supposedly on-again-off-again girlfriend who was running Alameda.   And I suspect (highly) that she was in cahoots with her boyfriend.  She's testifying against him in exchange for leniency/shorter sentence from what I recall.

Are there many "brokerage firms" for cryptocurrencies?

According to the article that I had linked to, they believe that at least part of the *stolen monies out of the wallets is going to Russia...perhaps how they are managing to buy more weapons?  No idea.  I found it interesting to read that there are basically money laundering organization(s?) for crypto and it's hard to follow the electronic trail.

*20 million dollars worth being sold a day now apparently.

PD
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Spotted Horses on October 12, 2023, 11:03:13 AM
Quote from: Pohjolas Daughter on October 12, 2023, 10:42:12 AMYes, his supposedly on-again-off-again girlfriend who was running Alameda.   And I suspect (highly) that she was in cahoots with her boyfriend.  She's testifying against him in exchange for leniency/shorter sentence from what I recall.

Are there many "brokerage firms" for cryptocurrencies?

According to the article that I had linked to, they believe that at least part of the *stolen monies out of the wallets is going to Russia...perhaps how they are managing to buy more weapons?  No idea.  I found it interesting to read that there are basically money laundering organization(s?) for crypto and it's hard to follow the electronic trail.

*20 million dollars worth being sold a day now apparently.

PD

The irony is that, as I understand it, there is a publicly available ledger of every bitcoin transaction ever made, so the ownership of every bitcoin ever minted is recorded, along with every transaction every made with every bitcoin. You just don't know who owns the accounts that bitcoin is assigned to, and perhaps those ledgers are so big that searching them is computationally expensive.

There are lots of exchanges, and FTX wasn't the biggest. But they were supposed to be one of the most trustworthy.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on October 12, 2023, 11:16:30 AM
Quote from: Spotted Horses on October 12, 2023, 11:03:13 AMThe irony is that, as I understand it, there is a publicly available ledger of every bitcoin transaction ever made, so the ownership of every bitcoin ever minted is recorded, along with every transaction every made with every bitcoin. You just don't know who owns the accounts that bitcoin is assigned to, and perhaps those ledgers are so big that searching them is computationally expensive.

There are lots of exchanges, and FTX wasn't the biggest. But they were supposed to be one of the most trustworthy.  Was he ever given access to the dump?
Interesting thoughts and info.  So if you use bitcoin to buy something, there's an account of it?  As in like a credit card?

Some time ago, I remember reading an account of someone (a male in maybe his thirties...maybe American?) having lost the passcode to his wallet (think that it went into a landfill?)..ah, found it.  James Howells offering a reward to recover his hard drive.  From the UK.  https://www.businessinsider.com/james-howells-threw-away-bitcoin-dump-masterplan-get-back-2022-7?op=1

PD
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Spotted Horses on October 12, 2023, 12:02:16 PM
Quote from: Pohjolas Daughter on October 12, 2023, 11:16:30 AMInteresting thoughts and info.  So if you use bitcoin to buy something, there's an account of it?  As in like a credit card?

Some time ago, I remember reading an account of someone (a male in maybe his thirties...maybe American?) having lost the passcode to his wallet (think that it went into a landfill?)..ah, found it.  James Howells offering a reward to recover his hard drive.  From the UK.  https://www.businessinsider.com/james-howells-threw-away-bitcoin-dump-masterplan-get-back-2022-7?op=1

PD


In general terms it works like this. A bitcoin is an encrypted data packet that can only be accessed with a passcode. There is an open-source bitcoin server that anyone can run on a computer connected to the internet. If you want to make a bitcoin transaction you use some client software that sends a message, something like "user xxxx with password yyyy wants to transfer bitcoin zzzz with passcode aaaa to user bbbb. Then one of the bitcoin servers takes this message, validates the user and passcode, confirms that user xxxx owns bitcoin zzzz with valid passcode aaaa and that bbbb is a valid user. Then it enters the transaction in its ledger and the bitcoin has a new owner. It shares this with all of the other bitcoin servers, that maintain identical ledgers. When enough transactions have been accumulated they are packed into a "block" and added to the "blockchain," the exhaustive ledger. Each block contains the hashcode of the previous block. That way you can't alter a block to steal a bitcoin because the altered block's hashcode won't match subsequent blocks. You might legitimately want to run a bitcoin server because you get a little royalty for processing the transactions.

To make these transactions you need a "wallet," which is an application on your phone or computer that allows you to send to message to the blockchain servers. There are different wallet program available. You might want to use an exchange like FTX because it is more convenient and flexible than a wallet. That's the outline of it, to be taken with a grain of salt because I have never used a crypto currency.

So all transactions are there to see in the blockchain (which is enormous). But there is the possibility for someone to break into your account, or somehow hack the network to transfer someone else's bitcoin. The blockchain structure is supposed to make that impossible, but no one can protect you if you inadvertently publish or lose your bitcoin ID and password.

Of course, if there are people here who have a deeper understanding or experience with cryptocurrency, please correct any misconceptions here.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on October 14, 2023, 05:40:46 AM
Straight from the EC: Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (https://taxation-customs.ec.europa.eu/carbon-border-adjustment-mechanism_en)

When is a tariff not a tariff?  When Eurocrats say so, evidently. 

And some people still believe we do not live in a mercantilist world.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: T. D. on October 14, 2023, 10:01:59 AM
Latest on the great Rudy:

https://www.yahoo.com/news/judge-punishes-rudy-giuliani-flagrant-043332820.html

It's a gas!
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Dry Brett Kavanaugh on October 14, 2023, 02:56:53 PM
Taylor Swift boosts local business.


https://www.bbc.com/worklife/article/20231011-the-eras-tour-film-has-already-grossed-more-than-100m-the-taylor-swift-economy-is-unstoppable
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on October 14, 2023, 03:09:27 PM
Quote from: Dry Brett Kavanaugh on October 14, 2023, 02:56:53 PMTaylor Swift boosts local business.


https://www.bbc.com/worklife/article/20231011-the-eras-tour-film-has-already-grossed-more-than-100m-the-taylor-swift-economy-is-unstoppable
She strikes me as an amazing young woman...talented, creative, smart, and caring.  And her fans are loyal.

PD
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on October 15, 2023, 04:31:00 AM
From NPR: Australia votes against creating an Indigenous panel to advise Parliament (https://www.npr.org/2023/10/14/1205951662/australia-indigenous-referendum-fails)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on October 15, 2023, 08:46:18 AM
Quote from: Todd on October 15, 2023, 04:31:00 AMFrom NPR: Australia votes against creating an Indigenous panel to advise Parliament (https://www.npr.org/2023/10/14/1205951662/australia-indigenous-referendum-fails)
I heard of read that the other day; quite surprising to me from what I understand of the situation.

Why not get the advice as it could help prevent yet even more blunders in the future and hopefully correct/try to rectify some of the past ones?

PD
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Dry Brett Kavanaugh on October 16, 2023, 07:53:38 AM
Lina Khan, anti-trust warrior.


https://edition.cnn.com/2023/10/16/tech/lina-khan-risk-takers/index.html
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: T. D. on October 16, 2023, 07:31:06 PM
https://www.bbc.com/sport/66996021

Rudie van Vuuren: Meet the 'Doc' who played at World Cups in two sports
By Piers Edwards
BBC Sport Africa
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on October 17, 2023, 04:32:12 AM
From AP: Electrical grids aren't keeping up with the green energy push. That could risk climate goals (https://apnews.com/article/renewable-energy-climate-change-electrical-grids-82d1fedd21e58d36e27c6c2396498c0c)

Quote from: David McHughThe IEA assessment of electricity grids around the globe found that achieving the climate goals set by the world's governments would require adding or refurbishing 80 million kilometers (50 million miles) of power lines by 2040 — an amount equal to the existing global grid in less than two decades.

Annual investment has been stagnant but needs to double to more than $600 billion a year by 2030, the agency said.

Expect missed targets every year, forever.  Sucks for countries like Tuvalu.  Or does it?

From The Economist: Tuvalu plans for its own disappearance (https://www.economist.com/asia/2023/10/12/tuvalu-plans-for-its-own-disappearance)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Iota on October 21, 2023, 09:32:41 AM
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/av/uk-67180162

Not something you see every day!  :o

The sort of thing the witches might have warned Macbeth about, and leave him equally confident of his well-being as he was about Birnam Wood ...
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Dry Brett Kavanaugh on October 21, 2023, 11:37:13 AM
The opposition is leading the poll in Venezuela.

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/oct/21/venezuela-oppostion-election-2024-nicolas-maduro-maria-corina-machado?CMP=Share_iOSApp_Other
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on October 21, 2023, 12:40:37 PM
Quote from: Iota on October 21, 2023, 09:32:41 AMhttps://www.bbc.co.uk/news/av/uk-67180162

Not something you see every day!  :o

The sort of thing the witches might have warned Macbeth about, and leave him equally confident of his well-being as he was about Birnam Wood ...
Wow!   :o

PD
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: T. D. on October 24, 2023, 05:55:29 AM
https://www.cnbc.com/2023/10/24/trump-2020-lawyer-jenna-ellis-pleads-guilty-in-georgia-election-case-the-latest-to-flip.html

It was the result of chemical poisoning! CONSPIRACY!!!

Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on October 25, 2023, 04:35:46 AM
Miniature 'Star Wars' X-wing gets over $3 million at auction of Hollywood model-maker's collection (https://apnews.com/article/hollywood-jein-model-auction-xwing-star-wars-4fc817694cfe3735d5eb9599ae019ab5)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on October 26, 2023, 04:25:09 AM
An Oregon union wants to end self-serve fuel, months after it began (https://www.opb.org/article/2023/10/25/pump-gas-oregon-ufcw/)

Local stupid.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on November 04, 2023, 06:07:44 AM
Deep Rifts at UN Loss and Damage Talks Cast a Shadow on Upcoming Climate Conference

Developing countries oppose the U.S.-led plan for the World Bank to host the new climate fund, and question the credibility of developed countries that have failed to deliver on other climate promises. (https://insideclimatenews.org/news/03112023/loss-and-damage-talks-cast-shadow-on-climate-conference/?utm_source=InsideClimate+News&utm_campaign=bea492b24c-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2023_11_04_01_00&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_29c928ffb5-bea492b24c-329701485)


Quote from: Bob BerwynLoss and damage includes impacts like the permanent loss of lands and homes to sea level rise, the costs of rebuilding infrastructure damaged by flooding and the loss of revenue from agricultural crops destroyed due to drought. Globally, climate economists say the measurable annual cost to developing nations will reach an estimated $400 billion by 2030, and soar above $1 trillion by 2050.

I obviously can't speak for anyone else, but I have the utmost faith that the UN will get this mess all sorted and that the governments of advanced economies will cheerfully fork over tons of lucre to aid their poorer brethren.  If history has taught us anything, it is that large political entities act with kindness, amity, and an unfailing generosity of spirit.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Dry Brett Kavanaugh on November 07, 2023, 06:24:43 AM
Workers with in-office jobs spend about $31/day that they wouldn't working from home.


https://moneywise.com/employment/americans-spend-51-dollars-a-day-when-they-work-at-the-office-heres-what-employers-need-to-change?utm_source=syn_oath_mon&utm_medium=C&utm_campaign=35306&utm_content=oath_mon_35306_spend+about+%2431+more
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on November 08, 2023, 04:47:10 AM
From Reuters: This year 'virtually certain' to be warmest in 125,000 years, EU scientists say (https://www.reuters.com/business/environment/this-year-virtually-certain-be-warmest-125000-years-eu-scientists-say-2023-11-08/)

Fortunately, consumers in high income economies avoid unnecessary consumption and the world has aggressively cut back on aggregate greenhouse gas emissions for the last several decades, so this should be a blip, never to occur again.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Dry Brett Kavanaugh on November 08, 2023, 02:12:40 PM
Figure on Led Zeppelin IV cover identified as Victorian Wiltshire thatcher.


https://www.theguardian.com/music/2023/nov/08/led-zeppelin-iv-cover-photo-revealed-victorian-wiltshire-thatcher?CMP=Share_iOSApp_Other



(https://is1-ssl.mzstatic.com/image/thumb/Video115/v4/c4/d4/d1/c4d4d169-4d91-3772-3884-b4468b38d507/Joba363db05-dae0-4c12-826d-c4654cf76b98-124898240-PreviewImage_preview_image_nonvideo_sdr-Time1634231321057.png/632x632bb.webp)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Dry Brett Kavanaugh on November 10, 2023, 12:19:00 PM
Only 8% of the millionaires in the USA consider themselves as wealthy.


https://www.cnbc.com/2023/11/10/survey-31percent-of-millionaires-say-they-are-part-of-the-middle-class.html
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on November 11, 2023, 10:01:10 AM
From ICN: Planned Fossil Fuel Production Vastly Exceeds the World's Climate Goals, 'Throwing Humanity's Future Into Question'

Among the 20 top fossil fuel-producing countries, the U.S., Brazil and Saudi Arabia foresee significant increases in domestic oil production, while Russia, India and Indonesia all project substantial increases in coal. (https://insideclimatenews.org/news/08112023/un-production-fossil-fuels-outstrip-climate-goals/)


Quote from: Nicholas KusnetzInger Andersen, the executive director of U.N. Environment Program, said in a statement accompanying the report that "governments' plans to expand fossil fuel production are undermining the energy transition needed to achieve net-zero emissions, throwing humanity's future into question."


(https://insideclimatenews.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/ProductionGapReport1_700px.png)


Cited in the ICN piece, and directly from the IMF: Fossil Fuel Subsidies Surged to Record $7 Trillion  (https://www.imf.org/en/Blogs/Articles/2023/08/24/fossil-fuel-subsidies-surged-to-record-7-trillion)

(https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTaauxpL1M3CyvQu9_rrU3pebYd8-OwUOp2gg&usqp=CAU)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: drogulus on November 13, 2023, 09:51:33 AM
    Stocks won't go much higher next year, Wall Street bear predicts


    First.....hahahaha, he's, like, a bear, OK?

    Second....a word of warning. This does not mean stocks will go up.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: BWV 1080 on November 13, 2023, 01:55:30 PM
Today was declared 'Original Ninfa's Day' in Houston, celebrating Mama Ninfa and the birthplace of fajitas

https://www.houstonchronicle.com/food-culture/restaurants-bars/article/original-ninfas-day-50-anniversary-tex-mex-18487955.php#:~:text=The%20city%20of%20Houston%20declared,its%2050th%20anniversary%20this%20year.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Dry Brett Kavanaugh on November 18, 2023, 04:54:24 AM
Credit card debt soars in the USA.


https://www.cnbc.com/2023/11/09/average-credit-card-balances-top-6000-a-10-year-high.html
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on November 19, 2023, 04:12:47 PM
From AP: Fiery right-wing populist Javier Milei wins Argentina's presidency amid discontent over economy (https://apnews.com/article/argentina-election-president-milei-massa-a4811c5229d35551f8dbf7056d87aae6)

I admit I don't follow Argentinian politics, but here are some other headline descriptions of the election:

WSJ: "Javier Milei, a Self-Described Anarcho-Capitalist, Is Elected President of Argentina"

FT: "Radical libertarian Javier Milei elected president of Argentina"

NPR: "Javier Milei, a radical libertarian populist, elected president of Argentina"

NBC New York: "Self-described anarcho-capitalist appears to win Argentina's presidential election"


Hmm.  I have doubts that the corporate press is reporting in a dispassionate way.  If anyone here is a published authority on Argentinian politics, I should like to know more.  In the meantime, I am modestly happy that an Anarcho-Capitalist now leads a lesser power. 
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Dry Brett Kavanaugh on November 19, 2023, 05:40:00 PM
Former US President Donald Trump congratulated Mr Milei on his victory, saying he would "Make Argentina Great Again!".
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: JBS on November 19, 2023, 06:04:52 PM
Quote from: Todd on November 19, 2023, 04:12:47 PMFrom AP: Fiery right-wing populist Javier Milei wins Argentina's presidency amid discontent over economy (https://apnews.com/article/argentina-election-president-milei-massa-a4811c5229d35551f8dbf7056d87aae6)

I admit I don't follow Argentinian politics, but here are some other headline descriptions of the election:

WSJ: "Javier Milei, a Self-Described Anarcho-Capitalist, Is Elected President of Argentina"

FT: "Radical libertarian Javier Milei elected president of Argentina"

NPR: "Javier Milei, a radical libertarian populist, elected president of Argentina"

NBC New York: "Self-described anarcho-capitalist appears to win Argentina's presidential election"


Hmm.  I have doubts that the corporate press is reporting in a dispassionate way.  If anyone here is a published authority on Argentinian politics, I should like to know more.  In the meantime, I am modestly happy that an Anarcho-Capitalist now leads a lesser power. 


The one factoid I know about him is that he admires Margaret Thatcher.

I guess La Guerra de Las Malvinas will now become el malestar previo.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on November 19, 2023, 07:12:19 PM
It looks like Milei digs the 70s:

(https://i2.wp.com/www.roxboroghreport.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/Paul_torino.jpg?fit=707%2C1001&ssl=1)

(https://www.japantimes.co.jp/japantimes/uploads/images/2023/08/15/245708.JPG)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Dry Brett Kavanaugh on November 20, 2023, 05:46:20 AM
OpenAI Staff Threaten to Quit Unless Board Resigns.


https://www.wired.com/story/openai-staff-walk-protest-sam-altman/
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on November 20, 2023, 10:17:07 AM
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Dry Brett Kavanaugh on November 27, 2023, 07:01:24 AM
Americans ditched big cities during the pandemic. Now many are regretting it.


https://www.businessinsider.com/americans-regretting-moves-from-city-to-suburbs-housing-crisis-millennials-2023-11
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: drogulus on November 27, 2023, 08:47:15 AM
Quote from: Dry Brett Kavanaugh on November 18, 2023, 04:54:24 AMCredit card debt soars in the USA.


https://www.cnbc.com/2023/11/09/average-credit-card-balances-top-6000-a-10-year-high.html

    I just got an AMEX card. I got a mailing with an offer, something I usually tear up. This time I applied online and was approved, got the card in the mail and lived happily ever after so far.

    Now I have 3 cards. One is for monthly expenses and is paid immediately every month, another is for larger stuff like an auto repair or a new toy like maybe a PC or a 12" alnico speaker with 101db/w sensitivity.

    Card III is for I don't know what. Maybe it fits into the last slot in my wallet and that's all.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Spotted Horses on November 27, 2023, 08:55:53 AM
Quote from: drogulus on November 27, 2023, 08:47:15 AMCard III is for I don't know what. Maybe it fits into the last slot in my wallet and that's all.

If you don't use it at all they may just cancel it.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: drogulus on November 27, 2023, 09:32:01 AM
Quote from: Spotted Horses on November 27, 2023, 08:55:53 AMIf you don't use it at all they may just cancel it.

     It's OK with me.

(https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQniGOl-LRidPOduVgIGJOeq0QRxh3P_diujeOv6gv7G1TzUiZuadFQWgtJ4IIcPNuen4A&usqp=CAU)

     I might buy something. What should I buy?
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Dry Brett Kavanaugh on November 27, 2023, 11:19:44 AM
Quote from: drogulus on November 27, 2023, 09:32:01 AMIt's OK with me.

(https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQniGOl-LRidPOduVgIGJOeq0QRxh3P_diujeOv6gv7G1TzUiZuadFQWgtJ4IIcPNuen4A&usqp=CAU)

     I might buy something. What should I buy?


Onsen (waffle) towels.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: drogulus on November 27, 2023, 01:25:46 PM
Quote from: Dry Brett Kavanaugh on November 27, 2023, 11:19:44 AMOnsen (waffle) towels.

Order summary

    Waffle Bath Towel × 1

Forest / Individual
CYBER MONDAY 30% OFF (-$15)   

$35
   
Subtotal
    $35

Shipping
    $0

Taxes
    $0

Total
    $35 USD

     Look, I bought a Cyber Towel!
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Dry Brett Kavanaugh on November 28, 2023, 06:01:29 AM
Good price. Reviews of Onsen towels are below.


https://www.cnn.com/cnn-underscored/reviews/onsen-towel

https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbes-personal-shopper/article/onsen-towel-review/?sh=47cedcb6759b
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: drogulus on November 28, 2023, 09:47:12 AM

    In the Stock Market, Don't Buy and Sell. Just Hold (https://www.nytimes.com/2023/11/24/business/stock-market-hold-sell-timing.html).

     I would put it differently such that one should Always Be Buying.

(https://media.vanityfair.com/photos/633b490861a5fa19b93f125b/master/pass/glengarry-glen-ross-coffee-is-for-closers-scene-alec-baldwin.jpg)

I'd be happier knowing a way of beating the market regularly, of course. I'd rather be a stellar performer, not an average one.

But, as it turns out, striving to be average is probably a wise choice. Just match the market returns; don't try to beat the market by buying and selling at moments that seem like great opportunities. You're likely to hurt yourself.


     That's right. Don't beat the market, own it.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: drogulus on November 28, 2023, 10:06:11 AM



(https://ritholtz.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/electricity.png)

     I think you can see why the US talks to China about climate stuff.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on November 28, 2023, 11:06:23 AM
Quote from: Dry Brett Kavanaugh on November 07, 2023, 06:24:43 AMWorkers with in-office jobs spend about $31/day that they wouldn't working from home.


https://moneywise.com/employment/americans-spend-51-dollars-a-day-when-they-work-at-the-office-heres-what-employers-need-to-change?utm_source=syn_oath_mon&utm_medium=C&utm_campaign=35306&utm_content=oath_mon_35306_spend+about+%2431+more
Interesting article.  Looking at the list, I can see how to cut back at least $29:  fix and bring in your own lunch, *breakfast (*or eat it at home--radical idea I know--depending upon ones work hours of course), coffee (beverages) and snacks.  And, yes, it would cost you a bit re food, but you would be doing that anyway if you were working from home.  I suspect that there are not that many companies (outside of Google) that provide three meals a day.

PD

If you're paying for doggie day care, that could add up.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on November 28, 2023, 11:12:09 AM
Quote from: Dry Brett Kavanaugh on November 08, 2023, 02:12:40 PMFigure on Led Zeppelin IV cover identified as Victorian Wiltshire thatcher.


https://www.theguardian.com/music/2023/nov/08/led-zeppelin-iv-cover-photo-revealed-victorian-wiltshire-thatcher?CMP=Share_iOSApp_Other



(https://is1-ssl.mzstatic.com/image/thumb/Video115/v4/c4/d4/d1/c4d4d169-4d91-3772-3884-b4468b38d507/Joba363db05-dae0-4c12-826d-c4654cf76b98-124898240-PreviewImage_preview_image_nonvideo_sdr-Time1634231321057.png/632x632bb.webp)
Interesting!  I'll have to check out the article.

PD
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Spotted Horses on November 28, 2023, 11:16:09 AM
Quote from: Dry Brett Kavanaugh on November 07, 2023, 06:24:43 AMWorkers with in-office jobs spend about $31/day that they wouldn't working from home.

I'd be willing to spend a lot more that $31 per day if I could work in an office.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on November 29, 2023, 05:03:12 AM
Quote from: drogulus on November 27, 2023, 01:25:46 PMOrder summary

    Waffle Bath Towel × 1

Forest / Individual
CYBER MONDAY 30% OFF (-$15)   

$35
   
Subtotal
    $35

Shipping
    $0

Taxes
    $0

Total
    $35 USD

     Look, I bought a Cyber Towel!
I hadn't heard of them before now.  Are you thinking of giving it a test run and then maybe buying a set?

PD
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: drogulus on November 29, 2023, 06:56:10 AM
Quote from: Pohjolas Daughter on November 29, 2023, 05:03:12 AMI hadn't heard of them before now.  Are you thinking of giving it a test run and then maybe buying a set?

PD

    No, I wanted to buy something on my new AMEX card and....

Quote from: Dry Brett Kavanaugh on November 27, 2023, 11:19:44 AMOnsen (waffle) towels.


    ....so I bought the towel.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: DavidW on November 29, 2023, 08:34:34 AM
Quote from: drogulus on November 29, 2023, 06:56:10 AMNo, I wanted to buy something on my new AMEX card and....


    ....so I bought the towel.

This definitely fits the bill for unimportant news! :laugh:
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Dry Brett Kavanaugh on November 29, 2023, 10:05:21 AM
How women drinkers could save the male-centric beer industry. BBC.


https://www.bbc.com/worklife/article/20231127-how-women-drinkers-could-save-the-male-centric-beer-industry
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: steve ridgway on November 30, 2023, 06:56:53 AM
Church roof solar panels rejected for being 'out of character'

A common story in the modern Britain. For all the talk of climate disaster, the overriding concern is that nothing old should change.

BBC News (https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-cumbria-67548553)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: DavidW on November 30, 2023, 07:15:36 AM
Quote from: Dry Brett Kavanaugh on November 29, 2023, 10:05:21 AMHow women drinkers could save the male-centric beer industry. BBC.


https://www.bbc.com/worklife/article/20231127-how-women-drinkers-could-save-the-male-centric-beer-industry

Quote"We looked at rating data from [ratings website] BeerAdvocate and found that the majority of the top 10 beers for users who identified as female were sour beers versus high-ABV IPAs and stouts that rated highest for men," says Hankinson.

I've also seen this when I used to go out to the bar with friends.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on December 01, 2023, 09:34:12 AM
And George Santos has been expelled from the House!  ;D

PD

p.s. https://edition.cnn.com/politics/live-news/george-santos-expulsion-vote-12-1-23/index.html
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: drogulus on December 01, 2023, 11:26:44 AM
Quote from: Pohjolas Daughter on December 01, 2023, 09:34:12 AMAnd George Santos has been expelled from the House!  ;D

PD

p.s. https://edition.cnn.com/politics/live-news/george-santos-expulsion-vote-12-1-23/index.html

     Kona for Congress. :D

     (https://i.ytimg.com/vi/nXQaPM2a0Ro/oar2.jpg?sqp=-oaymwEYCK8DENAFSFqQAgHyq4qpAwcIARUAAIhC&rs=AOn4CLBd0XfK3y2KYWVXhI1lGghv8ayNpQ)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on December 01, 2023, 11:37:13 AM
Quote from: drogulus on December 01, 2023, 11:26:44 AMKona for Congress. :D

    (https://i.ytimg.com/vi/nXQaPM2a0Ro/oar2.jpg?sqp=-oaymwEYCK8DENAFSFqQAgHyq4qpAwcIARUAAIhC&rs=AOn4CLBd0XfK3y2KYWVXhI1lGghv8ayNpQ)
I don't know Kona, but he(?) looks like he means business!

But, seriously, I do feel sorry for the constituents who voted for G.S. and had no one to look out for their interests and for those whom he allegedly stole from/swindled....the stories go on and on.

PD
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: LKB on December 02, 2023, 01:05:36 AM
Quote from: drogulus on December 01, 2023, 11:26:44 AMKona for Congress. :D

    (https://i.ytimg.com/vi/nXQaPM2a0Ro/oar2.jpg?sqp=-oaymwEYCK8DENAFSFqQAgHyq4qpAwcIARUAAIhC&rs=AOn4CLBd0XfK3y2KYWVXhI1lGghv8ayNpQ)

MTG would object, the thought of yet another House freshman possessed of a superior intellect would be intolerable...  >:D
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: drogulus on December 08, 2023, 02:54:56 PM
(https://ritholtz.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/12-2023-NFP.png)

     Total employment is now 5 million above the pre-pandemic peak.

     
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: SimonNZ on December 08, 2023, 05:48:10 PM
Quote from: drogulus on December 08, 2023, 02:54:56 PM(https://ritholtz.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/12-2023-NFP.png)

     Total employment is now 5 million above the pre-pandemic peak.

     

"Dems leave unemployment nowhere to go but up"
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: drogulus on December 08, 2023, 07:26:44 PM
Quote from: SimonNZ on December 08, 2023, 05:48:10 PM"Dems leave unemployment nowhere to go but up"

    Yeah the cruelty is the point.

    Siriusly (https://i.insider.com/5c66d8e6262898095405625b?width=1136&format=jpeg), I think this job thing is way overblown. What about the Debt? Now that's something we really should be concerned about. How are we going to pay the government if they ask for it back? Any ideas?
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on December 09, 2023, 11:32:33 AM
Headline of the day: Airport Locked Down After Anti-Aircraft Ammunition Discovered (https://www.newsweek.com/transport-security-administration-tsa-guns-planes-1850999#:~:text=Staff%20at%20Honolulu%20airport%20had,Daniel%20K.%20Inouye%20International%20Airport.)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on December 10, 2023, 08:25:01 AM
From the BBC: Chinese garlic is a national security risk, says US senator (https://www.bbc.com/news/business-67662779)

You can't make this shit up.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on December 10, 2023, 09:01:20 AM
Quote from: drogulus on November 28, 2023, 09:47:12 AMIn the Stock Market, Don't Buy and Sell. Just Hold (https://www.nytimes.com/2023/11/24/business/stock-market-hold-sell-timing.html).

    I would put it differently such that one should Always Be Buying.

(https://media.vanityfair.com/photos/633b490861a5fa19b93f125b/master/pass/glengarry-glen-ross-coffee-is-for-closers-scene-alec-baldwin.jpg)

I'd be happier knowing a way of beating the market regularly, of course. I'd rather be a stellar performer, not an average one.

But, as it turns out, striving to be average is probably a wise choice. Just match the market returns; don't try to beat the market by buying and selling at moments that seem like great opportunities. You're likely to hurt yourself.


    That's right. Don't beat the market, own it.
Invest, rather than gamble.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on December 10, 2023, 09:02:26 AM
Quote from: Pohjolas Daughter on November 28, 2023, 11:12:09 AMInteresting!  I'll have to check out the article.

PD
Call me when they've identified the Black Dog ....
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on December 10, 2023, 09:03:17 AM
Quote from: Spotted Horses on November 28, 2023, 11:16:09 AMI'd be willing to spend a lot more that $31 per day if I could work in an office.
It can help with work/life balance.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on December 10, 2023, 09:06:56 AM
If only the "genius" Musk would concentrate on product rather than wanking on "X...."

Tesla drivers run Autopilot where it's not intended — with deadly consequences (https://www.washingtonpost.com/technology/2023/12/10/tesla-autopilot-crash/)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Dry Brett Kavanaugh on December 11, 2023, 01:53:50 PM
A futbol/soccer referee was punched to the ground by a club president.


https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/67688071
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Dry Brett Kavanaugh on December 13, 2023, 01:51:57 PM
ChatGPT did not increase cheating in high schools, Stanford researchers find.


https://edition.cnn.com/2023/12/13/tech/chatgpt-did-not-increase-cheating-in-high-schools/index.html?utm_source=business_ribbon
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: DavidW on December 13, 2023, 02:53:25 PM
Quote from: Dry Brett Kavanaugh on December 13, 2023, 01:51:57 PMChatGPT did not increase cheating in high schools, Stanford researchers find.


https://edition.cnn.com/2023/12/13/tech/chatgpt-did-not-increase-cheating-in-high-schools/index.html?utm_source=business_ribbon

English department here saw a spike last spring and then settled down.  It hasn't really been an issue this fall.  AI was the theme for professional development this semester.  It can be surprisingly transformative when used right.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on December 15, 2023, 04:13:01 AM
The Growing Risk of Global Disorder (https://www.project-syndicate.org/commentary/protecting-rules-based-western-international-order-by-mohamed-a-el-erian-2023-12)

As anyone who reads Mr El-Erian's regular posts and articles will know, this is fairly dire coming from him. 
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on December 16, 2023, 11:50:06 AM
Misleading but fun story from AFP via Barron's: Inflation Forces Turkey's Central Bank Chief To Move In With Parents (https://www.barrons.com/articles/inflation-forces-turkey-s-central-bank-chief-to-move-in-with-parents-c806d3ba)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on December 18, 2023, 05:08:59 AM
El-Sissi wins Egypt's presidential election with 89.6% of the vote and secures third term in office (https://apnews.com/article/egypt-elections-el-sissi-gaza-war-f888b83d99acdb255dd0adc031a6efbc)

Whew, that was close!

(If one reads the URL, one sees that AP groups this news story with the Gaza War, in yet another example of how awful the corporate press has become.)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on December 18, 2023, 08:52:17 AM
Three gun-wielding thieves in Colorado allegedly robbed a cheque-cashing business, but, before they could escape, a fourth person stole their getaway car, police said.

Commerce City police arrested two of three suspects on Saturday, describing the series of events as "an unexpected and ironic twist".

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-67752007

PD
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on December 22, 2023, 08:46:05 AM
Hyperloop, Elon Musk's Pipe Dream, Bites the Dust (https://www.rollingstone.com/culture/culture-news/elon-musk-hyperloop-tesla-1234934812/)

Spot the flaw in this headline and article.  I suppose it's one better than one promoted LinkedIn story, which explicitly stated Musk owned Hyperloop One.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: JBS on December 22, 2023, 05:43:17 PM
Quote from: Todd on December 18, 2023, 05:08:59 AMEl-Sissi wins Egypt's presidential election with 89.6% of the vote and secures third term in office (https://apnews.com/article/egypt-elections-el-sissi-gaza-war-f888b83d99acdb255dd0adc031a6efbc)

Whew, that was close!

(If one reads the URL, one sees that AP groups this news story with the Gaza War, in yet another example of how awful the corporate press has become.)

Egypt has a border with Gaza that it won't open for refugees from the war, its Muslim Brotherhood has ties with Hamas (part of the reason it won't open the border for them, over and above the question of whether Israel would let them back in).

So the AP is being sensible.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on December 23, 2023, 03:59:12 AM
Quote from: JBS on December 22, 2023, 05:43:17 PMEgypt has a border with Gaza that it won't open for refugees from the war, its Muslim Brotherhood has ties with Hamas (part of the reason it won't open the border for them, over and above the question of whether Israel would let them back in).

So the AP is being sensible.


People can and do rationalize anything.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Dry Brett Kavanaugh on December 23, 2023, 12:19:50 PM
Japan to send Patriot missiles to US which may aid Ukraine.


https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-67798740
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on December 23, 2023, 12:29:39 PM
Quote from: Dry Brett Kavanaugh on December 23, 2023, 12:19:50 PMJapan to send Patriot missiles to US which may aid Ukraine.


https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-67798740

This doesn't even rate as too little, too late for Ukraine.  It is, however, a convenient pretext for Japan to adopt a more militaristic industrial and foreign policy to continue to build up to take on China - with the US, of course.  This may also mean that it is a good time to add MHVYF to the daily/weekly watchlist.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: JBS on December 23, 2023, 07:43:36 PM
Quote from: Todd on December 23, 2023, 12:29:39 PMThis doesn't even rate as too little, too late for Ukraine.  It is, however, a convenient pretext for Japan to adopt a more militaristic industrial and foreign policy to continue to build up to take on China - with the US, of course.  This may also mean that it is a good time to add MHVYF to the daily/weekly watchlist.

MHVYF? What is that?
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: AnotherSpin on December 23, 2023, 09:14:19 PM
Quote from: Todd on December 23, 2023, 12:29:39 PMThis doesn't even rate as too little, too late for Ukraine.  It is, however, a convenient pretext for Japan to adopt a more militaristic industrial and foreign policy to continue to build up to take on China - with the US, of course.  This may also mean that it is a good time to add MHVYF to the daily/weekly watchlist.

What's too late? At the end of the second year of the war, Ukraine stands undefeated. Russia has not achieved any of the goals stated in February 2022, so it is losing this war every day. Also keep in mind that Russia has almost always been much more successful in Europe. In recent history, the horde has only been adequately repulsed by the Finns in 1939 or the Poles in 1921. After WW2 the Poles, Czechs, Hungarians, Romanians, etc. managed to resist for a few days or at most months.





Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on December 24, 2023, 04:22:28 AM
Quote from: AnotherSpin on December 23, 2023, 09:14:19 PMWhat's too late? At the end of the second year of the war, Ukraine stands undefeated. Russia has not achieved any of the goals stated in February 2022, so it is losing this war every day. Also keep in mind that Russia has almost always been much more successful in Europe. In recent history, the horde has only been adequately repulsed by the Finns in 1939 or the Poles in 1921. After WW2 the Poles, Czechs, Hungarians, Romanians, etc. managed to resist for a few days or at most months.

'Tis the season for wishful thinking and fantastical dreaming.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: AnotherSpin on December 24, 2023, 04:50:59 AM
Quote from: Todd on December 24, 2023, 04:22:28 AM'Tis the season for wishful thinking and fantastical dreaming.

Can you demonstrate what is wrong with what I wrote above?
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on December 24, 2023, 04:56:44 AM
Quote from: AnotherSpin on December 24, 2023, 04:50:59 AMCan you demonstrate what is wrong with what I wrote above?

It's perfectly OK to dream during the holidays.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: AnotherSpin on December 24, 2023, 05:19:21 AM
Quote from: Todd on December 24, 2023, 04:56:44 AMIt's perfectly OK to dream during the holidays.


Q.E.D.  ;)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: DavidW on December 24, 2023, 07:26:16 AM
Gentlemen, let us please not discuss Ukraine in the unimportant news thread.  Also it is the season to be kind and thoughtful to each other.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on December 30, 2023, 10:11:19 AM
Measurements of methane and nitrous oxide in human breath and the development of UK scale emissions (https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0295157)

Science.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Iota on December 30, 2023, 10:35:37 AM
If anybody is in need of an emetic, dipping into the article below to witness Liz Truss skipping around in the slime, might help.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-67843755


And if in need of a pick-me-up, the following seems the perfect antidote.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-london-67796155
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Dry Brett Kavanaugh on December 30, 2023, 11:05:53 AM
Many Gen Z in the USA want to move abroad.

https://www.deseret.com/2023/11/28/23977339/why-does-gen-z-want-to-move-abroad-and-where-do-they-want-to-go
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: AnotherSpin on December 30, 2023, 10:12:02 PM
Residents of an apartment complex in Odessa, partially destroyed by a Russian missile on December 29, have put up a decorated Christmas tree in the centre of the mangled courtyard.

(https://scontent.fods2-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t39.30808-6/414426983_771862354980582_2659625164517597224_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s640x640&_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=dd5e9f&_nc_ohc=04Of0K68bkYAX9V3oNn&_nc_ht=scontent.fods2-1.fna&oh=00_AfCezVqhdVqifkPuQwRitv7T_BM_awtZXQAeZStC_K6rhw&oe=6596889F)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: LKB on December 31, 2023, 07:22:32 AM
It would appear that the holiday spirit and Ukrainian spirit are ( unsurprisingly ) a potent combination.  ;) 
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on December 31, 2023, 09:49:50 AM
From the BBC: Queen of Denmark Margrethe II announces abdication live on TV (https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-67854395)

Is there a less important royal than a Danish one?
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: AnotherSpin on December 31, 2023, 01:33:29 PM
Quote from: LKB on December 31, 2023, 07:22:32 AMIt would appear that the holiday spirit and Ukrainian spirit are ( unsurprisingly ) a potent combination.  ;)

Ukrainian families are sitting around festive tables today. Fuck Putin and his zombies.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: LKB on December 31, 2023, 06:41:05 PM
Quote from: AnotherSpin on December 31, 2023, 01:33:29 PMUkrainian families are sitting around festive tables today. Fuck Putin and his zombies.

+1
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on January 02, 2024, 03:48:24 PM
(https://media.licdn.com/dms/image/D4D22AQEwpTxfIBH6Xw/feedshare-shrink_800/0/1704219674403?e=1707350400&v=beta&t=fMClEkxbFk61C6CUOoWjGyPb2qXY51BygRzSjUR0Qv0)

2023 was a record year.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: DavidW on January 03, 2024, 12:52:28 PM
Cheap insulin in the US! (https://www.cnn.com/2024/01/01/politics/insulin-price-cap/index.html) See not all news is bad.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on January 05, 2024, 03:42:34 PM
Royal Navy forced to recruit for tob job on social media (https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/royal-navy-job-linkedin-b2473868.html)

At least it was LinkedIn.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Brian on January 05, 2024, 04:08:52 PM
No kidding...I've been seeking an executive assistant on Tinder...
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: DavidW on January 06, 2024, 07:21:35 AM
Quote from: Brian on January 05, 2024, 04:08:52 PMNo kidding...I've been seeking an executive assistant on Tinder...

I'm so out of the loop on tech and trends that I had to google Tinder, I didn't know what it was! :laugh:  :-[
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Brian on January 06, 2024, 09:12:06 AM
Quote from: DavidW on January 06, 2024, 07:21:35 AMI'm so out of the loop on tech and trends that I had to google Tinder, I didn't know what it was! :laugh:  :-[
;D  ;D I was joking of course but two of my friends met on Tinder and are getting married this fall.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on January 07, 2024, 10:07:42 AM
Directly from the National Park Service: Park seeks input on the rehabilitation of Welcome Park (https://www.nps.gov/inde/learn/news/park-seeks-input-on-the-rehabilitation-of-welcome-park.htm)

Quote from: National Park ServiceThe [William] Penn statue and Slate Roof house model will be removed and not reinstalled. In a separate and future effort, new exhibit panels will be installed on the south site wall to replace the Penn timeline.

From The Cultural Landscape Foundation: (https://www.tclf.org/landscapes/welcome-park)

Quote from: The Cultural Landscape FoundationSituated in East Philadelphia close to the Delaware River, the plaza was conceived as an "open air" museum by Venturi, Scott Brown and Associates. The project is the only site in the city dedicated to interpreting the life and ideas of its founder, William Penn.

Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on January 08, 2024, 04:42:43 AM
Fifth of Global Oil Trade Used Non-Dollar Currencies in 2023 (https://oilprice.com/Latest-Energy-News/World-News/Fifth-of-Global-Oil-Trade-Used-Non-Dollar-Currencies-in-2023.html)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on January 09, 2024, 04:41:22 AM
Keeping it Left Coast to start the day.

From the LA Times: Earth reaches grim milestone: 2023 was the warmest year on record (https://www.latimes.com/environment/story/2024-01-09/its-official-2023-was-the-warmest-year-on-record)

From Stanford: Global carbon emissions from fossil fuels reached record high in 2023 (https://sustainability.stanford.edu/news/global-carbon-emissions-fossil-fuels-reached-record-high-2023#:~:text=The%20researchers%20estimate%20that%20the,billion%20tons%20from%20fossil%20fuels.)

In an entirely unrelated story from PBS: How U.S. oil production reached an all-time high in 2023 (https://www.pbs.org/newshour/show/how-u-s-oil-production-reached-an-all-time-high-in-2023#:~:text=And%20so%20at%20this%20point,any%20country%20in%20the%20world.)


Fortunately, 2024 will be the year it all starts to turn around!
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: SimonNZ on January 09, 2024, 12:10:04 PM
Quote from: Todd on January 09, 2024, 04:41:22 AMFortunately, 2024 will be the year it all starts to turn around!

You are the one in favor of legislative gridlock.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on January 10, 2024, 05:02:25 AM
From Deutsche Welle: Polish police arrest ex-ministers at presidential palace (https://www.dw.com/en/polish-police-arrest-ex-ministers-at-presidential-palace/a-67933817)

Word on the street is that they were in cahoots with Honest Bob Menendez.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on January 11, 2024, 04:19:01 AM
From NPR: Guantánamo Bay has been open for 22 years despite calls for its closure (https://www.npr.org/2024/01/09/1223788648/guantanamo-bay-has-been-open-for-22-years-despite-calls-for-its-closure)

Happy birthday, Gitmo.  You've come a long way, baby!
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on January 15, 2024, 06:00:09 AM
From People (!): U.S. Air Force Officer Madison Marsh Crowned as 2024 Miss America: 'The Sky Is Not the Limit' (https://people.com/u-s-air-force-officer-madison-marsh-crowned-as-2024-miss-america-8426248)

Not even Paul Verhoeven would have put this type of thing in one of his movies.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on January 17, 2024, 06:54:35 AM
Some Oregon stupid: Struggling with oversaturation, Oregon's cannabis industry calls for new restrictions (https://www.opb.org/article/2024/01/15/oregon-cannabis-industry-oversaturation-new-restrictions/)

The Cannabis Industry Alliance of Oregon is literally asking the state of Oregon to establish a drug cartel. 

(Of course, long term, when the feds lift the restrictions on the Devil's Lettuce, the industry will go corporate and the tobacco companies will take over, but that's a ways off.)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on January 19, 2024, 09:05:39 AM
Quote from: Todd on January 17, 2024, 06:54:35 AMSome Oregon stupid: Struggling with oversaturation, Oregon's cannabis industry calls for new restrictions (https://www.opb.org/article/2024/01/15/oregon-cannabis-industry-oversaturation-new-restrictions/)

The Cannabis Industry Alliance of Oregon is literally asking the state of Oregon to establish a drug cartel. 

(Of course, long term, when the feds lift the restrictions on the Devil's Lettuce, the industry will go corporate and the tobacco companies will take over, but that's a ways off.)
I can't believe how many there are in my town!  It's gotten ridiculous!

PD
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on January 19, 2024, 12:46:46 PM
Alec Baldwin indicted on involuntary manslaughter charge in 'Rust' shooting (https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/alec-baldwin-indicted-manslaughter-charge-rust-shooting-rcna134564)

This marks a watershed in American history.  This is the first time both a former President and his most famous impersonator have been indicted multiple times. 
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Spotted Horses on January 19, 2024, 11:05:52 PM
Quote from: Todd on January 19, 2024, 12:46:46 PMAlec Baldwin indicted on involuntary manslaughter charge in 'Rust' shooting (https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/alec-baldwin-indicted-manslaughter-charge-rust-shooting-rcna134564)

This marks a watershed in American history.  This is the first time both a former President and his most famous impersonator have been indicted multiple times. 

I think the true watershed is that the former President bragged he could shoot someone on Fifth Avenue and get away with and his impersonator actually shot someone to death on a movie set and expects to get away with it.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Dry Brett Kavanaugh on January 20, 2024, 05:49:58 AM
The winner of a prestigious Japanese literary award has confirmed ChatGPT helped write her book.


https://edition.cnn.com/2024/01/19/style/rie-kudan-akutagawa-prize-chatgpt/index.html
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on January 20, 2024, 06:18:16 AM
Japan becomes the fifth country to land a spacecraft on the moon (https://apnews.com/article/japan-moon-landing-jaxa-probe-slim-845d4868636df5ced2e1818c588f29a4)

That's one small step for Japan, one giant leap for Japan's ICBM program.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: DavidW on January 20, 2024, 07:38:16 AM
Quote from: Dry Brett Kavanaugh on January 20, 2024, 05:49:58 AMThe winner of a prestigious Japanese literary award has confirmed ChatGPT helped write her book.


https://edition.cnn.com/2024/01/19/style/rie-kudan-akutagawa-prize-chatgpt/index.html

Helping being the key word.  I think it is a useful tool and not a replacement for human expression.  This feels like the protests against calculators.  Kids won't learn math if they have a calculator! There has been a lot of FUD around AI and hyperbole mostly fueled by the media.

(https://i.redd.it/tl10c28lz0pa1.jpg)

Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on January 20, 2024, 07:46:44 AM
Quote from: DavidW on January 20, 2024, 07:38:16 AMThere has been a lot of FUD around AI and hyperbole mostly fueled by the media.

(https://media3.giphy.com/media/oTuUXbbqgvc7m/giphy.gif?cid=ecf05e47ebl7vcb64ounjo95rewi4ct97jtxog3f33y94jp2&ep=v1_gifs_search&rid=giphy.gif&ct=g)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Dry Brett Kavanaugh on January 20, 2024, 09:05:52 AM
Quote from: DavidW on January 20, 2024, 07:38:16 AMHelping being the key word.  I think it is a useful tool and not a replacement for human expression.  This feels like the protests against calculators.  Kids won't learn math if they have a calculator! There has been a lot of FUD around AI and hyperbole mostly fueled by the media.

(https://i.redd.it/tl10c28lz0pa1.jpg)



While the title of the article is unclear/misleading, 5 percent of the text was generated by the AI.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Dry Brett Kavanaugh on January 20, 2024, 09:47:22 AM
Two Madonna fans are suing the US singer for being late by more than two hours for a show.


https://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-68027965
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on January 21, 2024, 09:35:16 AM
The WSJ covers the stories that need to be covered: They Thought Their Money Was in High-Interest Accounts—They Got Paid Peanuts (https://www.wsj.com/finance/investing/capital-one-high-interest-savings-complaints-b9adc1e9?st=iccii5euwd87ilk&mod=djemwhatsnews)

This is an outrage!  The perfidious bankers responsible for such horrific abuse of clients must serve time.  No other outcome will suffice.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: DavidW on January 21, 2024, 10:33:02 AM
Quote from: Todd on January 21, 2024, 09:35:16 AMThe WSJ covers the stories that need to be covered: They Thought Their Money Was in High-Interest Accounts—They Got Paid Peanuts (https://www.wsj.com/finance/investing/capital-one-high-interest-savings-complaints-b9adc1e9?st=iccii5euwd87ilk&mod=djemwhatsnews)

This is an outrage!  The perfidious bankers responsible for such horrific abuse of clients must serve time.  No other outcome will suffice.

I'm pretty sure the interest rates have to be disclosed on the monthly statements.  So they just deleted the emails, threw the statements in the trash unopened and yet years go by.  I mean Capital One are a bunch of shady crooks, playing games with names, but I doubt that there is a real case here if the resolution was literally check the statements sent to you on a monthly basis.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on January 21, 2024, 10:50:40 AM
Quote from: DavidW on January 21, 2024, 10:33:02 AMI'm pretty sure the interest rates have to be disclosed on the monthly statements.

I suppose one could log in, check the interest credit, and use a calculator to determine the rate.  But that is hard work.  Even harder than moving money to another bank.  Do you know how long that takes in the 2020s?  Literally minutes.  Justice must be served.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on January 22, 2024, 04:41:11 AM
A new word enters the political lexicon: Dexit!

AfD demands radical EU reforms to avoid 'Dexit' (https://www.dw.com/en/afd-demands-radical-eu-reforms-to-avoid-germanys-dexit/a-47066983)

I don't follow German politics, but per NPR, AfD has decent poll numbers: Germany's far-right party now polls higher than the three parties in government (https://www.npr.org/2023/10/07/1204450909/germanys-far-right-party-now-polls-higher-than-the-three-parties-in-government).  (I do like the use of "far-right"; very nice.)  Apparently Sahra Wagenknecht has formed her own party, the Bündnis Sahra Wagenknecht, which The Graun labels the "conservative left".  (I didn't and couldn't make it up.)  It looks kind of weird to see someone include his or her name in a party.  This indicates to me that German politics are roiled a bit.  Anyway, I'd like to see Dexit, but that seems unlikely.   
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on January 23, 2024, 04:47:09 AM
An update is coming in a few days for Google's inappropriate content policy as it pertains to advertising.  Since it is available freely, I'll post the whole thing.  I like the phrase "sensitive event".  It is not ambiguous.  Fortunately, said policy applies to advertisers only and will never apply to Google's other endeavors. 


Quote from: GoogleIn February 2024, Google will update the Inappropriate content policy to clarify the definition of Sensitive Events.

A "Sensitive Event" is an unforeseen event or development that creates significant risk to Google's ability to provide high quality, relevant information and ground truth, and reduce insensitive or exploitative content in prominent and monetized features. During a Sensitive Event, we may take a variety of actions to address these risks.

Examples of Sensitive Events include events with significant social, cultural, or political impact, such as civil emergencies, natural disasters, public health emergencies, terrorism and related activities, conflict, or mass acts of violence

Examples of what we prohibit (non-exhaustive):

Products or services that exploit, dismiss, or condone the Sensitive Event, including price gouging or artificially inflating prices that prohibits/restricts access to vital supplies; sale of products or services which may be insufficient for the demand during a sensitive event

Using keywords related to a sensitive event to attempt to drive additional traffic

Claims that victims of a sensitive event were responsible for their own tragedy or similar instances of victim blaming; claims that victims of a sensitive event are not deserving of remedy or support; claims that victims from certain countries were responsible or deserving of a global public health crisis

(Posted January 9, 2024)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: steve ridgway on January 25, 2024, 06:08:06 AM
Ukraine wins Miss Japan contest

BBC News (https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-68078061)

(https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/976/cpsprodpb/948F/production/_132413083_img_5025.jpg)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on January 25, 2024, 03:18:18 PM
From The Graun: Judge rebukes Trudeau for 'not justified' use of Emergencies Act to break convoy (https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/jan/23/canada-trudeau-emergencies-act-trucker-protest-covid)

O Canada!
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on January 27, 2024, 11:10:27 AM
I'm not exactly a champion of "easy-listening," but it's nice that this local station will not be absorbed into the media megalopoly.

Quirky and beloved, WJIB will live on in new hands after longtime owner's death (https://www.bostonglobe.com/2024/01/27/business/whats-next-for-wjib-cambridge-radio-station/?s_campaign=breakingnews:newsletter)
Longtime Boston-area DJ John Garabedian has purchased the low-wattage Cambridge radio station, with plans to expand and go online (https://www.bostonglobe.com/2024/01/27/business/whats-next-for-wjib-cambridge-radio-station/?s_campaign=breakingnews:newsletter)

Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on January 27, 2024, 11:26:57 AM
Quote from: Karl Henning on January 27, 2024, 11:10:27 AMI'm not exactly a champion of "easy-listening," but it's nice that this local station will not be absorbed into the media megalopoly.

Quirky and beloved, WJIB will live on in new hands after longtime owner's death (https://www.bostonglobe.com/2024/01/27/business/whats-next-for-wjib-cambridge-radio-station/?s_campaign=breakingnews:newsletter)
Longtime Boston-area DJ John Garabedian has purchased the low-wattage Cambridge radio station, with plans to expand and go online (https://www.bostonglobe.com/2024/01/27/business/whats-next-for-wjib-cambridge-radio-station/?s_campaign=breakingnews:newsletter)


This does read rather funny, doesn't it?--

"Bob hated streaming. Bob also hated credit cards and he'd go on the air and editorialize," he said. "He was a character. He had some very strong opinions on things. Streaming is the very first thing we're going to add."
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Dry Brett Kavanaugh on January 27, 2024, 11:44:00 AM
Quote from: steve ridgway on January 25, 2024, 06:08:06 AMUkraine wins Miss Japan contest

BBC News (https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-68078061)

(https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/976/cpsprodpb/948F/production/_132413083_img_5025.jpg)


I saw the news and was very happy about it. She (and others) considers herself Japanese. She looks great in kimono. I know a few Ukrainian ladies in Japan and they all are excited about the news.


(https://images.summitmedia-digital.com/cosmo/images/2024/01/26/carolina-shiino-miss-japan-1706260766.jpg)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: steve ridgway on January 27, 2024, 10:17:22 PM
Quote from: Dry Brett Kavanaugh on January 27, 2024, 11:44:00 AMI saw the news and was very happy about it. She (and others) considers herself Japanese. She looks great in kimono. I know a few Ukrainian ladies in Japan and they all are excited about the news.

Yes, I am fine with that, it just made me think that the concept of Miss Japan is not as clear as one might previously have imagined.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on January 31, 2024, 04:48:03 AM
From AP: Elon Musk cannot keep Tesla pay package worth more than $55 billion, judge rules (https://apnews.com/article/elon-musk-tesla-compensation-pay-shareholders-e75687178d1175fba36ca55bd9c4c805)

I hope Musk is OK.

Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: steve ridgway on January 31, 2024, 10:56:31 PM
Arrest following fighting at Swan Lake

BBC News (https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-manchester-68153125)

(https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/976/cpsprodpb/D431/production/_132512345_capture.jpg)

The concert goers of Manchester have very conservative tastes indeed - other disturbances in the last year occurred at performances of Hamilton and The Bodyguard. If anyone is foolish enough to program the Second Viennese School or The Rite Of Spring the Army may need to be on standby ::) .
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: SimonNZ on February 01, 2024, 12:14:16 AM
Quote from: steve ridgway on January 31, 2024, 10:56:31 PMArrest following fighting at Swan Lake

BBC News (https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-manchester-68153125)

(https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/976/cpsprodpb/D431/production/_132512345_capture.jpg)

The concert goers of Manchester have very conservative tastes indeed - other disturbances in the last year occurred at performances of Hamilton and The Bodyguard. If anyone is foolish enough to program the Second Viennese School or The Rite Of Spring the Army may need to be on standby ::) .

But the article doesn't suggest the music itself provoked the argument.

I'll wager someone was being an asshole by carrying on a loud conversation or taking a phone call and said something assholish when asked to stop.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on February 01, 2024, 04:36:54 AM
From the Gray Lady: Universal Music Group Pulls Songs From TikTok (https://www.nytimes.com/2024/02/01/arts/music/universal-group-tiktok-music.html)

Booo!!!  My preferred method of listening to Fluffy's Ring was via TikTok.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: steve ridgway on February 01, 2024, 06:52:13 AM
Quote from: SimonNZ on February 01, 2024, 12:14:16 AMBut the article doesn't suggest the music itself provoked the argument.

I'll wager someone was being an asshole by carrying on a loud conversation or taking a phone call and said something assholish when asked to stop.

Indeed it doesn't, I applied 21st century reporting techniques i.e. made that bit up >:D .
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on February 01, 2024, 07:00:17 AM
Quote from: steve ridgway on February 01, 2024, 06:52:13 AMIndeed it doesn't, I applied 21st century reporting techniques i.e. made that bit up >:D .

That, sir, is outrageous!  Do you not know, that you, as one of billions of netizens, have the power to besmirch and sully the reputation of the most august institutions in the history of the world, and that your blithe quips will lead to nothing less than the death of democracy? 
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: steve ridgway on February 01, 2024, 07:05:22 AM
Quote from: Todd on February 01, 2024, 07:00:17 AMThat, sir, is outrageous!  Do you not know, that you, as one of billions of netizens, have the power to besmirch and sully the reputation of the most august institutions in the history of the world, and that your blithe quips will lead to nothing less than the death of democracy?

This site is "social media", right? ;)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on February 02, 2024, 09:23:01 AM
Billionaire Peter Thiel Backs Doping-Friendly Olympics Rival — What To Know About The 'Enhanced Games' (https://www.forbes.com/sites/roberthart/2024/01/31/billionaire-peter-thiel-backs-doping-friendly-olympics-rival---what-to-know-about-the-enhanced-games/?sh=5bcabc28501f)

My favorite neofeudal lord, Peter, Viscount of Thiel, is on to something, methinks. 
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: steve ridgway on February 02, 2024, 08:55:17 PM
Quote from: Todd on February 02, 2024, 09:23:01 AMBillionaire Peter Thiel Backs Doping-Friendly Olympics Rival — What To Know About The 'Enhanced Games' (https://www.forbes.com/sites/roberthart/2024/01/31/billionaire-peter-thiel-backs-doping-friendly-olympics-rival---what-to-know-about-the-enhanced-games/?sh=5bcabc28501f)

My favorite neofeudal lord, Peter, Viscount of Thiel, is on to something, methinks. 

No, sport is only fair if people are restricted to making the most of their unfair genetic advantages ;) .
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Dry Brett Kavanaugh on February 06, 2024, 06:28:24 AM
Ukrainian-born Miss Japan relinquishes crown following alleged affair.


https://www.cnn.com/2024/02/06/style/miss-japan-ukraine-relinquishes-crown/index.html
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Dry Brett Kavanaugh on February 06, 2024, 12:12:29 PM
Credit Card and Auto Loan Delinquencies in the USA Highest in Decade.


https://www.newyorkfed.org/newsevents/news/research/2024/20240206

Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: steve ridgway on February 06, 2024, 09:44:16 PM
Quote from: Dry Brett Kavanaugh on February 06, 2024, 06:28:24 AMUkrainian-born Miss Japan relinquishes crown following alleged affair.


https://www.cnn.com/2024/02/06/style/miss-japan-ukraine-relinquishes-crown/index.html

On digging further for dirt, someone able to read English cast doubt on the suspiciously back to front text on her passport ::) .

(https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/976/cpsprodpb/233D/production/_132412090_unnamed-8.jpg)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: steve ridgway on February 07, 2024, 07:57:47 AM
Radio 2 spin-off among four new stations planned by BBC

The BBC wants more radio stations to keep up with the increasingly fragmented audiences. It seems the 2000s and 2010s now need their own gallery in the museum of nostalgia and "calming classical music" needs splitting off from the more stress inducing compositions ;) .

BBC News (https://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-68226389)

Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Dry Brett Kavanaugh on February 07, 2024, 01:56:16 PM
Quote from: steve ridgway on February 06, 2024, 09:44:16 PMOn digging further for dirt, someone able to read English cast doubt on the suspiciously back to front text on her passport ::) .

(https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/976/cpsprodpb/233D/production/_132412090_unnamed-8.jpg)


If she were biologically Japanese, the affair wouldn't have been found or exposed. Same old mechanism.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: drogulus on February 09, 2024, 04:08:59 PM

     Buy low, sell high, right?

(https://ritholtz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/alltimehighs.png)

     How about this? Buy now, sell never.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Dry Brett Kavanaugh on February 09, 2024, 04:20:56 PM
Quote from: drogulus on February 09, 2024, 04:08:59 PMBuy low, sell high, right?

(https://ritholtz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/alltimehighs.png)

     How about this? Buy now, sell never.


How about invest in summer after all time high?
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: drogulus on February 09, 2024, 04:33:20 PM
Quote from: Dry Brett Kavanaugh on February 09, 2024, 04:20:56 PMHow about invest in summer after all time high?

    One thing I've learned is something that profoundly changes how you think about investing. If you don't absolutely know that you are a trader, you are not a trader. Most financial advice you see concerns where markets will go, and implicit in that is you trade to beat the market. However, if you don't know that's what you're doing, you are not doing that and most of what you hear is irrelevant.

    Financial advice (mostly) is advertising for a service you don't want and shouldn't pay for.

   
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Dry Brett Kavanaugh on February 09, 2024, 04:36:06 PM
Quote from: drogulus on February 09, 2024, 04:33:20 PMOne thing I've learned is something that profoundly changes how you think about investing. If you don't absolutely know that you are a trader, you are not a trader. Most financial advice you see concerns where markets will go, and implicit in that is you trade to beat the market. However, if you don't know that's what you're doing, you are not doing that and most of what you hear is irrelevant.

    Financial advice (mostly) is advertising for a service you don't want and shouldn't pay for.

   

You sound right. I'm not an investor and I don't have any knowledge in investing. My apology if my post above is rude.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: drogulus on February 09, 2024, 06:29:38 PM
Quote from: Dry Brett Kavanaugh on February 09, 2024, 04:36:06 PMMy apology if my post above is rude.

    Yeah, but what if it's not?

    (https://www.good-music-guide.com/community/Smileys/classic/tongue.gif)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Dry Brett Kavanaugh on February 10, 2024, 02:33:39 PM
Duo euthanasia: former Dutch prime minister dies hand in hand with his wife.


https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/feb/10/duo-euthanasia-former-dutch-prime-minister-dies-wife-dries-eugenie-van-agt
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: drogulus on February 14, 2024, 10:16:43 AM
    Yesterday my stocks crashed horribly! I think it was like 1.4%, and that's big for a single day.

    The doomsters were orgasmic as this proved with geometric logic that A Big Market Event Will Happen.

    See how clever this is? Will it be inflation, recession, "dollar collapse" (my personal favorite)? They'll fill in the blank later so they can be Right All Along.

    A guy named Buffet once said buy now, sell never, which isn't what he himself did. I like that. He's talking to me and knows I'm not him and never will be.

    Stocks are up a bit today with 2 hours to go. So yeah, it get's a bit boring when you've seen it umpty zillion times.

   
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on February 28, 2024, 08:00:39 AM
From CNN: Wendy's will test new menus that change prices throughout the day (https://www.cnn.com/2024/02/27/food/wendys-test-surge-pricing/index.html)

Wendy's apparently will try a variant of peak load pricing, a mechanism usually used to reduce demand (eg, tolls, utility usage).  It will be interesting to see how this affects demand in an industry where plentiful perfect substitutes exist.  I predict failure.  But then, you know, it involves AI, so success is probably all but guaranteed . . .
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: DavidW on February 28, 2024, 08:42:29 AM
At peak time it would take so long to get through the drive-through that if the price was slightly higher, people would rather pay it than start over at another restaurant.  Also who memorizes the prices on fast food menus?  Most people won't know the price is higher.  As long as it is not egregious, I bet it will work and other chains will copy them.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on February 29, 2024, 04:39:06 AM
Quote from: DavidW on February 28, 2024, 08:42:29 AMAt peak time it would take so long to get through the drive-through that if the price was slightly higher, people would rather pay it than start over at another restaurant.  Also who memorizes the prices on fast food menus?  Most people won't know the price is higher.  As long as it is not egregious, I bet it will work and other chains will copy them.

I don't know about where you live, but where I live, restaurants are often found in clusters, usually in shopping centers or in commercial districts.  The nearest competitor is typically right next door.  One needn't memorize anything when a billboard advertising prices is in view.  Peak load pricing is a mechanism used to lower demand, or to distribute it throughout the day to avoid systemic stress (eg, for electric companies).  It will not succeed in this type of endeavor.  And since food can be preordered or delivered, as is so often the case in office settings and to a lesser extent in domestic settings, one needn't do anything more than open a different app or select a different restaurant from a list of restaurants to hunt for cheap slop.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on February 29, 2024, 04:41:15 AM
From the Financial Times: Oil and gas profits triple under Joe Biden even as industry decries him (https://www.ft.com/content/aebdb5ac-7e97-425e-8af3-e086488255c5?utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email)

Green targets will be hit sooner than expected at this rate.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: DavidW on February 29, 2024, 08:27:29 AM
Quote from: Todd on February 29, 2024, 04:39:06 AMI don't know about where you live, but where I live, restaurants are often found in clusters, usually in shopping centers or in commercial districts.  The nearest competitor is typically right next door.  One needn't memorize anything when a billboard advertising prices is in view.  Peak load pricing is a mechanism used to lower demand, or to distribute it throughout the day to avoid systemic stress (eg, for electric companies).  It will not succeed in this type of endeavor.  And since food can be preordered or delivered, as is so often the case in office settings and to a lesser extent in domestic settings, one needn't do anything more than open a different app or select a different restaurant from a list of restaurants to hunt for cheap slop.

Billboard?  What billboard are you talking about?  I have never in my life seen restaurants use billboards to show their pricing, only to advertise special menu items.  The rest of your post shows you didn't understand what I wrote.  It doesn't matter that they're close to each other if it takes ten minutes before you can see the prices and order (because you are waiting in the drive through, have you never ordered fast food at peak time before or EVER??), are you going to just leave the drive through because it is just a $1 more?  And start over for another 10-15 minute wait??  Most people would not.

It doesn't matter what historically peak load pricing is used for, it can be co-opted for another strategy.  I think something like this was inevitable in the digital age when you can instantly change the menu prices because the menus are now lcd screens fed by a computer.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on February 29, 2024, 09:22:45 AM
Quote from: DavidW on February 29, 2024, 08:27:29 AMIt doesn't matter what historically peak load pricing is used for

Of course it does.  Wendy's can attempt to co-opt the approach to somehow boost revenue.  They have.  It will fail.  That's the point.  They will change course.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: SimonNZ on March 01, 2024, 11:17:25 AM
First Ever Footage of Humpback Whales Having Sex Raises Some Awkward Questions (https://www.sciencealert.com/first-ever-footage-of-humpback-whales-having-sex-raises-some-awkward-questions?fbclid=IwAR3zyakN4oxbA1pGL6n0k9Msu-7BliJ5jcvGm3cXQJqMVZof5qRIS5EWwog#lt8mbsvd7rd1rxnw61a)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Dry Brett Kavanaugh on March 01, 2024, 04:33:10 PM
A lone female fish recently fell pregnant, despite having no male companions.


https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20240229-why-do-some-animals-have-virgin-births
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on March 02, 2024, 06:42:01 AM
Local happenings: Oregon's drug decriminalization experiment appears dead (https://www.opb.org/article/2024/03/01/oregon-legislature-passes-bill-recriminalizing-drug-possession-sends-to-governor-measure-110/)

The Oregon state legislature is overriding the will of the people, who passed Measure 110 only a few years ago.  Governor Tina Kotek is set to sign the legislation.  (She so badly wants to be Senator that she has been willing to shit all over Metro twice in her so far short term, thus potentially earning my vote.  Sometimes naked ambition pays dividends.) 
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on March 02, 2024, 08:25:37 AM
freetrumpbook.com
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Spotted Horses on March 02, 2024, 08:34:24 AM
Quote from: Dry Brett Kavanaugh on March 01, 2024, 04:33:10 PMA lone female fish recently fell pregnant, despite having no male companions.


https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20240229-why-do-some-animals-have-virgin-births

Parthenogenesis is a widely known phenomena among various classes or organisms (frogs, fish). I find the article somewhat oversells the surprise, which is not that it occurred, but that it wasn't previously known to occur in sting rays.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Dry Brett Kavanaugh on March 03, 2024, 02:48:07 PM
Japanese model with Down syndrome fulfills dream; walks in Paris show.


https://japantoday.com/category/national/japanese-model-with-down-syndrome-fulfills-dream-walks-in-paris-show
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Dry Brett Kavanaugh on March 04, 2024, 10:57:51 AM
Camelia Pham — The Vietnamese artist's detailed character illustrations.

https://wepresent.wetransfer.com/stories/camelia-pham-character-illustration


(https://images.ctfassets.net/adaoj5ok2j3t/2JS19sXEgBTBoBgpVFbo6n/739974840eec875134cd53ab02c841ac/cameliapham-wepresent-7.jpg)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on March 04, 2024, 11:24:42 AM
I recently read about zombie fires:  a new-to-me phenomenon.  From what I understand, these are forest fires that still burn even during the winter which occur in arctic areas that have peat under the snow and so keep the fires going.  They basically smolder over the winter, but then reignite once the snows have melted in the spring (some of them go out on their own during the course of the winter).  Droughts obviously exacerbate the situation.  I feel for Canada.

I went to get a link to a recent article and found this even older story.  Here's both for you (the older one is the first one):

https://www.bbc.co.uk/newsround/57173570

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-68228943

And a video from a few days ago:

https://www.bbc.com/reel/video/p0hfv6km/what-are-zombie-fires-and-why-they-pose-a-risk-for-canada

PD
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Dry Brett Kavanaugh on March 05, 2024, 01:54:51 PM
Taylor Swift urges voters to the polls ahead of Super Tuesday.


https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-68482442


https://www.nytimes.com/2024/03/05/us/politics/taylor-swift-presidential-election.html
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Bachtoven on March 05, 2024, 03:44:08 PM
Quote from: Dry Brett Kavanaugh on March 05, 2024, 01:54:51 PMTaylor Swift urges voters to the polls ahead of Super Tuesday.

You could have stopped with her name.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on March 06, 2024, 12:31:31 PM
US has spent about $20 million to maintain superyacht seized from a Russian oligarch

:o

https://www.cnn.com/2024/03/06/politics/superyacht-russian-oligarch-us-government-20-million/index.html

PD
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Dry Brett Kavanaugh on March 08, 2024, 01:52:03 PM
Dragon Ball author dies at 68.


https://www.bbc.com/news/newsbeat-68514220
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on March 09, 2024, 06:51:07 AM
From ICN: A New EDF-Harvard Satellite Will Monitor Methane Emissions From Oil and Gas Production Worldwide (https://insideclimatenews.org/news/04032024/new-edf-harvard-satellite-will-monitor-methane-emissions-worldwide/?utm_source=InsideClimate+News&utm_campaign=db8305fd5f-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2024_03_09_02_00&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_29c928ffb5-db8305fd5f-329701485)

This will change everything. 

Or not.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Dry Brett Kavanaugh on March 09, 2024, 08:12:42 AM
Inexpensive liquid works as well as dental sealants to keep tooth decay at bay.


https://www.news-medical.net/news/20240304/Inexpensive-liquid-works-as-well-as-dental-sealants-to-keep-tooth-decay-at-bay.aspx
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Karl Henning on March 09, 2024, 02:14:39 PM
Quote from: Dry Brett Kavanaugh on March 03, 2024, 02:48:07 PMJapanese model with Down syndrome fulfills dream; walks in Paris show.


https://japantoday.com/category/national/japanese-model-with-down-syndrome-fulfills-dream-walks-in-paris-show
Wonderful!

TD:

Massachusetts' highest court upholds novel Brookline rule banning tobacco sales to anyone born this century (https://www.bostonglobe.com/2024/03/08/metro/brookline-ban-tobacco-sales-born-after-1999-upheld-supreme-judicial-court/?et_rid=899073679&s_campaign=todaysheadlines:newsletter)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Dry Brett Kavanaugh on March 10, 2024, 04:19:48 PM
The Body Shop shuts down all US operations and files for bankruptcy.

https://www.cnn.com/2024/03/10/business/the-body-shop-shuts-down


Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on March 11, 2024, 08:42:32 AM
Russia says it is considering putting a nuclear power plant on the moon with China (https://www.reuters.com/technology/space/russia-china-are-considering-putting-nuclear-power-unit-moon-ria-2024-03-05/)

We must address the lunar nuclear power plant gap.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Papy Oli on March 11, 2024, 09:54:06 AM
Quote from: Todd on March 11, 2024, 08:42:32 AMRussia says it is considering putting a nuclear power plant on the moon with China (https://www.reuters.com/technology/space/russia-china-are-considering-putting-nuclear-power-unit-moon-ria-2024-03-05/)

We must address the lunar nuclear power plant gap.

A moon boom boon looms soon ?  :blank:
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Dry Brett Kavanaugh on March 12, 2024, 01:52:02 PM
Nearly 50% of US parents financially supporting adult children.


https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2024/mar/12/parents-adult-children-financial-support
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on March 12, 2024, 04:25:30 PM
From Reuters: Boeing whistleblower found dead of apparent suicide (https://www.reuters.com/world/us/boeing-whistleblower-found-dead-apparent-suicide-2024-03-12/)
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: DavidW on March 13, 2024, 03:53:12 AM
Quote from: Todd on March 12, 2024, 04:25:30 PMFrom Reuters: Boeing whistleblower found dead of apparent suicide (https://www.reuters.com/world/us/boeing-whistleblower-found-dead-apparent-suicide-2024-03-12/)

Better headline than a lot of them.  Many of the headlines imply that it was a suspicious death at the hands of Boeing when (a) he already gave his testimony and (b) it was already known that it was most likely a suicide.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on March 13, 2024, 04:54:36 AM
Quote from: DavidW on March 13, 2024, 03:53:12 AMBetter headline than a lot of them.  Many of the headlines imply that it was a suspicious death at the hands of Boeing when (a) he already gave his testimony and (b) it was already known that it was most likely a suicide.

The thing is to see if this compounds Boeing's current stock price woes.  Most likely not (institutional investors tend not to care about such events), but if it does, it could make for a decent buying opportunity since Boeing is one of the most critical defense contractors and ain't going nowhere. 
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Todd on March 15, 2024, 04:31:57 AM
Farmer faces jail for breeding 'massive mutant sheep' (https://www.telegraph.co.uk/us/news/2024/03/14/hunter-face-jail-massive-hybrid-sheep-montana/#:~:text=Farmer%20faces%20jail%20for%20breeding%20%27massive%20mutant%20sheep%27&text=Arthur%20%E2%80%9CJack%E2%80%9D%20Schubarth%2C%2080,in%20Great%20Falls%20on%20Tuesday.)

Not sure why this story about goings-on in Montana is getting coverage in the British press.  Irrespective of one's outlook on knowingly introducing invasive species (bad) or breeding animals for private hunts (perfectly fine), prison time seems a bit much.  All of that fades into insignificance when one thinks of the size of the mutton chops potentially available here.
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: drogulus on March 15, 2024, 09:15:52 AM

     My spam folder is empty yet I don't feel neglected.

     I didn't buy Boeing stock. Only some of their planes drop bombs.

     (https://ychef.files.bbci.co.uk/624x351/p0292gxm.jpg)

     Once upon a time.

   
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: steve ridgway on March 15, 2024, 09:33:53 AM
Quote from: drogulus on March 15, 2024, 09:15:52 AMMy spam folder is empty yet I don't feel neglected.

    I didn't buy Boeing stock. Only some of their planes drop bombs.

    (https://ychef.files.bbci.co.uk/624x351/p0292gxm.jpg)

    Once upon a time.

 

My favourite is the Lunar Orbiter. Although it never carried passengers ;) .

Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Dry Brett Kavanaugh on March 17, 2024, 01:37:51 PM
Quote from: Todd on March 12, 2024, 04:25:30 PMFrom Reuters: Boeing whistleblower found dead of apparent suicide (https://www.reuters.com/world/us/boeing-whistleblower-found-dead-apparent-suicide-2024-03-12/)

Does Russian president Putin have some stocks in Boeing?
Title: Re: The unimportant news thread
Post by: Dry Brett Kavanaugh on March 17, 2024, 01:38:46 PM
FBI returns 22 looted artifacts to Japan after discovery in Massachusetts attic.


https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2024/mar/17/looted-artifacts-returned-japan