The unimportant news thread

[Kalevala]

Headline seen on CNN web page:

Storm could bring New York City it's Biggest Snow Since 2022

That's January 2022. The biggest snow in 2 years merits a banner headline? Huh?

I think that the Big Apple was due to get about 8 inches of snow--which it apparently received a lot less.  I believe that I got about 4 inches?  Didn't bother to measure it this time (windy earlier with snow drifts).  Thankfully it was light and fluffy.  Must admit that regardless I'm still a bit tired.  Pretty cold outside too...well below freezing.

K

[Todd]

From Oxfam: Richest 1% have blown through their fair share of carbon emissions for 2026 in just 10 days, says Oxfam

Something must be done.  Etc.

[Todd]

In the wide world: Morgan Stanley: Most Gen Zers and millennials in the US listen to about three hours of AI music a week

Meanwhile: Bandcamp puts human artists first as it clamps down on AI music

From Bandcamp: Keeping Bandcamp Human

[Todd]

From the Beeb: Matthew McConaughey trademarks iconic phrase to stop AI misuse

Well, alright then.

[Todd]

From CNN: ChatGPT to start showing users ads based on their conversations

Looks like the top of the S-curve is approaching or has been reached.

[Brian]

A cow has been discovered using tools, prompting vindication for Far Side cartoonist Gary Larson.



In one of the many golden quotes in the article (which also includes a video!), a scientist says, "We don't believe Viktoria is the Einstein of cows."

[Philo]

PC died yesterday, luckily, nothing of note was lost, as I had done a full backup on the 14th and everything else was autosaved to a cloud. Only thing lost were my "notes" and "research" from some articles/books/etc. I've read recently, but, in truth, I've been wanting a fresh start for awhile, so this has been a welcome experience.

I know have two Macs, and so I am learning how to use them, but they seem more stable and less likely to fall prey to something nefarious.

I thought I'd be more bummed, but I'm in pretty good spirits (other than being physically ill - I get sick twice a year when the weather shifts dramatically, and that shift just happened in Minnesota, so I knew I wasn't going to be well).

[Todd]

A golden oldie from Science: Doomsday: Friday, 13 November, A.D. 2026

Full text PDF: Here

S&P index puts are looking better every day.

[Todd]

Would you drink beer made with bear poop? This Oregon brewery is betting you will

Word is it tastes like huckleberry and regret.

[Todd]

From Le Monde: France records more deaths than births in 2025, a first since World War II

[Dry Brett Kavanaugh]

Vietnam police seize tons of fake coffee products made from soybeans.


https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/vietnam-police-seize-tons-fake-coffee-products-made-soybeans-2026-01-30/